Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Thursday, November 13 2025 – It is Krishna Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Ashtami tithi or the eighth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 4 :06 AM on November 13. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 3 :42 AM on November 14. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on November 13, 2025 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Ashlesha or Ayilyam nakshatra till 12:16 AM on November 13. Then onward it is Magha or Makam nakshatra till 12:24 AM on November 14. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south...

The Story of the Amrita Kalasha: Origin and Significance in Hindu Tradition In Hindu tradition, the kalasha—a sacred pot often seen at domestic ceremonies and temple entrances—traces its origin to a profound cosmic event. Known as the Amrita Kalasha or “pot of nectar,” this vessel embodies the divine essence of life, knowledge, and renewal. Its story is inseparable from the creative acts of Brahma, the universal progenitor, and the cyclical rhythms of dissolution and rebirth that define Hindu cosmology. Origin of the Amrita Kalasha At the dawn of creation, Brahma sought to preserve the seeds of every living organism, along with the wisdom of the Vedas and Puranas. He gathered these primal elements into a large vessel called a kumbha (pot). This pot, suffused with amrita (nectar of immortality), became known as the Amrita Kalasha. Brahma’s intention was twofold: to safeguard the continuity of life and to enshrine the sacred teachings that guide dharma. In crafting the Amrita Kalasha...

Understanding Prakriti: The Material World in Vishishtadvaita Vedanta What is Prakriti in Vishishtadvaita Vedanta ? Imagine everything around you - the trees, the mountains, your body, the water you drink, and even the air you breathe. All of this together is called Prakriti. In simple words, Prakriti means nature or the material world. It is everything we can see, touch, and feel. In the Vishishtadvaita Vedanta philosophy, which is a special way of understanding God and the universe taught by the great saint Ramanuja, Prakriti has a very important place. Here, it is also called 'acit', which means something that does not have consciousness or awareness. Unlike human beings who can think, feel, and make decisions, Prakriti cannot think on its own. A stone cannot decide to move, and a river cannot choose where to flow - they simply exist and follow natural laws. Prakriti as a Real and Permanent Reality One beautiful teaching of Vishishtadvaita is that Prakriti is not an ill...

Madanaparijata, authored by Vishveshwara Bhatta, stands as an extensive digest of dharmashastra, a genre of ancient Indian legal and ethical texts that encompass guidelines for righteous living. Vishveshvara Bhatta is believed to have written this work during the period of 1360-1390 CE. He served as a court pundit for King Madanapala, the ruler of a small state situated north of Delhi, along the banks of the Yamuna River. The work covers a diverse range of topics related to dharma, or righteous living, and serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals in different stages of life. The contents of Madanaparijata can be outlined as follows: Brahmacharya (Studenthood): The text provides guidance on the duties and conduct expected from individuals during their student phase, emphasizing the importance of learning and character development. Duties of Householders: This section elaborates on the responsibilities and ethical conduct expected from individuals once they enter the hou...

Abhagna Yoga: The Unbroken Stream of Contemplative Union Abhagna Yoga derives its name from the Sanskrit roots “abhaya” (steadfast or unbroken) and “anga” (limb or component), collectively pointing to a state of uninterrupted contemplative absorption. Cited in the Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata, this form of yoga elevates the mind beyond distraction, anchoring it in a continuous stream of inner witnessing. An Abhayang Yogi is one who attains such a depth of focus that the flow of awareness remains undisturbed by external or internal turbulence. Symbolism of Unbroken Contemplation At the heart of Abhagna Yoga lies the metaphor of the flame sheltered from wind. Just as a lamp’s flame burns steadily when shielded from gusts, so too does the mind of the yogi remain bright and unwavering when protected by the discipline of sustained attention. The flame signifies pure awareness, and the shelter represents the techniques of breath regulation and mental restraint that guard against the wi...

 Preta Kalyanam, which literally means “the marriage of the dead" is followed by certain communities of South Karnataka and the Kasaragod district of Kerala. This centuries-old tradition is still carefully observed even today. But why does this happen? Behind it lies a deep belief and unspoken grief. People of these societies believe that children or adolescents who die before reaching marriageable age—usually before 18—do not find peace after death. Because of this incompleteness, these restless souls are thought to bring misfortune to their living relatives, especially to those trying to conceive children or those who remain unmarried. To avoid such misfortunes, families consult an astrologer, who declares that the only way for the soul to attain moksha (liberation) is through marriage. Thus, to ensure the peace of their deceased child’s soul, families arrange such a marriage once the child’s spirit reaches a symbolic marriageable age. They believe that those who have de...

The Spiritual Significance and Benefits of Donating Bangles in Hinduism In Hindu tradition, bangles are more than just ornaments. They hold deep spiritual, cultural, and symbolic significance, especially for women. Donating bangles is considered an auspicious act that not only benefits the receiver but also blesses the giver with prosperity, peace, and spiritual merit. This practice has roots in the scriptures and has been cherished for generations as a sacred form of charity. Symbolism of Bangles in Hinduism Bangles are seen as symbols of beauty, grace, and marital bliss. For a married woman, they signify the well-being of her husband and the prosperity of her household. The circular shape of a bangle represents the eternal nature of life, having no beginning or end, much like the cycle of birth and rebirth. In spiritual terms, bangles are believed to attract positive vibrations, promote harmony, and protect against negative energies. Spiritual Importance of Donating Bangles Dona...

The Divine Descent: Understanding Hindu Avatars as Eternal Truth Manifesting in Time The profound concept of avatar in Hindu tradition represents one of the most extraordinary spiritual principles known to humanity - the infinite, eternal, and formless Supreme Reality voluntarily assuming finite form to guide creation back to its divine source. This sacred manifestation occurs when the timeless essence of the Divine chooses to operate within the boundaries of time and space, becoming accessible to human understanding while retaining its essential nature. The Sacred Purpose of Divine Incarnation The appearance of avatars serves as divine intervention during critical periods when dharma (righteous order) faces decline and adharma (unrighteousness) threatens to overwhelm the world. The Bhagavad Gita eloquently states that whenever righteousness wanes and unrighteousness increases, the Divine manifests itself to protect the virtuous, destroy evil, and reestablish cosmic order. This div...

The perspective that it is "foolish to claim one religion or philosophy as eternal while dismissing others" resonates profoundly in Hinduism, a tradition that values inclusivity, plurality, and the appreciation of multiple paths to the Divine. This view highlights the importance of humility, openness, and understanding of diverse approaches to spirituality. In Hindu philosophy, the essence of wisdom lies not in rigid dogmas but in a flexible, accepting, and eternal quest for truth, irrespective of the path chosen. This idea is reflected across Hindu scriptures, particularly the Bhagavad Gita, the Yoga Vasistha, and the Ashtavakra Gita. Scriptural Basis and Symbolism Bhagavad Gita In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna addresses the plurality of paths by saying: “Whosoever desires to worship whatsoever deity with faith, I make their faith steady in that very deity." (Bhagavad Gita 7.21) This verse emphasizes that all paths, when pursued with sincerity, lead toward the same ul...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Wednesday, November 12 2025 – It is Krishna Paksha Ashtami tithi or the eighth day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Saptami tithi or the seventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 5 :02 AM on November 12. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Ashtami tithi or the eighth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 4 :06 AM on November 13. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on November 12, 2025 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Pushya or Poosam or Pooyam nakshatra till 12:37 AM on November 12. Then onward it is Ashlesha or Ayilyam nakshatra till 12:16 AM on November 13. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north K...