Short brief about Hinduism

Hinduism is the world's third most popular religion, with around 750 million followers.The religion of Hinduism originated in Northern India, near the river Indus, about 4000 Years ago and is the world's oldest existing religion. Hinduism has no founder, it developed out of Brahmanism. Hinduism is the oldest religion; it may date to prehistoric times.

Aum is the main symbol of Hinduism. It is the sound heard in deepest meditation and is said to be the name most suited for God.The word "Hindu" comes from the name of the river Indus, which flows 1800 miles from Tibet through Kashmir and Pakistan to the sea. Hinduism has neither founder, single teacher nor any prophets. Hinduism is not a single religion. Hinduism is the practices of a variety of different religious groups which come out of India.

For many Hindus, religion is a matter of practice rather than of beliefs. It's more what you do, than what you believe. Hindus believe in a universal soul or God called Brahman. Brahman takes on many forms that some Hindus worship as gods or goddesses in their own right. Hindus believe that there is a part of Brahman in everyone and this is called the Atman.

 
Hindus believe in reincarnation - a belief that the soul is eternal and lives many lifetimes, in one body after another. The soul is sometimes born in a human body, sometimes in an animal body and sometimes in a plant body etc.. Hindus believe that all forms of life contain a soul, and all souls have the chance to experience life in different forms. Samsara means going through the cycle of repeated births and deaths (reincarnation). Hindus believe that existence of this cycle is governed by
Karma.

Sri Omkareshwar Mamaleshwar Temples

Omkareshwar is a Hindu temple in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh state in India. It is on an island called Mandhata or Shivapuri in the Narmada river. It is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. The shape of the island is said to be like the Hindu Om symbol. There are two temples here, one to Omkareshwar (whose name means "OM-maker-lord") and one to Amareshwar (whose name means "immortal lord" or "lord of the immortals").Omkareshwar is formed by the sacred river Narmada. This is one of the most sacred of rivers in India . On the banks of river Narmada, there is a huge island on which the fourth of the JyotirLinga “Omkaram Amaleshwar” is situated. This island and the river are shaped like “OM” and that is how it derives its name. It is a natural phenomenon. The devotees who go round the temple consider themselves blessed because they are doing a Parikrama or Circumambulation of Omkara itself and Darshan of the holy JyotirLinga. The Narmada banks and the island are extremely beautiful. The beauty of Nature here is seen to be believed. The whole atmosphere echoes with the the sound of “Om Namah Shivaya”. It is here that Lord Sankara has taken the forms of “Omkareshwara” and “Amaleshwara”, as JyotirLinga.In the ancient times the Demons defeated the gods or divines. Indra was worried. The Danavas or Demons have wrecked havoc in all the three worlds, i.e., Trilokas. In order to empower the Devas once again, Lord Shiva assumed the form of Jyotirmaya Omkararoop. He came out of the nether world or Patala. Lord Shankar came out in the form of Linga on the banks of river Narmada. The gods or Devas have worshipped the Linga which made them powerful once again. This time they were able to destroy the demons and re-acquiesced their empire in Heavens.Brahma and Vishnu also lived in the same place as Omkar Amaleshwar. That is why on the banks of Narmada Brahmapuri, Vishnupuri and Rudrapuri are built which are known as Tripuri Kshetra. The Amareshwar JyotiraLinga is situated in Rudrapuri.

Somnath Temple (Gujarat) India

Situated a little away from Veraval in the state of Gujarat, the Somnath temple has a rich historical past that dates back centuries. According to legend, the temple was built of gold by the Moon God (Somraj) himself and was subsequently replaced with a silver structure by Ravana, a wooden masterpiece by Krishna and the one made out of stone by Bhima. Also known as Deo Pattan, Prabhas Pattan and Pattan Somnath, the temple is especially revered as one of the twelve holy jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, spread across the country. The legendary fame of the place is believed to have been spread across the distant corners of the land and a huge bell plate was struck with a golden hammer signaling the commencement of prayers, a glorious ceremony which was attended by people coming here from all over the world.

Shree Krishna Janmastami festival of Hindus

The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated in different ways in various parts of the country in India. While a few of these form an integral part of the celebrations, others are particular to a few regions. A common practice, observed around all regions of the country is the tradition of fasting. The devotees of Lord Krishna observe a fast for the entire day and eat only after midnight, after the time of the lord's birth. The day is marked by chanting of hymns and holy mantras in the households and temples. There is a festive atmosphere across the city and various processions can be seen which depict scenes from the birth and life of Lord Krishna. The chanting of mantras is done along with the showering of flowers and other things considered auspicious, on the idol of Lord Krishna. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was extremely fond of milk and milk products. To appease the lord, people prepare various milk products such as kheer and sweets and distribute these as prasad to the devotees.

Maha Shivaratri Festival of Hindus

Maha Shivaratri or Shivaratri is an important Hindu festival celebrated in the month of Maagh or Phalguna as per the Hindu calendar. It is a most important occasion for Hindus, particularly the devotees of Lord Shiva. It is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva was married to Goddess Parvati. The devotees fast and observe a night long vigil as well as offer fruits and flowers to the lord. The festival of Shivaratri has special significance in Hinduism, especially for the millions of devotees of Lord Shiva. The festival which falls on the 14th night of the month of Phalgun as per Hindu calendar is especially dear to Lord Shiva, a fact which was declared by the lord himself when asked so by his consort Parvati. The festival of Shivaratri also holds special significance for women who fast all day to appease Goddess Parvati and bless them with a happy and contented married life.

Holy River Ganges (India)

The Ganges River is the greatest waterway in India, it is one of the longest rivers in the world. The Ganges river flows through Bangladesh, but the greater part of it flows through India. The river begins high in the Himalayas as a pair of head streams. It begins in an ice cave in the mountains about 10,300 feet above sea level. The river flows across the northern corner of India. The Ganges flows across India and Bangladesh until it empties out into the Bay of Bengal. The great river provides water to many places, and many places rely on it.The Ganges River has always been known as a religious icon in the world. The River is known as a spiritual center because the people of India rely on the river for most life functions in the area. The uses in India for the river are nearly endless; the main functions of the river are Agricultural use, Industry, as an energy source, transportation, Drinking, bathing, and baptisms. Along the river there are also many industries such as textiles, paper, leather, and many more who use the water for power, cleaning, etc. Power, which is used by industries, is also used by the common population.

Badrinath Temple (Uttarakhanda ) India

Badrinath is one of the holy towns of the Hindus located at  Chamoli district of Uttarakhand in India. It is the most important of all the four dhams in India. The town of Badrinath lies between Nar and Naryana mountain ranges and in the shadow of Nilkantha peak, 301 km north of Rishikesh. The town is located at an elevation of 3,133mts above sea level on the left bank of Alakananda River.The main attraction of Badrinath is the Badrinath temple also known as the Badrinarayan temple. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is also one of the 108 Divya Desams or holy shrines of Vaishnavities. The present temple is conical in shape built two centuries ago by the Garhwal kings. 15 idols are present in the temple complex, each built in black stone. Lord Vishnu is represented here in a meditative posture and is flanked by Nar and Narayan. According to legend, the temple was originally established by Adi Shankaracharya which was renovated several times after its establishment. Badrinath is also one of the Panch Badris. The other four badris are Yogadhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Bridha Badri or the 'Old Badri' and Adi Badri.

Dwarikadhish Temple (Gujarat) India

The holy town of Dwarka in Gujarat has a history that dates back centuries. Situated on the banks of river Gomti, the city is famed for being the capital of Lord Krishna. The ancient Dwarka city is believed to have been submerged by raging sea waters to the bottom of the sea, where the remains are still believed to exist. A temple was built at the site around 400 BC by Vajranabhji, the great grandson of Lord Krishna, however the present structure was built during the 16th century in a typical Chalukyan style of architecture. The beautiful temple rises up to a height of 51.8 mts.Also known as the Jagat Mandir, the temple has two shikhars. The Nij shikhar is where the idol of Lord Dwarkadhish is placed. The huge temple consists of 60 exquisitely carved pillars and a number of beautiful sculptures that depict the influence of various dynasties such as the Guptas, Pallavas, Martraks, Chavdas and Chanakyas, that ruled Dwarka over the years. The entrance to the temple is from the north, also known as the Moksha Dwaar while towards the south is the Swarg Dwaar, from where a series of steps leads down to the banks of river Gomti. According to legend, the temple was constructed in a single day by Vishwakarma, the lord of construction. The idol of Lord Dwarkadhish is made of shiny black stone and is about 2.25 ft in height. The four hands of the Lord carries a conch, wheel, a metallic weapon and a lotus each and is popularly known as 'Shankh Chakra Gada Padma Chaturbhuj'. It is said that the idol was hidden for years to protect it from invaders while another idol brought from the Rukmini temple was installed in its absence. The original idol was reinstalled during the 16th century after the construction of the new temple.

Rathayatra Festival ( Puri, Orissa) India

Rathayatra The world famous Rathayatra of Lord Jagannath is also known as Yatra and Ghosha Yatra. These festivals are held on "ASHADHASUKLADWITIYA" ie..the second day of the bright fortnight of ashadha (June-July) every year. This Rathayatra symbolises that after a long time of the separation Lord Shri Krishna is going to Kuruksetra from Dwaraka to meet the inhabitants of Brindavan. Three different sizes of chariots are made for this Rathayatra which begins from the Lord Jagannath Temple. The Chariot of the Lord Jagannath is called NANDIGHOSH, the Chariot of Balabhadra is called TALADVAJA, the Chariot of Lady Subhadra is called PADMADHVAJA. Except the vessels of Kalasa, which are on top of the chariots, the side Deities, the Charioteers and Horses, the rest of the whole chariots are made new every year in accordance to the strict ancient specifications. Nearly around one thousands of Devotees are needed to pull these chariots with the help of four ropes which are tied to each chariot and has no steering system on it.

Tirupati Balaj ( Andhra Pradesh) India

The town of Tirupati is one of the most ancient and most spectacular pilgrimage to India. It is located in Chittoor district in southern Andhra Pradesh.The Tirupati city owes its existence to the sacred temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara and is situated at the foot of the stairs in the town of Tirupati Tirumala hills. With a history stretching back over twelve centuries, the temple is the jewel in the crown of old churches in southern India. Tirumala Hill is 3200 m above sea level is approximately 10.33 square miles in the region. It comprises seven peaks, representing the seven hoods Adisesha, thus earning the name, Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrishabhadri, and Narayanadri Venkatadri. Sri Venkateswara temple sacred is located on the seventh peak Venkatadri (Venkata Hill), and lies on the south shore of Sri Swami Pushkarini. There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord in Tirumala.The name Tirupati, meaning the ‘Lord of Lakshmi should be applied properly in the village on the Venkata Hill, the abode of the Lord. However, it has been popularly attributed to the city’s municipal foot of the hill, while the people around the hill near his temple is called Tirumala (the Sacred Hill). Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) maintains twelve temples and their sub-shrines in the Tirumala Tirupati area.

Varanasi (U.P.) India

The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. With Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar.Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed in Varanasi harmoniously. With a number of temples, Mrs. Annie Besant chose Varanasi as the home for her 'Theosophical Society' and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, to institute 'Benares Hindu University, the biggest University in Asia. Ayurveda is said to bAe originated at Varanasi and is believed to be the basis of modern medical sciences such as Plastic surgery, Cataract and Calculus operations. Maharshi Patanjali, the preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also affiliated with Varanasi, the holy city. 

Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu) India

Rameshwaram is an island situated in the gulf of manner at the very tip of the Indian peninsula. A very important pilgrim center of the Indians. Rameshwaram is the place from where Lord Rama, built a bridge across the sea to rescue his consort Sita, from her abductor, Ravana. This is also the place where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to cleanse away the sin of killing Ravana. Both the Vaishnavites and Shaivites visit this pilgrimage which is known as the Varanasi the south. Rameshwaram is significant for the Hindus as a pilgrimage to Benaras is incomplete without a Pilgrimage to Rameshwaram. The presiding deity is the Linga Of Sri Ranganatha, which happens to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India. Rameshwaram is also popularly referred to as the 'Benaras of the south'. In order to attain Moksha it is believed that the visit to Rameshwaram is mandatory.