The Alingana Chandrashekhara form of Shiva is a deeply symbolic representation in Hindu tradition. In this form, Shiva is depicted with a crescent moon adorning his hair, a characteristic feature often associated with him. What makes this portrayal unique is his tender embrace of Uma, his consort and eternal companion. This gesture symbolizes not only their profound love and devotion to each ..read more

Akshi Upanishad is a minor Upanishad dealing with yoga. It consists of 50 Sanskrit verses in anustubha (eighteen-syllabled) meter. It is assigned to the period before the 10th century CE. The sun, as per this Upanishad, is the traditional guru who teaches yogic knowledge or cakshushmati vidya (knowledge through the organ of the eye). The sun is traditionally considered to be the deity of the ..read more

Goddess Chandi holds significant symbolism within Hindu tradition and religious practices, particularly in the eastern regions of India. Let's delve deeper into the symbolism associated with Goddess Chandi: Form of Goddess Durga: Chandi is considered a form of Goddess Durga, who is revered as a divine mother and the embodiment of Shakti, or divine feminine energy. As such, Chandi embodies the ..read more

Story of King Alvandar returning to spiritual pursuits shows us that even a great scholar can get lost in the materialistic world and move far away from the world of spirituality. Alavandar, a student of Vishishta Advaita, defeated King Akkiyalvan in debate. He was rewarded with a kingdom and thus Alavandar became a ruler. However, after becoming a king, Alavandar had very less time left for ..read more

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Friday, May 17 2024 – It is Shukla Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day of the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day of the waxing or light phase of moon till 9:15 AM on May 17. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day of the waxing or light phase ..read more

In Hinduism, the concept of Brahman is central to understanding the nature of reality. Brahman is often described as the ultimate, supreme, and unchanging reality, which encompasses everything in the universe. It is beyond any form or attribute and is considered the source and essence of all existence. The teaching that the conviction of being Brahman leads to escape from duality is rooted in ..read more

Akshara, the immutable, is one of the technical terms in Vedanta. The history of Vedanta may be considered the history of akshara in a way. The problem has become all the more acute due to interpretational differences. If Adi Shankaracharya has taken it in the sense of maya shakti (power of Bhagavan), Ramanuja has interpreted it as meaning an emancipated soul. The oldest prose Upanishads teach ..read more

Dakshina holds significant importance in Hindu rituals and ceremonies, particularly in the context of Vedic sacrifices. It serves as a form of remuneration or offering to the priests who perform various rites and rituals. The concept of dakshina has its roots in ancient Vedic traditions and continues to be practiced in modified forms today. In Vedic times, dakshina was often offered in the form ..read more

Akshapada is another name of Gautama, the founder of Nyaya School (300 BCE). He is referred to in tarka vidya (science of argument) and vada vidya (science of discussion). Akshapada was in the habit of keeping his eyes directed towards his feet when walking in a contemplative mood and hence the name came into existence. It is believed that he was born at Gautamasthana (44.8 kilometers north-east ..read more

Dakinis hold significant symbolism in Hinduism, particularly within the tantric tradition and the worship of the Mother Goddess. These female spirits are depicted as attending upon major goddesses, such as Kali, in their fierce aspects. Dakinis are multifaceted beings, capable of both terrifying and benevolent actions, depending on the context. In their fierce forms, Dakinis assume terrifying ..read more