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‘Mata Shilpi, Pita Shastram’ - On Traditional Craftsmen
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
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
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
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
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
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
Recalling in Margazhi, a timely memory of a beautiful seva at the Thillai Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram
Mt. Kailash - 7. In Conclusion
This is the concluding post of my parikrama of Mt. Kailash, followed by some reflections.
Mt. Kailash - 6. Dolma La Pass and Zuthulphuk
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
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
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
Continuing on my Kailash yatra, this post discusses the journey into Tibet finally reaching Manasarovar.