Source HYDERABAD, February 20 2015 (Deccan Chronicle): HPI Note: It is significant that the new state of Telangana (separated off from Andhra Pradesh in 2014) is choosing to have the government continue to administrate Hindu temples, rather than handing them over to Hindus to manage in the same way Christians and Muslims manage their churches and mosques with no government…
Source There are two great forces in the universe, silence and speech. Silence prepares, speech creates. The strength of noise and activity is great. But infinite is the strength of stillness and silence, in which great forces prepare for action. To be capable of silence, stillness and illuminated passivity is to be fit for immortality.— Sri Aurobido (1879-1950)
Source HOUSTON, TEXAS, February 12, 2015 (Sewa International): Sewa International has launched its annual Yuva for Sewa (YFS), 8 to 10-week volunteer summer internship opportunity for college students to travel to India to contribute their time to serve humanity. Since its inception in 2006, 52 YFS youth interns have volunteered their time for healthcare, education, environment, women’s empowerment, rural development,…
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 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 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…