Climbing the Path to Liberation: The Symbolism of Playing Snakes and Ladders on Vaikunta Ekadasi Each year on Vaikunta Ekadasi, devotees of Lord Vishnu observe a sacred fast and engage in devotional practices to attain spiritual merit. Among these traditions, playing the board game of Snakes and Ladders (also known by its Sanskrit name, Moksha Patam) holds special significance. Far more than simple entertainment, the game offers a profound lesson about life’s journey toward liberation. Through its depiction of snakes and ladders, it illustrates the interplay of devotion, virtue, ego, and attachment in the seeker’s spiritual quest. The Importance of Vaikunta Ekadasi Vaikunta Ekadasi falls on the eleventh lunar day (Ekadasi) of the waxing moon in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January) - holy Dhanu Masa or Month, depending on regional calendars. It is believed that on this day the gate to Vaikunta, the heavenly abode of Lord Vishnu, remains open for devotees who fast, pray, and...

The Pitrgatha: Ancient Hymn of Ancestral Blessings and Devotion The Matsya Purana, one of the eighteen revered Mahapuranas in Hindu sacred literature, preserves a profound composition known as the Pitrgatha or the Song of the Manes. Found in verses 204.3-17, this sacred text represents the voices of departed ancestors expressing their desires and blessings for their descendants. This hymn occupies a special place in Hindu ritual practice, traditionally recited during shraddha ceremonies when brahmanas are invited to partake in the sacred meal offerings meant for the ancestors. The Essence of Pitrgatha The Pitrgatha reveals the intimate connection between the living and the departed in Hindu tradition. Through this composition, the pitrs (ancestors) communicate their wishes and expectations from their descendants, while simultaneously offering their blessings. This two-way spiritual exchange underscores the Hindu understanding that familial bonds transcend physical death and continue...

Ahara and Vihara: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Wellness - The Vedic Path to Longevity In an age dominated by pharmaceutical solutions and quick fixes, ancient Hindu wisdom offers a profound alternative that addresses the root causes of health and longevity. The concepts of Ahara (nutrition) and Vihara (conduct of life) form the cornerstone of Ayurveda and Vedic living, promising not mere temporary relief but sustained wellness and an extended, fulfilling life. These timeless principles, rooted in scriptures thousands of years old, hold remarkable relevance for our contemporary health crises. The Foundation: Understanding Ahara and Vihara Hindu scriptures emphasize that true health emerges not from external interventions but from harmonious living aligned with nature's rhythms. The Charaka Samhita, one of Ayurveda's foundational texts, declares that proper diet and lifestyle are the pillars upon which health rests. The Bhagavad Gita (6.16-17) reinforces this, stating: "Ther...

The Illusion of Accumulation: Hindu Wisdom on Need Versus Greed Modern civilization has undergone a profound transformation in how we relate to material possessions. We have shifted from purchasing what we need to acquiring what we desire, often confusing luxury with necessity. This pattern of consumption, where designer clothing replaces simple garments and expensive meals substitute wholesome food, reflects a deeper spiritual crisis that Hindu philosophy addressed thousands of years ago. The Ancient Warning Against Excess The Bhagavad Gita clearly distinguishes between legitimate needs and destructive desires. In Chapter 16, Verse 21, Lord Krishna identifies desire (kama) as one of the three gates to hell: "There are three gates leading to the hell of self-destruction for the soul—lust, anger, and greed. Therefore, one should abandon all three." This verse specifically warns against the endless pursuit of material gratification that characterizes contemporary consumer c...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Monday, January 5 2026 – It is Krishna Paksha Dwitiya tithi or the second day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Dwitiya tithi or the second day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 12 :33 PM on January 5. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Tritiya tithi or the third day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 11 :18 AM on January 6. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on January 5, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time till 8:54 PM.  Nakshatra  – Pushya or Poosam or Pooyam nakshatra till 4:19 PM on January 5. Then onward it is Aslesha or Ayilyam nakshatra till 3:45 PM on January 6. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Raja...

The Mirror of Ravana: How Hanuman Learned Humility from Narada's Wisdom The Divine Education of Hanuman Hanuman, the immortal devotee of Lord Rama, received his education from Surya, the sun god himself. This extraordinary arrangement came about after Hanuman's childhood pranks had exhausted all earthly teachers. Surya agreed to teach the young vanara while traversing the sky in his chariot, and Hanuman absorbed knowledge with unprecedented speed and devotion. Within a remarkably short period, he mastered the Vedas, scriptures, grammar, philosophy, and all branches of learning that existed in the three worlds. The Ramayana acknowledges Hanuman's vast learning. In the Sundara Kanda, when Hanuman contemplates how to approach Sita, his internal deliberation reveals his mastery of diplomacy, strategy, and linguistic nuance. Yet this immense knowledge never corrupted him in the canonical texts, for his devotion to Rama served as an anchor against pride. The Fateful Encounter...

Finding Peace in Partnership: Ancient Hindu Wisdom on Choosing a Life Companion The Foundation of Sacred Union In Hindu philosophy, the choice of a life partner is considered one of the most significant decisions a person makes, influencing not only worldly happiness but also spiritual progress. The ancient scriptures emphasize that marriage should be a source of dharma (righteousness), artha (prosperity), kama (fulfillment), and moksha (liberation). A partner who brings chaos rather than peace becomes an obstacle to all four purusharthas, making solitude preferable to a turbulent union. The Manusmriti states that mutual respect and harmony between partners create the foundation for a prosperous household. When discord replaces peace, the very purpose of companionship is defeated, as the home transforms from a sanctuary into a battlefield. Scriptural Guidance on Choosing a Partner The Rigveda (10.85.42) describes the ideal marriage as one where both partners walk together with har...

Dates of important upcoming festivals and fasting associated with Hinduism in February 2026 – based on major Hindu calendars and Panchang used in India. The festivals, Vrats and ritual days are based on Indian Standard Time (IST). February 1 – Thaipoosam (Thaipooyam) February 1 – Purnima – Guru Ravidas Jayanti Feb 1 – Guru Gorakhnath Jayanti February 2 – Phalgun month begins in North India Feb 2 – Guru Pratipada – Ganagapur Yatra February 5 – Sankashti Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat – moonrise time at 9:44 PM February 8 – Bhanu Saptami February 9 – Sita Ashtami – Kalashtami – Janaki Prakatutsav February 11 – Ramdas Navami February 12 – Swami Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti February 13 – Vijaya Ekadashi fasting Feb 13 – Kumbha Masam begins in Malayalam Calendar in Kerala Feb 13 – Maasi Masam begins in Tamil Calendar Feb 14 – Pradsoh Vrat – Shani Pradosh as it is Saturday Feb 14 – Phalgun month begins in Bengal Calendar February 15 – Mahashivratri – Shiv Chaturdashi Vra...

The Sacred Promise: When Rama Assured Sita of His Unwavering Devotion A Love Story Written in the Stars In the ancient city of Mithila, where King Janaka ruled with wisdom and compassion, a love story unfolded that would become the gold standard for marital devotion for millennia. The tale of Rama and Sita's first meeting and the sacred promise that bound them together is not just a romantic narrative, but a profound lesson in commitment, trust, and the true meaning of partnership. The Mirror, The Pond, and Divine Intervention Picture this: Princess Sita, adorning herself in her chamber, catches a glimpse of something extraordinary in her mirror. No, it wasn't a new hairstyle or jewelry that caught her attention - it was the reflection of a young prince who seemed to have walked straight out of her dreams. One can only imagine her surprise! "Who is this handsome stranger in my mirror?" she must have wondered, probably checking if she was still dreaming. Unable to...

The Divine Within: Understanding the True Essence of Deity Invocation in Hinduism In the sacred traditions of Hinduism, the practice of invoking deities has been central to spiritual life for thousands of years. Whether through elaborate temple rituals, simple home prayers, or personal meditation, devotees regularly engage in practices meant to invite divine presence into their lives. However, the deeper understanding of this ancient practice reveals profound truths about the nature of reality and consciousness itself. The Surface Understanding: Deity Invocation for Beginners At its most basic level, invoking a deity appears to be the act of calling upon a divine being to manifest or make their presence felt in a particular object, idol, or sacred space. This understanding serves as an entry point for those beginning their spiritual journey. When devotees recite mantras, draw yantras, or perform elaborate pujas, they believe they are summoning divine energy into physical forms. Thi...