Anjana's Divine Wisdom: The Mother Who Shaped the Greatest Devotee The Foundation of Spiritual Strength In the sacred narratives of Hinduism, the story of Hanuman's extraordinary capabilities begins not with divine intervention alone, but with the profound teachings of his mother, Anjana. An apsara who had been cursed to take birth on earth, Anjana was no ordinary mother. Her wisdom and spiritual understanding laid the groundwork for Hanuman to become one of the most revered figures in Hindu tradition—a being who embodied complete control over emotions, unwavering devotion, and limitless strength. Mastery Over Emotions and Passions From Hanuman's earliest days, Anjana recognized the divine potential within her son. She understood that true spiritual power comes not from physical strength alone, but from mastery over the mind and its turbulent emotions. The Ramayana and Puranic texts describe how Anjana constantly reminded young Hanuman about the binding nature of desire...

Beyond Labels: The Eternal Truth of Simply Being Life stripped of all embellishments reveals a profound truth that resonates deeply with ancient Hindu wisdom: existence itself is the fundamental reality, while our mental constructs of success, failure, adventure, and disappointment are merely the play of Maya, or illusion. This understanding, far from being nihilistic, offers liberation from the endless cycle of attachment and suffering that defines modern human experience. The Illusion of Duality The Bhagavad Gita addresses this concept directly when Krishna tells Arjuna: "Those who are seers of the truth have concluded that of the nonexistent there is no endurance and of the eternal there is no change. This they have concluded by studying the nature of both" (Bhagavad Gita 2.16). Here, Krishna distinguishes between the temporary fluctuations of worldly experience and the unchanging nature of pure existence. Our tendency to categorize life into adventures, journeys, suc...

Hinduism: Supersensual Knowledge Beyond the Supernatural Hinduism, the oldest living religion, is often misinterpreted as being rooted in supernaturalism and miracles. However, a deeper examination reveals that Hinduism transcends such phenomena, presenting itself as a framework of supersensual knowledge—knowledge that goes beyond the senses but remains grounded in experiential reality and reason. This topic of discussion delves into how Hinduism eschewed the allure of miracles and superstition, instead laying a robust foundation of philosophical inquiry, scientific thought, and a profound understanding of existence, which modern science has only recently begun to validate. Supersensual Knowledge vs. Supernatural Belief Supersensual knowledge in Hinduism is a central concept derived from its scriptures, particularly the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita. The term implies insights and truths that transcend the immediate grasp of the five senses but are not supernatural or miraculo...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Tuesday, January 6 2026 – It is Krishna Paksha Tritiya tithi or the third day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Tritiya tithi or the third day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 11 :18 AM on January 6. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Chaturthi tithi or the fourth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 10 :29 AM on January 7. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on January 6, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Ashlesha or Ayilyam nakshatra till 3:45 PM on January 6. Then onward it is Magha or Makam nakshatra till 3:39 PM on January 7. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and so...

The Curse of Sage Dvaipayana: When Ravana's Sin Foreshadowed His Sister's Fate The Violent Encounter In the ancient chronicles of Hindu scripture, few incidents reveal the workings of divine justice as powerfully as the curse of Sage Dvaipayana upon Ravana. This episode, though lesser known than the main Ramayana narrative, demonstrates how actions create inevitable consequences that ripple through time. Sage Dvaipayana, a revered ascetic, was traveling through the forest with his beautiful sister when they encountered Ravana, the mighty emperor of Lanka. The demon king, intoxicated by his power and driven by base desires, saw the sage's sister and was immediately consumed by lust. Despite being in the presence of a holy man and despite the woman's clear protests and resistance, Ravana attempted to force himself upon her, trying to kiss her without consent. The Sister's Brave Resistance The sage's sister fought valiantly against the assault. In the violent ...

The Timeless Wisdom of Dharma: Living Authentically in a Distracted World In the relentless rush of modern existence, we find ourselves perpetually caught between countless demands, drowning in distractions that promise fulfillment yet deliver only fleeting satisfaction. We scroll endlessly through curated lives, seeking validation from strangers, while our own inner compass spins aimlessly. This existential crisis is not new—thousands of years ago, Hindu scriptures addressed this very human predicament with profound wisdom that remains startlingly relevant today. The Sacred Value of Time in Hindu Philosophy Hindu scriptures consistently emphasize time as the most precious and irretrievable resource. The Bhagavad Gita declares through Lord Krishna: "Of measures I am time" (Bhagavad Gita 10.30). This isn't merely poetic—it reveals time as a divine force, sacred and finite. The Mahabharata warns, "Time cooks all beings within itself," reminding us that every mo...

In the intricate tapestry of Hindu philosophy, the concept of Nigrahasthana holds profound significance, representing the ground of defeat in a debate. It delineates the critical juncture where one's inability to grasp or misconstrue the essence of statements, whether their own or those of their interlocutor, results in conceding defeat. This concept underscores the paramount importance of clarity, understanding, and intellectual rigor in philosophical discourse. Central to Nigrahasthana are two primary grounds of defeat: misunderstanding and want of understanding. The former occurs when a debater fails to comprehend the intended meaning of either their own assertions or those put forth by their opponent. This lack of comprehension extends to the implications inherent within the statements, thereby leading to a moment of reckoning where defeat becomes inevitable. The latter ground, want of understanding, refers to a deficiency in grasping the fundamental concepts or principles un...

Atala, as described in Hindu puranas, holds a significant place in the cosmology of Hindu mythology. It is depicted as the first of the seven nether worlds, situated just below Bhuloka, the earthly realm. Despite its subterranean location, Atala is depicted as a realm of unparalleled beauty and opulence, rivaling even the heavenly abodes. The imagery associated with Atala paints a picture of lavishness and luxury, with an abundance of precious gems and comforts. While it exists beyond the reach of sunlight, it is illuminated by the radiant light emitted from the gemstones adorning the hoods of the great serpents residing there, providing a soothing and dazzling atmosphere. The inhabitants of Atala are described as possessing eternal youth and beauty, indulging in perpetual amorous pleasures and recreational activities. This portrayal suggests a realm of hedonistic delights and perpetual enjoyment, where the concerns of mortality and age are nonexistent. In Hindu cosmology, the depictio...

Climbing the Path to Liberation: The Symbolism of Playing Snakes and Ladders on Vaikunta Ekadasi Each year on Vaikunta Ekadasi, devotees of Lord Vishnu observe a sacred fast and engage in devotional practices to attain spiritual merit. Among these traditions, playing the board game of Snakes and Ladders (also known by its Sanskrit name, Moksha Patam) holds special significance. Far more than simple entertainment, the game offers a profound lesson about life’s journey toward liberation. Through its depiction of snakes and ladders, it illustrates the interplay of devotion, virtue, ego, and attachment in the seeker’s spiritual quest. The Importance of Vaikunta Ekadasi Vaikunta Ekadasi falls on the eleventh lunar day (Ekadasi) of the waxing moon in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January) - holy Dhanu Masa or Month, depending on regional calendars. It is believed that on this day the gate to Vaikunta, the heavenly abode of Lord Vishnu, remains open for devotees who fast, pray, and...

The Pitrgatha: Ancient Hymn of Ancestral Blessings and Devotion The Matsya Purana, one of the eighteen revered Mahapuranas in Hindu sacred literature, preserves a profound composition known as the Pitrgatha or the Song of the Manes. Found in verses 204.3-17, this sacred text represents the voices of departed ancestors expressing their desires and blessings for their descendants. This hymn occupies a special place in Hindu ritual practice, traditionally recited during shraddha ceremonies when brahmanas are invited to partake in the sacred meal offerings meant for the ancestors. The Essence of Pitrgatha The Pitrgatha reveals the intimate connection between the living and the departed in Hindu tradition. Through this composition, the pitrs (ancestors) communicate their wishes and expectations from their descendants, while simultaneously offering their blessings. This two-way spiritual exchange underscores the Hindu understanding that familial bonds transcend physical death and continue...