In Hinduism, the concept of the divine is multifaceted and nuanced, far beyond just being a complaint center or wish dispenser. While there are various deities worshipped for different aspects of life and existence, the core teachings emphasize self-realization, spiritual growth , and understanding the interconnectedness of all things. The idea of Ishvara (Supreme Being) encompasses both immanence and transcendence, meaning the divine is both within and beyond the material world. Hindus believe in the concept of karma, which suggests that actions have consequences and one's destiny is shaped by their deeds. Therefore, instead of simply granting wishes, the divine is seen as guiding individuals towards fulfilling their karma and ultimately attaining moksha (liberation) from the cycle of birth and death. Hindu prayer and worship are deeply rooted in the concept of devotion, gratitude, and seeking divine guidance. Unlike some other religious practices that might focus solely on pe

Akkamahadevi is a woman mystic of Karnataka of the Veerashaiva tradition. She lived around 1160 CE and was rebel in many ways. Her life was marked by a continuous struggle for the rights of women . Here is the life story of Akkamahadevi. Akkamahadevi Family Akkamahadevi was born in Udutadi near Balligave of Shimoga district to Sumathi and Nirmala. Akkamahadevi Marriage When she came of age, she was so beautiful that the ruler of the area, Kaushika, wanted to marry her. But Akkamahadevi was not inclined to worldly pleasures. Though she initially resisted, her parents prevailed upon her to yield to the wishes of the king. She agreed but on the condition that she would leave him the moment he became an obstacle to her on her way to god realization. Soon after her marriage, she got disenchanted with the life in the palace. She left it and went to Kalyana in search of Chenna Mallikarjuna (Shiva), her spiritual husband. She participated in the seminars held at Anubhava Mantapa, a rel

Hetu-Udaya Bhagavata is a fascinating text that delves into the concept of Shunya Brahma, composed by Ananta Dasa in the 16th century CE. This text provides detailed insights into the worship and meditation practices associated with Shunya Brahma, which can be understood as akin to Brahman, the ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy. The foundational practice outlined in the text emphasizes the importance of controlling the mind and invoking the guidance of the guru through the recitation of the guru-mantra. The guru is regarded as the beacon of spiritual wisdom who can lead the disciple on the path of enlightenment . Central to the meditation practice is the visualization of the dhavala-mandala, or the mystic marriage center, within the heart of the devotee. This mandala is envisioned as being adorned with the brilliance of pure gold and surrounded by pillars crafted from eight precious gems. Within this sacred pavilion, the divine couple Radha and Krishna, symbolizing the union of

Swami Samarth, a 19 th century Saint in Maharashtra, also known Akkalkot Maharaj , lived for many years at a place called Akkalkot and was considered a saint in the Dattatreya tradition (sampradaya). A tall and majestic figure of over six feet, he moved about as an avadhuta (with no garments on) displaying mastery over body consciousness and indifference to bodily requirements. He traveled extensively in the country, visiting many places of pilgrimage such as Girnar, Amte Jogai and Pandharpur. However, he stayed at Akkalkot for 22 years till his mahasamadhi in April 1878 CE. Swami Samarth is credited with numerous miracles such as restoring eyesight to the blind, curing chronic diseases, feed large crowds and eve resurrecting the dead. Once a firm dealing in films and cameras, in order to popularize photography in India, sent its official from Bombay (now Mumbai) to take the picture of the famous saint. The American photographer tried to take the picture of the saint without the lat

Sri Aurobindo's Integral Yoga represents a profound synthesis of various yogic paths and philosophies, aiming at the holistic transformation of the individual and the world. Let's delve deeper into its key components: Integration of Paths: Integral Yoga embraces Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion), Karma Yoga (the path of selfless action), and Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge) as integral components of its practice. Rather than advocating for one exclusive path, it recognizes the value and necessity of each approach in the spiritual journey. Perfection of the Whole Nature: Unlike some traditional yogic paths that focus solely on transcending the material world, Integral Yoga emphasizes the transformation of the entire human nature. It seeks to harmonize and elevate all aspects of the individual – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual – towards a state of integrated perfection. Divine Manifestation: Integral Yoga perceives the world not as an illusion to be renounc

Concept of Shiva in Lingayatism or Veerashaivism is an excerpt from an article titled ‘Lingayat Philosophy and Vedanta’ by Prof. N G Mahadevappa published in the Prabuddha Bharata Magazine January 2010 issue. Just because the Virashaivas call their God Shiva, it does not follow that the Shiva conceived by them is the same as that conceived by the Saiva Siddhantins. The Saiva Siddhantin concept of Shiva conforms to the Agamas. The Shiva of the Agamas and the Puranas is masculine, living in Kailas with his wife Parvati, sons Ganapati and Kumara, and a host of liberated persons and attendants like Bhringi and Nandi. He wears a garland of human skulls, has a snake round his neck, and the moon on his head. According to the Puranas, Shiva is one of the Trinity — the other two being Brahma and Bhagavan Vishnu — and his duty is to destroy the universe, while the duties of creation and maintenance of the world are assigned, respectively, to the other two deities. He grants wishes to his devo

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Wednesday, May 15 2024 – It is Shukla Paksha Saptami tithi or the seventh day of the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Saptami tithi or the seventh day of the waxing or light phase of moon till 5:55 AM on May 15. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Ashtami tithi or the eighth day of the waxing or light phase of moon till 7:26 AM on May 16. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on May 15, 2024 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Ashlesha or Ayilyam nakshatra till 5:04 PM on May 15. Then onward it is Magha or Makam nakshatra till 7:19 PM on May 16. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Ashlesha or Ayilyam nakshatra til

 "Do not keep Bhagavad Gita for old age – it is for all ages" is a statement that emphasizes the universal relevance and timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text in Hinduism . The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to simply as the Gita, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. It is a conversation between Prince Arjuna and Bhagavan Sri Krishna, who serves as his charioteer. Set on the battlefield of Kurukshetra just before the start of a great war, the Gita addresses profound questions about duty, righteousness, morality, and the nature of existence. The Gita's teachings are not limited to any specific age group or stage of life. Its lessons are relevant to people of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of their circumstances. The principles discussed in the Gita can guide individuals in navigating the complexities of life, making decisions, and finding inner peace and fulfillment. The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to as the

Baudhayana Sulbasutra is a text which addresses the construction of Vedic altars for the performance of yajnas. The altars are prepared with the help of a rope – sulba – and hence they are called Sulbasutras. These sutras are presented in ten sub divisions. This appears as Chapter 30 in Baudhayana Srauta Sutra. The construction of the square and other figures is explained in Baudhayana Sulba Sutra. The merger of square and rectangles, and also the dimensions of the area of a given square or rectangle, are given vividly. Similarly, conversion of a square into a circle or vice versa has been explained in an easy way. The altars for Adhana and Somayaga are given in a simple way . Mahagnicayana is described in a descriptive manner. Arranging bricks in a falcon syena citi (bird shape) is described in adherence to the Vedic texts (Taittiriya Samhita). The other options of arranging the bricks in the form of triangle, rhombus, circle, circle with handle and in the form of a turtle are exp

Indraloka, the celestial realm ruled by Indra, the king of Devas, is a fascinating concept deeply rooted in Hindu tradition and philosophy. Often equated with heaven, Indraloka is depicted as a realm of immense beauty, harmony, and divine splendor. The world is variously mentioned in Puranas , epics and other scriptures. At the gates of Indraloka stands Airavata, the majestic white elephant of Indra, symbolizing power and prosperity. The divine city of Amaravati, with its opulent palaces and heavenly gardens, is said to be located within this celestial realm, serving as the capital of Indra's kingdom. Indraloka is inhabited by a myriad of celestial beings, including siddhas (perfected beings), charanas (celestial musicians), apsaras (celestial nymphs), gandharvas (celestial musicians), brahmarishis (divine sages), and various other deities. The Nandana grove within Indraloka is adorned with sacred trees and celestial flowers, emitting enchanting fragrances that fill the air wit