Murali Duggineni

Murali Duggineni

Visalakshi Devi – The wide-eyed goddess of Kashi

The Visalakshi Devi Temple is located close to Mir Ghat and the Nepali Temple, just a two-minute walk from the ghats along the Ganges in Varanasi. The name Visalakshi comes from Sanskrit, where viśāla means “wide” or “expansive” and akshi means “eyes.”…

The Healing Powers of Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple

The Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple in Varanasi is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Mrityunjay, the conqueror of death. The name comes from the Sanskrit words mrityu (death) and jaya (victory), symbolizing Shiva’s power to shield…

The story behind the smiley face

The iconic yellow smiley face was created in 1963 by American graphic artist Harvey Ross Ball. Hired by the State Mutual Life Assurance Company of Worcester, Massachusetts, Ball was asked to design an image to boost employee morale after a…

The Story and Significance of Holi

Holi, one of the most vibrant festivals celebrated across India, marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Known as the Festival of Colors, Holi has deep roots in Hindu mythology and rich cultural traditions.…

Annapurna Devi: The Goddess who nourishes Varanasi

The Annapurna Devi Mandir, located near the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, the giver of food and nourishment. The name Annapurna comes from two Sanskrit words: anna (food or grain) and purna (complete or…