The Nizammuddin stepwell or baoli was built by the Sufi saint, Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia in the years 1321-22. The Nizamuddin Baoli is the only surviving stepwell in Delhi which still has underground springs and is still used for drinking water. The water from this baoli is considered to have miraculous powers and continues to be held in reverence. 700 years later, Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the National Culture Fund has renewed the area with the work they've done on Humayun's tomb, Sunder Nursery and other sites. this includes building biodiversity and water bodies. I talk to AKTC's CEO, Ratish Nanda about how and what all they've done to create a place that makes you say 'if there is heaven on earth, it is here, it is here'.

Dillikidiva

Episode 11 Sacred Spaces - Nizammudin's renewal. In conversation with Ratish Nanda

In today's time, we think of Sita as the version of Lakshmi that is associated with self sacrifice and the good wife who accepts her fate. But the Goddess Sita was an ancient Vedic Goddess, who is mentioned in the Rigvedas (1500-1200 BC) as an earth goddess who blesses the land with good crops and was associated with fertility. We're taught that when you have to face a painful separation or situation; loneliness or grief, ask Sita for help. When you feel the pain of the earth itself, feel Sita's tears and recognize that grief can be a healing and deeply mystical pathway. Enjoy a small meditation to invoke the compassion of Sita. Check out my latest episode!

Episode 10 - Goddess Sita's Compassion

Meet Dhumvati - an unusual Goddess. She's the goddess of disappointment and letting go; and can get you through a lot. We’re also getting a reading for these difficult times from Meera Bhatia, tarot reader extraordinary who has also left us all a special gift meditation that we should all do everyday.

Dhumvati, Letting Go and a Tarot Reading for the pandemic

Goddess Lakshmi is the goddess of prosperity, but also sustainability. The word 'Shri" was another name for Lakshmi and Kings had to vow to bring 'Shri' to their kingdoms or they lost the right to rule. But in 2020, sustainability and prosperity are all important, and there are two very important reasons why the world needs India to lead the way on sustainability.

Goddess Lakshmi & the Sustainable Development Goals

Using Sally Kempton's book 'Awakening Shakti' and my book-'Weapons of Kalki, Book 1- Book of Love', we explore the Hindu Goddesses, their strengths and the flowers used to worship each

Which Goddess are you? And which flowers should you be showered with?

designer Jattinn Kochhar talks to Ritika Kochhar about sustainability and fashion

Sustainable fashion with designer Jattinn Kochhar

There are so many sacred spaces across the world - and one of my favourites is La Sagrada Familia - a temple in Barcelona that was designed by Antoni Gaudi where he famously declared that "God is my client". It's been 118 years in the making but it's one of the most visited sites in the world.

Sacred Spaces 14072019 - La Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona, Spain

The story of Sati and Shiva isn't about a woman who kills herself over her husband's honour. It's a story of a goddess seeing herself being disrespected by her father and preferring to kill herself so that the world can see her power. Which is why the Shaktipeeths are still important and worshipped in a masculine world where Radha and Sita are being omitted even from our greetings

Sacred Spaces 07072019 - Why Sati and the Shakti peeths are so important

The lines from the Japji Sahib - Pavan Guru, Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahan (air is the guru, water our father and mother our earth) has inspired the Kheti Virasat Mission who's natural farming methods is making a lot of money for some farmers in Punjab

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Sacred Spaces are more than just areas . They can just be a smell, image or decorations that makes you happy and a better person

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What are Sacred Spaces? they aren't woo-woo. They're the opposite. they're places you go to regain your energy and enthusiasm, to remember the good moments, the things that give you happiness and peace. And I can guarantee you that it isn't a memory of a fight with an office colleague. Perhaps there's a reason that people went on holidays to pilgrimage spots with family. There are some places that have vibes that give you energy.

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An urban woman recording her learnings about culture, mythology, spirituality, social changes and ecology as she travels through India and other countries.

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Dillikidiva

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