Goddess Ragnya Bhagwati is the titular goddess of millions of Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir. She is the manifestation of Mother Goddess Adi Shakti. The story of Goddess Ragnya Devi is found in the Hindu Scripture Bringesh Samhita. She is the Mother from whose cosmic womb every single living form appears. The glory of the Goddess is narrated by Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvati and it is found in the Maha Ragnya Pradbhurbhav chapter in the Bringesh Samhita. Shiva gives out the secret of Goddess Ragnya Devi to Goddess Parvati. Story of Goddess Ragnya Devi The Devi was first worshiped by the demon king Ravana of Ramayana. Ravana once performed intense penance to please Shiva. When Shiva appeared before him as boon he requested Shiva to bless him with the ever presence of Adi Shakti in his kingdom. Shiva gave the boon and Mother Goddess Adi Shakti started residing in Lanka. The prosperity of Lanka was due to the presence of the Goddess. But the abduction of Mata Sita a...

Sunday, Ravivar, is considered the ideal day to worship in Hinduism. Surya is the ruler of the Navgrahas or nine planets in Hindu astrology. Worship of sun helps in alleviating numerous problems in life. When the position of sun is ideal in a horoscope, the person will attain high position and he will gain respect in society. When sun is in a favorable position in the horoscope, a person will get relief from various diseases. When the sun is in an unfavorable position, the person will face several difficulties including financial, emotional, job and heath related. Making roti, or chapati, out of wheat and jaggery and offering it to Vishnu and Surya on Sunday helps in overcoming difficulties. A roti should be eaten by the devotee as Prasad. Rest of the rotis should be distributed among poor people. Making besan laddoo and offering it to Surya Bhagavan is considered highly meritorious. Another offering that is made to Sun god on Sunday is Barfi. ...

Praying for guidance and direction in the Hindu tradition is a beautiful and introspective practice, often involving prayers, mantras, and meditative practices directed toward specific deities known for their wisdom, knowledge, and strength. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to pray for direction and clarity, including simple prayers, mantras, practical tips, and symbolic details to help make the practice more effective and meaningful. 1. Ideal Gods and Goddesses to Pray to for Guidance In Hinduism, different deities are worshipped based on their specific qualities: Lord Brahma : The creator and bestower of knowledge. Lord Vishnu : The protector and guide, especially useful when seeking purpose. Lord Shiva : The remover of ignorance and ego, leading to self-realization. Lord Ganesha : The remover of obstacles, helping clear mental and spiritual paths. Goddess Durga : The source of inner strength, often prayed to during challenges. Goddess Lakshmi : Goddess of prosperity, often associ...

Angarki Chaturthi Vrat is dedicated to Ganesha. The significance of Ganapati Angarika Chaturthi Vrat is that it happens when the fourth day of a lunar calendar falls on Tuesday. Fasting procedure is given in detail below. Dos and don’ts and the method to perform the vrat to get blessing of Ganesh is also explained. Tuesday is associated with Vinayaka and it is considered highly meritorious to offer puja, vrat and worship on the day. Pujas and vrat performed to Ganesh gets the results immediately. The Procedure The main fasting is from sunrise to till the sighting of moon or moonrise as per the calendar of your region. Offer prayers to Ganesha in the morning and evening. Start the puja with the mantra गं गणपतये नम : Always do a simple puja avoid complicated rituals. Chant mantras dedicated to Ganesha throughout the day. Listen to stories. You can consume fruits or eat food made using Sabudana. Evening Puja Modak is prepared as Prasad. 21 Modak is usually offere...

Agnisar Kriya is a Yoga technique, which helps in reducing weight loss. This is achieved through reducing stomach fat. Belly fat is an important reason for several health problems and this Yoga posture helps to reduce it. Agnisar Kriya is an exercise directed towards the stomach. The body parts that benefit from this yoga technique are: Stomach                    Liver Large intestine         Small intestine Pancreas                    Gall bladder Kidney                      Uterus Ovary                          Prostate gland Adrenal gland Benefits of Agnisar Kriya It cures Digestion problems             Menstrual problems Constipation Gas             ...

In Hinduism, praying for discernment or “Viveka” (wisdom, clarity, and understanding) is traditionally associated with seeking blessings from deities known for their qualities of knowledge, wisdom, and insight. Prayers for discernment help develop the inner strength and clarity to make sound decisions, understanding the truth, and moving forward with spiritual wisdom. Here’s a guide on how to pray for discernment, including steps for a simple puja, ideal deities, mantras, attire, and other tips. 1. Deities Associated with Discernment and Wisdom Goddess Saraswati : Goddess of wisdom, knowledge, arts, and speech. Mookambika : An incarnation of Shakti, worshipped for wisdom and guidance. Goddess Kamala : A form of Lakshmi, worshipped for inner clarity and insight. Lord Shiva : The epitome of detachment and insight, associated with inner awakening. Lord Krishna : Known for his wisdom and guidance in the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Ganesha : The remover of obstacles, often invoked before any new be...

Kirtan is the second stage in Navadha Bhakti, the traditionally prescribed nine forms of devotion in the Srimad Bhagavad Purana (VII 5.23). It is also known as Nama Gana. Kirtan is an act of singing, chanting, dancing, or speaking in praise of God, incarnations, or holy persons, often accompanied by musical instruments such as the harmonium, flute, conch shell, stringed, or percussion instruments. This form of devotion is not just a solitary activity but often involves a communal aspect where groups of devotees gather to engage in collective worship. The essence of Kirtan lies in its ability to create a spiritually charged atmosphere, where the repetitive chanting of divine names and praises fosters a sense of unity and divine connection among participants. The rhythmic patterns and melodic tunes of the Kirtan transcend the ordinary experience, aiming to elevate the minds and hearts of the devotees towards a higher spiritual plane. Historically, Kirtan has played a significant r...

Goddess Aparajita, meaning "The Unconquerable," is a powerful manifestation of the Divine Feminine in Hinduism. She represents victory, strength, and the triumph of good over evil. Worshipping Goddess Aparajita can grant devotees success in their endeavors, inner strength, and protection from negativity. Here is a detailed guide on how to perform a simple, eco-friendly Aparajita Puja, covering the necessary items, preparation, rituals, and conclusion. 1. Benefits of Worshipping Goddess Aparajita Worshipping Goddess Aparajita is believed to bring several spiritual and material benefits: Victory in Life : Helps overcome obstacles and ensures success in work, education, and other pursuits. Inner Strength : Grants courage and resilience to face challenges. Protection from Negative Forces : Shields the devotee from harmful energies, negativity, and evil. Spiritual Growth : Enhances inner peace, wisdom, and a deep connection with the Divine. 2. Preparation: Cleanliness and Timing C...

A small but highly effective teaching on chanting of God's name in Hinduism. O King, The singing of God’s glories alone will remove the fear of worldliness in the yog, the person on the path of knowledge, the individual practicing the path of action and the devotee. Through the glorification of God’s name alone does the aspirant attain all benevolent fruits. The greatest practice now is singing the glories of Govinda’s name; do that and you will attain everything. Sukadeva to King Parikshit Some thoughts on Difference Between Bhakti And Vedanta Among the ingredients necessary for liberation, devotion alone is the most important. Constant attempt to live up to one’s Real nature is designated as Bhakti. “Bhakti is a constant and consistent effort to raise the ego-centre from its welter of false values to the memory and dignity of Self-hood” – Swami Chinmayananda. A simple example may help to understand this difference Vedanta and Bhakti. If one wants to buy a car, there ar...

Comprehensive Guide on Worshiping Goddess Aparna Devi in Hinduism Goddess Aparna is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and is revered for her intense austerity, devotion, and compassion. Worshipping her is believed to bring inner strength, mental clarity, and spiritual discipline. Here's a detailed guide on how to worship Aparna Devi, including the significance, procedures, and benefits, using eco-friendly and traditional puja items. Benefits of Worshipping Goddess Aparna Spiritual Growth: The worship of Aparna Devi helps cultivate patience, austerity, and self-control. Mental Strength: Invoking her blessings helps in overcoming mental and emotional obstacles, developing inner strength. Family Harmony: She blesses families with peace, harmony, and prosperity. Fulfillment of Desires: Devotees believe that sincere prayers to Aparna Devi lead to the fulfillment of spiritual and material desires. Good Health: As Aparna Devi endured severe penance without consuming even a leaf, wors...

Comprehensive Guide on How to Worship Goddess Subachani in Hinduism Goddess Subachani, also known as Maa Subachani, is revered in parts of Odisha, India. Worshiping her is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and good fortune, especially for health, protection, and the well-being of families. Here's a detailed guide for performing a simple, eco-friendly worship of Goddess Subachani at home. 1. Benefits of Worship Protection from Evil : Devotees believe that worshiping Goddess Subachani protects from evil forces, diseases, and negative energies. Health and Well-being : It is said that Maa Subachani blesses devotees with good health and physical well-being. Family Prosperity : Her blessings are sought for familial harmony, prosperity, and happiness. Spiritual Growth : Regular worship deepens spiritual connection and offers inner peace. 2. Cleanliness & Preparation Cleanliness is an essential aspect of any Hindu worship, as it is believed that cleanliness invites divine energy. He...

Sri Krishna decided to build the city of Dwarka and shift from Mathura in the north to the western coast of India to respect the boon given by Lord Shiva to Kalyavan, son of Garga Rishi. The story of Sri Krishna moving to Dwarka is misinterpreted by some people. They think Sri Krishna ran away from Mathura. That is incorrect. Krishna moved to save Yadavas. Why was Krishna forced to build the city of Dwarka? Garga Rishi, an important Sage and head priest of the Yadava dynasty, was once ridiculed by the Yadavas as belonging to the third sex. Garga Rishi did not take the slight lightly and was infuriated by the laughter of the Yadavas. The angry sage took a vow to beget a son who would terrorize the Yadavas. The Rishi then married a Yavana (Greek), princess. The sage then propitiated Lord Shiva and got a son who was named Kalyavan. After his birth, Kalyavan propitiated Shiva through intense penance and gained the boon that he will not be killed by a person born in the Ya...

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is located near the corridor of Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. The shrine is dedicated Narasimha Avatar of Lord Vishnu. The story of Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Mahakaleshwar Temple is found in the Skanda Purana. As per Skanda Purana, the anger of Narasimha did not end with slaying of demon Hiranyakashipu. Shiva then advised Narasimha to visit the spot where Mahakaleshwar Shivling is located in Mahakaal Vana (present day Ujjain). Narasimha visited the spot and got rid of his anger. In the temple, Narasimha is seen along with Goddess Lakshmi and Bhakta Prahlada. Special prayers are offered here on Vaishakh Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi – the Narasimha Jayanti day . Special pujas and offerings are performed on Saturday and Chaturdashi as per Hindu calendar.

Goddess Kaushiki is a fierce form of the Goddess Durga, often revered for her strength, courage, and protection. She symbolizes the power of the feminine energy and the destruction of evil forces. Worshipping Goddess Kaushiki can bring strength, protection, purification, and inner transformation. Here's a detailed guide on how to worship her with respect to Hindu traditions, cleanliness, eco-friendliness, and devotion. Importance of Worshipping Goddess Kaushiki Worshipping Goddess Kaushiki is believed to bring the following benefits: Strength and Courage : Devotees seek her blessings for inner strength and to overcome difficulties. Protection from Evil : As she is the one who destroyed evil forces, her worship protects from negative energies and obstacles. Purification and Transformation : Goddess Kaushiki is associated with the removal of ignorance and ego, leading to personal and spiritual growth. Victory in Life : She symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, making her an idea...

Karveer Vrat is dedicated to Lord Surya and the Kaner Tree – Indian oleander or Nerium Indicum. Karveer Vrat 2025 date is May 27. The Vrata is observed on the first day of the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of the moon of Jyeshta month (May – June) as per traditional calendar followed in North India . How to Perform Surya Puja on Karveer Vrat? It is believed that offering puja and rituals to Surya Bhagavan will help in alleviating the problems in life. It also ushers in peace and prosperity. The fasting and rituals on the day were performed by Savitri, Saraswati, Sathyabhama, and Damayanti. Offering flowers to Surya Bhagavan on the day is equal to offering gold coins. The preferred flowers are Kadamb, Mukur and Bela during night. Other seasonal flowers can be offered during the day time. The preferred flowers are Guja, Datura, Aparajita, Bhatkataiya and Tagar. The importance of Karvir Vrat is mentioned in the Bhavishya Purana. The rituals associated with the Vrat are ma...

Innumerable are the benefits of chanting the Gayatri Mantra. This is one of the most important mantras in Hindu religion. Millions of Hindus chant it daily. Those who have trouble in concentrating will see remarkable improvement after chanting the Gayatri Mantra 108 times daily for 24 days. Students get the benefit of concentration, intelligence, and memory power after chanting the mantra. It is believed that chanting the mantra daily during sunrise helps in having good and healthy skin. Chanting the mantra morning during sunrise, noon (when the sun is overhead) and evening when the sun is setting helps in curing skin diseases. Tantrics are of the view that regular chanting of the mantra helps in attaining various siddhis. Those people struggling with their anger will get relief after chanting the mantra. A good solution to anger management. A good mantra to improve knowledge and wisdom. It motivates a person towards self-realization. Puts an individual on the road of spirit...

Purnagiri Temple at Purnagiri in Champawat is dedicated to Mother Goddess Shakti. The popular shrine in Uttarakhand state of India is accessible throughout the year and is at an altitude of 3000 meter above sea level on the Annapurna Mountain. The shrine is around 20 km from Tanakpur, 171 km from Pithoragarh and 92 km from Champawat. Purnagiri is also known as Punyagiri because River Kali descends from here to the plains and gets the name Sharda. Some scholars are of the view that the navel of Goddess Sati fell here after the infamous incident at the Daksha Yajna. Thus, the temple is also a Shakti Peetah. It is also considered one of the 108 Siddhpeetahs. Mahakali manifestation is worshipped here as per the Siddhapeetah tradition. The temple has the murti of Goddess Purnagiri sitting atop a lion. She has numerous hands and she holds various weapons. She is with a crown and is draped in sari. The most important festival in the temple is Chaitra Navrati. Purnagiri ...

Comprehensive Guide to Worship Goddess Kamakshi in Hinduism Introduction to Goddess Kamakshi Goddess Kamakshi is a powerful form of Goddess Parvati, worshipped predominantly in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. As the goddess of compassion, love, and power, Kamakshi is revered as the embodiment of Shakti (divine feminine energy). Her blessings are believed to remove obstacles, bring prosperity, and foster emotional and spiritual well-being. Worshiping her can bestow peace, prosperity, and help one achieve personal goals, along with spiritual growth. Benefits of Worshiping Goddess Kamakshi Emotional and Mental Peace : Worshiping Goddess Kamakshi helps in attaining inner calm and emotional stability. Spiritual Enlightenment : Her blessings are believed to open the doors to spiritual growth and self-realization. Wealth and Prosperity : Devotees seek her grace for material prosperity and to remove obstacles in business or financial matters. Harmony in Relationships : The compassionate goddess helps...

Bargadahi Amavasya is observed in North India on the Amavasya or no moon day in the Jyeshta month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . Bargadahi Amavasya 2025 date is May 27. This Amavas, which is also referred as new moon day by some Hindu communities, coincides with the Vat Amavasya Vrat and Puja. Thousands of people take holy dip in Ganges and Yamuna on the day. Women observe special prayers and rituals on the day for the welfare of the family and for a happy and prosperous life. The day is also observed as Vat Savitri Amavasya Vrat, Bhavuka Amavasya and Shani Jayanti.

Science was not anathema to ancient Hindus. Hindu religion always encouraged scientific spirit and this is the reason why Hinduism has stood up to the challenges of modern science better than any other religion. Here is a list of ancient Hindu scientists whose contribution to modern science and mathematics can never be ignored. Baudhayana – Lived around 800 BC Subject – Mathematics Books – Sulbasutra – contains calculation of pi, Pythagoras theorem, circling the square, square root of 2 etc His contribution – calculating pi Susruta – Lived around 600 BC Subject – Medicine – Surgery – Plastic Surgery – Rhinoplasty Books – Susruta Samhita – mentions about over 1100 disease including fevers of 26 types, 8 types of jaundice, 20 kind of urinary complaints. More than 760 medicinal plants are recorded in the work. His contribution – Father of plastic surgery. Acharya Kanad – Lived around 600 BC His contribution – originated the idea of atom an inde...

Vat Savitri Puja or Vat Savitri vrat is an auspicious day in Hinduism when married women observe fast and pray for their husband's health and longevity. The fasting is named after Savitri, who brought back her husband from the clutches of Yama (death). One of the important rituals of the day is tying threads on Vat (banyan) tree. In 2025, the date of Vat Savitri Purnima puja is on June 10. Those observing it on Amavasya day it is on May 26. The fasting is observed for three days and begins two days prior to purnima or amavasya in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha (June – July). The fasting takes its name from Vat Vriksha (Banyan Tree) and Savitri. The Banyan Tree is symbolically represented as Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The root of Vat Vriksha is Brahma, the stem is Vishnu and the upper part is Shiva. On the puja day, the Banyan tree also symbolically represents Savitri and the incident mentioned in the Mahabharata. Legend has it that Princess Savitri, the daughter of Kin...