In Hindu philosophy, the recognition of the world's transient nature and the realization of the impermanence of worldly things and relationships are central to the pursuit of spiritual understanding. This theme is pervasive in Hindu teachings, and it is closely associated with the concept of "Maya." Understanding Maya and the Illusion of Permanence Maya is a fundamental concept in Hinduism, often translated as "illusion" or "delusion." It refers to the veil that clouds human perception, causing people to see the world and its phenomena as permanent and real, rather than transient and illusory. Maya as Illusion : Maya makes us perceive the physical world and our relationships as the ultimate reality. This delusion keeps us attached to material possessions, social status, and personal relationships, making us forget the deeper, spiritual truth that underlies existence. The Temporal Nature of the World : Hindu scriptures emphasize that the physical world...

Karthigai Somavaram, or Karthika Somavara Ubayam, is the Mondays in the Tamil Month Karthigai which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In 2026, Karthigai Masam is from November 17 to December 15. Karthika Somavara Vratam is observed by Shiva devotees in the month and special pujas and rituals are held in Shiva temples in maintained by Tamil community. Fasting from sunrise to sunset is undertaken by many devotees.  Note - In neighboring Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh also Kartik Month of importance and Mondays are dedicated to Shiva.  Karthigai Somavaram Vratham is observed because it is in this month Shiva destroyed the three cities of Tripuri built by demon Tripurasura. Legend has it that a powerful demon named Tripuri or Tripurasura built three impregnable cities of gold, silver and iron with the blessing of Lord Shiva. The demon became so powerful and his inflated ego knew no bounds and started attacking and tormenting humans and demigods (devas). B...

A small collection of teachings, thoughts, sayings and quotes of Kanakadasa Kanakadasa (c. 1509–1609 CE) was a saint, poet, philosopher, and musician from Karnataka, India—one of the great Haridasa movement figures along with Purandara Dasa. His teachings blended devotion (bhakti), ethics, and social reform, often expressed in simple Kannada through keertanas , ugabhogas , and poems like Ramadhanya Charitre and Mohanatarangini . Bathing in the holy river without conquering internal pride, envy and wrath is meaningless. Exhibiting hyperbolic devotion is like an actress exhibiting her illusory beauty. Does fragrance lie in the flower? Or the flower in fragrance? Or do both the flower and fragrance lie in the nostrils? I cannot say, O Lord Adikeshava of Kaginele, O! peerless one, are all things within you alone? It is better to quarrel with the wise than to be with the ignorant; it is better to beg in a populous city than to starve in a royal palace; it is better ...

The Varttika Prasthana is a significant philosophical branch within the broader tradition of Advaita Vedanta, primarily attributed to the 9th-century philosopher Sureshwara . This school is known for its distinctive approach and interpretations, which build upon the foundational teachings of Adi Shankara, a pivotal figure in the Advaita Vedanta tradition. Sureshvara's commentaries, or varttikas , specifically elucidate and expand upon Shankara’s bhashyas (commentaries) on two major Upanishads: the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad and the Taittiriya Upanishad . Key Concepts of the Varttika Prasthana Brahman as the Material Cause : Sureshvara’s interpretation diverges from the mainstream Advaita view by positing that Brahman itself is the material cause of the world. This view contrasts with the more commonly held notion within Advaita that Maya (illusion or ignorance) is the material cause. According to Sureshvara, the world emanates directly from Brahman, underscoring the ultimate rea...

Sant Dnyaneshwar Punyatithi is the death anniversary of Sant Dnyaneshwar, or Jnaneshwar, who revolutionized the bhakti cult in Maharashtra . In 2026, the date of Sant Dnyaneshwar Punyatithi is December 6. At the age of sixteen Sant Dnyaneshwar wrote Jnaneswari – the first and the most popular Marathi commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. Jnaneswari continues to be read and discussed in Maharashtrian homes and its translation into various languages continues to inspire millions of people around the world. During the time of Sant Dnyaneshwar, the unparalleled teachings of Sanatana Dharma were considered to be the prerogative of certain castes and sects. Dnyaneshwar unleashed a silent revolution against the religious monopoly and orthodoxy of the narrow-minded priestly class. Sant Dnyaneshwar was amongst the first to use the local language of Marathi to spread and demystify the message of the Hindu scriptures like Bhagavad Gita. He popularized the teachings of Sanatana Dharm...

The Vivaranaprasthana, associated with the Advaita Vedanta tradition, represents a significant development in the post-Śankara period. It is named after the Vivaraṇa or commentary tradition that builds upon Padmapada's Pañcapādikā , a commentary on Śankara’s Brahmasūtra-bhāṣya . The lineage continues with Prakāśātman’s Pañcapādikā-vivaraṇa , an expansive exposition on Padmapada's work, though it only covers the first four sutras of the Brahmasūtra . Key Doctrines and Concepts of Vivaranaprasthana Avidya (Ignorance) as Jadatmika Shakti : Avidya is considered a jadatmika shakti , meaning it is a force of material nature. It is described as the material cause of the world, possessing a tangible yet illusory existence ( bhāvarūpa ). This concept diverges from a purely negative notion of ignorance; instead, it is treated as a positive entity though not ultimately real. Synonyms and Dual Aspects of Avidya : Avidya is synonymous with terms like Maya, Prakriti (nature), Avyakta (unman...

‘Jai Shri Krishna’ serial on Colors Viacom 18 Television Channel is attracting lot of attraction due to the mesmerizing performance of the kid who adorns the role of Child Krishna. The childhood adventures of Lord Krishna have enthralled devotees from time immemorial and will continue to do so. There is a popular demand from television viewing public for photos, pictures and wallpapers of the little child Krishna but Colors has only released a single wallpaper of the kid. Interestingly, the role of Natkhat Makhanchor is adorned by Dhriti Bhatia, who is just going to be three years old. Yes, the popular role of Child Krishna in Jai Shri Krishna is played by a little girl. She is also nominated for the 8th IDEA-ITA Awards – Jai Shri Krishna Best Child Artiste Dhriti Bhatia (role of Krishna ). Here is a wallpaper of child Krishna in Jai Shri Krishna Serial. Image from Colors Channel website:

The Mahabharata is not a mere epic; it is a romance, telling the tale of heroic men and women and of some who were divine; it is a whole literature in itself, containing a code of life, a philosophy of social and ethical relations, and speculative thought on human problems that is hard to rival; but, above all, it has for its core the Gita, which is, as the world is beginning to find out, the noblest of scriptures and the grandest of sagas the climax of which is reached in the wondrous Apocalypse in the Eleventh Canto. Through such books alone, the harmonies underlying true culture, I am convinced, will one day reconcile the disorders of modern life. K M Munshi ( Kulapati K. M. Munshi is the founder of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan) K.M. Munshi's statement beautifully encapsulates the profound significance of the Mahabharata, elevating it beyond a mere epic to a comprehensive literary, philosophical, and spiritual masterpiece. Let's break down the key points: Romance of Heroes:...

The ‘Bhamatiprasthana’ (Bhamati Prasthana) school of thought, as established by Vacaspati Mishra in his celebrated commentary Bhamati on the Shankara Bhashya of the Brahma Sutras , is a significant philosophical development in the Advaita Vedanta tradition. This school, named after his work, places a strong emphasis on understanding the role of ignorance (avidya) and the nature of the individual self (jiva) in relation to Brahman, the ultimate reality. Let’s delve deeper into the key tenets and contributions of the Bhamati school: Historical Context and Influence Vacaspati Mishra's Contribution : Vacaspati Mishra (circa 840 CE) is a monumental figure in Indian philosophy, particularly within the Advaita Vedanta tradition. His work, Bhamati , is a comprehensive commentary on Adi Shankaracharya’s Bhashya (commentary) on the Brahmasutras . The Bhamati profoundly influences subsequent Advaita Vedanta thinkers and gives rise to the Bhamati school of thought. Subsidiary Commentaries...

In Hinduism, the concepts of the Individual Self (Atman) and the Supreme Soul (Brahman) are central to its philosophy and spiritual practice. Understanding these concepts involves exploring the intricate relationship between the personal, individual experience and the universal, cosmic essence. Here's a detailed breakdown of the differences and connections between the two: Individual Self (Atman) Definition : The Atman refers to the true essence or self of an individual, which is eternal and unchanging. It is often described as the innermost essence or the pure consciousness within each person. Nature : The Atman is immortal and transcends the physical body and mind. It is not affected by the cycles of birth and death (Samsara). Perception : Atman is often obscured by ignorance (Avidya) and the illusion (Maya) of individuality and material existence. Realizing the Atman requires transcending ego and personal identity. Experience : While every being has an Atman, it is typically e...