Background and Birth of Aurva Aurva was born into the revered lineage of Bhrigu. He was the son of the sage Chyavana and Arushi, who was the daughter of Manu, the progenitor of humanity. The circumstances surrounding Aurva's birth were extraordinary. His name, Aurva, is derived from the Sanskrit word "uru," meaning thigh, because he was born from his mother's thigh. The Persecution by Kartaviryarjuna's Descendants The tale begins with a period of great strife and persecution. The Kshatriyas, warriors belonging to the race of Kartaviryarjuna, began to harass the descendants of Bhrigu, a revered line of sages. This persecution was severe and included even the womenfolk of the rishi families. The constant harassment created an atmosphere of fear and tension among the Bhrigu lineage. Aurva's Birth Amidst Turmoil During this tumultuous time, Arushi, who was pregnant, experienced such intense stress that the fetus in her womb slipped into her thigh. In this unusual ...

When there is Surya Grahan (Solar Eclipse) or Chandra Grahan (Lunar Eclipse) majority of Hindu Temples remain closed. But the famous Srikalahasti Temple in Andhra Pradesh remain open during the period. Why is that Srikalahasti Temple remains open? From times immemorial, Srikalahasti Temple has remained aloof from the practice of closing the shrine during grahanam. As per Hindu beliefs, Rahu and Ketu are believed to cast their evil effects over the sun and moon respectively during solar and lunar eclipse. But Rahu and ketu is worshipped in the temple. This forms the backdrop for the firm belief that the bad rays, if any from eclipse, will be effectively countered by Rahu and Ketu. The temple is known for the ‘ Rahu Ketu Puja ’ and ‘Sarpadosha Puja’ performed by hundreds of devotees everyday to ward off astrological effects and also death from poisonous creatures. Related Story of Srikalahasti Shivling and Spider

Seeing Lizard in dream is considered bad and inauspicious as per those who believe in dream interpretation. In Hindu religion there is an ancient scripture known as Swapna Shastra which gives interpretation and meaning of various dreams. Meaning of Lizard in Dream Lizard in dream means you will experience fear. You will feel unexplainable horror as if something wrong is going to happen to you. You can expect something that you like very much to be spoiled. There is also possibility of misunderstanding among family members and friends. If you see lizard catching a prey, then it means you need to be careful about your surroundings. Avoid journey during nighttime and in lonely places. Do not go alone with people in whom you have no confidence. Your modesty will be under attack. Seeing white color lizard is associated with death. It means accidents or death in family or of friends. Blue color lizard in dream is associated with progress and new relationships. Visit to unsee...

Seeing tiger, leopard and jaguar in dream is considered bad as per those who believe in dream interpretation. In Hindu religion there is an ancient scripture known as Swapna Shastra which gives interpretation and meaning of various dreams. Meaning of Seeing Tiger in Dream Tiger in dream means you can accept attack from an unexpected source. It will be sudden and you will not get time to react. It also means that someone is conspiring against you. You need to be careful about your career and wealth. Power and Strength : Tigers are often seen as symbols of power and strength. Dreaming of a tiger might represent your own inner power or the strength you need to overcome challenges. Fear and Danger : Tigers are also predators and can symbolize fear or a threat in your waking life. This could be a situation or person you feel intimidated by or something you are trying to avoid. Aggression and Anger : The tiger's ferocity might reflect your own aggressive feelings or anger that...

Tiladeshwar Mahadev Temple is located at Tilwara Ghat in Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. The Swayambhu Shivling worshipped in the temple finds mention in the Puranas. This is an important Shivling on the banks of Narmada River. Legend has it that the Shivling was discovered by Sage Jabali. He used to make Til or Sesame offerings to the Shivling. Some scriptures also indicate that Sage Jabali did intense penance here. He only used to consume Til during the penance. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva is believed to have given darshan to Sage Jabali here. The antiquity of the Shivling is not known. Offering prayers to the Shivling helps in attaining knowledge and moksha.

Yes – Everything is God – is an excerpt from, the book titled - When the Many Become One by Swami Ashokananda (Kolkata: Advaita Ashrama, 1997), 45-77. Yes, everything is God and not less than God, anywhere. Everything is Brahman, everything is Spirit… You can reach a state in which you look at things with these very eyes but you see something different from what you ordinarily see. The sense forms stand aside and the true Reality – the spiritual Reality which everything is – becomes at once self-evident, directly perceived… You will say, ‘You mean to say that if I change my ideas about a person, then instead of seeing that person I shall begin to see God?’ That is exactly what I mean. It can be done, it has to be done… Beyond this body and beyond this mind there is an unlimited consciousness. If I cannot give any limit to this consciousness, then it becomes the infinite conscious Being. Form is made up of body and mind. But beyond this form is the real Be...

Hindu Blog receives numerous queries regarding what precaution pregnant women should take during Chandra Grahan or Lunar Eclipse? This is because many devout Hindus have numerous fears regarding Chandra Grahan or Lunar Eclipse. There is a belief that pregnant women will be affected by Chandra Grahan but this has not been scientifically proved. The safe option adopted by most Hindus is to remain indoors during the period of Grahan. Pregnant women chant the Santana Gopala Mantra during Grahan. The Santana Gopala Mantra is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is chanted for an easy and safe pregnancy and to get a healthy baby. The Santana Gopala Mantra is Om Devaki Sudha Govinda Vasudeva Jagath Pathe Dehimey Thanayam Krishna Thwamaham Saranam Kadhahaa Deva Deva Jagannatha Gothra Vridhi Karap Prabho Dehimey Thanayam Sheegram Ayushmandham Yashashreenam! Ayurveda indicates that pregnant women should sit or lie down on a mat containing Darbha grass or Kusha Grass d...

Surya Grahan, solar eclipse, and Chandra Grahan, Lunar Eclipse, is widely mentioned in the Holy Scriptures of Hinduism. There is also an interesting story regarding the occurrence of Surya Grahan and Chandra Grahanam. It happened during the Samdura Manthan (churning of ocean) episode in the Puranas. Rahu (Demon) and Mohini, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, are the main characters in the incident. The Amrit (elixir) that was obtained from churning the ocean was cunningly stolen by Ausras (Demons). Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini, a beautiful damsel, to win back the Amrit. She achieved her mission by enamoring the Asuras, they fell for her beauty and handed over the Amrit to her. Mohini returned to the Devas and started distributing it. Devas sat in a line and mohini gave a portion to each one of them. Rahu, an Asura, who found out that they were tricked took the form a Deva and sat in the line between Chandra (Moon God) and Surya (Sun God). When Mohini approach...

Dagdha Yoga is a bad and inauspicious period in Hindu astrology. It should be avoided for journey. Auspicious functions are forbidden during Dagdha Yog. The following combination of tithis and days makes Dagha Yoga Monday and Ekadasi or the 11 th day of a fortnight Tuesday and Panchami or the 5 th day of a fortnight Wednesday and Tritiya or the 3 rd day of a fortnight Thursday and Sashti or the sixth day of a fortnight Friday and Ashtami or the eighth day of a fortnight Saturday and Navami or the ninth day of a fortnight Sunday and Dwadasi or the 12 th day of a fortnight Related Gaja Kesari Yoga in Horoscope as per Hindu Astrology - Gajakesari Yoga

Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat is dedicated to Ganesh Bhagavan. Here is the Sankashti Chaturthi story. The story is read especially by those observing the Sankashti Chaturti fasting which falls on the fourth day after full moon day in a Hindu lunar calendar. Once, the demigods (Devas) faced several reversals and difficulties. They approached Mahadev Shiva and asked for a solution. When the Devas reached Kailash, the abode of Shiva, he was playing with his two sons Kartik and Ganesha. After listening to the problems faced by Devas, Shiva asked his two sons as to who would like to solve the problems of Devas. Both Kartik and Ganesha told their father that they would solve the problem. Shiva then decided to test the ability of both of his sons. He told his sons he who travels around the world and returns first would get the opportunity to help the Devas. Kartik immediately left to complete the travel around the world. Ganesha instead of racing with his brothe...

We live surrounded by something impermanent though everyone seeks something everlasting and eternally enduring. Once, Holy Mother (Sarada Devi wife of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa) was seated on the porch of her house in Jairambati. Suddenly Kalikumar and Barada, Mother’s brothers, began to quarrel about a fence put up by Kalikumar. Soon they were about to come to blows. Their sister tried her utmost to calm them down, blaming both for the quarrel. After a while, some of her disciples intervened and persuaded the brothers to stop arguing. Still abusing each other they went away. In an excited mood, Holy Mother entered her own house. All of a sudden she burst into laughter and said: ‘What an illusion Mahamaya has conjured up! Here is this infinite world, and what one claims as his possession will be left behind at death. Still, men cannot understand this simple truth.’ As she uttered these words, she was convulsed with laughter which continued for some time. Source – Vedant...

Hanuman Puja at Night is beneficial for those who are unable to get proper sleep due to various reasons including fear. There are numerous other benefits of the puja. Below are the benefits of the pooja and how to perform Hanuman puja at night. Benefits of Hanuman Puja at Night It helps in overcoming fear of ghosts and other harmful celestial beings. The puja is ideal for those who are unable to get sleep at night. It helps in defeating enemies. Ideal option for those who believe that bad things are happening in life due to evil eye or due to evil pujas of enemies or due to activities of jealous people. It is best option to keep out all forms of negative energy from house. How to Do Hanuman Puja at Night? The puja should be performed at night after 10:30 PM on the south side of the house. A red color cloth should be kept on the south side and painting or murti (sculpture or idol) of Hanuman should be placed on it. Light lamp using chameli oil (jasmine oil) mixed...

Shri Gajanan Maharaj Prakat Din Utsav is observed in Magh month. It is not the birth anniversary but appearance anniversary festival of the great saint from Maharashtra, Shri Gajanan Maharaj. The most important activities on the day are held at the temple dedicated to the saint at Shegaon. Shri Gajanan Maharaj Prakat Din Utsav 2026 date is February 8. Shri Gajanan Maharaj Prakat Din is the day when the great saint appeared at Shegaon. As per Gregorian calendar this happened on February 13, 1878. When people first saw the saint he had worn just a shirt, had a dry gourd as his pitcher, a clay pipe for his smoke and nothing else. He had an aura around him.Eyes were focused on his nose. He had the radiance of morning glow. He performed innumerable miracles during his lifetime. He helped the needy, the diseased and the unfortunate. His miracles also made the arrogant and egoistic people shed their wrong notions. The miracles performed by the saint is compiled in the book titled ...

Pradosh Vrat, or Pradhosham, is an important fasting day dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pradosha occurs twice in a month – on the 13th day (Trayodashi). Pradosh Vrat benefits are: The importance of Pradosh Vrat in Kali Yuga was narrated by Shiva to Sati. This was later shared by Sage Vyasa to Maharishi Suta. Rishi Suta shared it with Sanakadi Rishis for the benefits of all living beings in the universe. The most important benefit of the vrat is that it helps in overcoming all forms of defects and negativities in life. In Kali Yuga (the present age), Pradosh Vrat helps in achieving dharm, ardh, kam and moksha - the four purushartas in Hinduism. Peace and prosperity Early marriage – desired marriage. It helps in fulfillment of romance, love and marriage Liberation or Moksha Self realization. Shedding of ignorance. Victory over enemies. To overcome bad luck. To solve property related disputes. Please note that all vrat benefits happen when we follow Dharma and our desires...

These thoughts on on the second chapter of Bhagavad Gita is by Swami Tyagishananda. The second chapter of the Gita gives the essence of the whole text in two parts. The first part deals with the nature of the human being and the second with one’s mission in life. The first part says that the human being is not the body or the mind but the spirit. The second part points out that one’s mission in life is to recognise that one isa spirit after conquering the ignorance that covers one and the consequent ego and its appurtenances that obstruct the vision.   The first part exhorts the dejected Arjuna to use his intellect or cognitive powers to know his real nature. The second part exhorts him to live in the light of that knowledge. The Atman is the main subject of the first part and brahmisthiti or stitha prajna, the state of being established in Brahman or steady wisdom, is the subject of the second part. The first part deals with the intellect and the second part deals with ...

Gajendra Moksha is a story found in the Bhagavad Purana and it shows the significance of Bhakti, prayer and true devotion. Gajendra, the elephant, who is the protagonist of the story, was a king named Indradryumna in his previous life. After ruling the country successfully for several years he decided to leave his throne and go to the forest and spend rest of his time in prayers. In ancient India it was a practice by spiritual people to leave the materialistic world once their duties as Grahasta (householder) was over and under take Vanaprashta (life in the forest). The king left for the forest and here he made a small hut and started meditating on Vishnu. One day a saint came to the hut of Indradryumna. But the king did not notice the arrival of the saint as he was deep in meditation. This angered the sage and he thought the king was purposefully insulting him and cursed him to become an elephant. The elephant now roamed in the forest and soon came a...

Shree Gondavalekar Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Naam Yogi Shri Brahmachaitanya Maharaj, a popular and famous 19th century saint of Maharashtra . Shree Gondavalekar Jayanti 2026 date is January 30. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Ram and preached that Anna Daanam is Mahadanam – giving food to the hungry people. He spread the glory of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman. The Jayanti is observed on the Shukla Paksha Dwadashi day in Magh month. He took the teachings of Sanatana Dharma to common people who did not have the knowledge of Sanskrit. His main teachings revolved around Sagun Bhakti, feeding the hungry and serving the animals. His main philosophy was - One should enchant God’s Divine Name and perform good work with hands, all the time. This behavior connects him directly to Lord Ram. He has done countless philanthropic activities in the villages around Gondavale, an area located on Satara-Pandharpur road, around 64 km from Satara in Maharashtra . Shree Gondaval...

When you are disillusioned, take a walk in nature. Nature has innumerable ways to refresh us. The magnificent sunrise gives us hope. Darkness cannot exist forever. Similarly, our problems and sadness will have to disappear eventually. The light of happiness will appear.   The moon that shines at night is a proof that someone is out there to protect to us when we sleep at night. Do not be sacred of darkness in life. Believe in that Supreme Truth. That Truth will guide us out of the darkness. Clouds gather over the sun and completely covering it. This does not mean there is no Sun. Similarly, bad things in life can shake our belief in God. However, we need to realize that clouds are there because sun evaporated the water on earth. Bad things in life are often an opportunity for us to make the necessary changes and to have a clearer perspective of life. No cloud can stay forever; all clouds have to move away eventually. The waxing and waning of moon is a quite reminder t...

Bhima or Bhimarathi River Pushkaram is held once in 12 years and is conducted in Bhima River banks in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana through which Bhima River flows. Bhima River Pushkaram 2018 dates are from October 12. This pushkaram is held when Jupiter enters Dhanu Rasi (Sagittarius). The main ritual includes taking holy dip in the Bhimarathi River River. Note - The Bhima Pushkaram in some texts is also refered as Tamraparni. Tamraparni River flows in Tamil Nadu. There is a river of the same name in Chandgad Taluka in Kolhapur District of Maharashtra. A Pushakaram takes place once in 12 years when Jupitar (Brishaspati) enters a particular zodiac. There are total of  12 rivers where Pushkaram  takes place. The most famous is the Godavari Pushkaram. The ritual of pushkaram is more popular in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. What do Hindus do during Bhimarathi Pushkaram? During Bhimarathi Pushkaram, Hindus take holy dip in Bhima River at the...

Puja of Shani Bhagavan is offered daily by thousands of people and on Saturdays the number swells into millions. What is a simple sweet that can be offered as Prasad or bhog to please Shani Bhagavan and get his blessings? Prasad or Bhog or Naivedya is the food offering given to a deity to get blessings. Any black or brown color sweet can be offered as Prasad or bhog to Shani. The best options are: Gulab Jamun Black Halwa made especially in the South Indian state of Kerala. Oil dripping roti is also considered an ideal option. In some regions, special Kala Gulab Jamun is prepared. This is a very good offering to Shani Dev. Sweet prepared using black urad dal is also considered a good option but it requires lot of preparation.

If you are used to observing Ekadasi fasting, you might have come across consecutive days marked as Ekadashi. The first day will be usually marked as Smarta Ekadasi and next day will be marked as Bhagavat or Vaishnava. So what exactly is Smarta Ekadasi? Smarta Ekadasi is based on the calculation that when the sunrises if it is the Ekadasi day then it is Smarta Ekadasi. Bhagavata, or Vaishnava, Ekadashi observance is based on the rule that Dasami or the tenth day during a lunar fortnight should have ended before Arunodaya (96 minutes period before sunrise on the Ekadasi or the 11 th day in a lunar fortnight). As the Sunrise occurs at different times of the same day at different places, maximum of three Ekadasis in a year (sometimes none) will have to be observed on different days in different places. The Smarta and Vaishnava Ekadasi are based on geographical reasons. Since the difference is purely geographical, you should consult the nearest Vishnu temple fro...

Overcoming overwhelming emotions is a challenge that Hindu philosophy addresses through various spiritual practices, self-reflection, and rituals. Hinduism offers numerous methods, including worship, meditation, and specific mantras, to help individuals manage emotions, cultivate mental balance, and build inner peace. Here’s a deep dive into the practical day-to-day solutions, recommended deities, inspiring stories, helpful quotes, and lesser-known facts from Hinduism to help navigate strong emotions. 1. Practice Meditation and Pranayama (Breathing Exercises) Meditation Techniques : Practicing mindfulness and concentration meditation (like focusing on one’s breath) can help calm the mind and reduce emotional overwhelm. Regular meditation helps develop inner resilience by training the mind to remain undisturbed by fluctuating thoughts and emotions. Pranayama : The "Anulom Vilom" (alternate nostril breathing) and "Bhramari" (humming bee breath) are particularly effect...

Shree Siddh Baba Keshav Nath Ji is the Guru of the Mohindru Bahri Biradari community. The Samadhi Sthal of the great Guru of the community is located at Jalandhar in Punjab. Shree Sidh Baba Keshav Nath Ji Mela 2026 date is January 28. The annual festival and fair attracts thousands of devotees. History of Shree Sidh Baba Keshav Nath Ji Mohindru Bahri Biradari community found it difficult to make living in the present day Sirsa region. The community relocated to the present day Jalandhar with the blessing of Shri Sidh Baba Keshav Nath Ji. Baba Ji built a small ashram here and advised the community. Through his advice and blessing the community prospered and finally settled in Jalandhar and flourished. Shri Sidh Baba Keshav Nath Ji performed intense penance for the welfare of the community in the present day Samadhi Sthal. Magh Shukla Paksha Dasami Tithi Mela Charan Paduka – the holy footprints of Shri Sidh Baba Keshav Nath Ji – is worshipped here. Devotees find ...

The concept of Kuladevata and Kuldevi is an essential part of Hinduism. Puja of Kuldevta and Kuldevi helps in avoiding all forms of untoward incidents in life. They also bless their descendants. All Hindu families are descendants of a particular Rishi (ancient sage who were the mind born sons of Brahma). Hindus come to know about their gotra through the name of the Rishi. The Rishi is their Kuladevata and the wife of the Rishi is their Kuldevi. Another form of Kuladevata and Kuldevi Puja is by identifying with a God and Goddess. An ancestor starts worshipping a particular form of God and Goddess mainly after receiving blessings from the deity. The descendants then continue to worship the particular deity. This concept is more prevalent in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.  Identifying Kuladevata and Kuldevi with Hindu gods and goddesses is more in vogue today. Benefits of Kuladevata and Kuldevi Puja The main benefit of the puja is that...

Chaitanya, in the context of Hinduism, holds profound significance as it represents pure consciousness. This concept is deeply intertwined with the essence of Brahman, the ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy. Here’s an expanded view of Chaitanya in Hinduism: Chaitanya: The Essence of Brahman Chaitanya is fundamentally understood as the purest form of consciousness. According to Hindu teachings, it is the intrinsic nature of Brahman, the supreme cosmic power or the absolute reality that pervades the universe. Brahman, in its most abstract form, is devoid of attributes (nirguna), and Chaitanya is considered its dynamic, conscious aspect. The Foundation of Motion and Change In the vast and intricate framework of Hindu cosmology, Chaitanya is the underlying energy that fuels all motion and change within the universe. It is the force that breathes life into every animate being and infuses vitality into inanimate objects. This dynamic energy is what sustains the cosmos, ensuring the perpet...