Guru Purnima 2025

Guru Purnima 2025

A very warm and blessed Guru Purnima to each one of you! Today, as the full moon graces our skies, we gather to celebrate Guru Purnima – a day steeped in profound gratitude and reverence. It is not merely a day to acknowledge those who impart knowledge, but a sacred occasion to honor the very principle of 'Guru' – the one who dispels darkness, who guides us from ignorance to enlightenment, from confusion to clarity. A Guru is not just a teacher; they are a beacon, illuminating the path to our highest potential. Throughout history, countless enlightened beings have walked…
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Beyond Sustenance: Mealtime Rituals Part II

Beyond Sustenance: Mealtime Rituals Part II

On June 5th, 2025, we shared our newsletter, Beyond Sustenance: How Ancient Vedic Wisdom Transforms Mealtimes into Sacred Rituals in which we discussed in Vedic approach to accompany meals with Prayers. In this brief article, we share the links to our Vedic Verses for contemplation during and at mealtime. In the Vedic tradition, grain (food grains), (Anna) is revered not merely as sustenance for the body but as a divine gift, a sacred energy that nourishes life at all levels – physical, mental, and spiritual. The act of preparing and consuming food is often seen as a form of yajna…
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From Unreality to Reality

From Unreality to Reality

From Unreality to Reality: The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad's Invocation for Truth: Asatoma sad gamaya To listen to this article as a podcast, please visit https://youtu.be/zgzT2crRNtk This ancient mantra is from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (1.3.28). It is called Pavamaana mantra, that is, a purification mantra (pavamaana means being purified). This unique mantra comprises three powerful lines, each a plea for guidance from a state of limitation to one of expansive reality. It is a profound invocation that encapsulates the very essence of the human spiritual quest. In its philosophical depth, it transcends mythological interpretations to offer a timeless prayer for enlightenment and…
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Beyond Sustenance: How Ancient Vedic Wisdom Transforms Mealtimes into Sacred Rituals

Beyond Sustenance: How Ancient Vedic Wisdom Transforms Mealtimes into Sacred Rituals

Rediscovering the profound connection between food, gratitude, and well-being through the timeless practice of mealtime prayers. Listen to this article as a podcast: Click here In our fast-paced modern lives, eating is often rushed, a mere pit stop to refuel. But an ancient tradition from India, rooted in the Vedas, offers a profound alternative: viewing food not just as bodily sustenance, but as a divine gift, a sacred energy capable of nourishing us physically, mentally, and spiritually. The Vedic tradition holds grain, or 'Anna,' in deep reverence. The acts of preparing and consuming food are elevated to the status of…
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Learn from our losses

Learn from our losses

The key to navigating loss effectively is to find the valuable lessons it presents. In this podcast, we discuss Maharishi Dayanand's advice, "What is crucial in dealing with loss is not to lose the lesson. That makes you a winner in the most profound sense." This podcast is extracted from Temple of Light's presentation on May 29, 2025. View/hear this podcast: https://youtu.be/ero3rL-7lV4
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The Sacred Echo: A Mother’s Love

The Sacred Echo: A Mother’s Love

From time immemorial, the scriptures have recognised the central roles for mothers in the tapestry of our life’s experiences, where her love shines as a thread of unparalleled brilliance. A mother embodies the vital, life-giving force that resonates deeply with the profound wisdom of Hindu scriptures. Like the inseparable Shiva and Shakti – life can only emanate from the consciousness or Shiva principle when the dynamic energy of the mother principle is active. Just as Shakti animates the universe, a mother is indispensable in nurturing new life. Within the fundamental principles governing human existence, our scriptures echo the very qualities…
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Indian Immigration to the Caribbean

Indian Immigration to the Caribbean

Indian Immigration to the Caribbean: Shaping History, Culture, and Society, with a Focus on Guyana This paper was prepared for our Temple of Light presentation on May 5, 2025. The full paper can be viewed: As a flipbook: Flipbook on Indian Arrival As a paper on Academia.edu The podcast of this paper can be viewed/listened to here https://youtu.be/mLR_y11jH8k
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The Water Cycle

The Water Cycle

Let's take a look at the all-important Water Cycle of the Earth and what the Rig Veda tells us about it. You can listen to this article as a podcast here. The hymns of the ancient Rig Veda echo with a profound understanding of the natural world. Within its verses lies a remarkable observation about the very lifeblood of our planet: water. One particular passage, from the Rig Veda Book 2, Chapter 12, Verse 3, offers a poetic yet insightful glimpse into the workings of the water cycle, revealing an early appreciation for the sun's power and its intricate dance…
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Poojaneeya prabhu hamaare

Poojaneeya prabhu hamaare

We share this beautiful song, Poojaneeya prabhu hamaare, with lyrics and English translation. This song beautifully says, "O Esteemed, Majestic Lord, please bless us with the mental fortitude to desist any inclinations of deception, deceit, and fraud. May we always embrace truth, integrity, and honor." The video has accompanying lyrics and translations. However, these lyrics can also be found here: English Lyrics with meaning – click here हिंदी गीत – यहाँ क्लिक करें YouTube link: https://youtu.be/F18vJssO8Hw
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Commemorating 150 years of Arya Samaj

Commemorating 150 years of Arya Samaj

This week we celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Arya Samaj. And, on April 10, 2025, our Temple of Light hosted an online 2-hour program in honor of the milestone and honor of Maharishi Swami Dayanand Saraswati. More than 4,000 persons viewed our live program worldwide. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made it a success. Thanks to Sister Sandra Habibullah (USA), Pt Joe Jaglall (Canada), and Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, MP (Guyana/Caribbean), for their presentations on the program. Thanks to Deedee Mahadeo for managing the program and to all the members of the Temple of Light for a truly great…
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Navratri 2025 contemplation

Navratri 2025 contemplation

Friends, family, devotees, as the auspicious festival of Navraatri continues, let us gather not just in celebration, but in profound reflection.  These nine nights, dedicated to the divine feminine, are not merely a ritual, but a powerful journey of transformation, an inspiration for our lives. Navaratri, meaning "nine nights," is a time when we invoke the potent energies of Goddess Durga, in her various forms. Each manifestation – शैलपुत्री (Shailaputree), ब्रह्मचारिणी (Brahmachaariṇee), चंद्रघंटा (Chandraghanṭaa), कूष्माण्डा (Kooṣhmaaṇḍaa), स्कन्दमाता (Skandamaataa), कात्यायनी (Kaatyaayanee), कालरात्रि (Kaalaraatri), महागौरी (Mahaagauree), and सिद्धिदात्री  (Siddhidaatree)– represents a unique facet of divine strength, wisdom, and compassion. This isn't just…
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Nahi chahiye rang mahal na

Nahi chahiye rang mahal na

We share this beautiful song, nahi chaahiye rang mahal na, with lyrics and English translation. The video has accompanying lyrics and translations. However, these lyrics can also be found here: English Lyrics with meaning - click here हिंदी गीत - यहाँ क्लिक करें https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYRmv1yzWdU
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Happy Holi 2025

Happy Holi 2025

Friends, family, fellow celebrants! Look around you! See the explosion of color, the smiles, the pure, unadulterated joy! This is Holi! And it's so much more than just a festival of colors. It's a powerful reminder, a vibrant metaphor for the very essence of life itself. Today, we stand amidst a kaleidoscope of hues, a testament to the beautiful diversity that makes our world so rich. Each color, unique and vibrant, blends and dances with the others, creating a breathtaking spectacle. And isn't that what life is about? Embracing our differences, celebrating our individuality, and finding harmony in our shared…
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Happy Holika Dahan

Happy Holika Dahan

Tonight, we gather around the flames of Holika Dahan, a ritual as ancient as the stories we tell. But this isn't just a bonfire; it's a powerful symbol, a fiery reminder of the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Look at the flames dancing and reaching for the sky! They consume the effigy of Holika, representing all that holds us back: our fears, our doubts, our negativity. Just as those flames consume the dry wood, we too can burn away the burdens that weigh us down. Holika Dahan is a…
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A unique blessing – the human mind

A unique blessing – the human mind

A unique blessing – the human mind by Dr Vishwanie Heads What distinguishes us from other living things, including sub-human animals on this planet? What is this gift that we have been blessed with? It is the mind. This was beautifully explained by our guru, Swami Veda, using a mantra from the Hitopadesha 11.25. आहार निद्रा भय मैथुनं च सामान्यमेतत् पशुभिर्नराणाम्।धर्मो हि तेषामधिको विशेषः धर्मेण हीनाः पशुभिः समानाः ॥ Aahaara nidraa bhaya maithunam chasamaanyametat pashubhir-naraaṇaam.Dharmo hi teṣhaamadhiko visheṣhahdharmeṇa heenaah pashubhih samaanaah. Four urges drive all living things that we, as human beings, share with all non-humans. These are : 1. Aahaara…
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Chowtals, ulara and other songs

Chowtals, ulara and other songs

Please check our small - but growing - list of Phagwah related songs and chants. Please check the links below for some Chautaals, Ullaraa/Dhamari, Belwara, Lej, Jogira and Phagwah/Holi songs Join the chautaal-singing groups wherever you are and sing with them this Holi. If you have any special songs/chautaals that you wish to be added, please send them to us at mahadeofoundation@gmail.com For English lyrics, click here For हिंदी गीत, click here Photo by Nishant Das at Pexels.com
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Celebrating five years

Celebrating five years

IT HAS BEEN FIVE YEARS for the Temple of Light! It is March 2025, and, this month, we celebrate the completion of five years of the Temple of Light. For more than one thousand and eight hundred days, we kept this, our daily prayer session going. Congratulations to all of you who have joined our daily prayers - you have been praying continuously for 5 years. That is a remarkable achievement! We prayed together through the COVID-19 crisis that affected the entire world; we prayed together during the threat to the democracy of Guyana; we prayed with our loved ones…
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I am blessed – Part II

I am blessed – Part II

अनुगृहितोऽसि – You are Blessed.अनुगृहिता अस्म्यहम् – I am Blessed. This is Part II of "I am blessed" You can listen to this episode by clicking here. The Upanishads favor us with a powerful concept, तत्त्वमसि (Tat-tvam-asi). In simple terms, this means "That I am." This unique and powerful statement, at one level, allows us to reflect on God, contemplate Godly qualities, and inculcate them into our lives and lifestyles. Let us consider for a moment - each of us has a spark of that supreme consciousness that has given:- life to this body made of lifeless matter,- energy to…
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I am blessed – Part I

I am blessed – Part I

अनुगृहितोऽसि – You are Blessed.अनुगृहिता अस्म्यहम् – I am Blessed. During this month of February 2025, we contemplate the blissful nature of God and try to appreciate how truly and massively blessed we all are. God is bliss; he blesses us all the time. His Creation of the sun, earth, moon, planets, stars - and all of nature - provides a basis for our very existence - and He gave us the gift of life! The Yajur Veda (40.1) and the 1st verse of the Isha Upanishad remind us that He has created the world and everything in it for…
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Bhajan – Ye jeevan tumhaaraa

Bhajan – Ye jeevan tumhaaraa

Please bookmark this wonderful bhajan, Ye Jeevan Tumahara Tumhi Ko Hai Arpan, sung beautifully by Mithlesh Shastri. We have added the lyrics to the video. However, the full lyrics can be seen at the links below: English: https://mahadeo.foundation/songs_english_v2/ye-jeevan-tumhaara/Hindi: ये जीवन तुम्हारा  तुम्ही को है अर्पण O Lord, I hereby offer my life to your service and to your worship. I set aside everything to engage in your devotion. https://youtu.be/lf7CES1A3cQ Page image by TMS Sam on Pexels. com
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Swami Veda Bharati

Swami Veda Bharati

Mahamandaleshwara, Guru, Leader, and Scholar par excellence.Swami Veda Bharati has had an outstanding life of service and dedication to peace and tranquility. His astonishing life was an example of dedication, discipline, and success. At a tender 4 years of age, he started memorizing the Sanskrit rules and was respected as a child prodigy who, at 9 years of age, began to teach the Vedas, which were fully memorized.As Pt Usharbudh Arya, he gave thankless service to the Arya Samaj movement and contributed significantly singularly to its militancy in Guyana. He birthed the Arya Vir Dal Movement, a militant youth movement…
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Thank you – HelpFeedTheWorldInc

November 27, 2021 The Manager,Help Feed the World IncUSA Dear Members of Help Feed the World Inc, please accept our hearty thank you for your kind, wonderful and generous donation to our organization. Many of our Guyanese – both adults and children – were very pleased and thankful to receive the items you sent. Please note that we were able to distribute many of the items in Sofia, Bagotstown, Enterprise, No. 65 Village and Springlands. The many children were thrilled to receive such special attention. Please note that we did mention your organization as the donor for the items they…
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Calendar 2020

With special focus on Hindu and other significant dates. We are happy to share the following Religious dates for year 2020. This calendar provides Hindu-specific dates as well as Guyana National Holidays and International Days. JANUARY (Pausha-Maagha) New Years Day Sun 1Guru Gobind Jayanti Mon 2Ekadashi Mon 6 & 20Pradosh Vrat Tue 7 & 21Kurma Dwadashi Jan 7Purnima Thu 9Ganesh Chaturthi Mon 13 & Tue 28Makar Samkranti Tue 14Shiva Chaturdashi Wed 22Amaavasya Fri 24India's Republic Day Jan 26Vasant Panchami (Plant Holika) Wed 29Saraswati Puja Wed 29Panchak 1 – 4 (00:35); 26 (8:09) – 31 (8:39)Lagna 15, 16, 17, 18, 20,…
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The Essequibo annual activity

For the third consecutive year, we have been hosted by the Ramballi Family, of Columbia, Essequibo Coast for our Motivational sermons and community outreach. This year boasted a magnificent attendance of over 700 persons to the motivational talks and approximately 65 elderly persons were given medical attention. The motivational talks incorporated the scriptual teachings into practical life stories and practical everyday lifestyle. These talks were bolstered by the massive support and love shown by the people of Essequibo. Our medical outreach focused on giving care and attention to those over 60 years. Over 65 persons attended the medical sessions. Our…
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A weekend of Love, Devotion and Service to Parents

Thank you to the Crabwood Creek Arya Samaj, the Berbice Central Arya Samaj for hosting us and ensuring that the weekend of 24, 25 and 26 May 2019 was full of bliss and love. We enjoyed every moment spent with you. The Mahadeo Foundation was happy to contribute towards the care and love extended to the Elderly through the visits to their homes. Thanks to Pandit Sanjay whose love and leadership is exemplary. Salutations to the exemplary work of Sisters Mando Ramnauth, Brahash, Usha Oudhraj, Brothers Deven, Raj, Vicky, Narvon and others who worked tirelessly towards the successful events. Special…
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Essay competition tackling Guyana’s three main religions

The following article is replicated from one of the national newspapers of Guyana. See here. Essay competition tackling Guyana’s three main religions – To bring out common good themes By Telesha Ramnarine THE Mahadeo Foundation, a local non-profit organisation providing charitable services to the people of Guyana, has embarked upon a mission to promote education and essay writing by launching a competition that embraces the country’s three main religions.An essay competition was started this year with the first one embracing Hinduism, and the other two, to cover Islam and Christianity, will be held at different times in the year.“It is…
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Water – from another world

Water – from another world

"Around 5 billion years ago, all the ingredients for our oceans were floating in a planetary nebula." The BBC's article on The Alein Origins of Earth's Oceans explained that "... these oceans have not always existed on our planet. And the water within them is alien, arriving here many hundreds of millions of years after the Earth first took shape, 4.5 billion years ago. Back then, the surface of our planet was an unrecognisable hell - volcanic and bone dry." "Our oceans’ water, the substance precious to every life form and which has come to define our planet, arrived in…
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Essay Competition 2019

The first of three Essay Writing competitions will start in April 2019. The topic for this first competition is: The ninth principle of the Arya Samaj.  Competition details:Starting date for submissions: April 20, 2019Closing date for submissions: June 20, 2019Age requirements: This competition is open to anyone who is 25 years or younger as of April 30 2019, regardless of religious or other background.Prize: The best essay will be awarded G$100,000 or US$500.00. SponsorThe Mahadeo Foundation is the sponsor of this Essay Writing competition. Collaborative bodies include: The Berbice Central Arya Samaj, and Hindus Unite for Guyana.The winner’s Prize is donated by The Rambrich Family Submission detailsElectronic submissions ONLY.…
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Looking back at The Ramballi/Mahadeo Under-17 Cricket tournament 2018

Despite challenges the Ramballi/Mahadeo Under-17 tournament was a success - from the Guyana Chronicle, 23/02/2019 NOT many cricket competitions are being sponsored in Essequibo and in particular for schools; yet I was indeed heartened by the initiative taken by co-sponsors Harrischan Ramballi and Yog Mahadeo of the Mahadeo Foundation. In fact, generally, cricket in the county is quite dormant. I have had the privilege, though, of witnessing the majority of matches in the competition, which began in November 2018 and concluded on February 20, 2019. It was earmarked for secondary schools in the Region. Mr Ramballi was very passionate about…
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Ramballi/Mahadeo Inter-Secondary School Competition in Essequibo

from the Guyana Chronicle, 22/11/2018, by Elroy Stephney SEVEN Secondary Schools in Region 2, including team ‘A’ and ‘B’ from Anna Regina Secondary, are participating in the Ramballi and Mahadeo Inter-Secondary School 30 overs Under-17 cricket competition which was launched last Saturday at the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance. The impressive opening ceremony cum march past was witnessed by a wide cross-section of stakeholders, including sponsor Harrischand Ramballi, Member of Parliament Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, Regional Executive Officer Rupert Hopkinson, Secretary of the Essequibo Cricket Board Autto Christiani, overseas-based Guyanese Nizam Kadir of the Mahadeo Foundation of Canada and Charlie Persaud,…
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