Blogs

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...

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...

Navratri, the nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. In South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, one of the most distinctive and culturally rich traditions associated with Navratri is the display of Golu. This vibrant and artistic celebration brings communities together and highlights the region's deep-rooted customs and artistic heritage.  What is Golu?   Golu, also known as Bommai Golu or Kolu, is the festive display of dolls and figurines. These figurines are arranged in a tiered fashion on steps, typically ranging from three to eleven...

For many years, Tirupati was known as the world’s richest temple, but in 2011, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala gained that title after its hidden treasures were revealed. The discovery amazed the world, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of our ancestors, their architectural brilliance, and the way temples were used to safeguard gold, jewels, and countless priceless treasures.   This temple is one of the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Here, the Lord is worshipped in his Ananta Shayana form – reclining on the serpent Ananta (Adi Shesha) with a lotus (Padma) rising from his navel. The...

Ayudha Puja, known as the "Worship of Instruments," is a significant celebration during the Navratri festival, primarily observed in South India. Celebrated on the ninth day of Navratri, called Maha Navami, this unique ritual is dedicated to venerating tools, instruments, and weapons that play an essential role in daily life. Ayudha Puja falls on the ninth day of the bright half of the moon's 15-day cycle, as per the Hindu calendar, in September/October. Rooted in ancient tradition, Ayudha Puja honours these implements as divine, recognizing their importance in both personal and professional endeavours.  Mythological Origins  Ayudha Puja is rooted in...