Konsar Nag Lake Yatra is held annually in the Shravan month to pray to Vishnupad. Konsar Nag Lake pilgrimage begins after Shravan Amavasya as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in Jammu and Kashmir . In 2026, the Kousar Nag Yatra begins on August 12. The annual pilgrimage attracts thousands of devotees. Konsar Nag Lake is located at Reasi District in Jammu and Kashmir . It falls in the high altitude Mahore mountains. Surrounded by thick forests, the lake is an important Hindu pilgrimage spot. It is believed that the lake was created by the footprint – Vishnupad – of Hindu God Vishnu.

Vaijayanti Mala is the long garland or necklace worn by Bhagvan Vishnu. Symbolically this garland made of gems implies victory. Vaijayantimala is made upon five gems – Pancharatnas. The five gems are pearl, ruby, sapphire, diamond and emerald. The five gems – mukta, manikya, nila, vajra and marakata – are also associated with Panchabhutas – five elements of nature. Vishnu Purana states that Vaijayantimala is also known as Bhuta Mala as it is associated with the five elements. It must be noted that in some scriptures especially in Vishnu Rahasya, ruby, diamond and emerald are replaced by Kaustubha, cat’s eye (gomedakam) and Topaz (pushya ragam). Kaustubha is a jewel associated with Vishnu only. It appeared during the churning of ocean and Vishnu wears it. Thus in this description Vaijayanti Mala is made up of Kaustubha, cat’s eye, topaz, pearl and sapphire. As per this description Sapphire represents earth, pearl represents water, kausthubha represents fire, cat...

This Shivling worshipped at Pashupatinath temple in Nepal is of great importance in Hinduism due to its unique form. Pashupatinath Shivling - Uniqueness and Importance The Shivling worshipped in the temple appeared on its own or is swayambhu. The Shivling is 6 feet high and is five-faced. On the Pashupatinath Shivling, four-faces are in four directions and the fifth face is etched on the top of the Shivling looking upwards. Each of the five faces is unique and different. The right hand of each face holds a rudraksha mala and the left hand holds kamandalu (water pot). The four faces symbolically represent the four Vedas and the four holy places in Hinduism. The fifth face is associated with self-realization or moksha (liberation). The Shivling is also known as Panchanana Shiva or Panchamukha Shiva Linga. As per Shiva Purana, the Shivling was established in the form of Jyotirlinga. This is not the Pashupatinath Shivling it is a representational image. No one is allow...

Purna is an important concept in Hinduism. It is fullness and is a characteristic of the Supreme Reality. In Hindu tradition, purna conveys the idea of fullness, totality and perfection. The word Purna is derived from the root ‘pr’ (to fill or to satiate). It may also have been derived from the root pur (to increase). As a symbolic and philosophical concept, it represents the Supreme Being, the Absolute, in its unalterable fullness, as the embodiment of absolute perfection, auspiciousness, the abode of all powers, the ultimate source of the entire creation. The idea is reflected in the Vedic literature (purnat purnamudachati purnam purnena sicyate  Atharva Veda X 8.29). In Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (V.1.1), too, the nature of the Supreme Brahman as the Integral Reality is focused as a concept which is full in itself, the one without a second, without suffering from any deficiency. As a perfect equilibrium of the cosmic and transcendent nature, purna indicates ...

Sheetla mata is a powerful deity who should be worshipped in the present age. Pollution and dirt created by human beings are unleashing powerful diseases all around the world. Ancient Hindus worshipped Mata Sheetla to keep away disease causing microorganisms. She was also worshipped for good health and good immunity. Sheetla Devi Carries a broom – it symbolically indicates cleanliness. Collection Of Sheetla Devi Mantra In Hindi Chant this mantra to overcome infectious diseases like chicken pox. शीतले त्वं जगन्माता शीतले त्वं जगत्पिता। शीतले त्वं जगद्धात्री शीतलायै नमो नमः।। Chant this mantra daily for the good health of children and other family members ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं शीतलायै नमः Chant this mantra for early cure of serious diseases. वन्देहंशीतलांदेवीं रासभस्थांदिगम्बराम्। मार्जनीकलशोपेतां सूर्पालंकृतमस्तकाम्।।

Bhakta Pundalik was a devotee of Lord Vitthal. He is revered as a great devotee in the Varkari tradition. Little information, however, is available about him or his personal life. Legend has it that once, when Pundalik was engaged in serving his parents, Vithal (Lord Krishna) came to his and stood outside. Ad Pundalik did not want to leave his ministrations, he threw a brick towards Vithal and asked him to wait. The Lord stood on that brick waiting for him. Vitthala was pleased with this devotion to parents, so he granted a boon to Pundalik. Pundalik asked Vithal that he should stand there on the brick for ages for giving darshan to the devotees. Accordingly, even now Vitthala stands on that brick in the temple at Pandharpur. Besides this tale told by Sant Namdev, there are several others narrated by Eknath, Bahinabai, Sridhar and Mahipati. None of these, however, tells us about the exact place and time of Pundalik, or his family background. According to one account...

The concept of rebirth in Hinduism is known as punarbhava. The term punarbhava is a combination of two words, punah (again) and bhava (birth). This concept of death and rebirth is explained in all major systems of Hindu philosophy. As per the major schools of thought this conception is corollary to the law of karma. Rebirth Explained In Hinduism A commonly encountered question is whether man exists after death or not. Hinduism firmly believes that the atman within the body is immortal and that it never perishes. But from death to death, it travels by the force of its own karma, born of delusion. The atma is tossed from one birth to another and one state of atma to another, like a weaver’s shuttle moving without cessation. After death, only the physical body gets disintegrated, according to this law. Each individual self has another subtle body, consisting of the sense and mind. It survives death and is the bearer of character. At the time of death, this subtle...

Lalleshwari  – a 14th century mystic poet who lived in  Kashmir  – an ardent devotee of Shiva. This is a collection of quotes and teachings of Lalla. Just for a moment a flower grows, Bright and brilliant on a green-clad tree: Just for a moment a cold wind blows Through the bare thorns of a thicket free. Only is he blessed and at peace, False hopes abandoned, who ascends Where the hard loans of desire cease, Where no debt, nor anyone that lends. Thou art the heavens, and thou the earth: Thou alone art day and night and air: Thou thyself art all things that have birth, Even the offerings of flowers fair. When my mind was cleansed of impurities like a mirror of its dust and dirt I recognised the Self in me: When I saw dwelling in me, I realised that He was the everything and I was nothing. Some, who have closed their eyes, are wide awake Some, who look out at the world, are fast asleep Some who bathe in sacred pools remain dirty Some are at...

Nagapasha or Nagastra is a powerful arrow capable of huge destruction. The story of the origin of Nagastra is mentioned in the Yuddha Kanda of Kamba Ramayana. Legend has it that Nagapasha was in the beginning a very powerful Snake. Brahma had created Nagapasha to annihilate a demon named Nagasura. Nagapasha’s main weapon was a sharp piercing cry. On reaching the kingdom of Nagasura , the Snake made a huge cry and this killed many pregnant women, children and old people. Nagasura tried several methods to overpower Nagapasha but his entire army and finally the Nagasura himself was killed by Nagapasha. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva gave blessings to Nagapasha for killing the demon. Shiva also made Nagapasha one his ornaments. Nagapasha once decided to go on a tour of the worlds. Shiva advised him not to visit Salmali Island . But the snake did not heed his advice and visited the island. Nagas on this island were regularly attacked by Garuda. Nagapasha was attacked by Garud...

Akrtavrana was a great saint and disciple of Parashurama, the sixth Avatar of Hindu God Vishnu. An interesting story in the Puranas narrates how Akrtavrana became a disciple of Parshuram and also how the saint got the name Akrtavrana. Parashuram was once returning after having darshan of Shiva. Mahadev Shiva had blessed Parashuram with divine weapons. Parashuram was walking through a dense forest on his way home when he heard the cries of a boy. On enquiry, he found a tiger attacking a young boy. He immediately shot an arrow and killed the tiger. The tiger immediately turned into a Gandharva (divine being – singers in heaven). The tiger form was due to a curse and with Parshuram killing the tiger, he was relieved of the curse. The wounds of the boy were also healed after the divine incident. The boy then became a disciple of Parshuram and called himself Aktravrana – one not having any wound. Akrtavrana is mentioned in many chapters in the Mahabharata. Suta who ...

Seven Letter Sri Krishna mantra is a rare mantra dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Krishna. This is also known as sath akshar Krishna mantra. The mantra helps in winning lottery, getting money which is blocked or lost and helps in making wealth. The mantra is ideal for all those who wish to make money. This 7 letter mantra is believed to provide all kinds of material comforts Seven Letter Sri Krishna Mantra गोवल्लभाय स्वाहा   Go Vallabhaya Swaha How to Chant Seven Letter Sri Krishna Mantra? The mantra is to be chanted for 21 days starting on a Thursday. Wake up early in the morning before, take bath, and wear yellow color dress. Offer prayers to Ganesha in mind. Sit facing east before the picture of Sri Krishna. Offer deep (lamp), dhoop (agarbatti), yellow color banana, yellow flowers and chandan. Chant the mantra 108 times and keep count on a chandan mala. Feed a cow jaggery and roti made using ghee. Continue this for 21 days for attaining wealth and prosperity. ...

Dashama Vrat is dedicated to Goddess Dashama and is observed from the first day of Shravan month as per traditional calendar followed in Gujarat . Dashama Vrat 2026 begins on August 13 and ends on August 22. It is a 10-day vrat. Devotees also refer to the festival as ‘Dashama na Naurta’ – Navratri of the Goddess. The ritual is observed for prosperity and good fortune. There are several temples dedicated to Dashama where devotees perform several rituals during the 10-days.  Devotees who are facing an adversity ('dasha' in Gujarati) and want to appease Goddess Dashama to overcome it observe the 10-day vrat. Goddess Dashama is widely worshipped in rural Gujarat and in cities by the lower socio-economic groups. How to Observe Dashama Vrat? During Dashama Vrat devotees, observe partial fast and install her murti in their homes or public pandals. The murti is immersed in a river on the last day of the 10-day vrat. The Goddess is offered wheat and betel leaves ...

Pumsavana seemantham is the pre-natal Hindu religious ceremony. Pumsavana Karma is described in Dharmashastra texts in Hinduism as ‘a rite by the performance of which a child is expected to be born.’ This puja vidhi is one of the prenatal sacraments which is performed after conception has been ascertained. Through Pumsavana vidhi, the child is consecrated in the womb itself. Pumsavana Karma After How Many Weeks Pumsavana karma is performed in the third or fourth month of pregnancy, when the moon is on a male constellation. Pumsavana Karma Procedure The pregnant woman is required to fast on that day.  After a bath, she puts on new clothes.  Then a sprout of a banyan tree is pounded and the juice is poured into the right nostril of the pregnant woman.  It is believed that introducing the juice of the banyan twig of the root is a remedy for preventing abortion and ensuring the birth of a healthy baby. According to the well known ancient medical authori...

Pancharatna, meaning "five gems," holds a unique place in Hinduism, especially during specific pujas performed with the intent to fulfill desires (kamyapuja) or for special occasions (naimittika puja). These five precious stones symbolize prosperity, auspiciousness, and divine energy. They are traditionally used to invoke the blessings of the deities, particularly Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The Five Gems and Their Significance Sapphire (Neelam) Significance: Represents Saturn (Shani) and is believed to bring protection, wealth, and clarity of thought. Symbolism: Associated with wisdom, discipline, and divine favor. Diamond (Heera) Significance: Represents Venus (Shukra) and symbolizes purity, strength, and invincibility. Symbolism: Brings prosperity, happiness, and a strong connection with the divine. Ruby (Manikya) Significance: Represents the Sun (Surya) and signifies power, authority, and vitality. Symbolism: Enhances self-confidence, pass...

Adi Kedareshwar Temple is located near the Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Shiva. Adi Kedareshwar Temple is a small shrine and is situated at Govind Shila, above Tapt Kund (hot spring), and is on the way to Badrinath Temple . The greatness of the Adi Kedareshwar Temple at Badrinath is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. Shiva is here worshipped as Kedareshwar. The belief is that those who cannot travel to Kedarnath can perform worship at the temple as it is equal to visiting Kedarnath Temple . Story Of Adi Kedareshwar Temple Legend has it the region where the current Badrinath Temple is located was the dwelling place of Shiva and Parvati. Vishnu was looking for a place to mediate and liked the place. He then approached Shiva and Parvati as a child and requested them for permission to do penance in the region. Shiva and Parvati agreed and vacated the place and moved to Kedarnath. This is the reason why the place is known as Adi Kedares...

To make wealth and to enjoy wealth we need good health. Here is a Brahman mantra that will help a devotee have good health. It is also chanted for making more money and property. But the wealth made with the help of the mantra if used for Adharmic purposes will boomerang on the user. This is a rare and powerful Brahma Mantra.   Brahma Mantra In Hindi For Wealth ॐ ब्रह्म ज्ज्ञानप्रथमं पुरस्ताद्विसीमतः सुरुचो वेन आवः। स बुध्न्या उपमा अस्य विष्ठाः सतश्च योनिमसतश्च विवः।। The mantra should be chanted at sunrise. The person chanting the mantra should take bath and offer prayers to Ganesha in mind. The devotee should then wear white dress. The devotee should sit facing east and chant the mantra 108 times. The person should plant trees and take care of it.

Baba Hari Dass is a silent monk and guru who has not spoken since 1952 and communicates by writing. Here is a collection of teachings and quotes of Baba Hari Dass Learned is one who can distinguish between the Self and the mind. Ignorant is the one who identifies with the body. One who depends on fate or destiny and does not make an effort remains sitting like one who sits by the seashore waiting for a pearl to wash up. Without reducing negative qualities progress in spiritual life is as impossible as carrying water in a sieve. If you work on yoga, yoga will work on you. A realized being holds an apple in the hand but not in the mind. If you run after the world the world will run from you. If you run from the world, it will run after you. People easily drop out from small setbacks. Firmness of aim automatically brings faith. Without faith, the aim can't be stable. We have to be honest to ourselves in our spiritual life. It is always a desire, which pu...

Kapalin Shiva is the form Shiva with the skull of Brahma stuck to His hand. The story of Shiva as Kapalin begins with Shiva taking the form of Bhairava to cut off the fifth head of Brahma. Shiva was unhappy with the suffering in the world and He was unhappy with the creation of Brahma. But Brahma was proud of his creation and looked all around with four heads. His pride no knew end and he popped up a fifth head to look around. Shiva cut off this head. But Shiva repented when Brahma told him that he did not create suffering. Suffering is the result of the ignorance of living beings. Soon Shiva felt remorse and for redemption of the sin, Brahma asked Shiva to become a wandering ascetic and beg for food in a skull. Thus Shiva became Kapalin. Many Shiva sects took inspiration from Kapalin form and choose it as a way to attain self realization. A Kapalin is one who has moved away from society. He attempts to brush away the dust of ignorance which is blocking his path to self...

Fridays during Sravana Masam, a highly auspicious month in the Telugu calendar, hold immense significance in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. This period, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Shakti, sees heightened religious fervor as devotees engage in various rituals and visit temples to seek blessings for prosperity, peace, and personal well-being. Modern-Day Relevance In contemporary times, the observance of Fridays in Sravana Masam continues to play a crucial role in the spiritual lives of devotees. As society evolves, the prayers and rituals have also adapted to reflect modern aspirations. While traditional prayers for prosperity and peace remain central, modern-day devotees, particularly the youth, often pray for success in their careers, educational achievements, and finding compatible life partners. This demonstrates the enduring relevance of these rituals in addressing the changing needs of society. Importance and Devotion Fridays in Sravana Masam are particularly...

Many Hindus do not eat green and leafy vegetables during Shravan or Sawan Month (July - August). Why is palak, amaranth, mooli, methi etc avoided in Shravan month? It is not superstition but there is a scientific reason behind this. Hindu scriptures have strictly prohibited the eating of leafy vegetables in Shravan. This is because the amount of bacteria in the vegetables and leaves increases as it is rainy season. The green leaves and other vegetables that are available in the market are often filled with mud and dirt. So it is advised to avoid green and leafy vegetables in the month. It also believed that body’s immunity power reduces in this month as sun is always behind dark clouds. Stomach and skin related ailments increase in Shravan month if one consumes leafy vegetables daily. Dried vegetables and dals are to be consumed in Shravan month.

Nava Durga Kavach is based on the nine forms of Durga – Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Sidharatri. The kavach of nine goddesses combine to form the Nav Durga Shakti Kavach. Nav Durga Shakti Kavach Benefits It is believed that by wearing the Navdurga Kavach a person gets protection of the nine forms of the Goddess. A person will be blessed with prosperity and wisdom after wearing the kavach. The kavach is available in the form of a locket and can be worn around the neck. This Nav Durga Shakti Kavach is associated with Shakti cult and is very popular with Hindu communities in most parts of India .

As per Hinduism and vastu, lemon tree in house is good. The belief is that all kinds of negative energy will not enter the house if there is a lemon tree in the compound or in the balcony of the house. It is also believed that lemon tree removes all kinds of vastu dosh. It is believed that negative forces and energy in the universe get attracted to lemon and do not bother to disturb the peace of the house. This is one reason why lemon is hung in front of shops and houses. Bad luck and evil forces will consume the lemon and will leave.

Pancha Sasya is an essential element of all kinds of worship in Hinduism. It is the five grains uses in Hindu puja. The five Grains are: Paddy Barley Black Sesame Mung Bean – Green Gram Black whole urad – Black Gram Symbolically the five grains represent hope, well being, happiness and fertility. The presence of the five grains at a home signifies good harvest – which is the result of hard work and unity in the family. Nine Grains In Hindu Puja In some regions instead of five, nine grains are used in Hindu puja especially during Navratri and Navagraha puja. The nine grains are Barley, Sesame (Til) Wheat, Paddy, Whole Moong (Green Gram), Black Chana (Black Chick Pea), Whole Urad Black, Whole Mustard Seeds, Whole Masoor

It is believed that chanting the Varuna Mantra will help in solving all kinds of financial difficulties. Many people chant the Varuna mantra for wealth and to get money quickly. The mantra is highly beneficial when a devotee chants the mantra and performs action with desiring the fruits of the action. Varuna Mantra For Wealth ॐ वरुणस्योत्तम्भनमसि वरुणस्य सकम्भ सर्ज्जनीस्थो। वरुणस्य ऋतसदन्यसि वरुणस्य ऋतसदनमसि वरुणस्य ऋतसदनमासीद्।। The mantra should be chanted early morning along with the sunrise. Keep a vessel filled with water on the north side of the house. Sit facing north and chant the mantra 108 times. The person chanting the mantra should make efforts to conserve water and should take initiative to clean rivers, ponds, wells etc.

Hinduism holds an inclusive and universalist perspective that has evolved over millennia, giving it a unique position among world religions. This universalism is deeply embedded in its philosophical doctrines, rituals, and ethical frameworks, making Hinduism a religion that emphasizes a holistic, all-embracing view of life, spirituality, and the universe. Here's an expanded exploration of Hindu views on universalism, along with its implications, benefits, and relevance: 1. Core of Hindu Universalism: Key Views and Philosophical Underpinnings Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti ("Truth is one, the wise call it by different names"): One of the foundational ideas in Hinduism is that there are many paths to the divine. This phrase from the Rig Veda embodies the pluralistic acceptance within Hindu thought, suggesting that all religions can be valid paths toward spiritual truth. Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava ("Equal respect for all religions"): This principle promotes the acce...

Ravan, the archrival of Sri Ram in Ramayana, is considered as an embodiment of evil by majority of the people. But there are Hindu communities that worship him and consider the positive aspects of his character, especially Ravan’s deep devotion for Hindu God Shiva. The people of Khonpura Village in Madhya Pradesh worship a 45-foot Ravana murti, which is believed to be more than 200 years old. The huge murti of Ravana is worshipped on the open ground of the Khonpura Village . Elders in the village say that whenever the murti of Ravana was damaged – due to heavy rains or lightning – there would be something untoward happening in the village. As soon as the murti is repaired and worshipped, peace and good times return to the village. When huge effigies of Ravana are burnt on the Dasara day in Ashwin month, the Namdev Community of Khonpura Village worships him. The villagers testify that praying before the murti of Ravan helps in curing various diseases. New...

Goddess Kamalaja, is an incarnation of Goddess Shakti, and in this form she is believed to have helped Shiva in fighting Demon Tripurasura. Goddess Lakshmi is also referred as Goddess Kamalaja especially when she is associated with the Vasudeva Kamalaja. Vasudeva Kamalaja is half man - half woman incarnation of Hindu God Vishnu (Ardhanari Vishnu), which is mentioned in texts associated with Hindu culture in Nepal . Here Vasudeva is Vishnu and Kamalaja is Goddess Lakshmi. Temples dedicated to Goddess Kamalaja Devi as an incarnation of Goddess Parvati is found at Bhimashankar Temple dedicated to Shiva in Maharashtra . Another popular temple dedicated to the Goddess is found near the Lonar Crater in Maharashtra . Goddess Kamalaja Devi is worshipped on Tuesdays. The popular belief is that this incarnation of Goddess Shakti got the name Kamalaja as Brahma used to worship Her with Kamal or lotus flowers.

This article explores what does Upanishad mean? and meaning of the term Upanishads Upanishads are Holy Scriptures in Hinduism and are part of the Holy Vedas. The subject matter of Upanishad is self knowledge and contains the attempts made by various saints of ancient world to know Brahman – the Supreme Truth – and their attempts to share their findings and methods. Scholars have given numerous definitions to the term Upanishad but two schools of thought have gained prominence and is widely accepted. First school of thought suggests that the word Upanishad is derived from the root ‘sad’, to sit, to which ‘Upa’ and ‘ni’ prefixes have been added. The word is taken to mean ‘to approach someone and sit down next to him’ – a student approaching a Guru to learn the self knowledge. The second school of thought is developed from Adi Shankaracharya’s definition of Upanishads. The word ‘Upanishad’ is derived by adding the prefixes ‘upa’ (near) and ‘ni’ (with certainty) to the ...

According to Hindu tradition all animate and inanimate rise and fall in the Supreme Truth. Chamayavilakku Festival 2025 date is March 24 and 25. This concept has given rise to numerous unique traditions in Hinduism like the Ardhanareeshwara and unique temple festivals related to the concept half-man and half-woman. One such festival is the Chamayavilakku festival held at the Kottankulangara Sridevi Temple at Chavara in Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Vana Durga – an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. Please note that the festival is today being associated with homosexuals, crossdressers and transgender. But this is not correct. The ritual is a unique offering done by straight men to the Goddess. Homosexuals, crossdressers and transgender actively participate in the ritual. The ritual is held during the last two days of the 11-day temple festival. On the day, regular men from all walks of life dress up as women for the ChamayaVilakku (chamaya is make-up, vilakk...

Amavasya is the name of new moon night in Hindu religion. It is the first night of the first quarter of the lunar month. Since the moon is invisible on the day, Amavasya is also referred as no moon night. Amavasya holds great spiritual significance in Hinduism. Many Hindus choose this day to make offering (tarpanam) to the dead ancestors. There is also an ongoing debate whether Amavasya is auspicious or inauspicious. The term ‘Amavasya’ is commonly used in all regional languages in India . The fortnight that starts with Amavasya is also referred as the Shukla paksha (bright half of the month). Mauni Amavasya in Hindu Magh month (January – February) and Mahalaya Amavasya in Ashwayuja (September – October) are highly auspicious. Similarly the Amavasya in Aadi month is of great importance in Tamil Nadu. The Amavasya in Karkidakam month is of importance in Kerala. Positive Aspects Of Amavasya Amavasya is associated with liberation or Moksha. The day is ideal for beginning spirit...

Maha Pradosh is a rare occurrence of the Pradosham, or Pradsha Vrata, dedicated to Lord Shiva falling on a Saturday during the waning phase of moon in a traditional Hindu lunar calendar. The Pradosh period – the twilight period – on the 13th day during Krishna Paksha (waning phase of period) is considered highly auspicious for worshiping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Fasting from sunrise to sunset is the main ritual on the day for Shiva devotees. The prayers and rituals for Pradosh begin around 1.5 hours before sunset and end one hour after sunset. Special pujas are performed in Shiva temples during the period. It is said that Lord Shiva and Parvati are in a happy mood during Pradosham period and are easily pleased. Pradosh falling on Saturday is known as Shani Pradosh. But the Pradosh falling during Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) is not defined a particular name but is also considered auspicious by many.

Swami Chidananda Saraswati  (1916 – 2008) was the president of the Divine Life Society in Rishikesh – associated with the Swami Sivananda Ashram In spite of, because of, all the deficiencies and imperfections of the human mind and knowing how it is subject to various moods, some positive, some negative, you must take a stand that these things do not affect you. These things do not rob you of the greatest ever chance given to the individual to rise up and ascend back into its universal abode of perfection, fearlessness, freedom and absolute completeness. The scriptures also tell us the type of person we should be. They say that people in the least category have no stuff in them. Even before launching into an undertaking they begin to think of all the obstacles and conclude that it is too much for them. People of the middling type undertake a project, but when some obstacles come in the way, they give up. But people of real stuff, who know that they are made in the i...