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Showing posts from August, 2011


Sharda Ashtami

Sharda Ashtami is a unique ritual dedicated to the dead ancestors, parents and relatives performed in  Jammu and Kashmir . Sharda Ashtami 2024 date is September 11. On the ashes of those who had died during the past year are immersed in the Gangabal lake, which also known as Harmukh or  Harmukata   Lake . The ritual is also known as Ganga Ashtami. Harmukh   Lake  and its surrounding are holy places associated with Hindu God Shiva. Devotees also take a dip in the holy lake during the period. A fair is also organized during the period. The day is popularly observed as Radha Ashtami in other regions in  India .

Modern Values and Hindu Religion

Modern values like social equality, democracy, feminism, science and technology, rationality, and environment protection might be modern for many societies around the world but Hindus were practicing these values from time immemorial and all Holy Scriptures associated with Hindu religion  pronounce these values repeatedly. Prakash Jain in an article titled Modernity and Hinduism argues so-called modern values were already imbibed in the Hindu culture. Some excerpts The inscriptions on the walls of the Sundaravarada temple in Uttiramerur near Kanchipuram show how democracy was practiced 1000 years ago. History Professor Steve Muhlberger at Nipissing University has painstakingly shown several evidences of republic forms of government in ancient India. And, according to Professor Arvind Sharma, republicanism was as prominent a form of government as monarchy in the sixth century B.C.E. in India. Hindu culture has the reverential concepts to worship natural powers and animals, modernity,

Book – Rivers of India

The book titled ‘Rivers of India’ by Sunil Vaidyanathan and Shayoni Mitra, is a pictorial journey that explores deep link between the people and the rivers with emphasis on religion, belief and Hindu traditional stories. The book unravels the deep-rooted symbolic relevance of the Brahmaputra, Ganges, Godavari, Kaveri, Krishna, Mahanadi, Narmada and Yamuna. Apart from the religious significance that the eight rivers hold, the book delves into the different aspects of the rivers -- the economical, cultural and also their significant role in literature, art and culture. There is also a clear emphasis on the part of the authors to highlight the pollution and unchecked exploitation. Rivers of India By Sunil Vaidyanathan and Shayoni Mitra Published by Niyogi Books Specifications: Size: 292 X 222mm Binding: Hard back with Jacket Page extent: 188 Photographs: 189 Price: INR 2900 You can find more details about the book and buy it online here at Niyogi Books

Thayambaka – About Hindu Goddess Triambika

Thayambaka is a unique form of Hindu Mother Goddess and in this form she is worshipped as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. The presiding deity of the famous Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple in Karnataka is Goddess Trayambika. Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya installed this unique murti of Mother Goddess in all her forms. Goddess Trayambika form is widely worshipped during the Navratri festival. The Goddess Saraswati form of Triambika is believed to bless devotees with knowledge. Children are initiated into the world of letters on the Vijayadasami day. Amba or Ambika is one of the popular names of Goddess Shakti. Thrya means three. Here she is the mother who blesses her children with knowledge (Goddess Saraswati) and wealth (Goddess Lakshmi). As Durga she punishes those follow the path of Adharma.

Download Sanskrit Nursery Rhymes and Stories in pdf – Tupkavitaah and Rijurohitam by Jagannatha

Tupkavitaah (Nursery Rhymes) and Rijurohitam (Small Stories) in Sanskrit was written by Jagannatha from Mysore. He has asked hindu-blog.com to share it with readers. You can download the Nursery Rhymes and Stories in pdf below. Link - Tupkavitaah (Nursery Rhymes) (right click and use save link as option) Link - Rijurohitam (Small Stories) (right click and use save link as option) You can contact the author in his mail id and phone number (found in the pdf text). He is interested in publishing Tupkavitaah and Rijurohitam in interesting formats – DVD, Digital, Book etc.

How Peacock Got Beautiful Feathers? – Story In Hindu Religion

An interesting story in the Uttara Ramayana narrates how peacocks got beautiful feathers. As per Hindu religion, peacock (mayil or mor) is the vehicle of Kartik or Muruga and Sri Krishna adorns a peacock feather on his hair. Legend has it that it was Indra who blessed peacocks with beautiful feathers. Ravana was on his way to conquer the world when he arrived at a mountain named Ushiravira. There a king named Marutha was conducting a yajna. All Devas (demigods) including the king of Devas, Indra, had arrived to partake in the yajna. When the Devas saw Ravana approaching the mountain in his Pushpaka Vimana, they took the form of various birds and hid in the bushes and forest. When Ravana left the mountain, the Devas again assembled at the place of the yajna. Indra had taken the form of a peacock to escape. He was pleased with the form of peacock. Indra then called peacocks in the mountain and told them that from that day onwards peacocks will have feathers that will

Chithirai 1 To Be official Tamil New Year Again

Chithirai 1 , the first day of Chithirai Month, which falls on April 14, is observed as Tamil New Year – Puthandu for thousands of years. The previous DMK – led government in Tamil Nadu had changed the Tamil New Year from the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai (mid-April) to first of Thai (mid-January) through legislation in 2008. The current AIADMK government has now reversed the decision. The previous DMK government argument  for changing the New Year was... The decision to change the New Year date by the state government is based on a decision made in 1922 when over 500 scholars, led by Maraimalai Adigal, founder of the Thani Tamil Iyakkam (Pure Tamil Movement) met at Pachaiyappa’s college in Chennai and decided that Tamils needed a separate calendar in the name of Tamil savant Tiruvalluvar. They also determined that the birth year of Tiruvalluvar was 31 BC. The present AIADMK government has reversed the 2008 decision stating that it did not take into account the sentiment

Children to Become Hindu Priests to Overcome Shortage of Priests during Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai

More than 12,000 public Ganesh Chaturthi pujas are held during the annual Ganeshotsav (August – September) in Mumbai. There are also thousands of private pujas. To do all these pujas there are only around 3,500 priests. To overcome the shortage children are being trained to perform pujas during Ganesh Chaturthi. BBC reports The festival organisers have decided to train 700 young boys and girls this year so that more priests can be made available.  Interestingly, many of the children taking the "crash course" in priesthood are girls.  "I know there will be some hesitation [to hire us] in the beginning because we are so young and then we are girls. But once [the clients] know that we are as good as traditional priests, they will hire us," says a visibly excited 15-year-old Neha.  And Manohar, also 15, says he has "stopped lying" ever since he began attending the classes. "I am learning to be pious which would help me being accepted by those who need t

Rinamochana Ganapati – Rinavimochaka form of Ganesha

Rinamochana Ganapati or Rinavimochaka Ganapathy is one among the 32 forms of Ganesha. This form of Ganesh helps a devotee overcome bondage, guilt, sins and finally blesses with Moksha. Rinamochana Ganapati mantra is Pashankusha dantajamboo dadhanan sphatikaprabha! Raktamshuko ganapatih mude Syadrinamochakah!! Rinamochana Ganapati has four hands and holds noose, goad, broken tusk and rose apple. It is believed that this form of Ganesha helps in overcoming difficulties in the path to success.

Angadityan in Hindu Astrology

Angadityan is the influence of Surya or Sun God in a person’s horoscope as per Hindu astrology. It is believed that the blessing and effect of Surya will be more on a particular body part of a person. This can be found by calculating the position of Surya during the birth of a person. For example - If a person is born on the same nakshtra as the one in which Surya is residing at the time then Angaditya for the person will on the head. Angaditya will be on head if the person is born on the Nakshatra in which Surya is residing during the birth of the person and also the next two subsequent nakshtras. On face for the next set of three Nakshatras. On stomach for the next set of five Nakshatras On hands for the next eight Nakshatras For the last eight Nakshatrams, Angadityan will be on feet. For those people whom Angadityan is positioned on the face, they will make materialistic gains and earn fame. For those it is on the face, they will become great orators. For those it is on the

Ganesh Chaturthi Decorations – Where to buy Eco-friendly Ganesha Puja Decorations in Mumbai?

If you are looking to by eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi decorations for Ganesha Puja in Mumbai, like Thoran, Jali, models, etc, then there are many organizations that are providing eco-friendly puja materials for Ganeshotsav. The eco-friendly decorations are made using thermocol and natural materials. Utsavi is promoting various eco-friendly decoration products. You can contact them online here at their official website – Eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi Decorations. E-coexist a pune based organization is also involved in promoting eco-friendly products.

Guruvara Ekadashi

Guruvara Ekadasi is the Ekadashi fasting observed on Thursday or Guruvar. This is of great significance to some Hindu communities in South India as Thursday is dedicated to Srihari Vishnu.  Ekadashi fasting is observed on the 11 th day of the lunar fortnight as per Hindu traditional calendar. The fast is considered highly meritorious and is observed for attaining earthly fame, wealth and moksha. Ekadashi on Thursday makes it doubly auspicious for some Hindu communities. Apart from prayers and fasting, people also donate food and clothes to the poor on the day.

Srishti Ganapati Form Of Ganesha

Srishti Ganapati is one among the 32 forms of Ganesha. It is believed that worshipping this form will help a devotee in attaining the power of discrimination. Srishti Ganapati Mantra is: Pashankusha svadantamraphalavan akhuvahanaha! Vighnam nihantu nah shonah srishidaksho vinayakaha!! Srishti Ganapati is depicted as riding on his Vahana, the mouse. He has four hands and they hold noose, goad, mango and broken tusk. The body color is crimson. This form like all Ganesha forms is worshipped for overcoming hurdles in life. Meditating on this form helps in developing clarity of thought. 

Kindled – Life Story of Swami Vivekananda in 3D Animation Film

Kindled is the title of a 3D Animation film in English, which is based on the life story of Swami Vivekananda. The animation film is under production and will be released during 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda in 2013. The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Golpark, has tied up with Kolkata-based Aura Cinematics to produce the film. The film is planned to be released in home DVD formats and aired on television. ‘Kindled’ deals with the phase of the Swami’s life from his meeting with Ramakrishna Paramhansa to his decision to spend his life in the service of others. The Telegraph Calcutta reports “We came up with this idea to spread the values and ideals of Swami Vivekananda amongst the youth. The philosophy of harmony and service needs to be inculcated in them, as only they have the potential to bring about change” said Swami Sarvabhutananda, the secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture.  The project, which has a budget of Rs 6 to 7 crore, is to h

Raksha Bandhan Poem and Message – Sarojini Naidu

Beloved I offer to you In tender allegiance anew A bracelet of floss, let me twist And violet, to girdle your wrist. Accept this bright gage from my hand Let you heart its sweet speech understand The ancient high symbol and end In wrought on each gold-threaded strand, The fealty of friend unto friend. A garland how frail of design, Our spirits to clasp and entwine In devotion unstained and unbroken, How slender a circle and sign Of secret deep pledges unspoken! Sarojini Naidu – Poem -  The Feather of Dawn You may also like to read Raksha Bandhan Quotes – Swami Chidananda Saraswati

Duke University in North Carolina Appoints First Hindu Chaplin

Duke University at Durham in the U.S. state of North Carolina has appointed Usha Rajagopalan as its first Hindu chaplin. Ushaji began her part-time role at Duke on August 1, 2011 and will provide guidance for the Hindu Students Association and represent the group on Duke's Faith Council and in the university's Religious Life program. The Hindu Student Association at Duke, which was founded in 1998, organizes scripture studies, Hindu festivals and Hinduism Awareness Week. Duke Today writes Usha Rajagopalan is fluent in Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam, and comes to Duke with degrees from Annamalai University in India and the University of Maryland. She has been leading Hindu worship services in the Triangle area and received the 2009 Kathryn H. Wallace Award in Community Service from the Triangle Community Foundation.  "Hinduism, or Sanathana Dharma, is not a religion but a practice, a way of life," Rajagopalan said. "Deepening understanding of their inner world as the

Dwadasha Aditya Tila – Story of Hillock at Vrindavan Radha Mohan Temple

Dwadasa Aditya Tila is a small hillock near the famous Radha Mohan Temple in Vrindavan. The hillock is associated with the famous subduing of the Kaliya Snake incident in the life of Sri Krishna. Legend has it that after vanquishing Snake Kaliya in the Yamuna River ; Sri Krishna took rest on the small hill. As Krishna was wet, Sri Krishna felt cold and to warm him up it is said that Dwadasha Adityas appeared – 12 suns. They appeared in sky to give warmth to the Lord. Thus the hillock got the name Dwadasha Aditya Tila. It is said that due to the intense heat produced by 12 suns, Sri Krishna began to sweat and a lake was formed due to this. The lake is known as Praskandara Sarovar.

Converting Biodegradable Waste from Temple Towns to LPG and Electricity

Many of our Hindu temple towns are filled with biodegradable wastes like flowers, natural puja items and food. What if the temples could convert the garbage into LPG for cooking and electricity? NextGen based in Bangalore has come up with a solution to make temple towns and clean and garbage free. NextGen is an energy and environment company with the mission to create sustainable growth through technological and social innovation. NextGen waste energy management project consists of a plant that could convert biodegradable refuse such as flowers and food into methane gas that generates electricity. The biogas plant can be designed to process waste right from 25kgs/day to more than 50tons/day. The plant can take in variety of inputs right from food waste to garden waste to human waste. The gas so generated can be either used to substitute LPG or can be used to produced electricity. Electricity generation is viable only for plants having a capacity of more than 10tons/day

Magadi Ranganathaswamy Temple - Thirumale or Lakshmi Ranganatha Kshetra Near Bangalore

Magadi Ranganathaswamy Temple , popularly known as Thirumale or Lakshmi Ranganatha kshetra, is located near Magadi town in Karnataka and is dedicated to Ranganatha form of Vishnu. The murti at this 12th century temple is in standing posture and is 3 feet tall. Legend has it that Sage Mandavya and Sage Vasishta installed the murti of Magadi Ranganatha. The temple is around 6 km from Magadi and around 45 km from Bangalore . Soumya Narayan Achari writes about this temple in Deccan Herald   The beautiful gopuras were built by Vijayanagar emperor Krishnadevaraya in the 16th century and later renovated by King Jayachamaraja Wodeyar of Mysore . There are structures inside the sanctum sanctorum which were also built by the Cholas and later renovated. The idol is about three feet tall, one hand in a mudra, which suggests that the deity fulfills all the wishes of people who pray to him here, according to local belief. There are sub shrines dedicated to Rama, Sita, Anjaneya and Venugo

Sri Tembe Swami Jayanti - Shri Vasudevanand Saraswati Tembe Swami Maharaj

Sri Tembe Swami Jayanti celebrates the birth anniversary of Sri Tembe Swami. Shri Vasudevanand Saraswati Tembe Swami Maharaj was a modern Hindu saint who revived the ancient Dattatreya tradition in Maharashtra during the 19th century. Sri Tembe Swami Jayanti 2024 date is on August 24. The Jayanti celebrations are annually held on the Krishna Paksha Panchami tithi in Shravan month – fifth day during the waning phase of moon. In nutshell the teaching of Sri Tembe Swami is that the primary objective of human life is to obtain liberation (from the recurring cycles of birth and death). To this end, one should carry out one’s religious obligations as ordained by the scriptures, consistent with his Varna and Ashram. To attain the objective liberation he advocated study (Shravan), contemplation (Manan) and meditation (Nididhyasan) of Vedanta (conclusion of Vedas). He also laid on emphasis on taking lessons from detached and realized persons. 

Subramanya Bhujangam Lyrics in Sanskrit with English Translation in pdf

Subramanya Bhujangam is a popular prayer dedicated to Muruga or Kartik. Sri Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have composed the Subramanya Bhujangam, which consists of 33 shlokas. This particular Subramanya Bhujangam Lyrics in Sanskrit and its English Translation is provided by Ambaa website. The prayer is in pdf format and you will need pdf reader installed to read or download. Link - Subramanya Bhujangam Lyrics in pdf.

Book – Comparison of Durga Saptashati and Soundarya Lahiri in Hindi with Meaning

The Hindi book titled ‘Durgasaptashati Evam Saundaryalahiri ka Tulnatmak Anusheelan’ compares – Durga Saptashati and Soundarya Lahiri - the two important texts in Hinduism that explores the unimaginable world of the Universal Mother – Goddess Shakti. Mother Goddess is formless and beyond imagination but for the sake of her devotees She takes various forms through which her children can reach her. Durga Saptashati, in Markandeya Purana, and Soundarya Lahiri, by Adi Shankaracharya, have been guiding the children of Mother Goddess in understanding her diverse forms and attributes. The book beautifully unravels the concept of Brahman that is brought out in the two texts. From the flyer Since the inception of Creation, woman has always been adored as a symbol of strength (Shakti) and beauty (Saundarya). In reality, the importance of woman begins in the foremost ancient text of the Rigveda in its Vak Sukta. Upanishads also mention "Usha Devi" as eternally young woman. This trend

Hindu Temple Builders – Sthapati – Traditional Temple Architects

Sthapati, traditional Hindu temple architects, are men who create the beautiful Hindu temples based on the glorious tradition of Shilpa and Vasthu. Thanks to the numerous new temples that are being built around the world, temple architects and sculptors are now popularly known as Hindu Temple Builders. They are in great demand and there is also a huge dearth of real talent. This is an attempt to create information about Sthapatis online. Main aim is to collect contact information, addresses, website links etc. Sri Vaidyanatha Sthapati Associates - Sri Vaidyanatha Sthapati Associates is a leading professional group in the field of Architecture and sculpture. The heritage of this Sthapati family is traced back Sthapati Kunjaramallan Rajaraja Perunthachan (11th century AD) who designed and built the great Brihadeeshwara Temple of Thanjavur.  (You can get more information about Sri Vaidyanatha Sthapati here at their official website .) Contact information: Sri Vaidyanatha Sthapati Asso

Ganesh Idol Moulds to Make Clay Eco-friendly Ganesh Murti for Vinayaka Chaturthi Festival – Where to Buy in Mumbai

A difficulty faced by many Hindus who want to make eco-friendly clay Ganesh idol for Ganesh Chaturthi is the lack of moulds. As Vinayaka Chaturthi festival approaches sometime we get moulds on streets. Mumbai-based Aniruddha Upasana Kendra (AUK) provides moulds of various types of Ganesh idols to the devotees interested in preparing eco-friendly idols. The contact address is 2nd Floor, Happy Home, Plot No 551, TPS III, 8th Road, Behind Khar Telephone Exchange, Old Khar, Khar (W) Mumbai 400 052, Maharashtra, India

Kalash Dasami

Kalash Dasami is a ritual observed in Shravan month in western parts of India , especially by some communities in Maharashtra . Kalash Dasami 2024 date is August 15. It is observed on the Shravan Shukla Paksha Dashami or the 10 th day of the waxing phase of moon in Shravan month. The rituals are associated with offering prayers to the Kalash – a pot atop with a coconut. Kalasha symbolically represents creation. The vacant pot, symbolizes earth, and the water filled symbolizes the primordial water from which life began on earth. Life began in water and nothing can exist in this world without water.

Australian Radio Host Called Holy River Ganga Junkyard – Because We Hindus Made It One

Australian Radio Host Kyle Sandilands in his "Kyle and Jacky O" show called Holy River Ganga a Junkyard and he is facing criticism from the Indian community over his reportedly derogatory comments. But it is we Hindus who give opportunity to people like Kyle Sandilands to make such insulting comments.  Truth Hurts – Mother Ganga provides food and life to millions of people and in return we have filled Mother Ganga with all possible waste. Stop getting hyper and jingoistic. Instead think for a minute and do our bit to clean up Ganga . More than 1 billion liters of raw, untreated sewage is dumped into Holy River Ganga on a daily basis. More than 400 million people live along the  Ganges   River . Hundreds of human bodies, cattle and other animal carcasses are also dumped in the Ganga . Thanks to politicians and vested interests – there is no clear data regarding industrial waste pumped into Ganga . As per the UECPCB study, while the level of coliform present in water sho

Haridra Ganapati - Mantra - Benefits

Haridra Ganapati is one among the 32 forms of Ganesha as mentioned in the Mudgala Purana. Haridra means ‘trumeric’ and this form of Ganesha instantly fulfills the wishes of His devotees. He helps in worldly success. Haridra Ganapati Mantra is Haridrabham Caturbahum Haridravadanam Prabhum  Pashamkushadharam Devam Modaka Dantameva cha Bhaktabhaya Pradataram Vande Vignavinashanam This form of Ganapati has a yellow complexion. He has four arms and holds, broken tusk, modak, noose and goad. Benefits of Haridra Ganapati Worship For wealth and prosperity, Haridra Ganapati murti made from turmeric roots is kept at homes and shops.

Baba Mohan Ram Temple Shravan Festival – Mandir Baba Mohan Ram at Milakhpur in Rajasthan

Baba Mohan Ram Temple , located at Kali Kohli Village in Milakhpur in Alwar District in Rajasthan, is dedicated to Baba Mohan Ram, an incarnation of Shiva, Sri Krishna and Sri Ram. The most important fair and festival is held her from the second day of the Shukla Paksha of Shravan month to the fourth day of waxing phase of moon. Baba Mohan Ram Temple Shravan festival 2024 date is August 6 to August 8. The temple is around 100 km from New Delhi . By road the temple is off the National Highway 18. On NH 18 from Dharuhera take the Bhiwadi Industrial Area road. Just about 2 km before Bhiwadi Industrial Area take a right Milakhpur Village and Kali Kholi. The temple is located atop a mountain. Khili is a holy black cave. There is an Akhand Jyoti in the cave. The Shravan festival is for three days and attracts nearly 100,000 people.