Now, bid to push back antiquity of the Vedas

[Hindustani78]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...-in-bikaner/story-y1vnoL6uaPyE2qoy1TwfOK.html

Urdu version of the epic was composed by Maulana Badshah Hussain Khan Rana ‘Lakhnavi’ in 1935.
india Updated: Oct 18, 2017 07:20 IST

Urvashi Dev Rawal
Hindustan Times, Jaipur

Maulana Badshah Hussain Khan Rana ‘Lakhnavi’, a poet , came to Bikaner state from Jaipur state in 1914 at the invitation of then ruler maharaja Ganga Singh.

An Urdu version of the Hindu epic Ramayana, composed 80 years ago and awarded a gold medal by Banaras Hindu University, is building bonds of goodwill in western Rajasthan’s Bikaner district.

On Sunday a cultural society in Bikaner held a poetry reading session of the Urdu Ramayana that was written in 1935.

The Mehfil e Adab Society and Paryatan Lekhan Sangh jointly organised the programme.

The Ramayana was composed by poet Maulana Badshah Hussain Khan Rana ‘Lakhnavi’ in 1935.

The story goes that Rana, a poet , came to Bikaner state from Jaipur state in 1914 at the invitation of then ruler maharaja Ganga Singh.

He was employed as the head maulvi at Doongar college from 1919-1942.

At the time many Urdu lovers came to learn the language or learn shayiri from him. One of his students was the then jail superintendent, a Kashmiri panditji.

In 1935, BHU organised a national competition in writing on the Ramayana as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of Tulsidas ,author of the Ramayana.

The jailer, whose name is not known, urged Rana to compose the Ramayana in Urdu.

Rana said he could only write if inspired by the subject and pressed to hear the Ramayana.

“He was so inspired by the story that he composed the epic in poetry form,” said Zia ur Hasan Qadri, secretary of the society and an Urdu lecturer in a government school.

Qadri said Rana felt the epic had inspiring characters and a powerful message that should reach wider audiences.

Rana’s student sent the Ramayana to BHU and it was awarded the gold medal , said Qadri.

When Ganga Singh learnt about this he organised a felicitation ceremony where Tej Bahadur Sapru presented the gold medal to Rana.

Haji Maqsood Ahmed who chaired the poetry reading session said the organisation has been holding the Ramayana recitation for the last five years.

“We are proud the Ramayana was written in Bikaner. The Urdu Ramayana is a symbol of our syncretic culture,” said Ahmed, a former mayor of Bikaner.

The society holds similar programmes on other festivals such as Eid Muharram and Holi.

It’s more than a literary exercise. It helps spread goodwill and build bonds between communities,” said Qadri.

AK Gehlot, former vice chancellor of the veterinary university in Bikaner said the Ramayana is written in simple language and can be read in 30 minutes. “if someone wants to know the story of the Ramayana concisely then they can read this poem.”

Qadri said the book was also part of the Urdu syllabus in Bikaner state before independence. It was also part of Rajasthan Board’s class 12 course till 10 years back.

“We need such efforts in these fraught times to remind people of our shared culture and heritage,” said Dr Mohammed Farooq Chauhan, who came especially to hear the recitation.

Rana passed away in 1946 in Chandra near Lucknow. But his composition which is still being read and appreciated has made him immortal.

The Ramayana is ascribed to sage Valmiki. There are several regional versions of the epic besides Jain, Buddhist and Sikh adaptations. There are also versions of the epic in South East Asian languages.

 

[Hindustani78]

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind receiving greeting from the Governor of Assam, Shri Jagdish Mukhi, on the occasion of Deepawali, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on October 19, 2017.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind receiving greeting from the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, on the occasion of Deepawali, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on October 19, 2017.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind receiving greeting from the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Statistics & Programme Implementation, Shri Vijay Goel, on the occasion of Deepawali, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on October 19, 2017.

The Governor of Assam, Shri Jagdish Mukhi calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, in New Delhi on October 19, 2017.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, in New Delhi on October 19, 2017.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, in New Delhi on October 19, 2017.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind receiving greeting from all walks of life, on the occasion of Deepawali, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on October 19, 2017.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind receiving greeting from all walks of life, on the occasion of Deepawali, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on October 19, 2017.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind receiving greeting from all walks of life, on the occasion of Deepawali, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on October 19, 2017.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind receiving greeting from all walks of life, on the occasion of Deepawali, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on October 19, 2017.

Prime Minister's Office
19-October, 2017 07:56 IST
PM greets nation on the auspicious occasion of Diwali


Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.

“दीपावली के पावन पर्व पर सभी देशवासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। Happy Diwali to everyone!”, the Prime Minister tweeted.

 

[Hindustani78]

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the Hanuman Garhi in Ayodhya on Thursday. | Photo Credit: PTI

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...onal-belief/article19882973.ece?homepage=true

On the second day of his visit here, Mr. Adityanath after having stayed for the night at the Faizabad circuit house, offered prayers at the Hanumangarhi temple before going to the Ram Janmabhumi site.

Later, speaking to mediapersons, the priest-turned-politician said, “Ayodhya is my personal belief and it is my duty to develop Ayodhya,” adding that he had “given instructions for complete cleanliness and hygiene for the temple town”.

“By celebrating a grand Diwali in Ayodhya, I have not started a new practice but it is an age-old tradition here to celebrate the homecoming of Lord Rama,” he said. He said this was an effort by him to protect and promote our age-old culture, he added.

“I am trying to bring the Ayodhya town on the world tourist map by ensuring all-round development,” the Chief Minister said.

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A multi-shot cracker lights up the night sky above Sri Renganathaswamy Temple on Deepavali in Srirangam. Photo: M. Moorthy

 

[Hindustani78]

Archaeologist Kadiyala Venkateswara Rao at the labyrinth in Kolimeru village, East Godavari district.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities...-discovered-in-e-godavari/article19892482.ece

It throws light on ancient cult practices, says freelance archaeologist

A prehistoric painting of a mystic labyrinth has been discovered at a cave on top of a hill near Kolimeru village near Tuni in East Godavari district. The labyrinth, dating back to the Neolithic period, consists of seven circles in red ochre on white pigment painted on a rectangular rock in front of the cave facing the Sun.

“The discovery of the labyrinth throws light not only on the ancient religious practices of prehistoric civilisations, but also on their knowledge about astronomical signs. Ancient civilisations had worshipped Sun and were able to predict seasons and even natural calamities,’’ freelance archaeologist and former deputy director, Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh, Kadiyala Venkateswara Rao told The Hindu on Friday.

Mr. Rao had earlier unearthed a unique Menhir at Karempudi in Guntur district that threw light on the existence of prehistoric civilisations in Guntur district.

The word labyrinth is an ancient Greek word with Minoan cultural influence and means extremely complicated and therefore difficult to understand.

The hills, known locally as ‘Bangaruloya,’ and the rock shelter ‘Pandavulavari Gani,’ have mystic folklore. Locals believe that Pandavas lived in this rock shelter during “aranyavasa,’’ and also thought mystic drawings could indicate that huge gold and precious things were hidden in the caves.

Line drawings

Mr. Rao, now aged 75 years, located the rock shelter after an arduous trek. The natural rock found at the entrance of the shelter has sacred Neolithic labyrinth motifs painted in red ochre on a white pigment. He also found line drawings of a bull and a deer on either side of the labryinth, though the colour has faded away. It is believed that the rock shelter might be a worshipping place of Neolithic hunter-gatherers.

“Ancient literature has thrown light on the ways in which priests studied the equinoxes, solstices and movements of Sun and Moon hoping to gain mastery over the elements. Cult priests might have also performed rituals and other ancestral worshipping practices in front of the labyrinth symbol,’’ Mr. Rao added.

Mr. Rao also discovered a prehistoric cup mark which are also found on other prehistoric sites such as dolmen and menhirs, sacred ritual symbols.

It is interesting to note that similar labyrinths have been found in Europe and other countries and are common in aboriginal art and usually associated with creative energy. In India, labyrinths have been found at Halibedu in Hoyasleshwara Swamy Temple in Karnataka, and in Goa and Rajastan, where they are worshipped as Manas Chakra, a religious emblem.

 

[Hindustani78]

MANGALURU, October 21, 2017 23:08 IST
Updated: October 21, 2017 23:08 IST

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...m-rituals-at-kukke-temple/article19898292.ece

The Malekudiya tribals, who play an important role in rituals at the Kukke Subrahmanya temple, have threatened to stay away from festivities if obstacles were not cleared to hold the controversial ‘made snana’ on Champa Shasti on November 24. They have also sought removal of made snana from the purview of the proposed Bill against superstitious practices.

In a recent letter to the Muzrai Minister, president of Rajya Aadivasi Budakattu Hitarakshana Vedike, Bhaskar Bendodi, said made snana (a ritual of devotees rolling over leftover food on plantain leaves at the temple) has been in vogue for ages in the temple revered by the Malekudiyas. Any ban on this ritual will be akin to hurting the religious sentiments of Malekudiyas, he said.

Mr. Bendodi said the High Court of Karnataka on December 24, 2014 allowed made snana. The State government challenged this decision before the Supreme Court that has now stayed it. Mr. Bendodi has asked the government to clear all obstacles and allow the ritual on November 24.

If the government fails to do so, the tribe will be forced to take a “neutral” stand on participating in the rituals, building chariot and taking part in the Pancha Parva celebration at the temple. No tribe other than the Malekudiyas are authorised to build chariot and take part in the Pancha Parva celebration.

Asked whether the ritual can be held when there is a stay by the Supreme Court, Mr. Bendodi claimed: “So far, I have not officially received any copy of the apex court order staying made snana. My request for a copy filed under the Right to Information Act has not been acted upon,” he said.

Endowments Minister A. Indra Karan Reddy and Home Minister N. Narasimha Reddy starting the Ayutha Maha Vishnu Yagam at Yadagiri on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Singam venkataramana

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-will-be-completed-by-may/article19898781.ece

Minister for Endowments A. Indrakaran Reddy on Saturday said the renovation project of the Yadagirigutta temple taken up by the State government would be completed by May 2018, the latest deadline.

The ambitious ₹ 1,800 crore project would change the face of Yadadri district in terms of investments, and as a mega spiritual centre in Telangana, akin to Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh.

“Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple, Bhadrachalam, Basara, Kaleshwaram and Raja Rajeshwari temple at Vemulawada would also be renovated,” Mr. Reddy said. An initial estimated cost of ₹ 400 crore has been earmarked for the works, he informed. He was inaugurating the Ayutha Maha Vishnu Yagam on the hill shrine, along with the Home Minister N. Narsimha Reddy and local leaders.

Speaking of the special prayers and yagas taken up in the State, Mr. Narsimha Reddy maintained that the Chandi Yagam, earlier performed by the Chief Minister “made the State holy.”

“The Chief Minister’s strategies to develop temples across the State will go down in history,” he opined. The host of leaders later visited the shrine and inspected ongoing works at various sites on the hill. Temple executive officer N. Geetha guided the tour.

 

[Hindustani78]

President's Secretariat
25-October, 2017 20:10 IST
President’s greetings on the occasion of Chhath Pooja

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, has sent his greetings to fellow citizens on the occasion of Chhath Pooja.

In his message, the President has said, “On the occasion of Chhath Pooja, a festival traditionally associated with faith and fasting, I extend my good wishes to all fellow citizens.

The offering of ‘Ardhya’ to Surya, the Sun God, by millions of devotees is an embodiment of the spiritual consciousness of our people.

May this festival, inspired by the energy of the sun, bless us with prosperity and happiness”.

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Prime Minister's Office
25-October, 2017 13:07 IST
PM greets everyone on Chhath Puja

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has greeted everyone on the occasion of Chhath Puja festival

The Prime Minister said,"Greetings to everyone on Chhath Puja.."

***

 

[Hindustani78]

*************

Updated: Oct 25, 2017 20:52 IST
Press Trust of India, Mangaluru

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Durga Mata Temple in Varanasi. Modi will offer prayers at the Lord Manjunatha temple at Dharmasthala in Karnataka on October 29.(PTI)

 

[Hindustani78]

My Cabinet colleague Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji, Shri C.R. Chaudhary Ji, Secretary General, UNCTAD, Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, and other dignitaries present here.

Very few regions of the world have such intensive historical interfaces as this region has. For thousands of years we have been connected by Trade, Culture and Religion. The Coastal Economy has made significant contribution in connecting this region for centuries. Movement of people from one place to another and exchange of thoughts and ideas, has been a two way process and has benefitted every country in this region. Today, we all symbolise a shared heritage not only economically but also culturally.

Friends, consumer protection has been an integral part of governance for ages in India. Consumers' protection finds mention in our Vedas written thousands of years ago. It is mentioned in Atharvaveda that-

"इमा मात्रा मिमीम हे यथ परा न मासातै"

It means that nobody should be involved in malpractices of quality and measurement.

These ancient documents explain the rules of Consumer Protection and the kind of punishment to be given to the trader who indulges in wrong practices. You will be astonished to know that in India around 2500 years ago, during the period of Kautilya, there were guidelines for the government regarding how the trade should be regulated and the interest of the consumers be protected. The Posts in the organisational structure in the Kautilya period may be considered as Director of Trade and the Superintendent of Standards in today’s context.

Friends, we consider consumer as gods. In many shops you may see the writing – ग्राहक देवो भव:। Regardless of the nature of business, Consumer satisfaction should be the prime motive.

Friends, India is one of the first few countries to legislate Consumer Protection Act in 1986, just one year after adoption of UN Guidelines.

Protection of consumer interests is a priority of the government. This is also reflected in our resolution of the New India. Moving beyond Consumer Protection, New India will have Best Consumer Practices and Consumer Prosperity.

 

[Hindustani78]

Chhath Puja 2017 images: Stunning photos of devotees celebrating the festival

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   Chhath Puja is an important Hindu festival that is mainly celebrated in Bihar and some regions of Nepal. The puja is dedicated to the worship of the Sun god and his wife Usha. During the occasion, devotees perform puja to thank god for supporting life on earth and seek the divine couple's blessing. However, Chhath - the main day - isn't the first day but the third day of the puja and, this year it falls on October 26. Here are some photos how people in India are celebrating it. (Express photos by Arul Horizon)
   

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   Woman devotees in Patna put vermillion as part of the Chhath Puja rituals. (Source: PTI)
   

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   Devotees seen offering prayers to the Sun God on the banks of river Ganges. (Source: AP Photo)
   

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   Devotees seen performing the 'Nahaye Khaye' rituals. (Source: PTI)
   

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   Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is clicked inspecting the preparations for Chhath puja on the banks of Ganga in Patna. (Source: PTI)
   

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   Devotees preparing Prasad on the occasion of Chhath Puja. (Source: AP Photo)
   

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   Women in Kolkata are seen buying bamboo items. (Source: PTI)
   

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   People offering prayer during sun set. (Express photos by Arul Horizon)
   

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   RJD chief Lalu Prasad's daughter and MP Misa Bharti seen buying Puja items in Patna. (Source: AP Photo)
   

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   Devotees in Bodhgaya carry holy water from the River Falgu. (Source: AP Photo)
   

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   In Varanasi, devotees gather around on the banks of river Ganga to celebrate. (Source: PTI)
   

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   Women devotees clicked performing Chhath Puja rituals in Pune. (Express photos by Arul Horizon)
   

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   Women performing Chhath Puja rituals in Pune. (Express photos by Arul Horizon)
   

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   People in Lucknow offering prayers on the banks of River Gomti. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastav)
   

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   Hundreds of people gather on the banks of River Gomti in Lucknow to offer prayers to the Sun God. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastav)
   

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   Nepalese women are seen holding coconuts and offering prayers to the Sun god on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. (Source: AP Photo)
   

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A Nepalese woman puts vermillion powder on the forehead of another woman as part of the Chhath Puja rituals. (Source: AP Photo)

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...t-aryans-tgv-tells-ilaiah/article19927530.ece

Plainspeak: Rajya Sabha member T.G. Venkatesh addressing the media in Kurnool on Thursday. | Photo Credit: U_SUBRAMANYAM


Warns the writer against distorting history
Rajya Sabha member T.G. Venkatesh lashed out at writer Kancha Ilaiah on Thursday for dubbing Arya Vysyas migrants, and asserted that they were Dravidians and the term ‘Arya’ denoted nobleness.

A DNA test would prove that the Arya Vysyas were Dravidians and not Aryans, Mr. Venkatesh said addressing the media here.

DNA test

People of the community would immolate themselves if the DNA test proved they were Aryans, he said, and asked Prof. Ilaiah to spell out the punishment he would undergo if he failed to prove they were Aryans.

Flaying Prof. Ilaiah for comparing the Arya Vysyas with the Banias from north India, Mr. Venkatesh asserted that both were business communities but unrelated to each other.

Taking a dig at the Communist leaders for rallying behind Prof. Ilaiah, he said the writer should be given a Nobel prize for changing the mindset of the Communists and making them pro-American.

Mr. Venkatesh said the Supreme Court had only disposed of the plea for a ban on Prof. Ilaiah’s book stating that it required further scrutiny and did not dismiss it as was being claimed.

Saying the Arya Vysyas would not obstruct his felicitation, he said the writer would face a backlash if he continued to distort history.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/a-tribe-that-venerates-pandavas/article19919902.ece

Traditional followers A view of the temple dedicated to Pancha Pandavas at Pinjaramadugu village of Kamepalli mandal in Khammam district. (Right) The Pancha Pandavas in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. | Photo Credit: ; - G_N_RAO


Nayakapodus raised funds and built a new temple in their village

Members of the Nayakpodu tribe in the tiny village of Pinjaramadugu in Kamepalli mandal continue to follow the age-old tradition of worshipping Pancha Pandavas — the main characters of the epic Mahabharata — and the Pandava queen Draupadi with unflinching devotion.

The Pancha Pandavas — Dharmaraja, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva — are held in great veneration by the tribal people here for their virtuous qualities as exemplified in the great epic.

New temple

Earlier this year, the tribe contributed money and raised funds from others for the construction of a new temple dedicated to Pandavas close to the dilapidated Pandavas temple in the village. They built the impressive shrine on the banks of the Peddacheruvu, a rivulet, the lifeline of the local farmers and fishermen.

The sanctum sanctorum of the new temple houses the idols of the Pancha Pandavas, Draupadi, Lord Sri Krishna and Goddess Bhoodevi, sculpted by some gifted artisans from Warangal Urban district.

Traditional values

The original utsav idols of the old Pandavas temple had been preserved at the new shrine, sources said.

“For generations we Nayakapodus have been worshipping Pandavas,” says B. China Venkanna, tribal priest of the Pandavas temple. “We pooled money with the support of the local fishermen cooperative society and donors and built the new shrine dedicated to Pandavas a couple of months ago,” he added.

“Pandavas symbolise virtues and are a great source of inspiration for leading a righteous life. They deserve to be worshipped for their undeterred commitment to uphold Dharma against all odds,” he said, referring to the valiant fight waged by the Pandavas against Kauravas as narrated in the Mahabharata.

Annual jatara

The Pandavas temple attracts devotees in droves during the annual jatara held in the village on the occasion of Dasara festival to mark the triumph of good over evil, recalls Nagabhushanam, a farmer of the village.

“The great epic contains valuable message for humanity and the temple serves as a platform to spread spiritual knowledge to inculcate moral values among younger generation,” Venkateshwarlu, a fisherman said.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ancient resident The ichthyosaur fossil discovered in the arid region of Gujarat.

http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/sc...assic-first/article19920228.ece?homepage=true

The 5.5 metre ichthyosaur, believed to be at least 90 million years old, points to India’s evolutionary links

A near-complete Jurassic-era fossil of an intriguing animal that looks like a mashup of a dolphin and lizard has been unearthed in Kutch, Gujarat.

Guntupalli Prasad, a geologist at the University of Delhi, said when a fossil bone from the animal’s skeleton was first found by an Indo-German research team in Kutch in 2016, they suspected it to belong to a dinosaur. “But the bone was too long and later the whole skeleton was unearthed. It’s the first Jurassic ichthyosaur find in India,” he told The Hindu.

The 5.5 metre-long skeleton is thought to belong to the Ophthalmosauridae family, which lived likely between 165 and 90 million years ago, when the arid Kutch was a sea. The remains were found among fossils of ammonites and squid-like belemnites, and the way the creature’s teeth were worn out suggest it ate animals with thick, bony coverings, the team of scientists report in the October 25 edition of PLOS ONE.

Dr. Prasad, one of the authors of the report, notes: “This also throws light on the evolution and diversity of ichthyosaurs in the Indo-Madagascan region of the former Gondwanaland and India’s biological connectivity with other continents in the Jurassic.”

Sparse evidence

Earlier too researchers have discovered evidence of ichthyosaurs in prehistoric India. Remnants were reported from Ariyalur in Tamil Nadu in 2016 but these were only fossils of teeth and part of the vertebra. In Kutch, the team reported the finding of vertebral column, ribs, neural spines and a part of the snout.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...jain-temple/story-ENjp8MOGWfnSCxpTpOt3uO.html

According to the new approved norms, the devotees would be permitted a fixed amount of water measuring 500ml in an appropriate small pot per person for Jalabhishek.
india Updated: Oct 27, 2017 19:49 IST
Press Trust of India, New Delhi

Annakut celebration at Lord Mahakal temple in Ujjain. The new resolution says at present during the famous Bhasma Aarti (special prayer with sacred ash), half of the lingam is covered with cloth.(HT File Photo)

The Supreme Court approved on Friday new norms for worshipping at the ancient Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple in Ujjain city of Madhya Pradesh, including allowing only 500 ml of reverse osmosis water for the ceremony.

The apex court approved eight points of the resolution passed by the temple management committee in consonance with the recommendation of an expert committee of officials of the Archeological Survey of India and Geological Survey of India.

A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and L Nageswara Rao said the recommendations of the expert committee need to be implemented to preserve the lingam (symbol of the deity).

According to the new approved norms, the devotees would be permitted a fixed amount of water measuring 500ml in an appropriate small pot per person for Jalabhishek (worshipping by offering water).

It said the water for Jalabhishek shall be taken from the Reverse Osmosis (RO) machine installed during Simhastha (religious fair), 2016, for which a connection shall be provided near the sanctum sanctorum.

The new resolution says at present during the famous Bhasma Aarti (special prayer with sacred ash), half of the lingam is covered with cloth. Now on, it would be fully covered with dry cotton cloth during the prayers.

Restrictions were also placed for Abhishek and only up to 1.25 litres of milk or panchamrut (mixture of honey, liquid jaggery, milk, yogurt and ghee) per devotee shall be allowed.

After the Jalabhishek which concludes at 5 pm every day, the lingam will be cleaned and dried to minimise the water content and thereafter only dry pooja would be permitted each day.

The usual practice of rubbing of sugar powder on Shivalinga has been fully banned and instead, the use of Khandsari (unrefined raw white sugar) will be promoted.

A new sewage treatment plant shall be set up within a year and dryers and fans will be used to avoid mositure in sanctum sanctorum.

“Bilva (bel) leaves and flowers shall be used on the upper part of the Shivling to avoid any obstruction in natural breathing of the stone,” the resolution approved by apex court said.

The bench, however, directed the ASI, GSI and other parties to file objections and suggestions if any in 15 days.

“We have entertained this petition just to preserve the lingam only. It cannot be denied that several good work have been done by temple management and it is appreciable that they have accepted the recommendation of the expert committee in one stroke. It is a bold step,” the bench said.

On August 25, the apex court had constituted an expert committee comprising ASI, GSI and other officials to survey and analyse the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlingam and prepare a report containing the rate at which the deterioration in its size was taking place and the measures to prevent it.

The Committee was also directed to study the other structures and also the temple and submit recommendations on steps for overall improvement of the entire premises and its preservation.

The committee had submitted an exhaustive report which was taken on record by the court and the temple management committee was directed to consider the recommendations.

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
29-October, 2017 13:49 IST
PM offers prayers at Shri Manjunatha Swamy Temple at Dharmasthala; addresses public meeting in Ujire


The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today arrived in Mangaluru on the first leg of his visit to Karnataka. He proceeded to Dharmasthala, where he offered prayers at Shri Manjunatha Swamy Temple.

At a public meeting at Ujire, the Prime Minister distributed RuPay cards to Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana account holders. He unveiled a logo to mark the launch of "Preserve Mother Earth, and Transfer to Next Generation" programme.

Addressing the gathering, he expressed happiness at the opportunity to pray to Lord Manjunatha.

He said that the current century is about skill development. India is a youthful nation, and hence, we must harness our demographic dividend, he added.

Our saints and seers created as well as nurtured institutions which have helped society for centuries, the Prime Minister said.

Speaking about the opportunity to hand over RuPay cards to women Self Help Groups, the Prime Minister said that he is happy to see enthusiasm towards digital transactions.

He urged people to use the Bhim App and embrace cashless transactions. This is the era of honesty and integrity; there is no place for those who cheat the system, the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said that every rupee, and every resource from the Government of India is devoted for the welfare of Indians. We are ensuring that the fruits of development reach the intended beneficiaries without any scope of corruption, he added.

Shri Narendra Modi said that conservation of water is a major challenge for us in this day and age. We also need to give importance towards living in harmony with nature and not think about short term gains, he added. He called upon the farmers of Karnataka to embrace methods like drip irrigation that help conserve water.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi arrives at Mangalore airport, in Karnataka on October 29, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being welcomed by the Union Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation, Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda and the Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananth Kumar, on his arrival at Mangalore airport, in Karnataka on October 29, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being welcomed by the Union Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation, Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda and the Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananth Kumar, on his arrival at Mangalore airport, in Karnataka on October 29, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi offers prayers at Shri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, at Dharmasthala, in Karnataka on October 29, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi offers prayers at Shri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, at Dharmasthala, in Karnataka on October 29, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi offers prayers at Shri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, at Dharmasthala, in Karnataka on October 29, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi offers prayers at Shri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, at Dharmasthala, in Karnataka on October 29, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi offers prayers at Shri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, at Dharmasthala, in Karnataka on October 29, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi offers prayers at Shri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, at Dharmasthala, in Karnataka on October 29, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi offers prayers at Shri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, at Dharmasthala, in Karnataka on October 29, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at Shri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, at Dharmasthala, in Karnataka on October 29, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at Shri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, at Dharmasthala, in Karnataka on October 29, 2017. The Union Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation, Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda, the Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananth Kumar and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at Shri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, at Dharmasthala, in Karnataka on October 29, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at Shri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, at Dharmasthala, in Karnataka on October 29, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
29-October, 2017 18:12 IST
PM attends Dashamah Soundarya Lahari Parayanotsava Mahasamarpane at Bengaluru


The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today attended the Dashamah Soundarya Lahari Parayanotsava Mahasamarpane at Bengaluru.

The Soundarya Lahari is a set of shlokas composed by Adi Shankaracharya. At the event, there was mass chanting of Soundarya Lahari.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said he feels a special energy in the environment from this mass chanting.

The Prime Minister recalled his visit to Kedarnath a few days ago, and said he is filled with awe at the work done by Adi Shankara, in that remote location, as well as at other places across India, in his relatively short life-span. He said Adi Shankara had united India, through the Vedas and Upanishads.

The Prime Minister said the common man could relate to Adi Shankara's composition - Soundarya Lahari. He said Adi Shankaracharya removed evils from the society, and prevented them from reaching future generations. He said Adi Shankara had imbibed the best of practices from different ideologies and thought. He said Adi Shankaracharya's penance still exists in the present form of Indian culture - a culture that accepts all, and moves forward together. This culture is the foundation of New India - and follows the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said that in a way, India's cultural heritage holds the answers to all global problems. He said that in India, the stress has always been on preventing the exploitation of nature.

The Prime Minister said that LED bulbs which earlier cost more than 350 rupees, are now available for 40 to 45 rupees under the Ujala scheme. He said more than 27 crore LED bulbs have been distributed so far. This has resulted in savings in the electricity bill as well, he added.

The Prime Minister mentioned that over 3 crore LPG connections have been distributed through the Ujjwala Yojana. This has not only made a positive difference in the lives of rural women, but also contributed to a cleaner environment, he said.

The Prime Minister said that the need of the hour is that efforts be made to free India from evils such as illiteracy, ignorance, malnutrition, black money and corruption.

***
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the Dashamah Soundarya Lahari Parayanotsava Mahasamarpane, in Bengaluru, Karnataka on October 29, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the Dashamah Soundarya Lahari Parayanotsava Mahasamarpane, in Bengaluru, Karnataka on October 29, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the Dashamah Soundarya Lahari Parayanotsava Mahasamarpane, in Bengaluru, Karnataka on October 29, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the Dashamah Soundarya Lahari Parayanotsava Mahasamarpane, in Bengaluru, Karnataka on October 29, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the Dashamah Soundarya Lahari Parayanotsava Mahasamarpane, in Bengaluru, Karnataka on October 29, 2017. The Union Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation, Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda, the Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananth Kumar and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi releasing the Souvenir at the Dashamah Soundarya Lahari Parayanotsava Mahasamarpane, in Bengaluru, Karnataka on October 29, 2017. The Union Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation, Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda and the Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananth Kumar are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi releasing the Souvenir at the Dashamah Soundarya Lahari Parayanotsava Mahasamarpane, in Bengaluru, Karnataka on October 29, 2017. The Union Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation, Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda and the Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananth Kumar are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being felicitated at the Dashamah Soundarya Lahari Parayanotsava Mahasamarpane, in Bengaluru, Karnataka on October 29, 2017. The Union Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation, Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the gathering at the Dashamah Soundarya Lahari Parayanotsava Mahasamarpane, in Bengaluru, Karnataka on October 29, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the gathering at the Dashamah Soundarya Lahari Parayanotsava Mahasamarpane, in Bengaluru, Karnataka on October 29, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Head of the royal family of erstwhile Travancore Moolam Tirunal Rama Varma leading the Arat held in connection with the Alpasi festival of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday. | Photo Credit: S.GOPAKUMAR

The procession witnessed flags and other symbols of erstwhile Travancore being carried by its participants. Elephants that bore the ceremonial drums were taken ahead of the procession. They were followed by the Mounted police and other senior police officers, including Deputy Commissioner of Police G. Jaidev and Assistant Commissioner (Fort) J.K. Dinil, who coordinated the security arrangements.

The leader of the procession was accompanied by the other male members of the family as well as priests, who carried the idols of Sree Padmanabhaswamy, Narasimhamoorthy and Thiruvambadi Krishna in Garuda Vahanas. Special pujas were performed at various points as the procession progressed.