Among the many hand-held emblems, or ayudhas , found in Hindu sculptural art, the tanka occupies a modest yet meaningful place. Known in Sanskrit as tanka , this small axe or hatchet-like implement is closely related to the parasu , the larger battle-axe, but is distinguished by its size, form, and function within iconographic tradition. It belongs to the broader category of chopping and cutting instruments, and is generally classified as a secondary attribute rather than a primary weapon of divine power. Origin and Classification In the classical texts on iconometry and image-making, collectively known as the Shilpa Shastras and Agamas, every object placed in the hands of a deity carries deliberate meaning. The tanka finds its origins as a craftsman's tool, essentially a mason's or sculptor's chisel used for carving stone. Over time, this everyday implement was absorbed into the iconographic vocabulary of temple art, appearing as a subsidiary emblem in the hands of c...

Prosperity, Thought, Sleep and Nourishment: The Fourfold Lakshmi Around Anantasayana Vishnu Among the most contemplated forms of Bhagavan Vishnu in Hindu iconography and philosophy is the Anantasayana murti — Bhagavan reclining upon Anantashesha, the endless serpent, afloat on the cosmic ocean of milk, Kshirasagara. This image does not depict a moment within creation, but the state before creation, the interval between the dissolution of one cycle of the universe and the dawn of the next. It is, therefore, a picture of pure potential — of the Supreme at rest, holding within Himself all that is yet to unfold. The Fourfold Lakshmi Traditional descriptions of this form speak of Lakshmi manifesting in four directions around Bhagavan — chaturdisham tasya chaturatmyam — as four distinct energies: Lakshmi (prosperity and abundance), Chinta (thought and contemplative awareness), Nidra (sleep, specifically Bhagavan's yogic slumber, yoga-nidra), and Pushti (nourishment and sustenance). E...

The Art of Inner Revolution: How Hinduism Teaches Us to Change Our Lens, Not the Landscape We live in an age of control freaks. We want to control the weather with our apps, control our wrinkles with our creams, and control our destiny with our vision boards. But here's the cosmic joke that Hinduism has been trying to tell us for millennia: you're not the director of this universal drama—you're just an actor. And the sooner you stop trying to rewrite everyone else's scripts, the sooner you'll actually enjoy the show. The Unchangeable Dance of the Universe The Bhagavad Gita, that timeless conversation between Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, opens with a fundamental truth about existence. In Chapter 2, Verse 47, Krishna declares: "Karmanyevadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana" (You have the right to perform your duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions). Think about that for a moment. You can choose your actions, b...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Wednesday, October 28 2026 – It is Krishna Paksha Dwitiya and Tritiya tithi or the second and third day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Dwitiya tithi or the second day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 6 :35 AM on October 28. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Tritiya tithi or the third day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 4 :27 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, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Krittika or Karthigai or Karthika nakshatra till 5:01 PM on October 28. Then onward it is Rohini nakshatra till 3:33 PM on October 29. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Guj...

Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is famous for its food offerings and delicacies. Among the grand spread, one dish is almost indispensable — the “bhoger khichuri” (offering of khichuri)! Many believe that the worship of Goddess Lakshmi feels incomplete without offering khichuri. Let us explore the symbolism and the story associated with it. Why is bhoger khichuri essential? Offering khichuri during Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is an age-old tradition, deeply rooted in Bengali households. Though the items in the offering may vary slightly by region — for instance, some offer ilish (hilsa fish), while others prepare a completely vegetarian feast — khichuri holds a special place. It is not merely a simple dish, but one of profound cultural and spiritual significance. Bhoger khichuri is not just a culinary custom. It is a sweet symbol of prosperity, unity, and purity — a tradition that has become inseparable from the worship of Goddess Lakshmi in Bengali homes for generations. Symbol of Wealth and Pro...

Yudhishthira and Aeneas: Two Kings Who Chose Duty Over Desire Every culture has stories of leaders who sacrifice their own happiness for the good of others. In the Mahabharata, which is the itihasa (sacred history) of Bharata, we meet Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas. In the Roman epic, the Aeneid, we meet Aeneas, the Trojan prince who carries his people to Italy. Both are duty-bound leaders. Both put the future of their people, and their moral obligations, above personal wishes. Scholars of comparative studies, including a comparative essay from the University of Pennsylvania, have argued that Yudhishthira is a particularly close parallel to Aeneas. It is a fair comparison, but it also shows some very important differences. Yudhishthira and Dharma Yudhishthira is called Dharmaraja, the king of dharma. He was born from Dharma Deva himself, so truth and righteousness were part of his nature. All through the Mahabharata, he tries to uphold dharma while also fulfilling his dut...

Shitala Mata and Bannari Amman: Two Compassionate Forms of the Divine Mother Across India The worship of the Divine Mother has flourished across Bharat for thousands of years, with each region expressing Her boundless compassion through unique names, forms, and traditions. Among these revered manifestations are Shitala Mata of North and Eastern India and Bannari Amman of Tamil Nadu's Kongu region. Although they are worshipped through different customs and local traditions, both are regarded as powerful manifestations of Adi Shakti, the Supreme Divine Energy that nurtures, protects, and restores harmony in creation. While Shitala Mata is especially associated with healing, cooling energies, and protection from epidemics, Bannari Amman is venerated as a fierce yet compassionate guardian deity who protects villages, forests, devotees, and dharma. Together, these two manifestations beautifully demonstrate how the same Divine Mother responds to the needs of different communities while...

Prakashatman and the Panchapadika-Vivarana: A Transformative Commentary in Advaita Philosophy Prakashatman, also known as Prakashanubhava, stands as one of the most influential figures in the post-Shankara Advaita Vedanta tradition. Flourishing around 1200 CE, this profound scholar and philosopher carved a unique place in Hindu philosophical history through his masterful commentary that would eventually establish an entire school of thought within the Advaita tradition. Early Life and Lineage Prakashatman was a devoted disciple of Ananyanubhava, himself a significant figure in the Advaita lineage. While detailed biographical information about Prakashatman's early life remains limited, his profound understanding of Advaita philosophy suggests years of rigorous study under his guru's guidance. The guru-shishya parampara (teacher-student tradition) has always been central to Hindu philosophical transmission, as emphasized in the Mundaka Upanishad (1.2.12): "Tad-vijnanartha...

Aparajita Devi in Hindu Sculpture: Form, Meaning and Spiritual Symbolism Aparajita Devi, whose name literally means "the Unconquered One" or "She Who Can Never Be Defeated," represents the invincible aspect of Divine Shakti in Hindu tradition. Though references to Aparajita are comparatively less frequent than those of Durga, Lakshmi, or Sarasvati, she occupies an important place in Agamic, Puranic, and Tantric traditions. She symbolizes the eternal victory of righteousness, divine protection, and spiritual steadfastness. Her iconography reflects the philosophical idea that the Divine Mother remains beyond defeat because she embodies the supreme cosmic energy that sustains and protects the universe. The sculptural representation of Aparajita Devi follows well-established principles of Hindu iconography while allowing regional variations. As with many forms of Devi, differences in the number of arms, attributes, or posture may exist across temples and traditions. H...

Prakashananda Yati: Master of Perception-Creation Philosophy in Advaita Vedanta Prakashananda Yati stands as one of the most revolutionary thinkers in the post-Shankara period of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. A disciple of Jnanananda Yati, he lived during the late 15th and early 16th centuries (approximately 1550-1600 CE) and made profound contributions to Hindu philosophical thought. His most celebrated work, the Vedantasiddhanta-muktavali, remains a cornerstone text for understanding the nature of reality, consciousness, and the phenomenal world. Prakashananda is primarily remembered for systematically establishing two groundbreaking doctrines: Drishti-Srishti-Vada (the doctrine of simultaneous creation through perception) and Ekajiva-Vada (the doctrine of one individual soul). Brief Biography and Historical Context Prakashananda Yati emerged during a vibrant period of Hindu philosophical development when Advaita Vedanta was experiencing rich intellectual expansion. Living in Varanas...