Religion & Spirituality

Articles Index

Arranged Marriages Originated in the Vedic Period

A recent research has brought to light that arranged marriages originated during the Vedic period of Indian history. The ceremony and the institution of arranged marriages took its shape during this time.

Who is Parasurama?

Parasurama, also known as the “axe-wielding Rama,” was the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, whose main objective was to deliver the world from the oppression of the Kshatriya rulers, who strayed from the path of dharma.

Hindu Festivals Calendar 2012

A date-wise list of Hindu holidays, fasts, feasts, festivals and religious occasions for 2012

Marriage Guidance for Indians Abroad

Rising cases of failed and fraudulent marriages of Indian women with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) has prompted India's Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs to come up with a Guidance Booklet. Read and download from here...

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.

Vasanta Navaratri

Swami Sivananda retells the legend behind the 9-day ritual in springtime during which the devout Hindu seeks the blessings of the Divine Mother Goddess or Devi.

Maharishi Swami Dayanand Saraswati (1824-1883)

Swami Dayanand Saraswati was a Hindu spiritual leader and social reformer of the 19th century most famous as the founder of the Hindu reform organization Arya Samaj. Read about his life and teachings.

Ekadasi - The Auspicious 11th Day of the Lunar Cycle

Ekadasi in Sanskrit means 'the Eleventh Day,' which occurs twice in a lunar month – once each on the 11th days of the moon cycle. It is a very auspicious time in the Hindu calendar and an important day to fast. Learn more about the significance of Ekadasi and dates for 2012.

Uttarayan & the Kite Festival of Gujarat

Uttarayan, a.k.a. "Makar Sankranti" is a major festival of the western Indian state of Gujarat which is celebrated on January 14 every year. It is traditionally known for the display of kite flying skills and now an International Kite Festival.

Lohri: The Bonfire Festival

Amidst the cold weather, everything seems stagnant in northern India, until it's time for the winter celebrations of Lohri, the long-awaited bonfire festival. It's not just a break to thank God for a bountiful life on earth with rituals and revelry, but more…

Purnima & Amavasya: Hindu Fasts

Hindus believe that the fortnightly cycle of the moon exerts a great influence on earthly beings. Hence there are specific rituals for the new moon and full moon days. Find out how to observe these rituals and the dates for this year.

Top 12 New Year Resolutions

Beginning of the year is a good time to hitch on to some good habits and best practices. To begin with, as they say, do good to yourself. Get wise, keep fit and have the faith! Remember, you have nothing to lose. Here are 12 resolutions you can take up this year...

Bhagavad-Gita Faces Ban in Russia

Hindus across the world expressed shock and concern at a Russian attempt to ban the Bhagavad-Gita. Read more about this court case in Tomsk, Siberia, where prosecutors, with support from the Russian authorities attempted to have the Bhagavad-Gita, Hinduism's primary sacred text, labeled as "extremist literature."

15 Benefits of the Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Tulsi or the Holy Basil has amazing healing power. It can used as a herbal medicine in numerous ailments, including fever, common cold, coughs, sore throat, respiratory disorder, kidney stone, heart problem, stress, mouth infections, insect bites, skin disorders...and so on

The History & Future of Vedic Maths

Born in ancient India, Vedic Maths was rediscovered towards the beginning of the 20th century. Today, interest in Vedic maths is growing in the field of education where maths teachers are looking for a new and better approach to the subject. Everyone can benefit from this remarkable system of calculation.

Mehendi or Henna Dye: Green, Cool & Beautiful

Henna tattoos are considered among the most auspicious 'ornaments' of a married Hindu woman. A look at the history, significance and how this beautiful reddish dye has become synonymous with Hindu wedding, and has made waves the West.

Om - A State of Stress-free Existence

"Om" is the sound of a thoughtless state of mind - a present that is free from all tensions of life - the way to touch the depths of our real selves in its purest form.

The Yoga of Abraham Lincoln

What did Lincoln have in common with many men and women today? Lincoln adopted a yoga lifestyle! He dubbed himself “a mystic,” and behaved in a way that corresponds with the teachings of yoga and meditation. Lincoln shared many attitudes with millions today who embrace a spiritual way of life.

What Is Karma?

Hindus believe that it is Karma or the 'Law of Cause & Effect' that can lead one to salvation. Learn more...

What are Samskaras?

Samskaras, or Hindu rites of passage, mark the important stages of one's life and enable one to live a fulfilling life complete with happiness and contentment. Read about the 16 major Hindu Samskaras, and the 8 essential rites of passage or 'Ashtasamskara.'

Veda Pathshala: Continuing the Golden Heritage

The Sree Seetharam Anjeneya Kendra (SSAK) Vedic Center in the southern Indian city of Trivandrum is a recherché “Pathshala” (Sanskrit for “school”) where Vedas are taught systematically under the pedagogic principles of the age-old “gurukul” system of education. Manoj Sadasivan writes after visiting the school.