Four Steps to Attain God According to Andal’s Thiruppavai Andal, the only female Alvar saint in the Sri Vaishnava tradition, composed the Tiruppavai—a collection of thirty verses chanted during the Tamil month of Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January). Through these verses, she presents a simple yet profound path to attain the divine presence of Lord Vishnu. The essence of her teaching can be distilled into four practical steps: sing with your mouth, meditate with your mind, listen with your ears, and pray with an offering of flowers. These steps, grounded in unwavering faith and complete surrender, guide seekers of any age or background toward spiritual fulfillment. The Four Essential Steps Sing with Your Mouth (Vani Pāsam) Chant the divine names and hymns of God with devotion and clarity. Let each syllable express your love and longing. Meditate with Your Mind (Manas Acara) Engage in deep, contemplative focus on the form, attributes, and pastimes of the Lord. Visualize His ...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Saturday, December 20 2025 – 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 6 :37 AM on December 20. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 8 :21 AM on December 21. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on December 20, 2025 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Mool or Moolam nakshatra on the entire day on December 20 and till 1:09 AM on December 21. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Mool or Moolam nakshatra on the entire day on December 20 and til...

The Shakti Peethas are among the most revered pilgrimage destinations in the Hindu tradition, dedicated to the worship of the Divine Mother, Shakti. These sanctuaries are believed to mark the locations where parts of the body of Sati, the first consort of Lord Shiva, are said to have fallen to earth after the cosmic tragedy described in various Puranas. The Devi Bhagavata Purana , describing the greatness of the Mother Goddess, states: “Wherever my body falls, those places shall become centers of divine energy.” (Devi Bhagavata Purana, 7.30) Although most Shakti Peethas are located in India, several exist beyond its geographical boundaries, reflecting the far-reaching spiritual influence of Sanatana Dharma. Among the traditionally accepted 51 Peethas, nine lie outside India, across Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Tibet. Bangladesh Shakti Peethas Bhabanipur Shakti Peeth, Karatoya Bhabanipur is one of the ancient centers where devotees believe Sati’s left eye or rib f...

The Eternal Journey: Understanding Hindu Teachings on Soul Migration and Life's Continuity In the vast tapestry of Hindu philosophy, few concepts are as profound and transformative as the belief in the soul's eternal journey through multiple lifetimes. This fundamental principle teaches that death is not an ending but a transition, where the immortal spirit moves on to a new existence while the living must learn to accept this natural progression and continue their own spiritual evolution. The Immortal Soul: Foundation of Hindu Belief Hindu scriptures establish the soul's immortality as a cornerstone of spiritual understanding. The Bhagavad Gita, one of Hinduism's most revered texts, provides clear guidance on this matter. In Chapter 2, Verse 20, Lord Krishna explains: "For the soul there is neither birth nor death. It is not slain when the body is slain." This verse emphasizes that the Atman, or individual soul, transcends the physical body and continues ...

Which Path Is Superior In Hinduism – Path Of Knowledge Or Path Of Action Or Both In Hindu philosophy, the spiritual journey is often categorized into multiple paths, primarily the Path of Knowledge ( Jnana Yoga ) and the Path of Action ( Karma Yoga ). Both paths are profound, each offering unique insights into the ultimate truth and purpose of life. Below is an expanded discussion encompassing their significance, meaning, symbolism, relevance in modern times, and how they can be applied practically. 1. Path of Knowledge (Jnana Yoga) Meaning and Symbolism The Path of Knowledge emphasizes self-inquiry and realization of the ultimate reality, or Brahman . It is rooted in the understanding that the self ( Atman ) is identical to the universal consciousness ( Brahman ). This path focuses on wisdom, meditation, and intellectual discernment to transcend the illusions of the material world ( maya ). Symbolism : It symbolizes the light of awareness that dispels the darkness of ignora...

The Divine Control: Understanding Pasha and Ankusha Together in Hindu Scriptures The sacred imagery of Hindu deities reveals profound spiritual truths through symbolic representations that have guided devotees for millennia. Among the most significant of these divine attributes are the pasha (noose or rope) and ankusha (elephant goad), twin instruments that appear consistently in the iconography of various Hindu gods and goddesses. These powerful symbols represent the divine capacity to control, guide, and transform human consciousness, offering timeless wisdom for spiritual seekers. The Scriptural Foundation The significance of pasha and ankusha finds deep roots in Hindu scriptures. The Mudgala Purana states: "Pasham ankusham eva cha dhatte yo vighnakrt sadha" - "He who always removes obstacles holds both the noose and the goad." This verse specifically refers to Lord Ganesha, but the principle extends to other deities who wield these divine instruments. In th...

Andal: The Divine Maiden Who Wore the Garland for Her Beloved -  Symbolism In Andal Adorning Garlands Meant For Vishnu On Herself First Andal, also known by her birth name Goda, is revered as the only female among the twelve Azhwars—Tamil poet-saints devoted to Lord Vishnu. Born in the 8th century in Srivilliputhur, she astonished devotees with her profound, unshakable devotion. The story of how Andal first adorned herself with the garland meant for Vishnu (Perumal) exemplifies her singular intensity of love and unwavering faith. This episode not only transformed her identity from Goda to Andal (“the daughter of God”), but also became a lasting symbol of surrender and intimate devotion. The Story of the Garland Goda’s father, Periazhwar, was himself an ardent devotee of Vishnu. Each day, he would prepare an offering—including a fresh garland of fragrant flowers—for the deity at the local temple. The young girl budding with devotion could never wait to see that sacred garland—so ...

The Divine Power of Iccha Mrityu: Death by Will in Hindu Scriptures Understanding Iccha Mrityu Iccha Mrityu, derived from the Sanskrit words 'Iccha' meaning desire or will, and 'Mrityu' meaning death, represents one of the most profound spiritual concepts in Hindu philosophy. This extraordinary power allows an individual to consciously choose the time, place, and manner of their death, transcending the natural limitations of mortal existence. The concept goes beyond mere physical control over death; it embodies the ultimate mastery over one's spiritual destiny and the highest form of self-realization. In the vast tapestry of Hindu scriptures, Iccha Mrityu is not merely a supernatural ability but a divine boon that reflects the recipient's extraordinary spiritual merit, unwavering devotion, and perfect alignment with dharmic principles. It represents the pinnacle of human achievement where the soul gains complete mastery over the physical body and the cycle o...

Chamunda Devi and the Elephant: Destroying the Ego that Binds Us Goddess Chamunda stands as one of the most powerful manifestations of divine feminine energy in Hindu tradition. She embodies the fierce protective aspect of the Mother Goddess who battles against forces that obstruct spiritual progress. Among her many iconographic features, the presence of an elephant in her sculptures carries profound spiritual significance that resonates deeply with seekers on the path to liberation. The Story Behind the Elephant In the sacred narratives describing Chamunda's battles, particularly her legendary encounter with the demons Chanda and Munda, the elephant appears as a significant element. According to traditional accounts, during her fierce combat, the Goddess slayed an elephant and used its hide as a garment. This is not merely a tale of physical conquest but represents a deeper spiritual teaching embedded in symbolic form. The flayed elephant skin that adorns Chamunda serves as he...

Lack of Contentment: The Prime Reason for Suffering in Today’s World – A Hinduism Perspective Understanding the Teaching Hinduism identifies the lack of contentment (‘santosha’) as a fundamental cause of suffering. Santosha, one of the Niyamas in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, emphasizes the importance of inner satisfaction and acceptance of life’s circumstances. Hindu philosophy suggests that dissatisfaction stems from uncontrolled desires (‘trishna’), greed, and the mind’s tendency to seek external validation or possessions. The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 55) encapsulates this teaching: “A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires … and remains satisfied within, attains peace.” This verse highlights that contentment arises not from fulfilling every desire but from mastering the art of detachment and self-awareness. Symbolism and Meaning Contentment symbolizes balance, simplicity, and a harmonious relationship with the self and the universe. In Hinduism, it reflects...