23rd & 24th Dohas of Sunderkand

Chaupai:

råma carana pamkaja ura dharahu,lamkå acala råju tumha karahu||
risi pulasti jasu bimala mayamkå,tehi sasi mahu° jani hohu kalamkå||1||
råma nåma binu girå na sohå,dekhu bicåri tyågi mada mohå||
basana hina nahi soha suråri,saba bhusana bhusita bara nåri||2||
råma bimukha sampati prabhutåi,jåi rahi påi binu påi|| °
sajala mula jinha saritanha nåhi,barasi gae° puni tabahi sukhåhi°||3||
sunu dasakamtha kahau° pana ropi,bimukha råma tråtå nahi kopi||
samkara sahasa bisnu aja tohi,sakahi na råkhi råma kara drohi||4||

Pulastya Rishi

"Enshrine the lotus feet of Lord Rama in your heart and rule constantly over Lanka.The glory of sage Pulastya (your grandfather) is very much like the spotlessly pure moon. Do not become a blemish on its purity.Speech has no grace without the name of Rama. By abandoning intoxication and infatuation, reflect and see for yourself.Oh foe of the gods! Even a beauty adorned with all kinds of ornaments is not charming if is she is without clothes (naked). The remaining wealth and supremacy of a man eventually desert him if he is averse to Rama and acquiring them is equivalent to not having them.

Brahma, Vishnu & Mahesh

Rivers which have no water source from where they originate (or those who only depend on the rains) dry up as soon as the rains get over. Listen oh Ravana, I promise that there is no one who can save a person  opposed to Rama.Thousands of *Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh can not possibly save you, who are hostile towards Rama.

Doha: 23
mohamula bahu sula prada tyågahu tama abhimåna|
bhajahu råma raghunåyaka krpå simdhu bhagavåna||23||

Worship Lord Ramchandra

Give up arrogance which is a form of tamas or darkness (one of the three constituents of nature), is a cause of immense pain with its root being infatuation(arising from ignorance),and worship Lord Ramchandra who is master of the Raghus and an ocean of loving tenderness."

* Brahmå,Vishnu and Mahesh are depicted here as manifestations of the Supreme Being in only one of the millions of universes ruled by Lord Råma, who represents the Supreme Being.

Chaupai:
jadapi kahi kapi ati hita båni, bhagati bibeka birati naya såni||
bolå bihasi mahå abhimåni, milå hamahi kapi gura baRa gyåni||1||
mrtyu nikata åi khala tohi, lågesi adhama sikhåvana mohi||
ulatå hoihi kaha hanumånå,matibhrama tora pragata mai jånå||2||
suni kapi bacana bahuta khisiånå,begi na harahu muRha kara prånå||
sunata nisåcara mårana dhåe,sacivanha sahita bibhisanu åe||3||
nåi sisa kari binaya bahutå,niti birodha na måria dutå||
åna damda kachu karia gosåi,sabahi° kahå mamtra bhala bhåi||4||
sunata bihasi bolå dasakamdhara,amga bhamga kari pathaia bamdara||5||

The Ten-Headed Ravana is Furious

Although Hanuman gave him extremely beneficial advice loaded with religious devotion, knowledge, asceticism and ethics, the greatly arrogant Ravana jeered and spoke with sarcasm, "We have come across a very wise guru in this monkey.Death looms over your head, you rogue!You are trying to teach me, oh wretch!”

Hanuman retorted, “I have clearly understood that this is your hallucination (distortion of your mind) and exactly the opposite is about to happen (meaning your death is near at hand not mine). Hearing these words of Hanumån, Råvana became furious(and fumed), “Oh! Why doesn't someone kill this fool, quick enough.” Hearing this order, the demons rushed forth to kill him.

Vibhisana

Precisely at that moment, Vibhishana (the youngest brother of Ravana) arrived in the court with his ministers.Bowing his head, he made a very humble entreaty to Ravana that one should not kill an envoy because it is absolutely against statesmanship. “Oh Gosain, he may be punished in some other manner.” Everyone exclaimed, “This suggestion is superb, Oh brother!” On hearing this, Ravana mocked with a laugh, “Well then, the monkey may be crippled and sent back."

 
Doha:24
kapi ke° mamatå pu°cha para sabahi kahau° samujhåi||
tela bori pata bå°dhi puni påvaka dehu lagåi||24||

Hanuman, the Monkey God

I am explaining to all present that a monkey is particularly attached to his tail. Therefore soaking a piece of cloth in oil and tying it around his tail, set fire to it.

21st & 22nd Dohas of Sunderkand

Chaupai

kaha lamkesa kavana tai kiså,kehi ke° bala ghålehi bana khiså||
ki dhau° sravana sunehi nahi mohi,dekhau°ati asamka satha tohi||1||
måre nisicara kehi aparådhå,kahu satha tohi na pråna kai bådhå||
sunu råvana brahmåmda nikåyå,påi jåsu bala biracati måyå||2||
jåke° bala biramci hari iså,pålata srjata harata dasasiså||
jå bala sisa dharata sahasånana,amdakosa sameta giri kånana||3||
dharai jo bibidha deha suratråtå,tumha se sathanha sikhåvanu dåtå||
hara kodamda kathina jehi bhamjå,tehi sameta nrpa dala mada gamjå||4||
khara dusana trisirå aru båli,badhe sakala atulita balasåli||5||

Hanuman, Captured and Presented In Ravana's Court

Ravana, the king of Lanka said, “Who are you, oh monkey?By whose might have you wrecked havoc in the jungle and destroyed it. Have you never heard of my name (fame and glory)?Oh rogue, I can see that you are extremely fearless.You killed the demons for which offence?Oh fool! Tell me, aren't you scared of losing your life?” (Hanuman replied) “Listen, oh Ravana!By acquiring whose power, maya creates a whole lot of universes. Oh ten-headed one,by whose might Brahma,Vishnu and Mahesh carry on their respective duties of creating, preserving and destroying creation;

Sheshnag,the Thousand-Headed Snake

by whose might the thousand-headed snake (regarded as the symbol of eternity on which Vishnu sleeps throughout periods of dissolution of the world) carries the entire world along with mountains and forests on its head; the Supreme Being who assumes various forms for the protection of deities,and who often teaches a lesson to fools like you; who broke the tough bow of Lord Shiva and simultaneously crushed the pride of assembled kings;

The Killing of Bali\

who killed Khara, Dushana,Trishira and Bali, all unequalled in might.

Doha:21
jåke bala lavalesa te° jitehu caråcara jhåri|
tåsu duta mai jå kari hari ånehu priya nåri||21||

Ravana Abducting Devi Sita

Due to a fragment of His might you were able to conquer the animate and inanimate world in its entirety and whose wife you have abducted stealthily,I am an envoy of the same Lord.

Chaupai:
jånau°mai tumhåri prabhutåi,sahasabåhu sana pari laråi||
samara båli sana kari jasu påvå,suni kapi bacana bihasi biharåvå||1||
khåyau° phala prabhu lågi bhu°khå,kapi subhåva te° toreu° rukhå||
saba ke°deha parama priya svåmi,mårahi mohi kumåraga gåmi||2||
jinha mohi mårå te mai måre,tehi para bå°dheu° tanaya° tumhåre||
mohi na kachu bå°dhe kai låjå,kinha cahau° nija prabhu kara kåjå||3||
binati karau° jori kara råvana,sunahu måna taji mora sikhåvana||
dekhahu tumha nija kulahi bicåri,bhrama taji bhajahu bhagata bhaya håri||4||
jåke° dara ati kåla deråi, jo sura asura caråcara khåi||
tåso° bayaru kabahu° nahi kijai,more kahe° jånaki dijai||5||

The Many-Armed Ravana

I very well know of your majestic glory.You fought with your sahasrabahu or multiple arms and acquired fame by warring with Bali. "Hearing the knowledgeable words of Hanuman, Ravana evaded the matter by laughing it away. “Oh master of the demons! I ate the fruits because I was ravenous and uprooted the trees due to a monkey's inherent trait. Oh lord of the devious!The body is supremely dear to everyone. When evil demons following the wicked path began to beat me up then I had no other recourse but to hit those who attacked me.Thereupon your son (Meghnath) tied me in fetters but I am least ashamed of being bound.I am just concerned about accomplishing the task of my Lord.

Oh Ravana, I entreat you with folded hands! Abandoning your arrogance, listen to my advice. Reflecting upon your pure lineage and discarding misapprehension, worship the Lord who dispels the fears of his devotees.Never antagonise the Lord who terrorizes even kaal or time (of death) which devours animate and inanimate beings, gods as well as demons.And return Janaki, at my behest.

Doha: 22
pranatapåla raghunåyaka karunå simdhu kharåri|
gae° sarana prabhu råkhihai tava aparådha bisåri||22||

 Lord Raghunath, the Slayer of Khara

Lord Raghunath, the slayer of Khara, is the protector of those who take refuge in him and an ocean of compassion.On seeking his shelter, the Lord will forget your offence and take you in his refuge."

19th & 20th Dohas of Sunderkand

Chaupai:

suni suta badha lamkesa risånå,pathaesi meghanåda balavånå||
mårasi jani suta bå°dhesu tåhi,dekhia kapihi kahå° kara åhi||1||
calå imdrajita atulita jodhå,bamdhu nidhana suni upajå krodhå||
kapi dekhå dåruna bhata åvå,katakatåi garjå aru dhåvå||2||
ati bisåla taru eka upårå,biratha kinha lamkesa kumårå||
rahe mahåbhata tåke samgå,gahi gahi kapi mardai nija amgå||3||
tinhahi nipåti tåhi sana båjå,bhire jugala månahu°gajaråjå||
muthikå måri caRhå taru jåi,tåhi eka chana muruchå åi||4||
uthi bahori kinhisi bahu måyå,jiti na jåi prabhamjana jåyå||5||

Ravana Sends Meghnath to Get Hanuman

Ravana fumed when he heard of his son's death and sent his (elder son) mighty Meghnath.(He instructed him), “Do not kill but bind and get him, oh son! Let us see and decide where he hails from.The incomparable Meghnath,who had triumphed over Indra, set forth.He was furious on hearing that his brother had been killed. Hanuman saw that a fearsome warrior had arrived this time.That is when he gnashed his teeth and roaring, rushed ahead.

Hanuman Hurls Meghnath to the Ground

He uprooted a very huge tree and made Meghnath, the son of Ravana who was the king of Lanka,chariotless(breaking his chariot, he hurled him to the ground).Hanuman pounced upon the great warriors who were accompanying him and crushed them in quick succession with his heavy limbs. Killing the whole lot, he fought with Meghnath yet again.

(As they bashed each other) it seemed as if two gajrajas (the best of elephants) were grappling with each other. Boxing him, Hanuman climbed up a tree. Meghnath lay unconscious for a moment.Getting up soon after, he resorted to the use of maya or illusory powers, but could not triumph over son of the Wind God.

Doha:19
brahma astra tehi så°dhå kapi mana kinha bicåra|
jau° na brahmasara månau° mahimå mitai apåra||19||

Lord Brahma,the Creator

Ultimately he made use (fitting an arrow to the bow) of the Brahmastra (the deadliest weapon which is obtained by meditating on Lord Brahma, the Creator. It never misses its mark on being discharged and is used only once in a lifetime)That is when when Hanumån reflected within himself, “If I do not acknowledge the Brahmastra, its infinite glory will be wiped out for all times to come.”

Chaupai:
brahmabåna kapi kahu° tehi mårå,paratihu° båra kataku samghårå|
tehi dekhå kapi muruchita bhayau,någapåsa bå°dhesi lai gayau||1||
jåsu nåma japi sunahu bhavåni,bhava bamdhana kåtahi nara gyåni||
tåsu duta ki bamdha taru åvå,prabhu kåraja lagi kapihi ba°dhåvå||2||
kapi bamdhana suni nisicara dhåe,kautuka lågi sabhå° saba åe||
dasamukha sabhå dikhi kapi jåi, kahi na jåi kachu ati prabhutåi||3||
kara jore°sura disipa binitå, bhrkuti bilokata sakala sabhitå||
dekhi pratåpa na kapi mana samkå,jimi ahigana mahu° garuRa asamkå||4||

Hanuman, the Messenger of Lord Rama

He aimed the Brahmastra against Hanuman (who fell down from the tree, the instant it hit him) and crushed dead a whole lot of troops in the process.When Meghnath saw that Hanuman had fainted he bound him in the nagpash (a noose of serpent arrows, a special contrivance to entangle the enemy,possessed by Varuna[the god presiding over the waters]and evidently snatched from the latter by Ravana.) and took him away.

Lord Shiva says, Oh Bhavani!Just listen, can the messenger of the Lord who enables wise men to break the bonds (of life and death) of this mundane world when they chant his name, be bound. But Hanuman got himself tied to accomplish the Lord's task.The demons ran on hearing that the monkey had been captured.

The Grandeur of Ravana's Court

When the demons heard that the monkey had been captured, they ran and for the sake of eager curiosity (to watch the spectacle) they all came to the assembly. Hanuman went and saw Ravana's court.Its superb majesty (grandeur) defied description.Deities and regents (of a quarter of the world) stood meekly with folded hands and were watching his facial expression.

But Hanuman was least scared even on seeing this brilliant power of Ravana.Fearless,he stood erect just like Garuda (the king of birds) would stand amidst a whole lot of serpents.

Doha:20
kapihi biloki dasånana bihaså kahi durbåda|
suta badha surati kinhi puni upajå hrdaya° bisåda||20||

When Ravana saw Hanuman he derided him and laughed in joyous abandon.Soon after he remembered his son's death which tugged his hear with despair.

17th & 18th Dohas of Sunderkand

Chaupai:

mana samtosa sunata kapi båni,bhagati pratåpa teja bala såni||
åsisa dinhi råmapriya jånå, hohu tåta bala sila nidhånå||1||
ajara amara gunanidhi suta hohu,karahu° bahuta raghunåyaka chohu||
karahu° krpå prabhu asa suni kånå,nirbhara prema magana hanumånå||2||
båra båra nåesi pada siså, bolå bacana jori kara kiså||
aba krtakrtya bhayau° mai måtå,åsisa tava amogha bikhyåtå||3||
sunahu måtu mohi atisaya bhukhå,lågi dekhi sumdara phala rukhå||
sunu suta karahi bipina rakhavåri,parama subhata rajanicara bhår||4||
tinha kara bhaya måtå mohi nåhi,° jau° tumha sukha månahu mana måhi°||5||

 Devi Sita Blesses Hanuman

Sita was satisfied at heart to hear Hanuman's words laden with Rama's majesty, splendour, power and religious devotion.Assuming him to be dear to Lord Rama she blessed Hanuman, “Oh dear! May you become the repository of morals and strength.Dear son! May you be changeless and immortal (devoid of old age) and a treasury of virtues. May Lord of the Raghus shower His grace on you in abundance."

Hanuman takes Permission from Sitaji

Hanuman was overwhelmed with emotion the instant he heard these words,'May the Lord be merciful.' He bowed his head over and over again at Devi Sita's feet and said with folded hands, “ Oh Mother! I am going to be successful now.This fact is renowned that your blessing is unfailing (sure to succeed). Listen, oh Mother!I am feeling ravenous at the sight of these trees loaded with delicious fruits." (Sita warned) , “I must tell you that this grove is guarded by very mighty and valiant demons." (Hanuman replied)" I am least scared of them if you happily give me permission to go ahead."

Doha: 17
dekhi buddhi bala nipuna kapi kaheu jånak° jåhu|
raghupati carana hrdaya° dhari tåta madhura phala khåhu||17||

Lord Rama's Holy Feet

Seeing Hanuman's accomplished perfection in wisdom and strength, Janaki gave her consent, "Go dear child!And keeping the feet of Lord Raghunath in your heart, relish the sweet fruits.

Chaupai:
caleu nåi siru paitheu bågå, phala khåesi taru torai lågå||
rahe tahå° bahu bhata rakhavåre,kachu måresi kachu jåi pukåre||1||
nåtha eka åvå kapi bhåri,tehi asoka båtikå ujåri||
khåesi phala aru bitapa upåre,racchaka mardi mardi mahi dåre||2||
suni råvana pathae bhata nånå,tinhahi dekhi garjeu hanumånå||
saba rajanicara kapi samghåre,gae pukårata kachu adhamåre||3||
puni pathayau tehi acchakumårå, calå samga lai subhata apårå||
avata dekhi bitapa gahi tarjå,tåhi nipåti mahådhuni garjå||4||

Hanuman Uprooting Trees and Fighting Demons

Bowing his head before Sita, Hanuman went ahead and entered the grove. Soon after eating the fruits, he began uprooting the trees. Many warriors had been deployed there as guards. He killed some of them while the others ran to Ravana and pleaded for help. (They begged), “Oh Lord!A very huge monkey has arrived and ruined the Ashok Vatika.He ate fruits, tore off the trees and crushing those on guard with his palms, he has strewn them on the ground." On hearing of this incident, Ravana sent a large number of warriors to the grove.

Hanuman thundered on sighting them and killed the demons. Some of them who were half-dead fled away, screaming. Soon after, Ravana sent Akshay Kumar who surged ahead with countless, topmost warriors.Seeing them approach, Hanuman took a tree (in his hand)and challenged them.Killing Akshay Kumar, Hanuman roared in a loud voice.

Doha: 18
kachu måresi kachu mardesi kachu milaesi dhari dhuri|
kachu puni jåi pukåre prabhu markata bala bhuri||18||

Mighty Hanuman Crushed Ravana's Warriors

He killed some of the troops and crushed the others. Catching hold of some, he merged them with the dust. Once again those who escaped, ran and wailed, “Oh Lord! The monkey is too strong for us.”

Spiritual Calendar October, 2010

4th October: Indira Ekadasi is on a Monday

Indira Ekadashi occurs during the krishna paksh (dark fortnight) waning phase of the Ashwin Month (September – October). The glories of Indira Ekadasi are highlighted in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana and are explained by Lord Krishna to Yudhisthira. It is believed that observing this Ekadasi helps in absolving sins committed by us and our forefathers in hell are liberated.

Lord Vishnu

The Ekadasi falls during the Pitru Paksh Shradh in North India and fasting on this day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Legend has it that King Indrasena observed Indira Ekadasi on the advise of Devarshi Narad and saved his father from the sins committed on earth, helping him ascend to heaven.

Religious observances are performed and a single meal is eaten on the day before Ekadashi. A complete fast is observed on Indira Ekadashi by staunch devotees and in the afternoon some people perform rituals dedicated to the dead.The fasting of Indira Ekadasi ends the next day and is broken by having food with family members.

5th October: Lord Shiva's Pradosha Fast is on a Tuesday

Lord Shiva

Pradosh means dusk and this fast is kept for propitiating Lord Shiva. With his blessings all desires are fulfilled and one attains spiritual enlightenment.Generally people observe Pradosha Vrata on every trayodashi tithi (13^th lunar day falling in Krishna and Shukla Pakshas) in the evening.

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 religious observances. At the end of the vrata one must do parana (break the fast by partaking the offerings).

Holy Navratras: 8^th October onwards

Goddess Durga

In Hindu mythology Durga is Shakti, the divine feminine energy. According to a legend, Lord Brahma granted a boon to Mahishasur, the buffalo demon. Armed with infinite power, the asura created havoc in the universe, and no one could dare defeat or kill him. One fine day he ventured to Heaven or Swargaloka to kill Indra who entreated Lord Shiva for help. Enraged at such blatant misuse of Brahma’s boon, Lord Shiva along with Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, released their energies. The shaktis of the Trinity flashed forth and fused together, bringing to life a magnificent Goddess resplendent with many arms.

Acclaimed as Durga, she was ravishingly beautiful and deadly. The armed Durga rode a Lion and fought a fiercely bloody battle with Mahishasur, raging for nine days and nights.Finally on the tenth day, Durga trampled him under her foot and Mahishasur was killed, saving the universe from his reign of terror. The Goddess’s triump because of her innate divinity symbolizes the victory of good over evil. These nine days are solely devoted to propitiation of the Mother Goddess or Shakti Incarnate.

9th October: Patotsav of Lalji's Shri Thakurji is on a Saturday

A traditional sacred ritual celebrating the anniversary of prana-pratishtha (consecration of an idol) of a murti prevails in Hinduism. Known as patotsav the word is composed of paat derived from a strip of cloth tied on the head of an idol and utsav meaning festival.

Patotsav of Shri Radha Vallabhji

Basically the ceremony invokes the Supreme Being due to the belief that the idols have lost some of their divinity during the entire year.This could be because of laxity in our devotional service or the great burden weighing on the lotus feet of the idol by devotees infatuated by maya. By celebrating the patotsav our sentiments for the Supreme Being and spiritual preceptor are rejuvenated again.

15th October: Shri Durga Ashtami

Durgashtami, also famed as Mahashtami or Veerashtami, is the eighth day of the Durga Navratris. Goddess Bhadrakali, the powerful form of the mother goddess, incarnated on Ashvin Krishna Ashtami day along with the yogini ganas to annihilate demon Mahishasur.Durga means indefatigable in Sanskrit.

Durga Ashtami

On the 8th day of this colorful festival, yagna or religious sacrifice and homa or fire rituals are performed. Pure ghee, kheer and sesame seeds are offered to Goddess Durga.The main rituals related to Durga Navratris are performed on Durga Ashtami. Many people in north India celebrate the 8th day as ashtami when nine young girls representing the Navdurge are fed with halwa, puri and kale chane.

16th October: Shri Durga Navami

Mahishasura Mardhini

On Mahanavami, the Mother Goddess became Mahishasura Mardhini by slaying the demon Mahishasura.

Ayudha Puja

The ninth day is also celebrated as Ayudha Puja. After slaying Mahishasura by Goddess Durga there was no need of her weapons and they were thus kept aside and worshipped.

Goddess Saraswati

On navami day, Goddess Saraswati is honoured by worshipping the books and records at home.

17th October: Vijayadashmi or Dussehra

Lord Rama Killing Ravana

On this day in the Treta Yuga, Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, killed the demon king,Ravana who had abducted Sita.Ramayana a great epic records how Rama, his brother Lakshman, Hanuman and their troops of monkeys battled to rescue Sita from Ravana's Lanka.

Lord Rama Invokes the Blessings of Durga

Rama had performed Chandi Homa and invoked the blessings of goddess Durga.She blessed Rama with a knowledge of the secret means of killing Ravana.

Effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnath being Burnt

On Dussehra, effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakaran and son Meghnath are erected and burnt with joyous abandon at sunset, marking the victory of good over evil.This event gets rid of a household's ten vices represented by ten heads of Ravana namely,lust, anger, delusion, greed, arrogance, jealousy, mind, intellect, will and ego.

On the day of Ashvin Shukla Dashami, Rama's army found Sita and defeated Ravana. Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya on the same day.Ever since Rama's triumph has been celebrated as Vijayadashami.

On Vijayadashami,Arjuna took back his weapons which he had hidden in a Vani tree so that he could live in disguise during the promised exile.It is said that one who begins his learning to work on Vijayadashami will be a grand success as Arjuna was in the war of Kurukshetra.

22nd October: Sharad Purnima is on a Friday

Lord Krishna Dancing with the Gopis in Madhuvana

On Sharad-Poornima, Vrindavan devotees celebrate the divine union of the ascending soul with the descending Lord Krishna; a moment of purity and effulgence when the god and the gopis are in unison. The miracle of the Raas Lila: that supreme moment of Krishna’s manifestation as human lover and divine incarnate dancing with the gopis in the forest of Madhuvana

Lord Krishna Bathing with Gopis in the Yamuna

and bathing with them in the flowing waters of the Yamuna on the radiant night of Sharad Poornima, the autumnal full moon, enchants us.

Shri Banke Bihariji

In celestial Vrindavan the most popular deity Shri Bihariji is majestically decked with mormukut, katikachini and vanshi on Raas Poornima. Millions of devotees from all over Punjab, Delhi, UP and the entire world throng to have his radiant darshan which is possible only once a year!

23rd October: Kartik Snan Starts

Kartik Snaan at Har Ki Pauri

Kartik Maas, the eighth lunar month of the traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India, is considered highly auspicious. Kartik Snan begins on October 23 and ends on November 21 in the year 2010.Various scriptures of Hinduism have numerous references regarding the holiness of the month. Taking a holy dip (Bathing) in the river Ganges at Prayag and Badarikashrama located in the Himalayas in the month of Kartik is considered a means of attaining salvation and is known as Kartik Snan.

The Matsya Incarnation of Lord Vishnu

It is believed that Lord Vishnu incarnated in the form of Matsya (fish) with the task of restoring the lost Vedas in this month. The greatness of taking a bath in the holy rivers in Kartik is mentioned in the Puranas. Lord Krishna has also narrated the importance of the month of Kartik to Satyabhama.

Lord Shiva

Lord Shiva is said to have destroyed demon Tarakasur on the Purnima of this month.

24th October: Patotsav of Shri Vipin-Meenu Aggarwal is on a Sunday

26th October: Karva Chauth is on a Tuesday

Karva Chauth is a traditional Hindu festival wherein married women observe a fast and worship the karva filled with water (or make an offering of a karva filled with sweets). As the name signifies, karva means an earthen pot with a spout, used in prayers. Chauth corresponds to the fourth day leading to the name Karva Chauth. The event falls on chaturthi tithi after the full moon in the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar, about nine days before Diwali.

It is customary for married women to fast the entire day without food or water for the longevity of their husbands’ lives, well-being and prosperity. The ritual is of great significance for wedded bliss. A woman who keeps this vrat or fast is acclaimed as Saubhagyavati (a joyous state of wifehood). In the evening they listen to the Karva Chauth katha and the fast is over after moonrise.



30th October, 2010: Ahoi Ashtami is on a Saturday

Goddess Hoi

Celebrated in autumn on Ashtami (eighth day of a lunar fortnight), the Ahoi Ashtami is a festival before Diwali when women pray for their children. The ritual is usually celebrated in the Karthik month (October-November) of the Hindu calendar.

Very similar to Karwa Chauth, although not overly popular, the Ahoi Ashtami is a fast specifically observed by mothers for the well-being of their sons.It is performed mostly by people living in Northern India when pure water is offered to stars in the evening by mothers praying for the long life of their sons.Families having children do worship goddess Hoi and seek her blessings for a fruitful Diwali which is just a week away.

Lord Krishna

31st October: Shri Hari Kirtan at Rajeev and Sonias's place is on a Sunday from 5 to 7 pm in the evening.

15 & 16th Dohas of Sunderkand

Chaupai:

kaheu råma biyoga tava sitå,mo kahu°sakala bhae biparitå||
nava taru kisalaya manahu°krsånu,kåla niså sama nisi sasi bhånu||1||
kubalaya bipina kumta bana sariså,bårida tapata tela janu bariså||
je hita rahe karata tei pirå,uraga svåsa sama tribidha samirå||2||
kahehu te°kachu dukha ghati hoi,kåhi kahau°yaha jåna na koi||
tatva prema kara mama aru torå,jånata priyå eku manu morå||3||
so manu sadå rahata tohi påhi,° jånu priti rasu etanehi måhi°||
prabhu samdesu sunata baidehi,magana prema tana sudhi nahi tehi||4||
kaha kapi hrdaya° dhira dharu måtå,sumiru råma sevaka sukhadåtå||
ura ånahu raghupati prabhutåi,suni mama bacana tajahu kadaråi||5||

Lotuses Seem Like Spears

(Hanuman revealed that)Lord Rama lamented, “Oh Sita!All objects have become hostile towards me ever since my separation from you.The freshly blooming tender leaves of trees seem like flames of fire, the night appears like the night of dissolution of the world, and the moon is scorching like the sun.Whereas beds of lotuses have turned into forests of planted spears and rain clouds seem to shower boiling oil.The ones who were comforting earlier have become tormentors.The cool, mild and fragrant breeze has become (poisonous and warm) like the breath of a serpent.

The Bond of Love Between Rama and Sita

One can be relieved of the agony weighing on one's mind by talking about it. But whom should I speak to?Oh beloved! Nobody can fathom this anguish. My mind alone knows of the real state (mystery) of the love which binds you and me, and it forever abides with you. You ought to grasp the essence of my love by just this truth." The moment she heard the Lord's message Janaki was ecstatic and least conscious of her body.Hanuman intervened, “Oh Mother! Calm your heart and concentrate on Lord Rama who bestows joy on those who serve him.Reflect on the majestic power of Lord of the Raghus and abandon cowardice on hearing my words.

Doha: 15
nisicara nikara patamga sama raghupati båna krsånu|
janani hrdaya°dhira dharu jare nisåcara jånu||15||

Hordes of demons are very much like moths, whereas arrows of Lord of the Raghus are like flames of fire. Oh mother, muster courage and consider the demons as already burnt.

Chaupai:
jau° raghubira hoti sudhi påi,karate nahi bilambu raghuråi||
råma båna rabi ue°jånaki,tama barutha kaha° jåtudhåna k||1||
abahi måtu mai jåu° lavåi,prabhu åyasu nahi råma dohåi||
kachuka divasa janani dharu dhirå,kapinha sahita aihahi raghubirå||2||
nisicara måri tohi lai jaihahi,tihu° pura nåradådi jasu gaihahi||
hai suta kapi saba tumhahi samånå, jåtudhåna ati bhaTa balavånå||3||
more° hrdaya parama samdehå,suni kapi pragata kinhi nija dehå||
kanaka bhudharåkåra sarirå, samara bhayamkara atibala birå||4||
sitå mana bharosa taba bhayau,puni laghu rupa pavanasuta layau||5||

The Sun of Lord Rama's Arrows

If Lord Ramchandra had any news of you he would not have delayed.Oh Janaki! How can the demons' army of darkness last when the sun of Rama's arrows rises. Oh Mother, I would take you right now from here!But I swear by Lord Ramchandra that I have no such orders from Him. Have patience for a few more days. The Lord of the Raghus will come to Lanka with monkey troops, and take you along after killing the demons.

Sage Narada

Narada(one of the four sons of Brahma and inventor of the vina) and others (seers and sages) will sing of the Lord's glories in the three lokas (worlds).

(Sita asked), “Oh Hanuman! Will all the monkeys be (small built) like you whereas the demons are mighty warriors.Therefore I am very apprehensive on this matter. (As to how monkeys like you will be able to triumph over the demons.)

Mighty Hanuman

On hearing this tirade, Hanuman revealed his true form; an extremely colossal body shaped like the golden mountain (Sumeru),  a very mighty and valiant physique which would petrify the enemy in battle.That is when Sita was convinced at heart.

Doha: 16
sunu måtå såkhåmrga nahi bala buddhi bisåla|
prabhu pratåpa te° garuRahi khåi parama laghu byåla||16||

Lord Rama's Majestic Energy

(Hanuman explained)"Listen, oh Mother! Monkeys do not have much strength or wisdom.But due to the majestic energy of the Lord even the smallest of snakes can devour Garuda(the most feeble of beings can kill a very powerful one)."