Indians are not atheists; they believe in following the path of righteousness. Indians have been treading the path of dharma, with faith and goodwill. That part of the dharma which they are not familiar with, they learn about it through Nigama and Agama, and implement the same, thereby earning everlasting happiness in this life and beyond. India has earned international recognition due to the oceanic wisdom of the ancient Vedic scriptures. In the entire literary world, spiritual literature is the most ancient and is also a treasure trove of knowledge. It contains the divine message for evolving our life's ideal.

The vivacity and diversity of Indian culture and its esoteric meaning is something special. Generally, every Indian tradition has a scientific, rational and spiritual background. If it is possible to interpret them perfectly, many of our superstitions can be overcome. Otherwise, certain rituals, besides being mechanical, will be erroneously considered superstitions and may gradually fade away.The specialty of Indian culture is in its in-built capacity for survival. Customs which were not right were discontinued in course of time. E.g. Sacrificing human lives and animals in the name of religion, sati-sahagamana (i.e. a widow offering herself in her husband’s funeral pyre), untouchability, etc.

Even though Indian culture has adequately utilised the latest technology, it has not abandoned its glorious tradition. Because of this capability of adapting to the changing times, India has earned for itself the reputation as one of the nations which has preserved its rich and ancient cultural heritage. Certain customs and rituals of Indian culture are very simple and implement able. They are prevalent even today and are being observed in a large number of families.

It is the duty of all of us to introduce our ancient heritage to the present-day children. The life of a person who does not have "Samskara" (i.e. who is not cultured) is without hope. For every person born in this land of Karma, certain (caste-based) samskaras have to be performed. Shodasha Samskaras have been prescribed for Brahmins in Smrithis and Gruhyasutras. When these samskaras are performed at appropriate times, the mind and soul become refined.

At the time of birth, man brings with him the results of his good and bad deeds committed in the previous birth. "Avashya manubhoktavyam krutam karma shubhashubam" - it is the law of creation that man has to experience the results of such good and bad deeds. Good results can be experienced with pleasure; but when bad results materialise, the experience will be painful and distressing. After endeavoring for a very long time, ancient sages have given certain remedial measures in the interest of mankind, which, if followed would minimize the intensity of suffering.

For every person born in this land of Karma, certain (caste-based) samskaras are essential responsibilities. Shodasha Samskaras have been prescribed for Brahmins in Smrithis and Gruhyasutras. Due to these Samskaras, celebrated at appropriate times, his mind and soul become refined and being a "noble and cultured man", he will be happy in this world and beyond.

At the time of birth itself, man brings with him the baggage containing the results of good and bad deeds committed in the previous birth. "Avashya manubhoktavyam krutam karma shubhashubam" - As per this divine utterance, it is a law of creation that man has to experience such good and bad results. Good results can be experienced with pleasure; but when bad results materialise, the experience will be very painful and sorrowful. After endeavouring for a very long time, primitive sages have given certain remedial measures in the interest of mankind, which, if implemented would minimize the intensity of suffering.

Due to the present mundane educational system and modern way of living, certain samskaras are not in practice. These Shodasha Samskaras were in practice in ancient India when Brahmins were staying in the Gurukula after thread ceremony (i.e. Upanayana) till Samavartana (one of the Shodasha Samskaras), engaging in the study of Vedas. In today’s life style when worldly education and employment are inevitable for Brahmins, it is equally important that these Shodasha Samskaras be performed at the appropriate time.

In ancient days, when the joint family system was prevalent, elders in the house used to inculcate these traditions in the children. Thereby the children were transformed by good samskaras. But today due to various reasons, children are deprived of this and are suffering. "The role of samskara is great in the construction of a healthy, peaceful and cultured society"; but we have failed in imparting such a great samskara.

It is a good sign that now-a-days performance of Vedic rites is increasing in some places. Thereby the need for priests who can ritualistically conduct Vedic Karmas has increased. In this scientific age, the responsibility of publicising the fruitfulness of Veda mantras rests on the priests.

In this terrible Kaliyuga, as revealed by Lord Vedavyasa, irrespective of whatever charity or worship that we perform, we will repeatedly encounter difficulties. When we are doing good deeds like charity, dharma, etc., why is it that difficulties affect only the pious (satvik) persons? Such contemplation is but natural. Is there any shortcoming in our performance? If so, which is the right way? There may be confusions arising out of this and the need of the hour is for someone qualified enough to guide and advice us suitably.

Keeping this in mind we have started, "VEDALAYA" (a division of "BADARAYANA PRATISTHANA"), under the guidance of Guruji Sri K.N. Krishnamurthy Sharma, with the sole objective of publicizing the Guru parampara of great sages like Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadwaja, Vishwamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, Vasishta, Parashara, Vedavyasa, Valmiki, Yagnavalkya, Shuka and Acharyas like Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, Madhwacharya, etc.

People who are interested in conducting auspicious functions with in a ritualistic manner keeping the above objectives in mind, may contact us for - services of priests, offering Vedic guidance, etc.