Author: Ratnakar Sadasyula (Ratnakar Sadasyula)

Home Ratnakar Sadasyula
Dharma and Development : A Civilizational Balance
Post
August 6, 2025August 6, 2025PERSPECTIVE

Dharma and Development : A Civilizational Balance

By: 

When development is not rooted in culture, a nation is reduced to just a geographical landmass. Development and culture are not mutually exclusive in the Indian civilizational context. Sanatana Dharma doesn’t ask us to choose between development and devotion to faith — it asks us to integrate them. Its Purushartha framework enables human fulfillment in every aspect of life, with Dharma as the guiding principle. From the Ram Mandir to the Kumbh Mela, what critics dismiss as distractions are often engines of economy, culture, identity, and belonging.

Secularism in India – Rooted in Sanatana Dharma
Post
July 30, 2025July 30, 2025PERSPECTIVE

Secularism in India – Rooted in Sanatana Dharma

By: 

India's secularism is grounded in the civilizational ethos of Sanatana Dharma and emphasizes mutual respect over strict separation of state and religion. Sanatana Dharma doesn’t just preach tolerance and inclusivity; it embodies it. Unlike Western secularism, which arose from religious conflict, India’s approach fosters coexistence. India's secularism is not just political, it is civilizational.

Tirupati – A Sacred Legacy of Devotion and Divine Grace
Post
July 8, 2025July 8, 2025Temple

Tirupati – A Sacred Legacy of Devotion and Divine Grace

By: 

Nestled in the sacred hills of Tirumala, Tirupati is more than a pilgrimage — it is a living legacy of devotion and divine grace. From ancient Pallava endowments to the grandeur of the golden roof of the sanctum sanctorum donated by Krishna Deva Raya, its history is etched in every gopuram. Always reverbating with the chants of “Govinda”, for millions in South India, it is not just a temple, but an inseparable part of life’s journey.

Bonalu – The Living Goddess Traditions of Telangana
Post
June 30, 2025June 30, 2025TRADITION

Bonalu – The Living Goddess Traditions of Telangana

By: 

Bonalu is more than a festival—it’s the heartbeat of Telangana’s devotion to the Mother Goddess. Rooted in ancient village traditions and the worship of Grama Devatas, it transforms Hyderabad into a living tapestry of devotion, ritual and culture. From trance-induced prophecies to the fierce dance of Pothurajus, every moment is an embodiment of Shakti — both protective and powerful.

Harihara, Bukka, and the Birth of Vijayanagara
Post
June 26, 2025June 26, 2025HISTORY

Harihara, Bukka, and the Birth of Vijayanagara

By: 

At a time when Muslim invasions had devastated much of North India and were sweeping into the South, two brothers—Harihara and Bukka—guided by the sage Vidyaranya, laid the foundation of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336. More than a kingdom, it became a bastion of Hindu dharma, shielding the South for over two centuries. This is the story of its origins and enduring legacy.

The Kakatiyas – Architects of a Unified Telugu Identity and Cultural Legacy
Post
August 23, 2024August 23, 2024HISTORY

The Kakatiyas – Architects of a Unified Telugu Identity and Cultural Legacy

By: 

The Kakatiya dynasty, ruling from Orugallu (present-day Warangal), significantly influenced Telugu history and culture. They unified the distinct cultures of the Deccan and Coastal plains, fostering a common Telugu identity. Renowned for their architectural achievements and contributions to Telugu society, the Kakatiyas are remembered as key architects of Telugu unity and cultural heritage.

The Immersive Experience of the Jagannatha Ratha Yatra
Post
June 19, 2023June 19, 2023TRADITION, Temple

The Immersive Experience of the Jagannatha Ratha Yatra

By: 

The Jagannatha Ratha Yatra of Puri, Odisha, while not the only such event in the country, is certainly the most prominent and important one. The siblings Jaganatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra (Krishna with His elder brother and younger sister) are brought out and travel to their aunt's house, known as the Gundicha temple, where they stay for a two week period.
Ratnakar Sadasyula throws light on the lesser known aspects of the Ratha Yatra, its traditions and procedures, in detail.