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‘Mata Shilpi, Pita Shastram’ - On Traditional Craftsmen

‘Mata Shilpi, Pita Shastram’ - On Traditional Craftsmen

Sanatana Dharma

The artisans, engineers and designers of Indian classical construction were part of the Vishwakarma community that bears mention in the traditional texts including the Vedas. Trained in the Vastu Shilpa Shastra, they have taken care of the art and design requirements for all constructed space such as temples, houses, tanks and ponds, arms and military equipment, vessels and jewelry. 

 

On the Symbolism of the Shiva Linga

On the Symbolism of the Shiva Linga

Sanatana Dharma

The story of Lingodhbhava is considered the origin of Linga (Sanskrit: symbol) worship in several references in Hindu iconography. Shiva appears as a flame of light to dispel the Ahamkara (individuality) of Vishnu and Brahma, reminding them of the futility of infighting since the underlying substratum is the same amongst them all. Understand in depth the symbolism of the most enduring symbol of Shaivism.

Akilandeshwari - The Queen of Thiruvanaikaval

Akilandeshwari - The Queen of Thiruvanaikaval

TravelSanatana Dharma

Invoking nostalgia and bhakti with a Jambukeswarar-Akilandeswari Temple last, Thirukadaiyur in the town of Tiruchirapalli last year to pay homage to its queen.

The Return Of the King

The Return Of the King

Sanatana Dharma

We await with bated breath for January 22, bristling in excitement as if a grand wedding is taking place in our own homes. We imagine a tree-bark clad superhero returning after a long estrangement from his land climbing up the steps of a pink sandstone building. Cheered by a vast crowd, he walks on in slow motion, to ascend the throne that was longing for his warmth.

Dakshinamurthy - Shiva as Guru

Dakshinamurthy - Shiva as Guru

Sanatana Dharma

Learn about the symbolism of the cin-mudra, through an image of Dakshinamurthy or Shiva as the primordial Guru in the Advaita parampara. 

Ardhanareeswarar - None Bigger, None Better

Ardhanareeswarar - None Bigger, None Better

Sanatana Dharma

In memory of Thirukartthiggai which occurred recently, essay inspired by a story in the Sivapuranam rendered as a lesson in iconography using the traditions of the shilpa shastras as described in Elements of Hindu Iconography by T.A Gopinatha Rao.

Echoes of devotion from the 9th Century CE

Echoes of devotion from the 9th Century CE

Travel

Recalling in Margazhi, a timely memory of a beautiful seva at the Thillai Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram

Mt. Kailash - 7. In Conclusion

Mt. Kailash - 7. In Conclusion

Travel

This is the concluding post of my parikrama of Mt. Kailash, followed by some reflections. 

Mt. Kailash - 6. Dolma La Pass and Zuthulphuk

Mt. Kailash - 6. Dolma La Pass and Zuthulphuk

Travel

As part of the Mt.Kailash yatra, I begin its longest stretch of nearly 23 kilometers clearing the highest elevation at Dolma La Pass. Mani remains my constant companion in this challenging journey.

Mt. Kailash - 5. Charan Sparsh

Mt. Kailash - 5. Charan Sparsh

Travel

On the second day of the Mt. Kailash Kora and Charan Sparsh, I walk towards the north face of Mt. Kailash from Dirapuk, to pay my respects. Uncertain weather conditions and altitude sickness render some excitement as its not clear whether we will succeed at touching its surface that day.

Mt. Kailash - 4. Dirapuk

Mt. Kailash - 4. Dirapuk

Travel

I begin my parikrama from Darchen, the base camp of the Mt. Kailash yatra and proceed towards Dirapuk which is the first stop of the parikrama that overlooks the north face of Mt. Kailash

Mt. Kailash - 3. Manasarovar

Mt. Kailash - 3. Manasarovar

Travel

Continuing on my Kailash yatra, this post discusses the journey into Tibet finally reaching Manasarovar.

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