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Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Just Like That: Understanding Krishna
As Janamashtami, the festival to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna, approaches on August 16, I sometimes wonder how foreigners react to the massive Indian veneration of a God whose persona is so radically different to their concept of divinity. Here is a God who steals butter as a child, precociously flirts with the gopis when still in his teens, is the ultimate lover—Sringaramurtimam—in his raas with the gopis and his immortal love lore with Radha, plays a key role in the great battle of Mahabharata between the Pandavas and Kauravas—in which he is willing to unethically break rules so that ultimately Dharma wins, and—in an entirely different role—is the sage counsellor to Arjuna in the Bhagwad Gita. A child dressed as Lord Krishna tries to break an earthen pot (dahi handi) on the occasion of Janmashtami festival. (PTI File Photo) Is Krishna one God, or is he several personas rolled into one? To the Hindu mind, the attraction of Krishna lies precisely in this exuberance of his multifaceted personality. The love and reverence he invoked was never meant to be monochromatic. For Hindus, divinity is not necessarily a hostage to conventional yardsticks of behaviour. It is meaningful for the image it invokes, for the emotions it releases, for the ends it achieves, and for the joy and bliss it symbolizes and guarantees. Krishna, to be truly understood, must be seen—in contrast to maryada purushottam Ram, the very epitome of rectitude—as leela purushottam, the human incarnation of the playful, whimsy divine who is unconventional, nonconformist, lovingly mischievous, the very embodiment of a god who revels in the sheer joy of his divinity. Why did Hinduism conceive divinity as this kaleidoscope of differing attributes? The answer provides the key to the cerebral complexity of Hinduism and its fearless resolve to uninhibitedly plumb the unusual in order to provide a glimpse of the plenitude of divinity. While not all its infinite aspects can be captured, because it is both omnipresent and omnipotent, a glimpse can be provided of this very infinity by portraying it in myriad ways, each only a fragment of the whole, and yet a window to that endless canvas. Maryada Purushottam Ram is one aspect of the grandeur of the universe; Leela Purushottam Krishna is another aspect of the playful energy of the cosmos. Both represent facets of the seamless benediction of Ishwara, and the omniscience of Brahman. Whatever the philosophy underpinning Krishna, there is little doubt that as a religious deity he is arguably the most ubiquitous presence in India. In Vrindavan, people still believe that every night Krishna and Radha meet to enact their raas-leela. At the sandy stretch along the river Yamuna—the Raman Reti—people still build sand-houses in the hope that the Yugal Sarkar—Krishna and Radha—may walk over the edifice, and thus bless them. At the famous temple of Nathdwara near Udaipur, Krishna is worshipped as Shrinathji. The entire worship is premised on the assumption that the image of Krishna in the sanctum sanctorum is living. Across the land from Udaipur, at Puri, on the eastern coast, Krishna is worshipped as Jagannath. And possibly his most resplendent representation is seen at Guruvayoor in the south. If Shiva, in the awe-inspiring grandeur of his tandava was Nataraja, Krishna, in the delicate seductions of his movement, was Natwara. He is the main theme of the Manipuri dance of the north-east, of Kathak in the north, and of Odissi in Odisha. His dominant presence is also seen in the Yakshagana dance form of Karnataka, in the Kuchipudi dance style of Andhra, and in Bharatanatyam in Tamil Nadu. In Gujarat, the folksy Lakuta and Dandiya raas are inspired by him, as is the Tamasha folk theatre in Maharashtra, and the Chaitanya inspired yatra dramas in Bengal. His presence in music is equally pervasive. In West Bengal, they have a saying: Kanu bin gita nahin, which means 'without Krishna there is no song'. In fact, he is the focus of the largest number of compositions in Indian classical music, and his presence is even more dominant in the light music genre of the thumri, raas, hori, and dadra. Of course, in literature, he has inspired an entire compendium of poets, from Jayadeva to Surdas, Chandidas to Vidyapati, Bihari to Keshavdas, Mirabai to Antaal. And in art, the palm leaves creations in Bengal and Odisha, the Madhubani paintings of Bihar, the Thanjavur works of Tamil Nadu, and the Paithen paintings of Maharashtra are all testimony to his immense popularity. In his form of a personalised God, perhaps Krishna transcends the horizons of Hinduism. In the court of seventeenth century princely states of Mewar, the master painter who illustrated the Bhagwata Purana was a Muslim, Sahibdin. In Odisha, to this day, devotees sing the Muslim poet Salbeg's lyrics to welcome Lord Jagannath. Krishan looms large too in the devotional outpourings of Malik Mohammad Jaise. Syed Ibrahim Ras Khan (17th century), wrote his Rachnavali in praise of Krishna. Its opening lines were: Worthy to be human, are only those Ras Khan Who dwell among the cowherds of Gokul Gaon, And blessed alone are those animals, Taken to graze with the cows of Nanda's barn.
The Hindu
24-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Be righteous and polite
The world will not accept or recognise unrighteous people. We must earn a good name, even at the cost of our lives. Ravana earned ill will and a bad name even after his death. His wife, Mandodari, cautioned him to give up the thought of Sita, but he turned a deaf ear. The battlefield between the Kauravas and the Pandavas is called 'Dharma Kshetra' because it transforms the unrighteous into righteous. Even Duryodhana realised at last, but his father, Dhritarashtra, had not, because he had not been to the Dharma Kshetra. People need to be humble and polite. The reason for Yudhishtira's victory was his politeness. Winning in life will be tough if we are not submissive. Trichy. Sri. Kalyanaraman said in a discourse that, though Arjuna and Krishna had met several times before, Arjuna had not asked for Krishna's counsel before. Only when he was confused on the battlefield did he ask Krishna to tender saner advice. The Gita, though told by the Lord to Arjuna, is still read and followed by people today. Krishna advised Arjuna, 'You would kill only the mortal coils of the enemies but not their souls, which are indestructible.' Krishna also cautioned Arjuna not to grieve in discharging his duties. 'Holding pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat, gird yourself up for the battle.' (Sukha Dukhe samey kruthva - Ch 2-Verse 38). Thiruvalluvar says, 'Perseverance leads to prosperity, and effortlessness results in poverty.' - Kural 616 ) A person should try to cling to the feet of God as long as the life air is in him. It is easy to preach but difficult to follow. Lord Krishna advised Arjuna on the duties of a man, citing his own example as Rama. If a person expects anything from others, he loses himself. People are expected to perform their duties, leaving the outcome of their efforts to God.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
2 brothers, 1 bride: Hatti youth revive polyandry in HP
Pradeep (left) and Kapil Negi (right) with their bride, Sunita Chauhan (centre) KULLU: A woman has married two brothers in the remote trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district, drawing cheers from the local Hatti tribe for upholding their traditional ways. Pradeep and Kapil Negi, brothers from Shillai village, wed Sunita Chauhan of Kunhat village in a three-day ceremony that ended on July 14. The trio shared the wedding stage, danced to traditional folk music, and received blessings from village elders as hundreds of relatives and locals looked on - in a rare public affirmation of the ancient custom of polyandry. Pradeep works with Jal Shakti department. Kapil is employed in the hospitality sector overseas. Sunita is a trained technician from an industrial training institute (ITI). "This is not just a marriage - it's a moment of pride," said Hira Singh, a relative of the grooms. "Our educated youth have shown the courage to embrace what many keep secret. They've set an example." Polyandry remains a socially accepted practice among the Hatti community, which numbers about 300,000 in Sirmaur and is spread across five tehsils and 154 panchayats, including Shillai, Sangrah, Kamrau, Rajgarh, and Nohradhar. Amichand Kamal, president of Kendriya Haati Samiti said, "Polyandry was the norm in tribal societies as it protected land holdings and avoided widowhood. A woman has more freedom-she can choose her husbands and leave them without stigma."What made this wedding stand out wasn't the custom - but its visibility. "Polyandry may seem primitive to outsiders, but it's legal in our context. Usually these marriages happen quietly," Kamal said. "But this one was public. That makes it powerful." The tradition was once widespread across tribal belts like Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. But as nuclear families grew and youth migrated toward city jobs, the practice withered. "It has nearly vanished in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur," said Shamsher Singh, a research scholar on folk art from Lahaul-Spiti. "But in trans-Giri and Jaunsar-Bawar of Uttarakhand, it survives, largely because of the Mahabharata's cultural imprint." Many Hattis believe they descend from the Kauravas or Pandavas. "That belief still echoes in our valleys," Singh said. That belief is more than a custom - it's a legacy. Once in a while, that legacy walks down the aisle to a folk tune.
The Hindu
17-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Keeping good company
When the Pandavas leave for the forest, the people of Hastinapura follow them, said Kidambi Narayanan in a discourse. They discuss the injustice done to the Pandavas, despite the presence of learned men like Drona in the royal court. They tell the Pandavas that success and failure are common in a war. But an enemy should not win by unfair means. The Kauravas have resorted to underhand means to defeat Yudhishthira in a game of dice. The citizens of Hastinapura do not want to remain in a city which is ruled by an unjust king. There are two kinds of people who do wicked things. Some are intrinsically wicked, like Dritharashtra and Duryodhana. Some sin because of circumstances. Bhishma, Drona and Vidura belong to the latter category. Having been with the Kauravas, they cannot abandon them suddenly, even when they know that Duryodhana is guilty of unforgivable sins. Having enjoyed the patronage of Dritharashtra for many years, how can they turn against him, when he needs them? So they stay back with the Kauravas. But the residents of Hastinapura give reasons for their decision to leave the city. We acquire the characteristics of those whose company we keep. If you add fragrant flowers to a pot of water, the water begins to smell good too. The earth smells good because of the flowers. Clothes that come into contact with the flowers also acquire a pleasant smell. The people argue that they must be with righteous people like the Pandavas. If they stay back in a city ruled by Duryodhana, they too will begin to think and act like him, casting dharma away, and behaving selfishly. We should seek the company of educated people, the elderly whose experience we can benefit from, those with good qualities, those engaged in tapas and those with self-control.
India.com
29-06-2025
- India.com
Don't Miss This: The Most Jaw-Dropping Folktales That Define Dehradun's Soul
Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, is home to significant natural beauty and ancient educational institutes, but it has much more to offer. This city is wrapped within a rich culture of local legends and ancient myths. These tales blended together add more charm to the already beautiful city. From ancient rishis and modern day miracles, the folklore of Dehradun and its rich culture never ceases to amaze its locals as well as visitors. Story of Guru Dronacharya and The Name 'Dehradun' In modern personal history there has been the most popular legend related to the city being known as Dehradun. It is believed that the city's name is derived from 'Dera', a camp, along with 'Dun' a valley. The story intertwines with the Mahabharata which speaks of its famous teacher Guru Dronacharya who taught the Pandavas and Kauravas. Legend states that he established his 'Dera' or camp around this region. As per the legend, it is said that Dehradun was home to his ashram and the city was given the name after him. Further strengthening the bond of the ancient sage with the city is Dronanagari, a village near the city which is also associated with this tale. Wonders Behind The Tapkeshwar Temple Surrounded by a river, Tapkeshwar Temple is one of the most famous temples in Dehradun. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and carries a lot of mystics with it. It is believed that the temple gets its name because water 'tapak' continuously falls on the Shiva Lingam in a cave. Local elders say that the natural phenomenon is a God's blessing and contains some miracle healing powers. Another fascinating story revolves around the Pandavas, it is believed that they came there looking for shelter during their exile. The sound of tap water is especially calming combined with the serene ambience of the temple which gives the user an out of the world experience. Haunting Tale of Robber's Cave The Guchhupani or Robber's Cave is located 8 Kilometers away from Dehradun city and is one of the natural cave formations. It is well known as a picnic spot and an adventure site, however, to the locals, it is the subject of chilling folklore. Legends say that in the past, daring bandits used to guard this vast underground cavern or 'cave' and would rob travelers who were passing through this region. The cave has countless narrow passages and hidden chambers which are ideal for illegal activities. As time passed, eerie tales began to spread about the cave where ghostly figures and eerie sounds could be heard. To this day, some locals presume the spirits of the marauders still haunt the cave, making exploration of the cave more adventurous. Mandi's lies are deeply enshrined in myth. In Dehradun, there is an ancient grain market called Lakhi Mandi that is said to date all the way back to the time of Aurangzeb who was fascinated by the Doon Valley's fertility and abundant agricultural harvests. But Lakhi Mandi's folklore adds a mystical component to the story. Legend has it that a saint blessed the market and foretold that it will always be prosperous for grain and to this day, there has never been a shortage witnessed. Lakhi Mandi is always bustling with activity and trade, many attribute its eternal success to the saint's blessings. Tale of the Curse of Sahastradhara Sahastradhara, or Thousandfold Spring, is a stunning waterfall and sulfur spring with a legend behind it. It sits on the outskirts of Dehradun and is a well-known tourist spot. People say that long ago a beautiful princess bathed in the springs only to be cursed by a sage who was meditating, turning her into stone. Locals claim to still see her spirit lingering in the area. Many also believe that the sulfur springs have healing abilities and can cure numerous diseases. However, they also advise against disrespecting the natural beauty of the place as it can anger the princess's spirit. Tale Behind the Asan Barrage An artificial wetland located next to Dehradun, the Asan Barrage, is not just a hotspot for bird lovers, but is famous for an interesting local story. According to legend, the barrage was built on an ancient battlefield where a battle between gods and demons took place. The water of the barrage is believed to be holy and the area is considered to be sacred. Most of the locals have a custom of visiting the barrage to pray and receive blessings, especially during festivals. Final Thoughts The myths and legends of Dehradun are far deeper than mere stories. This beautiful city is rich in culture and spirituality. Whether real or imagined, these legends provide a special appeal to the city. While walking through the streets or exploring the natural beauty of Dehradun, one feels a certain nostalgia as if the spirits of the ancient sages, warriors and mystical creatures are still present in this marvelous valley. In today's world, these stories emphasize how much magic still remains in the heart of Dehradun.
