By Desis, for Desis and Everyone Else!!
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?)
Did you ever wonder:
What is Indian culture like? Learn more!
Interesting facts about India you didn’t know about!
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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 should we eat?
Nutrition guidance has come a long way, evolving to meet changing dietary needs and knowledge. Let us compare two significant nutrition guides: the Food Pyramid and My Plate. While these are mainly US based guidelines, care should be used while following any guidelines.
The Food Pyramid (1992)
Advantages of the Food Pyramid:
- Simplicity: The Food Pyramid was easy for the average person to grasp and follow.
- Emphasis on Grains, Fruits, and Vegetables: It encouraged a diet rich in grains, fruits, and vegetables, promoting a well-rounded intake.
- Limitation of Unhealthy Fats: It discouraged the excessive consumption of unhealthy fats and oils.
Disadvantages of the Food Pyramid:
- Lack of Grain Differentiation: The Food Pyramid didn’t distinguish between whole grains and refined grains like white bread or rice.
- Protein Oversight: It didn’t emphasize the importance of protein in the diet.
- USDA Funding: Critics pointed out that the Food Pyramid was funded by the USDA, raising concerns about potential industry influence.
My Plate (2011)
Advantages of My Plate:
- Ease of Use: My Plate offers a straightforward visual representation of a balanced meal.
- Fruits and Vegetables Focus: It places a strong emphasis on filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables.
- Clarity on Grains and Protein: My Plate provides clearer guidance on differentiating between grains and protein sources.
Disadvantages of My Plate:
- Neglect of Fats and Oils: My Plate doesn’t differentiate between various types of fats and oils.
- USDA Funding: Similar to the Food Pyramid, My Plate’s connection to the USDA has raised questions regarding potential industry influence.
A simple approach for Overall Health
Maintaining good health doesn’t require following one specific dietary guide. Here are some common-sense tips to help you make informed choices:
- Diverse Diet: Consume a variety of foods from all food groups for balanced nutrition.
- Whole Foods: Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods over processed alternatives.
- Limit Processed Foods: Reduce intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
- Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating.
- Regular Exercise: Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine for a healthy lifestyle.
Seeking Nutritional Guidance
Navigating the sea of nutrition information can be daunting. Here’s how to find reliable advice:
- Trust Reputable Sources: Seek information from trusted organizations like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Mayo Clinic.
- Be Skeptical: Be cautious of exaggerated claims and “miracle” cures; if it sounds too good to be true, it often is.
- Do Your Research: Educate yourself by reading books and articles on nutrition and consulting with professionals like your doctor or a registered dietitian.
Be Cautious, and learn what works
Don’t rely solely on one dietary guide or source of information. Instead, be discerning and gather knowledge from various reputable sources. Tailor your diet to your individual needs, striving for balance and health in your food choices. Remember, you are in control of your nutritional journey.
Epics, Vedas and more
What is an Epic?
An epic is a long narrative poem that typically tells the story of heroic deeds and adventures. Epics usually involve a protagonist who is a legendary or mythological figure and who undertakes a quest or journey of great significance. The style and structure of epics vary across cultures and time periods, but they often include themes such as bravery, honor, love, and the struggle between good and evil.
Epics can be found in many different cultures, including ancient Greek, Roman, Indian, and Norse cultures. Some of the most famous examples of epic poetry include Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, the Mahabharata and Ramayana of India, and the epic poems of Beowulf and Gilgamesh. In addition to poetry, the term “epic” is sometimes used to describe other types of works, such as films, novels, and video games, that share similar themes and storytelling techniques.
How long are these epics?
In terms of length, complexity, and number of characters, the Mahabharata is one of the longest and most complex epic poems in the world. It consists of over 100,000 verses and tells the story of a great war between two branches of a royal family in ancient India. The Mahabharata includes a vast cast of characters, each with their own complex motivations and relationships, as well as philosophical and moral discussions about the nature of existence, duty, and righteousness.
The Ramayana is another ancient Indian epic poem, similar to the Mahabharata in terms of its cultural significance and literary complexity. It tells the story of the prince Rama, who sets out to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. The Ramayana is also a lengthy work, consisting of over 24,000 verses.
While the Ramayana is not as long as the Mahabharata, it is still a complex and nuanced work that explores themes such as loyalty, love, and duty.
The Iliad and Odyssey, both attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer, are also long and complex epic poems. The Iliad tells the story of the Trojan War, while the Odyssey follows the journey of the Greek hero Odysseus as he tries to return home after the war. Both poems feature a large cast of characters and explore themes such as heroism, honor, and the relationships between mortals and gods.
The Epic of Gilgamesh, an ancient Mesopotamian epic, is another long and complex work that features a variety of characters and themes. It tells the story of the eponymous king and his search for immortality, and includes themes such as friendship, mortality, and the relationship between humans and the divine.
How complex are the Indian epics?
There are many supporting stories, subplots, and smaller epics within the Mahabharata and Ramayana that focus on individual characters and their stories in more detail.
For example, within the Mahabharata, there are many subplots and stories that focus on individual characters such as Bhishma, Karna, Draupadi, and Arjuna. These stories explore their backgrounds, motivations, and relationships, and provide greater depth and complexity to the overall narrative of the Mahabharata.
The Mahabharata: Complete and Unabridged (Set of 10 Volumes with Box)
Mahabharata by Amar Chitra Katha- The Birth of Bhagavad Gita- 42 Comic Books in 3 Volumes
Similarly, within the Ramayana, there are many supporting stories and subplots that focus on characters such as Hanuman, Ravana, and Sita. These stories provide greater detail and nuance to the characters and their motivations, and add to the overall richness and complexity of the Ramayana.
Read the Ramayana – see several options
Valmiki’s Ramayana: The Great Indian Epic (Amar Chitra Katha) – Illustrated Comics
Where are these sub plots and stories told?
The stories and characters of the Ramayana and Mahabharata are primarily found in the Puranas and other related texts.
What are Puranas?
The Puranas, which are a collection of ancient Indian texts, and contain many stories and characters from the epics. They are divided into different categories, such as the Mahapuranas and Upapuranas, and include stories about various deities, heroes, and historical figures, as well as philosophical and moral teachings.
Bhagavata Purana
Also known as Srimad Bhagavatam, it is considered one of the most important Puranas by many Indians. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and includes stories of his various incarnations, including Lord Krishna. It also includes philosophical discussions and teachings on dharma (duty), karma (consequences of actions), and bhakti (devotion to the divine).
Vishnu Purana
This Purana is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and includes stories of his various avatars, as well as descriptions of creation and cosmology. It also includes discussions of dharma, karma, and other spiritual topics.
Shiva Purana
This Purana is dedicated to Lord Shiva and includes stories of his various forms and manifestations. It also includes discussions of creation, cosmology, and various spiritual practices associated with Shiva worship.
Markandeya Purana
This Purana is named after the sage Markandeya and includes stories and teachings related to Lord Vishnu and his various avatars. It also includes discussions of karma, dharma, and various spiritual practices.
Agni Purana
This Purana is dedicated to the god Agni and includes stories related to him, as well as discussions of various spiritual practices and rituals. It also includes descriptions of astronomy, astrology, and other topics.
Padma Purana
This Purana is named after the lotus flower that is associated with Lord Vishnu. It includes stories related to Lord Vishnu and his various avatars, as well as discussions of various spiritual practices and topics.
These are just a few examples of the many Puranas that exist. Each Purana typically focuses on a particular deity or set of deities and includes stories, teachings, and discussions related to that deity or set of deities.
What are the Vedas?
The Vedas are a collection of four sacred texts that are considered the oldest and most authoritative scriptures of Hinduism.
They were composed in Vedic Sanskrit, an ancient form of the language, between 1500 BCE and 500 BCE. The four Vedas are:
Rigveda
The oldest and most important of the four Vedas, consisting of hymns and prayers addressed to various deities.
Yajurveda
A collection of ritual texts and instructions for performing Vedic ceremonies and sacrifices.
Samaveda
A collection of melodies and chants used in Vedic rituals.
Atharvaveda
A collection of incantations, and prayers used for a variety of purposes, including healing, protection, and success in battle.
The above are ultra simplified descriptions of the actual content which is very nuanced and voluble.
There are also many other texts associated with the Vedas, such as the Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads, which provide further commentary and interpretation on the Vedas.
What are the Upanishads?
The Upanishads are a collection of philosophical and spiritual texts that explore the nature of reality, the self, and the ultimate goal of human existence (yes, they were asking these questions a very very long time ago and had quite a bit to discuss about what they thought about these).
There are over 200 Upanishads, but the most important ones are the Principal Upanishads, which include the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, the Chandogya Upanishad, and the Taittiriya Upanishad.
The Upanishads are considered to be the end portion of the Vedas, and were composed between 800 BCE and 500 BCE. They are written in prose and contain dialogues between teachers and students, as well as stories and parables that illustrate philosophical concepts in an easy to understand format.
Here are some of the most well-known Upanishads, along with brief descriptions:
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
This is one of the oldest and largest, and is often considered one of the most important. It includes discussions of the nature of Brahman, the supreme reality, and the relationship between the individual soul (atma) and the universal soul (paramatma). (The word soul in English is loosely used here – there are several words in Sanskrit and quite frankly in many languages around the world, which are technically non-translatable – as some concepts and words are harder to get across)
Chandogya Upanishad
This includes discussions of various spiritual practices, including meditation, sacrifice, and the proper recitation of mantras. It also includes discussions of the nature of the self and the relationship between the self and the universe.
Taittiriya Upanishad
This includes discussions of the nature of the self and the universe, as well as various spiritual practices such as meditation, sacrifice, and the recitation of mantras.
Katha Upanishad
This includes the famous story of Nachiketa, a young boy who meets with Yama, the lord of death, and learns about the nature of the self and the universe.
Isha Upanishad
This includes discussions of the nature of Brahman and the relationship between the individual soul and the universal soul. It also includes discussions of various spiritual practices and the concept of karma.
Mundaka Upanishad
This includes discussions of the nature of Brahman and the relationship between the individual soul and the universal soul. It also includes discussions of various spiritual practices and the concept of liberation.
These are just a few examples of the many that exist. Each typically includes discussions of various spiritual practices, as well as philosophical and metaphysical discussions related to the nature of the self and the universe.
What is Itihasa?
In Indian tradition, Itihasa refers to the genre of historical narrative. The two great epics of India, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, are traditionally considered Itihasa, which means “thus indeed it happened” or “so it was”.
Well, it depends on a lot of things!
This is because they are believed to be based on actual historical events, although some parts of the stories are often hard to come to terms with, since they talk of things which in the modern day, some modern scholars find hard to believe could ever be real a long time ago – so must be tall tales…
For example: there is mention of people traveling around on earth and between different worlds – in vimanas (literally flying craft – or airborne vehicles), beings (or a distinctly different kind of people) visiting from different worlds, people traveling between different dimensions (existing in the same place), the passage of time differently when traveling in space and so many things which were only possible or even theorized as potentially possible in modern day in the past few decades.
Additionally, there is mention of usage of some weaponry which sounds very strange and yet very familiar:
In both Mahabharata and Ramayana, there is a description of a weapon called the Brahmastra, which is said to have the power to destroy entire armies and cities or calibrated to destroy whole worlds (kind of like the death star’s (from Star Wars) lasers in an arrow). The descriptions of the Brahmastra in the Mahabharata suggest the after-effects of the weapon resemble radiation sickness.
According to the text, the weapon caused a “great destruction of the earth” and left behind a “terrible aftermath.” The text describes how the land became barren and how the water turned to poison, killing all living creatures. It also describes how the survivors of the weapon suffered from a range of symptoms, including hair loss, skin lesions, and birth defects in their children.
Some scholars have suggested that this weapon was similar to a nuclear weapon or a missile, but others argue that it was a more mythical and symbolic weapon.
The use of the term Itihasa for the Ramayana and the Mahabharata reflects the belief that they are not just mythological stories, but rather accounts of real historical events that have been passed down through generations. The cities mentioned do exist. Some as ruins, some as living cities and some submerged deep in the ocean, flooded some 9-10 thousand years ago (estimated).
These epics are also regarded as sacred texts not just in India but also in a lot of countries around South East Asia, and are studied for their moral, ethical, and philosophical teachings.
The term Itihasa is often used in contrast to the term Purana, which refers to a different genre of Hindu literature that focuses on mythology, cosmology, and other aspects of India tradition. While the Puranas also contain stories of gods and goddesses, they are not considered historical narratives in the same way that the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are.
At the end of the day, one can read and wonder. And a wonderful collection of stories, philosophies and different texts they all are. All of those who read them and ponder and wonder can definitely walk away with a different approach to life, values, adherence to truth, duty, loyalty, existential philosophy and spirituality.
Meenakshi Temple
The Meenakshi Temple is one of the most significant and revered temples in Tamil Nadu, India.
Top Image Credit எஸ்ஸார், CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Where is the Meenakshi Amman Temple?
The Meenakshi Amman (Amman – Mother) It is located in the city of Madurai, and is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, an incarnation of Parvati, and her consort Lord Sundareswarar, who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is also known as the Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple, and is considered one of the finest examples of Tamilian architecture.
Madurai, the city where the temple is located, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history dating back to the 3rd century BCE.
The Meenakshi Temple was built in the 17th century by the Nayak dynasty, who ruled over Madurai at that time. The temple complex covers an area of about 15 acres and is made up of four main entrances or gopurams, which are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The main gopuram is over 50 meters tall, making it one of the tallest temple towers in India.
The main deity of the Meenakshi Temple is Goddess Meenakshi, who is considered the presiding deity of Madurai. She is depicted with four arms, holding a lotus, a parrot, a bow, and a scepter. Lord Sundareswarar, her consort, is depicted with one arm holding a trident and the other in a gesture of blessing.
The Meenakshi Temple is renowned for its Tamilian architectural style, characterized by towering gopurams, intricate carvings, and colorful paintings.
The temple’s pillars, ceilings, and walls are adorned with elaborate sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and daily life. The temple is also famous for its golden lotus tank, which is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance.
Special Features in the temple
Gopurams
A gopuram is a monumental tower, usually ornately decorated, that is a prominent feature of the entrances to many Hindu temples in South India. These towers are typically made of stone or brick, and rise to several stories, with each story featuring intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
In South Indian temple architecture, the gopuram is an essential element and serves as the gateway to the temple’s inner sanctum. It is believed that the gopuram acts as a symbolic boundary between the physical world and the spiritual realm, and that crossing the threshold of the gopuram is equivalent to entering a sacred space.
The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu has 14 gopurams or towers, with the four tallest ones located at the entrances on the four cardinal directions. Each of these gopurams has a unique name and significance, which are as follows:
East Gopuram
This is the main entrance to the temple and is known as the “Indra Vimanam” as it is believed to be the abode of the Hindu god Indra.
South Gopuram
This entrance is known as the “Sundara Pandya Vimanam” named after the Pandya king who is said to have built the gopuram.
West Gopuram
This entrance is called the “Velli Vayil Vimanam” which means “Silver Courtyard Tower.” It is said to have been covered in silver plates in ancient times.
North Gopuram
This entrance is known as the “Kadaka Vimanam” named after the sage Kadamba who is believed to have built it.
The remaining 10 gopurams are smaller and are located within the temple complex. Each of these gopurams also has a unique name and significance, which are as follows:
Ashta Shakthi Mandapam Gopuram
This gopuram leads to the Ashta Shakthi Mandapam, which is a hall dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi’s eight forms.
Kilikoondu Mandapam Gopuram
This gopuram leads to the Kilikoondu Mandapam, which is a hall where the temple elephant is housed.
Ashta Bhuja Gopuram
This gopuram leads to a shrine dedicated to the eight-armed goddess Durga.
Sundareswarar Shrine Gopuram
This gopuram leads to the shrine of the temple’s presiding deity, Lord Sundareswarar.
Meenakshi Nayakkar Mandapam Gopuram
This gopuram leads to a hall used for religious and cultural performances.
Pudu Mandapam Gopuram
This gopuram leads to a hall used for temple processions.
Vasantha Mandapam Gopuram
This gopuram leads to a hall that is used during the spring festival of Vasanthotsavam.
Oonjal Mandapam Gopuram
This gopuram leads to a hall where the deities are placed on swings during festivals.
Kilikoondu Mandapam Vayil Gopuram
This gopuram leads to the courtyard where the temple elephant is bathed.
Shenbaga Vimanam Gopuram
This gopuram leads to a shrine dedicated to the god Vishnu.
Mandapas
Mandapas, are pillared halls or pavilions found in Hindu temples. These halls are used for religious and cultural events such as music, dance, and recitals, and also serve as spaces for devotees to gather and meditate.
The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, has several mantapas within its complex, each with its own unique name and significance. Some of the mantapas in the temple are:
Ashta Shakthi Mandapam
This is a hall dedicated to the eight forms of the goddess Meenakshi, and is located in the eastern part of the temple complex. It is also known as the “Hall of Eight Shakthis” and is used for various cultural and religious events.
Kilikoondu Mandapam
This is a pillared hall located near the temple tank, and is used for storing the temple chariots and the temple elephant.
Meenakshi Nayakar Mandapam
This is a hall located on the northern side of the temple complex and is used for various events such as music concerts and dance performances.
Oonjal Mandapam
This is a pavilion located in the southwest corner of the temple complex and is used during temple festivals. It is also called the “Swing Pavilion” and is where the deities are placed on swings.
Pudu Mandapam
This is a hall located near the eastern entrance of the temple, and is used for various events during temple festivals.
Vasantha Mandapam
This is a hall located on the northern side of the temple complex, and is used during the spring festival of Vasanthotsavam.
Raja Gopuram Mandapam
This is a hall located in the tallest gopuram of the temple, and is used for various events during temple festivals.
Interesting facts about the Meenakshi Temple and the surrounding area include:
- The temple has 14 gopurams, with the tallest one being the southern tower, which is 170 feet tall.
- The temple complex has several shrines and halls, including the 1000-pillar hall, which is renowned for its intricate carvings and sculptures.
- The temple is a popular pilgrimage site, with thousands of devotees visiting every day.
- The temple also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, which celebrates the marriage of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar.
- Madurai, the city where the temple is located, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history dating back to the 3rd century BCE.
- The city has been an important center of trade and culture for centuries and is known for its rich heritage, including its music, dance, and cuisine.
- Madurai is also known for its street food, including the famous Madurai Jigarthanda, a refreshing drink made with milk, almond gum, and nannari syrup, and the delicious Madurai idli, which is softer and fluffier than the typical South Indian idli.
- Madurai is also home to several other important temples, including the Koodal Azhagar Temple, the Pazhamudhir Solai Temple, and the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, all of which are worth visiting.
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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