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As John Keating said in Dead Poets Society, "We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race." Poetry has been a cornerstone of human expression for millennia. One of the earliest poetic texts, Hymn to the Death of Tammuz, dates back to 2500–3000 BCE, alongside the ancient Epic of Gilgamesh. Despite its timelessness, poetry has faced criticism, with philosophers like Plato and Aristotle questioning its value. Yet, visionaries like P.B. Shelley infused poetry with romanticism, reimagining its purpose. But in today's fast-paced, modern world—where does poetry stand? In this episode of #ThinkAboutIt, we delve into the enduring relevance of poetry. Why do we still read and write it? How does it help us connect with our inner selves and channel our emotions? Watch as we explore the profound world of poetry and its impact on the human spirit.
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News18
3 days ago
- News18
Dating The Mahabharata: A Cinematic Triumph Of Science, History, And Sanatan Dharma
What sets this documentary apart is its celebration of Sanatan Dharma's intrinsic scientific temper In an era where historical narratives are often shaped by fragmented evidence or ideological agendas, Dating The Mahabharata, a documentary by Prachyam, stands as a beacon of intellectual rigour and cultural pride. I was glued to the screen for so long after a long time. Directed with meticulous precision by Capt Praveen Chaturvedi, the founder & CEO of Prachyam Studios, and rooted in the groundbreaking research of Nilesh Oak, this film, available on the Prachyam OTT platform, redefines how we perceive ancient Indian history. By anchoring the Mahabharata War to 5561 BCE through astronomical evidence, the documentary not only validates the antiquity of Hindu civilisation but also highlights the unparalleled scientific temper embedded in Sanatan Dharma. Here we explore the film's brilliance, its significance for modern audiences, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, and its broader implications for humanity's understanding of history. At the heart of Dating The Mahabharata lies Nilesh Oak's extraordinary research, which leverages over 300 astronomical references embedded in the Mahabharata text to pinpoint the war's date to 5561 BCE. Oak, a scholar with a background in engineering and a passion for ancient Indian texts, employs advanced astronomical software to map the positions of stars, planets, and celestial events described in the epic. The director meticulously presents this process, transforming complex scientific analysis into an accessible narrative that captivates both scholars and lay audiences. Oak's methodology is nothing short of revolutionary. By cross-referencing textual descriptions—such as the positions of Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and, in particular, deciphering the special mention by Maharishi Ved Vyasa of Arundhati being ahead of Vashistha, with modern astronomical tools, he constructs a timeline that aligns with the Mahabharata's internal chronology. The film highlights how these celestial markers, preserved in the text for millennia, serve as a historical GPS, guiding researchers to a precise date. This is not mere speculation but a scientific endeavour that challenges conventional historiography, which often dismisses ancient Indian texts as mythological. As Oak asserts in the film, 'All evidence points to 5561 BCE," dismissing competing dates between 4000 BCE and 400 CE as lacking textual support. The documentary's strength lies in its ability to present this evidence with clarity and conviction. Through stunning visualisations of ancient skies, 3D animated recreations of celestial events, and Oak's lucid explanations, viewers are transported to the era of the Mahabharata. The film underscores that this dating is not an isolated claim but a collaborative effort, with living researchers uniting to validate 5561 BCE as the war's year. This collective scholarly pursuit adds weight to the findings, making Dating The Mahabharata a landmark in historical research. What sets this documentary apart is its celebration of Sanatan Dharma's intrinsic scientific temper. Unlike Abrahamic texts, which often rely on faith-based narratives or singular sources, Hindu scriptures like the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas offer a tapestry of interconnected texts rich with empirical data. The film argues persuasively that the Mahabharata's astronomical references—detailing planetary conjunctions, eclipses, and comets—are not poetic flourishes but deliberate historical records. This precision, revealed only through modern scientific tools, positions Hindu Dharma as a civilisation far ahead of its time. The documentary poses a provocative question: 'Do any Abrahamic texts provide such precise astronomical markers for great historical events?" The implied answer is a resounding no. While texts like the Bible or Quran offer moral and spiritual guidance, they lack the granular historical and scientific detail found in the Mahabharata. The film illustrates how multiple Hindu texts converge on a single date, reinforcing the Mahabharata's historicity. This convergence, coupled with archaeological hints like submerged cities near Dwarka, elevates Sanatan Dharma as a repository of knowledge that transcends human intellectual comprehension. For viewers, this revelation is both humbling and empowering. The film underscores that Hindu civilisation was not merely spiritual but deeply scientific, with its sages encoding cosmic observations in texts that modern technology is only now decoding. This synergy of ancient wisdom and innovative science makes the film Dating The Mahabharata a testament to the enduring relevance of Sanatan Dharma. Prachyam's production quality elevates Dating The Mahabharata to a cinematic masterpiece. The documentary blends scholarly rigour with visual artistry, using high-definition animations, evocative music, and crisp narration to create an immersive experience. The Prachyam OTT platform, dedicated to Indic content, is the perfect home for this film, offering seamless streaming and a user-friendly interface that ensures accessibility for global audiences. Launched in June 2025, the documentary has garnered widespread acclaim on X, with users hailing it as 'one of the most brilliant documentaries ever". The film's pacing is impeccable, balancing technical discussions with emotional resonance. It opens with a sweeping overview of the Mahabharata's cultural significance, setting the stage for Oak's research. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are drawn into a detective story, where each astronomical clue builds toward the climactic revelation of 5561 BCE. This approach ensures that the film is both authoritative and engaging, appealing to audiences of all ages. Prachyam OTT enhances the viewing experience by offering supplementary content, an Extended Version in 4K with Dolby Digital Sound, as well as behind-the-scenes features and discussion forums, fostering a community of learners. The platform's commitment to preserving and promoting Bharatiya Itihas makes it an ideal medium for Dating The Mahabharata, ensuring that this gem reaches those eager to explore their heritage. One of the documentary's most compelling achievements is its appeal to younger audiences, particularly Gen Z and Millennials. In an age where cultural narratives are often shaped by globalised media, Dating The Mahabharata serves as a clarion call for young Hindus to reconnect with their roots. The film's message is clear: they are inheritors of the greatest civilisation, one that harmonises spirituality, science, and history in ways unmatched by any other tradition. For young viewers, the documentary is both an intellectual awakening and a source of pride. It challenges the colonial lens that often relegates Indian history to myth, presenting instead a narrative of a sophisticated civilisation that documented its past with astronomical precision. The film's emphasis on modern technology—software that maps ancient skies—resonates with tech-savvy youth, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity. By showcasing how Sanatan Dharma's truths are validated by science, it inspires confidence in Hindu identity. Moreover, Dating The Mahabharata is a call to action. It urges young Hindus to preserve and enrich their Dharma, not out of dogma but for the 'highest good of humanity". Legends like Nilesh Oak, whose dedication to truth shines through the film, serve as role models for a generation seeking purpose. Captain Praveen Chaturvedi's strong narration and voice have won many accolades. Ultimately, Dating The Mahabharata is more than a documentary; it is a movement. It rekindles pride in Hindu civilisation while challenging global historical narratives. By proving that the Mahabharata War—arguably the largest war ever fought—occurred in 5561 BCE, the film establishes India as a cradle of human history. It also underscores the resilience of Sanatan Dharma, whose truths have endured millennia and continue to inspire. top videos View all For every Hindu, especially the youth, this film is a must-watch. It offers a profound reason to live, cherish, and elevate Dharma, not as a relic of the past but as a living tradition that holds answers for the future. On Prachyam OTT, Dating The Mahabharata is a gem that sparkles with truth, inviting viewers to embark on a celestial quest for their heritage. As the stars of 5561 BCE still shine above, so does the wisdom of Sanatan Dharma, guiding humanity towards a deeper understanding of itself. Every Hindu must subscribe to Prachyam OTT, the first Hindu & truly Bharatiya OTT at Gopal Goswami, PhD, is a Researcher, Columnist & Social Worker. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : documentary film history Mahabharata myth view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 21, 2025, 18:03 IST News opinion Movie Review | Dating The Mahabharata: A Cinematic Triumph Of Science, History, And Sanatan Dharma Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
12-07-2025
- Indian Express
What is Pazuzu? Why are Labubu dolls being linked to a demon?
Just when you thought your social media feed was shrugging off the clutches of the viral Labubu dolls, there's a new revelation: the cute bag charms may have a demonic connection. Labubus are being linked to Pazuzu, the Mesopotamian king of wind demons, who, according to Britannica, is the son of Hanpa and brother to Humbaba (Huwawa). Videos circulating on social media have netizens freaking out over strange activity observed after bringing home the viral toy, from flickering lights to eerie noises heard late in the night. A post shared by Emmanuel (@emmanuel) The lore goes that Pazuzu helped humans ward off other demons, and, thus, representations of his face served as popular apotropaic amulets in the 1st millennium BCE in the Middle East. Pazuzu's body is similar to those of other Mesopotamian demons, but his head is distinct from all others. It is a rectangular shape, with capric horns, massive eyebrows over deep-set round eyes, a canine jaw that displays teeth and tongue, a long two-pronged beard marked out by horizontal lines, and protruding ears. That's where the chilling similarity with Labubus arise. The Internet is busy drawing parallels between the Mesopotamian demon and Labubus, the quirky, wide-eyed collectible figurines created by Hong Kong-based toy brand POP MART, in collaboration with artist Kasing Lung. Labubu dolls are not conventionally 'cute'. Their wide eyes, mischievous grin, and slightly eerie vibe speak directly to Gen Z's love for the offbeat and peculiar — emotions that encapsulate their energy. And the Pazuzu's head is the earliest known example of Mesopotamian iconography blending multiple animal and human features, with the earlier iconography adding only one animal body part, such as a lion's head, on a human body. bUt 𝕨𝕙𝕪 𝕕𝕠 𝕞𝕪 𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕗𝕝𝕚𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕣 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕚 𝕤𝕖𝕥 𝕙𝕚𝕞 𝕕𝕠𝕨𝕟? L̴A̴b̴U̴b̴U̴ ̴x̴ ̴P̴a̴Z̴u̴Z̴u̴ ̴c̴O̴L̴L̴A̴B̴ ̴L̴E̴A̴K̴E̴D̴.̴.̴.̴ 👁👹 tHeY sAy iF u pUt 3 lAbUbUs iN a tRiAnGlE 🔺 a cHiLd lAuGhS iN yOuR wAlLs 😬 yOuR tOoThBrUsH gOeS mIsSiNg aNd a bUnNy eAr… — LabubuMisfits (@LabubuMisfits) July 2, 2025 Jokes about supernatural activity surrounding Labubus have gained attention, with netizens expressing distress and concern over children collecting and playing with these dolls. However, all links are just speculation and conjecture, with no concrete evidence pointing towards any real connection. Britannica further states that the earliest archaeological evidence of Pazuzu—found in the grave of a royal woman entombed in Nimrud (near present-day Mosul, Iraq)—dates to 8th century BCE. Images of Pazuzu have been found throughout the ancient Middle East, dating to the 1st millennium BCE, including the Neo-Assyrian, Neo-Babylonian, and late Babylonian periods. Pazuzu's iconography has puzzled researchers because of its sudden and fully realised appearance in the archaeological record, displaying no apparent evolutionary stages. The lack of any earlier identifiable representations renders it impossible to pinpoint the exact geographic origins of the imagery, though it most likely developed in either Egypt or Mesopotamia. While Pazuzu's head is sometimes depicted alone, it is often paired with the faces of other Mesopotamian demons or gods. Some Pazuzu amulets have images inscribed on their backs of deities who were considered permanent allies of humans, such as Ugallu and Lulal. Archaeologists conjecture that these pairings were meant to ensure Pazuzu's power remained directed away from human targets and to protect the wearer from danger.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Time of India
Thrill Quest ft. Arjun Bijlani Summer in Abu Dhabi Totally Recommended
Lifestyle • 5 months ago As John Keating said in Dead Poets Society, "We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race." Poetry has been a cornerstone of human expression for millennia. One of the earliest poetic texts, Hymn to the Death of Tammuz, dates back to 2500–3000 BCE, alongside the ancient Epic of Gilgamesh. Despite its timelessness, poetry has faced criticism, with philosophers like Plato and Aristotle questioning its value. Yet, visionaries like P.B. Shelley infused poetry with romanticism, reimagining its purpose. But in today's fast-paced, modern world—where does poetry stand? In this episode of #ThinkAboutIt, we delve into the enduring relevance of poetry. Why do we still read and write it? How does it help us connect with our inner selves and channel our emotions? Watch as we explore the profound world of poetry and its impact on the human spirit.
