The Divine Voice Within: Understanding Conscience in Hindu Philosophy In the vast tapestry of Hindu philosophy, few concepts are as fundamental to human spiritual evolution as conscience - that inner voice that distinguishes right from wrong and elevates man above the realm of mere animalistic existence. The ancient wisdom traditions of India have long recognized conscience as the divine spark within every human being, serving as both guide and guardian on the path toward spiritual enlightenment. The Nature of Conscience in Hindu Thought Conscience, known as "antaratman" or the inner self in Sanskrit, represents the moral compass that resides within every individual. It is the faculty that enables human beings to discern between dharma (righteous action) and adharma (unrighteous action), between what uplifts the soul and what degrades it. This inner knowing is not merely an intellectual understanding but a deep, intuitive wisdom that connects us to our higher nature. The ...

Khandana Khanda Khadya – Sweets Of Refutation: A Critical Analysis of Advaita Vedanta’s Polemical Masterpiece In the rich tapestry of Indian philosophy, debates and counter-debates have long played a crucial role in refining and clarifying the profound insights of the tradition. One such exemplary work is the Khandana Khanda Khadya by the 12th-century scholar Shriharsha. This treatise is not only an intellectual exercise in refutation but also an enduring symbol of Advaita Vedanta's quest to establish the self-luminous consciousness—Brahman—as the ultimate reality, against the competing assertions of the Nyaya Vaisheshika school. In this article, we explore the historical context, philosophical significance, symbolism, modern-day relevance, and benefits of this work, and examine how it continues to influence both scholarly thought and devotional practice in modern Hinduism. Historical and Philosophical Background The intellectual tradition of Advaita Vedanta, notably advanced by A...

The Hotṛ (pronounced Ho-tri) plays a crucial role in the ritualistic framework of Vedic sacrifices, serving as the primary priest responsible for invoking deities through the recitation of hymns from the Ṛg Veda . As one of the four main priests in Vedic yajñas (sacrifices), the Hotṛ occupies a significant position in ensuring the success and sanctity of the ritual. Role in Vedic Rituals Invocation of Deities : The Hotṛ’s main task is to recite shastras (specific laudatory hymns from the Ṛg Veda) to invoke deities and invite them to the sacrificial arena. These hymns often contain praise, requests, and invocations to gods like Agni, Indra, Varuṇa, and others. Ritualistic Acts : He performs the primary rituals that are not explicitly assigned to other priests, acting as a general overseer and participant in sacrificial proceedings. As the designated reciter of Ṛg Vedic hymns, the Hotṛ ensures that the proper verses are chanted at each stage of the yajña. Position in ...

The Battle of Kumbha and Nikumbha: Courage, Anger, and Divine Justice in Lanka The Entry of Kumbhakarna's Sons - Kumbh - Nikumbh The great battle of Lanka witnessed numerous heroic encounters between the forces of righteousness led by Sri Rama and the demon army of Ravana. Among the most formidable warriors to enter the battlefield were Kumbh and Nikumbh, the powerful sons of the mighty Kumbhakarna. These brothers stepped into the war following the devastating deaths of their father Kumbhakarna and their cousin Atikaya, both of whom had fallen despite their extraordinary prowess and supernatural abilities. Kumbha and Nikumbh were no ordinary warriors. They had inherited not only the physical strength of their illustrious father but also mastered various magical powers and siddhis through rigorous penance and devotion. Their entry into the battlefield marked a turning point in the war, as they possessed the ability to soar high into the sky, manipulate their forms, and unleash de...

Srisailam's Divine Light: The Story of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga and Kartikeya's Devotion The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga at Srisailam stands as one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas, representing the infinite cosmic pillar of light that is Lord Shiva himself. Nestled atop the Shaila mountain in southern India, this ancient temple holds profound spiritual significance and is revered as the Kailash of the South, drawing parallels to Mahadeva Shiva's celestial abode in the Himalayas. The Sacred Contest Between Brothers The story of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga unfolds through a divine episode involving Lord Shiva's two sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya. When the question arose regarding which son should be married first, Shiva and Parvati devised a test. They declared that whichever son could circumambulate the entire Earth first would receive the honor of being married before the other. Upon hearing this challenge, Kartikeya, mounted on his swift peacock, immediately embarked on his j...

When Gods Walk Among Us: Lord Shiva's Nightly Sojourn at Omkareshwar Temple - He Plays Ludo (Chausar or Pachisi) and Sleeps Here The Living Presence of the Divine Hinduism possesses a remarkable quality that distinguishes it from many spiritual traditions—the intimate, accessible nature of its deities. The gods are not distant, austere figures removed from worldly existence. Instead, they embody the full spectrum of life itself, including the need for rest, play, and companionship. This profound understanding manifests beautifully at the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Madhya Pradesh, where Lord Shiva, the supreme consciousness and destroyer of evil, is believed to arrive each night for respite and recreation. The Nightly Return of Mahadev According to ancient beliefs cherished by devotees for centuries, Lord Shiva completes his cosmic duties by traversing all three worlds—heaven, earth, and the netherworld—before retiring to Omkareshwar each evening. This sacred temple, nest...

Vedanta, one of the most profound and introspective streams of Hindu philosophy, has long inspired seekers to embark on an inner journey of self-investigation. At its core, Vedanta teaches that the true nature of reality, and ultimately our own self, is not something to be grasped through external means, but must be realized through direct experience and deep introspection. This journey of enquiry—often encapsulated in the simple yet profound question, “Who am I?”—has been the cornerstone of many spiritual traditions and is echoed in the words of revered teachers and ancient scriptures. The Call for Self-Inquiry The essence of Vedanta is captured by its persistent call to “enquire and investigate.” This is not a casual suggestion but an invitation to question everything we take for granted about our identity and existence. In the Upanishads, which form the bedrock of Vedantic thought, the ultimate quest is for the knowledge of the Self (Atman) and its relation to the Absolute (Brahman)...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Thursday, February 26 2026 – It is Shukla Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 2 :24 AM on February 26. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 12 :06 AM on February 27. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on February 26, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Mrigasira or Makayiram or Mrigasheersham Nakshatra till 11:56 AM on February 26. Then onward it is Ardra or Arudra or Thiruvathira Nakshatra till 10:25 AM on February 27. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, ...

The Two-Headed Golden Deer: Regional Variations in Ramayana's Abduction Episode The sacred narrative of Ramayana exists not as a singular monolithic text, but as a vibrant, living tradition that has flowered across the Indian subcontinent in countless regional interpretations. Among these fascinating variations, certain folk traditions from Kerala and Tamil Nadu preserve a distinctive version of Sita's abduction, where Ravana himself assumes the form of a two-headed golden deer—a departure from Valmiki's Ramayana where the rakshasa Maricha performs this role. The Folk Narrative from Southern India In this regional variant, the episode unfolds with remarkable dramatic intensity. Sita, captivated by the sight of an extraordinary two-headed golden deer near their forest dwelling, requests Rama to capture this wondrous creature. The twin heads serve a symbolic purpose—one head grazes while the other remains vigilant, making the deer exceptionally difficult to hunt and repres...

The Hindu Truth: Liberation Through Knowledge, Not Suffering The notion that God desires human suffering as a pathway to spiritual realization contradicts the fundamental teachings of Hindu philosophy. Hindu scriptures consistently emphasize that liberation, or moksha, arrives through knowledge, devotion, and righteous action—not through the glorification of pain and suffering. Understanding this distinction is essential for grasping the true nature of Hindu spiritual practice and its relevance to contemporary life. The Root of Suffering: Ignorance, Not Divine Will Hindu philosophy identifies avidya, or ignorance, as the primary cause of human suffering. The Bhagavad Gita states: "As the blazing fire reduces wood to ashes, O Arjuna, so does the fire of knowledge reduce all karma to ashes" (Bhagavad Gita 4.37). This verse illuminates that knowledge—not suffering—burns away the bonds that keep us trapped in cycles of pain and rebirth. The suffering we experience is not a di...