Ravana was losing many of his main generals in the Ramayana war, facing relentless setbacks. Seeking a turnaround, he called for his formidable maternal uncle, Prahastha, one of his most trusted and powerful allies. Ravana implored Prahastha to step into the fray and save Lanka from the onslaught of Rama and his vanara (monkey) army. Confident in his abilities, Prahastha assured Ravana that this task was simple and promised to bring Rama and Lakshmana back, dead or alive. With great fanfare and confidence, Prahastha prepared to enter the battlefield, instilling a renewed sense of hope and vigor in the hearts of the demon army. The battlefield was a chaotic expanse, with the sky darkened by the flurry of weapons, rocks, and uprooted trees. As Prahastha led his forces, four of his generals advanced towards the eastern gate of Lanka, initiating a fierce attack. Nila, a valiant vanara warrior, stood his ground at the gate but struggled to fend off the ferocious assault of Prahastha's g

The story of Krishna and Poothana (also spelled Putana) is rich with symbolism and carries several lessons in Hinduism. Here’s a detailed exploration of the narrative, its symbolism, and the lessons it imparts: The Story Poothana, a demoness sent by the tyrant king Kamsa, is tasked with killing baby Krishna. She disguises herself as a beautiful woman and enters the house of Nanda and Yashoda, Krishna's foster parents. Poothana pretends to be a nurse and offers to breastfeed Krishna with her poisoned milk. However, Krishna, recognizing her true nature, suckles with such force that he drains her of her life, killing her and revealing her demonic form. Despite her evil intentions, Poothana attains liberation (moksha) because she had, however inadvertently, offered her milk to Krishna, whom she saw as a divine child. Symbolism Poothana’s Dual Nature : Outer Beauty and Inner Evil : Poothana’s beautiful disguise represents deceit and the tendency of evil to mask itself in attractive form

The birth stories of Krishna and Christ are central to their respective religions, Hinduism and Christianity, and while they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences rooted in their cultural and religious contexts. Here is a comparison between the two: Birth of Krishna Background Scriptural Sources: The main sources of Krishna's birth story are found in the Bhagavata Purana, the Harivamsa, and the Vishnu Purana. Divine Prophecy: A prophecy foretold that Krishna, the eighth son of Devaki and Vasudeva, would be the cause of the tyrant King Kamsa's downfall. Divine Birth: Krishna is considered an avatar of the god Vishnu. His birth is a divine intervention to restore dharma (cosmic order). Circumstances of Birth Parents: Devaki and Vasudeva. Threat: Devaki’s brother, King Kamsa, imprisoned the couple because he feared the prophecy that Devaki’s eighth son would kill him. Miraculous Events: Krishna was born in a prison. The night of his birth, the prison g

I accidentally stumbled on a western education blog discussing Hinduism. Most of the people who were participating in the discussion were not scholars but common people and they were learning about Hinduism in this education blog. The discussion was initiated by Mrs. Caracappa in her blog by asking – Do you think that Hinduism would be an easy religion for you to follow? Give examples from your book why you would think it is easy or not easy to follow. No idea which book they were discussing. If it is any of those books written by Christian Missionaries – it is an easy guess what the nature of the content will be. We get to read a lot of crap regarding Hindus and Hinduism on the internet most of which are sponsored by Christian missionaries. The aim of such websites, blogs and newspaper articles is mudslinging and to spread misinformation. Such articles on internet should be dismissed in the same manner in which Hindus thwarted all attempts by Christian missionar

The people in Jaljali Village near Mangaldai Town in Assam always believed that the pond (Jaljali tank) in their village was holy. Villagers always equated the water in the pond to that of Ganga . And recently when the pond was cleaned, out came idols and sculptures of a Vishnu and Shiva temple. Villagers are elated at the discovery as it confirms their age-old belief regarding the sanctity of the Jaljali tank. They have started worshipping the idols. In fact, the village is already being frequented by thousands of people from nearby districts. Archeologists are of the view that the temples relics are dated to 10th or 11th century AD. It is being concluded that an earthquake might have destroyed the temple and buried it. The temple bears the stamp of the Indo Aryan style of architecture and was lying for centuries under water. Presently, there is a functional temple on the western banks of the Jaljali tank. The recently excavated idols and sculptures are placed he

 The relationship between Kamsa and Devaki, the mother of Krishna, offers several lessons that are deeply embedded in the narrative of the Bhagavata Purana and other ancient Hindu texts. The story, rich with symbolic and moral teachings, can be explored for its insights into human nature, dharma (duty), and the battle between good and evil. Here are some key lessons: 1. The Power of Prophecy and Fate Lesson : The inevitability of destiny. Explanation : Kamsa was driven to extreme measures by the prophecy that the eighth son of Devaki would kill him. This reflects the theme that certain events are predestined and cannot be avoided, no matter the effort to prevent them. 2. The Nature of Fear and Paranoia Lesson : Fear can lead to destructive actions. Explanation : Kamsa's fear of the prophecy led him to imprison his sister Devaki and her husband Vasudeva, and to kill their newborns. This demonstrates how fear and paranoia can cloud judgment and lead to heinous acts. 3. The Triumph of

The relationship between Krishna and the gopis (cowherd girls) of Vrindavan is a profound and multifaceted aspect of Hindu mythology and spiritual literature, particularly in the context of the Bhagavata Purana and other texts related to Krishna bhakti (devotion). Here are some key lessons derived from their relationship: 1. Unconditional Love and Devotion The gopis' love for Krishna is often described as pure, selfless, and unconditional. They are willing to abandon everything for the sake of their devotion to Krishna. This teaches the importance of unconditional love and the idea that true devotion transcends all material attachments. 2. Divine Play (Lila) The playful interactions (lila) between Krishna and the gopis illustrate the concept of divine play, where the divine engages with the world in a joyous and playful manner. This suggests that spirituality can be experienced through joy and playfulness, not just through austerity and renunciation. 3. Transcending the Ego The gop

The famous Dattatreya Ashram at Orangefield Road , Carapichaima in Trinidad is organizing a Hanuman Heritage Festival from April 10th to 20th, 2008 . The Dattatreya Yoga Center in Trinidad and Tobago is noted for an inspiring temple and the world famous 85-foot statue of Lord Hanuman, which is one of the tallest Hanuman statues in the world. Hanuman Heritage Festival will be taking place under the guidance Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji. One of the main objectives of the festival is to explore and benefit from work, wisdom, devotion and exemplary life of Lord Hanuman for the attainment of a higher level of consciousness. There will be regular pujas during the festival days and includes Homams and Havans. The highlight of the festival is the lectures and discussions on Lord Hanuman by leading scholars from India , Trinidad and Tobago and other countries. The festival also provides the opportunity to experience Hindu culture through music, dance, art and cuis

 This concept in Hinduism touches on the philosophical understanding of the human mind and its tendencies. Let's expand on this idea with a more detailed explanation. The Nature of the Human Mind and Division In Hindu philosophy, especially as taught in Vedanta, the human mind is often described as being naturally inclined towards division and categorization. This inclination can be seen in various ways: Perception of Duality : The mind tends to perceive the world in terms of dualities – good and bad, pleasure and pain, life and death, up and down, above and below, success and failure. This dualistic thinking is rooted in the mind's nature to differentiate and categorize experiences. Attachment to Identity : The mind creates a sense of individual identity, distinguishing between 'I' and 'other'. This sense of separation is fundamental to how we navigate and make sense of the world. Desire for Control and Understanding : By dividing and categorizing, the mind see

The Hindu teachings offer profound insights into the nature of desires and their fulfillment, and they emphasize that while desires can indeed be fulfilled externally, this often leads to a cycle of dissatisfaction and unhappiness. Here’s an expanded explanation: The Nature of Desires In Hindu philosophy, desires (kama) are considered a natural part of human existence. They arise from the mind and senses, seeking fulfillment through various worldly pleasures and material possessions. Desires can range from basic needs to more complex aspirations like wealth, power, and status. External Fulfillment and Its Limitations Temporary Satisfaction : When desires are fulfilled externally, they provide only temporary satisfaction. The joy derived from material possessions or sensory pleasures is fleeting and soon gives way to new desires. This temporary nature of fulfillment leads to a continuous cycle of craving and striving, never leading to lasting contentment. Insatiable Nature of Desires :

In Hindu philosophy, the concepts of "below" and "above" are often considered as parts of a unified whole, rather than distinct or separate entities. This idea is deeply rooted in the understanding that the cosmos and the human experience are interconnected and that dualities are reconciled within the greater oneness of existence. The Unity of Below and Above The division between "below" and "above" is seen as a creation of the human mind, a way to categorize and make sense of the world. However, in the deeper teachings of Hinduism, these distinctions are ultimately illusory. Everything in the universe is interconnected, and what is perceived as "below" cannot exist without "above." This relationship can be understood through several key concepts in Hindu thought: Advaita Vedanta : This non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy posits that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is singular and without a second. The apparent dualities i

The wisdom of Hindu saints often revolves around understanding the fundamental unity of all existence. This perspective is eloquently captured in the notion that life and death are two facets of the same energy. Here’s an expanded exploration of this concept: Life and Death as Part of the Same Energy Birth: Energy Rising Creation and Manifestation : In Hindu philosophy, birth is seen as a manifestation of energy. This energy, referred to as Prana or life force, enters a new form, giving rise to life. The Upanishads, ancient Hindu scriptures, describe this process as the soul (Atman) entering a physical body, which is animated and sustained by this vital energy. Cycle of Samsara : The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (Samsara) is central to Hindu beliefs. Birth is not the beginning but a continuation of the soul's journey, influenced by past actions (karma). Each birth is an opportunity for the soul to learn, grow, and evolve spiritually. Death: Energy Dissolving Transition, Not

 In Hindu philosophy, particularly in Advaita Vedanta, the notion that "division is a creation of the mind; in reality, there is no division" is a profound teaching that touches on the nature of reality and consciousness. This teaching reflects the core principle of non-duality (Advaita), which posits that the ultimate reality is undivided and indivisible. Here’s an expanded explanation of this concept: Unity and Oneness in Hindu Philosophy Brahman as the Ultimate Reality : Brahman is considered the ultimate, unchanging reality, amidst and beyond the world of change and diversity. It is described as infinite, eternal, and the essence of all existence. According to Advaita Vedanta, everything in the universe is a manifestation of Brahman. The apparent multiplicity of forms and phenomena is essentially illusory (Maya). Maya – The Illusion of Division : Maya is the cosmic illusion that presents the One as many. It is through Maya that the undivided Brahman appears as the diver

The relationship between spirituality and personality traits like introversion and extroversion is a complex and multifaceted one. In the context of Hinduism, spirituality is not just a single path but a rich tapestry of practices, beliefs, and philosophies that can influence individuals in various ways. Understanding Spirituality in Hinduism Spirituality in Hinduism encompasses a broad spectrum of practices aimed at achieving self-realization and understanding one's connection with the divine. This can include meditation, yoga, chanting, and various forms of worship. The ultimate goal is often Moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara). Introversion and Extroversion: Basic Definitions Introversion: Characterized by a preference for solitary activities and internal reflection. Introverts often find social interactions draining and seek solitude to recharge. Extroversion: Marked by a preference for social interaction and external stimuli. Extroverts gain e

Vishvavani, the Online Sanskrit Magazine, is the outcome of an online network of students, faculty and alumni of Indian origin from various Universities in United States . Into its third edition in March 2008, Vishvavani features a wide range of topics including a Sanskrit crossword puzzle. Currently, Vishvavani is the only active online Sanskrit magazine. Apoorvavani was the first online Sanskrit magazine but it is currently not active. Vishvavani is brought out by Campus Samskritam Network (CSN) which mainly consists of members from MIT, UMD, CMU, UPitt, PSU, UPenn, Caltech, Purdue and others. Sowmya Joisa and Avinash Varna are the editors of the magazine. The group is also promoting Sanskrit blogging and main aim of CSN is to promote Sanskrit, with emphasis on the US and US universities. Vishvavani is currently hosted on speaksanskrit.org and you can read the magazine for free in PDF format here - Vishvavani Home Page. (update the link was removed f

The word religion is derived from the Latin word ‘re ligare’. Re means ‘back’ and ligare means ‘to the origin’. Together they mean ‘that which binds one back to the origin’. The origin of all jivas is paramatma. To get to the origin is the ultimate aim of human life. This necessitates realization of God within the human body. Religion is essentially the manifestation of divinity already in man. It is not anything gross which is to be stuffed into a man from outside. It is present in every human being. It is essentially the uncovering of what lies hidden in the inner realm. It is seeing and experiencing the inner world with a divine eye, just as the two eyes see the maya-ridden world outside. While the latter binds us to the elusive phenomenal physical world of objects, the former unites us with Supreme Brahman resulting in the manifestation of our true divine nature. There is no real difference between an ignorant materialist and the highest ecclesiastical giant who can rende

Odisha temples, primarily associated with the Kalinga architectural style, exhibit unique features that distinguish them from Hindu temples in other parts of India. Here are some key differences: Architectural Style Rekha Deula, Pidha Deula, and Khakhara Deula: Rekha Deula: Characterized by a curvilinear spire (shikhara) over the sanctum (garbhagriha). The Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar is a prominent example. Pidha Deula: Features a stepped pyramid-like structure, typically found over the assembly hall (jagmohan). The Jagannath Temple in Puri has this style. Khakhara Deula: Resembles a barrel-vaulted roof, often associated with temples dedicated to goddesses. The Vaital Deula in Bhubaneswar exemplifies this style. Distinctive Elements: Jagmohana: The assembly hall, usually rectangular with a pyramidal roof, is a significant feature of Odisha temples. Rathas: Projections on the walls of the temple towers, often intricately carved. Mandapas: Often present in other Indian

 The Ranchod form of Bhagavan Sri Krishna, known for its significance in the narratives of Krishna's life, especially his strategies in warfare and diplomacy, is revered in several temples across India. Here are some popular temples dedicated to Ranchod: Ranchhodraiji Temple, Dakor (Gujarat) This is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Ranchod, located in Dakor, Gujarat. The temple's history dates back to the 18th century and it attracts a large number of devotees, especially during festivals like Janmashtami and Holi. Ranchhodji Temple, Wadhwan (Gujarat) Situated in the town of Wadhwan, this temple is another prominent place of worship dedicated to the Ranchod form of Krishna. It is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. Ranchhodji Temple, Khamnor (Rajasthan) Located in the village of Khamnor near Nathdwara, Rajasthan, this temple is dedicated to Ranchodji and is a significant pilgrimage site. The temple is known for its peaceful ambiance and sceni

 Sri Krishna is called "Ranchod" because of an incident in his life where he strategically retreated from the battlefield. The name "Ranchod" is derived from the Sanskrit words "Ran" meaning battlefield and "Chod" meaning to leave or to abandon. This epithet, therefore, translates to "one who left the battlefield." The story behind this name is both fascinating and showcases Krishna's strategic acumen and dedication to the welfare of his people. The Story Behind the Name Ranchod The story takes place during the conflict between Krishna and the powerful king Jarasandha. Jarasandha was the king of Magadha and a staunch enemy of Krishna. He was determined to capture and kill Krishna and his clan, the Yadavas. Despite multiple attempts, Jarasandha could not defeat Krishna and became obsessed with his vendetta. To avoid unnecessary bloodshed and to protect his people, Krishna decided on a strategic retreat. Here’s how the events unfolded

Sastha and Ayyappa are often considered the same deity in Hindu tradition, though they are recognized by different names and sometimes have distinct attributes and stories associated with them. Sastha Origin and Attributes : Sastha, also known as Hariharaputra, is considered the son of Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva), embodying the qualities of both gods. This synthesis of Vishnu and Shiva's attributes signifies harmony and unity between Vaishnavism and Shaivism. Depiction : Sastha is depicted as a benevolent and powerful deity, often shown riding a horse or an elephant and holding a sword or a bow and arrow. Temples and Worship : Worship of Sastha is prevalent in South India, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with many temples dedicated to him. Ayyappa Origin and Attributes : Ayyappa is considered a manifestation of Sastha, specifically worshipped in the context of the famous Sabarimala pilgrimage in Kerala. Ayyappa is also believed to be the son of Vishnu (in the form of Mohini

In Kerala, the term "Bhagavati" is commonly used to refer to various forms of the Divine Mother, and it often denotes Goddess Durga or her various manifestations. Bhagavati worship is prevalent in Kerala and she is revered in many temples across the state. Some key points to note are: Durga as Bhagavati: In many temples, Bhagavati is indeed worshipped as Durga, particularly in her fierce and protective aspects. This is seen in the various forms of Durga such as Bhadrakali, Annapoorneshwari, and others. Regional Variations: The concept of Bhagavati in Kerala can encompass a range of goddesses including Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati, but the worship of Durga as Bhagavati is particularly prominent. Famous Temples: Some well-known Bhagavati temples in Kerala where she is worshipped as Durga include the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, and Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple. These temples are major centers of Shakti worship and attract numerous dev

The Karam Festival, celebrated predominantly in the Indian states of Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, is a vibrant and significant cultural event. It takes place in the month of Bhadrapad, corresponding to August or September in the Gregorian calendar. This festival is marked by various rituals, songs, and dances, all centered around the worship of the Karam tree, which is believed to bring prosperity and well-being. The Tale of Seven Brothers Once upon a time, in a village, there were seven brothers who toiled tirelessly in their fields from dawn till dusk. Due to their relentless work, they had no time even for lunch. Their devoted wives brought them their midday meals to the fields daily. However, one fateful day, the wives did not bring the lunches. Hungry and weary, the brothers returned home in the evening, only to find their wives dancing and singing around a branch of the Karam tree in the courtyard. Their hunger and fatigue

Based on Hindu calendars Makara Sankranti is celebrated in January 14 or 15 now. But the day the sun shines overhead on the Tropic of Capricorn (Makara) is on December 22 (the winter solstice). Biman Nath, an astronomer and writer, in an article in the Frontline titled ‘the story of India ’s faulty calendars’ asserts that the Indian regional calendars are faulty and they are actually 24 days ahead of the correct Indian National Calendar or Saka calendar. To be frank I am always confused with the regional calendars in India . Indian states in the north and the east use a solar calendar in which months are either 30 or 31 days long. Kerala and Tamil Nadu also use a solar calendar. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat use lunar calendars in which months are 29.5 days long. But I don’t know whether they are faulty simply because the explanations that we get on Indian calendars are confusing. It is hard for a common man to understand Indian regional calendars. The

Yenathinathar was a Bhakti saint, one of the 63 Nayanars devoted to Hindu God Shiva. Yenathinathar was born into a Channar family in the village of Eyinanur, located on the banks of the river Arisil, southeast of Kumbakonam in the Chola kingdom, present-day Tamil Nadu. From an early age, Yenathinathar demonstrated exceptional talent as a swordsman. His prowess and skill did not go unnoticed, leading him to become a prominent general in the Chola military. In addition to his military achievements, Yenathinathar took on the esteemed role of tutor to the Chola princes, instructing them in the art of swordsmanship. A devout Shaiva, Yenathinathar was a fervent worshipper of Lord Shiva. His devotion to Shiva was reflected not only in his personal piety but also in his generous nature. Yenathinathar utilized his considerable wealth to serve and support fellow devotees of Shiva, thereby gaining immense respect and admiration from the community. Rivalry with Atisuran Atisuran, another w

Few days back several online newspapers carried a report about the formation of an organization named ‘Universal Society of Hinduism’ (USH). The President of the society is the Nevada-based Hindu priest Rajan Zed, who came into limelight by delivering open prayers in various state assemblies and the Senate . The executive director of the society is Journalist Dharam Loonaa. The newspaper reports said the organization aims to provide worldwide Hindu identity, enhance understanding of Hinduism, to foster inter-religious dialogue and to promote the ethics, spirit, culture and philosophy of Hindu heritage. But the formation of the organization was not reported by any prominent newspapers. Neither was I able to locate the website of the organization. I guess the organization is in its infancy. But yesterday some of the major newspapers and television channels did report that the Universal Society of Hinduism has expressed fear that the upcoming Hollywood movie ‘The Love Guru

In Hinduism, the concept of deities taking various forms is deeply embedded in its theology and mythology. The term "Sakala" is often used to refer to the manifest form of a deity, as opposed to the unmanifest or formless aspect known as "Nishkala." For Creation and Cosmic Function s In Hindu cosmology, gods and goddesses take different forms to fulfill various roles and functions in the universe. For example: Brahma: The creator god who is responsible for the creation of the universe and all living beings. Vishnu: The preserver god who takes various avatars (incarnations) to protect the universe from chaos and maintain dharma (cosmic order). Famous avatars include Rama and Krishna. Shiva: The destroyer or transformer god who destroys the universe at the end of each cycle, making way for new creation. To Satisfy and Protect Devotees Hindu deities also take specific forms to interact with and aid their devotees. These forms often reflect the needs, desi

In Hinduism, numbers often hold symbolic significance, and the number 18 is no exception. Here are some key aspects of the symbolism of the number 18 in Hindu tradition: Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita: The epic Mahabharata, one of the major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, is structured into 18 books called "parvas." The great war described in the Mahabharata, the Kurukshetra War, lasted for 18 days. The Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Mahabharata, is divided into 18 chapters. Puranas: There are 18 main Puranas, which are ancient Hindu texts eulogizing various deities through divine stories. Japa Mala (Prayer Beads): A traditional Hindu japa mala (prayer beads) typically consists of 108 beads. The number 108 is a multiple of 18, reflecting its importance in spiritual practices and its symbolic significance. Astrology: In Hindu astrology, the 18-year cycle of the planet Rahu is considered significant in determining the influenc