SEPTEMBER 2009
e-TIRTHA!
SPECIAL METTILOTSAVA EDITION
EDITOR: DEEPTA JANARDHAN
New VMS Youth Group!
Who are we? Generations
of writers, philosophers,
artists, and people of all kind
have struggled with this
question. So it should not
come as a surprise that,
today, we kids wonder the
same thing.
In many ways, we can be
called Madhwas: Version 2.0.
After all, we know what it
means to go to a matta,
cook maddi, take mangalara-
thi, chant slokas, and other
such age-old traditions.
These are all experiences
which we cannot always
share with our “other
friends”, but on this level, we
can, for the most part, relate
to our families and fellow
Madhwas in India.
However, the fact is, we are
Mettilotsava 2009
WELL, IT’S THAT TIME OF
YEAR!- not Diwali or
Dussera... Of course, it’s
the 8th annual Mettilotsava!
As always, the highlight of
this three day event takes
place at Sri Venkateswara
Temple in Pittsburgh, Phila-
delphia, where we sing
more than just that. For most
of our lives, we’ve been living
in a different country than
where those traditions origi-
nated. Therefore, it is only
natural that we have a slightly
different take on the world
than our parents and relatives
older than us. It’s especially
important that we keep in
touch with the people who are
like us, our “VMS Pals”.
That’s the whole idea of this
new Youth Group. It’s all about
forming an identity for our-
selves, and helping each other
understand who we are and
where we “really” belong. The
newsletter that you are reading
right now is one of the ways
that we’re trying to do this.
Inside, you will find a very
unique mix of the views of
daasara padas or devotional
songs all the way down the
road to the temple, as tradi-
tionally done by Madhwas
at Tirupati . This year , the
main theme of our Mettilot-
sava will be on Sri Jaganna-
tha Dasaru. Originally he
was a Sanskrit scholar that
Madhwa Youths in America.
Some of them help explain
that the traditions that we IN THIS ISSUE:
have participated in as chil-
dren. Others analyze the On this Special Occasion 2
experiences that we’ve all had “Significance
of the Mettilotsava”
in a different way. Even oth-
ers show that the balance of
duty to our ideals and the Dear VMS Youth Group 3
“Kids’ Voices”
reality we live in is not always
easy to achieve.
Snack Time 4
Soon, we plan to help in
“Ekadashi in the
other ways. We can start 21st Century”
another long term project,
“Top Chef:
such as helping a temple in
Madhwa Edition”
India, or even a series of
short term ones, like helping
Doctor’s Note 5
out at events right here in the “The Scientific Benefits
USA. But we can only start all Of Ekadashi”
of that after we have some
kind of confidence in our Our World Today 6
identity: who we are, and “Relevance of
Sandhyavandane to me
who we’ll be.
and the World”
From Where We Stand 7
“Growing up, VMS Style”
was wary of hari dasas, but My Take 8
he later on corrected this Social Life and Religion:
view and even composed Match or Clash?
the eloquent “Hari
Kathaamrutha Saara”. His Last Word 10
story reflects the spirit of
“What Religion
Mettilotsava, that there is Are You?”
always more to learn, more
to do!
ON THIS SPECIAL OCCASION
Page 2
Significance of the Mettilotsava
ONCE A YEAR, MADHVAS from
various regions of the United
States gather in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania in order to take
part in religious and cultural
programs. Over the course of
three days, we listen to prava-
chanas, attend pujas, and most
importantly, we walk up
McCully Road singing Dasara-
padas until we reach the Sri
Venkateswara Temple. But
what is the purpose behind all
of this?
One of the major aims of the
Mettilotsava is to gain a better
understanding of our customs
and our Dvaita philosophy. Of
course, I cannot guarantee that
we will all be experts by the
end of the three day weekend,
but on that last day we can
head home knowing at least a
little bit more than we knew
before. The lectures that take
place during the weekend
range from the proof of God’s
existence to the complexities
of jeeva kartutva, ensuring that
people of all levels can find a
lecture that they can under-
stand. By taking part in lectures
and religious ceremonies, we
are able to take a step closer
to understanding our philoso-
phy.
Speaking of steps, why do we
take so many steps and sing
devotional songs so early in the
morning? I’m sure some of us
must be wondering why we
aren’t sleeping instead, but
there is a reason behind it. This many diversions in and around
event is actually the core of the campsite. There is a bas-
our weekend! In fact, the name ketball court (which is almost
“Mettilotsava” originates from always in use), a beach nearby,
“mettilu” meaning “steps.” Figu- and for those nature lovers, a
ratively speaking, each step we nice walking trail near the
take represents a step closer campsite. These forms of rec-
to approaching God. This is reation allow us to relax, spend
what we hope to accomplish as time together, and enjoy our-
we slowly make our way to the selves.
temple.
There are lots of fun activi-
In the three days that we are ties that allow everyone to
together, we get to have a spend time together. One of
taste of what it would be like the most exciting events is the
to live in a mini Madhva com- huge campfire that we start at
munity. We are exposed to night. We have a great time
our culture and always sur- singing songs, whether it be
rounded by fellow Madhvas. “The ‘Campfire Song’ Song” or
Since there are so few Madhvas “Bideno Ninnangri Sreenivasa.”
in the world, it is definitely rare We Madhvas certainly know
to see so many Madhvas in the how to have a good time!
same place at the same time!
The Mettilotsava is a great
For all of our main meals, we
place to make lasting memo-
sit down and eat in the tradi-
ries. There are many fun and
tional way, with food being
amusing moments that I’m sure
served to us by our expert
we will remember for years to
chefs (and chefs in training ☺).
come. So let’s make this Metti-
The pudi used to make the
lotsava another productive, fun,
food comes straight from the
and memorable event!
heart of Karnataka, so we get
to enjoy the food as if it we — BY DHANYA TADIPATRI
were really eating in India.
Aside from the religious
events, the Mettilotsava is an
excellent place to meet many
close friends who we may not
get to see often. Who doesn’t
want to hang out with their
favorite Madhva crowd? During
the weekend, we can catch up
with old friends and make new
friends as well. There are also

Kids’ Voices….
I AM A MADHWA FROM ALLENTOWN, PA and I
would like to share how it’s like for me as a Mad-
hwa growing up in the US. I love the US and In-
dia. But I live in the US, and there are some prob-
lems growing up in the US as a Madhwa. One of
those problems is the fact that I am a vegetarian
and it is hard for me to go to places such as my
school cafeteria without almost vomiting. It smells
atrocious. The meat smell is so strong. I hate it. I
find it sometimes very hard to eat in my own
school cafeteria. But facing such things has made
me even more of a Madhwa and respect our cul-
ture. But of course there are things here that are
nice. And that is why I like to embrace the fact
that we should take the good things from each
place. It is like having the best of both worlds.
Yogindra Raghav
I LIKE METTILOTSAVA because I get a chance to see
some of my friends that I don’t get to see very
much. Also, the campsite is very interesting to
explore and have a good time on. We also get to
do a big campfire, which is one of my favorite parts
of the Mettilotsava. Last, but not least, I enjoy play-
ing any kind of sport that other kids play—
especially football and basketball. Overall, Mettilot-
sava is great way to get together with close friends.
Sreeram Venkatarao
DEAR VMS YOUTH GROUP...
Page 3
WHAT THE METTILOTSAVA MEANS TO ME is to
learn about God, learn slokas, make new friends
and have fun. I always love coming here because
it’s like a sleepover with all my friends. It is im-
portant to me because we come here and learn
different things with different people. There is
always so much things to do here there is sing-
ing, chanting slokas, playing games, a campfire,
going on hikes and trails and trying new things.
The Mettilotsava is definitely important and I
don’t know what I’d be doing without it. I always
look forward to coming here every year!!
Reshma Krishnaraj
BEING A MADHWA VEGETARIAN is very important.
I am proud of this because we are the one of
the few religions that enforce this. Being a vege-
tarian makes you feel proud of yourself and gives
you satisfaction that nothing else in the world
could give. One vegetarian can save over 100
animal lives a year! Think about how many inno-
cent lives you are saving by not eating meat. It
makes you feel unique and special to be helping
out to make this planet a more humane place.
I’m glad that I am a vegetarian and that I follow a
philosophy that supports this concept.
Dharani Kotekal
SNACK TIME
Page 4

Ekadashi in the 21st Century

MY SOPHOMORE YEAR WAS pened. She said, “ I think we’re we weren’t eating anything, we
“...when we were COMING TO AN END, and there going to have to eat the salad simply said that we couldn’t eat
asked why we were many award ceremonies without the dressing today certain foods for “religious
to attend to, one of them was because it’s Ekadashi.” I reasons”.
weren’t eating the annual band banquet. Being started laughing too and said, “
Someone must have told Mr.
anything, we the only Indian in my school, I Mr. Lew isn’t going to be happy
Lew that my family didn’t eat
had to inform my band direc- when we don’t eat the lasagna,
simply said that tor, Mr. Lew, that my family especially since he went
anything during banquet be-
cause when I went to school
we couldn’t eat was vegetarian. He, then, had through all that trouble trying
on Monday, Mr. Lew was
certain foods for vegetarian food specially or- the arrange something.”
amused by the fact that I could-
dered for us for that day.
‘religious reasons’. We decided to go to the n’t eat certain foods on par-
That Saturday morning, the band banquet anyway, since I ticular days. So even today,
day of the band banquet, I had already bought my dress Mr. Lew teases me about the
woke up and went downstairs and the seats were reserved whole incident by asking me “Is
to find my mom reading the for us. The ceremony went today your ‘no onion day’?”
panchanga. She started laugh- smoothly, I received my award
— BY DHATRI KOTEKAL
ing and I asked what had hap- and when we were asked why

Top Chef: Madhwa Edition

BY HRISHIKESH DESHPANDE
BY HRIS HIKE SH DE S HP AN DE

WHEN PEOPLE HEAR THE that it allows room and free- that’s about as far as I go. But
WORDS “family friends’ gather- dom for each individual to the beauty is that my culture/
ings” most of them moan and worship how ever they want. religion allows for us both to
groan, and immediately start For example, I know of this co-exist and help each other
complaining. Personally, I look uncle, (not a blood relative, but out.
forward to hearing them, (not we are all close enough to call
When I go to these gather-
to sound like a nerd or any- our elders “uncles” and
ings, I am allowed a chance to
thing) but in these “family “aunties”), who is considered
participate in the events, not
friends’ gatherings” I get to the head, the president, the
necessarily by taking part in the
step away from the pressures leader of our organization; his
religious parts but by being a
of assimilation, and immerse name is Bindu Madhavan (Bindu
helping hand. In these festivals
myself into my culture, my uncle), and he is one of the
we have the privilege to cook
religion, and my inheritance. most religious people I know,
for people, and the food is one
It’s an entire weekend filled he is not a zealot, but someone
of the most delicious cuisines I
with different families gathered who believes strongly in his
have ever tasted. A couple of
and celebrating our religion, religion and is very devoted.
my friends along with me,
sharing our culture, and simply Then there is me, I believe that
started as “novices” in the
bonding with each other. there is a God, and I respect
kitchen.
him, I respect myself , and I
The beauty of my religion is
respect the people around me; (cont, on page 9)

The Scientific Advantages of Ekadashi
FASTING IS A MAIN PART OF MANY RELIGIONS.
In Judaism, fasting is mandated on the days of
Yom Kippur and Tisha B’Av. Islam mandates the
fast from sun-up till sun-down during their holy
month of Ramadan. And we, Hindus (particularly
Hindu-Brahmin-Madhvas) are required to fast on
ekadashi and other various events (Krishna Jan-
maastami, Grahanas, etc.). The purpose of the
fast, is to “cleanse” the body in two ways: men-
tally and physically. Mentally the mind has time
to rest without having to think about food. This
time is supposed to be spent devoted to god.
This doesn’t have to mean constantly doing
pooja, but a simple act such as listening to prava-
chanas, making mangalarathi bHathi, or reading
the scriptures is also considered as time devoted
to god.
Time nowadays (including ekadashis) is spent
at work, in the car, listening to the radio, and
watching TV. While this is our everyday routine,
these activities also give us our daily share of
stress. It has been scientifically proven, that the
recitation of stothras with gumption (khanta),
concentration, and devotion, is healthy to the
mind and body. By fasting, we gain the extra
time to participate in these activities.
Another huge advantage in fasting is its physi-
cal health benefits. A common problem in the
western world is over nutrition. Over nutrition
usually causes diseases such as atherosclerosis,
hypertension, heart diseases, allergies, and dia-
betes. Fasting is known to be a natural way of
detoxifying the body. Fasting starts a process
called autolysis. This process allows for the
breakdown of toxins in the colon, liver, kidneys,
DOCTOR’S NOTE
Page 5
lungs, and other organs. An example of a toxin is
DDT. It is known to be a chemical that accumu-
lates in food chains. As fat is broken down to
provide energy to the body, the DDT stored
along with the fat is released and it is expunged
from the body. Without fasting, the process of
autolysis is hard to start (because of continuous
food intake). And if the process is never started,
the detoxification will not occur.
Fasting is healthy because energy is not spent
on the digestive system. This energy is diverted
and used for metabolism and the immune sys-
tem. This extra energy boost towards the im-
mune system allows for wounds and other ail-
ments to heal faster. This is why when people
get the flu, cold, or fever, they lose their appe-
tite. The body reduces hunger because it re-
quires more energy for fighting off the ailment.
Therefore, by fasting and inducing this process,
the body stays healthier by using the immune
system more. The stagnation of the income of
energy retards the growth of tumors and other
abnormal growths. The body also lowers its
core temperature, slows down its metabolic
rate, and increases the amount of growth hor-
mones.
These overall functions have been proven to
increase life expectancy. These are additional
benefits to the mental and spiritual ones. The
spiritual and mental benefits outweigh the physi-
cal ones, but these are just recent scientific find-
ings that are restating what our ancestors knew
thousands of years ago.
— K. N. ADISHESH
OUR WORLD TODAY
Page 6
Relevance of Sandhyavandane
to Myself and the World
SANDHYAVANDANE IS THE
MOST IMPORTANT DAILY DUTY
of every Brahman male after
Upanayana. It is performed at
Sandhya periods of the day:
morning, afternoon, evening. In
each period, all three parts
must be completed: purifica-
tion, worship through Ar-
ghyam, and the Gayathri Japam
(or Mantra).
The Gayathri Mantra is con-
sidered to be the mother of all
mantras, with the power to
improve Tejas, physical and
mental strength, and repel all
sins.
OM-Bhur Bhuva Suvah-
Tatsaviturvarenyam-Bargo
Devasya Dhimahi-Dhiyo yo nah
Prachodayat
When this mantra is recited
after Guru Upadesha correctly
with devotion, at the right
times, and either 10 or 108
times(depending on available
time), it will help those chant-
ing it tremendously. The
Gayathri Mantra is taught by
the boy’s father during the
transitional period called
Upanayanam.
Upanayanam means ‘taken ning Sandhyavandane are
near’, referring to when the blocked out by school and
boy taken to a teacher to be other events throughout the
educated. The period signifies year. Other than that, I still
the boy’s change from child- manage to do it. Even when I
hood to boyhood after 7-10 am at a hotel, dorm room, or
years. Many rituals are done to staying at other’s houses I find
show the importance of the a way to get it done. For exam-
change such as the mother ple, this summer I stayed at
feeding the boy food. Virginia Tech for journalism
camp. Even though the hall was
After the Upanayanam, the
full of non-Hindus, I utilized the
boy becomes a Brahmachari
quiet study room at early
and can learn to chant the
morning when everyone was
Vedas from his teacher. It be-
asleep. Plenty of light came into
comes the boy’s duty from that
the room as I turned East and
day forth to perform
recited the Gayathri Mantra
Sandhyavandane and purify his
silently.
food before eating (Aporshne).
My mind and body is accus-
With the grace of Sri Hari
tomed to Sandhyavandane and
Vayu and Raghavendra Swami
I can’t miss a day. If I forget to
Gurugalu, my Upanayanam was
brush my teeth one day; I can’t
done on June 24, 2007 in Man-
go out feeling dirty. For what-
tralayam, India. Most of my
ever reason I miss a day of
family were present, and many
Sandhyavandane, I have that
reiterated the importance of
same kind of feeling.
Sandhyavandane. After that
Sandhyavandane purifies my
day, I knew I must perform it
whole body and gives me the
every single day of my life.
strength I need to go through
Following almost three years, the day.
Sandhyavandane has been built
— BY MUKUND KATTI
into my daily routine. Though,
sometimes afternoon and eve-

Growing Up, VMS Style
Mom: We’re leaving for an aradhana in a half hour,
so remember to be on your best behavior.
Me: An aradhana!? YAY!!! I get to play with all my
friends!
When we were young, going to an aradhana
meant getting to play House and Tag with our
friends for an entire day. We did not know why
we were there, nor did we know the significance
of the puja or why we took mangalarathi. Our
idea of attending an aradhana has evolved greatly
from what it was when we were children. Now,
while some of us still may not know why we
take mangalarathi, we have come to a deeper
and more complex understanding of what an
aradhana really is. We are not afraid to ponder
about religious ideas or ask questions, and we
help out at aradhanas out of our own free will
instead of being forced to, like it was a chore.
Nowadays, going to an aradhana is a learning
experience as well as a social one.
Growing up in the VMS community has
changed us in a positive way. Not only are we
eager to meet with our friends, but we look
forward to learning about our own philosophy
and beliefs. For example, Keshav Rao Uncle has
recently started having Question and Answer
sessions for us teens. These sessions have not
only taught us about the different aspects of
Madhwa philosophy, but have acted as an inspi-
ration by motivating us to take an interest in our
philosophy and to discuss it with each other.
Even if we come to the discussions without
having a certain question in mind, listening to
other people often proves to be very thought-
provoking.
Likewise, most of us do come up with ques-
tions that frequently challenge Madhwa practices
or beliefs. By being able to freely discuss these
topics, we have developed an interest and desire
to learn more. As well as benefiting us intellec-
tually, being a part of this Madhwa community
FROM WHERE WE STAND
Page 7
has taught us responsibility and consideration.
While VMS has given us so much, it has
taught us a lot, too. What better way to show
our appreciation than by volunteering? In the
beginning, our parents would force us to go
serve food. After a while, we began to under-
stand that volunteering is a way for us to con-
tribute not only to each aradhana, but to the
VMS community as a whole. It has also taught
us to be responsible by doing our part and
giving back to the community that has selflessly
given us so much. When you are a part of
something this large, you learn to put the com-
munity before yourself. Though we continue to
socialize and enjoy the time we get with our
friends, we still take the initiative to fulfill our
responsibilities.
It can safely be said that our generation has
come a long way from even a few years ago.
Take all the boys for example. Who knew they
could EVER be trusted in a kitchen? And who
knew that us girls could actually serve food
without making too big of a mess (at least not
yet)? Back then, the kids would have just
laughed at the idea….well, we would have any-
way. Surely we all could contribute even more,
but we definitely have more incentive to do so
than we did several years ago.
VMS is and will always be a wonderful com-
munity that has truly changed us for the better.
A countless amount of long lasting friendships
are in existence today because of VMS. We
have an impressive amount of knowledge re-
garding Madhwa philosophy compared to other
teens our age. Together, our generation has
grown up and come to realize that we are so
fortunate to be a part of this amazing group
that is much more than a community; a family.
— BY AMRUTHA KRISHNARAJ
AND SUMANA VENKATARAO
MY TAKE
Page 8
Social Life and Religion: Match or Clash?
Most Madhva parents
probably all ask themselves
the same question at times:
"Is the social life getting in the
way of religion or is religion
getting in the way of the social
life?" Either way, as long as
there's a social life, religion
and the social life will clash.
Now to be honest, I person-
ally can't answer that question
at this point of my life. There
have been times when people
have asked a lot of questions
about my beliefs and why I
believe them. In most cases
it's about how they don't
agree with some of my reli-
gious beliefs because they’re
outrageous or extreme in
their minds. There have also
been times where I have com-
promised some of my reli-
gious beliefs in order to either
fit in with society or to just go
with what's convenient.
The question that everyone
that I know asks me is that
they want to know why I'm a
vegetarian. This is an issue
that most Americans would
object to mainly because of
they are closed-minded to the
argument so it usually doesn't
make sense whenever I've
tried explaining it. It's usually
hard to deal with when I'm
the only one there who does- hardboiled eggs to get a good
n't eat meat. amount of protein in my diet
especially since I am a vege-
Another issue that I usually
tarian because most of the
have is when people ask me
protein in most diets for the
about my Janivara (thread).
average American is included
This was a big problem during
in all kinds of meat which we
my wrestling season because
don't take so we are naturally
everyone in the locker room
short on protein. I also never
told me to take it off since
do sandhyavandana whenever
there's a lot of grabbing in-
I'm sleeping at a friend's house
volved and there would be a
and whenever I'm going
chance that my the thread will
somewhere public I have the
snap and will be left behind on
urge to wash off the Gopi
the mat. I still kept it on
Chandana. It's just a few
throughout the season and I
things I have to give up for the
even said a small prayer be-
sake of my personal life.
fore I had to step onto the
What I've realized from this is
mat just for good luck and for
that there will be some situa-
strength/stamina/will power
tions where I believe that
to keep wrestling and to not
there should be some excep-
lose my ground or put myself
tions on whether it's more
in a compromising position
convenient for the situation,
regarding the match. All of
unavoidable, or if it's for my
this has ultimately made me
own benefit.
realize that I am truly unique
in many ways to a typical Overall, I'm not necessarily
American society and I should applauding myself for making
really cherish it instead of the right decisions and I'm not
regretting it. necessarily justifying the
wrong things I've done. Al-
I have also had my fair share
though, there were some
of times where I took soci-
questionable decisions, all of
ety's advice over some of my
these experiences have made
religious ideas. For example, I
me a better person overall
had a time when I was doing
and a lot more appreciative of
weight training with my friend
what my religion is all about.
and he suggested that we eat
— BY MUKUND SRINIVASAN

Top Chef: Madhwa Edition
(cont from page 4) We started our tutelage un-
der one of the funniest and most jovial people I
have had the privilege to meet. His name is
Sridhar Padaki (Padaki uncle); he has the ability
to cook for about a hundred to two hundred
people, on an empty stomach, without tasting a
thing, — but with help from others of course. A
typical day at these gathering begins with us
getting up at around six o’ clock in the morning,
taking a shower and reporting in the kitchen as
soon as possible. Our bodies have to be
“pure” (maddi) so we are not allowed to eat
until the pooja (the worshipping to God) is done
and the food is offered to God, (naivedyam).
Also, there will be five individuals who are called
the alankara punkti; these five individuals are, in
the simplest sense the VIPs of these gatherings.
These people are all scholars who have a very
deep understanding of the scriptures of our
religion. But before the naivedyam can be of-
fered or the alankara punkti can be fed, the
kitchen needs to be started and thrown into full
gear so to speak. From the moment we step
into the kitchen at six o’clock in the morning,
bleary eyed and still stalking the landscapes of
our dreams, until it’s time for us to eat our
lunches like kings, we are in high gear and work-
ing, but the fruits of that labor are worth the
whole experience.
From the morning until the naivedyam is of-
fered we work and cook to produce a fifteen
Sampling of the Foods from Mettilotsava 2008: Various Gojjus, Palyas, Payasas, and Mixed Rices.
Page 9
dish, three course meal, meaning each and every
person that attends the event will have a meal
that has a minimum of fifteen dishes and three
courses. These dishes include pickle (usually
mango), two salad mixes or kosambari (each is a
different mix of lentils, greens, lemons, and
spices), two palyas (vegetable mixes that can
come in any variety, only the cook’s imagination
can guide him), a sweet, paisa, dal, rice, a rice “From the moment
mix called chitraa-anna (usually rice mixed with
lemon juice, spices, and nuts), soup like sub- we step into the
stances, namely hulli and saaru (hulli has a
thicker consistency than saaru), then after all
kitchen at six o’clock
this, to cool our palates and stomach, yet an-
in the morning, we
other sweet and masuru (a cool dairy product
much like buttermilk, but a little thicker). All of are in high gear and
these are cooked in less than five hours and all
are delicious. working, but the fruits
After cooking, we get to serve the guests who of that labor are
have attended the pooja. Each sitting is called a
pankti, and each pankti can sit about seventy-five worth the whole
to a hundred people, and usually there will be
two pankti. We serve all of them, and then the experience. “
cooks themselves sit down to eat. We are all
treated like kings, and we eat our fill (we haven’t
eaten yet since the morning). The best part of
this entire festival is the two hour period after
we eat our lunch. In these two hours, we go
back to sleep to again stalk the landscape of our
dreams.
SPECIAL METTILOTSAVA EDITION
VMS Youth Group
What Religion Are You?
When someone asks you, “What
religion are you?” what would you
say? Your first response would
probably be, “I am a Hindu.” and it
would be left at that, but that sen-
tence is still incomplete.
We are actually Hindu
Madhvas who have different beliefs
from the general Hindu community.
For one, we follow a philosophy
established by Sri Madhvacharya.
This philosophy gives us own set of
rules and beliefs that set us apart
from mainstream Hinduism.
One of the main beliefs is the vast
difference between man and god,
god creates man, and man will con-
tinue to depend on the all-superior
Questions or Comments?
Anything you’d like to add to the News-
letter or suggest about the Youth Group?
Contact Us!
W E’RE ON THE WEB!
T AT VAVA DA . O RG / E T I RT H A
god for the rest of his life. Madhva Our VMS community is one
philosophy also improves our un- that unites all who follow Sri
derstanding of our religion, and Madhvacharya’s concepts of god
helps us answer questions with and life that he put forth hundreds
more accuracy. of years ago. Why should we shy
away from it, when it is something
For example, someone might be
you should be proud to be a part
confused on which of the 330 mil-
of? So think, next time you are
lion Hindu gods is the most su-
faced with this question, stand tall
preme, but having knowledge of
and say, “I am a Hindu Madhva!”
Madhva beliefs will confirm that
Lord Vishnu is the supreme. — BY SURABI JANARDHAN
Madhvas have their own rituals as
well, such as chaturmasa, which is
the four-month long vrata in which
you give up certain foods. There is
so much that differentiates our
beliefs with the general Hindu prac-
tices that it can’t be ignored!
Phone: 732-491-5951
E-mail: djdeesu@gmail.com