The Sacred Path of Ahimsa: Plant-Based Living in Hindu Tradition The ancient wisdom of Hinduism has long championed the principles of compassionate living through dietary choices that honor all forms of life. At the heart of this philosophy lies the concept of ahimsa—non-violence—which extends far beyond physical harm to encompass a complete way of life that respects and protects all sentient beings. The practice of following a plant-based or vegetarian diet, known as sattvic aahar, represents one of the most fundamental expressions of this sacred principle. The Spiritual Foundation of Sattvic Diet Hindu scriptures consistently emphasize the profound connection between what we consume and our spiritual development. The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered texts in Hindu philosophy, categorizes food into three distinct types based on their impact on consciousness and spiritual growth. As Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna: "Foods that increase life, purity, strength, health, joy...

Hrid Dhauti is an advanced cleansing technique in Hatha Yoga designed to purify the throat and upper digestive tract, enhancing overall health and promoting internal balance. The term "Hrid Dhauti" comes from Sanskrit, where Hrid means "heart" or "throat," and Dhauti means "cleansing." This practice focuses on eliminating toxins and impurities from the upper gastrointestinal tract. It is categorized into three types: Danda Dhauti, Vamana Dhauti, and Vastra Dhauti . Types of Hrid Dhauti and How They Are Performed Danda Dhauti (Cleansing with a stick or plantain stalk) A smooth, flexible stick or a tender plantain stalk is used for cleansing. Method : The stick is carefully inserted into the throat, rotated gently, and then withdrawn. This removes excess mucus and cleanses the throat passage. Vamana Dhauti (Cleansing through induced vomiting) This involves drinking lukewarm saline water and inducing vomiting to clear the oesophagu...

Divine Fire Within: Muruga as the Living Expression of Kundalini Shakti The Warrior God and the Serpent Power In the vast tapestry of Hindu spiritual wisdom, few deities embody the transformative power of consciousness as profoundly as Lord Muruga, also known as Kartikeya, Subrahmanya, and Kumara. Beyond his popular image as the youthful warrior god who vanquished the demon Tarakasura, Muruga represents something far more esoteric and transformative—the very embodiment of Kundalini Shakti, the dormant spiritual energy that lies coiled at the base of every human spine. The ancient sages understood that Muruga's stories were not mere tales but profound metaphysical teachings encoded in symbolic narratives. When the Skanda Purana declares, "Kumaro vai Brahma swarupa" (Kumara is indeed the form of Brahman), it points to his role as the awakened consciousness that pierces through layers of ignorance and limitation. The Symbolism of Birth and Awakening Muruga's extraor...

Lete Hanuman Ji Mandir in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is a rare and unique Hanuman temple in which Hanuman is in resting posture. He lies down instead of his regular meditation posture or standing posture. This rare reclining idol of Hanuman is 20-foot-long. During the monsoon, the idol becomes partially submerged due to rising water levels. Lord Hanuman is worshipped in this unique reclining posture near the Prayagraj Sangam, as instructed by Mother Sita. Lete Hanuman Ji Mandir Story According to a popular story, when Hanuman was returning after conquering Lanka, he felt very exhausted on the way. At that time, Mother Sita told Hanuman that he should rest on the bank of the Sangam (confluence) present day Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. Following Sita's instruction, Hanuman rested here, which is why Hanuman is worshipped in a reclining (lying down or resting) posture at this place. Lete Hanuman Ji Mandir History The temple's origins date back approximately 700 years. According...

The Three Sacred Paths of Hindu Spiritual Discipleship: Dakshina, Vama, and Uttara Marga Hindu spiritual tradition recognizes that the journey toward divine realization is not uniform for all seekers. The ancient wisdom acknowledges three distinct paths of spiritual discipleship, each suited to different temperaments, capabilities, and spiritual inclinations. These three paths - Dakshina Marga, Vama Marga, and Uttara Marga - represent comprehensive approaches to spiritual growth that have guided countless devotees through millennia of spiritual evolution. The Dakshina Marga: The Path of Traditional Righteousness The Dakshina Marga, literally meaning the "right-hand path," represents the orthodox approach to spiritual practice deeply rooted in Vedic tradition. Disciples following this path adhere strictly to the guidelines established in the Vedas, Smritis, and Puranas, forming the backbone of conventional Hindu spiritual practice. This path emphasizes dharmic living throu...

Liberation Through Non-Judgment: The Path to Spiritual Ascension in Hindu Dharma In the profound depths of Hindu philosophical thought lies a timeless truth that resonates across millennia: the liberation of the soul requires the conscious release of judgment's heavy burden. The ancient sages understood that the mind, when weighed down by constant criticism and negative evaluation of others and circumstances, becomes trapped in the lower realms of consciousness, unable to soar toward the divine light of self-realization. The Scriptural Foundation of Non-Judgment The Bhagavad Gita, Hinduism's most revered philosophical text, illuminates this principle through Krishna's teachings to Arjuna. In Chapter 12, Verse 13-14, Lord Krishna describes the qualities of a devotee: "One who is not envious but is a kind friend to all living entities, who does not think himself a proprietor and is free from false ego, who is equal in both happiness and distress, who is tolerant, alwa...

Living Fully Without Chains: The Hindu Art of Detached Engagement Life's greatest paradox lies in its very nature—we are called to experience its fullness while remaining free from its grip. Hindu philosophy offers a profound resolution to this paradox through the concept of detached engagement, where one participates completely in life's drama while maintaining inner freedom. This ancient wisdom teaches that the beauty of existence emerges not from sterile rationality or calculated transactions, but from wholehearted immersion coupled with spiritual liberation. The Dance Between Engagement and Freedom Hindu teachings never advocate for a life of cold calculation or emotional suppression. Instead, they recognize that human existence thrives in the realm of emotions, relationships, and experiences. The scriptures acknowledge that we are emotional beings navigating a world filled with desires, temptations, and passions. The question isn't whether to engage with these aspec...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Friday, December 5 2025 – It is Krishna Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day during the waning or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Purnima tithi or the full moon day till 5 :18 AM on December 5. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day during the waning or light phase of moon till 3 :01 AM on December 6. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on December 5, 2025 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Rohini nakshatra till 1:22 PM on December 5. Then onward it is Mrigashira or Makayiram or Mrigasheersham nakshatra till 11:47 AM on December 6. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Rohini nakshatra till 11:46...

The Divine Guardian of Transformation: Goddess Nirrti and Her Sacred Vehicle of Ghosts In the vast pantheon of Hindu deities, few figures evoke as much mystery and misunderstanding as Goddess Nirrti. Often perceived merely as a deity of destruction and misfortune, Nirrti represents far more profound spiritual truths that have guided seekers for millennia. The reference in Skanda Purana Chapter 2 Verse 7 to Goddess Nirrti riding upon a ghost reveals layers of symbolism that speak to the deepest aspects of spiritual transformation and the transcendence of worldly attachments. Nirrti, whose name derives from the Sanskrit root "nirr" meaning decay or dissolution, serves as one of the most essential yet challenging aspects of divine feminine energy. She personifies death, decay, and sorrow, but within Hindu spiritual understanding, these apparent negatives contain the seeds of ultimate liberation and spiritual growth. Scriptural Foundation and Divine Nature The earliest refere...

The Wisdom of Restraint: Reaching Less and Observing More in Hindu Philosophy In the bustling landscape of modern existence, where achievement and acquisition dominate our consciousness, ancient Hindu wisdom offers a profound counterpoint: the transformative power of reaching less and observing more. This timeless principle, woven throughout Hindu scriptures and exemplified by countless sages and deities, presents a pathway to deeper understanding, inner peace, and authentic spiritual growth. The Scriptural Foundation of Observant Restraint The concept of mindful observation over endless reaching finds its roots in the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna instructs Arjuna about the nature of action and inaction. In Chapter 4, Verse 18, Krishna reveals: "He who sees inaction in action and action in inaction, he is wise among men, he is a yogi and performer of all actions." This profound verse illuminates the wisdom of the observer consciousness - one who can perceive the deeper rea...

Author and Context The Ishtasiddhi , written by Vimuktatman around the 9th-10th century CE, holds a pivotal place in the Advaita Vedanta tradition. Vimuktatman was an influential Advaitin philosopher, regarded as an important successor in the lineage of Adi Shankaracharya, contributing to the dialectical and theoretical framework of Advaita Vedanta. His work, composed in Sanskrit, is a scholastic exploration into metaphysical issues, focusing primarily on addressing and refuting competing schools of Indian philosophy. Importance Polemical Significance : The Ishta Siddhi is a key text in defending Advaita Vedanta against rival interpretations, such as those of Nyaya, Samkhya, and Buddhist schools of thought. Its logical rigor earned it recognition as a reference point for later philosophers, both Advaitins and others. Contribution to Error Theory : The text is renowned for its treatment of the khyati theories (theories of error perception). Vimuktatman critiques various...

Lord Kartikeya: The Silent Guardian of Spiritual Warfare The Paradox of the Silent Warrior In the vast tapestry of Hindu spiritual tradition, Lord Murugan stands as a unique divine archetype - the warrior who conquers not through external force, but through the profound power of inner silence. Known by various names including Kartikeya, Skanda, and Subrahmanya, this beloved deity represents the ultimate synthesis of spiritual warfare and meditative tranquility. While most associate Murugan with his legendary battles against demons, the deeper esoteric teaching reveals him as the supreme guide for practitioners seeking to overcome the internal enemies of the mind through meditation and spiritual discipline. The Sacred Narrative: Birth of the Silent Warrior The Skanda Purana narrates how Murugan emerged from the divine consciousness of Lord Shiva specifically to combat the demon Tarakasura, who had become invincible through his spiritual austerities. However, the deeper symbolism rev...