The story explores the distinction between the terms "culture" and "sanskaar" in the Indian context. While "culture" often evokes images of performances and traditional arts that are seen as nostalgic and non-essential, "sanskaar" refers to deeper values related to upbringing and family, serving as a key indicator of one's civility and cultural status. The term "sanskaar" is derived from Sanskrit, combining meanings of fluidity, cyclical existence, and questioning, highlighting its connection to human experience and societal values. It encompasses various rites of passage, such as marriage and childbirth, that shape cultural identity and familial relationships. The narrative emphasizes that rituals associated with sanskaar are imbued with emotions (bhaav), which modern management often overlooks in favor of rigid rules and traditions. This results in a culture that can feel restrictive and nostalgic rather than dynamic and meaningful. The story concludes with a reference to the Puranas, illustrating how the value of emotions can sometimes clash with ritualistic practices, as seen in the relationship between Shiva and his father-in-law Daksha.

by Devdutt Pattanaik in English Mythological Stories

Writen by Devdutt Pattanaik

Category Mythological Stories