Jawalamukhi Temple located in Kangra District in Himachal Pradesh is one among the Shakti Peethas. Legend has it that the tongue of Sati (Shakti) fell here when Lord Vishnu cut the dead body of Sati into pieces to pacify Lord Shiva. Jwala Ji Chaitra Navratri Mela is one of the important fair held here. Jwalamukhi Temple Chaitra Navratri Mela 2026 date - March 19 to March 27, 2026. This unique temple, also referred as Jawalaji, does not have an idol instead there are nine flames burning continuously from the fissures in the temple. Since the Goddess is worshipped in the form of celestial flame she is known as Jawalamukhi. Nobody has been able to recognize the fuel source of the sacred flame. Nearly half a million devotees from Himachal Pradesh, Punjab , Chandigarh , Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and other parts of India arrive at Jawalamukhi temple during the Chaitra Navratri mela or Vasant Navratri festival. Chaitra Navratri is the Durga Puja during ...

Goddess Shashti Devi is worshipped for the welfare of children. She nurses and protects children. She takes care of infants. Goddess Sashti is worshipped on the sixth day after the birth of a child to safeguard it from diseases and to ward off evil. She is again offered prayers on the 21st day after childbirth and again when first food is given to the baby. Those couple having trouble in getting a progeny will be blessed with a healthy child if they worship Shasti Devi for a year (Devi Bhagavata). Goddess Shashthi Devi is invoked in a Salagrama stone or in the root of banyan tree. In some regions, she is painted on the wall of the house or a sacred place. Shashti  Devi Mantra Om Sashthyai Devayai Swaha. Who is Goddess Shashthi Devi? She is the daughter of Brahma and wife of Skanda or Muruga (son of Shiva and Parvati). She is known as Sashti because she is taken to be one-sixth of prakriti or nature. Mahabharata and Devi Bhagavata equates her with Devas...

 In Hinduism, humility (vinaya or namrata) is considered a vital virtue that not only enhances one's spiritual life but also significantly influences mental, physical, and social well-being. Humility is seen as essential to realizing one's true self and attaining inner peace. The practice of humility helps dissolve ego, allowing individuals to connect with the Divine and gain a clearer understanding of their purpose. Below, I’ll cover the spiritual benefits, practical solutions, and specific mantras to help cultivate humility. 1. Spiritual Benefits of Humility in Hinduism Ego Dissolution : Humility helps dismantle the ego, which in Hindu teachings is viewed as a barrier to spiritual growth. By surrendering the ego, one is better able to realize the Self (Atman) and connect with the Supreme. Enhancement of Bhakti (Devotion) : Humility strengthens devotion, as it allows for an open heart and a sense of surrender to God. It fosters a pure love for the Divine, untainted by pride or...

The concept of Narayan in Hindu religion is based on deep symbolism which is often forgotten by many Hindus. Here is a look at the symbolism of Narayana based on Narayana Suktam of Swami Akshara. Narayana is not a God who can be held captive in the confines of one religion. He is not just a Hindu God. We are 100 percent sure about which God carries what in each of their hands and which stotra or which mantra to chant for each God. The purpose of Narayana Suktam is to understand how Narayana looks at this world. If you start to see this world the way Narayana looks at it, then you will function with full responsibility. The word Narayana can be split into two; Nara – meaning human being and Ayana – meaning the one who resides within or who has taken his abode within; that which is present in the bosom of the human being. While Shiva represents renunciation, Narayana represents participation. Narayana drives you to be active and ambitious. If in front of Narayana, you c...

Kalpadi Tritiya 2025 date based on Hindu calendar and panchang. Kalpadi Tritiya is observed on Chaitra Shukla Paksha Tritiya Tithi or the third day during the waxing phase of moon in Chaitra Month. Kalpadi Tithi is the starting of a day of Brahma. Kalpadi Tritiya 2025 date is March 31. A day of Brahma is equal to 4,320,000,000 human years. There has been several Kalpas. At the end of a Kalpa there is the cosmic flood which marks the end of a cycle of creation. Then it is the night time of Brahma. The cycle of creation again begins on a Kalpadi Tithi. On such Kalpadi Tithi is known as Kalpadi Tritiya. It is considered highly meritorious to perform Shradh and Tarpan rituals on Kalpadi Tritiya.

Sarhul Festival is observed in Bihar and Jharkhand by Tribal people. On the day people offer pujas and prayers to village deities for a good agriculture season, plentiful forest, peace and prosperity. In 2025, Sarhul Festival is on March 31. It is also the New Year of the various tribes in the region. The period is when new seeds are sown and there it is also the festival of sowing of seeds. The wedding season begins with the festival. During this festival, people pray to elements of nature. A dance is performed around trees on the day. Tribes all across Jharkhand and Bihar celebrate Sarhul with great enthusiasm. A highlight of the festival is the traditional dances performed by men, women and children who are dressed up in colorful ethnic attires for the occasion. A locally made beer from rice and tree leaves is consumed on the day. It is observed on the Chaitra Shukla Paksha Tritiya Tithi.

Swami Samarth is believed to be an incarnation of Sri Dattatreya and is a very popular saint in Maharashtra . it is the prakat din or birth anniversary of the holy Saint. Swami Samarth Jayanti 2025 date is March 31. He lived at a place named Akkalkot near Solapur in Maharashtra from 1856 AD and attained Samadhi here in 1878 AD. Nothing much is known about his early days. Swami Samarth Jayanti is annually observed on the Chaitra Shukla Paksha Dwitiya day – second day during the waxing phase of moon in Chaitra Month. There are some striking similarities between the lives of Swami Samarth and Shirdi Sai Baba. Swami Samarth performed numerous miracles during this life time and his devotees even today continue to experience his miracles. His teachings are simple and inspired the common people who came in contact with him. His philosophy was – Harm no one, provide joy to everyone. Inside every one, I am the only One. The Enigmatic Saint of Akkalkot Swami Samarth, often r...

The tree associated with Bhagavan Sri Krishna is the Kadamba Tree (Burflower tree - Anthocephalus Cadamba). As per the Srimad Bhagavad Purana, Sri Krishna climbed on a Kadamba tree after stealing the clothes of gopis. It is also said in the same Purana, that Krishna played his flute sitting on a Kadamba tree. The symbol of the tree is also the symbol of the tree of life – with its abundant and simultaneous flowering and fruiting, and its sheltering of animal life. The roots of the tree are in the nether world in the mound of water, while its crown reaches far up into the sky. The tree thus represents the simultaneity and the interpenetration of human, natural and divine realms. (Source - Book titled Krishna by Shanta Rameshwar Rao) Kadamba tree is also worshipped in Varanasi and other regions in North India. Sri Krishna and Radha used to meet under the Kadamba Tree. Thus the tree is associated with lovers. He used to swing on the branches of tree and used to dance with the G...

Bhagavad Gita clearly answers to why chasing sense pleasures are worthless. That happiness which arises when the desired sense object comes in contact with the sense organs is indeed a thrill that is nectarine in the beginning. But, unfortunately, it vanishes as quickly as it comes, dumping the enjoyer into a pit of exhaustion and indeed into a sense of dissipation. To explain: sense enjoyments arise only when the sense organs are actually in contact with the sense objects. This contact cannot be permanently established, for both the objects and the instruments that come in contact with the objects – the mind and intellect – are variable and changing. Also, the sense organs cannot enjoy the sense objects all the times with the same appetite, and even if they do so, the very object in the embrace of the sense organs withers and putrefies. No individual can fully enjoy even the passing glitter of joy that the sense organs give, for even at the moment of enjoyment the ‘jo...

Telugu Panchangam 2019 – 2020 is provided by the Uttaradi Mutt and is known as the Vikari Nama Panchangam Samvatsara Telugu Surya Siddhanta Panchangam. This Telugu Panchangam begins on April 6, 2019 and ends on March 24, 2020. The Panchangam is in PDF format and it can be downloaded for free. This is followed in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, India. This particular Panchangam is useful for those people following the Telugu calendars. A month in this Panchangam is calculated from Pratipada after Amavasya (the day after no moon or new moon) to next Amavasya. Download - The  Telugu Panchangam 2019 – 2020  can be downloaded in PDF format here at the official website of Uttaradi Mutt. You will need to register to get the Panchangam for free.   Another free panchangam is published by Sringeri Mutt and you can download it here for free without any login. - Sringeri mutt Telugu Panchangam 

If you are undergoing Sade Sati in the horoscope, there are some simple and easy solutions. Worshipping and taking care of Peepal Tree Those who are going through Sade Sati should water peepal tree. In the evening, one should light a lamp with sarson ka tel – mustard oil – under the peepal tree. Then a person should offer prayers to the Peepal tree. Then the person should do seven parikrama (circumambulation) of the peepal tree. It is believed that the person will be able to please Shani through the prayers. Yet another effective method is to plant Peepal and neem tree and take care of it. Red Thread and Mango Leaves People going through Sade Sati should buy red thread on Saturday. The red thread should of the length of their height. The thread should be then covered with mango leaves. This should be then taken to a river. The person should say his prayers. Then the red thread covered in mango leaves should be thrown in a river. Well known remedies for Sade Sati...

Garlands made from betel leaves are offered to Lord Hanuman in many temples in India. So, why is betel leaves offered to Lord Hanuman? As per stories associated with the Ramayana, it is said that when Hanuman successfully conveyed the message of Sri Ram to Mata Sita, She garlanded Hanuman with a betel leaf vine. Hanuman had gone to Lanka as the messenger of Bhagavan Sri Ram. Another story prevalent in some regions suggests after Ram – Ravana battle, Mata Sita discovered Hanuman in a betel leaf garden and she blessed him by showering with betel leaves.

Amavasya is the no moon day in a Hindu calendar. There is a lot of confusion regarding birth on Amavasya – is it good or bad for a baby to be born on Amavasya. As per Hindu religion, there is an increase in negative energy and forces on Amavasya night. As per Hindu astrology, birth on the no moon night is bad because Surya and Chandra (sun and moon) will be in the same house in Kundali or horoscope. Chandra is associated with Mind and Sun is associated with Atma in Indian astrology. Fame and progress (Yash, Kirti, and Man-Samman) of a person is predicted based on the position of the moon and sun in the horoscope at the time of birth. If the moon and the sun are in the tenth house then it is considered highly auspicious. Such a person will have a strong and healthy body. The person will have good leadership qualities. A person with such kundali will defeat enemies. If Chandra and Surya are in the first house during birth then the person will not get happiness from parents. I...

Purnima, full moon night, is associated with Goddess Lakshmi. If there is full moon night during Friday, then it is doubly auspicious. By offering pujas and doing certain rituals to Maa Lakshmi on purnima night, a person will see increase in wealth and social stature. What To Do On Purnima Day To Please Goddess Lakshmi? On Purnima day, Lakshmi – Ganesh murti, or picture, should be placed facing north in the safe; or where you keep money regularly. The murti should be placed on a red color cloth.  Ganesha should be placed on the left side of Goddess Lakshmi. On the full moon day, seven shells should be offered to Goddess Lakshmi before sunset. It should be then put under earth on the night of full moon day between 11 pm and 12:00 AM. Dig earth and cover it with mud or put it inside a pot and cover it with mud. It is believed that the person will be blessed with wealth. Keeping gold coins having Goddess Lakshmi or Ganesha embossed in puja area or safe will make a pe...

There are numerous stories associated with Hindu God Shiva’s marriage to Goddess Parvati. One such story is mentioned in a 13 th century Kashmiri poem on Shiva and it teaches how lust for gold creates nothing but confusion and chaos. The marriage of Shiva and Parvati is about take place but to the astonishment of all assembled; Shiva appears covered in ash with a skull in his hand, followed by goblins and ghosts. All those assembled there felt sorry for Parvati. The assembled women commented that Shiva will not have the capacity to gift gold ornaments to the bride. Shiva who heard this smiled and immediately creates a shower of gold on the bride. All those assembled there rejoiced at the sight of the gold rain. Soon things go out of hand there is only gold everywhere - the roof tops, trees, roads, fields all are covered with gold. Still there is no end to the gold rain. People were now fed up with Gold and complained to Indra. He asked them to pray to Shiva. Shiva...

Whatsoever there is in this world known through perception (because of their proximity) or known through report (because of their distance), all that is pervaded by Narayana, within and out. (Narayana Suktam 123). Whatever is seen and heard, whatever is inside and outside our body, all is pervaded by the all pervading Supreme spirit. It is the Supreme consciousness, in which the whole universe is established. He stays and pervades all bodies. The base of background of seeing, hearing and experiencing is the consciousness that is inherent in the human being, is that unbroken consciousness. The consciousness is indivisible and is one, the power of Narayana, the Supreme Self. There is vital force in all the living bodies. There is vital force in water, air, food and heat. The vital force in all these elements supports itself in the body of living beings. It is a continuous flow of energy from one medium to the other medium, from one form to the other. It is the intelli...

Gauri Tritiya is an auspicious day dedicated to Goddess Parvati and is mainly observed in Maharashtra . In 2025, the date of Gauri Tritiya is March 31. It falls on the third day of the waxing phase of moon in Chaitra month (March – April) in a traditional Marathi Calendar. Gowri Tritiya is mainly observed by women. Gauri is another name of Goddess Parvati. There are numerous rituals and festivals associated with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In this particular observance, it is believed that Goddess Parvati returns to her parent’s home during the period. Another legend sites that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married on the day. Women conduct special pujas at home and invite neighbors, friends and relatives to take part in the ritual. An image of Goddess Parvati is worshipped along with other deities. The prayers are for the well being of the family. Unmarried women pray for good husbands. The observance is also known as Soubhagya Gauri Vratam in Telugu culture. ...

Engraving of 1000, 1001, or 1008 Shiva Lingas on a single stone or rock is known as Sahasralinga. Structures containing 1000, 1001, or 1008 Shivlings are very rare. It is said that even a mere sight of them is highly meritorious. Sometimes the 1008 Shivlings are carved on a single huge Shivling. Many a times the Shivling are carved on a big rock – In rows and columns. There is also a place called Sahasralinga in Sirsi district of Karnataka. It is located in the middle of the river and one can see numerous Shivling carved on rocks here. 

Madhu Krishna Trayodashi is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. It is observed on the 13th day (Trayodashi) during the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) in the Phalgun or Falguna month as per calendars followed in Maharashtra . Madhu Krishna Trayodashi 2026 date is March 17. On Madhu Krishna Trayodashi some devotees undertake a partial fast. Some Hindu devotees opt for a complete fast. The day is mainly observed in western part of India  by some Hindu communities. The upvaas and fasting on the 13th day is usually dedicated to Shiva. Planting Bilva tree on the day is considered highly meritorious.

Copper vessels are widely used in Hindu pujas and rituals. The reason why copper vessels are used is that it is made from a single pure metal – copper. The vessels are not an alloy or made using a combination of several metals. Drinking water from copper vessel is considered healthy and is believed to improve immunity and blood circulation. The ancient belief is that vessels made from a combination of several metals are impure. They transfer these impurities into water and puja materials. Other metals that are used for making puja vessels are gold and silver. As these are costly, vessels made of these are very rare. Silver vessels are used in rich homes and in temples. Metals that are avoided for making puja vessels are steel, aluminium and iron. An exception to the above rule is use of Bronze in puja items in South and Eastern parts of India. Puja vessels and lamps are widely made using bronze in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The material used to make these puja vessels are...

Aranmula Kannadi is a famous mirror that originates from Aranmula in Kerala in India . This traditional metallic mirror is very popular and in huge demand as it is believed to bring prosperity and luck. There is an interesting story associated with the origin of Aranmula Kannadi. The origin of the Aranmula Kannadi is traced back to more 500 years, when a local ruler invited artisans from Sankarankovil in the Tirunelveli District in Tamil Nadu to make brass idols for temples in his kingdom. One of the artisans named Parvati Amma had a dream about a secret combination of alloys. She used to the combination to make the crown of a murti in one of the temples. The crown was so beautiful that it attracted people from all the nearby places. The ruler then asked Parvathi Amma to make a metal mirror with the same combination to be placed behind the murti at the famous Aranmula Sri Krishna Temple . It is from then onwards that the tradition of making Aranmula Kannadi began....

Ardhanarishvara Stotram is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Legend has it that for the purpose of creation in the world, Shiva and Shakti who are combined, splits into man and woman. The combined form of Shiva and Shakti is Ardhanarishvara. Ardhanarishvara Stotram Benefits It is believed that chanting the stotram dedicated to this form of Shiva-Parvati will help in achieving long life. Other benefits include: Attainment of Ashta Siddhi. Good health Will be blessed with fame, peace and prosperity Ardhanarishvara Stotram Text in English Champeya gourardsharirakaye karpura gourardsharirakaya Dhammilkaye cha jadadaraya namah shivaye cha namah shivaya Kasturikakumkumacharchitaye chitarajpujvichchirthaya Kritsmaraye vikrutsmaraya namah shivaye cha namah shivaya Chaltakvanthkamkanpuraye padabjrajthphninparaya Hemangdaye bhujagangadaya namah shivaye cha namah shivaya Vishalanilopathlochnaye vikasipamkeruhlochanaya Smeshanaye vishmeshanaya namah shiv...

Hugging a tree has long been seen in Hinduism and other spiritual traditions as a powerful way to connect with nature’s energy and harmonize with the universe. Known as “Vruksha Sadhana” in Hindu culture, this practice involves reverence and interaction with trees to absorb their spiritual and health benefits. Let’s explore the multifaceted benefits of hugging trees, how to practice it, and the positive influence it can have on various aspects of our lives. 1. Spiritual Benefits of Hugging a Tree Hugging a tree is a meditative practice that aligns with Hindu beliefs of connecting with nature to achieve inner peace and balance. Trees are viewed as symbols of stability, strength, and growth, representing the power of the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space. By embracing them, one can tap into this balance, grounding oneself and attaining a sense of wholeness. 2. Physical, Mental, and Social Well-being Physical Health : The act of hugging a tree can reduce stress levels, as b...

Sahadeva is one of the Pandava brothers in the Mahabharata. He is the son of Queen Madri and is counted as the fifth of the Pandavas – Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva. He was the wise man among the five Pandavas and he was the twin brother of Nakula. Here are some unknown facts about Sahadev. He was the youngest of the Pandavas. He had the special skill of knowing the past and future. Before Yudhishthira became king of Indraprastha, a Rajasuya Yajna was conducted, Sahadeva travelled to the south of the country before the yajna and defeated Dantavakra associated with Jarasandha, Srenima, Vinda and Anuvinda, the brothers of Avanti and Nila of Mahishmati in the deepest south of Bharata Varsha. He brought huge treasures from the South thus making the new kingdom, Indraprastha, rich.  It is said that Vibheeshana of Ramayana was a chiranjeevi and he was still ruling Lanka when Sahadeva travelled to the south before Rajasuya Yajna. Sahadeva wanted to inv...

The human personality is itself a ratha, which is on a yatra from beginningless time. The Katha Upanishad describes the ratha comprise of the body, sense organs, mind, intellect and the soul. Ratha (chariot) symbolism in Hinduism is mainly found in the Upanishads. The Atman is the master of the chariot, the body is the chariot, intelligence is the charioteer, diversified mind is the reins, sense organs are the horses and sense objects are the roads along which this chariot is driven. But why should the ever perfect and ever free Atman have the need to go anywhere? Lord Yama tells Nachiketa in Katha Upanishad that the journey is made by the Atman when it is conditioned by identification with the ratha. When so conditioned, the Atman is called jivatman. Liberation from this conditioning is the goal of human life. And the journey towards liberation begins when the senses are restrained from traveling towards the sense objects, the mind is made one-pointed, and the intelle...

Punyahavachanam is a purification ceremony. It is performed on the eleventh, thirteenth, fifteenth or sixteenth day after the birth of a child. It is also performed before an important event or after an untoward incident. It mainly involves sprinkling of purificatory water.  These are the following steps in Punyahavachanam: Vighneswara Puja – Worshipping of Ganesha Kalasha Puja – Worship of Kalash – worshiping the water in sacred pot which will be used for Punyahavachanam Dhupa and Deepa – offering the incense and the light with wicks dipped in ghee. This is offered to the water in sacred pot. The pot is then worshipped with flowers. The pot is then worshipped with camphor In the final step, water is sprinkled on the heads of the performer, people present and on all auxiliary objects.

There are many devotees who are mere fortune seekers. Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj talked about them in 12th century and it is highly relevant in the current situation. He reaches the height of happiness when he gets the thing he likes and he sinks due to sorrow when he gets what he does not like. One who worries because of favorable and unfavorable circumstances, however highly intelligent he may be, is in reality an ignorant person. He is devoted to me (Vishnu) but that devotion is with a material objective in mind. He makes a show of my devotion but keeps his sights on pleasures. If he does not get them after being devoted to me, then he gives up the devotion saying that the talk of God etc. is all lies. Like an ignorant peasant he sets up different deities and after failing with one he goes to the next. He joins that Guru tradition where there is a great pomp and show, receives Guru-mantra from him and considers others as ordinary. He behaves cruelly with living creatures ...

Some of us might have come across the 81 small squares on the ceiling of the mandapas of certain temples especially in South India – Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This vastu-defined formation is known as navapada. The 81 squares have a different pattern. This arrangement is considered highly beneficial as it attracts positive energy. Such Mandapas or halls are good for meditation. Square plan is of great importance in Vastu Shastra. There are 10 different types of square combinations Sakala (1 square) - Eka-pada (single divided site) Pechaka (4 squares) - Dwi-pada (two divided site) Pitha (9 squares) -  Tri-pada (three divided site) Mahaapitha (16 squares) -  Chatushpada (four divided site) Upapitha (25 squares) -  Pancha-pada (five divided site) Ugrapitha (36 squares) -  Shastha-pada (six divided site) Sthandila (49 squares) -  sapta-pada (seven divided site) Manduka/ Chandita (64 square) - ...

The best Rudraksha for attaining business success is the 21 face Rudraksha. It is widely believed that those wearing the 21 Mukhi Rudraksh will be able to achieve huge profit in business through the blessing of Kuber and Goddess Lakshmi. 7-face Rudraksha is also associated with money making. The 7 mukhi is believed to have the blessing of Goddess Lakshmi. 6-face Rudraksha is also worn for gaining money as it is associated with Shukra Grah. It must be noted here that there is no single opinion in this matter. Astrologer and Rudraksh experts give different opinions. The best solution is to wear the Rudraksha that you have in your possession and be devoted, hard working and determined. Shiva is present in all forms of Rudraksh. So what matters in the end is your devotion.

Swami Ramdas  (1884 – 1963) is the founder of Anandashram at Kanhangad, Kerala. This is a collection of quotes and teachings of Swami Ramdas. Death is false. Every particle of the body in all its states is ever intensely alive – dust or ashes. Soul, body, universe, all beings and things are all one. Matter is Spirit, Spirit is matter. All is He and His expression! The mind which constantly contemplates upon God, imbibes into its being His immortality, love and joy. Just as the application of soap removes the dirt of the cloth turning it clean and white, or just as light dispels darkness and illumines space, so also a sustained recollection of God, destroying all the distempers of the mind, purifies and ennobles life. There is no peace for man until his mind is liberated from the clutches of passion, until the wisdom of the Eternal enlightens him. It is rightly said that one should not unnecessarily exert oneself for subduing the mind, but what one has to do is to ...