We occasionally may feel that it is a bit difficult being of an Indo-European religion amidst the 21st century. In most of the world, we are minorities - and with the major exception of Hinduism, the faith(s) of our forefathers are near-extinct even despite some salient efforts at resurrective, revitalizing revanchism. Yet spare a thought … Continue reading On The Inspiration Of The Balochistan Hindus To The Modern Indo-European Devotee
Hindu Observances
The Mantras Of ‘Ganesha Namah’ – A Techno-Theology Exegesis Of A Psytrance Track
Something I have neglected to do for a few observances over the past year or so … is TECHNO-THEOLOGY. In this instance, for Ganesh Chaturthi, Mumbai-based Shivadelic's 'Ganesha Namah'. Which is an absolutely excellent track in its own rite. Opens with an incorporation of first line of the Gayatri Mantra - ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः ; … Continue reading The Mantras Of ‘Ganesha Namah’ – A Techno-Theology Exegesis Of A Psytrance Track
GHOST DIVISION for Ganesha Chaturthi – An Extract
Since it is Ganesh Chaturthi - an extract from " GHOST DIVISION - On The Bhutagana Of Mahadev & The Einherjar Of Odin " that is particularly relevant; which helps to explain both one of the roles of Lord Ganesha - as well as the underlying symbolism of His Elephantine Head: The Gana As Custodian … Continue reading GHOST DIVISION for Ganesha Chaturthi – An Extract
Shravan Maas – The Shaivite Holy Month, The Samudra Manthan, and The Self-Sacrifice of Yama and Odin
Today marks the start of the Shaivite holy month of Shravan Maas [at least, according to my Mandir's Gujarati derived calendar. In various other parts of India it's already been going for two weeks]. I say 'Shaivite holy month', but it is not only Shiva-oriented observances that take place during this time. Other prominent occasions … Continue reading Shravan Maas – The Shaivite Holy Month, The Samudra Manthan, and The Self-Sacrifice of Yama and Odin
On The Mumbai Banishing Ritual Against The Coronasur
Seeking The Blessings Of Lord Agni During This Trying Time - Against The Covid-19 'Coronasur' Something I've often been quite warmly regarding of, is the manner in which Hinduism has managed to move with the times and make use of traditional and ancient practices in a modern context. For a good example of this in … Continue reading On The Mumbai Banishing Ritual Against The Coronasur
Saraswati Puja – The Power Of The Smiter Of Foes
Yesterday (by now) marked Saraswati Puja ; and as has become my custom, I present some brief thoughts and enlightenment via way of tribute. Seems the appropriate thing to do, given the nature of the Devi in question, and customary associations of Same. And speaking of just those customary associations - it seems to me … Continue reading Saraswati Puja – The Power Of The Smiter Of Foes
Katyayani – The 6th NavaDurga, The Sixth Night Of NavRatri
The Sixth Night of #NavRatri is dedicated to Ma as Katyayani – Mahishasura Mardini Herself, the Devastator of the Demon. And, not at all coincidentally, one of my favourite of the NavaDurga Forms. In many ways, the tale of Ma Katyayani may be considered emblematic of so much of the Durgan mythic corpus – insofar … Continue reading Katyayani – The 6th NavaDurga, The Sixth Night Of NavRatri
SkandaMata – 5th of the NavaDurgas, 5th Night of NavRatri
The Fifth Night of #NavRatri is dedicated to Ma as SkandaMata – the Mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), one of the foremost of our War Gods. He takes after His Mother in that regard 😀 Of course, before situating SkandaMata within the overarching context of the NavaRatri Cycle, it is necessary to briefly introduce Lord Skanda, … Continue reading SkandaMata – 5th of the NavaDurgas, 5th Night of NavRatri
ChandraGhanta – Third of the NavaDurgas, The Third Night of NavRatri
The Third Night of #NavRatri is dedicated to Ma as ChandraGhanta – She Who Is Crowned With The Half-Moon In The Shape Of A Bell, to render it somewhat figuratively. Now, before going further (and for that matter, picking up the narrative thread where we left off with last night’s Brahmacharini post), it is necessary … Continue reading ChandraGhanta – Third of the NavaDurgas, The Third Night of NavRatri
The Departure And Arrival Of No Moon – Sarva Pitru Amavasya And Devi Mahalaya
Tonight marks the last night of Pitru Paksha - the Fortnight of the Ancestors; and is also the MahaLaya event which precedes and forms a bridge with the NavRatri (Nine Nights) of Goddess Durga yet to come. The purposes of this occasion, then, whether regarded as Sarva Pitru Amavasya, or as the 'prelude' to NavRatri, … Continue reading The Departure And Arrival Of No Moon – Sarva Pitru Amavasya And Devi Mahalaya
