Latest news with #Shaivism
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
PM Modi to attend 1,000th anniversary of Gangetic conquest on July 27
CHENNAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in the 1,000th anniversary of the Gangetic conquest by King Rajendra Chola I. The event is organised in the Brahadiswara temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Gangaikondacholapuram in Ariyalur district on July 27. The PM is likely to release a coin to commemorate the occasion. Official sources said that according to the tentative schedule, the PM is likely to visit the temple in the evening of July 27, and after darshan, he will be viewing a photo exhibition organised by the ASI. The topics to be covered in the photo exhibition include Rajendra Chola I's Gangetic expedition, and Kadaram expedition, miniature sculptures related to Shaivism and Chola-era sculptures. Later, Modi will be enjoying a 'Thiruvachagam' symphony by music maestro Ilayaraaja for about 20 minutes. In all, the PM is scheduled to be there for around three hours. HR and CE sources said the Tamil Nadu government is celebrating Adi Thiruvathirai, the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola I, from July 23. Chief Minister MK Stalin and five of his Cabinet colleagues are likely to take part in the celebrations on July 23. The PM is taking part in the valedictory celebrations on July 27. However, the CM's participation in the PM's programme is yet to be confirmed. R Komagan, chairman, Gangaikondacholapuram Development Council Trust, told TNIE that heads of 36 Adheenams in Tamil Nadu, including the one which donated the Sengol to Parliament, have been invited for the PM's event. The event starts with a 'Thiruvachagam' recital by 50 Oodhuvars.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Shiva the teacher: how Shaivism challenges Buddhism through the interplay of ideas and the role of women
Most texts describe Buddhism as a reaction to Vedic ritualism, but they fail to discuss how Shaivism was a response to Buddhism. Vedic ritualism advocated material success through the grace of divine beings. Buddhism, on the other hand, taught that an obsession with material things and cravings leads to suffering. The Buddha promoted the monastic path, which became highly popular. Shaivism, however, challenges this monastic approach. The primary story of Shiva is that of an ascetic who sits atop a stone mountain but who eventually becomes a householder, with wife and children. Buddhism was the journey of householder to hermit. Shaivism was the journey of hermit to householder. Shiva's first wife is Sati, the daughter of a Brahmin priest. His second wife is Parvati, the daughter of a king of the mountains. This story highlights the importance of marriage, women, and household life, directly challenging the Buddha's narrative of a man who abandons his kingdom, family, wife, and son in the quest for tranquillity and wisdom. Fighting death Most people overlook this interplay of ideas countering each other over time. If Vedic ritual practices were challenged by the Buddha's inward-looking path, that path was, in turn, challenged by the more socially engaged approach of Shaivism. It is no coincidence that the silhouette of a stupa resembles a Shiva linga. However, there is one crucial difference. The Buddha was imagined as rising to higher levels, beyond the realm of the 33 Vedic gods, to a new heaven far above. The bump on his head was interpreted as a kind of spiritual fire rising upwards. In contrast, water is constantly poured over the Shiva linga, drawing him down to the earthly realm. While Buddhists looked to the Buddha's realm far above or focused on inner journeys, Shaivism emphasised looking at the earth, symbolised by the river flowing down. The Buddha was initially reluctant to teach his doctrine to the world and was persuaded to do so by Indra and Brahma. Shiva, on the other hand, imparts his knowledge when questioned by Parvati. Shiva as a teacher is visualised as Lakulisha in North India. He sits cross-legged, much like the Buddha, but holds a staff. In South India, the highly tantrik (occult) image of Lakulisha is more subdued by bhakti (affection). He is depicted as Dakshinamurthy, the sage who sits atop a mountain under a banyan tree, facing south, teaching how to transcend death, surrounded by sages. Death is something that bothered Buddha too. It was what made him turn away from society. But guided by Shiva, sages like Agastya travel south, the land of ancestors and Yama (symbolically). They fight death by marrying and establishing a household. Agastya marries Lopamudra. He earns a living by engaging with Devas and Asuras. He thus is taught about life. Of wisdom and desire It is the conversation between Shiva and Shakti that contains wisdom, not just that of the Buddha alone. Ironically, it is the inclusion of women that challenges the Buddhist path, despite one of the unique features of Buddhist monasteries being the inclusion of women as nuns, alongside many female patrons. Theri-gatha is the oldest collection of poems written by Buddhist nuns, who find solace outside the household, free from gendered roles. The body is thus rejected, though gender politics never left the Buddhist monastery. The leaders were always male. Same is true of Jainism, where there are more nuns than monks, but the leader is always male. Shiva's wisdom is made relevant by the goddess. It emerges as answers to her questions. Without a student, a teacher's knowledge is useless. She feeds him, he converses with her, and when he is absent, she wields her sickle to save the gods from demons. That being said, while Shaivism includes the goddess, it did not grant significant status to lay women, who were confined to the household. Women become holy when they renounce home and become nuns. But men are holy both as householders and hermits. There are challenges to this model though. It manifests in the form of goddesses like Tripurasundari, shown seated on a throne held up by male gods. She carries symbols of Kama, the god of desire. Wisdom is not the end of desire. It stems from desire itself — providing pleasure to the other, rather than receiving it for the self. The writer is the author of 50 books on mythology, art and culture.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Somvar Vrat 101: Monday Fasting Rituals & Rules for First-Timers
Lord Shiva, also known as the 'Supreme Being' in Shaivism, is worshipped with immense devotion by millions of Hindus and spiritual seekers worldwide. His presence is especially celebrated during the holy month of Shravan, when Mondays (Somvar) are considered highly auspicious for his worship. Fasting on Mondays is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and fulfillment of wishes. For some, it is a path to inner purification. For others, it is a way to express gratitude and devotion to Lord Shiva. Essential Rules for Observing Somvar Vrat If you're thinking about keeping your first Somvar Vrat, here's a simple guide to help you ease into the ritual without getting overwhelmed - Wake up early, preferably before sunrise. Avoid sleeping in. The day should begin with a sense of purpose. Begin by taking a bath. Add a few drops of Ganga water to the bathing water to amplify purity. Dress in clean and fresh clothes. Refrain from wearing black garments on this day, as they are considered inauspicious for the fasting. Stand before Lord Shiva and make a sincere vow to observe the fast with sincerity and devotion. Prepare a simple altar and install an idol or image of Lord Shiva. Perform the abhishek (ritual bathing) of Shiva with Panchamrit—a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Đây có thể là thời điểm tốt nhất để giao dịch vàng trong 5 năm qua IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Apply a mark of white sandalwood paste on the divine's idol. Offer sacred items such as bel leaves, bhang, dhatura, and white flowers to Lord Shiva. Present a dish of kheer as a special offering. Read or listen to the traditional Somvar Vrat Katha (story) to understand the vrat's significance. Meditate on Lord Shiva and chant his mantras, such as 'Om Namah Shivaya,' throughout the day. Avoid consuming or offering tamasic foods, like garlic, onion, or non-vegetarian items. Never include turmeric, roli, or tulsi leaves in the worship. These items are not considered appropriate for Shiva puja. On the following morning, break your fast with the prasad offered to Shiva. Seek forgiveness for any mistakes made during the observance. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
The Wire
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Wire
Hari Hara Veera Mallu is the Divine Fusion of Shiva and Vishnu: Jyothi Krisna on His Grand Saga of Sanatana Dharma
Dispelling long-standing rumours that Hari Hara Veera Mallu is based on a well-known folk legend, the makers have now unveiled a powerful truth — the film is not a retelling of an old tale, but a rich fictional saga deeply rooted in Sanatana Dharma, crafted for a new era of mythic storytelling. Director Jyothi Krisna, who took charge of the project midway, has reimagined the narrative entirely, injecting it with spiritual symbolism and cinematic might. 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu is not just a historical warrior — he is a divine manifestation, a fictional character inspired by the combined energies of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu,' shares Jyothi Krisna. 'We didn't just want to tell a story; we wanted to create a legacy. Veera Mallu is that bridge between Shaivism and Vaishnavism, like Ayyappa Swamy.' The title itself reveals the spiritual essence — Hari symbolizing Vishnu and Hara symbolizing Shiva. This duality is seamlessly translated on-screen through potent imagery: the eagle, symbolizing Garuda (Vishnu's vahana), soars as a silent sentinel, while the protagonist's Damarukam (Lord Shiva's drum) beats the rhythm of righteousness. Sources close to the film suggest the protagonist is a force born from both deities, destined to rise when Dharma is threatened. Veteran producer AM Rathnam, known for his grand cinematic vision, has backed the film with uncompromising scale and ambition. Without pre-selling the rights (barring overseas and Hindi), Rathnam made a calculated decision to let the visuals speak first — and it worked. The trailer release became an instant blockbuster online, drawing unprecedented attention and buzz. Distributors are now in a race, offering record-breaking sums to acquire rights. Rathnam's belief in the film's visual and spiritual power has paid off — and how. Hari Hara Veera Mallu is not just a film — it's a visual hymn to the eternal spirit of Dharma, a divine epic where mythology meets magnificence. Witness the rise of the divine protector. Hari Hara Veera Mallu — where cinema meets Sanatana. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.
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India.com
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Hari Hara Veera Mallu Is The Divine Fusion Of Shiva And Vishnu: Jyothi Krishna
Chennai: Dispelling long-standing rumours that the power star Pawan Kalyan-starrer 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu' is based on a well-known folk legend, the makers have now unveiled a powerful truth — the film is not a retelling of an old tale, but a rich fictional saga deeply rooted in Sanatana Dharma, crafted for a new era of mythic storytelling. Director Jyothi Krishna, who took charge of the project midway, has reimagined the narrative entirely, injecting it with spiritual symbolism and cinematic might. 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu is not just a historical warrior — he is a divine manifestation, a fictional character inspired by the combined energies of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu,' shares Jyothi Krisna. 'We didn't just want to tell a story; we wanted to create a legacy. Veera Mallu is that bridge between Shaivism and Vaishnavism, like Ayyappa Swamy.' The title itself reveals the spiritual essence — Hari symbolizing Vishnu and Hara symbolizing Shiva. This duality is seamlessly translated on-screen through potent imagery: the eagle, symbolizing Garuda (Vishnu's vahana), soars as a silent sentinel, while the protagonist's Damarukam (Lord Shiva's drum) beats the rhythm of righteousness. Sources close to the film suggest the protagonist is a force born from both deities, destined to rise when Dharma is threatened. Veteran producer AM Rathnam, known for his grand cinematic vision, has backed the film with uncompromising scale and ambition. The film's music has been scored by the iconic M.M. Keeravaani. The film has cinematography by Manoj Paramahamsa and Gnanashekar V.S. and production design by Thota Tharani. Editing for the film is by National Award-winning editor K L Praveen. Apart from Pawan Kalyan, Nidhi Aggarwal and Bobby Deol, 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu' will also feature Nassar, Sathyaraj, Thalaivasal Vijay, Raghu Babu, Subbaraju and Sunil among many others.
