Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Sunday, November 16 2025 – It is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 4 :23 AM on November 16. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 5 :28 AM on November 17. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on November 16, 2025 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Uttara Phalguni or Uthram nakshatra till 2:08 AM on November 16. Then onward it is Hasta or Atham nakshatra till 3:44 AM on November 17. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnat...

Dhritarashtra’s Subtle Move: The Emissary to Arjuna and the Hidden Psychological Battle The Mahabharata is not just an epic of war; it is an intricate web of human emotions, political strategies, and spiritual lessons. One of the lesser-discussed yet profoundly significant episodes occurs before the first arrow is shot in the Kurukshetra War. King Dhritarashtra, the blind monarch of Hastinapura, makes a shrewd and calculated move — he sends Sanjaya, his trusted charioteer and adviser, as an emissary to Arjuna on the eve of the great war. This action, while seemingly a diplomatic gesture, carried a hidden psychological agenda. The Context Before the War Kurukshetra was not merely a battlefield; it was a ground where blood ties, guru-disciple bonds, and friendships were about to be tested in the most extreme way possible. Arjuna, the Pandava prince and one of the greatest warriors of his time, was preparing to fight not strangers, but his own relatives, teachers, and friends who stood...

Duryodhana Had Experienced Warriors But Still He Lost. Why? The Illusion of Strength Without Righteousness In the great epic Mahabharata, Duryodhana commanded one of the most formidable armies ever assembled in history. His side had the mighty Bhishma, the invincible Karna, the experienced Drona, and many other warriors whose skill and experience were unmatched. On paper, the Kaurava side appeared far superior to the Pandavas in terms of sheer strength, numbers, and battlefield experience. Yet, when the dust of Kurukshetra settled, Duryodhana and his cause lay defeated. The primary reason was not the lack of power, resources, or talent. It was that the foundation of his cause was not aligned with Dharma — the eternal principles of righteousness, justice, and moral order. In the end, it is Dharma that sustains victory, not mere might. The Power of Dharma in Battle In Hindu philosophy, Dharma is not simply religious duty; it is the cosmic law that maintains harmony in the universe. ...

Maharatha and Atiratha – Warriors of Extraordinary Valor in Hindu History The ancient epics of India, particularly the Mahabharata and Ramayana, describe different ranks and classifications of warriors based on their strength, skill, and battlefield capabilities. Two important warrior categories often mentioned are Maharatha and Atiratha . These classifications are not merely poetic titles; they reflect the military science, discipline, and valor recognized in Hindu dharma and history. The Concept of Warrior Classification In the age of kings and dharmic wars, warriors were not all equal in power or ability. The Shastras, as well as the great epics, classified warriors according to their capacity to hold their ground and overcome enemies in battle. The ability was measured not only by individual strength but also by mastery over weapons, understanding of military strategy, and resilience under overwhelming odds. Among these ranks, Maharatha and Atiratha stood as symbols of excepti...

Partha and Parthiva – The Symbol of the Mortal Seeker in the Bhagavad Gita In the opening chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, the battlefield of Kurukshetra becomes more than a stage for war — it becomes a metaphor for the eternal struggle within the human soul. Amid the names used for Arjuna, one stands out in Chapter 1, verse 25: Partha . At first glance, this name simply identifies him as the son of Kunti (also called Pritha). Yet, in the deeper language of Sanskrit and Vedic wisdom, Partha subtly connects to the term Parthiva , meaning “made of earth” or “clay-formed.” This association is far from accidental. It carries profound symbolic weight in the Gita’s message, presenting Arjuna not only as a historical warrior but as the eternal representative of mortal humanity, standing before the Immortal. The Dual Meaning of Partha The name Partha functions on two levels. Lineage and Identity – In its literal sense, Partha means “son of Pritha,” reminding us of Arjuna’s noble heritage...

Hrishikesha – The Lord of the Senses and the Master of Inner Harmony Among the many divine names of Bhagavan Sri Krishna, "Hrishikesha" holds a deep philosophical and spiritual significance. It is not merely a poetic title but a revelation of the divine nature of Krishna as described in the sacred scriptures of Sanatana Dharma. The name appears in various places in the Mahabharata, especially in the Bhagavad Gita, where Arjuna often addresses Krishna as Hrishikesha. This title is layered with meaning, symbolism, and universal lessons for human life. Etymology and Core Meaning The word Hrishikesha is formed by combining two Sanskrit terms – Hrishika meaning the senses, and Isha meaning the Lord or master. Thus, Hrishikesha translates as "The Lord of the Senses." In this sense, Krishna is the supreme controller of all sensory faculties – both in individual beings and in the cosmic sense. There is also a lesser-used interpretation based on Hrishi (short) and Kes...

The Troubled Conscience: How Duryodhana's Restlessness Reveals Universal Truths About Dharma and Inner Peace The Opening Scene: A Study in Moral Disquiet The Bhagavad Gita opens with a profound psychological portrait that has resonated with seekers for millennia. In the very first verses of Chapter 1, we witness King Dhritarashtra asking Sanjaya about the events unfolding on the sacred battlefield of Kurukshetra. Almost immediately, the narrative turns to Duryodhana, who approaches his teacher Dronacharya in a state of visible agitation and uncertainty (Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 verse 2). This seemingly simple scene carries layers of spiritual and psychological significance that extend far beyond its historical context. Duryodhana's unsettled demeanor at the beginning of the great war serves as a mirror reflecting the inner turmoil that inevitably accompanies adharmic actions. The Psychology of Unrighteousness Duryodhana's restlessness stems from a fundamental disconnect...

The Hindu teaching that "A well-trained and controlled mind is better than a powerful army" is an age-old wisdom that speaks to the power of mental discipline, self-control, and inner strength. This teaching resonates universally because it highlights the importance of mastering the self rather than seeking external force or domination, a theme deeply embedded in Hindu philosophy, especially in texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads . In modern times, where external challenges abound and mental health issues are prevalent, this teaching offers timeless guidance. Let's delve into its meaning, symbolism, and relevance across the ages. Meaning and Deep Symbolism The statement underscores that the mind, when disciplined, becomes a source of unparalleled strength, capable of overcoming obstacles, fears, and adversities. The army symbolizes external force, while the mind represents internal mastery. In Hinduism, the mind is often described as both a friend and a foe. ...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Saturday, November 15 2025 – It is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 3 :47 AM on November 15. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 4 :23 AM on November 16. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on November 15, 2025 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Purva Phalguni or Pooram nakshatra till 1:01 AM on November 15. Then onward it is Uttaraphalguni or Uthram nakshatra till 2:08 AM on November 16. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, nor...

  Beyond the Warrior: Kartik's Unique Agricultural Identity in Bengali Tradition A God of Many Faces Kartik, the divine son of Shiva and Parvati, occupies a unique position in Hindu tradition that varies remarkably across the Indian subcontinent. While South India reveres him as Murugan or Subrahmanya, the mighty Deva Senapati who leads celestial armies, and while northern regions invoke him during Chhath Puja celebrations, Bengal has preserved an entirely distinct understanding of this deity. Here, Kartik transcends his martial associations to become the beloved protector of crops, the guardian of harvests, and the benevolent granter of fertility and children. He also arrives along with his mother during the Durga Puja. This transformation reflects the deep agricultural roots of Bengali culture and demonstrates how Hindu traditions adapt to regional needs while maintaining their spiritual essence. The Bengali veneration of Kartik speaks to an ancient agricultural society's ...