The Divine Sacrifice of Chinnamasta: Symbolism of Dakini and Varnini Drinking the Sacred Blood The Legend of the Self-Decapitated Goddess Among the ten Mahavidyas, Goddess Chinnamasta stands as one of the most awe-inspiring and profound manifestations of the Divine Mother. The name “Chinnamasta” literally means “She whose head is severed.” The Devi appears fearsome, holding her own severed head in one hand, while three streams of blood flow from her neck—one entering her own mouth and the other two being drunk by her attendants, Dakini and Varnini. According to the legend, Goddess Parvati once went to bathe in the sacred river Mandakini, accompanied by her attendants, Dakini and Varnini. After bathing, the attendants expressed intense hunger. Knowing that they could only be nourished by blood and flesh, the compassionate Goddess, in an act of supreme sacrifice, cut off her own head with her fingernail. Three streams of blood emerged—two feeding her attendants and the third nourishin...

Baba Jaimal Singh, a prominent figure in the 19th century, is revered as a Guru within the Radha Soami sect, renowned for his spiritual teachings and the establishment of the center at Beas, Punjab. Born in 1838 into a Sikh family, Jaimal Singh's journey towards spiritual enlightenment commenced at the age of 17 when he was initiated by Shiv Dayal Singh, the founder of the Radha Soami sect. Following his initiation, Jaimal Singh devoted himself wholeheartedly to his spiritual practice, spending significant time in meditation while serving as a soldier in the army. Upon the demise of Shiv Dayal Singh in 1878, Radhaji, Shiv Dayal's wife, entrusted Jaimal Singh with the task of establishing a center in Punjab, fulfilling the late Guru's wishes. Responding to this divine call, Baba Jaimal Singh established the center at Beas, drawing followers from across the Punjab region and beyond. Despite initially maintaining cordial relations with the gurus at Agra, Jaimal Singh diverge...

In Tantric sacred traditions, Mahakala represents far more than simply a fierce form of Lord Shiva. The relationship between Mahakali and Mahakala forms one of the most profound teachings in Hindu Tantric philosophy, revealing the ultimate nature of existence itself. This sacred relationship, often depicted with Kali standing upon Mahakala, contains layers of spiritual symbolism that illuminate the deepest truths about time, consciousness, and cosmic energy. The Nature of Mahakala: More Than Time Itself The Mahakala Samhita and Yogini Tantra describe Mahakala not merely as a deity but as a transcendent state or realm. According to these sacred texts, Mahakala represents "Greater Time" - a dimension where the cyclical nature of time as we understand it ceases to exist. It is described as a constant, closed system where past, present, and future collapse into a singular, unchanging reality. The word Mahakala derives from two Sanskrit roots: Maha meaning "great" and...

The Serpent in the Hand of Goddess Durga: Symbol of Conscious Power and Divine Control The Divine Image and Its Meaning Among the many weapons that adorn the ten hands of Goddess Durga, the serpent—or Sarpa —is one of the most profound in symbolism. Often depicted as coiled or held firmly in her divine grasp during the annihilation of Mahishasura, this serpent is not merely an ornament or a weapon. It represents the most mysterious and potent force in existence: the dormant consciousness that lies coiled within every human being , awaiting awakening through spiritual awareness and divine grace. Symbolism of the Serpent The serpent, or Naga , in Hindu philosophy, is a recurring emblem of Kundalini Shakti —the coiled energy residing at the base of the spine. In the Devi Mahatmya (Markandeya Purana, Chapter 2–11), Durga is described as the embodiment of all powers, the synthesis of creation, preservation, and destruction. The serpent weapon, known as Nagapasha , was said to be gifted...

 In the vast ocean of Hindu philosophy, a profound teaching states: "If you want peace, do not look into anybody's faults." This wisdom emphasizes the practice of tolerance, acceptance, and self-reflection as pathways to inner peace. Rooted in ancient scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and the teachings of great saints and gurus , this concept is not just a moral dictum but a practical guide for achieving a harmonious life. In a world rife with judgment and negativity, understanding and applying this principle can lead to mental tranquility, social harmony, and spiritual elevation. Scriptural Foundations Hinduism, one of the oldest spiritual traditions, provides numerous references that support the idea of refraining from fault-finding in others. Bhagavad Gita (6.5) "One must elevate oneself by one’s own mind and not degrade oneself. The mind is a friend to the self, and the mind is the enemy of the self." This verse highlights the importan...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Friday, February 13 2026 – It is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day of waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day of waning or dark phase of moon till 1 :30 PM on February 13. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day of waning or dark phase of moon till 3 :10 PM on February 14. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on February 13, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Mool or Moolam Nakshatra till 3:32 PM on February 13. Then onward it is Purvashada or Pooradam Nakshatra till 5:41 PM on February 14. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), ...

The Sacred Hearth: Worshipping Goddess Manasa Through the Kitchen Stove in Bengal Goddess Manasa holds a unique position in Bengali Hindu tradition as the presiding deity of serpents and the protectress against snake venom. Known by various names including Bishahari (destroyer of poison), Jagat Gauri, and Padmavati, she is deeply revered across Bengal, particularly in rural households where the threat of snake encounters remains a tangible concern. Her worship transcends mere fear of reptiles, embodying the deeper spiritual principle of respecting and harmonizing with nature's powerful forces. The Cooking Stove as Divine Symbol In Bengali households, the cooking stove or traditional hearth (chulha) transforms into a sacred symbol of Ma Manasa during specific rituals, most notably during Ranna Puja. This practice reflects the profound Hindu understanding that divinity permeates every aspect of domestic life, and the kitchen—as the source of nourishment—becomes a temple in its own...

The Divine Arrows of Manmatha: Awakening the Five Sacred Relationships with the Supreme The Celestial Archer and His Purpose Manmatha, also known as Kamadeva, is revered in Hindu scriptures as the deity of divine love and attraction. Unlike worldly desire, his role extends far beyond the physical realm—he serves as the cosmic force that draws souls toward the Supreme Divine. His five flowered arrows are not merely instruments of romantic attraction but profound spiritual tools that awaken different dimensions of devotion within the heart of every seeker. The Five Sacred Arrows and Five Rasas Each of Manmatha's arrows corresponds to one of the five primary relationships (rasas) that a devotee can cultivate with the Divine. These relationships represent the complete spectrum of love and devotion described extensively in Vaishnava literature, particularly in the Bhakti traditions. Shanta Rasa: The Arrow of Peaceful Neutrality Shanta rasa represents the serene, contemplative rela...

 Ancient Indian literature is replete with texts that detail the ethical, ritualistic, and legal foundations of society. Among these, the dharmasutra and smriti works hold a special place, as they were intended to guide human conduct in accordance with cosmic law. Two such works, the Kashyapa Samhita and the Kashyapa Smriti , though not fully extant today, have been referenced by many later authorities. These texts, attributed to the revered sage Kashyapa, dealt with the practical aspects of daily life—from duties and rituals to expiation and purification—and continue to be of scholarly interest for their insights into ancient Hindu society. Sage Kashyapa: A Brief Biography Sage Kashyapa is one of the ancient rishis (seers) whose contributions have been foundational to the development of Vedic and post-Vedic thought. According to traditional accounts, Kashyapa was not only a great scholar but also a prolific compiler of knowledge concerning dharma (righteousness) and the laws of h...

The Sacred Vehicles of Vishwakarma: Understanding the Divine Architect's Vahanas Vishwakarma's Divine Vehicles Vishwakarma, the celestial architect and divine craftsman of the universe, holds a unique position among Hindu deities. As the creator of divine palaces, weapons, and the very fabric of cosmic infrastructure, his iconography varies significantly across different regions and communities in India. One of the most intriguing aspects of Vishwakarma worship is the diversity in his vahana or divine vehicle, which differs based on geographical location, community tradition, and occupational associations. The Elephant: Symbol of Strength and Stability In Bengal, particularly during Vishwakarma Puja celebrations, the elephant is predominantly depicted as the divine vehicle of Vishwakarma. This association is deeply meaningful when we consider the nature of Vishwakarma's divine responsibilities. The elephant symbolizes immense strength, stability, and the ability to carr...