Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Tuesday, February 3 2026 – It is Krishna Paksha Dwitiya tithi or the second day of waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day of waning or dark phase of moon till 2 :32 AM on February 3. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Dwitiya tithi or the second day of waning or dark phase of moon till 1 :45 AM on February 4. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on February 3, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Magha or Makam Nakshatra till 11:19 PM on February 3. Then onward it is Purva Phalguni or Pooram Nakshatra till 11:34 PM on February 4. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Magha or...

Kali Digbasana: The Naked Truth of Divine Creation The Infinite Mother Beyond Veil Goddess Kali, one of the most profound and awe-inspiring forms of the Divine Mother, is described in the scriptures as “Digbasana” —clothed only by the directions, that is, naked. This imagery is not one of sensuality or shame but of absolute truth , limitless power , and cosmic freedom . The state of being unclothed signifies Her transcendence over illusion , for nothing can conceal the Infinite. In the Devi Mahatmya (Markandeya Purana, Chapter 8) , the Goddess is described as emerging from the forehead of Durga—dark as a storm cloud, fierce, and terrible in form. Her nakedness represents Her total detachment from material existence , a reminder that the divine energy (Shakti) is beyond worldly coverings and conventions. “From the frown of Her forehead, Kali sprang forth, terrible of countenance, armed with sword and noose, wearing a garland of skulls.” (Devi Mahatmya, 8.59) This nakedness is no...

Loyalty Above the Throne: Karna and Kumbhakarna as Symbols of Sacrificial Dharma The epics Ramayana and Mahabharata present many towering personalities who embody the complex dimensions of dharma. Among them, Karna and Kumbhakarna stand apart as figures of extraordinary loyalty, sacrifice, and tragic nobility. Though they belong to different eras and narratives, their character and thought mirror each other with remarkable closeness. Both were endowed with immense strength and capability, both knew the moral consequences of their choices, and both consciously chose loyalty to their benefactor over personal gain, righteousness, and even life itself. Their lives illustrate a profound truth of Hindu teachings: dharma is not always a simple choice between right and wrong; sometimes it is a painful choice between competing duties. Karna: The Warrior Who Chose Gratitude Over Empire Karna, the son of Surya and Kunti, was the rightful eldest among the Pandavas and Kauravas. By birth, he wa...

The concept of karma is one of the most profound and universal ideas in Hindu philosophy, deeply influencing spiritual, ethical, and practical dimensions of life. Derived from the Sanskrit root kri , meaning "to do," karma signifies action and its subsequent consequences. Karmavipaka (कर्मविपाक), or the "ripening of karma," refers to the process by which the accumulated actions of an individual bear fruit over time, shaping their destiny and spiritual evolution. This concept serves as an extension of the proverb, “As you sow, so you reap,” emphasizing accountability and the interconnectedness of actions and their outcomes. Expanding on this profound idea, we delve into its meaning, importance, symbolism, modern-day relevance, and practical application in daily life. Meaning of Karmavipaka In Hinduism, every action—whether physical, mental, or verbal—creates an impression or samskara in the soul. Over time, these impressions accumulate to form karma phala (the fr...

Dhakeshwari Temple of Dhaka: The Eternal Shakti of the City and Her Devotion The enduring shrine of the goddess known as Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka, Bangladesh, stands as a powerful testament to faith, culture and continuity. The presiding deity, Dhakeshwari (literally “Goddess of Dhaka”), is regarded by devotees as the hidden, sacred mother, whose presence has guided the city and sheltered its Hindu community for more than eight centuries. Though small in physical stature—about one and a half feet tall—the deity’s spiritual magnitude and the temple’s role in the religious life of Bengal and beyond are immense. In this article we will trace the history of the temple, examine its current status, explore the worship, symbolism, importance and rare facts surrounding it, all within the context of Hindu belief, scripture and tradition. Historical Background The name “Dhakeshwari” derives from the Bengali words Dhaka (the place) and Ishwari (the goddess, the divine mother). According ...

In Hindu philosophy, "moha" represents a state of mind characterized by delusion and confusion, ultimately leading to either ignorance or false knowledge. This state is often attributed to the excessive influence of "tamas," one of the three gunas or qualities in Hindu philosophy, which represents inertia, darkness, and ignorance. When an individual is under the sway of moha, they become excessively attached to sense objects and lose their sense of discrimination. This attachment and lack of discrimination contribute to the perpetuation of samsara, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, which is considered undesirable from a spiritual standpoint. The antidote to moha is said to be "viveka," which translates to discrimination or discernment. Viveka arises from the wisdom imparted by scriptures and spiritual guides. Through viveka, individuals can develop the ability to discern between what is real and what is illusory, thereby freeing themselves from t...

The Nistrimsa Sword: Symbol of Divine Justice and Protection in Hindu Iconography The nistrimsa, also known as nistrimsha, represents one of the most significant yet often overlooked divine weapons in Hindu sacred tradition. This elegant curved sword stands distinct from both the straight khadga and the heavily curved scimitar, occupying a unique place in the iconographic vocabulary of Hindu deities. Its graceful form embodies not merely martial prowess but profound spiritual symbolism that resonates through centuries of devotional practice and scriptural tradition. Physical Characteristics and Distinctions The nistrimsa is characterized by its single-edged blade that flows in a gentle to moderate curve from hilt to pointed tip. Unlike the scimitar, which features a pronounced curve designed for slashing cavalry charges, the nistrimsa maintains a more restrained arc that balances functional elegance with sculptural aesthetics. The blade is typically slender, tapering gradually towar...

Ganapatya Linga: Sacred Symbols of Devotion in Liminal and Forest Spaces In the vast spiritual landscape of Hinduism, the Ganapatya Linga holds a unique and deeply sacred position among the Achala Shivlings, the immovable and eternally established forms of Lord Shiva. These lingas are believed to be installed not by human hands but by the Ganas, the divine attendants of Lord Shiva who serve as cosmic guardians and executors of his will. Unlike temple-installed lingas that are ritually consecrated by priests, Ganapatya Lingas arise from divine intent and devotion, reflecting purity of purpose and spiritual intensity. They are usually found in forests, mountainous regions, crossroads, cremation grounds, or near guardian shrines. Such locations are traditionally regarded as liminal spaces, places where the material and spiritual realms intersect. These sites are often difficult to access, reinforcing the idea that Ganapatya Lingas are meant not for grand public worship but for intense spi...

Hinduism, world’s oldest and most profound spiritual traditions, emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings. Among its teachings, the sanctity of family occupies a central position, establishing it as the bedrock of human relationships and societal harmony. The adage "Family is the core from which all other relationships branch out" is not merely a philosophical concept but a practical framework supported by Hindu scriptures, wisdom from saints and gurus, and even modern science. This essay explores this idea in depth, delving into its spiritual, cultural, and practical aspects, while shedding light on its continued relevance in contemporary society. The Concept of Family in Hinduism In Hindu thought, the family is referred to as the Kutumba or Parivara , a sacred institution deeply rooted in dharma (righteous duty). The family serves as the first school for individuals, where they learn the values of compassion, responsibility, selflessness, and the importance of relat...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Monday, February 2 2026 – It is Krishna Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day of waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Purnima tithi or the full moon day till 3 :46 AM on February 2. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day of waning or dark phase of moon till 2 :32 AM on February 3. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on February 2, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Pushya or Poosam or Pooyam Nakshatra till 12:10 AM on February 2. Then onward it is Aslesha or Ayilyam Nakshatra till 11:31 PM on February 2. Then onward it is Magha or Makam Nakshatra till 11:19 PM on February 3. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karna...