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
“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
It was not just the Kere Basadi that exuded calm Even the blue-green water lake around it seemed serene. The twittering birds & temple bells added to the spell And the slow ripples by the boat oars further enhanced the charm The combination of beauty and serenity at the Varanga Jain temple in Karnataka makes … Read more
They tried over and over again, but he refused to move. And so, they honored his wish to remain by building a new home at that very place. The new abode completed, the priest decided to try once one. Voila! This time, the statue moved and thus began the miracles at the St. Lawrence Church … Read more
He walked to the pile of discarded wares and picked up the artistic brass lock. To the family, it was an old worthless piece of an instrument used to bolt heavy doors – one that had no relevance in their contemporary mansion. To him – it was a priceless relic of his culture – one … Read more
He arranged the yellow dhoti and then opened the jewelry box. The gold chain with red stones seemed perfect to compliment the Lord’s yellow garbs and so, he chose that for the evening. With that, the Lord was ready to see his devotees. The other man in the room slowly opened the door as his … Read more
He picked a sharp stone and went to work. He scraped deeper and deeper till he had represented himself. “A mark that I was here” – he thought as he threw his chisel away and made his way out of the caves. Centuries later, the mark was rediscovered along with many others made by the … Read more