by Shantala Sriramaiah | Sep 14, 2026 | Chanting practice, Courses, Festival chanting, Sādhanā
Today is Gaṇeśa caturthi. The ten days of our annual Gaṇapati sādhanā begins. Gaṇapati, or Gaṇeśa, is a devatā we all hold dear, and it is an auspicious day to contemplate what he brings us. The Gaṇapati Atharvaśīrṣa is a short upaniṣad from the Atharva Veda, chanted...
by Shantala Sriramaiah | Jul 29, 2026 | Chanting practice, Festival chanting
At the end of the course of study, the teacher of the Taittirīya Upaniṣad gives the departing student a parting address. It is a set of plain instructions. Speak the truth. Do what is right. Do not be negligent about your recitation. Look after your parents and your...
by Shantala Sriramaiah | Oct 13, 2025 | Chanting practice, Festival chanting
The Festival of Renewal Diwali marks the victory of light over darkness – a time to rekindle clarity, joy and auspiciousness.For me, it is also a moment to turn inward, to engage in sādhana – a daily practice that aligns sound, thought and intention.This...
by Shantala Sriramaiah | Feb 7, 2025 | Chanting practice, Festival chanting
The Śrī Rudram is one of the most powerful and transformative hymns of the Vedas, a sacred invocation that reveals the all-pervasive nature of Rudra—both as the cosmic force of destruction and renewal, and as Śiva, the auspicious reality that is the foundation of...
by Shantala Sriramaiah | Jan 6, 2025 | Chanting practice, Festival chanting
For the last four years, I have had the privilege of teaching a worldwide group of dedicated Śiva devotees the magnificent prayer known as Rudram. This prayer, a jewel from the Kṛṣṇa Yajur Veda, is both a challenge and a blessing—a journey that transforms all who...
by Shantala Sriramaiah | Dec 11, 2024 | Festival chanting
On this auspicious occasion of Gītā Jayanti, while I will miss the joy of gathering with my community for a live practice, I’m delighted to share a recorded session from last year along with one of my favorite book recommendations. Though nothing compares to the...
