tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31405714328668467992024-03-05T19:07:44.590-08:00The Cultural Heritage of IndiaExplore here the glorious cultural heritage of India, and India's ageless, timeless ethnic arts, crafts, handloom, hand-printed, hand-embroidered textiles, hand-woven carpets, ancient Hindu temples, Moghul monuments, Sikh Gurudwaras, Christian Churches, Buddhist Monasteries, colourful and vibrant Hindu festivals, Yoga, Ayurveda, Indian classical music and dances, multifarious Indian cuisines of different regions, Immortal Hindu Scriptures, ancient Tamil and Sanskrit literature etc etcMala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.comBlogger212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-5044754094425076532020-01-19T03:16:00.000-08:002020-06-29T22:52:00.403-07:00Joyful Garba Dance of Gujarat in Western India during the Annual Navaratri Festival<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garba_(dance)">Garba</a> is a form of dance which originated in the state of Gujarat in India. The name is derived from the Sanskrit term Garbha (womb) and Deep (a small earthenware
lamp). Many traditional Garbas are performed around centrally lit lamp
or a picture or statue of the Hindu Goddess Shakti. Traditionally,
it is performed during the nine-day annual Hindu festival Navaratri. Either the lamp (the Garba Deep) or an image of the Hindu Goddess, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durga" title="Durga">Durga</a> is placed in the middle of concentric rings as an object of veneration
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<span style="font-size: large;">Garba songs typically revolve around
the subjects of the nine Hindu Goddesses. The style of Garba varies from place to
place in Gujarat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The traditional costume of Garba dancer is brightly coloured red, pink, yellow, and orange, Chaniya <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choli" title="Choli">Choli</a> or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gagra_choli" title="Gagra choli">Ghagra Choli</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dupatta" title="Dupatta">Dupatta</a> with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandhani" title="Bandhani">Bandhani</a> (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tie-dye" title="Tie-dye">tie-dye</a>), <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shisha_(embroidery)" title="Shisha (embroidery)">Abhla</a>
(big mirrors) or with thick Gujarati borders. Dancers also wear heavy
jewellery, such as 2-3 necklaces, sparkling bangles, waist belts, and
long earrings. Traditionally men wear an ethnic Kedia and a Pajama or a Dhoti with a bracelet and necklace. The Dandiya sticks are normally made of wood.
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<span style="font-size: large;">Modern Garba is heavily influenced by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandiya_Raas" title="Dandiya Raas">Dandiya Raas</a> as well, a dance traditionally performed by men. The merger of these
two dances has formed the high-energy Garba dance that is seen today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-doi_2-0"> </sup></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Both men and women usually wear colorful costumes while performing Garba and <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandiya" title="Dandiya">Dandiya</a>. The girls and women wear <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaniya_choli" title="Chaniya choli">Chaniya Choli</a>, a three-piece dress, which is an embroidered and colorful blouse, teamed with <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaniya" title="Chaniya">Chaniya</a>, which is the flared, skirt-like bottom, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dupatta" title="Dupatta">Dupatta</a>,
which is usually worn in the traditional Gujarati manner. Chaniya
Cholis are decorated with beads, shells, mirrors, stars, and embroidery
work etc. Traditionally, women adorn themselves with Jhumkas
(large earrings), necklaces, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bindi_(decoration)" title="Bindi (decoration)">Bindi</a>, Bajubandh, Chudas and Kangans, Kamarbandh, Payal, and Mojiris. Boys and men wear Kafni Pajamas with a short round <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurta" title="Kurta">Kurta</a> above the knees and Pagadi on the head with Bandhini Dupatta, Kada,
and Mojiris. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Garba and Dandiya Raas Dances are also popular in the United States
where more than 20 universities have Raas/Garba competitions on a huge
scale every year with professional choreography.
Garba is also very popular in the United Kingdom where there are a
number of Gujarati communities who hold their own Garba nights that are widely popular among the local Gujarati community.
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Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-89442332112445678322020-01-15T22:18:00.000-08:002020-06-29T22:52:24.151-07:00Modhera Dance Festival of Gujarat in India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The cultural richness of the state of Gujarat in Western India can well be understood through the multifarious vibrant festivals of Gujarat.
The beauty of the state’s age-old traditions is showcased most
flawlessly through the many festivals celebrated in Gujarat all year
round. Almost all the festivals of Gujarat have something unique and
special about them. Some of the top-notch ceremonies/rituals of Gujarat
that enjoy global fame include Dahi Handi breaking ceremony, Dhol
beating and the mesmerizing Garba dance performances during Navaratri. A
festival of Gujarat is in fact incomplete without the above mentioned traditional, signature rituals from the state. One such renowned festival of Gujarat is the annual Modhera Dance festival of Mehsana district of Gujarat, drawing dancers & participants from around the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.gujarattourism.com/fairs-festivals/cultural-festivals/modhera-dance-festival">Modhera Dance festival</a> is an internationally famous cultural show held at the renowned
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Temple,_Modhera">Modhera Sun temple</a> in the month of January in the third week. Various Indian classical dance-forms are presented most
aesthetically on the occasion of this festival. The Sun Temple set up offers
the most apt environment for the rendition of the beautiful Indian classical dances.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Psychedelic hues of red, yellow, green lights illuminating nooks and
corners of intricately carved Sun Temple of Modhera, during dark and
breezy nights of January, create a Chiaroscuro effect of time and
space! <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Temple,_Modhera">The Sun Temple of Modhera</a> is a masterpiece of the Golden Age of
the Solanki Empire, which hosts the annual Dance Festival and flaunts
the glory and splendor of that historical era. The Modhera Dance Festival which is
also widely known as the Uttarardh Mahotsav. Modhera Utsav is
one of the most famous celebrations of art, music, dance and culture, in
this part of the country. This unique occurrence showcases traditional
dance forms of the region as well as acts as a platform for bringing
together the cultural ethos of other regions of India.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Temple,_Modhera">The temple of the Sun in Modhera</a> narrating the history and grandeur of its
patrons, the Royal Solankis, is an architectural marvel. This peerless temple
space acts as a grandiose backdrop for the vibrant expression of
dancers, and the aesthetic ethnicity of the country. Dance troupes and
performers from all regions of the nation bring along a panorama of
varied dance forms and styles, interlaced with the essence of their
origins. The performers blend in the ambience and bring life to the
sandstone figurines carved on the edifice of the temple, singing and
narrating legends of times bygone.<br />
<br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The three day festival of Uttarardh Mahotsav is organized by the
Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL), to venerate and celebrate
the inherited treasure of performing arts of the country. The Modhera
festival is an ideal opportunity to experience living heritage of Indian
dance and music while traversing back in time sitting in the lap of
golden history.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The exclusive three day Modhera Dance Festival is held every year
during the third week end of January after the conclusion of Uttarayan
festival Sankrati.</span><br />
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<h3>
Where</h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">The environs of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Temple,_Modhera">Sun Temple in Modhera</a> act as a venue
and host of this enchanting festival. </span><br />
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<h3>
History</h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dance or Nritya in India is considered an artistic Yoga revealing the spiritual through the corporeal. In the history of
India, classical dance forms and temple architecture have enjoyed a very
amiable alliance. Innumerable literary and historical evidences state
the close association of the expressional form of dance and sacred
vicinity of temples. Dance performances presented in the holy premises
venerated god while also serving as a platform to convey messages to all
social strata on an equal echelon. ‘Nagar Utsav’ was organized in the
vicinity of all temples including the sun temples. In respect of the
rich cultural legacy of the country and to revive the tradition, the
State Government created the annual event of the <a href="https://www.gujarattourism.com/fairs-festivals/cultural-festivals/modhera-dance-festival">Modhera Dance Festival</a>.</span></div>
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<h3>
Who Comes</h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The dance festival is frequently visited by art and
dance connoisseurs from all across the world. Classical and folk
dancers and musicians from different states of the country exhibit their
talent and flair while culture enthusiasts become part of the festival
to witness this splendid event. Inhabitants and natives from near by
villages also are an indigenous part of the occasion.</span></div>
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</div>
Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-76621263936209650922020-01-15T20:49:00.000-08:002020-06-29T22:52:34.232-07:00The Sun Temple in Modhera village of Gujarat in India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The <b> </b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Temple,_Modhera">Sun Temple</a> in </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modhera" title="Modhera">Modhera</a></span> village is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Sun God <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surya" title="Surya">Surya</a> located in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mehsana_district" title="Mehsana district">Mehsana district</a> of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujarat" title="Gujarat">Gujarat</a> in India. It is situated on the banks of river Pushpavati. The temple was built after 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaulukya_dynasty" title="Chaulukya dynasty">Chaulukya dynasty</a>. No worship is offered in the temple now and the temple is a protected monument these days, maintained by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archaeological_Survey_of_India" title="Archaeological Survey of India">Archaeological Survey of India</a>. The temple complex has three components: Gudhamandapa, the shrine hall; Sabhamandapa, the assembly hall and Kunda,
the reservoir. The halls have intricately carved exteriors and pillars.
The reservoir has steps to reach the bottom and has numerous small shrines.
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<span style="font-size: large;">This peerless temple space acts as a grandiose backdrop for the vibrant expressions of dancers and aesthetic ethnicity of the country. Dance troupes and performers from all regions of the nation bring along a panorama of varied dance forms and styles, interlaced with the essence of their origins. The performers blend in the ambience and bring life to the sandstone figurines carved on the edifice of the temple, singing and narrating legends of times bygone.</span></div>
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Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-48908619157171217842019-12-31T20:25:00.001-08:002019-12-31T20:28:15.296-08:00Mahamaham : The Kumbha Mela of Kumbhakonam in Tamilnadu celebrated every 12 years<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahamaham">Mahamaham</a>, also known as Mahamagham or Mamangam, is a Hindu festival celebrated every 12 years in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahamaham_tank,_Kumbakonam" title="Mahamaham tank, Kumbakonam">Mahamaham tank</a> located in the holy South Indian town of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu,
India. This 20-acre square tank surrounded by Shiva Mandapams is
believed by Tamil Hindus to be very ancient, and the holy confluence of nine
Indian river goddesses: Ganga, Yamuna, Sarasvati, Narmada, Godavari,
Krishna, Tungabhadra & Kaveri. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the day of Mahamaham festival, the river goddesses and the Hindu God Shiva
gather here to rejuvenate their waters, according to legend.
The Hindus consider taking a holy dip at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahamaham_tank,_Kumbakonam">Mahamaham Tirtha</a> during Mahamaham festival as very sacred. Mahamaham is symbolic equivalent of the renowned <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumbh_Mela" title="Kumbh Mela">Kumbh Mela</a> of Prayag in Uttar Pradesh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Legend </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Mahamaham tank is surrounded by small temple Mandapas with Vedic
and Puranic Hindu deities, each with a Shiva Linga in the Sanctum. It also
features the big Kashi Vishwanathar temple to its north. At the entrance
gate of the temple, there is the image of Shiva with nine Indian river
goddesses: Ganga, Yamuna, Sarasvati, Narmada, Godavari, Krishna,
Tungabhadra, Kaveri, and Sarayu.
Portions of the ancient tamil epic Periya Purana are inscribed inside the Mandapas and the
temple. The complete legend is found on the inner walls of the
Kumbheshvara temple near the water pool. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Astronomically, Mahamaham festival is celebrated when full moon is passing Magha nakshatra (Leo
sign) and Sun is on the other end in the opposite Aquarius sign (Kumnha
Rasi) once in twelve years when the planet Jupiter's
residence in Leo coincides with full-moon in Leo. On the day of the
festival in the month of Magha, it is believed to bring all sacred Hindu rivers
together and the water is rejuvenated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Ayyar_5-0">The Festival </sup></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vast crowds of Hindu devotees gather at Kumbakonam to have a dip in
the tank during this festival. All the rivers of India are believed to meet at the tank on
this day and a purificatory bath at this tank on this day is considered
equal to the combined dips in all the holy rivers of India.
Festival deities from all the temples in Kumbakonam arrive at the
tank and at noon, all the deities bathe along with the devotees known as Theerthavari.
The temple cars of major temples in Kumbakonam come around the city on
the festival night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-dict_7-2"> </sup></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">During the time of Mahamaham festival, it is believed that the famous Indian river goddesses <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganges" title="Ganges">Ganges</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamuna" title="Yamuna">Yamuna</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarasvati_River" title="Sarasvati River">Sarasvati River</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarayu" title="Sarayu">Sarayu</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godavari_River" title="Godavari River">Godavari River</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tungabhadra_River" title="Tungabhadra River">Tungabhadra River</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narmada_River" title="Narmada River">Narmada River</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishna_River" title="Krishna River">Krishna River</a>, and <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaveri_River" title="Kaveri River">Kaveri River</a> arrive here to rejuvenate and get repurified through Ganga and
with Shiva's blessing. The images of the deities indicating the legend, is housed in the nearby Kasi Viswanatha Temple.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mahamaham Tank</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahamaham_tank,_Kumbakonam">Mahamaham Tank</a> is a huge temple tank located in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumbakonam" title="Kumbakonam">Kumbakonam</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Nadu" title="Tamil Nadu">Tamil Nadu</a>, India. It is considered to be the foremost and one of the largest temple tanks in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Nadu" title="Tamil Nadu">Tamil Nadu</a>. The annual Masimaham festival held in the tank has 100,000 visitors and the 12 year <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahamaham" title="Mahamaham">Mahamaham festival</a> has close to 2 million visitors.</span></div>
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<sup><span style="font-size: large;">The tank is located in the heart of Kumbakonam town. It covers an area of 6.2 acres and is trapezoidal in shape. The tank is surrounded by sixteen small Mandapams (shrines) and has 21 wells inside the tank. The names of the wells carry the name of Hindu god Shiva or that of Rivers of India. Govinda Dikshitar, the chieftain of Ragunatha Nayak of Thanjavur, constructed the sixteen Mandapams and stone steps around this tank. </span></sup></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Telegraph_1-0"><br /></sup></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Connected Shiva Temple</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Twelve Shiva temples are connected with Mahamaham festival which occurs once in 12 years in Kumbakonam. They are <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasi_Viswanathar_Temple,_Kumbakonam" title="Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Kumbakonam">Kasi Viswanathar Temple</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adi_Kumbeswarar_Temple" title="Adi Kumbeswarar Temple">Kumbeswarar Temple</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Someswaran_Temple" title="Someswaran Temple">Someswarar Temple</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nageswaraswamy_Temple,_Kumbakonam" title="Nageswaraswamy Temple, Kumbakonam">Nageswara Temple</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekambeswarar_Temple,_Kumbakonam" title="Ekambeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam">Ekambareswarar Temple</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gauthameswarar_Temple,_Kumbakonam" title="Gauthameswarar Temple, Kumbakonam">Gowthameswarar Temple</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abimukeswarar_Temple,_Kumbakonam" title="Abimukeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam">Abimukeswarar Temple</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kambatta_Viswanathar_Temple,_Kumbakonam" title="Kambatta Viswanathar Temple, Kumbakonam">Kambatta Visvanathar Temple</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banapuriswarar_Temple" title="Banapuriswarar Temple">Banapuriswarar Temple</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalahasteeswarar_Temple,_Kumbakonam" title="Kalahasteeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam">Kahahasteeswarar Temple</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kottaiyur_Kodeeswarar_Temple" title="Kottaiyur Kodeeswarar Temple">Koteeswarar Temple</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amirthakadeswarar_Temple,_Sakkottai" title="Amirthakadeswarar Temple, Sakkottai">Amirthakalasanathar Temple</a>. Of these twelve, first ten temples temples are located in Kumbakonam town itself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Connected Vishnu Temple</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Five Vishnu temples are connected with this festival. They are <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarangapani_Temple" title="Sarangapani Temple">Sarangapani Temple</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chakrapani_Temple,_Kumbakonam" title="Chakrapani Temple, Kumbakonam">Chakrapani Temple</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramaswamy_Temple,_Kumbakonam" title="Ramaswamy Temple, Kumbakonam">Ramaswamy Temple</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajagopalaswamy_Temple,_Kumbakonam" title="Rajagopalaswamy Temple, Kumbakonam">Rajagopalaswamy Temple</a>, and Varahaperumal Temple. All these temples are in Kumbakonam.
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Ayyar_5-0"> </sup></b></span>
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Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-17618024506871708152019-12-30T06:56:00.000-08:002019-12-30T06:56:17.682-08:00Kampaheswarar / Sarabeswarar Temple, Thirubuvanam, Kumbhakonam, Tamilnadu India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kampaheswarar_Temple,_Thirubuvanam">Kampaheswarar Temple</a> or kampa-hara-ishvarar ( Kampa-hareswarar ) is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu God <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva" title="Shiva">Shiva</a>. It is situated in the town of Thirubuvanam near Kumbakonam. Shiva is worshipped as "Kampahareswarar" in this temple as he had removed the quaking (Sanskrit Kampa) of a king who was being haunted by a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmarakshasa" title="Brahmarakshasa">Brahmarakshasa</a> (Evil Spirit) </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">on account of the king killing a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmin" title="Brahmin">Brahmin</a> by mistake.</span></span></div>
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<sup><span style="font-size: large;">The temple follows the Dravidian style of architecture. An unusual feature of the temple is that the Vimana is extremely high unlike other Dravidian-style South Indian temples. The architecture of the temple is similar to the Big Temple at Thanjavur, Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram and Gangaikonda Cholapuram temples. The distinct features of all the temples is the Vimana, which is an unusual feature in Dravidian temples. There is a separate shrine for Sarabeswarar, </span></sup><sup><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">a fusion of man, eagle and lion,</span> with a metal statue of the deity within the Sanctum, having intricate artistic work. </span></sup></div>
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<sup><span style="font-size: large;">As per inscriptions found in the southern wall of the temple, the shrine was constructed by the Chola king Kulothunga Chola III as a memorial for his successful North Indian campaign. </span></sup></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The main deity of the temple is Shiva <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingam" title="Lingam">Lingam</a> in the form of Kampaheswarar. </span></div>
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<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Meena_2-0"> </sup> </div>
Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-83778057216881714192019-12-30T02:54:00.001-08:002019-12-30T02:54:41.984-08:00Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adi_Kumbeswarar_Temple,_Kumbakonam">Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam</a> is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu God <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva" title="Shiva">Shiva</a>, located in the holy town of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumbakonam" title="Kumbakonam">Kumbakonam</a> in <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanjavur_District" title="Thanjavur District">Thanjavur District</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Nadu" title="Tamil Nadu">Tamil Nadu</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India" title="India">India</a>. Shiva in this temple is worshiped as Adi Kumbeswarar, and is represented by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingam" title="Lingam">lingam</a>. His consort <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parvati" title="Parvati">Parvati</a> is depicted as Mangalambigai Amman. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tevaram" title="Tevaram">Tevaram</a>, written by Tamil saint poets known as the <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nayanmars" title="Nayanmars">Nayanmars</a> and classified as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paadal_Petra_Sthalam" title="Paadal Petra Sthalam">Paadal Petra Sthalam</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The temple complex covers an area of 30,181 sq ft and houses four gateway towers known as <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gopurams" title="Gopurams">Gopurams</a>.
The tallest is the eastern tower, with 11 stories and a height of 128
feet. The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Kumbeswarar
and Mangalambigai Amman being the most prominent. The temple complex
houses many halls; the most notable is the sixteen-pillared hall built
during the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijayanagara_Empire" title="Vijayanagara Empire">Vijayanagar period</a> that has all the 27 stars and 12 zodiacs sculpted in a single stone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and twelve yearly festivals on its calendar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The </span><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahamaham" title="Mahamaham">Mahamaham</a> festival takes place once every twelve years during the Tamil Month of Masi (February - March), when millions
of pilgrims from various parts of India visit Kumbakonam to take a holy dip in the sacred </span><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahamaham_tank,_Kumbakonam" title="Mahamaham tank, Kumbakonam">Mahamaham tank</a> which is located in the heart of the
holy town. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The temple is in existence from <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chola" title="Chola">Chola</a> times of the 9th century, and has been maintained by <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nayak_dynasty" title="Nayak dynasty">Nayaks</a> during the 15-17th century.</span> </div>
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Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-6690041230440667092019-12-28T03:00:00.002-08:002019-12-31T22:04:37.263-08:00Brihadeeshvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamilnadu India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brihadisvara_Temple,_Gangaikonda_Cholapuram">Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram</a> is a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_temple" title="Hindu temple">Hindu temple</a> dedicated to Hindu God <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva" title="Shiva">Shiva,</a> in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangaikonda_Cholapuram" title="Gangaikonda Cholapuram">Gangaikonda Cholapuram</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayankondam" title="Jayankondam">Jayankondam</a>, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Completed in 1035 AD by the great Chola emperor <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajendra_Chola_I" title="Rajendra Chola I">Rajendra Chola I</a> as a part of his new capital, this <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chola" title="Chola">Chola</a> dynasty era temple is similar in design, and has a similar name, as the older 11th century, <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brihadeeswarar_Temple" title="Brihadeeswarar Temple">Brihadeeswarar Temple</a> in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanjavur" title="Thanjavur">Thanjavur</a>.
The Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is smaller yet more refined than the
Thanjavur Temple. Both are among the largest Shiva temples in South
India and examples of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dravidian_architecture" title="Dravidian architecture">Dravidian style</a> temple architecture. </span></div>
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<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-FOOTNOTEGeorge_Michell19884,_51-53,_145_4-0"> </sup>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The main temple dedicated to Shiva is based on a square plan, but it reverentially displays other Hindu deities such as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu" title="Vishnu">Vishnu</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durga" title="Durga">Durga</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surya" title="Surya">Surya</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harihara" title="Harihara">Harihara</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardhanarishvara" title="Ardhanarishvara">Ardhanarishvara</a>, and many others. The temple is renowned for its bronze sculptures, artwork on its
walls, the depiction of the sacred bull <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nandi_(bull)" title="Nandi (bull)">Nandi</a>
and the scale of its tower. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-FOOTNOTES.R._Balasubrahmanyam1975241,_243-249_6-0"> </sup></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The old city of Gangaikonda Cholapuram was the capital of the most powerful Chola empire from around 900 AD to 1215 AD. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple remains an active temple even today. Four daily
rituals, and many yearly festivals are held there. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archaeological_Survey_of_India" title="Archaeological Survey of India">Archaeological Survey of India</a> administers the temple as a protected heritage monument. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO" title="UNESCO">UNESCO</a> declared the temple as a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Heritage_Site" title="World Heritage Site">World Heritage Site</a> in 2004, along with the <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brihadeeswarar_Temple" title="Brihadeeswarar Temple">Brihadeeswarar Temple</a> at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanjavur" title="Thanjavur">Thanjavur</a> and <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airavatesvara_temple" title="Airavatesvara temple">Airavatesvara temple</a> at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darasuram" title="Darasuram">Darasuram</a>. These three temples are referred to collectively as the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Living_Chola_Temples" title="Great Living Chola Temples">Great Living Chola Temples</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is built in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dravidian_architecture" title="Dravidian architecture">Dravidian style of architecture</a> with a square plan. The structural elements
resemble the big <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brihadisvara_Temple" title="Brihadisvara Temple">Brihadisvara Temple</a> in Thanjavur.</span></div>
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Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-60497000764371578452019-12-28T01:53:00.003-08:002019-12-30T02:14:39.787-08:00Airavathesvara Temple Darasuram, Kumbhakonam, Tamilnadu India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airavatesvara_Temple">Airavatesvara Temple</a> is a Hindu temple of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dravidian_architecture" title="Dravidian architecture">Dravidian architecture</a> located in the town of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darasuram" title="Darasuram">Darasuram</a>, near <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumbakonam" title="Kumbakonam">Kumbakonam</a>, Thanjavur District in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple, built by <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajaraja_Chola_II" title="Rajaraja Chola II">Rajaraja Chola II</a> in the 12th century CE is a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO" title="UNESCO">UNESCO</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Heritage_Site" title="World Heritage Site">World Heritage Site</a>, along with the <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brihadeeswara_Temple" title="Brihadeeswara Temple">Brihadeeswara Temple</a> at Thanjavur, the <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brihadeeswarar_Temple,_Gangaikonda_Cholapuram" title="Brihadeeswarar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram">Gangaikondacholisvaram Temple</a> at Gangaikonda Cholapuram that are referred to as the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Living_Chola_Temples" title="Great Living Chola Temples">Great Living Chola Temples</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQl1fLzfeGGS4uOrOC_LQCgg1laDP3cbQHRvw4gUXONrEgN0ppxLDvLJU9PclD_92clmLEkMZlTK2TXhr611RBphnTUsdb6X3tB4pDDy6Zd5rZPwxPJBz3dTkUBy5qlVZecm3qpcMSSE/s1600/airavatesh+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="669" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQl1fLzfeGGS4uOrOC_LQCgg1laDP3cbQHRvw4gUXONrEgN0ppxLDvLJU9PclD_92clmLEkMZlTK2TXhr611RBphnTUsdb6X3tB4pDDy6Zd5rZPwxPJBz3dTkUBy5qlVZecm3qpcMSSE/s400/airavatesh+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlM56tS_u5LAKNhyphenhyphen1XpJEY6yLboCAN171b2Qjn_JEAWQ-VtQcafJljYQL3CMh92yFRCo3pSOPIxHSoHqppPa08EODv6eawFd-xjU1zE5jszNuo6Z-VXaGiium1YI1WD1qoMj7rKBzOgCE/s1600/airavatesh+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlM56tS_u5LAKNhyphenhyphen1XpJEY6yLboCAN171b2Qjn_JEAWQ-VtQcafJljYQL3CMh92yFRCo3pSOPIxHSoHqppPa08EODv6eawFd-xjU1zE5jszNuo6Z-VXaGiium1YI1WD1qoMj7rKBzOgCE/s400/airavatesh+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Airavatesvarar temple is one among a cluster of eighteen medieval era large <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu" title="Hindu">Hindu</a> temples in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumbakonam" title="Kumbakonam">Kumbakonam</a> area of Thanjavur District. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. It also reverentially displays <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaishnavism" title="Vaishnavism">Vaishnavism</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaktism" title="Shaktism">Shaktism</a> traditions of Hinduism, along with the legends associated with Nayanmars – the Tamil Bhakti movement saints of Shaivism.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The stone temple incorporates a chariot structure, and includes
major Vedic and Puranic deities such as Indra, Agni, Varuna, Vayu,
Brahma, Surya, Vishnu, Saptamtrikas, Durga, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Ganga, Yamuna, Subrahmanya, Ganesha, Kama, Rati and others.
Shiva's consort has a dedicated shrine in the temple called the Periya Nayaki Amman
temple. At present, parts of the temple
such as the Gopuram is in ruins, and the main temple and associated
shrines stand alone. It has two sun dials namely morning and evening sun dials which can be
seen as wheels of the chariot. The temple continues to attract large
gatherings of Hindu pilgrims every year during Magha.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This temple is a storehouse of art and architecture and has
some exquisite stone carvings. Although this temple is much smaller than
the Brihadeesvara Temple or the Gangaikondacholapuram Temple, it is
more exquisite in detail. The elevation and proportions of all the units is elegant with sculptures dominating the architecture. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Along the base of the main temple, the stories of the sixty three Shaiva Bhakti saints called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nayanars" title="Nayanars">Nayanars</a> are narrated These stories are found in the Tamil epic <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Periya_Puranam" title="Periya Puranam">Periya Puranam.</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the outer walls of the main Sanctum are sculptures of various
Hindu deities, with the middle one of each side showing Shiva in
different aspects.</span>
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Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-5560003516020003462019-12-28T01:26:00.000-08:002019-12-28T01:26:13.334-08:00Ramaswamy Temple, Kumbakonam in Tamilnadu India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramaswamy_Temple,_Kumbakonam">Ramaswamy Temple</a> is a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_temple" title="Hindu temple">Hindu temple</a> dedicated to Lord <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rama" title="Rama">Rama</a>, an incarnation of Lord <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu" title="Vishnu">Vishnu</a> located in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumbakonam" title="Kumbakonam">Kumbakonam</a>, Tamil Nadu, India. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The temple has beautiful architecture and has been built by the <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nayakkar" title="Nayakkar">Nayakar</a> kings during the 16th century. <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Govinda_Dikshitar" title="Govinda Dikshitar">Govinda Dikshitar</a>,
the prime minister of the Nayaka kings, constructed the temple. </span></div>
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<sup><span style="font-size: large;">The temple is one of the prominent Vishnu temples in thr holy town of Kumbakonam. The temple has a 3-tiered Gopuram surrounded by walls. The central shrine houses the image of Rama in a seated posture with his consort Sita. The other images are of his brothers Lakshmana, Bharatha and Shatrughna in standing posture and Hanuman in worship posture. </span></sup></div>
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<sup><span style="font-size: large;">The sixty four pillars in the hall near the Gopuram are sculpted with exquisite finesse depicting various episodes of the Hindu epic Ramayana. Each pillar is carved out of a single stone and the delicacy is very prominent. The temple is a typical Nayak style of temples.</span></sup></div>
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<sup><span style="font-size: large;">On the walls of the temple, the great Hindu epic Ramayanam is depicted in pictorial format in three segments. One can read through Ramayana pictorially whilst taking three rounds of the Sanctum Sanctorum.</span></sup></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Five Vishnu temples of Kumbhakonam are connected with the local <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahamaham" title="Mahamaham">Mahamaham</a> festival which happens once in 12 years in Kumbakonam.<sup> </sup>They are,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Sarangapani Temple,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Chakrapani Temple,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Ramaswamy Temple,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Rajagopalaswamy Temple, and</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Varahaperumal Temple</span></div>
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2"><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-epic_6-0"><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-illustrated_5-1"> </sup> </sup> </sup> </div>
Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-57515909519498867602019-12-28T00:55:00.003-08:002019-12-28T00:55:43.324-08:00Sarangapani temple, Kumbakonam, in Tamilnadu India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarangapani_temple,_Kumbakonam">Sarangapani Temple</a> is a Hindu temple dedicated to Hindu God <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu" title="Vishnu">Vishnu</a>, located in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumbakonam" title="Kumbakonam">Kumbakonam</a>, Tamil Nadu, India.
It is one of the <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desams" title="Divya Desams">Divya Desams</a>, the 108 most sacred temples of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu" title="Vishnu">Vishnu</a> revered in <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nalayira_Divya_Prabandham" title="Nalayira Divya Prabandham">Divya Prabandham</a> by the 12 Vaishnava poet saints, or <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alwars" title="Alwars">Alwars</a>. This temple is along <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaveri" title="Kaveri">Cauvery river</a> and is one of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancharanga_Kshetrams" title="Pancharanga Kshetrams">Pancharanga Kshetrams</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhM35aOO_9Hd5t-pW1H_Nvd5Vti9WnNZqUoKo6MqHVY7yu9py5lj8s0hOuKaqnai9UErsGu939Y8HOooq4jzkdOwO20yn-CkskN-wz4JxQ3bBa56_dv4lbArYRxzggutRuKZ_OjeEIxM/s1600/sarangapani-temple-kumbakonam-RTYFBF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1300" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhM35aOO_9Hd5t-pW1H_Nvd5Vti9WnNZqUoKo6MqHVY7yu9py5lj8s0hOuKaqnai9UErsGu939Y8HOooq4jzkdOwO20yn-CkskN-wz4JxQ3bBa56_dv4lbArYRxzggutRuKZ_OjeEIxM/s400/sarangapani-temple-kumbakonam-RTYFBF.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Pancharanga_Kshetrams_2-0"> </sup>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The temple is believed to be of significant antiquity with contributions at different times from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medieval_Cholas" title="Medieval Cholas">Medieval Cholas</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijayanagar_Empire" title="Vijayanagar Empire">Vijayanagar Empire</a> and <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madurai_Nayaks" title="Madurai Nayaks">Madurai Nayaks</a>.
The temple is enshrined within a huge granite wall and the complex
contains all the shrines and the water bodies of the temple. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gopuram" title="Gopuram">Rajagopuram</a>
(the main gateway) has eleven tiers and has a height of 173 ft (53 m).
The Potramarai tank, the temple tank, is located opposite to the western
entrance of the temple. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The
temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.,
and twelve yearly festivals on its calendar. The temple chariot festival
is the most prominent festival of the temple, celebrated during the Tamil
month of Chittirai (March–April). The twin temple chariots are the
third-largest in Tamil Nadu, each weighing 300 t (660,000 lb).
</span></div>
</div>
Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-76681245432134628692019-12-28T00:11:00.000-08:002019-12-28T00:11:00.420-08:00Uppiliappan Temple in Tirunageshwaram, Kumbhakonam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uppiliappan_temple">Uppiliappan Temple</a>, also known as Venkatachalapathy Temple is a temple dedicated to Hindu god <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu" title="Vishnu">Vishnu</a>, located near <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirunageswaram" title="Thirunageswaram">Thirunageswaram</a>, a village in the outskirts of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumbakonam" title="Kumbakonam">Kumbakonam</a> in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Constructed in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dravidian_architecture" title="Dravidian architecture">Dravidian style of architecture</a>, the temple is glorified in the <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Prabandha" title="Divya Prabandha">Divya Prabandham</a>, the early medieval Tamil canon of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvars" title="Alvars">Azhwar</a> saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lMdi6BbeG9H3bbsB9TZB_ji3XC1vKfypey2Ftg8LQIbOj8_3gAa6yH0Nue6Fbj6YXHIqlWhi3_Tz0YJqWA-CPsS-JZieiepOBttNDG7TKRgOmcHKDlkWCYMRws5NpmN0DyzlFqefv_M/s1600/Uppiliappan-perumal-Temple-1175155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lMdi6BbeG9H3bbsB9TZB_ji3XC1vKfypey2Ftg8LQIbOj8_3gAa6yH0Nue6Fbj6YXHIqlWhi3_Tz0YJqWA-CPsS-JZieiepOBttNDG7TKRgOmcHKDlkWCYMRws5NpmN0DyzlFqefv_M/s400/Uppiliappan-perumal-Temple-1175155.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XHl_OWs5XKeYojYul2_NwEJagGi1fGr3OqJjaENYo_u_y56NPtwULXrSd4odXodSWDnyRyAcj2b59J4YA3vLRu2oOsd-2-_G5aJxNDTdNPmTlFIzFoHDn64yRdg0unUGnPArSx3n1OY/s1600/Uppiliappan-Temple-Thirunageshwaram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="900" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XHl_OWs5XKeYojYul2_NwEJagGi1fGr3OqJjaENYo_u_y56NPtwULXrSd4odXodSWDnyRyAcj2b59J4YA3vLRu2oOsd-2-_G5aJxNDTdNPmTlFIzFoHDn64yRdg0unUGnPArSx3n1OY/s400/Uppiliappan-Temple-Thirunageshwaram.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is counted as the 60th of the 108 <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divya_Desams" title="Divya Desams">Divya Desams</a> dedicated to Vishnu. Vishnu is worshiped as Uppiliappan in this temple and his consort <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshmi" title="Lakshmi">Lakshmi</a> as <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhumi_Devi" title="Bhumi Devi">Bhumi Devi</a>. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The temple is believed to be of significant antiquity and to have been initiated by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medieval_Cholas" title="Medieval Cholas">Medieval Cholas</a> of the late 8th century AD, with later contributions at different times from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanjavur_Nayak_kingdom" title="Thanjavur Nayak kingdom">Thanjavur Nayaks</a>. The temple has two inscriptions dating from the Chola period, a five-tiered Rajagopuram (gateway tower), and a granite wall. The complex contains all the shrines and water bodies associated with it. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Uppiliappan is believed to have appeared for sage <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markandeya" title="Markandeya">Markandeya</a> and Hindu gods <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bh%C5%ABmi" title="Bhūmi">Bhoomadevi</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahma" title="Brahma">Brahma</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva" title="Shiva">Shiva</a>. The temple observes six daily rituals and three yearly festivals. The chariot festival, celebrated during the Tamil
month of "Panguni" (March–April), is the most prominent festival. The temple is
maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board
of the Government of Tamil Nadu</span></div>
<br /></div>
Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-25986826319514701842019-09-19T17:36:00.003-07:002019-09-19T17:46:43.846-07:00The Sand Art of Odisha : The International Sand Art Festival<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></span></span></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sand Art : A Unique Art-form that Started in Odisha</span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Odisha is the birth place of Sand Art. Afterwards it spread all over the world. Sand Art
is carving of sculpture in sand. It is quiet easier and quicker than stone carving. For Sand Art only fine grained sand and water is used.
An artist can shape a beautiful and attractive sculpture on the beach,
with the help of fine grained sand and by
the magic of fingers. Sudarsan Pattnaik is one of the renowned Sand Art artists of Odisha. His works are artful & interesting, mostly based on current world issues, festivals, world peace, sports etc.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSvdzT2IGRdpH0lKyOP4L0uIouL6hy0Xz_U3QfwuN3M7Xvg8rseuG19LJyAdaVARDrBz5lajtEtLckX-IRQBmvuyY2okEBDLwxBz1XQPC4QsoNdKJPr5laIBBf3Vvzh94QQLKKgxcnqI/s1600/sand+art+1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="700" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSvdzT2IGRdpH0lKyOP4L0uIouL6hy0Xz_U3QfwuN3M7Xvg8rseuG19LJyAdaVARDrBz5lajtEtLckX-IRQBmvuyY2okEBDLwxBz1XQPC4QsoNdKJPr5laIBBf3Vvzh94QQLKKgxcnqI/s320/sand+art+1a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">History of Sand Art </span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There is an ancient story behind Sand Art. The author of Dandi
Ramayan, Poet Balaram Das was a great devotee of Lord Jagannath of Puri. Once he
tried to climb the chariot of Lord Jagannath during Ratha Yatra to
offer his prayer. But he wasn’t allowed by the priests of the chariot to
climb it to offer his prayer and was also insulted by them. This made him feel extremely humiliated. He went to the beach and carved the
statues of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra on the
Golden sand. Then there he started praying and worshipping these
statues with utmost devotion. Through the power of his devotion, the story goes, that the original statues
vanished from the chariot and appeared at the place where poet Balaram was
worshipping.</span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Development of Sand Art</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Now-a-days, most artists are acquainted with the stone work. So stone
sculpturing is treated as the first step of sand sculpturing. Learning
the art of carving on sand is an easy process. So within a short period
people can learn the Sand art. Sand sculptures are very eye catching and
transferable, and is also destroyed easily. Once the sand dries, the sculpture will be destroyed.</span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">International Sand Art Festival</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Every year Sand Art Festival is celebrated in Odisha from 1<sup>st</sup> December to 5<sup>th</sup>
December, organized by Odisha Tourism. Sand
artists from India and from different countries come and participate in
this competition. A prize of Rs 100,000 is given as prize to the
best sand artist. Mostly sand artists come from Mexico, Spain,
Singapore, France, Norway, Germany, Netherland & USA. Sudarsan
Pattnaik, the Famous Odia sand artist is taken as the brand ambassador
of the International Sand Art Festival organized in Odisha by Odisha
tourism.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Held at the <a href="https://www.indianholiday.com/tourist-attraction/orissa/beaches/chandrabhaga-beach.html">Chandrabhaga Beach</a>,
3 km from Konark, the sand art festival is an event for people in love
with sand creations. It is one of the events which highlights Odisha and
its wonderful tourism opportunities. The sand festival is free for spectators. </span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>History of International Sand Art Festival</b></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The International Sand Art Festival was started in 2015 on the
Chandrabhaga beach, at a short distance from Konark. It was a part of the <a href="https://www.indianholiday.com/fairs-and-festivals/orissa/konark-dance-festival.html">Konark Dance Festival</a>
that is organized during the same time. Due to the proximity from
Konark Sun Temple, both these events have tourists crowding from all
over the world. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> Skilled
sculptors bring to life the wonderful sand exhibits on the seashores of
Chandrabhaga beach.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The renowned Odisha sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik who has been awarded the
Padma Shree for his marvelous art is the brand ambassador of the event. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The event witnesses thousands of people from all over the world coming
to see the captivating festival. Please do not miss the Konark Dance festival which will
be celebrated during the same time.</span><br />
<br />
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contents througout this blog are based on well-researched aggregated and
curated content from innumerable sources. But mostly and most
importantly, these contents are based on my own personal experience of
untiringly exploring the glorious cultural heritage India, and the
ageless timeless ethnic arts, crafts, textiles, temples etc of the whole
of India, during my stay across the length and breadth of this vast
expansive Indian subcontinent for more than 5 decades of my long
adventurous life. I have expressed my deepest gratitude to all the text
sources on the 'World-Wide-Web', that have hugely contributed and added
to my existing database of knowledge on this subject, by inserting
appropriate hyperlinks throughout this blog, to connect my ardent
readers from across the globe, to these rich sources of information on
India's heritage. So Long, Mala Chandrashekhar )</span></span></span> </span></div>
<br /></div>
Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-12656247729582938712019-09-17T18:56:00.001-07:002019-09-17T19:03:24.057-07:00Nathdwara Paintings of Rajasthan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathdwara_Painting">Nathdwara Painting</a> refers to a painting tradition and school of artists that emerged in Nathdwara, a town 40 kms north of Udaipur city, in the Western state of Rajasthan in India. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nathdwara paintings are of different sub-styles of which <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pichhwai" title="Pichhwai">Pichhwai</a> paintings are the most popular.The word Pichwai derives from the Sanskrit words <i>'Pich'</i> meaning back and <i>'Wais'</i> meaning hanging. These paintings are cloth paintings hung behind the image of the Hindu god Shrinathji of Nathdwara.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Nathdwara school is a subset of the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/art/Mewar-painting">Mewar school of painting</a> and is seen as an important school in the 17th and 18th century <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuscript_miniature" title="Manuscript miniature">miniature paintings</a>.
The sub-styles of Mewar painting include Udaigarh, Devgarh and
Nathdwara as important centers of miniature production. The local temple of
Shrinathji is believed to have provided a boost to the art activities in
the town. It is recorded that to avoid the oppression of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, the image of Shrinathji, a child manifestation of the Hindu god <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishna" title="Krishna">Krishna</a> was installed in Nathdwara in 1670 by Goswami priests from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathura" title="Mathura">Mathura</a>.
After this, many artists, motivated by religious fervor came and created paintings of Srinathji.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pichhwai paintings are intricate paintings which portray Lord Krishna in different moods, body postures, and attire
more commonly found on a cloth or paper. It is a very ancient form of
art passed on from generation to generation and has a very devotional
theme on Lord Krishna. Other than its artistic appeal, the purpose of Pichhwais, is to
narrate tales of Krishna to the illiterate. They have become the main
exports of Nathdwara and are in much demand among foreign tourists in Rajasthan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These artists mostly live in 'Chitron Ki Gali' (Street of
paintings) and 'Chitrakaron Ka Mohallah' (Colony of painters) and make a
close community with constant interaction. It is no wonder that many
a times a Pichhwai painting is a group effort, where several skillful
painters work together under the supervision of a master artist.
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<span style="font-size: large;">Most works produced in this style revolve around the figure of Shrinathji as a manifestation of Krishna. There are also paintings that show the Lord in different costumes
celebrating different festivals. Other themes like Krishna with mother Yashoda, baby Krishna etc are also painted in this style. Some of the paintings are gem-encrusted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Shrinathji idol is the principal deity of the Nathadwara Haveli, with the left arm of the deity always raised above his head lifting Mount Govardhana, while his other hand resting on his waist.<br /><br />Nathadwara is the present headquarters of the Pushti Margiya Vaishnavite cult of Hinduism.<br /><br />Nathadwara paintings display a high degree of skill in draughtsmanship, portraiture and in composition. Krishna Leela paintings depict Krishna’s childhood and scenes from his early life in Gokul such as playing in mother Yashoda’s lap, stealing butter, Ras Leela with Radha and other Gopis, lifting Govardhana mountain etc.<br /><br />Nathadwara is a meeting point of various styles of Rajasthani paintings because painters of this school have migrated from places representing various Rajasthani traditions of painting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">( Disclaimer : All images featured in this Blog-post, are the property
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the details and the link to the picture, and we will remove it right
away. But at the outset, I just want to let my dearest readers know,
that the noble purpose of this Blog, is to promote 'The Glorious
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the planet, and I would immensely love to see every single one of us,
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right now in the process of adding the web-links to the sources of the
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would request the readers to use 'Google Image Search' to trace the
source / multiple sources of these images on the web. The rich text
contents througout this blog are based on well-researched aggregated and
curated content from innumerable sources. But mostly and most
importantly, these contents are based on my own personal experience of
untiringly exploring the glorious cultural heritage India, and the
ageless timeless ethnic arts, crafts, textiles, temples etc of the whole
of India, during my stay across the length and breadth of this vast
expansive Indian subcontinent for more than 5 decades of my long
adventurous life. I have expressed my deepest gratitude to all the text
sources on the 'World-Wide-Web', that have hugely contributed and added
to my existing database of knowledge on this subject, by inserting
appropriate hyperlinks throughout this blog, to connect my ardent
readers from across the globe, to these rich sources of information on
India's heritage. So Long, Mala Chandrashekhar )</span></span>
</div>
</div>
Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-63132064823079788312019-09-15T05:13:00.000-07:002020-04-18T03:24:59.964-07:00Nature Worship By Ancient Aryans Of India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></div>
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<a href="https://www.dw.com/en/respect-for-nature-key-to-hinduism/a-16730629"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Respect for nature key to Hinduism</span></span></a></h1>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hindu texts and scriptures are full of references to the worship of the
divine in nature. And they continue to be relevant today. Millions of
Hindus recite Sanskrit mantras daily that revere their rivers,
mountains, trees and animals. Many also follow, for religious reasons, a
vegetarian diet and oppose the institutionalized killing of animals for
human consumption. The Earth, depicted as a Goddess or “Devi”, is
worshipped in many Hindu rituals. For instance, before the foundation of
a building is dug, a priest is invited to perform the “Bhoomi (earth)
Pooja” to seek forgiveness from mother earth for violating her. To many
Hindus, the concept of environmental protection is not separate from
religious teaching. That’s seen in several local practices among rural
Hindu communities such as the Bishnois and the Bhils to protect forests
and water sources. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulsi_in_Hinduism">Hindus worshipping the holy Thulasi plant</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439/">a plant with countless medicinal use</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.hinduwisdom.info/Nature_Worship.htm">Nature Worship : </a></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hinduism has always been an environmentally sensitive philosophy. No religion, perhaps, lays as much emphasis on environmental ethics as Hinduism. The Mahabharata, Ramayana, Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Puranas and Smriti contain the earliest messages for preservation of environment and ecological balance. <br /><br /><br />Hindus regard everything around them as pervaded by a subtle divine presence, be it rivers, mountains, lakes, animals, flora, the mineral world, as well as the stars and planets. It is so because the Divine reality is present as Prana/Shakti energy, power, in every electron, particle, atom, cell and in every manifestation of matter. It is its very fabric.<br /><br /><br />Nature, or Earth, has never been considered a hostile element to be conquered or dominated. In fact, man is forbidden from exploiting nature. He is taught to live in harmony with nature and recognize that divinity prevails in all elements, including plants and animals. The rishis of the past have always had great respect for nature. Theirs was not a superstitious primitive theology. They perceived that all material manifestations are a shadow of the Divine. The Bhagavad Gita advises us not to try to change the environment, improve it, or wrestle with it. If it seems hostile at times tolerate it. Ecology is an inherent part of a spiritual world view in Hinduism. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.speakingtree.in/allslides/science-and-religion-combined-know-why-miraculous-peepal-tree-is-worshipped/cont">Peepul / Ashwattha tree</a> is considered extremely sacred by the Hindus, has <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/health/story/peepal-tree-health-benefits-indian-bodhi-medicinal-use-diseases-ayurveda-lifest-1082608-2017-11-09">countless medicinal uses</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The mighty <a href="https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog/top-temples-in-the-himalayas/">Himalayas, the abode of Sages</a> since millenia & the abode of Lord Shiva is very sacred to the devout Hindus</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=5929">Char Dham Yatra</a> : A Sacred Pilgrimage to The Holy Himalayas</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UG0ZIthEtEVbtJDTKdUSasGnS_rsxxgWQnE48kp621tcts81x4cZ5AQnip7g_BQYZTmd3SjejMZerBft8pQwHaKR8xU31Pt6ihWci8Zd36GrXNdqvWbciWB7GZAKDtHmX04SCgccFdY/s1600/nature+worship+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UG0ZIthEtEVbtJDTKdUSasGnS_rsxxgWQnE48kp621tcts81x4cZ5AQnip7g_BQYZTmd3SjejMZerBft8pQwHaKR8xU31Pt6ihWci8Zd36GrXNdqvWbciWB7GZAKDtHmX04SCgccFdY/s320/nature+worship+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Religious Hindu ladies worshipping the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganga_in_Hinduism">holy river Ganga</a> with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puja_thali">fruits, flowers, incense, camphor & oil lamp</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenCO9T-e0z91uDhW6camZ2ZNFaV-KaXTjkghiJajIiqG86W6ePbRTfNwscCRue263zVzIOu5kKSpI-79iw8_BtljGvWNOsrqdY6vzs0yU0zI5gEMO6octN0CViFoENRlrfx5yzyRhRAc/s1600/nature+worship+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="292" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenCO9T-e0z91uDhW6camZ2ZNFaV-KaXTjkghiJajIiqG86W6ePbRTfNwscCRue263zVzIOu5kKSpI-79iw8_BtljGvWNOsrqdY6vzs0yU0zI5gEMO6octN0CViFoENRlrfx5yzyRhRAc/s320/nature+worship+2.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A devout Hindu worshipping the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surya">Sun God</a> standing knee deep in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganga_in_Hinduism">holy river Ganges</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxCQFMV1iMPKWWw2uE2P5yCLgvAMxyHepa8fkxbdbLve07uuIyErQ7cB8Ww0utbsqjqL1dmOaLIgrZFm21ojZXZ4S1ilnZqYs7Ih5Lvz_Fdp5Ib0CJouisfdO34y3zujXFqWLm6uar1Y/s1600/nature+worship+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="898" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxCQFMV1iMPKWWw2uE2P5yCLgvAMxyHepa8fkxbdbLve07uuIyErQ7cB8Ww0utbsqjqL1dmOaLIgrZFm21ojZXZ4S1ilnZqYs7Ih5Lvz_Fdp5Ib0CJouisfdO34y3zujXFqWLm6uar1Y/s320/nature+worship+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A devout Hindu worshipping the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surya">Sun God</a> standing in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganga_in_Hinduism">holy river Ganges</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gxEYjuKEd8N4A_0YcGzKZgrMTtchyphenhyphenNsw9JGWAhM2Hn7WwNMF4GEIiZCoPS4_Q8YLGdVJOPomSMqgW8HvytLwwgDD1WTJfFZxXc3ZyW0A1TTAwmogZIv8yjXdQe2OrhtYzi1_fsTZB8Y/s1600/nature+worship+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="550" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gxEYjuKEd8N4A_0YcGzKZgrMTtchyphenhyphenNsw9JGWAhM2Hn7WwNMF4GEIiZCoPS4_Q8YLGdVJOPomSMqgW8HvytLwwgDD1WTJfFZxXc3ZyW0A1TTAwmogZIv8yjXdQe2OrhtYzi1_fsTZB8Y/s320/nature+worship+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulsi_in_Hinduism">Hindus worshipping the sacred Thulasi plant</a> with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puja_thali">flowers, fruits,incense, camphor & oil-lamp</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSFl87s5Qqt8inkixrTrEnv8ITPDiXpZzOKjMdnScEmqmvoUKXr7MezBTFNuwqsz6plzzHMpM7cZdNKI3DB0yvAmW7_FxLJUMLxtIbWtDoPvdawUK0pf1EPM7Z35pXPdhOoTo7hz5lOE/s1600/nature+worship+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSFl87s5Qqt8inkixrTrEnv8ITPDiXpZzOKjMdnScEmqmvoUKXr7MezBTFNuwqsz6plzzHMpM7cZdNKI3DB0yvAmW7_FxLJUMLxtIbWtDoPvdawUK0pf1EPM7Z35pXPdhOoTo7hz5lOE/s320/nature+worship+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hindus worshipping <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganga_in_Hinduism">holy river Ganga</a>, by waving <a href="https://www.speakingtree.in/blog/why-do-we-light-oil-lamps-during-prayer-ceremony-does-using-specific-oil-during-puja-hold-any-significance-unraveling-secrets-of-hinduism">sacred oil-lamps</a> to the river in the evening, during sunset ( <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/ganga-aarti-india-guide-1539713">Ganga Aarthi</a> )</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcx3nH6X1-xhKysrNFuK-LuONula635iMUH3K_8Sjz3qBI0mhyhDyQENymSjjwWmnVHVWZX139oAc2E1IGsjjxrrHbWvDbAMko9yKruwxNgm4SGrk5ByHJ3HTzosmSsUoNA0AQzWjwkkk/s1600/nature+worship+8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="576" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcx3nH6X1-xhKysrNFuK-LuONula635iMUH3K_8Sjz3qBI0mhyhDyQENymSjjwWmnVHVWZX139oAc2E1IGsjjxrrHbWvDbAMko9yKruwxNgm4SGrk5ByHJ3HTzosmSsUoNA0AQzWjwkkk/s400/nature+worship+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_cow">Hindus worshipping the holy Indian cow</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hindus worshipping the sacred temple elephant</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hindus worshipping the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surya">sacred Sun God</a> standing in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganga_in_Hinduism">holy river Ganga</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwy4fxQJ0u89XaxG1KwioZfxEyxYzmO7NJTqoTgL8s_Q85La24v35unpHvr76_8tDdfg5QixjK6bLJBb7bPidQrCyF4yukgmNrP7sTyKtHrRHjn1i1I4Y6IyXNPjUw-O4wT9IO_lzqiM8/s1600/nature+worship+11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwy4fxQJ0u89XaxG1KwioZfxEyxYzmO7NJTqoTgL8s_Q85La24v35unpHvr76_8tDdfg5QixjK6bLJBb7bPidQrCyF4yukgmNrP7sTyKtHrRHjn1i1I4Y6IyXNPjUw-O4wT9IO_lzqiM8/s400/nature+worship+11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hindus taking holy dip in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumbh_Mela">Kumbha Mela</a> in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triveni_Sangam">confluence of the three most holy rivers of India, Ganga, Yamuna & Saraswathi</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ancient Aryans of Vedic
Civilisation, were devout worshippers of Mother Nature. Nature worship
sounds more sensible many a times to many of the educated lot in this modern age of
science & technology.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> God is a transcendental being. and we can not perceive God with our shallow human senses. But
nature is perceptible to our sense organs. Aren't we directly being
benefited by nature in infinite number of ways? Nature is bountiful and showers her selfless love on us humans in infinite number of ways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cow is a sacred animal in
Hinduism. Nothing is as nutritious & as easily digestible as cow's
milk. We can l<span class="text_exposed_show">ive on cow's milk alone
& enjoy robust health, if nothing else is available. It's a complete
food in itself according to ancient India's Ayurveda. The Indian Desi cow and all her products including her dung is a blessing for us from the Divine, of course without the forceful injections of
toxic allopathic hormones for increasing the yield of milk artificially. Even
new-born babies can live just on cow's milk, with absolutely no side effect.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thulasi plant of India, is an extraordinary medicinal plant, & every
traditional Hindu lady makes it a point to have this plant at home for her daily
worship. Thulasi is extremely good for cold, cough & several other
ailments, according to Ayurveda, & a plant at home is very handy during many of the common illnesses.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Peepul tree (Ashwatha) too has got infinite number of medicinal uses, as
per the Indian Ayurveda. We should have as many Peepul trees as
possible in our environment, by watering them daily as a form of utmost sanctity, and as a form of religious ritua. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sun is the source of all energies on our
planet. Sunlight blesses us with health, vigour & vitality. Sun with its beneficial rays gives us an energetic body and robust health. No
wonder we have worshipped Sun God since time immemorial, in this land of
Aryans, our holy Bharatavarsha</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Agni is Devatha. Can we ever think of our existence without fire? Never ever.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The mighty Himalayan mountains again is Devatha for us Hindus. Can we think of torrential
rain fall in our country year after year without the existence of this
sacred mountain? Unimaginable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Isn't Nature Worship then more meaningful to us earthlings than worshipping the thirty three crores Devathas of our Hinduism?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">By worshipping nature in its various forms, we are expressing our love
& heartfelt gratitude to Mother Nature for her love & bountiful blessings.</span></div>
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Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-24296335496065664482019-06-23T18:00:00.000-07:002019-09-09T21:59:54.236-07:00The Puranas : The ancient Hindu mythologies : Lucid, Entertaining Stories that are full of Spiritual Wisdom & Eternal Truths<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></span></span></h2>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.dlshq.org/religions/puranas.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">Swami Sivananda on Hindu Puranas</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Puraanaas : The Friendly Treatises</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=puranas&i=stripbooks&crid=2XOYGQZQE9LXG&qid=1568090594&sprefix=purana%2Caps%2C304&ref=sr_pg_1"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on Hindu Puranaas ( Mythology ) in English on Amazon India </span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss_2"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on Hindu Puranaas </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">( Mythology )</span> in Hindi on Amazon India </span></span></a></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://gitapressbookshop.in/books-by-topics-subjects/puran-upanishad.html?p=1"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on the great Hindu Puraanaas in Hindi, Tamil & other regional Indian languages from Gita Press Gorakhpur </span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Puranas of ancient India were written to popularise the religion of the
Vedas. They contain the essence of the Vedas. The aim of the Puranas is to
impress on the minds of the masses the teachings of the Vedas and to generate
in them devotion to God, through concrete examples, myths, stories, legends,
lives of saints, kings and great men, allegories and chronicles of great
historical events. The sages of ancient India made use of these things to illustrate the
eternal principles of religion. The Puranas were meant, not for the erudite scholars,
but for the ordinary masses who could not understand high philosophy and who
could not study the Vedas.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=puranas&i=stripbooks&crid=2XOYGQZQE9LXG&qid=1568090594&sprefix=purana%2Caps%2C304&ref=sr_pg_1"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on Hindu Puranaas ( Mythology ) in English on Amazon India </span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss_2"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on Hindu Puranaas </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">( Mythology )</span> in Hindi on Amazon India </span></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://gitapressbookshop.in/books-by-topics-subjects/puran-upanishad.html?p=1"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on the great Hindu Puraanaas in Hindi, Tamil & other regional Indian languages from Gita Press Gorakhpur </span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Hindu Darsanas or the schools of philosophy of ancient India are very stiff. They
are meant only for the learned few. The Puranas are meant for the masses with
inferior intellect. Religion is taught in a very easy and interesting way
through the Puranas. Even to this day, many of the Puranas are popular. The Puranas
contain the history of remote times. They also give a description of the
regions of the universe not visible to the ordinary physical eye. They are
very interesting to read and are full of information of all kinds. Children
hear the stories from their grandmothers. Pundits and Purohits hold Kathas<i> </i>or
religious discourses in temples, on banks of holy rivers and in other important
places. Agriculturists, labourers and ordinary folks hear the stories.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=puranas&i=stripbooks&crid=2XOYGQZQE9LXG&qid=1568090594&sprefix=purana%2Caps%2C304&ref=sr_pg_1"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on Hindu Puranaas ( Mythology ) in English on Amazon India </span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss_2"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on Hindu Puranaas </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">( Mythology )</span> in Hindi on Amazon India </span></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://gitapressbookshop.in/books-by-topics-subjects/puran-upanishad.html?p=1"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on the great Hindu Puraanaas in Hindi, Tamil & other regional Indian languages from Gita Press Gorakhpur </span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Vyasa is the compiler of the Puranas from age to age; and
for this age, he is Krishna-Dvaipayana, the son of Sage Parasara.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">The language of the Vedas is archaic, and the subtle
philosophy of Vedanta and the Upanishads is extremely difficult to grasp and
assimilate. Hence, the Puranas are of special value as they present
philosophical truths and precious teachings in an extremely easy manner. They give
ready access to the mysteries of life and the key to bliss. Let's imbibe their
teachings, start a new life of righteousness<i> </i>and spiritual practices<i> </i>from
this very day, and attain Immortality.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=puranas&i=stripbooks&crid=2XOYGQZQE9LXG&qid=1568090594&sprefix=purana%2Caps%2C304&ref=sr_pg_1"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on Hindu Puranaas ( Mythology ) in English on Amazon India </span></a></div>
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<br /><a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss_2"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on Hindu Puranaas </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">( Mythology )</span> in Hindi on Amazon India </span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://gitapressbookshop.in/books-by-topics-subjects/puran-upanishad.html?p=1"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on the great Hindu Puraanaas in Hindi, Tamil & other regional Indian languages from Gita Press Gorakhpur </span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Puranas are of the same class as the Itihasas
(the Ramayana, Mahabharata, etc.). They have five characteristics viz., history, cosmology (with various symbolical illustrations
of philosophical principles), secondary creation, genealogy of kings, and of
Manvantaras (the period of Manu’s rule consisting of 71 celestial Yugas or
308,448,000 years). All the Puranas belong to the class of Friendly Treatises, while the Vedas are called
the Commanding Treatises with great authority.</span> </span> </span></div>
<h3 align="CENTER">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eighteen Puranas</span></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There are eighteen main Puranas and an equal number of
subsidiary Puranas or Upa-Puranas. The main Puranas are: Vishnu Purana,
Naradiya Purana, Srimad Bhagavata Purana, Garuda Purana, Padma
Purana, Varaha Purana, Brahma Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Brahma Vaivarta
Purana, Markandeya Purana, Bhavishya Purana, Vamana Purana, Matsya Purana,
Kurma Purana, Linga Purana, Siva Purana, Skanda Purana and Agni Purana. Of
these, six Puranas glorify Vishnu; six glorify
Brahma; six glorify Siva.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Neophytes or beginners in the spiritual path are puzzled
when they go through Siva Purana and Vishnu Purana. In Siva Purana, Lord Siva
is highly eulogised and an inferior position is given to Lord Vishnu.
Sometimes Vishnu is belittled. In Vishnu Purana, Lord Hari is highly eulogised
and an inferior status is given to Lord Siva. Sometimes Lord Siva is
belittled. This is only to increase the faith of the devotees in their
particular chosen deity (Ishta-Devata). Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu are one.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=puranas&i=stripbooks&crid=2XOYGQZQE9LXG&qid=1568090594&sprefix=purana%2Caps%2C304&ref=sr_pg_1"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on Hindu Puranaas ( Mythology ) in English on Amazon India </span></a></div>
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<br /><a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss_2"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on Hindu Puranaas </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">( Mythology )</span> in Hindi on Amazon India </span></span></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<a href="http://gitapressbookshop.in/books-by-topics-subjects/puran-upanishad.html?p=1"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on the great Hindu Puraanaas in Hindi, Tamil & other regional Indian languages from Gita Press Gorakhpur </span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The best among the Puranas are the Srimad Bhagavata and the
Vishnu Purana. The most popular is the Srimad Bhagavata Purana. Next comes
Vishnu Purana. A portion of the Markandeya Purana is well known to all Hindus
as Chandi or Devimahatmya. Worship of God as the Divine Mother
is its theme. Chandi is read widely by the Hindus on sacred days and the Hindu festival of Navaratri
(Durga Puja).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Study of the Puranas, listening to sacred recitals of
scriptures, describing and expounding of the transcendent Lilas of the Blessed
Lord—these form an important part of Sadhana of the Lord’s devotees. It is
most pleasing to the Lord. Stories of the Lord<i> </i>open the springs of devotion in the hearts
of hearers and develop intense<i> </i>devotion which ultimately confers immortality on the human soul.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=puranas&i=stripbooks&crid=2XOYGQZQE9LXG&qid=1568090594&sprefix=purana%2Caps%2C304&ref=sr_pg_1"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on Hindu Puranaas ( Mythology ) in English on Amazon India </span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss_2"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on Hindu Puranaas </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">( Mythology )</span> in Hindi on Amazon India </span></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://gitapressbookshop.in/books-by-topics-subjects/puran-upanishad.html?p=1"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on the great Hindu Puraanaas in Hindi, Tamil & other regional Indian languages from Gita Press Gorakhpur </span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">( Disclaimer : All images featured in this Blog-post, are the property
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Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-59506242538714370172019-05-28T10:35:00.000-07:002019-05-28T11:17:02.750-07:00Bankura Horses & Terracota Handicrafts of Panchmura, West Bengal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></span></span></h2>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&channel=crow&biw=1366&bih=631&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=z3PtXIPvC4fmvgSi64WIBA&q=terracotta+bankura+horse&oq=bankura+horse+&gs_l=img.1.7.35i39l2j0l4j0i30j0i5i30j0i24.82670.84661..91171...0.0..0.144.1166.0j9......0....1..gws-wiz-img.JPwxo06yAq0#imgrc=_"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to buy Bankura horses</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bankura district produces a number of terracotta handicrafts, the most popular being the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bankura_horse" title="Bankura horse">Bankura horse</a>.
It has been internationally commended for its elegance and unique charm. Originally used for village rituals, it now adorns
drawing rooms across the world as symbols of Indian folk-art.<sup> </sup>Bankura Horse is the Logo of All India Handicrafts. The principal centres where the terracotta horses and elephants are produced are <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panchmura" title="Panchmura">Panchmura</a>,
Rajagram, Sonamukhi and Hamirpur in Bankura district of West Bengal. Each place has its distinct local style. The
Panchmura-style of pottery is considered the best and the finest of all
the four types.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHgl6tAupgwu_IbKwD16WV0aX7o0f0OWWmZMf6Mcw0KjggTCCz2UeuV86Qo2BnnkQs6ekUbcFv0r96-Qd5fnKfxWjlS6q0Rq_MzJOmweQ_psAfu8l1fakV0YV0xxNC9xENXZhYlwQtB8/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="950" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHgl6tAupgwu_IbKwD16WV0aX7o0f0OWWmZMf6Mcw0KjggTCCz2UeuV86Qo2BnnkQs6ekUbcFv0r96-Qd5fnKfxWjlS6q0Rq_MzJOmweQ_psAfu8l1fakV0YV0xxNC9xENXZhYlwQtB8/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another popular local product is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manasa_chali">Manasachali</a>. The potters of Sonamukhi
and Panchmura turn out thousands of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manasa_chali">Manasachali</a> for worshipping <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manasa" title="Manasa">Manasa</a> , the village snake goddess.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Among other forms of handicrafts prevalent in Bankura are <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhokra" title="Dhokra">Dhokra</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_carving" title="Wood carving">wood carving</a>, conch-shell, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_carving" title="Stone carving">stone carving</a>, bamboo craft etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bankura’s
terracotta handicraft is an internationally popular art- form. It is believed
that the tradition of making terracotta crafts started from the
Panchmura region of Bankura in West Bengal. The craftsmen those days used to inscribe the temple walls
with the art-work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Traditional terracotta products like statues, flower
vase,, home décor items, pots and jewellery are common in any Bengali
household. The artists of Panchmura make a wide variety of items ranging
from depiction of daily chores like flower picking or fishing, to
landscapes like tea garden, park, mountains or streams to artistic
depiction of local festivities like Charak etc. The artisans these days also make decors and utility products like lamp,
tub, crockery, tiles etc. that are in great demand in urban markets.</span></div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="The_Terracotta_Horse"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bankura_horse">Bankura horse (Bengali: বাঁকুড়ার ঘোড়া)</a>
is the terracotta horse, produced in Panchmura village in Bankura
district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It has been internationally
commended for its elegance and unique charm. Originally used for
village rituals, it now adorns drawing rooms across the world as symbols
of Indian folk-art. It is the Logo of All India Handicrafts.</span></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&channel=crow&biw=1366&bih=631&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=z3PtXIPvC4fmvgSi64WIBA&q=terracotta+bankura+horse&oq=bankura+horse+&gs_l=img.1.7.35i39l2j0l4j0i30j0i5i30j0i24.82670.84661..91171...0.0..0.144.1166.0j9......0....1..gws-wiz-img.JPwxo06yAq0#imgrc=_"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to buy Bankura horses</span></a></span><br /><span class="mw-headline" id="The_Terracotta_Horse"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h2>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="The_Terracotta_Horse"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Terracotta horses and elephants of Bishnupur :</span></span></span><br /><br /><span class="mw-headline" id="The_Terracotta_Horse"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Terracotta
clay craft has been the symbol of man's first attempt at craftsmanship,
just as the potter’s wheel was the first machine invented to use the
power of motion for a productive purpose. For ages, civilizations have
been dated and assessed by the degree of skill and beauty displayed by
the earthenware found in excavations.</span></span></span></h2>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="The_Terracotta_Horse"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Because
of its universal appeal pottery has often been termed as the lyrics of
handicrafts. However, its association with religious rituals has imbibed
it with deeper significance. In India, terracotta traditions are found
from the very earliest times. In order to cater to the commercial
requirements of the modern global market, the rural India's potters are
often combining the traditional rural art-forms with refined urban
tastes to show pieces of elegant terracotta art.</span></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&channel=crow&biw=1366&bih=631&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=z3PtXIPvC4fmvgSi64WIBA&q=terracotta+bankura+horse&oq=bankura+horse+&gs_l=img.1.7.35i39l2j0l4j0i30j0i5i30j0i24.82670.84661..91171...0.0..0.144.1166.0j9......0....1..gws-wiz-img.JPwxo06yAq0#imgrc=_"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to buy Bankura horses</span></a></span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&channel=crow&biw=1366&bih=631&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=z3PtXIPvC4fmvgSi64WIBA&q=terracotta+bankura+horse&oq=bankura+horse+&gs_l=img.1.7.35i39l2j0l4j0i30j0i5i30j0i24.82670.84661..91171...0.0..0.144.1166.0j9......0....1..gws-wiz-img.JPwxo06yAq0#imgrc=_"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to buy Bankura horses</span></a></span></h2>
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<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&channel=crow&biw=1366&bih=631&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=z3PtXIPvC4fmvgSi64WIBA&q=terracotta+bankura+horse&oq=bankura+horse+&gs_l=img.1.7.35i39l2j0l4j0i30j0i5i30j0i24.82670.84661..91171...0.0..0.144.1166.0j9......0....1..gws-wiz-img.JPwxo06yAq0#imgrc=_"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to buy Bankura horses</span></a></span></h2>
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<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&channel=crow&biw=1366&bih=631&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=z3PtXIPvC4fmvgSi64WIBA&q=terracotta+bankura+horse&oq=bankura+horse+&gs_l=img.1.7.35i39l2j0l4j0i30j0i5i30j0i24.82670.84661..91171...0.0..0.144.1166.0j9......0....1..gws-wiz-img.JPwxo06yAq0#imgrc=_"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to buy Bankura horses</span></a></span></h2>
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<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&channel=crow&biw=1366&bih=631&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=z3PtXIPvC4fmvgSi64WIBA&q=terracotta+bankura+horse&oq=bankura+horse+&gs_l=img.1.7.35i39l2j0l4j0i30j0i5i30j0i24.82670.84661..91171...0.0..0.144.1166.0j9......0....1..gws-wiz-img.JPwxo06yAq0#imgrc=_"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to buy Bankura horses</span></a></span></h2>
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<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&channel=crow&biw=1366&bih=631&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=z3PtXIPvC4fmvgSi64WIBA&q=terracotta+bankura+horse&oq=bankura+horse+&gs_l=img.1.7.35i39l2j0l4j0i30j0i5i30j0i24.82670.84661..91171...0.0..0.144.1166.0j9......0....1..gws-wiz-img.JPwxo06yAq0#imgrc=_"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to buy Bankura horses</span></a></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
( Disclaimer : All images featured in this Blog-post, are the property
of their respective owners. Our deepest sense of gratitude to all of
them for making this gigantic project a reality. If you see your picture
anywhere in this Blog and don't want it here, send us a message with
the details and the link to the picture, and we will remove it right
away. But at the outset, I just want to let my dearest readers know,
that the noble purpose of this Blog, is to promote 'The Glorious
Cultural Heritage of India' worldwide, to every nook & corner of
the planet, and I would immensely love to see every single one of us,
of Indian origin, passionately participating in this Mega-Project. I am
right now in the process of adding the web-links to the sources of the
innumerable images in this Blog. Till the work reaches completion, I
would request the readers to use 'Google Image Search' to trace the
source / multiple sources of these images on the web. The rich text
contents througout this blog are based on well-researched aggregated and
curated content from innumerable sources. But mostly and most
importantly, these contents are based on my own personal experience of
untiringly exploring the glorious cultural heritage India, and the
ageless timeless ethnic arts, crafts, textiles, temples etc of the whole
of India, during my stay across the length and breadth of this vast
expansive Indian subcontinent for more than 5 decades of my long
adventurous life. I have expressed my deepest gratitude to all the text
sources on the 'World-Wide-Web', that have hugely contributed and added
to my existing database of knowledge on this subject, by inserting
appropriate hyperlinks throughout this blog, to connect my ardent
readers from across the globe, to these rich sources of information on
India's heritage. So Long, Mala Chandrashekhar )</div>
</div>
Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-41812716683476577672019-05-27T11:00:00.002-07:002019-06-02T02:29:05.722-07:00The Awe-inspiring Dravidian Temple Architecture of Tamilnadu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/Temples/Templesmain.aspx"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to get in touch with 'Tamilnadu Tourism' for an exhilarating tour & pilgrimage of awe-inspiring 'Tamilnadu Temples'</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Multifarious Tour Packages of Tamilnadu : <a href="http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/Tours/ToursMain.aspx">Click here to contact 'Tamilnadu Tourism</a>'</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The beautiful temples that dot the South Indian state of Tamilnadu
have rightfully been designated as a "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_temples_in_Tamil_Nadu">Land of Temples</a>". <a href="http://www.india-crafts.com/stone_work/stone_carnival_tamil_nadu/">The glory of Tamil temple architecture, also known as Dravidian temple architecture</a>, reaches its pinnacle in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meenakshi_Temple">Meenakshi temple at Madurai</a>. The temple with its profusion of beautiful sculptures, thousand-pillared <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandapa">Mandapas</a>, mighty huge pillars of stone,
towering <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gopuram">Gopurams</a> (gateway) etc speak
very highly of the architectural brilliance of the extraordinary Tamil sculptors.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUkPUepXS9QUJjMx4NfEynjS79FbEim0Y72p83Fo5_a4RikFelkw410UEhIIYQI5OcJQxEL6DGIJKnETGbSgdODWV28bRBugiQ-REWb8qhInWv_PRZImzdUVpn5gulgL_inJ_G2fd9yo/s1600/arunachaleshwarar+indiegogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUkPUepXS9QUJjMx4NfEynjS79FbEim0Y72p83Fo5_a4RikFelkw410UEhIIYQI5OcJQxEL6DGIJKnETGbSgdODWV28bRBugiQ-REWb8qhInWv_PRZImzdUVpn5gulgL_inJ_G2fd9yo/s320/arunachaleshwarar+indiegogo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arunachalesvara_Temple"><span style="font-size: large;">Arunachaleshwara Temple, Tiruvannamalai, Tamilnadu</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUczrqrjBw4rny6EMmygHjD4II9Xw3WAyAZhm6DUDRCFHP51nBngIFZafOWMeb29kCxxZyvxBCNRlRQ7gU1XHgfUSlOWsu8GF_EBTRmyQRE8swmum2yCtItUQY75bt9xUxhd0mXg5HbNk/s1600/brihadeeshwara+temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="710" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUczrqrjBw4rny6EMmygHjD4II9Xw3WAyAZhm6DUDRCFHP51nBngIFZafOWMeb29kCxxZyvxBCNRlRQ7gU1XHgfUSlOWsu8GF_EBTRmyQRE8swmum2yCtItUQY75bt9xUxhd0mXg5HbNk/s320/brihadeeshwara+temple.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brihadisvara_Temple,_Thanjavur"><span style="font-size: large;">Brihadeeshwara Temple, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOnGgSD3leGZdcjtrEDysid7qzyaPLOAUE1uOErFPY8M3Oipo2q_8heTxuAnRabpy5LK3Tc6XkLhXbJb5xVOkYwGNZPD1QHrVnTx_FfFEXWvT_3ffs9PFd3oC83lPmB9f4SPAdLIZez4/s1600/madurai+meenakshi+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="550" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOnGgSD3leGZdcjtrEDysid7qzyaPLOAUE1uOErFPY8M3Oipo2q_8heTxuAnRabpy5LK3Tc6XkLhXbJb5xVOkYwGNZPD1QHrVnTx_FfFEXWvT_3ffs9PFd3oC83lPmB9f4SPAdLIZez4/s320/madurai+meenakshi+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meenakshi_Temple"><span style="font-size: large;">Madurai Meenakshi Temple, Tamilnadu</span></a></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/Temples/Templesmain.aspx"><span style="font-size: large;">Click
here to get in touch with 'Tamilnadu Tourism' for an exhilarating tour
& pilgrimage of awe-inspiring 'Tamilnadu Temples'</span></a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Multifarious Tour Packages of Tamilnadu : <a href="http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/Tours/ToursMain.aspx">Click here to contact 'Tamilnadu Tourism</a>'</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Tamil sculptor's fine sense of balance and skill is also
displayed in other temples of the state. At Chidambaram, one finds
beautiful panels depicting the 108 Karanas of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natya_Shastra">Natya Shastra</a>, while
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_temples_in_Kanchipuram">Kanchipuram houses a number of temples</a> starting from the earliest
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pallava_dynasty">Pallava times</a> to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nayak_dynasty">Nayaka period</a> and even much later. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFE833tNMSwzCKcDmxUHtlu_ExcoineHZMpP1GCqMJ4EXXls0VGop5Ojt5L-ww7Iu6VMizrjmNnOqr8GgIUhiQbF4ipAM-K2ypJbrvgdzUG9Yf2YZPWvz0odWjy2Z1UTrCvNksfst68m4/s1600/kapaaleshwarar+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFE833tNMSwzCKcDmxUHtlu_ExcoineHZMpP1GCqMJ4EXXls0VGop5Ojt5L-ww7Iu6VMizrjmNnOqr8GgIUhiQbF4ipAM-K2ypJbrvgdzUG9Yf2YZPWvz0odWjy2Z1UTrCvNksfst68m4/s320/kapaaleshwarar+1.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapaleeshwarar_Temple"><span style="font-size: large;">Kapaaleshwarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofKCaFAnaS0A8so54WtxJ8dh-NCiQC5GJbIRifLvLGFijgVom1HNIgUhKny4FDFupsxROA7At-YnNekhdAdDEdEeloGnhP6Lkd3-8CGSpxfizjCpGXbWgOBWEaPf3nMB5Fg1CaheeYNQ/s1600/kapaaleshwarar+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofKCaFAnaS0A8so54WtxJ8dh-NCiQC5GJbIRifLvLGFijgVom1HNIgUhKny4FDFupsxROA7At-YnNekhdAdDEdEeloGnhP6Lkd3-8CGSpxfizjCpGXbWgOBWEaPf3nMB5Fg1CaheeYNQ/s320/kapaaleshwarar+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapaleeshwarar_Temple"><span style="font-size: large;">Kapaaleshwarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The artistic
achievements of the Tamil sculptors are also displayed at the grand
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekambareswarar_Temple_(Kanchipuram)">Ekambareshwara Temple</a> and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varadharaja_Perumal_Temple,_Kanchipuram">Varadaraaja Temple</a> of Kanjeevaram.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiarKFDIXJ11e3lBT1Bh-D3RKa7eD6w7Z8FfvXVg0pmGJcznIpw39T1Wx8rNsb6bktqS_7YxXvubaSLSpg719L1Kq2rRsL_x6C9_4Uoiepl2dno9rpQxv_WgiRXha86MnvNWtiO7mINM/s1600/sarangapani-temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiarKFDIXJ11e3lBT1Bh-D3RKa7eD6w7Z8FfvXVg0pmGJcznIpw39T1Wx8rNsb6bktqS_7YxXvubaSLSpg719L1Kq2rRsL_x6C9_4Uoiepl2dno9rpQxv_WgiRXha86MnvNWtiO7mINM/s320/sarangapani-temple.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarangapani_temple,_Kumbakonam">Sarangapani Temple, Kumbhakonam, Tamilnadu</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kJBpwqyg9nTunQtGFpOQoYHZ_W0pZts7j_XTPGZPNCf41jOUJRfD0D2jpOUFp4lBdbZWOkZ7sjGikfqUrW14d-q0NhU58PsIW-tc4N6Th2fom10jRZ_j-9csQwc7W7XcHgf_ehk0r7E/s1600/chidambaram+nataraja+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kJBpwqyg9nTunQtGFpOQoYHZ_W0pZts7j_XTPGZPNCf41jOUJRfD0D2jpOUFp4lBdbZWOkZ7sjGikfqUrW14d-q0NhU58PsIW-tc4N6Th2fom10jRZ_j-9csQwc7W7XcHgf_ehk0r7E/s320/chidambaram+nataraja+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nataraja_Temple,_Chidambaram"><span style="font-size: large;">Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, Tamilnadu </span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGCr40XbN8ukMNmX81r_dcKifrE1_kPx2XSI2JIpAsyKGohuYWEYZdW3ifdtjFHc5cUy2UfcD-MuUnSvElTALTf1MruQBqCOl03hi5DJWHMy6uUUoGeZxrOQ5GDbOZ82CY-VgC-2KO3I/s1600/kapaaleshwarar+temple+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1300" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGCr40XbN8ukMNmX81r_dcKifrE1_kPx2XSI2JIpAsyKGohuYWEYZdW3ifdtjFHc5cUy2UfcD-MuUnSvElTALTf1MruQBqCOl03hi5DJWHMy6uUUoGeZxrOQ5GDbOZ82CY-VgC-2KO3I/s320/kapaaleshwarar+temple+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapaleeshwarar_Temple"><span style="font-size: large;">Kapaaleshwarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUNDYSDq0N5irwQEQS40n92YCZo_7A5052coBGF9b8oaXkKekJeqbKCBSi1Ud3CoS3_IyjVypKYZ6fBTs6vPe325-cJTQS_19DNUyG2_0gdcUoIrNDCA3FuebAwnurlYo-8uepCOfnrE/s1600/kapaaleshwarar+temple+2+jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUNDYSDq0N5irwQEQS40n92YCZo_7A5052coBGF9b8oaXkKekJeqbKCBSi1Ud3CoS3_IyjVypKYZ6fBTs6vPe325-cJTQS_19DNUyG2_0gdcUoIrNDCA3FuebAwnurlYo-8uepCOfnrE/s320/kapaaleshwarar+temple+2+jpg.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapaleeshwarar_Temple"><span style="font-size: large;">Kapaaleshwarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai</span></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/Temples/Templesmain.aspx"><span style="font-size: large;">Click
here to get in touch with 'Tamilnadu Tourism' for an exhilarating tour
& pilgrimage of awe-inspiring 'Tamilnadu Temples'</span></a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Multifarious Tour Packages of Tamilnadu : <a href="http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/Tours/ToursMain.aspx">Click here to contact 'Tamilnadu Tourism</a>'</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The granite carving in Tamilnadu is confined to the area around <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_of_Monuments_at_Mahabalipuram">Mamallapuram (also known as Mahabalipuram)</a> and Chingleput. This may be attributed to the fact that the Government has set up Mamallapuram School of Sculpture here. Just as
in bronze, the 20th-century sculpture has not yet evolved an idiom of
its own, and many of the carvings are copies of the earlier periods of Tamil history.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The quality of the material is an extremely
important part of the sculptural process. Just as the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shilpa_Shastras">Shilpa Shastra</a> set
out the measurements and techniques of sculpting, the sculptors here
have also gone into a detail regarding the quality of stone, its
maturity, texture, color and other things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The artists out here work with the indigenous
varieties of the stone available in the state, as it is extremely
durable for construction purposes. Also the homogeneity of the stone is
important, for the stability and durability of the final product.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The stones are selected carefully for their
texture and the lie of the stone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After the sculptural work is complete, a ceremony
called as Nayanon-milan is held. In this ceremony, the image is
invested with sight, life and breath, thus making it a virtual living
force. Only then is the image ceremoniously placed in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garbhagriha">Garbhagriha</a> or
the Sanctum Sanctorum in the sacred temple.</span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/Temples/Templesmain.aspx"><span style="font-size: large;">Click
here to get in touch with 'Tamilnadu Tourism' for an exhilarating tour
& pilgrimage of awe-inspiring 'Tamilnadu Temples'</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Multifarious Tour Packages of Tamilnadu : <a href="http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/Tours/ToursMain.aspx">Click here to contact 'Tamilnadu Tourism</a>'</span> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
( Disclaimer : All images featured in this Blog-post, are the property
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planet, and I would immensely love to see every single one of us, of
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contents througout this blog are based on well-researched aggregated and
curated content from innumerable sources. But mostly and most
importantly, these contents are based on my own personal experience of
untiringly exploring the glorious cultural heritage India, and the
ageless timeless ethnic arts, crafts, textiles, temples etc of the whole
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expansive Indian subcontinent for more than 5 decades of my long
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to my existing database of knowledge on this subject, by inserting
appropriate hyperlinks throughout this blog, to connect my ardent
readers from across the globe, to these rich sources of information on
India's heritage. So Long, Mala Chandrashekhar ) </div>
</div>
Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-43018020227099184292019-05-27T03:08:00.001-07:002019-05-27T11:43:51.516-07:00The Great Indian Epic 'Mahabharata' of Maharshi Veda Vyasa : If you cannot find anything here, you cannot find it anywhere else.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.dlshq.org/religions/mahabharata.htm">Swami Sivananda Saraswathi on great Hindu Epic Mahabharata : Read here</a></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=mahabharata&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss_1"><span style="font-size: large;">Books on Mahabharata on Amazon India : Click here to buy</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Books on Mahabharat in Hindi & other Languages, in Gita Press Book Shop : <a href="http://gitapressbookshop.in/books-by-topics-subjects/mahabharat.html?limit=36">Click here to buy</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Stories from the Mahabharata, by 'Swami Sivananda' of 'The Divine Life Society' : </span><a href="http://www.dlshq.org/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?cart_id=1558950686.959&product=books&pid=ES168&exact_match=on&keywords=mahabharata"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to buy</span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.amazon.in/Stories-Form-Mahabharata-Swami-Sivananda/dp/8170520266/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=mahabharata+sivananda&qid=1558951057&s=books&sr=1-1">Also Available on Amazon India</a></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Greatness of the Epic <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/religions/mahabharata.htm">Mahabharata </a></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">T</span><span style="font-size: large;">he very mention of the name '<a href="http://www.dlshq.org/religions/mahabharata.htm">Mahabharata</a>' gives a thrill
of holy ideas all over the body & mind. Mahabharata is a great Indian epic in form of heroic poem. The epic contains one hundred
thousand verses. It contains the essence of all scriptures. It is an
encyclopaedia of ethics, knowledge, politics, religion, philosophy and righteous way of living.
If you cannot find anything here, you cannot find it anywhere else.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Mahabharata War in Kurukshetra Battlefield</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTEJJdXPekB6W5LplXGK0jE2NshyphenhyphenwFyUSxrF3gPvXiVs-IRB0VNpugroTQDi__16Q57n0uYyGD53a99sw9BfXtgiB9qDIidW5hyAiNYgUgWBX6So3unedLoaNazzzrbah3Bl5fibK5Ac/s1600/mahabharata+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="660" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTEJJdXPekB6W5LplXGK0jE2NshyphenhyphenwFyUSxrF3gPvXiVs-IRB0VNpugroTQDi__16Q57n0uYyGD53a99sw9BfXtgiB9qDIidW5hyAiNYgUgWBX6So3unedLoaNazzzrbah3Bl5fibK5Ac/s320/mahabharata+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Krishna imparting the knowledge of <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/bgita.pdf">Bhagavad Gita</a> to Arjuna </span><span style="font-size: small;"> in Mahabharata war</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Bhagavad-Gita-Swami-Sivananda/dp/8170520002/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=bhagavad+gita+sivananda&qid=1558954942&s=books&sr=1-2">Bhagavad Gita by Swami Sivananda : The best commentary ever written</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Mahabharata War in Kurukshetra Battlefield</span></div>
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<h1 class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabharat_(1988_TV_series)"><i>Mahabharat</i> (1988 TV series)</a> : </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The most successful Mahabharata series ever produced on television</span></span></h1>
<h1 class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Mahabharat</i> (1988 TV series) : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_nectTheLQ&list=PLtaXzx-VKKfF-BCfR4xhJHu4YmuPVKkMf">Watch on YouTube</a></span></span></h1>
<h1 class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en">
</h1>
<h1 class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Mahabharat</i> (1988 TV series) : <a href="https://www.amazon.in/Mahabharat-Nitish-Bharadwaj/dp/B006QQDR48/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=mahabharata+br+chopra&qid=1558960320&s=gateway&sr=8-2">Buy DVD on Amazon India</a></span></span></h1>
<h1 class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></h1>
</div>
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</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It contains eighteen sections known as Parvas, viz., Adi
Parva, Sabha Parva, Vana Parva, Virata Parva, Udyoga Parva, Bhishma Parva,
Drona Parva, Karna Parva, Shalya Parva, Sauptika Parva, Stree Parva, Shanti
Parva, Anushasana Parva, Asvamedha Parva, Ashramavasika Parva, Mausala Parva,
Mahaprasthanika Parva and Swargarohanika Parva. Each Parva<i> </i>contains
many sub-Parvas or subsections.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This wonderful book was composed by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vyasa">Sri Veda Vyasa (Krishna Dvaipayana)</a> who was the grandfather of the heroes of the epic. He taught this
epic to his son Suka and his disciples Vaisampayana and others. </span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The opening and closing
lines of this great epic are truly worth remembering always. <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/religions/mahabharata.htm">Mahabharata</a> begins with the verse : </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vyasa">Vyasa</a> sang of the ineffable
greatness and splendour of Lord Vasudeva, who is the source and support for
everything, who is eternal, unchanging, self-luminous, who is the Indweller in
all beings, and the truthfulness and righteousness of the Pandavas." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.dlshq.org/religions/mahabharata.htm">Mahabharata</a> ends with the verse ( The final Shloka ) : </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PXuOmrnF5rU767Uh2xjtcZpWgTInBsxBNpMGiCAnVuKFQX4AMu6vNhRVEZzXnXQrbrJvc-FK2S6p4LiWEhIGSYQP6ySRiCJd86VLHKIA6EzqIzkDzIIWtikqhUpJyq_HcQlOL0XoA9c/s1600/mahabharat+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PXuOmrnF5rU767Uh2xjtcZpWgTInBsxBNpMGiCAnVuKFQX4AMu6vNhRVEZzXnXQrbrJvc-FK2S6p4LiWEhIGSYQP6ySRiCJd86VLHKIA6EzqIzkDzIIWtikqhUpJyq_HcQlOL0XoA9c/s400/mahabharat+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"With raised hands, I shout at the top of my voice; but alas,
no one hears my words which can give them Supreme Peace, Joy and Eternal
Bliss. One can attain wealth and all objects of desire through<i> </i>righteous way of living.
Why do not people practise righteousness? One should not abandon righteous way of living
at any cost, even at the cost of one's life. One should not relinquish righteousness
out of passion or fear or covetousness or for the sake of preserving one’s
life. Meditate on this daily, O man! when you
retire to sleep and when you rise from your bed every morning. You will attain
everything. You will attain fame, prosperity, long life, eternal bliss,
everlasting peace and immortality."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/religions/mahabharata.htm">Mahabharata</a> is the history of the Great War of India
between the paternal cousins <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandava">Pandavas</a> and the Kauravas belonging to the leading & the most powerful Royal family of India of an ancient era of Indian history. </span></div>
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</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandava">Pandavas</a> were assisted in the war by <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/religions/krishna.htm">Sri Krishna, The Supreme Lord</a> and other powerful kings of the time, and their forces.
The Kauravas were also assisted by their relations and royal friends and their
forces. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandava">Pandavas</a> attained victory in the war on account of
their righteous cause and Divine Grace.</span></div>
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</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The great war of <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/religions/mahabharata.htm">Mahabharata</a> was a just war. If we go through the
speech given by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhishma">Bhishma</a> to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yudhishthira">Yudhishthira</a> in the epic, we will understand what exactly is a righteous
war. In a righteous war a brave hero would fight only with an enemy of equal strength and on
equal vantage. This was the motto of every brave soldier who engaged himself
in warfare in days of yore in India. Perfect justice and fairness in
everything was rigidly observed on both sides. There was no fighting during
nights; when the enemy had no arms in his hands, no arrows were aimed at him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/religions/mahabharata.htm">Mahabharata</a>, the most renowned epic of India, is the
only book of its kind in the whole world. It contains countless stories
besides the main episode. These stories teach moral lessons,
or illustrate distinguishing characteristics of the great ancients of India. It
contains the history of ancient India and all the details of its political,
social and religious life. The stories, songs, nursery tales, anecdotes,
parables, the discourses and sayings contained in this epic are truly marvellous and
highly instructive. It contains the brilliant records of mighty heroes,
warriors of great prowess, deep thinkers, profound philosophers, sages and
ascetics and devoted wives of chastity. The beauty and charm of the language
is extremely striking and attractive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">One is struck with amazement and becomes tongue-tied when
he reads the marvellous strength of </span><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhima" title="Bhima">Bhima</a> , of the wonderful skill in archery
and bowmanship of Arjuna, of the dexterity of Sahadeva in the use Of swords
and of the profound knowledge of Nakula in astronomy, and of the extreme
righteous conduct and justice of Yudhishthira in all matters. The deeds of
heroism done by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhishma">Bhishma</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karna">Karna</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drona">Drona</a>, Parasurama, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayadratha">Jayadratha</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhrishtadyumna">Dhrishtadyumna</a>
and many others are superhuman. These heroes did severe Tapas and obtained
rare boons from the Lord. That is the reason why they did marvellous heroic
deeds which baffle description.</span></div>
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</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yudhishthira">Yudhishthira</a> did not wield arms. But he was an embodiment
of righteousness. He was an incarnation of righteousness <i>(Dharma)</i>. He guided his brothers in the path of truth and
righteousness and checked them whenever they went astray. He was an embodiment
of justice, patience, steadiness, purity, truthfulness and forbearance.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The kings in ancient times in India had thorough knowledge of the scriptures and of
right and wrong. They practised rigid austerities as well. That is the reason why
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yudhishthira">Yudhishthira</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nala">Nala</a> were able to bear the toughest hardships. They
rolled in wealth and yet they had the strength and power of endurance to walk
barefooted in forests and sleep on a bed of stones. They had such rigorous
training and discipline in suffering.</span><br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
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</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draupadi">Draupadi</a></span>, </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savitri_and_Satyavan">Savitri</a></span>, </span><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunti" title="Kunti">Kunti</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madri">Madri</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damayanti">Damayanti</a> were highly
devoted to their husbands. They were bold and fearless when they were under
extreme difficulties, hardships, sufferings. They were pious.
They bore the sufferings through the force of their <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pativrata">chastity</a> and moral
strength. They were ideal wives and ideal mothers. That is the reason why they
have left an immortal name behind them.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/religions/mahabharata.htm">Mahabharata</a> still exerts a marvellous influence over
the millions of Hindus. The lustre and high renown of these brilliant
personages of Mahabharata has not suffered a diminution, in spite of the
ravages of cruel time. Their character was untainted and sublime. Hence their
deeds also were admirable, laudable and sublime. Determination has ever been
the key to success in the lives of great men of all countries. Heroes would
not move an inch from the path of their duty when they are called upon to
perform it. They were fiery in their determination. They had iron will.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The noble and heroic grandsire of the royal family Bhishma, who had control
over his death, and who was unconquerable in war even by the gods, still
inspires us with the spirit of self-sacrifice, undaunted courage and purity.
Yudhishthira is still a model of justice and righteousness. Remembrance of his
very name generates thrill in our hearts and goads us to tread the path of
truth and virtue. Karna still lives in our hearts on account of his extreme
munificence and liberality. Karna’s name has become proverbial. People even
now say, whenever they come across a very generous man, "He is like Karna
in gifts."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arjuna">Arjuna</a> was the bravest of all the five Pandavas. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arjuna">Arjuna</a> got married to Draupadi by winning her in the selection match of archery. He had defeated the
Kauravas on several occasions. He was a devoted friend of <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/religions/krishna.htm">Sri Krishna</a> who had
him married to his sister Subhadra, even against the wishes of Krishna's elder
brother Balarama. <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/religions/krishna.htm">Sri Krishna</a> assisted the Pandavas in the great war of Mahabharata, by acting and serving as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arjuna">Arjuna</a>'s charioteer, and led the Pandavas to victory.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Even now, we admire Arjuna as a perfect man, and worship
<a href="http://www.dlshq.org/religions/krishna.htm">Lord Krishna</a> as our Protector and Saviour. Whenever we are in trouble and
distress we pray to Him, "O Lord! Save us just as you saved Draupadi and
Gajendra in days of yore."</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8FofUPW1W2_yyn0VXxs6mds8TMVL9cb9pONlSUoboALIx1OeT4LUGxnDy0fObewZv4L7jxS0X5vpkwkYaXHBu5KAYJTCagKjHodZA6CoKOFsnRJap8V5gAA0_uTSE_QIrbXeNmIvwg0Y/s1600/krishna+gita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8FofUPW1W2_yyn0VXxs6mds8TMVL9cb9pONlSUoboALIx1OeT4LUGxnDy0fObewZv4L7jxS0X5vpkwkYaXHBu5KAYJTCagKjHodZA6CoKOFsnRJap8V5gAA0_uTSE_QIrbXeNmIvwg0Y/s1600/krishna+gita.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&channel=crow&biw=1366&bih=631&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=oNXrXOLTIY_iz7sP9LSdwA4&q=gita+updesh+rosewood+inlaid&oq=gita+updesh+rosewood+inlaid&gs_l=img.3...47023.49352..50242...0.0..0.162.857.0j7......0....1..gws-wiz-img.MtIv0y1flG8">Geethopadesham :Krishna imparting the knowledge of Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna in Mahabharata war</a> </span> </span></div>
</div>
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<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Message of the <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/religions/mahabharata.htm">Mahabharata</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The sufferings of the Pandavas and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draupadi">Draupadi</a>, Nala and
Damayanti, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savitri_and_Satyavan">Savitri and Satyavan</a>, clearly explain to us the fact or hard truth
that the goal of life or perfection can only be attained through pain and
suffering. Pain is the means through which man is moulded, disciplined and
strengthened. Just as impure gold is turned into pure gold by melting it in
the crucible, so also the impure and imperfect weak man is rendered pure,
perfect and strong, by being melted in the crucible of pain and suffering.
Therefore, one should not be afraid of pain and sufferings. They are blessings
in disguise. They are eye-openers. They are silent teachers. They turn the
mind towards God and instil mercy in the heart, strengthen the will and
develop patience and power of endurance, which are the pre-requisites for
God-Realisation.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The message of the Mahabharata is the message of Truth and
Righteousness. The great epic produces a moral awakening in the readers and
exhorts them to tread the path of <i>Satya</i> and <i>Dharma</i>. It urges
them strongly to do good deeds, practise Dharma, cultivate dispassion by
realising the illusory nature of this universe and its vainglories and sensual
pleasures, and attain Eternal Bliss and Immortality. It induces people to do
what Yudhishthira did and abandon what Duryodhana did. Stick to <i>Dharma</i>
tenaciously. You will attain everlasting happiness and Moksha, the <i>summum
bonum </i>of life. This is the final purport or central teachings of the
Mahabharata.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">May the teachings of this illustrious and glorious epic
of ancient India guide us in every walk of our life. May we stick to righteousness(Dharma). May the great
characters of the Mahabharata inspire us! May we imbibe the righteousness of
Yudhishthira, the purity of Bhishma, the courage of Arjuna and the liberality
of Karna! Glory to Sri Bhagavan Vyasa, the grandsire of the heroes, the author
of the Mahabharata, an Immortal Chiranjeevi and an Avatara of Lord Hari. May His
blessings be upon all of us!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Books on Mahabharat in Hindi & other Languages, in Gita Press Book Shop : <a href="http://gitapressbookshop.in/books-by-topics-subjects/mahabharat.html?limit=36">Click here to buy</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbMzkD_c-AbPpl22c305BlSCYQj-_-PU8phLR_z2Veiv1m0qvysNT4Rn0mt21ztj9k81GATFL4mgpQEFkQmKGZNNQ443YNi_kUCjNrZQIPU9kQYsUZpfAAzkkKwpMpEr0oR-6VAbLMr0/s1600/mahabharata+rajagopalachari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="338" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbMzkD_c-AbPpl22c305BlSCYQj-_-PU8phLR_z2Veiv1m0qvysNT4Rn0mt21ztj9k81GATFL4mgpQEFkQmKGZNNQ443YNi_kUCjNrZQIPU9kQYsUZpfAAzkkKwpMpEr0oR-6VAbLMr0/s320/mahabharata+rajagopalachari.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.in/Mahabharata-C-Rajagopalachari/dp/8172764766"><span style="font-size: large;">'Mahabharata' By C. Rajagopalachari : The simplest, most lucid and abridged 'Mahabharata' ever written : Click here to buy</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kind Courtesy : '<a href="http://www.dlshq.org/religions/mahabharata.htm">Mahabharata</a>' By '<a href="http://www.dlshq.org/saints/siva.htm">Swami Sivananda Saraswathi</a>' of '<a href="http://www.dlshq.org/aims.htm">The Divine Life Society, Rishikesh</a>'</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">( Disclaimer : All images featured in this Blog-post, are the property
of their respective owners. Our deepest sense of gratitude to all of
them for making this gigantic project a reality. If you see your picture
anywhere in this Blog and don't want it here, send us a message with
the details and the link to the picture, and we will remove it right
away. But at the outset, I just want to let my dearest readers know,
that the noble purpose of this Blog, is to promote 'The Glorious
Cultural Heritage of India' worldwide, to every nook & corner of
the planet, and I would immensely love to see every single one of us,
of Indian origin, passionately participating in this Mega-Project. I am
right now in the process of adding the web-links to the sources of the
innumerable images in this Blog. Till the work reaches completion, I
would request the readers to use 'Google Image Search' to trace the
source / multiple sources of these images on the web. The rich text
contents througout this blog are based on well-researched aggregated and
curated content from innumerable sources. But mostly and most
importantly, these contents are based on my own personal experience of
untiringly exploring the glorious cultural heritage India, and the
ageless timeless ethnic arts, crafts, textiles, temples etc of the whole
of India, during my stay across the length and breadth of this vast
expansive Indian subcontinent for more than 5 decades of my long
adventurous life. I have expressed my deepest gratitude to all the text
sources on the 'World-Wide-Web', that have hugely contributed and added
to my existing database of knowledge on this subject, by inserting
appropriate hyperlinks throughout this blog, to connect my ardent
readers from across the globe, to these rich sources of information on
India's heritage. So Long, Mala Chandrashekhar )</span> </span></div>
</div>
Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-72523928614373118792019-05-26T19:05:00.001-07:002019-05-26T19:35:29.868-07:00Gita Press Gorakhpur : World's Largest Publisher of Hindu Religious Texts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Buy Gita Press Books directly from 'Gita Press Book Shop', by clicking <a href="http://gitapressbookshop.in/">here</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Buy Gita Press Books on Amazon India by clicking <a href="https://www.amazon.in/Books-Gita-Press/s?i=stripbooks&rh=n%3A976389031%2Cp_27%3AGita+Press&qid=1558922540&ref=sr_pg_1">here</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Explore the Entire Range of Gita Press Books here on Google in <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&channel=crow&biw=1366&bih=631&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=ekrrXM-kKObTz7sPsbuowAo&q=gita+press+gorakhpur+books&oq=gita+press+gorakhpur+books&gs_l=img.3..0l3j0i24l7.2918.12165..12713...6.0..0.138.1516.2j12......0....1..gws-wiz-img.......35i39j0i5i30j0i30j0i8i30.byRDjfZkeXo">Just One Click </a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="http://gitapress.org/">Gita Press</a> is the world's largest publisher of <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_religious_texts" title="Hindu religious texts">Hindu religious texts</a>. It is located in Gorakhpur city in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It was founded in 1923 by <a class="new" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jaya_Dayal_Goyandka&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Jaya Dayal Goyandka (page does not exist)">Jaya Dayal Goyandka</a> and <a class="new" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghanshyam_Das_Jalan&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Ghanshyam Das Jalan (page does not exist)">Ghanshyam Das Jalan</a> for promoting the principles of India's <i><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanatana_Dharma" title="Sanatana Dharma">Sanatana Dharma</a></i>. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanuman_Prasad_Poddar" title="Hanuman Prasad Poddar">Hanuman Prasad Poddar</a> was the founding and the lifetime editor of
its noted magazine. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aud00Oe6D-2K7wqZ6sAPhjDb4XybL985xPZKiNBGqmyu0rO0Ady1Wq0IM_TquF1g7MV-Ie2pz-8uT74FIGkf8wltlkfID2ATuRTmfkInmYpTd6dgipKr1SNWLzBGILF0axXAObUlxUs/s1600/gitapress+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="670" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aud00Oe6D-2K7wqZ6sAPhjDb4XybL985xPZKiNBGqmyu0rO0Ady1Wq0IM_TquF1g7MV-Ie2pz-8uT74FIGkf8wltlkfID2ATuRTmfkInmYpTd6dgipKr1SNWLzBGILF0axXAObUlxUs/s320/gitapress+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoTffcIA6lpJqMI2_8IbLN_3IHWrBW7IoRncaqOdh7RgrljIULSMGoW1zGYafAmblDOeS9UdRX4PsX5K8TubimnU1s50QqFs0pctwf0n9VD_nVQS2d_iIitGlDkWslBm7BLHPel9ytcc/s1600/gitapress+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="715" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoTffcIA6lpJqMI2_8IbLN_3IHWrBW7IoRncaqOdh7RgrljIULSMGoW1zGYafAmblDOeS9UdRX4PsX5K8TubimnU1s50QqFs0pctwf0n9VD_nVQS2d_iIitGlDkWslBm7BLHPel9ytcc/s320/gitapress+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Above : Gita Press Gate, with its pillars inspired by the cave temples of <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellora" title="Ellora">Ellora</a>, & the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gopuram" title="Gopuram">Gopuram</a>, inspired by <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meenakshi_temple" title="Meenakshi temple">Meenakshi Temple</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madurai" title="Madurai">Madurai</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Below : Here are a few book shops of 'Gita Press Gorakhpur' in different locations around India :</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNa62kZmIVAd7-jTfa5nl6bzW0DXp9auBxVzYD63AKrWCion8Q3qSNxWrbZBvH7X-j40ehwBOoJWVUB7AOdWfWeRSOoGuoad1mTi2ayi71IvUNPpHJoyaUGW14yNUA9XaiLETKSluWGk/s1600/gitapress+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNa62kZmIVAd7-jTfa5nl6bzW0DXp9auBxVzYD63AKrWCion8Q3qSNxWrbZBvH7X-j40ehwBOoJWVUB7AOdWfWeRSOoGuoad1mTi2ayi71IvUNPpHJoyaUGW14yNUA9XaiLETKSluWGk/s320/gitapress+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gita Press at </span>Ujjain City</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0w4eaeK76J7nTDxJat6R0PZF9-ftEpksH6P9AQbf0-_10yqqaHsnpHR2VdCzvKAlBc5osuO_tIiIkka-JtTrj7vKOT5RlpaQ6O-UVwfkmZdGb_qWQe2f60IXNEZFjIh64OlZIs56DJyQ/s1600/gitapress+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0w4eaeK76J7nTDxJat6R0PZF9-ftEpksH6P9AQbf0-_10yqqaHsnpHR2VdCzvKAlBc5osuO_tIiIkka-JtTrj7vKOT5RlpaQ6O-UVwfkmZdGb_qWQe2f60IXNEZFjIh64OlZIs56DJyQ/s320/gitapress+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gita Press at Mumbai</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zuT5hIk7oZNcrEZz-qKXPHpBbIttk_286lgyUsctm9d_1K4-cWcagqAV0Z_4QltZChLDy82jG68y_KW25vIyGVuB0ANp0yi-I61KaSSPlodUAzAXUAg-6lEXWgRCH9vo45ZS_6-bWZ8/s1600/gitapress+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zuT5hIk7oZNcrEZz-qKXPHpBbIttk_286lgyUsctm9d_1K4-cWcagqAV0Z_4QltZChLDy82jG68y_KW25vIyGVuB0ANp0yi-I61KaSSPlodUAzAXUAg-6lEXWgRCH9vo45ZS_6-bWZ8/s320/gitapress+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Gita Press at Mumbai</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lIdL0XxUAZaS4b32xDzuRMCID4nE5BfMYxzGwXJN-DDFGp0SLQwhe3Ezjz6TdpU5-wbgNTBnpCz60onrkUq7fKRJygDPyqEDa_oumAet5QsC9y-QqwFhDXTK27fb9Mr8XCAjkIsJg0E/s1600/gitapress+6+jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="620" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lIdL0XxUAZaS4b32xDzuRMCID4nE5BfMYxzGwXJN-DDFGp0SLQwhe3Ezjz6TdpU5-wbgNTBnpCz60onrkUq7fKRJygDPyqEDa_oumAet5QsC9y-QqwFhDXTK27fb9Mr8XCAjkIsJg0E/s320/gitapress+6+jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Gita Press at Gorakhpur</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjzR-dp3LMqn0lZbQ9Ifz56L5fHilFQx83QgRVJ564VozZsSdvK11rkPTastd28F36yCmPwLCZtuei2y-EPq3QU9EL5Uf5obn-wzmxo668WuLXs9gjmZU9Z9C6YpQO1KQq4v_Q_KfEps/s1600/gitapress+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjzR-dp3LMqn0lZbQ9Ifz56L5fHilFQx83QgRVJ564VozZsSdvK11rkPTastd28F36yCmPwLCZtuei2y-EPq3QU9EL5Uf5obn-wzmxo668WuLXs9gjmZU9Z9C6YpQO1KQq4v_Q_KfEps/s320/gitapress+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSp4ndSWrHFBQr39JmH9qPWjtskeG7_PwarR01Jq09LHrU0trRp1KATXiaevldCpIKmdBsikVexuqrIq6x-2P7MliIQ-eKNGfU7wiCf4jr5U5rciE4NXuV4QsaguJx5vOYu9v8_FWf3Lw/s1600/gitapress+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSp4ndSWrHFBQr39JmH9qPWjtskeG7_PwarR01Jq09LHrU0trRp1KATXiaevldCpIKmdBsikVexuqrIq6x-2P7MliIQ-eKNGfU7wiCf4jr5U5rciE4NXuV4QsaguJx5vOYu9v8_FWf3Lw/s320/gitapress+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Gita Press started publishing in 1927, with a circulation of 1,600 copies and in 2012 its print order had reached 2.5 lakhs. The Gita
Press archives contain over 3,500 manuscripts including over 100
interpretations of the Universal Scripture <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagwad_Gita" title="Bhagwad Gita">Bhagawad Gita</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-IT_3-0"> </sup></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Bhagavad Gita preachers Seth Jaya Dayal Goyandka, Shri Hanuman Prasad Poddar and Shri
Ghanshyam Das Jalan set up the Gita Press on 29 April
1923, as a unit of Gobind Bhawan Karyalaya registered under the
Societies Registration Act, 1860, which is presently governed by the West Bengal
Societies Act, 1960. Five months later it acquired its first printing
machine for Rs 600. Since its establishment, the Gita Press has
published approximately 410 million copies of the Bhagavad Gita (in different
editions) and 70.0 million copies of the <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramcharitamanas" title="Ramcharitamanas">Ramcharitamanas</a>, at subsidized prices.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="thumb tright" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="thumbinner" style="width: 212px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Press was temporarily shut down in December 2014 over wage issues, but the work resumed peacefully a few days later.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span class="mw-headline" id="Publications">Publications</span></h2>
<h3>
<span class="mw-headline" id="Magazines">Magazines</span></h3>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://gitapress.org/?s=kalyan"><i>Kalyank</i> (in Hindi)</a>
is a monthly magazine being published since 1927. It has articles
devoted to various religious topics promoting & uplifting good thoughts and good
deeds. Writings by Indian saints and scholars are regularly published
in the magazine.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://gitapress.org/?s=kalyan"><i>Kalyana-Kalpataru</i> (in English)</a> is also a monthly publication. It started in 1934. Its contents are similar to Kalyan.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Neither of these spiritual magazines display any advertisements. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="thumb tright">
<div class="thumbinner" style="width: 222px;">
</div>
</div>
<h3>
<span class="mw-headline" id="Religious_texts">Religious texts</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">These texts are published in Sanskrit & Hindi, and in major regional languages of India like Marathi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Oriya and others.They publish in English language as well these days</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Shrimad <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagvad_Gita" title="Bhagvad Gita">Bhagvad Gita</a></i> (several formats)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabharata" title="Mahabharata">Mahabharata</a></i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Shri <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramcharitmanas" title="Ramcharitmanas">Ramcharitmanas</a></i> by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulsidas" title="Tulsidas">Tulsidas</a> (several formats), Telugu version (2002) <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-6"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gita_Press#cite_note-6">[6]</a></sup></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Other works by Tulsidas</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Valmiki <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramayana" title="Ramayana">Ramayana</a></i> (several formats)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Scriptures (<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puranas" title="Puranas">Puranas</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upanishads" title="Upanishads">Upanishads</a></i> and others)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Works by <i><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soordas" title="Soordas">Soordas</a></i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Books by Swami Ramsukhdas</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Books by Hanuman Prasad Poddar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Books by Jaydayal Goyandaka</span></li>
</ul>
<h3>
<span class="mw-headline" id="Other_publications">Other publications</span></h3>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Bhakta-Gathas</i> and <i><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhajans" title="Bhajans">Bhajans</a></i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Small books for children</span></li>
</ul>
<h2>
<span class="mw-headline" id="Branches">Branches</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Gita
Press has branches and stalls in many locations acroos India. Many of the
stalls are operated in railway platforms. </span></div>
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gita_Press"><span style="font-size: large;">Learn more about Gita Press on Wikipedia by clicking here </span></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>( Disclaimer : All images featured in this Blog-post, are the property
of their respective owners. Our deepest sense of gratitude to all of
them for making this gigantic project a reality. If you see your picture
anywhere in this Blog and don't want it here, send us a message with
the details and the link to the picture, and we will remove it right
away. But at the outset, I just want to let my dearest readers know,
that the noble purpose of this Blog, is to promote 'The Glorious
Cultural Heritage of India' worldwide, to every nook & corner of
the planet, and I would immensely love to see every single one of us,
of Indian origin, passionately participating in this Mega-Project. I am
right now in the process of adding the web-links to the sources of the
innumerable images in this Blog. Till the work reaches completion, I
would request the readers to use 'Google Image Search' to trace the
source / multiple sources of these images on the web. The rich text
contents througout this blog are based on well-researched aggregated and
curated content from innumerable sources. But mostly and most
importantly, these contents are based on my own personal experience of
untiringly exploring the glorious cultural heritage India, and the
ageless timeless ethnic arts, crafts, textiles, temples etc of the whole
of India, during my stay across the length and breadth of this vast
expansive Indian subcontinent for more than 5 decades of my long
adventurous life. I have expressed my deepest gratitude to all the text
sources on the 'World-Wide-Web', that have hugely contributed and added
to my existing database of knowledge on this subject, by inserting
appropriate hyperlinks throughout this blog, to connect my ardent
readers from across the globe, to these rich sources of information on
India's heritage. So Long, Mala Chandrashekhar )</span></span></span> </span></div>
</div>
Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-68460704431452586842019-05-26T03:45:00.000-07:002019-05-26T04:01:14.565-07:00Intricately Carved Stone Sculptures of Mahabalipuram<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the most beautiful cities in South India, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamallapuram">Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram</a> is named after the great <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narasimhavarman_I">Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman-I</a>. Filled with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_of_Monuments_at_Mahabalipuram">relics, monuments and some of the most beautiful temples in the world</a>, Mahabalipuram was an important sea port
of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pallava_dynasty">Pallava dynasty</a> from the 7th to the 10th centuries. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwHAVrxEN-9vJ-G-Ynlfw20pbV5QJ5z0kzv8YhjjX661rJGSrlBYDD9BUkYkkB8w5heNlOCtpVj1KHCyrh5K-MbQMiiMJlLsiIZbBsTwGYCd3jFsjBbqo3gkBVH7OLe1uA82hLV_zGhU/s1600/mahabalipuram+temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1366" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwHAVrxEN-9vJ-G-Ynlfw20pbV5QJ5z0kzv8YhjjX661rJGSrlBYDD9BUkYkkB8w5heNlOCtpVj1KHCyrh5K-MbQMiiMJlLsiIZbBsTwGYCd3jFsjBbqo3gkBVH7OLe1uA82hLV_zGhU/s400/mahabalipuram+temple.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shore_Temple"><span style="font-size: large;">Mahabalipuram sea-shore temple</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Often referred to as the “Land of Seven Pagodas” based on an ancient
Hindu legend, Mahabalipuram is a city known for its grandeur, hand
carved monolithic structures, shrines and the rathas or cave temples.
The descent of the Ganges is the world’s largest bas-relief sculpture
depicting tales from the Mahabharata. The legendary stone-built Shore
temple, which is a mammoth architectural wonder, is believed to be the
only one surviving among the seven pagodas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mahabalipuram is known worldwide for its intricately designed stone-carvings & stone sculpture. Have a look at some of these </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">ingenious</span></span>ly carved statues, available in a wide range of prices for the art-loving affluent-class :</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPAhRpUIN6bBLQxcWVzhmFY_KGqkXt5dzMQWT72hLDJdSy_RRm4zRQbhM9eeYekapxYRwAeLN9LvhsYQv_FzvLqZfjV3735qrcxSqG9AnTBHgj1tkBaBgDRG0u4SGnvH3-T6JOGMWWbI/s1600/stone+mahabali+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPAhRpUIN6bBLQxcWVzhmFY_KGqkXt5dzMQWT72hLDJdSy_RRm4zRQbhM9eeYekapxYRwAeLN9LvhsYQv_FzvLqZfjV3735qrcxSqG9AnTBHgj1tkBaBgDRG0u4SGnvH3-T6JOGMWWbI/s400/stone+mahabali+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhbKCN_aZwaXV4WIRvN3FEBmVKsOgxGOWMshQ70Ebh1rV1Mh-OF4qPKWRqDotSpkGfOdpLzqvAdg9YHuqjg__nyeRsLHc5hYIZ0Btw0bKVt7lZRAFQ6X-63sYkw3wMrAeNh9qFKifZns/s1600/stone+mahabali+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1049" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhbKCN_aZwaXV4WIRvN3FEBmVKsOgxGOWMshQ70Ebh1rV1Mh-OF4qPKWRqDotSpkGfOdpLzqvAdg9YHuqjg__nyeRsLHc5hYIZ0Btw0bKVt7lZRAFQ6X-63sYkw3wMrAeNh9qFKifZns/s400/stone+mahabali+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAqi9Obi_3mT4ucrBIZEU09EZcT_nG9lN9uFQ-Z8XDteGGiXRbYwh2xjQlPZ4jyrgKubcCH99aJGJ1lnEV3ADzsZ2GeCtwQS4DnoWz_08Zq0LLn62yvyZBIHdnFQzyexEaXTrynbewp0/s1600/stone+mahabali+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1300" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAqi9Obi_3mT4ucrBIZEU09EZcT_nG9lN9uFQ-Z8XDteGGiXRbYwh2xjQlPZ4jyrgKubcCH99aJGJ1lnEV3ADzsZ2GeCtwQS4DnoWz_08Zq0LLn62yvyZBIHdnFQzyexEaXTrynbewp0/s400/stone+mahabali+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">( Disclaimer : All images featured in this Blog-post, are the property
of their respective owners. Our deepest sense of gratitude to all of
them for making this gigantic project a reality. If you see your picture
anywhere in this Blog and don't want it here, send us a message with
the details and the link to the picture, and we will remove it right
away. But at the outset, I just want to let my dearest readers know,
that the noble purpose of this Blog, is to promote 'The Glorious
Cultural Heritage of India' worldwide, to every nook & corner of the
planet, and I would immensely love to see every single one of us, of
Indian origin, passionately participating in this Mega-Project. I am
right now in the process of adding the web-links to the sources of the
innumerable images in this Blog. Till the work reaches completion, I
would request the readers to use 'Google Image Search' to trace the
source / multiple sources of these images on the web. The rich text
contents througout this blog are based on well-researched aggregated and
curated content from innumerable sources. But mostly and most
importantly, these contents are based on my own personal experience of
untiringly exploring the glorious cultural heritage India, and the
ageless timeless ethnic arts, crafts, textiles, temples etc of the whole
of India, during my stay across the length and breadth of this vast
expansive Indian subcontinent for more than 5 decades of my long
adventurous life. I have expressed my deepest gratitude to all the text
sources on the 'World-Wide-Web', that have hugely contributed and added
to my existing database of knowledge on this subject, by inserting
appropriate hyperlinks throughout this blog, to connect my ardent
readers from across the globe, to these rich sources of information on
India's heritage. So Long, Mala Chandrashekhar )</span></span> </span></div>
</div>
Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-68377943099721748882019-05-26T02:23:00.001-07:002019-05-26T02:27:56.444-07:00The Mighty Agra Fort : The Most Eventful Historical Fort of the Mughal Emperors in India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The mighty </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agra_Fort"><b>Agra Fort</b></a> is a historical fort in the city of Agra in India. It was the main residence of the emperors of the <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughal_Dynasty" title="Mughal Dynasty">Mughal Dynasty</a> until 1638, when the capital of Mughals was shifted from Agra to Delhi.
Before capture by the British, the last Indian rulers to have occupied the fort were the Marathas. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVTdblYd1BgHcOtUeN2tFB-s18iJyPr6-G6jxKWGFbGkB5G7_nzJxc2ls7s6MXAtQr1L-YgiqCVz8cGbGajecpFj6WnKfKWMDnSpqvpnE5Gj_brVghRtTiUUshu_1BJQGGEUjmAVe2mk/s1600/Agra-Fort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="780" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVTdblYd1BgHcOtUeN2tFB-s18iJyPr6-G6jxKWGFbGkB5G7_nzJxc2ls7s6MXAtQr1L-YgiqCVz8cGbGajecpFj6WnKfKWMDnSpqvpnE5Gj_brVghRtTiUUshu_1BJQGGEUjmAVe2mk/s320/Agra-Fort.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In 1983, Agra fort has been inscribed as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO" title="UNESCO">UNESCO</a> <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Heritage_site" title="World Heritage site">World Heritage site</a>. It is about 2.5 km northwest of the world-famous monument, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taj_Mahal" title="Taj Mahal">Taj Mahal</a>. The fort can be more accurately and meaningfully described as a walled city. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Agra Fort is the only fort in India where all early Mughal
emperors lived. The Fort stands on an ancient site, and was traditionally
known as Badalgarh<i>.</i> After the first battle of
Panipat (A.D. 1526) Mughals captured the fort and ruled from here. In
A.D. 1530, Humayun was crowned in the fort. The Fort got its present look during the reign of Akbar (A.D. 1556-1605). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, Moghul Emperor Babur stayed in the fort, in the palace of Ibrahim Lodi. His son Humayun was crowned in the fort in 1530. Humayun was defeated at Bilgram in 1540 by Sher Shah Suri. The fort remained with the Suris till 1555, when again Humayun recaptured it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Realising the importance of its central location, Mughul Emperor Akbar made it his capital and arrived in Agra in 1558. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was only during the reign of Akbar's grandson, Shah Jahan, that the site took on its current look. Shah Jahan built the beautiful Taj Mahal in Agra in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">During the last days of his life, Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son, Aurangzeb,
in the fort. The fort has a very long & eventful history. All the details could be viewed on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agra_Fort">Wikipedia page of Agra Fort</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">( Disclaimer : All images featured in this Blog-post, are the property
of their respective owners. Our deepest sense of gratitude to all of
them for making this gigantic project a reality. If you see your picture
anywhere in this Blog and don't want it here, send us a message with
the details and the link to the picture, and we will remove it right
away. But at the outset, I just want to let my dearest readers know,
that the noble purpose of this Blog, is to promote 'The Glorious
Cultural Heritage of India' worldwide, to every nook & corner of the
planet, and I would immensely love to see every single one of us, of
Indian origin, passionately participating in this Mega-Project. I am
right now in the process of adding the web-links to the sources of the
innumerable images in this Blog. Till the work reaches completion, I
would request the readers to use 'Google Image Search' to trace the
source / multiple sources of these images on the web. The rich text
contents througout this blog are based on well-researched aggregated and
curated content from innumerable sources. But mostly and most
importantly, these contents are based on my own personal experience of
untiringly exploring the glorious cultural heritage India, and the
ageless timeless ethnic arts, crafts, textiles, temples etc of the whole
of India, during my stay across the length and breadth of this vast
expansive Indian subcontinent for more than 5 decades of my long
adventurous life. I have expressed my deepest gratitude to all the text
sources on the 'World-Wide-Web', that have hugely contributed and added
to my existing database of knowledge on this subject, by inserting
appropriate hyperlinks throughout this blog, to connect my ardent
readers from across the globe, to these rich sources of information on
India's heritage. So Long, Mala Chandrashekhar )</span></span></div>
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Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-88865939500900007872019-05-25T23:41:00.000-07:002019-05-25T23:48:54.739-07:00Nagarjunakonda : One of the Richest Cities of Ancient India that was a Great Educational, Cultural and Religious Centre of Buddhism<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=nagarjunakonda&client=firefox-b-d&channel=crow&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi--J30zLjiAhWe7nMBHQjyDgkQ_AUIDygC&biw=1366&bih=631">About 150 Kilometres southeast of Hyderabad lie the ruins of a city</a> that flourished about 1800 years ago. It was
one of the largest and richest cities in South India, and also the
educational, cultural and religious centre of Buddhism. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagarjunakonda">Nagarjunakonda</a>
or “the hill of Nagarjuna” was named after <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagarjuna">Acharya Nagarjuna</a>, a
renowned Buddhist philosopher who was responsible for setting up many
monasteries and schools that attracted students from all over the world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Home to a large number of academic centres, temples and Stupas, the
city thrived under the reign of many powerful kingdoms especially the
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikshvaku_dynasty">Ikshvaku dynasty</a>, which made the illustrious city their capital. It
eventually fell into decline after the demise of the last Ikshvaku king. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The ruins of this city were discovered in 1926, but it was only in 1953
that this area was excavated yielding the ruins of many Stupas, Viharas, Mandapas, tools from the Stone Age era, and a number of priceless
Buddhist relics.</span></div>
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Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-85319549902408723882019-05-25T08:43:00.004-07:002019-05-25T19:00:34.493-07:00Vastu Shastra : The Ancient Indian Science & Art of Architecture, for City Planning, & for designing structures like residential houses, temples, palaces, forts, gardens etc<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=vastu&i=stripbooks&qid=1558797427&ref=sr_pg_1"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on Vastu & Vastu Shastra, by clicking here on Amazon India</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vastu_shastra">Vastu Shastra</a> is an ancient, traditional <a href="https://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/articles/chakravastu">Hindu system of architecture</a> which literally translates to "Science of Architecture." Ancient treatises on Vastu Shastra are found in the Indian subcontinent that describe
principles of building design, layout, measurements, ground preparation, space
arrangement, and spatial geometry. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Is your home Vastu friendly? Do you have positive vibrations in your home & its surroundings? Is there peace & harmony in your home & family? Do you enjoy abundance of all good things in life? Questions are innumerable. But let's start with these very basic questions of life. Try answering them one by one, and understand the role of India's ancient Vastu Shastra in human life:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vastu Shastras incorporate into their designs traditional Hindu beliefs.
The designs are intended to integrate architecture with nature, the
relative functions of various parts of the structure, and ancient
Hindu beliefs utilizing geometric patterns, symmetry, and directional alignments.</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vastu_shastra">Vastu Shastra</a> presents us with the knowledge of architecture and building design theories of ancient India. Ancient Vastu Shastra principles include those for the design of Hindu temples, palaces,
and the principles for the design and layout of residential houses, towns, cities,
gardens, roads, water works, shops and other public areas and structures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Sanskrit word 'Vastu' means a dwelling unit or a house built on a plot of land. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ancient
India produced many Sanskrit treatises & manuals on architecture. Many of these are about Hindu temple layout, temple design and
construction, along with chapters on design principles for residential houses,
villages, towns etc. The architects and Shilpis ( artists) were given wide
latitude to experiment and express their creativity.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There exist many treatises on Vāstu-Śastra on the art & science of building houses, temples, towns and cities. By 6th century AD, Sanskrit manuals for constructing palatial temples were in circulation in India. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vāstu-Śastra manuals included chapters on home construction, town planning,
and how efficient villages, towns and kingdoms integrated temples,
water bodies and gardens within themselves to achieve perfect harmony with nature. The
manuals suggest that town planning and Hindu temples were conceived as great works of art, and an integral part of Hindu social and spiritual life.</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ancient <i>Vāstu Śastras</i>, often widely discuss and describe the principles of Hindu temple design, but do not limit themselves to the design of just temples.
They describe the temples as a holistic part of their community, and lay
out various principles and a diversity of alternate designs for home,
village and city layout along with temples, gardens, water bodies and
mother nature.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=vastu&i=stripbooks&qid=1558797427&ref=sr_pg_1"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on Vastu & Vastu Shastra, by clicking here on Amazon India</span></a><br />
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<a class="image" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vastu_direction_chakar.jpg"><img alt="" class="thumbimage" data-file-height="394" data-file-width="398" height="396" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Vastu_direction_chakar.jpg/220px-Vastu_direction_chakar.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/articles/chakravastu"><span style="font-size: large;">Vastu Directional Chakra</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vastu Shastra believed that every piece of a land or a building has a soul of its own, and that soul is known as Vastu Purusha.</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A site of any shape can be divided using the Pada-Vinyasa. Sites
are known by the number of squares. </span>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Modern_adaptations_and_usage">Modern adaptations and usage</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vāstu Śastra represents a body of ancient concepts and knowledge, to many of the modern architects, trained in Western system of architecture. Vastu, in fact, a guideline and not a rigid code. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The ancient Vāstu Śastra texts describe functional
relations and adaptable alternate layouts for various structures
and utilities, but do not mandate a set rigid compulsory architecture. The mandala is a guideline, and employing the Mandala
concept of Vāstu Śastra does not mean every room or building has to be
square.
The basic theme is around core elements of central space, peripheral
zones, direction with respect to sunlight, and relative functions of the
spaces.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">During the Colonial rule in India, town planning officials of British Raj ignored Vastu Vidya, and largely grafted Islamic Mughal era
motifs and designs such as domes and arches onto Victorian-era style
of buildings, outrightly rejecting important scientific and spiritual points of Vastu.
This style of architecture, later known as the Indo-Saracenic style, is found in
chaotically laid out, but externally grand looking structures of their time. The major railway stations, harbours, tax collection
buildings, and other Colonial office buildings in South Asia are great examples of this kind of Colonial architecture.</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vāstu Śastra Vidya was outrightly ignored, during the Colonial era for several reasons. These ancient texts of India were viewed by the 19th and early 20th
century architects as archaic. The literature was inaccessible being in
an ancient language not spoken or read by the architects. Besides, these Vastu compatible structures needed massive space.
In contrast, public projects in the Colonial era were forced into
crowded spaces. The ancient Vastu Shastra was viewed with prejudice as extremely superstitious and too rigid besides using traditional materials for construction. these prejudices were faulty, as a
scholarly and complete reading of the Vāstu Śastra literature amply
suggests that the architect is free to adapt the ideas to new materials of
construction, local layout constraints and into a non-square space. </span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The principles of
Vāstu Śastras is witnessing a major revival today in India, and we see wide usage of Vastu in the
planning and design of individual homes, residential complexes,
commercial and industrial campuses, and major public projects in India,
along with the use of ancient iconography and mythological art work
incorporated into the Vastu Vidya architectures.</span>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Sensible architects of today state that critics have not read the Vastu texts thoroughly, and that
most of the Vastu treatises are about flexible design guidelines for available space,
sunlight, flow and functionality.</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Vastu Shastra is blindly cursed as pseudoscience by many rationalists. They say Vastu does not have any logical connection to the environment. The examples cited are sites shaped like a triangle will
lead to harassment by government, parallelogram can lead to quarrels in
the family etc. Sometimes the building plans are
required to be mercilessly changed, and what has already been built is demolished outright to accommodate
Vastu rules. Many rationalists are firmly convinced that Vaastu folks have no knowledge of civil
engineering, structural enineering or architecture, or the local government rules on
construction, or minimum standards of construction, to professionally advise people on
building designs. </span></div>
<h2>
<span class="mw-headline" id="Sanskrit_treatises_on_architecture">Sanskrit Treatises on Architecture :</span></h2>
<h2>
<span class="mw-headline" id="Sanskrit_treatises_on_architecture"> </span></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Of
the numerous Sanskrit treatises mentioned in ancient Indian literature,
some have been translated into English. Many Agamas, Puranas and Hindu
scriptures include chapters on architecture of temples, homes, villages,
towns, forts, streets, shop layout, public wells, public
bathing places, public halls, gardens, river fronts among other things.
In some cases, the manuscripts in regional languages are partially lost, while the original Sanskrit manuscripts are available even now in different parts of India. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For India's ancient treatises on Vastu Shastra, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vastu_shastra">have a look at Wikipedia page here</a></span>
</div>
<div class="div-col columns column-width" style="-moz-column-width: 22em; -webkit-column-width: 22em; column-width: 22em;">
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=vastu&i=stripbooks&qid=1558797427&ref=sr_pg_1"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy books on Vastu & Vastu Shastra, by clicking here on Amazon India</span></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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</div>
</div>
Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-38338755224565914232019-05-24T23:52:00.000-07:002020-04-16T19:50:07.451-07:00स्वस्तिवाचन : आ नो भद्राः क्रतवो यन्तु विश्वतोऽदब्धासो अपरितासउद्भिदः ( Swastivachan (Peace Chants) From India's Sacred Rig Veda )<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://hi.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8">स्वस्तिवाचन (स्वस्तयन) मन्त्र और अर्थ</a> ( From <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/religions/vedas.htm">Rig Veda</a> )</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-CcZ9EteR8">स्वस्तिवाचन YouTube Video ⇓⇓</a></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2-CcZ9EteR8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2-CcZ9EteR8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">हमारे देश की यह प्राचीन परंपरा रही है कि जब कभी भी हम कोई कार्य
प्रारंभ करते है, तो उस समय मंगल की कामना करते है और सबसे पहले मंगल
मूर्ति गणेश की प्रार्थना करते है। इसके लिए दो नाम हमारे सामने आते हैं...
पहला श्रीगणेश और दूसरा जय गणेश।
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">श्रीगणेश का अर्थ होता है कि जब हम किसी कार्य को आरंभ करते है तो
इसी नाम के साथ उस कार्य की शुरुआत करते है। जय गणेश का अर्थ होता है कि अब
यह कार्य यहां समाप्त हो रहा है। प्राचीनकाल से ही वैदिक मंत्रों में
जितनी ऋचाएं आई है,उनके चिन्तन, वाचन से अलौकिक दिव्य शक्ति की प्राप्ति
होती है, मन शान्त होता है। किसी भी शुभ कार्य के प्रारम्भ में, विवाह
मण्डप पर , शगुन और तिलक में भी इसकी प्रथा है, या फिर जब कभी भी हम कोई
मांगलिक कार्य करते है तो स्वस्तिवाचन की परंपरा रही है। यह एक गहरा
विज्ञान है, जिसे समझने की आवश्यकता है।
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">यदि हम केवल मंगल वचन का प्रयोग करे और मांगलिक शब्दों का प्रयोग
उसके अर्थ को बगैर जाने हुए करे तो निश्चय ही यह हमारा अंधविश्वास माना
जाएगा। मेरा मानना है कि जब तक धर्म को तथा उसके विज्ञान को हम समझ न लें,
तब तक केवल अंधविश्वासी होकर उसकी सभी बातों को मानने का कोई औचित्य नहीं
है। हमारा धर्म, हमारी संस्कृति,वैदिक ऋचाएं, वैदिक मंत्र, पुराण उपनिषद
आदि इन सभी ग्रन्थों के पीछे एक बहुत बड़ा विज्ञान है। हमारे ऋषियों ने जिन
वैदिक ऋचाओं और पुराणों की कल्पना की, उपनिषदों के बारे में सोचा था फिर
मांगलिक कार्यो के लिए जैसी व्यवस्था की, वह हमारे विज्ञान से किसी भी तरह
से अलग नहीं है। उनके द्वारा सोची और की जाने वाली हर एक पहल हमेशा से ही
विज्ञान के साथ रही है</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VBQhTDUKTc&playnext=1&list=PL6FCDF1AFFCD2F218&feature=results_main">Sri Suktam from Rig Veda in the Soul Stirring Voice of Prakash Kaushik</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP6k1YXMYgE">Soul Stirring Vedic Chants ( Rudram ) of Prakash Kaushik - Part I</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daKLLVqMVUM">Soul Stirring Vedic Chants ( Rudram ) of Prakash Kaushik - Part II</a><br />
<br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_k2g7zHgI0U">Soul Stirring Vedic Chants ( Rudram ) of Prakash Kaushik</a></span> </span><br />
<h2>
<span class="mw-headline" id="मंत्र_एवं_भाषांतर"> </span></h2>
<h2>
<span class="mw-headline" id="मंत्र_एवं_भाषांतर">स्वस्तिवाचन मंत्र एवं भाषांतर : </span><span class="mw-headline" id="मंत्र_एवं_भाषांतर">Swasti Vachan Mantra with translation</span></h2>
<h2>
<span class="mw-headline" id="मंत्र_एवं_भाषांतर"> </span> </h2>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">शान्ति-पाठ से शरीर सब प्रकार से शुद्ध हो जाता है तथा अकल्याण और अशुभ दूर हो जाता है। </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">मन्त्र-१ </span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<pre><span style="font-size: large;">आ नो भद्राः क्रतवो यन्तु विश्वतोऽदब्धासो अपरीतास उद्भिदः।
</span></pre>
<span style="font-size: large;">देवा नोयथा सदमिद् वृधे असन्नप्रायुवो रक्षितारो दिवेदिवे॥
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">अर्थ - हमारे पास चारों ओर से ऐंसे कल्याणकारी विचार आते रहें जो किसी
से न दबें, उन्हें कहीं से बाधित न किया जा सके एवं अज्ञात विषयों को प्रकट
करने वाले हों। प्रगति को न रोकने वाले और सदैव रक्षा में तत्पर देवता
प्रतिदिन हमारी वृद्धि के लिए तत्पर रहें। </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mantra Translation</b> - May powers auspicious come to us from every
side, never deceived, unhindered, and victorious. That the Gods ever may
be with us for our gain, our guardians day by day unceasing in their
care. </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">मन्त्र-२
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<pre><span style="font-size: large;">देवानां भद्रा सुमतिर्ऋजूयतां देवानां रातिरभि नो नि वर्तताम्।
</span></pre>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;">देवानां सख्यमुप सेदिमा वयं देवा न आयुः प्र तिरन्तु जीवसे ॥</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">अर्थ - यजमान की इच्छा रखनेवाले देवताओं की कल्याणकारिणी श्रेष्ठ बुद्धि
सदा हमारे सम्मुख रहे, देवताओं का दान हमें प्राप्त हो, हम देवताओं की
मित्रता प्राप्त करें, देवता हमारी आयु को जीने के निमित्त बढ़ायें। </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mantra Translation</b> - May the auspicious favour of the Gods be
ours, on us descend the bounty of the righteous Gods. The friendship of
the Gods have we devoutly sought, so may the Gods extend our life that
we may live. </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">मन्त्र-३
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<pre><span style="font-size: large;">तान् पूर्वयानिविदाहूमहे वयंभगं मित्रमदितिं दक्षमस्रिधम्।</span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size: large;">अर्यमणंवरुणंसोममश्विना सरस्वती नः सुभगा मयस्करत्।।
</span></pre>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">अर्थ - हम वेदरुप सनातन वाणी के द्वारा अच्युतरुप भग, मित्र, अदिति,
प्रजापति, अर्यमण, वरुण, चन्द्रमा और अश्विनीकुमारों का आवाहन करते हैं।
ऐश्वर्यमयी सरस्वती महावाणी हमें सब प्रकार का सुख प्रदान करें। </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mantra Translation</b>
- We call them hither with a hymn of olden time, Bhaga, the friendly
Daksha, Mitra, Aditi, Aryaman, Varuna, Soma, the Ashvins. May Saraswati,
auspicious, grant felicity. </span> </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">मन्त्र-४
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<pre><span style="font-size: large;">तन्नो वातो मयोभु वातु भेषजं तन्माता पृथिवी तत् पिता द्यौः। </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size: large;">तद् ग्रावाणः सोमसुतो मयोभुवस्तदश्विना शृणुतं धिष्ण्या युवम् ॥
</span></pre>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">अर्थ - वायुदेवता हमें सुखकारी औषधियाँ प्राप्त करायें। माता पृथ्वी और
पिता स्वर्ग भी हमें सुखकारी औषधियाँ प्रदान करें। सोम का अभिषव करने वाले
सुखदाता ग्रावा उस औषधरुप अदृष्ट को प्रकट करें। हे अश्विनी-कुमारो! आप
दोनों सबके आधार हैं, हमारी प्रार्थना सुनिये। </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mantra Translation</b>
- May Vayu waft to us the felicitous medicament, May Mother Earth,
Father Heaven, bring it; May the felicitous Stones distilling Soma
secure it. May ye Ashvins with understanding hearken to our prayers. </span> </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">मन्त्र-५
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<pre><span style="font-size: large;">तमीशानं जगतस्तस्थुषस्पतिं धियंजिन्वमवसे हूमहे वयम्। </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size: large;">पूषा नो यथा वेदसामसद् वृधे रक्षिता पायुरदब्धः स्वस्तये॥
</span></pre>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">अर्थ - हम स्थावर-जंगम के स्वामी, बुद्धि को सन्तोष देनेवाले रुद्रदेवता
का रक्षा के निमित्त आवाहन करते हैं। वैदिक ज्ञान एवं धन की रक्षा करने
वाले, पुत्र आदि के पालक, अविनाशी पुष्टि-कर्ता देवता हमारी वृद्धि और
कल्याण के निमित्त हों। </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mantra Translation</b>
- We worship Him, the Lord of the universe of the inanimate and animate
creation, for, He is the blesser of our intellect and our protector. He
dispenses life and good among all. Him do we worship, for as He is our
preserver and benefactor, so is He our way to bliss and happiness also. </span> </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">मन्त्र-६
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<pre><span style="font-size: large;">स्वस्ति न इन्द्रो वृद्धश्रवाः स्वस्ति नः पूषा विश्ववेदाः। </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size: large;">स्वस्ति नस्तार्क्ष्यो अरिष्टनेमिः स्वस्ति नो बृहस्पतिर्दधातु ॥
</span></pre>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">अर्थ - महती कीर्ति वाले ऐश्वर्यशाली इन्द्र हमारा कल्याण करें, जिसको
संसार का विज्ञान और जिसका सब पदार्थों में स्मरण है, सबके पोषणकर्ता वे
पूषा (सूर्य) हमारा कल्याण करें। जिनकी चक्रधारा के समान गति को कोई रोक
नहीं सकता, वे गरुड़देव हमारा कल्याण करें। वेदवाणी के स्वामी बृहस्पति
हमारा कल्याण करें। </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mantra Translation</b>
- May Indra who is provided with great speed do well to us, May Pushan
who is knower of world do good to us and May Tarkshya who devastates
enemies do good to us! May Brihaspati, the Lord of the Vedic knowledge
or speech give us spiritual delight got from the light of knowledge and
wisdom. </span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">मन्त्र-७
</span><br />
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</span>
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<pre><span style="font-size: large;">पृषदश्वा मरुतः पृश्निमातरः शुभंयावानो विदथेषु जग्मयः।</span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size: large;">अग्निजिह्वा मनवः सूरचक्षसो विश्वे नो देवा अवसा गमन्निह ॥
</span></pre>
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</span>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">अर्थ - चितकबरे वर्ण के घोड़ों वाले, अदिति माता से उत्पन्न, सबका
कल्याण करने वाले, यज्ञआलाओं में जाने वाले, अग्निरुपी जिह्वा वाले,
सर्वज्ञ, सूर्यरुप नेत्र वाले मरुद्गण और विश्वेदेव देवता हविरुप अन्न को
ग्रहण करने के लिये हमारे इस यज्ञ में आयें। </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mantra Translation</b>
- The Maruts, sons of Prishni, with spotted steeds, of happy gait,
frequenters of sacrifices, the Gods whose tongue is Agni, knowers,
radiant as the Sun, May all come hither for our protection. </span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">मन्त्र-८
</span><br />
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</span>
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<pre><span style="font-size: large;">भद्रं कर्णेभिः शृणुयाम देवा भद्रं पश्येमाक्षभिर्यजत्राः।</span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size: large;">स्थिरैरंगैस्तुष्टुवांसस्तनूभिर्व्यशेम देवहितं यदायुः ॥
</span></pre>
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</span>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">अर्थ - हे यजमान के रक्षक देवताओं! हम दृढ अंगों वाले शरीर से पुत्र आदि
के साथ मिलकर आपकी स्तुति करते हुए कानों से कल्याण की बातें सुनें,
नेत्रों से कल्याणमयी वस्तुओं को देखें, देवताओं की उपासना-योग्य आयु को
प्राप्त करें। </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mantra Translation</b>
- Gods, May we with our ears listen to what is good, and with our eyes
see what is good, ye Holy Ones. With firm limbs and bodies, May we
extolling you attain the term of life appointed by the Gods. </span> </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">मन्त्र-९
</span><br />
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</span>
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<pre><span style="font-size: large;">शतमिन्नु शरदो अन्ति देवा यत्रा नश्चक्रा जरसं तनूनाम।</span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size: large;">पुत्रासो यत्र पितरो भवन्ति मा नो मध्या रीरिषतायुर्गन्तोः ॥
</span></pre>
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</span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">अर्थ - हे देवताओं! आप सौ वर्ष की आयु-पर्यन्त हमारे समीप रहें, जिस आयु
में हमारे शरीर को जरावस्था प्राप्त हो, जिस आयु में हमारे पुत्र पिता
अर्थात् पुत्रवान् बन जाएँ, हमारी उस गमनशील आयु को आपलोग बीच में खण्डित न
होने दें। </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mantra Translation</b>
- A hundred autumns stand before us, O ye Gods, within whose space ye
bring our bodies to decay; Within whose space our sons become fathers in
turn. Break ye not in the midst our course of fleeting life. </span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">मन्त्र-१०
</span><br />
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</span>
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<pre><span style="font-size: large;">अदितिर्द्यौरदितिरन्तरिक्षमदितिर्माता स पिता स पुत्रः।</span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size: large;">विश्वेदेवा अदितिः पंचजना अदितिर्जातमदितिर्जनित्वम॥
</span></pre>
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</span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">अर्थ - अखण्डित पराशक्ति स्वर्ग है, वही अन्तरिक्ष-रुप है, वही पराशक्ति
माता-पिता और पुत्र भी है। समस्त देवता पराशक्ति के ही स्वरुप हैं,
अन्त्यज सहित चारों वर्णों के सभी मनुष्य पराशक्तिमय हैं, जो उत्पन्न हो
चुका है और जो उत्पन्न होगा, सब पराशक्ति के ही स्वरुप हैं। </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mantra Translation</b>
- Aditi is the Heaven, Aditi is mid-air, Aditi is the Mother and the
Father and Son. She is all the Gods, She is the five-classed men, Aditi
is all that hath been born and shall be born. </span> </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">मन्त्र-११
</span><br />
<pre><span style="font-size: large;">ॐ द्यौ: शान्तिरन्तरिक्षँ शान्ति:, पृथ्वी शान्तिराप: शान्तिरोषधय: शान्ति:। </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size: large;">वनस्पतय: शान्तिर्विश्वे देवा: शान्तिर्ब्रह्म शान्ति:, सर्वँ शान्ति:, शान्तिरेव शान्ति:, सा मा शान्तिरेधि॥ </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size: large;">ॐ शान्ति: शान्ति: शान्ति:॥
</span></pre>
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</span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">अर्थ - द्युलोक शान्तिदायक हों, अन्तरिक्ष लोक शान्तिदायक हों,
पृथ्वीलोक शान्तिदायक हों। जल, औषधियाँ और वनस्पतियाँ शान्तिदायक हों। सभी
देवता, सृष्टि की सभी शक्तियाँ शान्तिदायक हों। ब्रह्म अर्थात महान
परमेश्वर हमें शान्ति प्रदान करने वाले हों। उनका दिया हुआ ज्ञान, वेद
शान्ति देने वाले हों। सम्पूर्ण चराचर जगत शान्ति पूर्ण हों अर्थात सब जगह
शान्ति ही शान्ति हो। ऐसी शान्ति मुझे प्राप्त हो और वह सदा बढ़ती ही रहे।
अभिप्राय यह है कि सृष्टि का कण-कण हमें शान्ति प्रदान करने वाला हो। समस्त
पर्यावरण ही सुखद व शान्तिप्रद हो। </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mantra Translation</b>
- May peace radiate there in the whole sky as well as in the vast
ethereal space everywhere. May peace reign all over this earth, in water
and in all herbs, trees and creepers. May peace flow over the whole
universe. May peace be in the supreme being Brahman. And may there
always exist in all peace and peace alone. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://hi.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95_%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0"><b><b>स्वस्तिक</b> मंत्र</b> या <b>स्वस्ति मन्त्र</b></a> शुभ और शांति के लिए प्रयुक्त होता है। <i>स्वस्ति = सु + अस्ति = कल्याण हो</i>।
ऐसा माना जाता है कि इससे हृदय और मन मिल जाते हैं। मंत्रोच्चार करते हुए
दर्भ से जल के छींटे डाले जाते थे तथा यह माना जाता था कि यह जल पारस्परिक
क्रोध और वैमनस्य को शांत कर रहा है। स्वस्ति मन्त्र का पाठ करने की क्रिया
'स्वस्तिवाचन' कहलाती है।
</span><br />
<dl><dd><span style="font-size: large;"><i>ॐ स्वस्ति न इन्द्रो वृद्धश्रवाः।</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: large;"><i> स्वस्ति नः पूषा विश्ववेदाः।</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: large;"><i> स्वस्ति नस्तार्क्ष्यो अरिष्टनेमिः।</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: large;"><i> स्वस्ति नो बृहस्पतिर्दधातु ॥</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: large;"><i> ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥</i></span></dd></dl>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">गृहनिर्माण के समय स्वस्तिक मंत्र बोला जाता है। मकान की नींव में घी और
दुग्ध छिड़का जाता था। ऐसा विश्वास है कि इससे गृहस्वामी को दुधारु गाएँ
प्राप्त हेती हैं एवं गृहपत्नी वीर पुत्र उत्पन्न करती है। खेत में बीज
डालते समय मंत्र बोला जाता था कि विद्युत् इस अन्न को क्षति न पहुँचाए,
अन्न की विपुल उन्नति हो और फसल को कोई कीड़ा न लगे। पशुओं की समृद्धि के
लिए भी स्वस्तिक मंत्र का प्रयोग होता था जिससे उनमें कोई रोग नहीं फैलता
था। गायों को खूब संतानें होती थीं।
</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">यात्रा के आरंभ में स्वस्तिक मंत्र बोला जाता था। इससे यात्रा सफल
और सुरक्षित होती थी। मार्ग में हिंसक पशु या चोर और डाकू नहीं मिलते थे।
व्यापार में लाभ होता था, अच्छे मौसम के लिए भी यह मंत्र जपा जाता था जिससे
दिन और रात्रि सुखद हों, स्वास्थ्य लाभ हो तथा खेती को कोई हानि न हो।
</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">पुत्रजन्म पर स्वस्तिक मंत्र बहुत आवश्यक माने जाते थे। इससे बच्चा
स्वस्थ रहता था, उसकी आयु बढ़ती थी और उसमें शुभ गुणों का समावेश होता था।
इसके अलावा भूत, पिशाच तथा रोग उसके पास नहीं आ सकते थे। <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://hi.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%B9_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0" title="सोलह संस्कार">षोडश संस्कारों</a>
में भी मंत्र का अंश कम नहीं है और यह सब स्वस्तिक मंत्र हैं जो शरीररक्षा
के लिए तथा सुखप्राप्ति एवं आयुवृद्धि के लिए प्रयुक्त होते हैं।
</span></div>
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Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140571432866846799.post-78962241069851767612019-05-24T00:35:00.003-07:002019-05-26T05:38:29.061-07:00 Ancient India's Thought-provoking Stories of Extraordinary Wit, Wisdom & Courage, Originally Written in Sanskrit Language : 'Vetala Panchavimshati' ( Sanskrit : 'वेतालपञ्चविंशति' ) / Tamil : 'Vethaalam Chonna Kadai' / Hindi : 'Betaal Pachisee' / English : 'Vikram & Vampire'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=1063&format=html">ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः</a> <a href="http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm">ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">'Vetala Panchavimshati' ( Sanskrit : <span lang="sa">'वेतालपञ्चविंशति'</span> ) or Tamil : 'Vethaalam Chonna Kathai' /or <a href="https://hi.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2_%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%9A%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%80">Hindi : 'Baital Pachisi</a>' / or English : 'Vikram & Vampire' (Meaning : "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Vetala_Tales"><i>Twenty-five (tales) of Vetala</i></a>"), is a collection of 25 tales and legends within a frame story from ancient India. It was originally written in Sanskrit, one of India's classical languages. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The story is about the mighty courageous & most chivalrous legendary king of ancient India, King Vikramaditya & the Vampire / <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pishacha">Pishacha</a> Vetala. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=vetal+pachisi&i=stripbooks&crid=J5J2THQATLCI&sprefix=vetal+pachisi%2Cstripbooks%2C292&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_13"><span style="font-size: large;">'Vikram Vetal' in Hindi on Amazon India</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=vikram+and+betal+story+books&crid=3LD9A6ODIIOYO&qid=1558637670&sprefix=vikram%2Caps%2C297&ref=sr_pg_1">English Books on 'Vikram Vetal' on Amazon India : Click here to buy</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=vikram+and+the+vampire&i=stripbooks&crid=1WQPOR4EO1LC2&sprefix=Vikram+and+the+Vampire%2Cdigital-text%2C856&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_22"><span style="font-size: large;">'Vikram & the Vampire' on Amazon India, including books by Sir Richard Burton : Click to buy</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jO6-yRXLBqzS1_G-8KR8UwVxHWIXhhm80XLZWt4Tie-RcyIZuUv7__WrcaU07WJZFOQ7e0RRCw0qjFC-20z7ROOjS77GB9EOqmuRVdL75beUnDwrh8zwdDdlVSwZVyRi79vR_8oTmag/s1600/vetaal+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="410" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jO6-yRXLBqzS1_G-8KR8UwVxHWIXhhm80XLZWt4Tie-RcyIZuUv7__WrcaU07WJZFOQ7e0RRCw0qjFC-20z7ROOjS77GB9EOqmuRVdL75beUnDwrh8zwdDdlVSwZVyRi79vR_8oTmag/s320/vetaal+1.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=vetal+pachisi&i=stripbooks&crid=J5J2THQATLCI&sprefix=vetal+pachisi%2Cstripbooks%2C292&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_13"><span style="font-size: large;">Vikram Vetal in Hindi on Amazon India</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=vikram+and+betal+story+books&crid=3LD9A6ODIIOYO&qid=1558637670&sprefix=vikram%2Caps%2C297&ref=sr_pg_1">English Books on Vikram Vetal on Amazon India : Click here to buy</a></span></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=vikram+and+the+vampire&i=stripbooks&crid=1WQPOR4EO1LC2&sprefix=Vikram+and+the+Vampire%2Cdigital-text%2C856&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_22"><span style="font-size: large;">'Vikram & the Vampire' on Amazon India, including books by Sir Richard Burton : Click to buy</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=vikram+and+betal+story+books&crid=3LD9A6ODIIOYO&qid=1558637670&sprefix=vikram%2Caps%2C297&ref=sr_pg_1">English Books on Vikram Vetal on Amazon India : Click here to buy</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=vikram+and+the+vampire&i=stripbooks&crid=1WQPOR4EO1LC2&sprefix=Vikram+and+the+Vampire%2Cdigital-text%2C856&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_22"><span style="font-size: large;">'Vikram & the Vampire' on Amazon India, including books by Sir Richard Burton : Click to buy</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=vetal+pachisi&i=stripbooks&crid=J5J2THQATLCI&sprefix=vetal+pachisi%2Cstripbooks%2C292&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_13"><span style="font-size: large;">Vikram Vetal in Hindi on Amazon India</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=vikram+and+betal+story+books&crid=3LD9A6ODIIOYO&qid=1558637670&sprefix=vikram%2Caps%2C297&ref=sr_pg_1">English Books on Vikram Vetal on Amazon India : Click here to buy</a></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=vikram+and+the+vampire&i=stripbooks&crid=1WQPOR4EO1LC2&sprefix=Vikram+and+the+Vampire%2Cdigital-text%2C856&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_22"><span style="font-size: large;">'Vikram & the Vampire' on Amazon India, including books by Sir Richard Burton : Click to buy</span></a></div>
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<span class="a-size-extra-large" id="ebooksProductTitle"><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Vikram-Vampire-Illustrated-Tales-Devilry-ebook/dp/B00UVR16PU"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy Vikram and the Vampire (Illustrated): Tales of Hindu Devilry
</span></a></span><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Vikram-Vampire-Illustrated-Tales-Devilry-ebook/dp/B00UVR16PU"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
<span class="a-size-large a-color-secondary a-text-normal">
Kindle Edition</span> by
</span></span></a><span class="author notFaded" data-width=""><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Vikram-Vampire-Illustrated-Tales-Devilry-ebook/dp/B00UVR16PU"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a class="a-link-normal" href="https://www.blogger.com/null">Richard F. Burton</a>
</span></span><span class="contribution"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Vikram-Vampire-Illustrated-Tales-Devilry-ebook/dp/B00UVR16PU"> (Author) on Amazon India</a></span></span>
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<a class="a-link-normal a-text-normal" href="https://www.amazon.in/Vikram-Vampire-Illustrated-Richard-Burton-ebook/dp/B00UW1VM4U/ref=sr_1_14?keywords=Vetala&qid=1558637895&s=books&sr=1-14" target="_blank">
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-base a-text-normal">Vikram and the Vampire (Illustrated) </span></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="a-size-base">by </span><span class="a-size-base">Richard F. Burton</span><span class="a-size-base"> and </span><span class="a-size-base">Ernest Griset on Amazon</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=vikram+and+the+vampire&i=stripbooks&crid=1WQPOR4EO1LC2&sprefix=Vikram+and+the+Vampire%2Cdigital-text%2C856&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_22"><span style="font-size: large;">'Vikram & the Vampire' on Amazon India, including books by Sir Richard Burton : Click to buy</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikramaditya">Vikramaditya</a> was a legendary emperor of ancient India.
Often characterized as an ideal king, he is known for his generosity,
immense courage, and patronage of scholars. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">According to popular tradition, Vikramaditya began the Indian era <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikrama_Samvat" title="Vikrama Samvat">Vikrama Samvat</a> in 57 BCE. Other scholars believe that
Vikramaditya is a mythical character, since several legends about him
are so fantastic in nature. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Whatever said and done, </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">'Vetala Panchavimshati'</span> is a collection of enjoyable ancient stories of immense wit & wisdom, and of course courage too, and is a MUST READ for children & grown-ups alike. In fact, in this 21st century, we should have fun-filled cartoons and animation movies made for children, based on such witty & wisdom-rich stories </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">written by the wise ancients, for imparting practical wisdom, courage & quick wit to the readers</span>, instead of showing the children some silly show or serial just for pure entertainment, where one gains nothing other than giggling for a few minutes, and of course some amusement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Vetala stories are extremely popular in India, and have been translated into many Indian languages. Several English translations too exist, based on the original Sanskrit literature, and also basedon Hindi, Tamil, Bengali and Marathi versions. The best-known English version is perhaps that by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Francis_Burton" title="Richard Francis Burton">Sir Richard Francis Burton</a> which, however, is not a translation, but a very free adaptation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Vetala_Tales" title="List of Vetala Tales">List of the 25 Vetala Tales from </a></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Vetala_Tales" title="List of Vetala Tales"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Vetala Panchavimshati</b></i></span> </span></a> taken from the <a href="http://www.sanskrit.nic.in/about_sanskrit.php">Grand & Inexhaustible Sanskrit literature of India</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The legendary king <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikram%C4%81ditya" title="Vikramāditya">Vikramāditya</a> promises a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantra" title="Tantra">Tantric</a> sorcerer that he will capture a <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetala" title="Vetala">Vetala</a></i> , a celestial spirit, a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pishacha" title="Pishacha">Pishacha</a>, a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vampire" title="Vampire">Vampire</a> in the language of Western literature, who hangs upside-down from a tree and inhabits and animates dead bodies.
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<span style="font-size: large;">King Vikrama faces many difficulties in bringing the Vetala to
the Tantric. Each time Vikrama tries to capture the Vetala, it tells a
story that ends with a riddle. If Vikrama cannot answer the question in the riddle
correctly, the Vampire consents to remain in captivity. If the king
knows the answer but still keeps quiet, then his head would burst into
thousand pieces, warned the Vetala. And if the King answers the questions correctly, the Vampire would escape and return to his tree. Vikrama knows the answer to
every question. Therefore the cycle of catching and releasing the Vampire continues twenty-four times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">During the twenty-fifth attempt, the Vetala tells the story of a father
and a son in the aftermath of a devastating war. The Vetala puts before the King one more riddle as usual. The question stumps Vikrama. Satisfied, the Vetala allows himself to be taken to the Tantric ( Practitioner of Hindu <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantra">Tantra</a>).
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<span style="font-size: large;">On their way to the Tantric, Vetala tells the King his unfortunate story of how he became a Vetala. </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=vetal+pachisi&i=stripbooks&crid=J5J2THQATLCI&sprefix=vetal+pachisi%2Cstripbooks%2C292&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_13"><span style="font-size: large;">'Vikram Vetal' in Hindi on Amazon India</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=vikram+and+betal+story+books&crid=3LD9A6ODIIOYO&qid=1558637670&sprefix=vikram%2Caps%2C297&ref=sr_pg_1">English Books on 'Vikram Vetal' on Amazon India : Click here to buy</a></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=vikram+and+the+vampire&i=stripbooks&crid=1WQPOR4EO1LC2&sprefix=Vikram+and+the+Vampire%2Cdigital-text%2C856&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_22"><span style="font-size: large;">'Vikram & the Vampire' on Amazon India, including books by Sir Richard Burton : Click to buy</span></a></div>
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Mala Chandrashekharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520769931182267647noreply@blogger.com6