Why a wonder.

 Many people wonder why the Great Pyramid in particular

One of the seven wonders of the world

"It is not only the shape of the pyramid, its length or its dimensions that confuses and puzzles, but the secrets it holds, and those who know them keep hidden." "

Each single block of the pyramid weighs between 2.5 and 5 tons,

with some stones up to 15 tons

The total number of stones in the pyramid is about 2 million and 600 thousand, enough to build a wall around France, even if they were cut into small pieces.

With them you could go around the world on the equator

The height of the pyramid at the time of construction was 149.4 meters, while now it is 138 meters, equivalent to the height of a skyscraper of about 48 floors

The roof of the funeral chamber, located in the centre of the pyramid, consists of 9 stone blocks, each weighing 45 tons. How can you imagine 45 tons positioned at a height of 75 meters? This was done according to engineering theory to reduce the pressure of the superfluous blocks and prevent the pyramid from collapsing.

The height of the pyramid is 149.4 meters, while the distance between Earth and Sun is 149.4 million kilometers. Coincidence?

The location of the pyramid is exactly at the center of five ancient continents.

Pyramid’s entrance points to the North Pole star.

and the inner corridor refers to the star of Sirius

The largest pyramid of the astronomical system is located directly under the brightest star in the sky

If you take a piece of meat and put it in the King's Chamber, the meat dries but does not rot

If you take a rough blade and leave it inside the pyramid for a few hours, it comes back sharp

If you pick up a plant and put it inside the pyramid, it grows more than when it is outside

The circumference of the pyramid divided by its height is 3.14.

The same ratio is obtained by analyzing the King's Chamber.

The pyramid lit up at night because it was covered with a special substance.

and the rocks under the pyramid, connected to the course of the Nile, allowed the underground water to move, generating electricity that made the pyramid appear like a neon at night.

The Great Pyramid is said to be a center of positive energy and is connected to the world of astronomy

From the web

phagva

 Basant Panchami, which heralds the season of Spring, is a day sacred to musicians. It is the day when Saraswati, the goddess of the arts, is worshipped. Spring signals new beginnings, burgeoning life, and a time of hope. The Indian musical tradition that uniquely attributes music to every emotion (rasa) and to every time of the day (prahar), has a special music for this important season too. Perhaps, the extreme variations in temperature in North India, with the freezing cold winter being dispelled by Spring’s warmth, is celebrated and welcomed. Elsewhere too, this change in season is special. Specific raags for Spring have been created and popularised.

An iconic composition in Raag Basant, ‘Phagwa brij dekhan ko chalo ri…’ sung by Pt. Bhimsen Joshi around Basant Panchami (February 2) The notes and lyrics were so evocative of Spring in verdant Vrindavan.

As we delve into the cultural mosaic of Vasant Panchami, the joyous Hindu festival celebrating the arrival of spring, let us unravel the layers of traditions, rituals, and the profound significance associated with this vibrant celebration. With a rich tapestry of customs and practices, Vasant Panchami not only marks the transition from winter to spring but also pays homage to the goddess Saraswati, the epitome of knowledge, wisdom, and the arts.

 Vasant Panchami, colloquially known as Basant Panchami, is celebrated on the fifth day of the Magha month in the Hindu calendar, usually falling in late January or early February. This auspicious day holds immense cultural importance as it signifies the end of winter and the onset of spring. The landscape transforms with nature donning its finest hues, and there's a palpable sense of renewal and vibrancy in the air.

At the heart of Vasant Panchami lies the reverence for Saraswati, the goddess of learning, music, and arts. Devotees adorn idols and images of Saraswati with yellow attire, symbolizing the mustard fields that come to life during this season. The color yellow, representing knowledge and auspiciousness, becomes the focal point of the festivities, adorning clothing, decorations, and offerings.

One of the most striking aspects of Vasant Panchami is the prevalence of yellow outfits. This color choice goes beyond mere aesthetics; it holds deep symbolic meaning. Yellow not only represents the brilliance of nature, the ripening of fruits, and the blossoming of flowers but also embodies the energy and warmth accompanying the arrival of spring. The festival sees a kaleidoscope of yellow attire, from traditional sarees and kurta-pajamas to modern dresses, as individuals express their reverence for the goddess Saraswati and embrace the festive spirit.

The day commences with a ceremonial bath of the goddess's idol, a symbolic purification that marks the beginning of the worship. Elaborate pujas follow, with devotees seeking Saraswati's blessings for academic success, artistic endeavors, and the pursuit of knowledge. Students, in particular, place their books and instruments before the goddess, seeking her divine guidance in their educational journey.

Vasant Panchami is not just a religious observance but a cultural extravaganza as well. Many communities organize processions, showcasing a kaleidoscope of music, dance, and art. The atmosphere comes alive with the melodies of classical music, the rhythm of traditional dances, and the vibrant hues of festive clothing. This convergence of art and spirituality creates a unique and enchanting experience for participants and onlookers alike.

Yellow, the dominant color of Vasant Panchami, holds not only visual appeal but also deep symbolic meaning. It signifies the brilliance of nature, the ripening of fruits, and the blossoming of flowers. More than just a color choice, it embodies the energy and warmth that accompany the arrival of spring. Furthermore, yellow is intricately linked with knowledge, serving as a powerful symbol of the pursuit of wisdom and enlightenment.

A festival in India is incomplete without a sumptuous feast, and Vasant Panchami is no exception. Saffron-infused sweets, mustard-flavoured delicacies, and dishes prepared with yellow lentils take centre stage on this day. The culinary delights not only satiate the taste buds but also pay homage to the festival's color theme, adding a gastronomic dimension to the celebrations.

While Vasant Panchami is celebrated across India, the diversity of the country manifests in different regional flavours infused into the festivities. In the northern parts, the festival is synonymous with the worship of Saraswati, with educational institutions taking centre stage. In Bengal, Saraswati Puja is celebrated with grandeur, featuring intricate decorations and elaborate ceremonies. These regional variations add a fascinating layer of diversity to the overall celebration.

Remarkably, Vasant Panchami transcends religious boundaries, extending an open invitation to people of all faiths to partake in the jubilation. The universality of the festival lies in its essence – the celebration of knowledge, art, and the beauty of nature. This inclusivity fosters a sense of unity and shared cultural heritage among diverse communities, exemplifying the pluralistic ethos of India.

 In a broader context, Vasant Panchami serves as a catalyst for educational and artistic pursuits. It encourages individuals to embark on a journey of self-improvement, embracing knowledge and creativity. The festival's association with Saraswati underscores the importance of fostering a harmonious relationship between learning and the arts, recognizing the intrinsic connection between wisdom and creativity.

Beyond the external festivities, Vasant Panchami carries a profound spiritual essence. It is a time for introspection, a moment to reflect on the importance of knowledge and wisdom in our lives. Saraswati, as the embodiment of these virtues, becomes a source of inspiration for individuals to strive for excellence in their intellectual and artistic pursuits.

Vasant Panchami is not just a personal celebration; it's a time for families and communities to come together. The communal aspect of the festival fosters a sense of belonging and togetherness. From joint prayers to shared meals, the festival strengthens the social fabric, creating lasting bonds and memories.

In the midst of the festivities, Vasant Panchami carries an underlying message of environmental awareness. The rejuvenation of nature during spring serves as a reminder of our responsibility to preserve the environment. The festival encourages a harmonious coexistence with nature, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and ecological consciousness.

As we immerse ourselves in the vibrant hues of Vasant Panchami, may the festival bring you and your loved ones an abundance of joy, prosperity, and the blossoming of newfound wisdom.  Vasant Panchami stands out as a celebration that seamlessly weaves together spirituality, culture, and the joys of spring. Let the worship of Saraswati, the abundance of yellow, the cultural performances, the delectable feasts, and the communal spirit enrich your senses and elevate your spirit.

Poimmaiyum vaimai 292

சிறப்புஈனும் செல்வமும் ஈனும் அறத்தினூங்கு

ஆக்கம் எவனோ உயிர்க்கு.*

Siṟappu īnum selvamum īnum aṟaththiṉ ūṅku

Ākkam evaṉō uyirkku.*

"What greater gain can life offer than virtue, which surpasses both fame and wealth?"

Detailed Explanation:

This Kural highlights the supreme importance of virtue (அறம் / aram) in human life.

1. Virtue is Greater than Fame and Wealth:

People often strive for fame (சிறப்பு) and wealth (செல்வம்), believing that these bring happiness and success.

However, Thiruvalluvar emphasizes that virtue (அறம்) is far more valuable than both.

Fame and wealth are temporary, but righteousness gives eternal fulfillment and respect.

2. The True Purpose of Life:

The Kural asks, "What greater gain can there be for a living being?"

This rhetorical question implies that without virtue, life loses its meaning.

A virtuous person earns not just material success but also inner peace and divine blessings.

3. Practical Implication:

Wealth earned without virtue leads to greed, corruption, and downfall.

Fame without righteousness is short-lived and hollow.

But a person who follows Dharma (righteousness) gains both worldly success and spiritual elevation

Virtue (Aram) is the highest wealth—greater than money or recognition.

A person should always prioritize ethical living, as it leads to true happiness and respect in society.

As the Bhagavad Gita also teaches, duty and righteousness (Dharma) should guide our actions.

Thus, Kural 292 beautifully teaches that a life without virtue is empty, no matter how much wealth or fame one acquires.

Thirukkural on "Poimmaiyum Vaimai" (Falsehood and Truthfulness)

Thiruvalluvar extensively discusses the importance of truth (வெறுக்கை) and the consequences of falsehood (பொய்) in several couplets. One of the most notable Kurals that contrasts falsehood (பொய்மை) and truth (வைமை) is:

சிறப்புஈனும் செல்வமும் ஈனும் அறத்தினூங்கு

ஆக்கம் எவனோ உயிர்க்கு.

"What greater gain can life offer than virtue, which surpasses both fame and wealth?"

This Kural implies that righteousness (which includes truthfulness) is the highest virtue.

Kural 291 (Truth vs. Falsehood):

வாய்மையென்ப வையத்தார்க்கு எண்குனத் தாற்றான்

மாய்மை யெனப்படு மது.

"Truthfulness is the foundation of a noble life; what is otherwise is mere deception."

This Kural highlights that truth is an essential quality of noble people, while falsehood is considered an illusion or a deception hat brings no real value.

Kural 300 (When Falsehood is Justified):

பொய்யாமை அன்ன புகழில்லை எய்யாமை

யெல்லாந் தரும் காப்பு உடைத்து.

"There is no greater virtue than truthfulness; yet, in rare cases, falsehood is justified when it brings pure good to all."

This Kural acknowledges that while truth is supreme, a falsehood that benefits everyone without harming anyone may be permissible.

Truth (வாய்மை) is the foundation of a righteous life.

Falsehood (பொய்மை) is generally condemned, except when it serves a higher moral purpose.

A person who follows truth earns respect, trust, and eternal honor, while deception leads to downfall.

Thus, Thiruvalluvar emphasizes that truth should be upheld in all situations, unless an unselfish lie serves a noble cause.

Koduthalum insolum.

 Explanation of Thirukkural 525

அருளில்லார்க்கு அவ்வுலகம் இல்லை பெருவுலகத்து

இவ்வுலகம் இல்லார்க்கு இல்.*

Arulillārkku avvulagam illai peruvulagaththu

Ivvulagam illārkku il.*

"Those who lack compassion will not attain the heavenly world. Likewise, in this vast world, those without kindness do not truly belong."

This Kural, composed by the revered Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, emphasizes the supreme importance of compassion (arul) in both spiritual and worldly life.

1. The Spiritual Perspective:

The phrase "avvulagam illai" means that those who do not possess compassion cannot attain heavenly bliss (moksha or svarga).

In Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, kindness and mercy are essential virtues for spiritual progress. Lack of these qualities leads to rebirth in lower realms.

2. The Worldly Perspective:

Thiruvalluvar also states that even in this world (ivvulagam), a person devoid of compassion is not truly part of society.

This implies that without kindness, one becomes alienated, unloved, and ultimately without meaningful relationships.

Moral of the Kural:

Compassion is the foundation of both earthly life and the afterlife.

A person who lacks kindness and empathy is isolated in this world and denied spiritual progress in the next.

True greatness is not measured by wealth or power but by the ability to show love and mercy to all living beings.

This Kural beautifully aligns with the universal principle that “A life without compassion is a life without meaning.”

Thirukkural on "Koduthalum Insolum" (Giving and Speaking Kindly)

Thiruvalluvar emphasizes the importance of both generosity (கொடுத்தலும்) and kind speech (இனிய சொற்களும்) in several Kurals. One of the most famous ones is:

Kural 94 – The Value of Both Giving and Kind Words

கொல்லாமை மேற்கொண் டொழுகல் குளியலுண்கண்

ல்லாத உவப்பதே இல்.

Meaning:

"There is nothing more joyful than practicing non-violence, generosity, and kind speech."

This Kural suggests that giving (கொடுப்பது) alone is not enough—it should be accompanied by kind and pleasant words.l

Kural 100 – Speech and Generosity Together

இனிய உளவாக இன்னாத கூறல்

கனிஇருப்பக் காய்கவர்ந் தற்று.

Meaning:

"Speaking harshly when pleasant words are available is like plucking an unripe fruit when ripe ones are within reach."

Here, Thiruvalluvar compares harsh words to unripe fruits, meaning that kindness in speech is just as important as generosm

Kural 101 – Sweet Speech is Greater than Giving

இன்னாசெய் தார்க்கும் இனியவாக யானும்

உன்னாமை உள்ளம் தரும்.

"Even to those who hurt us, speaking kindly brings peace of mind."

This highlights that even greater than giving is the ability to speak kindly—a virtue that heals relationships and fosters goodwill.

Giving (கொடுக்கும் தன்மை) should be accompanied by kind words to have true value.

Sweet speech (இனிய சொல்) is often more powerful than material gifts.

Even when one cannot give material things, a kind word can bring immense joy.

Thus, Thiruvalluvar teaches that true generosity is not just about wealth but also about how we treat others with our words.

Vaimai enappaduvadhu.

 Truth is speach that is free from all evil. The test of truth for proper conduct is its essential harmlessness.

Kural 291 from Tirukkural belongs to the chapter on "Avoiding Envy" (பொருளாட்சி - வெறுக்காமை) in the section on Virtue (அறத்துப்பால்).

Kural 291 (In Tamil)

"அறஞ்சாரா அல்லல் உறுதிநாணுத் தீய

மறஞ்சாரா மாணாப் பழி."

அறம் சாரா – That which does not align with virtue

அல்லல் – Suffering (here, it refers to moral or mental affliction)

உறுதி – Firm or definite

நாணு – Shame or sense of honor

தீய – Evil or bad

மறம் சாரா – That which does not belong to courage

மாணாப் பழி – Disgrace or dishonor

"The suffering that arises from deviating from virtue is real suffering; any other shame that does not contradict courage is mere dishonor."

Thiruvalluvar emphasizes that true suffering is not just physical pain or material loss but rather the pain that comes from straying away from righteousness (Dharma). A person may face dishonor or shame in the world, but as long as it does not arise from an act of cowardice or evil, it is insignificant. What truly matters is one's adherence to virtue and moral integrity.

Moral Insight

1. Virtue is the True Standard: External dishonor or loss means nothing if one is morally upright.

2. Shame Comes from Sin, Not from Society: If a person acts against Dharma, that is real disgrace, not the criticism of others.

3. Honor and Courage Go Hand in Hand: Real courage is in standing by righteousness, even when society ridicules or opposes it.

This Kural teaches that a righteous life is beyond worldly dishonor—one should fear straying from virtue rather than fearing public opinion.

Sky gazing

 The image uploaded highlights the major astronomical events in February 2025. Here’s a breakdown of these celestial occurrences:

1. February 1 – Triple Conjunction (Venus, Moon, Saturn)

A rare alignment where Venus, the Moon, and Saturn appear close together in the sky. This will be a beautiful sight for stargazers, especially just after sunset.

2. February 8 – α-Centaurid Meteor Shower

A meteor shower associated with the Alpha Centauri region. While not the most intense, it still offers a great opportunity to witness shooting stars.

3. February 12 – Full Snow Moon

This is the full moon of February, traditionally called the "Snow Moon" due to heavy snowfall in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere.

4. February 16 – Venus at Peak Brightness

Venus, the "Evening Star," will shine at its brightest in the sky, making it a stunning celestial object visible to the naked eye.

5. February 20 – Grand Alignment Begins

Several planets, including Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, Saturn, and Mercury, will align in a rare celestial event. This alignment is a great moment for astronomers and sky enthusiasts.

6. February 25 – Mercury Meets Saturn

A close approach between Mercury and Saturn, making them appear very close together in the sky, best viewed near dawn.

These events make February 2025 a remarkable month for astronomy lovers. Happy skygazing!

Twice every year.

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