Blogs — General

Madurai, the spiritual center of Tamil Nadu, is often referred to as the Athens of the East — a city where culture, devotion, architecture, and tradition come together in perfect harmony. At its heart stands the renowned Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of India’s most revered temples dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, a manifestation of Parvati, and Lord Sundareswarar, a form of Shiva. Among its many rituals, the Maha Kumbabhishekam is the most spiritually significant, as it revitalizes the temple’s divine energy and renews its sanctity.  What is Maha Kumbabhishekam?  The term Kumbabhishekam is derived from two Sanskrit words — Kumbha, meaning sacred pot, and Abhishekam, meaning consecration. It is a...

When we think of a calendar, we usually imagine a simple chart of dates. But in India, calendars are so much more. They are cultural guides, spiritual companions, and planning tools—often called Panchangam or almanacks. These calendars don’t just tell you the date; they tell you how to live in harmony with time, tradition, and the universe.  A Calendar That Connects Tradition and Daily Life  Walk into any Indian household, and you’ll likely find a colourful wall calendar featuring gods, temples, or festival scenes. These calendars are not just décor—they are daily guides. They show festival dates, fasting days, lunar phases (such as Pournami, Amavasya, and Ekadashi), and even...

Visiting a Hindu temple is considered one of the most virtuous acts, offering spiritual solace and connection with the divine. While every part of the temple holds deep significance, the Dwajasthambam, or temple flagstaff, carries a unique role that integrates architecture, ritual, and spirituality. Positioned near the sanctum, this sacred pole acts as the temple’s spiritual spine, a festival marker, and a symbol of divine energy.   What is a Dwajasthambam?  The Dwajasthambam, also known as Kodimaram, is the tall wooden or stone flagstaff erected near the bali pitham (sacrificial altar) and the deity’s vahana (vehicle) in Hindu temples. Found predominantly...

When we think of the Ramayana, our minds often turn to Lord Rama or Hanuman’s devotion. Yet the epic also weaves an inspiring thread of solidarity among its women. Throughout the story, many female figures quietly protect and care for one another. Whether queens, sages, or even the Earth itself, these women show boldness and compassion in times of crisis. Their acts of support – from whispering wise counsel to making great sacrifices – remind us that true heroism isn’t only on the battlefield. As we explore their stories, we see how these women stood up for each other’s dignity, offering...

In Hinduism, walking around a temple or deity in a clockwise direction is known as Pradakshina or Parikrama. Far more than a simple ritual, this ancient practice carries deep spiritual, philosophical, and even scientific significance, enhancing a devotee’s connection with the divine.  The Meaning of Pradakshina  The term Pradakshina literally means "to the right side." During this ritual, devotees circumambulate the sacred object or temple while keeping it on their right. This deliberate direction aligns human movement with the natural flow of energy and cosmic order. As the Times of India notes, "Walking clockwise around the deity symbolizes the eternal nature...