Dadi Janki gives her insight into the importance of forgive and forget. The same ones who have brought us sorrow or anger will come in front of us one day to be forgiven. Holding on to the fact that someone has betrayed or deceived us makes us hostage to the anger inside. In fact, we should also help the ones who have deceived us to forget that they have done this to us. When we see the opportunity for forgiveness, we have to help them reduce their pain and suffering, which is the consequence of the earlier actions they took. This is why we need to have forgiveness, love, mercy, and compassion. To help someone forget his or her own misdeeds is the highest form of charity. When your intent is pure, it has a vibrant impact on others. When you are touched by a good quality – inspired by virtue or a value – and act in an elevated way, your action has the potential to inspire others. It is a natural law that souls respond to the quality of intention they experience in others. W...

Akshaya Madhava and Vat Madhava are two important forms of Lord Vishnu. They appear at the beginning of a cycle of creation. Akshaya Madhava provides auspiciousness to the universe. Vat Madhava is associated with the peepal tree. Akshaya Madhava form is worshipped for desire fulfillment. Vat Madhava is worshipped for success in spiritual path. The mantra associated with Akshaya Madhava is ‘Om Namah Akshaya Punayah Madhavaya Namah' The mantra associated with Vat Madhava is 'Om Vatavriksha Rupaya Madhavaya Namah' Both these forms of Vishnu appear prominently during dissolution and during the beginning of a cycle of creation. Additional Information: Akshaya Madhava and Vat Madhava are revered forms of Lord Vishnu that hold profound significance in Hindu cosmology and spiritual practices. These forms of Vishnu are deeply connected to the cycles of creation and dissolution, playing vital roles in the cosmic order. Akshaya Madhava Akshaya Madhava is a form of...

Conception of creation and man in Hinduism is entirely different from Christianity. The Hindu teaching on creation (projection) was far ahead of time even for the modern era. The Hindu thought existed thousands of years before Bible and Jesus. Christian theological notions or semitic thought has a linear conception of time, according to which time is like a line with an A and a B as its ends and creation began at or near point A and will end at B. God, a Being outside the process, is at the helm of it. He created many kinds of living beings, and over and above them all, He created man in His own image. When He accomplished this end of creation, He was satisfied, and He left all the rest of creation for man’s enjoyment. What His purpose was in all this is anybody’s guess. There is also the idea, that, later, man went against the Almighty and as a consequence, was in danger of being damned and destroyed, had it not been for God’s mercy of atoning for his sins by the blood of His ...

When Abrahamic Religions are threatened by Science – Hinduism Embraces New Discoveries – understanding and excerpts from editorial of Prabuddha Bharata published in November 2011. In almost all civilizations people looked at the world outside, wondered, pondered, and produced their conception of God and gods and goddesses. This approach gave them beautiful ideas of religion with an accompanying mythology and rituals. But the conception of soul was woefully absent, or if present, it was very crude. The mysterious mind was invariably taken as spirit or soul. In India, from the earliest times, the social structure and Vedic way of life, with its culture, language, and so on, was conceived as a reflection of Virat, the Cosmic Person. The uniqueness of this civilization was the approach it took to discover this truth: it commenced the search for Reality from within. Thus, the most sublime and infinite ideas of the Atman were developed, which resulted in superb infinite conce...

Goddess Bhadrakali is a fierce manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. She is popularly worshipped in this form in Kerala and some parts of South India. Bhadrakali appeared from the forehead of Shiva to annihilate demon Darika. The story of Bhadrakali and Goddess Kali is different. The character and ferociousness of both the deities are the same but the story of origin is different. Bhadrakali is ferocious to those who practice Adharma. She is merciless to them. To those who practice Dharma, she is the kind mother. She is the protective mother who will never let any harm happen to her children. Story of Goddess Bhadrakali  Legend has it that once Asuras, or demons, were defeated by Devas and they had to retreat to the netherworld. Two Asura women then did intense penance and propitiated Brahma who gave them the boon that they would give birth to two powerful sons. In due course of time, the women had two sons named Danavendra and Darika. Danavendra and Darika ...

Offering of Sari, Blouse Piece and coconut to Goddess during Navratri is considered highly auspicious. Saree, coconut and Blouse piece (cloth) is offered at the end of Mother Goddess worship during Navratri. It is the final offering made to any of the Goddess worshiped during Navratri. Goddess Shakti is formless and is beyond human imagination and thought. But this energy which is the creative force behind all living and nonliving takes a form which Her devotee prefers. By offering Sari and Blouse Piece to Goddess a devotee is invoking her in the form of Mother. The Mother who fulfills the wishes of her daughters and sons. The Saree that is offered to Goddess Durga is red in color and is made of cotton or silk. Blouse piece is placed on top of the Saree and the coconut is placed on top of the blouse piece. Some rice is sprinkled on the saree and blouse piece. The three eyes or the tuft of the coconut faces the image of Goddess. Stand in front of God...

 Iodine plays a key role in physical health, particularly in thyroid function, but it also holds significance in Hindu spiritual practices. Known primarily for its benefits in supporting metabolism and energy balance, iodine is indirectly linked to mental clarity, focus, and emotional stability, which can aid spiritual practices. Here’s a comprehensive look at the spiritual and holistic benefits of iodine in Hinduism, along with ways to incorporate it into daily life, relevant mantras, and practical solutions. 1. Promotes Mental Clarity Spiritual Benefit: In Hinduism, mental clarity is essential for meditation and concentration on divine aspects. Iodine deficiency can lead to mental fog, making it difficult to focus on spiritual goals. Solution: Ensure a diet rich in iodine through foods like seaweed, dairy, and iodized salt. Practice deep breathing (pranayama) while visualizing clarity. Mantra: Chant "Om Manaye Namaha" to invoke mental clarity. 2. Enhances Energy and Vita...

Veni means literally braided hair and is of great importance to a Hindu woman. Braided hair also has deep symbolism in Hinduism. Traditionally, braided hair is not ornamented when a woman’s husband is away. Draupadi, in the Mahabharata, resolved to braid her hair only after her enemy Duryodhana was killed, because it was he who dishonored her in the assembly by pulling her by the hair. Sita is also portrayed in the Sundara Kanda section of Valmiki Ramayana with ekavenidhara (single plait of hair) because of the separation from her husband. Kalidasa describes different styles of keshamardana (hairstyles) in Kumarasambhava, the bridal decoration of Goddess Parvati. On the day of marriage, Parvati was given a ceremonial bath on a lapis lazuli seat. After the bath, her hair was first dried and incensed smoke. It was then made up into a graceful braid and finally decorated neatly with inlaid flowers and a garland of madhuka flowers interwoven with durva grass. The fact that in...

The origin and history of the nine-day Navratri vrat and fasting is associated with Bhagvan Sri Ram. Legend has it that Sage Narada asked Bhagavan Sri Ram to invoke Mother Goddess before going into war against Ravana and his powerful demon army. Sri Ram then invoked Mother Goddess Durga and took her blessings. With her blessings, he was successful in his campaign against Ravana. It is believed that he performed the puja and rituals for nine days. There is also another belief that Durga Puja was originally held during spring season or Basant. It was Lord Ram who changed the nine-day worship period of Goddess Durga from Chaitra (March – April) to Ashwin (September – October). Navratri and Durga Puja in Ashwin month (September – October) is also known as Akal Bodhon, or untimely invocation, as Lord Ram had invoked her during the Ashwin month.

In Kali Yuga, the ideal way to attain liberation is through Bhakti. The most important bhakti text is Srimad Bhagavad Purana – which contains the glory of Srihari Vishnu. Bhagavatam in one shloka gives benefit of reading the entire Srimad Bhagavad Purana. Bhagavatam in One Shloka आदौ देवकी देव गर्भजननं , गोपी गृहे वद्र्धनम्। माया पूज निकासु ताप हरणं गौवद्र्धनोधरणम्।। कंसच्छेदनं कौरवादिहननं , कुंतीसुपाजालनम्। एतद् श्रीमद्भागवतम् पुराण कथितं श्रीकृष्ण लीलामृतम्।। Aadhou Devaki Devi Garbha Jananam, Gopi Grihe Palanam, MayaPooja Nikasoo Tapaharanam, Govardhanodharanam, Kamsa Chedana, Kouravadi Hananam, Kunthi Sutha Palanam, Ethad Bhagawatham Purana Kaditham Sri Krishna Leelamrutham After chanting the shloka chant the following prayer अच्युतं केशवं रामनारायणं कृष्ण : दामोदरं वासुदेवं हरे। श्रीधरं माधवं गोपिकावल्लभं जानकी नायकं रामचन्द्रं भजे How to Chant the Bhagavatam in One Shloka? The shloka should be chanted early in the mornin...