Voluntary Assisted Dying and Hindu Council of Australia

By: Surinder Jain. Voluntary assisted dying schemes have been in effect in the following states; -Victoria since 19 June 2019, -Western Australia since 1 July 2021, -Tasmania since 23 October 2022, -Queensland since 1 January 2023, -South Australia since 31 January 2023 and -New South Wales since 28 November 2023. [1] An eligible person can […]

Did Shri Ram use Brahmastra on a crow?

Do you know that Shri Ram used Brahmastr on a little crow? There is a proverb called  ‘Brahmastra on a crow’ Hard to believe is it? Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram using a weapon, that too Brahmstra on a crow? No way. But Valmiki Ramayan says yes. While Shri Ram and Sita Devi were in exile, […]

How a Maharishe’s wife Kandali became Kadali Phalam

Many of you must be wondering what is Kadali Phalam. Many of us know the word at least from the Hindu rituals where we present Kadali Phalam to Bhagwan as Naivedyam. Let’s find out. This is a story that tells us that excessive anger, short temper and desire never have a good ending. In ancient […]

Vedas: The 4 Vedas in Hindi, English, Telugu | PDF Download

BY SUNIL DAMAN The Vedas are among the oldest sacred texts in the world. Composed in the dawn of human philosophy and thought, they are an integral part of humanity’s history. Below are the links to download the 4 Vedas as PDF, in English, Hindi and Telugu. Related Images:

The Fusion of the Mystical and the Aesthetic in Tripurasundarī

Saundaryalaharī (SL), a devotional poem traditionally attributed to Śaṅkara, is one of the most revered and widely read texts with Tantric content. (…) The text is essentially Tantric, with its central theme being the glorification of the goddess Tripurā. Composed in light of Śākta non-dualism, the text integrates elements from Kubjikā practice into Tripurā worship*. […]

The myth of Śiva and Pārvatī

A reading of the classiccal myth of the wedding of Śiva and Pārvatī from the outlook of contemporary global concerns over humanity’s relationship with nature. The myth of Śiva and Pārvatī can also confront the separation of the body and the self, the emotional and the intellectual, and nature and humankind. As a primitive awakens […]

Lord Amr̥teśa and the Tantric paradigms of healing and disease

A consideration of Tantric paradigms of healing and disease in the worship of Lord Amr̥teśa, according to Netra Tantra The highest goal of the Tantras is liberation through self-realisation. In the non-dual Tantric paradigm, this process is described in terms of self-recognition (pratyabhijñā). In the state of realisation, the practitioner experiences himself as Śiva, the […]

Siddhilakṣmī and Nepalese Sarvāmnāya Tantra

In what follows, we read an excerpt from an article by Śaivācārya Sthaneshwar Timalsina in which he describes features of the Tantric worship of Siddhilakṣmī, which ties together the traditions of Kashmir and Nepal. Although a goddess of prosperity, Siddhilakṣmī is neither the smiling goddess sitting atop a lotus nor is she a mahāvidyā deity, […]

Dangerous Hybridisation of Hate Against Hindus Globally, Says US-based Research Organisation

There is now a dangerous hybridisation of hate against the Hindu community, a US-based scientific research organisation has said, citing the increasing attacks on them in this country and various parts of the world. We’ve seen that there’s been a growth of over 1,000 per cent and anti-Hindu slurs are stoking fears of replacement mixing […]

His prayers of worship to Lord Bhairava

Manifesting [the highest wisdom] to those filled with devotion [with the instruction], “Those of you taking refuge in the foundation of consciousness! Rest on the glory of consciousness [and] do not wander in vain;” victorious is Śiva, skilled in bestowing grace. Related Images:

The 5 Mahārtha Levels of Mastery – Vimarsha Foundation

In what follows, we read Lilian Silburn describing the classification of five levels of Siddhas or perfected beings as comprehended in the Mahārtha philosophy, which is the central view adopted by Nepalese Sarvāmnāya Tantra. Related Images:

9 things to know about Navaratri

9 things to know about Navaratri By Syama Allard October 16, 2020       1) Navaratri celebrates the Feminine Divine A nine-night festival during the Hindu month of Ashwin, Navaratri is a celebration of the Feminine Divine. According to the Vedas, everyone and everything originates from an absolute spiritual source referred to as Brahman (Divine), which is both the […]

Dialogue with Death – Katha Upanishad Lecture Series – Sunday 10 October

Sunday 10 October: 11 am to 12.30 pm A monthly lecture series from April to November 2021 Event available live via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81443035940?pwd=ME93eDF2VUZadWd2OWpScGVHa0RPdz09  and recorded and uploaded later to the Vedanta Society of NSW YouTube Channel Program: Talk/ PowerPoint Presentation by Pravrajika Sridharaprana, a senior nun of the Ramakrishna Order Q & A/ Discussion THEME: […]

6 Things You Need to Know About the Symbolism of the Swastika

The swastika is a symbol as old as humanity itself, one which to this day, despite it being confused with the hateful Nazi emblem, has a powerful positive message. We’ve gone over some of that history in 10 Things You Need to Know About the Swastika. Here’s a bit more on the symbolism of the swastika […]

Colonial Hinduism Vs Indigenous Hindutva: Understanding narratives

Of all the Indian words that have been misused the most in the global polity are “Hinduism” & “Hindutva”. Even literature laureates like Mr Shashi Tharoor have murdered the basis of language to suffocate the truth of the two terms. There is a long list of people who have followed the same track. And I must mind […]

Modern Civil Law Systems and Manu Smriti

Many modern Civil Law Systems in Europe and elsewhere are heavily influenced by Roman law. The civil law system is the most widespread system of law in the world, in force in various forms in about 150 countries. In a civil law system, a judge merely establishes the facts of the case and applies remedies […]

A short story – The Black One

By: Jitendra Damudre. Teacher…. Teacher come quickly, the boys in the playground are fighting. The teachers soon rushed to the playground to stop the fight. A gang of students were pushing the boy around, whilst another young boy was trying to save the victim’s glasses. Seeing the teachers approach the scene, the perpetrators ran off, […]

India’s Glorious Scientific Tradition

By: Vijai Singhal. “ We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made.” _ Albert Einstein Most people feel that the first rays of science broke out in the west and thus started the wheel of development in the world. Hence […]

Using Movies to Make Hindu Philosophy More Accessible

There are many Indian movies (e.g., Anand made in the 1971) that clearly have many aspects of Hindu philosophy. However, this is not relevant for those who have been brought up here in Australia. There are many Hollywood movies that can be used instead. While certain directors like George Lucas and Christopher Nolan have acknowledged […]

Lessons from the story about Trishanku

In the Ramayana there is the story of the noble king Trishanku. Because Trishanku was a good king, his soul was eligible to enter Devalok. However, he wanted to enter it with his body and requested the sage Vasishtha to perform the yagna to enable this. Vasishtha refused to do so because it was against […]

How to be a good student: Lessons from the Brahmasutras

Writings such as the Brahmasutras are focused on explaining the spiritual aspects of life. Such discussions are of little interest to those who are young (e.g., in school or university). However, these ideas can easily be applied to all students. Given below are some of these ideas from the Brahmasutras. The Brahmasutras define the necessary […]

Aboriginal Spirituality and Hindu Faith

Aboriginal spirituality and Hindu Faith Australian aborigines claim to have lived here for over 50,000 years. Some estimates put it even to 65,000 years. Also, a study in 2013 at the Max Planck Institute by researchers, led by Irina Pugach suggested that Aboriginal genomes consist of up to 11% Indian DNA which is uniformly spread […]

Why Hindus don’t eat NON-VEG food?

There are three qualities in food; सत्व, रजस् & तमस्। In our body too there are these three qualities & powers. Lets see what does these qualities do, 1. सत्व ( the quality of goodness): The food which are good in quality comes under सत्व. It is stated in the Bhagavad Geeta that, आयु:सत्त्वबलारोग्यसुखप्रीतिविवर्धना: । […]

Why do Hindus blow Conch to start their prayers

According to our ancient scriptures, the conch (शंख) was the first thing that came out during the Churning of ocean (समुद्रमन्थन) by the Deities and Shri Vishnu held it in the form of weapon. The specialty of conch (शंख) is that the vibrations emanating on blowing it destroys the disease causing germs in the atmosphere. That is the reason it has […]

Hindu Scriptures and Practical Living – four Purusharthas

Hindu philosophy often focuses on Moksha (liberation or salvation). This is often combined with the idea of renunciation or giving up one’s desires. Technically, Hinduism does not advocate renunciation in the sense of giving up. When one is forced to give up things, the pent-up desires do not go away. In fact, such actions can […]

Why do Hindus Ring Bells in their temples?

Every ritual & tradition of Hindu culture has a deep meaning in it. The things used during puja rituals play very important role in healing the body, mind & soul. During your visit to temples & puja ceremonies you must have witnessed ringing bell. Bell popularly known as ghant or ghanti in Sanskrit. Ghanti is […]

Bharatiya Mathematics

Bharatiya Mathematics The history of mathematics in India goes back over 3000 years. The ancient Indian mathematical works were composed in sūtras in Sanskrit language in verse form to aid memorization. These were followed by prose commentary that explained the problem in more details and provided justification for the solution. All mathematical works were orally […]

Nature of God in Hinduism

An all-powerful (omnipotent) God, who is also benevolent, raises major questions. These include the following: 1. Why does a benevolent God allow evil or apparent injustice to exist? 2. Why did a perfect God create flawed beings? 3. If such a God controls everything do we have free will and, if so, why are humans […]

Reawakening of the Hindu Faith

https://swarajyamag.com/politics/reawakening-of-pagan-india-and-the-challenge-it-can-pose-to-abrahamic-worldviews-part-i A very interesting and informative article about the reawakening of the Hindu Faith with the reestablishment of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. INDIA, September 4, 2020 (Swarajyamag by George Thundiparambil): The spiritual reversal that is evident in the rebuilding of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya perhaps physically signals the redemption of the human evolutionary […]

Ramayan – its cultural footprint around the globe

Ramayan is one of the world’s great epics containing some 24,000 verses. The Valmiki Ramayan was supposed to have been composed in 5th century BCE as per modern historians. But probably it began in India some 7000 years ago or earlier, relating to the story of Ram, a Hindu incarnation of God, who was born […]

Making Chanting Shlokas Relevant

These days most people question the reason why we perform various rituals, e.g., chanting various Shlokas. Asking them to “just do it” or not providing believable explanation will only result in them viewing these rituals with disdain. For example, explaining that one chants Shlokas to appease God so that one can get some immediate reward […]

Why Hindus do Circumambulation (प्रदक्षिणा) around the Deity?

Hinduism is the oldest Civilization & only one which is based on Science. In Hinduism whatever is practiced is not only based on beliefs but there are scientific reasons behind each & every tradition. All of us visit temple & has done Circumambulation (प्रदक्षिणा) around the Deity & temple. Walking around the innermost chamber of […]

Creating a Space for Meditation: Considerations for all Senses

Rather than make our lives more relaxed and more simple, technology seems to have complicated them. We seem to always be connected through texts, calls, emails and social media. There may be instant messages from our employers to respond to. In addition, many people get news and weather alerts directly sent to their smartphones. Today, […]

The God-centricity of Hinduism

Hinduism is like the galaxy, which offers a variety of beautiful designs across its canvas but is made from the same elements. Almost all the customs, opinions, and learning in Hinduism revolve around the Divine, better known in contemporary Hinduism as Sita-Rama or Parvati-Shiva. This God-centricity of Hinduism should not be a surprise, for reaching […]

Goswami Tulsidas

One of the greatest poets in Hindi, Indian, and world literature. Goswami Tulsidas was a Ramanandi Vaishnava saint and poet, renowned for his devotion to the deity Rama. He wrote several popular works in Sanskrit and Awadhi, but is best known as the author of the epic Ramcharitmanas, a retelling of the Sanskrit Ramayana based […]

Hinduism and its relations to Buddhism

Hindu Council of Australia was invited by the Nan Tien Institute, which is a part of the Nan Tien Buddhist Temple in Wollongong to give a talk on the topic of Hinduism and its relations to Buddhism as a part of their postgraduate course ABS920 Buddhism and Inter-religious Study. The presentations were made online using […]

Repository of Hindu Scriptures

By: Viaji Singhal. This is a unique website is created by the IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Kanpur. It contains repository of Hindu Scriptures that includes Gita, Ramcharitamanas, Valmiki Ramayan, Brahma Sutra, main 11 Upanishads, Yoga Sutra and some more. The original text is given in Sanskrit with transliteration in 11 different Indian languages. There […]

Yogic Science of Wellbeing during Pandemic

By: Vijai Singhal. In these times of complete lockdown due to Coronavirus we have to keep ourselves mentally and physically active for our own wellbeing. Yoga provides a complete science of physical, mental and spiritual practices that would help us to live a healthy, happy and meaningful life and in the end help to attain […]

A history of Yoga

The understanding of yoga has evolved in many directions since its origin, thousands of years ago, making the history of yoga fascinating to examine. Today, our collective understanding of yoga is based on the fact that we find a studio on nearly every block. It’s based on the love of yoga wear and gear, which […]

JAGADHATRI DEVI and her blessings.

INTRODUCTION Jagadhatri is another form of Devi Durga, who is worshipped mostly in West Bengal and Odisha. It is believed that once she controlled the ego of the demi gods and told to them that she was the UNIVERSAL GODDESS, and everything was controlled by her, and Goddess took her original divine form as Goddess […]

AKASH RAJ and his blessings.

INTRODUCTION Sky God called as Dyaus Pitr in Sanskrit is the vedic deity of Hinduism. He is considered as one among the eight vasus, the divine attendants of Lord Indra. He is also called as “AKASH RAJ”. His vehicle is cow. He is the god of heaven and the god of sky. He controls the […]

MATA USHAS and her blessings.

INTRODUCTION Ushas is a goddess of dawn in Hinduism. She is mentioned in the Rigveda. She is giving the life for all the living creatures of the entire universe and makes us to breathe properly, and gives a sound mind and a sound body. Ushas is considered as a powerful goddess in the Rig Veda […]

NORTH INDIAN TEMPLES

DETAILS OF NORTH INDIAN TEMPLES IMPORTANT NORTH INDIAN TEMPLES 1.Baijnath Temple It is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to ancient history,the Shiva Lingam in Baijnath temple is brought by Ravana. He worshipped Lord Shiva, and Lord Shiva got impressed with him. Hence, Lord Shiva blessed him and took the form of shiva-linga. […]

Ayodhya Verdict – a landmark for human history

By: Surinder Jain. A five hundred year old wrong has been done right by the supreme court of India. Bhagwan Ram’s birth place will have a temple, even more magnificent, than what was destroyed in the fifteenth century by foreign fanatic invaders. Ram is an Avataar of Lord Vishnu, God who sustains the world. There […]

Oral Hygiene and Ayurveda

Ensured Oral Hygiene with Triphala Mouth Wash As the saying goes, “Better teeth, better health”. It not only enlightens us about the importance of teeth but the entire oral hygiene. Oral hygiene is important as it has a direct link to- • Memory loss • Diabetes or conditions with uncontrolled blood sugar • Kidney disorders […]

Anti-Hindu psuedo-Secularism of India

By: Shashi Holla, WA. Hindu phobic Secularism of India – A wonder of Modern World WHAT IS SECULARISM? Secularism is neither universal nor golden standard in the contemporary world. There are many non-secular states predominantly Islamic countries, Israel, the Vatican, and so forth. They enjoy equal clout in international affairs without being reduced to second-grade […]

Shree Rama

By: Veera Lavoji. Why Sree Raama Raajya should be our guiding model is because IT Inspires us to attain that level of greatness which he himself has reached. There is an episode in the Ramayana when Ravana is asked, “When you are such a great maayavi, why don’t you appear in front of Sita in […]

Articles by Sri Shuddhaanandaa Brahmachari

When we live a soul-cen­tered life we be­come a happy per­son, for to be with the spirit is to be in peace and con­tent­ment. If we live a ma­te­ri­ally en­grossed life, we face the storms of life with­out an an­chor. Our spir­i­tual be­ing, or soul, is the an­chor. Only a spir­i­tu­ally awak­ened per­son can dis­crim­i­nate […]

Fasting in my religion

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Australia had organized an Interfaith Event “Fasting in My Religion” on 25th May at Merrylands. The event was attended and addressed by various community members Sathya Kishore Babu Koodala – South Indian Religious Community, Nicholas Cherniakoff – Russian School, Murtaza Poonawala – Dawoodi Bohra Muslim Community, Imam Imtiaz Ahmed Naveed Sahib […]

The Hidden Face of God

By: Vijai Singhal, Director, Hindu Council of Australia. Millions of households had plunged into darkness after Cyclone Fani, which had packed wind-speeds of about 200 kmph, made a landfall in the State of Odisha on 3 May 2019. Almost a million people from the state were evacuated to nearly 5,000 temporary shelters hours before its […]

Discourse of Dr RVSS Avadhanulu, Canberra Chapter, HCA

Written By: Santosh Gupta. Photos by : Bibhuti Panda. Video by : Mitra Desai. Hindu Council of Australia, Canberra Chapter, organised a discourse of Dr RVSS Avadhanulu, an Eminent Vedic Scholar & Founder of Shri Veda Bharati, on the Scientific Aspects in Vedas and Shastras on 19 May 2019 at the Hindu Temple & Cultural […]

Educational Heritage of Ancient India : A Talk by Sahana Singh

The Educational Heritage of Ancient India: How an Ecosystem of Learning Was Laid to Waste.

Catholics ask Hindu Council to help train their teachers on Hinduism

Mr Vijai Singhal, Director, Hindu Council of Australia was invited by the Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta to make a presentation to the teachers of Religious Studies in their Catholic schools teaching Studies of Religion to the HSC students in their Secondary schools last Thursday, 4th April, 2019.  The topics covered were: Ethical teachings in Hinduism, […]

Superme Being in my Faith

By: Bharathi R. Bharathi  attended interfaith Symposium organised by Ahmadiyaa Muslim association and presented on topic “Supreme Being in my Faith”. There were total 6 speakers representing  Christian, Muslim, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism and Bharathi represented Hinduism . Over 120 people attended the event which was fully organised by Women for women. This is the second […]

Happy Hindu New Year to all

6th April 2019 – Happy Hindu New year to you all    The first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month of Chaitra. Diverse India celebrates Hindu New Year with many different names and traditions.   However, this is not the universal new year for all Hindus. For some, such as those in and near Gujarat, […]

Basic teachings of Hindu Scriptures (Part One)

By: Rasamandala Das (ISKCON). The aim of Hindu Scriptures is to gradually elevate man from a state of ignorance (tamas) to a state of pure goodness (çuddha-sattva). Ignorance is opposed to goodness. In ignorance, affected by material desires, anger, hate and greed, one becomes illusioned. An illusioned man cannot understand what is what. Instead of […]

The forgotten history of Hinduism in China

  Hinduism in China There are age old instances of cultural links between India and China. There were numerous scholars and travelers who travelled to India, for the sole purpose of being able to renew their educational standpoints. Many are unaware that Chinese culture has been inter-twined with Hindu roots and this can be traced […]

Everything you need to know about Holi festival in India

Click here to view original web page at Everything you need to know about Holi festival in India AKIPRESS.COM – Hindus will celebrate Holi, also known as “The Festival of Colours.” The religious festival is intended to welcome the arrival of spring whilst also celebrating fertility, colour and love. Celebrated mainly in India and Nepal, […]

Holi Festival 2019: What is the Indian Festival of Colours? Why do Hindus celebrate it?

Click here to view original web page at Holi Festival 2019: What is the Indian Festival of Colours? Why do Hindus celebrate it? The religious festival is intended to welcome the arrival of spring whilst also celebrating fertility, colour and love. Celebrated mainly in India and Nepal , worshippers mark the event by throwing colourful […]

Pakistan lawmaker says ‘Hindus are our enemy’, draws ire

Click here to view original web page at Pakistan lawmaker says ‘Hindus are our enemy’, draws ire Later, the assembly members took both the protesting Members of Provincial Assembly into confidence and brought them back to the session. Members representing the minority community at a provincial assembly in Pakistan walked out of the session after […]

Holi 2019: Wishes, Quotes and Messages to Celebrate the Hindu Spring Festival

Click here to view original web page at Holi 2019: Wishes, Quotes and Messages to Celebrate the Hindu Spring Festival The religious festival of Holi, known as “the festival of color” or “the festival of love”, is one of the most important dates in the Hindu calendar. The day and night of celebrations surrounding the […]

VIEWPOINT: Discovering Hinduism in Āratī

Click here to view original web page at VIEWPOINT: Discovering Hinduism in Āratī Each Sunday evening as I enter Georgetown University’s Jewish prayer room, Makóm, for weekly Āratī , herbal incense and the soft hum of the harmonium greet me. After I grab a comfortable pillow and find a spot, I close my eyes and […]

History of Hinduism in Sindh from ancient times

Click here to view original web page at History of Hinduism in Sindh from ancient times and why Sindh belongs to India Sindh: It is a southeastern state of Pakistan with its capital in Karachi. The name Sindh drives from the Sanskrit word Sindhu which is a river crossing both countries Pakistan and India. The […]

Sri Ramakrishna Birthday Celebration

The pulsating, ancient sound of Vedic Chanting by the Vedanta Society Nuns launched this year’s public celebration of Sri Ramakrishna’s birthday celebration at Vedanta Hall. In his introductory comments to a panel session on Joy of Spirituality in the Light of Sri Ramakrishna’s Life and Message, Robert Grant observed that: “We’re surrounded by complicated, obsessive […]

It is not so cool – Being Shiva

Grief-stricken Shiva sat next to a funeral pyre, sobbing… crying his heart out; perhaps this was the only reminder of the warmth, which Sati provided Him. The haunting memories of carrying Sati’s body, set ablaze in His arms, roaming across the World, made Him restless. He was angry when Vishnu cut Sati’s body into 51 […]

Hindus are the most tolerant says Pew Research

Hindus are the most tolerant according to @pewresearch Hinduism is a way of life which also accommodates atheist. You can be Hindu and atheist both. https://t.co/YiCu9dJe4C — Priya Kulkarni (@priyaakulkarni2) March 8, 2019 The Spectator Index @spectatorindex Believe religion is ‘very important’. Jehovah’s Witness: 90% Mormon: 84% Evangelical: 79% Muslim: 64% Catholic: 58% Orthodox Christian: […]

How Bali’s non-Hindus show religious tolerance and respect on Nyepi

Click here to view original web page at How Bali’s non-Hindus show religious tolerance and respect on Nyepi Western tourists are not the only people in Bali expected to accommodate the Hindu holiday of Nyepi, which took place yesterday, marking the first day of the Balinese New Year with a full 24 hours of quiet […]

Scores of devotees visit Nepal’s Pashupatinath temple on Mahashivaratri

Devotees at Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu (Nepal) Kathmandu [ Nepal ], Mar 4 (ANI): Thousands of devotees thronged Pashupatinath temple here on Monday on the occasion of Mahashivaratri. The Indian Ambassador also visited the Pashupatinath temple to offer prayers. The Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) is expecting about one million […] Click here to view original […]

Book Review – Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples

This book ought to be part of every Indian’s library, not in order to embarrass present-day Muslims who had nothing to do with the desecration of temples, but as a reminder of the damage done to truth by Left-wing historians. The cover of Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples: Episodes from Indian History by […]

Java Hindus celebrate Hindu Festival Melasti

By:Aman Rochman. Thousands of members of the Hindu Tengger community, who live on the slopes of Mount Bromo, carried offerings, heirlooms and other items to the Widodaren spring to perform the Melasti ceremony on Sunday, March 3, 2019 . Hindus will perform an ogoh-ogoh (giant effigy) parade on Wednesday afternoon and then perform Nyepi on […]

Best Shivratri Quotes And Greetings to Celebrate The Day of Lord Shiva

Happy Mahashivratri 2019: Best Shivratri SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook Quotes And Messages to Send to Your Loved Ones Mahashivratri is the ‘Great Night of Shiva’ and this festival will be celebrated on March 4 this year. This auspicious Hindu festival falls on the 13th night and 14th day of the  […] Click here to view original […]

Holi its significance and how is it celebrated?

In March this year, people around the world will celebrate the Hindu festival of Holi, also known as the “Festival of Colours”. Observed for centuries, the festival is a jubilant occasion that sees Hindus create bonfires and cover each other in rainbow-hued powder to commemorate the beginning of spring.  From the festival’s significance to how […]

Why You Should Perform Rudra Abhishek This Maha Shivaratri

Why is Maha Shivratri celebrated? Maha Shivratri, which literally translates to “great night of Shiva” is a Hindu festival largely celebrated in India as well as in Nepal. The festival is celebrated on the new moon day in the month of Maagha according to the Hindu calendar. The day […] Click here to view original […]

Finding himself in festivals – Book review

Blogger-turned-author Chithiraveethikaran talks about his fascination for festivals and his first book Thiruvizhakkalin Thalainagaram Madurai It was the night before Lord Kallazhagar’s entry into the Vaigai and the blinding lights made Madurai look like the moon on earth. Men dressed in the attire of guardian deities, danced around the […] Click here to view original […]

Hindu holy festival Kumbh Mela attracts 150 million visitors

A Naga Sadhu or a Hindu holy man is covered in ashes as he participates in a procession before the second “Shahi Snan” (grand bath) at “Kumbh Mela” or the Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, previously known as Allahabad, India, February 4, 2019.. (photo credit: ADNAN ABIDI/ REUTERS) Prayagraj [Allahabad] […] Click here to view original […]

Bali’s Annual “Silent Day” Needs To Be On Everyone’s Bucket List

Wondering when’s the best time to visit Bali? Many will say it’s during the dry season April through October, but according to Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan and Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, the best month is March for the unique Balinese-Hindu New Year, known as […] Click here to view original […]

The Unconventional Groom

Author: Jiten Damudre. The sight of Shiva riding a bull, his mount Nandi, smeared in ashes, bedecked with a garland of skulls, smoking a pot, and a mere tiger skin as a loin cloth for his wedding, left Parvati’s parents Himavat and Mena in a state of shock and embarrassment. Mena – Parvati’s mother, was […]

Diversity of Hindu Gods

By : Bharani Bussari and Surinder Jain. Introduction “Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti” is a Sutra from Upanishads meaning,  “That which exists is ONE, sages call it by various names.”  This is the reason why Hindus are tolerant and accept diversity. Many young Hindus and Indians get confused with the diverse concepts of different Gods […]

The Division of Vedic Literature

By : Pandit Rami. Charts of Sanskrit Literature. The Vedas, vedangas, dharam shastras and puranas.       Related Images:

Menstruation is Far From Taboo in Hinduism

By: Sunila Goray Raj (edited by : Surinder Jain) Menstruation is Far From Taboo in Hinduism.   There is so much to be said about it all – but here I only want to focus on the leftist’s latest favorite topic : Menstruation.   A survey conducted in USA in 1981 showed that a substantial […]

Religious freedom collides with anti-discrimination laws in Australia

By: Surinder Jain. Religious freedom is fundamental to Australian identity said the Australian Prime minister Scott Morrison. And Australians voted in favor of anti-discrimination laws to protect the rights of LGBT only recently. One would think that both are laudable achievements for Australia, but the future of religious freedom does not look so rosy. A […]

Book Review – Hinduism and Nature

By : www.arc.org. Penguin India publishes important new book on Hinduism and Nature   We have just received our copy of Penguin India on Hinduism and Nature by historian, environmentalist (and good friend of ARC) Dr Nanditha Krishna. The book, published by Penguin India, is about the mythical stories and religious significance of many forests […]

Bioethics – a Hindu Perspective

By : Dr Raj Maheshwari. (The following is an abstract of the talk delivered by the author at the conference on “Core Ethical Teachings” at NSW Parliament House on 4 March 2011). Dr Raj MaheshwariForensic Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist at St John of God Health CareSydney, Australia Bioethics addresses specific ethical issues relating to science and […]

Santana Sikh of Potohar Pakistan

Baba Khem Singh Bedi Mahal Kallar Syedan Pakistan November 19, 2018 WIK Comments 0 Comment   By : Wali Imran Khalil   Baba Khem Singh Bedi (1832-1905) of Bedi Mahal, Kallar Syedan was the influential Sikh leader of the traditional “Santana” order in Potohar region, Pakistan.( Sangini fort at Kallar Sayedan is also worth seeing).Being 13th in […]

Clean and Healthy Planet, the Hindu way

By : Vijai Singhal. Īśāvāsyam idaṁsarvaṁyatkiñcajagatyāṁjagat; Tena tyaktenabhuñjīthāḥ, mā gṛdhaḥ kasya svid dhanam.  – (Isa Upanishad, Verse 1) “Everything animate or inanimate in this universe is pervaded by God. Take whatever you need for your sustenance without the sense of ownership. Do not covet the wealth of anyone.” Consumerism is the basic cause of climate change. Our economic model […]

Significance of Sri Sitarama Bhadrachalam

रामो रामो राम इति प्रजनामभवन् कथााः | रामभूिं जिभूद्रमे राज्यं प्रशासति । तनत्यपश्ु पा तनत्यफलास्िरवस्र तनर्व्नर ााः | कामवशी च पजन्र याः सखु स्पशश्र च मारुिाः । Sri Vaalmeeki Ramayana – Yuddha Kanda – CXXVIII. 103, 104 Under Sri Rama’s rule, people rejoiced everywhere hailing Rama ! Rama! Rama! in jubilation and recounting his deeds; […]

Caste System in India and UK

An expose of Caste System in India and in UK by Karolina Goswami. Related Images:

Hindu History of Afghanistan

Hinduism today is only followed in India and small percentage of people in few other countries. But the Hindu kingdom until 900 CE was spread to a vast area including Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Yes, Afghanistan was a Hindu kingdom which was dominated by Hindus and Buddhists. The Muslim invasion of the Hindu region began […]

Jalaram Bapa a saint from Virpur

A once mighty civilization that India was, it continues to produce men and women of exceptional abilities from time to time and from place to place. The land of Punjab is Vir Bhumi, land of Kerala is Punuruthana Bhumi, land of UP and Utrakhand is Dev Bhumi, land of Bengal is Reform Bhumi, land of […]

Hinduism and the scientific heart – a book review

Pavan Verma of JDU has written a book on Adi Shankaracharya. His interview is very informative and is given below. Pavan Varma is a celebrated diplomat, cultural catalyst and public intellectual. His new book on the Shankaracharya throws startling light about Hinduism and its fascinating relationship with science.       Related Images:

Europeans brought their caste system into India

By:Surinder Jain, 2nd July 2018. It is known what the word caste used so commonly in India comes from ‘casta’ in Portuguese. In Spanish America (and many other places), racial categories were formal legal classifications. Racial categories had legal and social consequences, since racial status was an organizing principle of Spanish colonial rule. The system of castas […]

Why sprinkle water around food before eating

Have you ever wondered why did your grand parents sprinkle water around their food before eating. Well, here is an explanation. Watch the video.   [Click here to read more ….] Related Images:

Why do Gods look the way they do?

By: Surinder Jain. Hindus have many Gods and each God has his or her own form. We have Shiva sitting on an ice cold mountain top with a fountain of water (river Ganga) flowing out of the top of his head. We have Ganesh with an elephant head and Shakti shown with up to eight […]

The Case for India by Will Durant

Book Review by : Vijai Singhal The Case for India This book was written by Will Durant, an American writer, historian and a philosopher in 1930 after visiting India. Given below are some of the abstracts from this book which can be freely down loaded from the Internet. The book was written without the help […]

Hindu Council’s FAQ on Hinduism

FAQs : Answers to frequently asked questions   [sp_faq category=”category_ID”] [More FAQ …] Related Images:

Tiny Australian towns are inclusive but lack diversity

While large Australian cities have seen a large influx of different ethnic and religious groups, tiny Australian towns although considered inclusive by some authors, lack diversity of ethnicity and religions. They seem to live in a time warp that existed in Australia before 1970’s. Most new immigrants avoid country towns for their lack of employment opportunities. […]

Hindu Council puts a definition to Pure Vegetarian Food

  Given a wide variety of definitions prevalent to what is acceptable and what is not acceptable in a vegetarian diet, Hindu Council of Australia has defined a Pure Vegetarian diet that is suitable for Hindus. A Hindu Council Pure Vegetarian Diet (Pure Vegetarian Diet) is a food that has been produced using following guidelines […]

The significance of Ganesha

Vedas refer to Ganesha as Gana Natha, the group leader. Vedic civilisation is based on mass cultivation and group living. A variety of rice known as ShaliPrasta was cultivated seasonally. The paddy saplings would be placed in a field to season. When seasoned it used to turn yellow in colour and this was known as […]

Swami Vivekananda – an intuitive scientist

This is a brief summary of the book written by T.G.K.Murty in 2012 on 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami ji. (Vijai Singhal) Swami Vivekananda was a multifaceted genius. While his spiritual eminence is well known, his insights in physical sciences are lesser known. He was well acquainted with the scientific thoughts of his time and […]

Hinduism Today Releases Documentary: “The History of Hindu India”

KAUAI, HAWAII: The editorial team of Hinduism Today is pleased to announce the release of its professional documentary film, “The History of Hindu India” (Part 1), developed in collaboration with Dr. Shiva Bajpai, Professor Emeritus of History, California State University Northridge. More than a year in the making, the movie (http://bit.ly/HinduHistory) provides an authentic presentation […]