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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The Gita in Today’s World
It can find relevance in the modern age where ego and mass greed has replaced the dharmic way of life whilst also preventing the escapist mentality from permeating through.
The real Uttarayana
The Hindu calendar is in need of a major rectification to ensure that Makara Sankranti is celebrated on the appropriate day.
‘Flight of the Deity’ from Martand Temple, Kashmir – Part 1
A young woman's journey amidst the turmoil to reconnect with her past as she struggles to straddle the complexities of the present.
Meeri-Peeri In Sikh Panth
Meeri-Peeri is one of the most important principles of Sikhism; Devendra Sharma takes a deep dive into the history of Sikhism to the point of origin of Meeri-Peeri and investigates how far-reaching its effects are on the psyche and conduct of the Sikh Panth.
The Magnificent Shore Temple and Rathas at Mahabalipuram – Part I
The 1400-year-old Shore temple and Panch Rathas showcase masterful stonework that leaves the visitor spellbound.
The Place of Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi's failure in recognising the threat posed by imperialist ideologies has left his legacy very much tainted.
Swami Karpatri and Sabarimala
There have been precursors to Sabarimala where Hindu traditions were also attacked.
Symbolic Interpretation of Kartikeya and Skandamata
Through Skandamata, we can tap into the adaptable nature of our expansive awareness to drive our life into the path of well-being.
Land, Culture and Humanity
Hindus have faced various inimical forces in Bharatvarsha's long history, much like the Jews who were driven out of their own land.
RSS in western media
The portrayal of RSS and "Hindu Nationalism" in Western media has changed a little over the last couple of decades but the credit for the same does not go to the RSS itself, which remains indifferent to such challenges as before.
The Fate Of Muslims Under Soviet Rule : A Review
"Communism, as the logical outcome of materialism, cannot but be hostile to religion in all its aspects. Thus from the very beginning, the Communists aimed at the destruction of religious belief and worship in Soviet Russia."
Halley Kalyan pens a review of “The Fate Of Muslims Under Soviet Rule” - a booklet about Soviet government rule in regions that had a significant population of practicing Muslims, by Erich W Bethman (1958); and highlights the shared antagonism towards religion (Hinduism in particular in the Indian context) between the Communist dogma and the Indian version of Secularism.
The Significance of the Bhakt and Bhakti in Hinduism
Bhakti, as a profound spiritual path within Hinduism, encompasses the deep love, devotion, and surrender to the divine. While the term "Bhakt" has gained popularity in political contexts, its use as a label for followers of a particular leader is objectionable as it trivializes the spiritual essence of Bhakti.
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Temples of Tamil Nadu: Ancient Glories and current state of affairs – Part 1
Tamil Nadu's ancient architectural marvels have been at the mercy of the state for far too long.
Catastrophic ‘Kyotoisation’ of Kashi
The 'modernisation' project of building the Kashi corridor has resulted in the unabated destruction of centuries-old temples and their surrounding areas.
Śaṅkara Charitam – a re-telling – Chapter 07
In the 7th Chapter of Śaṅkara Charitam, Shri Ramesh Venkatraman brings to us the next stage of Śaṅkara's life - the commencement of his education at Gurukula, his feats at his Gurukula and the conclusion of his education. During his stay at his Gurukula, and while learning and living the Āśrama Dharma of the Brahmacāri; Śaṅkara performs an unimaginable feat which leaves bystanders, and even his guru, in no doubt about his divinity.
The Palghar Resolve
One wonders if the sacrifice of our sadhus is what it might take to shake Hindu society from its slumber.
Recent excavation of ancient temple – Mahabalipuram Part III
Recently discovered temple complex provides intriguing proof of temple construction dating back more than 2000 years in Mahabalipuram.
Suryanar Kovil, Kumbakonam – Part 3
Understanding the threat posed by predatory ideologies is a must if Hinduism is to survive in the future.
Rama Alone Is Hindu Hriday Samrat
There has been only one maryādā purushottama and dharma parāyana leader of the people of this land, Sri Rama.
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.
Trial by Fire
Editor’s Note: This story, Agni Pariksha, by Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose first appeared in the monthly “Dasi” (ed. Ramananda Chattopadhyay) in...
Non-ignorable ideas of a non-ignorable man
Examining the broad ideas in Tufail Ahmed's recent book, Jihadist Threat To India: The Case for Islamic Reformation by an Indian Muslim.
Menstruation across cultures: A historical perspective
Sanatana Dharma looks at menstruation through a broad lens unlike other cultures across the world.