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Devdutt Pattanaik's new book overlooks questionable aspects of Hinduism

A readable account of a devotee and mythologist's visit to 32 sites overlooks or romanticises several questionable aspects of Hinduism, writes Chintan Girish Modi

devotees at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha
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Devotees at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha

Chintan Girish Modi
The core meaning of pilgrimage, for me, is going on a physical journey to catalyse an inward exploration. The intention matters as much as the travel itself, if not more. What is needed on the way is a readiness to discover new maps of longing and desire, old pathways to resilience and wisdom, and fellow travellers who come and go. 

The Covid-19 pandemic brings us an opportunity to dive into what pilgrimage involves apart from deciding on a place, creating an itinerary, booking tickets, and sorting out the accommodation. How does it expand our notions of time and space? What