The district of Vijayapura is blessed with the waters from the Krishna, Doni and Bhima rivers, deep black soil, red sandy soil and mixed soils, semi-arid climatic conditions and diverse agricultural produce. It is estimated that nearly 80 percent of the land is under cultivation with a thriving agro and food processing industry providing employment... Continue Reading →
अयोध्या मथुरा माया काशी काञ्ची अवन्तिका । पुरी द्वारावती चैव सप्तैते मोक्षदायकाः॥ Kashi, a name that evokes a multitude of emotions ranging from bliss, joy, ecstasy, love and relief is the city that promises liberation. Since the dawn of time, Kashi has been considered to be the centre of learning, knowledge, wisdom and Advaita. Sages,... Continue Reading →
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1666 had taken refuge in the ancient city of Benares after his miraculous escape from captivity. He was most distressed on seeing the fear in the eyes of Hindus who had suffered immensely in the hands of the Mughals. Even though Raje desired to rebuild Kashi after the horrific desecration in... Continue Reading →
It is perhaps not known to many that Kanpur Nagar district is a treasure trove of ancient brick temples dating back to the Dwapura Yuga. Though tourists head straight for Bhitargaon and Nibiya Khera, there are several other brick temples that have managed to remain hidden for centuries and have only recently caught the interest of... Continue Reading →
Kameshwar Mahadev located in the sacrosanct Kaman village also known as Adi Vrindavan is one of the four important Shivalayas on the Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra. Along with Bhuteshwar Mahadev in Mathura, Gopeshwar Mahadev in Vrindavan and Chakleshwar Mahadev in Govardhan, Kameshwar Mahadev is deemed to be the fourth guardian of the Braj Dham. According to... Continue Reading →
Tamatar ki chaat as the name suggests is essentially a chatpata chaat with tomato at the helm. Though the tamatar ki chaat sold in Prayagraj and Lucknow is amazing, the Banarasi tamatar ki chaat is in a class of its own. The explosion of flavours - spicy, sweet, sour, tangy and crunchy in each bite is pure... Continue Reading →
Koderma district in Jharkhand is blessed with abundant natural resources, mineral deposits and diverse horticultural crops. In recent years, this district has emerged as a major producer of fruits like lime, apple, guava, bael, jamun, custard apple, tamarind and karonda (black currant). The agro-climatic conditions (warm summers, cool winters, average annual rainfall of 1344... Continue Reading →
Aurangzeb seized absolute control of the throne in 1661 after murdering Dara Shikoh, instigating the execution of Shah Shuja in the hands of local rulers of Burma, executing his younger brother Murad Bakhsh in jail and imprisoning his father, Shah Jahan. Memoirs and court records graphically describe his fanaticism and deep roots in Islamic... Continue Reading →
Madhya Bharat, the centre of Shaivism between the 9th to 10th century is dotted with beautiful Shiva Temples built in the Nagara as well as Rekha Deul style of architecture predominantly seen in Odisha and parts of West Bengal, Bihar and Chhattisgarh. One stunning example of the Rekha Deul style that has miraculously survived the ravages of the... Continue Reading →
The revered town of Govardhan is barely 20 km from Mathurapuri and draws lakhs of devotees every year especially on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima. This sacred tirthasthala is a part of the Braj Mandala Parikrama that starts at the Vishram Ghat in Mathurapuri. According to the Srimad Bhagavatam, when Lord Krishna saw the elaborate preparations for... Continue Reading →
A visit to the narrow lanes of Old Banaras is complete only after sampling their irresistible street food, deemed to be the best in North India. The lip-smacking tamatar chaat, kachori sabzi, chooda matar, golgappe, malai toast, baati chokha, lassi, jalebi, rabdi and malaiyo will make you drool and send you to a heavenly place where no one can reach you! Malaiyo... Continue Reading →
The state of Jharkhand is famous for its stunning natural beauty, ancient temples, archaeological sites, mineral deposits and agricultural produce. Jharkhand is a largely agrarian economy with more than 60 percent of its people involved in farming and animal husbandry. Each district has its own signature crop that is in great demand in the markets... Continue Reading →
It is difficult to ascertain the extent of damage inflicted by the Delhi Sultanate, but a fair number of mosques and tombs built on the sites of temples during this period using the stones of the temples demolished are still visible in the city. It has been documented that Razia Sultana had built a mosque... Continue Reading →
The lesser-known Khedapati Mata Mandir in Kagpur village is an architectural gem of the Paramaras. Built between the 10th - 11th century, this temple structure has been desecrated multiple times by Muslim invaders and the British. The structure that stands today is the collective effort of the residents of the village after it collapsed. ... Continue Reading →
The fourth kotwal (guardian) of Mathurapuri located in the northern part is Gokarn Nath Mahadev. Gokarn Nath is considered to be the embodiment of Mahakal (Mahakaleshwar) and has existed since the Dwapura Yuga. According to the Hindu scriptures, a childless couple named Atmadev and Dhunduli were deeply troubled about the continuation of their lineage and... Continue Reading →
Periya Puranam, a Tamizh magnum opus of sixty-three Nayanars (poet saints of Lord Shiva) compiled by Sekkizhar in the 12th century is a literary masterpiece evoking a wide range of emotions from tears of joy to astonishment to bliss. Chidambaram or Thiruchitambalam, one of the pancha sabhas which witnessed the tandava of Lord Nataraja is a mesmerizing tirthasthala with... Continue Reading →
It is well known that India is not only the largest producer of ginger in the world but is also a treasure trove of ginger diversity with more than fifty indigenous varieties grown since the ancient times. Each and every district in each and every state has its own local variety that has a distinctive... Continue Reading →
The second attack by the Muslim invader Qutb al-Din Aibak in 1197 - 98 effectively ended the golden period of the Gahadavalas and established a violent intolerant Muslim rule that was determined to destroy every trace of the glorious heritage of Kashi. Kashi, a city that has existed since the dawn of creation grew in... Continue Reading →
It is perhaps not known to many that the quaint village of Kagpur in Vidisha district is a treasure trove of Paramara period temples. The Paramaras had firmly established themselves in Madhya Bharat between 9th to early 14th century. One will find exquisite temples built by them in almost all the villages of Madhya Pradesh... Continue Reading →
Rangeshwar Mahadev Mandir, located in the southern part of Mathurapuri is the third guardian of the sacred city. This temple along with Shree Pipleshwar Nath Mahadev, Bhuteshwar Mahadev and Gokarneshwar Mahadev are located in the four cardinal directions. According to the Srimad Bhagavatam, Kamsa extended an invitation to Lord Krishna and Lord Balarama to visit... Continue Reading →
One of the most popular fasting meals of South India is vella dosai (jaggery dosa). This scrumptious dosa is made by Tamilians on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri, Ekadasi and Shasti. Vella dosai, as the name suggests is made from wheat flour, jaggery and spices. Three-quarter measure of powdered jaggery is dissolved in hot water on low flame. The jaggery water... Continue Reading →
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