What does it truly mean to call Rāma "Vigrahavān Dharmaḥ" - the embodiment of Dharma? Drawing on the opening verses of the Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, this essay argues that the sixteen lakṣaṇas are not merely admirable virtues but a complete and indispensable condition-set for the embodiment of Dharma. Through a rigorous śāstric analysis of pramāṇa, lakṣaṇa, and embodiment, it presents a compelling philosophical framework that reveals why Rāma is not simply a follower of Dharma, but its fullest living manifestation.
Latest Posts

British Colonial Raj: Drivers of Socio-Cultural Impact
This essay examines how British colonial rule reshaped not just India's institutions, but also its everyday habits, aspirations, and cultural imagination. From club culture and hill stations to vacations and leisure travel, it argues that colonial-era practices continue to influence Indian society long after independence. By contrasting these with pre-colonial civilisational patterns, the article invites readers to reflect on whether India can rediscover a balance rooted in its own timeless traditions while navigating modernity.

The Sanitized Shastra: The Cost of Domesticating India’s Intellectual Traditions
A seemingly local controversy in Udupi sparked a nationwide digital outrage, revealing a far deeper civilisational crisis: the growing tendency to sanitize India's philosophical traditions to fit modern sensibilities. Examining the history of rigorous debate across Indian schools of thought, this essay argues that intellectual sharpness - not polite uniformity -was the hallmark of India's knowledge systems. It makes the case that reclaiming India's authentic civilisational confidence requires preserving the raw, uncompromising vocabulary and traditions that once made its philosophical culture so vibrant.

Ikigai: A Modern Simplification That Sacrificed Ancient Depth
Has the world mistaken a simplified self-help framework for the ultimate philosophy of purpose? This essay argues that while Ikigai offers valuable insights into meaningful living, it pales beside the Vedic framework of the Purusharthas -Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. By comparing the two, it reveals why the Purusharthas remain one of humanity's most comprehensive and enduring blueprints for a meaningful life.

Dharma Beyond Religion: From Human Ethics to Cosmic Order
What does Dharma truly mean beyond morality, religion, or social duty? This thought-provoking essay by Astha Mishra explores the classical understanding of Dharma as "that which sustains" - a principle that extends from ethical human conduct to the laws of nature and the cosmos itself. Drawing on Vedic thought, the author argues that dharma is the sustaining force that aligns with Rta, the cosmic order, offering a profound framework that bridges philosophy, science, and civilizational wisdom.
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‘Saamkhya Hypothesis’ – Creation Link Deciphered
This article examines the 'Saamkhya' hypothesis through the lens of sciences and shows that the hypothesis is worthy of adoption as a plausible mechanism for ‘creation’ and for ‘life’.
Vegetarianism, Animal Cruelty, and Slippery Discourses
In this article, Dr. Pingali Gopal explores the unequal and complicated relationship between humans and animals, delving into the complexities of meat consumption, animal abuse and the varied definitions and perceptions surrounding them. The author contrasts the extensive use and exploitation of animals in the modern world with perspectives from Dharmic traditions. He presents the views of Swami Vivekananda and Ramana Maharishi on the subject to illustrate the nuanced stance of Dharma on the subject.
André Malraux on India and Bangladesh – Part 1
This is a translation of two web pages about the French writer André Malraux, and his views on India and Bangladesh.
Dileep Karanth brings to light the love and fascination that a misunderstood frenchman, André Malraux, had for India - not only the politically defined territories of India but also the civilisation; as his words to the students in Dacca prove.
The article attempts to understand the man and his ideologies and beliefs before delving into his love for India.
The Unrecognized Architects of India’s Mediaeval Glory – Lokamahadevi and Trailokyamahadevi
Did you know that the Virupaksha and Mallikarjun Temples in Pattadakal were built by queens? Lokamahadevi and Trailokyamahadevi, queens of the Chalukya dynasty, commissioned these temples, originally named Lokeshvara and Trailokyeshvara. Their remarkable contributions include administrative roles and cultural patronage, such as commissioning the Virupaksha Temple, modeled after the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple.
Rukmini’s Letter to Sri Krishna: A Translation
One of Pandit Narendra Sharma’s last poetical works showcasing the prowess of the Śuddha Hindi language.
Does Kantara depict women in bad light?
In this review of Kantara, Rohan Raghav Sharma tackles the allegations that the film depicts women in a poor light by analysing the actions of the key characters as well as scenes that may be interpreted as such.
Nababarsha (The New Year)
Bharatavarsha did not pass by the man and make work larger than humanity. By giving importance to action emptied of desire for reward, she has in fact reined in work with restraint. When the desire for reward is abandoned, the work loses its
Rama: King whose relationships suffered due to his status
Rama, the absolute king, carried a heavy mantle as His feelings for His wife, brothers and sons were crushed under the crown He never sought.
The Public Ignoramus
Decades of self-loathing has denied the younger generation access to its magnificent Indian heritage.
Not so strange a coincidence
The Hindu Bengali genocide which coincides with World Refugee Day is a blot on humanity that still isn't acknowledged for its barbarity.
The one who stands apart
Bhairava, the terrifying form of Shiva, inspires fear as he strikes at the root of all fear, the ego.
Pishacha Vivaha – Reparation Marriage
Treating a rape as less consequential if the victim agrees to marry the perpetrator has no place in contemporary society but to call it "patriarchal" is downright silly.
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India’s Ancient Maritime History – Part 1
The maritime history of India is recounted in numerous literary texts, showcasing its navigational expertise and resultant trade with several countries.
A diversity of white saviours
By reducing the motives of those involved in debates on Indian history to racial prejudice, Devdutt Pattanaik lazily brushes aside the diversity in the politics of those engaged in the intellectual battle. Predictably, he turns out to be wrong on many counts.
Casteism: Scourge of Hinduism or Perversion of a Legitimate Vedic System? – Part 2
Casteism has seeped into Indic culture and knowing its dangers, we should look to take the necessary steps to dismantle it.
On Sabarimala
The recent verdict on the entry of women in the Sabarimala shrine serves as a grim reminder of the wide gap between the colonial moorings of the modern Indian State and the spiritual aspirations of the Indian people.
The Saptarshi explain their names – Part I
The seven rishis as the progenitors of Sanatana Dharma have a much deeper meaning attached to them.
Vishnupad temple in the spiritual city of Gaya
A place that has been identified since antiquity, where at the feet of Vishnu one is assured that good karma can lead towards moksha.
Rock Temple of Himalaya – Masroor
The Dhauladhar range is home to one of the few monolithic temples carved in India.
On the meaning of the Mahabharata – Early Rebuttal to German Indology (Part 1)
A book that gives us a whole new understanding of the depths of the Mahabharata.
MahaShivaratri – Experience Shiva’s glory
MahaShivaratri is the day Mahadeva performs Tandava and encourages us to overcome the darkness and ignorance that plague our lives.
Paishacha Vivaha: Not just a Reparation Marriage
Although Dr. Elst's view of "Paishacha Vivaha" as reparation marriage is quite enlightened, it narrows it down to just one issue and assumes that the Hindu society, back in the day, had no mechanism to provide security to women who did not opt for the said reparation.
The slander of Ikshvaku
Fictionalised retelling of the epics, if not consistent with the hermeneutics of the original texts, are slanderous in their effect on how the central characters figure in the readers' imagination.
Pishacha Vivaha – Reparation Marriage
Treating a rape as less consequential if the victim agrees to marry the perpetrator has no place in contemporary society but to call it "patriarchal" is downright silly.
