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  While examining the Indian nation through the concept of “parampara” (tradition) as articulated by Prof. Ram Shevalkar, the second part traced the traditions of Vashistha and Vishwamitra in the context of the question: the path of knowledge or the path of statecraft? In this part, we will examine another question, stability or dynamism, that is, “To be Static or to Adopt Dynamism” through the traditions of Bhargava and Narayaniya. Bhargav or Bhrigu:  Sage Bhrigu, like Vashistha, is also considered a Manasaputra of Brahma. According to Indian Puranic literature, these sages are born again in different Manvantaras. According to the Vishnu Purana, in the first Manvantara Bhrigu married Khyati. They had children such as Ayati, Niyati, and Bhargavi (Lakshmi). Among them, Lakshmi was married to Vishnu. According to the Shiva Purana, after the episode of Daksha Yajna and Sati, Bhrigu received a boon that he would be reborn in the Chakshusha Manvantara. Accordingly, he was reborn ...

While examining the idea of the Indian nation through the concept of “Parampara” as articulated by Prof. Ram Shevalkar, in the first we part briefly reviewed India as a civilization and culture, and concluded by identifying the Parampara that form its foundation. These Parampara are Vashistha, Vishwamitra, Bhargava, and Narayaniya. In this part, we shall explore Vashistha and Vishwamitra Parampara with the question: Is the path of the nation guided primarily by the path of knowledge or by the path of statecraft and power? Vashishtha: Sage Vashistha, considered the Manasaputra  of Brahma, is the bearer of the Brahmadanda, the staff of spiritual authority, and the embodiment of knowledge. He is counted among the 21 Prajapatis and served as the Rajpurohit  (Royal Preceptor) of the Ikshvaku dynasty of Lord Rama. Vashishtha Following the command of King Dasharatha, Sage Vashistha imparted guidance to Rama and Lakshmana on justice, ethics, and the principles of an ideal state. Thi...

  In his celebrated lecture series on Yogeshwar Shri Krishna, the eminent scholar and orator Vakta Dashasahasreshu Prof. Ram Shewalkar introduces the concept of “Parampara” (Tradition) in a profound sense.  By parampara, he does not merely refer to rituals, worship practices, vows, or social customs. Rather, he speaks of it in a much wider and deeper sense, as the civilizational, social, political, and cultural core of the Indian nation. While interpreting the life and philosophy of Shri Krishna, Prof. Shewalkar briefly elaborates upon this idea of tradition. Taking that thread forward, this is an attempt to understand the Bharat through the lens of parampara. When the word “Bharat” is uttered, what immediately comes to my mind is the description of the land of Bharat and its people found in the Vishnu Purana: उत्तरं यत् समुद्रस्य हिमाद्रेश्चैव दक्षिणम्। वर्षं तद् भारतं नाम भारती यत्र संततिः।। ( Uttaraṁ yat samudrasya himādreścaiva dakṣiṇam | Varṣaṁ tad Bhārataṁ nāma Bhāratī ...