Indra – The King Gods from Virgin Comics is the third book in the India Authentic Series by Deepak Chopra after Ganesha and Kali . The book is written by Saurav Mohapatra and is slated to release on 11 th July 2007 . About Comic Book Indra from Virgin Comics I am Indra – the son of Dyaus. I am the Thunder! I am the King of Gods. Those that have stood before me have either become friends or have been crushed by my Vajra. Like Virithra, the serpent demon that held the waters of a young world hostage, and who could not be killed by any metal, or wood, or stone. I decimated him with my Vajra, crafted from the bones of the sage Dadhichi. I am the ruler of Svarga (Heaven,) master of the nubile Apsaras (nymphs,) the lord of Soma (the sweet wine of Ambrosia,) and the tamer of Airavaat, the four tusked elephant of lore. I invite you to come see for yourself the might of Indra and the splendor of Amarvati Prime, the city of Gods .

The book Invading the Sacred - An Analysis of Hinduism Studies in America uncovers the invisible networks behind a Hindu phobia especially in the American Academy that is systematically undermining core icons and ideals of Hindu culture and thought. The book contains a series of essays written by academicians and professionals and is edited by Krishnan Ramaswamy, Antonio de Nicolas and Aditi Banerjee. Some examples of undermining Hinduism The Bhagavad Gita is a dishonest book. Ganesha's trunk is a limp phallus. Devi is the mother with a penis. Shiva is a notorious womanizer and violent. Sri Ramakrishna is a pedophile who molested the young Swami Vivekananda. The bindi is a drop of menstrual fluid. There are more of these types of findings and modern interpretations of Hinduism and its symbols in American academy. The book Invading the Sacred - An Analysis of Hinduism Studies in America uncovers the senile people behind such monstrous accusations an

The saying "The best way to measure a man’s worth is in crisis" reflects an ancient perspective that true character and virtue are revealed under challenging circumstances. This sentiment aligns with many ancient Hindu teachings which emphasize the importance of resilience, duty, and integrity, especially in times of adversity. In Hindu philosophy, the concept of "dharma" (duty, righteousness) plays a crucial role. Dharma dictates that individuals should act virtuously and fulfill their duties, particularly when faced with difficulties. Here are a few key aspects from Hindu teachings that resonate with this saying: Bhagavad Gita: This sacred text contains numerous references to maintaining one’s duty and righteousness in the face of challenges. For example, Arjuna's crisis on the battlefield of Kurukshetra and Lord Krishna's counsel to him emphasizes that true valor and virtue are tested in the face of adversity. Ramayana: The epic narrates the trial

Slowly and steadily an all-stone Iraivan Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is rising at Kauai in Hawaii . If you are wondering what is this all-stone temple? Then refresh your memory and remember the great Chola temples of South India . Yes, completely built on stone. India has stopped building all-stone Hindu temples way back due the cost and dearth of skilled laborers. Construction of the Iraivan Hindu Temple began in 1990 and it could take another 10 years to finish. Parts of the temple are hand-carved in granite and shipped in pieces to the island from India and the temple has already incorporated 80 shipping containers worth of stone. On completion the 700-pound crystal Shiva lingam housed in Kauai Monastery will be installed in the temple. The Washington Post reports The $8 million temple to the god Shiva is the first all-stone Hindu temple outside of India , according to the Kauai monks. The project is a rarity even in India . ‘Actually it's th

Hinduism is deeply rooted in Nature. Hindu religion believes in the Brahman – the Supreme Being that pervades in all animate and inanimate. Sri Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita My Prakriti can be divided into eight-fold categories – Bhumi (earth), Apas (water), Anala (fire), Vayu (air), Kha (ether), Mana (mind), Buddhi (intellect), Ahankara (ego). (Bhagavad Gita Chapter VII, 4) The great sages of the past who laid the foundations of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) knew the importance of Nature and that Human Beings are part of Nature not above Nature. Thus Mother Earth, the Sun, moon, mountains, rivers, animals and forests are all part of Hindu tradition. Hindus worship them as they are manifestations of the Supreme Being and their existence is necessary for the survival of the human race. But River Ganga, the Snowcapped Mountains that are the abode of Lord Shiva, the glaciers that serve the holy rivers are all under the threat of global warming. The very surviv

In most of the temples in Kerala, there is a traditional holy bath of the deity on the closing day of the temple festival and this is locally known as ‘arattu.’ The priests carry the deity to a nearby river or other water body for the ‘arattu.’ But in the Thanikkudam Bhagavathy Temple in Thrissur, Kerala, the river enters the temple to conduct the holy bath or ‘arattu.’ The Thanikkudam Bhagavathy Temple is dedicated to Durga and the holy bath happens when the nearby Thanikkudam River overflows and enters the temple. During the monsoon rains (June – July) and during the (October – November) rains, the Thanikkudam River which surrounds the temple overflows and enters the sanctum sanctorum. The deity is never taken out for ‘arattu,’ so people in large numbers reach the temple when the river overflows. Another noteworthy aspect of this temple is that there is no roof for the sanctum sanctorum. The original idol is a swaymbhu (occurring naturally) Durga and is kept insi

The term "Veda" is derived from the Sanskrit root "vid," which means "to know." The Vedas are a large body of religious texts that constitute the oldest layer of Sanskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. The word "Veda" literally translates to "knowledge," and in the context of Hinduism, it signifies the accumulated wisdom and eternal truths revealed to ancient sages (rishis) during deep meditation or through divine intervention. This concept is foundational to Hindu belief, reflecting the profound reverence for these texts. The Four Vedas Rigveda: The oldest of the Vedas, it is a collection of hymns praising various deities. It includes aspects of cosmology, philosophy, and rituals. Samaveda: Derived mostly from the Rigveda, it is focused on melodies and chants used during rituals. Yajurveda: A compilation of ritual offering formulas that were said during sacrificial rites. Atharvaveda: Contains hymns, mantras,

The ancient Hindu saying "Those who thrive on the material plane find it impossible to fathom the strength of the spiritual state" conveys a profound message about the distinct nature of material and spiritual pursuits. Let's break it down with examples to illustrate the underlying principles. Explanation Material Plane: Definition: The material plane refers to the physical world and all its tangible aspects, such as wealth, possessions, social status, and sensory pleasures. Characteristics: It is governed by desires, ambitions, and the pursuit of external success and comfort. Spiritual State: Definition: The spiritual state pertains to the inner, intangible aspects of life, such as inner peace, enlightenment, compassion, and a sense of unity with the universe. Characteristics: It is characterized by self-awareness, detachment from material desires, and a focus on inner growth and understanding. Examples Example 1: The Wealthy Businessman and the Monk

The tale of Asamanjas, also known as Panchajana, is a fascinating narrative from ancient Hindu mythology, found in the Harivamsha, an important supplement to the Mahabharata that details the lineage and exploits of Krishna. Asamanjas was the son of King Sagara of Ayodhya and his queen, Keshini, who hailed from the kingdom of Vidarbha. Sagara was a legendary king, revered for his valor and piety. He fathered sixty thousand sons through his second queen, Sumati, but it was Asamanjas, his son from Keshini, who garnered significant attention due to his notorious behavior. Asamanjas was notorious for his wild and immoral conduct. Unlike his virtuous father, he indulged in various misdeeds, causing distress to the people of Ayodhya. His actions included harassing the citizens, creating chaos in the kingdom, and showing blatant disrespect for societal norms and moral values. His unruly behavior became a source of great embarrassment and concern for King Sagara and Queen Keshini. Transfo

The story of Arbuda, the serpent or Naga demon, is a fascinating tale from ancient Hindu tradition, intertwining the themes of divine intervention, the struggle between good and evil, and the cultural significance of geographical landmarks. This narrative is primarily sourced from the Mahabharata and the Rig Veda, two of India's most revered ancient texts. Arbuda was a formidable serpent demon (Naga) who resided in Girivraja, an ancient city. Known for his immense power and malevolence, Arbuda posed a significant threat to the inhabitants and the gods. His very presence instilled fear and trepidation, necessitating divine intervention to restore balance. The Role of Indra Indra, the king of the gods and the deity of thunder and rain, is central to this story. Indra is a prominent figure in Vedic mythology, often depicted as a powerful warrior who battles demons (Asuras) and protects cosmic order. In the case of Arbuda, Indra's intervention was crucial. The Battle The

The Monsoon wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is a five-day long festival in Sambalpur, Odisha and is known as Shital Shashthi (Sital Sasthi). An actual marriage of the two deities is conducted during the festival, which takes place in May-end or June. Preparations for the marriage begin with the selection of two couples from the area, who act as the parents of the groom and bride (Lord Shiva and Parvati). The bride’s parents adopt Goddess Parvati and this initiation is observed as Patrapendi. On this day a lavish dinner is arranged at the bride’s house. Two days later Goddess Parvati arrives at the home of her adopted parents. From her adopted home, the bride is taken in a grand procession for the marriage ceremony, which takes place during the night. Similarly, Lord Shiva, the bridegroom, arrives for the marriage ceremony. All the rituals that are part of normal marriage ceremony are followed for the divine wedding. The marriage takes place at the auspicious t

Razmnama is an abridged translation of the Mahabharata written in Persian at the behest of the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dates to around 1598–99. The original book is no longer available as the pages from the original Razmnama are scattered around the world; and are today the proud possessions of various collectors. Twenty-five elaborately illustrated folios of Razmnama are part of the large impressive collection in the John Fredrick Lewis Collection in the Free Library of Philadelphia, United States. In the below painting, Karna Slays the Kaikeya Prince Vishoka. Style – Opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper.     For the first time since 1923, an exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art brought together 25 pages of Razmnama at the John Fredrick Lewis Collection. The exhibition was held from July 14, 2007 to December 9, 2007 . Razmnama is noted for it elaborate and exquisite illustrations. ------------------- The "Razmnama" is indeed a fascinating work. It's an

In Hinduism, the term "Anarya" carries significant historical and cultural connotations. Originally, "Anarya" was used to describe behavior that was ignoble or unworthy, reflecting a moral and ethical judgment. This concept was central to the social and moral framework of early Hindu society, which placed a high value on virtues such as honor, truthfulness, and righteousness. As Hinduism evolved, the term "Anarya" expanded in its application. It came to denote those who were considered outside the Aryan community, a group identified with the Vedic culture and civilization. The Aryans were regarded as the bearers of civilization, culture, and superior spiritual values. Consequently, "Anarya" was used to label those who did not belong to this cultural and spiritual group. This included various indigenous tribes and communities that were not integrated into the Aryan social structure. Furthermore, the term "Anarya" was also extended to

Whether it is 2D animation or 3D animation or a combination of both, there is never a dearth of themes in Hindu Mythology. But sadly none of the entertainment houses were interested in exploring this untapped arena, until the huge success of Hanuman. The success of Hanuman has prompted several production houses in India to turn to animation of Hindu Mythologies… or as most adult Indians call it – cartoon for children with Hindu mythology themes. Perhaps animation never made it big in India because of this attitude of the adults. Here is a list of the animation films based on Hindu Mythology. Most of them never had a major theatrical release. The Prince of Light: The Legend of Ramayana directed by Yogo Sako and released in 1992 this was a Japanese production. Pandavas - The Five Warriors was released in 2000 by Pentamedia Graphics Ltd and was the first 3D animated full length feature from India . Hanuman released in 2005 was the first indigenous animation succe

Alambusha, a character from the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata, holds a unique and intriguing place in the narrative due to his mixed lineage and his role in the great war. Born to Rishyashringa, a sage known for his austere penance and devotion, Alambusha was part human and part Rakshasa (demon), a duality that defined his life and actions. Parentage and Early Life Rishyashringa was an illustrious sage, renowned for his powerful asceticism and his ability to bring rain to parched lands. His unique upbringing, isolated from the world by his father Vibhandaka, aimed to protect him from any form of distraction and to keep him pure. However, through divine orchestration, Rishyashringa was eventually lured into the worldly life, leading to his union with Shanta, the daughter of King Romapada. The origin of Alambusha, however, is shrouded in myth and less documented compared to other characters. Despite this, his demon heritage is attributed to Rishyashringa's brief lapse in his

In the epic Mahabharata, Alayudha was a powerful demon and the brother of Baka (Bakasura), who was killed by Bhima, the Pandava warrior and father of Ghatotkacha. The tale of Alayudha and his demise at the hands of Ghatotkacha is a significant event during the Kurukshetra War. Background Bakasura: Bakasura was a fearsome demon who terrorized the region of Ekachakra. He demanded a cartload of food along with a human being as a tribute from the villagers. The villagers lived in constant fear until the Pandavas, during their exile, arrived in Ekachakra. Bhima, the second Pandava, volunteered to take the place of a villager who was to be sacrificed. In a fierce battle, Bhima defeated and killed Bakasura, freeing the villagers from his tyranny. Ghatotkacha: Ghatotkacha was the son of Bhima and the demoness Hidimba. Inherited with extraordinary strength and magical abilities from his parents, Ghatotkacha played a crucial role in the Mahabharata, especially during the Kurukshetra War, f

The history of Hindu mythology in comics is a fascinating journey that intertwines ancient religious narratives with modern storytelling mediums. Here's a brief overview: Early Influences (1940s-1950s): The roots of Hindu mythology in Indian comics can be traced back to the 1940s and 1950s when pioneers like Anant Pai and R.K. Laxman began exploring mythological themes in comic strips. Anant Pai, also known as Uncle Pai, is particularly notable for founding Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) in 1967, which played a significant role in popularizing Hindu mythology through comics. ACK published a wide range of comics based on Hindu epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and various Puranas. Amar Chitra Katha (1960s-1980s): Amar Chitra Katha revolutionized the portrayal of Hindu mythology in comics. Their stories were not only entertaining but also educational, introducing generations of Indian children to their cultural heritage. ACK's comics covered a vast array of topics, includi

Business of the Gods by Tehelka this week questions the Hindu spiritual leaders for amassing fortunes and building empires. Yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, Art of Living. Holding on to faith and letting go of stress in these troubled times comes at a price. But millions are ready to pay. The healers, amassing fortunes and building empires, seem to be the happiest. – this is the introduction of the article and in a nutshell the theme of the article. Fortunately, there is a mention here and there in the article about the philanthropic activities conducted by the Hindu spiritual organizations. The well researched article talks in detail about the finances of most famous Hindu spiritual organizations including Mata Amritanandamayi, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Baba Ramdev and Osho. Surprisingly missing from the list is Sai Baba. It is amusing to note that Tehelka does not forget to mention the caste of Mata Amritanandamayi – DESPITE HER lower-caste origins, “Amma” Amritanandamayi — th

The story of Demon Abhimana's defeat by Ganesha, depicted as Dhumravarna, is an illuminating tale found in the Mudgala Purana. This tale serves as a profound allegory for the triumph of wisdom and humility over egoistic pride. The Context The Mudgala Purana is one of the sacred texts dedicated to Lord Ganesha, providing a wealth of stories that illustrate his divine attributes and his role as a remover of obstacles. Among these narratives, the tale of Abhimana stands out for its deep symbolic significance. Abhimana: The Demon of Egoistic Pride Abhimana, in Sanskrit, means 'ego' or 'self-conceit.' In this story, Abhimana is personified as a powerful demon whose very existence is fueled by arrogance and self-importance. He represents the negative aspects of human nature that stem from excessive pride and ego. Abhimana's influence causes individuals to lose sight of their true selves and the interconnectedness of all beings. Ganesha as Dhumravarna Ganes

Indrajit, also known as Meghnad, is a significant character in the Ramayana, the ancient Indian epic. He is the son of the demon king Ravana and is renowned for his valor, skill in warfare, and mastery of magical arts. Indrajit's life offers several lessons that are both instructive and thought-provoking. Here are some of the key lessons: Mastery and Dedication: Indrajit was an exceptionally skilled warrior, having acquired numerous boons and mastered various weapons, including the Brahmastra, Pashupatastra, and the Vaishnavastra. His dedication to learning and mastering his craft teaches the importance of perseverance and striving for excellence. Devotion and Loyalty: Indrajit was extremely devoted to his father, Ravana. His loyalty and readiness to fight for his father, even to the point of sacrificing his life, illustrate the value of loyalty to one’s family and duties. The Consequences of Arrogance and Evil Deeds: Despite his formidable skills and strengths, Indraji

Milk, butter, curd are food. Urine and cow dung are medicines in Ayurveda. Dried cow dung is fuel. Dung mixed with daub is used to plaster walls and is a building material. Butter is used lavishly in Hindu rituals. The sacred white powder made from dung is applied on the forehead – the holy ash in Hinduism, symbol of God Shiva. Dried cow dung is also used in Hindu funerals in some parts of India .   Food, medicine, house, fuel, prayer….the list goes on…Tell me one reason why five thousand years ago the cow should not have been worshipped. God is the all provider and a cow was the all provider in ancient Hindu society. Various products provided by the cow are an integral part of a Hindu way of life. Quite often many Hindus might not be aware of it. Even today there are millions of households in India whose economy revolves around the cow. In rural India , you will find stories like… it is by selling this cow’s milk I was able to educate my son! Majority of the Sou

Growing up Hindu in America - A Surprising Success Story is a Youth and Religion Project by R. Stephen Warner, University of Illinois at Chicago . The Youth and Religion Project (Y&RP) looked into the ways in which religious institutions serve the needs of younger Americans (aged 8 to 30) in the rapidly changing society through a focus on religious institutions in metropolitan Chicago. The project was directed by R. Stephen Warner of the University of Illinois at Chicago . Some excerpts from the project We expected Hindu youth in our focus groups to manifest bewilderment about their religious identity… We did not expect what in fact we found well represented among the UIC students we began to talk with five years ago: enthusiastic, knowledgeable American-born and American-raised Hindu youth of both sexes. Our subsequent study of Hindu institutions and Hindu families has revealed some of the ingredients in what seems so far to be a success story: religious institution

Ravana, a significant figure in Hindu mythology, is often portrayed as the antagonist in the epic Ramayana. However, beyond his role as the demon king of Lanka, Ravana was also known for his profound scholarship, devotion to Shiva, and exceptional musical talents. His contributions to music and literature are significant, reflecting his multifaceted personality. Ravana's Musical Prowess Veena Maestro: Ravana is often depicted as a master of the veena, a traditional Indian string instrument. He is said to have created a unique version of the veena, named after himself, called the "Ravana Veena." This instrument symbolizes his deep connection to music and his innovative spirit. Devotional Hymns: Ravana was a great devotee of Lord Shiva, and his devotion is immortalized in the "Shiva Tandava Stotram," a hymn that glorifies Shiva's cosmic dance. This stotram is not only a testament to Ravana's poetic and musical skills but also highlights his profound

UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme preserves and raises awareness of documentary heritage, the memory of the world, which reflects the diversity of languages, peoples and cultures. The Memory of the World Register was created in 1997 and includes 120 properties. This year 38 new items were added to the list including the thirty manuscripts of the Rig Veda dating from 1800 to 1500 BC. The text submitted by India in 2006-2007 for the inclusion of the Rig Veda in the Memory of the World Register. The Vedas are generally known as the scriptures of the Hindu community. However, being among the first literary documents in the history of humankind, they transcend far beyond their identity as scriptures. The Rig Veda, the oldest among the four Vedas, is the fountain source of the so-called Aryan culture in all its manifestations that spread beyond the Indian subcontinent to large parts of South and South East Asia , as well as parts of Central Asia . This valuable treasure of th

Ravana is a prominent figure in Hindu mythology, best known as the demon king of Lanka and the primary antagonist in the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. Despite his portrayal as a villain in the epic, Ravana is also celebrated for his extraordinary scholarly and intellectual accomplishments. Here's a deeper look into Ravana's scholarly aspects: Scholarly Attributes of Ravana Master of Vedas and Shastras: Ravana was a devout follower of Shiva and a master of the Vedas and Shastras. He had an extensive understanding of these ancient scriptures, which contributed to his prowess in various fields of knowledge. Exceptional Musician: Ravana was a great musician and is credited with creating the Rudra Veena, a classical Indian musical instrument. He is also said to have composed the Shiva Tandava Stotram, a hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing his poetic and musical talent. Astrologer and Scientist: Ravana was an accomplished astrologer and had significant knowledge o

Avatar Charita Gita – a rare book – details about the 10 Avatars or incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The book was written by Narhar Das, a contemporary of Tulsidas. Avtar Charita Gita is presently preserved at the Allahabad Museum and has 629 pages and 33 colored paintings in Mughal style. It is these illustrations in Mughal style that makes the book a rarity. The book narrates almost all the stories pertaining to the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Apart from this, the book also explores several other myths related to Vishnu’s incarnations. Avatar Charita Gita uses the Devnagari script and the language used is Awadhi and Apbhransha. The book also makes use of Anushtup chhand and dohas. Narhar Das mentions at the end of Avatar Charita Gita that book is written to help the next generation to understand the values of their religion – Hinduism.

Ramprasad Sen, a mystic poet from Bengal, left behind a treasury of devotional songs, capturing the essence of divine love and spiritual longing. Here are a few quotes attributed to him: "O mind, with a pure heart chant the name of Hari. Only through this will you attain liberation." "O mind, do not wander outside; the Divine resides within you. Search within and realize the truth." "The world is a dream, a mere illusion. Only the Divine is real and eternal." "In every breath, remember the Divine. Surrender your ego and find peace." "In this transient world, the only constant is the love of the Divine. Hold on to it tightly." "The path of devotion is the easiest way to attain God-realization. Offer your heart at the feet of the Lord." "Like a bee searching for nectar, let your soul seek the Divine. Dive deep into meditation and experience the bliss." Ramprasad Sen's poetry often reflects his deep

Second Life is the online game produced by San Francisco-based Linden Lab in which participants create a virtual world. It is attracting 4 million users and several religions are finding a presence in Second Life. Incidentally, the online 3-D persona which users create is known as an avatar – Sanskrit word for the incarnation of a Hindu deity. Hindu religion has only a small presence in Second Life. This will change soon, as more and more Hindus get to know about second life. Hare Krishna community has more than 75 members. How does religion exist in Second Life? For example, Jewish citizens of Second Life have created synagogues. Shona Crabtree writes in Washington Post Beth Brown, a 33-year-old Orthodox Jewish artist from Dallas , says she didn't intend to start a community when she built the first virtual synagogue, Second Life Synagogue-Temple Beit Israel , in September. "When it came to be, it shed a light on the lack of Jewish community," sh

The Metaphysical Intuition: Seeing Brahman with Open Eyes is a series of Commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Swami Siddheswarananda of the Ramakrishna Order. The book deals with some of the higher aspects of the Vedanta philosophy, and contains a biographical sketch of the swami. In the book, Swami Siddheswarananda sought to convey an experience of intuition beyond logic, outside the play of opposites, through which we will be better able to understand the nature of reality. To elucidate his meanings and make them accessible, he draws on the writings of others including Meister Eckhart, Ramana Mararshi, Shankara, Hubert Benoit, Ramakrishna and Vivekananda. Swami Siddheswarananda, born in 1897 in Kerala (Tripunithura), was the spiritual head of the Centre Vedantique Ramakrichna at Gretz , France . He passed away in 1957 in France . The articles in the book were originally written in French and a translation into English by André van den was published by Arunachala Press

The story of Rishi Andhaka is found in the Krittibasi Ramayana, the Bengali adaptation of Valmiki Ramayana. Rishi Andhaka was a revered sage, living a life of simplicity and devotion along with his wife in the forest. They had a son named Sindhu, who was their pride and joy, their only child, and their sole support as both Rishi Andhaka and his wife were blind. Sindhu was dutiful and devoted, ensuring that his parents' needs were met despite their disability. One fateful day, King Dasharatha of Ayodhya, a renowned warrior and ruler, went on a hunting expedition. He was an excellent archer with unmatched skills, often relying on his ability to hit targets by sound alone. During his hunt, Dasharatha heard what he believed to be the sound of a deer drinking water. Without seeing the source, he shot his arrow in the direction of the sound. To his horror, he discovered that he had accidentally struck and killed Sindhu, who was collecting water for his parents. The Curse of the Gri