Latest news with #VishnuPurana
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Mahavatar Narsimha director Ashwin Kumar reveals how Muslim viewers reacted to his film: ‘They came up to me and said…'
Filmmaker Ashwin Kumar's animated epic Mahavatar Narsimha has taken the Indian box office by storm, defying expectations to become one of the biggest surprise blockbusters of 2025. In an interview with NDTV, Ashwin opened up about the film's unprecedented success, its spiritual themes, and the heartfelt response from viewers, including many from the Muslim community. Mahavatar Narsimha director reveals Muslim viewers reaction to the film. Ashwin Kumar on Mahavatar Narsimha's success Talking about the success of the film, Ashwin said, "We're overflowing with emotion for our own children. Now imagine the magnitude of love the divine has for us. This is not a religious film. It's an interreligious faith film. Because love is a universal emotion. So is faith. Hence, the film is growing leaps and bounds." He further discussed how the film has helped people deepen their own faith, saying, "I've had people from different communities, including many Muslim viewers, come up to me and say that the film strengthened their own faith. I'm not saying go convert your religion. What I'm saying is, you understand what faith is. Whether you pray to a God, believe in energy, or place your trust in the universe, this film simply asks you to surrender to that faith." About Mahavatar Narsimha The film marks Ashwin Kumar's directorial debut and is written by Jayapurna Das. Produced by Kleem Productions and Hombale Films, it is the first instalment in a planned seven-part Mahavatar Cinematic Universe, based on the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. This chapter depicts the ancient tale of Prahlad and the Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu, drawing from the Vishnu Purana, Narasimha Purana and Shrimad Bhagavata Purana. Exploring themes of faith and devotion, the film was released in both 2D and 3D formats. Combining breathtaking animation with a timeless mythological tale, the film has struck a chord with audiences across communities and age groups. In just 15 days since its release on 25 July 2025, it has amassed ₹175 crore worldwide, despite facing stiff competition from major releases like Saiyaara, Son of Sardaar 2 and Dhadak 2. It now holds the record as India's highest-grossing animated film.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Raksha Bandhan 2025: Shubh Muhurat and Timings for Rakhi in US, UK, and UAE Revealed
Image credits: Getty Images One of the best festivals for all the sisters in the world is arriving this week. In the Indian subcontinent where culture, tradition and relations play a vital role, every relationship is celebrated be it of a mother and her child or of a brother and sister. Raksha Bandhan , translated as "the knot of protection" celebrates the love and bond between siblings, primarily brother and sister. In 2025, the festival will be celebrated on August 9 which is a Saturday. Know all about the festival, shubh muhurat and auspicious timings below! Why is Raksha Bandhan celebrated? Image credits: iStock Like many other festivals, Raksha Bandhan is a sacred ancient ritual mentioned in various Hindu scriptures. However, the origin of the festival is known to be found in many legends some of which are mentioned below: Yama and Yamuna It is believed that once Lord Yama didn't visit his sister Goddess Yamuna for 12 long years. Then, Goddess Ganga reminded him to meet his sister. Yamuna was elated by her brother's visit and prepared a huge feast for him and also tied a rakhi to his wrist. Yama was touched and blessed her with mortality. Krishna and Draupadi Lord Krishna and Queen Draupadi's friendship is popular all over the Indian subcontinent. According to the legend, once the lord was flying a kite and accidentally cut his finger. Seeing this, the queen immediately tore a piece of cloth from her saree and tied it around his finger. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo The action touched Lord Krishna and he vowed to protect her from all evil in the world. Laxmi and Bali According to the Vishnu Purana, Bali who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu asked him for protection. Lord Vishnu accepted the request and began staying with him as his doorman. After a long period, Goddess Laxmi got emotional and visited Bali as a woman seeking shelter. She tied a colourful thread on his wrist and when Bali asked her for a wish she requested him to leave her husband, to which he agreed. Raksha Bandhan: Shubh muhurat and timings in the USA Image credits: iStock Due to the time difference, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 8th, Friday in the USA. The Prunima tithi begins at 4:42 am on August 8 and ends at 3:54 am on August 9. According to the Drik Panchang, the timing for tying the rakhi begins at 4:18 pm and lasts till 10:12 pm. In terms of muhurat there are two, Aparahna and Pradosh and while Aparahna is the best, Pradosh can also be followed. Aparahna muhurat: 4:18 pm - 5:24 pm Pradosh muhurat: 8:11 pm - 10:12 pm Raksha Bandhan: Shubh muhurat and timings in the UK In the United Kingdom, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 9th, Saturday. Bhadra here will be over before sunrise and thus not an issue. The Purnima tithi begins at 9:42 am on August 8 and ends at 8:54 am on August 9. The best time to tie the rakhi is from 5:37 am to 8:54 am, for a duration of 3 hours and 17 minutes. Raksha Bandhan: Shubh muhurat and timings in the UAE Image credits: iStock Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated in the United Arab Emirates on August 9th. The Purnima tithi begins at 12:42 am on August 8 and ends at 11:54 am on August 9. The best time to tie rakhi will be from 5:51 am to 11:54 am, a total duration of 6 hours 3 minutes. Here, as well Bhadra will be over before sunrise. Why is Raksha Bandhan 2025 so special? On Raksha Bandhan 2025, a rare zodiac combination will be occurring. Saubhagya Yog and Sarvartha Siddhi Yog, both will be aligning during the auspicious period known as the Sharavan Nakshatra. Such a conjunction is so rare that the last one happened a century ago. While the Saubhagya Yog is known to usher prosperity, luck and well-being, Sarvsrtha Siddhi Yog is meant to fulfil all righteous desires. Raksha Bandhan rituals Image credits: iStock On the day of the festival, siblings dress up in new and traditional attires. The sisters prepare a thali consisting or vermillion, rice, sweets, a diya and the rakhi. The ceremony begins with the sister applying a tilak on her brother's forehead, tying a rakhi on his right wrist, performing arti, feeding him sweets and exchanging gifts.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Cong engineered Sambhal killings, SP tried to cover up their sins: Yogi
MEERUT Launching a blistering attack on political adversaries, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday accused the Congress of engineering massacres in UP's Sambhal in the post-Independence era and said the Samajwadi Party, 'as a loyal disciple of Congress,' tried to cover up their sins. The chief minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 222 development projects worth ₹ 659 crore in Sambhal's Bahjoi town. (File Photo) 'Those who sinned against Sambhal will face retribution. They hid the truth of the Sambhal massacres for vote-bank politics. We are not here for appeasement — we are here to preserve our heritage,' Adityanath said at a public rally after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of 222 development projects worth ₹659 crore in the district's Bahjoi town. Adityanath described the town as a sacred symbol of Hindu faith, deeply embedded in Sanatan Dharma and ancient scriptures, asserting that those who tried to suppress this truth for political gains would face consequences for their 'sins'. He linked Sambhal to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, saying that the Skanda Purana and Vishnu Purana refer to it as the future birthplace of Lord Kalki, the final avatar of Vishnu in kalyug. He warned those attempting to rewrite history or 'malign Sanatan Dharma,' saying that such malicious conspiracies would be 'firmly crushed.' Yogi added: 'Their own backgrounds are controversial, so they see our traditions as controversial. But our legacy is not up for debate.' Adityanath delved into the town's overlooked past, claiming that Sambhal was once home to 68 pilgrimage sites, 19 sacred wells and ancient parikrama routes that were deliberately destroyed by foreign invaders. 'They desecrated our shrines and erased the truth,' he said, pledging to restore all 68 sites and 19 wells. Drawing inspiration from Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar — known for reviving temples in Kashi and Somnath — the CM promised a cultural renaissance for Sambhal. 'True development is about preserving our roots while building the future,' he said. The chief minister cited the examples of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to emphasise that religious rejuvenation and development can go hand in hand. 'If the redevelopment of Kashi and Ayodhya is possible, why not Sambhal? Why can't we restore this holy land of Lord Kalki and Harihar? That is why the government has come to you,' Adityanath said. Taking a dig at past governments, Adityanath accused them of enabling lawlessness and mafia raj. 'Girls were unsafe, traders lived in fear. Today, the only ones insecure are rioters. Mahakal is now delivering justice,' he said. Tensions flared in Sambhal last year when a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid here was carried out following claims that a Harihar temple previously stood at the site. Days later, during a second round of the survey, protesting locals clashed with security personnel, which led to the death of four people and injuries to dozens. He emphasised that under his government, 8.5 lakh youth have received jobs in eight years, including 60,200 recent police recruits. He contrasted this with previous regimes, saying: 'They nurtured one mafia per district. We promote 'One District, One Product.' The 222 projects inaugurated/launched span sectors such as education, roads, vocational training, clean drinking water, anganwadi centres and school infrastructure. The CM also laid the foundation stone for the new district magistrate office and integrated residential complexes, participating in Vedic rituals. Highlighting the government's commitment to inclusive growth, the CM distributed cheques, house keys and certificates to beneficiaries of various welfare schemes. He also launched the 'Sambhal Samvad' mobile app for better citizen engagement. In a symbolic gesture, the chief minister performed the traditional 'Annaprashan' ceremony for infants and planted saplings to promote environmental awareness. He inspected archaeological relics unearthed in Sambhal, further underlining the region's historical importance. Wrapping up his address, Adityanath praised the courage of Sambhal's people who, he said, never bowed to rioters. He invoked upcoming national and religious events — Raksha Bandhan, Kakori Memorial Day, Independence Day and Janmashtami — urging citizens to hoist the Tricolour and uphold national pride. 'The projects we launched today are just a glimpse,' he said. 'The double-engine government will ensure both the preservation of Sambhal's glorious past and the building of its bright future.'
India Today
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Mahavatar Narsimha review: Emotionally uplifting tale about devotion, compassion
The fruits of good as well as bad Karma are inevitable. Diti, the daughter of the king-sage Daksha commits a sin during an inauspicious time by defying her sage husband Kashyap. The couple witnesses the origin of evil in their saintly household, which engulfs humanity in Satya Yuga (the first and best of the four time periods). Based on the 'Vishnu Purana', 'Narasimha Purana', and 'Shrimad Bhagavata Purana', 'Mahavatar Narsimha' makes a powerful statement on hate and negativity. The Ashwin Kumar-directorial depicts the repercussions of a destructive and misguided mindset in the violence, bloodshed, devastation and conflict initiated by the demon king Hiranyakashipu, faith and compassion rise against hatred and disharmony. A selfless and spiritual soul born in a vengeful society takes us on a selfless path of devotion and affection. Kumar, along with his co-writer Rudra P Ghosh, has contributed to a screenplay that has a universal resonance.'Mahavatar Narsimha' blends sacred beliefs and mysticism with human sensitivities and contemporary societal challenges. It touches upon the hell-bent mentality of gaining power and superiority because of ego, greed, lust and jealousy. Kumar's soulful storytelling makes India's ancient epics relatable across generations through its compelling narrative. The film hits the bull's eye by echoing the right emotions as the story progresses. Irrespective of whether the audience is familiar with the ancient legends and folklores, the movie keeps you thoroughly engaged. The visuals create a grand impact on the viewers. While there might be a few noticeable errors in the animation, overall the film lives up to the spirit of its core theme. The presentation of Lord Vishnu's two fierce incarnations perfectly imbibes divinity and immortality of the force beyond time and space. The budget constraints could be attributed for the minor faultlines. Yet, the production quality is far high for Indian standards when it comes to showing the aura and energy of the supreme being.'Mahavatar Narsimha' takes the viewers on a roller-coaster ride with a mix of humour, adventure, divinity and inspiration. The film doesn't just preach the victory of good over evil. The story takes its own pace as it makes the audience realise the consequences of evil leadership on humanity. A power-hungry, destructive king is not just harmful to society but is also the reason for destroying his own family. A strong message to the hate-mongers and radical fundamentalists about how negativity consumes your own loved ones before your adversaries.A few song sequences, battle scenes as well as the expressions of animated characters with limited screen time may not be convincing. However, the unparalleled devotion of Prahlad towards Lord Narayan and God's unconditional love for his devotees makes up for the technical misses. The well-intended messaging without getting overboard and retaining the engagement quotient, makes the film worth your epics definitely have a dramatic plot worth exploring for cinema. There is no denying that such narratives demand brilliance in animation and VFX. But the crux remains to not lose out on the soul of the characters and the story. Even with grand graphics and animated visuals, a film on Lord Vishnu loses its purpose if it fails to evoke emotion. 'Mahavatar Narsimha' makes sure that, irrespective of the effectiveness of animation, the audience must resonate with Prahlad's journey. The heart of the story remains the unshakeable determination of a child who endures atrocities without losing his faith in God. He is a symbol of a strong-willed individual who doesn't give up on faith and optimism, even though his own family is pessimistic and visuals of demons causing harm to devotees in the animation film do not hold back. The subtlety in those scenes offers insights into the present-day condition of the world order. A section of anti-social, uncivilised elements doing maximum damage to those in pursuit of knowledge and excellence isn't an unfamiliar trope. Cinema is a reflection of society. But 'Mahavatar Narsimha' proves that our ancient texts offer an ocean of philosophical, political, historical, social and scientific simple story told through the lens of a young boy appeals to all age groups. The film doesn't get too complex at any point and makes sure the viewers remain invested in the relationship between Prahlad and Lord Vishnu. Above all, 'Mahavatar Narsimha' once again reminds humanity to choose spirituality, love, compassion and peace over hatred, greed, jealousy and it's a huge responsibility to make a film about Lord Vishnu's most fierce incarnation. To attain the Herculean goal, it is essential to ensure that the animation or VFX complies with modern technology and leaves no room for mediocrity. To honour our epics, we must merge technical knowledge with emotionally rich storytelling. 'Mahavatar Narsimha' excels in the latter with fewer errors in the gripping epic-animation saga from Hombale Films' Mahavatar Cinematic Universe is a brave attempt at retelling ancient legends. Being the first film in the ten-part series, the audience can expect technical superiority in the coming instalments. Overall, the film makes for a compelling watch for its emotional reliability and stunning depiction of Lord Narsimha in the goosebumps-filled climax.- Ends3.5 out of 5 stars.
News18
11-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
India Was Once Called Bharatvarsha. Here's What 'Varsha' Actually Means
Last Updated: Bharatvarsha, India's ancient name, reflects deep cultural, mythological and historical roots. Recognised in the Indian Constitution, it signifies more than just geography What's in a name? When it comes to India, quite a lot. Long before the subcontinent came to be known as India, it was called Bharatvarsha, a name steeped in ancient history, mythology, and cultural identity. Far more than a geographical label, Bharatvarsha reflects the spiritual and civilisational ethos of a land that has endured for millennia. Exploring the evolution of India's name uncovers the story of a nation deeply rooted in its past yet ever-evolving in the present. Historical Significance Of The Name 'Bharatvarsha' When Alexander the Great journeyed to the Indian subcontinent, he referred to it as 'Indica'. During their rule, the British named it India, while visitors from Persia and the Mughal Empire used the term 'Hindustan'. In modern usage, the country is commonly known as India, though the name Bharatvarsha continues to be used in more formal, literary, and historical contexts. Have you ever wondered why the term 'Varsha' is used in Bharatvarsha? Following independence, the Constitution of India, enacted in 1950, officially recognised both Bharat and India as the names of the nation. Article 1 of the Constitution clearly states: 'India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States." As a result, Bharat was formally adopted as a recognised name, while the use of Bharatvarsha became more limited to traditional and scholarly references. Importantly, Bharatvarsha encompasses not only the geographical identity of the nation but also its rich cultural, historical, and religious legacy, reflecting the profound roots of Indian civilisation. What Does 'Varsha' In 'Bharatvarsha' Signify? In Jain tradition, Bharat refers to the son of the first Tirthankara, Rishabhnath. Jain texts such as the Adipurana narrate how Rishabhnath made his son Bharata the sovereign of this land, which subsequently took his name as Bharatvarsha. Concept Of 'Jambudweep' In Ancient Indian Geography In Sanskrit, the word Varsha denotes a division or region. In ancient Indian cosmology, the Earth was conceived as being divided into several regions, known as Varshas, one of which formed part of Jambudweep, the terrestrial realm described in ancient scriptures. Jambudweep was segmented into nine regions or Varshas, and Bharatvarsha was one among them. Thus, Bharatvarsha refers not only to a geographical territory but also to a space imbued with cultural and spiritual meaning. Sacred texts such as the Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavata Purana identify Bharatvarsha as the southern portion of Jambudweep, describing it as a region sanctified by spiritual merit and moral duty. Scriptural References To 'Bharatvarsha' Indian scriptures hold Bharatvarsha in high esteem, often portraying it as a sacred land. The Vishnu Purana refers to it as Karmabhoomi, a land where individuals may attain salvation through righteous deeds. It was not only geographically significant but also a centre of learning, philosophy, religion, and civilisation. The Mahabharata describes Bharatvarsha as an expansive and unified land stretching from the Himalayas in the north to the southern seas. The Puranas list Bharatvarsha among the nine divisions of Jambudweep, detailing its sacred rivers such as the Ganga and Yamuna, and revered mountain ranges like the Himalayas and Vindhyas. In the Manusmriti, the region is also called Aryavarta, denoting a civilisation shaped by knowledge, discipline, and spiritual pursuits. Geographical Extent Of 'Bharatvarsha' According to ancient texts, the boundaries of Bharatvarsha spanned from the Himalayan mountains to the southern seas, and from the Bay of Bengal in the east to the Arabian Sea in the west. Over time, the name Bharatvarsha was gradually shortened to Bharat. India's long and diverse history is marked by various dynasties, empires, and periods of foreign rule, each influencing the nomenclature of the region. During the reigns of the Mauryas, Guptas, medieval Rajputs, Mughals, and eventually the British, the land was known by various names. The British popularised the name India, which was derived from the Greek and Latin word 'Indus' (used for the river Sindhu). However, during the Indian independence movement, national leaders and scholars revived the use of Bharat to reassert the country's deep-rooted cultural and historical identity. Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Akhand Bharat Ancient India General Knowledge Indian Constitution indian culture Interesting facts Mahabharata vishnu puran Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 11, 2025, 13:12 IST News explainers India Was Once Called Bharatvarsha. Here's What 'Varsha' Actually Means
