Dr.HAMPA NAGARAJAIAH- Jaina scholar from Karnataka

Scholor from rural background

Dr. Hampa Nagarajaiah,Emiritis professor,is an internationally famed schlor in jainology.Now in his seventy-three(born on 7-10-1936).He has written more than 71 books(more than his own age)Out of these 11 books are in English and the rest are in kannada, his state language.He is popularly known as 'Hampana' in his home state-Karnataka.
Dr. Hampa.Nagarajaiah, lives in Bangalore for the laot 40 years.But he is of village origin.He was born and bred at a village called 'Hampasandra' about 200 k.ms away from Bangalore.Even now he has maintained a strong touch with his village.
CARREER AND ACHIEVEMENTS Dr, Hampa. Nagarajaiah took his early education in his native village, neibhouring towns, and then in Mysore, at the famous Maharaja's college. He finished his post-graduation in kannada litereture in 1959 and soon got appointment as lecturer in kannada. He served in vaious capacities like professor, dean of arts faculty etc, andwas retired in 1996.He is loved by his students even todayand that is his best asset, as he conciders it.
Along with teaching, he took to the habit of authorship, and he hit bounderies and sixers from the very beginning.He was the pioneer writer to write big books in kannada on linguistics and Dravidian linguistics.(at the age of 30).He wrote two novels, literery criticism, essays, books on jainology, so on and so many.
Dr. Hampa. Nagrajaiah, has delivered guest lectures at various universities both in and outside India.He has toure United States and Europe many times as an invited scholor.
His main field of work is -epigraphy , history, textual editing(of old litereture) and temple architecture. All these are mainly related to Jainology.
AWARDS Dr. Hampana has virtually bagged almost all awards meant for scholors in karnataka. Forign schlors have expressed very good opinion on his books in English.
Some of his English books are-
1Later Gangas- Mandali Thousand.
2 History of Rashtrakutas of Malkhed and Jainism
3 Opulant Chandragiri
4 Bahubali-story and Sculpture
5 Manasthamha-Piller of jaina image
6 Jina Parsva temples in karnataka
7 Indra in Jaina iconography, etc

8 Shruthadevi-The Jaina concept
FAMILY Dr.Hampa. Nagarajaiah is very fortunate on his family side also. He married his six year classmate Kamala in 1961, much against to the will of his parents and religious customs, as she belonged to a lower caste.But, by her schlorship and soft behaviour, she won the love and respect by all family members in her husband's family and commands a greater love even now.HErself being an eminent writer and orater, she has served in the teaching post for 38 years. This couple have 3 children all well settled in life, eldest son being an eminent architect in Bangalore. Prof .Hampana could be conatcterd at- hampana@yahoo,com
also see:
http://hubpages.com/_o85hhbz9dfvv/hub/_Dr_Kamala_Hampana-Eminent__lady_writer_fron_Karnataka

Details of photoes:

clockwise from left- Dr.Hampa. Nagarajaih, and his wife, on their wedding day-45 years ago.

The literetteur couple now- in the ripen age.

The renowned professer

The Fascinating Delhi

The Fascinating Delhi-Delhi is one of the glorious cities in the world.She is attractive, charming and Historious!
Delhi is the capital city of India, spread on e ither sides of river Jamuna or Yamuna. The city is popularly divided into two parts-old Delhi and New Delhi. While old Delhi has many historical remains ike Red Fort,etc, New Delhi has many important and wonderful constructions like-the parliment house, Rashtrapathi Bhavan, supreme court, Humayun's tomb,Feroz-Shah Kotla, etc.
AreaTotal land area od DElhi is about 1500 sq.k.ms.It is situated in the latitude of 28.36 north and 77.13 east.
CLIMATE:Climate of Delhi is best for visitors in October. European visitors find it leasent even in winter season i.e. Nov. to Feb end. From March to May end, it is summer and all may feel it sweating.

Visiting spots:Spots to be visited by tourists in Delhi are the following:
Red-fort, Qutub Minar, Shanthi-sthal, Raj-Ghat,and tombs of other deceased prime-ministers in the neighbouring area, Teen-Murti Bhavan, parliment house, National museum, Lotus temple or Bahai Temple, Akshara-dham temple, Corol-Bagh shopping area, Toy-museum, Jantar-mantar,Rashtrapathi Bhavan, etc.
Red Fort

It is built alongside rever Yamuna(Jamuna)The fort wall is about 2.4 K.Ms in circumference.Built in red sandstone, it is one of the finest forts in India. It was built by Mughal emperer Shahajahan(who built Taj Mahal) in 17th century.
The fort has a public meeting bhall, palaces, Masjid,etc. By evening 6,0clock there will be sound and light show in which the history of Delhi, and India will be attractively narrated by using clourful lightsand recorded narration.
Infront of this is Famous marketstreet called 'Chandini Chowk' or 'Silver Street'.
Qutub MinarIt is one of the most wonderful archeological structures in India.It is a 92.5 metre high stone piller, conical in shape . Its construction was started in 1193, but took many years to complete.For its construction, many neibhouring Hindu and Jain temples were destroyed.Qutub-ud-din started its construction.It's tip has a daimetre of 14.4 metres.It has steps to climb up. But now a days nobody is allowed to go up,for security reasons.
Near this ,is the famous iron piller of 4th century, still not caught rust.
Parliment HouseIndian parliment house is a magnificient, elegent piece of modern architecture.Designed by British architect -Leutyens.Construction was completed in 1926.It is in new-Delhi area. Special permission is required to enter inside.It is a circular building.Has three halls inside. It has a central dome. Circumference of the building is about one kilometer.
India Gate and Rashtrapathi BhavanThese are the constructions erected near the parliment house . The whole area is a wide open ground called Boat Club.
India gate is a memorial dedicated to the martyers of world war -ii.It is a four pillered arch with a ever-litting flame inside it. This is also designed by Lutyens.It is 42mts(137 ft) high.The boat club lawn is a very popular time spending place for Delhi local people.On January 26, Republic day parade passes through the Road (called -Rajpath) in this boat club.
Rashtrapathi Bhavan or 'President's house' is the official residence and office of the president of India.It has the total area of 330 acres( about 500 hectares), perhaps largest royal house in the world. It has 340 rooms, apart from celebration halls, etc It has beautiful Mughal style gardens around it. In certain months, specially in january, these gardens are open for public. But to visit the buildig, special permission is necessery.This was designed and built by british Viceroys for thier residence. After independence, it became president's house..
Aksharadham Temple
It is newly built exquisite Hindu temple. It is on the banks of river Yamuna, near Nizamuddin bridge.It took day and night work for five years. It is a blend of traditional and modern Indian art and architecture.It is built in the area of about 100 acres,i.e.40 hectares.It is built at the

expense of Rs.200 crores.You will enter the temple through peacock enterence.Main temple is 141ft. high,136 ft wide and 370 feet high.Exquisite design work in the temple keeps you spell bound.This is built by the deciples of Swami Narayan who was a famous saint of recent days. It has 234 pillers with ashtonishing carving.But the circumambulatory path of the temple has 1160 pillers.
This temple has an enterence fee of Rs.125 per head.For senior citizens and children it is only Rs.75/-.

Indian jewels-Beautiful and artistic

India- home of artistic jewelleries.

MEN AND WOMEN throughout ages,have thrived to decorate themselves in so many ways.As a result of this,jewelleries were vreated.India has been one of the countries topped in creation of jewelleries in topmost fashions.This country did countless experiments in developing various types of jewels.This article tries to a glimpse of some jewels used by Indians even now.
Necklaces

The above photograph shows a necklace.In the hollow of the necklace are seen two ornaments used to wear in the ears.At the bottom are finger rings.The design of all these matches one another. So they make a set. Riches prefer to order for jewels in such sets.
Some more such sets are shown here

RINGS -different typesRings are of different types-ear rings, nose rings, toe rings,finger rings, etc.Nose rings give extra look tothe face. It has become further famous now because Sania Mirza, famous tennis star, wears it.Nos rings are also of various types.
Ear ringsEar rings are easy to maintain.They usually do not have any precious stones embedded.Formerly only unmarried girls used to wear them. But now even married ladies wear them as they are more convenient to maintain.Some types of ear rings have dropping chains of 2-3 cmslength.
Finger ringsThese are most widely used rings. They are worn both by men and women.Except thumb and small finger, they are worn on all fingers.These rings are of thousands of different varieties- with and without precious stones embedded in them.Precious stonesThe different types of precious stones used in jewellery are-pearls, red corals, emerald, ruby, diamond,r4ed stones, blue stones, etc.Artificial pearls and American diamonds are also used by not so rich customers.In case of nose rings, diamond is most preferred stone
America-great customer for diamondsIn India, Surat, a prominent city in Gujarat state is famous for cutting diamonds technically and give them good shape. Interestingly, U.S.A. purchases most of the diamonds produced in India
India- How much gold?It is interesting to note that India uses about 800 tonnes of gold every year.Large oart of it imported!Who says India is a poor country?
EtymologyFor the origin and evolution of the word jewel/jewels, you may please refer the following source: .www.websters-online-dictionary.org/je/jewels.html
Mr. K. Vasudevachar, leading jeweller at Shimoga-a city in karnataka, south India, is much experienced in producing various jewels showh here.His firm bears the name-'Harnahalli K.Manjappa &Sons'.The author is much indebted to him for providing some of the pictures shown here.

Beautiful Indian Ladies-Cultural outlook

Beauty- A divine asset.Really, beauty is a god given gift. It is heart-chasing, lovely, natural and artistic. One who sees beauty with a decent attitude, enjoys it and spreads the message of 'Eternal beauty' to the world.
Keats exclaimed in his famous ode-'TRUTH IS BEAUTY AND BEAUTY IS TRUTH.tHAT'S ALL YE KNOW, AND YE NEEDS TO KNOW'
INDIAN WOMENiT IS TRUE that modern posh life and western style of living has made Indian women to sheddown their traditional outlook to some extent. Their dressing system has changed.They moveout more than earliier days, etc. Some modern girls have drinking and smoking habits also.But the percentage of such women is still very very less.-not even 1% of the total women percentage in india.Majority of our ladies are still god-fearing ,kind hearted, and like to have sex with their life partner only.Family life is still a major concern for Indian women.By these characteristics, their beauty has increased,as it brings a cultural look.
Facial features
Majority of indian ladies have one of the following type of facial shape1 Round face2 Triangular face3 Square shape. The last one is seen in less number of cases when compared to other two. The most attractive part in a person is his/her nose.The beautiful Indian women have finely shaped nose,either triangular, or small.The smooth tip makes it appear nicer.The eyes will be largely black, conciderable percentage of brown eyes are also seen. But blue eyes are very very rare in indian women.
The DressSaree is most suited dress for traditional Indian women. But churidar is also equally respected and preferred outfit.Skirts are not usually worn by majority of married indian women, though it is not a bar.
Jeans and ShirtsYes, that too is seen on Indian ladies now a days. But it is niot yet a village level dress. it is used , to a large extent, by educated ladies, or college students, living in cities and big towns.
Wearing a loose top-like jubba(shirt) is now on the way of getting accepted as a honourable outfit.In Big cities and metropolis, grown up ladies also wear jeans and tight shirts, which gives a sexy look. it can not be denied now that younger generation if indian women, to some extent, are developing a leaning towords sexy dresses. on the influence of western trends.
Beauty and dressIt is a known fact that dress , properly worn, enhances the beauty of a [person. So, Indian ladies have taken care of dressing in their own way, for a long time. In olden timen times, even in Ashrams of saints, it is said that ladies used to decorate themselves, with flowers.Eventoday, flower wearing is perhaps a unique love for Indian ladies.Saree- is the unique outfit of indian ladies, since thousands of years.
Beauty in goddessesIndian culture has seen its gods and goddesses also as beautiful indivisuals. Lakshmi (goddess of wealth), Saraswathi( goddess of knowledge and learning), Parvathi( wife of Lord Shiva), are all beautiful. Prayer verses praising there beauty are being sung from thousands of years. It is said, there beauty is the symbol of their bounty.
Sathyam, Shivam, SundaramIndian culture has considered beauty as the expression of Godliness. ‘That is beautiful, which is favorable to all’-so says a Samskrit hymn.The actual meaning of the word ‘Shivam’ is-favorable.So the beauty is that- which does good to all. Otherwise, even though the features, color, etc are good, but person has bad intentions, it is not beauty.

Nude Saints in Jains

Jain saintsAmong Jains , there are two main sects- Shwethambara and Digambara. Shwethabars worship idols in pre-sainthood form whuile digambars worship god in the sainthood form.Nude saints are found in digambar jains community only.
symbol of great sacrificeSainthood itself, according to principles, is a symbol of sacrifice.Jaina saints follow strict principles.In digambar community, saints are of three catagories.
1. KSHULLAKA2.AILLAKA, and3. NIRGRANTHA
Kshullakas ware a safforn dhothi and asafforn colth is put across their bust.Aillaks ware only a piece in the waist just cover their penis, and nirgranthas are fully nude. This is always followed irrespective of seasonal changes.Female saints(nunns) are allowed only for the first stage and they are called Aryikas. Other two stages are not allowed for them.
Principles they followPrinciples followed by jaina nude saints are the following.
1 They wont take bath or brush their their teeth.They just wash their hands and feet and face after going for excretion. They just rub their teeth with finger after eating food. But they are not permitted to use brush and bathe , as we do. The reason is that, by that action, microbes and other small organisms on our body may die. And , a nirgrantha is to see that no creature dies by his behaviour.
2They take food only once a day.That too is a strict practice. They can not use dishes or dining table . They stand , stretch out their palms, and somebody put food into their open palms. That they test by perusing cleanly and, after confirming that no germ, nor any other dust is there in it, they eat it. If any such thing is found, they leave it there itself, and no food will be taken by them till next day.
3 If they hear any cry- of an animal, or a person in distress etc, while taking food , they give up their food then itself.
4.The food they take is simple and tasteless. They take rice, chapathis made of wheat, some curry( without salt), cocconut water.The food is just to get minimum sterngth required to maintain life activities.
5 They often take 'hunger vow'-i.e., no food for the day. Sometimes, this hunger vow continues for even eight days.The great nude saint of twentieth century, Acharya Shantisagarji maharaj, had a total period of twenty-six years of hunger in his life span of seventy years.
6 They should not use vehicles for movement.They have to walk by walking only.And they walk faster than us!As they are not supposed to use vehicles, they cannot be seen in foreign countries .They are seen only in India.
7 They do not use beds, sleeping bags, or bedsheets and rugs. They sleep on wooden planks or wooden cot, just with a mat on it.In sleep also they do not change their side,with the idea that some germ moving there might be get killed.
8 They do not speak at night.
9 They are not expected to involve themselves in any worldly matters.
10 Needless to say- they keep away from sex, not only phisically, but also mentally.
11 They keep only thse things with them -a pincha( a bundle of naturally fallen peacock feathers to brush away the dust while sitting), a kamandala( a wooden vessel to clean themselves after going for excretion) , shastras(religious books) and spects, if he is a person waring them.They do not keep money or any valuble things.
12 They are not supposed to get angry- even to one who blames them.
13 They dont even drink water after their regular food, i.e. once a day.
14 They remove their hairs on their face and head only with their hands/ They wont use tools for that.
Laughing at nude saints is easy. But how many of us can follow these things?

THE GLORY OF GOLD!

AVAILABILITY
Gold is available in all contintents in the world, except, Antarctica .But in many places it is available in small quantities, and hence , excavation is not profitable. So, it is unearthed in some parts of the world only. Perhaps, Africa produces largest amount of gold in the world. Its share in gold production is, 72%.
It is estimated that, it is possible to unearth about 38000 tonnes of gold yet, in the world, as per calaculations made on the basis of available quantum of gold en ore.So far, since the begining , about 1,47,000 tonnes of gold has been excavated in the world.Out of this, more than 60% has been dug out in the past 60 years(Since 1950) The remaining AVAILABLE QUANTITY OF GLOD COULD BE EXTRACTED IN THE NEXT 15 YEARS..But, unlike other matals, gold will be always available. That means, it withstands the test of time without getting rust or any such thing. In this sense, gold is an 'immortal ' metal.other metals can hardly be brought to market, after the first use. But, gold bears thet chat character. That means, it has 're-sale value' better than any other metal or material. That makes gold more attractive, apart from its luxurious appearence.
production and saleAs per available information, annual production of gold in the world is 2500 tonnes per year.Taking 're used' gold into account, the total availability of gold comes to 3500 tonnes pr year.
TOP 10s

South Africa, Turkey, are the countries occupying first two places in gold production.The total production of gold by top 10 gold producing countries is 1861 tonnes..But top 10 purchasers of gold require 2300 tonnes of gold for their use!!

USE OF GOLD

67% OF GOLD IS USED FOR ORNAMENTS.22 % IS USED FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES. 7% is used ion electronic industries and 2%in dentistry.
The annual demand for gold is 3500 tonnes. out of this, 500 tonnes is used for investment.
THE 'GOLDY ' INDIA
iNDIA IS PERHAPS OCCUPYING THE FIRST PLACE INPURCHASING GOLD.While its gold production is just 0.3% , its annual consumtion is 650 tonnes.Indians own 10% of gold available in the world.According to a report, Indians own about 15,000 tonnes of gold.
The 'World gold organisation' in its report, has stated that the demand for gold for ornamental purposes increased only by 3% in 5 years, i.e. between2003 and 2008., while, demand for investment purposes has raised by 23%.this shows that gold is concidered as ' a store of value'
Jewellery is an art, nourished by many countries like Greek, United Kingdom, India etc.Indian jewelley has a different type of aesthetic sense, which could be read in another hub 'Indian jewellery-a blend of beauty and aesthetics' by this same hubber

LOVE AND SEX IN iNDIAN SCULPTURES

LOVE AND SEX IN INDIAN SCULPTURES
Indian sculpture
I could not publish anything on these pages for a long time. But I had this topic in mind since long.
Indian sculpture is done in many ways.It is done on stones of different qualities with enviable craftsmanship.Hard stones, marbles, red stones, sand stones, etc, have been used scrupulously by master Indian sculpteres to artistically carve out what they want.
One such theme beautifully visualised is-romance and sex.
are proud of it. But at the same time, it should be rremembered that the religious preachers here didn't ban the worldly enjoyments.They knew the importance of practical lifeand internal natural desires of man.They knew that, love is the eternal stream that keeps human beings alive. They also knew thatsex is an irresisteble inner drive. So, they provided a suitale place and outlet for love and sex in human life. The family system in India, where,even grown-up children listen to the advises of the elders, plead for their consent and blessings in all their ventures, has strengthened the bond of love among the family members.Similarly, arranged marriages have taken care of long lasting love between the couples-in most cases.
SEX-A NON-NEGLECTED ASPECT
iNDIANS HAVE GIVEN DUE IMPORTANCE TO SATISFY THE SEXUAL URGE IN HUMANS. bUT, THEY INSISTED THAT IT SHOULD GO ACCORDING TO desciplined modes of conduct, in order to have a firm family base, mutually attached couple, and aimed at decreasing thestress on sex as we proceed further in life and give importance to bringing up children, etc.But, till one stage, sex need to be give due importance and attention.
For this reason, books on sexology were written by our ancesters and various postures of sex and romance were carved on our temple walls, in order to remove the the inhibition the newly married people might be having about sex.
They very well knew that successful sexual life is importNT FOR A HAPPY MARRIED LIFE.
Some sculptures of sex and love are attached here in support of our giving due importance to this aspect of human desire

Books on Sex Education

Indian Rishis have produced fine books on sex education.KAMASUTRA of VATSAYANA is the best book produced in 4th century A.D. Apart from that, many other worthy books are there writeen by different authors.

Chowla-Hair removing ceremoney of A Jain Indian boy

One of the 16 ceremonies

In India, Hindus, Jains, and such native religion followers believe that Sixteen Samskaras or, betterment proceeses should take place in everybody's life. Those samskaras include-birth ceremoney, naming, choulaor removing hair for the first time, upanayana or preaching the meditative hymns,marriage, etc.
Except Sikhs, other Indian religions follow this tradition.
Time of choulaTraditionally,it should be performed before the completion of the first yeat of the child. If not, it should be performed in the third year of the child,Or, it should be done in the 5th year.
It should be compulsorily be done to male children. But in some communities, it is done forfemale children also. In such cases, it is done only once in their lifetme.
Steps in choulaIn all samskara ceremonies in Indian native relegious followers, 'mama'(brother of the mother) occupies the role of the performer, whether or not he pays the expences. It is his right to be the main performer.In his leadership, hair removing ceremoney takes place in the following mannwer:-
1. It takesplace either in the temple of family god/goddess or in the home premises , infront of the idol of the family god.
2 Child will be seated on a small wooden plank around which designs migh have been drawn.(rangoli).A' kalash' will be kept ready. some milk will be kept in a small vessel . To that, some ghee is mixed.The priest( archak/purohith) goes on telling relevent mantras(sacred chants) . Mama sits behind or by the side of the child.He may keep the child on his lap also, if the child is only a few months old.
3 Infont of the child, on a banana leaf, some items are placed,like- beetel leaves, areccanut,flowers etc.
4 After initial worships(this includes pouring of some ghee milk on the head of the child) ,priest ties five tufts of hairs on the head of the child.Them he permits mama to cut those hair tufts on by one with scissors. He will do so.Then, pooja materials kept infront of the boy are taken off and noe barber starts shaving the head of the child.
5 After the completion of the shaving process, the cut hairs are kept on the banana leaf kept infront, kept seperately with care, and the child is taken for bathing (for the second time.First usual bath would ahve been over prior to sitting for the ceremoney).
6 Here also, it is mama's right to pour the water first bowl of water on the child. Mother and others help in bathing.then, new clothes are puton the child and once again, the child is brought before the god, and the purohit applies solme sandal paste on the shaven head of the child.It also decreeses the irritation on the head.
7 Suitable gifts are given to priest and the mama.Barber also will get something more than his usual charge with all respects.
8 Later, the cut hairs are floated in a river, or pool, or, tank.
Thus ends tha first hair removing ceremoney of the child. Usually, It is the first occassion in which child participates with some knowledge.
The proceedure is almost same in almost all indian religions. However, some minor differences are there.
Pictures attached to this article are the photoes taken during the choula ceremoney of Akshara Prasad, son of the present hubwriter.
Details of pictures

1 The first pho on the top right-meternal uncle,(mama)keeping the child on his lap, while the priest is performing the rituals.

2.Right bottom-mother tying beetle leaves as a part of the ceremoney, at the begining.

3 Leaving the hairs after the ceremoney, in a pond.

Historic Incidents in May first half

Motilal Nehru
Nepolean
Dr.Zakir Hussain
Dadasaheb phalke



events that occured in the month of May

May-1
* Observed as 'World Labours Day' throughout the world, to hounour labourers.

1960-Formation of "Maharashtra state ' In India, as a result of reorganisation of states.Hence it is observed as-"Maharashtra Day' .

May-2
1921- Birth of Sathyajit Ray, famous film maker .

May-3
1969-death of Dr. Zakir Hussain, the 3rd president of India, who was an educationist and founder of Jamia milia University in New-Delhi.

*Observed as -Press Freedom Day.

*observed as-World ASthma Day'.

May-4
1854- First Indian postage stamp released.

*Observed as 'Coal Miners' Day'

May-5
1821- Napolean Bonaparte, dies.

1984- Phu Dorji of India, cilmbs Mount Everest, without Oxygen.

May-6
1861-Birth of Motilal Nehru, whose son(Jawaharlal Neru), grand daughter(Indira Gandhi), and great grand son(Rajiv Gandhi) became priministers of India.

May-71861- Rabindranath Tagore, Nobel Laurette of India, was born

May-8
1962- Establishment of Ravindra Bharathi University

*World REd cRoss Day

May-9
1874- For the first time, horse drawn tram car runs on Mumbai streets

* Observed as' World Thalasmsaemia Day'.

May 10
1981- First day and night cricket match was played in Mumbai

May-11
1895- Birth of J. KrishnaMurthy,great philosopher from India.

*Observed as 'National Technology Day' In India

May-12
1876- birth of Florence nintingele,the 'Lady with the lamp'

who introduced valued reforms in nursing the patients.

*Observed as 'World Nurses Day'-

May -13
1913-Birth of DAdasaheb Phalke, father of Indian Cinema.In his honour, 'Phalke Award is being given to an Indian actor/actress/director-for outastanding contribution to Indian cinema

May-14
1973- Launching of First space station, 'Skylab' .

May-15
*observed as 'International Day of the Family'

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COTTON GARLENDS FROM INDIA

Unbelievable designs
Look at the fine garlends in the photograph above. They are made up of just cotton only.pure cotton is taken, flattened or twisted like a thread according to the necessity of the design,glittering colour papers are cut and pasted here and there for shine and colouring, and lo! the garlend is ready!

Such garlends are prepared in different parts of India, especially south India during festive times. They are prepared by ordinary housewives who donot have high education. But some ladies have taken it as a matter of special interest, and have become experts in it.Garlends in the picture are prepared by one such expert called

Mrs.Shreedevi Gopal,W/O Sri.Gopal,Residing at Anavatti ,a small town in Sorab taluk, Karnataka.
The maker can be contacted at the following address:

Mrs. Sreedevi Gopal
W/O Sri Gopal
P.O.ANAVATTI
TALUK- SORABA

DIST-shivamogga
Karnataka (South India)

Such garlends are used to decorate the idols af gods at festive occassions like- Gowri-Ganesha festival,Dasara , Deepavali, etc.After the festival these things are left into water without any temptation.However, it is not diffiult for traditional Indian housewives to prepare such things once again.

Such cotton garlends are called 'GEJJEVASTRA' in karnataka.

Turmeric powder and holy red powder kumkum are also pasted on these garlends before putting them on the idol, agt the time of worship.

Such things and such traditions pointout towords the blending of aesthetic sense and devotion in Indian culture.

JAIN TEMPLES IN SOUTH AND NORTH INDIA

KARNATAKA-STATE OF TEMPLES
Karnataka , A southern state in India , Is the craddle of Indian Temple architecture. Presently a state with six crore population , Karnataka has a rich heritage of art and architecture.This state has been the fertile ground for the development of jainism, a prominent religion in India.This relegion entered this state before third century B.C.and flourished strongly till the begining of 12th century. Later it diminished in its numerical strength.Presently there are about six lakhs of jains in this state.

There are about one thousand temples of jains in karnataka presently. Atleast equal numbered temples are destroyed.

Jain temples in Karnataka and other parts in India are worth visiting and study.

Temples in the north and south.
Temples in the north India are , to a great extent , constructed either in marble, or red stone or both.Exceptionally, jain temples in cities like Jaisalmer( Rajasthan state) are constructed with yellow sand stone.

But temples in south India are constrructed with black stone . the locally available material.For eg. you can observe the temple at Heggere village at chiradurga dist . in karnataka.

Temple at Heggere
This temple of 11th century, is in Hoysala style.Usually, the exterior of jain temples is plain or less decorated.(there are some expections.For eg: two temples at Shravanabelagola are highly decorated on their exteriors)This temple has lotuses on its exterior walls. Inside, lathe worked pillers are there.They are very nice.

Ground plan of jain temples.
It is as in other Hindu temples.It may or may not have a porch in front.Then , there will be a hall called 'Navaranga" after the main enterence.Here sit the mass to observe worshippings.After that, there will be a 'Antarala' which is used as a buffer zone. In olden days, VIPs used to stand in this place to observe worships.

After this part, 'garbhagriha' or 'sanctum sanctorum' is present. Only those who are just bathed, can enter here to offer poojas. On the top of this, lies the gopuram or , tower.At the apex of that , will be 'kalash ' or a metallic vessel.

Temple at Sanganer.
As examples for north Indian Jain temples, sanganer and Padampur temples are taken here.These temples are near famous Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan.These are marble temples. Sanganer temple has red stone on its exterior, but inside , there is fully marble work.

Temple at Padampur
It is a modern temple. Eventhough the temple is round in shape , there is no idol in the ground floor i.e. round portion.Idols are there on the top floor , which is almost a single hall.The piller seen infront of jain temples is called 'Manasthambha'which is ment to curb the ego of the viewers.

Temple at Ladnu
Ladnu is a middle sized town about 225 k.ms north of Jaipur and about 200k.ms south of Bikaner.It is a desert town, as Jaisalmer.A very beautiful and spacious temple in marble is constructed here by a single jain family.The construction started about 80 years ago, and completed about 50 years ago.Two photographs of this temple are appended to this article.

Whether north or south, all jain temples will have a tall stone (or ,concrete ,now a days) piller infront of them. The idea is , ego of the visiter should vanish before entering the shrine.

Marble is not locally available in south India.So, Temples in south India are constructed in hard stones as is the case with Heggere jain temple.

PRESENTING GIFTS TO LADIES
Be sensible
While presenting gifts to ladies we should act sensibly.Eventhough they are equal to us,they are not like us.So, some prethought is necessery.

Many hubviewers have asked me frequently about the points to remember while presenting gifts to ladies. Eventhough it is not a matter to fear, it is a matter which needs some thought.I shall try to enlighten my enthusiastic friends in this regard by my life experience.

Not to everybody
We must understand first that we cannot go on gifts to every lady whom we like or with whom we wish to establish intimacy. Ladies usually refuse to accept gifts from less known or unknown persons.You should not venture to gift to anyone unless she becomes clearly known about you or , there is a guinne occassion to present the gife and you are an invite to the occassoin.

Criteria to remember
Anyway, there are certain criteria to remember while preway of presenting gifts, age and staus of resenting gifts to ladies.

They are:

1 AGE AND STATUS OF THE RECEIVER
2occassion
3 Suitability of the material
4WAY OF PRESENTING
Now , let us know about each one of the above, in littler detail.


1AGE AND STATUS OF THE RECEIVER
You can not present a beautiful &fashionable skirt to an old lady. Or, such a present may not be liked by a mother of two children as her social status is different. Hence, while selecting gifrts, we must remember who we are presenting the gift. The gift should fit the age and social status of the receiver.

2OCCASSION

PRESENTING SHOULD BE COUPLED WITH AN OCCASSION TO PRESENT-like, marrage, engagement, party time, entering own house, etc.But if the receiver is very well known to you and understands you clearly, you need not wait for any occassion

3 SUITABILITY OF THE MATERIAL

GIFT YOU PRESENT SHOULD THE OCCASSION AND AGE AND STATUS OF THE RECEIVER.A gents watch, an old fashioned outfit, to an young and smart girlfriend is very odd. Similarly, a black, dress on a happy occassion is also tells how foolish you are!

4 WAY OF PRESENTING.

WHOEVER MAY BE THE RECEIVER. whether young or old, well known or new acquiantee, gifts must be presented in a respectful manner, with affection- if they are youngsters:with all warmth- if they are olds, with real love - if she is youyr fiancy

Presenting a gift should never appear like a routine, dramatic act.

To In-laws
After the first publication of this hub, the very next morning I received a quiery from one of the respected readers about presenting gifts to new daughter-in-law.

I hereby wish to record my ideas.

A daughter-in-law is like a daughter .She need to be looked after with such affection eventhough we will not be having that much intimacy as we had with our own daughter.In these days as every daughter-in-law is educated andearning in some way or the other, the best way of selecting the gift would be-looking at her tastes and interests.If she loves to hear the music, we can present her a music album of her favourite singer.If she olves dresses more, we can present her the dress whose colour and design are liked by her.If she has photography as her hobby, we can present her a fine camera.So on........

To girl friends
Dont take girl friends as easily gullible persons.Personality of anybody should not be taken as of less value.Present her the thing of her choice.For that, you should be watching her talks, acts, and needs with all sincearity.Then only you cqn trace what she likes or needs.One reader suggests to ask her to make a list of things she wants and then make a choice from that list.That is agood suggestion.But I dont agree that presenting a gift in a restura before dinner or anyact like that would make you a prince in her eyes.No. Ladies are not such fools.They can very well understand whether you are pretending or, actually feeling.

To whoever you present anything, give it with all sincearity and good behaviour


************** GOOD LUCK.**********************

A letter to six year old son

A father's soliloqui

[Note: I wrote this short article on the sixth birthday of my son, when my economic condition was very poor, to console my ownself-Author]
My dear son,You may be able to read this letter fully when your age doubles than it is now, and may be able to understand it when it further doubles and you become a spirited youth of twenty-four.But I pray god not to land you in such circumstances and experiences wich cause such a situation in a person to write such a letter like this.
Akshar- my child, I and you are fortunate to take birth on this earth, which is perhaps most beautiful than anything in this vast universe.We are further lucky for having born as human beings.
Your Questions
In these days you are asking so many questions about different things in this world , happenings there, like- the rising of sun and moon, falling rains, blossming of flowers, flying of birds- so on and so many.I am answering you with tolerable contentdose and merry.It appears you are satisfied with my answers.I am sure you can't remember all I tell you. All I hope is that, that you will get a permanent imp[rssion that the natural incidents in this world have a logical and scientific phenomenon that can be understood by scientific thinking.
I am very much satisfied as you are ranking first in your studies. But please understand that , that learning is not enough for life. You have to dig the golden mine yourself. You have to observe and absorb much from nature and life.That's why I often draw ;your attention towords different shades of green in nature, changing morning colours in the eastern sky, twinkling of stars at night,etc. As you grow up, analyse the characters of people whom you come in contact with, and decide what is acceptable to what extent.
It is a very difficult judgement to make because, people often change their attitudes, likes and dislikes.But here lies the key to success.
Attitude for lifeDear son, disgusts and disappoinments await in life to shake hands with agorwing spirit like you. You are not so lucky to have father who can get you costly education, material comforts, and a purchased appointment. Life has not blessed him with such ecnomic facility.But, don't loose heart in any circumstance.Self-confidence, a clear vision, ability to analyse and understand the prevailing situation and its future turns, can help s person to tske proper decisions at proper time and lead a life with minimum requirements.Don't be frightened by failures, depressions, frightenings and losses. It is possible to and be happy inspite of these because, the world we livein is so wonderful in itself !
Through my informal chats and formal teachings I am trying to develop these abilities and qualities in you. I can not give you any property. All that I can give you is- some good knowledge, self-confidence, courage, and an attitude to maintain self-respect. On these four pillers, you have to build your dream house.Success depends on your fortune and intelligent efforts.
Your entry into our life, eventhough very late, has unfolded so many mysteries and enjoyments of life. I had never before experienced that a child can give so much to its parents.In your life, if you can give something worthy to society( to see which this father may not be physically alive), that will be the greatest gift to your papa.
May God bless You !
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Jainism: Indian food -Important websites

Jainism: Indian food -Important websites

www.wonderfulniagarafalls.blogspot.com/

Jainism: The religion on non-violence-Jainism

Jainism: The religion on non-violence-Jainism

www.wonderfulniagarafalls.blogspot.com/

Jainism: The religion on non-violence-Jainism

Jainism: The religion on non-violence-Jainism

Significance of the later half of April month in history

Second part of April month has witnessed many important events in history. Some of them are below.

April 16
1853- Indian railways runs its first train between main railway station in Mumbai, to Thane,

April 17
1479-Suradas, Famous Hindi poet, born

*World Haemophilia Day.

April 18
1904- Birth of Ramanath Goenka, founder of INDIAN EXPRESS group of

papers.

1955- Death of Albert Einstein

*World Heritage Day

April-19
1975- India launches its first satellite-ARYABHATA

April-20
1960- India starts its first Boeing 707 jet flight, to London

1993- India successfully launches its rocket missile-Rohini

1889- Birth of Adolf hitler

April-21
*Observed as 'Secreteries Day'.

1971-Indian Govt. establishes 'BharathiyaProject andMaterial Nigam' to manage the material needs of big projects.

April-22
*Observed as 'Earth Day'.

1958-Indian Navy Gets first chief in the form of Admiral R.D.Katari

April-23
*Observed as 'World Book and Copyright Day'

April-24
1942- Death of Pandith Deenanath Mangeshkar, famous Marathi singer and father of famous playback singer-Latha Mangeshkar.

1973-Birth of SACHIN TENDULKAR,the celebrated batsman.

April-25
1982- Regular telecast in colour, begins from NewDelhi

April-26
1920-Great mathematician Ramanujan, dies at the young age of 32.

1999-World record in marathon Disco dancing for 463 hours set by Indian disco dancer-V.R.P. Menon

April-27
1878-Calcutta University decides to extend the approval of women for higher education in Universities.

April-28
1919- U.N.O established with itsheadquarters in U S A.

*Observed as 'Green Consumers Day'.

April-29
2001-Death of Babu Tshering , who had climbed Everest 11 times. He belonged to Nepal.

*Observed as 'World Dance Day"

April-30
1979- George Wahington elected as first president of America.

1945-Adolf Hitler, the dictater, commits suicide.

So is the importance of these days in history. Is it not a wonder taht everyday hides in its womb so many secrets of history!

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Importance of April in history

As I have done in some of my previous hubs, here I try try to bring to the forth some important events taken place in the momth of April.

APRIL 1
1933-Indian Airforce was started.

Popularly celebrated as 'world fools Day'.

April 2
*world childrens litereture Day

1933- Death of RanjithSinghji, Famous cricketer who had won the admiration of even British cricket lovers. In his honour, "Ranji Trophy is instituted in India"

April-31984- First Indian cosmonaut, Rakesh Sharma, flies to space, in Soviet space shuttle

April-4
*Death anniversary of Chatrapathi Sambhaji, son of Chatrapathi Shivaji, who died in1680

1990- Latha Mangeshkar, celebrated singer form India, was awarded prestigious 'Dadasaheb Phalke award ' for her yeoman service to Indian film field.

April-5
*National Maritime day is celebrated in India

1961-First Government owned Pharmaseutical company started in India-1961

April-6
1930- Mahathma Gandhiji starts 'Salt Sathyagraha' in India

1850- Famous 'Kohinoor' diamond was taken by Britishers , from India to England.

April-7
1920- World famous sitar player Pandit Ravishankar born

* observed as -*World Health Day'

April-8
Death anniversary of Mangal Pondey, who revolted against Britishrule, in 1857 Indian war of independence

April-9
1984-Captain Banihal Singh of Indian army created world record by crossing Banihal pass with the help of just a hand glider

April-10
1875- Swami Dayanand Saraswathi announces the founding of Arya samaj to reform Hinduism.

April-11
1919-Establishment of International Labour Union

April-12
1961- Yuri Gagarin , first cosmonaut, travels in the space.

*celebrated as world Aviation and cosmonauties day.

April-13
1699- 10th Sikh Guru, Govindsinghji starts Khalsa sect.

1919- Jallianwala bagh massacre takes place in Amritsar,India.

April-14
1865- Abraham Linclon ,dies.

1891- Birth of Dr. babasaheb Ambedkar

*Observed as 'Fire Brigade Day'

April-15
1469-Birth of sikh Guru GurunanakDev.

1950-Starting of Bhudan movement in India.

Know about Indian sarees

The good old Indian wear
Saree,(Or -sadi, as it is called in Hindi belt) is most widely used dress in India.Apart form India, Pakisthan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Srilanka also have saree as a most loved lady wear.Even though fashions are now changing and different dresses are worn by ladies in these countries also, they all agree that saree gives a different look altogether.

Structure of a saree
Saree is a single stretch of cloth running now to a length of 5 to five and a half meters.In earlier days, its length used to reach even 7 meters.

A saree, traditionally has three parts.They are- 1)Body of the saree,2)border, and 3)pallu or the last end .

Border and pallu will be usually of the same colour , but the body part(which is stretched from one end to the pallu part) covers the most part of the wearer.It may be plain. or may be having printed or embroidered designs on it.

Materials out of which saree is made
In olden days, sarees used to be made fromthreads made from the bark of the trees.Rishis and their wives used to wear such cloths( they were not stiched).Later, cotton became the main raw material in the production of sarees.Now a days, sarees are manufactured from the following materials:

1 cotton
2Silk
3Polyster syntehtic fibres
4 Art silk(atificially produced silk)
5 Mixture of silk and cotton
Out of the above,polyster sarees may or may be fully plain, have printed or embroidered designs and may be with or without border and pallu.

For comfort sake in working and fast movements, now a days, ladies are shifting to churidars, jeans etc. But everybody agrees thar nothing equals the majesty of sarees.

COST OF SAREES
cost of a saree varies in unbelievable range. The rate differs depending on the material used and workmanship. Simple polyester sarees are available for even Rs.100(u.s. $2 and a half) or even little less. But such sarees may not lost for more than six months or half a dozen washes.From this point , rates rise.simple cotton sarees of conciderable good quality are now available for about Rs.400 (1 u.s $=about Rs.42 now). They are good but not so attractive. Artificial silk sarees are available from Rs.600 onwords. Pure silk sarees have to be paid from Rs.!000 to lakhs together. Silk sarees with low cost do not have much design work.As the thickness, smoothness, designing, use of silver and/or gold. increases the cost of the saree.

Wedding saree worn by famous celebrity Aishwarya Rai , it is said, costed Rs.3,00,000.( about 750 dollers. ).That may not be a big amount from U.S. price standard. But, if the same saree has to be purchased in United States, it would definately cost more than 3000 dollers.

Really, Saree is different! whether U agree or not?