Chhinnamasta: The Divine Mother of Ultimate Self-Sacrifice and Cosmic Renewal The Sacred Account from Pranatosini Tantra In the sacred Pranatosini Tantra, a profound account describes the manifestation of Goddess Chhinnamasta, one of the ten Mahavidyas in Hindu tantric tradition. The narrative begins with Goddess Parvati bathing in a river, accompanied by her two devoted attendants, Jaya and Vijaya, who are also revered in tantric texts as Dakini and Varini. These companions represent the divine feminine energies that serve the Supreme Mother. As time passed during their bathing ritual, the two attendants experienced intense hunger and approached Devi Parvati with their plea for nourishment. The compassionate Goddess, understanding their need, requested them to exercise patience, promising to feed them once they returned home. However, the hunger of Jaya and Vijaya intensified, and they repeatedly implored the Mother to satisfy their desperate need immediately. Moved by their since...

When You're Your Own Worst Enemy: The Hell of Uncontrollable Anger According to Hindu Wisdom What is hell? It's not some distant place where you're roasted or endlessly tormented. Hell is here — it's your uncontrollable anger. It turns your life into a living hell and affects everyone around you. We've all imagined hell as some fiery underworld with demons wielding tridents and a particularly unpleasant seating arrangement. But what if I told you that hell isn't a destination on some cosmic subway line—it's the state you create right here, right now, when anger takes the wheel of your life? Hindu scriptures have been trying to tell us this for millennia, but we've been too busy being angry to listen. The Fire That Burns from Within The Bhagavad Gita, that eternal conversation between Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield, doesn't mince words about anger. In Chapter 2, Verse 63, it lays out the domino effect with surgical precision: "From ang...

The Greatness of the Upanishads: Universal Teachings Beyond Sects The Upanishads, often referred to as the crown jewels of Indian philosophy, are a treasure trove of spiritual wisdom. Their greatness lies not only in their profound insights but also in their universal applicability, transcending the boundaries of sects, religions, and dogmas. These ancient texts focus on the essence of existence, consciousness, and the ultimate reality, making their teachings timeless and relevant to all. The Universal Scope of the Upanishads One of the most remarkable features of the Upanishads is their universal approach. Unlike many religious scriptures that are tied to specific sects or communities, the Upanishads are inherently inclusive. They delve into questions that concern all of humanity: Who am I? What is the nature of the universe? What is the ultimate purpose of life? These are inquiries that resonate with every human being, irrespective of their cultural or religious background. The Upani...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Tuesday, January 20 2026 – It is Shukla Paksha Dwitiya tithi or the second day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. 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. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Dwitiya tithi or the second day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 2 :15 AM on January 21. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on January 20, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time till 8:00 PM.  Nakshatra  – Shravan or Sravana or Thiruvonam Nakshatra till 1:07 PM on January 20. Then onward it is Dhanishta or Avittam Nakshatra till 1:44 PM on January 21. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka...

Kubera: From Abandoned Lanka to Lord of the Yakshas The Story of Kubera and the Empty City of Lanka In the sacred history preserved within Hindu scriptures, Kubera stands as a unique figure who attained greatness not through conquest, but through discipline, devotion, and righteousness. Lanka, the magnificent city crafted by the divine architect Vishwakarma, once stood without a stable ruler. Though splendid beyond imagination, it was abandoned repeatedly as devas, sages, humans, and even rakshasas failed to establish lasting harmony there. Kubera, born to the sage Vishrava, observed this deserted yet powerful city. Recognizing its potential, he chose not to seize it by force but to sanctify it through spiritual effort. Settling in Lanka, Kubera undertook intense penance for a hundred years, dedicating his austerities to Lord Shiva. His meditation was marked by self-control, humility, and unwavering devotion, qualities deeply praised in Hindu teachings. Pleased by Kubera’s tapasya,...

Angada's Unshakable Feet: When Divine Strength Met Asura Pride The Final Messenger of Peace Before the great war between the Vanara forces and the demon king Ravana's mighty army, Lord Rama sought one final opportunity for peace. Angada, the valiant son of the fallen Vanara king Vali and nephew of Sugriva, was chosen as the diplomatic envoy to Lanka. Young, intelligent, and blessed with tremendous strength, Angada embodied both royal dignity and warrior prowess. Standing in Ravana's magnificent court, Angada delivered Rama's message clearly: return Sita with honor, or face complete annihilation. The young Vanara prince spoke with such authority and fearlessness that it echoed through the golden halls of Lanka, challenging the very foundation of Ravana's arrogance. The Challenge That Shook Lanka Ravana, blinded by pride and insulted by what he perceived as audacity from a mere Vanara youth, ordered his commanders to seize Angada and throw him out of the court. T...

Madhura Bhava, or the sweet mood of devotion, plays a significant role in Bhakti Yoga, offering a practical approach for seekers to experience the divine bliss they inherently crave. In the realm of Bhakti Yoga, where the focus is on cultivating love and devotion towards the divine, Madhurabhava stands out as a mode that involves viewing God as a beloved and yearning for a union with the divine. The human condition, deeply entrenched in the complexities of the body and mind, often finds it more accessible to connect with a God who possesses a recognizable form, name, and personality. Hindu scriptures, including the Upanishads, describe God not only as the eternal (Sat) but also as infinite bliss (Ananda) and the Beautiful (Sundara), as exemplified in the Vishnu Sahasra Nama. Bhakti Yoga, recognizing the diverse ways individuals approach spirituality, offers various modes of expressing love for God, and Madhura Bhava is one such path. This particular form of devotion involves the de...

The Sacred Agni Yagna: Sripada Srivallabha's Divine Method of Karmic Purification Sripada Srivallabha, revered as the first disciple and a direct incarnation of Bhagavan Dattatreya, manifested on earth to uplift humanity from the burdens of karma and sin. Residing in the sacred village of Kuruvapuram, he became a beacon of divine grace, performing countless miracles and propagating the profound teachings of the Dattatreya sampradaya. His life exemplified the perfect synthesis of compassion, wisdom, and supernatural power, drawing devotees from far and wide who sought liberation from their karmic chains. The Mystical Agni Yagna Ceremony Among the many extraordinary practices of Sripada Srivallabha, the Agni Yagna stands as a testament to his divine prowess in karmic transformation. This was no ordinary fire ritual; it was a mystical ceremony designed to absorb and destroy the accumulated sins of devotees through a unique alchemical process. The very concept aligns with the Vedic...

Lohri and Pongal: Celebrating the Sun, Harvest, and Community Spirit Lohri and Pongal are two vibrant festivals celebrated by millions in India, each marking an important phase in the agrarian calendar and offering gratitude to the Sun. While Lohri is primarily observed in the northern parts of India, especially Punjab, Pongal is a major festival in Tamil Nadu and other southern states. These festivals are linked by the common theme of thanksgiving—Lohri to end the darkest days of winter and Pongal to acknowledge a bountiful harvest. Though separate in their regional contexts, both Lohri and Pongal have striking cultural similarities and distinct customs that reflect the diversity and unity of Indian agricultural traditions. Historical and Cultural Significance Lohri falls on the last day of Paush, the tenth month of the Hindu lunar calendar. It heralds the movement of the Sun from Makar (Capricorn) toward the north, marking the end of the winter solstice and the gradual return of l...

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....