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Showing posts from October, 2010


Silk Sarees without Killing the Silkworms – Ahimsa Silk

To make a single silk sari 10,000 silkworms are boiled alive and killed. Majority of the Hindu women who wear silk saris are vegetarians but might not be aware that the pure silk saree that they wear and proudly display in marriages and temples is the product of one of the most non-violent violent method of cloth production. But there are silk saris that are produced without killing the silkworms – it is the Ahimsa Silk. The method of producing silk without boiling and killing the silkworms was founded by Kusuma Rajaiah, a senior technical officer with Andhra Pradesh State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society Ltd (APCO). Next time when you decide to buy a silk sari there is an option to buy and promote non-violent silk saris sold by Andhra Pradesh State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society Ltd (APCO). So how is Ahimsa Silk or Silk produced without killing the silkworms? Rama Devi Menon from Hyderabad writes about it in The Weekend Leader The caterpillars of silkworm feed on mulberry l

Mitra Saptami – Margashirsh Surya Mitra Saptami 2024 date

Mitra Saptami is an auspicious day dedicated to Surya, the sun god in Hinduism. Mitra Saptami 2024 date is December 8. It is observed on the seventh day or the saptami day during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Margashirsha month. Mitra is one among the numerous names of Surya or Sun God. Surya Bhagavan is also believed to be an incarnation of Srihari Vishnu. It must be noted that Surya is worshipped on the seventh day or the saptami day during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of various Hindu months under different names like Bhanu Saptami, Ratha Saptami etc.

Made in China Diwali – How Safe are Chinese Diwali Crackers and Decorations?

Today, Diwali decorations in cities and towns in India are more Chinese than Indian. In 2010, it is Chinese crackers that are capturing the Diwali market in India . So how safe is this cheap Made in China Diwali. Is flooding Indian market with cheap crackers and decorations part of a larger Chinese design? – 1) slowly destroy the health of children and young generation of India . 2) Destroy the traditional Indian cottage industries of India and cause economic imbalance in rural India and finally a civil war (read Naxalism.) Mid-day reports A study by Delhi-based NGO Centre for Science and Environment found that over 45 per cent of the Chinese toys samples exceeded internationally accepted safe limits for phthalates- a family of chemicals that can cause serious health disorders such as asthma, skeletal defects, damage male reproductive system and impair lungs of children besides causing allergies if exposed to beyond safe levels. Traditional Indian lampshades, a symbol of festivity i

Biggest Statue (Murti) of Hanuman in Africa at Chatsworth Shri Vishnu Temple in Durban in South Africa

Shri Vishnu Temple Society at Chatsworth in Durban in South Africa will unveil what it believes is the largest murti (statue) of Hindu God Hanuman in Africa in December 2010. Chatsworth is a township in Durban , South Africa , and the 13m high Hanuman Murti (referred as the Monkey God here) is to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in South Africa . Timeslive South Africa reports Project co-ordinator LC Maharaj said the statue, which is 13m high, including the umbrella over the head of the deity, was "in praise of the Almighty, without which the survival and success of Indians in South Africa would never have been possible". "The atmosphere at our temple has been unbelievable. Devotees have volunteered their services to our worthwhile cause, and despite the great progress made so far, we still require some funding." He said the statue, which still requires plastering and painting, would be officially unveiled at the beginning of Decemb

Chhada Khai

Chhadakhai is the day after Purnima or full moon day in Kartik month in Orissa. Chhadakhai 2024 date is November 15. Kartik is a holy month in Orissa and people avoid non-vegetarian food for the entire month. Numerous rituals and auspicious days fall in this month. So on the first day after the Kartik month, people cook and eat their favorite non-vegetarian food. Chhadakhai is observed on the first day of the Margashirsh month.

Baba Ramdev Quotes

To live life for trivial pursuits is an insult to life. If we make full use of our potential, we can become great persons, apostle and super persons. A fault finder likes to look inside and out of the life of others, but does not want to look inside and out of himself. There should be firmness, not stubbornness; bravery not rashness, compassion, not weakness. Always keep your face happy and smiling. Give happiness to others, and you will get happiness. Never forget your past; remembering our past save us from going wrong. Baba Ramdev

Sanskrit Encyclopaedia Project of Deccan College in Pune

The work on Sanskrit Encyclopaedia began in 1948 AD and only one-tenth of the Encyclopaedia has been completed. Recently the 26 th edition of the encyclopedic dictionary of Sanskrit on historical principles was released at Deccan College in Pune. The main aim of the Sanskrit Encyclopaedia is to provide the user all the relevant information about Sanskrit words such as their earliest occurrence, the entire range of their meanings, the changes in their meanings with time as well as their status as current or obsolete. Those involved in the project are of the hope that with new technology available the project will be completed in near future. The mammoth project covers spatial and temporal dimensions to comparative and historical linguistics,, Sanskrit of inscriptional texts and the entire range of Sanskrit texts on historical principles. Express India reports The head of department of Sanskrit and Lexicography, Deccan College, Prof JD Sathe, who is also the current coordinator for

Museum Based On the life of Lord Ram and Ramayana

Ram Katha Hastshilp Sangrahlaya located at Tulsi Smarak Bhawan in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is unique museum dedicated to the life of Sri Ram and other aspects of Epic Ramayana. The museum is an initiative of Ayodhya Research Institute (ARI), an entity of the Uttar Pradesh department of culture. The museum attempts to present the life of Sri Rama through handicrafts, paintings, sculptures and other art works. Indian Express reports “For a common person, this museum presents a complete view of Ram in folk across the country. I have never gone beyond Lucknow or Ayodhya, but through this gallery, I am aware of at least 10 forms where Ramayana is used as a theme,” says Ajayendra Kumar, a regular visitor. The director of the Institute, Dr YP Singh says, “The story of Lord Ram is one story that connects the entire country. Whether it is the Pattua style of folk painting from West Bengal or the mix metal craft from Gujarat , or the Thanjavur paintings and Cheriyal Pattu from South, they are a

Rasa Purnima in Odisha

Rasa Purnima is observed on the full moon day in the month of Kartik month in Odisha. Rasa Purnima 2024 date in Odisha is on November 15. The day is dedicated to the worship of Radha and Krishna – especially to the Rasa leelas of Sri Krishna. Rasa yatra of Sri Radha Madhava is also held on the day. The day is also of great importance at the temples dedicated to Hindu god Jagannath. Special rituals are held on the day at the Puri Jagannath Temple . Note – The Sharad Purnima (October 16, 2024) which is observed on the full moon day in Ashwin month is also referred as Rasa Purnima in North India . 

Book - The Story of Ram and His Friends in the Forest

The book titled the ‘Story of Ram and His Friends in the Forest ’ by Pratibha Nath focuses on the period that Sri Ram lived in the forest. The book is primarily aimed at children. Stories of animals, plants and demons that appeared in Epic Ramayana are given importance in the book. A major highlight of the book is the brilliant illustrations by Sujasha Dasgupta. The stories are based on Valmiki Ramayana and Tulidas’s Ramcharitmanas. Other versions of Ramayan are also used as guides in explaining incidents in the forest.   The Story of Ram and His Friends in the Forest By Pratibha Nath Published by Rupa Publications Price – Rupees 495/- Pages – 110 The book is available online at Rupa Publications

Triratri Vrata 2024 in Kartik Month - Triratri Vrat

Triratri Vrata is a three-day Vrat dedicated to Srihari Vishnu and it begins two days before Shukla Paksha Ekadasi or eleventh day of the waxing phase of moon. Triratri Vrata 2024 begins on November 11 and ends on November 12. The greatness of Triratri Vrata was narrated to Narada Rishi by Shiva. Those observing the Vrata stay awake for three nights, worshipping Srihari Vishnu and Lakshmi with flowers, fruits, water and Tulsi leaves. The belief is that performing this vrata helps one in attaining mastery in arts and science. The Vrata ends on the Ekadasi day in Shukla Paksha of Kartik month – which is the famous Hari Prabodhini Ekadasi. Tulsi Puja also begins from the day. 

Hindu Temple Dedicated to Tree – Vruksha Narayan Temple in Sabarkantha District in Gujarat

Vruksha Narayan Temple , which opened on October 17, 2010, at Derol Village in Sabarkantha District in Gujarat in India is dedicated to a tree. The tree is worshipped as the deity. Inspiration for this form of nature worship comes the famous Upanishad teaching – A tree is equal to ten sons. It wants care and water only for five years and makes one rich with its ten gifts which are oxygen, water, soil, food, cloth, energy, shelter, medicine, fodder and shade. Vruksha Narayan Temple is the brainchild of ardent environmentalist Jitendra Patel from Gujarat who was nominated as the first 'Green Ambassador' of Mehsana by Gujarat government. He is also the sole recipient from the state of the Priyadarshini Indira Gandhi Vrikshamitra national award. The temple has been designed as a banyan tree and is 18 ft high and 20 ft wide. Jitendra Patel has also come out with a Vruksha Narayan Katha on the lines of Satya Narayan Katha that personifies tree as god. Times of

Lingashtakam Lyrics – Lingastakam Song in pdf format in English

Lingashtakam is a prayer dedicated to Hindu God Shiva and is one of the most famous bhajans dedicated to Lord Shiva. Lingashtakam narrates the greatness of Linga or Lingam – the symbol of Lord Shiva. This Lingashtakam Lyrics is in English and is pdf format. The song is a favorite one of many Shiva devotees. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a pillar of fire with no end or beginning. Lingam is an attempt to give form to formless Brahman. It is considered highly auspicious to listen to Lingashtakam during Mahashivaratri or Shivratri. Link – Download or Read Lingashtakam Lyrics in pdf format You may also like to read Why is Shiva worshiped in form of Lingam ?

US Christian Pastor Says Yoga Demonic – This Pastor Surely Needs to Practice Yoga to Remove the Demon in Him

For Mars Hill Church pastor Mark Driscoll, Yoga is an agent of Hinduism and hence demonic. For R Albert Mohler Jr, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky , yoga is against Christianity. Demonic means extremely evil or cruel; expressive of cruelty or befitting hell. There is no doubt that Pastor Mark Driscoll is under the grip of demon. Surely the practice of Yoga will help in removing the demon that is residing in him.  After practicing yoga, the greatest advantage for the pastor will be that he will be able to understand true teachings of Bible and Christianity. The demon in him will be annihilated through Yoga. This will make him a better Christian and a better human being. Mars Hill Church pastor Mark Driscoll, please join a yoga course – you are not alone – an estimated 15.8 million people practice yoga in the US . If you are not aware majority of them are practicing Christians and better Christians than many pastors. Times of India reports What

Tulja Bhavani Songs

Tulja Bhawani Aarti and Mantra is dedicated to Goddess Tulja Bhavani – a manifestation of Goddess Shakti. Shri   Tulja   Bhavani   Temple , located at Tuljapur in Osmanabad District in  Maharashtra , is one of the most important Goddess Shakti Temples in the state and is also one of the Shakti Peethas. Now the official website of Tulja Bhavani temple is offering songs dedicated to the Goddess. You can listen and download the songs for free here at the official website - Tulja Bhavani Mandir Note - the official website is undergoing certain changes and sometimes the songs are not appearing on the main page.

Satyarth Prakash in English – Read Satyarth Prakash of Swami Dayanand Saraswati online

Satyarth Prakash, meaning the light of truth, is the most important text and guide of the Arya Samaj. It was written by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, founder of Arya Samaj, to propagate the true teachings of the Vedas. Satyarth Prakash contains exposition and clarifications of Vedic principles. Now Arya samaj jamnagar is providing the opportunity to read the Satyarth Prakash text online. Link – you can read Satyarth Prakash in English here at the Arya Samaj Jamnagar website

Durga Puja in Jakarta in Indonesia in 2017

Bengalis and Hindus in Jakarta in Indonesia are inviting all people to have a look at their Durga Puja celebrations this year. The Durga puja is celebrated in Jakarta by the Bengali Association from September 20 to September 30, 2017 You can view pictures of Durga Puja and learn more about the activities of Jakarta Bengali Association here at their website.

Malayalam Bhagavath Geeta pdf – Download or Read Bhagavad Gita in Malayalam free

Malayalam Bhagavath Geeta in pdf format for free is provided by Swami Shri Adgadanad Ji’s of Yatharth Geeta. This downloadable Malayalam Bhagavad Gita is strictly for personal use and has explanations in Malayalam apart from the Sanskrit verse text in Malayalam. You can only download the eighteen chapters separately and not as a single book. You can download the Malayalam Bhagavath Geeta from this link –  Malayalam Bhagavath Geeta pdf. To read and download the Malayalam Bhagavad Gita in PDF format and you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader or other pdf readers installed on your computer. Note – the titles of the 18 chapters are given in English on clicking you will get Malayalam text of each chapter with verses and explanations.

Pakshavardhini Dwadasi – Paksha Vardhini Mahadwadasi

Pakshavardhini falls on the 12th day of the Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha (Waxing and Waning Phase of moon) in a month in a Hindu lunar calendar. To be termed as Pakshavardhini Dwadasi, the 12th day should precede two days before Purnima (full moon) or Amavasya (No moon). If it is Purnima or Amavasi tithi after two sunrises from 12th day or dwadasi then such a dwadashi is Pakshavardhini Dwadasi. The day is considered highly auspicious by the Vaishnava followers. Some people observe a fast on the day. Sri Hari Vishnu is propitiated on the day.

Watch Ramlila live online – Ramlila Video

Ramlila is the theater (drama) performance of the life of Sri Ram – based on the important episodes from Ramayana – with emphasis on the the ten day battle between Sri Ram and Ravan. Now a couple of important Ramlila troupes in the country are providing live online streaming of Ramlila. You can watch the Ramlila performance of lavkush troupe in Delhi live online at the official website of the Lavkush Ramlila committee .

Markandeya Purana in Hindi – Read Markandaya Puran Online

Markandeya Purana is one of the most important Puranas. Chapter 81 to 93 of the Purana contains the stories associated with Navratri and Durga Puja and is referred as Durga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmyam. Now the Ved Puran website is offering the entire Markandeya Purana in Hindi online. It is not in pdf format. So you can only read it online. Link – Read Markandeya Purana in Hindi online.

Trishulini Puja

Trishulini Puja is observed during the Durga Puja period in Ashwin month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . Trishulini Puja 2024 date is October 11. Trishulini is one of the names of Goddess Durga. The pooja is mainly performed in Mithilanchal. The puja is performed on the Mahanavami day and is dedicated to the warrior form of Durga. Trishul or trident is one of the weapons that Durga uses to annihilate evil and restore Dharma.

Teachings from Janeshwari of Dnyaneshwar Maharaj

The bug (Gochid) on the body of the cow only sucks in the blood, though the sweet and pure milk is in the immediate vicinity behind the skin. At the root of the lotus, the frog and butterfly live near each other but the butterfly picks up the fragrance, while the frog is left to stew in its own mud. An unfortunate man will pass his whole life in misery without food, even when a large fortune (of which he is not aware), lies buried under his humble abode. In this manner, the unseeing human turns his mind towards the object of senses and tries to find happiness in material comfort, though, I (Krishna), the Lord of everything and the goal of happiness, am seated in his heart. Such action is stupid. It is like throwing away nectar at the sight of mirage, and exchanging the magic stone for a piece of mother-of-pearl. Those whose minds are steeped in egoism thus struggle in the currents of life and death. They do this because, they do not know My nature. From Janeshwari of Dnyaneshwar Mahara

Goddess Sucharita Saraswati – Sri Sucharita Saraswati Devi

Goddess Sucharita is a form of Goddess Saraswati that is invoked by devotees to attain insight and understanding. It is believed that praying to this key aspect of Goddess Saraswati during Navratri will help students and professionals in their attempt to garner knowledge. A section of scholars are of the view that the knowledge regarding the concept of Sri Sucharita Saraswati Devi is lost as little is known about this aspect and there are currently no written records. Goddess Sucharita Saraswati is today popularized by some ashrams in South India , who claim to have discovered knowledge of this aspect. Today, Goddess Sucharita Saraswati is worshipped during Navratri festival (September – October) in South India by some people. The pujas, rituals and mantras are only performed by some ashrams. 

Book – A Journey through the Lands and Legends of Krishna

The book 'Krishna: A Journey through the Lands and Legends of Krishna by Dev Prasad is a journey through places that has become holy in modern world due to the time spent by Sri Krishna in these places during his stay on earth among humans. The places that are covered are Brij Bhoomi (Vrindavan and Mathura ), Dwarka etc. The author makes an honest attempt to cover the places that was made holy by Sri Krishna during his presence of 125 years on Earth.  The stories associated with each places is also explained in nutshell. Another highlight is the photographs of important places. A Journey through the Lands & Legends of Krishna By Dev Prasad Published by Jaico Books Price – Rs 295/- 

Maharas Purnima - Maha Raas

The Purnima or full moon day in Ashwin month (September – October) is observed as Maharas Purnima in Braj region of North India . Maharas Purnima 2024 date is October 16. It is believed that divine Raas Lila of Sri Krishna with Radha and Gopis happened on the night of Maharas Purnima. Due to this importance, the day is also referred as Raas Lila Divas or Ras Lila day. A fasting (Vrata) is also observed on the day. The day is popularly known as Sharad Purnima. There is also a close connection between the moon and the Sharad Purnima day – it is believed that moon’s rays contain nourishing elements. It is believed that the moon is closest to the earth on the day The significance of Sharad Purnima is mentioned in the 10th chapter of the Srimad Bhagavad Purana. It is also said that the moon is close to the earth on the day and due to this the rays of the moon has several curative properties.

Unique Temple-Mosque at Girimath at Kamathagi Village in Bagalkot in Karnataka

This inspiring report in the Deccan Herald talks about a temple-mosque – for six days in a week the holy spot is a temple and on Friday it is a mosque. The holy structure is in the form of a mosque and has murtis of Hindu Gods Shiva, Nandi and Ganesha and paintings of saints like Marula Shankara Devaru. Girimath is managed by Hucheshwar Mutt. The most popular festival is a car festival dedicated to Ganesha. This unique holy structure is located inside Girimath at Kamathagi Village in Bagalkot in Karnataka. Deccan Herald reports The five-century old mosque functions as a temple for six days in a week, transforming itself into a mosque on the seventh day. Barring Fridays when Muslims pray in it, Hindus have a free run of the mosque as a temple. The structure was constructed by Ibrahim Adil Shah II, the Bahmani Sultan known for his efforts to foster communal harmony among people of all religion. “Ibrahim Adil Shah II, who ruled between 1556 and 1627, formed certain rules for worship over

Gujarati Ashwin Mahina 2024 – Aso Month in 2024 in Gujarati Calendar

Ashvin Mahina, or Aso Month, is the last month in a traditional Gujarati calendar followed in  Gujarat ,  India . Ashvin Mahina 2024 in Gujarati Calendar begins on October 3 to November 1. Ashvin Month is a highly auspicious month the 9-day Navratri festival, Dasara, Sharad Puja, Karva Chauth, Lakshmi Puja, Dhanteras and Diwali falls in the month. Ekadasi Fasting Dates in Ashvina Mahina Pashankusha Ekadasi – October 13/14 (smarta is on October 13 and Bhagavat Ekadashi is on October 14) Rama Ekadasi – October 28 Pradosh Fasting Dates in Ashvina Mahina Pradosh – October 15 Pradosh – October 29 Sankashti Chaturthi  monthly fasting dedicated to Ganesha in Ashwin Month is on October 20, 2024 – Moonrise or Chandrodaya is at 8:39 PM  – Indian Standard Time. Ashwin Mahina Sud Padvo and Vad Padvo – Shukla Paksha and  Krishna  Paksha Ashvin Gujarati calendar 2024 Sud Padvo (Waxing phase of moon) is from October 3 to October 17. Ashwin Month 2024 Vad Padvo Paksha (Waning phase

Lahoo – Online Comic based on little known Story of Lord Ram – Pushpuck Series

Lahoo is the second comic in the comic series titled Pushpuck and narrates the tale of a boy named Lahoo and about a cow – an incarnation of Mother Earth. This cow had prayed to Srihari Vishnu to save the earth from demons like Ravana. During old age this cow was abandoned by its owner. But Lahoo goes in search of it and saves it from becoming the prey of a wild animal. The conversation between Lahoo and the cow narrates all his past incidents. Later Lord Ram pays respect to the Cow. You can read the comic Lahoo online here for free. You may also like to read Pushpuck – Online Comic Book Based on the Forgotten Tales from Hindu Tradition – First Story Tarak

Pitra Visarjani Amavasya – Pitru Visarjan Amavasya

Pitra Visarjan Amavasya is observed on the no moon day in the month of Ashvina (September – October) as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . Pitra Visarjani Amavasya 2024 date is October 2. The day is popularly known as Mahalaya Amavasya. Please note that the corresponding Amavasya in calendars followed in Gujarat and Maharashtra is the Bhadrapada Amavasya. Pitra Visarjan is an important ceremony dedicated to the dead parents, relatives and other ancestors. Performing this ceremony during the Pitru Paksha period is considered highly meritorious.