Nalanda, one of the greatest centers of learning in the ancient times, is located in the eastern Indian state of Bihar. A small village now, Nalanda is situated around 72 km off Patna, the capital of Bihar and is part of the Buddhist Circuit that also includes Bodh Gaya and Rajgir. The village has a good network of roads that connects it to the other cities of the state.

There is no other monument in the world that can match the beauty and grandeur of Taj Mahal . Set amongst the serene ambiance of a well laid out garden the massive marble structure of the Taj Mahal is awe-inspiring. Taj Mahal was built in the 17th century by Shahjahan- the fifth Mughal emperor, in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Shahjahan loved his wife so much that after she passed away in 1631, he decided to immortalize their love in the form of the Taj Mahal. It is more than 350 years since Taj Mahal was built, but it has not lost itsromantic aura, which attracts millions of visitors towards it It is because of this everlasting charm that the Taj Mahal can boast of being one of the most popular monuments on this planet. Almost all foreign dignitaries coming to India make it a point to visit Taj Mahal . The former president of USA, Bill Clinton has been one of the most prominent dignitaries to visit this monument in the recent past. He said 'The world is divided between those who have seen the Taj (Mahal) and those who have not. Very soon, I hope to be on the side that has seen the Taj (Mahal)', was how he felt, shortly after landing in India.

The temple is located on a sacrosanct land inside the Omkarananda Ashram complex at the foothills of the Himalayas, where Gurudev had done his intensive Tapasya and Shrividya-Sadhana in the earlier years, and had planned a unique Yajna to be conducted in March 2000, at this place.

Many devotees from India and abroad had attended this unique Maha-Yajna and vividly felt the presence, blessings, strength, inspiration and the Grace of Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati.

Diwali festival is a 5 day Hindu festival in India which occurs on the fifteenth day of Kartika.

Diwali when translated means "rows of lighted lamps" and the occasion is also referred to as the Festival of Lights. During Diwali, Indian homes are cleaned and windows are opened to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Lamps, lights and candles are lit as a greeting to Goddess Laksmi.

Gifts are exchanged and sweets, festive meals are prepared during Diwali.

Because there are many castes and regions in India, there are myriad manifestations of the Diwali festival. In some places, the festival begins with Dhanteras, a day set aside to worship Laksmi. In the Indian culture, wealth is not viewed as a corruptive power. Instead, a wealthy person is considered to have been rewarded for good deeds of a past life, i.e karma.

On the second day of the festival, Kali, the goddess of Strength, is worshipped.

On the 3rd day ( the last day of the year in the lunar calendar), lamps are lighted and shine brightly in homes. The lamp symbolizes knowledge.

The fourth day of Diwali falls on the first day of the lunar New Year. At this time, old business accounts are settled and new books are opened. The books are worshipped in a special ceremony by Indian priests and participants are encouraged to remove anger, hate, and jealousy from their lives.

On the last day (Balipratipada) of the festival, Bali, an ancient Indian king, is recalled and remembered. Bali destroyed the centuries old philosophies of the society. However, in addition to this, he is remembered for being a generous and kind person. Hence, the significance of this day is to see the good in others, including enemies.

The Jain communities of India celebrate Diwali as a New Year's Day. Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, attained his Nirvana on the day of Diwali.

Sikhs celebrate Diwali to express joy at the return of the sixth Guru to Amritsar in 1620; Emperor Jahangir had imprisoned him along with 52 Hindu kings. The Guru was granted freedom but refused to leave until the kings were also released.

Diwali is by far the most enthusiastically enjoyed festival in India. People of different nationalities, races, religions and backgrounds come together to share their joys generating a feeling of universal brotherhood and inter-religious harmony.