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Showing posts from December, 2010


Puri Jagannath Temple and Non-entry of non-Hindus and Foreigners – Silly Rule that ridicules the teachings of Sri Krishna

Non-Hindus are not allowed in Puri Jagannath Temple . Every year a couple of times a foreigner who is not aware of the rule enters the Puri temple and then there is a big commotion. When such an incident happens as per the temple rules (set by Pandas or priests) cleansing of the sanctum sanctorum and the traditional grand bathing of the deities take place. In the process, the temple rituals are delayed by hours and the poor soul who unknowingly broke the rule faces lot of harassment.  A foreigner can be easily identified by the temple authorities and all sort of cleansing can take place. But what about Indians who are non-Hindus? How do the temple authorities recognize non-Hindus of Asian origin? What is this silly cleansing of sanctum sanctorum and grand bathing of the deities? What are these priests cleaning? They need to clean their mind and read the Bhagavad Gita at least once. This stupidity is not Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism). These are not the teachings of Hinduism. All living

Swami Premananda Quotes

A young swami – Sri Ramakrishna made you great. Swami Premananda – No Sri Ramakrishna did not make us great; he made us ‘no body.’ You also have to become no body. Wipe out all vanity and all sense of ego. Not I, not I, but thou, O Lord. Can one become a great devotee of God simply by dancing and jumping or by quoting plentifully from the scriptures? What is wanted is freedom from selfishness – freedom from egotism. Mere talk will not do in this age of action. To follow the master means to practice what he taught; otherwise, nobody can advance by just offering a few flowers or through some momentary sentimental out bursts. Not mere theory; actualize it. There has been enough talk and writing. Put the books aside and let your actions speak. The poor, the weak, the fallen and the ignorant – all these you have to make your own. And yet I warn you, that in loving one section of society you must not become hateful of the other, the rich. Swami Premananda

Hindu Knowledge Has Been and Is Still Being Repressed – Jeffrey Armstrong

Jeffrey Armstrong is an award-winning author of several books on Vedic knowledge. In an interview to the Daily Bell , Jeffrey Armstrong talks about the greatness of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and Vedic knowledge and boldly states that Hindu knowledge has been and is still being repressed by people with vested interests who do not want to see the teachings of Hinduism being a viable alternative to aggressive political and religious views of the world. You can read the interview titled ‘Jeffrey Armstrong on the Mysteries of Indian Culture, the Relevance of Hindu Vedas’ here at the Daily Bell Here are some excerpts from the interview …The philosophy of India is very clear. We human beings are here with the ability to utilize our free will and the spectrum is anywhere from enlightened to 'endarkened.' … India 's teachings have always stood for a renewable and cooperative relationship with the resources of the universe and the freedom of individuals. …Religion is the wrong word

Telugu Poush Masa 2024 - 2025 in Telugu Calendar – Paush Month in 2025 in Telugu Calendar in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Poush Masa, also known as Pushya Masam, is the tenth month in a traditional Hindu Telugu calendar followed in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Poush Masa 2025 is from December 31, 2024 to January 29, 2025. Bhogi, Sankranti and Banashankari Jayanti are observed in the Pausha month. Sankranti is on January 14. Sankatahara Chavithi dedicated to Vinayaka in Poush Masa in 2025 is on January 17 – Moonrise or Chandrodaya is at 8:57 PM – Indian Standard Time. Telugu Paush Masa Shukla Paksha and  Krishna  Paksha Paush Masa 2025 Shukla Paksha (Waxing phase of moon) is from December 31, 2024 to January 13, 2025. Telugu Poush Masam 2025 Krishna Paksha (Waning phase of moon) is from January 14 to January 29, 2025. Ekadasi Fasting Dates in Telugu Poush Masa are: Putrada Ekadasi – January 10 Shattila Ekadashi – January 25 Pradosham Fasting Dates in Telugu Poush Masa are: Pradosh – January 11 (Shani Pradosh) Pradosh – January 27 (Som Pradosh)

Disappearance of Sri Ram from Earth – How Lord Ram Died?

Disappearance of Sri Ram from earth happened when he entered voluntarily into the Sarayu River . This divine event is described as the death of Lord Rama. The story of the disappearance of Sri Ram is mentioned in many Hindu scriptures. This story of His death is from the Padma Purana. Note - Many people wanted to know how Sri Ram died? Death is not a term used with Avatars of Vishnu. All Avatars appear to restore Dharma and then they return to Vaikunta. Bhagavan Sri Ram ruled for several years and performed numerous yajnas for the benefit of his people. His sons and the sons of his brothers were made kings in many part of the large empire that he ruled. During this period Sita Devi also disappeared from earth when she was taken back by Bhudevi (Mother Earth). One day an old Saint came to Sri Ram and asked him for a private audience. The Saint said that no one should enter the room in which they were having the conversation. Sri Ram directed Lakshman to guard the door of the

Kondapalli Dashavatar Set – Buy Online the Idols of Ten Avatars of Vishnu through Government of India Sponsored HHEC Website

The Handicrafts and Handlooms Exports Corporation of India Ltd (HHEC), a public sector undertaking (Ministry of Textiles) Government of India, is now selling handicrafts, handloom and garments online. One of the items on sale is the Kondapalli Dashavatar Set – idols of the ten incarnations or Avatar of Hindu God Vishnu. The Kondapalli Toys are not just decorative items to the people of Andhra Pradesh. They are objects of pride to the Telugu people all across the world. It reflects their cultural heritage and is the essence of their crafting skills. There are several processes involved in the making of Kondapalli Toys. In fact it is very interesting to watch these beautiful toys being made. The craftsmen first carve the Puniki wood to give it the shape of a toy. One is amazed to learn that this white colored wood is specially grown in and around the village of Kondapalli for producing the Kondapalli Toys. The wood is stuffed with sawdust and tamarind seed paste. You can find more detail

Sri Ram Quotes from Ramayana and Yoga Vasishta

Bhagavan Sri Ram had revealed universal truth at many junctures in the Ramayana and also in the Yoga Vasistha. Here are few quotes of Sri Rama A frog caught by a serpent, while sitting in the latter’s mouth with half its body already swallowed, puts out its tongue and tries to catch hold of the small flies that happen to come near it. Similarly man, even when he is already caught by the serpent of Time, searches for sense enjoyments which are transitory. He works hard day and night undergoing much trouble to get them. If you have patience, then you will never have any enemy. The mind is never satisfied even when it has an object of desire in its grasp, just as a pot that leaks is never filled with any quantity of water. There is nothing to be found on earth, big or small, of which Time does not make an end. 

Gita Shankara Bhashya in English – Listen to Audio or Download Bhagavad Gita Shankaracharya Commentary in pdf

Bhagavad Gita with Shankaracharya commentary, or Gita with Shankara Bhashya, is one of the most quoted commentaries of the Bhagavad Gita. Now you can download the Gita Shankara Bhashya in pdf format for free or listen to audio reading online. This is a 1901 AD translation of Bhagavad Gita Shankaracharya Commentary into English by Alladi Mahadeva Shastri. The book is part of the archive project and you can read it online or listen to it online or download it in pdf format. Link - Bhagavad Gita Shankaracharya Commentary Online Link - Gita Shankara Bhashya download in pdf format Link – You can also listen to the audio of the text here in English.

Shirdi Sai Baba Painting

This Shirdi Sai Baba Painting was provided by Vikas Nandlal from Andheri (w) in Mumbai India . The words of Vikas Nandlal about the painting I sketched on paper and then retouched significantly in Adobe Photoshop software. While trying to observe carefully physical features of Saibaba, I have attempted to include little imagination element with colors to try replicate a model kind of effect, as divinity is formless and with conviction that one day Baba would give darshan to devotee in the form they adore the most .Though I wish I could give it a dark background frame or something instead of white but not so much conversant with Photoshop. click on the image for a larger view If you wish to contact Vikas Nandlal, you can do it by e-mail - saiism@yahoo.com or nandlalvikas@yahoo.com Image copyrighted to Vikas Nandlal.

Dattatreya Quotes and Thoughts

A collection of quotes and thoughts of Guru Dattatreya. Lack of enquiry is sure means to destruction. On the other hand, one who is given to deliberation, triumphs and attains what he wants. The enquiring spirit is the sprouting seed of the tree of happiness. The person of enquiring disposition outshines others. Persons incapable of reflection are like the frogs in the well. The frogs in the well know nothing good or bad and perish in the well itself. Similarly, in the well of universe, there are persons, who are totally ignorant who go through birth and death repeatedly and who do not know that is good to oneself. Because of lack of discrimination, they see pain as pleasure and pleasure as pain and undergo torment of transmigration. Worldly bonds cause distress again and again but people do not discard them. Man undergoing repeated birth and death is akin to the ass, which despite being kicked again and again by her seeks the company of she-ass. You may also li

Bhagavad Gita for Kids in Hindi – Download Bhagawad Geeta for Kids in Pdf format

The Bhagavad Gita for Kids in Hindi is provided by Swami Adgadanandji of the Yatharth Geeta Series. This particular Gita is for children studying in class 1 to 5. You can download the Bhagawad Geeta for Kids in Pdf format. This Bal Geeta is not a literal translation of Bhagavad Gita but it contains stories, Gita’s influence on people, important quotes, importance of Gita, the story of Mahabharat etc. The philosophical teachings are kept to minimum. The book aims to generate interest of the child in Gita and it also imparts valuable lessons that are part of Hindu tradition. The Bhagavad Gita for kids from Yatharth Geeta has got a very god introduction section with prayers and its meanings and also the importance of Gita in the words of famous people. You can read online or download Bhagavad Gita for Kids in Hindi for free here at the Yatharth Geeta Website .

Eco-friendly Traditional Hindu Funeral Pyre by Mokshada

Mokshada system is an eco-friendly way of performing the last rite keeping intact all the beliefs of Hinduism. This funeral method involves minimal use of wood while keeping the age-old Hindu tradition of burning wooden pyres intact. Vinod Agrawal, an engineer from Uttarakhand, is behind the Mokshada system which is functional in Mumbai and Dehradun. Times of India reports "We have tried to create a balance with simple technique that allows full combustion of dead body with minimal loss of heat and thus save up to 75 per cent of wood that is usually lost in the process when performed in traditional style," said Vinod Agrawal, an engineer from Uttarakhand region and mastermind who conceptualized the idea (nearly two decades ago) while talking to TOI on Sunday. Saying that the technique did not involve electricity as it could hurt the sentiment and devotion of Hindu family, he emphasized that it also used wood in small quantity (around 25 per cent of what is required for burni

Mahakali Jayanti 2024 Date – Kali Jayanthi in Jammu and Kashmir

Mahakali Jayanti is observed by Kashmiri Pandits and other Hindu communities in Jammu and Kashmir on the Ashtami day or the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of moon) of Poush or Pausha month (December – January). Mahakali Jayanti 2024 date is December 23. Special rituals are observed on the day at Goddess Shakti temples. The day is dedicated to Mahakali or Kali or Bhadrakali form of Goddess Shakti. Some communities perform Shradh using vegetables on the day. Various manifestations of Goddess Shakti including Mahakali are worshipped as Kuldevi or family deities by Hindu communities in this region.

Varaha Temple - Lakshmi Varaha Temple at Demal Village in Kendrapara District in Odisha

Varaha (Boar) is the third incarnation or Avatar of Hindu God Vishnu. Temples exclusively dedicated to Varaha are very rare. Lakshmi Varaha Temple located at Demal Village in Aul in Kendrapara District in Odisha is one such rare temple. The Varaha murti worshipped at the temple is made from a single piece of black stone. The temple also has the footprints of Lakshmi Varaha. Varaha is worshipped in the temple along with Bhudevi and Goddess Lakshmi. Other murtis that are worshipped in the temple include Shiva, Sri Jagannath, Hanuman, Sri Chaitanya Dev and Radhakrishna. The chief festive occasions observed are Bakula Amabasya, Baraha Dwadasi, Kanchi Abhijan (Saraswati Puja), Kartik Purnima, Ratha Yatra, besides the other seasonal offerings that are done by devotees. Lakshmi Varaha Temple is on the banks of River Kharasrota and is located around 130 km from Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, and is around 36 km from Kendrapara town. Another famous Varah

Margazhi Music and Concerts in Chennai – Exclusive Micro Website by the Hindu Newspaper for Margazhi Festival

The Tamil Margazhi month (Mid December to Mid January) is famous for the numerous Indian traditional classical music concerts and dance programs especially in Chennai. The entire month is kept apart for music and spiritual activities by many people. The Hindu Newspaper has created a Micro Website dedicated to the Chennai Margazhi Season. The special page has schedules of music concert in Chennai city, also features and interviews with musicians, dancers and other artists. There will also be reviews of concerts. Apart from this the site also promises slideshows and photographs of programs during the Margazhi Festival. More than 3,500 concerts take place during the period in Chennai making it one of the biggest music and dance festival in the world. You visit the micro-website on Chennai Margazhi Season here.

Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple Current Information Website by Kerala Police

To help Ayyappa devotees to have a hassle free darshan of Ayyappa at Sabarimala Temple , the Kerala Police has launched a website that carries all the current information and status at Pampa and Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple . The website which is available in English, Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu provides information about the Queue status for the darshan of Ayyappa, Parking Space remaining at Pampa , weather at Sabarimala and also all important telephone numbers. Another highlight is the detail information regarding how to receive SMS on your mobile regarding important information. You can view the Sabarimala website of Kerala Police here – Sabarimala Kerala Police. You may also like to read Official Website of Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

Margashirsha Purnima 2024 Date– Margashirsh Month Full moon day Importance - Mantra

Margashirsha Purnima is the full moon day in the Margasira or Margashirsha month (December – January) in a traditional Hindu lunar calendar. Margashirsha Purnima in December 2024 is on December 15. Purnima tithi is from 4:14 PM on December 14 to 2:35 PM on December 15. It is the last day of the Margashirsha month in the calendar followed in  North India . Fasting from sunrise to sunset is observed by some Hindus on the day. Purnima Vrat is on December 14 Sri Datta Jayanti is observed on December 14. Annapurna Jayanti is observed on December 15.  What To Do On Margashirsha Purnima? मार्गशीर्ष पुरमीमा श्री कृष्ण को बहुत प्रिय है।  इस दिन श्री कृष्ण के साथ-साथ भगवान विष्णु की भी विशेष पूजा की जाती है। पूर्णिमा के दिन गंगा स्नान  या अन्य नदी स्नान और दान-पुण्य करने का बहुत महत्व है।  ऐसा करने से माता लक्ष्मी प्रसन्न होती हैं और जातकों पर अपनी कृपा बनाए रखती हैं।  माना जाता है कि मार्गशीर्ष पूर्णिमा का उपवास करने वाले जातकों के जीवन में सुख-शांति बनी रहती है।  धन-संपदा

A Bhajan by Surdas

I have danced enough, O Lord! Wearing the garb of lust and anger, With the necklace of sense-objects dangling on my neck. With the anklets of illusion tied on my feet, Criticism as the lyric Keeping my deluded mind as the accompanying drum (pakhvaj), I am dancing to the tune of evil company. My inner cravings give the beats (tal) to the music, Greed as the mark (tilak) on my forehead With the snares of Maya tied around my waist, Oblivious of time and place, O son of Nanda (Krishna)! Surdas pleads to you to remove all this avidya! Surdas

What is the Number of Wicks in a Traditional Hindu Lamp during Puja?

The number of wicks (battis or thiri) that are lit in a traditional Hindu lamp is a confusion for many Hindus. There are numerous theories regarding the number of wicks. But the traditional and widely accepted number of wick is 1 or 2 or 5 or 7. One wick indicates good health, two wicks indicate prosperity, five wicks indicate auspiciousness and peace and seven wicks indicate success. It is also believed by some communities that daily lighting two wicks in a traditional lamp in the evening is good for children in the home. It is also believed to bring in prosperity. Some people are of the view that lighting three wicks will bring diseases and troubles. Lighting four wicks is believed to create poverty. It is also said that before lighting the lamp one should keep the surroundings and the home clean. Otherwise the lamp lit will be an invitation to Alakshmi – who destroy peace, causes bad luck and creates economic downfall.

World’s Tallest Hanuman Idol – Tallest Hanuman Statue at Parital in India

World’s Tallest Hanuman statue is located at Parital in Krishna District near  Vijayawada  in Andhra Pradesh in  India . The Paritala Hanuman is known as Veera Abhaya Anjaneya Hanuman Swami and is 135 feet high (41 meter). The murti is located on Vijayawada – Hyderabad National Highway 9. The location is around 25 km from Vijayawada . The second tallest Hanuman Murti is 108 feet and is located at Shimla in Himachal Pradesh in India and was inaugurated in November 2010. 

Read the book – Ramakrishna, His Life and Sayings – in English Online for free

The book titled ‘Ramakrishna, His Life and sayings’, is a collection of the teachings and sayings of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. The original book is in Bengali and it has been translated into various languages. The English translation of the book by Max Muller in 1898 is currently available in Google books and you can read the entire book online in English at Google books for free. The book is made available at Google Books by Forgotten Books and is part of the Easy Reading series. You can read the book – Ramakrishna, His Life and Sayings – here at Google Books. Below is the embedded format of the book.

Ganesha Comics – Read Story of Origin of Ganesh in Comic Book Format Online For Free

Comic book based on the origin of story of Ganesh is presented by Liquid comics and is the first book in the series titled India Authentic. The Ganesha Comics is produced by Deepak Chopra. Now you read the entire comic online for free at issuu. Ganesha is written by Saurav Mohapatra, Art is by Satish Tayade and Cover Design is by Abhishek Singh. What’s new in Ganesha Comics? Instead of comic they call it Graphic novel. And no one can change the basic story. So, in this comic there are wonderful illustrations and a narrative style that we often associate with Western comics like X-Men etc. You can read the comic here at issuu. Note – those of our readers who are using Internet Explorer 6 or earlier versions might not be able to view the comic book. Below is the embedded version of the comic book Ganesha. Open publication - Free publishing - More author

Ramayan on Wheels performed by Disabled Children from Bal Kalyan Sanstha Pune

On Sunday, December 5, 2010, more than 200 disabled children from Bal Kalyan Sanstha, Pune, performed Ramayan on Wheels. The dance and theater performance proved that given an opportunity the disabled children are just capable as anyone. Ramayana on Wheels was possible through the efforts of Bal Kalyan Sanstha, Delhi-based Ability Unlimited Foundation and the children were trained by Guruji Sallauddin Pasha, who is the foremost name in Indian Therapeutic Theatre for persons with disabilities. Siddharta Laik of Punesite writes With five diverse stages and specialized training, the children enacted the play coupled with dance and music, a first for the Sanstha as well as for the kids. “This was for the very first time that the children put up such a mammoth performance. They were trained meticulously for the special event and each and every child was very excited to perform,” said Minetta Patil, Sanstha principal. “We wish to change the indifferent attitude of the society towards the dis

Pushkaram at Kaleshwaram Temple In Telangana - Pranahita Pushkaralu

Pranahita Pushkaralu is an important ritual that takes place at the Kaleshwaram Temple  in Telangana. The Pushkaram begins April 13, 2022 and concludes on April 24, 2022. The Pranahita Pushkaralu is held once in twelve years and attracts thousands of devotees. The popular belief is that Kaleshwaram is the Triveni Sangamam or the meeting point of Pranahita River , Godavari River and the Saraswati River . Devotees will be taking bath at the confluence of Godavari River and Pranahita River during the Pushkaram. Pranahita River merges with the Godavari River at Kaleshwaram, which is around 130 km from Karimnagar in Telangana. A Pushkaram takes place once in 12 years when Jupitar (Brihaspati) enters a particular zodiac. There are total of 12 rivers where Pushkaram  takes place.

Online Course in Hinduism

Doctor of Philosophy in Hinduism (Ph.D in Hinduism) is an online course offered by Almeda University . Established in 1997, Almeda University is an online institute and it provides Doctorate and Master Degree Programs in business and theology. Almeda claims that students earning this Doctoral degree will acquire and demonstrate a mastery of Hinduism on all levels. Almeda University Websites writes Hinduism is a religion of deep history and complex spirituality, with unique philosophical and metaphysical components that are typically explored only on a surface level in Western analysis of religion. Almeda University is proud to fill this disconcerting void by offering a Ph.D. in Hinduism that provides a deep analysis of its historical significance and evolution, core beliefs, cultural impact, worship rituals, and contemporary practice. Students earning this Doctoral degree will acquire and demonstrate a mastery of Hinduism on all levels. This includes an in-depth examination of it

Magshar Month 2024 in Gujarati Calendar – Magsar Mahina or Margashirsh Month 2024

Magshar Month, or Margashirsh Month, is the second month in a traditional Gujarati calendar followed in  Gujarat ,  India . Magshar Month 2024 in Gujarati Calendar begins on December 2, 2024 to December 30, 2024. As per Vikram Samvat calendar, the current year in Gujarati Calendar is the Vikram Year 2081. Some of the important festivals in the Magsar month include Mokshada Ekadasi and Gita Jayanti. Ekadasi Fasting Dates in Magsar Maas Mokshada Ekadasi - December 11 Saphala Ekadasi –  December 26 Pradosh Vrat Dates Pradosh - December 13 Pradosh – December 28 (Shani Pradosh - Saturday) Sankashti Chaturthi  monthly fasting dedicated to Ganesha in December 18, 2024 – Moonrise or Chandrodaya is at 8:48 PM – Indian Standard Time. Magshar Maas Sud Padvo and Vad Padvo – Shukla Paksha and  Krishna  Paksha Magshar Month Sud Padavo in 2024 (Waxing phase of moon) is from December 2 to December 15. Magshar Month 2024 Vad Padvo Paksha (Waning phase of moon) is from December 16

Datta Jayanti Navratri – Dattatreya Jayanthi Navaratri

Datta Jayanti Navratri is associated with Hindu God Dattatreya. It begins nine days before the Dattatreya Jayanti day. In 2024, Datta Jayanti Navratri begins on December 6 and ends on December 14, 2024 – the Dattatreya Jayanti day. It is observed from the saptami or seventh day of the Shukla Paksha of Margashirsha month to the full moon day in the month. Dattatreya is the Trimurti Avatar – the united and single incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. During the nine days special rituals are held in temples dedicated to Dattatreya. Dattatreya remained an Avadutha throughout his life – a sage who remains in pure nature. He was a supreme yogi. Dattatreya narrated the secrets of Vedanta to Lord Subrahmanya and this teaching later came to be known as Avadhuta Gita.

Bhagavad Gita in Kannada - Download Bhagavad Gita in Kannada in pdf for free

Bhagavad Gita text in Kannada in pdf is presented by Shri Swami Adgadanandji of Yatharthgeeta website. Each chapter of Bhagavad Gita is presented in a separate pdf file. You can download all the eighteen chapters of the Bhagavad Gita in Kannada but only separately not as a single book. You can download the Bhagavad Gita in Kannada in pdf format here at the Yatharth geeta website. 

Kannada Margasira Masam in 2024 in Kannada Calendar – Kannada Margasira Month in 2024

Margasira Month is the ninth month in a traditional Hindu Kannada calendar and Panchang followed in Karnataka. Kannada Margashira Masam 2024 starts on December 2, 2024 to December 30, 2024. The Dhanur Masam begins on December 16 in Margasira month. Shiva Pradosham Fasting Dates in Kannada Margasira Month are: Pradosh - December 13 Pradosh – December 28 (Shani Pradosh - Saturday) Sankashtahara Chaturthi Vrata  dedicated to Ganesh in Margasira Masa is on December 18, 2024 – Moonrise or Chandrodaya is at 9:03 PM  Kannada Margasira Masa Shukla Paksha and  Krishna  Paksha Margasira Masa Kannada calendar 2024 Shukla Paksha (Waxing phase of moon) is from December 2 to December 15. Kannada Margasira Month 2024 Krishna Paksha (Waning phase of moon) is from December 16 to December 30, 2024. Ekadasi Fasting Dates in Kannada Margasira Masa: Mokshada Ekadasi - December 11 Saphala Ekadasi –  December 26 Purnima in Kannada Margasira Month  Margasira Purnima or Full moon day

Study on Widows in Vrindavan – Dimensions of Deprivation: Study on the Poverty Levels of Widows of Vrindavan

The treatment meted out to widows by certain section of Hindu society is appalling. The life of a widow in some Hindu communities is nothing short of dreadfulness. In such communities, the widows are kept out of all social functions and they can’t remarry. A larger number of widows from various parts of North India today live in Braj near Vrindavan – a minority of them voluntarily arrive to live in the ashrams here but majority of them are forced to leave their villages and families and live in Braj without any economic support from the family. A study conducted by Guild of Service – Dimensions of Deprivation: Study on the Poverty Levels of Widows of Vrindavan – suggests that the Widows in Vrindavan are happier here than in their homes and in villages. Majority of them, even though miniscule, have found economic freedom and are moving away from traditional concepts of widowhood. The Hindu reports The study suggests that the Braj widows do not believe in tonsuring, and some of the youn

Lakshman Sarma Quotes

Lakshman Sarma a disciple of Sri Ramana Maharishi Worldly life is full of misery because of one’s subjection to desires and fears that never cease but only change their forms. Only one whose attachments have been weakened by the realization that true and lasting happiness is not to be had in this worldly life is ripe for discipleship. Ignorance and mind are inseparable; where there is mind, there alone is ignorance; where there is no mind, there is no ignorance, since in the mind-free state the real Self is not concealed. This explains why the real Self is not known to men in general. In ignorance there is the sense of ‘I am the body’ or of ‘This body is mine’, that is, the body is either ‘I’ or ‘mine’. When this attachment ceases, bondage is at an end. Lakshman Sarma (Source - Sri Ramana Paravidyopanishad)