Long ago, during the age when the universe was still in its infancy, Lord Shiva deeply engrossed in meditation envisioned the need for sacred abodes on Earth to serve as focal points for spiritual practice and divine communion. He decided to manifest seven majestic mountains [Sapta Kailash] infused with his divine energy, each constituting its…
Skin, the body’s largest organ, plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. Apart from acting as a physical barrier to external threats such as pathogens, chemicals, radiations etc. it serves other vital functions also, including temperature regulation [through sweating and vasodilation] and vitamin D synthesis [through the action of UV radiation from…
Aadi Himani Chamunda temple dedicated to Goddess Chamunda sits high up in the mountains [3185m] where snow only starts to melt around March and April giving it its name Aadi Himani. Legend has it that this very place witnesses the battle between the demons Chand Mund and the Devi Durga [Chamunda]. The Nandikeshwar Mahadev temple…
The Mahunag Temple is located in the Karsog Valley of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, captivating tale that dates back to ancient times. It is dedicated to Lord Mahunag, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Karna of Mahabharata. Legend has it that the Lord metamorphosizes himself as a bee (Mahu) to help his troubled devotees. This…
Rock-cut cave temples are architectural structures that are carved directly into natural rock formations. This form of construction involves the removal of rock material to create a hollowed-out interior space. The process typically starts with carving the exterior facades and then progressing to the interior chambers thus creating intricate and detailed religious or architectural features….
Camphor [Kapur] comes from a special tree called Cinnamomum camphora [camphor trees] and the oil extracted from its wood [through steam distillation] is known as Camphor essential oil. It has a strong, characteristic aroma that is often described as medicinal, woody, and slightly sweet. The scent is invigorating and refreshing. Camphor oil has been traditionally…
Sharmana tradition of ancient India signifies a shift from the emphasis on Karam kand of Bharmanism [Vedic rituals] to the ascetic practices, renunciation of worldly attachments, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge. Many followers of this tradition engaged in a life of austerity and meditation. Today, we will be discussing one such school of thought…
Dalai Lama of Namgyal Monastery The title Dalai Lama means ‘Ocean of Wisdom’ in Mongolian and is associated with the Gelug tradition [Yellow Hat] of Tibetan Buddhism which was founded by Je Tsongkhapa in the 14th century. Tsongkhapa sought to restore what he considered the pure and disciplined monastic practices of Buddhism. Consequently, Gelug is…
Kamrunag Temple History Himachal, is the homeland of numerous folklore connecting what today is considered Mythology to the various religious structures, landscapes, etc. Today we will be exploring one such structure in the folds of the Shivalika Himalayas in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh [India], The Kamrunag Temple. As traditions differ from place to…
Nestled amidst the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and architectural brilliance. As the esteemed mother church of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, this sacred edifice beckons visitors to embark on a journey of spiritual enlightenment and artistic discovery. Join us…
