Saturday, 5 January 2013
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Radhasoami 
Is a spiritual movement that originated in 19th century India, and is considered by adherents as a true way to attain God realization. The Radhasoami faith is also referred to as Sant Mat, the "Path of the Sants."
The word "Radhasoami" itself is actually a combination of two words:
"Radha" (referring to the soul or spiritual essence, either of an
individual or of the whole) and "Soami" (referring to the spiritual
master; cognate to the Sanskrit term swami
or svami); the combined word thus refers to the "Lord of the Soul" or
God. It also can be interpreted to mean the "Master Soul" or "Spirit
Master" who guides the disciple to higher states of consciousness. Like
Sant Mat sects, Radhasoami emphasizes the use of listening to inner
sound accessed by (mantra/simran), combined with personal loyalty to a given living Master, for devotees to attain desired states of spiritual advancement.
Shiv Dayal Singh, called "Soamiji Maharaj" by devotees and admirers, was a khatri seth by caste who descended from Choora clan (popularly known as Sobly) in Agra, India.
He used to insist that anyone who chose to follow him must give up
non-vegetarian food, abstain from alcohol and intoxicants, lead a high
moral life and engage in over two hours of shabd yoga (sound-current yoga) meditation per day.[2]
In the mid-1850s, Shiv Dayal Singh had a handful of followers in Agra.
However, his teachings eventually attracted disciples from across India
and by the time of his death in 1878, Shiv Dayal had several thousands
of followers. He died on 15 June 1878 in Agra, India.
Shiv Dayal Singh's wife, Narayani Devi (called Radhaji), Rai Saligram (called Huzur Maharaj), Sanmukh Das, Gharib Das, Partap Singh (Shiv Dayal's younger brother) and Baba Jaimal Singh were some of his prominent followers around whom individual satsang groups formed. This splintering off, led to the propagation of Radhasoami teachings to a wider audience, although with slightly varied interpretations.
Shiv Dayal Singh, called "Soamiji Maharaj" by devotees and admirers, was a khatri seth by caste who descended from Choora clan (popularly known as Sobly) in Agra, India.
He used to insist that anyone who chose to follow him must give up
non-vegetarian food, abstain from alcohol and intoxicants, lead a high
moral life and engage in over two hours of shabd yoga (sound-current yoga) meditation per day.[2]
In the mid-1850s, Shiv Dayal Singh had a handful of followers in Agra.
However, his teachings eventually attracted disciples from across India
and by the time of his death in 1878, Shiv Dayal had several thousands
of followers. He died on 15 June 1878 in Agra, India.Shiv Dayal Singh's wife, Narayani Devi (called Radhaji), Rai Saligram (called Huzur Maharaj), Sanmukh Das, Gharib Das, Partap Singh (Shiv Dayal's younger brother) and Baba Jaimal Singh were some of his prominent followers around whom individual satsang groups formed. This splintering off, led to the propagation of Radhasoami teachings to a wider audience, although with slightly varied interpretations.
Sunday, 30 September 2012
jwalaji
jwalaji in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is well-known for the
famous Jwalaji Temple which is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peeths in
the country. It is said that when, Sati, the consort of Lord Shiva, killed
herself by jumping in the sacrificial fire when her father Daksha Prajapati
insulted her husband, an enraged Shiva started roaming the entire universe
with the body of Sati in his arms. His movement created havoc and imbalance
in the Universe. To calm down the anger of Shiva, Lord Vishnu dismembered
the dead body of Sati and various parts of the body fell at 51 different
places in India which later on became sacred as Shakti Peeths. It is
believed that Sati's tongue had fallen at the very place where Jwalaji
Temple is now situated. The tongue of Sati is represented by Jwala
(Holy Flame) that is perpetually burning. The flames come out from nine
different rocks in the temple. It is said that the Pandavas have visited
this sacred place. Even Emperor Akbar paid yearly visit to this Temple after
he became impressed with the holy flames that kept burning even after he had
put a massive chhatra (canopy) over it to extinguish the flame. The
climat of this region is quite moderate with cool but pleasant winters and
warm summers.
FAST FACTS :
- Main Attraction : March-April & September-October Navaratra Celebrations. Two huge fairs are held at the temple in April and mid October during the Navratries which anyone can attend.
- About Prashad : Devotees can either buy prashad from any of the nearby shops of the temple or bring in their own prasad from home. Usually, the prasad that is offered to the deity include pan, supari, dhawaza, narela, loung and elaichi.
- Climate : During summer, the climate is mild and light woollens/cottons are recommended. In winter, the temperature can drop to freezing point when heavy woollens are required.
- Best Season to Visit : Whole year is best to visit this place.
- HOW TO REACH / ACCESS / GETTING THERE :
- Air : Closest Airport is at Gaggal, 50km away. Chandigarh airport is at a distance of around 200 km.
- Rail : The nearest Narrow gauge is at Ranital, 20 km away. Also Nearest Broad Gauge Railway Station is at Pathankot, More than 100km away
- Road : The temple is also well connected by road. State transport buses from cities of Punjab and Haryana are available. Taxis are also there to take you to the Jwalamukhi temple.
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