A Comparative Study Between Hindu Goddess Ganga and Amphitrite in Greek Mythology The Hindu Goddess Ganga and Amphitrite from Greek mythology are both revered as water deities in their respective cultures. However, while their domains and symbols are deeply connected to water, their roles, influence, and depictions reflect the broader beliefs and values of Hindu and Greek mythologies. Overview of Ganga in Hindu Mythology Ganga is the personification of the sacred river Ganges, which is considered the holiest river in Hinduism. According to Hindu mythology, Ganga descended from the heavens to Earth to purify the souls of humanity and liberate them from the cycle of rebirth (Samsara). The river Ganga is revered as a motherly figure and plays a crucial role in the salvation of souls in Hindu culture. Key Facts about Ganga: Role : Goddess of the Ganges River, purifier, and deliverer from sins. Depictions : Ganga is often shown riding a crocodile (Makara), holding a water pot (symbolizing ...

Dates of important upcoming festivals and fasting associated with Hinduism in April 2026 – based on major Hindu calendars and Panchang used in India. The festivals, Vrats and ritual days are based on Indian Standard Time (IST). April 1 – Renuka Chaturdashi April 1 – Panguni Uthiram April 1 – Purnima Vrat April 2 – Hanuman Jayanti – Purnima April 3 – Vaishakh month begins in North India April 3 – Vaishakh Snan begins April 5 – Sankashti Chaturthi vrat moon rise time is at 9:45 PM April 8 – Kokila Sashti Vrat April 10 – Kalashtami – Sheetala Ashtami in some regions April 13 – Ekadasi Fasting – Vallabhacharya Jayanti April 14 – Mesha Sankranti 11:45 AM April 14 – Kharmas ends April 14 – Tamil New Year – Baisakhi April 14 – Chithirai Masam begins in Tamil Calendar. April 14 – Meda Masam begins in Kerala Malayalam Calendar April 15 – Vishu (Zodiac New Year in Kerala) April 15 – Maha Vishuba Sankranti – Pana Sankranti April 15 - Bengali New Year – Assamese New Year April ...

Ganesha and His Mouse: The Divine Control of the Restless Mind In Hindu tradition, Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity revered as the remover of obstacles and the lord of new beginnings, is depicted seated majestically upon a tiny mouse. This seemingly paradoxical pairing—a massive, powerful deity riding upon one of the smallest creatures—contains profound spiritual wisdom. The mouse, known in Sanskrit as Mushika or Akhu , serves as more than merely a vehicle or vahana ; it represents the restless human mind that constantly scurries from one desire to another, never finding lasting satisfaction. The Symbolism of the Mouse The mouse embodies several characteristics that mirror the untamed human mind. Just as a mouse darts frantically from place to place, nibbling at whatever it finds, gnawing through obstacles, and constantly seeking food, the human mind similarly jumps from thought to thought, craving one object after another. This creature of the night operates in darkness, m...

  Kena Upanishad: The Talavakara Upanishad – A Timeless Beacon of Metaphysical Inquiry The Kena Upanishad, one of the principal Upanishads of ancient India, occupies a revered position in the canon of Vedic literature. Known also as the Talavakara Upanishad, its dual nomenclature encapsulates both its linguistic and historical heritage. On one hand, its title “Kena” derives from the very first word of the text—“kena,” meaning “by whom” or “by what”—which invites the reader into an inquiry into the ultimate cause behind existence. On the other, the appellation “Talavakara” roots the text in a particular Vedic tradition associated with the Sama Veda, thereby highlighting its rich ritualistic and musical origins. This article delves into the layers of meaning behind this dual identity, the significance of its historical context, the symbolism woven into its verses, the evolution of its practices, and its enduring relevance in modern spiritual discourse. The Dual Identity: "Kena"...

The first reference to Goddess Durga appears in the Virat Parva of the Mahabharata. According to the terms of their loss in the dice game, the five Pandavas, along with Draupadi, had to endure twelve years of exile in the forest and another year in disguise. After completing the twelve-year forest exile, the Pandavas chose the kingdom of Virata for their year of living incognito. The condition was that if anyone recognized them during this period, Kunti’s five sons and their wife Draupadi would have to undergo another twelve years of forest exile. To ensure that they could complete this period safely, and following the counsel of sages, Yudhishthira prayed to Goddess Durga. Yudhishthira chanted a hymn: “Durgāt tārayase durge, tat tvaṃ durgā smṛtā janaiḥ.” The Goddess he worshipped was four-armed, four-faced, and mounted on a lion, with a body of atashi (flax-flower) color. She was created from the radiance of the gods themselves. Yudhishthira worshipped Durga in her fierce form as ...

  Kayavyuhajnana of Patanjali: Unlocking the Inner Anatomy through Yogic Insight The ancient text of the Yogasutras, composed by the sage Patanjali around 200 BCE, is revered not only for its profound insights into the nature of the mind and the path to liberation but also for its detailed description of various siddhis (supernatural powers) or vibhutis (extraordinary abilities) that a dedicated yogi can attain through the disciplined practice of yoga. Among these, one of the most intriguing is the attainment of Kayavyuhajnana—a state of heightened, internal knowledge achieved by focusing the mind on the navel region or the solar plexus during samadhi (perfect concentration or superconscious experience). In Yogasutras 3.29, Patanjali describes how concentrated meditation on the plexus at the navel leads to an extraordinary clarity: the yogi gains a detailed and unimpeded insight into the internal structure of the body (the “kayavyuha”). This mystical form of self-knowledge is not s...

Sacred Symbolism of Betel Nut in Ganesha Worship: The Divine Representation of Riddhi and Siddhi In the sacred tradition of Hindu worship, particularly during Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations, the betel nut or supari holds a position of profound spiritual significance. Known as Poogiphal in Sanskrit, this humble yet potent offering is placed on both sides of Ganapati during puja as symbolic representations of his divine consorts, Riddhi and Siddhi. This practice embodies the complete essence of what devotees seek from the remover of obstacles: both material prosperity and spiritual fulfillment. The betel nut, derived from the Areca Palm tree, is more than just a ritualistic element. It represents the wholeness and perfection that characterize divine energy, serving as a tangible reminder of the balance between worldly success and spiritual wisdom. The Symbolism of Riddhi and Siddhi Riddhi and Siddhi are not merely mythological figures but represent fundamental principles in Hindu sp...

Beyond the Mirage: Understanding Material Desires Through Hindu Wisdom In our contemporary world of instant gratification and consumer culture, the human tendency to derive joy from acquiring new possessions has reached unprecedented heights. Yet this phenomenon is not new to human experience. Hindu scriptures, written thousands of years ago, offer profound insights into the temporary nature of material pleasures and provide timeless wisdom for navigating the complex relationship between desire and fulfillment. The Root of Material Attachment Hindu philosophy identifies the pursuit of material possessions as stemming from a fundamental misunderstanding of our true nature. The Bhagavad Gita, in Chapter 2, Verse 62, explains this process: "While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises." This verse illuminates how the mind becomes entangled in cycles of desire. What be...

Happiness That Springs From Contentment Is Long-Lasting – Reflections from Hindu Thought The pursuit of happiness has been a perennial quest across cultures and ages. In Hindu philosophy, the quest is not so much about seeking transient pleasures but rather cultivating an inner state of contentment—a deep-rooted peace that remains undisturbed by the vicissitudes of external life. The ancient wisdom of the Hindu scriptures, the teachings of revered gurus such as Swami Ranganathananda, Swami Sivananda, and the insights of modern thinkers like Aurobindo Ghosh and Jiddu Krishnamurti, all converge on the profound truth: while happiness derived from external circumstances is ephemeral, that which springs from internal contentment endures. The Nature of Happiness and Contentment Happiness, when anchored in externalities—be it wealth, success, or social approval—is inherently unstable. These sources of joy are conditional and transient; they ebb and flow with life’s inevitable challenges. As t...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Monday, February 23 2026 – It is Shukla Paksha Sashti tithi or the sixth day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Sashti tithi or the sixth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 9 :26 AM on February 23. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Saptami tithi or the seventh day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 7 :09 AM on February 24. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on February 23, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Bharani Nakshatra till 4:53 PM on February 23. Then onward it is Krittika or Karthigai or Kartika Nakshatra till 3:16 PM on February 24. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karn...