The last few days have seen a wave of videos celebrating Chhath Puja emerge, showcasing a devotion that transcends the ordinary. As an exiled Kashmiri Pandit longing for an authentic experience of her traditions, this prompted Shradha Dhar to reconnect with her roots. As she explores the diverse traditions of Bharat from Thaipusam of Tamilnadu to the Tulmulla festival of Kashmir, she emphasizes the importance of preserving these rituals and traditions that form the core of our identity and connect us to the divine.
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Prasad Defilement in Tirupati: Hindu Sentiments and Public Response
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.
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.
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‘Flight of the Deity’ from Modhera – Part 1
An ancient connection draws a professor to a land which feels to him as home.
The Plea For Carbon Dating Of The Wuzukhana Shivalinga Is A Himalayan Blunder
The plea for carbon dating of the Wuzukhana Shivalinga is inimical to Hindu interests. However, a GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) survey of the entire "Visweshvara Hill" and also the whole Gyanvapi mosque complex will confirm the history of Avimuktesvara linga and the Gyanvapi site and provide irrefutable legal evidence in this matter.
Ram Temple and the ‘Idea of India’
In this first of a two part interview, we speak with Dr Koenraad Elst about his areas of research, his books and his interest in Indian history, triggered by the politics around the Ram Temple in the late eighties.
The remover of obstacles
Ganesh's rise to prominence in the Hindu pantheon is an example of the dynamism inherent in Sanatan Dharma, where deities evolve and adapt to societal changes.
Hindu Temple Management – Framework for the future
The need to free Hindu temples from government control has been met with opposition from those who think Hindu samaj has no framework to manage them.
Witzel’s Realm – On Reputationist Concerns Over India’s Reclamation of its History
Western Indologists such as Witzel cannot seem to accept the fact that Hindus now are reclaiming their own history.
Karma in Advaita Vedanta
In the vedantic view, karma must be shunned to make way for knowledge. However, what constitutes karma is not outward action but the feeling of 'doership'.
Kashmir: An Overview of the Seven Exoduses of Hindus (Part 2)
An extremely brutal period for Kashmiri Hindus as various Muslim ethnic groups tried to completely Islamise the land of Kashmir.
Catholic Ashrams: Adopting and Adapting Hindu Dharma
Instead of outright denouncement of the native Hindu culture, missionaries have adopted the tactic of inculturation to help get converts.
Is Indian Culture Obsolete?
Can Indian culture still feed its country's malnourished soul which has been decaying amidst the onslaught of western society's social norms and ethical values?
Brahmanism 102: The Prophet of Sanatana Dharma and his “idea of India”
‘Hindu’ is a term given to us by others who thought that their religion was better than ours. To them,...
Morality of Silence
A look at the moral forces at play behind the silence of moderate Muslims.
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The prism of class
Class is a useful lens for understanding caste but it could lead to misleading conclusions that do not account for a plethora of contradictory evidence.
Entanglement, Reflexivity and Entropic Complexification: Reconciling Science and Spirituality
Key ideas of Indic thought and civilization, particularly that of Brahman are placed on fairly scientific and truly representative aspects of nature and the universe.
The Story of Islamic Imperialism in India – Part 1
The story of Islamic imperialism has been conveniently shielded from scrutiny by most historians in modern India.
Hayagriva – The Horse faced God who carries our Civilization
Lord Hayagriva represents the restorer archetype who restores wisdom from the clutches of ignorance.
The poor little rich Hindu seeker
Societal pressure and a lack of grounding in one's culture leads to a disconnect which has been the bane of many a Hindu seeker.
29th May to June 4th
A look back at some of the major events from years gone by that have shaped our present..
Kailashnatha temple – Crowning glory of Pallavas: Kanchipuram (Part 1)
The exquisite Kailashnatha temple became the template for temple architecture with magnificent sculptures in south India and beyond.
How long did the demolition of the Kashi-Vishwanath Temple take?
In this paper, D Shrinivas uses the Maasir-i-Alamgiri of Saqi Mustad Khan to determine the dates on which the order for the destruction was given and the time it took for the destruction to actually be carried out. Based upon the above he hypothesizes about the resistance that Aurangzeb’s military likely faced from the local Hindu populace while carrying out the orders to destroy this Hindu temple.
Modern myths around Ramayana
The trend of vilifying Lord Rama and glorifying Raavan comes from a total ignorance of what is actually written in the Ramayana.
Why we need a Heritage Tribunal
The attitude of most heritage conservationists with regard to temples leaves a lot to be desired as these marvels struggle to survive.
Jihãd and Religious Riot
Inextricably linked to Jihad is the religious riot as it is central to its ideology.
Kashi Vishwanath: A temple that captures the Hindu spirit
A peek into history helps one understand the present condition of the Kashi Vishwanath temple and what Hindus have had to endure.