2010 Sankashti Chaturthi Dates
December 30, 2009
Here is a list of Sankashti Chaturthi Dates for 2010.
3rd January
2nd Febuary- This is Angarika Sankashti
3rd March
2nd April
31st May
30th June
29th July
28th August
26th September
26th October- This is Angarika Sankashti
25th November
24th December
Kindly glance through our articles on how to fast, perform Aarti, offering Naidevyam on Sankashti and Angarika Sankashti. Search for these words within the search box of our blog. If there are any clarifications needed, do feel free to write in. We will try our best to answer whatever query you have.
©Nayna, 2007-2009. All Rights Reserved.
Eucalyptus Oil Uses And Benefits
December 18, 2009
The aroma of eucalyptus oil brings a sense of relief to our senses. But that is not all what this special healing tree can do for mankind. Eucalyptus Globulus is a tall tree which originated from Australia, Tasmania and India. It is also known as Nilgiri tree, fever tree and blue gum tree.
Benefits Of Eucalyptus Oil:
1) Few drops of eucalyptus oil in a steam inhaler relieve sinus, nasal congestion and bronchitis. If you are pressed for time, add few drops of this oil in your handkerchief and breathe deeply. It will prevent wheezing, coughing and blocked nose. Eucalyptus lozenges are readily available in leading stores to smoothen an irritated throat and constant cough.
2) This essential oil acts as an antibacterial agent and is successfully used to treat cuts, burns, minor scrapes, insect bites and stings. It is always essential to keep this oil handy as you may never know when you would need it.
3) Dental hygiene is best maintained with eucalyptus oil. There are many varieties of toothpastes and mouthwashes that use this oil in their product to keep gums healthy and fight plaque, tooth decay and gingivitis.
4) Feeling feverish? Before you pop pills, make sure you take a whiff of this oil or apply it on your forehead to keep the temperature down.
5) Fungal infections like athletes foot can be curbed with this therapeutic eucalyptus oil.
6) Dandruff and scalp infections are rectified if this oil is regularly massaged gently into the scalp. Many anti dandruff shampoos in the market add this in their list of ingredients.
7) Body massage oils contain eucalyptus oil which works wonders for relaxation along with increasing concentration and alertness. It is frequently used in aromatherapy oils, lotions and creams.
8) This oil is also used in room fresheners to perk up the environment.
9) It is widely used in mosquito repellants in mat and liquid form.
10) The leaves from this tree are used as tea leaves. Eucalyptus tea is a medicinal, healing and an organic tea that cures many ailments.
Eucalyptus is an essential oil and is usually mixed with henna and used by women in many parts of the world to create beautiful designs and patterns on their palms, hands and legs. This oil enhances the rich color of the henna and emits a refreshing fragrance.
So the next time, you need a quick fix for a blocked nose, you now know what to do. People from the ancient civilizations always used eucalyptus oil in their daily living. They knew how to be one with nature and utilize such trees for its medicinal properties. Now if only the new generation can take their lead and help to save the environment.
©Nayna, 2007-2009. All Rights Reserved.
Haunted Palace, Bhangard, Rajasthan
December 12, 2009
The ruins of Bhangard, Alwar in the state of Rajasthan stands as testament of royalty, riches and its downfall. This 16th century fort palace was once an iconic kingdom.
Today, this palace is labeled as a heritage site by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and yet they have taken no steps to restore its past glory. Instead, there is a warning sign outside the gates of this palace that visitors are warned not to wander around after sunset.
The ASI had primarily decided to open an office within the palace grounds but later preferred to stay a kilometer away from this location.
So is Bhangard palace really haunted? To get this answer, we will have to travel back in time, 500 years ago.
The majestic Bhangard palace is still surrounded by Aravali mountain ranges, almost guarding it from the outside world. But no one could have ever guessed that its downfall would have happened from within. It is strongly believed by locals that the ruins of Bhangard resulted from a curse, yelled in despair by a Tantric, practitioner of negative forces.
The tantric was charmed by the radiant beauty of the queen Ratnavali. He was so enamored that he secretly used to watch her bathe in the royal pond. When he could no longer control his lust, he decided to get her in his control. He used a mantra known as Vashikaran mantra (Vash means to control someone like a puppet). With the help of Tantra Vidya (Knowledge of Tantric Studies), he added the mantra in oil, then he told the royal maid to give the oil to the queen. He was aware that the queen habitually applied oil all over her body before bathing. In this way, he would gain total control over her mind and body.
Queen Ratnavali too knew Tantra Vidya so when the maid handed her the oil, she knew at once what the special ingredient in the oil was. She poured this oil on a rock in her garden. No sooner had she done this, the rock flew and smashed the Tantric’s head. The bleeding Tantric cursed the kingdom that all the stones of this palace would crumble down.
There are several temples within the castle’s premise and yet people say that curse still lingers the grounds. An evil presence lurks causing a shiver in every passerby’s spine. Some historians believe in this cursed legend while others state that the battle between Ajabgard and Bhangard caused the downfall of this kingdom. While others contemplate that Raja Mansingh Savoy had indeed attacked this fort palace.
Visitors are strictly forbidden to roam the grounds after sunset. People practicing Tantra Vidya are said to dwell in these grounds and harness negative energy from the evil surrounding the area. Is this superstition or a legend to make this place attractive to ghost hunters is yet to be researched. But for now, no one from the surrounding region goes there to seek thrills or answers from the beyond.
©Nayna, 2007-2009. All Rights Reserved.
