Narad Jayanti is observed as the birth anniversary of Devrishi Narad, also known as Narada Muni. Devrishi Narad is one of the Prajapatis and also one of the great seven Rishis. In 2024, the date of Narad Jayanti is May 24. Some of the hymns in Rig Veda are credited to Narada Maharshi. For the majority of Hindus, Sage Narad is the Veena holding Sanyasi who creates trouble often with a positive intention or for the betterment of the universe. Narad Jayanti is observed on the day after Purnima (full moon day) in Vaishakh month (April – May). It is believed that Sage Narada appeared from the forehead of Lord Brahma. Some Puranas like the Vishnu Purana suggest he is the son of Sage Kashyapa. The ever-wandering Sage, Narad plays a crucial role in many important events associated with Hindu religion and a precursor of modern day journalist and mass communicator. He is believed to have invented the Veena and is also the chief of the Gandharvas, heavenly musicians. He roams free

Just as water plants cover over the surface of the pond. Clear away the plants and you have the water. You don’t have to create knowledge ; it is already there. This Hindu wisdom highlights the concept that knowledge is inherently present, much like water in a pond that is obscured by the growth of water plants. The analogy suggests that ignorance acts as a veil, concealing the preexistent knowledge that lies beneath. By removing this veil of ignorance, one can uncover the innate wisdom that already exists. In this metaphor, the water represents knowledge, while the water plants symbolize ignorance or false perceptions that obscure it. Just as clearing away the water plants reveals the clear water beneath, removing ignorance allows one to access the knowledge that has always been present. The essence of this teaching is that knowledge is not something to be created anew but rather something to be realized and uncovered from within. It emphasizes the idea that all individuals poss

Paramarthika Satta is the ultimate reality in Advaita Vedanta. Paramarthika Satta is nirguna Brahman, which is the paramartha satyam (Only Truth). Brahman cannot be defined in terms of any category, but may be indicated negatively as “Not This”, “Not This” (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad III. Ix 26; IV ii 4). Some Upanishadic texts, speak of Brahman as existence, consciousness and bliss (Taittiriya Upanishad, ii, 1.1) and some others as the “cause of the world creation”.   To reconcile the two views – Shankaracharya postulates two standpoints – paramarthika (absolute) and vyavaharika (relative). From the ultimate standpoint, Brahman is relation-less. Paramarthika Satta is Brahman in itself and Brahman in relation to the world is the relative standpoint. There is only adhyasa (super imposition) of a world onto Brahman, due to maya or illusion, which can be removed only by “Brahman – Knowledge.” Marked by the characteristic of truth, un-sublatability and novelty, nothing other than Brahma

Murugan, also known as Dandapani, holds significant symbolism in Hindu tradition and iconography. The name "Dandapani" translates to "one who holds the danda or staff in his hand." Murugan is a revered deity in Hinduism, known by various names such as Subrahmanya, Skanda, Kumara, and Kartikeya. The imagery of Murugan holding a long cudgel or staff (danda) in his right hand is symbolic of his role as the commander of the army of Devas (celestial beings). In Hindu mythology, Murugan is often depicted leading the divine forces into battle against demonic forces , embodying valor, courage, and righteous warfare. The staff held by Murugan represents several aspects of his character and divine attributes: Commander of the Army: Murugan's wielding of the staff signifies his authority and leadership as the commander of the celestial army. It symbolizes his role in protecting and upholding righteousness (dharma) in the universe. Discipline and Fearlessness: The st

Anganyasam is the order in which Veda mantras are chanted. The order of chanting Veda mantras is Rishi, Chandas and Devata and the person touches head, lips and heart respectively. Nasaym here means offering . For example, the rishi of Gayatri mantra is Vishwamitra Rishi, Chandas is Gayatri and Devata is Savitri or Savitav. When Gayatri mantra is chanted the person touches the top of the head with three fingers of right hand (ring, middle and index finger) and recites Asya Srigayatrimahamantrasya Vishwamitra Rishim. While reciting Gayatrichandah the middle, index and thumb fingers of the right hand are used to close the mouth. While reciting Savita Devata, the four fingers of the right excluding the thumb finger are positioned on the middle of heart. The sankalpam is that as Rishi is Guru the head is touched, as Chandas is alphabet lips are touched and as devata of the mantra is to be known by intelligence heart is touched . Some of the ananyasam include Panchangam, Shadangam and A

The relationship between Prahlada and Hiranyakashipu, central figures in Hindu mythology, offers profound lessons on faith, resilience, and the transformative power of devotion. This narrative, primarily found in the Puranic texts such as the Bhagavata Purana, juxtaposes the virtues of unwavering faith against the destructive force of arrogance and intolerance. By examining the dynamics between Prahlada, the devout son, and Hiranyakashipu, the tyrannical father, we can glean insights into the nature of belief, the limits of power, and the essence of true devotion. The Nature of Faith and Devotion Prahlada, despite being the son of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, is a paragon of piety and unwavering devotion to Bhagavan Vishnu. His faith is innate, transcending the fear of persecution and even death. This aspect of Prahlada's character illustrates the purity and strength of true devotion, which remains unshaken by external circumstances. His unyielding faith teaches us that genu

Dates of important upcoming festivals and fasting associated with Hinduism in August 2024 – based on major Hindu calendars and Panchang used in India. The festivals, Vrats and ritual days are based on Indian Standard Time (IST). Hindu Vrat – Fasting - Festivals August 2024 August 1 – Pradosh Vrat August 2 – Monthly Shivratri Vrat – Shiva Chaturdashi Vrat August 3 – Aadi Perukku August 4 – Amavasya - Divaso in Gujarat - Karkidaka Vavu Bali in Kerala - Hariyali Amavasya in North India - Gatari Amavasya in Maharashtra - Bheemana Amavasya in Karnataka - Deep Puja in Maharashtra - Telangana - Karnataka - Chitalagi Amavasya in Odisha - Nagara Amavasya in Tulunadu of Karnataka - Chukkala Amavasya or Gauri Vratam in Andhra Pradesh. August 5 – Shravan month begins in calendars followed in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. August 5 – Shravan Somvar Vrat August 6 – Bhaum Vrat, Mangala Gauri Puja, Durga Yatra, Hanuman Darshan August 7 – Hariyali

When Hanuman  is stealthily looking around in Lanka, trying to spot Sita, he is not in the least attracted by the pomp and glory of Ravana’s palaces, but he is attracted by the look of one particular house. His attention is drawn towards this house in front of which there is a beautiful Tulasi plant. On the wall of the house, the great bow of Bhagavan Sri Rama is drawn. These signs indicate that it is the house of a devotee of Bhagavan Sri Rama, and in all his wanderings through the glittering city of Lanka, it is only at this place that Hanuman is truly happy, and he goes inside the house. Just at that point, Vibhishana, the owner of that house, wakes up, and immediately on waking up he takes the name of Bhagavan Sri Rama . When Hanuman hears Vibhishana taking the name of Bhagavan he is confirmed in his belief that Vibhishana is indeed a devotee of Bhagavan Sri Rama. Now Hanuman, thirsting for the company of a devotee of Bhagavan Ram (thirsting for satsanga not because he has to g

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Tuesday, May 28 2024 – It is Krishna Paksha Panchami tithi or the fifth day during waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Panchami tithi or the fifth day during waning or dark phase of moon till 2:53 PM on May 28. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Sashti tithi or the sixth day during waning or dark phase of moon till 1 2:55 PM on May 29. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on May 28, 2024 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Uttarashada or Uthradam nakshatra till 9:28 AM on May 28 . Then onward it is Shravan or Sravana or Thiruvonam nakshatra till 8:23 AM on May 29 . (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Uttara Shada or Uthradam n

Vaikasi Visakam is the day when Lord Muruga or Kartikeya, incarnated on earth. Muruga, the general of the army of devas, is also known as Skanda, Kanda, Subrahmanya and Kartik. Vaikasi Visakam 2024 date is May 22 (in some regions it will be on May 23) and is an auspicious day in Tamil Hindu calendar (Vaigasi Masam). Importance of Vaikasi Visakam The birthday of Lord Muruga falls on the Visakam star in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May – June). The day is celebrated in temples dedicated to Muruga in India , Malaysia , Singapore , Sri Lanka and South Africa . According to Puranas, Devas (gods) were driven out of heaven by demon Surapadman with the help of boons he received from Brahma. Unable to defeat Surapadman, Indra, the king of devas, sought the help of Brahma. But Brahma could only narrate his helplessness as Surapadman had already obtained boons from Brahma through severe penance. But Brahma did suggest a way out and that was to seek the help of Lord Shiva.