Episodes
The Navagrahas possess distinctive and profound iconography and symbolism that hold significant insights. Let's explore and understand their meaning to obtain a profound and deeper understanding of their purpose. Bibliography: Wilhelm, E. (2010). Graha Sutras: Science of Jyotish. Kala Occult Publishers. Frawley, D. (2000). Astrology of the Seers. Motilal Banarsidass. Thompson, R., & Frawley, D. (2012). The Art and Science of Vedic Astrology: The Foundation Course. Motilal...
Published 05/06/24
In this episode, we examine the traditional arrangements of the Navagrahas in Hindu temples and the astrological significance of each planet's placement. We also delve into the symbolic and astrological significance of the colors associated with each Navagraha. Bibliography: Gupta, S. (2016). Navagraha Temples: An Insight into the Importance and Significance. Notion Press. Bakshi, S. R., & Naidu, P. S. (2006). Hindu Mythology and Tradition: Navagrahas, Hindu Temple, Idol Worship,...
Published 03/31/24
In this episode, we delve into the importance and mystery surrounding Navgrahas in Hinduism, detailing their influence on various aspects of human life. Using the Navgraha Stotram, we explore the philosophical significance behind these celestial entities while highlighting the interconnectedness of the universe. Bibliography: Dreyer, R. G. (1997). Vedic Astrology: A Guide to the Fundamentals of Jyotish. Lotus Press. Rath, S. (2010). Navagraha Stotram: A Hymn to the Nine Planets....
Published 03/08/24
This episode explores the significance of each day of the week in Hinduism and the associated deities and rituals. From worshiping the Sun on Sundays for health and wisdom to seeking the blessings of Goddess Durga or Mahalakshmi on Fridays for love and creativity, each day has a unique value. Through this exploration, we learn to understand the logical connections behind these traditions and appreciate our cultural heritage's imagination and depth. This journey can help us progress...
Published 12/22/23
This episode explores the origin of the seven-day week from an astronomical, historical, and cultural perspective. We discuss how Hindu astronomers identified grahas and how the Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra outlines a method to establish the seven-day week. We also look at how the idea of the seven-day week originated in ancient Babylon and was adopted by other civilizations. Bibliography: Satyabhama A. (2014). Astronomy and Mathematics in Ancient India: An Overview. Manglam...
Published 12/03/23
Join us in this episode as we explore the fascinating world of ancient Indian astronomy and astrology. We discuss the relationship between these two fields and how they evolved from naturalistic observations of celestial bodies.  Bibliography: Subbarayappa, B. V. (1994). Indian Astronomy: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press. Ramasubramanian, K., & Srinivas, M. D. (1994). Astronomy and Mathematics in Ancient India. Cambridge University Press. Sharma, P. (2017). The Story of...
Published 11/15/23
In this episode, we explore the cyclical nature of time in Hindu mythology and its unique differences from other religions. We delve into various time units described in ancient Indian texts, from microcosm to macrocosm, and explain the concept of relativity of time in different realms. We also discuss modern science's definition of time, theories predicting multiverse and the discrepancy between scientific estimates and those described in Hindu scriptures. Tune in to discover the remarkable...
Published 10/02/23
In this episode, we delve into the symbolism of Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, and explore the profound understanding of the universe that it embodies. We explore the five aspects of Nataraja's form that represent creation, preservation, destruction, illusion, and grace.  Bibliography: Coomaraswamy, A. K. (1985). The dance of Shiva: Fourteen Indian essays. Dover Publications. Parthasarathy, A. (1977). The symbolism of Hindu gods and rituals. Vedanta Press. Topic: Indian mythology | Hindu...
Published 09/11/23
We all know that India gained its independence on August 15th, 1947, but did you know that according to the Indian National Calendar, India gained independence on Sravana 28th, 1869? In this episode, we explore the history of timekeeping and calendars in India, from the creation of sundials to the development of lunar, solar, and lunisolar calendars. We also discuss the Indian National Calendar and its connection to the Saka samvat. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of...
Published 08/13/23
This podcast episode discusses the history and significance of dating systems, specifically BC & AD vs BCE & CE. It explores the origins of BC and AD, the meaning of BCE and CE, and the debate over which system to use. The episode concludes that understanding the historical context and significance of dates is important, regardless of which system is used. Bibliography: Mosshammer, A. (2008). The Easter Computus and the Origins of the Christian Era. Oxford University...
Published 07/11/23
Namaskar India's upcoming season "Indian Concept of Time" explores the intricacies of Indian timekeeping, astrology, astronomy, and philosophy. The show takes a deep dive into the ABCDE of time, the symbolism of Nataraj, as well as the mysteries of Navgrahas and Rashis. It also delves into the philosophical concepts of Karma, Dharma, and Moksha through the lens of Karmachakra. Join us on this enriching and enlightening journey. Topic: History of India Ko-fi:...
Published 07/10/23
We like our ideas of God. We can parse them, explain them, and make our own decisions based on them. In fact, our idea of God is all we really have at all. Since all we really have is our idea of God, it dismantles and debilitates any attempts we might make to lay claim to God, including our claims to faith. Topic: Indian mythology | Hindu mythology | Hinduism Ko-fi: http://ko-fi.com/namaskarindia UPI ID: 9893547492@paytm Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/aduppala Instagram:...
Published 06/13/23
Purusha suktam is hymn 10.90 of the Rigveda, dedicated to the Purusha, the "Cosmic Being" or “The Supreme God”. It describes the spiritual oneness of the universe. It depicts the nature of Purusha as both immanent and transcendent in the manifested world. The sukta incorporates the principles of meditation (upasana), knowledge (jnana), devotion (bhakti), and rituals and duties (dharma and karma). Topic: Indian mythology | Hindu mythology | Creation or Origin myths | Hinduism | Vedas Ko-fi:...
Published 06/12/23
The Rigveda used the epithet Viswakarma to refer to a supreme god. In the Rigvedic hymns 10.81 & 10.82 Vishwakarma Sukta, he is described as all-seeing, with eyes, faces, arms, and feet on all four sides, as well as wings. He represented ultimate reality as well as the enigmatic creative force shared by all gods, living things, and inanimate objects in the universe. Since the beginning of time, he has served as the universe's architect and divine engineer. Topic: Indian mythology | Hindu...
Published 06/11/23
Hiranyagarbha, the source of all that is manifest and unmanifest; said to be the god of gods and that which connects all things, creates all things and where all things return. It is mentioned in Hiranyagarbha Sukta, a set of ten Shlokas in the 121st Hymn of the Rig Veda's 10th Mandala, suggesting a single creator deity, identified in the hymn as Prajāpati. Topic: Indian mythology | Hindu mythology | Creation or Origin myths | Hinduism | Vedas Ko-fi: http://ko-fi.com/namaskarindia UPI ID:...
Published 06/10/23
The Nāsadīya Sūkta after the incipit ná ásat, or "not the non-existent", is known as the Hymn of Creation. It is a collection of 7 Shlokas from the 129th Hymn of the Rig Veda's 10th Mandala. It begins and ends with questions about creation. It does not say that God created the universe, the stars, the sun, the moon, the earth, the plants, the animals, and humans, but rather asks how anyone could know how and when creation occurred, because everything and all beings, including the Devas or...
Published 06/09/23
From the rise and fall of great civilizations to foreign rule, India's history is a fascinating tapestry of traditions and practices that are still prevalent in modern-day India. In our Indian History Shorts series, we'll dive deep into the lesser-known or less-discussed aspects of Indian history. With its diverse religions, languages, and cultures coexisting and influencing each other, India's ability to adapt and evolve over time is truly unique. Get ready to discover the hidden gems and...
Published 06/09/23
The Vedas are the religious texts which inform the religion of Hinduism. The term veda means “knowledge” in that they are thought to contain the fundamental knowledge relating to the underlying cause of, function of, and personal response to existence. The Vedas are thought to have always existed and were discovered by sages in intense states of meditation, rather than being thought to have been revealed to a specific person or people at a particular historical moment. As a result, Hinduism...
Published 06/09/23
“The Blind Men and the Elephant” is an Indian parable that has been adapted by many religions and published in a variety of adult and children's stories. It's about a group of blind men who try to figure out what an elephant is by touching different parts of it and disagreeing on their findings. Topic: Indian mythology | Hindu mythology | Creation or Origin myths | Hinduism | Vedas Links Ko-fi: http://ko-fi.com/namaskarindia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aduppala/ Facebook:...
Published 06/09/23
Hindu mythology is a large body of traditional Hindu narratives found in Sanskrit literature such as the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana, the Puranas and Vedas, Ancient Tamil literature such as the Sangam literature and Periya Puranam, and several other works and religious regional literature of South Asia. Rather than a single consistent, monolithic structure, it is a collection of diverse traditions developed by different sects, people, and philosophical schools in different regions and...
Published 06/09/23
Seema Anand is a storyteller and mythologist based in London who specializes in women's narratives. She is also the award-winning author of "The Arts of Seduction". She employs stories for entertainment, therapy, education, and positive action change. Her research on ancient Indian folklore is linked to a UNESCO initiative to preserve endangered oral traditions, and she works to reintroduce ancient Indian texts into the public domain, translated and reworked for multicultural...
Published 08/30/22
Seema Anand is a storyteller and mythologist based in London who specializes in women's narratives. She is also the award-winning author of "The Arts of Seduction". She employs stories for entertainment, therapy, education, and positive action change. Her research on ancient Indian folklore is linked to a UNESCO initiative to preserve endangered oral traditions, and she works to reintroduce ancient Indian texts into the public domain, translated and reworked for multicultural...
Published 08/30/22
Seema Anand is a storyteller and mythologist based in London who specializes in women's narratives. She is also the award-winning author of "The Arts of Seduction". She employs stories for entertainment, therapy, education, and positive action change. Her research on ancient Indian folklore is linked to a UNESCO initiative to preserve endangered oral traditions, and she works to reintroduce ancient Indian texts into the public domain, translated and reworked for multicultural...
Published 08/28/22
A 230-day walk, spanning 3,800 kilometres was Srishti’s way of creating awareness about violence — acid attacks, dowry, rapes, assaults etc — on women, and finding a possible solution. During the walk, she worked to create awareness about women’s safety, and offered empowerment through financial and digital literacy. The walk and compelling interactions that took place during the on-foot event, are now part of a 90-minute-long documentary titled WOMB - Women Of My Billion. Topic: Making...
Published 06/07/22