Introduction to Abhyasa Yoga Abhyasa Yoga is a discipline within the broader spectrum of yoga that emphasizes consistent, dedicated practice aimed at achieving mastery over the mind and body. Derived from the Sanskrit root word "abhyasa," meaning "practice" or "repetition," Abhyasa Yoga focuses on the sustained effort needed to develop concentration and eventually attain a state of samadhi (perfect concentration or enlightenment). The Bhagavad Gita, a revered Hindu scripture, provides a foundational understanding of Abhyasa Yoga. It appears in chapters 8.8 and 12.9, where it is described as both a practice leading to yoga (concentration) and a practice that itself is yoga because it leads to this state of concentration. In essence, Abhyasa Yoga encapsulates the journey and the destination, merging the process of disciplined practice with the goal of spiritual attainment. Importance of Abhyasa Yoga Mastery Over the Mind : Abhyasa Yoga is crucial for gaining...

Banadurga: The Forest Daughter of Durga and the Guardian of Rural Bengal Goddess Banadurga, also known as Banadebi, occupies a cherished place in the folk spiritual traditions of Bengal. Revered as the daughter of Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva, she embodies the compassionate, approachable, and nurturing dimension of the Divine Mother. Her worship reflects the bond between nature and community, reminding devotees that the sacred is present not only in grand temples but also within forests, fields, and the rhythms of daily life. While Banadurga is primarily a folk deity, her essence aligns with the broader teachings of Hinduism, where the Divine Mother manifests in countless forms to protect, nourish, and uplift creation. The Traditional Story of Banadurga According to the folk narrative handed down through rural Bengal, Banadurga was born during a time of discord between Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. Shiva, roaming cremation grounds and living a life of austerity, often struggled to pr...

Conquering the Inner Fortress: How Maa Durga Helps Us Defeat Our Shadows Within each human being exists a Durgam—a formidable fortress that is difficult to penetrate and even harder to conquer. This fortress is not made of stone or steel, but of our own accumulated wrongdoings, sins, hatred, falsehood, and greed. Over time, through our choices and actions, we construct walls so thick that divine light struggles to enter. We become prisoners of our own making, trapped in darkness of our own design. Yet Hindu tradition offers us a profound solution: through the grace and worship of Maa Durga, even the most impenetrable fortress of the mind can be illuminated and conquered. The Meaning of Durga: Fortress and Liberator The very name "Durga" carries deep significance. In Sanskrit, "Durg" means a fort or fortress, and "Durgam" refers to that which is difficult to access or overcome. Maa Durga is called so because she is the one who protects us from evil force...

  "I may also remark that that is the one great lesson we have to learn throughout our lives. In judging others we always judge them by our own ideals. That is not as it should be. Everyone must be judged according to his own ideal, and not by that of anyone else."  (The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, 2.104-06.) This profound statement by Swami Vivekananda encapsulates a timeless teaching about the nature of judgment, self-awareness, and the recognition of individual truth.  1. The Essence of the Teaching At its core, the quote invites us to reflect on subjectivity in judgment. We often impose our personal standards, biases, and ideals onto others, expecting them to conform to our way of thinking or living. However, as Vivekananda suggests, such comparisons are inherently flawed because: Individual Uniqueness: Every person lives a unique journey shaped by their experiences, culture, aspirations, and inner ideals. Personal Standards: Each individual has a distinct...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Tuesday, February 17 2026 – It is Amavasya tithi or the no moon day in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Amavasya tithi or the no moon day till 5 :23 PM on February 17. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 5 :05 PM on February 18. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on February 17, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  Dhanishta or Avittam Nakshatra till 9:20 PM on February 17. Then onward it is Satabhisha or Chathayam Nakshatra till 9:34 PM on February 18. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Dhanishta or Avittam Nakshatra till 9:16 PM on February 17. Then onward...

 Uma Tandava of Shiva: Symbolism, Form, and Spiritual Meaning Uma or Gauri Tandava is a sacred form of Shiva’s Tandava that embodies balance, compassion, and controlled cosmic energy. Unlike the fierce and destructive aspects often associated with Tandava, this form reveals Shiva as the supreme yogi who dances in harmony with Shakti, represented by Goddess Uma or Gauri. It reflects the synthesis of ascetic power and household life, where divine energy is regulated through awareness and grace. Iconographic Form and Description In Uma Tandava, Shiva is depicted either four-armed or six-armed, standing in dynamic yet composed movement. In the four-armed form, his lower right hand displays the Abhaya gesture, assuring protection and fearlessness. The upper right hand holds the damaru, symbolizing the rhythm of creation and the origin of sound and time. The lower left hand carries a serpent, representing kundalini energy and mastery over primal forces, while the upper left hand is held ...

Ravana Anugrahamurti: The Divine Lesson of Humility and Grace Ravana Anugrahamurti is a powerful and profound form of Lord Shiva that commemorates an extraordinary episode centered on ego, devotion, restraint, and divine compassion. This form does not merely depict Shiva’s supremacy but highlights His boundless grace even toward those driven by arrogance, when sincere devotion arises. The Sacred Episode at Mount Kailasa According to the Shaiva tradition, Ravana, the mighty king of Lanka and an ardent devotee of Shiva, was returning in the Pushpaka Vimana when he encountered Mount Kailasa, the divine abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Inflamed by pride in his immense strength, Ravana sought to uproot Mount Kailasa itself. Placing his twenty arms beneath the mountain, he attempted to lift it, causing the cosmos to tremble. Goddess Parvati, alarmed by the disturbance, sought reassurance. In response, Shiva calmly pressed the mountain down with the great toe of His left foot, immo...

A Comparative Exploration of the Dandakaranya Forest in the Ramayana and Germany’s Black Forest Forests have long captivated the human imagination, serving as canvases upon which cultures paint their deepest fears, hopes, and mythologies. Two such storied woodlands—the Dandakaranya Forest from the ancient Indian epic Ramayana and Germany’s Black Forest (Schwarzwald)—occupy unique yet surprisingly complementary places in the cultural consciousness. Although separated by geography, time, and cultural milieu, both forests are imbued with symbolism, mystical beings, and transformative narratives that speak to the universal human experience of venturing into the unknown. In this article, we will explore the historical and mythological significance of both forests, highlight their similarities and differences, and examine the symbolic roles they play in their respective traditions. By comparing the Dandakaranya and the Black Forest, we uncover shared themes of transformation, the interplay ...

Dakshinachara, within Hinduism, represents the path or conduct aligned with the right-hand path of spiritual practice. It forms a significant aspect of religious practices in modern Hindu society, drawing influence from various sacred texts such as the puranas, agamas, and tantras. Among these, the tantras hold particular importance as they are primarily associated with the worship of Shakti, the Divine Mother. In tantric literature, seven types of acharas or modes of spiritual practice are delineated, which are further categorized into two main paths: Dakshinachara and Vamachara. Dakshinachara, the right-hand path, embodies practices that are often more conventional and conservative in nature. Worshiping the goddess Dakshina Kalika, adhering to Vedic modes of puja (ritual worship), and engaging in sadhana (spiritual discipline) are characteristic of Dakshinachara. This path typically upholds traditional beliefs and rituals, including adherence to the varnashrama system, which is t...

Shantadurga of Kelshi: The Ancient Goddess of Konkan and Her Sacred Connection to Parashurama The Sacred Land of Parashurama The Konkan region, stretching along the western coast of India and embraced by the majestic Sahyadri mountain range, holds a special place in Hindu tradition as the land reclaimed and sanctified by Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to ancient accounts, Parashurama, wielding his formidable axe, cleansed the earth of corrupt Kshatriya rulers who had strayed from dharma and brought suffering upon the innocent. After fulfilling his divine mission of establishing righteousness, he is said to have created new land along the Konkan coast and made it his sacred abode. The village of Kelshi in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra stands as a testament to this ancient heritage, housing the most venerable temple of Goddess Shantadurga, whose presence has blessed this land for millennia. The Great Consecration and Arrival of the Goddess To commem...