Asvalayana Srauta Sutra is a text on rituals belonging to the Asvalayana School of the Shakala recension of Rig Veda. Ashvalayana Shrauta Sutra prescribes the ritualistic code to be followed by the Rig Vedic priest Hotr and his subordinates. The sutras are presented in 12 chapters. From the concluding sutra, it is understood that Asvalayana was the disciple of Shaunaka. The first chapter of Asvalayana Srauta Sutra deals with fortnightly rituals (darsha and purnamasa). In the second chapter, adhana ritual is described, followed by agnihotra (offering of oblations both in the morning and in the evening). In this chapter, ‘Chaturmasya’ (rituals performed during the four months) are also described along with many rituals, for the fulfillment of kamyeshti yagas (human desires). In the third chapter of Asvalayana Srauta Sutra, the animal sacrifice is described, followed by sautramani yaga – a sacrifice – in which Sutraman (Indra) is worshipped as the main deity. Some of the expiation rit...

Tulsidas’s Vinay Patrika is as relevant to our spiritual life as is his Ramcharitmanas. Its 279 poems reveal Rama as the absolute Reality. Vinay Patrika teaches us to avoid sectarian animosity (Tulsidas hails Ganesha, Shiva, Parvati) and honour holy rivers like the Ganga. We get a full view of the holiness of Benares through legends and enjoy the full-throated prayers to Hanuman. Throughout the poems Tulsidas’s faith in Rama’s grace is firm. Of course earthly life is full of sorrows and man’s condition is pitiable: O Lord, day and night I have to dance. From the moment I got the epithet of jiva, I have no rest. Desires are the clothings, And greed etc. are the ornaments; Putting them on, the dance continues. But then Rama always loves His servant and so grace will not be denied to the devotee: Ahalya, Guha, Sugriva, Jambavan, Vibhishana, Shabari, Jatayu — the list is endless! Tulsidas also teaches us that external rituals are not all. One’s worship consists not in the m...

Kriyaleshasmriti is a tantra granthi or book written by Neelakandan Namboothiri in Malayalam. The book contains rules on pujas and rituals offered to Bhagavan Vishnu, Goddess Durga, Mahadeva Shiva, Skanda, Vighneshwara or Ganapathi, Sastha or Ayyappa and Achyuta or Sri Krishna. Important pujas and rituals dedicated to the deities are detailed in the text. There are a total of 12 main chapters in the book. Step by step guide to conducting various pujas, the dos and don’ts, timings of various rituals and other important rules are discussed in detail in the book. There are no known commentary or translation of the book.

Anubhashya of Vallabhacharya is a commentary on Brahma Sutras of Badarayana. Vallabhacharya is the founder of Pushtimarg and the corresponding school of philosophy known as Shuddhadvaita. Vallabhacharya completed this work till sutra 3.2.33 (the remainder was completed by his son Vitthalnath), and it is the most important philosophical work of Vallabhacharya. Anubhashya is largely pramana, often in the strictest sense of providing formal philosophical proof for the doctrines of Shuddhadvaita. The composition of this commentary elevated Vallabhacharya into the rarefied elite of Hindu philosophical thinkers. Throughout, he argues his position that the jiva (individual self) is inseparable from God in his manifestation of Akshara Brahman, but thoroughly dependent on his grace. Thus, he advocates a Supreme Deity both sakara (manifest) and nirakara (unmanifest). Vallabhacharya argues that the fruit of devotion is attainment of the Supreme God Himself, while the fruit of knowledge is t...

Sivabharata, also known as Shivabharat, is an epic written on Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by Kavindra Paramananda in Sanskrit. The text is a fine specimen of a medieval Sanskrit mahakavya (epic), noted as much for its literary qualities as for its historical importance. Paramananda, Shivaji’s court poet, sees the events of that tempestuous era through the lens of Hindu theology, thus producing a beautiful poem recounting the feats of Shivaji and his immediate forbears in a mythic manner conforming to the canons of literary compositions. Sivabharata has over 2000 verses; however, the work is incomplete. It stops abruptly after the 30 second canto. The colophon, however, promises a work of a hundred thousand verses. The extant poem traces career of Shivaji (cantos 2-4) and his birth as an avatara (incarnation) of Vishnu, born to overcome Mughal impression, and so on. It trails off in the middle into a description of Shivaji’s campaign in 1661 CE. Later, the poet again seems to have take...

A popular scholarly treatise on erotics, Rati Rahasya was written by Pandit Kokkoka, in the 8th century, during the reign of the celebrated Hindu emperor, Bhoja. Rati Rahasya is generally known in India as Koka Shastra after the illustrious author. Here is a popular story as to who Koka came to write Rati Rahasya. A passionate woman, consumed with love, failing to find a proper person to gratify her inordinate desire, could not contain herself; she threw off her garments and swore she would wander over the wide world in the state of nature till she met with a worthy mate. In this abnormal state she entered the palace hall of King Bhoja, to the wonder and scandal of the courtiers present. Unabashed she declared that as she found no manly person among the crowed, she had felt no shame in appearing unclothed. The king and his courtiers remained stunned and dumb-founded. Pandit Kokkoa who was attending on the monarch could not remain silent; he begged his king’s permission to teach the...

Viveka Sindhu is a vedantic book written by Mukundaraya, a well known saint-poet,who probably flourished in the late 12 th century CE. Mukundaraya upheld the atman-Brahman identity of Upanishads in the work on Vedanta. Realization of the highest atman was declared as the highest goal of human endeavor in the book. The title ‘Viveka Sindhu’ is significant. It literally means ‘ocean of discrimination’. The first part of the work describes the characteristics of worthy teacher and a worthy student. Then certain topics like panchikarana and elucidation of the expression of ‘sarvam brahmam’ are dealt elaborately. In the next half, the implications of mahavakya ‘tatvamasi’ are explained. Then follows the denial of linga deha and a description of sayujya-bhakti. The worki s rich in metaphor and abounds in colloquial words which are easily understood.

Jaimini Sutra Bhashya is a commentary on Mimamsa Sutras of Jaimini of Sri Vallabhacharya. Sri Vallabhacharya is the founder of Pushtimarg and the corresponding school of philosophy known as Shuddhadvaita. This commentary is now lost, and the very fact of its composition is very much in dispute among scholars within Pushtimarg. No copies of such a manuscript exist in Pushtimarg libraries, and no commentaries, even fragmentary, exist on it by either Vitthalnath or Purushottama (1668 – 1725 CE), seventh in descent from Vallabhacharya, the best known and most highly regarded commentator in the sect, who wrote commentaries on all of Vallabhacharya’s work. On the other hand, it is not impossible that a major work, which was then known and about which rumor has persisted for centuries, was lost during the chaotic first two decades after Vallabhacharya’s death in 1531 CE. There was a good deal of tension and family dispute until the accession of Vitthalnath in 1550 CE., following the death...

Tatvarthdip Nibandh, also written as Tattvartha Deepa Nibandha, is an independent treatise in three sections, in mixed prose and verse by Shri Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya. Sri Vallabhacharya is the founder of Pushtimarg and the corresponding school of philosophy known as Shuddhadvaita. The three sections of Tatvarthdip Nibandh are called Shastrarth, Sarva Nirnaya and Bhagavatartha. In the first two sections Vallabhacharya argues, through massive use of citation, for a unified textuality of Krishna bhakti,Upanishads and Purva Mimamsa. He defines and classifies his terms, systematizes his principles, describes the nature of incarnation, of eligibility for higher knowledge, and much more. The Shastrarth Prakarana section gives Vallabhacharya’s views on much of the material contained in the Bhagavad Gita. Though it is not a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, very early in the text Vallabhacharya states that the Bhagavad Gita embodies the words and teachings of Sri Krishna; therefore it is ...

Subodhini of Vallabhacharya is a commentary on the first, second, third, tenth and part of the eleventh cantos of Srimad Bhagavata Purana.Vallabhacharya is the founder of Pushtimarg and the corresponding school of philosophy known as Shuddhadvaita. Subodhini is the most esoteric and popular of Vallabhacharya’s long works and is also, the most prameya oriented, indicating God Himself, ‘that which is to be measured or proved.’ Subodhini examines Bhagavata according to levels of interpretation closer or more precise than those employed in Bhagavatarthaprakarana – sentence (vakya), word (pada) and syllable (akshara). In both Anubhashya and Subodhini, Vallabhacharya emphasizes the connection between aesthetic theory and religious practice and experience, but in this text he analyses the aesthetics of devotional experience according to the tenets of Alankara Shastra, the classical Hindu science of aesthetics.

Koka Shastra, also known as Rati Rahasya and Kama Keli Rahasya, a significant Hindu text on the sexuality and eroticism composed in 12th century AD occupies an important position in the realm of ancient Hindu literature on erotica and ranks only next to Vatsyayana’s Kamasutra. It was composed by Kokkoka from personal experience with a Yakshi. With his scientific thoroughness, discriminating analysis, practical wisdom and psychological understanding, Kokkoka admirably expounds his important topics of love in elegant and lucid style. Not only he ably epitomizes the views of the earlier noteworthy eroticians like Vatsyayana, Nandikeshvara, Gonikaputra, Mahuka and Ravana but he also, sometimes, differs from them in a brilliant manner. The popular our fold-fold classification of females as Padmini, Citrini, Shankhini and Hastini was first time discussed in Koka Shastra. Written in 552 artistic strophies, composed in different metres and divided into fifteen chapters, Rati Rahasya eluc...

Sivjnana Bodham is a Tamil work by Meykandar on Saiva Siddhanta. The work was published in 13th century CE. Sivajnana Bodham consists of twelve manuals of sutras (aphorisms), divided into general and special sections, which again are classified into four chapters on means of knowledge, categories, means to liberation and the nature of the liberated being. According to Sivajnana Yogin, a commentator, Siva Jnana Bodham is a translation in Tamil of Papa-vomocana-padalam from Raurava agama in Sanskrit. Some scholars, however, consider it an independent and original contribution in Tamil. The general section deals with three categories of Shaivism – pati (God), Pashu (being) and Pasha (bondage). The chapter on the means of pramans (knowledge) includes Sutra 1 – to prove the existence of God Sutra 2 – to prove the existence of bondage Sutra 3 – to prove the existence of being. The chapter on categories includes Sutra 4 – on the nature of being Sutra 5 – on the nature of bondage...

Totakashtakam was composed by Totakacharya, one of the chief disciples of Sri Adi Shankara. It is an octad of verses in praise of the Master. Here is the Totakashtakam lyrics in English in pdf with meaning. Link – Totakashtakam Transliteration in English Meaning pdf The meter Totakacharya has used in this composition is the difficult but beautiful totaka. Hence he was himself given the name Totakacharya. Every word of this exquisite hymn bespeaks the utter devotion of its author to Adi Shankara. Adi Shankaracharya, the Guru, is all to him. There is nothing equal to the Guru; nothing superior to him. The Guru is the dispeller of the darkness of ignorance. There can be no greater good than the removal of ignorance. The spirit of devotion of the disciple is best expressed in the soul-moving poem.

Soundarya Lahari of Adi Shankaracharya extols the glory of Mother Goddess. Saundaryalahari consists of 100 shlokas. This particular Soundarya Lahari book in Malayalam pdf for download is in poem form. Please note that this is the literal translation of the original Sanskrit in poem form. It is not in paragraph form or with meaning. The first forty one verses are popularly known as Ananda Lahari and its subject matter is mystical and philosophical in nature. The next 59 verses form the actual Soundarya Lahari (Inundation of Beauty) and describe the beauty and glory of Mother Goddess. You can download  Soundarya Lahari in Malayalam here from drive

Human Ecology in the Vedas (1999) written by Of Dr Marta Vannucci critically examine Vedic literature. Here is a collection of quotes from Human Ecology in the Vedas. These quotes are highly relevant in this era when living beings, trees and plants are being wiped out by human beings to satiate greed, lust and power. Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) teaches to prosper by protecting and nurturing all animate and inanimate. Judaic, Christian, Islamic philosophies willfully disregarded the obvious changes over time and the evolution of everything in the universe. One of the great merits I see in Vedic and Vedic derived philosophies, and other oriental philosophies is the recognition that nothing is ever static, everywhere in the universe.   (‘Human Ecology in the Vedas’, p.viii) Though the ancient rsis probably did not see the need to knit together the knowledge acquired into a well defined and formulated whole or theory having general validity, they did recognise the importance o...

Nighantu is the earliest available lexicographical work in India. This dictionary represents five collections of about 1,840 Vedic words or groups of words. Nighantu is popularly regarded as single book, and the five collections are treated as its chapters. The first three of these are called Naighantuka Kanda, Aikapadika or Nigama Kanda and the fifth is the Daivata Kanda. Together, they are known as Samamnaya. The authorship of the Nighantu is uncertain. Yaska’s Nirukta purports to be a commentary on Nighantu, but on the basis of his own compilation of Vedic words he is said to have composed them. Naighantuka Kanda contains 1,341 synonyms in 69 groups for objects belonging to nature and society. Naigama Kanda consists of three groups of 278 homonyms, as well as adjectives, verbs, particles, common names, etc. Daivata Kanda has proper names of 151 Vedic gods like Agni, Indra etc. The main purpose of composing the first known dictionary in ancient India was to fa...

S. Aruna is the author of the book titled – Sons of Gods – The Mahabharata Retold. One of her favorite characters in the epic is Karna. Below is an interview with her to understand the complexities of the character of Karna. Hindu Blog - Karna is often referred as the unsung hero of Mahabharata. Some call him antihero. There are many books glorifying his character, the main reason being his abandonment by his mother as a child. But am more concerned here is about a major character flaw in Karna. He is obsessed with Arjuna, the archer. How do you see this aspect of Karna? Is not Karna insecure throughout the Mahabharata that he might come second to Arjuna in the list of the greatest archers in the world? We see all around us people who are jealous of their colleagues, family members and neighbors. Don’t you think Karna is a representation of this jealousy and insecurity? S. Aruna - Indeed, you are right: insecurity and jealousy are the so...

Hindu Spirituality In A Nutshell is a small but unique book by Nilesh Parab on spirituality. It is a helpful guide for those wishing to undertake a spiritual journey. Below is the interview: What prompted you to writing this short book on Hindu spirituality? I have always been inspired by the Bhagavad Gita since I read it back in college. Back in 2004-2005 I was undergoing some personal problems and turned to spirituality for solace. It was then that I re-read the Gita and it’s teachings. It was a fulfilling read, and I felt that the concepts put forth in it should be easily accessible to people who are new to Hinduism, or who are testing the waters, or even to give a clear “big picture” to those well-versed in Hinduism. I have tried to keep the book short, written it in simple language and with easy-to-understand diagrams. It is meant for people with busy lives to understand the core / basics of Hinduism in less than 30 minutes. You start the book point towards the ...

Sons of Gods – The Mahabharata Retold by S. Aruna is a condensation of the epic Mahabharata. Below is an interview with S. Aruna – to understand what new she offers to the reader through the book, the language, the women characters etc. To those who have already read the Mahabharata or know the story, what new aspects does your book offer?  Every writer who attempts a condensation of the Mahabharata will have a certain vision of which elements of the vast epic are essential, which less essential. Thus each condensation is unique in itself, since each one moulds together a different set of story elements. In my case, I was motivated to achieve three goals: first: it should essentially be a whole, rounded story similar in structure and style to a modern novel: that is, to bring the central story to life through the characters and dialogue while omitting almost all of the hundreds of “side-plots”, and avoiding the sermonising which, to my mind, detracts from the stor...

The book titled ‘Pearls of Vedic Wisdom to Succeed”, written by Dr Yogi Devaraj (Author), Arun Kumar (Author), Venugopala CV (Author), (published in August 2018) is a journey into the minds of great Vedic masters. To know more about the book, I did an interview with Sri Arun Kumar one of the authors of the book. You can learn more about the book through the interview. “Pearls of Vedic Wisdom to Succeed” How do you explain the term success in Vedic context? Vedic Wisdom is applicable to all walks of life. Success means achieving the desired goal. Vedic philosophy helps a sincere seeker to attain the ultimate goal of Moksha, a professional such as Arjuna to excel in the profession, succeed in being a good parent, succeed in becoming a better human being. This is what is advocated by Purusharthas. There are numerous books on Vedic Wisdom. How different is your book from those already available? Numerous good books are available. Though while reading, one might feel good but...