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Sri Sri Auniati Satra Vaishnavite Monastery

Why in News?

Sri Sri Auniati Satra is a more than 350-year-old monastery located in Assam's Majuli district.

What are the Key Facts about Sri Sri Auniati Satra Vaishnavite Monastery?

• Establishment: The Sri Sri Auniati Satra was founded in 1653 in Majuli, Assam. With a rich history of over 350 years, it ranks among the oldest Satras in the region. A Satra serves as an institutional hub for Assamese Vaishnavism, a devotional movement that took shape in the 15th century.
• Location: This Satra is situated in Majuli, recognized as the world's largest inhabited river island, located in the Brahmaputra River within northeastern India.
• Religious Significance: The Satra is a pivotal center for Assamese Vaishnavism, which focuses on the worship of Lord Krishna. The original idol of Krishna, known as Govinda, is believed to have been transported from the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri.
• Cultural Heritage: Vaishnavite monasteries like Auniati Satra function as both places of worship and centers for the preservation of traditional arts, literature, and cultural practices, playing a vital role in maintaining the cultural heritage of the region.
• Educational Role: These Satras traditionally act as centers for learning and spiritual pursuits, where monks and disciples engage in religious studies, meditation, and community service.
• Bhaona and Traditional Art Forms: The Satra practices Bhaona, a traditional art form that combines acting, music, and instruments. This performing art aims to communicate religious themes to villagers through entertainment, often starting with a musical segment called Gayan-Bayan.

What is Vaishnavism?

Vaishnavism is a significant devotional movement within Hinduism, emphasizing profound love and devotion towards Lord Vishnu and his various incarnations.

• Devotion to Vishnu: The primary focus of Vaishnavism is the devotion (bhakti) to Vishnu, regarded as the Supreme Being and the universe's sustainer. Followers believe in establishing a personal relationship with Vishnu, expressing their love, reverence, and devotion towards him.
• Avatars of Vishnu: Vishnu is believed to incarnate on Earth in various forms to restore cosmic balance. The ten key incarnations, known as Dashavatara, include popular avatars such as Rama and Krishna.
• Dashavatara: The ten avatars of Vishnu are:
  (a) Matsya (fish)
  (b) Kurma (turtle)
  (c) Varaha (boar)
  (d) Narasimha (half-man, half-lion)
  (e) Vamana (dwarf)
  (f) Parashurama (warrior with an axe)
  (g) Rama (prince of Ayodhya)
  (h) Krishna (divine cowherd)
  (i) Buddha (the enlightened one)
  (j) Kalki (future warrior on a white horse)
• Bhakti and Liberation: Vaishnavism emphasizes the path of bhakti, which involves intense devotion towards Vishnu. The ultimate aspiration for many adherents is to achieve liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara) and to unite with Vishnu.

Variety of Sects: Vaishnavism encompasses numerous sects, each with distinct interpretations of the relationship between the individual soul (jiva) and God. Some sects highlight:

• Qualified Nondualism (Vishishtadvaita): Represented by the Srivaishnava sect, based on Ramanuja's teachings.
• Dualism (Dvaita): Advocated by the Madhva sect, emphasizing the separate existence of God and the soul.
• Pure Nondualism (Shuddhadvaita): Followed by the Pushtimarg sect according to Vallabhacharya's teachings.
• Inconceivable Duality and Nonduality: Taught by the Gaudiya sect, founded by Chaitanya.

Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace

Why in news?

Recently, the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP), a voluntary mass movement of Buddhists in Asia, convened its 12th General Assembly in New Delhi.

Major Highlights of the 12th General Assembly of ABCP:

• Theme: ABCP - The Buddhist Voice of Global South, which reflects India's commitment, illustrated by its G20 presidency and the Voice of Global South Summit.

India's Commitment to Buddha's Legacy:

• India was showcased as a nation inspired by the principles of Buddha.
• The proactive role of India was emphasized in developing the Buddhist circuit and establishing the India International Centre for Buddhist Culture.

Constitutional Recognition of Buddha's Influence:

• Focus was placed on the representation of Lord Buddha in the artwork of the Indian Constitution, specifically noted in Part V concerning Union governance.

What is the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace?

• ABCP was established in 1970 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, as a voluntary movement uniting followers of Buddhism, including both monastic members and laypersons.
• The conference arose as a collaborative initiative involving Buddhist leaders from Mongolia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, the former USSR, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, South Korea, and North Korea.
• Headquarters: The conference is headquartered at Gandanthegchenling Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, with the Supreme Head of Mongolian Buddhists serving as the current ABCP President.

Aims of ABCP:

• To unite Buddhists in promoting universal peace, harmony, and cooperation among Asian peoples.
• To enhance economic and social advancement while fostering respect for justice and human dignity.
• To propagate Buddhist culture, traditions, and heritage.

How Buddhist Teachings Convergence with Principles of Good-Governance?

Right View in Policymaking:

• The Buddha's teaching of Right View, which stresses clarity and truth, aligns with governance principles such as transparency and evidence-based decision-making.
• An example is Bhutan's Gross National Happiness index, inspired by Buddhist values, which seeks to measure well-being beyond mere economic metrics.

Right Conduct in Leadership:

• The Buddha's Five Precepts serve as ethical guidelines for public officials, promoting non-violence, honesty, and integrity.

Compassionate Governance:

• The fundamental teaching of compassion encourages leaders to address the needs of all citizens, advocating for initiatives like universal healthcare and equitable taxation.

Dialogue and Nonviolent Conflict Resolution:

• The Buddha's principles of Right Speech and Right Action promote respectful dialogue and nonviolent solutions in various contexts, including international diplomacy and political discourse.

How Teachings of Buddha Can Help in Navigating Present-Day Challenges?

Compass for Ethical Uncertainty:

• In a world rife with ethical dilemmas, Buddha's teachings advocate for sustainability and reverence for life, guiding individuals towards inner peace and compassion through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Mindfulness in a Distracted World:

• In today’s fast-paced, digitally driven environment, the emphasis on mindfulness is crucial, with practices like meditation aiding in managing information overload and fostering focused attention.

Compassion in a Polarised Society:

• With increasing social and political divides, the Buddha's teachings on compassion encourage empathetic dialogue and constructive conflict resolution, highlighting our interconnectedness.

The Middle Way in an All-or-Nothing Culture:

• The Middle Way encourages balance and moderation, countering the extremes of consumerism by promoting mindful consumption and responsible living.

Madhika language

Why in news?

In the remote colony of Kookanam, located near Karivellur grama panchayat in Kerala, the Chakaliya community faces the threat of losing their unique language, Madhika, which is at risk of extinction.

About Madhika language:

• Madhika is the language spoken by the Chakaliya community.
• This language lacks a written script.
• Although it bears similarities to Kannada, it can confuse listeners due to its varied influences.
• Madhika is a mixture of Telugu, Tulu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
• The language is significantly influenced by Havyaka Kannada, which is an ancient form of Kannada.
• It is increasingly endangered, with the younger members of the community opting to speak Malayalam instead.

Key facts about Chakaliya community:

• The Chakaliya community was historically nomadic and revered the deities Thiruvenkatramana and Mariamma.
• They migrated from the hilly regions of Karnataka to northern Malabar several centuries ago.
• Initially classified as a Scheduled Tribe, they were later reclassified as Scheduled Caste in Kerala.
• The community's existence is documented in the book "Caste and Tribes of Southern India."

Government of India’s Initiative to preserve languages:

• The Government of India has launched a program called the "Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages of India" (SPPEL).
• This initiative is managed by the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) located in Mysore, which focuses on safeguarding, preserving, and documenting endangered languages spoken by fewer than 10,000 individuals.

Ram Mandir: Trust Composition and Supervision

Why in news?

The foundation stone for the Ram Mandir was laid by the Prime Minister on August 5, 2020. This temple is situated at the Ram Janmabhoomi site, which is traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Lord Rama.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is responsible for overseeing the construction of the Ram Mandir.

• This trust was established in 2020 following the Supreme Court's verdict in the Ayodhya land dispute case.
• It consists of 15 trustees, with Mahant Nrityagopal Das serving as the chairperson.
• Of the 15 trustees, 12 are appointed by the central government.
• The trust includes 9 permanent members and 6 nominated members, all of whom are practicing Hindus.
• Officials from the state and central government, including the district collector of Ayodhya and representatives of Nirmohi Akhara, do not have voting rights within the trust.
• Out of the 15 trustees, only 11 possess voting rights.

The Ram Janmabhoomi Movement: From Dispute to Construction of Ram Mandir:

• The Ram Mandir site is believed to be where Lord Rama was born, previously occupied by the Babri Masjid, constructed by the Mughals.
• The Vishwa Hindu Parishad initiated a movement in the 1980s to reclaim the site for Hindus and construct a temple dedicated to Ram Lalla.
• In 1992, a rally involving Kar Sevaks escalated, resulting in the demolition of the Babri Masjid.
• In 2019, the Supreme Court ruled that the site had historically hosted a Hindu temple, which was demolished prior to the mosque's construction.
• The court ordered the disputed land to be handed over to a government-formed trust for the temple's construction.

Ayodhya Dispute: Legal Journey and the Supreme Court Verdict:

• The Ayodhya dispute centers on the control of a site revered by Hindus as Lord Rama's birthplace, where the Babri Masjid was located.
• The legal battle began in 2002 with a title dispute filed in the Allahabad High Court, a decade after the mosque's demolition.
• In 2010, the Allahabad High Court ruled to divide the disputed land equally among three parties: the Sunni Board, Nirmohi Akhada, and the Hindu representatives. The Hindu party received the main disputed section.
• In a landmark ruling in 2019, the Supreme Court suspended the previous Allahabad High Court ruling and allocated the land to the Hindu petitioners for temple construction, providing alternative land for a mosque to the Muslim community.
• The court's decision was supported by findings from the Archaeological Survey of India, which revealed remnants of a non-Islamic structure beneath the Babri mosque.
• The court mandated the establishment of a trust by the Indian government to manage the temple's construction.

Architecture of Ram Mandir: Nagara Style Grandeur and Design

• The Ram Mandir will measure 235 feet (72 m) wide, 360 feet (110 m) long, and 161 feet (49 m) high, making it the world's third-largest Hindu shrine upon completion.
• The chief architect is Chandrakant Bhai Sompura, known for designing the Akshardham temple in Gujarat.
• The architectural design follows the Gurjara-Chalukya style, a prominent form of Nagara architecture.
• Nagara style is characterized by its development in Northern India since the 5th century A.D., exemplified by temples like those at Khajuraho.

Key features of the Nagara style include:

• Mantapas: Assembly halls located before the main shrine, typically lacking elaborate boundary walls.
• Shikhara: The tower atop the temple, which can have a rectangular or square base.
• Amalak: The fluted disc at the tower's peak, topped by a spherical kalash.
• Vahana: The mount of the main deity, visible from the sanctum sanctorum.
• The temple will feature five mandapas situated in the central sanctum and at the entryway.
• The main deity will be Ram Lalla Virajman, representing the infant form of Lord Rama, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
• Additionally, the temple will house idols of various deities, including incarnations of Shiva, the ten Dashavataras, the 64 Chausath Yoginis, and the twelve forms of Goddess Saraswati.
• The temple's structure will rest on a raised platform and consist of three stories.
• Incorporating modern engineering techniques, the temple will feature 360 pillars and be constructed entirely of stone.
• The construction is being guided by IIT Chennai to ensure durability against earthquakes and flooding.
• Larsen and Toubro are responsible for the construction, with management support from Tata Consulting Engineers Limited.

Ram Mandir’s Significance: Cultural, Economic, and Social Implications:

• Religious Significance: The temple's construction represents a long-held aspiration of Hindus across India.
• Cultural Heritage: Ayodhya holds a significant historical and cultural connection to the Ramayana, and the temple symbolizes the preservation of this heritage.
• Economic Value: The temple is expected to drive economic growth, create job opportunities, and enhance tourism, contributing to local development.
• Religious Peace: The resolution of the Ayodhya dispute may foster improved relations between Hindus and Muslims, ending decades of conflict.
• Growth of Charity: The temple could inspire the establishment of charitable institutions like schools and hospitals.
• Development of Basic Infrastructure: Construction efforts may lead to improved infrastructure, including roads, to accommodate pilgrims.

Conclusion

 The inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya signifies the resolution of one of the longest-standing land disputes in independent India

Bangla for Classical Language, GangaSagar Mela for National Status

Why in News?

Recently, the Chief Minister of West Bengal has been in the news for two significant initiatives: advocating for the classical language status for Bangla, which ranks as the seventh most spoken language globally, and pursuing national fair status for the Gangasagar Mela.

What is Gangasagar Mela?

The Gangasagar Mela, celebrated during Makar Sankranti in mid-January, is known as India's second largest pilgrimage gathering after the Kumbh Mela. This annual event attracts millions of devotees to Sagar Island, located at the confluence of the Ganges River and the Bay of Bengal, commemorating the legendary King Bhagirath's efforts to bring the Ganges to Earth.

Benefits of National Status

• Elevating the Mela to national status would result in enhanced central funding and development of infrastructure.
• This change could significantly boost tourism and stimulate economic activity in West Bengal.

Other Major Melas in India

• The Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years, rotating between four sacred rivers at Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.
• The Ardha Kumbh Mela occurs every six years at Haridwar and Allahabad.
• A Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated once every 144 years.
• Pushkar Mela is an annual five-day event in Pushkar, Rajasthan, known as one of the world's largest cattle fairs.
• The Hemis Gompa Fair in Ladakh celebrates the birthday of Guru Padmasambhava, marking a tradition that has lasted over 300 years.

What are Classical Languages?

In 2004, the Government of India introduced a new classification known as "classical languages." By 2006, criteria were established for awarding classical language status. Currently, six languages have received this designation.

Criteria

• Languages must have a high antiquity, with recorded history spanning 1,500 to 2,000 years.
• They should possess a body of ancient literature or texts deemed valuable heritage by successive generations.
• An original literary tradition must exist, which is not borrowed from another speech community.
• There may be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms, highlighting its distinctiveness.

Benefits

• Once recognized as classical, a language receives financial support to establish a center of excellence for its study.
• It opens opportunities for major awards for distinguished scholars in the language.
• The University Grants Commission can be petitioned to create professional chairs for classical languages in Central Universities for scholars of prominence in the field.