Global Hindu Heritage Foundation is excited to celebrate the International Women's Day on March 8. On this day we celebrated all the achievements of women, including those in the social, economic, cultural, religious, spiritual, scientific and political realms. There are different ways to celebrate, depending on the country, culture, and social and political situation. We Hindus will celebrate by reflecting on how our scriptures have molded our personalities, motivated our desires, inspired our ambitions, shaped our future, helped set our goals, transmitted timeless wisdom, and guided our existence.   In Hinduism, women are given the highest position any religion can accord.  Matru Devo Bhava is the dictum nobody can forget. Mother is divine. It is important to remember that only Hindus worship God as the Divine Mother. In Hinduism, we have Sri Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; Saraswati, the goddess of learning and knowledge; Parvati, the goddess who bestows women with long married life; Annapurna, who blesses us with an abundance of food; Kali, the power of time; and other goddesses who protect the human race from demonic forces. Women as goddesses are worshipped in all religious festivals. During Navaratri, Devi's different manifestations are worshipped for ten days. And no function is complete without the participation of women. The social inconsistencies and injustices in the role of women did not arise from Hindu scriptures but from the external forces that constrained the movement of women as well as the foreign rule that forced women to take a protective role. Many Hindu scriptures accorded the highest regard and the highest status to women. Says the Manu Smriti (ii. 45): "From the point of view of reverence due, a teacher is tenfold superior to a mere lecturer, a father a hundredfold to a teacher, and a mother a thousandfold to a father." Mother is considered the pillar of the Hindu family; pinnacle of sacrifice, embodiment of love, affection, and compassion; source of inspiration and encouragement; personification of peace and harmony; foundation of strength and courage; epitome of age-old wisdom and prudence, hallmark of patience and endurance; quintessence of solace and comfort; exemplification of kindness and gentleness; reservoir of inexhaustible blessings; and personification of patience and tolerance.             How can we forget the forbearance of Mother who conceived us and carried us for nine months in her womb, suffered months of morning sickness, saw us grow day by day, fed us through the tube; allowed us to take shape as we developed backbone, skin, fingers, nails, eyelids, eyebrows, nose, ears, hands, legs, toes, heart, head, brain, and so on for nine months; and carried all the weight all these months; endured all the sounds and kicking; spent countless nights without sleep; withstood all the discomforts; and finally gave birth. How can we forget the mother’s endurance and tenacity during those nine months? The sixth-century Devi-Mahatyam says, “By you this universe is borne, by you this world is created. By you, it is protected. O Devi: It is consumed in the end. You are the Supreme Knowledge, ignorance, intellect, and contemplation...” Look at what Manu Smriti says about the status of women: "From the point of view of reverence due, a teacher is tenfold superior to a mere lecturer, a father a hundredfold to a teacher, and a mother a thousandfold to a father." (II.45) "Women must be honored and adorned by their fathers, brothers, husbands and brothers-in-law, who desire their own welfare." (III, 55) " Where the female relations live in grief, the family soon wholly perishes; but that family where they are not unhappy ever prospers." (III, 57). "The houses on which female relations, not being duly honored, pronounce a curse, perish completely as if destroyed by magic." (III, 58) " Hence men who seek their own welfare should always honor women on holidays and festivals with gifts of ornaments, clothes, and dainty food."  (II, 59) In an old Shakta hymn, it is said - Striyah devah, Striyah pranah "Women are Devas, women are life itself." (Bharata Shakti - By Sir John Woodroffe p. 95). From the early Vedic times, women played vital roles in preserving the Hindu heritage. They include such women as Sati, Sita, Anasuya, Arundhatee, Draupadi, Queen Kunti, Shakuntala, Maitreyi, Gargi, Madalasa, Savitri, Ahalya, and others. Many believe that simply reciting their names removes sins and remembering them gives invincible strength. Men and women complement each other, just like heaven and earth, lyric and melody. They are equal partners in married life. Sage Agastya tells his wife Lopamudra, “In this world, we will overcome all adversities if we two exert ourselves together.”  A wife is called Ardhaangini (‘half of oneself’), Sahadharaini (a comrade in life), Sahadharmini (an equal participant in performance of and in reaping fruits of good deeds), Pathni (the one who leads the husband through life), Dharmapathni (the one who guides the husband in dharma) and Sahadharmacharini (one who moves with the husband on the path of dharma--righteousness and duty). We call her better half. The mother is seen as the cornerstone and foundation of the family. She is considered the upholder of the family traditions and a supporter of dharma. She is considered the first Guru to her children as she provides primary care, love, affection, compassion, and moral compass. She is the one who transmits and nurtures the morals, ethics, and ideals needed to provide the foundation for the offspring. Stephen Knapp remarked, “Women in motherhood, after giving birth to a child that they have carried for nine months, is the first guru and guide of the child and, thus, of humanity. Through this means, before any child learns hatred or aggression, they first know the love of a mother who can instill the ways of forgiveness and kindness in the child. In this way, we can recognize that there is often a strong woman, either as a mother or wife, behind most successful men…. In exhibiting the qualities of motherhood, women must be warm and tender, strong and protective, yet also lay the foundation of discipline and the discrimination of right from wrong.” Sri Swami Vivekananda in the Position of Mother Swami Vivekananda expressed an abundant appreciation and lavish veneration to the women of Bharat, and mother was considered the solid foundation of Hindu philosophy, culture, and civilization. He respected her as the symbol of Divine Motherhood. From childhood until the end of life, Hindus always remember the sacrifices their mother made to shape their personality. He said the ideal woman in India is a mother; the mother first and the mother last. The word mother comes to the mind of Hindu motherhood, and God is called Mother. “The position of the mother is the highest in the world, as it is the one place in which to learn and exercise the greatest unselfishness. The love of God is the only love that is higher than a mother's love; all others are lower. It is the duty of the mother to think of her children first and then of herself. “ He always remembered the love and compassion of a mother toward her children. Nothing is comparable to the love of a mother toward her progeny. Children may disavow their mother, but the mother never deserts her children. Her passion is color-blind and never dissipates. She gladly embraces all the miseries of her children and safeguards them against all the misfortunes. “Women as mothers are marvelous, unselfish, all suffering and ever forgiving.” In a lecture in the Shakespeare Club House in Pasadena, California, on January 18, 1900, Swami Vivekananda stated, “The ideal woman in India is the mother, the mother first, and the mother last. The word woman calls up to the mind of the Hindu, motherhood; and God is called Mother… To the ordinary man in India, the whole force of womanhood is concentrated in motherhood. In the Western home, the wife rules. In an Indian home, the mother rules…The name has been called holy once and forever, for what name is there which no lust can ever approach, no carnality ever come near, then the one-word mother? That is the ideal in India.” Swami Sivananda: “The Mother is a mysterious, indescribable power of the Supreme Being. She is the dynamic aspect of the Supreme, Transcendent Being, which is infinity, eternity, and ineffable peace, beyond the cognizance of the senses and the mind.” Francois Gautier: “Thus, in India—and it is true that it is often a paradox, as women, because of later Muslim influences, have often been relegated to the background—the feminine concept is a symbol of dynamic realization. She is the eternal Mother, who is all Wisdom, Compassion, Force, Beauty, and Perfection. In this way, Hindus have venerated the feminine element under its different manifestations since the dawn of time. Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, Mahasaraswati, Maheshwari - and even India is feminine: "Mother India." “ Bhishma gloried the mother. According to Bhishma, nothing is superior to serving women. One who respects and serves their mother achieves outstanding success in life. Her blessings are ever present and never evaporate, even if her children reach the oldest age possible as long as she is alive. “The mother is the panacea for all kinds of calamities. The mother's existence provides protection; the reverse deprives one of all protection. The man who, though divested of prosperity, enters his house, uttering the words, "O mother!"- has not to indulge in grief. Nor does decrepitude ever assail him. A person whose mother exists, even if he happens to be possessed of sons and grandsons, and even though he is a hundred years old, in his mother's eyes, he looks like a child of two years of age. Whether the mother is able or disabled, lean or robust, she always protects her son. None else, according to the ordinance, is the son’s protector. Then does the son become old, then does he become stricken with grief, then does the world look empty in his eyes when he becomes deprived of his mother? There is no shelter like the mother. There is no refuge like the mother. There is no defense like the mother. There is no one so dear as the mother. For having borne him in her womb, the mother is the son’s dhatri. For having been the chief cause of his birth, she is his janani. For having nursed his young limbs, she is called amva (Amma). For nursing and looking after the son, she is called Sura. The mother is one’s own body.” (Santi Parva: Mokshadharma Parva; Section CCLXVI) Role of women in Hinduism Women like Sita, Satyavati, Draupadi, Ganga, Kunti, Shakuntala, Menaka, Amba, Anasuya, Damayanti, and Ahalya played an essential role in exemplifying the ideal conduct of women in private and in public. They also exemplify the hardships faced by women in ancient times. Even Sita, an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi, the queen of Rama, had to bear the brunt of gender discrimination and public ire. Tradition recommends four prominent roles for a married Hindu woman: that of a servant (dasi), that of an advisor or counselor (mantri), that of a mother (mata), and that of a lover (rambha).   Kunti as Mother Kunti became pregnant after Surya Deva fulfilled her wish to have a son. He promised her that she would remain a virgin after the delivery. With that promise, a boy came out of her ear; hence, he was called Karna. As the promise was fulfilled without anybody’s knowledge, she left him in the Ashva River. Mother Kunti puts him in a box and, with so much agony and tears rolling down her cheeks, leaves him in the river. As a mother, she raised her eyes to the scorching Surya Deva and requested him by saying, “Watch over our son, let no evil befall him.” As the box started floating away from her, she blessed her so: “May all your paths be auspicious. May the lord of rivers guard you; may the lord of the air watch over you; may all the Gods protect you. And when I see you again one day, let me know you by your golden kavachas and kundala.” Kunti played a significant role as a Mother in influencing her sons to fight the war. She advised her sons to take up arms to preserve dharma and to follow the tradition of Kashatriyas, who were responsible for protecting the people of their land. After the war ended with the Pandavas' victory over the Kauravas, she took Vanaprastha Ashrama along with Dhritarashtra and Gandhari. Yudhisthira was shocked and said You goaded us to wage war, and why are you leaving us at this stage. Bhima also says, “Why this decision to leave when you should enjoy the riches your sons have acquired?” Her advice should be taken as a role model for all the mothers across the globe and the children to follow: “It is true, son, that I egged you on to fight for your rights when you were roaming about with empty stomachs and grief-laden hearts. Deprived of your rightful patrimony, insulted by your kinsmen, when you were living on the bread of beggary, I did goad you on to fight for your rights. You ask me why. So that you do not have to wait on your inferiors. You are a veteran of war and are as noble as the gods. So that you, Yudhishthira, who are righteous and the rightful heir to the throne, may not wander about in the woods. So that Bhima, who is far-famed for his prowess, may not suffer humiliation at the hands of his enemies. So that Arjuna, Indra’s son, would not drink the cup of misery. So that your dear younger brothers Nakula and Sahadeva may not know the pinch of poverty and hunger. So that Draupadi, this dear daughter of mine, may not fall prey again to vile molestation. My dear son, it was to rouse you to your glory that I pushed you into war through the words of Vidura. I encouraged you to fight so that the noble line of the great King Pandu may not end with my sons. There is no hope or future for one who brings about the ruin of one’s family. My children, I have fully enjoyed all the royal pleasures my departed husband had earned for me. Charities without numbers have I performed. And I have sipped the soma juice in solemn sacrifice. I do not crave any enjoyment earned by my sons. I intend to reduce my body through penance and service to my elders. May your mind ever remain steadfast in righteousness; may your mind be noble: Dharme te dhīyatām buddhir¬manas¬te mahad¬astu ca.” Kunti had the wisdom to educate her sons in the proper use of power and the foresight to build alliances that would someday come in handy. At Ekachakranagara, when Yudhisthira opposed sending Bhima to fight Bakasura the monstrous eater, Kunti retorted rather sternly ―I am not foolish; don’t think me ignorant; I am not being selfish. I know exactly what I am doing. This is an act of dharma. Yudhishthira, two benefits will follow from this act; one, we will repay a Brahmin, and two, we will gain moral merit. A king must protect. It is his dharma.  Draupati questions However, there is considerable material to understand Draupadi‘s feelings, not just as an inference but also through her forceful articulation. After her husband loses her in a game of dice, she does not collapse under the shocking news but challenges the very concept of Dharma and the basis of their conduct towards her. After the dice game, Draupadi strongly questions Pratikami, who will fetch her to the assembly. “How can you say such a thing? Which Prince will gamble, with his wife as stake (Sabha Parva 67.5). In deep shock, she asserted that he go back to the assembly and ask the gambler-king, Yudhisthira: ‗whom did you lose first, your self or me? It is only after I know the answer to this that this weak and helpless woman will come to the assembly.‖ Draupadi, in the assembly again, threw a question at Duryodhana: ‗Have you won yourself? Or myself? How do you presume that one husband is authorized to stake the wife while she has four other husbands? Moreover, according to Sastras, the deeds of a king who is in a miserable state due to over-indulgence in hunting, drinking, gambling, and hankering after women are not lawfully binding. Hence, how could the Kauravas own Panchali? I am a free woman by all means. Draupadi is the only person who stands up for justice. She lashed out against the entire court, stupefying all with her logic. She questioned the legality of the right of Yudhishthir to place her at stake when he had lost his freedom and consequently did not possess any property in the first place. Moreover, Draupadi said that Yudhishthir had no right to put her at the stake because, as his wife, she was not his property. Draupadi challenged even the most elderly and respected people in the court. She called upon everyone present to protect her, and when no one answered her plea, she prayed to Krishna, and he protected her. Fortunately, through her prayer to Krsna, a miracle occurs, and she becomes the visible recipient of divine grace in the form of endlessly descending sarees. (Hiltebeitel 280). She shared a special relationship with Krishna and considered him a friend and equal. She prayed to him in every hour of need. Krishna always did what was necessary. Draupadi is the exemplification of bhakti to God. She showed utmost faith in Lord Krishna. She is the embodiment of both bhakti and shakti.  Even Satyabhama, Lord Krishna’s wife, was intrigued and wanted her to share the secret of her success in the Vana Parva of the Mahabharata. Satyabhama asks Draupadi,” Most women can barely manage to get control of one husband; you have managed to secure the affections of all five. What is your secret? Is it magic? Is it a spell?” Her answer was that  “She devotedly serves her husbands and their other wives without pride, anger or desire. With affection and self-restraint, she waits attentively for their wishes without selfish thoughts. She works hard to manage the home, never speaks harshly, never laughs loudly, never causes offence, and is never idle. She never cooks food her husbands do not like, and she is dutiful in performing offerings to the ancestors and in serving guests. Even though they are gentle by nature, she treats her husbands like venomous snakes, always prone to anger.” Gandhari as Mother Before the war between the Pandavas and Kauravas commenced, Dhritarashtra and Gandhari counseled their children to make peace with the Pandavas. There is a moral lesson to learn from Gandhari about what happens when the children go against a mother's wishes. The refusal of Gandhari’s advice to her sons wiped out the Kaurava family – all 100 of her sons were killed, along with Karna. Gandhari then tried to correct her son, Duryodhana, by saying, “You are a fool! You never listen to wisdom that is meant for your own interest. All the elders have spoken in favor of peace, but you alone desire war, which will destroy our family. You will remember your father's words when struck dead by Bhimasena's mace.” Gandhari even advised her husband to stop the game of dice twice, with no success. She even chides Dhritarashtra for not interfering while the Draupadi is being disrobed in court.  This kind of humiliation to Draupati would surely “rekindle a dead fire, topple a bridge re-built” and destroy the Kaurava dynasty. She always advised her sons with words of wisdom and motherly love for them to follow. She pleads with them to eschew the needless war by sharing the kingdom with the Pandavas. She argued that they should avoid the greedy ambition to possess the kingdom. Even Lord Krishna recognized and appreciated her dharmic counsel by saying, “You have, in the open court, repeatedly and rightly spoken words of wisdom and justice for the welfare of both the sides thirsting for war.” Before the battle on the final day, Duryodhana goes to his mother, Gandhari, seeking her blessings.  Her blessings have not blinded her motherly affection. She was on the side of dharma when she remarked, "Listen to my words, O fool, where there is righteousness there is victory (Srunu mudha vachomyaham yato dharmastato jayah - Salya Parva 63.62). Lord Krishna even lauds Gandhari’s wisdom and the passion for her path of dharma by saying, “O the gracious Lady, there is none comparable to you in the whole world" (tat samam nasti loke sminnadya simantini shubhe - Salya Parva 63.59). A mother’s love is deep and unconditional. It is profound and unfathomable. When Gandhari realized that the war was imminent, knowing fully well that Duryodhana was not as strong as Bhima, to ensure success in the war, she asked her loving son, “Before you go into battle, son, come before me without any clothes. When I look upon your body, each part I see will become hard as a diamond, unyielding to weapons.” Feeling shy and uncomfortable to appear totally naked in front of his mother, he covered his groin and hips with leaves around his waist. The first time, she removes her blindfold after her marriage to see her son with the leaves around his waist. She was horrified and said, “Oh my son, what have you done? Now, that covered part of your body will be vulnerable to weapons. Your enemies will not fail to strike you there.” She bitterly cried, and she knew that Duryodhana was destined to be killed by striking at the part that was covered with leaves. In the battle, Bhima strikes Duryodhana on the hip, causing his ultimate death. Ramayana In Ramayana, Sita is considered an ideal wife, described as a perfect, subordinate, and obedient wife. She is described as loyal, devoted, loving, beautiful, and strong, yet fragile. Sita is the ideal wife, an ideal rooted in religious righteousness that continues to be appreciated by many women of the Hindu tradition. Some consider Sita an influential woman, shown as a model for love, harmony, kindness, suffering, endurance, strength, patience, obedience, loyal and devotional.  Swami Vivekananda says, “Sita is the name in India for everything good, pure, and holy; everything that in woman we call woman. Sita— the patient, all suffering, ever-faithful, ever-pure wife! Despite her suffering, there was not one harsh word against Rama. Sita never returned injury. Be Sita.”                 There are two characters we must remember and their role in giving Ravana proper and dharmic advice to ensure he will not be killed. Surpanakha Surpanakha, Ravana's sister, is considered an essential character in Ramayana. She may have kindled Ravana's intense desire to possess Sita. Lakshmana cut her nose off as she wanted to marry Rama, and she might harm Sita. Then, she goes to Ravana and advises him about dharma and why he should not desire Sita. “You are undoubtedly childish of disposition and devoid of intelligence and do not know what ought to be known, O demon! How (then) will you continue to be a king?” (Source: Srimad Valmiki Ramayana, Gita Press, Gorakhpur publication) 3.33.8।। To make her point clearly, she then enumerates what a ruler should guard against and how he must act. She calls a king dislodged from his kingdom worthless, even if he is capable, like a piece of cloth that is worn and discarded and like garlands that are used and crushed. About the qualities of a respected ruler, she says that the vigilant king knows everything (about himself and his enemy), whose senses are fully controlled, who recognizes the services of others and is pious by disposition, and who continues his throne for long. She adds that the people honor the king, who remains prudent and whose frown and favor are manifest in the form of punishment and reward. (Source: Slokas 19-21 of the Thirty-third Chapter of Arany Kanda) Surpanakha finally admonishes Ravana severely, saying that he was utterly deprived of all these virtues, and warns him that he will lose his sovereignty and perish soon if he continues to ignore the realities of the situation they are faced with. For his part, Ravana does reflect upon her words quietly before questioning her further about the events preceding her arrival at his court. Mandodari Mandodari, the wife of Ravana, is depicted as a wise and compassionate woman who tries to dissuade her husband from his evil deeds. Her counsel and warnings demonstrate the potential of women to act as moral compasses and voices of reason. Despite his refusal to listen to her advice, Mandodari kept advising him to return Mata Sita to Lord Ram, even when she knew her husband would never follow her advice. She tried several times to make Ravan realize his mistakes. First, she asked him to return Mata Sita to Lord Ram after seeing Hanuman's valor and power in Sundar Kand. Later, she told him about Lord Ram's real identity: the Supreme Narayan in Lanka Kand. She also advised him to return Mata Sita to save his life, after Lord Ram almost killed him, while Ravan was enjoying in his court. Later, after losing her sons, she again asked him to stop the war and asked for forgiveness. The dialogue between Mandodari and Ravana is revealing. After she saw the destruction Hanuman caused to Lanka, she realized that Rama is none other than Sri Hari. When Mandodari (Ravana's principal queen) heard what the citizens were saying from her female spies, she felt much perturbed. Meeting her lord in seclusion, she fell at his feet and, with joined palms, addressed to him words steeped in wisdom: "My lord, avoid all strife with Sri Hari. Take my words to heart as a most salutary piece of advice. My lord, if you seek your welfare, call one of your ministers and send back with him the consort of that prince (Sri Rama), the very thought of whose messenger's doings makes the wives of the demons miscarry. Just as a frosty night spells disaster to a bed of lotuses, Sita has come here as a bane to your race. Listen, my lord: unless you return Sita, not even Sambhu (Lord Siva) and Brahma (the creator) can be of any good to you.” As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is refreshing to know the richness of our heritage, our scriptures, and our heroines who shaped the Hindu way of life, which is appreciated across the globe. Even though times have changed, attitudes have shifted, and ambitions have multiplied, we all have to look at the advice given in these scriptures to determine how relevant these dharmic principles were centuries ago. The wisdom of these women characters transcends time and space. These ideals are as relevant to Bharat as they are to the rest of humanity.

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”  ~Nelson Mandela Some people thought that the Maratha kingdom had become orphaned with the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Aurangzeb and his followers were happy. The Shiva power built by Shivaji was not orphaned. The spirit of struggle carried forward Shivaji's goal. Sambhaji continued to fight without a break during his nine years of rule. Finally, he was captured by Aurangzeb's armies. Aurangzeb subjected Sambhaji to many tortures to convert him. Sambhaji's tongue was cut out for not accepting Islam. However, Sambhaji disagreed. Finally, he was subjected to torture. His eyes gouged out. His tongue was cut out. "For killing, imprisoning, dishonoring Muslims, and plundering Islamic cities," the Mohammedan jurists issued a decree to kill Sambhaji. They cut off each limb of his body and fed the meat to dogs and brutally tortured and killed Sambhaji. He was beheaded and presented in all the major cities of the Deccan with a straw hat, drums, and a lute. When the news of Shambhaji's martyrdom came to light, the hearts of the people of Maharashtra were filled with joy, and they rushed to the battlefield. Even when he was alive, Shambhaji inspired his nation more after he became immortal. Every Maratha hero became a brave soldier who sacrificed everything. He entered the battlefield with weapons. Not power - the protection of Hindu society is important After the death of Shambhaji, Shivaji's daughter-in-law and Shambhaji's wife, Yashubai, also tried to ensure that his seven-year-old son, Sahu, sat on the throne without any stain on his ethics, as her father-in-law had done. Still, she considered society's protection essential and crowned her adult daughter Rajaram. She showed Shivaji the way. With the martyrdom of Shambhaji and the sacrifice of Yashubai, the entire Hindu people recognized the need to protect Hinduism. The Hindu community has come to the rescue. He was the greatest warrior king this land has ever seen. He was the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who founded the Maratha Empire and completed the Islamization of India. Although he was a secular king, he opposed the invaders or the fanatic Muslims. 1) Chhatrapati Shambhaji Maharaj fought 127 wars, won every battle, and remained invincible. Bajirao Peshwa won only 42 wars; imagine the power of King Shambhaji. 2) The Mughals, Nizams, Portuguese, and British were afraid to fight him because his extraordinary military tactics and physical and mental toughness made him invincible on the battlefield. 3) He once killed a lion with his single hands, which shows his courage and valor, as he was groomed like his father and their companions like Tanaji Malusare, Yesaji Kank, Hambirrao Mohite, Kondaji Farzand, etc. 4) He learnt 13 languages like Sanskrit, Marathi, English, Urdu, Kannada, Deccani, etc., at the young age of 13 and wrote 4 books called "Sacred Sanskrit Texts" at the age of 14. 5) He saved the Maratha Empire when it was surrounded by enemies from all sides, Mughals from the north, Nizam & Adilshahi from the east, petty rulers from the south, Portuguese & British. Yet he managed them effectively for many years. 6) He was very skilled with horses; he used to keep the horse's bridle (used for riding and speed control) in his mouth, and both his hands were with swords to inflict maximum damage on the enemy. 7) Both the Chhatrapatis never discriminated. They recruited soldiers from all castes, creeds, and religions, which made them more endearing to the ordinary citizens or "Rayat" in Marathi. 8) Aurangzeb offered him to convert to Islam and also offered to marry his daughter, but he rejected both, even though he suffered a lot of torture before his death, he never surrendered, instead he fought till his last breath for his motherland, his people, his religion. Things to teach children ● Courage & Sacrifice – Shambhaji Maharaj did not relinquish his religion despite facing many tortures. It must be said that standing up for the truth is the most incredible adventure. ● Freedom & Efficiency – Shambhaji Maharaj successfully fought many wars to protect his empire. Explain how important it is to protect freedom. ● Military Strategies & Leadership – The Maratha army achieved many significant victories under his leadership. Children should be taught how to be good leaders. ● Value of Comprehensive Education – Learning many languagesand writing books at a young age is a testament to Shambhaji’s intellectual development. It should be said that not only strength but also knowledge was key. ● Attitude of Harmony – Shambhaji included people of all castes and religions in his army. Explain that having a sense of equality and unity is very important. Questions to ask children: ● Who is the father of Shambhaji Maharaj? ● How does Shambhaji’s courage & martyrdom inspire us? ● How did Shambhaji protect the Maratha empire? ● Why was Shambhaji Maharaj tortured? ● Why did Sambhaji fight till the end? Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979 {{album_1325}}

“We are all born idolaters, and idolatry is good, because it is in the nature of man. Who can get beyond it? Only the perfect man, the Godman. The rest are all idolaters. So long as we see this universe before us, with its forms and shapes, we are all idolaters. This is a gigantic symbol we are worshipping. He who says he is the body is a born idolater.” Swami Vivekananda Global Hindu Heritage Foundation is very happy to report the news about how an elderly lady embraced Hinduism and how our team helped her fulfill her wish to do prana Pratishta to Naga Devata on the roadside. In the Gajulapalli village of Kalyanadurgam mandal of Anantapur district, an elderly woman by the name Marakka had been deceived and converted to Christianity by listening to the false words spoken by Christian pastors before. When her husband was alive, her husband planted a neem tree under a jimmy tree. Sri Gopis Krishna Chary, Arjun Anilkumar, Hanumanth, and Erranna have interacted with her for a few months. They convinced her to return to Hinduism, and with great joy, she embraced Hinduism. Before reconverting, she greatly desired to install a Naga idol for her husband's wish, but she did not have enough money to do the ceremony. In the meanwhile, her husband passed away.  Knowing that her husband died, and she was alone, the Christian pastor and others trapped her to get converted to Christianity. The Christian pastors converted her to Christianity and told her that she should not do the installation ceremony of Nagas. She had stopped the installation ceremony, gone to church every day, and completely abandoned Hinduism. Our Global Hindu Heritage Foundation and Save Temple activists contacted her and said she should fulfill her husband’s dream of having a Naga Devata Pratishta. Your dead husband must also be suffering because you converted and did not fulfill her husband’s wish.  What benefits did you get from converting to religion? Then she realized her mistake and did prana Pratishta as an atonement for her action.  After she embraced Hinduism, she was thrilled and did the installation ceremony. When she said she did not have the money to do it, our GHHF team organized the program free of charge through our organization. As part of the program, we made her swear an oath that she would never go to Christianity in her lifetime. We made her sit down and conduct a complete consecration program.  We also said that from today onwards, you should worship the Naga idols herself and light a lamp. Appreciating our word, from that day onwards, she worships the Naga idols, lights a lamp, and sits there for an hour. This is a great joy. The villagers were also happy.  She lives about one kilometer from the Naga Devata mandir, which is on the side of the road where people stop by, worship Naga Devata, sit there for a few minutes, and go. This elderly lady carries one bucket of water every day, does Abhishekam and puja, On Shivaratri, when we went to Gajulapalli village to perform the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, we came and found out that she had come and performed the consecration of the Nagas. She said that she felt very good after coming and painting the roof. She also said that she had difficulty in buying the items to do puja.  So, our team helped her financially and also tying a saffron flag and a Dharma flag on a tree and worshipped them. She also said Anjaneya Swamy is in the sun near our Andepalli village. They were pleased to see this building for Naga Devata through our organization. Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979 {{album_1324}}

“Take a course in good water and air; and in the eternal youth of Nature, you may renew your own. Go quietly, alone; no harm will befall you.” — John Muir There was a boy named Suresh in a small town. During the summer holidays, he went to his grandfather Ramaiah. Ramaiah was a hardworking farmer and earned his living by working in the field. One day, Suresh went to the field with his grandfather. There, some plants were drying up, and the soil was cracked. Seeing this, Suresh said, “Grandpa! Why are the plants not growing in our field?” he asked.” Grandpa said with a smile, “Son, Plants need water to grow. For water to come, it has to rain.” Suresh was surprised and asked, “But how does rain come, Grandpa?” He took out a book and said that the answer to any question we have is in the Bhagavad Gita and quoted a verse from the Bhagavad Gita: "Annadbhavanti bhutani parjanyadannasambhavah । Yajnaadbhavati parjanyo yajnah karmasamudbhavah ।." Living beings live because of rice, rice is produced because of rain, rain comes because of yajna, and yajna arises because of our karma. Suresh was a little confused. "Yajna means worshiping fire, isn't it?" Grandpa asked. Then Grandpa said, "The yajna you see in the movies is like that, performed by great scholars who have studied the Vedas. Not only that, but every work done for good and for Dharma is like a yajna. "Protecting nature, doing good deeds, planting trees, conserving water, and protecting animals are also yajna," he said. Suresh thought, "So now if we want rain to come, should we protect nature, Grandpa?" he asked. Ramaiah said, "Yes, Babu! If we cut trees, there will be no rain, and if we pollute the water, the earth will dry up. That is why we should love and protect nature." From that day on, Suresh started planting trees with his friends. Within a few days, the greenery increased, the clouds cleared, and it rained. The farmers' fields were filled with fruits. Suresh looked at his grandfather joyfully and said, "Grandpa, now I understand what yajna is! Every work done for Dharma becomes a yajna! " He said. Ethics: 1. Our responsibility is to protect nature – to get rain, we must plant trees and conserve water. 2. Small efforts are the beginning of outstanding achievements – every significant change starts with a small action. 3. Real knowledge is knowledge that is put into practice – what is learned through books and our actions is proper education. How to discuss this story with children: 1. What did Suresh observe? (The field dries up, the plants wither) 2. Why did Grandpa say that rain is necessary? 3. How does rain come? What does the Bhagavad Gita say? 4. What is a yagna? (Not just a fire, but also the protection of nature) 5. What can we learn from Suresh's story? Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979 {{album_1323}}

“India, in a word, is a God-intoxicated country; and her philosophy, which has in many ways and by many centuries anticipated the systems of European thought, is for the most part a religious philosophy; it deals with the One behind the many, the Real behind the illusory, and is perhaps man's most courageous attempt to reach an ultimate unity.” Kenneth Saunders (1883-1937) author of The Heritage of Asia. 1. Gharwapsi of 5 Hindus: 5 non-Hindus (4 Christians and 1 Muslim) left Abrahamic faith returned to Sanatan Dharma. 4 Christians from Noyadol village where we stopped the construction of Church were converted by the missionary gang and after the intervention of GHHF Assam we not only stopped the construction of Church but also returned all these Christians to Hinduism. Now the village is Christian free. One Muslim girl viz Rubina Khatun married to Raju Acharya and accepted Hinduism in Suprakandi village. GHHF supported this couple financially. 2. Medical Camp- GHHF Assam in collaboration with Indian Medicos Society organized a health camp /Medical camp at Amjur village. Nearly 260 locals, children, youngsters, elderly alike visited the camp to get free doctoral consultation and medicine. GHHF Assam decided to organize such medical camps for students of Bala Samskar centers and also for the villagers. This camp provides free medicines, health awareness education, and other medical services to rural and tribal communities. 3. Like every year this year also Bala Samskar Kendras of Assam organized Saraswati Puja on the auspicious occasion of Vasant Panchami. Students and parents participated but except for them more than 3000 villagers joined us at various Bala Samskar pujas. 4. Invited as Guest Speaker at Hindu Dharma Conference organized by Bharat Sevashram Sangh, Silchar. Renowned educationalist and journalist Atin Das, Swami Tarananda from Kurukshetra (Haryana) and. Dr. Sukhendu Sekhar Dutta, MLA Patharkandi will share stage with me. 5. GHHF Assam activists foil attempt of illegal construction of Church and stopped conversion in Vill Noyadol, Cachar. GHHF Assam activists came to know about the construction of Church in vill Noyadol and learnt that one missionary gang came from Mizoram and were distributing leaflets about bible and Christ. GHHF activist reached to the spot and after knowing about that missionary gang left the place, but they caught project in charge who was running this project. GHHF activist talked to circle officer and with the help of officials stopped the construction of Church. Now missionary gang left the place, and this place is under the control of GHHF Assam. It is to be noted that this GHHF team recently joined us. They came to the State Conference on 15 December 2024, and they were so mesmerized that they formed a committee at their village and started work there. Within one month they gave us the result. 6. GHHF Assam ll Recently many people joined GHHF Assam. We have planned to organize 3(three) big programs in the coming days.  A. Hindu Nari Shakti Sangam.  Conference of 500 Hindu women under the banner of Tejaswini.  B. Adivasi Youth Conference with 500 Adivasi youths. C. Launching of Youth wing just like women wing Tejaswini.  7. GHHF Assam's Legal Forum - Hindu Advocates Forum State Unit condemns the demand of Nagaland Baptist Church Council to repeal the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA) 1978 which gives protection to indigenous faith i.e. Sanatan dharma of Arunachal Pradesh*. 8. Bala Samskar Kendras of Assam organized special Shiva Ratri Puja for students and their families. Students reached the Mandir after taking bath and offered Flower, milk, yogurt, honey etc. on the Shivalinga and chanted Om Namah Shivaya and other Shiva mantras. Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979 {{album_1322}}

“Where thoughts go, energy goes. There is nothing else here besides energy. Thoughts create form. Moderate your thoughts because they affect the entire energy field. When we are at a high level of vibration, we naturally attract high-level experiences and vice versa. Experiences are a direct reflection of your thoughts.” Anonymous The Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) at Frisco, Texas led by eminent Hindu Leaders Smt & Shri Dr. @Prakasarao Velagapudi Garu performed a heartfelt prayer ceremony for the safe return of American astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore. The ceremony, held at the Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple in Frisco, Texas, included a sankalpa reading the names of the astronauts, asking Lord Hanuman to bless them with a safe return from the space station. Shri Rajesh Gooty, GHHF, Washington D.C: We believe that divine prayers and Hindu spirituality have the power to transcend boundaries and bring people together. By invoking the blessings of Lord Hanuman, we are seeking not only the safe return of the astronauts but also the well-being of humanity as a whole. Our prayers are a testament to the universal values of compassion, empathy, and kindness that are at the heart of Hinduism. The chief priest performed an Ashtottatanama puja, seeking the removal of obstacles for their return to earth, good health, and courage to bear the discomforts of space travel. Twin Rakshas for safety and protection were also offered and placed in the Holy Puja room along with revered Deities. A toram was tied to the pillar while reciting the Hanuman Mantra, symbolizing a sacred commitment to their safe return. Dr. Rao also performed Pradakshana around the Hanuman shrine eleven times and vowed to recite the mantra for the next 13 days. Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have been stranded in space for over six months, facing severe health challenges due to prolonged exposure to microgravity. NASA is racing against time to rescue them within the next 16 days. Let's join in the prayers for their safe return to earth. # Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) Info: - Website: http://preservehinduism.org/  - Phone: (601) 918-7111 Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979

GHHF Organized several programs in different locations to celebrate Maha Shivaratri Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) organized several activities on the Occasion of Maha Shivaratri: 1. Mulagapudi Village, Rowthulapudi Mandal, Kakinada District: Conducted a Bhajan program. 2. Isivi Village, Adoni Mandal, Kurnool District: Organized a group Panchakshari Mantra chanting program. 3. Bonthirala Village, Done Mandal, Nandyala District: Held a Nagar Sankirtan (street procession with devotional songs) and Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity). 4. Gajulapalli Village, Kalyandurgam Mandal, Anantapur District: Performed the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. 5. Visakhapatnam City: Organized a Deepotsavam (festival of lights). 6. Guntur City, Guntur District: In collaboration with Dharmika Yuva Shakti, conducted a Nagar Sankirtan covering five ancient Shiva temples in Guntur city.  https://youtu.be/8zeIcLIeULE

“Peace in the world depends on peace in the hearts of individuals; this depends on each of us practicing ethics by disciplining our negative thoughts and emotions and developing basic spiritual qualities.” Dalai Lama Global Hindu Heritage Foundation started Bala Samskar Kendras to teach about the depth our culture and inspire them by teaching about the importance of morals and ethics, and great sacrifices our national heroes made to protect Sanatana Dharma.  In this class we are talking about a moral story for students to learn and follow. Vikram and his friends are studying together in a school in a village. But Vikram is a very good person, and he does not have any bad habits. One day Vikram went with his friends to buy play toys. Vikram's friends all bought dolls there, but Vikram had no money. What did he not buy? But let's go back and thought, Vikram has not lost hope on his favorite toy, how can he I think I should get the doll.  Meanwhile, one of Vikram's friends asks him to steal his favorite toy, I agree with it. Let's help. But Vikram first refused out of fear, but because of his lust for the doll, he said, Will decide. At last Vikram returns very happy after getting the doll. But the fear of being stolen did not go away. After two days, it became known at home that Vikram had stolen the doll. Vikram's father's friends asked Vikram a question. Vikram scolded his friends out of fear and anger. They want to steal from me. He told his father that he was encouraged. This is what Vikram's mother says from the kitchen, Babu!! Let me tell you one! “No matter how much wealth, properties, luxuries and facilities one finds in the world, man's hope is never satisfied. That's why, Understanding the true causes of suffering, the wise should leave them behind. The words spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna through this work done by you Remembered. That's what I tell you... Dhyayato vishyayan pumsah sangasteshupajayate . Sangat sanjayate kamah kamat krodhobhijayate . That means our eyes and ears always listen to the things we like. Like to see, hear. Thinking more about the things you like, desires in your mind grow. But, if those wishes are not fulfilled, we feel angry or disappointed. Therefore, what things do we Most of all we keep in mind to observe carefully. good things, high goals If we concentrate, our mind will remain calm, and we will achieve great things.  After understanding Vikram's words, he returned the doll and said sorry to his father. Tell me when I will do such things, from then on I will be with good natured friends. Started making friends, he focused on studies to achieve his goal. Policy: 1. Need to control desires – Thinking that we should be equal to those around us, we indulge in excessive If we increase our desires, they can mislead us. Vikram and his friends bought all the dolls, thinking that he did not want to buy one, the doll was on top. The situation of committing theft came due to intense desire. 2. To be friends with bad people – Bad friends will lead us into mistakes. You can learn good values by associating with good friends. 3. The mind is not at peace after committing a mistake – Vikram stole the doll, his mind was filled with fear, Feeling angry with guilt. There was more fear than joy in committing theft. Instructions to teachers: Things we should teach children by telling them this story: 1. we Desires should be controlled. 2. Be careful with bad friends. 3. If you make a mistake, accept it and correct it. 4. Honesty fills our life with light. How to discuss this story with children: 1. What did Vikram do wrong? 2. Is the advice given by friends, correct? 3. “When have you ever done wrong things under the influence of your friends?” 4. "What benefit do we get from being honest?" 5. "How to control the desires?" Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979 {{album_1320}}

  'As intellectual Kshatriyas we should be absolutely unsparing in our attack on whatever obstructs the growth of the nation, and never be afraid to call a spade a spade. Excessive good nature will never do ... in serious politics... What India needs especially at this moment is aggressive virtues, the spirit of soaring idealism, bold creation, fearless resistance, courageous attack; of the passive inertia we already have too much.' Sri Aurobindo Global Hindu Heritage Foundation is extremely happy to inform the consistent and persistent at tempts to organize Ghar Waapasi in Anantapur town in AP. Sri Gopi Chary Garu from Anantapur and his associated visit the villages daily to update the activities and impress upon the glory of Hinduism to Hindu community and also to the Christian families.  Sri Gopi Chary is a priest and manages two Temples in Kalyandurg near Anantapur, he performs daily pujas, Homas and Abhishekams. On festivals, he conducts many pujas get many of the villagers involved and he will make sure all the villagers attend the festivals so that Hindu festivals are preserved.  On Shiva Ratri Day, GHHF was very happy to organize a major festival. Shiva Parvati Kalyanam was performed for the welfare of the society. Almost all the villagers and about 25 ex-Christians also attended the Kalyanam. Shiva Parvati Kalyanam Shiva Parvati Kalyanam is the marriage ceremony of the divine couple. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. As per the legend, Lord Vishnu performed Kanya Daanam of Parvati to Lord Shiva. As per one legend, Parvati fell in love with Shiva and tried to find a way to marry him. She used to keep thinking of him all the time. She talked to Narada who said that Shiva is pleased with Tapasy only. She decided to do Tapasya by taking permission from her parents.  She gave up all her jewelry, and handsome clothes. She wore deer skin and went to the Himalayas and started doing tapasya. Shiva adopted the form of an old Brahmin and went to Parvati’s hermitage. He wanted to test her devotion and started insulting Shiva by saying that Shiva is a stupid fellow. He has three eyes and five faces. He smears his body with ashes and wears snokes as ornaments. He wears no clothes and lives in the forest. I think you are making a big mistake by thinking of marrying him.      The old Brahmins words infuriated Parvati. She said that you are stupid, and you do not know who Lord Shiva is. He is Lord of Everything. She could not bear his insults. She decided to leave him alone and decided to depart from the hermit. When she was about to depart, Shiva adopted his own form and said where are you planning to go. I thought you wanted to meet me and why you are forsaking me. She was surprised and marriage was done as per the rituals. During Maha Shiva Ratri, the Kalyanam or the wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati are organized in many temples and sacred spaces, the Vedic marriage mantras recited during the rituals generate a spiritual experience of that union. Why is it so important to understand this union? Because creation and birth of all matters, space and time in which you as life were born like the rest of this universe was an outcome of this union. Even now all living beings are wakeful and experiencing this world only because these energies are still in union within your body, but you are not conscious about it. Mahasivaratri is an auspicious time, where spiritual activities such as pujas and meditation done during this Kaala with devotion, can make one or take closer to experience the boundless cosmic union of Lord Shiva and Mother Parashakti, which is known as Ardhanari or Ardhanarishvara. Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979 {{album_1319}}

"How many generations are going to face atrocities and murders until Hinduism is well understood?  But the world will one day be inspired by Hindutva.  Only on that day will the world become a place for humans to settle and live." Herbert Wells (1846-1946) Global Hindu Heritage Foundation is proud to see our Bala Samskar Students attended and participated in Shiva Puja and Abhishekam. Our festivals are celebrated across the globe for peace, prosperity and welfare.  Lord Shiva is one of the trinity Gods - Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswar. Shiva is the most respected and important gods in Hinduism. He’s known as the Destroyer, Transformer and Rejuvenator because he represents the ongoing cycle of creation, preservation, and ending. This guide explores the many sides of Shiva, looking at his symbols, stories, how people worship him, and why he’s spiritually important. Shiva is often depicted with a blue throat, a third eye on his forehead, and a crescent moon in his matted hair. He wears a snake around his neck and holds a trident, symbolizing his power over the three worlds. These iconic features each carry deep symbolic meaning, reflecting various aspects of Shiva’s divine nature. Lord Shiva is commonly worshipped Shiva Linga the considered an abstract representation of the deity. Maha Shiva Ratri draws millions of people to Hindu Temples to witness the pujas and Abhishekam. Abhishek is a part of Shiv Puja. Without Abhishekam, worship of Shiv is incomplete. During Shiva Abhishekam Rudra, Purusha Suktam, Chamakam, Maha Mrityunjaya mantra etc., are chanted in a particular rhythm and order. On this day, devotees of Shiv worship him with special Puja, and Abhishekam which is performed by chanting with Rudra. As per the legend, Shiva told Parvati that hat the 14th night of the new moon, during the month of Phaalgun is his favorite day. The day is celebrated as Shiv Raatri. On this day, devotees observe strict spiritual discipline and worship Shiv in four different forms during each of the four successive three-hour periods of the night. Shiv further said that the devotees offer him Bel leaves (Bilva Patra) on that day and that those leaves were precious to him than the precious jewels and flowers. Explaining the right way of worshipping to Shiv, the Lord said, devotees should bathe me in the milk during the first period, in curd at the second, in clarified butter in the third and in honey in the fourth and the last period. Many people awake the whole night as it is believed that on Maha Shiva Ratri Lord Shiva was supposed to have performed Shiva Tandava that represents creation, preservation and destruction. Another legendary belief states that during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison Halahala to save the universe. His immense sacrifice is commemorated through Jagaran, signifying gratitude and reverence for His act of protection. Another legendary belief states that during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison Halahala to save the universe. His immense sacrifice is commemorated through Jagaran, signifying gratitude and reverence for His act of protection. Fasting (Upavasam) on Maha Shivaratri is an essential practice that purifies the body and mind, aligning the devotee with divine consciousness. Our students learned Lingashtakam, and they chanted in class and in some instances, they chanted in the Temples also. Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979 {{album_1318}}