Category Mythology

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…

Decoding “Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam” in Tirumala

Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam is a purification ceremony undertaken at the Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala. The term literally means “cleaning of the holy shrine” in Tamil, with Koil signifying holy shrine, Alwar meaning devotee/sanctified ones, and Thirumanjanam referring to an…

Why Lord Ganesha’s Idol is Immersed After Ten Days

During Ganesh Chaturthi/Vinayaka Chavithi, devotees bring home or install Lord Ganesha’s idol and worship him for ten days, marking his symbolic presence on earth. The worship culminates with the immersion or Visarjan, which has a spiritual and cultural meaning. According…

When Draupadi invented the first Pani Puri!

Pani puri, known as gol gappe in North India, phuchka in Bengal, gupchup in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, is one of the most savored street foods in the Indian subcontinent. These small, crisp puris are filled with spicy water, tamarind chutney,…

The carved wonders of Unakoti, Tripura

Unakoti, in Tripura’s Unakoti district, is an ancient Shaivite pilgrimage and archaeological marvel, famed for its colossal rock-cut sculptures and intricate bas-reliefs. Bas-reliefs are shallow carvings on a flat surface where figures slightly stand out from the background. The name…