A representation of a crocodile or makara occupies an important place in Hindu art. It appears on Harappan seals dated 2000-2500 CE as floating in a stream along with a number of fish. Perhaps, it was associated with the religious beliefs of the Harappans. It goes without saying that the association of the creature with water and fish makes it very important in the array of fertility symbols which are very auspicious. The same holds true as it frequently appears at the vahana (mount) of the Goddess Ganga (river goddess) and also of Varuna (god of seas and water). Kamadeva, deity of love, is called Makara Dhvaja and his flag carries makara as a symbol. Crocodile frequently appears as a decorative motif in Hindu art. The creature is supposed to be the repository of jewels in Hindu culture and hence pearl strings are often showing issuing as froth from its mouth. Women in the Satavahana period (2nd century BCE to early 3rd century CE) were very fond of arranging their hair in a topkno

The Kichaka – Draupadi in the Mahabharata happened during the life incognito in exile period of the Pandavas. The Sarala Mahabharata of Odisha has an entirely different take on the entire episode. Pandavas had taken refuge in the kingdom of Virata. Matsya, the king of Virata, had married Sudeshna, sister of Kichaka. Kichaka was the chief commander of the army of Virata.  When Draupadi, disguised as Sairindhri, lived in the kingdom of Birata, she sought the help of Krishna and Surya Deva to evade the imminent danger of Virata’s brother-in-law Kichaka to whose palace she had to go with a letter from the queen of Virata. While praying to the Sun God she uses terms such as ‘one who wears garland of rays’ (Ansumali), ‘born of Aditi’ (Aditya), ‘God of destroyer of darkness’ (Timira bidarana Natha), and ‘the glowing Sun’ (Martanda). In course of the prayer she also recounts the greatness of Chandrabhaga and Konark. She prays to the Sun God to save her as he had saved her from utter sh

An excerpt from the editorial of Prabuddha Bharata Magazine September 2020 issue on the topic ‘knowledge and devotion in Advaita Vedanta. Advaita speaks of direct knowledge and indirect knowledge. Indirect knowledge is the means to direct knowledge. Direct knowledge is subjective and immediate, whereas indirect knowledge is gained through the combination of the senses, mind, and intellect. The Upanishads say that the knowledge of the ultimate Reality is subjective and is experienced beyond the realm of the senses. However, we first require indirect knowledge in order to realise the subjective intuitive knowledge. The intellectual knowledge gained through Shrava ṇ a, hearing; manana, contemplation on the truths of the Upanishads; and nididhyasana, profound meditation is merely an indirect knowledge. This knowledge removes the cloud of ignorance called avidya that has veiled the Reality, which is sat, pure being or existence; chit, pure consciousness; and ananda, pure bliss. In the

Dreaming of emerald stone is a positive omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will overcome all problems related to education, interview and exams. Dreams of emerald also mean change of fortune in financial matters. Dream of you wearing emerald stone means you will soon make right decisions regarding property, business partners and your income. Dream of seeing someone else wearing emerald stone means you will see improvement in health matters. It means better health in the family. Dreaming of seeing lots of emerald stone together is luck in lottery or games. It means new growth and huge financial success. Dream of broken emerald stone is associated with missed opportunity. Dreaming of emerald stone getting crushed means you will be cheated of your fortune or it means a mistake of yours will result in bad happenings in life.

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Friday, 17 June 2022 – It is Krishna Paksha Tritiya tithi or the third day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Tritiya tithi or the third day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 9:56 AM on June 17. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Chaturthi tithi or the fourth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 7:38 AM on June 18. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on June 17, 2022 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the full day.  Nakshatra  – Uttarashada or Uthradam nakshatra till 2:15 PM on June 17. Then onward it is Shravan or Sravana or Thiruvonam nakshatra till 12:43 PM on June 18.  (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasth