VedantVidyapeetham
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[edit] Vedic Gurukuls
Vedas are the foundation of the Hindu religion. The Vedas contain hymns, incantations, and rituals from ancient India. They are among the most ancient religious texts still in existence. Besides their spiritual value, they also give a unique view of everyday life in India more than four thousand years ago. Vedas are in sanskrit languge. There are four Vedas, Rig-Veda, Sama-Veda, Atharva-Veda and Yajur-Veda. Singing of hymns, incantations and perfoming rituals generate divine power which is beneficial not only to the participants but all living beings and nature. Vedic tradition has enabled humans and all living beings to live in harmony with nature and God, promoting peace, prosperity and spiritual upliftment for all.
During Ancient times vedas were taught by Rishis in Gurukuls. Students from all over the kingdoms would come to these gurukuls to learn Vedas. They would stay for a duration of 12-14 yrs to learn, practice and perfect the vedic rituals, hymns, incantations and also learn Upanishads and Shastra. These students would then practice, preach and promote Hindu religion, ideology and way of life to fellow human beings. The Gurukuls in ancient India were funded and supported by the kings and the entire society would contribute towards it too. However with time these traditions have become extinct.
For more information regarding Vedas and Vendant, visit following link on Wikipedia. Vedas, Vedant and Hinduism
Vedant Vidyapeetham, Shri Datta Devasthan Trust, Ahmednagar For the revival of Vedas and to re-establish the ancient vedic traditions some organizations are making serious selfless efforts with lot of dedication and determination. One major organization making an effort is Shri Datta Devasthan Trust by starting Vedanta Vidyapeetham in 1988 in Ahmednagar. Sadguru Shri Ramakrishna Saraswati Swamiji founded Shri Datta Devasthan Trust in 1974 at Ahmednagar in Maharashtra and also started Vedanta Vidyapeetham in 1988, with a view to protect and preserve the Vedas and Vedic values and tradition. The Vidyapeetham provides facilities to learn Vedas from eminent Vedic scholars as per the 'Gurukul' system of education. The entire expenditure of the students is borne by the trust. In keeping with the Hindu tradition, the trust also maintains cows at the Shri Nrusimha Saraswati Tapovan. The Tapovan also has a small farm where fruits and vegetables are cultivated and supplied to the Ashram and lots of trees are planted as a green contribution to the ecosystem and environment.
Shri Ramakrishna Swamiji Shri Dattakshetra Vedant Shri Dattatreya
To propagate the philosophies of Vedanta leading to a healthy and ethical society, the trust publishes the invaluable guidance given by Sadguru to the people. Sadguru would counsel his devotees and instruct them to follow the righteous path of 'Dharma'. This Golden treasure was noted and collated by the devotees in form of series of books called 'Guruwani', 'Amrut Kalash', 'Dharma Darshan', 'Sadgurusamwad' etc.
To spread the message of Vedanta, the trust also arranges lectures of scholars of various 'Shastras' and other Hindu philosophical texts. For this purpose, a grand building called 'Mahalaxmi Mandap' has been constructed. The Devasthan also has a library where books related to Vedanta, biographies of various saints and manuscripts are available for study. The trust has also undertaken the task of preserving and safekeeping of ancient scriptures and rare books.
Devotees believe that Shri Datta Devasthan is blessed with the manifestation of the Almighty in the form the Divine Paduka (the holy feet) of Shri Nrusimha Saraswati Swamiji, an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. Various Vedic yagas and rituals such as 'Maharudra','Pawaman','Shatachandi' etc. are performed regularly for 'Vishwakalyan'(Universal peace and harmony). In keeping with the tradition of Guruparampara, several festivals like Gurupournima, Shri Dattatreya Jayanti, (Adya) Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti, Shri Sadguru Jayanti are celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm at the Datta Devasthan.
With the purpose of providing solace, harmony and peace to the entire society, Sadguru decided to construct a temple of Lord Dattatreya. The 'Shilanyas' (laying of the foundation) performed on 30th October 2002. This magnificent temple (Approx. 160 ft x 90 ft wide and 90 ft in height) is being constructed just behind the Vedanta Vidyapeetham.
The salient aspects of Shri Datta Devasthan are: Vedant Vidyapeetham: Students learning Vedas for a duration of 12-14 in a gurukul system with necessary facilities like living accommodation, library and all basic amenities required. Nrusimha Saraswati Tapovan: A small serene place with cows, healthy ecosystem and farmland for self-reliance of the institution Kalpavriksha: The divine tree, which has a combination of Audumbar, Peepal and Wad coming from the same roots. This is truly a miracle of nature and an evidence of divine presence in Devasthan Shri Dattakshetra Project Under Construction: A magnificent temple of Lord Dattatreya is being constructed behind the Vedant Vidyapeeth.
Any individual of any religion or sect can participate and help the organization by either volunteering or donating for this noble cause, Or just to learn more about this divine place you may browse the following link:
