The Hindu : Arts / Books : On Hindu culture

The Hindu : Arts / Books : On Hindu culture

The Hindu : FEATURES / FRIDAY REVIEW : Dedicated to teaching Vedas

The Hindu : FEATURES / FRIDAY REVIEW : Dedicated to teaching Vedas

GIVING & LIVING BY BOOK

Living and Giving by the Book

Sri Sarma Sastrigal in his book “The Great Hindu Tradition” has this to say about Dharmam – Dharma is pure philanthropy. It is giving with no motive, no specifications and no restrictions. No expectations either. Anyone can do dharma at anytime – in fact one should do it the moment one thinks of it, with no delay.

Sri S Balasubramanian, who is known as Kala Niketan Balu to his friends and well-wishers, decided to give away much of  his savings when he turned 85. On that eventful day Sri Sarma Sastrigal through his team of Vedic pundits organized Veda Parayanam, Rituals and Homams. Immediately after that Sri Balasubramanian distributed donations ranging from Rs One Lakh to several thousands to many service ans philanthropic organizations. A trust  associated with the Cancer Institute at Adyar, the Sivananda Ashramam, the Raja Patasala of Kumbakonam, the Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt, the Thambras, the Bala Vihar are just few names amongst the organizations whose representatives received the munificence through the hands of Sri Cho Ramaswamy who was the Chief Guest.

 As mentioned in Sri Sarma’s book “one should do it, with no delay”.  A good example to be followed by others too!

“I have benefited immensely from reading the book” said Sri Balasubramanian at the function. “I wish that the book is read by more young people since it has a wealth of information so lucidly put in such simple language. The section on frequently asked questions is a good reference guide to base your life on” he said.  A few of the present there present at the function were given a copy of the book much to the delight of them. Sri Sastrigal can be reached at his mobile number: 9444380973

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GAYA SRAADDHA

During the month of last May,  I had been to Gaya, Kasi (Varanasi) and Prayaagai (Triveni Sangamam) along with my wife to perform Pitru Karmas and returned.  At the request of my friends and other relatives, I had penned a book in Tamil containing my experiences on my trip to Gaya and other places.  The book was titled கயா ஸ்ராத்தம்.

Apart from my experiences, I also included in the book the legends and significances of those places in brief.  I have also given in the book some tips and hints which may be useful for those who intend to take the trip.

I intend to bring out the English version of the Tamil book soon and the translation job is on.

DEEPAVALI MUSINGS

Namaskaram

This Deepavali was born with the killing of Narakasura by Sri Krishna.  We, Hindus, celebrate this day with all pomp and joy with less religious rituals. Everyone would agree with me when I say that there is no other festival in Hinduism other than Deepavali which commands such an overall enthusiasm. In fact the Asura himself wanted this way only, and he prayed so at the feet of Lord Krishna, duly endorsed by his mother BhooDevi. 

What an ideal example ! :  Let me suffer for my wrong doings, but let others be happy and prosperous - this is the prayer of this demon! Is it not an ideal example for others to follow and have this type of approach towards others even at the height of one's sufferings ?

Holy Ganga: On this day, we believe that the holy Ganga comes to our water sources ( be it a water tank or tap in our apartment or well in our back-yard) for our oil both.

Three more legends : In addition to the Narakasura puranic story, there are at least three more legends that prevail in other parts of our nation relating to this festival.

In states like UP, Bihar, Haryana and Punjab, this day is celebrated as the Day of Rama's triumphant return to Ayodhya.

In rural areas of northern parts this signifies the Harvest Festival

In almost all the states in the north and western parts of our country Puja for Sri Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, is performed on this Diwali Day.

Whatever be the legend, the one common factor in the whole of the country, from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, is that, on this day Hindus wish and pray for every one's happiness, disease-free life and peaceful living, irrespective of their creed, caste, or religion.

Sarve Janaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu !