Dr. Prakasarao Velagapudi, the President of the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation, spoke at the celebration of Durga Puja by Bangladeshi Hindus on October 12-13 at Travis Middle School in Irving, Texas. They celebrated with passion, faith, dedication, and excitement and performed Durga Puja batches by batches. More than 600 Hindus attended with abiding interest in celebrating Durga Puja. They have been doing Durga Puja for the last eleven years. He spoke to college students and the whole congregation about the need to transmit the timeless Hindu Dharma. We are the only religion that does not have a formal transmission of knowledge to the next generation. For the survival of Sanatana Dharma and humanity, the richness of our Hindu Dharma should be given a chance to shape and mold the personality of the next generation.                  Sanatana Dharma is highly spiritual, scientific, philosophical, and religious. Our ancient Rishis have developed a method known as meditation by which they can scan the entire world and predict the course of events. With that knowledge, they have written Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and many scriptures extolling the virtues of human life. The parents were asked to spend enough time to teach their children the grandeur and greatness of Sanatana Dharma. Even the top executive officers at the top companies have been extolling the richness of Sanatana Dharma.                 All Hindus should take ownership of Sanatana Dharma and Bharat Mata for the sake of humanity.  I would appreciate your donations. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: You can also send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979 {{album_1229}}

Global Hindu Heritage Foundation is extremely happy to inform that for the first time we conducted Shiva Puja and Abhishekam with the participation of Bala Samskar Students. In Narayana Puram village, a program called Shiva worship was organized in the Bala Sanskar center run by Teacher Ashok. First, the Priest applied Tilak on the foreheads of all the children and adults.  The priest read the names and Gotras to all the Hindu relatives who came from the surrounding areas to the head of the house.  Ksheerabhishekam was performed on Shivalinga by everyone, Ashtottara Shatanamavali Puja was recited by everyone and lastly Maha Mangala Arati was done, and blessing was done to everyone by tying protection bracelets. Similarly, Shiva worship should be done in every house and the blessings of Lord Shiva should be given to everyone. Theertha Prasada Vyogam, Annadan program was organized, and the program was successful.  A flag with an image of Anjaneya Swamy and a Tulsi tree were given and told to do puja every day and the flag was tied on the house and the name of Rama was chanted Jai Sriram, Jai Jai Sriram. Importance of Pradosha Kalam. Pradosham is the time present between one and half hours before and after the sun set (One muhurta). Pradosham is a combination of two words pra and dosham in which Pra means Removes, and Dosham means sins that is the time that removes sins. This Muhurta comes every day, however, Pradosham time on triodasi day is considered very auspicious. That too on the Krishna Paksha triodasi (that falls on dark fortnight or triodasi before Amavasya). If the Pradosham falls on a Saturday then it is referred to as Shani Pradosham, which is considered even more auspicious, and this time has immense importance in the Shaivite tradition. On the day of Pradosham, twilight period - that is the time just before sunrise and sunset, is considered to be auspicious. All the prayers and pujas are observed during this time. One hour before sunset, devotees take a bath and get ready for the puja. Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979 {{album_1228}}

Global Hindu Heritage Foundation is proud to inform that Bala Samskar Kendras in Assam performed Shastra Puja or Ayudha Puja on Vijayadashami Day. Bala Samskar Teachers and Tejaswini group organized this Shastra or Ayudha Puja for the students in Assam. On Vijayadashami Day, Hindus perform Shastra Puja, rituals that entail worshipping Shastras or weapons. According to Hindu holy books, on this day, Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura after a fierce battle that lasted for nine days. Following the death of Mahishasura, the gods worshipped the weapons of Goddess Durga that she used in the battle. According to Hindu scriptures, Bhagwan Ram performed Shastra Puja before heading to the battleground against the evil king of Lanka, Ravana, who was killed on this day. Shastra Puja has also been referred to in the Mahabharata. Legends say that weapons were worshipped before the begging of the Kurukshetra war, and they helped the Pandavas stand victorious against the Kauravas. The rituals for Ayudha Puja involve cleaning and decorating iron tools, weapons, or instruments with flowers, turmeric, and vermilion. Depending on one's profession or daily activities, these items can range from books, musical instruments, computers, cars, and even kitchen utensils. After the tools are cleaned and adorned, they are placed in front of deities for worship, usually in a puja room or temple. Prayers are offered to ask for blessings for success and protection in their use. Hinduism sees divinity in all of creation and God as both immanent and transcendent. Such an attitude infuses divinity into all activities of life. Work itself is worship, and this philosophy of karma yoga is yet another context in which to place the veneration of weapons. Although it means “weapons”, ayudha is also a generic term, "instrument or implement." On the ninth day of Navaratri, everyone cleans, decorates, and worships the implement that enables them to make a living, seeing a manifestation of the divine. This applies to musicians and musical instruments, farmers and the plow, students and their books, factories and machinery. And, of course, it applies to soldiers and their weapons. It is perhaps more interesting to observe how a culture that has a tradition of worshipping weapons approaches questions of war, violence, and non-violence. Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha are the four great “purusharthas” (goals of life) of Hinduism. Dharmic conduct is the basis upon which all the other goals of life are to be attained. At an individual level, it is the dharma of a soldier to fight if necessary. At a social level, the ruler must enforce dharma and protect society. Using weapons is considered part of a sacred duty to protect dharma. In our minds, this infusion of divinity and dharma into the use of firearms largely explains why a strict code of conduct circumscribed wars in India. The most crucial component of this code is that wars were fought between soldiers only, and other segments of society were not involved. Ahimsa – peace is considered the goal of human life.  Even to achieve ahimsa, you must be prepared and ready to fight with weapons. Bhishma in Anusasana Parva in Mahabharata says:  Ahimsa is the highest Dharma; Ahimsa is the highest self-control Ahimsa is the highest charity; Ahimsa is the highest penance Ahimsa is the highest yajna; Ahimsa is the highest strength Ahimsa is the highest friend; Ahimsa is the highest happiness Ahimsa is the highest truth; Ahimsa is the highest shruti. Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979

Global Hindu Heritage Foundation has been actively involved in Bangladesh to help educate our future generation. We have about ten Bala Samskar Kendras teaching about Sanatana Dharma, with an average of 30 students in each class. For more than three years, we have supported them in celebrating various festivals in and around the Dhaka area.                  As you may know, the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ignited a wave of violent upheaval in Bangladesh, severely impacting the nation's 15 million Hindu and other religious minorities. According to data compiled by our team on August 5th, many Hindus have been lynched, while temples and places of worship face systematic attacks.                 On August 8th, GHHF and other organizations organized a Protest Rally in Frisco, Texas, demanding Justice.  GHHF has helped local Hindus to get back some of their temples, which were looted, deities thrown onto streets and encroached on during Ayodhya. Now, it has added a burden for Hindus to protect again. Somehow, we are managing to protect several people.  Our Pracharaks and teachers are guarding our people, risking their lives. Hundreds of our people guard our temples day and night shifts. It is our responsibility to at least provide basic amenities and moral support. GHHF has full-time Pracharaks and volunteers who work around the clock. Durga Puja in Irving, Texas Durga Puja is a grand and meaningful festival in Bangladesh. It is the most awaited time of the year for them, and they celebrate it with great joy and enthusiasm. Over the next few days, they welcome 'Uma' and celebrate her glory and victory over Mahishasur, treating the goddess as their very own family member. This year, Durga Puja will be celebrated from October 8th to October 13th, with October 9 marking the first day. These five days are filled with colorful rituals and activities, and they also bring communities together. Let's explore the grandeur of Durga Puja, which is celebrated in Bangladeshi tradition.  According to the legend, Mahishasura was a demon who received a boon from Brahma that made him invincible to any man or God. Empowered by this boon, he began terrorizing the heavens and the Earth, defeating gods and disturbing cosmic balance. The gods, helpless against Mahishasura’s might, approached the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva for help. They and other deities combined their divine energies to create a powerful goddess – Maa Durga. She embodied the strength and virtues of all the gods and was bestowed with their most potent weapons. Riding a lion and wielding celestial weapons in her ten arms, Durga set out to confront the demon Mahishasura. The battle between Durga and Mahishasura lasted for ten days. Durga displayed extraordinary courage, and on the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, she finally defeated and killed Mahishasura, restoring peace and balance to the universe. Durga's victory over Mahishasura symbolizes the victory of good forces over evil, light over darkness, and justice over tyranny. Durga is revered as a powerful feminine deity, symbolizing "Shakti," or divine feminine energy. The festival is a tribute to the strength, wisdom, and protection women and mother figures offer.  Sri Sajib Singha, Sri Ayon Dey, and many organizers received us and explained the importance of this celebration. They have been organizing This Durga Puja for the last 11 years. More than 400 Hindus attended.  Chandra Movva Summarized the Sunday’s events: We had a great reception at the Bangla Durga Puja Celebrations today. * We had the chance to separately engage a group of 15+ enthusiastic College Undergrads * the three course parasadam served was delicious (100% vegetarian) ! * Uncle gave an overview of our services and the need of the hour for us to collaborate and contribute to the Sanatana Dharma. * The pre-recorded Bangla video from Pinnamaneni Garu was played in full Dolby high-decibel audio. THIS WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE EVENT; the team connected well. * There was a lot of enthusiasm while uncle was talking, and several approached for more info The GHHF session was a great success, with over 400 participants in attendance. This is our first baby step in expanding and scaling our footprint in Bangladesh. Sajib Ji was a great host and helped introduce me to several local Bangla leaders. Thanks to all of our core volunteers, Chandra, Prashant, Kishore Deevi, Vamsi Annamredy, Lalith Sharma, Venkata Krishna, and others—for supporting us in the event. PLEASE DONATE to help Hindus in Bangladesh to resume their lives. Your donations are appreciated; https://www.savetemples.org/donate By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com By Check: payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979   {{album_1226}}

I had the opportunity to meet His Holiness Sri Viswamjee in Washington, DC, in 2007. Attending his lecture on Sanatana Dharma, In the middle of his speech, he topped his speech and asked the audience to answer his question, “Who is God.?” Of course, nobody was getting up to respond. He looked at the side where I sat with my wife and Tulasichand and said, “You, Bhishmacharya, get up and answer.” Nobody got up. Then he said, "Professor Garu, You get up and answer.” Nobody got up to answer. Then he said, "You, Bhishmacharya, sitting next to Tulasichand." Then, realizing Sri Viswamjee was referring to me, I got up and said a few words, saying that God is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent. Then called me and honored me with a shawl. I was surprised to hear what he said and how he recognized me. That was the first time I saw him.                  Since then, he has been following the activities of the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation and encouraged me to continue doing whatever we have been doing. We have met at least ten times over the years, and I used to report progress. I visited His Ashram in Guntur and spent a few hours with Guruji.                  During this visit, he visited several families. I attended three families, where they performed Pada Puja. He mentioned what we were doing at ground level on every occasion and asked me to discuss our activities. I briefly narrated the Ghar Wapasi program, Bala Samskar Kendras, Grama Devata Renovation and Revival, sponsor a Priest program, Dhupa Deepa Naivedyam, Intinta Shiva Puja and Abhishekam, Gau Puja, Annadanam, and other social activities.                 On October 12th evening, His devotees organized a Navaratri celebrations program in Carrolton. It was filled with Pujas, Pada Puja, Durga Mata Puja, Kumari Puja, a dance program, a veena recital, Shamee Puja, and others.                 Then, one of his devotees, Shyam Kanagala, introduced me to the audience, and His Holiness awarded me the “Distinguished Service Award.” Then, I spoke for about four minutes about what we are doing in nine states in Bharat and requested everyone to take ownership of Sanatana Dharam and Bharata Mata. I asked them to consider Sanatana Dharma as their additional child in the family and set aside the proportionate resources to preserve and protect Sanatana Dharma and Bharata Mata. In his Anugraha Bhashana, he talked about the activities of GHHF and encouraged all the attendees to work for Sanatana Dharma.                 Sri Swamiji also blessed six of our GHHF members, took a picture on the stage, and asked them to do even more for the motherland.                  GHHF is grateful to His Holiness Sri Viswamjee for His divine blessings, for making everybody aware of GHHF activities, and for recognizing our work. Sri Sai Ram

Global Hindu Heritage Foundation is working in Assam for the last five years on variety of challenges to educate our children about the richness of culture, conduct bhajans, celebrate Hindu festivals, encounter the conversion menace, and help those in need. Bala Samskar Kendras of Assam celebrates Six major festivals each year with great enthusiasm, all of which are deeply rooted in Hindu religion and culture. Kanya Puja on Durgashtami is one of them.  These six programs are- 1. Saraswati Puja on Vasant panchami,2. Rangoli on Hindu New year i.e. Barsha Pratipada, 3. Parents worship day on Bengali New year, 4. Plantation drive on World environment day,   5. Independence day, 6. Kanya Pujan on Durgashtami. Kanya Puja or Kumari Puja is a Hindu holy ritual, carried out especially on the Ashtami (eighth day) and Navami (ninth day) of the Navaratri festival. The ceremony primarily involves the worship of nine girls, representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga (Navadurga). As per Hindu philosophy, these girls are considered as the manifestation of the natural force of creation. Legend says that it was on the ninth day of Navaratri that Shakti had taken the form of Goddess Durga, on the request of the devas to kill the demon Mahishasura. What is Kumari Puja? The word "Kumari" refers to a young unmarried girl, and the ritual of Kumari Puja is all about venerating these girls as manifestations of the divine feminine. As per religious scriptures, Kumari Puja is ideally suggested for all nine days of Navratri. On the first day of Navratri, a single girl should be worshipped, and one more girl should be added each day, concluding with nine girls on the final day. However, many people choose to perform this puja on a single day, which could be either Ashtami (eighth day) or Navami (ninth day) of Navratri. As per Hindu beliefs, inviting and worshipping different number of girls will give you different blessings, 1. Worshipping one girl child gives you good fortune, 2. Worshipping two girls gives you perception and salvation, 3. Worshipping three girls will give you merit 4. Worshipping four girls will bless you with authority 5. Worshipping five will bless you with knowledge 6. Worshipping six girls will give you six types of Siddhis or fulfillments 7. Worshipping seven girls will bless you with power and kingdom 8. Worshipping eight girls gives you wealth 9. Worshipping nine girls will bless you with supremacy Now, let’s have a look at the puja procedure: First and foremost, the feet of all the girls are washed and then are made to sit on pedestals. Then Moli (red and yellow holy thread) is tied on the right wrist and tilak is applied on the forehead of all girls. Traditional Ashtami Prasad – Puri, Chana and Halwa, is first offered to Goddess Durga first and then served to all the girls. Girls are also given some presents in the form of money, red dupatta and bangles. The puja ends with taking blessings from these girls in the form of a pat on the back while touching their feet. Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979 {{album_1223}}

Global Hindu Heritage Foundation, Assam, distributes new clothes to poor Hindu families every year before Durga Puja. About three weeks ago 100 sarees were distributed to hundreds of ladies at the village Dilkhush in the Assam-Manipur border region. Team leader Dipali Rani Das organized this program, and I attended on behalf of GHHF Assam. We are running one Bala Samskar Kendra for the kids of these families in Mahadevbari in the past three years. Youths of this small Adhibasi village are also associated with GHHF Assam. On Sunday (September 6) GHHF Assam team distributed 70 sarees going to a remote village in Adivasi area as a way of celebrating Navaratri festival.  Sri Samrat Dutt, who coordinated the event with the Tejaswini group, went to the village located at the boundaries of Manipur and distributed them to the poor people, encouraging them to participate and celebrate Durga Puja during Navaratri. GHHF Center distributed Sarees to poor Adivasi families to celebrate Durga Puja, the most significant event celebrated by the Hindu community in Assam. According to legends, the festival is held to worship Goddess Durga and commemorate her triumph against Mahishasur. The festival is celebrated all over India and with much passion in Assam. Some perform it individually, and some collectively; it is a collective puja. People of all castes can participate in Durga Puja. Durga Puja is a Hindu festival that celebrates the worship of the goddess Durga and commemorates the slaying of the demon king Maheshar by the goddess Durga, marking the triumph of good over evil. Due to its significant population of Hindu Bengalis, Assam celebrates Durga Puja in a flamboyant manner. Grand processions and rhythmic beats characterize the festival, and devotees visit temples to seek blessings from the Goddess for peace and prosperity. Navaratri, a nine-day festival, honors the nine forms of Durga, the Hindu warrior goddess. Each state in India celebrates in its unique way. In 2024, Navaratri is celebrated from October 3-12.  The Hindu festival of Navaratri, which means nine (nava) nights (ratri) in Sanskrit, is celebrated over nine consecutive nights during autumn. The celebrations vary from region to region according to local customs and traditions, but the festival's central theme is the victory of good over evil. Although Navaratri is devoted to the goddess Durga, some states in South India also dedicate it to other Hindu deities like Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. In the Eastern States such as West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, and Jharkhand, Navaratri is celebrated as Durga Puja, the main annual festival for Bengali Hindus commemorating Durga's victory over the shape-shifting buffalo demon Mahishasura. During the celebrations, elaborately designed pandals (marquees) and life-size statues of the goddess Durga are installed in every neighborhood. Dressed in traditional attire, devotees offer prayers in the evening and perform a dhunuchi naach, a special dance with earthen lamps. Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979   {{album_1222}}

[GHHF] TV5 coverage of Prayers and protest TTD adulterated Laddu organized in Frisco, Texas. Global Hindi Heritage Foundation, along with Jana Sena, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and BJP members, organized Shanti and Meditation as a Prayaschittam for offering adulterated Laddu to Lord Venkateswara. More than 125 people joined the gathering by 8:00 a.m. on September 28. This Prayaschittam program was organized to highlight the seriousness of the wounded sentiments of Hinds and the inspiration derived from Sri Pawan Kalyan, who was doing Prayaschittam Deeksha https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4epBN2oNAk

Global Hindu Heritage Foundation is committed to develop the minds of young students, increase their curiosity, tap their mental strength, explore the literary world and develop self-confidence. It is our intention to encourage critical thinking by exploring thought provoking Dharmic values relevant for the present and future. One way to improve their skills and develop self confidence is allowing them to do research in the topic that interests them and write a concise and crisp paper. It would help them to organize their thoughts, churn their brain and simplify their diverse and deep knowledge.  This essay competition would allow our young minds to explore diverse thought processes and will empower them to realize their potential that would shape their skills and future. Our question to the young Minds is: Are you ready for the Challenge? Are you ready to explore your mind? Are you ready to tap your talent.  If yes, fill up this form to Register:  https://tinyurl.com/djfessay FAQs/Details https://tinyurl.com/djfessaysite  {{album_1221}}

Global Hindu Heritage Foundation celebrates all the festivals, explains their importance, makes all the villagers participate in puja and Homas, explains all the steps in performing the puja, and performs Kumkum Archana to Devi. On the first day of Navaratri, GHHF, under the leadership of Sri Gopi Krishna Acharya and other priests, performed Devi Puja in Garudapuram village, in Anantapur District.  All the devotees who came to the Gangamma temple performed Panchamruta Abhishekam, Kumkum Archana, and Ashtothara pooja to the Goddess.  All the devotees who came first were asked to do Sankalpam, where they recited their gotras, nakshatras, and the names of the family members. Then, they offered Panchamruta Abhishekam to the goddess, new clothes were offered to Devi, and Kumkum Archana was performed. After that, Maha Mangala Arati was offered to Devi, and prasadam and a food donation program were organized for all the devotees who came. Three priests participated in this program and made the program a success. Navaratri festival In Sanskrit, Navaratri means nine nights, nava means nine, and ratri means nights. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti / Devi are worshiped. This festival of Navaratri is popularly known as Durga Puja, Dussehra, Vijayadashami etc.  After these nine days of the festival comes the Dashami, the tenth day, which is the day of the famous festival of Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami (the tenth day of victory). This is the day Lord Rama killed Ravana, signifying the triumph of good over evil. Vaishnavas generally celebrate Vijay Dashami on a grand scale rather than Durga puja. Sri Gopi Chary explained the importance of Navaratri, how to celebrate all nine days, and the names of the manifestations of devi that are to be worshipped each day. The mother goddess, Durga, is a very special deity, able to appear in nine different forms, each endowed with unique powers and traits. These nine manifestations are called Navadurga (translated as "nine Durgas"). Devout Hindus celebrate Durga and her many appellations during a nine-night Navaratri festival, which is held in early October 2024.  Each night of Navaratri honors one of the mother goddess' manifestations. Hindus believe worshiping Durga with sufficient religious fervor will lift the divine spirit and bring them renewed happiness.  Shaila Putri, the first Manifestation of Durga. Navaratri begins with a night of worship and celebration in honor of Durga's avatar, Shaila Putri, whose name means "daughter of the mountains." Also known as Sati Bhavani, Parvati, or Hemavati, she is the daughter of Hemavana, the king of the Himalayas. Shaila Putri is considered the purest embodiment of Durga and the mother of nature. In iconography, she is depicted riding a bull and holding a trident and a lotus blossom. The lotus represents purity and devotion, while the prongs on the trident represent the past, present, and future. It happened that Daksha had organized a big yajna, but he didn't invite Lord Shiva. However, Sati attended the yajna. During the yajna, Daksha insulted Shiva. Unable to tolerate the insult, Sati sacrificed her life by burning herself in the fire of the yajna. In her next life, Sati was born as the daughter of Himalaya. Later, she married Shiva. Her name was Parvati. According to the Upanishad, Parvati even tore the egoism of Lord Indra and other gods. Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979 {{album_1220}}