Tag: Faith & Tradition

Faith and tradition are intertwined concepts that have shaped human societies for millennia. Tradition often transmits religious beliefs and practices across generations, providing a sense of continuity and identity. However, the relationship between faith and tradition can be complex, with potential for harmony and conflict.

Discovering the Mystique of Nalhateshwari Temple: A Journey into Divine Serenity

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn India, Myths & Legends, Spiritual Places13 Comments

The Nalateshwari Temple is situated in the Nalhati town of Birbhum district in West Bengal. The town Nalhati is named after Nalateshwari temple, one of the 51 Sakti Peethas. It is around 25 km from Tarapith. The Shakti Pitha (Sanskrit: शक्ति पीठ) are significant shrines and pilgrimage destinations in Shaktism, the goddess-focused Hindu tradition. This temple is believed to be erected at the spot where the ‘Nala’, (Vocal chord with part of the tracheae), the throat of Goddess Sati (Sakti) had fallen. In Bengali, the larynx is known as 'Nala'. This is the source from which the deity is known as Maa Nalateswari and the place is also named Nalhati, for the shrine.

Nature’s Sanctuary: The Spiritual and Cultural Essence of Sarna Grooves

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Customs & Rituals, India, Spiritual Places, Traditional Culture11 Comments

The sacred groves of Jharkhand, known as Sarna or Sarna sthal, are revered sites within Adivasi culture. These forested areas, rich with sal trees, embody the spiritual essence and ecological wisdom of the indigenous tribes. Sarnas serve as temple groves for various tribes, reflecting a blend of tribal and Hindu traditions. These groves are not only cultural and religious sites but also vital hubs of biodiversity, requiring preservation for future generations.

Nabapatrika: The Sacred Ritual of Bengal

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Customs & Rituals, Events & Festivals15 Comments

Nabapatrika is a significant ritual in West Bengal marking the beginning of the Durga Puja festival. It involves worshipping nine different plants representing the forms of Goddess Durga. The tenth day concludes as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, signifying harvest, health, wealth, and prosperity. The ancient Nabapatrika ritual, performed by peasants for a bountiful harvest, blends Vedic and ancient non-Vedic rituals, symbolizing nature's complexity and power, environmental reverence, and social unity.

Revisiting Memories of Durga Puja in Varanasi

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Customs & Rituals, India, Spiritual Places7 Comments

The festival season in India is a vibrant celebration, especially during the Durga Puja, dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Durga. Varanasi, the spiritual capital, offers a unique setting for the festivities, with its narrow streets and Bengali Tola's colorful pandals. The experience involves visiting puja mandaps, savoring bhog, and witnessing rituals like Kumari Puja and homa. The trip becomes a cherished memory of spiritual connection and cultural immersion.

Se Cathedral, Goa: A Marvel of Portuguese Architecture

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn India, Medieval India, Spiritual Places13 Comments

The Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina, known as Se Cathedral, is the cathedral of the Latin Rite Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and Daman and the seat of the Patriarch of the East Indies. It is located in Old Goa, India. The word Sé is Portuguese for See. An episcopal see is, in the usual meaning of the phrase, the area of a bishop's ecclesiastical jurisdiction.

Deori Mandir, Ranchi-Tata Highway (NH33), Jharkhand, India

Deori Mandir: Ancient Solahbhuji Durga Temple

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn India, Myths & Legends, Spiritual Places13 Comments

The Deori Mandir, nestled on the Jamshedpur-Ranchi Highway, is home to the revered sixteen-armed Maa Deori, a manifestation of Goddess Durga. The temple's unique portrayal defies convention and exudes martial prowess and divine grace. Legends trace its origins to the Mahabharata era, with narratives of Emperor Ashoka and divine intervention during the Kalinga War. The sanctity of the temple resonates through ancient craftsmanship and spiritual symbiosis, attracting pilgrims seeking solace and reverence.

Exploring the Al-Kadhimiya Mosque: A Journey Through History and Spirituality

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Iraq, Medieval Middle East, Spiritual Places3 Comments

The Al-Kadhimiya Mosque in Baghdad's Kadhimiya district is a significant Shia shrine, housing the tombs of Imams Musa Al-Kadhim and Muhammad al-Jawad. The mosque, originally constructed in the 8th century, features stunning architecture and historical significance. It has been a hub of religious and cultural activity, drawing pilgrims and visitors from around the world. A visit to this remarkable site offers a profound connection to Shia Islam's history and spirituality.

Omkareshwar: Blessed by Gods, & Adorned by Nature

On By Judhajit RoychoudhuryIn India, Spiritual Places9 Comments

The author recounts their visit to Ujjain, an ancient city in Madhya Pradesh, India, known for its historical prominence and religious significance. He describes their journey to the city via Indore and their exploration of the Omkareshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. They detail the temple's history, its spiritual significance and the legends associated with it, painting a picture of a destination merging myth, faith, and natural beauty. The trip also included a visit to the Shani temple and a stop at a local dhaba.

Ram Navami Procession in Ranchi

Celebrating the Vibrant Festival of Ram Navami in Ranchi: A Spectacle of Faith and Devotion

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Customs & Rituals, Events & Festivals, India10 Comments

Ram Navami is a vibrant celebration in Ranchi, India, honoring the birth of Lord Rama. The festival features devout processions and performances by over 300 akharas, showcasing traditional weaponry and martial arts. The city comes alive with saffron decorations and religious fervor, drawing diverse crowds. Safety measures, such as road closures and power supply disconnections, are implemented to ensure a secure and joyous event. Ultimately, Ram Navami symbolizes unity, faith, and the triumph of good over evil.

Saraswati Puja: A Celebration of Art & Wisdom

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Events & Festivals12 Comments

Saraswati (also Sarasvati) is the Hindu goddess of learning, wisdom, music, and aesthetics. She is also known as Bharati (eloquence), Shatarupa (existence), Vedamata (‘mother of the Vedas’), Brahmi, Sarada, Vagisvari, and Putkari. Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and arts, represents the free flow of wisdom and consciousness. Saraswati represents vak or the divine word, but the same inspiration she reflects extends to all Hindu goddesses as arising from chit-shakti, the power of consciousness.