This phrase, "Cleanse the mirror of your heart, and you will see God," reflects a central theme in Hindu spiritual teachings, emphasizing the importance of inner purity and self-realization. The "mirror" symbolizes the heart or mind, and its cleansing represents the process of removing impurities such as ignorance, ego, and desires that cloud true perception. Here are a few key concepts related to this teaching: Atman and Brahman : In Hindu philosophy, Atman refers to the inner self or soul, and Brahman is the ultimate reality or universal consciousness. The realization that Atman and Brahman are one is a fundamental goal of many Hindu spiritual paths. Meditation and Yoga : Practices such as meditation, yoga, and other forms of self-discipline are essential tools for cleansing the mind and heart. These practices help in focusing the mind, controlling the senses, and purifying thoughts. Bhakti (Devotion) : Devotional practices, or Bhakti, involve cultivating love and...

If you have passed your senior higher secondary exams, then you can become a Hindu Priest by joining the one-year diploma course offered by Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit University in Rajasthan , India . Traditionally, Hindu priests are males from Brahmin community. This highly commendable new initiative will break the monopoly of Hindu priesthood and take it to other sections of the Hindu society. The fee for the one-year diploma course is Rs 2,500 and admission would begin in July 2009. Classes will commence from August 2009. The classes have been divided into two semesters. The course is designed by the Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit University and would have theory and practicals as well as audio-visual demonstrations of Hindu religious ceremonies. The theory paper contains lessons in various religious practices required from the time a devout Hindu is born until he/she dies. Anindo Dey Reports in Times of India ‘Most p...

The spiritual teachings of Bhagawan Nityananda of Ganeshpuri and Paramahansa Yogananda offer profound insights into the nature of spirituality, self-realization, and the path to inner peace. While both spiritual leaders share a common goal of guiding individuals toward higher consciousness, their methods, philosophies, and emphasis vary significantly. This comparison aims to explore the teachings of both masters, highlighting their unique approaches and contributions to spiritual growth. Background Bhagawan Nityananda of Ganeshpuri Lifespan : 1897 - 1961 Location : Predominantly in Ganeshpuri, India Spiritual Path : Known for his silence, meditative presence, and the Shaktipat initiation (transmission of spiritual energy). Paramahansa Yogananda Lifespan : 1893 - 1952 Location : India and later the United States Spiritual Path : Introduced Kriya Yoga to the West, wrote "Autobiography of a Yogi", and founded the Sel...

The very mentioning of Hindu sacred thread ceremony (Upanayan), a Vedic practice, for a girl or woman will cause a flutter among orthodox Hindus and traditionalists. For the conservatives, sacred thread ceremony is only for boys and men. But Sejal Amod Ketkar, eight-year-old girl from Thane, went through the sacred initiation rite and the ceremony was performed by a female priest as male priests were not ready to perform the ritual on a girl. The sacred thread ceremony is no doubt part of orthodoxy and there are many Hindus who don’t perform it or rather ignore it. But millions of Hindus also perform the sacred thread ceremony but is limited only to the male members of the community. Why are girls or women kept out of the Hindu sacred thread ceremony? There is no answer to this. It is the practice that is being followed. The only reason for this is that rituals and ceremonies were decided by male members of the society and they just simply kept women out of it for power. ...

In Hindu philosophy, Arjuna, one of the central characters of the epic Mahabharata, symbolizes the seeking mind within us. His journey and struggles reflect our inner quest for wisdom and self-realization. Arjuna's character is intricately linked with the pursuit of knowledge and the desire to uncover the deeper truths of existence. Arjuna's story is not just about a warrior fighting a physical battle, but about an individual confronting the complexities of life, duty, and morality. His dialogue with Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita represents the inner conflict we all face when trying to align our actions with our higher purpose. The Gita provides profound insights into this struggle, offering guidance on how to achieve inner peace and understanding. The battlefield of Kurukshetra, where Arjuna hesitates and seeks Krishna's counsel, symbolizes the internal battlefield within each of us. The confusion and moral dilemmas Arjuna experiences are universal, representing the do...

Sarvapori Shri Swaminarayan Bhagwaan is a serial based on the life of Shri Swaminarayan, 18th century saint who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna. Bhagvan Swaminarayan (1781-1830) is the founder of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, a Bhakti Sampraday, which is today spread around the world with millions of followers. Serial Sarvapori Shri Swaminarayan Bhagwan will be telecast Sundays at 10:00 am (Indian Standard Time). About the Serial from the makers The story begins as Rishi Vairatyanarayn prays to Lord Swaminarayan to manifest on earth and save the humanity engrossed in sin. Lord Swaminarayan appears and says he will be born to Dharamdev and Bhaktidevi in Chhappiya village of Bharatkhand as a normal human being. Demon Kalidutt who has spread terror with his sinful and cruel ways is unhappy with this liaison. Lord Swaminarayan informs Muktas in Akshardham that time has come for him to manifest on earth and teach people six motives of his. Kalidutt is h...

In Hindu philosophy, the realization that you and God are not different but rather a single source of energy is a profound and transformative awareness. This teaching is deeply rooted in the principles of Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of thought that emphasizes the fundamental unity of all existence. Here's an expanded explanation of this concept: 1. Advaita Vedanta: The Philosophy of Non-Duality Advaita Vedanta, one of the main schools of Hindu philosophy, posits that the true nature of reality is non-dual (Advaita), meaning there is no separation between the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). According to this philosophy, the perceived distinctions between individual beings and the divine are illusions (Maya) created by ignorance (Avidya). 2. Brahman and Atman: The Core Concepts Brahman : In Hinduism, Brahman is the ultimate, unchanging reality, amidst and beyond the world, which cannot be exactly defined. It is the infinite source from which ev...

Few months back, Attukal Temple at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala had secured trademark protection for the picture of the deity and the title (tag) associated with the temple – Sabarimala of Women. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple at Trivandrum holds the Guinness world record for the largest gathering of women in the world during the world famous Attukal Pongala Festival (February – March). Now Kerala High Court has registered a suo motu case against patenting of temple deity, on the complaint of a resident from Trivandrum , who has alleged that patenting means that the temple is a business project and not in tune with religious purpose. Trademark on the picture of the Attukal Devi and title ‘Sabarimala of Women’ means that only the Attukal Temple administration body has the right to use them and this helps to prevent unauthorized use of the picture and the title. (Even this blog cannot publish the picture of the deity.) The present case that has been registered against the trad...

In Hinduism, the concepts of Bhogi and Yogi represent two distinct approaches to life, embodying different philosophies and goals. Bhogi Definition : A Bhogi is a person who seeks and enjoys material pleasures and worldly comforts. The term "Bhoga" means enjoyment, particularly sensory pleasures. Lifestyle : Bhogis focus on fulfilling their desires and experiencing the pleasures of life. They engage in activities that bring them joy and satisfaction in the material sense. Philosophy : Bhogis often follow a path that emphasizes indulgence in worldly pleasures. This can include the pursuit of wealth, luxury, and sensory experiences. Goal : The primary goal of a Bhogi is to maximize pleasure and minimize discomfort. Their happiness is closely tied to external circumstances and material possessions. Scriptural Context : In Hindu scriptures, the concept of Bhogi is sometimes viewed with caution. Excessive indulgence in worldly pleasures is seen as a potential distraction from spir...

Seven Sanskrit Keertans of saint poet, Tallapaka Annamacharya, will be sung by Lata Maganeshkar and made available to the general public. This initiative by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is to popularize the keertans (bhajans) of Tallapaka Annamacharya around the world. The songs of Annamacharya extol the glory of Lord Venkateswara. The songs Lata Mangeshkar would be singing are Evam darshayasi Tavamam drastam Tvameva sharanam Dasavidhacharanam Prudul hema kaupina dharaha Majahihi dsthamanayiti Madrushanam. The music for these songs will be given by Sabarigirish, a music lecturer in Sri Venkateswara Music and Dance College and will be compiled by Dr Vibhishana Sharma, the station manager of community radio project of TTD. Times of India reports Interestingly, though Lata was the ‘aasthana gayani', of TTD during 1960s, she did not sing any songs of Annamayya. However, M S Subbulakshmi, who succeeded her, had recorded some of the keertans of the saint poe...

 n Hinduism, the concept of pride, particularly in the context of ego and the true nature of the self, is an important philosophical and spiritual teaching. The statement "Pride is assuming that the ego is the seer" encapsulates a profound understanding of the nature of the self and the illusion of ego. Here’s an expanded explanation of this concept: The Nature of the Ego The ego, or "ahamkara" in Sanskrit, is the sense of individual identity and self-importance. It is the part of us that identifies with our thoughts, emotions, and physical form, believing that we are separate from others and from the universe. The ego is essential for functioning in the world, as it helps us navigate our daily lives and maintain a sense of individuality. However, in spiritual terms, the ego is also seen as a source of ignorance and suffering. The Seer and the Seen In Hindu philosophy, particularly in the Advaita Vedanta tradition, there is a distinction between the seer (drashta) a...

Anandashram Sanstha at Appa Balwant Chowk in Pune was founded by late lawyer Mahadev Chitanmani Apte in 1888 to propagate Sanskrit and preserve and publish Sanskrit texts. There are more than 10,000-odd Sanskrit manuscripts at Anandashram Sanstha and majority of them dates back to the 16th and 17th century. The manuscripts are based on the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Vastushastra, Kamashastra, astrology, Ayurveda, creative arts like fine arts, music, poetry and literature and numerous other topics. Currently, National Mission for Manuscripts, an arm of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India is digitizing the Sanskrit manuscripts at Anandashram Sanstha. Laxmi Birajdar Writes in Times of India Each of the manuscripts are being scanned and copied on to a computer. Finally, the pictures files will be stored in a DVD format. Besides Sanskrti, Anandashram also has 400 manuscripts in Marathi and 400-odd palm leaves in Tamil. Currently, only the Sanskrit manuscrip...

Understanding The Teachings Of Sant Namdev You are the Creator, You alone are my friend; You, O Lord, are all-pervading. True meditation reveals You in all Your perfection; And the snares of illusion are rendered ineffective. Vast and vicious is this mesh of illusion, Whose intricate tentacles suck you dry. Sing with all your heart, the Name of the Lord; It costs nothing, O Nama, to repeat His Name. Sant Namdev (1270 AD – 1350 AD) – Marathi Saint and Bhakti Poet Let's break down the meaning and explanation of the verses: "You are the Creator, You alone are my friend": The speaker acknowledges the divine as the creator of all things and sees the divine as a personal friend, emphasizing a close and intimate relationship with the divine. "You, O Lord, are all-pervading": The divine is described as omnipresent, existing everywhere and in everything. "True meditation reveals You in all Your perfection": Through sincere meditation or contemplation, o...

Tarkshya is a lesser known figure in Hindu mythology, particularly within the Rig Veda, one of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. Described as a divine horse, Tarkshya holds a unique position among the deities and mythological creatures. Description and Attributes In the Rig Veda, Tarkshya is depicted with attributes that liken him to a swift and powerful bird. This comparison underscores his speed and majestic nature. The following points provide a deeper insight into Tarkshya's characteristics: Swift as a Bird : The analogy to a bird highlights Tarkshya's incredible speed and agility. This characteristic is essential in the context of Vedic literature, where swiftness is often associated with divine or supernatural abilities. Comparison with Dadhikra : Tarkshya is often described in terms similar to Dadhikra, another divine horse. Dadhikra is celebrated for his vigor and speed, attributes that are also prominent in Tarkshya’s depiction. This comparison suggests a shared sym...

In 2006, two youngsters for fun destroyed the Hindu Temple at Maple Grove in Minnesota , United States . They broke the idols (murtis), sculptures, windows and more than 100 holes were drilled into the temple walls. The damages were calculated at $300,000 plus the irreparable damage of artworks. Instead of going ahead and punishing the two youngsters, the Hindu community chose the method of love, compassion, accountability and forgiveness. The youngsters who destroyed the temple were not aware of Hinduism and the symbolic value of the idols and sculptures. The Hindu community pleaded for mercy and a suspended sentence for the vandals. By working shoulder to shoulder with these youngsters the Hindu Community succeeded in changing their way of life. Now these young men are much happier, drug free and productive citizen of the society. On June 25, 2009, the temple will be performing a special ceremony to bury the desecrated idols. Bridgette Bornstein writes in wcco.com ...

Tapaswini is a renowned poem in Odia literature that vividly narrates the story of Sita from the Ramayana. Composed by the eminent Odia poet Gangadhar Meher in 1912, this long narrative poem spans eleven cantos and is a masterful retelling of Sita’s journey from her banishment by Rama until her twin sons, Lava and Kusha, meet their father, Rama. Composition and Sources The poem is heavily influenced by multiple sources, including Valmiki’s original Ramayana, Bhavabhuti’s Uttararamacharita, and various Odia translations and interpretations of the Ramayana. Gangadhar Meher, through his work, not only adhered to the traditional narratives but also infused his unique perspectives, especially focusing on Sita's character and experiences. Focus on Sita While the epic traditionally revolves around Rama, Meher's Tapaswini shifts the focus entirely to Sita, exploring her emotions, struggles, and strength. This exclusive focus on Sita allows the poem to delve deeply into themes of ideal...

Shiva Bibaha is the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is observed during the Shitala Sasthi festival in Orissa, especially in Sambalpur. In 2025, the date of Shiva Bibaha is June 1. Legend has it that Lord Shiva after the death of Goddess Sati started leading the life of an ascetic and lost interest in worldly life. Finally, the intense austerities performed by Goddess Parvati changed the mind of Shiva and he became a family man. Shiva Bibaha celebrates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On the Shiva Bibaha day, Lord Shiva, the bridegroom, arrives for the marriage ceremony to the house of Goddess Parvati along with other gods and goddesses in Hindu pantheon. Lord Hanuman and Narasimha lead the divine procession. All the rituals that are part of normal marriage ceremony in Orissa are followed for the divine wedding. The divine wedding is held on the fifth day during the waxing phase of moon in the month of Jaishta (May – June). You can fi...

Neem Karoli Baba (1900-1973) and Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895-1986) were two influential spiritual figures of the 20th century, but their teachings and approaches were quite different. Here is a comparison of their core teachings and philosophies: Neem Karoli Baba Core Teachings Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion) : Neem Karoli Baba emphasized devotion to God and service to humanity as a means to spiritual growth. His teachings were rooted in traditional Hindu practices, particularly the worship of Hanuman, the monkey god. Simplicity and Humility : He advocated for a simple and humble life, stressing the importance of humility and love in everyday actions. Service to Others : One of his primary teachings was "Love all, serve all." He believed in selfless service (Seva) as a way to express devotion and connect with the divine. Miracles and Mysticism : Neem Karoli Baba was known for his miracles and supernatural occurrences, which attracted many followers. These aspects of his life rein...

Neem Karoli Baba and Papa Ramdas are two prominent spiritual figures in modern Indian spirituality, each with distinct teachings and approaches. Here’s a comparison of their teachings and philosophies: Neem Karoli Baba Devotion and Surrender : Neem Karoli Baba emphasized the path of Bhakti Yoga, focusing on devotion to God. He encouraged his followers to surrender to God and trust in divine will. Service to Others (Seva) : One of his central teachings was serving others selflessly, seeing God in all beings. He believed in the importance of helping others without expecting anything in return. Simplicity and Humility : Neem Karoli Baba lived a simple and humble life, teaching through his example. He emphasized the importance of humility and simplicity in spiritual practice. Faith and Trust : He taught that faith in God can move mountains and that trust in divine power is crucial. Stories of miracles associated with him often highlight the power of faith. Universal Love : Neem Karoli Baba...

Overview and Identification The Asikni River, whose name translates to "the non-white one," holds a prominent place in ancient Hindu texts, especially the Rig Veda. This river has been identified with the modern Chenab River, which flows through the Punjab region. In later literature, the Asikni was also known as Chandrabhaga. Asikni in Rig Veda The Rig Veda, one of the oldest texts in Hinduism, frequently mentions the Asikni River. It is revered as a sacred river, playing a crucial role in various hymns and rituals. The river's name, "Asikni," meaning "non-white," possibly refers to the color of its waters or its distinctive characteristics compared to other rivers. Later Identification as Chandrabhaga In subsequent Hindu literature, the Asikni River is referred to as Chandrabhaga. This name is derived from the Sanskrit words "Chandra" (moon) and "Bhaga" (portion), indicating a river that reflects the moonlight or holds celestial s...

The Essence of AUM written by K A Francis attempts to explore the world of AUM. The author introduces the readers to discussions on AUM that had taken place in history and the words of saints and other scholars. The book also searches for the origin of the term and when it was first used and written down. But what is more interesting is the author’s own findings and interpretations and comparisons. The author quotes from various sources: The most noteworthy….. discussion between Swami Vivekananda and his disciple Saratchandra Chakraborty…...took place in Calcutta in 1897’. And a catechism materialises to expound the implication of Aum. Swami Vivekanada quoth – ‘Even before creation Brahma existed as sound. Then came Aum. Or Sonic. Later different pre-existing sounds like ‘bhu: Bhuva: Swa’. The book is a great introduction to ‘ OM ’ and offers food for thought. The Essence of AUM KA Francis Konark Publishers Rupees 125.00

The self of mine that limits my truth within myself confines me to a narrow idea of my own personality. When through some great experience I transcend this boundary I find joy. The negative fact of the vanishing of the fences of self has nothing in itself that is delightful. But my joy proves that the disappearance of self brings me into touch with a great positive truth whose nature is infinitude. My love makes me understand that I gain a great truth when I realize myself in others, and therefore I am glad. This has been thus expressed in the Isopanishad – He who sees all creatures in himself, and himself in all creatures, no longer remains concealed. Rabindranath Tagore (Source: from the Forward by Rabindranath Tagore to The Philosophy of the Upanishads by S. Radhakrishnan) The quote - the negative fact of the vanishing ….nature is infinitude - reflects a philosophical perspective on the nature of self and its relationship to joy and truth. Let's break it down and expand on its i...

In Hindu temples, the primary icon in the garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum, known as the ‘dhruvabera,’ is generally made of stone and is permanently fixed. This central deity is the focal point of worship and is often crafted to embody the divine presence in a durable and lasting form. The Evolution of Temple Rituals As temple rituals evolved, becoming more elaborate and expansive, the necessity for a subsidiary image—a replica or representative of the original deity—arose. This secondary image was required to participate in various temple activities and festivals where the main deity could not be moved. This image, taken out in procession on festival days, is referred to as the ‘utsava-murti’ or ‘procession-image.’ The utsava-murti plays a crucial role during temple festivals and other religious events, allowing devotees to experience the presence of the deity in a more accessible and engaging manner. Material Composition: Ashtalohas The term ‘ashtalohas’ refers to the eight metals tr...

The Ashtakshari Mantra, an eight-syllable mantra in Hinduism, is one of the most revered and frequently recited mantras. It goes as follows: "Om Namo Narayanaya," which translates to "Obeisance to Narayana, the Supreme Lord." Breakdown of the Mantra Om (Pranava) Symbolism : Om is a sacred sound and a spiritual icon in Hinduism, considered the most universal of all Hindu symbols. It represents Brahman, the Supreme Spirit or God. Composition : It is composed of three sounds: 'a', 'u', and 'm'. Interpretation in Vaishnavism : In the tradition of Ramanuja (1017—1037 CE), the sounds are interpreted as follows: a : Represents Narayana/Vishnu, the Supreme God. u : Stands for Lakshmi, the Consort of Narayana and the embodiment of his power. m : Symbolizes the jiva or the individual soul. Totality : Thus, Om encapsulates the entire Narayana principle, which includes the Supreme God, His power, and the individual souls. Narayana Meaning : Narayana is a...

What is Ashtanga Yoga? Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic and structured style of yoga that focuses on a set sequence of postures, breath control, and gaze points. It is rooted in ancient yoga philosophy and emphasizes a disciplined approach to practice. The word "Ashtanga" means "eight limbs," referring to the eightfold path outlined by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, which includes ethical guidelines, postures, breath control, sense withdrawal, concentration, meditation, and ultimately, samadhi (a state of bliss). Structure of Ashtanga Yoga Ashtanga Yoga is traditionally practiced in a specific sequence of postures, divided into six series: Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) : Focuses on detoxifying and aligning the body. Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana) : Cleanses the nervous system and opens energy channels. Advanced Series (Sthira Bhaga) : Consists of four series that demand high levels of strength, flexibility, and endurance. Each series builds upon the previous...

In Hinduism, Goddess Annapoorna, or Annapurna Devi, is the Goddess of food. She is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati; in essence one of the numerous forms of Shakti. In this incarnation she nourishes all living beings and therefore Hindus consider ‘ Annam ’ (food) as holy. There is an interesting incident involving Lord Shiva and Goddess Annapoorna, which explains that even Moksha (salvation) is not possible on an empty stomach. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati used to play the game of dice. Once the game became so interesting that they started betting – Parvati kept her jewels and Shiva his trident. Shiva lost the game and lost his trident. To get back his trident, Shiva betted serpent and this time too he lost the game. Finally, when the game ended, Shiva lost all that he had including his begging bowl. A humiliated Shiva left for the Deodar forest. Lord Vishnu approached Shiva and asked him to play again to win back all that he had lost. Taking advice fro...