Newsletter Archive

The Ram Janmabhoomi Movement has been the driving force behind the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. It dates back to the 1980s and its initiation is credited to the Hindu Vishwa Parishad. This movement aimed to reclaim the land that is considered to be Ram Janmabhoomi or the birthplace of Lord Ram. Its journey has been full of trials and tribulations and one marred by various controversies. A major part of the movement was the 1992 Rath Yatra to Ayodhya. However, the movement finally gained success in 2019 when the Supreme Court ruled that the construction of Ram Mandir would take place at the site. A trust called the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra was also established to oversee the construction of the temple.

Indian textiles have always attracted the world, especially the majestic saree. It has been a part of the traditional Indian attire for ages and has only become more fascinating with time. A humongous amount of printed sarees are manufactured in India. While some are printed digitally, the pride of India rests with the hand-crafted printed sarees. Various regional printing techniques are used to create beautiful floral sarees along with other prints like geometric and paisley designs. Block printing and tie and dye are the two main techniques.

With a followership that comprises commoners and some of the richest and most influential people of our times, Sri Tirupati Balaji as a powerful and ever-present form of Vishnu in Kaliyuga has gained popularity across the globe. For his devotees, the Sri Kshetra (auspicious region) of Tirumala is “Kaliyuga Vaikuntha” (the abode of Vishnu in Kaliyuga) and Tirupati Balaji is “Kaliyuga Varada” (he who bestows boons in Kaliyuga). The mighty Balaji is “Sat-chit-ananda” – the bliss of supreme, pure consciousness and the essence of devotion and divinity. Let us immerse ourselves in the glory of the Lord of Tirumala, and go on a virtual journey of this sacred land of Vishnu on earth.

In the pages of Rig Veda, Rudra emerges as a potent and supreme deity, who controls the balance of the universe. He is Vastospati- the protector of Vastu or the sacred order of Srishti. He is Pashupati, who controls the frantic soul in the forest of the world. In the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, it is Rudra, who is being evoked for the powers that he holds over death and time. Rudra of Rigveda merges with Shiva in the Puranas, becoming an aspect of the Lord, when he is angered and takes up the task of protection of good and destruction of negative forces.

Who is Shani Dev, the Hindu God of Karma and Justice? Revered as one of the Navagraha deities, he guides individuals toward the results of their deeds while they are still alive. Unlike his brother Yama, who delivers karmic justice after death, Shani Dev ensures that justice and discipline are maintained in the present life. Shani Dev guides individuals toward the results of their deeds according to Vedic astrology. Born to Surya Dev and Goddess Chhaya, he is a powerful deity whose worship is believed to remove obstacles, protect from misfortune, and teach the importance of righteous living. Learn about Shani Dev, Saturn God in Hinduism: origin, beliefs, rituals, and his role in karma and justice. A complete guide for devotees.

The ancient practice of yoga is a beautiful tree that has branched out to different parts of the world. Whenever we talk about yoga, mentioning the yoga sutras is inevitable. They are quite popular among yoga practitioners and are the oldest known texts on the subject. The yoga sutras are Sanskrit texts compiled around 500 BCE by Patanjali. They are considered to be a manual for yoga based on practices followed by yogis of that era. Information on yoga was scattered throughout different texts and was beyond the comprehension of the common folk, so Patanjali compiled it into simplified yoga sutras, making them easy to understand by all.

What is ISKCON, and why has the Hare Krishna Movement inspired millions around the world? From vibrant temples to devotional chants of ‘Hare Krishna,’ ISKCON has created a global community devoted to Krishna-bhakti. But how did this modern Vaishnava movement begin, and what are its core teachings?

The article discusses major temples dedicated to Lord Rama across India, highlighting their historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. It covers key temples such as the iconic Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya, which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, and other important sites like the Rameshwaram temple in Tamil Nadu and the Hanuman Garhi in Ayodhya. Each temple's unique architecture, rituals, and festivals are detailed, illustrating the devotion and reverence associated with Lord Rama in Hindu tradition. The article emphasizes the role these temples play in preserving cultural heritage and fostering community among devotees. The fabric of India’s immensely rich culture and heritage is dyed with the vibrant hues of epics as grand as the Ramayana. Known as the land of spirituality and peace, this country is home to many breathtaking Lord Rama temples, each housing a statue of Lord Rama that is not only a visual treat but also exudes positivity in abundance. Let’s take a look at some of them.

The 32 forms of Lord Ganesha, as detailed in the ancient Mudgala Purana, each represent unique divine attributes from wisdom and creation to protection and liberation. These forms reflect Ganesha’s multifaceted roles, also offer life lessons rooted in spirituality, devotion, and self-realization. Revered across Asia, from India to Indonesia and Thailand, Lord Ganesha’s manifestations continue to inspire seekers on their spiritual path.

For the longest time, astrology has piqued the curiosity of the masses and has always been a mystery. How a distant celestial object is observed by the gifted few on Earth and how its ever-changing movement impacts the events of our world is still not understood by many. Among the countless astrology questions that puzzle the human mind, one of them is how exactly does astrology work? To understand that, we must first acquaint ourselves with what astrology is. Astrology is the study of planetary positions and the alignment of stars in relation to the Earth to predict the events of the future to a great extent. It is the science that bridges the gap between the world on earth and the one beyond the sky.

A true symbol of loyalty, Lord Hanuman is the epitome of devotion. He dedicated his life to serving his lord Bhagwaan Rama. Such was his love for Lord Rama that even today, people sing praises of him and build temples in his honor. Being the land of breathtaking architecture, India has some of the most magnificent statues of Lord Hanuman. While the biggest Hanuman statue in India is located in Madapam on the banks of river Vamsadhara, the statue in Paritala Anjaneya Temple in the state of Andhra Pradesh, along with others in the Nalco Temple in Odisha, Jakhu Temple in Shimla etc are scattered around the country. From the mighty Himalayas to the banks of serene rivers in the south, the sacred land of India is beautifully adorned with the most striking statues of Lord Hanuman. Let’s take a look at 10 of them.

“Ik Omkar Satnaam”- Om, the sacred word, is the only true (sat) name (naam), of the supreme divine- the beginning of the Mul Mantara (first, root chant) of Sikhism carries within itself the highest degree of spiritual knowledge. The divine being as one and formless, which is the root of Nirguna Bhakti (formless devotion) is encapsulated in the beliefs of Sikhism and its pious text, Guru Granth Sahib. Devotion to Guru acts of service as acts of devotion and valor coursing through the veins of its members- Sikhism is one of the most popular and widespread religions in the modern world. And all its virtues owe their origin to the heavenly persona of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, whose descent is celebrated with enthusiasm and devotion as “Guru Parb” every year, in the days that follow the festivities of Deepawali.

The Hindu religion has always managed to fascinate the world. As more and more people try to explore the various Hinduism beliefs and ideologies, many interesting concepts are not completely well understood. One of them is the origin and history of the four varnas of the Hindu society. The second out of these four varnas is Kshatriya, the ruling class and the military.

Kartik, beginning in October and ending in November, has been hailed in Hindu tradition and scriptures as the month of the divine. From the first-revered Ganesha, the goddess of wealth Lakshmi, to Vishnu, Shiva, Krishna, Tulsi, and even one of Mahabharata’s heroes Bhishma are evoked and celebrated in Kartik Maah. The best of Kartik’s festivities in India can be experienced in the home of Shiva, Kashi, where a five-day festival known as “Dev Deepawali” or the Deepawali of the Gods is celebrated with enthusiasm unseen anywhere else.

The “sacred tree” or sacred tree could also be called “Sacred trees or the “Tree of Life,” “World Tree”, “Cosmic Tree” or the “Eagle and Serpent Tree”. Many world religions and beliefs have the idea of a sacred tree. The symbolism of the Tree of Life denotes a strong old age. Now, we can turn to the religious significance and symbolism of the Tree of Life before moving to discuss the truths it teaches that are true in all religions.

Mist in the air, a thousand diyas lit, laughter all around, firecrackers and mouth watering sweets adding to the spirit of festivities, Diwali for Indians is THE festival! With families, states and the entire nation coming together, it seems that the week-long joys of Deepawali can not get any better. But there is one thing which is sure to add to the cheeriness of the occasion. Gifts!

The popular Hindu festival of Dhanteras is also known as Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi. It is a festival of prosperity celebrated just before Diwali. The festival is known to mark the beginning of Diwali celebrations. It is celebrated on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. Like most other Hindu festivals, Dhanteras is also known for its various legends and traditions. This article aims to shed light on these legends and traditions to enhance the fun of Dhanteras celebrations.

Durga Puja is one of Bengal’s grandest festivals, honoring Goddess Durga’s victory over evil. The five-day celebration blends rituals, food, fashion, and community bonding. Each day holds unique traditions from Shosti’s Bodhon and Saptami’s Nabapatrika to Ashtami’s Kumari Puja, Nabami’s Sandhi Puja, and Dashami’s Sindoor Khela and idol immersion. Sarees play a central role, with women choosing specific styles and colors that reflect devotion, energy, and joy, making the festival a vibrant cultural experience.

Abstract paintings are a form of subtle art that aim to convey the artist’s feelings, emotions, and moods through colors, shades, shapes, texture, and lines. They differ from other paintings in the way that in Abstract paintings, the feelings of the artist are expressed not through literal representations. They are open to the world of thoughts of both the artist and the viewer. It is their own interpretation that makes the painting creative and beautiful. The artist plays with different elements of the artwork, shapes it into a meaningful insight and brings his thought process to the canvas. As simple as it may look, an abstract painting is much more difficult to create than we think it is.

Navaratri celebrates the nine divine forms of the goddess Shakti, worshipped for their power to protect, nurture, and transform life. Across nine nights, devotees revere Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and other aspects of the Mother through prayer, fasting, and rituals. As described in scriptures like the Devi Mahatmyam, honoring these forms awakens inner strength and devotion. The nine goddesses together represent the eternal Adishakti, the cosmic mother of creation and liberation. What are the 9 forms of Devi in Navaratri? Learn their names, meaning, and blessings in this guide to goddess worship and spiritual significance.

Most of the iconographical descriptions in commentaries always seem to be non-cooperative with the “Praises to the Twenty-one Taras.” The reason is simply three main iconographic traditions formed in Tibet, each one of them describes the Goddesses Tara according to their beliefs:

The well-renowned Warli painting is an art form practiced by the Tribal community of the Palghar district of Maharashtra, India. This art is considered one of the oldest that dates back to as early as the 10th century. At present, it continues to be practiced by the Warli tribe, the skills being passed from one generation to another. Since farming is the main source of their livelihood, these people are extremely close to nature and wildlife. This is reflected in all the Warli paintings that they create. The main theme of the painting centers around Mother nature. Other common depictions are the scenes of tribal festivals, the portrayal of unusual Male gods, and the day-to-day activities of the village people. Tarpa dance associated with the Warli tribe is also sometimes depicted in the paintings. The secondary motifs and patterns are generally repetitive and symbolic.

The Kohinoor diamond, as it is known today, was long ago an unknown mysterious stone buried in the mines of Golconda, India. When it was unearthed by local miners, it shimmered brilliantly and seemed different from any other jewel or diamond anyone had ever witnessed. Its beauty was so captivating that people started believing it to be a fragment of a falling star embraced by the earth’s crust. It illuminated the surroundings like millions of stars in the night sky. The story and journey of the most stunning Koh-e-noor diamond is still a mystery for the human population.

Fashion is one of the fastest-changing industries and that comes from the big consumers market demand. Through the years, fashion has changed a lot. It was influenced and dominated by different political, economic, and sociological events that would shape the consumers' opinions and expectations. This can greatly be seen through the traditional details and cultural motifs of different nations. Indian fashion, as part of the most colorful and interesting nations in the world, has experienced different fashion changes, that have changed and added to the consumer's demand. However, modern times and the modern approach to fashion have influenced changes, especially in the Indian style, making it available and suitable for all those who want to keep the cultural and traditional dose with the incorporation of some modern elements.