Google ad

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Twelve Jyotirlinga Shrines in India


Jyotirlinga or Jyotirling or Jyotirlingam (Hindiज्योतिर्लिङ्ग) is a shrine where Lord Shiva, an aspect of God in Hinduism is worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlingam or "Lingam (pillar) of light." There are twelve traditional Jyotirlinga shrines in India.

File:The 12 Jyotirlingas-Map.jpg


The following slogam explains the twelve points in India where the Jyotir Lingams are situated

Saurashtre Somanaatham Cha Sree Saile Mallikarjunam
Ujjayinyaam Mahaakaalam Omkaare Mamaleswaram
Himalaye to Kedaram Daakinyaam Bhimashankaram
Vaaranaasyaam cha Viswesam Trayambakam Gowtameethate
Paralyaam Vaidyanaatham cha Naagesam Daarukaavane
Setubandhe Ramesham Grushnesam cha Shivaalaye || 


The Dwadasa Jyotirlinga shrines or the 12 shrines enshrining Shiva in the form of a Jyotirlingam, have been held in reverence since time immemorial in the Indian system of beliefs. The southernmost of these is located at Rameswaram, while the northernmost is located in the snowy heights of the Himalayas at Kedarnath. These temples are closely linked with legends from the puranas and are rich in history and tradition.

1.Somnath is the foremost of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shrines of Shiva, held in reverence throughout India and is rich in legend, traditions and history. It is located at Prabhas Patan in Saurashtra in Gujarat.

2. Ujjain - Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga shrine The ancient and historic city of Ujjain or Avanti in Madhya Pradesh  is home to the Jyotirlinga shrine ofMahakaleshwar.
3. Omkareshwar: an island in the course of the river Narmada in Madhya Pradesh  is home to theOmkareshwar Jyotirlinga shrine and the Amareshwar temple.



4. Kedarnath - the Northernmost of the Jyotirlingas. Kedarnath, nestled in the snow clad Himalayas is an ancient shrine rich in legend and tradition. It is accessible only on foot, six months in a year.

5.Sree Sailam - Sree Sailam near Kurnool enshrines Mallikarjuna in an ancient temple rich in architectural and sculptural wealth. Aadi Sankaracharya composed his Sivanandalahiri here.

6.Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Shrine is associated with the legend of Shiva destroying the demon Tripurasura. Bhimashankar is located in the Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra, accessed from Pune.

7.Varanasi - The most celebrated pilgrimage site in India TheVishwanath temple in Benares in Uttar Pradesh  is the goal of the thousands of pilgrims that visit this ancient city. The Vishwanath shrine is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.

8.Tryambakeshwar -  The origin of the river Godavari is intimately linked with thisJyotirlinga shrine near Nasik in Maharashtra.Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Shrineis a temple located in the vicinity of the tourist town of Ellora, which has several rock cut monuments from the 1st millennium CE.





9.Vaidyanath temple at DeogarhThe ancient pilgrimage town ofDeogarh in the Santal Parganas area of Bihar is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva.


10.Nageshwar near Dwarka in Gujarat  is one of the 12Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.

11.Rameswaram: This vast temple in the island of Rameswaram, in Southern Tamilnadu enshrines Ramalingeswarar, and is revered as the southernmost of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of India.

12.Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Shrineis a temple located in the vicinity of the tourist town of Ellora, which has several rock cut monuments from the 1st millennium CE.















Wednesday, August 24, 2011

LINKS TO WEBSITES OF BANKS IN INDIA


Reserve Bank of India               : http://www.rbi.org.in


Public Sector Banks:
  1. Allahabad Bank : http://www.allahabadbank.com/
  2. Andhra Bank : http://andhrabank.in/english/Retail.aspx
  3. Bank of Baroda :http://www.bankofbaroda.com/
  4. Bank of India :http://www.bankofbaroda.com/
  5. Bank of Maharashtra :http://www.bankofmaharashtra.in/
  6. Canara Bank :http://www.canarabank.com/English/Home.aspx
  7. Central Bank of India :https://www.centralbankofindia.co.in/cbi.htm
  8. Corporation Bank :http://www.corpbank.com/
  9. Dena Bank :http://www.denabank.com/index.jsp
  10. Indian Bank :http://www.indianbank.in/
  11. Indian Overseas Bank:http://www.iob.in/
  12. Karnataka Bank:http://www.karnatakabank.com/ktk/Index.jsp
  13. Oriental Bank of Commerce:https://www.obcindia.co.in/obcnew/site/index.aspx
  14. Punjab National Bank:https://www.pnbindia.in/En/ui/Home.aspx
  15. State Bank of India: http://www.sbi.co.in/
  16. State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur:http://www.sbbjbank.com/
  17. State Bank of Hyderabad:http://www.sbhyd.com/default.asp
  18. State Bank of Mysore:http://statebankofmysore.co.in/
  19. State Bank of Patiala:http://www.sbp.co.in/
  20. State Bank of Travancore:http://www.statebankoftravancore.com/home45.htm
  21. Syndicate Bank:http://www.syndicatebank.in/
  22. Union Bank of India:http://www.unionbankofindia.co.in/
  23. United Bank of India:http://www.unitedbankofindia.com/English/HomePage.aspx
  24. Vijaya Bank:http://vijayabank.com/vijaya/vijaya
Private Sector Banks:
  1. Axis Bank:http://www.axisbank.com/
  2. City Union Bank:http://www.cityunionbank.com/english/home.aspx
  3. Catholic Syrian Bank:http://www.csb.co.in/
  4. Indusind Bank:http://www.indusind.com/indusind/wcms/en/home/personal-banking/
  5. ICICI Bank:http://www.icicibank.com/
  6. Ingvysya Bank:http://www.ingvysyabank.com/
  7. Kotak Mahindra Bank:http://www.kotak.com/
  8. Karur Vysya Bank:http://www.kvb.co.in/
  9. Lord Krishna Bank:http://www.lordkrishnabank.com/
  10. Punjab and Sind Bank:http://www.psbindia.com/
  11. The Bank of Rajasthan (amalgamated with ICICI bank): http://www.icicibank.com/ebor/index.html
  12. The Dhanalakshmi Bank Ltd:http://www.dhanbank.com/
  13. The Federal Bank Ltd: http://www.federal-bank.com/
  14. The HDFC Bank Ltd:http://www.hdfcbank.com/personal/default.htm
  15. The Jammu and Kashmir Bank:http://www.jkbank.net/
  16. The Nainital Bank Ltd            :http://www.nainitalbank.co.in/
  17. The South Indian Bank Ltd    :http://www.southindianbank.com/
  18. The Ratnakar Bank Ltd         :http://www.theratnakarbank.com/index.html
  19. The Lakshmi Vilas Bank Ltd :http://www.lvbank.com/
  20. Yes Bank                             :http://www.yesbank.in/
     
Foreign Banks in India:


 




Sunday, August 21, 2011

MY BLOG ON KNOWLEDGE SHARING




WELCOME TO MY BLOG ON "KNOWLEDGE SHARING" WHICH CONTAINS INTERESTING ARTICLES ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS.


YOU ARE MOST WELCOME TO GIVE YOUR COMMENTS AND VIEWS

S.V.SAI BABA























Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Benefits and Methods of meditation


What is Meditation?



Meditation is a term that refers to a group of techniques where a user trains his or her mind to a mode of consciousness to obtain certain benefits.Many people are learning to use meditation to combat depression, anxiety, pain, stress, sleep problems, and other physical or emotional symptoms that may be associated with chronic illnesses (such as heart disease, HIV/AIDS, and cancer) and their treatment.


Some benefits of meditation :

It lowers oxygen consumption.

It decreases respiratory rate.

It increases blood flow and slows the heart rate.

Increases exercise tolerance in heart patients.

Leads to a deeper level of relaxation.

Good for people with high blood pressure as it brings the B.P. to normal.

Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.

Decreases muscle tension (any pain due to tension) and headaches.

Builds self-confidence.

It increases serotonin production which influences mood and behaviour. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, obesity, insomnia and headaches.

Helps in chronic diseases like allergies , arthritis etc.

Reduces Pre- menstrual Syndrome.

Helps in post-operative healing.

Enhances the immune system. Research has revealed that meditation increases activity of 'natural-killer cells', which kill bacteria and cancer cells.

Also reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress.


Different Methods of Meditation /Meditation techniques:
(Source:By John Gunn)

Though there are many meditation techniques there are a few most common and most important that are worth mentioning here

1. Empty mind meditation


This type of meditation is called 'awareness without an object',
which means being aware without focusing on something
particular. You simply sit still, if possible in the lotus position and
just let your mind wander on its own. Let it go silent. If you feel
thought coming up, just simply acknowledge them, and let them
evaporate, without judging them.

2. Mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness is simply a meditation way which allows you to
become more aware of the here and the now, i.e. being in the now.
You focus on what is going on around you at the time you are
meditating, and you become aware of every thought and feeling
that you have during the meditation process. The way to do this is
by following your breath, then moving your full attention to your
thoughts, the feelings you have in your body (e.g. tingling in your
fingers, tickling of your nose, etc). What you must do is simply
becoming an observer, without analyzing or judging.

3. Watching your breath meditation

Maybe this is the easiest type of meditation, that a beginner can
start out with, without becoming overwhelmed.
Sit in your favorite position, close your eyes and focus on your
breathing. Breath normally, don't force it, and focus on your
breathing. Pay attention to how the air is going through your nose,
down to your lungs, and then how the process is reversed.

4. The Om meditation


You can actually use here either the 'om' or simply concentrate on
another specific mantra, like a positive reinforcement. Just keep
repeating it while you meditate, if possible out loud, or in your
head if you're not alone or are most comfortable that way.

5. Concept meditation


This means you will meditate on an idea, a particular concept like
the fleeting nature of life, or anything else, that is not very specific.
You could contemplate on how a flower blooms and then it fades
away, for example. Basically this technique bypasses your rational
mind, and gives you a different type of understanding.



Some Simple steps for Meditation:


Pick a Good Location

This may seem like a small step but is an important aspect of meditation. Find a quiet place to meditate. Ideally, you should have a room that you can use solely to meditate. If you live in an apartment or a small house though, this may not be possible. If you have space constraints, consider using a small area of your bedroom to meditate, preferably a corner that is free from clutter. You can designate this area as your meditation corner.

Sometimes, you may not be able to have a completely peaceful atmosphere when you meditate. If you want, you can play some music to help you meditate better. Choose something soft and soothing. The music should not hamper yourmeditation in any way. There are many CDs available that are specially compiled with meditative songs.

Try to Relax

When you meditate, you have to switch off from all thoughts. This is easier said than done. For this purpose, choose a time that is convenient to you and you know you will not be disturbed by anyone in your household. Most people find that the best time to meditate is right after waking up in the morning.

Alternatively, you may want to meditate after you come home from work. However, you may still be thinking about your workday and may have difficulty concentrating. You will require some practice before you can make a smooth transition from your normal routine to emptying your mind of all thoughts.

Being relaxed is a preliminary step in meditation. You do not need to do anything special to relax. When you sit down to meditate, remind yourself that you will not think about anything for the next few minutes. Then, slowly relax your muscles and try to imagine the tension draining away from them. As you relax physically, let go of all your thoughts and just be aware of the present.

Have the Right Posture

Posture is an essential part of meditating. The best posture for meditation is to sit cross-legged with a straight back. You can lie down if you want but this posture is more likely to make you feel sleepy while meditating.
In addition, do not eat a heavy meal before you meditate. Eating a large amount makes you lethargic and causes you to feel sleepy. If you must eat, a light snack of some fruit is enough.

Many people believe that having a bath before meditating is more effective. You can have a shower and put on some loose cotton clothing to make your body feel comfortable.
The more comfortable you are, the easier it is for you to begin meditating.

Calm Your Mind

Meditation involves silencing your mind so that you can aware of how your thought processes work. Silencing the mind is one of the most difficult parts of meditation. This is because the mind is used to constantly receiving and processing information. Only when your mind is completely quiet can you begin to delve deep into your soul and discover your true self. This is a form of expanding your consciousness.


Monday, August 15, 2011

Cholesterol Levels: Diet and Treatment!!!


What Is Cholesterol?
We may associate cholesterol with fatty foods, but most of the waxy substance is made by our own bodies. The liver produces 75% of the cholesterol that circulates in our blood. The other 25% comes from food. At normal levels, cholesterol actually plays an important role in helping cells do their jobs. But cholesterol levels are precariously high in more than 100 million Americans.
Symptoms of High Cholesterol
High cholesterol does not cause any symptoms. But it does cause damage deep within the body. Over time, too much cholesterol may lead to a buildup of plaque inside the arteries. Known as atherosclerosis, this condition narrows the space available for blood flow and can trigger heart disease. The good news is high cholesterol is simple to detect, and there are many ways to bring it down.
Cholesterol Testing
People older than 20 should have their cholesterol levels checked at least once every five years. This is done with a simple blood test known as a fasting lipoprotein profile. It measures the different forms of cholesterol that are circulating in your blood after you avoid eating for 9 to 12 hours. The results show your levels of "bad" cholesterol, "good" cholesterol, and triglycerides."
"Bad" Cholesterol
Most of the cholesterol in the blood is carried by proteins called low density lipoproteins or LDL. This is known as the bad cholesterol because it combines with other substances to clog the arteries. A diet high in saturated fats and trans fats tends to raise the level of LDL cholesterol. For most people, an LDL score below 100 is healthy, but people with heart disease may need to aim even lower.
"Good" Cholesterol
Up to a third of blood cholesterol is carried by high-density lipoproteins or HDL. This is called good cholesterol because it helps remove bad cholesterol, preventing it from building up inside the arteries. The higher the level of HDL cholesterol, the better. People with too little are more likely to develop heart disease. Eating healthy fats, such as olive oil, may help boost HDL cholesterol.
Triglycerides
The body converts excess calories, sugar, and alcohol into triglycerides, a type of fat that is carried in the blood and stored in fat cells throughout the body. People who are overweight, inactive, smokers, or heavy drinkers tend to have high triglycerides, as do those who eat a very high-carb diet. A triglycerides score of 150 or higher puts you at risk for metabolic syndrome, which is linked to heart disease and diabetes.
Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol measures the combination of LDL, HDL, and VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) in your bloodstream. VLDL is a precursor of LDL, the bad cholesterol. A total cholesterol score of under 200 is considered healthy in most cases. People who score in the "high" range have an increased risk of developing heart disease compared to those who score below 200.
Cholesterol Ratio
To calculate your cholesterol ratio, divide your total cholesterol by your HDL cholesterol. For example, a total score of 200 divided by an HDL score of 50 equals a cholesterol ratio of 4 to 1. Doctors recommend maintaining a ratio of 4 to 1 or lower. The smaller the ratio, the better. While this figure is useful in estimating heart disease risk, it's not as important in guiding treatment. Doctors look at total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol to determine treatment.





Cholesterol in Food
Cholesterol-rich foods, like eggs, shrimp, and lobster are no longer completely forbidden. Research shows that the cholesterol we eat has only a small effect on blood cholesterol levels for most people. A few people are "responders," whose blood levels spike up after eating eggs. But for most, saturated fat and trans fats are bigger concerns. Daily cholesterol limits are 300 mg for healthy people and 200 mg for those at higher risk. One egg has 186 mg of cholesterol.
Cholesterol and Family History
Cholesterol comes from two sources -- the body and food -- and either one can contribute to high cholesterol. Some people inherit genes that trigger too much cholesterol production. For others, diet is the main culprit. Saturated fat and cholesterol occur in animal-based foods, including meat, eggs, and dairy products made with milk. In many cases, high cholesterol stems from a combination of diet and genetics.
What Boosts Your Risk?
Several factors can make you more likely to develop high cholesterol:
A diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol
A family history of high cholesterol
Being overweight or obese
Getting older
Cholesterol and Gender
Until menopause, women typically have lower total cholesterol levels than men of the same age. They also have higher levels of HDL cholesterol, the good kind. One reason is estrogen: The female sex hormone raises the level of HDL cholesterol. Estrogen production peaks during the childbearing years and drops off during menopause. After age 55, a woman's risk of developing high cholesterol begins to climb.
Cholesterol and Children
There's evidence that cholesterol can begin clogging the arteries during childhood, leading to atherosclerosis and heart disease later in life. The American Heart Association recommends kids and teenagers with high cholesterol take steps to bring it down. Ideally, total cholesterol should be below 170 in people ages 2 to 19.
Why High Cholesterol Matters
High cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes. It also appears to boost the risk of Alzheimer's disease. As we saw earlier, high cholesterol leads to a buildup of plaque that narrows the arteries. This is dangerous because it can restrict blood flow. If the blood supply to a part of the heart or brain is completely cut off, the result is a heart attack or stroke.
Cholesterol Buster: Eat More Fiber
Diet changes offer a powerful way to fight high cholesterol. If you've ever wondered why some cereals claim to be heart-healthy, it's the fiber. The soluble fiber found in many foods helps reduce LDL, the bad cholesterol. Good sources of soluble fiber include whole-grain breads and cereals, oatmeal, fruits, dried fruits, vegetables, and legumes such as kidney beans.
Cholesterol Buster: Know Your Fats
No more than 35% of your daily calories should come from fat. But not all fats are equal. Saturated fats -- from animal products and tropical oils -- raise LDL cholesterol. Trans fats carry a double-whammy, boosting bad cholesterol, while lowering the good kind. These two bad fats are found in many baked goods, fried foods (doughnuts, french fries, chips), stick margarine, and cookies. Unsaturated fats may lower LDL when combined with other healthy diet changes. They're found in avocados, olive oil, and peanut oil.
Cholesterol Buster: Smart Protein
Meat and full-fat milk offer plenty of protein, but they are also major sources of cholesterol. You may be able to reduce LDL cholesterol by switching to soy protein, such as tofu, at some meals. Fish is another great choice. It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week.
Walnuts, almonds and other nuts can reduce blood cholesterol. Rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, walnuts also help keep blood vessels healthy.
Olive oil contains a potent mix of antioxidants that can lower your "bad" (LDL) cholesterol but leave your "good" (HDL) cholesterol untouched.

Cholesterol Buster: Low-Carb Diet
There's growing evidence that low-carb diets may be better than low-fat diets for improving cholesterol levels. In a two-year study funded by the National Institutes of Health, people who followed a low-carb plan had significantly better HDL (good cholesterol) levels than those who followed a low-fat plan.
Cholesterol Buster: Lose Weight
If you're overweight, talk to your doctor about beginning a weight loss program. Losing weight can help you reduce your levels of triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol. Shedding even a few pounds can also boost your good cholesterol level -- it tends to go up 1 point for every 6 pounds you lose.
Cholesterol Buster: Quit Smoking
Giving up tobacco is tough, but here's one more reason to try. When you stop smoking, your good cholesterol is likely to improve by as much as 10%. You may be more successful if you combine several smoking cessation strategies. Talk to your doctor about which options are best for you.
Cholesterol Buster: Exercise
If you're healthy but not very active, starting an aerobic exercise program could increase your good cholesterol by 5% in the first two months. Regular exercise also lowers bad cholesterol. Choose an activity that boosts your heart rate, such as running, swimming, or walking briskly, and aim for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. It doesn't have to be 30 continuous minutes; two 15-minute walks works just as well.
Treatment: Medications
If high cholesterol runs in your family, diet and exercise may not be enough to get your numbers where you want them. In that case, medication can give your cholesterol levels an extra nudge. Statins are usually the first choice. They block the production of cholesterol in the liver. Other options include cholesterol absorption inhibitors, bile acid resins, and fibrates. Your doctor may recommend a combination of these medications.
Treatment: Supplements
Certain dietary supplements may also improve cholesterol levels. These include flaxseed oil, fish oil, and plant sterols, such as beta-sitosterol. Prescription niacin, a b-complex vitamin, has been found to raise good cholesterol while reducing bad cholesterol. Niacin found in ordinary supplements should not be used to lower cholesterol.
Herbal Remedies
Some studies suggest garlic can knock a few percentage points off total cholesterol. But garlic pills can have side effects and may interact with medications. Other herbs that may reduce cholesterol include:
Fenugreek seeds
Artichoke leaf extract
Yarrow
Holy basil
How Low Should You Go?
Many people are able to lower cholesterol levels through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. But how low is low enough? For people with diabetes or a high risk of developing heart disease, an LDL score of less than 100 is desirable. If you already have heart disease or coronary artery disease, some doctors recommend reducing LDL to 70 or lower.
Can the Damage Be Undone?
It takes years for high cholesterol to clog the arteries with plaque. But there is evidence that atherosclerosis can be reversed, at least to some degree. Dean Ornish, MD, has published several studies showing that a low-fat vegetarian diet, stress management, and moderate exercise can chip away at the build-up inside the coronary arteries. Other research supports the idea that big drops in cholesterol can somewhat help open clogged arteries.


Saturday, August 6, 2011

Amazing Temples in the World


  Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched precariously on the edge of a 3,000-feet-high cliff in Paro Valley , is one of the holiest places in Bhutan
 


Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Mai, Thailand is unlike any Buddhist temples in the world.
 




Prambanan is a Hindu temple in Central Java , Indonesia . The temple was built in 850 CE, and is composed of 8 main shrines and 250 surrounding smaller ones.




No one knows exactly when the Shwedagon Paya [wiki] (or Pagoda) in Myanmar was built - legend has it that it is 2,500 years old though archaeologists estimate that it was built between the 6th and 10th century.



Temple of Heaven is a
Taoist temple in Beijing, the capital of China . The temple was constructed in 14th century by Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty.



Chion-in Temple [wiki] was built in 1234 CE to honor the founder of Jodo ( Pure Land ) Buddhism, a priest named Honen, who fasted to death in the very spot.



In the 19th century, Dutch occupiers of Indonesia found a massive ancient ruin deep in the jungles of Java. What they discovered was the complex of Borobudur , a gigantic structure built with nearly 2 million cubic feet (55,000 m³) of stones. The temple has nearly 2,700 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.
Borobudur Temple, near Magelang


The Harmandir Sahib (meaning The Abode of God) or simply the Golden Temple[wiki] in Punjab , India is the most sacred shrine of Sikhism.
 


The Temple of Srirangam (Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple [wiki]), in the Indian city of Tiruchirapalli (or Trichy), is the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world (Ankor Wat is the largest of all temple, but it is currently non-functioning as a temple - see below).



Last but definitely not least is the largest temple in history and the inspiration to countless novels and action movies of Hollywood : Angkor Wat.