The Power of the Spoken Word: Oral Tradition in Spreading Hinduism’s Teachings Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest and most diverse religious traditions, has long stood as a testament to the power of oral communication. From the sacred Vedas to the epic narratives of the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the tradition of transmitting knowledge through spoken word has shaped the way generations understood and practiced their faith. The oral tradition not only served as the backbone of spiritual guidance among ancient communities but also played a pivotal role in spreading Hindu teachings among the literate and illiterate alike. By integrating teachings into everyday life, work, art, drama, and folklore, this mode of transmission ensured that the sacred knowledge remained accessible and vibrant across time and space. Historical Roots of the Oral Tradition in Hinduism The Vedic Era and Beyond The earliest foundations of Hinduism lie in the Vedic period, where the Vedas—sacred hymns and liturg...

50 feet Road Sri Kumaraswamy temple is located in Bengaluru South, Karnataka, and is dedicated to various gods from Hindu pantheon. The shrine is today noted for its towering Rajagopuram. Sri Kumaraswamy Temple History It is believed that the renowned Nadaprabhu of Bengaluru, Sri Kempegowda , established a Shivalinga on the hillock of Gondaranya in the southern part of Bengaluru nearly 400 years ago . In 1901 , Justice T. Narahariraya constructed the front hall (mantapa) and a gopuram . The hill was thus referred to as Narahariraya’s hill . In 1924 , Mahamahopadhyaya Vidyanidhi Siddhanti Sri S. Shivashankara Shastri , a court scholar of Mysore's Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar , installed a Saligrama stone idol of Sri Panchamukha Ganapati (a lion-mounted, five-faced, curved-trunked form), along with a six-sided copper plaque depicting Uma Maheshwara, Ganga, Gayatri, and Nava Shakti , marking the start of the ritualistic processions (Kavadis) . In 1954 , Sri Siddhanti Subramany...

Love and Understanding: The True Bond Beyond the Wedding Celebration In today’s world, weddings have become grand spectacles, often overshadowing the very essence of marital union—love and understanding between two individuals. Lavish ceremonies with elaborate decorations, designer attire, and opulent gifts command headlines, social media attention, and immense financial investment. Yet true marital bliss is not born of extravagance; it blooms from genuine affection, mutual respect, and shared values. Drawing upon the wisdom of Hindu scriptures and teachings of revered masters, this article explores how love and understanding form the bedrock of a lasting marriage, highlights societal imbalances, offers practical solutions, and uncovers lessons for life. The Cost of Celebration Modern weddings in many parts of India can run into crores of rupees, placing heavy burdens on families. Hosts often feel pressured to match or exceed previous celebrations, transforming sacred rituals into s...

Temple of the Reclining Lord at Thiruvekka: The Divine Dam of Vegavathi Nestled in the sacred town of Kanchipuram, the Temple of the Reclining Lord at Thiruvekka stands as a timeless testament to devotion, reconciliation, and divine grace. Revered as one of the 108 celebrated sanctuaries of Vishnu worship, this shrine enshrines a captivating tale of cosmic penance, celestial strife, and the compassion of the Lord who upholds the universe. The Divine Penance of Brahma In ages past, Brahma the Creator, moved by profound devotion, craved a vision of Lord Vishnu’s true form. Through ceaseless chanting and deep meditation, Brahma’s worship bore fruit in divine sight. Yet in a moment of lapse, the Creator found himself unable to conjure the Lord’s image, and a deep sorrow gripped his heart. A voice from the heavens proclaimed that to regain his vision Brahma must perform a hundred grand ashwamedha sacrifices. Realizing the enormity of such an undertaking, Brahma inquired if a single sacrifi...

The Ramayana, one of the most influential epics of Hindu literature, has transcended time and societal barriers to become a beacon of cultural unity and ethical guidance. During medieval India—a period marked by the rigidity of the caste system and a deep-seated divide between the literate and the illiterate—this epic stood out as an art form accessible to everyone. The story of Lord Rama, his unwavering righteousness, the eternal struggle between good and evil, and his journey through exile resonated with audiences regardless of their social status or literacy level. This article explores how the Ramayana appealed to all segments of society, explaining the channels through which it was transmitted and the reasons it captivated hearts across medieval India. An Epic Beyond the Written Word Oral Tradition: The Lifeblood of Storytelling In a period where education was reserved for the elite and many belonged to castes that did not have access to written texts, the oral tradition of sto...

Vishishtadvaita holds that all jivas are eligible for moksha. But one who is desirous of attaining it must strive for it by practicing saadhana, which will result in the Lord’s grace needed to achieve the goal. According to Vishishtadvaita, bhakti yoga and prapatti yoga are the two direct paths to this supreme goal of moksha. While Vedantic texts lay greater stress on bhakti as the way of sadhana, Vaishnava literature, like the Agamas and the Divyaprabandha of the Alvars, accord greater importance to prapatti. Bhakti is defined as mahanyya-vshaaye priti, intense love for the Supreme Being. As a means for moksha, it is a rigorous spiritual discipline which demands constant loving meditation, snehapurvam anudhyanam. It is a complex process involving upasana, worship of Brahman on the lines of the ashtanga-yoga prescribed in the yoga system. But practice of bhakti yoga presupposes knowledge of the self as arising from the proper practice of karma yoga and jnana yoga, as laid down in t...

The Mudgala Upanishad, one of the later Upanishadic texts, offers a profound metaphysical exploration of the nature of reality and the human condition. In its fourth and final section, the text presents a unique perspective on the relationship between the Supreme Purusha (Brahman) and the phenomenal world. The passage elucidates that the Supreme Purusha is inherently beyond all physical and mental constraints—it is without the six koshas (sheaths) that normally enclose and define the individual self. These sheaths, which include the physical body, energy, mind, intellect, and bliss, represent layers of existence that many spiritual traditions discuss in varied terms. In this section, however, the focus shifts to a particularly striking paradox: although Brahman is beyond these limitations, it willingly accepts the bonds of existence and assumes the role of the jiva—the individual soul entangled in the cycle of birth, death, and myriad experiences. Understanding the Six Koshas and Thei...

Breaking the Blame Cycle: Lessons from Hindu Wisdom Life’s challenges often invite us to find a scapegoat—be it friends, family, colleagues, fate, or the larger forces of the universe. “It always happens to me,” we sigh. “Nothing ever goes as I plan,” we lament. When this becomes a habitual outlook—shifting responsibility outward rather than owning our part—we lock ourselves in a cycle of victimhood and powerlessness. Hindu teachings, especially as found in the Bhagavad Gita and the epic of the Ramayana, offer profound insights and practical steps to transcend blame, restore inner balance, and embrace true spiritual growth. The Blame Habit and Its Consequences Blaming others may bring momentary relief—an external target for our frustration. Yet over time it breeds resentment, erodes our relationships, and stifles personal evolution. Psychologically, habitual blame keeps us stuck in the past, reinforces a sense of helplessness, and halts introspection. Spiritually, it distances us from ...

In Hindu philosophy, the belief that true understanding and worship of God should not be rooted in fear is a significant concept. This principle is articulated in various texts and teachings, suggesting that genuine knowledge and devotion arise from a place of love, understanding, and a desire for truth, rather than fear. This perspective aligns with broader Hindu views on the nature of divinity and the relationship between humans and the divine. Key Points of Hindu Teaching on True Belief and Knowledge of God Nature of God in Hinduism : In Hinduism, God is often seen as an all-encompassing, benevolent force that is beyond human comprehension. This divine presence is not something to be feared but revered and loved. The various forms of God in Hinduism, such as Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi, represent different aspects of the divine, each embodying certain principles and values that guide adherents toward righteous living. True Knowledge (Jnana) and Devotion (Bhakti) : Jnana Yoga : This path...

Dreaming of a guy protecting me is a good omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. Dream of a guy protecting me could be a manifestation of a desire for a strong, supportive, and protective partner in your life. It speaks to a yearning for security, love, and a sense of being cared for. Dreams of a guy protecting me can tap into the psychological concept of the "hero instinct" in men, where there's a primal desire to protect and provide for those they care about. Your dream could be reflecting a natural human desire to feel safe and cherished. The "guy" in your dream might not represent an external person but rather an internalized aspect of yourself. This could be your own inner strength, courage, or ability to protect yourself. The dream might be encouraging you to access and cultivate these qualities. If the guy represents a father figure or an authoritative male in your life (e.g., a boss, mentor, or even a spiritual figure), the dream could signify a...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Monday, July 7 2025 – It is Shukla Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day during waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day during waxing or light phase of moon till 10 :20 PM on July 7. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Trayodashi tithi or the thirteenth day during waxing or light phase of moon till 11 :55 PM on July 8. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on July 7, 2025 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Anuradha or Anusham or Anizham nakshatra on the entire day on July 7 and till 1:17 AM on July 8. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Anuradha or Anusham or Anizham nakshatra...