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Rayalaseema, literally the land of the kings, an arid region in Andhra Pradesh has some phenomenal archaeological sites and famous temples. Who would not know a Tirupati or Srikalahasti temples. Millions visit these two temples every year and the main train junction that connects these two places is a busy Renigunta station. But, look beyond, for this region in the southern end of Rayalaseema has a treasure unknown to many. Gudimallam Shiva is that treasure, by all reckoning the oldest Shiva image found in the country till date. One doesn’t remember the first time one heard Gudimallam or Gudimallam Shiva. But, the image registered in mind over several power point presentations during the Ancient Indian Culture course. There cannot be an AIC or a course in Indian iconography without a mention of Gudimallam Shiva. From larger treatises on Indian iconography to books on Indian temples and images, lots have been written about it, but most of them have remained a knowledge only in acad...

There are very few real Vaidikas left in this country, though many of the shastras, sampradayas that is followed widely consider Vedas as the pramana. Many Brahmin families across the country, though not really Vaidikas in the true sense continue to follow some of the Samskaras prescribed in the Vedas. Vivaha is one such Samskara. We all know that there have been as many as eight different ways of marriage as per the classification and practice available though not all are considered good. Many in modern times may consider the “rituals” related to vivaha meaningless, they may choose to get married under Special Marriage Act in the sub-registrar’s office if they don’t want Hindu marriage. Some who prefer an Arya Samaj wedding to keep the rituals to minimum and also avoid issues there may be involved in mixed sampradaya marriages. In fact one of the Sutras says since there seems to be divergence in rites of marriage, one should ask the women what procedure is to be foll...

This morning I woke up to the images of the grand festival of Kallazhagar descending on to Vaigai River in Madurai. Lakhs gather for days at Madurai celebrating first the wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, Meenakshi’s coronation and their chariot ride and then the Lord of Thirumalirumsolai, Sundararajan, Azhagan visiting Maduari after making a long detour and back to his abode Azhagar Koil. Then one was reminded that it is also Chitra Pournami, and Buddha Purnima. As usual I wanted to pick up one of the Buddha images from my archives and post them – but decided not to do that as my mind was still lingering on the readings of India’s maritime history. Himanshu Prabha Ray’s ‘Beyond Trade: Cultural Roots of India’s Ocean’ has a topic dedicated to the famous port of Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu. Over 250 Buddha bronzes were discovered over a period of 50 years from late 19 th century to early parts of 20 th century and were distributed across museums, the chapter said. Photo...