The physical structure of Badrinath evokes ambiguity. It does not resemble a classical Hindu temple but looks closer to a Buddhist vihara.

From early Vedic times, the sun is also tied to humanity and death. Surya has two sons who frame the human condition

It is in Jain faith that she came to be associated with geese and peacocks

Here Naraka belonged to an ancient past, in Satya yuga. There is no connection between Varaha and Narasimha

The sacred bond of blood is undone because one man wanted the approval another received.

As in many parts of the world, salt in India is used as a weapon against envy, malice, and invisible forces

With blood on his hands, Indra runs away and hides under water, inside a lotus stalk

And because he lets the boy go, he earns merit and is cured of his human-flesh eating yearnings

But beneath this layer of piety lies a troubling contradiction

The ancient story challenges “modern” gender roles. It is a far more fluid imagination.

Devdutt pattanaik

The sage under the berry tree