The Religions of India by Roshen Dalal

Author:Roshen Dalal
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9788184753967
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Published: 2013-03-04T05:00:00+00:00

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Ladakh A region in the state of Jammu and Kashmir that has a number of Buddhist sects, as well as GOMPAS or monasteries, mainly associated with TIBETAN BUDDHISM.

Among the sects in Ladakh are the NYINGMA, based on the teachings of PADMASAMBHAVA (Thak-Thok Monastery); the SAKYA, with its oracle monks at MATHO; the DRUGPA KAGYU and DRIGUNG KAGYU at Phiyang and Lamayuru; and the GELUG headed by the DALAI LAMA.

Gompas include the Tekse Gompa, HEMIS GOMPA, Lamayuru Gompa, Shankar Gompa, Shay Gompa, and Tsemo Gompa, as well as others at BASGO, Spituk, Rezong, Deskit, Samur and elsewhere. Ladakh also has a number of SHIA Muslims who live in harmony with the Buddhists.

Lahaul and Spiti A district in Himachal Pradesh that has a number of Buddhist monasteries and was once under the control and influence of Tibet. The GURU GHANTAL monastery here dates back to the eighth century, while several others were founded in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, though they were reconstructed later. Buddhism is still the predominant religion in the area.

Lailat al-Qadr A term in Islam that means ‘the night of power’. According to Islamic tradition, it was on this night in the month of RAMZAN of 610 that the Angel Gabriel first spoke to the Prophet MUHAMMAD, and the QURAN descended from the lowest heaven. This event is celebrated during the last few days of Ramzan and special prayers are said. The fate of a person for the rest of the year, is decided on this night. In India this night is known as SHAB-E-QADR.

Lakkundi A town in Karnataka, with ancient Hindu and Jain temples of the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Seventeen temples, constructed at the time of the Western Chalukya dynasty, still exist. These are richly decorated, and have pyramidal roofs. Many of them have open porches with multi-faceted pillars. Among Hindu temples, the Kashi Vishveshvara is notable; it has two shrines linked by an open porch, a pyramidal roof, and intricate carvings. The Jain Basti is the largest Jain temple here, with two MANDAPAS or halls opening into the shrine, and a five-storeyed pyramidal tower, capped by a square roof.

Lakshana Devi Temple A temple of the Hindu goddess DURGA, located at Brahmaur in the Chamba Valley of Himachal Pradesh. This wooden temple dates to the ninth century, but was largely reconstructed later. The inner shrine has a metal image of Durga holding MAHISHASURA, the buffalo demon, by the tail. At the doorway are male and female couples, or MITHUNA, the goddesses GANGA and YAMUNA, and the NAVAGRAHA. Other images include a three-headed VISHNU on GARUDA. The temple forms part of a group known as the Chaurasi temples.

Lakshmana The half-brother of RAMA, considered a partial incarnation of the Hindu god VISHNU, who is described in the RAMAYANA. According to the ADHYATMA RAMAYANA, he was an incarnation of Adi Shesha, or ANANTA. Lakshmana was the son of King DASHARATHA by his wife Sumitra, and the twin of SHATRUGHNA. He was married to Urmila, sister of SITA, and had two sons, Angada and Chandraketu.

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