The Sacred Feast: Muniyandi Temple's Biryani Prasadam - Where Divinity Meets Daily Sustenance In the quiet village of Vadakkampatti, nestled in the Thirumangalam taluk of Madurai district in Tamil Nadu, an extraordinary tradition has been thriving for nearly ninety years. Here, on the third week of January, the humble Muniyandi Swami temple becomes the epicenter of a unique celebration that defies conventional religious categorization. What makes this festival remarkable is not merely its longevity or regional significance, but the manner in which it channels the sacred through an everyday act—the sharing of a beloved dish, mutton biryani, as prasadam. This fusion of the culinary and the spiritual exemplifies the quintessential Hindu approach to worship, where the material world and the divine are not separated but interwoven in meaningful ritual. In 2026, Muniyandi Temple festival is on January 24 and January 25 The Deity: Muniyandi and the Muneeswarar Principle Muniyandi, local...

The Mirage of Position: When Attraction Masquerades as Love A Hindu Philosophical Exploration of Power, Status, and True Devotion In a world obsessed with Instagram followers, corner offices, and impressive job titles, one ancient truth remains as relevant today as it was five thousand years ago: people who flock to you because of your position are not your friends—they are your fans. And fans, unfortunately, are a fickle audience. The Bhagavad Gita, often called the ultimate guidebook to life's conundrums, offers profound wisdom on this very subject. Lord Krishna instructs Arjuna about the nature of attachment and the illusions that bind us. In Chapter 2, Verse 62-63, Krishna warns: "When a man dwells on the objects of sense, attachment to them is produced. From attachment, desire is generated, and from desire arises anger." This cascade of emotions—triggered by seeking validation through position—is the root of our confusion about who truly cares for us. The Psychol...

Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest spiritual traditions, emphasizes the importance of beginning spiritual life early, during youth when the body and mind are fresh, vigorous, and unencumbered by the inevitable wear and tear of age. The wisdom of Hindu sages, saints, and scriptures highlights this teaching, encouraging individuals to pursue self-realization and the ultimate truth before worldly distractions and bodily decline obscure the path. As Swami Vivekananda famously said, "Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached," urging young individuals to seize their prime years for spiritual growth. The Importance of Youth in Spiritual Pursuits Youth is a time of immense potential. The body is healthy, the mind sharp, and the energy abundant—qualities essential for spiritual practice. The Yoga Vasishta , an ancient Hindu scripture, underscores the urgency of utilizing youth for self-inquiry and liberation. It states, "This human birth is rare, and in this birth, yo...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Wednesday, January 14 2026 – It is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 5 :59 PM on January 14. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 8 :09 PM on January 15. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on January 14, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Vishakha or Vishakham nakshatra till 12:50 AM on January 14. Then onward it is Anuradha or Anushan or Anizham till 3:27 AM on January 15. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa,...

Sixteen Days of Divine Devotion: The Unique Navratri and Durga Puja of Jharkhand The state of Jharkhand, rich in cultural and spiritual heritage, celebrates the festival of Navratri and Durga Puja with a devotion that reflects both ancient royal traditions and deep-rooted community faith. Unlike most parts of India, where Sharadiya Navratri spans nine days, Jharkhand observes a unique 16-day Navratri , culminating on Vijayadashami . The extended worship period symbolizes not just religious fervor but also the continuation of a centuries-old tradition linked to Sri Rama’s invocation of Goddess Durga before his victory over Ravana. In 2026, there is mal Maas or Adhik Masa so the Navratri festival in certain temples will be for 45 days start from October 4. The 16-day festival is from October 4 to October 20. The Origins of the Sixteen-Day Navratri According to traditional belief, Sri Rama initiated the worship of Maa Durga for sixteen days to seek divine strength before his battle ...

 The Warrior Within: Mastering Self-Control According to Hindu Teachings The concept of self-control stands as one of the most profound teachings in Hindu philosophy, representing the foundation upon which all spiritual advancement rests. The assertion that "he who has firm control over himself is a good warrior" speaks to a deeper truth than mere physical prowess or battlefield dominance. This principle, woven throughout Hindu scriptures and teachings, reveals that the greatest victory is not achieved through conquest of external enemies, but through mastery of one's own mind, senses, and desires. This understanding transforms the very definition of a warrior from one who fights external battles to one who conquers the internal struggles that bind all human beings. The Spiritual Interpretation: Atman and Self-Mastery In Hindu philosophy, the spiritual dimension of self-control centers on the concept of Atman, the eternal soul within each individual. The Bhagavad Gita,...

Wealth and Myth: A Comparative Analysis of Kubera in Hinduism and Plutus in Greek Mythology Throughout human history, the concept of wealth has fascinated societies, inspiring myths and deities that symbolize both its bounty and capricious nature. Two such deities are Kubera from Hinduism and Plutus from Greek mythology. Though originating from distinct cultural and religious backgrounds, both figures represent the manifold aspects of wealth—its abundance, moral dimensions, and the often unpredictable ways it influences human life. This article delves into the origins, attributes, narratives, and modern interpretations of Kubera and Plutus, drawing out their similarities, key differences, and their evolving relevance in contemporary culture. The Origins and Evolution of Kubera Kubera’s Mythological Roots In Hindu tradition, Kubera is revered as the god of wealth and the regent of the North. Known by several names—including Vaishravana—Kubera occupies a unique position as both a deity a...

The Journey Beyond Waking, Dream and Deep Sleep: The Vedantic Vision of Consciousness - Avasthatrayaviveka Vedanta, the philosophical essence of the Upanishads, seeks to uncover the eternal truth behind human existence. One of its most profound methods of inquiry is Avasthatraya Viveka — the discrimination or analysis of the three states of consciousness : waking (Jagrat), dream (Svapna), and deep sleep (Sushupti). Through this analysis, Vedanta reveals that behind these ever-changing states lies a changeless, conscious reality — the Atman , the true Self of every being. This teaching, expounded in texts such as the Mandukya Upanishad and the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad , leads the seeker toward self-knowledge and liberation by recognizing the Self as distinct from the body and mind. The Three States of Consciousness 1. The Waking State (Jagrat) In the Jagrat state, a person is identified with the gross physical body and perceives the external world through the senses. The conscio...

The concept of kshara in Hinduism is deeply rooted in the broader understanding of the transient and eternal dualities that define existence. Derived from the Sanskrit root "kshar," meaning to perish, dissolve, or flow, kshara fundamentally represents that which is ephemeral, destructible, or ever-changing. Its counterpart, akshara , symbolizes the indestructible and immutable. Together, these terms encapsulate profound metaphysical and spiritual truths that have shaped the worldview of Hindu philosophy. The Bhagavad Gita (15.16) eloquently expounds upon these ideas by categorizing beings into two archetypes: ksharapurushas and aksharapurushas. The ksharapurushas include all beings associated with prakriti, or material nature, undergoing transmigration in the cycle of birth and death. On the other hand, aksharapurushas are the liberated souls who transcend the limitations of prakriti and attain the unchanging reality of Brahman. This dichotomy forms the foundation for under...

The Light of Wisdom: Understanding Prajnajyoti and the Path to Atman Realization The Hindu spiritual tradition encompasses various levels of spiritual attainment, each representing a distinct stage on the path toward enlightenment and union with the divine. Among these elevated states stands the Prajnajyoti, a term that translates as "the light of wisdom" or "the radiance of knowledge." This represents a particular category of saint and yogi who has achieved extraordinary mastery over the physical and subtle bodies, transcending the limitations that bind ordinary humans to the material world. The Prajnajyoti embodies a state of spiritual advancement that positions the individual on the threshold of Purushakhyati, the ultimate realization of Atman or the eternal Self. Understanding Prajnajyoti: Definition and Characteristics The Prajnajyoti is classified as a distinct type of yogi within Hindu spiritual science, one who has successfully conquered both the sense or...