maabaglamukhidivyalok

संस्कर (Sacraments)

Hinduism is essentially a spoken tradition, and sound is the primary means of spiritual expression. Speech is personified as Vak, a form of goddess Sarasvati. As the deity of scholarship and the arts, Sarasvati symbolises the intimate relationship within Hinduism between culture and religion, which until recently were practically inseparable. There are 64 traditional arts, which comprise a wide variety of skills, crafts, and artistic activities including music, painting, sculpture, singing, cooking, architecture, creating colourful patterns, applying cosmetics, producing perfumes, flower arranging, and caring for trees. Their variety and the inclusion of practical crafts suggest art is an integral part of life, rather than a vocation aimed at pleasing the elite. These arts were part of the process of spiritual culture, of refining and uplifting the tastes, values, and sentiments of human society. The word for culture is Sanskriti, "refinement," suggesting a means for extracting the spiritual essence of life (Brahman). "Sanskrit" similarly means "the most refined language." The similarity of the two words reflects the close relationship between religious scholarship and culture as a vehicle of spiritual expression.

About the Vedas

The Veda refers to a collection of vedic mantras in vedic Sanskrit. Vedas are eternal in nature and hence self-evident. These matras were also known as Shruti and Amnaya. Veda mantra is not manmade, in the sense that it is not born of human intellect, imagination, or speculation.

Mantras are deep spiritual truths and phenomena revealed by the Devatas (Vedic Spiritual Gods) to the rishis (sages) in their deep meditation. Each mantra is a verse revealed to men and women of wisdom known as rishis. All of them were not revealed at the same time.

The rishis numbered over 500, including women such as Vaak, Ambrini, Apara, Lopamudra, Turya, Ghosha, etc. They were preserved orally for a long time. Only about 5000 years ago, they were committed to writing by Vyasa (Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa).

These mantras are the earliest literary or poetic works of entire humanity. There are 3 types of mantras with the names of Rk Mantra, Yajus Mantra, and Saman Mantra. In course of time, around 4000 BCE, the single collection of mantras was divided into 4 collections based on their use:

Rg Veda: Mantras to invoke Vedic Gods
Yajur Veda: Mantras to perform Yajnas
Sama Veda: Mantras for Chanting
Atharva Veda: Mantras for Administration of Vedic Yajna

उत्सव (Festivals)

Hindus observe sacred occasions by festive observances. All festivals in Hinduism are predominantly religious in character and significance. Many festivals are seasonal. Some celebrate harvest and birth of God or Heroes. Some are dedicated to important events. Many are dedicated to Shiva & Parvati, Vishnu & Lakshmi and Brahma & Saraswati. Hinduism is rich in its unique festivals and customs which are being celebrated through centuries. From Diwali the festival of lights to Holi, Bengali New Year, the festival of colors to Rakshabandhan, a special festival for brothers and sisters, Hindu festivals are colorful, fun yet with a deep social and religious significance. 'Utsava' is the Sanskrit word for Hindu festivals, meaning 'to cause to grow Upward'. A festival may be observed with acts of worship, offerings to deities, fasting, feasting, vigil, rituals, fairs, charity, celebrations, Puja, Homa, aarti, etc. They celebrate individual and community life of Hindus without distinction of caste, gender or class.

देवालय (Temples)

Hindus observe sacred occasions by festive observances. All festivals in Hinduism are predominantly religious in character and significance. Many festivals are seasonal. Some celebrate harvest and birth of God or Heroes. Some are dedicated to important events. Many are dedicated to Shiva & Parvati, Vishnu & Lakshmi and Brahma & Saraswati. Hinduism is rich in its unique festivals and customs which are being celebrated through centuries. From Diwali the festival of lights to Holi, Bengali New Year, the festival of colors to Rakshabandhan, a special festival for brothers and sisters, Hindu festivals are colorful, fun yet with a deep social and religious significance. 'Utsava' is the Sanskrit word for Hindu festivals, meaning 'to cause to grow Upward'. A festival may be observed with acts of worship, offerings to deities, fasting, feasting, vigil, rituals, fairs, charity, celebrations, Puja, Homa, aarti, etc. They celebrate individual and community life of Hindus without distinction of caste, gender or class.

आश्रम - मट (Ashrams/Math)

Traditionally, an ashram (Sanskrit/Hindi: आश्रम) is a spiritual hermitage. Additionally, today the term ashram often denotes a locus of Indian cultural activity such as yoga, music study or religious instruction, the moral equivalent of a studio or dojo. An ashram would typically, but not always, be located far from human habitation, in forests or mountainous regions, amidst refreshing natural surroundings conducive to spiritual instruction and meditation. The residents of an ashram regularly performed spiritual and physical exercises, such as the various forms of Yoga. Other sacrifices and penances, such as Yajnas were also performed. Many ashrams also served as Gurukuls or residential schools for children. Sabarmati Ashram where Gandhi stayed. Ashrams have been a powerful symbol throughout Hindu history and theology. Most Hindu kings, until the medieval ages, are known to have had a sage who would advise the royal family in spiritual matters, or in times of crisis, who was called the rajguru, which literally translates to royal teacher. A world-weary emperor going to this guru's ashram, and finding solace and tranquility, is a recurring motif in many folktales and legends of ancient India. Sometimes, the goal of a pilgrimage to the ashram was not tranquility, but instruction in some art, especially warfare. In the Hindu epic Ramayana, the protagonist princes of ancient Ayodhya, Rama and Lakshmana, go to the Rishi Vishvamitra's ashram to protect his Yajnas from being defiled by emissary-demons of Ravana. After they prove their mettle, the princes receive martial instruction from the sage, especially in the use of Divine weapons, called Divyastras (Sanskrit Divya: Divine + Astra: missile weapon; the Sanskrit word 'astra' means missile weapon, such as an arrow, as opposed to 'shastra', which means a hand-to-hand weapon, such as a mace.) In the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna, in his youth, goes to the ashram of Sage Sandipani, to gain knowledge of both intellectual and spiritual matters.

" Annupurna Seva: Nourishing the Hungry and Needy "

Annupurna Seva is a compassionate initiative that focuses on providing food to those who are most in need, ensuring that no one has to suffer from hunger. Rooted in the belief that food is a basic human right, this service often involves organizing food distribution programs for underprivileged communities, street dwellers, and marginalized groups. The essence of Annupurna Seva lies in the idea of offering nourishment to all, regardless of their financial or social status. Through collective efforts, communities come together to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most, spreading hope and compassion.

"Annupurna Seva: A Community-Driven Effort"

One of the core strengths of Annupurna Seva is its community-driven approach. People from all walks of life come together to participate in food donation drives, cook meals, or contribute in other ways to support the initiative. This collective effort creates a sense of unity and shared responsibility, reminding us all of the importance of looking out for one another. Whether it's local businesses, volunteers, or individuals, the community plays an essential role in ensuring that Annupurna Seva continues to serve those in need. The act of giving, no matter how small, contributes to building a more compassionate and selfless society.

"The Impact of Annupurna Seva on Society"

Annupurna Seva not only addresses immediate hunger but also has a lasting positive impact on society. By helping to alleviate food insecurity, it plays a significant role in improving public health, reducing poverty, and fostering social equality. Individuals who receive regular meals are more likely to stay healthy, attend school, and be productive members of society. Additionally, this initiative promotes a culture of giving, encouraging others to contribute to the welfare of those in need. Through Annupurna Seva, communities are not just providing food, but are also building stronger, more inclusive societies where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

"Fighting Hunger with Annupurna Seva "

Hunger remains one of the most pressing issues in many parts of the world, and Annupurna Seva directly addresses this challenge by providing sustenance to those who lack the resources to feed themselves. By distributing food, this initiative helps break the cycle of hunger and malnutrition that affects countless individuals, particularly in impoverished areas. With regular meals being offered through this service, families and individuals can focus on other aspects of life, such as education and employment, without the constant worry of where their next meal will come from. Annupurna Seva is a lifeline for many, ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry.