Vaitarni nadi is mentioned in Garuda Purana. Vaitrani River is in Yamaloka and this 100 yojana wide river does not contain water but pus and blood. The banks of the river are filled with bones. Crocodile, worms with needle-sharp fangs, fish with sharp teeth and vultures inhabit the river and its banks. The blood and pus in the river are in constant turbulence. They jump up trying to grab the dead souls. It is believed that the soul of the dead person is brought here by the lieutenants of Yama, the Hindu god of death. The river can be safely crossed only through a boat. The boatman is a ghost and it asks the dead person as to what punya or virtue he/she had performed on earth to cross the river. Only those people who have performed Go Danam – donation of a cow will be able to cross the river on the boat. Other souls either fall into the river or are carried by hooking on to a Trishul by the soldiers of Yama. The name of the river is Vaitarni because only those people w...

Jhingurda Hanuman Mandir is located near Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh. The temple is unique and famous for coconut offering. The first puja item that is offered in the Hanuman temple is coconut. People wrap coconut in a red cloth and tie it in the temple premises for wish fulfillment. When the desires come true, people offer the coconut in the temple. Another important offering in the temple the is lotus. The flower is collected from a lake nearby in which lotus blooms 365 days. The murti of Hanuman worshipped in the temple is Swayambhu – of divine origin. The temple in South Indian style architecture was built by the rulers of Singrauli. The temple is located atop a mountain amidst thick forest. Singrauli is famous for its coalmines. Coconut is an important offering to Hanuman in many temples in India. There is a unique way offering coconut. The coconut is smeared with Sindhoor and uncooked rice before it. ( How to offer coconut to Hanuman? ) Sari and Coconut i...

Swami Saradananda ( (1865–1927)  of Sri Ramakrishna Mission was a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrsihna One’s character is known through one’s performance of small acts . Doing things at one’s own sweet will, heedless of the consequences, is nothing short of the onset of insanity! If you don’t practice restraint now, you would not be able to do it later. Then you would have no option but to idly spend your days. Neither would you be able to meet those small demands of mind nor would you get peace of mind. All the energy will be dissipated through mental disagreements with others. The more your spiritual hunger and the less your craving for other things, the more would be your peace of mind. People seldom learn without being knocked about in life. There are two important things in spiritual life — one is the worship of God and the other is the spirit of altruism. It is not actually altruism, rather, it is service, “service to man is service to God”. Only those can survive...

Innumerable are the ways to know and define spirituality. It varies from people to people. But all definitions have the same meaning. Here are 20 ways to define spirituality. Spirituality is realizing that the body keeps changing but the soul remains the same. Wholeheartedly accepting one’s being is spirituality. Breaking ego and experiencing bliss within. Returning to the source here on earth. You are happy and in peaceful state no matter what happen externally. Mind can be our friend and enemy. Making mind our friend is spirituality. Reaching a state of no worry and fear is the aim of spirituality. Embracing the whole creation and seeing the Supreme Truth in all animate and inanimate is spirituality. Do one’s work with piety and as an offering to the Supreme Truth. Reigning in the senses and not letting them into the forest of Maya or illusion is spirituality. Not letting the mind and intellect enter into the realm of negativity. Knowing when to say no; when to...

Some people consider attachment to be love but it is not. True love is selflessness and sacrifice. You become the other person in true love and there is no difference between two people. There is no ego and there is no pride. There is mutual respect and admiration. There is total freedom. There is complete trust. There are no personal agendas. Everything is mutual the other person’s happiness is your happiness; the other person’s sorrow is your sorrow. Attachment is the opposite. There is no freedom. There is suffocation. There are doubts. One person is always superior in this situation. There is always tension. Emotions overpower on every occasion. People in such relationship always look for an exit point. When there is too much attachment, there will be no progress. Opportunities are squandered. Likes are surrendered. One person suffers. One person sacrifices. There is no physical, mental or spiritual growth in such a relationship. Attachment soon turns into possessivene...

Ramayana mentions about the dreams of a couple of characters. Prominent among them is the dream of Trijata, an old rakshasi who guarded Sita in Lanka. Ravana who was frustrated with Sita stopping all his sexual advancements warned her that if she refuses to share his bed, he would have her cooked and served for breakfast. Ravana then gave the freedom to the rakshasis guarding Sita to torment her. They teased her for not listening to the wishes of Ravana, the powerful king who could stop sun and moon from shining if he wished. Sita stood firm in her resolve and asked the ogresses to stop giving cheap and sinful advice. The ogresses threatened her that the demons will soon eat her flesh. Hearing the commotion Trijata, an old ogress, tells the rakshasis to eat her but not Sita. She asks them to stop tormenting Sita. She then narrates the terrible dream that she had last night. In the dream, Trijata saw Rama coming in a chariot made of ivory, drawn by a hundred horses. ...

Srimad Bhagavad Purana is 'mokshadayini' – one that has the power to liberate a devotee from all forms of worldly suffering. But today many people do not have the patience, interest, energy and time to read the Srimad Bhagavad Puran, which narrates about the various avatars of Bhagavan Vishnu. A single mantra provides the benefit or reading the entire Srimad Bhagavad Purana. The mantra is: आदौ देवकी देव गर्भजननं , गोपी गृहे वद्र्धनम्। माया पूज निकासु ताप हरणं गौवद्र्धनोधरणम्।। कंसच्छेदनं कौरवादिहननं , कुंतीसुपाजालनम्। एतद् श्रीमद्भागवतम् पुराण कथितं श्रीकृष्ण लीलामृतम्।। अच्युतं केशवं रामनारायणं कृष्ण : दामोदरं वासुदेवं हरे। श्रीधरं माधवं गोपिकावल्लभं जानकी नायकं रामचन्द्रं भजे।। Maya puja nikasu tap haranam govardhanoudharanam Kamsachedanam Kouradihanam Kuntisupajalanam Etadh Srimadabhagavadam purana kaditam Srikrishna Leelamrtam Achutam Keshavam Ramanarayanam Krishna Damodharam Vasudeva hare Sreedaram Madavam Gopikavallabham J...

Today, vrat in Hinduism is religious fasting. It is performed for desire fulfillment. The desire can be materialistic or spiritual. Some perform it for early marriage, some for a job, some for the cure of a life-threatening disease, some to beget healthy children. There are numerous reasons today for performing vrat and majority of them are meant to achieve happiness by external means. Today, two terms Vrat and Upvaas have the same meaning. They are used to mean the same thing. Symbolically vrat is more of preparation. Various methods are adopted by a devotee to purify his mind and body. So that the devotee is ready and prepared to accept the higher knowledge. This higher knowledge is within us. But we are not able to access it because it is covered with ignorance. There are layers of ignorance and we have to remove them to see the light of knowledge. Vrat is this removal of ignorance. Vrat is also following Dharma. All forms of disorder and confusion are shed. Senses ...

Draupadi Vastraharan, also referred as Panchali Cheer Haran, is an important episode in the Mahabharat. The story is found in the Sabha Parva of the Mahabharata. This episode continues to haunt people. It raises numerous questions in each generation. Every tenet of Dharma was broken in a court filled with of the great minds of age. Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kauravas, on the advice of his uncle Shakuni hatched a number of schemes and plots against the Pandavas. He could never come to terms with the fact that the throne of his father will go to Yudhishtira the eldest of the Pandavas. His hatred, fear and insecurity grew with him. His evil acts had the silent approval of his father. Pandavas who created a separate kingdom, Indraprastha, was invited to Hastinapur to play a gambling match. Yudhishtira, the eldest of the Pandavas, was addicted to gambling. Shakuni, uncle of Duryodhana, took advantage of this weakness in the Pandava camp. Yudhishtira lost his entire kingdo...

Pradosham is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is observed on the 13th day of a fortnight as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar. Shukra Pradosh is observed when Pradosham falls on Friday. Below is the Friday Pradosham benefits, mantra, Vrat Katha and  how to observe Shukra Pradosh. Shukra Pradosh Mantra   क्लीं   काममूर्तये   नमः   शिवाय   क्लीं Kleem Kamurtaye Namah Shivaya Kleem Friday Pradosham Benefits As per Shuka Maharishi, those performing Shukra Pradosh will be blessed with all forms of happiness. It is also good for couples. All forms of difficulties in marriage will be removed. Performing it will help in couples to stay together for a very long period. The benefit of Pradosham was narrated by Shiva to Sati. He told her that during Kali Yuga, Pradosham is the best way to attain Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. The greatness of the vrat was realized by Sage Vyasa who told it to Suta Maharishi. Suta Rishi then told it to Sanaka...

Fear of god and religious fear is the worst kind of fear. It stems from fear and it spreads from one generation to another. It is an epidemic. The world is being covered by the dark cloud of religious fear and the fear of God. It is converting our world into a battlefield. There is no growth, peace and prosperity due to this fear. The God who rules by fear is created mainly by cunning and evil people who want to control and rule over people. Power, lust and money are their sole motive. Another kind of religious fear is propagated by commoners; majority of it can be dismissed as superstition. Fear of future, attachment and desire are the reason behind such religious fear. In Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) there is no God who controls his devotees through fear of punishments. We have Krishna who is child, friend, lover, husband, father, philosopher and guide. We have Shiva who is Bholenath. We have Goddess Shakti who is the kind and benign mother. We have Ganesha the cute...

Dancing form of Ganesha is considered an auspicious murti in Hinduism. Keeping it at home is good as per Vastu. Dancing Ganesh (Nirtya Ganpati) ushers in good luck and peace. Here are some of the benefits of having Nirtya Ganpati murti at home. Keeping the dancing form of Ganesha at home helps in overcoming financial troubles. It is an ideal choice for solving debt related issues. It also helps in achieving success in stock market, lottery and games. His dancing energy at home or shop helps in keeping out negative forces. Keeping nirtya Ganptai murti at home is considered helpful in finding solution to property related problems. It is also good for recovering lost money. Keeping dancing Ganesh made of silver or gold helps in getting the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. It also attracts positive energy. Keeping pure clay form of Ganesh is a good and effective solution to all Vastu related problems in the home. Ganesha is the one who can remove all troubles in l...

Jyotir Dhyana in Hinduism is the meditation on the inward light by a spiritual aspirant. It is advocated by Sage Patanjali in his Yogasutra and is a means of concentration. According to Sage Patanjali, concentration and meditation are the means to understand and realize the ultimate reality – the universe is the result of reflection and expression of this reality. Jyotir Dhyana is one among the numerous methods of concentration mentioned in the Yogasutra. The verse in Yogasutra that explains Jyotir Dhyana is: Vishoka va Jyotismati – concentration on the inner light leads to a state which is beyond sorrow. More than a verse it is an aphorism in the Yogasutra text. What is Jyotir Dhyana in Yoga and Meditation When sitting in meditation, while breathing in an aspirant should think of the heart as a lotus with petals touching the Sushumna (navel). While breathing out, the aspirant should imagine that the lotus with the petals is turned upward and that inside tha...

The Heliconia plant, known for its vibrant flowers and exotic appearance, is revered in various cultures, including Hinduism, for its spiritual significance and positive energy. The Heliconia plant is associated with purity, prosperity, and divine energy. Here’s an expanded look at the spiritual benefits, practical applications, and other relevant insights into how Heliconia impacts physical, mental, and social wellbeing in Hinduism. 12 Spiritual Benefits of the Heliconia Plant Attracts Positive Energy: Heliconia is believed to attract positive vibrations into a space, promoting a peaceful and harmonious environment. Protective Aura: Heliconia is thought to act as a natural barrier against negative energy, shielding the household from ill intentions or harmful influences. Symbol of Prosperity: This plant represents wealth and abundance. In Hinduism, it is often associated with Goddess Lakshmi, who embodies prosperity and well-being. Boosts Spiritual Growth: The Heliconia plant is s...

In today’s highly completive world, professionals are always on the lookout for the extra bit of luck to achieve career progress. Here are 10 Hindu vastu tips to help women progress in career. Do not sit cross-legged in office and while doing anything related to professional work. As per Vastu sitting cross leg is bad and attracts negative energy. Always make sure that the table in which you are working is above the level of your stomach. The working table should be square or rectangle. Never work on an oval-shaped table. If you are working from home never make your bedroom your office. It is considered bad as per vastu. Keep small crystal on your working table to improve luck and efficiency. This will help in improving positive energy. Ganesha, om symbol, fish etc are also considered auspicious. Keep painting or photo of flowers or water in the northeast corner of your work area. This will help in achieving success. Keep your working table in the northeast corner, as t...

Birds and animals are an indispensable part of Hindu religion. There is a popular belief in Hinduism that feeding and taking care of birds will help in solving all the problems associated with Rahu, Ketu, Shani and Mangal in horoscope or janam kundali. It is also believed that it helps in avoiding unexpected death in family. Once, a Brahmin who was unhappy with the course of his life brought a parrot. He took it home. His wife and children were happy to see the parrot and named it Sitarama. Soon the parrot became friendly with the people in the house. The people of the house took good care of it. Then one day when the family was doing their morning puja, the parrot made a strange voice. The family opened the cage. The bird came to door of the cage had look at the family members and then went back into the cage and fell down. The family took the bird to the pooja room and gave it water from Ganga River. Soon the parrot died. This story is found in the Shuka-Up...

The main door in a Hindu home is of great significance. It is decorated with toran and other religious auspicious things. It is symbolically the boundary between the inner and the outer world. The inside is pure and all the negative forces outside are stopped at the main door. Only auspicious things are allowed to enter through the door. Goddess Lakshmi is welcomed through the front door with Purna Kumbha, toran, mango leaves, rice plant, sugarcane, rangoli, painting of feet etc. Similarly, Alakshmi, the goddess of misfortune, is kept outside and stopped at the main door by offering lemon and green chilly. She eats the sour and pungent food and goes away from the house. Just like how we are careful not to let anything bad, negative and inauspicious into the house, we should block all negative forces from entering into our mind and intellect. It should be kept pure just like the house. We should be well aware of what we read, hear and listen. Our thoughts should be purif...

The story of Goddess Lakshmi living on earth in a poor man’s home symbolically gives the message that Ma Lakshmi resides in the homes of people who have a good heart and are ready to help others without any expectations. It also suggests that arrival of a girl child in the home means growth, peace, and prosperity. One day Bhagavan Vishnu was getting ready to roam on earth. Goddess Lakshmi, his consort, too wanted to go along with Vishnu. Bhagavan agreed to Goddess Lakshmi’s wish but on one condition that while on earth she should not look to the north side. Soon the divine couple left Vaikunta and reached earth. Goddess Lakshmi was enamored by the beautiful earth. Animals, flowers, trees, and plants made her forget about the condition put by Vishnu. She looked all around. When she looked to the north side, she saw a beautiful farm. She went into the farm, plucked a flower, and returned to Bhagavan Vishnu. Goddess Lakshmi who was extremely happy saw tears in the eyes of Bhag...

When ashtami tithi, the eighth day during a lunar fortnight, falls on Monday, it is known as Som Durga Ashtami. Somwar, or Monday, in Hinduism is dedicated Lord Shiva. The importance of Durga Ashtami was narrated by Lord Krishna to Yudhishtira, the eldest of the Pandavas. It is found in the Bhavishya Purana. As per this narration, Ma Durga appeared to annihilate demon Durgam. He had unleashed a rule of terror in the three worlds. Goddess Shakti annihilated the demon and restored Dharma. As this manifestation defeated demon Durgam, she came to known as Goddess Durga. This is believed to have happened on a Shukla Paksha Ashtami Tithi - during the light phase or waxing phase of the moon. The eighth day during the waxing phase of moon in a Hindu lunar calendar is observed as Durga Ashtami. Depending on the day of the week, Mother Goddess is worshipped as Durga, Kali, Bhavani, Jagadamba, Mahadevi, Gouri and Parvati. When Durga Ashtami falls on Monday, Ma Durga is worshipped ...

The indifference with which one treats the excreta of a crow – such an indifference to all objects of enjoyment from the realm of Brahma to this world is very called pure Vairagya. Atman in itself is alone permanent, the seen is opposed to it – such a settled conviction is truly known as discrimination. Abandonment of desires at all time is called Sama and restraint of the external functions of the organs is called Dama. Turning away completely from all sense objects is the height of Uparati, and patient endurance of all sorrow or pain is known as Titiksha which is conducive to happiness. Implicit faith in the words of the Vedas and the teachers (who interpret them) is known as Shraddha, and concentration of the mind on the only object Sat (i.e. Brahman) is regarded as Samadhana. Teachings from Aparokshanubhuti of Adi Shankaracharya

Rukmini Dwadashi, or Sri Rukmini Dvadasi, is observed as the birthday (the day Rukmini Devi appeared on earth) of Rukmini, the consort of Lord Krishna. In 2025, the date of Rukmini Dwadashi is May 9. The love story of Rukmini and Lord Krishna and their elopement is one of the most famous stories associated with Lord Krishna. Rukmini Dwadashi is observed on the twelfth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Vaisakh month (April – May). It is believed that those who offer worship prayers and pujas with flowers will have their wishes fulfilled. Prayers dedicated to Rukmini Devi are held on the day at Lord Krishna Temples. Special pujas are held at the Dwarkadhish Temple in Mathura on the day. She is worshipped for early marriage and for a successful and fruitful married life.

We cannot avoid problems in life. Majority of us run from our problems. This running never stops. It only stops with death. The running causes endless misery and suffering. Instead of running from problems, mistakes, people, places, past, memories, situations, incidents, fear…we need to learn to face them. Face Problems To End It When we face the problems head on, we find a solution. It ends. May be the result might not be always in our favor but at least we can end it. This end means there is a new beginning. There is hope. There is a clean slate for you to start afresh. When we face ugly situations and problems, we gain lot of experience. We become stronger both mentally and emotionally. We also realize about the futility of running away from things. Come out of Imaginary Fears Majority of our fears are our imagination and creation. In reality, there might not be a snake or demon but we imagine there is one. How can we really know whether it is snake or rope until we exa...

Puranmashi is the full moon day in the traditional Indian calendar. Below are the Pooranmashi time and dates in 2025. The term is widely used Punjab, especially by Sikh and Hindu communities to refer to full moon day. Please note that in some regions Puranmashi might start a day early (mostly during previous day night) or in some cases overlap into the next day (might end on the morning of next day). Puranmashi in 2025 Puranmashi May 2025 May 12, 2025, Monday Time is from 7:09 PM on May 11 to 9:13 PM on May 12.  Pooranmashi Vrat or fasting is on May 12. Puranmashi June 2025 June 11, 2025, Wednesday Time is from 10:55 AM on June 10 to 12:29 PM on June 11.  Pooranmashi Vrat or fasting is on June 10.  Puranmashi July 2025 July 10, 2025, Thursday Time is from 1:04 AM on July 10 to 1:48 AM on July 11.  Pooranmashi vrat or fasting is on July 10 Puranmashi August 2025 August 9, 2025, Saturday Time is from 1:41 PM on August 8 to 1:23 P...

Name, fame and wealth will be squandered when ego is allowed free reign. Many achieve success after hard work and determination but soon it gives rise to self-importance, arrogance and anger. With it starts the downslide. Therefore never allow success go to your head. Care for living beings, integrity, honesty and empathy should never be lost. They are the pillars on which our success should stand. When you become harsh, insensitive, and let compliments or praise of your success go to your head; and when your success makes you feel extremely proud; pause and turn around and look back.  This looking back is essential because if you do not look back and change, the slide begins. You will return to the old state. Observe silence for a few minutes daily. Drop all your thoughts. Surrender your intellect to the almighty. Drop all your success, ego and achievements. What are you now? You are that Supreme Truth. Know that you are just an instrument in the hands of Supreme Truth...

Panchak is a period of four to five days in a Hindu lunar month. The period is calculated based on Nakshatras or birth star in Hindu astrology. There are numerous fears and superstitions regarding panchak and death in Hinduism. You can also read the solution to the problems below. The five stars are Dhanishta (Avittam), Shathabhisha (Sadayam), Purva Bhadrapada (Pooruruttathi), Uthara Bhadrapada (Uthrittathi) and Revati.   Panchak starts from the middle of Dhanishta continue until the end of Revati Nakshatra. Panchak and Death Related Believes in Hinduism There is a widespread belief that if a death happens during panchak period, then there will be five more deaths in the family or neighborhood. There is a belief that cremation should not be performed during panchak period. This stems from the above said five more death belief. During the period, a person should not travel towards south. This is because South is the direction of Yama, the Hindu god of death. Other ...