As scheduled, the commonwealth games will be taking place in New-Delhi in the year 2010. The games are being hyped in a manner that a layman in India might consider that Olympics are being organized in the country. It took quite long to bag the deal for the Indian capital after staging the Asian games in the year 1982. So, there ought to be a interest and a lot of expectations.

It is in the hands of the local Delhi Government and the Indian Government to prepare the city for the games and showcase the city to the world. Considering world sports’ scenario it is not a major event for the people across the globe being glued to their TV sets, but the Indian public will witness some of the greats displaying their skills in front of them. Current sensation Usain Bolt will also be seen representing his country. Moreover the Delhi Government also wants to push for the bid of the 2020 Olympic Games in the city by successfully organizing this event later this year.

Coming to the flip side, this kind of event has exposed the loopholes in the planning of authorities involved in organizing the games extravaganza. There has been a constant delay in the projects for the Commonwealth Games. At this point very few or no stadium is in a condition to host a single match forget about the games in total. This is the status of preparation of the authorities in January when the games are staring in front of them in October. There are very few hotels that are ready to accommodate the heavy rush of tourists in the capital.

Moreover the construction work on roads and subways has just been started. This concern was expressed by the Commonwealth Games federation chief Mike Fennell in September 2009 in his statement as” it is reasonable to conclude that the current situation poses a serious risk to the Commonwealth Games in 2010″. The beautification work has just started in most places of the city. Even the Indian government acknowledged that the work in 13 sites out of a total 19 sites is behind schedule. For all this the Indian Olympics Association chief Suresh Kalmadi has faced the ire for slackened preparation.

It is true that most of the venues are lagging behind in terms of preparation, but the bigger question is what will happen to these giant stadiums after the event is over. This fact is well known that India is not a country with a proper sports culture and stadiums like these are best left to oblivion after such mega events. There is no maintenance of the grounds and nothing like a staff to take care of stadiums in general.

This fact founds evidence when we see the grave condition of stadiums used in the Asian Games in 1982. For people to appreciate the games and prepare for a better future, proper sports culture needs to be inculcated in the minds of Indian public. Only after that we will witness scheduled completion of work with crowd enjoying the game to its fullest. Only time will tell that.

The Commonwealth games are a multi-sports event which was conceptualized in 1891 by Astley Cooper as a Festival that brings all commonwealth nations together at one platform. In its initial stage this mega event based on sporting, military and literary events brings all commonwealth nations at a single platform in order to develop closer ties among them.

Commonwealth Nations is an intergovernmental organization of fifty four independent states which have been selected on the basis of their social, political and economy backgrounds. These nations were the former colonies of the British Empire. Humanity, Equality and Destiny is the motto of Commonwealth games which means that as a group they are all equal and struggling for the same common cause in order to attain their destiny.

At present there are 54 members of the Commonwealth Nations and 71 teams participate in the Commonwealth Games. The 2010 Commonwealth Games will be the 19th edition of this multi sports event. The 19th version of this mega sports is scheduled to be held in New Delhi, the capital city of India between 3 October and 14 October 2010. This event is being conducted in India for the first time and second time in Asia. This game will be the biggest multi-sport event conducted in India after hosting the Asian Games in 1951 and 1982. The overall cost of this event is estimated around US $17.5 billion that is approximately Rs. 87.5 thousand crores which makes this as the most expensive Commonwealth Games ever.

The Commonwealth Games is a global event which attracts several tourists along with the participating team members, coaches, media person and foreign dignitaries. The CWG 2010 will be a blessing for India Tourism. Delhi with its neighboring states is preparing and improving its infrastructures in order to cater to the needs of the incoming people from various parts of the globe.

Travel and Tourism industry has geared up to provide best deals to tourists who visit India during this grand event. There are various tour packages available at different costs that provide maximum exposure of incredible India. Golden Triangle tours, North India Tours and Rajasthan Tour are some of the well known tour packages that are in high demand all the time. Delhi is also the major transport hub for several tourist destinations of Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh and as well as of central India. This makes easier for tourists to navigate nearby destinations during their stay in India during the CWG event.

Common Wealth Games 2010 are decided to be held in Delhi, India. The games will be held in between 3rd October to 14th October. It is the second time when Common Wealth Games are being held in Asia While it is the first time for India to welcome Common Wealth Games. A large number of sports will be played during the games. Following is the list of the games along with the venue details where the games will be played:

* Athletics, lawn bowls, and weight lifting. These sports will be played at Jawaharlal Nehru stadium
* Hockey is decided to be held at Dhyan Chand National Stadium
* Archery, cycling, gymnastics, and wresting will be played at Indira Gandhi Arena
* Venue for Rugby Sevens is Delhi University Sports Complex
* Netball is decided to be played at Thyagaraj Stadium
* Badminton and squash will be enjoyed at Siri Forts Sports Complex
* Shooting is held at Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range
* Boxing lovers need to visit Talkatora Stadium
* Aquatics lovers need to visit SPM Swimming Pool Complex
* Tennis will be played at RK Khanna Tennis Complex
* Table Tennis is decided to be held at Yamuna Sports Complex

This is a big opportunity for India. Therefore, the preparation of grand welcome of all countries participating in Common Wealth Games are being done with enthusiasm. Starting and closing of the Common Wealth Games will be done at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Central Government and Delhi Government are pleased to welcome all visitors during the games. Transportation facilities are being improved so that visitors can easily reach to the destined stadium or sports complex.

At Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, 75000 spectators can enjoy the games whereas Indira Gandhi Arena, the largest indoor sports arena in India and the second largest in Asia has the capacity for 25000 spectators.

Indian Government reportedly is going to spend $ 17.5 million for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games 2010. Infrastructure for the games is under process in full spirit. The date for the Games is from October 3 to October 15. The 17 sport disciplines are held at several stadiums of Delhi and new stadiums are being built for the games. The opening ceremony will be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on October 3 when the Queen’s Baton Rally will reach Delhi after traveling various countries starting from Buckingham Palace, London.

The infrastructure for the Delhi Commonwealth Games 2010 is jointly prepared and executed by Delhi Government and Central Government. The infrastructure for the games include development of mass rapid transit system, development of public transport system, construction of new highways & new power plants, games village, renovation of guesthouses, water utility services and health care services.

A games village project is undergoing on the bank of River Yamuna which will have a capacity to accommodate around 8500 athletes and games officials. To provide easy accessibility to the games venue, hospitals and tourists places, flyovers, clover leafs and bridges are built by the Delhi Government. A guesthouse beautification projects will be implemented in Paharganj and Karol Bagh area. It is under process initiated by the Tourism Ministry of India. Even the hostels of educational institutions will also be used for accommodation purpose during the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi. The Old Delhi area will be renovated before the games. Chandi Chowk and its nearby areas will be converted into a heritage walk slow city.

A huge influx of tourists is expected for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. The Hotels in Delhi is also gearing up to welcome the guests. The sports fan and the heritage enthusiasts planning to visit Delhi during the sports event can book a hotel online in advance. There is sure to be lack of accommodations during the Delhi Commonwealth Games 2010.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Documentary evidence: Hindu testimony

The city of Ayodhya has undeniably been a city of great antiquity and a sacred spot to the Hindus for a long time.  Giving the location of the city on the bank of river Saryu, and describing its area, prosperity and glory, Valmiki has said in his Ramayana:

(Ramayana, Balakhanda, Canto 5, Sloka 5-7)

Many Puranas attest the fact that Ayodhya was considered one of the six holiest of the holy cities.  To quote one:

(Brahmanda Purana, 4/40/91)

In all Hindu scriptures since Valmiki, Ayodhya figures prominently and Lord Rama is referred to as an avatar of Vishnu.

Vyasa incorporated the story of Rama through the Ramopakhyan in the Vanparva of his epic Mahabharata.  The earliest sanskrit dramatist Bhasa who lived before the advent of Christ, wrote his dramas �Pratima� & �Abhishek� based on the life of Rama.  Identifying Rama with his archanavtar, he writes:

Kalidas the greatest classical poet & dramatist devoted the 10th canto of his Raghuvansham, to the narrative of Vishnu�s incarnation on earth as Rama.  In the 13th Canto of his book, where the poet refers to the return of Rama and Sita to Ayodhya in the Pushpak-Viman, he speaks of Rama as Vishnu himself:

There is not a single important poet or writer in classical Sanskrit literature who has not paid his best obeisence to Lord Rama in one form or another.  Instead of attempting an exhaustive enumeration of such works or citing illustrations therefrom, we may only mention the following ones:

(A) Classical Sanskrit Literature:

Poems

(1) Kalidasa (C. 400 A.d.): Raghuvamsa
(2) Pravarasena (550-600 A.D.): Ravanavaho or Setubandha
(3) Bhatti : (500-650 A.D.) : Ravanavadha
(4) Kumaradasa : (c: 800 A.d.) : Janakiharana
(5) Abhinanda (9th cent.) Ramacarita
(6) Ksemendra (11th cent.):
(a) Ramayanamanjari
(b) Dasavatara-carita
(7) Soacakalyamalla (12th cent.) : Udararaghava
(8) Cakra Kavi (17th cent.) : Janakiparinaya
(9) Advaita kavi (17th cent.) Ramalingamrta
(10) Mohana svami : (1608 A.d.  Roac(a,)marahasya or Roac(a,)ma Carita (India Office MS.  of 1970 A.D.)

Drama

(1) Bhasa, (2nd cent.  A.d.) (a) Pratima (b) Abhiseka
(2) Bhavabhuti (8th cent.) (a) mahaviracarita (b) Uttararamacarita
(3) Dinnaga (9th cent.) Kundamala
(4) Murari (900 A.D.) Anargharaghava
(5) Rajesekhara : (10th cent.) Balaramayana
(6) Hanuman: Hanumannataka or Mahanataka
(7) Saktibhadra (9th cent.) Ascaryacudamani
(8) Yasovarman : Ramabhudaya (8th cent.)
(9) Mayuraja : Udattaraghava
(10) Anonymous : (a) Chalit RM (b) Krtya RM (c) Mayapuspaka (d) Svapnadarsana
(11) Ksirasvami : Abhinavaraghava
(12) Ramachandra (a) Raghuvilasa
(12 cent.) (b) Raghavabhyudaya
(13)Jayadeva : Prasanna-Raghava (12 cent.)
(14) Hastimalla : Maithikalyana (1290 A.D.)
(15) Subhata : Dutangada (13 cent.)
(16) Bhaskara Bhatta : Unmattaraghava (14 cent.)
(17) Tryasamisradeva : Ramabhyudaya (15 cent.)
(18) Mahadeva : Adbhutaramayana (17 cent.)
(19) Ramabhadra Diksita : Janakiparinaya

Miscellaneous Poems

(i) Slesakavyas

(1) Dharnanjaya : Raghavapandaviya (12 cent.)
(2) Madhava Bhatta : Raghavapandaviya
(3) haradatta Suri : Radhava-Naisadhiya
(4) Cidambara : Radhavapandaviya-Yadaviya (1600 A.D.)
(5) Gangadhara Mahadevakavi : (18 cent.) Sankatanasanastotra

(ii) Vilomakavyas:

(1) Suryadevi : Ramakrshna-viloma-Kavya (1540 A.D.)

(iii) Citrakavyas:

(1) Krsna Mohana: Ramalilamrta
(2) Venkatesa : Citrabandha RM

(iv) Amorous Khandakavyas:

(1) Venkatadesika : Hamsasandesa or Hamsaduta
(2) Rudra Vacaspati : Bhramaraaduta
(3) Vasudeva : Bhramara-sandesa
(4) Anonymous : Kapiduta
(5) Venkatacarya : Kokilasandesa
(6) Jayadeva Ramagita-Govinda
(7) Krsnacandra : Candraduta
(8) Harisankara : Gitaraghava
(9) Prabhakara : Gitaraghava
(10) Haryacarya : Janakigita
(11) Harinatha : Ramavilasa
(12) Visvanathasimha Sangita Raghunandana
(13) Visvanatha : Raghavavilasa
(14) Somesvara : Ramasataka

Prose Romance and Campus

(1) Ksemendra : Brhatkathamanjari
(2) Somadeva : Kathasaritasagara
(3) Bhoja : Campu RM (Many other campus such as Uttararamayana Campu, etc.  based on Uttarakhanda of RM)
(4) Vasudeva : Ramakatha

(B) Hindu Scriptures

Ramayanas

(1) Valmiki Ramayana
(2) Ramopakhyana in the Mahabharata (Vana Parva)
(3) The Yoga Vasishtha or the Vasishtha Ramayana
(4) Adhyatma Ramayana
(5) Adbhuta Ramayana
(6) Ananda Ramayana
(7) Bhushundi Ramayana
(8) Maha Ramayana
(9) Mantra Ramayana
(10) Vedanta Ramayana

Puranas

(11) Vishnu Purana (4th C.) (IV,4,5)
(12) Brahmanda Purana (4th C.) (2.21)
(13) Vayu Purana (5th C.) (II,26)
(14) Bhagvata Purana (6/7th C.) (IX,10-11)
(15) Kurma Purana (7th C.) (I.19,21: II.34)
(16) Agni Purana (8th C.) (Ch.  5.12)
(17) Narada Purana (10th C.) (I.79, II.75)
(18) Brahma Purana (Ch.  213, 70-175)
(19) Garuda Purana (10th C. (I.143)
(20) Skanda Purana (11/12th C.) (II.30)
(21) Padma Purana (12/15th C.) (Para 116, Uttara 24,43-48)
(22) Vishnu Dharmottara Purana
(23) Narasimha Purana
(24) Vahni Purana
(25) Shiva Mahapurana
(26) Devi Bhagvata Mahapurana
(27) Brihaddharmapurana

Upanishads

(28) Rama-Purvatapaniya Upanishad
(29) Ramottaratapaniya Upanishad
(30) Rama-Rahasyopanishad

Pancharatra Works

(31) Agastya Samhita
(32) Kaliraghava
(33) Brihad-raghava
(34) Raghaviya Samhita

(C) Other Religious Literature

(1) Jaiminiya Ashvamedha
(2) Mailravana Carita or Hanumanad-Vijaya
(3) Sahashramukha-ravanacharitam
(4) Satyopakhyana
(5) Hanumat-Samhita
(6) Brihat-Koshalakhanda

For the last two millenia, the tradition of veneration to Rama has existed in the Hindu society in one form or other.  The earliest known inscription to testify this is found in the Nasik cave inscription of 19th regnal year, that is 150 A.D., of Satvahana king Vasisthi-putra Pulumavi which contains the following eulogisation of Gautamiputra Satkarni:

A series of subsequent inscriptions such a Gandhar inscription of Vishwavarman (423 A.d.), Chalukya inscription of Pulakesin I (543 A.D.), Mamallapuram inscription (8th century A.D.), Hansi inscription of Chahmana Prithiraja II (1168 A.D.) establish the continuity of this tradition throughout.

Iconometric evidence proves that the worship of Rama as an incarnation of Vishnu is at least as old as the time of Brihatsamhita of Varahmihir, (5th century A.D.) who prescribes the details of Rama�s iconometry in chapter 57 verse 30.  Till the end of the 12th century A.D., the canons of iconometry regarding the image of Rama was laid down in the Matsyapurana, Manasollas, Bhatta-utpal & Al-Beruni.

Not only the Padmapurana 1.2.3.  Haribans 1.41, Brahmapurana, ch 180, Garudapurana 1.202, Varahpurana ch.  IV, but also the Gwalior inscription of the Gurjar Pratihar king Bhoja in the 9th century described Rama as an incarnation of Vishnu.

Besides Manasollas, Dasavatarcharit of Kshmendra, Gitagobindam of Jaidev, Naisarhcharit of Sri Harsha & the Ram Charitam of Sandhyakarnandin adulate Rama as Vishnu�s avatar.

Even the ancient Jain writers such as Amitagati (11th century) spoke of Rama as the all-knowing & all pervading protector of the World.

The evolution of the tradition of Rama worship at least from 4th century A.D. is established by the early Rama shrines surviving at ancient Ramgiri hill (modern Ramtek) 30 kms from Nagpur, dedicated by the Vakataka queen Prabhawatigupta (5th century), Ambhamata temple at Osion near Jodhpur, (11th century) containing images of Rama-Janaki & Hanuman, Rajivlochan temple (12th century) at Rajim in Raipur disctrict erected by Jagapal the minister of Kalachuri king Pritideva II and dedicated to Rama by an inscription of 1145 A.D., and the Rama temple at Mukundapur in Reva district (12th century) built by Malaysingha.  Paintings depicting episodes from Rama�s life have adorned the walls of numerous temples in India and outside from the famous Deogarh temple in M.P.  (late gupta period) to the Angkor Bat in Cambodia.

According to well researched conclusion of scholars, there existed at least five Vishnu temples in Ayodhya in the 12th century viz.

(1) Harismriti (or Guptahari) at the Gopratar (goptar) ghat,
(2) Chandrahari on the west side of the Swargadwar ghat,
(3) Vishnuhari at the Chakratirtha ghat,
(4) Dharmahari on the east side of Swargadwar ghat, and
(5) Vishnu (Rama) temple on the Janmabhoomi.

The last three of these have been replaced on all accounts by mosques built by Mughal emperors.

These are both textual and archaeological evidence to prove that it was a common practice from early times for the devotees of Rama (or Krishna) to offer worship to a temple image which was looked upon as being an embodiment of Rama (archanavtar).  Instead of worshipping Rama in his earthly human form, a practice has grown of devotees worshipping him in the form of one (Vishnu) whose avatar he was believed to be.  The textual support to this practice is found in the Padmasamhita, a Vaishnav text dating before 1000 A.D.  which says:

(That is, when an image of Rama is installed independently in the Sanctum for the sake of worship, it should have four arms).

This practice was quite natural, considering that Rama was initially seen as an incarnation of Vishnu, but came later to be seen as Vishnu himself.  This practice is corroborated by the images installed in the ancient Rajivlochan at Ambamata temple referred to earlier.  In the former, the temple has been specifically dedicated to Rama by an inscription (1145 A.D.) and been popularly known and revered as Rama temple, but the image inside is that of four-armed Vishnu.  In the latter, the images of Rama & Sita are completely like Laxmi-Narayana but are identified as Rama-Sita by the presence of the seated Hanuman at their feet.  An inscription of 467 A.D. testifies to the installation by a devotee of the image of Chitrakutsavami-Anantashayi” referring to both Rama & Vishnu.

An inscription of 467 A.D.  testifies to the installation by a devotee of the image of Chitrakutsavami-Anantashayi” referring to both Rama & Vishnu.  The same practice is indicated by an inscription found at Ayodhya which says that the Gahadval king, Chandradeva visited Ayodhya on 23rd Oct.  1093 on a pilgrimage on the occasion of a solar eclipse when he bathed in the Saryu and performed the worship of Vasudeva the protector of the three worlds.

The long tradition of Rama worship as evidenced lay the numerous literary, scriptural and archaeological sources culminate in the 12trh/13th century in the Ayodhya-Mahatmya forming part of the Skandapurana which describes the various holy spots in Ayodhya, and extols the pilgrimaage to the city as the best means to salvation.  Along with various other holy sites associated with Ram such as Goptar ghat, Swargadwar, Sahasradhara (all of which exist till this day) etc; the Ayodhya-Mahatmya profusely eulogizes the Janmabhoomi shrine and gives it location.  The merits of a visit by a devotee observing the vow ( ) on the Ramanavami day to the Janmasthana has been described in Ayodhya-Mahatmya in the following words:

“A man who has seen the Janmasthana will not be born again even if he does not offer gifts, practise asceticism, goes on pilgrimages or make sacrifice-offerings.  A man observing the vow world be liberated from the bondage of rebirth on arrival of the Navami day because of the miraculous power of a bath and a gift.  By seeing the Ramjanmabhoomi he shall obtain the result that accrues to one who gives away a thousand red cows day after day.” (see Annexure 1 for relevant extract of Sanskrit text)

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.