Sanatan Archive

The profound concept of ancestor veneration might elude some, especially those who've cultivated a more individualized belief system around the divine. At first glance, elevating one's ancestors to the divine may seem steeped in superstition. Can mere mortals truly stand shoulder to shoulder with sacred divinities? The answer isn't a simple yes or no but demands a more nuanced exploration into the profound philosophies and rich histories that birthed such traditions.

Nestled in the verdant landscapes of Karnataka, a question continues to puzzle many - "Is it Metal or Stone?" This query is directed at none other than the oldest Nandi sculpture standing proud in the historic Aghoreshwara Temple in Ikkeri, Shimoga.

Deep from the heart of Omkareshwar, a prominent pilgrimage city in Madhya Pradesh, a powerful story of spiritualism and devotion emerges. The tale speaks of a 600 KG Shivlinga, destined for its holy place in the upcoming Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. This isn’t just any Shivlinga; it's a spiritual marvel carved from a significant boulder from the sacred waters of the Narmada river.

North-East India's history, resplendent with profound Hindu (Sanatan) influence and a rich, vibrant tapestry of civilisational heritage, is unfortunately shrouded by the heavy-handedness of the prevailing Leftist narratives. These narratives, informed by ideologically driven biases, offer an alarmingly skewed representation of the region's history, conveniently sidestepping the compelling dynamics between the mushrooming of Christianity and the parallel emergence of secessionist movements within the region.

"Only heart to heart can speak the bliss of mystic knowers": The mystic beauty of the Descent of the Ganges relief at Mahabalipuram, an exquisite of rich Indian artistry and spiritual depth, and the legends sculpted into life-size figures on pink granite

The Descent of the Ganges, also known as the Arjuna's Penance, is an open-air rock relief carved on two monolithic rock boulders in the heart of Mahabalipuram. This awe-inspiring site gazes out towards the shimmering waters of the sea, set at a brief distance from the Coramandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. This location places it near the famed Shore Temple, another architectural masterpiece in this region.

The Bhagwan Ganesha shrine may not catch your eye with its architectural design, but it holds a special place in terms of its surroundings. In the past, the area was filled with large stones and rocks, bearing deep markings where lanterns were once lit during celebrations. If you look closely, you can still find these tiny holes, preserving the memory of those joyful moments.

The Malnad region of Karnataka has historically been a significant arena for numerous dynasties, their respective realms, and capitals throughout the post-medieval era. One can imagine how the towering hills, enclosed by almost insurmountable jungles, provided a safe and secluded space, making it an ideal location for erecting fortresses. Among these fortresses, one of particular prominence is the Kavaledurga Fortress, which harbors a mystic Nagadevathe or a snake shrine, traditionally believed to protect the palace treasures.

Nestled in the heartland of Mandya district in Karnataka, India, lies a divine place of worship named Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple. Also known by the moniker of Thirunarayanapura, this temple is perched upon rocky terrains, fondly called Yadugiri or Yadavagiri, which provide a magnificent overview of the verdant Kaveri valley. Lord Vishnu, a deity revered in various forms globally, finds a dedicated space here, making this temple an essential pilgrimage site for Vishnu followers. The temple is conveniently accessible, standing about 156 kilometers away from Bangalore and approximately 48 kilometers from Mysore.

Tucked away in the core of Bishnupur, West Bengal, we find the Jor-Bangla Temple, also known as Keshta Rai Temple, a striking piece of historical architecture that effortlessly speaks volumes about the region's rich heritage. This wondrous temple, erected in the year 1655 by the Malla King Raghunath Singha, stands tall as a symbol of the vibrant cultural and architectural legacy that Bengal has carried forward through the centuries.