Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Monday, September 22 2025 – It is Shukla Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Amavasya tithi or the no moon day till 12 :18 AM on September 22. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 1 :18 AM on September 23. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on September 22, 2025 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Uttara Phalguni or Uthram nakshatra till 11:20 AM on September 22. Then onward it is Hasta or Atham nakshatra till 1:10 PM on September 23. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Uttara Phalguni or Uthram...

Narada: From Humble Origins to Divine Messenger of Devotion Sage Narada occupies a singular place in the tapestry of Hindu tradition. Revered as the celestial minstrel, cosmic wanderer, and ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, his life reflects the transformative power of devotion and divine grace. Although he is often depicted traversing the three worlds with his veena, spreading the name and glories of Vishnu, Narada’s beginnings were marked by humble circumstances and a dramatic inner journey. His story, recounted in the Bhagavata Purana, offers timeless lessons on faith, perseverance, and the potency of chanting the divine Name. Early Life and Humble Birth In a previous incarnation, Narada was born as the son of a Shudra maid. Despite social station, the child exhibited an innate reverence for the sacred. At the tender age of five, he encountered a group of wandering ascetics observing chaturmasya—the four months of monsoon retreat in one place. Captivated by their discipline and devo...

Guarding the Mind's Gateway: Ancient Hindu Wisdom on Avoiding Violent Media In an age where violent and disturbing content floods our screens and consciousness, ancient Hindu wisdom offers profound guidance on protecting our mental and spiritual well-being. The timeless teachings found in Hindu scriptures emphasize the critical importance of what we allow into our minds, recognizing that our thoughts shape our reality, character, and spiritual evolution. The Problem: Violence as Mental Pollution Modern research confirms what Hindu sages recognized thousands of years ago: repeated exposure to violent or disturbing media creates lasting psychological damage. These images and narratives don't simply pass through our consciousness—they embed themselves deeply, creating patterns of stress, anxiety, and emotional turbulence that can persist long after the immediate viewing experience ends. The Bhagavad Gita warns us about the consequences of negative mental input: "As a pers...

The Inner Journey of the Vidvatsannyasin: Pathways to Liberation Within the vast tapestry of Hindu thought, the Narada Parivrajaka Upanishad paints a vivid portrait of the vidvatsannyasin—the renunciant endowed with profound wisdom. Unlike other seekers who pursue liberation through rites, rituals, or external devotion, the vidvatsannyasin turns his gaze inward, seeing every faculty of his being as a step on the path to moksha. This article explores the means (upaya) he employs, the deeper symbolism of his inner body, and how great teachers across centuries have affirmed this direct, nondual method. The Upaya: Meditation on One’s True Nature When Narada approaches Brahma, he asks: How does the sannyasin, whose entire life is steeped in the meditation on atman, finally attain freedom? Brahma’s answer reveals the core practice: constant, unwavering awareness of one’s own essential self. This is not a sporadic contemplation but a living, moment-to-moment abiding in the witness consciou...

Vaduvur Sri Kothandaramaswamy Temple Karthigai Pavithrotsavam Festival Every year in the Tamil month of Karthigai, the sacred precincts of Vaduvur Sri Kothandaramaswamy Temple come alive with a unique convergence of devotion, music, and ritual.  Vaduvur Sri Kothandaramaswamy Temple Pavithrotsavam festival 2025 date is from November 28 to December 4 This seven‑day celebration known as the Pavitrotsavam honors Lord Rama’s divine presence while commemorating the celestial anniversaries of three great Vaishnava luminaries: Thirumangai Azhwar, Asukavi Villurswami, and Asukavi Srinidhi Swami. For devotees, the festival offers a profound journey through Tamil Vaishnava literature, Sanskrit poetics, and the living history of bhakti. The Sacred Setting of Vaduvur Nestled on the banks of the Vennaaru River, Vaduvur Temple enshrines Sri Kothandaramaswamy, the warrior‑prince of Ayodhya, alongside his consort Sita, brother Lakshmana, and devotee Hanuman. The temple’s Dravidian architecture, ...

The Golden Flame of Mukhyabhakti: Journey to Supreme Devotion In the vast ocean of devotional practices within Hinduism, bhakti—intense love for the Divine—is the current that carries the soul toward ultimate union. Among its many stages, mukhyabhakti, also called premabhakti or ekanta-bhakti, stands as the penultimate threshold before parabhakti (supreme devotion). This article explores the nature of mukhyabhakti, its emergence beyond the three gunas, its inner experience, symbolic resonance, and practical guidance drawn from sacred teachings. Understanding the Gunas and the Bhakti Path Hindu philosophy outlines three fundamental qualities (gunas) influencing mind and nature: Sattva (purity, harmony) Rajas (passion, activity) Tamas (inertia, ignorance) All ordinary devotional expressions are colored by one or more of these gunas. Early stages of bhakti often show traces of hope for reward (raja) or peaceful absorption (sattva). Yet, as the devotee persists in prayer,...

From Attraction to Freedom: Overcoming Attachment to Sense Objects Problem In our daily lives, the five senses continually draw our attention outward—to sights, sounds, tastes, touches, and scents. While initial attraction to sense objects is natural and even delightful, when this attraction deepens into clinging and possessiveness, it leads to stress, restlessness, and suffering. Holding on to fleeting pleasures burdens the mind, disturbs inner peace, and keeps us entangled in a cycle of desire and disappointment. Solution Hindu teachings offer a path from attachment to freedom through self-awareness, disciplined practice, and surrender. By understanding the nature of the senses, applying scripture-based guidance, and following the example of realized masters, one can enjoy life’s gifts without being weighed down by them. The Nature of Sense Objects and Attraction From birth, the senses seek stimulation. A newborn cries at hunger; a child reaches for bright colors or sweet flavo...

This ancient Hindu saying reflects a profound truth rooted in the principles of dharma (righteousness) and karma (action). The essence of the quote is that even a small, virtuous act performed towards a good person (one who is virtuous and righteous) can yield significant and far-reaching consequences. This concept has deep roots in Hinduism, where the balance of karma and the nurturing of dharma are central to leading a fulfilling and ethical life. Symbolism in Hinduism In Hinduism, the notion of performing good deeds is deeply tied to karma and dharma . Karma refers to the universal law of cause and effect, where every action—whether good or bad—has consequences that manifest either in this life or future lives. Dharma represents one's duty and the ethical path one must follow. Doing good to the virtuous, in essence, is an act of supporting dharma, and in turn, it generates positive karma not just for the doer but also for society as a whole. This saying embodies the belief that...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Sunday, September 21 2025 – It is Amavasya tithi or the no moon day in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Amavasya tithi or the no moon day on the entire day on September 21 and till 12 :18 AM on September 22. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 1 :18 AM on September 23. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on September 21, 2025 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Purva Phalguni or Pooram nakshatra till 9:56 AM on September 21. Then onward it is Uttara Phalguni or Uthram nakshatra till 11:20 AM on September 22. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Purva Phalguni or P...

Are you ready to test your knowledge about one of the most beloved deities in Hinduism? This Ganesha Quiz is designed for both children and adults who want to learn more about Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god known as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, beginnings, and success. Whether you’re celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi or simply curious about Ganesha’s rich stories, this quiz offers an engaging way to explore fun facts, stories, and symbolism connected to Lord Ganesha. From his birth and his famous broken tusk to the reason why he loves modaks, these questions will entertain and educate you. Don’t worry if you don’t know all the answers right away — feel free to explore other parts of our blog to discover the stories behind the questions. This is not just a quiz; it’s a learning journey into the world of Ganesha. So, gather your family, kids, or friends, and take the challenge. Let’s see how well you really know Lord Ganesha! Ganesha Quiz 🕉️ ...