There are cinics to point out loopholes whatever we do. Their mind will be like that. None can reform them except Time that is God. The comments regarding idols used in Dalth Govindam are also similar type. First one should try to know the science and meaning of the ritual, tradition and the effort made to improve he quality of practice. Then we wil get answers ourselves. Alas ! such wisdom is lacking when the so called self-styled critics point out defects in Hindu ways and practices, because it is easy to criticise Hindus who are tolerant.This is always there at all ages and times. So that should not deter us,the right minded people. Let us do what is truthful. Finally Truth will win.
The Thirupathi Temple is world famous. The TTD should involve ALL Hindus and non-Hindus too [Many muslim leaders have visited the temple]Any Hindus who have the impression they are "not wanted" because of their caste etcetera, should be shown that they are very much "wanted" to the same degree as any other Hindu. Caste is irrelevant when it comes to true Hindu spirituality. Many Vedic Rishis such as Parasara Muni were from so-called, "lower" castes. His mother was of a "Meenava jathi" (Fisher woman). Anyone interested in becoming a Hindu Priest, should be able to become one, provided he passes the usual curriculum and examinations. The aptitude and interest of the person should be the sole criterion. His caste should be totally ignored. His moral discipline and character should be more important than his caste. We also need to devise university type curriculum for training priests. It is high time, we standardised the dress for Hindu Priests throughout the world. A Hindu Priest should command the same respect as a Christian priest. We can adopt the dress used by Hindu Priests in Himachal Pradesh. The headgear can vary from state to state. In southindia, they use one type of head gear. In Gujarath another. That does not matter. But a Hindu priest, should be recognisable the way christian priests are. Long Live the Thirupathi Sthala and the Deity of the Divine Hills who has HELPED so many humans in distress. HE has been Doing That for thousands of years.
RE:TTD should help ALL Hindus
by sunny pandit on Jul 14, 2008 08:06 PM Permalink
Those who thinks they ar superior and from upper cast are the ignorant people if God has not created any differnce between the persons he made so why the people. And after sixty years of independenace we still call the persons from lower cast as dalits adn still practised discrimnation shows our metal growth. Discarded such practices as this create divsioni in the God created world.
I suggest to start Gurukul mode of schools and colleges where the education is free for all. so that everyone can study veda, purana, sanskrit, science etc in one roof. this will boost Hinduism. This is one mode of revolution. I really appreciate the move from Tirupathi.
Critics,if any,pl be decent in expressions In the name of the so called "social revolution",the temple authorities are trying to meddle with the sanctity of the temple.TTD is a religious body exclusively meant to maintain & uphold utmost sanctity in & around the temple which is the life of all Hindus. Every aspect of tempmle mantainance,up keep including performance of all "sevas" and all the allied matters are to be governed by the provisions of "Aagama Sastra"Therefore,the authorities should not tamper with the sacred tenets of the Sastra and hurt the sentiments of "Hindus".The authorities, earlier itself, resorted once to such an unholy thing by dismantling the monumental"Veyikalla Mandapam" just opposite to the temple on the plea of avoiding congestion & road widening with an unacceptable proposal of reconstructing the same with the same dismantled parts elsewhere. Quoting "Kalyanamasthu"programme launched by the authorities recently which,of course received wide acceptability & acclamation authorities should not go spree with tampering the sanctity of the temple.Certainly,the idols placed elsewhere cannot be put in side the sactum sanatorium;to maintain its sanctity even devotees are not allowed inside.With our mediocre knowledge we tend to question the wisdom behind our scriptures of which "Agama Sastra" is one.Good lies in only following them & muster the grace of the Lord of Seven Hills who is none other than "Sri Maha Vishnu".
RE:TTD authorities not to tamper with the temples sanctity
by Kris iyer on Jul 14, 2008 06:34 PM Permalink
Sri Mallaiah Anchoori, I appreciate your points. The "Agamas" were arrived at after centuries of experience and refinement. Therefore, they should not be ignored lightly. Any changes made, such as the moving of the Veykalla Mandapam at Thirumala, should be done in accordance with a full and proper understanding of the Agamas. Experience of the "Sthapathees" should also be consulted.
1. Unfortunately, some people seek to "politicise" temple practices by making wild allegations. Both "Sabari Mala" in Kerala and "Thillai Sthanam" - Chidambaram have been attacked by mischievous people and by Christian missionaries. 2) Some actress stated that she had entered the Sabari Iyyappa Sannithi while "unclean" and she touched some structures leading to the Vigraha-Murthy. Our "secular" and "atheist" media had "sensationalised" her statement, besieged the Dewaswom officials. You know how silly our Press and Media can be, especially, with Hinduism. 3) Again a few months ago, somebody started a controversy, saying at the famous Siva Temple at Chidambaram, they are "insulting" Tamil language. Some Christians and Muslims also joined in the "agitation". The Archakas were saying that they are only following the practice of the Temple Agamas. And that Tamil Prayers and sacred texts are always read from one particular Mandapam. That was centuries of practice, as ordained by the ancient Tamil Kings who had built the Temple in the first place. No, they had to change some of that.
Dear everyone, Pls remember that if our faith has a strength and we're confident in that, no one can convert us. But we must be passionately seeking the Truth throughout our life and be not blinded by any religious traditions. No one gets a penny by converting or getting converted, it's a sin.
RE:On Conversions
by Kris iyer on Jul 14, 2008 06:51 PM Permalink
Pramod Chaitanya, Hindus are converted by a) FALSE PROPAGANDA b) the failure of Hindus to take the trouble to read good interpretations of Hindu teachings. Or, attend lectures by good Swamijis and Pandits c) Material inducements such as money, jobs, school places for their children and so on. Through these posts I am trying to dispel some elements of this false propaganda by missionaries. Missionaries will say: 1) Hindus have "millions of Gods" [ANS: NOT True, The Veda and the Upanishads speak of only ONE GOD - "EKO SAT, BAHUTHA VADHANTHI VIPRAHA" - Ekam Devam is another rendition 2) Hindus are "idolators". [ANS: The Vigraha, murthy or "idol" is NOT GOD but a mere "Focus Point" of reverence. When we watch TV, we are not watching the square glass frame, we are watching the show. Other religions are also idolators, they do not know it] 3. Lingam is phallus worship [ANS: Wrong, Lingam is a miniaturised Shiva Sthambam, a pillar. Hindu Sacred Literature mentions NO such phallus worship. Before temples were built, Hindus worshipped sacred pillars, such as the iron pillar in Kutub Minar. The temple there has been destroyed to make way for the Minar, but the Shiva Stambam remains - too heavy to be moved]. By following Hinduism with "Sraddha" through Yoga and Pranayam, you could avoid diseases. You can be very strong and happy in mind. Please watch ASTHA TV channel where Baba Ramdev shows easy Yoga and Pranayam exercises. This channel is available in DTH.
RE:ttd
by Kris iyer on Jul 14, 2008 07:10 PM Permalink
Sri. Sundar Reddy, The Arya Samajists and the Brahmo Samajists, both formed in the 19 century, have "conversion rituals". Both have record of converting even muslims to their fold in the 19 century. Many Hindu Pandits in the USA and U.K. have worked out their own manthras and rituals to convert, usually white people who marry Hindus. The International Society of Krishna Consciousness, a Chitanya Sampradaya Movement, goes by some slokas of the Bhagavadham and Vishnu Purana. They emphasise the adoption of a way of life. I think anyone who commits to the VEDA, swears to treat the Bhagavad Gita as a Sacred Book and to treat the Pranava Manthra AUM as the Moola Manthra of his soul, is a Hindu. Any person of any race, any religion can become a Hindu. With a strong cosmopolitan Hindu community emerging, the converts will soon find their own circle of friends.The more they participate in religious activities the more prestige they will acquire. In ancient times, even "Huns" "Scythians" and "Turks" had become Hindus by constructing temples and by supporting Guru Kula Schools. In Hawaii, there is a "Saiva Sidhdhanta Church". But it is not a church, it is a Subramania Swamy Temple, centred on Tamil Saivaism. Most of the members and devotees are White and Black Americans with some Indians also. Amongst the tribals of India many Hindu Trusts do convert them to Hinduism. Kalyan Trust is one of them. What we need is a set of books for conversion.
being created by christian YSR and his high command--conversions have been going on at the base of the hills and this is just another attempt to ferment trouble within hindus
So tirupati temple is preparing for a revolution to reform its earlier practice. It a good move and people getting educated. Appreciate the move towards equality of opportunity towards dalits.
