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Showing posts from December, 2008


River Sarasvati to Flow Again – Return of Holy Saraswati River

Hindus always believed that the River Sarasvati flowed on earth before disappearing and the river is mentioned in the Hindu Holy scriptures and is worshipped along with Ganga River . But the existence of River Sarasvati was always questioned by historians with hidden political agenda. Sadly, such historians were ruling the academies for more than 50 years in India after independence. Now, archeologists have discovered the bed of the Sarasvati River in Bhoresaidan Village , about 13 km from Kurukshetra in Haryana. The fact is also mentioned in numerous ancient literary texts. Haryana government is now planning to revive the course taken by Sarasvati River by building a 50 km-long channel in Kurukshetra. The discovery of the Sarasvati River Bed happened in 2004 when water started oozing out from the dried Saraswati River bed at the Kapil Muni Temple Sarovar at Kalayat. Atul Sethi writes in Times of India A boon that would not have been possible without the discov

Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal to replace South Indian Priests with Nepali Priests

The pujas and rituals in the world famous Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal used to be performed by South Indian Priests. But now they have been replaced by Nepali priests. Believed to have been built in the 3rd century BC, Pashupatinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the biggest icon in Nepal and is visited by millions of people. Hindu priests from India performed the pujas and rituals in Pashupatinath Temple due to a custom started in 1747 during monarchy in Nepal . It was believed that the death of the king, the father of the nation, all Nepalis had to observe a period of mourning which made them unfit to perform pujas and rituals due to Shraddh. Now the king is no longer the ruler of Nepal and the country has become a secular country. So the old custom has no value. Times of India reports The new government that came to power after the pro-democracy movement ousted the king and queen from the temple management. Soon after that, the Satnamis, a s

Adi Shankaracharya Teachings – On Rituals

Rituals are like blankets that veil the truth. They are nets to trap our intellect, forcing us to confine our consciousness to the superficial values of the manifest world. The thinking of a person who believes exclusively in ritual practices becomes confined to this little world. Subtle thoughts of the mind and tender feelings of heart become outward oriented. Such a person begins to believe that everything can be accomplished with the help of rituals. Because rituals involve material objects and because there is a system as well as a defined goal, a person's expectations grow and become vivid. When someone performs a ritual and the expected results don't occur, as is usually the case, that person becomes disappointed. In order to cope with the disappointment, the person tries to discover the mistake in the ritual. Then the interpreter, who is usually the priest, takes advantage of the subtle tendencies of the mind of the person performing the ritual and puts th

Thanka Anki Procession to Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

The Thanka Anki procession to the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is an important ritual during the 41-day Mandala Pooja held at the Sabarimala Shrine. Thanka Anki is the gold ornaments that are adorned on the idol of Lord Ayyappa on the Mandala Pooja day , which marks the culmination of the 41-day Mandala Pooja. The Thanka Anki procession starts from the Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple four days prior to the Mandala Pooja day. Thanka Anki means the Golden Attire – the Golden Attire of Lord Ayyappa, weighing 450 Sovereigns of gold. It was offered to Lord Ayyappa by Sri Chithira Thirunal, erstwhile Maharaja of Travancore in 1973. The Thanka Anki is carried to the Sabarimala Shrine in a specially-decorated vehicle. It will visit numerous temples on its way and opportunity to darshan will be provided for Devotees. The Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple is around 100 km away from Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple . The deeparadhana on the final day of Mandala Pooja will

Book – Heaven on Earth – The Universe of Kerala’s Guruvayur Temple

Heaven on Earth: The Universe of Kerala’s Guruvayur Temple , written by British writer and photographer Pepita Seth, narrates the history of Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple , its rituals and beliefs, its traditional style of management, its festivals and its patronage of ancient art forms in Kerala and its elephants. The book is a result of seven years’ research and is supported by brilliant photographs. Driven by passion and respect for Kerala’s culture and traditions, Pepita Seth began seriously photographing and writing about the rituals of Hindus in Kerala from the 1970s. In 1981, she was given official permission to enter Hindu temples in Kerala. The Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in world and is frequented by millions of devotees. The temple is mentioned in the ‘Mahabharata’. The history of the idol worshipped in the temple goes back to the Dwapara Yuga when Lord Krishna lived on earth. “I feel that Guruvayur is impor

Tukaram Grantha Parayan Sohala as part of 400th birth anniversary Sant Tukaram at Dehu

Tukaram Grantha Parayan Sohala, sacred book reading, attended by 2000,000 devotees is being held at Dehu village in Maharashtra as part of the 400th birth anniversary celebrations of Sant Tukaram. The week-long programme is organized by the Akhil Bhartiya Warkari Mandal and is attended by devotees from India and abroad. The great saint-poet, Tukaram (1608-1650) was born at Dehu village near Pune in Maharashtra and he spread the devotion for Lord Vithoba (Vitthal) through his poems. Somnath Deshkar writes in Times of India According to Prakash Maharaj Bodhale, president of Akhli Bharatiya Warkari Mandal, the 'Grantha Parayan' will be held round the clock for the next eight days. The warkari mandal received over one lakh nominations from devotees to participate in the programme . Huge pandals have been erected and other arrangements for the devotees' convenience have also been made. The pandal can accommodate nearly 60,000 people. A separate conferenc

Goddess Durga Idol from Lenox India –Limited Edition – $2000

Lenox – US gift and collectible major and manufacturer of fine chinaware, accessories and gifts – released a sculpture of Hindu Goddess Durga in ivory fine china and pure 24 karat gold. Goddess Durga idol is a strict limited edition of 500 pieces and is priced at $2000. Simmi Chopra of Lenox India is credited with this limited edition. Two years back, Simmi had brought out a limited edition Lenox Ganesha Idol . Only 250 pieces of Goddess Durga idol will be released in 2008. The idol is made in ivory fine china and pure 24 karat gold claims the Lenox India website. The idol weighs 8 pound and is hand-painted. The stones used on the idol are Austrian crystal Swarovski gemstones. In the idol, Goddess Durga is depicted as a delicate and beautiful goddess, her strength and energetic movement visible through her position on the tiger and her hold on the weapons. Goddess Durga Idol details from the makers: For Goddess Durga, we wanted to use Red for her Sari, but we had hug

Book: Illustrated Ramayana for Children from Chandamama

‘Ramayana – The Epic Journey’ from Chandamama is an attempt to narrate the timeless epic Ramayana in contemporary language and style. Chandamama claims that the book is first of its kind attempt when the Ramayana Epic has been published as a single book with illustrations. Chandamama’s Ramayana is in comic book format with rich illustrations. ‘Ramayana – The Epic Journey’ is based on Tamil Kamba Ramayanam, written by Kamban during the ninth century. The major highlight of the book is the hand drawn illustrations. ‘Ramayana – The Epic Journey’ Published by Chandamama Specifications Pages: 432 pages + 4 cover Format: Illustrated Style Price: Rupees 449

Swami Avdheshanand named the Hindu of Year by Hinduism Today Magazine

Swami Avdheshananda Giri Maharaj was named the Hindu of the Year and received the 2008 Hindu Renaissance Award from Hinduism Today. Acharya Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj is the head of Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhada, the biggest of the thirteen Saint Akhadas in Inda. Shri Juna Akhada has more than five million saints in its fold. Hinduism Today Magazine , read by millions around the world, is a global public service to the family of Hindu faiths, produced by a small monastic community based in Hawaii , United States . The magazine also has a digital version and is published once in three months. Hinduism Today explains the reason for choosing Swami Avdheshananda Giri Maharaj for the 2008 Hindu Renaissance Award: Such peerless leaders can come in many forms, reflecting the diverse ways of our faith. Some are silent sages, mystics who take us to the heights of our own being by the force of their own enlightenment. Others are tireless social workers, servants of Hindus in need,

Tulsi Plant to Control Pollution in Agra and Save Taj Mahal

Thanks to pollution, the aging white Taj Mahal is slowly yellowing and the government is on a mission to find an apt solution to this perplexing problem. Now the District Forest Department of Agra has come up with a unique solution – Tulsi (Holy Basil). The forest department believes that planting Tulsi around Taj Mahal and Agra might help in saving the monument from deteriorating. The department is hoping to exploit the antipollutant, antioxidation and air-purifying properties of Tulsi plant. Manjari Mishra writes in Times of India The department will launch the Tulsi plantation drive from January 2009. The public-private joint venture is expected to provide an eco-protection cover to sensitive Taj trapezium zone surrounding the 17th century monument as well as the other two world heritage monuments like the Agra Fort and Aitma-ud-Daula tomb. Tulsi was (Occinum sanctum) chosen for its anti-pollutant, anti-oxidation and air-purifying properties, making it an ideal orn

Self Learning Sanskrit CD from Rastriya Sanskrit Vidya Peetha

Rastriya Sanskrit Vidya Peeth (RSVP) has released a self learning Sanskrit CD in interactive mode named Samskrtasiksika. This interactive CD is a unique approach to help aspirants to learn Sanskrit Language quickly and thoroughly. It is designed by Sanskrit language experts from leading universities. Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha is a Deemed University established under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956 and is located at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. The Self Learning Sanskrit CD concentrates on perfect pronunciation, different styles of conversation, excellent styles of speech, several styles of reading prose and poetry, writing styles of Devanagari, script, grammar in simple way, sanskrit literature and science in Sanskrit words for daily use. Animated Stories in Sanskrit, Sanskrit songs and shlokas, antyaksari, fun with words, fun with numbers, quiz and exercises are also part of the CD. The cost of the Samskrtasiksika CD is Rupees.200/-. Outside India it is US

Dhanu Sankranti

Dhanu Sankranti is an important day in traditional Hindu calendar and on the day sun enters the Dhanu Rashi (Sagitarius). In 2024, the date of Dhanu Sankranti is December 16. Time is at 7:38 AM on December 16. The day also marks the beginning of Dhanur Mas. Dhanu Sankranti is of great significance in Orissa and special prayers and pujas are offered to Lord Jagannath on the day. The famous Dhanu Yatra – street play based on Krishna visiting Mathura – is held during the period at Bargarh. In many regions in India , on Dhanu Sankranti day Surya (Sun God) is worshipped. Prayers are offered to Surya and people also take dip in holy rivers. Dhanu Sankranti marks the beginning of the transition through the Dhanu Rashi (Sagitarius) and this particular period ends on the Makar Sankranti day. In Odisha, a special sweet made of rice known as Dhanumuan is prepared on the day.

A Review of Invading the Sacred: Understanding and Misunderstanding Hindu Tradition

The book, Invading the Sacred – An Analysis of Hinduism Studies in America published in 2007 attempted to uncover 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. A Review of Invading the Sacred: Understanding and Misunderstanding Hindu Tradition explains why the book ‘Invading the Sacred’ signals a new intellectual movement within Hinduism and some of the challenges this new movement will likely face. The review is available in English and Hindi online and is free of charge. A Review of Invading the Sacred: Understanding and Misunderstanding Hindu Tradition is published by The Samprajna Institute – a charitable organization that represents the diverse talents and perspectives of people with extensive experience studying and working with the people of South Asia . The review is by By Krishna Kirti Das and Gaura Keshava Das. The review highlights key sec

Vedas and Management

Dr S. Kannan in his book titled, Vedic Management – The Holistic Approach to Managerial Excellence tries to find effective solutions to management problems with the help of the Vedas. He presents the subject on a four dimensional perspective incorporating self management, relationship management, cosmic management and spiritual management. Now he has put a slide show to explain some of the basic concepts dealt in the book: VEDIC MANAGEMENT Might not be visible in Internet Explorer 6

Book: Study on Nyayaparisuddhi of Vedanta Desika

The book titled ‘ The Epistemology of Visistadvaita: A Study Based on the Nyayaparisuddhi of Vedanta Desika ’ explores the philosophy presented in Visista Advaita and gives a detail account of the chief concepts of the tradition. It attempts at presenting the epistemology of the Visistadvaita Vedanta based on the thirteenth century classical text, Nyayaparisuddhi composed by the eminent poet-philosopher Vedanta Desika. The book is authored by Vedavalli Narayanan. Visistadvaita tradition, or Visita Advaita, loosely means 'non-duality of the qualified' and is one of the principal schools of Vedanta and is based on the worship of Vishnu. The soundness of any system of philosophy depends on the Pramanas – the means of knowledge. The book extensively deals with the logical foundations accepted by Visistadvaita. The book begins with a brief introduction of Visistadvaita and gives a summary of earlier works based on the tradition. The second chapter deals with the conce

Malayalam Nakshatram 2009 – Astrological Predictions

Janma Nakshatram, or Nakshatra, is the birth star of a person as per Malayalam astrology calendar followed in Kerala. It is also known as Janma Naal and there are 27 Nakshatrams in Malayalam Jyothisam or astrology. Astrological predictions known as Nakshatrabalam or Nakshatra Bhalam is made based on the stars. The 27 Janma Nakshatrams are Ashwathi, Bharani, Karthika, Rohini, Makeeyram, Thiruvathira, Punartham, Pooyam, Aayilyam, Makam, Pooram, Uthram, Atham, Chithira, Chothi, Vishakham, Anizham, Thrikketta, Moolam, Pooraadam, Uthradam, Thiruvonam, Avittam, Chathayam, Pooruruttathi, Uthrattathi and Revathi. Here is the Nakshatram Bhalam 2009 for various stars. This has been specifically prepared for this blog by an astrologer from Kerala. (This after several people wanted to know why the blog was ignoring astrology an important aspect in Hindu culture. This blog will try to publish astrology from all the different states.) Please note that Astrological predictions should not be you

Underwater temples in Gobind Sagar Lake at Bhakra Dam in Bilaspur to be relocated

The Gobind Sagar Lake on Sutlej River in Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh was created after the construction of the Bhakra Dam in 1960s. As a result of the Bhakra Dam reservoir, 28 temples submerged into the water. Of the 28 submerged temples, 12 were of great archaeological importance belonging to 8th and 19th century AD period. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has now declared the 12 submerged temples as monuments of National Importance and will be relocated. …Centre respected the sentiments of displaced people during the Nagarjuna sagar and Narmada valley projects and the same should be done in the state. The chief minister said the locals had allowed submersion of their temples to pave the way for the completion of first hydro electric power plant of the country in 1963. ( The Hindu ) Many of the submerged temples in Gobind Sagar Lake at Bhakra Dam are partially visible when the water recedes during winter and early summer in Himachal Pradesh. Nagara style te

Patiram Trace Hindu Shiva Temple at Penal in Trinidad

Patiram Trace Shiva Temple at Penal in Trinidad is famous for a Swayabhu (self manifested) Shivling. The Shivalingam in Patiram Trace Shiva Mandir is still growing according to devotees who are regular visitors to the temple. Penal town is located southwest of Trinidad . Nearly 25% of the population of Trinidad are Hindus. According to local people about a century ago, a man was hired to clean the bush on top of the hill on the outskirts of Penal. After clearing some bush, he tried to sharpen his sword on a stone protruding on hill. Suddenly, the stone chipped and milk flowed from the stone. Some people also say that blood flowed from it. After the incident the man lost his eyesight. But he realized the power existing there and soon a small Shiva shrine was erected and he took care of the divine Shivling. Being blind he could not take care of the lingam properly and the man prayed to Shiva to have his eyes restored. It is said that soon he got back his sight and devoted

Hillary Clinton as Hindu God Lord Vishnu

An article written by Gillian Reagan in the The New York Observer titled ‘Superstar Avatars’ has a picture of Hillary Clinton as Lord Vishnu. The article talks about the importance of profile photo in various social networks like Facebook, Flickr and Twitter. It goes on to say how the politicians change their profile photos to adapt to the current political climate. The article then details about the ‘avatar’ chosen by popular personalities and the psychology behind it. Avatar or Avatara is popularly translated as an incarnation and is popularly associated with the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Today, profile photo in various online social networks and Second Life is referred as an Avatar. The online 3-D persona which users create is also known as an avatar. So the photo of Hillary Clinton as Lord Vishnu is an attempt to convey the gist of the article – Superstar Avatars. (Please note Hillary is totally innocent here.) We Hindus are used to politicians adorning the roles

Aghan Poornima – Purnima date in Aghan Month

Poornima, or Purnima, is the full moon day in a traditional Hindu calendar. Purnima date is December 15, 2024. It is the last day in a month in the calendar followed in North India . Purnima is known as Pournami in South India . Fasting from sunrise to sunset is observed by some Hindus on the day. The Purnima in December is the Aghan Poornima. Dattatreya Jayanti is observed on the Aghan Purnima day. Annapurna Jayanti is also observed on the day. Purnima day is chosen by many Hindus conduct pujas like the Satyanarayana Puja.