‘What a wonderful tree! She exclaimed. ‘The three leaves indicate the three eyes of Lord Shiva and the three stages of all existence- birth, the journey of life and death. They also represent the three realms- heaven, earth and the world below. So three is an auspicious number.’
In India, the term Trimurti is used in reference to the three faces of god. They are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. They are collectively known as the Trinity. Together they represent the oneness of the universe while retaining their distinctive nature and are known for their ability to grant boons. Hymns are chanted every day all over India, in temples and homes, and countless stories abound in their praise. Here is the tale of the Origin of The Crescent Moon According to legend, the moon god, Chandra, was born three times, which is why he also came to be known as Trijanmi. The first time, he was created by Brahma, and the second time, he emerged from the eyes of Sage Atri. Chandra’s radiance became so powerful and intolerable that he was immersed in an ocean of milk to ensure the world’s survival. Durning another event, which involved the churning of the ocean by the Asuras and the Devas, chandra was reborn and released, along with Goddess Lakshmi. Thus, Chandra came to be known as …
A determined Parvati began her penance, abstaining from food and only focusing on her chanting, which earned her the name Aparna, or ‘the girl who refuses to eat even a leaf’. With each passing day, her tapasya became more and more severe, until the entire world was aware of her meditation. Years passed, and Parvati grew powerful with the strength she obtained from her intense penance. In the meantime, Shiva came to learn about everything that had transpired- her devotion to him and his failure to notice her. He realised that she wasn’t a mere mortal, and decided to test her faith. Shiva approached Parvati disguised as a Sanyasi begging for food. Though she was deep in meditation, she sensed the sanyasi’s presence and opened her eyes. A wave of peace and calm swept over Shiva. Parvati stared at him without realising who he was, and then offered him all she had. While receiving the alms, the ascetic asked, ‘why are you performing this penance?’ ‘It is for Shiva. I wish to marry him, ‘she …
In India, the term Trimurti is used in reference to the three faces of god. They are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. They are collectively known as the Trinity. Together they represent the oneness of the universe while retaining their distinctive nature and are known for their ability to grant boons. Hymns are chanted every day all over India, in temples and homes, and countless stories abound in their praise. Here is the most Intense tale of Kamadeva trying to break Lord Shiva’s Penance and Why? The god and goddess of eternal love, Kamadeva and Rati, were a lovely couple. Their affection for each other blossomed visibly during the spring season, and their companions included flowers, buds, cuckoos, parrots, honeybees and lush green trees. One day, Kamadeva’s father, Vishnu, summoned him to his abode and said, ‘I have a difficult task for you. You are the only one with the ability to wake Shiva from his stupor. Once you do that, he will open his eyes and see the beautiful Parvati. As you are the god …
In India, the term Trimurti is used in reference to the three faces of god. They are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. They are collectively known as the Trinity. Together they represent the oneness of the universe while retaining their distinctive nature and are known for their ability to grant boons. Hymns are chanted every day all over India, in temples and homes, and countless stories abound in their praise. Here is the tale of the Birth Of Parvati Taraka was a powerful and ambitious demon, and a devotee of Lord Brahma. One day he began a severe penance for Brahma, living on a mountain for a long period of time: Pleased with Taraka’s devotion, the creator appeared before him. ‘O my lord!’ Taraka cried. ‘My life’s purpose has been fulfilled now that I have felt your presence.’ Brahma smiled. ‘Tell me what your heart desires.’ Also Read: Brahma is Worshipped Only in the Most Ancient City of Pushkar ‘I want to live forever, replied Taraka. ‘My dearest devotee, you know that such a boon is …
In India, the term Trimurti is used in reference to the three faces of god. They are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. They are collectively known as the Trinity. Together they represent the oneness of the universe while retaining their distinctive nature and are known for their ability to grant boons. Hymns are chanted every day all over India, in temples and homes, and countless stories abound in their praise. Here is the tale of Sati, the wife of Shiva King Daksha was one of the sons of Lord Brahma. Daksha had many daughters. Twenty-seven of them were married to the handsome moon god, Chandra and among his remaining daughters, Dakshayani was married to Shiva. Daksha was not at all happy with Dakshayani’s choice. Shiva spent most of his time either on Mount Kailash in the freezing Himalayas or in Cremation grounds. To make matters worse, he looked positively dreadful with his long, dark, matted locks and that snake wrapped around his neck like a garland. Daksha felt that his beautiful daughter deserved a better husband. …
The asura brothers Sunda and Upasunda were inseparable. They shared everything equally- food, clothes and even their kingdom. In the hope of gaining immortality, they performed severe penance to please Brahma. After a long time, the god finally appeared. ‘We are overjoyed to be in your presence, my lord!’ they said, bowing to Brahma. ‘Your penance is commendable, my dear devotees.’ Brahma smiled. ‘I will grant you a boon. Tell me, what do you wish for?’ Sunda and Upasunda had been waiting for this moment. ‘We want to be immortal.’ they chorused. Also Read: The Choice of Death- Legend of Madhu Kaitabha ‘I am afraid that is impossible. Any living being that is born must die. I am only the creator, and have no power to stop death. Ask me for something else instead. ‘ After careful thought, Sunda and Upasunda said. ‘Then give us such a boon that will allow us to die only by each other’s hand and no other.’ Now, Brahma was famous for granting boons to his asura devotees. More often …
In India, the term Trimurti is used in reference to the three faces of god. They are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, and collectively called the Trinity. Lord Brahma is the creator of the universe and everything both living and non-living. He is said to have risen from a Lotus that emerged from Vishnu’s belly button. Just as an Artisan moulds statues, Brahma is the eternal sculptor responsible for the intricacies of all life forms. We are all his children. Also Read : The Choice Of Death- The Legend of Madhu Kaitabha Ages ago, the god of love, Kamadeva and his wife, Rati, prayed fervently to Brahma for a boon. They wanted a special bow and arrow. So they fasted and meditated for days and days, and finally Brahma appeared. Kamadeva said, ‘Dear Lord, give me a bow and arrow that will make anyone I shoot it with fall instantly in Love with the nearest person.’ Brahma considered the request. ‘This boon is perfect!’ he thought. ‘It will encourage more humans to fall in love and …
My dear Co-travellers, Road To Nara has been my Laboratory for sharing my life experiences as a a Writer, as a Documentarian and as an Educator for sometime now. And ever since I started writing here I have tried to bring in my understandings from any walk of life that spoke to me ever. Be it my Travels, from my School, My Yogic or the Spiritual way of being, my experiences with nature, The Himalayas and many a times about the Art world, Primarily Sharing from the lives of Writers and Photographers. Also Read: Children of War and a Photographic Journey into the Parallel Universe And all my co-travellers here, who visit this space, many a ones whose views I cherish who bring their own world to make this space a little more chirpier and happier. This Special Edition goes out to each one of you with whom I have ever interacted. This week, I am sharing about a film that shaped something unexplainable in me, that I think gave me a perspective on how …
The internet was supposed to liberate knowledge, but in fact it buried it, first under a vast sewer of ignorance, laziness, bigotry, superstition and filth and then beneath the cloak of political surveillance. Now cyberspace exists exclusively to promote commerce, gossip and pornography. And of course to hunt down sedition. Only paper is safe. Books are the key. A book cannot be accessed from afar, you have to hold it, you have to read it. And finally become it. : ँ : Thank you If today is the first time you have arrived on The Road to Nara, you are heartily welcome ~ Namaste ROAD TO NARA : To have an access to Stories of Culture, History, Passion, Art, People, Lores, Rivers, Folk, Mysticism, Meditation, Mountains, Trees and Tantric Science of Ancient India and the Indigenous World to your mailbox. Do share your e-address Type your email… Subscribe Follow Nature : ँ : I will take this opportunity to introduce you to About me and importantly As a co-traveller, will take you through the Ten Lessons I learnt …
It was the year end night. Some friends had come over to celebrate. I had also called my brother-in-law who is an Investigating officer and an entertaining storyteller but seemed not quite himself that night. He stood alone, in dark, looking down dreamily with a tilted glass, now empty. I walked over and asked playfully if he was regretting over missing a shot at a culprit. Thankfully, he had his wit intact. He beckoned me to come out of the room. “What’s the matter Rana? I asked.” We walked towards the balcony. Bhaiya, in the noontime today, a doctor came over to the office and he narrated a story, and ever since I have heard his tale, I do not know what to make of it. Really? What is it? What happened. Rana spoke with passion as he does and just like the doctor he spoke in first person; I started my first job at a hospital in Alibaug. Each case provided me with new knowledge more than my books. Every patient even now teaches …
Tonight is Paush Purnima night as I right this. And it marks the start of the largest and the Oldest Congregation of Humankind ever meeting at the Sangam of India’s three ancient Rivers Ganga, Jamuna and the legendary Saraswati. The Maha Kumbh Mela of 2025 is set to take place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from January 13 to February 26, 2025. Kumbh literally means a kalash “Pot” or “pitcher” in Sanskrit. and has significance going back to the times unknown. It is the most remarkable gathering of ascetics from all sects, traditions and cults in India. The Kumbh Mela is believed to commemorate the legendary event of the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) when the nectar of immortality (Amrit) was discovered. It is said that a drop each of this divine nectar fell into the rivers from the ‘pitcher’ the kumbh at four locations where the Mela is held, giving these places immense spiritual significance. Bathing ritual is the most significant ritual performed at Kumbh. Although taking a dip in the sacred waters on …
It was in January 1774 India’s 1st Governor General, Warren Hastings began to make arrangements for the establishment of India’s first Post Office Department. A Post Master General was appointed who took forward the plan ahead. During the administration of Warren Hastings (1774 – 1785) in India, the post office was placed on a better footing than before and steps were taken to make the post available to a limited extent of private communications as well. The ‘Copper Ticket’, on the other hand, was the first pre-paid token stamp issued from Patna, 1774. This stamp now belongs to Dilip Shah of Jabalpur. This ticket was also known as ‘Azimabad Ekanni’ & ‘Azimabad Duanni’. This opened up the postal service to the public and letters were no longer restricted to government departments and business houses. “Among the many things, good & bad, that the modern world has produced, surely the postal system, which covers the world, is one of its most beneficient activities.” ~ Jawahar Lal Nehru but this post is not merely about the First …
And as I press on this note to myself, some lessons that i am carrying from previous years that are not goals, neither resolutions but some learnings that shall lead to better days, better moments and hopefully a better me. And hence I wish that 2025 becomes a year of clarity, of serving, teaching, uplifting and doing… Read more
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