Page 61 - Religion Belief
Madrasas promote ISIS ideology, shut them: Shia board to PM
Rizvi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to shut Islamic seminaries across India so that Muslim children are not influenced by it. "If madrasas across the country are not shut down soon then after 15 years half of the Muslims will start favouring the ISIS ideology. It has been observed across the world that ISIS is targeting children and asking them to follow them," Rizvi wrote in the letter.The UP Shia Board chief added that Muslim children should study with students of other religions in schools so that they are able to get better education.The comments are likely to irk several Islamic clerics and scholars.In his letter to the prime minister, Rizvi cited the example of Kashmir to substantiate his point "In Kashmir, ISIS supports can be seen in huge numbers. In rural areas, Madrasas are destroying the future of our children being run on donations as their owners are hungry for money," he stated.
DVD on Netaji launched
Ahead of the 122nd birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a DVD on his life was launched on Monday by the Netaji Research Bureau. This is a narrative of Netaji's life told in simple language and aimed particularly among young people, eminent academician Prof Sugata Bose said. The English narration in the DVD was done by Chairperson of Netaji Research Bureau Krishna Bose, the niece-in-law of Netaji and former MP. "I had two points in mind (while doing the narration). Generations who did not see him should learn what sacrifice for an ideal means - for him it was freedom.... Another point was Netaji's ability to unite people of different communities," Krishna Bose, author of several books on Netaji said. "Ours is a multi-cultural, multi-religious nation but there is one bond somewhere. Netaji said you must not give up your other identities. If you are a Muslim, go to a mosque. If you are a Hindu, pray at a temple. But you must not forget there is a bond - we are .
Kins of missing followers file complaints against Nepal godman 'Buddha Boy', police launch search operation
Nepal Police have launched a search operation for five missing followers of a Buddhist spiritual leader, popularly known as 'Buddha Boy', after their families filed complaints against the godman, officials said here on Monday. Ram Bahadur Bomjon, who is believed by devotees to be a reincarnation of Buddha, gained global media attention in 2005 after his devotees claimed that he meditated for months without food, water or sleep. Later, he got embroiled into controversies after several of his followers and their relatives accused him of assaulting them sexually and physically. However, his aides have rejected the accusations. According to police, following complaints of the kins of five of Bomjon's followers, they have launched a search operation. The relatives in their complaint claimed that the followers, including women devotees, have gone missing from Bomjon's ashram located at Bara district. On Sunday, family of a nun from Sarlahi, who has been reportedly missing from the ashram ...
98 tribal Christians 'reconverted' to Hinduism, claims right-wing group
The Hindu Jagran Manch, a Hindu right-wing group, Monday claimed that 98 Christians belonging to 23 tribal families were "reconverted" to Hinduism in Tripura. The people, mostly tea garden workers hailing from Bihar and Jharkhand, had been converted to Christianity in 2010, Tripura unit president of the Hindu Jagran Manch Uttam Dey said. "This is like a return of lost family members to their own home. They were Hindus, but were lured into Christianity after the Sonamukhi tea garden in Unakoti district, where they were working, was closed in 2010," Dey told reporters. He said most of converted persons belong to Orao and Munda tribal communities. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) was also associated with the reconversion programme that took place here in Kailashahar district, around 180 km from state capital Agartala, on Sunday. VHP Unakoti district secretary Madan Mohan Goswami said it was 'Ghar Wapsi' for the people. Birsa Munda, one of the reconverted, claimed that they were lured ...
Shah expresses deep pain at Siddaganga Mutt seer's demise
Expressing his deep pain at the death of Shivakumara Swamiji, known as 'Walking God' among his countless followers, BJP president Amit Shah Monday said he helped transform millions of lives with his immense knowledge and positivity. "Deeply pained to learn about the demise of Nadedaduva Devaru, Sri Sri Sri Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Mutt. Swamiji has transformed millions of lives with his immense knowledge and positivity. I was fortunate to have received his blessings," he said in a series of tweets. "His life is a message of humanity and noble-ness. May he continue to bless us with the strength to walk on the path he has shown us. My deepest condolences to his followers in this hour of grief," the BJP chief added. The 111-year-old head of the Siddaganga Math in Karnataka died Monday after prolonged illness, the seminary said.
Shivakumara swami, a saga of service to society
The "Walking God" as he is reverentially called, the 111-year old Sree Shivakumara Swami of Siddaganga mutt has left an indelible imprint with his stellar contributions in education sector and philanthropy targeted at children in whom he saw the Almighty. Known as "trivida dasohi" for his triple sacraments - food, shelter and education - among his followers, the swamiji, who died Monday, is considered as the incarnation of Basavanna, the 12th century social reformer, as he accepted all irrespective of their religion or castes. Born on April 1, 1907 at Veerapura in Magadi Taluk near here to Honnappa and Gangamma as Shivanna, he was among the 12 siblings. Losing his mother at the age of 8 is said to be one of the reasons for transformation in Shivanna's behaviour, that turned spiritual. After completing primary education at his native village and Nagavalli, the Swamiji completed his matriculation in Tumkuru,before coming here for Bachelor of Arts degree withPhysics and ...
President, PM condole Siddaganga seer Shivakumara Swami's demise
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the demise of the pontiff of Sree Siddaganga Matha, Shivakumara Swami, who passed away at the age of 111 after a prolonged illness."Extremely sad to learn of the passing of spiritual leader Dr Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu Ji. He contributed immensely to society particularly towards healthcare and education. My condolences to his countless followers," read a post from the official Twitter handle of Rashtrapati Bhavan.Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to the micro-blogging site and tweeted, "His Holiness Dr. Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu lived for the people, especially the poor and vulnerable. He devoted himself towards alleviating ills like poverty, hunger and social injustice. Prayers and solidarity with his countless devotees spread all across the world."In another post, he added: "HH Dr. Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu remained at the forefront of ensuring better ...
Amit Shah expresses grief over Shivakumara Swami's demise
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah expressed grief over the demise of the pontiff of Sree Siddaganga Matha, Shivakumara Swami, who passed away here on Monday after a prolonged illness."Deeply pained to learn about the demise of Nadedaduva Devaru, Sri Sri Sri Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddhaganga Mutt. Swamiji has transformed millions of lives with his immense knowledge and positivity. I was fortunate to have received his blessings," Shah tweeted.Extending condolences to his followers, Shah wrote: "His life is a message of humanity and nobleness. May he continue to bless us with the strength to walk on the path he has shown us. My deepest condolences to his followers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti".The 111-year-old Lingayat was being treated for a lung infection which he developed after an operation on December 8 following a treatment carried out for liver and bile duct infection.Shivakumara Swami is considered to be one of the most esteemed religious and ...
Siddaganga seer Shivakumara Swamiji passes away
Shivakumara Swamiji, the 111-year old head of the Siddaganga Math in Karnataka, known as 'Walking God' among his countless followers, died Monday after prolonged illness, the seminary said. The senior pontiff who had undergone a surgery at a hospital in Chennai recently for liver complications, had shown signs of improvement but his condition deteriorated in the past few days, said doctors who attended on him. Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and the education society run by the Swamiji announced the demise of the seer, plunging lakhs of his followers across the state into grief. "I am deeply saddened to announce that the walking God, Parama Poojya Siddaganga Sri, has passed away. It is an irreparable loss to the state. "His contribution to the society transformed lakhs of people from across the state. He shaped future of many people," said Kumaraswamy as he announced the seer's passing away in Tumakuru where the math is based. The Siddaganga Education Society founded by ...
President, PM mourn Karnataka's 111-year-old seer
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday mourned the death of Karnataka's 111-year-old revered seer, Shivakumara Swami of Siddaganga Mutt in Tumakuru.
Purification rites: Sabarimala tantri gets more time to give explanation
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), the apex temple body in Kerala, Monday granted two weeks additional time to the head priest of Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple to submit his explanation for the purification rituals performed after two women of menstruating age entered the hill temple earlier this month. The decision of the TDB, which manages the shrine, came a day after the Lord Ayyappa Temple was closed marking the culmination of the over two-months long tumultuous annual pilgrimage season which witnessed frenzied protests by devotees and right wing activists against the entry of young women. TDB president, A Padmakumar said the time for giving explanation, which ended Monday, was extended based on the request of Kandararu Rajeevaru, the 'tantri' (head priest). "The Tantri was in Sabarimala and busy with the pilgrimage season till January 20. He could become free only after that. So, the TDB has given him 15 more days time to furnish an explanation on the purification rite at the
Fresh arrest warrant against Khaleda Zia
A Dhaka court has issued a fresh arrest warrant against jailed former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in a 2014 case where she is accused of making inflammatory comments and hurting religious sentiments.Petitioner AB Siddique filed the plea on Sunday directing Khaleda's arrest for making remarks on religious issues involving the ruling Awami League, following which Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Muhammad Jasimuddin passed the order, Dhaka Tribune reported.Furthermore, the court fixed the date by February 18 for authorities to submit a report on the execution of the arrest warrant.On October 21, 2014, AB Siddique, president of pro-Awami League organisation Bangladesh Jananetri Parishad, filed the case against the former Bangladesh Prime Minister, accusing her of making "false, derogatory and instigative" remarks on religious issues concerning the ruling party at a function in Dhaka."Khaleda in her remarks said that secularism is Awami League's mask and it is a party of atheists ...
At peace in the madding crowd: Taking a holy dip at the Kumbh (Travelogue)
It is the largest spiritual, cultural and religious congregation of its kind and attracts crores of devotees from India and abroad at the Sangam - the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers and the mythical Saraswati. The historic city of Praygaraj, which was recently renamed from Allahabad, is witnessing the coming together of saints, seers and devotees in numbers that can blind the human eye.
Kumbh 2019: Meet the 'Machaan wale baba'
As Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh is witnessing one of the largest human gatherings on the auspicious occasion of the 2019 Kumbh Mela, there are indeed several things which are grabbing the eyeballs of the visitors.There are many new things to be seen in the Kumbh and one such person that has attracted the attention is Shri mahant Ram Krishna Das Tyagi ji Maharaj, who is also known as 'Machaan wale baba'.Machaan baba is doing practising (sadhna) since 1975 which has made him in minimum contact with the ground. Speaking to ANI, the baba said that he interacts and greets everyone from the machaan only.His pandal in Kumbh provides 24-hour service to nearly 5,000 visitors daily which is free of cost and open for all. Another initiative he has started is the free medical dispensary which caters to the health and ailments of the pilgrims. The pandal also invites people to live in the region which can accommodate 5,000 people.Apart from such personalities, the Kumbh Mela is one of the only ...
Pope touts 'Click to Pray' app ahead of World Youth Day
Pope Francis on Sunday recommended a praying app called "Click to Pray" ahead of a World Youth Day festival in Panama that allows users to share their prayers online. "Internet and the social networks are a resource of our time, a way to stay in touch with others, to share values and projects, and to express the desire to form a community," the pope said during his traditional weekly Angelus prayer. Pope Francis will make his first trip to Panama on Wednesday for the gathering of more than 150,000 young Catholics from across the globe at the World Youth Day festival. "The web can also help us to pray as a community, to pray together," the pontiff said, addressing pilgrims in Saint Peter's Square from a window in the Apostolic Palace. With the help of an aide holding up a touchscreen tablet, Francis, 82, made a show of using the app. "Here I will put in... requests for prayers for the Church's mission," he said. Launched in 2016, Click to Pray is available in Spanish, English, Italian,
Telangana CM to organise a five-day Chandi Yagam from Monday
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is going to organise a five-day long Chandi Yagam (Ritual) starting from Monday till January 25.A large number of priests are expected to visit this ritual, which will be conducted at Erravalli village.Ayutha Chandi Yagam was held by Chief Minister KC Rao in December 2015, which was also thronged by a large number of people and priests from various states.This year's ritual is expected to be at a much larger scale than that of the last year.Rao took oath as the Chief Minister of Telangana for the second time on December 13 last year after the TRS swept the state assembly polls.
Gandhi rooted for secularism, successfully forged Hindu-Muslim unity: Historians
Mahatma Gandhi's secularism was much more than just a religious yearning and he was successful in forging Hindu-Muslim unity, a panel of historians and political scientists said here on Sunday.
Ram temple at Kumbh mela draws crowds
Even as pressure mounts on the government to construct the Ram temple in Ayodhya, a replica of the temple is proving to be a crowdpuller at the ongoing Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.Ram temple has been a major talking point ahead of the Lok Sabha elections this year with many Hindu seers and saints, who thronged Kumbh and other saffron outfits still demanding for the construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site at the earliest.Narendra Giri, President of Akhada Parishad said, "BJP is not interested in constructing Ram Temple as they want to keep this issue alive for election. After Kumbh Mela, all saints will meet in Ayodhya and construction of Ram Temple will start."Meanwhile the nine foot tall temple model constructed out of mango wood and plywood is installed at the VHP Pandal in sector 14 of the Mela is drawing visitors at the religious fair.International working president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Alok Kumar told ANI, 'We have travelled across the whole country with this ..
Temple customs must be adhered to: Mata Amritanandamayi
Opening up on the Sabarimala temple issue, Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma) on Sunday said that temples are the pillars to preserve traditions and customs and they must be adhered to.
Traditions of temples should be protected: Amritanandamayi
Terming as "unfortunate" the incidents that took place at Sabarimala over women's entry issue, spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi Sunday said traditions of temples should be protected though changes in the society were a necessity. She was addressing a meeting organised by the Sabarimala Karma Samiti, a right-wing platform seeking protection of faith, culture and traditions of Sabarimala temple. The Ayyappa Bhakta Sangamam (meeting of Ayyappa devotees), organised by the Samiti as part of its protest against the Kerala government's decision to implement the September 28 Supreme Court verdict, allowing women of all ages into Lord Ayyappa temple, was inaugurated by Amrithananda Mayi. "The incidents that had happened at Sabarimala were unfortunate. It's necessary to follow the temple traditions. Each temple has got its own traditions," she told the gathering. "Changes in the society are a necessity. But that should be done by protecting the traditions. Temples are the ...