Introduction - India is punya-bhumi (a sacred land). It is a land of culture and worship, of millions of temples, of spiritual thought and practice, and of yoga and meditation. India is the land of Lord Rama, Lord Krsna, and the Bhagavad-gita, a land to which, for eons, pilgrims have come in search of the Absolute Truth. Although times have changed, the spark of Vedic culture still flickers in the hearts of India�s people. Millions still bathe reverently in the holy Ganga, and millions still celebrate Sri: Krsna Janmastami. Recitations of Krsna-lila and Rama-lila still remain popular, sometimes attracting lakhs of listeners. Even in the midst of their busy lives, most Hindus still begin each day by offering dhupa (incense), dipa (lamp), and puspa (flowers) to their ista-deva (worshipable deity). To be born in this holy land is a privilege, a divine opportunity for growing and living with God. Yet, India�s vast variety of temples, worshipers, and rituals can be bewildering. Some worship Lord Ganapati to remove all obstacles in their endeavors, others worship Lord Siva and Goddess Durga for material opulence, students supplicate Goddess Sarasvati for knowledge, while still others pray to Hanuman for protection and strength. And some simply say, �Worship and respect all, for all gods and all paths are one and the same.� Most Hindus believe that by satisfying Vedic gods and goddesses the worshiper will attain the Absolute Truth, which they consider to be ultimately impersonal. This widespread assumption is likely caused by not properly understanding the complex Vedic descriptions thereof, or not understanding the principles underlying sastric rituals. However, the Bhagavad-gita (the essence of all the Vedas) clearly teaches that there is one Supreme Personality of Godhead, who possesses spiritual personality, form, and qualities, who is the origin of everything, who empowers all to act, who is the ultimate bestower of all benedictions, and who therefore is the topmost object of worship. One who knows this truth does not need to worship anyone else to achieve perfection.