Yudhisthira Mimamsaka (1909 – 1994) was a Vedic scholar and writer. Pandit Yudhisthira Mimamsaka occupies distinguished place among the traditional Vedic scholars, critics and writers. He was born on September 22, 1909, in Ajmer District in Rajasthan. His father, Pandit Gaurilal Acharya, was a school teacher. He has written a number of books, commentaries on Vedas and Brahmanas, and books on Nirukta, Vyakarana and Mimamsa. Bucesvara Temple in Karnataka - 12th century Shiva Temple - A Masterpiece Of Hoysala Architecture Most of his works are in Hindi and a few are in Sanskrit. Among these are: Nirkuta Samuccaya (1938) Bhagavritti Samkalanam (1940) Dasapadi Unadivrtti (1942) Sikshasutrani (1946) Daivampurusakara Varttikopetam (1962) Kasakrishna Dhatupatha (1965) Kasakrtsna Vyakaranam (1965) Patanjala Mahabhasya (1972-76) Katyayana grihya sutra (1983) Vaidik Svara Mimamsa (1958) Vaidik Chandomimamsa (1960) Srauta Yajna Mimamsa (1987) History of Sanskrit Grammar 3 vols in Hindi (1951, ...

Uragas in Hinduism are synonymous with nagas or snakes. They have been translated as serpents. They are not quite snakes as they have semi-divine qualities and dwell in a separate nether region. The uragas reside in the north and northwestern parts of ancient India as per the Mahabharata. As per Mahabharata, Arjuna during Rajasuya Yagna of Yudhisthira had visited the Uragas and had got them to accept the invincibility of Yudhisthira. At this time, Uragas were ruled by Rochamana. As per Puranas, Uragas were born from Kadru and Sage Kashyapa. The word uraga is used for serpents and snakes in many Indian languages including Marathi, Sanskrit and Malayalam. Legend has it that Uragas had gifted weapons to Arjuna during the exile period of Pandavas in the Mahabharata. It is said that Arjuna met Uragas when he was on his way to meet Indra. It is believed that Uragas were a very popular and powerful tribe of ancient world. They could transform into serpents and back into human form...

Usha Devi Temple, located at Nichar, is around 38 kms from Sarahan, 68 kms from Rampur and 16 kms from Bhabanagar in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. Usha Temple is set within a walled compound and guarded by colorful painted tigers, has four ancient structures along with a modern temple dedicated to Shiva. The deity is among the most popular goddesses in Kinnaur. Usha Devi is the representation of dawn and is the consort of Surya Bhagavan, the sun god in Hinduism. She is also the sister of Sungra Maheshwar, and daughter of Banasur. Her murti in the temple has traces of gold. The door the main temple is inscribed with several scripts, including Takri, and decorated with images of deities carved on brass. Inside the temple, the walls and pillars are lovingly decorated with colored carvings. The other buildings in the temple compound include a treasury and a kitchen-cum-assembly where, on festive occasions, devotees gather to eat.

There is too much negative talk around – Let us do some positive talk and move ahead. Being critical most of the time will only alienate friends, colleagues and family. Too much negative talk will push us into the well of no hope and there will be no escape from it. Always complaining about something or other becomes a habit. It then kills all form of hope and goodness in us. We attempt to get pleasure from bad mouthing and negative talk. We also do not realize the very same people with whom we were having negative talk will go to another place and badmouth us. Lakshmana Temple At Khajuraho -  built between 930-950 CE We all have our likes and dislikes but we cannot be adamant about them. We need to be flexible and we need to adjust so that we can make our life happy and of those around us. A great deal of good things happen around us but we are not able to realize them because we are caught in the whirlpool of negativity. Social media, newspapers, television are a...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Friday, 7 May 2021 – It is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 5:20 PM on May 7. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 6:17 PM on May 8. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on May 7, 2021 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time after 7:28 PM.  Nakshatra  – Purva Bhadrapada or Pooruruttathi nakshatra till 2:30 PM on May 7. Then onward it is Uttara Bhadrapada or Uthrattathi nakshatra till 4:03 PM on May 8. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and sout...

Krita, Treta, Dwapara and Kali are four yugas (Taittiriya Samhita IV.3.3). These four names are connected initially with different throws of dice in the game of gambling: vocable krita occurs in Rig Veda 10.34.6, where it signifies “a lucky throw”, “the highest throw”, “victorious throw.” An unlucky throw is known as kali and is referred to in the Rig Veda 10.34.2 by the word eka-para indirectly. In the Mahabharata also, they signify throws of dice. These terms were used, it appears, in the sense of various throws of dice, even up to the latest period of Vedic literature. 15th Century Temple At Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan The word yuga is derived from yuj (to connect), and it has several semantic nuances. It occurs 33 times in Rig Veda. In some places it means ‘yoke’ (Rig Veda 10.101.3.4). In some other places it signifies a period of time. The concept of yuga as a period of five years is indicated in some later texts, eg Arthashastra of Kautilya, the Mahabharata, Vayu Purana and Ved...

Chaturbhuja Temple at Naggar, is around 20 kms from Kullu and 25 kms from Manali, in Himachal Pradesh. This is one of the oldest Shikhara temples dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu in this region of Himachal. The Chaturbhuja temple dates back to the 9th-10th centuries. The shrine is near to the famous Naggar castle. The shrine is accessed by a steep downward path that goes down from the castle. The four-armed or Chaturbhuja murti of Bhagavan Vishnu is made of ashtadhatu – an alloy of eight metals. The murti measures 1.2 meters in height. It stands on a pedestal carved with lotus flowers. A Shivling and couple of other stone murtis are found along the walls of the temple. The roof of Naggar Chaturbhuja temple is made of stone and decorative work is minimal. But the shikhara is noticeably different. Instead of being the usual tall shikhara as is the case in most other temples, the one here is broad and squats low. This makes the outer wooden canopy over it look broad, and hence, the tem...

Quotes and Quips on various aspects of life. There is no great war in life. However, there are these frequent little battles. If we can win these little battles, then life becomes a success. Those who run away from the little battles of life never make it to the podium happiness.  Too much analysis takes the zest out of life. It is fine to listen to the heart even if it is illogical. We will need to evolve constantly to reach the goal of self-realization. Never stop learning. When we stop learning, we are opening the door to the unreal. If we need to know the real, keep learning.  Peace is possible when we are ready to accept diversity.  The moment we are ready to drop desire and attachment, the mind will become calm and relaxed. Mayuranatha Swamy Temple at Mayavaram town in Mayiladuthurai District, Tamil Nadu The goal of every person is happiness. But sadly, the majority of us do not know what is happiness. We think the wave to be happiness. But i...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Thursday, 6 May 2021 – It is Krishna Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 4:52 PM on May 6. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 5:20 PM on May 7. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on May 6, 2021 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Satabhisha or Sadayam or Chathayam nakshatra till 1:27 PM on May 6. Then onward it is Purva Bhadrapada or Pooruruttathi nakshatra till 2:30 PM on May 7. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karna...

Yukti Kalpataru is a famous treatise in Sanskrit principally on ship building in ancient Hindu world. It was written and compiled by king Bhoja of Dhara (C 1000 – 1055 CE) of the Paramara dynasty. And therefore it is also known as Yukti Kalpataru Of Bhoja. There are references to shipping and shipbuilding in other languages of the world but Yukti Kalpataru is the oldest book which deals with shipbuilding in such exhaustive detail. Apart from Shipping, Yuktikalpataru also touches upon many other topics like selection of jewels, swords, horses, elephants, ornaments, flags and so on. The book begins with the selection of wood for building boats and ships. The ships are built using light and hard and this type of wood cannot be joined with other types of woods like soft and heavy or hard and heavy or light and soft. The light and hard wood brings wealth and happiness as per the author. Ships made of other types of wood are not good and do not last long. They rot in water early and ar...

Laddu gopal is the baby form of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. The belief is that chanting Laddu gopal mantra will help couples in having children. This particular Krishna mantra for childbirth should be performed continuously for 41 days. Laddu Gopal Mantra For Childbirth Devaki Sutam Govindam Vasudev Jagatpate Dehi Mein Tanayam Krishna Twamaham Sharanam Gatam देवकीसुतं गोविन्दम् वासुदेव जगत्पते। देहि में तनयं कृष्ण त्वामहं शरणं गतः।। How To Chant Laddu Gopal Mantra For Childbirth? First and foremost is unwavering devotion in Sri Krishna. If prayers are done with doubt in mind it will never be fulfilled. The mantra can be chanted for minimum 21 days. It is also chanted for 45 or more days. First wake up in the morning and take bath. Offer prayers to Ganesha in mind. Next is to prepare few laddus for Sri Krishna. The couple should make the laddus together. Next keep a murti or painting of child Krishna or of Laddu Gopal in the east side of the house. Sit facing eas...

The best and only way to overcome fear is to know the fear. Here are some important tips to overcome fear. What is stopping us from facing our life problems is fear. Fear of failure. Fear of future or uncertainty and Fear of being rejected Fear stops us from connecting with people. We cannot be happy in the present because we fear the future. Fear is the reason why postpone many things that are dear to us. We drag our feet due to fear. Another fear that causes a lifelong problem is the thought that I am not good enough. We run away from all these fears. We never want to face them. As we do not want to face them, we make excuses. We blame others. We cause distractions. Running away from fear is never effective and is not a solution. It only makes matters worse. How to overcome fear? Face the fear. Be honest and admit that we have fears. Feel it and go through the stress, pain, and discomfort it creates. Once you are able to understand the damage, it can cause; yo...

The most auspicious and best mantra for new home is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Bhagavan Vishnu. Below is the mantra for new home. The mantra should be chanted by person wishing to have a new home or starting to stay in a new home. Mantra For New Home Om Lakshmi Vishnu Graham Deho Dehi Samarprayami ॐ लक्ष्मी विष्णु ग्रैहम देहो देहि समर्पयामि  The mantra should be chanted sitting facing east at sunrise. The person should wear yellow color clothes. Meditate of Ganesha. Then bring into mind the image of Goddess Lakshmi and Bhagavan Vishnu. Light lamp using pure cow ghee. Keep yellow flowers and offer a yellow color sweet. Another offering to make is a yellow piece of cloth. Chant the mantra 108 times. The person chanting the mantra should plant Tulsi and Parijata tree and take care of them. The person should also plant mango trees and banana plant in abandon places or in a place you own. The tree and plant should be taken care of till they can be on their own.

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Wednesday, 5 May 2021 – It is Krishna Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 4:57 PM on May 5. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 4:52 PM on May 6. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on May 5, 2021 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Dhanishta or Sravishta or Avittam nakshatra till 12:55 PM on May 5. Then onward it is Shatabhisha or Sadayam or Chathayam nakshatra till 1:27 PM on May 6. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and sout...

Abadhita Jnana is the non-contradictable knowledge, a concept of knowledge preferred by the Advaita schools of philosophy. In an error, for instance, in the rope mistaken for a snake, the snake-cognition is false because it is contradicted on closer scrutiny by the knowledge that it is a rope and not a snake as was believed at the first look. To take another instance: in all the three experiences of waking, dream and deep sleep, the instruments of knowing change. Hoysaleshwara Temple, Halebeedu - Karnataka But the same consciousness witnessing all the three states remains the same, bearing testimony to all of them as, “I saw”, “I dreamt” and “I slept”. Hence it alone is real. Abadhitatva (incontrovertibleness) at all times is the mark of the true proposition and real existence. However, propositions can be entertained, as in the case of practical life in the world, provisionally as true till they are contradicted by another piece of evidence. Hence all empirical kno...

Manu Maharaj temple is a very rare temple dedicated to Manu in Manali Himachal Pradesh. In Hinduism, Manu refers to the archetypal man, or to the first man progenitor of humanity. The Sanskrit term for 'human', means 'of Manu' or 'children of Manu'. As per Hindu scriptures first Manu was Svayambhuva, the spiritual son of Brahma. The main murti in the Manu Maharaj temple is a pindi of Manu Rishi. The shrine is one of the very few temples in India exclusively dedicated to Manu, who is today famous for the Manu Smriti. The small wooden temple is located in the old quarters of Manali. The town of Manali derives its name in fact, from Manu Alaya, the abode of Manu. A modern structure was built around the old temple in the late 1970s. The new building is of stone, and far taller than the original, with an arched gateway and a view of the surrounding mountains.

Today is Hanuman Jayanti - the birthday of Hindu God Hanuman. He was born on the Chaitra Purnima day as per calendars followed in North India and western parts of India. When Rama asked Hanuman as what he thought of him, Hanuman said: "When I think I am body, I am Thy servant, O Lord. When I feel, I am Jiva, I am your part, when I feel I am Atman, you and I are one." (Ramayana) Swami Vivekananda on Hanuman's Nishta Hanuman lived very long, and was a great Yogi, and during his lifetime Rama came again as Krishna, and he, being a great Yogi, knew that the same God had come back again as Krishna . He came and served Krishna , but he said to Him, ‘I want to see that Rama form of yours’. Krishna said ‘Is not this form enough? I am this Krishna ; I am this Rama; all these forms are mine’. Hanuman said, ‘I know that, but the Rama form is for me. The Lord of Janaki and the Lord of Sri are the same; they are both the incarnations of the Supreme Self;...

Adversities can be overcome only with determination. Never give up always keep moving. We should keep evolving. We should adapt. But never change our goal. Stay focused. Single-minded focus alone takes us to success. O descendent of the Kurus, the intellect of those who are on this path is resolute, and their aim is one-pointed. But the intellect of those who are irresolute is many branched (Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 – Verse 41) The resolute mind is always one-pointed. The thoughts of the determined are always focused. Real power is in the power of hard work and determination. Sometimes we have the wrong notion that prayers, rituals and luck can substitute for hard work. But this is not true. Those with limited understanding, get attracted to the flowery words of the Vedas, which advocate ostentatious rituals for elevation to the celestial abodes, and presume no higher principle described in them. They glorify only those portion of the Vedas that please their senses, and p...

 Mantra for quick sleep is dedicated to Chandra (Moon God) and Shiva together. Many people chant the mantra for getting sleep quickly. The mantra is highly beneficial for those people who are troubled by sleep issues, waking up suddenly at night, unable to continue sleep after waking up and sleeplessness. Mantra For Quick Sleep ॐ  ह्रीं चंद्र-मॉलिशराय नमो नमः  Om Hreem Chandra-Maulisharaya namo namaha The mantra should be chanted early morning around 4:30 AM. Keep a vessel filled with water on the northeast side of the house. Sit facing northeast and chant the mantra 108 times. After chanting the mantra study if you are a student. Other people should read the Bhagavad Gita or the Ramayana. After chanting the mantra, take lukewarm water in a mug and press a lemon in it. Drink this water and then sit facing the rising sun for 15 minutes. The mantra should be chanted for 41 days. Do not sleep during day time. Chant the mantra 21 times again during sunset....

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Tuesday, 4 May 2021 – It is Krishna Paksha Ashtami tithi or the eighth day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Ashtami tithi or the eighth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 5:30 PM on May 4. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 4:57 PM on May 5. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on May 4, 2021 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Shravan or Thiruvonam or Sravana nakshatra till 12:52 PM on May 4. Then onward it is Dhanishta or Sravishta or Avittam nakshatra till 12:55 PM on May 5. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south ...

The mantra for negative energy is dedicated to Bhairava form of Shiva. The person chanting the mantra should clearly understand the purpose for chanting the mantra and its consequences. Below is the mantra for negative energy. Mantra For Negative Energy ॐ फट ह्रीं स्वः भैरवा उग्रसंहाराया फट फट स्वः Om Phat Hreem Swaha Bhairava Ugrasamharaya Phat Phat Swaha The person chanting the mantra can use it to overcome negative energy. It can also be used to direct negative energy towards another person. The mantra should be chanted at 12:17 AM at night. The person chanting the mantra should sit facing south. A lamp lit of mustard oil should be placed in front. Keep a coconut near the lamp and smear it with kumkum. First pray what you have in your mind or your desire. Chant the mantra 108 times. Say again your desire. You should feed dogs during day time. Chant the mantra for 27 days with the same coconut. On the 28 th day throw the coconut in a river. The person should th...

The best mantra for night sleep is dedicated to Sri Krishna. You need to first stop all activities 1 hour before going to sleep. Below is the mantra for night sleep. Mantra For Night Sleep Om Namo Bhagavate Krishnaya Shayanaya Sukhame Namo Namah ॐ नमो भगवते कृष्णाय शयनय सुखमे नमो नमः  The mantra should be chanted after switching of television, all kinds of screens and mobile before night sleep. You should meditate for 10 minutes before going to sleep. Now sit facing east. Chant the mantra 108 times. Only think about Sri Krishna playing his flute. Next day, wake up early in the morning just before sunrise and meditate on rising sun. Offer water to rising sun by pouring it out of your hands. Do not sleep during the day time. The person chanting the mantra should plant herbs like tulsi, mint etc and take care of it. The person should also plant Parijata tree and neem tree in your own plot or in an abandoned land and take care of it.

Auspicious marks worn by Hindu women on their foreheads are symbols of wellbeing. The marks are also believed to protect the forehead from injury. Here is a look at the mention of forehead marks on Hindu women in Hindu scriptures. Reference to the use of sindoor, saffron etc on the forehead is found in the descriptions in the Puranas like the Brahma Vaivarta Purana. Vedic literature makes no mention of forehead marks of Hindu women. Valmiki Ramayana (II. 95a. 18) mentions that it was originally used as a charm to win over the affection of a person loved by a woman. Later, it came to be regarded as a mark of beauty. Sanskrit literary works describe the materials used to make forehead marks. They include: Chandana (Sandalwood paste – white and red) Kasturi (Musk) Sindhoora (red lead) and Kumkuma (red powder) Puranic literatures have several references of the forehead marks. It refers to the material used for making auspicious marks on the forehead for different p...