Latest news with #VastuShanti
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Raichur PS conducts ‘homa' to counter rising crime, stirs a hornet's nest
Lingasuguru (Raichur): Special homas and pujas were conducted at the town police station here from Wednesday midnight until Thursday morning, praying for peace and well-being of the residents. Navagraha puja, Mrityunjaya homa, Vastu Shanti, and Dosha Nivarana pujas were conducted in one of the inner rooms at the police station, with a large pumpkin smashed near the main entrance, and saffron sprinkled over it as part of the rituals. Confirming the pujas, inspector Pundalik Patedar said: "Numerous unpleasant incidents, such as fights, thefts, accidents, and other crimes were being reported at the police station. Therefore, homas and pujas were performed to foster peace." However, this initiative by the police has been criticised by a section of the public, saying: "Police are tasked with upholding law and order. If they themselves engage in homa and puja, who will protect us from the criminals?" Hanumanthappa Kunikelloor, the coordinator of the Kalaburagi division of DSS (N Murthy faction), expressed his dissatisfaction, alongside Lingappa Parangi, the coordinator of the Kalaburagi division of DSS (Ambedkar faction), terming the exercise "utterly foolish" and "inappropriate". However, Patedar justified the action, saying: "No puja was held in the police station since the new building was inaugurated. As it is the month of Shravana, we performed the Sudarshan homa for peace and order." Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
25-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
TTD to hold 6-day Ashtabandhana Mahotsavam in Vijayawada from today
Vijayawada: Marking the completion of 12 years since the consecration of Lord Bala Venkateswara Swamy at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Punnama Thota, Vijayawada, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) will organise a six-day Ashtabandhana Mahasamprokshana Kumbabhisheka Mahotsavam from July 26 to 31 at the temple premises. Addressing the media on Friday, temple head priest Murali Krishna, following the advice of TTD Agama pandits, announced the six-day Ashtabandhana Mahotsavam. This customary ritual is performed every 12 years in TTD temples, during which priests undertake repair works inside the temple's sanctum sanctorum and on idols, if required. Murali Krishna said the Mahotsavam will be held on a grand scale amidst spiritual fervour, under the supervision of priests from TTD Tirumala. It will begin with Vastu Shanti and Akalmasha Homam, performed from 8:30 am to 10:30 am on July 26, followed by Ankurarpanam from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm the same day. The priest further informed that darshan of the presiding deity, Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy, will be suspended during the event, as the idols will be temporarily moved from the sanctum sanctorum to the Homa Gundam in Yagashala. They will be reinstated in the sanctum with Alaya Pravesham between 7:30 am and 9:30 am on July 31. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa Prices in Dubai Might Be Lower Than You Think! Villa for sale in Dubai | Search Ads Learn More Undo Murali Krishna urged devotees and the public to participate in large numbers and make the Mahotsavam a grand success. He added that the temple administration will distribute food to 5,000 devotees. TTD Superintendent, SVS Group of Temples, M Mallikarjuna Rao and others were present.
Indian Express
29-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Pune: ‘Was told women shouldn't perform rituals because we menstruate, but I stood my ground'
By Kavyaa Masurkar Vasanti Vijay Palkar, a resident of Sadashiv Peth, has been performing religious rituals and ceremonies for close to three decades. Formally trained in Paurohitya, Palkar began her practice in 1995 at the age of 43 and has since built a formidable reputation in the community through word of mouth. Her interest in religious rituals can be credited to her grandfather, Ganesh Upadhyay, who was a respected priest. 'I used to accompany him for Satyanarayan pujas and sit beside him, listening with wonder,' she recalled. Her father, Chintaman Upadhyay, could not continue the family tradition due to financial responsibilities. 'Being the eldest son, he was compelled to take on a job for a steady family income. However, he always felt that the family tradition had to continue, consequently encouraging me to carry it forward,' she added. Palkar began her formal training under the guidance of Jyotsana Bodas at Shri Ram Ganesh Mandal and continued under her tutelage until 2020. Over the years, she mastered various aspects of the priesthood — from Stotras and Rudras to Saptashati, Vastu Shanti, Udaka Shanti, and wedding rituals. She started small, conducting pujas during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Maha Shivratri, as well as Satyanarayan Pujas for friends and neighbours. As word spread, she was called on to perform more elaborate rituals, including grah pravesh, thread ceremonies and weddings, many of which lasted for six to ten hours. As per her, her journey wouldn't have been successful without the wholehearted support of her late husband, Vijay Palkar. 'Despite his long working hours, he would insist that I continue with my education and regularly attend classes. He would prepare lunch for our daughters and then leave for work,' she reminisced fondly. His constant encouragement gave her the strength to pursue her passion seriously, she added. Despite his sad demise last year, she has continued performing ceremonies. 'It was difficult initially, but my daughters encouraged me to keep going. Conducting rituals gave me strength and helped me move on with my life, navigate through grief with dignity,' she said. Though most of her experiences have been positive, she has also faced resistance. 'A few male priests told me that women shouldn't perform rituals because we menstruate and are impure, but I stood my ground. If one is truly interested and devoted to the task, there is no reason why one should not be allowed to do it, regardless of gender,' she added. At the same time, she has received affirmation from unexpected quarters. 'Many people have said they prefer women performing the ceremony over men because, in their opinion, women recite the rituals more slowly and proficiently, allowing both the organisers and attendees to connect with and understand the rituals better,' she said. Despite the time and effort involved, Palkar has never charged a fixed fee. 'Sometimes I've travelled long distances and people haven't even offered conveyance. But I do it notwithstanding because it brings peace not only to me but also to those I serve. I've never done it for the money,' she said. Many people have told her that their lives have improved after she has performed rituals in their homes. 'Some say things have started falling into place, like improved health, healed relationships, etc. This kind of feedback motivates me and reaffirms my conviction that I and my work matter,' she said. Although she hasn't insisted that her daughters or other women in the family follow her footsteps, she hopes her journey will encourage others. 'I believe in encouragement through personal examples. If my family wants to pursue this line, I'll support them wholeheartedly,' she said. For Palkar, Paurohitya is a path of service to the community as well as a means of attaining inner peace. 'Make yourself so strong that no one can push you down,' she said. 'This work has given me a sense of purpose, resilience of mind and body, and clarity of thought. I hope more women are motivated to tread this sacred path, to accrue the benefits to themselves and the society,' she summarised.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ishqbaaz fame Neha Laxmi moves into her new house; shares a glimpse of the Vastu Shanti puja
Actress Neha Laxmi, who's best known for her role in Ishqbaaz, finally moved into her new house. The actress shared a series of pictures and visuals from her new house while expressing her excitement towards the same. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In the photos, she can be seen wearing a beautiful green saree and performing a Vastu Shanti puja. Neha shared a post on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse of her new house. She shared pictures from her Vastu Shanti puja and also penned down a long note expressing how it is a very important day for her. Close ones from the industry and fans made it to the comment section and congratulated her for the same. She wrote, 'New Beginnings. Sacred Rituals. Endless Gratitude. We finally stepped into a dream we've nurtured for so long - our new home. With hearts full of joy and hands folded in prayer, we performed our Vastu Shanti Pooja, seeking divine blessings, peace, and positive energy to fill every corner of this sacred space.' Talking about her outfit, she mentioned, 'I chose to wear a timeless piece from my wedding trousseau - a deep green Kanjivaram silk saree paired with traditional gold temple jewellery and my cherished Maharashtrian Nath. Because when it's about inviting auspiciousness into your home, I believe in embracing the richness of our culture, rituals, and heritage. The feeling was beyond words - surreal, grounding, and emotional. Sitting in the sacred fire, chanting mantras, and surrendering to the energy of the moment reminded us why we want to hold on to these rituals - not just as customs, but as anchors of faith, love, and rootedness.' Later, she mentioned, 'This is not just a house — it's the beginning of our forever, built with intention, love, tradition, and dreams. Here's to building a life filled with laughter, good energy, and meaningful memories - one prayer, one diya, and one sacred corner at a time.'
