Rahul Sankrityayan, often referred to as the “Father of Hindi Travel Literature,” was a towering figure in Indian intellectual and literary history. A polyglot, historian, philosopher, novelist, and revolutionary thinker, Sankrityayan was a true embodiment of the Renaissance spirit. His insatiable curiosity and commitment to learning led him to master over 30 languages, travel to […]Read More
Located in the spiritual hub of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the Bindu Madhav Temple is a less-known yet important shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It stands along the banks of Ganga near Panchganga Ghat, the temple is one of the most significant in terms of historical, cultural, and religious relevance. The Bindu Madhav Temple was once […]Read More
Just a few kilometres away from the holy city of Varanasi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh lies Sarnath, a place of profound spiritual and historical significance. One of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage places together with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Kushinagar. It was here, at the Deer Park, that Gautama Buddha delivered […]Read More
Manasa is a very powerful and widely-worshipped deity in Hindu mythology: the Snake Goddess, imploring protection from bites of snakes and fertility blessings. Her name, derived from the Sanskrit word “Manasa,” meaning “of the mind,” shows that she is both a benevolent and commanding presence. She finds wide and reverent worship in eastern India, in […]Read More
Goddess Shitala is worshipped as the protector from contagious diseases in Hinduism. She is one of the most endorsed by Hindus in India. Her name, derived from “cool” or “calm,” is connected with relief from suffering due to infectious diseases such as smallpox and other fevers. Accordingly, she is worshipped by millions, especially in rural […]Read More
Dev Diwali, otherwise known as “Dev Deepawali,” is one of the most colourful and spiritually important Hindu festivals. The festival is observed fifteen days after Diwali on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima. On this day, according to local beliefs, the gods are said to descend from the heavens to the holy city of Varanasi […]Read More
The term “Vedanta,” or “End of the Vedas,” represents not only the concluding portion of the Vedic literature but also the supreme object of Vedic knowledge, which is liberating knowledge and the realization of oneself. Unlike most of the other prominent systems of philosophy, which may focus more on ritualism or social commitments, Vedanta is […]Read More
The Purva Mimansa also called Mimansa, is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy. This school deals with the interpretation and understanding of rituals and rites prescribed in the Vedas. In contrast with the other philosophical systems of inquiry into metaphysical questions of soul, creation, and liberation, Mimansa provides an exposition of a […]Read More
Vaisheshika is one of the six traditional schools of Indian philosophy, focusing on metaphysics, logic, and epistemology. It introduces atomism, which posits that the universe consists of indivisible particles called atoms (paramāṇus) that combine to form various substances, governed by natural laws. This school emphasizes logical examination and classifies entities into specific categories. The term […]Read More
Samkhya, perhaps the most ancient school of Indian philosophy, serves as the cornerstone for many spiritual systems-including yoga. This dualistic philosophy divides reality into two basic aspects: Purusha, meaning “consciousness,” and Prakriti, meaning “matter” or “nature.” Samkhya defines Purusha as the passive, unchanging observer of nature, while it defines Prakriti as the moving, creative force […]Read More