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Showing posts from April, 2009


Thoughts on Bali or Animal Sacrifice in Hindu Temples

A Guest Post by Gayatri Sankar The HINDU WAY of LIFE has been a constant victim of criticism because of certain practices of its few followers. These non-following followers of the Hindu faith have corrupted the very meaning of the faith because they believe in their 'self-conceived notion' of pleasing the GOD for their materialistic benefits. I have spent 17 years of my life in Kolkata. Kolkata is famous for its Kali Temple in Kalighat. I used to occasionally visit the Temple with my parents. As a child, I never took initiatives to offer my prayers because I hardly understood what it means. Once as I was doing Pradakshina (circumambulation) around the temple, I stopped halfway when I saw a piece of flesh right in front of me. I took a closer look at it and I could see something looking like a Goat's ear. I realized it was a piece of flesh cut from a goat. I just could not control myself and I cried. The reason I cried was because I had never seen a piece of

How to make Namaste image using Keyboard keys?

Hindus greet with two palms placed together and by bowing the head and say Namaste . Symbolically, it is bowing before the divine in the person – thus suggesting that the Supreme Soul resides in all. Here is how to make Namaste picture using Keyboard keys? The keys to be keyed in without spaces are _ underscore / slash | line (shift backslash) \ backslash _ underscore And you get a Namaste _/|\_ The image will be far better on Microsoft word.

Surdas on Krishna as the Formless Brahman

Krishna awoke Yashoda was enraptured To see his face Blooming as a lotus that captures The rising sun’s first rays Taking off the coverlet She said, awake, darling boy, awake, Your loveliness makes me swoon Your bewitching face is like the full moon Seen through the sea’s foam When it was churned for nectar. He for whom the shrutis say ‘not this not this ’ Whose name is chanted by Brahma, Shesha and Shiva That formless Brahma has taken birth In Brij, in human form, so it is heard. Surdas

Thoughts on Commercialization and Consumerism in Modern Day Hindu Festivals and Celebrations

A Guest Post by Gayatri Sankar How many people today celebrate festivals, keeping in mind the religious/ spiritual connection? Is Diwali celebrated to rejoice Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in exile? Or is it a celebration for the victory of the 'good over the evil'? Commercialization and consumerism have far reaching effects on festivals across the globe. The impacts of commercialization and consumerism have polluted the true religious meanings and traditional customs. The growing trend of globalization has cast negative impression on age old beliefs. People tend to celebrate festivals not only as a customary practice but also as a means to exercise their spending power. They succumb to the ever growing popularity of globalization. In other words, festivals are no longer simple religious practices but are ways when producers make their fortunes. In course of time, the true meaning of festivals will remain confined to the history books. (This

River Ganga one of the 10 most endangered rivers of the world

In a few days time, Hindus will be observing Ganga Saptami , the day Ganga descended on earth, but the most revered river in the world, Ganga , has been enlisted on the list of 10 most endangered rivers of the world. The sand bed in the Ganga is increasing slowly and the increase is clearly distinguishable each year. A recent study of American scientists at the National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) suggests that there is a reduced flow in Ganga . Two years back a study by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) had also indicated that Ganga might not reach the ocean in the distant future. Binay Singh Writes in the Times of India "The increasing sand bed, which defines the ecosystem, is an indicator of the gloomy future of the Ganga," predicted Uday Kant Chowdhary, a professor of civil engineering and coordinator of Ganga Research Laboratory, Institute of Technology , Banaras Hindu University (BHU). According to him, sand bed in the Ganga is increasing five-six metr

Anandamayi Ma Jayanti

Anandamayi Ma Jayanthi celebrates the birth anniversary of Sri Anandamayi Ma, one of the most important spiritual teachers of modern India . She was born on April 30, 1896 in a small village called Kheora in Bengal in British India . A self realized soul, She attracted followers from all over the world. Anandmayi Ma Jayanti is annually observed on April 30. From early childhood, Anandamayi Ma was exposed to the spiritual world and had divine experience. She continued to lead a spiritual life even after marriage.  Anandamayi Ma’s husband understood that he had married a self realized soul and soon gave up the idea of a family life and helped her in her spiritual quest. After few years, Anandamayi Ma started her spiritual journey and traveled across the subcontinent spreading the Truth. She talked about the Supreme Experience when asked questions on the subject. But never gave well thought out spiritual discourses or tried to form a spiritual group. She answered the q

Where is the BRAHMAN?

A Guest Post by Gayatri Sankar The concept of being a Brahmin (A Hindu Priestly Caste) is highly misinterpreted by every Hindu, even by the Brahmins themselves. It is hard to digest the fact that Brahmanism is not a caste but a CHARACTER. This character rather characteristic once induced in ones live transforms a human being completely. It teaches him certain fundamental principles of life and gives logical reasons for activities/ gestures/actions usually executed by the humans who are followers of the HINDU way of life. People often talk about the caste system in Hinduism and ridicule it. This is because they are ignorant about the Hindu way of life. When India says, it is the Land of the Hindus; it does not mean it is land where people divide themselves in the name of caste. This man made discrimination has got nothing to do the with the pure and holy principle of Brahman. It is NOT a CASTE but a character present within every human. The way we do not get to see AIR, Brahm

Agnishtoma Soma Yagam in Kerala after 222 years

Agnishtoma Somayagam aimed at the prosperity of all living beings in the Nature began at the specially constructed Yagasala on the Shivarathri Manalpuram on the banks of Periyar River at Aluva, near Kochi , in Kerala on April 25, 2009. The Agnishtoma Somayagam was last performed in Kerala in 1787. The unique Vedic Yagna is attracting scientists, researchers, scholars and devotees from different parts of India and abroad. It is believed that the intense energy that springs from the Yagasala will have a sudden positive impact. Agnishtoma Somayagam will conclude on May 1, 2009. New Indian Express Reports The rituals on the first day began at 4.52 a.m. when Vedic scholars led by Vaideekan Idamana Narayanan Potti and Kaimukku Vaideekan Sreedharan Namboodiri performed the ignition of the sacrificial fire. Raksha Purushan Sooryanarayana Sharma, Yajamanan Kurusaroor Narayana Adithiripad and Yajamana Pathni (wife) were present on the occasion. The vedic sacrific

Vaishakh Month – Importance of Vaishakaha Masam

Vaishakha Mahina, or Vaishakh Masam, is an auspicious month in calendars followed in Kannada and Telugu culture (Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh). It is one of the highly auspicious months associated with Lord Vishnu. The month is also important in Gujarati and Marathi calendars. It is the second month in a traditional Hindu calendar in Kannada, Telugu and Marathi culture. Vaishakha mahina is associated with prosperity and Akshaya Tritiya is observed on third day of the month. Significance of Vaishakh month is mentioned in the Puranas and the famous Vaishakh Snana takes place in the month. It is believed that taking bath in Holy Rivers and Sacred teerths on the day will help in redemption of sins. The month is believed to be the ideal month to conduct pujas, homas etc for prosperity, off springs and well being. Importance of Vaishaka month can be gauged from the fact that three of Lord Vishnu’s incarnations happened in this month – Parashuram, Narasimha and Kurma. (Th

Easy Sanskrit Online Course for Beginners

Sulabha Samskritam – Easy Sanskrit – is an online Sanskrit language course from beginners from Chinmaya International Foundation, affiliated to Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, New Delhi and recognized by Mahatma Gandhi University , Kottayam, Kerala. Chinmaya International Foundation is the Academic Front of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide. The Sulabha Samskritam Course is a stepping stone for learning the divine language Sanskrit. The course has been designed in a manner that any individual regardless of their mother tongue or age will get acquainted with the salient aspects of Sanskrit language without being unduly burdened with details and nuances that could overwhelm a beginner. Easy Sanskrit Online Course is not a free course - there is a course fee of Rs 1500/- for those residing in India , Bangladesh , Sri Lanka , Nepal , Maldives , Paksitan , Bhutan and Afghanistan . For residents of other nations it is $150. Sulabha Samskritam Course is entirely online. On

All the 18 chapters of Bhagavad Gita in a 1 cm Square Tablet - the world's smallest Bhagavad Gita

Thanks to Nano Technology, the entire Bhagavad Gita in Sanskrit is now inscribed in a 1 cm square tablet of 24 carat gold and is further developed into a gold pendant. Pawan Sinha from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA , has created the Bhagavad Gita tablet and he has patented the Nano Technology of Gita tablet. Tanishq, branded jewelry, chain has launched this Gita gold pendant in India keeping in mind the Akshaya Tritiya on April 27, 2009. The Limca Book has recognized this tablet form of Gita as the world's smallest Bhagavad Gita. The tablet also contains a figure of Lord Krishna playing flute, which is smaller than a speck of sand. To see the tablet form of Gita you need to view it under a 20X microscope and if you wish to read it you need to view it under a 200X microscope!!! Times of India reports According to Pawan Sinha of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): "It took over six years to create this first mini-book. The Limca

Lavanya Gowri Vrata

Lavanya Gowri Vratha, or Lavanya Gowri Vratham, is an auspicious day dedicated to Goddess Parvati. In 2024, the date of Lavanya Gowri Vrata is May 12. The fasting observed on the day by women of certain Hindu communities is dedicated to Goddess Gauri – another name of Goddess Parvati. Lavanya Gowri Vratha is observed on the fifth day during the waxing phase of moon in Chithirai month in Tamil Nadu. The corresponding month in Kannada calendar is the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha of Vaisakh month. Lavanya Gowri Vrata is quite similar to the famous Swarna Gowri Vrata observed in Karnataka during Ganesh Chaturthi. But the Lavanya Gowri Vrata is not as famous as the Swarna Gowri Vratha and is observed only certain communities.

Book: 7 Secrets from Hindu calendar Art

7 Secrets from Hindu calendar Art by Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik is an attempt to unravel the secrets behind the Hindu calendar Art and find answers to questions like – What is the source for the imagery of Hindu calendar Art? What is it saying? The book honestly tries to unveil legends, tales and symbolism associated with calendar art of Hinduism. Instead of color images, book uses the black and white renditions of the art. Apart from the popular Hindu deities, the book also attempts to unravel the local and region deities that are represented in Hindu calendars. There is the usual explanation of who is who in a calendar and a synopsis to the legend represented in the picture but what makes the book stand out is the narration of the symbolism in each calendar art. The chapters in the book are: Ganesha’s secret - Different people see God differently Narayana’s secret - What dies is always reborn Ardhanari’s secret - God is within, Goddess without Shiva’s secret - Withdrawal l

Why buy Gold during Akshaya Tritiya?

Investing money in jewellery, property or gold on Akshaya Tritiya day , which falls on the third of the waxing phase of moon in Vaishaksh month (April – May), is considered highly profitable by many devout Hindus. The reason behind such wide-scale investment in gold by Hindus is based on the astrological calculations that there is no need to select a ‘muhurat,’ or look for an auspicious time on the day, as the entire day is devoid of malefic influences. All investments made on the day only increases. Astrologically, it is believed that the sun and the moon are most radiant and best placed on the Askhaya Tritiya day. Many devout Hindus choose the day to conduct auspicious functions. This particular feature of Hindu astrology has been cleverly converted into a major marketing strategy by jewelers, real estate agents and other investment business people. Thanks to the vociferous campaign unleashed by jewelry shops, Akshaya Tritiya a highly auspicious day in Hinduism

Unique Hindu Baccalaureate Service Revives Ancient Traditions at an American University

Article received via e-mail from the organizers of the Hindu Baccalaureate Service. A unique one-of-a-kind in the world Hindu Baccalaureate Service was held at University of Nevada-Reno (UNR) on Saturday, April 11, 2009, where the graduating students touched the feet of a Swami (monk) to seek his blessings. Attended by Nevada ’s first lady Dawn Gibbons and Provost of UNR Marc Johnson, the Service at this top research university included a bhajan (devotional song) “Radhe Radhe Govinda” by famous performer Jim Eaglesmith and the graduating students chanted after him. Tilak (religious mark) was applied on students’ foreheads and they sought blessings from the burning flame, which was passed around. Organized by acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed and Indian Student Organization (ISO) at state-supported UNR established in 1864, it started and ended with ‘Gayatri Mantra’ (the most sacred verse from Rig-Veda, oldest scripture of the world composed around 1,500 BCE) recited b

Goddess Javalajjihva – Jawala Jihva

Goddess Javalajjihva or Jwala Jihva is a form of Goddess Durga which was responsible for the annihilation of Demon Raktabija. She is called Javalajjihva because in her heights of fury she opens her mouth to reveal a tongue which is in flames. It must be noted here that Javala Jihva is also one among the 108 names of Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Information of Goddess Javalajjihva is very rare as she is one of the lesser known forms of Goddess Durga. Goddess Javalajjihva is depicted as four armed and she carries sword and other weapons associated with Goddess Durga. The color of her body is red and she has serpents coiled around her body. She rides a tiger.

Vishu Messages and Quotes – Kerala New Year Greetings

This is a collection of Vishu quotes and messages that I have read, received and some which I have sent. Vishu is the Zodiac Malayalam New Year in Kerala. Sending and wishing Vishu Ashamsagal to friends and relatives is a major highlight of the day. Vishu stands for new and fresh – Life is always new and fresh – Let us strive to make all days Vishu. Let us welcome this Vishu with great hope, eagerness and anticipation. Let us look forward to a plentiful year of joy, satisfaction, peace and prosperity. This is a time of new beginnings and for the celebration of life – Happy Vishu Let this Vishu bring peace and prosperity in the lives of all. Let us vow to take life in our stride this Vishu and make it tolerable as well as beautiful by accepting sorrow and happiness with sanity. May this Vishu be a good one for all of us. Happy Vishu! Wish you a happy and prosperous year with love, peace, hope and joy for the year ahead. Let this Vishu usher in a Good and Sweet Year, both materiall

Puthandu Messages and Quotes – Tamil New Year Greetings

This is a collection of favorite Tamil New Year Quotes, messages and greetings that we have read, received and some which we have sent and also some that we made for this Puthandu . Tamil New Year is observed on the first day of Chitirai month. People greet friends and relatives by saying Puthandu Vazhtukal. This is a time of new beginnings and for the celebration of life – Puthandu Vazhtukal Let this Puthandu bring peace and prosperity in the lives of all. May this Puthandu be a good one for all of us. Let this Puthandu usher in a Good and Sweet Year, both materially and spiritually. Puthandu Vazhtukal! Let this be a delightful year, filled with delightful things in each of its days. From this Puthandu let us go forward with great hope that all things will be possible. Puthandu Vazhtukal, let this year be filled with the things that are truly good. Puthandu stands for new and fresh – Life is always new and fresh – Let us strive to make all day

Hindu Priesthood or Modern Career – A tough decision for Youngsters from family of traditional Hindu priests

Whether to join the Vedic Schools and study for Hindu Priesthood or to join colleges and pursue a career different from earlier generations is a dilemma a faced by many youngsters who are born into the family of traditional Hindu priests. The choice becomes even tougher for those young men who join college and continue studying in Vedic schools – because at one point they have to choose one career. But there are many people who first complete a professional degree and then continue studying Vedas – many believe that Vedic studies is a rare skill. Samanth Subramanian in a well researched article in Livemint.com captures the dilemma faced by many young Brahmin youngsters After seven years of juggling Vedas and school, Satya, a Tamil Brahmin, had to make the big decision: whether to follow his family and make a career in Hindu priesthood--or to forge his own new path. As an undergraduate engineering student now, he has only temporarily kept the decision on hold. The artic

Anju Bhargava in US President Obama’s Faith Based Council

Anju Bhargava, founder of Asian Indian Women of America, has been nominated as a member of the faith council that will advise the President of the United States on faith-based and other key issues, such as fatherhood and poverty. This particular office in the White House is meant primarily to support faith-based groups, including by helping them get government funding or access to legal guidance about religion-state boundaries. Anju Bhargava is noted for her insightful articles on Hinduism. Sitayanam , a Woman's Journey... of Strength, a contemporary perspective on Goddess Sita from Ramayana, is one of the articles of Anju Bhargava. Anju Bhargava is a graduate of Stella Maris College , Madras University , India and Rutgers University (MBA), with training at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, American University , Kellogg, Graduate School of Management and Dale Carnegie Institute. She has provided thought leadership in the public and private sectors. She has co

Mridangam Ganesha Figurine from Lladro

Mridangam Ganesha idol is the fourth and last of the series of musical Ganeshas from Lladro , a Spanish firm noted for high quality porcelain figurines. In the limited edition statue, Lord Ganesh is depicted as playing Mridangam - a double-sided South Indian drum. Mridangam Ganesha was issued in 2009, the figurine is presently available in many online stores and retails for $850 (Lladro yahoo price). The other three musical Ganesha idols from Lladro were Bansuri Ganesha , Veena Ganesha and Dancing Ganesha .

Goddess Katyayani - Information About Katyayani Ma

Goddess Katyayani is one of the popular forms of Goddess Durga and she is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri in many regions. She got the name Katyayani Ma as she was born in the Katya clan as the daughter of Sage Katya. She is one of the nine Durgas or Nav Durgas worshipped during Navaratri. Details about Goddess Katyayani are found in the Matsya Purana, Agni Purana and Vamana Purana. Goddess Katyayani is believed to have taken the form to destroy numerous demons and bring happiness to those who follow Dhrama. Some scriptures suggest that Goddess Katyayani is another name of Mahishasura Mardini Durga. Some idols show the big toe of her left leg pressing down demon Mahisha. Goddess Katyayani was a popular deity during the period of Lord Krishna. She was worshipped by Gopis and Gopas in Gokula. An image of the Goddess used to be made using the clay and mud from the Yamuna River and was worshipped for a month. This was known as Katyayani Vrata. At the end of

Hanuman Jayanti Vrat – Upvas

Hanuman Jayanti Vrat, also referred as Hanuman Jayanthi Upvaas, is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is performed on His birthday and also a day before it in some regions. Hanuman Jayanti is observed on the Chaitra Purnima day (full moon day in the Hindu month of Chaitra). In 2013, the date of Hanuman Jayanti Vrat is on April 24 in Maharashtra and other western parts of India.   Hanuman Jayanti day is on April 24 . Hanuman Jayanti upvaas is a full day fast. Those who opt for partial fasting eat fruits or take a single meal. People read Hanuman Chalisa or chant Ram Nam on the day. Most devotees visit Hanuman Temple or temples dedicated to Lord Ram and spend the day in the temple. You may also like to read How to observe Hanuman Jayanti fasting?

Goddess Renuka

Goddess Renuka is associated with the Goddess Yellamma worship in Karnataka and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Goddess Renuka is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga and is popular in rural culture as the Mother Goddess and is worshipped as Amma, Yellamma, Duggavva, Dyaamavva, and Marikamba. Her name and attributes changes from region to region. Legend has it that Renuka was the wife of Sage Jamadagni and he suspected her of infidelity and ordered Parashurama to behead her. Lord Parashurama obeyed his father and when Sage Jamadagni wanted to reward his son, Lord Parashurama asked him to bring back his mother. Thus Renuka, the mother of Lord Parashurama, was brought back to life. This story found numerous interpretations in rural culture and Renuka is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga and in this incarnation, she represented the fate of many rural women who were falsely accused of infidelity or other crimes. Goddess R