Purifying the Self: The Symbolism and Significance of Seven Erukkai Leaves on Ratha Saptami Ratha Saptami, celebrated on the seventh day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Magha, honors Surya, the Sun God, as he begins his northward journey. One of the most profound rituals observed on this day involves placing seven erukkai leaves (Calotropis gigantea) on the body to seek purification from accumulated sins. This article explores the historical background, scriptural foundations, symbolism, and modern-day relevance of this practice. Scriptural Foundations and Teachings The primary source for the seven-leaf ritual is found in the Mahabharata. As the epic describes, the great warrior Bhishma lay on a bed of arrows, awaiting death. Burdened by unrepented sins—especially his silence during Draupadi’s disrobing—he sought liberation. On the advice of Sage Vyasa, Bhishma prayed to Surya Bhagavan. The Sun God instructed him to place seven erukkai leaves on specific parts of his body a...

The Nine Divine Powers of Goddess Lakshmi: Understanding Her Sacred Manifestations In the vast spiritual tradition of Hinduism, Goddess Lakshmi stands as the divine embodiment of prosperity, fortune, and spiritual abundance. She is revered not merely as a single deity but as the source of nine distinct powers that govern different aspects of material and spiritual wealth. These nine manifestations—Vibhuti, Unnati, Kanti, Hrishti, Kirti, Sannati, Vyushti, Utkrishti, and Riddhi—represent the complete spectrum of divine grace that sustains both the cosmic order and individual well-being. The Divine Foundation of the Nine Powers The concept of Goddess Lakshmi as the source of multiple powers finds its roots in ancient Vedic and Puranic literature. The Shri Sukta, found in the Rigveda, glorifies the Goddess as the provider of all forms of wealth and prosperity. These nine powers are not separate deities but different expressions of the same divine consciousness, each addressing specific ...

Embracing Fearlessness and Detachment in Our Interactions with the World: A Hinduism Perspective The concepts of fearlessness ( abhaya ) and detachment ( vairagya ) are cornerstones of spiritual growth in Hinduism. These principles, deeply embedded in Hindu philosophy and practices, guide individuals to transcend worldly attachments and fears, ultimately leading to liberation ( moksha ). By cultivating fearlessness and detachment, practitioners can experience profound personal growth, inner peace, and a higher understanding of the self. This essay explores these ideas through Hindu scriptures, teachings of saints and gurus, and modern-day relevance, while also examining the benefits, practicality, and even scientific perspectives that align with these ancient principles. Foundations in Hindu Scriptures Fearlessness and detachment have been emphasized in some of the most revered Hindu scriptures, including the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Vedas. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna inst...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Saturday, January 31 2026 – It is Shukla Paksha Trayodashi and Chaturdashi tithi or the thirteenth and fourteenth 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 7 :14 AM on January 31. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 5 :20 AM on February 1. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on January 31, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Ardra or Arudara or Thiruvathira Nakshatra till 2:24 AM on January 31. Then onward it is Punarvasu or Punartham or Punarpoosam Nakshatra till 1:07 AM on  February 1 . (Time applicable in north, south and eastern ...

Krishna as Jishnu: The Ever-Victorious Supreme Lord The Meaning and Origin of Jishnu Jishnu is one of the sacred names of Bhagavan Sri Krishna, deeply rooted in the ancient scriptures of Hinduism. The name Jishnu derives from the Sanskrit root meaning "victorious" or "one who conquers." This epithet was bestowed upon Krishna because of his unblemished record of triumph in every battle he fought, demonstrating not merely military prowess but divine invincibility. The Mahabharata, in Udyoga Parva, Chapter 70, Stanza 13, specifically mentions this title in reference to Krishna's undefeated status across all his confrontations. The term Jishnu translates to "Victorious Lokpal or Lok Pati," meaning the Victorious Lord of the world or region. This designation encompasses both earthly victories and spiritual supremacy, reflecting Krishna's dual nature as both a divine incarnation and a participant in worldly affairs. Krishna's Victorious Life Fr...

In the worship of Goddess Kali, karanbari or liquor holds an important place. From household worship to the cremation ground—everywhere, liquor is offered during the worship of the Goddess. According to the Tantras , in the worship of Shakti, five essential elements— madya (wine), mamsa (meat), matsya (fish), mudra (gesture or grain), and maithuna (union)—are indispensable. If worship is performed without these five tattvas (principles), the devotee, worshipper, or practitioner not only fails to attain the desired result but also faces obstacles at every step. The spiritual fruits of practicing the Pancha Makaras are boundless. These five Makaras are collectively known as the Pancha Tattva , and madya —liquor or karan —is considered the first principle. Mahanirvana Tantra On Different Types Of Liquor Offered To Goddess In the Mahanirvana Tantra , it is stated: "Gaurī paiṣṭī tathā mādhavī tribidhā chottamā surā, Saiva nānāvidhā proktā tāla-kharjura-sambhavā." Tha...

"Manana" is a crucial practice in the pursuit of spiritual knowledge in Hindu philosophy, particularly in the Vedanta tradition. In Hinduism, it is the second of the three direct disciplines, or "sadhana traya," prescribed for attaining knowledge of the Atman (the individual self) and its unity with Brahman (the ultimate reality). The term "manana" itself means "constant thinking" or "reflection." After receiving instruction from a qualified spiritual preceptor (guru) on the nature of Brahman and its relationship to the individual self, the student engages in the process of manana. This involves continuously contemplating and meditating upon the teachings received, allowing them to sink deep into the consciousness. Moreover, manana entails more than mere repetition of teachings; it involves rigorous intellectual inquiry and analysis. The practitioner strengthens their understanding of Brahman through logical reasoning and critical e...

  hanapatha: An Ancient Method of Memorizing the Vedas The Vedas are the foundational scriptures of Hinduism, capturing profound spiritual, philosophical, and practical wisdom. These texts, believed to have been revealed to sages in ancient times, were preserved orally for centuries before being committed to writing. To maintain their purity across generations, a sophisticated method of memorization and chanting was developed, which includes techniques like Padapatha , Kramapatha , Jatapatha , and Ghanapatha . Among these, Ghanapatha is considered one of the most advanced and intricate techniques, playing a significant role in preserving the Vedas in their original form. The Ghanapatha Method Ghanapatha, or “the dense path,” involves a complex permutation of words and syllables within the Vedic text. This technique requires repeating words and syllables in multiple sequences and patterns, often reversing, doubling, or interleaving them. By chanting in this manner, practitioners rei...

"Hamsa Kshira Nyaya" is a fascinating concept in Hinduism rooted in ancient wisdom. This principle draws its essence from the belief that the majestic swan possesses a unique ability to discern and separate milk from water, symbolizing its capacity to distinguish between the pure and impure. In the Shukla Yajur Veda (19.73), the text emphasizes the remarkable trait of the swan, illustrating its skill to extract the nourishing milk, while leaving behind the lesser substance of water. This metaphorical depiction of the swan's discernment gave rise to the philosophical principle of "Hamsa Kshira Nyaya." At its core, "Hamsa Kshira Nyaya" embodies the idea of discernment and discrimination, urging individuals to cultivate the ability to distinguish between what is beneficial (the 'milk') and what is detrimental (the 'water'). This principle extends beyond the literal interpretation of separating liquids; it serves as a guiding philosophy...

According to the most famous story in Hinduism, Dhanvantari was born during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) on the Trayodashi Tithi of Kartik. He is considered an incarnation (avatar) of Lord Vishnu, who took the form of Dhanvantari to spread the knowledge of science and medicine on Earth. Therefore, the day of Dhanvantari’s appearance is celebrated as Dhanvantari Jayanti. When the ocean was churned for nectar, Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean holding a pot of Amrita (nectar). Bhagavan Vishnu said to him, “You were born from the waters, so you shall be called ‘Abja’,” meaning born of water. Dhanvantari then requested Vishnu to grant him a share in sacrificial offerings (Yajna). Vishnu replied that the divisions of the Yajna had already been assigned to gods and demons, and since Dhanvantari was born after the Vedas were established, no mantras existed for his invocation in rituals. However, Vishnu granted him a boon—to take a second incarnation in the Dvapara Yuga...