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India.com
7 minutes ago
- India.com
Unlock The Secrets Of Mumbai's Ancient Temples And Their Deep Astrological Connections
Mumbai functions as a 'City of Dreams' throughout its metropolitan essence that extends beyond its records of high-rise buildings and Bollywood film industry. The urban modern aspect of Mumbai conceals a centuries-long cultural heritage of history as well as religion and heritage which persists to this day. The energetic city of Mumbai shows several historical temple sites that are revered both spiritually and astrologically. For numerous generations devotees have honored these sacred sites which provide knowledge about Vedic astrology along with planetary effects and cosmic power. The Role of Temples in Vedic Astrology Through their function as religious establishments Hindu temples establish channels that connect human existence to divine power. Based on the teachings of Vedic astrology, which is known as Jyotish Shastra, planets together with stars affect human life based on their birth planetary positions. Religious sites which honor specific deities perform two functions by reducing harmful planetary effects together with amplifying beneficial cosmic energy. People worship Lord Shiva because Mars controls him while Goddess Parvati answers to Venus (Shukra) and Lord Ganesha receives devotion through Ketu—a shadow planetary force. During antiquity builders designed numerous temples in Mumbai according to concepts found in Vastu Shastra and the astronomical field. The proper alignment of temples follows cosmic arrangements which lets them effectively direct spiritual power. Visitors to these shrines ask for divine help to integrate their existence with cosmic harmonies and break free from planetary hindrances that affect their lives. Siddhivinayak Temple: A Beacon of Auspicious Beginnings The Siddhivinayak Temple within Prabhadevi area represents one of Mumbai's premier landmarks because it worships Lord Ganesha who removes obstacles. The temple brings in millions of worshippers each year because its spiritual power stands unmatched according to devotees. The Vedic tradition indicates that Ganesha worship provides both emotional calmness to Ketu and spiritual growth during difficult moments. According to spiritual belief the temple features its main deity facing north to bring positive success and prosperity. Before starting new projects dedicated followers of the religion uphold prayers at this place to secure heavenly assistance for the commencement. The temple exerts a magnetic power because it was built according to astrological principles which create a sacred space to find direction from celestial influences. Mahalakshmi Temple: Invoking Prosperity and Balance The Mahalakshmi Temple adjacent to Malabar Hill holds astrological significance as one of the shrines in the city. Crowds of devotees visit this shrine which honors Goddess Lakshmi to gain her blessings for abundance and wealth because they seek to worship Jupiter (Guru) and Venus (Shukra). Vedic astrological teachings demonstrate that material gains fall under the planetary domain of Jupiter whereas relationships are managed by Venus. The temple originated in 1784 on top of a hill above the Arabian Sea which connects the Earth with Water and Sky in one view. The temple construction follows Vastu guidelines precisely to support the natural distribution of universal energy. The temple organizes specific religious ceremonies known as pujas throughout Navratri festivals together with other celebrations to seek divine financial wealth and emotional contentment blessings. At the temple visitors can find worship figures of Goddess Saraswati for wisdom and Kali for power which unite together as three manifestations of feminine cosmic energy. Walkeshwar Temple: Harnessing Lunar Energy The ancient Walkeshwar Temple stands on Malabar Hill as a Shiva temple that apparently accumulates lunar spiritual power. Historical documents along with religious legends suggest Pandavas built this temple during their exile period but actual reconstruction work was undertaken by the Silhara dynasty in the 12th century. Religious devotees seek the peaceful sanctuary to eliminate the detrimental astral influences from Saturn (Shani) and Rahu that create delaying issues and confusion. People seek sacredness at the natural spring of Banganga Tank which flows from the Ganges River. Folks view bath rituals in this water source as a means to eliminate karma-related obligations while making their souls pure. The activity at this shrine reaches its peak on moonlit nights due to increased spiritual energy which supports both meditation and mind examination. Babulnath Temple: Seeking Redemption Under Shiva's Grace The Babulnath Temple stands at a short distance from Girgaum Chowpatty which demonstrates how deeply Mumbai connects to astrological principles. Babulnath Temple serves the same purpose as other Shiva temples by providing people with solace from Mars (Mangal) and Ketu-related matters. People use 'Om Namah Shivaya' mantra chanting to reduce passionate nature and erase the effects of previous lives' actions. The panoramic city view from the temple strengthens the belief that Shiva holds supreme oversight of both creation and destruction. The religious practice of Rudrabhishekam which involves bathing the lingam with milk, honey and ghee takes place frequently to obtain blessings and eliminate harmful energy. Mumba Devi Temple: Honoring the Guardian Deity A study of astrological heritage in Mumbai must include the Mumba Devi Temple located within Bhuleshwar. The temple dedicates itself to worshiping the goddess who founded Mumbai. People turn to Mumba Devi for her attributes of protection and strength because she helps solve problems related to Sun (Surya)-based energy such as egos clashes or leadership disputes. The temple began its existence in 1737 while maintaining a straightforward appearance that emanates an incredible amount of power. Through seasonal rituals and regular attendance at worship services a devotee gains solar cosmic power which develops strength together with life force. Conclusion The ancient temples of Mumbai function as vibrant expressions of eternal Indian knowledge by integrating faith and scientific principles. Architecture demonstrates through perfectly crafted designs and strategic placement and long-lasting cultural traditions how astrology deeply penetrates into the field of design. The holy sanctuaries remain sources of spiritual strength that grant blessings and discharge negative planetary effects for countless individuals.
Mint
13 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Old Indian films find revival on OTT platforms, thanks to social media, nostalgia cravings
A craving for nostalgia and the clout of social media have combined to give new life to old films. Viewership for old films on streaming platforms is surging, driven by re-releases in theatres and the emergence of content around movies and music from yesteryear on social media. This has benefitted hit Bollywood titles such as Sholay, Mughal-e-Azam, Jab We Met, Raja Hindustani and Amar Akbar Anthony. Executives said this is a mix of evolving audience behaviour, fan-led digital chatter and marketing strategies, coupled with the return of some of these films to the cinemas. Even some films that hadn't worked on their initial run have found a cult following over the years. 'A renewed interest in classic titles has definitely been observed, often sparked by what's trending online or the chatter on social media platforms," said Mohan Gopinath, head - Bollywood business, Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd, which owns a YouTube channel and streaming platform ShemarooMe. 'Fan edits, nostalgia reels, or even simple film appreciation threads have brought films from decades ago back into the conversation." Evergreen hits like Amar Akbar Anthony, Jab We Met, Dhol, Dil, and Raja Hindustani have garnered significant views month-on-month while titles like Benaam and Manzil have become audience favourites, as indicated by search trends and YouTube suggestions, Gopinath said. Some films may not have resonated with audiences at the time of their theatrical release, but with a fresher perspective and search-enabling platforms like YouTube, titles like Mann, Dil Kya Kare, Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam, Tango Charlie, Rishtey and Dhamaal have found a second life on digital platforms, Gopinath added. Experts emphasized that the appeal of older catalogue films lies in simpler storytelling, a gentler portrayal of life, and timeless music that continues to resonate long after a film's release. Many find this familiarity and comfort refreshing compared to the over-stimulated content landscape today. Universal appeal Films with universal appeal find new audiences across generations, attracting not just nostalgic viewers but also youngsters discovering them afresh. Referring to nostalgia as not just a mood but a movement, producer and director Hemal A Thakkar said streaming platforms also tailor algorithms and throw up recommendations depending on audience sentiment. For instance, viewers received suggestions of older patriotic films during Operation Sindoor, India's cross-border counterstrike following the Pahalgam terror attack. 'What we're observing today is a reaffirmation of the belief that audiences, especially from younger and regional cohorts, actively seek out older films and classics that resonate with their cultural memories and personal nostalgia. This resurgence isn't accidental – it's a mix of evolving audience behaviour, the influence of fan-led digital chatter, and our agile marketing strategy," a ZEE5 spokesperson said. The platform saw renewed interest in titles like Posham Pain October and December 2024 through influencer-led lists of must-watch psychological thrillers. Another film, Barot House, also trended alongside, sustaining gains through early 2025. 'We've also activated this strategy around actor birthdays, film anniversaries and theatrical re-releases, opportunities that consistently boost search, discovery and incremental subscription metrics. Such titles not only deliver on the nostalgia factor but continue to perform exceptionally well across both metro and regional markets," the spokesperson added. Different era The overall appeal of older Indian films compared to newly released films and shows on Indian OTT platforms can be attributed to several factors. Older films often evoke a sense of nostalgia, offering viewers comfort and familiarity. Rajat Agrawal, chief operating officer and director of Ultra Media & Entertainment Group, said many classic Indian films explore universal themes such as love, family and social issues, which remain relevant despite changing times. Older films offer a glimpse into India's rich cultural heritage, showcasing traditional values, customs, and historical events. Additionally, they feature legendary actors and actresses, boast memorable soundtracks and cinematography, which have stood the test of time. Older films provide a means of escapism, allowing viewers to temporarily forget their current challenges and immerse themselves in a different era, Agarwal added. Classic Indian films that have drawn viewers on OTT platforms include Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Nayakan and Chembaruthi in Tamil, Sagar in Kannada, Meghe Dhaka Tara in Bengali and Chemmeen in Malayalam, according to Agrawal, who runs YouTube channels and an OTT platform Ultra Jhakaas. 'Marquee nostalgia titles are comfort watches that people keep turning to every now and then. They usually have very high repetition rates. Adding more and more new titles is crucial for a platform's growth but at the same time, it sometimes leads to confusion. These are times when people choose an older tested title and binge on it," said Ujjwal Mahajan, co-founder of Chaupal, a platform specializing in Punjabi, Haryanvi and Bhojpuri content.
Time of India
22 minutes ago
- Business
- Time of India
Indira IVF Hospital files for IPO via confidential route, newspaper ad shows
Bengaluru: Indian fertility services provider Indira IVF Hospital has filed draft papers confidentially with the country's markets regulator for an initial public offering , a newspaper advertisement showed on Wednesday. The offering could be worth around 35 billion rupees ($407.2 million), Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The deal will not include the issuance of new shares as existing shareholders will offload their stakes, the report said. The company, backed by Hong Kong-based investment firm BPEA EQT , had filed for the IPO in February. However, it later withdrew its draft documents in March after the release of a Bollywood biopic about the company's founder raised concerns with the Securities and Exchange Board of India , the markets regulator, according to The Economic Times, a business daily. The confidential route allows companies to submit draft IPO papers to SEBI for feedback without making the details public, giving them greater flexibility on timing and disclosure. Indira IVF Hospital did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Dishita Sehgal to play young Surpanakha in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana
Dishita Sehgal Dishita Sehgal, who began her journey in the entertainment world through TV commercials at the age of four, gradually won hearts with her natural flair. Her big Bollywood break came with the thriller Baby, in which she played Akshay Kumar's daughter, followed by Dear Zindagi, where she portrayed the younger version of Alia Bhatt, and Hindi Medium. She also made her mark in the action blockbuster War, alongside Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff. And now, she will be seen in one of the most awaited films of the year – Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana. The ambitious mythological epic boasts a stellar cast, with Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana. Fifteen-year-old Dishita has been cast as the young Surpanakha in the film. Rakul Preet Singh will portray the grown-up Surpanakha in the much-anticipated project. A source associated with the production says, 'Dishita went through a series of auditions and look tests for the role before getting selected. She shot her portion earlier this year. Being part of such a highly anticipated project, she is obviously quite excited.' Currently, she is working on commercials and recently shot an advertisement with badminton ace PV Sindhu. She also appeared in the OTT show Behan Dar Gayi Naa recently. Dishita is being selective about acting projects because she is in the 10th standard and wants to focus on her studies. The much-awaited teaser of Ramayana, which was released earlier this month, has been making waves on social media. Filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari became emotional while addressing the crowd at a special screening in Mumbai. Director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra engaged with the media after the teaser became a sensation online. Both Tiwari and Malhotra made a surprise appearance. Nitesh quipped, 'It was fate that our shoot ended a day early and we're here. Otherwise, we would have been on set.'
Khaleej Times
35 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Bollywood actor loses 'thousands' in fake website scam
Bollywood actor and television star Archana Puran Singh said that she lost "thousands of rupees" when her family used a fake website to book an indoor skydiving experience. In her vlog on YouTube, the celebrity said that her family had booked an experience using a website they found, however, upon reaching the location they were told that there was no reservation under their name. Her son then elaborated and said that he saw a 'Ramadan offer' while booking the tickets online on the fake website adding that he had now realised that it is not Ramadan. He also said that he noticed that the duration of the flight had changed when he proceeded to the payment page, but didn't think he could be scammed. When he tried to look for the website again at the location, it had disappeared. Repeated reminders Authorities have repeatedly issued reminders, asking residents and tourists to be vigilant when making payments online to avoid fraud. On July 16, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department issued an advisory with tips to avoid e-fraud. Here are some:
