Venerating Ram via the Gita
For hundreds of years, devotees have been studying and chanting the Bhagavad Gita in homes and temples, schools and colleges across India. The Gita helps individuals to overcome life’s challenges by making the mind strong and positive. This ancient text is read and reflected on by devotees, students, scholars, philosophers, psychologists, political leaders and educators across the world.
Sugunendra Tirtha from Puttige Matha has initiated “Koti Gita Lekhana Yajna” for the welfare of humanity with the goal of having at least one crore people write the Gita’s 700 verses in any language in a blank book provided by Sri Matha and offering it to Sri Krishna at Udupi.
Every day, I feel so peaceful while writing the Gita for 15 minutes. My husband and my 8-year-old son also feel blessed to be able to write the Gita. Interested devotees can visit: sriputhige.org.
Sapna Kumaraswamy
bengaluru, india
Kudos
It is always a pleasure to read Hinduism Today. I just received the October-December 2024 issue and have read your Publisher’s Desk editorial regarding the inner and the outer life, with which I entirely agree. As usual, this issue is packed with interesting articles and pictures.
Dr. Karan Singh
drkaransinghjnmf@gmail.com
Jai Shri Shankaracharya
I thoroughly enjoyed reading “Adi Shankara, India’s Great Spiritual General” written by Swami Advayananda and Sudarshan Ramabadran (Jul/Aug/Sep 2024). Shankaracharya’s Advaita Vedanta is considered superior to other philosophies in academic circles for its logical rigor, comprehensive commentary on sacred texts, unification of diverse philosophical strands, and profound spiritual depth. His systematic approach, dialectical skills and ability to synthesize various philosophical traditions into a coherent non-dualistic framework have cemented his legacy as a preeminent philosopher. The practical and experiential dimensions of his teachings further enhance the relevance and appeal of Advaita Vedanta, ensuring its enduring influence and academic recognition.
Pradeep Srivastava
pradeepscool@hotmail.com
I read and enjoyed the article on Bhagvatpada Adi Shankara a few days ago. One point stands out: the article propagates that the birthplace of Bhagavatpada is not Kalady. I am curious as to where this information is sourced. It sounds new to me. I request you to kindly enlighten me, have I missed out on something?
Choodie Shivaram
cnaglobal@gmail.com
From time immemorial traditionally it has been accepted that Kalady is the birthplace of Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada. The popular Madhaviya Shankara Vijayam and many other sources enforce this idea. When such is the case where is the need to give an alternative narrative? Such narratives will only create avoidable confusion in the minds of followers of the Shankara sampradaya. It is better not to alter such deep-rooted beliefs.
Karthik Venkataraman
karthik.i.sverige@gmailcom
Regarding the authenticity of the source mentioning the birth home of Sri Adi Shankaracharya at Melpazhur Mana in Veliyanad, Ernakulam, I would like to clarify that this information is well-known among the local residents. Melpazhur Mana, the ancient Nambuthri Mana, is recognized as the ancestral maternal home of Aryamba, the mother of Sri Adi Shankaracharya. According to tradition, it was customary for a woman to give birth at her maternal home, and this is where Aryamba is believed to have delivered her divine child. It is also the site where his Vidyarambha and Upanayanam were conducted. This understanding is not new or speculative; it has long been part of local lore. Additionally, Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda himself referenced this in an archival video from the late 1980s, where he narrates the story of Adi Sankara Nilayam. He reiterated the same in his inaugural address, further solidifying the Mana’s connection to Adi Shankaracharya’s life. For further reference, you may explore the Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF) website, or consult the following publications: Unto Research and Adi Sankara Finite to Infinite. I hope the above explanation provides the necessary clarity. Ultimately, we are but humble messengers in service to the Lord.
Brni Taarini Chaitanya
brni.taarini@chinfo.org
Guardians of South Indian Saivism
Thanks, Dr. Koppedrayer, for your thorough insights into the Aadheenams, which even many in Tamil Nadu itself are unaware of (Oct/Nov/Dec 2024). Their profound long lineage from Siva Himself and the holy practices that have sustained the spiritual power even in this kaliyuga is inspirational. Saivism is a treasure of eternal dharma, thanks to Siva and all these efforts of great humans.
Suresh Krishnaswamy
sureshaiyar@rediffmailcom
Training Priests in the Diaspora
I read with interest the article “We’ll Train Our Own Priests,” describing the conviction of Malaysia’s largest temple (Feb 1989). My reaction is that finding youths for this is going to be ever challenging. If instead you ask for retired people to train in this segment, I think it will be hugely successful.
Santhi D. A. Samy
premapriyax@yahoo.com
Kashmir Temples
I enjoyed reading “Kashmir’s Temples Emerge from Difficult Times Stronger than Ever” (Jul/Aug/Sep 2024). During my visit to the newly constructed Sharada Yatra Temple, I also visited other temples: Sharika Mata Mandir at Hariparbat, Ksheer Bhavani Temple at Tulla Mulla, Marthand Sun Temple and Sharika Mata Mandir at Pokribal. It was a happy time. I am proud that I participated in Ganga Arati at Nandalal Ghat of Kishanganga River at Teetwal on April 9, 2024, which was held after a gap of 75 years.
A.V. Madhava Rao
rao.avm@gmail.com
On Thomas Jefferson
Commenting on the article entitled “Analysis,” discussing the ideas of Thomas Jefferson (April 1988), I agree: “Yet the real genius of Jefferson was in his ability to translate the theory of rita dharma into effective political and civil practice through his creations of dharma-based political documents and dharma-based laws.” Jefferson appreciated John Locke, whose writing also confirms an understanding of rita: “The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it, which obliges every one; and reason . . . teaches all mankind . . . that, being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty or possessions . . .” (Second Treatises of Government, 1689).
pauld108
pauld108@gmail.com
Tagore’s Spiritual Legacy
Reading about Rabindranath Tagore (Apr/May/Jun 2006), which observes: “In Sadhana he states, ‘Man becomes perfect man, he attains his fullest expression, when his soul realizes itself in the Infinite being who is Avih, whose very essence is expression,” I’m reminded of the following couplet by Adi Shankaracharya, recommended for morning recitation:
prātaḥ smarāmi hṛdi saṁsphurad-ātmatvaṁ saccitsukhaṁ paramahaṁsagatiṁ turīyam yatsvapna jāgarasuṣuptimavaiti nityaṁ tadbrahma niṣkalamahaṁ na ca bhūtasaṅghaḥ
“At dawn I remember the Reality which is the Self, shining brilliantly in the heart, existence-
consciousness-happiness, the goal of Paramahansa sannyasins (sages)—the Fourth—That which knows always the states of dream, waking and deep sleep. That Brahman which is partless I am, not the cluster of elements.” Tagore’s poetry and philosophy appear to be a multi-faceted expression of the realization of one’s self as Brahman, and not bhutasanghah, a cluster of elements.
Pramod Pandey
pkspandey@gmail.com
Correction: Our October 2024 article on the grand Mahasivaratri festival in Mandi, contained an erroneous reference: “Bhootnath Vishnu Temple.” It should have read “Bhootnath Temple,” as Bootnath is dedicated to Siva, “Lord of bhutas” (ghosts or spirits).
The Editors
Preserving and Promoting Hinduism in the Modern World
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