Blogs — General
Female Heroes in Ramayana: How Women Protected and Uplifted One Another

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...
Why Hindus Walk Around the Temple (Pradakshina) – The Spiritual Symbolism of Pradakshina

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...
108 in Hinduism: Why Malas, Mantras, and Rituals Use the Number 108

In Hindu tradition, the number 108 is far more than a simple count – it is a sacred symbol of cosmic completeness. It appears in prayer beads (mala), in chants, and even in temple design, reflecting a belief that this number holds the wholeness of the universe. For example, there are 108 Upanishads (ancient Vedic texts), and Hindu gods like Shiva and Vishnu each have 108 divine names. Chanting or meditating in multiples of 108 is thought to align the devotee with universal energy, linking the finite self to the infinite. As one guide puts it, 108 is “more than...
September 7–8 Lunar Eclipse 2025: Witness the Blood Moon

It is considered that this is the first time since July 27, 2018, that the skies are set to treat us to a full, total lunar eclipse visible from all places! On the night of September 7–8, 2025, skywatchers across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Australia will witness a mesmerizing “Blood Moon”, glowing deep red for an astonishing 82–83 minutes of totality—one of the longest lunar eclipses of the decade. As the full Harvest Moon (or Corn Moon) rises that night, Earth will slip between the Sun and Moon, casting its shadow over the lunar surface. During this cosmic alignment, sunlight...
Kerala’s Devotional Traditions and Festivals: A Journey Through Culture and Rituals.

Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” is not only known for its lush backwaters and serene landscapes but also for its vibrant festivals and devotional traditions. Every celebration here is an immersive experience, blending mythology, rituals, art, food, music, and community spirit. From harvest festivals to temple pageantry and folk rituals, Kerala’s cultural calendar is alive with colour, rhythm, and reverence. Onam – The Harvest Festival of Prosperity and Homecoming Onam is Kerala’s national harvest festival (Aug–Sept) celebrating King Mahabali’s legendary annual homecoming. It marks a golden age of prosperity, equality and abundance. The festival that brings families and friends...