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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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Mohanur Temple

From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia

Mohanur temple is located on the banks of the river Kaveri. It is a temple with magical powers which promotes conjugal harmony. God Śiva and Goddess Pārvathi have a composite androgynous form. Similarly, Mohanur temple has the idol of composite form of Viṣṇu represented as Kṛṣṇa and Rukmini. The idol is known as 'Saṃohana Gopāla.

Significance of Mohanur Temple[edit]

The temple and the shrine of Saṃohana Krishna in particular are miraculously associated with several incidents of married couples getting re-united even after the spell of separation. Many couples who are on the verge of divorce, after the prayers to Saṃohana Gopala, have restored their marital harmony. Hence, Saṃohana Gopala not only restores but also brings joy to couples in the composite form, reminding them the importance of being together.

Saṃohana Gopala Idol[edit]

The composite form, where Rukmini occupies one half of Krishna, is a rare and unheard phenomena. In this idol the male part of Krishna is on the right side and female part is on the left side. This idol is in tribhaṅgi Lalitha posture, with the neck slightly titled and the waist and knee in a romantic triple fold. Krishna's left leg is on the front while the right leg is firmly placed on the ground.

The idol here is eight-armed carrying Śankha,[1], chakra[2], Ankuśam[3], pushpabanam[4], kśuchapam[5], pankajam[6] and venuvaidyam[7] beautifully adorned with ornaments and sandal paste.

Significance of Saṃohana Gopala Idol[edit]

This mūrti is focused on “Ekatvam” - Harmony of husband and wife. According to the temple priest Śri Venkatasesha bhattacharya, the reference regarding this idol has been denoted in the book - Vaikhānasa Āgama marchipoktha kupadhyana Muktavali.

Conclusion[edit]

The main temple “Kalyana Prasanna Venkateshwara" originates from 1300 yrs A.D . The other shrines are Sudharśana, Lakṣmi, Haygrīva, Dhanvanthari and Medha Saraswathi. The 'Vedanilayam' is an organisation which arranges a tour to these places for the people residing in India. It also aids in performing pooja and delivering the the Prasādam.

References[edit]

  1. ↑ It means couch.
  2. ↑ It means wheel.
  3. ↑ It means goad.
  4. ↑ It means arrow of flowers.
  5. ↑ It means bow of sugarcane.
  6. ↑ It means lotus flower.
  7. ↑ It means flute.

Contributors to this article

Deval Sancheti

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