Jowar or sorghum is one of the oldest grains cultivated in the universe and referred to as the 'The King of Millets' as it manages to thrive in the most harshest climatic and soil conditions. Commonly known as Pearl Millet, jowar is extensively grown in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Jowar is widely regarded... Continue Reading →
Thinai Kanji
It is perhaps not known to many that the humble Foxtail millet is not only one of the oldest grains in the universe but also finds mention in several Hindu texts as one of the grains offered in the yagnas in the ancient times. Archaeological excavations have also revealed that the oldest civilizations cultivated Foxtail... Continue Reading →
Chabeel
Chabeel also known as Kachi Lassi is a beautiful sweetened summer drink offered by the devout in remembrance of and as a tribute to the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru who compiled the first edition of the Adi Granth which later took its present shape as the... Continue Reading →
Ragi Ambali
Ragi Ambali is a traditional summer drink relished in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. These three states are known to make a variety of drinks (summer beverages and kanjis), rotis, dosas, chapatis and dishes from millets. Ragi commonly known as finger millet is hugely popular in Karnataka and forms part of one's daily diet irrespective... Continue Reading →
Bela Pana
One of the most popular summer drinks of Odisha is bela pana prepared from the fruit of the divine bael (Aegle marmelos), a tree very dear to Bhagawan Shiva. Bela Pana is a traditional drink that is said to have been first prepared by Bhagawan Jagannath Himself for His devotees centuries ago to beat the scorching... Continue Reading →
Gondhoraj Lebu
Gondhoraj lebu, an important component in Bengali and Odia cuisine has rightly earned the title of the 'king of aroma' or 'king of fragrance'. This delightful native lime adds a fresh burst of flavour to any dish or drink with its distinctive aroma. This indigenous lime is grown extensively in West Bengal and Odisha... Continue Reading →
Pakhala
20 March is celebrated as Pakhala Dibasa around the world in honour of the humble pakhala, a beloved Odia dish. In fact, pakhala is an important naivedhya offered to Bhagawan Jagannath during the Sakala Dhupa, Madhyana Dhupa and Sandhya Dhupa, a tradition that has been followed since the 10th century as per locals. The priests say that Bhagawan... Continue Reading →
Nungu
The humble nungu (Borassus flabellifer) as it is known in Tamizh (taati nungu in Kannada) is a seasonal fruit that is found in abundance in south Tamil Nadu, Salem, Cuddalore, Tirunelveli and other districts and makes its appearance in the peak summer. Commonly known as the date palm or palmyra, this kalpa vriksha has been mentioned... Continue Reading →
Ancient Mound, Mugalpur Village, Uklana Tehsil, Hisar District, Haryana
The remote village of Mugalpur in Uklana Mandi took the spotlight after incredible archaeological discoveries in 2020. Uklana town itself is a repository of Harappan culture and is closely associated with the Vedic Period and the various tribes. The ancient mound is approximately 70 - 80 acres in area and largely holds artefacts from... Continue Reading →
Bharatiya Jnana Parampara (Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)) / Vedic Sciences – Saṅkhyā – The art of numbers
The ancient numbers and numbering system mentioned in the Hindu scriptures namely the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas and treatises, commentaries and texts written by the Rishis is the foundation for Vedic Mathematics, particle physics, chemistry, music and other subjects that have been adopted by the Western civilizations over the years. In fact, the study of... Continue Reading →
Bharatiya Jnana Parampara (Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)) / Vedic Sciences – Ratna – Precious Gems
ratnānām padmarāgo-asmi... – Bhagawan Shree Krishna, Srimad Bhagavad Maha Purana (11th Canto, 16th Chapter, Shloka 30) kaustubhākhyam-abhūd ratnaṁ padmarāgo mahodadheḥ... – Srimad Bhagavad Maha Purana (8th Canto, 8th Chapter, Shloka 05) As per our Hindu scriptures, at the time of the Mahā Pralaya, the entire gamut of creation (universe along with animate and inanimate beings) is completely... Continue Reading →
Bharatiya Jnana Parampara (Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)) / Vedic Sciences – Kusha Grass
Kusho-asmi darbha-jaatinaam - Bhagawan Shree Krishna, Srimad Bhagavad Maha Purana (11th Canto, 16th Chapter, Shloka 30). The humble kusha found growing in the wild is believed to be the purest entity in the universe, an epitome of the Supreme Self. The kusha is the greatest sanctifier, untainted by sin and wrongdoing as per the Hindu scriptures.... Continue Reading →
Bharatiya Jnana Parampara (Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)) / Vedic Sciences – Mandala – Sacred Geometry
सर्वशक्तिमयी सर्वमङ्गला सद्गति-प्रदा । सर्वेश्वरी सर्वमयी सर्वमन्त्र-स्वरूपिणी ॥ ५२॥ सर्व-यन्त्रात्मिका सर्व-तन्त्ररूपा मनोन्मनी । माहेश्वरी महादेवी महालक्ष्मी-मृडप्रिया ॥ ५३॥ The glory of the mandala has been best described in the Sri Lalithā Sahasranāma, an extraordinary text that extolls the greatness of the Supreme Self in the form of Divine Mother. Mandalas are excellent mediums and tools to improve one’s... Continue Reading →
Ambala Onion
It is perhaps not known to many that Bharat is the second - largest producer of onions in the world with the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana contributing a sizeable share to the overall production. As Haryana is predominantly an agrarian economy with over 70 percent of... Continue Reading →
Ancient Brick Baoli, Kaithal, Kaithal District, Haryana
The historical city of Kaithal has been revered for its spiritual and religious potency since the ancient days and has been mentioned in the Hindu scriptures, commentaries and Puranas. The city is dotted with temples, halls, dharmashalas and stepwells that are thousands of years old. One of the finest examples of baoli construction is the Chajju... Continue Reading →
