Tirupati a richest Hindu temple in world, takes Gold To the Bank

By PHP Staff
Monday, February 21, 2011

(Photo : A panoramic view of Tirupati Temple on the Tirumala hills in India)

TIRUPATI, INDIA : India's richest Hindu temple on Friday deposited 2,590 lbs. gold with the State Bank of India (SBI) to convert the 'dead assets' into income earning sources.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple's affairs, had last year deposited 2.370 lb of gold with the SBI. TTD officials said the move would not only convert the 'idle gold' into a perennial source of income but would also provide security to its assets. A bank official said TTD was the highest depositor of gold among religious institutions in the country.

SBI along with HDFC and Punjab National Bank also inaugurated secured payment gateway facility by integrating with TTD online for accepting e-Hundi donations, which became operational from Friday. With this facility the donors can now use their debit, credit, Visa or Master cards to make donations.

Following objections from various quarters, the TTD Specified Authority has given up its proposal of handing over the monuments of temple of Lord Venkateshwara and other temples to the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) for structural maintenance. 'We are giving the proposal a review and also pursuing other alternative solution to see that the temples, which are the identity of our rich heritage and culture, were protected forever for benefit of future generations,' said TTD Chairman J. Satyanarayana.

NOTE : Well for one, the Tirupati Temple has overtaken the Vatican, not just as the richest devotional place in the world but also the most visited place of worship. With more than 50,000 daily visitors and an average of 19 million visitors a year, it attracts almost double the estimated number of people visiting Vatican City.

Jaffna 15th-Century Hindu Temple Unearthed In Sri Lanka

By PHP Staff
Monday, January 31, 2011

(Photo : Jaffna-City-Map in Sri Lanka)

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA : Archaeologists of Jaffna University, led by Prof. Pushparatnam, have discovered the ruins of a 15th-century Hindu temple buried in the sand in the middle of a thick jungle in Pooneryn in North Sri Lanka, which could unravel a part of Sri Lankan history in which the Pooneryn area of the Wanni was on the high road linking Jaffna with South Lanka.

'The temple, 130 ft by 30 ft, is located in Kaudaari Munai, on a narrow stretch of land almost fully surrounded by the sea. Most locals do not venture into this area because the place is snake- infested. However, they knew that there was a temple buried in the sand and informed us,' said Pushparatnam. The Jaffna team found to their astonishment, the remains of a garbhagraham, vimanam, karnakoodu, maadam and a place for the parivaara deivangal.

Asked how ancient the temple might be, the historian said that dating it scientifically would take time because no inscriptions had been found yet. 'However, we are checking out if this was the temple which finds mention in the 15th Century Sinhalese Buddhist historical-poetic work Kokila Sandesaya,' he said. Sapumal Kumaraya was the adopted son of the Sinhalese king of Kotte in the South. He had conducted an expedition to Jaffna to seize it from the Tamil King Kanakasuriya Singaiya Rayan of the Arya Chakravarti dynasty around 1450.

Christian Church transformed into Ganapathy Hindu temple in Scotland, United Kingdom

Monday, January 10, 2011

UK : Former Wardlawhill Church in Rutherglen (Scotland, United Kingdom) is reportedly Sri Sundara Ganapathy Temple now.

Before the Temple organizers purchased it, Wardlawhill Church was affiliated to Church of Scotland, majority church in Scotland, whose aim is "to worship God by following the teachings of Jesus Christ". It was then renovated and refurbished into a Hindu temple.

According to reports, on the opening day, following the Milk Abhishegam ritual for Lord Ganapathy, the deity was carried in a decorated palanquin on shoulders of several young men in a procession from the City Centre to the Temple hall through the Main Street with police escort, which included chanting and music. A Hindu priest from London conducted the opening ceremony, which included various ancient rituals, prayers, bhajans to the accompaniment of drums and manjeeras, lamps lighting, etc. An auction of sarees was held for temple development fund.

Besides two area councilors, Consulate General of India, and others; Ian Duncan of the Church of Scotland and his wife Jean, who were married in the Church (which has been converted to the temple now), also attended the inaugural ceremony. Besides Hindus, many non-Hindus have also visited the temple.
Meanwhile, well known Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauded efforts of temple-project leaders and Glasgow area community to realize this wonderful Hindu temple and cultural center.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this new temple complex would focus in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.

Ganapathy Temple; whose aim is to "promote the ideals of Hinduism" and which is part of the South Indian Cultural Centre; reportedly plans to serve the religious, spiritual, cultural and social needs of the community. Besides prayers, sermons, lectures by spiritual leaders, naming ceremonies, mundan, weddings, festivals, car poojas, etc.; it also plans to host Indian language-art-dance-music-yoga-spirituality instruction, marriage counseling and matrimonial services, community gatherings, elderly socialization, etc. It is a member of Scottish Interfaith Council and Dr. N. V. Doraiswamy is the President, reports suggest.

Rutherglen in South Lanarkshire, which means "the red valley" in Gaelic, received the status of Royal Burgh in 1126. Notable people associated with Rutherglen include novelist Alistair MacLean (The Guns of Navarone), comic actor Stan Laurel (Laurel and Hardy), comedian/actor Robbie Coltrane (Harry Potter films), Australian cricketer Archie Jackson, etc.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents. In Hinduism, Lord Ganapathy (Ganesh) is worshipped as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles and invoked before the beginning of any major undertaking.

Pictures of Opening Ceremony of Hindu Temple in Karachi, Pakistan

By Mohammad S. Solanki (Managing Editor)
Sunday, November 28, 2010

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Sanjesh Kumar (Karachi)
Date: 2010/11/15
Subject: Fwd: Opening Ceremony Temple in KARACHI (PAKISTAN)
To: Pakistan Hindu Post (PHP)

A very successful Opening Ceremony pics of "Ramapir Temple" on 13th November 2010 at

 Driag Road Cantt Bazar Karachi.

PAKISTAN

You can also watch SRSSM Team

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPGhXGtKlk8

Visit our Website 

www.srssm.blogspot.com

Regards,

Sanjesh Sunny

Coordinator

SRSSM Team

+92(0)3422775575

Malaysia's oldest Hindu temple portrayed on stamp for the first time

By Editorial Staff
Tuesday, Augest 31, 2010

Malaysia's oldest Hindu temple - the Sri Maha Mari-amman temple-has been given the honour of being the first ever to be portrayed on a postage stamp.

According to The Star, Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) president S. Samy Vellu launched the stamp on Sunday to commemorate the temple's sixth consecration ceremony to be held today.

The ceremony is held once every 12 years.

The ceremony was to celebrate the completion of the temple's upgrading work every 12 years and to re-energise the power of the temple, said its information officer B. Vivekananda.

Founded in 1873, the temple, which was originally located near the Kuala Lumpur railway station was moved to the current place in Jalan Tun H.S. Lee in 1885. It is credited with having 242 idols on its gopuram (gateway). (ANI)

Pakistani Hindus and Sikhs condemn demolition of Hindu temple in Rawalpindi

By Editorial Staff
Tuesday, Augest 31, 2010

(Photo : Old Hindu Temple in Rawalpindi )

Rawalpindi  : Pakistan's Hindu and Sikh communities have condemned the demolition of
a pre-partition 87-year-old Hindu temple by its owner in Rawalpindi's
Bhabra Bazaar.

The temple on Tipu Road, opposite the Rawalpindi Medical College, was
being used by Hindus and Sikhs in the city to perform last rituals of
their dear ones.

According to the plaque fixed on the building, Lala Tansukh Rai, the
Raees-e-Azam Rawalpindi, had constructed the temple in memory of his
wife in 1923.

The Pakistan Hindu Sikh Social Welfare Council said that the Auqaf
Department, an autonomous body of the Provincial Government, was bound
to save the temple, and it is their duty to protect the buildings
related to the minorities, The News reports.

They have also appealed to the government to direct the Auqaf
Department to take action against demolition of temples in future.

--ANI

Hindu Temple Honored On Postage Stamp, a First in Malaysia

Source: www.malaysianmirror.com
Wednesday, 25 Augest, 2010

(PHOTO : Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Malaysia)

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA : The Sri Maha Mariamman temple, the oldest functioning Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, has been given the honor of being the first ever temple portrayed on a postage stamp.

The stamp was launched Saturday by MIC president Datuk Seri S.Samy Vellu to commemorate the temple’s sixth consecration ceremony to be held tomorrow. The ceremony is held once every 12 years. The temple’s information officer B.Vivekananda said, “The funds for upgrading the temple is collected through donations from the public and from the savings account of the temple itself.”

Founded in 1873, the temple which was originally located near the Kuala Lumpur railway station was shifted to the current place in Jalan Tun H.S. Lee in 1885.

Hindu Temple Becomes First Solar-Powered Religious Edifice In Malaysia

Source: story.malaysiasun.com
Wednesday, 25 Augest, 2010

MALAYSIA : The Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Sungai Salak in Lukut, Negri Sembilan, has become the first solar-powered religious edifice in Malaysia. The 100-year-old temple, located 2.5 miles from the main road, could not carry out its prayer sessions effectively due to electricity supply problems.

The temple committee sought the help of Yayasan MyNadi, a non-governmental organisation that advises Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Indian affairs, to rectify the problem.

In India, several ashrams and temples are moving toward renewable energy to set an example of sustainable living.

Pakistan President orders probe into murder of Christian brothers, Hindu temple demolition

By Gopinath Kumar (Executive Editor)
Friday, July 30, 2010

(Photo : Pakistan President Mr.Asif Ali Zardari)

Islamabad : Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has directed the concerned authorities to probe the murder of two Christian brothers in Faisalabad and also look into the controversy over the demolition of an ancient Hindu temple in Rawalpindi.

Condemning both the incidents in which minorities were especially targeted, Zardari said the whole episode has brought a bad name to the country.

“Life of every person was sacred and no-one could be allowed to take law into his own hands,” The Dawn quoted Zardari, as saying.

He offered his condolence to the families of Pastor Rashid Emmanuel and Sajjid Emmanuel, both of whom were shot dead outside a court in Faislabad earlier this week, and asked the provincial government to pay a suitable compensation to the bereaved family.

Taking note of media reports about a historic Hindu temple being demolished in Rawalpindi, Zardari directed Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti to investigate the issue and report the actual facts.

Earlier this week, hundreds of Hindus took to the streets against the occupant of the ancient temple who had pulled down half of the temple structure for commercial purposes.

Demolition of Hindu temple triggers protest in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

By Mohammad S.Solanki (Managing Editor)
Friday, July 30, 2010

(Photo : Pakistani Hindus during Festival 2010-2-28)

Islamabad : The demolition of part of an 87-year-old temple triggered protests by the minority Hindu community in the Pakistani garrison city of Rawalpindi before authorities said they would prevent the rest of the shrine from being pulled down.

Hundreds of Hindus were joined by Muslim residents when they took to the streets to protest the demolition of a large section of the temple by a man who had leased the structure from the Auqaf Department, an autonomous body of the Provincial Government.

The temple on Tipu Road, opposite the Rawalpindi Medical College, is located near a 'shamshan ghat' or cremation ground.

It was built in 1923 by Lala Tansukh Rai, the Raees-e-Azam of Rawalpindi, in memory of his wife.

Muslim residents of the area joined Hindu and Sikh protesters to express solidarity with them and blocked the road for an hour.

Following an assurance from police that the demolition would be stopped, the protesters dispersed.

Channa Lal, the chief Hindu priest for Rawalpindi and Islamabad, said that religious rites were performed at the temple before bodies were cremated at the shamshan ghat.

Hindu Sabha president Jag Mohan said local residents noticed some labourers demolishing the structure and digging up its foundations yesterday morning.

Jag Mohan said he and some other people went to the site and asked the labourers to stop the work and produce orders authorising them to demolish the temple.

The staff of the Auqaf Department too said the labourers were not allowed to demolish the building, he added. Before partition in 1947, the 'shamshan ghat' was spread over 277 kanals of land.

When a majority of Hindus migrated from Rawalpindi, the families that stayed behind handed over surplus land to the government for educational purposes during President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's tenure.

The total area of the shamshan ghat and the temple complex now was over two kanals, Jag Mohan said.

The Auqaf Department rented out the building to a welfare society despite protests by the Hindu community, he said.

The welfare society failed to pay rent to the Auqaf Department in 2000, following which the latter got the building vacated.

The Auqaf Department then leased the building to Raja Abdul Wahid, who further leased it to a private media group in 2005.

Following protests by Hindus, the Auqaf Department set up a committee that declared the building was not a temple, Jag Mohan said.

"It is unfair that we have been performing religious rituals in the building for the many years but the Auqaf Department gave it to a private company for commercial purposes," Jag Mohan added.

Over 100 Hindu families living in Rawalpindi and foreigners, including some diplomats, used the shamshan ghat for rituals, Jag Mohan said.

Ibadur Rehman Lodhi, a lawyer, told the Dawn newspaper that the Auqaf Department could not lease out places of worship where religious rituals are performed.

He said the authorities can only lease property adjacent to religious shrines or properties that were

abandoned for many years.

Commissioner Zahid Saeed said Hindu members of the Auqaf Department had verified that the building was not a temple.

Saeed said he had directed the district administration chief to verify whether the building was a temple.

Members of the Hindu community said there were several temples along Tipu Road and Nullah Leh in Rawalpindi.

Some of them were demolished before partition while many were razed after the Babri Masjid in India was demolished in 1992.

Most of the temples are under the control of the Auqaf Department, which has rented them out.

There are several temples in the Raja Bazar area which are now being used as residential apartments.

The Hindu community has demanded that the President, Prime Minister and Chief Justice of Pakistan should take steps to protect the temple and shamshan ghats.

HINDU UNITY DAY ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 8TH FROM 04:00 TO 07:30 PM AT HINDU TEMPLE

By Narain Kataria (New York)
Friday, July 30, 2010

HINDU UNITY DAY ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 8TH FROM 04:00 TO 07:30 PM AT HINDU TEMPLE AUDITORIUM IN NEW YORK

   DEAR HINDU, SIKH, BUDDHIST AND JAIN BROTHERS AND SISTERS:

ENCLOSED HEREWITH PLEASE FIND THE INFORMATION REGARDING THE SIXTEENTH HINDU UNITY DAY (HINDU SANGATHAN DIVAS) TO BE CELEBRATED BY HINDU TEMPLE SOCIETY OF NORTH AMERICA, IN COOPERATION WITH INDIAN AMERICAN INTELLECTUALS FORUM AND SEVERAL OTHER HINDU ORGANIZATIONS ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 8TH FROM 04:00 TO 07:30 PM AT HINDU TEMPLE AUDITORIUM, 143-09 HOLLY AVENUE, FLUSHING, NY 11355.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY REQUESTED TO JOIN US WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.  REGARDS.

Narain Kataria
(718) 478-5735

Pictures of The Hindu Temple on the Island of Manora, Karachi

By Rajesh Kumar (PHP Islamabad)
Saturday, July 17, 2010

These are images of a Hindu place of worship called Sri Varun Dev Temple at Manora in Karachi, Pakistan. 15/07/2010.

To see more photos please visit belwo link -
http://www.demotix.com/news/389521/hindu-temple-island-manora-karachi