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 humans. Oral traditions [...]
Filed under: Hinduism, Sanatana Dharma, Spiritual | Tagged: Bhagavad Gita, Hinduism, Krishna, Sanatana Dharma, Spirituality | 2 Comments »
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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 [...]
Filed under: Devi, Goa, Hinduism, Konkani, Sanatana Dharma, Temples | Tagged: Devi, Hindu Gods, Lakshmi, Laxmi, Portuguese Inquisition | Leave a Comment »
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 head I pray
At Rama’s [...]
Filed under: Festivals, Hinduism, India, Karnataka, Prarthana, Sanatana Dharma, Temples | 3 Comments »
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.)
Filed under: Devi, Festivals, Hinduism, Prarthana, Sanatana Dharma | 21 Comments »
This series of posts complements the exquisite Karnataka Food Festival organized by Asha’s Foodies Hope. Go over and enjoy the feast!
See my previous posts on the 6th century Cave Temples of Badami, in Northern Karnataka:
Cave One is dedicated to Shiva as the impressive Nataraja; and Devi as Mahisasuramardini.
Cave Two honors Vishnu and his avataars [...]
Filed under: Arts, Karnataka, Sanatana Dharma | 11 Comments »
I previously shared pictures of two cave temples of Badami. These represented the zenith of the Chalukyan cave temple architecture from the 6th century. Cave one was dedicated to Shiva as the impressive Nataraja; and Devi as Mahisasuramardini. Cave two honors Vishnu and his avataars Varaha and Vamana.
Cave Three is also dedicated [...]
Filed under: Arts, Karnataka, Sanatana Dharma, Temples | 17 Comments »
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 can be found in the home [...]
Filed under: Festivals, Hinduism, Prarthana, Sanatana Dharma | 35 Comments »
Wishing you all a
Joyous & Enlightening Gokulashtami!
M&A
Notes are excerpted from my upcoming book, Prarthana: A Book of Hindu Psalms;
© Arun Shanbhag 2007
Krishna Vandana – Tribute to Krishna,
Krishna is the most beloved of Hindu Gods and a popular avataar of Vishnu, the eternal soul of the Universe. While other incarnations of Vishnu crystallize divine traits [...]
Filed under: Festivals, Prarthana, Sanatana Dharma | 29 Comments »
Badami in Northern Karnataka, was the capital of the Chalukyan empire. During the 5th to the 8th century, skilled artisans cut caves in the mountainside and decorated the insides with stunning craftsmanship.
The four caves are dated to 578 CE. The first cave is dedicated to Shiva and you saw some impressive high relief [...]
Filed under: Karnataka, Sanatana Dharma, Temples | 3 Comments »
Due to my interest in Konkani Temples in Goa, I have been researching books on the Portuguese occupation in Goa. During the Portuguese Inquisition lasting more than 150 years (1560 – 1812), the Jesuits made a systematic attempt at wiping out the Konkani heritage in Goa. Konkanis were either tortured and killed, forced [...]
Filed under: Books, Goa, Konkani, Sanatana Dharma, Temples | 2 Comments »
