www.keralanext.com LUCKNOW, INDIA, August 5, 2005: A grenade-proof cover for the makeshift temple in the Babri mosque Ramjanmabhoomi complex is part of a US$13 million plan to modernise security at Uttar Pradesh’s contentious shrine complexes in Ayodhya, Mathura and Varanasi. The decision, taken late on Wednesday at a high-level meeting of central and state government officials, comes in the wake…
newstodaynet.com MYLAPORE, INDIA, August 5, 2005: Shining gold pillars and door frame (vasakaal) made in five kilograms of 24 carat, 0.999 pure gold is attracting the attention of passers by on the North Mada Street of Mylapore as they cross the NAC Jewellers shop. The door frame and pillars worth US$91,000 are for the Guruvayurappan temple at Guruvayoor, Kerala. These…
www.deccan.com HYDERABAD, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA, August 4, 2005: The government is embarking on a major project to beautify the environs of ancient temples in the State. Around a dozen temples which attract thousands of pilgrims will be spruced up by the endowments department. Experts in landscaping and decoration would be roped in to give a fresh look to the temples,…
www.nytimes.com SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, USA, August 4, 2005: The slow stretches and meditations of yoga don’t burn calories like a run on the treadmill. But a new study suggests it might help people keep weight off in middle age. Researchers found that overweight people in their 50s who regularly practiced yoga lost about five pounds over 10 years, while a group…
www.religionwatch.com NEW YORK, USA, August 3, 2005: The Religion Watch Newsletter’s August edition includes the following article: Religious beliefs can help in the HIV crisis in India, but most Hindu groups and leaders have not yet taken up this work, according to a Yale University medical researcher. In an interview with Science & Theology News (July/August), Nalini Tarakeshwar says that…
www.turnto10.com CRANSTON, RHODE ISLAND, USA, August 1, 2005: Monks, politicians and others attended the unveiling of a miniature version of Cambodia’s famed Angkor Wat temple complex. The replica, based at the site of the Wat Dhamagosnaram Buddhist Temple on Plainfield Pike, stands about 3 1/2 feet tall and features miniature statues, buildings and monuments — as well as aquatic plants…
www.kaumudiusa.com NEW YORK, USA, August 1, 2005: Since July 7, 2005 Malayalee Hindus of New York are on renewed spiritual path. For the last one week Swami Satchitananda had been delivering discourses every evening for two to three hours at different locations around New York City and suburbs. There is a new awakening in the minds of Malayalee Hindus who…
www.newindpress.com NEW DELHI, INDIA, August 3, 2005: In an order that could have a bearing on the management of temples, the Supreme Court has said a priest’s right to offer prayers to a Deity on hereditary basis was a private right having nothing to do with the public duty performed by a trust managing the temple. A pujari (priest) filing…
www.keralanext.com HARIDWAR, UTTARANCHAL, INDIA, August 1, 2005: The ongoing Kanwaria festival in Gangotri and Haridwar in Uttranchal state showcases communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims at its best. This atmosphere of brotherhood and communal bonhomie is most visible in wooden “Kanwars” (frame or batons used to carry pots containing water), most of which are manufactured by Muslims. The holy water…
www.ens-newswire.com SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, USA, July 25, 2005: An international team of scientists concerned about transmission of viruses from monkeys to humans are warning travellers to Asia not to pet or feed the numerous monkeys they may see at temples and other tourist sites. Feeding the animals, or even carrying food into a temple, can greatly increase the risk of a…