The Buzz & Beyond

  Naivedyam: The Ritual Offering The Philosophy Behind Offering Food Sacred Pre-Eating Rituals Offering Food to the Life Forces The Transformative Power of Prasada In Western traditions, it is customary to say a prayer of gratitude—grace—before partaking in a meal. In contrast, followers of Sanatan Dharma practice the sacred act of offering food to God before consuming it, considering it as Prasada , a divine gift. This practice is deeply ingrained in Hindu homes and temples, where the food prepared daily is first presented to the deity before being consumed by the family. The consecrated food (Prasada) is then mixed with the rest of the meal and shared among all members of the household. The act of offering food to God is known as Naivedyam , a Sanskrit term that signifies an offering made with devotion. It represents: A sacred ritual of devotion and surrender to the Divine. A way to express love and allegiance to God. A practice with deep historical and spiritual significance, da...

  Approximately 19 years ago, with chosen verses from Manickavasagam's Thiruvasagam, Raja released an album. Then i wondered how about an album on DivyaPrabandam. Though it is late, it has come out well. Just like a kaleidoscope, this album has tracks depicted various aspects of Sri Krishna's life from his birth, to requesting him to stay back, praying Him to give powers to get rid of senses, the concept of surrender (sharanagati) etc., In the days of innovative changes, Raja stuck to his forte of four - Strings, Woodwind instruments, Brass and Percussions. Thanks for that. Let us go through the Vaaranamaayiram Track now.  The grand entry of the groom is truly a spectacle. To complement this momentous occasion, the music must be equally magnificent. As described by Aandal, the groom makes his entrance, reminiscent of being surrounded by thousands of majestic elephants—or perhaps it's the kings, likened to elephants, who pay homage to his grandeur. For 25 seconds, the Chenda...

The Peril of Freebies in Indian Elections: A Call for Reform The increasing trend of political parties offering "freebies" to voters in India is a cause for serious concern. Promises of free water, electricity, travel, and even monthly stipends have become commonplace in election campaigns. While seemingly benevolent, these promises have detrimental consequences. Firstly, they foster a culture of dependency, discouraging work ethic and initiative among beneficiaries. Secondly, they often represent a misuse of public funds, diverting resources from essential services and infrastructure development. The 2024 general elections witnessed a glaring example, where a prominent leader's extravagant promise of monthly cash transfers to women proved to be an empty electoral ploy. The question of funding for these extravagant promises arises. Taxpayers' money is often the source, making these "freebies" a form of financial fraud. This blatant disregard for fiscal respo...

Temple bells, often found near the entrance, are a familiar sight in many places of worship. Devotees typically ring these bells upon entering, before proceeding for darshan (viewing of the deity) and prayers. The act of ringing the bell is often a source of joy for children, who eagerly reach for it, sometimes with a little help. This raises the question: why do we ring these bells? Is it to awaken the deity? Such a notion seems unlikely, as divine beings are not believed to sleep. Is it to inform them of our arrival? Surely, an omniscient being is already aware of our presence. Or is it a symbolic request for permission to enter? While devotees are considered children of the divine, always welcome in their spiritual home, the reason behind ringing the bell lies deeper. The sound produced by the bell is considered auspicious. It is believed to resonate with the sound of "Aum (Om)," the universal sound representing the divine. This act of ringing the bell is meant to create a...