By Promod Puri One of the most ingrained and perhaps efficacious features of Hinduism is the mantra. A mantra inherently is the delivery of sacred word(s) or a sound with literal meaning or without meaning, but capable of inducing an environment of divinity. Despite their antiquated origin during Vedic period of Hindu history, mantras in…

By Promod Puri Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Gobind Singh represent two distinct aspects of Sikhism. In the evolution of Sikhism, together these significant facets symbolize the Khalsa, a saint-soldier designation which is pure, clean, and free. The saint-soldier image of the Khalsa was initiated by Guru Nanak and got concluded by Guru Gobind Singh, according…

by Promod Puri The expression “Hindu culture” is as vague as saying Hindu cuisine (except by international airlines referring to “Hindu meal”). And it is as much eluding as trying to contrive a language, music, arts, customs, etc. with a suffix of Hindu like saying Hindu music or Hindu language. Culture in most cases is…

Ever wonder why we chant “om” before our yoga practice or prayer? Check out this interesting take on how Quantum Theory can help us understand the significance of Om. This is perhaps the first time in the studies of Hinduism that an attempt has been made to establish a relationship between the sound of Om…

Since bias knows no boundaries, Manusmriti not only expounds the social distance between the upper and lower castes, but it also delineates the status of women by curbing their rights. It lists guidelines for men in selecting marriage partners and puts a stamp of their superiority by creating gender inequality. In chapter 3 with numbered…

Courtesy: The Coversation David Milledge, Newcastle University and Josh Bunce, Newcastle University The Ganges is a lifeline for millions of people who live within its catchment as a source of water, transport and food. During the Hindu pilgrimage known as Kumbh Mela the Ganges plays host to the largest human gathering on Earth as 120m…

By Promod Puri Ritualistically inspired and politically promoted by the Hindutva regime of India’s Uttar Pradesh province, the world’s largest religious congregation, the Kumbh Mela, began January 15 until March 4, 2019, in the city of Praygraj, formerly Allahabad. Devotees come to the historic city where Hindu sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati confluence. It…