Good and evil, like everything in the material world, are relative, and have no real meaning in connection to divine figures like Rama and Sita. Therefore, a true characterization of Ravana is not that he was a demon, but that he was a person who failed to control his senses, going down a path that led to forgetfulness of his real spiritual identity.

The feminine aspect is known as Devi (goddess, in Sanskrit), which is a manifestation of Shakti, the creative and energetic force of the Divine. Navarātri is not only about honoring the role these various female manifestations (e.g. Lakshmi, Parvati, Saraswati) play in Hinduism, but also the role the loving, compassionate, and gentle, yet sometimes powerful and fierce feminine energy plays in our lives.

Take action on issues crucial to Hindu Americans

Take action on issues crucial to Hindu Americans

Religious minorities often lack the protection promised by federal law, and their rights cannot be left to the mercy of prison officials

A medley of competitions, colorful flower arrangements, artistic performances, and even elaborately decorated elephant processions, Onam is a spectacle of beauty for any pair of eyes to behold. Ultimately, however, the real beauty of Onam is in its spiritual significance, one that emphasizes surrender, devotion, justice, and compassion for all.

Said to possess all of life’s opulences to a limitless degree, he is the embodiment of sweetness, charm, and more importantly, unconditional love. Maintaining the appearance of an ever-fresh youth, his earthly pastimes, in addition to protecting virtue, are meant to attract all into his association, in whatever capacity best suits the individual.

What if extremists attack a church or a mosque here in America? Would there even be a second attack, let alone eight in a row?

Learn about the rich history of India's independence and the inspiring Indian American story. Discover how these two narratives intertwine and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Indian Americans in the United States.

Observed on the full-moon day during Shravana (July-August), the 5th month in the Hindu lunar calendar, Raksha Bandhan is a popular Hindu holiday celebrating the love between a brother and sister.

Tilak (“mark” in Sanskrit) is a paste made of ash, sandalwood, vermillion, clay, or turmeric, typically worn on the forehead, and sometimes other parts of the body — like the torso, arms, or neck — signifying which spiritual lineage a devotee adheres to within Hinduism.

Ancient spirituality revered all life, valuing even serpents for their sacred role in nature, highlighting humanity's deep connection with the environment.

The animism is just constant here. You can simply look around and see acts of animistic reverence of the river and trees almost literally every minute, just as ordinary local people pass by.

The lake… well to be honest, it felt haunted.

Ganga’s valley is deep and dramatic. Endless stands of sacred deodar cedars cover the slopes leading up to snow-capped mountains.

Gangnani has hot springs in which we bathed, which felt wonderful in the cold mountain air.

Uttarkashi’s ghats are hidden treasures. Tourists rarely find their way to this back side of town.

One of my friends was very interested in Nagas, and wanted to seek out sacred Naga sites in the Himalayas and venerate them.

Rishikesh’s spirituality is in the Ganga Herself