Buddhism has morphed in the present age – one of the most practiced religions worldwide. It has been in existence since time immemorial and originated from Asia. Some of the major dimensions of Buddhism nowadays include socially active Buddhism, westernized Buddhism among others. The present Buddhism is also characterized by secularism, engagement with contemporary leaders as well as teachers who are influential.

Engaged Buddhism: Socially Active BuddhismEngaged Buddhism is a contemporary movement within Buddhism that emphasizes the application of Buddhist principles and practices to social, political, and environmental issues. This approach was notably popularized by Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Not a Hanh and has inspired many practitioners globally to actively engage in social justice and humanitarian efforts.Origins and PrinciplesEngaged Buddhism emerged in the 20th century as a response to social and political turmoil, particularly in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Thich Nhat Hanh, a prominent figure in this movement, advocated for the idea of “interbeing,” which emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life. This principle underpins Engaged Buddhism, promoting compassion, non-violence, and mindful action in addressing societal challenges. 

कहा जाता है गोविंदराजस्वामी मंदिर की स्थापना सन् 1130 ई. में संत रामानुजाचार्य ने की थी।

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.

पटना के ऐतिहासिक माता शीतला के मंदिर का अपना ही महत्व है। मंदिर के प्रांगण में अगमकुआ है जिसमें सम्राट अशोक ने अपने भाइयों की हत्या करके उनके शवों को रखा था।

हजार स्तंभ मंदिर या रुद्रेश्वर स्वामी मंदिर  भारत के तेलंगाना राज्य के हनमाकोंडा शहर में स्थित एक ऐतिहासिक हिंदू मंदिर है। यह भगवान शिव, विष्णु और सूर्य को समर्पित है। वारंगल किला, काकतीय कला थोरानम और रामप्पा मंदिर के साथ हजार स्तंभ मंदिर को यूनेस्को द्वारा मान्यता प्राप्त विश्व धरोहर स्थलों की अस्थायी सूची में जोड़ा गया है।

यह केरल का एकमात्र झील मंदिर है जो अनंतपद्मनाभ स्वामी तिरुवनंतपुरम की मूल सीट मणि जाती है।