Story Gora Kumbhar and Namdev is part of Marathi Bhakti cult. Once the potter-sant Gora Kumbhar tapped the heads of his guests with his potter’s stick. They were no ordinary guests. Sitting with a peaceful smile and submitting to the gentle tapping on their heads were Nivritti, Jnanadev, Sopan, Namdev, Muktabai and others. They were great devotees of the Lord and revered as saints even in their own lifetime. On Jnanadev’s request, Gora Kumbhar was testing them (tapping the heads) to see which of them had sound or perfect knowledge. But Namdev was strongly offended that his spiritual attainment should be put to test. Gora then humbly declared Namdev as half-baked and not established in the final truth. Namdev was the dearest devotee of Lord Vitthal of Pandharpur. He would speak with the Lord whenever he wished. His world began and ended with Vithoba. He did not recognize any other form of God. But this fanatical devotion was hindering his progress into the higher ...

Nelliakkattu Sree Bhadrakali Temple is an ancient shrine dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakli and Lord Dhanwantri at Koothattukulam in Ernakulam District, Kerala. The temple is associated with the Nelliakkattu Brahmin family – famous for curing eye ailments. Oushadhaseva and Oushadha Pongala during Ramayana Masam attracts a large number of devotees to the temple. Goddess Bhadrakli is the paradevata of the Nelliakkattu family. Legend has it that Lord Dhanwantri himself appeared in the form of saint and gave the knowledge of treating eye diseases to the family. Medicines are given to people suffering from eye diseases after taking the blessings of Goddess Bhadrakli. The main deities worshipped in the temple are Goddess Bhadrakali and Lord Dhanwantri. The subsidiary deities worshipped in the temple include Ganapati, Nagas, Panchamurtis and Lord Ayyappa. Three pujas are performed daily – morning, noon and evening. The temple is located around 1.5 km west of Koothattukul...

A small collection of quotes of Queen Gandhari from the Mahabharata. One who is not in control of his senses does not keep his kingdom for long. Greed and anger drag a man away from his profits; defeating these two enemies a king conquers earth. He who desires greatness should subject his senses to Law and Profit. A man’s spirit grows when he subdues his senses, as a fire grows by burning kindling wood. When senses are not firmly ruled the lead easily to ruin, as unruly, unchecked horses lead an inept charioteer astray. Lust and anger in the body rip reason to pieces, like two big fish caught in a fine-meshed net. The king who knows how to conquer lust, anger, greed bombast and pride conquers the earth. Gandhari's advice to his son Duryodhana in the Mahabharata.

Like our body, the mind also needs regular cleansing. Our mind gets dirty as it constantly moves through happiness, sadness, anger, frustration and many other positive and negative emotions. If the mind is not regularly cleansed, it becomes dirty and it begins to stink. The stink comes out in the form of anger, depression, and frustration. It spoils relationships, family, and life. Contemplation, long walks, cycling, meditation, bhajans, and prayers are good cleansers of the mind. Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval - Tamil Nadu Discrimination and the supreme truth that ‘I am pure consciousness’ should be used to fight jealousy, hatred, unwanted desires, ego, and anger. The mind is swayed by guilt. The feeling of guilt pulls us down. We get angry and frustrated when this happens. Emotions then overpower the mind and we do things, which we normally would not even think of doing. Firstly, we need to realize that we are not perfect, as we have not achieved self-realizat...

Praying for a child struggling with drug addiction in Hinduism involves devotion, intention, and ritual steps that appeal to specific deities associated with healing, wisdom, protection, and transformation. Here’s a guide to creating a meaningful, prayerful practice for healing and protection, along with practical steps for modern times. 1. Selecting Ideal Deities Hinduism has several deities whose energies align well with healing, wisdom, protection, and transformation: Saraswati – Goddess of wisdom, knowledge, and clarity of mind. Gayatri – Embodiment of divine light and purity; she is associated with spiritual transformation. Dhanvantari – Deity of Ayurveda and healing, ideal for physical and mental health. Annapurna – Goddess of nourishment and fulfillment, brings spiritual nourishment. Brahma – Creator god, symbolizes fresh beginnings and new mindsets. Hanuman – Symbolizes strength, courage, and removal of negative influences. Ganesha – Remover of obstacles, beneficial for ...

Kanyakubja means the city of hunchbacked maidens. The story of this sad city is associated with a curse of Vayu. Kushanabh was the king of Mahodayapur. He married Ghritachi, an apsara or heavenly damsel. They had several daughters. They were as beautiful as their heavenly maiden mother. The beautiful maidens were proud of their beauty. And this pride led to their downfall. Vayu, the Hindu God of wind, approached the maidens for marriage. But they refused the proposal by saying that He was not of their standards. An angry Vayu cursed them to become hunchbacks or Kubja. From then onwards the capital city of King Kushanabh came to be known as Kanyakubja. 

Ambalpady Sri Mahakali Temple is located at Ambalpady near Udupi in Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahakali and Lord Janardhana (Lord Vishnu). The temple is located around 3 km from Udupi town. Legend has it that Goddess Mahakali appeared here to protect the devotees from Adharma. Lord Vishnu descended to help Goddess Mahakali to defeat Adharma and he now resides in the temple along with Mother Goddess. The shrine is also known as Ambalpady Mahakali Janardhana Temple. The sacred temple pond is known as Janardhana Pushkarni. The temple compound has separate shrines for Lord Janardhana and Goddess Mahakali. A devotee should first offer prayers to Goddess Mahakali. The murti of Goddess Mahakali worshipped is carved out of wood and is 6 feet tall. There is also an original stone murti of Motehr Goddess in the sanctum sanctorum. The subsidiary deities worshipped in the temple are Lord Ayyappa, Mukhyaprana Anjaneeya and Navgrahas. The Janardhana Temple i...

Praying for dreams and visions in Hinduism involves connecting deeply with the divine through intention, specific mantras, rituals, and meditation. These practices open the mind to insights and messages through dreams, allowing divine wisdom, guidance, or solutions to emerge. 1. Importance of Dreams in Hindu Tradition In Hindu philosophy, dreams are often seen as pathways for the subconscious to receive divine messages or reveal deeper truths. Many Hindu scriptures, like the Vedas and Upanishads, reference dreams as mystical experiences that can provide insight into future events, help resolve conflicts, or bring one closer to the divine. Several gods and goddesses are believed to offer special blessings for dreams and visions, such as Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Saraswati, and Lord Brahma. 2. Ideal Deities to Worship for Dreams and Visions Lord Brahma : The creator, he grants clarity, creativity, and insight. Goddess Saraswati : Goddess of wisdom and knowledge; she helps with int...

Shuka, also known as Shuka Deva or Suka, was the revered son of Sage Vyasa, a central figure in many Hindu scriptures. The story of Shuka's birth is a fascinating tale of divine intervention and the overpowering allure of celestial beauty, as mentioned in the Mahabharata. The Ascetic's Endeavor One day, Sage Vyasa was deeply engrossed in a sacred task. He was rubbing sticks together to produce fire, a vital part of the rituals and yajnas he often performed. This act, symbolic of spiritual discipline and dedication, required intense concentration and control. The Celestial Interruption As Vyasa continued his efforts, a heavenly apsara named Ghritachi appeared before him. Apsaras, known for their enchanting beauty and grace, often played roles in testing the resolve of sages and gods alike. Ghritachi was no exception. Her ethereal beauty and charm bewitched Sage Vyasa, striking him with a sudden, intense desire. The Transformation and Temptation To further captivate the sage, Gh...

Mauna Panchami is observed on the fifth day during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of moon) in the month of Shravan (July – August). Mauna Panchami 2025 date is July 15. The ritual is associated with the worship of Snake God in some regions. The day is of great importance at the Deoghar Shiva Temple – Baba Baidyanath Dham. It is observed during the famous Shravani Mela . Khir and Ghorjaur are offered to the snake gods on the day. Dry vegetables and fruits like mangoes and jackfruit are also offered to the Snake Gods or Nagas. Some people also chew neem leaves along with lemon, mango seed and pomegranate on the day. This is believed to help in removing poison from the body. Mauna, or Moun, means silence. In Sanatana Dharma, silence is given great importance. It is considered an essential quality of a seeker of Truth. Sawan or Shravan  is one of the holiest months in a traditional Hindu calendar followed in  North India . Numerous observances and rit...

Truly, the greatest barriers to our progress lie not in the world outside but in our own minds. The scriptures speak of eight such bondages or anchors that bear us down. Om Nikhileshwar Mahadev Temple At  Kudacha Village, Silvassa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli They are: Hatred, Fear, Shame, Aversion, Egoism, Vanity, Pride of noble descent, and obsession with formal good conduct. Any one of them can hinder our progress. Hatred Explanation : Hatred involves intense dislike or ill will towards others. It can stem from past grievances, envy, or deep-seated prejudices. Impact : It clouds judgment, fosters negativity, and prevents constructive interactions. This emotional burden can lead to conflicts, disrupt relationships, and inhibit personal and collective growth. Fear Explanation : Fear is an emotional response to perceived threats or danger, whether real or imagined. Impact : It can paralyze decision-making, stifle innovation, and prevent us from taking necessary...

Story of Vaitala, son of Shiva, is found in the Shiva Purana. The story begins with a game of dice. Shiva is defeated by Goddess Parvati in a game of dice. Unable to fathom the defeat, Shiva retires to the forest. Goddess Parvati taunts Shiva by appearing before him in the guise of a voluptuous woman. Shiva is overpowered by lust and requests to marry him. But she refuses and disappears. Shiva now roams around the forest searching for the woman. She meets an ordinary woman named Savitri and mistakes her for the voluptuous woman. He requests her to marry him. However, Savitri scolds him and curses him to be born as an ordinary man on earth. A king, an ardent devotee of Shiva, was childless. He did intense penance to have a child. Shiva blessed him with a child. He himself was born as his son. He was named Chandrashekhara. When he grew up, he got married to Goddess Taravati, who was a manifestation of Mother Goddess Parvati. They had three children. Once while Tarav...

In Hinduism, prayer and spiritual practices are viewed as powerful tools for healing, including for overcoming drug addiction. Praying for those struggling with addiction involves invoking specific deities, practicing mantras, and performing simple rituals (pujas) that channel divine blessings towards physical and mental well-being. Here’s an expanded guide on how to pray for drug addicts, covering practical steps, appropriate attire, puja rituals, ideal deities, and more. 1. Preparing for Prayer and Puja: Clothing : Choose clean, light-colored clothes like white, light blue, or saffron, which symbolize purity and peace. Men might wear traditional attire like a dhoti and kurta, while women can opt for sarees or salwar kameez. White or saffron-colored clothes represent spiritual purity and are considered auspicious in Hindu rituals. Setup : Arrange a small space or altar with images or idols of chosen deities (Saraswati, Dhanvantari, Annapurna, Hanuman, Ganesha, Bhairava, Kali, Chinamas...

Brihaspati Puja is a special puja and ritual performed by some Hindu communities on Thursdays in the month of Shravan in Maharashtra . In 2025, Shravan month in Marathi calendar begins on July 25 and ends on August 23. Brihaspati, known as Jupiter, is the Guru of the Devas and is also the presiding deity of Thursday. Brihaspati Puja is performed for wisdom and knowledge. Some people observe fast on all the Thursday's in a month or year to appease Brihaspati. This is usually based on horoscope – to avoid the bad effects of Brihaspati Graha. Please note that the Shravan month in North India begins on July 11 and ends on August 9. Benefits Of Brihaspati Puja In Hindu Religion Brihaspati Puja, also known as Guru Puja or Jupiter Puja, is a significant ritual in Hinduism dedicated to Brihaspati (Jupiter), the Guru of the gods and one of the Navagrahas (nine major planets). This puja is performed to seek the blessings of Brihaspati for wisdom, knowledge, prosperity, and ...

Gupteshwar Mahadev Mandir is an ancient Shiva temple on the banks of Narmada River at Gupteshwar in Jabalpur. The Shivling worshipped in the temple finds mention in Puranas.  The Shivling worshipped here is also known as the Upling, or the second Shivling, worshipped by Lord Ram at Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu. The temple attracts maximum crowd during Shivratri and Shravan month. Mondays in a week is the most auspicious day here.

Praying before a driving test in the Hindu tradition can help calm the mind and invoke divine blessings for a successful and safe experience. The Hindu religion offers various deities associated with strength, wisdom, skill, and protection—qualities essential for a driving test. Here's a detailed guide for preparing spiritually for a driving test, including simple prayers, mantras, puja steps, clothing tips, and practical modern adaptations. 1. Ideal Deities to Worship for Driving Success Lord Ganesha : The remover of obstacles, Ganesha is always worshipped at the start of any new venture. Lord Hanuman : Known for courage and strength, Hanuman can grant focus and calmness. Lord Vishnu and Garuda : Vishnu, the preserver, with his vehicle Garuda, signifies safe and guided travels. Goddess Durga : The divine mother and protector, Durga can grant resilience and prevent mishaps. Goddess Saraswati : Representing knowledge and focus, Saraswati is ideal for improving concentration. Lord Vi...

Sixteen Important Names of Lord Ganesha, which should be remembered and chanted daily, are: Om Sumukhaya namah Om Ekadantaya namah Om Ganapataye namah Om Gajakaranakaaya namah Om Lambodaraya namah Om Vikataya namah Om Vigneshwaraya namah Om Vignarajaya namah Om Ganadhithapathaye namah Om Dhoomakethave namah Om Ganadhyakshaya namah Om Balachandraya namah Om Gajananaya namah Om Vakratundaya namah Om Soorpakarnaya namah Om Herambaya namah Chanting them daily will help in keeping the mind calm and stress free. It is also chanted for desire fulfillment and for solving problems related to career and relationship. Benefits Of Chanting Sixteen Names Of Ganesha Daily Chanting the sixteen names of Ganesha daily is a spiritual practice that holds significant benefits for devotees. Each name of Ganesha has a unique meaning and is believed to bestow specific blessings upon the chanter. Here are some of the potential benefits: Removal of Obstacles : Ganesha is widely revere...

A small collection of quotes from Vishnudharmottara Purana. King Vajra asks his teacher Sage Markandeya, “how can one depict in an image, the Supreme Being who is devoid of form, smell and emotion; and destitute of sound and touch?” Sage Markandeya explains, “the entire universe should be understood as the modification (vikriti) of the formless (prakriti). The worship and meditation of the Supreme is possible for an ordinary being only when the formless is endowed with a form; and that form is full of significance” “The qualities that we admire in a divine being are within us. And, when we worship the images that personify such attributes, we awaken those divine aspects latent in us. When we are filled by that grace, there is no space left for base desires and pain; we have become that deity.” Explanation: The Vishnudharmottara Purana is a revered ancient text in Hinduism, and it contains valuable insights into the philosophical and devotional...

Comparison Between Hindu God Brahma And Qamata in Xhosa Mythology Brahma in Hindu mythology and Qamata in Xhosa mythology hold central roles in their respective cultural and religious traditions. Both are creator deities viewed as sources of life and cosmic order. Despite geographical and cultural differences, each deity embodies themes of creation, omnipresence, and cosmic authority. Yet, there are distinct differences in how they are perceived, worshipped, and their significance in modern society. Origins and Roles in Creation Brahma is one of the principal deities in Hinduism, particularly within the triad known as the "Trimurti" (alongside Vishnu and Shiva). He is revered as the "Creator" who initiates the cosmic order, creating the universe and all beings. According to Hindu belief, Brahma manifested from a lotus that emerged from the navel of Vishnu as he lay in a cosmic ocean, symbolizing birth and the beginning of time. Brahma is often depicted with four he...

Gokulashtami celebrates the birthday of Lord Krishna, incarnation of Lord Vishnu and one of the most widely worshipped gods in Hinduism. Gokulashtami 2025 date is August 15 in West, East and Southern parts of India. In North India it is on August 16. The festival is also known as Sri Krishna Jayanti. The Gokulashtami festival is observed on two different days in different parts of India and this is due to the different calculations in the time of the birth of Krishna in various regional calendars. In Kerala and Tamil Nadu , Gokula Ashtami date is September 14. In North India , Gokulashtami is observed on the eighth day during the waxing phase of moon (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Bhadrapada (August – September). In South India and western parts of India , the festival is observed on the eighth day after full moon in the month of Shravan (August – September). Gokulashtami is observed as Dahi Handi and Gopalkala in Maharashtra , noted for the formation of the huge h...

Comparison Between Hindu God Vishnu And Mulungu in Bantu Mythology  Vishnu in Hinduism and Mulungu in Bantu mythology both hold central roles within their respective cultures. Despite the differences in geography, religious traditions, and cultural backgrounds, both figures share a common theme as divine entities associated with creation, protection, and sustenance. Here is a detailed exploration of their key differences and similarities, their significance in traditional and modern culture, and how the modern generation views them. Origins and Characteristics Vishnu is one of the principal deities in Hinduism, particularly within Vaishnavism, a major tradition in Hinduism that reveres Vishnu as the Supreme God. Vishnu is part of the Hindu Trimurti, along with Brahma (the creator) and Shiva (the destroyer). He is widely regarded as the preserver and protector of the universe, often depicted with attributes such as a conch, discus, lotus, and mace. Vishnu is believed to descend to...

Money Plant, Epipremnum aureum, is associated with Vastu in Hinduism. Even though the plant is not a native of India, people believe it helps in improving the financial situation. So, where to keep money plant inside the house? The direction in home as per Vastu is southeast. Southeast corner is the Agneya disha – the direction associated with Ganesha. The plant should never be kept in the northeast corner. If you believe in Vastu, then the plant is better kept inside the house and not outside. It can be kept in a pot or bottle. The old and yellow leaves of the plant should be removed before falling on the ground. The plant should not be pulled out and thrown. It should be only trimmed. No idea whether the plant can change financial luck of a home; but it sure can remove indoor pollutants.

A Comparison Between Hindu Vedic Goddess Aditi And Nzambici in Bantu Mythology To compare the Hindu goddess Aditi and Nzambici of Bantu mythology is to delve into two distinct mythological systems, each with unique cosmologies, cultural values, and spiritual significances. Both deities are integral to their respective cultural pantheons and represent fundamental aspects of life, earth, and existence, yet differ in mythological portrayal, cultural integration, and their influence on the modern generation. 1. Overview of Aditi and Nzambici Aditi (Hindu Mythology): In Hindu cosmology, Aditi is known as the "Mother of the Gods" and represents the boundless, primordial cosmic expanse. She is the goddess of the sky, consciousness, and freedom, and is considered the mother of the Adityas, a group of celestial deities who uphold the law of the universe. Aditi symbolizes infinity, wholeness, and the foundational matrix of creation. Nzambici (Bantu Mythology): Nzambici, also known as...