2nd August, 2013: Kamada Ekadashi
Vrata
The story of Kamika Ekadashi from the Brahma Vaivarta Purana is as follows:
Yudhishthira requested Lord Krishna to narrate glories of the ekadashi
which occurs during the dark fortnight of the Shravan Month (July-August).Krishna
said that once Narada Muni asked Lord Brahma the name of this ekadashi,the
deity who was to be worshipped, the process to be followed and its merits.Lord
Brahma happily agreed because just hearing about the Kamika Ekadashi
is equivalent to performing a horse sacrifice.
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.
Hariyali Amavasya is a monsoon festival celebrated on Amavasya in the Shravan
month in North India. Lord Shiva is worshipped on this day for wealth,
prosperity and a good harvest.Grand fairs are held in Rajasthan, Uttar
Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Hariyali Amavasya is celebrated
with enthused fervour in Dwarkadhish temple of Mathura, Banke Bihari
Temple in Vrindavan and other temples of Lord Krishna and Shiva.
The first of the three main Teej festivals is observed on the third day
of the shukla paksha of Shravan. Vrindavan is certainly worth
a visit on this day since Shri Prabhu Banke Bihariji is posited on a
jhoola sinhasan, religious hymns are chanted and lilas of Radha-Krishna
are narrated. Saint Ushaji's or Bobo ji's Thakurji is already resplendent on a swing
from 5 to 6 pm for the entire month of Shravan.
When people fast on Ganesh Chaturthi, they either opt for the nirjal vrat
(a stringent, waterless fast) or phalahar vrat (a diet). Devotees are
allowed to have sweets including til ke ladoo , gajak and rewari along
with tea and coffee. In order to concentrate, the devotees chant mantras
invoking Lord Ganesha and sing bhajans in his praise. It is believed
that if one observes a fast on Ganesha Chaturthi with sincerity, he
is blessed with health, wealth and prosperity.
Naag Panchami is a festival during which religious Hindus in some parts of India either worship images or live Nagas on the fifth day after Amavasya of the Shravan Month. Traditionally, married young women visit their premarital households to celebrate the festival. Particularly in the villages of India, a traditional aspect of the celebration involves young women swinging joyously on swings temporarily hung on tree branches.
Gosain ji was a dedicated devotee of Lord Rama and the writer of 'Shri Ramcharitmanas,'
a great Hindu epic. He was born on Shravan Shukla Saptami of 1498 AD
in Rajpur, Chitrakoot district and was a Sarayuparina Brahmin by birth.
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.
Rakhi is a very famous festival for brothers and sisters. At Vrindavan,
the one-month long sawan stuti of Lord Shiva and jhulan utsav of Thakurji
that started on Guru-Poornima comes to an end.
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. Devotees of Lord Ganesha, who intend to
observe a fast on Ganesha Chaturthi, wake up early in the morning and
take a bath. After wearing laundered clothes, they head towards the
nearest temple or perform a small puja at their home, to offer prayers
to the deity.
Lord Vishnu
One who worships Lord Vishnu attains greater merit than bathing in the
Ganges,having darshan of Lord Kedarnath in the Himalayas,bathing at
Kurukshetra during a solar eclipse, donating earth in charity, taking
a dip in the Kali Gandaki River or Godavari River on full moon. Observing
Kamika Ekadashi bestows the same merit as donating a milk-cow and her
calf along with their fodder. Oh Narada, Lord Krishna himself confirmed
that the one who fasts on Kamidka Ekadashi is more blessed than a person
studying the spiritual texts and does not have to suffer future births.
Lord Krishna affirmed that this sacred day nullifies the sin of killing
a brahman or an unborn child in the womb and transports one to Viakuntha,
where Lord Vishnu forever dwells.
3rd August, 2013: At the Holy Feet of revered
Santosh Bahinji (1923-2004) who left for Gaulok on 3rd August 2004
Santosh Bahenji
The waters of Jhelum abound with love tales of Laila Majnu and Shiri
Farhad. Born in a Sikh family of those environs of Kashmir and impressed
by Gandhi's principles, Santosh Bahenji, daughter of an affluent father,
got Shaligramji ( Lord Vishnu's form ) from a sage when she was very
young. Longing for Krishna In 1942, she came to the holy site of Vrindavan
at the tender age of 19 and met great saints like Sri Sri Maharaj ji,
Manohar ji, Bobo ji & Sushila Bahenji who influenced her life. Sarla
Bahenji was her constant companion. The book 'Sri Krishna Anuragini
Santosh Bahenji' was published in 2005 and showcases her experiences
with Shri Bihariji, Vrindavan, Yamunja ji, the Yugal Sarkar of Saint
Ushaji and the parikar in Vrindavan.
4th August, 2013: Shiva Pradosh Vrata
Lord Shiva
Worship of Shiva throughout the night, bathing the Shivalinga with panchamrta
(milk, curd, ghee, sugar and honey), homa, chanting 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).
6th August, 2013:Hariyali Amavasya
Phool Bangla of Shri Banke Bihari ji
This day culminates the Phool Bangla Utsav in Banke Bihari Temple of Vrindavan,
during which a house of flowers is made daily in the evening. Great
importance is give to the green colour in this festival since it reflects
the greenery of nature after the first showers of monsoon.
9th August, 2013: Hariyali Teej
Saint Usha ji's Yugal Sarkar on a Jhoola
Women fast on this day. Married woman fast for their husbands and
a happy married life. Unmarried girls fast in order to get a good husband
in the future. This festival is known as Hariyali Teej in the eastern
part of the country. Nature can be seen flourishing and women enjoying
themselves with songs, swings etc.
The Teej in the Shravan month is of great religious importance. According
to a legend, Parvati kept fasts during this period to impress Lord Shiva.
These fasts helped Parvati in marrying Lord Shiva. It is also believed
that on this day, Parvati completed hundred years of her austerities.
9th August, 2013: Eid-ul-Fitr
Lakhs of Muslims, dressed in the best of finery, greet each other, exchange gifts and enjoy special sweet dishes, particularly sewaiyan. Eid which means happiness in Arabic is one of the most important festivals of the Muslims. Eid al-Fitr also called the Feast of Breaking the Fast, is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting . The religious Eid is a single day and Muslims are not permitted to fast that day. The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of fasting from dawn to sunset during the entire month of Ramadan. Therefore, the day of Eid falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal. This is a day when Muslims around the world show a common goal of unity.
10th August, 2013: Vinayaki Shri Ganesh Chaturti Fast
Celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr
Lakhs of Muslims, dressed in the best of finery, greet each other, exchange gifts and enjoy special sweet dishes, particularly sewaiyan. Eid which means happiness in Arabic is one of the most important festivals of the Muslims. Eid al-Fitr also called the Feast of Breaking the Fast, is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting . The religious Eid is a single day and Muslims are not permitted to fast that day. The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of fasting from dawn to sunset during the entire month of Ramadan. Therefore, the day of Eid falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal. This is a day when Muslims around the world show a common goal of unity.
10th August, 2013: Vinayaki Shri Ganesh Chaturti Fast
11th August, 2013: Naag Panchami
Lord Krishna Vanquishes Kalia Naag
Naag Panchami is a festival during which religious Hindus in some parts of India either worship images or live Nagas on the fifth day after Amavasya of the Shravan Month. Traditionally, married young women visit their premarital households to celebrate the festival. Particularly in the villages of India, a traditional aspect of the celebration involves young women swinging joyously on swings temporarily hung on tree branches.
According to Puranic mythology, Brahma’s son Kashyapa had four wives. The
first wife gave birth to Devas; the second, to Garudas; the third --named
Kadroo--, to Nagas; and the fourth, to Daityas. Nāgas were the rulers
of Patal-Loka.
Lord Krishna had conquered Naga Kalia and put an end to his evil deeds
on Naga Panchami. As per a myth, the Kathmandu Valley used to be a vast
lake. When human beings began draining the lake to make space for settlements,
the Nagas were enraged. To protect themselves against the wrath of Nagas,
people gave the latter certain areas as pilgrimage destinations, thus
restoring the harmonious balance of nature.
13th August, 2013: Shri Goswami Tulsidas
Jayanti
Goswami Tulsidas
Tulsidas ji intensely loved his wife Buddhimati and she enlightened him by
saying that if he loved Lord Rama half as much as her he would attain
eternal bliss. Thereafter Tulsidas became an ascetic. He got a vision
of Lord Rama through Hanumanji and began composing the Shri Ramcharitmanas.
On Tulsidas Jayanti one must read or hear the Ramcharitmanas, visit
shrines of Lord Rama plus Hanumanji, and feed Brahmins.
15th August, 2013: Independence Day
Wishing all Indians at home & those living abroad, a very happy independence
day.
17th August, 2013: Pavitra Ekadashi Vrata
Lord Vishnu Being Propitiated
This Ekadasi is specially observed by married couples for getting healthy
children. A popular legend mentioned in the Puranas indicates that a
King was able to beget a son by observing Putrada Ekadashi. After bathing
early in the morning, the idol of Lord Vishnu should be bathed with
curd, milk and water. Prayers should be done using roli, chandan, dhoop
and deep.
It is also highly commendable to feed poor children and old people on
the day.
The significance of Putrada Ekadashi was narrated to Yudhishtira by Lord
Krishna and is found in the Bhavisyotara Purana.
Ekadasi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of the
waning and waxing phase of moon in the traditional Hindu calendar.
18th August, 2013: Pradosh Vrata
Lord Shiva
21st August, 2013 : Raksha Bandhan
Lord Krishna Saves Draupadi's Honour
According to the Hindu Calendar Rakhi falls on Shravan Purnima (full
moon day) which corresponds to July-August as per the English Calendar.
Krishna and Draupadi: An incident concerning Krishna and Draupadi from the
epic Mahabharata is centred on this festival. Draupadi, the wife of
the Pandavas, had torn a strip off her silken sari and tied it around
Krishna index finger to stop the flow of blood. Krishna was so touched
that he promised to repay the debt and did so during the Vastra Haran
of Draupadi. In the assembly of King Dhritarashtra when Yudhishthir
lost her in gambling, Krishna indefinitely extended her saree, to save
her pride.
The legend of Lord Yama and his sister Yamuna: Raksha Bandhan was a ritual
followed by Yama, the Lord of death and Yamuna his sister. Yamuna tied
a rakhi to Yama and bestowed immortality. Yama was so moved that he
declared that whoever got a rakhi tied from his sister and promised
her protection would become immortal.
24th August, 2013: Shri Ganesh Chaturthi
Vrata
Lord Ganesha with Baby Krishna
When people fast on Ganesh Chaturthi, they either opt for the nirjal vrat
(a stringent, waterless fast) or phalahar vrat (a diet). Devotees are
allowed to have sweets including til ke ladoo , gajak and rewari along
with tea and coffee. In order to concentrate, the devotees chant mantras
invoking Lord Ganesha and sing bhajans in his praise. It is believed
that if one observes a fast on Ganesha Chaturthi with sincerity, he
is blessed with health, wealth and prosperity.
26th August, 2013: Hal Shashti or Balaram
Jayanti
Lord Balram or Haldhar
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 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. It is a common belief that he bestows riches on
this materialistic world.
Balaram is also famed as Haldhar, the god of the farmers.They devotedly worship
the plough, his weapon, before undertaking any task.
28th August, 2013, Lord Shri Krishna Janamashtami
badhai ho, badhai ho, badhai ho sabhi ko bhagwan shri krishna ke janamotsav
ki badhai ho !
Celebrations are to be held at Sri Banke Bihari ji Temple, all the temples of
Vrindavan, Gokul, Mahavan, Mathura, ISKCON and the world over.
Lord Vishnu Takes Birth as Krishna
The main purpose of the Lord’s incarnation is for the salvation of
saints, destruction of evil and installation of righteousness as 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.
Shri Radha- Krishna, our Yugal Sarkar at Gaura Colony, Vrindavan
Parampoojaya Susheela Bahinji shall lead the utsav at Gaura-Colony in front of
our Yugal Sarkar or Thakurji.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.
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.
29th August, 2013:Nandotsav
Thakur Radha Raman ji on Nandotsav
Krishna Janamashtami is followed by a day full of pomp and joyous abandon
where Nandotsav or Nanda Mahotsav is observed 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 delightedly sung in unison.Everybody
feels that the dark-hued Krishna has been born today and revels with
enthused exultation.
Footprints of Child 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 child Krishna in their
abodes and bring prosperity along with happiness.
very informative calender with unique
ReplyDeletepictures,specially designed for Vrindavan & sh.Thakur's loveseekers.
Thank you for this kind work.
KEEP IT UP!!
MINAKSHI.