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
For all those who equate organised religion to dharma and who, due to their narrow mind set, are compelled to box pluralistic saints like Kabir and Shirdi Sai baba into Hindu/Muslim categories, for them, Sant Eknath is an enigma, an embarrassment. His Guru – Swami Janardan, is claimed, by some scholars, to be a Sufi.… Read More The Warkari Movement II: EKNATH- A Brahmin Saint and a Sufi’s Disciple who Embraced Dalits
Ashodara 