Latest news with #Rigveda
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Astro camp stresses vedic knowledge, research
Varanasi: A 15-day Astrology Knowledge Camp, organised at the Shastrarth Mahavidyalaya in Dashashwamedh area, concluded on Sunday. Seaking on the occasion, astrologer and camp director Acharya Sanjay Upadhyay said that astrology is an important part of the vedas, also known as Vedanga Jyotish, which involves the study of planets, constellations, zodiac signs, and their effects. He said astrological calculations are used to determine auspicious times for rituals. The Rigveda describes the positions of constellations and the gravitational force of the sun while Atharvaveda provides detailed information about constellations, and the Yajurveda contains astrological information. The acharya said that both astrology and religion are important aspects of human experience, and there is a complex relationship between was an integral part of religious rituals and beliefs in many religions, and religion uses astrology in various ways, such as predictions and religious education. Camp coordinator and principal Pawan Kumar Shukla said so far, information related to the Panchang, palmistry, and horoscope creation was taught. Now, the lines on the forehead are being explained. Occasionally, new facts emerge from a research perspective, proving to be new experiments for both learners and teachers, such as horoscope creation through forehead lines. He said that topics related to Vastu will also be covered in the future.
India.com
22-05-2025
- India.com
How Varanasi City Got Its Name: The Fascinating History Behind It
Varanasi, often referred to as Banaras or Kashi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. This name is said to come from the ancient word Baran which meant to 'describe,' while the city itself was once described as beautiful and modern. Varanasi is famed for its deep rooted history and its jaw dropping temples, palaces and Bathing Ghats. Located at the banks of the holy river Ganga in the Uttar Pradesh state of India, Varanasi is a city loaded with heritage. Wondering how Varanasi got its name? Let us now tell you everything that you need to know about the story behind the name 'Varanasi.' The name is broken into two parts: Varan and Nasi. Varan translates to 'the two rivers' which together with Nasi, which translates to 'obliteration', refers to 'the place where the two rivers obliterate.' Amazingly fascinating to say the least, is the 'Naga Parshuram' legend which states that there were people living at the Varanasi site well before recorded history, flourishing as a highly developed civilization. Just like in the lore, there were crusades launched by Parshurama against civilizations deemed evil – as well as the cities ruled by the other devilish deities such as Shiva. The most holy of pilgrimages is believed to be the one where the followers dip themselves into the river and would renounce things that bound them in life. The story goes that the city was built by Shiva which makes it of great sacred importance to not only Hindus but also Buddhists. And because the followers of Shaivism worshipped him as Bhole Narayan, he was also called Bhole Bhandari. Some Puranic myths say that after defeating a demon, goddess Durga threw her sword into the earth which created a rivulet that eventually turned into the Assi River. Similarly, Varuna, a god in vedic religion also Water body that was associated with him was referred to as Varuna River and does find a mention in the Rigveda. Both these rivers help in forming the name for the city of Varanasi and also represent the spirituality of the city. Cultural Varanasi In the past, Varanasi had several names throughout history. It was known as 'Kashi' which came from the Sanskrit word Kaas, meaning 'to shine' and in ancient texts like Rig Veda and Mahabharata, Kashi was known as a center of culture, learning and having the spirituality of a hub. This also explains the ancient city's reputation as a center of enlightenment and knowledge. During the height of trade and cultural mixing, Varanasi also formed the name 'Banaras' which is thought to be derived from 'Varanasi' during the medieval period. Having a colloquial name made its use more common especially among traders and scholars from different regions, helping spread the name far and wide. The city has seen the rule of multiple associations over the years: the Mauryas, Guptas, and Mughals, to name a few. Each dynasty left its legacy in Varanasi in one form or the other, therefore molding its culture and name. However, with all these changes, the spiritual meaning behind the name 'Varanasi' still persisted because it is closely related to its rivers and mythology. Significant Symbolism in 'Varanasi' Like any name, Varanasi also comes with an identity and therefore is not simply a word used to locate a place on a map. The rivers Varuna and Assi signify the two sides of life: pleasure and pain, and cleanliness and filth. While the Ganges that passes through Banaras signifies hope and death, merging with other forms of life through symbolism, which is consistent with the rivers that accompany it. Together, these rivers formulate a spiritual core that gives life to Varanasi. Artists, holy men and thinkers have fueled themselves through these metaphors. Kabir, Tulsidas, Ravidas are only a few names of the many who saw the magic of Varanasi and became inspired. Chaotic But Traditional These other names such as 'Banaras', 'Kashi,' are still commonly used today but 'Varanasi' has taken over as the standard accepted term. Other than the fact that it indicates a place, it certainly holds so much more with cultural and traditional significance. Varanasi is still a hotspot for millions of tourists and students every year thanks to the culture and spirituality in the region. Students flock to its ancient centers of learning, and travelers seek to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture. Through all these interactions, the name 'Varanasi' can be viewed as a timeless symbol of spirituality and life's interconnectedness. The name Varanasi is extremely important to different cultures around the world and has many names. Here are some facts that help shed light on its importance: Ancient Texts – There are mentions of Varanasi in the Rigveda, Mahabharata, and Ramayana which helps exhibit how ancient it is. Colonial Influence – Banaras is a name that became common during the British Era which goes on to show the extent to which Varanasi is known around the globe. Further Persian influence helps shed more light on the importance of this area. These synonyms help us understand the Persian view of mythological places which helps display our culture on a global level. Conclusion 'Varna' like many other locations of India is infused with myth, history, and geography making it one of the most sacred places in the world. It portrays the relationship between man, nature, and divinity. If 'Vera' helps shed understanding on the relevance of this mythological location, it is used as an analogy to Varanasi's spirituality on a more civilized level. The name of the city is enough to represent what it stands for; a source of immense light and wisdom. Whether it is Varanasi, Kashi or Banaras, the city's legacy shines as bright as the name suggests.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Celebrating India's legacy, wisdom through books
Shashi Tharoor and Pavan K Varma "Recently, I've developed a renewed respect for some of our philosophical foundations, and I don't limit this to any particular religion. It's a term that Nitin (Gadkari) ji used: maulik soch – the power of original thought,' said former diplomat and Rajya Sabha MP Pavan K Varma at the launch of his latest book, Echoes of Eternity : A Journey Through Indian Thought from the Rigveda to the Present . Reflecting on his writing journey, tracing it back to his first book – a biography of Mirza Ghalib, Varma said, 'I make no special claim of authority in writing this book. My first work was a biography of Mirza Ghalib, which began as a personal quest to better understand someone I regard as one of the greatest poets of all time. From there, my writing expanded to a broad spectrum of subjects, including Krishna, the Indian middle class, and being Indian.' He was joined at the event by Nitin Gadkari , Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, and Shashi Tharoor for a discussion on the book. Nitin Gadkari 'There is much to appreciate in the legacy we have' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Co-Founder of Google Brain, Andrew Ng, Recommends: "These 5 Books Will Turn Your Life Around" Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Gadkari praised the book for encapsulating the spirit of Indian civilisation and commended Varma for distilling the wisdom of centuries into a thoughtful narrative. 'There's no trace of self-assertion in his tone ki ' Main ye keh raha hoon' , instead, he has analysed various ideologies, from the Rigveda to modern thinkers, and presented a deeply refined synthesis of ideas,' Gadkari remarked. Tharoor reflected on his shared intellectual journey with Varma through the vast landscape of Indian philosophy. 'We both recognise that there is much to value in our civilisational legacy — embracing differences, celebrating diversity, and acknowledging the many paths to truth. Unfortunately, some who lay claim to this legacy have chosen to overlook that plurality,' said Tharoor. Sharmila Tagore Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
India.com
03-05-2025
- General
- India.com
Neither Ganga nor Yamuna or Indus, this is India's oldest river, it is still flowing...., the name is...
Neither Ganga nor Yamuna or Indus, this is India's oldest river, it is still flowing...., the name is... In India, the river has been given the status of a goddess as people's faith is associated with it. People also perform worship with the water of the river. Bathing in the Ganga River on Amavasya and Purnima has special significance. Apart from this, worshiping Mother Ganga on Ganga Saptami is also important. According to beliefs, taking a dip in the Ganga River destroys all the sins of a person. Many people have the belief that Ganga is the oldest river in India, but in today's article we will tell you that the oldest river in India is neither Ganga nor Yamuna. You all will be surprised to hear the name of the oldest river of India, because its existence on the earth has ended hundreds of years ago. Actually, the name of this river flowing in India is Saraswati , which is considered to be the oldest river. Its existence has ended from the earth hundreds of years ago, but even today it is flowing underground. The stream of this river is still present underground. There is mention of Saraswati river in Hindu scriptures. In Rigveda, Saraswati river is said to flow to the east of Yamuna and to the west of Sutlej. Generally everyone has heard the name of this river, but till date no one has seen this river. According to beliefs, Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati meet in Prayagraj. That is why it is called Triveni Sangam. The disappearance of this river has been written in Mahabharata. According to which, this river used to originate from a place called Adi Badri, a little above Yamunanagar in Haryana and a little below Shivalik hills. According to the research of scientists, evidence of this river flowing in ancient times has also been found. According to them, underground water reserves have been found for 5000 kilometers from Adi Badri in the Himalayas to Kutch in Gujarat. According to scientists, due to an earthquake here years ago, the water of the Saraswati river went down. However, even today the remains of this river are present in the form of Ghaggar-Hakra river.
The Hindu
30-04-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Satya Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi anointed as 71st pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam
The Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam anointed Satya Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi as its 71st pontiff (acharya) at a grand function on Wednesday (April 30, 2025). Vijayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal, the current seer, inducted Duddu Satya Venkata Surya Subrahmanya Ganesha Sharma Dravid as the 71st pontiff after performing the Sanyasa Deeksha Samaroh at the Ganga Theertham of the Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Ambal Devasthanam temple. Ganesha Sharma Dravid is a Rigvedic scholar from Annavaram Kshetra in Andhra Pradesh and served at the Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam in Basara, Telangana. He was initiated into Vedic studies in 2006. In addition to the Rigveda, he has also completed studies in the Yajurveda, Samaveda, Shadangas, and Dashopanishads. He has also been pursuing Shastric studies. Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi participated in the anointment ceremony.
