Hindu Goddess Durga and Egyptian Goddess Sekhmet are both powerful deities revered in their respective cultures. Despite originating from distinct cultural and historical contexts, these goddesses share striking similarities in their attributes, roles, and symbolism, reflecting universal themes of power, protection, and destruction. Origins and Mythological Context Durga: Origin: Hindu mythology, primarily worshipped in India and Nepal. Mythological Context: Durga is an incarnation of the goddess Parvati, created by the collective energies of the gods to defeat the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Her creation symbolizes the combined power of the gods. Texts: Durga is prominently mentioned in texts such as the Devi Mahatmya in the Markandeya Purana, where her exploits and battles are detailed. Sekhmet: Origin: Ancient Egyptian mythology. Mythological Context: Sekhmet, whose name means "the powerful one," is depicted as a lioness or a lion-headed woman. She is the daughter of the su

Putrada Ekadasi Fasting is observed during the waxing phase of moon (Shukla Paksha) in Shravan month (July – August) in Maharashtra, Gujarat , Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Orissa. This Ekadasi fasting is observed as Pavitra Ekadasi in North India . Putrada Ekadashi is also observed during the waxing phase of moon in December/January. An interesting story associated with this Ekadasi fasting suggests that it observed for begetting children. Legend has it that a king named Suketumana had no children. He and his wife, Saivya, performed several austerities and religious performances but without any success. The king was worried that he will not have children to perform his last rites and other rituals for forefathers. A sad king left his kingdom and wandered through many lands and finally reached the Manasarovar Lake in the Himalayas . Here he was greeted by saints. He wanted to know what the saints were doing at the Manasarovar Lake . They said that they were here to

Spiritual India Handbook – a guide to a guide to festivals and traditions, temples and holy sites – written by Stephen Knapp explores the holy places in India . Stephen Knapp, a writer and philosopher, is noted for his works related to Santana Dharma. Basically, the book is a guide to foreign travelers who intent to visit holy sites in India . It’s not the usual travelers guide but a guide that apart from the basic information, gives details of why the spot is holy and what benefits you get by visiting the place – more of such spiritual notes. For Example this is how Stephen Knapp introduces Mathura As we begin our tour of the holy places of East and Central India, the first major holy place to see is only a short three hour ride by train or bus ride south from Delhi . Now that they have built a nice highway through the area, the road is much faster than it used to be. Vraja, which has a perimeter of 168 miles and is composed of many villages and towns, is considered no

The Upanishads are ancient Indian texts that form the philosophical foundation of Hinduism. Among them, the Katha Upanishad and the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad stand out for their profound spiritual teachings. Despite sharing a common goal of exploring the nature of reality and the self, these two texts differ significantly in their style, content, and approach. Overview of the Katha Upanishad The Katha Upanishad is one of the primary Upanishads, associated with the Yajurveda. It is a dialogue between a young seeker, Nachiketa, and Yama, the god of death. The text is structured as a poetic narrative and is known for its philosophical depth and clarity. Key Themes The Nature of the Self (Atman) : The Katha Upanishad emphasizes the immortality and the indestructible nature of the Atman. It explores the relationship between the individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). The Concept of Death : Through Nachiketa's dialogue with Yama, the Upanishad delves into the mystery o

Pavitra Ekadasi is observed on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in the Shravan month as per traditional North Indian Calendar. The corresponding Ekadasi in other regions is known as Putrada Ekadashi . The Pavithra Ekadasi Vrat Katha (Story) narrates how a king was able to beget children after observing the Ekadasi. Legend has it that a king named Mahijit had no children. The sad king one day convened the assembly of all the citizens and wanted to know what sin he had committed for not having children. A group of citizens decided to visit the Ashramas of great saints and find out the reason why King Mahijit was not having children. After traveling for days they finally reached the Ashram of Sage Lomasa. Sage Lomasa had the power to see the past, present and future. Sage Lomasa realized that King Mahijit was a merchant in his last birth and used to travel around selling his goods. Once during his journey he became very thirsty and soon reached a la

Katha Guru Charita is a significant Assamese prose work from the 17th or 18th century that provides a detailed account of the lives and contributions of prominent Vaishnava saints, including Sankaradeva, Mahadeva, and their successors. This anonymous composition is more than a mere hagiography; it serves as a vital historical document that sheds light on the socio-political and economic conditions of Assam during its time. Key Aspects and Contributions Biographical Accounts : The text provides comprehensive biographies of Sankaradeva and Mahadeva, illustrating their spiritual journeys, teachings, and the centers of pilgrimage they visited. Their lives are depicted against the backdrop of the societal norms and political landscapes of the period. Vaishnavite Faith and Movement : Katha Guru Charita offers an in-depth look into the Vaishnavite faith and its propagation in Assam. It captures the organizational aspects of the Vaishnavite movement, highlighting how it was structured and mana

Nandafalva Hindu community in Hungary  was formed in 1979 – several young adherents of Hindu teachings led by Swami B.A. Narayan formed the Nandfalva Hindu Community . Nandafalva is named after the Hindu holy place called Nandagram. After 20 years of activity, the Hindu Temple opened its doors in 2000 AD. The temple practices Vaishnavism. The Hindu Temple at Nandafalva is a brilliant fusion of Hungarian and Hindu architectural styles. The temple is inspired by the Orissan style temple architecture. The 100 kilo bell residing in the temple tower resounds daily in accordance with Hungarian custom. The guests visiting the temple will gain an authentic view into the life of ancient Indian culture. The guests may choose among various interesting programs: a yoga demonstration, the basics of a vegetarian cooking course, pantomime, a presentation of a Hindu religious service, Hindu songs, recitation of Vedic mantras, Odissi dance lecture demonstration, Henna body art,

Go not to the temple to put flowers upon the feet of God, First fill your own house with the Fragrance of love... Go not to the temple to light candles before the altar of God, First remove the darkness of sin from your heart... Go not to the temple to bow down your head in prayer, First learn to bow in humility before your fellowmen... Go not to the temple to pray on bended knees, First bend down to lift someone who is down-trodden... Go not to the temple to ask for forgiveness for your sins, First forgive from your heart those who have sinned against you. Rabindranath Tagore You may also like to read Look to this day - A poem by Sage Meaning Of The Poem This poem, attributed to Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore, emphasizes the importance of inner transformation and compassionate action over mere rituals or outward displays of piety. The poem highlights the importance of personal growth and inner transformation as essential prerequisites to engaging in religious or spiritual p

Sanskrit and Vedic Universities in India have started opening the doors Hindu priesthood to all those who want to practice it. The Vedic school managed by the world famous Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Temple has started training Dalit priests. The much needed progressive and revolutionary change of breaking the male Brahmin monopoly of Hindu priesthood is surely happening but at a snail’s pace. Tamil Nadu Government has set up a Hindu priest training center and has already started inducting people from all sections of Hindu society as priests in temples run by the government. Famous temples in Bihar have started appointing of Dalit priests . In 2002, the Supreme Court of India had ruled that a person belonging to Hindu community could be appointed as priests in temples so long as they were qualified to conduct the ritual. Times of India reports Is India on the threshold of real change in that most regressive of monopolies, the priesthood? This has alw

The authors of the Upanishads did not all think alike; but, taking their meditations as a whole, we may say that they are dominated by one paramount conception’ that of the ideal of oneness of the soul of man with the soul of the universe. The Sanskrit word for the soul of man is Atman and the word for the soul of the universe is Brahman. ‘God’s dwelling place’, says Professor Radhakrishnan in this exposition of the philosophy of the Upanishads, ‘is the heart of man. The inner immortal self and the great cosmic power are one and the same.’ Brahman is the Atman, and the Atman is the Brahman. The one supreme power through which all things have been brought into being is one with the inmost self in each man’s heart.’ What is real in each of us is his self or soul. What is real in universe is its self or soul, in virtue of which its All is One, and the name for which in our language is God. In other words of one of the Upanishads: ‘He who is the Brahma

Kashmir Shaivism, also known as Trika Shaivism, is a distinctive school of non-dualistic thought that emerged in the Kashmir Valley of India. Flourishing between the 8th and 12th centuries, it presents a comprehensive framework for understanding the nature of reality and the individual's place within it. Central to its teachings is the concept of universal consciousness and the unity of all existence. This essay explores the key teachings of Kashmir Shaivism, highlighting its metaphysical, epistemological, and soteriological dimensions. Metaphysical Foundations: Universal Consciousness At the heart of Kashmir Shaivism lies the doctrine of non-dualism (Advaita), which posits that the ultimate reality is a single, undivided consciousness known as Shiva. Unlike other philosophical systems that differentiate between creator and creation, Kashmir Shaivism asserts that everything in the universe is a manifestation of Shiva's consciousness. This perspective is encapsulated in the noti

Khandikia Haribansha is a revered text composed by Narayanadasa in 1762 in the Odia language. This particular Harivamsha, distinguished by being contained within a single book (referred to as "khandikia"), derives its name from this unique characteristic. Structure and Content The Khandikia Haribansha is crafted in the form of a dialogue between Shuka and Parikshit. This conversational format delves into the life of Krishna Bhagavan, interweaving narratives of his divine exploits with the philosophical tenets of Vaishnavism. Key Themes and Narratives Krishna’s Life and Legacy : The text elaborately describes the life and deeds of Krishna Bhagavan, emphasizing his divine nature and his role in Vaishnava theology. Transformation of Krishna's Body : A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the story of Krishna’s body being consigned to the sea. It narrates how Krishna's body, after reaching the shore at Puri, is transformed into the image of Jagannatha. This t

Only limited number of copies of the Bhagavad Gita in Braille Script, meant for the visually impaired people, is published and it is also not easily available. In an attempt to make the Bhagavad Gita in Braille Script available to those who require it, B B Chaudhary, assistant commissioner with Delhi Police, has translated the Bhagavad Gita into Braille script. The small Bhagavad Gita handbook for Blind People is now ready for publication and will soon be distributed around the world. Times of India reports On what made him choose the Gita one of the many Upanishads for translation, Chaudhary says, "It's a part of Mahabharata in which Sanjay describes the war to Dhritrashtra, the Kaurava king. The idea came to my mind because Dhritrashtra was blind.'' Chaudhary juggled between his busy work schedule and book translation to come out with the final draft. Hailing from a village near Sasaram in Bihar, Chaudhary came to Delhi to prepare for civil serv

A 10 th century spiritual work, Paramarthasara of Abhinavagupta is dedicated to monistic Shaivism. Just as juice, jaggery and sugar are only different states of the same thing, namely sugarcane, so do all beings abide in the supreme Lord in different states or forms. In the kindled light of the Self, stirred up by the wind of contemplation, the imaginations of the aspirant are sacrificed and he becomes one with that light. The Supreme Lord seems still when the various elements are still, glad when they are glad, gloomy when they are gloomy, but truly he is not so. When by virtue of the store of gems of supreme wisdom, collected in the treasure house of the mystic heart, the state of Maheshwara is reached; one realizes ‘I am in all. Hence, what misfortunes can befall, and by whom?’ Paramarthasara of Abhinavagupta Abhinavagupta was a prominent Indian philosopher, mystic, and aesthetician who lived in Kashmir during the 10th-11th century CE. He was a pro

Sindhara Teej is the first of the three Teej festivals observed in North India . In 2025, the date of Sindhara Teej is July 27. It is also known as Hariyali Teej and is observed three days after the Shravan Amavasya or Hariyali Amavasya. Singhara Teej is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Sindhara Teej is also dedicated to the monsoon rains and new lush green nature. The festival is mainly observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat , Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Special prayers and pujas dedicated to Goddess Parvati are performed on the day. Women wear green colored dresses and green bangles resembling the lush green nature. Women also paint their hands with new Mehandi or henna designs. It is a sort of thanksgiving to Mother Nature. Numerous songs praising Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and those praising Mother Nature are sung on the day.

In Vaishnavism, the worship and understanding of Lord Vishnu are enriched through the recognition of His four distinct manifestations. These manifestations provide a comprehensive framework for devotees to connect with and experience the divine in various forms. Here is an expanded explanation of each manifestation: 1. Para: The Supreme The 'Para' manifestation represents the highest and most transcendental form of Vishnu. In this aspect, Vishnu is seen as the ultimate reality, the supreme cosmic being who is beyond all material existence. This form is often associated with the concept of Brahman in Hindu philosophy, which is the unchanging, infinite, immanent, and transcendent reality that is the divine ground of all being. The Para form of Vishnu is considered formless, limitless, and beyond human comprehension. In this state, Vishnu resides in Vaikuntha, the highest spiritual realm, and is worshipped through meditation and philosophical contemplation. 2. Vyuha: The Emanation

In Hindu cosmology, time is cyclic, consisting of four Yugas or epochs: Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. Each Yuga represents a different era in the cycle of time, marked by distinct characteristics and qualities. Here, we will explore and compare Dvapara Yuga and Kali Yuga. Dvapara Yuga 1. Characteristics: Duration: Dvapara Yuga lasts for 864,000 human years. Moral Decline: This era witnesses a significant decline in virtue and morality compared to the previous Yugas. Truth and righteousness start to diminish. Dharma: Dharma (righteousness) is reduced to half its original strength. This Yuga sees a balance of good and evil forces. Human Lifespan: The average human lifespan during this Yuga is around 1,000 years. 2. Societal Structure: Culture and Knowledge: Society retains considerable knowledge of Vedas and spirituality. However, there is a decline in adherence to these teachings. Technological and Spiritual Advances: There is a blend of spiritual knowledge

Observed by women, Jyoti Bheemeshwara Amavasya Vratam, or Pathi Sanjeevini Puja takes place on the Ashada Amavasya (No moon day in Ashada). In 2025, Jyothi Bheemeshwara Amavasya Vratam date is July 24. The Vrata is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is observed by women for the long life of male members in the family. Unmarried women also perform it to get good husbands. This Vrata is popularly known as Bheemana Amavasya Vratam. Pathi Sanjeevini Puja is performed for the long life of husbands by married women. The Vratam is observed for nine consecutive years and on the final year a lamp (Deepam) is given to brothers or other male members by women.  Special Thambittu Deepa and two Kalikamba lamps are prepared on the day by women. The two Kalikamba lamps represent Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Therefore the observance is also known as Deepastambha Pooja. Another unique ritual on the day is the preparation of Kadabus or dough balls with coins hidden in it.

In Hindu religion, Goddess Lakshmi is revered as the goddess of wealth, prosperity, fortune, and beauty. She is one of the principal deities of Hinduism and the consort of Lord Vishnu. Devotees believe that she bestows her blessings through various miracles and manifestations. Here are some of the notable miracles and legends associated with Goddess Lakshmi: 1. Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan) One of the most famous legends is the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). According to this story, the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churned the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality (Amrita). During this process, various treasures emerged, including Goddess Lakshmi, who appeared seated on a lotus. Her emergence from the ocean is considered a significant event, symbolizing the rise of wealth and prosperity. 2. Vishnu’s Incarnations Goddess Lakshmi incarnates with each of Lord Vishnu’s avatars to support and assist in their divine missions. For instance: As Sita in the Ramayana,

Deepastambha Puja, also known as Deepasthambham Amavasya Pooja, is an important observance undertaken by women in Karnataka in India. Deepastambha Pooja 2025 date is July 24. It is observed on the no moon day (Amavas) in the Kannada month of Ashada (July – August) and is a unique Kannadiga ritual. On the day women pray for the well being of male members in the family – husbands and brothers. The ritual is also known as Bheemana Amavasya Vrata. Deepastambha Puja is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Married women perform it for the long life of husbands and brothers. Unmarried women for getting a good husband. A pair of lamps made by women on the day using mud known as Kalikamba represents Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the day. Special pujas are done on the auspicious day to appease them. Thambittu Deepa or Thambittu lamp made from flour is made on the occasion and lit to cool all bad emotions like anger, frustration etc. It is these lamps that give the ritual the

The most important precaution to be taken during Solar Eclipse is not to watch the eclipse with naked eye. Watching the Eclipse with naked eye might cause permanent damage to the eye or blindness. The safest method of viewing a Total Solar Eclipse is by projection, in which a small opening is used to cast the image of the Sun on a screen beyond the opening. Don’ts During Solar Eclipse Never watch the eclipse with a naked eye. Don’t use Binoculars to view the eclipse. Don’t use Telescope to view the eclipse. Don’t use any cheap or easily available filters in Telescope or Binoculars to view the sun. Only specifically designed filters should be used with Telescope and Binoculars. Don’t watch the eclipse using color film. Don’t watch the eclipse with non-silver black and white film. Don’t watch the eclipse with medical x-ray films with images on them. Don’t use smoked glass to view the sun. All developed films lack a silver emulsion and therefore it should not be used to view the

Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, is often associated with numerous miracles and divine acts that demonstrate his power and compassion. These miracles are deeply embedded in Hindu mythology and scriptures. Here are some of the most notable miracles attributed to Lord Shiva: Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan): During the cosmic event of churning the ocean, both devas (gods) and asuras (demons) sought the nectar of immortality (amrita). The process produced a deadly poison (halahala), which threatened to destroy the world. Lord Shiva consumed the poison to save the universe, holding it in his throat, which turned blue and earned him the name Neelkanth. Manifestation as a Lingam (Jyotirlinga): According to the Shiva Purana, once Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma were disputing who was supreme. To resolve the argument, Lord Shiva appeared as a massive pillar of light (Jyotirlinga), with no beginning and no end. Neither Vishnu nor Brahma could find the end of the light, p

In Hindu religion, Lord Krishna is one of the most revered deities, known for his divine playfulness, wisdom, and numerous miraculous deeds. Here are some of the prominent miracles attributed to Krishna: Once the playful god Krishna as a child is caught eating dirt. When his mother, Yashoda, asks him to open his mouth, she witnesses the entire universe within – stars, planets, mountains, everything. This glimpse reveals Krishna's divine nature. Lifting Govardhana Hill : Event : To protect the inhabitants of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra, the rain god, who sent a deluge of rain to punish them, Krishna lifted the massive Govardhana Hill with his little finger. Significance : This act demonstrated his divine power and taught the lesson of devotion and faith in God. Kaliya Mardana : Event : Krishna subdued the venomous serpent Kaliya who was poisoning the Yamuna River. He danced on Kaliya's hoods, forcing the serpent to surrender and leave the river. Significance : This miracle

The book titled, Samarpanam, which contains word-by-word translation and interpretation of the Vishnu Sahasranamam, is the result of four years of research and dedication by Uthradom Tirunal Marthanda Varma, the present head of the royal family of erstwhile Travancore ( South Kerala ). The book is published by Konark Publishers, Delhi . ‘Vishnu Sahasranama,’ chanted by Bheeshma after the 18-day Kurukshetra battle, consists of the thousands of Lord Vishnu and it has symbolic meanings. The Hindu reports “The Vishnu Sahasranamam was recited by Bheeshma Pitamah at the end of the Mahabharata war as he approached his hour of attaining peace, in response to the six questions asked by Yudhishtira. The concept of attempting an English commentary of Vishnu Sahasranamam came some years back at a programme in Salem where I quoted a few lines and followed it up with an explanation. Hearing this, [the then] Chief Justice of India K. Subba Rao, who was sharing the dais, asked me to p

In the context of Dharmashastras, the concept of sin (papa) and its expiation (prayaschitta) is of significant importance. The texts provide extensive guidelines on various forms of expiatory rites designed to atone for different degrees of sin. Among these rites, the term 'kricchra' stands out, referring to those practices that inflict hardship or suffering upon the transgressor as a means of penance. The 'ardha-kricchra' is a specific type of kricchra, intended for the expiation of minor sins and causing relatively less suffering compared to a full kricchra. Understanding Ardha Kricchra Definition and Purpose 'Ardha' means 'half,' and 'kricchra' denotes a rigorous penance. Hence, 'ardha-kricchra' can be understood as a half-severity penance designed to atone for minor transgressions. The essential idea behind these practices is that the suffering endured during the penance helps in purging the accumulated sin, thus restoring the individ

In the book titled ‘The Hidden Oracle of India: The Mystery of India’s Naadi Palm Leaf Readers,’ the authors, Andrew and Angela Donovan, narrates their first time encounter and experience with the Naadi palm leaf readers of Tamil Nadu. Naadi palm leaf readers is said to accurately read the details of the lives of people which has been written down on palm leaves thousands of years ago. It is also referred as the Naadi Astrology. The popular belief is that the Naadi palm leaf containing past, present and future of living beings were compiled by Sages like Agastya, Bhrugu, Vasishta, Shukra and other saints. What is interesting in this form of astrology is that a compilation contains future of all human beings born or yet to be born. Some are of the view that the palm leaf were compiled by Lord Shiva and passed on to the Sapta Rishis. Naadi is a collective name given to the supposed palm-leaf manuscripts written by ancient sages. These Naadi Granthas are in the custody of s

In Hinduism, the water offered to gods, known as "Arghya," holds profound symbolic meaning and is meticulously prepared with various elements to honor the deities. Each ingredient added to the water carries specific significance: Flowers : Flowers symbolize purity, beauty, and the transient nature of life. Offering perfumed water with flowers reflects the devotee's desire to present something beautiful and fragrant to the divine, enhancing the sanctity of the ritual. Durva Grass (Cynodon dactylon) : This sacred grass is considered highly auspicious and is associated with Lord Ganesha. Durva grass symbolizes longevity, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles. Its inclusion in the water signifies the devotee’s wish for blessings of growth and success. Rice Grains : Rice is a symbol of abundance and nourishment. When mixed with water offered to the gods, it represents the devotee’s hope for a prosperous life and gratitude for sustenance. Rice is also seen as a staple food,

The images of popular Hindu Gods like Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali are dark or blue or dusky in appearance. Some of the prayers and bhajans dedicated to Gods and Goddesses extol their dark color. But even while praying to these dusky skin gods and chanting these mantras, a large section of Hindus have an obsession for whiteness or fair skin complexion. There are numerous other Gods that are blue or dusky colored. Lord Ram is blue colored. Popular characters in the Mahabharata have dusky skin tone. Arjuna is said to have had dark skin tone and it is mentioned in numerous regional versions of the Mahabharat. Draupadi, for whom all the kings and princess of that era vied for in the Swayavara, was dark. Some were even ready to go into war for the dark-colored Draupadi, who had captivated and enamored all the men her era. But followers a great tradition that worships dark color is obsessed with fair skin. Perhaps we Hindus yearn for fair skin be

Gulikan is a prominent serpent king in Hindu tradition, particularly within the context of the Naga mythology especially in Kerala. The Nagas are a class of serpent-like deities or spirits that play significant roles in various Hindu texts, including the Puranas and epics. Appearance and Symbolism Gulikan is typically depicted as having a dusky brown complexion, which aligns with the earthy and mystical attributes associated with serpents. His physical form is often described as a blend of human and serpent features, symbolizing his connection to both the divine and the natural world. A notable feature of Gulikan is the half-moon on his head, which is a distinctive mark that signifies his divine status and his association with lunar symbolism. Role and Significance As a serpent king, Gulikan holds a position of considerable authority among the Nagas. The Nagas are known for their roles as protectors of treasures, keepers of secrets, and beings of great power who reside in the u