Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Wednesday, May 7 2025 – It is Shukla Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during waxing or light phase of moon till 12 :36 PM on May 7. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during waxing or light phase of moon till 1 :42 PM on May 8. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on May 7, 2025 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Purva Phalguni or Pooram nakshatra till 8:19 PM on May 7. Then onward it is Uttaraphalguni or Uthram nakshatra till 10:12 PM on May 8. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Purvaphalguni o...

A Comparison Between Kubera in Hinduism and Caishen in Chinese Culture: Wealth Deities in Eastern Mythology Throughout human history, the concepts of wealth, prosperity, and abundance have held profound significance. Cultures across the world have personified these ideals through deities whose blessings are believed to secure not just material riches but also the well-being of individuals and communities. Two prominent figures in Eastern traditions—the Hindu god Kubera and the Chinese deity Caishen —exemplify this universal pursuit of affluence. Although rooted in distinct cultural and religious milieus, these deities share intriguing similarities and exhibit key differences in their stories, iconography, modern portrayals, and societal roles. This article delves into the origins, attributes, and enduring relevance of Kubera and Caishen, offering a comprehensive comparison that spans mythology, art, pop culture, and future prospects. Historical and Mythological Background Kubera: The ...

What Are We Escaping From? – A Hindu Reflection on Life’s Deepest Question In every human life, there comes a moment—a quiet, perhaps unsettling moment—when one asks, “What are we escaping from?” This question, profound in its simplicity, resonates with seekers of truth across ages and cultures. Hindu philosophy, with its rich tapestry of scriptures, teachings, and practical guidance, offers a unique perspective on this inquiry. It invites us to look inward, challenging the modern impulse to flee from problems, pain, and discomfort, and instead, to embrace the inner journey toward self-realization. The Illusory Nature of the World Central to many Hindu teachings is the notion that the world as we perceive it is not the ultimate reality. Texts such as the Yoga Vasishta describe the phenomenal world as a play of Maya —an illusion that veils the true nature of existence. The Yoga Vasishta teaches that the experiences of pleasure and pain, success and failure, are transient phenomena, mu...

Bhairavi Brahmani, also known as Yogeshwari, holds a significant place in the spiritual journey of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Her role as his tantric Guru is profound, as she initiated him into intense tantric disciplines at Dakshineshwara, near Kolkata. Dakshineshwara served as the spiritual abode for Sri Ramakrishna, where he established a sacred grove of five trees known as Panchavati. Bhairavi Brahmani, a middle-aged and beautiful Bhairavi Sannyasini with long disheveled hair, hailed from a Brahmin family in the District of Jessore, Bengal. She possessed deep knowledge of Vaishnava and Tantrika literature and was a devoted follower of Vaishnavism. Her intense spiritual practices had endowed her with profound realizations, leading her to seek out a worthy aspirant to transmit her spiritual attainments. Sri Ramakrishna, with the innocence of a child, confided in Bhairavi Brahmani, sharing every detail of his spiritual practices and experiences. Despite being misunderstood by ma...

Samhara Dakshinamurti represents a profound aspect of Shiva, embodying the power of knowledge and wisdom. In this form, the term "Samhara" transcends its usual association with destruction and instead signifies the eradication of ignorance through the illumination of knowledge. Shiva, as Samhara Dakshinamurti, serves as the primordial source from which all knowledge emanates, and through this knowledge, individuals can overcome the barriers hindering their path to self-realization. The imagery of Dakshinamurti is deeply symbolic within Hinduism, depicting Shiva as the supreme teacher (guru) who imparts spiritual wisdom to his disciples. The south-facing orientation (dakshina) signifies the direction of knowledge and enlightenment, while Dakshinamurti's tranquil demeanor amidst the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and dissolution symbolizes his transcendence beyond the cycles of birth and death. As Samhara Dakshinamurti, Shiva utilizes his profound understanding...

Hindu religion is rich in stories that operate on many levels at once—mythical, moral, social, psychological and even ecological. One of the lesser-known but deeply symbolic versions of the tale of Ahalya appears in the Satapatha Brahmana, where Indra is referred to as Ahalayayara, the “abductor of Ahalya.”  Story Of Ahalya As Agrarian Allegory Seen through the lens of this ancient ritual text, the episode becomes an agrarian allegory: Ahalya is the untilled land, laid waste through the indifference of the ascetic Gautama; Indra is the life-giving rain; and Rama, who ultimately restores Ahalya, brings the order of civilization, teaching us how to tend and cultivate the once-barren earth. This layered symbolism shows why so many Hindu narratives invite us to look beyond the surface drama and uncover deeper currents of meaning. Symbolism Of Name Ahalya In Satapatha Brahmana In the strict, ritual-minded world of the Satapatha Brahmana, words often carry hidden roots that point to nat...

What We Know Is a Tiny Island in the Vast Ocean of Unknown: A Hindu Perspective on Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Cosmos In the vast expanse of human experience and understanding, the ancient insight that “what we know is a tiny island in the vast ocean of unknown” resonates deeply with the core teachings of Hindu philosophy. This timeless idea not only illuminates the limitations of human knowledge but also invites us to embark on a journey of self-discovery and cosmic exploration. Hinduism, with its rich tapestry of scriptures, sages, and profound spiritual insights, provides a framework for understanding the relationship between the finite realm of human consciousness and the infinite expanse of the universe. The Limited Scope of Human Knowledge At the heart of this insight lies an acknowledgment of human limitations. Despite the remarkable achievements of science, philosophy, and art, our collective understanding remains but a mere fragment of the deeper truths that govern exist...

In Hinduism, the point between the eyebrows is often referred to as the "ajna" chakra, which is associated with intuition, wisdom, and insight. It's believed to be the center of command for the mind. Meditating on this point is a common practice in various forms of yoga and meditation. Focusing on the ajna chakra during meditation can indeed be a powerful practice with numerous potential benefits. The ajna chakra, often referred to as the "third eye" chakra, is located in the center of the forehead, slightly above the space between the eyebrows. In various spiritual traditions, it is considered the seat of intuition, insight, and higher consciousness. When you focus your attention on the ajna chakra during meditation, you're directing your awareness to a crucial energy center in the body. This focused attention can help calm the mind by drawing it away from distractions and into a more centered state. As you concentrate on this point, you may find that y...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Tuesday, May 6 2025 – It is Shukla Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during waxing or light phase of moon till 11 :54 AM on May 6. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during waxing or light phase of moon till 12 :36 PM on May 7. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on May 6, 2025 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Magha or Makam nakshatra till 6:51 PM on May 6. Then onward it is Purva Phalguni or Pooram nakshatra till 8:19 PM on May 7. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Magha or Makam nakshatra till 3:5...

A Comparison Between Dwarapalakas and Kshetrapalaka (Kshetrapala): Guardians of the Sacred in Hindu Tradition In the rich tapestry of Hindu temple architecture and iconography, few figures evoke as much intrigue and reverence as the guardian deities. Two prominent groups among these sacred protectors are the Dwarapalakas and the Kshetrapalakas . Though both serve the common purpose of safeguarding sacred spaces, their origins, representations, and roles differ in subtle yet significant ways. This article explores these differences and similarities, delves into their mythological narratives and cultural significance, and reflects on their enduring influence in modern art, music, cinema, and popular culture. Origins and Definitions Dwarapalakas: The Door Guardians The term Dwarapalaka is derived from Sanskrit— "dvara" meaning "door" and "palaka" meaning "protector" or "guardian." Dwarapalakas are typically depicted as formidable statu...