Now, bid to push back antiquity of the Vedas

[Hindustani78]

Employees of the Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple bursting crackers on Wednesday to celebrate the UNESCO Award of Merit given in recognition of the conservation efforts the temple. | Photo Credit: M. Srinath

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ward-for-srirangam-temple/article19963814.ece

Its conservation project competed with those from nine countries

The massive renovation and restoration effort at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, executed through the public-private partnership model, has won the UNESCO Asia Pacific Award of Merit 2017 for cultural heritage conservation.

The temple bagged one of the four Awards of Merit from a jury comprising nine international conservation experts, which considered conservation projects from 10 countries in the Asia Pacific region.

The renovation of the temple began in June 2014 at the behest of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, who was elected from the Srirangam constituency back in 2011. The massive project was executed in phases, at a cost of about ₹25 crore, with contributions from the government as well as donors. The kumbabishekam was performed in two stages — in September and November 2015.

The temple, considered the foremost of the 108 divyadesams, is situated on an islet between the Cauvery and the Coleroon rivers. It has seven prakaras and 21 towers, including the majestic 236-feet-high rajagopuram.

The renovation of the temple involved painstaking work by experienced sthapathis, under the guidance of experts in archaeology for over a year.

“The old grandeur of the temple has been restored. About 60,000 tonnes of construction waste/debris was removed during the renovation. The hundred-pillar and thousand-pillar mandapams and various other mandapams, some of which were out of the public view for long, have been restored, as were several sculptures in the numerous sub-shrines. It is very satisfying that the hard work has been recognised,” said an elated P. Jayaraman, joint commissioner of the temple, even as the temple’s employees burst crackers in front of the rajagopuram to celebrate the occasion on Wednesday evening.

Words of praise from the UNESCO jury came as music to the ears of the temple authorities, especially in view of the criticism of the renovation project from a group of people, who have also taken the issue to the court.

“The project has revealed the original fabric of the shrines, water bodies and landscape within the temple’s four inner enclosures, which were once obscured under layers of inappropriate modern additions and tons of debris. Employing traditional construction materials and techniques, the restoration work was carried out in an authentic manner by local craftspeople in accordance with ancient building principles and rites. The temple today attracts great attention among its devotees and supporters, whose renewed sense of pride and custodianship will ensure its long-term sustainability,” commented the jury.

“This is an example of how government-private partnership can work and complete the work in record time. It has also proved that restoration can be done without the use of cement or any modern tiles, which can be replicated. In temples, it is also about restoration and not [just] renovation,” said Venu Srinivasan, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the temple.

The second phase of renovation of damaged portions of the temple ramparts is set to begin soon. A few other conservation works are also on the anvil inside the temple, officials said.

(with inputs from Sanjay Vijaykumar in Chennai)

 

[Hindustani78]

Nannaya Bhattaraka (sometimes spelled Nannayya or Nannaiah; ca. 11th century AD) is the earliest known Telugu author, and the author of the first third of the Andhra mahabharatam, a Telugu retelling of the Mahabharata.

Pulakesin II (609–642) of Chalukya Dynasty, the ruler of Vatapi (Badami of Karnataka) conquered Vengi (Andhra) and sent Kubja Vishnuvardhana, his brother, as viceroy for the Vengi region. Later in 634 AD, Vishnuvardhana declared himself independent and established Eastern Chalukya Dynasty in Andhra Pradesh that lasted for five centuries. Rajaraja Narendra of Eastern Chalukya Dynasty ascended to the throne in 1022 AD. At the time of Rajaraja Narendra, two literary works in Kannada language, viz., Vikramarjuna Vijaya and Gadayudda already popularized the story of Sanskrit Mahabharata in Karnataka. Kannada translations of Mahabharata were available by the Seventh and Eighth centuries. But, Puranaas were not available in Telugu. Brahmins used to recite Puranaas such as Sanskrit Mahabharata in Temples and courts.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/strings-attached/article19982142.ece

Puppetry shows relive the legend of the Ramayana in ancient temples in Kerala

The ancient Aryankavu temple in Shoranur provides a perfect backdrop for Tholpavakoothu, a 2,000-year-old puppet art form practised in Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram districts of Kerala. The temple owned by a family is, perhaps, the only venue where all episodes (Kandams) of the Kamba Ramayana are staged. “We use nearly 200 puppets for the 21-day show, each representing a character in sitting, standing, walking or fighting posture. In other places, we use fewer than 100; you can stage a Koothu with 10 to 15 too,” Viswanatha Pulavar, a Tholpavakoothu maestro, says.

Legend has it that as Bhagavathy, or the Mother Goddess, was fighting the demon Darika, she could not watch the Rama-Ravana war. So the Ramayana is staged for her. In most temples, the idol of the goddess is placed on a pedestal and Tholpavakoothu is staged in front of the deity. The Koothu is performed on a stage called Koothumadam, and many temples have such permanent structures. The 42-foot-long stage has a screen (white cloth) behind which the puppets are held. The shadow play unfolds in the light cast by lamps lit in coconut shells.

“The shlokas are in palm leaves, and we have to learn over 3,000 of them. We have to know the meanings as well,” says Viswanatha Pulavar, son of K.L. Krishnankutty Pulavar, who was instrumental in popularising Tholpavakoothu. When the shlokas are recited, the puppets are moved to the accompaniment of musical instruments such as the chenda, maddalam, ezhupara, ilathalam, conch and cherukuzhal. The performance starts around 8 p.m. and winds up at dawn.

The puppets were made using deer skin in the past, but now goat and buffalo hide is used. The puppets are mounted on bamboo shafts that act as supports for the flat figures and allow the puppeteers to manipulate them.

Push and pull: K. Lakshmana Pulavar stitching threads and poles on finished puppets. The strings and poles are used to move the marionettes during the show. Photo: K.K. Mustafah

Stylus signatures: K. Viswanatha Pulavar, maestro, reads Tholpavakoothu shlokas on ancient palm-leaf manuscripts. Photo: K.K. Mustafah

Leather art: Tholpavakoothu artist K. Lakshmana Pulavar chipping leather for making puppets at a workshop at Koonathara, near Palakkad, in Kerala. The figures are drawn on the leather, cut out and embellished with dots, lines and holes. Photo: K.K. Mustafah

Atelier moments: Viswanatha Pulavar and Lakshmana Pulavar, who are siblings, giving finishing touches to the puppets. Photo: K.K. Mustafah

Viswanatha Pulavar applying a mixture of camphor and herbs on a wick lamp to intensify the depth of war and horror scenes. Photo: K.K. Mustafah

The show goes on. Photo: K.K. Mustafah

A performance in progress at a venue near Thirssur . Photo: K.K. Mustafah

 

[Hindustani78]

President's Secretariat
10-November, 2017 14:01 IST
Spread awareness about organ donation, President tells doctors, teachers and religious leaders

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, graced the Dehdaniyon Ka Utsav organised by the Dadhichi Deh Dan Samiti, today (November 10, 2017) in New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that body/organ donation is true to the ethos of our ancient civilization. It is believed that Maharishi Dadhichi had donated his body so that the Gods could make a weapon from his bones and defeat the forces of evil. The thought that in our lifetime, or even after death, our body or body organs could be useful to or help treat another person is both humanistic and inspiring.

The President said that an estimated 500,000 people die every year in our country due to unavailability of organs that can be transplanted. Of them, 200,000 suffer from liver diseases and 50,000 from cardiovascular diseases. In addition, approximately 150,000 people await kidney transplantation. The President appealed to doctors, educational institutions, teachers and religious leaders to spread awareness about body and organ donation. He said that due to poverty some people may be compelled to sell their body organs, and this was unacceptable. If we institute a culture of voluntary donation, then the illegal market will gradually come to an end.

***

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind at the “Dehdaniyon Ka Utsav”, organised by the Dadhichi Deh Dan Samiti, at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, in New Delhi on November 10, 2017. The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh is also seen.

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind addressing at the “Dehdaniyon Ka Utsav”, organised by the Dadhichi Deh Dan Samiti, at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, in New Delhi on November 10, 2017.

The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh addressing at the “Dehdaniyon Ka Utsav”, organised by the Dadhichi Deh Dan Samiti, at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, in New Delhi on November 10, 2017.

**********


Dadhichi, also known as Dadhyancha, He is revered amongst the greatest of sages and is portrayed as an example that no sacrifice is too great when the result is the good of the world. His bones are used as a symbol on India’s highest award for gallantry “Param Vir Chakra” as “Vajra”. He was among one of the greatest among clan of bhrigus. He is credited with giving up his life in order to allow the Gods (Devatas) to make weapons from his bones to defeat the Demons (Asuras), recapture Heaven (Svargalok) and release all the world’s water for all living beings.

Dadhichi was the son of Atharvan, a rishi and his wife Chitti, Chitti was sage Kardam’s daughter. According to puranic legend Dabas are the descendants of Maharishi Dadhichi the great king of Hindh in Vedic period.He had four sons namely Dahiya, Davyas (Dabas), Kundu and Hooda. Dadhichi an emperor turned Maharishi died at the age of 100 years while fighting . In the battle his four sons fought with utmost bravery and annihilated . The author of the epic goes on to state that Dahiya, Dabas, Kundu and Hooda lived together up to the times of Mahabharata in the form of groups like Shoorasena, Vrishni and Bhoja in Ujjain, Avantika, Sambhal, Indraprastha, Rajasthan and other parts of Northern India up to 7th Century AD.

Pippalada is an ancient teacher of the Atharva-Veda, He is son of sage Dadhichi. He is famous for prasna Upanishad, where he answers his pupils queries. He is famous for making afraid Indra and other gods, as a child by the boon of Lord Shiva. As Pippalada brought under the pipal tree after his parents died, nobody was to name him, and his name was known with the pippal. The mystical significance refers to this tree’s association with initiation or nirvana attainment; it was under a pippala that Gautama Buddha is said to have attained nirvana, as well as Buddhahood.

Many later Puranas describe the Vajra, with the story modified from the Rig Vedic original. One major addition involves the role of the Sage Dadhichi. According to one account Indra the King of the devas was once driven out of devaloka by an asura named Vritra.Vishnu revealed to Indra that only the weapon made from the bones of the sage Dadhichi would defeat Vritra. Indra and the other devas therefore approached the sage, whom Indra had once beheaded, and asked him for his aid in defeating Vritra.

There have also been instances where the war god Skanda (Murugan) is described as holding a Vajra. Skanda is also the name of a Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism who wields a Vajra.

 

[Hindustani78]

A view of the Sabarimala Sannidhanam. | Photo Credit: Lejukamal


The Travancore Devaswom Board is an autonomous body constituted under the Travancore Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions (TCHRI) Act of 1950 for administrating nearly 1,250 temples in the former princely State of Travancore.

These temples were earlier administered by the ruler of Travancore prior to the integration of the princely States of Travancore and Cochin in 1949. The constitution of the Devaswom board was drafted based on the covenant entered into by the Maharaja of Travancore in May 1949, and concurred to and guaranteed by the Government of India.

The board, with an annual budget of ₹983 crore and earnings in the region of ₹210 crore from the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, has a president and two members. One member shall be nominated by the Hindus among the Council of Ministers and the other member shall be elected by the Hindus among the Members of the Legislative Assembly.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...re-ministry/story-ID8gQ1TRPMxE3B2mu3ikVP.html

Patanjali has accused the National Mission for Manuscripts of spending crores of rupees of public money for collecting manuscripts but not making any use of it in public interest.
india Updated: Nov 11, 2017 21:26 IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev’s Divya Yog Mandir Trust Patanjali Yogpeeth says it has repeatedly sought access to rare ayurveda and yoga manuscripts for research purposes and not commercial use.(Reuters File Photo)

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There is a tussle going on between Yoga guru Baba Ramdev’s Divya Yog Mandir Trust Patanjali Yogpeeth and the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) which comes under the Union ministry of culture over access to copies of rare manuscripts on ayurveda and yoga.

Patanjali wants to access digital copies of the manuscript for research, but NMM doesn’t seem to be too keen on sharing the documents, despite the intervention of its parent ministry, the ministry of culture. NMM director V Venkata Ramana Reddy could not be reached for comment because he went on a month-long medical leave last week. People familiar with the matter at NMM said on condition of anonymity that Reddy’s message to them, mentioning the intervention of the minister of culture and asking that the manuscripts be shared, was seen as more of a guideline than a direction.

NMM’s position has been that there are copyright issues. In August, Reddy wrote to Patanjali: “The NMM cannot use or provide to any third party the digital copies of any manuscripts without the prior permission of the manuscripts holders. We have written to the ministry regarding the ownership rights and also requested the institutes, which have been covered under the digitization project to provide their consent for making the digital data accessible to people on the website of NMM.”

Patanjali doesn’t see it that way.

It has accused the mission of spending crores of rupees of public money for collecting manuscripts from across India but not making any use of it in public interest. It blamed the mission of deviating from its mandate of dissemination of knowledge contained in the manuscripts.

Acharya Balkrishna, general secretary, Patanjali Yogpeeth, said the trust has already published about two dozen research books and manuals on the subject after collecting manuscripts as old as 2,000 years from various sources including libraries and individuals.

“We have requested multiple times to the NMM and the ministry that we do not want original manuscripts but copies, and only for research and publication purposes for the benefit of the people in general with no commercial use,” Balkrishna said over the phone. “These government-run institutions collected manuscripts and digitized the same using public money running in crores of rupees but are not allowing us access for public use. We have been trying for this for the past 4-5 years. I met the NMM’s directors too but to no avail,” he added.

One of Patanjali Yogpeeth’s affiliates Patanjali Ayurved is in the business of making and selling foods and cosmetics.

In September, after Union minister of culture Mahesh Sharma intervened in favour of Patanjali, Reddy wrote to the Manuscript Resource Centers (MRCs) and Manuscript Conservation Centers (MCCs), from where it sources manuscripts, asking them to hand over the digitized copies of manuscripts to Patanjali. The NMM sources the manuscripts from MRCs and MCCs for digitization but returns the original manuscripts along with a DVD containing the digitized data.

“The minister of culture has desired that digitized/photocopies of the manuscripts on Ayurveda and Yoga available with your MRC may be provided to the Patanjali Yogpeeth for research purpose,” the NMM director said in an email to the MRCs. The email had no effect.

The Mission has so far digitized about 1,200 Ayruveda and Yoga manuscripts. It is said to have about 10,000 Ayurveda and Yoga manuscripts in its possession. Launched in 2003 during the NDA government, the NMM works for the preservation of the vast manuscript wealth of India — estimated to be in the tens of millions. These manuscripts cover a variety of themes.

 

[Hindustani78]

Vice President's Secretariat
12-November, 2017 19:45 IST
Education is a key instrument in developing social infrastructure: Vice President

Addresses East West Cultural Festival

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that education is a key instrument in developing social infrastructure - for it breaks the vicious cycle of poverty and underdevelopment. He was addressing the East West Cultural Festival in commemoration of the 121st birth anniversary of Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder and Acharya of ISKCON, here today.


The Vice President said that for millenniums, India has served as the seat of knowledge, combined with its deep and rich culture, it has taught countless people the righteous path of life. He further said that India has also been the land of Maha-purushas who dedicated their lives to serve humanity.


The Vice President said that due to globalization and technology, the world has become interconnected and multi-culturalism is common. He further said that much before all of these began, Swami Prabhupada had already built a bridge between the East and the West and that bridge was a cultural bridge. It allowed the west to experience the rich heritage of India, he added.


The Vice President said that we meet at a very peculiar time where on one hand the world is making rapid advancement in various fields; yet on the other hand many challenges in the form of terrorism, environmental degradation, drug addiction, hatred, hunger & poverty continue to stare at us. He further said that culture, on the other hand, is the life-sustaining force of social infrastructure. It enlivens ethical and moral values that seem to be eroding in our modern lives, he added.


Following is the text of Vice President's address:


"In many ways it is astonishing that a person who is seventy years old did all of this, sleeping just three-four hours a day and produced so many books which have been translated into 82 world languages.


But, we meet at a very peculiar time where on one hand the world is making rapid advancement in various fields; yet on the other hand many challenges in the form of terrorism, environmental degradation, drug addiction, hatred, hunger & poverty continue to stare at us.


It is in challenging times like these that I find the message of Swami Prabhupada very relevant. The beauty of his teachings lay in the fact that he united everyone under the banner of devotion and service without making any distinctions of race, gender, caste, religion or social status. He and his movement are equally accessible to anyone and everyone.


This is the teaching of this land that we see everyone as one family without any bias or distinction – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.


It is natural that when we see the world as one family, our care and concern extends to everyone. This was witnessed in the life of Swami Prabhupada. He not only provided spiritual teachings but equally cared for the wellbeing of others.


Community welfare too is at the very heart of the social infrastructure that dominated our Indian civilization for millennia. It is our great civilization that gave the world the famous slogan:


lokah samasta sukhino bhavantu

sarve janah sukhino bhavantu

sarva jiva jantu sukhino bhavantu



“May the whole world be happy and peaceful. May all the people in the world be happy and peaceful. May all forms of life be happy and peaceful.”


I’m happy to learn that the project he started as the Hare Krishna Food For Life is today the world’s largest food relief program. Under the Annamrita program, ISKCON members daily feed 12 lakh government school students free meals. Under the tribal care initiative the organization is providing education, health care in remote parts of Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal. All these initiatives are highly commendable.


Education is a key instrument in developing social infrastructure - for it breaks the vicious cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.


Culture, on the other hand, is the life-sustaining force of social infrastructure. It enlivens ethical and moral values that seem to be eroding in our modern lives.


But to me – Swamy Prabhupada’s greatest achievement was that he was an exemplary ambassador of India’s ancient civilization. He carried the same traditional values that you, his followers, are now promoting from inside and outside the shores of India.


And he was so remarkably successful in doing this, that today we see hundreds of thousands of westerners who are exceptionally Indian in their outlook and remarkably Vedic in their lifestyles.


This fits in well with one of the seven purposes of ISKCON “…. to educate all people in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.”


Movements like ISKCON, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, are helping the youth of India who are our future to lead a compassionate, service oriented life free of vices.


The 15th century saint Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu enjoins all Indians to do paropakara or welfare activity for humankind. This is what our scriptures have also said – “Paropakaararthamidam Shariram” (This body of ours becomes useful if it serves others). This is a direct order that Swami Prabhupada, who comes in the lineage of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, took to heart when he travelled worldwide and promoted the true glory of India.


He spread Krishna consciousness around the globe. It is a consciousness which promotes love, harmony and enables each human being to realize the divine forces lying latent within us.


Once again, I thank you for inviting me to be here amidst all of you for this nice festival. I wish you all success in your future endeavors to serve the society.

Thank you very much.


Jai Hind!"

***

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was born in Mayarpur in the town of Nadia, just after sunset on the evening of the 23rd Falgun, 1407 Advent of Sakabda answering to the 18th Februrary, 1486 of the Christian era.


It was at the age of fourteen or fifteen that Mahaprabhu was married to Laksmhi Devi, the daughter of Ballabha Acharya, also of Nadia. He was at this age considered as one of the best scholars of Nadia, the renowned seat of Nyaya philosophy and Sakskrit learning. Not to speak of the smarta pandits, the naiyaiks were all afraid of confronting Him in literary discussions. Being a married man, He went to Eastern Bengal on the banks of the Padma for acquirement of wealth. There He displayed His learning and obtained a good sum of money. It was at this time that He preached Vaishnavism at intervals. After teaching him the principles of Vaishnavism, He ordered Tapan Misra to go and live in Benares. During His residence in East Bengal, His wife Lakshmi Devi left this world from the effects of snakebite. On returning home, He found His mother in a mourning state. He consoled her with a lecture on the uncertainty of human affairs. It was at His mother's request that He married Vishnupriya, the daughter of Rakj pandit Sanatan Misra. His comrades joined Him on His reutrn from pravas, or sojourn. He was now so renowned that He was considered to be the best pandit in Nadia. Keshab Misra of Kashmere, who has called himself the Great Digvijayi, came to Nadia with a view to discuss with the pandits, of that place. Afraid of the so-called conquering pandit, the tol professors of Nadia left their town on pretence of invitation. Keshab met Mahaprabhu at the Barokonaghat in Mayapura, and after a very short discussion with Him he got defeated by the boy and mortification obliged him to decampt. Nimai pandit was now the most important Pandit of His times

Upon His return to Puri, Raja Prataparudra Dev and several Pandit Brahmins joined the banner of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He was now twenty-seven years of age. In his 28th year he went to Bengal as far as Gaud in Maldah.

There He picked up two greater personages named Rupa and Sanatan. Though descended from the lines of the Karnatik Brahmins, these two brothers turned out demi Musalmans by their continual contact with Hussain Shah, the then Emperor of Gaud. Their names had been changed by the Emperor into Dabir Khas and Sakar Mallik and their master loved them heartily, as they were both learned in Persian, Arabic and Sanskrit and were loyal servants of the state. The two gentlemen had found no way to come back as regular Hindus, and had written to Mahaprabhu. while He was at Puri for spiritual help. Mahaprabhu had written in reply that He would come to them and extricate them out of their spiritual difficulties. Now that He had come to Gaud, both the brothers appeared before Him with their long standing prayer. Mahaprabhu ordered them to go to Vrindavan and meet Him there.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu lighting the lamp at the East West Cultural Festival organised by ISKCON, in New Delhi on November 12, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at the East West Cultural Festival organised by ISKCON, in New Delhi on November 12, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the East West Cultural Festival organised by ISKCON, in New Delhi on November 12, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the East West Cultural Festival organised by ISKCON, in New Delhi on November 12, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Director General, National Modern Art Gallery Shri Adwaita Charan Gadanayak inaugurating an exhibition “PUTUL, Folks Dolls & Toys of West Bengal”, in New Delhi on November 14, 2017.

The Director General, National Modern Art Gallery Shri Adwaita Charan Gadanayak visiting after inaugurating an exhibition “PUTUL, Folks Dolls & Toys of West Bengal”, in New Delhi on November 14, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Tirumala temple

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-up-for-vaikuntha-ekadasi/article20446693.ece

Over one lakh pilgrims are expected to visit Tirumala

Elaborate arrangements are being made for the grand conduct of the auspicious Vaikuntha Ekadasi festival slated on December 29.

Briefing the media after presiding over a review meeting with the heads of various departments at Annamaiah Bhavan, TTD JEO K.S. Srinivasa Raju on Tuesday said the management was expecting a huge turnout of pilgrims for the festival.

More than one lakh pilgrims are expected to converge on the hill temple on the preceding day and hence preparations are being done accordingly.

The queue line administration will prove a litmus test for the management. Additional staff will be deputed atop the holy shrine for all the three days so as to meet the requirements of the visiting devotees.

Temporary sheds

TTD Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal, who already has undertaken field inspections atop the town, has instructed for the construction of temporary sheds at the sprawling Narayanagiri Gardens as well as at all those places where the extended darshan lines are expected to pass through to protect the devout from the chill weather.

A decision has already been taken to trim down the VIP darshan tickets and allocate more darshan hours for the ordinary pilgrims thronging the town.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...in-srinagar/article20449036.ece?homepage=true


Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani shrine in Srinagar is central to Kashmir’s Islamic faith.
A midnight fire damaged the 14th Century shrine of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani in Srinagar’s old city on Tuesday.

Eyewitnesses said the locals spotted the fire emanating from spire of the wooden shrine around 12:30 p.m. “The fire coincided with major lightening that occurred in the night,” said Tajamul Ahmad, who lives next to the shrine.

Hundreds of locals rushed to the streets to battle the flames. It took more than an hour by the fire tenders to douse the fire. The fire damaged the spire of the double-storey mosque, which is located on the banks of Jhelum river near Zaina Kadal.

A police official said the incident was being looked into “to ascertain the cause of fire.”

The shrine was built in 1395 by Shah Sikandar as a mark of respect to commemorate saint Mir Sayyid Ali Hamdani’s visit to Kashmir. Sufi saint Hamdani is believed to have led mass conversions in the Valley.

The shrine is central to Kashmir’s Islamic faith. Besides, the shrine showcases unique and extricate patterns of papier-mâché and woodwork.

************
Born in 714h/1314 in Hamadan, ‘Ali b. Shihab al-Din, left his hometown in 1334 .

Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani also known as Amir-I-Kabir or Ali-I-Sani and popularly called Shah-i-Hamadan. He belonged to the Kubrawi order of Sufis founded by Shaikh Najm-ud-Din Kubra of Khwarizm who died in 618 A.H (1221 A.D.). The Kubrawis are a branch of the Suhrawardi Sufis.

Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani visited Kashmir three times, in 774/1372-73, 781/1379-80 and 785/1383-84.

However, there is no mention of any activity of Hamadani during his first two visits.

Shah-i-Hamadan visited Kashmir along with 700 Saadat and normally geographers, historians, academicians all mention two important reasons for his visit to Kashmir.

Saiyyids of Hamadan to reject the rulership of Timur.Consequently, Timur with his rising power crushed all coming into his way,and somehow Shah-i-Hamadan alongwith his 700 Saadat fled for safety and entered Kashmir in 1379 as refugees.

R.K.Parmu records the second important reason as an escape of many including Saiyyids from Persia out of the fear of a disease. The Muslim ruler Sultan Qutb ud-Din received the group warmly and made all comfortable arrangements for them out of his Sultanate.

**********
Kashmir in the time of Raja Suhadeva was Bilal Shah or Bulbul Shah; a well travelled Musavi Sayyid.The simplicity of faith of Bulbul Shah impressed Rinchan, (the ruler of Kashmir who was originally a Ladakhi); so much that he converted to Islam and became the first Muslim Ruler of Kashmir as Sultan Sadar-ud-Din. After the conversion of Rinchan, his brother-in-law who was the Commander-in-Chief and according to one tradition, ten thousand Kashmiris adopted Islam. For new converts a place of gathering was set up on the banks of River Jehlum called Bulbul Lankar ( a distortion of word Langar) and a mosque was constructed which is probably in ruins now. The arrival of a host of other Sayyids gave a big boost to conversion of people of Kashmir to Islam.

After the death of Rinchana (AD 1326), Udyanadeva, the brother of Suhadeva, was installed on the throne of Kashmir and Shahmir was appointed as Commander-in-Chief.

Achala invaded Kashmir during the reign of Udyanadeva, laying waste the territories he passed through. The king fled to Tibet. Kota Rani - the queen, faced the invader, procured his death and saved the kingdom.In AD 1339, after defeating Kota Rani by a foul strategem and procuring her death, Shahmir ascended the throne of Kashmir under the name of Sultan Shamas-ud-Din (The Light of the Religion - Islam).

Suha Bhatt, who after embracing Islam took the name of Saif-ud-Din, became the leader of the fresh converts during the reign of Sikandar (AD 1389-1413).


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Timur conquered large parts of Central Asia, primarily Transoxiana and Khorasan, from 1363 onwards with various alliances (Samarkand in 1366, and Balkh in 1369), and was recognized as ruler over them in 1370. Acting officially in the name of Suurgatmish, the Chagatai khan, he subjugated Transoxania and Khwarazm in the years that followed.

 

[Hindustani78]

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind receiving the first copy of the Hindi translation of Paramhansa Yogananda’s book ‘God Talks with Arjuna - The Bhagavad Gita’, at Ranchi, in Jharkhand on November 15, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Sri Subudhendra Swamiji of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, Mantralayam, at Navavrindavan, Anegundi, near Hampi on Thursday.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-rituals-at-navavrindavan/article20493916.ece


Sri Subudhendra Swamiji of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, Mantralayam, Andhra Pradesh, performed the first-day puja of the three-day aradhana rituals of Sri Padmanabha Tirtha, the first disciple of Sri Madhwacharya, at Navavrindavan at Anegundi near Hampi on Thursday. Sri Satyatma Tirtha Swamiji of Uttaradi Mutt did not visit the island as he had decided to perform the rituals at Hosapete.

Meanwhile, Vidyadheeshachar of Uttaradi Mutt told presspersons that Satyatma Tirtha Swamiji had decided to perform the three-day rituals at Hosapete itself, instead of at Navavrindavan, to avoid any kind of possible untoward incident, conflicts and also confusion among the followers of the mutt.

He also observed that Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt had resorted to false propaganda that the orders passed by the High Court of Karnataka was in its favour and that it could also perform the puja rituals there.

Talking to presspersons, Sri Subudhendra Swamiji said that he had invited the swamiji of Uttaradi Mutt to join him in performing the rituals. “We are open, and we welcome the swamiji of Uttaradi Mutt to perform the puja rituals together. As of now, there has been no response. Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt will perform the pujas on all the three days there,” he clarified.

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http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/hundreds-throng-kalpathy/article20493263.ece

Car festival of Sree Vishalakshi Sametha Sree Vishwanathaswami temple ends

Hundreds thronged the village of Kalpathy on Thursday evening to witness Devaratha Sangamom, marking the culmination of the annual car festival of the Sree Vishalakshi Sametha Sree Vishwanathaswami temple.

The roads leading to the Tamil Brahmin settlement remained overcrowded with pilgrims and tourists as chariots of the Viswanathaswamy temple and three satellite temples were pulled through the village streets by night. The specially arranged chariots carried images of Vishalakshi Sametha Sree Vishwanathaswami, Ganapthy, Valli Devanana Sametha Subrahmanya Swami, and Manthakkara Maha Ganapathy. The festival began on Thursday with the Radharohanam ritual held at the Old Kalpathy Lakshmi Narayana Perumal temple and the Chathapuram Prasanna Mahaganapathy temple.

Educational institutions and government offices in Palakkad remained closed on Thursday.

The Devaratha Sagamom was preceded by Upanishad recitation, Vedic discourses, and Sree Visalakshi Sametha Viswanatha Swamy Kalyana Ulsavam.

The celebrations will end with Ezhunnellippu and Dhwajavarohanam in the early hours of Friday.

There was a huge rush of pilgrims from Tamil Nadu since early morning to the village.

Foreign tourists

A number of foreign tourists were also present to witness the celebrations.

For devotees, the cars trundling their way through the streets of the Agraharams (Brahmin settlements) on the three peak days of the festival will be an unforgettable experience.

The festival is next only to the Puri Jagannath Swamy temple car festival. There are similar festivals in Thiruvarur, Mayavaram, and Avinashi in Tamil Nadu.

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A group of Ayyappa devotees performing rites at Podiyattupara Mahadeva temple near Malappuram. | Photo Credit: Zakkir Hussain

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...otees-begin-their-fasting/article20491980.ece

Guruswamis help Sabarimala pilgrims perform the rites faultlessly

The Malayalam month of Vrischikam began on Thursday with thousands of Ayyappa devotees beginning their 41-day fasting ahead of the Sabarimala pilgrimage.

Popularly called the Mandala period, the brahmacharya fasting for 41 days is expected to prepare the Ayyappa devotees mentally and physically for the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage.

Almost all temples across the State irrespective of their size and stature have geared themselves up for the holy season. Aartis and Ayyappa invocations are performed in the pre-dawn and post-dusk hours at the temples. They have heralded the Sabarimala pilgrimage season by conducting special rites of different nature.

18 times

Pilgrim groups have entered the mandatory fasting invariably under Guruswamis or leaders. A devotee has to visit Sabarimala at least 18 times to become a Guruswami.

“Guruswamis help the pilgrims of their groups perform the rites faultlessly,” said Baiju Harisree, a young Guruswami at Podiyattupara Mahadeva temple at Melmuri near here. The Shiva temple on top of a giant rock made to stand alone by incessant granite quarrying has become a local tourist attraction.

Mr. Baiju and his followers take a dip in the deep pool down the rock and climb the 74 steps made of iron bars to reach the temple twice every day. “It’s hard. But when it comes to performing the rites with dedication, it becomes easy,” he said.

The devotees wake up around 4 a.m. daring the pre-dawn chilly weather and perform aarti or puja and invoke Lord Ayyappa over 100 times. “Ideally it’s 108 times,” said Madhavan Menon, another Guruswami.

Although the degree of austerity maintained during the fasting period varies among the devotees, principles of brahmacharya are generally maintained by most. Rice meal is eaten only once a day.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat lighting the lamp at “Aadi Mahotsav” a Mega fortnight long National Tribal festival with the theme: A celebration of the spirit of Tribal culture, cuisine & commerce, at Central Park, Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi on November 17, 2017. The Managing Director, TRIFED, Shri Pravir Krishna is also seen.

The Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat at “Aadi Mahotsav” a Mega fortnight long National Tribal festival with the theme: A celebration of the spirit of Tribal culture, cuisine & commerce, at Central Park, Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi on November 17, 2017. The Managing Director, TRIFED, Shri Pravir Krishna is also seen.

The Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat witnessing the cultural programme, at “Aadi Mahotsav” a Mega fortnight long National Tribal festival with the theme: A celebration of the spirit of Tribal culture, cuisine & commerce, at Central Park, Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi on November 17, 2017. The Managing Director, TRIFED, Shri Pravir Krishna is also seen.

The Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat witnessing the cultural programme, at “Aadi Mahotsav” a Mega fortnight long National Tribal festival with the theme: A celebration of the spirit of Tribal culture, cuisine & commerce, at Central Park, Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi on November 17, 2017. The Managing Director, TRIFED, Shri Pravir Krishna is also seen.

The Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat witnessing the cultural programme, at “Aadi Mahotsav” a Mega fortnight long National Tribal festival with the theme: A celebration of the spirit of Tribal culture, cuisine & commerce, at Central Park, Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi on November 17, 2017. The Managing Director, TRIFED, Shri Pravir Krishna is also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

According to Kautilya, good governance is aimed at fulfilling the welfare of the people. ‘In the happiness of the king’s subjects lies his happiness, in their welfare, his welfare’. From this thought springs the idea that people are necessary participants in creation of systems for governance. Kautilya’s Arthashastra talks of a free flow of communication between the King and his subjects. One of the nine types of Royal Edicts is ‘Response’ – a reply prepared after the king has read and discussed a communication received.

However, a law giving individuals the right to access information held by public bodies did not come in a formal shape till 1766 when Sweden became the first country in the world to adopt such a law. This was followed after nearly two centuries by Finland which adopted such a law in 1951.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Kanchi acharya Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi at the Sri Ahobila Math Oriental Higher Secondary School in Chennai. | Photo Credit: K_V_Srinivasan

http://www.thehindu.com/society/fai...da-patasala/article21289690.ece?homepage=true


The Ahobilam Math Veda Patasala in Chennai is a thriving hub but there are issues
Another patasala, part of the Ahobila Math Oriental School in Chennai, is fighting odds to keep tradition alive. The premises of the 65-year old institution was alive with students proceeding to their classes after a break. It is the much preferred destination for parents, who want quality education, which also inculcates values in the young minds.

The Veda Pata Sala, run under Sri Ahobila Math Samskrita Vidya Abhivardini Sabha, however, is a speciality of the place. Not all the Ahobila Math Schools in the State have a Veda Patasala attached. For instance, those in Vizhuppuram and Thanjavur do not run Patasalas. “But the high standard of education (Oriental curriculum) at affordable cost is a uniform feature of these institutions,” vouches an alumnus.

Gurukula system

The West Mambalam school campus resonates with Vedic syllables from 4.30 a.m., when classes begin. It is a pleasure to see young vidyartis sitting around dedicated scholars, gradually absorbing content on which hinges Sanatana Dharma. The Gurukula patasala, which comes under the Maharshi Sandipani Rashtriya Vedvidya Pratishthan, Ujjain, is marching on despite a financial crunch. Certified as one of the best of its kind by the Pratishthan, the Patasala is managing with funds given by philanthropists. The Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam is a huge support, in many ways. The Acharyas make regular visits to the school to bless the young students and boost the morale of the faculty and the correspondent. During his visit in August last, Sri Vijayendra Saraswati Swamigal addressed the students and gave away certificates to Vidyartis.

The excellent results produced by the Ahobilam School every year is proof of the quality of teaching and the dedication of the teachers there. The same applies to the Veda Pata Sala too. It is with parental affection that the correspondent, 80-year old Sri Vasudevachar, handles the pupils of both the mainstream school and patasala. An absentee cannot get away without stating the reasons. Vedic learning is mandatory for all Brahmin boys after the sixth. Other students are taught Prabhandam verses.

A young boy with a bandaged foot shocks him. “He is also a Patasala vidyarti. How can he attend the Veda class if his leg is injured?” The anguish in his voice is genuine and the child consoles him. “I’ll manage, don’t worry,” and in an aside whispers, “He will not stop worrying until I get well,” and adds with a chuckle, “We are careful not to get hurt like this just for his sake.”

Many have emerged as full-fledged scholars from the Patasala. “Interest in Sanskrit and Vedic learning has not waned; on the contrary, it has increased. We have Muslim students mastering Sanskrit. This is a place, where learning transcends caste and community. Unfortunately, the deciding authorities are in Ujjain and our potential or requirements are not understood.

Low salaries

“It is vital that the adyapakas (teachers) are compensated well for the great service they are doing. Low salaries do not attract qualified persons to teaching. They prefer to be Vaidikas, a lucrative option. Hence retaining good teachers has become a big challenge. This issue has to be addressed by the Pratishthan and the salaries for the teachers raised,” emphasises the administration. The rules of the Pratishthan have to be amended to raise the grant, which in turn will increase the salary of the teachers.

Perhaps the presence of qualified candidates from the South, who can be the spokespersons for the Veda Patasala, on the Board of the Ujjain Pratishthan, will help the cause of this institution. “Learned people, sensitive to the needs of the South, are a must on the Deciding Committee,” underlines the correspondent — an appeal he has made several times, in vain. He hopes that the change will take place in his lifetime so that the service to the Vedas will continue.