The Glimpses of our Tradition

India is familiar as the sacred place (tapobhoomi) and Indians feel fortunate to be born in this country. This is called Karmabhoomi and has a rich Vedic tradition. The Vedas are also called apaurusheya, the treasure house of knowledge, are being followed for the well being of the people and comprehensive development of the society. Thus the people are civilized with good discipline and dedication.

The Sanatana dharma is based on Vedic religion which gives inspiration to practice the chaturvidha purushardha-dharma, artha, kama and moksha. Out of these dharma is superior and the other three will be achieved through this. Then only a human being attains material happiness and also spiritual liberation.

Considering this, the Indian tradition accepted the worship of gods. The human being at first gave importance for saguna aradhana that is worship of nature in different forms (pancha bhoutika tatva arachana). In course of time, he realized the mysticism of supernatural power and accordingly started idol worship.

Undoubtedly all these worships are found in Vedas, without any deviation from this the pundits gave sastras to construct the temples as per vastu, and also preached advaita, visishtadvaita and advaita philosophies to realize the god. As a part of this, the bhakti movement was also started to attain the bliss of god through chanting of mantras, singing of bhajans, sankeertanas and performing rituals.

A large number of people followed and practiced the preachings of religious gurus and joined the movement. There is no difference of status, caste, creed among the devotees. All are being treated equal. The kings of those times constructed temples to worship their deities, promoting the sculpture, fine arts and contributed huge donations, offered lands, jewellary for their maintenance. These temples are prevailing as centers for our religious tradition even today.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is actively involved in bringing out the religious literature to propagate Sanatana Dharma among the general public. Several steps are being taken to achieve this goal successfully with the cooperation of all the concerned and with the blessings of Lord of Seven hills.

The present book entitled “The glimpses of our tradition” is focused on different topics related to various Dharmic Essays.

I hope that the readers will find this book useful and get enlightened with the knowledge of Sanatana Dharma.