The Sacred Dance: Understanding Shiva as Shava Beneath Kali's Feet The Eternal Union of Shiva and Shakti One of the most striking and misunderstood images in Hindu iconography depicts Mother Kali standing upon the prostrate form of Lord Shiva. This powerful representation carries profound spiritual symbolism that illuminates the essential relationship between consciousness and energy, between Purusha and Prakriti, between Shiva and Shakti. Shiva as Shava: The Corpse Form In this sacred imagery, Shiva appears as Shava, literally meaning "corpse." This portrayal communicates a fundamental truth of Hindu philosophy: without Shakti, Shiva remains inert and formless. The Shakta tradition emphasizes that pure consciousness, while eternal and unchanging, requires the dynamic power of Shakti to manifest creation, preservation, and transformation. The corpse-like form of Shiva beneath Kali's feet represents consciousness in its absolute stillness—pure awareness devoid of ...

  The Eternal Wisdom of Smarana: Embracing God in Every Moment In the bustling rhythm of modern life, many find themselves reaching out to the divine only when hardship strikes. The famous Kabir couplet— “Dukh mein sumiran sab kare, Sukh mein kare na koi; Jo sukh mein sumiran kare, To dukh kahe ko hoi.”— In suffering, everyone engages in smaraṇa , but not when happy! If in good times smaraṇa is done, there’ll be no cause to suffer! —Kabir  captures a timeless truth: remembrance of God, or smaraṇa , often comes only in suffering, yet its constant practice holds the key to enduring happiness and liberation from pain. The Dilemma of Conditional Devotion Imagine a young professional named Arun, living in a modern metropolis. His days are filled with deadlines, boardroom meetings, and social engagements—a life that, on the surface, seems abundant with success and joy. Yet, beneath this veneer, a quiet emptiness gnaws at his soul. Arun finds solace in his achievements and co...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Sunday, March 1 2026 – It is Shukla Paksha Trayodashi tithi or the thirteenth day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Trayodashi tithi or the thirteenth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 6 :30 PM on March 1. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 5 :18 PM on March 2. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on March 1, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Pushya or Poosam or Pooyam Nakshatra till 8:03 AM on March 1. Then onward it is Aslesha or Ayilyam Nakshatra till 7:20 AM on March 2. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka ...

The Axe and the Arrow: Two Avatars, Two Worlds Two Faces of the Same Divine Purpose In the grand unfolding of Hindu sacred history, Vishnu descends to earth in different forms to restore Dharma. Each avatar carries a specific purpose, a specific temperament, and a specific message for the age it appears in. Among these, Parashurama and Rama stand as fascinating contrasts — not in their divine origin, but in how they chose to act, respond, and restore order. Nowhere does this contrast become more vivid than when we ask a deceptively simple question: What would Parashurama have done if Ravana had abducted Sita? The Nature of Parashurama Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, was born in the Treta Yuga into a Brahmin lineage, yet carried the heart of a warrior. His defining characteristic is righteous fury. When his father Jamadagni was murdered by the Kshatriya king Kartavirya Arjuna, Parashurama did not negotiate. He did not send emissaries. He took his axe and swept across the ea...

The Liberation of Being: Ashtavakra's Radical Teaching on Self-Acceptance In an age dominated by self-help books, productivity hacks, and the relentless pursuit of personal optimization, the ancient sage Ashtavakra offers a revolutionary perspective that challenges our very foundation of self-improvement culture. His teachings, preserved in the profound text known as the Ashtavakra Gita, present a radical invitation: stop trying to improve yourself and discover the perfection that already exists within you. The Paradox of Self-Improvement Modern society has created an industry built on the premise that we are fundamentally flawed beings in constant need of upgrading. We chase better versions of ourselves through meditation apps, fitness regimens, career advancement, and spiritual practices. Yet Ashtavakra, the enlightened sage who counseled King Janaka, presents a startling alternative: the very effort to improve ourselves reinforces the illusion that we are incomplete. The Ash...

Kalbhairavnath Mandir Saswad: A Divine Seat of Bhairava and Nath Panth Heritage Saswad Bhairavnath Mandir, located near Pune in Maharashtra, is an ancient and spiritually powerful temple dedicated to Kal Bhairav, a fierce and protector form of Lord Shiva. The temple is also known as Kalbhairavnath Mandir and holds a significant place in the Nath Panth, Shaiva traditions and warrior cults of Maharashtra. One of the most remarkable features of this temple is the presence of three deities on a single pedestal inside the garbhagriha (sanctum) — Bhairavnath, Jogeshwari and Kalbhairava , making it unique among Bhairava shrines of India. Historical Roots of the Temple Connection with Shivaji Maharaj Local tradition narrates that during the battle of Khalad Belsar, the horse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj suffered a venomous snake bite. Seeking divine guidance, Shivaji Maharaj visited the earlier shrine of Bhairavnath located at Girme Ali in Saswad. It is said that he vowed to build a full tem...

The Sacred Symbolism of Dharma Sastha: Ayyappa's Divine Form of Supreme Knowledge Lord Ayyappa's most revered manifestation is as Dharma Sastha, the divine teacher of righteousness and spiritual wisdom. In this form, the deity appears seated in yogasana, the meditative posture that represents complete control over the physical body and mind. The yogapatta, a cloth band that supports the knees during prolonged meditation, stretches across his folded legs, symbolizing the discipline and commitment required for spiritual advancement. This iconography presents Ayyappa not as a warrior or ruler, but as the supreme guru who guides devotees toward liberation through knowledge. The Gesture of Wisdom The right hand of Dharma Sastha displays the chin mudra or jnana mudra, where the thumb and index finger form a circle while the other three fingers extend outward. This sacred hand gesture represents the union of individual consciousness (jivatma) with universal consciousness (paramatm...

The Art of Bowing: Exploring Ashtanga and Panchanga Namaskara Namaskara, or the act of bowing in reverence, holds a central place in Hindu worship and daily spiritual practice. Within temple rituals and personal devotion, two primary forms of prostration are observed: Ashtanga Namaskara and Panchanga Namaskara. While both expressions embody humility and surrender to the Divine, each carries its own symbolism, physical form, and scriptural endorsement. This article delves into the origins, teachings, and deeper meanings behind these two sacred practices, highlighting their differences, similarities, and roles in cultivating devotion. Origins and Scriptural Basis The practice of namaskara finds mention across a range of Hindu texts, from the Vedas to the Puranas and the Agamas. The Manusmriti, an early legal and ethical treatise, prescribes bowing with folded hands (Anjali Mudra) as a sign of respect toward elders, teachers, and deities. The Agama scriptures—particularly those guiding...

The Eternal Law: How Ramayana and Mahabharata Illuminate the Path of Karma and Its Consequences The Ramayana and Mahabharata stand as monumental pillars of Hindu wisdom, offering profound insights into the inexorable law of karma and its fruits, known as karmaphala. These ancient epics are not merely historical narratives of heroic deeds and celestial interventions; they are elaborate explorations of how every action, thought, and intention creates ripples that shape individual destinies and collective realities. Through their intricate tapestries of human experiences, these texts reveal the fundamental truth that governs existence itself. The Foundation of Cosmic Justice At the heart of both epics lies the principle articulated in the Bhagavad Gita: "Karmanyevadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana" (2.47) - "You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action." This verse encapsulates the essence of dharmic action, remin...

  Anchored in the Eternal: Navigating Life's Storms Through Supreme Truth In the heart of every human experience lies a truth that is as constant as the stars yet as elusive as the morning mist. “Storms will be ever present in life, and the best anchor is knowledge of Supreme Truth.” This ancient adage, steeped in the wisdom of Hindu philosophy, speaks not only to the inevitability of life's challenges but also to the timeless solution that lies within our very being. It is a call to look beyond the transient troubles of the external world and to find refuge in an eternal, unchanging reality. The Unending Tempest: Life’s Ever-Present Storms Imagine a small boat caught in the midst of a raging storm. Waves crash violently against its fragile hull, the winds howl with fierce determination, and the rain seems endless. This boat represents our soul, buffeted by the relentless forces of change, uncertainty, and suffering that life inevitably presents. In our daily existence, we expe...