In Tamil Nadu Supreme Court Case on Agama, the Contested History of Temple Priesthood and the Government’s Role

CHENNAI, INDIA, October 1, 2023 (Indian Express by Arun Janardhanan): The Tamil Nadu state Supreme Court this week ordered status quo on the appointment of archakas (priests) in Agamic temples in Tamil Nadu. The Srirangam Koil Miras Kainkaryaparagal Matrum Athanai Sarntha Koilgalin Miraskain-karyaparargalin Nalasangam, an association of archakas, had challenged reforms introduced by the DMK government, which are seen as…

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World Culture Festival 2023: Hundreds of Thousands Gather for Art of Living’s Event in Washington DC

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 30, 2023 (India TV News): The Art of Living foundation conducted its World Culture Festival 2023 at the National Mall in Washington DC, United States. Hundreds of thousands of people from across the world came together for the event. Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who is in the United States abd former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon…

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Why Fake Meat Is Making It Harder for Some Vegetarians to Dine Out

UNITED STATES, September 30, 2023 (Tasting Table, by Emily Alexander): Fake meat products like Impossible and Beyond, which were designed to look and taste like meat, are on the rise. In fact, you’ve most likely seen these innovative imitation meat products on restaurant menus in your town, including at fast food chains, casual sit-down spots, and even upscale dining destinations.…

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The Largest Hindu Temple on American Soil Will Soon Open Its Doors

ROBBINSVILLE, NEW JERSEY, September 25, 2023 (Religion News): After 12 years of planning and construction, the largest Hindu temple outside of India will open to the public this October. The BAPS Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, will be the third Akshardham, or abode of the Divine, after the temples in Gujarat and New Delhi — the latter of which is…

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In Chic Soho, a Hindu Temple Offers Itself as a Spiritual Oasis

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, September 19, 2023 (Religion News): On Broome Street, in the heart of Manhattan’s fashionable Soho neighborhood, a Hindu temple dedicated to the elephant-headed Deity Ganesha is striving to develop its own sense of cool. Its location allows it to draw guest teachers and devotees — or at least influential fans — such as the actor Willem…

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Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Chandrayaan-Themed Ganesh Pandal in Chennai Attracts Devotees

CHENNAI, September 18, 2023 (Times of India): As Ganesh Chaturthi is around the corner, a mesmerizing pandal inspired by ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 Moon mission has been erected in Chennai’s Kilkattalai. The pandal showcases Lord Vinayaka operating the replica of Chandrayaan-3 with a laptop. The Chandrayaan-3 satellite is of 25 feet height and it gets 25 feet up from ground level, complete…

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Madras High Court Says State Can Only Prevent Immersion of Plaster of Paris Ganesha Murthis, Not Sale

TAMIL NADU, INDIA, September 16, 2023 (Verdictum): The Madras High Court has come to the rescue of Ganesha statue makers and sellers in Tamil Nadu who have been facing the wrath of the state for the last few days for alleged violation of environment norms. A day before the Vishwakarma Jayanthi, who is particularly worshiped by artisans and workers as…

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Tamil Nadu: Heartbreaking Scenes as Bhagwan Ganesha’s Idol Makers Plead Police Officers Not to Seal Their Godowns

INDIA, September 15, 2023 (The Organiser, by TS Venkatesan): The DMK government in Tamil Nadu is adding to the woes of the statue makers of Bhagwan Ganesha as the self-proclaimed environmentalists woke up from their slumber to stop the statues being made and posed various obstacles by using the police force against the statue makers. Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian government and…

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Shivraj Singh Chouhan to Inaugurate 108-Feet Tall Statue of Adi Shankaracharya In Omkareshwar

INDIA, September 13, 2023 (NDTV): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will inaugurate a 108-foot-tall statue of Adi Shankaracharya in the temple town of Omkareshwar on September 18. Omkareshwar is famous for being home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The towering structure has been named Ekatmata Ki Pratima (statue of…

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