Kishkindha, the monkey kingdom described in the Ramayana, is a region rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. In Valmiki’s Ramayana, Kishkindha is portrayed as a magnificent city situated in a vast cave, hidden amidst the lush forests and hills of southern India. This region, believed to be near the Tungabhadra River, corresponds to present-day areas around Hampi in Karnataka.Key Features ..read more

The relationship between Indrajit (also known as Meghanada) and his father, Ravana, in the Ramayana offers several lessons and insights. Here are some key points:1. Loyalty and ObedienceIndrajit demonstrates unwavering loyalty and obedience to his father, Ravana. Despite knowing the moral complexities of Ravana's actions, Indrajit remains dedicated to his father and his kingdom. This highlights ..read more

A sage called Pattinathar lived with his disciple Badragiriyar in a village called Tiruvidaimarudur. Every day these two used to give their leftover food to a dog. Sometime later this dog died and took birth as a princess in the household of the king of Benares. When she grew up, the king wanted to arrange her marriage, but she refused, saying that instead of marrying, she wanted to see a sage ..read more

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Saturday, August 3 2024 – It is Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 3:22 PM on August 3. Then onward it is Amavasya tithi or the no moon day till 3 ..read more

Taranisen, the son of Vibhishana, remained steadfastly loyal to his uncle Ravana, even after his father, Vibhishana, had left Ravana's side to join forces with Bhagavan Sri Rama. Despite his allegiance to Ravana, Taranisen was a devout follower of Sri Rama. His ultimate aspiration was to meet Rama and attain moksha (liberation) by being killed by him.The Call to BattleOne day, Taranisen received ..read more

In the Vedas, particularly in the Rigveda, the concept of drought is often personified as a demon, reflecting the ancient people's struggles against natural calamities and their desire to understand and control their environment through religious and mythological narratives.Vritra: One of the primary figures associated with drought in the Rigveda is Vritra, a serpent or dragon-like demon. Vritra ..read more

Aptavakya are words of a reliable person, of one who speaks what he sees. Ten sources of knowledge are recognized in the Hindu philosophical system. Sabda, translated as verbal testimony, is one of them. Sabda, when it serves as a source of knowledge, is called aptavakya. This sabda is of a two-fold nature: the words of the Vedas and the words of other texts or persons. The Naiyayikas who accept ..read more

In the Bengali version of the Ramayana known as the Krittibasi Ramayana, there is a unique and intriguing story about Kumbhakarna, the giant brother of Ravana and Vibhishana. This version elaborates on the consequences of waking Kumbhakarna untimely and its dire results.The Boon and the Fear of the GodsThe story begins with the three brothers—Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Vibhishana—embarking on a ..read more

There are seven sadhana in the path of devotion – Bhakti path of God realization – in Hindu religion. The seven sadhanas or upasana are viveka, vimoka, abhyasa, kriya, kalyana, anavasada and anuddhra. Viveka is kaya siddhi or the purification of the body by means of sattvic food. Vimoka is freedom from the circle of kama and krodha. Abhyasa follows from bodily purity and mental calmness. Kriya ..read more

The Vana Parva, also known as the Aranya Parva, is the third book of the Mahabharata, which details the twelve years of exile that the Pandavas spend in the forest. This parva is rich with numerous important stories and episodes that contribute significantly to the overall narrative of the Mahabharata. Here are some of the key stories and events from the Vana Parva:1. Exile of the PandavasThe ..read more