Saturday, November 1, 2008

Chhath Puja: 30th October, 2022

The Setting Sun

SignificanceA festival dedicated to the Sun God, it is a means to thank the sun for bestowing the bounties of life in the mundane world and fulfilling particular wishes. Worship of the sun has been described in the Rig Veda, and hymns praying to the sun find mention in the Vedas.

The word Chhath denotes number six in Hindi and begins on the sixth day of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik (October-November.) It is a festival celebrated by Biharis on the sixth day after Diwali; a 4 day long celebration accompanied by rituals or Suryashashthi. The festivities comprise of fasting, folklores, hymns on the celestial Ganges or any fresh water body. Chhat Maiya is celebrated on the banks of the Ganges in Patna and Yamuna in Delhi with thousands of hands offering ‘Arghya’ to the sun making it an ethereal sight.

Offering reverence to the solar deity, Chhath is the only festival in the world where devotees offer salutations to the setting sun; the only occasion when the setting sun as apposed to its rising is celebrated for its glory as the cycle of birth starts with death. Appeasing prayers are observed with somberness.

It is an implicit belief that devotees’ prayers are invariably answered during the festival and they are punished simultaneously for any misdeed during this time span.

Legends

The Sun God

The ancient epic Mahabharata abounds with references to worship of the sun by Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas. It was said that worshipping the sun would cure various diseases, including leprosy and ensure longevity with prosperity of family members. It is also an implicit belief that Chhath was begun by great Danveer Karna, son of the Sun God; a great warrior who fought against the Pandavas in the Mahabharata war.

Time and Places of Celebration

Also termed Dala Chhath it is a major ancient festival celebrated twice a year. In the summer months of May-July, it is celebrated as Chaiti Chhath, and around winter in the months of September-November, as the Kartik Chhat, about a week after Diwali. The latter is overly popular because winters is generally the festive season in North India, and Chhath an arduous fast, wherein the devotee takes no water for more than 24 hours, is easier kept in the Indian winters.

The Bathing Ritual

Chhath a festival unique to Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Jharkhand is a ritual carried down since time immemorial. The Sun Temples in Aurangabad and Baragaon near Nalanda in Bihar are famed for Chhath Puja.

It has been observed in some parts of West Bengal, Orissa, Assam, Mauritius, mainly among Bhojpuri and Maithili speaking people. Chhath is also important for Nepalese worshippers of the Sun God.

Chhath mainly a Bihari festival, has migrants from Bihar taking the tradition of Chhath to Mumbai and Delhi as well.

Chhath Puja Celebration

A ritual bathing regime follows a period of abstinence and segregation of the worshipper from the household for four days. During this period, the worshiper observes ritual purity, and sleeps on the floor on a single blanket. The main worshippers or parvaitin (Sanskrit parv meaning 'occasion'), are usually women. However, a number of men also participate, praying for the well-being of their family and offspring. Chhath can generally be performed if it is passed on from older generations. However, once they decide it is their duty to follow it religiously every year; the festival can be skipped only if there is a death in the family that year.

Once a family starts performing Chhatt Puja, it is continued annually by the following generations. If unable to perform the puja themselves for some reason, it is advisable to assist some one performing the puja by providing funds or prasad instead of completely missing out on the ceremony.

Rituals

On the eve of Chhath, houses are meticulously cleaned along with the surroundings. It is customary for participants to gather and bathe in the holy River Ganges to cleanse their sins. Soon after, some sacred water is retained for offerings during the festival of Chhath. Throughout the time span, the food cooked has no salt and is totally vegetarian without a trace of onions and garlic. Even the vessels used are mostly earthen.

One the first day, the worshipper cooks a traditional vegetarian meal and offers it to the Sun God, called Naha-Kha (literally meaning bathe and eat!). The devotee has only one meal on this day from the preparation and keeps a fast from dawn to dusk followed by worship at home. The festive spread comprises freshly harvested rice, puris, and fruits such as bananas, coconuts and grapefruit served to the family.

On the second day, a special ritual, termed Kharna, is carried out in the evening after Sun down. On this day as well, the worshipper eats his only meal from offerings or prashad made to the Sun God. Friends and family are invited to the household to share the prashad.

For the next 36 hours, the worshipper goes on a fast without water, ending on the dawn of the final day.

A River Bank

The third day is spent preparing the prasad at home. At sunset, worshippers proceed to the riverbank with their offerings in baskets held high to avoid the impure touch of hands. The participants pay homage to the Sun God at the precise moment of the setting sun. All family members accompany the worshipper to a ceremonial bathing and worship of the Sun God, usually on the banks of a river or a common vast water body, eagerly desirous to help and receive blessings of the worshipper. The scenario resembles a carnival.

Baskets Loaded with Prasad

The devotees return home for another spirited celebration. Under a temporary canopy of sugar cane stalks, they place clay elephants containing diyas (earthen lamps), and baskets loaded with prasad. Agni or the fire god is worshipped and paid tribute. Regional folk songs, passed on from mothers and mothers-in-law to daughters and daughters-in-law, are sung with joyous abandon.

The folk songs reflect the cultural, social, mythological and historical sanctity of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Maithili, Magadhi, Bhojpuri and other dialects have different folk songs; but dedicated to Chhath, they have an underlying unity.

On the fourth final day of festivities, the devotees, family and friends go to the riverbank. Prasad is offered to the rising sun. Devotees remain in river water from late midnight till the first rays of sunrise.

The puja starts at the banks of a river at the crack of dawn when devotees throng the river with offerings to the Sun God, welcomed with folded hands. Offerings include sandalwood, vermilion, rice, fruits, covered usually covered with saffron-coloured cotton cloth.

This ritual is considered the focal point of Chhath Puja when the worshipper breaks his fast; an ecstatic spiritual experience. Devotees offer ‘Arghya’ amidst chanting mantras from the Rig Veda and commence the puja. Following prayers and the purifying bathing ritual, the fast ends with offerings or prasad to the Sun God. This is followed by distribution of prashad amongst the devotees.

Belief It is commonly believed that wishes of the devotees are always granted. People at large dread the punishment meted out for any misdeed during Chhatt. Therefore the city is safe and peaceful.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

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?

Monday, October 27, 2008

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.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

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).