Hindu religion (short)
Hinduism is the world's
third most popular religion, with around 900 million
followers.
About 80% of the population of India and 90% of Nepal
are Hindus. 
Hinduism has a highly
spiritual and abstract side suited to the philosopher;
and a practical and concrete side congenial to the
man of the world; an aesthetic and ceremonial side
attuned to the man of the poetic feeling and imagination;
and a quiescent contemplative aspect that has its
appeal for the man of peace and the lover of seclusion.
Hinduism has a rather composite character,
as the Aryans who followed the original Hinduism first
took roots from the original tribes in the Indu valley
and then from the early Persian sun religion Zoroaster
and from the south Indian Drawidians.
The groups which became later the
Indian castes were initially not based on any gradation
of superiority, the difference being functional rather
than racial or communal. Co-operation of all the classes
was needed for administration, and according to the
Mahabharata the King's Council included representatives
of all classes of the people. Any transforming process
was attained by self-improvement. Both among the Old
Iranians and the Aryans of India the original caste
system of three classes based on the practical distribution
of functions was in existence. In their great trek
to India the colonizing groups of Aryans encountered
races who professed a firm belief in the doctrine
of transmigration.
The rigidity of the rules relating to castes is a
comparatively recent innovation.
Essentials of Hinduism
Hinduism is over 3000 years old, although elements
of the faith are much older. Hinduism has no founder,
no single teacher and no prophets either. It’s
also not a single unified religion.
Hindus believe in the universal soul (Brahma, for
whom quite different names are also used. ), as the
sole reality, who is present in all things.
Brahma has no form, and is eternal. Brahma is creator,
preserver and transformer of everything.
and appears in the human spirit as Atman, or the soul.
It is often believed that Hindus worship many gods,
but in fact other gods, like Krishna, Shiva, Vishnu,
Rama, Durga and others, are only different aspects
of the Brahman.
For Hindus existence is a cycle of birth, death, and
rebirth, governed by Karma.
Origins
Hinduism developed from religious practices of people
living near the River Indus in modern day Pakistan.
However Hinduism has been, and continues to be, influenced
by the traditions, stories and practices of people
from other parts of India and beyond.
Karma
Karma is central to the Hindu faith. Hindus believe
that the soul passes through a cycle of successive
lives and its next incarnation is always dependent
on how the previous life was lived. So if you behave
badly in this life, your next incarnation is likely
to be more unpleasant than your current one—you
reap what you sow.
The
Three Religious Paths
The Hindu religion recognizes many religious paths,
three of which are:
== The path of knowledge (jnana).
== The path of work and religious performances (karma).
== The path of devotion (bhakti).
Scriptures
The Vedas
The earliest literary
productions of the Aryan settlers in India were the
Rg-Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and the Atharva Veda
The Vedas comprise Mantras (hymns ), Brahmanas (ritual
and ceremonies), Aranyakas (forest speculations) and
the philosophical Upanisads.
The One Being whom the
sages call by many names (Ekam-sat) is referred to
in the neuter gender, signifying divine existence
and not a divine individual.
The vedas were introduced to India
by the Aryans. Hindus believe that the texts were
received by scholars direct from God and passed on
to the next generations by word of mouth. Vedic texts
are sometimes called shruti, which means hearing and
for hundreds, maybe even thousands of years, the texts
were passed on orally.
Contents of the Vedas
Two basic ideas are
underlying the Vedas - Truth and eternal order; and
every god or goddess exemplifies and represents these
two ideas. Vedic theism is based on moral values.
In India it is not the atheist who is denounced but
the person who repudiates Dharma, the moral law.
The Vedas are made up of four compositions, and each
veda in turn has four parts which are arranged chronologically.
== The Samhitas are the most ancient part of the
Vedas, consisting of hymns of praise to God.
==The Brahmanas are rituals and prayers to guide
the priests in their duties.
== The Aranyakas concern worship and meditation.
==The Upanishads consist of the mystical and philosophical
teachings of Hinduism.
The Samhitas
== Rig-Veda Samhita (c. 1200 BCE) is the oldest of
the four vedas and consists of 1028 hymns praising
the ancient gods.
==Yajur-Veda Samhita is used as a handbook by priests
performing the vedic sacrifices.
==Sama-Veda Samhita consists of chants and tunes
for singing at the sacrifices.
== Atharva-Veda Samhita (c. 900 BCE) preserves many
traditions, which pre-date the Aryan influence and
consists of spells, charms and magical formulae.
The Upanishads were so called because they were taught
to those who sat down beside their teachers. (upa=near,
ni=down, shad=sit). These texts developed from the
Vedic tradition, but largely reshaped Hinduism by
providing believers with philosophical knowledge.
The major Upanishads
were largely composed between 800-200 BCE and are
partly prose, partly verse.
Later Upanishads continued to be composed right down
to the 16th century. Originally they were in oral
form.
The early Upanishads
are concerned with understanding the sacrificial rites
Central to the Upanishads is the concept of brahman;
the sacred power which informs reality. Whilst the
priests (brahmins) had previously been the ones who,
through ritual and sacrifice, had restricted access
to the divine, now the knowledge of the universe was
open to those of the high and middle castes willing
to learn from a teacher
Main schools of thought
Panini
one of the world's earliest dates back to the 5th
century B.C. At that period sacrifice and worship
of various deities were current and popular, and theistic
devotion to particular divinities, had become prevalent.
Panini refers to an object of devotion, and One Supreme
Divinity.
According to Panini custom has the force of law and
Dharma is not only equivalent to a primordial law,
but also to custom
In Panini's days theistic and non-theistic schools
had arisen. That all existence was the result of chance
was the doctrine of some while others advocate the
doctrine of the supreme spirit.
Panini refers to Parasara Sutra, one of the earliest
of the Vedanta treatises, and also to the atheistic
school, known later as the Lokayata. Nihsreyasa denoted
supreme bliss as also of Nirvana , possibly associated
with Buddhism. From all these examples it is clear
that, in the times of the Buddha and Panini, practically
all the varieties of speculation which have flourished
in India had already evolved. .
Upanishads
Indian philosophic thought developed in several stages.
The Vedic period is generally placed between 2500
B.C. and 600 B.C. The four Vedas, the Bramanas, Aranyakas,
and Upanisads are creations of the early sages.
The Upanishads recognize intuition rather than reason
as a path to ultimate truth. While there are 108 or
more only twelve of them are generally recognized
as the principal units.
According to the Upanishad
a) whatever exists is enveloped by the Supreme.
b) the soul is saved by renunciation and absence of
possessiveness
c) people who perform actions and are attached to
the world are pursuing a futile path.
d) living souls originate from the indestructible
Brahman and return to Him. All doubts disappear and
the attachment to work subsides when the Supreme Being
is cognized.
Epics
succeeded the period of the Upanisads. Main scriptures
the Ramayana and the Mahabharat, The quintessence
of both is
a) philosophical doctrines were presented in the form
of recounting the qualities and exploits of exalted
individuals.
b) The Vedic gods are no longer supreme. Some disappear.
Indra retains a place of some dignity; but Brahma,
Shiva and Vishnu have risen to pre-eminence. Of these
three, the first becomes subordinate. Vishnu and Shiva
become the out- standing entities and are elevated
to supreme dignity
c) The Avatars, incarnations of Vishnu, assume a prominent
place The most famous Avataras are the eight Krishna
and the ninth Avatara, the Buddha. The tenth, Kalki,
is yet to come; he resembles the manifestation referred
to in the Biblical Revelation. Stage attained at least
1,500 years ago.
d) Life does not begin at birth or end at death; it
is a link in an infinite series of lives. each of
which is conditioned and determined by acts done in
previous existences. Relief from the round of births,
resulting in life in eternity is the goal, indicated
by such terms as Moksa (deliverance) and Nirvana (union
with the Brahman). It can be attained by prayer and
worship; ritual and sacrifice; and Vidya (realization
by knowledge).
e) Sin arises not from the nature of the work itself
but from the disposition with which the work is performed.
When it is performed without attachment to the result,
it cannot tarnish the soul and impede its quest. True
Yoga consists in the acquisition of experience and
the passage through life in harmony with the ultimate
laws of equanimity, non-attachment to the fruits of
action, and faith in the pervasiveness of the Supreme
Spirit. Absorption in that Spirit can be attained
along several paths; and no path is to be preferred
exclusively and none to be disdained.
Sankara.
In his short but active life, he traveled all through
the country, refuting atheistic and materialistic
systems of thought, wrote commentaries on the Upanisads,
on the Brahma Sutra and on the Gita. He interpreted
these scriptures and built up his thesis with clarity
and depth of exposition.
He remolded Indian thought and destroyed many dogmas.
His capacity for deep feeling and emotional expression
was combined with relentless logic. His contribution
to philosophy is his blending of the doctrines of
Karma and Maya, which culminated in a logical exposition
of the idea of non-dualism.
The entire universe consisting of Namarupa, names
and forms, is but an appearance; Brahman, infinite
consciousness, is the sole reality. Its attainment
and the annihilation of the great illusion of the
universe called Maya, by a process of realization,
were the objects of Sankara's quest. He revived the
doctrines of the Upanisads and, he was also a practical
visionary. His Advaita doctrine is still valid in
India. Sankara established several mathas in India
to propagate the Vedantic or Advaita doctrine and
the successive heads of these mathas as well as later
scholars like Madhusudana Sarasvati and the great
polymath Appayya Diksita have produced important treatises,
elucidating the Vedanta as propounded by Sankara
Sankara described the supreme entity in a personal
aspect as savior, helper, friend and guide.
Ramanuja
Sankara was followed by Ramanuja born in early 11th
century and others who called themselves commentators
but were indeed creators of new systems. His philosophy
was termed qualified monism He was concerned with
the personal aspect. He assimilated many beliefs of
the Dravidian civilization and helped to encourage
and promote temple worship and public festivals. He
proclaimed the doctrine of salvation through Bhakti
or faith. Ramanuja was mainly based on self-surrender
to god, which must result in universal charity and
sympathy, and friendliness even to an enemy. He insisted
that the performance of scriptural duties alone was
not enough for salvation. Karma Yoga and Jana Yoga
only purify the mind in preparation for Bhakti Yoga
or devotion.
Vedanta Desika
the greatest successor of Ramanuja and a strong opponent
of Sankara's Advaita doctrine advocated passive surrender
(Praptti) in preference to active faith (Bhakti),
and the guidance of a spiritual preceptor. This school
built up a remarkable Tamil literature to which it
ascribed an importance equal to that of the Vedas
- it was called the Tamil Veda. In essence, however,
there was no fundamental doctrinal divergence between
the two sects. Differences in certain features such
as caste marks on the forehead and temple ceremonials
and usage became accentuated in later years.
Great Reformers
Ramanuja and his followers opposed the doctrine of
Maya and the interpretation of the world as purely
phenomenal or illusory. They emphasized the distinction
between the individual soul and the supreme Godhead
and based their philosophy on man's conviction of
sin, his responsibility for sin and the importance
of grace emanating from the divine.
In other words, they believed that salvation comes
not specially through knowledge or action, but through
active faith and grace. The Bhagavata doctrine of
complete resignation to God was one of the articles
of their faith. God was viewed alternately as father,
mother, child, teacher and friend, and even as the
beloved.
Ramanuja declared that caste had nothing to do with
the soul's quality; some of the Alvars were in fact
non-Brahmins. Ramanuja is said to have admitted even
Harijans to the temple. One of his later followers,
Ramananda, who lived in the 13th century, not only
protested against caste distinctions but enjoined
that no man should ask any devotee about his caste
or sect: whoever worships God is God's own.
Kabir and Nanak belong to a group of great reformers,
which included beside of them Ramananda, Mirabai,
Vallabhacarya, Caitanya, Tulasidasa, and Tukaram.
Muslim disciple Kabir emphasized the belief in a supreme
deity and recognized no caste distinctions, although
they accepted the doctrines of Karma and Samsara.
Nanak founded the religion of the Sikhs. He was under
the influence of Islam as well as of Hinduism and,
like Kabir, he believed in Karma and Samsara, Maya
and Moksa. He laid great stress on a personal God
and a society of disciples not bound by caste or race
restrictions. The militant character of Sikhism was
a later development due to Aurangzeb's intolerance
and persecution.
main teachings included
a) Belief in one supreme God of Love and Grace.
b) Belief in the individuality of every soul, which
is part of the Divine Soul.
c) Belief in salvation through Bhakti.
d) The exaltation of Bhakti above Jana and Karma;
and, also above, the performance of rites and ceremonies.
e) Extreme reverence paid to the Guru.
f) Initiation through a mantra and a sacramental meal.
g) The institution of sectarian orders of Sannyasins.
h)The relaxing of the rules of caste, sometimes even
ignoring all caste distinctions.
i)Religious teaching through the vernaculars.
Renaissance
in Hinduism
In the 18th century religion suffered a serious decline.
English colonization and English education brought
about an active ferment. Many Indians of the time
became either skeptics who leaned towards Christianity,
or reactionaries who sought to preserve at any cost
the ancient forms and institutions.
Fortunately, at this time, enlightened Europeans revealed
by translation the treasures of ancient Indian wisdom.
Their work was later supplemented by art lovers and
art critics, who revealed the secrets of sacred and
secular art-forms and concepts.
As an outcome of these influences and counter-influences,
there arose a series of movements and a renaissance
of Hindu life and thought. Raja Ramamohun Roy one
of the most outstanding pioneers of these movements,
struck a note of universalism in tune with the spirit
of the Upanisads. Born in Bengal in 1772 he published
in 1803 a book in Persian which carried a protest
against idolatry and sought to establish a universal
religion based on the idea of the unity of God. Roy,
along with others stressed the necessity of education
in India on modern lines, in opposition to those who
objected to English education and insisted on a return
to the past.
He repeatedly declared that he had no intention of
breaking away from the ancestral religion, and wished
to see it restored to its original purity. He founded
the Brahmo Samaj on the basis of theism. The Trust
Deed of the Samaj laid down that "no graven image,
statue or sculpture carving, painting, picture, portrait
or the likeness of anything shall be admitted within
the building."
The following doctrines are more or less common for
all offshoots of the Renaissance of Hinduism
a. They have no faith in any scripture as an authority.
b. They have no faith in Avatars.
c. They denounce polytheism and idol-worship.
d. They are against caste restrictions.
e. They make faith in the doctrines of Karma and Rebirth
optional.
The
Theosophical Society
founded in 1875 by Col. Olcott and Madame Blavatsky.
Both later went to Ceylon declaring themselves Buddhists,
and taking part in a movement for the revival of Buddhism.
Dr. Annie Besant joined the Society after a period
of militant agnosticism. She became the head of the
Theosophical Society in 1891. Claiming that she had
been a Hindu in her former birth, Annie Besant worked
throughout her life for the regeneration and activation
of Hindu thought and Hindu life. She published a translation
of the Bhagavad-Gita along with Dr. Bhagvan Das and
popularized Hindu ideals in her numerous publications
and speeches. A defender of many orthodox ideals,
she turned later to social reform, which included
the partial modification of the caste system. . One
of thc main principles of Theosophy is the belief
in a brotherhood of great teachers of the past who
are supposed to be living still, watching over and
guiding the evolution of humanity. The Theosophical
Society under Dr. Besant's spread the fundamental
principles of the Hindu religion - Karma, Reincarnation,
Yoga and spiritual evolution.
Sri
Ramakrishna and Vivekananda
Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa had a broad outlook of
universalism. After accepting the discipline of Yoga
and Tantric, he underwent the discipline of the Christian
and Islamic ways of life. To rouse the religious feelings
of the wordly-minded and to re-affirm the ancient
truths of Hinduism by an appeal to experience, he
trained a group of followers, the most outstanding
of whom Swami Vivekananda.
Sri Ramakrishna's teachings were not new. He was an
embodiment of the past religious thought of India.
Like other great religious teachers he projected his
ideas through parables or images. According to him
evil is evil only from the point of view of man. From
the absolute standpoint, there is no evil, but from
the relative standpoint evil is a terrible reality.
Ramakrishna preached that all religions are paths
leading to the same goal. He deprecated metaphysical
subtleties and insisted on deep devotion - it was,
he said, through his intense devotion to the image
of the Divine Mother in Dakshineswar that realization
had come to him.
Ramakrishna's religion and the movement he founded
were essentially practical.
This aspect was expounded and universalized by Swami
Vivekananda. Under the inspiration of Ramakrishna,
he changed from skepticism to religious realization
and traveled all over the world, preaching the essence
of the truths of Hinduism. He dedicated himself to
the service of those who were starving, depressed,
or beyond the social pale. The work for the uplift
of the Indian masses was for him as important as meditation
or Yoga.
At the Parliament of Religions in Chicago, Swami Vivekananda
struck a note of universal toleration based on the
Hindu belief that all religions lead to the same God.
He also declared in Chicago that the religion of the
Hindus is centered on self-realization. Idols, temples,
churches and books are aids and nothing more.
Swami Vivekananda strengthened the Ramakrishna organization
by founding monasteries and centers of Hindu teaching
in India and abroad. All through his life and especially
during his travels abroad, he insisted that the essential
features of Hinduism are its universality, its impersonality,
its rationality, catholicity and optimism. Above all,
its authority is not affected by the historicity of
any particular man. Swami Vivekananda told his countrymen
that they had become weak and miserable because they
did not bring their Vedanta out of the books into
life itself.
His great contribution to Hinduism lay in applying
the Hindu creed to the elevation of the masses and
abolishing India's isolation from the world, culturally,
spiritually, and in many aspects of social life. He
founded a great and worldwide organization, the Ramakrishna
Mission, which has worked for the spiritual welfare
and multiform amelioration of the living conditions
of the people of India and other countries.
Sri
Aurobindo
one of the latest exponents and interpreters of Hinduism,
described ancient Indian philosophy as an ingrained
and dominant spirituality, an inexhaustible vital
creativeness and gusto of life, and, mediating between
them, a powerful, penetrating and scrupulous intelligence,
combined with the rational ethical and aesthetic mind
at a high intensity of action, created the harmony
of the ancient Indian culture.
Sri Aurobindo gave new interpretations of the Vedas
and the Vedanta, and in his Essay on the Gita he expounded
what he called 'the integral view of life." His
“TheLife Divine” is a summing up of his
philosophy of 'the Descent of the Divine into Matter."
The importance of Sri Aurobindo's mission lies not
only in his restatements of old ideals but also in
his attempt to explain the true methods of Yoga as
apart from mere asceticism and illusionism.
Mahatma
Gandhi
In the popularization of ancient Hindu ideals Rabindranath
Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi have played significant
parts. Tagore has made an analysis of the Vedic religion
and the substance of the Upanisads. The teachings
of Mahatma Gandhi have led to vast social changes
and to the uplift of the backward and depressed classes.
His whole religion is based on a surrender to the
will of God, the spirit of renunciation as embodied
in the Isa Upanisad, the Gita and the ideals of practical
service. He has given a new interpretation to the
doctrine of non-violence which is as old as Hinduism,
and tried to adapt it by means of Satya Graha to political
and moral issues.
Speaking in Travancore on the Temple Entry Proclamation
enacted there in 1936, he said: "These temples
are the visible symbols of God's power and authority.
They are, therefore, truly called the houses of God,
.the houses of prayer. We go there in a prayerful
mood and perform, first thing in thc morning after
ablution, the act of dedication and surrender. Scoffers
and sceptics may say that all these are figments of
the imagination, that we are imagining God in the
images we see. I will say to these scoffers that it
is so. I am not ashamed of confessing that imagination
is a powerful factor in life. Now you can easily understand
that, in the presence of God, the Ruler of the Universe,
who pervades everything, even those whom we have called
the lowest of the low, all are equal."
Shri
Ramana Maharishi
A recent example of transcendental spiritual experience
manifested in life passed away in 1950. A man of powerful
personality, he taught as much by his silence as by
his sermons. He had a directness of approach and a
universality of outlook, which were products of true
enlightenment.
the spirit of tolerance
Hindu places for pilgrimage
Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh India
Allahabad, sacred city
of Hinduism was formerly called 'Prayag' in commemoration
of a sacrifice done by Lord Brahma. It is best known
as host to the Kumbh pilgrims, who visit his endearing
city every 12 years. According to Hindu mythology
Lord Brahma chose a piece of land on the earth on
the confluence of the three rivers - Ganga, Yamuna,
and the mytical Sarswati. The land being surrounded
by these 3 rivers would serve as the prime and central
altar and came to be known as 'Prayag' today known
as Allahabad.
The most sacred spot in Allahabad is Triveni Sangam,
the place where the three of the holiest rivers of
the Hindu mythology, the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical
Saraswati meet. Devout Hindus from all over India
come to this sacred pilgrimage point to offer prayers
and take a dip in the holy waters. It is believed
that a holy dip taken at the Sangam washes away all
sins.
The Prakrista Yajna
was performed here by Lord Brahma. That is how it
received its ancient name, Prayag. Allahabad is also
called Tirtha-Raja, king of all holy places. The saga
goes that Lord Rama visited Allahabad when in exile.
Pilgrimage Attraction of Allahabad
Kumbha-Mela
Kumbha -mela is held here every 12 years. It also
takes place every 12 years-in Haridwar, Ujjain and
Nasik. The Kumbha-mela in Prayag (Allahabad) is considered
especially auspicious. It draws about 15 million people
and is the largest attended event in the world. This
is a very interesting event. There are several especially
auspicious bathing days. A huge temporary city is
created for the millions of pilgrims that arrive for
the most auspicious bathing days
Every 6 years there is an Ardha-mela (half mela),
which draws about 7 million people. Each year there
is a regular Mela during the month of Magh (January-February)
which draws one or two million people. The next Kumbha-mela
is January, 2006. One of the most auspicious bathing
days is Amavasya, the new moon day.
Kumbha-mela is like
a "Yogi Convention", where yogis, sadhus
(saints), holy people, and pilgrims come from all
over India. Many sadhus come from various holy places,
the most remote forests, and mountain caves in the
Himalayas. The most famous are the Naga Babas, Shiva
worshipers who are completely naked.
On the most auspicious
bathing days there is a big parade, and the bathing
order is very strictly observed. Not only are there
especially auspicious days, but there are especially
auspicious times of the day to bathe, and people are
willing to die to bathe at the most auspicious time.
The first to enter the water are the Naga Babas, who
arrive dancing with enthusiasm. Then each different
religious group enters the water in a prearranged
order
Holy Ganga
 The
holiest of all the rivers, Ganga or the Ganges is
a perennial river, which is held in high regard by
the Hindus. The Ganga river has an exalted position
in the Hindu ethos.
The Gangotri Glacier, a vast expanse of ice five miles
by fifteen, at the foothills of the Himalayas (14000
ft) in north Uttar Pradesh is the source of Bhagirathi,
which joins with Alaknanda (origins nearby), to form
Ganga at the craggy, canyon-carved town of Devprayag.
Sangam Bath
This is where the Ganges,
Yamuna and Saraswati meet. The muddy-colored Ganges
is shallower and more rapid. The Yamuna is bluer and
deeper. The most auspicious time to bathe in the Sangam
is during Kumbha -mela.
Hanuman Temple
Hanuman is in a reclining
posture, a few feet below the ground, instead of his
usual standing posture. It is said that every year
the Ganges floods until it touches the sleeping Hanuman's
feet and then it starts receding.
This temple is located by the Sangam side of the Fort
and is a busy small temple open to non-Hindus. There
are nice carvings on the nearby Sri Adhi Shankara
Temple, which has a Sri Tirupati Balaji Deity.
Patalpuri Temple (Undying Tree)
It is located through
a small doorway, in the wall of the fort, on the way
to the boats, that go to the Sangam. It is an underground
temple with many different deities carved in stone.
The Akshayavata Tree is said to never die, even when
the entire world is destroyed. It is located in the
underground temple. The tree is on a deep niche, above
an underground hole that is said to lead to the Triveni.
Bharadwaja Ashram
This ashram is mentioned
in the Ramayana. Allahabad University now occupies
the place where the ashram of Bharadwaja Rishi and
his 10,000 disciples is said to have been located.
There are the temples of Bharadwajeswara Mahadeva,
Rishi Bharadwaja, and Kali here. It is said that Lord
Rama and Sita visited this place when they began their
14-year exile.
Sri Rupa Gaudiya Math
There is a Gaudiya Math temple, the
Sri Rupa Gaudiya Math, on South Mallaca Street, in
the Madhavapur area. This temple is by the Ganges
River on the way to the Sangam from downtown. Srila
Prabhupada took initiation here from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta
Saraswati Maharaja
Nearby Places
At Ramchaura-Shringverpur(40 km.),
on the bank of the Ganges, there is a platform called
Ram Chabutara, which marks the spot where Lord Rama
is supposed to have stayed before going to the forest
in exile. It is said that before Lord Rama crossed
the Ganges, the boatman washed his feet. There are
also temples dedicated to Panchmukhi (five-faced)
Hanuman and Shring Rishi. Lakshagriha (45km) is said
to be the place where the house of lac of the Pandavas
was located. A big mound marks this spot.
Festivals
Kumbh Mela and Ardh
Kumbh Mela have been mentioned already.
Another one is the Dussehra. The Dussehra time in
Allahabad is an experience, unrivalled by any other
in the rest of northern India. During this period,
in the evening and at night, beautifully decorated
tableau are taken out from different localities, depicting
various scenes from Indian mythology
Pilgrimage Attraction of Bhybaneswar
, Orissa, India
The ancient capital
of the Kalinga empire, and now the capital of Orissa,
Bhubaneswar's history goes back over 2000 years. "Bhubaneshwar"
means the "abode of God" or "master
of the universe" and it was also, once known
as the 'Cathedral of the East', on account of the
large number of shrines. At one time, the Bindu Sagar
tank was bordered by over 7000 temples. Of these,
500 still survive, all built in the extravagant Oriya
style.
It is of these temples,
that Rabindranath Tagore had once said - 'At all places
where the eye rests, and also at places where the
eye does not rest, the busy chisel of the artist has
worked incessantly. The abode of god has been enveloped
by a variety of figures depicting the good and the
evil, the great as well as the insignificant, the
daily occurrences of human life....'
The
People
Since primeval days various people have inhabited
the land of Orissa. The initial homesteaders of Orissa
were primitive hill tribes like Saora or Sabar from
the Mahabharata days. Most of the tribal people have
been induced by Hindus and have embraced Hindu bearings,
customs and ceremonies. Bonda Parajas of Koraput district
is the foremost example of these tribes.
These tribes are not
at all touched by neoteric edification and thus the
tribal traditions have been left flawless through
the ages. Each tribal group has its own distinct language,
culture, religion and social customs.
Orissa is the state with 3rd highest
centering of tribals with almost 62 tribes existing
in the city today. The tribal population is located
mainly in the Korapur, Phulbani, Sundargarh and Mayurbhanj
districts.
The regional language of the city is Oriya belonging
to Aryan family of languages and is closely associated
to Assamese, Bengali and Maithili.
Culture
Bhubaneswar holds an opulent artistic tradition, which
enjoyed reform custom from the temples. Land of adroit
artists and craftsmen, still retain their nativity
and continuously trying to purge it to suit a changing
milieu.
The rich Orissa culture
is also depicted in its glowing traditional Odissi
Dance. The intricate and elegant hand, feet and facial
movements are all the additional charms of the dance.
The dance features Jayadev's "Gita Govinda"
the 12th century epic that deals with stories representing
Krishna's love for Radha expressing both divine and
passionate emotions in the dance drama. In olden days
the dance was a form of devotion and was performed
in the temples as a tribal offering to the Gods.
"Chaitghoda",
the traditional dance of fishermen shows rich cultural
heritage and is performed by using a dummy horse depicting
the battle drama called "Pari ka Nritya".
Other folk and tribal
dances include Danda Nata a dance drama showing acrobatic
charms in which dancers perform balancing acts on
bamboo stilts. Chhah-masked dance is performed during
festivals.
Temples
Most are located near
the Bindu-sarovara Tank, which is about two km south
of the city center. Lingaraja and Vital Duel Temples
are located west of the tank. Parasumaresvara and
Muktesvara temples are east of the tank. The Rajrani
and Brahmesvara Temples are a ten to fifteen-minutes
walk east of the Muktesvara Temple.
Lingaraja Temple (11th century)
The presiding deity is the svayambhu
linga, Hari-Hara Linga, which is half Shiva and half
Vishnu. He is also named Tribhuvaneswara, the Lord
of the three worlds. The linga of Lingaraja, or Krittivasas,
is an uncarved block of granite 8 feet in diameter
raised 8 inches above the ground. The Shiva linga
is bathed daily with water, milk and bhang. There
are many other deities in the temple. In the northeast
corner of the temple there is a deity of Parvati.
Muktesvara Temple
Built in the 10th century, this small
elegant temple has been described as the most exquisitely
ornamented temple in Bhubaneswar. It has an 11m high
tower. The sandstone carvings are the most notable
feature of this temple. It is also known for its ornamental
gateway, carved dwarves, and intricate motif carvings
of a smiling lion, adorned with beaded tassels in
its mouth. Muktesvara means the Lord who bestows freedom
through yoga.
Siddeswara Temple
is on the same grounds and has a
Ganesh deity The small Marichi Kund, between the Mukesvara
Temple and the road, is known to cure infertility
in women. It is a pleasant place to sit and rest.
Parasurameswara Temple
This temple is the oldest
Shiva temple in Bhubaneswar, built in the late 7th
century. There are many intricate carvings on this
temple. It is close to the Bhubaneswar to Puri road,
on the east side of Bindu-sarovara, northeast of the
Lingaraja temple. It is the best preserved and most
impressive of Bhubaneswar's early temples. It has
interesting carvings of elephant and horse processions
and intricately carved windows. In the corner of the
countryard is the Sahasra-linga, which is 1000 small
lingas joined together.
Raj Rani Temple
The Raj Rani Temple
(11th century), which is surrounded by a nice garden
is no longer used for worship. This temple was dedicated
to Lord Brahma and is known for its well-carved tower.
It is about a km east of the main road. It is one
of the later Bhubaneswar temples
Around the temple are carvings of the eight dikpalas
(temple guards), who protect the temple from the different
directions. They are eight important demigods. They
are Indra (east) the head of the demigods, Agni (southeast)
god of fire, Yamaraja (south) god of death, Nirritti
(southwest), Varuna(west) god of water, Vayu (northwest)
god of air, Kubera(north) god of wealth, and Isana
(northeast).
Brahmeshwara Temple
This temple was built
around 1050 and is a Shiva-linga temple with active
worship. It is known for its intricately carved sculptures.
The main tower is over 18m high. It is about a km
east of the main road, a good walk from the Raj Rani
Temple. On the north wall of the porch is a carving
of Laksmi.
Vaital Deul Temple
This interesting 8th
century temple is dedicated to Chamunda (Kali). She
wears a necklace of skulls and is shown as the eight-armed
slayer of the buffalo demon. Her necklace of skulls
and the corpse she is sitting on are usually hidden
by her robes. In her arms she holds a snake, a bow,
a shield, a trident, a thunderbolt and an arrow with
which she is piercing the neck of the demon, thus
displaying the most terrifying aspect of the goddess
Kali. This temple is close to Bindu Sagar, and it
has some intricate exterior carvings. To get a good
view of the temple's interior, a flashlight (torch)
is needed.
Festivals
The end of January is the time when the Tribal Fair
comes around. February to March, Shivaratri is held
throughout Orissa. Magha Saptami is held at Khandagiri
outside Bhubaneshwar.
At Ashokashtami, during
April/May, the idol of Lord Lingaraja is taken out
in procession, part of a chariot festival. Panashankanti
(Fire-walking) takes place in various areas on the
first day of Baisakh.
(June/July) the impressive Rath Yatra takes place
at Puri, Baripada and other parts of the state. Kali
Puja, in October/November, the city is lit with lamps.
Bali Yatra in October/November, a fair is held on
the banks of the Mahanadi river in Cuttack.
Rishikesh, Uttar Pradesh,
India
Located in the northern
part of Uttar Pradesh and spreads on the right banks
of the Ganges, at its confluence with the Chandrabhaga
stream. It is surrounded by hills on three sides and
is perched at an altitude of 356 meters above sea
level. The name Rishikesh is loosely applied to an
association of five distinct sections encompassing
not only the town but also hamlets and settlements
on both sides of the river. These include Rishikesh
itself, the commercial and communication hub; the
sprawling suburban Muni-ki-Reti or the "sands
of the sages"; Shivananda Nagar, north of Rishikesh;
the temple section of Lakshmanjhula, a little further
north; and the assorted ashrams around Swarg Ashram
on the east bank. In Rishikesh, the winters last from
November to March, when temperatures fall below 0°C.
The monsoons are generally experienced in the months
of July and August.
Legend has it that
the sage Raibhya Rishi did severe penance and, as
a reward, God appeared to him in the form of Hrishikesh.
Rishikesh also represents the site where Lord Vishnu
vanquished the demon Madhu. The place is known as
the Tapo Bhumi or the place for meditation of the
Gods. Tapovan, on the other bank of the Ganges, houses
a temple to Lakshmana. It is believed that Lakshmana,
the younger brother of Lord Rama, carried out penance
here.
The Neelkanth Mahadev
temple is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva
had drunk the venom that came out during the churning
of the ocean. In the 1960s, the place came into limelight
as the place where the pop group Beatles met their
guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
Lakshmanan Jhula
This suspended Iron bridge was build
in 1939 and has been a major attraction among the
tourists to Rishikesh. It is said that Lakshman crossed
Ganga on jute ropes between the place where this bridge
is built. The Ganges appears very panoramic from the
bridge.
One can enjoy the picturesque
surroundings and the cool breeze from the River while
standing on the bridge. If you feel like feeding the
fish in the Ganges, take a boat and cross the river.
The boat ride makes the bridge appear more gorgeous.
Close to LakshmanJuhla
is the Ram Jhula - This suspended bridge was recently
build between Shivanand Ashram and Sawarg Ashram.
It is similar to the Lakshman Jhula. Ram Juhla is
also known as Shivanand Jhula.
Bharat Mandir
Bharat Mandir: Built
by Adiguru Shankra Chrya around 12th century, Bharat
Mandir is situated in the heart of the old town on
the Banks of the Ganges. Detailed account of this
oldest temple of Rishikesh are available in anciant
record of Kearkhand. The Inner sanctum of the temple
has the idol of lord Vishnu, carved out of a single
Saligram. In the inner canopy above the idol is shree
yantra installed by Adi Sankraya Charya. The original
temple was destroyed by Tamur lane in 1398 A.D. Lot
of old statues , coins, pots and other things of historical
importance were found in recent excavations in the
premises of the temple.
Parmarth Niketan
One of the most renowned
temple complex and ashram in the area . Known for
its substantial work on Hinduism, three is a school
run on traditional Indian Patterns. The ashram organises
excellent Ganga Arti and Hawan on the Parmarth Ghat
every evening.
"When global orange
sun suspended, waits low amid the red/yellow streaked
horizon, then all these combine to give this town
a very special evening. The temple bells roar, priests
enchant mantras. Immersed in sublimation stand the
pilgrims . Cupped leaves, with saffron marigold petals
and a small candle flame, flickering ride the current
of water of wisdom. Suddenly the sky darkens , spreading
a blanket of stillness. Everything stops, except the
sound of current , which has just sunk the tiny flames
of cupped leaves, few minutes back"
Transcendental Centre of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi:Situated
on the extreme end of Geeta Bhawan area , Marishi's
TM centre is situated in the peaceful forest area.
Once the most active branch has nothing much to offer
to the visitors today.
Kunjapuri Temple
Drive to Kunja Puri,
one of the thirteen most important Goddesses of Shivalik
range , the lower Himalayas.One can witness excellent
sunrise or sun set on the Greater Hiamalayan Peaks
and the vast Indo Gangetic plains . One can see almost
all the peaks of Garhwal Himalayas from here eg Banderpunch
(6316 Mts), Swarga Rohini (6252 Mts), Gangotri ( 6672
mts), Chaukhamba (7138 mts) etc.
Vasishtha Goofa
One hour drive from Rishikesh up
river is situated Vasishtha Goofa , where famous saint
Vasishtha meditated on the banks of the Ganges. The
cave is very peaceful and is a perfect place for meditation.
Rishikund
Close to Trivenighat
is the most ancient place, the Rishikund. Anciant
records relate this to Kubz Saint , who was blessed
by the Goddess Yamuna by saturating this pond by its
water.The pond reflects the temple of Ragunath , deidicated
to lord Rama and his wife
Triveni Ghat
The main Ghat in the town area where most of the
pilgrims take holy dip. Every evening hundreds of
pilgrims attend the Ganga Arti at the Ghat.
Nilkanth Mahadeo
Mythology says that
in the ancient times when the ocean was being churned
for 'amrit' (Potion for immortality), first venom
oozed out. Lord Shiva drank the venom at a place which
is now called Nilkanth Mahadeo. It is 12 kms from
Rishikesh and is surrounded by peaceful forests
Ashrams and other Spiritual Centres in Rishikesh
Yoga Study Centre
One of the best and most dedicated ashram to Hatha
Yoga. Yoga classes are held in the morning and in
the evening every day under the supervision of Shree
Rudra Dev, one of the most dedicated yoga teethed
in the area.
Shiva Nanda Ashram (Divine Life Society)
One of the oldest and most active ashrams in the
area. Spiritual as well as activities related with
Hinduism are the practiced here every day. The ashram
runs the best and biggest charitable hospital from
which hundreds of local people get free medical services
every day.Ashram also runs yoga and meditation courses
very often.
Parmarth Niketan
One of the most active ashrams in the area. Ashram
runs traditional Indian School, Guest house and Ganga
Arti every evening.
Ved Niketan
Ashram runs yoga and Mediatation classes regularly.
Govt is planning to have its First Yoga Acedemy in
India, in the ashram.Transcendental Meditation Centre
of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: Once the most active ashrams
in sixties has very few activities rarely. The ashram
is best located in the forests on the banks Ganga
and is ideal for meditation.
Tapovan Area
Sacha Vedic Sansthan
One of the most active ashram in tapovan area. Ashram
has its own guest house on the river and
organises spiritual and Hindu religious activities
very often.
If you are interested to hear
more please contact
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