Murali Duggineni

Murali Duggineni

Why Suprabhatam is not recited during Dhanurmasam

Dhanurmasam is a sacred month in the Hindu calendar that spans mid-December to mid-January, when the Sun transits the zodiac sign Dhanus (Sagittarius). The name comes directly from this solar movement. Unlike many ritual periods defined by lunar days, Dhanurmasam…

The story behind Varanasi’s Shivala Ghat

Shivala Ghat is one of the historically significant riverfront steps along the Ganga in Varanasi. Located south of the more crowded central ghats, this ghat is known for its calm stretch of river, old temples, and palatial structures built by…

How “triage” shapes modern medicine

Triage is one of the most important concepts in modern medicine, though its origins lie far outside a hospital corridor. In simple terms, the term refers to the process of prioritizing patients based on the urgency of their condition. A…

The moment that inspired “Bhaja Govindam”

Bhaja Govindam, one of Adi Shankaracharya’s most loved compositions, was born from a moment of deep compassion. According to a traditional account, as Shankaracharya walked through the streets of Kashi (Varanasi) with his disciples, he saw an aged scholar sternly…

Why we call the hottest days “Dog Days”

The expression “Dog Days” refers to the hottest stretch of summer, now considered from about July 3 to August 11 in the Northern Hemisphere — a time symbolizing heat, lethargy, and restless weather. The origin lies not in real dogs…