About Vasanta Press
Vasanta is a Sanskrit word that means “spring” or “the season of spring.” In Hinduism, Vasanta is also the name of one of the six seasons in the Indian calendar. Vasanta is also the name of a Hindu “God” or “Goddess” associated with spring, youth, and fertility. In ancient Hindu literature, Vasanta is a time of renewal and rejuvenation, when the earth awakens from its winter slumber and bursts forth with new life. It is a season of growth and abundance when flowers bloom, fruits ripen, and the air is filled with the sweet fragrance of blossoms. In modern times, Vasanta is still celebrated as a time of joy and renewal in many parts of India. It is marked by colorful festivals and rituals that honor the goddess Vasanta and the natural world. The arrival of spring is seen as a time to shed the old and embrace the new, to let go of past mistakes, and to start afresh with renewed hope and optimism.
The Origin of the Name
Annie Besant, elected as the President of the Theosophical Society in 1907, recognized the need for the Society to have its own printing press to print its literature. So, in 1909, she established the Vasanta Press as a private venture in Adyar, Chennai, India, intending to publish books and pamphlets related to theosophy and spirituality. The Vasanta Press played a crucial role in disseminating theosophical literature and ideas, becoming one of India’s leading printing presses. It printed theosophical literature and books on Indian philosophy, literature, and culture. The press also employed many local workers and helped to promote the local economy. Annie Besant’s vision for the Vasanta Press was to create a platform for theosophical literature accessible to a wider audience and help spread theosophical ideas and principles. The press continued to operate after her death in 1933. It remains an important institution in the history of the Theosophical Society and the spread of theosophy and spirituality in India. .