Part II of II This article is Part II of my earlier post titled, Brief Introduction to Hinduism. There are four intersecting areas that are present in all religions. They are: an Ultimate Reality which some call God or Truth or Enlightenment, the human condition, salvation, and the nature of evil. In all religions there [...]
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A Brief Introduction to Hinduism Part I of II This article was written with the purpose of educating my children on the essence of Hinduism and how it compares with other religions. My forthcoming article will contain a brief comparison of other religions. Religion has been a part of every society since the beginning of [...]
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click image for larger version The Mahamandap (Great Hall) at the Mahalakshmi Temple in Bandivade, Goa provides a therapeutic escape from many of Goa busy attractions. It is a perfect place to sit undisturbed and commune with the divine. On this early morning, regular devotees went about their prayers silently and tourist laden buses had [...]
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Hanuman offering a tribute to Shri Rama, Lakshman and Devi Sita; A carving from the Vijayanagar period on a boulder on Hemakuta, Hampi. (see more from Hampi below) shri ramachandracharanau manasa smaraami shri ramachandracharanau vachasa gruNaami shri ramachandracharanau SHirasa namaami shri ramachandracharanau SHaranam prapadhyae On Rama’s feet I meditate With words I praise With lowered [...]
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Last week we enjoyed a shaadi in the family. It was a magnificent production over four days, amidst the beautiful rolling hills of upstate South Carolina. And yes, it was a respite from the Fall here, to greenery, well manicured, lush lawns and Southern hospitality. And what a great occasion for a family reunion! For [...]
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Wishing you all a Wonderful Dassara All year around, We are blessed by Devi’s Grace! M&A (murthy of Kamakshi, a form of Durga Devi at the Ramnathi Devasthan in Ponda, Goa.)
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On Ganesh Chaturthi Wishing you all A Blessed Ganesha’s Grace! M&A Notes are excerpted from my just released book, Prarthana: A Book of Hindu Psalms; © Arun Shanbhag 2007 Ganesha Stotram – Hymn to Ganesha The visage of Ganesha (or Ganapati) is easily recognizable as the elephant-headed God of Knowledge and Wisdom. A Ganesha murti [...]
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Faith From our visit a few years ago, to the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, Karnataka. click image for a larger version;
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Spent the last few days at a family gathering celebrating my father's 80th birthday. During the relaxing holiday, I came across these lines extending a verse (sada sarvada yog tuzha ghadava) which I had frequently recited as a child: jhya jhya sthaLi hey mun jaaya mazhe, tyaa tyaa sthaLi hey nijarupa tuzhe mi thevito mastak [...]
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Bought this in Mumbai on my last trip. Love the bright colors! Enjoy!
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