[In Marathi] Kurma Purana - A Concise Guide

The Puranas work as guiding inspiration in Hindu life. The stories of Puranas reflect the composite human nature of all times. The lessons of the Puranas are captivating, entertaining and widely followed by the Hindus, so much that it can undisputedly be said that the Puranas are the beacons of Indian ethos. Today, when the old values seem outdated, the stories of the Puranas bring forth the lessons as much the graceful as were in old times. There are 18 Puranas, which tell the tales of vice and virtue, good and evil, religion and irreligion and so on. These are relevant even today. Koorma Purana is one of them. Its text is presented in form of a tortoise's expression of stories and morals out of them. The word 'Tortoise' means 'Koorma' in Sanskrit. According to Hindu scriptures, the Koorma was the metamorphosed form of Lord Vishnu, in his second incarnation. The morals derived from the stories spoken by the Koorma, were actually emanating from metamorphosed Lord Vishnu. The Koorma discusses the Shaiva and Shaakta theories.

Visnuism has given rise to two very important schools of ritual and philosophy, namely Vaikhanasa and Pancaratra. Isvarasamhita is an important text of the Pancaratra school of Visnuism. Whereas Vaikhanasa is relatively archaic in character and leans more upon the Vedic tradition for its repertoire of Mantras used in religious rites and ceremonies, the Pancaratra is more liberal and open in its approach. It has a text tradition going back to some two thousand years- which has also been the main source of the Visistadvaita philosophy of Ramanuja (11th 12th c.). In most of the Vaisnava temples in South India, especially in Tamilnadu, worship is conducted in accordance with the prescription of one of the important Pancaratra Samhitas. Isvarasamhita is an important text of the Pancaratra School and is followed meticulously for conduction of daily Puja ceremony and performances of various religious festivals in the Narayanasvami temple of Melkote. It can safely be dated to 8th-9th Century at least on the basis of its reference in the Agama Pramanya of Shri Yamunacarya. It is supposed to be a simpler and smaller version of the older sattvatasamhita of this school which is the earliest available work of Pancaratra and is considered as one of three ratnas, (Jewels), along with Pauskara- and Jaya Samhitas. In 25 long Adhyayas the Isvarasamhita describes in great details the rites, rituals and ceremonies taking place ( or ought to take place) in a Vaisnava temple. Palm leaf Manuscripts of the Isvarasamhita were procured mainly from the Narayanasvami temple of Melkote for the sake of authenticity. We have also appended to the text the gloss of Alasimha Bhatta (early 19th C.) which shall be helpful in comprehending certain difficult or sectarian expressions. The English translation on the opposite (right) page has been provided for the facility of the modern scholars working on philosophy, Ritual and Iconography of Visnuism. A proper understanding of ritual is obviously indispensable for the study of Art.

Hinduism is neither an organized religion nor a proselytising one. It is often described as a way of life, which gently nudges its followers—through its scriptures, mythologies, rituals and practices—to question deeply, live fully and grow wholesomely in compassion and universal acceptance. Hinduism believes whatever inspires one to stay truly unselfish, be it a vocation, an ideology or a faith, can lead one towards greater self-realization and ultimate freedom. Living Hinduism by Samarpan encapsulates this essence of Hinduism in a language that can be understood and appreciated by all, especially the younger generation, who need to know and understand what it means to be a Hindu, in an age of strident opinions and changing values.

Written Sometime During 880-920 Ad By Rajasekhara: An Eminent Poet, This First English Translation Of Kavyamimamsa Is A Kind Of Practical Treatise For Poets: Kavisiksa Manual Highlighting, All Possible Attributes That Go Into The Making Of A Good Poet And A Good Poetic Composition.

Hatha Yoga Pradipika is among the most influential surviving texts on hatha yoga. The text describes asanas, purifying practices, shatkarma, mudras, finger and hand positions, bandhas, locks, and pranayama, breath exercises. The book explains the purpose of Hatha Yoga, the awakening of subtle energy kundalini, advancement to Raja Yoga, and the experience of deep meditative absorption known as samadhi.