WHEN BILLIONAIRES SPEAK OF ANTICHRIST (Economic Times 25/10/25) “Peter Thiel’s argument reveals the engineering obsession of seeing everything as a problem and seeking the final solution” DEVDUTT PATTANAIK, AUTHOR OF BUSINESS SUTRA
Peter Thiel– venture capitalist and PayPal co-founder — recently used the Christian myth of Antichrist to describe everyone who fears and resists technological change. In other words, for him, technology is Christ, saviour, God even. In his recent lecture series and interviews, he develops a worldview that fuses Christian apocalyptic language with libertarian suspicion of regulation. It reveals the anxieties that plague him despite great wealth, power and success. Here is a man of science appealing to humans to ‘trust’ technology. Like the know-it-all guru. Christian myth never talks of nature. It considers human suffering the direct result of failure to obey God. Christ exists to save humanity. He offers the promise of paradise. He is the shepherd of lost sheep. The Antichrist is the great king who opposes him, who wants humanity to stay trapped in sin and suffering. This notion is elaborated in the Book of Revelation that speaks of the end of times as a great war– the Apocalypse. This evangelical language is very popular in America. It is how every politician speaks. This myth makes no sense to the Chinese or to Indians who subscribe to other kinds of myths, one where the world has no beginning or end, where nature is always greater than culture. Neither Chinese nor Indian myth speaks of saviours, Judgement Day or Apocalypse. The idea of endless progress and growth makes no sense in these ancient worldviews. By contrast, the West has always wanted to save the world. Hollywood movies keep repeating the trope– Superman, Batman, Harry Potter, everyone is busy saving the world from evil. It is how the West saw itself when it spread Christianity and later Industrialization. This is how colonization and slavery was justified. Globalization was also meant to save the world. As was cryptocurrency. Now AI is the new Jesus. Thiel’s argument reveals the engineering obsession of seeing everything as a problem and seeking the final solution. Western myth always ends with tales of great wars: Apocalypse. Hence the finality in Thiel’s declaration that the Antichrist wants to stop all science, slow or control AI, biotechnology, and other transformative tools of the 21st century. In his mind, today’s climate activists and global regulators echo the biblical warnings of false saviours who promise safety in exchange for obedience. For years, he’s warned about technological stagnation –his famous line, “We wanted flying cars, instead we got 140 characters,” became a rallying cry for those who feel innovation has been suffocated by bureaucracy. Now, he’s dressing that grievance in religious robes. The danger for him is not runaway technology, but runaway bureaucracy. Thiel’s political philosophy valorises individual freedom. His Christ has nothing to do with love. It has everything to do with efficiency, effectiveness and productivity. Like most materialists, he believes food takes away hunger. He does not wonder why his success has not made him content. The world is as bad, or worse, as it was before he existed. He does not see his own addiction to wealth, power, and control. He is oblivious of his own delusion. Like most technocrats, he is very smart, but not wise. Wisdom demands perspective and empathy. Thiel’s way of thinking reveals what happens when science rips out the study of culture and mocks it as stories, when success makes you think you are indispensable. These are core Buddhist and Jain ideas that are at odds with Christian myth. Thiel’s Antichrist may seem like a mirror held up to our anxieties about the future: who will control it, and at what cost. But he is no different from the ‘woke’ who until recently accused all those restraining them as being ‘fascist’ and relished in ‘cancel culture’ Thiel’s words can be used against him. That he is the clever Antichrist who seeks to enslave humanity with his tools and technology, determining who must live, who must die, who has the IQ worthy of being insured. He forgets that technology cannot regulate emotions. Technology does not resolve human insecurity. Technology will never make the world predictable, for someone will always disrupt old technology with new technology. Every technocrat wants to play God and views his competitors and opponents, and his tax-collector, as the Antichrist. Ultimately, Thiel’s language reminds us that despite science and technology, despite billions in the bank, no humans can ever escape the myth that shapes the way they see the world.
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:
Once, in the city of Kanyakubja (present-day Kannauj), there lived a Brahmin named Ajamila.He had studied all the Vedic scriptures from a very young age. He was noble in character and conduct. Well-mannered, free from false pride, he was upright and kind to all living beings.
One day, when Ajamila was gathering flowers in the forest for his daily puja, he saw a beautiful enchantress. Her beauty captivated him, and immediately he fell under her wicked spell.
Soon, Ajamila drove out his faithful wife and elderly parents from his home. He married the enchantress and had many children with her. Ajamila, who had once led a chaste life, now spent his days trying to please his immoral wife. He indulged in many sinful activities that he would have never done before.
Despite being born a Brahmin, Ajamila started killing innocent animals to feed his large family. He began stealing and cheating others, and even encouraged his sons to follow a similar sinful path.
Among all his children, Ajamila was especially fond of his youngest son. His name was Narayana. The child’s innocent behaviour and playful ways had won over Ajamila’s heart. He spent most of his time with Narayana.
Years passed, one day, when Ajamila was old and on his deathbed, he saw three Yamadutas, the terrifying servants of Yamaraja, the god of death, coming towards him. They had come to take Ajamila’s soul and punish him for all the sins that he had committed in his life.
Gripped by intense fear, Ajamila began to weep. In panic, he started calling out the name “Narayana,” which was his beloved son’s name.And, he kept calling ‘Narayana’ on and on, without realising that he was actually chanting the holy name of Lord Narayana.
The Vishnudutas, who weremessengers of Lord Vishnu, heard the holy name of their Lord being chanted by Ajamila on his deathbed, and immediately, they rushed to the scene.
Just as the Yamadutas were about to pull Ajamila’s soul out of his body, the Vishnudutas arrived there and tried to stop them. But the Yamadutas refused to listen. They insisted that Ajamila should be punished for his sins. The Vishnudutas then explained, “Ajamila has already atoned for his sins. Not only those sins committed in this life, but also for those committed over millions of lifetimes, simply by chanting the holy name of Narayana in his helpless state. The name of the Lord is divine. Even though Ajamila was unaware, each time he called his son by his name Narayana, he was actually chanting the Lord’s name and cleansing himself of his sins. Lord Narayana protects those who chant His Holy Name.”
The Yamadutas were thus silenced by the profound wisdom of the Vishnudutas. Defeated, they returned to Yamaraja, their master, and recounted all that had happened. Yamaraja concurred with what they had been told. He said, “What you have heard is true. Although I’m your master, Lord Narayana is the Supreme Lord of the entire universe, and we are all His servants.” He added, “Just as a king has ministers to carry out his commands, I and other demigods work under the direction of the Supreme Lord.”
Yamaraja then explained the rewards of chanting the holy name of Lord Narayana:
“Even the most sinful person is taken to the Supreme Lord’s abode, and he is freed from all punishment if he chants the holy name of Lord Narayana at the time of his death. Lord Narayana will always protect those who chant His holy name.”
He then advised his servants never to bring a person who chants the Holy Name or engages in the devotional service to Lord Narayana. Instead, they should bring only those who do not chant or fail to remember the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord.
Ajamila sincerely bowed to the Vishnudutas when he realised he had been saved from the Yamadutas. He expressed gratitude for rescuing him from going to Naraka. Reflecting on his past sins, Ajamila was filled with remorse for having abandoned his first wife and parents. He now clearly saw the wrongs he had committed.
Ajamila now understood the immense power in chanting the holy name of Lord Narayana. He deeply regretted wasting his life in sinful acts and resolved that, if given a second chance, he would dedicate himself to the service of the Lord.
By the mercy of the Lord Narayana, Ajamila was granted a second chance to live. He seized the opportunity and went to Haridwar, where he spent the rest of his life chanting and serving Lord Vishnu, also known as Lord Narayana.
One day, when Ajamila was meditating, he saw a golden aircraft descending from the sky. Inside it were the same Vishnudutas who had saved him earlier. They had now come to take him to his eternal home,the abode of Lord Narayana.
Ajamila peacefully left his body on the banks of the sacred Ganga River in Haridwar and joined the Vishnudutas to serve his Supreme Lord forever.
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:
Everyone fears death, but birth and death are laws of creation. It is essential for the balance of the universe. Without it, humans would dominate one another.
How? Read this story:
*Once, a king visited a sage who was sitting under a tree outside his kingdom. He asked, “O Swami! If there is any herb or medicine that can grant immortality, please let me know.”*
The sage replied,
“O King! Please cross the two mountains in front of you. There, you will find a lake. Drink its water, and you will become immortal.”
*After crossing the two mountains, the king found a lake. As he was about to drink the water, he heard painful groans. Following the sound, he found a very weak man lying in pain.*
When the king asked the reason, the man said, “I drank the water from the lake and became immortal. After I turned a hundred years old, my son threw me out of the house. I have been lying here for the last fifty years with no one to care for me. My son has passed away, and my grandchildren are now grown. I have stopped eating and drinking, yet I am still alive.”
*The king pondered, “What is the use of immortality with old age? What if I gain youth along with immortality?” He went back to the sage to find a solution and asked, “Please tell me how I can gain both immortality and youth.”*
The sage replied, “After crossing the lake, you will find another mountain. Cross it, and you will find a tree filled with yellow fruits. Eat one of them, and you will gain both immortality and youth.”
*The king crossed another mountain and found a tree filled with yellow fruits. As he was about to pluck and eat one, he heard loud arguments and fighting. He wondered who could be quarrelling in such a remote place.*
He saw four young men arguing loudly. The king asked why they were fighting. One of them said, “I am 250 years old, and the man on my right is 300 years old. He is not giving me my share of the property.”
*When the king asked the man on the right, he said, “My father, who is 350 years old, is still alive and hasn’t given me my share. How can I give mine to my son?”*
The man pointed to his father, who was 400 years old, and shared the same complaint. All of them told the king that their endless fight for property had forced the villagers to expel them from the village.
*Shocked, the king returned to the sage and said, “Thank you for teaching me the importance of death.”*
The sage then said, *”Because death exists, there is love in the world.”*
*”Instead of trying to avoid death, live each day and every moment happily.* Change yourself, and the world will change.”
1. *When you chant the name of God while bathing, it becomes a holy bath.*
2. When you chant while eating, the food becomes sacred.
3. *When you chant while walking, it becomes a pilgrimage.*
4. When you chant while cooking, the food becomes divine.
5. *When you chant before sleeping, it becomes meditative sleep.*
6. When you chant while working, it becomes devotion.
7. *When you chant at home, it turns into a sacred space.*
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety in content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause? The bank details are given below:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION
Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)
IFSC code: BKID0006805
*
Kamlesh Tripathi’s Publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 8 prestigious libraries of the US which include Harvard College Library; Harvard University Library; Library of Congress; University of Washington, Seattle; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Yale University, New Haven; University of Chicago; University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill University Libraries. It can also be accessed at MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in libraries and archives of Canada; Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai; Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, India; Shoolini University, Yogananda Knowledge Center, Himachal Pradesh and Azim Premzi University, Bangalore).
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi; It is also available for reading in the Indian National Bibliography, March 2016, in the literature section, in Central Reference Library, Ministry of Culture, India, Belvedere, Kolkata-700022)
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity, which is the undying characteristic of Lucknow. The book was launched at the Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2014. It is included for reading in Askews and Holts Library Services, Lancashire, U.K; Herrick District Library, Holland and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, USA; Black Gold Cooperative Library Administration, Arroyo Grande, California; Berkeley Library, University of California).
REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD
(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched at the Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2016).
TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN
(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his way through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February 2018 at Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
RHYTHM … in poems
(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day-to-day life. A few poems from the book have been published in Shillong Times, Bandra Times and Bhavan’s Journal. The book is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
MIRAGE
(Published in February 2020. The book is a collection of eight short stories available on Amazon, Flipkart and Notion Press)
AWADH ASSAM AND DALAI LAMA … The Kalachakra
(The story of the man who received His Holiness The Dalai Lama and his retinue in 1959 as a GOI representative when he fled Tibet in 1959. The book was launched on 21st November 2022 by His Holiness The Dalai Lama at Dharmshala. The title is archived in the library of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) Government of Tibet, Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) and the personal library of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. The title is also archived in The Ohio Digital Library, USA. It was recently included in the digital library of the world-renowned company APPLE).
BHAVANS JOURNAL
Short stories, Book reviews and Articles published in Bhavan’s Journal: 1. Reality and Perception, 15.10.19; 2. Sending the Wrong Message, 31.5.20; 3.Eagle versus Scholars June, 15 & 20, 2020; 4.Indica, 15.8.20; 5.The Story of King Chitraketu, August 31 2020; 6.Breaking Through the Chakravyuh, September 30 2020. 7. The Questioning Spouse, October 31, 2020; 8. Happy Days, November 15, 2020; 9.The Karma Cycle of Paddy and Wheat, December 15, 2020; 10.Power Vs Influence, January 31, 2021; 11.Three Refugees, March 15, 2021; 12.Rise and Fall of Ajatashatru, March 31, 2021; 13.Reformed Ruler, May 15, 2021; 14.A Lasting Name, May 31, 2021; 15.Are Animals Better Teachers? June 16, 2021; 16.Book Review: The Gram Swaraj, 1.7.21; 17.Right Age for Achievements, 15.7.21; 18.Big Things Have Small Beginnings, 15.8.21; 19.Where is Gangaridai?, 15.9.21; 20.Confront the Donkey Within You 30.9.21; 21. Know Your Strengths 15.10.21; 22. Poverty 15.11.21; 23. Top View 30.11.21; 24. The Bansuriwala 15.1.22; 25.Sale of Alaska 15.2.22; 26.The Dimasa Kingdom 28.2.22; 27. Buried Treasure 15.4.22; 28. The Kingdom of Pragjyotisha 30.4.22; 29.Who is more useful? 15.5.22; 30. The White Swan from Lake Mansarovar 30.6.22; 31. Bhool Bhulayya 15.9.22; 32. Good Karma 30.9.22; 33. Good Name vs Bad Name 15.10.22; 34.Uttarapath—The Grand Trunk Road 1.12.22; 35.When Gods Get Angry 1.1.23; 36. Holinshed’s Chronicles 15.1.23; 37. Theogony 15.2.23; 38. Poem: Mother 14.5.23; 39. THE NAG MANDIR 30.6.23; 40. The Story of Garuda 30.7.23; 41. Janmabhoomi vs Karmabhoomi 31.8.23; 42. The Ghost Town of Kuldhara 15.9.23; 43. The Tale of Genji 15.10.23; 44. The Soul Connection 1.12.23;
SHILLONG TIMES—SUNDAY EDITION
ARTICLES & POEMS: 1. POEM: HAPPY NEW YEAR 8.1.23; 2. POEM: SPRING 12.3.23; 3. POEM: RIGHT AND WRONG 20.3.23; 4. THE GUSH OF EMOTION—WRITING, 26.3.23; 5. THE NAG MANDIR, 7.5.23; 6. POEM:MOTHER 7.5.23; 7. POEM: RAIN RAIN 9.7.23; 8. POEM:YOU COME ALONE YOUGO ALONE 6.8.23; 9. RAIN RAIN (SECOND TIME) 10.8.23; 10. POEM: GURU TEACHER 10.8.23; 11. POEM: AUTUMN … THE INTERIM HEAVEN 15.10.23; 12. POEM: HAPPY DIWALI 12.11.23; 13. OVERCOMING BLINDNESS: LEARN IT THE JOHN MILTON WAY 10.12.23;
29.12.2020: INDICA BY MEGASTHENES; 14.3.22: ABOUT THE DIMASA KINGDOM ASSAM; 10.12.22: GRAND TRUNK ROAD-UTTARAPATH; 5.10.23: THE GHOST TOWN OF KULDHARA NEAR JAISALMER;
(ALL THE ABOVE BOOK TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE ON AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)
The Cologne Cathedral nests in the North Rhine—Westphalia region in Germany. It is a stupendous structure with captivating architecture and a splendid interior gracing the Christian faith. I was recently there. We came in from Amsterdam. Cologne Cathedral is the chair of the Archbishop of Cologne. It is a wondrous monument—a Roman Catholic Church with scintillating Gothic architecture. It was pronounced a World Heritage Site in 1996. And is easily Germany’s most appreciated landmark, attracting, an average of 20,000 people per day. At 157 m (515 ft), the cathedral is the tallest twin-spired church in the world. Besides it is the second tallest church in Europe after Ulm Minster—which happens to be the tallest church in the world located in Baden Wurttemberg Germany and the third tallest church of any kind in the world. It is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe. Its two towering spires give the cathedral the most prominent façade when compared to any other church in the world. Its choir has the largest height-to-width ratio, 3.6:1, compared to any medieval church. The cathedral stands tall in the middle of the city. It has a huge sprawling market area around it. Many individual artists including solo musicians perform in front of the church. Even though the construction of the church began in 1248 it took around 632 years for it to complete. At the first glance, the architecture seems entirely homogenous. This was achievable only because every generation of builders adhered to the original master plan without any deviation. They were aware that they would never see the completion of the project, so they never deviated from the original plan. The construction of this Gothic masterpiece started in 1248 and took place in several stages but wasn’t completed until 1880. If you are not familiar with the Christian religion, you can find general rules of conduct displayed here. A visitor in the church can immerse himself in the solemn atmosphere, or he can relish the soothing silence, or even take time out to think about one’s life or even get into a personal prayer.
STAGES OFCONSTRUCTION
The construction of the Cathedral commenced in 1248 with the laying of the foundation stone but was halted in 1560. There is archaeological evidence of the first church on this site in the 6th century. The decision to build a new cathedral on this site was preceded by the transfer of the relics of the Magi to Cologne in 1164. The veneration of the Magi goes back to those “wise men from the East”. Probably around 1190 the work on the shrine began, which to a great extent involved goldsmith Nicholas of Verdun and his workshop. Around 1225 planning began for a new church that was to be used both as bishop’s and pilgrims’ church alike. On Saturday 15 August 1248, Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden laid the foundation stone of the Gothic cathedral.
Shortly after 1260, the ground floor of the choir was completed, and the first altars were consecrated. At the beginning of the 14th century, the cathedral’s choir was architecturally completed and equipped further in the years to follow. On 27 September 1322, the choir was solemnly consecrated. On this occasion, the Shrine of the Magi was temporarily set up in the new cathedral’s Axis Chappel. During this time, the ambulatory was used as a pilgrim’s path. According to a source from the 15th century, it was planned, to establish the Shrine of Magi at the intersection (crossing) of the church after the cathedral was completed, in order to create a focal point for it. But sadly, the cathedral could not be completed within the required time frame.
After the consecration of the choir, the building work slowed down. According to a source, in 1331 the work was carried out on the foundations of the southern aisles. Around 1360 work began on the south steeple’s walls after the completion of the corresponding foundations. At the beginning of the 15th century, the south steeple was completed up to a height of 58 metres.
Meanwhile, the construction of the Cathedral carried on. Around 1520 the building work came to a standstill. At that time apart from the cathedral’s completed choir, the ground floor of the nave and parts of the transept were usable, and the two lower storeys of the south steeple were completed.
But, sadly with the invasion of troops during the French Revolution in 1794, the Archdiocese of Cologne was abolished, and the cathedral was temporarily used as a fodder storage room and prisoner-of-war camp. From 1801 it was again used as an ordinary parish church. Only in 1821, the Archdiocese of Cologne was re-established and the cathedral was again elevated to the status of a bishop’s church.
In 1842, after years of waiting, the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm IV laid the foundation stone to resume construction. In 1880, after 38 years, the final stone was inserted on the south steeple in the presence of Emperor Wilhelm I. In the 19th century, the cathedral was completed in its present form.
But during the Second World War Cologne was reduced to rubble. The cathedral was also severely damaged by numerous bombs. Entire bays of the vault had collapsed and various windows were reduced to smithereens. At the northwestern buttress of the west facade, a bomb tore an enormous hole which was repaired with a makeshift filling containing over 20,000 bricks. Because of its indestructible construction, the cathedral withstood the shock waves and the vibrations. At the end of the war, there was massive destruction, though apparently it appeared undamaged. Fortunately, during the war, many artefacts were evacuated or protected inside the cathedral. The windows particularly those of the Middle Ages, were taken out, whereas those of the 19th century were largely destroyed.
IMPORTANT DO’S AND DON’TS:
Visitors are welcome to attend the divine services in the cathedral but they must respect its dignity. Individual tours are not allowed during divine services. Speaking loudly is not permitted as it disturbs the people praying. This applies particularly to the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. During religious ceremonies or services, you are asked not to walk about or take pictures. Supervisory staff/Domschweizer- wearing red gowns ensures that silence and order are maintained in the cathedral and you’re requested to follow their instructions. Photography is permitted but without a tripod and flash and only for private and not commercial use. You are required to take pictures with care and consideration. The so-called “selfie sticks” are not permitted. Group pictures in front of altars and other such places of devotion are considered disturbing and therefore disrespectful. Guided tours always have to be registered and may only be given by authorised or licensed cathedral guides. Headgear is to be removed by men … In Christianity, this is a symbol of respecting a sacred place. Women, however, may keep their headgear on. Exempted from the obligation of removing one’s headgear are male members of various religious communities (e.g. Hindus with turban, Jews with a kipa, and dignitaries of Christian Churches). Clothes should be appropriate for the place. Inappropriate are sleeveless and belly tops as well as shorts or short skirts. Using Mobile phones, smoking, eating and drinking are prohibited. Animals like dogs are not allowed in the cathedral. The only exceptions are guide dogs for the blind. The DOMFORUM is the cathedral’s visitor centre, where you’ll find a whole lot of information about the Cathedral and the Churches in Cologne. It is situated diagonally opposite the west facade of the cathedral. It offers a wide range of information about faith, the Church itself, culture and the city. They offer daily public tours of the cathedral in German and English. They also offer public tours of the excavations below the cathedral. They provide information about guided tours, divine services and other offers of the cathedral, which include the Romanesque churches and many other churches of interest in Cologne. Their multi-vision show “Fascination Cologne Cathedral” is in German and English; and on demand also in French. Every year over six million people from all over the world visit Cologne Cathedral. Many of them regard it as an outstanding sight. Every year over 2,700 divine services are held in the cathedral.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Near the entrance and exit, there are basins containing Holy blessed Water where Catholic Christians dip their fingertips and cross themselves.
Altars: The altar is a table-like object in commemoration of the Last Supper, the final meal that Jesus shared with his apostles before his death. There are two lecterns from where the Bible is read to the congregation during a divine service.
There is also the chair of the archbishop that oversees the Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Cologne. It is called a cathedra; the word “cathedral” is derived from it. An important place is the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. It is a place of silent devotion. In the cathedral, there are tabernacles at two locations. They contain vessels in which the Blessed Sacrament (consecrated bread) is kept in a Catholic church. The presence of the Blessed Sacrament is indicated by a red “perpetual light”.
Images of the Crucifixion: In memory of Christ’s death and resurrection there are many simple crosses as well as images of the crucified Christ. For Christians, this image of a torture instrument is linked with the firm faith in redemption and the overcoming of death through the resurrection of Christ. In various places in the cathedral, there are stands with candles where the Christians say a prayer and offer a candle as a personal request.
The church bells in the south steeple and the crossing’s spirelet are rung before a divine service to summon the congregation. Today in the Cologne Cathedral there are eleven bells in all, which are used according to a set schedule. With 24 tons the St Peter’s bell of 1923 (in the local parlance nicknamed “Fat Peter”) is the heaviest swinging bell in the world. In addition, there are two medieval bells, the Pretiosa, cast in 1448 with a weight of 11 tons, and the Speciosa, cast in 1447 with a weight of 6 tons.
Religious services were held by Christians at the site of present-day Cologne Cathedral during the Roman era. However, after Archbishop Rainald von Dassel brought the relics of the Three Wise Men to Cologne in 1164, the cathedral became a significant pilgrimage destination in Europe, necessitating a new architectural design.
THECATHEDRAL TOUR
On the cathedral tour, there is the prominent twin-steepled facade with its tapering spires visible from miles away—the largest church facade ever built. Windows in the steeple vestibule show biblical scenes from the creation of the world to doomsday. They were created in 1884. Six of the eight windows were destroyed in the Second World War and reconstructed later between 1994 and 2010. The window above the central portal depicts 18 scenes from the Old and the New Testament. It was inserted in 1877, dismantled during the Second World War, and again inserted in 1993. From the central nave, the tour leads into the two northern side aisles. Five holy windows on the northern side relay the story of Jesus. Then you have the so-called “Altarpiece of St. Clare” for keeping the Blessed Sacrament. Three gilded staves indicate the Cologne Archbishop’s years in office. There is also a blood relic of Pope John Paul II who was canonized (sainted) in 2014. There is also the Statue of Grace decorated with jewellery on the Baroque. There is the great organ since 1948 in the corner of the north transept and the choir The nave and the transept of the cathedral intersect at the crossing. Present there are The crossing’s altar, the cathedra (bishop’s chair) and the pulpit. These three objects underline the three duties of a bishop. He is a priest, a shepherd and a teacher. The apsidal ambulatory with its seven radiating chapels is the oldest part of the cathedral. There is mosaic flooring in the cathedral.
In the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the northern side chapel of the choir, there is the Crucifix of Gero. It is over a thousand years old. It was donated by Archbishop Gero. It represents neither Christ suffering nor Christ triumphant, but Christ in the very moment of his death. The crucifix was considered to be miraculous, and therefore especially venerated throughout the centuries. The sanctuary (inner choir) enclosed by screens and grilles forms the architectural and the original liturgical centre of the Gothic cathedral. This is where the main divine services were held. The High Altar, which is covered with a one-piece stone slab, is the biggest stone in the cathedral. The statues under the arches represent prophets, apostles and saints. On the four sides of the altar, they form a frame for scenes from the life of Our Lady.
Since 1948 the Shrine of the Magi has been displayed behind the High Altar. The shrine was created to hold the relics of the Magi. It consists of a case made of oakwood which is richly embellished with precious stones, filigree and enamel fittings; but the essential decoration is the statues beaten in gold and silver plate. The Choir stalls with its 104 seats it is the largest set of choir stalls in Germany. Behind it, the painted screens shield the area of the sanctuary. The paintings of the first half of the 14th-century show scenes from the life of those saints with a special significance for the cathedral – including a depiction of the transfer of the Magi’s relics to Cologne on the central southern screen.
Statues of the choir pillars are the statues of Christ and Our Lady behind the altar and are surrounded by the twelve apostles, and above them angels playing music. Further above in the clerestory are windows featuring kings, the axis window depicts the Adoration of the Magi before Our Lady with the Infant Jesus on her lap. The ambulatory leads past the seven radiating chapels of the choir. They all are equipped with an altar and a tomb aligned with it. The colourful windows show all Cologne saints whose relics are kept in the cathedral or the city. They are The Chapel of St. Engelbert, Chapel of St. Maternus, Chapel of St. John, Chapel of the Magi (axis chapel), Chapel of St. Agnes, Chapel of St. Michael, Chapel of St. Stephen and the tomb of Archbishop Friedrich Von Saarwerden.
In the Lady Chapel, there is the so-called “Altarpiece of the City’s Patron Saints”, which was created for the former city hall’s chapel of Our Lady in Jerusalem and has been in the cathedral since 1810. In the place of this altarpiece used to be the Milan Madonna which today is on a wall pillar on the right. In the summer months, the weekday services are held in the Lady Chapel.
There is a window representing four popes from Pius IX to Pius XII by Wilhelm Geyer, in 1956. There is a larger-than-life-size statue of St. Christopher.
An Altarpiece of St Agilolph, and a carved altarpiece from Antwerp, from the former collegiate church of Our Lady at the Steps (St Maria and Gradus). This church, originally located to the east of the cathedral, was demolished in 1821. On the left, there is the Shrine of St Agilolph by Josef Kleefisch, 1914.
The Window of St. Paul, inserted in 1868 and destroyed in the Second World War, was completely reconstructed from 1992 to 1994.
The window of the south transept facade, inserted in 2007, is based on a design by Gerhard Richter. It consists of 72 square mouthblown glass panes measuring 9.6 cm2 with colours deduced from the shades of the other cathedral windows. The Bavarian windows in the southern aisles were donated in 1842 by the Bavarian King Ludwig I., created by Max Emmanuel Ainmiller and Heinrich Maria von Heb, and inserted in 1848 to mark the 600th anniversary of the laying of the cathedral’s foundation stone.
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety in content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause? The bank details are given below:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION
Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)
IFSC code: BKID0006805
*
Kamlesh Tripathi’s Publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 8 prestigious libraries of the US which include Harvard College Library; Harvard University Library; Library of Congress; University of Washington, Seattle; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Yale University, New Haven; University of Chicago; University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill University Libraries. It can also be accessed at MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in libraries and archives of Canada; Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai; Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, India; Shoolini University, Yogananda Knowledge Center, Himachal Pradesh and Azim Premzi University, Bangalore).
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi; It is also available for reading in the Indian National Bibliography, March 2016, in the literature section, in Central Reference Library, Ministry of Culture, India, Belvedere, Kolkata-700022)
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity which happens to be the undying characteristic of Lucknow. The book was launched at the Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2014. It is included for reading in Askews and Holts Library Services, Lancashire, U.K; Herrick District Library, Holland and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, USA; Black Gold Cooperative Library Administration, Arroyo Grande, California; Berkeley Library, University of California).
REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD
(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched at the Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2016).
TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN
(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his way through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February 2018 at Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
RHYTHM … in poems
(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day-to-day life. A few poems from the book have been published in Shillong Times, Bandra Times and Bhavan’s Journal. The book is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
MIRAGE
(Published in February 2020. The book is a collection of eight short stories available on Amazon, Flipkart and Notion Press)
AWADH ASSAM AND DALAI LAMA … The Kalachakra
(The story of the man who received His Holiness The Dalai Lama and his retinue in 1959 as a GOI representative when he fled Tibet in 1959. The book was launched on 21st November 2022 by His Holiness The Dalai Lama at Dharmshala. The title is archived in the library of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) Government of Tibet, Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) and the personal library of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. The title is also archived in The Ohio Digital Library, USA. It was recently included in the digital library of the world-renowned company APPLE).
BHAVANS JOURNAL
Short stories, Book reviews and Articles published in Bhavan’s Journal: 1. Reality and Perception, 15.10.19; 2. Sending the Wrong Message, 31.5.20; 3.Eagle versus Scholars June, 15 & 20, 2020; 4.Indica, 15.8.20; 5.The Story of King Chitraketu, August 31 2020; 6.Breaking Through the Chakravyuh, September 30 2020. 7. The Questioning Spouse, October 31, 2020; 8. Happy Days, November 15, 2020; 9.The Karma Cycle of Paddy and Wheat, December 15, 2020; 10.Power Vs Influence, January 31, 2021; 11.Three Refugees, March 15, 2021; 12.Rise and Fall of Ajatashatru, March 31, 2021; 13.Reformed Ruler, May 15, 2021; 14.A Lasting Name, May 31, 2021; 15.Are Animals Better Teachers? June 16, 2021; 16.Book Review: The Gram Swaraj, 1.7.21; 17.Right Age for Achievements, 15.7.21; 18.Big Things Have Small Beginnings, 15.8.21; 19.Where is Gangaridai?, 15.9.21; 20.Confront the Donkey Within You 30.9.21; 21. Know Your Strengths 15.10.21; 22. Poverty 15.11.21; 23. Top View 30.11.21; 24. The Bansuriwala 15.1.22; 25.Sale of Alaska 15.2.22; 26.The Dimasa Kingdom 28.2.22; 27. Buried Treasure 15.4.22; 28. The Kingdom of Pragjyotisha 30.4.22; 29.Who is more useful? 15.5.22; 30. The White Swan from Lake Mansarovar 30.6.22; 31. Bhool Bhulayya 15.9.22; 32. Good Karma 30.9.22; 33. Good Name vs Bad Name 15.10.22; 34.Uttarapath—The Grand Trunk Road 1.12.22; 35.When Gods Get Angry 1.1.23; 36. Holinshed’s Chronicles 15.1.23; 37. Theogony 15.2.23; 38. Poem: Mother 14.5.23; 39. THE NAG MANDIR 30.6.23; 40. The Story of Garuda 30.7.23; 41. Janmabhoomi vs Karmabhoomi 31.8.23; 42. The Ghost Town of Kuldhara 15.9.23;
SHILLONG TIMES—SUNDAY EDITION
ARTICLES & POEMS: 1. POEM: HAPPY NEW YEAR 8.1.23; 2. POEM: SPRING 12.3.23; 3. POEM: RIGHT AND WRONG 20.3.23; 4. THE GUSH OF EMOTION—WRITING, 26.3.23; 5. THE NAG MANDIR, 7.5.23; 6. POEM:MOTHER 7.5.23; 7. POEM: RAIN RAIN 9.7.23; 8. POEM:YOU COME ALONE YOUGO ALONE 6.8.23; 9. RAIN RAIN (SECOND TIME) 10. POEM: GURU TEACHER 10.8.23;
Let me take you through this very interesting book written by famous author Ashwin Sanghi some time back. The name of the book is ‘The Rozabal Line’ an engrossing novel of some three hundred and fifty pages.
It is a thriller fiction by Ashwin Sanghi, written under the pseudonym Shawn Haigins. The book was originally published in 2007. A revised edition of which was also published by Westland Ltd & Tranquebar Press in 2008 under the author’s own name. I’m purposefully bringing this book to you so late because it is a very well researched fiction novel that can live through times. Most certainly It has a long shelf life for it’ll keep resurrecting itself at appropriate intervals. But before I take you through my comments as a reader let me first take you through the plot of this masterpiece.
Let me first begin by asking did Jesus survive his execution? Well, the novel does deal with the story of Jesus having survived the crucifixion and later his settling in India. The fictional spark of the novel I suppose comes in the same rhythm as Dan Brown’s—’The Da Vinci Code.’ I brooded over the book for some time before deciding to read it again. The title of the book draws its name from the Rozabal Shrine in Srinagar, located in Kashmir. Some cynosures such as Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is said to have been the first person who claimed in 1899, that Rozabal was the burial place of Jesus of Nazareth. The historical basis of the novel is derived from several other books on the subject including ‘Jesus Lived in India’ by Holger Kersten and ‘The Unknown Life of Jesus’ by Nicolas Notovich.
A cardboard box is found on a shelf in a London library. When the bewildered librarian opens it. She screams before she falls unconscious on the floor. Within the winding recesses of the Vatican, a beautiful assassin of Asian origin by the name of Swakilki swears she will eliminate all who do not believe in her twisted credo.
A deadly elite army of thirteen calling itself the Lashkar-e-Talatashar is scattered around the globe. The fate of its members curiously resembles that of Christ and his Apostles. Their agenda is clearly Armageddon.
The forces of Islam and the forces of Christianity are positioning themselves for the greatest conflict ever. At the end of this conflict, they will both destroy themselves. And then will rise the New World Order—the power of the Illuminati.
A Hindu astrologer Pandit Ram Gopal Sharma spots the approaching configuration of the stars and nods to himself at the grim realization of the end of the world. In Tibet, a group of Buddhist monks search for reincarnation, much in the way their ancestors searched Judea for the Son of God. In the strife-torn Kashmir, a tomb called Rozabal holds the key to a riddle that arises in Jerusalem and gets answered at Vaishno Devi. The plot insinuates Hinduism could be the mother of all religions being the one of the oldest. It dwells on the holy triad. The configuration of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and Kali Lakshmi and Saraswati.
An American priest, Father Vincent Sinclair has disturbing visions of people familiar to him, except that they seem to exist in other ages. Induced into past-life regressions, he moves to India to piece together the violent images. Shadowing his every move is the Crux Decussata Permuta, a clandestine secret society that would rather wipe out entire creation than allow an ancient secret from being disclosed.
The Rozabal Line is a thriller spanning between continents and centuries, with Ashwin Sanghi, under the pseudonym Shawn Haigins, telling a story that goes back to the time of the birth of the Abrahamic religions. Let us see what the peridocals had to say about this novel. According to Tehelka, one of India’s news magazines, “The Rozabal Line” is a thriller that enquires into the controversial claim that Jesus Christ travelled to India and is buried in Kashmir’s Rozabal Tomb”.
The Hindu, one of India’s National dailies, says that “The book deals in greater depth with the issue of Christ’s union with Mary Magdalene touched upon by The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown as well as incorporating postulates of several other books, including Jesus Lived in India: Life Before and After the Crucifixion by Holger Kersten and Jesus Died In Kashmir: Jesus, Moses and The Ten Lost Tribes Of Israel by Andreas Kaiser.” After the novel was published, due to attention drawn to the site by others as well as the story told in the book, there was a large upsurge of visitors to the Rozabal Shrine in Srinagar. (I have just returned from Srinagar).
At a talk delivered in Chennai, the author said, “We assume the different faiths are distinctly different, but once you start tracing back the roots of their beliefs, you find their origins are much closer than you might imagine.” Irrespective of the controversial theme surrounding his book, the author has continuously maintained that his book is a work of fiction and should be read as a fiction conspiracy thriller. In an interview with a leading tabloid, the author was asked: “Do you believe that Jesus lived in India?” and he replied, “I don’t think it’s in any way relevant if he came here or not. But do I wish it was true? Yes, completely. Isn’t that such a romantic notion?” MV Kamath, the leading commentator, has said that the book is “provocative, but certainly commanding attention.”
The ongoing controversial nature of the story surrounding the tomb, as promoted by various people such as those of the Ahmadiyya movement and as also explored in this book, resulted in the site being closed down to visitors, particularly after Lonely Planet—a travel guide book detailed the tomb.
Similarities to the November 2008 Mumbai attacks:
The Hindustan Times was the first to point out that Sanghi’s novel bore several similarities to the November 2008 Mumbai attacks. In particular, Sanghi’s novel spoke of an attack by the Lashkar-e-Taiba, an Islamist terror group based in Pakistan controlled Kashmir. It also spoke of the Lashkar spinning off an ultra-elite group of twelve commandos, similar to the Deccan Mujahideen. The plot of The Rozabal Line used a ship off the coast of Gujarat as well as a Thuraya satellite phone besides describing the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower as the residence of one of the main characters in the story. Sanghi also described the group as being controlled by the Inter-Services Intelligence of Pakistan without the knowledge of the Pakistani president. All these elements were purportedly present in the November 2008 Mumbai Terror Attacks. Consequently, The Hindu, included The Rozabal Line among its top fiction picks while The Telegraph included The Rozabal Line among its top “Paperback Pickings”.
The author has clarified in a subsequent interview that he was unhappy about the commonalities although he readily agrees to being called a “conspiracy theorist”.
Friends, what is more fun, reading the book after knowing the story or reading it first to know the story? You decide. My observations on the narration are as follows:
The plot of this novel is derived out of an extremely ancient event or happening that affected the entire world over. The author therefore takes you around the world. His imagination is no less than Dan Brown. There are but a few pages with limited sex to break the monotony of a theological thriller. And the sex is leisurely described in a very dignified manner considering the genre of the book. The author takes a rather long time taking you round and round the world before he lays down the plot. The book is initially slow. It takes its own sweet time to build up but that’s because of its complicated plot that takes a long time to brew. The plot is not established till almost page 81. The book quite munificently deals with previous births and regressions. The theological rigmarole of certain Indian states and cities such as Goa, J&K, Mumbai and some more have been covered in great detail. Many things are happening in this narration simultaneously so it’s a bit difficult for the reader to keep pace with. It’s a difficult plot and requires some concentrated reading and is in no way a light book. There are too many characters so its difficult to remember their names. It’s not some linear narration instead it goes around the world in small paragraphs and sub-chapters. The book in fact is an assimilation of small sub-tiles finally bound into a story and thick spine. It appears the author has made some deep commendable study before embarking on the mission to write it. It’s a taxing novel dealing in religion and therefore provocative, but one must take it as a fiction. It’s got some great hypnotizing scenes as well that only helps in building the overall plot.
The narration is through small chapters. It’s a complicated novel. Ghalib is one of the main characters. The book certainly takes you on a world tour. Did Jesus take Samadhi? Was Jesus revived the book runs all over? It’s an old history intertwined into fiction. The book destroys the fundamental belief that Jesus died on the cross. The research has been fictionalized quite subtly. The uniqueness of the book is that you are never in the thick and thin of the story as it keeps changing. One wonders at times where did Ashwin get the details from? Though the book is titled ‘The Rozabal Line’ yet the word Rozabal is used for the first time on page 210 more than halfway down and that explains why the suspense of the plot is so deadly. The book doesn’t give you a feel as if you’re reading a novel on the contrary it makes you feel as if you’re reading some live pieces or columns. It’s a very confusing novel with a plethora of names. You will keep changing your opinion about the narration as you go along the book. The book has a engrossing plot. Small pieces of writing knit the elaborate narration. There are many sessions on resurrections. The main plot of the book is constructed on so many fragments that one gets lost in its detailing. The book connects you with all major religions of the world. The plot has a long build-up. From where to where even the Nagas of India are there. Read it with full concentration to enjoy the book otherwise, you’re wasting time. The author summarises the novel towards the end for the convenience of the readers. I would give the novel eight out of ten.
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers that includes both children and adults and it has a huge variety in terms of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION
Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)
IFSC code: BKID0006805
*
Our Publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 8 prestigious libraries of the US that includes Harvard College Library; Harvard University Library; Library of Congress; University of Washington, Seattle; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Yale University, New Haven; University of Chicago; University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill University Libraries. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in libraries and archives of Canada, Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai; Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida; India. Shoolini University, Yogananda Knowledge Center, Himachal Pradesh and Azim Premzi University, Bangalore).
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi; Available for reading in Indian National Bibliography, March 2016, in the literature section, in Central Reference Library, Ministry of Culture, India, Belvedere, Kolkata-700022)
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be the undying characteristics of Lucknow. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014. It is included for reading in Askews and Holts Library Services, Lancashire, U.K; Herrick District Library, Holland and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, USA).
REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD
(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)
TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN
(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his ways through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
RHYTHM … in poems
(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day to day life. The book is available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
MIRAGE
(Published in February 2020. The book is a collection of eight short stories available in Amazon, Flipkart and Notion Press)
Short stories, Book reviews and Articles published in Bhavan’s Journal: Reality and Perception, 15.10.19; Sending the Wrong Message, 31.5.20; Eagle versus Scholars June, 15 & 20 2020; Indica, 15.8.20; The Story of King Chitraketu, August 31 2020; Breaking Through the Chakravyuh, September 30 2020. The Questioning Spouse, October 31, 2020; Happy Days, November 15, 2020; The Karma Cycle of Paddy and Wheat, December 15,2020; Power Vs Influence, January 31, 2021; Three Refugees, March 15, 2021; Rise and Fall of Ajatashatru, March 31, 2021; Reformed Ruler, May 15, 2021; A Lasting Name, May 31, 2021; Are Animals Better Teachers?, June 16, 2021; Book Review: The Gram Swaraj, 1.7.21; Right Age for Achievements, 15.7.21; Big Things Have Small Beginnings, 15.8.21; Where is Gangaridai?, 15.9.21; Confront the Donkey Within You 30.9.21; Know Your Strengths 15.10.21; Poverty 15.11.21; Top View 30.11.21; The Bansuriwala 15.1.22; Sale of Alaska 15.2.22; The Dimasa Kingdom 28.2.22;
(ALL THE ABOVE BOOK TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)
This is only an attempt to create interest in reading. We may not get the time to read all the books in our lifetime. But such reviews, talk and synopsis will at least convey what the book is all about.
DEVLOK
With Devdutt Pattnaik—3
Based on the third season of the popular television show on EPIC Channel
This book is based on the third session of the popular television show on EPIC channel. It is actually a question and answer session in which India’s favourite mythologist Devdutt Pattnaik answers questions. This book is the third episode published in 2018 by Penguin Ramdom House India.
Generally we all feel we know a lot about our own religion. But after reading this book you’ll come to know how little you know about your own religion. For example did you know the answers to the following questions?
Names of Vishnu and Shiva’s father?
How many types of Ramayana are you aware of?
Where did the name of Radha come from?
Was Radha older than Krishna?
When did Christianity come to India?
What are Abrahamic traditions?
Did Jesus come to Kashmir?
Meaning of ‘Buddham Sharanam Gachhami?’
The author not only covers Hinduism in this book. He also talks about, or rather takes questions on Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and Jainism. There is no storyline in this book. But yes it does have many short stories and tales explaining various aspects of each religion.
It is a collection of easy going conversations about Indian mythology based on eponymous television show. There is however the caveat that what is discussed here is not meant to be factually correct—you may therefore refer to your Guru for clarity or even the author.
It is not an academic work and does not claim to be authoritative. Contained here are simplified versions of mythological tales, taken from various versions found in different scriptures and in folklore. The attempt is to retain the essence embedded in the tales, and to provoke readers to dig deeper into the philosophy.
The book takes you through a great mix of Hindu rituals, relationship, parent and child relationship. It describes Lord Krishna and Radha in great detail. It tells us how Christianity came to India and about Buddhism and Jainism.
A chapter explains about Dwarka, types of Ramayana, various types of marriages, Dravid civilization. It also describes Ravana , Khajuraho temples and yoga and also about Prophet, Jainism and Kingship.
It also talks about rites of passage, defines Indian riti riwaz, talks about Indian tradition, gives a good and scientific definition of certain old words of mythology. And in simple ways he has explained the customs of Hinduism … in a way connected the dots.
The book also deals with Hindu customs, details various Ramayanas in various languages. One gets to feel, the book is a brief history of various religions. It has many lok-kathas. Connects North and South of India where it gives a wonderful comparision between Asurs and Rakshas.
The book does make an impact on you by increasing your knowledge base. It is around a hundred and fifty pages, written in easy read format. The price is rupees two hundred and fifty.
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers that includes both children and adults and it has a huge variety in terms of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION
Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)
IFSC code: BKID0006805
*
Our publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi)
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be its undying characteristic. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014)
REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD
(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)
TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN
(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his ways through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha
(ALL THE ABOVE TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION
Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)
IFSC code: BKID0006805
*
Our publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)
REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD
(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)
(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)
Not very long ago I was on the lookout for a suitable birthday gift for my wife. As we have come of age I mentally rejected those silly romantic and valentinesque gifts. There was plenty of time. I could select at leisure, not knowing there is never time enough. In such situations it flies on the wings of a dove, and lo and behold the birthday was well nigh-It was the birth day eve and I hadn’t made a choice. I decided to take the bull by the horns and walked into a shopping mall. I tried this and that but right choice eluded me. I wanted to be sure it would not turn out to be something on the lines of ‘the gift of the Magi’. The brilliantly lit cut glass bottles caught my eyes. The perfumes-yes of course-that was what I was looking for. It was difficult to select from a variety of foreign brands because all were Greek to me. I delved into the recesses of my mind and came up with BVLGARI. The quaint, almost unpronounceable name had remained stuck in my memory after watching a foreign serial where a girl goes shopping and among many things she pauses before a glittering array of perfume bottles. The name stood out like a sore thumb. BVLGARI- must be good. That’s how I purchased the gift. Obviously, the serial had robbed me off some hard earned wampum but I was happy. The triumph of advertisement or casual memory-retention had done the trick. Reminds me of something I read somewhere: “Advertising is the art of arresting human intelligence just long enough to get money from it.”
Shravan charity mission 