Page 204 - Religion Belief
Lunar eclipse: Foreigners offer prayers in Haridwar
In an unusual site, a group of foreign tourists have offered prayers as per Hindu beliefs in Haridwar on the lunar eclipse.The foreigners participated in the prayers organized to bring peace in their lives and to protect themselves from any conflicts or problems on January 31.Astrologist Dr Prateek Mishrapuri helped the foreigners to conduct prayers at Haridwar.He said, "For Indians, the event of the lunar eclipse is equivalent to a festival. There are certain powerful moon rays that hit the surface of the earth that impacts the creatures in both positive and negative ways. Thus, it becomes important to follow certain rituals."A British native, who prayed in Haridwar, said that even though the foreign nations are developing at a rapid speed but that has led to a lack of peace and happiness in the minds of his countrymen.In spite of this, they are getting attracted to the age-old Indian traditions, which are a prove that Indian traditions are at par excellence.
Holi celebrated with fervour at Dwarkadhish temple
After Banke Bihari temple, festive fervour has gripped the Dwarkadhish temple in Mathura.As per the religious beliefs, with the arrival of the spring, Mathura starts celebrating Holi 40-45 days before the main festival.To mark the occasion, the devotees and saints perform aarti in the temple and, thereafter, play with Gulal.The festival will continue till one month.Holi, also known as the festival of colours, is celebrated across India to mark the end of winter season and beginning of spring.
Top UP policeman vows to build Ram Temple
A senior IPS officer has been caught on camera endorsing, at a "public oath taking", the construction of a grand Ram Temple at Ayodhya.
'Retired Army officers should be used in industry security'
Terming the industrial safety and surveillance to be of major importance, Army's Eastern Command chief Lt Gen Abhay Krishna on Friday said industries should utilise retired Army officers to boost the security infrastructure as they are highly trained in risk management.
Tattoo no reason to deny job, HC tells CISF
The Bombay High Court today came to the aid of a Solapur resident, whose job claim was rejected by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) because he had a tattoo on his forearm. A division bench of justices R M Borde and Rajesh Ketkar held that as the tattoo would not interfere with the petitioner's official duties, and as he had met all other eligibility criteria, the CISF authorities must make an exception to their rules for him. Also, as the tattoo was of a religious symbol, the bench held that petitioner Shridhar Pakhare's religious sentiments must be respected. Pakhare had applied for the post of constable-cum-driver with the CISF. While he cleared the requisite test and medical examination, he was denied the job on account of a tattoo on his right forearm. As per CISF rules, tatoos are not allowed. Pakhare said he tried to remove the tattoo surgically, but failed to have it removed completely. He moved the court for relief, arguing that as the Army makes ...
After 'Hindu extremism' jibe, Haasan says he is not anti-Hindu
Top actor Kamal Haasan, who is set to launch his political party soon, today said he is not anti-Hindu nor against any other religion or anyone else. "I am not anti-Hindu," he said, adding, he viewed Christianity and Islam in a "similar" manner. On November 2 last year, Haasan took potshots at what he termed as "Hindu extremism," without naming any particular outfit. "Some are making efforts to create an appearance as if I am against some and favourably disposed towards others. Some are saying I am anti-Hindu," he said, writing in his political column in Tamil weekly "Ananda Vikatan." Stating that his own brother Chandrahaasan and daughter Shruthi Haasan were "devout," he asked how could he be anti-Hindu. Perceived as a sign of mellowing down ahead of his political plunge on February 21, Haasan asked if he could despise his daughter as she was devout. Haasan said his political meetings scheduled to start from February 21 will be interactive in nature. "I am not against ...
Maha approves development plan for Kolhapur Mahalaxmi temple
The Maharashtra government today approved a development plan of Rs 80 crore for the famous Shri Mahalaxmitemple in Kolhapur. The decision was taken by a high-power committee meeting chaired by Chief MinisterDevendra Fadnavis. "High power committee chaired by the Chief Minister approves development plan of Rs 80 crore for Shri Mahalaxmi Mandir, Kolhapur," the CMO said in a statement. The meeting was attended by ministers Chandrakant Patil, Ranjeet Patil, Deepak Kesarkar, MP, and MLAs. "This plan includes various tourist facilities, Bhakta Niwas, disaster management, healthcare, security, solid and liquid waste management," it said. The chief minister directed to keep plastic disposal mechanism in place and also for proper planning for parking places, the statement added. The Shri Mahalakshmi or AmbaBai temple of Kolhapur is believed to be one of the 108 Shakti Peethas listed in various puranas of Hinduism. The temple is of special religious significance and is considered ..
People deserve accolades for having harmonious society: JK CM
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said the harmony among the state's people needs to be celebrated given the strain in the social fabric all over the globe. "People of the state have been exemplifying harmony, tolerance and brotherhood. This is something which ought to be celebrated given the acrimony that has crept in the social fabric all across the globe," she said at a function to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas here. Mehbooba specifically hailed the people living in Jammu for "upholding these egalitarian traditions with grace despite provocations". Paying rich tributes to the saint, the chief minister said Ravidas lived for upholding the values of brotherhood and equality in the society and urged the people to rise above the narrow barriers of caste, colour, region and religion to work for human and humanitarian values. Asking people to follow the teachings of the saint, the chief minister said the lessons from his life are more relevant ...
Bengaluru stargazers awestruck by 'super blue blood Moon'
Thousands of stargazers from Bengaluru flocked to the Nehru Planetarium in the city and other open spaces to catch a glimpse of the rare celestial spectacle when the Moon appeared brighter and turned red during the lunar eclipse on Wednesday.
'Thai Poosam,' celebrated in TN, devotees throng temples
'Thai Poosam,' a key event in the Tamil Shaivite calendar signifying triumph of good over evil was today celebrated in temples across Tamil Nadu. Devotees lined up in huge numbers at the temples of Lord Muruga across the state, including the Vadapalani Sri Murugan temple here, since early morning and offered prayers. Special arrangements were made by authorities to facilitate hassle free darshan for devotees at the six 'Padai veedu' (sacred six abodes of Muruga) temples. The temples include the hill shrines of Palani, Tiruttani and the seashore temple of Tiruchendur, all of which attracted a large number of devotees. Thai Poosam is celebrated in the Tamil month of 'Thai,' and on the day of star 'Poosam,' which also happens to be a full moon day. According to spiritual texts, the festival is held to celebrate the victory of Lord Muruga, also known as Karthikeya and Subramanya, over demon Tharakasura. The day has other spiritual significance as well. As per Tamil spiritual ..
Vatican rebukes Hong Kong cardinal over China bishops
The Vatican has chastised a Hong Kong cardinal who accused the Holy See of "selling out" to Beijing for reportedly promoting bishops endorsed by the Chinese government. Although Beijing and the Vatican have improved relations in recent years as China's Catholic population has grown, they remain at odds over which side has the authority to ordain bishops. Cardinal Joseph Zen, bishop emeritus of semi-autonomous Hong Kong, confirmed an AsiaNews website report that a Vatican diplomat asked two underground Chinese bishops recognised by the Vatican to resign in favour of state-sanctioned prelates. China's roughly 12 million Catholics are divided between a government-run association, whose clergy are chosen by the Communist Party, and an unofficial church which swears allegiance to the Vatican. China and the Vatican severed diplomatic relations in 1951, but Pope Francis has sought to improve ties since becoming head of the Holy See in 2013. "Do I think that the Vatican is ...
Mehbooba denounces call for separate state for Muslims
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today denounced a demand to have a separate state for Muslims, in an apparent reference to a top cleric's suggestion made yesterday. "J&K was neither a party to the partition of our country nor did we support division on religious lines. We as a state opted for the opposite, but unfortunately are still paying the price. I strongly condemn any statement made asking for Muslims in India to demand a separate state," the chief minister posted on Twitter, though she did not name anyone. Yesterday, the deputy grand mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Nasir-ul-Islam, had alleged that Muslims in the country were living a "pathetic" life and they should demanda separate state within India. "Muslims are being harassed under various pretexts such as love jihad and cow vigilantism...They are being targeted. "If it continues like this, then they should demand a separate country within India," the cleric had told reporters.
Modi pays homage Ravidas
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid homage to 15th century saint Ravidas on his birth anniversary who he said challenged social discrimination.
Lakhs throng Vallalar temple for 'Jothi Darshan'
More than one lakh devotees thronged the Sathya Gnana Sabha temple at Vadalur in the district to have "Jothi Darshan" on the occasion of Thai Poosam festival, today. People from across the country and from Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia and USA had darshan of the 'Jothi' (flame) after the seven curtains were removed one by one. There is no idol worship in the Sathya Gnana Sabha temple founded by saint Ramalinga Swamigal also known as Vallalar and only the 'Jothi,' which is shown six times on Thai Poosam day in the Tamil month of Thai. Ramalinga swamigal established the Sathya Dharma Sala on May 23, 1867 to feed the poor all the days and the oven he lighted that day is still burning to continue the great charity. The 'jothi darshan' was started by Vallalar in 1872. Minister for Industries MC Sampath, Minister for Food Kamaraj, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Minister S Ramachandran were among others who had 'darshan' of the 'Jothi' at 6.00 AM today.
Do prayers have a religion? (Comment: Special to IANS)
The fuss over the secularity of the morning prayers in the state-sponsored Kendriya Vidyalayas is not just hawkish but also a marked display of ignorance of the very concept of prayer. As it stands, the Supreme Court will have to rule on whether prayer has a religion. Here is hoping the apex court will go by the spirit of the prayer and save the education sector from getting trapped in the polarised and prejudiced milieu in the country.
Pres Kovind marks Guru Ravidas's birth anniversary
President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday remembered Guru Ravidas on his birth anniversary, saying that his teaching of equality and unity was an inspiration for the nation.Taking to his Twitter handle, President Kovind sent warm greetings to the nation."Greetings to all fellow citizens on Guru Ravidas Jayanti. His teachings & message of equality, unity and social harmony inspires the nation #PresidentKovind," President Tweeted.Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated on Magh Purnima, which is the full moon day of the Magh month as per Hindu calendar.
PM Modi celebrates Guru Ravidas' birth anniversary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the Government is taking inspiration from the teaching of Guru Ravidas to build a strong, inclusive and prosperous India, where every initiative taken by the Centre reaches the poor.Taking to his Twitter handle, the Prime Minister even sent warm greetings to the people on the occasion of Guru Ravidas Jayanti and shared a snippet of Saint Ravidas poetry."Guided by the rich ideals of Guru Ravidas Ji, we are working round the clock to build an India which is strong, inclusive and prosperous.where the fruits of development reach everybody and empower those who are poor," he Tweeted.Prime Minister Modi endorsed Saint Ravidas' preaching of harmony and brotherhood and said that he was truly an inspiration for everyone."Guru Ravidas Ji had unwavering faith in values of harmony and brotherhood. He did not believe in any kind of discrimination. When we work with the motto of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' we are deeply motivated by Guru Ravidas ...
BJP calls fatwa barring women from watching football 'ridiculous'
Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Tuesday called Darul Uloom Deoband's fatwa, forbidding Muslim women from watching men's football, as "ridiculous"."This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. The men wear shorts so the women might see their bare legs and get excited? What is this nonsense? Tell the man to wear long pants then and play football," Swamy told ANI.The Islamic seminary yesterday ordered that Muslim women should not watch men playing soccer as it violates the tenets of Islam."Football is played wearing shorts, so watching men playing with bare knees is forbidden for women; it is against religious belief," a senior Darul Uloom Deoband cleric Mufti Athar Kasmi said.The Rajya Sabha MP further said, "They will become the laughing stock of the world. This country is on the constitution, not on the basis of Quran. These elements are trying to impose ancient ideologies in our country."On the other hand, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan said, "Islam has always ..
Vatican chides Hong Kong cardinal over China disclosures
The Vatican effectively rebuked the retired archbishop of Hong Kong for suggesting that Pope Francis was out of the loop on negotiations between the Holy See and China, saying today that the pope was "faithfully" informed about developments and followed the issue with care. The Vatican said reports to the contrary were "surprising and regrettable" and fostered "confusion and controversy." The retired archbishop, Cardinal Joseph Zen, published a Facebook post Monday that revealed the behind-the-scenes drama over contentious bishop nominations in China. Zen's extraordinary post said the Vatican had asked a legitimate "underground" bishop to stand down in favor of an excommunicated one favored by Beijing for Shantou diocese. The proposed changing of the guard was the clearest evidence yet of the Vatican's effort to reach a deal with the state-backed Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association to resolve the status of China's estimated 12 million faithful and their preachers. The .
Trio held for posing as ACB officials, extorting Rs 1 lakh
Three persons were today arrested for allegedly posing as Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials and extorting Rs 1 lakh from a government official, a senior official said. The accused - V Srikanth, 26, a businessman, G Nageshwar Rao, 27 and R Krishna, 30 (both private employees), were caught last evening at a hotel in Panjagutta when they posed themselves as ACB officials and demanded and took Rs 1 lakh from the complainant, the officer said in a release. The trio threatened the complainant, a senior assistant working in the Commercial Tax Office, that a corruption case will be registered against him if he failed to pay them the demanded amount, he said.