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
Tag: Hinduism
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
when a blind man writes about flowers
The sane common man too has something to do with the flower even though for him it is nothing more than an occasional feel good factor or a way to social networking like the occasions when he gifts flowers to his boss on the latter’s Birthday or a friend who is in a hospital. Or, … Continue reading when a blind man writes about flowers
Sri Jagannath: beyond myths and miracles
No religion or spiritual sect is complete without myths and miracles. Stories of miracles abound around Lord Jagannath. Being the Kaliyuga form of Lord Krishna even though he is primarily a Vaishnav God, his devotees have come from diverse sects and religions over the past millennium. After all, the deity is none other than Jagannath … Continue reading Sri Jagannath: beyond myths and miracles
watchings of idle hours #10 : cities of gods
When it comes to what to watch on even specialised topics, these days we have problems of plenty. Apart from the fares available on paid subscribed TV channels, youtube and other free apps have opened the flood gates of professional and amateur videos. In watchings of idle hours #4, I have shared selected documentaries about … Continue reading watchings of idle hours #10 : cities of gods
The Experts of Hindustan
I do not find any difference between Baba Ramdev's comments on Indian Economics and Amartya Sens's comments on Indian Culture. Both are experts in a particular field. I don't know where do such people get the confident feelings that being an expert in one field automatically qualifies them to be masters of all fields of … Continue reading The Experts of Hindustan
PEBBLES AND WAVES 