In Hinduism, the term "nara" is indeed used to refer to human beings. The word "nara" has its roots in Sanskrit, the ancient language of Hindu scriptures, and it carries deep philosophical significance within Hindu theology. One of the key concepts in Hinduism is the idea of karma, which refers to the law of cause and effect governing human actions. According to Hindu belief, every action we perform has consequences, and these consequences shape our present and future experiences. The term "nara" is often associated with this understanding of karma. In Hindu cosmology, it is believed that human beings are bound to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, known as samsara, due to their past actions, or karma. The Sanskrit word "nara" is derived from the root "nri," which means "to lead" or "to guide." Thus, human beings, or "naras," are seen as beings who are guided or led into this world by their karma. ...

From Tirumozhi to Surdas: The Ancient Tradition of Singing Krishna as a Child The Alvar Saints and the Bhakti Current Long before the great bhakti poets of North India composed their celebrated verses, the Tamil Alvar saints of South India had already lit the flame of personal, passionate devotion to Vishnu and Krishna. The twelve Alvars, whose name means "those immersed in God," composed in Tamil between roughly the 6th and 9th centuries CE, producing a vast body of devotional poetry later compiled as the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the Four Thousand Divine Compositions. Their vision was radical for their time: God was not merely a cosmic sovereign to be approached through ritual, but a beloved presence to be adored, sung to, wept for, and cradled in song. Periyalwar and the Birth of Vatsalya Bhakti Among the twelve Alvars, Vishnuchitta, reverently known as Periyalwar, the Great Alvar, stands in a category entirely his own. Composing nearly 1100 years ago, he authored the Tir...

When Pride Met Dharma: The Profound Lesson of Bali's Mercy Toward Ravana The Legendary Encounter The encounter between Bali, the mighty Vanara king, and Ravana, the lord of Lanka, stands as one of the most instructive episodes in the Ramayana. This confrontation reveals fundamental truths about dharma, violence, and the nature of righteous conduct that transcend time. According to various Ramayana texts, Ravana in his arrogance once challenged Bali to combat. The demon king, fresh from his conquests and boons, believed himself invincible. However, Bali, possessing the divine gift of absorbing half his opponent's strength, overpowered Ravana with ease. The humiliation was complete when Bali reportedly tucked the ten-headed king under his arm and continued his daily rituals, treating the mighty Ravana as nothing more than an inconvenience. The Request for Death Ravana, his ego shattered and pride wounded beyond repair, made an extraordinary request. He asked Bali to kill him...

The greatest obstacle in the path of self-realization is the ego, which repeatedly asserts itself and prevents us from escaping from the whirlpool of ignorance. The concept of the ego as a significant obstacle on the path of self-realization is deeply rooted in various spiritual and philosophical traditions. Here's an expansion on how the ego manifests as a barrier to self-realization: Identification with the Self: The ego tends to identify itself with external factors such as possessions, achievements, social status, and relationships. This identification leads individuals to believe that their true self is defined by these external elements, obstructing the realization of their deeper, intrinsic nature. Attachment and Desire: The ego thrives on attachment and desire, constantly seeking fulfillment in external sources. This attachment binds individuals to transient pleasures and material pursuits, diverting their attention away from the pursuit of self-realization, which requ...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Wednesday, March 4 2026 – It is Krishna Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 4 :15 PM on March 4. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Dwitiya tithi or the second day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 4 :28 PM on March 5. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on March 4, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Purva Phalguni or Pooram Nakshatra till 7:12 AM on March 4. Then onward it is Uttara Phalguni or Uthram Nakshatra till 7:52 AM on March 5. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka ...

Hanuman and the Five Great Elements: Symbolism and Spiritual Teachings In the Tamil epic Kamba Ramayanam, the eternal devotee Hanuman is portrayed not only as the unstoppable servant of Rama, but also as a profound embodiment of the five great elements (pancha-mahabhutas) which form the cosmic and human principle in Hindu thought. These elements — Vayu (air/wind), Jala (water), Akasha (sky/ether), Agni (fire) and Bhumi(earth) — each find expression in Hanuman’s deeds, nature and character. In this article we explore how Hanuman’s life exemplifies each element, the symbolic meaning and benefits to the seeker, and how these teachings relate to traditional Vedic–Upanishadic philosophy.  Vayu – Air (Wind) Hanuman’s very birth is intimately tied to the wind-god. He is called the son of Vayu, the lord of breath and movement. This affirms that his essence is dynamic, unbounded, and free. In Kamba Ramayanam he is repeatedly praised as “wind-born”, rising with the speed of the gale and ...

The Enchanted Lake of Vibhandaka: When Divine Protection Met Destiny's Design The Sage's Protective Creation In the ancient narratives connected to the Ramayana, there exists a fascinating account of a mystical lake near Kishkindha that possessed extraordinary transformative powers. This enchanted body of water, created by the sage Vibhandaka, had the remarkable ability to change the gender of anyone who entered its waters—men would emerge as women, and women as men. This was no ordinary magical feat but a desperate father's attempt to safeguard his son's spiritual path. A Father's Fear and Failed Asceticism Vibhantaka himself had once been a powerful ascetic, deeply immersed in tapasya and spiritual practices. However, his own celibacy had been compromised through his encounter with a woman, resulting in the birth of his son Rishyashringa. The sage was born with a unique physical characteristic—a small horn on his forehead, which gave him his name (Risya meanin...

The concept of klesha in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras is a profound teaching that delves into the root causes of human suffering. Derived from the Sanskrit root “klish,” meaning “to trouble” or “to afflict,” klesha is used in the Yoga Sutras as a technical term to denote obstacles that cloud the mind and bind us to the cycle of suffering. In essence, kleshas are the inner afflictions that prevent us from experiencing true clarity and freedom. Patanjali identifies five primary kleshas: avidya (nescience), asmita (egoism), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of death or clinging to life). Understanding these afflictions and learning how to transcend them is at the heart of the yogic path. The Five Kleshas: An In-Depth Look 1. Avidya – The Root of Ignorance Avidya, or ignorance, is considered the foremost klesha because it forms the basis for all other afflictions. It is not merely a lack of knowledge but a deep-seated misunderstanding of the nature of reality. In yogic...

Vishkanya or Vishakanyaka: The Enigmatic Poison Maidens in Hindu Temple Iconography The Historical Context of Vishkanya The Vishkanya, literally meaning "poison maiden," represents one of the most intriguing elements found in ancient Hindu temple architecture and sculptural traditions. These figures depict exceptionally beautiful women who served as covert assassins in the political landscape of ancient India. According to historical accounts preserved in various texts, these women were systematically trained from childhood in the art of administering poison, their bodies gradually immunized through controlled exposure to lethal toxins until they themselves became living vessels of death. The concept finds mention in the Arthashastra, the ancient treatise on statecraft attributed to Chanakya, which describes various methods of espionage and political strategy. The Vishakanyaka were employed as instruments of state policy, sent to eliminate rivals and enemies of the kingdom...

Hindu temple architecture is a living tapestry woven over millennia, rich in symbolism, aesthetics, and sacred purpose. Among the myriad decorative elements that grace these temples, the prabhavali—or prabhamandala—stands out as a profound symbol of both art and spiritual protection. Found behind the main image in the sanctum sanctorum of nearly every Hindu temple, this ornamental arch has roots stretching back to at least the second century CE. Its design, typically featuring a leonine figure with protruding eyes, an open mouth with fierce fangs, and a lolling tongue, crowned by the formidable face of a kirtimukha, encapsulates layers of symbolism and cultural meaning that continue to resonate in modern times. Historical Context and Evolution Origins and Antiquity The prabhavali’s origins are as ancient as Hindu temple architecture itself. Dating back to the second century CE, early artisans employed this ornamental feature as a way to convey the sanctity and protective power of the t...