Sharad Navrathri is celebrated after the Amavasai of the month Poratassi(Ashwin) for nine days throughout India. People observe vrath for these nine days. Even four faced Brahma, five faced Shankar or six faced Karthikey or anybody else cannot give full description of Devi mahima. With devi Durga's grace any task or effort started during these nine days will be successful.
On the first day of navratri Lord Ram worshipped Devi Shakti and took herblessings to kill Ravan. Throughout India people read Ramayan or Durga Sapthashati, bhajans are held day and night and people worship goddess Durga's nine forms-Shaila Putri, Brahmacharini(Aparna), Chandraganta, Khushmanda, Skandhamatha, Kathyayani, Kalrathri(Kali), Maha Gowri, Siddidatri.
In North India on the first day people vow to fast for nine days. In clay plots different kinds of pulses are grown and is kept in front of the goddess. On the eight or ninth day, 7 or more girls(kanya) below five years are called home for kanya puja and are given puri and halwa . It is considered, that by doing Kanya puja we can please all gods and Goddesses. Navrathri comes to an end on the tenth day.
In south India Golu and a kalasam as a symbol of Durga is kept during Navrathri. The first three days are for Durga, Next three days for Laxmi and last three days are for Saraswathi. Ladies go to each others house for kumkum and devotional songs are sung. Payasam is prepared in the morning and sundal in the evening as offering to the god everyday.Goddess Saraswathi is worshipped on the ninth day. Books, musical instruments are placed in front of the god and worshipped. On the tenth day, books are read and musical instruments played. Guru dakshina is given to teachers and people start learning music, vedas or any new venture on this day as this day is considered auspecious . On the evening of the tenth day it is believed that Durga kills demon Mahishasur, to cool her down panaham and buttermilk is offered. In the night the three main idols Ganesh, Laxmi and Sarawathi with Durga are put faced down as Navrathri comes to an end.
In Gujarat and Rajasthan in a big shamiana an idol of Godess Durga is placed. Garbha and Dandiya are held. everywhere people dress up with decorative cloths and whole family enjoys these days with good food and good entertainment.
In Bengal in a big shamia, Mahishasur Mardhini Durga idol is kept along with Lord Ganesh, Karthikey, Saraswathi on shansti Different kinds of offering are given to gods. Lots of cultural activities are also held. people take food that is offered to god as prasad. outside stalls they get different kinds of food. On Dashami Durga's idol is taken for visarjan.
On the evening of Vijay Dashami day Shami Tree(Khejadi) is worshipped. The wood from this tree is considered to be very strong and by rubbing two stick together fire is produced. People worship this tree to be strong and tejasvi.
Vijaydashami is celebrated in Mysore in a grand scale. Elephants are decorated with silk cloth, bells are tied to their neck and legs and a grand parade is held lead by Chamundi devi and witnessed by the King and people of Mysore.
The importance of Navrathri vrath can be explained by many stories. One such story goes as follows:
Durga is Dur-gatinashini meaning evils in the society are uprooted by her. Demons did tapasya on the advice of their Guru Shukracharya and got the boon from Lord Brahma that they cannot be killed by man or animals. Mahishasur was the king for all the demons. As a result of the boon their power increased.they started torturing devas. All the gods went to Lord Brahma and said Durga is stri Sakhti(Women Power) and she can only kill Mahishasur. On the request of the gods Durga accepted. All the gods gave their power and weapons to her due to which she became super natural power. Goddess Durga fought with mahishasur for 9 days and killed him. We worship devi durga on these nine days.
Celebrating Navrathri is a symbol of good over bad whether it is Ram killing Ravan or Godess Durga killing Mahishasur.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Ganesh Chaturthi
In India Lord Ganesha is a very important god. For every occasion people worship Lord Ganesha first. He is considered to be the god to remove all obstacles and bring success.worsipping him will brig ridhi and sidhi in our life. We celebrate Avani Shukla Chaturti as Ganesh Chaturti.
People fast on Ganesh Chaturthi. Idols made of Clay, Gold, Silver or picture of Ganesha is worshipped. in south india , turmeric paste is made in the form of a cone , known as manja pillayar, is worshipped before the begining of any pooja. Modakh and Moti Choor Lodoo is given as offering to Lord Ganesha and distributed as prasad. After the puja dakshina is given to Brahmans. There are several interesting stories linked with Ganesh Chaturti:
Once there was a discussion amongst the Gods about who should be worshipped first. They could not arrive at any conclusion. Hence it was decided that one who circles the Earth 7 times and comes back to the same place will the god to be worshipped first. All the gods left in their vahans. Lord Ganesha placed his parents Lord Shiva and Parvati on a stage and quickly took 7 rounds. Gradually one by one all the gods returned. Since Lord Ganesha considered his parents over and above the whole Universe, Lord Ganesha is worshipped first. That day came to be known as Ganesh Chaturthi. From this story we come to know about the cleaver and analytical mind of Ganesha.
Since Lord Ganesha is known for his shrewdness and memory power and he also writes very fast, Vedvyasa gave him the task of writing Mahabarath.
Indra could kill Vridhasur by observing this vrath. Raja Nal and his wife Damyanthi got separated. Damayanthi observed this Vrath for several years ans she was re united with her husband. Rukmini kept this vrath to get back her lost son Prathyumn.
In South India four or five kinds of modhakh, Parup Payasam, Vadai, Appam, Raw rice Idli is prepared for Ganesh Chaturthi.
In Maharashtra Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, during the British Raj gave this festival a social status to unite India and for the people to realise their custom and tradition. In tents people place idols of Lord Ganesha and worship him for 10 days. On the 11th day or in South India the next day people take the idol in a truck to immerse it in the sea or a tank. People request Lord Ganesha to visit them again the next year.
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated throughout India Elaborately.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Janmashtami
On the eighth day after Rakhabandham Janmashtami is celebrated throughout India. He was the eighth child of Vasudev and Deviki. Immediately after birth he was taken to gokul to Nanda and Yashoda's place. As a child he performed many wonders .
People fast throughout the day on this day. Lord Krishna is placed on a cradle and dressed in new clothes and Beautiful jewellery. Different kinds of sweets and savories are made throughout the day. Puja commences in the evening. In some places Krishna leela is enacted. Bhajans go up to midnight. It is believed that lord Krishna took birth at 12 0 clock. Aarthi is performed and sweets and savouries are offered to the god and then served to the people as prasad.
In south India people prepare Murukku, Salt and Sweet cheedai, Ladoo, Butter, Milk, Curd, Chevda, Tertipal, Ompodi, Payasam, Appam. Baby footprints are made with kolam from the front door to the puja door thereby inviting Krishna to their house.
Lord Krishna's life has been a struggle from his Mother's womb itself still he lived his life happily. His character is unmatchable. He did wonders like lifting govardan mountain on his little finger, helped pandavas, protected Draupadhi in the sabha, in the battlefield he preached Gita to Arjun, established Dwarka in the middle of the ocean and many more. Because of his good deeds he is an incarnation of God and his birthday is celebrated throughout India.
People fast throughout the day on this day. Lord Krishna is placed on a cradle and dressed in new clothes and Beautiful jewellery. Different kinds of sweets and savories are made throughout the day. Puja commences in the evening. In some places Krishna leela is enacted. Bhajans go up to midnight. It is believed that lord Krishna took birth at 12 0 clock. Aarthi is performed and sweets and savouries are offered to the god and then served to the people as prasad.
In south India people prepare Murukku, Salt and Sweet cheedai, Ladoo, Butter, Milk, Curd, Chevda, Tertipal, Ompodi, Payasam, Appam. Baby footprints are made with kolam from the front door to the puja door thereby inviting Krishna to their house.
Lord Krishna's life has been a struggle from his Mother's womb itself still he lived his life happily. His character is unmatchable. He did wonders like lifting govardan mountain on his little finger, helped pandavas, protected Draupadhi in the sabha, in the battlefield he preached Gita to Arjun, established Dwarka in the middle of the ocean and many more. Because of his good deeds he is an incarnation of God and his birthday is celebrated throughout India.
Shravan Poornima/Rakshabandhan
People celebrate Shravan Poornima according to their custom. In north India it is celebrated as Rakshabandhan. Sisters fast till the ceremony is over. She begins with tying the rakhi on her Brother's wrist, applying tilak, giving him sweets. In return the Brothers give gifts and promises to take care of her. This incident in Mahabaratha signifies the importance of Rakhbandhan:
Lord Krishna was hurt and was bleeding and Draudaphi tore a piece of her sari to dress the wound. In return when Draupadhi was insulted in the sabha, Lord Krishna gave yards and yards of cloth to protect her.
In south India people celebrate this as Avaniavattam. Brahmans go to river bank, after bath offer water to Lord Surya. After chanting Gayatri Mantra they change their Yegyopavith. From this day on children go to guru to learn veda.
Nowadays Brothers and Sisters live miles apart due to their studies, jobs, Rakshabandhan is still celebrated in the same enthusiasm.
Lord Krishna was hurt and was bleeding and Draudaphi tore a piece of her sari to dress the wound. In return when Draupadhi was insulted in the sabha, Lord Krishna gave yards and yards of cloth to protect her.
In south India people celebrate this as Avaniavattam. Brahmans go to river bank, after bath offer water to Lord Surya. After chanting Gayatri Mantra they change their Yegyopavith. From this day on children go to guru to learn veda.
Nowadays Brothers and Sisters live miles apart due to their studies, jobs, Rakshabandhan is still celebrated in the same enthusiasm.
Monday, August 1, 2011
ONAM
Onam is celebrated in kerala in the first month of Kerala calender. Wherever kerala people live, they unite and celebrate this festival in a grand scale.They make colorful rangoli with a variety of flowers. One of the attraction of this festival is the snake boat race.
Parashurama killed shatriyas 21 times and won their land. He donated all the property to the brahmanas. He never kept anything for himself. so he requested varun devata to give a place to live. varun said- "you throw your parasu into the ocean. how far it goes, that much of ocean will dry and that land belongs to you. now that land is called kerala. On this day of the year Parashurama built a temple for Lord Vishnu. So they celebrate this day as Onam..
Raja Mahabali ruled kerala wisely.he looked after his people with love and affection. he was very religious and known for his charitry also. Indra was jealous of Maha Bali's popularity and he requested Lord Vishnu to play some trick on Maha Bali. Lord vishnu agreed and took the form of a dwarf(Vamana Avtar). He went to Maha bali and asked for three steps of land to do tapasya. Maha Bali agreed. Immediately Lord Vishnu took gigantic figure (Virat form) and in two steps he measured land and heaven. For the third step Maha Bali asked Vishnu to place his feet on his head. Lord Vishnu blessed him to stay in the pathal lok(underground) and gave him a boon. Maha Bali asked that he should visit his people once a year to enquire about their welfare. Vishnu obliged. They believe that raja maha bali who ruled them, comes every year to bless his people on this day. Hence they worship Maha Bali and Lord Vishnu on Onam.
Parashurama killed shatriyas 21 times and won their land. He donated all the property to the brahmanas. He never kept anything for himself. so he requested varun devata to give a place to live. varun said- "you throw your parasu into the ocean. how far it goes, that much of ocean will dry and that land belongs to you. now that land is called kerala. On this day of the year Parashurama built a temple for Lord Vishnu. So they celebrate this day as Onam..
Raja Mahabali ruled kerala wisely.he looked after his people with love and affection. he was very religious and known for his charitry also. Indra was jealous of Maha Bali's popularity and he requested Lord Vishnu to play some trick on Maha Bali. Lord vishnu agreed and took the form of a dwarf(Vamana Avtar). He went to Maha bali and asked for three steps of land to do tapasya. Maha Bali agreed. Immediately Lord Vishnu took gigantic figure (Virat form) and in two steps he measured land and heaven. For the third step Maha Bali asked Vishnu to place his feet on his head. Lord Vishnu blessed him to stay in the pathal lok(underground) and gave him a boon. Maha Bali asked that he should visit his people once a year to enquire about their welfare. Vishnu obliged. They believe that raja maha bali who ruled them, comes every year to bless his people on this day. Hence they worship Maha Bali and Lord Vishnu on Onam.
Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami is the day to worship snakes. People worship for the well being of their family by fasting and offering milk to snakes on this day. Since ages there have been several stories on snakes. One such story goes as follows:
Abhimany's son Parikshit went hunting. He was thirsty and went in search of water. He came to an ashram where the rishi was meditating. He asked the rishi for water. But after several requests the rishi did not reply. Parikshit got angry and took a dead snake which was lying nearby and threw it on the rishi. After some time the rishi's son came. When he saw the dead snake around his Father's neck he became angry. Immediately he mediated and could visualize what could have happened. He was angry with Parikshit because he being a king unreasonably punished a rishi. The Rish's son cursed Parikshit that he would be bitten by a snake and would die on the seven'th day. Accordingly he died on the seventh day bitten by a snake. Parikshit's son Janmejay ascended the throne. Several years later he came to know the reason behind his Fathers death. To take revenge he organized a sarp(snake) yagna. Whenever the Rishis gave ahuthi snakes from all directions jumped into the yagna kund. Rishi Asteek advised Janmejay to stop this yagna and to give up revenge, have tolerance and develop love and affection towards living beings. Janmejay stopped the yagna and promised that hereafter he will safeguard all the snakes. That day came to be known as Nag Panchami and people started worshiping snakes.
The message from this festival is that we should worship nature, Safeguard the trees, river and other living beings.
Abhimany's son Parikshit went hunting. He was thirsty and went in search of water. He came to an ashram where the rishi was meditating. He asked the rishi for water. But after several requests the rishi did not reply. Parikshit got angry and took a dead snake which was lying nearby and threw it on the rishi. After some time the rishi's son came. When he saw the dead snake around his Father's neck he became angry. Immediately he mediated and could visualize what could have happened. He was angry with Parikshit because he being a king unreasonably punished a rishi. The Rish's son cursed Parikshit that he would be bitten by a snake and would die on the seven'th day. Accordingly he died on the seventh day bitten by a snake. Parikshit's son Janmejay ascended the throne. Several years later he came to know the reason behind his Fathers death. To take revenge he organized a sarp(snake) yagna. Whenever the Rishis gave ahuthi snakes from all directions jumped into the yagna kund. Rishi Asteek advised Janmejay to stop this yagna and to give up revenge, have tolerance and develop love and affection towards living beings. Janmejay stopped the yagna and promised that hereafter he will safeguard all the snakes. That day came to be known as Nag Panchami and people started worshiping snakes.
The message from this festival is that we should worship nature, Safeguard the trees, river and other living beings.
Vasanth Navrathri/Ramnavmi
Vasanth Navrathri is celebrated throughout India with great enthusiasm to welcome spring. In South India it is celebrated as Ugadi starting of New Year, in Maharashtra Gudipadva, in Kashmir Navreh. It is also important as Lord Brahma the creator started his work. Lord Vishnu took Varah avtar to save the Earth from sinking in the ocean. so this is the first day of SHWETHA VARAHA KALPE worth worshipping.
We worship Godess Durga/Shakti for nine days. People read Durga Saptashati everyday. During these nine days people worship Maha Kali who helped Maha Vishnu to kill two demons Madhu & Kaitab. The story goes as follows:
From Lord Vishnu's naval a lotus flower came and Lord Brahma was sitting on that . Lord Vishnu was in deep sleep and from his ears emerged two demons Madhu & Kaitab who started attacking Lord Brahma. Brahma requested Mahamaya Yog Nidra(sleep) to leave Vishnu. Vishnu woke up and saw the demons were going to eat Lord Brahma. Vishnu fought with them for 5000 years but still could not kill them. The demons arrogantly told Vishnu that they were impressed with his warfare and he could ask them for a boon. Lord Vishnu asked for a boon to kill them. Both the demons were trapped and Lord Vishnu killed them. Thus Mahamaya Yog Nidra who was instrumental in the demons getting killed is one form of Maha Kali.
People read Ramayan also during these nine days. Lord Rama was born on the ninth day of this navrathri which people celebrate as Ramnavmi. Lord Rama came to this world and showed us the correct path to lead our life. We should follow Lord Rama footsteps and make our family, country and world happy.
We worship Godess Durga/Shakti for nine days. People read Durga Saptashati everyday. During these nine days people worship Maha Kali who helped Maha Vishnu to kill two demons Madhu & Kaitab. The story goes as follows:
From Lord Vishnu's naval a lotus flower came and Lord Brahma was sitting on that . Lord Vishnu was in deep sleep and from his ears emerged two demons Madhu & Kaitab who started attacking Lord Brahma. Brahma requested Mahamaya Yog Nidra(sleep) to leave Vishnu. Vishnu woke up and saw the demons were going to eat Lord Brahma. Vishnu fought with them for 5000 years but still could not kill them. The demons arrogantly told Vishnu that they were impressed with his warfare and he could ask them for a boon. Lord Vishnu asked for a boon to kill them. Both the demons were trapped and Lord Vishnu killed them. Thus Mahamaya Yog Nidra who was instrumental in the demons getting killed is one form of Maha Kali.
People read Ramayan also during these nine days. Lord Rama was born on the ninth day of this navrathri which people celebrate as Ramnavmi. Lord Rama came to this world and showed us the correct path to lead our life. We should follow Lord Rama footsteps and make our family, country and world happy.
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