NEWSHINDU

A PUBLICATION OF THE HINDU ENDOWMENTS BOARD, SINGAPORE

www.heb.gov.sg

Issue 03/2015

Hindu News joins all Singaporeans in wishing the Nation a Happy 50th Birthday. We stand together as

One People, One Nation, One Singapore!

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Happy 50tH BirtHday, Singapore!WHat’S on

Dear Friends, This entire month of Ramadan, which has just passed by, has been a

period of fasting, reflection, spiritual renewal, and service to the less fortunate. Mosques and Muslim community leaders invited many of us from different faiths to join them in breaking fast. We are fortunate to live in a country where Ramadan sees us extending our hands together to spread universal messages of peace and harmony.

July is also the month that celebrates Racial Harmony Day, where people of all races and religions reinforce their solidarity in making Singapore a strong and progressive society through the understanding of each other’s cultures and faiths.

On behalf of the Hindu Endowments Board (HEB) and myself, I would like to wish all Singaporeans a very Happy National Day and our Muslim friends a blessed and joyous celebration. Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

R JayachandranChairmanHindu Endowments Board

editoriaL

EDITORIAL 2

Happy 50th Birthday, Singapore!

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NEWS 3

Heroes In Nepal 3

Mahabharata – The Fun Way 5

Marriage Preparation Programme

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SKG & SDMKG Games Day 2015

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PHOTO JOURNAL 11Tamizhodu Inaivom 8

Alaya Maha Utsavam 8

Futsal Competition 9

Readiness In An Emergency 9

Durga Sumangali Poojai 9

Drowpathai Yagam 9

FESTIvAL 10Akshaya Tritiyai 10

HOLISTIC CULINARy ART 11Olives & Olive Oil 11

Home Remedies For Constipation

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INFO 13Do You Have Faith 13

Significance Of Darbha Grass 14

Vaishno Devi 15

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Fire Walking Festival 2015 / jPkpjp tpoh 2015

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GURU PEyARCHI 20

HEB’S SG50 EvENT 22

KIDS’ ZONE 23

The newsletter is published by the Hindu Endowments Board, © 2015. No part of this newsletter should be reproduced without the permission of the publisher.

For further enquiries, please contact the Hindu Endowments Board, 397 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218123. Tel: 6296 3469, E-mail: admin@heb.gov.sg

Editorial Commitee: Advisors: Mr R Jayachandran, Mr M Param

Editorial Board: Mr S Ramesh, Mr Vivek Kumra, Mr Krishnasamy Siva Sambo (Sri Mariamman Temple), Mr V Selvam (Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple), Ms Rajashree Rajan

(Sri Sivan Temple), Mr Anantha Sayanam (Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple), Ms Jayasri Prushuathamun, Mr V Dinesh Natarajan

Designed & printed by Sun Media Pte Ltd, 20 Kramat Lane, #01-02 United House, Orchard, Singapore 228773, Tel: 6735 2972/1907, E-mail: admin@sunmediaonline.com

Dear Friends, Racial and religious harmony is one of the basic foundation and strengths

of Singapore. As we celebrate our nation’s 50th anniversary, we also give thanks to the inter-religious understanding and goodwill we enjoy. As Hindus we welcome and cherish our friendship with our fellow Singaporeans of all faiths, as we cherish and build upon our shared values and goodwill.

We will continue to partake and share in the joy and celebrations of our fellow Singaporeans of various faiths and races as we move forward as a united and cohesive nation.

On behalf of the Hindu Advisory Board, I wish all Singaporeans a wonderful SG50 celebrations and our Muslim friends Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Rajan KrishnanChairmanHindu Advisory Board

HINDU NEWS - 3

neWS

By Dinesh venkateshHeroeS in nepaL

On 25 April 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal which took the lives of more than 8,800 people and injured more than 23,000 people. This prompted

Senior Minister of State for Education and Law, Ms. Indranee Rajah to write on her Facebook page, “In our inter-connected world, no one is untouched by tragedies like this. We are a small country, but where we can, we must also do our part.” And promptly, Singapore had rendered its service by sending teams to Nepal comprising various agencies and amongst them were our Dr. Kumaran Rasappan and Dr. Gayathri Nadarajan from HEB’s Medical Support Services team. We spoke to Dr. Gayathri to get an insight to what her experience was like.

The ExperienceDr. Gayathri described her experience as a very meaningful

and eye opening one. She said that this was her second time in Nepal. In 2012, she was there with her husband, Dr. Kumaran Rasappan, to help improve the healthcare system in the Himalayan villages at Khumbu Valley as well as set up a computer laboratory in one of the schools there. She spent two months there and had developed a close bond with the Nepalese people. As such, quite naturally, when she learnt of the earthquake in Nepal, she was distraught by it and was restless, wanting to help in some way.

The opportunity to help came knocking on the door as a Ministry of Health doctor through the Singapore contingency.

When the team arrived in Nepal, it had been two weeks since the earthquake had occurred. Dr. Gayathri said, “Initially, it seemed normal on the surface. By then, the people had started going about their daily lives, working, farming and rebuilding their houses. (This was in Kathmandu city itself. Outside the city, where the epicentre was, the damages were vast and help hadn’t arrived yet due to inaccessibility issues). But as I got to treat the patients, I realised that everyone was directly or indirectly hit by the earthquake. Many had lost their houses and were sleeping on the bare ground under

makeshift tents. Many had no food as it was trapped within the collapsed houses. Some had wounds and fractures from the earthquake and were coming to us for treatment. By then we also had people who were mentally shaken by the trauma of losing loved ones to the quake. We tried our best to help everyone by setting up a base clinic at Gorkana and tried to reach out to more people by sending out small mobile teams each day.”

She added that this experience allowed her to work closely with the SAF as part of the government to government relief aid, which in turn allowed her to help them as an Emergency Medicine doctor and most importantly brought her back to the Nepalese people.

Challenges Encountered Dr. Gayathri and her team faced several challenges in

their relief aid. Amongst them, having to diagnose and treat medical problems with limited facilities, for example their makeshift clinics had no X-Ray facilities. As such, they had to diagnose and treat the fractures based on the examination findings. She added that lighting was limited there and when doing minor operations, someone had to hold a torchlight. Further, when the team needed to send small mobile teams out further, the travelling was challenging as the roads were damaged and there were landslides along the way. Apart from these, Dr. Gayathri noted that when they set up the small mobile team in the village, they had to find a safe spot to run the clinic as the buildings were unsteady after the earthquake. Most of the time, the clinic was in the open, under a tree, with a few tables and chairs – they had one clinic base at Gorkana and every day, a small team would head out to a small village to treat them.

Dr. Gayathri recalled, “Our living conditions were slightly challenging, especially being a lady. We were living in tents in an open field, together with the Medical and Search & Rescue teams from all over the world. Hundreds of us had to share three toilets and three bathrooms.”

Even though the buildings may appear to stand strong, the earthquake has weakened the buildings, evident from the huge cracks.

Buildings destroyed by the earthquake

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neWS

1. Cracks on the stupa after the earthquake. These are religious monuments that watch over the city and its people. 2. The medical team had to improvise with the limited equipment we had at our disposal. 3. Their lives goes on – the Nepalese people having a wedding. 4. The main medical base at Gorkana. 5. With their houses destroyed, many people were living in makeshift tents. 6. Treating a child with an infected wound affected by the earthquake. 7. We were living in tents near the airport runway. This area was occupied by WHO, UN and search and rescue and medical teams from other countries. Living conditions were rather challenging at times. 8. The team from Ministry of Health, Singapore. 9. We had to make do with what the people could provide for the mobile clinic. 10. The Singapore contigency team consisting of MOH, SAF and the Brunei army. 11. Famous landmarks such as the Dharahara Tower were destroyed by the quake.

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HINDU NEWS - 5

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Satisfaction Felt Dr. Gayathri felt like staying on and doing more as the people

have so many needs that have not been met. Furthermore, with the monsoon approaching, it would be a true challenge for them without shelters. She went on to say that even though the team treated about 3000 patients, she felt that she had to do more and she returned home with a heavy heart. She concluded, “The load that the Nepalese people carried with them was more than what my stethoscope could provide.”

Lessons Learnt As an Emergency Medicine specialist, Dr. Gayathri got

to see how the disaster response system worked and how different countries and organisations function when they respond to such natural disasters. Further, returning to Nepal, she was reminded of how strong and resilient the Nepalese people are. “In the face of such calamity, they pick themselves up and continue with what they have,” she said. Dr. Gayathri summed up her lessons learnt by reminding Singaporeans “how fortunate we are and how much we have in abundance. If only they can experience a fraction of what we have!”

Moving ForwardThis experience made Dr. Gayathri aware of the further

help she can provide within Nepal, which is why her husband,

Dr. Kumaran Rasappan, and her have decided to help rebuild a village. They got in touch with the headmaster of the school they had helped in 2012 (Saraswoti High School). The headmaster highlighted the village of Katteldada, where the people were homeless.

As such, Dr. Kumaran and Dr. Gayathri have decided to raise money to build zinc tents for the villagers. They have raised money and the plan is for the building to start in June this year.

My ThoughtsHaving read and followed the disaster in Nepal, I knew the

magnitude of the damage. Having spoken with Dr. Gayathri, I have nothing but admiration and compliments for the team and her for their valiant effort in trying to bring relief to the stricken people of Nepal.

I could sense her passion and desire to help, and when I speak of help, it is not a one-off effort. She strives to continue to aid them and is in the progress of building zinc tents for the villagers.

An important piece of lesson I have taken away from the experience she has shared with me, is that no matter where we are we still have a part to play in enhancing someone else’s life. This too can be applied here at home, in Singapore. We as a community should come out to render every little help we can.

MaHaBHarata – tHe Fun Way

Legend of Vyas (LoV), a card game based on the great Indian epic Mahabharata was launched on 30 May 2015. Through its gameplay and modern artwork, the

game not only promises hours of play but also aims to pique interest and educate young people about the Mahabharata - described as the longest poem ever written.

The game was conceived by two friends, Huren Sivaraj and Varun Devanathan, as they discussed their childhood, the stories and mythology they grew up with as well as changes that would influence their children. They imagined a game they would have played in present times that would have brought those stories and mythology to life. The idea to create a collectible card game took root. Such a format would bring to life the characters, stories and messages that make the Mahabharata one of the world’s most important literary works of cultural and historical significance. “LoV seeks to re-introduce the Mahabharata in a

contemporary format, to resonate with today’s youth. We have coupled an exciting game, involving strategy, skill and a touch of fortune, with stunning artwork, depicting heroes, spells and weapons. Our vision is that this combination will stimulate an appreciation for Indian culture and heritage in both Indians and non-Indians alike,” said Varun Devanathan, one of the creators of LoV.

Vansh Games worked with renowned Indian digital artist, Anirudh Sainath, and Singaporean artist, Benjamin Tan, to create the illustrations for the game cards.

Says Benjamin, “Even though I am from multi-racial Singapore, being non-Indian, one of my greatest challenges was in adapting the design language to stay true to the culture and the mythology. I was pleasantly surprised to find many similarities between the Mahabharata and Chinese mythology. I now have a deeper appreciation for Indian culture.”

[For more information on LoV, visit www.LegendofVyas.com.]

Singaporeans try their hand at the game

The game cards from LoV

6 - HINDU NEWS

The couples who attended the third run of MPP with the panellists and facilitators

neWS

Marriage preparation prograMMe

The third run of the Marriage Preparation Programme was conducted on 25 – 26 April 2015. This programme is a joint activity between Hindu Endowments Board and

Hindu Centre. Nine couples attended the session.Participating couples felt that the sessions were informative

in several aspects; both secular and non-secular. They not only learnt the tenets of Hinduism, where the facilitators explained the basic principles, but also felt the relevance. The possibilities of them engaging in some of these principles in their daily lives seem more likely now than before due to the fact that they understand these principles better.

The couples also cited better understanding of the Hindu marriage rituals; especially with regards to the significance. They also shared how the different segments helped to quell certain anxieties about undertaking these rituals.

The sessions dealing with positive communication, trust, Family of Origin and managing finances provided the couples a platform to dwell deeper on how they can work towards a good start on their marital journey.

The sharing by the panellists helped to allay queries that

A session on financial planning by Mr Siva, a financial planning consultant

the couples had, especially in the areas of managing in-laws, and work related matters and the importance of compromise.

On the whole, the couples felt that they had benefitted from the programme.

The next MPP will be conducted at the PGP Hall on 15 – 16 August 2015. Couples can register now by calling 6296 3469 or emailing their particulars (full names, email IDs and contact numbers of both partners) to pb@heb.gov.sg.

HINDU NEWS - 7

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SKg & SdMKg gaMeS day 2015

Saraswathy Kindergarten and Saraswathy Darma Muneeswaran Kindergarten had their annual Games Day at Maha Bodhi School on 16 May 2015. To

celebrate both Kindergartens’ 25th and 10th anniversaries together with our Nation’s 50th birthday, the Kindergartens chose ‘Traditional Games of Singapore’ as the theme for this year’s Games Day.

Games played by the different ethnic groups were set up at various locations with the theme of an Indian Village, a Malay

Students from the kindergartens participating in the traditional games Parents of the students participating in the games segment specially organised for them.

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Village, a Chinese Village and an Eurasian Village. Children and parents had opportunities to play games like ‘silli kodu’ also known as ‘nondi paandi’ (Indian version of hopscotch), ‘uri adi’, tops, hitting targets, chaptek, sepak takraw, ‘kutti kutti’, zero point, shooting marbles, carom and basketball.

Events for the ex-students and parents were also organised. Around 200 children, 30 ex-students and their parents attended the event.

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The “Sriman Narayana” repertoire was dedicated to Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple.

Performances by the students from Saraswathy Kindergarten and Saraswathy Darma Muneeswaran Kindergarten during the Tamizhodu Inaivom held on 11 April 2015 at the PGP Hall.

Students and teachers performing together during the finale

taMizHodu inaivoM

aLaya MaHa utSavaM(Photo credits: William Saravana)

‘Alaya Maha Utsavam’, held on 17 – 18 April 2015 marked the first anniversary of the new PGP Hall through a dance performance that reflected the monument heritage of three Temples in Singapore, namely, Sri Mariamman Temple, Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and Sri Thendayuthapani Temple. The dance repertoire was inspired by the mythological tales associated with the deities of the respective temples.

Children performing “Odi Vilayaadu Paapa” at the Alaya Maha Utsavam

Sri Thendayuthapani Temple was depicted via a dance entitled “Tiruppugazh”.

Dancers performing “Paanjali Sabatham” depicting the mythological tale associated with Sri Drowpathai Amman from the Sri Mariamman Temple.

pHoto JournaL

HINDU NEWS - 9

Emergency preparedness is essential even in the operations of running a temple in Singapore. Knowing how to combat a fire becomes a necessity in our temples. The SCDF demonstration on the proper use of a fire extinguisher and fire-fighting demonstration was held on 13 May 2015 at the PGP Hall and attended by staff from HEB’s operating units.

The annual Drowpathai Yagam took place at Sri Mariamman Temple from 8-12 July 2015. The Yagam is held annually as a prelude to the all-important flag hoisting festival for the annual Fire Walking Festival at the Temple which will be held on 1 November 2015.

All the prize winnersDevotees worshipping in unison at Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple’s annual Durga Sumangali Poojai on 1 June 2015.

In its efforts to engage the community and for a healthy lifestyle, the Sri Sivan Temple organised its inaugural Futsal Competition on 10 May 2015 at the Singapore Indian Association grounds. More than 20 teams took part in the competition.

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10 - HINDU NEWS

FeStivaL

Feeding the poor and needy is encouraged on Akshaya Tritiyai.

Goddess Annapoorna Devi is believed to have appeared on Akshaya Tritiyai.

aKSHaya tritiyai

Akshaya Tritiyai means different things to many people. One key thought in one’s mind is the day to buy some form of gold for the household. But the day of Akshaya

Tritiyai holds much more significance than just that.

Significance Of Akshaya Tritiyai• Lord Parashurama appeared on this day.• Ganges descended to Earth on this day.• This day marks the beginning of Treta-yuga.• Sudama visited Lord Krishna at Dwaraka.• Pandavas received the Akshaya Patra (vessel that gives

unlimited food) from Sun God.• Sage Vyasa started composing Mahabharata on this day.• Adi Sankaracharya composed Kanakadhara Stotram on

this day.• Lord Kubera received his wealth and position as custodian

of wealth on this day and it is said that Goddess Annapoorna Devi appeared on this day.

• The construction of the chariots for the famous Ratha Yatra (Jagannath Puri) begins on the day of Akshaya Tritiyai.

• In the temple of Kshira-chora Gopinatha (Remuna, Orissa) the deities of Madana-mohana, Govinda and Gopinatha are smeared with sandalwood paste on this auspicious day.

What To Do On Akshaya Tritiyai? Feeding the poor is the most important charitable act.

Also, donation of umbrellas and footwear for poor children is recommended by some.

Poojas and charity acts will yield good results on this special 3rd moon day, i.e. third day from new-moon day known as Tritiya, a day for charity.

Buying of gold and jewellery items is certainly not listed in the Vedic manuscripts. According to the scriptures, the auspicious day to buy gold ornaments is the Guru-Pushya day, that is, when the Pushya (Poosam) nakshatra falls on any Thursday in any month.

The deeds and benefits as per the age old practice of doing charity on Akshaya Tritiyai:

• If you do charity, you will conquer the pain of death.• If you help the poor and down-trodden, you will be blessed

in your next birth.• If you give clothes to poor people, you will get over

diseases.• If you give fruits, you will get a higher position in life.• If you give butter, milk or buttermilk, you will progress in

studies.• If you give grains, you will not die untimely.• If you perform “Deva tharpanam”, you will get rid of

poverty.• If you give curd rice, you will get over your negative deeds

and you will progress in life.

Care for the poor and needy, and you will reap the fruit of happiness in many ways. May the Akshaya Patra be with you forever!

Adi Sankaracharya composed Kanakadhara Stotram on Akshaya Tritiyai.

HINDU NEWS - 11

Various ways to enjoy olives and olive oil

HoLiStiC CuLinary art

oLiveS & oLive oiL

Olives are a worldwide favourite and its oil is gaining

more and more popularity. Though classified as fruits of the Oleaeuropea tree that typically lives for hundreds of years, olives are perceived as a zesty vegetable that can be added to savoury dishes. They are harvested in September but are available all through the year.

Olives are too bitter to be eaten when harvested and must be cured to reduce their intrinsic bitterness. Processing methods depend on the olive variety, region where they are cultivated and what the end product will be. Olives start off green and turn black when fully ripe though some remain green or black from raw to ripe stage.

Olives contain many health-protective nutrients that are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Hydroxytyrosol, an olive phytonutrient linked to cancer prevention, is now said to help prevent bone loss as well. In traditional herbal medicine practices, olives and olive leaves have been used to treat inflammatory problems. Olive extracts also function as anti-histamines and work to control allergies. Olive benefits the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, nervous system, musculoskeletal system, immune system, inflammatory system, and digestive system.

Olives are high-fat food with 80-85% of the calories coming from fat. Three quarters of this fat is oleic acid, a

monounsaturated fatty acid and the rest is a small amount of the essential fatty acid called linoleic acid and an omega-3 fatty acid. The high monounsaturated fat content of olives helps to reduce risk of heart disease. Olives help decrease blood cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and LDL:HDL ratio. The monounsaturated fat found in olives and olive oil can help to decrease blood pressure.

Research says that older people who regularly used olive oil for cooking and dressing salads had a lower risk of stroke. Olive oil has anti-atherogenic qualities and helps to prevent hardening of the arteries and the development of atherosclerosis. It appears to have a protective effect against the risk of depression. Looking at Mediterranean diets where olive oil is used extensively, olives have the potential to reduce the risk of Alzheimers or neurodegenerative dementias. It helps protect the liver against pancreatitis and ulcerative colitis.

Olive oil has multiple uses in the home as well. A little bit of olive oil moisturises dry skin, soothes nail and finger cuticles, and tames frizzy hair. You can even use it as shaving cream in a hurry. Olive oil can make a great skin scrub if you mix inexpensive olive oil, sugar and lemon zest to create a sweet-smelling exfoliator. Use a cotton pad dipped in a bit of oil to clean the face of makeup especially for sensitive spots like eyelids.

Use olive oil to lubricate a squeaky door or to free stuck zip. Just rub the zip teeth with a cotton swab dipped in olive oil. Try olive oil on waterproof boots to get its lustre back. Shine a stainless steel sink with a coating of olive oil and prevent future water spots from showing up. You can remove paint from skin, hair and even polished furniture.

How To Use Olives1. Add black olives, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers,

chopped mint and basil to cooked pasta.2. For savoury dips, take mashed avocado or hung curd,

and add chopped, pitted olives, green chilli, grated ginger and a teaspoon of olive oil. Add zing with a dash of lemon juice.

3. Revive stale bread and make it into a tasty bruschetta as a starter or snack! Quarter slices of bread, toast it and spread crushed black olives and cherry tomatoes. Top with salad leaves, drizzle with olive oil and season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

4. Make a refreshing salad by placing salad leaves, cucumber and tomatoes in a wooden bowl. Make a light dressing with olive oil, salt, pepper and Balsamic Vinegar. Add cubes of feta cheese and whole olives. Goes well with roti or bread or baguette.

5. Stuffed tomatoes are wonderful for a snack. Scoop out tomatoes and fill with cooked rice (leftovers are great) or crumbled paneer and sliced green olives, chopped tomato, lemon juice and chopped herbs like mint, coriander, grated ginger and chopped celery. Zap it in the microwave for two minutes. Serve with a salad.

6. Add chopped olives to ready-made mayonnaise (eggless is versatile) and season with a dash of lemon

juice and chaat masala. Mix well and serve as a dip for raw vegetables. Spread on a sandwich and add a slice of cheese.

7. Make a basic vegetable side dish using chopped brinjals / eggplants / aubergines / zucchini / ridge gourd, red pepper, chopped tomatoes and red onion. Zap it in the microwave for three to five minutes. Add a handful of olives. Add it to cooked pasta, couscous or semolina or even roasted vermicelli. Garnish with fresh herbs.

8. To two cups of bean sprouts, add sliced capsicum, sliced radish (mooli) and sliced spring onions both white and green parts. Mix together two teaspoons each of vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of soy sauce (optional) and 1/2 teaspoon each of sugar, pepper and salt. Garnish with 1/4 cup of black olives and sliced tomatoes. Serve chilled.

9. Take two mangoes and peel and chop them into small pieces. Take 200 grams of cubed tofu, 1/4 cup of chopped black olives, two tablespoons of sun-dried or cherry tomatoes and mix in a salad bowl. Make a dressing with one tablespoon of olive oil, one teaspoon of red vinegar and juice of one lemon. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and freshly crushed black peppercorns. Serve immediately. You can add cubed watermelon or melon and grapes to this refreshing summer salad.

[Written by Padmini Natarajan. Adapted from the monthly, Tattvãloka, The Splendour of Truth (May 2015).]

12 - HINDU NEWS

HoLiStiC CuLinary art

Constipation seems to be more prevalent in women than men. Some excellent home remedies are available for this problem.

HoMe reMedieS For ConStipation

Lemon with HoneyLemon juice in honey and warm water, taken early in the morning, helps to get rid of constipation. It is believed that the digestive properties of lemon help clear unwanted blockages and control indigestion symptoms and even diarrhoea because of increased efficiency in the gastro-intestinal tract.

Molasses with Honey Molasses and honey are both excellent overnight relievers of mild constipation. Two teaspoons before bed will ease constipation.

High Fibre Diet High fibre meals are also helpful. It is a good idea to take adequate quantities of salads and fruits at night.

MilkA concoction of hot milk, sugar and ginger is excellent for combating constipation.

A note of caution: All cases of obstinate constipation must be investigated by a gastro-enterologist.

Triphala Churana Triphala is an Ayurvedic medicine which, when taken with a glass of water in the morning, becomes an excellent remedy.

Ripe Bael FruitThis is considered to be the best laxative. This fruit is known to cleanse and also strengthen the intestines. This can be eaten directly or made into a juice and consumed.

FlaxseedFlaxseed is a commonly used laxative. It not only assists bowel movements, but also gives nourishment to the body in the form of Omega 6 fatty acids. It also provides the body with fiber, which helps to ease constipation.

Aloe veraAn all-natural healthy laxative, it clears blocked bowel movements efficiently. Aloe Vera does not have any unwanted side effects.

PrunesThey are available all over the world and help in relieving constipation.

Peppermint Peppermint in any form is an enjoyable option to combat constipation.

HINDU NEWS - 13

inFo

do you Have FaitH?

What is ‘faith’? How does a rose bloom? Read on to find out more…

Does faith have any scientific, or even reasonable basis? And, if you truly have faith, then how come worries of the future still grip you? Personally, I believe, if you want your faith to be firm then put aside any logic. And if you want your rational mind to be firm then put aside faith. When we try to induce reasoning in faith, we end up polluting them both. Faith just is, God just is, Nature just is, belief just is. “Why” yields no answer when it comes to faith.

Surely, we can fit explanations and theories but they don’t solve any purpose beyond a temporary stimulus. Are the stories in the Torah, Quran, Bible or Bhagavatam true? The question is “does it matter to you? Faith is mostly based on what we have already taken to be true, and rarely on the actual truth itself.”

Faith And SurrenderWhen faith runs deep in your being, surrender to the Divine

comes automatically. Inner peace is a natural by-product of surrender. A child feels secure in his mother’s arms because he knows that she’ll protect him. It’s not an intellectual idea but an ingrained belief the child has. And, it is this subtle differentiation between believing you have faith and actually having it that makes all the difference to your inner peace.

I’m paraphrasing a beautiful story for you. I tried hard but couldn’t locate the source of the poem cited verbatim in this anecdote.

A man, worried and paranoid, asked his enlightened master if everything would be alright in the future. “I know I should have faith but I can’t get around to let go. I’m still worried. What if things don’t go the way they should? Negative thoughts render me unable to enjoy my life. What if God doesn’t take care of me?” he said to his master.

The master took a rosebud, gave it to the disciple and said, “Your task is to unfold the bud keeping all the petals intact.” The disciple carefully began unlayering the rosebud. Soon, however, he realised it was not possible to unfold it without damaging the petals. “It’s not as simple as it looked. I’m sorry but at least some petals will be damaged,” he said to his master.

In reply, the master took the rosebud from him and said:It is only a tiny rosebud, a flower of God’s design;

but I cannot unfold the petals with these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers is not known to such as I.

God opens this flower so sweetly, then in my hands they die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud, this flower of God’s design.

Then how can I have the wisdom to unfold this life of mine?

So I’ll trust in God for leading each moment of my day.

I will look to God for His guidance each step of the way.

The pathway that lies before me,only God knows.

I’ll trust Him to unfold the moments, just as He unfolds the rose.

Let Go“How much can you plan, after all? And how much do

you want to plan?” the master continued. “Why do you want to keep everything in your hands? It’s tiring. Learn to let go. Who took care of you when you were in the womb? Who fed you when you didn’t even know how to speak? Who provided for you when you were too young to earn your own living? If you examine, you’ll find there was always someone there, a medium Nature had already chosen for you. Sometimes letting go is simply reminding yourself that I’ve done whatever I could and now I must free myself from the outcome or the worry.”

Faith is designed to give you the confidence, the courage to lead your life with grace and conviction. It doesn’t mean we can just confess and be done with our bad karma, rather, we should have the strength to do the right karma in the first place. I don’t think God will manifest to pay off your mortgage, your loans – karmic or financial, or to help you shed or gain weight. We must take responsibility of our own lives. We are the result of our desires, choices and pursuits.

Faith For Inner StrengthAllow me to deviate from conventional wisdom by saying

that faith, with all its paraphernalia and practices, is for inner strength and not to please an external God. I don’t want to please a heavenly being and beg for favours in this life or hereafter, instead, I would give this life my best shot and let Nature take its own course. After all, if I truly have faith, shouldn’t I know that God or Nature’s way is impartial?

Napoleon once said, “When you fight, fight as if everything depends on you. And when you pray, pray as if everything depends on God.” This is faith in a nutshell.

Faith is supposed to complement, and not replace, our actions. Ultimately, we are responsible for the choices we make. Wake up with faith in yourself and go to sleep with faith in God.

[Written by Om Swami (www.omswami.com). Adapted from the monthly, Tattvãloka, The Splendour of Truth (June 2015).]

14 - HINDU NEWS

inFo

SigniFiCanCe oF darBHa graSS

Darbha (Kusha) grass is used in religious ceremonies, rites and events in the Vedic tradition. Darbha is not cultivated but grows naturally in special places. It is a

tropical reed that grows in Northern Africa, Middle East and temperate and tropical Asia. It grows near brackish (salty) water found at the mouth of rivers and is a kind of tussock grass that grows in clumps. For religious purposes, the grass is plucked only on Krishna Paksha Prathamai or the first day after the full moon day.

Botanical name: Eragrostiscynosuroides; Sanskrit: Darbham; Hindi: Kus or Kusha; Tamil: Darbhai

Darbha (Kusha) grass is used in religious ceremonies, rites and events in the Vedic tradition. Darbha is not cultivated but grows naturally in special places. It is a tropical reed that grows in Northern Africa, Middle East and temperate and tropical Asia. It grows near brackish (salty) water found at the mouth of rivers and is a kind of tussock grass that grows in clumps. For religious purposes, the grass is plucked only on Krishna Paksha Prathamai or the first day after the full moon day.

Discriminating WisdomIn Sanskrit, Kusha signifies sharp or acute and is the root

for the word for ‘expert’ or kosala. This describes the sharp edges of the long reeds that grow in pairs just like the sharp edge of the sword. So it is used as a symbol for discernment or ‘discriminating wisdom’.

Darbha grass has been treated as a sacred plant since Vedic times. This grass finds mention in the Rig Veda and is used in sacred ceremonies. It was used to prepare a seat for priests and consecrated places where the Gods were invited to occupy. Darbha or Kusha grass is specifically recommended by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita as an ideal seat for meditation.

According to early Buddhist accounts, Buddha sat on a mat of darbha grass under the Bodhi tree to meditate and search for enlightenment. It is believed that the grass blocks strong energy generated in the body during meditation which can be discharged into the ground.

Dried darbha grass is often used in religious rites

A meditation mat made with darbha grass

Different number of darbha are used to make the ‘ceremonial rings’ for different purposes.

The Puranas relate the story of Lord Vishnu who assumed the form of the Cosmic Tortoise in the second avatara or incarnation as Koorma. The shell served to support the mountain Mandara that was used as a rod to churn the Ocean of Milk. As the mountain pulsed back and forth, several hairs of Lord Koorma’s back were abraded and fell off. With time, they were washed ashore and became the Kusha grass. Later, when the amrita was obtained from the milky ocean and distributed among the Devas, some drops fell on the grass and helped to further sanctify it and imbued it with healing properties.

Darbha For RitualsThe number of reeds of grass used to make the pavitram or

purifier depends on the occasion. For rites of passage rituals, only a single reed of Darbha is used. For auspicious events and daily pooja rituals, a ring is made of two reeds twisted and made into a special shape. For performing tarpanam or rites to departed family members on the new moon or Amavasya day, Pitru Paksha rituals, a three-reed Darbha ring is used. In temple prayers and poojas, a four-reed darbha ring is worn on the ring finger.

Different number of darbha are used to make the ‘ceremonial rings’ for different purposes.

When a fire ritual is performed, the darbha grass is placed on all four sides of the Agni Kundam or fire receptacle. Darbha grass has been found to absorb about 60 percentage of radiation! So during an eclipse, it is customary to use darbha to cover all food items to protect them from the harmful ultra violet radiation prevalent at that time.

Whenever any religious event is to be held, the whole area is cleansed with a ritual called ‘Suddhi Punyaahavachanam’. Priests hold a bunch of the darbha grass in their hands and place the tip of the grass over a vessel containing water. Then they chant the prescribed verses and the positive vibrations are transferred to the water in the vessel through the darbha grass.

It has been proved that the darbha grass can conduct a high range of phonetic vibrations through its tip. After the puja is over, this enriched water is sprinkled all over the place where the fire ritual is being performed. A darbha reed with no tip is discarded as its ability to be a conductor of sound is absent.

In Ayurveda, darbha grass is also used as a medicine to treat dysentery and heavy monthly bleeding in women. It is also used as a diuretic to promote free flow of urine.

HINDU NEWS - 15

inFo

The starting point of the yatra – the entire 13km route is well-paved, has eateries, shelters, toilets and resting points for devotees.

Goddess Vaishno Devi as seen today in her holy cave in the form of 3 ‘Pindis’

vaiSHno devi

In our on-going series of articles about notable temples in India, we bring you details of the importance of the holy abode of Goddess Vaishno Devi.

The abode of Goddess Vaishno Devi is in the moutains of Trikuta Hills, in the Jammu and Kashmir state of Northern India. Mother Durga resides in a beautiful cave in the form of 3 ‘Pindis’ (in the form of stones) namely, Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasarawati.

Vaishno Devi was born in South India, in the home of Ratnakar Sagar. Her parents had remained childless for a long time. Ratnakar had promised, the night before the birth of the divine child that he would not come in the way of whatever his child desired. Vaishno Devi was called Trikuta as a child. Later, she was also called Vaishnavi because she was born in the lineage of Lord Vishnu. When Trikuta was 9 years old, she sought her father’s permission for doing penance on the seashore.

Trikuta prayed to Lord Vishnu in the form of Lord Rama. During Lord Rama’s search for Mother Sita, he reached the seashore along with his army. His eyes fell on this divine girl in deep meditation. Trikuta told Lord Rama that she wanted to marry him but he told her that in this incarnation, he had vowed to be faithful to only Mother Sita. However, Lord Rama assured her that in Kaliyuga, he would be born as Lord Kalki and would marry her.

In the meantime, Lord Rama asked Trikuta to meditate in the cave found in the Trikuta Range of Manik Mountains, situated in Northern India. She decided to observe the Navaratri fast for the victory of Lord Rama against Ravana.

This is why one reads the Ramayana during the 9 days of Navaratri, in remembrance of the above connection. And this is one of the stories in Hinduism on why Navaratri is celebrated. Lord Rama promised that the whole world would sing Goddess Vaishno Devi’s praise. Trikuta was to become famous as Goddess Vaishno Devi and would become immortal forever.

With the passage of time many more stories about the goddess emerged. One such story is about a devotee named Shridhar. This story is about 700 years old. Shridhar was an

16 - HINDU NEWS

ardent devotee of Goddess Vaishno Devi. He resided in a village called Hansali, 2 km away from the present Katra town. Once, Goddess Vaishno Devi appeared to him in the form of a young girl. The young girl asked Shridhar to hold a ‘Bhandara’ (a feast to feed the poor; annathanam).

Shridhar set out to invite people from the village and near-by places. He also invited Bhairav Nath who was a tantric sage. Bhairav Nath asked Shridhar how he was planning to fulfill the requirements. He reminded him of the bad consequences in case of failure. As Shridhar was lost in worry, the divine girl appeared and told him not to be unhappy as everything had been arranged. She asked that the devotees be seated in the small hut. Miraculously, all the devotees managed to fit into Shridhar’s small hut which seemed to be able to accommodate all the devotees in attendance. The ‘Bhandara’ went smoothly with food and place to spare.

With his yogic powers, Bhairav Nath realised that this was Goddess Vaishno Devi’s doing. He was even able to identify her in the guise of a young girl. This time, he wanted to capture her.

When Goddess Vaishno Devi saw Bhairav Nath approaching her, she started walking towards the Trikuta Hills. Bhairav Nath gave chase. Goddess Vaishno Devi disappeared into a cave and hid there while Bhairav Nath searched for her secret hide out. Nine months passed but Bhairav Nath and his followers could not locate her. This cave later became known as ‘Ardhakuwari’ and is mid-way to the holy cave.

One day, a follower of Bhairav Nath brought news of a girl who produced a stream of water by hitting a stone with an arrow. Bhairav Nath realised that the girl must have been Goddess Vaishno Devi. He went to the location where the miracle happened and traced the footsteps that led him to another cave.

Seeing him enter the cave, Goddess Vaishno Devi tore open a path behind the cave with her trident. She warned Bhairav Nath not to enter the cave but he disobeyed her order. Finally, Vaishno Devi beheaded Bhairav Nath. She severed his head with such force that it fell on a distant hilltop. After

The Vaishno Devi temple complex as seen from afar. It is replete with amenities such as lockers (leather items, mobile phones and cameras are not allowed in the holy cave), lodging, eateries, etc.

The decorated original entrance of the holy cave is open to devotees during the off-peak season. A new entrance and exit tunnel have been created to facilitate the surge of devotees during the peak season.

his head had been severed, Bhairav Nath realised her true powers and how foolish he had been.

Though his head had been severed, Bhairav Nath remained conscious because of his tantric powers. He begged the Goddess for forgiveness. He begged her to wash his sins away. Goddess Vaishno Devi pitied him and blessed him saying that every devotee of hers who comes to her holy cave to take her blessings will have to visit his shrine afterwards. Only then will his or her pilgrimage be considered complete.

Goddess Vaishno Devi then decided to shed her human form and assume the form of a rock with three faces to continue her meditation. Till today, it is believed that Goddess Vaishno Devi is present there and waiting for the arrival of Lord Kalki, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, at the end of Kali Yuga to accept her as his bride. The three faces are worshipped as Goddesses Kali, Lakshmi and Saraswati, and collectively as Goddess Vaishno Devi. She is worshipped by priests who are descendants of Shridhar. Every day, she is dressed up like a bride in red garments, gold jewellery and flowers.

inFo

HINDU NEWS - 17

inFo

rpt= NrhkRe;ju rpthr;rhh;ahh;jiyik mHr;rfH

= ituhtpkl fhspak;kd; Nfhapy;

Ie;J fuj;jiz Miz Kfj;jid ,e;jpd; ,sk; gpiw NghYk; vapw;wid

ee;j kfd;jid Qhdf; nfhOe;jpid Gj;jpapy; itj;J mb Nghw;wpfpd;NwNd.

fzgjp vd;wplf; fyq;Fk; ty;tpid

fzgjp vd;wplf; fhyDk; ifj;njhOk;

fzgjp vd;wplf; fUk khjyhy;fzgjp vd;wplf; ftiy jPUNk!

- jpU%yh; jpUke;jpuk;

KOKjw; flTshfpa = tpehafg; ngUkhd; rpt ngUkhd; ghh;tjpapd; %j;j kfdhdth; Qhdj;jpd; jiytuhfTk; ve;j xU nraiyAk; jilapd;wp elf;f toptFf;Fk; tpf;Nd];tuuhfTk; tpsq;Ffpwhu;. ,e;J rkaj;jpy; ve;j xU rpwpa nraYk; nra;tjw;F Kd; = fzgjpia G+[pj;j gpwF me;j nraiy nra;a njhlq;Ffpd;Nwhk;. tpehafg; ngUkhd; 16 tpjkhd fzgjp vd;W Mfk E}y;fs; $Wfpd;wd. mit:

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,jpy; kfh fzgjp vd;w nrhy;Yf;F nghpa tpehafu; vd;w nghUSz;L.

nghJthf = tpf;Nd];tu gfthd; ehd;F fuq;fSld; fhl;rp jUfpwhh;. mjpy; jdJ xU fuj;jpy; NfhlhupAld; fhl;rpaspg;gjpd; %yk; gf;jh;fspd; Jauq;fisAk; kdtUj;jq;fisAk; ,d;dy;fisAk; Nghf;Ffpwhh;. kw;nwhU fuj;jpy; fapw;Wld; (ghrk;) fhl;rpaspg;gJld; gf;jh;fis cz;ikahd> Neh;ikAs;s ghijf;Fj; jq;fsJ tho;tpy; cah;e;j epiyf;F nfhz;L nry;fpwhh;. kw;nwhU fuj;jpy; jdf;F gpbj;jkhd Nkhjfj;ij re;Njh\j;Jld; Ve;jpapUg;gjd; %yk; gf;jh;fSf;F jdf;F fpilj;j re;Njh\j;ij midtUf;Fk; mspg;gtuhf tpsq;Ffpwhh;. ehd;fhtJ fuj;jpy; nja;t rpe;jid cs;s gf;jh;fSf;F jq;fs; tho;tpy; ve;j xU nraiyAk; jq;F jilapd;wp elf;f NguUs; nra;fpwhh;.

= tpehafg; ngUkhDf;Fg; G+i[f;F cfe;jJ mWfk; Gy;> nts;sUf;F> nehr;rp gj;uk;. mWfk; Gy;iy gw;wp rpWJ rpe;jpg;Nghk;. mWfk;Gy; gw;wp njhpahjth;fs; ,y;iy> vy;NyhUf;Fk; njhpe;j %ypif ,dk; ,J. = tpehafg; ngUkhDf;F cfe;j gj;uk; mWfk;Gy;. ,e;j mWfk;Gy;iy G+[pg;gjhy; ey;y Mw;wy;> fy;tp> Qhdk; Nghd;w ed;ikfs; vy;yhk; Vw;gLfpwJ vd;W Guhzq;fs;

= kfh fzgjp Jid

$Wfpd;wd. ,jd; ngUikfis ekJ %jhijaHfSk; gz;ilf; fhyr; rpj;jHfSk; ed;F mwptH. mtHfs; ,ij nja;t %ypif> mw;Gj %ypif> rQ;rPtp %ypif vd;W gy;NtW ngaHfspYk; toq;fpdH. ,e;j %ypif vq;Fk; vspjhf fpilf;ff;$baJ. vy;yhf; fhyq;fspYk; gapuhFk; jd;ikAilaJ.

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mWfk;Gy; ekJ clypd; XLk; ,uj;jijr; Rj;jk; nra;aty;yJ vd;gJld; er;Rj; jd;ikiaAk; Nghf;Fk; ,ja Neha;fSf;F ey;y kUe;jhfTk; gad;gLfpwJ.

mWfk;Gy; rhw;iw fhiy khiy ,UNtiyAk; Fbj;Jtu nfhOg;G> khHGtyp> frpT Neha;fis Fzg;gLj;jp clYf;F ey;y Cl;lj;ij jUk;.

Mifahy; ,g;Ngw;gl;l mWfk;Gy;iy gw;wp kUj;Jt Fzq;fs; nfhz;l nja;t rf;jpia cila mWfk;Gy;iy = tpehafg; ngUkhDf;F khiyahfj; njhLj;J rhw;wp G+i[ nra;tjhy; Gz;zpak;.

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= tpehafUf;F khjk; ,UKiw rpwg;G G+i[fs; nra;ag;gLfpd;wd. mkhtir jpjp gpwF ehd;fhk; ehsd;W tpehafH rJHj;jpAk;> ngsHzkp jpjp gpwF ehd;fhk; ehsd;W rq;fl`u rJHj;jpAk; nfhz;lhlg;gLfpwJ. NkYk; Mtzp khj tuf;Fba tpehafr; rJHj;jp cyf KOtJk; cs;s vy;yh ,e;J Nfhapy;fspYk; Kf;fpa tpohthfTk; NfhyhfskhfTk; rpwg;ghff; nfhz;lhlg;gLfpwJ. ,e;j tUlk; = tpehafu; rJHj;jp tpoh 17-9-2015 tpahod; md;W epfo;fpwJ.

ehL eyk; ngw kf;fs; ey;tho;T ngw vy;yhk; ty;y = tpehafg; ngWkhid Ntz;b tho;tpy; nrsf;fpaq;fs; ngw gpuhHj;jpg;Nghk;.

Nyhfh ]k];jh ]{fpNdh gte;J

18 - HINDU NEWS

Nrhk thuk; vdg;gLk; jpq;fl;fpoikapy; rpt topghL nra;jy; kpfTk; tpNr\k;. mJTk; gpuNjh\ fhyj;jpy; rptd; Nfhapypy; rpt G+i[ topghL nra;jhy;> gyNfhb Gz;zpaj;ijj; juty;yJ. nkhj;jk; 20 tifahd gpuNjh\q;fs; cs;sd.

1. jpdrup gpuNjh\k;: jpdKk; khiy 4.30 kzp Kjy; 6.30 kzp tiu cs;s Neuj;jpy; rpt ngUkhidj; juprdk; nra;tJ cj;jkkhFk;. epj;jpag; gpuNjh\j;ij ahH xUtH Ie;J tUlq;fs; Kiwahfr; nra;fpwhHfNsh> mtHfSf;F Kf;jp epr;rak; vd;fpwJ ekJ rh];jpuk;.

2. gl;rg; gpuNjh\k;: mkhthirf;Fg; gpwF> Rf;ygl;rk; vd;w tsHgpiw fhyj;jpy; 13-tJ jpjpahf tUk; 'jpuNahjrp" jpjpNa gl;rg; gpuNjh\khFk;.

3. khjg; gpuNjh\k;: ngsHzkpf;Fg; gpwF> fpU\;zgl;rk; vd;w Nja;gpiw fhyj;jpy; 13-tJ jpjpahf tUk; 'jpuNahjrp" jpjpNa khjg; gpuNjh\khFk;.

4. el;rj;jpug; gpuNjh\k;: gpuNjh\ jpdj;jpy; cupa el;rj;jpuj;jpy; cs;stHfs; rptngUkhid topgLtJ el;rj;jpug; gpuNjh\khFk;.

5. G+uzg; gpuNjh\k;: rJH;jrp jpjp Nruhj jpuNahjrp kl;Lk; cs;s gpuNjh\k; G+uzg; gpuNjh\khFk;.

6. jpt;ag; gpuNjh\k;: gpuNjh\ jpdj;jd;W JthjrpAk; jpuNahjrpAk; my;yJ jpuNahjrpAk; rJHj;jrpAk; NrHe;J te;jhNyh> mJNt jpt;ag; gpuNjh\khFk;.

7. jPgg; gpuNjh\k;: gpuNjh\ jpdkhd jpuNahjrp jpjpapy; rptd; Nfhapy;fisj; jPgq;fshy; myq;fupj;J> jPg jhdq;fs; nra;J topgl;lhy; nrhe;j tPL mikAk;.

8. mga vd;Dk; rg;jup\p gpuNjh\k;: thdj;jpy; 't" tbtpy; njupAk; el;rj;jpuf; $l;lq;fNs rg;jup\p kz;lykhFk;. Ig;grp> fhHj;jpif> khHfop> ij> khrp> gq;Fdp jpuNahjrp jpdq;fspy; rg;jup\p kz;lyj;ijj; juprpj;J topgLtNj rg;jup\p gpuNjh\khFk;.

9. kfh gpuNjh\k;: rpt ngUkhd; tp\k; cz;l ehs; fhHj;jpif khjk; rdpf;fpoik jpuNahjrp jpjpahFk;. vdNt rdpf;fpoikAk; jpuNahjrp jpjpAk; NrHe;J tUtNj. 'kfh gpuNjh\khFk;" khrp khjk; tUk; kfh rptuhj;jpupf;F Kd;dhy; tUk; gpuNjh\Kk; 'kfh gpuNjh\k;" vdg;gLk;.

10. cj;jk kfh gpuNjh\k;: rpj;jpiu> itfhrp> Ig;grp> fhHj;jpif Mfpa khjq;fspy; tsHgpiwapy; rdpf;fpoik jpuNahjrp jpjpapy; tUtJ cj;jk kfh gpuNjh\khFk;. ,J kpfTk; rpwg;Gk; fPHj;jpAk; ngw;w jpdkhFk;.

11. Vfhl;ru gpuNjh\k;: tUlj;jpy; xU Kiw kl;LNk tUk; kfh gpuNjh\j;ij 'Vfhl;ru gpuNjh\k;" vd;gH.

12. mHj;jehup gpuNjh\k;: xU tUlj;jpy; ,uz;L Kiwfs; tUk; kfh gpuNjh\j;ij 'mHj;jehup gpuNjh\k;" vd;gH. md;iwf;Fr; rpthyak; nrd;W topgl;lhy; jilg;gl;l jpUkzk; eilngWk;.

13. jpupfuzg; gpuNjh\k;: xU tUlj;jpy; %d;W Kiwfs; tUk; kfh gpuNjh\j;ijj; 'jpupfuzg; gpuNjh\k;" vd;gH. ,jpy; m\;l yl;Rkpfspd; MrpAk; mUSk; fpilf;Fk;. gpuNjh\ topghL Kbe;jJk; m\;l yl;RkpfSf;Fg; G+i[ nra;tJ ey;yJ.

14. gpuk;kg; gpuNjh\k;: xU tUlj;jpy; ehd;F Kiwfs; tUk; kfh gpuNjh\j;ijg; 'gpuk;kg; gpuNjh\k;" vd;gH. ,e;j gpuNjh\j;ij topgl;lhy; Kd;n[d;k ghtk; Njh\k; ePq;fp ed;ikfs; milayhk;.

20 tif gpuNjh\q;fSk; mjd; gyd;fSk;

15. ml;rug; gpuNjh\k;: xU tUlj;jpy; Ie;J Kiwfs; tUk; kfh gpuNjh\j;ij 'ml;rug; gpuNjh\k;" vd;gH. jhUfh tdj;J up\pfs; 'ehd;" vd;w mfe;ijapy; ,Ue;jdH. rpt ngUkhd; 'gpl;rhldH" Ntlj;jpy; te;J up\pfSf;Fg; ghlk; Gfl;bdhH. up\pfs; jtiw czHe;J ght tpNkhrdk; ngw;wdH.

16. fe;jg; gpuNjh\k;: rdpf;fpoikAk;> jpuNahjrpAk;> fhHj;jpif el;rj;jpuKk; NrHe;J te;jhy; 'fe;jH gpuNjh\k;" vd;gH. KUf ngUkhd; #urk;`huj;Jf;F Kd; topgl;l ,e;j gpuNjh\j;jpy; tpujk; ,Ue;J topgl;lhy; KUfd; mUs; fpl;Lk;.

17. rl;[ gpugh gpuNjh\k;: xU tUlj;jpy; VO Kiwfs; tUk; kfh gpuNjh\j;ijr; 'rl;[ gpugh gpuNjh\k;" vd;gH. NjtfpAk; thRNjtDk; fk;rdhy; rpiwapl;lNghJ vl;lhtJ Foe;ijahd = fpU\;zH gpwg;gjw;F Kd; xU tUlj;jpy; VO kfh gpuNjh\j;ij topgl;ldH.

18. m\;l jpf; gpuNjh\k;: xU tUlj;jpy; vl;L Kiwfs; tUk; kfh gpuNjh\j;ij 'm\;l jpf; gpuNjh\k;" vd;gH. m\;ljpf;; ghyHfSk; mUs; nra;J ePbj;j nry;tk;> Gfo;> fPHj;jp Mfpa gyd;fs; fpilf;Fk;.

19. etf;fpufg; gpuNjh\k;: xU tUlj;jpy; xd;gJ Kiwfs; tUk; kfh gpuNjh\j;ij 'etf;fpufg; gpuNjh\k;". ,J kpfTk; mupJ. rptngUkhd; mUNshL etf;fpuf mUSk;; fpilf;Fk;.

20. Jj;jg; gpuNjh\k;: mupjpYk; mupJ xNu tUlj;jpy; gj;J Kiwfs; tUk; kfh gpuNjh\k;.

njd;dhLila rptNd Nghw;wp> ve;ehl;ltHf;Fk; ,iwth Nghw;wp.

inFo

HINDU NEWS - 19

inFo

Special poojas for the annual Fire Walking (Theemithi) Festival at the Sri Mariamman Temple commence August 2015. The Navarathri Festival starts on 12-10-2015.

Fire WaLKing FeStivaL 2015 jPkpjp tpoh 2015 Sunday, 1-11-2015

Date / DayNjjp / ehs;

TimeNeuk;

Programmmeepfo;r;rp epuy;

16–08–2015, SundayAM Sri Periyachi Amman Poochorital / = nghpahr;rp mk;kd; g+r;nrhhpjy;PM Sri Periyachi Amman Poojai / = nghpahr;rp mk;kd; g+i[

17–08–2015, Monday PM Sri Drowpathi Amman Kodiyetram / = jpnusgjp mk;kd; nfhbNaw;wk;

2–10–2015, FridayAM Thabasu Maram Sthabanam / jgR kuk; ];jhgdk;

PM Arjunan Thabasu / mh;[_dd; jgR 3–10–2015, Saturday PM Keesaga Samhaaram / fPrf rk;`huk;

5–10–2015, Monday PM Sri Aravan Poojai / = muthd; g+i[

11–10–2015, Sunday PM Sri Aravan Kalapali / = muthd; fsg;gyp12–10–2015, Monday PM Sri Mariamman Padi Iranguthal / = khhpak;kd; gb ,wq;Fjy;16–10–2015, Friday

to 18–10–2015, Sunday

AM Paalkudam / ghy;Flk;Kumbiduthandam / Fk;gpLjz;lk;Angaprathachnam / mq;fg;gpujl;rzk;

21–10–2015, Wednesday PM Sri Saraswathi Poojai / = ru];tjp g+i[

22–10–2015, Thursday PM Sri Vijayadasami / = tp[ajrkpAmbu Eithal / mk;G va;jy;

24–10–2015, Saturday AM Commencement of Firewalking Viratham / jPkpjp tpujk; Jtf;fk;23–10–2015, Friday

to25–10–2015, Sunday

AM Paalkudam / ghy;Flk;Kumbiduthandam / Fk;gpLjz;lk;Angaprathachnam / mq;fg;gpujl;rzk;

26–10–2015, Mondayto

29–10–2015, ThursdayAM

Paalkudam / ghy;Flk; ,y;iyKumbiduthandam / Fk;gpLjz;lk;Angaprathachnam / mq;fg;gpujl;rzk;

30–10–2015, Friday PM Silver Chariot Procession - 1st Day / nts;sp ujk; CHtyk; - Kjy; ehs;30–10–2015, Friday

to31–10–2015, Saturday

AM Paalkudam / ghy;Flk;Kumbiduthandam / Fk;gpLjz;lk;Angaprathachnam / mq;fg;gpujl;rzk;

31–10–2015, Saturday PM Silver Chariot Procession - 2nd Day / nts;sp ujk; CHtyk; - ,uz;lhk;; ehs;

1–11–2015, Sunday

Midnight Paalkudam / ghy;Flk;

Midnight Chakravarthi Kottai / rf;utHj;jp Nfhl;il

AM Padukalam / gLfsk;

PM FIREWALKING CEREMONy / jPkpjp jpUtpoh

2–11–2015, Monday PM Silver Chariot Procession – 3rd Day / nts;sp ujk; CHtyk; - %d;whk; ehs;

3–11–2015, Tuesday AM Closure of Firepit / jPf;Fop %Ljy;

4–11–2015, Wednesday PM Sri Dharmaraja Pattabishegam / = jHkuh[h gl;lhgpN\fk;

5–11–2015, Thursday PM Manjal Neeraduthal / kQ;rs; ePuhLjy;

20 - HINDU NEWS

guru peyarCHi

guru peyarCHi: raSi prediCtionS

Guru Peyarchi was observed in Singapore on 6 July 2015. Guru Bhagawan moved from the astrological house of Kadagam to Simmam. Here is a brief

summary of the effects for the various astrological houses:

Mesham Guru Peyarchi will be in fifth house; hence, Jupiter brings happiness. The Guru Peyarchi 2015 is expected to bring professional or business based gains. If you are a working as a professional, there are chances of positive changes or if you do not change the job, you will stand the chance

of a promotion. Your friends and well-wishers will support you. You will find interest in religious tasks and your social circle will also increase.

Rishabam For Rishabam Rasi, Guru Peyarchi Palangal predicts that you will get chance to enjoy luxuries of life. You may buy a new vehicle or may shift to a new house. Happiness and peace in one’s family can be expected. You will come in contact with authoritative people

or influential personalities. If you are planning to bring some changes in job or business, your efforts will give you fruitful results.

MithunamGuru Peyarchi is occurring in third house of Mithunam Rasi; hence, this will increase the self-confidence in you. The Guru Peyarchi Palangal says that your social circle will also increase; you will also get respect by all. However, you will need to take care of your health.

Kadagam Guru Peyarchi in 2015 will be suitable for accumulating wealth. You will spend the accumulated wealth for your family. As per Rasi Palan 2015, there are chances of some

auspicious event in your family. Also, there are chances of arrival of a new-born in your family. Your fame will increase.

Simmam Guru’s Peyarchi is in the first house. Hence, you will become more alert and affirmative. There will be more happiness and peace in your family. Your earnings are likely to increase. Your relations with the people at higher authority will improve and you will get promotions in your job.

KanniGuru Peyarchi in 2015 is in twelfth house of Kanni Rasi, which is considered not so favourable. Hence, you may feel a bit insecure in 2015. Guru Peyarchi in 2015 suggests that you ignore involvement in any useless tasks and to choose the right path to move on. Do remember that God

is always there to help. Avoid any unnecessary journeys. Be patient in financial, social, and personal matters.

Thulaam Thulaam Rasi Palan 2015 predicts that Guru’s Peyarchi is in the eleventh house; hence, you will feel enthusiastic and will attempt for some new work, related to your career. Your friends, family and relatives will remain happy. Participation in competition will bring success. You may also plan for some religious work.

viruchigam Guru Peyarchi is in tenth house of Viruchigam Rasi in 2015; thus, it will bring purity in your work. You will also perform well in job and business. If you are planning to expand your business, the Guru Peyarchi will be helpful for you. You will get many chances to travel due to business or job. If you are a working professional, there are bright chances of promotions.

Dhanusu Guru Peyarchi is occurring in ninth house; hence, it will prove helpful in bringing good luck. You will feel enthusiastic and confident. You will get success in your work and will get respect by all. The environment at home will be peaceful and happy. Long distance journeys will bring gains to you.

HINDU NEWS - 21

PROJECT BHAKTI

Project Bhakti’s Semester 2 commences Sunday, 5 July 2015 from 9am to 11am. For 5 to 12 year olds, you may register on the spot at the following locations:

• Sri Siva-Krishna Temple (Marsiling)• Sri Sivan Temple (Geylang)• Sri Muneeswaran Temple (Queenstown)• Darma Muneeswaran Temple (Serangoon North)• Arulmigu Velmurugan Gnanamuneeswarar Temple

(Sengkang)• Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple (Little India)

For 13 to 16 year olds, please register for the Teens Class at the Hindu Endowments Board (397 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218123). Classes will be held from 10am to 12nn.

About our classes:• Conducted in English• Two semesters per year (January & July)• 12 classes per semester• Once a week on Sundays only• $30 per child per semester• Free transport available for most locations

(subject to availability and on a ‘first come first served’ basis)

Registration dates: 5, 12, 19 & 26 July, 2 & 16 August

Activities include: shlokas, bhajans, storytelling, games, quizzes, art ‘n’ craft

Basic Knowledge and Teachings of Hinduism

For more information, please call 6593 9205. Details can also be found on the HEB website www.heb.gov.sg Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/projectbhakti

guru peyarCHi

Makaram Guru is situated in eighth house of Makaram Rasi; hence, you may feel quite disturbed in this time. You may feel quite unhealthy. You may get money from some unexpected source but do not make any investment at this time.

Kumbam For Kumbam Rasi, Guru is in the seventh house; thus, your wishes will get accomplished this time. You work or business will also improve during the Guru Peyarchi in 2015. You stand a chance of a promotion. Family environment will also improve. This Guru Peyarchi will also bring

smoothness in life. If you are planning to get married, the Guru Peyarchi 2015 brings good news for you.

Meenam Guru is situated in the sixth house of Meenam Rasi in 2015. This indicates that if you work hard, success will be surely achieved. It is advised to stay away from any disputes. The Guru Peyarchi 2015 indicates favourable time for legal matters. However, try to be independent.

Project Bhakti students during the ‘Maatru Pooja’ learning about Hindu values in a fun and interactive way

22 - HINDU NEWS

HeB’S Sg50 event

HINDU NEWS - 23

Lord Hanuman is a devotee of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord vishnu. Lord Hanuman symbolises strength, intelligence and devotion to God. Colour the picture to give it a complete look.

Send in your entries, complete with details by 30 September 2015 to:

The Editor, Hindu NewsHindu Endowments Board

Singapore 218123

KIDS' zone

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24 - HINDU NEWS

The following word search contains many words relevant to the Hindu religion. Circle them all. (Hint: There are 16 words to be found.) C

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eKIDS' zoneThe following word search contains many words relevant to the Hindu religion. Circle them all. (Hint: There are 16 words to be found.)

W F T L A A S E E N M N S P I U K I W H H Y E A V I S H N U B N R S A X I M G X C V I V V R K K P M N H M B N A V V H P L O S L F A A H S X A K A V C M S N I R S A Y U A V G E M X H K A B Q J Y Y A N N D F V W O U S F A W Q S C M A K Q X A E M P N X A O T H S A I N L R K Y S R K W L D G C U R A I T J A X E Y P H Y A J U P S W N A Q R J Q Y Q O X B P X H J A E U A M R A H D X V U G R V M L F Q Y A I U M A M J R A U T H A N U M A N G B V G Z M M Y Category 2 (Age group: 9 – 12 years) Name: Age: Contact number: Address: Send in your entries, complete with details by 30 September 2015 to: The Editor, Hindu News Hindu Endowments Board Singapore 218123 Here are the winners of the Kids Zone activities from Hindu News Issue 02-2015: Category 1 prize winners: