The Unforgivable Sin of Kingship: How Ravana's Desire Doomed Lanka The Sacred Responsibility of Kingship In the ancient tradition of Hindu governance, the concept of kingship was never merely about power or privilege. It was fundamentally rooted in dharma—the sacred duty to protect and serve one's subjects above all personal considerations. The Ramayana, one of the most revered texts in Hindu tradition, presents through Ravana's character a profound cautionary tale about what happens when a ruler allows personal passion to eclipse his responsibility toward his people. Ravana, the mighty emperor of Lanka, possessed extraordinary abilities, immense knowledge of the Vedas, and had built a prosperous kingdom through the dedication and sacrifice of his subjects. The Asuras under his rule had invested generations of effort, their blood and sweat, to create a civilization of unprecedented wealth and power. Yet all of this was placed at risk not by an external threat to the king...

The Unity of Existence: Beyond Division to Wholeness in Hindu Philosophy The ancient wisdom embedded in the statement "We suffer because we do not seek the whole" resonates deeply with the fundamental teachings of Hindu scriptures. This profound insight illuminates a universal truth that has been explored extensively in Vedantic philosophy, where the fragmentation of reality leads to suffering, while the recognition of unity brings liberation and peace. The Illusion of Division: Maya and Its Manifestations Hindu scriptures consistently emphasize that our perception of division and separation is fundamentally illusory. The Bhagavad Gita addresses this directly when Krishna declares: "Those who see me in everything and everything in me are never separated from me, nor am I ever separated from them" (Bhagavad Gita 6.30). This verse encapsulates the essential teaching that reality is unified, and our experience of separation is a product of limited understanding. Th...

The world is often perceived as a permanent abode, where humans create attachments, chase desires, and seek a sense of belonging. Yet, Hindu philosophy teaches that this world is akin to a roadside inn—a transient shelter where beings arrive, rest momentarily, and eventually depart on their destined paths. The profound story of the mendicant and the king beautifully illustrates this concept, reminding us of life’s fleeting nature and the wisdom of detachment. The Story of the Mendicant and the King Once, a wandering mendicant entered the grand palace of a mighty king and, with humility, asked for permission to stay the night in what he called an “inn.” The king, surprised and slightly offended, retorted, “This is not an inn; it is my palace.” Unfazed, the mendicant continued questioning the king: “Who lived here before you?” The king replied that it was his father, a ruler before him. The mendicant persisted, “And before your father?” The king admitted that his grandfather had ruled th...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Friday, February 27 2026 – It is Shukla Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. 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. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 9 :58 PM on February 27. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 8 :04 PM on February 28. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on February 27, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time till 11:32 AM.  Nakshatra  – Ardra or Arudra or Thiruvathira Nakshatra till 10:25 AM on February 27. Then onward it is Punarvasu or Punartham or Punarpoosam Nakshatra til...

Karaga Festival: Celebrating Draupadi's Eternal Power and the Divine Feminine in South India Ancient Origins and Sacred Significance The Karaga festival stands as one of South India's most profound celebrations of divine feminine power, honoring Draupadi, the remarkable queen of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. This ancient tradition, observed primarily in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, represents a living connection between epic history and contemporary devotion, where Draupadi is venerated not merely as a historical figure but as a manifestation of Shakti herself—the primordial cosmic energy. Unlike conventional temple festivals, Karaga celebrations are distinguished by their inclusive nature. The rituals are often conducted by priests from various communities rather than exclusively by Brahmins, reflecting the democratic spirit of devotion that characterized many bhakti movements. This accessibility demonstrates how divine power transcends social boundaries, allowing direct ...

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...