In Hinduism, seeking divine intervention to quit smoking is a spiritual approach that involves prayer, devotion, and self-discipline. Smoking, being an addictive habit, can be challenging to overcome, but with the help of prayers, rituals, and the blessings of deities, one can gain the strength to quit. 1. Ideal Gods or Goddesses to Worship Lord Shiva: Known as the destroyer of evil, Shiva is often invoked to help destroy bad habits, including smoking. His association with renunciation and meditation makes Him an ideal deity for this purpose. Lord Ganesha: The remover of obstacles, Ganesha is worshiped at the beginning of any endeavor. Seeking His blessings can help remove the obstacles that make quitting smoking difficult. Lord Kartikeya: The God of war and victory, Kartikeya is known for granting strength and determination, which can be crucial in overcoming addictions. Lord Hanuman: Known for His immense strength and unwavering devotion, Hanuman can be invoked to gain the w...

 Praying to Lord Perumal, a popular deity in Hinduism, involves specific rituals, mantras, and a devotional mindset. Known as Lord Vishnu, Perumal is revered in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. He is considered the preserver of the universe and is often worshipped for protection, blessings, and peace. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to pray to Perumal, including simple prayers, puja steps, and related aspects of worship. 1. Understanding Lord Perumal (Vishnu) Attributes : Lord Perumal is often depicted as a four-armed deity holding a conch (Shankha), a discus (Chakra), a mace (Gada), and a lotus (Padma). These symbolize various aspects of the divine, such as power, righteousness, and purity. Avatars : Lord Perumal is believed to have ten primary avatars (Dasavatara), including Rama and Krishna, each representing different facets of his divine intervention in the world. Symbolism : Perumal symbolizes protection, sustenance, and preservation. He is known for his role in m...

Mantra Devi Temple is Yamunanagar in Haryana is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and is located atop the Shivalik Mountain . To reach the temple one has reach Jagadhri, from there take the road to Bilaspur and then by passing through Ranjeetpur and Kathgarh Village to reach the mountain. The motorable route is about 35 Km from Jagadhri. After the motorable road one has to walk nearly four kilometers to reach the shrine. The temple is visited along with the famous Kapal Mochan Tirth. It is believed that the Goddess first made her appearance here in the form of a Beri tree. Today she is visible here in the form of a pindi. In the temple, which is in the form of a cave there is a murti of Naranarayana. Apart from this there are murtis of Hanuman and Bharawas. A nearby mountain is considered sacred and is known as Gurushikhar. On the mountain there are murtis of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma.  Other nearby holy places includes Shri Kapal Mochan, Shri Badri Narain, Suraj...

Overcoming Postpartum Depression in Hinduism: Practical Solutions and Spiritual Guidance Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health condition that can affect new mothers, and Hinduism offers a rich tapestry of spiritual, psychological, and practical approaches to help overcome it. Below is a holistic guide combining spiritual wisdom, practical solutions, and traditional practices rooted in Hinduism. 1. Practical Day-to-Day Solutions Balanced Diet and Ayurveda: A diet rich in sattvic foods—fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and milk—can enhance mental clarity and emotional stability. Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha and Shatavari are known for balancing hormones and improving mood. Physical Activity and Yoga: Gentle physical activities like walking and yoga can help release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Yoga poses such as Sukhasana (Easy Pose), Balasana (Child’s Pose), and Shavasana (Corpse Pose) are particularly calming. Adequate Rest: Ensuring enou...

Praying to Pitru (also spelled Pitṛu or Pitri ) is an important ritual in Hinduism, involving paying homage to one's ancestors, seeking their blessings, and ensuring their peace in the afterlife. The practice is deeply rooted in the belief that the souls of the deceased ancestors continue to have a significant impact on the well-being of their descendants. Prayers and rituals to Pitru are primarily performed during the period known as Pitru Paksha , which usually falls in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (September-October). Here's a comprehensive guide on how to pray to Pitru, including the rituals, mantras, and additional information: 1. Understanding Pitru Paksha and Ancestor Worship Pitru Paksha is a 15-day lunar period dedicated to the ancestors. During this time, Hindus perform Shraddha (rites) and Tarpana (offering water and food) to honor their deceased ancestors (Pitru). The rituals performed during this period are believed to provide peace to the souls of the depart...

Adi Badri Temple is a sacred placed located in Yamunanagar District in Haryana. It is believed Sage Ved Vyasa composed the Bhagavad Purana here. Another legend has it that Pandavas spent the last year of their exile here. Adi Badri is located around from the famous Kapal Mochan Tirth. The popular belief is that Vishnu resided in Adi Badri in the Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga and Dwapar Yuga. It is believed that he shifted to the present Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand in the beginning of the Kali Yuga. Adi Badri Temple is located in the Shivalik Hills. The temple is believed to be more than 2000 years old. The temple is located on the banks of Som River . A huge fair is held here on the Akshaya Tritiya day in Vaishakh Month. 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 Shakti . There is pond located here and the water in it is belie...

Bhagavad Gita text in German in pdf for free is provided by Shri Swami Adgadanandji of Yatharthgeeta website. Each chapter of Bhagavad Gita is presented in a separate pdf file. You can download all the eighteen chapters of the Bhagavad Gita in German but only separately not as a single book. You can download the  Bhagavad Gita in German in pdf format here at the Yatharth Geeta website.  If the above link is not working you can download here the Gita in German. Influence Of Bhagavad Gita In Germany The influence of the Bhagavad Gita in Germany has been significant, particularly in the realms of philosophy, spirituality, and literature. Here are a few ways in which the Bhagavad Gita has made an impact in Germany: Philosophy and Spirituality: German scholars and philosophers, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were deeply interested in Eastern philosophies, including Hinduism and the Bhagavad Gita. Figures like Arthur Schopenhauer and Friedrich Nietzsch...

To address the issue of "quiet quitting," which refers to doing the bare minimum at work without fully engaging or going above and beyond, Hinduism offers several philosophical insights, practical solutions, and spiritual practices that can be applied in day-to-day life. The teachings from Hindu scriptures emphasize finding purpose, dedication, and spiritual alignment in one's actions. Below, we explore various Hindu perspectives, mantras, stories, quotes, deities to worship, and other relevant aspects to overcome quiet quitting. 1. Understanding the Concept Through Hindu Philosophy Karma Yoga : In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna explains the concept of Karma Yoga , or the yoga of action, which is performing one’s duty without attachment to the outcomes. This teaching encourages individuals to put in their best effort in whatever they do, focusing on the action itself rather than the reward. This can combat the mindset of doing the bare minimum, as the focus shifts to the...

Anjani Devi Temple at Haridwar is dedicated to Anjana, mother of Hanuman . The temple is around 4 km from Hari ki Paudi in Haridwar. Also known as Anjani Mata shrine, it is located near the famous Chandi Devi Temple and Mansa Devi Shrine. A small it enshrines murtis of Anjani Mata and Hanuman. Anjani Devi temple is a 3-km trek from Chandi Ghat and is around 200 meters from the Chandi Devi shrine. The temple is also accessible by a ropeway, which starts near the Gauri Shankar Temple . The ropeway is to the Chandi Devi Temple . Related Story of Anjani – Mother of Hanuman

BooksTALK audiobooks and Penguin India have launched audio book of the popular book written by Devdutt Pattanaik titled, Jaya - An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata. The audio book has been beautifully rendered by Devdutt himself, along with the artistes of the Dramanon Theatre Company, Dramanon.  ‘Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata’ by Devdutt Pattanaik attempts to retell the rural stories in India that were inspired by the Mahabharata.  Audio Book - Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata Published by Penguin Books India Price – Rupees 499/-

In Hinduism, praying for success in exams is a common practice. The focus is usually on seeking blessings for knowledge, wisdom, and the removal of obstacles. Here is a detailed guide on how to pray effectively, including puja steps, simple prayers, ideal deities, mantras, and rare facts. Ideal Gods and Goddesses to Worship for Exam Success Lord Ganesha : Known as the remover of obstacles, Ganesha is often worshiped first before beginning any new task. He blesses devotees with wisdom, clarity of mind, and success. Goddess Saraswati : She is the Goddess of knowledge, learning, and arts. Worshiping Saraswati is believed to enhance memory, concentration, and intellectual abilities. Lord Hanuman : Known for his unwavering devotion and strength, Hanuman helps in overcoming fear, increasing focus, and ensuring perseverance. Simple Prayers Prayer to Lord Ganesha: Mantra : "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah" Meaning : Salutations to the remover of obstacles. Prayer : "O Lord Ganesha, plea...

Kushavarta Ghat, Haridwar is a sacred spot chosen by millions of Hindus to perform holy bath and Shradh rituals at Haridwar. This bathing spot is located 500 meters south of Hari Ki Pauri. The remains of the dead are immersed in this Ghat Legend has it that Dattatreya performed Tapas here for thousands of years. Some legends mention that Dattatreya stood on leg at Kushavarta Ghat for thousands of years. Apart from taking holy dip, anther important ritual performed here is Shradh. People from around the country perform Shradh rituals dedicated to the departed souls in their family. Kushavarta Ghat was built by Ahilya Bai Holkar.

Overcoming quietness or shyness can be an essential journey for personal growth and building confidence. In Hinduism, there are several spiritual tools, practices, and teachings that can be utilized to help individuals become more expressive, communicative, and confident. Here’s a comprehensive guide incorporating mantras, daily practices, stories, and teachings from Hindu scriptures. 1. Understanding Quietness in Hinduism In Hindu philosophy, quietness or shyness might be viewed as an excess of the tamas guna (quality of inertia or darkness). While introspection and silence have their place in spiritual growth, excessive quietness can hinder one's ability to interact and express themselves in the world. The goal is to balance tamas with rajas (energy, action) and sattva (purity, harmony) to achieve a more balanced personality. 2. Practical Day-to-Day Solutions Morning Rituals: Start the day with a prayer or a mantra to set a positive tone. Light a lamp or incense to symbolize rem...

Annamacharya Vardhanthi is a significant observance commemorating the death anniversary of the revered Saint-Poet Annamayya (May 9, 1408 – February 23, 1503). Annamacharya Vardhanthi 2026 date is March 16.  Renowned for his profound devotion and literary brilliance, Annamayya composed an impressive collection of over 32,000 devotional songs, primarily dedicated to praising the glory of Lord Venkateswara, the presiding deity of the renowned temple atop the Seven Hills in Tirumala Tirupati. The Vardhanthi date is determined according to the traditional Hindu Lunar Calendar, falling on the Phalguna Krishna Paksha Dwadasi, which marks the twelfth day of the waning phase of the moon in the month of Phalguna in calendars followed in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Born on May 9, 1408, in the village of Tallapaka situated in the Cuddapah District of Andhra Pradesh, India, Sri Annamacharya lived during the fifteenth century. His contributions to Telugu literature and devotional music h...

Navagunjara is an animal mentioned in the Oriya Mahabharata written by Sarala Das. It is believed that Vishnu appeared as Navagunjara to impart a very important lesson to Arjuna. The lesson was that human mind is limited but universe is boundless. The story of Navagunjara and Arjuna is a popular theme in the Ganjifa Card painting in Orissa. Navgunjara had the head of rooster or cock, neck of peacock, hump of a bull, tail of a serpent, leg of elephant, leg of tiger, leg of antelope and hands of human beings. You can view the Navagunjara and Arjuna Ganjifa cards made in Puri, Orissa,  at the IGNCA website. Related Story of Navagunjara and Arjuna

The Seventh Skandha (or Canto) of the Srimad Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana) is a profound and influential section that explores themes of devotion, divine love, and the consequences of one's actions, especially in relation to holy persons. Let’s expand on its various aspects, including its importance, key stories, symbolism, modern-day relevance, and lesser-known facts. Importance of the Seventh Skandha The Seventh Skandha is significant for several reasons: The Power of Devotion (Bhakti) : It emphasizes the transformative power of devotion to God. The stories and teachings highlight how devotion can lead to liberation (moksha), while disrespect or disobedience to holy persons or divine laws can result in downfall and suffering. Lessons on Dharma and Righteousness : The Skandha provides insights into dharma (righteous duty), specifically the Bhagavata Dharma —the path of devotion and righteousness as explained by Prahlada. It also discusses Varnaashrama Dharma , the social and reli...

Indrani and Gouri are two significant goddesses in Hindu mythology, both of whom are associated with the Ashta Matrikas —the eight mother goddesses who are considered aspects of Devi, the Divine Mother. Despite being part of the same group, Indrani and Gouri have distinct characteristics, symbolism, stories, and roles in Hindu worship and tradition. 1. Key Differences Between Indrani and Gouri 1.1 Origin and Mythological Background: Indrani (Shachi): Origin: Indrani, also known as Shachi, is the consort of Indra, the king of the gods and ruler of the heavens in Hindu mythology. Mythological Background: Indrani is associated with power, beauty, and sovereignty. She is depicted as a queen with a powerful, commanding presence, reflecting her status as Indra's consort. She is often portrayed with weapons like the Vajra (thunderbolt) and is considered a warrior goddess who participates in battles alongside her husband. Gouri (Parvati): Origin: Gouri is another name for Parvati, the g...

Sixth Skandha of the Srimad Bhagavad Purana: An In-Depth Exploration The Sixth Skandha of the Srimad Bhagavad Purana is a significant section that emphasizes the power of devotion, the efficacy of the divine name, and the complexities of karma and dharma. Comprising 19 chapters and 849 verses, this skandha delves into the spiritual, moral, and philosophical dimensions of life through stories that have profound symbolic and practical relevance. Key Stories in the Sixth Skandha The Story of Ajamila: Overview: Ajamila was a Brahmin who fell into a life of sin due to bad company and temptations. On his deathbed, he called out to his son, Narayana, in desperation. However, the utterance of this divine name brought Lord Vishnu’s messengers (Vishnudutas) to his aid, who argued with Yama’s (the god of death) messengers (Yamadutas) over his fate. The Vishnudutas claimed that the mere utterance of the Lord’s name, even unintentionally, absolved Ajamila of his sins, and he was granted salvation....

Indrani and Kaumari are two significant goddesses in Hindu mythology, particularly within the group of deities known as the Ashta Matrikas (eight mother goddesses) or Saptamatrikas (seven mother goddesses). These goddesses are considered powerful protectors and are often depicted in temple iconography, rituals, and spiritual practices across India. Overview of Indrani and Kaumari Indrani : Indrani, also known as Aindri or Mahendri, is the shakti (divine feminine power) of Indra, the king of the gods and ruler of the heavens in Hindu mythology. She is associated with power, strength, and royalty. Indrani is often depicted with multiple arms, riding an elephant (Airavata), and holding a thunderbolt (Vajra), the weapon of Indra. She is portrayed as a fierce and protective goddess, embodying the qualities of her consort. Kaumari : Kaumari, also called Kumari or Kartikeyani, is the shakti of Kumara (also known as Kartikeya or Skanda), the god of war and the commander of the celestial armies...