SourceSTATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK, November 27, 2004: In February of 2005, the 500 family Hindu community of Staten Island are anticipating the opening of their 2,400 square foot temple. It is dedicated to Lord Rama, the Lord of righteousness. The news release explains, “The first floor will have a coat and shoe room, facilities for ritual hand-washing, a community hall…
SourceBHARATHPUR, INDIA, December 4: At least a dozen people were injured, three of them seriously, when Dalit (formerly “Untouchables”) activists and “upper-caste” people engaged in fisticuffs when the later tried to bar Dalits from entering a Hindu temple in Bharatpur Municipality Saturday. Reports said the scuffle began when the upper-caste people present at the Laxmi Benkateshwor Temple premises barred Dalit…
SourceCHENNAI, INDIA, December 3, 2004: Tamil Nadu Police today arrested Appu, who was allegedly paid US$22,700 by the Kanchi Shankaracharya to arrange the killing of the mutt accountant Shankaraman. The police claim that Appu, also known as Krishnaswamy, followed orders of the Kanchi seer and organized the killing. They say their suspicion is based upon confessions by Kathiravan and Chinna,…
SourceBANGALORE, INDIA, December 2, 2004: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama Thursday said while the arrest of Hindu seer Jayendra Saraswathi in a murder case was unfortunate, the law should take its own course. “Though we are very sad to know about the seer’s arrest, I am of the view the law should take its own course in this matter,” the…
SourceVARANASI, INDIA December 2, 2004: The Dwarakapeeth Sankaracharya, Swaroopanand, today asked the Kanchi Sankaracharya, Jayendra Saraswathi, to step down from his post until proved innocent. “The Acharya must step down from the post of Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt until he is absolved by the court of the charges against him in the Sankararaman murder case,” he told reporters here.…
SourceBHUBANESWAR, INDIA, November 29, 2004: Controversy over the shifting of the Biraja idol from the famous Biraja temple in Jajpur (click here for more on the temple) and a missing yantra (gold plate with mystical diagram and mantras) from the seat of the icon, took a new turn with the Opposition Congress today demanding a CBI inquiry into the incident…
SourceNEW YORK, NEW YORK, December 1, 2004: Indian-Americans have demonstrated in front of the Indian Consulate General seeking the immediate release of Sankaracharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti peetham. About 150 people, braving cold weather, raised slogans and held placards. Nearly 30 organizations were represented in the two-hour demonstration held yesterday afternoon. “No justice for Hindus in India,” “Hindu saints in…
SourceRUSSIA, November 11, 2004: (HPI note: This article is translated from the Russian newspaper Pravda.) Vegetarians of the planet have recently celebrated the day of Vegans – the most radical group of the movement. Vegetarianism is gathering pace in the world again, although the peak of the movement occurred in Europe in the beginning of the last century. The idea…
SourceINDIA, November 27, 2004: “It is interesting to probe into the psyche of identity, which often is a source of security, insecurity, conflict and comfort. Perhaps the following reasons would answer the identity crises of the Hindus. The broadmindedness of Hinduism, its inherent inclusiveness and secularism, makes Hindus feel guilty about claiming their identity, as it is embedded in their…
SourceLONDON, ENGLAND, December 1, 2004: Hindu leaders have rejected an apology from Coronation Street (click here for plot summaries) after a scene showed a Hindu statue used as a weapon. Viewers saw Maya threaten Sunita with a statue of Hindu God Lord Ganesh as part of a long running plot line. ITV apologized for any offence caused but said it…