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.

" Hindutva Jagrat: Awakening of Hindu Identity "

Hindutva Jagrat refers to the awakening of Hindu identity and the promotion of Hindu cultural values and traditions. It emphasizes the unity and strength of the Hindu community, promoting the significance of Hinduism in shaping the social, cultural, and political landscape. The term "Jagrat" translates to awakening or rising, symbolizing a resurgence of pride in one's religion, heritage, and values. Hindutva Jagrat calls for the preservation and revitalization of Hindu traditions in the face of modern challenges. It advocates for a unified approach to address issues related to religion, culture, and social justice within the Hindu community.

" Reviving Hindu Culture and Traditions "

One of the central aims of Hindutva Jagrat is to revive and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Hinduism. Over the centuries, many traditional practices, rituals, and festivals have been neglected or forgotten due to rapid globalization and societal changes. Hindutva Jagrat seeks to reconnect people with their cultural roots, encouraging the younger generation to embrace the teachings and customs of their ancestors. This revival not only strengthens religious faith but also fosters a sense of belonging and pride within the community. By celebrating traditional festivals, language, and arts, Hindutva Jagrat ensures that Hindu culture remains vibrant and relevant in contemporary society.

"Promoting Hindu Unity and Solidarity"

Hindutva Jagrat advocates for unity within the Hindu community, encouraging people to come together despite their diverse backgrounds and regional differences. The movement emphasizes the importance of solidarity among Hindus to address common social, political, and cultural challenges. By uniting individuals from various sects, castes, and regions under a shared vision, Hindutva Jagrat creates a collective strength that helps protect the interests of Hindus. This unity is seen as a powerful force that can safeguard Hindu values, protect temples, and ensure that Hinduism continues to thrive in the modern world.

" Strengthening Hindu Social and Political Influence " "

In addition to cultural revival, Hindutva Jagrat also aims to strengthen the social and political influence of Hindus. By encouraging active participation in politics, social issues, and governance, Hindutva Jagrat seeks to ensure that the Hindu community's voice is heard in decision-making processes. This movement advocates for policies and initiatives that protect the interests of Hindus, promote social justice, and ensure the preservation of religious rights. Through political engagement, Hindutva Jagrat empowers Hindus to shape their future and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the nation.