Maha Shiv-Ratri Pooja

We recently conducted a major Pooja at our residence to commemorate Maha Shiv Ratri or the marriage of Shiv with Parvati (Shakti). This is a beautiful ceremony that encompasses extensive Shaiv symbolism for the main attendees (Bhairav's and Rishi) of the wedding; and the different offerings that are made to celebrate this pious event. The placement of the temple in the North East sector of the house is quite pronounced based on the directions that are required for the various symbolic objects to face. The use of flowers, milk, saffron, sugar, multiple spices and the holy fire make this extremely beautiful and purifying for the entire residence.

We used all the five elements to conduct our ceremony. Ether was the space within which the spirits were transcending. Air was all around us which was acting as the medium to allow Fire to burn freely. Water in multiple forms from milk to water and finally Earth through the wood, spices and food offerings made to the gods.

Yet again a true union of the five elements that makes this universe a reality and the balance of which maintains life on earth.

Some interesting Vedic Temples

Some Indian Temple Pictures

Ranakpur Jain Temple

Akshardham Temple

Konark Temple - Facts

Konark Temple - Wheel

Konark
in the state of Orissa, India, on the Bay of Bengal, sixtyfive kilometres from Bhubaneswar. Konark is the site of the 13th-century Sun Temple (also known as the Black Pagoda), built in black granite by King Narasimhadeva I (AD 1236-1264) of the Ganga dynasty.

The temple is one of the most important Brahman sanctuaries and is a World Heritage Site. It takes the form of the chariot of Surya (Arka), the sun god, and is heavily decorated with stone carving.

The entire complex was designed in the form of a huge chariot drawn by seven spirited horses on twelve pairs of exquisitely decorated wheels. The entrance is guarded by two lions, which are shown crushing a war elephant each. Each elephant in turn lies on top of a human body. The temple symbolises the majestic stride of the Sun god. At the entrance of the temple is a Nata Mandir. This is where the temple dancers used to perform dances in homage to the Sun-god. All around the temple, there are various floral and geometric patterns. There are also human, divine and semi-divine figures in sensuous poses. The poses contains couples in various amorous poses, and are derived from the Kama Sutra.

The temple is now partly in ruins, and a collection of its sculptures is housed in the Sun Temple Museum, which is run by the Archaeological Survey of India. The poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote of Konark: "here the language of stone surpasses the language of man". Konark is also home to an annual dance festival, held every December, devoted to classical Indian dance forms, including the traditional classical dance of Orissa, odissi. On February 16, 1980, Konark lay directly on the path of a total solar eclipse. Konark beach is a popular tourist destination, though the waters are deceptively calm. Its main attraction lies in its views of the temple.