In Kali Yuga, people observe pujas, rituals and chant names of Sri Krishna for various kinds of desire fulfillments. These include job, wealth, children, property, good marriage and money. Here are the 51 names of Sri Krishna to chant for desire fulfillments. How to Chant 51 names of Krishna? The person wishing to chant the names should wake up early in the morning and take bath. He should then offer prayers to Ganesha in mind. Wear blue color dress and sit facing northeast or east. Light lamp using cow ghee. Offer seasonal colorful flowers. Offer Tulsi leaves. Offer butter. Offer Chandan or sandalwood paste. Wear it on the forehead. Next chant the 51 names of Sri Krishna. Do this for 11 days. 51 Names of Sri Krishna आदिदेव - Adi Dev अदित्या - Aditya अनिरुद्धा - Anirudha अपराजित - Aparajit बाल गोपाल - Bal Gopal बलि - Bali चतुर्भुज - Chaturbhuja दयालु - Dayalu दयानिधि - Dayanidhi देवाधिदेव - Devadidev देवकीनंदन - Devaki Nandan देवेश - Devesh द्वारक...

As per Hinduism, in the beginning cobra snakes did not have the impression that we see today on their hoods. As per the Hindu story, they got it after Bhagavan Krishna stamped on Kaliya Naag. Huge multi-hooded Kaliya snake had made Yamuna his home. He poisoned the waters and this killed scores of fishes, amphibians, birds, animals, trees and plants. People found it hard to find good water. Little Krishna decided to get rid of Kaliya from Yamuna. He deliberately threw a ball into Yamuna and on the pretext of retrieving the ball he jumped into Yamuna. A ferocious battle took place between Kaliya and Krishna. Kaliya was subdued and Bhagavan Krishna began to dance on the raised hood of the serpent. Whenever the snake tried to raise a hood, Krishna stamped it down with his feet. See the pitiable condition of Kaliya, his wives asked Krishan for forgiveness. Krishna agreed to let Kaliya go alive provided he will not torment or go near other living beings. Then K...

Ancient Hindus had a clear insight into almost all aspects of environment that are conducive to health and happiness of all life forms. They had a clear idea about the environment ideal for human beings to make houses. An environment or place was considered unsound or unhealthy for making houses and living when: Its normal color, smell, taste and touch have been affected The place contains excessive moisture The place is troubled by reptiles, violent animals, mosquitoes, locusts, flies, rats, owls, vultures, jackals etc. It has groves of grasses and creepers and abundance of diffuse plants It has a changed look. It has dried and damaged crops It has smoky winds It is uproarious with the cry of birds and animals Its animals are in bewilderment and pain Its supports a community which is lacking virtues of truthfulness, modesty, conduct, behavior and other merits The place has rivers constantly agitated and flooded The place experiences frequent occurrence of meteorit...

In Hinduism and Vastu Shastra, the north direction holds significant spiritual importance. It is believed to be associated with positive energy, wealth, and spiritual growth. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the benefits, importance, and practices associated with the north side, as well as the practical ways it can influence our lives. 1. Associated with Wealth and Prosperity Importance: The north direction is ruled by Lord Kubera, the god of wealth. This association makes it an auspicious direction for attracting financial success and material abundance. Practical Tip: Keep valuables, safes, and financial records in the north area of your home or office. Mantra: Chant "Om Hreem Shreem Hreem Mahalakshmyai Namah" to invoke prosperity and abundance when you focus on the north. 2. Enhanced Mental Clarity and Focus Impact on Well-being: Facing or sitting towards the north is thought to improve mental clarity, concentration, and focus, helping in studies and intellectual tas...

Trichambaram Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is located at Taliparamba in the Kannur District of Kerala, India. The temple is noted for a unique tradition unheard in other Sri Krishna temples in India and world – first food then puja. Another tradition is that elephants are not allowed in the temple.  After opening the temple doors first in the morning, the naivedyam (food) is offered to the presiding deity Sri Krishna. This is strange because the food is offered to a deity in the temple after danthadavana – brushing of teeth and snana. Any liquid or solid is offered to the deity after a couple of purification rituals.   The golden rule followed in all temples is broken at Trichambaram Temple for a specific reason and due to a demanding situation.   It is said that Sri Krishna here likes the offering of the food first. He had suggested that he could not tolerate elaborate rituals on an empty stomach.   The murti of Bh...

Following their ceremonial bath on the Snana Purnima , Jagannath – Balabhadra – Subhadra appear in elephant attires. This elephant appearance is known as Hati Besha or Gajanana Besa. The ritual happens on the afternoon day on the full moon day in Jyeshta month (June – July). After the ceremonial end of all rituals associated with Snana Purnima or Snana Yatra, messengers from the Srimandira go to Gopala Teertha Matha and Raghaba Dasa Matha to carry the components of Hathi Besha – the elephant attire of the deities. The attire is ceremonially carried to the Snana Bedi or Snana Mandapa located in the outer courtyard of the Puri Jagannath Temple complex behind the Meghanda Prachira on the northeastern side. The attire is traditionally put on the deities and they appear in the elephant form – Hathi Besha. The Story of Hathi Besha - Gajanana Besa of Jagannath Ganesha was the personal deity of Ganapati Bhatta, a Maharashtrian devotee. He was also an ardent devotee of...

Pradosh puja is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is performed daily just when the sun begins to set and night has not yet appeared. Here is a brief idea on how to do daily pradosh puja at home. How to Do Daily Pradosh Puja at home? Take bath and wear white color dress. Offer prayers to Ganesha in mind. Place a white shivling or an image of Shiva – mental puja too can be performed by imagining a Shivling. Light lamp using cow ghee. Light agarbatti of sandalwood (chandan) fragrance. Offer white color flowers. Offer bhasma. Offer fragrant water or ittar of white flowers. Offer bhog or prasad of white color – preferred is white kheer using rice or payasam. Chant the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ or Shreem Someshwaraya Namah ( श्रीं सोमेश्वराय नमः ) 108 times. Keep count on a Rudraksha Mala. After the puja share the Prasad with relatives and family members. If you are unable to do the puja during pradosh period, then imagine Shiva during the period and chant ‘Om Namah Sh...

 In Hinduism, directional energy and positioning hold significant spiritual and metaphysical importance. Each cardinal direction—North, East, South, and West—is associated with specific energies, deities, and influences that can affect our well-being. The west side, in particular, holds unique attributes that influence our physical, mental, and social well-being. Let's explore the spiritual benefits of the west side, its importance, and ways to harness its energy in daily life. 1. Alignment with the Setting Sun The west side is associated with the setting sun, which symbolizes completion, rest, and introspection. By facing or aligning ourselves with the west during the evening, we can embrace the end of the day's journey and shift into a reflective state. Practical Solution: Take a few moments each evening to reflect on your day while facing west, allowing yourself to release any stress or worry accumulated throughout the day. 2. Connection to Varuna, the Deity of Water and Co...

Black beads on Mangalsutra are a reminder of duties that both husband and wife should follow. The string black beads symbolically represent Lord Shiva and it is associated with fertility and origin of creation. Black represents the stillness before creation. This stillness is ended with the sound created by Shiva. In Hindu society as per some communities, the black bead today suggests – reproduction and nurturing of children. The black beads ward off evil, which might harm the married couple. It is worn to keep out all kinds of evil eye. The black bead Mangalsutra is not worn by all Hindu married women. It is limited to specific region and communities. Some married women today wear the black bead Mangalsutra as it simply looks good on them. Some Hindu communities have only just two prominent black beads in the Mangalsutra.

Article source – Swami Ashokananda, When the Many Become One (Calcutta: Advaita Ashrama, 1997), 94-6. You feel like becoming one with the whole universe. You do not want to be separate from anything but to become one with everything. There was a time when I liked that idea very much. I had finished my education in the university and was living in a small town. It was a very unusual kind of place, with the habit of becoming inundated with floods. Every year a good part of the town would be under water, as was the neighboring land for miles and miles and miles all around. Well, it was a beautiful thing to see… I made a habit in those days of going into the backyard of the house where I lived. From there I could see miles and miles of this water, and there I would sit. There was no rain at that time. I would sit there and lose myself in the utter oneness of these undivided waters. No waves there; the water not moving. And there was the sun. I looked towards the eas...

In Hinduism, the east direction holds deep spiritual and symbolic significance. Associated with the rising sun, it embodies new beginnings, spiritual growth, and divine energy. Below is an exploration of the spiritual benefits of facing or traveling toward the east, its influence on our physical, mental, and social well-being, its role in personality development, and practical tips for harnessing its energy. 1. Spiritual Awakening and Enlightenment Benefit : East is considered the direction of enlightenment, representing the dawn of knowledge and wisdom. By facing east during meditation or prayer, one aligns with the cosmic energy that promotes spiritual awareness and connection to higher realms. Solution : Begin your day by meditating or practicing yoga facing the east to enhance spiritual clarity and mindfulness. 2. Enhanced Positivity and Energy Levels Benefit : The first rays of sunlight come from the east, which is believed to dispel negativity and fill one's being with positi...

Kali is the first among the Dasa Mahavidyas – the 10 Mother Goddess concept in Hinduism and Tantrism. Kali is the mother of time and her beej mantra is chanted to overcome fear – the biggest ignorance of human beings. She also fulfills the desires of Her devotees who follow Dharma. Kali Beej Mantra Text in Hindi English क्रीम क्रीम क्रीम हुम् हुम् ह्रीम  ह्रीम दक्षिणे कालिका  क्रीम क्रीम क्रीम हुम् हुम् ह्रीम ह्रीम स्वाहा  Kreem Kreem Kreem Hum Hum Hreem Hreem Dakshine Kaalika Kreem Kreem Kreem Hum Hum Hreem Hreem Swaha Benefits of Chanting Kali Beej Mantra It is chanted to overcome all kinds of fear that stops us from reaching our true potential. It is chanted to overcome fear of death. It is chanted to attain discipline in spiritual pursuit. It helps a devotee to unravel the hidden light within. The mantra also helps a devotee to understand the futility of time. The mantra obliterates all kinds of sins. It also makes a devotee realize th...

Sri Ramakrishna’s Prayer to the Divine Mother was published in the December 2005 edition of Prabuddha Bharata Magazine. O Mother, I throw myself on Thy mercy; I take shelter at Thy Hallowed Feet. I do not want bodily comforts; I do not crave name and fame; I do not seek the eight occult powers. Be gracious and grant that I may have pure love for Thee, a love unsmitten by desire, untainted by selfishness – a love craved by the devotee for the sake of love alone. And grant me the favor, O Mother, that I may not be deluded by Thy world-be-witching maya, that I may never be attached to the world, to “woman and gold” conjured up by Thy inscrutable maya! O Mother, there is no one but Thee whom I may call my own. Mother, I do not know how to worship; I am without austerity; I have neither devotion nor knowledge. Be gracious, Mother, and out of Thy infinite mercy grant me love for Thy Lotus Feet. Translated by Swami Purananda Unique Relationship Between Sri Ramakrishna A...

Kapota is associated with Mother Goddess and Shiva in Hinduism. The dove or speckle-necked pigeon is a symbol of fertility and love. Harappa – Mohenjodaro – Lothal The dove accompanies the Mother Goddess figurines unearthed from Indus Valley sites of Harappa, Mohenjodaro and Lothal. Kopta in Vedas In Rig Veda, it is the messenger of Yama, the god of death. Its presence was considered inauspicious. If it came near the holy fire during a yajna, it was to be driven away by chanting holy verses. Kapota was believed to be the son of Nirtti, the goddess of misery, disease and death. Kapota in Puranic Period During the age of the Puranas, Kapota began to be regarded as a favorable bird. It became a symbol of love, sexual urge and procreation. Shiva and Goddess Parvati took dove shapes for sexual union and came to be known as Kapoteshwara and Kapoteshwari. Goddess Rati, consort of Kamadeva (the god of love), have pigeon has her symbol. Today, Dove is associated...

Peepal tree puja on Saturday is considered auspicious by many Hindu communities. This is because of the belief that Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi resides on peepal tree on Saturday. And when Ekadasi (11th day of a fortnight) falls on Saturday it becomes doubly auspicious. Benefits of Peepal Puja on Saturday You will get blessing of Lakshmi and Vishnu – prosperity and peace. Relief to all types of horoscope related problems. Business will flourish. Ancestors will get moksha. Relief from bad health. How to perform peepal puja on Saturday? The puja should be performed under a peepal tree after sunrise. Offer prayers to Ganesha. Take a kalash and fill it water. In mind imagine the 8-armed form of Vishnu and offer prayers. Then pour the water under the peepal tree. Light a lamp using sesame oil. Offer a yellow banana. Offer yellow color flowers. Offer yellow chandan. Sit in meditation. Chant the mantra ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vasusdevaya’ 108 times. You can use a c...

Varad Laxmi Vrat is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and is observed on Fridays during the Shravan Shukla Paksha – waxing phase of moon in Shravan month. Varad Laxmi Vrat 2025 dates are July 25, August 1 and August 8 as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in North India . The puja, fasting and other rituals on the day is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that she bless devotees during the period. Varad here signifies the power of the goddess to give boons. There is a belief that Goddess Lakshmi appeared during the Samudra Manthan or churning of ocean. This happened in the Shravan month. The famous Varalakshmi Puja is also held during the period in South India.

Vedanta Teachings on Reincarnation – Universal Toleration - Sin is an excerpt from an article published in 1905 in The New York Daily Tribune – it was published by Prabuddha Bharata Magazine in December 1905. What, then, is the message which these native Hindu teachers bring to the Vedanta Society? They bring, first, the lesson of universal toleration that there is truth in all religions. Vedanta points out that all are true for their day and generation. No other position, they say, will stand logical analysis. For, if what we believed yesterday be false because we think differently today, then our today’s belief is equally false because we shall certainly advance from it to another belief here after… The Vedantists say that each successive modified belief is part of a main stairway of progress toward the ideal, of which each particular stair is as necessary as every other. Each individual step, from the lowest to the highest, is necessary and important and true. One of the ...

 In Hinduism and Vastu Shastra, the southwest direction (known as Nairutya in Sanskrit) is associated with stability, strength, and protection. It is believed to be governed by the Nairutya deity, often associated with the demon deity Nairuti, symbolizing protection, defense, and foundational support. This direction is thought to have a profound effect on physical, mental, and social well-being and can impact one’s personality when understood and respected. Here is an expanded exploration of the spiritual benefits and insights related to the southwest direction, along with practical applications and guidance. 12 Spiritual Benefits of the Southwest Side in Hinduism Stability and Security : The southwest direction is believed to provide a sense of grounding and stability. It is recommended for heavy objects or important possessions, symbolizing a solid foundation in life. Strengthening Relationships : This direction is favorable for strengthening bonds, especially within families. R...

It is near to impossible to keep our mind from not wandering. It enters into various unwanted areas causing us nothing but pain. So how to keep the mind from not wandering? One way to keep the mind from not wandering is to keep it engaged in good activities.   The mind always has a tendency to wander here and there. We must learn to focus. First focus on your hobby or interest. Whenever the mind wanders bring it back by concentrating on something you like to do most. Next step is to focus on noble and philanthropic activities. We must always be alert to not to let the mind wander. Next step is concentrating on spiritual teachings and God. Again always be alert and do not let the mind wander. Our goal should be to stop all forms of thinking and merge in Ishwara. This can happen through constant practice and through self-realization. The mind should completely agree to that fact that there is no second – all that is here is nothing but Ishwara. www.hindu-blog...

Some people believe that puja room in the kitchen is bad as per Vastu. This is not true. Puja in the kitchen is neither good nor bad. Many Hindu communities have a puja area in the kitchen. Puja room in kitchen purely depends on tradition, convenience, and your beliefs. As per Hinduism, Goddess Annapurna, the goddess of food, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, resides together in the kitchen. The kitchen should always be kept neat and clean. Unclean vessels should not be left for a long period. There should be no clutter. Those people who spread superstitions and wrong beliefs in the name of Hinduism regarding puja room and kitchen vastu should be reminded that Agni, the most important God in Hindu tradition, is found in the kitchen. Can any kitchen keep out Agni – fire? Everything in this world depends on Agni. If a Hindu wishes to have puja area in the kitchen there is absolutely nothing sacrilegious about it. In Hinduism, what matters is devotion. Anythin...

Too much social media and uncertainty related to job and relationships will soon be causing major problems around the world. It is time for young Hindus to prioritize and take a deep look at the situation. Stress, anxiety, and depression are going to be widespread. Youngsters will be more vulnerable to lifestyle diseases. To overcome the physical and mental health issues we need to get back to basics by giving priority to personal relationships. We need to go back to the ancient large Hindu homes. You can be in a nuclear family but learn to be a connected nuclear family. Find your roots and stay connected. If we go with the current trend then we are sure to be doomed. Collective power is what political and multinationals hate. That is why there is an ongoing attempt to split Hindus. Young Hindus need to learn to cooperate more. Life is going to be difficult and we can only survive the new world through cooperation. There will be job loss and people will find getting a new ...

It might sound superstitious but many Hindu married couples believe that vastu has a role to play in conceiving. Couples who do not have a proper sex life and finds it difficult to have children follow vastu. Here are few Vastu tips for married couples and for those trying to conceive. Couples should not wear dark, dark blue and other similar colors in the bedroom. This will attract negative forces. There will be ego problems and fight among couples. The bedroom should be kept clean. There should be no clutter. This will help in removing all kinds of negative energy. The room should be airy and there should be no foul smell. This will help in keeping out Rahu and Ketu. The bed sheets, pillow colors and other clothes should be changed once a week. To get the sex life moving and to have a cordial relationship, couples should keep light smelling flowers and perfumes. There should be a creative decoration of the bedroom. The walls of the bedroom should have white, cre...

The Bhagavad Gita notes that ‘dwelling on sense objects leads to attachment; attachment gives rise to desire, and desire breeds anger. Anger generates delusion, and delusion results in loss of memory; from loss of memory, destruction of discernment, and loss of discernment spells the person’s ruin.’ Lust and anger are two emotions that can completely hijack one’s body and mind: When a person first abuses me, I know I am going to be angry. Anger is one thing, I another; but before I realize it, I am turned into anger itself. However, those attempting to control lust and anger notice something interesting: Our psychophysical system cannot sustain a strong upsurge of lust or anger for long; allowed time, both drop away as rapidly as they arise, albeit only to rise again a little later. This total identification with lust and anger is a false identification of the self; to the thoughtful, the subsequent release from their spell should provide insight into the ‘illusory’ nature of t...

As per Kalpurusha Siddhanth, Maa Chandraghanta is associated with 2nd and 7th house of a person in horoscope or janam kundali. 2nd and 7th house is associated with love, desire, happiness and married life. Therefore one should perform puja of Maa Chandraghanta for a happy married life. Here is a brief idea on how to perform puja of Maa Chandraghanta along with mantra. When to Perform Maa Chandraghanta Puja? The third day during the waxing phase of moon in a Hindu lunar calendar – Shukla Paksha Tritiya Tithi. The third day after amavasya or no moon in a Hindu calendar. How to Perform Maa Chandraghanta Puja? The puja should be performed early in the morning or during pradosh period (starting 1.5 hours before sunset). The person performing the puja should take bath and wear pink color dress. The puja should be performed in the southeast direction of the house. Keep the painting or sculpture of Maa Chandraghanta on a pink color cloth. Offer prayers to Ganesha in mind...

Offering water to Sun is performed by millions of Hindus every day morning. Sun is pratyaksha Brahman or the visible god in Hinduism. The mantra that is chanted while offering water to the sun is the Gayatri Mantra. Water Offering Mantra ऊं भूर्भुव : स्व : तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो न : प्रचोदयात् Om Bhuur Bhuvah Svah Tat Savitur Varennyam | Bhargo Devasya Dhiimahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Pracodayaat || How to Chant the Mantra While Offering Water to Sun? Wake before sunrise and take bath. Put some black til (sesame) in the water. Wear white, orange or ochre color dress and go to a spot from where the rising sun is visible. Chant the mantra by looking at the sun and pour the water on earth. You can chant the mantra one time or seven times.

Ramchandi Temple is located at Kosala Village on the Angul – Bagedia road and is around 28 km from Angul town in Odisha. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Ramchandi, who is a manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. She is a village deity and is also associated with Tantric worship. A powerful deity, she is worshipped by married couples for healthy children. The belief is that barren women conceive after offering prayers here. The most important festival in the temple is observed on Bhadrapad Krishna Paksha Dwitiya or the second day during the waning phase of moon in Bhadrapad month. This is known as Ramchandi Yatra or Kadauli Yatra.