Usana was the guru of the Asuras (demons). Asuras were never satisfied with the wealth they had. There is a story in the Puranas in which Usana hypnotizes Kubera and steals his wealth to satisfy the Asuras. Demon king Vrshaparva was jealous of the wealth of Devas. Vrshaparva complained to Usana about the disparity in wealth between the demigods and the demons. To satisfy Vrshaparva, Usana promised the demon king that he would get for him all the wealth in the treasury of Kubera. Kubera, the lord of wealth, was the treasurer of Devas. Usana planned to use his incomparable yogic powers to take control of the mind and intellect of Kubera. Usana soon reached Alakapuri, the capital of Kubera. The treasures of Devas was happy to welcome Usana as they both were descendants of Lord Brahma. During the meeting, Usana hypnotized Kubera. Kubera now behaved on the commands of Usana. Soon all the wealth in the treasury of Kubera was transferred into the treasury of dem...

Dasa Mahavidyas are the ten manifestations of Mother Goddess Shakti. The names of the Dasa Mahavidyas and the story of their appearance on earth vary in some scriptures. This particular story of the origin of Dasa Mahavidyas is from Shiva Puran. A demon named Durgama had become powerful and invincible with boons He obtained from Brahma. There was utter chaos in the universe. Devas, Saints and all living beings were suffering under the Adharmic rule of Durgamma. Devas then approached Goddess Shakti for a solution. She promised to help them and restore Dharma. Demon Durgamma who came to know about the intention of Goddess Shakti, immediately assembled a huge army of demons and proceeded towards Devalok (heaven). Goddess Shakti appeared before the army of demons. To fight the army of demons 10 different manifestations appeared from Mother Goddess Shakti – Kali, Tara, Chinnamasta, Shodashi, Bhuvaneshwari, Tripura Bhairavi, Dhoomavati, Baglamukhi, Matangi and Kamala...

If there is constant delay in marriage due to several reasons, it might be due to the bad positioning of grahas in janam kundli as per Hindu astrology. The ideal solution as per Hindu scriptures is to invoke Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Hindu religion gives both philosophical and ritual solutions to the problem. Chant the following mantra to overcome delay in marriage. The mantra Female should chant this mantra ॐ    ह्री   गौर्य   नम : हे   गौरि   शंकरार्धांगि   यथा   त्वं   शंकर   प्रिया। तथा   मां   कुरू   कल्याणि   कान्तकान्तां   सुदुर्लभाम।। Male should chant this mantra पत्नी मनोरमां देहि मनोवृत्तानुसारिणीम्।   तारिणीं दुर्गसंसार सागरस्य कुलोद्भवाम।। When to Chant the Mantra? It should be chanted on Monday,  Guru Pushya (when there is pushya or poosam or pooyam nakshatra on Thursday),  Ravi Pushya (when there is pushya or poosam or pooyam nakshatra on Sunday...

Arjuna became Brihannala, the eunuch, during the one-year incognito exile period in the Mahabharata. He was able to take the form of a napunsak due to a curse. There is a wrong notion that Arjuna became a woman. She did not become a woman but a shemale or transsexual. During the exile period, Arjuna once went to meet Indra. Here Urvashi, the celestial woman or Apsara, happens to see Arjuna. She is attracted to the handsome man and proposes to him. But Arjuna declines saying that she was the wife of Pururava, his ancestor and therefore she is like a mother to him. Urvashi states that the rules of humans do not apply in heaven and she is above human laws and morality.  Arjuna still refuses and Urvashi is unable to bear the rejection and she curses him to become a napunsak or eunuch. Indra intervenes and reduces the curse to a year and asks him to use it to his advantage during the one year incognito exile period.

The story of Queen Satyavati, who was known as Matsyagandha, is found in the Adi Parva of the Mahabharata. Satyavati was born from the womb of a fish. She was found by the chief of a fisher folk and he raised her. She was named Satyavati but people loving called her Matsyagandha – as she reeked of fish. The reason she was born in the womb of a fish. When she grew up, to make a living, Satyavati ferried people across the Ganga River. One day, when she was ferrying Sage Parasara across the river, he expressed his desire to make love to her. Satyavati was hesitant but the Sage convinced her that she will give birth to a child instantly and she will retain her virginity. In addition to it, she will no longer reek of fish but will exude a wonderful fragrance, which will make men find her irresistible. The Sage then created a curtain of mist and made love to her. Before they reached the shore, Satyavati gave birth to Vyasa, she retained her virginity and got a wonderful f...

A collection of poems of Akka Mahadevi  (twelfth-century Virashaiva saint) - they contain teachings and quotes of Akka Mahadevi. Like treasure hidden by the earth, Like the taste hidden by the fruit, Like gold hidden by the stone, Like oil hidden by the sesame seed, Like fire hidden by the word, Channamallikarjuna (Shiva), jasmine-tender, Hides as the being behind becoming; No one knows him. When I did not know myself Where were you, tell me? Like the color in gold, You were in me. Though you were in me I saw you as different. O Channamallikarjuna, jasmine-tender. Source – Songs of Shiva Vacanas  of Akka Mahadevi - Translated by Vinaya Chaitanya Having made one’s home on the hill-top, how can One afford to be afraid of the beasts? Having made one’s home on the seashore, how can one afford to be afraid of the surging waves? Having made one’s home in the market-place, how Can one afford to shrink from its noise? Hear what I say,...

Sukadeva Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Sukadeva Gosvami. It is observed on the no moon day or Amavasya day in Vaishakh month. Sukhdev Jayanti 2025 date is May 27. Saint Sukadev narrated the Bhagavad Purana and is the son of Sage Vyasa. The day is also referred as  Sukh Deva Jayanti – Sukhdev Jayanti. He is the son of Veda Vyasa and Vatika. There are numerous stories and incidents in Hindu scriptures associated with Sukadeva. The holy saint is believed to have born out of the ascetic powers of Sage Vyasa. When in the womb of Vatika, Sukhdev used to listen to the philosophical discussions taking place between Sage Vyasa and other saints. He also remembered his previous births as a result of it. Due to the teachings, the child was unwilling to come out of the womb and finally, Lord Krishna persuaded the child to come out of the womb. Legend has it that the fetus in Vatika’s womb continued to grow and did not come out at the end of the ninth month. It ...

84 Kosi Parikrama Ayodhya begins on the day after Chaitra Purnima on the first day of Vaishakh month (April - May) as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in North India. The annual yatra begins from Makhauda Dham after important puja and rituals. 84 Kosi Parikrama Ayodhya 2025 begins on April 13. The first part of the journey is from Makhauda Dham to Ramrekha Mandir. Kosi is a unit of length. It is around 10088 feet or 3075 meter. In the journey, devotees travel 84 kosi – this is believed to be the extent of the capital of Bhagavan Sri Ram. Ayodhya Dham is 84 kosi. The belief is that participating in the 84 Kosi Parikrama of Ayodhya will help a person in avoiding 8.4 million births. The person need not pass through 8.4 million yonis. One who participates with devotion in the pilgrimage achieves moksha. The person achieves merits to wash away sins of several previous births. The first part of the journey is from Makhauda Dham to Ramrekha Mandir. The...

Kamakhya Devi is the form of Mother Goddess that resides at the Nilachal Hills near Guwahati in Assam, India. She is worshipped by devotees for various kinds of desire fulfillments. The main benefit of chanting the mantra is that a devotee achieves wisdom to wipe out ignorance. Kamakhya Devi Mantra in English and Hindi Kamakhye Varade Devi Nila Parvata Vasini Twam Devi Jagatam Mata Yonimudre namostute कामाख्ये वरदे देवी नीला पर्वता  वासिनी त्वम् देवी जगतम माता योनि मुद्रे नमोस्तुते || Meaning Salutations to Kamakhyaye Devi, residing at the Nilaparvat (blue mountain) you are the mother of the whole world, salutations in Yoni Mudra. Benefits of Chanting Kamakhya Devi Mantra A usual devotee worships and chants this mantra to get the blessings of the Devi to overcome worldly problems and for desire fulfillments. This mantra is chanted by those children wishing to have healthy and intelligent children. Couples who are having problems in having children f...

There is an interesting story in the Brahmanda Purana which informs us that Goddess Lakshmi had appeared on earth as the daughter of Sage Markandeya. Mrikandu Maharishi’s son, Sage Markandeya, was destined to die at the age of sixteen but his devotion for Shiva saved him. After this, Sage Markandeya performed intense penance to have Goddess Lakshmi has his daughter and perform her kanyadanam. He also wished Lord Vishnu as his son-in-law. He performed the penance at Thirunageswaram on the banks of Cauvery which was covered with Tulsi plants. Tulsi had performed Tapas to get a spot on the chest of Lord Vishnu. But as Goddess Lakshmi was already residing there, Vishnu asked Tulsi to meditate on Cauvery River and take care of Goddess Lakshmi when she will take birth on the riverbank. The penance continued for several years and Goddess Lakshmi appeared under the Tulsi plant. Markandeya realized the baby was Goddess Lakshmi and raised her. After the birth of the baby,...

Carrying milk pots to Hindu temples is an important ritual. The main reason for carrying it is for seeking the blessing of the deity, for desire fulfillment and as part of thanking the deity for fulfilling the desires. The milk pot symbolizes abundance and fertility. In this context it must be noted here that cow itself is a sacred animal in Hinduism and offering its milk to the deity is seen as offering something very pure and auspicious. Milk pots are mainly carried in South India to Murugan temples, Ganesha temples and also temples to various incarnations of Shakti like Mariamman etc. Cow is an important part of agrarian economy. Starting from the Vedic period, cow played an important role in the life of a Hindu. Sharing something so important in one’s life with the deity gave satisfaction to the devotees.

Charama Sloka is the final and definitive message delivered by a sage or an incarnation. It is of great importance in Hinduism. Varaha Charama Sloka and Bhagavad Gita Charama Slokam are of great importance. This type of sloka is mainly associated with Lord Vishnu. The three important Charama Sloka are those in the Ramayana, the Bhagavad Gita and the Varaha Purana. Charama Sloka in Ramayana Sri Rama Charama Sloka occurs in the context of the surrender of Vibhishana to Sri Rama before the commencement of the war against Ravana. It says that those who surrender to Sri Rama and pray or help get his protection. This is Sri Rama’s vrata (assurance) declared in Vibhishana Saranagati section as explained in the seventeenth canto of Yuddha Kanda. Vibhishana was given refuge after this surrender. The abhaya applies to everyone who recites the sloka after initiation by an acharya (preceptor). It is an indicative of God’s willing help to those who are in distress. The main point of the sl...

Jain monks practice restraint in thought, speech and bodily movements. Such regulations are termed Gupti in Jainism. The aim of Gupti in Jain religion is the control of the inner nature of Jiva. They are three fold in nature: Manogupti Vacangupti Kayagupti Manogupti refers to control of the mind so that in concentration it takes on a particular direction. One should maintain equanimity of mind and this is to be achieved by introspection. Vacangupti refers to the control of speech, which can be controlled in two ways. One can take up the vow of silence for a certain period, or guard one’s speech so that it is brief in nature. Kayagupti refers to the control of the physical organism in accordance with various rules and regulations laid down in the Jain scriptures. It is the action of body, speech and mind that produce subtle karma which cause bondage to the jiva. For breaking the cycle of karma, the jiva is required to take up different types of ethical regulations....

Here is an interesting look at the symbolism in the name of Bhagavan Rama. There are two powerful ‘Araka Namas’. One is Aum and another is Ram. All mantras have to be prefixed with Aum for obtaining the benefits of those mantras, whereas there is no need to prefix Aum when the name 'Ram' is recited because the name itself is 'Tarka Namam.' Divine poet, composer and singer Tyagaraja, who recited Rama Nama, 960 million times and had His darshan, has said: The life letter of the five letter word ‘Namasivaya’ is ‘MA’. Similarly the life letter (Jeevaksharam) of the eight letter word 'Narayanaya' is ‘RA’. It is the combination of these two aksharas (letters) that produced the nama 'RAMA'. Sri Chandrasekhara Swamigal Teachings on Paramatma and Jivatma – Bhagavan Sri Ram It is the shadow of the Paramatma (Supreme Truth or God) that you see reflected in all the living beings as Jivatman (Eternal Self or Soul) Paramatma alone is...

Cell biologist, Sundar Balasubramanian, points out in the Discover Magazine that the ancient yoga practice of Pranayama is about more than relaxing — it can change us at the cellular level. The study by Sundar Balasubramanian points out that increased saliva production during Pranayama has numerous benefits. Saliva has numerous antibodies and proteins that do everything from suppressing tumors to regenerating the liver. For example, it contains immunoglobulin, which are antibodies that bind to germs, as well as DMBT1, a tumor suppressor that blocks the conversion of normal cells to cancer cells.  Studies have shown that Pranayama changes the makeup of saliva by increasing the amount of nerve growth factor (NGF). When NGF is produced, it’s transported to the brain, where it signals nerve cells to grow or survive longer. Increased NGF could have a major impact on aging, and specifically on some of the degenerative diseases of the day like Alzheimer’s and cancer. Yogini ...

The entire text is an edited version of article found in the Encyclopedia of Hinduism Volume III to help readers to understand about cancer and its treatment in ancient Hinduism. Cancer is spreading like wildfire and the reason for it is pollution caused by human beings. The other main culprit is the use of pesticide and chemical fertilizer in foods. Hindus need to awaken and fight against this deadly disease which is causing hardships to millions of families. To start with at least make sure that your are not giving your children vegetables and meat that are filled with pesticide and hormones. Cancer was known as arbuda in ancient Hindu treatment. It is found in the Sanskrit lexicon, Medinikosha. It is described as “that which has a fleshy outgrowth.’ Another meaning of the term is ‘a count of one hundred million.’ Arbuda is also referred to as himsa svabhava meaning of violent nature, or in this case, damaging nature. The term expresses the cancerous condition both at ...

There is a reference of Homa bird in the sky in the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna. It is rich in symbolism and it is explained by Sri Ramakrishna in the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna (verse 88). The Vedas speak of the homa bird. It lives high up in the sky and there it lays its egg. As soon as the egg is laid it begins to fall; but it is so high up that it continues to fall for many days. As it falls it hatches, and the chick falls. As the chick falls its eyes open; it grows wings. As soon as its eyes open, it realizes that it is falling and will be dashed to pieces on touching the earth. Then it at once shoots up toward the mother bird high in the sky. The Huma or Homa — is a mythical bird of victory whose plume adorned the crowns of Iranian kings. This bird is an important mythological bird of Persia. It is widely mentioned in Sufi fable. The Huma is a compassionate bird, and its shadow, or tough, is auspicious. The Huma landing on a person’s head or shoulder indicates divine ap...

Sri Garbarakshambigai Temple , also known as Garbharakshambika or Garbha Rakshambika temple, is situated at Thirukarukavur near Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu and is visited by childless couples for blessings, pregnant women for safe deliveries and for the protection of the unborn baby.  The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is the Shakti present here that is believed to protect the unborn babies. ‘Garbha' here means ‘uterus’ and ‘Ambika’ is an incarnation of Shakti who is believed to take care of pregnant women. There is also a Garbharakshambika Shloka, which pregnant women and childless couples chant. Garbarakshambigai Temple is located at Thirukarukavur and the place is 20 km east of Thanjavur and 20 km southwest of Kumbakonam. Main Deities In The Temple Goddess Garbarakshambigai - Incarnation of Mother Goddess Shakti Lord Mullaivananathar - Lord Shiva Meaning of Garbharakshambika: The Mother Who Protects the Womb. Meaning of Mullaivananat...

Ganapatipule is a picturesque spot on the shores of Arabian sea in Ratnagiri District in Maharashtra. The place is famous for the Ganpatipule Temple dedicated to Ganesh atop a hill. The blue and white foaming sea, the white sands and the green hills with red mud which are typical of Konkan provide the setting for Ganpatipule Ganesh Mandir. Ganpatipule Temple Timings Morning Opening is at 5:00 AM The temple is open throughout the day Evening Closing is at 9:00 PM Aarti Timings are 5:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM Mahaprasad for visitors at 12:15 AM to 2 PM. Devotees can offer puja on a symbolic murti daily from 7 AM to 11 AM. Sankashti Chaturthi (fourth day after full moon day), palkhi departs for Pradakshina at 4:00 PM Ganpatipule Temple History It is obvious that our ancestors who were aware of the beauty of nature and the religious and divine feelings associated with such locations must have selected this hill near the sea-shore for Lord Ganesha’s abode. The...

IPP – the India Pride Project – is working tirelessly in bringing back home (India), the stolen murtis of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. UNESCO estimates 50,000 murtis (idols) of Hindu gods and goddesses have been stolen from India. Those that cannot be stolen or moved are destroyed by Vandals. Hindu murtis are a constant feature in many auctions around the world. Dharmo Rakshati Rakshatah (Dharma protects the protector of Dharma) – this is the basic belief in Hinduism. No one will come to protect our culture, our temples and our institutions. Each person in the locality has to defend and protect Hindu temples and institutions. With zero funding, zero employees and zero authority, IPP has built the case globally for India’s heritage to come back to its people. This is a great initiative when see daily our temples being ignored, vandalised, looted and destroyed. Start protecting existing temples instead of building new ones. Get back all the looted murtis of Gods ...

Pragyata website is dedicated to reviving interest in the Indian systems of knowledge. It is a learning platform, hosting online courses (MOOCs) about India, its culture and its unique world view. It encourages genuine scholars and experts to share their insights about Indic knowledge with the world, thus providing an authentic, uncompromised and unbiased learning experience. You can learn about many subjects that has its origin in India. We have courses on all kinds of subjects ranging from Yoga to Music to Dance forms to Languages to Philosophy. If you’re from India and find yourself wondering as to why you know Europe’s history better than your own, if you’ve read all of Shakespeare but can’t tell Tulsidas from Kalidas, if you’ve learnt to regard Sanskrit as a ‘dead’ language and Yoga as a primitive form of pumping iron, you can call yourself a thoroughly colonized Indian and you certainly need to take these courses. If the above description does not accurately fit you, ...

The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered texts in Hindu philosophy, offers timeless wisdom that can be applied to various aspects of life, including management and leadership.  Anger gives rise to delusion. Delusion corrupts the mind, and a corrupt mind destroy the power to reason properly. Defeat is imminent when the power of reasoning is lost. You have the right over your responsibilities, and the proper actions required for it, but you don’t have the right to the rewards resulting out of it. You should never engage in an action only for the desire of the rewards, and you should not desire inaction. The righteous one who accepts and shares the reward of his actions is freed from sins, while he who works for self interests incur sin. Work for the common good without selfish interests; the rewards of selfless work will take you to the supreme state. People follow the noble ones. People follow the standards created by them. Here’s an expansion on how its teaching...

Chandravardai (1148 – 91 AD) was the 12 th century poet of Rajasthan. He was a great friend of the last Hindu king of Delhi, Prithviraj Chauhan (1159 – 93), and the chief poet of his court. Family of Chandravardai belonged to Punjab and the Chauhan family of Ajmer (Rajasthan) was their patron. His father’s name was Rao Ven. He himself was a devotee of Goddess Jalapa. The title of ‘Bardai’ alludes of his being considered the boon of this goddess. He was married twice, first to Kamala and then to Gauri. Of this four sons, Jalla was considered to best. It is said that when Shahabuddin Ghori captured Prithviraj Chauhan and took him to Ghazni, Chandravardai went retrieve his friend and king, and asked his son Jalla to complete the epic Prithviraj Raso for him, should he fail to return. Literary Works of Chandravardai Chandravardai’s fame as a poet of the genre virakavya – a kind of epic balad – remains unsurpassed. Prithviraj Raso is considered to be the first major b...

The Naroshankar Temple, in Panchavati area, on the banks of Godavari River is a very good example of Peshwai period architecture – expert artisans used designs suitable and harmonious with the natural surroundings. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Naroshankar Temple History The Naroshankar Temple was constructed in 1747 AD by Chieftain Naroshankar Rajebahaddur alias Dani. The temple then cost 1.8 million rupees. The temple is of great significance due to the bell and its architecture.  Naroshankar Temple is completely devoid of any Muslim influence as it was built during the heydays of the Peshwas. The temple shows an influence of Rajasthani and Gujarati architecture. Carpenters, fresco painters, sculptors, artisans and masons from Gujarat and Rajasthan (Rajputana) came during the period of 17th and 18th-century period and they trained local artisans. They were also instrumental in designing and executing many temples of the period. Naroshankar Temple ...