Articles written by Harsh Nevatia
Showing 1-100 of 144 Articles
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Hinduism Is Not a Proselytizing Religion
Hindu leaders have treated all religions as different paths to the same God and have advocated harmonious co-existence of all religions.
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In Search of the Cradle of Civilization
The authors reconstruct the origins of Hinduism and demonstrate that the civilization described in the Vedas is none other than the Indus Valley Civilization.
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The Hymn Suryaa's Bridal from The Riga Vega
The Riga Veda describes the wedding of Suryaa, or Dawn, to Soma. Verses from this hymn, and from other hymns of the Riga Veda, are chanted in Hindu weddings even now.
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Rituals Preceding a Hindu Marriage
The main Hindu wedding ceremony is preceded by religious and social ceremonies that add vibrancy to the celebrations and bring the families together.
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Consorts of Hindu Gods and Demi-Gods
Most Hindu deities are worshiped with their consorts alongside. This is based on the belief that the male-female duality is essential for the sustenance of the universe.
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Kalash Is an Essential Accessory for Hindu Puja
The Kalash is worshiped in every Hindu ritual, be it marriage or consecration of a home. Its significance has been explained in different ways.
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Tulasi Vivaha or the Marriage of the Sacred Leaf
The tulasi leaf is steeped in legend. Its ritual marriage to God in the form of the shaligram stone is conducted in every Hindu household.
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Annakuta Is the Fourth Day of Diwali Festival
56 items of food are prepared and offered to Govardhan Hill in a reenactment of the ritual began by Krishna. Govardhan Hill is associated with many legends.
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Roop Chaudas the Beauty Makeover before Diwali
On Roop Chaudas Hindus undertake beauty treatments so as to look their best on Diwali day. The demon Narakasura was also slain on this day by Krishna.
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Dhanteras Starts Off the Diwali Celebrations
Dhanteras is the first day of the five day long Diwali festivities. It is celebrated in diverse ways. Laxmi, Yama and Dhanvantri are the main protagonists.
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Hindu Women Observe Karwa Chauth
The Karwa Chauth is a rigorous fast traditionally undertaken by women alone. Now, husbands are joining in as well.
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Celebration of Dussera in Mysore
Dussera is special in Mysore because it was on there that Durga slew Mahishasura after a ten day battle. Dussera receives both royal and state patronage in Karnataka.
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The Hindu Festival of Durga Puja
Dussera is celebrated as Durga Puja in West Bengal to commemorate the victory over Mahishasura. The Hindu diaspora celebrates Durga Puja in a less traditional manner.
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Rama Lila in the Hindu Festival of Dussera
The article first discusses the prominence of the Rama Lila in the Dussera celebrations and then elucidates on the evolution of the Ramayana in a wider context.
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The Hindu Festivals of Navratri and Dussera
Ram's victory over Ravan, Durga slaying Mahishasura or worshiping the Mother Goddess - Navratri and Dussera are celebrated throughout India in different ways.
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The Hindu Ritual of Breaking the Coconut
Breaking a coconut before starting any new undertaking is an age old Hindu ritual. It has now been adopted by all religious communities in India.
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Ganapati Visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi
The original significance of Anant Chaturdashi was a vow taken on this day and kept for fourteen years. Today it is celebrated as the last day of the Ganesh festival.
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The Hindu Festival of Radha Ashtami in Braj
Radha Ashtami or the celebration of Radha's birthday is not as widespread as that of Janmashtami. However, it is a big event in Barsana and the whole of Braj.
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The Ashtavinayaka Yatra of Maharashtra
Traditionally the darshan at the Ashtavinayaka temples is performed in one trip. Two religious tours are common. One starts from Pune and the other from Mumbai.
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Bhajans for Ganesh Chaturthi
The Ganesh Chaturthi festival is a community affair. Aartis, bhajans and devotional songs are sung throughout the day.
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The Hindu Pilgrimage of Ashtavinayaka
Ganesh, the elephant-head God, is revered in Maharashtra. The Ashtavinayaka pilgrimage consists of darshan in eight special temples around the city of Pune.
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Janmashtami Bhajans
On the eve of Janmashtami devotees congregate in small family groups or large public gatherings to sing their favorite Krishna Bhajans.
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The Hindu Festival of Janmashtami
Janmashtami is celebrated by enacting the birth of Krishna and creating 'jhankis' of major events from his childhood in Vrindavan
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Traditional and Contemporary Rakhi Thalis
Today Raksha Bandhan is a fusion of the traditional and the contemporary. The Rakhi Thali that carries the accessories for the Hindu festival exemplifies that fusion.
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Contemporary Trends in Raksha Bandhan
Today the bhabhi has been inducted into Raksha Bandhan, a festival originally between brothers and sisters. She is given a special rakhi called lumba.
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Solar Eclipse And Hindu Mythology
A landmark solar eclipse will take place on July 22, 2009. It is the appropriate time to look at the most celebrated solar eclipse in Hindu mythology.
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Brahmacharya Ashram Or The Student Stage
The human life span is divided into four ashrams or stages. Brahmacharya Ashram is the first stage in which the student receives spiritual instruction.
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The Yagna, Tapa And Daan Formula By Jaya Row
The three types of sacrifices, austerities and charities are Satvik, Rajasik and Tamasik. Some choose the wrong types without being aware that they are making a mistake.
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The Hindu Festival Of Guru Purnima
On the occasion of Guru Purnima Hindus pay obeisance to their spiritual preceptors in memory of Sage Vyasa, the greatest Guru of all.
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Tender Krishna
Unable to find Radha, Krishna sits down by the banks of the Yamuna. There Radha's friends approach him and describe the state of the lovelorn maiden.
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Mixing Religion And Politics
The USCIFR has planned a visit to India to probe the clash in Orissa, India, in which Christians were killed by Hindus. This has drawn protest from the Hindu community.
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Bewildered Krishna
Radha sees Krishna with the other maidens and leaves in a fit of jealousy. The lovelorn Krishna searches for her in order to make amends.
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The Sindhu Darshana Festival
Since 1997 the people of Ladakh have been celebrating the Sindhu Darshana festival as a symbol of the multicultural multi-religious identity of India.
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The Durban Hindu Temple Dedicated to Shiva
Hindus have built many temples in Durban. One figured prominently during a recent international cricket tournament when some of the team owners went to there to pray.
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The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Divakaruni
Draupadi is always seen in the context of her husbands, Krishna and even Duryodhan. Divakaruni explores her possible relations with her father, brother and mother-in-law.
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London Court Rules Against Open Air Cremation
The London High Court upheld the decision of Newcastle City Council to prohibit open air cremations. The Hindu community in Britain is not happy with the decision.
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Shabari Listens to the Nine Forms of Devotion
The concept of devotion is central to the Ramcharita Manas. Through a dialogue between Rama and Shabari Tulsidas describes ideal devotion and ideal devotees.
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Akshay Tritiya or Akkha Teej
Akshay Tritiya is traditionally an auspicious day for starting important events. However, over the years, it has degenerated into mere accumulation of wealth.
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Tulsidas Describes the Birth of Rama
One of the most poignant verses in the Ramcharita Manas describes the birth of Rama to Kaushalya, who is confused by the realization that she has given birth to God.
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Carefree Krishna
Radha sometimes imagines Krishna with other maidens and sometimes with her. But despite his infidelity, she cannot get Krishna out of her mind.
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Joyful Krishna
Geet Govind is divided into 24 parts with each part having a number of songs usually portraying a single emotion. The First Part is titled "Joyful Krishna".
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Geet Govind
Geet Govind introduced to the western world a devotional and mystic aspect of Hinduism. It also created a vibrant following of Krishna and Radha in Hindu culture.
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The End of the Yaksha Prashna
Yudhishthir answers all the questions the Yaksha asked to the complete satisfaction of the latter. However the last question was the trickiest one.
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The Wisdom of Yudhishthir
Yudhishthir, the eldest Pandava, was known for his wisdom. He answers a medley of questions from the Yaksha on a wide range of topics.
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Yaksha Asks Yudhishthir Answers
His brothers are dead. Yudhishthir is dying of thirst. The Yaksha's questions are unending. Yet Yudhishthir is patiently answering the questions fired at him.
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The Yaksha Prashna Continues
The next sets of questions are simple and focus on the relationships forged in life and on what constitutes good conduct.
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The Yaksha and Yudhishthir
The next two sets of questions illustrate what can be learnt from nature and also what directly constitutes good conduct. Yudhishthir answers both sets adeptly.
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Yaksha Prashna
The episode of the Yaksha asking the questions to Yudhishthir is popularly known in Hindi as 'Yaksha Prashna', prashna being the Hindi word for questions.
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The Yaksha Starts His Questions
After getting Yudhishthir's consent the Yaksha began asking questions in sets of four. And Yudhishthir fired back his replies to the complete satisfaction of the Yaksha.
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Prelude to the Yaksha's Questions
In Hinduism wisdom is often imparted through question answer sessions. The Gita is one example. Another example is Yudhishthir's answers of the Yaksha's questions.
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Hindu Philosophy
Hindu philosophy answers the same questions as the Western philosophies and is based on the same principles that Hindu theology is based. Yet it is different from both.
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"Panch Kanya" or Five Virgins
An enigmatic verse from Sanskrit about these five women has baffled scholars for long and though there have been numerous interpretations none have been satisfactory.
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The Modern Renaissance of Hinduism
In the middle of the 19th century Hinduism was at one of its lowest points. The influence of the Bhakti Movement had waned. The British were totally in control.
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The Bhakti Movement
In the 15th and 16th centuries singer saints intensely devoted to the divine established the Bhakti movement involving local people. They stressed devotion over theology.
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Advaita, Vishishta Advaita, Dvaita
Between the 7th and 13th centuries three Hindu philosophers provided slightly contrasting views on the nature of the individual and the Divine.
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The Narada Purana
Narada advises Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatkumar and Sanatana on how to pray to Vishnu and achieve salvation.
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The Brahmananda Purana
The Brahmananda Purana was originally narrated by Vayu Deva at the end of the yagna in which King Pururava was killed. It provides a graphic description of ancient India.
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The Kurma Purana
The highlight of the Kurma Purana is the Ishvar Gita, which describes the essentials of Yoga. A lesser-known romance of the Apsara Urvashi is also described.
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Agni Nakshatram
Perhaps the only Hindu festival to be celebrated in May is Agni Nakshatram. This is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is celebrated with pomp at the sacred town of Palani.
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The Bhavishya Purana
The Bhavishya Purana presents a picture of the future of "Bharat Varsha". It also deals with Sun worship, temple structure, marriages and other issues.
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Hindu Temple Architecture
From ancient time the construction of Hindu temples has followed a set pattern. What differs is the complexity and the detailing.
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The Vamana Purana
Vishnu narrates the Vamana Purana to Bali after vanquishing him. He tells the story of Bali's ancestor Andhak, who was consumed by power but later repented.
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Rama Navami: The Birthday of Rama
The beautiful hymn written by Tulsidas Goswami has become extremely popular. But it points to issues from Hinduism that we seem to have forgotten in our devotional fervor
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The Matsya Purana
Vishnu as the (Matsya Avatar) Fish Incarnation saves Vaivasvata from the deluge and prepares him for his role as Manu.
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More on the Manvantaras
The amazing stories of the births of Raivata, the fifth Manu, Chakshusha, the sixth Manu, and Bhoutya, the fourteenth Manu.
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The Markandeya Purana
This shortest of the Puranas is a question answer session in which four learned birds resolve the doubts arising in sage Jaimini's mind.
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Shri Krishna Janma Khanda
Shri Krishna Janma Khanda describes the Lila of Krishna, especially the events associated with his eternal consort Radha. This is the only Purana, perhaps the only text.
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The Brahmavaivarta Purana
The Purana is recited by Souti to the sages at Naimisharanya.
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Varanasi Jyotirlinga
Shiva created Kashi, the eternal city, and took permanent residence there. Kashi, or Varanasi, is destroyed only at the end of 100 kalpas.
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Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga
When Ravana was unable to carry the Jyotirlinga to Lanka he severed nine of his 10 heads. Shiva appeared and rejoined them.
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Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
Shiva sent the Godavari River to sanctify the ashram of sage Gautam and then, at the behest of the Devas, agreed to eternally reside there as Trimbakeshwar.
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Somnath Jyotirlinga – A History
Several times Somnath has been destroyed by Muslim invaders and rulers, but each time it has risen from the ashes like a phoenix.
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Somnath Jyotirlinga
Soma appeases Shiva in order to have a curse put on him removed and then builds a temple to his benefactor in gratitude.
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Shri Sailam Jyotirlinga
Chandravati discovers a Jyotirlinga at Shri Sailam and erects a temple to Shiva. Over the centuries rulers expand the temple town to make it a living monument.
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Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga
Rameshwaram is the southern most Jyotirlinga established from where Rama's bridge to Lanka commences. It has two lingams.
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Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
The Vindhya Mountains sought a boon from Shiva so that it might challenge Mount Meru. Shiva appeared as Omkareshwar to bless Vindhya.
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Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
A devotee of Shiva named Supriya was tormented by an asura Daruka. When the demon was about to kill Supriya, Shiva emerged from the Jyotirlinga and killed Daruka.
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Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Shiva appears to defeat the enemies of the pious king Vrishabhsen and then agrees to permanently reside in the ancient city of Avantika (now Ujjain).
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Kedarnath Jyotirlinga
Set in the scenic Himalayas, Kedarnath is the northernmost of the Dwadasa Jyotirlingas. It was established by the Pandavas after the Mahabharata War.
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Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
Parvati was preparing sindur to ornament her hair. From the vermilion paste emerged a Jyotirlinga.
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Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
The Asura Tripura was terrorizing the earth. Shiva appeared as Bhimashankar and killed the demon. The Jyotirlinga stands at the site of their battle.
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The Dwadasa Jyotirlingas
Twelve temples dedicated to Shiva, the Jyotirlingas, are specially revered because it is believed that the spiritually enlightened can see the lingas as columns of fire.
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The Descendants of Priyavrata
Priyavrata divides his kingdom among his sons. The eldest son, Agnidhra, marries the apsara, Purvachitti, to further his dynasty.
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Priyavrata’s Dilemma
Priyavrata wanted to spend his life in worship. Manu wanted him to become king. Brahma then explained the concept of Varnashram to the reluctant prince.
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The Prachetas
Seeking spiritual guidance at every step, the Prachetas marry Marisha, sire Daksha and finally attain salvation.
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The Descendants of Prithu
The descendants of Prithu were all very pious kings. They performed many sacrifices. Righteousness flourished during their reign.
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Prithu’s Ascension
Prithu leaves the kingdom to Vijitashwa and enters Vanaprastha ashram. After performing austere meditations he gives up his physical body.
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Prithu Completes the Ashwamedha
Vishnu and Indra appear at the conclusion of the Horse Sacrifice. Indra asks for forgiveness and Vishnu instructs and blesses Prithu.
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Prithu and the Horse Sacrifices
Prithu decided to complete a hundred Ashwamedha Yagnas or Horse Sacrifices. But Indra would not let this happen. Ultimately Brahma had to resolve the impasse.
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Prithu Milks the Earth
Vena's evil rule had led to scarcity and hunger. The Earth advises Prithu how to set things right and an era of prosperity is ushered.
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Vena, the Evil Descendent of Dhruv
The evil Vena was made king in the hope that he would reform. But when that did not happen he was killed and the next king extracted from his dead body.
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The Ascension of Dhruv
After a long life in which the only blot was a war with the Yakshas, Dhruv ascends to heaven and becomes the Pole Star.
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The Penance of Dhruv
Slighted by his stepmother, Dhruv undertakes severe penance and is blessed by Vishnu to occupy the position of the Pole Star.
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The Genealogy of Akuti and Prasuti
The children of Akuti and Ruchi and Prasuti and Daksha populate the earth. They include Nara and Narayan and Sati.
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The Daughters of Kardam
The nine daughters of Kardam and Devahuti marry nine sages and according to Brahma's instructions set about to populate the earth. Their genealogy is a who's who of Hindu
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Kapila and the Sankhya Yoga
The sage Kapila, an incarnation of Vishnu, explains the Sankhya Yoga to his mother Devahuti so as to enable her to attain salvation.
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Devahuti and Kardam
The marriage of Devahuti and Kardam was an ideal one. Devahuti first gave birth to nine daughters and then to Kapila, who was a manifestation of Vishnu.
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Swayambhav Manu and Shatrupa
Brahma created Swayambhav Manu and Shatrupa as the first man and woman. One of their daughters, Devahuti, was married to sage Kardam as ordained by Vishnu.
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Brahma creates the non-human races
Brahma creates the Devas, Asuras, Gandharvas, Apsaras, Yakshas and others from his body. He creates a particular race from his body and then casts off that body.
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Creation in the Bhagavata Purana
Having created the universe Brahma populates it with living beings that include plants, animals, humans and the immortals.
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