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Guru (the great or heavy one) or Brihaspati is the name of the teacher of the gods, a position given to Jupiter in Indian culture. A prime and powerful member of the Navagraha Mandala, Brihaspati rules the spheres of wisdom and knowledge and is one of the few Graha (planets) that are mostly auspicious for a person. It is said that even when an individual has a weak Brihaspati in their Kundali or birth chart, the grand planet (due to its massive size), with a big heart, tries its best to bestow them with positive or neutral results. A planet that guides one as a patient and magnanimous master, Guru or Brihaspati, is royalty among the Nine Planets. Let us know a few interesting things about this great planet-

Upanishads, literally, “to sit near” (one’s teacher or Guru or a learned personality), in Indian tradition are a group of literature belonging to the Vedanta (the end of the Vedas), which describe the divine Vedic knowledge in an explanatory tone. It is a collection of several books (18 to 108 and more), the wisdom of great sages on matters of samsara (world flow), presenting knowledge that removes agyaan or ignorance and paves the way to the supreme truth. Upanishads contain discussions on the material and metaphysical nature of the world and can be seen as the seeds of Hindu philosophy as we know it today.

In the Kaliyuga which is the age of hypocrisy and quarrel, to understand the Absolute Truth is not easy unless guided by a bona fide spiritual master. To find a bona fide Guru is in itself a challenging situation. The spiritual master (Guru), the devotees (Sadhu), and the Vedic scriptures (Shastra) are the authoritative sources for gaining spiritual knowledge. The Vedic scriptures, according to the Vedas, are coming directly from the Supreme Lord Himself. They deal with both material and spiritual knowledge and were compiled by Shri Vyasadev around five thousand years ago for the benefit of the rare inquisitive people in this disturbed age of Kali. The general mass of the population is engrossed in gratifying their senses through material pleasure and knows nothing about the ultimate goal of human life.

Born out of the romance of Chandra, the Hindu Moon-God, and Tara, the wife of Jupiter, Budha, the planet Mercury, has one of the most interesting tales among the Navagraha or Nine-planet cluster. In Hindu astrology, also known as Jyotisha Vidya, Budha is the ruler of intellect, who bestows intelligence and wisdom and guides a person towards good or bad decisions. The controller of Budhi or mental faculties, Budha is a powerful planetary deity in Hinduism, worshipped to gain stability and strength of mind.

The Hindu iconography enables us to identify the respective deities in their visual or sculptural presentations. The symbolism also connects the deities with a distinct characteristic or discipline. Some major symbols in Hinduism are the Swastika, Om, Trishula, Shanka, lotus flower, Lingam, and lamp. In Hinduism, images are notable tools of devotion and prayer. And iconology is the analysis of the symbols in a sacred image. These images are created from wood, stone, metal, or painted on paper or cloth. Vedas are the origins of all principles of Indian culture. Hindu deities in various forms are praised in the Vedas. Their icons or idols are mentioned in the eulogies of Vedas. Besides, different sects of Brahmin religion, such as Shaivite, Vaishnavism, Shakt, and Solar, belong to Siva, Vishnu, Shakti, and Sun deities respectively. In the same way, Jain and Buddhism are related to Tirthankaras and Buddhas.

Chandra Dev, known as Soma or Rajnipati, is the Hindu Moon God and a key Navagraha deity. Worshiped for his powers over the mind, emotions, and healing, Chandra features in Vedic texts, astrology, and legends like his love for Tara, the birth of Budha (Mercury), and interactions with gods like Shiva and Ganesha. His waxing and waning explain lunar phases, and his symbolism appears in goddess iconography, Jyotisha, and rituals across India, highlighting his enduring spiritual and cultural significance.

The son of Rishi Kashyap and Aditi, Agni was only meant to consume sacred, ritual offerings, poured in the Kunda or altar, and bring them to the gods. He was born to be the mediator between the world of humans and the heavens. On one of the days, Agni saw the wives of the Saptarishi, or seven sages, who were very beautiful and were attracted to them. However, he could not approach them because it would have been immoral to propose marriage to the already married women. A witness to all this was Swaha, the daughter of Prajapati Daksha, who was in love with Agni, who seemed to be smitten by other women. Not losing heart, Swaha wittily transformed herself into the wives of the Saptarishis and reached Agni with her loving proposal.

Receiving the fruits of one’s acts in the afterlife is one thing, but there is one Hindu god who keeps a keen, unwavering eye on all our actions, and accordingly, with the firmness of a judge, gives good or bad results of our Karma during our lifetimes. He is Shani, Shanishchara (one who chara or walks shaneh or slowly), Saturn, the son of Bhagwan Surya, and one of the Navagraha or nine planets. This year, Shani Jayanti or the birth anniversary of Lord Shani, is to be celebrated on Friday, June 4, 2027, in different parts of India, where temples of the planet god are situated. Let us get to know a few things about Lord Shani, a powerful, popular but misunderstood divinity in Hindu culture.

Before we search for the best history books on modern India, it is crucial to know which period of Indian history is considered to be modern. India has a vast history enriched with various social & political hegemony. So it is quite difficult to periodize the exact time that we can define as the modern historical period. There was the Vedic era, Hindu, Buddhist & Mughal era followed by the British Raj, but none indicates the beginning of the modern era. However, with the establishment of British rule, people were inclined towards Western education. This trend developed the knowledge of citizenship, people’s rights, administration, social security, etc among them. This new wave gave birth to a social reformation in India that became the approach towards modern India.

It was last summer, the month of May when I first encountered the magnificent Brass Tree. My manager asked me to write a product description for it as it was a popular product and had garnered significant interest, almost as if it were the Deigo Maradona of home decor items or the Pani Puri of Brass Items- always in demand. Seeing its images made me curious and smitten at the same time. It looked regal.

Ancient Buddhist art was started in present-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The time was a few centuries after Lord Buddha lived in this land, 6th to 5th century BCE. Buddhist art is a sacred illustration created in the context of Buddhism. The famous arts include portrayals of Gautama Buddha and other bodhisattvas. Prominent Buddhist sculptures, both historical and mythical, narrate backgrounds from their lives. Besides, Mandala art and other physical objects related to the practice of Buddhism are equally popular. Some of these sacred objects are vajras, bells, stupas, and Buddhist temple architecture.

India is a land of cultural diversity. Every mile, you will find a change in the language, food, clothing, and people’s lifestyles. So much colorfulness and the spirit of enthusiasm is infused in the traditions across 28 countries and 8 Union Territories that are not seen in any other culture in this world. Indian culture is full of many customs and traditions which are deeply rooted in ancient literature and scriptures. Each custom is associated with a certain significance in the life of an individual. Out of so many of these, we are here to mention 10 customs and traditions which are the essence and make India special in the eyes of all.

Upon entering the brass factory in Aligarh, I found a structure that was in no way fitting my definition of a “factory”. With an uneven mud floor, a makeshift roof supported by steel pillars, walls painted with a thick layer of soot and dust on which hang the bags and clothes of the artists, and a portable stove on which the Kaarigars (craftsmens) were making their tea, the space looked more like a hastily developed village than a factory.

Buddha Purnima is one of the major festivals celebrated worldwide, as it holds a special place in the hearts of Buddhists around the world. Buddha Purnima is widely known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti along with many more names depending on the region. It is a sacred occasion that commemorates the birth, Nirvana, and Mahaparinirvana of Sidharth Gautama, the historical Buddha, whose teachings continue to inspire and guide countless individuals on the path to awakening called thrice Blessed Festival.

Celebrate Rath Yatra 2026 on July 16 in Puri, Odisha. Discover its rituals, meaning, chariot construction & history of Lord Jagannath's grand procession. India, the land of festivals, is host to many colorful celebrations, and the grandest of these is the Rath Yatra in Puri. It is hosted in honor of Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Devi Subhadra. They are the deities who reside in the Lord Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha. The festival involves devotees pulling the chariots of the deities. Thousands of devotees participate in the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Buddha Purnima in 2025 is expected to be celebrated on Friday, 5th May. Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, is a major Buddhist festival that marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the lunar month of Vesakha, which falls in April or May according to the Gregorian calendar. The day of birth of Lord Buddha is celebrated as Buddha Purnima or Vesak, which is one of the most important festivals in the Buddhist calendar. According to tradition, Buddha was born on the full moon day in the month of Vesakha (April or May), around 2,500 years ago in Lumbini, Nepal. The exact date of his birth is a matter of debate among scholars, but the celebration of Vesak is typically held on the full moon day of the month of Vesakha, which falls between late April and early May.

As Navaratri arrives, every devotee observing the nine nights of the goddess begins preparing to welcome and worship Durga and her various forms. From brass, copper, bronze, stone, and wood statues to paintings of the great goddess in her different aspects, Navaratri highlights the ways in which Hindu culture remembers and celebrates Devi. Going back to the ancient period, when the divinity of the goddess was represented through powerful symbols and simple iconography, Indian art has a plethora of ways in which Devi is commemorated. Looking at a few gems from Indian paintings, this article memorializes how Indian art traditions honor Hindu goddesses.

Discover the most powerful Varahi mantras and hymns. Learn how to chant for protection, courage, and spiritual growth. Perfect for daily worship and rituals. Goddess Varahi Amman is one of the seven Matrikas, embodying the feminine power of Lord Varaha. Recognized across Hindu sects and Tibetan Buddhism, she symbolizes protection, strength, and cosmic nurturing. Worshipping Varahi offers devotees courage and removes obstacles through sacred rituals and mantras. Learn about Goddess Varahi Amman, one of the powerful Matrikas in Hinduism. Discover her significance, symbolism, and spiritual benefits for devotees worldwide.

Durga literally translates to “she who is difficult to attain”; however, one of her dhyana-mantra worshiped her as “Durgati-Nashini” or “she who ends evil or misfortune”. Simply put, goddess Durga is the ultimate deity, the beginning, sustenance, and end of creation. She is Srishti (creation), Maya (the visual and experienced world around), and Kali (the annihilator). In all the sects and traditions of the country, her presence is felt in one form or the other.

Kerala Mural Paintings are a sacred traditional art form from South India, rooted in the ancient Dravidian style and scriptures like the Chitrasutra. Known for their vibrant natural colors and spiritual symbolism, these murals depict mythological stories using techniques like fresco and tempera. Once at risk of extinction, the tradition has been revived by cultural institutions and now thrives across temple walls and global galleries alike, preserving divine narratives in stunning visual language.

India has a diverse and vibrant cultural heritage. The essential aspect is that we, the people of India, have kept that tradition alive. In our current lives, we may still see remnants of our rich cultural heritage. We take pride in our ancestry. Painting is also an important aspect of our culture. There are several painting styles that originated in India and have legends related to them. One such painting style is Phad painting (Chitra).

The word Nyingma means ‘Ancient’, It holds the oldest and perhaps the most mystical tradition among all the Tibetan Buddhist Traditions. Nyingma Lineage is one of the four Tantric Buddhist lineages and Nyingma lineage was started by Padmasambhava in the 8th century when he introduced Buddhism in Tibet. The Nyingma Lineage emphasizes the importance of direct realization and the transmission of teachings from master to disciple, embodying the essence of Tantric Buddhism. Rooted in the most profound teachings of Padmasambhava, also known as Goru Rinpche, the Nyingma tradition has been preserved and transmitted through generations.

It is not a hidden fact that a bride in India is supposed to dazzle in her wedding with her bridal jewelry and not look lesser than the grand wedding venue. In India, we have the term called Solah Shringar, its literal meaning is sixteen adornments, in Indian tradition for the longest time through ancient times it is believed that a bride should adorn herself with sixteen adornments. This tradition started from the story of Rati, the wife of Kamdev, who is the God of love. As Rati was engaged in the presence of goddess Lakshmi, she was blessed with the sixteen adornments from Lakshmi, to impress and marry Kamdev. Of the sixteen adornments that were blessed by goddess Lakshmi, each of the adornments carries its own meaning. The list of solah shringar carries Sindoor, Maangtika, Keshapsharachana, Bindi, Kajal, Karn Phool(flowers of the ears/ earrings), Nath, Haar (necklace), Bajuband, Bangles, Hathphool, mehendi, Kamarband, Payal (Anklet), Itar, bridal outfit. Let's discuss some important jewelry that is worn by Indian brides.

Sweets and savory dishes on plates, bowls of colors, Gulal in the air, people singing Phaag (folk songs celebrating Phagun or the month of Holi), fervor, and joy all around- the arrival of Holi is a time when everyone welcomes energy, newness, and life with open arms. In the states of India, people have different ways of celebrating the festival with their loved ones. This ancient festival of colors seems to be one of the most important occasions for the people of India till modern times. In this blog, we will relish the vibrancy of Holi through the colors of Indian painting. With each brushstroke and eye-catching color filling the canvas with eternal colors, these paintings perfectly capture the essence of Holi for India and its people.