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Showing posts from January, 2009


Q&A: What is the Phone Number of Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple?

Many readers of this blog wanted to know the contact number of Tirupati Temple . The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTDs), the administration body of Tirupati Venkateswara Temples has an Information Call Center . The number of the Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple Call Center is 0877- 2277777 or 2233333. You can get all the relevant information regarding bookings, timings etc from the Call Center . Devotees from outside India also can make use of the call center. The phone number of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTDs) Call Center is – 0877 – 2277777 or 0877 – 2233333. If any of the readers have a better answer please post it on the comment section or please send to our mail id – hindublog @ gmail.com If you have similar questions, doubts, and questions on Hindu religion please feel free to discuss with us or mail us the questions at hindublog @ gmail.com. You can also ask us to write on subjects related to Hinduism that you feel need to be addressed.

Book: Goddess Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur: Shaktipeeth

A recently released book titled ‘Goddess Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur : Shaktipeeth’ explores the famous temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi at Kolhapur in Maharashtra . Important architectural details and legends associated with the temple are narrated in the book. A major highlight of the book is the aerial photographs of the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple by aerial photographer Gopal Bodhe. The book is authored by Gopal Bodhe, P M Powar, Dattatray Lad and Dyaneshwari Talpade. The book delves into the legends of Mahalakshmi of Kolhapur, local tales of Goddess Lakshmi, the idol worshipped in the temple, temple architecture, and various festivals celebrated at the temple. The book is published by Siddhishakti Publications.

Ancient Hindu Scriptures and Modern Business Management

The unparalleled wisdom in Hindu Scriptures like Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and Puranas are now being applied in many areas of modern business management. An article titled ‘Applying Meaning to Management With Ancient Hindu Mythology’ by Rama Lakshmi in the Washington Post explores this new trend in Business Management by tracing the methods adopted by Devdutt Pattanaik, an expert on Hindu Scriptures and he also writes the column Management Mythos in the Economic Times. Excerpts from the article "I am a pattern-finder. The mythologies are stars -- I point out the constellation," Devdutt Pattanaik said. "The world of business and the world of our mythological tales are not too different. The characters and the situations are similar. I apply their meanings to modern corporate management. Business is run on a pattern of behavior. I help create the belief that governs behavior." "They understand how beliefs are created, how forms acquire mean

Qualities of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas – Sariraka Upanishad

Non-violence, truth, non-theft, continence and non-possession, absence of anger, service to elders, cleanliness, contentment and honesty, non-conceit, candor, faith and non-injury are the qualities of Sattva. I am the doer, enjoyer, speaker, am conceited these are the qualities of Rajas. Sleep, laziness, delusion, attachment, sex and theft are the qualities of Tamas. The person of Sattva is above, of Rajas is in the middle and of Tamas, low. Right knowledge is Sattvika; of rituals, Rajasa; blindness, Tamasa. Sariraka Upanishad

And Obama Mentioned Hindus in his Inaugural Speech – the deeper meaning of this gesture

‘We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and nonbelievers.’ This sentence in the Inaugural Speech of Obama is seen as an acknowledgment of the accomplishments and contributions of Hindu Americans to United States . Vamsee Juluri, Professor of Media Studies, University of San Francisco , finds deeper meaning in this gesture, the first by a President of United States of America. Writing in The Huffington Post , Vamsee Juluri sees it as a recognition for whatever good Hinduism has stood for and for whatever good it can continue to do. Excerpts from the article So when Obama included "Hindu" in his address, I saw it as a recognition for whatever good Hinduism has stood for and for whatever good it can continue to do. I saw it as a recognition that was needed, because despite the spread of interest in yoga and spirituality in America , there have also been persistent misconceptions about Hinduism, particularly in the media. Although there

Corporate Governance needs help from Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita

Sudden downfall of successful companies and their jailed bosses reading Holy Scriptures in prison is now a common phenomenon. Had these top leaders in industry taken to scriptures early they would have avoided the downfall and saved their employees. Dr S. Kannan, a Chennai-based chartered accountant, and author of ‘Vedic Management’ in an interview to D. Murali of The Hindu talks about the Corporate Governance and Indian Wisdom. He quotes from the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Samhitas which extol the need to be truthful, transparent and righteous in society. Some excerpts from the highly thought provoking interview What accounts for the sudden downfall of otherwise successful organisations? Are there any insights from the scriptures in this regard? ‘Vinasa kale viparita buddhih,’ which in Sanskrit means that when one is on the path of destruction, his mind gets perverted. ‘This happens due to the negative vasanas (inherent impressions) of a person which suddenly

Magh Saptami Surya Festival– Magha Shukla Saptami Dedicated Sun God

Magh Shukla Saptami, or Magha Saptami, is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Surya, the sun god in Hinduism. In 2025, the date of Magh Saptami is February 4. It is observed on the seventh day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Magh Month (January – February). The most important ritual on the day is taking a holy dip (bathing ritual) on sunrise. The famous Chandrabhaga fair is held on the day at Konark in Odisha. Thousands of devotees take a holy bath at the Chandrabhaga Tirtha near the Konark Sun Temple on Magha Shukla Saptami. Several thousands of devotees also take a holy dip at the near by sea. The day is also observed as Ratha Saptami and is a major event in Tirupati Balaji Temple and in many parts of South India . Magha Saptami is also known as Surya Jayanti.

Book: Indian Temple Sculpture

Indian Temple Sculpture by John Guy looks at Indian temple sculpture in context, as an instrument of worship which embodies powerful religious experience. The book serves as an absorbing introduction to the principal iconographic forms in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. A major highlight of the book is the pictures and photographs – 150 color and 50 black and white. The photographs are from the famous collection of South-Asian sculpture in London ’s Victoria and Albert Museum . ‘Indian Temple Sculpture’ considers the cosmological meaning hidden in the sculptures, its origins, the temple setting and the role of sculpture within it and reveals the vivid rituals and traditions still in practice today. Kesavan Veluthat reviews the book in The Hindu He treats the subject under six separate chapters. The first chapter deals with how religion evolved in India in such a way as to require icons. A religion based on ritual does not require idols; one based on devotion does.

Book – Swami Vivekananda in America: New Findings

Swami Vivekananda in America : New Findings by Asim Chaudhuri is a third book in the series in a series on ‘new information’ about Swami Vivekananda. The book reveals some fresh information regarding the setting in which Swami Vivekananda had to work in America, the forces that opposed him and those that stood behind him and also details on some places that he visited during his most famous journey. A major highlight of the book is a large number of rare and impressive photographs. Incidents and the homes that Swami Vivekananda visited in Massachusetts , New York , Wisconsin , Minnesota , Iowa , Tennessee , Michigan , Ohio , Maine , Maryland , Washington , Connecticut , New Hampshire and California during his journey are unraveled in the book. The two earlier works in the series on new information about Swami Vivekananda are Swami Vivekananda in the West: New Discoveries, and Swami Vivekananda in Chicago, New Findings. Swami Vivekananda in America : New Findings Autho

Book for Friday evening sermons in Hindu Temples in Malaysia

A book titled '52 Velli Sinthanai Manikal' or 'Virtuous Thoughts for 52 Fridays' has been compiled by Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) to serve as a guideline in delivering sermons at temples all over Malaysia. The book lays stress on national unity, important teachings of Hinduism and community service. The topics for sermons in 52 Velli Sinthanai Manikal highlights universal human values advocated by all religions and the ones that were vital for enhancing the spirit of unity and togetherness. The book was complied in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's call that all religious institutions play a proactive role in strengthening national unity. "The prime minister's proposal that religious leaders help get the message across on unity through the Friday khutbah for Muslims and Sunday sermons for Christians is most appropriate. "In line with this, temples in the country are encouraged to use this book as a guideline in thei

Sabarimala Makara Jyothi and Makara Vilakku 2024 Live Online – How to Watch?

The annual Sabarimala Makara Jyothi and Makaravilakku festival  attracts thousands of devotees to the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala. All the television channels in Kerala and some in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh will be telecasting live the Sabarimala Makara Jyothi and Makara Vilakku on Monday, January 15, 2024 in the evening from 1700 hrs or early. But sadly there is no website on the internet exclusively doing the live streaming of Sabarimala Makara Jyothi and Makara Vilakku Online. But still there is an option to watch it online, if lady luck smiles. The news channels in Kerala like Indiavision, Asianet and Manorama News has websites doing live streaming. And almost all the News channels and Entertainment channels in Kerala will be doing Sabarimala Makara Jyothi and Makara Vilakku Live. The best option to watch Makara Jyothi and Makaravilakku live is Janam TV another option is Asianet News Channel - you can watch it here - Asianet live tv Another best

Makar Sankranti Rangoli and Kolam Pictures

Drawing of Kolams or Rangoli on Makar Sankrathi is considered highly auspicious. Surya Kolam (Rangoli with the drawing of Lord Surya), sugarcane picture on rangoli, boiling Pongal pot, Shri Kolam, chariot Kolams etc are the most preferred Rangolis and Kolams during Makara Sankranti. Here are a few photos that give an idea for Makar Sankranti kolams. Click on the images for a larger view. The images are copyrighted to the respective owners. Makara Sankranthi Shri Kolam Makar Sankranti Surya Ratha Kolam Beautiful Peacock Kolam Simple Design Simple Design 2 Boiling Pongal Pot Kolam Complicated Design Kolam Makar Sankranti Kolam with Sugar Cane Simple Design 3 Update: Fresh Sankranti Kolams or Muggulu Published in 2010 Related Pongal Kolams Tamil New Year Kolams

Book – Birds, Beasts, Men, and Nature — Tales from the Mahabharata

Birds, Beasts, Men, and Nature — Tales from the Mahabharata written by Kavita A. Sharma is a collection of thirty eight stories picked up from different chapters of the epic Mahabharata. As the title of the book indicates, the author concentrates on the birds and beasts in the Mahabharat and how these beings of forest interact with man and nature. All the tales teaches some basic value which is fast vanishing from human society. A highlight of the book is the refreshing illustrations. The thirty eight tales are preceded by an introduction which explains framework of the stories and this helps in a better understanding of the tales. The book also contains a Foreword by the famous Mahabharat scholar, Dr. Pradip Bhattacharya. Kavita A. Sharma is the Principal of the Hindu College in Delhi and had earlier written the Queens of Mahabharata. Birds, Beasts, Men, And Nature – Tales From The Mahabharata Publisher – Transedit Communications Author – Kavita A Sharma Price – Rupe

A Prayer dedicated to Lord Venkateswara from Tallapaka Annamacharya

You are not the one who stands at one place! If you are truly perceived, You are everywhere! ''As is the self in one's body, so is the self in all living creatures" the one who thinks thus, he himself is like You! Like one's mother who gave birth, if one sees all women thus that sinless one, he himself is like You! At all times unfailingly adhering to the vow of being truthful, the one who conducts thus in a superior way, he himself is like You! The one who considers all wealth as mere trifle, and who has conquered desires, he himself is like You! Joyfully viewing pleasures and pains with equanimity one who accepts them thus, he himself is like You! O Lord of Venkatachala, You who are proclaimed by the knowers of the Vedas, You alone are the beginning, the end, and everything!!

Book: Music in Valmiki’s Ramayana

Music in Valmiki’s Ramayana written by Subhadra Desai, a Hindustani classical vocalist, explores the musical heritage in the epic Ramayan. It must be remembered that Ramayana is presented by Valmiki in the form of a song sung by Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Ram and Mata Sita. Sage Valmiki explains in the beginning of the Ramayana that it is composed in a manner that it can be read as well as sung. Music in Valmiki’s Ramayana consists of five chapters and looks into the traditional tenets of Indian music, development of music during the period, the different prevalent techniques of music and how it is used in the Ramayan and the vast range of musical instruments played during the period and nature of music. The books delves deep into music in the society – Vedic hymns are chanted as part of rituals and sacrifices; women sing on auspicious occasions; celestial musicians and dancers entertain royal guests; royal women are adept at playing complex musical instruments; reverbe

My Son Sanctuary in Vietnam Dedicated to Hindu God Lord Shiva to be renovated

Built between the 4th to the 13th century by the Champa Kingdom , My Son Sanctuary in Vietnam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples and other structures at My Son were greatly influenced by Hinduism and Hindu culture and architecture and are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The site is noted for impressive tower-temples. Sadly, most of the structures in My Son Sanctuary are in a dilapidated condition – thanks to the war in Vietnam , aging and lack of renovation and care. Now the Vietnamese governement is planning to renovate the sanctuary in two phases. ( reports Saigon ) Related Hindu Temples in UNESCO Heritage Sites

Online Shirdi Sai Baba Bhakti Radio – Devotional Bhajans and Spiritual programs on Internet for free

Shirdi Sai Baba Bhakti Internet Radio is a unique website streaming devotional bhajans, songs and spiritual programs online. The Online Radio Station is exclusively dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba and is 24x7. It’s pretty easy to tune into Shirdi Sai Baba Bhakti Internet Radio – all you need to do is to click the ‘Play Radio’ link on the website which will pop up a separate window using embedded media player or music player like Winamp or Microsoft media player. You can know more about Online Shirdi Sai Baba Bhakti Radio here – Sai Bhakti Radio

A prayer to Lord Ganesha

Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha Nirvignam Kurume Deva Sarva kaala sarvada Oh Lord with twisted tusk and great body The one with the effulgence of a billion suns Please remove the obstacles in my path Always and in all times