Articles Index
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977)
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977), the founder of the Hare Krishna Movement (ISKCON) was one of Hinduism's most successful exponents, who traveled extensively across the world in order to spread Krishna's message of love and peace.
Symbolism of Hindu Deities
Hindu deities symbolize the forces in nature as well as inside human beings. Idol worship and rituals are at the heart of Hinduism have great religious and philosophical significance. Find out what Hindu idols symbolize and signify.
Symbolism in Hindu Rituals & Worship
Every object associated with the Hindu ritual of Puja or worship – the flower, the fruit, the lamp - is symbolically significant. Puja is essentially a ritual suggestive of symbolic offering of our lives and activities to God. Learn more about the symbolism of natural objects of worship in Vedic rituals and Puja offerings.
Major Hindu Symbols
Hinduism employs the art of symbolism with amazing effect. No religion is so replete with symbols as this ancient religion. Delve deep into the hidden meanings and origins of major Hindu symbols, including rituals and deities.
Sacred Symbols
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami in his book ‘Dancing With Siva’ writes about the endearing images embodying intuitions of the spirit that adorn Hindu art, architecture and iconography. In this article the Satguru describes 38 such symbols of Hinduism.
Pride, Ego & Arrogance
Pride rears its head even in the most unsuspected corners. While one may be proud that he is a non-believer in God, another may be proud of his devotion to God. Ego and arrogance result from overbearing pride. Find out how to keep these vices at bay.
Ego: Wise Words from Hindu Writings
Ego is not good for you! So say the scriptures. Here're a few wise words on ego gleaned from Hindu writings.
Harrison & Hinduism
George Harrison was perhaps one of the most spiritual of musicians of modern times. He embraced Hinduism at the height of his fame and remained a plainclothes devotee till his last day of earthy existence. A peek of the spiritual world of Harrison…
The Upanishads
The Upanishads, hailed as the supreme work of the Indian mind, form the core of Hindu teachings. They are summits of thought on man and the universe, designed to push human ideas to its very limit and beyond. Discover this secret science of the self!
The Principal Upanishads
The Upanishads, hailed as the supreme work of the Indian mind, form the core of Hindu teachings. Learn about the 13 principal Upanishads and read the English translation of these texts by Max Muller.
Buddha: The Refiner of Hinduism
Buddha founded a noble religion by distilling Hinduism, and offering a commonsense approach to self-betterment to which the people can relate easily. Exploring Hinduism's close connections with Buddhism
The Upanishads (Text)
Read the English text of the principal Upanishads from 'The Sacred Books of the East' translated by various Oriental scholars and edited by F. Max Müller
The Mysticism of Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore, the first Hindu Nobel Laureate - brought out the essence of Eastern spirituality in his poetry like no other poet. His spiritual vision, as he himself said, is imbued "with the ancient spirit of India as revealed in our sacred texts." Here's a selection of his poems that give us a glimpse of Tagore's spiritual vision.
Holy Cows: Hinduism's Blessed Bovines
The cow is a pampered animal in India for religious reasons. Why is the cow considered sacred? Does it make any sense to protect the cow? Read more about the history of holy cow...
Akshaya Tritiya
Akshaya Tritiya is one occasion, which is considered one of the most auspicious days of the Vedic Calendar. It is believed, any meaningful activity started on this day would never fail.
Why & How to Pray
Even if you pray daily, you may be confused about the underlying philosophy of prayers. Often our prayers are not answered. Here's an insight into fruitful prayers: 12 reasons why you should pray, and 7 ways of praying with success. Keep the faith!
Can Vedic Astrology Foretell the Future?
Can the future be really foretold? Presenting perspectives from India's top Vedic astrologers - Asish Kumar Das, Dr Prem Kumar Sharma, Jagjit Uppal & Bejan Daruwalla.
Ideals of Hindu Marriage
In a Vedic marriage, man and woman take oath for the practice of self-restraint, to work together for the welfare of the family, and help each other to attain spiritual peace. This lofty ideal of sanctity is a great gift of Hinduism to the world.
The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
Excerpt from the Act of the Government of India, called the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, which relates to marriage among Hindus, including guidelines on application, condition, ceremonies and registration.
The Story of Ramayana
The Ramayana is one the world's most loved tales. Here's a short summary of this enchanting epic.
The Ramayana
The Ramayana is one the world's most read epics. Know more about this enchanting story, its writers and origin, history and mythology, characters and places and its immense popularity and universal appeal.
Lord Hanuman
Hanuman, the mighty monkey deity is among the most popular gods in the Hindu pantheon. Read how an ape can become so venerable, and about the exciting exploits of this simian icon that never fail to thrill us.
Ramnavami: Birthday of Lord Rama
Ramnavami or the birthday of Lord Rama falls on the 9th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March-April). Some observe a strict fast on the day. Temples are decorated and the image of Lord Rama is richly adorned. The holy Ramayana is read in the temples.
Why Do Hindus Have So Many Gods?
It's easy misinterpret the fact that Hinduism has a multitude of Gods! Hindu deities amount to thousands, all representing the many aspects of only one supreme Absolute called “Brahman”. Let us try to understand the concept of Gods in Hinduism.
Usher in the New Year
Characteristic of the Indian cultural mélange, Hindus in various states of India celebrate the new year in their own ways. Find out more about Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Nava Varsha and Navreh.