! Aadi Deva namasthubhyam Praseeda mama 

                               Bhaskara Diwakara namasthubhyam Prabhakara namosthuthe!!

Ratha Sapthami is a highly auspicious festival dedicated to Sun God. In Hindu religion it is observed as a festival across the country falling on the seventh day of Magha Masa sukla paksha. Generally it occurs during the months of January-February. This day is also known as Surya Jayanthi, the day on which Sun is supposed to have taken birth to Aditi and sage Kasyapa. Sun centric events falls continuously during Pushya and Magha Masam including Dhanurmasam, starting with Vaikunta Ekadasi and ending with Ratha Sapthami. Worshipping Sun God during this period is very sacred and celestial.

Significance of Ratha Sapthami :

Ratha means chariot. Sapthami is a thithi in a lunar month falling on the 7th day of both sukla and Krishna paksha. At the time of division of constellations each day or thithi is attributed to one deity/God. In the process Sapthami thithi was allotted to Sun God and hence it is his favourite day.

On this day of Ratha Sapthami, Northern movement of the Sun God is supposed to take definite effect after he commenced his journey towards Northern hemisphere entering Makara Raasi on Makara Sankramana Day. Traditionally it is regarded as the day on which the chariot of the Sun God is diverted towards the north by his charioteer called Aruna. On this day it is believed that Sun God ride on his chariot drawn by seven horses and move toward north east direction bringing the entry of spring season.

 It is also believed and said that the chariot of Sun has only one wheel that represents kalachakra and the seven horses represent seven colours of light (VIBGYOR). It is also believed that the seven horses represent seven days in the week starting from Sunday the day dedicated to Sun God. The entire kala-chakra, or wheel of time, is established on the wheel of the sun-god’s chariot. This wheel is known as Samvatsara. He is the lord of Leo in the Zodiac. He stays one month in each Raasi and takes 365 days or 12 months to complete a round of 12 Rasis. Following sloka from Suryaastakam describes the above.

                                       Sapthaaswaratha maroodam prachandam kasyapathmajam

                                      Swethapadmadharam devam tham suryam pranamamyaham

                                         Bandhooka pushpasankasam harakundala bhushitham

                                        Ekachakradharam devam tham suryam pranamamyaham

On this day worshipping Sun is very sacred, celestial and highly beneficial. He is the God, a living God, Aadi dhaivam, Sanatana, whom everyone can see, perceive and pray. Though he is visible, he also has been presented in a variety of forms. He is the divine light, life-giver and time-giver. The Vedas adore him as a witness of all actions (Karma Sakshi). He is said to be Trimurthi swaroopa.

                                            Brahmaswaroopo udaye madhyahnethu Maheswaraha

                                             Asthakale swayam VishnuH Trayimoorthi Diwakaraha

Lord Vishnu in his form as Surya Narayana is worshipped on this day.

                                               VihaayasagatirjyotiH suruchirhutabhug vibhuh

                                                Ravirvilochanah suryah savitaa ravilochanah

Above shloka from Sri Vishnu Sashasra Nama (sloka 94) describe Lord SrimanNarayana as the Sun God. Purusha Sooktha also describes Sun as born from the eyes of Lord SrimanNarayana (Chaksho! Suryo Ajayatha) and is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu. Sun God is called by several other names. Popularly as Surya, Aaditya, Mitra, Ravi, Savita, Arka, Bhaskara, Marichi, Diwakara, Bhanu, Vivasvatha.

Sun is said to be the seventh Manuvu in whose name the present Manvanthara is being called as Vaivaswatha Manvanthara the period in which we are living now. Lot of importance and significance is given to Sun worship during this Manvanthara. Irrespective of the caste and creed all walks of people worship him as Pratyaksha Dhaivam.

Mythological scripts say that Sun God was worshipped by Lord Sri Rama before going to kill Ravana. Yuddhistira got the Akshaya bowl after worshipping Sun. Kunti Devi mother of Pandavas worshipped Lord Sun before giving birth to Karna. Sathrajith was blessed with syamanthaka Mani after worshipping Sun God. Sambha son of Lord Sri Krishna and Jambavathi got rid of his Leprosy after worshipping Sun. It is said that Sun was the guru to Lord Hanuman who has learnt Nava vyakarana from Sun. Bhishma Pitamaha of Mahabharatha fame waited for this day and had his last breath on the day after Ratha Sapthami called Bheeshmaastami.

Traditions & Beliefs on this Day

Bath with Arka Leaves: It is an age old custom and tradition that people on this day take special bath with seven Arka leaves by keeping one on the head, two on the shoulders, two on the knees and two on the feet. Arka is commonly called as Jilledu in Telugu, Ekka in Kannada, Erukku in Tamil, and Calotrope (bowstring hemp) in English. During the bath following sloka is chanted.

                                  Yadhyajanma kritham papam maya sapthasu janmasu

                                 Thanme rogancha sokancha makari hanthu sapthami!!  

                                 Yetatjanmakritham papam yachha janmanthararjitham

                          Mano vakkayajam yachha gnathagnathancha yathpunaha Ithi  

                                   Sapthavidham papam snaname saptha sapthake

                                   Sapthavyadhi samayuktham hara makari sapthami

Arghyam is given to Sun God on this day with the following sloka

                                 Saptha sapthi vaha preetha sapthaloka pradeepana

                                 Sapthami sahito deva gruhanargyam Diwakara

Some people even take bath in sacred rivers. It is believed that a bath on this day by using Arka leaves one will get rid of his/her sins coming from previous seven births. Those who do not have parents should also give Thila Tarpana to their fore fathers (Dwadasa Pitru) on this day.

Hindu religion considers Sun as an important God to be worshipped. Several Vedic verses on Sun are incorporated into the Nitya Vidhi (mandatory daily routine) like sandhya vandana, surya namaskara, Gayathri japa, surya arghya.

Sun is called as Namaskara Priya. He blesses the devotees who offer him a simple namaskara with all sincerity and devotion. That is how the Surya Namaskara a yogic prakriya related to Sun has become very popular.

Sun worship is prevailing and being followed since time immemorial. Some of the useful prayers related to Sun are Suryaastakam, Aaditya Hridayam, Gayathri, Surya Sahasranama etc. Generally Sun worship will be very effective if it is done within one hour from Sun rise. Worship of this devatha on Sunday is supposed to bring in manifold benefits to the worshippers Phala sruthi of Sun related sthothras says that Sun worship is Navagraha peeda pariharam, bestows progeny for the childless, helps in coming out of poverty, cures illness and gets rid of health problems haunting for the past seven births. Like Lord SriMann Narayana is the giver of Moksha, Sun God is said to be giver of Health. (Arogyam Bhaskaraddhicheth). On this day people prepare kheer with beaten rice or avalakki (Tandulam) and offer as nivedana to Sun God.

In South India it is a tradition people draw with rangoli (colours) on the ground in front of their houses a picture of chariot and seven horses a symbolic reference to Ratha Sapthami and cow dung is burnt in centre of it. On the fire obtained they boil milk and offer it to Sun God. The ritual may vary from region to region. Some people also observe fasting on this day and or observe mouna vratham.

Charity:

Charity on this day will yield manifold benefits. Usually Kushmanda Dana (pumpkin) is said to be very sacred on this occasion. Since it happens in Magha Masa as per the Masa Dharma Thila Dana, Thila Paathra Dana, Salagrama Dana, Vasthra Dana, Blankets, Umbrella, Amalakki, (Amla) are all very sacred on this day.

Significance of Arka Leaf & Ratha Sapthami

In Hindu religion since Vedic days certain plants are associated with certain deities in performing rituals. Like Thulasi with Lord Maha Vishnu, Bilva with Lord Shiva, Durva (Garike) with Lord Maha Ganapathi. Similarly Arka plant leaf is associated with Sun God and since Ratha Sapthami is a Sun Centric festival its usage on this day has gained significance.

Arka is a Sanskrit word. Arka means a ray, a flash of lightning. It is believed that Sun God’s chariot is in perfect square shape and his shoulders are also in square shape (four angles). Configuration of arka dala also appears in perfect angle with one pair of leaves exactly opposite to the other and it is believed that Arka leaves represent the shoulders and chariot of Sun God.

The name Arka is also related to Konark a place dedicated to Sun God in Orissa state. It is called as Arka Kshetra. There is a world famous Sun temple at Konark that attracts tourists from all over the world. Konark is a confluence of two words Kona and Arka = Konarka. Kona mean angle and Arka means Sun God. Konark means corner of the Sun dedicated to Sun God. Arka plant has very good medicinal value in Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is said that Arka is used in curing skin diseases, leprosy, tumors, joint pains, wounds etc., It is called as a healing herb like Sun God as a healer.

Arka leaf is also used in the worship of Lord Maha Ganapathi (Arka Maha Ganapathi), and Lord Hanuman. The stem of the Arka tree is also used as a samidha while performing Homa/yagna.

Celebrations at Temples :

Special celebrations are held in Sun temples on this occasion at Konark (Orissa), Arasavelli (Srikakulam dt.Andhra Pradesh). This festival is also celebrated in all Vaishnavite temples especially at Tirumala and Sri Rangam. Suryanar Koil near Kumbhakonam is also very popular and dedicated to Sun God. In Tiruchanoor (Tirupathi) in the temple complex of Goddess Padmavathi there is a Sun temple. In Tirumala Hills Lord Venkateswara along with his consorts (utsava murthy) is taken out in procession seven times on this day starting from dawn as a part of the Ratha Sapthami celebrations. To write about Sun God one attempt is not adequate. Please look forward for my future posts for astrological and other significances related to Sun ! Aadityam JagadeesaMachyuthaMajam Thrylokyachoodamanim Bahkthabheestavarapradham dinamanim Marthandamaadhyam subham!! May! Sun God – Sri Surya Narayana bestow on all good health, peace and prosperity.

Written by Bhargava Sharma

He is also referred to by other names like Vighneshwara the Lord of Vignas (obstacles), Gajaanana the one who has the face of an Elephant, Ekadantha the one who has only one tusk etc. Looked upon as a Brahmachari people also believe Siddhi and Buddhi as his consorts but in fact they are his two energies, wisdom and success. Lord Ganesha is the bestower of intelligence and discriminative knowledge (Buddhi) and success (Siddhi). He is the one who has shown to the world the significance of parents by taking a circumambulation around his parents Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi that bestowed him the position of Ganaadhipathya, the Lordship over the Ganas. Sri Ganapathi is not only the Lord of learning, intellect and wisdom but also the controller of obstacles and destroyer of miseries of his devotees. 

Vedic & Pouranic reference: 

While several scripts are said to have made reference to Lord Ganesha, specific scripts viz. Sri Ganesha Purana, Mudgala Purana (both Upa Puranas) and Sri Ganesha Atharvaseersham considered as Ganesha Upanishad are exclusively dedicated to Lord Ganapathi. These scripts have eulogized the glory and significance of Lord Sri Ganesha. 

We find a reference to Lord Ganapathi from the popular Vedic sloka Ganaanaam Twaam Ganapathi Gam Havaamahey… that is said to be from Rig-Veda. He is eulogized as Jyesta Rajam, that means He is the greatest among the greats and an elderly God. Lord Sri Ganapathi is said to be an embodiment and personification of Omkaram (Pranava Swaroopam) which is primordial to all the Veda Manthras. There is also a separate Gayathri for Lord Ganesha who also has Sahasranama sthothram. Popular sloka Suklaambaradharam Vishnum… that is compulsorily recited before commencement of any Vedic ritual assume Lord Ganesha as a form of Lord Vishnu who is omnipresent. Sankata Nashana Ganapathi Sthothram from Narada Purana said to have been composed by Sage Narada is a very popular prayer dedicated to Lord Ganesha. 

Lord Ganapathi is not only worshipped by human beings but also by all the Deities including the Trinal Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. Lord Vishnu is said to have worshipped Lord Ganesha and obtained Siddhi during the course of killing the demons Madhu and Khaitabha. In the process, He (Lord Vishnu) is said to have performed penance and consecrated a Salagrama idol of Lord Ganesha at a place currently known as Siddhatek near Pune in Maharastra on the banks of holy river Bheema. This place is known as Siddhi Vinayaka Kshethra where, a famous Ashta Vinayaka temple has come up attracting thousands of pilgrims through out the year. Like this, the legends behind these eight temples of Lord Ganesha (Ashta Vinayaka temples) are standing as testimony to the glory and significance of Lord Maha Ganapathi since yore. 

Lord Ganesha is also said to have played a significant role behind the origin of famous temple of Lord Shiva at Gokarna (Aatma Linga Kshetra) and that of Lord Sri Ranganatha Swamy at Sri Rangam (Anthya Ranga Kshethra) near Trichy. Though the famous epic Sri Maha Bharatha was composed by Lord Veda Vyasa, it is said that He had invoked the help of Lord Ganesha in scripting the same who did it with one of his tusks. Like this, reference to several legends of Lord Vinayaka are said to be available in other Pouranic scripts like Shiva Purana, Skhanda Purana, Brahma Vaivartha Purana apart from Sri Ganesha Purana and Mudgala Purana. 

Origin of Lord Ganapathi: 

There are several legends attached to the origin of Lord Ganapathi. Though as per the popular legend Lord Ganesha is said to be the creation of Goddess Parvathi Devi (Aadi Shakti) the presence of Lord Ganapathi is felt in all the Yugas since time immemorial. He is known by different names in different Yugas. Lord Ganapathi has taken four different forms in four Yugas. In Krita Yuga he was known as Mahotkata Ganapathi having 10 arms riding on a Lion. In Treta Yuga he was white-coloured, eight-armed and was known as Mayura Ganapathi riding on Peacock. In Dwapara Yuga he was red-coloured, manifested from the clay on the body of Goddess Parvathi riding on a mouse (Mooshika vahana) and chaturbhuja with four arms known as Gajaanana Ganapathi. In Kali Yuga he is known as Dhoomrakethu Ganapathi. 

Ganesha Worship: 

Like Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakthi, Lord Ganesha also has a sect of followers in Hindu religion who are known as Ganapathyas who worship Lord Ganapathi as the Supreme God. They follow a unique sampradaya in the worship of Lord Ganesha. While daily worship of Lord Ganesha is prescribed and prevalent in Hindu philosophy, He is exclusively worshipped on two specific days in the Hindu Lunar calendar. They are, on the fourth day of the dark fortnight (Chaturthi) known as Sankasta Chaturthi that occurs in every lunar month and on the fourth day of the bright fortnight in the lunar month of Bhadrapada Masam that is known as Sri Ganesha Chaturthi. Apart from this, worship of Lord Ganesha in the form of prayer, pooja or homa is done before commencement of any religious functions like Marriage or Gruha Pravesam etc. Worship of Lord Ganesha is prevalent in Hindu religion as a popular astro remedy for various astrological problems. Tuesday is considered as the favourite day for worshiping Lord Ganesha or for performing Ganapathi Homam. 

Ganesha worship is simple with multiple merits. He is fond of Garike (Dhoorva Grass) in his worship. It is said and believed that worship of Lord Ganapathi without Garike is useless. Lord Ganesha is known as Naivedya Priya having penchant for devotees’ offerings. In Naivedya (offerings) Lord Ganesha is fond of a sweet dish known as Modaka. He is known as Kshipra Ganapathi the one who grants wishes of his devotees very quickly. Swastik mark is considered as the auspicious symbol of Lord Ganesha that we find exhibited in houses, shops and establishments. People also exhibit the image or photo of Subha Drishti Ganapathi in front of their houses or shops and establishments to ward off any evil influences. 

Significance of Ganesha Chaturthi: 

Chaturthi is the fourth day in lunar calendar that occurs twice in a lunar month and Lord Ganesha is fond of this day (Chaturthee Poojana Preethaha) and is the presiding Deity of Chaturthi thithi. But every Chaturthi is not celebrated as Ganesha Chaturthi. It is only the Chaturthi day falling in the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada masam that is observed as Ganesha Chaturthi. Availability of Chaturthi thithi spread beyond noon is prevailed upon for observance of the festival. Lord Ganesha is specially worshipped on this day by observing a vrata known as Siddhi Vinayaka Vratham. There are several legends behind this Sri Vinayaka Vratham like, the story of Gajasura, Mooshikaasura, Goddess Parvathi Devi, Lord Subramanya, Chandra the Moon God and the story of Syamanthaka Mani etc. It is believed and said as per scripts that, it was on this day the incarnation of Lord Ganesha took place. It was on this day Goddess Parvathi Devi (consort of Lord Shiva) created a doll from the paste on her body while taking bath and offered life to it that got manifested into Sri Vinayaka. It is said that the incarnation of Lord Ganesha took place in the constellation of Hastha. Irrespective of the caste and creed people from all walks of life in Hindu religion worship Lord Ganesha on this day. This day is celebrated as the birth day of Lord Ganesha. 

Ganesha Chaturthi & Syamanthakhopaakhyanam: 

On one of the occasions of Sri Ganesha Chaturthi, Chandra the Moon God’s behavior with Lord Sri Ganesha was unbecoming that led to the annoyance of Goddess Parvathi Devi who cursed Moon. The impact of the curse was that whoever looks at the Moon will earn ill-repute. This has resulted in whoever looking at the Moon started facing false allegations and ill-repute. Subsequently the curse was relaxed to not looking at the Moon only on the day of Bhadrapada Sukla Chaturthi that is on the day of Sri Ganesha Chaturthi. 

Incidentally it so happened that during Dwapara Yuga, Lord Sri Krishna had to face false allegations of having stolen the precious jewel named Syamanthaka Mani owned by Sathrajit. In order to wipe out the false allegations made against Him, Lord Sri Krishna himself had to personally search for the precious jewel. During the course of his hunt for the jewel Lord Sri Krishna had to fight with Jaambavantha and finally retrieved the jewel from him and handed over the same to Sathrajit. Thus, Lord Sri Krishna got rid of the false allegations made against Him. In the process He also married Jambavathi Devi and also Sathyabhama Devi. 

This story of Syamanthaka Mani known as Syamanthakhopaakhyanam is from the 10th canto of Sri Madbhagavatham. It is compulsorily read on the day of Sri Ganesha Chaturthi festival by everyone. It is believed that, if any one accidentally looks at the Moon on the day of Sri Ganesha Chaturthi festival will get freed from the curse, if he reads or listens to the story of Syamanthakhopaakhyanam and will also be blessed by Lord Sri Ganesha. 

Ganesha is a household name among the Hindu families and we find parents naming their children with the names of Lord Ganesha viz. Vinayaka, Ganapathi, Ganesha, etc. Without His invocation no religious or non-religious function begins, without His homa/ritual no remedy is complete, without singing or playing His keerthana no music concert begins, without His prayer a child is not inducted into education. One should understand properly the significance of Lord Ganapathi and his form and worship him for a hassle free life and achievement of success in endeavors. 

GANESHA – SYMBOLISM

Generally, we find Lord Ganesha depicted as a dwarf and fatty figure with pot belly, elephant head, large ears, small eyes, long nose, mouse as vehicle. From an artistic angle this figure is most enchanting and blissful. But behind this artistic symbolism, hidden is a philosophy, a moral, a management principle and a lesson for every body to learn in life. One should understand properly the significance of Lord Ganesha and his form and worship him for a hassle free life and achievement of success in endeavors.

Ganesha Symbolism – What does it indicates?

Big Head: Simple living and high thinking. It depicts wisdom, knowledge (intelligence), discrimination, clear planning and foresightedness.

Big Ears: Listening is an art. A good listener is a good Manager (principle of lend your ear but be discriminative).

Small mouth: Talk less and work more.

Small eyes: Stay focused. Have bird’s view but not worm’s view. Be ever alert and conscious of surroundings.

Long nose and curved trunk: There is no straight path to success. Be flexible and adaptable. Long nose also indicates the reach.

Large Stomach: Ability to digest, Acceptability (accept both good and bad in life). Ganesha’s large stomach is a treasure of Vedic knowledge.

Axe in the hand: Exercise proper controls in the path to success.

Mouse: Mouse symbolizes the egoism which unless under control can cause havoc. Egoism is nothing but ignorance (darkness). You ride the ego and don’t allow it to over ride you. Always keep desires under check. Mouse also symbolizes that nothing is insignificant in this universe. What is important is one should know how to utilize them effectively. Don’t ignore small. Size makes no difference. The mouse also symbolizes the darkness of night. The mouse can see well in the dark. As Vinayaka’s vehicle the mouse signifies an object that leads man from darkness to light.

Common sense and Problem solving skills: Using one of his tusks when his quill got broken while scripting Mahabharatha

Wisdom: Treating parents as God (Mathru Devo Bhavah – Pitru Devo Bhavah)

Communication: Communication gap is a distance between two ears. Ganesha was chosen by Lord Veda Vyasa to script the great Epic Mahabharatha. Ganesha was an effective communicator.

Strategic Management and timely decision making: Deciding to take Pradakshina around his parents during his competition with Lord Karthikeya.

Adaptability & Opportunities from Constraints: With small feet, pot belly, mouse as vehicle etc… Ganesha never ran away from constraints & obstacles. He adapted well to the circumstances. With his common sense and wisdom converted his constraints into opportunities without any egos and went on to become the Chief Lord of Ganas (Ganapathi).

Role model: Elephant shows the path in the forest which is full of obstacles and constraints.

Thus, Ganesha’s form and worship conveys so many messages including philosophical, health consciousness, environmental protection, adaptability to the nature, management principles. Lord Ganesha is a leader acceptable to all, a leader who is a role model, a path maker and is the one who is there when needed.
Lord Ganesha is also called as Kshipra Prasada Ganapathi. The one who quickly grant wishes and comes to the rescue of his devotees who sincerely offer him prayers.

Ganesha signifies the triumph of wisdom over ignorance and of ego-lessness over desires. Ultimate reward is only through sadhana that is Modaka in the hands of Ganesha. Thus, the body of Ganesha is an embodiment of wisdom and a visible representation of the highest reality. 

Customs and traditions of Sri Ganesha Chaturthi festival:

Before performing pooja to the idol, pooja is performed to Haridra Ganapathi (made from turmeric powder)

The idol (pratima) of Ganapathi brought for pooja should preferably be made with natural clay and should not be defective with cracks and should have all the features.

Main idol for pooja is installed on an elevated structure (mantapa) or on a wooden platform by drawing a Swastik or Ashtadala Padma symbol with rice.

Ekavimshati Pathra pooja with 21 different varieties of plant leaves and Garike (Durva Grass) is unique in Ganesha pooja.

On the previous day of Ganesha Chaturthi festival, people perform Swarna Gouri Vratha worshipping Goddess Parvathi Devi the Divine mother of Lord Ganesha. Some times both the festivals fall on the same day. Gowri Devi’s idol is also kept by the side of Lord Ganesha during the festival. This we observe generally in Maharastra and Karnataka states.

Succeeding day of Ganesha Chaturthi is known as Rishi Panchami (Bhadrapada Sukla Panchami) a Vratha (austerity) exclusively meant to be observed by women who worship Saptha Rishis on this day.

Towards offerings (Naivedya) we find people presenting Lord Ganesha with unique sweet dishes viz. Modaka (prepared from wheat flour and jaggery) that generally is fried in oil or steam cooked. Apart from this an item called Undraallu (small sweet balls) is also offered. These items are offered in 21 numbers. Fruits like Wood Apple, Guava fruit, Custard Apple, Pomegranate, Bananas etc. are offered to Lord Ganesha on this day.

Generally Tulasi leaves are not used in the worship of Lord Ganesha. But, as an exception it is offered on the day of Sri Ganesha Chaturthi festival.

At Sri Ganesha temples across the country special pooja and rituals are held on the day of Sri Ganesha Chaturthi. At some places Ganesha Homa is also performed on this day.

We find people performing sit ups with crossed hands holding their ears (known as Gunjillu in Telugu) while performing Namaskara as a mark of obeisance to Lord Ganesha.

On the day of Ganesha Chaturthi people avoid looking at the Moon.

There is a tradition to perform the festival for nine days known as Ganesha Navarathri and on the 10th day the idol is taken out in big procession and immersed in water.

The tradition of celebrating Sri Ganesha festival in public was started by Late Sri Bala Gangadhara Thilak in 1893.

Nowadays we find people performing Sri Ganesha Chaturthi festival on a mass scale by forming local committees and install large sized Ganesha idols in different shapes and forms at different place in the city/town.

These large sized idols are generally made up of Plaster of Paris and chemical paints that have an impact on environmental pollution .

Ganesha festival is celebrated across the country with big fan fare and religious gaiety more so in the states of Maharastra, Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Cultural programs are arranged on this occasion for ten days with varieties of entertainment.

It is a very big festival in cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad. At Hyderabad every year the Ganesha idol installed in public place at Khairatabad is considered to be the tallest idol in the country.

After performing pooja as prescribed Ganesha nimajjana (immersing the idol in water) is made as far as possible on the same day if not on the next day. We find people performing Ganesha nimajjana in tanks, rivers or sea wherever available. In some families there is a tradition to keep the Ganesha idol for 3/5/7 days before being immersed. Ganesha idols installed in public places are generally immersed on the 10th day.

At some places the Ganesha idols are retained till completion of Devi Navarathri (Durga Pooja) and immerse the same along with Devi Durga idols on completion of Navarathri festival.

Ganesha Nimajjana is a very big event in cities like Hyderabad, Pune and Mumbai and this will last for more than a day where all the Ganesha idols kept in public places are taken out in procession for immersing in water. It becomes a hectic task for the local administration to control the proceedings and also the water in the tanks or rivers becomes polluted having environmental impact.

Celebrations of Ganesha Chaturthi festival are held not only India but also abroad in countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and South East Asiatic countries. 

GANESHA CHATURTHI Significance of Ekavimshati Pathra Pooja:

On the day of Ganesha Chaturthi festival, there is a tradition of worshipping Lord Ganesha with 21 different varieties of leaves known as Ekavimshati Pathra Pooja. Ekavimshati is a Sanskrit word meaning 21. What is the significance of this number 21 and the specific variety of leaf (Pathra) used in the pooja? Since Vedic times, usage of sacred leaves and roots/stems/herbs of sacred trees is in vogue while performing any Homa/Yagna or any sacred ritual. Apart from spiritual significance there is also an element of health consciousness and environmental protection involved in its usage. Even today these leaves/herbs are used in preparing Ayurvedic medicines used for curing several diseases. Apart from this they act as a Divine way of controlling pollution, be it water or air.

For example Ganesha Chaturthi festival occurs during monsoon season when the climate is generally not suitable for health. People suffer from various viral infections and water born diseases during this period. There will be lot of water pollution also due to rains and floods during monsoon. After the Ganesha festival, the worshipped Ganesha idols along with the pooja leaves (Pathra) are immersed (Nimajjana) in water (rivers/canals/lakes/sea). These leaves when they are thrown in to water it helps in purifying the water with its medicinal properties. When these idols are made up of natural clay (mud/soil) they get dissolved very easily in water and also cleanse the water without causing any pollution.

Instead, what is happening today is, we find people using idols made up of Plaster of Paris coated with colours (enamel paints). These idols generally take lot of time to get dissolved and in the process water gets polluted with mixing of chemicals and paints used for the idols. Moreover, they are harmful even to the living beings inside the water. Hence, from the environmental angle as well as health point of view it is suggested to use only idols made up of natural clay which are eco friendly.

Significance of # 21 in Ganesha Pooja:

The significance of # 21 stands for five organs of perception (Gnanendriyas) + five organs of action (Karmendriyas) + five Pancha Pranas (Vital airs) + five elements (Pancha Bhoothas) + the Mind, add up to 21.

Now, let us see what these 21 varieties of leaves (Pathra) used in Ganesha festival stands for and their medicinal value.

Maachi Pathram (Artemisia vulgaris/Imperata Cylindrica) – They have the property of purifying the surrounding. They are used for curing skin diseases (leprosy, leucoderma), nervous diseases, and abdominal related.

Bruhathee Pathram (Solanum indicum/Carisssa Carandass) – Used for asthma, cough, constipation. Also used for women in post natal period

Bilva Pathram (Aegle marmeolus) – Used for Dysentery. It also purifies water. Bilva leaf is very popular in the worship of Lord Shiva.

Durva Pathram (Cyanodon dactylon/Cyanodon Dacry) – It is used for Skin diseases, arresting bleeding, anemia. Durva leaf is used in the worship of Lord Ganesha. It is also called as Garike.

Dattura Pathram (Stramonium) – Used for joint pains, abdominal, skin diseases, hair fall. Also used in poisonous bites

Badari Pathram (Zizipus Jujube) – Used for digestive disorders, wounds and injuries, blood impurities. Also used for maintaining the voice. Badari Kshetra is known after these trees as they are in abundance in Badari. Lord Veda Vyasa is also called as Badarayana named after the forest of Badari trees which is said to be the hermitage of Lord Veda Vyasa.

Apamarga Pathram (Achyranthus Aspera) – Used for digestive disorders and also used for poisonous bites.

Thulasi Pathram (Ocimum sanctum) – Used for respiratory diseases, skin diseases, purifies air, water and surroundings. This is a common house hold plant which is considered to be very sacred and celestial. The leaves are used in the worship of Lord Vishnu who is very much fond of Thulasi.

Chootha Pathram (Azadarcata indica/ Mangifera indica) – Used in Diabetics, for cracked heals, diseases of throat.

Karaveera Pathram (Thevetia Nerifolium/Nerium indicum) – Used for leprosy, wounds and injuries, hair fall, lice.

Vishnu Krantha Pathram (Evolvulus Aisinoides/Convolvulus pluricaucis) – Used for Nervous related, memory power

Daadimi Pathram (Punica granatum) – Used for Dysentery, Vata/Pitta/Kapha dosha

Devdaru Pathram (Cedrus deodar) – Used for skin diseases, wounds/injuries

Maruvaka Pathram (Origanum Valgara/Origanum majoram) – Used for Joint pains, skin diseases, heart diseases

Sindhudara Pathram (Vitex nirgundo) – Used for Vaata related problems and also used in anti poisonous drugs.

Jajee Pathram (Jasminum grandiflorum/Myristica Fragrams) – Used for skin diseases, Mouth related problems and also in indigestion.

Gandaki Pathram (Sterculia Urens/Latha Durva) – Used for Heart related, Piles, Skin diseases.

Shami Pathram (Prosopis specigera) – It is used for respiratory problems. This tree acquired lot of significance from Pancha Pandavas who had kept their weapons on this tree during their Agnathavasa. This tree is also worshipped as a remedy and we find people taking pradakshina around this tree on the day of Vijaya Dasami.

Aswattha Pathram (Ficus religiosa) – Its bark is used in preparation of many medicines. It is also used for arresting bleeding. The significance and importance of this tree is so much that it is considered as Trimurthi (Trinity) swaroopa (Trinal Lords, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva). We find people performing Naga Devatha Pratishta under this tree.

Arjuna Pathram (Morinda Tinctoria/Terminelia Arjuna) – Used for Joint pains, Vata/Pitta/Kapha related, heart diseases, wounds and septic conditions

Arka Pathram (Calotropis Procera) – It is used in poisonous bites, wounds and injuries, curing skin diseases, leprosy, tumors, joint pains, etc… It is said that it has 64 varieties of medicinal usage. It is called as a healing herb. We find usage of this leaf on the day of Ratha Sapthami. It is associated with the worship of Sun God, Lord Hanuman and also Lord Ganesha.

While usage of these leaves has proven medicinal value, it is suggested to use them only under Medical advice.

Usage of Durva (Garike) in Ganesha Pooja

It is said and believed that usage of Garike has attained lot of significance in the worship/pooja of Lord Ganesha who is very much fond of this item. The legend behind this relates to the curse given by Goddess Parvathi (Consort of Lord Shiva) to Nandeeswara (Mount of Lord Shiva). In order to get rid of the effect of curse, Goddess Parvathi had asked Nandeeswara to shed what is most pleasing to him and offer the same to her son Lord Vinayaka which will please him the most. Thus Durva became most pleasing item to Lord Ganesha. Generally Durva is offered in pooja in odd number (5/7/21)

Thus worshiping of Lord Ganesha with different varieties of leaves is associated with the belief that these medicinal values will reach the human beings either through air or water apart from providing the required sanctity and spirituality.

Slokas on Lord Ganesha:

In Hindu religion worshipping of Lord Ganesha has attained paramount significance since time immemorial. We find His temples in every nook and corner of our country. We all pray to Lord Ganesha and seek His blessings before commencing any ritual or activity. He is considered as the remover of obstacles, giver of wisdom and prosperity. As per Lunar calendar, the festival of Lord Ganesha is celebrated on the fourth day (sukla Chaturthi) of Bhadrapada Masam. Please find below some of the popular slokas on Lord Ganesha.

Ganaanaam Tva GanapathiGam Havaamahey

Kavim KaveenaamUpamasraVastamam

JyeshtaRaajam Brahmanaam Brahmanaspatha

Aanah shrunvannoothibhih Seeda Saadanam

Suklaambaradharam Vishnum
SasiVarnam Chathurbhujam
PrasannaVadanam Dhyaayet
Sarva Vighnopashaanthaye

Vakratunda Mahaakaaya Suryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam KuruMey Deva SarvaKaaryeshu Sarvada

Agajaanana Padmaarkam GajaananaMaharnisham
Anekadantham Bhaktaanaam EkadantamUpaasmahey

Gajaananam Bhootha Ganaadhi Sevitam
Kapitta Jamboophala Saara Bhakshitam
Umaasutam Shoka VinaashaKaaranam
Namaami Vighneshwara PaadaPankajam

Ganesha Shodasa Nama Sthothram

Sumukhaschai Ekadanthascha Kapilo Gajakarnakah
Lambodarascha Vikato Vighnaraajo Ganaadhipah
DhoomaketurGanaadhyakshah Phaalachandro Gajaananah
Vakratunda Soorpakarno Heyrambha Skandapoorvajah
Shodashaitaani Naamaani Yah PatethSrunuyaadapi
Vidyaarambhe Vivahe Cha Praveshey Nirgamey Tatah
Sangraamey Sarva Kaaryeshu VighnasTasya Na Jaayathe

Ganesha Gayathri

Tatpurushaaya Vidmahe
Vakratundaaya Dheemahee
Thanno Dantih Prachodayaat

Ekadantaaya Vidmahe
Vakratundaaya Dheemahee
Thannoh Dantih Prachodayaat

Sankata Nasana Ganesha Sthothram

(Narada Uvacha!)

Pranamya Sirasa Devam Gauriputram Vinaayakam
Bhakataavaasam Smare Nityam Aayuh Kaamartha Si

 Prathamam Vakratundam Cha Ekadantam Dviteeyakam

Thriteeyam Krishna Pingaaksham Gajavaktram Chaturthaka

Lambodaram Panchamaam Cha Shashtam Vikatameva Cha

Saptamam Vighnaraajendram Dhoomravarnam Tathaashtamam

Navamam Phaalachandram Cha Dasamam Tu Vinaayakam

Ekaadasam Ganapatim Dvaadasam Tu Gajaananam

 Dvaadasaitaani Naamaani Trisandhyam Yah Pathernnarah

Na Cha Vighnabhayam Tasya SarvaSiddhikaram Prabho

 Vidyarthi labhathe vidhyaam Dhanarthi labhathe dhanam,

 Puthrarthi labhathe puthraan Moksharthi labhathe gathim

Japeth Ganapathi sthothram shadbhir masai phalam 

 Samvatsarena sidhim cha labhathe nathra samsaya

    Ashtabhyo Brahmanebhyascha Likihithva yah samarpayeth
  Thasya Vidhya bhaveth sarvaa Ganesasya prasadathah

                                                             (Narada Purana)

 Writer:Sri Bhargava Sarma

Janmaashtami is a very popular Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna the most revered God in this Universe. It is celebrated with all gaiety and religious fervor across the country by one and all irrespective of the caste and creed. As per Hindu lunar calendar it occurs during the auspicious month of Sravana Masam on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight. It is also known as Sri Krishna Jayanthi, Gokulaashtami and Janmaashtami. 

Sri Krishnaavathara took place during the sandhi kala (transit time) in Dwapara Yuga in the 28th Maha Yuga of Vaivaswatha Manvanthara. Lord Sri Krishna considered as the Paripoorna Avathara of Lord Sri ManNarayana, took birth in Chandra Vamsam in Yadu dynasty in the clan of Vrushni. He was born to the noble couple Vasudeva and his consort Devaki Devi as their eighth child. Devaki and Vasudeva in their previous birth had performed severe penance for several thousands of years to have Lord Sri Maha Vishnu as their child for three lives. As a result, Lord Sri ManNarayana took birth as Prusnigarbha in Krutha Yuga to the Divine couple Prusni and Suthapa, as Lord Vamana to the Divine Sage couple Kashyapa and Aditi in Vaamana Avathara and thirdly as Lord Sri Krishna to Devaki and Vasudeva in Sri Krishnaavathara thus, fulfilling the boon given to them. Sri Krishna was born in the prison of his maternal uncle Kamsa and soon after birth He was moved to Gokula by his father Vasudeva carrying him on his head. Before taking birth, He gave darshan to His parents in his original form of Lord Sri ManNarayana and reminding of their lineage and the boon given to them.

Since He was born in Yadu dynasty His clan came to be known as Yaadavas. Being the son of Vasudeva, He is also known as Vaasudeva and Sri Krishna says in Bhagawadgeeta that He is Vaasudeva among the Yadavas. Though born to Devaki and Vasudeva, His foster parents were Nanda and Yashoda and Sri Krishna was brought up in Gokul near Brindavan. Nanda was one of the Ashta Vasus (Drona) in his previous birth and his wife Yashoda was Dhara in her previous birth.

Significance of the word Krishna

Though Sri Krishna was called by several other names like Kesava, Govinda and Damodara etc… He was and is very popular as Krishna. It is said that the name Krishna was suggested by Sage Garga who had earlier meditated on this name before Sri Krishna’s birth. We find Lord Sri Krishna’s name as a last one in 24 Kesava Namas – Sri Krishnaya Namaha. We find reference to the word Krishna in sloka # 7 of Sri Vishnu Sahasra Nama Sthothram (Agraahyah shaashvathah Krishna lohitaakshah pratardanah). The word Krishna is actually pronounced as Krushna or Krshna meaning dark in colour or all attractive. In the word Krushna, Krush refers to everlasting (Saaswatha) and Na refers to Sath swaroopa. Krushna means Sat-Chit-Ananda, complete and blissful happiness. Karshatheethi Krushnah, meaning one, who has the character, capacity and capability of attracting others with his beautiful, charming, delightful, every smiling and fascinating figure. Krishnasthu Swayam Bhagavan – Lord Sri Krishna on several occasions had revealed that He is the Paramatma, the ultimate reality.

Lord Sri Krishna the slayer of all demons, the remover of all obstacles and sole guardian of his countless devotees, guiding them towards salvation by washing away all their accumulated sins. Main purpose of His Avathara was Dusta Sikshana and Sishta Rakshana and to uplift the Dharma. Right from the infant stage Lord Sri Krishna started eliminating the Demonic forces to begin with Poothana. Sri Madbhagavatham considered as the King of all Puranas covers exclusively about Lord Sri Krishna in the10th Canto. Lord Sri Krishna physically lived on this Earth for 125 + years before His niryana took place at Prabhasa Kshethra near Somanath in Gujarat.

Astrological significance

As per astrological estimates it is said that Lord Sri Krishna was born on the 19th day of July 3228 BC about 5200 years ago at Mathura in Uttar Pradesh on the banks of holy river Yamuna. He was born at midnight (00.00 hrs) in the constellation of Rohini (4th charana) in Vrushabha Raasi (Taurus) and it was Ashtami thithi in Bahula Paksha (dark fortnight) as per the lunar calendar. Moon gets exalted in Vrushabha Raasi and is the star Lord for Rohini constellation. Sri Krishna was born in Chandra Vamsam and Moon God is said to be the Paramatma amsa of Lord Sri Krishna. Astrologically Rohini star is considered as a Shanti Nakshatra and the native will have Balaarishta Dosha. Accordingly Lord Sri Krishna had threat to His life till 12th year, during which time He killed several demons. The star Rohini is also considered as malefic to the maternal uncle and accordingly Kamsa the maternal uncle of Lord Sri Krishna got killed at His hands.

Sri Krishna and # 8

Number eight has lot of association with Lord Sri Krishna. He was born as the 8th child of his parents, as the 8th Avathara of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu among the Dasaavatharas, born on the 8th Lunar day Ashtami, and had eight Prime Queens known as Ashta Mahishis. The presiding deity of Ashtami thithi is Lord Shiva and Lord Sri Krishna says in Bhagavat Geeta that He is Shankara among the Ekadasa Rudras. Vaasudeva also means the Lord of Vasus (Ashta Vasus) and Sri Krishna says in Bhagawadgeeta that He is Pavaka among the Ashta Vasus. Sri Krishna further says in Bhagawadgeeta that He is Meru Parvatha (mountain) among the eight great mountains.

Temples of Lord Sri Krishna

There are several temples of Lord Sri Krishna in India and abroad. Among them, some of the very prominent temples are located at Mathura, Brindavan, Dwaraka, Bhet Dwaraka, Dakor (Gujarat), Udupi, Guruvayur, Tiruchanoor (Tirupathi), Puri (Orissa), Nathdwara near Udaipur and Triplicane (Chennai). At Udupi Sri Krishna temple, the idol of Sri Krishna was installed and worshipped by Sri Madhvacharya, the founder of Dvaita Philosophy.

Sri Krishnaavathara has gained unique prominence and significance among the several avatharas of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. It is a Paripoorna Leela Maanusha Avathara. Sri Krishna was and is a towering and multifaceted personality in Hindu philosophy and Epics ever to remain as a role model. His preachings through Bhagawadgeeta is a Divine gift to the mankind which is accepted across the world as a Universal Bible. The story of Lord Sri Krishna never ends. Our capacity to describe him is limited and when our limit is reached we abandon it half way. Worship of Lord Sri Krishna was prevalent right from His avathara days. Best examples are Akrura, Vidura, Kunti Devi, Sudhama (Kuchela), Rukmani Devi etc… It is our ardent duty and highly auspicious to worship Lord Sri Krishna on the day of Janmaashtami and seek the blessing of the Supreme Lord.

Namo Brahmanya Devaaya Gho Braahmana hitaayacha
Jagaddhitaaya krsnaaya Govindaaya namo namaha

Writer: Bhargava Sarama.

Check:http://bhargavasarma.blogspot.com for more valuable articles and information

Deva Sayana Ekadasi is observed on June 29th 2012 (USA) & June 30th  (India & UK) in this year.

Significance of Deva Sayana Ekadasi Vrat or Ashadi Ekadasi Vrat:

The importance of  Deva Sayani Ekadasi was mentioned in Bhavishyottara Puran. Yudhistira, Oldest among Pandava brothers asked about the significance of observing a fast on Shayana Ekadasi. Lord Shri Krishna explained the glory of Sayana Ekadasi Vrat which was told earlier by Lord Brahma to His Son – Sage Narada.

Story related to Deva Sayana Ekadasi:

Sage Angirasa suggested Mandata to observe Ekadasi fasting on Ashada Shukla Ekadasi, which is popular as Deva Sayana Ekadasi. As told by the Sage, King Mandhata observed Deva Sayani Ekadasi Fasting, worshipped Sree Maha Vishnu with utmost devotion and faith.  As a result of Sayana Ekadasi Vrat,  Mandhata’s Kingdom flourished well. There was no further trace of famine in His Kingdom.

It is on this day, Lord Vishnu goes to sleep called as Yoganidra (Though Vishnu goes to sleep, His will is ever active). Since Shree Maha Vishnu rests on a Seven Hooded Cobra called Adi Sesha. So, this Ekasadasi is also referred as Sesha-Sayana-Ekadasi.  It is said that Shree Maha Vishnu goes to sleep for four months; The symbolism of four months is Chaturvidha Purushardhas – Dharma, Ardha, Kama and Moksha.

A unique feature of this Ekadasi is to not make any sankalpam unlike other Ekadasi’s where devotees make sankalpam for material gains like marriage, progeny, wealth, health etc.

The observance of  Sayana Ekadasi is exclusively to get complete grace of Lord Vishnu  without  keeping wish-list in mind. By doing so, one will get rid of sins committed unknowingly.

Special Rituals &  Poojas:

•  The most auspicious Chaturmasya or Chaturmasa Vratam begin from Deva Sayana Ekadasi Day.
• Ashadi Ekadasi marks as a closing ceremony day of Pandharpur Yatra in Maharashtra. 

Vaikunta Ekadashi falls  every year in the Krishna Paksha  Ekadashi that occurs during the Dhanurmasa period in the Hindu calendar in the month December-January. Ekadasi is the eleventh day in both the halves of the lunar month – Shukla Paksha(brighter half) and Krishna Paksha(darker half). Approximately there are as many as 24 Ekadasis in a year. The Ekadasi in Mrugasira Shukla Paksha is known as Vaikunta Ekadasi. Vaikunta is the abode of Lord Vishnu. On this day, thousands of devotees perform special poojas in Vishnu Temples.This year it falls on January 4th or 5th 2012. This is observed with all solemnity in the temples of Lord Vishnu. Please check your local calendars to see if it falls on 4th or 5th 2012.

Vaikunta Ekadashi is of great significance at the Tirupati Balaji Temple and also all other Vishnu temples around the world. The devotees firmly believe that whoever dies on this auspicious day directly goes to the Vaikuntam. They believe that ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ or ‘The Gate to the Heaven‘ gets opened on this day.

During this month Sun transits through Dhannus Rasi. Ancient texts recommend that the mornings in this month are ideal for worship of the Lord Vishnu. People fast during the entire day and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. Gifting a copy of Bhagavad Gita to a deserving person on this day is bestowed profuse blessings by Lord Vishnu.

Orthodox Madhwas in Southern India observe complete fasting on ordinary Ekadashi day. For the devotees of Lord Vishnu, every Ekadashi is a very sacred day. They do not eat any food item prepared out of rice on Ekadashi days.Those who are unable to observe complete fast may take some  fruit and milk. So one may ask why we shouldn’t eat rice, so the story for the same is illustrated below.

One day the sweat  fell down from the head of Brahma assumed the form of a demon and told the Lord, “O Lord! now give me an abode to dwell.” Brahma replied, “O demon! go and dwell in the rice particles eaten by men on Ekadashi day and become worms in their stomach.” For this reason rice is prohibited on Ekadashi.

It’s okay even If one does not believe this story, just think of all the benefits one can get from fasting.

Fasting makes a man strong, both spiritually and mentally. Fasting controls passion. It checks the emotions. It controls the senses also. It is good to fast once in a while as it recuperates the body. Ekadashi observance cleans our body and the digestive organs get much needed rest.

Those people suffering from ailments and on medications should take the advice of a doctor before fasting. Never torture your body in the name of religion. There is nothing wrong in having fruits and or milk. One can always bring in a certain amount of flexibility in the way fasting is observed.

[See post to watch Flash video]

[See post to watch Flash video]

[See post to watch Flash video]

Children’s day is special day for the children. Universally, Children’s Day is celebrated on 20th November, every year.But in India it is celebrated on 14th November, because the date marks the birth anniversary of legendary freedom fighter and independent India’s first Prime Minister – Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru.

As a tribute to Nehru and his love for children, Children’s Day is celebrated on his birth date.

This day reminds to each and every one of us, to renew our commitment to the welfare of children and teach them to live by their Chacha Nehru’s quality and dream.

 The video  from the Tamil film ‘ Kuzhanthaiyum Deivamum’ is removed by the up-loader unfortunately. Baby Padmini played twin sister’s role. The song compares the chidren with God. Its meaning is as below.

‘ ‘God and children are pure souls. God always forgives people’s mistakes as told by elders. A man is open minded in childhood. The child is equivalent to God due to innocence. Clouds block the rising sun. Anger blocks man’s wisdom. Wind blows away the clouds. So does the peace and friendship between two angry persons. The children become elders when they grow up. The grown up people lose dignity when they fight. All the children are great people because of innocence”.

[See post to watch Flash video]

[See post to watch Flash video]

[See post to watch Flash video]

[See post to watch Flash video]

Diwali is one of the biggest festivals of Hindus, celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness in India. Each year on the Ammavaasya in the month of Ashwayuja the glittering lamps, the dazzling fireworks, sounds of crackers announce the arrival of the most vibrant festival of India-Diwali. Originally, the name was Deepavali, which has its origin from Sanskrit, meaning “Rows of light”. This festival is still called Deepavali in South India. Of all the festivals celebrated in India, Diwali is by far the most glamorous and important festival.  Enthusiastically enjoyed by people of every religion, its magical and radiant touch creates an atmosphere of joy and festivity. The festival of Diwali is not only significant to Hindus, but, has importance in Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism as well. Diwali is considered auspicious for shopping, inaugurations of new homes, business deals or for starting any new ventures and projects.

Historically, the origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, when it was probably an important harvest festival. However, there are various legends pointing to the origin of Diwali or ‘Deepavali.’ Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu, whereas in Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the Goddess of Strength. Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshiped in most Hindu homes on this day. In Jainism, Deepavali has an added significance to the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining the eternal bliss of nirvana. Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana from fourteen yearlong exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers.
Hindus make preparations to welcome Goddess Lakshmi by drawing rangoli and  also Her footsteps (Paduka) at the entrance that would allure Goddess Lakshmi to visit one’s home and bring prosperity along with Her.

Diwali celebrations spread across five days, with each day having its own significance and set of rituals.Dhanteras sets the beginning of the festival and then comes Narakachaturdasi, which symbolizes Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. The main Diwali day is devoted to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. The fourth day is celebrated as the New Year Day. The last day or Bhai Duj is observed as a symbol of love between brothers and sisters.The festival of Diwali is truly a “Festival of Lights”, as it not only involves lighting of lamps but it also brings the light of happiness, togetherness, spiritual enlightenment and prosperity for everyone. The festival of Diwali indeed fills the atmosphere with an aura of goodness and a heaven like atmosphere with the sounds of crackers killing all bad omen, the lighted lamps- lighting the lives of people, the prayers and pujas creating an atmosphere full of goodness and purity.

All the simple rituals of Diwali have significance and a story to tell. The illumination of homes with lights and the skies with firecrackers is an expression of obeisance to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity. According to one belief, the sounds of fire-crackers is an indication of the joy of the people making the gods aware of their plentiful state. Still another possible reason has a more scientific basis: the fumes produced by the crackers kill a lot of insects and mosquitoes, found in plenty after the rains

In each legend, myth and story of Deepavali lays the significance of the victory of good over evil; and it is with each Deepavali and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts, that this simple truth finds new reason and hope. From darkness unto light — the light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds, that which brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of fire-crackers, joy, togetherness and hope. Diwali is celebrated around the globe. Outside India, it is more than a Hindu festival; it’s a celebration of South-Asian identities. If you are away from the sights and sounds of Diwali, light a diya, sit quietly, shut your eyes, withdraw the senses, concentrate on this supreme light and illuminate the soul.

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Navaratri is one of the most auspicious festivals for Hindus of India. Nava means number nine in Sanskrit language and Ratri means night. Hence the word Navaratri means nine nights. Hindus in India and abroad worship Goddess Durga, a ten-armed goddess, who destroyed evil and brought peace in the universe. These nine days of Navaratri are considered as one of the most auspicious times of the Hindu calendar. Nine different forms of Devi Durga are worshiped over nine days and nights. The nine night’s festival of Navaratri begins on the first day of Ashwayuja of the bright fortnight. Seeds are sown, sprouts are watched, the planets are consecrated, and on the 8th and 9th days, Durgashtami and Maharnavami, Goddess Durga is worshipped. The day after Navaratri the 10th day of Ashwayuja, is Dussehra or Vijayadashami which celebrates the victory of lord Rama over Ravana and the victory of Goddess Durga over evil king Mahishasura.

In different parts of India, different legends describe the significance of Navaratri:

According to the legend in North India Mahishasura, the mighty demon, worshipped Lord Shiva and obtained many powers . Having empowered he started harassing and killing innocent people and set out to win all the three worlds. The Gods in swargaloka appealed to Lord Shiva to find a way to get rid of the demon. The Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) united their powers and created a divine female warrior known as Goddess Durga to protect the world from the atrocities of Mahishasura. He got mesmerized when he saw the divine beauty of Goddess Durga.  

So fascinated was Mahishasura by Goddess Durga’s beauty that he approached her with the intention of marrying her. The goddess agreed to marry him, but put forth a condition – Mahishasura would have to win over her in a battle. Mahishasura, proud as he was, agreed immediately. The battle continued for nine nights and at the end of the ninth night Goddess Durga beheaded Mahishasura. The nine nights came to be known as Navaratri, while the tenth day was called Vijayadashmi, the day that brought the victory of good over evil.

Yet another legend of Navaratri is related to the Hindu epic Ramayana. It mentions that Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga in nine aspects for nine days to gather the strength and power to kill Ravana. He wanted to release his wife Sita from the clutches of powerful demon king Ravana, who had abducted her. Those nine nights became to be known as Navaratri and the tenth day, the day Lord Rama killed Ravana, came to be called Vijayadashmi or Dussehra, signifying Rama’s Victory over Ravana.

During Navaratri, People invoke Shakti, the energy aspect of God in the form of the universal Divine mother Goddess Durga. The word Durga in Sanskrit language means remover of miseries in life. Hindus believe her to be the Energy behind creation, preservation and destruction of the universe. Durga symbolizes eternal energy or force behind motions in the universe. Hinduism salutes the motherly affection of God in the form of divine mother Durga, the Adya Shakti in Navaratri. Divine power of  Durga comes in three forms of energy, Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. Maha Kali is the Goddess of bravery, Maha Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and Maha Saraswati is the Goddess of wisdom and academics. Each form is allotted three days during the Navaratri days. In typical cast system of traditional India, Brahmins (Academicians, wise and knowledgeable community) worship Mahasaraswati, Kshatriyas (Warriors) worship Mahakali and Vaishyas (Traders and Business communities) worship Mahalakshmi mainly.

This is how India observes Navaratri.The first three days of Navaratri are dedicated to Goddess Durga (Warrior Goddess) dressed in red and mounted on a lion. Her various incarnations – Kumari, Parvati and Kali – are worshipped during these days. They represent the three different classes of womanhood that include the child, the young girl and the mature woman. Next three days are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity), dressed in gold and mounted on an owl and finally, last three days are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Goddess Of Knowledge), dressed in milky white and mounted on a pure white swan. Sweetmeats are prepared and distributed on this occasion. Children and adults dress up in new bright-colored dresses for the night festivities. The festival culminates on Maharnavami. On this day, Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped. Their feet are washed as a mark of respect for the Goddess and then they are offered new clothes as gifts by the worshiper. This ritual is performed in most parts of the country.

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Ganesh Chaturthi is an occasion on which Lord Ganesha or Lord Vinayaka graces the earth for the well being of all  devotees. This festival is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, commencing on the Shukla Chaturthi. It is celebrated lavishly by Hindus all over the world.

According to Hindu mythology once Lord Shiva left his usual abode on Mount Kailas  to meditate. Two sakhis of Goddess Parvati Devi suggested that she should have a ‘Gana’( attendant) of her own since they were not  happy with Lord Shiva’s ‘Ganas’. Goddess Parvati Devi agreed. She gave life to a son made out of the sandalwood paste by using her divine powers . She instructed him to guard their home.

 She went to have her bath after letting the boy stand guard at the door. Lord Shiva happened to come there back from his meditation while Parvati Devi was having her bath. The boy didn’t  allow him to enter the house since he didn’t recognize Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva got angry and beheaded the boy with his ‘Trishulam’( weapon).

 Parvati Devi  was distressed when she heard about the incident and lamented intensely.  Lord Shiva realized his mistake and  sent his Ganas to the forest to fetch the head of any first living being that was sleeping keeping its head  in north direction.The Ganas saw an elephant and returned with its head.  Lord Shiva placed the head over the boy’s body and gave life to the boy with his divine powers. He earned the name of Gajaanan. ‘Gaja’ means elephant. Aanan means face. Lord Shiva blessed him with a boon that people would first worship him before worshipping any other deity and made him  ’Ganadhyaksha’.It means the ruler of Ganas. .

Ganesha Pancharatnam Stotram:

Lyrics: Adi Shankaracharya

Mudakaraatha Modakam Sada Vimukti Saadhakam
Kalaadharaavatamsakam Vilasiloka Rakshakam
Anaaya Kaika Naayakam Vinasitebha Daityakam
Nataasubhasu Naashakam Namaami Tham Vinaayakam

 Natetaraati Bheekaram Navoditaarka Bhaasvaram
Namat Suraari Nirjanam Nataadhi Kaapa Duddharam
Suresvaram Nidheesvaram Gajesvaram Ganeshvaram
Mahesvaram Samaasraye Paraatparam Nirantaram

Samasta Loka Samkaram Nirasta Daitya Kunjaram
Daredarodaram Varam Vare Bhavaktra Maksharam
Krupaakaram Kshamaakaram Mudaakaram Yasaskaram
Manaskaram Namaskrutaam Namaskaromi Bhaasvaram.

Akimchanaarti Marjanam Chirantanokti Bhaajanam
Puraari Poorva Nandanam Suraari Garva Charvanam
Prapancha Naasha Bheeshanam Dhananjayaadi Bhushanam
Kapola Daana Vaaranam Bhajaey Puraana Vaaranam. 

Nitaantikaanta Dantakaanti Mantakaanta Kaatmajam
Achintya Rupa Mantaheena Mantaraaya Krintanam
Hrudantarey Nirantaram Vasantameva Yoginam
Tameka Danta Meva Tam Vichintayaami Santatam.

Listen to the powerful Ganesha Pancharathna beautifully rendered by Bharat Rathna MS. Subbu Lakshmi.

[See post to watch Flash video]

The chaste bond of love between a brother and a sister is one of the deepest and noblest of human emotions. ‘Raksha Bandhan’ or ‘Rakhi’ is a special occasion to celebrate this emotional bonding by tying a holy thread around the wrist. This thread, which pulsates with sisterly love and sublime sentiments, is rightly called the ‘Rakhi’. It means ‘a bond of protection’, and Raksha Bandhan signifies that the strong must protect the weak from all that’s evil.

The ritual is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan, on which sisters tie the sacred Rakhi string on their brothers’ right wrists, and pray for their long life. Rakhis are ideally made of silk with gold and silver threads, beautifully crafted embroidered sequins, and studded with semi precious stones.

The Social Binding

This ritual not only strengthens the bond of love between brothers and sisters, but also transcends the confines of the family. When a Rakhi is tied on the wrists of close friends and neighbors, it underscores the need for a harmonious social life, where every individual co-exist peacefully as brothers and sisters. All members of the community commit to protect each other and the society in such congregational Rakhi Utsavs, popularized by the Nobel laureate Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore.

The Friendly Knot

It won’t be wrong to say the fashionable friendship band in vogue today is an extension of the Rakhi custom. When a girl feels a friend of the opposite sex has developed a kind of love too strong for her to reciprocate, she sends the guy a Rakhi and turns the relationship into a sisterly one. This is one way of saying, “let’s just be friends”, without hurting the other person’s soft feelings for her.

The Auspicious Full Moon

In Northern India, Rakhi Purnima is also called Kajri Purnima or Kajri Navami, when wheat or barley is sown, and Goddess  Bhagwati is worshipped. In Western states, the festival is called Nariyal Purnima or the Coconut Full Moon. In Southern India, Shravan Purnima is an important religious occasion, especially for the Brahmins. Raksha Bandhan is known by various names: Vish Tarak – the destroyer of venom, Punya Pradayak- the bestower of boons, and Pap Nashak – the destroyer of sins.

Rakhi in History

The strong bond represented by Rakhi has resulted in innumerable political ties among kingdoms and princely states. The pages of Indian history testify that the Rajput and Maratha queens have sent Rakhis even to Mughalkings who, despite their differences, have assuaged their Rakhi-sisters by offering help and protection at critical moments and honoured the fraternal bond. Even matrimonial alliances have been established between kingdoms through the exchange of Rakhis. History has it that the great Hindu King Porus refrained from striking Alexander, the Great because the latter’s wife had approached this mighty adversary and tied a Rakhi on his hand, prior to the battle, urging him not to hurt her husband.

Rakhi Myths & Legends

According to one mythological allusion, Rakhi was intended to be the worship of the Sea-God Varuna. Hence, offerings of coconut to Varuna, ceremonial bathing and fairs at waterfronts accompany this festival. There are also myths that describe the ritual as observed by Indrani and Yamuna for their respective brothers Indra and Yama. Once, Lord Indra stood almost vanquished in a long-drawn battle against the demons. Full of remorse, he sought the advice of Guru Brihaspati, who suggested for his sortie the auspicious day of Shravan Purnima (fullmoon day of the month of Shravan). On that day, Indra’s wife and Brihaspati tied a sacred thread on the wrist of Indra, who then attacked the demon with renewed force and routed him.

Thus the Raksha Bhandhan symbolizes all aspects of protection of the good from evil forces. Even in the great epic Mahabharata, we find Krishna advising Yudhishtthir to tie the puissant Rakhi to guard himself against impending evils.

In the ancient Puranik scriptures, it is said that King Bali’s strong hold had been the Raakhi. Hence while tying the rakhi this couplet is usually recited:

“Yena baddho Balee raajaa daanavendro mahaabalah
tena twaam anubadhnaami rakshe maa chala maa chala”

“I am tying a Rakhi on you, like the one on mighty demon king Bali. Be firm, O Rakhi, do not falter.”

Why Rakhi?

Rituals like Rakhi, there is no doubt, help ease out various societal strains, induce fellow-feeling, open up channels of expression, give us an opportunity to rework on our role as human beings and, most importantly, bring joy in our mundane lives.

“May all be happy
May all be free from ills
May all behold only the good
May none be in distress.”

This has always been the idea of an ideal  Indian society.   

Happy Raksha Bandhan- from Bharatjanani.com