News, articles and Essays on Sanatana Dharma, Hinduism and Indian way of life.
The Palace on Wheels was launched in 1982 as a joint initiative of the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways. It is widely regarded as India’s first luxury heritage train and is designed to recreate the royal travel experience of Rajasthan through palace-style cabins, fine dining, guided excursions and curated cultural hospitality.
Somnath’s antiquity is referenced in texts including the Mahabharata, Skanda Purana, Bhagavata Purana, and several ancient pilgrimage traditions. Prabhas Patan became an important tirtha in western India and attracted pilgrims for centuries.
His royal name itself carries meaning. Uthiyan or Udiyan appears to be his personal or dynastic name, while Cheralathan marks him as a Chera ruler. He also bore the title Vanavaramban, which has been interpreted as “one whose kingdom is bounded by the sky” or, in another reading, “one whose boundary is the sea.” Sesha Aiyar connects this title with the idea of a wide territory, maritime power and conquests, rather than treating it as a casual ornament.
The temple is believed by tradition to have been consecrated by Parasurama, the legendary sage-warrior who is also connected in Kerala lore with the creation of the land itself. This gives Achankovil the aura of an ancient sacred geography rather than merely a local shrine. Kerala Tourism describes it as a forest temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, surrounded by lush greenery and linked strongly with healing lore, especially the belief that the deity protects devotees from poison and snakebite.
The new trains are being positioned as an important bridge between India’s spiritual heartland and Maharashtra’s major economic centres. The Banaras–Hadapsar route will improve access to Kashi Vishwanath Dham and connect Varanasi with Pune, one of India’s leading education, IT, manufacturing and defence-linked cities. The Ayodhya–Mumbai route will strengthen access to the Shri Ram Mandir Teerth Kshetra while giving passengers from eastern Uttar Pradesh and central India a direct, affordable link to Mumbai’s Lokmanya Tilak Terminus.
Tarabai was born into the powerful Mohite clan of the Marathas. Her father was Hambirrao Mohite, one of the most important Maratha commanders and the Sarnobat, or commander-in-chief, under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
He also made substantial contributions to trigonometry, producing accurate sine tables and refining computational techniques that were vital for astronomical calculations. Astronomy and mathematics were closely intertwined in his work, as precise trigonometric values were essential for predicting planetary motions and eclipses.
The presiding deity is Sree Krishna in the Parthasarathi form. This is one of the most meaningful forms of Krishna because it recalls the Mahabharata, where Krishna becomes the charioteer and guide of Arjuna
The rule is aimed at reducing disturbance to wildlife and restoring discipline inside safari routes. Similar measures have been reported in other protected areas, with some parks asking visitors to deposit phones at entry gates and others requiring devices to remain switched off during the drive.
She belonged to the Kakatiya dynasty, the great Telugu power that had risen from feudatory status to imperial authority in the Deccan.
