Sahapedia

In Conversation with Hermann Kulke: Political Processes and State Formation in Early Medieval India

Podcast | 7 months ago

Political processes and the idea of kingship are central to understanding the culture and history of ancient and early medieval India. In this interview, Hermann Kulke discusses his influential work on integrative state formation, kingship ideology, and tem...

The Experience of Bhakti

Video | 3 years ago

The fifth in a series of videos exploring themes, ideas and values linking Bhakti and Sufi traditions in different regions, this was produced with the support of Bajaj Autos Pvt. Ltd.

Oral History: Mahant Hanunman Nath on Gorakhnath and the Jwalamukhi Shakti Peeth

Video | 3 years ago

In September 2019, Mahant Hanunman Nath, the kothari (custodian) of the Nath establishment Gorakh Dibbi at the Jwala Mukhi Shakti Peeth (Jwala Devi Mandir), spoke to Sahapedia about the story of the temple in the Natha tradition. This video was produced wit...

The Manganiyar of Myajlar

Video | 3 years ago

In the village of Myajlar in the west of Rajasthan is a matha associated with the Natha Sampradaya. The Manganiyar Dera Khan served here for many decades. The Manganiyars are professional musicians whose devotional performances are very popular. This video ...

The Pandharpur Wari

Video | 3 years ago

In July 2019, the Sahapedia team travelled with the palkhi procession of the 13th-century poet saint Dnyaneshwar as it journeyed towards the temple town of Pandharpur in Maharashtra. Every year on the auspicious day of the Ashadhi Ekadashi, lakhs of devotee...

The Dadu Panth

Video | 3 years ago

The Dadu panth is centred on Dadu Dayal, a 16th century sant who promoted the path of inward experience and direct relationship with God. Shot in September 2019, this was produced with the support of Bajaj Autos Pvt. Ltd.

Oral History: Baba Arphalkar on the Origins of the Wari

Video | 3 years ago

Creative Expressions in Bhakti

Video | 3 years ago

A glimpse of how the yearning for the encounter with the Divine and delight in Its manifestations moved spiritual seekers to song, poetry, dance and sculpture in traditions across South Asia. The fourth in a series of videos exploring themes, ideas and valu...

Journeys of the Mind and Body

Video | 3 years ago

Stories of those seeking union with the Divine frequently evoke journeys—away from worldly attachments, through a series of 'muqaam's or stages on the Sufi path, in the company of fellow seekers, or alone. The third in a series of videos exploring themes, i...

Bhakti: The Spirit of Surrender

Video | 3 years ago

Bonding with the Divine through Bhakti or Sufi practice would often call for giving up, be it comforts or one's family, past certainties or the ego. Ideas of surrender or sacrifice are evoked in stories of devotion, in hymns and by pilgrims. The second in a...

Oral Histories: The Story of Fakireshwara of Shirahatti told by S.M. Mohrekar

Video | 3 years ago

S.M. Mohrekar, school principal, tells the story of Fakireshwara of Shirahatti, a 17th-century renunciate. Born of Hindu parents with the blessing of a Sufi, he was initiated by the Sufi guru and his spiritual successor was the Muslim Mouneshwara.

Sites of Siva: The Panchamahabhuta Temples of Tamil Nadu and Andhra

Video | 3 years ago

A glimpse of the stories, songs and ceremonies in temples associated with the five elements in the Tamil Saiva tradition: Ekambareshwara in Kanchi (site of the prithvi lingam or earth lingam), Jambukeshwara in Tirunvannaikaval (water), Arunachaleshwara in T...