Latest news with #Ashadha


News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Thousands gather for Bonalu festival in Hyderabad
Agency: PTI Hyderabad, Jul 20 (PTI) A large number of devotees and several political leaders converged at the Goddess Mahakaali temples in the city on Sunday to celebrate the 'bonalu' festival during the Hindu month of Ashadha. Thousands of worshippers gathered at the Simhavahini Mahakaali temple at Lal Darwaja here to offer prayers. The devotees offered 'bonam' to the deity as per tradition. The government made elaborate arrangements, including security measures, to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy offered prayers at the Mahakaali temples at Amberpet and Nimboliadda. State Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar visited the Goddess Bhagya Lakshmi temple at Charminar. State Panchayat Raj Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka offered silk clothes to the goddess at the Khila Maisamma temple. During the Bonalu festival, women cook rice along with milk, jaggery in a new earthen or brass pot adorned with neem leaves, turmeric and vermilion. Women carry these pots on their heads and make an offering of bonam, including bangles and sarees, to the Goddess at temples. The bonalu festival is celebrated at the Golconda fort and also Ujjaini Mahakaali temple in Secunderabad before at the Lal Darwaja Simha Vahini temple. PTI SJR SJR ROH view comments First Published: July 20, 2025, 12:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Hans India
4 days ago
- Hans India
Union Minister Karandlaje walks up the steps for Ashada Friday darshan
Mysuru: Devotion and tradition took centrestage on Chamundi Hill on Friday as Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje joined thousands of devotees for the auspicious fourth Ashada Friday rituals, offering prayers to the presiding deity Chamundeshwari Devi with customary reverence. Following her yearly tradition, Minister Karandlaje ascended the sacred steps leading to the temple atop Chamundi Hill early this morning. Despite her hectic ministerial duties, she ensured that she reached Mysuru to take part in this significant ritual, a testament to her deep faith in the goddess revered as the guardian deity of the region. She climbed the steps along with other devotees and offered a special puja, seeking blessings for the well-being of the state and its people. On this final Ashada Friday, the Chamundeshwari temple, perched atop the misty hills of Mysuru, was transformed into a vibrant hub of spiritual energy and devotional fervor. As per tradition, the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari was adorned in the grand 'Simhavahini' alankara, symbolising the deity riding a lion—a powerful representation of courage and protection. The utsava murti (processional idol) was decorated with exquisite flowers and strings of peacock feathers, enhancing the sanctity and grandeur of the occasion. Temple authorities made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of rituals, which began as early as 4:30 am with special pujas and homas performed by the temple priests. As the morning progressed, long queues of devotees, some climbing the steep steps barefoot, slowly wound their way to the sanctum to catch a glimpse of the goddess and offer their prayers. In anticipation of the massive crowd, the district administration imposed a ban on private vehicles to Chamundi Hill today. KSRTC arranged special shuttle services from the foothills to the temple entrance to ensure hassle-free darshan for devotees. Volunteers and police personnel were deployed in large numbers to manage the crowd and maintain order, ensuring the pilgrimage remained peaceful and spiritually fulfilling. The Ashadha month is considered highly sacred in Karnataka, with all Fridays during this period dedicated to special prayers and offerings to Goddess Chamundeshwari. Many devotees, irrespective of age, undertake the arduous climb up the 1,000-plus steps, believing it to be an act of penance and devotion that brings them the goddess's blessings.


News18
5 days ago
- General
- News18
Guru Purnima 2025: Eat These 2 Fruits For Wealth And Wishes
1/6 Thursday, July 10, marks the celebration of Guru Purnima, observed across the country on the full moon day of Ashadha. This festival is dedicated to honouring and expressing gratitude to one's Guru. This year, its significance is even greater, as it coincides with Lakshmivaar, a Thursday dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. (News18 Bengali)


India Gazette
10-07-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Devotees gather at Sarnath to celebrate Ashadha Purnima and Buddha's first sermon
Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 10 (ANI): Under the golden hues of the setting sun and the sacred full moon of Ashadha, Sarnath--the site of the Buddha's first sermon--became a vibrant hub of spiritual reflection and cultural reverence as devotees from across the world gathered at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara. The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Mahabodhi Society of India, hosted a solemn and graceful celebration to mark Ashadha Purnima, a day revered as the Buddha's First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma. This sacred day also marks the onset of Varsha Vassa, the traditional monastic rain retreat--a period of contemplation and study for the Buddhist Sangha, mirroring the inward journey as rains quiet the world outside. The event commenced with a meditative parikrama (circumambulation) of the Dhamek Stupa. Monks, nuns, and lay followers walked in peaceful unison, hands folded in devotion, as ancient chants filled the air. The solemnity of the moment was amplified by the stupa's timeless presence--its weathered stones standing as sentinels of centuries-old teachings. In his welcome address, Ven. Summitananda Thero, In-charge of Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, reflected on the spiritual weight of Sarnath and the gathering's deep symbolism--where memory and devotion unite beneath the open sky. One of the highlights was the heartfelt message by Ven. Dieu Tri, a senior nun from Vietnam, who spoke of the powerful emotions felt during the recent Relic Exposition of the Buddha in Vietnam. A short film showcased the event, which saw an overwhelming 17.8 million devotees venerate the sacred relics across nine cities. Ven. Wangchuk Dorjee Negi, Vice Chancellor of the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, beautifully blended scholarship with spirituality, highlighting the symbolism of Ashadha Purnima--the Buddha's first teachings, the formation of the Sangha, and the legendary dream of Queen Mahamaya, who envisioned a six-tusked white elephant foretelling the Buddha's birth. Representing the long-standing spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka, Most Ven. Sumedha Thero, President of the Indo-Sri Lanka International Buddhist Association, emphasized the historic friendship nurtured through the shared Dharma. He lauded the Indian government for selecting Sarnath as the venue for this year's celebrations, calling it 'a most fitting and sacred choice.' The event concluded with powerful words from Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, Secretary General of IBC, who stressed the importance of unity, empathy, and mindful action in today's interconnected world. 'Bridging differences and fostering inclusive dialogue is not just noble--it is essential,' he noted. Ven. Seelawanso Thero, Principal of Pali and Buddhist Dhamadoot College, closed the event with a sincere vote of thanks, expressing deep gratitude to all attendees and supporters for their trust and unwavering commitment to the Dharma. As twilight deepened and prayers echoed in the air, the celebration stood as a testament to Buddhism's timeless message of peace, compassion, and inner awakening--offering hope and harmony to a world in need. (ANI)


Time of India
10-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Guru Purnima 2025: Sadhguru's 10 wise quotes on the true role of a guru
On July 10, 2025, the sacred full moon of Ashadha, celebrated as Guru Purnima, offers a special moment to reflect on the role of a Guru in one's life. In Indian tradition, a Guru is not just a guide but a transformative presence, one who doesn't comfort you, but compels you to break inner limitations and grow. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Sadhguru, a yogi, mystic, and spiritual master, has been a profound force in awakening millions to this deeper dimension of life. Shared below are some of his most powerful quotes reflecting the true nature of a Guru. As we mark this Guru Purnima, these words can help us deepen our understanding of the Guru's significance in one's life. 1. A Guru is not someone who comforts you. A Guru is someone who makes you willing to destroy all that is limited in you. 2. The purpose of a Guru is to throw light on dimensions that are not yet in your experience. Growth, not Solace, is the purpose of a Guru. 3. A Sadhguru is one who is willing to be the soil upon which you can root, grow and blossom. 4. The path is the Guru and Guru is the path – there is no difference between the two. 5. A Guru is a presence, not a person. To make use of this energy and possibility, all you have to do is become an opening. Credit:ISTOCK 6. You do not go to a Guru for solace. He is not a tranquilizer – he is there to awaken you. 7. The inner dimension is uncharted terrain; it is sensible to take directions. A guru is a live road map. 8. Do not go searching for a Guru. When the pain of ignorance within you becomes a scream, a Guru will come in search of you. 9. A Guru is like a live roadmap – more important than anything when you are lost in unknown terrain. 10. I am not dedicated to your comfort. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now I am dedicated to you breaking barriers within yourself. Celebrate Guru Purnima 2025 on 10th July by sharing heartfelt wishes, quotes, and messages with your guru or teacher. Honour their wisdom and guidance with meaningful words that express gratitude and respect. On this Guru Purnima, Sadhguru's words remind us that the highest relationship with a spiritual master is not built on comfort but on courageous transformation. A true Guru dismantles the walls we have painstakingly built around our identity and exposes us to a far grander possibility of being human. As the luminous moon rises on July 10, may we allow ourselves to become that 'opening' he speaks of—receptive to guidance, willing to outgrow our confines, and ready to blossom. For in recognizing the Guru as a living roadmap, we step onto a path where the ultimate destination is not somewhere outside but the limitless expanse within. The Unspoken Truth of Spirituality: Sadhguru Exposes What You Must Know