The Sacred Position of Goddess Shodashi: Divine Feminine Power Seated Upon Shiva The Divine Form of Shodashi Goddess Shodashi, also known as Tripura Sundari or Lalita, represents the eternally youthful and supremely beautiful aspect of the Divine Mother. She is the sixteenth (Shodasha) manifestation among the Mahavidyas, the great wisdom goddesses of Hindu tradition. In her most profound iconographic representation, Shodashi sits gracefully upon a blooming lotus that emerges from the navel of Lord Shiva, who lies in a recumbent position. This sacred imagery encapsulates one of the deepest philosophical truths of Shakta and Shaiva traditions. The Gentle Shakti of Hiranyagarbha Shiva Shodashi embodies the gentle, nurturing aspect of Shakti, the primordial cosmic energy that animates all existence. As the power (Shakti) of Hiranyagarbha Shiva—the golden womb or cosmic egg from which the universe emerges—she represents the creative potential that transforms the unmanifest into manifest...

The Divine Axe and Armor of Goddess Durga: Symbols of Courage and Protection In the sacred narrative of Goddess Durga's battle against the demon Mahishasura, every weapon and ornament carried by the Divine Mother holds profound spiritual significance. Among her eighteen traditional weapons, the axe (Kuthar or Parashu) and armor (Barm or Kavach) stand as powerful symbols of inner strength and divine protection. These sacred implements, crafted and bestowed upon the Goddess by Lord Vishwakarma, the celestial architect and craftsman of the gods, represent fundamental qualities that devotees must cultivate in their spiritual journey. The Symbolism of the Divine Axe The axe in Goddess Durga's hands embodies limitless courage and the capacity to destroy ignorance at its very root. Just as an axe can fell the mightiest tree with repeated, determined strikes, this divine weapon represents the unwavering determination required to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles in life. T...

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, global interconnectedness, and complex societal challenges, the quest for balanced living has never been more crucial. Hindu philosophy, with its timeless wisdom, offers profound insights into achieving a harmonious synthesis of heart and brain—a union that paves the way for a true renaissance of values. This renaissance is not merely an intellectual revival but an inner transformation that integrates the emotional depth of the heart with the analytical prowess of the mind. As Hindu scriptures, the teachings of revered gurus and saints, and modern scientific discoveries converge on this understanding, it becomes clear that the renaissance of values is possible when both the heart and the brain are aligned in purpose. The Dual Dimensions of Human Existence in Hindu Thought Hinduism is unique in its recognition of the multifaceted nature of human existence. The tradition distinguishes between various layers of our being—the physical bo...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Saturday, February 14 2026 – It is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day of waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day of waning or dark phase of moon till 3 :10 PM on February 14. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Trayodashi tithi or the thirteenth day of waning or dark phase of moon till 4 :23 PM on February 15. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on February 14, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time till 4:01 PM.  Nakshatra  – Purvashada or Pooradam Nakshatra till 5:41 PM on February 14. Then onward it is Uttarashada or Uthradam Nakshatra till 7:21 PM on February 15. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Raj...

Unconquerable Love: The Sacred Journeys of Behula and Savitri The sacred traditions of Hinduism are replete with narratives that celebrate the indomitable spirit of women who refused to accept fate's cruel verdicts. Among these timeless accounts, the stories of Behula from the Bengali Manasamangal Kavya and Savitri Satyavan from the Mahabharata stand as towering testimonies to feminine strength, devotion, and the power of unwavering determination. Both women confronted death itself to reclaim their husbands' lives, demonstrating that true love combined with righteous resolve can move even the celestial powers. The Story of Savitri: Outwitting the Lord of Death The Mahabharata preserves the extraordinary account of Savitri in the Vana Parva. Savitri, a princess of remarkable wisdom and virtue, chose Satyavan as her husband despite knowing through divine insight that he was destined to die within a year. When the prophesied day arrived and Yama, the God of Death, came to claim...

The Sacred Power of Om: Attaining Liberation at Life's Final Moment The Ultimate Departure In Hindu spiritual tradition, the moment of death holds profound significance as it determines the soul's journey beyond the physical realm. The sacred syllable Om, considered the primordial sound of the universe, becomes a powerful vehicle for liberation when uttered during one's final breath. The Bhagavad Gita (8.13) declares: "After being situated in this yoga practice and vibrating the sacred syllable Om, the supreme combination of letters, if one thinks of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and quits his body, he will certainly reach the spiritual planets." The Cosmic Significance of Om Om represents the essence of ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy. This sacred monosyllable encompasses the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, symbolizing creation, preservation, and dissolution. The three phonetic components—A, U, and M—represent waking, dreaming, and deep sleep ...

"Manasa Snana" refers to the ritual of purification through mental bathing or spiritual cleansing. Mantra Snana is cleansing through chanting of mantra from Rig Veda. In Hinduism, when physical bathing is not possible due to reasons like illness, old age, or lack of facilities, "Manasa Snana" offers an alternative means of purification as per the principles outlined in the dharmashastras (Hindu religious texts guiding conduct and morality). Here's an expansion on the concept: Purpose of Snana (Bathing) in Rituals: In Hindu rituals and practices, physical cleanliness holds significant importance. Before engaging in any ritualistic act or worship, individuals are required to purify themselves through bathing. This cleansing ritual symbolizes the purification of the body and mind, preparing the individual for spiritual activities. Challenges to Physical Bathing: Despite the emphasis on physical bathing, there are situations where it might not be feasible or...

The Divine Sacrifice of Chinnamasta: Symbolism of Dakini and Varnini Drinking the Sacred Blood The Legend of the Self-Decapitated Goddess Among the ten Mahavidyas, Goddess Chinnamasta stands as one of the most awe-inspiring and profound manifestations of the Divine Mother. The name “Chinnamasta” literally means “She whose head is severed.” The Devi appears fearsome, holding her own severed head in one hand, while three streams of blood flow from her neck—one entering her own mouth and the other two being drunk by her attendants, Dakini and Varnini. According to the legend, Goddess Parvati once went to bathe in the sacred river Mandakini, accompanied by her attendants, Dakini and Varnini. After bathing, the attendants expressed intense hunger. Knowing that they could only be nourished by blood and flesh, the compassionate Goddess, in an act of supreme sacrifice, cut off her own head with her fingernail. Three streams of blood emerged—two feeding her attendants and the third nourishin...

Baba Jaimal Singh, a prominent figure in the 19th century, is revered as a Guru within the Radha Soami sect, renowned for his spiritual teachings and the establishment of the center at Beas, Punjab. Born in 1838 into a Sikh family, Jaimal Singh's journey towards spiritual enlightenment commenced at the age of 17 when he was initiated by Shiv Dayal Singh, the founder of the Radha Soami sect. Following his initiation, Jaimal Singh devoted himself wholeheartedly to his spiritual practice, spending significant time in meditation while serving as a soldier in the army. Upon the demise of Shiv Dayal Singh in 1878, Radhaji, Shiv Dayal's wife, entrusted Jaimal Singh with the task of establishing a center in Punjab, fulfilling the late Guru's wishes. Responding to this divine call, Baba Jaimal Singh established the center at Beas, drawing followers from across the Punjab region and beyond. Despite initially maintaining cordial relations with the gurus at Agra, Jaimal Singh diverge...

In Tantric sacred traditions, Mahakala represents far more than simply a fierce form of Lord Shiva. The relationship between Mahakali and Mahakala forms one of the most profound teachings in Hindu Tantric philosophy, revealing the ultimate nature of existence itself. This sacred relationship, often depicted with Kali standing upon Mahakala, contains layers of spiritual symbolism that illuminate the deepest truths about time, consciousness, and cosmic energy. The Nature of Mahakala: More Than Time Itself The Mahakala Samhita and Yogini Tantra describe Mahakala not merely as a deity but as a transcendent state or realm. According to these sacred texts, Mahakala represents "Greater Time" - a dimension where the cyclical nature of time as we understand it ceases to exist. It is described as a constant, closed system where past, present, and future collapse into a singular, unchanging reality. The word Mahakala derives from two Sanskrit roots: Maha meaning "great" and...