Friday, September 3, 2010

27th & 28th Dohas of Sunderkand

Chaupai:
måtu mohi dije kachu cinhå,jaise° raghunåyaka mohi dinhå||
cuRåmani utåri taba dayau, harasa sameta pavanasuta layau||1||
kahehu tåta asa mora pranåmå,saba prakåra prabhu puranakåmå||
dina dayåla biridu sambhåri,harahu nåtha mama samkata bhåri||2||
tåta sakrasuta kathå sunåehu,båna pratåpa prabhuhi samujhåehu||
måsa divasa mahu° nåthu na åvå,tau puni mohi jiata nahi påvå||3||
kahu kapi kehi bidhi råkhau° prånå,tumhahu tåta kahata aba jånå||
tohi dekhi sitali bhai chåti, puni mo kahu° soi dinu so råti||4||


Janaki Sends Her Message to Lord Rama

(Hanuman suggested) “Mother kindly give me some token (of identification) just as Lord of the Raghus had done.”Thereupon Sita took off the chudamani (an ornament worn of top of the head) and gave it to Hanuman who gladly took it. (Janaki said) “ Convey my respectful greetings to him and say these words,' Oh Lord! Although you are self-contained (have no desires whatsoever) in every possible way,nevertheless it is your glory to have mercy on the wretched (those who are suffering).Therefore oh master, remembering me who is in distress, relieve my grief."

Jayanta Had Attacked Devi Sita

Oh son! Narrate the episode of Jayanta (Jayanta is the wayward son of Indra. He took the form of a lustful crow and attacked Sita when Ram and Sita were resting on the hill of Chitrakut, pecking at her breasts Jayanta. Wanting to punish him,Rama targetted him with an arrow of straw which followed Jayanta wherever he went)



Lord Rama

and remind Him of the might of his arrows. If the Lord does not arrive within a month's span, he will not find me alive.Oh Hanuman! Tell me as to how I should safeguard my life.Since you too also speak of leaving now, son.The sight of you had brought immense comfort to my heavy heart.Once again I have to face the same dreary days and gloomy nights.”

Doha: 27
janakasutahi samujhåi kari bahu bidhi dhiraju dinha|
carana kamala siru nåi kapi gavanu råma pahi kinha||27||

Assuring Janaki (daughter of Janaka), Hanuman consoled her in several ways and bowing his head at Her lotus feet, he left to meet Lord Rama.
Chaupai:
calata mahådhuni garjesi bhåri, garbha sravahi suni nisicara nåri||
någhi simdhu ehi pårahi åvå, sabada kilikilå kapinha sunåvå||1||
harase saba biloki hanumånå,nutana janma kapinha taba jånå||
mukha prasanna tana teja biråjå,kinhesi råmacamdra kara kåjå||2||
mile sakala ati bhae sukhåri,talaphata mina påva jimi båri||
cale harasi raghunåyaka påså,pu°chata kahata navala itihåså||3||
taba madhubana bhitara saba åe,amgada sammata madhu phala khåe||
rakhavåre jaba barajana låge, musti prahåra hanata saba bhåge||4||


 Hanuman Roars as He Leaves Lanka

At the time of departing Hanuman made a loud roar with such a terrifying sound that the wives of demons began to miscarry. He leapt across the ocean and reached the other shore. Hanuman met his fellow-monkeys with a cry of delight (shouting gleefully). They were all thrilled to see Hanuman and felt as if they had been born again.


Radiant Hanuman

He had a cheerful face and his body glowed with a certain radiance (because of which they figured out) that he had accomplished the task of Lord Ramchandra.All of them met Hanuman and were very happy as if fish tossing out of water had found water.


Hanuman and his Friends Head Towards Rama & Lakshman

The whole lot of them speaking and asking about the new happenings (events), happily walked towards Lord of the Raghus.


Sugriva in Kishkandha/Hanuman and his Friends Savouring Fruits in Madhuvana

Thereupon all of them entered Madhuvana (Sugriva's garden,In Hindu mythology Sugriva was the younger brother of Bali, whom he succeeded as ruler of the monkey kingdom, Kishkindha) and with the


Angada, the son of Bali & Tara

permission of Angada (son of Bali and Tara) relished the sweet fruit(or honey and fruits). When the guards intervened they were beaten with fisticuffs and thus fled in haste.

Doha: 28
jåi pukåre te saba bana ujåra jubaråja|
suni sugriva harasa kapi kari åe prabhu kåja||28||


Sugriva, King of the Monkeys, Aids Rama & Lakshmana

All of them went to Sugriva and complained that Prince Angad was getting the royal orchard ruined. On hearing this Sugriva rejoiced for he assumed that the monkeys had returned after completing the Lord's mission.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

25th & 26th Dohas of Sunderkand

Chaupai:
pu°chahina bånara taha°jåihi, taba satha nija nåthahi lai åihi||
jinha kai kinhisi bahuta baRåi,dekhau°mai tinha kai prabhutåi||1||
bacana sunata kapi mana musukånå,bhai sahåya sårada mai jånå||
jåtudhåna suni råvana bacanå,låge racai muRha soi racanå||2||
rahå na nagara basana ghrta telå,båRhi pu°cha kinha kapi khelå||
kautuka kaha° åe purabåsi,mårahi carana karahi bahu hå°si||3||
båjahi dhola dehi saba tåri, nagara pheri puni pu°cha prajåri||
påvaka jarata dekhi hanumamtå, bhayau parama laghurupa turamtå||4||
nibuki caRheu kapi kanaka atåri, bhai° sabhita nisåcara nåri°||5||



Goddess Saraswati

When this monkey will go to his Lord without his tail, then this fool will get his master back with him. Let me have a look at the supremacy (competence) of the one whom he has exalted to such an extent.Hearing these words Hanuman smiled to himself (and mumbled in his mind), “ I have gathered that Saraswati (goddess of speech plus learning, and patroness of the arts) has helped (in giving him such a mindset).

Abiding by the orders of Ravana, the foolish demons began making preparations (to set fire to his tail) right there. Neither a scrap of cloth nor a drop of ghee (clarified butter) was left in the city (because so much of cloth and ghee was used in wrapping the tail).


Hanuman Lengthens His Tail

Hanuman resorted to such divine play that the tail grew immensely (became lengthy.)The denizens began watching the spectacle.They kicked Hanuman with their feet and made fun of him.Everyone clapped with the beat of the drum.They took Hanuman around the city and set fire to his tail, soon after. Seeing the fire blaze, Hanuman assumed a very tiny form.Slipping out of his fetters he climbed up the golden balconies of the palace. The wives of demons were very scared on seeing him.
 
Doha: 25
hari prerita tehi avasara cale maruta unacåsa|
attahåsa kari garjå kapi baRhi låga akåsa||25||


Hanuman Seems to Touch the Sky

All the *forty-nine winds began to blow with God's stimulus. Hanuman roared with a loud laugh and enlarged to such a size that he seemed to touch the sky.

* Our scriptures say that there are forty-nine kinds of winds, each presided by a distinct god. Usually it is at the time of dissolution of the world that these winds are let loose by the god of destruction.


Chaupai:
deha bisåla parama haruåi,mamdira te° mamdira caRha dhåi||
jarai nagara bhå loga bihålå,jhapata lapata bahu koti karålå||1||
tåta måtu hå sunia pukårå,ehi avasara ko hamahi ubårå||
hama jo kahå yaha kapi nahi hoi,bånara rupa dhare°sura koi||2||
sådhu avagyå kara phalu aiså,jarai nagara anåtha kara jaiså||
jårå nagaru nimisa eka måhi°,eka bibhisana kara grha nåhi°||3||
tå kara duta anala jehi sirijå,jarå na so tehi kårana girijå||
ulati palati lamkå saba jåri, kudi parå puni simdhu majhåri||4|


Hanuman Burns Down Lanka

Though his body is colossal but it is very light (full of active energy.) He runs and springs from one palace to another. The city is burning and the people are in a miserable state. Millions of terrifying flames are blazing forth. Cries of ,'Oh my father! Oh mother! Who will save us at this crucial hour?' are being heard. I had already said that this was no ordinary monkey but a deity who had assumed the form of a monkey. The consequence of insulting a holy soul is that the city is burning as if it were an orphan. Sparing the sole house of Vibhishana, Hanuman burnt down the entire city in a second. 


Hanuman Leaps Into The Ocean

(Lord Shiva continues), “Oh Parvati!Hanuman is the messenger of Him who created fire itself and that is the reason he was not scorched by fire. Creating havoc and charring the whole of Lanka (from one end to the other), Hanuman leapt into the ocean soon after.
 
Doha: 26
pu°cha bujhåi khoi srama dhari laghu rupa bahori|
janakasutå ke° åge° thåRha bhayau kara jori||26||


Hanuman Stands Before Janaki With Folded Hands

Extinguishing his tail on fire, dispelling his fatigue and assuming a tiny form yet again, Hanuman came and stood in front of Janaki (daughter of Janaka) with folded hands.

Nandotsav: 2nd September,2010

Bihariji Decked Up on Nandotsav

Krishna Janamashtami is followed by a day full of pomp and swing where it is observed as Nandotsav or Nanda Mahotsav in various temples all over the country. In the morning after Janamashtami or navami, Bihariji continues to sit in the jagmohan showering his blessing and loving tenderness to all. Priests and devotees distribute sweets, fruits, clothes, toys, utensils and coins as part of the celebrations. Devotional songs congratulating Nand Baba on the birth of Krishna are joyously sung in unison.Everybody feels that the dark-hued Krishna has been born today and revels with enthused exultation.


Footprints of Krishna

The ladies of the house mark the entrance of their homes with rice paste so as to form small feet of infants. They are always made pointing towards the house which is believed to mark the entry of the child Krishna in their abodes and bring prosperity along with happiness.


The Celebration of Nandotsav in Gokul

(Taken from the 10th Canto of Shrimad Bhagavatam, 5th Chapter)


Nandbaba is Ecstatic on the Birth of a Son

Shri Shukdevji says, “Parikshit!Nandbaba was extraordinarily delighted at the birth of a son. He bathed and wore beautiful clothes.Then calling for brahmans adept in the Vedas he had benedictory mantras chanted and the ceremony of jat-karma ( a ceremony performed at the birth of a child) performed.Simultaneously he got worship of deities and ancestors done according to conventional norms.


Nandbaba Donates Cows to Brahmans

Soon after, Nandababa donated two lakh cows adorned with ornaments and clothes to the brahmans.He gave seven mounds of sesame seeds covered with precious stones and gold-coloured clothes as well for purification of the womb (though the soul is purified by self-knowledge.)


At that point of time brahmans,bards and minstrels began showering auspicious blessings and doing stuti (singing hymns of praise).Bugles were blown and large drums beaten,over and over again.All the entrance doors, courtyards and inner portions of houses in Braj were swept and cleaned meticulously.Residences were decked with flags and banners while paths were festooned with leaves and flowers.The limbs of cows,buffaloes and calves were smeared with turmeric-oil and decked with multi-coloured metals, peacock feathers, flower garlands, lovely clothes and golden chains. Parikshit!All the cowherds wearing expensive clothes, ornaments, angarakahas plus turbans and holding several gifts headed for Nandbaba's house.


Gopis Sing Auspicious Songs on Birth of Krishna

The gopis or cowherdesses were thrilled to know that Yashoda had given birth to a son.Thrilled, the cow-herd girls of Braj, decked in the best of their finery with decorative presents in their hands, flocked to sing auspicious songs, in quick succession.The kundals in their ears dangled and golden necklaces around their throats glittered. Flowers strung in their braids were strewn on the path, and studded bracelets around their wrists shone apart. On reaching Nandbaba's house they gave their blessings,” Oh God may he live long!Please protect him.”And they would sprinkle water mixed with turmeric plus oil on the people present and sing auspicious songs in joyous abandon.


Dark-Hued Krishna is the Sole Supreme Being

Lord Krishna is the only Supreme Being of the entire world and his grandeur, madhurya or sweet love and affection are infinite.When he incarnated in the Braj of Nandbaba a grand utsav or festival was celebrated.Huge and unique musical instruments began to be played in quick succession.


Gopas and Gopis Celebrate Nandotsav

Intoxicated with delight the cowherds began to pour curd, milk, ghee and water on each other. The lot began rubbing butter on the others and threw balls of butter at their friends in delight.


Nandbaba was very large-hearted and he presented several clothes, ornaments and cows to the gopas. And generously gave minstrels, bards, dancers and musicians the gifts they desired. His sole purpose in this act was to please Lord Vishnu so that He blessed his newly born infant. On Nandbaba's saying so, the greatly fortunate Rohini decked in divine garments and varied ornaments, warmly welcomed women who dropped in, like a good housewife.


Parikshit! Ever since that day Riddhi (prosperity) and Siddhi (spiritual power) began dallying in the Braj of Nandbaba and


it became the playground of Laxmiji because Lord Krishna dwelt here and due to its innate virtues.


Mathura, Lord Krishna's Birthplace

Parikshit! After a few days, handing over the protection of Gokul to other cowherds, Nandbaba went to Mathura to pay his yearly tax to Kansa.When Vasudev came to know that his close friend Nanda had arrived in Mathura and paid the dues to Kansa, he dropped in to meet him.Lovingly Nanda hugged Vasudev to his heart and gave him a hearty welcome.Vasudev sat down. comfortably but his mind was concerned about his son.


Asking about his well-being,Vasudev said, “Well, you had aged and had no child yet, not having any hope for one in the future. It is so very fortunate that you have had a baby now and it is a matter of great joy that we have met today.The cycle of this world is such that rarely do dear ones meet and we must consider this a sort of revival. Just as rafts and blades of grass flowing in water can not remain together forever, in the same manner relations and loved ones can not possibly stay together at one place, though they would love to.Because everyone's deeds performed in their earlier births are different.


Are the water, grass and creepers plus leaves of the Mahavan you stay in along with your associates and friends, sufficient enough for forest animals and is the place safe from all kinds of diseases these days.Brother! My son stays along with mother (Rohini) in your Braj.


Yashoda Lovingly Brings Up Krishna

You and Yashoda are lovingly bringing him up that is why he must be considering you as his parents. Is he doing fine? Those religious obligations, object and deeds are in accordance to the scriptures which give joy to one's associates."


Nandbaba said, “Brother Vasudev! Kansa has killed several of your sons born from Devki's womb.Ultimately one small girl child survived but she also passed away.Undoubtedly the joy and sorrow of human beings depends on their destiny.Fate is the only refuge of living beings and the one who understands this fact is not grieved.

King Kansa in The Royal Durbar

Vasudev suggested, “Brother! You have already given your year tax to Kansa and both of us have also met. You must not stay any longer here because many disturbances are taking place in Gokul.


Shukdev revealed, “Parikshit! When Vasudev said so, Nanda and the other gopas took his leave.And mounting the bullock-carts, journeyed back to Gokul.


Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Spiritual Calendar September, 2010

1st September: Krishna Janamashtami

The main purpose of the Lord’s incarnation is for the salvation of saints, destruction of evil and installation of righteousness, says the 'Bhagwad Gita.' Atrocities were on the rise, religion had become a mere farce and the deities were greatly pained. King Kansa terrified of his own death had imprisoned Vasudev and Devki, having killed six of their earlier children.


Krishna is an Incarnation of Lord Vishnu

Towards the end of the Dwapar Era, in the Hindu month of Bhadra, the greatly fortunate Mathura witnessed Lord Krishna’s birth on Krishan Ashtami.The nakshatra was Rohini, the planets were at peace with the stars twinkling. Precisely at that moment the Lord was born resplendent with a conch, discus, club and a lotus.


2nd September: Nandotsav

Nandotsav in Gokul

Krishna Janamashtami is followed by Nandotsav, celebrated in various temples all over the country. In the morning after Janamashtami or navami, Bihariji continues to sit in the jagmohan showering his loving tenderness to all. Priests and devotees distribute sweets, fruits, clothes, toys, utensils and coins as part of the festivities. Devotional songs congratulating Nand Baba on the birth of Krishna are joyously sung in unison.


Ladies of the house mark the entrance of their homes with rice paste so as to form small feet of an infant. They are always made pointing towards the house to mark the entry of child Krishna and bring prosperity along with happiness.


4th Septemer: Aja Ekadasi is on a Saturday.

Aja ekadasi is on the eleventh day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada (August – September). It is also known as Ananda Ekadasi and referred to as Shravan Vadi Ekadasi in South India. As the legend goes once there lived a great King known for his truthfulness and popular as Satya Harishchandra. The King was passing through difficult times and sought shelter of the great Shri Gautam Maharshi.The sage asked the king to keep the fast of Aja Ekadsi with reverence.


The Truthful King Harishchandra & Taramati

King Harishchandra observed the fast of Ananda ekadasi with utmost devotion. Soon after, he got back his wife, son and kingdom which he had lost in the past. Above all, the King ruled the kingdom happily and went back to God.


The legend and significance of Aja Ekadasi is explained in the Brahma Vaivartha Purana. Lord Krishna mentions to Yudhisthira. Observing a fast on this day cleanses all the sins of a person and is very auspicious being a favourite day of Lord Vishnu and His consort Shri Lakshmi.


4th September: Thakur Ghansyam Jayanti Utsav


Ghanshyami Enacted the role of Krishna in the Rasa Dance

at his samadhi in the cottage near Madan Mohan temple. Bobo describes him," He used to play the part of Thakurji in the raas mandali (a type of popular drama dealing with the exploits of Krishna.) He was very mischievous, spontaneous and teasing and his sweetly compassionate expressions while enacting Krishna's playful dalliances drew me. Ghanshyam recites the padas with beautiful absorption but is very naughty."


He was greatly impressed by the profundity of Sakhaji's lilas and nikunj vihar (dallying of Radha-Krishna in Vrindavan.)It so happened that when Ghansyamji went for darshan of Bobo's Radha-Krishna they asked him for itra or perfume proving that the yugal carry on with their divine play when true seva is done.


6th September: Shiva Pradosha Fast


Lord Shiva

Pradosh means dusk and this fast 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.Generally people observe Pradosha Vrata on every trayodashi tithi (13th 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).


8th September: Pithori Amavasya on a Wednesday


Goddess Parvati with son Ganesh

Pithori Amavasya is observed on amavasya or no moon day during the month of Bhadrapad. ‘Pith means flour thus leading to the name and married women, especially mothers, worship 64 Goddesses for their children's long life, health and prosperity. In the past, idols of these 64 Goddesses were made of ‘Pith' and special delicacies were offered to them. Saptamatrukas and Ashtamatrukas are also worshipped on Pithori Amavasa.


According to the Marathi calendar this amavasya is celebrated as Pola and falls on amavasya of the Sravan month. On Pithori Amavasya, performing Pitru Tharpan or Pinda daan to dead ancestors is highly meritorious.


8th September: Jayanti of Sivanandaji Maharaj


Shivanandji Maharaj

Shivananadji of Divine Life Society, Rishikesh (8th September,1887 to 14th July, 1963). In the year 1936 he started the Divine Life Society on banks of the holy Ganges in Rishikesh with the main objectives of dissemination of spiritual knowledge and selfless service of humanity.


11th September: Ganesh Chaturti is on a Saturday.


Lord Ganesha

Ganesha, the foremost god of the Hindu pantheon is beheld as the most auspicious God of new beginnings and widely worshipped as the supreme god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.


Ganesha has the head of an elephant on which is perched a delicate tiara, four podgy hands joined to a sizeable belly with each hand holding its own symbolic object. One has a trishul, or a trident, the second an ankush or goad made from his own broken tooth, the third hand elegantly holds a lotus and the fourth a rosary (sometimes replaced by modaks, his favourite sweet).


On Ganesha Chaturthi Lord Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati, grants his presence on earth for all his devotees. Also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi it is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. The festival is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapada, starting on shukla chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon) sometime between August and September. The festivities last for 10 days, ending on Ananta Chaturdashi.


The festival ends with ardent entreaties to Lord Ganesha to return the next year with chants of, "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudcha Varshi Laukar Ya!" (Hail Lord Ganesha, return again soon next year).


13th September: Shri Baldev Chhath on a Monday


Lord Balarama

Palwasur was a demon who ruled Palwal during the reign of the Pandavas. He was killed by Balarama, the elder brother of Lord Krishna. In his memory every year a festival is organised in Palwal known as Baldev Chhat Ka Mela.There is also a temple dedicated to Balaram near the railway station of Palwal.

13th September: Lalita Jayanti is on a Monday


Shri Lalita Sakhi

Lalita Devi is the prime ashtasakhi of the eight primary sakhis. The most exalted, she is 27 days older than Srimati Radharani. Inevitably the leader, she is the eldest of Krishna’s gopis. Though a close confidante of the divine couple, she is more inclined to Sri Radhika.


An intimate companion of Radharani, Lalitaji is the khandita with a contradictory and hot-tempered nature. Her complexion is bright yellow and garments the color of peacock feathers. Sri Lalita has adept expertise in arranging the rendezvous of Radha and Krishna and their conjugal fights.


Her mother is Saradi Devi and her father is Vishoka. Her husband is Bhairava, who is a close friend of Govardhana Malla, the husband of Candravali.


15th September: Shri Radhashtami is on a Wednesday


Shri Radha Rani or Kishoriji

Shri Radha was born in Barsana, a suburb of Mathura, as the daughter of Vrashbhanu and Kirti some 5000 years ago.The enthused celebration begins with narrating the divine play of Shri Radha with thousands of padas being sung in her honour. The festive occasion is observed as Radha Ashtami 15 days after Janamashtami of Lord Krishna, on the sacred eighth day of the Bhadrapada month of the Hindu calendar, in the waxing phase of the moon somewhere between (August-September).


On the day of Radha-Ashtami, devotees acquire special sanctions. Radharani's name is not chanted overly due to the possibility of committing errors towards her. Neither are people allowed to enter Radha Kunda which is considered sacred. On the festival of Radhashtami, people ardently wait for midnight to bathe here.


The maha-mantra is a prayer to Shri Radha. By chanting Hare we beseech Hara or Radha to please engage us in Lord Krishna’s service. As Krishna is the source of all manifestations of God, Sri Radha his consort is the source of all shaktis or feminine manifestations of cosmic energy. She is thus the supreme deity in Gaudiya tradition, for it is said that she controls Krishna with her love and that perfect spiritual life is unattainable without her grace.


19th September: Padma Ekadasi is on a Sunday


Padma Ekadasi or Deva-Sayani Ekadasi

Lord Sri Krishna told Yudhisthira, " I shall gladly tell you a wonderful historical event that Lord Brahma once narrated to his son Narada. One day Narada asked his father, 'What is the name of the Ekadasi that comes during the light part of the month of Ashadha'.


'Fasting on this Ekadasi purifies one of all sins and fulfills all desires. Therefore, whoever neglects to observe this sacred fast day is a good candidate for entering into hell. Just to please the Supreme Lord Hrishikesha, the master of the senses, one should fast on this day.'


'Oh son, there was once a saintly king in the Surya Vamsha (Sun dynasty) whose name was Mandhata.Once, however, because of some sin in his kingdom, there was a drought for three years. The great sage Angira Muni then said, "Oh king Mandhata, you should observe a fast on the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Ashadha. This auspicious day is named Padma Ekadasi, and by its influence plentiful rains and thus grains and other foodstuffs will surely return to your kingdom."


Lord Sri Krishna concluded, "My dear Yudhishthira, Padma Ekadasi is so powerful that one who simply reads or hears its glories becomes completely sinless. Oh Pandava, one who wishes to please Me should strictly observe this Ekadasi, which is also known as Deva-sayani Ekadasi.


19th September: Vaman Jayanti falls on a Sunday.


The Vamana Incarnation

Vamana Jayanthi is the first appearance day of Lord Vamana, the fifth and the dwarf avatar of Lord Vishnu. This is the first complete human incarnation of Sri Maha Vishnu. It is observed on Shukla Paksha Dwadashi (12th day in bright half) of the month of Bhadrapad.The main purpose of the Vamana incarnation was to restrain the demon king Maha Bali and to restore the rule of Gods on the earth. That is the chief reason why Vamana sent Bali to Pathala Loka.


20th September: Lord Shiva's Pradosha Fast


22nd September: Anant Chaudas


Lord Vishu is Anant (Infinite)

Once when grieved Yudhistra of the Mahabharata, was wandering in the forests, Lord Krishna suggested, “Oh! Yudhistra, you should worship God Anant (Vishnu) ritually. Your problems will be over and you will get back your kingdom. You should observe a fast, in reverence to God Vishnu”.


He narrated the story of Saint Kaunidney,who was married to a godly daughter of a brahmin Sumantu. Once at night she saw a number of women going for worship. She asked the importance and they explained that they were worshipping Anant (Vishnu) and that an armlet with fourteen knots, tied on the arm, blessed the devotee with indefinite happiness.


Idols of Ganesha Immersed in Water

On the night of Anant Chaudas large processions are taken out and idols of Lord Ganesha are immersed in water.


23rd September: Poornima Fast


Purnima or Full Moon Day

The full moon day in a traditional Hindu calendar is known as Purnima, or Poornima. Some devout Hindus observe a fast on this day from morning to evening. The Purnima in September is the Bhadrapad Poornima or Bhadra Purnima and is of great importance. The Bhadrapad Purnima marks the beginning of the Pitrupaksha . The next fifteen day dedicated to observing rituals and rites for dead ancestors, parents and relatives. Some communities start the Shradh rituals from the Purnima day.


23rd September: Baba's Punya Tithi


Shri Manohar Dasji

23rd September: Manohar Baba's Punya Tithi

Manohar Bhaiya was born on the night of Akshay Teej in May, 1919 (Vaishakh shukla chaturthi). Maheshwar situated on the holy banks of the Narmada River in Nimar district of Madhya Pradesh, has the honour of being his birthplace. His father was the family priest of Rani Ahilyabai and hence a learned brahman or pandit.


The grasping prowess of Manohar Baba in the fields of Yajurved, Karamkand and Ayurveda was so sharp that he passed the ‘Kavyatirtha Examination’ in Sanskrit with flying colours. In 1935 the RSS requested him for social work and various philanthropic activities. Quitting the RSS in 1942, he concentrated on daily worship of the Shivlinga by 108 belpatras, learnt Yoga from Guru Rangnaath, imbibed Gayatri paath under the instructions of Great Mahatma Kulkarniji and performed many other religious observances.


The great moment of renunciation surfaced in 1945. A saint came to Maheshwar and chanted the Hare Rama Hare Krishna mantra with such enthused exultation like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu that Manohar Baba left for Shri Banke Bihariji temple in Vrindavan, right away.


Manohar Baba reached Vrindavan after eight days.Totally exhausted and famished, he was reluctant to beg for alms since he came from a rich background.However the ordeal got over soon enough because Shri Balkrishan Dasji Maharaj was waiting to embrace him for all times to come. 'Charit Vaibhav' is a biography of Balkrishan Dasji Maharaj authored by our lovable Manohar Bhaiya.


Dredging up old memories, I vividly remember that it was Saint Ushaji of Vrindavan who urged me to bow at his holy feet ever since childhood and am eternally grateful to her for this noble act.


24th September to 7th October: Shradh


Shradh is a ceremony in honour and for the benefit of deceased relatives, observed at fixed periods,and on occasions of rejoicing as well as of mourning. The ritual is performed every year on the anniversary of the death of a person as per the Hindu Calendar during the dark fortnight called Pitru Paksha in the month of Ashwin of the Hindu Vikram Samvat. A ritualistic custom unique to Hindu religion, the Mahalaya Shradh Pitru Paksh fortnight begins with Purnima in the Ashwin month. It is believed that the Shradh performed during this period is highly auspicious as it reaches the deceased relatives instantly making their souls rest in peace.


The Matsya Purana mentions primarily three types of Shradh -one performed daily, another periodically and yet another with purpose (Kamya).The shradh performed for deceased ancestors with a single objective is known as Pitru Paksh Shradh in North and East India, Aadi Amavasai in Tamil Nadu, Karikadaka Vavu Bali in Kerala and Amavasi rituals in other regions.Expiating all sins of our ancestors it helps them attain moksha or salvation.


Krishna Janamashtami: 1st September, 2010

King Kansa Killed Devki's Six Children

The main purpose of the Lord’s incarnation is for the salvation of saints, destruction of evil and installation of righteousness as lucidly explained in the 'Bhagwad Gita.'. Towards the end of the Dwapar Era, in the Hindu month of Bhadra, Mathura had the great fortune of witnessing Lord Krishna’s birth on Krishan Ashtami. Atrocities were on the rise, religion had become a mere farce and the deities were great pained. King Kansa terrified of his own death had imprisoned Vasudev and Devki, having killed six of their earlier children. The seventh child was to be the Lord Himself.


Lord Vishnu

The nakshatra was Rohini, the planets were at peace with the stars twinkling. Precisely at that moment the Lord was born resplendent with a conch, discus, club and a lotus. Vasudev and Devki made obeisance to him. Vasudev instantly shifted him to Nandrai’s house to hide the truth from Kansa. Simultaneously Yashoda gave birth to Yogmaya.


Miraculously the prison guards fell asleep, Vasudev and Devki were unshackled and the doors opened.Mathura, Lord Krishna's birthplace is far superior to the mundane world and beyond earthly attachments, abounding in spiritual bliss. Claiming to enjoy divine protection, cradled in the spectrum of 84 kos it is unaffected by evil forces because Lord Vishnu Incarnate was born here.Mathura is the most fortunate of towns because Lord Krishna took birth in its prison to spread joy and delight.


The clouds drizzled, Lord Sheshnaag protected the infant with his hood and torrential Yamuna or Krishna’s beloved Kalindi embraced his feet, to calm her ardent longing. Soon enough she gave way to them for entering Gokul.

Lord Krishna’s birth is celebrated in Gokul with much fanfare

Everyone was deep asleep. The infants were swapped with Krishna safely cradled on Yashoda’s bed and baby Yogmaya taken to Devki’s arms. Ever since Lord Krishna’s birth is celebrated in Gokul with much fanfare.

Gopis Welcoming Krishna When He Returns after Grazing Cows

The search of the impassioned soul for union with god is centred within earthly Vrindavan. Its enraptured village girls representing Krishna's hungering devotees are passionately drawn to his lyrical softness, innocent pranks, beautiful adornments and serene sensuality which add to his madhurya or sweet love.


These cowherdesses yearning for a glimpse of Krishna, clumsily deck themselves, abandon their household chores and rush to stand on their balconies waiting for him to return in the evening after grazing the cows. Gazing at the dark-hued Krishna they find that he exists intensely in their hearts when they sing his praise and dwells in their longing for him.


Lord Krishna's Romantic Dalliance with The Cowherdesses

Krishna's playful dalliance is nitya or eternal. One aspect of Lord Krishna’s enigmatic persona which distinguishes him from all other deities is his lila or divine play which makes him both human and divine at the same time, and becomes him most of all.Delighting in play he endears himself and brings joy to all his devotees.