The Dharma Dispatch

Some Gleanings from the Dēvala-Smriti The Dēvala-Smriti is an exemplar of the practical application of Āpad'dharma — the Dharma of Exigency. It is particularly noteworthy for its humane and compassionate treatment of welcoming forcibly converted Hindu women back to the Sanatana fold. The long-term vision of Devala Muni was truly extraordinary. For example, the Smriti tells us of a mass Śud'dhīkaraṇa ceremony that occurred as early as in the second decade of the eighth century. This essay provides a sample of Śud'dhīkaraṇa ceremony to take back Hindu women into the Sanatana fold. This ceremony applied to Hindu women of all Varnas. After they were purified by undergoing the aforementioned rituals, they would be received back into the fold of their respective Varna, their former status and dignity restored. Do read and share widely. 🙏🕉🛕🪔 https://www.dharmadispatch.in/commentary/some-gleanings-from-the-d%C4%93vala-smriti

The Devala-Smriti: A Brief Introduction A brief introduction to the Devala-Smriti, a very ancient Dharmasastra treatise. In the 10th century, a chapter titled Mlēccita-Śud'dhih was added to it, dealing with the reconversion of Hindus back to their original Dharma. When we read the specific details of why Hindus became impure they were forcibly converted to Islam, the real story reveals itself. Here's an excerpt: "Being forcibly made slaves by the Mleccha, Hindus were compelled to commit an impure act such as [1] the slaughter of the cow [2] clearing or eating the leftovers of the food of the Mlecchas [3] forced to eat the flesh of the donkey, camel or village-pig." --- Do read and widely share this essay. 🙏🕉🛕🪔 https://www.dharmadispatch.in/commentary/the-devala-smriti-a-brief-introduction

Even as Sri Krishna prepares to sleep, here is our profound story of two Gopalas that we publish each year on #janmastami2025. Jai Shri Krishna 🕉️🕉️🕉️ https://www.dharmadispatch.in/culture/a-tale-of-two-gopalas

[COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT] Sanatana Dharma - A Comprehensive Course Vibhu Academy announces the launch of an upcoming, online course titled "Sanatana Dharma - A Comprehensive Study." Enrolments are open NOW! For full details, click the link below. https://www.dharmadispatch.in/dispatches/course-announcement-sanatana-dharma-a-comprehensive-course

The Origins of Parāvartana or Ghar-Wapsi This episode narrates the history of Ghar-Wapsi. Its original name is Parāvartana, meaning "return," "turn back," "turn around," etc. Its practice dates back to the aftermath of Muhammad bin Qasim's raid on Sindh and the practice continues till date, in various forms. More importantly, this episode busts two major myths. One, that you must be born a Hindu to remain one; two, that Ghar-Wapsi is prohibited by Hindu Sastras. In fact, the opposite is actually true, and abundant first-hand evidence exists in the Muslim annals, which shows how the converted Hindus reverted to Sanatana Dharma in massive numbers throughout the centuries. -- Read and share widely! 🙏🕉🛕🪔 https://www.dharmadispatch.in/commentary/the-origins-of-par%C4%81vartana-or-ghar-wapsi

As I wrote a couple of years ago, there is still no honest body of literature, drama and film depicting the truth of the Partition of India. https://www.dharmadispatch.in/commentary/wanted-an-honest-body-of-literary-fiction-about-the-partition-of-india

Hindu Cultural Conquest of Alien Lands: The Story of Jvalaji Temple in Baku As recently as 1745, the Jvalaji temple was built by the Hindu community residing in Baku, Azerbaijan. It was also highly venerated by the Sikhs. By the end of the 19th century, Zoroastrians regarded Baku as a Tirtha-Kshetra and renamed it as the Ateshgah Fire Temple. The temple complex houses 17 inscriptions of which 14 are in Sanskrit (both Nagari and Devanagari), two in Gurumukhi and one in Persian. The very first inscription is an invocation of Ganesha, which begins with “śrī gaṇeśāya namaḥ.” The greatest significance of the Jvala ji temple in Baku is its deep connection with the renowned Shakti-Pitha, the Jwalamukhi temple in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Devotees of Jvala ji believe that the Kangra deity is known as the Chhota Jvala ji while the one in Baku is known as the Bada Jvala ji. --- Don't forget to read the whole essay! 🙏🕉🪔🛕 https://www.dharmadispatch.in/commentary/hindu-cultural-conquest-of-alien-lands-the-story-of-jvalaji-temple-in-baku

From Trading in Illegal Arms to Treason: The Congress Timeline that led to Framing Col Purohit Did you know that in 1950 - just 3 years after independence -- the Congress House in Bombay was being used as an ammunition dump to trade in illegal arms? This dirty dhandha was being run by Congress office-bearers. Small wonder that 70 years later, the Congress had become the existential threat to India's sovereign unity. The framing of Col Purohit in a false case of terrorism was entirely consistent with its anti-national journey. From corruption, the Congress had come down to treason. But the sad fact is that the masterminds who framed Purohit remain unpunished. 📑😡🙏 https://www.dharmadispatch.in/commentary/from-trading-in-illegal-arms-to-treason-the-congress-timeline-that-led-to-framing-col-purohit

A Brief Survey of the Proselytising Spirit of Sanatana Dharma Contrary to popular belief, Sanatana Dharma was a proselytising Dharma that took its inspiration from the Vedic corpus. AT ITS CIVILISATIONAL PEAK, Sanatana Dharma had been a proselytising Dharma. However, the nature of its proselytising was the polar opposite of Christianity and Islam which are imbued with unsustainable claims of infallibility which can only be spread through fraud, fire, force, and sword. We have an extensive list of alien tribes who either invaded or visited Bharatavarsha in the pre-Christian and pre-Islamic era and eventually embraced Sanatana Dharma and then became its most vocal champions and defenders. This formidable list includes the Greeks, Kushanas, Hunas, Shakas, Abhiras, Pahlavas, Parasikas, Gurjaras, Maitrakas and Pratiharas. --- Let me not spoil the suspense. Do read the whole essay and share it widely! 😃🙏🕉🛕🪔 https://www.dharmadispatch.in/commentary/a-brief-survey-of-the-proselytising-spirit-of-sanatana-dharma

How Economic Liberalisation led to Hindu Societal Apathy UNTIL LIBERALISATION, the greatest threats to the Hindu societal unity were the periodic eruptions of Muslim street violence, predatory evangelism and English education. After liberalisation, a dangerous new element slithered into this lethal mix and it emerged from within the Hindu fold. This was the American mindset of the mindless and unrestrained pursuit of money as an end in itself by the Hindu middle class. In the process, one of the first things that they abandoned was their profound spiritual heritage. By the end of the first decade of the twenty-first century, this reckless embrace of crass materialism by middle class urban Hindus had become the most powerful agent of de-Hinduisation right on the sacred soil of Bharatavarsha. Hindu employees of MNCs were now revelling in playing clownish games like Secret Santa and delighting in wishing each other Merry Christmas. Read the whole essay! 📑🛕🪔 https://www.dharmadispatch.in/commentary/how-economic-liberalisation-led-to-hindu-societal-apathy

The Contentment of Hotelier Sri Venkanna In an era of cloud kitchens and instant food delivery apps, it helps to recall a profound bygone era populated by hoteliers like Sri Venkanna. It contains valuable life-lessons in slowing down, frugality and contentment. Here is an excerpt. Sri Venkanna’s friends would often ask him: “Hotels are newly sprouting up in the city. Can’t you change your style of business?” I have myself heard Sri Venkanna’s reply: “This much of earning is enough to fill my stomach sir. Do you want me to lose my tradition and discipline by opting to earn more money? Whatever God has given me is more than sufficient.” Do read and pass on these values to your children. 🙏🕉🛕🪔 https://www.dharmadispatch.in/culture/the-contentment-of-hotelier-sri-venkanna

The Sunrise of the Hotel Business in Bangalore The iconic D.V. Gundappa narrates the first hand history of the origins of the hotel business in Bangalore. Here are some excerpts from it. The first person to establish a hotel in Bangalore was a Brahmana hailing from Mulabagal. His name was Avani Narasinga Rao. Avani Narasinga Rao’s hotel was located on the left row of Chickpet after eight or ten houses from the junction where Doddapet and Chickpet met. The second hotel that I saw in Bangalore belonged to Sri Venkanna. He had a strict system. Before 4 P.M. on Saturday, you had to pay four or eight annas as advance to register your name. You also had to mention the exact number of people who would be coming the next day. You couldn't walk in whenever you wanted. Venkanna employed no staff. ---- Read the whole delightful essay! 📑 😃🕉 https://www.dharmadispatch.in/culture/the-sunrise-of-the-hotel-business-in-bangalore