Common questions about IAS, our mission, and how you can be part of this spiritual movement.
Yes, leprosy still exists in the world today. The disease mentioned in the legend of Samba is traditionally called kushta or kushtha in Sanskrit, a broad historical term for skin diseases. We cannot know from the legend alone whether Samba had the exact disease that doctors identify as leprosy today.
Today, leprosy is also known as Hansen’s disease.
- Why the name changed: “Hansen’s disease” honors Norwegian scientist Gerhard Armauer Hansen, who identified the bacteria responsible for leprosy in 1873. The name is also used to reduce the stigma associated with the older term.
- Why it occurs: It is caused by bacteria, mainly Mycobacterium leprae, not by a curse. It affects the skin and nerves.
- Can it be cured? Yes. Antibiotic treatment can cure it, and early treatment helps prevent disability.
Sun temples are world-famous because of their religious importance, remarkable architecture, and historical heritage.
- Religious significance: They are dedicated to Surya Dev, the Hindu Sun God.
- Architecture: Temples such as Konark Sun Temple are famous for their intricate carvings and chariot-shaped design.
- History and culture: They preserve ancient Indian art, astronomy, and religious traditions.
- Pilgrimage and tourism: They attract devotees, historians, and visitors from around the world.
In Hindu mythology, the gods were sometimes driven out of heaven by powerful demons (Asuras) who defeated them in battle and took control of their kingdom.
In Hindu mythology, the Asuras wanted to rule heaven because heaven (Svarga) represents power, wealth, authority, and control over the universe.
- Power: They wanted to defeat the Devas and become rulers.
- Wealth and pleasures: Heaven is described as a place of great riches and divine enjoyments.
- Ambition and pride: Some stories portray Asuras as seeking control because of their desire for supremacy.
Devraj Indra told his mother, Aditi, because the Devas had been defeated by the Asuras and driven out of heaven. He sought his mother’s help and blessings to regain their kingdom.
Aditi performed severe penance to please Lord Surya (in some traditions, Vishnu in his solar form) because she wanted to protect her sons, the Devas, who had been defeated and driven out of heaven by the Asuras.
- Motherly love: Aditi wanted to restore her sons’ power and kingdom.
- Divine blessings: She performed penance to seek help from the divine.
- Birth of Vamana: In the Bhagavata Purana, her penance leads to Lord Vishnu appearing as Vamana, who helps the Devas regain their position.