The Pashupatinath Temple holds immense significance for Hindus worldwide, and its pilgrimage is considered sacred for several reasons: Historical and Cultural Significance: Pashupatinath Temple, located in Kathmandu, Nepal, is one of the oldest and most revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its origins date back to ancient times, and its architecture showcases intricate craftsmanship and religious symbolism, attracting not only pilgrims but also historians and art enthusiasts. Religious Beliefs: For Hindus, Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of Pashupatinath, represents the destroyer aspect of the divine trinity (Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer). Pilgrimage to Pashupatinath is believed to cleanse sins, bestow blessings, and grant liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). Moksha and Spiritual Awakening: The belief in moksha, or liberation from the cycle of reincarnation, is central to Hindu philosophy. Pilgrimage to Pashupati...

In the vast ocean of Hindu teachings, one principle that stands out is the idea that true spirituality manifests in deep, profound tranquility. This ancient concept is woven into the very fabric of Hindu philosophy, scriptures, and practices, offering timeless wisdom for modern times. Tranquility, or "Shanti," is seen as a hallmark of spiritual maturity and enlightenment. The Concept of Tranquility in Hinduism Tranquility in Hinduism is not just the absence of disturbance or chaos; it is an inner state of peace and equilibrium that arises from self-realization and alignment with the divine. This tranquility is deeply rooted in the understanding of the self (Atman) as being eternal and one with Brahman, the ultimate reality. The Bhagavad Gita, one of Hinduism’s most revered scriptures, speaks extensively about the calm and unshaken nature of a spiritually advanced person. In Chapter 2, Verse 70, Lord Krishna says: "A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of de...

Symbols play a crucial role in human culture, serving as visual representations of complex ideas, emotions, and spiritual concepts. Two of the most widely recognized symbols across different cultures are the Hindu Om symbol and the Heart symbol . While the Om symbol is deeply rooted in spirituality and religious practice, the Heart symbol is universally associated with love, affection, and compassion. This comparison explores the significance, symbolism, universality, and modern-day relevance of these two symbols, delving into their similarities, key differences, and lesser-known facts. The Om Symbol 1. Symbolism and Significance Spiritual Essence: The Om symbol (ॐ) is one of the most sacred and significant symbols in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It represents the fundamental sound of the universe, encompassing all of existence. It is often referred to as the "cosmic vibration." Syllable and Sound: The Om symbol is a visual representation of the syllable "AUM,...

Understanding the Ego in Hindu Philosophy In Hindu philosophy, the concept of the "ego" or "Ahamkara" is central to understanding human existence and the path to liberation (Moksha). The ego is the sense of "I-ness," the identification with the body, mind, and individual personality that separates one from the universal consciousness, or Brahman. According to Hindu teachings, this ego is an illusion (Maya) that veils the true nature of the Self (Atman), leading to a cycle of desires, attachments, and suffering. The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered texts in Hinduism, addresses the problem of ego and how it binds the soul to the cycle of birth and death (Samsara). The Ego as a Whirlpool: The Metaphor of Samsara In Hindu teachings, the ego is likened to a whirlpool, a metaphor that illustrates the turbulent and ever-changing nature of the personal self. Just as a whirlpool is a temporary formation in a river, so too is the ego a temporary manifestation ...

G L Bhat an eminent Sculptor from Bangalore , India , is conducting classes on wood and stone carving. This is an ideal opportunity for sculpture enthusiasts and for those people who want to make sculpting as a profession. The course is held at Sanathana Kalakshetra in Bangalore . Monthly fees of the course is Rs 1000/-. There is also an admission of Rs 1000/-. Uma Swamy writes about the course in Citizen Matters Bangalore It is a special opportunity as G L Bhat is training in wood and stone carving for the very first time. He will conduct these classes in Sanathana Kalakshetra, a centre for training in different arts and crafts, located in 9th Main Road , 4th Block Jayanagar (adjacent to the Telephone Exchange) Sanathana Kalakshetra is conducting evening classes every Tuesday and Friday. Apart from a one time admission fee of Rs. 1000, the fee for the classes is Rs. 1000 per month. The classes began last fortnight but sculptor enthusiasts should hurry if they want to learn. The stu...

 The Hindu Om symbol and the Peace sign are both widely recognized symbols with deep cultural and spiritual significance. Despite their different origins and purposes, they share similarities in their universal appeal and the values they represent. However, they also have distinct meanings and uses that set them apart. This comparison will explore their origins, meanings, symbolism, relevance in modern society, and the ways they are worshiped or revered. Origin and Meaning Om Symbol: The Om (ॐ) symbol, also spelled "Aum," is one of the most sacred symbols in Hinduism and is often considered the sound of the universe. It originates from ancient Indian spiritual practices, specifically in the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts in Hinduism. Om is not just a symbol but also a sound and a mantra. It represents the essence of the ultimate reality or consciousness (Brahman) and is often associated with the beginning of creation. The syllable Om is composed of three sounds: A, U, and M,...

Mundeshwari Bhawani temple, located in Kaimur District in Bihar , belongs to the Gupta Period. It is believed to have been built in 343 AD and is believed to be the oldest surviving Hindu Temple in the world. A book titled - Mundeshwari Mandir: The oldest recorded temple in the country – was released in March 2011. Now the Bihar State Religious Trust Board is planning to make film on the temple. Times of India reports   According to administrator, BSRTB Acharya Kishore Kunal the film will depict the historical characters of Sher Shah, the afghan ruler of Bihar , Mahakavi Banabhatta, Mahasamanta Udayasena, Kulapati Bhagudalan, Dandanayaka Gomibhatta, generals of that time and other characters who were witness to the developments at this temple, known for its divine powers. The film on this 1,652 year old temple will beautifully depict its architectural features specially its octagonal construction on shree yantra which is unparalleled and is not found elsewhere in India or ab...

Detachment, or "Vairagya" in Sanskrit, is one of the core teachings of Hindu philosophy. However, it is often misunderstood as a call to renounce life entirely, to forsake worldly responsibilities, and to live in isolation. This interpretation is far from the truth. Ancient Hindu teachings emphasize that detachment does not mean running away from life; rather, it is about living in the world without being enslaved by it. The wisdom of this teaching is highly relevant even today, offering guidance on how to lead a balanced and fulfilling life. Understanding Detachment in Hindu Philosophy In the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered Hindu scriptures, Lord Krishna explains the concept of detachment to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Arjuna, overwhelmed by the prospect of fighting his own kin, is reluctant to engage in battle. Krishna advises him to perform his duty as a warrior without attachment to the results of his actions. This teaching is encapsulated in the vers...

The Hindu Om symbol and the Shinto Torii gate are two iconic representations from different religious and cultural traditions: Hinduism and Shintoism, respectively. Both hold significant spiritual meaning and have deep-rooted historical, cultural, and philosophical relevance. Let's explore these symbols in more detail, comparing their meanings, uses, and cultural significance. Overview of the Hindu Om Symbol The Om (ॐ) symbol is one of the most sacred sounds and spiritual icons in Hinduism. It represents the essence of the ultimate reality, consciousness, or Atman (soul). Om is considered the primordial sound of the universe and is often used in meditation, chanting, and spiritual practices. Key Elements of the Om Symbol : Phonetic Composition : Om is composed of three sounds - A, U, and M - which represent the trinity of Brahma (creation), Vishnu (preservation), and Shiva (destruction), symbolizing the cycle of existence. Symbolic Meaning : The visual representation of Om inclu...

Chinmaya International Foundation is offering a postal Sanskrit course for beginners. The study material for the Sanskrit course will be mailed through post and is primarily meant to help those who are interested in learning the basics of Sanskrit. This is not a free course – the fees for Indian Citizens is ../- and for foreigners it is /-. On successful completion of the course, students will be awarded a course completion certificate. The course comprises 40 lessons to be covered at the rate of two lessons a month. A total duration of 20 months is required for the completion of the course. However, depending on the entry-level capability and aptitude of a student, the course plan can be modified to suit specific skill sets. You can find more details about Postal Sanskrit Course from Chinmaya International Foundation here.