The alleged defilement of prasad at the Tirupati temple has sent shockwaves through the Hindu community, striking at the heart of religious sentiments and sacred traditions. The use of impure substances in the prasad violates the spiritual and cultural sanctity of one of Hinduism’s most revered pilgrimage sites. Such an act challenges the very principles of purity and Dharma that define Hindu worship. Restoring the sanctity of the temple and ensuring accountability is now of paramount importance.
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Decolonising the Indian Education System – Why Our Approach is Flawed
Recent efforts to decolonise the Indian education system, particularly through rewriting NCERT textbooks, focus on reclaiming India's intellectual heritage by infusing indigenous knowledge into the curriculum. However, merely altering content without changing the deeper intellectual foundations upon which it rests will only result in superficial change. True decolonisation demands a shift from western frameworks of how we teach, learn and evaluate knowledge, to genuinely embrace India's philosophical and cultural traditions at every level of education.
The Divine Tree of Bharat – A Review
Dr. Pingali Gopal writes a summary-review of Achanta Nagarjun's recent book "The Divine Tree of Bharat". In the book, the author delves into the timeless values of Sanatana Dharma such as interrelatedness and harmony that permeate the land of Bharat. Drawing from ancient texts and metaphors, Nagarjun counters Western narratives of a "primitive ancient India", highlighting the enduring achievements of Indian civilisation in arts, science, and spirituality. While critiquing the impact of colonial and Marxist distortions, the author calls for a revival of cultural pride and knowledge, essential to preserving the essence of Bharatiya identity amidst modern threats.
Finding the Divine in Challenging Times – The Story of Devi Abhirami and Her Bhakta
This true story from Tamil Nadu's Tirukadaiyur temple recounts the the story of Shri Subramania Bhattar, a priest who, despite facing severe trials, remained steadfast in his devotion towards Devi Abhirami. His Bhakti was rewarded when the goddess herself transformed a new moon night into a full moon, silencing his doubters. This tale serves as a powerful reminder that, even in our darkest times, unwavering faith and surrender to the divine can help us find light.
A Decade for Mandirs Volume II-Pragmatic Strategies for Restoring Hindu Temples
Sandeep Singh’s 'A Decade for Mandirs - Volume II' continues from his first volume, focussing on practical strategies for reclaiming and restoring Hindu temples. Singh critiques the state's deep-rooted anti-mandir bias and judicial meddling in temple matters. He advocates for reclaiming deity rights, respecting pujaris, and reviving cultural traditions. This volume is both a call to action and a detailed roadmap for Hindus to protect and rejuvenate their spiritual heritage.
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Kashmir: An Overview of the Seven Exoduses of Hindus (Part 1)
The forced exodus of Hindus out of Kashmir by the followers of Islam through the centuries has a long and tragic history.
On Sabarimala
The recent verdict on the entry of women in the Sabarimala shrine serves as a grim reminder of the wide gap between the colonial moorings of the modern Indian State and the spiritual aspirations of the Indian people.
Ananda K. Coomaraswamy on Education in India
This article is a summary and paraphrasing of three of the important essays by Ananda K. Coomaraswamy on the English education of those times (Education in India; Memory in Education; and Music and Education in India).
These three brilliant essays appear in the book Essays in National Idealism. He wrote on an overwhelming variety of topics, which perhaps would require a lifetime of study for any individual.
The aim of this article is to stimulate readers to undertake a serious journey to the writings of Coomaraswamy, a person whose rediscovery means a lot to present India, confused by a mass of rhetoric eulogising the notions of "modernity" and progress.
The reality of a hundred years ago, that he highlights in these essays, is unambiguously still relevant to India, with its acceptance of both the English language as the major medium of instruction and secularism as the guiding principle of our curricula.
‘Temple Economics’ by Sandeep Singh – A Review Janhavi Naik
Sandeep Singh’s 'Temple Economics' explores the economic systems around Hindu temples with meticulous detail. Divided into four parts, the book covers the history, destruction, and potential restoration of temple economies, emphasizing their cultural and economic significance.
The Constituent Assembly And Its Approach To Religion
The makers of the Indian constitution were focused more on controlling Hinduism than allowing it the freedom given to other religions.
Jainas and Buddhists in Ayodhya
The recent upheaval about a Hindu temple for Thalaivetti Muniyappan (“Muni Baba with the broken head”) in Salem TN, apparently a patched-up and restored Buddha statue, and therefore taken away from its worshippers by Court order with the prospect of giving it to the Buddhists , reminds us of a similar line of argument in the Ayodhya debate of 1990-91.
‘India In The Eyes Of Europeans’ By Martin Farek: A Review Summary
‘India In The Eyes Of Europeans’ by Martin Farek, one of the scholars of the Comparative School of Cultures in the Czech Republic; is a book that analyses the biases of the Christian European scholarship in interpreting all that is foreign to it; especially the way that scholars influenced by Christian theology, Western and Indian alike, view Indian and more specifically Hindu history.
Asanas – In today’s context
Asanas in the modern age have been erroneously categorized as just one of the many forms of physical exercises that we do.
Sri Aurobindo, Spiritual Nationalism, and Indian Renaissance – II
If India is to rise once again, it needs to follow the path that has sustained it for millennia.
29th May to June 4th
A look back at some of the major events from years gone by that have shaped our present..
Globalisation, Economy and Rashtra in Dharma traditions
Dharmic knowledge is an untapped resource which could help alleviate many problems of the modern world.
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Bhima Karna Yuddha – Part 4
Seeing five of the Kaurava brothers dead on the ground, Karna experienced a mix of sorrow and anger. Gathering his senses back, he rushed at Bhima and discharged five and then seventy sharp arrows at him.
Śaṅkara Charitam – a re-telling – Chapter 09
In the 9th Chapter of Śaṅkara Charitam, Shri Ramesh Venkatraman takes us to the moment of Śaṅkara's Saṃnyāsa. The unfolding of events is captured; as well as the pre-requisites, eligibility and implications for Śaṅkara after taking the pledge of Saṃnyāsa.
Creating a new Medina
The creation of Pakistan as the new Medina for Muslims wouldn't have been possible if not for the support of multiple contriving parties.
The Unrecognized Architects of India’s Mediaeval Glory – Lokamahadevi and Trailokyamahadevi
Did you know that the Virupaksha and Mallikarjun Temples in Pattadakal were built by queens? Lokamahadevi and Trailokyamahadevi, queens of the Chalukya dynasty, commissioned these temples, originally named Lokeshvara and Trailokyeshvara. Their remarkable contributions include administrative roles and cultural patronage, such as commissioning the Virupaksha Temple, modeled after the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple.
What is culture?
In Indian culture, spirituality permeates life; spirituality is the pivot around which all other activities revolve.
On Secularism And Its Adoption By The Indian State
Indian courts today are actively employing a method, created by the Christians and for the Christians, in matters related to Hinduism.
Poetry in stone – Mahabalipuram Part II
The magnificence of the various monuments and temples at Mahabalipuram have to be seen to be believed.
Vishnu Sharma’s Panchatantra
The fables of the Panchatantra have had an immense influence over world culture, with over 200 translations showcasing India's unique outlook towards life.
Ayutthaya – The Thai Capital of Rama Kings
Ayutthaya was the seat of power in Thailand for centuries and the ruins of its temples are a reminder of the Indic influence in this region.
On Sabarimala
The recent verdict on the entry of women in the Sabarimala shrine serves as a grim reminder of the wide gap between the colonial moorings of the modern Indian State and the spiritual aspirations of the Indian people.
Lachit Borphukan – The Hero of Assam
A quick look at the life and times of Lachit Borphukan and his glorious contribution to the Ahom Kingdom of Assam
Vedantin Musings and the Nature of Reality
Swami Sarvapriyananda Maharaj from the Ramakrishna Order is one of the leading lights in Vedanta, teaching its philosophy world-over.