Rajarshi Nandy

Eclipses

Rahu, SadhanaMarch 14, 20252KViews 9Likes 0Comments

Eclipses, especially solar eclipses, are considered one of the most powerful times for sadhana, though normal temples remain closed. Tantric texts recommend special mantra purashcharan during a grahan, and initiation into new sadhana during this period is highly recommended, except if the duration of the eclipse includes either sunrise or sunset—then that grahan is to…

On Skanda

Sadhana, SkandaMarch 4, 20253KViews 10Likes 0Comments

Kartikeya, Skanda, Kumara, Subrahmanya, Dandapani, and Guha—these are some of the most powerful Sanskrit names of the god who is regarded as the general of the Divine Army. Kartikeya means "belonging to the Krittikas," which are a cluster of nakshatras known as the Pleiades in modern astronomy. Krittika is where Agni is born, and its symbol…

Kalparambh

Durga, Kamakhya, ShaktiSeptember 26, 20243KViews 2Likes 0Comments

The tithi of navami in the month of Ashwin, during the Ardra nakshatra within Pitru Paksha, marks the start of the first and most powerful kalpa of Durga upasana. In this form, Bhagwati Durga takes the form of the eighteen-armed Ugrachanda, who destroyed the Asura lord during the first of three kalpas in which this…

Pitrupaksha

Articles, Rituals, SadhanaSeptember 16, 20247KViews 27Likes 0Comments

It is considered auspicious to chant this Pitru Stotram during the fourteen days of Pitrupaksha, which is going on now, while lighting a diya for the departed ancestors. Apart from this, for pinda daan or tarpana with til, it should be done by the eldest member of the family or through a Brahmin who performs…

Kārttikēya

SkandaSeptember 16, 20242KViews 5Likes 0Comments

Unlike the popular idea today, Kārttikēya, also known as Subrahmanya or Kumara, was a widely revered god in North India until the 1st millennium of the Common Era. The iconography of Kārttikēya varies significantly; he is typically represented as an ever-youthful man, riding or standing near a peacock, dressed with weapons, and sometimes shown near…

Vatuka Mahabhairava

Bhairava, SadhanaSeptember 10, 20246KViews 29Likes 3Comments

वरवीरयोगिनीगणसिद्धावलिपूजितांघ्रियुगम् | अपहृतविनयजनार्तिं वटुकमपादानाभिदं वन्दे || - अभिनवगुप्त (975-1025) 'I salute Vatuka, the remover of pain, who took away the troubles of people; whose pair of limbs are worshipped by a string of the best— the vira-s, yogini-s, and siddha-s.' The reason for invoking Vatuka (when done correctly) is to manage all the negative forces that may affect…

Kaushiki Amavasya

Articles, Shakti, Tantra, TaraSeptember 2, 20245KViews 11Likes 0Comments

Every Amavasya night is a great time to do upasana of Kali and related forms. Tonight is the great Kaushiki Amavasya, where a Mela is held in Tarapith, and all Tantra sadhakas and Shakti upasakas gather in the holy precincts of this ancient temple town, named after the great saviouress Ugratara. Most people do not…

SACRIFICE

Sadhana, Shakti, VishnuAugust 20, 20245KViews 25Likes 4Comments

Akal Bodhan, or the untimely awakening, while not originating from the Valmiki Ramayana, has had such a powerful impact on the consciousness of the Hindu people that even today the celebration of Durga carries on unabated and continues to grow year after year during this particular period. The Shakta texts have a retelling of this episode.…

The Spiritual Aspiration

Articles, SadhanaAugust 15, 20246KViews 17Likes 2Comments

There is a story of Lahiri Mahasaya in which there was once a famous Pandit of Kashi who came to him. He was learned in the Shastras and highly orthodox, with strict dress codes, food, rules of engagement, etc. The gentleman was very well known and highly regarded. So he came to Lahiri Mahasaya after…