The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a foundational text of classical yoga philosophy, provide guidance on achieving spiritual emancipation (kaivalya) through the cultivation of virtuous conduct. Patanjali emphasizes the importance of ethical disciplines to counteract human weaknesses and promote spiritual growth. Specifically, Sutra 2.1 addresses the five basic human weaknesses and prescribes corresponding vows to overcome them. The Five Vows Ahimsa (Non-violence) Definition : Abstaining from harming or causing injury to any living being. Purpose : To cultivate compassion and empathy towards all forms of life. Application for Householders : While absolute non-violence is the goal, householders are allowed some leniency, such as the unavoidable harm that might occur in daily activities like cooking or earning a livelihood. Amrisha (Non-falsehood) Definition : Abstaining from lying or speaking falsehoods. Purpose : To foster truthfulness and integrity in one's speech and actions. Applicati

Anuyaja in Hinduism literally means "after offering." It is an integral part of Vedic rituals, particularly those performed by an ahitagni, a person who has ceremonially kindled the Vedic fires and is committed to maintaining them through regular sacrifices. Among the numerous sacrifices prescribed, two prominent ones are the Darsha and Purnamasa. Darsha and Purnamasa Sacrifices Darsha : Performed on the new-moon day. Purnamasa : Conducted on the full-moon day. These sacrifices are categorized under a class called ‘ishti,’ which requires the presence and participation of four priests. Structure of the Sacrifices During these rituals, the offerings are meticulously structured: Principal Offerings : The main offerings which are central to the sacrifice. Minor Offerings : These are supplementary and are categorized based on their timing relative to the principal offerings. Categories of Minor Offerings Prayajas (pra = before) : These are offerings made before the principal sacri

Pasankusa Ekadasi is observed during waxing phase of moon (Shukla Paksha) in Ashwin month (September – October). The corresponding month in Tamil Calendar is Puratasi. Pasankusa Ekadasi 2024 is on October 13. This Ekadashi is also known as Pasankusa Ekadasi. Lord Vishnu in the form of Lord Anantha Padmanabha is worshipped on Pasankusa Ekadasi. A person who observes this Ekadashi gets his/her wishes fulfilled and attains Moksha. The greatness of this Ekadasi was narrated to Yudhishtira by Lord Krishna and is mentioned in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana. People help the needy and perform charity on the day. All the usual rules associated with Ekadasi fasting are followed on the day. Some people opt for partial fasting and skip the all night vigil.

Anvaharya is a term in Hindu ritualistic tradition that literally means "that which is made up." It holds significance in various religious ceremonies, particularly in the context of sacrificial rituals and rites performed in honor of ancestors. In the Darsha Purnamasa Sacrifice In the Darsha Purnamasa sacrifice, which is a Vedic ritual conducted during the new and full moons, the yajamana (sacrificer) is advised to gift cooked rice as a sacrificial fee to the priests. This rice is cooked on one of the sacred fires known as the Dakshin Agni. The purpose of this offering is to mitigate any defects or errors that might have occurred during the performance of the sacrifice, whether they were due to mistakes of omission or commission. This act of making amends through the offering is referred to as anvaharya. Anvaharya Pacana Because anvaharya is cooked on the dakshinagni, this fire is also referred to as anvaharya pacana, meaning the fire used for cooking the anvaharya offering.

In Hinduism, Anvashtakya is a shraddha rite performed after the ashtaka rite (anu = after). This ritual is a part of the broader set of ceremonies aimed at honoring the ancestors (manes) and ensuring their well-being in the afterlife, which is a fundamental aspect of Hindu religious practice. The process of Anvashtakya involves several steps and specific offerings: Establishing the Fire : A sacred fire is established as the focal point of the ritual. The fire is considered a purifier and a messenger to the deities and ancestors. Erecting a Shed : A shed is constructed around the fire to provide a sanctified space for the ceremony. Offerings : Various offerings are prepared and presented as part of the ritual. These include: Boiled Rice : Rice is a staple offering in many Hindu rituals. Pudding and Preparations Made Out of Curds : These signify sustenance and nourishment. Liquor and Scum of Boiled Rice : These items might symbolize different elements of sustenance and purification in th

Animal sacrifice or Bali or Balidana is practiced in some regions during Durga Puja and Navratri. It is also widely practiced on Durga Ashtami and Navami during Dashain in Nepal . Swami Sivananda says that we are to offer our inner evil traits of passion, greed, anger, ego, avarice etc as Bali and not poor animals. Worship the Mother of the Universe, the Shakti of Brahman, in her Supreme Form or in her manifested form according to your capacity. I need not stress over the obvious fact that you should strictly practice Ahimsa, Satya and Brahmacharya, if you are to realize Devi, the glorious Divine Power of the Supreme Reality. I stress upon the moral side and the ethical side of Sadhana, because no valuable achievement is possible with out it. Without it, high-flying idealisms will bring nothing; they will be a waste like oblations thrown on ashes. Worship of God or Goddess, if it is to result in spiritual illumination, the observance of Yama and Niyama is absolutely ne

On the fifth day of the famous nine-day Brahmotsavam festival at Tirupati Balaji Temple , Lord Venkateswara is taken around the Mada streets in procession on Lord Garuda. This procession of Sri Vari is known as Garuda Vahanam and Garuda Seva. On the day, Lord Balaji is shown atop Garuda, the half-eagle half-man Vahana or Vehicle of Lord Vishnu. In 2024, Garuda Vahana dates are October 8 (Navratri).  On the fifth day at night, after Unjal Seva, Lord Balaji is mounted atop the Garuda Vahana. Lord Venkateswara is specially decorated with Mahakanti and Sahasranaramala. The Vahana is then pulled around the Mada streets. Garuda Vahanam procession attracts maximum devotees during Sri Vari Brahmotsavam as Garuda Vahana is the greatest of all Vahanas. You may also like to read The concept of Vahana in Hinduism

Durga Puja in Jamshedpur is a vibrant and festive affair, much like in other parts of India where it's celebrated with great fervor. Jamshedpur, being a cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage, hosts elaborate Durga Puja celebrations that bring together people from various communities and backgrounds. During Durga Puja, which typically falls in the month of September or October, pandals (elaborate temporary structures) are set up across the city. These pandals are beautifully decorated, often with intricate artwork depicting mythological scenes or themes relevant to the current socio-cultural context. Each pandal competes with others in terms of creativity and grandeur, making the city come alive with colors and lights. The main attraction, of course, is the idol of Goddess Durga, beautifully crafted and adorned with ornaments. Devotees flock to these pandals to offer prayers, seek blessings, and partake in the festivities. Traditional rituals like 'pushpanjali'

This phrase encapsulates a profound message about the importance of sincerity and belief in one's actions, particularly in the context of religious or spiritual offerings. When someone makes an offering, whether it is flowers, prayers, or any other form of tribute, the value of that offering is not just in the physical act but in the intention and faith behind it. To expand on this idea: Faith and Intention : The essence of an offering lies in the faith and intention of the person making it. Without genuine belief, the act becomes hollow, merely a formality. It’s the faith that imbues the offering with meaning and significance. Symbolism of Flowers : Flowers, often used in various religious and cultural ceremonies, symbolize beauty, purity, and transience. They are delicate and ephemeral, much like the sincerity of an offering. Without faith, their beauty and symbolic meaning are lost, turning them into mere decorative objects. Spiritual Connection : Offerings are meant to be a bri

During important Hindu festivals, world famous sand sculptor and artists Sudarshan Pattnaik from Orissa uses the festival to spread the message of global warming, eco-friendly festivals and environmental awareness. For Durga Puja 2009, Sudarshan Pattnaik has created a Sand idol of Goddess Durga on Puri Beach in Orissa with the message to grow plants to protect environment. In the sand sculpture, Goddess Durga wears green leaves as ornament and there is a burning globe behind her. Sudarshan Pattnaik requested all the Puja committees in India to spend some money on planting trees to save the Earth. Related World’s Longest Sand Ganesha Idol

This thought provoking article is an excerpt from the editorial of Vedanta Kesari published in October 2007 – which asks people to look beyond mere celebrations during Hindu festivals. Festivals need not be celebrated with a great lot of pomp and show. One can also observe them with due solemnity and religious fervor. One can celebrate a festival in a sattvika manner rather than getting lost in a rajasic or tamasic display of one’s wealth or emotions. Sattva is the element of purity and calmness. If a person wishes to celebrate a festival in a spirit of sattva, it means he does not want to indulge in meaningless show-off and waste of one’s energies and resources. Instead of just hosting a social gathering, he could then think of making better use of his resources. He could extend help to the needy (feeding the poor or gifting financial help) and make use of time in meditating on God and thinking of spiritual matters. Or make use of this opportunity to relax and

During Durga Puja four deities – Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati and Lord Kartikeya – are worshipped along with Goddess Durga in the Pooja Pandal or Puja area. The popular belief is that Ganesh, Laxmi, Saraswati and Kartik are children of Goddess Parvati or Goddess Durga. It is believed that Goddess Parvati comes to the home of her father Himavat along with her children. This legend is found in the folk songs sung during Durga Puja. In the Puja area, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are placed to the right of Goddess Durga idol. Goddess Saraswati and Lord Kartikeya are placed to the left of Durga idol. Goddess Lakshmi is portrayed as standing on a lotus. Goddess Saraswati is depicted as standing on a lotus and holding a Veena. Lord Ganesha is shown in sitting posture. Lord Kartikeya is shown mounted on a peacock. Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is also known Muruga and Subrahmanya. Other deities t

Shuka Acharya Jayanti is observed on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Ashwin month (September – October). Shuka Acharya Jayanti 2024 is on October 7. It is the birthday of Saint Shuka Acharya who narrated the Srimad Bhagavad Purana to King Parikshit. The King was cursed that he would be bitten by Snake Takshaka in seven days time. The king listened to the glory of Lord Vishnu as mentioned in Srimad Bhagavata Purana to attain Moksha. Sage Shuka Acharya was born on the fifth day of Navratri and the day is also observed as Lalita Panchami. Sage Shuka Acharya is believed to be the son of Veda Vyasa. Some holy scriptures mention that Shuka Acharya is an incarnation of Lord Rudra and some also of Lord Vayu. It is believed that Veda Vyasa taught Sri Shuka Acharya the Vedas, Mahabharata and Srimad Bhagavad Purana. A popular legend associated with Lord Venkateswara also mentions about Shuka Acharya. It is Shuka Acharya who went to Lord Venkat

Kuzhikkattu Pacha is an authoritative text from the 18th century that delves into the rituals and ceremonies associated with temple worship in Kerala, a state in southern India renowned for its rich cultural and religious heritage. This text holds significant importance as it is the standard reference used for temple rituals today, embodying centuries of tradition and religious practice. Historical Context and Evolution While Kuzhikkattu Pacha is the definitive text on temple worship in Kerala, it is part of a long lineage of ritualistic literature. The history of such texts dates back to the 15th century, beginning with the Putayur Bhasha . This indicates a continuous evolution and refinement of temple rituals over the centuries, reflecting changes in socio-cultural contexts and religious practices. Putayur Bhasha (15th century): The earliest known text in this lineage, serving as a foundational guide for temple rituals. Subsequent Texts: Following Putayur Bhasha, several other tex

‘The Secrets of Bhakti as Narrated by Sage Narada’ is a commentary on Narad Bhakti Sutras. Narad Bhatki Stutras are attributed to Devarishi Narada and is a philosophy of love for God. ‘Secrets of Bhakti’ is authored by Taoshobuddha, officially known as Brij K Saksena. Taoshobuddha calls the Narad Sutras as Aphorisms of Love Swami Chinmayananda explains that Narad Bhakti Sutras are an authoritative text upon the philosophy of Devotion. Bhakti Sutras consists of eighty four sutras - mostly one liner which are pregnant with meaning and explaining the path of devotion. The Secrets of Bhakti as Narrated by Sage Narada by Taoshobuddha tries to unlock the world of Bhakti as explained by Sage Narada - Bhakti is the Union of Formless to Formless. Here is an example of a Sutra explained in the book (excerpt):

In Hinduism, the belief that there is a touch of spirituality in every human endeavor is deeply rooted in its philosophy and practices. This concept permeates various aspects of daily life, rituals, work, and social responsibilities. Here are some key elements and additional information to expand on this idea: 1. Dharma (Duty and Righteousness) Concept of Dharma : In Hinduism, dharma refers to the moral law combined with spiritual discipline that guides one's life. Each individual has a unique dharma based on their age, gender, caste, and occupation. Fulfilling one's dharma is considered a spiritual act that aligns with the cosmic order. Role in Daily Life : Dharma influences every action, decision, and responsibility, ensuring that even mundane tasks are performed with a sense of purpose and spiritual integrity. 2. Karma Yoga (Path of Selfless Action) Definition : Karma Yoga is the path of selfless action, where individuals perform their duties without attachment to the outcom

The second set of the three days of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Mahalakshmi Puja during Navratri 2024 begins on October 10. This puja is mostly observed in western parts of India. Mahalakshmi is worshipped on the fourth, fifth and sixth day of Navratri festival. She is worshipped for prosperity. Her help is sought for remaining in the path of Dharma and for leading a life of righteousness. Special pujas are performed on the day. Goddess Lakshmi is offered special ‘prasad.’ Lakshmi Ashtothram and Lakshmi Sahasranamam are chanted during the Mahalakshmi Puja days. The final three days of Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi.

Goddess Saraswati, revered as the deity of wisdom, knowledge, arts, and learning in Hinduism, is often associated with numerous miracles and divine interventions. Her influence is considered crucial for intellectual pursuits and artistic creativity. Here are some notable miracles and stories associated with Goddess Saraswati: 1. Creation of the Vedas According to Hindu mythology, Saraswati played a key role in the creation of the Vedas, the oldest and most authoritative scriptures in Hinduism. It is believed that her divine wisdom and guidance helped sages and seers compose these sacred texts, encapsulating profound spiritual and philosophical knowledge. 2. Cursing and Redeeming the Asuras In several stories, Goddess Saraswati is depicted cursing demons (Asuras) to rid the world of their evil influence. For instance, in the tale of Vrittasura, an asura who was terrorizing the heavens, Saraswati's wisdom helped the gods strategize and ultimately led to the demon's downfall. Her

Angarak Vinayaka Chaturthi is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is observed on the fourth day after Amavasya (No moon day). Also known as Angaraki Vinayaki Chaturthi, this auspicious day happens when Chaturthi after Amavasya falls on a Tuesday. The monthly Chaturthi after Amavasya (fourth day during waxing phase of moon) is Vinayaka Chaturthi for Ganesha devotees. Some staunch Ganesha devotees observe a fast from sunrise to sunset on the day. Usually, the monthly fast on Chaturthi is observed during the Chaturthi that falls after Purnima and it is popularly known as Sankashta or Sankatahara Chaturthi. Popular belief is that observing Chaturthi Vrat will bring prosperity, happiness and fulfillment of desires. The greatness of Chaturthi Vrata dedicated to Lord Ganesha was explained by Lord Krishna to Yudhishtira, the eldest of the Pandavas. It is also detailed in the Narasimha Purana and Bhavishya Purana.

In Hinduism, Lord Brahma is the creator god and one of the Trimurti, the three principal deities, alongside Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer. Brahma's role in the creation of the universe and his divine activities are considered miraculous. Here are some notable miracles and deeds attributed to Lord Brahma: Creation of the Universe : The most significant miracle associated with Brahma is the creation of the universe. According to Hindu cosmology, Brahma emerged from a lotus flower that sprouted from the navel of Vishnu, and he then went on to create the world and all living beings. Creation of the Vedas : Brahma is credited with the creation of the Vedas, the oldest and most authoritative scriptures of Hinduism. He is said to have revealed the Vedas to sages in order to guide humanity in spiritual and moral conduct. Creation of Various Beings : Brahma is known for creating various beings, including gods, demons, ancestors, and humans. He also created the Sapta Rishis (S

In Hinduism, the concept of apaciti refers to the act of showing respect and honour to certain individuals by a householder, as prescribed by the Dharmashastras —ancient treatises on law and code of conduct. The Dharmashastras outline six types of individuals who should be given due honour and respect: Acharya (Teacher) : An acharya is a revered guide and educator, often responsible for imparting spiritual and secular knowledge. They play a crucial role in the development of an individual's character and intellect. Ritvik (Officiating Priest) : A ritvik performs sacred rituals and ceremonies. Their role in religious practices ensures the proper execution of rites and the upholding of traditions. Rajan (King) : The king is seen as the protector and ruler of the land. Showing respect to the king signifies honouring the sovereignty and order of society. Snataka (Graduate of Vedic Studies) : A snataka is one who has completed their Vedic studies. This transition marks the end of forma

Sharadotsav is the traditional name of Durga Puja and also for Navratri in different parts of India . The season after the monsoon rains in India is referred as Sharad and the festivals that are held during the period are referred as Sharadotsav. In Bengal , Durga Puja is also known by the name of Shardotsav. In North India , some Hindu communities refer to the nine-day Navratri and Vijayadasami as Sharadotsav. Sharad season, or Sharath Ritu, falls during the Ashwin and Kartik months in traditional Hindu calendars.  Sharad season is between monsoon season and the early winter season and is noted for pleasant climate with Mother Nature adorning a green cover. In India , Sharad season is from September to November as per Gregorian calendar. Navratri, Durga Puja, Sharad Purnima, Diwali are some of the important festivals held during the period. Except for Diwali all other festivals that are observed during the period are occasionally referred as Sharadotsav.

If you are a lover of traditional Indian saris, then this is a book that you wouldn’t want to miss – ‘Indian Saris – Traditions, Perspectives, Design’ by Vijai Singh Katiyar. The books takes a reader through the evolution of the sari from the Vedic times to today, the cultural and religious tradition of designs, Sari during Indian independence movement, the families that create the magic of saree, styles of draping sari… Vijai Singh Katiyar, a designer, writes with passion about Saree – a unique Indian tradition and what makes the book so attractive and tempting is the colorful photographs and pictures of traditional Indian Saris from different parts of India . If you are a lover of Saris, perhaps the only aspect that might keep you away from purchasing the book is the price. The book published by Wisdom Tree is priced at Rs/- 3495 ($75). The flyer of the book says The book lends a new dimension to the way the traditional Indian sari is looked at, and upholds it as

In the Nyaya and Vaisheshika darshanas, the systems of Indian logic, a five-membered syllogism is often used to prove a point. This syllogistic method, akin to the Aristotelian logic in Western philosophy, is a rigorous and structured approach to reasoning. The five members of the syllogism are: Pratijna (Statement of Assertion) : This is the initial proposition or thesis that is to be proven. It is a clear and concise statement that asserts a particular claim. Example: "Rama is mortal." Hetu (Reason for the Assertion) : Hetu provides the logical reason or ground for the assertion. This is the cause or reason that supports the pratijna. Example: "Because he is a man." Udaharana (Example Containing a Universal Proposition) : Udaharana presents an example that illustrates the universal rule or proposition. It provides a general statement that supports the hetu. Example: "All men are mortal." Upanaya (Application to the Case on Hand) : Upanaya connects the ge

Written by S. Kannan and K. Srilakshmi, ‘Human Values and Professional Ethics’ focus on using ancient wisdom of Vedas for solving today's problems. The book is of scholarly nature and has been included in the Uttar Pradesh Technical University Syllabus. The book delves into Green IT – “as IT adoption increases in India, we also need to ensure that green IT is inculcated right from the beginning in order to avoid a situation where the nation gets saddled with a legacy and obsolete infrastructure.” The Book contains case studies for practical understanding of the concept of professional ethics. Certain philosophical insights based on Scriptures have also been added in order to enrich the understanding of the value system and harmony in a holistic manner. Human Values and Professional Ethics consist of five Divisions and twenty nine Chapters. The first Division deals with value education, self exploration, natural acceptance, human aspirations, prosperity, happiness a

Puratassi Fasting, or Puratasi Vratam, is observed in the Tamil month of Puratasi (September – October). In 2024, Puratasi month begins on September 17 and ends on October 17. Puratasi Masam is of great importance to Tamilians as it is believed that Lord Venkateswara (Balaji) appeared on the earth in this month. Purattasi Saturdays are dedicated to Lord Shani or Shani dev. Some people observe partial fasting on all days in Puratasi others limit it to Purattasi Saturdays. Some devotees of Lord Venkateswara opt for strict fast on Purattasi Saturdays which involves not even drinking a drop of water - Nirjala Vratam. Some devotees only eat vegetarian food during the entire month. They also quit smoking and consuming alcohol for one month. On Saturdays, Naamum, the two feet symbol of Lord Vishnu’s feet, is drawn on the forehead by males and women opt for a red dot. Hymns dedicated to Lord Balaji are chanted on Saturdays. Devotees offer Ghee or Ellu Lamp

Brahmachari Uddhav Chaitanya is associated with the Chinmaya Mission. Spirituality is a process of reversal. Mind you, the process is reversing and not “aversing”. It is a technique to reverse the focus from the external world to the internal world. That does not mean that we become averse to the world outside. It is just that we reorient our focus to something internal. It is a habit that has to be gradually developed and inculcated. For instance, people in India habitually drive on the left-hand side because that is the rule.  When we first come here to the United States and see people driving on the right-hand side and when we ourselves have to drive on the right-hand side, it takes us at least a few weeks to reorient ourselves. For some it may take even longer! So the habit of outwardly-ness which has been a part of our nature through the ages, through so many lives, as so many different species has to be changed to turn inwards. That is called being s

No idea why wheelchairs were not allowed in Puri Jagannath Temple earlier but better late than never. The Puri Jagannath Temple has now decided to open its doors to wheelchair-bound devotees. Until now disabled persons cannot go into the temple on a wheelchair. Disabled, old and paralysed people had to enter the temple with the help of family members and temple servitors. "Every human being passes through phases in his life where he or she is dependent on someone else. The Lord (Jagannath) himself is limbless. But the anomaly is that wheelchair-bound limbless devotees can't have access to the Lord," said Ravi Tripathy, a handicapped and disabled rights activist. (Times of India ) Even though the temple authorities have agreed to allow wheelchairs they have not taken any decision on building ramps. It seems the administration won’t allow outside or personal wheelchairs. The temple authorities will provide wheel chair (hope it is free and not another

In ancient Hindu society, the term "Apankteya" referred to individuals who were excluded from participating in communal dining, specifically from sitting in a row (pankti) of people partaking in food together. The underlying belief was that the presence of such individuals could defile the entire row, rendering the communal meal impure. Consequently, they were deemed 'apankteya' or unworthy of being seated with others in such settings. Another term used to describe them was 'panktidushaka,' literally meaning those who defile the row. Categories of Apankteyas The classification of apankteyas was extensive and varied across different texts of the dharmashastras (ancient Hindu legal and ethical scriptures). These lists often included: Perpetrators of Heinous Crimes : Individuals who committed serious offenses such as murder, theft, and other forms of violence. Sufferers of Incurable or Infectious Diseases : Those afflicted with diseases considered incurable or hi

The Hindu population in the United States is estimated to be between 1.5 million and 2 million people and they come from different parts of the world. Hindu religion is different from the majority religions practiced in United States – Hinduism gives importance to the personal quest of an individual to know the supreme truth, it is not a missionary religion and never practices conversion, it never brings religion to public policy issues and above all it is not monolithic and believes that God exists in all animate and inanimate. The Challenges faced by Hindu Americans Hinduism is the least understood among American religious traditions as the path it follows is different from most world religions - multiplicity of divine names and forms. Transmitting Hindu faith to younger generation in a Christian dominated society. Language to be used in temples during prayers and services. Aggressive conversion campaigns by various Christian organizations. Lack of unity. Mich

The last three days of the nine-day Navratri festival is observed as Saraswati Puja by many Hindu communities especially in western and southern parts of India . Goddess Saraswathi, the Hindu Goddess of Knowledge and Learning, is worshipped during the period. Saraswati Puja 2024 during Navratri begins on October 9 and ends on October 12 in most places especially in South India. Different Hindu communities have different method of propitiating and worshipping Goddess Saraswati during Navratri. In North India, Saraswati Avahan is marked on October 9, 2024 and Saraswati Puja on October 11, 2024. In western parts of India especially in Maharashtra the rituals begin with Saraswati Avahan (October 9, 2024), Saraswati Pradhan Puja (October 10, 2024) and Saraswati Balidan Puja (October 11, 2024) and Saraswati Visarjan (October 11, 2024). In Kerala, the important Saraswati Puja is held on the last day of Navratri and on the Vijayadasami day. On the last day of Navratri

A collection of quotes and teachings from Daksha Smriti. If someone takes a bath with all the sand/soap and Ganges water during one’s whole life but not having an internal purification, then one cannot get Moksha or liberation. Thus an internal purification is utmost important.  God exists everywhere and inside everyone.  Then why one should have a feeling of envy, hatred, anger, delusion/ignorance, greed etc towards anybody. When there is wind blowing the water does not stay still even for a second. Our mind is just like that. It will keep changing every second. Never trust it. Samadhi is that inner state wherein after renouncing craving / aversion towards fleeting material objects one steadies the mind and thus attains soul force. ..... Without effort, no wealth; without wealth, no action; without action, no duty; without duty, no happiness. Now, the entire world yearns for happiness, and that grows only out of one’s performing one’s duty. Hence “Oh men do yo

Ramleela is the theater presentation of the epic Ramayana - the story of Lord Rama as told in 'Ramcharitmanas' by Goswami Tulsidas. Ramlila play is often staged over ten or more successive nights, especially during the Dasara festival period. The Ramlila staging at Ramnagar in Uttar Pradesh is unique as it is held in multiple stages spread over several square kilometers. Various places in Ramnagar town become places in the epic - 'Ayodhya,' 'Janakpuri', 'Panchvati' and 'Lanka' – and sometimes viewers are part of the drama. Ramnagar Ramleela begins on the occasion of 'Anant Chaturdashi' lasts for a month and ends on 'Sharad Purnima' day. Electric lights, microphones and loudspeakers are not used in Ramnagar Ramleela and attract more 20,000 people daily. Ramnagar is around 15 km from Varanasi (Kashi) and the Ramleela here was started in 1830 by then ruler of Kashi Maharaja Udit Narayan Singh and it flourished with th

Yathi Mahalaya is observed during Pitru Paksha on Bhadrapada Bahula Dwadashi is meant for Yathigalu. In 2025, Yathi Mahalaya is on September 18. On this day, Hastodaka will be given to all the Yathigalu who have entered Vrundavana. On this day, Pitru Paksha Shradh is not to be done for other forefathers. (Please note this custom is more famous in South India especially with some Hindu communities in Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh). We have to do Yathi Dwadashi shraddha to get ourselves free from Yathi Runa that is why it is called as ‘Yathi Dwadashi’. These yathigalu having prepared so many shastra granthas, vyaakhyaa, Teeka granthas has helped us a lot in learning ancient granthas. So, we have Runa to them – yathi runa. That is why we have to Yati Mahalaya. This shradha is to be done by Yathiputras only. Who are yathiputraas? – Those who have Grantha/Shastra Runa from the yathigalu are termed as “Yathiputraas.” Yathi Shraddha does not mean that

Indira Ekadasi is observed during the waning phase of moon in the month of September/October. The Indira Ekadasi Vrat Katha is mentioned in the Brahmavaivarta Purana. The story of this Ekadashi fasting was narrated to Yudhishtira by Lord Krishna. This Ekadasi falls during the Pitru Paksha Shradh period and therefore observing it is considered apt for redemption of sins of one’s own and that of forefathers. Once there lived a powerful, honest and popular king named Indrasena. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. Once Sage Narada visited King Indrasena and mentioned about his visit to the abode of Lord Yama, the Hindu God of death. At the abode of Lord Yama, Sage Narada found the father of King Indrasena. He had not got moksha and was living in the house of Yamraj. The father of Indrasena asked Sage Narada to ask his son to observe Indira Ekadasi so that he will escape from the house of Yama and attain Moksha and reach the feet of Lord Vishnu. Indrasena immediately ag

Saubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad is one of the minor Upanishads and is part of the Rig Veda. Here are few teachings from this Upanishad. Identifying the finite with the infinite, The fragments with the Whole, one meditates On the vast Source; thus fulfilment found One becomes immortal. Just as when salt mixes with water, it takes up the form of water, in the same way Samadhi (trance) means the mind merging into the cosmic soul (God). When a living being’s material desires come to an end, and the living being and God march in one direction, that state is called Samadhi (trance). Samadhi is that balanced state of the soul wherein one’s agitations are nullified. Saubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad Explanation: Just as when salt mixes with water ... the mind merging into the cosmic soul (God). The analogy of salt dissolving in water to explain the concept of Samadhi, or trance, is a profound one often found in spiritual and philosophical teachings, particularly within East