I was put this question by a professor recently during a casual discussion on Indian blogging and Hindu blogs. I went to give a conventional answer that you get to see in Wikipedia. A blog is a user-generated website where entries are made in journal style and displayed in a reverse chronological order.   Blogs often provide commentary or news on a particular subject, such as food, politics, or local news; some function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. Well I did not just mug up and say word by word but I said something like this. But I wanted to say something else and I was hesitant. Perhaps there lies the importance of blogs; it opens up even an introvert. I feel blogs provide the highest form of freedom to express your thought...

In Hinduism, Garuda bird is a significant and revered figure, symbolizing a variety of profound concepts and attributes. Here are the key aspects of Garuda's symbolism: Divine Mount and Vehicle Garuda serves as the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. This association elevates Garuda to a divine status, symbolizing the power and speed necessary to carry a god. His role as Vishnu's mount highlights themes of loyalty and devotion. Representation of Strength and Courage Garuda is depicted as a powerful bird with a golden body, white face, red wings, and an eagle's beak. This formidable appearance symbolizes immense strength, courage, and the ability to overcome obstacles. In many tales, Garuda's might is showcased as he battles various demons and adversaries. Symbol of Freedom and Liberation Garuda's ability to soar high into the sky represents the concept of spiritual freedom and the liberation of the soul from the cyc...

Chitraratha, also known as Angaraparna, was a prominent king of the Gandharvas, a group of celestial beings known for their skills in music and combat. He was the son of Sage Kashyapa, a revered sage in Hindu mythology, and his wife Muni. Chitraratha played a notable role in the Mahabharata, particularly in the lives of the Pandavas. Encounter with the Pandavas Chitraratha's first encounter with the Pandavas occurred when they were in exile. The Pandavas, accompanied by their mother Kunti, were traveling through a dense forest. One night, as they were resting by the banks of the Ganga, Chitraratha happened to pass by with his retinue of Gandharvas. Battle with Arjuna A confrontation ensued between Chitraratha and Arjuna. Chitraratha, mounted on his celestial chariot and armed with divine weapons, engaged in a fierce battle with Arjuna. Despite his prowess and the magical abilities of his Gandharva troops, Chitraratha was eventually overpowered by Arjuna’s exceptional archer...

To preserve the millions of manuscripts the government of India has launched a website – www.namami.org. The government claims that 1.8 million texts are part of this online database. The entire database when complete will consist of nearly five million manuscripts. This was promised in February 2007. The database of Indian manuscripts is called Kriti Sampada and is created by National Mission for Manuscripts under cultural ministry. It provides information of individual manuscripts, collections of manuscripts and catalogues. The database is available in both English and Hindi. Update  2013 - The callous and careless attitude of the government is seen in this project. the website in no longer accessible. Few government servants might have reaped good benefit from the project. Nothing useful for the general public. Update  2015 - The website has reappeared in a different form ( www.namami.gov.in /). Related Manuscripts Treasures of India to be pre...

Chitrabarhi is a lesser-known figure in Hindu mythology, recognized as one of the sons of Garuda. Garuda, the mighty bird and the vehicle (vahana) of Lord Vishnu, is a significant deity in Hinduism, symbolizing strength, power, and divine speed. His lineage, however, is not as widely documented as his own legendary exploits. Lineage and Mythological Background Garuda, also known as the king of birds, is a prominent figure across various Hindu scriptures. He is often depicted as a half-man, half-eagle being with a golden body, white face, red wings, and a beak like that of an eagle. Garuda’s role is crucial in many Hindu epics and Puranas, where he is often seen carrying Vishnu and fighting against demonic forces. Among Garuda's progeny, Chitrabarhi stands out. Although references to Chitrabarhi are sparse, his existence adds to the rich tapestry of mythological narratives surrounding Garuda's family. Chitrabarhi's Role and Symbolism Chitrabarhi is particularly not...

Sri Krishna Temple at Guruvayur in Thrissur District, Kerala, is renowned in the Hindu world for the unique idol of Lord Krishna. Krishna is known here as Unnikrishna or Balakrishna. It is believed that idol here was given by Lord Vishnu to Brahma who passed it to a couple without children. Since, Lord Vishnu had worshipped the idol, the Guruvayur Temple is considered as ‘Bhooloka Vaikunta’ or heaven on earth. The daily puja routine here was laid down by Adi Shankaracharya. There are numerous myths associated with Guruvayur Temple . The temple is famous for the Thulabharam ritual. For devotes, the Lord is the all pervading Guruvayoorappan. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Shirt, T-shirt, pyjama, chapels, and other modern dresses are not allowed inside the temple. Men should be in ‘mundu’ and should not cover their top. Women should be in sarees and children should wear ‘pavadi.’ Churidhar allowed inside after a dress code change in July 2007 . Mobil...

The book ‘The Power of Dharma: An introduction to Hinduism and Vedic culture’ is a good introduction to those who are eager to know about Hinduism. It provides an overview of the basic concepts in Hindu religion. The book is written by Stephen Knapp. He has been associated with Hinduism for more than four decades and his studies in Vedas are highly appreciated. The book touches the important aspects of Hindu religion like customs, traditions, worship, festivals, yoga and Ayurveda. Simple an easy to read, excellent presentation of Vedic truths, the book is faithful to Vedic philosophy A concise overview of Hinduism, tradition, major principles and teachings All important and common questions about Hindu customs and teachings are answered. The book is good for a novice as well as a for a practitioner of Hindu religion.  Few excerpts from the book: Vedic culture, more popularly known as Hinduism today, has spread everywhere and is followed by over one billion peopl...

Usually, Tantric Literature is a dialogue between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lord Shiva adorns the role a teacher and Parvati that of a student. Tantric Literature begins with the creation of the world and ends with the end of the world or the next beginning. The Tantric texts usually contain different forms of worship, magic and related things, spiritual exercises, ways to worship a particular deity, thoughts on nature etc. Tantric Literature falls under the category of ‘Agamas.’ Vedas are ‘Nigamas.’ Agamas concentrate on a particular aspect of God and in it practice of enjoyment is necessary for salvation. One of the striking aspects is that women were allowed to partake in all rituals. In the initial phase, the literature was passed down mainly through oral rendering. Lord Shiva is Bhairava and Parvati is Bhairavi. Cremation grounds and burning of the corpses are part of rituals. Yoni puja and stree puja are mentioned in the literature. Some of the im...

Vedanta, a profound philosophical system rooted in the ancient scriptures of India, can make you a better human being. Here's a detailed exploration of how Vedanta influences and enhances various aspects of human life: Self-Understanding and Awareness Vedanta teaches that the true nature of the self (Atman) is pure, infinite consciousness. This understanding fosters self-awareness and introspection. By recognizing that our true essence is beyond the physical body and mind, we can cultivate a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment. Detachment and Inner Peace Vedanta emphasizes the practice of detachment (Vairagya). This doesn't mean renouncing the world but rather developing an attitude of non-attachment to material possessions and outcomes. This helps reduce stress, anxiety, and emotional turmoil, leading to a more peaceful and balanced life. Compassion and Empathy Understanding the unity of all beings is a core tenet of Vedanta. When we see ourselves in others and r...

It is said that the Lord is pleased with anything that the devotee offers. Lord Krishna was happy to eat ‘the last leaf left’ in the plate of Draupadi. There are numerous unique offerings in temples throughout in India . At the Pataleshwar Shiv Mandir in Moradabad devotees offer brooms and they believe this will clean their sins. The temple is famous for curing skin diseases. The temple is located at Sadat Bari village in Behjoi block in Sambhal District, Uttar Pradesh.  Pataleshwar Shiv Mandir is more than 100 years old. Along with milk, water, bel patra, people make the offering of broom here. There is strong belief that those who offer broom to Shiva at Pataleshwar Shiv Mandir will get relief from skin diseases. During Mahashivratri, thousands of people visit the Sadat Bari Shiva Temple and offer brooms for getting their skin diseases cured. A huge mela is held on the occasion of Mahashivratri. The shops located near the temple sells broom along with other reg...