A form of yoga, it is focussed on activating the kundalini (“coiled snake”) or the energy lying dormant at the base of the spine. It is also believed to be associated with shakti, or the divine feminine energy, and is influenced by the Shaktic and Tantric schools of Hinduism. Its practice involves chanting, breathing exercises and the repetition of poses.
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Processional idol in Indian temples, usually made of metal. During temple festivals, a representation of the temple’s central deity/deities is…
Deeply grooved ritual bead derived from the cleaned, dried pit of the fruit of the blue marble tree (Elaeocarpus angustifolius…
A religious and social practice of seclusion in some Hindu and Muslim communities that involves the physical segregation of women…
The Hindu and Sikh solar new year and the spring harvest festival, it is usually celebrated in the month of…
Major ten-day Hindu festival celebrated primarily in Nepal and by Nepalese ethnic groups in South Asia. Also known as Mohani…
The ritual anointing or bathing of an idol with offerings such as milk, honey, sugar and water. It is practised…
A specialised type of mandala or geometric diagram used in Tantric worship in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. A yantra (Sanskrit…
An object that is ritually offered or sacrificed to a deity, typically to mark the fulfilment of a vow, express…