ఉపాయం - 356 A thoughtful message to share on the living promise of Dharma on Tirumala Hills through "Dharmaanni Rakshinchandi, Adi Mimmalini Rakshisthundi!"!
The Approach
The Approach
Topics

Topics

ఉపాయం - 356

“Dharmaanni Rakshinchandi, Adi Mimmalini Rakshisthundi”—this simple Telugu phrase, seen at the entrance and many prominent locations on the sacred Tirumala hills, expresses a profound truth that has guided generations of devotees: “Protect (uphold) righteousness (dharma), it will protect you”. In those few words lies the rhythm of moral life—the call to live rightly, and the assurance that righteousness, once safeguarded, becomes our own guardian. Tirumala, one of Hinduism’s most venerated Vaishnava shrines, has long symbolized refuge and renewal. In the chaos of Kali Yuga, when values seem to blur and the noise of the world grows louder, Lord Venkateswara’s abode reminds every pilgrim that divine order still stands firm. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) carries this ancient responsibility forward—nurturing sanatana dharma not merely as ritual, but as a living force expressed through education, compassion, and community service. Here, dharma is not an abstract concept; it is the moral lifeblood of daily life—to speak truth, to serve others, and to see divinity in all beings. Spiritually, this slogan is a sacred injunction: uphold dharma—righteousness, duty, truth, moral order—and divine grace will shelter you. The saints of Tirumala, from Annamacharya to Ramanuja, taught that devotion without ethics is incomplete; the divine responds to sincerity in action as much as in prayer. Practically, it is a civic and social reminder for our times: preserve what is just and compassionate in your personal, family, and community life. When individuals and institutions act with integrity, they create trust—and that trust is what ultimately protects societies from decay. For today’s Indian-American youth, raised between cultures, “Dharmaanni Rakshinchandi” is not a call to preserve rituals alone—it is a call to live values that travel across borders. Dharma can be understood as living with integrity, responsibility, and kindness—modern expressions of ancient truths that protect one’s peace and purpose far more than success alone. To protect dharma is to protect the conscience within. Every ethical choice—whether in school, at work, or online—strengthens the invisible armor of goodwill, credibility, and resilience that no challenge can easily pierce. Through seva, or selfless service, dharma becomes movement—every act of volunteering, mentoring, or community service turns faith into something lived and shared. Dharma also invites reflection, not blind conformity. To keep what uplifts and let go of what excludes is its essence. This discernment is its own form of protection. In a world driven by competition, dharma can be the compass that aligns ambition with integrity—ensuring that achievement does not come at the cost of peace or humanity. For temple trustees and boards, this slogan can serve as a spiritual constitution—a guiding ethos for leadership rooted in integrity, service, and inclusion. When temple leaders govern transparently, make decisions fairly, and cultivate humility, the institution becomes self-protecting— stable, trusted, and spiritually radiant. By creating spaces where youth can explore values in the context of modern dilemmas—from mental health to civic responsibility—temples transform dharma from a doctrine into a dialogue. Protection happens through participation. Youth-led service initiatives, food drives, or sustainability projects embody the true essence of rakshana—protection through giving. When temples invest in the leadership of young people, offering mentorship, internships, and creative outlets to express heritage, dharma evolves while remaining rooted. And when temples transcend divisions of region or language, blending Sanskrit and English hymns, fostering interfaith understanding, and encouraging conversations on belonging and identity, they transform into sanctuaries of unity and renewal. When trustees lead with integrity, when youth act with service, and when communities stay united in compassion—dharma becomes more than a word. It becomes a living ecosystem that shelters everyone beneath it. To protect dharma is to protect the soul of the community. And when dharma protects us, it safeguards not just tradition, but the enduring spirit of humanity itself!

Go back Next
© 2025 Upaayam: Published under the Telugu Bhavanam Cultural Reflection and Educational Initiative Project.