Benefits Of Different Abhisheka

The ritual of 'abhisheka' (showering) of the deities idol is one that is seen in almost every temple. The abhisheka ritual is of great significance and can help a devotee who is facing problems. Various items are used for the abhisheka of the idols depending on the purpose and regional beliefs. The following is a generalized list of some of the specific benefits of doing abhisheka with the mentioned items.

Water - To purify the soul and to remove all evil thoughts from the mind
Oil - To have respect/devotion to god and parents
Turmeric powder- To usher in prosperity to the household
Milk - To reduce anger/frustrations and get peace of mind
Curd - To enhance health
Ghee/Butter - To have a wholesome life
Rosewater - To get fame
Bhasma/Vibhuti - To gain knowledge/wisdom
Panchamritha - To atone for all sins
Tender coconut water - To beget good children

You may gain the specified benefit of the abhisheka by praying in front of the idol while it is done in the temples also.

Please do add any extra info regarding 'abhisheha' in the comments. Om

The 14 Lokas/Worlds Of Hinduism

In many Hindu scriptures there are 14 worlds/levels that are generally talked about. They are divided into two groups of seven each. The first group is said to be above earth,i.e, related to human elements directly. While the second group is said to be part of the nether world,i.e, below the earth. I would like to clarify that the word 'level' does not mean status here and is instead used as a  means to physically represent these various worlds (like the levels/floors of a building). The names of the worlds are given below along with the name of the deity/element who accommodates that level.


Bhuvarloka - Sky/Akaash
Swarloka - Lord Indra
Maharloka - Lord Vishnu
Janarloka - Humans
Thapoloka - Saints/Sages
Satyaloka - Lord Brahma


Athathala - Vala the son of Lord Yama
Vithala - Lord Paramashiva
Suthala - King Mahabali
Rasathala - Asuras /Demons
Thalathala - Mayamayi
Mahathala - Sarpa
Pathala - Naga


Please do share any extra information regarding this topic, in the comments.

Navagraha Sloka to Please All Nine Planets

Navagrahas (the nine planets) are said to be highly influential in our life. They are said to decide our success, failures, happiness, disease,etc. They have been given a status on par with gods. Anyone who checks their horoscope is certain to have heard about the navagrahas and would have been asked to perform remedies. The names of the navagrahas are : Surya, Chandra, Sukra, Mangala, Budha, Guru, Shani, Rahu and Ketu. Each planet is said to control specific aspects of a person’s life (which we shall see in detail through posts in the future).

The following is a simple sloka to appease all the navagraha deities.  

Aarogyaam pradhadhaathuno dinakara

Chandroyasho nirmalam

Bhutheem bhumi suthah sudhaamshuthanayah

Pranjaam gururgowravam

Kavyakomala vagwilaasamathulum

Rahurbahubalum

Virodhashamanam

Keturkulasyonnatheem

Chant the above sloka thrice daily and humbly request the deities to bless you. These slokas can be chanted irrespective of the particular horoscope problems you may be having.

Gatekeepers and Lord Vishnu's Avatars

The following is a legend which gives the reason for the birth of some famous asuras (demons) and why they got the good fortune of being killed by Lord Vishnu’s various avatars/incarnations.

Once Lord Mahavishnu told his two gatekeepers (dwarapalakas) that he is going to take rest. After a while the holy seven sages (saptarishis) approached Lord Vishnu’s abode to meet him. But, the gatekeepers refused to let the sages meet Lord Vishnu. The sages asked thrice to be allowed to go meet Lord Vishnu but the gatekeepers refused. The sages, who are revered by all the gods, got angered and cursed the gatekeepers saying “may you be born thrice as asuras”. By this time Lord Vishnu came outside and upon seeing the holy sages, invited them inside. The gatekeepers were terrified and fell at Lord Vishnu’s feet to seek shelter from the curse of the holy sages. Lord Vishnu pacified them and said “do not worry, in every birth that you take as an asura, i myself will come and kill you, hence letting you have mokshs(liberation) from the sins you commit as asuras in each birth”. The gatekeepers thanked Lord Vishnu for his compassion and apologised to the holy sages.

Thus the two gatekeepers were born as Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu, who were killed by Lord Vishnu in the form of Lord Varaha and Lord Narasimha. Then they were born as Raavana and Kumbhakarna, who were killed by Lord Vishnu as Lord Rama. Then they were finally born as Kamsa and Banasura (a close confidante of Kamsa) who were killed by Lord Vishnu as Lord Krishna.

Please do share any information you know related to this legend, in the comments. Om

Lord Murugan/Subrahmanya Dhyana Sloka

The sloka below is in praise of Lord Muruga/Subrahmanya. It is a simple invocation of Lord Muruga to shower the devotee with his compassionate blessings. It can be used as a dhyana sloka before starting to chant any Lord Murugan Mantras.You may chant the sloka 6 times daily in the morning.

Om shakthi vajra varadhabhayanwitham

kekivaryamadhiroohya sumsthithum

devasumgha parivarashobhithum

bhaavaye hridhi guham shadaananum