BIZARRE: 18 - What They Never Told You

The Narada Purana's Laws of Devotion That Contradict Everything You Think About Worship

The text begins by disqualifying the obviousThe Narada Purana opens its treatment of devotion not with a prescription for ritual but with a question about desire. Before the flowers, before the lamp, before the correct pronunciation of any mantra, it wants to know what you are actually doing when you…

Times Life · Aug 7

Why Was Hanuman Ji First Called Maruti? The Hidden Story

Everyone knows Lord Hanuman as the symbol of devotion, courage and limitless strength. But did you know that Hanuman was not his first name? Long before the world began chanting "Jai Hanuman," he was lovingly known as Maruti. A remarkable incident from his childhood changed his identity forever. This fascinating…

MyLifeXP · Aug 7

Kamika and Putrada Ekadashi 2026:Dates, Parana Time and the Blessings You Can Receive

Ekadashi is considered to be one of the most powerful tithis in the Sanatan Dharma. This vrata is observed twice in a month, and is completely dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the sustainer of the universe. On this day all the devotees perform Vrat as it is believed that by this…

MyLifeXP · Aug 6

Gujarat's Hidden Stepwells: 5 Ancient Vav Sites That Are Free, Quiet, and Worth Every Detour

Rani ki Vav, Patan, The One That Earned a UNESCO Badge and Still Gets IgnoredPatan is 125 kilometres north of Ahmedabad. The drive takes under two hours. Rani ki Vav was built in the 11th century by Queen Udayamati of the Solanki dynasty as a memorial to her husband, King…

Times Life · Aug 6

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad's Teaching on the Self Goes Deeper Than Any Religion Can Reach

The question Yajnavalkya refused to answer simplyYajnavalkya, the sage at the center of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, was asked by his wife Maitreyi what would make her immortal. He did not tell her to pray. He did not name a god. He told her to understand what the self actually is,…

Times Life · Aug 6

Why Some Devotees Connect Hanuman Ji With a Camel

Most devotees know Hanuman Ji as the fearless warrior who crossed the ocean, lifted the Sanjeevani mountain and became the symbol of unwavering devotion. But in some regional traditions, especially in parts of South India, a fascinating symbolic belief connects Hanuman Ji with a camel. Is this mentioned in the…

MyLifeXP · Aug 6

Advocate ‘for Hindus’, celeb-commentary influencer: Meet the latest complainants against CJP

Rinki Chatterjee Singh’s account of her own career is a long ledger of cases – ones she has filed, and ones filed against her. An FIR was registered against Mamata Banerjee in May on her complaint, she claims, and she filed another against the former West Bengal Chief Minister in…

Newslaundry · Aug 5

Second Sawan Monday: Rare Shiv Yog Makes This Sawan

Sawan is amongst the most sacred months for Lord Shiva. The Mondays in this month itself hold special importance, because it is the favorite day of Lord Shiva. However, this year there is an additional element of magic involved, because Sawan Monday and Som Pradosh Vrat will fall on the…

MyLifeXP · Aug 5

Why Nandi Is Lord Shiva's Most Beloved Devotee?

If you have ever visited a Shiva temple, you have probably noticed Nandi sitting right in front of the Shiva Linga. He does not look anywhere else. His eyes are always fixed on Lord Shiva. For many people, Nandi is simply Shiva's vehicle. But according to Hindu beliefs, he is…

MyLifeXP · Aug 5

Why Millions Believe These 5 Temples Are Life-Changing

What if life gave you the chance to visit only five temples? Which sacred places would truly deserve a place on your spiritual journey? Across India, countless temples inspire faith, but a few stand apart because of their deep connection to devotion, history, and timeless traditions. These five revered shrines…

MyLifeXP · Aug 5