Category Mythology

The scholar who composed the “Suprabhatam”

Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatam is a Sanskrit hymn traditionally recited early in the morning to awaken Lord Venkateswara at the Tirumala temple in Andhra Pradesh. The word Suprabhatam means “auspicious morning,” and the hymn is a poetic invocation seeking divine blessings…

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 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.…

The Doms of Varanasi – guardians of eternal flame

The Doms is a community whose presence is inseparable from Varanasi’s cremation ghats. For centuries, they have overseen cremations at Manikarnika and Harishchandra, the two principal burning ghats on the Ganga. Their work is ritually central: arranging wood, building pyres,…

Kala Bhairava: the fearsome protector of Kashi

Hidden within the narrow lanes of Varanasi is the Kala Bhairava Temple, where Shiva is worshipped in his fiercest form. The name “Kala Bhairava” translates as time, death, and the color black, signifying the truth that all beings are subject…