Hinduism : Basic Principles of Hinduism

What are its basic principles of Hinduism?
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 Briefly, the principles of Hinduism may be stated as follows:

The ultimate reality of the universe is one and not more than one. The nature of this reality is spiritual in the sense of Intelligence or Consciousness. Therefore, this reality is Universal, Omnipresent, and hence at once Omniscient and Omnipotent. Creation is a veritable Body of this All-pervading Almighty Omnipresence. The relationship between this reality, which is called God, and the created universe is intrinsic, organic and vital, and not external or mechanistic. There are several planes in this creation, broadly classified into fourteen realms known as lokas, all which are inhabited by different categories of beings, right from the lowest level of the physical elements up to the region of the Creator Himself. In the sense stated above, the whole universe and all beings are vehicles of divinity and radiant with the immanent Godhead, all potentially having the birthright of attaining union with the Supreme Almighty through gradual evolution. The human being is one such created species among the many others which are said to run to 84 lakhs in number. Man, thus, occupies a stage in the process of a still higher ascent and he is not the end of creation or evolution. The human life is to be organised by the integrating principles of dharma (moral value), artha (material value), kama (vital value) and moksha (spiritual value), the last one mentioned being in fact the infinite value of existence. Society is also to be brought into a united force of hierarchy through mutual cooperation by the application of what is known as Varnashrama-dharma, which means the arrangement of society into classes of spiritual power, political power, economic power and man-power, known usually as Brahmans, Kshatriya, Vaisya and Sudra, and the order of life into the levels of education, the performance of the duties of life, withdrawal from personal attachments, and attainment of spiritual illumination, which stages go by the names of Brahmacharya, Garhasthya, Vanaprastha and Sannyasa. Every faith, cult, creed, belief, religion or outlook represents a facet or phase of the evolving consciousness in the process of the universe, thus transforming life in the world, nay, life in the universe itself, into a wide family of internally related and mutually cooperating members who have all a system of obligations and duties, excluding nothing but including everything, finally with the purpose of universal spiritual realisation.
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Edited from the article written by H.H Swami Sivananda.

Kotravaleeswarar Temple, Koviloor.

Sri Kotravaleeswarar Temple, Koviloor, TN..


The Koviloor temple of Sri Kotravaleeswarar is quite ancient, about 1,000 years old, and was built by a Pandya king -Veerasekara Pandiyan. In those olden days, Koviloor was referred to as Saliwadi (Land of Rice) and Kalani Vasal (Land of Agriculture). According to legend, King Veerasekaran went hunting in the vicinity of Saliwadi village and lost his sword which he found later. He initiated the construction of a temple at the spot and christened the deity Kotravaleeswarar or Raja Katka Parameshwar (the God who saved the King's sword, courage and in doing so, the citizens).

Tamil Scripture : Aranerisaaram, அறநெறிச்சாரம் (முனைப்பாடியார் அருளியது)

Gems of Tamil Scripture : Aranerissaram
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"நல்லறம் எந்தை நிரையெம்மை நன்குணரும்
கல்வியென் தோழன் துணிவேம்பி- அல்லாத
பொய்ச் சுற்றத் தாரும் பொருளோ பொருளாய
இச்சற்றத் தாரில் எனக்கு."
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-- அறநெறிச்சாரம் (முனைப்பாடியார் அருளியது)
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நம்மை தரத்தக்க அறசெயலே என் தந்தை, அறிவுச செல்வமே என் தாய்,நல்லவற்றை ஆராய்ந்து அறிய உதவும் கல்விச் செல்வமே என்தொழன், துணிவே என் இளைய சகோதரன், உறுதி தரக்கூடிய இவ்வுரவினர்கள் போல் எனக்கு ரத்த உறவினால் வரும் உறவினர்கள் நன்மை தருவார்களா?
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கருத்துரை:
அறச்செயலும்,நல்லறிவு தரும் கல்வியும்; துணிவும்; உறவுகளாகும்.

Channakesava Temple, Shantigrama, Karnataka..

Sri Channakesava Temple, Shantigrama, Karnataka..

Constructed in 13th century during the reign of Hoysalas.

Purananooru : Tamil Semmozhi scripture

Puranaanooru : Tamil Semmozhi scripture
இம்மைச் செய்தது மறுமைக்கு ஆம் எனும்
அறவிலை வணிகன் ஆஅய் அல்லன்
பிறரும் சான்றோர் சென்ற நெறியென
ஆங்குப் பட்டன்று அவன் கைவண்மையே.
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Translation :

Āy is not like a businessman with fair
prices who thinks that the good done in
this birth will help the next one.
His generosity is because of other noble
men before him who followed the right path!
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Meaning:
இம்மைச் செய்தது மறுமைக்கு ஆம் எனும் – that what is done (good deeds) in this birth will help the next one,
அற விலை வணிகன் – merchant with fair prices,
ஆ அய் அல்லன் – that is not Āy,
பிறரும் சான்றோர் சென்ற நெறியென ஆங்குப் பட்டன்று அவன் கை வண்மையே – his charity is because noble men before him who have followed the right path
(Āy was one of the seven great philonthropists, who were small-region kings. The seven are Kāri, Ori, Pēkan, Āy, Nalli, Pāri and Athikan – Athikan is Athiyamān, who is mentioned as Elini (his clan name) in Puranānūru.)

Mukthanatheswara Temple, Binnamangala, Karnataka..

Sri Mukthanatheswara Temple, Binnamangala, Karnataka..
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Binnamangala near Bangalore has a Chola temple dedicated to Lord Mukthanatheshwara. This temple was constructed by Raja Rajendra Chola in the 10 th century AD.

This wonderful ancient temple was recently renovated by the ASI with the help of the locals and the deity is being worshiped since then. As some parts of the temple were badly damaged , they had to be replaced by new stones and the work is no match to the original work.

There is an inscription stone (written in Tamil) in front of the temple giving the information about the temple. There is also a sculpture of the king Rajendra Chola besides a tall pillar.

Neethi Neri Vilakkam - Kumaragurubhara Swamigal

Know Your Tamil : Neethi Neri Vilakkam.
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மெய்வருத்தம் பாரார் பசிநோக்கார் கண்டுஞ்சார்
எவ்வெவர் தீமையு மேற்கொள்ளார் - *செவ்வி*
அருமையும் பாரா ரவமதிப்புங் கொள்ளார்
கருமமே கண்ணாயி னார்.

---ஸ்ரீகுமரகுருபர சுவாமிகள்
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தாம் தொடங்கிய காரியத்தை முடிப்பதிலேயே கருத்துக்கொண்டவர், தம் உடம்பின் வருத்தத்தைக் கவனியார்; பசியையும் கவனியார்; உறங்கார்; யார் தீங்கு செய்தாலும் அதைப்பொருட்படுத்தார்; காலத்தின் அருமையையும் நோக்கார்; (பிறர் செய்யும்)அவமதிப்பையும் கருதார்.

Durgadevi Temple, Hirekerur, Karnataka..

Sri Durgadevi Temple, Hirekerur, Karnataka..

Caste System in Ancient India

In Ancient India two great Rishis "Rishi Bhrigu" and "Rishi Bhardwaj", met to discuss how to structure a stable society. "Rishi Brigu" said that there are four sources of power in the society and we must ensure that nobody has more than one of the se. The four sources are Knowledge, Weapons , Wealth and Land. They should not be in the same hand, not even two should be in the same hand. So those who have knowledge should not have wealth, weapons and land. Those who have weapons will rule the country but they will not make the policy. They need to go to people having knowledge to seek permission and advice to formulate policies of governance. Those who have wealth, their social status will be decided by the amount of philanthropy they do, not by their quantum of wealth. Those who have land have to produce food for the society. In fact none of these four categories or "varna" were based on birth.

The mother of Maharishi "Ved Vyasha", who wrote the "Mahabharat", was a fisher woman. Maharishi "Valmiki", who wrote the "Ramayan", was the child of a Dalit woman. 'Kalidasha", who was one of the greatest poets of our country, was a sheperd. "Rishi Vishwamitra", considered as Rishi of Rishis, was born in a"Kshatriya" family. All of them were well versed in Sanskrit. This proves that the Hindu Dharma does not have have "varna" or "caste' on the basis of Birth. Sanskrit education was not restricted to any community.
Ravana was a "Brahmin" by birth who none of the Hindus worship. So, every Hindu needs to understand that caste system is not by birth and should reject it completely.

Sri Someswara Temple, Kolar, Karnataka..

Sri Someswara Temple, Kolar, Karnataka..

Thonta Siddalingeswara Temple, Yediyur, Karnataka..

Sri Thonta Siddalingeswara Temple, Yediyur, Karnataka..
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Yediyur was the home of a famous Veerashaiva spiritual teacher and author, Thontada Siddhalinga. His samadhi stands today in the Siddhalingeswara temple which is built in Dravidian style in 15th century. This temple has a Ratha (Procession car) with six stone wheels. A car festival takes place annually in March–April and lasts a fortnight.
This is a pilgrimage centre for Lord Shiva’s devotees.

Meaning of " Arya"

The meaning of Arya in Vedas is not as described by some historians, who call some imaginary Aryan invasion theory. The word " ARYA" is most grossly misunderstood word in Tamilnadu especially after the advent of black forces. The Arya as described in Vedas are as follows:

Kartavyamacharn Karma, Akratvyamanacharan.
Vishthti Prakritachare yeh sa Arya smriteh

(Vasishtha Smriti)
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Meaning : "A person who does only praiseworthy acts, holds the traditions in high regard and upholds them, does not adopt harmful habits and actions, but instead gets rid of such, and is, by his or her nature, a caring person, is alone called Arya. "

Kadu Mallilarjuna Temple, Malleswaram, Bangalore..

Kadu Mallilarjuna Temple, Malleswaram, Bangalore..
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Kadu Malleshwara Temple is one of the oldest temples of Bangalore located in Malleswaram. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Kadu Malleshwara Temple is constructed in Dravidian architecture during the reign of King Venkojirao Bhonsle of Thanjavur.
The word 'Kadu' literally means forest, referring to the thick vegetation that marked the surrounding places.
Malleswaram, the suburb gets the name after this historic temple.
Thousands of devotees from and around Bangalore visit Kadu Malleshwara Temple in Malleswaram during the holy day of Shivaratri festival

Jain Mutt, Varanga, Karnataka..

Jain Mutt, Varanga, Karnataka..
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Varanga is a small village located in the Udupi district. It is an ancient seat of a Jain mutt and is a branch of the Humcha Jain monastery.
An inscription belonging to the 13th century, found in the premises of the Neminatha Basadi, mentions about the existence of a Jain mutt here even before the installation of that inscription. The Jain mutt is said to have belonged to the Mula Kundakundanvaya Kranurgana’s Mesha Pashana Gachha tradition. Further references in the inscription give us enough proof that this Jain mutt belonged to a period of around 8th and 9th century

Ranganatha Temple, Unmatturu, Near Chamaraja Nagara, Karnataka..

Sri Ranganatha Devalaya,Ummatturu,Near Chamarajanagara,Karnataka..
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Sri Ranganatha Devalaya was constructed by Vijayanagara Kings in 16th Century and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Kalleswara Temple, Aerial View, Bagali, Karnataka..

Kalleswara Temple, Bagali, Karnataka..

Kalleswara Temple, Bagali, Karnataka..

Sri Kalleswara Temple, Bagali, Karnataka

The construction of the temple shrine and closed mantapa was completed in the late Rashtrakuta empire period (mid-10th century). The ornate open mantapa was built by Western (Kalyani) Chalukya King Tailapa II in 987 A.D. One can see the two distinct styles of Rasthrakuta AND Chalukyan architecture , i mean fusion of two architectural styles. Must visit place in Karnataka.

Uma Maheswara Temple, Hosanagara, Karnataka..

Sri Umamaheswara Temple, Hosanagara, Karnataka..
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Umamaheswara Temple was constructed by Keladi rulers in 15th century and it is in Keladi-Vijayanagara Style. Beautifully sculpted images of Dasavathara adores the outer wall.

Veeranarayana Temple, Gadag, Karnataka..

Sri Veera Narayana Temple, Gadag, Karnataka...
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Shri Veeranarayana temple in Gadag is built by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana.The temple is a mixture of Chalukya, Hoysala and Vijayanagara sculptures.The main entrance gate reminds us the Vijayanagara Art.Inside GarudaGamba and Rangamantap are in the manner of Hoysala sculpture.
This Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu/Veera Narayana.Inside the temple we can see many pillars and one of them is called Kumaravyasana Sthambha.Its believed that Mahakavi Kumaravyasa wrote Karnataka Bharatha Katha Manjari (classic Mahabharatha in Kannada) sitting beneath this pillar.This temple is one among the 5 Narayana Temples in Karnataka established by King Vishnuvardhana.

Kamleswara Temple, Byadagi, Karnataka..

Sri Kamleswara Temple, Mathur village, Byadagi, Karnataka..

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The village Muthur is about 12kms from Byadagi town of Haveri District. Sri Kalmeshwara Temple at Muthur was built during 11th century AD in later Chalukyan style. This temple has beautifully carved pillars and other structures. But the carvings show the strong influence of Rashtrakuta architecture. The exterior of the temple was in very bad condition due to negligence and heavy growth of vegetation. This temple which was almost covered with the earth was dismantled after complete removal of covered earth. The outside wall of the temple built by brick was removed and reconstructed with new stone walls. Suitable shikara over garbhagriha was also built. New stone slabs were laid for inside flooring and outside pradakshinapatha. The restoration work of the temple took place during 2011-12. After the restoration work, the daily pooja is being performed in this temple.

Mahabharatha - Concluding verses Moral essence.

These 4 verses are found in the end of the epic of Mahabaratha and are supposed to be the moral essence of the great epic.

"Mata pitra sahsrani putra dara satanica
Samsare svanubhutani yanti yasyanti chapare" -1

Thousands of mothers and fathers,
And hundreds of wives and sons,
Are experienced in several births,
And are going to be experienced in the future.

Harsha sthana sahasrani bhaya sthana satani cha
Divase divase moodam avisanti na panditam - 2
Thousands of experiences of happiness
Hundreds of experiences of fears,
Afflict the dim witted man,
But will not affect the wise man.

Urdhva bahur viraumyesha na cha kascid srunoti may
Dharmad arthascha kamasca sa dharma kim na sevyate - 3
I am shouting this loudly,
Raising my hands above,
But no one listens to this,
“Wealth and love comes out of Dharma*,
But no one is bothered to practice his Dharma.”

Na jatu kaman na bhayan na lobbhad Dharmam tyaje jjivitasyapi hetho
Nityo dharmah sukha dukhe tvanitye  Jivo nityo heturasya tvanitye., - 4
Dharma should not be forsaken,
Either due to desire, fear or avarice,
Dharma is permanent but pleasure and sorrow are temporary,
Like soul is permanent but body is temporary.

Kunnandarkoil Cave Temple, Parvathagireeswarar, Tamil Nadu..

Sri Kunnandar Cave Temple, Tamil Nadu

Kunnandarkoil Cave Temple in Kunnandarkoil, a village in Pudukottai district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Constructed in Rock-cut architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the 8th century by Muttaraiyar kings, the cardinals of Pallavas, with later expansion from the Vijayanagar Empire. The rock-cut architecture in the temple is a specimen of the late Pallava Art and an early example of Chola Art. The temple has various inscriptions from Cholas, Chalukyas, Pandyas and Vijayanagar Empire. The temple is considered one of the oldest stone temples in South India. The temple is maintained and administered by Department of Archaeological Survey of India as a protected monument.

The main shrine faces East and the sanctum houses the image of Lingam, an iconic representation of Shiva. Shiva is worshipped as Parvathagiriswarar. The walls of the sanctum are plain, unlike later Chola temples that have niches to house different images. The sanctum is approached through an Arthamandapa, a hall supported by pillars. The sanctum is guarded by Dvarapalas on either sides. The inscriptions are made on the base of the Dvarapalas. There are two portrait images, one of which is identified as the Muttraraiyar chief who built the temple and other being his assistant.

Irattai Pulavar

Know Your Tamil : Irattai Pulavar.
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வெட்டி ஆற்றில் அடித்துக்கொண்டு போனபோது பாடியது : இரட்டை புலவர் .
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"அப்பிலே தோய்த்திட்டு அடுத்தடுத்து நாம் அதனை
  தப்பினால் நம்மை அது தப்பாதோ - இப்புவியில்
  இக்கலிங்கம் போனால்என்? ஏகாலிங்க மாமதுரை
  சொக்கலிங்கம் தானிருக்க சொல்.."
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Meaning :
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துணியைத் தண்ணீரில் நனைத்து திரும்ப திரும்ப அடித்து வெளுத்தாள் அது நம்மை விட்டு தப்பிப்போய் விடாதோ?. இவ்வுலகத்தில் ஒப்பற்ற சிவலிங்கமாக சிவபெருமான் துணையாக உள்ளார்.அதனால் இந்த துணைபோனால் என்ன?..சொல்வாயாக

Shiva Mandira, Narayanapura, Bidar.

Sri Shiva Mandira, Narayanpur, Karnataka...
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Shivmandira is located in the village Narayanpura of Basavakalyan Taluk in Bidar district. This temple was constructed by Chalukyas around 12th Century AD. Near by there is a temple dedicated to Goddess Bhavani known as Bhagyavanthi Temple.

Saffron or Bhagwa Flag

What is Bhagwa Dhwaj or Saffron flag ?
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Nowadays Bhagwa Dhwaj is used by a few Hindu organizations with their own modification on it.It is designated as communal by secular forces. Many of them think it as a religious flag, hardly anyone knows about it. In this post, a brief info is presented.

The Bhagwa Dhwaj is the eternal symbol of Dharma .
It stands for Dharma, advancement, glory, knowledge, sacrifice and valour. The combination of these six aspirations is Bhagwa.
The flag reminds us of the orange hue around the rising Sun, that dispels darkness and radiates light all around. i.e. to destroy Adharma and establish Dharma. The shape of the Bhagwa has another significance: diversity, acceptance, harmony and mutual respect. The two portions remind us that duality, contrast, inequality, diversity are inevitable. For harmonious existence there must be sharing, respect and cooperation, .i.e. one portion upon other.
Whenever we see Bhagwa Dhwaj it reminds us of the great ‘Aaryas’ who have laid their lives to save its honour. ( Arya means Virtuous )

Kalleswara Swamy Temple, Mallapura, Chitradurga, Karnataka..

Sri Kalleswaraswamy Temple, Mallapura, Chitradurga, Karnataka.


Mallapura village is situated at a distance of about 4kms from Chitradurga town on the Bangalore-Hospete National Highway.  Sri Kalleshwara Swamy Temple was built in around 800 years ago. While the Gopura could be attributed to Kadambanaagara style of architecture, Garbhagudi is of Kalyana Chalukya style of architecture. The restoration work of this temple took place during 2011-12. This ruined structure was restored after complete dismantling and strengthening the adhisthana. Major portion of missed stones were substituted with new ones. After the restoration work, the daily pooja is being performed in this temple and which attracting many a number of devotees.
Restoration work was carried by the Sri Manjunatheswara Dharmoththaana Trust under the instruction from Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala temple Sri Veerendra Hegde.

Harihareswara Temple, Harihara

Sri Harhareswara Temple, Harihara, Karnataka....


The Harihareshwara Temple at Harihar in Karnataka state, India, was built in 1223–1224 CE by Polalva, a commander and minister of the Hoysala Empire King Vira Narasimha II. The temple was consecrated for the deity Harihara, a fusion of the Hindu Gods Vishnu and Shiva. The image of the deity is a fusion of the right vertical half of Shiva and left vertical half of Vishnu. The image holds in its right hand, the attributes of Shiva and in the left hand, those of Vishnu. Lathe turned pillars support the ceiling of the open hall, which has beautiful lotuses.

Sanskrit

The HRD ministry’s decision to replace German with Sanskrit met unique logic by the same forces and people who possess unique contempt for the Soul of India. They see India from prism of the West. Their colonised minds find teaching of Sanskrit anti-global, and they are quick to catogrise it as RSS agenda of ‘saffronisation’. Is it so? The question is not new. Hybrid of Macaulayites, Marxists and Nehruvians left no stone unturned to denigrate Sanskrit to a ‘Brahminical’, ‘priestly’ language and of no face value.
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Without learning of Sanskrit, it is not possible to decipher the Indian philosophy on which our culture and heritage are based.” Besides, Sanskrit being the mother of all Indo-Aryan languages; it is this language in which our Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads have been written and in which Kalidas, Bhavbhuti, Banbhatt and Dandi wrote their classics. Teachings of Shankaracharya, Ramanuja, Madhvacharya, Nimbak and Vallabhacharya would not have been woven into the fabric of Indian culture had Sanskrit not been available as medium of expressing their thoughts.
German may be useful for other purposes, but equating them with Sanskrit is the greatest folly. The learned judge of SC quoted the Sanskrit Commission Report (1957) which says the Indian people and Indian Civilisation were born in the lap of Sanskrit and it went “hand in hand with the historical development of the Indian people and gave the noblest expression of their mind and culture which has come down to our day as an inheritance of priceless order for India, nay, for the entire world”.
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Teach German as one of the elective language but German as a replacement for Sanskrit is unacceptable.

Avvaiyaar - Moothurai மூதுரை

*அற்ற* குளத்தில் அறுநீர்ப் பறவைபோல்
உற்றுழித் தீர்வர் உறவல்லர் -அக்குளத்தில்
கொட்டியும் ஆம்பலும் நெய்தலும் போலவே
ஒட்டி உறுவார் உறவு.

மூதுரை, ஔவையார்
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நீர் வற்றியதும், குளத்திலிருந்து வாழும் பறவைகளைப் போல துன்பம் வந்த போது நீங்கி விடுபவர்கள் சுற்றத்தார் ஆக மாட்டார்கள். அந்தக் குளத்திலுள்ள கொட்டிப்பூண்டையும், அல்லிக்கொடியையும், குவளைக் கொடியையும் போன்றவர்களாக சேர்ந்து, நீர் ஏற்றத் தாழ்வுகள் போல் உயர்ந்தும் தாழ்ந்தும் துன்பத்தையும் இன்பத்தையும் ஏற்றுக் கொள்பவர்களே நல்ல சுற்றத்தவர் ஆவார்கள்.

Belur Math, Kolkatta

Belur Math, West Bengal :
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Belur Math is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda—a chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. It is located on the west bank of Hooghly River, Belur, West Bengal, India. The temple is notable for its architecture that fuses Hindu, Christian and Islamic motifs as a symbol of unity of all religions.

The 40-acre (160,000 m2) campus of the Belur Math on the banks of Ganga includes temples dedicated to Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda, in which their relics are enshrined, and the main monastery of the Ramakrishna Order. The campus also houses a Museum containing articles connected with the history of Ramakrishna Math and Mission. Several educational institutions affiliated with the Ramakrishna Mission are situated in the vast campus adjacent to Belur Math. The design of the temple was envisioned by Swami Vivekananda and the architect was Swami Vijnanananda—a direct monastic disciple of Ramakrishna. The Belur Math is considered as one of the prime tourist spots in India and place of pilgrimage by devotees.

Beliefs in Hinduism

Nine Beliefs of Hinduism :

Our beliefs determine our thoughts and attitudes about life, which in turn direct our actions. By our actions, we create our destiny. Beliefs about sacred matters--God, soul and cosmos--are essential to one's approach to life. Hindus believe many diverse things, but there are a few bedrock concepts on which most Hindus concur. The following nine beliefs, though not exhaustive, offer a simple summary of Hindu spirituality.

Hindus believe in a one, all-pervasive Supreme Being who is both immanent and transcendent, both Creator and Unmanifest Reality.

Hindus believe in the divinity of the four Vedas, the world's most ancient scripture, and venerate the Agamas as equally revealed. These primordial hymns are God's word and the bedrock of Sanatana Dharma, the eternal religion.

Hindus believe that the universe undergoes endless cycles of creation, preservation and dissolution.

Hindus believe in karma, the law of cause and effect by which each individual creates his own destiny by his thoughts, words and deeds.

Hindus believe that the soul reincarnates, evolving through many births until all karmas have been resolved, and moksha, liberation from the cycle of rebirth, is attained. Not a single soul will be deprived of this destiny.
Hindus believe that divine beings exist in unseen worlds and that temple worship, rituals, sacraments and personal devotionals create a communion with these devas and Gods.

Hindus believe that an enlightened master, or satguru, is essential to know the Transcendent Absolute, as are personal discipline, good conduct, purification, pilgrimage, self-inquiry, meditation and surrender in God.
Hindus believe that all life is sacred, to be loved and revered, and therefore practice ahimsa, noninjury, in thought, word and deed.

Hindus believe that no religion teaches the only way to salvation above all others, but that all genuine paths are facets of God's Light, deserving tolerance and understanding.

Hinduism, the world's oldest religion, has no beginning--it precedes recorded history. It has no human founder. It is a mystical religion, leading the devotee to personally experience the Truth within, finally reaching the pinnacle of consciousness where man and God are one.

Kumaraswamy Temple, Kraunchagiri, Sandur, Karnataka..

Sri Kumaraswami Temple, Kraunchagiri, Sandur, Karnataka..
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Krauncha Giri is famous for the Subramanya temple located in Bellary district in Karnataka. Krauncha Giri is believed to be the first abode of Subramanya in south India.

The name 'Krauncha Giri' is very familiar to many, but few know the location of this legendary mountain. For many, it's just a mythical one like Mount Meru.
Unique feature of the mountain is its elliptical shape with a diametric narrow pass. According to legend, this gap is made when Kartikeya pierced the mountain in the battle with the demon Tharaka, with his sphere weapon vel to kill the demons who were hidden inside mountain. This legend is held in high esteem in Hindu mythologies including Mahabharata (salya parva.46), Skanda Purana(asura kandam). Krauncha Giri is also associated with legends of the sages Agastya and Parasuram.

Kodandarama Temple, Chunchanakatte, Karnataka

Sri Kodandarama Temple, Chunchanakatte, Karnataka..
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Chunchanakatte near Mysore houses an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Rama, located by the side of River Cauvery and a beautiful falls.
The uniqueness of the idol installed here is that Sita is seen standing to the right of Rama. The pristine beauty of the place with the falls gushing in full flow is a sight to watch.

Legend describes Chunchanakatte as the holy place where Lord Sri Rama, during his exile, stopped by and availed the hospitality of a tribal couple called Chuncha and Chunchi. It is in this forest that Lord Rama met Agnatha Rishi. Impressed by his devotion to Lord Narayana Rama beckoned the Rishi to ask for a wish and the Rishi expressed his desire to see Lord Rama with Sita on His right side. And thus, the Lord is seen with Sita on His right side.

Gems of Tamil Scripture : Glory of Vallal Kalathi Mudaliar of Thiruninravoor.
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."நீளத் திரிந்துழன்றாய் நீங்கா நிழல்போல
நாளைக் கிருப்பாயோ நல்குரவே - காளத்தி
நின்றைக்கே சென்றுக் காண நீயெங்கே நானெங்கே
இன்றைக்கே சற்று இரு."
-- மதுர கவிராயர்
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Meaning :
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இன்பத்திற்குப் பகையான வறுமையே என்னை விட்டு நீங்காத எனது நிழலைப் போன்ற நீ என்னுடன் வெகு நாளாக அலைந்து வருந்தலாயினை, நாளைய தினம் நீ எனக்கு உறவாகி நிற்பாயோ? காளத்தி முதலியார் வள்ளலாருடைய திருநின்ரையுருக்கு நான் செல்வேநாயின் நீ எங்கே போவாய், நான் எங்கே உன்னை விட்டுப் போவேனோ பழமை பாராட்டி இன்றைய தினம் மாத்திரமே, சிறிது காலம் என்னோடு இருப்பாய் என்பதாகும்

Auvvaiyar Gnanabodham

ஆதியாய் நின்ற அறிவு முதல்எழுத்து
ஓதிய நூலின் பயன் .
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கருத்துரை :
தமிழில் முதல் எழுத்து  " அ " வேதத்தின் முதன்மை எழுத்து "ஓம்" எனும் பிரணவம் ஆகும். இந்த முதல் எழுத்தின் மூலத்தை அரியச் செய்த நூலின் பயனே அறிவின் நிறைவாகும். அறிவை தருவது நூல். அந்நூலை அறிய வைப்பதும் அறிவே ஆகும்.
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அரும்பத உரை :
ஆதி - முதல், ஓதிய - அறியச் செய்த
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தெரிவுரை :
" அகர முதல எழுத்தெல்லாம் ஆதி பகவன் முதற்றே உலகு " - என்பது திருக்குறள். " அகரமுமாகி அதிபனுமாகி " என்பர் அருணகிரிநாதர்.
எழுத்துகளில் முதல் எழுத்து அகரம் அதுபோல் இறைவன் உலகு, உயிர் அனைத்திற்கும் முதன்மையானவன்.
"அ " வின் சிறப்பு, வெளிமுயற்சி களுள் வாயைத் திறந்தாள் என்ற ஒரு அசைவிலையே பிறப்பது அகரம். எந்த எழுத்தொலியும் வாயைத் திறவாமல் பிறப்பதில்லை. வாயைத் திறந்தவுடன் உண்டாகும் "அ" என்ற ஒலியில்லாமல் எழுத்துகள் ஒன்றும் தோன்ற மாட்டா. அதுபோல இறைவனின்றி உலகம் மற்றும் உயிர் எதுவும் தோன்றமாட்டா. " அகர உயிர்போல் அறிவாகி எங்கும் நிகரில் இறை நிற்கும் நிறைந்து" என " திருவருட்பயன்" என்ற நூல் பகரும்.

The surest way to find God is.... 
Not to make Him a private possession, 
a problem solver, 
or an instant consolation in time of need, 
But rather by opening to love. 

‘God is love, and anyone who lives in love is living with God and God is living in him.’

Om Namah Shivaya.