A comparison between Hampi and Halebidu (Halebid or Halebeedu) by including lesser-known facts and their importance in historical, cultural, and architectural contexts. Hampi: Lesser-Known Facts and Importance 1. Location and Historical Context: Location: Hampi is located in the state of Karnataka, India, along the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Historical Context: It was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, one of the largest and most powerful empires in South India, from the 14th to the 16th century. 2. Architectural Marvels: Vitthala Temple: Known for its extraordinary stone chariot and the musical pillars of the Ranga Mantapa. Hazara Rama Temple: Contains intricate bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramayana, lesser-known are the carvings of various aspects of city life, giving insights into the Vijayanagara society. Stepped Tanks: The Pushkarini or stepped tanks found in Hampi are engineering marvels, showcasing advanced water management systems. 3. Cultural Significan...

Raksha Panchami is dedicated to Batuk Bhairav, incarnation of Lord Shiva and also Ganesha. Raksha Panchami 2025 date is August 13. The festival is mainly dedicated to the protection of wildlife and plants and is observed on the fifth day during the Krishna paksha or waning phase of moon in Bhadrapad month. The ritual is mainly followed in some regions in Orissa. The festival is observed on the fifth day after Raksha Bandhan ritual. What do do on Raksha Panchami? On the Raksha Panchami day, paintings of Batuk Bhairav or Bhairab, Ganesh and Mahadev (Shiva) are drawn on doors of houses. Some people draw the picture of Nandi the vehicle of Lord Shiva on the back door. A prayer (invocation) to Lord Shiva is written on palm leaf and is hung on the top of the door. Along with the palm leaf, kusha grass and a small packet of rice also hung on the door. At night there is a ritual of making small offerings to wild animals and snakes.

Vittal Navratri is observed in the Ashada month by some Hindu communities in Maharashtra . The Navratri coincides with the Pandarpur Yatra and Ashadi Ekadasi. Vittal Navratri 2026 begins on July 24. The annual Pandharpur Yatra and Ashadi Ekadashi are on July 25. Hindu God Vitthal is an incarnation of Lord Krishna and is worshipped mainly in Maharashtra and parts of Karnataka. The most famous temple dedicated to Lord Vithala is located at Pandharpur. The Bhakti cult associated with Vithal which was pioneered by Sant Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram Maharaj is responsible for numerous social changes in Maharashtra . The Navratri coincides with the Pandarpur Yatra which begins from Dehu and Alandi in Pune District, fifteen days before the Ashadi Ekadasi. Prayers and satsangs are held during the period. A major highlight during the period is the singing of bhajans. You may also like to read Story of Hindu God Vitthal

Ahimsa, or non-violence, is a fundamental tenet in Hindu philosophy, deeply rooted in the ancient texts of the Puranas and Dharmashastras. These texts not only extol ahimsa but often equate it to the highest form of Dharma, or righteous living. The Brahmanda Purana and Matsya Purana, among others, refer to ahimsa as ‘sanatana dharma,’ meaning the eternal or ancient religion. This designation underscores the timeless and universal value of non-violence in Hindu thought. Ahimsa is seen as a gateway to Dharma, emphasizing its role as a foundational virtue upon which all other ethical and moral practices are built. By practicing ahimsa, individuals align themselves with the core principles of Dharma, leading to a harmonious and just society. Philosophical Significance In the Hindu worldview, ahimsa extends beyond mere abstinence from physical violence. It encompasses non-violence in thought, speech, and action, promoting compassion, empathy, and respect for all living beings. This holistic...

Hampi and Belur, though distinct in their histories and architectural styles, are both testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Karnataka, India. Hampi's vast ruins speak to the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire, while Belur's intricate sculptures showcase the artistic achievements of the Hoysala dynasty. Both sites continue to captivate historians, archaeologists, and tourists, preserving the legacy of India's medieval period. Hampi: Empire Capital: Hampi served as the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from the 14th to the 16th centuries. It was one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the world during its peak. Destruction: The city was ravaged in 1565 by the Deccan Sultanates in the Battle of Talikota, leading to its downfall. Architectural Marvels: Known for its sprawling ruins spread over 4,100 hectares, Hampi features remarkable Dravidian architecture with intricate carvings and structures like the Vittala Temple and the Stone Chariot...

There are so many women who have doubt regarding observing Vrat during monthly menstrual periods. Such doubts arise when Navratri, Ekadasi, Pradosh, Sankashti Chaturthi, Karva Chauth etc falls during the monthly period. It gets even more complicated when women observe Solah Somvar Vrat, Solah Shukravar Vrat etc. The general rule is not to count the vrat day. Do observe a fast, but don't worship God and perform puja on that particular day. This is applicable when observing solah somavar vrat etc or every month vrat or every week Vrata. That is if you have your periods during Solah Shukravar Vrat or other such vrats you have to do the vrat a day more. The vrat on the period day is not counted. (For example if it is a sixteen Monday vrat then it becomes a 17 Monday vrat as the one during the period is not counted.) In case of Ekadasi, Pradosh, Sankashti, Karva Chauth etc you can perform the vrat but without doing pujas. Someone in the house can do the puja inste...

The Mahabharata, one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient Indian literature, profoundly emphasizes the concept of Ahimsa, or non-violence. The phrase "Ahimsa Paramo Dharma," which translates to "non-violence is the highest duty," encapsulates this principle. Found in verses 1.11.13-14 of the epic, this concept underscores the moral and ethical bedrock upon which much of Hindu philosophy is built. Importance in the Mahabharata Ethical Foundation : Ahimsa serves as a fundamental ethical principle in the Mahabharata, advocating for compassion and respect for all living beings. This principle guides the characters' actions and decisions, reflecting the broader spiritual and moral ethos of the text. Conflict Resolution : The epic's narratives often depict conflicts, both internal and external. Ahimsa is presented as an ideal approach to resolving these conflicts, emphasizing dialogue, understanding, and peaceful solutions over violence. Spiritual Developmen...

The book titled Shree Ramayana Mahanveshanam by M. Veerappa Moily attempts to explore the true principles in the Epic Ramayana - a quest for the principles governing a Ram Rajya – the welfare state. Dr M. Veerappa Moily is a distinguished political leader in India . He is a member of the Indian National Congress party and is currently Minister of Law and Justice in the Government of India. Originally written in Kannada, this current English version consists of two volumes and runs into volumes run into 1,700 pages. Retaining the original storyline of Ramayana, Dr Veerappa Moily introduces modern characters in the narrative. Thus we have the main characters in the Ramayana expressing anguish and trying to change some of major issues faced by the society and country. In the book, Shree Ramayana Mahanveshanam, it is Lakshman, the brother of Lord Ram who is the real hero. Dr Veerappa Moily says “Lakshmana was responsible for driving the Ramayana. He is the real her...

The significance of the full moon day or Purnima in the Hindu lunar calendar, particularly during the month of Ashada, encompasses several auspicious observances and festivals. The full moon day or Purnima is Ashada month in a traditional Hindu lunar calendar is highly auspicious as it is observed as Guru Purnima and Vyasa Poornima. Ashada Purnima 2025 date is July 10. The Purnima Vrat is marked on July 10. Guru Purnima and Vyas Purnima are marked on July 10. Guru Purnima: This day is celebrated as Guru Purnima, a festival dedicated to honoring and expressing gratitude towards spiritual and academic teachers (Gurus). It is believed that on this day, spiritual seekers pay homage to their gurus, seeking their blessings for spiritual progress and enlightenment. The term "Guru" encompasses not only spiritual teachers but also mentors and guides in various fields of knowledge. Vyasa Poornima: Guru Purnima is also known as Vyasa Poornima, as it marks the birth anniversary of V...

Har Saptami is observed in the month of Ashada in Jammu and Kashmir . The day is dedicated to Goddess Shakti and is of great importance Hari Parvat Temple on the outskirts of Srinagar city. Har Saptami 2026 date is July 22. Goddess Shakti is here worshipped as Jagadamba Sharika Bhagwati. She is also known as Maha Tripura Sundari and Rajarajeshwari. Locally she is known as Har or Harie. On the Har Saptami, the pujas and rituals associated with the incarnation day of Goddess Sharika begins. It is believed that she appeared on the earth on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha of Ashada month. Har Navami falls two days after Har Saptami.  Today, the day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Sharika. Har Saptami – An Overview Har Saptami is a sacred festival celebrated in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly significant in the Kashmir Valley. Observed in the month of Ashada (June-July) according to the Hindu lunar calendar, this day is dedicated to Goddess ...