Kashi, the city of light, stands as a testament to creation, destruction, and ultimately, redemption. This ancient city, bathed in the sacred waters of the Ganges, has a story as old as time itself, intertwined with the divine narratives of Shiva Purana. From Lord Brahma and Vishnu's delusion to Kaal Bhairav's wrathful origin, Kashi has witnessed a play of cosmic forces that ultimately underscored Shiva's supremacy as the lord of creation, destruction, and liberation. The city houses the famed K...
May 13, 2025•15 min•Season 4Ep. 21
This episode delves into the profound concept of time and death in Hindu philosophy, embodied by Lord Shiva as Mahakaal. Set against the backdrop of the holy Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain (India), the episode weaves together mythology, astronomy, and spiritual insights. Contact, follow and support my work - all in one place: https://linktr.ee/NamaskarIndia Bibliography: Shastri, J. L. (1970). Shivapurana. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers. Flood, G. D. (1996). An Introduction to Hinduism. Cambridg...
Mar 24, 2025•10 min•Season 4Ep. 20
Uncover how the 'five limbs' of Panchang - Tithi, Yoga, Karana, Nakshatra and Var - shape daily life and auspicious events through celestial observations. Learn how the Hindu calendar harmoniously blends solar and lunar cycles to maintain alignment with nature's rhythms, ensuring a prosperous life in tune with the cosmic order. Bibliography: Sen, S. N., & Bag, A. K. (1983). The Sūrya-Siddhānta: A Text-book of Hindu Astronomy. Philadelphia: American Philosophical Society. Kapoor, S. D. (2005)...
Mar 02, 2025•10 min•Season 4Ep. 19
This episode uncovers the captivating world of tithis, the lunar days that form the core of the Hindu calendar. We delve into their calculation based on the moon's celestial dance and explore the two dominant systems, Amavasyanta and Purnimanta. We uncover the fascinating phenomena of Tithi Vrddhi and Tithi Kshaya, caused by the moon's varying speed due to its elliptical orbit. Bibliography: Seth, H. C. (1994). Hindu calendar. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers. Lochtefeld, J. (2002). Tithis in the ...
Jan 22, 2025•8 min•Season 4Ep. 18
Kundali: Is it destiny written in the stars or an intriguing system of ancient wisdom? We're diving into the world of birth charts, exploring how they're made, and what they might (or might not) tell us about ourselves. Bibliography: Parāśara, & Rao, R. S. (2000). Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (Vol. 1). Parashara Jyotishalaya. deFouw, H., & Svoboda, R. (1996). Light on Life: An Introduction to the Astrology of India. Lotus Press. Kurczak, R. (2011). The Art and Practice of Vedic Astrolog...
Jan 12, 2025•10 min•Season 4Ep. 17
This episode explores the nakshatras, the fundamental concept of the Vedic astrological system. Nakshatras refer to the division of the sky into 27 equal segments, each named after a prominent star. Aligning with the 12 zodiac signs, nakshatras are considered a cosmic clock, with one day passing as the moon moves through each nakshatra, repeating every 27 days. Bibliography: Padmanabham, T. (2017). History of Indian Astronomy. Springer. Dixit, B., & Sewell, R. (2013). Indian Calendar. Subbar...
Oct 29, 2024•11 min•Season 4Ep. 16
In this episode, we will discuss the difference between sidereal and tropical zodiac systems used in Indian and Western astrology respectively. The sidereal zodiac is based on stars and the tropical zodiac is based on the sun's position. We will also cover the precession of the equinoxes, which causes the spring equinox to move along the orbit and creates a difference between these two zodiacs over time. Bibliography: Campion N. (2012). A History of Western Astrology. A&C Black. O'Connell, P...
Aug 19, 2024•9 min•Season 4Ep. 15
In this episode, we explore the concept of the zodiac and its origins. We delve into the relationship between the Sun, Moon, and planets and how their movements in the sky have been used for centuries to guide astrological predictions. We also discuss the ecliptic plane and how it relates to the zodiac. Bibliography: Rochberg, F. (1998). Astrology in Ancient Mesopotamia: The Science of Omens and the Knowledge of the Heavens. University of Chicago Press. Hoskin, M. (2003). The History of Astronom...
Jul 20, 2024•12 min•Season 4Ep. 14
In this episode, we unravel the mystery of Rahu and Ketu, often referred to as shadow planets in Hindu astrology. We delve into their origin story, and how their dharma has been to seek revenge against the Sun and the Moon. We will also dive into the captivating subject of eclipses and uncover the science behind these celestial events. Bibliography: Pattanaik, D. (2013). Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology. Penguin UK. Cooley, G. A. (2020). Solar Eclipses and Planetary Alignments. Xlibr...
Jul 13, 2024•5 min•Season 4Ep. 13
The episode narrates the story of Samudra Manthan, where gods and demons churned the ocean for the elixir of immortality. We will delve deeper into the story and discuss its significance in Hindu mythology. Bibliography: Vyasa. (1993). The Mahabharata: Volume 1. Penguin Classics. O'Flaherty, W. (1980). Hindu Myths: A Sourcebook Translated from the Sanskrit. Penguin Classics. Pattanaik, D. (2003). Indian Mythology: Tales, Symbols, and Rituals from the Heart of the Subcontinent. Inner Traditions. ...
Jul 06, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 12
In this episode, we explore the roots of astrology and how it is based on the position of celestial bodies with respect to stars. However, scientific evidence suggests that the gravitational forces exerted by distant stars and planets are not significant enough to have an impact on human personality traits or life events. Studies have failed to demonstrate any patterns or correlations between astrological charts and real-life outcomes. We also discuss the psychological techniques used by astrolo...
Jun 19, 2024•15 min•Season 4Ep. 11
The Navagrahas possess distinctive and profound iconography and symbolism that hold significant insights. Let's explore and understand their meaning to obtain a profound and deeper understanding of their purpose. Bibliography: Wilhelm, E. (2010). Graha Sutras: Science of Jyotish. Kala Occult Publishers. Frawley, D. (2000). Astrology of the Seers. Motilal Banarsidass. Thompson, R., & Frawley, D. (2012). The Art and Science of Vedic Astrology: The Foundation Course. Motilal Banarsidass. Topic:...
May 06, 2024•12 min•Season 4Ep. 10
In this episode, we examine the traditional arrangements of the Navagrahas in Hindu temples and the astrological significance of each planet's placement. We also delve into the symbolic and astrological significance of the colors associated with each Navagraha. Bibliography: Gupta, S. (2016). Navagraha Temples: An Insight into the Importance and Significance. Notion Press. Bakshi, S. R., & Naidu, P. S. (2006). Hindu Mythology and Tradition: Navagrahas, Hindu Temple, Idol Worship, Festivals, ...
Mar 31, 2024•13 min•Season 4Ep. 9
In this episode, we delve into the importance and mystery surrounding Navgrahas in Hinduism, detailing their influence on various aspects of human life. Using the Navgraha Stotram, we explore the philosophical significance behind these celestial entities while highlighting the interconnectedness of the universe. Bibliography: Dreyer, R. G. (1997). Vedic Astrology: A Guide to the Fundamentals of Jyotish. Lotus Press. Rath, S. (2010). Navagraha Stotram: A Hymn to the Nine Planets. Sagittarius Publ...
Mar 08, 2024•19 min•Season 4Ep. 8
This episode explores the significance of each day of the week in Hinduism and the associated deities and rituals. From worshiping the Sun on Sundays for health and wisdom to seeking the blessings of Goddess Durga or Mahalakshmi on Fridays for love and creativity, each day has a unique value. Through this exploration, we learn to understand the logical connections behind these traditions and appreciate our cultural heritage's imagination and depth. This journey can help us progress spiritually a...
Jan 08, 2024•9 min•Season 4Ep. 7
This episode explores the origin of the seven-day week from an astronomical, historical, and cultural perspective. We discuss how Hindu astronomers identified grahas and how the Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra outlines a method to establish the seven-day week. We also look at how the idea of the seven-day week originated in ancient Babylon and was adopted by other civilizations. Bibliography: Satyabhama A. (2014). Astronomy and Mathematics in Ancient India: An Overview. Manglam Publishers. Zerubave...
Dec 03, 2023•12 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Join us in this episode as we explore the fascinating world of ancient Indian astronomy and astrology. We discuss the relationship between these two fields and how they evolved from naturalistic observations of celestial bodies. Bibliography: Subbarayappa, B. V. (1994). Indian Astronomy: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press. Ramasubramanian, K., & Srinivas, M. D. (1994). Astronomy and Mathematics in Ancient India. Cambridge University Press. Sharma, P. (2017). The Story of Astronomy i...
Nov 15, 2023•15 min•Season 4Ep. 5
In this episode, we explore the cyclical nature of time in Hindu mythology and its unique differences from other religions. We delve into various time units described in ancient Indian texts, from microcosm to macrocosm, and explain the concept of relativity of time in different realms. We also discuss modern science's definition of time, theories predicting multiverse and the discrepancy between scientific estimates and those described in Hindu scriptures. Tune in to discover the remarkable ima...
Oct 02, 2023•21 min•Season 4Ep. 4
In this episode, we delve into the symbolism of Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, and explore the profound understanding of the universe that it embodies. We explore the five aspects of Nataraja's form that represent creation, preservation, destruction, illusion, and grace. Bibliography: Coomaraswamy, A. K. (1985). The dance of Shiva: Fourteen Indian essays. Dover Publications. Parthasarathy, A. (1977). The symbolism of Hindu gods and rituals. Vedanta Press. Topic: Indian mythology | Hindu mythology ...
Sep 11, 2023•6 min•Season 4Ep. 3
We all know that India gained its independence on August 15th, 1947, but did you know that according to the Indian National Calendar, India gained independence on Sravana 28th, 1869? In this episode, we explore the history of timekeeping and calendars in India, from the creation of sundials to the development of lunar, solar, and lunisolar calendars. We also discuss the Indian National Calendar and its connection to the Saka samvat. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of timekeeping a...
Aug 13, 2023•11 min•Season 4Ep. 2
This podcast episode discusses the history and significance of dating systems, specifically BC & AD vs BCE & CE. It explores the origins of BC and AD, the meaning of BCE and CE, and the debate over which system to use. The episode concludes that understanding the historical context and significance of dates is important, regardless of which system is used. Bibliography: Mosshammer, A. (2008). The Easter Computus and the Origins of the Christian Era. Oxford University Press. Declercq, G. ...
Jul 11, 2023•7 min•Season 4Ep. 1
We like our ideas of God. We can parse them, explain them, and make our own decisions based on them. In fact, our idea of God is all we really have at all. Since all we really have is our idea of God, it dismantles and debilitates any attempts we might make to lay claim to God, including our claims to faith. Topic: Indian mythology | Hindu mythology | Hinduism
Jun 13, 2023•4 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Purusha suktam is hymn 10.90 of the Rigveda, dedicated to the Purusha, the " Cosmic Being " or “ The Supreme God ”. It describes the spiritual oneness of the universe. It depicts the nature of Purusha as both immanent and transcendent in the manifested world. The sukta incorporates the principles of meditation (upasana), knowledge (jnana), devotion (bhakti), and rituals and duties (dharma and karma). Topic: Indian mythology | Hindu mythology | Creation or Origin myths | Hinduism | Vedas...
Jun 12, 2023•10 min•Season 3Ep. 6
The Rigveda used the epithet Viswakarma to refer to a supreme god. In the Rigvedic hymns 10.81 & 10.82 Vishwakarma Sukta, he is described as all-seeing, with eyes, faces, arms, and feet on all four sides, as well as wings. He represented ultimate reality as well as the enigmatic creative force shared by all gods, living things, and inanimate objects in the universe. Since the beginning of time, he has served as the universe's architect and divine engineer. Topic: Indian mythology | Hindu myt...
Jun 11, 2023•11 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Hiranyagarbha, the source of all that is manifest and unmanifest; said to be the god of gods and that which connects all things, creates all things and where all things return. It is mentioned in Hiranyagarbha Sukta, a set of ten Shlokas in the 121st Hymn of the Rig Veda's 10th Mandala, suggesting a single creator deity, identified in the hymn as Prajāpati. Topic: Indian mythology | Hindu mythology | Creation or Origin myths | Hinduism | Vedas
Jun 10, 2023•11 min•Season 3Ep. 4
The Nāsadīya Sūkta after the incipit ná ásat, or "not the non-existent", is known as the Hymn of Creation. It is a collection of 7 Shlokas from the 129th Hymn of the Rig Veda's 10th Mandala. It begins and ends with questions about creation. It does not say that God created the universe, the stars, the sun, the moon, the earth, the plants, the animals, and humans, but rather asks how anyone could know how and when creation occurred, because everything and all beings, including the Devas or Gods, ...
Jun 09, 2023•12 min•Season 3Ep. 2
The Vedas are the religious texts which inform the religion of Hinduism. The term veda means “ knowledge ” in that they are thought to contain the fundamental knowledge relating to the underlying cause of, function of, and personal response to existence. The Vedas are thought to have always existed and were discovered by sages in intense states of meditation, rather than being thought to have been revealed to a specific person or people at a particular historical moment. As a result, Hinduism vi...
Jun 09, 2023•15 min•Season 3Ep. 3
“The Blind Men and the Elephant” is an Indian parable that has been adapted by many religions and published in a variety of adult and children's stories. It's about a group of blind men who try to figure out what an elephant is by touching different parts of it and disagreeing on their findings. Topic: Indian mythology | Hindu mythology | Creation or Origin myths | Hinduism | Vedas
Jun 09, 2023•9 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Seema Anand is a storyteller and mythologist based in London who specializes in women's narratives. She is also the award-winning author of " The Arts of Seduction ". She employs stories for entertainment, therapy, education, and positive action change. Her research on ancient Indian folklore is linked to a UNESCO initiative to preserve endangered oral traditions, and she works to reintroduce ancient Indian texts into the public domain, translated and reworked for multicultural audiences. Topic:...
Sep 12, 2022•24 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Seema Anand is a storyteller and mythologist based in London who specializes in women's narratives. She is also the award-winning author of " The Arts of Seduction ". She employs stories for entertainment, therapy, education, and positive action change. Her research on ancient Indian folklore is linked to a UNESCO initiative to preserve endangered oral traditions, and she works to reintroduce ancient Indian texts into the public domain, translated and reworked for multicultural audiences. Topic:...
Sep 05, 2022•35 min•Season 2Ep. 11
