Know Your Vedas

  **Why is there a tradition of waking up during Brahma Muhurta?** The last phase of the night is called *Brahma Muhurta*. Our sages have described this time as extremely significant. According to them, it is the best time to give up sleep. Waking up during Brahma Muhurta brings beauty, strength, knowledge, intelligence, and good health. One should wake up about four *ghadis* (approximately 1.5 hours) before sunrise. Sleeping during this time is prohibited in the scriptures. *“Brahma”* means the Supreme Reality or Ishwar, and *“Muhurta”* means an auspicious time. Thus, the last phase of the night—roughly from 4:00 AM to 5:30 AM—is called Brahma Muhurta. **“Brahmamuhurte yā nidrā sā puṇyakṣayakāriṇī”** (Sleep during Brahma Muhurta destroys merit.) In scriptures, this time is beautifully called *“Amrit Vela”* (the ambrosial hour), which itself reflects its importance. It is considered the best time for devotion to God. Waking at this hour grants beauty, prosperity, wisdom, and health...

  **The Daily Routine of Shri Krishna** Nowadays many storytellers narrate imaginary tales about Shri Krishna. However, what does the **Mahabharata** actually say about him? In the Mahabharata, the sage **Vaishampayana** describes to **King Janamejaya** the early morning routine of Shri Krishna: > **ततः शयनमाविश्य प्रसुप्तो मधुसूदनः । > याममात्रार्धशेषायां यामिन्यां प्रत्यबुद्ध्यत ।।** **Translation:** “After resting on his bed, Lord Krishna (Madhusudana) awoke while half a *prahar* of the night still remained.” After awakening, he would enter into meditation and contemplate the **eternal and true Supreme God**, offering **praise (stuti), prayer (prarthana), and worship (upasana).** After taking a bath, he would chant the **Gayatri Mantra** and perform **Agnihotra (Vedic fire ritual)**. Then: > **ततः सहस्रं विप्राणां चतुर्वेदविदां तथा । > गवां सहस्रेणैकैकं वाचयामास माधवः ।।** > — *Shanti Parva, Chapter 53* **Translation:** “After this, Madhava invited a thousand lear...

  🌷 **Let Us Never Deviate from the Path of Benevolence** 🌷 **Pārōpakāra (benevolence)** means doing good to others. It is the duty of a human being to work for the welfare of others. The true meaning of human life lies in being useful to others. If a person possesses the ability to help but still does not assist others, it becomes a blemish on human life. A person naturally lives for himself, but the true measure of life’s greatness lies in how much he has lived for others. Maharshi Dayanand beautifully said: **“Saṁsāra-duḥkha-dalanena subhūṣitā ye Dhanyā narā vihita-karma-paropakārāḥ.”** *Meaning:* Blessed are those men and women who adorn their lives by removing the sufferings of the world and by performing benevolent deeds prescribed in the Vedas. Through benevolence, the dignity and glory of human life increase. A true benefactor remains cheerful and experiences joy in serving others. Such a person earns honor and respect in life. Great individuals desire honor rather than w...

  Mother is the Creator of the Child A mother is the one who shapes and builds the character of her child. In ancient history, one of the finest examples of this is  Queen Madalasa . Madalasa had three sons named  Vikranta, Subahu, and Aridamana . While singing lullabies to them, she would say: “Śuddho’si buddho’si nirañjano’si Saṁsāra-māyā-parivarjito’si। Saṁsāra-māyāṁ tyaja moha-nidrāṁ Madalasollapam uvāca putram॥” Meaning: “O my son! You are pure, enlightened, and stainless. You are free from the illusion of the world. Renounce the delusion of worldly illusion. Arise, awaken, and cast away attachment.” Thus Madalasa instructed her son. She further said: “Śuddho’si re tāta na te’sti nāma Kṛtam hi yat kalpanayādhunaiva।” Meaning: “O beloved son! You are a pure soul. The names given to you—Vikranta, Subahu, and Arimardana—are not truly your identity; they are merely human conventions created by imagination.” What was the result of such teachings? All three sons renounced ...