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Economic Times
2 days ago
- General
- Economic Times
Hindu temple in China reveals trade flourished between the two countries
The long trade route from India to China was instrumental in the establishment of temples with Hindu imagery In the city of Quanzhou in Fujian province of China, there is a Buddhist temple, whose base and pillars are full of Hindu imagery. It reveals the long connection of trade between India and China via the sea route from western coast of India through the Malacca straits (Singapore). The images show lions, which is native neither to South India nor to China. Lions became symbols of royalty in India and China, and was a name adopted by the people of Sri Lanka (Sinhala, or lion people) and Singapore (Singha-pura, city of lions). This reveals how ideas travel along with per local lore, a merchant requested the landlord to grant him a piece of land to build a temple to the Buddha. The landlord, unwilling to part with the land, said he would do so only if the mulberry trees in his garden bloomed with white lotus flowers. That is precisely what happened. The landlord then granted the land to the Buddhist monk, and the temple was established. This became a place where different kinds of temples were built by monks and merchants of various Buddhist and Hindu a result, even today one finds images of Shiva in his iconic Shiva Linga form, worshipped by an elephant. There is another image of Shiva with matted locks. An image of Narasimha-an unusual South Indian form known as Purushavrigha (Vyaghrapada), a tiger-footed devotee of Shiva-is also present. There is even an image of Parvati with a demon seated at her feet, worshipped by locals who believe it to be a form of Guan Yin, the compassionate female bodhisattva of Chinese tradition. There is even a pillar resembling a Shiva Linga which local people believe to be a stone bamboo shoot-but it is most likely a Shiva trade routes connecting India to China were overland, via Central Asia. The sea routes taking advantage of monsoon winds came oldest Ramayana manuscripts do not mention China. But the oldest Mahabharata manuscripts do. China became familiar with India first indirectly via Central Asian tribes around 200 BC and then directly by 200 AD. This was in the time of the Han emperors (200 BC to 200 AD), when China had been unified. India was called Shendu (from Sindhu) and Tianzhu (heavenly Bamboo grove, from the Buddhist Venu-vana). Buddhism was welcomed, as it brought solace at a time of great turmoil when Chinese lands were torn by civil wars. In the Tang period (600 AD to 900 AD), when unification took place, Chinese encouraged the import of Buddhist texts and Buddhist relics from India. This is when Buddhist ideas, in Sanskrit, were translated into Chinese script-a complex process as both the sound system and the writing system, not to mention the language structure and meaning structure, was radically different. But by the end of this period, local Confucian scholars became hostile to Buddhism and practices like relic the Song period (1000-1300), China was seen as a centre of Buddhism. Buddhism had declined in India, and many people travelled to China which was seen as the land of Maitreya Buddha (future Buddha), Manjushri (sword-bearing Bodhisattva of knowledge) and Amitabha Buddha (saviour Buddha of pure land). The old land routes to China became risky due to the rise of Mongol armies. Instead, the sea became the preferred route to China. This is when Chola kings of Tamilakam established contact with the Chinese imperial court, via the monsoon winds, ships sailed from Arabia to the western coast of India in approximately 30 days. Ships then sailed from the eastern coast of India in another 30 days to the Malacca Straits. Then an additional 30 days to reach China. Effectively, in 100 days-around three to four months-one could travel from Arabia to the farthest edge of was a major trade route, with horses being transported from Arabia to South Asia, Southeast Asia and China via the sea, especially when land routes were exchange, China supplied silk, silver, tea and porcelain. Gold from Southeast Asia was traded for Indian cotton. Spices and aromatic plants were also exchanged. This was an extensive trading network. A powerful merchant guild in India (the 500) controlled much of this trade. This trade enriched the Rashtrakuta dynasty who controlled much of Karnataka around 800 AD. The wealth funded some of the earliest temples in India-as well as a cluster of temples in Southeast China.


Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Hindu temple in China reveals trade flourished between the two countries
In the city of Quanzhou in Fujian province of China, there is a Buddhist temple , whose base and pillars are full of Hindu imagery. It reveals the long connection of trade between India and China via the sea route from western coast of India through the Malacca straits (Singapore). The images show lions, which is native neither to South India nor to China. Lions became symbols of royalty in India and China, and was a name adopted by the people of Sri Lanka (Sinhala, or lion people) and Singapore (Singha-pura, city of lions). This reveals how ideas travel along with goods. As per local lore, a merchant requested the landlord to grant him a piece of land to build a temple to the Buddha. The landlord, unwilling to part with the land, said he would do so only if the mulberry trees in his garden bloomed with white lotus flowers. That is precisely what happened. The landlord then granted the land to the Buddhist monk, and the temple was established. This became a place where different kinds of temples were built by monks and merchants of various Buddhist and Hindu denominations. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Technology healthcare Data Science Artificial Intelligence Product Management Management Data Analytics Healthcare Operations Management CXO Project Management others Digital Marketing Cybersecurity MBA Others PGDM Design Thinking Leadership Public Policy Data Science Finance Degree MCA Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks MIT xPRO CERT-MIT XPRO Building AI Prod India Starts on undefined Get Details As a result, even today one finds images of Shiva in his iconic Shiva Linga form, worshipped by an elephant. There is another image of Shiva with matted locks. An image of Narasimha-an unusual South Indian form known as Purushavrigha (Vyaghrapada), a tiger-footed devotee of Shiva-is also present. There is even an image of Parvati with a demon seated at her feet, worshipped by locals who believe it to be a form of Guan Yin, the compassionate female bodhisattva of Chinese tradition. There is even a pillar resembling a Shiva Linga which local people believe to be a stone bamboo shoot-but it is most likely a Shiva Linga. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Hear better, live easier Amplifon Book Now Undo Early trade routes connecting India to China were overland, via Central Asia. The sea routes taking advantage of monsoon winds came later. The oldest Ramayana manuscripts do not mention China. But the oldest Mahabharata manuscripts do. China became familiar with India first indirectly via Central Asian tribes around 200 BC and then directly by 200 AD. This was in the time of the Han emperors (200 BC to 200 AD), when China had been unified. India was called Shendu (from Sindhu) and Tianzhu (heavenly Bamboo grove, from the Buddhist Venu-vana). Buddhism was welcomed, as it brought solace at a time of great turmoil when Chinese lands were torn by civil wars. Live Events In the Tang period (600 AD to 900 AD), when unification took place, Chinese encouraged the import of Buddhist texts and Buddhist relics from India. This is when Buddhist ideas, in Sanskrit, were translated into Chinese script-a complex process as both the sound system and the writing system, not to mention the language structure and meaning structure, was radically different. But by the end of this period, local Confucian scholars became hostile to Buddhism and practices like relic worship. In the Song period (1000-1300), China was seen as a centre of Buddhism. Buddhism had declined in India, and many people travelled to China which was seen as the land of Maitreya Buddha (future Buddha), Manjushri (sword-bearing Bodhisattva of knowledge) and Amitabha Buddha (saviour Buddha of pure land). The old land routes to China became risky due to the rise of Mongol armies. Instead, the sea became the preferred route to China. This is when Chola kings of Tamilakam established contact with the Chinese imperial court, via Indonesia. Using the monsoon winds, ships sailed from Arabia to the western coast of India in approximately 30 days. Ships then sailed from the eastern coast of India in another 30 days to the Malacca Straits. Then an additional 30 days to reach China. Effectively, in 100 days-around three to four months-one could travel from Arabia to the farthest edge of China. This was a major trade route, with horses being transported from Arabia to South Asia, Southeast Asia and China via the sea, especially when land routes were blocked. In exchange, China supplied silk, silver, tea and porcelain. Gold from Southeast Asia was traded for Indian cotton. Spices and aromatic plants were also exchanged. This was an extensive trading network. A powerful merchant guild in India (the 500) controlled much of this trade. This trade enriched the Rashtrakuta dynasty who controlled much of Karnataka around 800 AD. The wealth funded some of the earliest temples in India-as well as a cluster of temples in Southeast China.


Time of India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Survey of Gyanvapi wuzukhana: HC defers case hearing to Aug 6
Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court on Friday deferred to Aug 6 the hearing over the ASI survey of the wuzukhana (ablution pond) area except for the Shiva Linga inside the Gyanvapi mosque. The counsel for the parties submitted that matter is still engaging the attention of the Supreme Court and the interim order is still operational. The Supreme Court in its interim order had barred any court from passing effective interim orders or final orders including orders directing surveys, etc, till its further directions. Following the submission, Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal adjourned the matter while acting in a revision plea filed by Rakhi Singh, who is one of the plaintiffs before a Varanasi court. The petition has been filed challenging a Varanasi district judge order of Oct 2023 whereby he had refused to direct the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to undertake a survey of the wuzukhana area except for the structure which the Hindu side calls a Shiv Linga while the Muslims describe it as a fountain, inside the Gyanvapi mosque adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple.


Time of India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Allahabad HC defers Gyanvapi case hearing to August 6
The Allahabad High Court on Friday deferred to August 6 the hearing over the ASI survey of the wuzukhana (ablution pond) area except for the Shiva Linga inside the Gyanvapi mosque. On Friday when matter was taken up, the court was informed by one of the counsel that the Supreme Court's interim order was in operation. The Supreme Court in its interim order had barred any court from passing effective interim orders or final orders including orders directing surveys, etc., till its further directions. Following the submission, Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal adjourned the matter while acting in a revision plea filed by Rakhi Singh, who is one of the plaintiffs before a Varanasi court. The plea challenges a Varanasi judge order of October, 2023 which refused to direct the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) to survey the wuzukhana (ablution) area except for the structure which the Hindu side calls a Shivling and the Muslims describe as a fountain inside the Gyanvapi mosque located adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple .


Time of India
22-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Yearly Horoscope - Cancer (FY 2025-2026): Introspective growth with shifting priorities in finances and spiritual direction
Live Events Recite the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra regularly for protection and peace. Offer water mixed with milk to the Shiva Linga on Mondays to balance emotions and enhance well-being. Donate white clothes or rice on Mondays to pacify Moon-related imbalances. Wear a pearl (Moti) in silver on the little finger, after consulting an astrologer. You'll be pulled toward spiritual pursuits, foreign travels, or deeper introspection. Hidden fears may surface, but they pave the way for emotional healing and personal evolution. The Financial Year Prediction is written by Reputed astrologer, Anand Sagar Pathak of The basis of the predictions is transits of major planets like Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu during the Cancer natives, this financial year is a journey of growth and self-discovery. The first half of the year, especially from May, may feel low-key. It may even be isolating as Jupiter will be transiting from your Twelfth House (Gemini). You should take adequate rest. You should also spend time in reflection and healing. Simultaneously, Saturn will be transiting from the Ninth House (Pisces) on 29th March 2025. This emphasises disciplined spiritual growth. You may have higher learning. You can gain from long-distance will be transiting from the Aquarius sign rising in the Eighth House, from 18th May 2025. Ketu will be transiting from the Leo sign rising in the Second House from 18th May 2025. Your focus may shift to hidden resources, inheritances and joint finances. These transits guide you in handling money and your financial turning point comes on 18th October 2025. Jupiter will be transiting from your sign (Cancer) in its sign of exaltation. This can give a powerful boost of confidence. You can gain through personal charisma. Saturn and Jupiter will be retrograde in the latter part of the year. This suggests that success will come through inner work and conscious first half of the year is like a preparatory phase for Cancer natives. Jupiter will be transiting from the Twelfth House on 14th May. You may focus on behind-the-scenes work and spiritual studies. You can also get involved in charitable services. You can get foreign assignments as well. You may not be in the spotlight. However, your efforts are laying the foundation for the progress may be more internal than external till Jupiter transits from your Lagna or the First House on 18th October. This transit revitalises your ambitions and brings leadership roles. It helps you reclaim your authority. It's an ideal time to launch a personal brand or start a new venture. You can also step into a leadership role. People will notice you for your will be transiting from the Ninth House in March. This pushes you to upgrade your skillset. You can gain through structured learning. You can also gain from spiritual exploration and international networking. However, when Saturn gets retrograde from 13th July to 28th November. You may feel blocked or disillusioned with your mentors. There can also be obstacles in your travel plans. This period can be best used for consolidating knowledge and refining your in the 8th house can bring transformations in your career. You can have a crisis-like situation. You can have opportunities involving joint ventures and intense psychological work. It's an excellent time for researchers, healers and occult practitioners. People working in finance, insurance, or secretive fields can do strategies in 2025–2026 would focus on long-term planning. The transit of Jupiter from the Twelfth House till October makes this a good period for investments in foreign assets. You can also invest in spiritual retreats and wellness businesses. You can gain from charitable endeavours. It also warns against unplanned spending. You can gain from secretive financial dealings. However, discretion and transparency are will be transiting from the Cancer sign in your First House in October. You may regain financial confidence. This is a good time to consider personal investments. You may focus on education and business development. You may also focus on brand-building. You're more optimistic and willing to take calculated risks. Jupiter will be retrograde from 11th November to 11th March 2026. This suggests reevaluating rather than initiating during that will be transiting from the Eighth House. This indicates potential for gains through inheritance. You can also have gains from joint ventures and partner-related investments. It also increases interest in speculative and hidden investments like cryptocurrency, insurance, etc. Some of you may benefit. However, the unpredictable nature of this placement demands extreme caution. You need to follow due diligence and avoid risky will be transiting from the Second House. This cautions against impulsive spending or emotional attachment to material wealth. You should focus on minimalism. You should have value-based spending. You should also review family-owned financial year is transitional. In the first half, Jupiter will be transiting from the Twelfth House. There may be increased expenses on account of healthcare and travel. You can also spend on spiritual retreats or foreign travels. You may also invest in self-care or psychological healing. Though intangible, it is an important long-term will be transiting from the Second House (Leo). This might lead to fluctuating savings. There can be unexpected drains on family finances. You need to be cautious with verbal commitments related to money. Budgeting and simplified living can serve you October onwards, Jupiter will be transiting from your Lagna. This can help you attract more abundance. Jupiter will be retrograde after 11th November. It shall also temporarily return to the Twelfth House in December. This may bring back unforeseen expenses. You may require financial adjustments. You should use this period to revise financial goals. You should realign spending habits and reinforce these fluctuations, your long-term financial wisdom will develop through experience. Being detached from material outcomes can help manage resources more primary challenges this year will revolve around emotional resilience. You can have spiritual detachment and a lack of financial discipline. The Jupiter transit through the Twelfth House can create feelings of being adrift. The period of caution is between May and October. You may question your sense of purpose and may feel isolated. This period is preparing you for a personal renaissance starting in will be retrograde from July 2025 to November 2025. This may cause frustration in legal matters. You may also have setbacks in educational goals and spiritual pursuits. You might doubt your teachers, beliefs and your chosen path. You should use this time to deepen your inner truth. You may also seek external will be transiting from the Eighth House. This can stir fears around loss and change. You may have financial and emotional challenges. Sudden events may test your stability. They also offer transformation. You should avoid secrecy in finances, especially if you are in a will be transiting from the Second House. This can reduce your attachment to material security. If unchecked, it may lead to financial neglect or carelessness. You should maintain a clear understanding of your financial status at all Jupiter will be retrograde from November. It will transit back into your Twelfth House. This may confuse your self-worth. You may lose track of your life direction or money. You should avoid making major decisions unless year brings deep introspection and spiritual growth in the first half. Financial caution is advised due to Jupiter's placement in the Twelfth House. Things improve significantly after October with Jupiter entering your Lagna. Foreign connections, spiritual pursuits and emotional healing will be prominent themes. You should stay grounded during Saturn's retrograde phase.