One of India’s most fascinating and timeless tales

STORY OF VIKRAM AND VETAL 

🕯️ Origins

The tales of Vikram and Vetal come from the ancient Sanskrit collection called “Vetala Panchavimshati” (which means Twenty-five Tales of the Vampire).

It is part of a larger 11th-century work called “Kathasaritsagara” (The Ocean of Streams of Stories), written by the Kashmiri scholar Somadeva.

These stories are among India’s oldest examples of frame tales — stories within a story — just like The Arabian Nights.

⚔️ The Main Story – The King and the Ghost

Once upon a time, there was a brave and wise king named Vikramaditya, famous for his justice, courage, and devotion to truth.

One night, a tantrik (sorcerer) approached him and said:

“O King, if you bring me the corpse hanging from the old tree in the cremation ground, I can perform a great ritual that will give you immense power.”

King Vikramaditya, known for his promise-keeping nature, agreed. He set out alone at midnight to the haunted cremation ground, where he found the body hanging upside down from a banyan tree.

But the corpse was not ordinary — it was possessed by a clever spirit named Vetal, who loved riddles and stories.

👻 The 25 Stories

Each time Vikram carried Vetal on his shoulder to deliver him to the tantric, Vetal began to tell him a story — a moral or puzzle-filled tale.

At the end of every story, Vetal would ask a question:

“O King, if you know the answer and do not speak, your head will burst into a thousand pieces. But if you speak, I will fly back to the tree!”

Vikram, being just and wise, always answered correctly, and every time he spoke, Vetal escaped back to the tree, laughing.

So, the king had to go through this cycle again and again — twenty-four times.

🔮 The Twenty-fifth Story and the Truth

In the twenty-fifth and final tale, Vetal revealed the true motive of the tantric — he wasn’t trying to perform a holy ritual.

He planned to kill King Vikramaditya during the ceremony and offer his body to gain supernatural powers.

Vetal warned the king and said:

“Now you know the truth. If you are truly wise, you will act carefully.”

When Vikramaditya reached the tantric, he pretended to follow his instructions — but at the crucial moment, he killed the deceitful sorcerer instead.

Vetal then blessed the king, saying his courage, intelligence, and truthfulness had triumphed over evil.

🌟 Moral of the Stories

Each of the 25 stories Vetal tells is a parable — teaching lessons about:

● Justice and truth

● Greed and loyalty

● Wisdom and quick thinking

● Moral judgment in complex situations

They were designed not only to entertain but also to train rulers and listeners to think deeply about right and wrong.

📜 Legacy

These stories have been retold in many Indian languages for centuries — in Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, and more.

The popular children’s version you read (like Chandamama, Amar Chitra Katha, or TV’s Vikram aur Vetaal) are simplified retellings of these original tales.

The essence remains the same — a wise king, a witty ghost, and 25 moral dilemmas.

💭 Why we still love it

The charm of Vikram and Vetal lies in its combination of mystery, wit, and wisdom.

Every story ends with a moral twist — reminding us that true wisdom is not about power, but about understanding human nature and doing what’s right.

Let’s relive one of the most famous tales from the Vikram and Vetal collection — the kind that truly captures their clever, question-filled exchanges.

THE THREE PRINCES AND THE SINGLE BRIDE 

(As told by Vetal to King Vikramaditya)

Once, there was a great king named Gandharvasen, who had a beautiful and intelligent daughter named Chandravati.

When she came of age, many princes sought her hand in marriage. To decide who deserved her, the king declared that the one who proved his true worth would win her.

Three brave princes from neighbouring kingdoms came forward. But before any test could be set, a tragic event occurred —

Chandravati suddenly fell ill and died.

Her body was placed on a sandalwood pyre in the royal cremation ground, and the three princes, heartbroken, could not bear to leave her side.

🌸 The Three Acts of Love

Prince One: Out of devotion, he took the ashes of Chandravati and kept them safely in a sacred urn, vowing to protect them forever.

Prince Two: He gave up royal life and became an ascetic, wandering the land in grief. One day, while staying at a Brahmin’s house, he read from a book of magic spells that described how to bring the dead back to life.

Prince Three: He built a beautiful shrine at the cremation site and stayed there, worshipping and guarding it every day.

🔮 The Miracle

One day, all three princes returned to that spot together.

The second prince, with his magical knowledge, used the spell to revive Chandravati.

To everyone’s wonder, she rose — alive and radiant again!

Now came the question that puzzled all — Who should marry her?

🧠 Vetal’s Question

After finishing the story, Vetal asked King Vikramaditya:

“O King, each prince loved Chandravati in his own way.

One guarded her ashes, one learned magic to bring her back, and one built a shrine for her.

Tell me — who truly deserves to be her husband?”

And remember, if the King knew the answer and stayed silent, his head would burst — but if he spoke, Vetal would fly back to the tree!

👑 Vikramaditya’s Answer

The wise king replied:

“The prince who brought her back to life by his magical knowledge acted as her father, not her husband, for he gave her life again.

The one who built the shrine is like her priest, for he performed acts of worship.

But the one who guarded her ashes with devotion, love, and faith — he is her true husband.”

Vetal smiled, clapped his ghostly hands, and — as always — flew back to the tree, leaving Vikram to chase him once again!

🌟 Moral of the Story

True love is not about miracles or rituals, but about loyalty and steadfast devotion — the love that endures even when all hope seems lost.

Traditional Homes of Mongolia

YURTS 

In the vast open grasslands of Mongolia, many families live in unique homes called yurts. A yurt is a round tent made of wood and thick fabric. These homes are specially designed to suit the nomadic lifestyle of Mongolian families, who often move from one place to another in search of better grazing land for their animals.

One of the most remarkable features of a yurt is that it can be easily taken apart, transported, and reassembled wherever needed. Though simple in appearance from the outside, the inside of a yurt is warm, colourful, and beautifully decorated with traditional patterns. The design helps to keep the interior cozy during the cold winters and protect the family from strong winds that sweep across the steppes.

For hundreds of years, yurts have provided comfort and shelter to Mongolian families. They are not just homes but a symbol of Mongolia’s rich culture, heritage, and deep connection with nature.

Karnataka’s Timeless Sanskrit Village

MATTUR 

Nestled on the banks of the Tunga River in Karnataka’s Shivamogga district lies a small yet extraordinary village—Mattur (also spelled Mathur). Unlike any other place in India, Mattur has earned a unique distinction: it is India’s only Sanskrit-speaking village, where daily conversations, school lessons, and even street signs reflect the rhythm of an ancient language.

A Living Legacy of Sanskrit: While Sanskrit is often associated with sacred texts, ancient literature, and rituals, in Mattur, it is a living, spoken language. The residents, regardless of age, speak Sanskrit in their day-to-day interactions. Children learn it from an early age, and schools in the village emphasize Sanskrit as a medium of instruction alongside Kannada and English.

This revival of spoken Sanskrit is not merely ceremonial—it is part of a deliberate cultural preservation effort that began in the 1980s. With the guidance of Sanskrit scholars and support from spiritual organisations, the villagers committed to rejuvenating a language that is considered the root of many Indian languages and a treasure trove of knowledge.

A Village Rooted in Tradition and Modernity: Mattur is primarily inhabited by Sanketi Brahmins, a community known for its traditional Vedic scholarship. Despite this deep cultural conservatism, the village is far from frozen in time. It seamlessly blends Vedic learning with modern education. Many of Mattur’s youth are well-versed in computer science, engineering, and other modern disciplines. In fact, the village boasts a high literacy rate and has produced a significant number of professionals working in India and abroad.

Yet, no matter where they go, the villagers maintain a strong connection to their roots. Sanskrit remains a binding thread, and many alumni return to contribute to local education and cultural events.

Education: The Heart of the Revival

At the centre of Mattur’s Sanskrit revival is the Sri Sharada Vilasa Pathashala, a traditional school that offers training in the Vedas, Sanskrit grammar, and classical texts. Students from across India come here to immerse themselves in the ancient language.

Additionally, local schools incorporate spoken Sanskrit classes and encourage children to use the language in daily communication, prayers, and performances.

Sanskrit in Everyday Life: What makes Mattur truly remarkable is how organic the use of Sanskrit has become. You’ll hear phrases like “katham asti?” (How are you?) or “bhavān katham gacchati?” (Where are you going?) as naturally as you’d hear Kannada or Hindi elsewhere.

Street signs, nameplates, and shop boards are written in Sanskrit. Even graffiti and casual wall art feature Sanskrit shlokas (verses) and messages.

A Model for Cultural Revival: Mattur has often been highlighted in documentaries, news features, and academic research as a model for cultural and linguistic revival. It stands as proof that ancient languages need not be relegated to the past. With community support and dedicated education, even a "dead language" can thrive in the modern world.

A Timeless Inspiration: In an age where languages and traditions are vanishing rapidly, Mattur offers a rare example of continuity, commitment, and cultural pride. It's not just a Sanskrit-speaking village—it’s a testament to India's linguistic diversity and its enduring capacity to keep heritage alive through living practice.

As one walks through Mattur, listening to the melodic cadence of spoken Sanskrit echoing from homes, schools, and temples, it becomes clear: this is not merely a village—it's a living museum of India’s spiritual and linguistic heritage.

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WHY IS @ IMPORTANT IN AN EMAIL ADDRESS?

The @ symbol is essential in an email address because it separates the user's name from the domain name, clearly identifying both who the message is for and where it should be sent.

Here's what it does:

Format of an email address:

username@domain.com

Before the @ → the username (or local part): This identifies the individual or mailbox (e.g., jane.doe).

After the @ → the domain name: This tells the email system which server or service to send the message to (e.g., gmail.com, yahoo.co.uk).

Why it's important:

1. Routing the email:

The @ helps mail servers know where to deliver the message. The domain (after the @) tells the system which server to contact. Without it, the message would have nowhere to go.

2. Standards and protocols:

Email systems are based on protocols like SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), which rely on the @ symbol as part of the standard format defined in technical specifications (like RFC 5322).

3. Human readability:

The @ is easy to read and understand—it literally means "at". For example, jane@company.com is read as "Jane at company dot com".

Fun fact:

The use of @ in email addresses was introduced by Ray Tomlinson in 1971, when he created the first networked email system. He chose @ because it wasn’t commonly used in usernames and logically represented being at a location (server/domain).

The Sacred City of Faith, History, and Heritage

AYODHYA 

Introduction: Ayodhya, located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is one of the oldest and most revered cities in India. Steeped in history, mythology, and spiritual significance, Ayodhya holds a central place in the cultural and religious landscape of the country. It is best known as the birthplace of Lord Rama, the hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana, and has long been a pilgrimage site for millions of devotees.

Historical Background: The origins of Ayodhya can be traced back to ancient times. Known in ancient texts as Saketa, Ayodhya finds mention in early Buddhist and Jain literature as well as in Hindu scriptures. According to the Ramayana, it was the capital of the Ikshvaku dynasty, ruled by King Dasharatha, Lord Rama's father. The name "Ayodhya" means “unconquerable” in Sanskrit, signifying its sacred and inviolable status.

Over the centuries, Ayodhya has seen the rise and fall of many dynasties, including the Mauryas, Guptas, Mughals, and later the British. Each era has left behind layers of cultural and architectural heritage, shaping Ayodhya into a mosaic of India’s diverse history.

Religious Significance: Ayodhya holds deep spiritual meaning for Hindus as the janmabhoomi (birthplace) of Lord Rama. The Ramayana, written by sage Valmiki, immortalized the city's status, describing it as an ideal kingdom known for justice, prosperity, and peace.

For Jains, Ayodhya is equally sacred, as it is believed to be the birthplace of five Tirthankaras, including the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha. Buddhists, too, revere Ayodhya, which finds mention in Buddhist texts as an important center of learning and pilgrimage.

The Ram Janmabhoomi Movement and Temple Construction: Ayodhya came into the spotlight in modern times due to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute, a complex socio-political and legal issue that spanned decades. At the center of the dispute was the claim that the Babri Masjid, built in the 16th century by Mughal emperor Babur, stood on the site of an ancient Hindu temple marking Lord Rama’s birthplace.

The mosque was demolished in 1992, leading to widespread communal tensions. After years of legal proceedings, the Supreme Court of India, in a landmark judgment in November 2019, ruled in favor of constructing a Ram temple at the disputed site. The court also ordered the allocation of alternate land for the construction of a mosque.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir is currently under construction and is expected to be a grand symbol of faith, with intricate carvings and traditional Nagara-style architecture. The temple is being built with donations from millions of devotees around the world and is seen as a monumental chapter in the religious and cultural history of India.

Tourism and Pilgrimage: Today, Ayodhya attracts pilgrims, tourists, and scholars from all over the world. Some of the major places of interest include:

Ram Janmabhoomi – the focal point of devotion and now the site of the new temple.

Hanuman Garhi – a 10th-century temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

Kanak Bhawan – a temple believed to be gifted to Sita by Kaikeyi.

Nageshwarnath Temple – said to have been founded by Kush, the son of Rama.

Guptar Ghat – a sacred spot associated with the last moments of Lord Rama on Earth.

The city also hosts grand celebrations during Ram Navami (Rama’s birthday) and Diwali, which marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. These festivals see Ayodhya transformed into a city of lights and devotion, with lakhs of oil lamps (diyas) lighting up the riverbanks and temples.

Ayodhya in the Modern Era: In recent years, Ayodhya has seen rapid infrastructural development aimed at improving connectivity and tourism. The government has announced plans for Ayodhya International Airport, enhanced road and rail networks, and improved urban amenities.

The vision is to develop Ayodhya into a global spiritual tourism destination while preserving its ancient heritage and sacred atmosphere.

Conclusion: Ayodhya is more than just a city — it is a symbol of India's spiritual heart, historical depth, and cultural unity. Its journey from myth to modernity continues to shape the identity of millions. As it prepares to unveil the grand Ram Temple to the world, Ayodhya stands not only as a site of faith and devotion but also as a beacon of India’s civilizational legacy.

The Indian Style of Greeting

Namaste

India, a land known for its deep-rooted traditions and rich cultural heritage, offers the world many beautiful customs, and one of the most iconic among them is the traditional greeting — Namaste. More than just a form of saying hello, Namaste is a gesture filled with respect, humility, and spiritual significance.

What Does Namaste Mean?

The word "Namaste" comes from Sanskrit, where: Namaḥ means bow, obeisance, or salutation

Te means to you.

So, Namaste literally translates to "I bow to you." It is not just a verbal greeting but a respectful acknowledgment of the divinity in another person. A deeper spiritual interpretation of Namaste is:

"The divine in me honours the divine in you."

How is Namaste Performed?

Namaste is typically performed by:

1. Pressing both palms together, fingers pointing upwards, in front of the chest — a gesture known as Anjali Mudra.

2. Slightly bowing the head.

This simple but profound gesture is used in both formal and informal settings — from greeting elders and teachers to welcoming guests or beginning a yoga session.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

Namaste is more than a greeting; it is a way of life in Indian culture. It reflects values such as:

Respect for others, regardless of age, status, or background.

Humility and gratitude, by bowing in front of others.

Spiritual connection, acknowledging that all living beings carry the divine essence.

In many Indian households and temples, Namaste is a common way to greet and show reverence to deities, elders, and visitors alike.

Namaste in Modern Times

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Namaste gained international attention as a contactless greeting that maintained social distancing without losing the warmth of a traditional welcome. Leaders and celebrities around the world adopted it as a safer and more respectful way of greeting others.

Moreover, as yoga and mindfulness practices have spread globally, Namaste has become a familiar term in wellness communities, often used at the end of yoga sessions to express gratitude and inner peace.

Global Recognition: 

Namaste has transcended cultural boundaries and is now recognised worldwide as a symbol of peace, respect, and harmony. It reminds us that true connection lies not just in physical contact, but in acknowledging each other with kindness and honour.

Conclusion: Namaste is a timeless Indian greeting that encapsulates centuries of tradition, spiritual insight, and human connection. In just one word and one gesture, it conveys respect, peace, and the understanding that we are all connected at a deeper level. In today’s fast-paced and divided world, embracing such meaningful traditions can help bring us closer — one respectful greeting at a time.

Namaste.

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HOW HOLLYWOOD GOT ITS NAME 

When we hear the word Hollywood, we immediately think of glittering stars, glamorous movies, and the heart of the world’s film industry. But long before it became the centre of cinema, Hollywood was just a quiet stretch of land in California with farms and orange groves. The story of how it got its name is both charming and fascinating.

A peaceful beginning: In 1887, a real estate developer named Harvey Henderson Wilcox and his wife Daeida Wilcox bought land near Los Angeles. Their dream was to create a calm and pleasant residential community, far from the noise of the growing city.

How the name was chosen: The credit for the name “Hollywood” goes to Daeida Wilcox. During a train journey, she met a woman who mentioned her summer home near Chicago, which was called Hollywood. Daeida found the name graceful and musical. She liked the idea so much that she decided to give their new settlement the same name.

According to some, Daeida said that “holly” represented a type of plant known for its beauty, and “wood” symbolised a peaceful forest — together meaning “a beautiful place among the holly trees.”

From farms to films: The name Hollywood officially appeared on a map in 1887, marking the start of a small town that would later make history. In the early 1900s, filmmakers began moving to the area because of its sunny weather and variety of landscapes. Soon, the peaceful farmland turned into a bustling centre for movie-making.

A name known around the world: Over the years, Hollywood became a symbol of dreams, creativity, and fame. What started as a quiet residential idea by the Wilcoxes became the shining heart of the global entertainment industry.

Conclusion: The name Hollywood carries with it a story of inspiration and transformation. Chosen for its beauty and charm, it went on to represent the magic of cinema and the spirit of imagination that continues to inspire people around the world.

Did You Know?

● The famous Hollywood Sign originally read “Hollywoodland” when it was built in 1923 to advertise a housing project.

● The last four letters — “land” — were removed in 1949, leaving the iconic word Hollywood we see today.

● Hollywood became part of Los Angeles in 1910, paving the way for its rise as the world’s movie capital.