Mythologist | Author | Speaker | Illustrator
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Articles
Chef Nala
Once upon a time, there was a man who cooked so well that a woman decided to marry him… His name was Nala…
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Why do Hindus prefer birth anniversaries to death anniversaries?
In Hinduism, memory of death prevents progress, wisdom and liberation…
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What is Tamil Veda?
Depending on who you ask, you will find one of three books identified as the Tamil Veda, locally known as Dravida Veda or Tamil Marai…
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Articles
The Immortals
Published on 23rd April, 2016, in Mid-day. In Hindu mythology, whenever an asura asks for immortality, Brahma tells them that they can have whatever they wish except that. The clever asura then asks for a boon that will render him immortal for all practical purposes. But, embedded in the boon is a loophole, a vulnerability…
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Articles
Dharma in the forest
Both in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, we are left to wonder which space is more cruel: the forest or the human settlement…
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Articles
How different are the Jain Ramayana and Jain Mahabharata from Hindu narrations?
We see the great epics of India have an altogether different form in Jainism…
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Power Politics
Electioneering is hotting up in several states and as Tamil Nadu politics reaches an anti-climax with the Supreme Court’s conviction of Sasikala in the disproportionate assets case, Devdutt draws parallels from the Mahabharata’s Udyoga Parva…
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Articles
Do Hindus lose their caste when they travel abroad?
If you value caste, then this thought can be depressing, even terrifying. If you are indifferent, it will not matter…
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Articles
Epics as Novels
Most people in India are not familiar with the Sanskrit Ramayana or Mahabharata. We read popular versions…
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Articles
When did events of Ramayana and Mahabharata actually occur?
It all depends on what answer you are prepared to receive, for the answer is complicated and mired in politics…
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Articles
The Indian sphinx
There is no Sphinx in Indian mythology, except in South Indian temple traditions. Here, they appear as purusha-mriga, or the human-beast…
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What are Vedic values, aka ‘Indian Ethos’ of the Hindus?
We are all in between, hopefully moving towards dharma and atma…
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Articles
They Held Many Shields
Ancient Buddhist traditions tolerated transgenders; many Hindu traditions still have them linked with deities. A fluid sexuality was a way of life for Indic culture…
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Articles
Rise of non-violent violation
Violence is hurting the physical body. Violation is hurting the mental and social body…
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Articles
Forest and Field in Dharma Discussion
Dharma is when we function for the benefit of others. It has nothing to do with rules…
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Articles
The complete man
There are two Krishnas… The first is historical (a person), the second mythological (an idea)…