Kanchi Varadaraja

Varadharaja Perumal Temple

Varadharaja Perumal Temple or Hastagiri or Attiyuran is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in the holy city of Kanchipuram. It is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu believed to have been visited by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars. It is located in a suburb of Kanchipuram known as the ‘Vishnu Kanchi’ that is a home for many famous Vishnu temples. One of the greatest Hindu scholars of Vaishnava Vishishtadvaita philosophy, Ramanuja is believed to have resided in this temple. The temple along with Ekambareswarar Temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram is popularly known as Mumurtivasam (abode of trio), while Srirangam is referred to as 'Koil' (meaning: "temple") and Tirupati as 'Malai' (Meaning: "hill"). Among the Divya Desams, Kanchipuram Varadaraja Perumal temple is known as: 'Perumal Koil'. This is one of the most sacred places for Vaishnavites. The fourth of the Divya Desams that completes this series is Melukote—which is known as Thirunarayanapuram. Vaishnavites believe that visiting all four places without a break will guarantee one a place in paramapadam.

There is a temple of Varadarajaswamy in Kurmai of Palamaner mandal in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, called the Kurma Varadaraja Swamy Temple.

Legend

Indra, the king of celestial deities, after getting released from the curse of Goddess Saraswati, installed the silver and golden lizards who were the witness of the ordeal. Brahma performed a yagna here, which was about to be washed away by the fast flowing river Vegavathi (Saraswathi devi in the form of river), known today as Palar River. The temple deity, Vishnu laid himself flat to stay the flow and the yagna was successfully performed. Vishnu emerged with brilliance of thousand Suns as Varadharajaswamy inside the athi tree and stayed here permanently until he was submerged in nearby tank since Lord came from yagna done by Bhrama( also due to fear of invasion by Sultanate). As is the case with the association of South Indian temples with a sacred tree, the name of the temple, Attigiri is derived from Atti tree (fig), considered sacred to Vaishnavas and Hindus. The present stone deity found inside the temple is from a nearby Narashima temple, the deity is called Devaraja Perumal whose worship is equated to Adhi AthiVaradharaja perumal i.e; two gods reside in one moolavar idol.

Car Festival and Religious Practices

The temple is famous for its huge umbrella used during festive occasions. During the bhramotsavam (major car festival) in Vaigasi (May/June), thousands of people throng the temple, Garuda Vahanam and the Thiruvizha procession.

Lord Atthi Varadaraja Perumal, the original deity, made of the Atthi or the fig tree and stored in an underground chamber inside the temple tank is brought out for worship for 48 days, once every 40 years. The festival is held with much pomp and fanfare. The next Athi Varadar festival will be held in 2059.

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking

Significance

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed on June 26. One of the themes says "health for justice, justice for health". This theme underlines the importance of a holistic approach that involves criminal justice, health, social service institutions and human rights.

On June 26, 1987, the UN General Assembly decided to observe International Day against Drug abuse and Illicit Trafficking or Anti-Drugs Day as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation for achieving the goal of a society free of drug abuse. On this day, various organisations, communities and individuals come together for raising awareness about the major problem that illicit drugs cause in the society.

In order to get effective responses to the drug problem across the world, it is important to acquire accountable and inclusive institutions of criminal justice, health and social services. All of these need to come together to provide effective solutions for achieving drug control conventions, human rights obligations and sustainable development goals.

On this day, individuals and non-profit organisations in the private sector are asked to get involved in social media campaigns that raise awareness about the drug problem.

Facts

Drug abuse occurs when you use legal or illegal substance in a way that they aren't meant to be used. You might be taken much more than a regular dose of pills that a prescribed to you. Or worse, you are overusing pills that aren't even prescribed to you. Drug abuse is done when you start feeling good doing it, or at ease, or you want to avoid reality. Unless you are addicted, you are able to take control on these unhealthy habits or get rid of them altogether.

A person who is addicted to drugs can't put a stop to drug abuse.

Drug addictions pose various health risks. It doesn't make you stop drug abuse despite financial crisis, despite spoiling your relationship with loved ones.

Guru Arjandev Martyrdom Day

Guru Arjan Dev is the fifth of the ten Sikh Gurus, was the first martyr of the Sikh faith. He had compiled the first official edition of the Sikh scripture called the Adi Granth, which later expanded into the Guru Granth Sahib.

Born in 1563 in Goindval, Tarn Taran district during the reign of the Mughal Empire, Guru Arjan Dev was martyred in Lahore in 1606. On June 16, 1606, Guru Arjan died after being tortured for five days by the Mughal government led by Emperor Jahangir.

Observance

The Sikhs observe the martyrdom of the Sikh Guru Arjan each year on June 16. His martyrdom is remembered as Shaheedi Divas of Guru Arjan.

On this day, people often organise events where they read Sri Guru Granth Sahib and distribute langar.

The place where Guru Arjun Dev's body was extinct in the River Ravi, Gurudwara Dera Sahib (now in Pakistan) has been built. Shri Guru Arjun Dev is remembered for his humility.

Guru Arjan Dev's son, Hargobind Singh, became the sixth guru of the Sikhs after him.

Works

In 1588 AD, Arjan Dev had laid the foundation of the Golden Temple and also prepared the map of the temple. The doors of the temple on all sides signify the acceptance of all 4 castes and religions.

Guru Arjan Dev expanded the Sikh scripture written by the previous Gurus and placed a copy of the Adi Granth in the completed Harimandir Sahib temple on August 16, 1604, and appointed Baba Buddha as the first Granthi. He also contributed more than 2,000 hymns himself, which was more than a third and the largest collection of hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib. He was also the author of the well known Sukhmani Sahib Bani.

Kabir Jayanti

Kabir Jayanti, also known as Kabir Prakat Diwas, is celebrated to commemorate the manifestation of Saint Kabir Das Ji, a famous poet and mystic saint in India. It is celebrated once in a year on the full moon day in the Hindu month Jyeshtha, which is the month of May or June according to the Gregorian calendar. It is considered that the holy Poet and Saint Kabir Das came on earth this day in the year 1398 A.D.

Significance

Kabir Jayanti marks the day of the manifestation of Kabir Sahib on Earth on the full moon day of Jyeshtha month of the Hindu calendar in 1398 A.D. Some believe that he took birth from Muslim parents, while others insist that he himself appeared on a lotus flower in the lake "Lahartara". In fact, there is a Kabirpanth on the Lahartara lake today which reinforces this very belief.

Celebration

A lot of Jayanti is celebrated in India and among them, Kabir Jayanti is a special Jayanti. Kabir Jayanti is celebrated in different parts of India.

On this day, his followers remember his teachings and recite his poems together.

Many Bhandaras are also held throughout India by many Kabirpanthis. Kabir Das Ji was also a social reformer so much social work is also done by his followers on this day (Kabir Jayanti).

VataSavitri Vrata

Significance

VataSavitri Pooja or VataSavitri vrata is an auspicious day in Hinduism when married women observe fast and pray for their husband's health and longevity. The fasting is named after Savitri, who brought back her husband from the clutches of Yama (death). One of the important rituals of the day is tying threads on Vata (banyan) tree.

The fasting is observed for three days and begins two days prior to poornima or amavasya in Jyesta (June – July).

The fasting takes its name from Vata Vriksha (Banyan Tree) and Savitri. The Banyan Tree is symbolically represented as Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The root of Vat Vriksha is Brahma, the stem is Vishnu and the upper part is Shiva. On the pooja day, the Banyan tree also symbolically represents Savitri and the incident mentioned in the Mahabharata.

Legend

Princess Savitri, the daughter of King Aswapati of Bhadra Kingdom, fell in love with Satyavan, a woodcutter. But Satyavan was destined to die within a year and Savitri was made aware of this fact by Rishi Narada. But Savitri decided to get married to Satyavan and live with him in the forest.

As predicted, Satyavan fell from a tree and died within a year. Yama, the god of death, arrived to carry him away. Savitri made it clear to Yama that she will follow Yama along with her husband. Yama tried several ways to deter Savitri from following him but all his efforts were in vain and Savitri remained adamant.

Finally, Yama was moved by Savitri’s devotion and he brought back Satyavan to life.

It is believed that Satyavan spend his last moments under a Vat or Banyan tree on the full moon day in month of Jyesta. And Yama appeared here and Savitri pleaded with Yama under the Banyan tree. In memory of this event, women go round the Banyan tree for 108 times tying threads and fast for the health and longevity of their husbands.

Observance

VataSavitri Vrata Fasting is for three days and it begins on the Trayodashi day and ends on Amavasya or Poornima. Some sections of Hindu society observe the vrata during Amavasya and others during Poornima in the Hindu month of Jyesta (June – July). The fast is observed for three nights and is broken on the fourth day. Nowadays, many women only observe the fasting on the important day of Poornima.

To know how to observe Fasting?

There are no rigid rules regarding any Hindu fast. Pregnant women, those women having any ailments or diseases and those who have just delivered a baby usually skip this fasting and they just concentrate on prayers. Working women also avoid the fasting.

On the Trayodashi day, after morning activities, women apply paste of amala (Indian gooseberry) and gingli (sesamum) and take bath. Those observing three-day fast take a single meal on the day.

After this women eat the roots of Vata Vriksha (Banyan Tree) and drink water. In fact, for three days many women only eat just this. The same routine is repeated on the Chaturdashi day. At home, a painting of banyan tree is made on a plate or wood using sandalwood paste or turmeric. Poojas are done to the painting of banyan tree for three days. Special dishes are also prepared during the occasion. The routine is followed on the Trayodashi, Chatrudashi and Amavasya or Poornima. The fast is broken on the fourth day after offering water to moon and prayers to Savitri.

The final day pooja

It is a complete fast on this day which ends next day morning after sunrise. Women worship the Banyan Tree (Vat Vriksha). Women sit under a Banyan Tree, they then place seven different types of grain in a plate preferably made of bamboo. A murti of Brahma Savitri and Vata Savitri is kept on a red color cloth. Those who do not have the murti keep two pieces of turmeric. Then water, rice, diya, fragrance and flowers are offered as part of the pooja. After praying to the Banyan Tree, a red or yellow colored thread is tied around the tree. Women then go round the tree and chant prayers give above. The devotee has to go seven times around the tree. In some regions, devotees also pour milk seven times around the tree.

Apart from this all fasting women take the blessings of elders and other married women. Special dishes are prepared on the day and distributed among friends and relatives after the poojas. Many people also distribute food, clothes and money to the poor during VataSavitri.

World Music Day

World Music Day is celebrated every year on 21 June 2020. It is also known as Fete de la Musique and is observed to honour the professional and amateur musicians across the world. More than 120 countries celebrate World Music Day by organising various concerts in the streets, museums, parks, stations and other public places. It is also observed to encourage the musicians to display their talents in the open. Today we are here to tell you more about this day.

History

France's Minister of Culture, Jack Lang along with Maurice Fleuret, a French composer, radio producer, music journalist, festival organiser and arts administrator. The day was first organised in Paris on the summer solstice day in 1982. Since then, this day is celebrated every year on the summer solstice day.

Significance

• The main intention behind observing this day is to encourage musicians across the world to display their talent.
• It is also observed to provide free music to people who love listening to it.
• Therefore, amateur musicians are motivated to perform in their neighbourhood and public places around them.
• Young talents are also allowed to showcase their talents.
• People also acknowledge some legendary musicians and their contribution to the music industry.
• On this day, those who are undergoing severe mental health issues are also given free music therapy.
• Virtual concerts and programmes will be organised.

Nirjala Ekadashi

Nirjala Ekadashi is a Hindu holy day falling on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the waxing fortnight of the Hindu month of Jyesta (May/June). This Ekadashi derives its name from the water-less (Nir-jala) fast observed on this day. It is considered to be the most austere and hence the most sacred of all 24 Ekadashis. If observed religiously, it is said to be the most rewarding and granting the virtue gained by the observance of all 24 ekadshis in the year.

Story

Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Pandava Bhima Ekadashi, or Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi. This name is derived from Bhima, the second and strongest of the five Pandava brothers, heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The Brahma Vaivarta Purana narrates the story behind the Nirjala Ekadashi vrata vow. Bhima, a lover of food, wanted to observe all Ekadashi fasts, but could not control his hunger. He approached the sage Vyasa, author of the Mahabharata and grandfather of the Pandavas for a solution. The sage advised him to observe Nirjala Ekadashi, when for one day in the year, he should observe an absolute fast. Bhima attained the virtue of all 24 Ekadashis, by observing Nirjala Ekadashi.

Practices

While on other Ekadashis abstinence of food is observed, on Nirjala Ekadashi, an absolute fast is observed, without partaking even water. The water-less fast is considered extremely difficult to follow as the day falls in the hot Indian summer and thus, it is deemed as very pious austerity. The fast is observed 24 hours from sunrise on Nirjala Ekadashi to sunrise the next day. Some observe it from sunrise to sunset. On the day before Nirjala Ekadashi, the devotee performs the evening prayer (Sandhyavandanam) and takes only one meal, without rice - as rice eating is prohibited. The devotee is however permitted to have a single tiny drop of water as part of the Achamana purification ritual. Water more than that equals breaking the vow.

Like other Ekadashis, puja is offered to Vishnu, for whom Ekadashis are sacred, to seek his grace. An image of Vishnu or a Saligrama stone (an iconic fossil stone in the form of Vishnu) is bathed (abhisheka) with Panchamrita, a mixture of five foods: milk, curd, ghee (clarified butter), honey and sugar. It is then washed with water and then dressed in royal finery. A hand-fan is also offered. Flowers, incense, water and arati (lamps) are also offered. Devotees meditate on the image of God. In the evening, they worship Vishnu with durva grass in their hands. Devotees remain awake the whole night and sing praises of Vishnu or meditate on his image.

Another characteristic of Ekadashis is charity to Brahmins (the priest class). Clothes, food grains, umbrellas, hand-fans, pitchers filled with water, gold etc. are prescribed to be donated on Nirjala Ekadashi.

Merits

According to the Markandeya Purana and the Vishnu Purana, the day of Ekadashi is itself a form of Vishnu. The vrata observed on this day is said to wash away all sin. It is most popular and strictly observed by the Vaishnavas, in particular.

The observer gains longevity and moksha (salvation). Usually, the messengers of the god of death Yama are described to fetch the person's soul after death. Yama then judges the person's deeds and sends him to Swarga (heaven) or Naraka (Hell). However, one who observes the Nirjala Ekadashi rituals is believed to be excused Yama's judgement and taken by messengers of Vishnu to Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu, after death.

Father’s Day

Father’s Day is around the corner. The day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June every year. This year, the day falls on June 21.

Celebrated in 21 countries, the dates for Father’s Day are different in several countries.

Origin of Father’s Day

There are many theories associated with the origin of the Father’s Day. According to the holidayspot, the first theory regarding the celebration of Father’s Day was established on June 19, 1908, in the State of Washington when an independent celebration of Father’s Day, a few weeks later, took place on July 5, 1908, in Fairmont, West Virginia.

Hence the first Father’s Day was recognized in West Virginia, while a church service was going on at Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South. Grace Golden Clayton, who reportedly suggested the service to the pastor at Williams Memorial, is said to have been inspired to celebrate fathers post a mine explosion, a few months before, in the nearby community of Monongah. This explosion ended 361 lives, many of them fathers and recent immigrants to the States from Italy.

The other most popular theory is that the holiday was invented by a woman who liked her dad. Sonora Smart Dodd, a woman from Spokane, WA, was inspired to create Father’s Day after listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909. “Don’t you think fathers deserve a place in the sun, too?” she is said to have asked the minister. Dodd’s mother had died and she and her siblings had been raised by their father.

Dodd picked June for the celebration (the month of her dad’s birthday) and in 1910, the first Father’s Day was celebrated in Spokane. The day didn’t become official nationwide until 1972, when Nixon officially declared the third Sunday of every June Father’s Day.

It took more than 60 years from the birth of the idea to Father’s Day being recognized as a federal holiday, and a lot sure did happen at that time. According to History.com, in the 1920s and 1930s, there was a national movement to get rid of both Mother’s and Father’s Day and replace them with one “Parent’s Day.”

Importance of Father’s Day

The celebration of Father’s Day intends to highlight the importance and challenges of fatherhood. Besides observance of Father’s Day provide children an opportunity to express love and respect for their fathers. The sentiment goes a long way in strengthening the father-child relationship and consequently in the emotional development of a child. The role of father is often relegated to a secondary status as compared to a mother. But all of us know that father is just as important for a child as the mother is. If mothers are the heroes of child-rearing, the significance of a father in the development and emotional well being of a child is no less.

World Refugee Day

Theme

World Refugee Day differs annually and one such theme says, "every action counts."

Everyone can make a difference, says the world body and it is the responsibility of each one of us to make sure that no one is left behind.

Observance and Significance

World Refugee Day is observed on June 20th each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the situation of refugees throughout the world. Devastating conflicts and persecution uproot thousands of people from their homes and countries every year. According to the United Nations, every minute, 20 people are forced to leave behind everything, and escape conflict and war.

Everyone can make a difference, says the world body. The focus is to bring about changes to make the world more inclusive.

Who is a refugee?

According to the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention, people who fled their homes and countries due to "a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion" is a refugee.

History

On December 4, 2000 the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution relating to the status of refugees, and decided that June 20 would be marked as World Refugee Day, to spread awareness and honour the resilience of refugees.

The UNHCR is working with governments to help the displaced people by stepping up sanitation and hygiene services. It is also working with people to create awareness. It is important to ensure that they are protected and get proper treatment if infected by the deadly virus, says the global body.

Apart from refugees, there are other UN-designated displaced persons such as asylum seekers, internally displaced people, or IDPs, who have not crossed international borders and stateless people who do not have a nationality.

Summer Solstice

The summer solstice, also known as festival solstice or midsummer, occurs when one of the Earth's poles has its maximum tilt toward the Sun. It happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere (Northern and Southern). For that hemisphere, the summer solstice is when the Sun reaches its highest position in the sky and is the day with the longest period of daylight. Within the Arctic circle (for the northern hemisphere) or Antarctic circle (for the southern hemisphere), there is continuous daylight around the summer solstice. On the summer solstice, Earth's maximum axial tilt toward the Sun is 23.44°. Likewise, the Sun's declination from the celestial equator is 23.44°.

The summer solstice occurs during summer. This is the June solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. Depending on the shift of the calendar, the summer solstice occurs sometime between June 20 and June 22 in the Northern Hemisphere.

Cultural significance

Since prehistory, the summer solstice has been seen as a significant time of year in many cultures, and has been marked by festivals and rituals. Traditionally, in many temperate regions (especially Europe), the summer solstice is seen as the middle of summer and referred to as "midsummer". Today, however, in some countries and calendars it is seen as the beginning of summer.

Longest Day

Although the summer solstice is the longest day of the year for that hemisphere, the dates of earliest sunrise and latest sunset vary by a few days. This is because the Earth orbits the Sun in an ellipse, and its orbital speed varies slightly during the year.

Kote Sri Prasanna Venkataramana Swamy Temple

History

Kote Venkataramana Temple, Bangalore was constructed by Sri Chikkadevaraja Wadeyar during 15th century. Later Chikkadevaraja Wadeyar’s son Kanteerava Narasaraja Wadeyar gifted 4 villages to the temple to fulfill the daily pooja requirements of the temple.

The temple was constructed in Dravidian style architecture. The sanctum-sanctorum of the temple features Sri Venkataramana Swamy, to its south west is Sri Anjaneya Swamy and Sri Mahalakshmi Sannidi features to its north west.

The temple’s stone walls around the sanctum and the sanctum represents the Girija kalyana featuring various idols including Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwara, saptha matrukas, saptha rishis and ashta dikpalakas.

The temple also features four huge pillars with amazing carvings of Navaranga sculptures.

During British regime, British soldiers used to perform the parade in the ground which was opposite to the temple.

An interesting fact which is told about the temple is, in 1791 during Mysore war, aimed bullets at Tipu Sultan by British army under the instructions of Lord Carnvalis hit the temples Garudagamba (Pillar) and saved the kings life. The very fact made Tipu Sultan and Hyder having enormous respect towards the temple and making it represent Hindu and Muslim unity.

Sri Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadeyar performed puja in this temple on 15-10-1811 before conducting a special durbar in Tipu Sultan Summer Palace.

Car Festival

Every year in the month May or June (Vrushabha Masa, Pubba Nakshatra), Car Festival of the Lord takes place in the temple.

Puja Timings

Abhisheka from 9 am to 10.30 am

Archana from 10.30 am to 2pm and from 7 pm to 8.30 pm

On Saturdays Archanas from 9 am to 12 noon and 6 pm to 9.30 pm.

Other Attractions

Nearby tourist place from the temple is Tipu Sultan Summer Palace which is behind the temple and Bull Temple and Ramakrishna Mutt are nearer to the temple.

Location

The temple is located near to City market, which is having very frequent bus facilities from every corner of the city.

World Blood Donor’s Day

Origin

Every year on 14 June, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day (WBDD). The event was organised for the first time in 2005, by a joint initiative of the World Health Organization, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products, and to thank blood donors for their voluntary, life-saving gifts of blood. World Blood Donor Day is one of 11 official global public health campaigns marked by WHO.

History

World Blood Donor Day is celebrated every year by people around the world on June 14. It is celebrated on the birthday anniversary of Karl Landsteiner on June 14, 1868.

World Blood Donor Day brings a precious opportunity to all donors to celebrate and commemorate the birthday anniversary of Karl Landsteiner (a scientist who won the Nobel Prize for his discovery of the ABO blood group system).

Importance

Blood is a necessary resource for the planned treatments and the urgent interventions. It is helpful for patients who are suffering from life-threatening conditions for living longer and with a higher quality of life. It supports complex medical and surgical procedures.

Theme

• A few themes for Blood Donation Day were 'Safe Blood Saves Lives'
• 'Safe Blood For All'.
• 'Be there for someone else. Give blood. Share life.'

Rambha Tritiya

Ramba Tritiya is dedicated to Sati Savitri. The vrata is performed on Shukla Paksha Tritiya in Jyesta month. Savitri Puja is the main ritual to be observed on this day. The legend of this fast is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. Goddess Parvati kept this fast to get Lord Shiva as her husband. Married women perform this vrata under the banana tree to get its fullest merits.

Rana Pratap Singh Jayanti

Origin

Rana Pratap Singh I, popularly known as Maharana Pratap, was the 13th king of Mewar, a region in north-western India in the present-day state of Rajasthan. He was titled as "Mewari Rana" and was notable for his military resistance against the expansionism of the Mughal Empire.

Early Life

The bloody Siege of Chittorgarh in 1567-1568 had led to the loss of the fertile eastern belt of Mewar to the Mughals. However, the rest of the wooded and hilly kingdom in the Aravalli range was still under the control of Pratap Singh. The Mughal emperor Akbarwas intent on securing a stable route to Gujarat through Mewar; when Pratap Singh was crowned king (Maharana) in 1572, Akbar sent a number of envoys entreating him to become a vassal like many other Rajput leaders in the region.

Reportedly, Pratap died of injuries sustained in a hunting accident, at Chavand on 19 January 1597, aged 56.

Legecy

There are a lot of places and destinations named after his name and he has been noted many a times as a portrait of bravery and velegiance. He was known to develop the Guerrilla warfare techniques and was known to be the only Rajput ruler who refused to bow in front of Akbar and Mughal armies.

Dashahara Vrata

Significance and Observance

Dashahara Vrata is dedicated to Goddess Ganga (River Ganges) and is observed by certain Hindu communities. The Vrat is observed from the first day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Jyesta masa (May – June).  It is a 10-day Vrata.

This Vrata is based on the legend that Goddess Ganga descended on the earth on Jyesta Shukla Dashami (10th day of Jyesta month) pleased with the austerieis performed by King Bhageeratha.

The important rituals during the period are daily morning bath in River Ganga for redemption of sins and worship of Ganga. Some people also perform Tila Tarpana.

World Ocean Day

History and significance

World Oceans Day is an international day that takes place annually on 8th June. The concept was originally proposed in 1992 by Canada's International Centre for Ocean Development (ICOD) and the Ocean Institute of Canada (OIC) at the Earth Summit – UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. World Oceans Day was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2008. The international day supports the implementation of worldwide Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fosters public interest in the management of the ocean and its resources.

The Brundtland Commission (also known as the World Commission on Environment and Development) noted in the 1987 Brundtland Report that the ocean sector lacked a strong voice compared to other sectors.

In the early years of coordinated efforts by The Ocean Project, with World Ocean Network, events numbered in the dozens. During this time, www.WorldOceansDay.org launched, to help promote the event and generate more involvement through the dissemination of resources, ideas, and tools free for everyone to use to celebrate World Oceans Day. In December 2008, the UN General Assembly passed a Declaration to officially recognise the Day.

Themes

A few themes are given below:

    "Our Oceans, Our Responsibilities".

    "Our Oceans: Opportunities and Challenges"

    "Our Oceans: greening our future"

    "Oceans & People"

     "Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet"

    "Our Oceans, Our Future"

    "Clean our Ocean!"

    "Gender and Oceans"

    "Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean"

Huligemma Devi Temple

Huligemma Devi Temple

The famous Huligemma Devi Temple is located in Huligi village near to Munirabad Town in Koppal District. The huligemma devi temple is on the bank of river Tungabharda and about 25 kms from Koppal, 120 km from Badami and 15 kms from Hospet. Goddess is a very powerful deity with many believers and followers. The place is very nice and calm. A must visit place for everyone.

The temple

In front of the temple, there are shrines of Mathangi, Parashuram, Subramanya, Parvati, Ganapati and Navagraha. The Huligemma Devi Temple dates back to the 13th century. According to carvings in the temple, the temple was gifted to Chaturvedi Bhatt by a Chalukya king, Vikramaditya VI. In front of the temple is a 25 ft high flag and the annual fair held every year.

Huligemma Devi

There are many programs and pujas, such as kankanarmani, akkipady, maharathotsavam, ganga devi puja, prasada delivery to Sridevi, ascending banana, paayasa agnikunda, kundada pooja and hididakshine. Devotees in millions take part in the festival of the Goddess. Popular agnikundotsava is held during May-June.

Mythical story

There is a mythical story related to the Huligemma temple. Several years ago there were sisters named Nagajogi and Basava Jogi at a place called Hulagi. Both the sisters were  devotees of goddess Savadatti Yallamma and they used visit to Savadatti on every full moon to receive a darshan of the goddess yellamma devi.

Once heavy rain started on their way to savadatti . The day was a full moon day. Due to heavy rain they were unable to go and Savadatti Yallamma’s darshan was not be possible. Then the sisters meditate and pray the goddess along the way. Appreciating their devotion, Yallamma devi appeared and told that she will settle in Huligi town. Thus the goddess settled in the town and the town name became Huligi.

Temple History

One can find four round stones of different sizes with different weights. The devotees can select one stone and need to lift the stone with pray/wish. If you lift the stone with a prayer and wish it’s believed that Goddess Huligemma devi will grant your wish.

Temple Timings

The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. There will be rush on Tuesday and Friday.

Annual Festival

The annual festival of goddess Huligemma is a large fair and is held here every year for nine days after the full moon. Devotees arrive from Koppal as well as many other districts. A large number of devotees from different states will come to get darshanam and blessings of Huligemma devi.