When I started out writing Hindu blog, I was totally in dark and didn’t know what to write. There are very few religious blogs that have succeeded. And many of the top bloggers even today consider it not a good idea to do spiritual blogging. But what prompted me to maintain a Hinduism blog was my interest to know about what is happening around the world in regard with Hindu religion. When I began blogging, there were only a few blogs dealing with Hinduism. Some blogs showed high enthusiasm in the beginning and the bloggers lost interest as there were not much visitors. Some people wrote a few posts mostly defending Hinduism from the attack of other bloggers. Some were frustrated with the pseudo-secularists in India and their blogs concentrated on talking about the plight of Hindus in India . Some met hatred with hatred. So initially I just collected links from other blogs and newspaper articles. Put a daily quote on the blog. After a month or so I started rece

The phrase "There is no need for any purpose, just be one with nature" reflects a profound aspect of ancient Hindu philosophy and wisdom. This concept finds its roots in various teachings and scriptures of Hinduism, emphasizing the importance of aligning oneself with the natural world and understanding the intrinsic value of being rather than incessantly seeking purpose or goals. Here's an expanded exploration of this idea: The Philosophy of Being Concept of Dharma and Karma:  In Hindu philosophy, Dharma refers to the moral order of the universe and an individual's duty or righteousness. However, it is not always about achieving a particular goal but about living in harmony with the natural law. Karma suggests that actions should be performed without attachment to their outcomes. This aligns with the idea that one should act in accordance with their nature and duties without seeking personal gain, thus becoming one with the natural flow of life. The Teachings

Professor Satya Chaitanya, a faculty at XLRI School of Business and Human Resources, Jamshedpur , will be throwing light on how the tribals interpreted the Mahabharata at a seminar in Delhi on February 5, 2007 . The three-day seminar is being organized by the National Manuscript Mission under the Union ministry of culture. Researchers and scholars from India and abroad will be presenting papers on the interpretation of Mahabharata in various languages and cultures. Professor Chaitanya will be presenting a paper on “Text and variations of Mahabharata: contextual, regional and performative traditions.” The Telegraph Calcutta reports Prepared after a thorough research of two years, Chaitanya has studied the Bheel Mahabharata , a tribal folklore on the epic written by the Bheel community residing in the states of Gujarat , Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.  “ Bheel Bharat is different from the Sanskrit Mahabharata where women and sexuality plays vita

Sanjivani Booti – which Lord Hanuman brought to save the life of Lord Ram's brother Lakshman – is being researched upon by scientists for its survival instincts. Sanjeevani means ‘one that infuses life.’ The Sanjeevani plant is well known for its medicinal properties and is mentioned in Ayurveda and other ancient texts. National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) is trying to identify the gene that helps Sanjivani Booti to survive severe droughts. The plant existed before 300 million years and comes under a group of plants which were the first vascular plants on earth. When there is no moisture the plant curls up and assumes the form of a brown crust. Sanjivani Booti regains its original form when it comes in contact with water or moisture. The plant is found throughout India and it grows in rocks and arid lands. The plant, famous after its mention in the Ramayana, is credited to have the power to cure all physical ailments. In the epic, Lord Rama’s brother,

The World Congress on Vedic sciences is being organized at Varanasi by Banaras Hindu University in collaboration with Sampurnanand Sanskrit University and Vijnana Bharati. The event is being held from February 9 to 11 at Swatantrata Bhawan in Banaras Hindu University . The World Congress is expecting more than 1000 delegates from India and around the world. A book exhibition displaying Vedic literature from India and abroad is part of the event. The Hindustan Times reports Prof Lal, organizing secretary of the World Congress, said that this congress was an attempt to decipher the manuscripts and ancient works to unearth more knowledge of Vedas still not known to the society. “One has to rediscover Vedas for the modern world and this will be the noblest contribution, which modern India can provide to solve the innumerable hardships being faced by the modern man.”  “The roots and seeds of all sciences could be traced to the Sacred V

Ancient Hindu wisdom often conveys profound truths through simple yet deeply meaningful statements. One such insight is encapsulated in the phrase: "Drop all that is unnatural in you and you will see peace." This teaching invites us to reflect on our true nature and to distinguish between what is essential and what is extraneous in our lives. Understanding the Concept of 'Unnatural' In the context of Hindu philosophy, the term 'unnatural' refers to aspects of our being that are not aligned with our true self or dharma (righteous path). These may include: Ego and False Identity: The ego is a construct of the mind that leads us to identify with transient aspects of our existence, such as our physical body, status, and possessions. This false identity creates a barrier between our true self and the peace we seek. Negative Emotions and Desires: Emotions like anger, greed, jealousy, and excessive desires are considered unnatural because they disturb the equi

No one exactly knows when the worship of Linga or Lingam started in Hindu religion. But throughout the history the worship of Linga has been identified with Lord Shiva. And thus Linga is also known as Shivling or Shivlingam and is of great importance in Hinduism. Significance of Shivling Lord Shiva from time immemorial has been worshiped in the form of ‘ling’ or ‘lingam.’ The word ‘ling’ means ‘symbol’ or ‘sign.’ It is the visible symbol of Nirguna Brahman (the supreme being) and is present in all the living beings. Bansi Pandit writes in Hindu Dharma.. “linga is derived from the two Sanskrit words laya (dissolution) and agaman (recreation).” Thus the linga symbolizes both the creative and destructive power of the Lord and great sanctity is attached to it by the devotees. Today, the ‘ling’ has numerous interpretations and symbolisms. Thousands of pages have been written about the symbolism of Shivling. But the best explanation is that the ‘ling’ is a v

When Tara Guber first approached a public school to teach yoga in United States , the Hindu roots of Yoga was opposed by Christian fundamentalists and secularists. She removed chanting and translated Sanskrit words in yoga into English to allay the fears of those who opposed it on religious lines. Today more than 100 schools in 26 States have adopted Yoga. Teachers say it helps children with attention-deficit disorder and reduce obesity. Rachel Konrad, an Associated Press Writer, has written in detail about Yoga in public schools. The Sages who invented yoga never talked about Hinduism. Because the very word Hinduism was coined hundreds of years later. The sages only wanted to help humanity with their knowledge. And if it is helping humanity even after thousands of years it is the greatness of their knowledge and the way of life they led.

The eighteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is known as "Sannyasa Yoga" for several reasons that are deeply rooted in its content and thematic essence. Here’s a detailed explanation: Theme of Renunciation and Liberation: The term "Sannyasa" translates to renunciation, and "Yoga" means the path or discipline. This chapter specifically deals with the concepts of renunciation (sannyasa) and the discipline of action (karma yoga). It discusses the true nature of renunciation, where one gives up the attachment to the fruits of actions rather than the actions themselves. Summary of Teachings: The eighteenth chapter acts as a comprehensive summary of the entire Bhagavad Gita. It encapsulates various paths to spiritual liberation, including the paths of knowledge (Jnana Yoga), devotion (Bhakti Yoga), and disciplined action (Karma Yoga). Renunciation, as highlighted in this chapter, is the culmination and integration of these paths. Clarification on Types of

The seventeenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is known as "Shraddha Traya Vibhaga Yoga" which translates to "The Yoga of the Threefold Faith." This title is reflective of the content and focus of the chapter, which delves into the nature and classification of faith (shraddha) based on the three gunas (qualities or modes of nature) — sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance). Here's a breakdown of the key points explaining why this chapter is named "Shraddha Traya Vibhaga Yoga": Shraddha (Faith): The chapter begins with Arjuna asking Krishna about the faith of those who worship with devotion but do not follow the scriptural injunctions. Krishna responds by explaining that faith is influenced by the inherent nature (gunas) of individuals. Traya (Threefold): Krishna elaborates that faith can be categorized into three types, corresponding to the three gunas. Each type of faith leads individuals to different kinds of worship and ultim

Vindhyavasini Temple in Vindhyachal, which is about 7 km from Mirzapur, is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is one of the sacred spots in Hinduism. Located on the banks of Ganga , this Hindu temple is popularly known as Mirzapur Temple and is midway between Prayag ( Allahabad ) and Kashi ( Varanasi ). Vindhyachal Dham - Shaktipeeth Vindhyachal Dham is one among the important Shaktipeeths and legend has it that Sati’s left toe had fallen here after she destroyed herself on hearing the humiliating words from Daksha about her husband Lord Shiva. Goddess Durga after eliminating the fierce demon Mahishasura decided to reside on the hills here and thus she came to be known as Vindhyavasini . Residing here she continued to eliminate several other demons. Devotees believe that by worshipping Maa Vindhyavasini all their desires will be fulfilled. Lal Bhairav Before approaching Vindhyachal Temple, on the way there is Bhairava Temple – Lal Bhairav. It is one kilo

The sixteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is known as "Devasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga" because it deals with the distinction between the divine (deva) and the demoniac (asura) qualities or traits in human beings. The Sanskrit term "Devasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga" can be broken down as follows: "Deva" means divine or godly. "Asura" means demonic or ungodly. "Sampad" means wealth or qualities. "Vibhaga" means division or classification. "Yoga" in this context means a path or practice of understanding. Therefore, "Devasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga" translates to "The Yoga of the Division between the Divine and the Demoniacal Properties." In this chapter, Krishna explains to Arjuna the characteristics of people with divine (daivi sampad) qualities, such as fearlessness, purity of heart, self-control, and non-violence. These qualities lead to spiritual liberation and a harmonious life. On the o

In Hindu philosophy, the concept of ignorance (Avidya) is profoundly explored, and one of the central teachings revolves around the idea that ignorance is the result of embracing the perishable and ignoring the imperishable. This teaching is deeply rooted in the metaphysical framework of Hindu thought, especially as articulated in the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. The Perishable vs. The Imperishable The Perishable (Anitya): In Hindu philosophy, the perishable refers to all that is transient and temporary. This includes the physical body, material possessions, sensory experiences, and even mental states. These are subject to change, decay, and eventual dissolution. The focus on the perishable often leads to attachment, desire, and a sense of identity tied to the ephemeral aspects of existence. The Imperishable (Nitya): In contrast, the imperishable refers to the eternal and unchanging reality. This is often identified with Brahman, the ultimate, unchanging reality, and Atman

Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram is home to some of the most popular Hindu temples in India . Thiruvananthapuram itself means ‘City of Lord Anantha .’ Some of the most important Trivandrum temples are listed below. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple : This Dravidian style temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The idol is in the Anananthasayanam posture. The lord is in reclining position over Adi Shesha or Anantha. The temple is located in the heart of the city in East Fort. Only Hindus are allowed in the temple. Men should be in ‘mundu’ (dhoti) and should not wear anything on the upper part. Women should be in ‘sari.’ Even Churidhar is not allowed in. (It might sound strange but things are like this at this temple. Hope it changes for the good) Young girls are allowed in with Pavadai. No mobile phones or cameras are allowed inside. There is small counter in the temple premise which provides dhoti and pavadi to visitors at a fee. It also keeps your foot wears.

You will find the statue of Christ in padmasna posture at the Jagat Jyothi Mandir, a meditation centre constructed by the Quilon Social Service Society (QSSS), on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake at Parimanam in Kollam District, Kerala. The statue of Christ resembles Buddha. Christ and the 12 Apostles sit on the floor and are served on banana leaves in the famous last supper painting found here. Ignatius Pereira writes in The Hindu The walls of the mandir are decorated with symbols of `pancha boothas' and the four Gospels are represented as vulture ( St. John ), bull (St. Luke), lion (St. Mark) and angel (St. Matthew). Symbols of all religions are painted on the roof. In fact, the mandir looks like a typical Hindu temple with a 12-foot-tall stone lamp in front. Incidentally, the Kollam diocese to which the new church belongs had adopted the Hindu symbol ‘ OM ’ two decades ago.

The assertion that conflict and violence in the world stem from the inability to see unity in diversity is deeply rooted in the teachings of Hinduism. This ancient religion offers profound insights on how recognizing and respecting the diverse expressions of life can lead to harmony and peace. Here’s an expanded exploration of this concept: Hindu Teachings on Unity in Diversity Hinduism, one of the world's oldest religions, is fundamentally grounded in the principle of unity in diversity. This philosophy is intricately woven into various aspects of its theology, cosmology, and daily practices. Philosophical Foundations At the heart of Hindu thought is the concept of Brahman, the ultimate, unchanging reality amidst and beyond the world, which is sometimes described as pure consciousness or existence itself. Brahman is the source of all that exists, and everything in the universe is a manifestation of this singular reality. Advaita Vedanta: This school of Hindu philosophy e

Indians are slowly accepting the existence of sexual minorities in its society. The recent discussion in India on homosexuality and the petitions filed to repeal the Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code points to this fact. Sex education is soon going to be a part of curriculum in schools. But the sexual minorities in India are still a struggling lot. Especially the eunuchs or hijras or hijadas or Zenanas or transsexuals or transvestites. They are known by so many names but it all means that they are neither male nor females for the society and are a sexual minority. Mahabharata, one of the epics of Hinduism, talks about Shikandi, a eunuch. Shikandi was used as shield by Arjuna to defeat Bhisma. Bhisma had earlier taken a vow that he will not fight a eunuch. Transgender find mention in several ancient Indian texts. They are also widely mentioned in Indian history, especially as keepers of harem. On close scrutiny of historical data, we find that the eunuchs were be

The two of the most important Hindu temples in Trinidad and Tobago are the Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple and the Temple in the Sea or the Waterloo temple. Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple The 85-foot tall idol of Lord Hanuman is the center of attraction here. The temple light rose in color is built on Dravidian architectural lines. The Temple in the Sea or the Waterloo temple This temple is the result of the unwavering dedication of Sewdass Sadhu – an indentured laborer – who was arrested and sent to prison for building a temple on the farmland in which he worked. Returning from the prison, Sewdass Sadhu decided to build the temple in the sea. Hinduism Today in its June 1997 issue wrote Every day thereafter Sewdass Sadhu would pack a small leather bag with foundation blocks and journey to the seaside on a bicycle. He placed these in the ocean, and gradually built up the stones until a small island rose from the water. In tim

The statement "There is nothing impossible for a man who has subdued his passions" reflects a profound concept within Hindu wisdom, encapsulating the importance of self-mastery and the power it bestows upon an individual. This idea can be expanded upon by exploring the philosophical, spiritual, and practical implications of subduing one's passions according to Hindu teachings. Philosophical Context In Hindu philosophy, the concept of subduing one's passions is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. These texts emphasize the need for self-control and the mastery of desires as essential steps towards achieving Moksha (liberation). According to the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to rise above his desires and attachments to attain a state of equanimity and inner peace. This process of subduing passions is known as vairagya (detachment). Spiritual Significance Spiritually, subduing one's passions is seen as a way to

Krishna : Makhan Chor’ will be aired on Friday, January 26, 2007 at 12 noon and 7:30 p.m Indian time. The episode contains the playful years of Krishna at Gokul. Krishna also takes on the demons of ‘ Kans mama’ in the episode. The first part ‘ Krishna : the Birth’ was a major success for Cartoon Network India . This episode in a simple way takes the story forward. It introduces the pranks and divinity of Krishna to children. Rated as No.1 program across all children'ss channels for the week of 21st to 27th January 2007 (CS 4+ yrs). Winner of Special award from Japan's TBS DigiCon 2007.  Krishna - Makhan Chor shows the infant Krishna growing up in Gokul under the love and care of his foster parents, Nand-Lal and Yashoda, to become the popular, mischievous but lovable "KANHA" of Gokul.

Jeffery Long, an Elizabethtown College religion professor, has written a book that presents Hinduism as the "universal" religion, capable of providing a model for global inter-religious cooperation and world peace. The book is titled "A Vision for Hinduism: Beyond Hindu Nationalism." In his book, he argues for a traditional pluralistic understanding of Hinduism - as articulated by such figures as Sri Ramakrishna and Mahatma Gandhi - in opposition to the narrow identification of Hinduism with Indian nationality and ethnicity that characterizes contemporary Hindu nationalist movements. Long asserts that Hindu nationalism is not only destructive of communal relations, but that it also prevents Hinduism from emerging as a world religion in the true sense of the term. He presents a vision of Hinduism as a tradition capable of pointing the way toward a future in which all the world's religions manifest complementary visions of a larger reality

In Hinduism, the concept that a person remains ignorant as long as they feel that God is far away is deeply rooted in the spiritual teachings and philosophies of the tradition. This teaching highlights the importance of understanding and realizing the presence of the divine within oneself and the universe. Atman and Brahman: Atman: The individual soul or self. Brahman: The ultimate reality or world soul. Hindu philosophy, especially in the Advaita Vedanta tradition, teaches that Atman (the inner self) and Brahman (the universal soul) are one and the same. Realizing this oneness is the essence of spiritual enlightenment. Ignorance (Avidya): Avidya is the term used to describe ignorance or the lack of true knowledge in Hindu philosophy. It is the mistaken belief in the separation between the self and the divine. This ignorance is what binds individuals to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). Realization (Jnana): Jnana, or knowledge, refers to the realizati

She stayed in an unventilated underground chamber at the Ardh Kumbh Mela grounds in Prayag for 72 hours. Yogmata Kiko Ikoba, the Japanese woman, performed this Samadhi for world peace. She entered the nine-feet by nine-feet chamber on January 18, 2007 after rituals and prayers. On completion of the ‘Samadhi’, she was conferred the title of 'mahamandaleshwar' by Joona Akhara. One of the largest of Hindu orders, Juna Akhara has 150,000 sadhus as its members. Joona Akhara is a Shaiva sect and they have lot of privileges during Kumbh Mela. The tutelary deity of Joona Akhara is the Bhairava form of Shiva. The seven Dashnami Akharas are Nirvani and Atal, known together as Nirvani Akhara, Niranjani and Anand known together as Niranjani Akhara, and Joona, Awahan and Agni, known as Joona Akhara.

Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple in Klang , Malaysia , achieved the ISO 9001:2000 certification for its quality in religious, cultural, and social services to Hindus. It is believed that the temple – which is about 100 years old and also known as Tirupati of Southeast Asia – is the first temple to get such a certification. The staronline reports Temple president S. Anandakrishnan said that with the ISO award, religious activities would be standardised to set a precedent for other Hindu temples.   “Other temples are not bound to follow our standard operating procedure (SOP), but we wanted to set a benchmark so that people will know we provide quality services,” he said. representational image of a clean Hindu temple   If an ‘ISO certificate’ can keep a temple premises clean and pollution free then it is well and good. It should be employed in India too as the outer premises of some temples in India are in pathetic condition.

Vrishabha Rashi Shiva mantra is a personal and special mantra for Vrishabha Rashi or Taurus born people. Chanting this mantra, dedicated to Lord Shiva, will help in solving professional problems. It will help in solving financial problems like debt and it is an ideal mantra for solving fights in the family. Below is the Vrishabha rashi mantra dedicated to Shiva. Benefits of the prayer and a brief procedure on how to chant the mantra is given below. Vrishabha Rashi Shiva Mantra द्रों ॐ नम : शिवाय द्रों Droom Om Namah Shivaya Droom Benefits of Vrishabha Rashi Shiva Mantra A perfect solution to all kinds of problems related to bad positioning of Navgrahas in Janam Kundli or horoscope of Vrishabha Rashi born people. For early job. To find relief to health issues. Good for those having problems in family as it will help in better understanding among family members. Chanting of mantra will help in solving relationship issues. It will help in getting job. How to Cha

In the sacred realm of Ayodhya, where the echoes of Rama's heroic deeds reverberated through the ages, a momentous encounter unfolded between the venerable sage Valmiki and the divine Brahma, the creator of the cosmos. As Valmiki knelt in humble reverence, Brahma, with eyes as ancient as time itself, looked upon the sage with benevolence. With a voice that resonated like thunder yet carried the gentleness of a breeze, Brahma bestowed upon Valmiki a boon unparalleled in its magnitude. He granted the sage the extraordinary ability to witness the entirety of Rama's illustrious life, from its inception to its culmination. This divine blessing was not merely a glimpse into the past, but a profound immersion into the very essence of Rama's existence. With this boon, Valmiki's vision transcended the boundaries of time and space, allowing him to witness every triumph, every tribulation, and every moment of grace that adorned Rama's journey. He could peer into the depths

Conservatives might find it hard to digest but young women in India are choosing it as a profession and are becoming Hindu pundits ....sorry…. punditai. Soon you will find women solemnizing marriages. Women performing religious ceremonies are becoming a common scene in eastern Uttar Pradesh. The number of women pundits is still negligible in India . But with more and more women candidates queuing up for the Functional Sanskrit course in universities in India the number is sure to increase. Hindustan Times reports Dr Asha rai, D.Litt in Dharmashastra, who teaches the subject in Lucknow University feels that the field should no longer be a male domain and gender bias must end. "Touching a woman purohits feet should not be considered an insult. In ancient times women used to perform rituals and various types of poojas." As expected, male pundits have already expressed their reservations on women performing pujas. But people who have hired wom

The Draupadi Phenomenon – an Oddisi composition – by noted dancer Sanchita Bhattacharya makes use of mythology to discuss the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2006. The composition represents modern day woman and urges the society to let women live their lives with freedom and dignity. The dance drama uses Draupadi of Mahabharata as story teller to enlighten the audience about the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2006. The Hindustan Times reports " The Draupadi Phenomenon is something close to my heart. The 3,000-year-old Odissi dance and the 5,000-year-old Draupadi character from Mahabharata have culminated to tell the story to remind everyone that it's high time women got their rights to live by their own choices. Women should be allowed to live their lives on their own terms. Stop deciding for them," said Sanchita. The character of Draupadi in Mahabharata is that of one of the most wilful woman in literar

Bhagavan Sri Krishna's teaching, "Any good deed undertaken by a person will not fail to yield benefits," reflects a profound and universal principle of karma. This concept is rooted in the belief that every action, whether good or bad, has consequences that will manifest in due time. Here’s an expansion of this idea: The Principle of Karma Karma, a core tenet of Hindu philosophy, asserts that every action we perform generates a corresponding result. Positive actions, such as kindness, generosity, and truthfulness, accumulate positive karma, which will eventually return to us in beneficial ways. Conversely, negative actions result in negative karma, which leads to unfavorable outcomes. This cyclical cause-and-effect process encourages individuals to act ethically and morally. Immediate and Delayed Rewards Good deeds might not always bring immediate visible benefits, but they contribute to a reservoir of positive energy that will manifest in due time. Sometimes the

The wise saying of the Hindu saint, which highlights that the pressures of modern life stem from an imbalance between the pursuit of material wealth and spiritual fulfillment, can be explored through several profound ideas rooted in Hindu philosophy. The Context In Hinduism, life is often seen as a quest for understanding the self (Atman) and its relation to the universe (Brahman). The philosophy underscores the importance of balancing material and spiritual pursuits. The Material Quest Modern life is characterized by the relentless pursuit of material success, often leading to stress, anxiety, and a sense of emptiness. The quest for wealth, power, and status can dominate one's life, overshadowing deeper, more fulfilling aspects of existence. Spiritual Yearnings On the other hand, spiritual yearnings represent the intrinsic desire for inner peace, self-realization, and connection with the divine. Spiritual practices such as meditation, yoga, and devotion help in achievi

In Hinduism, the concept that "desire is a thirst that is never quenched" is deeply explored in various scriptures and philosophical teachings. This idea is particularly prominent in the context of understanding human nature, the cycle of rebirth, and the path to liberation (moksha). Key Concepts Related to Desire in Hinduism Kama (Desire): Kama, one of the four Purusharthas (goals of human life), refers to desire, pleasure, and love. While fulfilling desires is considered a legitimate aim of life, it is emphasized that unchecked desires can lead to attachment, suffering, and a cycle of endless craving. Trishna (Thirst): The term "trishna" (literally meaning thirst) is used in Hinduism (and also in Buddhism) to describe the craving or clinging that leads to dukkha (suffering). This unending thirst for sensory pleasures, material possessions, and egoistic fulfillment keeps individuals bound to the cycle of samsara (rebirth). Bhagavad Gita: In the Bhagavad