Masan Thakur is terrifying folk offspring of Goddess Kali. As per North Bengal, folk tradition Masan is a deity whose wrath spells utter ruin if not appeased. Just like his mother, he too is worshipped on Tuesdays, Saturdays, or on the new moon (Amavasya). Masan Thakur is revered as a spirit-deity or demigod of the dead in North Bengal. Though his worship is especially prominent during the month of Bhadra (August–September), he is also venerated throughout the year, even on Dipanwita Amavasya (the new moon associated with Kali Puja and Diwali in Bengal) in some regions. Story Of Origin Of Masan Thakur A popular folk verse narrates his origin: “As Kali danced and danced, Sweat dripped from her form, From that sacred sweat arose, This being — Masan, born of the swamp.” According to the Rajbanshi community’s folk belief, the god Dharmaraj (Dharma Thakur) became aroused upon seeing the goddess Kali bathing. His seed spilled into the river, and from those waters Masan Devta was b...

Ekajata: The Single-Braided Goddess of Supreme Consciousness and Unwavering Focus In the profound tapestry of Hindu Tantric traditions, Goddess Ekajata stands as a powerful manifestation of divine wisdom and spiritual protection. As one of the eight emanations of Mahavidya Tara, herself counted among the ten great wisdom goddesses (Dashamahavidyas), Ekajata embodies the wrathful compassion that destroys ignorance and shields devoted practitioners. Her very name, derived from "eka" meaning one and "jata" meaning braid or matted lock, points to her most distinctive feature—a single braid of hair that carries profound spiritual significance. The Symbolism of the Single Braid The single braid adorning Ekajata's head represents far more than a physical characteristic; it is a powerful symbol of the highest state of yogic concentration and the realization of non-dual truth (Advaita). In spiritual practice, the scattered nature of multiple hair strands symbolizes th...

The Dharmasutras of Sage Gautama are among the earliest known texts on Hindu law and ethics, providing detailed guidelines on dharma, or righteous living. Believed to have been composed between 600–400 BCE, they are considered one of the oldest and most authoritative sources of Hindu law and conduct. While Hinduism has evolved over millennia, the principles outlined in Gautama’s Dharmasutras continue to resonate, both in religious practices and cultural norms. Historical Importance and Background The Gautama Dharmasutras stand out for their antiquity and independence from the Kalpasutras , texts that generally cover rituals, domestic rites, and sacrificial rules across various schools. Gautama’s Dharmasutras, unlike some others, are unique in their focus purely on dharma without blending with other genres. Gautama is traditionally linked to the Ranayaniya branch of the Sama Veda , suggesting the text may have originated in a circle of scholars and sages associated with that Vedic sch...

Purifying the Self: The Symbolism and Significance of Seven Erukkai Leaves on Ratha Saptami Ratha Saptami, celebrated on the seventh day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Magha, honors Surya, the Sun God, as he begins his northward journey. One of the most profound rituals observed on this day involves placing seven erukkai leaves (Calotropis gigantea) on the body to seek purification from accumulated sins. This article explores the historical background, scriptural foundations, symbolism, and modern-day relevance of this practice. Scriptural Foundations and Teachings The primary source for the seven-leaf ritual is found in the Mahabharata. As the epic describes, the great warrior Bhishma lay on a bed of arrows, awaiting death. Burdened by unrepented sins—especially his silence during Draupadi’s disrobing—he sought liberation. On the advice of Sage Vyasa, Bhishma prayed to Surya Bhagavan. The Sun God instructed him to place seven erukkai leaves on specific parts of his body a...

The Nine Divine Powers of Goddess Lakshmi: Understanding Her Sacred Manifestations In the vast spiritual tradition of Hinduism, Goddess Lakshmi stands as the divine embodiment of prosperity, fortune, and spiritual abundance. She is revered not merely as a single deity but as the source of nine distinct powers that govern different aspects of material and spiritual wealth. These nine manifestations—Vibhuti, Unnati, Kanti, Hrishti, Kirti, Sannati, Vyushti, Utkrishti, and Riddhi—represent the complete spectrum of divine grace that sustains both the cosmic order and individual well-being. The Divine Foundation of the Nine Powers The concept of Goddess Lakshmi as the source of multiple powers finds its roots in ancient Vedic and Puranic literature. The Shri Sukta, found in the Rigveda, glorifies the Goddess as the provider of all forms of wealth and prosperity. These nine powers are not separate deities but different expressions of the same divine consciousness, each addressing specific ...

Embracing Fearlessness and Detachment in Our Interactions with the World: A Hinduism Perspective The concepts of fearlessness ( abhaya ) and detachment ( vairagya ) are cornerstones of spiritual growth in Hinduism. These principles, deeply embedded in Hindu philosophy and practices, guide individuals to transcend worldly attachments and fears, ultimately leading to liberation ( moksha ). By cultivating fearlessness and detachment, practitioners can experience profound personal growth, inner peace, and a higher understanding of the self. This essay explores these ideas through Hindu scriptures, teachings of saints and gurus, and modern-day relevance, while also examining the benefits, practicality, and even scientific perspectives that align with these ancient principles. Foundations in Hindu Scriptures Fearlessness and detachment have been emphasized in some of the most revered Hindu scriptures, including the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Vedas. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna inst...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Saturday, January 31 2026 – It is Shukla Paksha Trayodashi and Chaturdashi tithi or the thirteenth and fourteenth day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Trayodashi tithi or the thirteenth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 7 :14 AM on January 31. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 5 :20 AM on February 1. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on January 31, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Ardra or Arudara or Thiruvathira Nakshatra till 2:24 AM on January 31. Then onward it is Punarvasu or Punartham or Punarpoosam Nakshatra till 1:07 AM on  February 1 . (Time applicable in north, south and eastern ...

Krishna as Jishnu: The Ever-Victorious Supreme Lord The Meaning and Origin of Jishnu Jishnu is one of the sacred names of Bhagavan Sri Krishna, deeply rooted in the ancient scriptures of Hinduism. The name Jishnu derives from the Sanskrit root meaning "victorious" or "one who conquers." This epithet was bestowed upon Krishna because of his unblemished record of triumph in every battle he fought, demonstrating not merely military prowess but divine invincibility. The Mahabharata, in Udyoga Parva, Chapter 70, Stanza 13, specifically mentions this title in reference to Krishna's undefeated status across all his confrontations. The term Jishnu translates to "Victorious Lokpal or Lok Pati," meaning the Victorious Lord of the world or region. This designation encompasses both earthly victories and spiritual supremacy, reflecting Krishna's dual nature as both a divine incarnation and a participant in worldly affairs. Krishna's Victorious Life Fr...

In the worship of Goddess Kali, karanbari or liquor holds an important place. From household worship to the cremation ground—everywhere, liquor is offered during the worship of the Goddess. According to the Tantras , in the worship of Shakti, five essential elements— madya (wine), mamsa (meat), matsya (fish), mudra (gesture or grain), and maithuna (union)—are indispensable. If worship is performed without these five tattvas (principles), the devotee, worshipper, or practitioner not only fails to attain the desired result but also faces obstacles at every step. The spiritual fruits of practicing the Pancha Makaras are boundless. These five Makaras are collectively known as the Pancha Tattva , and madya —liquor or karan —is considered the first principle. Mahanirvana Tantra On Different Types Of Liquor Offered To Goddess In the Mahanirvana Tantra , it is stated: "Gaurī paiṣṭī tathā mādhavī tribidhā chottamā surā, Saiva nānāvidhā proktā tāla-kharjura-sambhavā." Tha...

"Manana" is a crucial practice in the pursuit of spiritual knowledge in Hindu philosophy, particularly in the Vedanta tradition. In Hinduism, it is the second of the three direct disciplines, or "sadhana traya," prescribed for attaining knowledge of the Atman (the individual self) and its unity with Brahman (the ultimate reality). The term "manana" itself means "constant thinking" or "reflection." After receiving instruction from a qualified spiritual preceptor (guru) on the nature of Brahman and its relationship to the individual self, the student engages in the process of manana. This involves continuously contemplating and meditating upon the teachings received, allowing them to sink deep into the consciousness. Moreover, manana entails more than mere repetition of teachings; it involves rigorous intellectual inquiry and analysis. The practitioner strengthens their understanding of Brahman through logical reasoning and critical e...