Lakshman Rekha: A Divine Boundary with Consequences Growing up, I often heard the phrase, “Sita was also required to adhere to the Lakshman Rekha. To defy it, who are you?” This statement was frequently directed at the girls and women around me by parents and family members. It left me wondering—what exactly is this Lakshman…
Erakesvara Temple, In the village of Pillalamarri, located in the Suryapet district of Telangana (distinct from the Pillalamarri in Mahbubnagar district), three historic temples from the 12th and 13th centuries stand as remarkable examples of ancient architecture. These temples—Kacheswara, Kameswara, and Nameswara—comprise the Trikuta Alyam, Nameswara, and Erakesvara shrines. Previously part of the Nalgonda district…
Saptakoteshwar Temple: Goa’s Iconic Shiva Shrine Through the Ages The Saptakoteshwar Temple in Narve, Goa, holds great historical significance, with roots dating back to ancient times. This temple has experienced the grandeur of the Kadamba and Vijayanagara dynasties and has also endured the challenges of the Islamic and Portuguese eras. It was later renovated by…
Shiva Tandava: When Shiva danced, the entire cosmos joined in! He’s not just any god – he’s Nataraja, the ultimate Lord of Dance. One of Shiva’s Pancha Kriyas is dance itself. Kriya means action, and through his dance, Lord Shiva keeps the universe’s rhythm and flow in perfect balance. He uses his dance moves to…
Hanuman, One of the most loved and respected figures in the Ramayana has gotta be Hanumanji, the ultimate powerhouse of a god! Even though the story revolves around Ram and Sita, our Hanuman, the loyal sidekick, gets just as much love, respect, and hype. That’s the magic of Hanumanji! They say he’s the son of the…
Shitala: A Journey Through Ancient Vaccination Practices and Timeless Wisdom Shitala, The book’s called Shitala, and it’s named after Shitala Devi, a young goddess who’s shown riding a donkey, holding a fan, broom, and pot—basically her ride and gear. Written by Ms. Mitra Desi, Shitala is a brilliant piece about the vaccination methods that were…
Mangaladevi Temple, There’s this old gem of a temple in the Idukki district near Kumali – the Mangaladevi Temple. What’s unique? It opens its doors to devotees just once a year on Chitra Pournami. And boy, when it does, crowds of worshippers, visitors, and even history buffs pour in! One of Kerala’s oldest temples, this…
Kashiraj Kali Temple, Architecture is a visual art, and the structures speak for themselves. Atemple is a history; a temple lost is a history lost; a temple maintained is a history preserved; and atemple is a history lost. The Kashiraj Kali Temple, which Kashiraj constructed, and its significance to the locals through their customs and…
Malanada Temple: A Rare Tribute to Duryodhana Duryodhana is worshipped at the Poruvazhi Peruviruthi Malanada Temple, located in the Kollam district of Kerala. Unlike traditional temples, this temple does not have a sanctum sanctorum or boundary walls. Instead, the altar (mandapam) serves as the focal point of worship, welcoming devotees from all castes and religions….
Nageshwar Temple: A Hidden Gem in the Deccan The Nageshwar Shiva temple is situated in the village of Khireshwar, on the banks of the Kalu River, at the base of the majestic Harishchandragad Fort, nestled within the Western Ghats. This little-known temple is primarily visited by locals and adventurous hikers heading to Harishchandragad. What makes…
