Preeti Vrata is a specific spiritual vow (vrata) observed during Chaturmasya—the four-month holy period beginning in the Hindu lunar month of Ashadha (when Lord Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra, or divine sleep) and concluding in Kartika. Described in traditional texts like the Matsya Purana, this vrata is undertaken to cultivate discipline and attain universal love and […]
Vratas-Pujas
Swastika Vrata in Chaturmasya
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 […]
Mahattam Vrata
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 […]
Bhadrakali Vrata
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 Vrata
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 […]
Ashoka Triratri Vrata
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) […]
Dashtoddharana Panchami
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): […]
Ananta Phala Saptami (Anandsaphal Saptami)
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), […]
Dugdha Vrata
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: […]
Shaurya Vrata
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 […]
Rashi Vrata
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 Kurch Vrata
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 […]
Bheema Vrata
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 […]
Dwadash Maas Raksha Vrata
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 […]
Lakshminarayan Vrat
The Lakshminarayan Vrat is a sacred Hindu observance dedicated to the divine couple, Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity) and Lord Narayana (Vishnu, the preserver). Unlike the Dharmaprapti Vrat, which has a strict one-month window, the Lakshminarayan Vrat is often observed dynamically throughout the year depending on the specific Puranic or regional tradition. […]
Dharmaprapti Vrat (Dharmavapti Vrat)
Dharmaprapti Vrat (also referred to as Dharmavapti Vrat) is a sacred month-long fasting ritual mentioned in Hindu scriptures. As the name suggests, it is observed to attain Dharma (righteousness and spiritual merit) and to successfully fulfill one’s goals. Here are the key details of the observance: Presiding Deity: The vrat is dedicated entirely to Lord […]
Aadi Pooram 2026 | Aadi Puram Festival in Aadi Month
Aadi Pooram festival is celebrated Tamil Nadu, some parts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh in Aadi month (July – August) as per Tamil calendar. In 2026, Aadi Pooram date is August 14, Friday. It is celebrated on the day of Puram or Pooram nakshatram in Aadi Masam. This festival is also celebrated as Andal […]
Aadi Chevvai worship | Tuesdays in Aadi Month
Aadi Chevvai (Tuesday in Aadi Month) is one of the auspicious pujas held in all Devi Temples dedicated to Goddess Shakti. In 2026, Aadi Chevvai dates are – July 21, July 28, August 4 and August 11. Avvayar Amman temple in Nagercoil is one of the holy places in Tamil Nadu where Aadi Chevvai festival […]
Aadi Velli 2026 | Fridays in Aadi Month in Tamil Nadu
Aadi Velli is a special puja observed on Fridays in Aadi month of Tamil calendar. In 2026, Aadi Velli dates are: 17 July, 24 July, 31 July, 7 August and 14 August. The first and the third Friday in Aadi month are even more auspicious among all four Fridays. Devotees visit Goddess Shakti temples on […]
Pisacha Mochini Chaturdashi
Pisacha Mochini Chaturdashi (also known as Pishach Mochan Chaturdashi) is a highly specific and significant day in the Hindu calendar dedicated to the liberation of restless ancestral spirits. It falls on the Chaturdashi (14th day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase) in the Hindu month of Margashirsha (typically November–December). While regular ancestral rites (Shraddh) […]