Source CHENNAI, INDIA, September 10, 2013 (Samachar.com): HPI Note: We’ve added an explanation below the news report of this unusual event and ruling. News report:Refusing to show any indulgence to caste organizations holding annual guru puja to celebrate their idols [HPI note: in this case, they mean “idol” as “revered hero,” not as a murthi for worship, which has led…
Source CHENNAI, INDIA, September 12, 2013 (by B. Sivakumar, TNN): A circular was sent to all temple executives advising them not to rent out properties to non-believers. The circular also banned renting out of temple property for functions in which liquor and non-vegetarian food are served. This move by the State Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department has atheists…
Source KARACHI, PAKISTAN, September 11, 2013 (by Amar Guriro, Daily Times): Hundreds of Marathi speaking Hindus from across Sindh, majority of them women and children attired in new clothes, covering their heads and carrying the Hindu God Ganesha, entered into the centuries-old Shiva temple located near Clifton beach to perform Ganesha Chaturthi.The pundit started reciting holy mantras in Sanskrit. After…
Source BANGKOK, THAILAND, September 8, 2013 (Times of India): With 600 pandals, Ganesh Utsav is likely to be grand affair. “Ganpati Bappa Moriya!” announces Bangkok’s most popular radio station. Ganesha, the most versatile of all Gods, possesses a tremendous following in Thailand. “His presence above cash counters is what keeps them jingling,” say shopkeepers. “Known as Phra Phikanet /Phra Phikanesuan,…
Source On the pathway of spiritual excellence, words that discourage and those that publicize faults of others are lethal poisons.— His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, spiritual head of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha
Source August 17, 2013 (Open The Magazine by Aatish Taseer): HPI Note: The author is a noted writer based in UK.) I had come to Sanskrit in search of roots, but I had not expected to have that need met so directly. I had not expected my wish for a “historical sense” to be answered with linguistic roots. Aged twenty-seven…
Source KATHMANDU,NEPAL, SEPT 9, 2013 (News24): Hundreds of small girls and their parents bustled near the ancient palace of Kathmandu on Tuesday, arranging themselves in rows ahead of a mass blessing. Every September, girls aged up to 5 gather for the ceremony of Kumari Puja, or virgin worship, believed to bestow good luck on those who attend, and a long…
Source Members of the younger generation are alike in many disrespects.
Source NEW DELHI, September 9, 2013 (India Today): As the 10-day Ganesh festival begins with great fervor across Maharashtra on Monday, new initiatives, rules and celebrations await the city. From regulations to mandals (temporary road-side temples) on the quality of prasad and fatter insurance covers to a growing demand for eco-friendly Deities, this year’s Ganesh Chaturthi and the festivities will…
Source In my silence, I experience one vast garden, spread out through the universe. All plants, all human beings, all higher devas are about it in various ways and each has his own uniqueness and beauty. Their presence and variety give me great delight. Every one of you adds in a special way to the glory of this garden.”— Sri…