2nd
September,
2014:
Shri
Radha
Ashtami
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 playful dalliances of Sri Radha
with thousands of padas being sung in her honour.
The
festive occasion is observed 15 days after the 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.
2nd
September,
2014:
Janamotsav
of
Swami
Shri
Haridas
Swami
Shri
Hari
Das
On
this day 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, starting the
tradition of and initiating his disciples into rasopasna bhakti. He
is also known as Adya Acharya of Raas Leela tradition.
Lord
Krishna
Braids
Shri
Radha's
Hair
Nidhivan
as
well
as
the
Banke
Bihari
temple
are
beautifully
decorated
with
flowers,
flags
and
buntings.
In
the
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
lila
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
kirtan
mandalis.
Goswamis
participate
in
a
group
singing
devotional
songs,
celebrating
the
birth
of
Swami
Haridas
in
a
style
known
as
samaj
gayan.
Many
gifts
such
as
the
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
|'
2nd
September,
2014:
Maharshi
Dadhichi
Jayanti
Sage
Dadichi
It
is is dedicated to Sage Dadhichi an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and
a descendent of Sage Angira. Sage Dadhichi 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.
5th
September,
2014:
Padma
Ekadashi
Vrata
Lord
Vishnu
Lord
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'.
Lord
Brahma replied,'It is known as Asadha Shukla Ekadasi and fasting on
this day purifies one of all sins and fulfils one's 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
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.”
6th
September,
2014:
Vamana
Jayanti
The
Vamana Incarnation
Vamana
Jayanthi is the appearance day of Lord Vamana, the fifth and 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 main reason why
Vamana sent Bali to Pathala Loka.
6th
September,
2014:
Shani
Pradosh
Vrata
Lord Shiva
Is
an auspicious fast dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is observed on the
thirteenth day of every fortnight (Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha)
in the Hindu calendar. Shivalinga puja at the time of pradosha time
and fasting are the main rituals of Pradosham.
In
all Pradosha vratas, Shani Pradosha which falls on a Saturday and
Soma Pradosham which falls on a Monday are important days.
8th
September,
2014:
Anant
Chaudas
Lord
Vishnu 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 brahmin Sumantu. Once at night she saw a numbr 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
Anant Chaudas large processions are taken out and idols of Lord
Ganesha are immersed in water.Brilliantly crafted idols of Ganesha
have been 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
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. This Purnima marks the
beginning of the Pitrupaksha . The next fifteen days are dedicated to
observing rituals and rites for dead ancestors, parents and
relatives. Some communities start the Shradh rituals from the Purnima
day.
8th
September,
2014:
Manohar
Baba's
Punya
Tithi
Shri
Manohar Dasji
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 the Nimar district of Madhya Pradesh, has the honour
of being his birthplace. His father was the family priest of Rani
Ahilyabai and was 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.
Shri Balkrishna Dasji Maharaj
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 I am eternally grateful to her for this noble act.
8th
September
to
24th
September,
2014:
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
a
person's
death
as
per
the
Hindu
Calendar
during
the
dark
fortnight
called
Pitru
Paksha
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.
12th
September,
2014:
Shri
Ganesh
Chaturthi
Vrata
Lord Ganesha
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.
19th
September,
2014:
Indira
Ekadashi
Vrata
Lord
Vishnu
The
Ekadashi of Ashwin Krishna Paksha is called the Indira Ekadashi. On,
this day, Shaligramji is worshipped and a fast is kept which expiates
all sin. It is believed that this fast grants salvation to soul of
ancestors who went to 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:
Sage Narada
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 Narada came there, the
king stood up immediately and welcomed him with ardhya.
Narada
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 Narada.
21st
September,
2014:
Bhaanu
Vaara
Pradosha:
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 (13th lunar day falling in Krishna and Shukla
Pakshas) in the evening.
When
the Pradosh Vrat falls on a Sunday, it is known as Bhaanu Vaara
Pradosha. If Pradosh Vrat falls on this day and is observed by the
devotees, it results in attaining peace and longevity.
24th
September,2014:Sarvapitra
Shradh
/
Pitra
Visarjan
Amavasya
(amavasya
tithi
begins
on
09:45
am
on
23/Sep/2014
and
ends
at
11:44am
on
24/Sep/2014)
Sarva
Pitra Shradh
Sarva
Pitra Shradh is observed on the Amavasya (new moon day) of Ashwin
Krishna. If Shardh has been missed or someone’s Shradh tithi (date)
is unknown, Shradh can be done on the same day. In the evening,poori
(fried bread) and special dishes (Kheer, Halwa etc.) are kept on the
door so that our pitras or ancestors do not go back hungry, similarly
lighting signifies brightening the way of ancestors.
Ashwini
Amawasya is also called Pitra Visarjan. By a feast and donating to
the brahmans, ancestors are being satisfied on this day. It is a
belief that at the time of Visarjan ancestors blessed their sons.
25th
September,
2014:Shardiya
Navratris
Begin
Goddess
Durga
In
Hindu mythology Durga is Shakti, the divine feminine energy. The
Goddess’s triump over Mahishasur, the buffalo demon symbolizes the
victory of good over evil. These nine days are solely devoted to
propitiation of the Mother Goddess or Shakti Incarnate.
28Th
September,
2014:
Vinayak
Chaturthi
Vrata
Lord
Ganesha Being Blessed by Shiva & Parvati
According
to Hindu scriptures Chaturthi Tithi(s) belongs to Lord Ganesha. The
Chaturthi after Amavasya or new moon during Shukla Paksha is known as
Vinayaka Chaturthi.
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 home, to
offer prayers to the deity.
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, 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.
29th
September,
2014:
Upang
Lalita
Vrata
Goddess Lalita
Lalita Panchami is a fasting day for Goddess Lalita and also known as Upang Lalita Vrat. Upang Lalita Vrat is observed on the fifth day of Sharad Navratri. Goddess Lalita is also known as Tripura Sundari and Shodashi, and is one of the 10 Mahavidhyas.
Very nice,itani information aur kitani sunder pics ke saath,Amazing!!
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot.