Dhyana Mudra

Dhyana Mudra Dhyana Mudra is a hand gesture that is used in Hindu and Buddhist meditation. It is also known as the “meditation mudra” or the “concentration mudra.” The gesture is made by placing the hands in the lap, palms up, with the thumbs touching and the index fingers extended and touching each other. The … Read more

Barabar Caves

The Barabar Caves are a group of rock-cut caves located in the Makhdumpur region of Bihar, India. The caves are notable for their architectural and historical significance, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Location and Age Carving Period and Patron Cave Complex Architectural Style Historical Significance Location and Age Nestled amidst the Barabar Hills, … Read more

Amarnath cave

Introduction The Amarnath cave is a Hindu shrine located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India, and is visited by millions of Hindus every year. The cave is located in a high-altitude region of the Himalayas, and is only accessible by foot or … Read more

Eastern Indian temples

Eastern Indian Temples Eastern Indian temples are a type of Hindu temple found in the eastern Indian states of Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar. They are characterized by their intricate stone carvings, which often depict scenes from Hindu mythology. Eastern Indian temples are also known for their towering shikharas, or towers, which can reach … Read more

Bodh Gaya, Bihar

Bodh Gaya is a town and a notified area committee in Gaya district in the Indian state of Bihar. It is famous as the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in Bodh Gaya. The town is located on the banks of … Read more

Danda-Jatra

Danda-Jatra is a Hindu festival celebrated in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. The festival is held in the month of Chaitra (March-April) and marks the beginning of the new year. Danda-Jatra is a major tourist attraction and is known for its colorful processions, music, and dance. Historical Origins and Significance of Danda-Jatra Performance Traditions … Read more

Hinduism: Dominant Religious Influence

Hinduism: A Dominant Religious Influence Shaping the World Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest and most complex religions, boasts a rich history and a profound impact on the cultural landscape of India and beyond. With its diverse traditions, philosophical schools, and spiritual practices, Hinduism has shaped the lives of billions of people for millennia. This … Read more

Temple Architecture and Sculpture – Part IV

Temple Architecture and Sculpture – Part IV: The Evolution of Form and Meaning in the Late Period The Late Period in Egyptian history, spanning from the 30th Dynasty (380-343 BCE) to the Ptolemaic and Roman periods (305 BCE – 30 BCE), witnessed a fascinating evolution in temple architecture and sculpture. While the grand scale and … Read more

Tradition of Dharmashastras

The Enduring Legacy of the Dharmashastras: A Tradition of Moral and Social Order The Dharmashastras, a vast and complex body of ancient Indian legal and ethical texts, have profoundly shaped the social, moral, and religious landscape of India for millennia. These texts, often translated as “law books,” encompass a wide range of topics, from personal … Read more