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
Tag: Hinduism
Guest Post : Closely Guarded History and Beauty of Mahendra Giri
A VISIT TO THE HISTORICALLY MOST IMPORTANT MOUNTAIN IN THE EASTERN GHATS WHERE LORD PARSHURAM THE IMMORTAL BEING IS SAID TO BE IN MEDITATION. Recently, I had been to Mahendra Giri, which has the second most highest mountain peak of Odisha. Mahendra Giri is part of the Eastern Ghats, which is the second oldest mountain … Continue reading Guest Post : Closely Guarded History and Beauty of Mahendra Giri
August Contemplations
I: Spirituality and Freedom August here in India is the rainiest month. In spite of that we have celebrations galore. Most of our religious festivals follow the lunar calendar. There are two types of lunar months in India. Some states, especially those in South India follow a system where in the month ends on the … Continue reading August Contemplations
Sitting Near The Guru
In our Indian tradition, great importance has been attached to being in the presence of the Guru as much as possible and getting knowledge directly from him. While this is applicable to all forms of knowledge, this has crucial significance in the case of spiritual knowledge. The crux of vedic wisdom are compiled in books … Continue reading Sitting Near The Guru
The Meaning and Purpose of Life
Life has no inherent meaning or purpose. It is you who brings meaning and purpose to life – so would say the western philosopher. But is it? The wonder and dilemma associated with meaning and purpose of life has been as old as civilization itself. Our ancient Rishis too have meditated upon it. They have … Continue reading The Meaning and Purpose of Life
understanding panchanga
Panchanga means five limbs. Most of us must have heard the term Panchanga in the context of the Indian calendar or while trying to fix an auspicious time for any important event like marriage or grihapravesha. What are these five limbs? What is their significance? How have these been derived? Have we ever wondered about … Continue reading understanding panchanga
Shri Jaganathashtakam by Adi Shankaracharya
An Ashtakam is a composition in eight stanzas. This is quite popular in the stuti genre of Sanskrit Literature. The Jagannath Ashtakam was composed by Adi Shankaracharya. It is not possible to give the exact meaning of each line. However, I have tried to be as near as possible in my translation. I have also … Continue reading Shri Jaganathashtakam by Adi Shankaracharya
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
Bhajagovindam – a wake up call for everyone
Bhaja govindam, bhaja govindam Govindam bhaja mudhamate. Samprapte sannihitekale Nahin nahin rakshati tukkkun-karane. Oh Foolish Mind, sing the song of the divine, sing the song of the divine, sing the song of the divine. The memorization of grammar will not save you from impending death. In Sivasutras it is said, “VITARKA ATMAGNANAM”. One has to … Continue reading Bhajagovindam – a wake up call for everyone
Essays on Hinduism by Karan Singh
It is not a book review. I am not going to write about the pros and cons of the book. I loved the book and will give a summary of the book along with the salient features that stuck me. I read this book over a couple of days in a hospital waiting room. … Continue reading Essays on Hinduism by Karan Singh
PEBBLES AND WAVES 