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In this book, we analyze the psycho-social consequences faced by Indian American children after exposure to the school textbook discourse on Hinduism and ancient India. We demonstrate that there is an intimate connection—an almost exact correspondence—between James Mill’s colonial-racist discourse (Mill was the head of the British East India Company) and the current school textbook discourse. This racist discourse, camouflaged under the cover of political correctness, produces the same psychological impacts on Indian American children that racism typically causes: shame, inferiority, embarrassment, identity confusion, assimilation, and a phenomenon akin to racelessness, where children dissociate from the traditions and culture of their ancestors.


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Brahma-sarovara

From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia

By Swami Harshananda

Brahma-sarovara literally means ‘lake of Brahmā’.

Significance of Kurukṣetra[edit]

Kurukṣetra, where the Mahābhārata war between the Pāṇḍavas and the Kauravas was fought, is a famous place of pilgrimage even now. It is situated in the Karnal-Ambala region of Haryana, about 40 km (26 miles) to the east of the Ambala city.

Location of Brahmasarovara[edit]

According to the purāṇas, Kurukṣetra was surrounded by five lakes called ‘Samanta-pañcaka.’ One of these lakes, the biggest is called Brahmasarovara or Brahmasaras. Since it is situated in the present-day Kurukṣetra region, it is commonly known as the Kurukṣetra lake. It is also called Pavanahrada. It is 1320 meters (4400 ft) long and 640 meters (2100 ft) wide.

Historical Significance of Brahmasarovara[edit]

Brahmā, the creator, is said to have had his yupasthambha or the sacrificial pillar here. Hence it is named as ‘Brahma-sarovara.’ King Kuru, from whom the race of the Kurus originated, is said to have performed tapas here. There are two small islands inside this lake containing an ancient temple of Viṣṇu and the ruins of some old temples.

Religious Significance of Brahmasarovara[edit]

Taking a bath in this lake, especially during the solar eclipse, is considered to be extremely auspicious. Great merit also accrues to those who circumambulate it.

References[edit]

  • The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore

Contributors to this article

Vishal J Mehta

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