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) -  Ashtapada (eight divided site) Paramasaayika (81 squares) -  Nava-pa

Budhwa Mangal is dedicated to  Hanuman  and is observed on Tuesday or Mangalwar in certain months as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India. It is observed after Holi in Chaitra month (March 14, 2023) and on the last Tuesday in the Bhadrapad month. Budhwa Mangal 2023 date in Bhadrapad Month is September 6. (In some regions it is also observed during the Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapad month and this is on August 23, 2023.) Note -  Bada Mangal observed in certain parts of Uttar Pradesh in Jyeshta month (May - June) is also referred to as Budhwa Mangal. Budhwa Mangal is also marked in Chaitra month in some regions as Vridh Angarak. Budhwa Mangal Mantra ॐ नमो हनुमते रुद्रावताराय विश्वरूपाय अमित विक्रमाय प्रकटपराक्रमाय महाबलाय सूर्य कोटिसमप्रभाय रामदूताय स्वाहा। Om Namo Hanumate Rudravataraya Vishwaroopaya Amita Vikramaya Prakatparakramaya Mahabalaya Surya Koti Samprabhaya Ramadootaya Swaha. Chant the mantra 108 times on Budhwa Mangal for peace and pr

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 dwel