The earliest works of literature of India were epics, long poems, travelogues, plays, and collection of stories for children which were written in verse. A large number of great Indian epics were created during the first millennium BC. The two most famous epics are the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.
Tag: Mahabharata
Jaya – The original name of Mahabharata
The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, the other being the Ramayana. Not surprisingly, Mahabharata has not merited as much translation as the Ramayana. Most storytellers focus only on a few episodes, those that bring joy, like Bhima killing Bakasura, Drona teaching Arjuna, or Krishna rescuing Draupadi. Modern sanitized… Continue reading Jaya – The original name of Mahabharata
Transmitting Knowledge: Oral memory, practice and methods of communication of India
In India, oral transmission of knowledge still continues to be the most important method by which we communicate messages, educate our children on early lessons, learn our scriptures and texts, transmit our stories and nurture knowledge about life and art. All cultures have found ingenious ways to pass on their knowledge systems, through developing formal… Continue reading Transmitting Knowledge: Oral memory, practice and methods of communication of India
Dwarka: Atlantis of the East
Is the buried city of Dwarka the oldest civilization known to man? Did it house anachronistic technologies like flying machines and even nuclear weapons? The Ancient Explorers Movement answers these questions in their debut documentary film, “Dwarka: Atlantis of the East”. Ancient Explorer, Amish Shah travels to the west coast of India in search of… Continue reading Dwarka: Atlantis of the East
Five Hollywood Movies influenced by Hinduism
The philosophy behind a couple of super hit movies in Hollywood is based on Hinduism. Hollywood itself has actually been embracing arcane Indian systems for a long time now. A few well-known Hollywood stars have willingly and openly expressed this fact to the public. Obvious and hidden references to Hindu symbolism can be found in… Continue reading Five Hollywood Movies influenced by Hinduism
Dasharajnya – The Battle of Ten Kings
When asked about the ancient classics of India, most would quickly reply with The Ramayana and The Mahabharata. Although this answer is correct, there is an even more ancient story that has been forgotten. That ancient story is called the Dasharajnya or ‘Battle of ten Kings’. This battle is memorialized in the 7th Mandala of the Rigveda,… Continue reading Dasharajnya – The Battle of Ten Kings
Eternal Flames of Jwala Ji Temple
Jwala Ji is Hindu temple located in the lower Himalayan town of Jawalamukhi in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Dedicated to Hindu goddess Jwala, temple is probably the most ancient temple in India. It is mentioned in the Mahabharata and other scriptures. Unlike any other temple, Jwala Ji temple doesn’t have a statue or an image, but a… Continue reading Eternal Flames of Jwala Ji Temple
World’s tallest Krishna temple to be built in Vrindavan
Mathura and Vrindavan are important places for Hindus all over the world. Vrindavan is especially a very revered and sacred place for the devotees of Lord Krishna. In fact, the Holy Land of Vrindavan can be considered to be the spiritual capital of India. It is the site where Lord Krishna spent his childhood days. Soon… Continue reading World’s tallest Krishna temple to be built in Vrindavan
The Search for Indraprastha
According to Mahabharata, Indraprastha was the capital of the kingdom led by the Pandava. The Demon Maya, built the city and the palace of Indraprastha for the Pandavas. The area for the palace was created by clearing the forests of Khandava by Arjuna and Lord Krishna. Pandavas also built other cities like Swarnaprastha (modern-day Sonipat)… Continue reading The Search for Indraprastha
30,000 years old Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
The Bhimbetka rock shelters are the collection of 750 rock shelters from which 500 are inwrought by the paintings. Situated in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh of India, these Stone Age rock paintings are around 30,000 years old. It is one of the largest repositories of prehistoric art in India. The shelters were designated… Continue reading 30,000 years old Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka