Aditya Hridaya Stotra is a hymn dedicated to Surya (Sun God) in Valmiki Ramayana. Aditya Hridaya consists of 31 verses and is found in the 107th chapter of Yuddha Kanda of Ramayan. This is a pdf version of the text  of Aditya Hridaya Stotra in Sanskrit. It was narrated to Bhagavan Sri Rama by Sage Agastya to energize him in the battle against Ravana. Link – Aditya Hridaya Stotra   Bhagavan Sri Rama And Sage Agastya In Ramayana In the Ramayana, the relationship between Bhagavan Sri Rama and Sage Agastya is one of reverence and respect. Sage Agastya is a highly revered sage in Hinduism, known for his wisdom, spiritual knowledge, and contributions to various scriptures. He is often depicted as a key figure in the Ramayana, providing guidance and support to Lord Rama during his journey. One notable instance of Sage Agastya's involvement in the Ramayana is when he advises Rama on the use of divine weapons. During the battle against Ravana and his forces, Rama seeks t...

Maheshwari and Bhairavi are significant goddesses within the Hindu pantheon, particularly among the Ashta Matrikas (Eight Mother Goddesses). Both deities hold unique positions in Hindu mythology and worship. This comparison will explore their attributes, differences, similarities, importance, associated stories, lesser-known facts, festivals, modern relevance, current puja rituals, mantras, and symbolism. Overview of Maheshwari and Bhairavi Maheshwari (Maheshwari Mata): Maheshwari, also known as Maheshi, is considered a manifestation of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. She represents the divine energy of Shiva (Maheshwara), often depicted riding a bull and wielding a trident (Trishula). Maheshwari embodies qualities such as power, grace, and nurturing, reflecting Shiva's calm and meditative aspects. Bhairavi: Bhairavi is a fierce manifestation of the Goddess Parvati, representing her terrifying aspect as a warrior. She is often associated with the god Bhairava, a form of...

Swami Ramananda Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Sant Ramananda, a Vaishnava Saint and reviver of the Ramanandi sect. Swami Ramananda Jayanti 2026 date is January 9. It is observed annually on the Magh Krishna Paksha Saptami day – seventh day during the waning phase of moon in Magh month in Hindu calendar followed in North India . Swami Ramananda (1400–1476) was the Guru of Sant Kabir and also of Guru Ravidas. Swamiji was also a social reformer and pioneer of Bhakti movement in North India . He spread the teaching of Sri Ram and taught people the futility of caste system by pointing out that Sri Ram did not differentiate between people and welcomed all people.  Swami Ramananda, a prominent figure in Indian history,  played a significant role as a spiritual leader, social reformer, and pioneer of the Bhakti movement in North India during the 15th century. Born around 1400, he lived during a time of great social and religious transformation in India. One of Swami ...

A collection of quotes and teachings of Swami Satyasangananda. Today we are afraid to discuss matters pertaining to sex. We think sexuality pertains to a part of our personality which is dirty and despicable, and that it is best to suppress or ignore it, and thereby it will disappear. But this is not the answer… you do not free yourself of this powerful drive simply by crushing and trampling it; rather its roots itself deeper and deeper in your consciousness. This attitude towards sex is responsible for innumerable inner conflicts. The pleasure of passion and lust, which man is unable to control, comprehend or express, has led to countless, severe cases of neuroses, mental instability, fear, anxiety, stress, psychosis, sexual disorders, lack of confidence and insecurity. The fault lies not in the individual, but in religious and moral beliefs, which have preached the infamy of sex. Man has been brainwashed for hundreds of years into believing that sex is certainly sinful, evil an...

1. Introduction Surya, the Hindu god of the Sun, and Ra, the ancient Egyptian sun god, hold prominent positions in their respective mythologies. Both deities symbolize the Sun, a central force of life, and embody themes of power, creation, and sustenance. However, while they share several similarities, their roles and significance within their cultural contexts reveal distinct differences. 2. Surya: The Hindu God of the Sun Role and Depiction: Surya is the personification of the Sun in Hinduism and is revered as a major deity. He is often depicted riding a chariot drawn by seven horses, which symbolize the seven colors of the rainbow and the seven chakras (energy centers in the human body). Surya is typically shown with a golden complexion, radiating light and energy. Importance in Hindu Culture: Surya is central to various aspects of Hindu worship and spirituality. He is considered the source of all life, with his light sustaining the universe. In the Rigveda, one of the oldest text...

Russian Hindus Won the Battle of Dharma when a Judge at the Tomsk court in Siberia  in Russia dismissed the plea to brand Holy Bhagavad Gita an extremist literature and ban it. The prosecutors had asked for a ban on the Russian translation of ‘Bhagavad Gita As It Is’ written by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).  "Yato Dharma Tato Jaya" – Where there is righteousness, there is victory. Times of India reports "The court has dismissed the state prosecutors' case during the hearing today," Sadhu Priya Das, a leader of the Russian unit of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon), told IANS on the phone from Moscow .  The case has been going on in the Tomsk city court since June. Bhagavad Gita is a book for all. It is a holy book that is universal. It is dedicated to the welfare of all living beings. ‘Bhagavad-Gita is a true scripture of the human r...

Shukastala, also known as Shukratal, is a holy place located on the banks of Ganga River in Uttar Pradesh. It is believed that Shuka Muni narrated the Srimad Bhagavad Purana here to the Parikshit Maharaj. There is a very old Vata Vriksha here and it is believed that Shuka Maharishi sat under this tree and narrated the Bhagavad Purana. Legend has it that Parikshit Maharaj was cursed that he will be bitten by Takshak Snake and killed. To escape from it and to attain Moksha, Shuka Muni narrated the Srimad Bhagavad Purana. It is believed that reading or listening to Srimad Bhagavata Purana helps in redemption of sin and attaining Moksha. There is a temple dedicated to Shuka Muni here. Shakuntala is around 24 km from Muzaffarnagar. It is around 120 km from Haridwar and 100 km from New Delhi .

Aryaman is a Vedic God mentioned in the Vedas. He is rarely worshipped today in Hinduism. Today, He is only invoked during rare vedic yajna performed in Hindu religion and also during Shradh. He is one among the Adityas and is associated with chivalry, honor, nobility and rules of society. The name Aryaman means a ‘devoted friend’ or ‘Gentleman.’  There are several verses dedicated to Aryaman in the Rig Veda. He is the son of Aditi. Aryaman maintains the code of conduct in the society. He protects the honor of men and women in the society. He has the last word in marriages and in the maintenance of tradition, custom and religion in the Vedic society. All rituals, relationships created and maintained in society are governed by Aryaman. As all social relationships were governed by Aryaman, he was considered as the great ancestor. He was the king of ancestors. Offerings are made to him as part Shradh rituals. A part of offerings made to ancestors reach Aryaman.

Shadaram birth anniversary is annually held in Paush month (December – January) at the famous Shadani Darbar in Ghotki in Sindh in Pakistan . Shadaram is believed to be a manifestation of Hindu God Shiva. It is the 318th birth anniversary of Holy saint Shadaram in 2026. Legend has it that According to the legend, Ghulam Shah Kalhoro, the ruler of Sindh, intimidated Hindus in 1700. Perturbed by his actions, Hindus prayed to Shiva at Mathelo. One night the Sarpanch of the area saw Shiva in his dream. Shiva told him that he had taken birth in the form of Shadaram in Lahore and would come to Mathelo for their salvation. Shri Shadaram came to Mathelo in 1768 and called forth Dhuni Saheb there. When Kalhoro insulted a Hindu widow, Shri Shadaram cursed the ruler, saying that Kalhoro would lose the kingdom. Shri Shadaram’s words came true and Kalhoro lost his kingdom and died in misery. After that Shadaram shifted to Hayat Pitafi and laid the foundation of the Shadani Darbar....

Introduction Varahi and Bhairavi are both significant deities within the Hindu pantheon, particularly within the context of Shaktism and the worship of the Divine Feminine. Both are part of the Ashta Matrikas, a group of eight mother goddesses, each of whom represents a different aspect of the Great Mother. Despite being part of the same group, Varahi and Bhairavi embody distinct qualities, roles, and symbolism within Hindu tradition. Varahi: The Boar-Headed Goddess 1. Symbolism and Iconography: Varahi is depicted with the head of a boar and the body of a woman, signifying her as the shakti (power) of Varaha, the boar avatar of Lord Vishnu. She holds a combination of weapons like a plough, a sword, a discus (chakra), and a noose, symbolizing her role as a fierce protector and destroyer of evil forces. Varahi’s boar head is symbolic of her strength and her ability to delve deep into the unconscious, unearthing the hidden truths and rooting out negativity. 2. Role and Importance: Varahi ...

Located in the Shivalik Mountains , origin Point of Saraswati River is near the Adi Badrinath Temple in Yamunanagar District in Haryana. There is a kund or pond here which is believed to be the starting point of Saraswati River . Shri Saraswati Udgam Sthal is located around 15 km from the famous Kapal Mochan Tirth in Bilaspur. The temple of Adi Badri is of great significance. It is believed that River Saraswati flowed from here during the Satya, Treta and Dwapar yuga. The River disappeared in the Kali Yuga. According to Mahabharata, Saraswati River dried up on account of a curse by the Sage Utathya. Apart from the  Adi   Badri   Temple  the place also has a temple dedicated to Shiva – a naturally formed Shivling believed to be Adi Kedarnath. There is also a  temple  of  Goddess Mantra Devi .

A collection of teaching of Sri Ram From Ramayana As long as you identify your self with this body, you will feel miserable. Atman is not the body, sense, or ego. It is due to ignorance that you are affected by these worldly sorrows. When you dream of something it seems real as long as the dream lasts. Similarly, to a man who always thinks of the senses and the pleasures derived there from, this world seems real. If good deeds are done with a sense of ego, they only bind you to this world. So to gain knowledge you should work without the least trace of pride. Pure knowledge is that which kills all desires and attachments. Any work with a particular motive behind it should be given up, it only binds you to the cycle of birth and death. It is harmful for your attaining real knowledge. Prompted by anger man kills his own mother, father, brother, friends and relations. He will often have occasion to repent of actions done under the impulse of anger. It is anger that binds h...

The book tilted ‘Lagna Vidhi, Vishwas ane Virasat’ – Marriage ceremony, faith and tradition – is written by Ashok Patel, lecturer at SUG, a B Ed college in Ahmedabad. He has documented 72 rituals associated with Gujarati Marriage ceremony. The book explains the reason behind various customs and rituals held during the marriage. Times of India reports Patel studied four Vedas, vedic literature and Manusmriti to document this book on wedding titled Lagna Vidhi, Vishwas ane Virasat ( Marriage ceremony, faith and tradition). "This book explains the logic behind the rituals. And understanding the link between the two enables the youth to respect our customs, rituals and tradition," said Patel.  "I planned to write the book to explain the process of marriage to my future daughter-in-law and son who live in Australia ," he added. An NRG has ordered 1,500 copies of the book as it ably captures the Hindu wedding ceremony with its 72 rituals and many of the expatriat...

A Comparison Between Hindu Goddesses Indrani and Bhairavi Indrani and Bhairavi are two significant deities within the Hindu pantheon, specifically among the Ashta Matrikas, a group of eight mother goddesses. Each of these goddesses has a distinct identity, symbolism, and role in Hindu mythology and rituals. This comparison will explore their additional attributes, key differences and similarities, importance, associated stories, lesser-known facts, festivals, modern relevance, current puja rituals, mantras, and symbolism. 1. Additional Information on Indrani and Bhairavi Indrani : Also known as Aindri, she is considered the consort of Indra, the king of the Devas (gods) and the god of thunder, rain, and warfare. Indrani embodies the qualities of power, authority, and beauty. She is often depicted with multiple arms, holding various weapons such as a thunderbolt (vajra), spear, sword, and shield. Her vehicle (vahana) is an elephant, similar to Indra's mount, Airavata. Bhairavi : Bha...

Yama and Dis Pater are prominent figures in Hindu and Roman mythology, respectively, both associated with the concept of death and the afterlife. Understanding their similarities and differences provides insights into how different cultures conceptualize death, the afterlife, and moral order. Let’s explore the roles, importance, symbolism, and modern relevance of Yama and Dis Pater, as well as some lesser-known facts about them. 1. Yama in Hindu Mythology Role and Importance: Yama is the Hindu god of death and the king of the underworld. He is considered the first mortal who died and thus became the ruler of the departed. In Hindu cosmology, Yama presides over Naraka (hell), where he judges the deeds of the deceased and decides their fates, sending them either to Svarga (heaven) or Naraka, based on their karma. He is also regarded as the protector of dharma (righteousness) and is sometimes depicted as the lord of justice. Symbolism: Yama is often depicted with a buffalo, his vahana (ve...

Subramanya Sahasranamam is a prayer dedicated to Hindu God Subramanya – also known as Muruga or Kartik. This prayer contains the several names of Subramanya. The text is in pdf format and is in Hindi. The prayer is chanted daily by Muruga devotees and also during monthly Muruga Sashti Fasting. Link - Subramanya Sahasranamam Benefits Of Chanting Subramanya Sahasranamam Daily Chanting Subramanya Sahasranamam daily, thousand names of Lord Subramanya (Murugan, or Skanda or Kartikeya or Kartik), can have several benefits, both spiritual and psychological. Here are some potential benefits: Spiritual Growth: Regular chanting can deepen your spiritual connection with Lord Subramanya, fostering a sense of devotion and reverence. Protection: It is believed that chanting Subramanya Sahasranamam can invoke the blessings and protection of Lord Subramanya, helping devotees overcome obstacles and challenges in life. Clarity of Mind: The rhythmic recitation of the verses can calm the mind and e...

Introduction to Brahmi and Bhairavi Brahmi and Bhairavi are two significant goddesses within Hinduism, particularly in the context of the Ashta Matrikas (Eight Divine Mothers). The Ashta Matrikas are a group of eight goddesses, each associated with a specific aspect of divine feminine power and often considered manifestations of the Devi (Goddess) or Shakti (Power). Brahmi is linked to the creator god Brahma, while Bhairavi is associated with the fierce form of the goddess Durga or Parvati. Although both goddesses are part of the Ashta Matrikas, they represent different energies and aspects of the divine. Key Characteristics of Brahmi Origins and Association : Brahmi is the Shakti (feminine power) of Brahma, the creator god in the Hindu trinity (Trimurti). She embodies the creative energy of the universe. Iconography : Brahmi is typically depicted with four heads, reflecting the four Vedas, and riding a swan, symbolizing purity and wisdom. She holds a water pot (kamandalu), a rosary (a...

Shri Devnarayan believed to be an incarnation of Hindu God Vishnu is worshipped in Rajasthan and northwestern Madhya Pradesh. He is worshipped by the Gujjar community and He is appeared to protect the community. Legend has it that Vishnu appeared as Devnarayan to fulfill the promise that he gave Saadu Maata Gurjari.  India Post has released a commemorative stamp of Shri Devnarayan.  An Introduction To Shri Devnarayan Shri Devnarayan is a revered folk deity primarily worshipped in the Indian states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. He is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is often depicted riding a blue horse, wielding a sword and shield. Devotees consider him to be a divine protector and a symbol of righteousness. The legend of Shri Devnarayan is rooted in the oral traditions of the Gujjar community, who hold him in high esteem. According to folklore, he was born in the 10th century CE to a Gujjar family in the village of Kherla in present-day...

Yama: The Hindu God of Death Role and Importance: Yama is one of the oldest deities in Hindu mythology, often referred to as the "Lord of Death" or "Dharmaraja" (King of Righteousness). He is responsible for overseeing the afterlife and judging the deeds of the dead. Yama determines whether souls will be rewarded in heaven (Swarga) or punished in hell (Naraka), based on their karma. He is often depicted riding a buffalo and carrying a mace and noose, which symbolize his authority over life and death. Symbolism: Yama symbolizes the inevitable nature of death and the importance of living a righteous life. He is also seen as a guardian of moral order (Dharma) and is respected rather than feared, as he is a fair judge who ensures that justice prevails. Modern Day Relevance: Yama's relevance persists in contemporary Hindu rituals and beliefs concerning death and the afterlife. Festivals like Pitru Paksha, a period when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors, are clo...

Hindu mythology is vast and diverse, with numerous deities symbolizing various aspects of life, nature, and spirituality. Among these deities, the Ashta Matrikas (Eight Mothers) hold a significant place, embodying the divine feminine energy in different forms. Two prominent goddesses from this group are Vaishnavi and Bhairavi . While both are integral to the pantheon of Hindu goddesses, they represent distinct aspects of the divine feminine and have unique roles, symbolism, and attributes. Overview of Vaishnavi and Bhairavi Vaishnavi : Origin and Association : Vaishnavi is the shakti (energy) of Vishnu , one of the principal deities of Hinduism known as the preserver and protector of the universe. She represents the power of Vishnu and embodies qualities like righteousness, protection, and strength. Iconography : Vaishnavi is typically depicted with a dark complexion, carrying Vishnu's weapons such as the chakra (discus), gada (mace), shankha (conch), and padma (lotus). She o...