The Auspicious Appearance of the Sun’s Chariot Ratha Saptamī, also known as *Sūrya Jayanṭī, is one of the most spiritually uplifting festivals celebrated in the Vedic tradition. Observed on the **seventh day (Saptamī) of the bright fortnight (Śukla Pakṣa) in the month of Māgha, it marks the symbolic beginning of the Sun’s **northern journey toward …
** Uttarāyaṇa — Meaning, Date, Significance & Devotional Practice** What Is Makara Saṅkranti? Makara Saṅkranti marks the Sun’s transition (saṅkrānti) into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn). It celebrates the beginning of Uttarāyaṇa, the Sun’s northward journey. It signals longer days, a shift toward increasing light, and is considered one of the most auspicious times …
A Vaiṣṇava Guide to Karma, Time, and the Path Back to Krishna 1. Introduction Astrology—known in Sanskrit as *Jyotiṣa-śāstra—is one of the most ancient sciences of humanity. Rooted in the Vedas, it is traditionally respected as the *“eye of the Vedas” (Vedacakṣuḥ) because it illuminates how time (kāla) influences human life, karma, and destiny. In …
A Vaiṣṇava Guide to Time, Transformation, and the Ultimate Goal INTRODUCTION: The New Year as a Universal Human Reset Every culture across the world celebrates the New Year with hope, renewal, and enthusiasm. Whether it is *January 1st, **Ugadi, **Gudi Padwa, **Vaisakhi, or *Chinese New Year, the essence is the same: “A fresh beginning and …
Birth, Teachings, Authentic Verses & Vaiṣṇava Understanding Introduction: The Real Dattātreya of the Bhāgavatam Dattātreya is an ancient, divine personality mentioned in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam as an empowered incarnation of the Supreme Lord. While later traditions portray him with three heads, *Vaiṣṇavas accept only the Bhāgavatam description, where he appears as an *avadhūta sage with one head, …
– A Deep Bhāgavatam-Based Analysis of Spiritual Challenges Introduction: “If I Am a Devotee, Why Is Life Still Difficult?” Every sincere practitioner of bhakti-yoga eventually wonders: “I chant, serve, follow principles, and worship the Deities. Why do problems still arise?” Challenges appear as: According to Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and the teachings of *A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, …
Understanding Āstika, Nāstika, and the Six Systems of Vedic Philosophy Beyond Logic: The Journey to Absolute Truth By the Mercy of Śrīla Prabhupāda In the vast ocean of human inquiry, the soul eternally seeks answers to three fundamental questions: Who am I? What is this universe? And what is the ultimate goal? The Vedic tradition …
ORIGIN, STRUCTURE, AND LIVING RELEVANCE — A SCHOLARLY ISKCON GUIDE “Veda means knowledge, and ultimate knowledge is to understand Kṛṣṇa.” — Śrīla Prabhupāda (Bhagavad-gītā 15.15, Purport) Introduction The Vedas are the foundational scriptures of Sanātana-dharma — a vast, sacred body of knowledge guiding humanity in spirituality, ethics, ritual, society, and the science of self-realization. Within …
A practical ISKCON-style guide for married life, family duties, and loving service to Krishna Engaging opening Householders live in the world of family, work, and social duty. Yet the spiritual life is no less possible for them — it is simply expressed differently than for renunciates. Krishna bhakti for householders is about bringing devotional awareness …
