Srisailam's Divine Light: The Story of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga and Kartikeya's Devotion The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga at Srisailam stands as one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas, representing the infinite cosmic pillar of light that is Lord Shiva himself. Nestled atop the Shaila mountain in southern India, this ancient temple holds profound spiritual significance and is revered as the Kailash of the South, drawing parallels to Mahadeva Shiva's celestial abode in the Himalayas. The Sacred Contest Between Brothers The story of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga unfolds through a divine episode involving Lord Shiva's two sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya. When the question arose regarding which son should be married first, Shiva and Parvati devised a test. They declared that whichever son could circumambulate the entire Earth first would receive the honor of being married before the other. Upon hearing this challenge, Kartikeya, mounted on his swift peacock, immediately embarked on his j...

When Gods Walk Among Us: Lord Shiva's Nightly Sojourn at Omkareshwar Temple - He Plays Ludo (Chausar or Pachisi) and Sleeps Here The Living Presence of the Divine Hinduism possesses a remarkable quality that distinguishes it from many spiritual traditions—the intimate, accessible nature of its deities. The gods are not distant, austere figures removed from worldly existence. Instead, they embody the full spectrum of life itself, including the need for rest, play, and companionship. This profound understanding manifests beautifully at the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Madhya Pradesh, where Lord Shiva, the supreme consciousness and destroyer of evil, is believed to arrive each night for respite and recreation. The Nightly Return of Mahadev According to ancient beliefs cherished by devotees for centuries, Lord Shiva completes his cosmic duties by traversing all three worlds—heaven, earth, and the netherworld—before retiring to Omkareshwar each evening. This sacred temple, nest...

Vedanta, one of the most profound and introspective streams of Hindu philosophy, has long inspired seekers to embark on an inner journey of self-investigation. At its core, Vedanta teaches that the true nature of reality, and ultimately our own self, is not something to be grasped through external means, but must be realized through direct experience and deep introspection. This journey of enquiry—often encapsulated in the simple yet profound question, “Who am I?”—has been the cornerstone of many spiritual traditions and is echoed in the words of revered teachers and ancient scriptures. The Call for Self-Inquiry The essence of Vedanta is captured by its persistent call to “enquire and investigate.” This is not a casual suggestion but an invitation to question everything we take for granted about our identity and existence. In the Upanishads, which form the bedrock of Vedantic thought, the ultimate quest is for the knowledge of the Self (Atman) and its relation to the Absolute (Brahman)...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Thursday, February 26 2026 – It is Shukla Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 2 :24 AM on February 26. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 12 :06 AM on February 27. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on February 26, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Mrigasira or Makayiram or Mrigasheersham Nakshatra till 11:56 AM on February 26. Then onward it is Ardra or Arudra or Thiruvathira Nakshatra till 10:25 AM on February 27. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, ...

The Two-Headed Golden Deer: Regional Variations in Ramayana's Abduction Episode The sacred narrative of Ramayana exists not as a singular monolithic text, but as a vibrant, living tradition that has flowered across the Indian subcontinent in countless regional interpretations. Among these fascinating variations, certain folk traditions from Kerala and Tamil Nadu preserve a distinctive version of Sita's abduction, where Ravana himself assumes the form of a two-headed golden deer—a departure from Valmiki's Ramayana where the rakshasa Maricha performs this role. The Folk Narrative from Southern India In this regional variant, the episode unfolds with remarkable dramatic intensity. Sita, captivated by the sight of an extraordinary two-headed golden deer near their forest dwelling, requests Rama to capture this wondrous creature. The twin heads serve a symbolic purpose—one head grazes while the other remains vigilant, making the deer exceptionally difficult to hunt and repres...

The Hindu Truth: Liberation Through Knowledge, Not Suffering The notion that God desires human suffering as a pathway to spiritual realization contradicts the fundamental teachings of Hindu philosophy. Hindu scriptures consistently emphasize that liberation, or moksha, arrives through knowledge, devotion, and righteous action—not through the glorification of pain and suffering. Understanding this distinction is essential for grasping the true nature of Hindu spiritual practice and its relevance to contemporary life. The Root of Suffering: Ignorance, Not Divine Will Hindu philosophy identifies avidya, or ignorance, as the primary cause of human suffering. The Bhagavad Gita states: "As the blazing fire reduces wood to ashes, O Arjuna, so does the fire of knowledge reduce all karma to ashes" (Bhagavad Gita 4.37). This verse illuminates that knowledge—not suffering—burns away the bonds that keep us trapped in cycles of pain and rebirth. The suffering we experience is not a di...

Dantadhavana, or the act of cleaning one's teeth, holds significant importance in Hinduism as part of personal hygiene and daily rituals. Hindu sages emphasized the importance of cleanliness, both of the body and the surroundings, as it contributes to peace of mind and overall well-being. The guidelines for personal hygiene, including danta dhavana, are meticulously detailed in ancient texts known as the dharmashastras. The practice of danta dhavana involves using a small piece of twig taken from specific plants or trees with medicinal properties. These twigs are shaped into makeshift toothbrushes by crushing one end. Interestingly, even this seemingly mundane act of cleaning one's teeth is accompanied by chanting certain mantras. These mantras are intended to invoke blessings for a long and healthy life, strength, good memory, and intelligence. The most preferred twigs for dantadhavana are those from the mango and neem trees, both of which have known medicinal properties. ...

When Shiva Withdrew His Protection: Ravana's Unforgivable Betrayal of the Sanyasi's Sacred Trust The abduction of Sita by Ravana stands as one of the most pivotal moments in the Ramayana, setting in motion events that would lead to the demon king's ultimate destruction. While various retellings across the Indian subcontinent narrate this episode differently, a significant number emphasize a particular detail that carries profound spiritual and social implications: Ravana's disguise as a sanyasi, a wandering mendicant, to approach and deceive Sita. The Treacherous Disguise In the Valmiki Ramayana, when Ravana approaches Sita in the Panchavati forest, he assumes the form of a holy ascetic. The text describes how he took on the appearance of a mendicant seeking alms, complete with the sacred thread, matted hair, and ochre robes that commanded respect and trust. This disguise was not merely a tactical choice but represented a fundamental violation of dharma that would ha...

  The Deep Symbolism of Rahu Navagraha: The Snake Head In the intricate tapestry of Vedic astrology and Hindu mythology, few figures are as enigmatic and symbolically rich as Rahu. Depicted exclusively as a serpent’s head without a body, Rahu stands apart among the Navagraha (nine planetary deities) as a potent emblem of desire, illusion, and transformation. His form—merely the head of a once-whole serpent, with the remainder of the creature represented by Ketu—invites us to delve into a narrative that spans myth, symbolism, and modern-day relevance. Mythological Origins: The Story Behind the Severed Serpent The tale of Rahu originates in one of Hinduism’s most celebrated myths: the churning of the cosmic ocean, or Samudra Manthan . During this event, gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) cooperated to extract the nectar of immortality ( amrita ) from the depths of the primordial ocean. However, deceit soon marred the process. Rahu, a demon who had covertly disguised himself among the g...

The Enlightened Walk Among Us: Understanding True Liberation in Hindu Philosophy The Misconception of Extraordinary Behavior A persistent misunderstanding pervades spiritual circles today: the belief that enlightened beings must behave, dress, or speak in extraordinary ways that set them apart from ordinary people. This notion has been perpetuated by those who commercialize spirituality, donning elaborate costumes, adopting artificial mannerisms, and creating theatrical performances around the concept of enlightenment. However, the authentic teachings of Hinduism present a strikingly different picture. The truly enlightened person, according to Hindu scriptures, is someone who appears remarkably normal, living seamlessly within society while embodying profound inner transformation. The Bhagavad Gita's Portrait of the Enlightened The Bhagavad Gita provides perhaps the clearest description of what genuine enlightenment looks like in daily life. When Arjuna asks Krishna about the ...