Uddanda Sastri was one of the eminent poets in the court of King Manavikrama of Kozhikode in North Kerala during the 15 th century CE. He is the author of the famous literary work known as Kokila Sandesa. Uddanda Sastri was held in high esteem by the scholarly world of Kerala of his time. The original name of Uddanda Sastri was Irugapanatha. Uddanda was a title bestowed on him later. He hailed from Latapura, a well known village then in present day Tamil Nadu. Highly enterprising and versatile as a youth, Uddanda traveled extensively, seeking literary patronage. King Manavikrama of Kozhikode received him cordially and retained him for several years as an honored member of his court. He travelled all over Kerala, visiting temples and making scholarly contacts The famous literary works of Uddanda Sastri are Kokila Sandesha, a high-flown lyrical poem, and the drama Mallika Marutam in ten acts. A third work, Swatimuktam, in fifty verses, eulogizes Princes Swati of the kingdom of Pural...

Vasudeva, father of Sri Krishna, was the son of Sura and Marisa of the celebrated Yadava clan. He had a sister, Pritha, better known as Kunti later on. He was married to Devaki, daughter of Devaka, born in the equally illustrious Mahabhoja lineage. Kamsa, Devaki’s brother, acting as charioteer of her marriage chariot, heard an aerial voice – “O arrogant one, Devaki’s eighth issue has been destined as your slayer!” Kamsa, filled with fury and scared, rushed to Devaki to kill her in order to prevent the prophecy from becoming true. Vasudeva, however, intervened and implored him to spare Devaki but on the condition that all her infants, as and when born, would be immediately handed over to him. Kamsa reluctantly accepted the entreaties of Vasudeva, but imprisoned and fettered them both. Accordingly, Kamsa killed the six first born children of Devaki and Vasudeva. The seventh was Balarama who was transferred to the womb of Rohini in Gokul. When Krishna was about to be born to evade Kam...

Materialistic life is never permanent. If we have chosen to live in society and have a family life, then twists and turns are part of it. In some turns we might get happiness and in another turn unhappiness. Social and family life is not a straight road of happiness. There will be bumps and accidents. The roads and the scenes keep changing. Develop A Good Life Shock Absorber We need to develop a good shock absorber to overcome these accidents and bumps. The best shock absorber we can have is knowledge – true knowledge found in Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Yoga Vasishta, Bhagwat Puran etc. The problem with the people on the road of life is that they never make use of these shock absorbers, which is readily available, and for free. Some only take it up when they near the end of the journey. Some only after they meet with some serious accidents. So if you are having a social and family life, whether it is good or bad, pick up these shock absorbers and install them. You will not be dis...

Vedic Deity Dhishana Dhishana is a lesser-known yet significant goddess mentioned in the Rig Veda, one of the oldest and most revered texts in the Vedic tradition. Her identity is multifaceted, reflecting various aspects of life and spirituality in ancient Vedic society. 1. Associations and Symbolism: Dhishana is closely associated with nourishment, particularly the sustenance provided by butter and milk, which were considered essential and sacred in Vedic rituals. These elements were integral to the preparation of Soma, a ritual drink that played a central role in Vedic ceremonies, symbolizing divine connection and immortality. As such, Dhishana's association with nourishment extends beyond physical sustenance to include spiritual nourishment, symbolizing the divine sustenance that upholds the universe. 2. Abundance and Prosperity: The name Dhishana itself signifies auspiciousness and wealth. In this context, she is revered as a goddess of abundance and prosperity, embodying t...

Keelapatla Temple is of great importance to Lord Vishnu devotees. It is believed that after leaving Vaikuntha, He manifested as Koneti Rayala (Lord Of the Holy Lake) for the welfare of the universe. Keelapatla Temple is located at Gangavaram mandal near Palamaneru in Chittoor District. The murti of Lord Vishnu worshipped in the temple is known as of Prasanna Venkateswara Swami. It closely resembles that of Tirumala and hence the assumption that it is as ancient as Tirumala. Keelapatla Temple History It is also known as small Tirupati. Its original name was Kotipalli. During the Chola rule, there used to be an important platoon (pataalam) of the soldiers near the forest region of Kotipalli. Hence, it was called ‘Keelpataalam’. In the common parlance, it has   gradually changed to Keelpattu, Keelpattanam, and ultimately Keelapatla. It is said that Sage Bhrigu Brahma consecrated the idol in Keelapatla. Janamejaya, great grandson of Pandavas, constructed this temple. There...

Worship of the Lord may be of a physical nature like puja, or serving the society as a service to the Lord. At the level of speech, one worships by singing the glories of the Lord. At the mental level, by thinking of His divine form, qualities and sports. Repetition of the name of the Lord, either loudly, softly or mentally is called Japa. The chanting may be of various names or a single name of the Lord. The above practices are meant to make the mind pure, subtle and concentrated and strong; as well as prepare the mind for meditation and should be practiced diligently. If you do not have puja materials to do the worship, you can conceive them in your mind and in your thought; you offer it to the Lord. Swami Tejomayananda Additional Information: In Hinduism, the worship of the Lord (Ishvara) encompasses a wide range of practices that engage the body, speech, and mind. These practices serve to purify and focus the mind, develop devotion, and ultimately lead to a deeper spi...

Panchayatana form of worship introduced by Adi Shankaracharya has assigned one element to one of the five deities in Hinduism. Surya is the embodiment of Vayu Mahabhuta (air) among the five elements. The five elements are ether/space, air, fire, water and earth. The five deities in Panchayatana form of worship are Vishnu, Mother Goddess, Ganesha, Surya and Shiva. In this concept, the five deities are worshipped in the form of sacred stones found in five holy rivers. Surya, the embodiment of Vayu Mahabhuta, is worshipped in the form of crystal found in the Vallam River in Tamil Nadu. ---------------------- In Hinduism, Panchayatana worship is a form of devotion that centers around five primary deities, each representing a fundamental aspect of existence. This form of worship was systematized by Adi Shankaracharya, an 8th-century philosopher and theologian who sought to harmonize diverse sects within Hinduism and promote a more unified form of worship. Surya as the Embodiment of...

Mewar Festival is dedicated to Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is observed in Udaipur in Rajasthan. It is a celebration of the arrival of spring, harvest and also the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. Mewar Festival 2025 date is March 31. It is observed on the third day of the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Chaitra month (March – April). Married and unmarried girls observe the rituals. Married women perform it for the welfare of the family and unmarried women perform it for a good husband. Gangaur Melas are held during the period. The most important day is the Gangaur Puja day on Chaitra shukla paksha Tritiya. The highlight of the day is the procession of the murti of Goddess Parvati. The whole of Udaipur gets drenched in vibrant colours. Local markets and shops decorate their facades with bright lights and decorations. The festival is especially meant for girls and women. It provides them with an opportunity to dress in their finest and join the celebrations. ...

All problems are solved the day one realizes that one is not one’s body but pure consciousness. One who has realized truth does not run away from crowd neither does he take refuge in forest. Such a person stays where he is. Bondage happens when the mind is controlled by desire, grief and excessive rejoicing. Right thinking is essential for progress in the path of spirituality. Not all thoughts produce the desired results. Those thoughts that cause emotional upheavals should be abandoned. Renunciation should be practiced to avoid being unintentionally attached to the world. All work should be done without considering results. Work should also be done without expectation, attachment and fame. Abhilash www.hindu-blog.com Wisdom Of Masters The question of whether or not there is a God or truth or reality, or whatever you like to call it, can never be answered by books, by priests, philosophers or saviours. Nobody and nothing can answer the question but you yourself and ...

Periavaccan Pillai, also known as Krishna Suri, was hailed as the Vyakhyana Chakravarti (the king of commentators). He wrote commentaries on the Ramayana, various esoteric texts, hymns and prose compositions. The only author to have rendered commentary to all Divya Prabandhams, he elaborated his guru Nampillai’s commentary on the Tiru Vaimozhi in his Irupattinalayirappadi. The commentaries for the other prabandhams are not known as padis. His two prabandha commentaries, called padi, are in the grantahlipi (script). They are the Irupattinalayairapadi and Muvayirappadi, the commentary on Tiruppavai. He arranged the prabandhams in a different chronological order, determined by the psychological motive behind them. The other works of Periavaccan Pillai include the commentaries for Gadya Trayam, Alavandar’s stotra ratnam, Abhaya Pradanam, Caramarahasyam and so on. Sri Ramayana Tanisloka Vyakhyanam is a significant text since it is an esoteric commentary on the Ramayana bas...

Dhalo festival of Goa observed in Paush month (December – January) is dedicated to Mother Nature. The annual festival begins on the shukla paksha ekadashi day (eleventh day during the waxing phase of moon) and ends on the purnima or full moon day. Dhalo Festival 2025 date is from December 30 to January 3, 2026. The festival is dedicated to Vandevi or the forest goddess. The final day festival is also known as Malani Purnima. The festival coincides with the end of vaigan or rabi cultivation season. The festival has its origin to people who lived in and around forests. They depended for their livelihood. The festival is essentially a sort of thanksgiving to the all providing Mother Nature. The festival is popular in Bicholim Taluka and Pernem Taluka and there are several temples of Goddess here like the famous Dhakti Vandevi Prasanna and Vhodli Vandevi. As part of the festival, women decorate the tulsi plant with pedestal. The tulsi vrindavan symbolically represents t...

Quotes from Scriptures in Hinduism on Business Ethics: Know that all this, whatever moves in this moving world, is pervaded by God. Therefore, find your enjoyment in renunciation; do not covet what belongs to others. (Ishavasya Upanishad hymn 1) Among all the purities, purity in money matters is supreme. One whose earning and monetary given and take is pure, only he is pure, not one who is cleansed with clay and water. (Manusmriti) The relations between employers and employees or the private entrepreneurs and the laborers, including wages and their payments, were fixed or regulated by contract, which had to be honored by both sides. Breach of understanding or neglect of duty by either of the two sides was not only immoral but resulted in the defaulter being liable to punishment by the state. (Arthasasthra III/14/1-28) One should constantly remember death. Nothing will survive death. We are born into this world to perform certain duties, like the people who come from the c...

Marana Siddhi is a tantric rite to gain the ability or power to kill. This ability is used to kill and destroy enemies. Marana Siddhi is attained by those who have undergone rigorous penance. Jnanarnava Tantra, Dwitiya Mundamala Tantra and Mantra Mahodadhi texts contains detailed instructions about how the rite should be performed. Mantra Mahodadhi text states that Bhadrasana is the posture useful for marana. The skin of buffalo is suitable for sitting. Some scholars are of the view that, such Siddhis do not exist and is merely meant to scare people. Additional Information Marana Siddhi is one of the mystical powers mentioned in Tantrism, a spiritual and esoteric tradition rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism. The term "Marana" derives from the Sanskrit word for death, and "Siddhi" refers to a spiritual power or perfection achieved through intense spiritual practice. Marana Siddhi, therefore, translates to the power to cause death or destruction, specifically...

Uruli Shree Krishna Temple in Thiruvarppu village in Kottayam District in Kerala is unique in many aspects. One of the most striking aspects in Thiruvarppu Sri Krishna Temple is that the priest carries an axe with him while going to open the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Story Why Chief Priest Carries An Axe The murti of Bhagavan Krishna worshipped in the Thiruvarppu temple is that of hungry Krishna, who was tired and exhausted after annihilating demon Kansa. So in this temple food is offered to Krishna first in the morning before all pujas and rituals. Krishna cannot tolerate hunger and so if there is any delay in opening the door of the sanctum sanctorum with the key or if the key is misplaced or if there is some problem with the lock, the chief priest is allowed to break open the door with an axe. Therefore the chief priest carries an axe when going to open the door the main sanctum sanctorum in the temple. Some of the mouth water delicacies offered in the temple are usha p...

Tuljabhavani Nidrakal is a holy period at the famous Tulja Bhavani Temple in Maharashtra . Tuljabhavani Nidrakal is from December 21, 2025 to December 28, 2025. It is observed from the first day of the Paush Shukla Paksha to the 8th day of the Paush Shukla Paksha as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in Maharashtra . It is from the Paush Shukla Paksha Pratipada to Ashtami. She also goes into Nidra after Sharad Navratri from October 3, 2025 to October 7, 2025 - (Ekadashi to Purnima). Nidrakal is when the Goddess remains in cosmic sleep. Such periods are observed in certain Shakti Temples. I am not aware whether the temple will remain closed during the period. 

Bhagavad Gita Answers – Difficulty in the Worship of a Formless God – How To Offer Worship? is an extract from Prabuddha Bharata Magazine October 2002 Issue. Though the formless Reality — Atman (behind our personality) or Brahman (behind the universe) — is intellectually very satisfying, one needs to start from where one is. For those whom the world, including their body and mind, is very real, worshipping a formless Reality can end up just as an intellectual exercise. One needs to depersonalize oneself before depersonalizing God. As long as one is conscious of one’s personality, devotion to a Personal God or an incarnation of God is the logical way in spiritual life. Sri Krishna makes the point clear in the Bhagavad Gita:  ‘The task of those whose minds are set on the Unmanifest is more difficult; for the ideal of the Unmanifest is hard to attain for those who are conscious  of their bodies’ (12.5). He continues reassuringly: ‘But those who consecrate al...

This is a list of very important festival dates in Hinduism in 2020 based on various regional Hindu calendars. The same festival might be rarely celebrated a day earlier or later in different parts of India. Please note that Hindu religion is so vast that hundreds of festivals take place a year – this list only contains the very important ones. Hindu Festivals 2021 based on Hindu traditional calendar - India Standard Time. January 2021 Hindu Festivals List Lohri - January 13 Makar Sankranti – 14th January, 2021 Pongal – 14th January Sankranti – 14th January Magh Bihu - January 14 Thaipusam – January 29 February 2021 Vasant Panchami – February 16 Ratha Saptami - February 19 Bhishma Ashtami - February 19 March 2021 Maha Shivratri – March 11 Holika Dahan – March 28 Dhulandi Holi  - March 29, 2021 April 2021 Basoda / Sheetla Ashtami – April 4 Ugadi (New Year in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh) – April 13 Gudi Padva – April 13 Chaitra Nav...

The divine meeting between Adi Shankaracharya and his Guru Govinda Bhagavatpada is full of miracles. As per Patanjali charitam, Govinda Bhagavatpada resided in a cave near the famous Omkareshwar Temple on the banks of Narmada River. He lived here for several years expecting the arrival of Adi Shankaracharya. At the age of eight, Adi Shankaracharya left his home and walked towards North in search of a Guru. When he reached the southern banks of Narmada, the river was flooded. Govinda Bhagavatpada was inside a cave on the northern banks of Narmada River. Sensing the presence of his Guru in the cave, Adi Shankaracharya immediately composed the now famous Narmadashtakam – a hymn praising the greatness of   Narmada River. Immediately, the swelling of Narmada River stopped and the river entered the kamandalu of Adi Shankara. As soon as Adi Shankara reached the cave, Govinda Bhagavatpada woke up from his intense meditation. Govinda Bhagavatpada asked Adi Shankara Wh...

Pancha Maha Yajnas are the five important and compulsory Yajnas in the life of a Hindu householder. The five yajnas are like duties and it should be performed during the Grihastha Ashrama Dharma or during the life of a householder. The Pancha Maha Yajnas are: Brahma Yajna Pitr Yajna Deva Yajna Bhuta Yajna Atithi Yajna Brahma Yajna  This involves learning the scriptures especially Vedas. Sharing, discussing and teaching the scripture are part of Brahma Yajna. Learning important mantras, studying Upanishads and satisfying one who has thirst of knowledge is important. Pitr Yajna This involves offering of libations to ancestral spirits. The ritual is a simple procedure of offering a palm full of water while recalling the names of the departed ancestors. Some people also offered daily rice balls and water to the departed souls daily. In some rare instance, the rice balls are thrown into havan fire and the performer utters the word ‘Swaha.’ This is based on the b...

Here are few important mathematical facts about Rath Yatra – Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra. Around 2,188 pieces of wood are needed for the construction of the chariots These are chiseled out by around 125 carpenters. They work for 58 days at the Mahakala – the front portion of the Palace located near the Jagannath Temple. The Chariot of Lord Jagannath is known as Nandighosa. It is also known as Garuda Dhwaja and Kapidhwaja. Height: 13’.5m (33 cubits and five thumbs) (45 feet six inches) Number of wheels: 16 (seven feet diameter) Length and breadth: 34’6” x 34’.6” The throne on which Jagannath sits is 35 square feet. Wrappings: Red, Yellow color cloths Total Number of wooden pieces used: 832 (in some texts it is 742) The Chariot of Balabhadra is known as Taladhwaja. Height: 13’.2m Number of wheels: 14 (seven feet diameter) Length and breadth: 33’ x 33’ Wrappings: Red, bluish green color cloths Total Number of wooden pieces used: 763 (731 in some texts) The Chariot ...

The way we view the world largely depends on our thoughts, actions and attitude. When we are sensitive to our surroundings, we will notice sympathy and hope around. When we have anger and hatred in us, we will only see negativity all around. It is true that there are many negative things happening around sadly we only get to hear about them through newspaper, internet and mobiles. But there are many positive things too happening in the world but we do not get to hear them because they do not have readership and TRP. There will be negative things in life always but we can decide how we want to look at them. Certain things that we hear, see and read will cause a deep sense of frustration, aversion and unfathomable anger. But we need to remain peaceful and make sure that such things do not happen in our area. We will be regularly challenged by pessimists and by depressing incidents. By now, we are well aware that negativity does not help us in anyway. It only pushes us down. It...

Hinduism, as the ancients conceived it, was a great University of Religions, where they studied Nature in a scientific and systematic form, founded their schemes of Philosophy on its essential laws, reared their systems of Religion on both, and applied them to the use of the average man in his work-a-day life. Subject - Science of Life They believed that there was a Science of Life, that there was on Law made manifest in many forms, governing the universe; and so, by extending the truths of the Known to the Unknown, they constructed their theories of this and the other world – comprehending all that the human mind can understand or imagine. The Students in the University And he who entered the portals of this great University and studied the Law of Life in a systematic and scientific manner, was a Hindu. All truth arises from doubt; we ask questions when we think; and all knowledge is born when, not knowing, we wish to know . We begin with denial or doubt, and end with c...

If two Amavasya born couple get married is it right? Or is it good or bad for two Amavasya born people to get married? These are doubts many Hindu youngsters have. There is no relation between the tithi in which an individual is born and marriage in Hindu astrology. There is no compatibility calculation based on Amavasya or any other tithi. Marriage in Hindu astrology is purely based on matching the janam kundli or horoscope or jatakam. So if the janam kundli matches then girl and boy born on Amavasya can get married.

‘Mother Durga’ is the Power Terrible, which manifested out of the Eternal Truth, which is Paripoorna, and so has in Itself all powers. Man, the imperfect, the bound, the sorrowful, has a thousand names within. He is riddled with negative thoughts, fears, yearnings. Then there are selfishness, jealousy, meanness, prejudice and hatred – just to mention but a few. The Sadhak must get rid of these lawless villains within. With Mother Kali’s Kripa, these destructive masters are to be annihilated. No amount of soft persuasions can avail. The forces of Sri Rudra must be applied. There must be a deep, determined, adamant resolve, and a fight royal within, as sanguine as Kali’s ferocious sword dripping with blood; and unless the Sadhak is ready to wear about his neck the Skull-mala of these murdered false values there can be no peace or order within. Invoke the Only Mother - Goddess Durga - (The primordial Womb) - Maa Shakti - to help us annihilate within ourselves all negat...

The story of the two saints and a drowning young woman is found in the Puranas. It illustrates the nature of the mind. Two young saints were taught by their Guru not to look or touch a woman. They were one day sitting on the banks of Ganga and discussing Vedanta. Drowning Young Woman A young woman who was passing through the banks got scared of a snake and fell in the river. She did not know how to swim and she was on the point of drowning. Of the two saints, one jumped into the river to rescue the drowning young woman as he thought it was his fundamental duty to save her life. The other saint was contemplating on the words of Guru. The Girl is Rescued The saint that jumped into the river rescued the young woman, brought her to the shore, and revived her using the mouth-to-mouth resuscitation technique. The other monk remained indifferent and was shocked by his friend’s action as he considered it to be against the principles of sainthood. Soon the young woman re...

Kumari Puja is the worship of young girls (girl child) during Navratri and Durga Puja. Kumari Puja 2025 date is September 30 and October 1. Also known as Kanya Pooja or Kanjak Ashtami Puja, it is observed on Durga Ashtami day (September 30) in some regions and on Mahanavami (October 1) in some regions. Young girls who are considered to be the living incarnations of Goddess Durga are worshipped on the day. Each age holds a specific symbolism. Chaitra Navratri Kanya Puja 2025 is on April 5 and April 6. Most people perform it on Ashtami. Kumari Puja means ‘Virgin Worship.’ The details of age and rituals of Kumari Puja are mentioned in the Nila Tantra. Symbolism of Age of Girl in Kumari Puja Two-year-old girl child is known as Kumari; she is worshiped for attaining peace and prosperity Three-year-old girl is known as Trimurti - for attaining wealth, strength and moksha. Four-year-old girl is known as Kalyani - for Vidya (knowledge), power and position. Five-year-old g...