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- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#Acharya

Star Citizens

Embarking on a Journey of Compassion: The Inspiring Life of Acharya Chandanaji

Belonging to the Amarmuni Sampradaya, a Jain monastic lineage, Acharya Chandana holds a unique distinction. Her lineage is renowned as the only one that has ever promoted a nun to the esteemed rank of Acharya. From a young age, her path was set, as at fourteen, she renounced worldly pleasures, embraced Jain diksha, and transformed into Sadhvi Chandana For twelve years, she observed a vow of silence, dedicated to the profound study of Jain scriptures, life's meaning, and various religions. Acharya Chandana's pursuit of knowledge led her to attain degrees in diverse subjects and titles such as Shastri from Banaras Hindu University. Her mission of humanitarian service began in the poverty-stricken corners of Bihar in 1972. In the following year, she founded Veerayatan, a non-profit organization that now operates across ten countries. Veerayatan is dedicated to three pillars: Seva (service to humanity), Shiksha (education for all), and Sadhana (self-development), offering hope to millions. Acharya Chandana's compassion has transcended borders. In 1998, she traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, where her contributions to peace were recognized. Veerayatan's impact is visible through hospitals, schools, colleges, and vocational training programs across India, striving to uplift the underprivileged. Acharya Chandana was awarded the Padma Shri in 2022. She has dedicated her life to relieving suffering, believing that it is a profound expression of spirituality. Her legacy shines as bright as the words inscribed on Veerayatan's website: "Veerayatan, a holy place dedicated to Lord Mahavir, serves all, irrespective of socio-economic-religious classes." Acharya Chandanaji's story is an inspiration, reminding us that the path of kindness and service can lead to greatness. As we reflect on the awe-inspiring journey of Acharya Chandanaji, it's impossible not to draw parallels with the divine symbolism of Navratri, particularly the ninth day, dedicated to Goddess Siddhidhatri, the bestower of Siddhis or divine powers. Much like the goddess, Acharya Chandanaji radiates boundless grace and strength. Her unwavering commitment to humanitarian service, selfless devotion, and tireless efforts to uplift the underprivileged mirror the divine qualities of Siddhidhatri.

22 Oct 2023
Star Citizens

Good News

Doors to Divinity: Badrinath Temple Opens to Devotees Today

Amidst the snow-capped mountains of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand state lies the holy shrine of Badarinath, where devotees flock to offer their prayers to Lord Vishnu. The doors of the revered Badrinath temple opened today, on April 27th morning to welcome the devout, who came from far and wide to seek the blessings of the Lord. The temple is home to a self-styled Shaligram stone statue of Lord Badrinath and is one of the 108 incarnations of Lord Vishnu revered by Vaishnavites. The town of Badrinath also boasts four other temples, namely Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri, and Vriddha Badri, collectively known as Panch Badri temples. Interestingly, the history of Badrinath dates back to the 8th century A.D when the idol of Lord Badrinath was recovered by Adiguru Shankaracharya from Narad Kund and re-enshrined in this temple. Moreover, the Badrinath Temple is part of the Chardham Yatra, which includes Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has assured that every possible effort has been made to ensure a safe and easy pilgrimage for devotees. The government, along with social and voluntary organizations, has worked tirelessly to improve the travel arrangements based on previous years' experience. The Chardham Yatra attracts thousands of devotees every year, making it one of the most revered religious circuits in India. It is believed that embarking on this pilgrimage will purify one's soul and lead to ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death. With the doors of Badrinath now open, devotees have an opportunity to embark on this spiritual journey, seeking blessings from the Lord and experiencing the divinity that surrounds this holy shrine.

27 Apr 2023
Good News

The One-of-Its-Kind Veda Temple Is Coming Up in Kerala!

Veda means knowledge and knowledge cannot be limited to any particular section of society. In fact, mantras from Vedas are used by temples to conduct poojas. Without Veda mantras, temples cannot exist. So it is apt that a temple dedicated to the four basic Vedas is being constructed in Kerala.  It will be the first Vedic temple in the nation, according to the Center administrators. The Kashyapa Veda Research Center will build a temple at the Kashyapa Ashram at the end of the month that will prominently display four Vedas in place of idols in an effort to draw attention to the Vedas. Speaking to the media, Acharya M R Rajesh, Vedic scholar, and the founder of the Kashyapa Ashram said that the temple is built to draw attention to the Vedic texts' significance and importance in our lives and spiritual endeavors. The Acharya further emphasized that other places of worship, such as churches or mosques, maintain their sacred texts, such as the Bible and the Quran, on the premises. The Vedas, however, which form the basis of Hinduism, are not kept in temples. He added that the foundation intends to build 108 such temples across Kerala. The Vedic Temple's Chaturveda Pratishtha rites will take place on January 30 and 31 following the completion of the temple.

13 Jan 2023
Good News

Positive Reads

Centuries Old Technology of Building Boats To Be Preserved Digitally for Posterity

A hand-tooled seagoing boat is being reconstructed on a tiny football field called Amberia by the only remaining artisans who can construct such ships, just across the river Rupnarayan from the old port of Tamralipta or Tamluk in West Bengal. The know-how of building such boats was disappearing as they were replaced by motorized boats.  A group of craftsmen led by 70-year-old Panchanan Mondol, one of the last master boat builders, has attracted big crowds of river craft drivers and fishermen for whom the attempt to construct the antiquated boat has become a source of pride. According to  Zeeshan Sheikh, a marine archaeologist from Britain who is collaborating with Bhattacharyya, the V-shaped structure of the 'Chhot' gives it the ability to navigate high waves which indicates it is a fast ship which suggests there could have been military usage for it. On completion of the boat project which started in early October the ship, with a single mast and square sail, may then sail down the river Rupnarayan in the presence of a host of dignitaries before being transported to the National Maritime Museum at Lothal. Up until now, shipbuilders have passed this knowledge on to their sons through practical training and word of mouth. This ancient technology will now be digitized and kept at the British Museum for future generations to learn from. 

9 Nov 2022
Positive Reads

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