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Showing posts from August 5, 2014


On Forgotten Hindu Soldiers Who Participated in World War I

The role of Hindus in the First World War is by and large expunged from the history books. They have been conveniently ignored and forgotten. Hindu sepoys were one of the highest numbers of volunteers as combatants and non-combatants in World War I. You can read more about the Hindu Soldiers Who Participated in World War I in this article with numerous references.   The role of Hindus in the First World War is by and large expunged from the history books.  Merely a cursory gaze at the figures reveals startling fact – In total 1,338, 620 Hindus participated in the war. This number exceeds the total number of army personnel from Australia , Canada , New Zealand and South Africa by 178,000.   Hindu soldiers were involved in the lands as diverse as Palestine , France , Syria and Mesopotamia . A school of thought says it was the Hindu army which changed the course of the war by turning German soldiers at Marne . Thousands of Hindu soldiers lost their lives and no hero’s welcome

Akhileshwar Dham at Lohardaga – Akhileshwar Shiva Temple at Bhandra near Lohardaga

Akhileshwar Dham is an 8 th century Shiva Temple located at Bhandra, around 12 km from, Lohardaga in Jharkhand. A part of the original temple was rebuilt around 50 years ago after it had collapsed. A Swayambhu Shivling of three feet is worshipped in the temple. A copper naga is found near the Shivling. The Goddess worshipped in the shrine is known as Satbahini. The sanctum sanctorum also houses a small Shivling. The temple is a famous destination in the region for conducting marriages. Bali or sacrifice was earlier practiced in the temple but has not been stopped completely. An important fair is held during the Shravan Purnima here. Jagannath Rath Yatra is also held at the temple. During the Shravan month, Shiva devotees from neighboring areas bring water to offer to the Shivling.