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Origin of Hinduism in Cambodia - The Khmer Empire, a Hindu-Buddhist Empire of Southeast Asia

Jayasudha Parthasarathy

Origin of Hinduism in Cambodia - The Khmer Empire, a Hindu-Buddhist Empire of Southeast Asia

Hinduism was introduced to Cambodia as early as the 1st century CE, by Indian traders, and maritime explorers who traveled across Southeast Asia. During the Pallava period (3rd–9th century CE), it played a crucial role in shaping Cambodia’s religious and cultural landscape. Through trade and cultural exchanges, Hinduism became deeply ingrained in Khmer civilization, influencing art, architecture, governance, and traditions—many of which endured even as Buddhism later rose to prominence. Funan, an ancient kingdom in Southeast Asia, was the first major Indianized kingdom in Cambodia, profoundly influenced by Hinduism. According to legend, in the 1st–2nd century CE, an Indian Brahmin...

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Sri Vaishnavism: A Tradition of Devotion, Guru-Parampara, and the Legacy of the Alvars

Jayasudha Parthasarathy

Sri Vaishnavism: A Tradition of Devotion, Guru-Parampara, and the Legacy of the Alvars

Vaishnavism, a prominent tradition within Hinduism, centers on devotion (bhakti) to Lord Vishnu and his avatars. As one of Hinduism oldest spiritual traditions, it traces its origins to the Vedic period and underwent significant development in the post-Vedic era. Vishnu is revered as the supreme, all-encompassing deity who sustains and preserves the universe. It is believed that Lord Vishnu incarnates on Earth whenever righteousness (dharma) wanes, to restore cosmic order. Vaishnavism emphasizes profound devotion and total surrender to Lord Vishnu as the supreme path to liberation (moksha). A cornerstone of Vaishnavism is the concept of Guru - parampara (disciplic succession),...

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The Divine Shakthi Goddesses Madurai Meenakshi, Kanchi Kamakshi and Kashi Vishalakshi

Jayasudha Parthasarathy

The Divine Shakthi Goddesses Madurai Meenakshi, Kanchi Kamakshi and Kashi Vishalakshi

India, known for its rich tapestry of culture and spirituality, is home to a myriad of gods and goddesses, each with their unique attributes and significance. Among the many revered deities, three goddesses stand out prominently in the Hindu pantheon, they are Meenakshi, Kamakshi, and Vishalakshi. These three goddesses represent the multifaceted nature of the divine feminine in Hinduism. They embody the qualities of strength, compassion, wisdom, and the power to fulfill the desires of their devotees. Meenakshi Amman, a revered Hindu deity is an avatar of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. The name "Meenakshi" means "fish-eyed," meaning eyes...

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Gita Upadesam - A wood carving depicting the scene of Lord Krishna's teachings to Arjuna

Jayasudha Parthasarathy

Gita Upadesam - A wood carving depicting the scene of Lord Krishna's teachings to Arjuna

The Bhagavad Gita is a part of the popularly known epic Mahabharata that describes the war between the Pandavas (Warrior Prince Arjuna and family) and the Kauravas ( Warrior Prince Duryodhana and family) on the battlefield of Kuru-kshetra. The Gita is the discourse given by Lord Krishna to his disciple Arjuna just before the war is about to begin. Arjuna, the warrior gives up his determination to fight as he sees his relatives, family and teachers in both armies ready to fight and sacrifice their lives. Hence Lord Krishna, the supreme being himself is present as the charioteer for Arjuna, and...

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Arupadaiveedu - The Six Abodes of Lord Murugan

Jayasudha Parthasarathy

Arupadaiveedu - The Six Abodes of Lord Murugan

Lord Murugan, commonly known as the “Tamil God”, is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi and is worshipped by Tamil communities throughout the world. Tamil sangam literature glorifies Murugan as the “Red God seated on a blue peacock, young and beautiful”. Lord Murugan has many names, such as Subrahmanya, Shanmukha, Kaartikeya, Skanda, Kumara, Devasenapati, Saravanabhava, Guha, Swaminathan and many more. In Tamil literature, there are five types of land explained, those being Kurinji (mountainous region), Mullai (forest region), Marutham (agricultural region), Neithal (coastal region) and Palai (desert region). Lord Murugan was the leader of the mountainous region and...

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