Overview of Chandra and Tsukuyomi Chandra (Hindu Moon God): Chandra, also known as Soma, is a lunar deity in Hindu mythology. Chandra is often depicted as a young, beautiful god riding a chariot drawn by ten white horses or an antelope. He is associated with the moon, vegetation, fertility, and the soma plant (a sacred plant used in Vedic rituals). Chandra represents time, as his phases symbolize the cycles of the moon and, by extension, the passage of time, growth, and decline. He is also considered one of the Navagraha (nine planets) in Hindu astrology, and his influence is significant in Vedic astrology. Tsukuyomi (Japanese Moon God): Tsukuyomi, also known as Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, is a moon god in Japanese mythology, particularly within the Shinto belief system. He is one of the three noble children born from Izanagi, a prime deity. Tsukuyomi's role revolves around the moon and its influence on natural cycles, such as tides and the changing of the seasons. He is often associat...

Bana Linga is a unique Shivling with a number of striations formed by a natural process. Bana Lina are Swayambhu – appeared naturally. The striations may be in sizes ranging from that made of a needle point to that of a hand. Legend has it that Bana Linga appeared on earth when Shiva destroyed the Tripuri palaces of demons. The stones from the Tripuri that fell on Narmada River turned into Bana Linga. Bana Linga is named after Demon Banasura as he was an ardent devotee of Shiva and Shiva blessed him with them. It is believed that Banasaura how was doing austerities to please Shiva on the banks of Narmada collected the Lingas. As the Lingas were in the possession of Banasura it got the name Bana Linga. Close up of Striations on a Bana Linga There are numerous other legends also associated with the name Bana Linga – one is that Bana means an arrow, a reed-shaft, cow’s udder and pike. Another legend has it that Shiva appeared in the form of Linga before Banasura o...

Chandra in Hindu Mythology and Mani in Norse Mythology: A Comparative Study The Hindu Moon God Chandra and Mani in Norse mythology are two deities that symbolize the moon in their respective mythological traditions. While both are lunar deities, their cultural contexts, mythological narratives, and symbolisms have notable similarities and differences. 1. Importance in Respective Cultures Chandra in Hindu Mythology Chandra, also known as Soma, is a significant deity in Hindu mythology and represents the Moon. He is considered one of the nine primary celestial objects (Navagrahas) influencing human life and destiny in Vedic astrology. Chandra is depicted as a beautiful, youthful male deity riding a chariot pulled by ten white horses, or sometimes an antelope. He is also associated with the deity Soma, the personification of the sacred soma plant and its juice, which is used in rituals and has connections to immortality and vitality. Chandra plays an important role in many Hindu texts, su...

Chandra in Hindu Mythology and Metztli in Aztec Mythology: A Comparative Study The moon has held significant importance in various cultures and mythologies around the world, often symbolizing time, fertility, and the rhythms of life. Two prominent lunar deities are Chandra in Hindu mythology and Metztli in Aztec mythology. Despite originating from vastly different cultures, there are interesting similarities and notable differences in how these deities are perceived, their roles, symbolism, and their significance in both ancient and modern times. Overview of Chandra and Metztli Chandra is the Hindu god of the moon, depicted as a young, handsome deity with a fair complexion, holding a lotus in his hand, and often riding a chariot pulled by ten white horses or an antelope. He is associated with the night, the coolness of the moon, and the emotional and mental well-being of humans. In Hindu tradition, Chandra is also linked to the menstrual cycle, the tides, and timekeeping. Metztli , ...

Bijasan Mata Mandir in Bundi in Rajasthan is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The Navratri Mela and festival in the temple attracts thousands of people.  The Ashwin Navratri Mela is from September 22 to October 2, 2025. Bijasan Mata Mandir Chaitra Navratri Mela 2026 is from March 19 to March 27, 2026. The murti of Bijasan Mata is in the form of Her sitting atop demon Raktabija. The temple was built in 44 AD and is located around 10 km from Indargarh Sumerganj Mandi. The temple is located atop a 1000 ft high hillock and one has to climb thousands of steps. The Chaitra and Ashwin Navratri fair attracts thousands of people from Rajasthan and nearby states. Ugra Murti of Goddess Durga is worshipped in the temple and devotees have witnessed numerous miracles of the deity.

Sri Krishna, revered as "Purushottama" or "the Best of Men," occupies a unique and unparalleled position in Hindu worship and religion. His life and deeds, filled with profound wisdom, compassion, and heroism, serve as a timeless inspiration for millions. The title "Purushottama" is richly deserved due to his extraordinary qualities and actions that transcend the ordinary human experience. Additional Information and Relevant Facts Birth and Early Life : Sri Krishna's birth in a prison cell symbolizes his divine mission to liberate humanity from the metaphorical prisons of ignorance, fear, and material bondage. Despite his birth in a lowly and confined environment, he rose to become a beacon of light and freedom. The story of his birth, where he is immediately transported to the safety of Gokul, signifies the divine intervention that protects righteousness (Dharma) from the forces of evil. Upbringing among Cowherds (Gopas and Gopis) : Raised among the c...

Vasanthotsavam is an annual festival held in Chaitra month (March – April) at the famous Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple. Vasantotsava 2026 date is from March 31 to April 2. The festival is held from Chaitra Shukla Paksha Trayodashi to Chaitra Purnima as per traditional Hindu calendar and Panchangam followed by Tirupati Venkateswara Temple. The Vasanthotsavam was started in 1360 AD as per the temple records. Vasantha means ‘spring’ and utsavam means ‘festival’. The festival is held at the Vaibhavotsava Mandapam. Snapana Thirumanjanam Abhishekam (Holy bathing) is performed to the utsava murthy of Venkateshwara and his consorts on all the three days. On the third day, abhishekam is performed to the murtis of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman along with Krishna and Rukmini. Procession of the consecrated murtis are taken in a procession in the evening on all the three days. The Tirupati Balaji Temple complex and it surroundings are well decorated with lights, flowers...

 The Srimad Bhagavata Purana , also known simply as the Bhagavata Purana, is one of the most important texts in Hinduism. It is a voluminous text with 12 Skandas (Cantos or Books) that covers a wide array of topics related to theology, philosophy, cosmology, and mythology, primarily centered on the life and teachings of Lord Vishnu and his avatars, especially Krishna. Among these, the Twelfth Skanda serves as a prologue and a concluding section that offers reflections on the work as a whole. Twelfth Skanda (Canto) of Srimad Bhagavata Purana The Twelfth Skanda is the concluding book of the Bhagavata Purana. It is relatively shorter with 13 chapters, but it plays a crucial role in wrapping up the epic's themes and providing a prologue to the entire text. Key Themes and Content in the Twelfth Skanda The Genealogy of Dynasties : It starts with the genealogy of various dynasties that ruled after Krishna’s departure from the earthly realm. It provides a historical account of the kings ...

Important Yoga Masters of India met on December 4 and 5 in 2011 Bengaluru ,   India – on the Art of Living Foundation Headquarters, by invitation of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the President of the Yoga Portuguese Confederation. The aim of the meeting was to bring under one roof the various yoga masters and to chalk out plans to spread yoga. As part of spreading awareness – the yoga masters decided to observe World Yoga Day on June 21.   During this Summit was Proclaimed the World Yoga Day on the Solstice – June, 21st – the Day of Light and Wisdom associated to it – and with the support of the Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha, and the VYASA - Vivekánada Yoga University – it is a date that does not celebrate any human event, but is a Cosmic Auspice, a Day that highlights the relation between the Earth and the Sun, and by consequence with the Galaxy and the Cosmos, and it Is sang in all the Cultures that have always been unquiet with the observation and study of the Surroundings wher...

The Eighth Skandha (Canto) of the Srimad Bhagavata Purana is a significant section of this revered Hindu scripture. It contains 24 chapters and 931 verses and presents a variety of stories and teachings that are rich with spiritual symbolism, cultural importance, and enduring relevance. Let's explore the Eighth Skandha in more detail, highlighting its stories, significance, symbols, and modern-day relevance. Key Stories and Their Importance The Story of Gajendra, the Elephant King: Summary: Gajendra, the elephant king, is caught by a crocodile while drinking water from a lake. Despite his best efforts, he cannot free himself. In his desperation, he prays to Lord Vishnu, who appears and saves him by decapitating the crocodile with his Sudarshana Chakra. Gajendra then attains liberation. Importance: This story symbolizes the soul's struggle in the material world and the power of sincere devotion. Gajendra's surrender to the divine represents the ultimate release from bonda...