Gaya Janardan Temple is the only temple where a living person performs their own Shradh (Atma Shraddha), meaning they perform their own Pind Daan while still alive. This temple is situated to the north of the Mangala Gauri Temple on the Bhasma Koot Mountain in Gaya, Bihar. Who Performs the Self Shraddha Pind Daan? Generally, people who have no children or have no one left in their family to perform their Pind Daan come here. Also, those who have renounced worldly life (Vairagya) or those who do not have a family, also perform their Pind Daan at this temple. The belief here is that Lord Janardan himself accepts the Pind offerings, leading the person to liberation (Moksha) and freedom from ancestral debts. Special Features of the Temple The Janardan Temple is an ancient temple, built entirely from rocks. A divine idol of Lord Vishnu in the form of Janardan is enshrined here. At this temple, people perform both their own Pind Daan and the Shradh for their ancestors. The Process ...

The Sacred Symbolism of Offering 21 Durva Blades to Ganesha The Divine Episode of Analasura and the Origin of Durva Offering The tradition of offering 21 blades of durva grass to Ganesha is rooted in a profound divine event. Scriptures narrate that when the fire-born demon Analasura spread unbearable heat and destruction, Ganesha confronted him for the protection of the worlds. In an act of cosmic compassion, Ganesha swallowed Analasura, but the immense internal heat caused him intense discomfort. At that moment, Sage Kashyapa offered durva grass as a cooling remedy. The moment the grass touched Ganesha, the burning subsided and balance was restored. Moved by its healing effect, Ganesha declared that his worship would remain incomplete without durva grass. From that moment, durva became inseparably linked with the worship of Ganesha. The Symbolism of Twenty-One Durva Blades When asked by the celestial beings about the meaning behind offering exactly 21 blades, Sage Kashyapa reveal...

Bhagavan Sri Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita that there is no option to act or not act because all activities are designed and maintained by Nature that has three spiritual constituents - satva, rajo and tamo gunas. In the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavan Sri Krishna imparts profound wisdom regarding the nature of action and the role of the individual within the cosmic order. One of the key teachings is the concept of "guna," which refers to the three fundamental qualities or attributes that pervade all of existence: sattva (goodness, purity), rajas (passion, activity), and tamas (inertia, darkness). These gunas are considered to be the underlying principles governing the workings of the universe. Bhagavan Sri Krishna explains that all actions are governed by these gunas and that every individual is subject to their influence. However, he also emphasizes the importance of performing one's duties (dharma) without attachment to the results. This teaching underscores the idea t...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Monday, March 2 2026 – It is Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 5 :18 PM on March 2. Then onward it is Purnima tithi or the full moon day till 4 :33 PM on March 3. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on March 2, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Ashlesha or Ayilyam Nakshatra till 7:20 AM on March 2. Then onward it is Magha or Makam Nakshatra till 7:03 AM on March 3. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Aslesha or Ayilyam Nakshatra till 7...

The Profound Symbolism of Corpse Earrings in Guhya Kali's Divine Iconography In the vast pantheon of Hindu deities, Goddess Guhya Kali stands as one of the most enigmatic and powerful manifestations of the Divine Mother. Known as the "Secret Kali," she represents the hidden, esoteric aspects of divine feminine energy that transcends ordinary understanding. Her worship is considered deeply mystical, reserved for advanced practitioners who seek to unlock the profound secrets of spiritual transformation. The name "Guhya" itself means secret or hidden, indicating that her worship and understanding belong to the realm of esoteric tantric practices. According to the Guhyakalika section of the Mahakalasamhita, Mahakala reveals the mantras, yantras, meditation forms and rules of worship relating to Guhyakali, stating that these teachings have been previously hidden. This sacred text follows the traditional tantric format where Mahakala answers questions posed by his d...

Celestial Grace in Stone: Understanding the Sacred Symbolism of Madanikas in Hindu Temples Introduction to Madanikas Madanikas, also known as Salabhanjikas, are exquisitely carved celestial nymphs that adorn Hindu temple architecture across India. These feminine figures represent one of the most captivating aspects of temple art, showcasing divine beauty, grace, and spiritual symbolism. The most celebrated examples are the 42 magnificent sculptures at the Chennakesava Temple in Belur, Karnataka, constructed during the illustrious Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. Each sculpture stands as a masterpiece, depicting women in various elegant poses—dancing with abandon, playing musical instruments, adorning themselves, or engaged in daily activities—all carved with extraordinary precision and artistic excellence. Spiritual and Religious Significance In Hindu tradition, Madanikas embody multiple layers of meaning. They are often identified as attendants of Kamadeva, the god of love and d...

  Why Sri Krishna is Known as Murari - the Story Sri Krishna, revered as the Supreme Lord in many Hindu traditions, is known by countless divine names. One of these names, Murari , holds a special place as it commemorates Krishna’s victory over the formidable demon Mura. The story, preserved in ancient Puranic narratives, symbolizes the triumph of divine wisdom over ego, ignorance, and tyranny. The Rise of Narakasura The tale begins with Narakasura , the son of Bhumi Devi and an incarnation of Vishnu in a previous yuga. Although born with divine blessings, Narakasura’s arrogance grew after receiving a boon from Brahma that he could only be killed by his mother. Misled by power, he conquered kingdoms, tormented sages, imprisoned thousands of women, and even seized the celestial earrings of Aditi, the mother of the gods. His tyranny disrupted cosmic balance and brought fear to all three worlds. Krishna’s Mission and Satyabhama’s Role To restore dharma, Krishna undertook the miss...

The Absence of Maya Sita in Valmiki's Ramayana: Understanding Theological Evolution and Narrative Integrity The concept of Maya Sita—an illusory duplicate of Sita who takes her place during the abduction by Ravana—represents one of the most fascinating theological adaptations in the Ramayana tradition. While this concept appears in several later versions of the epic, particularly those composed under Bhakti influence, it is notably absent from Valmiki's original Ramayana. This absence is not accidental but reflects fundamental differences in narrative purpose, theological understanding, and the evolution of devotional literature in Hindu tradition. The Original Narrative Framework In Valmiki's Ramayana, the abduction of Sita by Ravana forms the central crisis that drives the entire narrative forward. When Ravana carries Sita away to Lanka, it is the real Sita—not an illusory substitute—who undergoes this traumatic experience. This abduction serves multiple purposes: it d...

Kaudi Mata of Varanasi: The Divine Sister Who Teaches Universal Equality in Kashi The ancient city of Varanasi, known as Kashi, holds countless sacred sites that embody profound spiritual truths. Among these is the modest yet significant Kaudi Mata Temple, which holds special importance for devotees from South India. According to sacred tradition, no pilgrimage to Kashi is considered complete for South Indian visitors without seeking the blessings of Kaudi Mata, who is revered as the elder sister of Lord Vishwanatha himself. The Origin of Kaudi Mata Kaudi Mata was originally a grama devata, a village deity from South India, who chose to make the sacred city of Kashi her abode. As a protective goddess deeply rooted in the traditions of her homeland, she brought with her the customs and practices she had observed for countless ages. Her presence in Kashi added to the rich diversity of divine energies that have always characterized this most sacred of all tirthas. The Lesson of Divine...

The Sacred Dance: Understanding Shiva as Shava Beneath Kali's Feet The Eternal Union of Shiva and Shakti One of the most striking and misunderstood images in Hindu iconography depicts Mother Kali standing upon the prostrate form of Lord Shiva. This powerful representation carries profound spiritual symbolism that illuminates the essential relationship between consciousness and energy, between Purusha and Prakriti, between Shiva and Shakti. Shiva as Shava: The Corpse Form In this sacred imagery, Shiva appears as Shava, literally meaning "corpse." This portrayal communicates a fundamental truth of Hindu philosophy: without Shakti, Shiva remains inert and formless. The Shakta tradition emphasizes that pure consciousness, while eternal and unchanging, requires the dynamic power of Shakti to manifest creation, preservation, and transformation. The corpse-like form of Shiva beneath Kali's feet represents consciousness in its absolute stillness—pure awareness devoid of ...