The original name of Sage Vyasa, the author of Mahabharata, is Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa. The word Vyasa means split, differentiates, or describe and he gets this name after He divided the Vedas in four: Rik, Yajus, Saman, and Atharva. But the actual name of the sage is Krishna Dwaipayan. He was born of Satyavati, a fisher woman, and the wandering sage Parashara, who was the grandson of Sage Vasistha. Satyavati later married Shantanu. Vyasa's complexion was dark and therefore he was referred as Krishna and the couple had the child on one the islands (dwipa) of Yamuna River . That is how he got the name Krishna Dwaipayan. The island was covered by Badara (Indian jujube) trees, so he was also known as Badarayana.

Apsaras are stunningly beautiful celestial damsels. They are the dancers and singers of heaven. The story of the origin of Apsaras in Hindu religion is mentioned in the Puranas and they appeared during the Samudra Manthan – Churning of Ocean. Urvashi, Rambha, Tilottama, Kratusthala, Punjikasthala, Menaka, Sahajanya, Pramlocha, Anumlocha, Chritachi, Vishwachi, and Purvachiti are among the prominent Apsaras. Churning of the Ksheera Sagara, the celestial Milky Ocean , was performed by Devas and Demons to acquire Amrita (Nectar of immortality). Devas and Asuras faced numerous difficulties and they were solved by Vishnu and Shiva. Finally, churning proved successful and one after the other numerous things appeared. Apsaras were the seventh to appear from the churning. They then became the dancers and singers in the court of Devas.

In Hinduism, health and well-being are seen as an essential part of living a balanced and fulfilling life. Praying for better health is deeply rooted in Hindu tradition, and there are numerous deities associated with healing, knowledge, nourishment, and vitality. Here's a comprehensive guide to praying for better health, including simple prayers, puja steps, ideal gods or goddesses to worship, mantras, and practical ideas for modern times. 1. Ideal Gods and Goddesses for Health and Healing Several deities are invoked for health and well-being. Each one represents different aspects of health, ranging from physical well-being to mental peace and knowledge. Lord Dhanvantari : The divine physician and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Dhanvantari is regarded as the God of Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical system. Ashwini Kumaras : The twin gods of healing and medicine, often invoked for restoring health and vitality. Goddess Saraswati : The goddess of wisdom and learning, also asso...

Vettakkorumakan Temple at Nilambur in Kerala is dedicated to son of Shiva (Kirata murti) and Goddess Parvati. The shrine is located on the banks of Chaliyar River and is near the Nilambur Bus Stand. The main deity worshipped in the shrine is Vettakkorumakan. He is also referred to as Lord Sastha or Shasthavu. The subsidiary deities in the shrine are Ganapati, Goddess Bhagavati and Nagas. Nilambur Vettakkorumakan Temple is a classic example of Kerala Style Architecture. The shrine is famous for the six-day festival called the Nilambur Pattu Utsavam which is held in Dhanu Masam (December – January). Nilambur Vettakkorumakan Temple Pooja and Darshan Time Morning Darshan - 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM Evening Pooja Time - 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM

A Comparison Between Shamans of Himachal Pradesh and Velichappadu in Kerala Shamanic traditions in India, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Kerala, have played a vital role in shaping the spiritual and cultural landscape of these regions. In Himachal Pradesh, shamans are commonly referred to as ‘Gur’, ‘Mali’, or ‘Ghanita’ , while in Kerala, they are known as ‘Velichappadu’ (literally, the revealer of light). Despite the geographical and cultural distance between these two regions, both traditions hold deep spiritual significance and share certain similarities, though their practices, roles, and status differ in many ways. 1. Role and Significance Shamans of Himachal Pradesh : The Gur, Mali, or Ghanita in Himachal Pradesh serve as mediators between the divine and the human world. They enter trances during festivals or rituals, believed to be possessed by local deities such as Devtas or Devis , who communicate through them. Their primary role involves healing, protection, and offer...

Goddess Purnagiri is a manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. She is associated with Tantra. As per Hevajra Tantra, Purnagiri is one of the important Peetahs and Mother Goddess is worshipped here as Goddess Purneshwari. Legend has it that Lord Shiva was carrying the body of his dead wife Sati around the world. There seemed to be no end to Shiva’s anger and grief. This led to an imbalance in the universe. Finally, Lord Vishnu decided to decimate the body of Sati with his Sudhrashana Chakra. He cut the body of Sati into 51 pieces. Her arms and leg fell at Purnagiri and she came to be known as Goddess Purnagiri. Maa Purnagiri is worshiped for peace, prosperity, protection, good agriculture, healthy children, early cure of diseases and for victory over enemies.

Hingula Temple is dedicated to Mother Goddess Hingula also known as Hinglaj Mata, or Hingulei or Hingulaksi. The shrine is located at the Gopal Prasada Gada village in Angul District in Odisha. There is also an equally important murti (idol) of Lord Jagannath in the temple. It is believed that Goddess Hingula arrived with King Nala and King Gajapati at Gopal Prasada Gada – they were on their way to Puri. Mother Goddess decided to stay at Gopal Prasada Gada. Goddess Hingula has no other form except fire and she is linked with the Agni Kona (South East direction). For worship, there are murtis of Goddess is in various sizes in the shrine. There is also the utsava murti which is carried around during festivals. The most important ritual and festival in the shrine is held on the Bishnu Damank Chaturdashi, which falls on the fourteenth day of the bright phase on the moon in the month of Chaitra (March – April). Numerous festivals are organized through the year at the shrine. F...

Hinduism and Maasai mythology both offer profound insight into the spiritual and cultural fabric of their respective societies, but they are fundamentally different in their origins, practices, and modern-day relevance. Here's a detailed comparison covering various aspects such as history, key differences, similarities, worship and prayers, their role in modern life, and their future outlook. 1. Historical Background Hinduism: Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religions, dating back over 4,000 years. It originated in the Indian subcontinent and has evolved through various stages of development influenced by ancient scriptures like the Vedas , Upanishads , Mahabharata , and Ramayana . It is a highly structured religion with multiple deities, philosophical schools, and complex rituals. Maasai Mythology: The Maasai people, indigenous to Kenya and Tanzania, have a mythology rooted in their pastoralist and semi-nomadic lifestyle. Their spiritual beliefs are based around Enkai (or E...

Aghamarshana Suktam is from the Rig Veda and it is believed that chanting this mantra will relieve one of all impurities and usher in light. Agham means all that impurities that keep truth out and Marshanam means to destroy or to alleviate. Aghamarshana Suktam is the 190th suktam in the 10th mandala of Rig Veda. This sooktam was composed by Aghamarshana Rishi. Aghamarshana Suktam is not a mantra that performs miracles or clears sins in a second. It is a mantra that helps a person to understand his true nature. This mantra is chanted during evening prayers. Some people chant the Suktam before taking bath as they believe it washes away sins.  This belief is because Aghamarshana Suktam is dedicated to Varuna, the Lord of the waters.   A Quote from Aghamarshana Suktam    That Supreme Light which projected Itself as the universe like a soaked seed which sprouts – I am that Supreme Light. I am that supreme light of Brahman which shines as the inmost essence...

The Bhai Dooj festival falling after Diwali is highly auspicious at the Ratangarh Mata Ka Mandir and Kunwar Maharaj Temple in Datia in Madhya Pradesh. The twin shrines are around 60 km from Datia and Gwalior. In 2026, Bhai dooj is on November 11. Kunwar Maharaj is believed to be the brother of Ratangarh Mata. Ratangarh Mata Shrine is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is located deep inside forest on the banks of Sindh River. Kunwar Maharaj Temple is around 5 km from Ratangarh Mandir. It is believed that those offering prayers in the shrine will get relief from poisoning.