Vaishakha Shukla 8 Vik. Samvat 2081, Yugabda 5126 : 16 May, 2024: SM 6004 (For Private Circulation only)
1. FESTIVALS:
BHAGWAN BUDDHA JAYANTI: Buddha Purnima (May 23 this year), also known as
Vesak, is the most important festival for the followers of Buddhism as this
auspicious day marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha, the
founder of Buddhism.
In Hong Kong, lanterns are lit to symbolise Bhagwan Buddha's enlightenment. In Japan, Bhagwan Buddha's birthday is known as Kanbutsu-e or Hanamatsuri (Flower Festival) and is held on April 8. In Malaysia, mandirs across the country are decorated and caged animals are set free. In Myanmar, it falls on the full moon of Kasun and is celebrated by watering the Bodhi tree.
In Mongolia, it is celebrated as ‘Ikh Duichen’ and its date is determined by the Mongolian lunar calendar.
In Singapore, Buddhist mandirs are decorated with Buddhist flags and flowers and devotees also bring offerings to the mandirs. In South Korea, the birthday of Bhagwan Buddha is celebrated according to the Korean lunar calendar and is called ‘Bucheo-nim o-shin nal’ meaning ‘the day when the Buddha (Bucheo-nim) came’. -GoTop
2. PROGRAMS OF SARASANGHACHALAK DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT: On
April 28, ‘Vidya Bharati Vignana Kendra’ at Nadergul, Telangana was inaugurated
by Sarasanghachalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Dr. Mohan Bhagwat and Sri Sri
Tridandi Chinnajeeyar Swamy. A book titled ‘Ivvadamlone Anandam’, authored by
Lingam Sudhakar Reddy, was also released on the occasion. ,br>
3. RASHTRAPATI MURMU VISITS RAM MANDIR: On May 1,
Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu offered prayers at the Ram mandir in Ayodhya and
performed the aarti and bowed before the idol of Ram Lalla amid the chanting of
mantras.
4. HSS USA GURU VANDANA: Coinciding with Teacher
Appreciation Week from May 6-10, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, in collaboration with
the Hindu Education Foundation, organizes Guru Vandana (Honoring the Teachers)
at various local chapters in different states of the USA. In 2023, more than
2000 teachers were honored at 83 Guru Vandana events. During this event,
students invite their teachers and present cultural performances, offering a
glimpse into Hindu culture. The students felicitate the teachers by doing Aarti
and receive their blessings by touching their feet. This act, a practice deeply
rooted in the Hindu culture, symbolizes the ultimate surrender to the knowledge
and guidance that the teacher provides.
The event in Naperville-Aurora brought together over 80 teachers and other esteemed guests from the IPSD board. Guru Vandana events were organized at 4 locations by Arizona chapter of HSS. 109 teachers, staff and administrators from across the various school districts in the North and South Hills of Pittsburgh were felicitated by their students in a traditional Hindu cultural ceremony - Guru Vandana. -GoTop
5. HSS UK KHEL PRATIYOGITA 2024: The aim of Khel
Pratiyogita organized by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh HSS UK is not just for it to be
a sports competition, but a karayakram where swayamsevaks and sevikas can look
to practise the core values of Sangh (Sewa, Sanskar and Sanghathan) through Khel.
March 30 saw a turn out of 1200 attendees at the Swayamsevak Khel Pratiyogita.
364 matches were played across four different khels - football, kho-kho, ring
and kabaddi. 96 teams from 46 nagars of UK participated in the event. 7 teams
participated in the first ever kabaddi league for school year 7-9 group.
6. HINDU HERITAGE CAMP IN BOTSWANA: Hindu Swayamsevak
Sangh HSS Botswana organized a Hindu Heritage camp on May 1 at Livingstone
Kolobeng College, Gaborone. 166 students from diverse backgrounds
enthusiastically participated in this camp to gain an understanding of the Hindu
culture.
7. HOLI CELEBRATION BY HSS DENMARK: HSS Denmark, along
with Friends of India in Denmark (FIIDA), celebrated Holi festival on April 20.
1000 people from 40 different nationalities participated in the event. After
taking charge as the new Bharatiya Ambassador, Manish Prabhat made his first
public event appearance as the Chief Guest of the Holi celebration.
8. ANZAC DAY SERVICE AT CHERRYBROOK: The Australia India
Cenotaph Committee along with Hornsby RSL Sub-Branch, 202 ACU Blacktown Army
Cadet Unit, and Hornsby Shire Council conducted the ANZAC Day service at Anzac
Jawan Cenotaph – Cherrybrook on April 21 to commemorate the sacrifices made by
the ANZACs of Bharatiya origin during WW1.
The service included mounting of the guards and lowering of the flags followed
by the prologue by Mr George Main President, Hornsby RSL Sub-branch and the
ANZAC day messages by various dignitaries. The Anzac Day Service was attended by
a large number of Veterans and community leaders including FaithNSW Co-chair Mr.
Darren Bark, Cr. Sreeni Pillamari, Cr. Reena Jethi and Cr. Barbara Ward. Wreaths
were laid at the Anzac Jawan Cenotaph by the Hornsby RSL Subbranch,
Ex-Servicemen, Australian Army Cadets HQ, Hindu Council National & NSW Teams and
others. A minute silence was observed in honour of the ANZACs followed by the
Last Post by bugler Yasith Polwaththe. -GoTop
9. HANUMAN CHALISA CHANTING IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO:
Members of the Bharatiya diaspora in association with Rajasthani Association of
North America (RANA) New York organised the ‘Epic Hanuman Chalisa Chanting’
event in Trinidad and Tobago under the patronage of the Bharatiya High
Commission.
Almost 11000 Raksha Sutras brought from Ram Lalla Mandir, Ayodhya were distributed by High Commissioner Rajpurohit.
The High Commissioner appreciated the efforts of the founder of Overseas Friends of Ram Mandir US who helped to bring together the diaspora members to organize the event. Many senior ministers and the leader of the opposition along with a number of other dignitaries attended the event. -GoTop
10. INDIAN CULTURE CENTRE LAUNCHES ‘THOUGHTS AND
REFLECTIONS’ BOOK: On May 7, the Indian Culture Center, in collaboration
with Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Egypt, hosted the ‘Thoughts
and Reflections’ book launch. The event was attended by the Bharatiya Ambassador
to Egypt Ajit Gupte and Mrs. Deepti Kataria, the secretary of the Africa Study
Centre. Mrs. Kataria said that the publication stands as a heartfelt tribute to
the extraordinary individuals of Egypt, with a particular focus on the inspiring
stories of Egyptian women.
11. SAREE TRADITION, ELEGANCE CELEBRATED AT TIMES SQUARE:
The iconic Times Square was awash with varied hues and styles of sarees as
hundreds of women from the Bharatiya-American community as well as other nations
showcased the timeless elegance, heritage and cultural diversity of the garment
at a special event.
The women proudly showcased their collection as they waved the national flags, danced together, took pictures and shared stories about their sarees, culture and heritage.
The event, hosted by ‘British Women in Sarees’ in partnership with Uma, showcased the timeless elegance of the saree through music, dance and a vibrant Saree Walkathon. -GoTop
12. OVER 250 PAKISTANI HINDUS VISIT AYODHYA: Over 250
Hindus from Pakistan, mostly from Sindh, reached Ayodhya on May 3 for the
darshan of Ramlalla at the Ram Mandir, Punjab Kesari reported. These people were
from 34 districts of the Sindh province and reached the mandir dancing on the
beats of dhol-nagada drums.
13. BHARAT TOPS IN DOLLAR REMITTANCE WITH 111 BILLION:
Bharat received over USD 111 billion in remittances in 2022, the largest in the
world, becoming the first country to reach and even surpass the USD 100 billion
mark, according to a United Nations migration agency. The International
Organisation for Migration (IOM), in its World Migration Report 2024 launched on
May 7, said that in 2022, Bharat, Mexico, China, the Philippines and France were
the top five remittance recipient countries.
Since 2000, IOM has been producing its flagship world migration reports every two years. -GoTop
14. BHARAT EMERGES AS WORLD’S SERVICES FACTORY: GOLDMAN
SACHS REPORT: A global report by Goldman Sachs said that Bharat’s share in
global services exports has more than doubled over the last 18 years and rise of
Global Capability Centres (GCCs) has played a crucial role in the expansion.
GCCs are specialised offshore entities set up by companies for business
processes. The proliferation of GCCS has given a boost to real estate, expanded
services exports, added to economic growth, created jobs and led to rapid
increase in revenues for these firms.
15. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN:Pravas: Visitors:
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Set your heart on doing good. Do it over and over again and you will be filled with joy. - Gautama Buddha -GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
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TEMPLE ECONOMY: THE BASE OF BHARAT’S SUSTENANCE
Dr Chittaranjan Subudhi
Temples are more than just places
of worship. They serve as symbols of hope and centers for the spread of
ideologies, culture, and civilisation. They inspire personal growth and
spiritual enlightenment, and serve as natural centers for education” (Education
in Ancient India by AS Altekar) The construction of bhavya Ram Mandir
in Ayodhya, Ram Janmabhoomi has been debated among individuals with specific
Leftist ideologies, who argue that alternative initiatives such as educational
institutions or hospitals would be more advantageous for society. However, it is
essential to consider whether this perception accurately represents these
structures’ full benefits. In Bharat, temples have long been associated with the
country’s development. Building a temple can also have tangible benefits for a
community regarding cultural preservation, economic growth, social cohesion,
spiritual wellbeing, spiritual and moral guidance, education and enlightenment,
philanthropy and social welfare, promotion of tourism and economy and cultural diplomacy. Thus,
looking from a holistic point of view, it is essential to explore the biases
underpinning such reactions and recognise that temples have served as vital
community resources throughout history, regardless of an individual’s caste,
class, or reed.
“Temples maintained schools and refuge for sick men and animals, dispensed
charity to beggars, and relieved the poorer citizens in times of distress and
famine” (TheWonder that was India by AL Basham)
Reviving
Temples - Here are the temples that saw revival in last 10 years
Kashi Vishwanath: Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Kashi Vishwanath
Dham Corridor in Varanasi at a special event on December 2021. This Rs 339-crore
project took less than three years to be completed
Kedarnath Temple: The 2013 floods in Uttarakhand left a trail of
destruction and also inflicted heavy damage on the famous Kedarnath temple in
the state. PM Modi in 2017 launched a reconstruction project for the Himalayan
temple, believed to be a abode of Bhagwan Shiva
Somnath Temple: During his 10-year tenure, Prime Minister undertook
several initiatives for the revival and beautification of the famous Somnath
temple in Gujarat. In 2021, PM Modi inaugurated the Somnath seaside promenade,
an exhibition centre and reconstructed temple precinct of Old (Juna) Somnath
Ujjain’s Mahakal: In October 2022, PM Modi inaugurated the first phase of
Mahakal Lok corridor developed on the premises of the famous Mahakaleshwar
temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain
Kashmir temples: In Kashmir, the Modi Government rebuilt or renovated
several temples, including Raghunath Temple, Srinagar, Martand Temple of
Anantnag, Gaurishankar Temple of Patan, Pandrethan Temple, Srinagar. Avantiswara
temple of Awantipora is also being renovated
Grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya: The Prime Minister Modi-led Government’s
resolve to build Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024 when Ram Lalla’s new idol was
consecrated at the newly-constructed temple. According to reports, the
government has planned to develop Ayodhya into a world-class city and spend over
Rs 30,000 crore for the initiative
Importance of Temples: A
temple is a place of inner worship, not just outer ceremonies, that directly
opens our minds and hearts to the divine. Spirituality and life are not separate
from every individual, just as God and nature are one. It is not a monument to a
uniform belief but an expression of life in its richness and abundance. Ample
literature and articles document how temples have supported individuals in
different aspects of their daily lives. Temples have served as playgrounds for
children, places of leisure and spirituality for elders, and socialisation hubs
for young and middle-aged people. They have provided peace, calm, and positivity
for monks, saints, and others seeking it, shelter for dwellers and small
business opportunities for small entrepreneurs. In addition to these benefits,
temples have also been places of love, bonding, learning, artistic expression
and even refuge for animals. They have become an integral part of people’s
lives. The place of temples was encouraged to be a place of court for local
matters/disputes. It is a place not just for prayer at a particular time of the
day, but one can come at any time. It serves as a shelter for those who feel
isolated or disconnected and offers a sense of belonging. It is essential to
recognise their significance. Dismissing their importance without understanding
their value to communities would be a disservice to the individuals who rely on
these structures for support.
Temples serve as places of worship and spiritual significance and are vital in promoting economic growth in the surrounding communities. This is achieved by generating employment opportunities in the hospitality, transportation and other related industries. Additionally, temples attract more visitors, leading to increased footfall and consumer spending in the local businesses. Such developments can improve the area’s infrastructure and services, benefiting the community and the services in the area.
Women’s Participation in Temples: Some of these temples have gone beyond their religious obligations and have made significant contributions to society, becoming a hallmark of women’s empowerment. Various initiatives are aimed at promoting gender equality, which are visible in such places. Women’s empowerment is a significant feature of these temples. Women sign up as volunteers and participate in garland-making, flower arranging, cleaning and running shops. They form groups with like-minded people to engage in music, dance or shlokas. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of women pursuing Vaishnava and other religious degrees, regardless of age. Group sessions, such as discussions on religious texts, provide a supportive environment for women to work through their issues, build confidence, and boost their self-esteem. For instance, foreign women participate in Vittal chanting and dance rituals at Brindavan. Although their religious background is unknown, their positive attitude and participation in the ritual are the things that matter. Seeing others adopt our traditions while we abandon them and follow their culture is disheartening.
A Place of Education and Learning: Bharat’s temples have been crucial in promoting education and knowledge dissemination for many years. Historical evidence dating back to the 10th century AD underscores the temple’s significance in educating children. Dancing and music were included in the temple rituals as forms of service to the deity. A book Education in Ancient India by AS Alteker discusses the temples as education centres. In rural areas, temples were the location of the village assemblies and the place of formal education. In 1083 AD, at Tavarekere, Karnataka, there was a Sattra attached to a temple offering students free food. A small Sanskrit college flourished in Talgund, Shikarpur district, in 1158 A.D. It provided free food and education to 48 students who studied Veda Puranas and Canarese. Punnavayilin, Tanjore, had a grammar college with 60 acres of land. Due to its wealth, it provided free food and education for around 500 students. During the Chola kingdom, which existed before this period, it supported these schools and colleges by donating funds and providing free food, teachers’ salaries, and student boarding facilities. During the 18th century, every religious centre in the Southern part of India used to maintain a Sanskrit Patha-Sala. Most of the temple authorities organising Sanskrit schools and colleges are typical of the age. Many more existed, with no memory handed over to the present generation.
In recent days, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning in Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh) has provided various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The Sri Sathya Sai Baba Trust founded this institute. The Chinmaya Vidyalaya schools are an exemplary model of educational institutions operated by the Chinmaya Trust, a spiritual organisation. These schools focus on providing a comprehensive education that integrates academic learning with moral and spiritual values. Furthermore, the Chinmaya Mission has extended its educational reach by establishing various trusts and initiatives to support less privileged children accessing quality education. These initiatives not only contribute to the academic development of individuals but also help foster a sense of community and social responsibility. The temple is an institution that provides a platform for individuals to learn from a diverse group of people.
Temple and Community Welfare: Temples have been and will continue to be valuable assets for community development. Throughout history, temples have served as sources of livelihood for communities. They have provided spaces for agricultural land and markets, enabling local community members to sell their produce, and promoted sustainable farming practices such as crop rotation, irrigation techniques, and soil conservation. Temples have also functioned as reservoirs, providing water sources for the community. From ancient times, temples have constructed ponds and tanks, which have been used for irrigation, bathing, cleaning, and animal husbandry. Today, many temples continue to uphold this tradition by constructing artificial tanks that benefit both the temple and the community. During the 15th century, during the Vijayanagar kingdom, temples served as sustainability centres for surrounding villagers. Historical evidence reveals the economic prosperity of this region, with rubies and gold being sold in local markets. These findings highlight the significant role of temples in the economic and social development of the time.
For instance, Tirupati Tirumala temple (Andhra Pradesh) is surrounded by shops and other dwellings that belong to the temple. For the welfare of the locals, the temple administration is running a college, a hospital, and a free food facility that can serve 2,000 people at one time. There are also other temples with community kitchens and charitable activities for pilgrims, such as the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Madurai Meenakshi Temple (Tamil Nadu) and Puri Jagannath Temple (Odisha). The temple is a cultural hub where people from different backgrounds visit with one thought of love and devotion in mind without any discrimination.
Healing, Positivity & Personality Development: The temple, a revered place of worship, has long been associated with healing and spiritual well-being. Temples are the sacred places where the power of collective spiritual aspiration is developed and focused. Temples are power stations that generate a higher consciousness among individuals.
Temples bring in spiritual energies, purify our collective psyche of negative thoughts and serve as a place of counsel for individuals facing difficulties. Temples like Tiruvallur-Veera Raghava temple, Vaitheeshwaran temple, Balaji Temple in Rajasthan, and many others have long been associated with healing physical and mental ailments. In addition, they serve as profound catalysts for personality development, nurturing individuals in ways that extend far beyond mere religious observance. These sacred spaces provide a conducive environment for self-reflection, introspection, and spiritual growth, which are integral to shaping one’s personality.
Regular visits to temples instil a sense of discipline and routine, encouraging individuals to dedicate time to introspection and contemplation amidst busy lives. The rituals and practices observed within temples, such as prayer, meditation, and chanting, help individuals cultivate inner peace, mindfulness, and emotional stability. Research suggests that the chanting of God’s names, such as Vittal, can have a positive impact on cardiac health. The temple’s positive energy, created through reciting Sanskrit mantras and songs during poojas, can calm and relieve the distress of those seeking solace. Blowing conch is an excellent exercise for the diaphragm, chest, neck muscles, thyroid glands, vocal cords, and improving the aerial capacity.
Om chanting has been practised for centuries in Hinduism, and recent studies have shown that it has several health benefits. Om is considered a sacred sound and is believed to be the sound of the universe. When chanted, it is said to have a calming effect on the mind and body. Reduces stress and anxiety, improves concentration and focus, improves sleep, lowers blood pressure, and boosts immunity. Through these spiritual exercises, individuals learn to manage their thoughts and emotions more effectively, fostering greater resilience and mental well-being.
Temples serve as repositories of ancient wisdom, scriptures, and philosophical teachings, providing individuals with valuable insights into the nature of reality, the purpose of life, and the principles of ethical conduct. Such contemplation nurtures a sense of humility, curiosity, and open-mindedness, which are essential for personal growth and development. Moreover, the communal aspect of temple visits facilitates social interaction, networking, and cultivating empathy and compassion towards others. Engaging in acts of seva (selfless service) within temple communities fosters a spirit of altruism, teamwork, and community responsibility, all vital for building strong interpersonal relationships and contributing positively to society.
Temples are pivotal in fostering holistic personality development by nurturing spiritual growth, promoting emotional resilience, fostering social connectedness, and imparting timeless wisdom.
Tourist Hub: The temple’s aesthetic beauty is also noteworthy. Many temples have gardens, which are maintained to provide flowers for the gods and goddesses. These gardens serve as alluring tourist spots and feature a variety of flowers that create a serene ambiance. In Srivilliputhur (Virudhunagar district), the garden where Goddess Andal was found is still used to get flowers for Gods and Goddesses. With the use of modern facilities, temples can create beautiful and sustainable gardens that not only add to the overall ambience but also attract tourists. These gardens serve as an excellent platform for educating visitors about the significance of conserving natural resources, minimizing waste and respecting local customs and traditions. By adopting eco-friendly practices, temples can preserve the environment around them and ensure their sustainability for future generations. With the right approach, temples can set an example for other institutions to follow and promote sustainable tourism. I will be able to enjoy them as well. (Organiser 2024-05-09) -GoTop
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