1006 posts since 2008

Dandapani’s Blog

Welcome! Sharing my reflections on the spiritual path.
Join me on a profound journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.

Jul 25, 2011

Hindu Youth singing "Aum Namasivaya"!

Each evening after dinner we get together for bhajans/kirtan. The counselors lead the younger campers in some chants at the start then Muni concludes the evening of music by leading them through some bhajans. Here's a video from last night showing Muni leading them in singing "Aum Namasivaya!" ...

Jul 25, 2011 Photography & Travel

Living in the Great Thar Desert

I was about 30 kilometers west of Jaisalmer in the Great Thar Desert when the jeep I was in stopped at a small group of mud homes. In exploring them I came across this young girl who was sitting outside her home. She appeared to be resting, taking a break from her daily chores.
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Jul 24, 2011 Children & Youth

Hindu Youth Camp Begins!

Good evening from Morgantown, West Virginia where 55 Hindu youth have gathered with Dandapani and Muni Natarajan (and camp coordinators) for a week long camp. The focus is the study of Hinduism and to have a joyous time with fellow Hindu youth. A typical day sees campers in an h
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Jul 24, 2011 Photography & Travel

Desert Dwellers

As our jeep headed west from Jaisalmer we made our way further into the Great Thar Desert (also known as the Great Indian Desert) I could only wonder to myself how people lived here. Over an hour later after driving on a single lane road we arrived at a group of mud huts in the
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Jul 24, 2011 Photography & Travel

Jaisalmer, in the Great Thar Desert

Jaisalmer is picturesque and truly a gem in the desert. Isolated, it's an oasis in the Great Thar Desert, with its giant sandcastle like fort. It is also the base for many an adventurous trek into the ocean of sand. The old fort in the centre of town is majestic against the des
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Jul 22, 2011 Photography & Travel

Rajasthan Tribal Art

I was taking a walk one evening in a village in western Rajasthan when I came across this home where part of its wall and window were covered in tribal Rajasthani art. It seems to share scenes from village life. I'm not knowledgeable in this area so I am unable to shed more lig
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Jul 22, 2011 Photography & Travel

Priest Training along Pushkar's Holy Lake

Young Hindu priests gather in the morning by Pushkar's holy lake for training in rituals and chanting. Rajasthan, India. The act of gently pulling the ears is called Palikarsha in Sanskrit. This is usually performed at the beginning of worship in front of Ganesha. Hands are cr
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