What makes us different from other people is our genuineness. Our authenticity does not depend on schooling, culture, religion, gender or nationality. It is something that is independent of all external factors. It is a direct reflection of the hidden truth in us. This is what makes us unique. But unfortunately we are ignoring our genuineness and we are always imitating or blindly following. We are subduing the enormous imagination and creation within us. To impress others and to make temporary gains we are becoming someone else. We are far removed from the real us. If we want to achieve success in life, stop imitating and stop pretending. Stick to the real us. What we do today, determines where we will stand tomorrow is an advice we get to hear from many quarters. It is very much true. But what should we be doing no one tells us this. Advisers rarely have solutions. We should be doing that in which we have a genuine interest. A person is a good painter but he goes to college and ...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Sunday, 7 November 2021 – It is Shukla Paksha Tritiya tithi or the third day during waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Tritiya tithi or the third day during waxing or light phase of moon till 8:36 PM on November 7. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Chaturthi tithi or the fourth day during waxing or light phase of moon till 6:15 PM on November 8. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on November 7, 2021 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Anuradha or Anusham or Anizham nakshatra till 3:43 AM on November 7 . Then onward it is Jyeshta or Kettai or Triketta nakshatra till 2:01 AM on November 8. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north K...

What is holiness? Does one become holy by externally giving up all worldly ties and objects, dressing in a particular way, having a specific name, eating sanctified food, living in an ashrama and following a specific style of living? Of course, these traits do indicate that a person is different from others; he is living differently and is perhaps holy. These are external marks and, in a larger scheme of life, they have role to play. They indicate something sublime is in the offing. And person endowed with these is likely to be on his way to holiness. These marks can protect him from many temptations, safeguarding him from the dangers of certain demands of the world. They may also be a reminder to him that he is treading a holy path. A holy person ‘belongs’ to God. His dress and other traits tell others that he should be given all the liberty and opportunity to practice his spiritual ideal. A bell is rung when one sees him—that one should also try to live a holy life. But holiness...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Saturday, 6 November 2021 – It is Shukla Paksha Dwitiya tithi or the second day during waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day during waxing or light phase of moon till 1:19 AM on November 6. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Dwitiya tithi or the second day during waxing or light phase of moon till 11:00 PM on November 6. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Tritiya tithi or the third day during waxing or light phase of moon till 8:36 PM on November 7. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on November 6, 2021 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Vishakha or Vishakam nakshatra till 5:20 AM on November 6 . Then onward it is Anuradha or Anusham or Anizham nakshatra till 3:43 AM on November 7. (Time applicable i...

The story of Ahalya, wife of Gautama Rishi, is an important episode in the epic Ramayana. Ahalya story happens during the exile period of Sri Ram and is found in the Bala Kanda. Bhagavan Sri Ram touches a stone near the Ashram of Gautama Rishi and it suddenly turns into a woman. This was Ahalya who was cursed by her husband to become a stone. Indra, the king of demigods, was infatuated by the beauty of Ahalya. He attempted to seduce her by taking the form of Gautama Rishi. Ahalya did not stop the advances of Indra, although Ahalya knew that it was not her husband who was approaching her. When Gautama Rishi, who had gone for his morning bath, suddenly returned and Indra took the form of a cat and escaped from the ashram. The rishi, however, knew through his yogic powers what had occurred. He cursed his wife, turning her to stone, and put a curse on Indra as well. It is said that Indra was cursed to roam around with 1000 vaginas on his body. Later Indra did penance and turned th...

Story of Upamanyu symbolically states that unwavering devotion to a particular form is better than worshipping too many forms. Upamanyu was the only child of a couple who had retired to the forest after having relinquished all earthly desires. The little boy Upamanyu used to play all the day in the forest while his father meditated. He ate forest fruits and slept on the lap of his loving mother. One day while roaming in the forest, Upamanyu met a traveler who gave him some cow’s milk to drink. Upamanyu narrated the incident to his mother and asked her to provide cow’s milk from next day. His mother was unable to procure cow’s milk, and all her efforts to divert his attention did not succeed. His vexed mother then told him that he would have to perform Tapas to Lord Shiva if wanted to get milk. The boy then undertook severe penance to have darshan of Shiva. Shiva soon appeared in the form of Indra and asked him what boon he wanted. But the boy did not want any ...

Bhakti is the process of giving a concrete shape to the divinity immanent in all aspects of this universe. The connecting of what one perceives through the senses with the highest divine principle, which could be seen as the highest reality, is the path of bhakti. A complete self-abnegation is the goal of bhakti and true bhakti can be achieved only by complete annihilation of the petty ego, the ego that stresses on the individuality of a person. The discipline of bhakti is practised at three levels: the stage of the aspirant, the stage of the divine mood, and the stage of becoming one with the chosen ideal. Bhakti is the nectar that destroys all suffering and creates constant bliss. Bhakti brings spiritual maturity to the aspirant and weakens one’s ego. Supreme bhakti eschews all desires and the only desire of a bhakta is to be immersed in the thought and essence of God. Source – Prabuddha Bharata magazine July 2017 page 14 Bhakti: Giving Shape to the Immanent D...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Friday, 5 November 2021 – It is Shukla Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day during waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Amavasya tithi or the no moon day till 3:31 AM on November 5. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day during waxing or light phase of moon till 1:19 AM on November 6. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on November 5, 2021 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Swathi or Chothi nakshatra till 6:56 AM on November 5 . Then onward it is Vishakha or Vishakam nakshatra till 5:20 AM on November 6. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Swathi or Chothi nakshatra till 5:08 AM on Novembe...

Prithu was one of greatest emperors of ancient India . Story of the birth of King Prithu is found in the Puranas. In the great lineage of Dhruva, there was a king named Anga. He had a son named Vena, who was cruel and arrogant from childhood. King Anga was distressed with the behavior of his son. He made innumerable efforts to reform his only son. But all his efforts failed and in terrible anguish he left his kingdom. As there was no ruler, the Saints were compelled to make Vena the next king. After being made king, Vena’s adharmic activities only increased. Vena declared himself as god and unleashed a reign of terror. Fed up with his activities, Vena was killed by his subjects with the help of saints. As there was no one to take over the kingdom, dacoits and thieves began to loot people. There was utter lawlessness. The saints thought it was their responsibility to find a ruler. They then took the body of Vena and churned it while chanting mantras. From i...

Balussery Kotta Vettakkorumakan temple is located near Balussery in Kozhikode district, Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Vettakkorumakan. The ancient shrine is situated within the ruins of Balussery Kotta (Fort).   As per local belief, the temple was initially a Bhagavathi temple. It is said that Vettakkorumakan was first worshipped on the wall of the sreekovil. It chaithanyam was later transferred to the peedam in the sreekovil. The darshanam of Balussery Kotta Vettakkorumakan temple is towards west. Only noon puja (uccha puja) is performed here. The Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple are Bhagavathi, Ganapathi, Ayyappan and Subrahmanian. The annual festival in the temple begins with kodiyettam on Dhanu 26. Vettaikaran pattu is held on Dhanu 27. The most important offering in the temple is breaking of 12,000 coconuts – Pantheerayiram thengayeru. The breaking of 12,000 coconuts continuously in a rhythmic motion during the annual festival attracts thousands of devote...

Ravana was waiting for his death after he was mortally wounded by the arrow of Bhagavan Sri Ram. Then, Bhagavan Sri Ram asked Lakshman to approach Ravana and take his advice on leading a successful life. An arrogant Lakshman first approached Ravana, stood near his head, and demanded that he share his knowledge with the victors, as they will use it for the good of his people. But Ravana did not speak. Lakshman returned to Bhagavan Sri Ram and informed what had happened. Bhagavan Sri Ram reprimanded Lakshman by saying that when you to learn something from someone you should always take your place near the feet of the person. Lakshman then went and stood near the feet of Ravana and asked him to share the wisdom required for leading a successful life. Ravana then gave three advices: Never delay in doing a good thing. There is no need to look for good time etc. When you have decided to do good works do it immediately. Never underestimate any being in this world. Ta...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Thursday, 4 November 2021 – It is Amavasya tithi or the no moon day in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during waning or dark phase of moon till 5:30 AM on November 4. Then onward it is Amavasya tithi or the no moon day till 3:31 AM on November 5. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on November 4, 2021 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Chitra or Chithira or Chithira nakshatra till 8:12 AM on November 4 . Then onward it is Swathi or Chothi nakshatra till 6:56 AM on November 5. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Chitra or Chithira or Chithira nakshatra till 7:43 AM on November 4 . Then onward ...

Amnaya comprises Vedas, family or national customs and received doctrines. In the sense of Vedas, it indicates the entire sacred lore of the four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva), and the related disciplines of traditional study (Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads). In this sense it is a source and authority of dharma. In the meaning of “usage and customs”, it is equivalent to the word sampradaya (conventions). In the sense of received doctrine and advice, it is taken to mean Vedanta philosophy and the religious temple traditions. In this sense, the four institutions established by Shankaracharya (dated from 6 th century BCE to 8 th century CE) are very significant. Shankaracharya, the monistic interpreter of the philosophy of Upanishads, desired that knowledge should be made available to seekers in all corners of ancient India. He established four pithas under the stewardship of his four disciples. These four main institutions are called the Caturamnayapitha. The four Amnaya P...

Trilokinath temple is located about 9 kms from Udaipur in Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh. The shrine was constructed during the mid 8th century CE. The main deity worshipped in the temple is Shiva – the six-armed Shiva murti is believed to have been installed by Guru Padmasambhava. The Buddhists of the region worship the deity as Avalokiteshvara. A popular story says that a Kulu Raja reached Trilokinath and tried to carry off the idol, but was defeated in the attempt, as the stone became too heavy to move. There is a mark on the right leg of the marble figure, which is said to have resulted from a sword blow by a Kullu soldier of the time. Udaipur Trilokinath Temple Story Built in the Kashmiri – Kannauj style, the temple has been repeatedly renovated over the centuries, most recently in the 1980s, and only the column and bases in the porch remain of the original construction. This shikhara shrine stands on a raised platform. The temple consists of a curvilinear stone towe...

We live in a world in which proof, date and time is of great importance. We want to prove that our God lived on earth from this date to that date. A chronological order of events of the God on earth makes it even more effective. However, Hinduism does not believe in dates, Hindu scriptures never mention dates, and some of the authors of these scriptures even do not mention their name. Dates and names are of no use in self-realization. Therefore, if you search for the proof of Rama and Sri Krishna you will be lost in the artificial man made world and you will never reach your destination. Rama and Sri Krishna is an experience. Bhagavan taking the form of a little child and playing the lap of his mother, doing naughty things, getting punished…such incidents are a direct connect between Bhagavan and devotee. You do not need a proof for it. Every time a devotee discovers this love, a devotee experiences ecstasy. Tears have trickled down from devotees for thousands of years, it continu...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Wednesday, 3 November 2021 – It is Krishna Paksha Trayodashi and Chaturdashi tithi or the thirteenth and fourteenth day during waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Trayodashi tithi or the thirteenth day during waning or dark phase of moon till 7:13 AM on November 3. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during waning or dark phase of moon till 5:30 AM on November 4. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on November 3, 2021 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Hasta or Atham nakshatra till 9:14 AM on November 3 . Then onward it is Chitra or Chithira or Chithira nakshatra till 8:12 AM on November 4. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts o...

Kartik month (October – November) is one of the auspicious months in Puri Jagannath Temple. The last five days of the month starting from Ekadasi to Purnima is highly auspicious in the Puri Temple. The three deities (Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra) appear in different Beshas (dress or clothes) during the last five days of Kartik month. Lakshmi-Narayana Besha This Besha is also known as Thiakia Besha. It is done on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Kartik Month. It is stated that the worship of Lakshmi and Narayana has gained popularity in Jagannatha consciousness, since the visit of Ramanuja, the great religious preacher to this holy land of Shri Kshetra Puri. Lakshminarayan Besha of Bhagavan Jagannath was during end of 12th century or the beginning of 13th century. It is believed that Thiakia Besha, Bankachuda Besha, Dalikia Besha, Adikia Besha and Raja Beshas of the deities were introduced during the sojourn of Shri Nimbarkacharya at Srikshetra, Puri, i.e. during the per...

Chamba district and Pangi in particular, in Himachal Pradesh, is known for its fountain stones, almost as sacred as Hindu temples. Often elaborately carved and dedicated to Varuna, the Hindu god of water, seas, rivers and oceans. They are also erected in memory of the dead; many of the stones are dated – thus providing invaluable clues to historians. Dhadya, near the Padar border, has a quaintly carved fountain stone. It is decorated with numerous images, including Ganesha, Varuna, a horseman, birds, snakes and animals – and is among the region’s most well preserved fountain stones. Situated about 11 kms from Sach village in the ‘romantic Sechu glen’ is the region’s largest found stone, measuring 2X2.2 m. Its three rows of carvings depict various gods, including Shiva, Varuna, Indra, Ganesha (seated uncharacteristically, on a lion), Skanda, Vishnu and several river goddesses, including Ganga, Yamuna, Jhelum and Indus (Sindhu).

If an egg is broken by an outside force, life ends. If broken by an inside force, then life begins. Great things happen from the inside. A beautiful saying – universal truth – core of Hindu Teaching Further Explanation This profound quote captures the essence of transformation and growth from within, symbolized by an egg. When broken by an external force, the life inside is destroyed. But when the transformation comes from within, it is the beginning of new life, representing the power of inner growth and self-transformation. Let’s explore this further through the lens of Hindu philosophy, symbolism, and modern-day relevance. Symbolism of the Egg The egg symbolizes potential, life, and transformation. It is a closed system, protecting what is within until it’s ready to emerge. If the shell is broken from the outside, it represents external pressure, often destructive. However, if the shell breaks from within, it is a sign of growth, readiness, and life emerging on its own ter...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Tuesday, 2 November 2021 – It is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day during waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day during waning or dark phase of moon till 8:34 AM on November 2. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Trayodashi tithi or the thirteenth day during waning or dark phase of moon till 7:13 AM on November 3. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on November 2, 2021 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Uttara Phalguni or Uthiram nakshatra till 9:56 AM on November 2 . Then onward it is Hasta or Atham nakshatra till 9:14 AM on November 3. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnata...

Hindu auspicious days are looked for buying selling and various other purposes. Good dates in November 2021 in Hindu calendar given below are based on India Standard Time. The auspicious dates and time in November 2021 are good for house warming, joining job, starting work, buying car or house, moving into new rented home, registration of property, villa, house flat, birth, visiting, first visit, buy bike, buying flat, house, property, villa, etc. Hindu Auspicious Days and Time in November 2021 November 4 November 5 November 6 November 10 November 12 November 13 November 16 November 20 November 21 November 22 good time after 9:07 AM November 24 November 25 November 27 good time till 7:57 AM November 29 good time till 4:57 PM November 30 Bad dates – These dates should be completely avoided – November 3, 7, 11 and November 17 Certain dates that might not be mentioned above are neither good nor bad. They are average dates. You won't get the desired results if auspicious ...

Amsha Avatar is the part manifestation or half avatar of Vishnu or Shiva in Hinduism. It is distinguished from the full manifestation (purnavatara). Some of the Puranas describe twenty two and twenty four manifestations of Bhagavan Vishnu, but are important – Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Balarama, Krishna and Kalki (which is yet to come). Even among these ten manifestations, Narasimha, Rama and Krishna are considered as full manifestations in which all the divine characteristics are present. The rest are Amshavataras. Besides, sages, gods and the valiant sons of Manu are all Amsha Avatars of Bhagwan Vishnu. In the Balakanda of Ramayana, when Bhagavan Vishnu descended as Rama, the different gods are referred to as having descended as monkeys and bears. Similarly, in the Adi Parva of the Mahabharata, the Pandavas, Kauravas and others are described as Amhavataras of the gods. The scriptures declare that the entire universe consisting of movable and immova...

Chathankulangara Narasimha temple is located around 500 meters from Chenganoor Mahadeva temple. It is believed that Sasthamkulangara might have become Chathankulangara and therefore this might have been a Sastha temple earlier. The sankalpam of Narasimha Murti in the temple is that of along with Goddess Lakshmi and blessing Prahlada. The temple is famous for its wooden sculptures. The murti of Narasimha worshipped in the temple carved in wood and is considerably big. The darshanam of Chathankulangara Narasimha murthy is towards west. Women are not allowed inside the nalambalam. The Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple are Sastha, Ganapathy, Naga and Rakshas.  The 10-day annual festival begins with kodiyettam on the Thiruvonam nakshatra day in Kumbham month (February – March). It is believed that Narasimha Murti was the upasana murti of Munjira Swami who arrived here as part of his pilgrimage. He performed puja in the place and later he was unable to life the murti as it had...

Real spirituality means an attempt to go beyond the mind. The scriptures declare that the spiritual experience is beyond the limits of mind and speech. Therefore the question arises as to the relation between spiritual practice and the mind. The fact is we have to go beyond the mind through the mind. The scriptures also declare: ‘The Atman is to be attained only through the mind.’1 It is somewhat like going beyond the river by swimming across it. If a person is tied to a pole with a rope, one will untie the rope with great difficulty, throw away the rope, and become free. Similarly groping the mind alone we have to go beyond the mind. Spiritual aspiration, knowledge, devotion, spirit of dispassion, and related ideas are within the domain of the mind. Both the spiritual and the secular life depend upon the mind. It is said that the human being is the mind with a body, not the body with a mind. In all matters, mind only matters. Our happiness and miseries, our relationship wit...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Monday, 1 November 2021 – It is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during 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 waning or dark phase of moon till 9:31 AM on November 1. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day during waning or dark phase of moon till 8:34 AM on November 2. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on November 1, 2021 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Purva Phalguni or Pooram nakshatra till 10:15 AM on November 1 . Then onward it is Uttaraphalguni or Uthiram nakshatra till 9:56 AM on November 2. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north K...