Every year, India celebrates her Independence Day on 15 August, and not long afterwards comes the joyous festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. Their nearness on the calendar may be accidental. Yet history gives this coincidence a deeper resonance, for Lord Ganesha once became an important symbol around which people gathered during India’s struggle for freedom. For … Continue reading Many Facets of Lord Ganapati
Tag: Religion
When Nature Becomes Sacred
During a recent visit to the sacred groves of Mawphlang in Meghalaya, I found myself reflecting on an idea that modern conservationists often overlook. Here was a forest that had survived for centuries, not because of government regulations, scientific management plans, or environmental activism, but because generations of people believed it was sacred. Many rationalists … Continue reading When Nature Becomes Sacred
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
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
walking the path
In ancient times people undertook journey primarily for business and conquest. And sometimes for pilgrimages. These days people mostly undertake journey for business and pleasure. And sometimes for pilgrimages. Even though Yatra literally means journey - any kind of journey, whenever we hear the word yatra we can sense a tinge of holiness or spirituality … Continue reading walking the path
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
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 