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 [...]
Filed under: Hinduism, Sanatana Dharma, Spiritual | Tagged: Bhagavad Gita, Hinduism, Krishna, Sanatana Dharma, Spirituality | 3 Comments »
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.)
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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 [...]
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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 to Vishnu [...]
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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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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 [...]
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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 figures [...]
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