...While studying the Indian culture, I was taken to observe two different Hindu temples; one in Midrand and the second one in Melrose both in Johannesburg, South Africa. Afterwards I was taken to Fordsburg in Johannesburg where we ate burfee’s and afterwards went to the Dosu Hut where we shared an exciting afternoon over lunch and traditional curry. Therefore, the two Indian activities I participated in was visiting a Hindu temple and second, eating traditional Hindu foods. HINDU TEMPLE: Once I arrived at the Hindu temple in Midrand, I was in awe at all the beautiful colours and statues that surrounded the temple. It was my first time visiting an actual temple so the colours and detail on the temple really amazed me a lot. In depth understanding...
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...According to Fodness 1994, basic motivation theory suggests a dynamic process of internal psychological factors (needs, wants and goals), causing an uncomfortable level of tension within individuals’ minds and bodies, resulting in actions aimed at releasing that tension and satisfying these needs. Based on this theory, lets take a look about two destination that have been choose for the range of market segments that might be motivated to visit this type of attraction and potential future motivations to visit the attraction, based on current trends. This two destination is under one attraction which is Ecotourism but difference examples. The two places that had been choose is Kelam Caves at Perlis and Batu Caves at Selangor. Gua Kelam is one of limestone's cave in the Setul Formation in Nakawan Range and was maintained by Perlis Forestry Department since 1997. Gua Kelam are also located in Wang Mu Reserve Forest with area coverage of 2000 hectares and was gazetted as a part of Perlis State Park in 3 July 2008 under the Section 10(1) State Forestry Enactment (Application) 1987. Kaki Bukit town is nearest town which is 500 metres from the cave. It's a 370-metre long limestone cave called Gua Kelam (Cave of Darkness). It located about 33 km north of Kangar, the state capital. The only path to the cave is via an eight-foot wide wooden suspension bridge. This bridge links Kaki Bukit to the Wan Tangga Valley, a valley on the opposite end of Gua Kelam. Kelam Cave Management...
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...also encompasses ancestral or cultural traditions, writings, history, and mythology, as well as personal faith and religious experience. Despite many differences between religions, there are also many similarities that outline the general nature of a religion. For instance, every religion emphasizes on the need to do good and to serve the society wholeheartedly, and not for any selfish motive. In order to understand a religion apart from one’s own, one needs to visit the religious institute or the centre of prayer for the religion. In order to explore more about Hinduism, I visited a Hindu temple called “Ram Temple”. Upon entering the temple, I was required to take off footwear and place it on the shoe racks available. There were also coat racks available in the room to put our coats away. Once I took my shoes off I walked through a long hallway where I saw many different colourful pictures and paintings of the temples and the Hindu deities. [pic] The Murtis I saw upon entering the temple Then I entered the main praying hall which consisted of various sculptures which were different representations of the God. Each God had their name written at the bottom of their idol. There were chimes playing in the background which were being sung in the ancient language Sanskrit. I also noticed the “OM” symbol which is a sacred word of the universe, on the podium. [pic] The Om symbol The people were going to every god and...
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...Hindus are seen as those in India who worship many gods in the form of idols and wear colorful clothing. After visiting a Hindu temple, I view them as an open and welcoming community who value the Hindu traditions and practices, and the act of charity and hospitality. To Hindus, their temples are open to anyone who wants to visit. They hold many things, acts, and behaviors sacred as they perform devotional rituals in the temple. Hindus often participate in worship and charity-giving to engage those within and outside the Hindu community. The most common worship ritual is puja. In puja, the devotees and the priest gather to give their offerings to the deities. Within puja, there is a series of devotional practices and behaviors when one engages in it. Darsan is the act of seeing and being seen by the deities. This is done with the use of murti, a material in which a deity is embodied in (Rodrigues, 227). To see and be seen by the sacred is to be in their presence of the divine and receive their blessings. This practice also contributes bhakti which is the union between the deity and the devotee. During puja, the devotees also participate in arti, which is the waving of a flame in front of a deity as an act of purification (Rodrigues, 233). Puja is a way for the Hindu community to worship together and be present with the divine (Hindu temple). The way the Hindu community engages and invites those who are...
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...reliable, mature, and kindhearted boy.[6] Even as a child, he possessed an uncommon empathy that led others to seek out and trust his opinions and judgments in matters large and small.[7] Shantilal was raised in a simple home environment, as his family was of modest means. Although he excelled in his studies, in the seventeen years he spent at home before becoming a sadhu, Shantilal only had the opportunity to attend school for six years.[8] As he grew older, Shantilal helped his household by doing chores on the family farm. Early spiritual inclination Shantilal was strongly inclined towards spirituality from a young age. Upon completing his schoolwork, he would often rush off to the village’s Hanuman temple, where he and a childhood friend would listen to the discourses of a Hindu "holy man" named Haridas.[9] Shantilal’s daily “darshan”, or worship, at the Swaminarayan mandir in Chansad, and his association with Shastriji Maharaj and his disciple sadhus whenever they came to the village, further reflected Shantilal’s...
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...Akshardham (Delhi) Akshardham (Gujarati: સ્વામિનારાયણ અક્ષરધામ, Devnagari: स्वामिनारायण अक्षरधाम) is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi, India.[1] Also referred to as Delhi Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham, the complex displays millennia of traditional Hindu and Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture. The building was inspired and developed by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, whose 3,000 volunteers helped 7,000 artisans construct Akshardham.[1][2] The temple, which attracts approximately 70 percent of all tourists who visit Delhi,[3][4] was officially opened on 6 November 2005.[1] It sits near the banks of the Yamuna adjacent to the 2010 Commonwealth Games village in eastern New Delhi.[5] The temple, at the center of the complex, was built according to the Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra. In addition to the large central temple crafted entirely of stone, the complex features exhibitions on incidents from the life of Swaminarayan and the history of India, an IMAX feature on the early life of Swaminarayan as the teenage yogi, Nilkanth, a musical fountain on the message of the Upanishads, and large landscaped gardens. The temple is named after a belief in Swaminarayan Hinduism.[6] Features[edit] Monument[edit] [pic] [pic] The central monument at Akshardham The main monument, at the center of the complex, is 141-foot (43 m) high, 316-foot (96 m) wide, and 356-foot (109 m)...
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...The setting changed depending on where you were. Outside, it was very lively; in the main entrance, where we spoke to the leader, it was a bit quieter. There were however, children running around and different groups congregating, so it was not as solemn as where the worship really took place. There they were very focused on their puja it looked like nothing could distract them from their devotion. I think this greatly influenced the religious experience. When in the temple it was clear that it was purely for devotion and worship, instead of any outside conversations or the outside world really. It was also serious without being oppressive or stifling, it felt necessary and sacred. This does not mean that they were not friendly or welcoming. Although as a group we were a bit awkward and unsure how to proceed, the people performing the service incorporated us into the process by offering a candle and leading us in the right direction. ISKCON also seemed to be a complete place of community for Hindus, more so than other religious sites, because not only is it a place of worship, but it also has a restaurant, and a store within. I think this greater emphasizes the sense of community that they were trying to create...
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... Copy for General Distribution-Hitaya Hinduism under Threat! 1. Mass Conversions 2. Destruction of Hindu Institutions 3. Vote Bank Politics 4. Hindu Apathy and Ignorance 5. Solutions Copy for General Distribution-Hitaya Mass Conversions -15,018 persons converted in single day in Ongole -10,000 churches planned in 2005 alone, by just one group, the Seventh Day Adventists. Kyle Fiess, Maranatha (Org for building churches) marketing director reports: "We were astonished when Ron Watts (head of Seventh Day Adventists) presented us with a proposal for 10,000 churches in India…After many experiences like the one in Ongole, we no longer consider 10,000 churches to be an unrealistic goal, but an unparalleled opportunity”. http://www.christianaggression.org/item_display.php?type=NEWS&id=1103997730 article has links to may Copy for General Distribution-Hitaya missionary websites. Mass Conversions In 1998, the Seventh Adventist Church reported 225,000 members. In 2005, the numbers reached 825,000. “Most of the people in the villages are from a Hindu background, so it was gratifying to see so many people accepting Jesus," said Stenbakken (Seventh Day Adventist). This much conversion by just one organization. There are several other organizations working in parallel. Copy for General Distribution-Hitaya Mass Conversions Goal of 100 Million Hindu Converts Declared by Reverend Pat Robertson in Dallas Christian Conclave in Oct 2005 Worldwide Goal of One...
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...Wanda Jenkins Dr. Michael McLaughlin World Religions: Eastern and West 2 September 2014 The Four Yogas In Hinduism, there are four paths of yoga that are utilized as a reference guide that can help one along their spiritual journey towards self-realization. These paths provide different avenues that work for different people and are tailored towards certain temperaments so that one can choose the path that will provide them with the most success. According to Philip Novak, “Hinduism recognizes four paths of yoga or methods of self-transformation: the yoga of action (karma), the yoga of devotion (bhakti), the yoga of knowledge (jnana), and the yoga of meditation (raja yoga)” (Novak 34). These are paths to spiritual self- transformation that one can take after they have been taught that the controlling of the mind comes through meditation. Karma yoga is the pathway to self-transformation through work or action in the form of selfless service. Karma yoga appeals to those who have active temperaments. An example is given out of the book explaining that we are human machines made for action or work. Meaning, that our entire body, except for the reproductive apparatus merges together through action. The drive to work is mental not economical. We are by nature selfish beings, through Karma yoga we can step out of our spiritual ignorance through selfless actions. The goal of Karma yoga is for one to continually work towards acting in a selfless nature. Karma yoga is...
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...Title tag: Kedarnath Temple Description: Kedarnath temple is Shiva's abode and he is worshiped here as the 'Lord of the Hills.' It is built by Adi Sankaracharya at the bank of Mandakini River in Kedarnath town of Uttranchal State. Descriptive Title: Kedarnath Temple - Where Wishes Come True Keywords: kedarnath temple, how to reach kedarnath temple Kedarnath is a small town in the lap of Garhwal Himalayan range in Uttranchal State. It falls under Rudraprayag district and is at an elevation of 11,657 ft. from the sea level. It is situated on the banks of the Mandakini River and is blessed with breathtaking views flanked by snow-covered mountains. This small town is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus all over the world. People visit this town because of the Kedarnath temple that is considered as one of the small Char Dham pilgrimage. The town was ruled by King Kedar during the Satya Yug time and hence got the name. It is believed that Adi Sankaracharya built the temple in this town to worship Shiva in the form of Kedarnath, which means the King of the Mountains. The temple also has some relevance with the Pandava brothers of the great epic Mahabharata. It enshrines Shiva's Jyortilinga. Legend Pandavas won the battle of Mahabharata. However, after killing their own brothers, they were repenting over their victory. Since the battle had forced them to commit sins, they were denied an entry to heaven. To remove their sins and have an access to heaven...
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...Comparison of Two Religions: Hinduism and Buddhism Strayer University Professor Carla Thompson April 28, 2014 Comparison of Two Religions: Buddhism and Hinduism Buddhism Buddhism was founded around 500 BCE by Prince Siddhartha Gautama. Gautama Buddha who was born about 2,500 years ago questioned his sheltered luxurious life in a palace. Leaving the palace he found four sights, a sick man, an old man, a dead man and a monk. Seeing this he realized that even a prince could not escape the issues of illness, suffering and death. So a monk told him to relinquish all his power and become a wandering holy man and seek the answers of why must people suffer and what was the cause of the suffering” (United Religions Initiative, 2002). For many years of doing many religious practices, including praying, meditating and fasting, he finally understood the basic truths of life. He realized this all by sitting under a popular-figtree in India for many days in meditation and this is when he was enlighten which is actually known as nirvana and this is when he was given the title of the Buddha which is the meaning of the Enlightened One. Buddha spread his teachings from India as far as Asia, becoming the dominate religion in many countries” (Fisher, 2014).It is thought that the Buddha lived many lives before his birth as Gautama, and that he continues to live through his teachings and his relics. Buddhism is the religion and philosophy which developed out of the teachings of...
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...The Comparative Study of Immortality in Hinduism, Christianity and Islam The concept of life after death is different in every religion. Some religions believe that the soul lives on after one dies, while others believe that the soul dies along with the body. Immortality is defined as the indefinite continuation of a person’s existence, even after death. Three very diverse religions that believe in these concepts would be Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. According to Islam, it is believed that the life span of an individual predetermined by God. After death each Muslim must wait until the Day of Judgment, which is known only to God, for resurrection. Prior to the day of resurrection there will appear an anti-Christ figure, who shall be defeated upon the return of Jesus. A golden age of peace will follow and at its end will be the day of resurrection. The Quran implies that resurrection will be corporal, although Islam, like Christianity, is open to non-literal text interpretations. After resurrection every individual must stand before God to answer for his or her actions in their life. Each will be given a record of their deeds, which they will have to answer for. Upon the passing of judgment the wicked individuals, will be separated from the righteous ones. It is also believed that God will spare those who are genuinely remorseful, but the wicked will be sent to hell. It is said that the image of hell is of unbearable heat and suffering. The destination for the righteous...
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...Dance and Destruction Hinduism art during the 11th century was filled a variety of divine aspects of philosophy and the worship of many gods. The most mysterious form of art from Hindu culture that caught my attention was that of the dancing Shiva. Shiva the Destroyer has many faces in Hindu culture but the one that I will focus on in this discussion is Shiva Nataraja. The dancing Shiva is one of the most classic and loved symbols that captured the essence of Hindu culture and still remains timeless. To understand why the dancing Shiva is iconic art form we will look at the history and properties that make the Shiva Nataraja symbolic. The word Nataraja refers to the dancing form of Shiva due to the fact that Shiva has many forms. Nataraja meaning Lord of Dance or King of Dancers refers to the specific representation of the four armed dancing Shiva surrounded by a ring of fire. Trying to understand the dancing Shiva is not easy concept because Shiva after all is the god of Destruction. The best way to understand this concept of Shiva Nataraja is not to think of him as a destroyer but as a transformer. The appealing aspect of this Nataraja is that explains a story about the transformation of life. In Hindu religion and culture we know that things must be created, preserved and destroyed, and they are represented by gods. The same can be said about energy or life itself and this is why it is such an interesting and appealing as art and as science. The dance of Shiva...
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...Taj Mahal – A Hindu Shiva Temple-Palace TEJO MAHAL[pic] Islamic dacoits have looted and raped many countries, but no country can tell a bloodier tale of muslim oppression than India! The muslim dacoits started their rule over India in 712 A.D. with the invasion of Mohammed Qasem and looking at the present situation of our country it still continues on today! During their rule they looted and destroyed hundereds of thousands of Hindu temples. Aurangzeb himself destroyed 10,000 Hindu temples during his reign! Some of the larger temples were converted into mosques or other Islamic structures. Ram Janmbhoomi(at Ayodhya) and Krishna Temple(at Mathura) are just two examples. Many others exist! The most evident of such structures is Taj Mahal–a structure supposedly devoted to carnal love by the “great” moghul king Shah Jahan to his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. Please keep in my mind that this is the same Shah Jahan who had a harem of 5,000 women and the same Shah Jahan who had a incestuous relationship with his daughter justifing it by saying, ‘a gardner has every right to taste the fruit he has planted’! Is such a person even capable of imagning such a wondrous structure as the Taj Mahal let alone be the architect of it? The answer is no. It cannot be. And it isn’t as has been proven. The Taj Mahal is as much a Islamic structure as is mathematics a muslim discovery! The famous historian Shri P.N. Oak has proven that Taj Mahal is actually Tejo Mahalaya– a shiv temple-palace. His work...
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...distributed in His name. The prasad has the deity's blessing residing within it. In contemporary Hindu religious practice in India, the desire to get prasada and have darshan are the two major motivations of pilgrimage and temple visits. As a mental condition, prasāda has a rich history of meanings in the Sanskrit tradition from Vedic literature onwards. In this textual tradition, prasada is a mental state experienced by gods, sages, and other powerful beings which is marked by spontaneous generosity and the bestowing of boons. Prasāda is understood in this sense of a mental state from the earliest literature (Rig Veda) onwards—not as an aspect of ritual practice. In later texts such as the Shiva Purāna, references to prasada as a material substance begins to appear alongside this older meaning. In its material sense, prasada is created by a process of giving and receiving between a human devotee and the divine god. For example, a devotee makes an offering of a material substance such as flowers, fruits, or sweets—which is called naivedya. The deity then 'enjoys' or tastes a bit of the offering, which is then temporarily known as bhogya. This now-divinely invested substance is called prasāda, and is received by the devotee to be ingested, worn, etc. It may be the same material that was originally offered, or material offered by others and then re-distributed to other devotees. In many temples, several kinds of prasada (e.g. nuts, sweets) are distributed to the devotees. Sheero...
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