Mamandram Magazine

One of the greatest Saivite saints, Tirunavukkarasar is credited with the reestablishment of Hinduism in South India following the rise of nastika traditions. Popularly known as Appar, he was one of the most prolific Tamil Saiva poets and a great exponent of Saiva Siddhanta, visiting hundreds of temples and composing hymns in honor of Shiva. Appar’s message of service to God and fellow humans has timeless appeal among the faithful, and his impact on the religious and social life of the Tamil people is remarkable. (more…)

With about 885 million followers, Hinduism is the third biggest religion in the world after Christianity and Islam. India is home to more than 800 million Hindus, while the rest are spread around the globe. Hinduism accounts for more than 13 percent of the world population of 6.68 billion and is growing at around 1.52 percent annually. (more…)

Vishvakarma, the Architect of the Gods, is the presiding deity of craftsman, artisans and builders in the Hindu cosmology. He is the manifestation of the creative power of the Supreme Being and designed the tripartite universe consisting of the mortal world, the heavens and the netherworld at the behest of Brahma, the Creator. Vishvakarma also built the palaces of the Gods as well as their many weapons and chariots. Although a minor divinity within the Hindu pantheon, Visvakarma is frequently mentioned in the Vedas and other scriptures in his capacity as the Celestial Architect. (more…)

The 1600 year old Karpaka Vinayakar Temple in Pillayarpatti is one of the oldest and most popular Hindu shrines in south India. A rock cut cave temple featuring a massive sculpture of Vinayakar, the temple also has ancient images of other Hindu deities. The immensely powerful Karpaka Vinayakar Temple is also one of the cleanest and best managed shrines in India, drawing devotees from across south India who come to pray to Pillaiyar, the ‘remover of obstacles.’ (more…)

The Saraswathi Pooja is the most important festival honoring the Hindu goddess of knowledge and wisdom. Observed every year on the final day of Maha Navaratri, Saraswathi Pooja involves offerings and prayers devoted to Saraswathi. The festival is believed to be auspicious for seeking the blessings of Saraswathi and for the commencement of academic endeavors. (more…)

by Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati

Hinduism is a means of achieving the four canonical goals of life, or purusharthas - kama, artha, dharma and moksha. These four goals represent a holistic approach to achieve spiritual, emotional and material satisfaction for human beings. (more…)