Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev is familiar with people interested in Yoga and Hinduism. Subodh Gupta too must be familiar with people interested in Yoga but he is not as famous as Baba Ramdev. Now Subodh Gupta has challenged Baba Ramdev for giving misleading statement or remaining silent on misleading news regarding weight loss achieved through yoga. Subodh Gupta, Yoga Trainer based in London , has issued a press release in public interest regarding this. The two misleading news articles according to Subodh Gupta 'Yoga has nothing to do with religion. It is not Hinduism' in Rediff. “I lost 6 kg after attending two sessions of yoga with Baba Ramdev in New Jersey last week says Raj Kumar (not his real name).” “Ramdev's Yoga Brand Launched In America” in several news portals. Ten overweight people volunteered to have their weight checked before and after the session. Amazingly, the weight reduction ranged from 0 to 5 pounds. Subodh Gupta is contesting the re

Several published books of Sri Sri Ravishankar, founder of Art of Living, are casual discourses to seekers in different parts of the world and contain practical solutions for everyday problems. But many of the thoughts are revolutionary in nature. Most of the books are pregnant with meaning and written in simple language. Most of the books of Sri Sri Ravishankar have been translated into various regional languages in India including Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu. German and Spanish translations of the books are available online. Sri Sri Ravishankar Books An Intimate Note to the Sincere Seeker – Volume 1 to 7 – Each book in the volume consists of discourses by Sri Sri Ravishankar in a year. There are total seven books. The first volume from June 21 1995 to June 13 1996 and the seventh from July 12, 2001 to July 11, 2002 . Pearls of wisdom offered in the volumes help to overcome several issues in daily life. Anne Elixhauser and Bill Hayden are the compilers.

Bonalu is an important festival celebrated in Hyderabad and Secunderabad in Telangana in the month of Ashada (July – August). Bonalu means ‘food’ and is a ritual in honor of Mother Goddess - Mahankali. The ritual consists of an offering of food made to the Goddess by women which is later shared by the family and friends as ‘prasad.’ The festival is a month long affair and includes colorful processions and community feasts.   Bonalu on Sundays in the Ashada month: The first main festival is held on the first Sunday of the Ashada month at the Sri Jagadamba temple in Golconda Fort, the next main festival on the second Sunday at the Ujjain Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad and the third main festival on the third Sunday at the Matheswari Temple of Laldarwaja. The rituals are also performed in all the other Mother Goddess temples in the twin cities. Origin of Bonalu festival: Bonalu had its origin in an epidemic of plague in 1869 in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, which kil

The Thenkalai (Southern School) and Vadakalai (Northern School) are two prominent sub-sects of the Srivaishnavism tradition within Hinduism. Srivaishnavism is a major denomination that worships Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi as the supreme deities. These sub-sects originated in Tamil Nadu and have distinct theological, philosophical, and ritualistic differences, despite sharing a common foundation in the worship of Vishnu. Understanding the differences between Thenkalai and Vadakalai requires exploring their historical origins, theological nuances, ritual practices, and social aspects. Historical Origins The split between Thenkalai and Vadakalai occurred in the 14th century, during a period of intense theological debate and social change in South India. The division is traditionally traced back to two key figures: Pillai Lokacharya, who is associated with the Thenkalai tradition, and Vedanta Desika, who is linked to the Vadakalai tradition. Pillai Lokacharya emphasized a more inclu

The elephants in the Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur undergo a rejuvenation treatment in the month of July. The rejuvenation camp is at the Guruvayur Punathur Aana Kota, a sprawling 18-acre area. At present there are 64 elephants under the Guruvayur Temple trust and most of them were donated by devotees. The rejuvenation camp is monitored by famous Kerala elephant physicians and vetenary doctors. Special diet, Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are part of the camp. The famous Ayurvedic medicine chavanprash is given to the elephants. Nearly one million rupees is spent for the month long rejuvenation treatment. The Guruvayur Temple elephants are strictly only used for temple rituals. They also partake in festivals and rituals in other temples. Nearly six elephants are needed for the various rituals in the temple daily. Sheeveli is an important ritual performed daily in the temple. In Sheeveli, the Lord Krishna idol is taken around the temple on the top of an ele

Vadakalai Vaishnavism is one of the two major sub-sects of Shri Vaishnavism that emerged around the 13th century CE. This sect developed in contrast to the Thenkalai sect, reflecting different theological and philosophical interpretations within the broader framework of Shri Vaishnavism. The schism between Vadakalai and Thenkalai Vaishnavism became pronounced as adherents debated the nature of devotion, scriptural authority, and ritual practices. Key Proponent: Vedanta Desika The main proponent of the Vadakalai school was Vedanta Desika (1268-1369 CE), a prolific philosopher, poet, logician, and a staunch defender of the Visishtadvaita philosophy established by Ramanuja. Vedanta Desika's works include a wide array of philosophical treatises, devotional hymns, and commentaries, written primarily in Sanskrit but also in Tamil. His intellectual rigor and literary prowess earned him a significant following, and his teachings laid the foundation for the Vadakalai tradition. Philos

Vachaspati, a Sanskrit term meaning 'Lord of Speech,' holds a significant place in Hinduism as a deity associated with wisdom, eloquence, and knowledge. This title is attributed to various deities within the Hindu pantheon, notably Shiva and Vishnu, each embodying different aspects of Vachaspati's attributes. Vachaspati as Shiva In the context of Shiva, Vachaspati emphasizes the aspect of the god as the master of sacred knowledge and speech. Shiva, in this form, is revered as the originator of all forms of wisdom, including the Vedas and other holy scriptures. As Vachaspati, Shiva is seen as the ultimate teacher (Adi Guru) who imparts divine knowledge to sages and mortals alike. This facet highlights Shiva's role in the dissemination of spiritual wisdom and his capacity to articulate the profound truths of the universe. Vachaspati as Vishnu When associated with Vishnu, Vachaspati underscores the god's role as the preserver and sustainer of the universe throu

Vachana Bharata is a distinguished Kannada adaptation of the epic Mahabharata, meticulously composed by the eminent scholar and writer, A. R. Krishna Shastry (1890 – 1968). Known for its literary excellence and depth, this work is not a verbatim translation but rather a retelling that selectively abridges and omits certain episodes from the original Sanskrit text. Despite these modifications, Vachana Bharata is celebrated for capturing the essence and grandeur of the Mahabharata in a manner that resonates deeply with Kannada-speaking audiences. A. R. Krishna Shastry: A Scholar and Literary Giant A. R. Krishna Shastry was a prominent figure in Kannada literature. His contributions to the literary world extend beyond Vachana Bharata, encompassing various genres, including translations, original compositions, and scholarly works. Shastry's profound understanding of both classical and contemporary literature, coupled with his mastery of the Kannada language, enabled him to create a

Guruvayur Devaswom managing committee of the famous Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur changed the dress code and allowed women wearing churidars and pyjamas to enter the temple. Men wearing pants (trousers) and shirts are still not allowed. So are women wearing jeans and other non-Indian dresses. Before the decision, only women wearing sari or Kerala traditional ‘mundu’ and ‘veshti’ were allowed in. The change in the outdated custom is a great relief to thousands of female devotees from India and abroad. Even majority of the young women in Kerala will find it more comfortable in churidars and salwar and kamis. Earlier, women to enter the temple used to wear mundu over the ‘kamis’ and it used to look funny and it was a mockery of the outdated custom. A group of people in the temple thrived due this custom by providing mundu for rent to women. The poor women devotees were often forced to wear those unclean mundu to enter the temple. Similar is the fate of men who are fo

Vach, a significant deity in Hindu mythology, is venerated primarily as the personification of speech and the medium through which divine knowledge is conveyed. Her prominence evolves across various texts and traditions, reflecting her multifaceted nature and the diverse roles she plays within the Hindu pantheon. Vach in the Rig Veda In the Rig Veda, Vach is revered as the embodiment of speech (Vāk), which is a crucial aspect of ritual and sacred knowledge. She is not only seen as the means through which the Vedic hymns are articulated but also as a conduit for divine wisdom and cosmic order. Vach is often associated with the creative power of sound, underscoring the belief that speech is a divine force that can shape reality and manifest the sacred. Vach in the Taittiriya Brahmana In the Taittiriya Brahmana, Vach is depicted as the wife of Indra, the king of gods, and the mother of the Vedas. This portrayal highlights her role in the creation and dissemination of sacred knowle

The Sun Temple at Konark is a UNESCO World Heritage site but numerous reports suggest that Konark is crumbling. The villain seems to be the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which incidentally has invited a global tender to preserve the sun temple. Konark Suraksha Samiti, an organization fighting for the cause of Konark, feels ASI has done more damage to the structure than the Muslim invaders who mutilated and tore down the structure. Orissa State Government too has similar views. But according to ASI the saline wind from the nearby Bay of Bengal is responsible for the crumbling. But the local people are not ready to buy this explanation as they point out other structures in the region, including the Puri Jagannath Temple , has not been damaged by saline wind. As the blame game continues, only one of the famous Wheels of Konark is intact. The rest of structures of the temple too are not in a healthy condition. The new global tender planned by the central g

Thanks to the Kyoto Protocol for climate change, several Hindu Temples and religious institutions are now helping in reducing the gas emissions that are responsible for global warming. Tirupati Balaji Temple, Sringeri Mutt in Karnataka, Kalahasti Temple in Andhra Pradesh, and Ambaji Temple in Gujarat are now using solar community kitchens and similar applications to reduce emission of greenhouse gases. The Kyoto Protocol for climate change has set specific carbon emission reduction targets for countries around the world. But most developed countries are not ready to meet the targets because cutting down on emissions will adversely impact their production and cost. Instead, they fund specific projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries and the points thus earned allows developed countries to meet the specific targets of Kyoto Protocol for climate change. In India, Gadhia Solar Energy Systems Pvt. Ltd. in cooperation with Factor C

Once, King Dasharatha, accompanied by his sons including Rama, set out to bathe in the sacred River Ganga. As they traveled, they entered the territory of Chandala Guhaka, a forest-dweller. Guhaka, fiercely protective of his land, confronted Dasharatha and his entourage, objecting to their passage through his territory. "You are trespassing and your army is destroying my land and fields. If you must go to the River Ganga, find another route. If you insist on proceeding this way, show me your son Rama," Guhaka demanded. Alarmed by the encounter and concerned for Rama's safety, Dasharatha concealed Rama within their chariot. Armed with his bow, Dasharatha was prepared to shoot but hesitated, knowing that killing a Chandala could tarnish his reputation. However, he also recognized that backing down might provoke further conflict. As tensions escalated, harsh words were exchanged, and arrows began to fly. Dasharatha, remembering the powerful Pashupat weapon, invoked it,

During the later half of July a unique festival, called Kharchi Puja, is held at Old Agartala or urana Haveli in Tripura. The highlight of the festival is the bathing ritual of 14 deities in the Chaturdas Devata Temple . The 14 deities include most of the important deities in the Hindu pantheon. Tribals and non-tribals participate in this unique event, which is originally a Tribal puja. The festival is held annually on the eighth lunar day of the light fortnight of the month of Asadha (July) in Bengali Calendar. Numerous stories about the worship of the fourteen deities can be found in the Rajmala - the archives of the kings of Tripura. The deities are originally tribal and were later adapted into the Hindu fold. All the deities have names in Kok-barok, the tribal language. The deities also have unique functions in tribal folklore like one deity is creator of universe, another god of death and another goddess of weaving. The fourteen deities worshipped here are

Jambavan, also known as Jambavanta, is a significant character in the Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic. He is often depicted as a bear or bear-like being and is considered the King of Bears. According to the Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana, Jambavan was born from the grace of Brahma. The story goes as follows: When Bhagavan Vishnu incarnated as Rama on earth with the purpose of annihilating the demon king Ravana, Brahma foresaw the need for a formidable army to assist Rama in his mission. To ensure this, Brahma instructed the gods to mate with the Vanara (monkey) women, creating a race of powerful beings who would support Rama in his quest. Through Brahma's divine grace, Jambavan was born. Jambavan played a crucial role in the Ramayana. He is known for his immense wisdom and strength. When Hanuman forgot his abilities, it was Jambavan who reminded him of his powers and encouraged him to leap across the ocean to Lanka in search of Sita. This moment is pivotal in the Ramayana, as Han

The book Vijayanagara Visions – Religious Experience and Cultural Creativity in a South Indian Empire is written by William J. Jackson Professor, Department of Religious Studies at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis . The book focuses on the religious imagination and the visual images of the great South Indian Bhakti saints such as Vidyaranya, Purandaradasa, Jayatirtha, Vedanta Deshika, Potana, Vemana, Kanakadasa, Annamacharya, Appaya Dikshita and Badhrachalam Ramadas. About the book from Oxford University Press William J. Jackson discusses two specific themes – patterns shared in the culture of bhakti, and visionary experiences of saints. There are vivid phrases, ideas, images, and melodies that echo in the lyrics of the singer-saints across the different regions and centuries. Jackson investigates these patterns and the persistent continuities in the bhakti tradition. The work is scholarly in nature and Vanamala Parthasarathy reviews the book in The H

In Hindu mythology, tapas refers to deep meditation, austerity, and intense self-discipline undertaken to achieve spiritual power, favor from the gods, or extraordinary abilities. Several stories feature demons (Asuras) performing tapas to gain boons from deities. Here are some notable examples: 1. Hiranyakashipu Hiranyakashipu, a powerful Asura king, performed intense tapas to gain immortality. He meditated for years, causing such intense heat that it affected the cosmos. Lord Brahma, impressed by his devotion, granted him a boon that made him nearly invincible: he could not be killed by man or beast, inside or outside, during day or night, on earth or in the sky, and not by any weapon. However, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Narasimha, a half-man, half-lion, to circumvent these conditions and ultimately defeated Hiranyakashipu. 2. Ravana Ravana, the ten-headed king of Lanka, performed rigorous tapas to please Lord Shiva. He stood on one leg for thousands of years, sacrificing one

The leaning Hindu Temple at Huma in Sambalpur, Odisha, breaks all the written rules in Shilpa Shastra, the traditional book for Hindu temple architecture. The leaning temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is known here as Lord Bimaleswar. Interestingly, the other smaller temples in the complex too are tilted in various angles. In fact, all most all the structures in the Huma temple complex including the boundary walls are tilted. The wonders don’t end with leaning structures; there are fishes on the river near the temple which gobble food from the hands of the devotees. The 17 th century Lord Shiva temple Huma is located on the banks of the River Mahanadi. The main temple leans at an angle of 47 degrees to the west and the other small temples and gateway tilts at various other angles to various directions. Strangely, the pinnacle of the structures does not lean. People believe that the structures were designed by Vishwakarma – the divine architect of the Hindu world.

Solution to mental weakness based on Hindu religious teachings involves incorporating practices and principles that promote mental strength, resilience, and spiritual well-being. Here are some key concepts and practices derived from Hinduism that can help in overcoming mental weakness: 1. Yoga and Meditation Yoga: Practicing yoga helps in maintaining physical health, which is closely linked to mental well-being. Asanas (postures) like Sirsasana (Headstand), Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand), and Padmasana (Lotus Pose) help in calming the mind and improving concentration. Meditation: Techniques like mindfulness and concentration (Dhyana) are essential in calming the mind, reducing stress, and enhancing mental clarity. Regular meditation can help in managing negative thoughts and emotions. 2. Bhagavad Gita Teachings Karma Yoga: Performing one’s duties without attachment to the results can help in reducing anxiety and stress. This principle teaches the importance of focusing on th

In the epic narrative of the Ramayana, Avindhya stands out as a unique figure among the Rakshasas, a race typically depicted as demonic and antagonistic. Unlike his peers, Avindhya is portrayed as wise, compassionate, and morally upright. His character serves as a reminder that goodness and virtue can be found in the most unexpected places. Avindhya is one of the many Rakshasas residing in the kingdom of Lanka, ruled by the mighty and formidable Ravana. While most of the Rakshasas are loyal to Ravana and support his tyrannical ways, Avindhya is different. He is known for his wisdom, fairness, and a deep sense of justice. His reputation as a benevolent Rakshasa sets him apart from the others. The Abduction of Sita The story of Avindhya becomes significant during the period when Ravana, driven by his insatiable desire and arrogance, abducts Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. Sita is held captive in the Ashoka Vatika, a beautiful grove within Ravana’s palace. Despite the lush surroundings

Started in 1970 by Sanskrit scholar Kalale Nadadur Varadaraja Iyengar, Sudharma is the only Sanskrit daily in India . The daily is mainly subscribed by institutions having Sanskrit courses, public libraries and schools. The daily sells around 2000 copies mostly through subscriptions. K.V. Sampath Kumar, son of Mr. Iyengar, is the present editor of the daily. Apart from India , the daily is subscribed in few other countries including the United States and Japan . Sudharma is struggling to survive and it is Sampath Kumar’s passion for Sanskrit which is keeping the daily afloat. The annual subscription of Sudharma costs 250 rupees. For more details contact sudharma.sanskritdaily@gmail.com sudharmasktdly@rediff.com

Hindu mythology and folklore are rich with tales of various supernatural beings, including headless spirits. These spirits, often referred to as Kabandhas and Chudails, have fascinated and terrified people for centuries. Here are some prominent stories and beliefs surrounding headless spirits in Hinduism: Kabandha Kabandha is one of the most famous headless beings in Hindu mythology. The story of Kabandha is found in the epic Ramayana. Backstory: Kabandha was a celestial being cursed to become a rakshasa (demon) with no head or neck. Instead, his face was situated on his chest, and he had a massive mouth and eyes on his belly. Encounter with Rama and Lakshmana: Kabandha encountered Rama and Lakshmana during their search for Sita. He tried to capture them but was ultimately defeated. After they severed his arms, Kabandha revealed his true identity and story. Release from Curse: Kabandha informed the brothers that by burning his body, they would release him from his curse. Foll

Talk about Brahmacharya and the first thing that comes to mind is sex. A Brahmachari abstains from all types of sexual intercourse. Brahmacharya is search of Brahman – the Supreme Being that pervades in all animate and inanimate. Is the path to Brahman only open to Bramacharis. Will the knowledge of Brahman be denied to a person who has had sex or erotic imagination? But one the greatest sanyasins in the Santana Dharma (Hinduism) tradition Yajnavalkaya had two wives – Gargi and Maitri. Take a list of all the great sages of Santana Dharma and one will find that most of them were married and had a family life. Some indulged in sexual intercourse to produce heirs. In fact ‘Tatvamasi’ the core Hindu philosophy was taught by Sage Uddalaka to his son. On a careful analysis of the Hindu scriptures – mainly the Upanishads, the Puranas and the epics – one will realize that married life or indulging in sex was never an impediment in knowing Brahman. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Kris

A Place at the Multicultural Table: The Development of an American Hinduism explores the Hindu American Experience and discusses the new forms, practices, and interpretations of Hinduism in United States . The author Prema A Kurien is a faculty at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University. According to the author “The book examines the relationship between the institutionalization of Hinduism as a minority religion and the political mobilization of Hindu Indians seeking a place in multicultural America .” From the Book Description Drawing on the experiences of both immigrant and American-born Hindu Americans, the author demonstrates how religious ideas and practices are being imported, exported, and reshaped in the process. The result of this transnational movement is an American Hinduism--an organized, politicized, and standardized version of that which is found in India . This first in-depth look at Hinduism in the United States and the Hindu Indian American c

The famous Devi Talab Mandir in Jalandhar, Punjab, has a model of the Amarnath Cave in Jammu and Kashmir in it premises. The structure of the cave temple is an exact replica of the Amarnath Cave shrine. Numerous devotees taking part in Amarnath Yatra are now visiting this shrine and those unable to take the original arduous journey are finding solace in the replica. Situated in the heart of Jalandhar City, the Devi Talab Mandir is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is one among the 51 shaktipithas. An old Kali Temple is also located in the premises. Devi Talab Mandir is the venue for the world famous annual Sri Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan.

In Hinduism, Asuras are a class of beings that are often depicted as demons or powerful, supernatural entities. The term "Asura" originates from ancient Indian texts, such as the Vedas and the Puranas, where these beings are frequently mentioned. Here's an overview of their characteristics and significance: Origin and Characteristics: Etymology and Origin: The word "Asura" is derived from the Sanskrit term "asura," which means "demon" or "non-divine being." Initially, in the early Vedic texts, Asuras were considered to be powerful deities, similar to the Devas (gods). However, over time, they came to be associated more with negative qualities and opposition to the Devas. Headless Spirits: The depiction of Asuras as headless spirits is not a common characteristic in most Hindu texts. However, there are instances in folklore and regional stories where certain demonic entities might be portrayed as headless to symbolize their ch

The magnificent and intricately carved BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto will open on Sunday 22 July 2007 . The temple is built at a staggering cost of $40 million and is free of steel. Majority of the parts of the temple have been hand carved in India . The local Hindu community in Toronto offered the services of more than 300 volunteers and financed for the major part of the temple. The temple has no government funding and has been erected in record 18 months. Interestingly, limestone was imported from Turkey to India and marble from Italy to India . The carved pieces were then imported from India to Canada . The interesting numbers of Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto presented by Zosia Bielski, National Post 1,800 craftsmen involved at 26 different sites in India 18 months to complete stone work 18 acre site, fronting on Highway 427 and Finch Avenue ( Swaminarayan Mandir Toronto Address and Location can be found here.) 132 archways 84 decorative ceilings

In Hindu mythology, the Brahmarakshas is a fearsome spirit or demon. These entities are often depicted as scholarly Brahmins who, due to their misuse of knowledge or improper conduct, are cursed to become Rakshasas after death. They possess the knowledge and wisdom of their previous life but are tormented by their demonic form and inclinations. Here are a few notable stories involving Brahma Rakshasas: 1. Brahma Rakshasas and the Ashram One well-known story involves a Brahmin who became a Brahma Rakshasa due to a curse. This Brahmarakshas haunted an ashram, terrorizing anyone who came near. The ashram belonged to a sage who had once been the teacher of the Brahmin. After becoming a Brahmarakshas, the spirit remained bound to the ashram, causing chaos. The curse was eventually lifted when a new disciple of the sage showed unwavering courage and compassion, performing the necessary rituals to release the spirit from its torment. 2. Kataka Bhusundi In some versions of this story,

Vedic Astrology Simply Put: An Illustrated Guide to the Astrology of Ancient India by William Levacy appeals to the students of Vedic astrology and novices through its easy-to-understand method of presentation. Some of the important topics dealt in the book are the myths and origins of Vedic astrology, the difference between Vedic astrology and Western astrology, an easy to understand explanation of each house, each planet, and each individual sign and how they relate to the overall chart. Numerous other related subjects like Vedic forecasting, Ayurveda, remedial measures, deities are dealt in the book. An important highlight of the book is its illustrations. The Vedic art in the book was custom created by master artists from India . William Levacy has been a practitioner of ‘Jyotish’ since 1983. He has a master’s degree in the Science of Creative Intelligence from Maharishi European Research University on Vedic science. Levacy was awarded the prestigious Jyotish

Hinduism, one of the world's oldest religions, encompasses a vast array of stories, epics, and scriptures that highlight the virtue of pride in various forms. Here are a few prominent stories that reflect themes of pride: 1. The Story of Arjuna and Karna In the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, the story of Arjuna and Karna illustrates the theme of pride in several ways. Karna, the son of the sun god Surya, was known for his immense pride in his martial abilities and his loyalty to Duryodhana. Despite his noble qualities, his pride sometimes led him into conflict with Arjuna and the Pandavas. Arjuna, on the other hand, exhibited pride in his righteousness and his skills as a warrior. This epic battle between these two great warriors highlights how pride can shape destinies and lead to both valor and tragedy. 2. King Harishchandra King Harishchandra is a legendary figure in Hindu mythology known for his unwavering pride in his commitment to truth and righteousness. According to