Sharda Ashtami is a unique ritual dedicated to the dead ancestors, parents and relatives performed in  Jammu and Kashmir . Sharda Ashtami 2025 date is August 31. On the ashes of those who had died during the past year are immersed in the Gangabal lake, which also known as Harmukh or  Harmukata   Lake . The ritual is also known as Ganga Ashtami. Harmukh   Lake  and its surrounding are holy places associated with Hindu God Shiva. Devotees also take a dip in the holy lake during the period. A fair is also organized during the period. The day is popularly observed as Radha Ashtami in other regions in  India .

Praying to Lord Krishna, a revered deity in Hinduism, is a spiritual practice that involves devotion, meditation, chanting, and rituals. Krishna is often seen as the supreme God, representing love, compassion, and divine joy. Devotees pray to Krishna to seek his blessings, guidance, and divine love. Here's an expanded guide on how to pray to Krishna, along with prayers, additional information, benefits, and relevant facts: How to Pray to Krishna Prepare a Clean and Quiet Space : Choose a serene and clean area for your prayer. This could be a small home altar or a dedicated space for meditation. A picture or statue of Lord Krishna, ideally depicting him with a flute and peacock feather, is typically placed on the altar. Light a Diya (Oil Lamp) and Incense : Lighting a diya and incense sticks creates a spiritual ambiance and is a common practice in Hindu rituals. It symbolizes the removal of darkness (ignorance) and the welcoming of light (knowledge and divinity). Offer Flowers and F...

Overcoming Global Warming: Hinduism's Perspective Global warming is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and Hinduism offers a unique perspective on how to approach and address this challenge. The spiritual and practical teachings of Hinduism emphasize a harmonious relationship with nature, which can be translated into actionable solutions for combating global warming. 1. The Concept of Dharma and Environmental Responsibility In Hinduism, Dharma represents the principle of cosmic order and righteousness. It implies a responsibility towards all living beings and the environment. Protecting the earth is a part of one's Dharma, as nature is revered as sacred in Hindu philosophy. Practical Application : Adopting sustainable practices in daily life, such as reducing waste, conserving water, and minimizing the use of plastics, can be seen as fulfilling one’s Dharma. Encouraging the use of natural resources judiciously and promoting renewable energy are modern interpretations...

Modern values like social equality, democracy, feminism, science and technology, rationality, and environment protection might be modern for many societies around the world but Hindus were practicing these values from time immemorial and all Holy Scriptures associated with Hindu religion  pronounce these values repeatedly. Prakash Jain in an article titled Modernity and Hinduism argues so-called modern values were already imbibed in the Hindu culture. Some excerpts The inscriptions on the walls of the Sundaravarada temple in Uthiramerur near Kanchipuram show how democracy was practiced 1000 years ago. History Professor Steve Muhlberger at Nipissing University has painstakingly shown several evidences of republic forms of government in ancient India. And, according to Professor Arvind Sharma, republicanism was as prominent a form of government as monarchy in the sixth century B.C.E. in India. Hindu culture has the reverential concepts to worship natural powers and animals, moderni...

Praying to Kaal Bhairav: A Guide in the Hindu Tradition Kaal Bhairav is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, associated with time (Kala) and destruction. As a guardian deity, Kaal Bhairav is revered for his power to protect, destroy evil, and remove obstacles. Praying to Kaal Bhairav is believed to grant protection, spiritual growth, and fulfillment of desires. Here's a detailed guide on how to pray to Kaal Bhairav according to Hindu traditions, along with prayers, rituals, benefits, and other relevant information. 1. Understanding Kaal Bhairav Aspect of Shiva : Kaal Bhairav represents the fierce aspect of Lord Shiva. He is known as the "Lord of Time" and the destroyer of all things, including fear and ignorance. Guardian of Temples : In many temples, Kaal Bhairav serves as the 'Kotwal' or the chief guard, especially in the sacred city of Varanasi (Kashi), where he is revered as the protector of the city. Symbol of Protection : Devotees believe that worshiping K...

Overcoming Guilt: Hinduism's Approach In Hinduism, guilt is understood as a natural human emotion but not one that should be allowed to fester or dominate one's life. Hindu teachings emphasize the importance of acknowledging guilt, understanding its roots, and taking steps towards repentance, forgiveness, and spiritual growth. 1. Understanding the Nature of Guilt in Hinduism Guilt in Hinduism is seen as a byproduct of karma (the law of cause and effect) and dharma (one's duty). When one deviates from their dharma, guilt arises. This feeling serves as a signal that something is out of balance. Recognizing guilt as a reminder to realign oneself with one's dharma is the first step in overcoming it. 2. Practical Day-to-Day Solutions Self-Reflection and Introspection (Swadhyaya) : Spend time daily in self-reflection to understand the root cause of guilt. Ask yourself: "What actions or thoughts led to this feeling? How can I rectify this?" Apology and Reparation (Pr...

Durga Ashtothram, also known as Durga Stotram Shatanamavali, is a prayer dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is the chanting of the 108 names of Durga. This particular Durga Ashtothram lyrics is in English and you can download or read it online in pdf format. Link – Durga Ashtothram lyrics in English Benefits Of Reading Durga Stotram Shatanamavali Daily Reading Durga Stotram Shatanamavali daily can bring various benefits, both spiritual and psychological. Here are some of them: Spiritual Upliftment: Durga Stotram Shatanamavali is a prayer dedicated to Goddess Durga, who is considered the divine mother and the embodiment of power. Regular recitation of this stotram can foster a deeper connection with the divine and enhance spiritual growth. Protection and Blessings: It is believed that chanting Durga Stotram Shatanamavali daily can invoke the blessings and protection of Goddess Durga. She is revered as the protector of devotees and can shield them from negative energies and obstacles ...

Praying to Lord Hanuman, a revered deity in Hinduism, involves a combination of devotion, ritual practices, recitation of prayers, and chanting of mantras. Lord Hanuman is widely worshipped as a symbol of strength, devotion, and selfless service. He is also known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, which makes him a powerful figure for spiritual seekers who wish to cultivate these qualities. Here is a detailed guide on how to pray to Lord Hanuman in the Hindu tradition, along with some prayers, benefits, and relevant facts: 1. Preparation for Prayer Before beginning your prayers, it is important to prepare both mentally and physically: Cleanliness : Take a bath to purify your body. Cleanliness is considered important in Hindu rituals. Setting up an Altar : Arrange a small altar or shrine with an image or idol of Lord Hanuman. You can also keep a picture of Lord Rama, as Hanuman is a devotee of Rama. Offerings (Prasad) : Prepare offerings such as fruits, sweets (like laddus), flow...

The book titled ‘Rivers of India’ by Sunil Vaidyanathan and Shayoni Mitra, is a pictorial journey that explores deep link between the people and the rivers with emphasis on religion, belief and Hindu traditional stories. The book unravels the deep-rooted symbolic relevance of the Brahmaputra, Ganges, Godavari, Kaveri, Krishna, Mahanadi, Narmada and Yamuna. Apart from the religious significance that the eight rivers hold, the book delves into the different aspects of the rivers -- the economical, cultural and also their significant role in literature, art and culture. There is also a clear emphasis on the part of the authors to highlight the pollution and unchecked exploitation. Rivers of India By Sunil Vaidyanathan and Shayoni Mitra Published by Niyogi Books Specifications: Size: 292 X 222mm Binding: Hard back with Jacket Page extent: 188 Photographs: 189 Price: INR 2900 You can find more details about the book and buy it online here at Niyogi Books

Overcoming the fear of death is a profound concern that many people face. In Hinduism, this fear is addressed through a combination of philosophical teachings, spiritual practices, mantras, stories, and quotes from sacred texts. The approach is holistic, offering a framework for understanding life, death, and what lies beyond, thus helping individuals cultivate a sense of peace and acceptance. Let’s explore these solutions in detail. 1. Understanding the Concept of Atman and Reincarnation Atman (soul) is a fundamental concept in Hindu philosophy. According to the Upanishads, the Atman is eternal, indestructible, and beyond physical death. The body is seen as a temporary vessel, while the Atman is the true self that transcends physical existence. Understanding this can help alleviate the fear of death, as it shifts the focus from the temporary nature of the body to the eternal nature of the soul. Reincarnation (Samsara) is another key concept. Hinduism teaches that the soul undergoes ...

Thayambaka is a unique form of Hindu Mother Goddess and in this form she is worshipped as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. The presiding deity of the famous Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple in Karnataka is Goddess Trayambika. Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya installed this unique murti of Mother Goddess in all her forms. Goddess Trayambika form is widely worshipped during the Navratri festival. The Goddess Saraswati form of Triambika is believed to bless devotees with knowledge. Children are initiated into the world of letters on the Vijayadasami day. Amba or Ambika is one of the popular names of Goddess Shakti. Thrya means three. Here she is the mother who blesses her children with knowledge (Goddess Saraswati) and wealth (Goddess Lakshmi). As Durga she punishes those follow the path of Adharma.

Sanskrit, an ancient language with a rich literary tradition, also has its own collection of nursery rhymes and stories that have been passed down through generations. Here are a few examples: " गजः " (Gajah) - The Elephant: This is a simple nursery rhyme that describes various characteristics and activities of an elephant. It's often used to teach children about animals and their traits. " शुकशारिका " (Shuka Shaarika) - The Parrot and the Myna Bird: This is a popular story that teaches children about friendship and cooperation. It revolves around the adventures of a parrot and a myna bird who become friends despite their differences. " पञ्चतन्त्र " (Panchatantra) - The Five Principles: The Panchatantra is a collection of ancient Indian fables written in Sanskrit. These stories, attributed to Vishnu Sharma, teach moral lessons through the adventures of animals. " कथासरित्सागर " (Kathasaritsagara) - The Ocean of Stories: This is ano...

How to Pray to Shani Dev: A Guide in the Hindu Tradition Shani Dev, also known as Shani or Saturn, is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. He is considered the lord of karma, justice, and retribution, and is believed to influence the lives of people based on their actions (karma). Worshipping Shani Dev is said to alleviate the malefic effects of Saturn in one's horoscope, particularly during periods like "Sade Sati" and "Shani Mahadasha." Here's a guide on how to pray to Shani Dev, along with relevant prayers, benefits, and additional information. 1. Preparing for the Worship Cleanliness: Take a bath early in the morning to purify your body and mind. Wear clean and preferably black or dark blue clothes, as these colors are associated with Shani Dev. Altar Setup: Set up a small altar or puja space where you can place an idol or picture of Shani Dev. You can also place a small oil lamp, incense sticks, and black sesame seeds (til) on the altar. Offer...

An interesting story in the Uttara Ramayana narrates how peacocks got beautiful feathers. As per Hindu religion, peacock (mayil or mor) is the vehicle of Kartik or Muruga and Sri Krishna adorns a peacock feather on his hair. Legend has it that it was Indra who blessed peacocks with beautiful feathers. Ravana was on his way to conquer the world when he arrived at a mountain named Ushiravira. There a king named Marutha was conducting a yajna. All Devas (demigods) including the king of Devas, Indra, had arrived to partake in the yajna. When the Devas saw Ravana approaching the mountain in his Pushpaka Vimana, they took the form of various birds and hid in the bushes and forest. When Ravana left the mountain, the Devas again assembled at the place of the yajna. Indra had taken the form of a peacock to escape. He was pleased with the form of peacock. Indra then called peacocks in the mountain and told them that from that day onwards peacocks will have feathers that will ...

Chithirai 1 , the first day of Chithirai Month, which falls on April 14, is observed as Tamil New Year – Puthandu for thousands of years. The previous DMK – led government in Tamil Nadu had changed the Tamil New Year from the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai (mid-April) to first of Thai (mid-January) through legislation in 2008. The current AIADMK government has now reversed the decision. The previous DMK government argument  for changing the New Year was... The decision to change the New Year date by the state government is based on a decision made in 1922 when over 500 scholars, led by Maraimalai Adigal, founder of the Thani Tamil Iyakkam (Pure Tamil Movement) met at Pachaiyappa’s college in Chennai and decided that Tamils needed a separate calendar in the name of Tamil savant Tiruvallur. They also determined that the birth year of Tiruvallur was 31 BC. The present AIADMK government has reversed the 2008 decision stating that it did not take into account the sentiment...

Overcoming the fear of interviews can be challenging, especially when anxiety and self-doubt take over. Hinduism, with its rich spiritual traditions and practices, offers a range of solutions that can help individuals cultivate confidence, inner strength, and a calm state of mind. Below are practical solutions, mantras, stories, quotes, and insights from Hindu scriptures that can help overcome the fear of interviews. 1. Understanding the Nature of Fear: According to Hindu philosophy, fear often arises from attachment to outcomes and the ego's desire to control the future. The Bhagavad Gita teaches the importance of focusing on the action rather than the results. This perspective helps reduce anxiety associated with uncertain outcomes like job interviews. Quote from the Bhagavad Gita (2.47): "You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, no...

More than 12,000 public Ganesh Chaturthi pujas are held during the annual Ganeshotsav (August – September) in Mumbai. There are also thousands of private pujas. To do all these pujas there are only around 3,500 priests. To overcome the shortage children are being trained to perform pujas during Ganesh Chaturthi. BBC reports The festival organisers have decided to train 700 young boys and girls this year so that more priests can be made available.  Interestingly, many of the children taking the "crash course" in priesthood are girls.  "I know there will be some hesitation [to hire us] in the beginning because we are so young and then we are girls. But once [the clients] know that we are as good as traditional priests, they will hire us," says a visibly excited 15-year-old Neha.  And Manohar, also 15, says he has "stopped lying" ever since he began attending the classes. "I am learning to be pious which would help me being accepted by those who need t...

Praying to Lord Shiva in the Hindu religion is a practice rich in tradition, rituals, and devotion. Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism, is known as "The Destroyer" within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity that includes Brahma and Vishnu. Shiva is revered for his benevolence, fierce compassion, and mastery over life and death. Devotees pray to him for various reasons, including seeking blessings for health, wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual growth. How to Pray to Lord Shiva Praying to Lord Shiva can be a simple act of devotion or involve more elaborate rituals. Here’s a guide on how to pray to Lord Shiva, combining various aspects of the Hindu way of worship: 1. Preparation for Worship Cleanliness : Before starting the prayer, it is essential to cleanse oneself by taking a bath. Cleanliness of body and mind is crucial in Hindu worship. Setting Up an Altar : Create a sacred space or altar for Lord Shiva. Place a statue or picture of Lord Shiva on the altar, pref...

Rinamochana Ganapati or Runa Mochana Ganapati is one among the 32 forms of Ganesha. This form of Ganesh helps a devotee overcome bondage, guilt, sins and finally blesses with Moksha. Runa Mochana Ganapati mantra is: Pashankusha dantajamboo dadhanan sphatikaprabha! Raktamshuko ganapatih mude Syadrinamochakah!! Runa Mochana Ganapati has four hands. It is believed that this form of Ganesha helps in overcoming difficulties in the path to success. It is also believed this form helps in overcoming debt related problems. Runa Mochana Ganapati Symbolism Runa Mochana Ganapati is one of the 32 forms of Lord Ganesha, each representing a different aspect of the deity's nature and symbolism. Runa Mochana Ganapati specifically represents "the liberator from debts." Here's a breakdown of the symbolism associated with Rinamochana Ganapati: Form: Runa Mochana Ganapati is depicted with a golden hue, with four arms and sitting on a lotus. He may be depicted in various forms, but typi...

 Overcoming the fear of fighting, whether it is a physical confrontation or a metaphorical battle in life, can be approached from various perspectives in Hinduism. Hindu philosophy offers a wealth of wisdom, stories, mantras, and practical advice to help individuals face their fears with courage and composure. Let's explore some solutions and insights from Hinduism that address the fear of fighting. 1. Understanding Fear in Hinduism In Hinduism, fear is often seen as a product of ignorance ( Avidya ) and attachment ( Raga ). According to the teachings, fear arises when the mind becomes attached to the physical body, wealth, relationships, or status. By cultivating knowledge ( Jnana ) and practicing detachment ( Vairagya ), one can reduce fear. The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text of Hinduism, addresses the concept of fear directly. Arjuna, a warrior prince, is gripped by fear and moral confusion on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. His dialogue with Lord Krishna reveals key insights on o...