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Visiting a Hindu temple is considered one of the most virtuous acts, offering spiritual solace and connection with the divine. While every part of the temple holds deep significance, the Dwajasthambam, or temple flagstaff, carries a unique role that integrates architecture, ritual, and spirituality. Positioned near the sanctum, this sacred pole acts as the temple’s spiritual spine, a festival marker, and a symbol of divine energy.   What is a Dwajasthambam?  The Dwajasthambam, also known as Kodimaram, is the tall wooden or stone flagstaff erected near the bali pitham (sacrificial altar) and the deity’s vahana (vehicle) in Hindu temples. Found predominantly...

When we think of the Ramayana, our minds often turn to Lord Rama or Hanuman’s devotion. Yet the epic also weaves an inspiring thread of solidarity among its women. Throughout the story, many female figures quietly protect and care for one another. Whether queens, sages, or even the Earth itself, these women show boldness and compassion in times of crisis. Their acts of support – from whispering wise counsel to making great sacrifices – remind us that true heroism isn’t only on the battlefield. As we explore their stories, we see how these women stood up for each other’s dignity, offering...

In Hinduism, walking around a temple or deity in a clockwise direction is known as Pradakshina or Parikrama. Far more than a simple ritual, this ancient practice carries deep spiritual, philosophical, and even scientific significance, enhancing a devotee’s connection with the divine.  The Meaning of Pradakshina  The term Pradakshina literally means "to the right side." During this ritual, devotees circumambulate the sacred object or temple while keeping it on their right. This deliberate direction aligns human movement with the natural flow of energy and cosmic order. As the Times of India notes, "Walking clockwise around the deity symbolizes the eternal nature...

In Hindu tradition, the number 108 is far more than a simple count – it is a sacred symbol of cosmic completeness. It appears in prayer beads (mala), in chants, and even in temple design, reflecting a belief that this number holds the wholeness of the universe. For example, there are 108 Upanishads (ancient Vedic texts), and Hindu gods like Shiva and Vishnu each have 108 divine names. Chanting or meditating in multiples of 108 is thought to align the devotee with universal energy, linking the finite self to the infinite. As one guide puts it, 108 is “more than...

It is considered that this is the first time since July 27, 2018, that the skies are set to treat us to a full, total lunar eclipse visible from all places! On the night of September 7–8, 2025, skywatchers across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Australia will witness a mesmerizing “Blood Moon”, glowing deep red for an astonishing 82–83 minutes of totality—one of the longest lunar eclipses of the decade.  As the full Harvest Moon (or Corn Moon) rises that night, Earth will slip between the Sun and Moon, casting its shadow over the lunar surface. During this cosmic alignment, sunlight...