Ghatothkach, or Ghatotkacha, is the son of Bhima and Hidimbi in Mahabharata. Hidimbi, a demon (Rakshasi or Asura), is noted for her magical powers. And her son Ghatothkach inherited all the magical powers of his mother and the strength of his father Bhima, the second among the Pandavas. The cartoon film titled Ghatothkach – master of magic, narrates the tale of a five-year-old Ghatotkach. In the film, Ghatothkach, lovingly called ‘Ghattu’ is the prince of the forest and is blessed with extra-ordinary powers. He has loads of fun with his magical powers, but also uses them to protect everyone around him. As a five year old, he rescues ‘Gajju’ – ababy elephant which leads to a lifelong friendship. The film is the journey of a prince and his elephant friend – full of magic. When challenged by evil forces that are out to destroy him and to stop him from fulfilling his destiny, Ghattu and Gajju form an invincible team to fight them. (Story synopsis and image as found on the off

Hindu Baccalaureate Service - A farewell sermon to a graduating class at their commencement ceremonies – will be held at University of Nevada-Reno (UNR) on May 11, 2008. Known as Dikshant Utsav in Hinduism, the ceremony is the first of its kind in the University of Nevada . The function is being organized by Indian Student Organization of UNR and Rajan Zed, Indo-American leader noted for the reading of Hindu scriptures in Senate. News Blaze Reports Swami Vedananda, well-known Hindu monk from California , will be the keynote speaker at this First Annual Hindu Baccalaureate Service (Dikshant Utsav) of UNR. He plans to bless the upcoming graduates with wisdom from Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad-Gita-all ancient Hindu scriptures, and applying tilak (religious mark) over their foreheads. Starting with Gayatri Mantra by Zed and followed by Gita recitation by Subhashree Misra of Nevada Desert Research Institute, it will also include prayers/blessings by Christian, Muslim, B

Hindu religion is rich with stories that celebrate romance and chivalry, intertwining divine love and heroic valor. Here are a few prominent stories from Hindu religion that highlight these themes: 1. The Love Story of Radha and Krishna The romance between Radha and Krishna is one of the most celebrated and eternal love stories in Hindu mythology. Radha, a cowherd girl, and Krishna, an incarnation of the god Vishnu, share a love that transcends the earthly realm. Their love is often depicted in songs, dances, and literature, symbolizing the union of the soul (Radha) with the divine (Krishna). Despite societal norms and obstacles, their love remains pure and unwavering. 2. Rama and Sita from the Ramayana The epic tale of Rama and Sita is a cornerstone of Hindu literature. Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, wins Sita's hand in marriage by showcasing his unparalleled strength and valor in a contest to lift and string the mighty bow of Lord Shiva. Their story is one of devotion, loyalty, and

Fasting, known as Vrat or Vratam, is an integral part of Hindu religion. Each day of a week is dedicated to a particular deity in the Hindu pantheon and depending on personal choice a devotee can fast on any day. Apart from this there are Ekadasi and Shasti in a month, which are fasting days. Fasting is also associated with important festivals like Navratri, Teej etc. The main aim of all fasting days associated with Hinduism is to rise above the mundane materialistic nature and understand the all encompassing and blissful nature of Brahman. Some Benefits of Fasting on Spiritual Level Fasting purifies the mind. It controls passion. Checks emotions. Controls the senses. For many it is also a sort of penance as it provides a window to escape from sins. Fasting controls the tongue, which when let loose is the greatest enemy of man. Benefits of Fasting to the Physical Body Fasting overhauls the respiratory, circulatory, digestive and urinary systems. Impurities

Prasnottara Ratna Malika of Adi Shankara in Sanskrit is a collection of 67 verses (question and answers). It tries to answer questions that arise in the mind of common man who is new to the spiritual world. Who can be considered as a Guru? That one who knows the truth, who lives in and as truth and who always strives for the good of his disciple. What is the seed of the tree of liberation (moksha)? The attainment of perfect and true knowledge and its application in everyday life. What is the root cause of fear? Death. Who is an intelligent person? That one who is endowed with the power of discrimination. Who is the enemy? Idleness. What is the essence of this life that we are leading? The understanding that it is only transitory and will not last forever. What can be considered as the dearest thing for a man? The leading of a life that is entirely devoted to the good of himself and others. What spoils the mind and brings down its efficiency? Love

Hindu religion and scriptures contain numerous stories that illustrate the futility of war, emphasizing the importance of peace, righteousness, and the ultimate consequences of violence. Here are some notable examples: 1. The Mahabharata The Mahabharata is perhaps the most significant source of stories that highlight the futility of war. The epic centers on the Kurukshetra War between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Several aspects of the story underscore the devastating consequences of conflict: Bhagavad Gita : In this part of the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna, who is reluctant to fight in the war, about his duty as a warrior. While the Gita promotes righteous action and duty (dharma), it also emphasizes the tragic nature of war and the importance of seeking inner peace and spiritual wisdom. Destruction and Aftermath : The Kurukshetra War results in the near-total destruction of the Kuru dynasty. Almost all the warriors on both sides are killed, leading to immense sorrow and

Hindu religion is rich with stories that offer wisdom and guidance for various aspects of life, including relationships. Here are a few stories from Hindu tradition that provide insights on dealing with relationship problems: 1. Rama and Sita Lesson: Trust and Fidelity The story of Rama and Sita from the Ramayana teaches the importance of trust and fidelity in a relationship. Despite numerous trials and separations, their love and loyalty to each other remain steadfast. When Sita is abducted by Ravana, Rama's unwavering faith in her purity and Sita’s steadfast loyalty to Rama highlight the strength of their bond. This story underscores that trust and fidelity are fundamental in overcoming challenges in a relationship. 2. Shiva and Parvati Lesson: Balance and Understanding The relationship between Shiva and Parvati exemplifies balance and understanding in a partnership. Shiva, representing asceticism and renunciation, balances with Parvati, who embodies family life and nurturing. Th

The present Tamil Nadu government had made a law in May 2006 that provided all Hindus, whatever their caste, to become priests and conduct temple rituals if they are ‘qualified.’ To educate Hindus in becoming priests the government had setup six priest-training institutes. The first batch of students from the training institutes will be ready to adorn the role of Hindu priests from June 2008. To train Hindu priests, the government had setup two Vaishnava and four Shaiva priest-training institutes. The Vaishnava Archaka Training Institutes are housed at the Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam and the Parthasarathy Swami Temple in Chennai. The four Shaiva institutes are at Tiruvannamalai, Madurai , Palani and Tiruchendur. The centers are run by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Tamil Nadu State Government. The students are trained in all methods of temple worship and rituals and the year-long certificate course is known as 'Agama Sastras'

Hindu religion, rich with epic tales and profound teachings, offers numerous stories that inspire resilience and triumph over adversity. Here are a few motivational stories that emphasize overcoming failure: 1. The Story of Lord Rama Epic: Ramayana Summary: Lord Rama, the protagonist of the Ramayana, faced numerous trials and tribulations. Exiled to the forest for 14 years, Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, had to endure hardships and challenges. The greatest challenge came when Sita was abducted by the demon king Ravana. Despite the immense difficulties and setbacks, Rama remained steadfast, eventually defeating Ravana and rescuing Sita. Lesson: This story teaches the virtues of patience, determination, and unwavering faith. It shows that even in the face of severe adversity, persistence and righteousness will ultimately lead to success. 2. The Story of Arjuna Epic: Mahabharata Summary: Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, experienced deep despair and a sense

There are numerous theories regarding the origin of universe but the Big Bang model is the broadly accepted theory. But thousands of years before scientists came up with Big Bang model, did the sages of Upanishads knew about the cosmos wake up. In his long introductory essay in the book ‘The Big Bang and the Bhagavad Gita,’ R.A.S. Koacha suggests that the early saints of modern day Hinduism knew about this cosmic event through mystic insight. Big Bang Theory postulates that 12 to 14 billion years ago, the portion of the universe we can see today was only a few millimeters across. It has since expanded from this hot dense state into the vast and much cooler cosmos we currently inhabit. (NASA) Some of the conclusions from the book – ‘The Big Bang and the Bhagavad Gita,’ R.A.S. Koacha Is Brahman an oblique reference of Big Bang? The very name ‘Brahman’ representing the Ultimate Reality in Hindu religion appears to be nothing but an implicit reference to the ‘Big Bang’

The Bhagavad Gita, a revered Hindu scripture, offers profound wisdom on how to handle constant worry and anxiety. Here are some key teachings from the Gita that can help in dealing with these feelings: 1. Understanding the Nature of the Self The Gita teaches that our true self (the Atman) is eternal and indestructible. Understanding this can help alleviate worries about material losses and impermanent aspects of life. Verse 2.20: na jāyate mriyate vā kadācin nāyaṁ bhūtvā bhavitā vā na bhūyaḥ ajo nityaḥ śāśvato’yaṁ purāṇo na hanyate hanyamāne śarīre "For the soul there is neither birth nor death at any time. The soul has not come into being, does not come into being, and will not come into being. It is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, and primeval. It is not slain when the body is slain." 2. Performing Duty without Attachment The Gita emphasizes the importance of performing one's duty (Dharma) without attachment to the results. This approach can reduce worry, as it shif

Bhagavad Gita offers profound insights into overcoming feeling down situations. Here are some key teachings and practices from the Gita that can help you when you are feeling down: 1. Understanding the Self Chapter 2, Verse 13: "As the embodied soul continuously passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age; similarly, the soul passes into another body at death. A sober person is not bewildered by such a change." Understanding that the true self is the soul, which is eternal and beyond physical changes, can help put life's challenges in perspective and reduce sadness. 2. Duty and Detachment Chapter 2, Verse 47: "You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction." Performing one's duty without attachment to the results helps in reducing anxiety and sadness. Focusing on the process rather than the o

One of the most important offering at the famous Sri Krishna temple in Guruvayur, Kerala, is the ‘thulabharam.’ In the Thulabaram ritual, a devotee sits on a pan of the weighing balance and the other pan is filled with materials greater than the weight of the devotee. Devotees usually offer sugar, jaggery, tulsi leaves and banana. Recently, Paracetamol tablet was added into the long list offerings made by devotees. Devotees are known to make unique offerings while performing Thulabharam ritual. Hundreds of ‘thulabharam’ are offered daily at the temple. A couple of years ago, a person performed ‘thulabharam’ with gold . The unique allopathic medicine thulabaram was performed by the son of a wholesale medicine dealer. Temple authorities later handed over the 72 kg Paracetamol tablets to the Government hospital in Guruvayur. (The Hindu) Thulabaram ritual is performed in major temples in South India including Tirupati.

The Bhagavad Gita offers profound wisdom on dealing with persistent feelings of sadness, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's true nature and purpose, and adopting a disciplined approach to life. Here are some insights and practical steps based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita: 1. Understanding the Self (Atman) Know Your True Self : The Gita teaches that understanding and identifying with the true self (Atman), which is eternal and beyond physical suffering, is crucial. This realization helps in transcending temporary emotions like sadness. Verse Reference : Chapter 2, Verse 20 : "For the soul, there is neither birth nor death. It has not come into being, does not come into being, and will not come into being. It is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, and primeval. It is not slain when the body is slain." 2. Duty and Righteousness (Dharma) Focus on Your Dharma : Engaging in one's duties with dedication and without attachment to the results helps in overc

Mount Adi Kailash, popularly known as Chhota Kailash and Baba Kailas, is considered to be one of the abodes of Lord Shiva in the Himalayas . Chota Kailash is also noted for the formation of the Sanskrit letter ‘ॐ’ (om or aum) from snow. The annual pilgrimage or yatra takes place from June to September. Mount Adi Kailash and Om Parvat are in the region of 12,000 to 14,000 feet and are located in Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand. Another major attraction is the Parvati Sarovar (Tal) or Parvati Lake or Gauri Kund at the foot of Adi Kailash. Other attractions during the trek include the snow-clad peaks of Annapurna, Kali River, jungles with wildflowers and fruits, Narayan Ashram, and numerous waterfalls. The trek also passes through numerous places mentioned in Hindu scriptures like the Kutti Village , named after Kunti, the mother of Pandavas. The journey also provides opportunity to interact with people living in the Chaudans, Byans and Darma valleys and lear

This poem, "Jeevakarunya Panchakam," by Shri Narayana Guru, addresses the concept of compassion and non-violence towards all living beings.  All are of one Self-fraternity. Such being the dictum to avow, In such a light how can we take life, And devoid of least pity go on to eat? The non-killing vow is great indeed, And, greater still, non-eating to observe; All in all. Should we not say, Oh men of righteousness, Even to this amounts the essence of all religions? If killing were applied to oneself, Who, as a favor, would treat such a dire destiny? As touching all in equality, Oh ye wise ones, Should that not be our declaration for a regulated life? No killer would there be if no other to eat there was Perforce, himself must eat! In eating thus abides the cruder ill than in killing In that it killing makes. Not killing makes a human good - Else an animal's equal he becomes. No refuge has the taker of life, Although to him all other goods accrue. Sh

Gurumantra, or Guru Mantra, as the name indicates is a letter, a word or group of words that a Guru suggests to a student or Shishya when he/she is accepted as a disciple. Usually, a Gurumantra depends on the character of the student, especially the Gunas - sattvic, rajasic and tamasic. A true Guru easily gauges which Guna is dominating the disciple. Now, finding a true Guru is major issue. True guru never advertises; he/she is a like a wildflower and students or disciples are like bees and butterflies that search for the fragrance and reaches the flower even if it is hidden in the darkest spot in the jungle. True Guru is not a magician and he never performs miracles to attract disciples. The sole aim of the Gurumantra is to control the senses and set the individual in the path of Brahman consciousness. Those people who want to gain wealth and climb up the social ladder will never be initiated by a true guru. Such disciples usually never find the true guru and inste

This poem, "Krishna, Don’t make me an orphan," by Mataji Vanamali, is a heartfelt plea to Lord Krishna, the Hindu deity known for his compassion and divine love.  O Shoure ( Krishna )! Please don’t make me an orphan! O thou who art the sole support of the abandoned! Please don’t make me an orphan! Birth after birth have I wandered through the desert of life, Searching for Thee, I’m but an unknown flower, faded and worn, Unknowingly I have reached thy doorstep, How can I offer myself to thee? How can I be used in they puja? O Shoure! ( Krishna )! Help of the helpless! Please don’t abandon me! In the carnival of life I missed my way And fell into a nightmare that lasted for eons! O Lord of Lakshmi! Wilt thou not stretch thy hand and haul me to the shore? O Ocean of compassion! Wilt thou not come running to save me? O thou delight of my eyes! Thou alone art my mother, husband, friend and relation, No sons or grandsons do I have other than thee! Having given up all my blood relat

Dealing with the persistent thought that something bad is about to happen can be challenging, but the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer profound wisdom that can help in managing such anxieties. Here’s a detailed look at how the Bhagavad Gita addresses these concerns: Understanding the Nature of the Mind The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the understanding and control of the mind. In Chapter 6, Verse 6, it states: "For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will remain the greatest enemy." This suggests that managing negative thoughts requires mastering the mind through discipline and practice. Embracing Detachment (Vairagya) The concept of detachment is central to the Bhagavad Gita. In Chapter 2, Verse 47, Krishna advises Arjuna: "You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions." By focusing on actions rather than outcomes, one can reduce t

If we want to recite the Gayatri Mantra, we shall have to dispossess our mind of hatred, and throw out all feelings of jealousy and enmity; only then we can achieve the state of being happy. Miseries do come in life and if we lose our patience and our mental balance, we shall retain base thoughts. It is thoughts which disturb us. It is the heart that brings us sorrow and it is the same heart that brings gladness. So life can be hell or heaven, the result of thoughts. This world is what we think it to be. Anand Swami Saraswati This passage beautifully encapsulates the transformative power of the Gayatri Mantra and the importance of cultivating a positive mindset for inner peace and happiness. Let's expand on a few key points: Gayatri Mantra: The Gayatri Mantra is one of the most revered mantras in Hinduism, dedicated to the Sun God. It is believed to possess profound spiritual and transformative qualities, often chanted for wisdom, enlightenment, and liberation from ignoranc

The famous Murudeshwar Temple in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka now possesses at 249-feet Raja Gopura. The Murudeswar temple complex is renowned for the tallest idol of Lord Shiva in the world, which is 123 feet. The latest addition to the temple is the Rajagopuram, which was opened on April 12, 2008. And is it the tallest the tallest Hindu Temple Gopuram in the World? Newspaper reports indicate that the Rajagopura of Murudeshwar Temple is the tallest in Asia . Earlier it was the 236-feet Rajagopuram of the Sri Ranganatha temple at Srirangam. But strangely several websites and newspapers are claiming it only to be the tallest in Asia . For more comparison, Qutub Minar another tallest structure in the world is 237.8 ft. If Gopuram can be considered as a unique ornate structure associated with Hindu Temples, then the Gopura of Murudeshwar Temple in Karnataka should be the tallest in the world. This is when considering that some of the largest Hindu temples in the

Dealing with nervousness is a common challenge, and the Bhagavad Gita offers profound wisdom that can help address this issue. Here are some key teachings from the Bhagavad Gita that provide guidance on overcoming nervousness: 1. Understanding Your True Self Verse: Bhagavad Gita 2.20 Teaching : This verse explains that the soul is eternal, indestructible, and beyond physical harm. Application : Understanding that your true self is the soul, which is eternal and beyond any worldly worries, can help you transcend nervousness rooted in temporary material concerns. 2. Duty and Detachment Verse: Bhagavad Gita 2.47 Teaching : "You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions." Application : Focus on performing your duties without attachment to the outcomes. This reduces anxiety about results, which is a common source of nervousness. 3. Steadfastness in Yoga Verse: Bhagavad Gita 6.5-6 Teaching : "One must elevate oneself

The relationship between Balarama and Sri Krishna, two central figures in Hindu mythology, is rich with lessons that span various aspects of life, including family dynamics, leadership, loyalty, and moral values. Here are some key lessons drawn from their relationship: 1. Unity and Cooperation in Diversity Balarama and Krishna, though brothers, exhibit different personalities and approaches to life. Balarama is known for his strength and straightforwardness, while Krishna is revered for his wisdom and diplomacy. Despite their differences, they work together harmoniously, teaching the value of unity and cooperation among diverse individuals. 2. Complementary Strengths Their relationship highlights how complementary strengths can lead to greater success. Balarama’s physical prowess and Krishna’s strategic acumen combine to form a powerful team. This teaches the importance of recognizing and valuing the unique strengths each person brings to a relationship or a team. 3. Loyalty and Suppor

Overcoming difficulty in concentrating is a common challenge, and Hinduism offers various methods and practices to help enhance focus and mental clarity. Here are some insights and techniques based on Hindu teachings: 1. Meditation (Dhyana) : Practice Regularly : Regular meditation can train the mind to stay focused. Techniques such as focusing on the breath, a mantra, or a visual object can help in developing concentration. Mantra Meditation : Chanting mantras like "Om" or "Om Namah Shivaya" can aid in calming the mind and improving focus. 2. Yoga : Asanas (Postures) : Physical postures in yoga help in balancing the body and mind, which is essential for concentration. Pranayama (Breath Control) : Breathing exercises like Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) and Kapalbhati (skull-shining breath) can enhance mental clarity and concentration. 3. Rituals and Worship (Puja) : Daily Rituals : Performing daily rituals and pujas can help in instilling discipline and

With the removal of a wall between the new compound and the original compound, sunrays will now fall directly on the Jyotirlinga at the 18th century Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi . This was a long standing desire of Shiva devotees and the Jyotirlingam got the first glimpse of the sun on Monday, April 14, 2008. From The Hindu The original 2500-sq feet campus of historic Kashi Vishwanath temple was merged on Monday with the 6,000-sq feet new campus which has Tarakeshwar and Rani Bhavani Bhuvaneshwar temples. Large space has also been created for devotees for other spiritual activities like arti (prayer), meditation, devotional singing and keertan (prayer-meet) within the compound. The unified campus had a look of unique grandeur. Also, the old golden temple was brightly lit with the sunrays reaching its every nook and corner directly. The 'Jyotirlingam' was exposed to the sunrays probably for the first time in the history of the temple, which was built by th

Preparing for the pressures of modern life can be guided by the wisdom and practices of Hinduism, which offers various strategies and teachings. Here are some key approaches from Hindu philosophy and practices that can help: 1. Yoga and Meditation Yoga: Practicing yoga helps maintain physical health, improves mental clarity, and reduces stress. The physical postures (asanas) combined with breathing techniques (pranayama) foster a sense of balance and inner peace. Meditation: Techniques such as mindfulness meditation (Dhyana) and mantra meditation (Japa) are essential in calming the mind, enhancing concentration, and achieving mental tranquility. 2. Dharma (Duty and Righteousness) Understanding Dharma: Dharma refers to one's duty and righteousness. By understanding and fulfilling one’s responsibilities in personal, professional, and social spheres, a person can find a sense of purpose and order amidst chaos. Living Righteously: Leading a life guided by ethical principles and mor

Sundarkand forms part of Ramcharitmanas of Goswami Tulsidas which is commonly known as Tulsi Ramayana. It is the essence of the Ramcharitmanas, and is awarded as much importance as the Bhagavad Gita in the Mahabharata. Like the Gita, the Sundarkand can be read independently. It has a powerful theme: When you are on a good mission, God gives you strength to overcome all obstacles. Sundarkand commences with Hanuman’s departure for Lanka in search of Sita and ends with Rama and his army’s preparation to reach Lanka across the sea. This entire episode is called sundar or beautiful because every act described in it is auspicious, elevating the human mind and promoting right human values. Hanuman initiates action for the friendship between Rama and Vibheeshana because of which eventually, Vibheeshana comes to be accepted in Rama’s camp. The Sundarkand paves the way for the reunion of Rama and Sita. Even Lanka’s burning is described as a beautiful act as it is to destruct evil. Throughout

Hinduism, with its rich philosophical and spiritual traditions, offers several principles and approaches that can be applied to address and potentially resolve geopolitical conflicts. Here are some key ideas from Hinduism that could contribute to solutions: Ahimsa (Non-violence) : Ahimsa is the principle of non-violence towards all living beings. This foundational ethic encourages resolving conflicts through peaceful means rather than through aggression or violence. It can promote diplomatic and non-violent methods for conflict resolution. Dharma (Righteous Duty) : Dharma refers to the ethical and moral duties that sustain order and harmony in society. By adhering to dharma, leaders and individuals are encouraged to act justly, with integrity and fairness, which can help in addressing the root causes of conflicts and maintaining social harmony. Karma (Action and Consequence) : The law of karma emphasizes that actions have consequences. Understanding this principle can encourage individ