The concept that the ultimate goal of life is wisdom is deeply ingrained in Hindu teachings. Within Hinduism, life is viewed as a journey toward spiritual enlightenment and self-realization, with the attainment of wisdom being the pinnacle of this journey . Let's explore this teaching further: Transient Nature of Pleasure and Possessions: Hindu philosophy emphasizes the impermanence of worldly pleasures and material possessions. These are seen as fleeting and ultimately inconsequential in the grand scheme of spiritual evolution. While pleasures and possessions may bring temporary satisfaction, they are left behind upon death, and only wisdom endures beyond the physical realm. Wisdom as Eternal: Unlike material wealth or sensual pleasure, wisdom is considered eternal and transcendent. It is acquired through introspection, self-study, and a deep understanding of spiritual truths. Wisdom enables individuals to perceive the underlying unity and divinity in all existence, leading t

The enmity between Jarasandha and Sri Krishna stemmed from a complex web of historical events and personal vendettas. Here's an expanded explanation: Alliance with Kamsa: Jarasandha, the powerful ruler of Magadha, had established a strategic alliance with Kamsa, the evil maternal uncle of Sri Krishna. He married his daughters to Kamsa, cementing their ties. However, when Krishna eventually defeated and killed Kamsa, Jarasandha was left aggrieved by the loss of his daughters' husbands. Outrage at Krishna's Actions: Jarasandha's outrage at the demise of his daughters' husbands fueled his animosity toward Krishna. He saw Krishna as responsible for the widowhood of his daughters and sought revenge for this perceived injustice. Repeated Battles: Jarasandha, driven by his desire for vengeance, waged numerous battles against Krishna and the Yadavas. He launched relentless attacks on Mathura , Krishna's stronghold, in an attempt to avenge the deaths of his daug

The story of Vidyudabhi, the axe of Parashurama, is steeped in Hindu tradition and holds significant symbolism within the narrative of Parashurama's life and his mission to restore dharma (righteousness) on Earth. According to Hindu tradition, Parashurama was the sixth avatar (incarnation) of Bhagavan Vishnu, born to the sage Jamadagni and his wife Renuka. Parashurama was renowned for his martial prowess and unwavering dedication to upholding righteousness. Shiva, the destroyer aspect of the Hindu trinity, played a pivotal role in shaping Parashurama's destiny by bestowing upon him the powerful weapon known as Vidyudabhi. Vidyudabhi, often depicted as a formidable battle-axe crackling with divine energy, was a gift from Shiva to Parashurama. It symbolized both destruction and renewal, representing the cosmic balance inherent in Hindu mythology. Shiva also imparted invaluable martial knowledge to Parashurama, teaching him the art of wielding the axe along with other combat

Barbarika's story, rooted in Hindu tradition and the epic of Mahabharata, is rich with moral and spiritual lessons. Here's an expanded narrative of Barbarika's journey and his significant role in the Mahabharata: Barbarika, also known as Khatushyam, was born with exceptional skills and divine lineage. As the grandson of Pandava Bhima and the son of the mighty warrior Ghatotkach and his wife Kamkantakata, he inherited remarkable prowess in combat from his lineage. However, his destiny was intertwined with a profound curse due to his past life as a Yaksha named Suryavarcha. In his previous existence, Suryavarcha's arrogance led him to challenge the authority of even the gods. When the world was engulfed in darkness due to the prevalence of Adharma, the divine beings beseeched Vishnu to intervene. Suryavarcha, in his pride, claimed that he alone could alleviate the world's suffering. This audacious claim invited the wrath of Brahma, who cursed him to be born on Ea

The five great vows of Bhagavan Sri Rama or the five Vratas of Rama are To give protection to all those who sought his refuge ; To abide strictly by the promised words of the father and mother; To be responsible, as a king, to the people of his kingdom even at the cost of his own personal comfort; To be totally unperturbed in the most adverse of circumstances; and Never to flaunt his real (divine) stature which was always hidden behind his human exterior. The five great vows were so excellently and so exemplarily pursued by him throughout his life that even after several millennia, his very name itself is Divinity personified in the entire Hindu world. Bhagavan descends from the pedestal of perfection and assumes an imperfection in terms of a name and form so that human beings may be weaned away from the path imperfection and mortality and put onto the path of perfection and immortality. This descent of the Divine from its divine pedestal is called an Avatar. The complete

Dreaming of famous celebrity is a good sigh as per dream meaning and interpretation. Dreams of a famous celebrity could symbolize your desire to embody those qualities or aspects of their personality. For example, dreaming of a confident and charismatic celebrity might indicate your own desire for confidence or recognition. Dreams of a famous celebrity could be a projection of your own desires for wealth, fame, or admiration. Seeing yourself interacting with a famous celebrity in a dream may symbolize your aspirations for recognition, success, or fame in your own life. It could indicate a desire for validation or acknowledgment of your talents and abilities. Sometimes, dreams involving celebrities can represent unresolved issues or emotions related to them. Perhaps you admire this celebrity greatly or have strong feelings about them, and your subconscious is processing these emotions through the dream. Admiring their qualities:  Celebrities often represent things we admire or aspire

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Sunday, April 7 2024 – It is Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during the 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 the waning or dark phase of moon till 4:42 AM on April 7. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 2:17 AM on April 8. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on April 7, 2024 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Purva Bhadrapada or Pooruruttathi nakshatra till 11:21 AM on April 7. Then onward it is Uttara Bhadrapada or Uthrattathi nakshatra till 9:42 AM on April 8. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, no

The Infinite Consciousness in Hinduism is the fundamental essence of existence, transcending all dualities and distinctions. It is beyond the limitations of individual identity and ego, encompassing the entirety of creation. Imagine you have a big container that holds everything in the world - the trees, the animals, the sky, the stars, stones (virtually all animate and inanimate) and even your thoughts and feelings . This container is called "Infinite Consciousness" in Hinduism. It's like a huge, invisible ocean that everything swims in. Now, usually, we think of ourselves as separate from everything else. For example, you might think of yourself as different from your friend or your pet. But Infinite Consciousness says, "Hey, we're all connected!" It's like if you imagine drops of water in the ocean. Each drop might seem separate, but they're all part of the same ocean. Similarly, in this big container of Infinite Consciousness , everything -

Barbarika's story, particularly about the Three Arrows (Teen Baan), is a fascinating tale from Hindu scriptures. Barbarika, born to Ghatotkacha and the grandson of the mighty Bheema and Hidimbi, was destined for greatness. His lineage bestowed upon him great strength and valor, but it was a divine gift from Bhagavan Shiva that truly set him apart. As a token of his divine favor, Shiva gifted Barbarika with three remarkable arrows, known as the Teen Baan. These arrows were not ordinary; they held extraordinary power that would shape the course of battles to come. The first arrow was imbued with the ability to mark targets, serving as a harbinger of destruction. Whatever object or being it marked would meet its demise when the third arrow was unleashed. Conversely, the second arrow held the power of preservation. When employed, it marked those entities or things that were to be spared from the impending destruction brought forth by the third arrow. This arrow became a symbol of

In the ancient land of Bharatavarsha, there lived a sage of great wisdom and virtue named Vasishtha. He was renowned throughout the celestial realms for his profound knowledge and his unwavering devotion to righteousness. As a Brahmana, he upheld the sacred duties entrusted to his caste and dedicated his life to the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. In his quest for self-realization, Vasishtha was bestowed with a divine weapon known as the Brahmadanda . Crafted by the creator of the universe, Lord Brahma himself, the Brahmadanda was a symbol of protection reserved solely for Brahmanas. Endowed with mystical powers, this sacred rod had the remarkable ability to deflect and neutralize any harm directed towards its rightful owner. As Vasistha immersed himself deeper into his spiritual practices, he remained humble and compassionate, earning the respect and admiration of both mortals and gods alike. However, his path was not without obstacles, for envy and resentment often lurked in

Chandrahasa, a sword with a distinctive curved blade reminiscent of a crescent moon, derives its name from its appearance, translating to "the laughter of the moon" in literal terms. This legendary weapon holds a significant place in Hindu mythology and epic tales. According to the lore, Chandrahasa was bestowed upon Ravana , the formidable demon king, by Lord Shiva himself. This divine gift came as a result of Ravana's repentance and praise towards Shiva after an incident where he lifted the mountain on which Shiva and Parvati were seated, out of arrogance. Utilizing the Chandrahasa sword, Ravana committed a notorious act by severing the wings of Jatayu, a noble bird who valiantly attempted to rescue Sita during her abduction. This action emphasized the sword's formidable power and its association with Ravana's dark deeds. However, the sword also carried a potent prophecy. It was foretold that if Ravana were to wield Chandrahasa for wrongful purposes or ev

A collection of teachings from Shivananda Lahari Day in and day out I roam about in vain in search of wealth and food for this little belly of mine. Oh Bhagavan, I know not how to serve you. But fortunately, by some iota of merit in my past births, You are still in my heart as in everyone’s and therefore, Oh Bhagavan of Beings, You should protect me. (Shloka 57) Oh, Bhagavan of all Beings, the one sun (which is so far away) is able to destroy darkness that pervades earth and heaven and become visible. Your luminosity exceeds that of a crore of suns. Why then, do you (who are so near to me as my heart) not become visible to me? How intensely dense should my darkness (Ignorance) be? Please destroy this Yourself.  Become directly manifest to me! (Shloka 58) O Master! O God! Is it not enough for people like me to serve Thee even once through making obeisance, singing praise, worship, meditation, listening to Thy story, or having a sight of Thee? By what else but these can liberation b

Dreaming of sidewalk is both positive and negative sign as per dream meaning and interpretation. Dream of sidewalks may indicate a desire for stability in your waking life or a need to stick to a certain path or routine. Dreams of sidewalks may suggest that you are seeking direction or clarity in your life, or it could symbolize your current path and whether it feels like the right direction for you. Sidewalks in dream may indicate reflection on past experiences, memories, or nostalgia for a certain time or place in your life. Smooth sidewalk:  This can symbolize feeling grounded, confident, and making progress in your waking life. You have a clear path ahead and feel stable in your direction. Connection and Social Interaction: Sidewalks are also places where people gather and interact. Dreaming of sidewalks may symbolize your social life, relationships, or the need for more social interaction. Cracked or uneven sidewalk:  This might represent challenges or obstacles you're

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Saturday, April 6 2024 – It is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi and Trayodashi tithi or the twelfth and thirteenth day during the 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 the waning or dark phase of moon till 7:07 AM on April 6. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Trayodashi tithi or the thirteenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 4:42 AM on April 7. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on April 6, 2024 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time till 10:19 AM.  Nakshatra  – Satabhisha or Sadayam or Chathayam nakshatra till 1:02 PM on April 6. Then onward it is Purva Bhadrapada or Pooruruttathi nakshatra till 11:21 AM on April 7. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, G

In Hinduism, the concept of the interconnectedness of God and all beings is central to many teachings. According to this philosophy, both God and all sentient beings possess consciousness. This understanding forms the basis of Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy that delves into the non-dual nature of reality. Advaita Vedanta takes this teaching a step further by positing that at the Absolute level, there exists only one Infinite Consciousness. This Infinite Consciousness is the fundamental essence of existence, transcending all dualities and distinctions. It is beyond the limitations of individual identity and ego, encompassing the entirety of creation. At the relative level, this Infinite Consciousness manifests itself in various forms, including living beings and the divine. In other words, the same Consciousness that permeates all beings also exists in God. This realization leads to the understanding that there is ultimately no separation between the individual soul

Anukarana literally means imitation (also mimesis or representation), secondary being, a term used in Hindu aesthetics and dramaturgy. Anukarana in the sense of imitation is used to denote both the mimetic function of the actor in the theater and the imitation of ideas and expressions from a source-text by subsequent poets. Literary theoreticians like Shankuka and Mahimabhatta use the term in the former sense. According to Shankuka, the function of an actor is the imitation of action of the original character. The actor approximates himself to the mood and action of the original character through acting, and the spectator, for all practical purposes, identifies the actor with the character though being aware that they are not identical. This particular relationship between the actor and character is explained on the basis of chitraturaga nyaya, wherein we identify an image of the horse with the real horse itself even when we are aware of the difference existing between the image and th

The story of Indra, Kamadev, and Sage Narada, as recounted by Goswami Tulsidas in the Ramcharitmanas, delves into the complexities of human nature and the challenges posed by envy and temptation. Narada, the revered saint and messenger of the gods, found himself deeply engrossed in meditation despite his usual wandering caused by a curse. His intense focus on ascetic practices posed a threat to Indra, the king of the heavens, who feared losing his position of power. In his desperation, Indra conspired to distract Narada from his spiritual pursuits. To execute his plan, Indra enlisted the help of Kamdev, the god of lust and sensuality, renowned for his ability to sway even the most virtuous individuals. Armed with his bow "Madan" and a quiver full of arrows representing various emotions, Kamdev embarked on his mission to disrupt Narada's meditation. Despite Kamadev's relentless efforts, employing arrows of sensuality, rage, terror, and obscenities, Narada remain

Govinda is one of the most important names of Bhagavan Vishnu. It is one among the 12 important names of Bhagavan and is found in the Vishnu Sahasranama. The greatness of Govinda name stems from the fact that it is one among the 14 names of Vishnu Bhagavan which are scripturally most sanctified and which are very often used for the most fundamental of all rituals and pujas, namely the Achamanam. Govinda means the Bhagavan of the Cows. Go means cow. That is why Bhagavan is also called Gopala (the protector or sustainer of cows). He is also Govinda because he rescued Go (Mother Earth) from demon Hiranyaksha who had carried it away. Adi Sankaracharya chose this name of Bhagavan in the spiritually significant devotional poem Bhaja Govindam. The short 30 verses poem comprises the whole of Hindu philosophy and teachings. The name Govinda occurs twice in the Vishnu Sahasranama. Spiritual discourse by Vaishnavas especially on Puranas or Ramayana or Mahabharata is usually preceded b

The story of the golden mongoose and Yudhishthira in the Mahabharata carries significant symbolism, illustrating moral principles and the concept of righteousness. This story is found in the Ashvamedhikaparva, Chapter 90 of the Mahabharata. In this story, Yudhishthira and his brothers, along with their wife Draupadi, are completed the most difficult Ashvamedha sacrifice. They encounter a talking mongoose who praises Yudhishthira's generosity and righteousness. However, when Yudhishthira asks the mongoose if anyone has achieved greater charity than him, the mongoose narrates the story of a poor Brahmin who sacrificed everything he had to help others, even at great personal cost. Despite this, the mongoose says that Yudhishthira's charity doesn't surpass that of the Brahmin. The symbolism in this story is profound: Yudhishthira's Virtue and Dharma: Yudhishthira is renowned for his adherence to dharma (righteousness) throughout the Mahabharata. His actions are often

An important teaching of  Jyothi Ramalinga Swamigal Think of a bullock-cart. The bullock is a conscious animal. The cart is an inert object. The two are yoked by the ‘driver’ (resident of the cart) for reasons known only to himself. How does he ‘yoke’ them? By passing the bridle-rope through the bullock’s nose, and holding it himself, and also passing a rope through its neck and linking it with the frontal portion of the cart. And then it is the driver who is making the cart go; the bullock doesn’t know when the journey will end. This is exactly the situation of the Jiva. It is ‘yoked’ to this body by the Universal Director (Driver) who decides when to start the journey of the Jiva in this body; and at that precise moment he ‘passes the bridle-rope through the nose’ by providing life-giving breath to this Jiva-body bondage and makes them go. He, and no one else, knows when the journey will end! The cart is jada. The bullock is the chit. This is the chit jada granthi. ..................

Dreaming of family get together is both positive and negative sign as per dream meaning and interpretation. Dream of a family gathering may reflect your longing for connection and belonging. It could indicate that you crave the support and love that family provides. If you've had conflicts or estrangements within your family, dreams of a family get together might symbolize a subconscious desire for reconciliation or healing of relationships. Family gatherings often evoke feelings of nostalgia for happier times. Dreaming of such events could indicate a yearning to relive or recreate moments from the past when family relationships were stronger or more harmonious. Dreaming of a family get-together may represent a need for support or unity in your waking life. It could signify a desire for a support system to help you navigate challenges or celebrate successes. Emotional Fulfillment: Family gatherings are typically associated with emotional warmth and fulfillment. Dreaming of such

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Friday, April 5 2024 – 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 9:26 AM on April 5. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 7:07 AM on April 6. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on April 5, 2024 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Dhanishta or Avittam nakshatra till 2:38 PM on April 5. Then onward it is Satabhisha or Sadayam or Chathayam nakshatra till 1:02 PM on April 6. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Dha

  ॐ पूर्णमदः पूर्णमिदं पूर्णात् पूर्णमुदच्यते। पूर्णस्य पूर्णमादाय पूर्णमेवावशिष्यते॥ (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, 5.1.1) ‘The mantra "Om Purnam Adah Purnam Idam" is a shanti mantra and it comes from the Ishavasya Upanishad and the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, both belonging to the Shukla Yajurveda. It serves as a peace invocation, invoking the Supreme Consciousness, Brahman. Purnam adah: This indicates that Brahman, the ultimate reality, is omnipresent and all-pervading. Just as space exists everywhere without limitation, Brahman permeates everything in existence. Purnam idam: This part of the mantra signifies that everything perceived as limited and distinct in the manifest world is also Brahman in essence. Despite appearances of diversity and multiplicity, all phenomena are fundamentally rooted in Brahman. Purnat purnam udacyate: Here, it is suggested that the manifest world emerges from Brahman as its cause. The diversity and multiplicity of the world are m

In Hindu astronomy, Nadivalaya Yantram is an instrument based on the meridian and then positioned on a particular latitude equivalent angle. The center of the semicircle of this contrivance contains a nail, the shadow of which shows the local time. By applying the true difference correction (of local time and standard time), the Indian Standard Time can be obtained. From March 21 to September 22, if we position our body to the south of this instrument, the sun will not be visible for six months at a stretch. Between September 23 and March 20, if we stand on the northern side, the sun will be invisible for these six months. On both sides semicircles are drawn and nails are positioned. On whichever semicircle the shadow of the nail falls, that particular hemisphere (northern of southern) will be the hemisphere of the sun. Thus, it will be confirmed that from March 21 to September 22 the sun is visible in the northern hemisphere , and from September 23 to March 20 it is visible in the

Rukmini, often regarded as an incarnation or avatar of Goddess Lakshmi in Hindu tradition, holds a significant place as the principal wife and queen of Lord Krishna, a central deity in Hinduism. Her character is imbued with virtues such as devotion, beauty, and wisdom, which align with the attributes associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. Throughout various scriptures and narratives, Rukmini's portrayal consistently emphasizes her divine connection to Lakshmi. As the consort of Lord Krishna, she symbolizes not only marital bliss but also embodies auspiciousness and divine grace. In Hindu tradition, the union of Rukmini and Krishna is often celebrated as an epitome of divine love and harmony, reflecting the union of wealth and prosperity with spiritual fulfillment. Rukmini's devotion to Lord Krishna is legendary, illustrating the deep bond between the devotee and the divine. Her unwavering love and dedication serve as an inspiration for devo

As Hanuman ventured through the rugged terrain of Gandhamadana Mountain in search of the elusive Sanjeevani herb, his heart was heavy with the urgency of rescuing Lakshmana. Amidst the dense foliage and echoing melodies of nature, he stumbled upon a group of Gandharvas, celestial beings known for their musical prowess. Approaching them with humility, Hanuman beseeched their aid, sharing the dire circumstances surrounding Lakshmana's life-threatening condition. However, to his surprise, the Gandharvas seemed oblivious to the legends of Rama and the epic battle with Ravana. Confusion clouded their expressions as they listened to Hanuman's tales of valor and desperation. Yet, before Hanuman could delve deeper into the discourse, jest turned to aggression among the Gandharvas. Teasing him mercilessly, they prodded at his patience until it wore thin. Despite his divine strength, Hanuman remained steadfast, retaliating with swift blows as chaos erupted amidst the serene surround

There is no historical record regarding the time of Thirumoolar Sadasiva Brahmendra. It is believed that he lived somewhere between the mid-16th century CE and mid-18th century CE. Even to think about time in regard with Sadasiva Brahmendra is a human folly, as he was a saint who broke away from all man-made conventions. As per Upanishad teachings, knower of Brahman is Brahman. Sadasiva Brahmendra grew up in Tamil Nadu and was a prodigy in Hindu philosophy especially Vedanta. As per his personal life, he is believed to have had an early marriage but had spiritual revelation on the day his wife reached puberty. He renounced the world on the day and concentrated on his studies. He was a famous debater but this got him into trouble many times as those who were defeated by his scholarly powers complained to his Guru about this. Finally, his Guru asked him to keep quiet. He literally took the order of his Guru and took a vow of silence and he kept it up for the rest of his life. He bec