The origin of the Kashmiri Muslim Rishi Sufi order is lost in the mists of time. It was under Sheikh Nur-al Din or Nund Rishi that this order became popular during the early part of the 15th century. Nund Rishi is believed to have been mentored by the great Shaivite Yogini Lalleshwari or popularly known… Read More The Muslim Rishis of Kashmir: A Lesson in Religious Syncretism
A modest looking middle age man, dressed in white walked gently on to the stage. The stage, like the man, was frugal: no props, no music, no elaborate lighting. Just a small platform covered with white sheets and white pillows. At one corner of the platform were placed two steel water bowls for the artist… Read More Dastangoi and the Tales that Bind
While we Indians pride ourselves over the rich diversity of communities, race and religion that our country has, it also means dealing with differences and contradictions in the way we live, eat and pray. However there has always been a sense of, not just tolerance, but respect for these differences. This appears to be an… Read More LIVING TOGETHER: 17TH Century Maratha Empire, an Attempt at Harmonious Coexistence
Since the 13th century, Pandharpur in Maharashtra became a birthplace of a religious movement which was born locally but had a universal appeal, going beyond caste and religious identity. This movement was given life to by a saint called Pundalik. According to Bahirat (4 p.6), Pundalik lived before the eighth century A.D. It is believed… Read More The Warkari Movement I : Sant Dnyaneshwar-Beyond Brahmanical Tryranny
A midst the crowded by-lanes of Old Ahmadabad city, in an obscure corner, lies the Pir Mohammad Shah Dargah Trust. You may almost miss its entrance – an ancient stone and mortar arched doorway, partly hidden by the motley shops sprawled around it. Inside the gate lie the dargah, masjid and qutubkhana (library) complex. Born… Read More A Pir and his Possessions
In the year 1592, when men in power were still God fearing and honored their word, a sacred covenant between the Lepchas – the indigenous people of Sikkim, and the Tibetan Bhutias was solemnized. This historical event took place near Gangtok, the present capital of Sikkim. A bull was sacrificed to the Gods and an… Read More Haven on Earth
To the uninitiated, no two religions could be as far apart as Jainism and Islam. The former, carries the principals of non-violence to the extreme, wherein even the lowest life forms such as insects are not to be harmed; while in the latter consumption of certain birds and animals for food is a part of… Read More Derasar and Dargah co-exist in Gandhi’s Gujarat
Ashodara 