Bala Chaturdashi 2024 novemeber 29

I have been very patient about this festival .We love it because there is the history behind the festival .Mom has been busy all day regarding this festival.The Festivals of Nepal: Everyone says Nepal is a beautiful garden of flowers and an open museum. We have many cases, cultures, and religions. So, Nepal is rich in cultural diversity. People live in the Himalayas, Hilly, and Terai regions from east to west. They celebrate many different festivals. Festivals in Nepal begin with religion and move with a blessed spirit into a pleasant family. We are providing a Mount Everest tour by helicopter during the festival to enjoy the views of the Mount Everest Himalayan range from Kathmandu.The day is also called satbij chharne din. A day before Bala Chaturdashi thousands of devotees used to campaign outside Pashupati Temple and other Shiva Temple . The day is also called satbij chharne din. Camping under the open sky or tents arranged by the Pashupati Area Development Trust, the bereaved ones observe penance, light oil lamps and keep themselves awake throughout the night, praying for the departed souls to rest in heaven a day before Bala Chaturdashi. Bala Chaturdashi or Satbij Charni Ausi is observed at Sleshmantak forest. Sleshmantak forest is situated to the other side across the Bagmati river by the Pashupatinath Temple. Bala Chaaturdshi falls on Marga Krishna Chaturdasi. It is during late November or early December in English calendar. Bala Chaturdashi or Satbij Charni Ausi is observed at Sleshmantak forest. Sleshmantak forest is situated to the other side across the Bagmati river by the Pashupatinath Temple. Bala Chaaturdshi falls on Marga Krishna Chaturdasi. It is during late November or early December in English calender. When is Bala Chaturdashi People from various places of Nepal and Hindus from other South Asian countries gather at Pashupatinath temple. Pashupati nath is the most sacred temple of lord Shiva situated at the bank of holy Bagmati River in Kathmandu. Bala Chaturdasi बाला चतुर्दशी सुवर्ण रक्तिका तुल्यं ब्रीहिमेकं परिक्षिपेत . मिर्गस्थालीं परिभ्रम्य पुनर्जन्म न बिध्यते पूज्यत्पशूपं देवं गुहेशीं परमेश्वोरीं वाशुकीं नागरजेन्द्रं तद्हीने पूजनं चरेत How do we observe Bala Chataurdashi We light traditional oil lamps (diyo) and recite mantras. We keep ourselves awake all night to ensure that the lamp keeps burning. We chant mantras, sing Bhajans and dance through night paying honor to Lord Shiva. The next day at daybreak we go to the holy Bagmati River for ritual bathing. Bagmati is considered to be the holiest river for all Nepali. Taking a dip three times into Bagmati River is considered a path to purification. Diyo After bathing in the Baghmati River pilgrims visits and worships almost all of the temples and idols in and around Pashupatinath as much they can. The devotees pass dropping the satbij, the mixture of seven sacred seeds in these temples and the 108 Shiva Linga present in the vicinity of Pashupatinath Temple. All walk through the same path followed for many years. It passes through Kailash forest and return back to the Pashupatinath temple. The end part of Satbij dropping ceremony is done for fun after long walk and rituals. Lord Ganesh’s idol present near the Bishwaroop temple is believed to be deaf; people shake him and scream and shout in the ear to wake him up. This adds a fun flavor to the whole ceremony. Why is Bala Chaturdashi Observed Seeds are dropped in remembrance of dead beloved ones. It is believed by performing Bala Chaturdashi rituals we can secure a better place in heaven for the dead relatives. It is also believed that this helps settle the restless souls of departed ones who were not properly burnt. This is true that when thousands of people pray for the same consideration, that will be fulfilled. Slesmantak forest, where the satbij is dropped is mentioned in Shiva Puran Mirgasthali as the place where lord Shiva dwelled as Deer. This place is hence considered a very sacred place and hence a drop of seed in this place is equal to a Ratti of gold (which is about 0.121 grams). Story Behind Bala Chaturdashi Bala Nanda, a trader, came to Arya Ghat (where people are cremated through burning), to attend funeral of one of his relatives. Bala Nanda sitting nearby and eating the ceremonial food, a small portion of the dead body popped out from the fire into his plate. He unknowingly swallowed flesh of dead body that fell into his plate. Soon he swallowed the flesh he transformed into a horrible demon having silver head. He became cannibal (man eating human meat). Bala Nanda suddenly grabbed out dead body from the fire and started eating it. People were terrified and ran away. Then onwards he is called Balsur. Asur meaning Demon. (Bala+Asur=Balasur). Arya Ghat then became the favorite place for Balasur. People were scared to go to Arya Ghat to cremate dead relatives. People pleaded then king to solve the problem. King assigned Brisha Singh, very good friend of Balasur to kill him. Brisha manage to kill Balasur by betrayal. Brisha felt guilty to deceive Bala. He went to meditation in the Sleshmantak Ban (forest) and enchanted Om and prayed to Lord Shiva for the rescue of his friend Balasur. Lord Shiva was pleased by his sincere affection for his friend. Lord Shiva helped in salvation of Balasur. Lord Shiva also told Brisha to scatter sat bij, or seven varieties of grain, on the holy grounds of the Shlesmantak forest to cleanse the sin of Balasur and to erase his own guilt for killing a friend. Mom has been preparing our trip to Pashupatinath and we are ready with the essential needs hope you are also in same process of visiting temple with family ,we have been casaully prepared for family trip to pashupatinath.

Drama

 The phenomena called either/all “drama,” “theatre,” “performance” occur among all the world's peoples and date back as far as historians, archeologists, and anthropologists can go. Evidence indicates that dancing, singing, wearing masks and/ or costumes, impersonating either other men, animals, or supernaturals, acting out stories, presenting time at time, isolating and preparing special places and/or times for these presentations, and individual or group preparations or rehearsals are coexistent with the human condition.From the philosophical roots and theories of tragedy, through its inextricable relationship with drama, to its impact upon post-dramatic forms, this is the definitive work in its field. Lehmann plots a course through the history of dramatic thought, taking in Aristotle, Plato, Seneca, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Lacan, Shakespeare, Schiller, Holderlin, Wagner, Maeterlinck, Yeats, Brecht, Kantor, Heiner Müller and Sarah Kane.

I have been watching dramas on youtube but real drama exists in our life as ritual and perfomances.These choreographic celebrations are not only performed to entertain spectators but also as part of the regular cult of supernatural deities. They are sacred events, suffused with religious significance. Plays adopt such a serious tone that participants become possessed by the deities they incarnate and are presented with various offerings throughout the drama. These performances, acted out in the open air, near temples, belong to pre-modern phases in the development of theatre, which is still dominated by religion and ethical values.They are ritually framed and include narration, music (drums, cymbals and long trumpets), dance, chants and ritual procedures performed in front of spectators and audiences. Their aesthetic qualities greatly contribute to the efficacy of the rituals. Indeed, the two functions, religious and aesthetical, overlap. The vision of the spectacle itself is a pious act.

As a resident of Nepal I have been observing all the activities of Dashai and Tihar in Nepal. Generally Dashain falls in late September to mid-October, right after the end of the monsoon season. It is “a day of Victory over Demons”. The Newars celebrate the festival as Mohani.Music and dance are an integral part of Nepalese culture, with a range of traditional genres and instruments being used in performances. Some of the most famous traditional music styles in Nepal include the classical Newari music, the devotional music of the Kathmandu Valley, and the Bhajan singing of rural areas. Traditional dance in Nepal is also rich and diverse, with styles ranging from the energetic and exuberant Charya dance to the more contemplative and graceful Kathak dance.

Traditional music and dance play an important role in Nepalese culture and society, reflecting the diverse religious, ethnic, and regional traditions of the country. Nepalese music is characterized by a rich variety of instruments, including drums, flutes, and stringed instruments, as well as vocal styles that range from classical to folk.

One of the most significant forms of traditional Nepalese music is "Dohori," which originated in rural areas and is characterized by fast-paced and improvisational songs that often involve witty exchanges between male and female singers. Another popular form of traditional music is "Lok Geet," which translates to "people's song" and is a genre of folk music that is closely tied to daily life and social events.

Traditional Nepalese dance is equally diverse, encompassing both religious and secular forms. The "Mask Dance," for example, is a religious dance performed during the festivals of Hinduism and Buddhism, while the "Jhankri Dance" is a secular dance that is performed by the shamanic communities of the country.

The traditional music and dance of Nepal are closely tied to religious rituals and celebrations, reflecting the deep connection between religious and cultural traditions in the country. For example, the "Dashain Festival" is a major Hindu festival that is celebrated with music, dance, and other cultural activities, and is an important expression of Nepalese identity and cultural heritage.

The influence of religion on Nepalese art, literature, music, and dance is undeniable. Hinduism and Buddhism have played a major role in shaping the cultural forms of Nepal, with religious themes and motifs being a common feature in paintings, sculptures, literature, and performance arts. For example, the Ramayana and Jatakas are religious texts that have inspired countless works of art and literature in Nepal, and devotional music and dance are an important part of religious celebrations and ceremonies.

Religion plays a crucial role in shaping the art, literature, music, and dance of Nepal. Hinduism and Buddhism have both had a profound influence on Nepalese culture and have shaped its traditional art forms in significant ways.

In terms of art, the intricate carvings found on temples and monuments in Nepal reflect the influence of Hinduism, which reveres the gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon. These carvings often depict scenes from Hindu mythology and are considered works of art in their own right

परिवार

 परिवारमा सधै हाँसीखुसी छ, मेलमिलाप छ, प्रेमिल वातावरण छ । एकअर्काले मर्यादा पालना गरेका छन् । आपसमा सहयोग आदनप्रदान हुन्छ । हरेक समस्या वा अप्ठ्याराहरुमा सबैको साथ र सहयोग रहन्छ । सबैजना एकसाथ खाना खान्छन् । रमाइलो गर्छन् । चाडपर्व, उत्सव र जमघटमा सबैको सहभागिता रहन्छ । परिवारका सदस्यहरुले आ-आफ्नो काम वा जिम्मेवारी सम्हालेका छन् । हजुरबा-हजुरआमाप्रति सबैको श्रद्धाभाव छ । बालबच्चाप्रति सबैको प्रेम छ । यस्तो परिवारले सुख खोज्न अन्त जानुपर्दैन । घर नै उनीहरुका लागि स्वर्ग हो ।

पौराणिक शास्त्रहरुमा भनिएको छ, परिवार सुख नै सर्वोच्व हो । हुनपनि परिवारमा सुख र मेलमिलाप छ भने जस्तोसुकै समस्याले पनि विचलित बनाउँदैन । परिवारको सुख यस्तो शक्ति हो, जसले हरेक सदस्यलाई सधै हँसिलो राख्छ । जाँगरिलो बनाउँछ । स्फूर्ति र उमंग कायम राख्छ ।

परिवार बलियो बनाउन
–परिवारभित्र एकअर्काप्रति विश्वास हुनुपर्छ ।
–एकले अर्कालाई सम्मान गर्नुपर्छ ।
–परिवारका सदस्य एकअर्काप्रति इमानदार हुनुपर्छ ।
–हरेकले हरेकको कुरा सुन्नुपर्छ । कुनै कुरामा विवाद भयो भने त्यसलाई परिवारभित्रै सुल्झाउनुपर्छ ।
–परिवारका सदस्यले आफ्नो कुरा मात्रै माथि राख्ने गर्नु हुँदैन ।
–एकअर्काको कमजोरीमाथि प्रहार गरिरहनु हुँदैन ।
–घरको सबै काम मिलेर गर्नाले सम्बन्ध अझ प्रगाढ हुन्छ ।
–कसले कति कमाउँछ ? खुलस्त भन्नुपर्छ ।
–एकअर्काको रुचिलाई बुझ्नुपर्छ ।
–बाहिरका मानिसको कुरा सुन्नु हुँदैन । यसले घरमा कलह निम्त्याउन सक्छ ।

हाम्रो बलियो परिवार
‘परिवार नै मेरो शक्ति’

दशहरे के दिन

 

 माना जाता है कि दशहरे के दिन पान जरूर खाना चाहिए। पान खाकर व्यक्ति अधर्म की हार का जश्न मनाते हैं। लेकिन आखिर पान ही क्यों। जानिए आखिर दशहरे के दिन पान ही खाना क्यों शुभ मानते हैं।भारत में, भोजन और त्योहार आपस में जुड़े हुए हैं और यही कारण है कि कोई भी त्योहार घर के बने खाद्य पदार्थों की स्वादिष्ट खुराक के बिना पूरा नहीं होता है। दशहरा या विजयदशमी कोई अपवाद नहीं है। दशहरा भारत में सबसे प्रमुख त्योहारों में से एक हैउत्तर से दक्षिण और पूर्व से पश्चिम तक, हर राज्य त्योहार को अपने स्थानीय व्यंजनों के साथ मनाता है, जिनके बारे में माना जाता है कि वे भाग्य लाते हैं। यहां कुछ अनोखी दशहरा रेसिपी हैं जिन्हें आप घर पर तैयार कर सकते हैं और उत्सव का आनंद ले सकते हैं।

1. गिल्की के पकौड़े – गिल्की के पकौड़े विजयादशमी के दिन बनने वाली एक पारंपरिक डिश है. इसे बनाने के लिए मेन इन्ग्रेडिएंट्स बेसन और गिल्की होती है. सामान्य पकौड़े के घोल की तरह तैयार कर उसमें गिल्की डुबोकर पकौड़े निकाले जाते हैं.

इसे भी पढ़ें: Milk Cake Recipe: दशहरे पर करें मिल्क केक से मुंह मीठा, घर पर इस तरह बनाएं
2. मीठे गुलगुले – यह डिश बच्चों के साथ ही घर के बड़ों को भी काफी पसंद आती है. इसे बनाने के लिए गेंहू का आटा, चीनी, इलायची पाउडर का इस्तेमाल होता है. आप चाहें तो खसखस को भी इसके घोल में मिला सकते हैं.
3. प्याज के भजिये – त्यौहार के दिनों में प्याज के भजिये भी एक बहुत पसंदीदा डिश होती है. यह आसानी से तैयार हो जाती है. इसे बनाने के लिए बेसन, बारीक कटे प्याज सहित अन्य सामग्रियों की जरुरत पड़ती है.

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4. श्रीखंड – किसी भी त्यौहार में चटपटा खाने के साथ ही मुंह में मिठास घोलने वाला आइटम भी होना जरूरी होता है. आप घर में केसरी श्रीखंड ट्राई कर सकते हैं. इसके लिए चक्का, चीनी, मीठा पीला रंग और ड्राई फ्रूट्स की जरुरत पड़ेगी.
5. आलूबड़े – दशहरे पर चटपटे मसालेदार आलूबड़े का भी स्वाद लिया जा सकता है. इसे बनाने के लिए बेसन, आलू और अन्य मसालों की जरुरत पड़ती है. यह आसानी से बनने वाली डिश है.

दशैं

दशैंलाई बडा दशैं, दशहरा, विजया दशमी, आयुध-पूजा आदि नामले जानिन्छ । यो नेपालीहरुको प्रमुख पर्व हो । आश्विन (असोज) महिनाको शुक्ल पक्षको दशमी तिथिको दिन यस पर्वको प्रमुख दिन हो । बताइन्छ कि भगवान रामले यसै दिन रावणको वध गरेका थिए । यसलाई असत्य माथि सत्यको विजयको रुपमा मनाइन्छ । यसकारण, यस दशमीलाई विजया दशमीको नामले जानिन्छ । दशैं वर्षमा तीन अत्यन्त शुभ तिथिहरुमा एउटा हो अरु दुइवटा हुन् चैत्र (चैत) को शुक्लको एवं कार्तिक शुक्लको प्रतिपदा तिथि । यी दिनहरुमा हिन्दूहरु नयाँ कार्य सुरु गर्दछन्, शस्त्रको पूजा गर्दछन् ।

 विहान माथि रमिते डाँडाबाट घामले चियाउन थालेदेखि नै हाम्रो आँगनमा विचित्रको चटकजस्तो चहलपहल सुरु भयो । गुन्द्रुक उमाल्ने सानो कराहीमा पानी उमालियो । भक्भकी उम्लिरहेको पानीमा छुस्स अलिकता खरानी हालियो ।

एउटा कुभिन्डालाई झीरले छेडेर प्वालमा चारवटा छेस्का घुसारियो र चौपायाको स्वरुपमा त्यसलाई ठिङ्ग उभ्याइयो । कुभिन्डाको एकापट्टि अलिकता कपेर त्यसमा मसिनो डोरी बाँधियो । कुभिन्डालाई पानीले पर्सिइयो । अनि एकजना डोरी समात्ने, एकजना आरी थाप्ने, एकजना सिरुपाते खुकुरी उजाउने-  दसैँले ल्याएको चटकतुल्य नाटक यसरी उत्कर्षतिर अघि बढ्यो ।

नेपालीको दशैं

दशैं नेपालीहरु र विशेषतः नेपाली हिन्दूहरुको सबैभन्दा ठूलो पर्व हो । नेपाली हिन्दू पात्रो अनुसार आश्विन शुक्ल प्रतिपदादेखि दशमीसम्म १० दिन पूजापाठ, व्रत र उत्सवकासाथ मनाइने चाड भएको हुनाले यसलाई दशैं वा ‘विजया दशमी’ का नामले पनि चिनिन्छ ।

हिन्दू चान्द्र मासिक पन्चाङ्ग गणनाको तिथि अनुसार पर्ने भएकाले नेपाली चाडहरु निश्चित गते र तारिखमा नपर्ने हुनाले दशैं पनि अंग्रेजी वा ग्रेगरियन क्यालेण्डर अनुसार सेप्टेम्बर महिनाको अन्त्यदेखि अक्टोबर महिनाको मध्य बीचमा पर्छ ।

दशैं आश्विन शुक्ल प्रतिपदाका दिनदेखि सुरु हुन्छ र यो पहिलो दिनलाई घटस्थापना भनिन्छ । दशैं प्रतिपदा घटस्थापनादेखि पूर्णिमा (कोजाग्रत) सम्म १५ दिनको हुने भएता पनि पहिलो ९ दिन लाई नवरात्रि र दशौं दिनलाई दशमी वा दशैं भनिन्छ्र । यो तिथिमा माता दुर्गाले महिषासुर नामक दैत्यलाई तथा भगवान श्री रामचन्द्रले रावणलाई वध गरेर मानवजातिको कल्याण गरेको भन्ने किंवदन्ती छ । प्रतिपदा (घटस्थापना), सप्तमी (फूलपाती), महाअष्टमी, (कालरात्री), महानवमी, विजयादशमी र पूर्णिमा (कोजाग्रत) दशैंका प्रमुख तिथिहरु हुन् ।

नेपालीहरूले प्राय पन्ध्र दिन दशैं उत्सव मनाउँछन्, जसमध्ये सबभन्दा महत्वपूर्ण मितिहरू पहिलो, सातौं, आठौं, नवौं र दशौं हुन्। दशैंको पहिलो दिनलाइ घटस्थापना भनिन्छ र यो दिनले दशैंको सुरुवात पनि जनाउछ किनभने घसथपना पर्वको पहिलो दिनमा पर्दछ। एस दिनमा जमरा पनि रोपिन्छ। तेस्पछि सातौं दिनलाइ चाही फुलपाटी भनिन्छ | परम्परागत रूपमा, यस दिन, शाही कलश, केराको डाँठ, जमारा र रातो कपडाले बाँधिएको उखुलाई गोरखाबाट काठमाडौँमा ल्याउँछन। तेसै गरि आठौं दिनलाइ चाही माहा अस्तमी भनिन्छ र त्यो दिनको मध्यरातमा कुल बाउन्न भैंसीहरु र बाउन्न बाख्राहरुको बलि देवी दुर्गाको लागि बसन्तपुरको हनुमान धोकामा दिइन्छ। अनि नवौंलाइ चाही माहा नवमी भनिन्छ। एस दिनचाही कारीगरहरू, शिल्पकारहरू, व्यापारीहरू र मेकानिकहरूले तिनीहरूको औजार, उपकरण र सवारीसाधनको पूजा तथा सेवा गर्छन् किनभने यो विश्वास गरिन्छ कि यस दिन सवारी साधन पूजा गर्दा दुर्घटनाबाट बच्न को लागी वर्ष को लागी सबै गाडीहरु बाइक, कारहरु देखि ट्रक को लागी पूजा गरीन्छ। दशैको दसै दिनलाई विजय दशमी भनिन्छ। आफुभन्दा ठुला बडाले निधारमा टिक्का, जामारा र आउने वर्षहरूको लागि आफुभन्दा सानोलाइ आशिष् पनि दिनेगर्छन्।

पन्ध्रौं दिनलाइ कोजाग्रत पुर्णिमा भनिन्छ र यो पूर्णिमाको दिन हो। येसले पन्ध्र दिनको दशैं उत्सवको अन्त्य पनि जनाउछ। यस दिन, धन र भाग्यको देवी लक्ष्मी पृथ्वीमा आउनेछन् र रातभरि नसुतेका मानिसहरूलाई आशीर्वाद दिनेछन् । यस दिन पछि हिन्दुहरुको सबै भन्दा महत्त्वपूर्ण र नेपालका मान्छेहरुले मनाउने सबै भन्दा लामो चाड को अन्त्य हुन्छ।

दशैंमा राइता, सिकर्नी, रसवरी, ताजा अचार, दही, फलफूल, हरिया तरकारी, फलफूल, गेडागुडी, सुप, रोटीका परिकार घरैमा बनाएर खान सकेमा स्वस्थ र स्वादिलो दसैं बन्छ ।  यी परिकार मांसाहारीले पनि खाएमा फाइदा पुर्याउँछ ।

नेपालीहरुको महान पर्व दशैंमा प्रवेश गरिसकेका छौं । कतिले दसैंलाई मासुको पर्वका रुपमा पनि लिन्छन् । दसैंलाई लक्षित गरेरै विदेशबाट खसी–च्याङ्रग्रा आयात हुन्छ । अर्थात मासु र दसैं पर्व पर्यायवाची जस्तै बनेको छ ।
दसैंमा विभिन्न समुदायले आ–आफ्नो परम्परा अनुसार भुटन, मासु, झोल जस्ता परिकार बनाएर खाने चलन छ ।

Coffee in Kathmandu ,Pokhara or Delhi

 I love coffee. Coffee is life. Let’s be clear about that. To me, coffee drinking is just as much a rite of passage as say, your first beer. Or a glass of wine. It is an adult beverage. Youngsters can drink it, of course. But it takes time to learn about its intricacies. One must have experience to know that all coffees are not alike. And while each one has its own style and personality, you will not like them all.Most of us admit that we can’t function without a good cup of fragrant coffee in the morning. We cherish our favourite brew like liquid gold and wrinkle our noses at the thought of burnt beans. But when it comes to cooking with coffee we tend to leave our grounds on the shelf.

Our modern diet leans heavily on salty and sweet flavour profiles, with sour and umami flavours (umami is savoury – often described as brothy or meaty and is found in foods like miso or mushrooms) occasionally being added in an attempt to balance it all out. Coffee on the other hand falls squarely into the bitter category. Without understanding how a balance of bitter flavours can improve a dish we tend to leave it out of our recipes and never even consider adding it to our spice rack.

It doesn’t have to be that way though. Isn’t it about time we found some new ways to enjoy our favourite caffeine fix?

I love coffee in India and Nepal and blog its importance for many years .Ethiopia is widely considered to be the epicentre of where coffee came from. If you’ve ever googled “coffee history”, you will have come across the famous story of how coffee was founded in Ethiopia by Kaldi, an Ethiopian goat herder, around 800 AD.

He wandered over to his goats to see them acting very strangely. They were energised and excited after eating some berries from a tree. After trying the berries himself, and also feeling excitable and alert, Kaldi took these berries to a monk.

The monks exclaimed that it was the work of the devil and threw the berries into the fire. In doing so, a beautiful, heavenly aroma was released and the berries were quickly raked from the fire and crushed into embers. Realising their mistake, the berries were then placed into a jug and covered with hot water for preservation.

The monks then went on to drink this lovely new concoction, only to realise it helped them stay awake during nightly devotions and prayers.

Of course, this is probably just a wonderful legend and the history of coffee is more likely to lie with the Oromo/Galla people, from a nomadic tribe.

As it’s thought that coffee originated in Ethiopia, it’s also believed it made its way north, across the red sea into Yemen in the 15th Century. It then started to be grown here in the Yemeni district of Arabia, and by the 16th century it was known in Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey.

It was immensely popular for its qualities to help improve alertness and wakefulness, allowing people to devote more time to spiritual matters and praying.

The world’s first coffee house was opened in Constantinople in 1475, now known as Istanbul. Coffee was drunk at home as part of the daily routine, as well as to show hospitality to guests. Outside of the home, people visited coffee houses to not only drink coffee but to engage in conversation, listen to music, watch performers, play chess, gossip and catch up on news. Without the modern technologies we have today, coffee houses quickly became the epicentre for exchanging and gaining information. They were often referred to as “Schools of the Wise.”

And with thousands of pilgrims visiting Mecca each year from all over the world, knowledge of this “wine of Araby”, which it quickly became referred to, began to spread.

Then the course of coffee history begins to change. This exotic beverage certainly caused a stir for European travellers who were filled with intrigue and fascination. So, by the 17th century, coffee had made its way to Europe and became increasingly popular across the continent.

European coffee history begins in Italy, where it was imported from the Ottoman Empire. In particular, Venetian merchants contributed to the widespread popularity of coffee in European regions and in 1645, the first ever European coffee house was opened in Venice. Drinking coffee became a great commodity, especially for wealthy people.

Through the Dutch East India Company and British East India Company, coffee also became very popular in England. The first coffee house in England opened in Oxford in 1651 and many others quickly popped up, particularly in London. Coffee houses were strictly for men only, where they could discuss business and news, as well as socialise. It is said that many business ventures and ideas started in London coffee houses.

Coffee was then introduced to Paris, France in 1669 by Suleyman Aga, the ambassador to the court of King Louis XIV of France. He was armed with bags of coffee described as a “magical beverage”. Only two years later in 1671, an Armenian who went by the name Pascal, opened a coffee-drinking booth at the fair of St.-Germain. Visitors very quickly learned to look for the “petit noir" a name that still endures. This marked the beginning of Parisian coffee houses, which of course, inspired coffee houses to open across France.

Over the next 30 years, coffee became cultural staples in Austria, Germany, Spain, and the rest of Europe. However, growing coffee in Europe was a struggle, due to its naturally colder climates. European traders would later start to grow coffee elsewhere.

Shiva Purana

 In popular Hinduism, Shiva is considered one the three highest aspects of Brahman, or one of the Trimurthis, and identified with the universal function of destruction. His abode is Kailas and his consort Parvathi. Ganesha and Kartikeya are his divine sons, who also occupy an important place in the Hindu pantheon. Shiva's vehicle is Nandi, the divine bull. Saivism is the most popular sect of Hinduism, next to Vaishnavism. Shaivism is a tradition of the masses. It rejects caste privileges that come with birth and exclusive rights of Brahmanas in Hindu ritual traditions.

At one time, Shaivism was indeed the most popular sect of Hinduism. Even today , Shiva is worshipped by millions people not only in India but elsewhere also where Hindus live. Shiva goes by many names and has many forms which include his pleasant and fierce forms. Shiva is also the most popular deity of Tantra and Shakta traditions. Nearly 80% of Hindu literature is dedicated to either Shiva or Vishnu or Shakti, which include the Vedas, the epics, the Puranas and the Agama Shastras. The following are the ten most important reasons why Shiva is a popular Hindu deity and why he is venerated by millions of Hindus.

1. Shiva is easily pleased.

Shiva is known to grant boons to his devotees frequently, even if they happen to be some really wicked ones. He is called Bholenath, the innocent one, because he is pure in heart and easy to please. Which means, if you love him and worship him, and even if you have some defects and weaknesses, you can be sure of his love and compassion.The original manuscript of Shiva Purana consisted of 100,000 verses that were set out in twelve Samhitas (books). It has been written by Romaharshana, who was the disciple of Sage Vyasa, belonging to the Suta class.

Its surviving manuscripts have been found in many different versions and content. For example, one major version has seven books; another version has six books, and the third version is traced to the medieval Bengal region of the Indian Subcontinent that has two large sections, namely the “Purva-Khanda” and the “Uttara Khanda.”

However, like other Puranas, Shiva Purana also existed as a living text that was occasionally edited, recast, as well as revised over a long period. It is estimated that the oldest manuscript of surviving texts had been likely composed around 10th to 11th century CE. Some of its chapters were likely composed after the 14th century.

The Shiva Purana contains several chapters that are centered on Shiva cosmology,

Signs of death according to Shiv Puran

Shiva Purana describes eleven signs that indicate the death of a person. Lord Shiva told Goddess Parvati about the following signs of death:

• A person cannot see his or her shadow if one month is left in a death
• If the tongue of a person gets swollen suddenly and teeth are filled with puss, then it means that death is very close
• If the tongue, mouth, ear, eyes, and nose become hard like a stone, then it means that the person has a month only to leave this world
• If a person is not able to see any color except black color, then it means that death will happen very soon
• If a person begins to see the sun, moon, and sky as red, then it means that death is very close
• When a person dreams of an owl, then it indicates that death is very near
• If a person left-hand goes on twitching, then it signals that death is very near
• If a person is not able to locate the Dhruva star in the sky, then it means that the person will die within six months maximum
• If a person is not able to view his or her reflection in the water, mirror, and oil, then it means that death is going to happen soon
• If a person gets suddenly surrounded by blue flies, then it means that he or she will die within a month
• If a crow, vulture, or pigeon sits on someone’s head, then it means that death is near
• If the color of a person turns into pale yellow, then it is indicative that death will occur shortly
• When a person is not able to see the light of the sun, moon, stars, and fire, then it means that the person will die within six months

12 Jyotirlinga according to Shiva Purana

, according to Shiva Purana, are as follows:

• Kedarnath in the Himalayas
• Bhima Shankar in Dakinya
• Viswesvara in Varanasi
• Triambakeshwar on the banks of River Gautami
• Somnath in Saurashtra
• Mallikarjuna in Sri Sailam
• Mahakaal in Ujjain
• Amareswara at Omkara
• Vaidyanath in Chitha Bhumi
• Nagesa at Daruka
• Rameshwara in Setu Bandhanan
• Ghrishneswara

Can anyone read Shiva Purana at home?

Not only Shiva Purana but also all other Puranas as well are sacred religious texts of Hinduism. So, you can certainly keep any of the Hindu Purana literature (including Shiva Purana) at home as they are pure and pious religious documents of life at large.

The Shiva Purana is a holy religious text that should not only be kept at home but read and understood well. It goes on to enhance your understanding of life. All these religious texts, including Shiva Purana, tell the truth of life, which may not be sweet to you. So, you should be prepared to face the truth.

The Shiva Purana should be placed in a clean, neat, and sanctified place in your home. You should read them slowly so that you can digest their sayings. It will help to resolve you as a person.

So, now you should have got clarity on the subject of whether you should read Shiva Purana at home.

Shiva Purana Book

The Shiva Purana Book is available in Kindle Edition. Many other publishers have also come up with numerous editions of Shiva Purana. For example, Geetapress Gorakhpur has come up with Hardcover Shiva Purana in four volumes. It is cheaply priced and available at all leading online stores .

 mythology, and relationship with Gods, Yoga, Ethics, Pilgrimage Sites, Bhakti, Rivers, as well as Geography and other topics.

The Shiva Purana also throws significant insights on Advaita Vedanta philosophy. The text proves an important source of historical information on the theology behind Shaivism around 2nd-millennium CE.