Latest news with #VaastuShastra
India.com
11-07-2025
- General
- India.com
What Makes Chennai's Oldest Temples So Special For Astrology Lovers?
Chennai stands as the capital of Tamil Nadu in southern India where people recognize its historical cultural and spiritual roots. The city offers various attractions including historical temples that demonstrate devotion as well as artistic achievements and architectural perfection since ancient times. The religious centers function as places of prayer and house astrological symbolism that stems from Hindu religious beliefs. The article investigates how several leading temples in Chennai demonstrate alignment with celestial bodies to share deep knowledge about astrology and spiritual beliefs. The Cosmic Connection: Temples and Vedic Astrology Hindu sanctuaries function as complete world representations which unite divine cosmic energies with human earthly reality. Vedic astrology (Jyotisha) requires temples to be built using precise calculations that link with planetary positions and zodiac signs together with nakshatras (lunar constellations). The precise arrangement of temple structures creates an energetic flow which psychic vibrations believe enhances human life positively. Various traditional religious sites across Chennai demonstrate how architects utilize astronomical principles to create their designs. The following section provides detailed examinations of some specific instances. 1. Kapaleeswarar Temple: A Celestial Blueprint History traces the Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore back to over 1,300 years as one of the oldest Shiva temples in Chennai. Shiva alone receives worship at this temple which displays Dravidian architectural styles among its expansive festivals. Kapaleeswarar Temple Astrological Significance: Vaastu Shastra guides temple builders when establishing the precise orientation since it stands as a traditional Indian architectural science tied to astrological practices. The main sanctuary aspect toward the eastern direction guarantees the sun's sunrise illumination for the holy statue which signifies both new beginnings and spiritual enlightenment. Mercury (Budha) dominates Kapaleeswarar Temple because this deity represents fundamental characteristics such as intellectual understanding and speech abilities as well as knowledge acquisition. Those who want mental clarity together with academic success frequently worship at this temple to receive divine blessings. Every year during the Brahmotsavam festival rituals are conducted according to nakshatras which boosts their religious power. THe Procession takes place only at favorable star timings to achieve maximum spiritual blessings. 2. Parthasarathy Temple: A Confluence of Planetary Energies As an important destination within Chennai's boundaries you will discover the Parthasarathy Temple located within Triplicane district. The Pallava dynasty constructed this temple in the eighth century as a dedication to Lord Krishna while he guided Arjuna during the events of the Mahabharata. Parthasarathy Temple Astrological Significance: The temple distinguishes itself by having five consecrated statues representing different personae of Vishnu including Krishna and his four other manifestations of Narasimha and Rama and Varaha and Kalki. Vedic astrology connects Lord Krishna to the Moon (Chandra) as his major divinity at the temple. Through its associations with the Moon and governance over emotions and intuition the temple draws many visitors searching for emotional wellness and inner tranquility. The temple rituals must match beneficial cosmic planetary movements. The temple sees its full moon days also known as Purnima as the ideal time to perform prayers focused on prosperity alongside family harmony. 3. Marundeeswarar Temple: Healing Through Cosmic Energy In Thiruvanmiyur stands the Marundeeswarar Temple where people worship Lord Shiva as the deity who heals diseases. The temple deity Marundeeswarar receives this name because it signifies medical and healing powers. Marundeeswarar Temple Astrological Significance: According to Vedic astrological traditions Saturn (Shani) controls health difficulties as well as the lessons derived from karma. The religious belief says Marundeeswarar Temple provides refuge to people experiencing the dangerous Saturn cycle known as Sade Sati by absorbing its negative energy. Yantras with mantras drawn on them serve as essential elements at this temple to guide planetary energies toward healing and protective purposes. People who perform abhishekams of the lingam with medicinal herbal-infused water honor Saturn by cleansing and rejuvenating both the divinity and its devotees through this holy practice. 4. Ashtalakshmi Temple: Invoking Divine Feminine Power The Ashtalakshmi Temple stands proudly at Besant Nagar shoreline as a contemporary spiritual place that opened its doors in 1976. This temple consists of eight deities representing Goddess Lakshmi who unite together as Ashtalakshmi. Ashtalakshmi Temple Astrological Significance: The eight forms of Lakshmi correspond precisely with life's aspects which include wealth, knowledge, courage, victory, progeny, strength, fame and nourishment and align with the planetary and nakshatra influences. Visiting the temple on Venus-dominated Friday evenings is considered most fortunate because Venus controls beauty and material wealth together with all the qualities that define Goddess Lakshmi. People who visit this temple during Jupiter retrograde often conduct homa rituals because they seek spiritual insights and knowledge from the deity described as Guru. Temples as Cosmic Bridges In their construction of these temples the ancient builders integrated their knowledge about how celestial movements affect personal destinies. The architects incorporated astrological principles into their constructions to produce sacred areas that enabled worshipers to reach superior powers and gather celestial energy for self-improvement. For instance: Temples organize Navagraha puja ceremonies (worshiping nine planets) in order to offset adverse consequences that stem from unfavorable planetary positions. Ritual scheduling takes place when the sun rises or sets or the moon reaches its highest point in the sky because it boosts the power of devotional prayers. Temple walls receive their divine power from sacred geometric designs that include mandalas along with lotus motifs. Conclusion The ancient temples within Chennai serve as active monuments containing the eternal Indian knowledge pertaining to cosmic principles and human life. Click here to read an alternate version of this text about solar and lunar temples and their continuing effect on millions of followers around the world. Exploring these temples provides visitors with a unique chance to observe the sacred connection between divine power and human existence.
Time Business News
02-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Vaastu-Compliant Homes in Dubai: Blend of Modern & Tradition
Dubai is becoming a top spot for people from all over the world, and with this growing diversity, many homebuyers are looking for properties that align with their cultural beliefs. One such belief is Vaastu Shastra, an ancient Indian design philosophy. This has led to an increasing demand for homes in Dubai that follow Vaastu principles, especially among the Indian community. Let's dive into what Vaastu compliance is all about and why it matters in Dubai's real estate market. Vaastu Shastra is an ancient Indian system of architecture that focuses on creating a balanced and harmonious living environment by aligning the five elements—earth, water, air, fire, and space. According to Vaastu, the right orientation and design of a home can bring peace, health, and prosperity to its inhabitants. Key Principles of Vaastu: Directional Orientation: Ensuring rooms and entrances face specific directions for positive energy flow. Ensuring rooms and entrances face specific directions for positive energy flow. Spatial Layout: Designing rooms to maintain balance and ensure functionality. Designing rooms to maintain balance and ensure functionality. Natural Elements: Using natural light, ventilation, and surroundings to enhance the environment. Dubai is home to a large Indian expatriate community, many of whom value Vaastu principles when selecting a home. These buyers not only want modern, stylish homes but also want spaces that align with their traditional values for harmony and success. Real estate developers in Dubai are recognizing this trend and integrating Vaastu elements into their designs. For example, Town Square Dubai has gained attention for its design features that naturally align with Vaastu, offering east or north-facing entrances, large windows for natural light, and spacious layouts. These thoughtful features have made it a popular choice among buyers who want a balance of modern amenities and traditional values. Increased Prosperity: Vaastu-compliant homes are believed to attract wealth and stability, making them popular among buyers. Vaastu-compliant homes are believed to attract wealth and stability, making them popular among buyers. Better Health: Proper room placement and ventilation promote both physical and mental well-being. Proper room placement and ventilation promote both physical and mental well-being. Peace and Harmony: A balanced layout creates a calm, stress-free environment, perfect for families. A balanced layout creates a calm, stress-free environment, perfect for families. Higher Property Value: Vaastu principles often lead to higher resale values as more buyers seek these properties. Town Square Dubai is one of the areas where Vaastu principles are being embraced. Here's how it aligns with Vaastu: Optimal Orientation: Many homes face east or north, which is considered auspicious. Many homes face east or north, which is considered auspicious. Balanced Layouts: The spacious designs are customizable, allowing homeowners to adapt the space to meet Vaastu standards. The spacious designs are customizable, allowing homeowners to adapt the space to meet Vaastu standards. Natural Integration: Large windows and open spaces ensure proper sunlight and ventilation, which promotes positive energy. Large windows and open spaces ensure proper sunlight and ventilation, which promotes positive energy. Green Spaces: Parks and outdoor areas enhance the earth element, adding to the overall harmony. If you're considering a property in Dubai and want to ensure it's Vaastu-compliant, here are a few things to check: Entrance Direction: East or north-facing entrances are ideal. East or north-facing entrances are ideal. Room Placement: The master bedroom should be in the southwest corner, while the kitchen should be in the southeast. The master bedroom should be in the southwest corner, while the kitchen should be in the southeast. Layout: Avoid irregular shapes; square or rectangular layouts are preferred for better energy flow. Avoid irregular shapes; square or rectangular layouts are preferred for better energy flow. Natural Light: Ensure the property has large windows to allow sunlight and proper ventilation. Even if your home isn't built with Vaastu in mind, there are simple ways to improve its energy flow: Mirrors: Avoid mirrors in bedrooms, as they can disrupt sleep. Avoid mirrors in bedrooms, as they can disrupt sleep. Declutter: Keep spaces clean and organized to maintain positive energy. Keep spaces clean and organized to maintain positive energy. Indoor Plants: Add greenery to bring in the earth element. Add greenery to bring in the earth element. Colors: Use soothing colors on walls to create a peaceful atmosphere. Vaastu isn't just for homes; businesses in Dubai are also embracing these principles to enhance prosperity. Here's how businesses are incorporating Vaastu: Entrance Direction: A north or east-facing entrance is best for business growth. A north or east-facing entrance is best for business growth. Workstations: Employees should face north or east to improve productivity. Employees should face north or east to improve productivity. Meeting Rooms: These should be located in the northwest or southwest to promote successful collaborations. With Dubai's ever-growing multicultural population, developers are paying more attention to cultural preferences. Incorporating Vaastu principles is one way to cater to the Indian community and international buyers who appreciate the value of this ancient design philosophy. Communities like Town Square Dubai show how modern architecture can blend with traditional values, providing a home that appeals to a wider range of buyers. What is Vaastu compliance? Vaastu compliance means designing a property based on the principles of Vaastu Shastra to create a balanced and harmonious living environment. Are there Vaastu-compliant properties in Dubai? Yes, many properties in Dubai are designed with Vaastu compliance in mind, especially in areas like Town Square Dubai, Arabian Ranches, and Jumeirah Village Circle. Is Vaastu compliance important for business spaces? Absolutely. Many businesses in Dubai now seek Vaastu-compliant offices to attract prosperity and promote productivity. As Dubai continues to grow as a global real estate hub, Vaastu compliance is becoming a key factor in property choices. Whether you're looking for a home or an office, integrating Vaastu principles can enhance your space's energy, promoting well-being, prosperity, and harmony. Communities like Town Square Dubai offer a perfect example of how modern living can coexist with traditional values, making them an excellent choice for anyone seeking a balanced living or working environment in Dubai. For more information on finding Vaastu-compliant properties, visit Veer & Sant Real Estate. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Hindu
16-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
From Vaastu to AI, Asutosh College launches 25 courses to boost employability
A well-known educational institution in Kolkata, the 1916-established Asutosh College, in a major initiative, has launched as many as 25 skill-oriented courses — ranging from Vaastu Shastra to Beekeeping to Artificial Intelligence — with the aim of enhancing student employability. While it has become common for colleges to offer short-term skill-based programmes, this is possibly the first instance in West Bengal where an institution has launched such a wide range of courses simultaneously. Each course is priced at ₹999. 'These certificate courses are starting now, in the middle of June, and will be held every year henceforth. Conducted by the faculty of the different departments of Asutosh College, each course will be of 50 hours' duration, conducted over a period of twelve weeks in the blended mode (online and offline),' principal of the college, Dr. Manas Kabi, told The Hindu. 'Students of Asutosh College as well as colleges from across West Bengal will be eligible to enrol in these courses. I am 100% hopeful that they will stand to benefit in a competitive atmosphere. Take the course in Vaastu Shastra, for example. There are so many flats being constructed across the country and they are all being constructed on the basis of Vaastu Shastra. Therefore, there is a need for certified Vaastu experts,' Dr. Kabi said. Several of these courses, including the one on Vaastu Shastra, fall under the Indian Knowledge System, promoted by the National Education Policy of 2020, which has been implemented in West Bengal only recently. The Vaastu Shastra course will be conducted by Asutosh College's Department of Sanskrit, led by Assistant Professors Arnab Patra and Somnath Das. 'Course attractions include identifying whether Vaastu Shastra is recognised within scientific thought; finding a better direction in life based on time, astrology and star-based architecture; designing and building a house as per the right Vaastu, both the interior and the exterior; and identifying various problems in the home and looking at ways to solve them so that a better life can be found through Vaastu Shastra,' said Dr. Patra. According to him, about a dozen students have already enrolled in the course. The Department of Botany will, likewise, conduct a course on Herbalism and Aromatherapy, aimed at enabling students to participate in industries that connect herbs and aroma with physical and mental wellness. Other courses include Travel and Tourism Management, Wildlife Conservation and Ecotourism, Data Analytics, Ornamental Fish Breeding, Radiology, and Clinical Pathology and Geology.
India Today
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
7 best Indian horror films to watch on OTT
7 best Indian horror films to watch on OTT May 30, 2025 Love horror movies? These 7 Indian films will give you goosebumps and keep you hooked till the end. Here's a list of must-watch horror films you can stream right now on OTT platforms. It is about a man who finds a hidden treasure but it comes with a terrible curse. Full of creepy visuals, it's one of the best horror films India has ever made. Tumbbad - Prime Video Starring Anushka Sharma, 'Pari' is a dark and scary tale with a twist. It has supernatural elements and a strong story. Definitely not for the faint-hearted! Pari - Prime Video A family moves into a new house, but strange things start happening. Is it the house's 'vaastu' or something more evil? This film has Indian beliefs with spooky moments that will stay with you. Vaastu Shastra - ZEE5 Vicky Kaushal plays Prithvi, a shipping officer, who is assigned to investigate the Sea which is supposedly a haunted ship. Bhoot - Disney+ Hotstar A group of friends shares horror stories while sitting in a forest. Each story is different and brings its own scare. Darna Mana Hai - Netflix A fun family outing turns into a nightmare when a mysterious intruder possesses their teenage daughter, forcing her to obey dark and dangerous commands. Shaitaan - Prime Video A powerful black-and-white Malayalam horror film starring Mammootty. 'Bramayugam' is about dark rituals, ancient stories, and fear. Bramayugam - SonyLIV
Hindustan Times
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Plagiarism, missing credits, stolen scripts: How Bollywood writers are fighting back against exploitation, malpractice
For Rajat (name changed), a 29-year-old writer looking to get his big break in Hindi cinema, getting a call from a known production house about his story was a big deal. This was right after the pandemic, when the OTT boom had begun. The producers assured his story was ripe for a web series with a major player. Rajat worked for months on the concept, fleshing out a cohesive story, but it did not pan out. "It was disappointing, but not the end of the road," I told myself. Rajat got paid for his work and was told that the story was not working, and hence, the makers had decided to go in a different direction. Imagine his surprise when he came across the trailer for a series on a big platform, some two years later, with the concept of his story, just with the setting and a few characters changed. "I questioned the producers, and they told me that they took the idea and fleshed it out with another writer. I told them it was wrong, and they said I signed off on it," the writer says. He won't go into the illegality of the contract he entered, but Rajat says he didn't fight the producers. "I had gotten more work since then, and did not want to be seen as problematic. What hurt me was that nobody would know that the show was mine. As a writer, the credit being missing hurt." To think this is a stray incident would be trivialising just how rampant missing credits, stolen scripts, and plagiarism are in the Hindi entertainment industry. The emergence of web shows and films on streaming may have democratised stories in the Indian entertainment landscape, but it has also resulted in a corporate-driven boom of malpractice and exploitation. And at the receiving end are the writers. But the fightback has begun, and quite spectacularly so. Two incidents in the month of May raised eyebrows about plagiarism, or rather stealing of scripts, in the Indian entertainment scene. One was the widely reported incident of the Prime Video series Gram Chikitsalay being accused of using a plagiarised script for the show. The matter is sub-judice. Another involved a writer posting their experience of being wronged by an unnamed OTT giant, which used their story without credit. The post has since been deleted. Figures from the Screenwriters Association (SWA) say that during a two-month period last year, the body received 98 such complaints. Encouragingly, more than 60 of these have since been closed. Charudutt Acharya is a veteran screenwriter who has written films like Vaastu Shastra and Dum Maaro Dum, as well as shows such as Crime Patrol and Duranga. Talking about this proliferation of 'stolen' stories, he says, "Old school narration has gone away. There used to be a method where you wouldn't give away the entire plot until you were signed, and narrations took place sitting at a table across from each other. Now, there are so many production houses, and everyone wants the full script with outline and pitch note. Then, there are so many people in the intermediary. Scripts go through too many hands now. The chain of command is too long now. It's easy for some misguided person to 'borrow' a script and make it their own, or give it to someone else." Zama Habib, who has written for TV shows and films for over 30 years, serves as the General Secretary of the SWA. He says the problem of stolen ideas and plagiarism does not always arise from producers. "There are times when some other writer develops an idea originally conceived by some other idea, and the producer omits the credit of the original writer. This can be because the other writer is a bigger name, who may look better on the poster." But writers say that in these rewrites, the other writers are also complicit. "The veterans need to take a stand," says a writer on the condition of anonymity, "I once requested a veteran writer who was hired to 'change' my script, to request the producers to keep my credit. But they said I hadn't done enough work to make that demand. That sort of attitude does not help." In the West, the Writers Guild of America famously went on strike in 2023, bringing Hollywood to its knees. The strike was joined by top Hollywood stars, and the studios, facing losses in the millions, buckled. One may ask why that wouldn't work in India. For one, there is no similar union for writers in India. The closest a body comes to the WGA is the Screenwriters Association of India (SWA), a writers' body that has been attempting to solve these issues. Preeti Mamgain, a writer who has worked on TV shows like Everest and Aasman Se Aage and the film Mohen Jo Daro, is also the President of the SWA's Dispute Settlement Committee. She explains what has changed, 'There were times when writers entered into contracts, shouldn't even call them contracts, actually, but writers sold their stories and scripts for as low as Re 1. People used to believe the producers were doing me a favour by making a film on my stories. In the last two decades, the avenues for writers have opened up. Now, writers have a choice.' The SWA has negotiated several cases wherein producers have been forced to acknowledge the writers' work and even pay them damages. "There have been several cases, some that came to the limelight and others that were settled out of court. But in those cases, producers and corporates paid writers big amounts of money. Due to that, producers have become more aware. Even writers are more aware of signing contracts and MoUs. The contracts may still be a little one-sided, but that can still be contested later," Preeti adds. Through its Dispute Settlement Committee, the SWA has established a procedure to analyse these allegations, wherein scripts are studied by impartial experts, and a report is made comparing the two drafts. This report analyses the story, the plot points, the tone, the characters, and even subtle things like the highs and the lows. It is an attempt to make a subjective art of storytelling as scientific as possible. The involvement of a body like the SWA largely works in getting the producers to toe the line, writers say. A writer informs about a film script they wrote for a small production house. After they were told to rewrite, the writer asked for money based on the work done so far, and was told to take a hike, albeit in not-so-polite terms. They approached the SWA and were assigned a lawyer by the body. Within a week of that, the money came into their accounts, and their credits were restored. But bigger production houses don't spook easily, writers agree. Zama Habib says, "In such cases, where courts are the only recourse, we even provide the writers with legal help, up to a certain amount. But the onus is on the writers to fight that battle. Many choose to, and such cases have come in the news as well. But even today, many writers don't choose to go ahead. In a country like India, where copyright is constitutionally protected, the legal fight will always favour you if you are right. But, the fear of a long legal battle deters many." Habib notes that often, courts have taken into cognisance SWA's analyses of scripts, which gives not just credibility to the organisation as an arbiter, but also confidence to the writers. Yet, it's a long road ahead!
