In a village, all the children were learning at their teacher's house. Among them, Aryan and Pragna were very good and honest. However, Kutil and Maya were lazy and selfish. They often stole pencils, erasers, and toys from their classmates at school. Even after Aryan and Pragna told them multiple times, "Stealing is a sin. You will have to face the consequences (karma)," they didn't listen. Instead, Kutil and Maya proudly said that a new uncle who had recently moved near their house told them, "If you believe in our God, all your sins will be forgiven, and you will go to heaven. Our God came to save sinners." They argued, "So, if we believe in that God, nothing we do can harm us." The uncle also told them that "it is not wrong to do anything to those who do not believe in our God," and they pressured Aryan and Pragna to leave their Hindu Dharma. Because of these false teachings, Kutil and Maya's stealing increased day by day. They even started insulting Hindu deities and the Hindu Dharma. After some time, a major robbery occurred in the area where Kutil and Maya lived. The thieves stole all the belongings from Kutil and Maya's houses. The items they had stolen from their schoolmates were also taken by the thieves. The next day, Kutil and Maya came to school crying. When Aryan and Pragna anxiously asked what happened, they told them everything. They also mentioned that all the families affected by the robbery had filed a complaint at the police station, but they overheard their next-door neighbours saying, "The police took money and let the thieves go; it looks like the things we earned through hard work are gone for good." As Kutil cried, "The thieves also stole the new bicycle my dad bought for me," Aryan comforted him and said, "You are sad that the police, who are supposed to uphold justice, helped the wrongdoers, right? You also know that they shouldn't do that. So how did you believe that God, who is supposed to uphold dharma, would be kind to sinners and give them heaven, and how did you commit sins?" Then Pragna said to Maya, "If you are so sad because the things you stole are gone, imagine how sad those children must have been when you stole their things?" She also told them, "The police never cooperate with thieves; they will definitely catch and punish them." Then Aryan said to Kutil and Maya, "If God forgives sins and saves sinners, it would mean the police and courts would release thieves, murderers, and wrongdoers in society. This would destroy society. That's why Lord Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita said he would incarnate on Earth to protect the good and punish the wrongdoers." Explaining this, he recited the following verses: Sloka :   yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati bhārata|   abhyutthānam adharmasya tadātmānaṁ sṛijamyaham|| (4.7)  paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ vināśhāya cha duṣhkṛitām |  dharma-sansthāpanārthāya sambhavāmi yuge yuge|| (4.8) Aryan then explained the meaning of the verses: "In these verses, Sri Krishna says that whenever there is a decline of Dharma and a rise of Adharma (unrighteousness), he will incarnate. He promises to be born from age to age to protect the good, to destroy the wicked, and to re-establish Dharma. A person who saves sinners becomes a sinner himself, not God. Our gods and goddesses protect the good and punish the wrongdoers." With these words, Kutil and Maya realized the gravity of their mistakes. They felt immense sadness for having listened to a wrong person, for having stolen, and for insulting Hindu deities. Just then, they heard some good news. The police had caught the thieves and were returning the stolen goods to their rightful owners. They immediately rushed to the police station with their parents. Seeing that the police had imprisoned the thieves, they thought that those who do wrong must definitely be punished and face the consequences of their actions. They were astonished to see that the uncle who had told them that they would face no consequences for stealing and committing sins was also among the thieves. Kutil and Maya understood that wrongdoers promote false ideologies to destroy society. Then, Kutil and Maya started crying and said to the police officer, "Please put us in jail too! We also did wrong by stealing our friends' things." The police officer smiled and said, "You have realized your mistake. Everyone must face the consequences of their actions. You did wrong without knowing it was a mistake because you listened to false words, but now you know the truth. Go to school, return the stolen items to your classmates, and ask for their forgiveness." Kutil and Maya did as they were told. All the children were happy to get their things back and forgave Kutil and Maya. Main Message: God protects Dharma and the good but does not come to save sinners. If you commit sins by believing in false ideologies, you will have to face the consequences (karma). Real dharma is to realize your mistake, repent, and correct your actions. Teacher Tasks: Discussion after the story: ●    Why did Kutil and Mayalu start stealing? What happened to them in the end? Answer: They started stealing by believing the words of a wrong person. In the end, when a theft occurred in their own homes as well, they realized their mistake, repented, returned the stolen items, and apologized. ●    Why is the thought "Committing sins does not matter, God will protect us" wrong? Answer: God does not encourage sins. Those who do wrong must experience the consequences of their karma. Therefore, He protects righteousness and punishes those who do evil. ●    Whom did Sri Krishna say He comes to protect and whom to punish? Answer: Sri Krishna stated in the Bhagavad Gita that He incarnates age after age to protect the good (sadhus), to punish those who commit evil deeds (dushtkrutas), and to establish righteousness. ●    How should we live righteously like Aryan and Pragnya? Answer: We must be honest, avoid bad deeds, respect others, follow righteousness, and walk on the right path. ●    If you make a mistake, what will you do to rectify it? Answer: I will admit the mistake I made and apologize. I will correct the mistake and be careful not to repeat it again. Practical Activities: ●    Dharma Chart: Make a chart and list which actions fall under Dharma (righteousness) and which fall under Adharma (unrighteousness). ●    Apology Letter: If you have ever made a mistake, write an apology letter to that person. ●    Picture of a Good Deity: Draw a picture of a good deity and write the names of good deeds on it. ●    Recite the Sloka: Recite the slokas from the Bhagavad Gita where Sri Krishna says he comes to protect the good. Character Analysis: ●    Aryan and Pragna: What can we learn from their characters? How did they show the right path in the story? ●    Kutil and Maya: What were their mistakes? How did they change in the end? What should we not learn from them? ●    Police Officer: What was his role in the story? Why was his advice important? Sloka Repetition: Have the children repeat the Bhagavad Gita slokas mentioned in the story. Ask them to explain the meaning of the slokas in their own words. Your donations are appreciated: By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979. {{album_1649}}

2026/08/01 Sai Srinivas https://bharatobserver.in/village-deities-and-the-living-tradition-of-gramadevatas-in-india/ (NOTE: This article was published in “The Bharat Observer by Sai Srinivas about Dhupa Deepa Naivedyam, one of the initiatives of the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation.)   A recent initiative by the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation distributed Dhupa Deepa Naivedyam kits to village temples so daily rituals to Gramadevatas could continue without interruption. The effort points to a much older and wider tradition: the worship of Gramadevatas, or village deities, which remains deeply woven into the spiritual and social life of many Indian villages. What Gramadevatas Mean Gram Devatas, or village deities, are guardian deities in Hindu tradition who are revered as protectors of the land, community health, agriculture, and social harmony. Rooted in ancient indigenous practices and later absorbed into Puranic and Agamic frameworks, they represent localized expressions of divine authority within specific settlements. Across the villages of Bharat, sacred presence has always remained close to the soil, the well, the boundary stone, and the gathering square. Gram Devatas emerged from this close bond between people and place, where divinity was experienced not as a distant abstraction but as a living guardian of daily life. These deities were believed to watch over crops, protect cattle, restrain disorder, and uphold communal ethics through shared worship. Sanatana Dharma never confined sacred authority to temples or texts alone. It allowed divine power to dwell wherever life unfolded according to dharma. Gram Devatas embody this vision by anchoring spirituality in locality and responsibility. Their worship shows how Hinduism balances universal metaphysical ideas with practical social needs without conflict. Understanding Gram Devatas reveals Hinduism as a living civilizational system. It shows how Vedic ideas, Puranic theology, Agamic ritual, and folk practice came together to form a continuous religious fabric. This article presents their meaning, historical roots, philosophical basis, cultural role, and spiritual significance with fidelity to authentic Hindu sources. Why Village Worship Matters For villagers, Gramadevatas are living guardians of everyday life, not distant theological ideas. People seek their blessings before travel, during festivals, at the start of agricultural work, and in times of illness, drought, or hardship. This worship also creates unity, as the deity becomes a shared protector for the whole village. It brings people together across family, caste, and social divisions, and is often seen as part of the community itself. Village Temples in India Village temples in India hold a deeply sacred place in the life of rural communities. They are often simple in structure, yet powerful in spiritual meaning, serving as living centers of devotion, tradition, and collective faith. Closely connected to seasonal festivals, agriculture, and oral memory, these temples preserve the rhythm of village dharma. Many Gramadevatas are worshipped in sacred forms such as stones, holy trees, or spirit shrines, while others have small icons within modest temples. These forms reflect the enduring Hindu belief that divinity can reside in many sacred expressions and that worship remains most powerful when rooted in the lived experience of the people. The Global Hindu Heritage Foundation Initiative The Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) has launched the Dhupa Deepa Naivedyam initiative to help financially challenged village temples continue their daily worship without interruption. The kits contain essential puja materials, including incense (dhupa), camphor, lamps (deepa), oil, cotton wicks, and other offerings, so that regular rituals to Gramadevatas can continue even in temples with limited resources. According to GHHF, the initiative is intended not only to support temple priests but also to preserve village customs and strengthen the traditional role of Gramadevata temples as centers of community life. The foundation notes that many villagers continue to regard their Gramadevatas as protectors of the village, agriculture, health, and social harmony, making uninterrupted daily worship an important part of local religious practice. The organization also describes the program as part of a broader effort to revive village based Hindu traditions. Beyond distributing puja materials, GHHF has undertaken renovation and reconstruction of neglected Gramadevata temples, provided support to economically struggling shrines, and worked to encourage regular participation in temple activities. In several rural and coastal regions, the foundation also operates Bala Samskara Kendras that teach children about Hindu values, traditions, and cultural practices. GHHF has stated that many of its temple preservation initiatives focus on remote villages and economically weaker communities, where even basic ritual materials can be difficult to obtain. By ensuring that the daily offerings of Dhupa, Deepa, and Naivedya continue, the foundation aims to help village temples remain active centers of worship and preserve customs that have been passed down through generations. Why This Matters Globally For readers around the world, Gramadevata worship offers an important window into the local and community-centered side of Hinduism. It shows that Hindu traditions are not found only in grand temples and major pilgrimages, but also in small village shrines that preserve history, identity, and devotion through everyday practice. For Indian readers, this is a reminder that village temples remain essential cultural institutions. Supporting them means preserving more than ritual; it means protecting a way of life that connects people to land, memory, and shared responsibility. A Tradition Worth Preserving Gramadevatas continue to represent protection, belonging, and continuity for rural communities. Whether worshipped at a boundary shrine, under a sacred tree, or in a small village temple, they remain central to the devotional life of many families. The Global Hindu Heritage Foundation’s initiative helps ensure that these traditions do not fade due to neglect or financial strain. In doing so, it supports not only temple rituals, but the living cultural heritage of village India. Your donations are appreciated: By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979. {{album_1648}}

(Born May 8, 1918 – Died August 3, 1993) Sri Swami Chinmayananda, born Balakrishna Menon (Balan), was a Hindu Indian spiritual leader and teacher who inspired the formation of Chinmaya Mission in 1953 to spread the message of Vedanta. The organization he founded and led, the Chinmaya Mission, has over 300 centers in India and around the world. He was a disciple of Swami Sivananda at Rishikesh, who founded the Divine Life Society, and was then advised by Swami Sivananda to study under Swami Tapovan Maharaj in Uttarkashi in the Himalayas A former journalist and Indian independence activist, he was transformed into a Vedantic master under the guidance of Swami Sivananda and Swami Tapovan Maharaj. He devoted over four decades to democratizing Hindu spiritual knowledge, making ancient, complex philosophies accessible to millions in India and around the globe. started the tradition of Jnana Yagnas to spread the message of the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads; thus, the first such Geeta Gyana Yagna was held in Pune between December 31, 1951, and April 1952. Swamiji played an important role in the formation of Vishva Hindu Parishad in 1964. His only mission in life was to take religion from classes to the masses, and to "convert Hindus to Hinduism". He told his guru, "I feel the immense urge to go down to the plains and share the wealth of the holy scriptures with my fellow countrymen. I want to run down like a Ganga which nourishes and inspires with its refreshing waves.  He said, "Hinduism is the religion for our times." Unlike the other scriptures, the methodology followed by the Gita appears to be more conducive to the modern, scientific mind and the educated classes. For they don't believe in anything. They want everything to be rationally proved, intellectually defensible. And the approach of the Gita is very rational because Krishna had to address a dynamic, young, educated, intelligent man who was a born skeptic. Arjuna did not believe or understand that Krishna was an intellectual giant. It is only in the eleventh chapter that he got a glimpse - and, thereafter, his attitude changed. But till the eleventh chapter he was absolutely rational. He did not believe a word of what Krishna said. Krishna had to make him believe it by the strength of logic." (source: Chinmaya Mission UK). Key Contributions to Hinduism 1.    Started Jnana Yajna Movement. Instead of restricting himself to lecturing in Sanskrit, Swami Chinmayananda broke this barrier by lecturing in English and regional Indian languages. Thus, he taught scriptures using rational, logical analysis suited for the modern, educated middle class and youth. 2.    Prolific writer: Swami Chinmayananda authored over 95 books and extensive commentaries on fundamental texts, most notably The Holy Geeta and the major Upanishads. He innovated visual aids for spiritual education, such as the BMI Chart (Body, Mind, Intellect), which maps out human experience and self-realization through a simple graphic model. 3.     Structured Youth and Children's Programs: To make Sanatana Dharma accessible to all sections of Hindus, He recognized the importance of cultural transmission and developed different wings to meet the needs within the Chinmaya Mission: •    Bala Vihar: Cultural and value-based education classes for children. •    Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (CHYK): The global youth wing empowering young adults through spiritual principles and action. •    Adult Study Groups: Structured peer-learning circles for studying Vedantic literature. 4.    Social, Educational, and Humanitarian Initiatives; Cherishing the philosophy that "service to man is worship of God," he pioneered social programs under the banner of the Mission: •    Education: Established over 70 Chinmaya Vidyalayas (schools), colleges, and international residential institutions blending modern curriculum with spiritual values. •    Healthcare & Rural Upliftment: Established Chinmaya Mission Hospital and the Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development (CORD), focusing on sustainable village development. •    Preserving Heritage: Created the Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF) at the birthplace of Adi Shankara in Kerala to encourage Sanskrit research and Indological studies. 5.    Cultural Unity and Global Outreach: Swami Chinmayananda traveled extensively across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa, bringing Eastern philosophy to the West. He addressed the United Nations ("Planet in Crisis" talk in 1992) and was instrumental in co-founding cultural organizations like the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) in 1964 to unite the diverse sects within Hinduism.

Global Hindu Heritage Foundation is committed to preserving and practicing our rituals, observing our traditions, and transmitting our customs to young and old. For the last 20 years, we have initiated many programs to enrich our Hindu population and ensure they will appreciate, understand, and practice these customs and traditions.       One such program is “Intinta Shiva Abhishekam” meaning, Shiva Abhishekam in every house.  Shiva means auspicious. Shiva is considered the giver of blessings, giver of peace, and giver of bliss. We believe that Shiva will fulfill our wishes if we anoint the Lord. If we do Abhishekam (ablution), he grants our wishes fast. As per scriptures, if we do Abhisheka to Shiva with water, he will remove ten sins; if we do with cow's milk, 100 sins; if we do Abhishekam with cow curd, 1000 sins; if we do with ghee, 3000 sins; if we do with honey, 5000 sins; if we do with fruit juice, all our sins are removed, and we get wealth and salvation.  Besides, if you perform puja during the Pradosh period on Monday evening, you will have good children, a sound mind, and good knowledge. So many such results are produced. Worshiping Lord Shiva is like worshiping Goddess Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu, which means "Shivaya Vishnurupaya Shivrupaya Vishnave." Shivasya Hridayam Vishnur Vishnoscha Hridayam Shivah - Vishnu is the heart of Siva, and likewise, Siva is the heart of Vishnu.” That means both Shiva and Vishnu are one and the same – actually, the manifestation of the same Supreme Lord. In Bhagwat Puran, Shri Vishnu tells his beloved wife Shri Lakshmi that half of the space in Vishnu’s heart is actually occupied by Lord Shiva while the other half was occupied by all other beings, including Goddess Lakshmi Herself. Lord Shiva always meditated upon Shri Rama (Lord Vishnu) whereas, Lord Vishnu himself meditated upon Lord Shiva. Narad Pancharatra succinctly states: Shivo Harirhariha Shakshatchiva Eva Nirupitaha | Shivadveshi Haridrohi Vishnum Nityam Bhajanapi || ‘Shiva is Hari, and Hari is none other than Shiva. An enemy of Shiva is an enemy of Hari, even though he may worship Vishnu daily.’ Therefore, Shiva Puja and Abhishekam are being organized in every house. The main purpose of this program is also "to see that all the Hindus are not under the spell of other faiths' deception, incentive, and allurements. There is no caste and creed discrimination in this program. By doing Abhishekam and Bilva Archana for the Lord Shiva by everyone Hindu through this program, we are making them and their family members eligible to receive grace, blessings, and bliss from the Lord. On July 13, 2026, with this purpose, the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation, under the leadership of Sri Gopikrishna Sastry, performed “Intinta Shiva Abhishekam” program at the house of Eranna Garu of SC Colony in Kalyandurgh of Kalyandurgam Mandal in Andhra Pradesh.      The primary purpose of this program is not only to unite all the Hindu brothers but also to reap the benefits of doing Shiva Puja and Shiva Abhishekam. Also, to prevent Christian encroachment into the villages by smearing our faith and misleading our innocent Hindus with false information.           By organizing this program, we will be able to stave off illegal conversions and keep our people in the Hindu fold. In all our programs, we tell our Hindus about the importance of applying tilak on their forehead, how to get salvation, and talk about our dharma, traditions, and customs. This program was started to ensure our Hindus appreciate our Hindu Dharma and remain as Hindus instead of being the victims of falsehood.        Finally, Teertha prasadam was distributed, and Annadanam was conducted. Bhajans were also conducted.  Your donations are appreciated: By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979.   {{album_1647}}

On August 2, 2026, with the divine blessings of Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji and in his presence, Sampoorna Bhagavad Gita Parayanam was conducted at Credit Union of Texas Event Center, Allen, Texas.  This is the eleventh batch of students. There are more than 600 memorizers - some of them are as young as 3 years. Nearly 500 fluent readers also participated in the Parayanam. They have rendered all 700 verses of the Holy Bhagavad Gita. Nearly 10, 000 people attended the Maha Yagna and were immersed in the divine message of the Bhagavad Gita. The Swarna Yatra USA tour, hosted in the divine presence of HH Parama Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, marked a multi-day celebration that included Guru Purnima celebrations, a youth music festival (Guru Vandanam), and a specialized Gita Talent Show. Vibrations filled the air in the Event center for nearly four hours. Sri Swamiji talked about the importance of the Bhagavad Gita, how it improves memory and even changes children's behavior. SGS Gita Foundation, Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple and Yoga Sangita have coordinated the event.  As many of you are aware, in August 2022, history was made. Guinness World Record was awarded for reciting the Bhagavad Gita by 1361 memorizers on August 13, in the evening. Sahasra gala Parayanam was conducted in Allen Event Center. Nearly 7000 people attended this historic event. Why is the Bhagavad Gita, and what is its message to the world? It is a spiritual manual on how to face the battles of daily life with fearlessness, clarity, resilience, and outlook. When Arjuna was paralyzed by grief, uncertainty, fear, anxiety, and doubt in fulfilling his responsibility, Lord Krishna counseled him not to escape from the world and how to live a dynamic life while maintaining inner peace. Arjuna was told to do his dharma with no expectations of the fruits of his action. One should not run away from the troubles. He should stand up, control his mind, and perform his duties selflessly. Bhagavad Gita is more relevant today than ever as modern societies are experiencing stress, anxiety, doubt, fear, and confusion, as they are obsessed with results. What Western Thinkers and Scholars Said About It Many of the West's most celebrated philosophers, writers, and scientists were profoundly moved by the Gita. Their reflections highlight its impact: Ralph Waldo Emerson (American Transcendentalist) was deeply influenced by the Gita's expansive view of the universal soul. He wrote in his journal: "I owed a magnificent day to the Bhagavad-Gita. It was the first of books; it was as if an empire spoke to us, nothing small or unworthy, but large, serene, consistent, the voice of an old intelligence which in another age and climate had pondered and thus disposed of the same questions which exercise us." Henry David Thoreau, while living in isolation at Walden Pond, explicitly compared his simple life and deep reading to the spiritual disciplines of the East: "In the morning I bathe my intellect in the stupendous and cosmogonal philosophy of the Bhagavat Geeta... in comparison with which our modern world and its literature seem puny and trivial." Wilhelm von Humboldt (German Linguist and Philosopher) declared it to be superior to classic Western philosophical poems: "This episode of the Mahabharata is the most beautiful, nay, perhaps even the only true philosophical poem which we can find in all the literatures known to us." Aldous Huxley (English Writer and Philosopher) praised the text for its unparalleled ability to systematize universal spiritual truths, writing: "The Gita is one of the clearest and most comprehensive summaries of the perennial philosophy ever to have been made. Hence its enduring value, not only for the Indians, but also for all mankind." Bhagavad Gita offers personal, psychological, managerial, social, and spiritual transformation. It is a practical manual for humanity irrespective of their religion. It talks about self-discipline, selfless action, controlling the mind, balancing desires, and living in peace.. {{album_1646}}

The Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina is one of the most significant and revered spiritual events in Andhra Pradesh, held annually on Ashada Purnima (Guru Purnima) at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Visakhapatnam. It is a 34-km barefoot circumambulation around the sacred Simhachalam Hill, symbolizing devotion, penance, and the shedding of sins. This year it happened on July 29, 2026. Global Hindu Heritage Foundation -Seva Promoting Sanatana Dharma - Simhachalam-2026 Giri-pradakshina is one major event for Andhra Pradesh; about 6 lakhs devotees did parikramas of 34 km barefoot, all through many arranged prasadam, drinks, beverages, foot massage, medical, even the government organized well with health camps, water, toilets, drone surveillance, etc.      All through 34 km, devotees were provided everything except a place to rest and relax, so Global Hindu Heritage Foundation has provided a clean space with carpets and washrooms for people who needed rest. It helped a lot for those who have ailments and are not used to walking, particularly ladies. Sri Sreenivas Pinnamaneni, a member of the Board of Directors of GHHF, has Pinnamaneni Kalyana Mandapam close to Simhachalam Narsimha Swamy Temple. He is one of the members who is actively involved in maintaining the sanctity of the Temples. Realizing the hardships the devotees go through during the 34-kilometer walkathon, he decided to provide temporary shelter for those in need.      Thousands of people came to Kalyana Mandapam and availed themselves of the opportunity to rest from walking in the sun. Why Giri Pradakshina? Pradakshina is the act of circumambulating a sacred object or place, keeping it to one’s right. At Simhachalam, the object of devotion is the hill itself, believed to be the abode of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. Rather than circling the shrine within the temple, pilgrims walk around the entire hill — an act of endurance as much as devotion, undertaken barefoot by many. When one does pradakshina in a temple, it is around the garbhagriha- sanctum sanctorum where the presiding deity has been invoked into a statue. One can feel the flow of energy from the presiding deity in the Temple. Similarly, Giri Pradakshina focuses on the entire hill, which is the abode of the presiding deity. When we perform pradakshina around the presiding deity in a clockwise direction, we acknowledge the deity as the center of our lives. This practice reminds us that God is our central focus and guiding force. Devotees believe that walking around the hill of Narasimha Swamy Temple will purify the soul, fulfill the desires, and bestow divine blessings. Your donations are appreciated; By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979 {{album_1645}}

Dharma Jagruti Foundation and Global Hindu Heritage Foundation are conducting the Ramayana Leadership Workshop for our youth in Frisco, Texas, over three days, July 17-19. About 34 youth are enrolled in the workshop. Murti worship has existed for centuries. It offers a tangible way for devotees to focus their attention and connect with the divine. Based on teachings from various scriptures and ancient texts, this practice reflects Hinduism’s core belief in the omnipresence of God. Rather than being mere objects, Murtis serve as powerful conduits for self-realization and divine communion. In fact, Murti, Vigraha, or Pratima represent a form or manifestation of a Deity. Hindus believe in one Supreme Power (Brahman) and believe in the manifestation of the multiplicity of gods and goddesses. According to our scriptures, the number would run into the millions, with 330 million gods and goddesses. In fact, these manifestations can be infinite. The proper analogy is the Sun and the infinite number of rays. It is difficult to experience the sun, and difficult to look at the sun directly.  But we can experience its rays. For all these infinite rays, there is only one source: the Sun. Similarly, all these multiplicities of the Gods and Goddesses of Hinduism represent the many aspects of Brahman. Additionally, we must remember that although we cannot see the Sun directly with our eyes, we are aware of its existence. However, we can see the Sun by holding a mirror and observing the image of the Sun reflected in it. What we see in the mirror is only an image of the Sun, not the Sun itself. Similarly, thousands of gods and goddesses that we worship in temples and at home are pictures of that one supreme power. Swamy Vivekananda and the King of Alwar Then I gave an example of Swami Vivekananda meeting the King of Alwar, who thought image or Vigrah worship was a superstition. (I have summarized the following incident for the students.) Once Vivekananda arrived at the palace of the King of Alwar, who was an ardent follower of English culture.  The King said to him, " I think Hinduism's so-called 'Vigraha-Aradhana' is a baseless superstition. Making an idol from wood or stone and then kneeling in front of it and praying! I can't agree with this nonsense. " There was a picture of the king hanging on the wall. As requested by Swamiji, the king’s minister fetched that picture. Swamiji asked the Minister, " Whose Picture is this? "This is our Maharaja's picture", replied the Minister. "If so, I ask you to spit on it". The Minister and others near him were astonished to hear this audacious demand from Swami Vivekananda to spit on the Maharaja's picture, and that too right in front of the King. Vivekananda ordered again to the Minister, "Do as you were told. Anyone can spit on this Picture ". The Minister and other citizens stood there, trembling with fear. Finally, somehow the minister gathered a little courage and said, “This is our beloved Maharaja's Picture. I will not spit on it. Not only that, even asking me to spit is a punishable offense. Swamiji answered with a smile, " This Picture is nothing but a mere piece of paper. It has nothing to do with the King who is standing right here in front of you. This Picture does not move or speak like him. Still, you think that spitting on this Picture is insulting the King! " Turning towards the King, Swami Vivekananda spoke: "On one level, this Picture is not you. But on another level, it reminds you. It helps to evoke memories in the viewer's mind. So, the same respect they have for you is also given to this picture. This is the reason they are prevented from spitting on it. This is also the logic behind * Vigraha-Aradhana*. None has ever heard of any single Hindu standing in front of the Vigraha and saying, "Oh Stone/Wood! I worship you." Every Hindu worships the same God. It is not possible to limit the *Parabrahman* within the individual mind to worship. Even to think about any particular idea, we need to have a specific meaning, such as its name or shape. Only with that could we think about the idea. Your donations are appreciated; By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979

As annual examinations approached, the teacher explained their importance to the class. "Children, these exams are crucial for your future. Study hard and aim for good grades," she advised. Aryan and Pragya listened carefully. Like all children, they enjoyed games and fun. That evening, Aryan felt the urge to play cricket, and Pragya wanted to watch a new cartoon movie. However, they knew what was truly important. "Studies come first; we can enjoy games and movies later," they told themselves. Controlling their desires, they followed their study schedule and began reading diligently. They prioritized gaining knowledge. But the situation was different for Kutil and Maya. They knew the importance of exams, but their minds were weak. Kutil had a strong desire to play cricket with his friends. As soon as his eyes (senses) saw the children playing outside, his desire intensified. Maya couldn't control her urge to watch her favorite serials and play new video games. As soon as her ears heard the sounds from the TV, her desire pulled her senses toward it. One evening, Kutil sat down with his book. Just then, his friends shouted while playing cricket outside. The desire to play pulled at his mind and turned his eyes toward the game. "Oh! Studying is so boring. What will happen if I play for a little while?" he thought. He tossed his book aside and ran out. This overwhelming desire covered his wisdom and his sense of duty. Similarly, Maya opened her book, but her favorite cartoon started on TV. Her eyes remained fixed on the screen, and her ears listened to the TV. "This is so much fun! I'll study later," she thought, putting her book away to watch TV. This unnecessary desire completely blocked her intellect and her awareness that the exams were nearby. Even though they knew some of the lessons, their minds were filled with thoughts of games and TV shows. The day of the exam arrived. Aryan and Pragya walked into the hall with confidence. Upon seeing the question paper, everything they had studied came clearly to their minds, and they wrote the exam peacefully. However, Kutil and Maya were anxious. Upon seeing the first question, Kutil thought, "Oh, I read this yesterday, but I can't remember it! I should have stayed home and studied instead of playing." His mind was still filled with the scenes of the cricket match. Maya couldn't remember even simple questions. In the exam hall, her mind was occupied with TV programs and video games. "I know this, but I just can't remember!" she lamented. Their unnecessary desires had clouded their knowledge so much that they could not recall what they already knew. When the results came out, Aryan and Pragya passed with high marks, making their parents and teacher very happy. Kutil and Maya scored poorly. The next day, the teacher asked them why they hadn't performed well. Kutil hung his head and admitted, "Forgive me, Teacher. I love playing, so I skipped my studies. During the exam, I couldn't remember anything." Maya also said sadly, "I couldn't control my desire to watch TV and play games. I wasted my time, and I forgot what I had learned." The teacher smiled kindly and said, "Children, it is good that you admitted your mistake. Let me share a Shloka from the Bhagavad Gita that Lord Krishna taught us: Shloka:  Dhūmenāvriyate vahniryathādarśo malena ca |              Yatholbenāvṛto garbhas-tathā tenedam-āvṛtam || (3.38) Meaning: "As fire is covered by smoke, as a mirror is covered by dust, and as an embryo is covered by the womb, so is knowledge covered by desire." "Just like this, Kutil’s desire for cricket and Maya’s desire for TV and phones completely covered their intelligence. These desires misled your senses. Even though you knew the lessons, those desires haunted you during the exam, blocking your knowledge. Aryan and Pragya controlled their desires, worked hard, and achieved success. That is true wisdom. To let your knowledge shine, you must first remove the 'curtain' of unnecessary desires." Kutil and Maya understood their mistake and promised to control their desires and perform their duties sincerely. Key Message: Children, we all possess great knowledge within us. But sometimes, unnecessary desires and senses led astray by those desires cover that knowledge. Just as smoke covers fire and dust covers a mirror, desires cover our wisdom. If we control our desires, our intelligence and good qualities will shine bright, leading us to happiness and success. Teacher's Tasks: Discussion: ●    How did unnecessary desires affect Kutil and Maya’s knowledge? What did they lose? ●    Why couldn't Kutil and Maya remember what they had studied during the exam? ●    How did Aryan and Pragya control their desires, and what was the benefit? ●    What does the comparison of knowledge to fire, a mirror, and an embryo mean to you? Practical Activities: ●    "I controlled my desire!": Identify one unnecessary desire you had today (e.g., watching TV, procrastinating) and explain how you controlled it. ●    "I will make my knowledge shine!": Identify a good deed or task you can accomplish using your intelligence (e.g., solving a hard math problem, helping someone) and perform it. Character Analysis: ●    What qualities do you like in Aryan and Pragya? ●    What qualities did you dislike in Kutil and Maya? ●    Who do you want to be like, and why? Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. By Rupees: Call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979 {{album_1644}}

The sacred tradition of honoring one's parents came alive in Dasampalli Village of Kalyandurgam Mandal, where the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) organized a spiritually inspiring ‘Matru-Pitru Padha Puja’ Mahotsavam through its Bala Samskara Kendra. Rooted in the eternal principles of Sanatana Dharma, the ceremony offered children a unique opportunity to express their gratitude, devotion, and reverence towards their parents through one of Hinduism's most cherished traditions. The event not only strengthened family bonds but also instilled timeless cultural and spiritual values in the younger generation. The program commenced in a serene and devotional atmosphere with the worship of Goddess Saraswati, followed by a heartfelt prayer song rendered by the children. Nearly 25 parents enthusiastically participated in this spiritually enriching event. The organizers distributed turmeric, sandalwood paste, kumkum, flowers, and Akshatas to every participating family. Under the guidance of Vedic scholar Sri Gopi Swami Garu, who chanted sacred Vedic mantras throughout the ceremony, the children reverentially washed their parents’ feet, applied turmeric, sandalwood paste, and kumkum, and humbly sought their blessings. The touching sight of children honoring their parents with such devotion created an atmosphere of immense joy, gratitude, and spiritual fulfillment. The most memorable moments of the ceremony unfolded as the parents lovingly placed their hands upon their children's heads, blessing them with good health, long life, wisdom, noble character, and success in education. The sacred interaction reflected the eternal bond between parents and children, reaffirming the importance of preserving Bharatiya family values through practical spiritual education. The ceremony beautifully demonstrated that true education extends beyond academic learning and begins with cultivating humility, gratitude, and respect for one's parents. Concluding the event, the organizers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the villagers whose wholehearted support contributed to the grand success of the program. Prasadam was distributed to all the participants, bringing the spiritually enriching event to a joyous conclusion. The villagers appreciated the noble efforts of the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation and its Bala Samskara Kendras in nurturing cultural values among the younger generation. Such initiatives continue to strengthen families, preserve Sanatana Dharma, and inspire future generations to uphold the timeless traditions of Bharat. 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_1643}}

Prakasarao V Velagapudi, PhD President, Global Hindu Heritage Foundation. “The Sadguru makes a study of the mind of 'His' disciple and comes to know the nature of his thoughts.  'He' allows 'His' disciple to keep in his mind all his noble thoughts and helps him eradicate his impure thoughts by transmitting necessary energy to him to do intense Sadhana (Spiritual Practice).  Noble thoughts overcome the impure ones.  Love overcomes hatred and purity overcomes lust.” Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji What is Guru Purnima? In 2026, the Purnima or full moon day on July 29th is observed as the auspicious day of Guru Purnima. This day is considered sacred as we recognize the contribution of to the great sage Maharishi Veda Vyasa. He is remembered, respected and revered on this Ashada Purnima day. All Hindus are thankful, grateful and appreciative of this ancient saint who edited the four Vedas, wrote the 18 Puranas, Mahabharata, the Srimad Bhagavatam and Brahma Sutras. Vyasa even taught Dattatreya, who is regarded as the Guru of Gurus. Veda Vyasa is also called as “Krishna Dwaipayana,’ “Vasishta Krishna”, “Badarayana”, “Satyavathi Sutha” and “Parashara putra.” He was called as Krishna Dwaipayana.  When he was born, Veda Vyasa’s complexion was dark and therefore he was referred as Krishna. Since he was born on one of the islands (Dweepas) of Yamuna River, he was referred as Dwaipayana. Hence, he is known as Krishna Dwaipayana. He is known as Badarayana since the island where he was born was covered with Badara (Indian jujube) trees. Because of his unsurpassing effort to compile the Vedas into four – Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvanaveda, he is referred as Veda Vyasa. It is said in Srimad Bhagvatam (1.3.21), “Thereafter, in the seventeenth incarnation of Godhead, Sri Vyasadeva appeared in the womb of Satyavati through Parashara Muni, and he divided the one Veda into several branches and sub-branches, seeing that the people in general were less intelligent.”  His contribution is acknowledged in many scriptures. Gita Dhyana recognized his role to our cultural heritage: “Salutations unto thee, O Vyasa, whose intellect is vast, whose eyes are as large as the petals of a full-blown lotus, by whom was lighted the lamp of wisdom, full of the Mahabharata oil (essence).” Significance of Guru Purnima On this day, all spiritual aspirants and devotees worship Vyasa in honor of his divine personage and all disciples perform a 'puja' for their respective spiritual preceptor or Gurus. Hence, as per the tradition, we are participating in the worship of our Sadguru Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji’s holy feet, remembering the Guru Parampara starting with Lord Dattatreya, Dakshinamurthy, Jayalakshmi Mata and Sri Swamiji. We are all fortunate to participate in Guru Purnima celebrations of Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji and witness the pratyaksha Pada puja, listen to the chanting of the Ashtoattara Nama, and have darshan of His illumination ang magnetic personality. Since Hindus attach so much importance for the self-development, self -improvement and self-realization, spiritual Gurus play a dominant role in shaping and channeling the devotees to the path of spirituality. In fact, Gurus are often equated with God and always described as a link between the mortal individual and the Immortal God.  In some cases, the Gurus are placed at even higher level than Gods.  The day of Guru Purnima is the day when all express our gratitude to our Sadguru, Sri Swamiji, recommit our faith, rededicate our commitment to progress spiritually, do our part of seva, and receive his blessings. Guru Purnima is also considered an especially beneficial day to practice yogic sadhana and meditation. The next six months following Guru Purnima in Ashada masa are considered the best time to study, evolve and experience the innate divine quality in a human being.  These months are considered more suitable to receive the cosmic energy. During these celebrations, let us remember the most important verse in Guru Gita: Dhyaana moolam guror murtih; Pooja moolam guror padam; Mantra moolam guror vakyam; Moksha moolam guror kripa. "The Guru's form should be meditated upon; the feet of the Guru should be worshipped; his words are to be treated as a sacred Mantra; his Grace ensures final liberation". It is a known fact that many Indians believe that the Guru is the only guarantee for the individual to transcend the bondage of sorrow and death and experience the Consciousness of the Reality. Celebrate the Glory of a Guru     The concept of Guru is one of the pillars of Sanatana Dharma that preserved and protected the very essence of human existence. The Sanskrit root "Gu" means darkness or ignorance, "Ru" denotes removal or dispelling darkness. Therefore, one who removes our ignorance is considered a Guru. A Sadguru is the one who teaches the TRUTH to dispel darkness. Truth hurts. Truth may be harsh and painful. But we devotees of Sri Swamiji know that we get the complete knowledge, it is not tainted to be palatable. Hence Sri Swamiji’s speeches may contain harsh words, but we learn that the road to liberation is covered with many thorns. We have to take full responsibility to burn our karmas. If we take one step toward him, he will take nine steps toward us. That is Sri Swamiji. That is our Sadguru.      A spiritual aspirant can never attain valuable knowledge by his own endeavor without approaching a Guru, no matter how intelligent he may be. Jadbharat revealed this message in Srimad Bhagavatam to king Rahugan:  "O Rahugan! One cannot attain knowledge of Atma and Paramatma by performing penance, sacrifices, renunciation, Vedic study or worshipping deities of water, fire or the sun. But when the dust from the feet of a Satpurush (God-realized Guru) sprinkles on our heads, then we can surely attain this knowledge."     Being a self-realized soul, Sri Swamiji can delve deep into the relevant scriptures and pull out the most appropriate subject, throw light on the profound meanings of the human existence. Mundaka Upanishad calls such a Guru "Shrotriya" - knower of the true meanings of the scriptures. Adi Shankaracharya forbids an aspirant in endeavoring to decipher the meanings without a Guru. In his commentary on a Mantra of the Mundaka Upanishad, he says: "Even if one possesses knowledge of the scriptures, he should not attempt to delve into their meanings by himself. He should obtain the knowledge of Brahman only through the Guru."     According to Adi Shankara, two most important qualifications of a guru are Shrotriya, meaning well versed in scriptures and Brahmanishta meaning focused on Brahma. The combination of these two qualifications enable a guru to guide his disciples, clear their doubts even without explanation, infuse confidence and conviction, and provide much needed shield for the devotees. Adi Shankara explains more vividly the nature of Guru as thus:                   “The teacher is one who is endowed with the power of furnishing arguments pro and con, of understanding questions and remembering them, who possesses tranquility, self-control, compassion and a desire to help others, who is versed in the scriptures and unattached to enjoyment both seen and unseen, who has renounced the means to all kinds of actions, is a knower of brahman, and established in brahman, is never a transgressor of the rules of conduct, who is devoid of shortcomings such as ostentation, pride, deceit, cunning, fraud, jealousy, falsehood, egoism and attachment. He has the sole aim of helping others and a desire to impart the knowledge of brahman only.” (Upadesa Sahasri of Sri Sankaracharya: A Thousand Teachings in Two Parts: Prose and Poetry; translated by Swami Jagadananda).  Worship Padas - feet     As we all know that today’s Guru Purnima program starts with Pratyaksha Pada Puja – doing the puja to the feet of our Sadguru. Why do we do puja to Padas (feet)?   Manduka Upanishad says: "The Guru's feet are like the foundation on which a building stands.... The Guru's feet are the two elements in the mantra So'Ham which means 'I am that.” According to Sant Jnaneswar, Guru’s feet will enable one to attain all the purusharadhas: May I be worthy of the Guru’s feet; through them I may attain all the goals of human life, and through them I will gain that pure knowledge that leads to rest in God.” As we all know that on this day, the devotees perform pada puja by washing his feet or his padukas, smearing them with gandham (sandalwood paste) and chanting ashtottaranama by offering flowers followed by abharana seva. Finally, all the devotees get the opportunity to offer guru Dakshina.  Full faith is paramount in receiving the bounty of blessings. Sant Tukaram says:     If you have faith in the Guru’s feet,     If you have deep feeling for Guru’s feet, If you imbibe the state of the Guru, Then you don’t have to look for God. God will come looking for you. Guru Purnima is the day when all His devotees and disciples honor, respect and eulogize Sadguru Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji. In addition to having Sri Swamiji’s darshan, we should participate in all pujas and perform Pada Puja to symbolize the glory of our Sadguru. God manifests through Him.  Let us remember his guidance and speeches that extol the virtues of dharma; reflect on the miracles bestowed on countless devotees; reminisce his love, compassion, dynamism and magnetism; recollect as to how he is transforming his devotees to be spiritual; and recall his tireless efforts to rekindle the light of knowledge. Remember that Gods manifest as Gurus. Sri Swamiji is Datta Avatara who travels across the globe to guide all his devotees who have been associated with him in his previous numerous Avataras. Jai Guru Datta.