Descendents of Luv and Kush
Different readings of the Ramayana present variations in the story of Luv and Kush. In some versions, both are Sita’s children. In others, only Luv is Sita’s son, while Kush is created by Valmiki from Kusha grass. …
Mythologist | Author | Speaker | Illustrator
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Articles
When Hanuman Took Initiative
There are two forms of Hanuman. In one he sits at the feet of Ram, an obedient assistant. This is Ram-dasa Hanuman. In the other, he stands alone, displaying ten hands and four extra heads: that of a lion, an eagle, a wild boar and a horse. This is Maha-bali Hanuman. …
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Articles
The Sage Under the Berry Tree
The name Badrinath carries a quiet ecological memory. Badri means the berry (Ziziphus mauritiana), or jujube tree. Nath means lord. …
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Articles
Why China and India Are So Different
In China, the question is how to restrain the state without breaking it. In India, the question is how to strengthen the state without letting it trample society…
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Articles
How Shankara Became a Mythic Hero
The Shankara legend is less about history and more about imagination – how India turned a philosopher into a divine hero, a world conqueror, and a unifier of its sacred geography…
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Articles
कुम्भ मेले पर कुछ बातें – लेख दूसरा
आइए कुम्भ मेले पर हमारी बातें जारी रखते हैं। कुम्भ मेले का अमृत के ‘कुम्भ’ के साथ संबंध केवल हाल ही में प्रचलित किया गया है। अब, राशिचक्र के बजाय कुम्भ देवों और असुरों द्वारा किए गए क्षीरसागर के मंथन से उभरने वाले अमृत को उल्लिखित करता है। कहते हैं कि अमृत के बूंद इन…
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Articles
Lakshmi’s Elephants
Across India, the most familiar image of prosperity is Lakshmi flanked by two elephants pouring water over her. We see this in homes, shops, banks, and even in modern advertising. But few pause to ask why elephants stand beside the goddess of wealth. Why not cows, horses, lions or birds? …
New Books
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Escape the Bakasura Trap : Let Contentment Fuel Your Growth
This book re-discovers this path, first revealed by Hanuman in the Mahabharata. Insightful and inspiring, Escape the Bakasura Trap is another classic from one of our great mythologists and thinkers…
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लंकेश: रावण संग एक रोमांचक यात्रा
यह पुस्तक भारत के सबसे विख्यात महाकाव्य रामायण और इस कारण भारत के सबसे बड़े खलनायक, रावण, को विस्तार से जानने की राह खोलती है।…
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Gana-Bajana: Musical Instruments of Indian Gods and Goddesses for Kids
Shiva’s damaru to Krishna’s flute, Durga’s ghanti and Ravana’s lute. Dance to the rhythm and embrace the sound, As divine melodies swirl around…
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Ahimsa : 100 Reflections on the Harappan Civilization
Devdutt Pattanaik uses the lens of mythology to reflect on this most mysterious of ‘peaceful’ civilizations, now spread across geographies in India and Pakistan. A medley of text and illustrations, Ahimsa draws attention to how much Harappan memory persists in our lives today…
Devdutt Pattanaik writes and speaks on the relevance of mythology in modern times, especially in areas of management, governance, and leadership.