The Sacred Lotus in the Hands of Goddess Durga: Symbol of Consciousness and Divine Awakening In the grand narrative of the Devi Mahatmya, Goddess Durga stands as the embodiment of divine strength, wisdom, and compassion. When she engaged in the fierce battle against the demon Mahishasura, she carried with her an array of divine weapons and sacred emblems gifted by various deities. Among these, the blooming lotus (Padma) occupies a special place, not as a weapon of war, but as a profound spiritual symbol — a reminder of the awakening of divine consciousness within every being. The Gift of the Lotus from Lord Brahma According to the scriptures, when the gods invoked the Supreme Mother to vanquish the asura who had thrown the world into chaos, each deity offered her their own power and symbols. Lord Brahma, the Creator, presented her with the Padma — the hundred-petaled lotus — representing purity, knowledge, and unfolding wisdom. The Devi Mahatmya (Chandi Path) describes her as: ...

Sri Ramakrishna's Inability to Perform Tarpana for His Mother: A Symbolic Reflection on Spiritual Evolution The life of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the revered 19th-century mystic and saint, is filled with profound spiritual lessons that transcend time and culture. Among the numerous episodes from his life, one particularly poignant incident is his inability to perform the traditional tarpana ritual for his deceased mother. This event, though seemingly simple, carries deep symbolic and spiritual significance, offering insights into the nature of spiritual evolution, the transcendence of worldly duties, and the essence of true devotion. The Incident: A Brief Overview According to scriptural injunctions in Hindu tradition, a sannyasin (renunciant) is not permitted to perform funeral rites, as they have renounced all worldly attachments, including familial bonds. When Sri Ramakrishna's mother passed away, he adhered to this monastic tradition. However, he later felt an emotional ...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Monday, February 9 2026 – It is Krishna Paksha Ashtami tithi or the eighth day of waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Saptami tithi or the seventh day of waning or dark phase of moon till 5 :18 AM on February 9. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Ashtami tithi or the eighth day of waning or dark phase of moon till 7 :15 AM on February 10. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on February 9, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Swathi or Chothi Nakshatra till 5:30 AM on Feb 9. Then onward it is Vishaka or Vishakam Nakshatra till 7:55 AM on Feb 10. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Swathi or ...

Ajapa Natanam: The Silent Dance of Consciousness in Shaivite Tradition The Essence of the Breath-Dance Ajapa Natanam represents one of the most profound and esoteric aspects of Lord Shiva's cosmic dance traditions. Unlike the dynamic Ananda Thandavam or the fierce Rudra Thandavam, Ajapa Natanam is the dance of silence, the rhythm that exists beyond external movement. The term "Ajapa" itself means "without chanting" or "spontaneous," referring to the natural, involuntary breath that sustains all life. This sacred dance embodies the principle of So-Ham, the natural sound of breathing where "So" occurs during inhalation and "Ham" during exhalation. Together, they form the mantra "So-Ham," meaning "I am That" or "I am He," signifying the non-dual unity between the individual soul (jivatma) and the Supreme Soul (Paramatma). In this dance, Shiva reveals that the breath itself is the ultimate prayer, requir...

Santana Prapti Shasta: Grace of Ayyappa for Progeny, Protection, and Prosperity Santana Prapti Shasta is a sacred and compassionate form of Lord Shasta, worshipped for the blessing of progeny, continuity of lineage, and harmony within family life. This form belongs to the Ashta Shasta manifestations, the eight primary spiritual expressions of Shasta, each representing a specific aspect of divine grace and protection. Santana Prapti Shasta is especially revered by devotees seeking children, healthy family life, and the stability of generations. The Dhyana Ratnavali, an agamic and tantric text, describes this form as a peaceful and benevolent manifestation that radiates nurturing energy. Here, Shasta is not only the protector of dharma but also the divine father who safeguards family traditions and ensures the spiritual continuity of humanity. Iconography and Divine Form Santana Prapti Shasta is depicted seated in a composed and serene posture. He is two-armed: His right hand is in Abh...

 The Divine Victory of Mahamaya: When Wisdom Triumphed Over Demonic Arrogance In the sacred narratives of Hindu scriptures, particularly the Devi Mahatmyam, we encounter a profound episode that occurred at the dawn of creation. Two powerful asuras, Madhu and Kaitabha, emerged from the earwax of Lord Vishnu while he rested upon the cosmic serpent Ananta in the primordial ocean. These demons, embodying ignorance and ego, stole the Vedas—the repository of sacred knowledge—from Brahma, the creator, plunging the universe into darkness and chaos. Lord Vishnu engaged these formidable demons in combat for five thousand celestial years, yet neither side could overcome the other. The demons had obtained a boon that made them nearly invincible. Recognizing that brute force alone would not suffice, Vishnu understood that a higher power was needed—the supreme feminine energy, Adi Shakti, who manifests as Mahamaya, the great cosmic illusion. The Intervention of the Supreme Goddess Vishnu per...

Shvetadvipa: The Radiant Isle of Devotion In the annals of the Mahabharata’s Shanti Parva, there lies a luminous account of Svetadvipa, the “White Island,” situated beyond the celestial mountain Meru. This divine isle, visited by the sage Narada at the behest of Lord Nara Narayana, embodies profound symbolism within Hindu religious tradition. Far from a mere geographical locale, Shvetadvipa represents spiritual purity, unwavering devotion, and the eternally white brilliance of divine consciousness. The Journey to Svetadvipa According to the Narayaniya section of the Shanti Parva (Book 12), Nara Narayana instructs Sage Narada to undertake a voyage to this remote island. As Narada traverses uncharted heavenly realms, he passes through realms of varying hues and energies until he finally beholds Svetadvipa gleaming in pristine whiteness. The isle floats serenely in the ocean of bliss, its shores washed by luminous waves of pure consciousness. Landscape and Inhabitants Shvetadvipa’s t...

The Radiant Form of Goddess Durga: Understanding Her Golden Complexion in Hindu Scriptures The divine feminine energy of the cosmos manifests in many forms, and among the most powerful is Goddess Durga, the warrior deity who embodies shakti in its purest form. Ancient Hindu texts consistently describe her with a specific and deeply symbolic physical attribute — her skin glows like molten gold, a radiance that speaks to her divine nature and cosmic significance. The Scriptural Description: Tapta Kanchana Varna The Matsya Purana, one of the eighteen major Puranas in Hindu tradition, provides a vivid description of Goddess Durga's appearance. She is called "Tapta Kanchana Varna," which translates to "the color of molten gold." This is not merely the yellow of solid gold, but the intense, luminous glow of gold when it is heated to its liquid state — a brilliance that captivates and commands reverence. This golden hue appears consistently in Durga's dhyana ma...

The Sacred Flow: Why Tarpan Should Be Performed with River Water In Hindu tradition, Tarpan is a sacred act of offering water to the divine, the sages, and one's ancestors (Pitrs). It is a ritual of remembrance, gratitude, and spiritual connection, symbolizing the eternal bond between the living and those who have transcended. The water offered in Tarpan acts as a bridge between realms, carrying the devotee’s prayers and offerings to the higher planes. The Bhishma Episode and the Origin of the Practice The significance of using river water for Tarpan finds a profound illustration in the Mahabharata . During the Kurukshetra war, when Bhishma Pitamah lay upon a bed of arrows awaiting his final moment, he refrained from drinking ordinary water. Bound by his vow and purity of purpose, he declared that he would receive only water worthy of his divine lineage. Arjuna , understanding Bhishma’s inner wish, drew his bow and released an arrow into the earth. From that spot, the sacred w...

Human nature, with all its complexities, has been a subject of philosophical and spiritual exploration for millennia. Hinduism, one of the world's oldest religions, offers profound insights into the intrinsic nature of humanity, emphasizing both its divine potential and its inherent flaws. The idea that we expect too many reforms in the world, which may never materialize because humans are fundamentally selfish, is a concept that finds resonance in Hindu teachings. This article delves into this notion, drawing from Hindu scriptures, teachings of saints, and simple real-life examples to elucidate the point. Understanding Human Nature in Hinduism Hindu philosophy acknowledges the duality of human nature—the divine (Atman) and the material (Maya). The Bhagavad Gita, a seminal text in Hindu philosophy, highlights this duality through Lord Krishna's teachings to Arjuna. Krishna explains that while the soul is eternal and pure, the mind and senses are often clouded by desires and att...