Shanti Shanti, the only Sanskrit Rock Band in United States of America , has released a new album titled Veda: Selections of Sanskrit Chanting from the 4 Vedas. The album contains verses Rig, Sama, Yajur and Atharva Veda. Shanti Shanti is a unique family Rock Band - Sisters Andrea Devi Forman and Sara Anjuli Forman, their younger brother Micah Mahdev Forman and father Robert Henry Forman and mother Linda Forman are the performers. Veda: Selections of Sanskrit Chanting from the 4 Vedas consists of 11 tracks: Narayan Suktam (Yajur Veda) Shanti Mantra (Yajur Veda) Narayana Upanishad (Atharva Veda) Mantra Pushpam (Rig Veda) Sama Veda (selection) (Sama Veda) Upanishat Sarasamgraha (Atharva Veda) Raag Saraswati (Gandarva Veda) Sri Suktam (RigVeda) Shri Rudra Prashna (Yajur Veda) Ganesha Upanishad (Atharva Veda) Ayu Suktam (Atharva Veda) You can find more details about the Rock Band and Veda here . Veda: Selections of Sanskrit Chanting from the 4 Ved

The automatic drumming and bell ringing machines made exclusively for Hindu temples by RKS Metal Screens based in Coimbatore is today used in over thousands of temples around the world. The idea of the automatic drum and bell is the brainchild of Krushnaswami, the owner of RKS Metal Screens, who produced the first machine in 1980. Samanth Subramanian writes about the automatic drum and bell in Livemint The simple machine consists of a metal frame with two bells, two cymbals, and a large drum. When switched on, a motor kicks clappers and drumsticks into operation. In perfect rhythm, the clappers ring on the bells and cymbals, and the drumsticks mark out a background tattoo. RKS Metal Screens sells around 300 units a month, many for export to Singapore , Indonesia , Canada , the UK and the US . It is in India , however, that the RKS auto drum bell has truly found fame. Despite competitors having sprung up over the last few years, the auto drum bell of choice remains

Hindu women are today conducting prayers, pujas and rituals in different parts of India . Many Hindus have started to prefer women priests over male priests because the Hindu Priestess is never in a hurry, she performs the puja neatly, she explains what she is doing, and why she is doing it to the family. Hindu women in the family are more comfortable as they get a chance to clear their doubts regarding rituals. No wonder why there are more than 600 Hindu Priestesses in a city like Nagpur in Maharashtra . In North and Western India, Hindu Priestesses are today conducting pujas like Vaastu Puja, Maha Rudra, pujas associated with birth and death, Satya Narayan Katha puja, Satya Vinayak, Satya Dutta, Satya Amba, Satya Shiv, Satya Gajanan, Udakshanti, Rudra, Ati Rudra, Pranpratishtha, Atharvashirsha, Bramhanspatisukta, Shripurushsukta, Shrisukta, Shri Soursukt and several other pujas. Today there are several organizations and ashrams in India and abroad that are actively traini

Sri Ganesha is an animated movie based on Lord Ganesh in Tamil produced by Chennai based Magic Box. The 45-minute 2-d and 3-d animated movie released in DVD and VCD narrates the origin, childhood of Lord Ganesha and about the rat - his Vahana or vehicle. The makers claim Sri Ganesha has been produced in such a way that it will a ttract both youngsters and elders. The CD is priced at Rs 99 and the DVD is priced at Rs 125 and is marketed by Abirami Recording Company. Related Animated Movies based on Gods in Hindu Religion

Famous clutch-maker Judith Leiber has introduced a women's strapless purse in the shape of Lord Ganesh, which is a collectors item. The price of Ganesh Evening Bags is $5595 and around 285,000 rupees in India . The bag is adorned with multi-tone Austrian crystals and has a swirl-embossed gold-tone circular bottom. Famous Porcelain masters like Lladro and Lenox have already introduced several Ganesha sculptures. Most of them are limited editions and unique sculptures. The only one released by Lenox was priced around $2000 . Lladro has already created a series of Ganesha porcelain figures which is a major hit around the world and the price ranges around $900. In recent years, there is a craze for Lord Ganesha shaped idols, paintings etc. This cute-faced Hindu God who is the remover of obstacles (Vigneshwara) and the Lord of the Ganas (Ganapati) is slowly and steadily becoming the face of Hinduism around the world.

The hugely popular Ramayan serial being telecast on NDTV Imagine television channel in India will be soon released in VCD and DVD packs. The home video of NDTV Imagine’s Ramayan will hit the market before Diwali. The TV channel will release the mythological series in three- to four-volume VCD packs. ( Business Standard ) The Ramayan on NDTV is available free online on Bigflix .

‘Women of the Mahabharata, the Question of Truth’ by Chaturvedi Badrinath critically looks into the stories of twelve women in the epic Mahabharata. Each woman in the Mahabharata has a tale to tell and through it some valuable lessons are imparted provided you are ready to empathize with her. There is something more to each woman in the Mahabharata provided you are ready to look beyond the established narratives. Chaturvedi Badrinath provides new insight into the stories of Shakuntala, Savitri, Damayanti, Sulabha, Suvarchala, Uttara Disha, Madhavi, Kapoti, Draupadi, Anamika, Devyani, and Madhavi. The stories of some of these women are already well known but majority are unknown. From Orient Longman’s Flyer to the book The women of the Mahabharata are incarnate in the women of today. To read the stories of their relationships is to read the stories of our relationships. They demand from the men of today the same reflection on their perceptions, attitudes, and pretens

Sankatahara Ganesha, or Sangadahara Ganapati, is one among the 32 forms of Lord Ganesh. As the name indicates, he is the remover of sorrows – ‘Sankata hara’. In this form Ganesha is shown as seated on a red lotus and his Shakti (female energy) sits on his lap. Ganesha and Shakti together are depicted in Tantric form of worship. The complexion of Sankatahara Ganesha is that of the rising sun and is shown wearing blue color dress. He has four arms and holds a goad, another a noose, a bowl of sweet milk and the right hand is in boon giving posture. Sankatahara Ganesh is shown as a celibate in non-Tantric forms. The female energy or Shakti that is depicted is green in color and holds a blue flower. You may also like to read Ashtavinayaka - eight forms of Ganesha

Christie’s , one of world’s leading art business and a fine arts auction house, is auctioning several idols of Hindu gods and sculptures, stone works, miniatures at its auction of artworks in New York on September 16, 2008. The idols on sale range from the 1st century BC to 18th century AD. Bronze figure of Shiva as Nataraja, Vishnu, Skanda (Muruga), Ganesha, Goddess Durga, Goddess Ambika, Goddess Parvati, Kamadeva and idols of numerous other deities and paintings are part of the auction. Around 85 idols and paintings related to Hinduism will be auctioned by Christie’s on the day. Most of these idols were stolen from India during the British rule and some after independence. What is baffling is that nearly 60 Hindu idols and around 15 paintings of ancient India is going to be auctioned and there is not even an attempt from any quarters in India to get back these priceless idols and artifacts. The costliest is Shiva Nataraja of Chola Period (975 AD), estimated at 1.5

Mata Bhakti Priyananda, or Bhakti Priya, lives in a cave at Tapovan meadow (more than 13500 feet) near Gangotri Glacier, the origin of River Ganga. She is 51 and has a Master's Degree in Special Education from Northern Illinois State University . And her religion is peace. She worships a god who, she believes, created this wonderful Nature. David's Journal from India in pbs.org talks about Mata Bhakti Priyananda, who lives at Tapovan meadow, a destination beyond source of River Ganges and reaching the place is torturous with vertical climbs. Mata Bhakti Priyananda shares her experience at the Tapovan Meadow and also talks about global warming and other issues affecting the area. But what is she doing is doing in a cave faraway from civilization, friends and families. The article does not give a direct answer. Real quest for inner peace and search for truth often takes daring human beings to places where many are scared to go or only dream to go. You can

The book ‘This is No Secret’- Path to Abundance and Heart Awakening by Joy Kapur claims that contains the essence of the wisdom of India’s ancient seers. It will give you insights and show you how to create abundance from anywhere, anytime and at any age. ‘This Is No Secret’ is an E-book in a downloadable PDF format. So, is it yet another book on the long list of books dealing with self-improvement, goal setting, positive thinking and wealth generating? Here is what the author says about the book The ancient Vedic seers believed that heart is the seat of consciousness and how it holds the key to manifesting your destiny. Heart is the most powerful antenna that receives and emits powerful vibrations known to the modern day scientist as the electro-magnetic field of the heart and how it is interconnected to world around us and its role in the interconnectedness to non-physical realm of mind, psyche and consciousness. This is not my knowledge. I became a conduit in the hand

Sudharma, the only Sanskrit daily newspaper in India , began its online version in June 2008. Started in 1970, Sudharma daily sells around 3000 copies through subscription. The internet version of Sudharma is aimed at reaching a wider audience. Published from Mysore , the only income generated by Sudharma is from the 250 rupees of annual subscription. By going online Sudharma is planning to attract advertisers, which is essential for the survival of the only Sanskrit daily. Like any other newspaper, Sudharma publishes daily news and happenings in Sanskrit. But importance is given to Sanskrit language and news related to the latest developments in Sanskrit. You can find the online version of Sudharma – the Sanskrit Daily here.

The Sri Krishna Museum at Kurukshetra in Haryana is the only museum in the world exclusively dedicated to Lord Krishna. Bhagavad Gita was rendered by Lord Krishna at Kurukshetra. Conceived by Gulzari Lal Nanda, who was twice the acting Prime Minister of India, in 1987, the Museum in its present form was inaugurated by, Shri R Venkatraman, President of India on July 28, 1991. Today, two blocks of Shri Krishna Museum at Kurukshetra have six different galleries which present and preserve ideals associated with Lord Krishna. The main attraction here is the huge paintings depicting the battle of Kurukshetra. Wood carvings, metal castings, ivory carvings dedicated to Lord Krishna are the main attraction in the first gallery. Second gallery consists of archeological objects associated with Lord Krishna. Miniature paintings, palm leaf etchings, Pahari and Rajasthani paintings, murals and illustrated manuscripts are part of the third gallery. Important episodes in the Life of Krishn

Varkratunda Mahakaya Surya Koti Sama Prabha Nirvighnam Kuru Mein Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada O Lord, with a twisted trunk and immense body, Radiant with the effulgence of a million suns: O Lord, may all our endeavors Always be accomplished without obstacles. You may also like to read Simple Hindu Prayers

The book titled ‘The Temple Architecture of India ’ by Adam Hardy delves into the principles and processes underlying the designs of ancient Hindu Temples in India , which are architectural gems. The book traces the origins and formation of the Northern Nagara and Southern Dravida style of architecture. The period of these two classical architectures between 6th and 13th centuries is referred as the great age of Hindu temple construction. ‘The Temple Architecture of India’ traces the extraordinarily development of Northern Nagara and Southern Dravida style of architecture and role played by the cultural and religious values between 6th and 13th centuries in it. A short historical background of the temples without the usual dynasty categorization is major attraction. The highlight of the book is the illustrations. In the quality drawings in the book, the complex Hindu temple architecture is dissected and is presented as simple components. ‘The Temple Architecture of In

A new book titled ‘Sarama and Her Children: The Dog in Indian Myth’ by Bibek Debroy traces the role of dogs in Hindu scriptures like the Vedas, Epics, Puranas, Dharma Shastras and Niti Shastras. The most famous dog in the Hindu religion myths is the dog in the Mahabharata that accompanied the Pandavas. Yudhisthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, declined to enter heaven without the dog as he was not willing to ignore the loyalty of the dog that followed him till his death. There are also numerous other references to dogs in the classical texts. But still several Hindus consider dogs as inauspicious. The widespread assumption is that dogs have always been looked down upon in Hinduism and a legacy of that attitude persists even now. Tracing the Indian attitude towards dogs in a chronological fashion, beginning with the pre-Vedic Indus Valley civilization, Bibek Debroy in ‘Sarama and Her Children: The Dog in Indian Myth’ discovers that the truth is more complicated. Dog is mention

Badamtala Ashar Sangha Durga Puja Pandal in South Kolkata is one of the famous Durga Puja mandals in the city – especially noted for its innovative themes. The rights of the 2008 Durga Puja pandal and celebrations of Badamtala Ashar Sangha Durga Puja committee has been sold to ‘Media Morphosis,’ a US Company. Yep, Corporatization of Durga Puja – in common man’s term privatization. According to Times of India The entire expenses of the Badamtala Ashar Sangha Puja in south Kolkata will be borne by the US Company 'Media Morphosis' which will promote it in the media and the web. In another trend-setting move, the organizers have got superstar Mithun Chakraborty to endorse the puja In the beginning there were no sponsors. Durga Puja committees managed with funds collected from public. Then came sponsors. And now corporates! Public is happy! In Hinduism, spirituality is in the mind and not in external objects. The religious aspect of a festival – prayers, pujas,

Religion is the vision of something that stands beyond, behind and within, the passing flux of immediate things; something which is real, and yet waiting to be realized; something which is a remote possibility, and the greatest of present facts; something that gives meaning to all the passes, and yet eludes apprehension; something whose possession is the final good, and yet it is beyond all reach; something which is the ultimate deal, and the hopeless quest. Alfred North Whitehead – Science and the Modern World. P. 191. (published in 1925) (Don’t be surprised if the sentences above have striking similarities to ideas mentioned in Brihadaranyaka and Mandukya Upanishads.)

If the Durga Puja tradition is to be strictly followed, the idol of Goddess Durga should be made from pure clay and should only be decorated with natural paints. But today majority of the Durga Puja idols are made from Plaster of Paris and painted using chemical paints. Another popular material used is paper mache. There are also plastic idols but are rarely used. A new entrant to the list of material used to make Durga idols is fiber glass. Fiberglass Durga idols are mostly exported from India to various Durga Puja celebrations take place around the world. The advantages are that the idol is lighter in weight and is easy to transport. Chances of breaking are minimal. It can be molded to look like clay idol. If the Durga idol is not to be immersed in water at the end of the festivities, then it can be reused. Fibre glass Durga Idols are not meant to be immersed in water. Today, Fiber glass Durga idols are the costliest and a medium sized idol will cost around $6000

Pearls are naturally formed an Oyster, a living creature - marine mollusks having a rough irregular shell; found on the sea bed mostly in coastal waters. There are natural pearls and cultured pearls. Cultured pearls are created by slight alteration in the natural pearl formation. Now an Indian scientist Ajai Kumar Sonkar has created cultured pearls in the form of Lord Ganesha. The 42 mm Lord Ganesha-shaped pearl was created at Ajai Kumar Sonkar’s farm and research project in Andamans and Nicobar Island . Pteria Penguin, a special species of pearl oyster, was used to create it. The cost of a single Lord Ganesh pearl is around $30000 (Rupees 12 lakhs). Press Trust of India reports ‘Earlier no free cultured pearl had been formed in the species, Pteria Penguin, because of its features. They are very sensitive to outside element and usually die when any foreign body is implanted,’ Ajai Kumar Sonkar said. Sonkar, who in 2003 had developed the world's biggest black pearl i

He who knows more and more clearly, the self obtains fuller being. In plants and trees, sap only is seen, in animals only consciousness. The self is more and more clear in man for he is most endowed with intelligence. He knows tomorrow, he knows the world and what is not the world. By the mortal he desires the immortal, being thus endowed. As for animals, hunger and thirst comprise their knowledge. But this man is the sea, he is above the world. Whatever he reaches he desires to go beyond it. Aitareya Aranyaka (II. I.3)

In a temple tragedy on Sunday at the famous Naina Devi temple in Bilaspur District of Himachal Pradesh more than 145 pilgrims have died in a stampede triggered by rumors of a landslide. Himachal Pradesh officials confirm that at least 145 devotees have died, majority of those dead were children and women. Many more have been injured in the incident. In spite of heavy rains, an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 pilgrims had gathered at the popular Naina Devi Temple on Punjab – Himachal Pradesh border to offer prayers on the occasion of Sawan Navratri, a nine-day religious festival involving fasting dedicated to Goddess Durga. Shravan month (July – August) is considered highly auspicious throughout North India and millions of Hindus visit various Hindu shrines. Temples in India have witnessed numerous stampedes, the very latest during Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra, when 8 were killed, and most worst in recent history in 2005, about 265 pilgrims were killed at a stampede near Wai T

Nag Panchami festival observed in India during the Shravan month is a classic example of Hinduism’s deep rooted connections with Nature. Local folklore in India is full of stories associated with Nagas or Snakes. In South, the Nag Panchami festival legends revolve around the brother sister relationship. An important ritual in South Indian on the day include rubbing of milk or ghee on the back, spine and navel of brothers by sisters. An important story or Nag Panchami Katha goes like this. Once a young girl asks her brother to get some Ketaki flower for Naga Puja. Screwpine or Ketaki is used to worship Nagaraja (Snake God). But unfortunately the brother who went in search of Ketaki is bitten by a snake and is killed. The sister then prays and performs Vrata and propitiates Nagaraja and the brother is brought back to life. There are numerous such stories in local folklore and in most stories the sister resurrects the dead brother. Thus on the Nag Panchami day in some regions the