Saturday, 7 April 2012

The Bhagavad Gita


Introduction:

The Bhagavad Gita (Sanskrit: भगवद्गीताSong of God), also more simply known as Gita, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the ancient Sanskrit epic Mahabharata. Since the Gita is drawn from the Mahabharata, it is classified as a Smṛiti text. However, those branches of Hinduism that give it the status of an Upanishad also consider it a Śruti or "revealed" text. As it is taken to represent a summary of the Upanishadic teachings, it is also called "the Upanishad of the Upanishads."The context of the Gita is a conversation between Lord Krishna and the Pandava prince Arjuna taking place in the middle of the battlefield before the start of the Kurukshetra War with armies on both sides ready to battle. Responding to Arjuna's confusion and moral dilemma about fighting his own cousins who command a tyranny imposed on a disputed empire, Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna his duties as a warrior and prince, and elaborates on yoga, Samkhya,reincarnation, moksha, karma yoga and jnana yoga among other topics.

Overview Of Chapters:

Arjuna-Visada Yoga: Arjuna requests Krishna to move his chariot between the two armies. When Arjuna sees his relatives on the opposing army side of the Kurus, he loses morale and decides not to fight.The Gita consists of eighteen chapters in total:
  1. Sankhya Yoga:: After asking Krishna for help, Arjuna is instructed that only the body may be killed, as he was worried if it would become a sin to kill people (including his gurus and relatives), while the eternal self is immortal. Krishna appeals to Arjuna that, as a warrior, he has a duty to uphold the path of dharma through warfare. Krishna told Arjuna the three principles dharma, Atman and the Sharira(Body).
  2. Karma Yoga: Arjuna asks why he should engage in fighting if knowledge is more important than action. Krishna stresses to Arjuna that performing his duties for the greater good, but without attachment to results, is the appropriate course of action.
  3. Karma -Sanyasa Yoga: Krishna reveals that he has lived through many births, always teaching Yoga for the protection of the pious and the destruction of the impious and stresses the importance of accepting a guru.
  4. Dnyan-Karma-Sanyasa Yoga: Arjuna asks Krishna if it is better to forgo action or to act ("renunciation or discipline of action"). Krishna answers that both ways may be beneficent, but that acting in Karma Yoga is superior.
  5. Atmasanyam Yoga: Krishna describes the correct posture for meditation and the process of how to achieve Samādhi.
  6. Dnyana-Vijnana Yoga: Krishna teaches the path of knowledge (Jnana Yoga).
  7. Aksara-Brahma Yoga: Krishna defines the terms brahmanadhyatmakarmaatmanadhibhuta and adhidaiva and explains how one can remember him at the time of death and attain his supreme abode.
  8. Raja-Vidya-Raja-Guhya Yoga: Krishna explains panentheism, "all beings are in me" as a way of remembering him in all circumstances.
  9. Vibhuti-Vistara-Yoga: Krishna describes how he is the ultimate source of all material and spiritual worlds. Arjuna accepts Krishna as the Supreme Being, quoting great sages who have also done so.
  10. Visvarupa-Darsana Yoga: On Arjuna's request, Krishna displays his "universal form" (Viśvarūpa), a theophany of a being facing every way and emitting the radiance of a thousand suns, containing all other beings and material in existence.
  11. Bhakti Yoga: Krishna describes the process of devotional service (Bhakti Yoga).
  12. Ksetra-Ksetrajna Vibhaga Yoga: Krishna describes nature (prakrti), the enjoyer (purusha) and consciousness.
  13. Gunatraya-Vibhaga Yoga: Krishna explains the three modes (gunas) of material nature.
  14. Purusottama Yoga: Krishna describes a symbolic tree (representing material existence), its roots in the heavens and its foliage on earth. Krishna explains that this tree should be felled with the "axe of detachment", after which one can go beyond to his supreme abode.
  15. Daivasura-Sampad-Vibhaga Yoga: Krishna tells of the human traits of the divine and the demonic natures. He counsels that to attain the supreme destination one must give up lust, anger and greed, discern between right and wrong action by discernment through Buddhi and evidence from scripture and thus act correctly.
  16. Sraddhatraya-Vibhaga Yoga: Krishna tells of three divisions of faith and the thoughts, deeds and even eating habits corresponding to the three gunas.
  17. Moksa-Sanyasa Yoga: In conclusion, Krishna asks Arjuna to abandon all forms of dharma and simply surrender unto him. He describes this as the ultimate perfection of life.

Monday, 2 April 2012

Goswami Tulsidas (1532 – 1623)



Birth & Parentage:
Tulsidas was born to Hulsi and Atmaram Shukla Dube in Rajpur, Uttar Pradesh, India in 1532. He was a Sarayuparina Brahmin by birth and an incarnation of Sage Valmiki, the author of the Sanskrit Ramayana. It is said that Tulsidas did not cry at the time of his birth, and was born with all thirty-two teeth intact. In his childhood, he was known as Tulsiram or Ram Bola.
From Family Man to Ascetic:
Tulsidas was passionately attached to his wife Buddhimati until the day she uttered these words: "If you would develop for Lord Rama even half the love that you have for my filthy body, you would certainly cross the ocean of Samsara and attain immortality and eternal bliss". These words pierced his heart. He abandoned home, became an ascetic, and spent fourteen years visiting various sacred places. It is said that Tulsidas met Lord Hanuman, and through him had a vision of Lord Rama.
Immortal Works:
Tulsidas wrote 12 books, the most famous being the Hindi Ramayan — “The Ramcharitmanasa” that is read and worshipped with great reverence in every Hindu home in Northern India. An inspiring book, it contains sweet couplets in beautiful rhyme in praise of Lord Rama. “Vinaya Patrika” is another important book written by Tulsidas.
Wanderings & Miracles:
Tulsidas lived in Ayodhya for some time, and then shifted to Varanasi. He once went to Brindavan to visit the temples of Lord Krishna. Seeing the statue of Krishna, he said, "How shall I describe Thy beauty, O Lord! But Tulsi will bow his head only when You take up bow and arrow in Your hands". The Lord revealed Himself before Tulsidas in the form of Lord Rama with bow and arrows.
It is believed that Tulsidas’s blessings once brought the dead husband of a poor woman back to life. The Moghul emperor in Delhi came to know of this miracle and sent for Tulsidas, asking the saint to perform some miracles. He declined saying, "I have no superhuman power, I know only the name of Rama", only to see himself behind the bars. Tulsi then prayed to Lord Hanuman as countless powerful monkeys invaded the royal court. The emperor released him from prison asked Tulsi to pardon him.
Last Days:
Tulsi left his mortal body and entered the Abode of Immortality and Eternal Bliss in 1623 A.D. at the age of 91. He was cremated at Asi Ghat by the Ganga in the holy city of Varanasi(Benaras).

A Brief Outline of the Plot of Ramayana

Ramayana is the immortal tale of Shri Rama that teaches us the values of ideology, devotion, duty, relationships, dharma and karma.

Rama & Sita: The ideal Royal Couple

Rama, the prince of Ayodhya and his wife Sita are the ideal royal couple. Rama is brave, wise and dutiful, and Sita is beautiful, generous and saintly. Sita gets introduced to Rama at a ceremony called ‘Swayamvara’, organized by her father Janaka, the king of Mithila to identify a suitable bridegroom for her lovely daughter. Princes from various kingdoms are invited and challenge to string a giant bow. Only the mighty Rama could lift the bow, string it and even break it into two halves. This leads Sita to garland Rama as her husband.

Intrigues in the Royal Family

Dasharatha, the king of Ayodhya, had three wives and four sons. Rama was the eldest and his mother was Kaushalya. Bharata was the son of his second and favorite wife, Kaikeyi. The other two were twins, Lakshmana and Shatrughna from his third wife Sumitra. While Rama is all set for coronation, his step-mother, Dasharatha’s second wife, Kaikeyi, wants her son, Bharata, to become king. Before the aged king could hand over his crown to his eldest son Rama, Dasaratha is destined to die. And instead of being crowned king of Ayodhya, Rama is sent into exile in the forest for fourteen year by an intrigue in the palace and a quirk of fate.

Rama is Banished for Fourteen Years

Rama goes to the forest, accompanied by wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, and they live as recluses among the hermits that lead a life of meditative retreat in the deep woods. Bharata, whose mother's evil plot won him the throne, goes to meet Rama in the forest and pleads him to return to the capital. As Rama declines to break his vow given to his deceased father, Bharata is compelled to go back to Ayodhya with his sandals, which he places on the throne as the symbol of Rama’s continuing monarchy.

Rama Fights Ravana, Rescues Sita

While Rama, his wife and brother are living a simple yet happy life in the forest, tragedy strikes! Henceforth, the plot revolves around the abduction of Sita by the demon king Ravana, the ten-headed ruler of Lanka, and Rama’s pursuit to rescue her, aided by Lakshmana and the mighty monkey-general Hanuman. Sita is held captive in the island as Ravana tries to persuade her to marry him. Rama assembles an army of allies comprising mainly of monkeys under the brave Hanuman. They attack Ravana’s army, and after a fierce battle, succeed in killing the demon king and freeing Sita, reuniting her with Rama.

Rama Regains His Kingdom, Sita Returns to Mother Earth

After fourteen years, Rama and Sita return to Ayodhya and are warmly welcomed back by the citizens of the kingdom, where they rule for many years, and have two sons – Luv and Kush. Unfortunately, Sita’s chastity during her period of capture by Ravana comes under scrutiny, and she has to go through trial by fire to prove her purity. But queen, who emerged from the earth at her birth, invokes Mother Earth to take her back into the earth, and the saintly Sita returns to her Mother, never to reappear again.

Lord Brahma Hindu God of Creation

Lord Brahma is part of the Hindu Trinity, which includes Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Within this trinity, Brahma is the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer. Lord Brahma grew in a lotus out of the navel of sleeping Vishnu. The daily alteration of light and dark is attributed to the activity of this God. The Hindu Goddess of Knowledge, Saraswati is regarded as the wife of Lord Brahma. He has two other wives Savitri and Gayatri and all his three wives are depicted as Mother of Vedas. His consort Goddess Saraswathi manifested out of him and all creatures of the world resulted from their union. It is widely believed that a person can change his fate by seeking the blessings of Lord Brahma.


Origin and Birth of Brahma


As per Hindu mythology Brahma Deva was born from a Kamala or lotus springing from Vishnu’s navel and created the world through Saraswati. According to Manu Smriti, the self existent Lord manifested to dispel darkness surrounding the universe. He created the waters and deposited a seed that became a golden egg from which he was born as Brahma. He divided the egg into two parts to construct the heaven and earth and created ten Prajapatis, mind born sons who completed the work of creation. By a third account, the Lord separated himself into two parts, the male and female after dividing the golden egg. Ramayana says that Brahma sprang from  the ether and that sages Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Narada, Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatkumara, Sanasujata and others are his ‘manasa putras’.


Picture of Lord Brahma Hindu God of Creation and one of Trinity Gods


Appearance of Lord Brahma


Brahma is traditionally depicted with four heads, four faces and four arms where his four heads continually recites four Vedas. He is often depicted in white beard, clad in red clothes and he is not seen holding any weapons. One of his hand holds a scepter, the other hand holds a bow, the third hand holds a string of prayer beads called the ‘Akshamala’ and is also seen holding Vedas. His four hands represent four cardinal directions; east, south, west and north. The back right hand represents mind, left hand represents intellect, the front right hand represents ego and the front left hand represent self confidence. The prayer beads represent the substance used in the process of creation whereas the book symbolizes the knowledge. The golden face of Brahma says that he is actively involved in the process of creation and the crown indicates his Supreme Authority. Swan or Hamsa is his vehicle or carrier and his white beard denotes wisdom and the eternal process of creation.


How Brahma is worshipped


There are very few temples dedicated to worship Lord Brahma. There are stories in Hindu mythology that talk about curses that have supposedly prevented Brahma from being worshipped on Earth.


Brahma Temples in India


The Jagatpita Brahma Mandir in Pushkar, Rajasthan is the most famous temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. Other temples that worship Brahma include Thirunavaya Temple in Kerala and Brahma temple in Nerur, Maharashtra and one in Aostra village in Rajasthan. Sree Vedanarayana Perumal is a famous Brahma Temple situated in Kumbakonam near Thanjavur, Tamilnadu. Sri Arulmigu Magudeshwarar and Veeranarayana Perumaal Temple in Kodumudi is a Trimurti temple where Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are worshipped. Brahmapureeswarar Temple in Tirupattur, Tiruchirapalli is an ancient shrine dedicated to the creator of universe, where the idol of Brahma is fully covered with turmeric every day morning.

शिव जी की आरती (Aarti of Lord Shiva ) (Prayer To Lord Shiva)


जय शिव ओंकारा, ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा । Jai Shiv Omkaara, Om Jai Shiva Omkara,
ब्रह्मा, विष्णु, सदाशिव, अर्द्धांगी धारा ॥ Bramha, Vishnu, Sadashiv, Ardhangi Dhaara.
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा Om Jai Shiv Omkara

एकानन चतुरानन पंचानन राजे । Ekaanan Chaturaanan Panchaanan Raje,
हंसासन गरूड़ासन वृषवाहन साजे ॥ Hansaanan Garudaasan Vrishvaahan Saaje.
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा Om Jai Shiv Omkara

दो भुज चार चतुर्भुज दसभुज अति सोहे । Do Bhuj Chaar Chaturbhuj Dasamukh Ati Sohe,
त्रिगुण रूप निरखते त्रिभुवन जन मोहे ॥ Trigun Rup Nirakhate Tribhuvan Jan Mohe.
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा Om Jai Shiv Omkara

अक्षमाला वनमाला मुण्डमाला धारी । Akshamaala Vanamaala Mundamaala Dhaari,
त्रिपुरारी कंसारी कर माला धारी ॥ Tripuraari Kansaari Kar Maala Dhaari
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा Om Jai Shiv Omkara

श्वेतांबर पीतांबर बाघंबर अंगे । Shvetambar Pitambar Baaghambar Ange,
सनकादिक गरुणादिक भूतादिक संगे ॥ Sanakaadik Garunaadik Bhutaadik Sange.
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा Om Jai Shiv Omkara

कर के मध्य कमंडलु चक्र त्रिशूलधारी । Kar Ke Madhy Kamandalu Charka Trishuladhaari,
सुखकारी दुखहारी जगपालन कारी ॥ Sukhakaari Dukhahaari Jagapaalan Kaari.
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा Om Jai Shiv Omkara

ब्रह्मा विष्णु सदाशिव जानत अविवेका । Bramha Vishnu Sadaashiv Jaanat Aviveka,
प्रणवाक्षर में शोभित ये तीनों एका ॥ Pranavaakshar Mein Shobhit Ye Tino Ekaa.
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा Om Jai Shiv Omkara

लक्ष्मी व सावित्री पार्वती संगा । Lakshmi Va Saavitri Paarvati Sangaa,
पार्वती अर्द्धांगी, शिवलहरी गंगा ॥ Paarvati Ardhaangi, Shivalahari Gangaa
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा Om Jai Shiv Omkaara

पर्वत सोहैं पार्वती, शंकर कैलासा । Parvat Sohe Parvati, Shankar Kailasa,
भांग धतूर का भोजन, भस्मी में वासा ॥ Bhang Dhatur Ka Bhojan, Bhasmi Mein Vaasa.
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा Om Jai Shiv Omkaara

जटा में गंग बहत है, गल मुण्डन माला । Jataa Me Gang Bahat Hai, Gal Mundan Maala,
शेष नाग लिपटावत, ओढ़त मृगछाला ॥ Shesh Naag Lipataavat, Odhat Mrugachaala.
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा Om Jai Shiv Omkaara

काशी में विराजे विश्वनाथ, नंदी ब्रह्मचारी । Kashi Me Viraaje Vishvanaath, Nandi Bramhchaari,
नित उठ दर्शन पावत, महिमा अति भारी ॥ Nit Uthh Darshan Paavat, Mahimaa Ati Bhaari.
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा Om Jai Shiv Omkaara

त्रिगुणस्वामी जी की आरति जो कोइ नर गावे । Trigunasvamiji Ki Aarti Jo Koi Nar Gave,
कहत शिवानंद स्वामी सुख संपति पावे ॥ Kahat Shivanand Svami Sukh Sampati Pave.
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा Om Jai Shiv Omkaara

Saturday, 31 March 2012

Ram Navami 2012


Ram Navami in 2012 is on Sunday, the 1st of April

Birth day of Sri Rama, seventh incarnation of Vishnu

Sri-Ramnavami is dedicated to the memory of Lord Rama. It occurs on the ninth day (navami). The festival commemorates the birth of Rama who is remembered for his preperous and righteous reign. Ramrajya (the reign of Rama) has become synonymous with a period of peace and prosperity.
This Year Ram Navami will be celebrated on 1st April 2012.
The birthday of Lord Rama, the celebrated hero of the famous epic, 'Ramayana', is enthusiastically celebrated all over India. Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his human incarnation as Rama, the divine ruler of Ayodhya.
Lord Rama is a legendary figure, the epitome of all that is good and true, the man who vanquished the demon king Ravana. Lord Rama is not just a hero, but has been given the status of a god by the Hindus. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that his birth is celebrated year after year with great pomp & show .
Temples of Rama are decorated, religious discourses are held and the Ramayana is recited for ten days. People sing devotional songs in praise of Rama and rock, images of him in a cradle to celebrate his birth. Rathyatras or chariot processions of Rama, his wife Seeta, brother Lakshmana and devotee Hanuman are held from many temples. The chariot is accompanied by several devotees dressed up in ancient costumes as Rama's soldiers. The procession is a gusty affair with the participants shouting praises echoing the happy days of Rama's reign.
Everyone participates in the puja by first sprinkling the water, roli, and aipun on the gods and then showering handfuls of rice on the deities. Then everybody stands up to perform the arti at the end of which ganga jal or plain water is sprinkled over the gathering. The singing of bhajans goes on for the entire puja.
Finally, the prasad is distributed among all the people who have gathered for worship.
Fasting
Some observe a strict fast on this day. The diet of such a person would include potatoes made in any form without haldi (turmeric), garlic, ginger or onion. He can also eat fruit and root vegetables of any kind. Curd, tea, coffee, milk, and water are also permitted
On the face of it Sri-Ramnavmi appears to be just a festival commemorating the reign of a king who was later deified. But even behind present-day traditions there are clues which unmistakably point to the origin of Ramnavmi as lying beyond the Ramayana story.
A huge fair is held in Ayodhya (Ram Janam Bhumi) on Ram Navami day, where thousands of devotees gather to celebrate this festival.
In Andhra Pradesh:
Ram Navami is a major festival celebrated with great religious fervour and devotion. It is celebrated for 10 days from the Chaitra saptami to the Bahula Padyami that fall in the month of March and April. Rambhaktas visit temples where Rama's birthday is celebrated by the re-enactment of his marriage to Sita. For this reason Ram Navami is also called the Kalyanotsavam .
In Other Parts Of South India 
Besides the usual fasting and prayers, a most delightful tradition that is practised as a part of the Ram Navami celebrations in south India is the narration of stories. Talented storytellers are known to narrate episodes of the Ramayana adding local flavour and humour to it. This is essentially a folk tradition and still continues in villages and small towns.
The Sun is considered to be the progenitor of Rama's dynasty which is called the Sun dynasty (Raghukula or Raghuvamsa, Raghu means Sun and Kula or Vamsa mean familial descendant). Rama is also known as Raghunatha, Raghupati, Raghavendra etc. That all these names begin with the prefix Raghu is also suggestive of some link with Sun-worship. The hour chosen for the observance of the lord's birth is that when the sun is overhead and is at its maximum brilliance. In some Hindu sects, prayers on Ramnavami day start not with an invocation to Rama but to Surya (sun). Again the syllable Ra is used in the word to describe the sun and brilliance in many languages. In Sanskrit, Ravi and Ravindra mean Sun.

Hinduism by the Numbers

Hinduism by the Numbers


three paths:
  • karmamarga - path of works and action
  • jnanamarga - path of knowledge or philosophy
  • bhaktimarga - path of devotion to God
three debts:
  • debt to God
  • debt to sages and saints
  • debt to ancestors
four stages of life:
  • brahmacharga - school years - grow and learn
  • grhastha - marriage, family and career
  • vanaprastha - turn attention to spiritual things
  • sanrgasu - abandon world to seek spiritual things
four purposes of life:
  • dharma - fulfill moral, social and religious duties
  • artha - attain financial and worldy success
  • kama - satisfy desires and drives in moderation
  • moksha - attain freedom from reincarnation
seven sacred cities:
  • Ayodhya
  • Mathura
  • Gaya (Bodhgaya)
  • Kasi (Varanasi, Benares)
  • Kanci
  • Avantika (Ujjain)
  • Dvaraka
ten commitments:1. Ahimsa - do no harm
2. Satya - do not lie
3. Asteya - do not steal
4. Brahmacharya - do not overindulge
5. Aparigraha - do not be greedy
6. Saucha - be clean
7. Santosha - be content
8. Tapas - be self-disciplined
9. Svadhyaya - study
10. Ishvara Pranidhana - surrender to God


Sources

  1. "Hinduism." Oxford Concise Dictionary of World Religions.
  2. "Hinduism." Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Premium Service. 2004.
  3. Huston Smith, The World's Religions.
  4. Linda Johnsen, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Hinduism, pp. 222-24.

Monday, 26 March 2012

Sri Ramcharitmanas ("The Lake of the Deeds of Rama")

Jai Shri Ram



Sri Ramcharitmanas ("The Lake of the Deeds of Rama"), an epic poem composed in Awadhi by by the 16th-century Indian poet, Goswami Tulsidas, is devoted to Lord Rama. It is popularly called as Tulsi-krita Ramayana and is well known amongst the Hindi speaking people of India and elsewhere. It is considered one of the greatest works of Hindi literature. Many of the verses and phrases of this epic have passed into common speech.

Tulsidas started writing Sri Ramcharitmanas in Vikram Samvat in Ayodhya and completed it in two years and seven months. A large portion of this epic was composed at Varanasi, where the poet spent most of his later life.
Sri Ramcharitmanas consists of seven chapters or Adhyaya. The chapters have quatrains called chaupais, broken by dohas or couplets and have occasional sortha and chhand.

The first Chapter is Bala Kand. It tells about the importance of the name Ram of the Lord Ram, how the story of Lord Ram is propogated through the ages, who told whom and how Tulsidas got this story, about the reasons of incarnation of the Lord on earth, the marriage of Shiv & Parvati and the childhood of Lord Ram. It concludes with the marriage ceremony of the Lord Ram and his 3 brothers. The first chapter is the largest of the seven chapters.

The second chapter is Ayodhya Kand. It tells about sending of Lord Ram to forest for 14 years, the event on way to Chitrakoot, life at Chitrakoot, meeting with his younger brother Bharat and all the citizens of Ayodhya and reasons of leaving Chitrakoot for denser areas of the forest. Together, the first and second chapter form half volume of this great epic.

The third chapter is Aranya Kand. It gives a glimps of life of Lord Ram along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman in forest, meeting with sages, devotees and earning of Astra & Shastra (divine weapons) from Gautam rishi, the life at Panchavati, the stealing of Lord Ram's wife Sita by the demon king Ravana, and the search process of Sita by Lord Ram and his brother Lakshmana.

The fourth chapter is about meeting of Ram with monkey king Sugreev, their friendship, the vow of Sugreev to find Sita, fight of Sugreev with his brother Baali, the throning in of Sugreev as king of Kishkindha and the search of Sita by the monkies led by Hanuman, Jambwant, Nal-Neel and Angad.

The fifth chapter is about the exploits and bravery of Hanuman - the incarnation of 11th Rudra (Shiva), the finding of Sita at Ashokvatika in Lanka - the kingdom of Ravana, the burning of Lanka by Hanuman, bringing back the message of Sita to Lord Ram and the effort of Lord Ram to find way across the Indian Ocean to Lanka.

The sixth chapter is about the fight of Lord Ram's monkey army and demon king Ravan's demon army, the fight of Lakshman and Meghanaad, the bringing of life giving medicines by Hanuman to save the life of Lakshman, the killing of Ravana and his complete army, the throning in ceremony of Vibhishan - the youngest brother of Ravan, and the journey of Lord Ram along with Mother Sita and monkey chiefs to Ayodhya.

The seventh chapter narrates the reception of Lord Ram at Ayodhya, the throning-in ceremony of Lord Ram as king of Ayodhya, the paying of respect of all Gods and Vedas to Lord Ram, the rule of Lord Ram, the qualities of His rule, the life and bhakti of Kakabhusundi - the great crow, the various principles of life, about the knowledge & relation of the earthly materialism (Maya), the spirit (Atma) and God - the supreme Lord.

Those who read Ramcharitmanas or the Ramayana are blessed with Bhakti (devotion) and Mukti (salvation). They mostly achieve all that they deserve in the materialistic world and are united with the Lord.


Sunday, 25 March 2012

Hanuman Chalisa

Complete text (hindi, english)



Hanuman Chalisa is hindi poem written by Mahakavi Goswami Tulsidas in the sixteenth century in praise of Lord Hanuman. It is very popular among a lot of modern hindus and is generally recited on Tuesdays (considered a holy day for devotees of Lord Hanuman).
The poem is called a chalisa as it contains forty (chalis in Hindi) verses. The structure of the poem is extremely simple and rhythmic, thus making it all the more popular. The poem praises Lord Hanuman’s strength and kindness and recounts the Lord’s great deeds.





दोहा Doha


श्री गुरु चरण सरोज रज नीज मना मुकारा सुधारी, Shree Guru Charana Saroj Raja Nij Man Mukura Sudhari,
अरनाओ रघुवर विमला यशो जो दयाका पहला चारी, Barnau Raghuvar Bimal Jasu, Jo dhayak Phal Chari,
बूढी हीन तनु जानिके सुमिरौ पवन कुमार, Budhi heen tanu janike sumiro pavan kumar,
बल बूढी विद्या देहु मोंही हरहु कलेसा विकार, Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, harahu kalesh vikaar


चालीसा Chalisa


जाया हनुमान गयाना गुना सागर, Jai Hanuman Gyan Gun Sagar,
जाया कपीस तिहूँ लोक उजागर, Jai Kapis Tihun Lok Ujagar,
राम दूत अतुलिउट बल धामा, Ramdoot Atulit Bal Dhaamaa,
अनजानी – पुत्र पवन सुता नामा, Anjani Putra Pavansut naamaa,
महावीर विक्रम बजरंगी, Mahabir Bikram Bajrangi,
कुमति निवारा सुमति के संगी, Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi,
कंचना वरना वीराजा सुवेसा , Kanchan Baran Biraaj Subesaa,
कनाना कुण्डला कुंचित केसा, Kanan kundal kunchit kesa,
हाथ वज्र अरु ध्वजा विराजे, Haath Bajra Aur Dhvaja Birajey,
कंधे मूंज जनेवु साजे, Kandhe Moonj Janeu saaje.
संकरा सुवना केसरी नंदन, Shankar Suvan Kesari Nandan,
तेजा प्रताप महा जग बंदन, Tej Pratap Maha Jag Vandan.
विद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर, Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chatur,
राम कजा करिबे को आतुर, Ram Kaj Karibe Ko Atur,
प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया, Prabhu Charittra Sunibe Ko Rasiya,
राम लखना सीता माना बसिया, Ram Lakhan Sita man basyia,
सुक्ष्म रूपा धरी सियाही दिखावा, Sukshma roop Dhari Siyanhi Dikhawa,
विकता रूपा धरी लंका जरावा, Bikat roop Dhari Lank Jarawa,
भीमा रूपा धरी असुर संहारे Bhim roop dhari asur sanhare,
रामचंद्र के कजा सवारे, Ramchandrajee Ke kaaj Savare,
लाया सजीवन लखना जियाये, Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye,
श्री रघुवीर हरषी उर लाये, Shri Raghubir harashi ur laye,
रघुपति किन्ही बहुत बडाई, Raghupati Kinhi Bahut Badaai,
कहा भरता समां तुम प्रिया भाई, Tum Mum Priya Bharat Sam Bhai.
सहस वदन तुम्हारो यश गावे, Sahastra Badan Tumharo Jas Gaave,
अस कही श्रीपति कंठ लगावे, Asa kahi Shripati Kanth Laagave.
सनाकादिका ब्रह्मादी मुनीष, Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa,
नारद सरदा सहित अहीसा, Narad Sarad Sahit Aheesa.’
यामा कुबेर दिगपाला जहाँ त,े Jam Kuber Digpal Jahan Te,
कवि कोविद कही सके कहाँ ते, Kabi Kabid Kahin Sake Kahan Te,
तुम उपकार सुग्रीविएना कीन्हा, Tum Upkar Sugrivahi Keenha,
राम मिलाये राजपद दीन्हा, Ram Milaye Rajpad Deenha,
तुम्हारो मंत्र विभीशाना माना, Tumharo Mantro Bibhishan Maana,
लंकेश्वर भये सबा जगा जन, Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaana,
युग सहस्र योजन पर भानु, Juug Sahastra Jojan Par Bhaanu,
लील्यो ताहि मधुरा फल जानू, Leelyo Taahi Madhur Phal Jaanu,
प्रभु मुद्रिका मेली मुख माहि, Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukha Maaheen,
जलधि लांघी गए अचरज नही, Jaladhi Langhi Gaye Acharaj Naaheen,
दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते, Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jete,
सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हारे तेते, Sugam Anugrah Tumhre Tete,
राम दुलारे तुम रखवारे, Ram Duware Tum Rakhavare,
होत आग्न्य पिनु पैथारे, Hot Na Aagya Bin Paisare,
सब सुख लहै तुम्हारी शरण, Sab Sukh Lahen Tumhari Sarna,
तुम रक्षक कहू को डरा न, Tum Rakshak Kaahu Ko Dar naa,
आपना तेजा तुम्हारो आपे, Aapan Tej Samharo Aapei,
तीनो लोक हांका ते कम्पी, Tenau Lok Hank Te Kanpei.
भूत पिसाचा निकट नहीं आव,ेBhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahi Ave,
महाबीर जब नाम सुनावे, Mahabir Jab Naam Sunavei,
नसे रोग हरे सब पीरा, Nasei Rog Hare Sab Peera,
जपत निरंतर हनुमत बीरा, Japat Niranter Hanumant Beera,
संकट से हनुमान चुदवेय, Sankat Te Hanuman Chhudavei,
मन क्रम वचना ध्यान जो लाव,े Man Kram Bachan Dhyan Jo Lavei,
सब पर नामा तपस्वी रजा, Sub Par Ram Tapasvee Raaja,
तीन के कजा सकला तुम सजा, Tinke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saaja,
और मनोरथ जो कोई लावे, Aur Manorath Jo Koi Lave,
तासु अमिता जीवन हल पवई, Soi Amit Jivan Phal Pave.
चारों युग परताप तुम्हारा, Charo Juug Partap Tumhara,
है पारा सीधा जगाता उजियारा, Hai Parsiddha Jagat Ujiyara.
साधू संत के तुम रखवारे, Sadho Sant Ke Tum Rakhvare,
असुर निकंदाना राम दुल्हरे, Asur Nikandan Ram Dulare,
अष्ट सीधी नौ निधि के डाटा, Ashta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Data,
असा वारा दीं जानकी माता, Asa Bar Din Janki Mata,
राम रसायन तुम्हारे पासा, Ram Rasayan Tumhare Pasa,
सादर तुम रघुपति के दस, Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Dasa,
तुम्हारे भजन राम को भावी, Tumhare Bhajan Ramko Pavei,
जन्मा जन्मा के दुख बीस रवी, Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisravei,>
अन्ता काला रघुपति पुरा जाई, Anta Kaal Raghubar Pur Jai,
जहाँ जन्मा हरी – भक्तअ कहाई, Jahan Janma Hari Bhakta Kahai,
और देवता चिट्टा न धरई, Aur Devata Chitt Na Dharai,
हनुमता से यी सर्व सुखा करायी, Hanumant Sei Sarva Sukh Karai,
संकट कटे मिटे सब पीरा, Sankat Kate Mitey Sab Peera,
जो सुमिरि हनुमंत बल्बीरा , Jo Sumirei Hanumant Balbeera,
जय जय जय हनुमान गोसाई, Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai,
कृपा करहु गुरुदेव की नीई, Kripa Karahu Gurudev Ki Naiee,
जो सत् बार पाठ कर कोई, Jo Sat Baar Paath Kar Koi,
छुतही बंदी महा सुख होई , Chhutahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi.
जो यह पढ़े हनुमान चालीसा , Jo Yah Padhe Hanuman Chalisa,
होय सिद्धइ सखी गौरीसा , Hoy Siddhi Sakhi Gaurisa,
तुलसीदास सदा हरी चेरा , Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera,
कीजे नाथ ह्रदय माह डेरा .Keeje Nath Hriday Mah Dera.
दोहा Doha
पवन तनया संकट हरन मंगला मूर्ति रूपा, Pavan Tanay Sankat Haran , Mangal Murti Roop.
राम लखन सीता सहित हृदय बसहु सुरभूप, Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hriday Basahu Sur Bhoop.

Meaning of Hanuman Chalisa

With the dust of Guru’s Lotus feet, I clean the mirror of my mind and narrate sacred glory of Sri Ram , The Supreme among the Raghukul. The giver of the four attainments of life.
Knowing myself to be ignorant, I urge you, The son of Pavan! kindly bestow on me strength, wisdom and knowledge, removing all my shortcomings.
Victory of Thee, O Hanuman, Ocean of wisdom and virtue, victory to the Lord of monkeys who is well known in all the three worlds.
Messenger of Ram with enormous strength, you are also known as “Anjaniputra” and the son of the Air God.
Oh Hanuman ! You are valiant and brave, with a body like lightening. You remove darkness of evil thoughts and are a companion of good sense and wisdom.
Shri Hanuman ‘s physique is gold colored. His dress is pretty, wearing ear-rings and his hairs are long and curly.
Shri Hanuman is holding in one hand a lighting bolt and in the other hand a banner with the sacred thread across his shoulder.
Oh Hanuman You are the emanation of ‘SHIVA’ and you delight Shri Keshri. The entire world propitiates.. You are adorable of all.
Oh Hanuman You are the repository of learning, virtue, you are very wise and are keen to do the works of Lord Ram.
You are eager to listen to the narration of Lord Ram’s story and revel on its enjoyment. You are in the hearts of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman.
You appeared before Sita in a very small form and spoke to her, while you assumed an huge form and struck terror by setting Lanka kingdom on fire.
O Hanuman with your big form you killed demons of Lanka and performed all acts of lord Ram.
When Hanumanji made Lakshman alive after bringing “Sanjivni” herb Lord Ram hugged you, His heart full of joy.
Shri Ram extolled Hanumanji’s excellence and remarked, “you are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat”
Shri Ram embraced Hanumanji saying: “Let the thousand – tongued ‘sheshnaag’ sing your glories”
The sages, saints, Lord Brahma, Narad and Goddess Saraswati along with Sheshnag the serpent, fail to sing the glories of Hanumanji properly.
What to talk of denizens of the earth like poets and scholars even Gods like Yamraj, Kuber, and Digpal fail to narrate Hanman’s greatness.
Hanumanji! You obliged Sugriva, you united him with Lord Ram and got him the Royal Throne.
It is known all over the universe that by following your advice, Vibhushana became King of Lanka kingdom.
Hanumanji you gulped Lord Sun at distance of thousands miles considering it to be a sweet fruit.
Carrying the Lord’s ring in his mouth, you went across the ocean. There is no wonder in that.
Oh Hanumanji all the difficult tasks of this world is made easy by your grace.
Oh Hanumanji You are guarding the door of Lord Ram’s mercy mansion or His divine abode. No one may enter without your permission.
By your grace one can enjoy all happiness and one need not have any fear under your protection.
When you roar all the three worlds tremble and only you can control your might.
Hanuman’s name keeps all the Ghosts, Demons & evils spirits away.
On reciting Hanumanji’s name all the maladies and pain disappears.
Those who remember Hanumanji in thought, word and deed are well guarded against their odds in life.
Oh Hanuman You are the caretaker of even Lord Rama, who has been hailed as the Supreme Lord and the Monarch of all those devoted in penances.
Oh Hanuman You fulfill the desires of those who come to you.
Oh Hanuman Your magnificent glory is acclaimed far and wide all through the four worlds and your fame is all over the cosmos.
Oh Hanuman You are the saviour of saints and sages and destroys the Demons, you are the darling of Lord Ram.
Hanuman has been blessed with mother Janki to grant to any one any yogic power of eight Sidhis.
Oh Hanuman You hold the essence of devotion to Lord Ram, always remaining His Servant.
Oh Hanumanji! through devotion to you, one comes to RAM and becomes free from suffering of several lives.
After death he enters the eternal abode of Sri Ram and remains a devotee of him, whenever, taking new birth on earth.
You need not hold any other God in mind. Hanumanji will give all happiness.
Oh Powerful Hanuman end the sufferings and remove all the pain from those who remember you.
Hail Hail Hail Lord Hanuman I beseech your Honour to bless me in the capacity of my supreme teacher.
One who recites this Hanuman Chalisa one hundred times becomes free from the bondage of life and death and enjoys the highest bliss at last.
As Lord Shankar witnesses, all those who recite Hanuman Chalisa regularly are sure to be benedicted.
Tulsidas always the servant of Lord prays. “Oh my Lord! You stay within my heart”.
O Shri Hanuman, The Son of Lord Air, Saviour The Embodiment of blessings, stay in my heart with Shri Ram, Laxman and Sita.

Thursday, 22 March 2012

शुभ नवरा‍त्री (Happy Navratri)

'Nav' means 'nine' and 'ratri' means 'night'. Thus, 'Navratri' means 'nine nights'. There are many legends attached to the conception of Navratri like all Indian festivals. All of them are related to Goddess Shakti (Hindu Mother Goddess) and her various forms. It is one of the most celebrated festivals of Hindu calendar, it holds special significance for Gujratis and Bengalis and one can see it in the zeal and fervor of the people with which they indulge in the festive activities of the season. Dandiya and Garba Rass are the highlights of the festival in Gujarat, while farmer sow seeds and thank the Goddess for her blessings and pray for better yield. In older times, Navratri was associated with the fertility of Mother Earth who feed us as her children.


The first three days of Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Durga (Warrior Goddess) dressed in red and mounted on a lion. Her various incarnations - Kumari, Parvati and Kali - are worshipped during these days. They represent the three different classes of womanhood that include the child, the young girl and the mature woman. Next three days are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity), dressed in gold and mounted on an owl and finally, last three are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Goddess Of Knowledge), dressed in milky white and mounted on a pure white swan. Sweetmeats are prepared for the celebrations. Children and adults dress up in new bright-colored dresses for the night performances. 


In some communities, people undergo rigorous fasts during this season that lasts for the nine days of Navratri. The festival culminates on Mahanavami. On this day, Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped. Their feet are washed as a mark of respect for the Goddess and then they are offered new clothes as gifts by the worshiper. This ritual is performed in most parts of the country. With commercialization, the festival has moved on to be a social festival rather than merely a religious one. However, nothing dampens the spirit of the devout followers of Goddess Durga, as they sing devotional songs and indulge in the celebrations of Navratri, year by year..


Navaratri Festival 2012


Chaitra Navratri or Vasant Navratri: March 23, 2012 to April 1, 2012
Sharad Navratri: October 16, 2012 to October 23, 2012

नव वर्ष संवत 2069 की हार्दिक बधाई (Nav Varsh Samvat 2069 – Hindi New Year in 2012)


The Hindu Months

Names of the 12 months of the Indian Civil Calendar and Correlation with Gregorian Calendar

Chaitra (30 / 31* Days) Begins March 22 / 21*
Vaisakha (31 Days) Begins April 21
Jyaistha (31 Days) Begins May 22
Asadha (31 Days) Begins June 22
Shravana (31 Days) Begins July 23
Bhadra (31 Days) Begins August 23
Asvina (30 Days) Begins September 23
Kartika (30 Days) Begins October 23
Agrahayana (30 Days) Begins November 22
Pausa (30 Days) Begins December 22
Magha (30 Days) Begins January 21
Phalguna (30 Days) Begins February 20

The Hindu Moon Days

Names of 15 Moon Days in the Hindu Month

Prathamã First
Dvitïyã Second
Trtïyã Third
Chaturthï Fourth
Pañchamï Fifth
Sasthï Sixth
Saptamï Seventh
Astamï Eighth
Navamï Ninth
Dasamï Tenth
Ekãdasï Eleventh
Dvadasï Twelfth
Trayodasï Thirteenth
Chaturdasï Fourteenth
Panchadasï Fifteenth
Purnimã (Suklapaksha) Full Moon
Amãvãsyã (Krsnapaksa) New Moon


Wednesday, 21 March 2012

I AM PROUD TO CALL MYSELF A HINDU ~ Swami Vivekananda



Here am I, one of the least of Hindu race, yet proud of my race, proud of myancestors. I am proud to call myself a Hindu, I am proud that I am one of yourunworthy servants, I am proud that I am a countryman of yours, you the descendantsof the sages, you the descendants of the most glorious rishis the world ever saw.
Therefore, have faith in yourself; be proud of your ancestors, instead of beingashamed of them. When a man has begun to be ashamed of his ancestors, the endhas comeAnd do not imitate, do not imitate! O ye modern Hindus, de-hypnotize yourselves….
Mark me, then and then alone you are a Hindu, when the very name sends throughyou a galvanic shock of strength.Then and then alone you are a Hindu when the distress of any one bearing thatname comes to your heart and makes you fees as if your own son were in distress.Then and then alone you are a Hindu when you will be ready to bear everything forthem. Mark me!
Every one of you will have to be a Guru Gobind Singh if you want to dogood to your country.You may see thousands of defects in you countrymen, but mark their Hindu blood.They are the fist gods you will have to worship even if they do everything to hurt you.All our hatches let us bury and send tout this grand current of love all round…My life’s allegiance is to my Motherland, and if I had a thousand lives, every momentof the whole series would be consecrated to your service, my countrymen, myfriend…

Monday, 19 March 2012

THE SEVEN FIRST SEERS (their cosmic origin and functions) :

1. "Ray of light" = MARICI, husband of Good Health = Sambhuti, who was also the god of the wind and the father of Vision.
2. "Devourer" = ATRI, husband of GUILESS = Anasuya, who gave him Datta, Durvasas and Soma in his first life, and Aryaman (Nobility) and his sister Anala (Purity) in his second life. Born out of the imagination of the Great Being (Brahma) he spurted forth from his eyes. The sons of Brahma had been killed by a curse from Shiva but Atri the devourer revived them in the flames of a sacrifice offered by Brahma.

3. "The Flamboyant" = ANGIRAS, whose principal wives were : Modesty = Lajja; Tradition = Smiriti, and DEVOTION = Shraddha. He also married several daughters of the Seer Daksha and 2 daughters of Maitreya.

Devotion gave him 4 sons : fire = Agni, Immanent truth = Utathya; the movement of the cosmos = Samvarta and the grand Master = Brihaspati (the preceptor of the gods).
The 4 daughters of Devotion and Agni were Sinivali (the first day of the moon, the symbol of fertility); Kuhu (the new moon); Raka (full moon) and Anumati (acceptation or the most auspicious day for the gods to receive their offerings).

ANGIRAS was considered to be the source of light, the priest of the gods and Lord of sacrifices. He was a manifestation of Agni, the power of spiritual illumination and transcendent consciousness born of the thought of the Great Being.

04. "The bridge into space" = PULAHA, whose wife was Pardon = KSHAMA. Pulaha and Rulastya were Seers of the antigods of whom Kashyapa was the progenitor

05. "Inspiration" =KRATU, whose wives were: Humility = Sannati, and Action = Kriya (who had the head of the horse named Hayashiras). He was the source of all intelligence, one of the 10 sons of the great being who had conceived the human race. He was also the father of 60,000 Valaskhilyas, wise men who were only an inch tall and surrounded the chariot of the sun (Bhagavata Purana).

06. "Smooth hair" = PULASTYA and his wife Tenderness = PRITI. His sons the Yakshas were the guardians of treasures and of the Great Being (Brahma). Kubera, the companion of Shiva was also the son of "Smooth Hair".

07. "The Possessor of riches" = VASISHTA, whose wife was Fidelity = Arundhati. He was the son of the cow of Abundance (Delight = NANDINI). Son of Varuna and Mitra; (his mother would become the nymph Urvashi.)
 

Sunday, 18 March 2012

Rudraksha Facts

Rudraksha word is related to Hindu Religion. Rudraksha tree and seed both are called Rudraksha. In Sanskrit Rudraksham means Rudraksha fruit as well as Rudraksha tree.
Rudraksha tree grows on mountains and hilly region of Nepal, Indonesia, Java, Sumatra and Burma. Its leaves are green in colour and the fruits are brown in color and sour in taste. The Rudraksha fruits also adorn the human beings because of spiritual values.






Found in Ancient Indian Scriptures and texts: From ancient times, the power of Holy Rudraksha beads have been scripted in various religious texts like:

"Shivmaha Purana, Shreemaddevibhagwat, Padma Purana, ling Purana, Ashtamalikopnishad, Nirnayasindhoo, Mantramaharnava, Mahakaal Sanmhita, Rudrakshajabalopnishad, Vrihajjabalopnishad, Shivaswarodaya and Sarvollastantra."

As per ancient Indian scriptures mentioned above Rudraksha is evolved from the eyes of Lord Shiva hence, it’s called Rudraksha. Rudra means Shiva and Aksha means eyes. Aksha also means a group of alphabets in Sanskrit called (Varna). As per details found in Halayudh Kosha(Ancient Scripture) letters from A to kshathat is 51 letters are called Aksha . Therefore, Rudraksha can be called as a seed in which a group of Sanskrit letters called Varna reside.

Hindu Rituals And Practices

Hindustan was the land that existed beyond the river Indus, and those that lived there were referred as Hindus. We can see clearly that the word Hindu was originally a secular word meant to define and distinguish people of the Indian subcontinent, rather than those practicing a particular religion.If we go by these ancient traditions, there is hardly any difference between a Hindu and an Indian. Both the words were corrupt forms of the original Sanskrit word 'Sindhu' meaning river in general and the Indus river in particular. The Greeks referred to those living in the subcontinent as 'Indos' while the Muslim scholars called them 'Hindus'. There was however one particular difference. The Greek historians who called the subcontinent as 'Indos' hardly knew much about the religious activity of the region, while the Muslim scholars had some knowledge of the native traditions though not in complete detail.But they chose to describe the natives as Hindus to contrast them with the Muslims. The Europeans who came to India from the sixteenth century onwards followed the same tradition and referred the natives as Hindus to distinguish them from the non-Muslims. More than tradition perhaps it was convenience which prompted them to use the word 'Hindu' to describe the vast majority of the non-Muslim population of India.

Birth of word 'HINDU'

Hindustan was the land that existed beyond the river Indus, and those that lived there were referred as Hindus. We can see clearly that the word Hindu was originally a secular word meant to define and distinguish people of the Indian subcontinent, rather than those practicing a particular religion.If we go by these ancient traditions, there is hardly any difference between a Hindu and an Indian. Both the words were corrupt forms of the original Sanskrit word 'Sindhu' meaning river in general and the Indus river in particular. The Greeks referred to those living in the subcontinent as 'Indos' while the Muslim scholars called them 'Hindus'. There was however one particular difference. The Greek historians who called the subcontinent as 'Indos' hardly knew much about the religious activity of the region, while the Muslim scholars had some knowledge of the native traditions though not in complete detail.But they chose to describe the natives as Hindus to contrast them with the Muslims. The Europeans who came to India from the sixteenth century onwards followed the same tradition and referred the natives as Hindus to distinguish them from the non-Muslims. More than tradition perhaps it was convenience which prompted them to use the word 'Hindu' to describe the vast majority of the non-Muslim population of India.

Saturday, 17 March 2012

Temples







Overview Of Hinduism


About 80 percent of India's population regard themselves as Hindus and 30 million more Hindus live outside of India. There are a total of 900 million Hindus worldwide, making Hinduism the third largest religion (after Christianity and Islam).
The term "Hinduism" includes numerous traditions, which are closely related and share common themes but do not constitute a unified set of beliefs or practices.
Hinduism is thought to have gotten its name from the Persian word hindu, meaning "river," used by outsiders to describe the people of the Indus River Valley. Hindus themselves refer to their religion as sanatama dharma, "eternal religion," and varnasramadharma, a word emphasizing the fulfillment of duties (dharma) appropriate to one's class (varna) and stage of life (asrama).
Hinduism has no founder or date of origin. The authors and dates of most Hindu sacred texts are unknown. Scholars describe modern Hinduism as the product of religious development in India that spans nearly four thousand years, making it the oldest surviving world religion. Indeed, as seen above, Hindus regard their religion as eternal (sanatama).
Hinduism is not a homogeneous, organized system. Many Hindus are devoted followers of Shiva or Vishnu, whom they regard as the only true God, while others look inward to the divine Self (atman). But most recognize the existence of Brahman, the unifying principle and Supreme Reality behind all that is.
Most Hindus respect the authority of the Vedas (a collection of ancient sacred texts) and the Brahmans (the priestly class), but some reject one of both of these authorities. Hindu religious life might take the form of devotion to God or gods, the duties of family life, or concentrated meditation. Given all this diversity, it is important to take care when generalizing about "Hinduism" or "Hindu beliefs."
The first sacred writings of Hinduism, which date to about 1200 BC, were primarily concerned with the ritual sacrifices associated with numerous gods who represented forces of nature. A more philosophical focus began to develop around 700 BC, with the Upanishads and development of the Vedanta philosophy. Around 500 BC, several new belief systems sprouted from Hinduism, most significantly Buddhism and Jainism.
In the 20th century, Hinduism began to gain popularity in the West. Its different worldview and its tolerance for diversity in belief made it an attractive alternative to traditional Western religion. Although there are relatively few western converts to Hinduism, Hindu thought has influenced the West indirectly by way of religious movements like Hare Krishna and New Age, and even more so through the incorporation of Indian beliefs and practices (such as the chakra system and yoga) in books and seminars on health and spirituality.