Hinduism: Philosophical Hierarchy and the Supreme Path 1. Introduction Hinduism is not a single religion in the Abrahamic sense, but a vast umbrella of spiritual traditions, philosophies, rituals, and sects. Within it, multiple schools of thought (darśanas) developed over millennia, each explaining reality in its own way. Vaishnavism – the worship of Lord Vishnu and …
Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism and ISKCON 🌍 Tradition, Distinctions, and Contemporary Divisions 1. Origins of Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism is a bhakti tradition within the broader Vaiṣṇava fold, founded in the 16th century by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu (1486–1534) in Bengal. Its distinctive features include: 2. ISKCON’s Place in Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) …
1. Introduction Christianity, founded around the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth (1st century CE), today stands as one of the largest world religions. It claims divine authority through the Bible and presents Jesus as the “only Son of God.” But how does Sanātana Dharma, the eternal Vedic revelation, evaluate Christianity? The Purāṇas classify religions outside …
Honoring Our Ancestors What is Pitr̥ Pakṣa? Pitr̥ Pakṣa (literally, “Fortnight of the Ancestors”) is a sacred 15-day period in the Hindu calendar, usually falling in the month of Bhādrapada (September–October). During this time, devotees express gratitude to their departed forefathers (pitṛs) through rituals, prayers, and charitable acts. It is seen as a bridge between …
The Elder Brother of Lord Caitanya Introduction Among the many intimate associates of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu, His elder brother Śrī Viśvarūpa Prabhu holds a unique place. Though born in Navadvīpa as the son of Jagannātha Miśra and Śacī Devī, he chose a life of renunciation at an early age, setting the example of complete detachment …
Islam in the Light of the Purāṇas 1. Introduction Among the many belief systems that arose in the later stages of human history, Islam stands prominent. Originating in Arabia in the 7th century CE, it claims to be a divine revelation through Prophet Muhammad. But how does Sanātana Dharma, the eternal Vedic revelation, view Islam? …
The Namācārya of the Holy Name Introduction Śrīla Haridāsa Ṭhākura is one of the most celebrated saints in the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava tradition. Born in 15th-century Bengal in a Muslim family, he became the Namācārya—the ācārya of the holy name—personally recognized by Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. His life exemplifies the unlimited mercy of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s holy …
In the Vedic worldview, eclipses (both solar and lunar) are not just astronomical events but also deeply spiritual and cosmological. Let me explain from both perspectives: 1. Cosmological / Puranic Explanation According to the Purāṇas, eclipses are caused by Rāhu and Ketu, who are not planets in the modern sense but chāyā-grahas (shadow planets). Story:In …
Worship of Lord Ananta, the Endless One Significance Ananta Chaturdashi is a sacred day dedicated to Lord Ananta Śeṣa, the divine serpent expansion of Lord Śrī Krishna. According to the Padma Purāṇa and Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, Lord Ananta upholds the universe on His thousand hoods and constantly glorifies Śrī Krishna. By worshipping Him, devotees attain auspiciousness, …
The Crest Jewel of the Gosvāmīs Early Life Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī, the youngest of the Six Gosvāmīs of Vṛndāvana, appeared in 1513 CE in Ramakeli (present-day West Bengal) in a pious family of ministers serving under the Muslim ruler Hussain Shah. He was the nephew of Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī and Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmī, the chief …