Heritage Month – A Diminutive Strategy
Anjali KanojiaCultural Heritage Months are celebrated in the United States to recognize and promote the visibility of specific cultures. These months intend to educate and raise awareness about the country or…
The Great Temple Pyramid: A Journey through Cholula, Mexico
For one of my birthdays, I wanted to experience the ancient and spiritual but did not have time to travel to India. I usually look south when I need a…
Animal Sacrifice “Pashu Bali” in Hindu Rituals
Animal sacrifice, or balidanam, has been a longstanding tradition within Hindu rituals, notably in worshiping feminine deities such as Ma Durga and Ma Kali. Initially prevalent in ancient Hindu practices, the…
The Sacred Swastika: Cultural Odyssey Across Millennia
The Swastika, with archaeological evidence from the Harappan culture circa 3000 BCE and rooted in the Indian Civilization, tells a fascinating story across civilizations. Archaeological discoveries in Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro…
Orchha: Timeless Heritage in the Heart of India
Orchha, situated in the Niwari district of Madhya Pradesh, India, boasts a captivating history from the 16th century as if preserved in time. Established in 1531 by the Bundela chief,…
Consecrations: Prana Pratishtha in Hindu Spirituality
Consecration, as outlined in spiritual practices, involves transforming a physical space, object, and even a human being into a realm of Divine potential. Loosely speaking, consecrations bring certain energy forms…
Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science: Samkhya’s Vision of Evolution
The Samkhya Darshana, a school of thought within Hindu philosophy, provides a detailed and nuanced perspective on evolution centuries before Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. At its core, Samkhya provides…
Indonesia’s Spiritual Tapestry: Gunung Padang and Bali’s Enduring Hindu Heritage
Indonesia's trajectory through history has been intricately shaped by a convergence of factors, including its geographical positioning, abundant natural resources, human migrations, wars, conquests, trade dynamics, and political evolution. As…
Khajuraho: Architectural Marvels, Cultural Heritage, Artistic Inspiration
Less than a two-hour flight from Kashi, Khajuraho is my favorite place in India besides Kashi. When I take folks on a Northern Indian tour, I usually spend time in…
Beyond Belief: Spirituality and Religiosity Trends in the United States
Being religious is different from being spiritual. There has been a trend worldwide where more people indicate they are spiritual but not religious. While the term 'spiritual' has specific connotations…