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Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India . The temple is built in Dravidian style of architecture associated with the temples located in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu, featuring high walls and a 16th-century Gopuram. While the Moolasthanam of the temple is the Ananthapuram Temple in Kasargod, architecturally to some extent, the temple is a replica of the Adikesava Perumal temple located in Kanyakumari District. It is the richest Hindu temple in the world. In fact, in terms of precious metals and precious stones, it is by far the wealthiest institution and place of worship of any kind in the recorded history of the world.
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Shree Somnath Mahadev Mandir, Veraval, Gir Somnath, Gujarat
Somnath temple is one of the most important temples in the country and is considered Aadi or the first of the twelve 'Jyothirlingas'. The Sivalinga here is Swayambhu or Natural formation. Somnath temple was referred to in many ancient texts and is one of the richest temples of those times.
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Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple, Vontimitta
Vontimitta Sri Kodanda rama Swamy temple is a famous Hindu temple in Andhra Pradesh state is dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple is present in Vontimitta town of Rajampet taluk in YSR Kadapa District.
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Lepakshi Temple, Lepakshi
Lepakshi is a village in the Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located 15 km (9.3 mi) east of Hindupur and approximately 120 km (75 mi) north of Bangalore. Lepakshi is culturally and archaeologically significant as it is the location of shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Veerabhadra which were built during the Vijayanagara Kings' period (1336-1646).
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Srimukhalingeswara Temple, Sri Mukhalingam
Srimukhalingeswara temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a major pilgrimage center in the state. It is located in a village known by the same name, 45-odd kilometers to the north of Srikakulam, on the banks of the holy Vamsadhara River. The temple is known for artistic splendor and stands out as one of the finest examples of Kalinga architecture. Ornate sculptures adorn the Gopurams and walls of this shrine.
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Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam, Dharmapuri
Sri Lakshmi Narsimha Swamy's kshetram in Dharmapuri is one among the nava Narsimha Kshetrams in Andhra Pradesh. Prior, this place was directed by the ruler Dharma Varma henceforth the place is known as Dharmapuri. According to the chronicled foundation of the place, however this refuge existed decidedly before 850-928 BC, it was beat by the Bahumani Sultans in the year 1422-1436 and again in the seventeenth century, the asylum was patched up. In this refuge, swamywaru is cut in Shaligram shila
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Sri Raja Rajeshwara Temple, Vemulavada
Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Devasthanam ? Abode of Lord Eashwara ? at Vemulawada village of Karimangar District in Andhra Pradesh State is one of the ancient and famous Shivate temples
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Shree Madanantheshwara Siddhivinayaka Temple, Kasaragod
Madhur Ganapathi Temple is also known as Madur Madanantheswara Siddhi Vinayaka temple. It is one of the famous temples in North Kerala which is 8 km?s away from Kasargod town. It is located in the bank of river Madhuvahini. In front of the temple, Madhuvahini River is flowing and all other sides are surrounded by the paddy fields and coconut trees. The locality of the temple has greenery picturesque which is very natural and makes enthusiasm about the place. The main presiding deity is Lord Shiva.
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Ekambareswarar Temple Kanchipuram, Tamilanadu
Ekambareswarar Temple is one of the famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Kanchipuram in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.
It is one of the five major Shiva temples or Pancha Bootha Sthalams (each representing a natural element) representing the element - Earth. The other four temples in this category are Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara (water), Chidambaram Natarajar (ether), Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (fire) and Kalahasti Nathar (wind).
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AstavaDasha Shakti peetham Shankari Devi, Sri Lanka
Shankari Devi sanctuary in Tricomalee, Srilanka is a noticeable sanctuary for Hindus. However, it is most once in a while went by and it is minimum prominent in all AstavaDasha Shakti peethas.Shankari Devi Temple is arranged in an east drift town of Srilanka, Tricomalee
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Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore
The Chamundeshwari Temple is a Hindu sanctuary situated on the highest point of Chamundi Hills around 13 km from the castle city of Mysore in the territory of Karnataka in India. The sanctuary was named after Chamundeshwari or Durga, the furious type of Shakti, a tutelary god held in love for quite a long time by Mysore Maharajas
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Vitthal Temple, Pandharpur, Solapur, Maharashtra
It is a holy shrine dedicated to Lord Vitthal and his consort Rakhumai. Lord Vithal is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple stands on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River. The main entrance of the temple faces towards the Chandrabhaga river. A tomb of sage Namadev is seen at the entrance. A shrine of Ganesh is built inside the temple which is followed by a small assembly hall where prayers are performed. After climbing a few steps, devotees can have Mukh darshan of Lord Vittala.
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Sri Raghavendra Swamy, Mantralayam, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Mantralayam Raghavendra Swamy temple is a commemoration of the holy person as well as loves lord hari, vayu and rayaru. Mantralayam raghavendra swamy temple houses three breathtaking chariots, made with sandalwood and decorated with crisp and splendid flowers. Everyday the divinities are put on the chariots and a magnificent parade round the sanctuary happens.
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Ghati Sri Subramanya Temple, Doddaballapur, Karnataka
Ghati Sri Subramanya Temple is a standout amongst the most prominent sanctuaries among the hundreds that are scattered in and around Bangalore. Individuals run in thousands to this sanctuary and the directing divinity, Sri Subramanya, is especially famous with the Tamilian populace of Karnataka.
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Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple, Pitapuram, East Godavari Dist, Andhra Pradesh
Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy temple is one of the famous temple in India. It is also one of the astadasa Shakti Peeta and also an ancient Shiva kshethra from Krutha Yuga.
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Sri Krishna Janmashtami
Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in India in the month of July or August. According to the Hindu calendar this religious festival is celebrated on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksh or the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon.
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Sri Jogulamba Devi Temple, Alampur
The word "Jogulamba" is derived from "Joginula Amma" (Mother of Joginis). Jogini (also called as Yogini) means a female person, who has given up all the earthly attachments. Jogini also has another meaning which implies a dancer (female) whose life is dedicated to God. Hence, the goddess is also known as Yogulamba or Yogamba.According to Hindu mythology, "Oordhva Danta Pankthi" (upper jaw with tooth) of Devi fell here and the place formed as a Sakthi Peetham.
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Maa Biraja Devi Temple, Jajpur, Odisha
The Birja Devi Temple, Jajpur was consecrated as Dakshayanis navel part fallen here. The presiding deity of Jajpur Asta dasha shakti peetha is Goddess Girija Devi. Goddess Girija Devi is also worshiped with various names such as Goddess Birija Devi, Goddess Virija. The temple of Sri Girija Devi is a very small construction when we compare it to Puri Jagannath Temple or Lingraja Temple of bhubaneshwar. Nobody knows the exact time of the Girija Devi temples construction. But it was renovated in the 13th Century. Jajpur is also called as Baithangi Theertha or Birija Kshetram or Oddyana Peetha (an Oddiyana is an ornament worn by a woman around her navel).
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Instructions on how to write Raama Naamam or Likhita Japa
"Ra" is the agni beejam and "Ma" is the amrita beejam. "Ra" indicates the destroyer of ignorance in humans while "Ma" indicates the praana vaayu being nourished. Hence, the great composer, Thyagaraja Swami, a huge devotee of Lord Ram, often stressed on these beejams in his compositions.
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Story Behind Sri Rama Navami
Rama is the in-dweller in every body. He is the Source of Bliss (Atma-Rama) in every individual. His blessing, surging from that inner spring, confers peace and bliss. He is the very embodiment of Dharma, of all the codes of morality that hold mankind together in love and unity
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Pancha Sabhai Sthalams / Sthalangal
Pancha Sabhai Sthalangal refers to the temples of Lord Nataraja, a form of Lord Shiva where he performed the Cosmic Dance. Pancha indicates Five, Sabhai means hall and Stala means place. All these temples are located in Tamil Nadu, India.
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Arulmigu Jambukeswarar Akhilandeswari Temple, Thiruvanaikaval, Trichy, Tamilnadu
The temple is one of the Panchabhoota Sthalams (signifying the 5 natural elements) and the sanctum of Lord Jambukeshwara has an underground water stream. And one can see water (neer) coming out of that stream, Hence this temple is also reverred as 'Appu Sthalam' and the ShivaLingam here is called as 'Appu Linga'. The Presiding Deity is Devi Akilandeswari Amman. Akhilandeshwari means 'Ruler of the Universe' (Akilam Universe, Aanda Ruler, Eswari Goddess).
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Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple, Srikalahasti, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh
Srikalahasti Temple is situated in Chittoor district of the state of Andhra Pradesh. In South India, it occupies a place of eminence among the holy Siva kshetras. The temple is called as Dakshina Kailasam located on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi. The architecture of Srikalahasti Temple-Chitoor is extraordinary, it has three massive Gopurams which are breathtaking. Another striking feature of the temple is its huge Mantapam with hundred pillars.
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Pancha Bhoota Stalas
Pancha Bhoota Stalam or Pancha Bhoota Stala refers to the five Shiva temples, dedicated to Shiva, the most powerful Hindu god among the thirimurthis and also the most mercyful among them, each representing the manifestation of the five prime elements of nature- land, water, air, sky, fire.
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Lord Jaganmohini Keshava Swamy Temple, Ryali, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
Situated between the rivers Vashishta and Gautami, tributaries of River Godavari, is a small village, Ryali, which is known for the temple of Lord JaganMohini Keshava Swamy.
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Shri Peringottukara Devasthanam, Kerala
Lord Vishnumaya or Kuttichathan is akin to Sastha, Muruka or Vigneswara but this Sivanandana (The Child of Siva) is worshiped not in common but by a special kind of devotees who need extra ordinary result. ?Vishnumaya is easily pleased and humans? are the words of Devotees. Let us look into the glory of Peringottukara Kuttichathan Vishnumaya. On his way for the divine hunt Lord Siva happens to see Koolivaka, a tribal woman. She was a devotee of Goddess Parvathy.
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Shani Trayodashi
Shani Trayodashi is the Trayodashi which falls on a Saturday known as Shani Trayodasi, Shani Jayanti or Shani Pradosham. Shani Jayanti Festival Puja Vidhi, Vrat Katha, Mantra Japa and Yagna Puja
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Shri Akkanna Madanna Mahankali Mandiram, Hyderabad, Telangana
Akkanna Madanna Temple is located in Shalibanda, Hyderabad. The presiding deity in this temple is Lord Mahankali. It is popular during the festival of Bonalu that is celebrated in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The temple is known for the Ghatam procession during Bonalu.
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Sri Lakshmi Tirupatamma Devasthanam, Penuganchiprolu, Andhra Pradesh
Sri Lakshmi Tirupatamma temple that was built as far back as in the seventeenth century is attracting streams of devotees round the year and is one of the very famous temples in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, whose phenomenal growth started from the date of her immolation(agnipravesham). Each year lakhs of devotees from all over Andhra Pradesh visit the temple seeking Sri Lakshmi Tirupatamma talli(mother/goddess) blessings during tirunallu (Ritual celebrated during the months of March and April).
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Masik Kalashtami
Kalashtami, which is also known as Kala Ashtami, is observed every month during Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha. Devotees of Lord Bhairav keep fast and worship Him on all Kalashtami days in the year.
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Peruvudaiyaar or RajaRajeshwara Temple, Thanjavur
The Brihadeeswarar Temple was built to display the emperor's vision of his power and his relationship to the universal order. On the 275th day of his 25th regal year (1010 A.D) Raja Raja Chola handed over a gold-plated kalasam (copper pot or finial) for the final consecration to crown the vimana. Located in the nerve centre of the Chola empire, the temple attracted musicians, scholars, craftsman and merchants. Most notably, it served as a platform for the dancers who excelled in the traditional dance form of Bharatha Natyam. The Cholas were ousted by the Pandyas.
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Shri Badari Nath Mandir, Badrinath, Uttarakhand
Badrinath, a Hindu holy town is situated in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand. In 2006, around 6,00,000 pilgrims visited this place compared to only 90,676 pilgrims in 1961. This place has found its mention in the scriptures and legends for many years now. Its importance as a holy place has been imbibed in us since childhood. The name Badrinath was derived from Badri meaning 'berries' and Nath meaning 'Lord'
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Akshardham Temple, New Delhi
One of the most popular and amazing tourist attractions in the Indian nation is Akshardham temple. Each element of Akshardham echoes with spirituality ?the Mandir, the Exhibitions and even the Gardens. The Akshardham mandir has over two hundred murtis, representing many of the spiritual stalwarts over many millennia. The spiritual premise of Akshardham is that each soul is potentially divine. Whether we are serving the family, the country our neighbors or all living beings the world over, each service can help one move towards divinity. Each prayer is a call towards improving oneself and moving closer to God.
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Rishikesh - The Brahmteertha
The town of Rishikesh lies in the foothills of the Himalayas of the Garhwal region. It is the gateway to the upper Garhwal region and the starting point for the Char Dham pilgrimage (Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath) and an ideal destination not only for pilgrims but also for the people who are interested in adventure, medtation, yoga and other aspects of Hinduism.
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Sri Dharbaranyeswara Swamy Temple, Thirunallar
Thirunallar is the holy place of Lord Sani Bhagawan. The Thirunallar temple is a Shiva Temple (Lord Shiva is known as Dharbaranyeshwarar here) but the main glory of the temple if Lord Shaniswara. This is the only temple in the world where Lord Shani lost his power to Lord Shiva in order to save his devotee Nala from Saturns curses. This belief is carried over even today and thousands of people visit this temple to get relief from misfortunes inflicted by Saturn.
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Vaikunta Ekadasi
Vaikunta Ekadasi is an important festival dedicated to Bhagvan Srihari Vishnu in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January). Vaikunda Ekadesi festival is of great significance at the Tirupati Balaji Temple, Srirangam Sri Ranganatha Temple and at the Bhadrachalam Temple. In Kerala, it is known as Swarga Vathil Ekadashi.
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How to fast on Ekadhasi?
Ekadasi Fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of waning and waxing phase of moon in a traditional Hindu calendar. This is one of the most popular Vrat observed in Hinduism. How to observe Ekadashi was narrated to Arjuna by Lord Krishna and is found in the Bhavisyottara Purana.
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Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vari Devasthanam, Dwaraka Tirumala
Dwaraka Tirumala temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. The temple is very popular in these parts of the country and is often referred to as 'Chinna Tirupathi' in local parlance, which translates to mini Tirupathi. The name Dwaraka is from the legend of the great saint 'Dwaraka', who is said to have found the Swayambhu idol of the Lord here after a rigorous penance.
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Vishnu Prayag
Formed by the confluences of the impetuous Vishnu Ganga (known, after this point, as the Alaknanda) and the Dhauliganga rivers, Vishnu Prayag, 1,372 mts. has an ancient temple here by a pool called Vishukund. It is said that the sage Narada worshipped Vishnu at this sanctified spot, and the Lord, pleased with his austerities, had given him his blessings. Visitors are find the Kagbhusandi lake bewitching with its emerald green depths giving it a still surface, while on the banks, blossoms evoke the colours of nature in all her glory. The lake can be approached from either Bhundar village near Ghangaria or from Vishnu Prayag.
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Lord Ayyappa
Lord Ayyappan or simply Ayyappa (also spelled as Ayappa) is a popular Hindu deity worshiped mainly in South India. Ayyaappa is believed to be born out of the union between Lord Shiva and the mythical enchantress Mohini, who is regarded as an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Therefore, Ayyappa is also known as 'Hariharan Puthiran' or 'Hariharputhra,' which literally means the son of both 'Hari' or Vishnu and 'Haran' or Shiva.
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Jwalamukhi Temple (Jwalaji) Himachal Pradesh
Jwalamukhi is famous temple Temple, 30km south of Kangra valley of the goddess Jwalamukhi with flaming mouth. In this temple there is a copper pipe through which natural gas comes out and the priest of the temple lights this. This flame is worshiped as a manifestation of the goddess Jwalamukhi. The nine flames have been named after goddesses - Mahakali, Unpurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Bindhya Basni, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ambika and Anji Devi, continuously burning without any fuel, or assistance,may be seen erupting from a rock-side.
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History of Diwali
The most famous legend behind the celebrations of Diwali is about the prince of Ayodhya Nagri - Lord Shri Ram. The king of Lanka, Ravana, kidnapped Ram's wife - Sita from the jungle, where they were staying as per the instructions of King Dashratha, father of Lord Ram.The traces and clues to the history of Diwali are embedded in different interesting and fascinating legends of Hindu mythology that are corroborated by various ancient religious scriptures, such as the Puranas
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Nand Prayag
Hindu devotees take a dip at the sacred confluence Nandprayag before entering Nandprayag temple to perform pooja (worship). The mesmerizing beauty of two sister rivers meeting at the confluence will remain in your mind all your life. One fierce sister meeting another placid sister and both calming down to flow together offers an enchanting view.
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Shrinathji Mandir, Nathdwara
Nathdwara literally means 'the Gate of the Lord'. The city is located on the banks of the Banas River and is home to one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in the country ? the temple of Shrinathji, dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple has a rich cultural and historical legacy as it is associated with many legends of the Lord. The temple attracts pilgrims from all across the globe and is one of the wealthiest temples in the country.
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Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag lies at the confluence of two rivers Alkananda and Mandakini. It is said that Narad was blessed by Lord Shiva in this place and appeared in Rudra avatar. It is one of the Panch Prayags or five confluences of Alaknanda River. Rudraprayag is blessed with nature's bounty, the climate of which depends upon the height of the region.
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Kalighat Kali Temple, Kolkata
Kalighat is regarded as one of the 52 Shakti Peethams of India, where the various parts of Sati's body are said to have fallen, in the course of Shiva's Rudra Tandava. Kalighat represents the site where the toes of the right foot of Shakti or Sati fell. It is a very famous place and a pilgrimage for Shakta (Shiva and Durga/Kali/Shakti worshippers) followers within the Hindu religion.
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Sri Nettikanti Anjaneya Swamy Vari Devasthanam, Kasapuram
In the rule of Sri Krishna Devaraya to the Vijayanagaram Kingdom his Guru Sri Vyasarayaluvaru went on tour to attain religious austerities. While he was on tour, he stayed at Village called 'Silpagiri' now called as 'Chippagiri' Lord Sri Anjaneya Swamy appeared before Sri Vyasaraya in his dream and advised him to consecrate his idol at place,
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Debt Removing Prayer of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha
This mantra is not a currency printing machine.But it creates a strong energy which attracts luck to you and your endeavors. Imagine the scenario of a boat with out engine or oars.What is the use.You are stuck. This powerful (and fierce) Narasimha stotram will be the oar which helps you sail through the sea of debt to the land of prosperity.
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Siddha Mangala Stotra - A Miraculous Stotra to fulfil Desires
There is a specific procedure for parayana of this stotra, for fulfilling a particular wish. This stotra has to be recited for 40 days, daily in the morning after holy bath, one has to Recite this stotra for 11 times and offer any fruit as naivedyam.On 40 th day one has do annadana(Donation of food), either at home or at temples or ashrams etc.
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Dev Prayag
Devprayag is a town in Pauri Garhwal district in the state of Uttarakhand, India, And is one of the Panch Prayag (five confluences) of Alaknanda River. Other than Sangam and Raghunath Ji Temple in Devprayag, one can visit nearby sacred places like Dand Naggaraj (Lord of Snakes) temple and Chandrabadni temple.