Spiritual Shades of the Rainy Season

In popular culture rain has been associated with romance. Inspired by the rainy season, classical poets like Kalidasa and many other poets have composed verses highlighting either the sensual elements or the feelings of longing borne out of separation. Many popular folk songs and film songs of our times are no different. But there can … Continue reading Spiritual Shades of the Rainy Season

Lord Brahma’s Advice to His Creation

In vedic astrology human births are classified as Deva Gana, Manushya Gana and Rakshasa Gana. It does not mean that those who are born under Rakshasa gana are demonic in nature. Among other implications, such classifications are usually taken into account while matching  horoscopes of prospective brides and grooms.  Otherwise also we have lots of … Continue reading Lord Brahma’s Advice to His Creation

Deva Snana Poornima – the ritual and its significance

Deva Snana Poornima is an important ritual in the build up to the Annual Car festival of Lord Jagannath. For the un-initiate, on this day the idols of Sudarshana, Ma Subhadra, Lord Balabhadra and Lord Jagannatha are taken out to the 'Altar of Bathing' inside the temple premises. An elaborate bath is given which can … Continue reading Deva Snana Poornima – the ritual and its significance

Yogavashistha – the path of pure knowledge

Without giving the right context it is difficult to talk about spiritual traditions of India. That is also the difficulty one faces when planning to write any short article on spirituality. First of all spirituality and religion are not the same thing. As Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, 'Religion is the banana peel and … Continue reading Yogavashistha – the path of pure knowledge