KAUAI, HAWAII, March 30, 2006: Hinduism Today editors report an unusual amount of reponse and excitement regarding their current issue (April-May-June 2006). It appears that four articles in particular are resonating among readers.
1) Most are struck by the issue’s main article or, more precisely, by its subject matter: the recent opening of the Akshardham temple complex in Delhi which is, by any measure, an astounding creation. The 12-page article abounds, of necessity, with superlatives, amazing facts and exquisite photographs that give a grasp of the scope, grandeur and finesse of the place. The cover photo and the photo covering pages 17 and 18, of themselves, tell it all at a glance: size, concept, grandeur, finesse. It took 11,000 craftsmen and volunteers to build it, “one of the most extraordinary architectural creations of the last thousand years–in India or anywhere.” Publisher Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami and editors attended the opening ceremonies and came away highly impressed. “This will undoubtedly come to be regarded as a wonder of the modern world,” said Hinduism Today’s managing editor. “This is the most complex, largest and expensive Hindu temple built in recent history. It has instantly became a major landmark of India, and stands already as a symbol of the resurgence of Hinduism and India. And it will do much to bolster Indian pride.”
2) Another of this issue’s articles attracting much notice is the 16-page article (center, “insight” section) that teaches how to perform a simple home puja. The Sanskrit liturgy comes with English translation, illustrations and Internet links an audio recitation make it convenient to learn. The response show that the article is addressing a great need. Within a few days, it will be available as a separate booklet at “source” above.
3) A third article reports on a conclave of swamis in Mumbai. We’ve read about such meetings before, but not like this one. What makes it special is that a total of 74 prominent Indian swamijis met, representing an impressively broad variety of sampradayas (distinct Hindu denominational traditions). The purpose of the gathering was to create a body that could authoritatively speak on behalf of all of Hinduism. Certainly, then, the meeting was an outstanding success. The delegates also dealt with a number of major issues confronting Dharma today, and came to some potent resolutions and declarations, which has earned many compliments and hoorahs from readers who saw in this meeting a great step forward for Hinduism as a whole. The meeting was conceived and organized by Sri Swami Dayananda Saraswati of Arsha Vidya Gurukulam.
4) Finally, there is an article on the ongoing California school textbook issue. Hindu individuals and societies have challenged publishers of sixth grade social studies text books that teach Hinduism in a twisted and derogatory manner, while they are quite careful to not offend other religions. Some very anti-Hindu so-called “scholars of Hinduism” are involved using the authority of their positions to maintain the unfair biases. The article shows some of the objectionable content from these school textbooks. As of today, the controversy continues with only some partial gains made by the Hindu plaintiffs. This is happening in California, but it is hardly a local issue as the books published for California are used in many other areas of the country.
This Hinduism Today April-May-June 2006 issue is available at “source.”