Who is Maharshi Valmiki (Adi-Kavi) — Purpose and Source-Scope In the Indian poetic tradition, Maharshi Valmiki is revered as the Adi‑Kavi (the first poet). The aim of this life‑sketch is to include only those episodes and narrative strands that are…
On the autumn full moon night, India celebrates this festival by many names—Kojagiri Purnima, Sharad Purnima, Kojagara/Kaumudi Vrat; in Braj it’s known as Raas Purnima, and in Gujarat as Sharad Poonam. Tradition holds that on this night the Moon is…
If you’ve ever wondered who Asur King Bali was and what his relation with Prahlad reveals about dharma, humility, and leadership, this guide brings the story—and its lessons—alive.— Who was Asur King Bali? In Hindu tradition, Asur King Bali—widely revered…
Papankusha Ekadashi, observed in Ashwin Shukla Paksha, is revered as a powerful vrata dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Padmanabha form. The very name Pāpāṅkuśa means the “goad that pierces sins,” symbolizing a spiritual discipline that breaks the momentum of past…
As the ninth worshipped form in the Navadurga tradition, Maa Siddhidatri embodies the grace‑stream of Shakti that bestows siddhi—that is, spiritual/yogic prowess and inner strength—upon the seeker. Within the Shakta stream, descriptions of the primordial Divine Mother’s many manifestations appear…
As the eighth venerable form in the Navadurga sequence, Maa Mahagauri embodies the serene, benevolent, and sin‑dispelling current of Shakti. Within the Shakta tradition the primordial Power (Adi‑Shakti) is described through many emanations, whose scriptural roots appear across the Devi‑Mahatmya…
As the seventh worshipful dimension in the Navadurga sequence, Maa Kaalratri embodies the fierce manifestation of Shakti—dispelling fear, darkness (tamas), and unrighteous tendencies while awakening courage and discernment within the seeker. The Shakta tradition, as narrated in the Devi‑Mahatmya (in…
Maa Katyayani embodies that radiant dimension of Shakti which simultaneously manifests protection of dharma, destruction of the demonic, and safeguarding of seekers. Within the Shakta tradition the Adi‑Shakti unfolds in many forms; among these, Katyayani is remembered for fierce radiance…
Skandamata—worshiped as the fifth aspect in the Navadurga sequence—is revered as the archetype of sanctifying motherhood, righteous guardianship, and courageous empowerment within Śākta theology. The name joins Skanda (Kārttikeya/Kumāra/Ṣaṇmukha/Mahāsena/Subrahmaṇya)—the commander of the gods—with Mātā, the mother: “the Mother of Skanda.”…
As the fourth form of the Navadurga, Maa Kushmanda embodies the creative thrust of Shakti—the initiator of creation, the nurturer of order, and the dispeller of fear. Within the Shakta tradition, the expansion of the Primordial Energy (Adi‑Shakti) is presented…