Source INDIA, February 16, 2015 (All India Roundup by J. Divya): On the auspicious occasion of Shivratri, or Mahashivratri, Hindu devotees around the world observe Shivratri Vrat or Upvaas or fast. Maha Shivaratri is the wonderful opportunity for the followers of Lord Shiva, to praise the God and seek his blessings. The fasting involves refraining from eating any food and…
Source PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD, February 20, 2015 (By Paras Ramoutar for HPI): Away from fetes, dancing and merrymaking as Trinidad and Tobago, the oil-rich Caribbean republic observes its annual carnival, devout Hindus visited temples and other public places to observe the annual Shivratri on Carnival Tuesday, February 17. Thousands of Hindu women dressed in saris and men in kurtas…
Source MAURITIUS, February 17, 2015 (Le Mauricien): There were big crowds at Grand-Bassin this weekend. Some 200,000 pilgrims visited Ganga Talao to collect holy water as part of the Maha Shivaratri rituals. Yesterday, the pilgrims from the northern part of the island were on their way back, while those of the Plains-Wilhems and south of the island converged on the…
Source One who is established in a comfortable posture while concentrating on the inner Self naturally becomes immersed in the Heart’s ocean of bliss.— Siva Sutras III, 16
Source BOTHELL, WASHINGTON, February 16, 2015 (AOL, KIRO TV): Someone spray painted a swastika and the words ‘Get Out’ on a wall of the Hindu temple in Bothwell. The temple wasn’t the only building targeted. Skyview Junior High, a block away, was also tagged with a swastika and the words, ‘Muslims Get Out’. “When it happens here it tells you…
Source KATHMANDU, NEPAL, February 17, 2015 (Ekantipur): Nepal Police will deploy 3,400 personnel in the Pashupati area on Tuesday as devotees throng the holy site during the Shivaratri, one of the biggest Hindu festivals. Police have established a post to command 12 temporary posts headed by Inspectors at North Gate, Bishworupa, Bankali Parking, four Shivalayas, Pingalastan, Ram Mandir, Uma Kunda,…
Source MAURITIUS, February 16, 2015 (Yahoo): Thousands of pilgrims converge at the Grand Bassin, considered as the most sacred Hindu site in Mauritius, to celebrate the Maha Shivaratri festival. Short video at source.
Source There the eye goes not, nor words, nor mind. We know not. We cannot understand how He can be explained. He is above the known, and He is above the unknown. Thus have we heard from the ancient sages who explained this truth to us.— Sama Veda, Kena Upanishad 1.3
Source KAUAI, HAWAII, February 15, 2015 (HPI): Hinduism Today and Kauai Aadheenam are pleased to announce the posting of key Saiva Agamas translated to English by Dr. S.P. Sabharathanam Sivacharyar of Chennai over the last several years. Available at “source” above is the entire translation of part one, Purva Pada, of the Kamika Agama, most of part two, Uttara Pada,…
Source UNITED STATES, May 25, 2011 (Huffington Post by Josh Schrei): Trying to explain the core beliefs of “Hinduism” to an interested observer can be challenging to say the least. It’s often stated that the word “Hinduism” itself is a total misnomer, as it basically refers to the sum total of spiritual and religious thought and practice that has taken…