ये तीर्थ पूरे भारतीय उपमहाद्वीप पर फैले हुए हैं। जयंती देवी शक्ति पीठ भारत के मेघालय राज्य में नर्तियांग नामक स्थान पर स्थित है।

The Sikh religion, with its rich history and profound teachings, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its followers. Rooted in the Indian subcontinent, Sikhism has evolved over centuries, shaped by the visionary leadership of its Gurus and the collective experiences of its community. From its humble beginnings to its emergence as a global faith, the history of Sikhism is a fascinating narrative of resilience, spiritual enlightenment, and social transformation.

Origins and Founding

Sikhism traces its origins to the 15th century in the Punjab region of South Asia, a land known for its cultural diversity and spiritual heritage. The foundation of Sikhism was laid by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, born in 1469 in the village of Talwandi (now known as Nankana Sahib in present-day Pakistan). Guru Nanaks teachings emphasized the oneness of God, equality of all humanity, and the importance of living a life of compassion and righteousness.

The Era of the Gurus

Following Guru Nanak, a lineage of nine successive Gurus guided the Sikh community, each contributing to the development and dissemination of Sikh philosophy and principles. Notable among them were Guru Angad Dev Ji, who formalized the Gurmukhi script and introduced the practice of langar (community kitchen); Guru Amar Das Ji, who institutionalized the concept of equality by establishing the institution of Manji system and Piri-Miri; and Guru Ram Das Ji, who laid the foundation of the holy city of Amritsar and initiated the construction of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple).

The fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, made significant contributions to Sikh scripture by compiling the Adi Granth, the sacred scripture of Sikhism, and constructing the Harmandir Sahib, which became the spiritual and cultural center of Sikhism. However, his unwavering commitment to truth and equality led to his martyrdom at the hands of Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1606.

Challenges and Resilience

The early Sikh community faced persecution and oppression under the Mughal rulers due to their refusal to conform to the prevailing religious orthodoxy. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the sixth Guru, responded by militarizing the Sikh community and establishing the Akal Takht, a symbol of temporal authority and spiritual sovereignty. This marked the beginning of the Sikh tradition of the warrior-saint, embodying the principles of self-defense and righteous resistance against tyranny.

The era of the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, witnessed further persecution under the reign of Aurangzeb, who sought to forcibly convert non-Muslims to Islam. In a defining moment of courage and sacrifice, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji laid down his life to protect the religious freedom of Hindus in Kashmir, becoming a martyr for the cause of human rights and religious tolerance.

JAINISM: PROVIDING THE PATH TO “MOKSHA,” THE SECOND OLDEST RELIGION THAT ORIGINATED FROM INDIA

The concept of Moksha in Jainism is synonymous with the ultimate liberation of the soul from samsara and the attainment of eternal happiness, free from all forms of karmic pollution. This paper examines various facets of Moksha in Jainism such as contemporary expressions of Jain practices, Jain cosmology, art, ecological consciousness, and the relevance of monastic life.

Jain Practices for Attaining Moksha in the Modern World:

• Ahimsa, non-violence is at the core of ethical considerations for Jains. The principle goes beyond physical violence to cover non-violent speech and thought. These include:
• Dietary Practices: Several Jains follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, which avoids harm to animals. This practice corresponds with contemporary movements promoting animal rights and ethical eating.
• Professional Choices: Jains can opt for professions that cause less damage to living beings; a good example is military service or butchery or even some types of business activities that involve dishonesty or violence.

Description: Learn how to live a Christ-centered life with practical guidance on daily faith, spiritual disciplines, and integrating Christian values into everyday decisions and relationships.

Let me tell you about the moment I realized I was Christian in name only.

I went to church most Sundays. Prayed before meals (sometimes). Had a Bible on my shelf (unopened for months). Wore a cross necklace. Posted Bible verses on social media occasionally. By all visible markers, I was a "good Christian."

Then someone asked me: "How does your faith actually affect your daily life? Your work decisions? How you spend money? How you treat difficult people? Your priorities?"

I had no answer. My Christianity was compartmentalized—a Sunday morning activity, not a life orientation. Jesus was someone I acknowledged existed and believed in theoretically, not someone whose teachings actually guided my choices when they conflicted with what I wanted.

I was culturally Christian. Not Christ-centered.

How to live a Christ-centered life sounds like something pastors talk about in sermons that you nod along to then promptly ignore because practical application is way harder than theoretical agreement.

Christ-centered living meaning isn't about perfect behavior or never struggling. It's about Jesus being the reference point for your decisions, values, priorities, and identity—not just someone you believe in but someone you actually follow.

Christian lifestyle basics go far beyond church attendance and avoiding "big sins." They involve daily spiritual disciplines, wrestling with difficult teachings, sacrificial love, continuous repentance, and genuine transformation—not just behavior modification.

So let me walk through living for Christ daily with actual practical guidance, honest about the difficulties, realistic about the struggles, and clear that this is a lifelong journey, not a destination you arrive at and maintain effortlessly.

Whether you're Christian wanting to deepen your faith, exploring Christianity and wondering what commitment actually looks like, or from another tradition curious about Christian practice, this matters.

Because Christ-centered living is the point of Christianity, not an advanced optional upgrade.

Let's get practical.

What "Christ-Centered" Actually Means

Christ-centered life definition:

The Core Concept

Christ at the center: Jesus is the reference point for everything—decisions, values, relationships, priorities, identity.

Not just belief about Christ: Acknowledging Jesus exists and is important ≠ centering life around him.

Active orientation: Continuously asking "What does following Jesus mean in this situation?" not just "What do I want to do?"

Transformative, not just informative: Changed life, not just changed beliefs.

What It's Not

Not perfection: Christ-centered people still sin, struggle, fail. The direction matters, not flawless execution.

Not legalism: Following a list of rules to earn God's favor. That's missing the point entirely.

Not cultural Christianity: Identifying as Christian because you grew up that way, not because of genuine commitment.

Not compartmentalized: Not limiting faith to Sunday mornings while living secularly the rest of the week.

Not self-righteousness: Thinking you're better than others because you follow Jesus. That's the opposite of Christ-like.

What It Includes

Following Jesus's teachings: Not just believing about him but actually doing what he taught.

Relationship with God: Personal, ongoing connection through prayer, Scripture, Holy Spirit.

Transformation: Becoming more like Christ in character—love, humility, compassion, integrity.

Community: Connected to other believers for support, accountability, worship.

Mission: Participating in God's work in the world—love, justice, mercy, evangelism.

Surrender: Giving God authority over your life, not maintaining control while asking for blessings.

The Foundation: Understanding the Gospel

Christian faith fundamentals:

The Starting Point

You can't center your life on Christ without understanding who Christ is and what he did.

The gospel basics:

• Humanity is separated from God because of sin
• We cannot bridge that gap through our own efforts
• Jesus (God in human form) died to pay sin's penalty
• Jesus rose from death, defeating sin and death
• Through faith in Jesus, we're reconciled to God
• This is a gift received, not a reward earned

Grace, not works: This is crucial. Christ-centered living flows FROM salvation, not TO ACHIEVE salvation.

The Motivation

Not earning God's love: You already have it through Jesus.

Gratitude and love: Response to what God has done, not attempt to obligate God.

Transformation, not obligation: The Holy Spirit changes desires, not just imposes external rules.

Freedom, not slavery: Freedom to live as you were designed, not slavery to sin or legalism.

ईसाई और इस्लाम धर्म से पूर्व बौद्ध धर्म की उत्पत्ति हुई थी। उक्त दोनों धर्म के बाद यह दुनिया का तीसरा सबसे बड़ा धर्म है। इस धर्म को मानने वाले ज्यादातर चीन, जापान, कोरिया, थाईलैंड, कंबोडिया, श्रीलंका, नेपाल, भूटान और भारत आदि देशों में रहते हैं।

गुप्तकाल में यह धर्म यूनान, अफगानिस्तान और अरब के कई हिस्सों में फैल गया था किंतु ईसाई और इस्लाम के प्रभाव के चलते इस धर्म को मानने वाले लोग उक्त इलाकों में अब नहीं के बराबर ही है।

तारापीठ की शिलामयी शक्ति की देवी काली के हर रूप का महत्व अलग है, तारा का अर्थ है आँख और पीठ का अर्थ है स्थान।