DOCSLIB.ORG

GENERAL AWARENESS STUDY MATERIAL Current Affairs

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
GENERAL AWARENESS STUDY MATERIAL Current Affairs GENERAL AWARENESS STUDY MATERIAL Current Affairs August 5, 2016 Senior Gujarat BJP leader Vijay Rupani will be the next Chief Minister of Gujarat while Nitin Patel elected as deputy Chief Minister. August 4, 2016 The 23rd Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award will be given to Shubha Mudgal. Communist party of Nepal-Maoist Chairperson (CPN-MC) Pushpa Kamal Dhal ‘Prachanda’ was elected as the 39th Prime Minister of Nepal. August 3, 2016 The Rajya Sabha passes the Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill unanimously. West Bengal cabinet cleared a proposal to rename the state as ‘Bengal’ in English and ‘Bango’ or ‘Bangla’ in Bengali. August 1, 2016 Anandiben Patel resigns as Chief Minister of Gujarat. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) gave Narsingh Yadav a clean chit from doping to participate in the 74 kg freestyle category at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio. Railway minister flagged off maiden train service between Agartala and Delhi named ‘Tripura Sundari Express’. July 28, 2016 Social activist and writer Mahasweta Devi died at the age of 90 in Kolkata after multiple organ failure. She has won the the Sahitya Akademy and Jnanpith awards for literary excellence. She was also the recipient of Ramon Magsaysay Award and Padma Vibhushan Award. July 27, 2016 Karnataka born Bezwada Wilson,a prolific campaigner for eradication of manual scavenging and Carnatic singer T.M.Krishna from Chennai have been chosen for the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award 2016. Flipkart acquired online fashion portal Jabong. July 26, 2016 Kargil Vijay Diwas was observed in India to honour the sacrifices of Indian soldiers during Kargil War. July 22, 2016 An Indian Air force AN-32 transport plane carrying 29 people missing after it took off from Chennai to Port Blair. Rohit Khandelwal becomes the first Indian, Asian to win the Mister World 2016 title. July 17, 2016 UNESCO has declared Bihar’s ancient Nalanda University as a World Heritage Site. Mr. Rajesh Kumar Chaturvedi has been appointed as the Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for a five-year term. Pakistan’s test cricket captain Misbah-Ul-Haq became the oldest cricketer to score a test hundred at the age of 42 years. First batch of three female fighter pilots commissioned in the Indian Air Force First batch of three female pilots: ♦ Avani Chaturvedi ♦ Bhawana Kanth ♦ Mohana Singh Lakshmi Narayan Singh (16 October 1944 – 28 July 2016), known professionally as Lachhu Maharaj, was an Indian tabla player of Benaras gharana. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 29, 2016 emerged the champion of the ninth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as it defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by eight runs in the final played at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. RCB’s captain Virat Kohli was adjudged Player of the Series. He also won the Orange Cap for being the highest run-scorer in the Tournament. David Warner of Australia was the skipper of the champion’s team. SRH’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed the Purple Cap for being the highest wicket taker in this IPL. Lhakpa Sherpa, a Nepal- born US-Based mountaineer reached Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak of the world for the seventh time on May 20, becoming the most successful female climber of the peak. Veteran cricket administrator Shashank Manohar from India was on May 12, 2016 unanimously elected as International Cricket Council (ICC) first independent chairman. He will have a two year term as ICC Chief. The Air Forces of India and the US conducted a joint four- week long ‘Red Flag’ aerial combat exercises at Alaska, USA on May 13, 2016. Rishi Nair, an Indian-origin American student won the 28th National Geographic Bee Competition at the National Geographic headquarters in Washington. The world’s longest and deepest rail tunnel has been opened in Switzerland. The 57 km (35-mile) twin- bore Gotthard Base Tunnel (GBT) will provide a high-speed rail link under the Swiss Alps between Northern and Southern Europe. The tunnel has overtaken Japan’s 53.9 km Seikan rail tunnel as the longest rail tunnel in the world. The full service will begin in December 2016. The tunnel has taken 17 years to build at a cost of 12.2 billion Swiss francs (£8.4 billion). Saina Nehwal clinched the Australian Open Women’s Singles Badminton title on June 12 in Sydney. India’s tennis player Leander Paes and his Swiss tennis court partner Martina Hingis on June 3, 2016 clinched the French Open Mixed Doubles Title. It was Paes 10th Mixed Doubles Grand Slam title and 18th Grand Slam title overall. Kiran Bedi, the BJP leader and former IPS officer, has been appointed as the new Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Puducherry. Anil Kumble, former Indian captain and leg-spinner, has been appointed as the new coach of the Indian Cricket Team for one-year tenure. His tenure will begin from the upcoming West Indies’s tour which starts on July 9, 2016. With this, Kumble has become the first Indian to be appointed as the head coach of the national team since Kapil Dev in 1999-2000. France was the host nation of the 15th edition of UEFA European football championship 2016 (Euro 2016). The Copa America cup for 2016 is being hosted by United States.Chile won the 2016Copa America football cup by defeating Argentina 4-2 on june 26, 2016 at Metlife Stadium, East Rutherford, USA. It was the 45th edition of Copa America. Argentina’s Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football soon after the end of Copa America Cup in which he failed to lead his team to title victory at Eat LIONEL MESSI Rutherfoed on June 26, 2016 as Chile retained the Copa America title. Legendary former heavyweight boxing Champion Muhammad Ali passed away on June 2016 after a 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 74. MUHAMMAD ALI The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has been conferred with the Afghanistan’s highest civilian honour “Amir Amanullah Khan Award”. Mr Modi is the first Indian and is among a handful of foreign leaders to receive the award. Beside this, Narendra Modi has also inaugurated the Afghan-India Friendship Dam, earlier known as Salma Dam, which was rebuilt with India’s aid. The new Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh is Pema Khandu. On 17 July 2016, he was sworn as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, becoming the Chief Minister at the age of 37 years. The New Prime Minister of Britain is Theresa May, taken over to David Cameron. The 29th and current Prime Minister of Australia is Malcolm Turnbull. Juno spacecraft has entered on the surface of the Jupiter. The G-20 summit held in China, attended by PM Modi, Barak Obama and Xi Jinping in July 2016. Mr.Anil Kumble is the present coach of Indian Cricket team. Amit Shah, the BJP President is visiting various places in India for the canvassing of elections of 2017. He also visited to Haridwar in June 2016. The present SSP (Senior Superintendent of Police) of Haridwar is Mr.Rajeev Swaroop. Lionel Messy has taken retirement from the International football matches. INDIAN CULTURE AND TRADITION- Neelkanth- According to Hindu mythology, the place where the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple currently situated is the sacred location where Lord Shiva consumed the poison Halahala that originated from the sea when Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) churned the ocean in order to obtain Amrita. This poison that emanated during the Samudra-manthan (churning of ocean) made his throat blue in color. Thus, Lord Shiva is also known as Neelkanth, literally meaning The Blue Throated One. The shikhara of the temple is adorned with sculptures of various Devas and Asuras depicting the Samudramanthan. Neelkanth Mahadev in the form of Shivalinga is the presiding deity of the temple. The temple complex also has a natural spring where devotees usually take a holy bath before entering the premises of surrounded by dense forests. Lakshman Jhula- The 82 year old Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge is surrounded by 13-story temples, a bustling market, ashrams, yoga schools, guest houses, restaurants and a never-ending string of local and foreign tourists. To say it’s the busiest part of town would be an understatement. According to legend, Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama, crossed the Ganga River using a jute bridge located in the same location. This led to another hanging jute bridge being built there in 1889, though it was washed away by floods in 1924. Onam festival is the grand carnival of Kerala state, celebrated during the month of Chingam (August– September). The ancient festival has a significance of homecoming of the legendary Emperor Mahabali and harvest of rice and rain flowers in Kerala. The ten day festival is celebrated with various festivities such as flower carpets, Vallamkali,Puli Kali and Kaikottikkali. Kut festival is a major Post Harvest festival celebrate in the month of November by Kuki-Chin tribes. The annual festival is a leading festivals of Manipur state and does not restricted by community any more, various cultural events are Organized to celebrate the kut festival such as folk dances,traditional dances and songs along with Miss Kut contest. Another harvest festival of Manipur is Chumpha Festival,celebrated by the Tanghul Nagas tribes of the region. West Bengal is a land of festivals. There is a popular saying in Bengali ‘‘Baro Mase Tero Parban’: it literally means thirteen festivals in twelve months. Almost all festivals of all religions are celebrated here with equal religious sentiment and fervor. The people of West Bengal strive hard to maintain the tradition and culture of its land in the festivals they celebrate.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Music Academy, Madras 115-E, Mowbray’S Road
    Tyagaraja Bi-Centenary Volume THE JOURNAL OF THE MUSIC ACADEMY MADRAS A QUARTERLY DEVOTED TO THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE SCIENCE AND ART OF MUSIC Vol. XXXIX 1968 Parts MV srri erarfa i “ I dwell not in Vaikuntha, nor in the hearts of Yogins, nor in the Sun; (but) where my Bhaktas sing, there be I, Narada l ” EDITBD BY V. RAGHAVAN, M.A., p h .d . 1968 THE MUSIC ACADEMY, MADRAS 115-E, MOWBRAY’S ROAD. MADRAS-14 Annual Subscription—Inland Rs. 4. Foreign 8 sh. iI i & ADVERTISEMENT CHARGES ►j COVER PAGES: Full Page Half Page Back (outside) Rs. 25 Rs. 13 Front (inside) 20 11 Back (Do.) „ 30 „ 16 INSIDE PAGES: 1st page (after cover) „ 18 „ io Other pages (each) „ 15 „ 9 Preference will be given to advertisers of musical instruments and books and other artistic wares. Special positions and special rates on application. e iX NOTICE All correspondence should be addressed to Dr. V. Raghavan, Editor, Journal Of the Music Academy, Madras-14. « Articles on subjects of music and dance are accepted for mblication on the understanding that they are contributed solely o the Journal of the Music Academy. All manuscripts should be legibly written or preferably type­ written (double spaced—on one side of the paper only) and should >e signed by the writer (giving his address in full). The Editor of the Journal is not responsible for the views expressed by individual contributors. All books, advertisement moneys and cheques due to and intended for the Journal should be sent to Dr. V. Raghavan Editor. Pages.
    [Show full text]
  • Auspicious Offering of Lord Shiva As A
    Scholars International Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Abbreviated Key Title: Sch Int J Tradit Complement Med ISSN 2616-8634 (Print) |ISSN 2617-3891 (Online) Scholars Middle East Publishers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Journal homepage: https://saudijournals.com/sijtcm Review Article Auspicious Offering of Lord Shiva as a Source of Natural Antiviral Compounds against COVID 19: A Review Yadav Yadevendra1*, Sharma Arun2, Sharma Usha3, Sharma Khemchand4 1Assistant Professor, P.G. Department of Rasa Shastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana, Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, India 2PG Scholar, P.G. Department of Rasa Shastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana, Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, India 3Associate Professor, P.G. Department of Rasa Shastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana, Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, India 4Professor and Head, P.G. Department of Rasa Shastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana, Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, India DOI: 10.36348/sijtcm.2020.v03i07.001 | Received: 26.06.2020 | Accepted: 03.07.2020 | Published: 08.07.2020 *Corresponding author: Dr. Yadevendra Yadav Abstract Offerings of flowers, leaves, fruits, cereals, foods and drinks to the Gods have been spoken about to a great extent in ancient Hindu scriptures such as Puranas and Vedas. These substances also have replete with significant medicinal values. ' Mahamrityunjaya Mantra Japa' means Great Death-conquering Mantra, is a verse (sukta) of the Rigveda. This mantra is addressed to Shiva for warding off death and bestows longevity. Lord Shiva idolizes with some astonishing substances like Bilva Patra, Bhang Patra, Arka Puspa and Ganga Jal in Mahamrityunjaya Mantra Japa'. Medicinal properties like, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Anticancer, Antioxidant property of these have been reported by recent researches.
    [Show full text]
  • Bhoga-Bhaagya-Yogyata Lakshmi
    BHOGA-BHAAGYA-YOGYATA LAKSHMI ( FULFILLMENT AS ONE DESERVES) Edited, compiled, and translated by VDN Rao, Retd. General Manager, India Trade Promotion Organization, Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, currently at Chennai 1 Other Scripts by the same Author: Essence of Puranas:-Maha Bhagavata, Vishnu Purana, Matsya Purana, Varaha Purana, Kurma Purana, Vamana Purana, Narada Purana, Padma Purana; Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, Skanda Purana, Markandeya Purana, Devi Bhagavata;Brahma Purana, Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Agni Purana, Bhavishya Purana, Nilamata Purana; Shri Kamakshi Vilasa Dwadasha Divya Sahasranaama: a) Devi Chaturvidha Sahasra naama: Lakshmi, Lalitha, Saraswati, Gayatri; b) Chaturvidha Shiva Sahasra naama-Linga-Shiva-Brahma Puranas and Maha Bhagavata; c) Trividha Vishnu and Yugala Radha-Krishna Sahasra naama-Padma-Skanda-Maha Bharata and Narada Purana. Stotra Kavacha- A Shield of Prayers Purana Saaraamsha; Select Stories from Puranas Essence of Dharma Sindhu Essence of Shiva Sahasra Lingarchana Essence of Paraashara Smtiti Essence of Pradhana Tirtha Mahima Dharma Bindu Essence of Upanishads : Brihadaranyaka , Katha, Tittiriya, Isha, Svetashwara of Yajur Veda- Chhandogya and Kena of Saama Veda-Atreya and Kausheetaki of Rig Veda-Mundaka, Mandukya and Prashna of Atharva Veda ; Also ‘Upanishad Saaraamsa’ (Quintessence of Upanishads) Essence of Virat Parva of Maha Bharata Essence of Bharat Yatra Smriti Essence of Brahma Sutras Essence of Sankhya Parijnaana- Also Essence of Knowledge of Numbers Essence of Narada Charitra; Essence Neeti Chandrika-Essence of Hindu Festivals and Austerities- Essence of Manu Smriti*- Quintessence of Manu Smriti* - *Essence of Pratyaksha Bhaskara- Essence of Maha Narayanopanishad*-Essence of Vidya-Vigjnaana-Vaak Devi* Note: All the above Scriptures already released on www.
    [Show full text]
  • Edifying Parables
    Edifying Parables of His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswamigal Publisher Sri Vidyatheertha Foundation Chennai www.svfonline.net First Edition 1995 (1200 Copies) Reprint 2000 (1500 Copies) 2004 (3000 Copies) 2014 (1200 Copies) 2015 (2000 Copies) Digital Version 2016 © All rights reserved ISBN 81-903815-4-7 Published by: Sri Vidyatheertha Foundation G-B, Sai Karuna Apartments 49, Five Furlong Road Guindy, Chennai - 600 032 Mobile : 90031 92825 Email: [email protected] This E-Book is for free distribution only. 6 Edifying Parables Preface His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswamigal, reverentially referred to as ‘Acharyal’ in this book, had an innate ability to explain even complex topics in a simple manner through stories composed by Him on the spot or based on texts such as the Vedas, Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas. This book contains well over a hundred edifying parables of our Acharyal compiled by a disciple and grouped over 97 heads. The sources of the parables are Acharyal’s benedictory addresses and His private conversations with the disciple. Following are the minor liberties that have been taken in the preparation of the text: 1. Parables narrated by Acharyal in more than one benedictory address have been grouped under a single head. 2. In rare cases, names have been given to the characters of a story even when Acharyal did not do so during His talk with the disciple. 3. Where Acharyal has narrated more than one version of a story, information from all the versions have been utilised. 7 We are glad in publishing the digital version of this book and offering it to all for free-download in commemoration of the birth-centenary of His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswamigal.
    [Show full text]
  • Epyfz;L Kfhnjt;
    நீ லகண் ட மகாதேவ் 殿வாலயம் -சாந்鎿ப்ꮿரியா- நீ லகண் ட மகாதேவ் ஆலயம் 殿வபெ쏁மாꟁக்埁 அர்ெ்ெணிக்கெ்ெட்ட ஒ쏁 இந்鏁 ஆலயம் ஆ埁ம் . கடல் மட்டே்鎿쮿쏁ந்鏁 毁மார ் 1600 므ட்டர் உயரே்鎿ல் அமமந்鏁ள் ள இந்ே ஆலயே்鏁க்埁 பெல் ல தவண் 翁ம் எனில் 믁ே쮿ல் ஸ் வாரகாஷ் ரமே்鎿ல் இ쏁ந்鏁 லட்毁மண் ஜூலா வமர ெஸ் அல் ல鏁 டாக்뾿ல் பெல் லலாம் , ꮿன் னர் அங் 垿쏁ந்鏁 நீ லகண் ட மகாதேவ் ஆலயே்鏁க்埁 பெல் லலாம் . பெங் 埁ே்ோன மமல뾿ல் உள் ள ஆலயே்鏁க்埁 பெல் 쯁ம் ொமே 뮿கퟁம் 埁쟁கலான鏁, இ쏁ꯁற믁ம் இயற் மக அழமகக் பகாண் ட அடர ்ந்ே கா翁களால் 毂ழெ்ெட்翁ள்ள鏁. மமல 므鏁 இ쏁ந்鏁 埀தழ வ펿ந்தோ翁ம் கங் மக ந鎿뾿ன் அற் ꯁேமான காட்殿 கண் க쿁க்埁 அற் ꯁேே்மே ே쏁ம் . இந்ே ஆலயே்鏁க்埁 பெல் 쯁ம் 埁쟁க்埁 வ펿களில் பென் றால் 毁மார ் ென் னிரண் 翁 垿.므 鏂ரே்鎿ல் உள் ள ஆலயே்மே பென் 쟁 அமடயலாம் . ஆலயே்鏁க்埁 பெல் 쯁ம் வ펿뾿ல் ெல 殿잿ய ஆலயங் கள் உள் ளன. நீ லகண் ட மகாதேவ் ஆலயம் 10 ஆம் ꏂற் றாண் 羿ல் தொஜராஜரின் ம쏁மகனான உேயா鎿ே்ேனால் 1116 믁ேல் 1137 வமர뾿லான காலகட்டே்鎿ல் கட்டெ்ெட்டோக 埂றெ் ெ翁垿ற鏁. இந்ே ஆலயே்மே கட்羿 믁羿க்க 21 ஆண் 翁கள் ஆன鏁. இந்ே ஆலயே்鎿ன் உயரம் 51 அ羿. 埁쟁க்埁 பவட்翁கமளக் பகாண் ட கற் களினால் ஆன鏁. இங் 埁ள் ள ஆலயே்鎿ல் ெ믁ே்鎿ர மந்ேன் என் 쟁 埂றெ் ெ翁ம் ொற் கடமல கமடந்鏁 அ뮿ர ்ேம் எ翁க்埁ம் காட்殿கள் நிமறய காணெ்ெ翁垿ன் றன.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter X Samudra Mathana the Delineation of the Vedavyasavatara
    Chapter X Samudra mathana The delineation of the Vedavyasavatara is the theme of the tenth chapter. However, as a preliminary to it, the samudramathana episode is narrated. The purpose of Vyasavatara was to remove ignorance and confusion caused by the curse of Gautama in respect of the knowledge enshrined in the Vedas, Pancharatra, Itihasapurana, and other sacred pieces of literature. For such an ignorance and confusion Kali was considerably responsible. He arose at the time of the samudramathana along with poison. Not only the personality of Kali was Kali but the ignorance and the confusion caused by him were also Kali. Destroying these was meant to destroy Kali. This was the purpose of Vyasavatara. Therefore, in order to point out that such a Kali had arisen at the time of samudramathana, that episode is narrated in the tenth chapter before the narration of Vyasavatara. The details of samudramathana are well-known. Therefore, only such items that are especially mentioned in Tatparyanirnaya and that have a deep religious significance will be stated here. At the close of the 28th Dvapara Yuga, Chaturmukha Brahma, Shiva, Indra, and other deities approached Lord Vishnu present at Shvetadvipa at the center of Kshirasamudra. They offered prayers to Him and informed Him that due to Durvasa's curse, Indra lost his power and glory and was defeated by the demons. Therefore, they had come to Him seeking protection. As per the instructions of Lord Vishnu, the deities entered into an agreement with the demons through Bali Chakravarthi and attempted to bring the Mandara mountain for samudramathana.
    [Show full text]
  • Shiva and Parvati
    Newsletter Archives www.dollsofindia.com Durga Puja in Bengal an Ode to the Sacred Feminine Copyright © 2011, DollsofIndia Indian mythology is rich with several stories of Devis and Devatas (Goddesses and Gods), of divine couples who work together as one, in order to fight malevolence and protect their devotees from the dark forces of evil. Today, we bring you the story of the Trimurti, or the Divine Trinity-couples of Hinduism - the tales of Brahma and Saraswati; Vishnu and Lakshmi; and Shiva and Parvati. Together, we discover the true nature and mission of these three divine couples of Hindu mythology. Buy this Table Top Picture Buy this Book TRIMUTI - BRAHMA, VISHNU PARVATI, LAKSHMI AND AND SHIVA SARASWATI - CONSORTS OF THE TRIMURTI DEITIES Brahma and Saraswati Lord Brahma - the Prajapati, the Creator Lord Brahma is considered the Creator of the entire world and hence, he is also referred to as the Prajapati. Brahma is infinite and is the source of space and time. Theologically, Brahma is eka akshara or made up of one letter, the AUM. He is also a swayambhu devata, the self-born God. In philosophical terms, Brahma is the first manifestation of one's ahankara. In cosmological terms, he is the Hiranya Garbha or the golden embryo, whence came all creation. He is Buy this Poster considered the Ball of Fire, from which developed BRAHMA the entire Universe. Hence, all creatures from all the three worlds are his progeny. Brahma is also referred to as the Pitamaha (Patriarch), Dhatru (Sustainer), Lokesha (Master of the Universe), Vidhi (Ordinator) and Viswakarma (Architect of the World).
    [Show full text]
  • Sacred Mushroom Studies
    ETHNOMYCOLOGICAL JOURNALS: SACRED MUSHROOM STUDIES An Independent Journal Documenting Historical Data Pertaining To The Occurrence And Use Of Psilocybian Fungi in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bali and Fiji. Including a reference listing of all chemical analysis pertaining to such alkaloids found in psilocybian mushrooms DELUXE EDITION EDITED BY JOHN W. ALLEN and PRAKITSIN SIHANONTH VOLUME IX JAN-DEC 2012 [2013] NUMBERS 1-2 ONLINE - [MAPS.Org] Original Cover Art for Teonanácatl: A Bibliography of Entheogenic Fungi. Acrylic Art by Josh Bakehorn. ETHNOMYCOLOGICAL JOURNALS: SACRED MUSHROOM STUDIES VOLUME IX EDITED BY JOHN W. ALLEN AND PRAKITSIN SIHANONTH Psilocybe antioquensis, Bantrey Srei (Temple of the Women), Angkor Wat, Xiem Riap, Kampuchea. A Special Edition Published Online Courtesy of Rick Doblin and the Staff of MAPS Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies at: http://www.maps.org Three original articles, One book review (CD-ROM), and more than 246 full-colored photographs. ISBN 158-214-396-XPublisher: MAPS (Rick Doblin), John W. Allen (Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.) and Prakitsin Sihanonth, Ph.D., (Chulalongkorn University, Department of Microbiology, Bangkok, Thailand) and Exotic Forays, Seattle, Washington. January-December 2012 [2013] Ethnomycological Journals: An Ethnopharmacological and Ethnomycological Update on the Sacred Mushroom Studies Vol. Occurrence, Use, Cultivation, Chemical Analysis, and SEM IX. January-June 2012. An Independent research journal Photography of Neurotropic Fungi from Thailand, Cambodia and devoted to presenting current data other Regions of South and Southeast Asia, on studies concerning historical and Indonesia and Bali………………………………….……………….1 medical value of psilocybian John W. Allen, Prakitsin Sihanonth, Jochen Gartz and Gianluca Toro. mushrooms throughout history.
    [Show full text]
  • Samudra Manthan​(​Churning of the Ocean​) Is One of the Best Known
    Samudra manthan (churning of the ocean) is one of the best known episodes in Hindu ​ ​ ​ ​ mythology. The story appears in the Bhagavata Purana, the Mahabharata and the Vishnu ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Purana, and explains the origin of amrita, the drink of immortality. ​ ​ ​ Legend 1. Indra, the King of Devas (gods), while riding on the elephant Airavata, came across Sage ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Durvasa who offered him a special garland given to him by the God Shiva. Indra accepted the ​ ​ ​ garland and placed it on the trunk of the elephant as a test to prove that he was not an egoistic god. The elephant, knowing that Indra had no control over his own ego, threw the garland to the ground. This enraged the sage as the garland was a dwelling of Sri (fortune) and was to be ​ ​ treated as a prasada or religious offering. Durvasa cursed Indra and all devas to be bereft of all ​ ​ strength, energy, and fortune. 2. In battles following the incident, the Devas were defeated and Asuras (demons) led by King ​ ​ ​ Bali, gained control of the universe. Devas sought help from the Supreme God Vishnu who ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ advised them to treat asuras in a diplomatic manner. Devas formed an alliance with asuras to jointly churn the ocean for the nectar of immortality and to share it among them. However, ​ ​ Vishnu told the Devas that he would arrange that they alone obtain the nectar. 3. The churning of the Ocean of Milk was an elaborate process. Mount Mandara was used as ​ ​ ​ ​ the churning rod, and Vasuki, the king of serpents, who abides on Shiva's neck, became the ​ ​ ​ ​ churning rope.
    [Show full text]
  • Select Stories from Puranas
    SELECT STORIES FROM PURANAS Compiled, Composed and Interpreted by V.D.N.Rao Former General Manager of India Trade Promotion Organisation, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India 1 SELECT STORIES FROM PURANAS Contents Page Preface 3 Some Basic Facts common to Puranas 3 Stories related to Manus and Vamshas 5 (Priya Vrata, Varudhini & Pravaraakhya, Swarochisha, Uttama, Tamasa, Raivata, Chakshusa, and Vaiwasvata) The Story of Surya Deva and his progeny 7 Future Manus (Savarnis, Rouchya and Bhoutya) 8 Dhruva the immortal; Kings Vena and Pruthu 9 Current Manu Vaiwasvata and Surya Vamsha 10 (Puranjaya, Yuvanashwa, Purukutsa, Muchukunda, Trishanku, Harischandra, Chyavana Muni and Sukanya, Nabhaga, Pradyumna and Ila Devi) Other famed Kings of Surya Vamsha 14 Origin of Chandra, wedding, Shaapa, re-emergence and his Vamsha (Budha, Pururava, Jahnu, Nahusha, Yayati and Kartaveeryarjuna) 15 Parashurama and his encounter with Ganesha 17 Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Nrisimha, Vamana and Parashurama Avataras 18 Quick retrospective of Ramayana (Birth of Rama, Aranya Vaasa, Ravana Samhara, Rama Rajya, Sita Viyoga, Lava Kusha and Sita-Rama Nidhana) 21 Maha Bharata in brief (Veda Vyasa, Ganga, Bhishma& Pandava-Kauravas & 43 Quick proceedings of Maha Bharata Battle Some doubts in connection with Maha Bharata 50 Episodes related to Shiva and Parvati (Links of Sandhya Devi, Arundhati, Sati and Parvati; Daksha Yagna, Parvati’s wedding, and bitrh of Skanda) 52 Glories of Maha Deva, incarnations, Origin of Shiva Linga, Dwadasha Lingas, Pancha
    [Show full text]
  • Abhiyoga Jain Gods
    A babylonian goddess of the moon A-a mesopotamian sun goddess A’as hittite god of wisdom Aabit egyptian goddess of song Aakuluujjusi inuit creator goddess Aasith egyptian goddess of the hunt Aataentsic iriquois goddess Aatxe basque bull god Ab Kin Xoc mayan god of war Aba Khatun Baikal siberian goddess of the sea Abaangui guarani god Abaasy yakut underworld gods Abandinus romano-celtic god Abarta irish god Abeguwo melansian rain goddess Abellio gallic tree god Abeona roman goddess of passage Abere melanisian goddess of evil Abgal arabian god Abhijit hindu goddess of fortune Abhijnaraja tibetan physician god Abhimukhi buddhist goddess Abhiyoga jain gods Abonba romano-celtic forest goddess Abonsam west african malicious god Abora polynesian supreme god Abowie west african god Abu sumerian vegetation god Abuk dinkan goddess of women and gardens Abundantia roman fertility goddess Anzu mesopotamian god of deep water Ac Yanto mayan god of white men Acacila peruvian weather god Acala buddhist goddess Acan mayan god of wine Acat mayan god of tattoo artists Acaviser etruscan goddess Acca Larentia roman mother goddess Acchupta jain goddess of learning Accasbel irish god of wine Acco greek goddess of evil Achiyalatopa zuni monster god Acolmitztli aztec god of the underworld Acolnahuacatl aztec god of the underworld Adad mesopotamian weather god Adamas gnostic christian creator god Adekagagwaa iroquois god Adeona roman goddess of passage Adhimukticarya buddhist goddess Adhimuktivasita buddhist goddess Adibuddha buddhist god Adidharma buddhist goddess
    [Show full text]
  • 2. Mangala Stabakam
    Sincere Thanks To: 1. SrI Srinivasan Narayanan swami for providing Sanskrit text and proof reading the document 2. Nedumtheru SrI Mukund Srinivasan, SrI R Veeraraghavan, Uruppattur SrI Soundararajan swami, Chi N Santhanakrishnan, SrI Srikrishna Akhilesh and SrI V C Govindarajan for images 3. Smt Jayashree Muralidharan for eBook assembly CONTENTS Introductory Note to mangaLAkhya stabakam 1 by Sri. V. Sadagopan Slokams and Commentaries 5 Slokam 1-5 7-12 Slokam 5-10 13-19 Slokam 11 –13 20-23 ïI>. ïI pÒavit smet ïIinvas präü[e nm>. ïImte ramanujay nm>. ïImte ingmaNt mhadeizkay nm>. ïI ve»qaXvir Svaimne nm>. lúmIshöm! (ïIve»qaXvirk«tm!) lakshmI sahasram Stbk> 7 stabakam 7 m¼¦aOy (m¼¦) Stbk> mAngaLAkhya (mangaLa) stabakam INTRODUCTION BY SRI. V. SADAGOPAN: This stabakam consists of 13 Slokams and celebrates the MangaLa devatai, MahA Lakshmi as the embodiment of auspiciousness. The power of Her glances to confer immense and instant wealth on whomever it falls is saluted here. Those who are not fortunate to be blessed with such glances stew in poverty and misery (alakshmi sampannA: bhavanti). Adi Sankarar in his SrI KanakadhArA stotram salutes Her as the MangaLa devatai and points out to the power of Her auspicious glances: Ai¼k«taiolivÉUitrpa¼lIla, ma¼¦(da=Stu mm m¼¦devtaya>. angIkrtAkhila vibhUtir-apAngalIlA | 1 mAngaLyadAstu mama mangaLadevatAyA: || In SrI VishNu PurANam, Indran seeking his lost aiSvaryam praises Her MangaLa drshIi and states that even the lowliest one with no auspicious guNam to speak off is blessed immediately with limitless aiSvaryam and sat (st! ) guNams once Her auspicious glances fall on him.
    [Show full text]