“No religion makes more use of color than Hinduism, with its blue-skinned gods and peony-lipped goddesses, and even the spring festival of Holi is focused on color: Boys squirt arcs of dyed water on passersby or dump powder, all violently hued, on their marks.” – Hanya Yanagihara   Global Hindu Heritage Foundation, Assam, distributes new clothes to poor Hindu families every year before Durga Puja. This year,100 sarees were distributed to hundreds of ladies at the village Dilkhush in the Assam-Manipur border region. Team leader Dipali Rani Das organized this program, and I attended on behalf of GHHF Assam.  Sri Samrat Dutt, who coordinated the event with the Tejaswini group, went to the village located at the boundaries of Manipur and distributed them to the poor people, encouraging them to participate and celebrate Durga Puja during Navaratri. GHHF Center distributed Sarees to poor families to celebrate Durga Puja, the most significant event celebrated by the Hindu community in Assam. According to legends, the festival is held to worship Goddess Durga and commemorate her triumph against Mahishasur. The festival is celebrated all over India and with much passion in Assam. Some perform it individually, and some collectively; it is a collective puja. People of all castes can participate in Durga Puja. Durga Puja is a Hindu festival that celebrates the worship of the goddess Durga and commemorates the slaying of the demon king Maheshar by the goddess Durga, marking the triumph of good over evil. Due to its significant population of Hindu Bengalis, Assam celebrates Durga Puja in a flamboyant manner. Grand processions and rhythmic beats characterize the festival, and devotees visit temples to seek blessings from the Goddess for peace and prosperity. Navaratri, a nine-day festival, honors the nine forms of Durga, the Hindu warrior goddess. Each state in India celebrates in its unique way. In 2024, Navaratri is celebrated from October 3-12.  The Hindu festival of Navaratri, which means nine (nava) nights (ratri) in Sanskrit, is celebrated over nine consecutive nights during autumn. The celebrations vary from region to region according to local customs and traditions, but the festival's central theme is the victory of good over evil. Although Navaratri is devoted to the goddess Durga, some states in South India also dedicate it to other Hindu deities like Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. In the Eastern States such as West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, and Jharkhand, Navaratri is celebrated as Durga Puja, the main annual festival for Bengali Hindus commemorating Durga's victory over the shape-shifting buffalo demon Mahishasura. During the celebrations, elaborately designed pandals (marquees) and life-size statues of the goddess Durga are installed in every neighborhood. Dressed in traditional attire, devotees offer prayers in the evening and perform a dhunuchi naach, a special dance with earthen lamps. 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_1207}}

Global Hindu Heritage Foundation is heling villages by organizing bhajans, appointing priests, providing Sound System, initiating dharmic classes, and helping them to do Shiva Abhishekam and others.  This time we GHHF came to know about the dire need to provide electricity to continue their religious activities. There is no other temple in that village except a small Ram temple. The Rama Temple in the villages is 40 years old. There are no facilities near the temple and there is no electricity facility for the temple. No pujas are held near the temple unless there is a festival. In the meantime, gangs of proselytizers have been roaming in the village and trying to change the Hindus there.  An activist named Dileep in the village decided to repair the Ram temple and organize religious programs as a temple center to instill dynamism among the Hindus in the village. He approached the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation for electricity facility and minor repairs in the temple. Understanding the situation in that village, as requested by the local people, the organization repaired the temple and provided an electricity facility. Also, they have requested to give a mike set (Sound System) to the temple. Soon we will try to provide a mic set with the help of donors. Traditionally Hindu Temple was the center of the activities. Hindu temples served as nuclei of important social, economic, artistic and intellectual functions in ancient and medieval India. As many missionaries are coming to the village and slowly converting to Christianity, Hindus need to organize functions for the to attend and feel proud of their culture and the importance of Deity worship. Once the villagers take pride in their activities, the chances of conversions diminish. It is hoped that the villagers will start attending the Temple functions, celebrate festivals and conduct bhajans.  Temples play a crucial role in the practice of Hinduism, serving as a focal point for religious and social activities. They provide a space for devotees to come together in worship and community, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. Through their rituals and ceremonies, temples offer a means of connecting with the divine, helping devotees to deepen their spiritual practice and cultivate a sense of inner peace and harmony. Hindus go to temples to seek blessings from their gods and goddesses, to deepen their spiritual practice, and to connect with their community. Temples offecultivating for worship, reflection, and contemplation, helping devotees to cultivate a sense of inner peace and harmony. It is the responsibility of every Hindu to get connected to the divine. This connectivity is possible only when the opportunity to attend the Temples is provided and encounter other religions where they will distort the richness of Hinduism with false narrative. Hindu leaders should take the responsibility of creating the ambience for Hindus to attend and take pride in Sanatana Dharma. 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_1206}}

Grand Carnatic Violin Concert by Maestros Mysore Brothers - Vidwan Mysore Nagaraj and Vidwan Dr. Mysore Manjunath with Vidwan Sri. Giridhar Udupa on Ghatam and Vidwan Sri. Srimushnam Raja Rao on Mridangam.  On September 15, they performed at Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple to a packed audience. They also played Sri Swamiji’s bhajans to a great round of applause. We were fortunate to attend their program.  Their main strong points are their technical brilliance, their sheer virtuosity, their artistic imagination coupled with an extraordinary range. In a very short span of time, they have come to dominate the Carnatic instrumental scene in India. The Mysore Brothers have collaborated with many accomplished vocalists and instrumentalists from around the world and they excel at the Indian fusion musical tradition called jugalbandhi. They were labeled as a ‘Dream Team’ for bringing academic and technical brilliance together with virtuosity. Mysore Brothers have enthralled audiences all over the world including Royal Albert Hall in London, Sydney Opera house, Common Thread Music festival in Oregon, Santa-Fe festival, World Music Festival in Chicago, Esplanade Theatre in Singapore. Dr. Manjunath is also the First Indian violinist invited to perform at the Prestigious International Violin Festival & Royal Palace of Milan in Italy. He has collaborated with renowned symphony orchestras. Mysore Brothers are A-grade artists on All India Radio. International broadcasters including BBC, ABC (Australia), have featured them. They have performed in coveted music festivals including Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav, Dover Lane Festival, Tansen Sangeet Samaroh in Gwalior, Darbar Festival in London. Mysore brothers have performed in fusion concerts with leading musicians from India and across the globe. Nagaraj & Dr. Manjunath are recipients of prestigious awards including Ganakala Bhushana award from Ganakala Parishath, Sangeet Natak academy award by the Government of India, Rajyothsava Award by the Government of Karnataka, and Chowdaiah National Award by the Academy of Music. Visited our House We have known the Mysore brothers for more than a decade. Every time they come to Dallas are, we make it a point to attend their programs. We are fortunate to receive all the four artists, Venkatraman and Vijaya, one of the businessmen from Mysore to our house in Frisco and spend more than one hour. We shared about the mission of Global Hindu Heritage Foundation, its activities in nine States and Bangladesh. They were happy to know about our activities and surprised at the extent of work GHHF is doing.      Also, I shared two of our books and a brochure. It was a great meeting. Visit our website for all our activities:  Savetemples.org.   For GHHF activities, Contact us at: 601-918-7111 {{album_1205}}

Global Hindu Heritage Foundation has initiated Bhajan programs in a few villages to kindle devotion among the villagers. We started bhajan singing in Penna Ahobilam, Devadula Palli, Boyala Palli, and Uravakonda Mandal, Ananthapuram District. A few weeks ago, GHHF even supplied a Sound system to 15 village temples to encourage bhajan singing. Today’s bhajans were conducted in the Mahonnatha Kshetra, where Narasimhaswamy married Goddess Chenchulakshmi.  In the 17th century, the murti of Lakshminarasimhaswamy were installed during the Jaitrayatra of Sadashivarayu in the Vijayanagara Empire. Devotees believe that if unmarried people visit Swami, marriages will take place within 45 days. Lakhs of devotees visit Swami's Brahmotsavam. Today, on behalf of our organization, we visited such a shrine and performed bhajan. A few villagers commented that they saw Flexi with the Name Global Hindu Heritage Foundation on Facebook and were very happy to hear that this organization does many service programs. Devotees also sat for a while during our bhajan and sang kirtans. Later, a village committee was formed in the villages of Devadakonda and Boyalapalli. The committee informed us about our organization's programs and established Bala Samskar Kendra centers. Similarly, a committee was also formed about bhajan and informed us that our organization would teach bhajan for free. Bhajans are devotional songs that express love and reverence towards the divine. They are integral to bhakti (devotion) in Hinduism and other Indian traditions. Bhajans often convey stories and teachings from the lives of deities, saints, and sages, fostering a sense of spiritual communion among those who sing and listen to them. These songs can be simple or complex in their melodies and rhythms, and they are typically performed in groups, enhancing communal bonds and collective spiritual experience. Amma from Kerala says that Bhajans are prayers in song form, rich in meaning, and full of devotional content. Singing a bhajan wholeheartedly, completely forgetting oneself, and identifying with the emotion of longing for the vision of the Divine is an experience akin to blissful meditation. In this modern age with distractions galore, serene meditation and contemplation are impossible for everybody, but singing bhajans is. Amma recommends singing bhajans as a highly effective spiritual sadhana for all of us. When sung with innocence and concentration, bhajans awaken the sleeping child within us, and then we feel the presence of the Divine in our hearts. The singing of Bhajans purify the atmosphere as a result of the sacred sound waves getting absorbed into the atmosphere. Sound waves' power is evident from how radio waves are transmitted and received over long distances. The chanting of the Divine Name can purify the atmosphere that has been polluted by impure sound waves. Likewise, sacred thoughts, pure speech, and actions will purify other polluted elements. There is no better purifying agent than this. Crores (one crore is ten million) are being spent to purify the Ganges water. What use is this exercise if the Ganges continue to be polluted by the discharge of drainage water into the river? First, prevent the flow of filthy effluents into the Ganges. Similarly, the evil thoughts arising in the mind should be diverted and filled with pure, Godly thoughts by reciting the Divine name. 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_1204}}

Global Hindu Heritage Foundation was started in 2006 with a mission to preserve, protect and promote Sanatana Dharma and free Hindu Temples from the government control. We are organizing a few activities at the ground level such as Bala Samskar Kendras, Grama Devata renovation, sponsor a priest, making Hindus, Hindus: annadanam, water and Buttermilk distribution, helping Flood victims and a host of other activities. Visit our website for more information: www.savetemples.org. Bala Samskar Kendras Students learned from ‘Stork and Crab’ story that one should not trust anyone Blindly. (9/1) The ‘Stork and the Crab’ story is a part of the ancient Indian animal fable, Panchatantra, written by Pandit Vishnu Sharma. These stories were developed to impart knowledge and wisdom to three royal princes. In the story’ Stork and the Crab,’ the Crane symbolizes betrayal and treachery. The Crane assures the fishes of the pond a safe life but instead tricks them into becoming his meal. The Crab represents keen observance and quick thinking, which help him save his and others’ lives. https://www.savetemples.org/post/ghhf-bala-samskar-kendras-students-learned-from-stork-and-crab-story-that-one-should-not-trust-anyone-blindly/2071        Booth at Ananda Bazar in Frisco Texas attracted many people who learned about our mission and activities; received pamphlets, Books and other material. (9/2) India Association of North Texas celebrated its 47th Anand bazar which attracts about 15,000 people every year for the enjoyment filled with music, food, saree shops and display of activities. Many organizations sponsor a booth and explain their activities to expose them to different activities organized by different organizations. GHHF sponsored a booth displaying our activities on the standing banners, distribution of flyers with our activities, distribution of books and Ram Lalla Photos.  https://www.savetemples.org/post/ghhf-booth-at-ananda-bazar-in-frisco-texas-attracted-many-people-who-learned-about-our-mission-and-activities-received-pamphlets-books-and-other-material/2072    Update on our Ground Level Activities August 11-20. (9/3) Global Hindu Heritage Foundation was started in 2006 with a mission to preserve, protect and promote Sanatana Dharma and free Hindu Temples from the government control. We are organizing a few activities at the ground level such as Bala Samskar Kendras, Grama Devata renovation, sponsor a priest, making Hindus, Hindus: annadanam, water and Buttermilk distribution, helping Flood victims and a host of other activities. Visit our website for more information: www.Savetemples.org. https://www.savetemples.org/post/ghhf-update-on-our-ground-level-activities-august-11-20/2073    Two distinguished guests shared their experiences with our committee members during our monthly meeting. (9/4) This month we are fortunate to invite two distinguished guests, one from Hyderabad, India and one from DC area in USA. We recognized them for their service to the community. Sri G B Vipin Kumar, IPS, is a Superintendent of Police in Hyderabad. He and wife, with their daughter and granddaughter came to Dallas to see their daughter. He spoke briefly about his career and what it takes to discharge his duties without compromising his own philosophy and make sure law and order is enforced. He has been in the police force for more than 25 years. He says more and more people are aware of the political situation and responding accordingly. He feels more people are aware of what is happening in Bharat and getting involved in a positive way. https://www.savetemples.org/post/ghhf-two-distinguished-guests-shared-their-experiences-with-our-committee-members-during-our-monthly-meeting/2074    Bala Samskar Kendra students learned that God sends help in unusual ways; but we should know how to recognize His Ways. (9/5) There used to be a town on the bank of a river. All the people in the village were calm and close together. There was a temple in that village. During the day, the people of the village used to worship in that village. They used to patronize the priest in the temple. One year, there was heavy rain in such a fruitful village, the river overflowed, and there were floods. The whole village started to be filled with water. All the people in the village left their homes and went to separate places to escape the flood. https://www.savetemples.org/post/ghhf-bala-samskar-kendra-students-learned-that-god-sends-help-in-unusual-ways-but-we-should-know-how-to-recognize-his-ways.-/2075      Bala Samskar Students in Assam celebrated the Birthday of Sri Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan as Teachers Day. (9/6) In India, we celebrate Teachers’ Day on the birth anniversary of Dr. Radhakrishnan (September 5th). But why did we choose his birthday and not that of any other leader? Legend says: “After Dr Radhakrishnan became the President of India, when a group of students wanted to celebrate his birthday as Radhakrishnan Jayanti, he humbly refused and instead suggested them to celebrate it as a day to honor teachers and that is how India has been celebrating Teachers’ Day on his birth anniversary (5th September).” https://www.savetemples.org/post/ghhf-bala-samskar-students-in-assam-celebrated-the-birthday-of-sri-sarvepalli-radhakrishnan-as-teachers-day/2076    GHHF and JDF freely distributed 3000 eco-friendly Sri Ganesh Murtis in Visakhapatnam to celebrate the festival. (9/7) GHHF and JDF jointly organized several events. In 2023, they distributed about 3000 Lord Ganesh murtis. Also, they freely distributed Kashayam, an herbal immunity booster, so that you would be safeguarded from this pandemic. Everybody is invited to come and pick one from Pinnamaneni's banquet halls in Gopalpatnam, Visakhapatnam. We welcome everybody to register if they are willing to volunteer in any activities we organize for the welfare of humanity. https://www.savetemples.org/post/ghhf-and-jdf-freely-distributed-3000-eco-friendly-sri-ganesh-murtis-in-visakhapatnam-to-celebrate-the-festival/2077      Hindus in Bangladesh are in dire need of your help to protect lives, houses, Temples and Shops. Donate via “GoFundMe.” (9/8) In Bangladesh even now the threat for Hindus is no less, constantly there is pressure on Hindus to get converted or face consequences. Hundreds of Hindu houses and temples were attacked and looted in every district of Bangladesh. Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) is making all efforts to unite Hindus is small clusters and giving all possible support to secure themselves, their properties temples, shops and houses. We are encouraging to file petitions and reach local politicians too as vote bank. https://www.savetemples.org/post/ghhf-hindus-in-bangladesh-are-in-dire-need-of-your-help-to-protect-lives-houses-temples-and-shops.-donate-via-gofundme/2078    Update on our Ground Level Activities August 21-31. (9/9) Global Hindu Heritage Foundation was started in 2006 with a mission to preserve, protect and promote Sanatana Dharma and free Hindu Temples from the government control. We are organizing a few activities at the ground level such as Bala Samskar Kendras, Grama Devata renovation, sponsor a priest, making Hindus, Hindus: annadanam, water and Buttermilk distribution, helping Flood victims and a host of other activities. Visit our website for more information: www.Savetemples.org.    Do not commit sins during Vinayaka Festival; Four Day campaign organized with TWO autos in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh Wishing all a Happy Ganesh Chaturthi Festival. (9/10) Wishing all a Happy Ganesh Chaturthi Festival With the intention of reminding today's Hindu society, which forgets the spirituality and inner meaning of celebrating Vinayaka Chavithi festival, a campaign was organized for four days with two autos in Guntur town under the auspices of Global Hindu Heritage Foundation. These two auto rikshas went around the city highlighting the need to celebrate Ganesh festival with Bhakti and observe it utmost respect for our customs.  Do not commit sins during the festival. Be sober, Be faithful  https://www.savetemples.org/post/ghhf-do-not-commit-sins-during-vinayaka-festival-four-day-campaign-organized-with-two-autos-in-guntur-andhra-pradesh-wishing-all-a-happy-ganesh-chaturthi-festival/2080    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

Dadhichi, also known as Dadhyancha, is an important character in Hinduism. He is revered amongst the greatest of sages and is portrayed as an example that no sacrifice is too great when the result is the good of the world. Dadhichi is corrupt form of dadhyanch/dadhyang, and it is derived from “dhadhya” means curd in Sanskrit as pointed out by great Sanskrit scholar Panini himself. Dhadya+ang means body takes strength from curd. He was among one of the greatest among clan of Bhrigu. He is credited with giving up his life in order to allow the Devas to use his bones to make weapons to defeat the Asura Vritra. Drama: Some schools prepare the students to dress like Dadhichi and they look fabulous. They examined Dadhich’s picture and imitated it. Very appreciative of the teacher and the students. Students learned about the sacrifice of Dadhichi by way of question – answer dialogue. The story goes like this:  Gundaiah: Hello Belaiah, how are you? It's been a long time since I saw you Belaiah: I'm fine but now my name is not Belaiah, it is Johnson Gundaiah: Johnson is the same name, "John son" means John's son, isn't your father's name Rama, and your mother is married to John? Belaiah: No, no, that is not true. I came to the real God and changed my religion. Do you know who is real god? Gundaiah: Who??? Belaiah: The real God for all of us is that "wooden piece". He sacrificed his life for all of us. Gundaiah: "Chekka Muckaiya" (Wooden piece) who is he? I have never heard that name? Belaiah: We are all planting stones and wings without knowing the true God, the only true God is “a piece of wood”. Gopaiah: Hi Belaiah? How is Gundaiah? Gundaiah: Am I good, now Belaiah's name is Johnson, he believes in a god called "Chekka Muckaiah" and he died for us all. See that he is saying something. Gopaiah: Hey Belaiah. What is the point of sacrificing his life for all of us. When he was running away, they caught him and tied him to a tree. Belaiah: If so, tell me who sacrificed their life for our human race. Tell me where all the greats are. Gopaiah: There are thousands of such people in our culture, if you knew about them, you wouldn't talk like this Belaiah. Do you know about the sacrifice of Dadhichi Maharshi??? Belaiah: Dadhichi Maharshi, I don't know who he is, tell me about him. Gopaiah: In the past, when a demon named Vrittasura saw that the gods and mankind wanted to end this entire universe, it was the sacrifice of Sage Dadhichi that saved this universe. Gundaiah: What did Dadhichi Maharshi do??? Gopaiah: The demon named Vrithasura was very powerful. He did penance out of hatred for the gods. He got the boon that he should not be killed by any weapon made of metal. Vritrasura, who invaded the world with pride, defeated Indra and occupied the throne. He tortured all the gods. Unable to do anything, Devendra followed the gods and went to Lord Vishnu and cried. Gundaiah: And what did Vishnu Murthy do?? What did he say to Devendra??? Gopaiah: Hearing their cry, Srihari suggested making a sharp weapon with a very strong back. The gods thought that the bones of animals like elephants, lions and tigers are strong and can be used for making weapons. But your thinking is wrong. Along with strength, austerity should also be of strong bones, Narayana said that the spine of Dadhichi Maharshi, a great ascetic, is very useful for that. Vishnumurthy ordered him to go to Dadhichi Muni's ashram after meeting with Deva Shilpi and Deva guru and tell them about the matter. Belaiah: Dadhichi Maharshi will give his backbone as much as they ask??? Gundaiah: Listen to everything, Belaiah. Ask questions after hearing everything. Gopaiah: Devendra followed Jupiter and Vishwakarma and reached Dadhichi Maharishi's ashram. Maharshi Dadhicha, who was pleased with their arrival, entertained the guests. Devendra hesitated, not knowing how to explain the reason they had come. But Maharshi asked them closely and finally revealed the truth. Hearing their words, the sage happily agreed to give his back. He sacrificed his life with yoga power. Dadhichi, who reluctantly gave up his life for the welfare of the world, became an organ donor. Vajrayudham is made from the spine of Dadhichi Maharishi. Devendra killed Vritrasura with this diamond weapon. Dadhichi Maharshi, nicknamed for goodness and sacrifice, has been immortalized. Indra's main weapon was the diamond weapon made from his spine. Gopaiah: Belaiah knowingly and unknowingly, don't try to leave your self-righteousness and add religion to it. and don't try to alienate everyone from our cultural traditions. Gundaiah: Yes. Swadharmae nidhanam shreyah paradharmo bhayavahah said... Even though I forgot that I sat listening to this Belaiah. Belaiah: Forgive me Gundaiah. I have made a mistake for so long by abandoning our culture and following alien religion. I spread alien religion and alienated many people from our cultural traditions. From now on I will tell everyone about our Hindu religion and make our Hindus aware. Gopaiah: great Belaiah. From now on let us all follow our Hindu dharma and cultural traditions and learn the great things in it and inform the rest of us too. 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_1203}}

Global Hindu Heritage Foundation donated Sound systems to 15 temples in different villages in different districts. About three months ago we requested our people to donate Sound system to the needed villages. About ten donors sent donations to provide Sound systems to these villages Sound systems were provided by the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation to encourage those who built small temples out of devotion to the Lord and conducted charitable activities based on those temples. These mic sets were sent to temples in Adoni in Kurnool district, Guduru Pedana in Krishna district, Gaara in Srikakulam district, Guntur Tenali in Guntur district, Pittalavanipalem in Bapatla district, Kalyanadurgam in Anantapur district and Don area in Nandyala district. We are offering an amplifier box, 2 mikes, 2 trumpets in one Sound system set. There is a great need for these to conduct bhajans at the temple center, to conduct satsangs, for pooja programs and to sensitize the surrounding community. The organization is receiving requests from many other places to provide Sound systems to their temples as well. If any donors contribute, we can provide these to more temples in their name through the organization. GHHF wants to appreciate these donors: Subba & Prabha Karavadi; Gitesh Pandya; Suresh  Kota; Gitesh Desai; Vikram Reddy; Aruna Pal; Pavan Boggavarapu; Jayesh Patel; Shasi & Hemalata Kotvali; Vamsi Chakka; Naveen  Nandamuri; and Ramesh Nekkanti.  Importance of Bhajans Singing Bhajans holds significant religious, cultural and spiritual importance, playing a crucial role in the spiritual practices of many groups. When people sing bhajans, they engage in a form of musical devotion, creating a connection with the divine through the expression of their feelings and reverence. In essence, bhajans serve as a heartfelt means of connecting with the spiritual realm, embodying the cultural and spiritual richness of the traditions from which they originate. The Sanskrit word bhajan or bhajans is derived from the root bhaj, which means "divide, share, partake, participate, to belong to". The word also connotes "attachment, devotion to, fondness for, homage, faith or love, worship, piety to something as a spiritual, religious principle or means of salvation" Similarly, Kirtan is a vibrant and communal expression of devotion. It involves a lead singer or group chanting a mantra, and the congregation responding. This rhythmic exchange creates a powerful energy, fostering a sense of unity among the participants. Kirtans are often held in temples, spiritual gatherings, or even in public spaces, where people from diverse backgrounds join together in harmony. The repetitive chanting of mantras has a meditative quality, allowing participants to transcend the mundane and connect with the divine on a profound level. In both Bhajan and Kirtan, traditional Indian musical instruments play a crucial role in enhancing the spiritual experience. Instruments like the harmonium, tabla, and mridangam provide a rhythmic and melodic backdrop, creating a symphony of devotion. The harmonium, with its soulful tones, often leads the melody, guiding the participants through a journey of spiritual exploration. Historically, the Vedas and Upanishads celebrate Nada Brahma where certain sounds are considered essential, triggering emotional feelings without necessarily having a literal meaning, and this is deemed a sacred experience of the primeval ultimate reality and supreme truth. Saints and poets like Kabir, Mirabai, Tulsidas, and Surdas played a crucial part in popularizing bhajans and making them understandable to a larger audience. Their Bhajan lyrics emphasized the universality of divine love while praising the intimate connection between the believer and the deity. 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_1202}}

Global Hindu Heritage Foundation is extremely happy to recognize the need to preserve and protect the traditions and customs in the villages. We feel that many villagers identify themselves their Gramadevatas and pray for their blessings to protect them from possible impeding dangers. This is our effort to revive the sentiments and faith in Gramadevatas who once played a significant role in unifying the entire community. During the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi festival GHHF distributed Dhupa Deepa Naivedyam Pooja kits to selected villages in Dalit communities.  In the villages of 22 mandals like Narasapuram, Marteru, Attili, Elur, Nallajarla, Ungutur, Tanuku, Peravalli etc. in Old West Godavari district, the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation and Hyndavi Temples Trust jointly managed the distribution of pooja materials for regular incense offering services in 200 temples of SC and ST colonies.  In Hindu temples, if the lamp is always lit, that light becomes a beacon of knowledge and protects those around it from going into the darkness of ignorance. These pooja funds are given on behalf of the organization to provide a helping hand to those who have unwavering devotion to the Lord and are facing financial difficulties to serve him, and for the smooth running of the services in the temples. Grama Devatas means village Goddesses/Deities who were installed in the villages to protect the village, to protect the crops, to prevent calamities, to prevent various kinds of ailments and to bless the villagers with health and wealth. As we know, many Grama Devatas are located in a small place in the community or village. The overwhelming majority of Grama Devatas are Goddesses with very few notable experiences. Dharma-Thakkur is a god of fertility and disease in West Bengal. Another example is Kala Bhairava, a fierce form of Lord Shiva is the Gramadevata in the rural villages of Maharashtra, where he is referred to as Vairavar. According to Sree Padma (2013), “A Gramadevata often is “at home” in the outdoors and usually symbolized aniconically in the form of a shapeless rock, a snake hole, or a tree. While she may also be seen in the form of images within more humbly constructed and appointed shrines at the edge of a village, Gramadevatas are usually worshipped directly by devotees without any Brahman priestly mediation and therefore without elaborate Sanskrit recitations….The priests and  priestesses of these Gramadevata are mostly from non-Brahminic castes and play a major cultic role only at the time of special festivals.” 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_1201}}

Harvard Business School (HBS) Hindu Council has organized a huge event recognizing the individual and organizations who have contributes to the welfare of the humanity irrespective of the region, religion, or country.  On September 10, a Hero Award ceremony was organized at Athithi Event Hall where nearly 400 people attended representing about 40 organizations. Its main goal is two-fold: 1.    Recognize individuals who have contributed to the community and had influence in the lives of the people. 2.    Bring unity among many Hindu organizations who have been excelling in service to the community. Although many organizations are working individually, very few people know what each organization is doing on the ground level in the communities.  Dr. Prakasarao Velagapudi was conferred HERO award for his services in USA and India. Mention was made of Hanuman Temple where he is coordinating the construction and as directed Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji.  The Award reads as follows:  “With Deepest Gratitude and Appreciation we present this award to Shri Prakasarao Velagapudi in recognition of Exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to serving the Community. The Gero Award. HBS Hindu Council. Dallas TX 2024.”  HBS Hindu Council sent out an invitation with the following message: In an era often characterized by the pursuit of fame, power, and self-interest, there remain remarkable individuals who embody true heroism through their selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to the greater good. The HERO - Hindu Empowerment & Reformation Organization and HHC - HBS Hindu Council are dedicated to recognizing such exemplary leaders and their invaluable contributions to our community. We are pleased to invite you to an exclusive Award Ceremony and Dinner Event to honor these distinguished individuals. This is a special invitation-only event, and we would be honored to have you join us in celebrating their remarkable service and leadership.  This event will be graced by the presence of esteemed spiritual leaders, including our Chief Guest, His Holiness Keshava Swami Ji. We will also be joined by a distinguished array of dignitaries and guests, including executives from Fortune 500 companies, city officials, state representatives, leaders from social and spiritual organizations, Ivy League representatives, entrepreneurs, medical professionals, social reformers, and thought leaders. Message Accepting the Award, Dr Prakasarao said: “All of us have to commit ourselves to do what we can do to protect Bharath. It is Dharma Bhumi, Karma Bhumi. Many of us were born there. I want all of us to take the ownership and try to see that Sanatana Dharma is protected and preserved for the welfare of the humanity.” Please visit our website for all our activities: www. Savetemples.org {{album_1200}}

Sri Devakinandan Thakurji is known for his as spiritual leader who delivers Bhagath Katha which attracts lakhs of people in India. He is known for his popular Sankirtans, He is a follower of Nimbarka Samradaya. He has deep devotion to Radha and keeps the audience chant Radha Radhe several times in his discourses. He is known for captivating the audience with is singing and narration of Bhagavat Katha.  Since 2001, he has been actively preaching about Bhagavad Gita, Rama katha and Bhagat katha. He travels throughout India and abroad. He founded Vishwa Shanti Sewa Charitable Trust to spread peace in the world. He received awards from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minster Sri Yogi Adityanath He is visiting USA and Canada this year delivering his lectures on Bhagath Katha. This week He is conducting his evet in Radha Krishna Temple in Allen Texas from September 8-14.  In his lectures he says that Indian culture and civilization are not limited to only India, but it is a global heritage that every Indian should cherish and beyond. Should be increased. He also said that when we live abroad, our duty is not only to promote Indian culture but also to contribute as a global citizen while respecting the local cultures there.  On September 10th, he visited our house in Frisco and had a wonderful discussion about Sanatana Dharma, the future and the dharma of every Hindu. He is organizing programs in villages to attract more people to Sanatana Dharma.  Sri Thankurji visited Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple. He was honored in the Temple and Aarthi was offered. He was very much impressed with the size and spiritual ambience of the Temple which was built by Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji. He spent few minutes looking at many of the pictures of Lord Hanuman that were painted by Sri Som Gangadhar. Later that day he also attended a Awrad function organized by HBS Hindu council.    {{album_1199}}