“May the Cows come to us, may they bring welfare, may they sit in our home, may they be satisfied with us. May they be plentiful in calves, in different forms, and in large numbers, may they be available for milking at Dawn for Indra.” Rig Veda 6:28:1 Hindus revere and honor cows as sacred beings because they symbolize motherhood, nourishment, non-violence, and the sustaining power of nature. In Hindu civilization, the cow represents a living embodiment of dharma, prosperity, and compassion. This reverence is rooted in Vedic scriptures, Puranas, Itihasas, and the traditional agrarian life of India.  Global Hindu Heritage Foundation performs Gau Puja every Monday before we perform Shiva Puja and Shiva Abhishekam in the villages. Cows are treated as equals to a mother. In fact, they are called Gau Mata. They worship the deities residing in Cows.  Since Vedic times, the cow has been considered sacred, treated as a mother, and hailed as a harbinger of auspiciousness.  She is a symbol of wealth, health, prosperity, blessing, peace of mind, purity, purification, and success in life. She is identified as a Kamadhenu, a wish-fulfilling cow.  She is revered, honored, and respected as a mother, an unselfish giver of bounty, expecting nothing in return from her children. All the scriptures, such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, the Mahabharata, the Manu Smriti, and others, extoll the virtues of the cow. All the Gods reside in her and killing her is considered the most heinous crime. It is often said “jivantu avadghnyah ta me vishasya dushanih” meaning that let cows live without slaughter for their whole life-they remove poison and toxins. Many sages, many Hindu Temples, and numerous Ashrams maintained Goshalas (cow shelters) for centuries, recognizing the numerous benefits that accrue from the cows.  It is unfortunate that India is becoming the third largest country to export beef to other countries ignoring the sacredness of the cows, is allowing the people to conduct beef celebration on the university campuses without permission, is tolerating the slaughter houses for political purposes, is failing to take appropriate actions against the minorities and other religious people who are deliberately hurting the sentiments of Hindus, and  intentionally failing to take action in implementing constitutional requirements found in the Article 48 of the Constitution: “The State shall endeavor to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and shall, in particular, take steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle.” Knowing the constitutional mandate and knowing the intentions of minorities and other religions to malign the Hindus, the Indian government and Hindu politicians are undermining the rich cultural heritage of Hindus that existed for centuries, and selling the country for their selfish and greedy purposes to accumulate wealth for the next few generations for their families.  Hindus have their future cut out for them – either be bulldozed and allow the government, minorities, and other religions to root out the very core of Sanatana Dharma from the soil of Bharath, or get united and exercise their freedom to restore the glory, grandeur, greatness, and grandness of the richest civilization that has ever surfaced on the planet earth. It is in the hands of Hindus to restore their culture, reestablish the concept of vasudaika kutumbam, insist on the welfare of all humanity, root out the sectarian appeasement, wipe out all kinds of terrorist activities, and aspire for the peaceful coexistence of humanity to live in freedom and independence. Hindus have to speak up for and protect their culture, values, and sentiments. It is in the best interest of the planet Earth that Hindus take the lead to protect the mother Cow and stand for the virtues of their religion. All Gods Reside in Mother Cow  As the scriptures proclaim, “Tvam mata sarva devanam,” meaning that you are the mother of all gods. It also means that if we protect the cow, we honor all the gods who reside in her.  Scriptures have elaborately described the location of the gods in the cow.  We will examine our scriptures, such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Mahabharata, and other scriptures, to equip ourselves with enough knowledge to find out the significance, importance, and virtues of cows so that we will not only reap the benefits of protecting them but also pass on the richness to our children and grandchildren.  All the scriptures agree that the four Vedas, with their six Vedangas (components), reside in the cow's mouth. Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu live in her horns forever, Lord Brahma sits in her head, Karthikeya finds his home in her stomach, Sun and Moon live in her eyes, Garuda in her teeth, Ashwini Kumars in her ears, Goddess Saraswati in her tongue, Lord Indra in front of her horns, all pilgrimage centers in her posterior (back), Ganga in her urine, Yamaraj in her mouth, Gandharvas also reside inside her mouth, Goddess Lakshmi in the cow dung, Goddess Paravathi in the urine, Prajapati in the resonant voice, four Oceans in four teats (nipples) and milk,  sky in the back portion and Varuna in the joints. In every pore of the body, all thirty-three crore Gods are positioned. In the stomach are the mountain ranges, with the forests, and the entire Earth.  Different kinds of Agni are positioned in different parts of the cow. Grahpratya-Agni, in her liver; Dakshina Agni, in her heart; Ahvaniya-Agni, in her neck; and Sabhya-Agni, in her palette. In the bones of the cows are to be found the mountains, while Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharvana Veda are in their marrow. Hence, many Rishis worshipped the cows and also raised them in their ashrams.  Having possessed all the Gods in every part of her body, Cow blesses the people and country. Just looking at her enables one to have the fruits of offering salutations to all Gods, visiting all the pilgrimages, and acquire health and wealth. Happiness and peace thrive in a house where there is a cow. By circumambulating (Pradakshana) around the cow, one gets the punya (merit) of doing Pradakshana to all gods. Padma Purana states. “The person who touches the cow after having bathed daily, frees himself from all kinds of sins. The dust that arises from the cow’s hooves is so pure that the person who applies it on his head is considered to have bathed in the sacred waters of different pilgrim places and is freed from all sins.”  Since all Gods reside and manifest in the cow, she can bestow her blessings on all creatures. All substances that come from the cow are pure, chaste, and wholesome: they have the potential to purify the entire world. Cow’s urine, cow dung, milk, curd, and ghee – by the intake of these five products, the body is absolved of all sin. That is why religious people consume milk, ghee, and curd every day. Since all gods reside in her, whatever cows consume, her products are the best and purest. Of all the foods we consume, the effect of ghee lasts longest for one month, compared to grains, which last for only five days.  The effect of milk lasts for seven days, and curds for twenty days. Since the pre-Vedic period, the cow is said to bestow Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha - the four purusharthas. Hence, it is recommended to chant this mantra: ‘May cows forever remain in front of me, behind me, may all my limbs be blessed by the touch of the cow. May I reside amidst cows.’ This chanting will wash away all sins, and one is even worshipped in heaven for the merit of chanting. Kamadhenu Kamadhenu is a sacred cow known to fulfill all wishes and desires. This divine cow, which lives in Swarga Loka (heaven), emerged from the ocean of milk (ksheerasagar) during the time of Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean) by the gods (suras) and demons (asuras). It was presented to the seven sages by the Gods, and in the course of time came into the possession of Sage Vasishta. Kamadhenu is also well known through its other five forms: Nandini, Sunanda, Surabhi, Susheela, and Sumana. According to the legends, Lord Brahma created the Brahmins (priests) and the cow at the same time; the Brahmins were to recite the religious scriptures while the cows were to provide ghee for offerings in religious sacrifices. Brahma also declared that Kamadhenu should be the mother of the gods; she ought to be worshipped by everybody.  Anybody who killed a cow or allowed another to kill would rot in hell. The cow symbolizes Dharma itself – fulfillment of righteous conduct. The cow represents Mother Earth. In Satya Yuga, dharma stood firmly on the four legs of the earth (cow); in Tretayuga, dharma stood on three legs; in Dwaparyuga, dharma stood on two legs; while in Kaliyuga, it stands on one leg. Hence, dharma is slowly slipping away from the people, and the age of deceit, decadence, deception, and dishonesty has set in. It is due to the negligence of reverence toward the cows and the prevention of abuse and killing them.    Consequently, the whole world is facing untold misery, turmoil, terrorism, despair, debauchery, stress, and natural disasters. A happy cow represents prosperity, peace of mind, blessings, wealth, health, and purity. It is time to remember what Nandini cow said to King Dilip after he protected her from the Lion in a forest: na kevalam payasa prasutim ve hi man kam dugham prasannam “Whenever I am pleased and happy, I can fulfill all my desires. Don't consider me to be just a milk supplier.”  Cows are welcome  In recognition of the virtues of a cow, a special place is accorded to her among Hindus. Cows are associated with prosperity and wealth. A newly purchased cow is welcomed into the home like a new bride.  Whenever Pranaprathista to the deities is performed, cows are brought into the Temples and welcomed as the most revered guests. During certain festivals, the cow’s legs are washed, horns are decorated with different colors, the hump is smeared with colored powder, the body is beautifully decorated with colorful cloth, the forehead is anointed with tilak, and it is greeted with a kula or winnowing fan on which there is a dab of sindur or vermilion.   A cow is welcomed into the house or temple with ingredients such as paddy, soft durva grass, sesame seeds, and a small brass pot containing a mango twig with leaves. It is like inviting all 33 crore gods into the house. The Rishis (sages) discovered that the magnetism of a cow is due to the extraordinary virtues she possesses. No other animal equals her qualities. Even if you give the same kind of food to a cow and a horse, the horse dung emits an unhealthy, stinking smell, while the cow dung is odorless.  In fact, it is an efficacious disinfectant. There can be little doubt that the urine and dung of the cow possess untold virtues. The gods residing in a cow make the difference, making the fodder medicinal and sacred by the time it comes out of the cow. Cow in Vedas Cow is referred to 723 times in the Rig Veda, 87 times in the Yajur Veda, 170 times in the Sama Veda, and 331 times in the Atharvana Veda. A total of 1331 times are mentioned in these four Vedas. Similarly, Aghnya is referred to 20 times in the Rig Veda, 5 times in the Yajur Veda, 2 times in the Sama Veda, and 33 times in the Atharvana Veda. "Dhenu" is referred to 76 times in the Rig Veda, 22 times in the Yajur Veda, 25 times in the Sama Veda, and 43 times in the Atharvana Veda. The meaning of Dhenu is Trupti, meaning contentment and satisfaction. The three words that are used to identify cows are defined as follows: Aghnya , the one that ought not to be killed Ahi , the one that must not be slaughtered. Aditi the one that ought not to be cut into pieces. These three names of the cow signify that the animal ought not be killed or tortured. These words appear frequently throughout the Vedas in the context of a cow. The four Vedas considered the cow holy and sacred and commanded that cows not be killed. Severe punishments are recommended for slaughtering cows. We borrow milk from a cow just the way we borrow milk from our own mother. Hence, we can argue that love and affection towards her should be similar to the one we show towards our own mother. The word “Aghnya” refers to the cow in many mantras of the Vedas. The meaning of this word is “not to be killed under any circumstances”. In one of the mantras, cows were addressed as Aghnya, who have been enjoined to keep themselves healthy by the use of pure water and green grass, so that we, who drink their milk, may be endowed with dharma, knowledge, and wealth.  Rig Veda The following are some of the verses you will find in the Rig Veda “She is like the mother of the cosmic Forces, the daughter of the cosmic Matter, the sister of cosmic Energy, the center of the ambrosia. I address to men of wisdom --kill not her, the sinless, inviolate cow. The divine cow, who is skilled in eloquence and gives speech to others, and who helps us in our worship of the divine forces, is abandoned by fools only. May cows come and bring us good fortune; let them stay in our cowsheds and be content in our company. May many colored cows bring here prolific milk for offerings to the resplendent Lord at many dawns. Let not the cows run away from us, let no thief carry them away; let no hostile weapon fall upon them. May the master of the cattle be long possessed of them, with the milk products of which he makes offerings and with which he serves the godly men.  Let not the cows fall a victim to the arrogant, dust-spurning war-horse. Let them not fall into the hands of a butcher or his shop. Let the cattle of the man, the householder, move about freely and graze without fear. May the cows be our affluence; may the resplendent Lord grant us cattle; may the cows yield food (milk and butter) of the first libation. These cows, O men, are sacred as the Lord resplendent Himself --the Lord whose blessings we crave for, with head and heart. O cows, you strengthen even the worn-out and fatigued and make the unlovely beautiful to look on. Your love is auspicious and makes my dwelling prosperous. Great is the abundance that is attributed to you in our religious ceremony. May you, O cows, have many calves grazing upon good pastures and drinking pure water at accessible ponds. May no thief be your master. May no beast of prey assail you, and may the dart of vital Lord never fall on you. O resplendent Lord, a showerer of virility as you are, may we have by your blessings the sturdy bulls for insemination, and let us have plenty of nourishment for the cows. (Source: Rig Veda viii, 102, 15-16; vi, 28, 1-8 Translation by Swami Satya Prakash Saraswati and Satyakam Vidyalanka) Atharvana Veda In the Atharvana Veda, it is said: “The cow is the mother of Rudras; she is a daughter of the Vasus; she is the sister of Surya. She is a storehouse of ghee that is like the celestial nectar.”  It further states that cow’s milk helps overcome debility and regain lost physical and mental health. It promotes intelligence and improves health. It even goes to the extent that if someone destroys our cows, horses, or people, kill him with a bullet of lead.  (Atharvana Veda 1.16.4) The entire Hymn X in the Atharvana Veda is dedicated to the glorification of the COW. Only a few verses are listed below:  1 Worship to thee springing to life, and worship unto thee when born! Worship, O Cow, to thy tail-hair, and to thy hooves, and to thy form! 2 The man who knows the Seven Floods, who knows the seven  distances, Who knows the head of sacrifice, he may receive the holy Cow. 5 Upon her back there are a hundred keepers, a hundred metal bowls, and a hundred milkers. The Deities who breathe in her all separately know the Cow. 6 Her foot is sacrifice, her milk libation, Svadhā her breath, Mahï-lukā the mighty: To the God goes with prayer the Cow who hath Parjanya for her lord. Yajur Veda Ghrtam duhaanaamaditim janaayaagne maa himsiheeh (Yajurveda 13.49). Do not kill cows and bulls, who always deserve to be protected.  Antakaaya goghaatam Yajurveda 30.18 Destroy those who kill cows. The Aghnya cows and bulls bring you prosperity. (12.73) A verse in Yajur Veda abjures all violence: “Protect and rear the animals: do not hit the cow; do not hit the goats; nor the sheep; nor any other creature; nor two-legged animals; nor the one-legged; one should not injure any living being.” Sama Veda Most of the hymns in the Sama Veda are taken from the Rig Veda. Hence, an effort is not made to identify any verses dealing with the cow to avoid duplication. Based on the selected citations above from the Vedas, we can establish that the cow has been a highly revered animal for many, many centuries, and thus Hindus are duty-bound to protect it. It is our hope that these verses will provide sufficient guidance to regard the cow as a sacred mother who needs to be respected, honored, revered, and sheltered. Knowledge is the harbinger of proper action.  With this knowledge, let us take necessary actions against cruelty to Cows in India and around the world. We should also support all the organizations that are sheltering the cows, support the agencies that are working to prevent the export of beef, and advocate for the strict passage of the anti-slaughter Bill across Bharath. Let us honor our Vedic injunction to stop the animal slaughter and work toward the preservation of sacred cows.

One day in the ashram, the teacher gave all the children a strange test. “Children” Donate any one of the things you have to others. “Please donate and let us know who donated the valuable donation tomorrow?” he said. The next day, Kutil and Mayal came very excited. Kutil gave Crooked and broken toys to a poor boy, took a picture.   “Look, Aryan! What a great donation I am giving! I will show these photos to everyone in the school. This will give me a good name; even teachers will appreciate it,” he said arrogantly. Mother herself also shows the old clothes to everyone and says, “What a good job you are doing, everyone.”  At the same time, Aryan and Prajna remained very quiet. Aryan went to the poor student's home, gave him new books, and returned without anyone noticing.  Pragya, on her own initiative, bought the necessary medicines for a girl and helped her. He did not tell anyone, at least not even to his teacher. In the evening, everyone went to see their Guru – teacher. Kutil praised the donation he made. Maya also said this proudly about herself. Then the teacher turned towards Aryan and Prajna, “Aryan, Prajna! What have you done?”  Aryan said politely, “Dear Teacher! We have done our duty.” Then the teacher called all the children together and said this. “Donating is a great thing. But how we donate matters more. Lord Krishna has taught this thing to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita,” says this verse. Verse: दातव्यमिति यद्दान दीयतेఽनुपकारिने.  देशे काले च पत्रे च तद्ददान सात्त्विकू स्मृतम् 17-20. “Charity given without any expectation of return, viewed as a duty, offered at the right place and right time, to a deserving recipient is considered Sattvik in nature.”  Then the teacher explained this. “I consider it my duty to donate. I should give it to those who cannot help me back. Right to be given at the right place, at the right time, to the person who really needs it. without expecting any reward. Those who donate are virtuous. But children! Sometimes, some people in the world are selfish. Also, they use it for their own purposes. Attract people by giving them more money and goods. That is not a real gift; it is a Transaction only. Our religious donations will be different. Even if we don't get any benefit, even if one does not expect a name, a donation that reduces the suffering of others is a real donation.” After hearing the teacher's words, Kutil and Maya realized their mistake. After taking photographs, he realized that the donation made in his name was not genuine. From now on, Aryan resolved to help selflessly like Prajna. Teacher tasks Discussion after the story:  Why is Kutil donation not a virtuous donation?  Answer: For the sake of the name, Kutil donated to have photos taken. He gave the poor boy old things. Therefore, it is not a selfless donation. Aryan, why is the donation made by the wise so great?  Answer: He helped those who were truly in need, without expecting any fame or reward. What is virtuous charity?  Answer: A donation to the right person at the right time, without expecting any return. practical work This week, the children really need the one useful thing they have. The person should donate silently. You should not tell others about what you have donated. character analysis Aryan and Pragya:  They are good, cultured people who help selflessly. Really helped those in need without any publicity. Kuti and Maya:  Donated for their name, hoping that others would recognize them. But later they realized their mistake. Teacher:  The real meaning of charity is explained to children in simple terms, along with an example from the Bhagavad Gita. Verse repetition: Make them repeat the Bhagavad Gita verses mentioned in the story. Ask children to express their feelings in their own words. 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. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979  {{album_1565}}

Global Hindu Heritage Foundation conducts yoga in various forms for students to help them stay physically fit, maintain balance, and strengthen their muscles. Surya Namaskar is one of the main yoga poses that students are required to perform. Also, we will make sure we offer a variety of yoga for different objectives. This week, all Kendras conducted Trikonasana for the students. The Sanskrit word “tri” means three, and “Kona” means corner or angle. Thus, “three corner or three angle posture” is often called the triangle posture. This posture is also known as the “utthita trikona-asana”. “Utthita” means stretched or extended; thus, this is the Extended Triangle Pose. Unlike most yoga postures, the Triangle Pose requires keeping the eyes open to maintain balance. In addition to a range of physical benefits, trikonasana is believed to unblock energy pathways in the body. It is one of the basic poses common to the many styles of yoga. Variations of trikonasana include: •    Baddha trikonasana (bound triangle pose), in which one arm wraps around the lead leg and grabs the wrist of the opposite arm behind the back. •    Parivrtta trikonasana (revolved triangle pose), in which the upper body twists so that the opposite arm extends to the ground. Trikonasana Benefits The trikona-asana is an excellent posture to do early in your routine. Forward bending and lifting stimulate blood flow and help stretch and relax the back, shoulders, legs, and arms, as well as increase blood flow to the head. The muscles of the thighs and calves, as well as the hamstrings, are stretched. The slight twist of the spine creates suppleness in the spinal discs and relieves lower back discomfort.   The posture can be held longer by breathing gently through the nostrils rather than holding the breath.  Another variation is to perform the trikona-asana rapidly, thereby giving it a slightly aerobic effect. They also stimulate circulation in the spinal area and excite reflex nerve activity, benefiting the cranial nerves associated with the head's sensory organs, especially the eyes. In particular, this posture greatly increases the spine's lateral flexibility. A healthy spine maintains youthfulness and makes it easier to sit in meditation for long hours without pain or fatigue. This asana develops the muscles along the spine and strengthens the abdomen and neck, relieving backaches and neck pain. If practiced carefully, it also helps relieve sciatica. Trikona asana rebalances and realigns the hips, pelvis, and trunk. Source: Art of Living; the yogatutor; Yogapedia. 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. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979 {{album_1564}}

"The universe is the outpouring of the majesty of God, the auspicious one, radiant love. Every face you see belongs to Him. He is present in everyone without exception."  -  Yajur Veda. Every year, World Agnihotra Day is celebrated worldwide on March 12. It is believed that Agnihotra is the solution to face endangered civilizations.  Agnihotra is the process of purifying the atmosphere through fire. This healing fire comes from the Vedas, the most ancient body of knowledge known to humans. Agnihotra is the antidote for all the problems we have created for ourselves and for the whole of Nature. Agnihotra is a process of purifying the atmosphere through a specially prepared fire. Vedic Agnihotra is the basic HOMA for all HOMA fire practices given in the ancient Vedic sciences of bioenergy, psychotherapy, medicine, agriculture, biogenetics, climate engineering, and interplanetary communication. Agnihotra has three inputs: - 1) Specific organic substances burned in a copper pyramid-shaped Havan Kund. 2) Timings: Agnihotra is performed at sunrise and sunset at one’s locality. 3) Vibrational input in the form of a short Sanskrit mantra.  Agnihotra heals the environment. It can be used for personal healing, gardening and farming, and in psychotherapy. In performing Agnihotra, many people worldwide have experienced benefits such as improved health, increased energy, and reduced stress. Agnihotra takes only a few minutes per instance.  Agnihotra is an ancient fire ceremony that is mentioned in the sacred Vedic scriptures. “AGNI” refers to the fire, while “HOTRA” means healing. This sacred ritual has numerous purposes – purifying the environment, healing the person performing the prayer, and many persons in the surrounding areas, among other benefits. Agnihotra requires these materials: 
- Copper pyramid of specific shape and size
- Dried cow dung
- Ghee (clarified unsalted butter from cow’s milk)
- Whole grain raw brown rice
- Agnihotra Mantras.  Agnihotra is a healing fire from the ancient science of Ayurveda. It is a process of purifying the atmosphere through a specially prepared fire performed at sunrise and sunset daily. Anyone, in any walk of life, can perform Agnihotra and heal the atmosphere in their own home. Importance of Yajna: To eliminate the poisonous gases that spread as a consequence of nuclear explosions, it is necessary to burn fragrant matter and plants and spread their smoke. Also, if the Indian method of performing Yajna is adopted, it will not only eliminate all types of pollutions but also curb radioactivity. We should take into consideration the decision reached based on research by Western scientists on this subject. Agnihotra reduces stress, leads to greater clarity of thought, improves overall health, increases energy, and fills the heart and mind with love. The Benefits of Agnihotra The benefits of Agnihotra are immense: •    Agnihotra brings clarity, focus, and makes you stronger, able to accomplish and do things, and work on your inner energies. •    Vedic Agnihotra relieves tension in the mind. •    A magnetic field is created, which neutralizes negative energy and reinforces positive energy. •    When Vedic Agnihotra is performed, the Agnihotra smoke gathers particles of harmful radiation in the atmosphere and, on a very subtle level, neutralizes the radioactive effect. Nothing is destroyed, merely changed. •    Sit at Agnihotra fire and breathe in the smoke, which goes quickly into the bloodstream and lungs. This has an excellent effect on the circulatory system and even more so if Agnihotra ash is ingested. The smoke has a good effect on the brain and nervous system. •    Vedic Agnihotra is also done for healing; that is, people who are seeking healing attend the ritual and notice the effects in the following weeks or months. •    When the Agnihotra fire is burnt, there is not just energy from the fire, but subtle energies are generated and thrust into the atmosphere by the fire. Much healing energy emanates from the Agnihotra pyramid. •    Vedic Agnihotra has the ability to neutralize pathogenic bacteria. •    Part of Agnihotra is getting into sync with the energy of the day, like riding a wave of the energy of the Sun. •    Agnihotra benefits the person doing it, all those present, and the good energy extends for some distance. •    Vedic Agnihotra has an excellent effect on the circulatory system. •    Agnihotra benefits, both spiritual and mundane, for those who do it, are said to be enormous. •    Agnihotra renews brain cells, revitalizes the skin. •    Vedic Agnihotra purifies blood. •    Plants receive nutrition in the Agnihotra atmosphere. . Exactly at the sunrise or sunset time, utter the Mantras and give the offerings of rice mixed with a little ghee to the fire, after each Sváhá. Say the Mantras once only. If you miss the timings, you will not have the healing effect of Agnihotra. After each Agnihotra try to spare as many minutes as you can for meditation. Sit quietly until the fire goes out. 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. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979

Sant Eknath (March 12, 1533–1599) was a prominent Marathi sant, scholar, and religious poet. In the development of Marathi literature, Eknath is seen as a bridge between his predecessors—Dnyaneshwar and Namdev—and the later Tukaram and Ramdas. Sant Eknath was a major saint of the Varkari sampradaya, founded by Sant Gnyaneshwar. He was born in 1533 at Paithan. Eknath lost his parents at an early age and was brought up by his grandfather. Eknath's great-grandfather was Shri Bhanudas (1448-1513), a major figure in the Vitthala sect at Pandharpur. He wrote in Marathi to make spiritual knowledge accessible to common people, including abhangas (devotional songs) and bharuds (dramatic compositions). Eknath was initiated by his guru, Janardana, a devotee of Dattatraya. Eknath was unique in that he blended Vedanta and Sufism. Eknath was a devotee of Guru Bhakta and wrote under the name of Eka-janardana, meaning eka of Janardana. Eknath wanted to get a good guru and prayed to Vitthal to guide him to one. Vitthobha then came in his dream and asked him to request Janardhana Swami to be his guru. Janardhana Swami was a great yogi; he had his ashram in a forest. Eknath felt that if he informed his parents, they would not let him go, and so one day he went to Janardhana Swami’s ashram without informing them. He joined the ashram and started serving his guru. He served Sadguru for 12 years.  As per the instructions of his GURU, he married Girija Bai from Vijaypur, who was to prove to be one of the best assets of Eknath’s life. Her selfless devotion, perfect understanding, and her sharing his hardships with a happy heart marked her as a rare spouse, truly fit for a saint. Guru wanted Lord Dattatreya to give darshan to his devotees.  When Eknath was bringing water from the river back to the Ashram, Dattatreya gave him his darshan in godly form. The four Vedas stood next to him as 4 dogs. Dharma devata stood behind him as a bull. Eknath, on seeing him, prostrated to him. Dattatreya then blessed him. He was excited but never mentioned it to his Guru. Guru was confused and asked him why he did not even mention him. Eknath then replied to him that his Guru was everything to him and that he was happy to see this form of God rather than the form he saw in the morning. Hearing this, Janardhana Swami was moved. Janardhana Swami then asked him to go back to his parents, get married, and lead a family life. Eknath hesitated, not wanting to leave his guru, but Janardhana Swami told him he would realize his presence wherever he was. This consoled Eknath, and he returned home. One day, Eknath was performing his ancestral rituals. Two outcastes happened to pass by his house and understood that a feast was being prepared. They were discussing that it would be good if they could get this food. Eknath, upon hearing these discussions, called them and gave them the food that was being prepared. They were happy with him, thanked him, and then left. The other Brahmans who had come for the ceremony left upon seeing this. All Brahmans in the village, on seeing this, started speaking ill of him for giving the food prepared for the ancestral ceremony to some outcastes before completing the ceremony. They all spoke among themselves and decided that Eknath should be punished for this deed. All the Brahmans in the village then came to Eknath and asked him how he could do this despite his learning of the sastras. Eknath then said that he had given them food as if they were hungry, that hunger doesn’t have any caste difference, and hence decided to feed them. He also said that the sastras state that annadanam can be given to anyone and that there is no caste discrimination in that. They then said that none of the Brahmans in the village would have any contact with him or his family from now on. Eknath now had to prepare food again for the ceremony and perform the ceremony. Eknath was now worried that he would not be able to feed the Brahmans after the ritual, as no one would come to his house. Kandiya Krishnan, his devotee, then told Eknath that if Brahmans were unavailable, the sastras say they could give it to kurcham (a type of holy dried grass used in religious ceremonies). Eknath then started performing the rituals, and when he kept the 1st kurcham, Vitthal came and sat down to eat. As soon as he came, other gods and his forefathers, who were called during the ceremony, came down and took the food directly.  The village Brahmins wanted Pariharam (Doing penance) to atone for his mistake and asked him for several items, such as a cow, land, a house, and so on. Eknath agreed to give Pariharam. Then a Le Leper came to Eknath to pariharam. The village Brahmins were surprised that this leper came to do pariharam. They asked why he wanted to do Pariharam. The Leper said he came to do Pariharam because Ekanath is the only one who can do Prayaschittam for him. The leper said that the disease is not getting cured. He went to Triambakeswara and asked Lord Shiva. He then said that Lord Shiva came in his dream and asked him to take the pada Teertham (water taken by cleaning the feet of saints) of Eknath, and that it was the only cure for him. When Eknath heard that it was Lord Shiva's wish, he agreed. The leper then performed pada pooja for Eknath and consumed the water. As soon as he drank this water, his body became normal, and leprosy had vanished. The Brahmans there were astonished to see this. Krishnan then looked at the Brahmans and asked if they at least now understood the greatness of Eknath. The Brahmans no longer had the guts to continue with these pariharams they were doing. One day, Eknath decided to go on a yatra, and he set out with a few others. They went to places such as Kasi, Prayag, Vrindavan, Ayodhya, and Mathura. Eknath performed Bhajans and pravachans wherever he went. When they finished the yatra and returned to Paithan with Ganga Teertham, they got stuck in a place with no water, and all of them were thirsty. Even though they had water in hand, they did not use it, as it was Ganga Teertham and was meant only for religious purposes, not for quenching thirst. They then found a donkey lying down in an unconscious state due to thirst and heat. Seeing the donkey dying, Eknath felt bad and moved forward to give it his Ganga Teertham to prevent its death. The others with him said he should not do that, as this water was meant only for religious purposes. Eknath then said that there was no better deed than saving the life of someone and that he would give it to the donkey and save it from death. Hearing this, the others left him behind and started moving forward, as they didn't approve of his action. Eknath then gave the donkey water. As Eknath was feeding the donkey, it turned out to be Vitthal. He then prostrated himself before Vitthal and asked him why he had done this to Leela. Vitthal then told him that he wanted to show the world that Eknath sees every living being in this world as Vitthal, and hence did this Leela. Eknath then returned home. Three thieves crept into the inside rooms of EKNATH'S house and collected whatever pots and articles they could lay their hands on. They piled them near the door and went in for more. Then calamity struck. One after the other, the thieves became blind. Groping around for the way out, they stumbled upon the heap of pots, and the noise woke Eknath, who came to see what the trouble was about. Hearing his footsteps, the thieves who had realized that they had committed a crime by robbing the house of a saint, for which they had become afflicted with blindness. Eknath called them and asked the reason for their fear, and all three fell at his feet and told him of their woe.   He immediately passed his hands over their eyes, and they regained their sight. He called Girijabai and asked her and Uddhava to feed them, and then sent them away with all the pots they had stolen. The thieves, overwhelmed by his goodness and generosity, fell at his feet again and swore they would never steal again.  Seeing their change of heart, Eknath blessed them and explained: “God has come into my house in your forms, so go now, take these pots and start life anew, adhering to the honest path.”

Global Hindu Heritage Foundation is extremely happy to see that our students are able to perform one of the most important rituals in Temple worship. The Shiv Aradhana program, organized with all the children under the supervision of GHHF Ananthapuram district activists in Kalyanadurgam mandal, Gajulapalli village, went on with great devotion and grandeur. This ceremony was organized to educate children about our Sanatana Dharma, and all the children first began the pooja by placing a Thilakam. Starting with Vigneshwara pooja, after conducting Kalasha pooja scientifically, Lord Shiva was offered Abhishekam with Panchamruta. Then, all the children anointed the Shiva Linga with milk. The students were explained about the significance of Pooja and Abhishekam. Pujas may be performed for different purposes. First, an individual may pray to his Ishta devata (God of one’s liking) for some blessing such as the health of a family member, good education, a suitable spouse, or promotion. Second, an individual may perform puja to fulfill a vow (for example, one may take a vow to do puja if they get a job, a better grade, or a desired partner). Third, one may perform puja regularly to a deity with whom one has entered into a relationship. Fourth, one may perform puja as an act of devotion on certain occasions and at different life stages. Fifth, one is performed for Loka Kalyanam (for human welfare). Abhishekam symbolizes purification, cleansing the soul, and aligning with divine energy through sacred offerings like milk, honey, and water. It represents spiritual renewal, washing away impurities, ignorance, and karmic burdens to foster inner clarity and divine connection. The ritual is central to temple worship, energizing the sacred space and maintaining the sanctity of Hindu traditions.  Through these devotional offerings, you express reverence and seek divine blessings, aligning your inner self with cosmic order. Historically, Abhishekam has been a cornerstone of Hindu worship, reflecting the devotee's commitment to spiritual growth and connection with the divine.  Hindus believe that there is nothing in the universe that is not of divine nature. An element of divinity is present in animate as well as inanimate objects. The substance of divinity is present everywhere After Abhisheka, the sacred Abhishekam was performed by reciting the eight hundred shatanaamas of Shiva and offering the Maha Mangala Harathi with devotion to Swami. At the end of the program, blessings were given to all the children, and the pilgrimage was distributed. On this occasion, the organizers explained to the children the temple's grandeur and uniqueness in the village. Reminding them of the importance of spirituality in daily life, the children were directed to go to the temple at least once a week. With the enthusiasm of children and the cooperation of elders, this Shiv Aradhana program was a great success. 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. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979   {{album_1563}}

In our Sanatana Dharma, temples are not mere structures of stone; they are vibrant reservoirs of immense divine energy. According to our Shastras, the spiritual sanctity of a temple remains intact only when Dhupa (Incense), Deepa (Lamp), and Naivedya (Sacred Offering) are offered consistently. When these daily rituals cease, the divine presence fades, leaving the temple lifeless and the community spiritually weakened. Regrettably, the decline of spiritual values in today's society is deeply linked to the neglect of ancient temples, especially in our remote and rural areas. Continuing our sacred mission, the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) has identified several neglected and financially struggling temples in remote regions this month. We have distributed comprehensive Dhupa-Deepa-Naivedya kits free of cost to ensure that daily worship continues uninterrupted. Our efforts go beyond just providing materials; we have empowered local devotees and assigned them the responsibility of lighting the lamp every single day. Through this, we are striving to transform these forgotten shrines back into powerful centers of spiritual energy. Your Support - Our Strength in Dharma Rakshana: Our vision is simple yet profound: The sound of the temple bell must echo again, and the sacred lamp must never go out in any neglected temple. With the continued support of our generous donors, we aim to extend this service to many more temples in the coming days. Restoring daily worship in a silent temple is not just a service; it is the ultimate act of protecting our Dharma. We invite every one of you to become a part of this divine Yagna and help us keep the flame of our heritage alive. Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah . 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. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979   {{album_1562}}

On March 8, 2026,  the Maharashtra Cabinet cleared the Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam, 2026, a Bill proposing rigorous imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of Rs 5 lakh for unlawful religious conversions. The proposed law is the latest in a series of similar pieces of legislation enacted by BJP governments in states over the last eight years, often with the stated goal of curbing forcible conversion and marriage of Hindu women, described as “love jihad”. Earlier, on March 6, 2026, the Maharashtra State government approved the “Freedom of Religion” Bill to crack down on religious conversion through marriage, or what certain right-wing organizations call “love jihad”, though the law recognizes no such terminology. This bill aims to stop “love jihad,” where it is believed that Muslim men are luring Hindu women to convert them to Islam through marriage. The Freedom of Religion Bill makes such an interfaith marriage a cognizable, non-bailable offence if the couple’s families object to the marriage, as it implies “conversion by force and allurement”. A cognizable offence carries a minimum prison sentence of seven years, whereas states such as Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh have mandated a sentence of 10 years under their “love jihad” laws. What are the special conditions imposed by this law to prevent Love Jihad marriages?” •    The interfaith couple must get the marriage cleared by the district collector as well as their respective families. •    The Hindu woman must also give 60 days’ notice before converting to Islam.  •    The couple must confirm that there is no objection from their respective families. •    Conversion must be registered within 25 days; otherwise, the marriage will become null and void. •    Any person who induces, deceives, or coerces another person into converting from one religion to another will face imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of ₹1 lakh if found guilty. •    Marriage conducted with the intention of illegal religious conversion may be declared void by a court. Why did they introduce this, Bill?     Several Hindu girls are missing across the country. So many stories are being circulated about the entrapment of Hindu girls to get married and finally force them to accept Islam. Speaking at the press conference, some Hindu girls said that Muslim youths initially befriend them and gradually develop closeness through polite and affectionate behavior. Later, they assure them, saying, “If you marry me, you will not have to convert to Islam. You will not even have to wear a burqa. You will live happily like a queen.” “They tried to influence us with sweet talk and gradually manipulate our thoughts. Their words created resentment in our minds towards our parents and family members. However, we later realized that it was all a deception. Eventually, we managed to free ourselves from the ‘Love Jihad’ trap,” said the girls, while expressing their anguish. An Uttar Pradesh court has said that ‘love jihad’ poses a serious threat to the country and apprehended ‘’foreign funding’’ in engineering religious conversions as it sentenced a Muslim man, who was accused of marrying a Hindu woman by hiding his religious identity, to life imprisonment. ‘’The country will face serious consequences if illegal religious conversions through love jihad are not stopped,’’ he remarked. ‘’It’s a matter of attempted illegal religious conversion through love jihad.... In love jihad, the Muslim men target Hindu women by hiding their religious identity... Love jihad requires large amounts of money, and so foreign funding can’t be ruled out. “Said the judge. Since 2017, nine states have passed laws regulating religious conversion — Jharkhand (2017), Uttarakhand (2018), Himachal Pradesh (2019), Uttar Pradesh (2020), Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh (2021), Haryana and Karnataka (2022), and Rajasthan (2025).  The Central government should examine the seriousness of Love Jihad, how Hindu girls are being trapped, converted to Indla, how they are being raped and forced to live in secrecy.  

Every Hindu must be proud of Sri Paramahamsa Yogananda for spreading the ancient wisdom to the rest of the world, his establishment of Self Realization Fellowship in the USA, for penning the book “Autobiography of a Yogi, " and his influence on the corporate world. He was born on January 5, 1893, and died on March 7, 1952. Paramahamsa Yogananda is one of the greatest spiritual figures of the twentieth century and was also one of the first Spiritual Masters to bring the Yoga of the East to the aspiring West.  Yogananda was born in Gorakhpur, Bengal, in 1893. Originally, his name was Mukunda Lal Ghosh. He was given the name of Yogananda after his initiation as an Indian Swami (monk).  Yogananda means "Bliss" through yoga (divine union with God). The title "Paramahamsa" was given to him by his Guru, Sri Yukteswar. Paramahamsa means "Supreme Swan" literally. It is given to Swamis who have established constant communion with God. From an early age, Yogananda was fascinated with meeting spiritual Saints and seekers. His autobiography recounts many riveting occasions of meetings with different Saints (including Master Mahasaya, who was the author of "The Gospel of Ramakrishna. Even as a young child, Yogananda spent many hours in meditation, aspiring to attain God-Consciousness.  At the age of 17, Yogananda became a disciple of Swami Sri Yukteswar, who expertly guided him along the spiritual path. Sri Yukteswar was a direct disciple of Lahiri Mahasaya. Lahiri Mahasaya is credited with reintroducing the ancient art of Kriya yoga into modern society.  After several years of strict spiritual training in his Master's hermitage, Yogananda was inspired to travel to America. With the blessings of his Guru, Sri Yukteswar, Yogananda travelled to the West to share the spiritual traditions of India and his own inner realizations.  GURU Yogananda's seeking after various saints mostly ended when he met his guru, Swami Yukteswar Giri, in 1910, at the age of 17. He describes his first meeting with Yukteswar as a rekindling of a relationship that had lasted for many lifetimes: We entered a oneness of silence; words seemed the rankest superfluities. Eloquence flowed in soundless chant from heart of master to disciple. With an antenna of irrefragable (indisputable)  insight I sensed that my guru knew God, and would lead me to Him. The obscuration of this life disappeared in a fragile dawn of prenatal memories. Dramatic time! Past, present, and future are its cycling scenes. This was not the first sun to find me at these holy feet![5] He came to America in 1920 and established Self Realization Fellowship the same year. He took up residence at the SRF hermitage in Encinitas, California, which was a surprise gift from his disciple Rajarshi Janakananda (Around 1936). He came to America in 1920 and established Self Realization Fellowship the same year. He took up residence at the SRF hermitage in Encinitas, California, a surprise gift from his disciple, Rajarsi Janakananda (around 1936). From 1924–1935, Yogananda traveled and lectured widely, speaking to capacity audiences in many of the largest auditoriums in America — from New York’s Carnegie Hall to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Auditorium. The Los Angeles Times reported: “The Philharmonic Auditorium presents the extraordinary spectacle of thousands…. being turned away an hour before the advertised opening of a lecture with the 3000-seat hall filled to its utmost capacity Autobiography of Yogi is one of the world's most acclaimed spiritual classics. As the life story of Paramahamsa Yogananda — who is often referred to as the Father of Yoga in the West — this book has touched the hearts and minds of millions around the globe. Translated into forty-five languages, it has served as an ambassador for India's ancient science of Yoga, introducing countless readers to the methods for attaining God-realization, India's unique and lasting contribution to world civilization. Hailed as a masterpiece from its first appearance in print in 1946, the book was honored in 1999 as one of “100 Best Spiritual Books of the Century.” Today, this story of a life of unmistakable greatness continues its success in opening to the public a realm of liberating spiritual knowledge previously accessible only to a few. Steve Jobs and An Autobiography of a Yogi. The Autobiography has been an inspiration for many people, including Steve Jobs (1955–2011), co-founder, former chairman, and chief executive officer of Apple Inc. In the book Steve Jobs: A Biography, the author writes that in preparation for a trip, Mr. Jobs downloaded onto his iPad2, the Autobiography of a Yogi, "the guide to meditation and spirituality that he had first read as a teenager, then re-read in India and had read once a year ever since."[40] Steve Jobs passed away on October 5, 2011, at the age of 56, at his home in Palo Alto, California. In his final days, Steve Jobs planned his memorial, choosing the speakers, performers, and guests. As part of his thoughtful farewell, each attendee received a copy of Autobiography of a Yogi, a book that deeply influenced him. Jobs first read the book as a teenager, revisited it during his time in India, and continued to read it annually. According to Benioff, this gift was Jobs’ deliberate final message, emphasizing the importance of reflection and self-discovery. {{album_1561}}

Advice by Ramdas Swamy to Sambhaji Maharaj - Excellent lesson in strategy  This is a letter written by Samartha Ramdas Swami to Shivaji's son, Sambhaji, after Sambhaji succeeded his great father. This is a fantastic strategic message given to Indics (Sambhaji is Nimitta) by the sage at the wake of Aurangzeb's invasion of Deccan. I have inserted a few other quotes of Samartha Ramdas in this advice, which are coherent and used by the Swami in a similar context, but elsewhere. Samarth Ramdas’s teachings emphasize discipline, courage, and a profound sense of duty. These principles are reflected in Sambhaji’s leadership style and his commitment to his people's welfare. His focus on upholding righteousness and just governance echoes Ramdas’s profound influence. Worth emulating by leaders of the nations and business managements worldwide.  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ One should always be cautious. Never be malevolent... Always keep thinking and preparing, alone. One should shed anger and impatience and imbibe patience. Otherwise, concern starts nibbling at the inner mind. Forgive a few misgivings of old employees, but take control into your hands... Make them attentive and satisfied with their work Once a mental block develops, the water (thoughts) stops flowing freely in the minds of a Sajjana. One should understand this. One works according to all the subjects' wishes; his regime is short-lived. The same happens to one who objects to all the wishes of subjects.  When various factions in court/society start fighting over the credit for past glory and property, know that the enemy is the happiest. Thus, be a careful interlocutor and bring in peace, or else, the third party benefits in the quarrel between the first two. If subordinates and people start fearing you, understand that you have lost. Think quickly of measures that would restore trust and eliminate fear. Unite all the people and eliminate the enemy. Then the fame and glory reach beyond all directions. The enemy will fear only when you do something to him. Or else, your empire will start collapsing. Understand the situation you are in and control your anger. Even if you are angry, don't let others know. Be friendly towards all subjects, friends, and servants. Make sure that fear does not arise in their minds (since it breeds mistrust) Gather many such men. Motivate them with the idea (of Hindavi swaraj) ... prepare and fall on the Mlenchhas (Mughals) with vengeance. Millions of opinions flying around make it difficult because each person starts believing in the superiority of his own opinion (which makes uniting men around a single cause difficult).  One should teach them (the masses) in their language, as we teach children (referring to the patience of the teacher) ... One should teach them the cause and associated philosophies. Once wise, one should spread them across the entire country. The true strength lies only in mass-movement. But there should be Ishwara's backing for such a movement. Preserve what you already possess. Get more. Make Maratha Rajya (Hindavi swaraj) everywhere. give people courage. lead them from the front. promote and felicitate deserving achievers at every step. Bow to Raama and create a storm all over. beat and drown the enemy provinces and assimilate them... The traitors are the real rabid dogs and should be slain similarly. Any servant of Sri Raama who does these wins for sure. Prepare to fight for Dharma... While fighting, kill as many as you can. Keep on working towards finishing the task (of establishing dharma and Haindava swaraj), even while fighting and killing... Remember your father, Shivaji. Compare yourselves with him and do not think of yourselves too highly. Learn from him how to live forever... Remember how he looked... Remember what he achieved. Remember how he thought. while on this earth. Remember how he walked. Remember how he talked. Remember how he loved his people... Renouncing all pleasures, he achieved the Raaja-Yoga. Study how he did it. If you manage to achieve something like this, only then shall I consider you a man. What more to write now? Know that, there is no one in this world who is strong enough to harm the servant of Sri Raama whose Leelas are sung by all three worlds.   {{album_1560}}