In this post, we discuss the network of Jantar Mantars by Sawai Jai Singh II (1688–1743) the ruler of Amber and founder of Jaipur, who commissioned five open-air observatories of brick, plaster, and marble between 1724 and the late 1730s.
More »Jantar Mantar : Network of Stone Observatories across cities
Maharishi Ved Vyas occupies a pre-eminent position in Indian intellectual and spiritual history as the master compiler who systematised ancient knowledge into enduring literary forms. While revered as a seer and sage, his identity bridges historical memory, epic poetry, and dialectical philosophy. He is traditionally credited with classifying the single Vedic corpus into four distinct branches, composing the monumental Mahabharata, compiling the eighteen major Mahapuranas, and framing the foundational aphorisms of the Brahma Sutras. Rather than operating purely as a distant author, he remains uniquely embedded within the Mahabharata as an active participant, family elder, and moral witness to the events he chronicled.
Some journeys linger in memory not for the sights but for the conversations they inspired. Our trip to Puducherry and Auroville in September 2014 was one such experience. Recently, when family members asked for recommendations for their two-day visit to Puducherry before heading to Chennai for a wedding, it reignited our own memories of the place. We researched updates, cross-checked facts with ChatGPT, and realized how deeply that short trip had stayed with us. Instead of just listing places, I wanted to revisit the journey itself.
Sometimes all it takes is a thought, a map and a couple of days to start a road trip.
My spouse and I are avid travel bugs, and interestingly, some of our best trips have been the ones planned at the very last moment. About a week ago, we happened to see an ISKCON trip covering Pandharpur, Kolhapur and Tuljapur. Having already visited the other two places, Kolhapur was still sitting on our bucket list, and that got us thinking: why not plan a road trip there instead?
September 2026 brings several important Hindu, Jain and Sikh observances across India. The month is particularly significant because it brings together Krishna Janmashtami, Hartalika Teej, Ganesh Chaturthi, Paryushan Parva, Vishwakarma Puja, Radha Ashtami, Anant Chaturdashi and the beginning of Pitru Paksha, alongside important Sikh Gurpurabs and regional observances. More »Major festivals in September 2026 in India
Plan ahead for October 2026 in India with this date-specific festival guide covering Gandhi Jayanti, Navratri, Dussehra, Sharad Purnima, and Karva Chauth across key regions.
My personal connection to the Nath Sampraday began in 1998 when my uncle introduced me to the teachings of Halasiddhanath (Revan Nath). It was a moment that sparked a lifelong curiosity about the Nath tradition. Nearly three decades later, in August 2026, I had the profound experience of visiting the samadhi and mandir of Halasiddhanath. Standing there, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment, as if the spiritual journey that began with my uncle’s guidance had come full circle. This experience reaffirmed my connection to the divine wisdom of the Nath Sampraday.
Plan August 2026 in India with a date-first guide to major festivals like Independence Day, Onam, Raksha Bandhan and more, plus key notes on observances that can shift with lunar… More »Major festivals in August 2026 in India
गुरु पूर्णिमेच्या आध्यात्मिक आणि सांस्कृतिक महत्त्वावर आधारित लेख, ज्यात गुरुपूजा, वेदव्यासांचे स्मरण आणि भारतीय शिक्षणपरंपरेतील गुरु-शिष्य नात्याचा अर्थ उलगडता येईल.
गुरु पूर्णिमा को केंद्र में रखकर भारतीय गुरु-शिष्य परंपरा, वेद व्यास और बुद्ध जैसे आचार्यों से जुड़ी कथाओं, तथा आध्यात्मिक गुरुओं और शिक्षकों के प्रति कृतज्ञता की प्राचीन और आधुनिक… More »गुरु पूर्णिमा: गुरु-शिष्य परंपरा से डिजिटल युग तक