The innocuous door opened to reveal a secret passage that led to a square with four homes facing each other. Where one showed a colonial touch, another showcased the local art. The third displayed a touch of Persia and the fourth stood vibrant with its Maratha designs. Distinct cultures intertwined, differences merged. Such was the … Read more
It wasn’t the first time that we had stopped at the same spot for breakfast Nor was it the first time that we had heard the foot-tapping music near the grand gate next door. However – it was the first time I saw those dancers perform to the beat of the drum And it was … Read more
The smoke from his chillum rose high and then merged with the fumes from the aarti. Right next to it, was the Kathak dancer performing a chakkar – all to the tune of tabla. I felt the essence of Banaras through these moments – all captured in the magnificent Varanasi street art. Visiting one of … Read more
With one hand, he held the saw to rotate the spinning wheel. In his other hand, he fashioned a chisel. Securing a small part of the lathe with his foot, he began to work his magic. Within moments, the slab of rock transformed into a perfect mini globe that finally became a bobbing head of … Read more
The blue water turned white as it bubbled over my toes The soft sand had my feet got enclosed. Even from a distance, I clearly saw the friendly fins Waltzing with the gentle waves were the lively dolphins. They seemed far but still within my reach But then, that was how everything was – on … Read more
“It is not just a myth that the Bet Dwarka temple was actually Krishna’s home. There is evidence pointing to it – like the recent discovery of the Bet Dwarka underwater city and the various historical digs on the island itself. The is definitely plenty more to the Bet Dwarka story” I have been digging … Read more
His eyes bore through my soul… They beckoned me closer. His gaze urged me to look… At things beyond the obvious. The towering idol of Shiva greeted me at the entrance of the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga temple. His gaze and aura struck me so powerfully that I wondered what the actual linga inside this Shiva Temple in … Read more
I followed the lone floating diya to the first ray of the rising sun that had begun to spread its golden tones onto the river. The slow rhythmic chants in the background added to the mystique in the air. A sudden splash broke my reverie and drew my attention to the ceremonies being performed in … Read more
Parched and tired, she turned and looked at her Lord. Krishna smiled and paused. He dug his toe into the earth and out sprang Ganga. Rukmini gratefully nodded and scooped some of the spring to quench her thirst. She had hardly taken a sip when a loud voice caused her to drop the water. What … Read more
He asked the holy one to choose anything from his ship – “A gratitude for guiding us to safety.” Madhvacharya chose the sandalwood ballast. While transporting it, a small piece broke away to reveal a glittering jewel. Curiosity unleashed a sparkling discovery. Sri Krishna had just arrived in Udupi from Dwarka by way of an … Read more
Was it the magic of the rising sun that was beginning to add its golden glow to the trees at one end? Or was it the sea spray that continued to create a misty sheer around the beach and the backwaters? To the east was the sunrise while on the west was a pristine beach … Read more
With a quick swig, he emptied the coconut shell. Discarding the shell, he picked a holy cross and fixed it close to the shore. He whispered – “Padrao de Sante Maria” and with that, he turned and left the isle for his final destination. Little did he know that his whispered words would make the … Read more