All posts filed under: Indian History

The Untold Tantric Powers of the Yoginis of the Kamakhya Shaktipeeth

Unlike other temples, Kamakhya Temple doesn’t house traditional murtis of Yoginis. Instead, Yogini Pithas (sacred spots) are scattered around the temple, symbolizing their invisible yet omnipresent power. The temple is linked to Vama Marg Tantra, a left-hand path that involves secretive rituals, like Taamsik offerings symbolizing transcendence beyond duality.

The Legend of Sunda and Upasunda

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 …

Five Heads of Brahma and a Boon Gone Wrong

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 …

10 Secrets about Maha Kumbh Mela of 2025 that Each of us Should know

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 …

The Story of India’s First Metallic Postage Stamp

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 …