Page 104 - Religion Belief
Constitution is more important for govt than scriptures: CM
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said here Thursday that for his government the Constitution is a more important document than any religious text. He was speaking before a huge gathering at Deekshabhoomi here to celebrate the 'Dhammachakra Pravartan Day'. The day marks the conversion of iconic Dalit leader Dr B R Ambedkar and his six lakh followers to Buddhism in 1956 at Deekshabhoomi. "The Indian Constitution framed by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar is the best constitution in the world," the chief minister said. "When I face challenges as chief minister on various complicated issues, the Constitution shows us the way in a better manner than the Gita, Bible and Quran as to how to move forward to give justice and serve people," said Fadnavis. "This government runs by the values of the Constitution. Constitution is more important for us than any religious book," he said. Fadnavis handed over a cheque of Rs 40 crore to the Nagpur Improvement Trust as the first ...
Festival wishes: Opportunity to cherish spirit of unity, says President
President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursay greeted people on Durga Puja, Dussehra and Vijayadashmi, saying it is an opportunity to cherish the spirit of unity and and bonds of fraternity.
Row over entry of woman into Laxmi Mantapa of Kollur temple
Even as a row is raging in Kerala over the Sabarimala temple, the entry of a woman into the Kollur Sri Mookambika temple's Laxmi Mantapa, open only for priests, has kicked up a controversy in Karnataka. Udupi district Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis has asked sub divisional officers to submit a report on the entry of T R Uma, a former executive officer of the temple, into the Laxmi Mantap where only priests are allowed. Uma reportedly entered the Laxmi Mantap without the knowledge of the current executive officer. A video clip showing her entering the mantap located outside the sanctum sanctorum has gone viral on the social media Wednesday. Uma, who had functioned in the past as the executive officer of the temple, was allowed entry into the Laxmi Mantap on the occasion of Navaratri festival by some temple staff. Other staff and devotees objected to the act saying it was not in order. The current temple administrator H Halappa told reporters that action would be
India biggest hurdle for China in promoting Buddhism
India is the biggest roadblock for China to promote its Belt and Road project through Buddhism that can also help curb terrorism and separatism, Chinese scholars have said.
IWPC expresses shock over heckling of journalists covering Sabarimala protests
The Indian Women's Press Corps Thursday expressed "deep shock" over heckling of journalists who were covering the march of women towards the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. The women press body also appealed to the Kerala government to "book the culprits involved in the intimidation and assault of all the affected mediapersons". The journalists were on duty reporting women devotees' bid to enter the historic temple as permitted by a recent Supreme Court order. "The IWPC wishes to express its deep shock and outrage over the assault on mediapersons who were assigned to cover the entry of women in the Sabarimala Temple, Kerala on October 17," the press body said in a statement. On Wednesday, the iron gates of the Sabarimala Temple were opened for the first time since the apex court allowed women of menstrual age to enter the shrine, but no one from the "banned" age group could make it to its sacred premises amid protests and violent clashes. The women journalists were heckled, their ...
Police unleashing violence on Ayyappa devotees, alleges BJP
BJP national secretary H Raja Thursday alleged that police personnel were unleashing violence against Lord Ayyappa devotees at Sabarimala and demanded resignation of Kerala chief minister Pinaryi Vijayan. Amid continuing protests against the entry of women of menstrual age into the hill shrine, Raja, who has courted controversies for his remarks, said akin to exemptions given to some mosques in restricting women, Sabarimala should be exempted too. "Policemen are indulging in violence. They are hurling stones at devotees. Are you (LDF government) not ashamed?" he asked and demanded that Vijayan tender his resignation. Speaking to reporters here, Raja said the Sabarimala imbroglio would come to an end only with the ouster of the LDF government. The BJP leader asked if all women went to mosques. "So, sentiments of Hindus must be respected too," he said, adding that BJP would stand by protesters. He also hit out a Delhi-based woman journalist, who on Thursday attempted to ...
Dussehra eve: Amarinder exhorts people to raise voice against evils
Extending his greetings to the people on the eve of Dussehra and Durga puja culmination, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday exhorted the people to raise their voice against the myriad evils that are ailing the society. Extending his greetings to the people on the occasion of the festivals, which are being celebrated on Friday around the country, the chief minister underlined the continued relevance of these festivals in today's challenging political, cultural and social environment. The nation today stands at the crossroads of various challenges that require all its citizens to take inspiration from these important religious festivals to battle the trials and tribulations together, said Amarinder, in an official release. In a subtle reference to the 'MeToo' campaign, the chief minister said such incidents were unacceptable in the land of Goddess Durga, who epitomises the strength of the Indian woman and womanhood. The festival of Durga Puja teaches us to respect that ...
Rajasthan clan will mourn Ravana's death when he goes up in flames
When most people in the country will take part in Dussehra festivities and rejoice at the burning of Ravana effigies on Friday, the members of Dave Godha clan, who claim to be the descendants of the mythological demon king, will mourn his death. The clan will hold special prayers in a temple dedicated to Ravana when the revellers will be headed home after witnessing the 10-headed effigies of the demon king go up in flames and fireworks explode. "We wait till the effigies of Ravana are completely burnt. After this, we all take baths in our respective homes, dress up in fresh clothes, assemble in the temple and offer special prayers and flowers to Ravana amid religious chanting," Ajay Dave, a member of the Dave Godha clan and a devotee, said. According to legend, Ravana was married to Mandodari, daughter of the king of Mandawar (Mandore), a picturesque garden located on the banks of mythological river Saraswati, about 11 km from here. "After the wedding, some of Ravana's relatives ...
Ukraine votes to hand landmark Kiev church to Constantinople
Ukraine's parliament on Thursday voted to hand over a landmark Kiev church to the Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarchate after it agreed to recognise the independence of Ukraine's Orthodox Church. The move is seen as a step towards the Constantinople Patriarchate granting independence to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church despite protests from Russia. Ukraine's parliament voted 237 votes to 30 to allow the Ecumenical Patriarchate to use Kiev's landmark Saint Andrew's Church "for worship, religious rites (and) ceremonies." Built in the 18th century on a picturesque hill in the centre of the Ukrainian capital, the church will be transferred to Constantinople for its permanent use free of charge, but will still be the property of Ukraine. The church operates as a museum and has not been used for services since 2015. It was previously rented by one of the branches of Ukraine's split Orthodox Church. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who was the author of the bill, hailed the parliament's ..
J'khand CM prays for the prosperity of the people, state
Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das Thursday offered prayers at the famous Deori temple in Ranchi district on the occasion of Mahanavami. An official release quoting Das said that he prayed for the prosperity of 3.25 crore people and the resource-rich state. The chief minister announced that a statue of late Sahadeo Munda, who had donated land for the temple would be set up in its premises so that the people were inspired by it. He also expressed gratitude to the Mundas widow, Sumitra Devi.
Operation All Out: 154 vehicles seized, 520 fined in 3 hours in Ghaziabad
As part of a special drive against those flouting traffic laws, the Ghaziabad Police fined 520 vehicles and seized another 154, officials said on Thursday. According to senior superintendent of police Vaibhav Krishna, the second phase of 'Operation All Out' was launched on Wednesday for three hours between 8 to 11 pm. Two wheelers were targeted in particular, keeping in view the incidents of chain and mobile snatching by bike-borne robbers, he said. A total of 154 vehicles were seized, while 520 cars were fined, the police official said adding, that the total fine collected was Rs 34,450. In addition, 12 suspects were arrested and three stolen bikes, Rs 15,000 in cash, 5 kg of psycho tropical substance and a dozen cartons of smuggled liquor were recovered from them, he added. The entire police force and officials of the district except the clerical staff and sentries were deputed during the special drive, Krishna said.
Navaratri brahmotsavam concludes at Lord Balaji shrine; 1 lakh
The nine-day annual "Navaratri brahmotsavam" concluded Thursday at the famous Lord Venkateswara temple at nearby Tirumala with the celestial bath of processional idols of the presiding deity and his divine consorts in the holy tank. Amid chanting of Vedic hymns, the priests performed the bath to the idols of Lord Venkateswara and his divine consorts Sri Lakshmi and Sri Padmavathi. Later, the priests dipped the centuries-old idol of Sri Chakrathalwar in the waters of the tank situated close to the hill shrine. Around one lakh devotees who gathered on the hills since the early hours to witness the event took a dip in the tank, a temple official told PTI. Taking the holy dip on the occasion of "Chakrasnanam" is believed to be most propitious. Supreme Court judge Justice Indu Malhotra was among those prominent who took part in the ritual, the official said. A thick security blanket was put in place on the hills with the deployment of more than 5,000 police personnel besides .
Share happiness with less fortunate, President
Durga Punja and Vijayadashmi are days when we should share our happiness with the less fortunate, the lonely and those in pain, President Ram Nath Kovind said in a message on Thursday.
Prez greets citizens on Dussehra, emphasises on women empowerment
President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday greeted the people on the occasion of Durga Puja and Dussehra, exhorting them to work for women empowerment. In his message, the President said Durga Puja and Vijayadashmi symbolise the victory of truth and righteousness over evil. "This is a day to share our happiness with the less-fortunate, the lonely and those in pain. It is also an opportunity to cherish the spirit of unity and bonds of fraternity among our people," Kovind said. He asked all to celebrate Goddess Durga as the epitome of Shakti. "May she guide us to work to empower women in society, especially girl-children. "And let us celebrate Lord Rama as a reflection of the moral and eternal values that have guided our way of life since time immemorial," the president was quoted as saying in a statement issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Assam celebrates Kati Bihu festival
Assam's third Bihu festival, known as Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu, was being celebrated across the state on Thursday, officials said. Assam Governor Jagadish Mukhi and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal extended their prayers and best wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of Kati Bihu hoping that the festival will bring in peace and prosperity in the state, an official release said here. On the occasion of Kati Bihu, women, both in urban and rural areas, try to ward off evil and pray for a rich harvest by lighting earthen lamps, officials said. The festival derives its name from the Assamese month of Kati officials said, adding, this is a much sombre festival when compared to the other two Bihu festivals of the state - the Rongali and Bohagi Bihu. The festival is held at this time of the year since the granaries of the farmers usually remain empty and therefore it is known as Kongali (poor) Bihu. As a part of the festival, farmers also tie a special kind of ...
'Ayudha Pooja celebrated
'Ayudha Pooja' was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety in the city on the ninth day of 'Navaratri' celebrations Thursday with people venerating their tools, implements and vehicles. Ayudha Pooja, observed as a day of rest for man and his tools, is considered as a prayer to ward off any evil that could cause harm or injury in the coming year. Special prayers and poojas were held in various shrines where people gathered in large numbers in a festive mood. Various institutions and business establishments joined the celebrations.
Pakistan wants to kill Kashmiri 'Jihadis' for aid: Hafiz Saeed
Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, one of the most-wanted terrorists in South Asia, has lashed out at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government for seeking aid from the Trump administration and walking into what he termed as an American trap of giving aid for the killing of Kashmiri and other 'Mujahideen' in the country."The U.S. has ordered Pakistan to capture Afghan and Kashmiri Mujahideen with an aim to convert Pakistan into an extended territory of the U.S.", Saeed said while addressing a huge crowd at Markaz Al Qadsiya in Lahore city.He added, "The US puts pressure on Pakistan government to close the madrasas (Islamic seminaries) and stop teaching the Holy Quran. They say those studying here are all 'jihadis'. The US gives such diktats while coming to Pakistan. They also want syllabus on religious teachings to be removed as it gives birth to 'jihadis'. The government of Pakistan agrees on such orders and informs them about banning 'jihadi' outfits in return of receiving monetary aid ..
Kerala nun's brother opposes bail granted to Bishop Mulakkal
Brother of Kerala nun who has accused former Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal of rape, on Thursday expressed dissent over the bail granted to the cleric.Speaking to ANI, he said, "I am shocked to hear that he got bail, he is a rape accused. Police found all the evidence against him. Had he been innocent, there would not have been so many evidences against him."He said, "He (Bishop Mulakkal) has no repentance, no remorse, and he is not even sad, that shows what kind of indecent man he is. He is trying to show that he is innocent but the truth is in everyone's mind. He is not a religious person; he is not even a decent person. He does not deserve to be a Bishop."Bishop Mulakkal was released from Kottayam jail on October 16, a day after being granted conditional bailThe nun's brother was also astonished by the kind of welcome the bishop received when he went back to Jalandhar. "The court granted him bail, and I respect the decision, but that doesn't mean that he is innocent. I am ...
Rigid dress code put in place at temple in Karnataka
A rigid dress code banningjeans pant, trousers and Bermuda shorts has been put in place at the Mahabaleshwar Temple in Gokarna, a popular pilgrimage centre, by its administration. "We have already implemented the dress code in Gokarna. The restrictions were already there but we implemented them a month ago," the executive officer of Gokarna Mahabaleshwar temple H Halappa told PTI Thursday. He said shirt, pant, hat, cap and coat are also not allowed. "For men only dhoti is allowed. They can't enter temple wearing shirts, tee-shirts and vest. Women are allowed only in salwar suit and saree. They can't come in wearing jeans pant," Halappa added. The Mahabaleshwar temple in Gokarna was built by Mayur Sharma of Kadamba dynasty in 4th Century AD. Considered one of the seven "Muktikshetras or Muktistala ("places of salvation") in Karnataka, its location near the Karwar beach facing the Arabian sea has made it a tourist's delight. The dress code order has, however, not gone down .
Sabarimala tantri appeals to young women not to visit hill
The Sabarimla head priest, Kandaru Rajeevaru Thursday dismissed reports that the tantri family had planned to close down the Lord Ayyappa temple if young women entered it to offer prayers. He was reacting at Sannidhanam, the temple complex, after some reports were widely shared on social media. However, the priest appealed to the women, belonging to the age group of 10-50 who were restricted as per the centuries-old traditions of the shrine, not to come to Sannidhanam and create problem. "We have never said that the temple will be closed if women of the traditionally barred age group enter there. It is our duty and responsibility to carry out the monthly poojas and other rituals. We will not break the custom," Rajeevaru said. He also said Sabarimala is a place where women are respected. The second major deity at the hillock shrine complex is 'Malikappurathamma,' a goddess. "We respect the verdict of the Supreme Court. But, considering the sentiments of devotees and the ...