Monday, September 2, 2013

Spiritual Calendar: September, 2013

1st September, 2013: Aja Ekadashi is on a Sunday


                                        King Harishchandra & Taramati

Aja Ekadasi falls on the eleventh day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada (August – September).

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 utmost devotion.

King Harishchandra observed the fast of Ananda Ekadasi. 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.

 2nd September, 2013: Vatsa Dwadashi Vrata is on a Monday

Lord Vishnu

This vrat is to wish for a son. This fast is performed by the women who have male children. On this day sprouted beans and grams are offered as oblations. Special importance is attached to the use of split cereals.Whole grains and cow-milk are avoided. On the 12th day of Krishna Paksha besides Bachhwaras this fast of Duas or Bale-Dwadashi or Vatsa Dwadashi is observed.

 2ndSeptember, 2013: Som Pradosh Vrata 


                                       Lord Shiva & Parvati on  Nandi

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.It is said that on this day all gods and goddesses assemble at Mount Kailash to worship Lord Shiva. The Pradosh which falls on a Monday
is of special significance.
 5th September: Pithori Amavasya is on a Thursday

                                       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.
6th September: Badhai Utsav of Swami Shri Haridas Begins Today, a Friday

Swami Shri Haridas

Primarily we know him as the saint who realized God through nad brahma sadhana or constantly praying in music. He not only composed a large number of padas but also perfected newer ragas in classical music to sing them. He realized God in the form of Shri Bankey Bihari and started the tradition  of initiating his disciples into rasopasna bhakti. His birthday, which falls on Radha Ashtami is celebrated in Nidhivan and Vrindavan.

8th September, Hartalika Teej is on a Sunday


Lord Shiva & Parvati

This is a three-day festival, celebrated by women in honor of Parvati, in the month of Bhadrapad. By praying to Parvati on these three days, unmarried girls hope to get a husband like Shiva. Married women pray to her for marital bliss. According to Hindu mythology, Parvati was in love with Shiva. Being an ascetic however, Shiva was not aware of her. Parvati performed penance in the Himalayas for many years before Shiva finally noticed her. Realizing the depth of her love and devotion, he agreed to marry her .Since then Parvati has been worshipped as Haritalika.

Women and young girls maintain nirjala vrata on these three days, and keep awake all three nights. This is symbolic of the penance which Parvati undertook to get Shiva as her husband. They offer food to Brahmins and young girls.


 9th September, 2013: Ganesh Janam Utsav is on a Monday


Idol of Lord Ganesha

Brilliantly crafted idols of Ganesha are brought home about ten days in advance on Ganesh Janam Utsav which marks the birth of Lord Ganesha.There He sits in state till Anant Chaturdashi (29th Sept) when he is devoutly immersed in water.In almost every neighbourhood a brightly decorated Ganesha idol is made and worshipped for all of the ten days.On the day of the Ganesh festival laddoos and modaks which are Ganesha's  favourite sweets are distributed and Ganesha temples are crowded with devotees.

10th September, 2013 Rishi Panchami is on a Tuesday


Rishi Vyasa

The fast on the fifth day(Pancahmi) of the waxing moon (shukla paksh)of Bhadrapad is undertaken by both men and women, to expiate sins.

After a bath in the sacred water, the devotees should clean his/her hands 108 times, rinse the mouth 108 times and listen to the story of Ganesh, Navagreh, Saptarishi and worship Arundhati. Fruits are to be eaten  only once in a day by virtue of which all sins are expiated.

On Rishi Panchami homage is paid to the Sapta Rishis or seven sages – Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadhvaja, Vishvamitra, Gauthama, Jamadagni and Vashishta.

11th September, 2013: Shri Baldev Chhath is on a Wednesday


Lord Balarama

This is the appearance day of Lord Balarama, the first expansion of the dark-hued Krishna. Devotees offer special prayers to Balarama, the icon of duty, honesty and simplicity to receive spiritual strength from Him.He  incarnated on the full moon day of the month of Shravana.

Balaram, Balarama and Sankarsana are some of Lord Baldev's other names. Balaram had incarnated as Lakshman in the Treta Yuga which came before Dwapar.

He is considered the incarnation of Sheshnaag, the thousand-headed snake on whom Lord Vishnu sleeps  throughout periods of dissolution of the world.Because he was drawn from Devaki's to Rohini's womb,

He is known as Lord Sankarsana.As of today there are many temples of ‘Dauji’(elder brother)where he is worshipped religiously. It is a common belief that he bestows riches on this materialistic world.

11th September, 2013: Sri Lalita Jayanti at Uncha Gaon near Barsana, on a Wednesday
                                          Lalita Devi,the Prime Ashtasakhi

Lalita Devi is the prime ashtasakhi and the eldest amongst Krishna's gopis. As per astrological calculation,Shri Lalita Jayanti or the date of her birth falls on the day before Sri Radhashtami.Though a close confidante of  the divine couple, she is more inclined to Sri Radhika.

An intimate companion of Radharani, Lalita is the khandita with a contradictory and hot-tempered nature. Her complexion is bright yellow and garments the colour of peacock feathers. Her mother is Saradi Devi and father is Vishoka. Her husband is Bhairava, who is a close friend of Govardhana Malla, the husband of Candravali.
13thSeptember, 2013: Shri Radha Ashtami is on a Friday


                                                  Shri Radha Rani

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.

The most revered occasion for the denizens of Barsana, its celebration begins with chanting the lilas or divine play of Sri Radha with thousands of padas being sung in her honour.

The festive occasion is observed 15 days after Janmashtami of Lord Krishna. It falls on the eighth day of the Bhadrapada Month in the Hindu calendar, in the waxing phase of the moon somewhere between (AugustSeptember). Sri Radha was born in Barsana, a suburb of Mathura, as the daughter of Vrashabhanu and Kirti.

13th September, 2013:  Janamotsav of Shri Svami Haridas ji Maharaj, is on a Friday
 Swami Shri Hari Das

Today after the rajbhoga aarti in the evening at 4 o' clock there is rasa lila in the temple of Shri Banke Bihari ji. Svami Shri Hari Das realized God in the form of Shri Bankey Bihari, started the tradition of and initiated his disciples into rasopasna bhakti. He is also known as Adya Acharya of Raas Leela tradition.

 Lord Krishna Braids Shri Radha Rani's Hair

Nidhivan as well as the Banke Bihari temple are beautifully decorated with flowers, flags and buntings. In afternoon, around 4:30 PM, the Rasa Lila is enacted in the courtyard of the temple, only once a year. The theme of the Lila is veni guthan, that is, Krishna makes up the hair of Radha and ties it into a lovely nice braid. The Leela is based on one of the compositions of Swami Haridas from Shri Kelimal:

In the evening a grand procession, called chav, is taken out from the temple. It consists of several brass bands, other musical performing groups, decorated elephants, high flags and kitan mandalis. Goswamis participate in a group singing devotional songs, celebrating the birth of Swami Haridas in a style known samaj gayan. Many gifes such as Prasad of Bihariji are carried to be presented to Swami Haridas. It is as if Bihariji is going to greet Swami Haridas on this auspicious occasion.

The procession heads for Nidhivan, the place of Swami Haridas’s penance and  appearance of Bihariji. On arriving here the prasad sent by Bihariji is offered and  the Rasa Lila is enacted late into the night; the only day when devotees can stay in Nidhivan so late in the evening. On the conclusion of Rasa Lila, there is aarti performed and devotees disperse chanting:

jai jai shri kunjbihari shri haridas, jai jai shri vrindavan nidhivan vaas |

13th September, 2013: Maharshi Dadhichi Jayanti falls on a  Friday


Sage Dadichi

It is is dedicated to Sage Dadhichi an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and a descendent of Sage Angira. SageDadhichi was born on the Shukla Ashtami day (waxing phase of moon) in the Bhadrapad month (August –September).

Legend has it that the devas who were losing a battle to the asuras were advised to use weapons made of Sage Dadhichi's bones to win the battle. Devas requested Sage Dadhichi for his bones. The humble saint readily agreed and went into deep meditation as his soul merged with Brahman. That is when the devas made use of the bones of Sage Dadhichi to fight the Asuras and triumphed.

In the Dadhichi Samaj special pujas are held on the day.

15th September, 2013: Padma Ekadashi Vrata is on a Sunday


Lord Vishnu

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 fulfils all desires. 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 Vansha (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 grains 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, who wishes to please Me should strictly observe this Ekadasi, which is also known as Deva-sayani Ekadasi.
17th September, 2013 Shri Vishwakaram Puja is on a Tuesday


Panchmukhi Vishwakarma

It is customary for craftsmen to worship their tools in Vishwakarma's name, the Hindu presiding deity of all craftsmen and architects.


Lord Shiva

17th September, 2013: Shiva Pradosh Vrata is on a Tuesday
17th September, 2013: Kanya Sankranti is on a Tuesday


Kanya Sankranti

Kanya Sankranti marks the beginning of the sixth month in Hindu Solar Calendar. All twelve Sankrantis in the year are highly auspicious for Dan-Punya activities. Only a certain time duration before or after each Sankranti moment is considered auspicious for Sankranti related activities.
18th September, 2013: Anant Chaturdashi is on a Wednesday


Shri Radha Rani

Anant Chaturdashi has been celebrated since ages to please Lord Adi Narayan or Lord Shri Hari after the appearance of Kishoriji in Braj on Bhadra Shukla Ashtami. The whole of Braj celebrates it as the chhathi of Sri Kishoriji and thus the badhai gaan of Sri Radha Asthami continue to be sung in joyous abandon till this date.


Lord Ganesha Visarjan

When the festivities of Ganesh Janam Utsav, the Ganesha idols which have been worshipped for the past ten days are taken out in grand processions. Accompanied by fireworks, displays, beating of drums and thousands singing devotional songs, the idols are immersed in a nearby sea, lake or river;this is known as visarjan. People chant in joyous abandon "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudcha Varshi Laukar Ya!" (O Lord Ganesha, return soon again next year!)

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. ”.

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.

18th September, 2013: Manohar Bhaiya's Punya Tithi


Manohar Bhaiya

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.

19th September, 2013: Nija Bhadrapada Purnima is on a Thursday


Purnima or Full Moon Day

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

19th September to 4 October, 2013: Shradh

Shradh

Shradh is a ceremony held 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. 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. Expiating all sins of our ancestors it helps them attain moksha or salvation.


Lord Ganesha

22nd September, 2013: Shri Ganesh Chaturthi Vrata falls on a Sunday

30th September, 2013: Indira Ekadashi Vrata 



Lord Vishnu

The Ekadashi of Ashwin Krishna Paksha is called the Indira Ekadashi. On, this day, Shaligram is worshipped and a fast is kept which expiates all sin. It is believed that this fast grants salvation to soul of ancestors who received hell, after death. Just by hearing the story of this Vrata, a person gets the same fruits as performing a Yagya.

The Tale of Indira Ekadashi Fast:

In the golden age, there lived a glorious ruler Indrasen in the city of Mahishmati. He was blessed with a son, grandson, wealth and he used to easily destroy his enemies. When Maharishi Narad came there, the king stood up immediately and welcomed him with ardhya.

Narad said “ Once I went to Yamlok and saw your father who was a wise, generous and religious person but he gave up the fast of Ekadashi in between.

Your father has sent a message, “My son’s name is Indrasen and he rules over Mahishamti. If he observes the fast of Indra Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha, Ashvin Masa, then I shall get salvation. By the fruits of this Ekadashi, I will leave this place and reach heaven.” Hearing this, Indrasen was upset and asked the method of Indira Ekadasi fast from Maharishi Narad.