A seemingly local controversy in Udupi sparked a nationwide digital outrage, revealing a far deeper civilisational crisis: the growing tendency to sanitize India's philosophical traditions to fit modern sensibilities. Examining the history of rigorous debate across Indian schools of thought, this essay argues that intellectual sharpness - not polite uniformity -was the hallmark of India's knowledge systems. It makes the case that reclaiming India's authentic civilisational confidence requires preserving the raw, uncompromising vocabulary and traditions that once made its philosophical culture so vibrant.
Latest Posts

Ikigai: A Modern Simplification That Sacrificed Ancient Depth
Has the world mistaken a simplified self-help framework for the ultimate philosophy of purpose? This essay argues that while Ikigai offers valuable insights into meaningful living, it pales beside the Vedic framework of the Purusharthas -Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. By comparing the two, it reveals why the Purusharthas remain one of humanity's most comprehensive and enduring blueprints for a meaningful life.

Dharma Beyond Religion: From Human Ethics to Cosmic Order
What does Dharma truly mean beyond morality, religion, or social duty? This thought-provoking essay by Astha Mishra explores the classical understanding of Dharma as "that which sustains" - a principle that extends from ethical human conduct to the laws of nature and the cosmos itself. Drawing on Vedic thought, the author argues that dharma is the sustaining force that aligns with Rta, the cosmic order, offering a profound framework that bridges philosophy, science, and civilizational wisdom.

Beyond the Shivling: Rediscovering Prithvinath’s Buried Past
A visit to Uttar Pradesh’s Prithvinath Temple uncovers a neglected chapter of India’s civilizational heritage hidden in plain sight. Beyond its famed giant Shivling lie ancient and medieval idols - possibly linked to Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Buddhist traditions - slowly deteriorating from exposure and devotional practices. Combining historical observation, art analysis, and local memory, the article argues that these overlooked remnants may hold important clues to the region’s cultural and trade-route history. It is also a passionate call for preservation before an invaluable part of India’s past is lost forever.

From Silence to Rain-Washed Grace: A Sacred Pilgrimage
This travelogue by Pradeep Krishnan traces a deeply spiritual pilgrimage through the sacred landscapes of northern Karnataka and Maharashtra, where temples, ashrams, and saintly traditions transform travel into an inward journey. From the serene ashrams of Vijayapura and the powerful presence of Akkalkot Maharaj to the rain-soaked grace of Siddharoodha Swami Math, the author reflects on moments of devotion, silence, and unexpected blessings. Rich with encounters that reveal Bharat’s living spiritual heritage, the journey becomes a meditation on faith, continuity, and the enduring power of dharma.
Daily Feed
Buddhism versus Hinduism: Encounters of the imagined kind(Part I)
The often misunderstood relationship between Hinduism and Buddhism is the work of those who intend to create a rift between the two Indic faiths.
Trying to Understand Shri Rama
An analytical look at some of the more controversial actions of Shri Rama, from the lenses of ancient as well as modern thoughts.
The Life and Teachings of Ramana Maharshi
Ramana Maharshi's influence is as strong today as it was during his lifetime.
Genetics and the Aryan invasion debate
The recent article in ‘The Hindu’ claiming that new research in genetics unambiguously supports the Aryan Invasion Theory is a case of wishful thinking that force-fits available evidence to reach ideologically motivated conclusions. The truth is that the debate has only begun.
Rama: King whose relationships suffered due to his status
Rama, the absolute king, carried a heavy mantle as His feelings for His wife, brothers and sons were crushed under the crown He never sought.
Stree Dharma & Why the Bharatiya Naari is Revered
Hindu Dharma envisions men and women as two halves of a whole, each essential in fulfilling the four Purusharthas, Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha. A wife is not a bystander but a Sahayogi, without whom even Yajnas lose their merit. While our Shastras elevate a virtuous Bharatiya Naari to the same position of reverence as a Teertha, they also bind men with strict codes of Dharma. Together, such men and women uphold a society rooted in balance, respect, and true Shakti that arises out of virtuous living.
Tyranny of Asceticism: Case of the Charvaka
Charvaka has long been dismissed as a philosophy of excess, yet this caricature stems from an ascetic worldview that treats pleasure as inherently suspect. When perception alone is accepted as truth, morality need not depend on divine command but on an intrinsic human compass. The author contends that the Charvaka tradition reminds us that seeking material pleasure is not a fall from grace, but a legitimate way of living without forfeiting moral sense.
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.
Book Review: ‘Perversion of India’s Political Parlance’ by Sita Ram Goel
Sita Ram Goel was an astute observer of the harmful repercussions of linguistic relativity in action.
When should Pongal/Makar Samkranti be celebrated and why?
An incomplete understanding and misreading of the Shastras in the modern age, has led people to celebrate Pongal on the wrong day.
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 pursuit of happiness
The oft-glorified 'pursuit of happiness' is, in the Vedantic view, an irrational and self defeating exercise.
Daily Feed
Genetics and the Aryan invasion debate
The recent article in ‘The Hindu’ claiming that new research in genetics unambiguously supports the Aryan Invasion Theory is a case of wishful thinking that force-fits available evidence to reach ideologically motivated conclusions. The truth is that the debate has only begun.
Fate and Free-Will
We have the choice to either remain bonded to Nature or go beyond it and realize our innate capacity for liberation.
Sardar Patel and Hindu Dhimmitude
While politically unifying India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel inadvertently paved the way for the evisceration of Hindu civilization.
मर्यादा पुरुषोत्तम राम, मर्यादा परिभाषा श्याम
मर्यादा के अर्थ का अन्वेषण करना इस बदलते हूऐ वातावरण्ा में अनिवार्य है।
In search of Bhagavati Tara (Part 1)
Second in the list of the great Mahavidyas, the tantrik goddess, Tārā, is terrifying in appearance and yet is the one who saves, guides and protects. She ultimately helps her devotees to cross the ocean of duality.
Hindu View of Christianity and Islam – Part 2
Image-breaking is a contribution of prophetic religions who have never reflected deeply on the difference between form and the formless, between what is material and what is spiritual.
Visions of a Demographic Doomsday
The day is not far when India's unceasing demographic changes might transform its society forever.
कृष्ण प्रेम (Krishna's love)
श्री कृष्ण के प्रति अटूट प्रेम, मानवता और आध्यात्मिकता के बीच के गहरे सम्बन्ध को दर्शाता है।
The problem of evil – A Vedantic perspective
The problem of good and evil stems from a dualistic view of the Universe that sees the creator as a separate benevolent being personally dispensing justice from the heavens.
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.
The Unity of India
The concept of India and its unity comes up time and again without satisfactorily analysing the evidence at hand.
Symphony in stone – Bhimakaali Temple
The Bhimakaali temple is an exquisite temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess. The Puranas link it to the demon slaying Goddess who descended to the earth and chose to stay on in the beautiful environs of Sarahan (HP) after the battle.
