Nandipada, or the hoof of a bull, is a significant symbol in Hinduism. It bears a resemblance to the Brahmi letter ‘ma’ and is often encountered in ancient inscriptions throughout India. This symbol has profound cultural and religious connotations. Symbolism and Meaning Brahmi Letter ‘ma’ : The Nandipada closely resembles the Brahmi script's letter ‘ma.’ The letter ‘ma’ is particularly noteworthy as it is the initial letter of the word ‘mangala,’ which translates to ‘auspicious’ or ‘festive.’ This association imbues the Nandipada with a sense of positive and celebratory significance. Epigraphical Presence : The Nandipada frequently appears in various inscriptions across India, indicating its widespread recognition and importance in ancient Indian culture. Its recurring presence in epigraphy highlights its role in conveying auspiciousness in written records and stone carvings. Cultural and Religious Context Hinduism : In Hinduism, the Nandipada holds a place of reverence. The bull ...

Overeating can be seen as a complex mix of mental, emotional, and physical imbalance, and Hinduism offers a wealth of wisdom to address such tendencies. From practical day-to-day solutions grounded in Ayurvedic and yogic philosophy to powerful mantras, stories, and scriptural teachings, the following guidance draws from Hindu practices that foster restraint, mindfulness, and contentment. 1. Understanding and Acceptance Through Hindu Philosophy Hindu scriptures consider the mind as the most powerful factor in controlling the senses. The Bhagavad Gita describes the need for discipline over one’s desires, emphasizing self-control as a path to inner peace: Bhagavad Gita 6.16–17 : “There is no possibility of one becoming a yogi if one eats too much or eats too little, sleeps too much or does not sleep enough. He who is temperate in his habits of eating, sleeping, working, and recreation can mitigate all material pains by practicing the yoga system.” Practicing moderation in all aspects of l...

Karukaputhur Ekadasi festival is observed annually in Makaram month at the Karukaputhur Sree Narasimha Moorthy Temple. The shrine is located at Karukaputhur in Thrissur District. The temple is around 12 km from Pattambi. Karukaputhur Sree Narasimha Moorthy Temple Ekadasi 2026 date is January 29. This ancient shrine is dedicated to the Narasimha Avatar of Vishnu. The Ekadasi is observed on the Shukla Paksha Ekadasi day in Makaram month. Special rituals are observed on the day in this ancient shrine. The temple is decorated traditionally with flowers, leaves, coconut fronds, banana leaves and plantain. The ekadasi is observed after the Amavasya in Makaram month. (Shukla Paksha Ekadasi in Makaram month).

Kadavallur Ekadasi is observed annually in Makaram month at the Kadavallur Sree Rama Swami Temple.The shrine is located at Kadavallur in Thrissur District and is dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Ram. The temple is around 11 km from Kunnamkulam. Kadavallur Ekadasi 2026 date is January 29. The annual ten-day festival ends on Pooyam nakshatra in  Medam month. The festival end with Arattu on pooyam nakshatra in Meda masam.  Kadavallur Ekadasi is observed on the Shukla Paksha Ekadasi day in Makaram month. Special rituals are observed on the day in this ancient shrine.  Bhagavan Sree Rama is worshipped in the temple in three forms. In the morning, Bhagavan is worshipped as his form during exile period. At noon while building Rama Sethu bridge to cross to Lanka. This is a fierce form of Sri Rama as he is angry at Varuna the sea god. In the evening, as the King of Ayodhya. The main offering the temple is Appam and Payasam. The main murti of Sri Rama worshipped in th...

Bhoumi Ekadashi is observed in the Shukla Paksha of Magha Month in Odisha during the waxing phase of the moon. Bhoumi Ekadasi is of great significance at the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri. In 2026, the date of Bhoumi Ekadasi is January 29. This Ekadasi is also observed as Jaya Ekadasi and Bhishma Ekadashi by other Hindu communities. Special pujas and rituals dedicated to Lord Jagannath are held on Bhoumi Ekadashi. It is an auspicious day at all Jagannath temples around the world. Ekadasi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it falls on the on the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight in traditional Hindu calendar. Vishnu devotees fast on the day and some devotees keep vigil during night. This Ekadashi is known as Jaya Ekadashi in other regions. You may also like to read Ekadasi Food – What food can be eaten during Ekadashi fasting

Goddess Kotharjai Devi, also referred as Ma Kotharjai, is a manifestation of Mother Goddess and is worshipped mainly in Maharashtra. She is a village deity. The main temples dedicated to the Goddess are located in Pune District in Maharashtra. Goddess Kotharjai Devi is a kind form of Goddess Shakti. She showers motherly love on her children. The murti or idol of Kotharjai Devi symbolizes kinds and motherly affection. She is worshipped for peace, prosperity, protection, good agriculture, healthy children, early cure of diseases and for victory over enemies. A main attraction of the murti is the large eyes. Her hands are in blessing posture. She is dressed like a Marathi woman. Kotharjai Devi removes darkness caused by Adharma. She upholds righteousness by protecting those who practice Dharma.

If you have attempted numerous solutions and if you are yet to find an answer to problems in your life, then it is time you tried this particular Shiva mantra. A mantra is effective when you use it in the right way. Mantra should be chanted with full concentration. Your mind should never wander. Such intense should be the concentration that you should not even notice a raging bull coming towards you. Mantras contain secret energy, which helps in alleviating all forms of negative energy. The following mantra is very powerful and it should be chanted while offering sweet fragrance to Shiva. The mantra is: ॐ  नमः श्वभ्यः श्वपतिभ्यश्च वो नमो नमो भवाय च रुद्राय च नमः। शर्वाय च पशुपतये च नमो नीलग्रीवाय च शितिकण्ठाय च॥ The mantra should be chanted morning and evening daily for 108 days.

Overcoming oversleeping is a challenge many face, and Hinduism provides deep insights, practices, and spiritual tools to manage and transcend this habit. Balancing sleep is emphasized as an essential part of one’s daily discipline (dinacharya) to maintain good health, sharpness, and productivity. According to Hindu philosophy, oversleeping often results from physical, mental, or spiritual imbalance. Here, we’ll explore approaches, rituals, mantras, deity worship, and practical steps rooted in Hindu wisdom to help overcome oversleeping and develop an energized, purposeful life. 1. Spiritual Significance of Sleep Balance in Hinduism In Hinduism, sleep is more than physical rest; it’s a state that influences both our energy and our connection with the self (Atman). The Bhagavad Gita (6.16) advises against both excessive sleep and inadequate sleep, stressing the importance of balance: “Yoga is not for one who eats too much or too little, sleeps too much or too little.” Finding harmony in s...

Many Hindu homes display family photo in the living room of the house. As per Vastu there is a particular direction in which the photo should be kept. The ideal position of family photo in a house is on the southwest direction. Opt for the southwest wall to keep the family photo. The main benefit of keeping family photo in the correct vastu direction is that there will be unity in the family. Family members will take care of each other and there will be peace and prosperity. Always opt for colorful and happy photos. The frames should be colorful. Opt for color photos instead of black and white. Make sure all family members are present in the photo.

Keeping a metal bowl especially of copper or bronze filled with coins in north or south direction of house or shop, factory, or other business establishment is considered highly beneficial from vastu point. Both these directions are associated with leadership. What kind of coins should be kept? The coins that should be put in the bowl or vessel should be made of metal. No plastic materials should be used. The ideal option is to collect old coins as so of them were made using pure metals. The vessel should be made of iron, steel, bronze or copper. Benefits The main benefit is that there will be peace and prosperity in the house. There will be constant flow of wealth. Ideal to overcome financial troubles.