We should never discriminate. We need to be fair and inclusive. When we respect another person’s individual freedom, likes and dislikes, we should also learn to protect our freedom. Be all-inclusive but also learn to say a firm no when your freedom is under threat. Do not tolerate a person to be in the good books. Let the person be whatever the person wants to be. You should not discriminate a person for his/her likes. But at the same time when the person is entering into your personal space discourage it. We cannot always like the food and drink and other habits of a person. We should not single out the person because he/she eats something that we do not eat. When you draw walls and categorize people, know that you are attempting to divide the undividable. All people and all living beings are part of the Supreme Truth. Our ignorance is causing the division. Today if a person does not have wealth, station in life, caste and power then people ignore the person. Many a time...

Kainkaryam is serving Lord Vishnu (Perumal) with utter humility. It is an important ritual and puja in Vaishnava school of teaching and is performed with no motive. Kainkaryam is constantly performed at Vaikunta by those souls that attained self-realization and reached the feet of Vishnu. The only aim of a devout of Vishnu doing Kainkaryam is to be of some service to the Lord. Service to the Lord is considered an easy way to attain liberation and reach the feet of Srihari Vishnu. Service to the Lord is a service to all animate and inanimate. A person performing service without any expectation is always near to the Lord. The service can be of any form. It is for the devotee to decide in what way he/she wants to serve him. 

One who considers oneself to be beyond the body and the mind and believes that one’s true personality is a spiritual personality, the Atman – How would that person respond to external stimuli? Such a person’s response would be that of indifference, not of the kind displayed by an ignoramus, but the indifference of a wise mind. This indifference is based on the belief that one is beyond the body and the mind and is unaffected by the external circumstances. It is with this poise and aplomb that the wise person chooses not to react to any external stimuli, either of attraction or of repulsion, either of love or of hatred, either of good or of evil. With this equanimity, the wise person chooses to continue to focus on one’s true nature that is beyond name and form and ignores wrong perceptions of experiences based on ignorance. There is no reaction, lamentation, or brooding over anything with this person. This makes this wise person wiser by the day and takes that person closer...

Pandu, the father of Pandavas, was weak, pale and ashen. He was the son of Sage Vyasa and Ambalika, the widow of Vichtravirya. Here is the reason as to why Pandu was born weak and pale. Without fathering a child, Vichitravirya, the son of Queen Satyavati died. The Kuru lineage was in danger of going extinct. Queen Satyavati asked Bhishma to break is vow and save the Kuru dynasty. But he was not ready to break the vow. Desperate to save the Kuru dynasty, Satyavati thought of her first son, Krishna Dwaipayana (Sage Vyasa). He was immediately summoned. As per law of niyoga, any children that are born of a woman will belong to the husband. Thus if the widows of Vichtravirya, Ambika and Ambalika, were to have children they would belong to the lineage of Vichtravirya. Based on this law Queen Satyavati asked Sage Vyasa to have children in Ambika and Ambalika. Vyasa was an ascetic not used to the ways of the society. His hair was dry and matted. His skin was coarse and...

Eating in restaurant and fast food joints is very common among youngsters, children and family.  Eating food from outside increase levels of phthalates in the body. Phthalates have been linked to asthma, breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, pregnancy complications and fertility issues in the past few years The Guardian Reports Phthalates are binding agents frequently used in food packaging as well as a number of other products including flooring, adhesives soaps and shampoos, and some forms of the chemical have been banned from children’s products in the US.  Certain foods, including burgers and sandwiches, were linked to higher phthalate levels in the study, but only if purchased at a fast-food outlet, restaurant or cafe.  The association was especially strong for teenagers, researchers found. Adolescents who frequently ate at fast-food outlets while out with their friends had 55% higher levels of the chemicals than young people eating at home.  Lead a...

In Kali Yuga, Hanuman is Sankat Mochan as he has control over all the Navgrahas. He can turn even the ugliest situation into a favorable one. He can change bad luck to good luck. This Sankathari Mantra of Hanuman contains six names of Hanuman and chanting them will help in solving any problems in life. Sankathari Mantra – Six Names of Hanuman ॐ तेजसे नम : (Om Tejase Namah) ॐ प्रसन्नात्मने नम : (Om Prasanathmane Namah) ॐ शूराय नम : (Om Shooraya Namah) ॐ शान्ताय नम : (Om Shantaya Namah) ॐ मारुतात्मजाय नमः  (Om Marutatmajaya Namah) ऊं हं हनुमते नम : (Om Ham Hanumanthe Namah) How to Chant the Mantra? The mantra should be chanted in a Hanuman Temple for nine consecutive Tuesdays after 5 PM in the evening. Wear red or kesar color dress. The names should be chanted 108 times. Keep count on a Rudraksha Mala. Offer nine Bundi Laddu or nine banana as Prasad to Hanuman. Write your problem in a peepal leaf using red or orange natural color. Keep ...

Overcoming phasmophobia , or the fear of ghosts, can be addressed with a blend of spiritual practices and practical approaches drawn from Hinduism. This tradition offers a wide variety of mantras, rituals, and divine associations to cultivate inner strength, dispel fear, and promote mental resilience. Here’s an expanded exploration of Hindu practices and insights to help you overcome phasmophobia: 1. Understanding Phasmophobia in the Hindu Context In Hindu philosophy, the fear of the unknown—including ghosts or spirits—is viewed as a mental obstacle rooted in ignorance. This fear is often tied to the illusion of duality ( Maya ) and can be overcome by seeking knowledge, self-realization, and divine protection. Many Hindu teachings emphasize that the divine presence protects and guides us, fostering the realization that what we fear is often a projection of our mind. 2. Daily Practical Approaches for Overcoming Phasmophobia Creating a Positive Space : Keep your living space energeticall...

During the days of Sri Ramanujacharya in Srirangam Ranganatha Swamy Temple, there was a poor hungry man. Like Kuchela he had many children. This simple man used to go out for alms. Sometimes he would get plenty for all the family to eat and on some occasions he would get very little and the children only will be fed. The parents would remain without eating. He had very great faith in Srirangam Ranganatha and would worship him daily, and used to visit Sri Ramanujacharya’s mutt to have his darshan and remain contented. It is however difficult to expect his many children to have the same attitude. They remained a crowd of hungry children. The children used to visit the temple during puja time and whatever prasadam (temple food) was given, they used to grab them. When these children came, it was a problem for the man distributing the prasadam. The children used to trouble him much. It was so annoying that the temple servants, one day reported the matter to Ramanujacharya. ...

Annual Mata Hinglaj Yatra in Pakistan is taken to the mountain cave Hinglaj on the Makran coast in the Lyari district of Balochistan. The annual Mata Hinglaj Yatra and Mela in Pakistan will be observed on the first fortnight of April. Goddess Hinglaj Ma is an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. A mela or fair is organized on the occasion. The popular belief is that when Lord Vishnu cut the body of Goddess Sati – to stop Shiva’s lament after Sati’s death – part of her head fell at Hinglaj or Hingula. Thus this is one among the 51 Shaktipeeths. The annual Hinglaj Mata yatra and mela is conducted by the Hinglaj Seva Mandali (HSM). In India, Hinglaj Mata is widely worshipped in Gujarat, Rajasthan and parts of Maharashtra.

The five holy lakes in Hinduism are spread across India and one is outside India. The five holy lakes are: Pushkar in Rajasthan Kailsah Mansarovar in Tibet Narayan Sarovar in Gujarat Pampa Sarovar in Hampi Bindu Sarovar in Sidhpur, Gujarat Pushkar in Rajasthan The Pushkar Lake is associated with Brahma. Brahma, the creator, in Hinduism performed an yajna here. The lake was formed when a lotus flower fell from the hands of Brahma. The greatness of it is mentioned in the Padma Purana. The lake is mentioned in the Ramayana. Sage Vishwamitra performed austerities here. Bhagavan Sri Ram is believed to have performed the Shradh of his father Dasharata here. An important temple dedicated to Lord Brahma is located here. It is also one among the Pancha Teerth in Hinduism. Taking holy dip here washes away sins of this and previous births. There are 52 ghats and numerous temples around Pushkar Lake. The annual fair here is held from Kartik Shukla Paksha Ekadasi to Purni...

 Overcoming people-pleasing is a journey of reclaiming inner strength and establishing personal boundaries, and Hinduism provides profound guidance and practical tools to address this. Rooted in ancient scriptures, spiritual practices, and the wisdom of deities, Hinduism offers both philosophical insights and actionable solutions for breaking free from this habit, encouraging individuals to live authentically and aligned with their true purpose. Understanding People-Pleasing Through a Hindu Lens People-pleasing often stems from a fear of rejection, a need for external validation, or a desire to avoid conflict. Hindu philosophy encourages Swadharma (one's true duty) and Swabhava (true nature) as paths toward liberation from external pressures. Recognizing one’s divine essence and unique purpose fosters self-respect and diminishes the need for others' approval. Key Insights from the Scriptures The Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads advocate self-mastery and duty-driven action ( Kar...

This Bhagavad Gita Quiz is based on the first and second chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. The aim of the quiz is to understand few important teachings in the first two chapters and also to get a general idea of Gita. Certain questions might be very easy and some might be bit tough. You can also take up the Bhagavad Gita to find answers. As this will help you in understanding Gita more.

Hita Harivamsa Goswami, a 16 th Century Vaisnava Saint, was the founder of the Radhavallabha Vaishnava sect. It is believed by the sect that Hita Harivamsa Goswamiji was the incarnation of flute (vamsi) of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. He was born in 1502 AD at Baad Village near Mathura. From a very young age, Harivamsa Goswami Ji was attracted to the leelas of Sri Krishna. Such was his intense devotion that he composed a devotional song title ‘Sri Radhasudha Nidhi’ in his childhood. Numerous miracles are associated with the saint and he is believed to have had many visions of Radha and Krishna from early childhood. There is a belief that Radha Rani herself imparted the Guru mantra to Harivamsa Goswami Ji. As per the belief of Radhavallabha Vaishnava sect, Radha is the main deity. A devotee can obtain the blessing of Bhagavan Sri Krishna only when Radha is pleased. Divine – Miracle Story of Hita Harivamsa Goswami Once, while playing, Harivamsa Goswami Ji fell into a...

If you are facing problems in the marriage, then an ideal solution in Hinduism is to perform Tulsi and Vishnu puja. Here are few tips to solve marriage problems using Tulsi plant. Keep a Tulsi plant in your house. On the eas side of house. Offer lamp lit using cow ghee daily in the evening. Offer some Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu. Later keep the leaves hidden in the bedroom. Offer Sabudana kheer to Tulsi and later share it as Prasad with family members and neighbors.  Chant this Tulsi mantra देवी   त्वं   निर्मिता   पूर्वमर्चि - तासि   मुनीश्वरैः   नमो   नमस्ते   तुलसी   पापं   हर   हरिप्रिये॥ Worship Tulsi and Shaligram or picture of Vishnu daily.  Perform the annual Tulsi Puja on Kartik Shukla Paksha Dwadasi (after Diwali). Read the Bhagavad Gita daily - make it a point to read and understand a few stanzas. Only pour water under the plant. As fertilizer only use cow dung and leaves. Do not use fer...

We want to be happy but our sorrows do not let us be so. We want to love people but our love is constantly clouded by unremitting hatred. We want to go ahead on our path to achieve greatness but the pulls of our body and mind do not let us do things in peace. We are constantly tossed and turned by the pulls of dualities. These twin-troubles come from our body, mind, and the environment. At their root lies our inherent nature to see things in pairs of opposites – dual nature. The only solution to overcome this is to constantly reminding oneself of the ultimate reality or negating the apparent permanence of the evanescent experiences of dual nature. Detachment is the key to negating the illusory events of the universe. This detachment has to be at the levels of the body, mind, and body-mind interactions with the environment. Why is it so important to transcend dualities? Whatever we may attain in the life of sense-experience, there would always be something better yet ...

There are eight types of marriage mentioned in Hindu scriptures. Five of them are sanctioned by the Holy Scriptures and Dharmasutras in Hinduism. Three types of sexual union between a man and woman are considered Adharma (unrighteous). The way of the Prajapati – when a woman and man come together for having a family. The way of Brahma – when a marriage takes place for social reasons like wealth, for peaceful settlement of issues etc. The way of the Devas – When a marriage takes place to settle fees for services rendered mostly by a sage. The way of the Rishi – the marriage takes place because of religious reason or ritual. The way of the Gandharvas – when a woman chooses a partner freely. The way of the Asuras – When a man or woman is bought with wealth. The way of the Rakshasas – When man or woman is abducted and forcibly married. The way of the Pisachas – When a woman is raped. The sexual union of Asuras, Rakshasas and Pisachas are considered Adharmic or unrighte...

Sleeplessness is a big problem today. Bad dreams, anxiety and the unexplainable steals a good night’s sleep. Here are few things that a person can do to get a good night sleep as per Hinduism. Follow Dharma – Do not do things to others that you will not do to yourself. Be content and happy with what you have. Offer prayers to Ganesha and Hanuman daily. They can remove the biggest of obstacles in life. Apply tilak on the right foot of Hanuman and then take some and apply on your forehead. This will keep all negative forces out. Take some mustard oil and sindhoor, mix them to form a paste. Apply on the front door of the house and in the room in which you sleep. This will keep all negative energy out of the house. If possible, chant Hanuman Chalisa daily before going to bed. If not possible to chant the entire Hanuman Chalisa then chant this line. Teaching children this line is highly benefitial. “ भूत - पिशाच निकट नहीं आवे। महाबीर जब नाम सुनावे। ”  Read a scr...

When it becomes impossible to resolve conflicts in life, the mind will try to convince us through certain methods that psychologists call mental mechanisms: Day dreaming and fantasy are among them. Fantasy is a common phenomenon. Especially when we are in anxiety or sorrow, we wander into an imaginary world, sliding away from reality. If there is an intense desire for name and fame that remains unfulfilled, we get some amount of satisfaction by vividly imagining that we are being honoured in a function or some such thing. We imagine of defeating in an argument, a person, who we cannot face in real life. In this manner we indulge in all sorts of imaginations and like to remain in a beggar’s dreamy world. The discontent mind gets some consolation through such day-dreaming. Those who are suffering from severe mental maladies may not find any difference between fantasies and reality. These day-dreaming episodes indicate different kinds of desire hiding within us, and they...

Allama Prabhu is a popular 12 th century saint and poet associated with the Lingayat Sect in Karnataka. Allama Prabhu Jayanti is the birth anniversary of the great saint and is observed annually on Ugadi day. In 2025, Allama Prabhu Jayanti is on March 30. Allama Prabhu is counted among the trinity of Lingayatism along with Basavanna and Akka Mahadevi. Through his poems known as Vachana, Allama Prabhu criticized the social evils and reformed the society. He was against unwanted rituals and practice of caste system. Allama Prabhu was a contemporary of Basavanna and Akka Mahadevi. Saint Animisayya was his guru and he enlightened him. Allama Prabhu was against all forms of rituals and evil practices. His poems extolled the important of direct realization. A poem of Allama Prabhu: Look here, the legs are two wheels; the body is a wagon full of things Five men drive the wagon and one man is not like another. Unless you ride it in full knowledge of its ways the...

This is a simple quiz based on Ramayan. Most of the quiz questions are on the life of Lord Ram. You can take the quiz - HB Quiz on Rama Please note that the quiz is an embedded file and is hosted on another website. If there are any corrections please post it on the comment section or send it on our email address. Related Quiz on Popular Hindu Festivals

Depression is the result of never ending desires, competitiveness, loneliness and indifference. When we are not responsive, responsible, caring and compassionate, we are opening the doors of depression. Only you can fight and defeat depression. For this, you need to have a proper understanding of life. A major reason for depression is high level of expectations. We perform our duty with expectations. We want people to recognize and appreciate us. We want them to be indebted to us. We want people to be loyal and thankful. We also want the best result in all matters. We do not want to lose. We want the highest remuneration. When this does not happen, we are disappointed, angry and disillusioned. Soon depression sets in. We live in a materialistic society where everything depends on wealth. Relationships are based on financial status. We work hard to be part of such a society without realizing that people have no value in it. Value is only for wealth. We get depressed when we are not...

Dealing with the loss of a beloved pet can be heart-wrenching, and Hinduism provides compassionate guidance, wisdom, and practices to help ease this pain. In Hindu culture, pets are seen as souls on their own spiritual journey, and losing them can be an emotionally challenging but deeply transformative experience. Here are some approaches from Hinduism to help navigate the grief, find comfort, and honor the memory of a beloved pet. 1. Understanding the Soul’s Journey (Atma) Hinduism teaches that every being has a soul (atma) that undergoes cycles of life, death, and rebirth (samsara) until it attains liberation (moksha). Pets, like humans, are part of this spiritual journey, and knowing that their souls continue beyond physical death can provide comfort. Acknowledging that their atma moves on helps to view their departure as a continuation of their journey, rather than an end. 2. Connecting with God or Goddess: Ideal Deities for Comfort Several Hindu deities are closely associated with...

Number three is a recurring theme in the philosophy and stories associated with Shiva. The most famous among them is the three eyes. Shiva has three eyes. Three horizontal ash lines on the forehead of the Shiva devotees. Bilva, the favorite plant, of Shiva is noted for its joined three leaves. The trident of Shiva has three blades. Apart from this Shiva is believed to have destroyed Tripuri – the three impregnable forts of Demons. Three represents the beyond – the world which we should aim for and reach – Sat Chit Ananda. Shiva opens the third eye to destroy ignorance which is stopping us from attaining Moksha.

If you are troubled by a serious disease, then there is a powerful Hanuman mantra to overcome the severe illness. You can also share this mantra with people suffering from serious disease. Hanuman Mantra to Overcome Serious Disease ॐ लक्ष्मणप्राणदात्रे नमः Om Lakshmanapranadatraye Namah Why This Mantra is Powerful? The mantra invokes that form of Hanuman in which he rescued Lakshman in the Ramayana from near death situation. Hanuman carried the mountain containing Sanjeevani Booti to save Lakshman. How to Chant the Mantra? Wake up during sunrise. Offer prayers to Ganesha in the mind. Keep a murti, painting or picture, of Hanuman on a red color cloth in the east side of the house. Light lamp using cow ghee with one wick. Offer sindhoor to Hanuman. Mix some sindhoor in oil and apply it on the Hanuman picture. Offer red color flowers. Offer a banana. Sit in meditation. Breath in and out properly. Chant the mantra 108 times. Keep the count on a tuls...

The expression of our inner goodness is natural to us. There is a tendency in everyone to be good, and no one wants to be bad. Even the wicked person thinks that whatever one is doing in a given situation is not wrong. Many people indulge in immoral activities pressurized by circumstances and in course of time, that becomes their habit. Strong desires and temptations compel some to adopt dubious means of fulfilling them. According to Swami Vivekananda, the main causes of wanton and unethical behavior are weakness and fear. Telling the truth, not to injure others, not to take away the things of others — all these are our natural state. A compulsion alone will prompt us to behave otherwise. Goodness is being simple and natural. While climbing the summit of a mountain, there may be some resting places from where we can get a panoramic view of the vast horizon. However, when we reach the top of the mountain, the entire vista around the mountain opens up before us. When a...

Bhaktraja Bheekhajana was a very popular saint of the 16th century especially in Rajasthan and northwestern parts of India . A popular legend of Sant Bhaktaraj Bheekhajana is associated with the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Jaipur. Laxmi Narayan is a form of Hindu God Vishnu. It is said that the Saint was once denied entry into the Lakshmi Narayan Temple . Bhaktraja Bheekhajana went to the back side of the temple and started fasting and he also told those gathered that Bhagwan Lakshmi Narayan will appear before him. The fast continued for several days. Bhaktraja Bheekhajana sat meditating on Bhagwan Lakshmi Narayan. Then one day the walls of the temple fell down and the murti of Bhagavan Lakshmi Narayan Temple moved to where Bhaktraja Bheekhajana was sitting and gave him darshan. Reference about this incident can be still found on the walls of the Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Jaipur. The popular Bhakti song of Bheekhabhawani in Rajasthan is credited to Bhaktra...

Coconut covered in red cloth is offered to Narasimha Avatar of Vishnu in some regions in India. Narasimha is the fourth avatar of Vishnu. Special puja and worship is offered to this incarnation on Phalgun Shukla Paksha Dwadashi (12 th day during the waxing phase of phalgun month (February – March) and on Narasimha Jayanti (also known as Narasimha Chaturdashi in Vaishakh month). Coconut covered in red cloth is offered to find relief to all kinds of problems in life. A good coconut is taken and it is covered with red color cloth. Some small amount of sindhoor and chandan is smeared on it. It is then offered in a Narasimha Temple. The same offering is made to overcome fear of darkness and ghosts. Those people who have sleep issue due to dreadful dreams also make the offering.

Ashoka Sashti is observed in the Chaitra Month especially in Bengal and eastern parts of India . Ashoka Sashti 2025 date is April 3. Shasti or Shashti is the sixty day of a fortnight in a Hindu lunar calendar. Ashoka Sashti is observed on the sixth day during the waxing phase of moon or Shukla Paksha. The flower buds of the Ashoka tree are consumed on the day by people. Ashoka tree is seen as a symbol of love and is also associated with the Kamdev, the Hindu God of love. On the same day, Skanda Sashti is observed in Gaya and Surya Sashti is observed in North India. The name Ashoka means that which removes grief from heart. The tree is a symbol of love. It is also a symbol of chastity because Mata Sita survived in a garden of Ashoka Tree in Lanka as Ravana's prisoner.

Touching the feet of elders and Gurus (teachers) is of great importance in Hinduism. It is known as Charan Sparsh. Symbolically, the act of touching the feet shows respect. However, there are many other reasons. It is part of Hindu culture. An individual performs it without fear or coercion. Like all tradition in Sanatana Dharma, this one is also not forced by any rule. The origin of the tradition of touching the feet of family members, elders and important people in Hindu society is lost in time. No one knows when this tradition started. When we touch the feet of elders and Gurus, we connect with the positive energy in them. This energy is passed on to the person touching the feet. There is an exchange of positive energy. It is also a way of suggesting that we all are connected to each through the invisible power of the Supreme Truth. As per Hinduism, all animate and inanimate rises, floats and transforms in Supreme Truth (God). There is nothing outside. It is our ego (...

A story on how to escape from depression and suicide by making others happy. A young man was suffering from severe depression without finding any meaning in life. The only way open to him was to end his life, and he was going towards a river with that intention. When he approached the bank of the river, he found some fish wriggling in despair, being swept to the ground by the current of water. Seeing their plight, he picked up one fish and put it back in water. Seeing the fish gleefully swim, it struck him that he could find meaning in life by making others happy. Then he gave up the idea of committing suicide and returned home. Depression and suicide tendencies in people are mainly because they limit their world. The world is so vast, even bigger is nature and its miracles and even bigger is the glory of the Supreme Truth. Open up and change your mindset. Story Source -  The Psychological Aspects of Spiritual Life by Swami Nityasthananda  – March 2016 issue of Pr...

Saptanagas is the collective name given to seven holy and divine serpents in Hindu religion. The seven snakes or nagas are: Ananta,  Takshaka,  Karka,  Padma,  Mahapadma,  Sanmkhaka and  Gulika. These seven serpents appear in Puranas, Mahabharata, Ramayana and other holy scriptures associated with Hinduism. The Sapta Naga concept is mentioned in the Agni Purana. The Agni Purana states that these serpents should adorn the walls of the temples. Some of them are depicted as having multiple heads. Hindu God Vishnu sleeps on Ananta in the milky ocean. Ananta means that which has no beginning or end. Symbolically this being exists throughout the known and unknown universe. You may also like to read Saptamatrikas