WELCOME to MALINI's BLOGS

Time and again I am asked, “what is Agnihotra and how can it be of use to me?” Agnihotra is paying obeisance to the Sun-God who is considered virtually as the ‘living god for entire humanity’ by virtue of ‘Sunrise and Sunset’ on a daily basis at the appointed time, since time immemorial without an alarm and with prejudice to none.   This is an astounding glory we have to acknowledge. Even an atheist if he has gratitude, then he has God within him and acknowledges that this is no mean feat of rising and setting all through 365 days. Be it a Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Jew, Sikh, Parsi or a Buddhist, all of them experience the glory of the Sun and must make an effort to thank for the same.   Jwaalahotra , Vitihotra are other names for Agnihotra.                                   Any person of sound mind and above seven years of age can perform Agnihotra which is a fire ritual for ex actly 18 min...

The King of fruits contains Phytic acid  It has been raining mangoes for the last few months (April- May-June) as it was peak summer in Chennai. Having so many mango trees and eating mangoes left right and center, making them into milk shakes, eating them as smoothies, making soufflé, mixing them with fruit salad, mango spreads over sandwiches, making exclusive tangy mango pickles, toffees, mango-curds, simply cutting mangoes and scooping them from one’s jawline, making ice-creams, …. a gourmet’s list is endless.  But sadly, the little-known fact is that mangoes contain Phytic acid . Even many mango growers were not aware of this fact, which is what prompted me to write this article, albeit a little too late, considering the Mango season for this year is almost over. Yet, it is a note and reminder for next year and year after year. It is so tempting to see a mango tree laden with fruits and we impulsively cut the fruit without realizing the consequences in the long run. Whic...