SANATANA DHARMA 

The term sanatana refers to that which is eternal and dharma is generally understood to be law or the order of things. One of the unique features of Sanatan Dharma is its emphasis on yoga and meditation as a means of achieving spiritual growth and self-realization. Sanatan Dharma is a diverse and inclusive religion that recognizes the validity of all paths to God and encourages its followers to seek the truth through their own personal experience and understanding. 

Read more: About Sanatana Dharma

CORE PRINCIPLES

1. Dharma-It is often translated as ‘righteous duty’ or ‘moral responsibility’. It encompasses the ethical and moral laws that govern an individual’s conduct.  It is not a one-size-fits-all concept but rather a personalized duty that varies according to one’s age, caste, gender, and occupation.

2. Karma- Meaning ‘action’ or ‘deed’, refers to the principle of cause and effect where every action has corresponding consequences.

3. Moksha- Represents the ultimate goal of human life in the framework of Sanatana Dharma. It signifies the release from the cycle of Samsara—the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. 

Read more: Core principles of Sanatana Dharma

ROLE OF TEMPLES

Temples are integral to the practice of Sanatana Dharma, serving not only as places of worship but also as centers for community gathering and spiritual learning.  We Hindus yearn for darshan of Bhagavan at our sacred dhams, we wish to have the blessing of undertaking important pilgrimages in the course of our lifetime. Each temple’s structure, from its intricate carvings to its majestic towers, is designed to embody and evoke divine presence.

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MODERN PRACTICES

Sanatana Dharma, often referred to as Hinduism, continues to evolve and adapt to the modern world, seamlessly blending age-old traditions with contemporary lifestyles.  Despite busy schedules, many Hindus still observe daily prayers, known as ‘pujas,’ and participate in rituals during important festivals such as Diwali and Holi and many more. The modern practices of Sanatana Dharma reflect a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.