Bhai Dooj: 30th October 2008

Bhai-Dooj is a ceremony performed by Hindus on the second day after Diwali. Sisters celebrate loving adulation for their brothers by putting an auspicious tilak of vermilion or sandalwood paste on their foreheads; blessing their younger brothers as well. They perform an aarti to their brothers, honouring them for protective care and pray for their well-being. Brothers load sisters with lavish gifts and bless their younger sisters, pledging protective support. The sister usually cooks a grand lunch for her brother. Soon after, the brother offers a lovely gift from his income.

The name Dooj or Beej means the second day after new moon, the day of the festival, and Bhai means brother. Phota means round dot. Bhai-Dooj is also termed Yama Dwitheya as it's believed that on this day, Yama, the God of death and the custodian of Naraka, visits his sister Yami. She puts the auspicious mark on his forehead, praying for his well being. It is an implicit belief that anyone who receives a tilak from his sister on this day would never be flung into hell. The festival usually occurs in October or November of the Gregorian Calendar.

Yet another story behind the origin of Bhai Dooj endorses that when Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, attained nirvana, his brother King Nandivardhan was distressed because he missed him and was comforted by his sister Sudarshana.

Yamadwitheya

Yamadwitheya is another popular name for the festival of Bhaidooj which celebrates the eternal bond of affection between a brother and a sister. Yamadwitheya is celebrated on the last day of the five-day-long Diwali celebrations; being the second day after Diwali and the next day after new moon night. Dhanatrayodashi, Narakchaturdashi, Amavasya (Laxmi Pujan), Balipratipada and Yamadvitiya also called Bhaubeej are the five days comprising Diwali; each having its own peculiar religious significance.

Legend
The famed legend of Yamadwitheya narrates the tale of Yamaraj, the Hindu mythological god of Death leading to its name. The story reveals that it was on the auspicious ‘Dwitheya’ or ‘Dooj Day’ (second day after new moon) that Yamaraj met his twin-sister Yami or Yamuna after a long span of separation. Dharam Raj or Yama received a warm reception from his sister Yami who applied red tilak on his brother’s forehead and treated him to a sumptuous meal. Yamaraj was so pleased with his sister’s welcome that he declared that whosoever receives a teeka from his sister on the day of ‘Dooj’ will not be transported to hell.

Ceremony
In accordance with the legend of Yamaraj and his sister Yami, brothers in the new millennium, visit their sister on the ‘Dwithiya Day’ and have a meal with her. The custom is called ‘Bhagini Hastha Bhojanam’. It is customary to worship Lord Yama and his record keeper, Chithragupta and bathe in the river Yamuna on Yamadwitheya for religious significance.

On Yamadwitheya sisters perform aarti of their brothers, apply red teeka on their foreheads and offer them sweets. While performing these rituals sisters ardently entreat for their brothers’ long and healthy lives. Brothers bless their sisters and present them with gifts or cash as a mark of love.

Celebration
Yamadwitheya is an overly popular festival amongst Hindus in India and is celebrated with enthused exaltation. Brothers and sisters strengthen their relationship by a Yamadwitheya get together, sharing childhood memories of closeness. Gifts are lovingly exchanged and festive food is savoured with joyous abandon.

Bhati Phota in Bengali

Bhai Phota is a well-known Hindu festival celebrated in the state of West Bengal on dvitya or the second day after Kali Puja. Bhai Phota strengthens the beautiful bond between a brother and his sister and is celebrated with joyous abandon. Sisters and brothers eagerly await the arrival of the festival.

Ceremonies
Sharp at 10 in the morning Bengali houses resound with the sound of conch shells heralding the beginning of festivities. Traditionally the ritual takes place in the sister’s house, who invites her brother and his family on the occasion of Bhai Phota. When the entire family gathers in the central courtyard of the house, sisters, dressed in the best of their finery, seat their brothers on a traditional asana or small cotton mattress. With humble sincerity she applies phota or tilak on her brother’s forehead amidst chanting mantras. The tilak is a paste of chandan (sandalwood), kaajol and doi (yogurt). Following the prescribed method of applying phota; if the sister is elder to the brother, she applies it with the little finger of her left hand while the younger sister uses her right hand.

After the ceremony, the brother is loaded with sweets and gifts from his sisters. As per tradition, he touches the feet of his elder sister who in turn gives him rice grains and durba (blades of grass) as blessing. Soon after, the brother pampers his sisters with gifts or cash.

Simple in nature, the ceremony symbolises the sisters’ entreating the divine for a long and prosperous life of her brother. Underpinning her love, the sister does not eat a morsel of food or sip morning tea before she applies phota on her darling brother.

Bhai Phota Celebrations
After the Bhai Phota rituals are over it is time to revel in merriment. The entire family participates in songs and games. Relatives are invited for lavish family get-togethers over lunch or dinner. Their presence enhances the excitement as they have a gala time relishing the best of festive food.

Here is the English version of mantras chanted during Bhai Phota:

I’m your sister
Eat this sacred rice
For the pleasure of "Yam Raj" and "Yamuna".

I put a "phota" on my brother’s fore-head
To make my brother immortal
"Yamuna" gives a "phota" to "Yam"
I give a "phota" to my brother
Brother may becomes tough as iron.

Bhav Bij / Bhai Bij / Bhaubeej in Marathi

The delightful festival of Bhai Dooj is popularly known as Bhai Bij, Bhaubeej or Bhav Bij amongst the Marathis of Maharashtra and Goa and is celebrated with fervent enthusiasm. Precisely like northern India, Bhai Bij or Bhaubeej falls on the last day of five-day Diwali festivities; second day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month Kartik. On Bhaubeej sisters pray for their brother’s long and happy life as they perform teeka while brothers bless their sisters, pampering them with gifts. The most enjoyable moment is the savouring of delicious sweets like Basundi Poori and Shrikhand Poori relished along with other festive specialties.

Ceremony
On Bhaubeej or Bhai Bij sisters' invite their brothers for a sumptuous meal. Following tradition, sisters prepare a special square shaped space on the floor, embellished with beautiful patterns using corn powder. Interestingly, before the brother steps into this square of worship, he is made to eat a bitter fruit - Karith in Marathi. This peculiar custom is rooted in a mythological legend, wherein Lord Krishna tasted this fruit before he set out to kill demon Narkasura. Here the brother stands for Lord Krishna who performed the noble feat of killing the demon.

According to a popular Bhai Bij legend in Hindu mythology, after slaying Narkasura, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra who warmly welcome with sweets and flowers. She affectionately applied the sacred protective tilak on Krishna's forehead, leading to the custom of celebrating Bhaubeej or Bhai Bij.

Carrying forward the Bhaubeej ceremony, sisters perform aarti of their brother and apply a red teeka on the brother's forehead, signifying the sister's prayers for the long and happy life of her brother. In return the brother blesses his sister and loads her with presents or cash. Adding charm to the occasion, gifts are exchanged between brothers and sisters in loving appreciation and it is a time of joyous family get-togethers.

As it is customary in Maharashtra to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Bhaubeej, women who don't have a brother, worship the Moon God.

Bhai Tika / Bhai Tihar in Nepali

Bhai Tika is the fifth and final day of the popular Festival of Light called Tihar or Panchak Yama in Nepal. Being a part of Tihar celebrations it is also known as ‘Bhai Tihar’. A significant festival for brothers and sisters over Nepal, the occasion is revelled in with enthused gaiety. Sisters apply tilak on the brothers’ forehead and pray to Lord Yama, the God of death, for their long and prosperous life. Exchange of gifts along with merriment marks the joyous festival of Bhai Tika.

Ceremonies
Festival of Bhai Tika holds great importance for the people of Nepal and they celebrate with set rituals. A popular legend underlies the origin of Bhai Tika in Nepal. Long back a sister saved her brother’s life from the clutches of Yamaraj (the God of death) by performing Bhai Tika. Ever since, sisters apply tika on their brothers’ forehead to ensure their long lives, praying for their well-being on this day.

In several societies sisters invite brothers to their house on Bhai Tika. The sister draws three mandaps or boundaries at a designated place; one each for Lord Ganesha, Janmaraj (the God of birth) and Yamaraj(God of death); propitiating the deities. Soon after, the brother is seated on a mat for the tika ceremony. Sisters apply a special paanch rangi tika consisting of five colours (red, green, blue, yellow and white) on the forehead of their brother. Following custom, the sister prays for her brother’s long life and draws a boundary (mandap) around him with oil using doob grass. This interesting tradition is symbolic of the belief that no one including Yama can cross this line of protective guard drawn by a loving sister. Brothers also bless their sisters with a happy life.

Celebrations
People of Nepal celebrate Bhai Tika with lot of fun and frolic. The auspicious time for holding Bhai Tika in Nepal is broadcast by the royal astrologer on the eve of the festival. On Bhai Tika, just as the King of Nepal receives tika from his sisters, a thirty-one-gun salute is given by the royal soldiers. Precisely then, entire Nepal celebrates the Bhai Tika ceremony.

Soon after the ritual, sisters treat their brothers with sumptuous meals and gifts, including a shagun of fruits and sweets. Brothers in turn, shower gifts and cash on their sisters. Relatives are invited to celebrate the national holiday. People sing and dance and with joyous abandon.

Those who do not have a brother or sister, visit Yamaleswor Temple situated in Rani Pokhari on Bhai Tika to pay homage to Lord Shiva. Rani Pokhari is a historical pond built by Pratap Malla and situated between Ratna Park and Jamal.

Bhatri Ditya
Bhatri Ditya is another name of the famed Hindu festival of Bhai Dooj strengthening the loving bond between a brother and sister. Bhatri Ditya is considered a part of Diwali celebrations as it falls on the fifth and last day of Diwali’s festivities in the Hindu month of Kartik (October - November). Ditya in the term ‘Bhatri Ditya’ signifies the festival falling on the second day after new moon while Bhatri stands for brother. Following the ancient tradition, sisters pray for their brother’s long and happy life on Bhatri Ditya. An ambience of spirited harmony prevails as the entire family reunites on the auspicious occasion.

Ceremony
On Bhatri Ditya brothers visit their sisters to share a meal and sisters welcome them with warm affection. Performing aarti of her brother, the sister applies a red teeka of roli (vermilion), kesar (saffron) and rice on his forehead as a mark of love, offering a sweet soon enough. The Bhatri Ditya ceremony symbolizes the sister’s ardent entreaty to the Divine for her brother’s long and prosperous life. The brother blesses his sister, loading her with lavish gifts. A silent consent to continue the adorable tradition and maintain a cordial relationship between them is made.

Legend
The festival of Bhatri Ditya is rooted in the legend of Yamraj and termed Yamadwitheya by many. The story reveals that Yama Raja, the Hindu mythological god of Death, visited his twin-sister Yami or Yamuna on the Ditya Day after long separation. Yami warmly welcomed her brother; applying tilak on his forehead, doing his aarti and served a sumptuous meal. Delighted by the reception, he endorsed that brothers who share a meal with their sisters on the auspicious ‘Dooj’ day will never go to hell. Ever since, Bhatri Ditya has been religiously revered by brothers and sisters in India. Brothers bathe in the Yamuna and visit their sister’s place for the Bhatri Ditya ceremony.

It is important to worship Lord Yama on Bhatri Ditya. The Kayasthas in Uttar Pradesh worship their clan deity, Chitraguptha, the mythical accountant of Lord Yama, who records births and deaths. Some sisters also worship berry trees on the occasion.

Celebrations
Bhatri Ditya is an eagerly awaited festival by brothers and sisters with enthused exaltation, an occasion for family reunion. Relatives are often invited to revel in the enjoyment and savour the best of delicacies. Lovingly exchanging gifts and sweets further strengthens the bond of brother and sister.

Bhathru Dwithiya

Bhathru Dwithiya is a popular name for Bhai Dooj, a Hindu festival that cherishes the bond of brother and sister; falling on the fifth and last day of Diwali festivities. This corresponds with the ‘Dwitheya Day’ or second day after new moon. Sisters pray for their brothers’ long life, doing aarti and applying teeka on their forehead. Great childhood memories of brothers and sisters enhance the spirited festival with enthused exchange of gifts.

Ceremony
It is customary for brothers to visit their sisters on Bhathru Dwithiya and share a meal with them. The custom is termed ‘Bhagini Hastha Bhojanam’ in Sanskrit or sharing a meal with the sister. The tradition is rooted in the ancient legend that once Yamaraj, the Hindu mythological God of Death visited his twin-sister Yami or Yamuna after a long span of separation on the ‘Dwithiya Day’. Yami received her brother with warm affection and offered a delicious meal. Dharamraj was very pleased with Yami’s hospitality and asserted that anybody who feasts on the auspicious Dooj day with his sister will never go to hell.

Following the custom, sisters apply tilak on their brother’s forehead, perform aarti and offer a sweet, praying for their well-being as they perform the rituals. Lord Yama Raja and his mythical record keeper, Chithraguptha, are also worshiped on the Bhathru Dwitheya day.

Sri Goverdhan Puja: 29th October 2008

Lord Krishna’s lifting of Goverdhan Mount inaugurates the ethos of shringara bhakti, the pivotal concept of madhurya or sweet love with Krishna being the paragon of sweetness. He admonishes the people of Vraja not to become a prey to ritualistic Vedic worship of Indra Pujan but instead engage in a more humanistic dharma of love by worshipping Goverdhan.

This year Annakoot (a festival celebrated on the day following Diwali by placing foodstuffs in front of an idol of Vishnu-Krishna) or Sri Goverdhan Puja falls on 29th October 2008.

Sri Giriraj: Mount Blessed by Lord Krishna’s Touch

Lively noise of festivities, startling sound of delightful applause, loud rejoicing, feet of devotees dancing in ecstasy, the scenario heralds an exceptional site; it is Sri Giriraj awash with dark and pale boulders. Laden with trees and blossoming flowers, animals stand still entranced on its slopes. Deer roam, peacocks dance in ecstasy, birds sing passionately and cows with love-laden eyes hunger for a glimpse of the Lord. The elements of nature are perceived as living beings, white clouds feel privileged, and earth is blessed because Krishna has chosen to walk on her, bamboo trees are proud that they are chosen by Krishna for his music. All of them are instilled with one mood one emotion which pervades the atmosphere that of ecstatic devotion. Sri Goverdhan is the most fortunate of all the mounts in the world since Lord Krishna is forever wandering on its slopes.

The mellifluous sound of his flute draws the gopis, out of their homes in a romantic dalliance with Krishna. More than a musical instrument; the flute is the breath of love and a call to eternity. Along with his most beloved Kishori Sri Radha and the gopikas Lord Krishna comes to the lowlands of Giriraj, a witness and creator of their divine love.

To protect his devotees, Lord Krishna has adorned this massive form of the Mount. All six seasons flourish in their most glorious state in the boulders, caverns and the nikunjas draped with blossoms and creepers. This idyllic and sensuous landscape provides the perfect setting for the sweet love of Lord Krishna. During the day he grazes cows with his gopas and at night dallies romantically with the gopis. Kamdev, God of love, and his wife Rati blush on observing this madhurya or sweet love.

The lowlands of Sri Giriraj has been the prime devotional site of ashtachap kavis (eight Krishna poets who lived in Goverdhan during the later sixteenth century) all said to be disciples of Shriman Mahaprabhuji and Gosai Vithal Nathji. Highly revered Usha Bahenji, Lord Krishn’a own Sakhi, was sent to earth for expressing his leelas or divine play. The experiences bestowed by her are treasured amongst the slopes of the mount till date.

Sri Giriraj is extremely fortunate because Lord Krishna lifted it on his little finger for seven days at a stretch to protect Brajwasis from the fury of Indra’s devastating rain. As mentioned in the Puranas the mount was cursed and shrank inch by inch. Though it’s seven kos length, the blue-hued boulders, dense foliage, mushrooming kunds and sarovars attracts thousands of devotees till date. The deity of Braj, it fulfils all their desires. Followers religiously circumambulate the mountain on Purnima and Amavasya with several ascetics and saints residing in its lowlands to pray.

Celebrations

While many of us worship Goverdhanji at home, those particularly venturing to Mathura -Vrindavan-Giriraj for this festival should make their itinerary accordingly. Soon after celebrating Diwali with their loved ones, people visit Mount Goverdhan in honour of Lord Krishna's feat of lifting Sri Giriraj to shelter the denizens of Vraja from the downpour of Indra’s fury.

Soon after the prayers and aarti as per customary tradition, 56 sumptuous delicacies were ceremoniously raised in the form of a mount before the deity as bhoga (offerings of food). After the Lord relished the feast, it was the Vrajwasis turn to approach the mount of food and savour prasad. The Lord's leela or divine play made it a grand feast for residents of Goverdhan and they relished it thoroughly. Soon after the Lord asked them to take a round of the mount, which measures 21kms or 14 kos. Modern day physicians would term it as a digestive after meal walk.

Lord Krishna gave the boon that from now onwards Goverdhan was no more a mount but his svarupa or living presence and any person who takes a parikrama or circumambulation of Sri Girirajji will be certainly blessed with the fulfilment of all his desires. Ever since, the parikrama of Sri Girirajji is undertaken by millions of devotees almost daily, not just the annual one on the day of Annakoot or the monthly circumambulation on every Poornima (the night or day of full moon) when followers throng the site. Please do visit Sri Goverdhan of Vraja sometime and experience the divine ecstasy yourself.

Significance:

Sri Giriraj is blessed because it here that Lord Krishna spreads his joy and expresses his love. If one circumambulates the mountain just once he is expiated from all sins. Finally attaining his favoured deity, he goes to Vaikuntha because Shr Radha’s Pranvallabha or Lord Krishna adorns the peak of Shri Govardhan.

Non Resident Indians would be eagerly desirous to know the significance of Annakoot. The Srimad Bhagavatam reveals -

"Actually, after lifting the huge Sri Goverdhan Mount for seven days at a stretch, prior to Diwali, the Lord put it back on earth and asked the denizens of Gokul to worship it. Lord Krishna now appeared in two forms -

* Firstly as Sri Goverdhan Mount, the deity to be worshipped
* Secondly as a resident to offer a feast to him!

The text 'Garg Samhita' clarifies:

"O Govardhana, O king of mountains, O hill whose nectarine name-

the best of Hari's servant – flows from the moonlike mouth of Sri Radha,

O hill that the Vedas declare to be the tilaka marking of Vraja, please grant me a residence near to you."

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's ardent disciple Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami has beautifully written the 'Stavavali' on Girirajji. His Sri Govardhana Vasa Prarthana Dasaka contains ten appeals for residence at Govardhan.

Lord Krishna is a great teacher demonstrating the principles of life practically! Worship of Goverdhan, the local deity has social coupled with environmental significance. A true asset to the denizens of Vraja it provides them:-

*Land to stay and build houses.
*Fodder as well as pastures to cattle, their wealth.
*Other benefits reaped in the form of crops.

In other words Lord Krishna persuades them not to erode the local surroundings but rather preserve nature, protecting greenery and the environs where they reside! Long before environmentalists raved about saving earth from the evils of pollution and other man related problems, Lord Krishna sowed this concept of nature -preservation!

Rather the miraculous feat of lifting Goverdhan as a child, merely seven years of age is a stern warning to all self proclaimed gods of Kaliyuga. Lord Krishna did kill demoness Pootana when just six days old and demons Shakat plus Trinavart at the age of three months. He gave salvation to Yamlarjun Trees when just eight months old. The deadly snake Kaliyanaga attained salvation by the Lord aged six years. Vatsasur, Bakasur, Aghasur and Pralayambasur were put an end to when the Lord was six years, while Sudarshan , Chandrachud ,Arishatasur ,Keshi and Vayomasur were exterminated when Lord Krishna was ten years of age! He saved the denizens of Braj from davanal or the wild-fire and his father Nandbaba from Varunlok in the same year.

Lord Krishna imparted divine knowledge to his parents Devakiji-Vasudevji even before birth as Lord Vishnu, as a one year old child to mother Yashoda, in his fifth year to Lord Brahma, in the seventh year to Lord Indra and in the tenth year to uncle Akroorji .

And after leaving the idyll of his youth behind in Vrindavan Lord Krishna proceeded to Mathura to fulfil his dharma as Vishnu’s avatara on this earth, the list of his heroic acts is simply endless. The killing of elephant Kuvalayapeer, musclemen Mushtik & Chanur,Shankhasur, the evil Kansa, Jarasandh ,Kalyavan ,Shambarasur, Bhaumasur,Paundrik & Kashiraj, devil monkey Diwid, Shishupaal, Shalva, Dantravaktra, Vidurath, Balval, Vrikasur and so on are renowned the world over.

Acquiring the chausath kalas or 64 arts, the Lord constructs a luxurious kingdom in Dvaraka. Grants salvation to Muchukund, darshan to Jambantji (of Ramji era who fought against Ravana) and behaves ideally with poor friend Sudamaji.

Lord Krishna bestows divine knowledge to Lord Yama, King Yudishtar during the Rajsuya Yagna, to Lord Shiva while defeating Banasur and his parents before bringing their six dead sons (or Lord's own brothers!). He reveals the nature of time and duty to Arjuna on the field of Kurukshetra during the Mahabharata war in the Bhagwad Gita and grants divine knowledge to Udhavji in the 11th Canto of the Srimad Bhagvatam.

Just confront these self-proclaimed gods of Kalyuga with the truths mentioned above; can they possibly perform any of these miraculous feats? Leave alone the fact that Lord Krishna incarnated in Vraja in the guise of a cowherd to spread joy and delight to his devotees. Demonic forces continually attacked the area but he always triumphed in these encounters because of his innate divinity. And the fraudulent imposters are solely responsible for cynicism in God-fearing Indians and NRIs at large. Can we raise our voice against such shameless frauds, the self-centred elements?

Diwali: 28th October 2008

Deepavali literally means a row of lamps in Sanskrit. With the passage of time, the popular name has shortened to Diwali, particularly in northern India.

The Amanta (ending on the new-moon) version of the Hindu Calendar is prevalent in southern India and Maharashtra; spread over the last four days of the Ashwin month and the first two days of the new month of Kartika. According to Purnimanta (ending on the full-moon) version prevalent in northern India it falls in the middle of the month of Ashwayuja/Ashvin.

Significant Events related to Diwali:

Return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya: Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama, with his wife Sita plus brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after a 14 year exile, and a war in which he killed Ravana, the demon king. It is said that the denizens Ayodhya lit ghee lamps to light their path in the darkness. Lord Rama journeyed from South India to his kingdom in the North, he passed through the south earlier; because of which the festival is celebrated a day earlier in South India.

Austerities of Shakti: According to the Skanda Purana, goddess Shakti observed 21 days of austerity from ashtami of shukla paksha (eighth day of the waxing period of moon) to get half the body of Lord Shiva. This fast is known as kedhara vrata; Deepavali being its completion day when Lord Shiva accepted Shakti as the left half of his form and appeared as Ardhanarishvara.

Lakshmi Puja

Lakshmi Puja (30 Ashvin or 15 Krishna Paksha Ashvin): Lakshmi Puja marks the most important day of Diwali celebrations in North India. Hindus worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Ganesha, the God of auspicious beginnings, lighting lamps all over streets and homes to welcome prosperity and for wellbeing.

Hindus leave the windows and doors of their houses open so that Lakshmi can come in. Rangoli patterns are drawn on the floors and the most popular subject is the lotus flower because images of Lakshmi show her either holding a lotus or sitting on one.There is much feasting and Diwali lamps make it easy for Lakshmi to find her way to favoured houses.

Goddess Kali

The goddess is worshipped in her dark form as Kali rather than in her domesticated form as Lakshmi in the Bengali and Oriya areas of India. Diwali marks the last battle in the period of Chaturmas when the demons become all powerful and must be wiped out.

Legends

There are two legends associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali. According to the first, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagar, the Ocean of Milk, during the great churning of the oceans or Samudra manthan.

The second legend relates to the Vamana Avatara taken by Vishnu to restore Indra's authority over the heavens which was taken away by Mahabali, a benevolent Asura King. Vamana in the guise of a short Brahman requests for three steps of land for him to live in. Mahabali agrees against the wishes of his Guru Shankaracharya. The dwarf grows so huge that he steps from heaven to earth, and earth to the lower worlds in two steps. King Mahabali offers his head for the third step. Vamana place his head on the king's head and grants him immortality for his benevolence.

Thus Vishnu teaches King Mahabali that arrogance should be abandoned to advance in life and wealth should never be taken for granted because it can be easily taken away.

On this day, Vishnu came back to his abode, Vaikuntha. Those who worship Lakshmi, Vishnu's consort on Diwali, benefit by her benevolent mood, and are blessed with mental, physical and material well-being.

Spiritual Reference

As per spiritual references, "Lakshmi-panchayatan" enters the Universe on this day. Sri Vishnu, Sri Indra, Sri Kuber, Sri Gajendra and Sri Lakshmi are elements of this panchayatan or group of five. The tasks of these elements are:

• Vishnu: Happiness (happiness and satisfaction)
• Indra: Opulence (satisfaction due to wealth)
• Kubera: Wealth (Generosity; one who gives away wealth)
• Gajendra: Carries the wealth
• Lakshmi: Divine Energy or Shakti, providing energy to all the above activities.

Hindu Philosophy

Hindu philosophy endorses that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure and eternal, called the Atman. Deepavali celebrates this inner enlightenment which dispels ignorance, awakening the individual to infinite spiritual reality. With the realization of the Atman one attains universal compassion and higher knowledge, leading to ananda or inner joy.

The festival celebrates this through festivities of fireworks, sharing sweets, and worship. While the story varies regionally, the underlying essence is to rejoice in the inner light or Atman and the reality of all things or Brahman.

Significance of Diwali

The festival marks the victory of good over evil and spiritual enlightenment. Symbolically it marks the arrival of goodwill as endorsed by the celebrated epic ‘Ramayana’.

Some North Indian businessmen regard it as favorable to start their financial year because of its association with the goddess of wealth and new account books are opened.

Diwali is also used to celebrate a successful harvest. Diwali marks the end of the harvest season in India. Farmers are grateful for the bounty of the past year and pray for a good harvest in the coming year. Traditionally this marked the closing of accounts for businesses dependent on the agrarian cycle, and the last major celebration before winter. The deity of Lakshmi symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and her blessings are invoked for a good year ahead.

Celebrations

Lamps are lit to help goddess Lakshmi find her way into people's homes. They also celebrate one of Diwali legends woven around the return of Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile; on a dark moonless night not able to see where they were going. People lit lamps outside their houses so that the new king and queen could find their way, thus beginning the tradition of the festival of lights.

In India oil lamps are often floated across the Ganges regarded as a good omen if the lamp manages to get all the way across.

Fireworks form a major part of the Diwali celebrations, although in recent years there has been a slow down because of noise and pollution with accidental deaths and injuries. Diwali being a festival of lights, people across India celebrate it via symbolic diyas, an integral part of Diwali decorations.

On the day of Diwali, many wear new clothes and share sweets.

Gambling

Many Indians see it as an occasion to gamble. This arises from a legend that goddess Parvati played dice with her husband on this day and she said that anyone who gambled on Diwali night would do well.

Gifts

Like Christmas in the West, Diwali is very much a time for buying and exchanging gifts. Traditionally sweets and dried fruit were common gifts to distribute. In most years shopkeepers expect sales to rise substantially in weeks before the festival. Diwali is also a traditional time to redecorate homes and buy new clothes.

Chhoti Diwali: 27th October 2008

The day before Diwali is celebrated as Chhoti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdasi on a smaller scale, with fewer lights lit and bursting of crackers. The morning after Choti Diwali, women of the house make beautifully-hued rangoli in the courtyard, tiny footprints of rice paste being a special feature. In Hindu homes a ritual puja to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Rama is performed in the evening. Bhajans or devotional songs are sung in their honour along with aarti. Soon after, diyas are lit in and around the house; at the entrance, near the Tulsi plant. Lights festoon houses and crackers are burst with fervent enthusiasm.


Legends behind Chhoti Diwali

Naraka Chaturdasi

The famed story reveals that demon king Narakasura, ruler of Pragjyotishpur (a province to the South of Nepal) after defeating Lord Indra snatched away the brilliant earrings of Aditi, the Mother Goddess (mother of the heavenly deites and a relative of Satyabhama, Lord Krishna's wife) and imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of saints in his harem.

Satyabhama was infuriated by Narakasura's malice towards women, and appealed to Krishna for a chance to destroy Narakasura. The legend endorses that the demon was cursed to be killed by a woman. Krishna granted Satyabhama the boon to fight Narakasura and she entered the battle field with Krishna as the charioteer. During the war Krishna empowered Satyabhama to slay the demon and rescue the imprisoned women along with recovering Mother Goddess Aditi’s earrings. After Narakasura was beheaded, Lord Krishna married all the sixteen thousand women to spare them disgrace.

Bhudevi, the mother of slain Narakasura, declared that his death should not be mourned but be an occasion to rejoice. Since then, Deepavali is celebrated every year with joyous abandon and fire works.

As a symbol of triumph Lord Krishna smeared his forehead with the demon king's blood, returning home in the early morning of Narak Chaturdashi. The womenfolk massaged his body with oil and gave him a bath to wash away the filth. Ever since, the custom of bathing before sunrise on this day became a traditional practice, particularly in Maharashtra.

In South India, victory of the divine over mundane is celebrated in a peculiar fashion. People wake up before sunrise prepare a paste by mixing kumkum in oil, symbolizing blood and after breaking a bitter fruit symbolising the head of the demon King smashed by Krishna, apply it on their foreheads. Soon after, they have an oil bath using sandalwood paste.

In Maharashtra as well, traditional early baths with oil and uptan are a `must'. All through the ritual deafening sounds of crackers and fireworks are prevalent so that children enjoy bathing. Later steamed vermicelli with milk and sugar or puffed rice with curd is served.

Bali Pratipada

This day is also famed as Bali Pratipada. Pratiprada literally means ‘below the opponent's foot’. According to myth, Bali was an immensely powerful king. When God felt that King Bali was becoming too mighty, Vishnu, incarnating as Vaman Avatara, appeared in his court. The dwarf Brahmin asked for land he could cover in three paces. King Bali readily granted the Brahmin’s request since he was famed for philanthropy. Precisely then, the Brahmin converted into Lord Vishnu, covering heaven with his first step and the earth with his second. With his third step Lord Vishnu covered king Bali's head and pushed him underground. Simultaneously impressed with King Bali's generosity, Lord Vishnu granted him the lamp of knowledge and allowed him to visit his kingdom once a year.

Ever since, King Bali’s death was commemorated as celebrations of Chhoti Diwali.

Hanuman Jayanti: 27th October 2008

Hanuman Jayanthi is celebrated in honour of the birth of Hanuman, the monkey god widely propitiated throughout India. He was born to (Wind-God) Kesari and Anjani. Hanuman, the mighty ape that aided Lord Rama in his expedition against evil forces, is one of the most popular idols in the Hindu pantheon. Believed to be an avatara of Lord Shiva, Hanuman is worshipped as a symbol of physical strength, perseverance and devotion.

A special feature of Hanuman Jayanti is that according to some Hindu Calendars or panchangs the birthday of Hanuman falls on the fourteenth day (chaturdashi) in the dark fortnight of the month of Ashvin while according to others it falls on the full moon day in the bright fortnight of Chaitra.

Also known as an avatara of Lord Rama, he is considered the God of power or Maruti. He was a brahmachari or celibate. Hanuman became a legend mainly for his dedicated devotion and loyalty for Lord Rama.

Sri Hanuman is worshipped either alone or along with Sri Rama. His other names are Pavanasuta, Marutsuta, Pavankumar, Bajrangabali and Mahavira.

Hanuman is said to assume any form at will, wield rocks, move mountains, dart through the air, seize clouds and rival Garuda in flight; worshipped as a deity with magical powers and the ability to conquer evil spirits.

Celebration
Priests bathe the idol of Hanuman and smear it with oil and sindhoor. From early morning, devotees flock Hanuman temples, applying tilak of sindhoor on their foreheads from Hanuman’s body to herald good luck. According to legend, Sita was applying sindhoor when Hanumanji asked the reason. She replied it would ensure a long life for her husband. Soon enough Hanuman smeared his entire body with sindhoor for Rama’s immortality.

Special prayers are held and Hanuman Chalisa is also recited by his devotees. This festival is overly significant for brahmacharis and wrestlers.

On this day spiritual discourses begin at dawn in a Hanuman Temple since He was born at sunrise. At sunset the offering of food or prasad is distributed to everyone.

Saturday and Tuesday are auspicious to propitiate Lord Hanuman, considered a symbol of strength and energy. Lord Ram is worshipped with adulation on this day.

Fast and spend the time span in japa of Ram-Naam. Sri Hanuman will be delighted and bless you with success in all your undertakings.

In troubled times, it is a common faith among Hindus to chant the name of Hanuman or sing his hymn Hanuman Chalisa and proclaim Bajrangbali Ki Jai or ‘victory to thy thunderbolt strength’.

The Power of Devotion

Hanuman's tale in the epic Ramayana wherein he is assigned the responsibility to locate Rama's wife Sita abducted by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka inspires us in facing ordeals and conquer pitfalls in the mundane world. He did what others could not do-crossing the ocean simply by uttering Ram-Naam, burning the city of Lanka, and bringing the sanjeevini herb which restored Lakshmana to life. He brought Sri Rama and Lakshmana from the nether world after killing Ahiravana.

Hanuman perfectly exemplifies Dasyabhava devotion, one of the nine devotions bonding the master and servant. Hanuman focused all his energies towards worship of Lord Rama, and dedicated devotion freed him from physical fatigue. He was an ideal Karma Yogi who worked with selfless dynamism; an exceptional Brahmachari or celibate.

Lord Rama endorsed, “ I will always remain deeply indebted to you. I give you the boon of everlasting life. All will honour and worship you like Myself. Your murti will be placed at the door of My temple and you will be worshipped and honoured first. Whenever My stories are recited or glories sung, your glory will be sung before Mine. You will be able to do anything, even that which I will not be able to!"

Hanuman has two forms; namely Maruti the servitor and Maruti as the courageous one. The servitor form is the one in which Hanuman stands in front of Rama with His hands folded in obeisance, His tail resting on the ground. Maruti in warrior posture depicts the manifest form.

Objectives of Sri Hanuman’s Manifestation

The main objective of Lord Hanuman’s life was to destroy impediments in the establishment of the Divine Kingdom by the warrior element. For this reason Lord Maruti manifests in various forms during different Yugas.

Lord Maruti has always helped souls do spiritual practice in various Yugas. In the Tretayuga Lord Maruti taught the correct path of spiritualism to the monkeys.

Souls desirous of spiritual practice were liberated by Lord Maruti’s mace.

Lord Maruti exemplified perfect servitude.

Use of Brahmatej and Kshatratej

The sacred thread or janeu on Hanuman’s left shoulder is a sign of Brahmatej. Since Lord Maruti is an incarnation of Lord Shiva, He has destructive powers too. Yet, because of His devotion to Lord Rama, he developed Vishnu-Tatva. Maruti adorns Brahmatej and Kshatratej during wars and He can use both as required. During the war of the Kauravas and Pandavas, Lord Krishna seated Maruti on Arjun’s chariot and Hanuman destroyed weapons directed at Arjun and his chariot, in mid-air.

Install the Hanuman idol in warrior posture

To get the benefit of the destroyer element, we should not install an idol of Maruti in seated posture, implying deep meditation. Amongst the seven higher deities (Shiva, Ganapati, Rama, Krishna, Datta, Maruti, Durga), Lord Hanuman’s tatva is of a gross, manifest and destroyer nature. When Gods perform a destructive activity, they use the ‘Maruti’ element to appear in the Universe. The roar of Lord Maruti activates any higher deity in deep meditation and is empowered to shake all the fourteen planes (Saptalok and Saptapatal).

Dhanteras: 26th October 2008

Dhanteras ushers in Diwali, India’s celebrated festival of lights. Marking the first day of the five day Diwali festivities; it is a harbinger of good fortune. Dhanteras also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanwantari Triodashi falls on the auspicious thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November). Dhan in Dhanteras stands for wealth and teras means the thirteenth. On Dhanteras the ‘Owl’ form of Goddess Laxmi is worshipped for prosperity and well being.

It is celebrated in honour of Dhanavantri, the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Dhanteras Celebrations
Dhanteras is celebrated with joyous abandon all over India. particularly significant for the business community due to customary purchase of precious metals on this day.

Lakshmi-Puja is performed in the evening with tiny diyas of clay being lighted to ward off evil spirits. Bhajans or devotional songs are sung in praise of Goddess Laxmi and Naivedya of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess. In villages cattle supposed to be incarnations of the Goddess, are adorned and worshipped by farmers as they form the main source of their income.

God Yama is worshipped on this day to herald prosperity and well being.

Colourful Rangoli welcomes the Goddess of wealth and prosperity in homes and offices decorated with great fanfare. Indicative of Goddess Laxmi’s long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the house. Lamps keep burning through the night.

Dhanteras is particularly significant for the business community due to customary purchase of precious metals like gold, platinum and silver as jewellery or coins for good luck. Believing this day to be propitious, women buy gold, silver or some utensils since acquiring new dhan is said to herald good fortune.

In the new millennium, exchange of Dhanteras gifts is overly popular. The festival is also considered auspicious for setting up new business, commencing new projects, for housewarming, fixing wedding dates and buying cars.

The Significance of White:

The Hindu community awaits Dhanteras fervently as it heralds prosperity in the form of Goddess Lakshmi. The colour white is associated with the Goddess and advocated for auspicious reasons. In accordance with lifestyles of the new generation, platinum, the naturally white metal, was introduced in Hindu culture as an offering to Goddess Lakshmi.

• White is symbolic of purity, sunshine and moonlight, often related to eternity, love and romance.
• Besides, it is considered a sustaining force that is eternal like the Sun, Moon and Stars.
• Sukra (Venus), the planet most sought after for luck, glory, fame and name is epitomized by white, the colour of purity and love.
• Love and romance are also denoted by white.

Legends of Dhanteras

Incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi

The association of Diwali and Lakshmi arises from the legend that Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, was incarnated on the new moon day or amavasya of the Kartik month during the churning of the ocean or samudra-manthan.

Emergence of Dhanavantri

According to a popular legend when the gods and demons churned the ocean for amrit or nectar, Dhanavantri,physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu, emerged carrying a jar of elixir on Dhanteras.

Vishnu Rescued Lakshmi
Lord Vishnu, in his fifth incarnation as Vaman Avatara, rescued Lakshmi from the prison of King Bali, providing another reason for worshipping Ma Lakshmi on Diwali.

Krishna Killed Narakasura
On the eve of Diwali, Lord Krishna killed the demon King Narakasura and rescued 16,000 women from his captivity. To celebrate the triumph festivities were in full swing for two days including Diwali.

The Return of the Pandavas
The great epic 'Mahabharata' reveals that when Pandavas returned after 12 years of banishment, it was on a Kartik Amavasya night. The subjects adoring the Pandavas celebrated with joyous abandon, by lighting earthen lamps.

The Victory of Rama
According to the epic 'Ramayana', it was on the new moon day of Kartik that Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya after triumphing over Ravana and conquering Lanka. The denizens of Ayodhya festooned the entire city with earthen lamps and illuminated it splendidly.

Coronation of Vikramaditya
Vikramaditya, one of the greatest Hindu Kings, was coronated on Diwali, a chronologically significant historical event.

Another Legend
A very interesting story about Dhanteras reveals that once the sixteen year old son of King Hima was doomed to die by a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage as per his horoscope. On that particular day his young wife did not allow him to sleep. She heaped all the ornaments, gold and silver coins at the entrance of her husband's chamber and lighted innumerable lamps all over the place; narrating stories and singing songs.

When Yama, the God of Death arrived in the guise of a serpent his eyes were blinded by dazzling lights and he could not enter the chamber. So seated on top of the heaped ornaments, the entire night he sat listening to the melodious songs. In the morning, he quietly slithered away. Thus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then Dhanteras came to be known as the day of ‘Yamadeepdaan’ and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in reverential adoration of Yama, the God of Death.

Lord Shiva's Pradosh Vrata: 26th October 2008

Significance:

Pradosh means dusk or evening time. This fast is observed in the evening twilight, and thus called Pradosh Vrata. It is kept on the 13th day of each lunar fortnight for propitiating Lord Shiva. With his blessings all desires are fulfilled and one attains spiritual enlightenment. Devotees who practice it with implicit faith and dedicated devotion are invariably delighted with joyous abandon.

It is said that on this day all gods and goddesses assemble at Mount Kailash to worship Lord Shiva. Deities descend from heaven to attend the propitiation, bestowing abundant wealth and comforts to the sadhaka or devotee; adding immensely to the sanctity of the worship.

Visiting a Hindu temple, imbibing shakti or enery from resplendent Gods of Hindu religion, can totally change an individual’s life. Altering the flow of pranas or life currents in the body and cleansing the karmas or actions of many past lives, sighting the Deity during this time span destroys all sins, bestowing generous blessings upon the fortunate devotee.

If a shrine is not within reach, one can communicate with the Deity through visualization. The Vedas endorse that propitiating Lord Vishnu in the morning and Lord Shiva in the evening particularly during Pradosha is highly beneficial to the sadhaka; when dwadashi or the 12^th tithi of the Krishna Paksha or Shukla Paksha ends before midnight.

Generally people observe Pradosha Vrata on every trayodashi tithi (13^th lunar day falling in Krishna and Shukla Pakshas) in the evening or sandhya. (During or after sunset).

The Lord of trayodashi tithi is Kaama Deva whereas the Lord of the succeeding tithi, chaturdashi is Lord Shiva himself. The 14^th day of the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of every month – is called Shivaratri. The one in the month of Magh (Feb-Mar) is called Mahashivaratri, being supreme most.

The origin of Mahashivaratri: When Brahma and Vishnu were disputing each other’s greatness to ascertain their supremacy, a huge linga or pillar of fire appeared all of a sudden. Whoever found the starting or ending point of this linga would be most powerful. Neither of them succeeded and had to accept the greatness of Shiva who had manifested as the pillar of light. This led to the origin of the Shivalinga and Mahashivarati; also acclaimed as being the day of Shiva & Parvati’s marriage.

The other instance of Shiva’s Greatness: Mahadev Shiva, drank the halahala or poison which surfaced from ksirasagara or the milky ocean when it was churned by the devas and danavas (gods and demons), and thus saved the worlds from destruction.

All the four purushaarthas, dharma or good deeds, artha or wealth, kama or material pleasures and moksha or liberation are attained by a person who keeps vratas, constructs temple and so on.

Guidelines:

The Pradosh Vrata is for all humans. The basic guidelines to be followed on this day are:

1. Ahimasa (non-injury)
2. Satya (speaking the truth)
3. Brahmacharya (continence)
4. Daya (compassion)
5. Ksama (forgiveness)
6. Anasuyata (absence of jealousy).

Worship of Shiva throughout the night, bathing the Shivalinga with panchamrta (milk, curd, ghee, sugar and honey), homa, japa or chanting of the mulamantra (Aum Nama Shivaya) and praying for forgiveness are the other customary rituals. At the end of the vrata one must do parana (break the fast by partaking the offerings)

One may observe this vrata for 24, 14 or 12 years. At the end of this period one must do the udyapana, a final rite for completion of the vow.

Five Types of Pradosh:

1. Nitya Pradosh: The evening on all days, between just 3 ghatis (72 minutes) between sunset and when stars are visible in the sky.

2. Paksha Pradosh: To be observed in the evening or sandhya of Shukla Paksha Chaturthi (4^th Lunar day after New Moon) of every month.

3. Maasa Pradosh: During sandhya or the evening of trayodashi (13^th Lunar day after full moon) in the Krishna Paksha fortnight of every month.

4. Maha Pradosh: Sandhya or evening time of the Krishna Paksha Trayodashi which falls on a Saturday.

5. Pralaya Pradosh: The time when the entire universe is annihilated or merged with Lord Shiva. Pradosh Vrat is observed on every 13^th lunar day after full and new Moon, by both the wife and husband desirous of being free from miseries or gaining material wealth. Bathing early in the morning, they adulate Lord Shiva, and fast during the day. Soon after a bath in the evening, the two propitiate Lord Shiva and his consort Pravati with offerings of flowers and Naivedyams; then taking their meal. This Vrat is brought to a close at the end of a year.

Pradosh means trayodashi in the evening of both Shukla and Krishna Paksha. When it coincides with a Saturday it is known as ‘Shani Pradosh

Guidelines of the Pradosh Vrata:

Bathing an hour before sunset the worshipper performs a preliminary worship of Lord Shiva along with all other members of the divine family, Pravati, Ganesha, Skanda and Nandi.

After propitiating Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva is invoked in the particular kalasha or water pot placed on a square mandala with a lotus drawn on it and spread over with darbha grass. Soon after the completion of the customary worship, the Shivaratri legend or the Shiva Purana is read.

This is followed by a chanting of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times.

AUM TRYAMBAKAM, YAJAAMAHE, SUGANDHIM PUSTIVARDHANAM, URVAARUKAMIVA, BANDHANAAN, MRITYOR, MUKSHEEYA, MAAMRITAAT.

Finally the sacred kalasha water is taken, sacred ash applied to the forehead and the sacred water, used to bathe the Lord, is drunk as prashad.

A gift of a pot, a cloth and an image of god are gifted to a Brahmin or the poor for completion of the sacred rites. Even a single bel leaf offered to the Lord at this exclusively auspicious moment equals a hundred Mahapujas.

Reciting Aum Namah Shivaya with dedicated devotion 108 times during this period will enable the devotees to attain tremendous mental peace and material benefits.

It is customary to have radiant lights festooning the shrine during Pradosh. To light even a single diya, at this time is greatly meritorious and beneficial both materially and spiritually.

The most favorable moment for direct contact with God; by fasting and praying on Pradosh, we minimise bodily functions and easily envision the lord residing in our heart.

Legend of the Pradosh Vrata

The Skanda Purana relates how Sandilya Muni prescribed this Vrata to a Brahmin lady. She came to the sage with two boys, her son, Suchivrata, and an orphan prince, Dharmagupta, whose father was slain in battle and the kingdom overrun by enemies.

Acting upon the advice of the sage, the woman and the boys performed the Pradosh Vrata with dedicated devotion. After four months, on the eighth Pradosha, Suchivrata attained a pot of nectar and drank the divine ambrosia. On the other hand, Prince Dharmagupta married a celestial princess and, as ordered by Lord Siva, he triumphed over his enemies with the kingdom being restored to him. Soon after, Dharmagupta attained the Lord's supreme abode.

Ramaa Ekadashi: 24th October 2008

The Significane of Ekadashi
Ekadashi is a Sanskrit word meaning 'the eleventh'. It refers to the eleventh day of a bright and dark fortnight in the lunar month. The significance of fasting on Ekadashi has deeper connotations. Astronomically we are an inseparable part of the solar system with the sun guiding its activities. Ekadashi is an astrological phenomenon because our entire persona is greatly impacted by the movement of planets.

The sun is called Atmakaraka. The Rig-Veda identifies the sun as the soul of the universe and the soul of the individual. Karaka means doer, manipulator and director.

The moon is supposed to influence the mind which is not spiritual but material. Planets are not spiritual bodies and yet influence the mind. The mind's presiding deity is the moon. Ekadashi is particularly relevant to this connectivity of the moon and mind.

We have certain energy-centres or Chakras. Psychological, these Chakras are lodged in the astral body; circular motions they move spirally. The moon's impact on the body influences the Chakras, which tell upon the mind ultimately. The mind moves up and down through these Chakras. When operated consciously, it is called Yoga; unconsciously it is just influence. When the moon waxes or wanes, the mind is strongly impacted. The sun influences the moon and the moon in turn influences the earth.

Another important feature is the seat of the mind which is twofold. Svasthana means 'One's own place.' The mind has several energy-centres or Chakras, of which two are its own. 1. The Ajna-Chakra or the centre between the eyebrows while awake and 2. The Anahata Chakra or the heart while in deep sleep. On the eleventh day of the two fortnights the mind finds itself at the Ajna Chakra and the Anahata Chakra, concentrating and contemplating easily in its own abode. Such has been the experience of our ancestors, and taken advantage of by sadhakas. Thus on Ekadasi Yogis practice deep meditation. Vaishnavas treat Ekadashi as sacrosanct and also observe a fast.

There is no intrinsic connection between fast and meditation but it is advantageous to keep the body light. When the stomach is digesting, blood is accelerated towards the digestive organs, and decreases to the head; making us sleepy and the mental faculties sluggish.

While fasting, the energy is equally distributed. But a fast should make us spirited and not fatigued. Hence people who are ailing, have milk and fruits. Those who are perfectly health, observe a complete fast. This helps control the mind and will.

Ekadashi has many advantages, physical, astral and spiritual while helping meditation unconsciously. Construed spiritually in India, everything is dedicated to the Divine, presided over by a particular god, Gramadevata, Grihadevata. The underlying philosophy senses God’s presence all around; every river is a deity and each mountain a god. This is India's spiritual plane imparting profound meaning to life.

The Origin of Ekadashi

An excerpt from the fourteenth chapter of the Padma Purana, entitled Kriya Sagara Sara, reveals the origin of Ekadashi.

Once great sage Jaimini Rishi asked his spiritual master Srila Vyasadeva, "I desire to hear the benefits of fasting on Ekadashi and the appearance of Ekadashi.

Srila Vyasadeva replied in transcendental bliss. "The results of following Ekadashi can be perfectly described by the Supreme Lord, Narayana. But I will give a very brief description in answer to your question."

"At the beginning of material creation, the Supreme Lord created living entities within this world made of five gross material elements. Simultaneously, for punishing humans, He created Papapurusha. His limbs symbolized various sinful activities. His head was made of the sin of murdering a Brahman; his eyes represented the sin of drinking intoxicants and so on. Black-hued and yellow-eyed, He inflicted great misery upon sinners."

"The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Vishnu, reflected, 'I am the creator of the miseries and happiness of living entities. Now I must create someone who will control this personality who gives distress to all sinners.' Sri Bhagavan then created Yamaraj and different hellish planetary systems. The sinful living entities will be sent after death to Yamaraj, who according to their sins will transport them to a hellish region to suffer.’

"Afterwards the Supreme Lord went to the house of Yamaraj, with the help of Garuda, whereupon He heard loud crying sounds coming from the southern direction.

"Yamaraj said, 'The horrified crying is the suffering of living entities from the inflictions of their past bad karmas or actions.'

The heart of Supreme Lord, Vishnu, turned compassionate, ' It is because of Me that they are suffering.'

“He suddenly manifested from His own form the deity of the lunar day Ekadashi. The sinful living entities began to follow the vow of Ekadashi and were elevated to the abode of Vaikuntha (abode of Lord Vishnu). Ekadashi is the selfsame form of the Supreme Lord, Vishnu within the heart of living entities.”

"Following the ascension of Sri Ekadashi, Papapurusha gradually saw the influence she had. He approached Lord Vishnu and prayed, 'I am your created progeny, and it is through me that you wanted distress given to sinners. But now because of Sri Ekadashi, I have become all but destroyed. Oh Prabhu! After I die, all Your parts who have accepted material bodies will liberate and return to Vaikuntha. No pious activity can bind me but Ekadashi, being Your own manifested form. Scared of Sri Ekadashi, I have fled, mercifully direct me to a place where I can reside fearlessly.'"

"After this, Lord Vishnu, observing Papapurusha pitiable condition affirmed, ‘On the auspicious lunar day of Ekadashi, benefactor of the three worlds, you can take shelter of foodstuff in the form of grains.'

“According to Lord Vishnu, every sinful activity found in the material world resides in foodstuffs (grain). Whoever follows Ekadashi is freed from all sins and never enters hellish regions. From this he attains the perfection of varna and ashram and easily achieves the supreme goal, Vaikuntha.”

The Legend of Ramaa Ekadashi
from the Brahma-Vaivarta Purana

Yudhisthira Maharaj said, "O Janardana, what is the name of the Ekadashi that comes during the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the Kartika month (October - November)? Please impart this sacred knowledge to me.”

The Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna then spoke, "The Ekadashi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Kartika is called Ramaa Ekadasi. Most auspicious, it instantly expiates the gravest sins and grants the spiritual abode of Vaikuntha”.

"There once lived a famous king Muchakunda, who was friendly to Lord Indra as well as Yamaraj, Varuna, and Vibhishana. Muchakunda spoke the truth and rendered devotional service to Me. Because he ruled according to religious principles, there were no disturbances in his kingdom.

Muchakunda's daughter Chandrabhaga was married to Shobhana, the son of Chandrasena. One day, Shobhana visited his father-in-law's palace on the auspicious Ekadasi day. Chandrabhaga was anxious, for she knew that her frail husband was unable to bear the austere day-long fast. She said, ‘My father is very strict about following Ekadashi. On Dasami he announces that nobody should eat on Ekadasi, the sacred day of Sri Hari!’

"When Shobhana asked,‘ Please tell me how I can save my life and obey your father's strictness and at the same time satisfy our guests!’

"Chandrabhaga then spoke, ‘In my father's house nobody - not even the elephants or horses, eat on Ekadasi. So how can you escape fasting?'

"Prince Shobhana then confirmed, ‘I have decided to fast on the sacred Ekadasi day.'

"Deciding thus, Shobhana attempted to fast on this Ekadasi, but he became very weak with excessive hunger and thirst. O Yudhisthira, all the devotees enjoyed worshipping Me (Sri Hari) and remaining awake all through night, but when the Sun rose on Dwadasi, that Prince Shobhana was dead.”

"King Muchakunda observed his son-in-law's funeral, ordering a large stack of wood be assembled for the fire, but he instructed his daughter Chandrabhaga not to join her husband on the funeral pyre.”

Lord Sri Krishna continued, "Yudhisthira, even though Shobhana died because of observing Ramaa Ekadashi, the merit enabled him after his death, to become the ruler of a kingdom high on Mandarachala Mountain. This realm was like a city of the demigods; very lustrous. As King Shobhana sat upon a throne, a stunning crown rested upon his head, beautiful earrings adorned his ears, a necklace graced his throat, and bejeweled armlets and bracelets encircled his arms. He was served by gandharvas or heavenly singers and apsaras or celestial dancers. Verily, he resembled a second Indra.”

"One day, a Brahmin named Somasharma, who lived in Muchakunda's kingdom, saw Shobhana in his resplendent glory and thought he might be the son-in-law of his own king Muchakunda. After Shobhana had paid his respectful obeisance he asked the Brahmin about his well-being and the welfare of his father-in-law, wife and all the residents.”

"Somasharma then said, `O king, all are also quite well. Peace and prosperity reign throughout the kingdom. Please tell me about yourself. Nobody has ever seen such a beautiful city! Kindly tell me how you obtained it.'

"King Shobhana revealed, `Because I observed the Ramaa Ekadashi, I was given this splendid city to rule over but it is only temporary. How may I make its beauties and glories permanent?’

"The Brahmin asked, `Why is this kingdom unstable and how will it become stable?'

"Shobhana then answered, `Because I fasted on the Ramaa Ekadashi without any faith, this kingdom is impermanent. Please return to Chandrabhaga and tell her what you have seen. Surely, if you, a devout Brahmin, tell her this, my city will soon become permanent.'

"Thus the Brahmin returned to his city and related the entire episode to Chandrabhaga, who was overjoyed to hear news of her husband.'

"Somasharma the Brahmin replied, `But you former husband has asked me to relate to you that his kingdom is unstable and hopes you can find a way to make it permanent.'

"Chandrabhaga then said, `O sage, please take me to where my husband resides at once, for I greatly desire to see him again! Surely I shall make his kingdom permanent with the merit of fasting on every Ekadasi throughout my life. Please reunite us again. It is said that one who reunites also obtains great merit.'

“Somasharma led Chandrabhaga to Shobhana's kingdom. However, they stopped at the foot of Mt. Mandaracala, at the sacred ashrama of Vamadeva. Upon hearing their story, Vamadeva chanted hymns from the Vedas and sprinkled holy water from his samanya arghya upon Chandrabhaga. By its impact the merit she had accrued by fasting for many Ekadasis made her body transcendental and Chandrabhaga continued her journey.

When Shobhana saw his wife approaching he was delighted. He seated her on his left and she said, ‘O dearest Patiguru, please listen as I tell you something that will benefit you greatly. Since I was eight years old I have fasted religiously and with implicit faith on every Ekadashi. If I transfer to you all the merit I have gathered, your kingdom will surely become permanent, and its prosperity will grow until the great inundation!'

Lord Sri Krishna then continued, "O Yudhisthira, in this way Chandrabhaga who had an exquisitely transcendental body, finally enjoyed marital bliss with her husband. By Ramaa Ekadasi, Shobhana finding his kingdom on the peaks of Mt. Mandarachala was bestowed with eternal happiness, like that achieved from the transcendental Kaamadhenu milch cow.”

"O greatest of kings, I have thus narrated to you the glories of Ramaa Ekadashi that falls in the dark fortnight of the month of Kartika.

"Anyone who observes sacred Ekadashi during the shukla paksha or light and the Krishna paksha or dark fortnight of each month is certainly freed from the sin of killing a Brahmin. Both award the same merit and eventually liberate one from the repeated cycle of birth and death. Anyone who simply hears this narration of the glories of Ramaa Ekadasi, is expiated from all sins and attains the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu.

Benefits of Fasting

Fasting controls passion, checks emotions and the senses too. A great penance, it purifies the mind and heart.

Young and robust brahmacharis or celibates should observe a fast whenever passion pesters them. The prime objective is to calm the system with concentrated meditation, focusing on God.

One of the ten canons of Yoga; in Manu Smriti, the great Hindu lawgiver, Manu, prescribes fasting for the removal of the five capital sins.

In the Bhagwad Gita Lord Krishna endorses, “Verily, Yoga is not for him who eats too much, nor who abstains to excess, nor who sleeps too much, nor to the excessively wakeful”.

Guidelines for keeping Ekadahsi Upvaas

One should not eat any cereals like rice, pulses, wheat and salt.

If possible stay on water. Drinking luke warm water or lemon-mishri water is beneficial as it cleanses undigested food in the body.

If hungry, one can take milk or fruit. Fruit should not be had with milk and avoid eating sabudana, potato chips and fried food. Also banana is not recommended on this day since it is heavy to digest.

Think that the vrat is to please God and progress in sadhana; observing self-control.

Do more of maun-japa (repeating God’s name in the mind) during the day.

• On usual ekadashis abstain from beans, grains and cereals.
• On Nirjala ekadahsi, total fasting including abstinence from water.
  No non-vegetarian food.
• No intoxication
• No gambling
• No illicit sex or regular sex amongst married couple if not done with the sole intention of pleasing the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
• Chant at least 25 rounds of the ‘Hare Krishna’ Mahamantra.

Spend minimum two hours in reading spiritual texts.

• Eat only Krishna Prasadam or food initially offered to Lord Krishna.

At Midday bathe in a river, lake or pond. Smearing mud upon the body, chant, "O Mother Earth! Kindly remove all the sins I have accumulated throughout many past lives so that I may enter the sacred abode of the Supreme Lord."