The phrase "May everyone see what is auspicious" finds its roots deeply embedded in the rich tapestry of Hindu philosophy and spirituality. This teaching encapsulates the essence of wishing well for all beings and perceiving the world through a lens of positivity and divine grace. Let's explore this concept, its origins, relevance today, and its broader implications. 1. Origin and Scriptural References The idea of seeing what is auspicious is derived from the Sanskrit word "Mangala" (मंगल), meaning auspiciousness or good fortune. The phrase "सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः। सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिद् दुःखभाग्भवेत्।" from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (1.4.14) translates to: "May all be happy; may all be free from disease; may all experience the auspicious; may no one suffer in any way." This is a universal prayer for the well-being and happiness of all, embodying the Hindu ethos of universal harmony and goodwill. 2. The Concep...

Mathrubhumi is one of the leading newspapers in Kerala and their Malayalam calendar is one of the most sought after calendars. Mathrubhumi is now providing the calendar in pdf format. You can download the calendar in pdf format for free from the official website of Mathrubhumi newspaper. Link – Download Mathrubhumi Calendar 2011 in pdf (no longer available after website redesign) Note - Mathurbhumi website is currently showing a broken link after their website update.

Kalady - The Triumph of Faith over Time is an authentic film on the birth and childhood of Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya and the fascinating story of rediscovery of His birthplace by Jagadguru Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha Bharati Mahaswamigal, the 33rd Shankaracharya of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham. The DVD is of 110 minutes and is in English. You can get all information about the Documentary Film on Adi Shankaracharya in DVD and how to buy here at the official website – Kalady Film. (the website is no longer functional) Below embedded is a few minutes of the Documentary (the video has been removed).

In Hinduism, the Adityas and Visvedevas are both groups of deities with distinct roles, importance, and characteristics in the Vedic pantheon. Both play crucial roles in the cosmic order, yet they differ in their attributes, functions, and worship. Here's a detailed comparison between the two: 1. Origins and Composition Adityas : The Adityas are a group of solar deities, sons of Aditi, the mother goddess of the cosmos and the sky, often associated with the infinite. In early Vedic texts, their number is usually given as seven or eight, but later traditions expand this to twelve, representing the twelve months of the year. Some of the most prominent Adityas include Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, Bhaga, and Surya (the Sun god). Visvedevas : The Visvedevas (meaning "all gods") are a collective group of deities representing the universal forces. They are usually depicted as a group of ten or more deities. Unlike the Adityas, the Visvedevas do not have individual identities as promin...

In Hindu philosophy, suffering (duhkha) is acknowledged as an inevitable part of life. The awareness of suffering, its causes, and its categorization can help individuals manage and reduce its impact. The concept of tapatraya —the threefold miseries—is central to this understanding. Among these, Adhibhautika Duhkha specifically pertains to the suffering caused by external living entities. Understanding the Threefold Misery: Tapatraya Tapatraya encompasses three distinct types of suffering: Adhyatmika Duhkha : Suffering originating from one's own body and mind. This includes physical ailments, mental anguish, emotional distress, and psychological disorders. These sufferings are internal and arise from within the individual. Adhibhautika Duhkha : The suffering caused by external beings or forces, particularly other living creatures. This can include attacks or threats from wild animals, harm caused by other humans, and various forms of conflict or injury imposed by the external env...

In a temple tragedy on Friday, January 14, 2011 at the famous Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala more than 100 pilgrims have died in a stampede – the pilgrims numbering more than 200,000 were returning from Pullumedu in Idukki after witnessing the Makaravilakku and Makara Jyothi on January 14, 2011. More than a million devotees had gathered in and around the mountains in Sabarimala to witness the annual Makaravilakku and Makara Jyothi  which concludes the two month long pilgrimage, which is believed to be the second largest pilgrimage in the world. Temple stampedes during festivals and auspicious days is nothing new in India. (Naina Devi Temple tragedy in 2008 – 145 Dead, Wai Temple Stampede in 2005 – 265 dead, Chamunda temple at Jodhpur (2008) – 147 dead, 63 after a temple gate crashed in UP in 2010...the list is endless. Government, politicians and public react to such incidents with usual statements and immediately forget about it. Stampede happens repeatedly and finally we fin...

Concept of Adhikara: In Hinduism, the concept of adhikara (अधिकार) signifies competence or eligibility. It underscores the idea that not all individuals possess the same abilities or aptitudes, and that certain qualities or capacities are necessary to perform specific tasks or roles effectively. Adhikara is closely tied to the idea of one's inherent nature and aptitude, and it emphasizes the importance of fulfilling duties appropriate to one’s capabilities. Historical and Scriptural Background: The concept of adhikara is deeply rooted in Hindu scriptures such as the Vedas, Upanishads, and Smritis. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna emphasizes the importance of swadharma (one’s own duty) and how each individual should perform the duties that align with their inherent nature and qualifications. For instance, the caste system in its original conception was an application of the adhikara principle, where individuals were expected to perform roles according to their innate qualit...

The Google search logo on January 14, 2011 sports the kite festival observed during Makar Sankranti and Uttarayan in India. In 2010 too Google had joined tin he Makar Sankranti and Uttarayan festival.

Goddess Kalratri is a manifestation of Goddess Shakti and it is one of the fiercest form of Mother Goddess. During paush month (December – January) special rituals are held in some regions. Kalaratri Navratri is from January 20, 2027 to January 22, 2027. Although the festival and rituals are named as Navratri, it not observed for nine days and is only held for a couple of days. The rituals are observed from the Paush Shukla Paksha Trayodashi (13th day of waxing phase of moon in Poush month) to Paush Purnima (full moon day in poush month). Kalaratri is depicted as having four hands and her vehicle, or mount, is a donkey. She can curse and bless and is known to create havoc. This form primarily depicts that life also has a negative side – Tamas. Symbolically, the form of the Goddess exhorts a devotee to get rid the Tamasic qualities (bad, evil and negative tendencies). Kalaratri is also one of the forms of Goddess Shakti that is worshipped during the nine days of N...

The story of Sage Nandi, one of the prominent accounts of Nandi's origin, revolves around devotion, penance, and divine favor. According to this version, Nandi was originally a human sage who dedicated his life to intense meditation and devotion to Lord Shiva. The sage's asceticism and unwavering focus on Lord Shiva eventually earned him the grace of the god. In recognition of his devotion, Lord Shiva transformed the sage into a divine being, bestowing upon him the status of Nandi, the sacred bull, and appointed him as the head of Shiva's ganas (attendants). This transformation symbolizes the elevation of a mortal being to divine status through devotion and spiritual practice. Comparison with Other Stories of Nandi’s Birth There are several other accounts of Nandi's birth, each highlighting different aspects of his origin and symbolism: Son of Sage Shilada : In another popular narrative, Nandi is said to be the son of the sage Shilada. Sage Shilada was a devout worshipe...