Newsletter Archive

Attacks on sites of religious and political importance and looting of sculptures and artifacts as an expression of victory and a way of adding insult to injury have been a war tactic since pre-modern times. The infamous plundering of the Somnath Temple, during which many of its treasures and artifacts were stolen by Mahmud Ghazni, is one of the many events in history where the act of taking away art was a way of marking one’s victory and shaming the defeated dynasties. The site of Somnath has finally regained its glory, with kings in the medieval period and prominent devotees, temple trust, and ASI devoting resources to its preservation.

The term “Tathagata” is a title often used to refer to a Buddha, particularly Shakyamuni Buddha, in Buddhist texts. It’s a profound word meaning “one who has thus come” or “one who has thus gone,” emphasizing someone who has attained enlightenment and transcended the cycle of birth and death. In Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhist teachings, there are multiple Buddhas or Tathagatas, often symbolizing various aspects of enlightened wisdom and compassion. Here’s an exploration of the “Five Tathagatas,” also known as the “Five Wisdom Buddhas,” each representing a different facet of enlightenment:

Shri Dattatreya, the revered deity of Hinduism is well-defined as an incarnation of the holy Trinity - Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The name Dattatreya translates to the ‘one given birth by the Gods’ or the ‘Son of Gods’ showcasing his divine relation to the principal deities of the Hindu Pantheon. According to the ancient texts of Puranas, he is described as the son of Saint Atri and Anasuya. Anasuya had immense powers, in older times women attained powers by serving their husbands making Anasuya one of them. The blessing of the trinity shaped Dattatreya’s birth.

Tri Loka, or the “three worlds,” refers to the cosmic realms described in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. These traditions divide existence into upper, middle, and lower worlds, where beings experience life based on karma and spiritual progress. Hindu texts describe Svarga, Martya, and Patala Lokas; Jain cosmology speaks of Urdhva, Madhya, and Adho Lokas; Buddhism explains Kama, Rupa, and Arupa Lokas. The concept highlights human destiny and the path toward liberation. What is Tri Loka? Explore the three worlds in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, their cosmic structure, and how karma shapes human destiny and liberation.

Discover the legend of Varaha, Vishnu's boar incarnation. Learn about his powerful avatar, his triumph over the demon Hiranyaksha, and his iconography in Indian culture. Varaha, the boar incarnation of Vishnu, is one of the most powerful and symbolic avatars in Hindu mythology. Emerging to rescue Bhudevi from the ocean’s depths, Varaha slayed the demon Hiranyaksha and restored balance to the universe. This article explores Varaha’s Vedic roots, stunning temple art, rare iconography, and spiritual relevance today from his origins in cosmic rescue to his ongoing worship in Indian temples.

The Puranas narrate the story of Narakasura, beginning with the abduction of the Earth goddess, Bhudevi by the demon Hiranyaksha. To protect Bhudevi, Sri Vishnu takes the incarnation of Varaha, one of the Dashavatars, and plunges into the depths of the great ocean. The boar-faced god brings Bhudevi to the surface, raising her on his tusks, a divine vision for the gods and humans who rejoice. During this rescue, a few drops of Varaha’s sweat fall on Earth (some sources tell that it was the piercing of Varaha’s tusk into the earth), as a result of which, Bhudevi bore Varaha’s son, named Bhaumasura (Bhauma- belonging to Bumi, a title of Mangala Graha, who is also the son of the earth goddess).

The Saptarishi, or Seven Sages of Hinduism, are revered seers who embody divine wisdom and cosmic order. Represented in the Ursa Major constellation, they guide humanity through spiritual knowledge and Vedic teachings. Ancient texts such as the Rigveda and Puranas describe them as enlightened beings blessed by Lord Brahma and Vishnu, whose insight bridges heaven and earth and continues to illuminate Hindu cosmology and ritual life.

The diverse land of India is home to the third-largest religion in the world, Hinduism. Hinduism, or Sanatana Dharma, is the oldest language with four major categorizations: Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Smartism. Religion in itself is a big umbrella beneath which exists a wide variety of thoughts or beliefs about the concept of God, the number of deities, traditions, philosophy, and faith of countless devotees. In Hindu philosophy there are several Gods and Goddesses, however, there are 3 principal gods that are above every other Gods and Goddesses. The Hindu Trimurti is the ultimate ruler of the universe, Lord Brahma is the creator, Lord Vishnu is the operator and, Lord Shiva is the destroyer. Brahma is the creator of everything in this universe, ancient scriptures show that Lord Brahma is a bearded deity with 4 heads residing in the Brahmaloka. Vishnu being the operator makes sure there is enough balance in the cosmos, he holds dharma above everything while teaching 6the mankind the importance of following the path of goodness and dharma. Shiva, the god of destruction can quite literally destroy the cosmos with his tandava. He represents universal masculinity and femininity in equal parts, as depicted by Ardhnarishwara.

In the Vedic culture and tradition, every aspect of life and the cosmos is related to a personal form of a deity who is believed to have control over it. For example – the Sun planet is maintained by Surya Dev, Lord Varun is the presiding deity of the water bodies, and Goddess Lakshmi is the giver of wealth. Similarly, when it comes to the department of health and medicine, the name Lord Dhanvantari comes to mind. Several Puranas and Upanishads mention the innumerable incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Lord. One such incarnation of Vishnu God is Bhagwan Dhanvantari who appeared and taught the infallible medical science, Ayurveda, to the suffering mankind. Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health that balances and heals humans physically and mentally, thereby providing a purified consciousness for spiritual well-being.

The Vedas mention the word “Surya” or “Suryadev” for the Sun. Surya is the ruling deity of the Sun planet and is responsible for maintaining the working affairs. The Sun is the central cosmos body which sustains all other planets in the universe. The Surya deity is described as a divine person bedecked with shining golden ornaments, riding on a chariot pulled by seven horses. His horses are called “Ketavah” meaning the rays of the Sun. The Rig Veda, the oldest Vedic literature, mentions Surya as the giver of knowledge, dispelling darkness in one’s life. It is the living force in the whole universe. The moon and all the planets get light from the Sun and shine in the sky. In the Chandogya Upanishad, the Sun is represented as Brahman, the Absolute Truth and the Sun-God is considered the Supreme.

Manu Smriti is part of Vedic literature and forms the law book of human society. There are fourteen Manus in Lord Brahma's lifetime, and Manusmriti is believed to have been taught by Lord Brahma to Swayambhuva Manu, who further gave this knowledge to Bhrigu Muni. The Manu Smriti is compiled in 2700 verses and divided into 12 chapters that establish the way of life according to virtues and codes of conduct for the general populace.

According to the Bhagavata Purana, the 16000 queens of Sri Krishna are no other than the many aspects and extensions of Sri Lakshmi. Her forms as “Ashtalakshmi” or eight Lakshmis are protectors and givers of 8 kinds of wealth. As the incarnation of Adi Shakti, the primordial mother, Lakshmi, and her forms are innumerable, but there are a few which are mentioned below as an example of the multitude of forms that goddess Lakshmi takes, underlining her powers that are transcendental and supreme.

Vipassana is a form of meditation practice which is embedded in Buddhist teachings and philosophy. Buddhism teaches the followers to attain the state of Nirvana, where one is aware of his real identity and remains in equanimity in all conditions of life. With this state of mind, he is able to get out of the cycle of repeated birth, death, old age, and disease. To come to this point, several meditation techniques and wisdom are taken into account. Vipassana meditation offers a profound insight into an individual’s emotions and thought process and helps him observe everything within. Vipassana is a Pali word which translates to “seeing things as they are”.

Explore the rich history and legends of gemstone jewelry—from ancient Indian myths to cursed diamonds—unveiling the mystical charm of precious stones. Gemstone jewelry is the most mesmerizing and timeless chunk of history consisting of sparkling diamonds, vibrant rubies, and rich sapphires amongst numerous others known to add elegance to any look. Gemstones are typically minerals, rocks, or organic materials that are beautified to make embellishments of various types depending on their composition making them unique in separate ways. People have appreciated gemstone jewelry through the ages for their deep-rooted history, intriguing myths, and spiritual gist as they incorporate the beauty and qualities of the stone into their lives.

Pancharatra is an authentic pathway followed by the Vaishnava community that recommends pure devotion towards Lord Vishnu. There are 108 Pancharatra scriptures in the Vedic literature, Sri Narada Pancharatra being the most important and revered. Compiled by Shri Vyasadev, it deals with five branches of knowledge - knowledge of the Absolute Truth, knowledge of liberation, knowledge of devotional service, knowledge of mystic yoga, and knowledge in the mode of ignorance. In this article, we will understand the concept of Diksha in Pancharatra, its importance, and the process.

We all know about the Bhakti movement, which brought a huge wave of God-consciousness in ancient India 500 years ago. That movement was highly contributed to by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who was born in Bengal in Mayapur in the town of Nadia. Generally, people consider Him a saint in the Bhakti cult who preached Bhakti Yoga all over India, but hardly anyone knows about His hidden identity, which was only revealed to His close associates.

This Diwali, elevate your Pooja Ghar with essential ritual items that invite prosperity, wisdom, and spiritual energy. From Lakshmi-Ganesha idols and diyas to Ashtalakshmi Kalash, Sri Yantra, 108 coins, and Abhisheka Patra, each item serves a sacred purpose in festive worship. Handcrafted by skilled artisans using pure metals and traditional techniques, these items ensure ritual purity and aesthetic beauty. Perfect for Diwali Pooja, they simplify worship and enhance the sanctity of your home altar.

Who is Maa Durga? Revered as the supreme mother and cosmic warrior, Durga embodies the divine feminine in countless forms across India and the world. During Navaratri, devotees celebrate her power, protection, and grace, honoring regional, folk, and Tantric manifestations that fight evil and nurture life. From Mahishasuramardini to Mariamman, each form tells a unique story of Shakti, the universal energy. Mariamman, and explore their legends, worship, and cultural significance across India and beyond.

Many years ago, a man from Greece came to the ancient city of Pataliputra. He was sent by the court of Greece as an ambassador to India. Like any foreigner on a visit, he wrote about his time in the grand capital city of Magadha, mentioning, among other things, the many imposing gateways that protected the city from every direction. Made with wood and metal, the doors of Pataliputra attracted the attention of Megashtenese, and rightfully so. Doors are the first thing that we see when we enter a place and the last thing that meets the eye upon leaving the space. Acting as a connecting element and a protective shield in buildings, doors have always been an important part of Indian sacred architecture, viewed beyond their utilitarian value. Let us look at the history of doors in India and how they went on to become a part of modern decor.

Mysore paintings are traditional South Indian artworks that blend delicate brushwork, muted colors, and gold leaf detailing. Originating in Karnataka during the Vijayanagara period, this art form evolved under royal patronage, particularly the Wodeyar dynasty. Crafted on handmade canvases using gesso and gold foil, Mysore paintings often depict Hindu deities and epics. Their refined finish, devotional aura, and subtle color harmony make them one of India’s most revered classical art traditions.

On the banks of the holy Bagmati River, in the lap of the Himalaya, lies the land of Shiva, where souls find Moksha and devotees find a connection with their Mahadeva. Pashupatinath Temple of Nepal, dedicated to Shiva’s form of the Lord of Pashu (soul), is a powerful and unparalleled Hindu temple. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1979, and rightfully so. A center of pilgrimage for not just Hindus but Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs from all over the world, the Pashupatinath Temple is as old as time.

Hindi Diwas books highlight the richness of Hindi literature through award-winning works recognized by the Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters. These books span themes like partition, politics, philosophy, and everyday life, written by some of the most influential Hindi authors. Exploring these titles helps readers understand India’s cultural and literary evolution while discovering meaningful, critically acclaimed Hindi books worth reading today.

Death is the greatest equalizer. Poor or rich, man or woman, higher or lower castes, it sees no difference, it meets everyone with the same attitude. Thus it is no wonder that the God of Death in India, Yama, is also the Lord of Justice and Dharmaraja, the protector of order. Known as Kala, Mrityu, Antaka, Vaivasvata, Sarvapranahara (taker of everyone’s life), Yama is a name that causes shudders, intrigue, and reverence in the hearts of humans. Often mentioned as he who takes away the soul of the departed, riding his buffalo, Yama is much more than a dark deity of death. Since the Vedic period, when he was the first human to die and become the Lord of the Dead, Yama is a powerful god worshiped as a protector of people and ruler of Mrityuloka (the earth, realm of Mrityu or death).

Lord Ganesha is the prominent deity of prosperity and wisdom in Hinduism, making his depictions significant throughout India. The devotion of Ganesha is not just limited to Hinduism but widely extended to Jains, Buddhists, and even beyond India. Ganesh Chaturthi is an auspicious 10-day festivity marking the birth of an elephant-headed deity best known as Lord Ganesha. Every year, Ganesha’s birth is celebrated for 10 days straight during which 4 major rituals Prana Pratishtha, Shodashopachara, Uttar puja, and Visarjan are performed. In these festivities, Ganesha deities are made of clay often decorated with fresh flowers and dainty lights set up in homes and even on public stages known as Pandals. Prana Pratishtha is conducted along with ritual mantras that are chanted to seek blessings from lord Ganesha. Ganesha Mantras are Sidhi Mantras, each containing specific powers of Lord Ganesha. When Chanted with proper devotion will lead the devotee with abundance, success, and prudence.