Avani Moolam: When Lord Shiva Carried Sand for His Devotee at Madurai Meenakshi Temple The Madurai Meenakshi Temple, one of the most magnificent shrines in South India, celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year that showcase the divine play of Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) and Goddess Meenakshi. Among these celebrations, the Avani Moolam festival (Puttu festival) stands out as a unique testament to Lord Shiva's boundless compassion for his devotees, demonstrating that the Supreme Lord himself descends to serve those who worship him with pure devotion. The Historical Account The origins of Avani Moolam Puttu festival date back to the era of the Pandya kings who ruled Madurai with righteousness and prosperity. During one particular reign, the sacred River Vaigai, which has nourished Madurai since ancient times, began flooding its banks, threatening the entire city and its inhabitants. Understanding the gravity of the situation, the Pandya king issued a royal decree that ever...

The Slaying of Chanda and Munda: When Divine Wrath Manifests to Destroy Evil The seventh chapter of the Devi Mahatmya, also known as Shri Shri Chandi or Durga Saptashati, recounts one of the most powerful episodes in Hindu sacred literature. When the demon king Shumbha commanded his two mighty generals, Chanda and Munda, to capture Goddess Durga, they marched forth with overwhelming confidence. Leading vast armies of cavalry and elephants, these demon commanders approached the Goddess who sat alone upon her lion mount. Their arrogance knew no bounds, and seeing her solitary figure, they burst into mocking laughter, convinced that victory would be theirs without effort. The Transformation of Divine Energy What the demons failed to comprehend was that they were not facing an ordinary adversary. The Divine Mother, witnessing their hubris and disrespect, underwent a spectacular transformation. Her fury intensified to such a degree that her fair complexion turned red with rage, and then ...

Annambhatta is a 17th century CE philosopher and logician. He has written a primer on Hindu logic called Tarkasamgraha. Every beginner of Hindu logic is familiar with the name of Annambhatta. The lucidity of style, simplicity of expression and good communication skills in simple Sanskrit are the defining features of his works. He hailed from Andhra Pradesh and flourished in the latter part of the 17 th century CE. He was the son of Meligiri Tirumalaraya and the younger brother of Sarvadeva. He was the disciple of Brahmendra Sarasvati, a stalwart of Advaita Siddhanta. He learnt Sanskrit grammar from Pandit Visvesvara and studied Vedanta and Mimamsa under the able guidance of Pandita Visvanatha of Varanasi. He mastered Nyaya, Mimamsa, Vyakarana and Advaita Vedanta and wrote a number of learned commentaries on these subjects. The better known and most popular amongst them are in the field of Purva Mimamsa and Vedanta. He wrote a voluminous commentary called Ranakojjivani on Nyayasudha of...

Meaning and Symbolism The term Jyotishmati is derived from the Sanskrit roots "Jyoti" (light) and "mati" (mind or intellect). It literally translates to "full of light" or "illuminated consciousness." In the context of Yoga, it signifies a state of inner illumination, clarity, and wisdom. This radiance is not physical but metaphysical, representing a mind imbued with sattva (purity and harmony), which leads to self-awareness and freedom from suffering. Importance in Yoga In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (1.33-39), several techniques are prescribed for attaining a steady and tranquil mind. Meditating on the sushumna nadi —the central channel of energy that runs along the spine—is one such method. This practice brings about an illuminated understanding of the chitta (mind or consciousness). The light of Jyotishmati represents the yogi's transcendence over ignorance and emotional turbulence, culminating in liberation ( moksha ). Symbolis...

Sringara Rasa is one of the nine rasas described in the texts of Hindu poetics. This sentiment arises from sthayi bhava called rati. It has two substrata – Sambhoga (love in union) Vipralambha (love in separation) Love in union arises from vibhavas (causes) such as seasons, garlands, ointments, ornaments, beloved people, sense objects, superb mansions, garden visit, looking at one’s beloved accompanied by sports, dallying, etc. It should be represented on the stage through anubhavas such as clever movement of the eyes, eyebrows, glances, graceful and gentle body movements and soft words. Vyabhicaribhavas of this sentiment do not include alasya (laziness), krodha (anger) and jugupsa (disgust). Love in separation should be represented on the stage through vyabhicaribhavas, nirveda (discouragement), glani (weakness), etc. The distinction between vipralambha sringara and karuna (pathos) is as follows – karuna rasa relates to nirapkeshabhava (loss of hope) and arises from sadness ...

Invoking Durga's Protection: The Spiritual Significance of Dugga Dugga The Ancient Practice of Divine Protection In Bengali Hindu households, when a loved one prepares to leave the home for a journey, elders reverently utter "Dugga Dugga" – a profound spiritual invocation that carries centuries of devotion and trust. This simple yet powerful phrase is not merely a farewell but a sacred prayer seeking the divine protection of Goddess Durga, ensuring the traveler's safe passage and successful return. The practice reflects the deep-rooted belief that no journey, whether physical or metaphorical, should begin without invoking the Mother's blessings. The Name Durga: Destroyer of All Suffering The very name "Durga" holds immense spiritual significance. Derived from the Sanskrit root "durg," meaning fortress or a place difficult to access, Durga represents the divine force that protects devotees from the fortresses of suffering and ignorance. She ...

The Sacred Sound of Om: Yajurveda's Path to Divine Realization The Yajurveda, one of the four principal Vedas in Hindu tradition, places profound emphasis on the sacred syllable Om as the gateway to realizing Brahman, the ultimate reality. This ancient wisdom text, primarily concerned with liturgical procedures and sacrificial rituals, elevates Om beyond mere sound to the status of the supreme spiritual tool. Through constant repetition and contemplation of Om, the Yajur Veda teaches that seekers can transcend the material realm and merge with the infinite consciousness that pervades all existence. The Symbolism of Om Om represents the cosmic sound from which the entire universe emerged. It is considered the sonic form of Brahman itself, encapsulating the past, present, and future in a single syllable. The three phonetic components of Om—A, U, and M—symbolize the trinity of existence: creation, preservation, and dissolution. These sounds also represent the waking, dreaming, and ...

Early Spiritual Life: Overcoming Despondency and Low Spirits in the Light of Hindu Wisdom Embarking on a spiritual journey is a path of both profound transformation and daunting challenges. In the early stages of this quest, many seekers encounter periods of despondency and low spirits—a state marked by inner doubt, disillusionment, and a sense of profound loneliness. In Hindu philosophy, these emotional and mental struggles are recognized not as dead ends but as necessary trials on the path toward self-realization. By understanding their causes, acknowledging their effects, and following the timeless guidance offered by scriptures, gurus, and saints, a seeker can transform these obstacles into stepping stones toward enlightenment. The Nature and Impact of Despondency in Early Spiritual Life In the initial phases of spiritual awakening, the seeker often confronts the vast and overwhelming nature of the inner journey. The human mind, conditioned by social norms and material pursuits, fi...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Wednesday, February 18 2026 – It is Shukla Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. 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. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Dwitiya tithi or the second day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 4 :18 PM on February 19. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on February 18, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  Satabhisha or Chathayam Nakshatra till 9:34 PM on February 18. Then onward it is Purva Bhadrapada or Pooruruttathi Nakshatra till 9:18 PM on February 19. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa,...

 Shiva's Kalita Tandava: Symbolism of the Eight-Armed Dance of Transformation The Form of Kalita Tandava The Kalita Tandava represents one of the most profound manifestations of Lord Shiva's cosmic dance, depicting the Supreme Being in a powerful eight-armed form. This sacred dance embodies the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution that governs the universe. In this remarkable posture, Shiva's upper right hand holds the damaru, the divine drum whose rhythmic beats symbolize the primordial sound of creation. His other right hands carry the pasha (noose), the trishula (trident), while the lower right hand assumes the Abhaya mudra, the gesture of fearlessness and protection. The left side of his divine form is equally significant. His upper left hand blazes with agni (fire), representing destruction and purification. The subsequent hands hold the kapala (skull cup), display Vismaya mudra (the gesture of wonderment), and the lower left hand extends gracefully...