Often perceived as a fierce aspect of Shiva, Rudra is in truth a compassionate deity—the great physician and healer. Closely associated with untamed forests and lofty mountains, Rudra embodies the hidden knowledge of plants, roots, barks and herbs. He stands as the sovereign of all medicines, tending the wounds of body and mind alike. Far from the temples of civilization, his votaries lived as forest dwellers, learning the secrets of health and longevity from the god himself. In this expanded exploration, we delve into Rudra’s enduring symbolism, his links to Pashupati, his place as a precursor to Ayurveda, and his continued relevance in worship and healing practices today. A Sovereign of Medicines From the earliest hymns of the Rig Veda, Rudra is praised not for destruction alone but for his power to soothe pain and cure disease. As the lord of plants, he grants the wisdom to identify safe roots and potent leaves. Those who sought his favor carried rudraksha seeds—believed to be the...

 The Chandogya Upanishad , one of the earliest and most significant Upanishads, offers invaluable insights into the development of the educational system during a period that dates back to 4000–2500 BCE. The text is an important source of knowledge not only in the realm of spirituality and metaphysics but also in terms of early Indian pedagogy, showcasing a holistic approach to learning that encompassed various sciences, arts, and practical skills. This vast intellectual landscape reflects an organized and sophisticated educational system that existed in ancient India. Educational System in the Chandogya Upanishad Holistic Education : The Chandogya Upanishad reflects an education system that extended far beyond the study of the four Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda). It highlights fifteen branches of knowledge , illustrating the breadth and depth of the educational curriculum at the time. This indicates that learning was not confined to religious or spiritual t...

Skanda Sashti festival is dedicated to Hindu God Muruga (Kartikeya or Subramanya). Kanda Sasti is observed in the Tamil Month Aippasi. Skanda Sashti 2025 dates are from October 22 begins with six-day fasting and ends on October 27, 2025 with Soorasamharam. Thirukalyanam is on November 8. Skanda Shasti celebrates the victory of Lord Skanda over demon Surapadman. Tamilians, especially Murugan devotees, around world observe fasting for six days before the festival. It is a major festival in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, other parts of South India, Sri Lanka , Malaysia , Singapore and South Africa . Son of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the divine incarnation of Skanda was to primarily annihilate the demons that had created anarchy on earth and restore Dharma. He was the commander of the army of the Devas. A six day battle took place with Demon Surapadman and on the sixth day Muruga killed Skanda killed Demon Surapadman (Soorasamharam) with his ‘Vel’ or lance. Legend has it t...

The Sacred Significance of 'Avali' in Deepavali: Understanding the Divine Lineup The Profound Meaning Behind the Sacred Suffix The festival of Deepavali, known as the Festival of Lights, carries within its very name a profound spiritual significance that connects devotees to one of the most sacred events in Hindu tradition. The suffix 'Avali' in Deepavali holds deep symbolic meaning, representing far more than a mere linguistic component—it embodies the essence of divine welcome, celestial order, and spiritual illumination. The word 'Avali' translates to 'lineup' or 'row,' signifying an orderly arrangement or sequence. This seemingly simple term carries the weight of cosmic history and divine intervention, reflecting the momentous occasion when Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean, bringing prosperity, abundance, and spiritual light to the universe. The Cosmic Event: Samudra Manthan and Divine Emergence The significa...

The Great Expectation Trap: How Hindu Wisdom Teaches Us to Stop Losing Ourselves in Others' Opinions In the grand theater of life, we often find ourselves playing a peculiar role - that of a beggar at the doorstep of others' approval. We stand there with our emotional bowls extended, hoping someone will drop a morsel of validation, a crumb of recognition, or perhaps a full feast of appreciation. But according to ancient Hindu wisdom, this very act of expectation is like trying to fill a bucket with holes - the more we pour in, the emptier we become. The Cosmic Comedy of Expectations Picture this: You're a magnificent tree, deeply rooted in the earth, capable of producing the sweetest fruits and providing shade to countless beings. But instead of recognizing your inherent worth, you spend your days anxiously watching the passersby, hoping they'll notice your beauty, praise your leaves, or thank you for your oxygen. The irony? While you're busy seeking their approv...

In Hindu philosophy, the concept of time, or kala (काल), holds immense significance. Time is regarded as one of the most powerful and valuable elements in existence. The saying, "To be wise is to use the treasure of time well," reflects the ancient Hindu understanding of time's preciousness and its role in shaping destiny. This wisdom, while rooted in ancient texts, holds deep meaning and importance in today's fast-paced world. Importance of Time in Hinduism In Hinduism, time is often viewed as a cycle, or Samsara , in which life, death, and rebirth recur endlessly. Lord Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, refers to himself as Kala , the eternal time, symbolizing its inevitable and unstoppable nature. Time is considered a gift, an opportunity given by the divine to fulfill one's dharma (duty) and karma (action). Time is also seen as a pathway to spiritual enlightenment. Managing time wisely is believed to be crucial for both material success and spiritual growth. Th...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Tuesday, October 28 2025 – It is Shukla Paksha Saptami tithi or the seventh day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Sashti tithi or the sixth day during till 3 :34 AM on October 28. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Saptami tithi or the seventh day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 4 :29 AM on October 29. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on October 28, 2025 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Purvashada or Pooradam nakshatra till 12:32 PM on October 28. Then onward it is Uttarashada or Uthradam nakshatra till 1:49 PM on October 29. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Purvashada or...

The Sacred Sixteen: Divine Cities Built for Goddess Shakti The ancient Hindu scriptures narrate a profound tale of divine intervention and cosmic architecture that speaks to the eternal triumph of good over evil. This sacred account tells of sixteen magnificent cities, each named Srinagar, established as sanctuaries for the worship of the Divine Mother, Goddess Lalithambika, and her consort Lord Kameswara. The Demonic Challenge of Pandasura In the cosmic order of creation, there arose a powerful demon named Pandasura whose ambitions knew no bounds. Driven by an insatiable hunger for immortality, he retreated to the remote mountain caves and forests, subjecting himself to the most rigorous tapas (penance) for countless years. His austerities were so severe that they shook the very foundations of the universe, compelling even the devas to take notice. When Lord Shiva finally appeared before the devoted yet misguided demon, Pandasura boldly requested the ultimate boon - eternal life w...

Kali Puja is observed on the Amavasya day in the month of Ashwin as per traditional Bengali calendar. Kali Puja 2025 date is October 20. The puja and ritual is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is widely held in eastern parts of India, mainly in Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam, Tripura and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and coincide with the Diwali festival. Most rituals associated with the Kali Puja begin at midnight. The ritual is also known as Dipannita Amavasya. History Of Kali Puja In Bengal On Kartik Amavasya Night The ritualistic worship of Kali on Diwali night is believed to have been popularized by Krishnananda Agamavagisha , a 16th-century Tantric scholar from Bengal. Raja Krishnachandra of Nadia (18th century) played a key role in promoting Kali Puja. Later, Ramakrishna Paramhansa , a great mystic saint and devotee of Kali, brought national and spiritual attention to the goddess. Kali Puja night is believed by some scholars to be linked to the ancient Yogini cults , ...

The Divine Practice: Why Sri Rama Never Had a Gap Between His Words and Actions We've all been there – standing in front of the mirror after a heavy meal, promising ourselves we'll start that diet "from tomorrow," or declaring at 2 AM that we'll definitely wake up at 5 AM for yoga. The gap between our noble intentions and actual actions is so wide, you could fit an entire circus through it! But imagine someone who never had this problem – someone whose words and deeds were perfectly aligned like a well-tuned orchestra. That someone was Sri Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, whose life story continues to inspire millions even today. The Ultimate Role Model Who Actually Walked the Talk While most of us struggle to keep even our New Year resolutions past January 15th, Sri Rama demonstrated throughout his life that preaching and practicing need not be mutually exclusive activities. The Ramayana presents us with a character who embodied dharma not just in gran...