Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Tuesday, July 22 2025 – It is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi and Trayodashi tithi or the twelfth and thirteenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 5 :48 AM on July 22. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Trayodashi tithi or the thirteenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 3 :45 AM on July 23. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on July 22, 2025 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Mrigasira or Makayiram nakshatra till 7:16 PM on July 22. Then onward it is Ardra or Arudhara or Thiruvathira nakshatra till 6:12 PM on July 23. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of I...

A Comparison Between Ancient Raja Dharma And Modern Day Democratic Governments Across human history, rulers and citizens have sought systems of governance that balance authority, justice, welfare, and individual freedom. In ancient South Asia especially in ancient India, the concept of Raja Dharma —the righteous duty of the king—served as the guiding framework for monarchical rule. It was an important aspect and part of Hinduism. In contrast, modern democratic governments rest on principles of popular sovereignty, constitutional limits, and individual rights. Though separated by time, culture, and political form, both Raja Dharma and democratic governance share aims of welfare, justice, and order.  Origins and Philosophical Foundations Raja Dharma traces its roots to early Hindu texts—epics, law codes, and treatises—where the king is at once protector, guide, and exemplar. Underpinning Raja Dharma is the belief that the monarch rules not for personal aggrandizement but as custodi...

In the journey of life, parents naturally guard their children with fierce devotion—nurturing them, shielding them from harm, and guiding their first steps. Yet there comes a moment, universally recognized in the human experience and vividly illustrated in our sacred lore, when the child must venture beyond the parent’s protective embrace. In Hindu thought, this transition from tender custody to respectful freedom is not merely a social necessity but a profound spiritual imperative. Once children grow into young adults, parents must loosen the reins and allow them to chart their own destiny—so that, like the river released from its dam, they may flow freely toward the ocean of their true purpose. The Lesson of Dasharatha and the Princes In the great epic Ramayana, King Dasharatha faces a moment of agonizing choice. His eldest son, Rama, and his devoted brother Lakshmana—fair of countenance and steadfast of heart—are summoned by the sage Vishwamitra to help protect his hermitage from ...

In Hinduism, rituals and worship practices are often aimed at achieving specific desires or spiritual goals. However, these rituals can sometimes be impeded by malicious or inimical spirits. To protect against such interference, practitioners employ a method known as "Dik Bandhana" or "Digbandha." The Concept of Dik Bandhana "Dik" refers to the quarters or directions, and "Bandhana" means binding or locking. Thus, Dik Bandhana is the practice of "locking" the directions to prevent evil spirits from entering the sacred space during a ritual. This practice ensures that the ritual proceeds without any obstacles caused by malevolent entities. How Dik Bandhana is Performed The process of Dik Bandhana involves the chanting of specific powerful mantras or mystical syllables. These chants serve to create a protective barrier around the ritual space. Some of the commonly used chants include: Vyahritis of the Gayatri Mantra : The Vyahritis are th...

The Jambukeswarar Temple, located in Thiruvanaikkaval near Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most renowned and revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its history is rich with legends, miracles, and divine interventions that have captured the hearts of devotees for centuries. Among the many divine stories that surround this sacred space, one of the most intriguing is the tale of Vibuthi Chithar, a miraculous form of Lord Shiva who is said to have manifested in a very unique manner during the construction of the temple. This story is closely tied to the temple's Aippasi Poornima (full moon day in the Tamil month of Aippassi, which corresponds to the October-November period in the Gregorian calendar). On this auspicious day, the Shiva Lingam in the temple is covered with sacred ash, which forms a central element in the narrative of Vibuthi Chithar and his divine intervention in the construction of the temple’s fifth corridor or prakara. The Miracle of Vibuthi Chithar The st...

Nasadiya Sukta: A Profound Reflection on Creation and Existence in Hindu Thought The Nasadiya Sukta, found in the Rigveda (Mandala 10, Hymn 129), stands as one of the most intellectually and spiritually profound compositions in Hindu scripture. Often referred to as the "Creation Hymn," it explores not just the origins of the universe but the very essence of existence, consciousness, and the divine mystery behind creation. Far ahead of its time, this hymn exemplifies the rich philosophical tradition of Sanatana Dharma and offers insights that resonate deeply with both ancient wisdom and modern scientific inquiries. The Context and Structure of the Nasadiya Sukta This hymn is attributed to the sage Prajapati Paramesthi and dedicated to Paramatma, the Supreme Being, referred to by Sayana as Bhavavrttam. It is composed in the Trishtubh metre, a traditional poetic form that emphasizes a solemn and meditative tone. The Sukta comprises seven verses that delve into a metaphysical ...

Hinduism abounds with legends, symbols and rituals celebrating the serpent in its many forms. From the coiled power of kundalini to the multi‑headed shesha on whose hoods Vishnu reclines, snakes occupy an exalted place in myth, ritual and iconography. Yet, despite the ubiquity of naga worship—from the pan‑Indian festival of Nag Panchami to roadside shrines clustered around anthills—Hinduism has never given rise to a major organized “snake cult” or sect devoted exclusively to these creatures. What accounts for this curious absence? A closer look at the theological, social and historical strands of snake veneration shows how snakes were woven seamlessly into the mainstream tapestry of Hindu worship, rather than spun off into independent religious movements. Snakes as Integral Symbols of Major Deities In the Hindu imagination a snake is rarely encountered in isolation. Vasuki, the king of serpents, coils around Shiva’s neck; Ananta‑Shesha, the infinite serpent, forms Vishnu’s cosmic cou...

The Great Masquerade: Navigating Through Sanctimonious Pretenders in Modern Times In the grand theater of modern spirituality, we find ourselves surrounded by performers who have mastered the art of looking holy while their inner compass spins wildly without direction. These sanctimonious souls parade around like peacocks displaying their spiritual plumage, yet when the lights dim and the audience disperses, their true colors emerge like a cheap dye running in the rain. The Age of Spiritual Show-offs Walk into any spiritual gathering today, and you'll witness a curious phenomenon. People compete to appear more enlightened than their neighbors, dropping Sanskrit words like confetti at a wedding, while their actual understanding of these sacred concepts remains as shallow as a puddle after a brief shower. They speak of dharma while cutting queues, discuss karma while cheating on their taxes, and preach about ahimsa while harboring venomous thoughts about their colleagues. The Bha...

In Hindu philosophy, particularly within the context of the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and various Vedantic texts, there is a profound distinction between using Jnana (knowledge) and Karma (action) to either reinforce the cycle of rebirth (samsara) or to transcend it. Here’s an expanded explanation: The Cycle of Rebirth (Samsara) Samsara refers to the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, which is driven by karma (the law of cause and effect). In this cycle, the actions (karma) of an individual, influenced by their desires and ignorance, bind them to the material world and result in ongoing reincarnation. Jnana (Knowledge) Jnana refers to spiritual knowledge, particularly the realization of the self (Atman) and its unity with Brahman, the ultimate reality. This knowledge transcends intellectual understanding and involves direct experiential awareness of the true nature of the self. Karma (Action) Karma, in its broader sense, encompasses all actions performed by an individu...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Monday, July 21 2025 – It is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 8 :04 AM on July 21. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 5 :48 AM on July 22. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on July 21, 2025 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Rohini nakshatra till 8:37 PM on July 21. Then onward it is Mrigasira or Makayiram nakshatra till 7:16 PM on July 22. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Rohini n...