Foreword Through many thousands of years of sustained Vedic culture, Hindus focused on their spiritual approach through unique worship (puja) rituals. The priests learnt and chanted the prayers in Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, through and (hear and remember). When shruti smriti Sanskrit was replaced by other languages in course of time, the meaning of the chants got lost. Yet the hum continued to bridge the individual’s soul with its Creator. It did not bother the devotees for being ignorant of the meaning of those chants as their deep faith filled the void. Thus a single syllable could realize the presence of the Unknown, the (ekAxr) ekakshar “Om” within us. Today the magical effect of (repetitive chanting) became a part of worship for all jap religions. Truly enough, the finest things of life have no language love, kindness, compassion. – With the spread of Hinduism over the globe, the world is now inquisitive to know the meaning of those Vedic chants which we hear during puja rituals. Our children should not feel shy to explain to the world the thought behind those rituals howsoever it may look strange and repulsive. History records India’s great contribution in shaping World Civilization through ages and our coming generation has the responsibility to carry that torch. It is so very satisfying to see that the Association of Grandparents of Indian Immigrants has taken the heavy responsibility to explain the rituals followed in Purohit Darpan. They not only transliterated the mantras but touched on their history, significance and inner meaning of these in an understandable global language, English. It is highly commendable. I pray to Lord Almighty for its success. Budha Deb Bhattacharaya Priest of Kali Mandir Washington, D.C., USA VOICE OF NEW GENERATION
Foreword Through many thousands of years of sustained Vedic culture, Hindus focused on their spiritual approach through unique worship (puja) rituals. The priests learnt and chanted the prayers in Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, through shruti and smriti (hear and remember). When Sanskrit was replaced by other languages in course of time, the meaning of the chants got lost. Yet the hum continued to bridge the individual’s soul with its Creator. It did not bother the devotees for being ignorant of the meaning of those chants as their deep faith filled the void. Thus a single syllable “Om” could realize the presence of the Unknown, the ekakshar (ekAxr) within us. Today the magical effect of jap (repetitive chanting) became a part of worship for all religions. Truly enough, the finest things of life have no language – love, kindness, compassion. With the spread of Hinduism over the globe, the world is now inquisitive to know the meaning of those Vedic chants which we hear during puja rituals. Our children should not feel shy to explain to the world the thought behind those rituals howsoever it may look strange and repulsive. History records India’s great contribution in shaping World Civilization through ages and our coming generation has the responsibility to carry that torch. It is so very satisfying to see that the Association of Grandparents of Indian Immigrants has taken the heavy responsibility to explain the rituals followed in Purohit Darpan. They not only transliterated the mantras but touched on their history, significance and inner meaning of these in an understandable global language, English. It is highly commendable. I pray to Lord Almighty for its success. Budha Deb Bhattacharaya Priest of Kali Mandir Washington, D.C., USA VOICE OF NEW GENERATION
Book-6-Hindu-Marriage.docx