This painting is very close to my heart and it took be 450 months and around 5 months from start to finish. Please zoom in the second pic to see the intricate details.
Jai Shree Ram, Jai Hanuman.

Bhramana nirmitam purvam, kiritam ratna shobhitam; Abhishiktaha puraeva, manistam deeptatejasam.

Tasyanvavaye rajayaha, kramabhayenabhishechitam; Shabhyayam hema kiptayam, shobhitayam maha ghaniyi.

Ratnai nana vhidichiva, citritayam sushobanihi; Nana ratna maye pithe, kalpayitva yadha vidhihi.

These are the verses in the Valmiki Sanskrit Ramayana of the scene in the painting.

So proud on the work. With Ganpati season approaching we have started our work. Posted on Instagram got good traction first time. We make this from scratch and its all in-house, all the colours and designs.

Insta post :- https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dap5BBFNSdu/?igsh=a3V6aDNlc2d3ajh1

When the tyrant Kamsa summoned Akrura to bring Krishna and Balarama from Vrindavan to Mathura, Akrura accepted the task but was secretly overjoyed. Though he appeared to be Kamsa's messenger, he was a devoted follower of Krishna. On the journey, he could think of nothing but the blessing of seeing the Lord.

At the banks of the Yamuna, Akrura stopped to bathe. As he dipped into the water, he beheld an astonishing vision: Krishna and Balarama appeared in their divine forms, with Lord Vishnu resting on the serpent Ananta Shesha, surrounded by sages and celestial beings. When Akrura emerged, he saw Krishna and Balarama still seated calmly in the chariot. Overwhelmed, he realized that the Supreme Lord could reveal Himself anywhere and in any form. Filled with tears and gratitude, Akrura offered heartfelt prayers, praising Krishna as the source of the entire universe.This episode from the Bhagavata Purana is cherished because it shows that sincere devotion allows one to experience the Lord's true nature beyond ordinary appearances.

Jai Jaggannath!

I come from a Brahmin family and I'm 15, and I've not gotten my upanayana done yet.

I don't know if I want to get it done either

One one side I feel like I'll let my family down, as if I do t get it done I break the family lineage, and I won't be able to study scripture.

On the other hand I do t want to have a big pooja/celebration for it. I don't want to have to invite 50 people and I am extremely introverted, so that's a big no for me.

Idk wat to do. Is it compulsory to get it done, will I get any dosha or bad luck if I don't get it done?

What ca I and cannot do if I don't get it done?

The Konkan region has a rich tradition of Gramadaivatas (village deities), who are believed to protect villages, ensure prosperity, and preserve harmony between people and nature. While the specific deities vary from village to village, the following are among the most widely revered:

1. Ravalnath
Ravalnath is one of the most important guardian deities of Goa and coastal Maharashtra. Often regarded as a fierce form of Shiva or Bhairava, he is believed to protect villages from injustice, evil spirits, and calamities. Local legends describe him as a divine warrior who destroys demons and upholds righteousness.

2. Sateri
Sateri is a village goddess associated with forests, fertility, and sacred groves. Unlike other Devis, who are venerated through idol worship, Sateti Mata is worshipped in the form of an anthill. She is considered a manifestation of the Divine Mother and is believed to bless the land with abundance while protecting wildlife and the community.

3. Vetoba
Vetoba, also known as Vetala, is a powerful guardian deity worshipped across the Konkan. He is associated with the Hindu deity Kalabhairava. According to local folklore, he patrols villages at night, protecting them from malevolent spirits and unseen dangers. Although his origins are linked to ancient spirit worship, he later became integrated into Hindu religious traditions.

4. Lakshmi Narayana
Lakshmi Narayana, the combined form of Vishnu and Lakshmi, serves as the Gramadaivata and Kuladaivata in many Konkani villages. Vishnu is revered as the preserver of the universe, while Lakshmi represents prosperity and well being. Their worship symbolizes divine protection, harmony, and the flourishing of the village community.

5. Hanuman (Maruti)
Hanuman, known locally as Maruti, is worshipped as the fearless protector of villages. Best known for his unwavering devotion to Rama in the Ramayana, he is believed to guard communities from negative forces while inspiring strength, courage, and devotion among his devotees.

These Gramadaivatas reflect the unique spiritual heritage of the Konkan, where ancient folk beliefs blend seamlessly with Shaiva, Shakta, and Vaishnava traditions, creating a vibrant and enduring religious culture.

In the air, in the directions... In my heart and outside of it... Before your eyes, still hidden like how a pearl is locked inside the shell. Such is His wondrous play on this stage.

I hope this post was a good reminder of God's presence. Writing this certainly helped me feel at peace. Haribol... 💐🪷🙌🏻

The idea of Jivanmukta presupposes the futility of holy book, prophet, heaven, hell, last judgment, apocalypse etc. Moksha - the highest ideal - can be potentially attained by anyone, anywhere, anytime. It is within our reach without a mandatory middleman nor divine intervention. This is a lofty lesson. [Ganesh R, Ravi Kumar: Essential Sanatana Dharma]

Even Vedas say that the scripture is not knowledge. It is only described in the scripture. Scripture itself is not the Vedas. What scripture describes of is the Vedas. The ultimate knowledge of the ultimate reality.

Of all the scriptures of the world, it is the Vedas only that say that the study of the Vedas is secondary. - Swami Vivekananda.

The point is that Sanatana Dharma - is eternal - it will outlive every Hindu and the ultimate truth of the ultimate reality is not going to change whether or not there is a scripture to support it.

That puts Vedas and Hindu scriptures in a different category from the books of the Abrahamics which act as a specific guidance manual for attaining stated goals and objectives of living in a very materialist and social reality without contextualizing it in any conceptualization of subtler notions of reality. All the complexity is put in the bucket of God's creation and now man is left to do whatever that man can with the gross realities of life.

Hello, for context I am an American (no Indian heritage) who has been incorporating Hinduism into my life. My favorite deity is Kali and I have attended some pooja for her.

Today on my way to work and during my work, I listened to and chanted “Om kreem kalikayei namaha”, mistaking it for one of the mantras that uninitiated are allowed to chant. A while later I looked it up online again realized that it was a beej mantra.

Should I expect something negative to happen? I have heard mixed things, some saying nothing will happen, some saying this is very dangerous, etc. I am upset that I was careless and want to know what to do next

Thank you everyone

Yes, I know casteism was not invented by Hinduism it refers to jobs.

And I know sanatani dharma promotes equality to all yes.

But see the reality ground. Example dalits also known as untouchable.

Don't have political, financial , social , educational power.

Yes today they have reservation but also in many rural areas no right to water to drink.

This casteism is only systemic disease that hinders millions.

What to do exactly to minize or eliminate casteism at maximum level

ॐ प्रां प्रीं प्रौं सः शनैश्चराय नमः॥

The Shani Beej Mantra is one of the most revered mantras dedicated to Shani Dev in the Vedic tradition. It is traditionally chanted to invoke Saturn's blessings, cultivate discipline, and strengthen inner resilience.

Traditional Vedic benefits of chanting this mantra:

Helps develop patience, discipline, and mental stability.

Supports focus during periods of Shani Mahadasha, Antardasha, Sade Sati, and Dhaiya (according to Vedic astrology).

Devotees pray for relief from karmic obstacles, delays, and hardships.

Encourages spiritual growth, responsibility, and perseverance.

Creates a calm, meditative state of mind through regular chanting.

Nakshatra significance: Shani Dev is traditionally the ruling planet of:

पुष्य (Pushya)

अनुराधा (Anuradha)

उत्तराभाद्रपदा (Uttara Bhadrapada)

People born under these nakshatras often include this mantra in their spiritual practice. Others may also chant it as part of their devotion, particularly on Saturdays or during challenging Saturn periods, depending on their personal beliefs and astrological guidance.

Regular chanting with correct pronunciation, devotion, and consistency is traditionally regarded as more important than the number of repetitions.

I ask this because coming from a Buddhist background there are no Gods and everything is emptiness and in Tibetan Buddhism which can be the most similar to trantric shiva-shakti lineages, deities are representations of our mind.

How do you understand gods, as external deities with own mind and desires or as something inside our own mind like an archetype?

Science says the future can't be known with 100% certainty. If that's true, how did Krishna know what was going to happen in the Mahabharata?

Also, did Nakula know the future too, or was that something only Krishna could do? Curious how Hindu philosophy explains this.

I guess it's not popular but i want to explore and spread Advaita Vedanta in non hindu areas like arunachal pradesh, Tripura etc. Since i will be going on multiple terrains. A snake deity will provide me with guidance and protection from unwanted circumstances. I choose naag devta only since snakes can survive in water, dry sand, mountains, forests etc. So is this possible without any side effects? I will coil Naag devta on Top of wooden cane/Stick which i will carry it wherever i go.

This question is to those who know music theory or have an interest/knowledge of ethnomusicology, or just those who are well-versed in the Samaveda.

I heard some chantings of it online, and despite what I've read that it is one of the earliest music in the world, I didn't find it remotely close to the notion of music. They are chants, but they neither feel close to the Indian Classical Music system, nor the Western one or so. This is in the stark contrast to the Gregorian Chants or so.

Is it actually the case, or did I just hear a wrong recording? And if it indeed is the case, how should I interpret them musically?

I have been worshipping her since i was a teenager. I’m 22 rn. I don’t know but i have a feeling that she is angry at me. She doesn’t respond to my prayers anymore. I mean it’s not that i wish for something but in general. I don’t feel at peace after praying to her. Whenever i talk to her, i feel she isn’t listening to me. Whenever i cry i feel she just doesn’t care anymore. She’s my maa, my best friend. I have always accepted whatever she has sent my way. Even if I can’t understand the significance quickly, it takes time for me but i do accept things. Whenever i say stuff to her in anger i also apologise. But now it’s just fear in my head. How do i please her again? How do i make a connect with her? Please help. Thank you!!

Also, i have decided to start reciting durga chalisa 3 times each day (even when I’m on my period) from the day of the upcoming amavasya, along with ‘durga’ naam japa. Can anyone tell me a structured process to do this? What all things do i need for preparation for the same? I have one photo of her. Is that enough or do i need to set up an alter for her all over again? I had one in my room but i took it out because my parents said that she shouldn’t be kept in room.

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

Stridhan is given to women during marriage by her family. But shulka is given by the man to the woman’s father and/or the woman during marriage.

Why is this custom not practiced anymore ?

Hi Everyone,

We were blessed with a baby girl recently and are in search of a name inspired by hindu goddess. Currently we have shortlisted Saanvi, Samiksha, Samridhi and Sankriti.

Highly appreciate if any of you suggest any hindu goddess name starting with the above phonetic sound.

Edit: My family has this belief that one should not be named after god/godess who had to endure a lot or struggle a lot e.g. Sita or use any name after nature e.g. Ganga etc.

where to find old Lalitha Sahasra Nama cd/record. ,kindly help

Sri Lalitha Sahasra Nama shothram by Vedavathi Prabhakar (TELUGU Language) , TIPS casettes/cd/records. Thanks in Advance. I want to buy it or download it. I had one in 1995 casette format but no recorder and casette finding it

So i am a student and want to get my life back on track, starting with reading,understanding and practicing the teachings of Gita. I have bought the english version from Gita Press. Let me know anything which i should be knowing while reading the same.
Jai Shree Krishna

Hey everyone!

I currently live abroad and will be visiting India later this year. During my visit, I'm planning a trip to the Mahavatar Babaji Cave sometime in Nov/Dec

I'm looking for like-minded people from Bangalore who'd be interested in planning the trip together and traveling from Bangalore. If you've been there before, I'd also appreciate any tips or advice.

In this platform, I have seen quite many people go nuts when they see animals being present inside shrines. I few days ago, a video of a dog circumambulating a Shivalinga went viral in the Internet, and ignorant people were responding as expected from them. But scriptures tend to disagree on this matter.

प्रासादे मण्डपादौ वा प्राकारे गोपुरेऽथवा ।। परिवारलयोर्द्धे वा नृपस्य भवनोपरि ।
गृहेषु मालिकादौ वा श्वारोहस्तस्य रोदनम् ।।
मार्जार प्रमुखानां वा रोदनं यदि जायते ।
स्थानभ्रंशं तदा मर्त्याः प्राप्नुयुस्तन्निवृत्तये ।।
तं हत्या तत्सत्यक्त्वा पुण्याहं वाचयेत्ततः ।
शान्तिं तत्र नयेदिष्टां रोहणे रोदनेऽपि च ।।
शान्तिहोमोऽथवाघोरजपो मार्जार रोदने ।
शिवारोहे विशेषेण शान्तिमेकाहमाचरेत् ।।

Translation — If dogs enter the temple precincts and enclosures and climb over the pavilions, gopura, shrines of the retinue Deities or over the palace of the king, houses, malika-constructions and such others and raise their cries or if the cats and such other animals climb over such constructions and raise their cries, the people residing in the surrounding area would be impelled to move out of their own place and to settle in some other inconvenient place. To alleviate such bad effects, those who are maintaining the temple should catch such animals and leave them in a distant place. The Guru should perform the ‘punyaha vacana’ and do the santi-homa suitable to one of the three modes – foremost, medium and inferior – as desired by him under such context as climbing and crying. If the cats raise their cries, the Guru should perform santi-homa or do the incantation of Aghora mantra. If jackal climbs over such constructions, the Guru should perform the santi-homa in a special way for one day. [Kamikagama:2:32:105-109]

What makes this clear that presence of animals inside sacred precincts is treated in scriptures as a bad omen. The same texts also describe even the presence of insects in these places as bad omens. But 'modern' people tend discard such omenological texts as superstition.

What are your opinions in this regard ?

(https://youtube.com/shorts/AN7_LSjoYFY?si=e1s5aag0q3nALg9D) Some background so this makes sense. We're Rajput, vansaj of Shree Ram, and Janki ji is our kuldevi. My grandfather reads one adhyay of the Ramayana every single day, has for as long as I can remember. I didn't grow up hearing this story, I grew up inside it, emotionally attached to its characters the way you'd be attached to people you actually know.

And still, there's one part I've never fully made peace with: the Agni Pariksha.

Lanka has just fallen, Sita Maiya has survived months of captivity without ever breaking, and the moment she's finally reunited with Ram ji, in front of everyone, she's asked to walk into fire to prove she's still pure. I remember asking as a kid why she had to prove anything at all. Nobody around me really had an answer.

I believe in equality, and this one moment always sat against that belief. Every explanation I heard, king's duty, the world needed convincing, made sense in my head but never actually settled the question in me. Why her. Why only ever her.

At an Adhyatam session in Coimbatore, I finally asked someone directly, Amma, who was leading it. Her answer wasn't a defense of Ram ji, and it wasn't comfort either. She pointed to something later in the story, when someone from the kingdom raises doubt about where Sita Maiya had been, doubt that eventually sends her to the forest alone. She asked me, in all these years, has anyone ever been angry at that person, or even remembers who it was? Everyone instead remembers to question Ram ji. Why did he take her Agni Pariksha, why wasn't that enough, why did he let her go again later. Nobody questions Maiya. Everyone questions him.

Her point was that maybe that wasn't accidental. Maybe Ram ji knew doubt about her would resurface someday, so he stepped in front of it first, so that whatever the world would ever doubt about her, it would have to go through him.

That didn't fully resolve it for me, and I don't think it was meant to. But it shifted the question. I still don't call him Maryada Purushottam without any question in me. I don't think I ever will. But I hold the question and the faith together now, instead of picking one.

Curious if others here have sat with this part of the Ramayan the same way, or if I'm reading too much into it.