Wednesday, 10 September 2014

Hanuman Ashtak Hindi

Hanuman Ashtak Hindi

Neeb Karori Baba Maharajji










बाल समय रवि भक्षी लियो तब,
तीनहुं लोक भयो अंधियारों I 
ताहि सों त्रास भयो जग को,
यह संकट काहु सों जात  न टारो I 
देवन आनि करी बिनती तब,
छाड़ी दियो रवि कष्ट निवारो I 
को नहीं जानत है जग में कपि,
संकटमोचन नाम तिहारो I को - १
बालि की त्रास कपीस बसैं गिरि,
जात महाप्रभु पंथ निहारो I 
चौंकि महामुनि साप दियो तब ,
चाहिए कौन बिचार बिचारो I 
कैद्विज रूप लिवाय महाप्रभु,
सो तुम दास के सोक निवारो I  को - २
अंगद के संग लेन गए सिय,
खोज कपीस यह बैन उचारो I 
जीवत ना बचिहौ हम सो  जु ,
बिना सुधि लाये इहाँ पगु धारो I 
हेरी थके तट सिन्धु सबे तब ,
लाए सिया-सुधि प्राण उबारो I  को - ३
रावण त्रास दई सिय को सब ,
राक्षसी सों कही सोक निवारो I 
ताहि समय हनुमान महाप्रभु ,
जाए महा रजनीचर मरो I 
चाहत सीय असोक सों आगि सु ,
दै प्रभुमुद्रिका सोक निवारो I  को - ४ 
बान लाग्यो उर लछिमन के तब ,
प्राण तजे सूत रावन मारो I 
लै गृह बैद्य सुषेन समेत ,
तबै गिरि द्रोण सु बीर उपारो I 
आनि सजीवन हाथ  दिए तब ,
लछिमन के तुम प्रान उबारो I को - ५ 
रावन जुध अजान कियो तब ,
नाग कि फाँस सबै सिर डारो I 
श्रीरघुनाथ समेत सबै दल ,
मोह भयो यह संकट भारो I 
आनि खगेस तबै हनुमान जु ,
बंधन काटि सुत्रास निवारो I  को - ६
बंधू समेत जबै अहिरावन, 
लै रघुनाथ पताल सिधारो I 
देबिन्हीं पूजि भलि विधि सों बलि ,
देउ सबै मिलि मन्त्र विचारो I 
जाये सहाए भयो तब ही ,
अहिरावन सैन्य समेत संहारो I को - ७ 
काज किये बड़ देवन के तुम ,
बीर महाप्रभु देखि बिचारो I 
कौन सो संकट मोर गरीब को ,
जो तुमसे नहिं जात है टारो I 
बेगि हरो हनुमान महाप्रभु ,
जो कछु संकट होए हमारो I  को - ८ 
              दोहा 
लाल देह लाली लसे , अरु धरि लाल लंगूर I 
वज्र देह दानव दलन , जय जय जय कपि सूर II 

Guru Mahima Gana

Guru Mahima Gana 

Neeb Karori Baba Maharajji





mere gurudev charano par sumana shraddha ke arapita hai
teri hi den hai jo hai tere charano pai arapita hai
mere gurudev...
na priti hai pratiti hai nahi pujan ki shakti hai (2x)
mera yah man mera yah tan mera jivan samarapita hai
mere gurudev...

teri ichchhae ho meri mere sab karma ho tere (2x)
bana le yantra aba mujhko mera kan kan samarapita hai
mere gurudev...
tumhi ho bhava me mere vicharo me pukaro me (2x)
tere charano pai he guruvar mera sarvasva arapita hai
mere gurudev...
teri hi den hai jo hai tere charano pe arapita hai
mere gurudev...

Dvadasajyotirlingani (Shankar Ji, Mahadev)

Dvadasajyotirlingani (Shankar Ji, Mahadev)

Neeb Karori Baba Maharajjisaurastre somanatham ca srisaile mallikarjunam
ujjayinyam mahakalam-onkaram-amalesvaram

paralyam vaidyanatham ca dakinyam bhima-sankaram
setubandhe tu ramesam nagesam daruka-vane

varanasyam tu visvesam tryambakam gautami-tate
himalaye tu kedaram ghusmesam ca sivalaye
etani jyotirlingani sayam prath pathen-narah
sapta-janma-krtam papam smaranena vinasyati

Dohavali (Shri Ramchandra Ji)

Dohavali (Shri Ramchandra Ji)

Neeb Karori Baba Maharajji


mo sama dina na dina hita, tuma samana raghubira
asa vicari raghubansa mani, harahu visama bhava bhlra
kamihi nari piyari jimi, lobhihi priya jimi dama
timi raghunatha nirantara, priya lagahu mohi rama
pranatapala raghubansa mani, karuna sindhu kharari
ga-e sarana prabhu rakhi hai, saba aparadha bisari
sravana sujasa suni aya-u, prabhu bhanjana bhava bhira
trahi trahi arati harana, sarana sukhada raghubira
aratha na dharama na kama ruci, gati na caha-u niravana
janama janama rati rama pada, yaha varadana na ana
bara bara vara magahu, harasa dehu sriranga
pada saroja anapayam, bhagati sada satsanga
barani umapati rama guna, harasi gaye kailasa
taba prabhu kapinha diva-e, saba bidhi sukhaprada basa
eka manda mai moha basa, kutila hrdaya agyana
puni prabhu mohi bisare-u, dinabandhu bhagavana
binati kari muni na-i siru, kaha kara jori bahori
carana saroruha nath jani, kabahu tajai mati mori
nahi vidya nahl bahubala, nahi kharacana ko dama
mose patita apanga ki, tuma pati rakho rama
eku chatra mukuta mani, saba baranani para jo-u
tulasi raghuvara nama ke barana birajata do-u
koti kalpa kasi base, mathura kalpa hajara
eka nimisa saraju base, tule na tulasIdasa
ram nagariya ram ki, base saraju ke tira
atala raja maharaja ko cauki hanumata bira
kaha kahau chabi aja ki, bhale biraje natha
tulasi mastaka taba navai, dhanusa bana le-u hatha
kita murala kita candrika, kita gupiyana ke satha
apane jana ke karane, sri krsna bhaye raghunatha
avadha dhama dhamadipati, avatarana pati rama
sakala siddhi pati janaki, dasana pati hanumana
kara gahi dhanusa caRha-iye, cakita bha-e saba bhupa
magana bha-i sri janaki, dekhi ram chabi rupa
rama bama disi janaki lakhana dahini ora
dhyana sakala kalyanamaya, surataru tulasi tora
nila saroruha nilamani, nila niradhara syama
lajahi tanu sobha nirakhi, koti koti sata kama
guru murati mukha candrama, sevaka nayana cakora
asta prahara nirakhata rahu, sri guru caranana ki ora
calo sakhi vaha ja-i-e, jaha base brajaraja
goras becata hari mile, ek pantha do kaja
braja caurasi kosa me, cara dhama nija dhama
vrndavana aru madhupuri, barasano nandagrama
vrndavana so vana nahi, nandagrama so grama
vansivata so vata nahl, sri ramakrsna so nama
vrndavana ki gaila me mukti paRi bilakhaya
mukti kahai gopala so, meri mukti bataya
paRi raho ja gaila me, sadhu santa cali jaya
uRi uRi raja mastaka paRai sahaja mukti ho-i jaya
radhe tuma baRa bhagini, kauna tapasya kinha
tina loka tarana tarana so tere adhina
ramajharoke baiThi ke, sabaka mujara leya
jaki jaisi cakari, tako taison deya
ajagara kare na cakari, panchi karai na kama
dasa maluka kaha gaye, sabake data rama
tulasi birava baga me sicata he kumhalaya
rama bharose jo rahe, parvata para hari aya
ramnam mani dipa dharu, jiha dehari dvara
tulasi bhitara baherihi, jau cahasi ujiyara
asa prabhu dinabandhu hari, karana rahita dayalu
tulsidasa satha tahi bhaju, chaRi karata janjalu
rama nama ke alasi, bhojana ko taiyara
tulasi aise jiva ko bara bara dhikkara
ek ghaRi adhi ghaRi, adhi me puni adha
tulasi sangata sadhu ki kate koti aparadha

Devyaparadhaksamapana Stotram

Devyaparadhaksamapana Stotram 

Neeb Karori Baba Maharajji


na mantram no yantram tadapi ca na jane stutimaho
na cahvanam dhyanam tadapi ca na jane stutikathah
na jane mudraste tadapi ca na jane vilapanam
param jane matastva danusaranam klesaharanam
vidher-ajnanena dravina-virahenalasataya
vidheya sakyatvat-tava caranayor-ya cyutir-abhut
tad-etat ksantavyam janani sakaloddharini sive
kuputro jayeta kvacidapi kumata na bhavati.
prthivyam putraste janani bahavah santi saralah
param tesam madhye viralataralo ham tava sutah
madiyo yam tyagah samucitamidam no tava sive
kuputro jayeta kvacidapi kumata na bhavati.
jaganmatarmatastava caranaseva na racita
na va dattam devi dravinamapi bhuyastava maya
tathapi tvam sneham mayi nirupamam yatprakuruse
kuputro jayeta kvachidapi kumata na bhavati
parityakta deva vividha-vidha-seva kulataya
maya pancagiter-adhikam-apanite tu vayasi
idanim cen-matas-tava yadi krpa napi bhavita
niralambo lambodara-janani kam yami saranam.
svapako jalpako bhavati madhu-pakopama-gira
niratanko ranko viharati ciram koti-kanakaih.
tavaparne karne visati manuvarne phalam-idam
janah ko janite janani japaniyam japa-vidhau
cita-bhasmalepo garalam-asanam dik-pata-dharo
jata-dhan kanthe bhujaga-pati-hanr pasupatih
kapall bhutego bhajati jagadlrgaika-padavim
bhavani tvatpani grahana-paripati-phalam-idam
na mokshas-yakanksa bhava-vibhava-vanchapi ca na me
na vijnana-peksa sasimukhi sukhecchapi na punah
atastvam samyace janani jananam yatu mama vai
mrdani rudrani siva siva bhavaniti japatah
naradhitasi vidhina vividhopacaraih
kim ruksa cintana-parair-na krtam vacobhih
syame tvameva yadi kincana mayyanathe
dhatse krpam-ucitam-amba param tavaiva
Doha:
apatsu magnah smaranam tvadiyam, karomi durge karunarnavesi. naitacchathatvam
mama bhavayethah, ksudhatrsarta jananim smaranti.
jagadamba vicitram atra kim, paripurna karunasti cenmayi
aparadha-parampara-param na hi, mata samupeksate sutam
matsamah pataki nasti papaghni tvatsama na hi
evam jnatva mahadevi yatha-yogyam tatha kuru

Bajarang Ban (Hanuman ji)


                                           Bajarang Ban(Hanuman ji)

 



nishchaya prema pratiti te
binaya kare sanaman
tehi ke karaja sakala shubha
siddha karai hanuman
siya vara ramachandra pada jaya sharanam
jaya hanumanta santa hitakari
suni lijai prabhu vinaya hamari
jana ke kaja bilamba na kijai
atura dauri mahasukha dijai
jaise kudi sindhu mahi para
surasa badana paithi vistara
age jaya lankini roka
marehu lata ga-i suraloka
jaya vibhishana ko sukha dinha
sita nirakhi parama pada linha
baga ujari sindhu maha bora
ati atur yamakataru tora
akshay kumar ko mara sanhara
luma lapeta lanka ko jara
laha samana lanka jari gai
jaya jaya dhuni surapura nabha bhai
aba bilamba kehi karana svami
krpa karahu ura antarayami
jaya jaya lakhana prana ke data
atura hoi dukha karahu nipata
jai giridhara jai jai sukhasagara
sura samuha samaratha bhata nagara
om hanu hanu hanu hanumanta hathile
bairihi maru vajra ke kile
gada vajra lai bairihi maro
maharaja prabhu dasa ubaro
omkara humkara maha prabhu dhavau
vajra gada hanu vilamba na lavo
om hri hri hri hanumanta kapisa
om hu hu hu hanu ari ura shisha
satya hohu hari shapatha payake
ramaduta dharu maru dhayake
jaya jaya jaya hanumanta agadha
dukha pavata jana kehi aparadha
puja japa tapa nema achara
nahi janata kachhu dasa tumhara
bana upavana maga giri grha manhi
tumhare bala hau darapata nahi
pamya parau kara jori manavau
yahi avasara aba kehi gohravau
jaya anjani kumara balavanta
shankara suvana bira hanumanta
badana karala kala kula ghalaka
rama sahaya sada pratipalaka
bhuta, preta, pisacha, nisachara
agni baitala kala mari mar
inhe maru tohi shapatha rama ki
rakhu natha maryada nama ki
janakasuta hari dasa kahavo
taki shapatha bilamba na lavo
jaya jaya jaya dhuni hota akasha
sumirata hoy dusaha dukha nasha
charana sharana kara jori manavau
yahi avasara aba kehi goharavau
uthu uthu chalu tohi rama dohai
paya parau kara jori manai
om cha cha cha cha chapala chalanta
om hanu hanu hanu hanu hanumanta
om ha ha hanka deta kapi chanchal
om sa sa sahami parane khaladal
apane jana ko turata ubaro
sumirata hoy ananda hamaro
yaha bajaranga bana jehi mare
tahi kaho phir kauna ubare
patha kare bajaranga bana ki
hanumata raksha kare prana ki
yaha bajaranga bana jo japai
tate bhuta preta saba kampai
dhupa deya aru japai hamesha
take tana nahi rahai kalesha
prema pratiti kapi bhajai
sada dharai ura dhyan
tehi ke karaja sakala shubha
siddha karai hanuman
siya vara ramachandra pada jaya sharanam

Sachin Tendulkar Biography

Sachin Tendulkar Biography

viv richards
Sachin Tendulkar has played a key role in Indian test cricket ever since his debut at an early age in 1992. A child cricket prodigy who has lived up to his early promise.
He has played many flawless innings and led India to many notable victories, not least over arch rivals and the number one test side – Australia in 2008. Standing only 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) Tendulkar has often been called ‘The Little master’ – or even God of Cricket. He has a wonderful technique and can score runs with great fluency and style. He has minimal movement, and can play a wide range of shots.
Sometimes Tendulkar has been criticised for making runs against easy opposition and not rising to the big occasion. But, that criticism is not entirely fair and Tendulkar has recently made some key hundreds in the most testing of situations.
Sachin Tendulkar was the first non-Yorkshireman born player to play for the county. It was a key moment for Yorkshire CC. Unfortunately, it was not an unreserved success as his dominant form deserted him.
tendulkarHe currently has over 15,000 Test runs making him one of the highest test run scorers of all time.
He was also the first player to pass 10,000 runs in limited overs cricket. At the start of 2013, he had accumulated a record 18,000 ODI runs, giving him over 34,000 runs at international level – a record that could stand for a long time.
In India Sachin Tendulkar is one of the most famous people. He receives a tremendous amount of adulation and attention. He is admired not just for his cricket, but his image of being a good son of India. He has a modest approach to life, being a quiet family man, and he still visits Indian temples. He is a devotee of the Hindu Guru, Sathya Sai Baba of Puttaparthi He is widely seen as a great role model.
Tendulkar was born on 24 April 1973 into a Rajapur Saraswat Brahmin family in Bombay. He made an impact in cricket from a very early age, displaying a prodigious talent. By the age of 15, he had made his first class debut. He made his test debut against Pakistan, aged only 16.

Indira Gandhi Biography

Indira Gandhi Biography

indira-gandhiIndira Gandhi née: Nehru; (19 November 1917 – 31 October 1984) was the Prime Minister of the Republic of India for three consecutive terms from 1966 to 1977 and for a fourth term from 1980 until her assassination in 1984, a total of fifteen years. She was India’s first female Prime Minister.
In 1999, she was voted the greatest woman of the past thousand years in a poll carried by BBC news, ahead of other notable women such as Queen Elizabeth I of England, Marie Curie andMother Teresa.
Born in the politically influential Nehru dynasty, she grew up in an intensely political atmosphere. Despite the same last name, she was of no relation to the statesman Mohandas Gandhi. Her grandfather, Motilal Nehru, was a prominent Indian nationalist leader. Her father, Jawaharlal Nehru, was a pivotal figure in the Indian independence movement and the first Prime Minister of Independent India. She was brought up in an environment with great exposure to the political figures of the day, and was particularly influenced by her father. She once said: “My father was a statesman, I’m a political woman. My father was a saint. I’m not. ” In one early photograph (above), she was sitting at the bed of of Mohandas Gandhi as he recovered from one of his fasts.
In 1937, she passed the Oxford entrance exam and studied at Somerville college, Oxford. At university she was often subject to ill health, and returned to India without completing her degree – though later she was conferred an honorary degree by Oxford.
On returning to India from Oxford in 1941, Indira became involved in the Indian Independence movement. Between 1947 and 1965, she served in her father (J.Nehru’s) government. Although she was unofficially acting as a personal assistant, she wielded considerable power within the government. After her father’s death in 1964, she was appointed as Minister of Information and Broadcasting in Lal Bahadur Shastri’s cabinet. Shortly after, Shastri died unexpectedly, and with the help of Congress Party President, K. Kamaraj Indira Gandhi was chosen to be the new Prime Minister of India.
Gandhi attracted significant electoral popularity helped by her personality and populist economic measures. She introduced more left-wing economic policies and sought to promote agricultural productivity. In 1971, she led India to a decisive victory in war with Pakistan; and in 1974, India completed their own nuclear bomb. However, in the early 1970s, the Indian economy suffered from high inflation, falling living standards, and combined with protests over corruption, there was great instability that led her to impose a state of emergency in 1975. In the state of emergency, political opponents were imprisoned, constitutional rights removed, and the press placed under strict censorship. This gave her a reputation for being authoritarian, willing to ignore democratic principles.
Her son Sanjay Gandhi was also increasingly unpopular as he wielded substantial powers, such as slum clearance and enforced sterilisation to deal with India’s growing population. In 1977, against a backdrop of economic difficulties and growing disillusionment, Indira Gandhi lost the election and temporarily dropped out of politics.
However, she was returned to office in 1980. But, in this period, she became increasingly involved in an escalating conflict with Sikh separatists in Punjab. She was later assassinated by her own Sikh bodyguards in 1984 for her role in storming the sacred Golden Temple.

Babur Biography

Babur Biography

BaburBabur (1483 – 1530) was the founder of the Moghul Empire in India. He was a descendent of Genghis Khan and Timur, but, sought to establish a more lasting civilisation based on religious tolerance and promotion of the arts.
Babur was born in Farghana in Turkestan. At the age of 12 he became ruler, following the death of his father. However, he was soon usurped by his uncles.
In his early life, Babur had to fight many battles against his enemies and was frequently struggling to rule over a territory. He moved to Afghanistan and then to India. It was in India where he was able to cement his domination, laying the foundations for the modern Moghul rule of India.
For its time it was relatively enlightened, Babur, sought to make peace with his former enemies. He allowed people to continue with their Hindu religion and customs. Babur promoted the arts and was instrumental in bringing Persian culture into India.
Babur’s son was Humayun. Babur’s Grandson was Akbar the Great.

Mother Teresa Biography

 Mother Teresa Biography

Mother Teresa (1910-1997) was a Roman Catholic nun, who devoted her life to serving the poor and destitute around the world. She spent many years in Calcutta, India where shed founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation devoted to helping those in great need. In 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and has become a symbol of charitable selfless work. She was beatified in 2003, the first step on the path to sainthood, within the Catholic church.
“It is not how much we do,
but how much love we put in the doing.
It is not how much we give,
but how much love we put in the giving.”
- Mother Teresa

Short Biography Mother Teresa

mother teresaMother Teresa was born, 1910, in Skopje, capital of the Republic of Macedonia. Little is known about her early life, but at a young age she felt a calling to be a nun and serve through helping the poor. At the age of 18 she was given permission to join a group of nuns in Ireland. After a few months of training, with the Sisters of Loreto, she was then given permission to travel to India. She took her formal religious vows in 1931, and chose to be named after St Therese of Lisieux – the patron saint of missionaries.
On her arrival in India, she began by working as a teacher, however the widespread poverty of Calcutta made a deep impression on her; and this led to her starting a new order called “The Missionaries of Charity”. The primary objective of this mission was to look after people, who nobody else was prepared to look after. Mother Teresa felt that serving others was a key principle of the teachings of Jesus Christ. She often mentioned the saying of Jesus,
“Whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you do it to me.”
As Mother Teresa said herself:
“Love cannot remain by itself — it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is service .” – Mother Teresa
mother-teresaShe experienced two particularly traumatic periods in Calcutta. The first was the Bengal famine of 1943 and the second was the Hindu/Muslim violence in 1946 – before the partition of India. In 1948, she left the convent to live full time amongst the poorest of Calcutta. She chose to wear a white Indian Sari, with blue trimmings – out of respect for the traditional Indian dress. For many years, Mother Teresa and a small band of fellow nuns survived on minimal income and food, often having to beg for funds. But, slowly her efforts with the poorest were noted and appreciated by the local community and Indian politicians.
In 1952, she opened her first home for the dying, which allowed people to die with dignity. Mother Teresa often spent time with those who were dying. Some have criticised the lack of proper medical attention, and refusal to give painkillers. But, others say that it afforded many neglected people the opportunity to die knowing someone cared.
Over time the work grew. Missions were started overseas, and by 2013, there are 700 missions operating in over 130 countries. The scope of their work also expanded to include orphanages, and hospices for those with terminal illness.
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
—- Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa never sought to convert those of an another faith. Those in her dying homes were given the religious rites appropriate to their faith. However, she had a very firm Catholic faith and took a strict line on abortion, the death penalty and divorce – even if her position was unpopular. Her whole life was influenced by her faith and religion, even though at times she confessed she didn’t feel the presence of God.
The Missionaries of Charity now has branches throughout the world including branches in the developed world where they work with the homeless and people affected with AIDS. In 1965, the Society became an International Religious Family by a decree of Pope Paul VI.
In the 1960s, the life of Mother Teresa was first brought to a wider public attention by Malcolm Muggeridge who wrote a book and produced a documentary called “Something Beautiful for God”.
mandela-teresaIn 1979, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize “for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitutes a threat to peace.” She didn’t attend the ceremonial banquet, but asked that the $192,000 fund be given to the poor.
In later years, she was more active in western developed countries. She commented that though the west was materially prosperous, there was often a spiritual poverty.
“The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.”
-— Mother Teresa
When she was asked how to promote world peace, she replied.
“Go home and love your family”
Over the last two decades of her life, Mother Teresa suffered various health problems but nothing could dissuade her from fulfilling her mission of serving the poor and needy. Until her very last illness she was active in travelling around the world to the different branches of “The Missionaries of Charity” During her last few years, she met Princess Diana in the Bronx, New York. The two died within a week of each other.
Following Mother Teresa’s death the Vatican began the process of beatification, which is the second step on the way to canonisation and sainthood. Mother Teresa was formally beatified in October 2003 by Pope John Paul II and is now known as Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.
Mother Teresa was a living saint who offered a great example and inspiration to the world.

Awards Mother Teresa

  • The first Pope John XXIII Peace Prize. (1971)
  • Kennedy Prize (1971)
  • The Nehru Prize –“for promotion of international peace and understanding”(1972)
  • Albert Schweitzer International Prize (1975),
  • The Nobel Peace Prize (1979)
  • States Presidential Medal of Freedom (1985)
  • Congressional Gold Medal (1994)
  • Honorary citizenship of the United States (November 16, 1996),

Rabindranath Tagore Biography

Rabindranath Tagore Biography

Poet, writer and humanitarian, Rabindranath Tagore was the first Indian to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature and played a key role in the renaissance of modern India. Tagore is most widely known for his poetry, but he was also an accomplished author of novels, short stories, plays and articles. He took an active interest in a widespread range of social, cultural and artistic endeavours. He has been described as one of the first Twentieth Century’s global man.
“So I repeat we never can have a true view of man unless we have a love for him. Civilisation must be judged and prized, not by the amount of power it has developed, but by how much it has evolved and given expression to, by its laws and institutions, the love of humanity.”
— Sadhana: The Realisation of Life, (1916)

Short Biography Rabindranath Tagore

rabindranath-tagoreRabindranath was born in 7 May 1861 Calcutta. His father Debendranath Tagore was a leading light in the Brahmo Samaj – a reforming Hindu organisation which sought to promote a monotheistic interpretation of the Upanishads and move away from the rigidity of Hindu Orthodoxy which they felt was holding back India. Debendranath Tagore also encouraged his family to learn English.
Rabindranath began writing from an early age, and impressed with his free flowing style and spontaneous compositions. He mostly rejected formal schooling; he spent much time being taught at home. In 1878 he travelled to England and sought to study law at University College, London, but he left before finishing the degree.
After returning to India, in 1901, Tagore moved to Shantiniketan to found an ashram which became his focal point for writing and his view on schooling. He chose the name for the ashram – Shantiniketan meaning ‘Abode of Peace’
Tagore was firm friends with Gandhi and admired him very much. But, despite this friendship he could be critical of his views. For example, he disagreed with Gandhi’s views on Swaraj protests and upbraided Gandhi when Gandhi claimed an earthquake was ‘divine retribution for the mistreatment of dalits in India.’ Yet despite the frequent divergence of opinions, they could admire each other.
In 1913, Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature for his work ‘Gitanjali‘ This made his writings internationally known and his fame spread throughout the world. This gave Tagore the opportunity to travel extensively giving lectures and recitals in many different countries. He also became acquainted with many of the leading cultural contemporaries of the day; this included W.B.Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Romain Rolland, Robert Frost and Albert Einstein.
Tagore had a great love for nature and many of his poems invoke the simple beauties of the natural world. For Tagore, his religion could be found in the wonders and mysteries of nature – as much as in temples and sacred books.
tagore-poem
Tagore was a prolific composer of music. He composed over 2,000 songs which have been popularised and sung widely across Bengal. Like his literature, he broke away from classical constraints to offer a great emotive and spiritual appeal. Tagore is unique for being the official composer for the national anthem of two countries – India’s Jana Gana Mana and Bangladesh’sAmar Shonar Bangla.
Tagore was an opponent of British imperialism, though he also felt Indians had a duty to improve their self-education; he said that British rule was partly due to the state India had fallen into. In particular, he was very denigrating about India’s obsession with caste.
In 1919, Tagore returned his knighthood in protest at the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, in which many peaceful Indian protesters were killed.
Tagore was a polymath, towards the end of his life he took up art and also pursued an interest in science. Tagore was also very much an internationalist, criticising nationalism, though also writing songs and articles in support of the general principle of the Indian independence movement.
“Patriotism cannot be our final spiritual shelter; my refuge is humanity. I will not buy glass for the price of diamonds, and I will never allow patriotism to triumph over humanity as long as I live. “
- Rabindranath Tagore
Tagore died on 7th August 1941, after a long and painful illness, aged 80

Jawaharlal Nehru Biography

Jawaharlal Nehru Biography

Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964)
Nehru Jawaharlal Nehru was an Indian nationalist who campaigned for Indian Independence. Under the tutelage of Gandhi, Nehru became India’s first Prime Minister on gaining independence in 1947. Nehru held this position until his death in 1964.
Nehru was born in Allabhad and was educated in England, going to school at Harrow and later studying law at Trinity College Cambridge.
On returning to India in 1912, he practised law and got married to Kamala Kaul. They had one daughter – Indira Gandhi (who would later succeed her father as Prime Minister of India).
In the wake of the Amritsar massacre and growing calls for Indian independence, Nehru joined the Indian National Congress in 1919. He was a supporter of complete independence for India. During the 1920s and 1930s, he actively participated in the civil disobedience campaigns and was jailed on several occasions. He was one of the rising stars of the Indian independence movement and became closely allied to Mahatma Gandhi. Nehru soon became seen as Gandhi’s successor.
Nehru was initially opposed to the plan to separate India into two. However, under pressure from Mountbatten (the last British Viceroy), Nehru reluctantly agreed.
On gaining independence on August 15th 1947, Nehru was India’s first Prime Minister. However, his joy at gaining independence was overshadowed by the wave of sectarian killing and conflict over Kashmir which continues to this day.
As Prime Minister, Nehru was one of the leading figures in the non-aligned movement. Nehru sought to keep India out of the Cold war; he didn’t want India to rely on foreign states be it Russia or America. On the domestic front Nehru was in the tradition of Fabian socialism – seeking to use state intervention to redistribute resources throughout society. He was a life long liberal and pursued policies to improve the welfare of the ‘untouchable class’ and Indian Women.
In 1962, India was involved in conflict with China over a border dispute. Militarily India was defeated and this took a heavy toll on Nehru. Nehru died in 1964. Two years later his daughter Indira Gandhi took office.

Akbar Biography

Akbar Biography

Akbar The Great (1542 – 1605)
Akbar was the greatest of the Moghul emperors, consolidating a large empire across India, and establishing a culture promoting the arts and religious understanding.

Short Biography of Akbar

akbarAkbar was the son of Humayun, grandson of Babur, and became the third Moghul Emperor. Although the first part of his reign was taken up with military campaigns, Akbar displayed a great interest in a wide variety of cultural, artistic, religious and philosophical ideas. Akbar was also know for his religious tolerance and, although a Muslim, took an active interest in other religions.
Akbar came to the throne, aged 14, on the death of his father Humayun. For the next 20 years, he had to fight to defend and consolidate the Moghul empire. He faced threats from the Afghans in the North and from the Hindu King, Samrat Hemu.
As Akbar was very young on ascending to the throne, the running of Moghul Kingdom was left to Bairam Khan an Afghan Shia Muslim. Bairam was a great military leader and helped secure the Moghul Empire. However, he was not liked by many for the absolute power he wielded and also the fact he was not a Sunni Muslim. At one point he was encouraged to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca. Akbar sent an army to escort Bairam Kham, but Bairam was annoyed at the ostracism of being sent on pilgrimage. Therefore, he turned on Akbar’s army and was later captured. Bairam was taken to Akbar where many wanted him to be executed. However, Akbar refused to execute Bairam because had done much for him in the past. He forgave Bairam and allowed him to live at the expense of the court. Throughout his life, Akbar often showed mercy and forgiveness to his enemies – not least to his own brother who plotted against him.
Akbar was known to have many good qualities. He was fearless in battle and willing to risk his life. He was generous to friends and rewarded loyalty. In his diet he was quite frugal, preferring a vegetarian diet. He had a great interest in religion and encouraged representatives of different religions to come to his court to debate great religious ideas. Akbar felt that the different religions were compatible with each other – offering different approaches to the same goal. Towards the end of his life he tried to create his own religion – an amalgamation of different religious traditions. However, it never extended beyond his personality and soon faded away after his death.
Akbar died in around 1605 and was buried near Agra.

Sri Krishna Biography Sort Story

Sri Krishna Sort Story

krishnaSri Krishna is the central figure of the Hindu Bhagavad Gita. Sri Krishna is widely considered to be an Avatar – a direct descent of God. Krishna is one of the many names of Lord Vishnu, and Sri Krishan is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Sri Krishna said in the opening section of the Bhagavad Gita:
“Whenever, O descendant of Bharata, righteousness declines and unrighteousness prevails, I manifest Myself. For the protection of the righteous and the destruction of the wicked, and for the establishment of religion, I come into being from age to age.”
- Sri Krishna

Short bio of Sri Chinmoy

Sri Krishna was born in northern India in approximately 3,228 BCE. The Puranas consider Sri Krishna’s life to mark the passing between the Dvapara age and the Kali Yuga (current age)
Krishna was born in prison to devout parents – Devaki and Vasudeva. At the time, his life was in danger because the tyrant Kamsa was seeking to kill him. It had been foretold that Kamsa would be killed by Devaki’s eighth child. Since Sri Krishna was the eighth child, he was smuggled out of prison to be raised by his foster parents Nanda and Yasoda in Gokula. Nanda lived a simple lifestyle and was a chief in the local Cowherding community. The young Sri Krishna is often depicted in these days as being a mischievous child, who enjoyed playing pranks and having fun. Some worship Sri Krishna as the ideal child of innocence.
However, even in his young years, Krishna is reported to have killed demons Trinavarta and Putana. He is also said to have lifted a nearby hill – Govardhana to protect the villagers against the wrath of Indra.

Sri Krishna in Brindavan

In the early stage of his life, Sri Krishna is also often depicted playing the flute for his beloved gopis – female devotees. Of these Radha was the greatest devotee.
This life episode was crucial in the development of Hindu Bhakti devotional tradition. It is this tradition of bhakti which was important in the lives of future avatars such as Sri Chaitanya and  Sri Ramakrishna.

Sri Krishna and Bhagavad Gita

On his return to Mathura, Sri Krishna killed his uncle Kansa – Kansa had tried several times to have Krishna killed.
In Mathura, he befriended the Pandava Prince, Arjuna. Sri Krishna became a counsel and friend to Arjuna.
The Kurushetra war was a battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Sri Krishna tried to mediate to avoid conflict, but once war became inevitable he offered a choice to Arjuna – either he could choose Sri Krishna himself or he could choose his armies. Arjuna choose the counsel of Sri Krishna rather than his armies. It was on the battlefield of Kurushetra that Sri Krishna gave the immortal dialogue of the Bhagavad Gita, which was an exposition of Sri Krishna’s yoga and how an aspiring seeker might seek union with God. Unlike Indian scriptures of the past, the Bhagavad Gita did not require world renunciation, but encouraged world acceptance.
During the battle, Sri Krishna occasionally intervened, to help Arjuna and the Pandavas win. Sri Krishna also unveiled his universal form to Arjuna – showing his dear friend, his full spiritual Realisation. After this Arjuna became a disciple of Sri Krishna, rather than just admirer and friend.
Sri Krishna took eight wives and had many sons.

Sri Krishna at Dwarka

In later life Sri Krishna retired to Dwarka where he lived for many years.
Legend has it that Sri Krishna was killed by an arrow through his ankle.

Mahatma Gandhi Short Story

Mahatma Gandhi Short Story

Mahatma Gandhi was a prominent Indian political leader who campaigned for Indian independence. He employed non-violent principles and peaceful disobedience. He was assassinated in 1948, shortly after achieving his life goal of Indian independence. In India, he is known as ‘Father of the Nation’.
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it–always.”
- Gandhi

Short Bio Mahatma Gandhi

mahatma gandhiMohandas Gandhi was born, 1869, in Porbandar, India. Mohandas was from the social cast of tradesmen. His mother was illiterate, but her common sense and religious devotion had a lasting impact on Gandhi’s character. As a youngster, Mohandas was a good student, but the shy young boy displayed no signs of leadership. On the death of his father, Mohandas travelled to England to gain a degree in law. He became involved with the Vegetarian society and was once asked to translate the Hindu Bhagavad Gita. This epic of Hindu literature awakened in Gandhi a sense of pride in the Indian scriptures, of which the Gita was the pearl.
Around this time, he also studied the Bible and was struck by the teachings of Jesus Christ – especially the emphasis on humility and forgiveness. He remained committed to the Bible and Bhagavad Gita throughout his life, though he was critical of aspects of both religions.

Gandhi in South Africa

On completing his degree in Law, Gandhi returned to India, where he was soon sent to South Africa to practise law. In South Africa, Gandhi was struck by the level of racial discrimination and injustice often experienced by Indians. It was in South Africa that Gandhi first experimented with campaigns of civil disobedience and protest; he called his non violent protests – satyagraha. Despite being imprisoned for short periods of time he also supported the British under certain conditions. He was decorated by the British for his efforts during the Boer war and Zulu rebellion.

Gandhi and Indian Independence

After 21 years in South Africa, Gandhi returned to India in 1915. He became the leader of the Indian nationalist movement campaigning for home rule or Swaraj.
gandhiGandhi successfully instigated a series of non violent protest. This included national strikes for one or two days. The British sought to ban opposition, but the nature of non-violent protest and strikes made it difficult to counter.
Gandhi also encouraged his followers to practise inner discipline to get ready for independence. Gandhi said, the Indians had to prove they were deserving of independence. This is in contrast to independence leaders such as Aurobindo Ghose, who argued that Indian independence was not about whether India would offer better or worse government, but that it was the right for India to have self government.
Gandhi also clashed with others in the Indian independence movement such as Subhas Chandra Bose who advocated direct action to overthrow the British.
Gandhi frequently called off strikes and non-violent protest if he heard people were rioting or violence was involved.
In 1930, Gandhi led a famous march to the sea in protest at the new Salt Acts. In the sea they made their own salt – in violation of British regulations. Many hundreds were arrested and Indian jails were full of Indian independence followers.
However, whilst the campaign was at its peak some Indian protesters killed some British civilians, as a result Gandhi called off the independence movement saying that India was not ready. This broke the heart of many Indians committed to independence. It led to radicals like Bhagat Singh carrying on the campaign for independence, which was particularly strong in Bengal.

Gandhi and the Partition of India

After the war, Britain indicated that they would give India independence. However, with the support of the Muslims led by Jinnah, the British planned to partition India into two – India and Pakistan. Ideologically Gandhi was opposed to partition. He worked vigorously hard to show that Muslims and Hindus could live together peacefully. At his prayer meetings, Muslim prayers were read out along side Hindu and Christian prayers. However, Gandhi agreed to the partition and spent the day of Independence in prayer mourning the partition. Even Gandhi’s fasts and appeals were insufficient to prevent the wave of sectarian violence and killing that followed the partition.
Away from the politics of Indian independence Gandhi was harshly critical of the Hindu Caste system. In particular he inveighed against the ‘untouchable’ caste, who were treated abysmally by society. He launched many campaigns to change the status of the untouchables. Although his campaigns were met with much resistance, they did go along way to changing century old prejudices.
At the age of 78, Gandhi undertook another fast to try and prevent the sectarian killing. After 5 days, the leaders agreed to stop killing. But, ten days later, Gandhi was shot dead by a Hindu Brahmin opposed to Gandhi’s support for Muslims and the untouchables.

Gandhi and Religion

Gandhi was a seeker of the truth.
“In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth.”
- Gandhi
Gandhi said his great aim in life was to have a vision of God. He sought to  worship God and promote religious understanding. He sought inspiration from many different religions – Jainism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and incorporate them into his own philosophy.

Swami Vivekananda Story

 Swami Vivekananda Story

vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda was a Hindu monk and direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. Vivekananda played a key role in the introduction of Indian yoga and Vedanta philosophy in the West. He made a strong impression at the inaugural World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, 1893 giving a powerful speech on the underlying unity of world religions. He taught a philosophy of traditional meditation and also selfless service (karma yoga). He advocated emancipation for Indian women and an end to the worst excess of the caste system. He is considered an important figurehead of India’s growing self-confidence and later nationalist leaders often said they were inspired by his teachings and personality.
To succeed, you must have tremendous perseverance, tremendous will. “I will drink the ocean”, says the persevering soul; “at my will mountains will crumble up”. Have that sort of energy, that sort of will; work hard, and you will reach the goal.
- Swami Vivekananda

Early life

Swami Vivekananda was born Narendra Nath Datta on 12th January 1863 in Calcutta, Bengal, India.
As a child, the young Narendra had boundless energy and he was fascinated with many aspects of life – especially wandering ascetics. He received a western education at the Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar’s Metropolitan Institution. He became well versed in Western and Eastern philosophy. His teachers remarked he had a prodigious memory and tremendous intellectual capacity.
Shaped by his father’s rationality, Narendra joined the Brahmo Samaj – a modern Hindu organisation, led by Keshab Chandra Sen, which rejected idol worship.
In 1881, Narendra went to Dakshineswar with a friend to meet Sri Ramakrishna – who was widely considered a great saint and spiritual Master.
Narendra felt attracted to the magnetic personality of Sri Ramakrishna and became a regular visitor. At first his mind could not accept the ways and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna. Ramakrishna followed a simple ‘bhakti’ (devotional) path, and was particularly devoted to Mother Kali (the Divine Mother). But, overtime, Narendra’s spiritual experiences in the presence of Ramakrishna caused him to wholeheartedly accept Ramakrishna as his Guru, and he gave up the Brahmo Samaj.
In 1884, Narendra’s father died, leaving the family bankrupt. Narendra became responsible for trying to feed his family, with limited means. He later said he would often go hungry as he could not afford enough food. To the annoyance of his mother, Narendra was often too absorbed in his spiritual disciplines to make earning money a priority.
In 1886, Sri Ramakrishna, passed away – just five years after meeting Narendra. Ramakrishna had chosen Narendra to be the leader of the monastic disciples. Vivekananda decided to found a math (monastery) in Belur Math
Swami Vivekananda then threw himself into intense spiritual practices. He would spend many hours in meditation and japa. In 1888, he left the monastery to become a wandering sannyasin, visiting various holy places around India. Vivekananda lived from day to day, begging for food, being immersed in his own spiritual quest. In his Completed Works, he writes of his experience
Many times I have been in the jaws of death, starving, footsore, and weary; for days and days I had no food, and often could walk no further; I would sink down under a tree, and life would seem to be ebbing away. I could not speak, I could scarcely think, but at last the mind reverted to the idea: “I have no fear nor death; never was I born, never did I die; I never hunger or thirst. I am It! I am It!
He began accepting disciples, and in 1893, accepted an invitation to speak at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. He set sail from Bombay in May, sailing first to Japan and then on to US. He set sail with little money and few contacts. But, helped by Professor John Wright of Harvard University and others, Vivekananda arrived in Chicago as a representative of the Hindu religion.

World Parliament of Religions

vivekananda-parliament
On September 11th, 1893, Vivekananda gave a short speech at the opening day of the conference. After getting up on the stage, Vivekananda bowed to Saraswati (the goddess of learning), then Vivekananda began with the greeting “Sisters and Brothers of America!” – Something in Vivekananda’s address and persona, caused the crowd of seven thousand to stand in ovation for two minutes, before he continued his speech.
“It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of religions; and I thank you in the name of millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects.”
(see speech at World Parliament of Religions)
A dominant theme of Vivekananda’s speeches was the universality and harmony of the world religions. The press covering the event frequently stated that Vivekananda was the star performer – captivating the audience with his personality and powerful speeches.
Vivekananda spent two years giving speeches in American and accepting disciples to follow his Vedanta philosophy. In 1894, he founded the Vedanta Society of New York.
In 1895, he travelled to England, where he met Professor Max Muller of Oxford University, and also Margaret Noble (later Sister Nivedita) who would become one of Vivekananda’s closest disciples.

India

From the US, Vivekananda began an increasing correspondence with his brother disciples of Sri Ramakrishna. He exhorted his fellow sanyasins to throw themselves into social service, helping the poorest to gain an education. This dynamism was a new strand to Indian spirituality – and a break from the older tradition of retreating from the world. Vivekananda wanted his mission to help the world both materially and spiritually.
In 1897, he returned to India to a rapturous welcome. News of his success in the West was greeted with joy and pride in India. Vivekananda was now a well known figure. Vivekananda spoke passionately about India’s immense spiritual heritage, and also, at the same time, criticised the degeneration of India’s status, due to the caste system, lack of education, subjugation of women and old failed traditions. Vivekananda was a clarion call for India to make progress.
“Come, be men ! Kick out the priests who are always against progress, because they would never mend, their hearts would never become big. They are the offspring of centuries of superstition and tyranny. Root out priest-craft first. Come, be men ! Come out of your narrow holes and have a look abroad. See how nations are on the march ! Do you love man ? Do you love your country ? Then come, let us struggle for higher and better things ; look not back, no, not even if you see the dearest and nearest cry. Look not back, but forward!” -  Volume 5, Epistles – First Series, “III Alasinga” (15 May 2010)
Vivekananda created strong feelings of national pride and national fervour, and was influential amongst later Indian leaders, like Netaji, Gandhi, Pal and Tilak.
In 1899, Vivekananda returned for another visit to America to continue spreading Vedanta societies. Vivekananda then returned to India and after failing health passed away on 4 July 1902.