‘Etymologically, the word shraddha is derived from shrat, a root noun probably cognate with the English word ‘heart’, and dha to place; it would thus mean: “to put one’s heart on something”. ’ Though generally the English word ‘faith’ is used to translate ‘shraddha’, it does not convey the same meaning. Explaining the uniqueness of this word, Swami Vivekananda says: ‘I would not translate this ..read more

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Saturday, May 4 2024 – It is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 5:38 PM on May 4. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day during ..read more

The concept "What we know is a drop in the ocean" resonates deeply with Hindu teachings, encapsulating the idea of the vastness of knowledge and the limitations of human understanding. In Hinduism, this sentiment aligns with the notion of Maya, the illusion that the material world is the ultimate reality, obscuring the infinite nature of existence. Limitations of Human Knowledge: Hinduism ..read more

Agnivesha, also known as Agniveshya, holds a significant place in Hindu mythology and ancient Indian texts like the Mahabharata and Puranas. Born as the son of Devadatta, an incarnation of Agni, the fire god, Agnivesha is revered as a rishi or sage. He is also known by the names Kanina and Jatukarna. Within the broader framework of Vedic literature, Agnivesha is credited as the progenitor of the ..read more

Acintya Bhedabheda is the philosophical doctrine of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486 – 1533 CE) and his followers. Achintyabhedabheda highlights the ‘incomprehensible difference-non-difference’ nature of Reality. It represents a Vaishnava tradition. It is also known as Chaitanya-Mata, and the Gaudiya Vaishnavism school but more generally the Bengal school of Vaishnavism. Among all the philosophies ..read more

In Hinduism, the concept of hell is complex and varied, with different texts describing various hells and their punishments for different sins or transgressions. Agnijvala is indeed one of the hells described in the Garuda Purana, an ancient Hindu text that covers a wide range of topics including cosmology, rituals, and moral conduct. According to the Garuda Purana, Agnijvala is a hell reserved ..read more

In the Vedic age the lifespan of an individual was divided into four ashramas, stations of life: Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, and Sannyasa. According to Hindu ancient tradition, every individual had to pass through the stage of brahmacharya before taking up any of the next stages of life. In Hinduism, the Brahmacharya Ashrama consisted in staying with the teacher, serving him or her ..read more

In Hinduism, the concept of a true spiritual person not having followers is deeply rooted in the idea of self-realization and the pursuit of liberation (moksha). Let's explore this teaching further: Self-Realization (Atman): Hinduism emphasizes the understanding of one's true self, known as Atman. The ultimate goal is to realize that the individual self (Atman) is identical to the universal self ..read more

Acharya Hrudayam is an important Tenkalai Sri Vaishnava commentary in the manipravalam style (a mixture of Sanskrit and Tamil words) on Tiruvaymoli of Nammalvar. Acharya Hridyayam’s author, Alakiya Mannavalapperumal Nayanar (13th century CE), popularly called Nayanar, was the younger brother of Pillai Lokacharya (author of Sri Vachana Bhushana). The main purpose of Acharya Hrudayam is to be bring ..read more

In Hinduism, Achara (conduct) is the third source of law (dharma) next only to Vedas and Smritis. Some customs were incorporated into formal law, though this incorporation was not uniform. Customary rules were modified to suit the needs and the philosophy of the times. This is called Kalachara. At the lower level of judicial adjudication, disputes were mostly decided on the basis of custom. In ..read more