Aihole and Pattadakal are two significant historical sites in Karnataka, India, known for their ancient temples and architectural marvels. Here's a comprehensive comparison between the two, including additional information, missing details, and lesser-known facts: Aihole Historical Significance: Often considered the "Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture," Aihole played a pivotal role in the development of Hindu temple architecture. Aihole was a major cultural and religious center during the early Chalukyan period (6th to 8th centuries). Architectural Features: Diverse Styles: Aihole showcases a variety of architectural styles, including early experimental forms and fully developed structures. Prominent Temples: Durga Temple: Known for its apsidal (semi-circular) plan and elevated plinth, it is an example of a fusion of Buddhist chaitya and Hindu temple architecture. Lad Khan Temple: One of the oldest temples, it has a unique design with a flat roof and open hall. Impor...

Ambaji Stone Artisan Park Training Institute (ASAPT) will help aspiring sculptors to learn the art of marble carving. Majority of Hindu temples that are now constructed in India and abroad use marble Murtis (Idols) of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Initially, a candidate will be trained for a fortnight. Thereafter he will get a stipend of Rs 100 a day. Besides operation of lath, drilling, stone cutters compressors and carving, the trainee will learn to carve sculptures including idols, flowers, flower pots, miniature of temples among others. Times of India Reports Constructed by the state geology and mining (G&M) commissionerate, the institute is spread over 1,200 square metres and is located in the vicinity of Gujarat Mining Development Corporation (GMDC). "It is the only training centre of its kind in the country. It will foster a dynamic process of skill formation and knowledge building and contribute to enterprise development and employment generation, particularly ...

Ancient Hindu Teaching on Conflict Resolution The ancient Hindu scriptures, such as the Vedas, Upanishads, and the epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana, offer profound insights into conflict resolution. These texts emphasize principles such as Dharma (righteousness), Ahimsa (non-violence), and Satya (truth) as foundational for maintaining harmony and resolving disputes. Dharma (Righteousness): Definition: Dharma represents moral and ethical duties that sustain societal order. Application: In conflict resolution, adhering to Dharma ensures fairness, justice, and the well-being of all parties involved. It encourages actions that are righteous and just, steering away from selfish motives. Ahimsa (Non-Violence): Definition: Ahimsa is the principle of non-violence and respect for all living beings. Application: Emphasizing Ahimsa in conflicts promotes peaceful dialogues and negotiations, discouraging aggr...

Mahakumbhabhishekam of the Toronto Shri Sharadamba Temple and the inauguration of the Adi Shankara Museum will be held from June 18, 2010 to June 27, 2010. Mahakumbhabhishekam is on June 20, 2010. The Address of the new temple is 80 Brydon Drive , Etobicoke, Toronto , Ontario , Canada , M9W 4N6. The $11-million marble-and-granite temple is a replica of the 9th century Sharada Peetam at Sringeri in South India . Apart from the temple, the complex will also house a museum dedicated to the life and works of Adi Shankaracharya The consecration ceremonies of the temple complex will be held with water brought from 250 rivers around the world including that of Ganga , Yamuna and Kaveri on June 20, 2010. The Temple is dedicated to Goddess Sri Sharadamba, Goddess of Wisdom, - a manifestation of Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning and knowledge. The temple will have murtis of Shiva, Sharadamba, Adi Shankara, Ganapati, Durga, Hanuman, Rama, Krishna and th...

The principle of treating everyone fairly is deeply embedded in ancient Hindu wisdom and remains profoundly relevant in modern times. This principle, rooted in concepts of dharma (righteousness) and karma (action), guides individuals towards a just and equitable society. The timeless teachings of Hinduism offer valuable insights into fostering fairness and equality in contemporary settings, from interpersonal relationships to broader societal structures. Ancient Hindu Wisdom Dharma Dharma, a fundamental concept in Hinduism, refers to the moral and ethical duties that sustain the cosmic order. It emphasizes the importance of righteousness, justice, and fairness in all aspects of life. The Mahabharata, an epic that explores the complexities of dharma, underscores the necessity of treating everyone justly, regardless of their social status or personal affiliations. Karma Karma, the law of cause and effect, teaches that every action has consequences. This principle encourages individuals t...

Goddess Shashthi is a female deity propitiated for the wellbeing of the new born baby and the mother. This Hindu goddess is worshipped on the sixth day and therefore she is known as Sashti Devi or Goddess Shasti. The popular belief is that this Goddess injures new born infants and mothers on sixth day after their mother. Sasti is the Hindu name for the sixth day of a lunar fortnight. Goddess Sashti is propitiated on the sixth day by devotees especially by mothers of new born babies and her friends, neighbors and relatives. The offerings made in each region vary. In some regions, she is worshipped only on the sixth day of the Shukla Paksha of Jyeshta month. Science has discovered that infants and their mothers catch certain types of diseases on the sixth day after birth. Some scholars are of the view that this is the reason for the origin of the dreaded Goddess Sashti. Please note that in South India , Sashti fasting is dedicated to Lord Muruga or Kartikeya, th...

Hanuman Temples at Khadia and Neb Sarai in Ahmedabad in Gujarat is believed to help in getting Visas. So how does Hindu Temples get the Visa tag? A few devotees pray for a particular wish at a temple and when those wishes are fulfilled; word spreads and devotees throng these temples. Annually, thousands of Indians apply for migration Visas and then proceed to temples which they believe will help in an early Visa approval. 400-year-old Visa Hanuman Temple in Ahmedabad is one such temple and another new temple that is receiving lot of Visa devotees is the seven-month old Chamatakarik Shree Hanuman Ji Ka Mandir in Neb Sarai. The famous 400-year-old Visa Hanuman Temple in Ahmedabad is located at Desai Ni Pol in Khadia Hindustan Times reports about the New Visa Hanuman Temple in Ahmedabad In the serpentine, narrow lanes of Neb Sarai, the god resides especially to aid the visa applicants: or so the devotees believe. Supposedly modelled on the 400-year-old ‘Visa Hanuma...

Horses have played significant roles in various mythologies around the world, often symbolizing power, speed, and divine connection. Two notable mythological horses are Uchaishravas, the seven-headed horse of Indra in Hindu mythology, and Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse of Odin in Norse mythology. This comparison explores their origins, characteristics, significance, and some lesser-known facts about these magnificent steeds. Origins and Characteristics Uchaishravas Mythological Origin: Uchaishravas emerged during the Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan), a significant event in Hindu mythology where gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churned the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality (Amrita). Physical Description: Uchaishravas is depicted as a splendid, white, seven-headed horse, representing unparalleled grace and beauty. Owner: Originally, Uchaishravas was claimed by Indra, the king of gods, symbolizing his supreme power and status among the deities. Sleipnir Mythological Or...

By comparing Aihole and Badami in Karnataka, India, one gains a deeper appreciation for their respective contributions to Indian architecture, culture, and history. Both sites, while distinct in their architectural styles and historical roles, collectively represent the rich legacy of the Chalukya dynasty. Historical Background Aihole : Early Capital : Aihole, often referred to as the cradle of Indian architecture, was an early capital of the Chalukya dynasty which ruled over much of South and Central India between the 6th and 12th centuries. Architectural Significance : It is considered the birthplace of Dravidian architecture. The site hosts over 120 stone and cave temples, each representing different architectural styles and periods. Cultural Melting Pot : Aihole was a significant cultural hub where artisans experimented with various forms of temple architecture, blending influences from different regions and eras. Badami : Later Capital : Badami served as the capital of the Chaluky...

Eternal Wisdom of India by Swami Lokeswarananda critically looks into the teachings of the religions that originated in India . The book is a collection of writings and talks by Swami Lokeshwarananda who is associated with the Ramakrishna order The book explores the role of religion in daily lives of people and how during certain period the power of the religion was abused. The book analyses religion and social tensions and also tells us how harmony should be maintained. The book depicts the way religion has been seen through the ages and how it affects the psyche of people. It also analyses the religious beliefs of people and shows ways to maintain harmony. Echoes of the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda can be seen throughout the book. Eternal Wisdom of India By Swami Lokeswarananda Published by Rupa Books Price Rs 500/-