What is the ultimate goal of the yoga process or meditation? Contact with the Supreme, the Supersoul, the Supreme Lord, is the aim and object of all yoga processes. Similarly, philosophical research, the jnana process, also aims at understanding the Supreme Brahman. These are recognized processes, undoubtedly, but according to authoritative description, they are not […]
What is the significance of offering ghee in Yagnas? Why only ghee is important to offer in any type of Yagna? Ghee is basically oil, clarified butter! The final product of milk. I have not heard anybody offering oil in the yajnas. (Laughter) There are different kinds of engines. Some require petrol, some require diesel. […]
Why didn’t Krishna save Abhimanyu in Mahabharata War? Why didn’t Krishna save Abhimanyu from Chakravyuha in Mahabharata War? But, Lord Krishna saved Draupadi.. Lord Krishna came to rescue Draupadi when she called Him for help. Abhimanyu (Arjuna’s son) was a warrior. He had decided to sacrifice himself in the war for the noble cause. But […]
When observed across the entire four-month span of Chaturmasya, the Swastika Vrata transforms from a simple daily prayer into a marathon of spiritual endurance. Spanning roughly 120 days—from the moment Lord Vishnu enters his cosmic slumber on Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi (Devshayani) until he awakens on Kartika Shukla Ekadashi (Prabodhini)—this vow demands unbroken consistency. Here is […]
When texts like the Dharmashastras (including Anantadeva’s Smriti Kaustubha) and the Puranic indices refer to a Mahattam Vrata exactly on Bhadrapada Shukla Pratipada (the first day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadrapada), they are referring to a rigorous, specialized vow of self-discipline—not just a story (mahatmya). In the Puranic ritual calendars, the […]
SriPrabhupada (20th Century AD) was a Universal Spiritual Guru and he was the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also called as the “Hare Krishna movement”, and this movement was started in order to promote the “KRISHNA BHAKTI” in the minds of all the people, irrespective of their caste, creed, community and […]
King Vikramaditya’s Divine Sword… Vikramaditya was a great emperor of ancient India. He was a great personality, and gives respect to the learned scholars in his court. Ancient legends, praises him as a great king and a person who contains great valour, who is well known for his courage and kindness among his people. He was the […]
While the specific observance formally titled Arogya Vrata (or Arogya Saptami) is most famously celebrated in the month of Magha (and occasionally Margashirsha), dedicating a vow to health during the months of Bhadrapada and Ashwin holds massive significance in both Hindu scripture and ancient Ayurvedic medicine. During these two months, fasting for health is not […]
The Bhadrakali Vrata observed on Kartik Shukla Pratipada is a sacred Hindu fasting and worship day dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, an auspicious and fierce manifestation of Shakti (Parvati). “Kartik Shukla Pratipada” refers to the first day of the waxing moon (bright fortnight) in the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. This day falls immediately after Amavasya […]
Aviyoga Dwadashi is a rare and highly specific Hindu observance focused entirely on the concept of enduring unity and marital preservation. To understand its significance, we can break down the Sanskrit name: A-viyoga (अवियोग): Meaning “without separation” or “non-separation.” Dwadashi (द्वादशी): The twelfth day of the lunar fortnight. Observed primarily by married individuals, this vow […]
The Ashoka Triratri Vrata is a highly unique and fascinating observance because it involves worshipping the entirety of the Hindu Trinity (the Trimurti) over the course of three consecutive nights. Hemadri explicitly states that this three-night vow must not be done randomly. It must begin on the Shukla Trayodashi (13th day of the waxing moon) […]
Dashtoddharan Panchami (often spelled Dashtoddharana Panchami) is a very specific and unique observance in Hindu tradition aimed entirely at the spiritual salvation of those who have died unnatural deaths—specifically from snakebites. To understand the Vrata, we can break down its Sanskrit name: Dashta (दष्ट): Meaning “bitten” (specifically by a serpent or venomous creature). Uddharana (उद्धरण): […]
What you are referring to is known in the Puranas as Ananta Phala Saptami (the Saptami that grants “infinite fruits” or merit), though it is most popularly celebrated today as Santan Saptami or Muktabharana Saptami. Observed on Bhadrapada Shukla Saptami (the seventh day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadrapada, typically in August/September), […]
In Hindu tradition, the term Dugdha Vrata (The Vow of Milk) can refer to two entirely different, yet equally significant, spiritual observances. One is a vow of abstinence from milk for health and discipline, while the other is a vow to consume only milk for intense spiritual purification. Here is the breakdown of both practices: […]
The annual Special Sahasra Kalasabhishekam will be observed in Tirumala temple on June 24, 2026 in Tirumala temple. Significance : In commemoration of the special donation of the silver idol of Sri Bhoga Srinivasa murty by the famous Pallava Queen Samavai Perundevi several centuries ago, TTD performs Special Sahasra Kalasabhishekam to the utsava deities in […]
Shaurya Vrata (Śaurya Vrata – शौर्य व्रत) literally translates to the “Vow of Valor” or the “Vow of Heroism.” In Sanatana Dharma, the term carries two distinct meanings: a classical scriptural observance detailed in the Puranas, and a historical martial code practiced by traditional warrior clans. 1. The Puranic Observance In classical texts like the […]
Unlike the modern astrological fasts tied to the weekday of your birth Moon sign, the Rashi Vrata described in classical texts is a structural, cosmic vow centered entirely on the solar calendar. In the Bhavishya Purana (specifically within the chapters detailing Prakirna or miscellaneous vows like the Agneya and Yoga vratas), and later codified by […]
Brahma Kurcha Vrata (also known as Brahmakurcha Vratam) is a highly revered ascetic observance and purification ritual (Prayaschitta) in Sanatana Dharma. It is traditionally performed for deep spiritual cleansing, the atonement of specific transgressions, and to invoke intense spiritual discipline. At the heart of this Vrata is the preparation, consecration, and consumption of Panchagavya mixed […]
When people ask about a major vow during Kartik Maas, they are almost always referring to Bhishma Panchak (often colloquially called Bhishma Vrata), rather than a vow dedicated to the Pandava prince Bhima. While Bhima Vrata (Bhima Dwadashi) occurs in the month of Magha, the final five days of Kartik are globally celebrated in the […]
Initiating a Dwadash Maas Raksha Vrata (a 12-month protection vow) specifically on Kartik Purnima is one of the most powerful spiritual undertakings in the Puranic tradition. While “Dwadash Maas Raksha Vrat” is a structural framework rather than a single mythological story, classical compendiums like Hemadri’s Chaturvarga Chintamani and the Bhavishya Purana position Kartik Purnima as […]