Bhagavata Saptaham: The Sacred Seven-Day Journey Through Divine Wisdom in Kerala The Divine Origins The Srimad Bhagavatam, also known as the Bhagavata Purana, stands as the crown jewel among the eighteen Mahapuranas. Its genesis is rooted in divine inspiration and spiritual urgency. In the sacred forest of Naimisaranya, the assembly of sages led by Saunaka approached Suta Goswami, seeking knowledge that would illuminate the path to liberation. This quest for ultimate truth set in motion the revelation of one of Hinduism's most treasured scriptures. The great sage Vyasa, despite composing the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Mahabharata, felt an inexplicable void in his heart. His spiritual master, Narada Muni, appeared before him and identified the cause of his discontent. As recorded in the first canto, Narada advised Vyasa to compose a work that would exclusively glorify the Supreme Lord and His pure devotees, transcending the material obligations of dharma, artha, kama, and moksha....

If Gods Are the Imagination of Man, Who Creates Imagination in Our Mind? – A Hindu Inquiry The Fundamental Question A profound philosophical inquiry emerges from the depths of Hindu thought: if gods are merely projections of human imagination, then who or what creates the capacity for imagination itself? This question strikes at the very heart of consciousness, challenging the dismissive notion that divinity is simply a mental construct. Hindu scriptures and teachings offer a sophisticated response that transcends simplistic materialism and reveals the interconnected nature of consciousness, creativity, and the ultimate reality. The Source of Imagination: Atman and Brahman Hindu philosophy addresses this paradox through the concept of Atman (individual consciousness) and Brahman (universal consciousness). The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (1.4.10) declares: "Aham Brahmasmi" – "I am Brahman." This statement reveals that the capacity for imagination, thought, and creati...

The mind, often seen as the driver of human behavior, remains one of the greatest mysteries. Philosophers, scientists, and spiritual seekers across cultures have endeavored to understand its nature and limits. Hinduism, one of the world’s most ancient and profound traditions, offers deep insights into the nature of the mind. According to Hindu scriptures and sages, the mind cannot be fully comprehended by human senses. Instead, it must be transcended to realize the ultimate truth. This essay explores the Hindu perspective on the mind’s incomprehensibility, drawing on teachings from the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Tantra, and the wisdom of sages like Ramana Maharshi, Swami Vivekananda, and others. The Nature of the Mind in Hindu Scriptures Hinduism portrays the mind as a dynamic and subtle instrument, intricately tied to the human experience. However, it is also seen as a source of bondage when uncontrolled, as it constantly fluctuates and creates illusions. The mind’s relationship with ...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Monday, January 19 2026 – It is Shukla Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Amavasya tithi or the no moon day till 1 :08 AM on January 19. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 1 :59 AM on January 20. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on January 19, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Uttara Shada or Uthradam Nakshatra till 12:00 PM on January 19. Then onward it is Shravan or Sravana or Thiruvonam Nakshatra till 1:07 PM on January 20. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Uttara Shada or Uthr...

The Sacred Story Of Kailash Mahadev Temple of Agra: Where Divine Grace Meets Ancient Heritage In the heart of Agra, along the sacred banks of the Yamuna River, stands the ancient Kailash Mahadev Temple—a divine sanctuary that holds within its sanctum a rare spiritual treasure. This temple, believed to be over ten thousand years old, houses two Shivlings that were consecrated by Lord Parashurama and his father, Sage Jamadagni. The presence of twin Shivlings in a single temple is extraordinarily uncommon in Hindu sacred architecture, making this site a unique pilgrimage destination for devotees of Lord Shiva across the world. The temple's connection to the Yamuna River adds another dimension to its sanctity. During times of high water, the holy river's waters touch the Shivlings themselves—a phenomenon considered deeply auspicious and a visible manifestation of divine grace flowing through nature. The Story of Divine Grace: Parashurama's Journey The Pilgrimage to Mount Ka...

From Devotion to Display: Rethinking Our Journey to God -  When Popular Hindu Temples Are Like Movie Theaters Devoid Of Devotion And God When Temples Begin to Resemble Theaters In many popular Hindu temples today, the atmosphere resembles that of a movie theater playing a blockbuster. There are different “tickets” for different types of darshan and sevas, VIP lines, special passes, and time-bound glimpses of the deity. The wealthy move quickly, while the poor wait for hours or even days, sometimes extending up to 48 hours, just for a few seconds of darshan. This raises a fundamental question: when God does not discriminate between rich and poor, who are we to create such divisions in His presence? The essence of a temple is devotion, surrender, and inner transformation. When temples become commercialized centers focused on revenue rather than reverence, the soul of worship is slowly replaced by spectacle. This shift demands introspection from both temple authorities and devotees....

Agra Kalibari Temple: The Sacred Shrine Where Divine Miracles Meet Devotion In the heart of Agra, a city renowned for its architectural marvels, stands a temple that speaks not of human craftsmanship but of divine intervention. The Kalibari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, has been a beacon of faith for over two centuries, drawing devotees who seek the blessings of the fierce yet compassionate mother goddess. At the center of this sacred space lies a mystery that has captivated believers for generations—a pot whose waters never diminish, never spoil, and remain eternally pure. The Divine Origins and Historical Journey The story of Agra's Kalibari Temple begins around the year 1800, during a time of great upheaval. When a devastating plague swept through Bengal, many Bengali families fled their homeland seeking refuge. Among them were devout worshippers of Goddess Kali who carried their faith across the dusty plains of northern India. They settled near the banks of the sacred ...

The Maha Smasan of Tarapith: Where Shakti Dwells in the Sacred Cremation Ground The cremation ground, known as the Maha Smasan, holds a position of profound spiritual significance within Hindu Tantric tradition and Shakti worship. Located at Tarapith in Bengal, this sacred space represents far more than a place of death and bodily dissolution. Rather, it embodies the cosmic principle of transformation, regeneration, and the ultimate union of the individual soul with the divine consciousness. The Maha Smasan of Tarapith stands as a living testament to the deeper philosophical understanding of death, creation, and the cyclical nature of existence as propounded in Hindu scriptures. Local residents and ascetics claim that after midnight—around 12 or 12:30—the living presence of the Goddess herself is felt in the cremation ground. This isn’t mere folklore—they insist there is proof. At that hour, dogs and jackals howl together, announcing the arrival of the Goddess. The Sacred Ge...

From Blood to Blessing: The Sacred Symbolism of Ash Gourd in Kali Worship In the rich tapestry of Hindu temple worship, the fierce manifestations of the Divine Mother—Goddess Kali, Durga, Chamunda, and various regional folk deities—have historically been propitiated through animal sacrifice. This practice, known as bali , involved offering goats, buffaloes, or roosters to satiate the perceived hunger of these powerful deities. The Devi Bhagavata Purana acknowledges this tradition, stating in Book 9, Chapter 24: "Those who worship Me with proper sacrificial offerings, whether through meditation or external worship, attain their desired fruits." However, the evolution of Hindu religious consciousness has witnessed a profound transformation. The ancient practice of animal sacrifice has gradually given way to more compassionate alternatives, with the humble ash gourd emerging as a remarkable symbolic substitute. This shift represents not merely a change in ritual practice but a...

The Dance of Light and Shadow: Understanding Duality in the Human Heart The Paradox of Human Nature Hindu scriptures have long recognized a profound truth about human existence: no individual embodies absolute good or complete evil. The human heart is a complex tapestry woven with threads of both light and darkness, virtue and vice, nobility and weakness. This understanding forms the cornerstone of Hindu philosophical thought, which rejects simplistic binaries and instead embraces the nuanced reality of human consciousness. The Bhagavad Gita reminds us that every soul contains divine potential alongside human frailties. In Chapter 16, Verse 6, it states: "Abhayam sattva-samshuddhir jnana-yoga-vyavasthitih" – describing how divine qualities exist within us, yet so do demonic tendencies. The scripture doesn't deny the presence of darkness; rather, it acknowledges that both qualities coexist, and our spiritual journey involves consciously choosing which aspects we nurture...