Tag: God & Goddess

Gods and goddesses are terms used to describe the deities in various polytheistic religions, with each representing specific aspects of life, nature, or human experience.

Nabapatrika: When Nine Sacred Leaves Bring the Goddess Home

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents17 Comments

As autumn begins in Bengal, Durga Puja brings joy and festivity with rituals like Nabapatrika, representing Goddess Durga through nine sacred plants. This tradition, unique to Bengal, honors fertility and nature and reflects familial bonds in a charming folktale. Although overshadowed by idol worship, Nabapatrika endures, emphasizing ecological reverence and the cyclical essence of life. It intertwines culture and spirituality, vital to the rich tapestry of Durga Puja celebrations, celebrating the triumph over evil and community.

A Spiritual Journey: Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes9 Comments

Ganesh Chaturthi is a vibrant festival in India honoring Lord Ganesha's birth. The revered Shree Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai, over 200 years old, is an iconic place of worship. Lord Ganesha, known as the God of wisdom and prosperity, is central to the temple's history and legend. The temple's architectural beauty and spiritual significance offer a profound experience to visitors, making it a must-visit in Mumbai.

From Clay to Creation: Ninmakh’s Enduring Presence in Babylon

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Heritage & History14 Comments

Among Babylon’s broken bricks and drifting sands, Ninmakh still lingers. Mother of gods and humans, she shaped life from clay and water, blessing birth, healing wounds, and anchoring civilisation itself. Her temple rose again and again, each layer preserving memory. Today, amid ruins and silence, her story whispers of creation, loss, and the enduring feminine sacred within the ancient heart of Mesopotamia forever.

A Spiritual Journey at Mukteshvara Temple, Odisha

On By Judhajit RoychoudhuryIn Heritage & History, Journeys & Mindscapes8 Comments

Odisha, an Eastern state of India, is a land of breathtaking landscapes and magnificent temples. A recent spiritual journey led to the iconic Sun Temple at Konark, revered Jagannath Temple at Puri, and ancient Mukteshvara Mandir in Bhubaneswar. The Mukteshvara Temple, a regal sandstone monument, reflects architectural brilliance. It is a symbol of spiritual and cultural fusion and hosts the vibrant Mukteshwara Utsav, making it a must-visit destination in Bhubaneswar.

Durga Puja in Varanasi: Traditions & Memories

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents7 Comments

Durga Puja in India transforms the atmosphere into a vibrant celebration of the Goddess Durga, embodying divine feminine power. A personal experience in Varanasi highlighted the city's rich traditions and spiritual energy, driven by family connections and rituals like Kumari Puja. This journey created cherished memories filled with devotion, joy, and cultural heritage, while anticipation for the upcoming festivities stirs emotions once more.

Itkhori: Where Faiths Converge & Time Stands Still

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Heritage & History, Journeys & Mindscapes18 Comments

Itkhori in Chatra district of Jharkhand state of India is situated at around 150 km from Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, at the confluence of two rivers named ‘Mahane' and 'Baksa'. Bhadrakali temple complex is a symbol of religious tolerance for centuries. It is a wonderful place with abundance of historic reminiscences and archaeological remnants demonstrating a breath-taking saga of religious tolerance and cultural unity.

The House of Heaven: Inanna’s Temple & the Architecture of Divine Power

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Heritage & History6 Comments

Inanna, a prominent Mesopotamian goddess, symbolized love, fertility, and war, governing both divine and earthly realms. Her myths illustrate themes of death and rebirth, showcasing her significance in agriculture. Temples dedicated to her served as spiritual and economic centers, influencing later cultures as Ishtar. Her worship declined with the rise of monotheism.

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

Deori Mandir: Sixteen Arms of Faith, Folklore, & Divinity

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents14 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.

Experience the Spiritual Depth of Ujjain’s Bhasma Aarti

On By Judhajit RoychoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes13 Comments

I embarked on a pilgrimage to Ujjain, home to the revered Mahakaleshwar Temple and the Bhasma Aarti, a profound ritual intertwining life and death. The ancient temple, with its timeless power, hosts a unique and spiritual experience, where the divine energy of Lord Shiva is invoked through sacred rituals. Despite the overwhelming crowd, the enduring impact of the Bhasma Aarti left me with a profound sense of peace and a deeper understanding of spirituality.

Ujjain: A Journey Through History & Spirituality

On By Judhajit RoychoudhuryIn Cultural Currents6 Comments

Ujjain is a significant spiritual and cultural hub in India, famous for its over 100 Hindu temples. Notably, it houses the Mahakaleshwar temple, displaying one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Ujjain's rich heritage in art, literature, and astronomy is evident in its many museums and monuments. Once the residence of emperor Ashoka and other renowned scholars, it is a main pilgrimage destination for Hindus and hosts Kumbh Mela every 12 years. The city is embedded with astonishing legends and was considered as one of the four primary educational centers of ancient India.