India/Travel

Rankini Devi Temple

Indrajit RoyChoudhury 8 Comments

Goddess Rankini is believed to be a manifestation of Goddess Kali. It is widely believed that during ancient times, people travelling through the dense forest used to worship Goddess Rankini at this temple, located near the Jadugora town in East Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, for their protection and well being. Although the stone deity was originally worshiped by the local tribes, but later, through the passage of time transformed into Hindu Goddess Durga, probably when the Kings of Dhalbhumgarh took over.

History/India/Travel

Mundeshwari Devi Temple: Oldest Temple in India

Indrajit RoyChoudhury 8 Comments

The Mundeshwari Temple is located at Ramgarh village of Bhagwanpur block in Kaimur district in the Indian state of Bihar on the Mundeshwari Hills. It is an ancient temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and Shakti. It is believed that rituals and worship have been performed here without a break, hence the Mundeshwari temple is considered as the oldest functional Hindu temple of India. The temple is an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monument since 1915.

Culture/India

Nabapatrika: Unique Ritual of Durga Puja

Indrajit RoyChoudhury 13 Comments

Nabapatrika was a popular ancient ritual performed by the peasants/farmers worshipping Mother Nature for rich and bountiful harvest. With the popularity of the Durga Puja, this ritual was assimilated in the festivities. This important ritual of Durga Puja is an example of inclusiveness — harmonious synthesis of Vedic and ancient non-Vedic rituals. As we cry for climate change and environment, here is the highest form of regard for the environment where goddess Durga is symbolized by the Banana Plant and the important plants and trees are worshiped for the preservation instead of devastation.

History/India/Travel

The Land of Singing Waves

Indrajit RoyChoudhury 26 Comments

Tarangambadi is the land of singing waves in Tamil Nadu, India. The place dates back to the 14th century. From 1620 to 1845 it was a Danish settlement ruled by Governors, till the British took over its administration. Tarangambadi became Tranquebar for the Danes. It's the place where the first printing press was established in India. The beach in Tarangambadi has been identified as the one of the most Ozone-rich beaches in the world by various studies conducted by the Danes in 1960’s and Indian researchers. This place has an ancient Shiva temple, churches, fort, museums, and a tranquil beach where sea waves sing. This is a nice place for a quick getaway in South India.

History/India

Sep 11: National Forest Martyrs Day

Indrajit RoyChoudhury 10 Comments

National Forest Martyrs Day is observed in India on September 11 every year to commemorate the Khejarli massacre, which took place on September 11 in 1730. The Ministry of Environment and Forest made the declaration in 2013 to remember the sacrifice of those who laid their lives to protect the forests and wildlife across the remote corners of the country and since then, people across India observe this day every year to pay tributes to the valour and sacrifice made the forest personnel to protect the forests and wildlife of India.

History/India/Travel

Chandraketugarh: Lost Civilisation

Indrajit RoyChoudhury 17 Comments

What connects Bengal and the Indus Valley Civilisation? A 2,500-year-old archaeological site, suffering from neglect might have the answer. A thriving settlement between the 4th century BCE and 12th century CE, Chandraketugarh is often thought to be the kingdom of Gangaridai as referred to by ancient Greek and Roman writers. Apart from its historical significance, Chandraketugarh is of great cultural importance, associated with Bengali poet and astrologer Khana, the daughter-in-law of Varahamihira, the famed astronomer and mathematician who was part of Chandragupta Vikramaditya’s court.

History/Iraq/Travel

The Great Ziggurat of Ur

Indrajit RoyChoudhury 4 Comments

Ziggurats were built by ancient Sumerians, Akkadians, Elamites, Eblaites and Babylonians for local religions. Each ziggurat was part of a temple complex that included other buildings. The precursors of the ziggurat were raised platforms that date from the Ubaid period during the sixth millennium BCE. The Ziggurat at Ur and the temple on its top were built around 2100 BCE by the king Ur-Nammu of the Third Dynasty of Ur for the moon goddess Nanna, the divine patron of the city state.

India/Travel

Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir

Indrajit RoyChoudhury 9 Comments

In Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is the God of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most widely celebrated festivals of the country. The history of Shree Siddhi Vinayak Temple goes back to 1801 when a childless woman named Deubai Patil funded the temple so that the Lord may grant children to other childless women. Laxman Vithu Patil was the man behind the construction of the initial temple. The magnificent temple of Shree Siddhivinayak is definitely worth a visit whether you are looking to seek the holy blessings of Lord Ganesha and to soak into the spirit of holiness.