In Hindu philosophy, the heart is regarded as the sacred seat of emotions, wisdom, and the divine spark within every individual. The ancient wisdom embedded in the scriptures teaches that holding onto resentment not only weighs the spirit down but also obstructs the natural flow of compassion and love. A heart free from the burden of grudges is considered “blessed” because it aligns with the cosmic order and fosters inner peace, spiritual growth, and harmonious relationships. The Nature of Resentment in Hindu Thought Resentment is seen as a corrosive emotion that disrupts the natural balance of the mind and spirit. In Hinduism, negative emotions such as anger, envy, and resentment are believed to cloud one’s judgment and block the path to self-realization. The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, one of Hinduism’s most revered texts, emphasize the importance of controlling one’s emotions and maintaining equanimity. Lord Krishna advises Arjuna that succumbing to anger and resentment binds ...

The teaching "Surrender everything to God and do your duties in the world" encapsulates a fundamental principle in Hindu philosophy, particularly within the paths of Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion) and Karma Yoga (the path of selfless action). This teaching encourages individuals to find a balance between spiritual devotion and practical responsibilities. Key Concepts: Surrender to God (Bhakti Yoga): Devotion and Surrender: Bhakti Yoga emphasizes complete devotion and surrender to God. This involves offering one's thoughts, actions, and will to the divine, trusting that God will guide and protect. Letting Go of Ego: Surrendering to God means letting go of the ego and the illusion of control, recognizing that the divine will is paramount. Love and Trust: It fosters an intimate relationship with the divine, characterized by love, trust, and humility. Performing Duties (Karma Yoga): Selfless Action: Karma Yoga focuses on performing one's duties without ...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Tuesday, June 10 2025 – It is Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 10 :55 AM on June 10. Then onward it is Purnima tithi or the full moon day till 12 :29 PM on June 11. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on June 10, 2025 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time till 11:35 AM.  Nakshatra  – Anuradha or Anusham or Anizham nakshatra till 5:58 PM on June 10. Then onward it is Jyeshta or Kettai or Triketta nakshatra till 8:02 PM on June 11. (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 ...

Why Some Scholars Consider Sita As One Of Panchasatis In Hinduism; When She is Not Part Of The Original List The concept of the Panchasatis, or Pancha Satis, holds a revered place in Hindu tradition. Literally meaning “Five Virtues” or “Five Steadfast Ones,” the Panchasatis are a set of female exemplars whose lives and conduct embody the highest ideals of womanly virtue. Traditionally, this illustrious quintet comprises Anasuya, Ahalya, Draupadi, Tara, and Mandodari. Yet a growing number of scholars and thinkers have argued for the inclusion of Sita, the heroine of the Ramayana, in this esteemed group. This article explores the arguments for Sita’s elevation to Panchasati status, examines the reasons behind her traditional omission, and considers the impact of her inclusion on the established list. Origins and Significance of the Panchasatis The Panchasatis emerged in medieval devotional literature as archetypes of feminine virtue. Each woman on the list endured testing trials—rangi...

Prayers as a Path to Inner Purification: Beyond Material Desires In Hindu philosophy, the act of prayer is not merely a ritualistic plea for material benefits—it is a profound journey towards self-purification, self-realization, and spiritual evolution. While many contemporary perspectives often view prayer as a means to manifest desires or secure favorable outcomes, ancient Hindu scriptures and the teachings of revered saints emphasize that true prayer is an inward process aimed at cleansing the mind and heart, transcending mundane wants, and ultimately connecting with the divine. Historical and Scriptural Foundations Hindu scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita , the Upanishads , and various Smritis present a multifaceted understanding of prayer. These texts make a clear distinction between prayers meant for material gains and those intended for inner transformation. The Bhagavad Gita , for example, extols the virtues of selfless action (karma yoga) and devotion (bhakti yoga), high...

The texts of ancient Hinduism, particularly the Agni Purana (chapters 249-252) and the Vishnudharmottara Purana (chapters 178-182), provide extensive details on Dhanurveda, the science of archery, including the making and usage of arrows. Given that bows require arrows to function, these texts delve deeply into the characteristics and types of arrows used in ancient times. Materials and Construction Arrows in the ancient Hindu world were primarily made from two materials: Bamboo: Known for its flexibility and strength, bamboo was a common material for crafting arrows. Steel: Steel arrows were used for their durability and piercing power. To enhance their aerodynamics and accuracy, feathers of birds were typically affixed to the back end of the arrows. This practice is similar to modern fletching. Additionally, the front end of the arrows was sometimes coated with poisonous substances, making them more lethal upon impact. Types of Arrows The ancient texts describe five pr...

Mahabhagavata – The Embodiment of Devotion to Bhagavan Vishnu The term Mahabhagavata in the Pancharatra Agamas represents more than just a title—it signifies a spiritual ideal and a way of life dedicated entirely to the worship of Bhagavan Vishnu. The Pancharatra tradition, with its rich theological and ritualistic fabric, defines a mahabhagavata as one who has rigorously committed to both internal transformation and external practices. To truly appreciate this ideal, it is important to understand its three core qualifications: the five purificatory rites (pancha-samskaras), the nine modes of bhakti, and the comprehensive knowledge of the five doctrines (arthapanchaka). The Five Purificatory Rites: Pancha-Samskaras The pancha-samskaras are a series of rites designed to sanctify and purify the devotee’s body and spirit. One of the most striking practices is the ritual branding on the arm—a physical symbol of one's unwavering dedication to the divine. Each rite, from initiation ...

In heaven, there was a Gandharva named Chitrasen, whose daughter Chitrangada was abducted by Ravana. From their union, a son named Virbahu was born. Virbahu grew up to be a pious boy, a devoted follower of Rama. His devotion was so deep that he prayed earnestly to Brahma, who, pleased with his devotion, granted him a mighty elephant. This elephant was as powerful as Airavata, the celestial elephant of Indra. Brahma also foretold that Virbahu would win battles with the help of the elephant, and that the day the elephant died, Virbahu would also meet his end. Additionally, Brahma assured him that his devotion to Vishnu would lead him to heaven at the end of his life. When Ravana called upon Virbahu to fight against Rama, Virbahu was delighted. He saw this as an opportunity to meet his supreme deity, Rama, and attain moksha (liberation). In the ensuing battle, Virbahu proved his might by defeating Angada and Hanuman, along with other powerful Vanaras like Nala, Nila, Kumuda, Devendra,...

A comparison between the Lokapālas and the Dikpālakas in Hinduism In Hindu cosmology, the maintenance of universal order is a central theme, and several deities are tasked with protecting the world and its sacred directions. Among these, the Lokapālas and the Dikpālakas play critical roles as guardians. The term Lokapāla literally translates to “protector of the world,” while Dikpālaka signifies “guardian of the direction.” At first glance, both groups appear to be synonymous. However, a closer look reveals that their designations and functions are context-dependent. While both sets of deities oversee cosmic order, the Dikpālakas are primarily associated with the cardinal directions and their corresponding natural elements, whereas the Lokapālas encompass a broader cosmic safeguarding role that extends beyond mere directional protection. Historical and Mythological Background Origins and Scriptural Mentions The tradition of invoking divine guardians is ancient, with references a...

Living in Harmony with the Infinite: Embracing the Cosmic Sacrifice in Hindu Life Hinduism presents a rich and multilayered understanding of the cosmos—one that sees the entirety of creation as a grand, divine sacrifice. This concept, known as virat yajna (the Cosmic Sacrifice), holds that the Infinite Supreme Being self-sacrificed to manifest the entire universe, encompassing all living and non-living entities. For a Hindu, individual life becomes a joyous participation in this cosmic drama, enabling one to live in perfect harmony and in tune with the Infinite. This article explores the depths of this philosophy, delving into its historical origins, comparing it with Abrahamic traditions, examining the science and metaphysics behind it, and highlighting its modern-day relevance and practical benefits. Understanding Virat Yajna: The Cosmic Sacrifice At the heart of Hindu philosophy lies the idea that the universe itself is an ongoing yajna —a sacred ritual of self-offering. The ter...