Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Thursday, December 25 2025 – It is Shukla Paksha Panchami tithi or the fifth day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Panchami tithi or the fifth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 10 :41 AM on December 25. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Sashti tithi or the sixth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 10 :00 AM on December 26. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on December 25, 2025 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Dhanishta or Sravishta or Avittam nakshatra till 6:05 AM on December 25. Then onward it is Satabhisha or Sadayam or Chathayam nakshatra till 6:07 AM on December 26. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Guja...

The Eight Sacred Names of Shiva: A Path to Inner Peace and Divine Realization In the vast ocean of Hindu spiritual practices, the chanting of divine names holds a place of supreme importance. Among these sacred invocations, the eight names of Lord Shiva - known as Ashtanama Shiva - stand as powerful mantras that guide devotees toward inner peace, spiritual awakening, and ultimate self-realization. These eight sacred appellations - Hara, Maheshvara, Shambhu, Shulapani, Pinakadharik, Shiva, Pashupati, and Mahadeva - represent different aspects of the Supreme Consciousness and serve as gateways to transcendental wisdom. The Spiritual Significance of Divine Names The practice of Nama Japa, or repetitive chanting of divine names, forms the cornerstone of devotional worship in Hinduism. The Vishnu Sahasranama declares, "Nama cintamani krishnasya yathartha dharaka param" - the name of the divine is like a wish-fulfilling gem that sustains all righteous paths. Similarly, the eigh...

The Mind as Master: How Inner Purity Transforms Reality According to Hindu Wisdom The ancient Hindu teaching that "the mind binds a man, not his circumstances" represents one of the most profound insights into human consciousness and spiritual liberation. This timeless wisdom, echoed throughout Hindu scriptures, reveals a fundamental truth: our external world is merely a reflection of our internal state, and true freedom comes not from changing circumstances but from purifying the mind. The Foundation of Hindu Psychology Hindu philosophy recognizes the mind (manas) as the primary instrument through which we experience reality. The Bhagavad Gita, in Chapter 6, Verse 5, declares: "Uddhared atmanatmanam natmanam avasadayet, atmaiva hy atmano bandhur atmaiva ripur atmanah" - "One must elevate oneself by one's own mind, not degrade oneself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well." This verse encapsulates the dual nature of...

Gadadhara Vishnu is one of the many forms of Bhagavan Vishnu, named after the gada (mace) that he wields. The term "Gadadhara" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Gada," meaning mace, and "Dhara," meaning bearer or holder. Thus, Gadadhara means "He who holds the mace," symbolizing divine strength and the protection of Dharma (righteousness). Symbolism of the Gada (Kaumodaki) The gada, called Kaumodaki , holds significant symbolism: Strength and Power : The mace represents physical and moral strength, the power to uphold righteousness, and divine protection. Vishnu uses it to maintain cosmic order by defeating forces of adharma (evil). Kaumodaki is not just a weapon; it symbolizes Vishnu’s power to control, discipline, and guide the universe. The mace can crush ego, pride, and negative tendencies within individuals and society, making it a powerful symbol of Vishnu’s role as the protector. Authority : It also symbolizes the authority of divine ...

Swayambhulingas of Shiva: The Self-Manifested Sacred Forms Across Ancient Bharat In the vast spiritual landscape of Hinduism, few sacred forms command as much reverence as the Swayambhulingas of Lord Shiva. The term "Swayambhu" derives from Sanskrit, meaning "self-manifested" or "self-existent," while "linga" represents the cosmic pillar of consciousness and the formless aspect of the divine. According to ancient Hindu scriptures, particularly the Shaivagamas, there exist sixty-eight sacred places on earth where Lord Shiva has manifested himself naturally, without human intervention. These divine manifestations represent the spontaneous emergence of the Supreme Consciousness in physical form, making them among the most sacred objects of worship in Shaivism. The Skanda Purana states: "Where the linga manifests by itself, there Shiva resides permanently with all his divine powers" (Kashi Khanda, Chapter 25, Verse 12). The Scriptural Fo...

The "Chatus Sana" – the four mind-born sons (Manasaputras) of Brahma – are revered as eternal, youthful sages in Hinduism, representing purity, wisdom, and spiritual knowledge. The four sages are: Sanaka Sanatkumara Sanatsujata Sanandana Each of these figures plays a distinct role in various Hindu texts and mythology, embodying the highest form of spiritual wisdom. Let's explore them in greater detail, including their importance, symbolism, and modern-day relevance. Importance and Symbolism Sanaka : Often regarded as the leader of the four, Sanaka symbolizes detachment from worldly desires. His name is derived from the Sanskrit word "Sanka," meaning doubt or worry, signifying that his teachings transcend such concerns. Sanaka is said to be an eternal companion of Lord Vishnu, symbolizing his elevated spiritual state and detachment. Sanatkumara : Sanatkumara's teachings are foundational to Hindu spiritual traditions. He represents wisdom beyond the limitation...

Pashupati: The Divine Lord of All Beings - Understanding Shiva's Role as the Universal Shepherd Among the numerous epithets of Lord Shiva, the title "Pashupati" holds profound spiritual significance in Hindu philosophy and practice. Derived from two Sanskrit words - "pashu" (animal or bound soul) and "pati" (lord or master) - Pashupati literally means "Lord of Animals" or more accurately, "Lord of Bound Souls." This sacred name encapsulates one of the most fundamental aspects of Shiva's divine nature as the compassionate guide who leads all beings from bondage to liberation. The Essence of Pashu and Pasha In the philosophical framework of Shaivism, every individual soul (jiva) is considered a "pashu" - not in the literal sense of an animal, but as a being bound by the "pasha" or fetters of ignorance, karma, and maya (illusion). The Shiva Purana elucidates this concept: "Pashubhavena bandhena badhyate...

Becoming Empty Vessels: Embracing Divine Doership In the journey of life, we often take pride in our achievements, believing each act arises from our individual will and effort. Yet, ancient Hindu wisdom reminds us that our sense of doership is an illusion nurtured by ego. True transformation begins when we recognize that the Divine alone is the real actor, and we are mere vessels through which that power flows. The Illusion of Doership Our ego thrives on credit and blame. When success smiles upon us, we say, “I did it.” When failure strikes, we lament, “Why did this happen to me?” Both responses bind us to joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain. The Bhagavad Gita calls this attachment to action and its fruits a chain that binds the soul to the cycle of birth and death. Only when we relinquish the claim of doership can we experience true freedom. Teachings from the Scriptures Bhagavad Gita : Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna that all actions occur by his will. He says, “I am the doer in al...

A Stable and Unwavering Mind: Embracing the Whole in Hinduism The teaching that a stable and unwavering mind is essential for embracing the whole is rooted deeply in Hindu philosophy, especially in the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. It signifies that a tranquil, centered mind is the foundation for perceiving and experiencing the interconnectedness of life, which Hinduism refers to as the ultimate reality or Brahman . Without mental stability, distractions cloud judgment, hinder spiritual growth, and create barriers to understanding the unity of existence. The Superpower of a Calm Mind! Imagine your mind is like a lake . When the lake is wavy and choppy (like when your mind is full of worries, distractions, or crazy thoughts), you can't see the bottom clearly. Everything looks fuzzy! This makes it hard to understand the big, connected picture of the world. But when the lake is perfectly still and calm (like when your mind is quiet and focused), you c...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Wednesday, December 24 2025 – It is Shukla Paksha Chaturthi tithi or the fourth day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Chaturthi tithi or the fourth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 10 :52 AM on December 24. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Panchami tithi or the fifth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 10 :41 AM on December 25. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on December 24, 2025 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time after 1:10 PM.  Nakshatra  – Shravan or Thiruvonam nakshatra till 5:37 AM on December 24. Then onward it is Dhanishta or Sravishta or Avittam nakshatra till 6:05 AM on December 25. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa,...