Blogs

Govardhan Puja is a vibrant Hindu festival, especially celebrated in the northern regions of India. It is also known as Annakut Puja—meaning "Mountain of Food"—it is observed the day after Diwali, on the first lunar day of the bright fortnight in the month of Kartik. During this festival, devotees worship Govardhan Hill and prepare a wide variety of vegetarian dishes to offer to Lord Krishna as an expression of gratitude and devotion.  Why is Govardhan Puja Celebrated?  Govardhan Puja is celebrated to honour Lord Krishna’s protection of the people of Vrindavan, as described in the Bhagavata Purana. The festival commemorates...

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...

The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple stands majestically atop the sacred seven hills of Tirumala in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, also known as Balaji, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this temple is a revered pilgrimage destination for millions of devotees. With its golden roof and exquisite Dravidian architecture, the main sanctum, Ananda Nilayam, is a symbol of divine grandeur. The temple is not only one of the richest in the world but also one of the most visited, welcoming over 60,000 pilgrims daily, totaling around 24 million annually.  Historical Background  Dynastic Patrons  Tirumala’s history is deeply intertwined with South...

Goddess Kali is one of Hinduism’s most striking deities, often depicted in a fearsome form – dark-skinned, with a lolling tongue, a garland of skulls, and a skirt of severed arms. Yet beneath this terrifying exterior lies a compassionate and nurturing essence. Known as Maa Kali, the Divine Mother, she destroys evil but protects and guides her devotees with immense love. Scholars often describe her as “the fierce yet deeply maternal form of the Divine Mother.”  In ancient stories, Kali emerges from the brow of Goddess Durga to defeat powerful demons, embodying raw energy and the unstoppable force of time. Even...