Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Friday, February 13 2026 – It is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day of waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day of waning or dark phase of moon till 1 :30 PM on February 13. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day of waning or dark phase of moon till 3 :10 PM on February 14. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on February 13, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Mool or Moolam Nakshatra till 3:32 PM on February 13. Then onward it is Purvashada or Pooradam Nakshatra till 5:41 PM on February 14. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), ...

The Sacred Hearth: Worshipping Goddess Manasa Through the Kitchen Stove in Bengal Goddess Manasa holds a unique position in Bengali Hindu tradition as the presiding deity of serpents and the protectress against snake venom. Known by various names including Bishahari (destroyer of poison), Jagat Gauri, and Padmavati, she is deeply revered across Bengal, particularly in rural households where the threat of snake encounters remains a tangible concern. Her worship transcends mere fear of reptiles, embodying the deeper spiritual principle of respecting and harmonizing with nature's powerful forces. The Cooking Stove as Divine Symbol In Bengali households, the cooking stove or traditional hearth (chulha) transforms into a sacred symbol of Ma Manasa during specific rituals, most notably during Ranna Puja. This practice reflects the profound Hindu understanding that divinity permeates every aspect of domestic life, and the kitchen—as the source of nourishment—becomes a temple in its own...

The Divine Arrows of Manmatha: Awakening the Five Sacred Relationships with the Supreme The Celestial Archer and His Purpose Manmatha, also known as Kamadeva, is revered in Hindu scriptures as the deity of divine love and attraction. Unlike worldly desire, his role extends far beyond the physical realm—he serves as the cosmic force that draws souls toward the Supreme Divine. His five flowered arrows are not merely instruments of romantic attraction but profound spiritual tools that awaken different dimensions of devotion within the heart of every seeker. The Five Sacred Arrows and Five Rasas Each of Manmatha's arrows corresponds to one of the five primary relationships (rasas) that a devotee can cultivate with the Divine. These relationships represent the complete spectrum of love and devotion described extensively in Vaishnava literature, particularly in the Bhakti traditions. Shanta Rasa: The Arrow of Peaceful Neutrality Shanta rasa represents the serene, contemplative rela...

 Ancient Indian literature is replete with texts that detail the ethical, ritualistic, and legal foundations of society. Among these, the dharmasutra and smriti works hold a special place, as they were intended to guide human conduct in accordance with cosmic law. Two such works, the Kashyapa Samhita and the Kashyapa Smriti , though not fully extant today, have been referenced by many later authorities. These texts, attributed to the revered sage Kashyapa, dealt with the practical aspects of daily life—from duties and rituals to expiation and purification—and continue to be of scholarly interest for their insights into ancient Hindu society. Sage Kashyapa: A Brief Biography Sage Kashyapa is one of the ancient rishis (seers) whose contributions have been foundational to the development of Vedic and post-Vedic thought. According to traditional accounts, Kashyapa was not only a great scholar but also a prolific compiler of knowledge concerning dharma (righteousness) and the laws of h...

The Sacred Vehicles of Vishwakarma: Understanding the Divine Architect's Vahanas Vishwakarma's Divine Vehicles Vishwakarma, the celestial architect and divine craftsman of the universe, holds a unique position among Hindu deities. As the creator of divine palaces, weapons, and the very fabric of cosmic infrastructure, his iconography varies significantly across different regions and communities in India. One of the most intriguing aspects of Vishwakarma worship is the diversity in his vahana or divine vehicle, which differs based on geographical location, community tradition, and occupational associations. The Elephant: Symbol of Strength and Stability In Bengal, particularly during Vishwakarma Puja celebrations, the elephant is predominantly depicted as the divine vehicle of Vishwakarma. This association is deeply meaningful when we consider the nature of Vishwakarma's divine responsibilities. The elephant symbolizes immense strength, stability, and the ability to carr...

Mahidhara, a prominent 16th-century commentator on the Vedas, particularly the Madhyandina Samhita of the Shukla Yajur Veda, left a lasting impact on Vedic scholarship. Born in Kashi (Varanasi), Mahidhara demonstrated a deep understanding of the Vedas and composed the Vedadipa, a comprehensive commentary on the Madhyandina Samhita. In his Vedadipa (a commentary of Madhyandina Samhita of the Shukla Yajur Veda composed around 1587 CE), Mahidhara showcased a profound influence from Uvatacharya, an earlier commentator on the same work who lived in the 11th century CE. While building on Uvatacharya's foundation, Mahidhara's commentary delved into more intricate details, providing a thorough and nuanced interpretation of the Vedic texts. His extensive use of quotations from the srauta sutras, which are ritualistic texts guiding Vedic ceremonies, highlights the depth of his knowledge and the meticulous nature of his analysis. Beyond his commentary on the Vedas, Mahidhara contribut...

Kabandha: The Headless Vehicle of Goddess Kali and Its Profound Symbolism In the tantric traditions of Hindu teachings, Goddess Kali manifests in her supreme form as one of the Dasamahavidyas, the ten great wisdom goddesses who represent different aspects of divine consciousness. Among the many unique characteristics of this powerful deity, one of the most enigmatic is her association with Kabandha, a headless being who serves as her vahana or vehicle. Understanding Kabandha Kabandha literally translates to "headless torso" or "trunk without head." This extraordinary being represents a form that transcends ordinary physical existence. In Hindu scriptures, Kabandha is described as a demon whose head was severed, yet he continued to exist as a conscious entity. The mouth and eyes of this being are positioned on his chest and stomach, symbolizing an alternative mode of perception that bypasses conventional mental processing. The concept of Kabandha appears in the R...

The Sacred Spear of Goddess Durga: Divine Weapon of Righteousness and Wisdom The Divine Origin of Durga's Spear In Hindu tradition, Goddess Durga stands as the supreme embodiment of Shakti, the divine feminine power that sustains and protects the universe. Among her numerous weapons, the spear or Borsha holds profound spiritual significance. This celestial weapon was bestowed upon the Goddess by Agni, the Vedic deity of fire, who represents purification, transformation, and divine knowledge. The association with Agni immediately elevates the spear beyond a mere instrument of warfare, connecting it to the sacred fire that burns away ignorance and illuminates truth. The story of Durga receiving her weapons appears in various Hindu scriptures, particularly in the Devi Mahatmyam, where all the gods contributed their divine powers and weapons to create the invincible form of Durga to combat the demon Mahishasura. Each weapon she carries represents a different aspect of divine power a...

In Hindu philosophy, the notion of contentment is regarded not simply as an external state of being, but as a profound inner equilibrium that varies from one individual to another. The observation that “contentment varies from person to person and there lies suffering” invites us to explore the multifaceted understanding of satisfaction, desire, and suffering as seen through the lens of Hindu thought. This perspective, woven through centuries of sacred texts, teachings of gurus and saints, and even modern scientific inquiries, offers insights into the practical relevance and transformative power of inner contentment. The Individual Journey Towards Contentment At the heart of Hindu philosophy lies the recognition that each person’s journey is unique. One of the ancient scriptures, the Upanishads, frequently underscores that self-realization and inner peace are individual pursuits. The phrase “Tat tvam asi” (Thou art that) from the Chandogya Upanishad encapsulates the idea that the divin...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Thursday, February 12 2026 – It is Krishna Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day of waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day of waning or dark phase of moon till 11 :32 AM on February 12. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day of waning or dark phase of moon till 1 :30 PM on February 13. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on February 12, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time after 1:41 PM.  Nakshatra  – Jyeshta or Kettai or Triketta Nakshatra till 1:07 PM on February 12. Then onward it is Mool or Moolam Nakshatra till 3:32 PM on February 13. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), J...