Kamakshi is an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. She is defined as the supreme goddess of beauty and the embodiment of tranquility. She is the goddess who sits on the Shri Chakra. She is also known as Lalitambika and Tripurasundari in some regions of India . She is believed to have appeared to annihilate a demon that arose from the ashes of Hindu God Kama and therefore her name is Kamakshi. She is depicted as a beautiful woman seated on a lotus dressed in red color sari and is adorned with gold jewels, gems and pearls. She has four arms. She carries a noose and goad on the top left and top right hands, a lotus and a bow of sugarcane on her left and bottom right hands. Origin of Goddess Kamakshi Legend has it that the Goddess appeared when Kamadeva (Hindu god of love) was burnt to ashes by Lord Shiva’s third eye. Lord Chitra karma (god of art) collected the ashes and drew a picture of a man. Shiva glanced at the ash figure and it breathed life. Chitra Karma advised the...

The Upanishads - A New Translation by Swami Nikhilananda is an ideal choice for all those who want to understand the teachings of the Upanishads. Now the book can be downloaded for free in PDF format. The book contains the translations of Katha, Isa, Kena, Mundaka, Svetasvatara, Prasna, Mandukya, Aitareya, Brihadaranyaka, Taittiriya and Chandogya Upanishad. The language used in the translation is simple and the author tries to explain the teachings in a simple manner. You can download the book in pdf format here – Upanishads – A New Translation by Swami Nikhilananda You may also like to read Download Bhagavad Gita in English with explanations by Swami Chinmayananda for free

An Adhika Maas is a unique phenomenon associated with Hindu lunar calendars followed in North India, Gujarat, Maharashtra , Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Some of Hindu communities avoid auspicious functions like Upanayana, Grah Pravesh or House warming etc during the Adhika Maas period. Here are the auspicious events avoided as per Vaishnava Panchangam followed in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The auspicious events that are avoided are Chaula, Upanayana, Samavartana, Vivaha, Nutana Griha Pravesha, Purchase of new items (House, Gold etc), Nutana Vrata Arambha, Vrata Udyapana, Shantis like Shashti Poorti Shanti, Tirtha Yatra, Moorti Pratishtapana etc. The auspicious events that can be performed in Adhika Masa are Garbhadana, Pumsavana, Simanta, Namakarana, Nishkramana (taking the new born to Temple ), Annaprashana etc. Vratas started before Adhikamasa can be continued in Adhikamasa.

A a detailed comparison between Sahaja Yoga founded by Nirmala Devi and Transcendental Meditation (TM) founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. This comparison covers various aspects including origins, philosophies, practices, benefits, and scientific backing. 1. Origins and Founders Sahaja Yoga Founder : Nirmala Srivastava, also known as Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi. Year : Founded in 1970. Philosophical Roots : Draws heavily from traditional Hindu philosophy, incorporating elements of Kundalini awakening and self-realization. Transcendental Meditation (TM) Founder : Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Year : Introduced to the West in the late 1950s. Philosophical Roots : Based on the ancient Vedic tradition of India, TM emphasizes a specific form of mantra meditation. 2. Philosophical Framework Sahaja Yoga Core Philosophy : Centers on the awakening of the Kundalini energy, which is believed to reside at the base of the spine. The awakening of this energy leads to self-realization and a state of thoughtless ...

In an article published in the Tattva Blog titled ‘Hinduism and the scientific method’, Jayant Avva, a PhD student, tries to prove that Sanatana Dharma is scientific. The spiritual techniques under the umbrella of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) follow the strict definition of science. Some excerpts from the article  ‘Is it possible to cognize one’s true nature by using a specific method delineated in the Vedic texts?’  What is meant by true nature? What exactly do we seek to fathom here? One definition of true nature could be - that experience of yourself when you experience fullness, completeness, wholeness? Something is true if it is never false. Hence, one’s true nature must always be true.  We have the consensus opinion of many spiritual masters that when established in our true nature, we experience a feeling of wholeness, completeness, fulfillment. There is no violation of scientific method in accepting a consensus definition of a term f...

Vallabhacharya and Nimbarkacharya are two prominent figures in the Bhakti movement of India, each founding influential philosophical schools within the broader tradition of Vedanta. Both emphasized devotion (bhakti) to Krishna, but their theological and philosophical approaches have distinctive features. Vallabhacharya Philosophical School: Shuddhadvaita (Pure Non-Dualism) Key Tenets: Brahman: Vallabhacharya's philosophy is centered around the concept of Shuddhadvaita, meaning "pure non-dualism." He posited that Brahman, or the ultimate reality, is not only the efficient cause of the universe but also the material cause. Krishna as Supreme: Vallabhacharya identified Krishna as the Supreme Being and considered all living beings as his part (amsa) but not separate from him. Grace (Pushti): He emphasized the concept of divine grace (pushti), suggesting that liberation is achieved through Krishna's grace, not through personal effort. Anand (Bliss): According to Vallab...

Nimbarkacharya and Madhvacharya, while both rooted in the Vedantic tradition, present distinct approaches to understanding the relationship between the divine and the individual soul. Nimbarkacharya's Dvaitadvaita offers a nuanced blend of dualism and non-dualism, centering on the worship of Radha and Krishna. In contrast, Madhvacharya's Dvaita philosophy maintains a clear and eternal distinction between God and the individual soul, with a strong focus on the supremacy of Vishnu. Both have left lasting legacies, influencing various bhakti movements and shaping the spiritual landscapes of their respective regions. 1. Historical Background Nimbarkacharya : Time Period : Estimated around the 11th to 12th century CE. Location : Often associated with the region of Andhra Pradesh, India. Works : Known for "Vedanta Parijata Saurabha," a commentary on the Brahma Sutras. Influence : Founder of the Nimbarka Sampradaya, also known as the Sanakadi Sampradaya, emphasizing devotion...

In the Sankhya system of Indian philosophy, pradhana or prakriti (nature, matrix of all created objects) is posited as one of the two fundamental realities, the other reality being purusha (soul). Alinga is one of the synonyms of this prakriti. Etymologically, the word ‘linga’ signifies a characteristic mark or an object that dissolves back into its cause. ‘Alinga’ therefore is that which is the opposite of ‘linga’. Prakriti or primordial nature, with its three constituent gunas (qualities) - sattva (balance), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia) - in a state of perfect equilibrium, is so subtle that there is absolutely no manifest sign by which it can be perceived. It can only be inferred. Hence it is called ‘avyakta’ (the unmanifest) and ‘alinga’ (without characteristic signs). Nature and Characteristics of Prakriti: Three Gunas: The three gunas are always present in prakriti and remain in perfect balance before creation. This balance ensures that prakriti itself remains unmanifest...

Ajaganna was a revered seeker in the tradition of Veerashaivism, known for his exceptional practice of Trataka Yoga, a form of Shiva yoga. His life epitomized the essence of this meditative discipline. Ajaganna hailed from Lakkundi in the Gadag Taluka of the Gadag district (formerly part of the Dharwad district). Born into an agricultural family, he transcended his humble origins to achieve the pinnacle of spiritual enlightenment. Despite his spiritual contributions, much of Ajaganna's literary work, particularly his vachanas, has been lost to time. However, his prowess as a vachana writer is extolled by Channabasavanna, a significant figure in Veerashaivism. Channabasavanna's admiration places Ajaganna among the elite vachana writers, even suggesting that five of Ajaganna's vachanas were as profound as ten of Allamaprabhu's, who is considered one of the greatest vachana composers. Ajaganna led a life of simplicity, engaging in agriculture by day and practicing Trat...

The book titled ‘Before He was God, Ramayana, Reconsidered, Recreated’ by Ram Varma attempts to recreate the historical Hindu God Ram. The book aims to avoid all the exaggerations and tries to unravel the Rama, the king and the warrior through a faithful account of Rama's life, his trials, tribulations and triumph. About the Book in the words of the author The story recited by the well meaning pundits of Puranic times was a senseless exaggeration. It was vital to restore the attention of the viewers or the readers, but this beautiful story did not need any artificial support. Its beauty remains undiminished even in a realistic portraiture of events. Ram Varma captures those vignettes and there is an aroma in his rendering which gives the pleasant smell of an odor of Vedic times. BEFORE HE WAS GOD RAMAYANA: Reconsidered Recreated Price – Rs 995/- You may also like to read Download Tulsi Ramayan (Ramacharitamanas) for Free