The first reference to Goddess Durga appears in the Virat Parva of the Mahabharata. According to the terms of their loss in the dice game, the five Pandavas, along with Draupadi, had to endure twelve years of exile in the forest and another year in disguise. After completing the twelve-year forest exile, the Pandavas chose the kingdom of Virata for their year of living incognito. The condition was that if anyone recognized them during this period, Kunti’s five sons and their wife Draupadi would have to undergo another twelve years of forest exile. To ensure that they could complete this period safely, and following the counsel of sages, Yudhishthira prayed to Goddess Durga. Yudhishthira chanted a hymn: “Durgāt tārayase durge, tat tvaṃ durgā smṛtā janaiḥ.” The Goddess he worshipped was four-armed, four-faced, and mounted on a lion, with a body of atashi (flax-flower) color. She was created from the radiance of the gods themselves. Yudhishthira worshipped Durga in her fierce form as ...

  Kayavyuhajnana of Patanjali: Unlocking the Inner Anatomy through Yogic Insight The ancient text of the Yogasutras, composed by the sage Patanjali around 200 BCE, is revered not only for its profound insights into the nature of the mind and the path to liberation but also for its detailed description of various siddhis (supernatural powers) or vibhutis (extraordinary abilities) that a dedicated yogi can attain through the disciplined practice of yoga. Among these, one of the most intriguing is the attainment of Kayavyuhajnana—a state of heightened, internal knowledge achieved by focusing the mind on the navel region or the solar plexus during samadhi (perfect concentration or superconscious experience). In Yogasutras 3.29, Patanjali describes how concentrated meditation on the plexus at the navel leads to an extraordinary clarity: the yogi gains a detailed and unimpeded insight into the internal structure of the body (the “kayavyuha”). This mystical form of self-knowledge is not s...

Sacred Symbolism of Betel Nut in Ganesha Worship: The Divine Representation of Riddhi and Siddhi In the sacred tradition of Hindu worship, particularly during Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations, the betel nut or supari holds a position of profound spiritual significance. Known as Poogiphal in Sanskrit, this humble yet potent offering is placed on both sides of Ganapati during puja as symbolic representations of his divine consorts, Riddhi and Siddhi. This practice embodies the complete essence of what devotees seek from the remover of obstacles: both material prosperity and spiritual fulfillment. The betel nut, derived from the Areca Palm tree, is more than just a ritualistic element. It represents the wholeness and perfection that characterize divine energy, serving as a tangible reminder of the balance between worldly success and spiritual wisdom. The Symbolism of Riddhi and Siddhi Riddhi and Siddhi are not merely mythological figures but represent fundamental principles in Hindu sp...

Beyond the Mirage: Understanding Material Desires Through Hindu Wisdom In our contemporary world of instant gratification and consumer culture, the human tendency to derive joy from acquiring new possessions has reached unprecedented heights. Yet this phenomenon is not new to human experience. Hindu scriptures, written thousands of years ago, offer profound insights into the temporary nature of material pleasures and provide timeless wisdom for navigating the complex relationship between desire and fulfillment. The Root of Material Attachment Hindu philosophy identifies the pursuit of material possessions as stemming from a fundamental misunderstanding of our true nature. The Bhagavad Gita, in Chapter 2, Verse 62, explains this process: "While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises." This verse illuminates how the mind becomes entangled in cycles of desire. What be...

Happiness That Springs From Contentment Is Long-Lasting – Reflections from Hindu Thought The pursuit of happiness has been a perennial quest across cultures and ages. In Hindu philosophy, the quest is not so much about seeking transient pleasures but rather cultivating an inner state of contentment—a deep-rooted peace that remains undisturbed by the vicissitudes of external life. The ancient wisdom of the Hindu scriptures, the teachings of revered gurus such as Swami Ranganathananda, Swami Sivananda, and the insights of modern thinkers like Aurobindo Ghosh and Jiddu Krishnamurti, all converge on the profound truth: while happiness derived from external circumstances is ephemeral, that which springs from internal contentment endures. The Nature of Happiness and Contentment Happiness, when anchored in externalities—be it wealth, success, or social approval—is inherently unstable. These sources of joy are conditional and transient; they ebb and flow with life’s inevitable challenges. As t...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Monday, February 23 2026 – It is Shukla Paksha Sashti tithi or the sixth day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Sashti tithi or the sixth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 9 :26 AM on February 23. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Saptami tithi or the seventh day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 7 :09 AM on February 24. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on February 23, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Bharani Nakshatra till 4:53 PM on February 23. Then onward it is Krittika or Karthigai or Kartika Nakshatra till 3:16 PM on February 24. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karn...

The Ever-Watchful Compassion: Understanding Goddess Meenakshi's Fish-Eyed Symbolism The Divine Name and Its Significance Goddess Meenakshi, whose very name means "she whose eyes are like fish" (Mina-Akshi), stands as one of the most beloved manifestations of Devi Parvati in Hindu tradition. Enshrined in the magnificent temple at Madurai, Tamil Nadu, she embodies the eternal principle of divine maternal compassion that never wavers, never closes, and never abandons her devotees. The fish-eye symbolism attached to her name carries profound spiritual meaning that resonates through centuries of devotional practice and philosophical understanding. The Symbolism of Unblinking Vigilance The primary symbolism of Meenakshi's fish-like eyes draws from a fundamental observation of nature: fish never close their eyes. This biological reality becomes a powerful metaphor for divine consciousness. Just as fish eyes remain perpetually open, the Divine Mother's awareness never...

Krauncha's Transformation To Mouse: The Celestial Musician Who Became Ganesha's Sacred Vehicle The Tale of the Proud Gandharva In the celestial realms of Hindu tradition, there lived a gandharva named Krauncha, blessed with extraordinary musical abilities. Gandharvas, known as divine musicians who perform in the courts of the devas, possess voices and skills that can enchant the three worlds. However, Krauncha's exceptional talent became the source of his downfall. His mastery over music and song filled him with such overwhelming pride that he began to view himself as superior to all beings, including the revered sages who maintained cosmic order through their spiritual practices. One fateful day, consumed by his arrogance, Krauncha was walking through a forest where a sage sat in deep meditation. So blinded was he by his self-importance that he carelessly stepped over the sage's foot, showing complete disregard for the venerable ascetic. This act of disrespect was n...

Understanding Shiva's Gajasurasamhara Form: Symbolism - The Divine Dance of Destruction Ego and Ignorance Gajasurasamhara represents one of the most profound manifestations of Shiva, where he appears as the destroyer of Gajasura, the demon in elephant form. This powerful imagery of Shiva slaying a wild elephant and wearing its skin as a garment carries deep spiritual significance that transcends the narrative itself. The form embodies the eternal struggle between divine wisdom and the destructive forces of ego, ignorance, and unbridled passion that afflict human consciousness. The Legend of the Daruka Forest The story unfolds in the Daruka forest, a sacred grove where numerous sages had established their hermitages and devoted themselves to intense spiritual practices. These rishis had mastered various Vedic rituals and performed elaborate yajnas with great precision. However, their spiritual accomplishments became the very source of their downfall. They began to believe that t...

Story Of Ugra Narasimha Murty At Maddur Temple, Karnataka, And Arjuna Of Mahabharata In the heart of Karnataka lies the ancient temple of Maddur, home to one of the most awe-inspiring manifestations of Vishnu—the Ugra Narasimha Murty. This sacred image captures the fierce half-man, half-lion avatar in its most terrifying aspect, with multiple arms and the demon Hiranyakashipu's entrails held firmly in divine hands. Unlike the typical serene depictions found in most temples, this golden murty embodies raw divine power, yet devotees consistently report experiencing profound peace and protection in its presence. The Origins of Narasimha Avatar The Narasimha avatar emerged at a moment when the cosmic balance tipped dangerously toward adharma. Hiranyakashipu, the demon king, had secured a boon that made him nearly invincible—he could not be killed by man or beast, inside or outside, during day or night, on earth or in the sky, by any weapon. Armed with this power, he terrorized the thr...