Category Art & Culture

A lampoon that launched a word

A pasquinade is a satirical piece of writing, a lampoon or public mockery, typically posted or published anonymously and aimed at a specific person or institution. IN USEDuring the election season, anonymous posters appeared overnight, each a biting pasquinade aimed at rival…

The sacred boundary of the word “profane”

Long before the word “profane” carried its modern meaning of disrespect or vulgarity, it described something far more literal — physical position. Derived from the Latin pro fanum, meaning “before or outside the temple,” the word originally separated two kinds…

Why are bilva (bael) leaves offered to Shiva?

Among the many rituals associated with the worship of Lord Shiva, the offering of Bilva (Bel) leaves holds deep significance. It is associated with a timeless legend of devotion, remembered especially on Maha Shivaratri. The Puranas tell the story of…

How is a fiasco different from a failure?

A failure can be quiet, private, or simply an unsuccessful outcome. A fiasco, however, is a failure that is loud, public, and often embarrassing. It suggests collapse with noise, visibility, and a sense of chaos that ordinary failure does not.…

The 29 principles that guide a Bishnoi way of living

The Bishnois are a Hindu community known for their deep-rooted commitment to environmental protection and ethical living. The sect was founded in the late 15th century by Guru Jambheshwar, also called Jambhoji, in the Marwar region of present-day Rajasthan. He…

Why do Vishnu Temples have a Bhasyakaarla Sannidhi?

In prominent Sri Vaishnava temples such as Tirumala Tirupati, devotees can see a Bhasyakarala Sannidhi – a shrine dedicated to honoring Ramanuja, whom devotees honor as Bhasyakara. The term Bhasyakara translates to “author of a bhashya,” referring to Ramanuja’s monumental…

Why Tiruppavai replaces Suprabhatam in 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…