Raigad, one of the most impregnable forts of all the Maratha forts had been made largely inaccessible by the natural defences of Mother Earth. This fort was constructed on a large plateau with enough food, cattle and supplies required for a large military presence to hold out for a long time. In fact, this... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj’s reign begins
With the tragic death of Shree Dharamveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Aurangzeb's lifelong dream of capturing the Deccan was fulfilled. The whole territory from the Narmada to the Tungabhadra lay at his feet. However, the savagery of the desert barbarian Aurangzeb hardened the hearts of the Marathas and impelled them to protect their own and their... Continue Reading →
Deoghar Peda
Devotees throng the holy city of Deogarh for two reasons namely to have darshan of Lord Bholenath at Baba Baidyanath Mandir and to sample their world-famous prasad, the delectable peda. The temple of Baba Baidyanath, a Jyotirlinga is said to have been built by the Pala Empire (Pala Dynasty of Orissa) and the tradition of offering peda to Lord Shiva... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj tortured to death in the most barbaric way ever seen by Aurangzeb
Shock, quickly followed by a wild outburst of rejoicing was witnessed when Aurangzeb and his men received the news of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's capture at Akluj. The young king who had tried his best to follow in the footsteps of his father, the late Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had terrorized Aurangzeb and the Mughals in his... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj betrayed and captured by Aurangzeb at Sangameshwar
The wily Aurangzeb continued to put pressure on the Marathas by despatching Shahâb ud-Din and his son, Chin Qilich Kamaruddin Khan to grab their territory in North Konkan and Baglan. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was outraged on hearing the devious tactics employed by father and son to win over the Marathas. He launched a furious... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj subjugates the Portuguese in regal fashion
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's bloody beginning gradually eased into a more restrained reign and he began his operations on the Siddi of Janjira and the Portuguese of Chaul who had been cowed into submission by Aurangzeb in his typical tyrannical manner. The Siddi has been appointed as Aurangzeb's admiral and was egged on to step... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Aurangzeb captures Bijapur and Golconda after failing to make inroads in the Maratha territory
The year of 1682 - 1683 presented Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj a great opportunity to strike a mentally and physically weak Aurangzeb either at his treasured palace or as Muhammad Akbar suggested to ride through Gujarat into Rajputana. It is unclear why Sambhaji Raje did not take advantage of Aurangzeb's invasion but one surmise that it... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Aurangzeb fails to capture key Maratha forts (Siege of Ramsej)
Though it is indeed difficult to comprehend how and why the largely Hindu Rajput kings swore allegiance to the Muslim invaders from the time of Babur, power and wealth since time immemorial have been dangerous temptations that have successfully enticed many to swerve from their rightful duty to their Motherland. Such was the case with... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Muhammad Akbar rebels against Aurangzeb and seeks refuge in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
The year of 1679 saw Aurangzeb begin a full-fledged war against the princes of Rajputana. Though, the Rajputs had always sworn allegiance to the Mughals since the time of Babur, Aurangzeb wished to stamp his authority on this rich region and annex it to the Mughal empire. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was quick to denounce... Continue Reading →
Brahmeshwar Mahadev Mandir, Brahmavart Ghat, Bithoor, Uttar Pradesh
Brahmavart Ghat in Bithoor is a spiritual powerhouse since the dawn of creation and cannot be compared to any other tirthasthala in this universe. It has been stated in the Hindu scriptures that Lord Brahma descended to this spot on the banks of the holy Ganga River and consecrated a Shiva Linga made of sand... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Bloody beginning to Chhatrapati Sambhaji’s reign
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a genius way ahead of his time. In the midst of uncertainty, savagery, brutalism and widespread plunder by the desert barbarian, Aurangzeb, Shivaji Raje was a beacon of hope for Hindus. He was a self-taught man who had no experience in the workings of a great capital or court or camp... Continue Reading →
Dhruva Tila, Bithoor, Uttar Pradesh
The story of young Dhruva sitting all alone in the dense forest meditating on Lord Vishnu has been narrated to us a million times while growing up. How a boy of five years found solace in Lord Vishnu and sought His blessings with a single-minded goal is truly an inspirational story described in the Hindu... Continue Reading →
Valmiki Ashram, Bithoor, Kanpur District, Uttar Pradesh
The 14 Kos Parikrama commences on Ekadashi in the month of Phalguna from the holy Janaki kund at Maharshi Valmiki ashram. Pilgrims carry bamboo sticks while making their way to Bithoor on the Pariyar road. This circumambulation is completed in three days and is done for the progress of one's lineage. Interestingly, pilgrims offer prayers... Continue Reading →
Mahakaleshwar Pathar Ghat, Bithoor, Kanpur District, Uttar Pradesh
Called locally as Veeron ka Thaur (place or land of braves), Bithoor is one of the most sacrosanct tirthashalas located on the banks of the Ganges. This place of immense spiritual potency is the land of Nana Saheb Peshwa II, one of the principal architects of the 1857 First War of Independence. Even Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi... Continue Reading →
Veni Madhav Temple, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Veni Madhav Mandir located at Daranganj close to the sacrosanct Triveni Sangam is one of the oldest shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Prayag. This is one of the Dwadasha Madhav Temples of this historical city. This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lakshmi Devi has been mentioned in the Matsya Purana, Agni Purana and Padma Purana... Continue Reading →
Someshwar Temple, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Someshwar Mahadev Mandir (also known as Someshwar Nath Mandir) situated across the holy Yamuna River in Arail village is one of the eight important tirthsthalas of Prayagraj. This sacrosanct temple finds mention in the Padma Purana and Shiva Purana and is worshipped by all the devotees who participate in the Kumbha, Ardha Kumbha and Magha Mela. According to the... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: The Grand Meeting of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Ekoji I (Vyankoji Bhonsle)
After the decisive rout of Sher Khan Lodhi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj headed towards Tanjore to meet his half-brother Ekoji to effect a reasonable division of their father’s holdings. He encamped at Tirumalavadi (Thirumalvadi) that lies on the north bank of the Coleroon River, a few miles from Tanjore. As Maharaj was awaiting the arrival... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: The Karnatak Campaign (Forts of Gingee and Vellore captured) by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, pursuant to the arrangement made by Raghunath Pant with the ministers of Golkonda court headed to Bhagyanagar from Raigad at the end of January 1677 leaving Moropant Pingle and Annaji Datto in charge of the Deccan. The presence of Maharaj and his mighty army alarmed the citizens of the city who went... Continue Reading →
भागलपुरी जर्दालू आम (Bhagalpuri Zardalu Mango, Bihar)
हालांकि भागलपुर के जर्दालू आम का उल्लेख भारत की उच्च कोटि की आम की श्रेणियों जैसे: दशहरी, लंगड़ा, हापुज में कहीं नहीं पाया जाता, परंतु इस सौंधी खुशबू वाले आम को अब धीरे धीरे वह पहचान मिल रही है, जिसका यह अधिकारी है। असल में, जर्दालू आम का अपना रोचक इतिहास है, कहा जाता है... Continue Reading →
महाराष्ट्र का लासलगाव प्याज़ (Lasalgaon Onion, Maharashtra)
नाशिक जिले के निफाड तालुक में स्थित लासलगाव न केवल भारत अपितु समस्त एशिया में प्याज का सबसे बड़ा बाज़ार है। कई लोगों को इस बात का पता ही नहीं होगा कि महाराष्ट्र देश में प्याज का सबसे बड़ा उत्पादक है। प्रसिध्द लासलगाव प्याज़ जिसे लाल निफाड या नाशिक प्याज के नाम से भी जाना... Continue Reading →
आसाम की तेज़पुर लीची (Tezpur Litchi of Assam)
पूर्वोत्तर राज्य आसाम के बारे में शायद बहुत से लोग इस बात से अनजान हैं कि यह राज्य जैविक विविधता, विभिन्न वनस्पतियों और जीव जंतुओं से समृद्ध राज्य है। आसाम अपनी उष्णकटिबंधीय वर्षा वनों, बांस के बगीचों, राष्ट्रीय उद्यानों साथ ही विभिन्न प्रकार की स्थानीय खेती और फलों के उत्पादन के लिए भी जाना जाता... Continue Reading →
Kanniyakumari Clove of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of clove in the country with Kanyakumari district contributing a sizeable portion to the total production. Clove was introduced in India around the 1800s by the East India Company in its spice garden in Courtallam. The dense wooded areas of Maramalai, Karumparai and Vellimalai in the Western Ghats of... Continue Reading →
Peer Kho Cave Temple, Jammu, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir
One of the most ancient Shiva temples in Jammu also known as the "City of temples" is the Peer Kho cave temple. This historic temple is situated on the banks of the holy Tawi river surrounded by igneous rocks and acacia forests. Locals regard this cave temple to be the oldest in the Shivalik region.... Continue Reading →
Shankaragaurishvara Temple, Pattan, Baramulla District, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir
Shankaragaurishvara Temple in Pattan is an exemplary example of Kashmiri temple style architecture prevalent in the 9th century. Modern Pattan is actually Shankarapattana, the capital founded by Shankaravarman of Utpala dynasty. Both Shankaravarman and his father Avantivarman were patrons of art, architecture and Sanskrit literature. Their noteworthy contribution to the revival of Hindu philosophy and... Continue Reading →