Saturday, October 25, 2008

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 12th tithi of the Krishna Paksha or Shukla Paksha ends before midnight.


Generally people observe Pradosha Vrata on every trayodashi tithi (13th 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 14th 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.

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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 (4th Lunar day after New Moon) of every month.

3. Maasa Pradosh: During sandhya or the evening of trayodashi (13th 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 13th 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.

Your browser may not support display of this image.Your browser may not support display of this image.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

Your browser may not support display of this image.Your browser may not support display of this image.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.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

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."