Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar and Rani Chennamma are two iconic figures in Indian history, both celebrated for their courage, leadership, and dedication to their people. Though their circumstances and regions of influence differed, they share common traits of resilience and determination that continue to inspire modern-day Hindus. Here's a detailed comparison between the two: 1. Historical Context: Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar (1725–1795): Ahilyabai Holkar was the ruler of the Malwa kingdom in central India, taking the throne after the death of her husband and father-in-law. She ruled during the 18th century, a period of relative stability in India, though the subcontinent was starting to feel the pressure of growing British influence. Rani Chennamma (1778-1829): Rani Chennamma was the queen of Kittur, a small kingdom in present-day Karnataka. She became famous for her resistance against the British East India Company’s efforts to annex her kingdom. Her rebellion occurred during a period ...

To make a single silk sari 10,000 silkworms are boiled alive and killed. Majority of the Hindu women who wear silk saris are vegetarians but might not be aware that the pure silk saree that they wear and proudly display in marriages and temples is the product of one of the most non-violent violent method of cloth production. But there are silk saris that are produced without killing the silkworms – it is the Ahimsa Silk. The method of producing silk without boiling and killing the silkworms was founded by Kusuma Rajaiah, a senior technical officer with Andhra Pradesh State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society Ltd (APCO). Next time when you decide to buy a silk sari there is an option to buy and promote non-violent silk saris sold by Andhra Pradesh State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society Ltd (APCO). So how is Ahimsa Silk or Silk produced without killing the silkworms? Rama Devi Menon from Hyderabad writes about it in The Weekend Leader The caterpillars of silkworm feed on mulberry l...

Mitra Saptami is an auspicious day dedicated to Surya, the sun god in Hinduism. Mitra Saptami 2025 date is November 27. It is observed on the seventh day or the saptami day during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Margashirsha month. Mitra is one among the numerous names of Surya or Sun God. Surya Bhagavan is also believed to be an incarnation of Srihari Vishnu. It must be noted that Surya is worshipped on the seventh day or the saptami day during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of various Hindu months under different names like Bhanu Saptami, Ratha Saptami etc.

Satyaloka, also known as Brahmaloka, is the highest realm in the cosmological hierarchy of Hinduism. It is the abode of Brahma, the creator god in the Hindu trinity (Trimurti), and is considered the ultimate destination for souls who have achieved the highest level of spiritual enlightenment. Reaching Satyaloka signifies the end of the cycle of rebirth, known as Samsara , and the attainment of Moksha (liberation). The Realm of Satyaloka Satyaloka is described as a realm of unimaginable beauty and grandeur, far beyond the comprehension of mortal beings. It is located at the very peak of the seven higher worlds (Lokas) in Hindu cosmology, which include Bhuvarloka, Svargaloka, and Maharloka, among others. Satyaloka is resplendent with divine light, often depicted as radiating a golden hue. This realm is said to be enveloped in pure consciousness and is free from the dualities of pleasure and pain, life and death. Inhabitants of Satyaloka The inhabitants of Satyaloka are highly evolved sp...

Today, Diwali decorations in cities and towns in India are more Chinese than Indian. In 2010, it is Chinese crackers that are capturing the Diwali market in India . So how safe is this cheap Made in China Diwali. Is flooding Indian market with cheap crackers and decorations part of a larger Chinese design? – 1) slowly destroy the health of children and young generation of India . 2) Destroy the traditional Indian cottage industries of India and cause economic imbalance in rural India and finally a civil war (read Naxalism.) Mid-day reports A study by Delhi-based NGO Centre for Science and Environment found that over 45 per cent of the Chinese toys samples exceeded internationally accepted safe limits for phthalates- a family of chemicals that can cause serious health disorders such as asthma, skeletal defects, damage male reproductive system and impair lungs of children besides causing allergies if exposed to beyond safe levels. Traditional Indian lampshades, a symbol of festivity i...

The Hindu goddesses Kali and Kamala are two distinct yet interconnected deities within the Dasa Mahavidyas, a group of ten powerful forms of the Divine Mother in Hindu tradition. These goddesses embody different aspects of the divine feminine and hold unique places in Hindu spirituality, mythology, and ritual practices. Here's an expanded comparison, including key differences, similarities, their importance, related stories, lesser-known facts, and their modern relevance and puja rituals: Overview of the Dasa Mahavidyas The Dasa Mahavidyas (Ten Great Wisdoms) are a group of ten tantric goddesses, each representing a different aspect of cosmic reality and the divine feminine. These goddesses are: Kali Tara Tripura Sundari (Shodashi) Bhuvaneshwari Bhairavi Chinnamasta Dhumavati Bagalamukhi Matangi Kamala Kali Iconography : Kali is often depicted with a fearsome appearance—dark-skinned, with a garland of skulls, and a bloodied sword in one hand. Her tongue is lolling out, symbolizing ...

The reluctance among modern Hindus to fully embrace the concept of Grihastha Ashrama (the householder stage of life) and allow the next generation to take over responsibilities can be attributed to several factors: Economic Pressures and Security Concerns: Financial Stability:  In contemporary society, financial security is often a significant concern. Older generations may feel the need to continue working to ensure economic stability for themselves and their families. Cost of Living:  Rising costs of living, healthcare, and education can compel individuals to delay retirement and maintain control over financial resources. Changing Family Dynamics: Nuclear Families:  The traditional joint family system, where multiple generations lived together and supported each other, has given way to nuclear families. This shift can lead to older individuals feeling more responsible for their ow...

Rani Durgavati and Velu Nachiyar were two remarkable queens in Indian history, known for their courage, military leadership, and unwavering resistance against foreign invaders. While they hailed from different regions and faced different adversaries, their stories share striking similarities and offer profound inspiration for modern-day Hindus. Rani Durgavati (1524-1564): The Warrior Queen of Gondwana Background and Early Life: Rani Durgavati was born into the Chandela Rajput dynasty in Kalinjar, Madhya Pradesh. She was married to Dalpat Shah, the ruler of the Gondwana kingdom. After his death, she became the regent for her young son, Vir Narayan, and ruled Gondwana with great competence. Military Leadership: Rani Durgavati is best remembered for her valiant defense against the Mughal forces led by Emperor Akbar's general, Asaf Khan, in 1564. Despite being heavily outnumbered, she displayed extraordinary military acumen, personally leading her troops into battle. Her leadership i...

Shri Vishnu Temple Society at Chatsworth in Durban in South Africa will unveil what it believes is the largest murti (statue) of Hindu God Hanuman in Africa in December 2010. Chatsworth is a township in Durban , South Africa , and the 13m high Hanuman Murti (referred as the Monkey God here) is to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in South Africa . Timeslive South Africa reports Project co-ordinator LC Maharaj said the statue, which is 13m high, including the umbrella over the head of the deity, was "in praise of the Almighty, without which the survival and success of Indians in South Africa would never have been possible". "The atmosphere at our temple has been unbelievable. Devotees have volunteered their services to our worthwhile cause, and despite the great progress made so far, we still require some funding." He said the statue, which still requires plastering and painting, would be officially unveiled at the beginning of Decemb...

Chhadakhai is the day after Purnima or full moon day in Kartik month in Orissa. Chhadakhai 2025 date is November 6. Kartik is a holy month in Orissa and people avoid non-vegetarian food for the entire month. Numerous rituals and auspicious days fall in this month. So on the first day after the Kartik month, people cook and eat their favorite non-vegetarian food. Chhadakhai is observed on the first day of the Margashirsh month.

A collection of few quotes of Baba Ramdev To live life for trivial pursuits is an insult to life. If we make full use of our potential, we can become great persons, apostle and super persons. A fault finder likes to look inside and out of the life of others, but does not want to look inside and out of himself. There should be firmness, not stubbornness; bravery not rashness, compassion, not weakness. Always keep your face happy and smiling. Give happiness to others, and you will get happiness. Never forget your past; remembering our past save us from going wrong. Baba Ramdev Understanding Above Quote Reflecting on our past can indeed be invaluable for personal growth and collective progress. Here are a few reasons why remembering our past is important: Learning from Mistakes: By acknowledging and understanding our past mistakes, we can avoid repeating them in the future. Whether on an individual or societal level, recognizing past errors helps us make better decisions going forward....

The work on Sanskrit Encyclopaedia began in 1948 AD and only one-tenth of the Encyclopaedia has been completed. Recently the 26 th edition of the encyclopedic dictionary of Sanskrit on historical principles was released at Deccan College in Pune. The main aim of the Sanskrit Encyclopaedia is to provide the user all the relevant information about Sanskrit words such as their earliest occurrence, the entire range of their meanings, the changes in their meanings with time as well as their status as current or obsolete. Those involved in the project are of the hope that with new technology available the project will be completed in near future. The mammoth project covers spatial and temporal dimensions to comparative and historical linguistics,, Sanskrit of inscriptional texts and the entire range of Sanskrit texts on historical principles. Express India reports The head of department of Sanskrit and Lexicography, Deccan College, Prof JD Sathe, who is also the current coordinator for ...

Tapaloka is one of the 14 worlds (Lokas) in Hindu cosmology, specifically one of the seven upper worlds (Vyahrtis). The term "Tapaloka" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Tapas," which means "austerity" or "spiritual practice." This world is a realm of intense spiritual activity and is closely associated with penance and meditation. Location in the Cosmic Structure In the hierarchical structure of the 14 Lokas, Tapaloka is situated above Svargaloka (the heavenly world of the gods) and Maharloka (the world of great sages). It is the third-highest among the upper worlds, just below Janaloka, Tapaloka, and Satyaloka (Brahmaloka), the highest realms where supreme beings reside. Inhabitants of Tapaloka Tapaloka is the abode of the Vairajas , who are highly evolved spiritual beings. The Vairajas are known for their extraordinary spiritual prowess and dedication to intense tapas (austerity). They have transcended the cycle of birth and death, having at...

Rani Durgavati and Rani Chennabhaira Devi are two illustrious queens from Indian history, renowned for their courage, leadership, and resistance against foreign invasions. Although they hailed from different regions and time periods, their stories continue to inspire modern-day Hindus with their examples of bravery, patriotism, and devotion to their people. Here’s a detailed comparison between the two queens: 1. Historical Background Rani Durgavati (1524-1564): Region: Central India, specifically Gondwana. Dynasty: Gonds. Reign: 1548-1564. Context: Rani Durgavati was the queen of the Gondwana kingdom after the death of her husband, Dalpat Shah. She is celebrated for her defense against the Mughal invasion led by Akbar's general, Asaf Khan. Rani Chennabhaira Devi (late 18th century): Region: Karnataka, South India. Dynasty: Keladi Nayaka dynasty. Reign: 1777-1791 (as regent). Context: Rani Chennabhaira Devi was the queen of Keladi, and she played a crucial role during the tu...

Ram Katha Hastshilp Sangrahlaya located at Tulsi Smarak Bhawan in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is unique museum dedicated to the life of Sri Ram and other aspects of Epic Ramayana. The museum is an initiative of Ayodhya Research Institute (ARI), an entity of the Uttar Pradesh department of culture. The museum attempts to present the life of Sri Rama through handicrafts, paintings, sculptures and other art works. Indian Express reports “For a common person, this museum presents a complete view of Ram in folk across the country. I have never gone beyond Lucknow or Ayodhya, but through this gallery, I am aware of at least 10 forms where Ramayana is used as a theme,” says Ajayendra Kumar, a regular visitor. The director of the Institute, Dr YP Singh says, “The story of Lord Ram is one story that connects the entire country. Whether it is the Pattua style of folk painting from West Bengal or the mix metal craft from Gujarat , or the Thanjavur paintings and Cheriyal Pattu from South, they are a...

Rasa Purnima is observed on the full moon day in the month of Kartik month in Odisha. Rasa Purnima 2025 date in Odisha is on November 5. The day is dedicated to the worship of Radha and Krishna – especially to the Rasa leelas of Sri Krishna. Rasa yatra of Sri Radha Madhava is also held on the day. The day is also of great importance at the temples dedicated to Hindu god Jagannath. Special rituals are held on the day at the Puri Jagannath Temple . Note – The Sharad Purnima (October 6, 2025) which is observed on the full moon day in Ashwin month is also referred as Rasa Purnima in North India . 

Advaitacharya, also known as Advaita or Advaita Prabhu, was a significant figure in the Bhakti movement of medieval India, particularly within the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition. Born in the 15th century CE in what is now Bangladesh, Advaita Acharya is often regarded as a key predecessor and a senior contemporary of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Despite his importance, much of his life remains shrouded in mystery, with information primarily derived from hagiographical sources like the Chaitanya Charitamrita . Importance and Role in the Bhakti Movement Advaitacharya played a pivotal role in the early propagation of the Bhakti movement, which emphasized devotion to God as the highest path to spiritual liberation, accessible to all regardless of caste, creed, or gender. He was one of the first prominent figures to integrate the worship of Krishna with the non-dualistic philosophy of Vedanta, hence his name "Advaita," meaning non-dual. His teachings wer...

The book titled the ‘Story of Ram and His Friends in the Forest ’ by Pratibha Nath focuses on the period that Sri Ram lived in the forest. The book is primarily aimed at children. Stories of animals, plants and demons that appeared in Epic Ramayana are given importance in the book. A major highlight of the book is the brilliant illustrations by Sujasha Dasgupta. The stories are based on Valmiki Ramayana and Tulidas’s Ramcharitmanas. Other versions of Ramayan are also used as guides in explaining incidents in the forest.   The Story of Ram and His Friends in the Forest By Pratibha Nath Published by Rupa Publications Price – Rupees 495/- Pages – 110 The book is available online at Rupa Publications

Triratri Vrata is a three-day Vrat dedicated to Srihari Vishnu and it begins two days before Shukla Paksha Ekadasi or eleventh day of the waxing phase of moon. Triratri Vrata 2025 begins on October 31 and ends on November 2. The greatness of Triratri Vrata was narrated to Narada Rishi by Shiva. Those observing the Vrata stay awake for three nights, worshipping Srihari Vishnu and Lakshmi with flowers, fruits, water and Tulsi leaves. The belief is that performing this vrata helps one in attaining mastery in arts and science. The Vrata ends on the Ekadasi day in Shukla Paksha of Kartik month – which is the famous Hari Prabodhini Ekadasi. Tulsi Puja also begins from the day. 

Introduction and Origins Agamanta Shaivism, also known as Shaiva Siddhanta, is a prominent tradition within Shaivism, which itself is one of the major sects of Hinduism dedicated to the worship of Shiva as the Supreme Being. The term "Agamanta" refers to the scriptural texts called Agamas, which are central to this tradition. The Agamas are believed to have been revealed by Shiva himself and contain detailed instructions on rituals, temple architecture, philosophy, and spiritual practices. Agamanta Shaivism is thought to have developed between the 5th and 9th centuries CE, though its roots likely go back much further. The tradition was particularly influential in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, where it formed the basis of the Tamil Saiva Siddhanta school. However, it also had a significant presence in other parts of India, including Kashmir, where it influenced the development of the Trika school of Shaivism. Scriptural Foundation: The Agamas The Agamas are a collecti...

Agami Karma (अगामि कर्म), also known as "future karma," is a crucial concept in Hindu philosophy. It represents the actions currently being performed or those that will be undertaken in the future, whose consequences will manifest later. Understanding Agami Karma provides profound insights into how our present actions shape our future lives, both in this existence and in subsequent ones. Core Concept of Karma in Hinduism Karma, derived from the Sanskrit word "Kri" meaning "to do," fundamentally means "action" or "deed." Hinduism posits that every action, whether mental, verbal, or physical, has a consequence. These consequences may manifest immediately, later in life, or in future incarnations. This principle is intimately tied to the belief in Punarjanma (reincarnation), where the soul is reborn in various forms until it attains liberation (moksha). Karma is often categorized into three types: Sanchita Karma: The accumulated karma o...

Vruksha Narayan Temple , which opened on October 17, 2010, at Derol Village in Sabarkantha District in Gujarat in India is dedicated to a tree. The tree is worshipped as the deity. Inspiration for this form of nature worship comes the famous Upanishad teaching – A tree is equal to ten sons. It wants care and water only for five years and makes one rich with its ten gifts which are oxygen, water, soil, food, cloth, energy, shelter, medicine, fodder and shade. Vruksha Narayan Temple is the brainchild of ardent environmentalist Jitendra Patel from Gujarat who was nominated as the first 'Green Ambassador' of Mehsana by Gujarat government. He is also the sole recipient from the state of the Priyadarshini Indira Gandhi Vrikshamitra national award. The temple has been designed as a banyan tree and is 18 ft high and 20 ft wide. Jitendra Patel has also come out with a Vruksha Narayan Katha on the lines of Satya Narayan Katha that personifies tree as god. ...

Kali and Matangi are two significant goddesses in Hinduism, each representing unique aspects of the Divine Feminine. While both are considered manifestations of the Supreme Goddess, they embody different qualities, functions, and spiritual principles within the broader spectrum of Hindu worship. Their worship is integral to understanding the diverse expressions of the feminine divine in Hindu spirituality. 1. Origins and Mythological Background Kali : Kali is one of the most well-known and fearsome goddesses in Hinduism. Her origins are rooted in ancient Vedic traditions, but she is prominently featured in the Puranas and Tantric texts. Kali is often associated with destruction, time (Kala), and death, but she is also revered as a powerful protector and a symbol of the ultimate reality, transcending both creation and destruction. According to one of the popular myths, Kali emerged from the brow of Goddess Durga during a battle to defeat the demon Raktabija. Kali’s rage and uncontrollab...

Lingashtakam is a prayer dedicated to Hindu God Shiva and is one of the most famous bhajans dedicated to Lord Shiva. Lingashtakam narrates the greatness of Linga or Lingam – the symbol of Lord Shiva. This Lingashtakam Lyrics is in English and is pdf format. The song is a favorite one of many Shiva devotees. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a pillar of fire with no end or beginning. Lingam is an attempt to give form to formless Brahman. It is considered highly auspicious to listen to Lingashtakam during Mahashivaratri or Shivratri. Link – Download or Read Lingashtakam Lyrics in pdf format You may also like to read Why is Shiva worshiped in form of Lingam ? Why Hindus Should Listen To Lingashtakam Daily? Listening to Lingashtakam daily holds significance for Hindus due to its spiritual and devotional benefits. Lingashtakam is a hymn composed by the revered saint and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya, praising Lord Shiva in his form as the lingam, a sy...