Garudasana Posture: Sacred Iconography of Devotion and Divine Service Garudasan is a distinctive and sacred posture depicted in Hindu temple sculpture and iconography, representing Garuda, the divine bird and eternal vahana of Bhagavan Vishnu. This posture is not merely an artistic convention but a profound visual teaching rooted in Hindu scriptures, temple traditions, and philosophical symbolism. Garudasana expresses ideals of devotion, service, strength, humility, and cosmic order, all embodied in the form of Garuda as he bears Lord Vishnu upon his back. Description of the Garudasana Posture In Garudasan, Garuda is portrayed standing firmly upon the earth, bearing Bhagavan Vishnu seated majestically on his back. Garuda’s left leg is slightly bent, described as kushchit, while the other leg is turned backward from the knee (janu) and grounded, symbolizing balance between movement and stability. His posture conveys readiness, strength, and unwavering support. Garuda is often shown hold...

The Karanda Mukuta: A Crown of Divine Symbolism Hindu iconography is a rich tapestry of intricate symbolism, aesthetic beauty, and deep philosophical meaning. Among the many features that distinguish the depictions of Hindu deities, the mukuta or crown is one of the most significant. The mukuta serves not only as an ornamental piece but also as a representation of divine power, authority, and transcendence. Among the various types of mukutas, the karanda mukuta stands out for its unique design and its association with specific deities. Derived from the word “karanda,” which means a basket typically made from bamboo strips, this crown is a fascinating blend of artistry and cultural symbolism. This article delves into the history, design, significance, and modern-day relevance of the karanda mukuta, exploring its enduring presence in Hindu traditions. Design and Features of the Karanda Mukuta The karanda mukuta is a crown that visually resembles a tiered basket. Its design is distinct, ...

Goddess Jagadhatri: The Divine Mother Who Shattered the Ego of the Gods Goddess Jagadhatri, whose name literally means "the upholder of the world," represents one of the most profound manifestations of Adi Shakti. Widely venerated in Bengal during Kartik Shukla Paksha Navami, she embodies the divine feminine power that sustains and nurtures the entire cosmos. Unlike many other forms of the Goddess associated with destruction or fierce battle, Jagadhatri teaches through revelation and awakening, making her worship particularly significant for spiritual seekers on the path of self-realization. The Context: Victory Over Mahishasura To understand the emergence of Goddess Jagadhatri, we must first revisit the legendary battle between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura. The buffalo demon had received an extraordinary boon from Brahma that no man could kill him. Intoxicated by this power, Mahishasura unleashed terror across the three worlds, forcing even the gods to flee from heaven....

The Supreme Truth Beyond the Veil of Ego: A Hindu Perspective The fundamental paradox of spiritual seeking lies in this profound truth: everything the ego attempts to achieve in its spiritual quest is inherently false. The very moment the individual 'I' enters the equation, we separate ourselves from the Supreme Truth that exists eternally, untouched by our personal desires and ambitions. This timeless wisdom, beautifully articulated by Ramana Maharshi, reveals that we attempt to reach our ultimate goal through the ego, yet the goal existed long before the ego ever arose. The Illusion of the Separate Self Hindu scriptures consistently emphasize that the ego, or ahamkara, is the primary obstacle between the individual soul and the realization of Brahman, the ultimate reality. The Bhagavad Gita declares, "The bewildered soul, under the influence of the three modes of material nature, thinks himself to be the doer of activities, which are in actuality carried out by nature...

Mind Can Be Controlled Only Through Patience, Constant Practice, and Detachment Exploring Hinduism's Teachings on Mastering the Mind The human mind is often described as restless, volatile, and difficult to control, likened to a monkey hopping from one branch to another. This analogy, popularized in Hindu spiritual texts and teachings, encapsulates the struggles faced by humanity in achieving inner peace and focus. Hinduism, one of the world's oldest spiritual traditions, offers profound insights into the nature of the mind and the methods of its mastery. Central to these teachings is the assertion that controlling the mind requires three key elements: patience, constant practice (abhyāsa), and detachment (vairāgya). This essay delves into these principles, citing Hindu scriptures, saints, and their relevance in modern life. The Nature of the Mind: A Constant Struggle The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered texts in Hindu philosophy, speaks directly to the challenges of cont...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Tuesday, January 27 2026 – It is Shukla Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 4 :21 PM on January 27. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 2 :00 PM on January 28. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on January 27, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time till 11:08 AM.  Nakshatra  – Bharani Nakshatra till 8:50 AM on January 27. Then onward it is Krittika or Krithigai or Karthika Nakshatra till 7:11 AM on January 28. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajast...

Vikarna - The Voice of Conscience in the Court of Kauravas In the grand narrative of the Mahabharata, where the epic battle between dharma and adharma unfolds across generations, one figure stands out among the hundred Kaurava brothers as a beacon of moral courage—Vikarna, the third son of King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gandhari. While his eldest brother Duryodhana became synonymous with envy and injustice, and most of his siblings remained silent accomplices to unrighteousness, Vikarna distinguished himself as the only Kaurava who dared to oppose the shameful disrobing of Draupadi in the Kuru assembly hall. The Significance of His Name The name Vikarna carries profound symbolic meaning that seems to reflect his unique character. Derived from Sanskrit, it can be interpreted in two ways: either as "vina karna" meaning "without ears" or "vishala karna" meaning "large-eared." The first interpretation suggests someone who does not blindly listen to w...

The Eternal Flow: Why Hinduism Warns Against Crystallized Movements The Nature of Stagnation Hindu scriptures have long recognized a profound truth that applies to all aspects of existence: what ceases to flow begins to decay. This wisdom applies equally to rivers, societies, and spiritual movements. When any ideology, whether religious or secular, becomes rigid and refuses to accept the natural flow of change, it transforms from a life-giving stream into a stagnant pool—breeding disease, decay, and ultimately causing the very harm it originally sought to prevent. The Bhagavad Gita (2.47) reminds us: "Karmanyevadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana" (You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action). This verse speaks to the importance of action without attachment to outcomes, a principle that extends to our relationship with movements and institutions. When we become attached to preserving a movement in its fixed form, we viola...

In Hinduism, the concept of Karana Sharira , or the causal body, is an integral part of understanding the spiritual composition of an individual. According to Vedanta philosophy, as depicted in sacred texts like the Upanishads , the Brahma Sutras , and related scriptures, every jiva (individual soul) possesses three bodies: sthula sharira (gross body), sukshma sharira (subtle body), and karana sharira (causal body). Each of these layers plays a critical role in defining the human experience and spiritual journey. Among them, the karana sharira is considered the deepest and most significant, as it serves as the root cause of the soul’s embodiment and transmigration through cycles of birth and death. The Nature of Karana Sharira The karana sharira can be understood as the "causal body" that contains the seeds of all desires, actions, and karmas that bind the soul to the material plane. It is made up of ajnana or ignorance, which veils the true nature of the self ( atman ...

Goddess Karindrasuranisudini: The Divine Slayer of the Elephant Demon In the vast tapestry of Hindu sacred texts, the Devi Mahatmya stands as one of the most revered scriptures celebrating the supreme power of the Divine Mother. Among the many manifestations of Goddess Durga described in this sacred text, Karindrasuranisudini holds a special place as the fierce form who vanquished the demon Mahishasura when he assumed the form of a massive elephant. This episode reveals profound spiritual truths about the nature of divine power and the eternal battle between righteousness and deception. The Sacred Account from Devi Mahatmya The Devi Mahatmya, also known as Sri Sri Chandi or Durga Saptashati, forms chapters 81-93 of the Markandeya Purana. It narrates the glorious deeds of the Divine Mother in three primary episodes, with the battle against Mahishasura being the most celebrated. During the fierce confrontation between Goddess Durga and the buffalo demon Mahishasura, the demon repeat...