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True Meaning Of Hindu – Hinduism – Hindustan

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The true meaning of Hindu is hidden in the Barhaspatya Samhita scripture in Rig Veda. Thus the words Hinduism – Hindustan etc calls for a careful analysis and assessment. Barhaspatya Samhita defines the land lying between Himalayas on the north and Indusarovara on the south. Indusarovara has since been under the sea. The relevant verse reads thus:
हिमलयात्समारभ्य  यवादिन्दुसरोवरम  तद्देवनिर्मितं देशं हिंदुस्तानं प्रचक्षते 
The meaning – Beginning from Himalayas extending to Indusarovara, the land created by the Lord is called Hindustan, the word being derived from the first letter of Himalaya and the last letter of Indu. Those who belong to Hindustan are called ‘Hindu.’
Hindu, thus, is not a religious name. It is territorial or geographical reference, denoting the people who lived and still live in a specific area of the earth. Whatever new religion or cult they belong to does not matter at all. They are all ethnically Hindus, having been born in and continuing to live in this blesse…
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Tirobhava – Shiva Nataraja Cosmic Action

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Tirobhava is one of the five cosmic actions of Lord Shiva, which is believed to be performed in his form as Shiva Nataraja. Shaiva Puranas describe at length the dance of Shiva Nataraja, which embodies pacha kriyas or the following five cosmic actions: Shrishti (creation), Sthiti (preservation), samhara or laya (destruction), tirobhava (unveiling of illusion), and granting of anugraha (grace of salvation).
The act of tirobhava is symbolized by Shiva Nataraja’s right foot, which is shown as apasmara purusha (trampling a demon) who is the symbol of evil and illusion.
The right foot which tramples the apasmara purusha (symbol of ignorance) is the fifth kriya among the pancha kriyas.
The highly symbolic concept of Shiva Nataraja in Hindu philosophy has been immortalized in the innumerable tandavas of the deity, which he is believed to have performed in order to destroy evil or protect a devotee.
Pancha Kriya concept had also been crystallized in the Shiva Nataraja bronze and stone sculpt…
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Meaning Of Word Dharma In Sanatana Dharma - Hinduism

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This article takes a look at the meaning of the word Dharma in Sanatana Dharma or Hinduism.

The blanket term used to denote spiritual values is dharma. Unlike its popular translation, this well-known term does not mean religion. Dharma is derived from the root ‘dhri’, to hold. ‘That which holds life together is called dharma,’ says a celebrated definition.

In other words, those virtues, attitudes, principles and practices which keep us together is dharma. It protects us from moral disintegration and decay. Since dharma is based on our inner being, it defies all attempts to outsmart it. However clever one may be, one cannot ignore it. Dharma is the very basis of life.
If we do not cultivate the seeds of goodness, of dharma, the seeds of evil or adharma gets cultivated (adharma or evil means violation of our spiritual nature).
Dharma is the spiritual principle that holds us together. If we violate it, we go against the very nature of life, against ourselves. In doing evil, we injure o…
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How can one become free from lust completely? – Sri Ramakrishna Answers

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Harinath (who later became Swami Turiyananda): How can one become free from lust completely?
To this Ramakrishna replied: “Why should it go, my boy? Give it a turn in the other direction."



"What is lust? It is a desire to get."

"So, desire to get God and strengthen this desire greatly."

"The more you go towards East, the farther away you will be from the west."

"The more you increase your love for God, the more your lust and anger will decrease.”
Source - God Lived with Them: Life Stories of Sixteen Monastic Disciples of Ramakrishna - By Swami Chetanananda
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16 July 2020 Tithi - Panchang - Hindu Calendar - Good Time - Nakshatra – Rashi

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Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Thursday, 16 July 2020 – Krishna Paksha Ekadashi Tithi or the eleventh day during waning or dark phase of moon inHindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi Tithi or the eleventh day during waning or dark phase of moon till 9:45 PM on July 16. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi Tithi or the twelfth day during waning or dark phase of moon till 10:41 PM on July 17. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India.All time based on India Standard Time.

Good – Auspicious time on July 16, 2020 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time after 6:55 PM.
Nakshatra – Kartika or Krittika or Karthigai Nakshatra till 6:00 PM on July 16. Then onward it is Rohini Nakshatra till 7:42 PM on July 17. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India.)
In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Kartika or Krittika or Karthigai Nakshatra till 6:53 PM o…
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Unknown Facts About Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple

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The world famous Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh needs no introduction. Here are few unknown facts about this great temple which attracts millions of devotees in a month.
Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple is perhaps the only shrine where Mother Goddess Durga is positioned to the right of the her consort, Sri Malleswara Swamy. Traditionally, the female deity is always to the left of the male deity.
The first ritual at the Kanaka Durga Temple is the ‘therthapu binde.’ It is to use the Krishna waters for abhishekam and other worship. The water is ceremonially brought from the river in a brass pot at 3 AM before suprabhatham is sung. The brass vessel is called theerthapu binde.
Sari worn by Goddess Durga as Prasad – Six couples are given the exclusive privilege of having first darshan in the antharalayam and offering silk dresses (pattu vastrams) to Sri Kanaka Durga and getting them back after being sanctified by covering it on the murti or vigraha of Kanaka Durga in the…
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Why Kamdev Is Known As Ananga? - One Without Body

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Ananga is one among the numerous names of Kamdev, Hindu God of Love. After the death of Sati at Daksha Yajna, Lord Shiva entered into deep and intense meditation in the Himalayas. He was no longer interested in the world.

Demons took advantage of the situation and got the boon that only a son of Shiva would annihilate them.

Devas were in deep trouble because of this. Devas and saints took refuge at the feet of Brahma who told that the only solution for this problem was to bring back Lord Shiva to the world and stop his penance.


Brahma asked the gods to take the help of Kamdev to stop the penance by creating sexual desire and passion in Lord Shiva.

Kamdev arrived in front of Shiva along with Rati Devi, and shot five arrows of flowers at the heart of Shiva.

Shiva’s Tapas was interrupted. He was terribly angry and from his third eye, a fierce blazing flame appeared and burned Kamdev into ashes.

Rati Devi was inconsolable at the death of her husband. She asked Shiva as to what will happ…
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Goddess Kalarupini Nidra

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Goddess Kalarupini Nidra is a powerful manifestation of Mother Goddess and reference of her is found in the Vishnu Parva of Harivamsa Purana. It is believed that Kalarupini Nidra was worshipped by forest dwellers.

Kalarupini Nidra is described as terrible looking, three eyed, surrounded by animals like goats, roosters, jackals, lions and tigers. She lives on high mountain peaks, rivers, caves and dense forests.
She is served by ghosts, goblins and fiends.
She is also sometimes referred to as the goddess of sura or liquor.
She was offered liquor and meat during her ritual worship by forest dwellers.
She is propitiated for good harvest, good hunt and for healthy progeny. Women worshipped her for conceiving and for an incident free pregnancy period.
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Story Of Indrakeeladri – Mountain - Temple Of Goddess Kanaka Durga

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As per the popular story, Indrakeeladri mountain the abode Goddess Kanaka Durga (the temple is located atop the Indrakeeladri mountain) has taken its name after a ‘yaksha’, an ardent devotee of Goddess Parvati.

Legend has it that Keela, the ‘yaksha’, had observed rigorous tapas and appeased the goddess. As boon he asked Mother Goddess to be in his heart forever.
Goddess Shakti assured him it would become a reality in Satya Yuga after she killed the demon Mahishasura in the form of Durga. She asked him to assume the form a mountain on the banks of holy Krishna River and she would be seated on it to grace the devotees.
In Satya Yuga, Mahishasura, who terrorized all living beings on earth, on the boon strength of the boon of invincibility, fought a pitched battle with Goddess Durga. She overpowered and killed him and ever since the mountain became the abode of Durga, who wears a shining armor and beautiful crown.
Goddess destroyed demons Shumba, Nishumba, Sarabasura, Mahishasura and ot…
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Swami Dhireshananda Thoughts

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A small collection of thoughts of Swami Dhireshananda.

The path of the ants – An ant, by moving slowly, perceives a trace of sweets, and achieves satisfaction by eating it.
Similarly, an ordinary aspirant also, by practicing internal and external self-restrains (shama-dama) and the like, and by performing selfless work and devotional practices, slowly over many life times, becomes pure in heart.
Then gradually by following the practices in the path of knowledge, he becomes fully accomplished by attaining the knowledge of the Brahman. This is verily the royal path. In this way almost everyone attains the realization of the oneness of Brahman and Atman.
In this path one attains gradual liberation, that is, the emancipation comes gradually.
Source – Notes on Yoga-Vasistha-Sara translated by Swami Dhireshananda - Swamiji is a monk of the Ramakrishna Order
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