Latest news with #Fakira
India.com
3 days ago
- India.com
Most sacred HINDU temple in Pakistan, Hundreds of pilgrims undertake foot yatra every year, located in..., name is...
Hinglaj Devi Temple Islamabad: Did you know that Balochistan is home to a renowned spiritual site that holds a very pivotal connection for Hindus? Located in the scorching valleys of Balochistan, Hinglaj Devi Temple has deep significance for Sanatanis. It is also the site of Pakistan's largest annual Hindu festival, which usually takes place in mid-April. The Hindus residing in Pakistan travel hundreds of kilometers through rugged terrain to reach this sacred place. Among them this year was Amar Fakira, who came to seek the blessings of Hinglaj Bhavani. There are around 4 million Hindus in Pakistan, making up just about 2% of the country's total population. Hindus in Pakistan face unimaginable torture, often face discrimination in housing, employment, and access to government welfare programs. Despite such challenges, the Hindu community continues to hold on to and preserve their faith. According to a Navbharat Times report, Amar Fakira, a resident of Karachi, faced a difficult time last year when his three-year-old son suddenly lost movement in one of his legs. Doctors were unable to give any clear answers or assurance. In that moment of uncertainty, Fakira made a vow — if his son recovered, he would walk nearly 320 kilometers to the Hinglaj Devi Temple. A year later, after his son regained strength, Fakira fulfilled his promise by embarking on a seven-day barefoot pilgrimage to the temple at the end of April. All You Need To Know About Hinglaj Temple The pilgrimage to the Hinglaj Temple stands as a powerful symbol of faith for the Hindu minority in Pakistan. For many, the pilgrimage to Hinglaj Devi holds the same spiritual significance as Hajj in Islam. Among Hindus in India as well, there is a strong desire to undertake this pilgrimage. For most of the 20th century, reaching the Hinglaj Devi Temple was nearly impossible. The construction of the Makran Coastal Highway in the early 2000s provided unprecedented access to the temple. Most of the journey could now be completed by vehicle, making the pilgrimage less difficult. Despite this, thousands of devotees still choose to travel on foot. Fakira is among those who believe that walking the entire distance is the true form of devotion to the goddess. According to legend, when Goddess Sati immolated herself, her remains fell at various places—Hinglaj being one of them. The Hinglaj Temple is located inside a natural cave. The temple complex includes four shrines, of which the most revered is the Nani Mandir.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Prolific at 24: Chinmay Moghe pens 10 books, builds his own publishing house
At an age when most college students are still weighing their career choices, 24-year-old Chinmay Moghe — known in literary circles as 'Samar' — has already written and published ten novels. In addition to being a prolific author, he now runs his own publishing house, Samar Publication, which has gained recognition in Marathi literary circles. Moghe's writing journey began early. While many teenagers were spending their summer vacations unwinding, he was busy drafting his first historical novel, Maharajadhiraj, based on emperor Samudragupta. 'I began writing when I was 16. I always knew that I wanted to write,' says Moghe. But his interest in literature had taken root long before that. In class 6, while living in Ratnagiri, his father gifted him a district library membership on his birthday — a gesture that sparked a lasting relationship with books. He recalls reading extensively, undistracted by smartphones or social media. 'Reading became a habit, then an addiction,' he says. Among his early literary influences were Fakira by Anna Bhau Sathe and Garambicha Bapu by Na Pendse. A key milestone in his writing career came with his second book, Mahakavya Shivpratap, a 600-page epic poem on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The preface was written by historian Babasaheb Purandare, then 99 years old. 'Babasaheb not only wrote the foreword but also shared rare stories — including one about copper plate inscriptions from Karnataka that mention Shivaji Maharaj's childhood,' says Moghe. After gaining experience, Moghe launched his own publishing house in 2021. The first novel he self-published was Tathagat, a first-person account of Gautam Buddha's life, using references from the Tripitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, and Sutta Pitaka. His next novel, Urmila, which delves into the largely unexplored life of Laxman's wife from the Ramayana, received notable commercial success. Over time, he has also experimented with genres like fantasy. In Samudra Manthan, Moghe explores parallel universes and blends mythology with speculative fiction — a rare approach in contemporary Marathi literature. One of his more popular titles with young readers is Radha, a story about a girl named Shravani who travels alone to Vrindavan and meets Radha. The novel touches on themes of love, self-discovery, and personal conflict. 'Shravani asks Radha what love is. Radha tells her, 'During my time, I found my path to love. Now it's your turn, find your own path' he explains. Radha sold over 12,000 copies in its first year, becoming his second bestseller. Its success among younger readers suggested a demand for contemporary, introspective storytelling in Marathi. Moghe says he approaches historical and mythological subjects carefully. 'I balance creative freedom with factual integrity. It's important not to hurt anyone's beliefs in a diverse country like ours,' he says. He also acknowledges that writers face constraints. 'There's pressure. Unlike in English writing, there's less freedom here,' he says. Asked about what makes a publishing venture click, he says, 'You need to understand the reader's mind. In India, people are drawn to mythology and spiritual themes. If I suddenly switch to science fiction, it may not work. So, you have to be in tune with what readers are looking for.' With more than 16,000 combined sales for Radha and Urmila, Samar challenges the common claim that Marathi literature lacks readers. 'Young people are reading — they just want stories they can relate to,' he says. His upcoming novel, Parvati, is already available for pre-booking. He is also working on Radha – Part 2, which explores Shravani's life after marriage. 'Readers keep asking what happens next,' he says. Each time a new book is printed, Moghe rides to the press to pick up the first copy himself. 'I smell the pages. For me, it's like holding a newborn baby,' he says.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Nana Patekar said he would've joined the underworld if not for his acting career: 'I was too violent'
Veteran actor , known for his intense screen presence and fearless personality, had once made a startling confession about his past during an interview. Reflecting on his journey, Nana admitted that had he not pursued a career in acting, his violent temper might have led him into the underworld. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "People were scared of me. I was too violent. I didn't speak much; I let my actions do the talking," Nana revealed during an earlier interview with Kannan, adding that although he is mild now, he still reacts physically when triggered. 'If I had not become an actor, I would have been in the underworld. I am extremely serious about this,' he said candidly, offering a rare glimpse into his tumultuous early life. The actor also recalled a widely reported incident on the sets of his film 'Vanvaas', when he slapped a fan attempting to take a selfie during shooting in Varanasi. The moment, captured on camera, quickly went viral. Although Nana later apologised, the event reignited discussions about his notorious temper. 'Vanvaas', directed by and also starring hit the theatres on December 20, 2024. On the work front, the talented actor has several highly awaited projects in the pipeline. 'Fakira', 'Housefull 5', 'The Confession', and the TV series 'Laal Batti' are some among his most awaited projects. Watch: Housefull 5 Official Teaser drops online ahead of 6 June 2025 premiere
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Shashi Kapoor REACTED to the question of getting old: 'My children have grown up... I have been married to Jennifer Kendal for 100 years'
Shashi Kapoor , a legendary figure in Bollywood, began his acting journey as a child artist in the late 1940s and rose to fame in the 1960s as a leading man. His iconic roles in films like Anjaam, Haseena Maan Jayegi, and Fakira cemented his legacy in Indian cinema. Beyond his impressive film career, Shashi's enduring bond with his wife, Jennifer Kendal , was another facet of his life that captured the hearts of many. Shashi Kapoor rarely discussed his wife, Jennifer Kendal, but in one rare interview, he opened up about their relationship. This interview, now circulating online, offers a rare glimpse into their bond, showing a side of Kapoor not often seen by the public. Shashi Kapoor Reflects on Aging and Family In a rare interview, Shashi Kapoor humorously discussed his greying hair. When complimented on his dark hair, he revealed that most of his hair had been dyed, leaving only the sideburns untouched. He even pointed to them while making the light-hearted confession. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo He said, "I have done a lot of black hair, only this part has been left. I am a very old man. I am 46 years old. My children, by the grace of God, have grown up. The oldest is 24-25 years old. Kunal, Karan and Sanjana. I have been married to Jennifer for 100 years. But all this is because of my hair. There will be something from my last birth. I think there will be something in the next birth too. I told Jennifer that day too." Shashi's Legacy and Family Life Shashi Kapoor married Jennifer Kendal in 1958, and the couple had three children: Karan, Kunal, and Sanjana. Shashi passed away on December 4, 2017, following a long illness, while Jennifer sadly passed away earlier in 1984. Their bond and family life were an integral part of Shashi's personal legacy.
