Hinduism - Saga of rich heritage and history

The largest religious monument of the world - Lord Vishnu temple of Angkor Wat Combodia!

2019-12-26T22:23:00.000+05:30

The largest religious monument of the world - The Lord Vishnu temple of Angkor Wat!

Angkor Wat an wonder to the world, declared by UNESCO a world heritage site giving it a much needed privilege to be preserved and conserved. A big thanks to the United nation as well as the Cambodian government for this much needed effort.

Angkor, in Cambodia’s northern province of Siem Reap, is one of the most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia. It extends over approximately 400 square kilometres and consists of scores of temples, hydraulic structures (basins, dykes, reservoirs, canals) as well as communication routes. For several centuries Angkor, was the centre of the Khmer Kingdom. With impressive monuments, several different ancient urban plans and large water reservoirs, the site is a unique concentration of features testifying to an exceptional civilization. Temples such as Angkor Wat, the Bayon, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm, exemplars of Khmer architecture, are closely linked to their geographical context as well as being imbued with symbolic significance. The architecture and layout of the successive capitals bear witness to a high level of social order and ranking within the Khmer Empire. Angkor is therefore a major site exemplifying cultural, religious and symbolic values, as well as containing high architectural, archaeological and artistic significance.

The park is inhabited, and many villages, some of whom the ancestors are dating back to the Angkor period are scattered throughout the park. The population practices agriculture and more specifically rice cultivation.

Hinduism in Bali - The Balinese Hinduism, a story of rise and fall!

2019-05-05T20:45:00.000+05:30

Hinduism in Bali - The Balinese Hinduism, a story of rise and fall!

My dear brothers and sisters a warm " Namaste " to you all.

The oldest and only existing religion in the world, Hinduism originated in South Asia, The Indus valley Civilization was the birth place of Hinduism and nourish it for thousands of years, which dates back more than 3000 years, even 1000 years before Jesus Christ's birth.

Hinduism is the most widely practiced religion in Asia. It has no particular individual as it's founder, It's commandments and customary rules comes from a large collection of the ancient sacred texts and Shrutis ( Gospels of spiritual philosophy passed down by the monks in ancient times) - mainly The Vedas, The Puranas, and many more books and texts written by the ancient Saints and Monks thousands of years ago, these scared and valuable ancient texts and books provide the Hindus with many rules governing their moral duties, rituals, worships, customary practices and day to day life.

If we hear the word "Bali" we find it more popular and famous worldwide then the country it is situated in, Indonesia. People around the globe thinks Bali is an independent country and some of the people even think Indonesia is in Bali. World class quality of tourism making Bali very popular in modern times. Bali is blessed with wonderful and stunning landscapes, lush green forests, rocky coastlines, clean sandy beaches, lush green paddy growing terraces and very unique culture which it is preserving and conserving for thousands of years, the combination of all these positive attributes making Bali more and more famous among the tourists and travelers from every corner of the world.

It is very common to see Hindu temples and Shrine everywhere in Bali; something very uncommon and not to be seen anywhere else in Indonesia. Majority of the Balinese people and their life is influenced by Hindu faith and customs, which they got thousands of year ago from their ancestors and still they are happily following and preserving their cultural heritage, religion and customs.

Where Indonesia is largely a Muslim dominated country and unlike any other island of Indonesia , the island of Bali is following Hinduism with all it's glory, Bali is the only region of Hindu religion and culture in Indonesia.

Like other Hinduism influenced regions of the world "Balinese Hinduism" is also very closely related to the Hinduism of India. The Balinese Hinduism is not only based on Vedas but also on ancient writings, philosophies and different ancient theories that all support each other.

It is very sad and shameful to see some pseudo intellectuals world wide terming Hinduism as a dogmatic religion, here I want to make it very clear that Hinduism is not a dogmatic religion at all but rather a result of a spiritual lifestyle and journey. The traditions that exists in Hinduism also continue to develop and evolve over time.

Some scholars believe that The Hinduism came to the island nation of Indonesia from it's birth place India in the first century A.D. . Hinduism came to the island of Bali with the arrival of Indian traders, scholars. Long before the birth of Islam, Hinduism had stepped into, touched and transformed the core beliefs and life of the people in many parts of the world with their very scientific rituals, traditions, strong philosophy, ancient Ayurveda or Medical sciences, cosmology, architectural science, mathematics, literature, economical theories and arts.

The Hinduism also brought spiritual ideas, morals, myths and legends with it – which can be seen in the unique festivals and events associated with the Balinese Hinduism. The temples in Bali also have similar designs and principles to the Indian temples. Balinese calls their sacred temples as "Pura", which is considered and respected highly as the sacred place with enclosed walls.

There are over 20,000 of temples across the Bali island; each is associated with a certain characteristic such as virtue of descent or geographical area.It was gradually replaced by Buddhism, which was the main religion of Java and Sumatra, until it in turn was displaced by the coming of Islam from the 14th century AD.

Due to the isolationism nature of Balinese people and the strict rules of state sponsored religion in pre-colonial Dutch era, the island of Bali became the only part of Indonesia to remain predominantly Hindu, even today.

Although Balinese Hindus worship the same gods and goddesses, perform similar rituals, and build sacred temples, there are certain elements that make Balinese Hindus different from Hindu practices here in India.

Here are some other interesting facts about Bali that every Indian Hindu must know. Along with the traditional Hindu gods such as Brahma, Vishnu and Siva, Balinese Hindus worship a range of deities unique to their branch of the religion. Sang Hyang Widhi (also known as Acintya or Sang Hyang Tunggal) is the designation for one God in Balinese Hinduism. Acintya is associated with the concept of Brahman or Brahma.

After Indonesia became independent, many efforts emerged to organize and regulate the religious life of its valuable citizens which consists of various dimensions, beliefs, and faiths with a single basic ideology called Pancasyila -"Panca" means five, "Syila" means basic, which is interpreted as five basic ideologies for the citizens of the country. So in the first precept it says “Ketuhanan yang maha esa”, which is explicitly and strongly referring and ordering to "believe and worship only one God" concept, one can easily understand that this first precept was highly influenced by the majority Muslims of the island nation to hurt the religious sentiment of the other minority religions.

This was happened to be some kind of polemic at that time in the legalization of Balinese Hinduism as one of the official religions in Indonesia, as majority Muslim community was opposing it strongly, at that time Balinese Hinduism was only considered as a sect of religion not yet a religion by the government.

But the brave "Balinese Hindus" did not want to give up, they continue to struggle to validate their faith and beliefs as a religion recognized by the country. After a long journey of threats, torture, and suppression and all the hard struggles by the heads of religions, cultural observers and various parties related to Balinese Hinduism, finally it was accepted and established as one of the official religions in Indonesia in 1959 by the government.

Balinese Hinduism can be simply defined as a combination of 2 beliefs, the Shiva sect of Hinduism and the Mahayana Buddhism, that is why it is also often to be called as the Shiva-Buddhist, Hindu-Dharma, Tirtha religions and also the Holy Water Religion. Unlike the polytheistic Indian Hinduism, in the belief of Balinese Hinduism they only worship one God, called Sang Hyang Widi or Sang Hyang Widhi, Acintya or Sang Hyang Tunggal.

The Balinese Hindu believes in the main scriptures of the Vedas and also some holy writings about life arrangement called Shruti (Gospels of spiritual philosophy passed down by the monks in ancient times), Smirti (literature inherited from generation to generation, non-revelation writings) and Yadnja (the rules of religious operations including about rituals and ceremonies that are engraved on lontar leaves).

But the true Balinese Hinduism is actually more into a personal spiritual experience and individual's journey in finding meaning on their life, so that they can reach perfection through “Mokhsa”, not only based on certain dogmas.

Comparing Hinduism as a dogmatic religion, with others, is something that unlikely appropriate because in essence Balinese Hinduism is rooted from doctrines originating from the spiritual traditions of Nusantara that have been existed since thousands of years ago, along with the uniqueness, characteristics, and enlightenment of saints who actually have lived in this land, way back before the country was established.

Main Beliefs of Balinese Hindus -

Absolute, supreme and unlimited god.
Because unlimited, God has infinite qualities—God can be formless or assume any form.
Many forms or "gods" in Hinduism represent different qualities of one god.
Vishnu has visited the earth in a number of forms during times of trial, to fight various forms of evil.
In his seventh visit, Vishnu appears as the personification of the ideal man - Lord Rama.

The majority of Balinese practice a form of Hinduism that is entwined with Buddhist and animistic beliefs. Although the main Hindu gods are worshipped, equal attention is paid to local, agricultural, and ancestral deities. The Hinduism of Bali has been described as a religion that emphasizes correct conduct above precise knowledge of a unified religious system. The Balinese conceive of the world as being inhabited by a host of unseen deities, demons, ancestral spirits, and local divinities. The primary focus of much ritual activity is to thank or appease these positive and negative forces to ensure protection and prosperity. An ordinary villager is much more aware of the many offerings, ceremonies, and festivals that are a part of daily life than of any particular religious text. These ritual actions may differ from region to region, village to village, family to family.

It’s astonishing to comprehend the fact that the world’s largest Muslim population harbours within it a Hindu kingdom of such an elaborate stance. Constituting a total of 1.7% of the total population of Indonesia, Hinduism is one of the six major religions of the island nation. The trajectory of its arrival is as fascinating as its establishment in Bali.

Despite having common roots, the religious ideology practiced in Bali, Indonesia is that of Agama Hindu Dharma and the one practiced in India is Nigama Dharma. Agama Dharma essentially encompasses the spiritual beliefs of Hinduism dealing with the idea of Tantrism or Tantra. It deals with doctrines of yoga, cosmology, philosophical ideas and the cults of Shiva (Shaivism), Vishnu (Vaishnavism) and Shakti (worship of the goddess). On the other hand, Nigama Dharma is associated with Agama as well as Vedic and Puranic Hindu practices. It finds its causation in the Yajna-samstha or sacrificial ritualistic traditions as celebrated in the Epic and Vedic periods by kings to gain prosperity and wealth.

Some deities like Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha, Hanuman and avatars of Shakti (Durga, Saraswati, Lakshmi) are common to both the Balinese and Hindu collection, celestial beings, Yakshas (caretakers), Yakshinis, and sea serpents constitute an integral part of Balinese Hindu worship. References to temples of Ganga and Parvati have often been made. The lingas of Lord Shiva is prevalent in Bali too, however, the lingas very often represent the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh and not simply Shiva as is done in India.

Interestingly, elaborate statues and sculptures of the various characters of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana dot the landscape depicting an Indo-Balinese link where even neglected characters in India like Sehadeva and Nakula are celebrated in Balinese Hinduism. Most of the Indian festivals are based on Vedic and Epic practices and chanting of mantras, while most Balinese Hindu traditions are from the original spiritual induction of Hinduism and not a product of contemporary recitation and understanding.

The festival of Nyepi or ‘The Day of Silence’ is equivalent to the festival of Diwali in India. It is widely celebrated by all Balinese Hindus and consists of not speaking, fasting and meditating for a full day culminating in the celebration of the new year. Nyepi, a day for self-reflection and understanding, devoid of all forms of entertainment is sunken in darkness.

Though the Hindus in the island nation of Indonesia has been reduced to minority today, but the island of Bali has preserved and conserved it with all its courage and compassion and following it even today. It is very astonishing to see the 84% population of the Bali island is Hindu.

Will Continue....

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The Hindus and the Vegetarianism - Are the Hindus Vegetarian ?

2019-04-29T23:15:00.000+05:30

The Hindus and the Vegetarianism - Are the Hindus Vegetarian ? The truth!

" Namaste " Dear Friends!

Today I will try to put light on The Hindus and their practice of vegetarianism.

Hindus have a worldwide recognition for being devoted vegetarians. For many decades vegetarianism has been one of India’s strongest cultural and religious foundation. People around the globe know little about Hinduism as a religion, they are convinced that Hindus don’t eat meat because of their religious commandment .

The reality is more interesting and complex.

In Hinduism there are no commandment directing food habits of any individual human being / community or caste. In other words there are no rigid “do’s and don’ts” in Hinduism regarding food habits or eating habits of any individual. You are free to choose your food from the nature where in ancient times it was gathering as well as hunting.

Hinduism gives us the wisdom to make up our own mind on what we put in our body except there is a firm prohibition only of eating cow meat (beef). The Hindus worship cow, and the Cow is a very scared part of Hindu religion. Cow is the most Holy animal for the Hindus. So Cow meat or Beef should be avoided in any circumstances.

Hinduism was born and flourish in a well fertile land of Sindhu river basin - modern day " The Indus Valley" where food was in plentiful supply of meat, vegetables, fruits, pluses etc.. .

Originally, the Hindus used to consume what they gather from gathering and hunting or growing as agro crops, like most others of their time. If we read the histories and legends of the ancients, we find that hunting was a popular sport and the best meat was occasionally offered in the sacrificial rites and rituals in Hinduism.

Around 550 BC, " Gautam Buddha" and " Mahavira Jain" preached and spread the message of non-violence and vegetarianism with a new light. To distinguish themselves from the Hindus, they opposed the Vedas and the animal or meat sacrificial rites that it endorsed for centuries. They reasoned that a sacrifice in which animals are slaughtered cannot possibly bring peace to any individual spiritually or religiously.

The most wonderful and beautiful thing - the Hinduism survive the strike of time, is it's noble ability to learn from others and integrate the best and positive practices from others. The Hindus learned the positive and beneficial aspects of vegetarianism from Jainism and Buddhism. India with a very fertile land, favorable climatic conditions and advance agricultural age and concept , the idea of living on a vegetarian diet became popular with time. Gradually with passing time, in Vedic rituals, animal sacrifice was replaced by purely vegetarian alternatives like pulses, nuts, fruits, vegetarian cooked food items.

The Indian subcontinent is blessed with a wonderful tropical climate, So the Indians grows a huge variety of pulses, vegetables, fruits, nuts etc. This climatic opportunity given the Indians a wide chance to create a huge number of vegetarian dishes, so varied and wonderful that one can get a new dish everyday. Spices also grown in India in large quantity, India is the home of some of the best spices in the world, hence these vegetarian dishes were wonderfully flavoured.

Over the course of time the Indians have found alternatives to meat diet. With time the Indians understood that all the important and necessary proteins and vitamins needed in a balanced diet are present in the vegetarian foods they opted for.

All the Hindus are not vegetarian. As per survey only one third of the total Hindu population of India is vegetarian.The Hindus who live in the coastal areas or in the vast river basin and deltas of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and many other big rivers eat fish as it is still their staple diet.

Those from warrior / rajput caste eat meat as a matter of course.People from lower castes have very few religious injunctions on them and eat meat when they can.

Besides being an expression of compassion for animals, vegetarianism is followed for ecological and health rationales in modern days, as scientific research is proving new health and mental benefits of vegetarian food everyday.

REASONS -

For the past few decades, hundreds of thousands of meat-eaters - Hindus and non-Hindus - are distancing themselves from non vegetarian or meat diets . Few major reason giving people motivations for such a strong decision.

One of the main reason is observation of Ahimsa, the universal and well respected and proven law of non injury. Ahimsa is practised for generations in Buddhism and as well as in Hinduism. The whole world respects and still follows the principles of " Ahimsa Movement " of Mahatma Gandhi Ji.

Another prominent reason is the Karmic Consequences or the effect of Karma. All of our actions, including our choice of food, have Karmic consequences that means if we injure, hunt or kill some living creatures like animal, fish, shell, egg etc. the same consequences we will have to follow as Karma. So people respecting and believing the Karmic consequences are more and more opting for vegetarianism everyday.

The intake of food controls the chemistry of our body and mind. In Hinduism there is a very strong mention of " Satvik" and " Tamasik" behaviour and food habits. The " Satvik" food means vegetables, fruit, nuts and pulses in the other hand the " Tamasik" food means meat, fish, egg, shellfish, fowl etc.. in the scripture it mentioned clearly the " Satvik" food makes one's mind pure, loving, conscious, peaceful and non violent, other way the "Tamasik" diet makes your mind jealous, angry, violent, anxious , the " Tamasik" diet makes one's mind fearful of death and uncertainty. So one should avoid meat or non vegetarian diet for peaceful mind.

In modern age the medical studies prove that a vegetarian diet is easier to digest, provides a wider range of nutrients and imposes fewer burdens and impurities on the body.Their immune system is stronger, their bodies are purer, more refined and skin more beautiful compare to the non vegetarian.

"The earliest Vedic scriptures and texts dominantly supports and mention the concept of vegetarianism . This same concept was observed by the ancient traveler Megasthenes and also by Fa-hsien, a Chinese Buddhist monk who, in the fifth century, traveled to India in order to obtain authentic copies of these scriptures." These scriptures strongly support the meatless way of life.

The Holy book of Mahabharata, it is mentioned that the great warrior Bhishma explains to Yudhishtira, the eldest of the Pandava , "that the meat of animals is like the flesh of one's won son."

Same way, the book of Manusmriti declares that one should 'refrain from eating all kinds of meat,' for such eating involves killing and leads to Karmic bondage , Elsewhere in the Vedic literature, the last of the great Vedic kings, Maharaja Parikshit, is quoted as saying that 'only the animal-killer cannot relish the message of the Absolute Truth [Shrimad Bhagavatam ]"

FEW QUOTES FROM SCRIPTURE -

"He who desires to augment his own flesh by eating the flesh of other creatures lives in misery in whatever species he may take his birth." - Mahabharata 115.47

"Those high-souled persons who desire beauty, faultlessness of limbs, long life, understanding, mental and physical strength and memory should abstain from acts of injury." - Mahabharata 18.115.8

"The very name of cow is aghnya ["not to be killed"], including that they should never be slaughtered. Who, then could slay them? Surely, one who kills a cow or a bull commits a heinous crime." - Mahabharata, Shantiparva 262.47

"The purchaser of flesh performs himsa (violence) by his wealth; he who eats flesh does so by enjoying its taste; the killer does himsa by actually tying and killing the animal. Thus, there are three forms of killing: he how brings flesh or sends for it, he who cuts off the limbs of an animal, and he who purchases, sells or cooks flesh and eats it - all of these are to be considered meat-eaters." - Mahabharata, Anu. 115.40

"He who sees that the Lord of all is ever the same in all that is - immortal in the field of morality - he sees the truth. And when a man sees that the God in all that is, he hurts not himself by hurting others. Then he goes, indeed, to the highest path. "- Bhagavad Gita 13.27-28

"Ahimsa is the highest dharma, Ahimsa is the best tapas. Ahimsa is the greatest gift. Ahimsa is the highest self-control. Ahimsa is the highest sacrifice. Ahimsa is the highest power. Ahimsa is the highest friend. Ahimsa is the highest truth. Ahimsa is the highest teaching." - Mahabharata 18.116.37-41

"WHAT IS THE GOOD WAY? IT IS THE PATH that reflects on how it may avoid killing any creature". - Tirukural 324

"All that lives will press palms together in prayerful adoration of those who refuse to slaughter and savor meat." - Tirukural 260

"What is virtuous conduct? It is never destroying life, for killing leads to every other sin." - Tirukural 312, 321.

Vegetarianism gradually established itself in Hinduism. At first, eating meat and fish was accepted as long as the animal was sacrificed to the gods, the sacrifice justifying the killing. Then, in a religion which was increasingly marked by Ahimsa, the ‘absence of the desire to kill’, abstaining from meat and fish became commendable and vegetarianism established itself as a model respecting the principle of non-violence.

At the same time, fish and meat were considered as particularly impure, soiled by the act of slaughter. Vegetarianism was practised by the Brahmin caste (the highest Hindu caste made up of priests) and was at the top of the hierarchy of dietary regimes.

The practice of vegetarianism varies, however, depending on the region, family and social class. There are differences even within the same caste. Brahmins from Kashmir, for example, (a state in the north of India) eat meat whereas Brahmins from Bengal (a state in the east of India) eat fish.

Nevertheless, India Has the Highest Percentage of Vegetarians in the World

With nearly 30% of India being vegetarian, it does have a much larger percentage of vegetarians than any other nation. The next closest nations for vegetarianism all have less than half the percentage of people eschewing meat: Switzerland, Taiwan, and Israel (13-14%). Of the remaining countries where dietary surveys have been done — in Europe, North and South America, and East Asia — the percentage of vegetarians is generally under 10%, with many nations in the low single digits. Given this, it’s easy to see why, particularly for visitors to India without knowledge of the demographics, it can seem like everyone is there vegetarian. Compared to much of the United States outside of urban centers, and much of Europe, vegetarian food options are plentiful in India.

And the Number of Vegetarians in India (and Around the World) is Growing

Vegetarianism is better way of life , and we should continue it , if possible for us.

Will Continue....

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Religious Fasting in Hinduism - Importance and Significance!

2019-04-29T00:22:00.000+05:30

Religious Fasting in Hinduism - Importance and Significance!

" Namaste " to all my brothers and sisters from around the world!

The practice of fasting is a major custom and ritual of Hinduism and can range from light restriction towards food to extreme abstention. The choice of days and the method of fasting are not imposed strictly in Hinduism but it is depend on the community, the family or the individual.

Fasting is also practised in Hinduism like many other religion. In the Hindu religion, fasting is not an obligation like others, but an act of moral and spiritual maturity where the main aim is to purify the soul and mind and acquire the divine blessings. There are different forms of fasting which are more or less strict.

In most occasions, fasting involves abstaining self from one meal in the day , that means completely avoid your second or third meal for a particular day except the last meal. However, fasting does not strictly mean the body has to go without food or has to suffer. Sometimes, it is sufficient to completely avoid certain types of food and replace them by other simple, very basic food, without restricting the quantity.

For example - Non vegetarian may settle for a strict simple vegetarian dish. Other way the Vegetarians, often does not eat rice, wheat, barley and lentils and replace them with potatoes at the time fasting.

It is even possible to eat only sweets throughout the day. What is more, these restrictions can also be a way of varying the daily diet and trying new food. A day of fasting can sometimes even be a promise of good sweet treat. For example - Modaks, sweet dumplings made from coconut and covered with rice flour, are prepared for certain days of fasting which involve worshipping Lord Ganesha.

Hinduism is marked by several prominent periods of fasting. The most commonly-observed fast, Ekadashi, is respected approximately twice a month, on the eleventh day of each ascending and descending moon.

The celebration at the beginning of the year, in honour of Shiva, is another important occasion. During the months of July and August, many Hindus adopt a vegetarian diet and fast on Mondays and Saturdays until the evening. Many Hindu women fast on Mondays in order to have a good husband as per Hindu Faith.

Hindus believe it is not easy to unceasingly pursue the path of spirituality in one's daily life. We are always encircled by a lot of greed, jealousy, selfishness, and materialistic indulgences do not allow us to concentrate on our spiritual journey. Therefore a true worshiper must learn to impose restraints on himself/herself to get the mind cleared and focused. One of the best form of restraint is fasting.

The spiritual significance of fasting is being forgotten in India today as human being is losing contact with his/her inner soul. Nevertheless the science of fasting, as prescribed in the Hindu Vedas and Shastras, is a method of purification which can aid man in his journey towards a better spiritual life. These ancient texts are thousands of year old and inherited from our ancestors who understood and tune themselves with the law of nature and man. The systems they devised came from their profound knowledge and enable man to raise his consciousness into the higher realms.

It has been scientifically proven that fasting makes the mind calm and serene. In yogic terminology this is known as the sattvic element. Because the mind becomes predominantly sattvic and more receptive, the scriptures advise the worship of certain deities during these fasting periods. This is called vrat, a specific type of purifying austerity or tapa. In the 'Tapovanshant Paras' fasting is referred to as param tapa, or supreme austerity.

When the positive aspects of a particular deity are concentrated on, those qualities are ultimately evoked in the individual. The deities are not actually separate beings; they are aspects of the dormant mind waiting to be awakened and utilized in man's consciousness. Worship can arouse these potential faculties so that the low, sensual consciousness can be elevated to super-consciousness.

The systems propounded in the Vedas and Shastras coordinate man's biological rhythms with the cycles of nature. One of nature's most fundamental rhythms can be observed in the phases of the moon. Scientifically it is known that the tides of the ocean rise during full moon and by dark moon they have completely ebbed. These phases must therefore affect the human body, considering it is approximately 70% water. The systems of fasting are based on the different stages of the moon's waxing and waning. The cycles of the moon influence women in particular through the menstrual cycle, so fasting is practised more extensively by women.

There are two phases in the moon's monthly cycle. The first part consisting of fifteen days as the moon waxes, is known as Shuklapaksh or the white fortnight. On the fifteenth day, Poornima or full moon occurs. Then the second half begins as the moon wanes. The next fifteen days are referred to as Krishnapaksh. By the fifteenth day, or Amavasya, it is completely dark. The days specified for fasting are calculated according to the intensity of the moon's influence during these two phases. Fasting can be done on the fourth days of either fortnight. This is known as Sankashta Chaturthi. This is a time for the worship of Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and troubles. From this comes the name Sankashta, meaning 'obstacles'.

Ekadasi, is one of the more important dates for fasting. According to 'Skanda Purana' fasting on Ekadasi serves as a preventive medicine. This is of most relevance during Chaturmas, the three months of monsoon. At this time maximum fasting is done because the weather is not conducive to digestion and the quality of available food also degenerates as a result of the climate.

The most relevant and popular periods for fasting are Poornima, full moon, and Amavasya, no moon. These times are recommended for young and unmarried youths in particular. On Buddha Poornima in Baishakh, May-June, fasts are done by devotees of Buddha. Guru Poornima is for all disciples to offer homage to their gurus. Maha Shivaratri, which falls on the Amavasya in March, is noted as the time when Shiva, consciousness, was married or united, with Parvati, energy. This particular Amavasya is very significant, because it is supposed to be the darkest night of the year. However, any Amavasya falling on a Monday is also noted with special reverence to Shiva.

Other fasts which don't fall on particular dates can be done weekly on one specific day. Monday fasting is done in reverence of Shiva. Tuesday is for pleasing Ganesha or Devi. Thursday is in worship of Guru Dattatreya, the tri-headed form of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. On Friday Santoshi Ma is worshipped and on Saturday blessings from Hanuman can be granted. One specific day is taken by an individual in accordance with his personal being. This is often allotted under the guidance of the guru.

However, fasting is not only a part of worship but a great instrument for self-discipline too. It is a training of the mind and the body to endure and harden up against all hardships, to persevere under difficulties and not give up.

According to Hindu philosophy, food means gratification of the senses and to starve the senses is to elevate them to contemplation. The wise Saying - , "When the stomach is full, the intellect begins to sleep. Wisdom becomes mute and the parts of the body restrain from acts of righteousness."

The underlying principle behind fasting is to be found in Ayurveda. This ancient Indian medical system sees the basic cause of many diseases as the accumulation of toxic materials in the digestive system. Regular cleansing of toxic materials keeps one healthy.

By fasting, the digestive organs get rest and all body mechanisms are cleansed and corrected. A complete fast is good for heath, and the occasional intake of warm lemon juice during the period of fasting prevents flatulence.

Since the human body, as explained by Ayurveda, is composed of 70 percent liquid and 30 percent solid like the earth, the gravitational force of the moon affects the fluid contents of the body. It causes emotional imbalances in the body, making some people tense, irritable, and violent. Fasting acts as an antidote, for it lowers the acid content in the body which helps people to retain their sanity.

Let us fast for Spiritual maturity and for the Divine grace...

Will Continue....

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The Modern Day Indian Caste System , A Curse - In The Light of Hinduism!

2019-04-28T22:44:00.001+05:30

The Modern Day Indian Caste System ,
A Curse -
In The Light of Hinduism!

Before start writing a Warm "Namaste" to you all!

Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion, according to many scholars, with roots and customs dating back more than 4,000 years. Today, with about little more than 1 billion followers, Hinduism is the third-largest religion behind Christianity and Islam.

Hindus believe in the doctrines of Samsara (the continuous cycle of life, death, and reincarnation) and karma (the universal law of cause and effect).

One of the key thoughts of Hinduism is “Atman,” or the belief in soul. This philosophy holds that living creatures have a soul, and they’re all part of the supreme soul. The goal is to achieve “Moksha,” or salvation, which ends the cycle of rebirths to become part of the absolute soul.

One fundamental principle of the religion is the idea that people’s actions and thoughts directly determine their current life and future lives.

Hindus strive to achieve dharma, which is a code of living that emphasizes good conduct and morality.

The caste system is a social hierarchy in Indian society that divides Hindus based on their karma and dharma. Many scholars believe the system dates back more than 3,000 years.

The four main castes (in order of prominence) include:

Brahmin:

The intellectual and spiritual leaders

Kshatriyas:

The protectors and public servants of society

Vaisyas:

The skillful producers

Shudras:

The unskilled laborers

More Detail Elaboration -

Passage from the Rig Veda:

(The world was formed from Purusa whose body is described as follows.)

"The brahmin was his mouth, his two arms became the rajanya (kshatriyas), his thighs are what the vaisya are, and from his feet the shudra was made."

Brahmin: the seers, the reflective ones, the priests.

The intellectual and spiritual leaders.

In our society, they would correspond to the philosophers, religious leaders, and teachers.

Kshatriyas-- the born administrators (formerly nobles, rajahs, and warriors).

The protectors of society.

In our society, the politicians, police, and the military.

Vaisyas: the producers, the craftsmen, artisans, farmers.

The skillful producers of material things.

In our society, the merchants.

Shudras-- the unskilled laborers or laboring class.

The followers or the maintenance people.

The so-called menial workers or hard laborers.

Advantages to the Caste system -

The heritability of intelligence and factors of personality raise some interesting philosophical questions.

What we would like people to be is not usually what they are. Many persons would be more comfortable in their own social class.

Unless unequal are separated into different classes, many persons would be "born losers."

Egalitarianism is the belief that privileges are proportional to the responsibilities and a denial of the tyranny of the majority.

Many subcategories also exist within each caste. The “untouchables” are a class of citizens that are outside the caste system and considered to be in the lowest level of the societal hierarchy.

For centuries, the caste system determined every aspect of a person’s social, professional and religious status in India.

When India became an independent nation, its constitution banned discrimination based on caste.

The Caste System--(groups assigned by birth not personality). The Hindu conception of the social order is that people are different, and different people will fit well into different aspects of society. Social order or social class according to varna forms the framework of moral duties according to personal characteristics of individuals (not necessarily birth).

Individuals are assigned a caste at birth based on the caste of their parents. Castes and property are handed down from generation to generation and marriages usually occur within castes. Indians can often quickly size up the caste of a stranger by their skin color, manner of dress, surname, occupation and village or neighborhood. The principals of the caste system were outlined in the Laws of Manu.

Because Hinduism and the caste system are both predominately found in India there is a common misconception that caste system is part of Hinduism. This is not necessarily the case. The caste system is related to Indian culture and not directly linked to the teachings and practices of Hinduism. The Hindu term “varna’ describes a social order as a framework of moral duties. The Indian caste system reflects a person’s group assigned at birth. Although the two systems have become intertwined, Hinduism does not feature the same system of castes outside of India.

The Caste system in ancient Hindu civilization was created originally for systemic spiritual and social growth of people, which has now become a curse to the Hindu society because of its misinterpretation, ignorance, and disadvantages taken by some selfish sections of society.

Some people blame the current form of the caste system to Hinduism, which is absolutely wrong. Hindu caste system and modern day caste system are completely two different thing, not related at all. Evangelists provoke some so-called low-caste people to accept their religion by using modern day Indian caste system as a weapon against Hinduism.

No Hindu Scriptures or Book suggests Caste systems to discriminate people and torture them or deprive or disrespect them from any facility of the society. It is man made to use caste systems to disrespect and deprive people.

And in no Hindu Scriptures or Book or even in " The Holy Bhagwat Gita " there is no mention of untouchables, there is nothing called as untouchables in Hinduism. Every human being is same in front of God the Almighty- this is what the Hinduism believes.

Remember Hinduism is the religion of Love and acceptance of everyone regardless of Caste, colour and creed.

Some section of the society has used the caste systems to deprive people for their own benefits and selfish motives.

At present time in India, there are more than 2800 castes and sub-castes. In Vedic times, there were only four castes. So between the period of about 3500 years, Indians have thrown out the original caste system and have evolved now to a new form of caste system which is a curse to our society, the Mughals and British were the main responsible culprits behind these wicked caste system, where the British contributed the most venomous concept of a wicked caste system to divide the innocent Hindus and to make the strong Hindu society weaker, these foreign rulers divided the strong Hindu society with their man made selfish and wicked caste system.

In modern India, people are not much bothered about caste unless it comes to election and marriage. People are throwing out the old thoughts of the caste system. Modern Indian society is inclining towards a development-centered society instead of a caste-centered society.

But unfortunately, the caste system is not totally eradicated, especially in rural areas where people still consider the caste of a person as a primary factor. The conditions are changing fast. By the efforts of Indian government and social organizations, rural India is also changing.

Though the sporadic incidences are still there, the future is very optimistic. Lower caste people have been given reservations so that they can occupy higher authority positions in government institutions. They have been given reservations in government services also so that they can progress faster.

This article is not written to support any form of caste system but to present the truth behind it in front of people around the world.

Untouchability is a crime and it is illegal in India. Strong Laws are there to fight this type of man made superstitions which has nothing to do with Hinduism.

Will Continue....

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Hindu Rituals and Customs - Scientific and Logical or simple superstitions ?

2019-04-28T17:35:00.000+05:30

Hindu rituals and customs - Scientific and logical or simple superstitions ?

"Namaste" Dear friends!

Today I am writing down about few Rituals and Customs of Hinduism, we will discuss about these rituals are scientific or simple superstitions people are following blindly as duty - as so called section of learned people now a days describes these customs as superstitions. As a simple Hindu I want to put some light on few customs and rituals Hindu people does follow.

First of all I am not defending all the Hindu rituals and customs as scientific or logical. Few of the rituals are man made, and those do have their short comings.

For so many people these customs are superstitions and has no significance at all. But scientifically I have some description to keep in front of you all. In recent times the science world has a lot to say about those rituals and customs.

Let's start ..

Worshiping "The Tulshi" ( Holly Basil ) Plant -

Most of the Hindu Family with deep religious connection keep a Tulshi plant in their home or in their yard. Most of the Hindus worship Tulshi plant on a daily basis. Most of us do light an oil lamp in front of the Tulshi plant in the evening to show our respect to one of the most valuable plant.Which has great significance in our religion.

In Sanskrit, "Tulanaa Naasti Athaiva Tulasi" - that means tulshi is incomparable in its qualities to other plants.

In Latin Tulshi is called as " Ocimum Sanctum " , but mainly famous around the world as " Holy Basil". In recent times some scientific studies shows that Tulshi plants releases Ozone ( O3) with oxygen which helps maintaining our ecological balance.

Tulshi is the sacred plant to all the Hindus. And it is dearer to the Lord Vishnu. Tulshi plants symbolises purity. It is considered as the holy plant in the Indian Subcontinent. Tulshi got its name from Tulasi Devi, who was one of Lord Krishna's eternal consorts.

Any Hindu house is considered to be incomplete without a Tulshi plant in the courtyard. Tulshi is believed to promote longevity and life long happiness. Hindus perform special Tulshi puja in the auspicious Kartik month of the Hindu calendar.

The Tulshi plant has got many great medicinal values. In Modern days around the globe Tulshi is taken as the herbal tea due to it's medicinal benefits.

The oil extracted from the Karpoora Tulshi ( A type of Tulshi variety) is mostly used in the herbal toiletry. This oil is one of the best natural insect repellent and work very effectively against fungus and bacteria.

The Rama Tulshi ( A type of Tulshi variety ) is the effective remedy for the Severe acute Respiratory Syndrome. Juice of its leaves gives relief in cold, fever, bronchitis and cough. Tulshi oil is also used as the ear drop.

Tulshi is very effective against indigestion, headache, hysteria, insomnia and cholera. The fresh leaves of Tulshi are taken by the million of people everyday. For over the centuries Tulshi (the queen of herbs) has been known for its remarkable healing properties.

Every part of the Tulshi plant is scared to Hindus and every part of the plant has great medicinal value and importance.

Worshiping the "Peepal tree" -

The most worshiped tree in India which in Sanskrit is known as “Ashwattha”.

Peepal tree is also known as Bodhi tree or tree of enlightenment as it is believed that Buddha attained enlightenment under peepal tree. This is the reason why Peepal tree is sacred to Buddhist religion as well.

Also the present Kali Yuga began with the death of Lord Krishna that had happened under this tree only.

The much revered Peepal Tree is also called Ashwattha. This tree is considered as the most sacred tree among the Hindus. It is also called the world tree, Chaitanya tree or Vasudeva. As per the scriptures in Hinduism roots of the tree represent Brahma, Vishnu becomes the trunk and Shiva, the leaves.

According to Atharva Veda and Chandogya Upanishad, Peepal Tree is the paradise of Gods. In fact, it is believed that Vishnu along with Laxmi Devi resides on this tree on Saturdays and for the same reason it is said it is good to water this tree on Saturdays.

In the Shrimad Bhagwad Gita it says, Krishna had announced that one who loved or respected a people tree was directly showering their love and kindness on him as he resides in the Peepal Tree. It is not only a magical legend but also a lesson that a Tree is also a part of the cosmos like us, here to fulfill their destiny for this lifetime.

Above are the religious concept of worshiping the Peepal tree, now let us have a look on the scientific aspects and importance of the peepal tree.

As far as science is concerned, it is for the records that Plants release oxygen during day time and during night time as they release Carbon Dioxide. And scientific studies has found Peepal Tree is beyond this process as it releases Oxygen even during the night due to a special photosynthesis process called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM). So people tree is a 24 hours oxygen generator.

Science also proved that Peepal tree is said to be a great source of Oxygen along with Neem and Tulshi. It purifies the surroundings where it is planted and kills harmful bacteria. Worshiping the tree means being in the vicinity and thus breathing in health and breathing out impurities.

So the Hindus from ancient time related the Peepal tree with their customs and rituals, so no one will harm or destroy this tree of such great ecological importance.

It is interesting to see how the Hindus understood the value of this important tree among other trees thousands of years back , long before even the birth of modern science.

Why the Hindus do " Namaste" -

In the Hindu culture, people greet each other by joining their palms and bowing their head – termed as “Namaskar.” or " Namaste" . In Hindu culture people does not greet each other by handshaking or hugging like other cultures.

" Namaskar" or " Namaste " is an ancient form of greeting which is till date practiced among the Hindus . It's origin is billion years old, according to Hindu mythology even the Gods greet each other with " Namaste " , it is a wonderful way of Salutation Which has a proper scientific description also.

In Hinduism when a person greets another with " Namaste " or " Namaskar" the greeting is accompanied by slight bow made with the hand pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed upwards and closely positioned in front of the chest.

Along with this position the word " Namaskar " or " Namaste " is pronounced. This is called as "Namaskar Mudra" in Hinduism.

The general reason behind this tradition is that greeting by joining both the palms means respect. However, scientifically speaking, joining both hands ensures joining the tips of all the fingers together; which are denoted to the pressure points of eyes, ears, and mind. Pressing them together is said to activate the pressure points which helps us remember that person for a long time.

And, no germs since we don’t make any physical contact with other individual.

Why Hindu women wear toe ring -

Wearing of toe rings is highly practiced in India. It is worn as a symbol of married state by Hindu women and is called Bichiya in Hindi.

Toe rings are a must for married Hindu woman. Tradition of wearing toe rings carries tremendous social significance for married women in India. Hindu Women wear these Toe rings, as a symbol of Married state.

They are usually made of silver and worn in pairs on the second toe of both feet.

Wearing toe rings is not just the significance of married women but there is science behind it. Normally toe rings are worn on the second toe. A particular nerve from the second toe connects the uterus and passes to heart. Wearing toe ring on this finger strengthens the uterus. It will keep it healthy by regulating the blood flow to it and menstrual cycle will be regularized.

Toe rings can not be made of gold, as gold holds a ‘respected’ status and may not be worn below the waist. As Gold is the metal of Goddess Lakshmi , it is inappropriate for the Hindus to wear gold in the toes. As per Hindus Gold should always be wear above the waist.

The reflexology texts also mention about treating gynecological problems by massaging the second toe.

There is also a belief that the wearing of toe rings press on certain nerves that pertain to the reproductive system, keeping it in balance and healthy.Ancient Ayuvedic medicine has long been used along side acupressure.

By wearing this in both feet, it is believed, that their menstrual cycle course is regularized with even intervals. This gives good scope for conceiving to married women.

Also it is said just because that particular nerve in the second finger from toe, also connects the uterus and passes thru heart. Because of this, the constant friction caused while walking and doing all sorts of chores during a day, it revitalizes the productivity of the organs.

As Silver being a good conductor, it also absorbs the energy from the polar energies from the earth and passes it to the body, thus refreshing whole body system.

The Hindus understood and practiced acupressure for thousands of year. Now the modern day science is proving one after another Hindu rituals as scientific and logical.

Throwing Coins in the river -

A big question in everyone's mind , why should a person throw part of their hard earnings in the rivers, why the Hindus throw coins in the river.

These Hindu rituals started hundreds of years ago, and were very relevant for that time. The tradition of throwing coins in a holy river or spring is very common. We see people touching the coin to forehead and throwing it in Ganga, Yamuna or other holy rivers and ponds. The Hindus think it brings Good Luck and health to them by practicing this custom.

In ancient times, most of the currency was made of copper, unlike the stainless steel coins of today.

According to science Copper is a vital metal for human body as it helps in metabolism, and we all know that our body cannot synthesize copper. Hence the supply for absorption must come from outside.

Ponds and rivers were the only sources of drinking water in ancient times. Throwing copper currency in them was one way of our fore-fathers ensuring that we intake sufficient copper on daily basis.

Also, copper helped settle the dust particles to the bottom, thereby making drinking water available on top. In those times water purifiers were not present and river were clean. People consumed its water for drinking and cooking.

So the Hindus knew the scientific reason behind most of their rituals and customs. And they practice it with great compassion and respect.

Will continue..

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The forgotten Hindu Kingdom of Vietnam- Champa Kingdom!

2019-04-27T23:01:00.002+05:30

The legendary Hindu kingdom - An enduring power that ruled southern Vietnam over 1500 years.

A warm Namaste to all..

The Kingdom of Champa was located in mainland Southeast Asia, and occupies the area of southern Vietnam. Same as other early Southeast Asian cultures, the dynasty of Champa is not very well-known in modern days.

With its golden economical era, this kingdom was an important regional power. The Champa kingdom's economy was largely based on maritime trade. Additionally, it was due to these trade connections that the Kingdom of Champa came into contact with other civilizations, and was influenced by their cultures and customs with time.

The world almost has forgotten the Champa or Cham Dynasty and the Cham people with the flow of time. The remnants of the Champa dynasty which endured in the region from the 7th century well into the 19th.

Yet they are 60,000 plus strong, and they have kept their traditions and rituals alive for centuries, far from India’s shores.

The famous cities of Champa dynasty Indrapura, Simhapura, Amaravati, Vijaya and Panduranga,

Indrapura was the capital city of the ancient kingdom of Champa from 875 CE, for several decades, under the reign of King Indravarman I (877-890) and some of his followers belonging to the 6th dynasty in Dong Duong. The word Indrapura means "City of Indra" in Sanskrit, Indra being the Hindu God of Storm and War, and King of the Gods as mentioned in the Rig Veda.

The site is near the present-day village of Đông Dương, not far from the modern city of Da Nang, Vietnam. Unlike his predecessors, King Indravarman II was a Mahayana Buddhist, so he built a great Buddhist temple, which has been destroyed by Vietnam War bombings.

Due to negligence and conservation efforts of Vietnamese Government we are loosing it everyday and nowadays even by looting of bricks.

These forgotten Hindu people and their culture continue to flourish to this days. And when we speak of the Champa people, it is not through the paragraphs of history; it is the story of a living culture with roots going thousands of years back.

The Story of Po Nagar -

According to Cham tradition, the founder of Champa was a goddess known as Po Nagar. Legend said that Po Nagar was abandoned as a baby in a forest near Nha Trang.

Later baby Po Nagar was discovered by a woodcutter whilst he was returning home in the evening. The previously childless woodcutter and his wife raised baby Po Nagar as if she was their own daughter.

One day, Po Nagar, now a young lady, brought home a special piece of sandalwood, which she took good care of and did not allow anyone to touch.

A day came when she informed her foster parents that she was commanded to go to the Chinese Emperor’s court, where she would marry the crown prince. Although her foster parents initially forbade Po Nagar from undertaking this journey, they eventually relented.

Po Nagar went to the sea shore, threw her piece of sandalwood in the sea,as far as she could and disappeared. The piece of sandalwood was borne north wards by the currents, and reached the Chinese shore ,fisherman brought it immediately to the King's palace, where it was given to the Emperor’s son.

The prince wrapped the sandalwood in a silk cloth, and kept it near him in the palace. That night, the cloth started to move, and when the prince inspected it, Po Nagar emerged. The Chinese crown prince and Po Nagar were soon married and they lived happily for the first few weeks of their married life.

After few days passed in the couples life , One day, however, Po Nagar told her husband that she wanted to visit her foster parents, as she had promised to do so before leaving them. The prince, however, denied her request, as he did not want her to be away from him for even a single day. As there was nothing that Po Nagar could do to change her husband’s mind, she went to the sea shore, threw her sandalwood into the water, and vanished again.

The prince was furious, and equipped a fleet to sail south to look for Po Nagar. This angered the Jade Emperor, Ngoc Hoang, who turned the prince’s ship into stone as it entered the harbor of Nha Trang. As for Po Nagar, she remained in Vietnam doing good deeds for the rest of her life. When she died, she became revered by both the Cham and the Vietnamese as their patroness.

Hinduism in Vietnam -

Hinduism in Vietnam is practised mainly by the ethnic Cham people. Balamon Cham is one of only two surviving non-Indic indigenous Hindu peoples in the world. Hinduism is not one of the 15 religions recognized by the Vietnamese Government.

The majority of Cham in Vietnam (also known as the Eastern Cham) are Hindu while their Cambodian counterparts are largely Muslim. Hindu Chams are called Balamon Cham or Balamon Hindu. They practice a form of Shaivite Brahmanism. Most of the Cham Hindus belong to the Nagavamshi Kshatriya caste, but a considerable minority are Brahmins.[8] In Ninh Thuận Province, where most of the Cham in Vietnam reside, Cham Balamon (Hindu Cham) numbers 32,000; out of the 22 villages in Ninh Thuận, 15 are Hindu. Only four temples are still worshiped in nowadays: Po Inu Nugar, Po Rome, Po Klaung Girai and Po Dam. Binh Thuan Provinces.

Cham Hindus believe that when they die, the sacred bull Nandi comes to take their soul to the holy land of Indi. The main festival of Cham Hindus is the Kate festival, or Mbang Kate.It is celebrated for 3 days at the beginning of October.

As per the census of 2009, there are a total of 56,427 Cham Hindus in Vietnam. Out of this number, 40,695 are in Ninh Thuận, and another 15,094 are in Bình Thuận. In Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan provinces they form 22% and 4.8% of the population respectively. As of 2017, the United States Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor estimated about 70,000 ethnic Cham Hindus in Vietnam.

Today the Cham are Vietnam’s only surviving Hindus, the nation once harbored some of the world’s most exquisite and vibrant Hindu cultures. The entire region of Southeast Asia, in fact, was home to numerous Hindu kingdoms. The many magnificent temples and artifacts, from Angkor Wat to Prambana, remain as potent testimonials to their splendor and accomplishments. These grand edifices still stand, though the societies around them no longer worship there or practice the lost traditions.

Champa was a formidable Hindu kingdom, renowned for its immense wealth and sophisticated culture. Its major port was Kattigara. Nearly 2,000 years ago, Claudius Ptolemy wrote of Kattigara and outlined it on his map of the world. Modern scholarship has confirmed Kattigara as the forerunner of Saigon (modern day Ho Chi Minh City). Kattigara was, in fact, the main port at the mouth of the Mekong River, a name derived from Mae Nam Khong, the Mother Water Ganga.

Another early Champa king was Bhadravarman, who ruled from 349-361CE. His capital was the citadel of Simhapura or ‘Lion City,’ now called Tra Kieu. Badravarman built a number of temples, conquered his rivals, ruled well and in his final years abdicated his throne and spent his last days in India on the banks of the Ganges River.

Historic Champa was divided into five regions. Indrapura (present-day Dong Duong) served as the religious center of the kingdom; Amaravati is the present day Quong Nam province; Vijya is now Cha Ban; Kauthara is the modern Nha Trang; and Panduranga is known today simply as Phan. Panduranga was the last Cham territory to be conquered by the Sino-Vietnamese.

In ancient times the Champa built vast temple complexes that remain standing to this day. Primarily dedicated to Lord Siva, these structures honor Lord Siva as the founder and protector of the Champa Dynasty. The most important of these is known as My Son, a Hindu religious and literary center. Originally, this temple complex featured 70 structures, of which 25 survive. Sadly, the main tower was severely damaged by American bombers in 1969 during the Vietnam War.

The Sivalinga was the primary form worshiped at My Son, its aniconic form also representing the divine authority of the Siva-empowered king. Today the Cham people continue to worship this form of Lord Siva.

The site of the ancient Son Tien Tu pagoda, atop Mt. Ba, is still considered to be one of the most spiritual and sacred places in all of Vietnam. There, on a three-meter-high granite rock, is the ban chan tien, a footprint belonging to a God who “set his footstep on soft land at the dawn of humankind.” Located nearby is the recently opened Archaeology Museum of the Oc Eo Culture, designed to replicate a large Sivalingam and yoni. Its walls are lined with seated Ganesh murtis.

Many Hindu artifacts of significant historical value have been found in Vietnam. In 2001, 320 gold plaques were discovered. Decorated with various Hindu divinities, such as Garuda, Narasimha, Kurma and Durga, these plaques have been identified as the earliest known Hindu iconographic images ever discovered in Southeast Asia.

Starting in the 1940s, many valuable Oc Eo artifacts have been unearthed, featuring statues and reliefs of Buddha, Ganesh, Vishnu, Durga and Siva in both His human and in anionic Linga form.

Many Vietnamese Hindu artifacts have been misidentified as Buddhist icons. One such example is the Bien Hoa Vishnu, which bears all the markings of Vishnu and is identified as such by the Sanskrit inscriptions on its back. This sculpture, dated to 100 CE, was commissioned by Prince Vijaya Klaun Nauk Champa in gratitude and as a symbol of Vishnu’s blessings for his conquests over the Chenla. Lost for centuries and rediscovered 100 years ago, the Bien Hoa Vishnu has been worshiped ever since as Buddha by the local community.

In June, 2013, Vietnam’s prime minister officially identified 30 National Treasures of Integral Import to the Nation. Among these are several Hindu artifacts, including murtis of Vishnu and Surya from the Oc Eo culture and of Durga and Siva from the Champa. The 5th Quang Nam Heritage Festival, held June 21, 2013, featured a Vishnu sculpture dated 3,500 to 4,000 years ago. If this dating proves accurate, this sculpture would be the oldest known identifiable Hindu artifact in the world.

The Vo-Canh inscription, among the oldest known Sanskrit inscriptions discovered in the region, is one of many discovered in modern times. The Da Rang River, the largest river valley in central Vietnam, boasts several such Sanskrit inscriptions, including one at its mouth. These riverside inscriptions often lay hidden beneath the waterline, only to be revealed during the dry summer months.

The Cham script is a descendent of the South Indian Brahmic Grantha script. Many Hindu stone temples of the Champa include both Sanskrit and Chamic stone carvings. The various Cham communities use slightly modified versions of the script, although the Cham Muslims prefer to use the Arabic alphabet. During French colonial rule, both groups were forced to use the Latin script. Though the Cham script is still highly valued, and despite efforts to simplify the spelling, today few people are actually learning it.

While the Brahmic-based Cham language is still spoken by nearly 250,000 people, at one time Sanskrit was common for the educated. Interestingly, the spread of written Sanskrit in India seems to have nearly coincided with its use in Vietnam and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. The evidence speaks of an ongoing vibrant Sanskrit-based Hindu civilization that was never handicapped by narrow ethnic or national limitations but rather was nearly global in scope.

Today the Cham are spread throughout East Asia. They are predominantly Sunni Muslim in Cambodia, Shia Islam in China, and Buddhist in Thailand. A small number of the Vietnamese Cham (also known as the Eastern Cham) follow Islam and a relative few follow Mahayana Buddhism, but the majority are Hindu. These are called the Balamon (Brahman) people. It is claimed that 70% of the Balamon people are classed as kshatriyas.

Having survived the loss of their kingdom, the colonial tyranny of the French, the Vietnam War (during which an unknown number emigrated to France), Communist rule and economic mayhem, the Cham Balamon people and traditions are surprisingly intact. Their temples are still standing. Their festivals are still celebrated and the traditional Hindu ceremonies and worship continue. Life’s passages, such as graduations, weddings, births and deaths, are still observed in accordance with the Hindu traditions. Along with the Balinese Hindus, the Cham Balamon represent the only remaining non-Indic populations of indigenous Hindus surviving today.

Another ancient Hindu Temple site - My Son is a unique Hindu sanctuary located in central Viet Nam. It was the capital of the Champa Kingdom and in use from the 4th to 13th century AD. The site once contained over 70 structures of brick and stone, dedicated mostly to the deities Shiva, Krishna, and Vishnu. Today only about 20 temples remain due to destruction by bombing of the site. Despite the fall of the Champa Kingdom, the Cham culture continues to survive.

There are 4,000 Indian (Tamil) Hindus in Ho Chi Minh City. The Mariamman Temple, Ho Chi Minh City is their focal point.It is also considered sacred by many native Vietnamese and Chinese.It is also believed to have miraculous powers and is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Mariamman.

There are three Indian Hindu temples in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)-Sri Thendayuthapani temple, Đền Subramaniam Swamy temple and Mariamman Temple.

AT last I will request everyone to save these heritage for our next generation , and visit these sites and work towards the conservation for these historical sites and Champa traditions and rituals..

Will Continue...

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Comments are welcome. However, the blog owner reserves the right to edit or delete any comments submitted to this blog without notice due to :

- Comments deemed to be spam or questionable spam.

- Comments including profanity.

- Comments containing language or concepts that could be deemed offensive.

- Comments containing hate speech, credible threats, or direct attacks on an individual or group.

The blog owner is not responsible for the content in comments.

This blog disclaimer is subject to change at anytime.

Rohingya Crisis Of Myanmar - Truth that no one tells you!

2019-04-24T16:47:00.000+05:30

Rohingya Muslims and their armed terror against Myanmar Government and Other Ethnic Communities - The Truth!

A very warm "Namaste" to you all, who are reading my articles and blogs, no matter you like my articles, or hate me.. My Heart is big enough to absorb your tiny hatred against me and flush it next morning.

You read the headings right! Rohingya Crisis or a Humanitarian Crisis or it's a result of terrorism and armed movement started by the Rohingya Muslims against humanity? Let's go further we will try to find the true answer about this grim situation.

People around the globe has termed it as " Ethnic Cleansing" , " Crisis on Humanity" , "Murder of Human Rights", " Killing of Innocent Citizens" some even gone to the extent of terming it as " Serious War Crimes" .. very good , you people are learned, well versed with good idioms and phrases, media world was shaken, they were targeting their TRP - simply the money, advertisement, breaking air moments, so they can earn well out of it and post profits in their respective quarters. It all matters business, profits, publicity to everyone.

So what was the truth? let us proceed..

I am listing few of the BBC news headings below -

Rohingya Muslim militants in Myanmar killed dozens of Hindu civilians during attacks last August, according to an investigation by Amnesty International.

The group called ARSA (Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army) - A Rohingya Muslim terrorist organisation ,killed up to 99 Hindu civilians in one, or possibly two massacres, said the rights group.

Amnesty says interviews it conducted with refugees in Bangladesh and in Rakhine state confirmed that mass killings carried out by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) took place in a cluster of villages in northern Maungdaw Township at the time of its attacks on police posts in late August.The report details how ARSA members on 26 August attacked the Hindu village of Ah Nauk Kha Maung Seik.

"In this brutal and senseless act, members of ARSA captured scores of Hindu women, men and children and terrorised them before slaughtering them outside their own villages," the report said. Hindu survivors told Amnesty they either saw relatives being killed or heard their screams.

One woman from the village of Ah Nauk Kha Maung Seik said: "They slaughtered the men. We were told not to look at them … They had knives. They also had some spades and iron rods. … We hid ourselves in the shrubs there and were able to see a little … My uncle, my father, my brother - they were all slaughtered."

ARSA fighters are accused of killing 20 men, 10 women, and 23 children, 14 of whom were under the age of eight.Amnesty said the bodies of 45 people from the village were unearthed in four mass graves in late September. The remains of the other victims, as well as 46 from the neighboring village of Ye Bauk Kyar, have not been found.

The investigation suggests that a massacre of Hindu men, women, and children in Ye Bauk Kyar happened on the same day, bringing the estimated total number of dead to 99.The Myanmar authorities have accused Muslim Rohingya militants of killing 28 Hindu villagers whose bodies were allegedly found in a mass grave.

The army says the bodies of 20 women and eight men and boys were found in two pits in northern Rakhine state.The state has been in turmoil since 25 August when Rohingya militants launched deadly attacks on police posts.

Over 400,000 Rohingya have since fled an offensive by the military, which the UN accuses of ethnic cleansing.Hindus as well as members of the majority Buddhist population in Myanmar (also called Burma) have also been displaced from their homes by the violence in Rakhine.

On Monday, the Myanmar government's Information Committee said in a Facebook post, accompanied with a graphic photo, that the mass Hindu grave had been found near the village of Yebawkya in Rakhine.

It said 300 Arsa militants had rounded up about 100 villagers and killed most of them on 25 August, the same date as the start of the latest phase of the conflict, in claims attributed to an unnamed Yebawkya villager.

But a BBC reporter has spoken to Hindus who fled from Rakhine to Bangladesh and said they were threatened and attacked by ARSA. They also said some Hindus had been killed and some houses burned by the militants.

Hindu villagers in the Yebawkya area told the AFP news agency that Rohingya militants attacked their communities on 25 August, killing many and taking others into the forest. The Hindus have said they were attacked by ARSA because the militants suspected they were government spies.

Now from Al - Zazeera -

Amnesty International says it has evidence that fighters from a Rohingya armed group killed scores of Hindu members of their community in Myanmar's Rakhine state last year.

In a report published on Tuesday, the global rights group said fighters from the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) rounded up and killed as many as 99 Hindu civilians on August 25, 2017.

The killings in Maungdaw township occurred on the same day ARSA staged attacks on some 30 security posts in Rakhine, Amnesty International said.

Tirana Hassan, Amnesty's crisis response director, said perpetrators of the killings must be held to account."It's hard to ignore the sheer brutality of ARSA's actions, which have left an indelible impression on the survivors we've spoken to," she said in a statement.

Citing testimony from survivors and witnesses, Amnesty said masked ARSA fighters rounded up 69 Hindu men, women and children in the village of Ah Nauk Kha Maung Seik and killed 53 of them.

Victims included 23 children - 14 under the age of eight - along with 10 women and 20 men. Only 16 people, eight women and eight of their children, survived.The survivors, who were abducted and taken to Bangladesh, told Amnesty they were spared after they promised to convert to Islam.

Describing the attack, Bina Bala, 22, a survivor, told Amnesty: "[The men] held knives and long iron rods. They tied our hands behind our backs and blindfolded us."I asked what they were doing. One of them replied, 'You and [ethnic] Rakhine are the same, you have a different religion, you can't live here'."

Myanmar's security forces uncovered the 45 bodies from Ah Nauk Kha Maung Seik in four mass graves at the site of the killings in September. Also on August 25, 46 Hindu men, women, and children in the neighbouring village of Ye Bauk Kyar disappeared and were presumed killed by Rohingya rebels, though their bodies haven't been found.

The group also said ARSA fighters were involved in the killing of six Hindu people on August 26 last year near Myo Thu Gyi village.

The Killings -

According to eyewitness accounts, on 25 August, unidentified men in black masks attacked the Hindu villages in Kha Maung Seik also known as Fwaira Bazar or Fakira Bazar. The men spoke several languages they could not identify, but they also spoke the dialect spoken by the Rohingyas and the Hindus. They objected to the official identity cards that were provided by the Myanmar authorities to the Hindus, stating that the Hindus should not have them.

The masked men took around 100 people hostage and forced them to march through the fields. They were led into a forest on a hill, where the insurgents separated eight women from the group of hostages, allegedly to set them aside for marriage to the insurgents later. The insurgents then blindfolded the remaining captives, tied their hands behind their back and tied their legs. The hostages then had their throats slit with knives by the insurgents. Three pits where dug by the insurgents, and the corpses were dumped inside.

Nine Hindu villages were burnt, resulting in more than 500 Hindu refugees fleeing across the border to Bangladesh. The Hindu villages of Kyeinchaung and Ngakhuya survived the arson attacks, and the villagers have returned.

Forced Conversion -

Ni Maul, a Hindu leader who helped Myanmar's authorities with the search of the bodies, told the media that the mass-graves were found from testimony of eight Hindu women whose lives were spared and brought to Bangladesh after they agreed to convert to Islam.

Four Hindu women in Bangladesh told Agence-France Presse that they were among the eight who escaped. They stated that they were forced to marry the attackers in order to save their lives and they were later taken to camps of Rohingya Muslims in Bangladesh.

The Hindu women stated that the militants found them beautiful and decided to convert them. They added that later the eight women along with children were taken to a house in Bawtalar village where they were forced to eat rice with meat, which is prohibited in their religion. They were then brought to Kutuparlaung refugee camp on August 28 where they were housed with Muslims and forced to wear burqas.

One of the eight abducted Hindu women taken into Bangladesh called up a Hindu community leader in Myanmar and told him about the massacre and the location of the mass graves. Accordingly, the local Hindu leadership prepared a list, where 102 Hindus were identified as missing from the two villages of Ye Baw Kya and Taung Ywar in the Kha Maung Seik area of Maungdaw District. Based on the information, the Myanmar army discovered two mud pits with 28 Hindu corpses outside the village of Ye Baw Kya on 24 September. The victims included 20 women and eight men and children. On 25 September, the search party consisting of the Myanmar army, the police and local Hindu leader discovered 17 Hindu corpses in another two mud pits 400 metres to the north east of the previously discovered mass graves. According to the Hindu leader, the corpses were of men aged between 30 and 50. The local Hindu leadership continued their search for the remaining corpses of the missing Hindus, who are feared dead. The location of the 46 missing villagers of Ye Bauk Kyar is still unknown (as of June 2018).

The Hindu villagers believed that they were killed because the Rohingya insurgents suspected them of being government spies.

Six Rohingya insurgents suspected to have been involved in the killings were found among the Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh authorities denied having arrested them on charges of massacre. The Myanmar authorities resolved to bring back the eight Hindu women who were forced to convert to Islam and were taken to Bangladesh by the Rohingya refugees, to stand as witness in the trial.

Islamic Terrorism and Rohingyas -

Zaffar Kawal founded the Rohingya Liberation Party (RLP) on 15 July 1972, after mobilising various former mujahideen factions under his command. Zaffar appointed himself chairman of the party, Abdul Latif as vice-chairman and minister of military affairs, and Muhammad Jafar Habib, a graduate of Rangoon University, as secretary general. Their strength increased from 200 fighters at their foundation to 500 by 1974. The RLP was largely based in the jungles near Buthidaung and was armed with weapons smuggled from Bangladesh. After a massive military operation by the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Armed Forces) in July 1974, Zaffar and most of his men fled across the border into Bangladesh.

On 26 April 1964, the Rohingya Independence Front (RIF) was established with the goal of creating an autonomous Muslim zone for the Rohingya people. The name of the group was changed to the Rohingya Independence Army (RIA) in 1969 and then to the Rohingya Patriotic Front (RPF) on 12 September 1973. In June 1974, the RPF was reorganised with Muhammad Jafar Habib as self-appointed president, Nurul Islam, a Rangoon-educated lawyer, as vice president, and Muhammad Yunus, a medical doctor, as secretary general.The RPF had around 70 fighters.

In February 1978, government forces began a massive military operation named Operation Nagamin (Operation Dragon King) in northern Arakan (Rakhine State), with the official focus of expelling so-called "foreigners" from the area prior to a national census. The primary objective of the Tatmadaw during the operation was to force RPF insurgents and sympathisers out of Arakan. As the operation extended farther northwest, hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas crossed the border seeking refuge in Bangladesh.

In 1982, radical elements broke away from the Rohingya Patriotic Front (RPF) and formed the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO). It was led by Muhammad Yunus, the former secretary general of the RPF. The RSO became the most influential and extreme faction amongst Rohingya insurgent groups by basing itself on religious grounds. It gained support from various Islamist groups, such as Jamaat-e-Islami, Hizb-e-Islami, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Angkatan Belia Islam sa-Malaysia and the Islamic Youth Organisation of Malaysia.

In the early 1990s, the military camps of the RSO were located in the Cox's Bazar District in southern Bangladesh. RSO possessed a significant arsenal of light machine-guns, AK-47 assault rifles, RPG-2 rocket launchers, claymore mines and explosives, according to a field report conducted by correspondent Bertil Lintner in 1991. The Arakan Rohingya Islamic Front (ARIF) was mostly armed with British manufactured 9mm Sterling L2A3 sub-machine guns, M-16 assault rifles and .303 rifles.

The military expansion of the RSO resulted in the government of Myanmar launching a massive counter-offensive named Operation Pyi Thaya (Operation Clean and Beautiful Nation) to expel RSO insurgents along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. In December 1991, Tatmadaw soldiers crossed the border and accidentally attacked a Bangladeshi military outpost, causing a strain in Bangladeshi-Myanmar relations. By April 1992, more than 250,000 Rohingya civilians had been forced out of northern Rakhine State (Arakan) as a result of the increased military operations in the area.

In April 1994, around 120 RSO insurgents entered Maungdaw Township in Myanmar by crossing the Naf River which marks the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar. On 28 April 1994, nine out of twelve bombs planted in different areas in Maungdaw by RSO insurgents exploded, damaging a fire engine and a few buildings, and seriously wounding four civilians.

On 28 October 1998, the armed wing of the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation merged with the Arakan Rohingya Islamic Front and formed the Arakan Rohingya National Organisation (ARNO), operating in-exile in Cox's Bazaar. The Rohingya National Army (RNA) was established as its armed wing.

In 2002, the Tatmadaw Lit ( Myanmar Anti Insurgency Elite Force) began sharing intelligence with the United States regarding Rohingya groups in Myanmar. A report given to the CIA alleged that ARNO had 170 fighters in 2002, and that ARNO leaders met with members of Al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. The report further claimed that 90 ARNO members were sent to Afghanistan and Libya for training in guerrilla warfare. None of the claims in the report were independently verified.

The Islamic extremist organisations Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami and Harkat-ul-Ansar also claimed to have branches in Myanmar.

On 9 October 2016, hundreds of unidentified insurgents attacked three Burmese border posts along Myanmar's border with Bangladesh. According to government officials in the mainly Rohingya border town of Maungdaw, the attackers brandished knives, machetes and homemade slingshots that fired metal bolts. Nine border officers were killed in the attack, and 48 guns, 6,624 bullets, 47 bayonets and 164 bullet cartridges were looted by the insurgents. On 11 October 2016, four soldiers were killed on the third day of fighting. Following the attacks, reports emerged of several human rights violations allegedly perpetrated by Burmese security forces in their crackdown on suspected Rohingya insurgents.

Government officials in Rakhine State originally blamed the RSO, an Islamist insurgent group mainly active in the 1980s and 1990s, for the attacks; however, on 17 October 2016, a group calling itself Harakah al-Yaqin (later changed to the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army or ARSA) claimed responsibility. In the following days, six other groups released statements, all citing the same leader.

I do understand that thousands of people has been displaced due to the recent violence in Myanmar, ten of thousands got killed, children lost their parents , but if we look back both the sides to be blamed.

The Rohingya Muslims did massacre minority Hindus also the majority Buddhist in Rakhine Province of Myanmar. They raped , kidnapped Hindu and Buddhist women and girls mercilessly, and for decades the anger was boiling.. finally an outbrust..

For decades the crime they committed no one paid heed.. now when the victims of their terror and torture retaliated back everyone has a big issue of human rights violations..

Let us not support both the sides, nor the Rohingya Organisations nor the Myanmar Army .. if the Myanmar Army is accused of genocide and ethnic cleansing then we have to put the Rohingya Organisations as well as Rohingya Intellectual communities in the same light. They did genocide against the Hindus as well as Buddhist community.. Should we just let them go ..

Let us stand and speak for the innocent civilians who got victimized.

Will Continue.....

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The Plight Of Hindus and Christians In Pakistan - A Story of Torture and Execution!

2019-04-23T11:42:00.002+05:30

The Plight Of Hindus & Christians In Pakistan -

A Heartfelt " Namaste " to all my brothers and sisters from around the globe.

Hope with God's blessing everyone is doing well and fine. Today I am writing down about the torture, terror, discrimination and fear, poor Hindu and Christian community is facing in Pakistan.

It is very unfortunate and heart breaking to see how the Hindus and Christians are subjected to planned torture, forceful conversion, false prosecution and discrimination on a daily basis in Pakistan.

All I have learned from my childhood is that GOD looks into human heart, a pure and clean heart slowly draws you to Almighty - nothing else, rituals and religions are of no use if the believer is not performing or following it from heart and soul.

SO what is the point or psychology of converting people into any religion from their original faith or belief , I am talking in the context of mass kidnapping and conversion of minority Hindus and Christians in Pakistan.

The Hindus formed 25% population of Pakistan at the time of independence in the year 1947. It has now reduced to less than 3%. And Christian Population now in Pakistan is merely little more than 1% of the total population. On day to day basis Hindus and Christians are facing false execution and forceful conversion in Pakistan.

News of Hindu and Christian girls are being kidnapped during broad daylight is a daily phenomenon in Pakistan, they are converted forcibly to Islam and sold as sex slaves to rich Muslim men. Killing and false execution of Hindus and Christians has become a regular feature in Pakistan.

Overall, minority Hindus and Christians in Pakistan are being eliminated in a very planned manner . Even then, the whole world even the United Nation have purposely overlooked injustice done to those minority Hindus and Christians.

Interestingly in 1947 Pakistan has implemented Shariat law and incidents of conversion of Hindus and Christians have increased since then. It has been advised in Shariat Act that ‘Women of ‘kafir’ ( Non Believers in Islam) should be exploited as slaves’; ‘their property should looted whenever it is felt like and if they oppose, they should be killed’. Fanatic people from Pakistan use Shariat Act when they interact with Hindus and Christians. Local police and courts also helpless in front of the fanatics.

Will those Hindus and Christians ever get justice in such situation? No, In my view no, not possible, cause Pakistani Government and Judiciary both are influenced by Shariat Law, and they seldom stand for the minorities in their own country. It is a old Pakistan or a so called Naya Pakistan, situation remain same.

Hope Mr. Imran Khan , the legendary cricketer turned Politician and Prime Minister of Pakistan will read this blog one day and show his dedication the way he showed in the field of cricket to this situation and stand for the minorities in Pakistan. But we can't blame him , every Prime Minister and minister are dictated by the so called illiterate Mullahs and Kazis in Pakistan.

Shame on you Mr. Khan at least be a human and stand for humanity , that will pay you well in time.

Below I am penning down few reports of torture Of minorities in Pakistan.

Two daughters of Harji from Deharki village in Pakistan were kidnapped by fanatic Muslims. Later, they were converted at Ghotagi durgah. The Mullah of the durgah claimed that ‘they were so influenced by the teachings of Islam that they voluntarily converted.’ These girls are minor so they cannot be married under law; therefore, family members of the girls lodged complaint at police station that they were forcefully kidnapped and converted. Under ‘Sindh Child’s Marriage Restraint Act’, girl or boy below 18 is treated as ‘child’ and he or she cannot be married; but police, who are hands in gloves with the mullah of that durgah, showed a film to family members of the girls saying that they have voluntarily adopted Islam. Is it not possible that the girls could have done so under pressure ?

Fanatic Muslims kidnapped a 15 year-old Hindu daughter of Kanio Meghwar from market in Badin district of Pakistan. They said girl was mentally sick; therefore, she had gone with her mother to her sister’s place for treatment who was staying in Karachi. They are a very poor family and her mother works as maid in some houses to earn money. The kidnapped girl has not yet been found.

A 19-year-old Hindu girl, Rinkie Kumari, was recently abducted in Pakistan and forcibly converted to Islam. The Hindu families' exodus began recently, triggered by abduction of a 14-year-old girl. The victims who crossed over to India narrated their harrowing stories to Headlines Today showing yet again that in intolerant Pakistan they were just second class citizens.

Mukesh Kumar Ahuja and his wife Suman arrived in Attari with their four children looking for political asylum and hoping that they could become Indian nationals. They hoped that they would not have to return to Pakistan ever and have moved accordingly. For this also they had to pay a bribe of Rs 15,000 to Pak rail authorities.

Ahuja, a provisions shop owner, closed his shop in Balochistan about a year ago. He said safety of his family was his top priority. His cousin Ravi's killing in Quetta region in October 2011 was the last straw. Gunmen had demanded Rs 1 crore, which the Ahujas failed to meet and Ravi was killed.

"They killed my cousin for money?We feel scared for our children," Ahuja said.

There were others too who had similar horror stories.

Another refugee Ram Lal repeated Ahuja's fears, saying "Hindus are not safe" in Pakistan.

Yet another Pakistani Hindu, Pawan Kumar, said, "Women are not safe there. Pakistani authorities have taken an undertaking from us that we should return, but we don't want to."

Recent attacks on Christians include:

An attack on a Church in Quetta in December 2017 that killed nine people and injured 57

A suicide attack targeting Christians celebrating Easter at a Lahore playground in March 2016 left 70 dead and more than 340 wounded

Two bomb blasts at churches in Lahore in March 2015 killed 14 and hurt more than 70 people

A twin suicide bomb attack at a Peshawar church in 2013 left around 80 dead

In 2009, nearly 40 houses and a church were burnt by a mob in Gojra town in Punjab, with eight people burnt alive

In 2005, hundreds fled their homes in Faisalabad as churches and Christian schools were set on fire by a mob, after a resident was blamed for burning pages of the Koran, which was never proved.

Since the 1990s, scores of Christians have also been convicted of "desecrating the Koran" or "blaspheming against the Prophet Muhammad", although experts say most accusations are fueled by personal disputes.

While most were handed death sentences by lower courts, those sentences were often set aside by higher courts due to lack of evidence or because the complainants were found to be targeting the community for economic benefits.

In 2012, a Christian girl, Rimsha Masih, became the first non-Muslim to be acquitted in a blasphemy case when it was discovered she had been framed by a local Muslim cleric.

Perhaps the best known example is that of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman from a Punjab village who in 2010 got into an altercation with some Muslim women and was later accused by them of having blasphemed.

The attacks, on their residential areas and places of worship, have mostly been motivated by the country's controversial blasphemy laws.

But there have also been political motives.

Under Shariat Act, it is ‘kurf’ (crime) to help kafirs against Muslims; therefore, neither police nor courts help the Hindus and Christians.

Despite such grave oppression, Minorities in Pakistan have no saviours. Aggrieved Minorties don’t get any help from police because helping kafirs (non-Muslims) against Muslims is considered as ‘kurf’ (a crime) in Pakistan.

Therefore, neither police nor courts help aggrieved Minorities. Hindus and Christians from Pakistan are going through grave torture. They have now lost patience to bear such inhuman oppression and looking up to India with hopes for ending their torture.

The daily social ostracisation among the middle-class and the increasing number of crimes against the Hindu and Christian minority is showing its results.

It is estimated that about 5000 Hindus are leaving Pakistan every year and coming to India as refugees because they are unable to tolerate the persecution.

Like the denial of the existence of anti-India terrorists on their soil, Pakistan also denies the daily persecution and the human rights violations that it inflicts on its minorities.

Their government officials are taught to lie to the world. They lie with impunity. But repeating a lie ad-nauseam doesn't turn it into truth.

The truth is this — the Pakistani government ministers are liars when they say that their minorities are happy and safe. Nothing has changed in Imran Khan's Naya Pakistan.

Hindus and Christians are not safe in a bigoted country like Pakistan which simply will eliminate them in a pre planned manner to satisfy the so called illiterate Mullahs and Kazis.

Lord Be with all of us , Show us the way to stand for our brothers and sisters in Pakistan.

Will continue ....

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The Living GOD on earth - Our Own Parents!

2019-04-21T21:14:00.002+05:30

The Living GOD on earth -

Namaste my dear brothers and sisters.

Again I am writing my heart out about the " Living Gods on earth" - yes!!! you hear it right the living Gods. I know it is very hard to accept and understand what I am saying for many of us.

If I am in search of GOD , first I have to look into my very own home not in Mandir or Temple. Where we will find our parents - who have taken care of us with great compassion, love, kindness, forgiveness and sufferings. They sacrificed their whole life to make us stand on our own feet and be happy and successful. The pain and sufferings they went through in the process is priceless, every human being will always be indebted to our parents, no matter how successful we are or how rich we are, we will never be able to pay it back in anyway, it will be misadventure for us to even think to pay it.We are not at all worthy to pay what they have scarified in their life for us. So it is our priority and utmost duty as Son/Daughter to take care of them in every possible way when they are old and they are in any need.

GOD has given everyone of us the wisdom to understand the value of love and care we get from our parents. Though we do mistake - we agitate against them, misbehave with them, do not take care of them when they are old. After all these they forgive us, embrace us with love and kindness , our parents become happier than us in our success, they feel more pain when we are hurt, sad,struggling.

This is the form of GOD we see everyday in our life, only GOD can have this compassion and kindness, and on earth we see that only in our parents.

In Hinduism we have a great value for our parents. Many of our Hindu Scriptures and Religious book has more in depth description about parents.

It has mentioned in many Hindu literature that our parents are " Deva Tullya" - Same as GOD.

In the scripture entitled Taittiriya Upaniṣad, it is said that when the students are graduating from their college, their teacher gives them the following parting message:

“May you be one for whom his mother is a Deva. May you be one for whom his father is a Deva. May you be one for whom a guest is a Deva. May you be one for whom his teacher is a Deva.”

The idea is that we should respect, serve and worship our parents, guests as well as our teachers even before we worship Bhagavān.

This is a very unique teaching of our tradition. The western religions always place God before parents. Note that in our tradition, the mother is listed first, because she is the most respectable of all, more than even the father.

Our parents give birth to us, endure great pains to raise us, educate us and get us successful in our lives. We are always indebted to their love and efforts that we become great in our lives.

Even when we have our own children, our parents then play an important role in giving good values to our children as well. And when our parents are old and cannot take care of themselves, it is our duty to pay back their love, effort and blessings by serving them and honoring them in every way possible, even at the cost of our great personal sacrifice.

The story of Sravaṇakumara below describes it in a better way -

Long, long ago, there lived a boy named Sravaṇakumara. His parents were very old and blind. Sravaṇakumara was a very devoted son and loved his parents a lot. Once, they expressed their desire to go on a pilgrimage to holy places. But, being very poor, they could not afford to travel on a cart driven by bullocks or on a chariot driven by horses. How could the little boy fulfill the wishes of his parents?

Guess what! Sravaṇa was so intelligent and caring that he made them sit on two baskets and tied them to the ends of a stick. He then carried them on his shoulder and walked on foot towards Kashi – a holy place. He believed that duty towards his parents was of utmost importance.

As it was already late in the night, the King was hiding on a tree at the bank of a river and waiting to hear the sound of an animal so that he could take aim and shoot. Soon, Sravaṇa happened to come to that same river bank to fill his jug with water. As he immersed the jug into the river water, King Dasharath heard the bubbling sound and immediately fired an arrow in that direction of the sound, thinking that it was a deer. One day, when they were crossing a thick forest, the old parents felt thirsty. So they said – “Dear Sravaṇa, we are very thirsty. Please go and see if you could get some water for us.” On hearing this, the young boy went looking for water in the forest. At the same time, King Dasharath was passing through the forest for hunting animals. He was so skilled in shooting arrows with his bow that he could hit his target with arrows just by hearing the animal’s sound.

Yes, King Dasharath’s arrow hit Sravaṇa Kumar. Immediately, the injured Sravaṇa screamed in extreme pain. Realizing that he had hit a human and not a deer, King Dasharath rushed to the river bank. He saw that his arrow had pierced the heart of poor Sravaṇa.

Even though Sravaṇa Kumar was in great pain, he only thought of his blind parents who were thirsty for water. He said to King Dasharath – “I had come to fetch some water for my blind parents but I have not been able to fulfill their wishes. I am not angry with you for killing me, because it was just my bad luck. But please do take this jug of water because they are thirsty and are waiting for me to bring them some water.” Speaking these words, Sravaṇa Kumar breathed his last.

Sankaracharya Changes the Course of River for his Mother -

In the late 7th century CE lived a young boy Sankaracharya with his widowed mother in the village of Kaladi in the Indian state of Kerala. One day, his mother fell ill and she was no longer able to walk from a hut to bath in the river that flowed at a distance.

The little boy Sankaracharya got together his friends and dug a channel from the river that flowed right past his home. Now his mother just had to walk out of their home for a dip. This channel dug by Sankaracharya still exists to today.

After sometime, Sankaracharya wanted to become a Sadhu in pursuit of spiritual knowledge. His mother was very worried at that because he was her only support. However, Sankaracharya made sure that his relatives would provide for his aged mother. He also promised to her that he would return to see her whenever she needed him.

Many years later, when Sankaracharya had become a very learned and a famous saint, he felt that his mother needed him. By his yogic powers, he flew back to his home where his mother was waiting for him before she breathed her last. By his spiritual powers, he had her get a darsana of Visṇu and Siva. When she passed away, he prepared for her cremation.

According to tradition, a Sadhu is not allowed to cremate his parents, because he has technically ended all his relations with everyone. So, Sankaracharya prayed and by a miracle, the wooden pyre with his mother’s body lit on its own. Those who had gathered around to criticize Sankaracharya saw the miracle and felt ashamed at their own harshness. They asked the saint for forgiveness and he obliged.

From these two stories we all understand the value of our parents. In Hinduism for thousands of years these values has been taught, inculcated , flourished and nourished .

It is shameful to see people now a days sending their parents to old age home, not taking care of them, abusing them. DO OUR PARENTS DESERVE IT FROM US?

DO you think you should go to temple and worship and search GOD without pleasing the GOD at our own home. Close your eyes Ask yourself the question ?

Hope you found the answer.

Will Continue writing on my Journey Through Hinduism....

Lord be with you always and Bless You.

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The Vastness Of Hinduism - The Rich History of Tolerance and Love!

2019-04-21T16:38:00.000+05:30

The Vastness Of Hinduism -

The Rich History of Tolerance and Love!

Brothers and Sisters before starting this blog, A very very heartfelt " Namaste" to you all.

Today I am writing down few lines on My Religion and My rituals. I am trying to understand the vastness of my noble religion and belief.

Hinduism is the oldest religion of world. Appreciated around the world for thousands of years among all the cultures and civilizations for it's greatness of - "Love and Compassion", "Tolerance and Virtue", "Philosophy and Kindness".

As per many learned and renowned scholars Hinduism with its roots and customs started dated back in between 4000 B.C. to 5300 B.C. on the bank of the Sindhu River - The birth place of The Sindhu Civilization ( Indus Valley Civilization).

The great Sindhu (Indus) River has given birth to a prosperous, most advance and intellectual civilization in the world , known worldwide as Sindhu civilization or Indus valley civilization.There took birth the most ancient order of Monks and Saints and their globally accepted philosophy of love and kindness. The way the sweet, mineral rich and holy water of Sindhu river has helped the prosperity of the Indus Valley region it has also generously extended its sweetness in the making of that noble Philosophy of love and kindness known today as Hinduism worldwide.

This makes the Hinduism world's oldest surviving and growing Religion and Belief.This noble Oldest Religion has a great essence of kindness,compassion and forgiveness,till date people around the world embracing it in search of peace and tranquility.

I am very blessed to born in a God Fearing Hindu Family and grown up with one very simple teaching of " Swami Vivekananda" - " Service to mankind is service to God" , with this simple teaching I understand the philosophy and greatness of Hinduism.

As a kid I wake up every morning with the soothing sound of " Ghanta" and " Kanshor" , chanting of Mantras by my mother in our Puja Mondop (Place of worship).

Never understood those days the significance of all these , was most eager to have the Prasad ( Edible Offerings to God ) after the rituals.

As a grown up kid I started having friends from all religion and belief, they used to invite for their religious ceremony, I was very keen and eager to go with them and attend their ceremonies. As I have mentioned before interest was not to attend the worship and ceremonies it was about edible offerings after the rituals and ceremonies. Christmas time - The Cake and Bonanza of sweets and food, at the time of Eid it was the Sewai ( Fine Vermicelli cooked with milk and dry fruits ), Nice Palau and Mutton curry.

I used to come home happy and used to tell story of those ceremonies to my parents, I never found them angry on me, nor ever found them to stop me to go. My Mom told me to Pray to God when I go there not to just go and appreciate just the foods. After attending those ceremonies I invited my friends to attend one big Puja in my home, whole day I was waiting for my friends to turn up and I was planning to have the offerings together with them, I was hungry and tired but was waiting desperately for them, in the evening one of my friend turned up and I was feeling more than happy. In my mind it was all about the nice food cooked for the puja and I told him lets go and have the Prasad. He refused to eat anything from Puja which left me in a state of shock and sadness. This incident made a deep impact on me till date.

And without having any knowledge of what has happened or stopped him from eating in my home, I was desperately searching the answer but could not anywhere, at last gathered much courage to ask his parents directly in a complaining tone.

His parents told me they cant attend any Hindu Puja nor they can eat anything that we offer to Our God, their religion does not permit them to do so.And if they do so their God will punish them and they will be cursed by their God and they will loose their Religious Identity, I was speechless and started getting confused that how I can eat in their home at the time of their Puja, and why they cant eat in my home during my Puja,and why my God is not angry on me nor punishing me,with all these in my heart- came running down home and told my parents what happened, my father looked at me told me to clam down and answered " God loves everyone it never punish if I attend anyone's else ceremony, or eat in anyone's home " it opened my eyes- I understood how tolerant is my Religion is and how strong and deep rooted it's essence is.

He forbids me to take beef anywhere as Cow has a great significance in our custom and religion, In Hinduism we worship cow as our mother, after mother's milk it's Cow's milk which nourish us, help us in our growth.

With time I understood the importance of the rituals in Hinduism and it's significance. Hinduism is a Vast ocean and we can't understand the vastness and philosophy of it unless we develop a compassion of religious liberty in our heart and soul, for thousand's of years many civilizations ,philosophy and belief tried to hurt it every way it can, tried to destroy the roots of Hinduism, people of this noble religion suffered, were tortured, got deprived due to their compassion towards Hinduism.

Many temples and places of worship were attacked, trampled, looted again and again. Believers and worshipers were executed.

But with the help of great teaching of Love, compassion, kindness and virtue it has, healed all the wounds and scar with time and till strongly showing the world the way of love, peace and tranquility like a light house in the stormy ocean.

In the modern global scenario we have been victimized by the so called and hyped concept of intolerance. Labeled as orthodox , narrow minded , intolerant, superstitious and many more. The learned people who are calling and labeling Hindus in many names has never understood Hinduism. Only worshiping God and Goddess and chanting five mantras does not make us a Hindu. Same way the people who are hurting other people in the name of Hinduism not a Hindu either way.

Do you think we are intolerant ? A BIG BIG BIG NO, look at in our civilization, In 1947 this civilization re born as an Independent country in the global Map, the cruel foreign rulers has parted the civilization and its people, left the scar forever in our heart. It's the only country in the world where all the Religion has same respect, value and importance, everyone has their own place and rights of worship as per their belief. Every religion of the world is growing here without any fear or pressure. If we are intolerant then this golden social fabric could have been never found anywhere in the world, but look here its strong and growing.

Do you think we are Orthodox ? Again a BIG NO, We are not orthodox at all, we are the most liberal religion of the world,Only in Hinduism we respect all the religion in equal way, we never label other Religion as Cult, Pegan, Devilish, Napak or as such, To us every GOD is great, we never have any strictness , Hinduism is the people's way to find GOD and peace. From your heart each and every way you want to worship and pray GOD is acceptable in Hinduism but I have never heard of an orthodox Religion. Only few Learned fools have very wired concept of Hinduism.

Do you think we are Narrow Minded ? NO, Again NO , If you are compassionate at heart and feel for the fellow human being in distress without considering his caste,creed, colour and religion and your heart ache for him and you try to go the extra mile to bring him out of distress, then no doubt you have a great Hindu teaching in your heart. I don't think any Narrow Minded Religion has these teaching's. " Service to mankind is service to GOD" that is what Hinduism teaches us. And when you learn and belief these teachings your mind automatically develops the concept of social well being and peace.

Do you think we are Superstitious ? NOPE, What is the definition of Superstitious? Each and every religion in the world has many sets of rituals and customs. And these rituals and customs has great importance in human life, Excuse me I am not talking about any man made customs which benefits a special sect of the society and which does not even fall under the purview of any religious rituals or customs. Can we term the rituals or customs of any religion as superstitions cause we don't agree to it and we don't believe in it - the answer is NO.

We have welcome and embraced every one from around the world with love and great compassion.We have given place to everyone for their Religious belief. In return poor Hindus got victimized by mass conversation and execution.Very shameful to mention those heart breaking incidents.

In Hinduism we have learned firmly that we never forcefully or by trick convert anyone to Hinduism from their Religious faith. To us every Religion is noble and great, It's only Hinduism which teaches us to respect every Religion in the same light.

One doesn't have to give up their religious faith to follow Hinduism, you can learn the teaching of Hinduism even your Religious faith is different. More than a Religion Hinduism is the most tolerant and kind way of living.

Will Continue writing on my Journey Through Hinduism....

Lord be with you always and Bless You.

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