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#Mahabharata

Wanderlust

This extraordinary destination offers a rich tapestry of historical wonders!

Mahabalipuram, a captivating coastal town in southern India, stands out as an extraordinary destination that offers a rich tapestry of historical wonders. Among these remarkable treasures is the Pancha Rathas, also known as the Five Rathas, an unparalleled monument complex that leaves visitors awe-inspired.  Situated within the Group of Monuments in Mahabalipuram, a distinguished UNESCO World Heritage site, the Pancha Rathas stands as proof of the architectural genius and artistic achievements of the Pallava dynasty, flourishing during the 7th and 8th centuries. The Pancha Rathas complex showcases five monolithic structures, each intricately carved from a single granite rock formation. They are named after the revered characters from the epic Mahabharata, belonging to the Pandava brothers and their wife, Draupadi.  The grandeur begins with the Dharmaraja Ratha, the largest and most lavishly adorned of the rathas, dedicated to Shiva and symbolizing Yudhishthira.  The Bhima Ratha, devoted to Vishnu and honoring Bhima, the second Pandava sibling, follows suit. Indra, the sun god, finds representation in the Arjuna Ratha, dedicated to Arjuna, the valiant third brother.  The Nakula Sahadeva Ratha, named after the Pandava brothers Nakula and Sahadeva, pays homage to Yama, the god of death. Lastly, the Draupadi Ratha, uniquely shaped like a semi-circular hut, is dedicated to Durga and represents the wife of the Pandava brothers, Draupadi. These five majestic monuments stand as exemplary specimens of rock-cut architecture in Mahabalipuram, attracting travelers from all corners of the globe. Exploring the intricacies of these structures, one can truly appreciate the skill and craftsmanship of the Pallava dynasty, while also unraveling the captivating tales of the Mahabharata.  As visitors venture through the Group of Monuments in Mahabalipuram, they are transported back in time, enveloped in the allure of a bygone era. The Pancha Rathas, an architectural marvel, remains an unmissable gem within this fascinating historical enclave.

16 Jun 2023
Wanderlust

Star Citizens

From Kolkata to California: Artist's Extraordinary Mythological Art Receives Worldwide Acclaim

Renowned Kolkata-based artist Prithviraj Choudhury has captured the attention of art enthusiasts worldwide with his captivating artwork depicting the intricate storyline of the Mahabharata. His exceptional talent and artistic vision have earned him the esteemed Certificate of Recognition from the California State Legislature Assembly, providing a platform to showcase the rich tradition of mythological art prevalent in India. Speaking to India Today, Choudhury stated that he was honored and humbled to have received the highly sought-after Certificate of Recognition from the California State Legislature Assembly. He explained that he had been working on the 'Kolkata Kalighata School of Art' and had been focusing on Indian Mythology. He added that he had been fortunate enough to introduce this art form to various parts of California and the United States of America. Describing himself as a true patriot, he expressed his excitement at the opportunity to showcase India through the mediums of art and mythology. Choudhury's artwork is characterized by bold brush strokes and a vibrant palette dominated by three primary colors: blue, red, and yellow. These colors, he explains, hold individual significance while harmoniously coexisting to create captivating compositions. In an interview with India Today, the artist revealed his fascination with wild and vivid hues, which led him to incorporate these three primary colors in his pieces. The recognition bestowed upon Choudhury by the California State Legislature Assembly not only celebrates his artistic prowess but also proves the enduring allure of Indian mythology and its ability to resonate with audiences across borders. Through his unique artistic expressions, Choudhury has successfully bridged cultures and sparked an appreciation for the rich heritage and storytelling traditions of India.

12 Jun 2023
Star Citizens

Rare manuscripts of Jaimini found by two scholars in Kolkata

When it comes to re-telling of Mahabharata, Jaimini, student of Ved Vyasa has been considered as ancient Indian scholar and has been held as a great esteem. But unfortunately due to its lost manuscripts there has been no details about the same. However, two city scholars visiting Chennai Oriental Manuscripts Library came across some palm leaf manuscripts which turned out to be Jaimini's version of the epic. Retired IAS officer PRadip Bhattacharya and Major General Shekhar Kumar Sen, were researching on the ‘Mahabharata’. They could not decipher the Grantha (Sanskrit texts written in Tamil script) on the leaves and had to bring in someone to translate it into Devanagari.  As per the report published in The Times of India, “Bhattacharya said, “It was then that we realised we had stumbled upon a treasure trove. They were Jaimini's manuscripts, something that had eluded all eyes for so many hundreds of years.” The scholars found both complete and incomplete manuscripts by Jaimini. Of the complete ones, they chose 'Mairavana Carita' and 'Sahasramukharavana Caritram' to work on. "We found the National Manuscripts Mission was as excited as we were about the discovery. The Mission joined us in publishing this first ever critical edition of the texts along with the English translation in verse," Bhattacharya said. Both the texts that were found by the scholars deal with episodes not found in Valmiki's 'Ramayana'. While 'Mairavana Carita' deals with the demon Mairavan who kidnaps Rama and Lakshmana to be rescued by Hanuman, the 'Sahasramukharavana Caritram', also called the 'Sita Vijay', is a story where Sita dons the warrior's garb to fight and kill Ravana's brother. While they were researching, the two scholars traced the stories to Cambodia where they found ancient paintings on palaces and temple walls corroborating them.  "Rather than Krishna's dominance, we read about Hanuman, a Shiva devotee, as the hero. In the second book, Sita embraces the power of Shakti/Kali to decimate the thousand-headed demon. These are unique stories that we had never heard before and are part of Jaimini's imagination. At a time when Vishnu loomed large over our epics, you see a clear Shaivaite and Shakta influence in these two works, which are of great importance for scholars," Bhattacharya explained.

16 May 2017
Star Citizens

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