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 →

in search of the origin of a sweet dish

‘Rasagola Dibasa – Odisha Celebrates a Day For Rasagola (Rasgulla)’ is Dr. Anita Sabat's second book. Here is what the blurb says: This publication ‘Rasagola Dibasa – Odisha Celebrates a Day For Rasagola (Rasgulla)’ is a sincere attempt to share about Odisha’s centuries-old sweet-dish Rasagola; continuing tradition, Niladri Bije; and the online celebration of #RasagolaDibasa. … Continue reading in search of the origin of a sweet dish →

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 #4 : God’s east India abode

India is full of places of pilgrimages. Each state and each district can boast of thousands of places of pilgrimage, each associated with a puranic legend or some form of divinity. After all, according to Hindu belief, even though the ultimate reality is only one, it manifests in 3.3 bn different divine forms. But, the … Continue reading watchings of idle hours #4 : God’s east India abode →