By Desis, for Desis and Everyone Else!!
This site seeks to demystify Indian customs and culture for anyone who wants to learn more. Hopefully, you find the content interesting, educational and find answers to questions you had, but never asked.
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Happy Holi! (March 25th 2024)
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So many festivals! Yes, India has a LOT of them…
What’s a Desi?
The term “desi” is a term that is commonly used by people from the Indian subcontinent to refer to themselves or other people (origin or ancestry) from the region.
The word “Desi” is derived from the Sanskrit word “desh,” which means “country” or “region” or “homeland”. (‘Sanskrit’ word ‘Desh’? What is Sanskrit?)
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Desi people can come from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives. The term can also be used to describe aspects of Indian origin culture, including food, clothing, music, and art.
What are Yoga and Meditation?
What is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means to yoke or unite, and it is often translated as “union” or “harmony.”
The earliest mention of yoga can be found in the ancient Indian texts known as the Vedas, which were written between 1500 BCE and 500 BCE. These texts include references to various practices that are associated with yoga, such as meditation, breath control, and the chanting of mantras.
The most famous and influential text on yoga is the Yoga Sutras, which was written by the Indian sage Patanjali in the second century BCE.
The Yoga Sutras is a collection of aphorisms that describe the principles and practices of yoga, including the eight limbs of yoga, which are:
- yama (moral codes),
- niyama (self-purification and study),
- asana (postures),
- pranayama (breath control),
- pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses),
- dharana (concentration),
- dhyana (meditation), and
- samadhi (absorption).
Over the centuries, many other texts have been written on yoga, including the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, which was written in the 15th century and describes the physical practices of yoga, such as asanas (postures) and pranayama (breath control), as well as the Yoga Upanishads, which are a collection of texts that describe various aspects of yoga philosophy and practice.
In addition to the textual evidence, there are also many archeological and artistic depictions of yoga poses and practices throughout India’s history.
Today, yoga has become a popular form of exercise and spiritual practice around the world, and there are many different styles and approaches to yoga that draw on the ancient traditions of India.
Who are yogis?
Yogis are practitioners of yoga, and are often seen as spiritual seekers or ascetics who have dedicated their lives to the practice of yoga and meditation. In traditional Indian culture, yogis were highly respected for their spiritual insights and wisdom.
Who were the first yogis?
According to Indian teachings and yogic traditions, Adi Yogi, also known as Lord Shiva, is considered the first yogi and the originator of yoga.
According to the legend, Shiva is said to have shared the knowledge of yoga with his seven disciples, known as the Saptarishis (who were the designated survivors of the last Flood) , in the forests of the Himalayas.
These teachings were eventually passed down through the generations and became the basis for many different yoga practices and traditions.
The title of Adi Yogi is given to Shiva because he is believed to have not only practiced yoga, but also to have created and refined it to be used as a tool for spiritual growth and enlightenment. He is also considered the lord of yogis and the ultimate source of yogic knowledge.
In modern times, there are many different interpretations of the story of Adi Yogi and Shiva’s role in the development of yoga, but his legacy is still widely celebrated and revered by many practitioners of yoga and spirituality.
What are different practices used in yoga?
There are many different yogic practices, both well-known and lesser-known. Some of the most well-known yogic practices include:
- Asanas (postures): These physical postures are designed to stretch and strengthen the body, and prepare the mind for meditation.
- Pranayama (breath control): This practice involves regulating the breath, and can be used to calm the mind and increase energy levels.
- Meditation: There are many different types of meditation, including mindfulness meditation, mantra meditation, and visualization meditation, among others.
- Mudras (hand gestures): These hand gestures are used to direct the flow of energy in the body, and can be used to enhance the benefits of yoga and meditation.
Other lesser-known yogic practices include kriyas (purification techniques), bandhas (energetic locks), and shatkarmas (cleansing practices).
How did Yoga evolve into it’s present form?
The evolution and divergence of yogic practices can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the influence of different teachers and traditions, as well as the social, cultural, and political contexts in which the practices were developed.
Over time, different schools of yoga emerged, each with their own unique approach and philosophy. Today, there are many different styles of yoga, each with its own emphasis and focus.
In recent decades, yoga has become increasingly popular in the Western world, with millions of people practicing it as a form of exercise, stress relief, and overall wellness. This increased popularity has led to the development of new styles of yoga and the creation of many yoga studios and classes around the world.
Yoga was not the only traditional physical activity or practice which originated in India, was it? Are there others?
What are different styles or schools of yoga?
Some of the most well-known schools of yoga include:
- Hatha Yoga: This is one of the most popular styles of yoga in the West, and is characterized by a focus on physical postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama). Hatha yoga is often used as a general term to refer to any style of yoga that emphasizes physical practice.
- Ashtanga Yoga: This style of yoga, also known as “power yoga,” is a physically demanding practice that involves a specific sequence of postures performed in a continuous flow, synchronized with the breath.
- Iyengar Yoga: This style of yoga is characterized by a focus on alignment and precision in the postures, and often uses props (such as blocks and straps) to help students achieve proper alignment.
- Kundalini Yoga: This style of yoga emphasizes the awakening of the “kundalini energy,” or life force, through a combination of physical postures, breathwork, and meditation.
- Bikram Yoga: This style of yoga involves a specific sequence of 26 postures performed in a heated room, and is often marketed as a form of detoxification and stress reduction.
- Jivamukti Yoga: This style of yoga is characterized by a focus on spirituality and activism, and often incorporates music, chanting, and meditation into the practice.
Each of these schools or styles of yoga has its own unique history, philosophy, and approach to practice. While some schools may have specific founders or gurus associated with them, others may have developed more organically over time.
Yoga was not the only traditional physical activity or practice which originated in India, was it? Are there others?
Yes, of course. Check these out!
How are yoga and meditation connected?
Yoga and meditation are closely connected, as meditation is a key component of the practice of yoga. In fact, the practice of yoga asanas, or postures, is often used as a preparation for meditation, as it helps to calm the mind and release tension in the body.
Yoga is an ancient Indian holistic practice that encompasses physical postures, breath control, meditation, and philosophical principles. The practice of yoga is aimed at achieving a state of balance and harmony in the body, mind, and spirit.
Meditation, on the other hand, is a specific practice of focusing the mind and cultivating a state of calm and awareness. There are many different forms of meditation, including mindfulness meditation, mantra meditation, and visualization meditation.
In the context of yoga, meditation is often used as a way to deepen one’s awareness of the body and mind, and to connect with the inner self. By practicing meditation regularly, yoga practitioners can cultivate a sense of inner peace and stillness, and gain insights into the nature of reality and the self.
While yoga and meditation are closely connected, they do have some differences. Yoga is a more physical practice that involves movement and asanas, while meditation is a more mental practice that involves sitting still and focusing the mind. Additionally, while yoga is often practiced in a group setting or in a studio, meditation can be practiced anywhere and at any time, making it more accessible and convenient for many people.
Some commonly known types of meditation
There are many different types of meditation that originated in India, including:
- Vipassana Meditation: This is a Buddhist meditation technique that involves observing the sensations of the body in order to develop insight into the nature of reality.
- Transcendental Meditation: This technique involves the use of a mantra, or a repeated word or phrase, in order to quiet the mind and achieve a state of relaxation and inner peace.
- Yoga Meditation: This type of meditation is often practiced in conjunction with yoga postures and breathing exercises, and involves focusing the mind on the breath or a particular point of concentration in order to quiet the mind and achieve a state of inner peace.
- Mindfulness Meditation: This technique involves bringing one’s attention to the present moment and observing one’s thoughts and emotions without judgment, in order to develop greater self-awareness and mental clarity.
There is no one “best” meditation technique that is popular in India, as different techniques may be more suitable for different individuals based on their personality, lifestyle, and goals. However, Vipassana and Transcendental Meditation are two of the most popular techniques practiced in India and around the world.
Major Schools of Meditation
Here are some more of the major schools or types of meditation, along with a brief description of each and some links to learn more:
Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation: Self-Realization Fellowship was founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920. The organization teaches a system of meditation and spiritual practice that is based on the teachings of the ancient science of Kriya Yoga. The practice involves techniques for controlling the breath and the mind, and for cultivating inner peace and spiritual awareness. Self-Realization Fellowship emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to life that includes physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual development.
Transcendental Meditation (TM) – Developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, TM involves the use of a mantra and a particular technique for attaining deep states of relaxation and self-awareness. It is meant to be practiced twice daily for 20 minutes each time. The organization that teaches TM is called the Global Country of World Peace, and their website is tm.org.
Kundalini Yoga and Meditation – Kundalini yoga is a form of yoga that incorporates physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques. The aim is to awaken the Kundalini energy that is said to reside at the base of the spine and move it upwards through the chakras. Kundalini meditation can involve chanting, visualization, and other techniques meant to help practitioners access higher states of consciousness. The website 3HO.org is a good resource for learning more about Kundalini yoga and meditation.
Art of Living – Founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Art of Living is an organization that teaches a variety of meditation and yoga practices aimed at promoting inner peace and well-being. Their practices often incorporate breathing exercises, chanting, and other techniques meant to reduce stress and increase vitality. The Art of Living website is a good resource for learning more about their practices.
Isha Yoga – Founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Isha Yoga is a spiritual organization that teaches a variety of yoga and meditation practices aimed at promoting inner transformation and well-being. Their practices often incorporate breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation techniques meant to help practitioners access higher states of consciousness. The Isha Foundation website is a good resource for learning more about their practices.
Zen Meditation: Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes the practice of meditation to achieve enlightenment. Zen meditation, also known as Zazen, involves sitting in a particular posture and focusing on the breath. It also involves working with a teacher, studying Zen texts, and participating in retreats. Zen meditation emphasizes direct experience and does not rely on words or concepts. Zen meditation is often practiced in a group setting in a Zen center or monastery.
What is Mindfulness Meditation? It seems different in the class I took.
The Indian type of meditation that is considered the basis for mindfulness meditation used now everywhere is Vipassana meditation. Vipassana is a Pali word that means “insight” or “clear seeing”. It is a meditation technique that originated in India over 2,500 years ago and was taught by the Buddha himself.
Vipassana meditation involves observing the sensations of the body in order to develop insight into the nature of reality.
Mindfulness meditation, which is now used in many therapeutic settings and is a popular form of meditation practiced in the West, is based on the principles of Vipassana meditation.
It involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment, and cultivating an attitude of acceptance, kindness, and curiosity towards one’s experience.
This approach can help individuals to develop greater self-awareness, manage stress and anxiety, and improve their overall well-being.
Ellora Caves
What are the Ellora Caves?
The Ellora Caves are a group of 34 rock-cut temples located near the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, India. The caves were carved out of the volcanic basalt rock in the 6th to 10th centuries CE and represent one of the largest rock-cut monastery-temple cave complexes in the world.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are considered to be one of the greatest examples of rock-cut architecture in India.
Vignettes of Ajanta & Ellora – Google Arts & Culture
The caves are a testament to the religious harmony that existed in ancient India, as they include Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples, all located in close proximity to one another.
The Hindu caves at Ellora are dedicated to the god Shiva and feature elaborate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The Buddhist caves are decorated with intricate paintings and carvings depicting the life and teachings of the Buddha, while the Jain caves feature detailed carvings of Jain tirthankaras (spiritual leaders).
The most famous cave at Ellora is the Kailasa Temple, which is the largest monolithic structure in the world. It was believed to have been built in the 8th century CE (but no hard evidences exist) and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is carved entirely out of a single rock, and it is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures that depict scenes from great Indian epics.
Are Ajanta and Ellora the same?
No. They are very different and both are a must see for anyone to admire and appreciate the artwork which is perhaps the most unique in all of the known world.
Read more about the Ajanta Caves here.
Where are the Ellora caves located?
Ellora Caves are located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, about 30 kilometers from the city of Aurangabad. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are renowned for their rock-cut architecture and intricate sculptures.
Who built the Ellora caves? And when?
The Ellora Caves were built over a period of several centuries, from the 6th to the 10th centuries CE, under the patronage of various rulers and patrons of the time. The exact identities of these rulers and patrons are not known with certainty, as very little historical documentation exists from this period.
However, it is believed that the caves were built by a number of different dynasties and religious groups, including the Rashtrakutas, the Chalukyas, and the Yadavas, who were all powerful South Indian dynasties during this period. These rulers were patrons of the arts and provided financial support for the construction of religious monuments, including the Ellora Caves.
The Hindu caves at Ellora were likely built during the reign of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, who were great patrons of Hinduism and built several large temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Buddhist and Jain caves were likely built during the reign of the Chalukya dynasty, who were known for their support of Buddhism and Jainism.
What is the Kailasa Temple?
The Kailasa temple, located in Cave 16, is considered one of the most remarkable structures in the Ellora Caves. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built in the 8th century AD by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I. It is believed to be the largest monolithic structure in the world, carved out of a single piece of rock.
How long did it take to build this one temple?
The construction of the Kailasa temple is unique and remarkable, with its intricate carvings and sculptural details. It is not clear how long it took to build the temple, but it is believed to have taken several decades.
Who built the Kailasa temple?
Although there is no concrete evidence to suggest who exactly built the Kailasa temple, historians and scholars attribute it to the Rashtrakuta dynasty, based on inscriptions found on the site.
For a good coverage of this temple see this video – the first and last part of this, show this temple.
Are all the caves at Ellora the same?
The rest of the Ellora Caves also feature impressive architecture and intricate sculptures. The Buddhist caves are known for their peaceful aura and contain large statues of the Buddha. The Jain caves are highly ornate, with elaborate carvings and friezes depicting scenes from Jain mythology.
Why is the Kailasa temple considered unique, perhaps in all of India, if not the entire world?
The Kailasa temple at Ellora (Cave 16) is a remarkable example of ancient Indian rock-cut architecture. The temple is carved out of a single massive rock, and its construction required an exceptional level of skill and technical expertise.
To create the temple, the builders first removed the debris and soil surrounding the rock to expose the solid rock face.
Then they would have used hammers and chisels to create a rough outline of the temple’s floor plan, pillars, and sculptures.
The next step would have been to carve the temple’s intricate details, including the reliefs, sculptures, and ornamental motifs, using smaller chisels and polishing tools.
The construction of the Kailasa temple was a complex and time-consuming process, requiring the efforts of skilled artisans, architects, and laborers working over many years. The temple’s sheer scale and complexity, as well as the delicate details of the carvings, would have required an immense amount of effort and patience.
A single mistake would make the entire temple impossible to build. They would have to make sure the SINGLE rock they used does not have any cracks or blemishes INSIDE it. The temple is MULTIPLE stories and is not a tiny temple!
The skill level and design planning, had to be of an unimaginable level!
One glaring thing most visitors will notice is that several of the sculptures of the gods are broken or disfigured. This was the work has been attributed to Aurangazeb one of the mughal rulers. He was a very devout follower of his religion which forbade idolatry and he ordered the destruction of this temple which was too hard, and they eventually gave up after several years.
Why? The sculptures were too hard to break! (It’s a wonder that the original carvers and sculptors were able to carve intricate designs several centuries earlier!)
Is it even possible to build something like the Kailasa temple today?
It is unlikely that such a temple could be built today, at least not in the same way. Modern construction techniques and equipment may be able to achieve a similar outcome, but the level of detail and artistry achieved by the ancient builders is difficult to replicate with modern machinery.
Moreover, the Kailasa temple’s rock-cut architecture is unique to its time and place, and it represents a particular tradition of Indian architectural style that is not widely practiced today. The building of such an intricate structure would also pose significant logistical and financial challenges in today’s world.
Are there any other structures made from a single rock (monolithic) anywhere?
While the Kailasa temple at Ellora is considered one of the most remarkable structures in the world, there are a few other examples of monolithic construction that are comparable in complexity and grandeur.
However, none of them are identical to the Kailasa temple in terms of design or artistic style.
One such example is the Abu Simbel temple complex in Egypt, which was built in the 13th century BC by Pharaoh Ramesses II.
The complex includes two temples, each of which is carved out of a single rock face. The temples are adorned with intricate reliefs and sculptures, and their construction required the efforts of thousands of workers.
Another example is the Lycian tombs in Turkey, which were carved out of solid rock in the 4th century BC. The tombs are ornately decorated with sculptural details, and some of them are several stories high.
However, it is worth noting that the Kailasa temple at Ellora is unique in terms of its size, complexity, and artistic style. The sheer scale and level of detail of the temple’s carvings make it a truly remarkable achievement in the history of world architecture.
Assam – Kaziranga National Park – The hotel
The Hotel in Kaziranga National Forest
BTW this is part 2 of 4 posts
#1 Assam & Meghalaya | #2 See Hotel in Kaziranga | #3 The Nationl Park | #4 A tea Garden
Read more about this park and how they did wonders in conserving the indigenous Asian Rhino population which almost went extinct because of poaching. They are now thriving, thanks to incredible efforts of the forest service and forest guards.
We saw so many villages and dense vegetation, I thought we are still not at the national park. It was a beautiful, scenic drive like all of it. My friend told me that these villages existed well before the area was designated as a protected national park/reserve and allowed to remain.
There were a few choices or resorts/hotels to stay in the park. The newer options were fancier with swimming pools and air conditioning, and restaurants and liquor :).
We stayed at a non commercial rustic built from scratch for an authentic experience; read – no air conditioning. Buildings have locally sourced wood including floor and furniture all done on site.
This was a labor of love for the owner who does not care about making money first. It’s easy to miss the small sign – the only indication that something existed in the tiny dirt road and you will never see it with all the trees surrounding it.
Where we stayed – Wild Grass Lodge
Popular only by word of mouth, this hotel is popular for visitors from all over the world especially bird watchers – birds here have a rich diverse and plentiful population.
They serve a hot dinner. The menu is simply dinner, served course by course with locally sourced in season vegetables and chicken dishes. Traditional, authentic – true to the local cuisine. Great service, subtle, respectful and quiet place.
Did you know that most of the reeds used in those wicker furniture you get in almost all of India – come from Assam? Mostly woven in Assam, too.
The next morning we were alerted that there had been sightings of a small herd of Rhino’s in an area of the park. So we got going….
BTW this is part 2 of 4 posts
#1 Assam & Meghalaya | #2 See Hotel in Kaziranga | #3 The Nationl Park | #4 A tea Garden
The term Desi can refer to people of Indian subcontinent origin or ancestry, or it can refer to the cultural practices and products of the region.
Desi food, will include dishes such as biryani, Pongal, samosas, Dosa, Idli, Parantha, Chawal and dal, while Desi fashion may feature traditional clothing styles like sarees, salwar kameez, Dhoti, and kurta pajama.
Desi music may include traditional folk music (dozens of styles), classical music (also several distinct schools), traditional dance (several traditional and ancient styles) and popular movie or music genres like Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood, Mollywood (all different regional language film industry names – a play on the word Hollywood).
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