Separateness Arising from Name and Form: The Root of Suffering in Hindu Philosophy The Hindu tradition is vast and intricate, interwoven with profound teachings about the nature of existence, the self, and ultimate liberation. Among these teachings is the assertion that suffering arises from a sense of separateness, which is rooted in the identification with name (nāma) and form (rūpa). This doctrine, emphasized in sacred texts and by great Hindu thinkers, underscores how the illusion of duality binds individuals to samsara (the cycle of birth and death). Let us explore this concept deeply, drawing insights from the Yoga Vasistha , Ashtavakra Gita , Uddhava Gita , the Upanishads, and other sources. The Illusion of Separateness Hindu philosophy often speaks of māyā, the illusory nature of the material world. According to Advaita Vedanta, the ultimate reality is Brahman—formless, nameless, infinite, and indivisible. However, the human experience, veiled by māyā, leads individuals to p...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Friday, January 9 2026 – It is Krishna Paksha Sashti tithi or the sixth day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Sashti tithi or the sixth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 10 :21 AM on January 9. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Saptami tithi or the seventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 11 :05 AM on January 10. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on January 9, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Uttara Phalguni or Uthram nakshatra till 6:54 PM on January 9. Then onward it is Hasta or Atham or Hastham nakshatra till 6:17 PM on January 10. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north K...

The Divine Feminine Warriors: Narasimha's Creation of the Yogini Shaktis In the vast tapestry of Hindu spiritual literature, the story of Narasimha creating the Yogini Shaktis stands as a profound testament to the interplay between divine masculine and feminine energies. This sacred account, preserved in tantric traditions and particularly detailed in texts like the Kamakoti Mandali, reveals how Lord Narasimha manifested divine feminine warriors to restore cosmic equilibrium. The narrative goes beyond mere storytelling, offering deep insights into the nature of spiritual power, the necessity of balance in creation, and the ultimate purpose of divine intervention. The Context: Rudra's Meditation and Divine Response The story begins with Rudra, an aspect of Lord Shiva, engaging in intense meditation upon Mahanarasimha, the great Man-Lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This meditation itself symbolizes the recognition that even the most powerful cosmic forces require divine grace ...

Shakambari Purnima is observed during full moon day, or Pournami, in Paush month (December – January). Shakambari Purnima 2026 date is January 3. The day is of great importance in South India especially in Karnataka, parts of Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It is believed that Goddess Shakambari incarnated on Devi Shakambari Purnima day. The day also marks the end of the nine-day long Shakambari Navratri festival which began on December 28 2025. Goddess Shakambari is worshipped during the period in Karnataka, Maharashtra , Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Shakambari Mata Jayanti Shakambari Jayanti is dedicated to Goddess Shakambari Mata who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Shakambari Jayanti 2026 date is January 3. She is believed to be the Goddess of Vegetables, Fruits and Green leaves. Shakambari Jayanti concludes the nine-day Shakambari Navratri festival observed in many regions in  India . It is believed that she appeared on ea...

Truth That Never Grows Old: The Eternal Relevance of Universal Wisdom in Hinduism In a world saturated with information, it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed, bored, or uninspired. Despite access to endless facts and data, people often report feeling disconnected, dissatisfied, or emotionally fatigued. Hinduism offers a profound explanation for this paradox: what is not rooted in universal truth eventually becomes stale. It loses its vitality and relevance because it is not anchored in the eternal. The teachings of Hindu philosophy, particularly from the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and other sacred texts, provide deep insights into why this happens and how to overcome it. The Nature of Truth in Hindu Philosophy In Hinduism, Satya , or Truth, is not merely factual correctness but alignment with Brahman , the ultimate, unchanging reality. As stated in the Chandogya Upanishad (6.2.1) : "Sarvam khalv idam brahma" — "All this is Brahman." Truth, in this context, is...

Kullukabhatta: An Eminent Scholar and His Enduring Legacy Biography of Kulluka Bhatta (Kullukabhatta) Kullukabhatta was a distinguished scholar from the medieval period of Indian history, celebrated primarily for his exceptional contributions to the interpretation and understanding of ancient Hindu scriptures. Born to Bhatt-ivakara in the Varendra family of Bengal, Kullukabhatta is believed to have flourished between 1150 and 1300 CE. The timeline for his most renowned work, the Manvarthamuktavali , is estimated to be around 1250 CE. Kullukabhatta likely spent much of his life in Kashi (modern-day Varanasi), a revered center of learning and spirituality. Kullukabhatta’s intellectual lineage is deeply rooted in the traditions of Purvamimamsa, a school of philosophy that emphasizes the ritualistic and exegetical aspects of the Vedic texts. This philosophical foundation equipped him with a rigorous methodological approach, evident in his works. Significance of His Works Among Kulluka...

Pradosh Kaal Bhojan: The Ancient Hindu Practice of Eating Once Daily After Sunset Understanding the Pradosh Period In ancient Hindu tradition, the Pradosh period holds profound spiritual significance. This sacred time spans six ghatikas (approximately 144 minutes or 2 hours and 24 minutes) immediately following sunset. During this twilight phase, the transition between day and night was considered spiritually potent, making it an auspicious time for both worship and nourishment. The practice of consuming food only during this window was a rigorous observance followed by dedicated spiritual seekers who sought to align their physical needs with cosmic rhythms. Scriptural Foundation The concept of regulated eating finds mention in various Hindu scriptures. The Bhagavad Gita (6.16-17) emphasizes balanced eating: "Yoga is not for one who eats too much or eats too little, nor for one who sleeps too much or too little. But for one who is moderate in eating, sleeping, working and recr...

Anyonyashraya is the fallacy of mutual dependence in Hindu philosophical discourse. Anyonyasraya is classified as form of tarka (hypothetical argument). Anyonya Abhava means reciprocal negation or mutual non-existence, whereas Anyonyashraya means mutual dependence. Tarka means deliberation on an unknown thing to discern its real nature. It involves seeking reasons in favor of some suppositions to the exclusion of other suppositions. Philosophers resort to tarka when there is a doubt about the specific nature of a thing. According to logicians, there are five kinds of tarka – Self-dependence Mutual-dependence Circularity Infinite regress Indirect proof In all these, the logical structure and the nature of the argument are the same; and the aim is to help verify to validity of an argument. Anyonyashraya reveals the fallacy of an argument wherein two phenomena are mutually dependent on each other. For example, if A depends on B and B depends on A; then, to know A we need t...

Never Act in Haste: Rama's Lesson in Restraint and Dharma The Encounter in the Forest As narrated in the Ramayana, when Rama and Lakshmana were wandering through the forest in search of Sita, they were approached by a Brahmin who seemed extraordinarily intelligent and composed. This Brahmin was none other than Hanuman, disguised and sent by Sugriva to investigate the identity of the brothers. Hanuman, in his disguised form, humbly asked Rama about their identity and the purpose of their presence in the forest. Lakshmana, ever alert and protective of his elder brother, immediately suspected foul play. Mistaking the Brahmin for a demon in disguise, he raised his bow and sought Rama’s permission to strike. At this moment, Rama taught Lakshmana a lesson not only in discernment but also in Dharma , compassion, and civilized conduct. Rama’s Words of Wisdom Rama gently restrained Lakshmana and reminded him that one must never act in haste or suspicion. He said, “If he were an asura, ...

Seeing Beyond the Fleeting: A Hindu Vision of Eternal Bliss In our modern world, people are more distracted than ever—by wealth, status, sensory pleasures, and fleeting trends. We become obsessed with what is temporary, forgetting that the true purpose of human life, as per Hindu teachings, lies far beyond the ephemeral. The scriptures of Sanatana Dharma, through profound metaphysical, psychological, and spiritual wisdom, remind us that chasing the fleeting without understanding its limitations is a sure path to suffering. To recognize the fleeting as fleeting, and to seek the eternal behind it, is the gateway to lasting bliss. The Nature of the Fleeting In the Bhagavad Gita (2.14) , Krishna says to Arjuna: "Matra sparsas tu kaunteya, sitosna sukha duhkha dah, Agamapayino ‘nityas, tans titiksasva bharata." Translation: "O son of Kunti, the contact between the senses and their objects gives rise to the feelings of cold and heat, pleasure and pain. They are tempor...