Vrishasena: The Unsung Hero of Kurukshetra and the Selective Memory of History The Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics in Hindu literature, is not merely a narrative of war and dharma—it is a mirror held up to society, reflecting our deepest inconsistencies and biases. Among its many profound observations is the selective nature of fame and remembrance. While Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna, is celebrated across generations for his brave entry into the Chakravyuha formation and his tragic death at the hands of multiple warriors, another young hero of equal or perhaps greater valor remains largely forgotten: Vrishasena, the eldest son of Karna. The Valor of Vrishasena Vrishasena was not just any warrior on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Born to Karna and Vrushali, he inherited his father's exceptional archery skills and indomitable spirit. Throughout the eighteen-day war, he fought with distinction, facing some of the most formidable warriors of the Pandava army without flinchin...

When Ravana Weaponized Lies: The Ancient Art of Fake News And Misinformation in the Ramayana The assumption that fake news is a byproduct of modern technology and social media is fundamentally flawed. Deliberate misinformation, propaganda, and psychological manipulation have been integral to human conflict since ancient times. The Ramayana, one of Hinduism's most revered texts, provides profound insights into the mechanisms of deception and the critical thinking required to combat it. This ancient epic demonstrates that the battle against falsehood is as old as civilization itself, and the wisdom it offers remains strikingly relevant in our contemporary information age. The Illusion of Rama's Death In one of the most psychologically intense episodes of the Ramayana, Sita finds herself imprisoned in the Ashoka grove of Lanka, surrounded by uncertainty and despair. The demon king Ravana, having failed to win her consent through persuasion and threats, resorts to a more siniste...

Alop Shankari Temple: Prayagraj's Sacred Shakti Peeth Where Faith Transcends Form – Cradle Is Worshipped Here In the holy city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, there exists a unique Shakti Peeth where there is neither an idol of the Goddess nor any physical representation of her body part. This temple, known as the Alop Shankari Temple, is unique in that devotees worship a cradle wrapped in a red cloth (chunari). The Right Hand of Maa Sati is Said to Have Fallen at This Spot The Alop Shankari Temple is located on the road from Daraganj to Rambagh in Prayagraj. The surrounding locality is named "Aloopibagh" after the temple. The temple's story is rooted in the aftermath of the infamous Daksha Yajna , specifically the parts of Goddess Sati's dismembered body . The right palm of Maa Sati fell at this very spot, but it vanished afterward, which is why the temple is named "Alop Shankari" (Alop meaning "disappeared"). Locals also refer to the g...

The Fearless Quest for Truth: How Hinduism Champions Intellectual Courage A Living Tradition of Inquiry Hinduism stands apart among world religions in its remarkable encouragement of intellectual heroism and the relentless pursuit of truth. Unlike traditions that demand rigid adherence to fixed doctrines, Hinduism celebrates the courage to question, examine, and even renounce beliefs that do not stand the scrutiny of reason and experience. This unique characteristic stems from the fundamental understanding that truth is supreme, and no belief, however ancient or revered, should stand in the way of discovering ultimate reality. The Rigveda itself proclaims this spirit of inquiry: "Ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti" (Truth is one, the wise call it by many names) - Rigveda 1.164.46. This verse establishes that multiple perspectives and interpretations are not only acceptable but expected in the journey toward understanding the one universal truth. The tradition does not fear div...

The modern age is marked by astonishing scientific advancements and technological progress. Humanity has unlocked secrets of the cosmos, harnessed the power of atoms, and achieved incredible feats in medicine, engineering, and communication. Paradoxically, this era is also characterized by growing discontentment, inner turmoil, and pervasive violence. Hinduism, with its profound spiritual insights and millennia of accumulated wisdom, offers valuable perspectives on why external progress alone cannot guarantee inner peace and harmony. Through its scriptures, teachings, and the lives of its great sages, Hinduism illuminates the path toward addressing the root causes of this paradox. The Duality of Material Progress and Inner Discontent Hinduism asserts that external achievements, while necessary for worldly comfort, are incapable of fulfilling the deeper longing of the soul. The Bhagavad Gita (2.70) states: "He who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires—that enter like r...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Saturday, January 17 2026 – 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 Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 11 :52 PM on January 17. Then onward it is Amavasya tithi or the no moon day on the entire day on January 18 and till 1 :08 AM on January 19. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on January 17, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Mool or Moolam till 8:23 AM on January 17. Then onward it is Purva Shada or Pooradam Nakshatra till 10:24 AM on January 18. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and s...

The Sacred Black Head of Goddess Yellamma: Unity Beyond Caste and Class The Divine Paradox of Renuka Yellamma In the rich tapestry of Hindu religious traditions, few stories carry as profound a message about divine compassion and social unity as that of Goddess Yellamma, also known as Renuka Devi. The distinctive black head of this beloved deity represents one of the most remarkable transformations in Hindu religious narratives, embodying principles that transcend social boundaries and challenge conventional hierarchies through divine intervention. The Sacred Narrative of Transformation The story of Goddess Yellamma's transformation begins with Renuka, the devoted wife of the revered sage Jamadagni and mother of Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Renuka was known for her extraordinary devotion and purity, qualities that granted her supernatural powers including the ability to fetch water in unbaked clay pots through sheer spiritual strength. However, a moment of hum...

The Fluid Nature of Dharma: Why Hindu Philosophy Rejects Absolute Moral Certainty Introduction: Beyond Black and White Morality Hindu philosophy presents one of the most sophisticated understandings of ethics and righteousness found in any religious tradition. Unlike many belief systems that propose absolute moral laws, Hinduism embraces a nuanced concept called dharma, which recognizes that what is right depends heavily on context, time, and circumstances. This profound wisdom acknowledges the complexity of human existence and the impossibility of creating universal moral formulas that apply to every situation. The Sanskrit term dharma itself defies simple translation. While often rendered as "righteousness" or "duty," dharma encompasses a much broader concept that includes natural law, individual purpose, social responsibility, and cosmic order. Perhaps most importantly, dharma is understood to be contextual rather than absolute, changing based on one's sta...

Bhojavritti, also known as Rajamartandavritti, is a commentary on Yogasutra of Patanjali. Bhoja, the well-known versatile king of Malava (1018 – 60 CE), is the writer of this commentary. His other works are on rhetoric, Ayurveda, architecture, sculpture, science of war, and technology. Vritti is defined as a commenatary on the internal meaning of the sutra (aphorism). Bhoja has faithfully followed this dictum in his vritti. He declares in the introduction that he has explicitly explained the meaning of the sutras and avoided unnecessary expansion and therefore the vrittis meticulously explain each term of the sutra. Bhoja has heavily relied upon Vyasabhashya, the most authentic commentary on Yogasutra, and has also consulted Tattvavaisaradi of Vachaspati Mishra, a commentary on Vyasabhashya. However, he differs at times from these two predecessors. For example, while explaining the term Ananta of the sutra 2.47, both Vyasa and Vachaspati state that concentration on Seshanaga or Ana...

The Mahanubhav Sampradaya (meaning "The Great Experience" sect) originated in 13th-century Maharashtra, during the Bhakti movement period in Hinduism. It was formally established by Shri Chakradhar Swami, a spiritual reformer and saint, around circa 1260–1280 CE. The lineage traces back to five great gurus: Shri Krishna, Dattatreya, Chakrapani Maharaj, Govind Prabhu, and Chakradhar Swami. The Five Great Gurus (Pancha Krishna) in the Mahanubhav Sampradaya: Sri Krishna – Considered the Parabrahma (Supreme God) and the original source of all spiritual knowledge. Devotion to Krishna is central to the Mahanubhav sect. Lord Dattatreya – Seen as a manifestation of the divine trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh), he is venerated as an essential link in the spiritual lineage. Shri Chakrapani Maharaj – A pivotal saint whose spiritual wisdom and ascetic life deeply influenced the emergence of the Mahanubhav tradition. He was a forerunner who prepared the ground for future propaga...