Maha Navaratri (Sarada Navaratri) – 9 Nights

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Sarada Navaratri – Maha Navaratri

The festival Navaratri has a profound religious significance. It is believed that during these days, Goddess Durga specially descended on the earth to bless Her devotees to annihilate evil and establish ‘sanatana dharma’ firmly in the world.

Goddess Durga is seen as a lion in a sitting posture. The lion is a symbol of uncontrolled animalistic emotions such as excessive anger, arrogance, selfishness, greed, jealousy and a strong desire to harm others.

Goddess Durga is the Goddess of Power or the Supreme Energy and the lion is the embodiment of destructive powers which are controlled by the goddess. Navaratri is celebrated four times in a calendar year and each time it is done with a definite focus.

Navaratris

The Navaratri are named after the lunar month in which they are celebrated as Chaitra Navaratri, Ashadha Navaratri, Sharada Navaratri and Magha Navaratri. Though four in number, Chaitra and Sharada Navaratris are more prominent and the other two are known as hidden or ‘gupta Navaratris.’

The word Navaratri is a combination of two Sanskrit words. ‘Nava’ means ‘nine’ and ‘Ratri’ means ‘night’.

Chaitra Navaratri

Chaitra Navaratri is observed during the lunar month of Chaitra (March-April), the spring season and hence, its other name Vasanta Navaratri. It marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year in many regions of India.

In Maharashtra, it is celebrated as Gudi Padwa, marking the Marathi New Year. In Kashmir, it is known as Narveh, signifying the Kashmiri Hindu New Year. In Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and, Karnataka it is celebrated as Ugadi.

Ugadi Asthanam in Tirumala

The ninth day of this Navaratri is celebrated as Sri Rama Navami.

Sarada Navaratri

Sarada Navaratri is also known as Maha Navaratri which is the most popular one and is widely celebrated with much enthusiasm, eagerness and devotion. It falls in the month of Ashwini (September -October).

This celebrates the divine feminine energy of Durga, the powerful goddess who conquers the demon Mahishasura. It also signifies the triumph of good over evil and the importance of conquering the inner enemies of every individual. On the tenth day, Vijayadashami marks the victory of Goddess Durga.

This tenth day of Sarada Navaratri is also called ‘Dussehra‘. This marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, symbolizing the destruction of evil. People burn effigies of Ravana, Meghanatha and Kumbhakarna to symbolize the victory of good over evil as Ramleela.

Vijayadashami

Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura is celebrated as Vijayadashami in West Bengal and southern parts of India. In West Bengal, people come together and celebrate the last five days in a pandal where beautifully decorated clay statues of Maa Durga, goddess Lakshmi and goddess Saraswati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya are worshipped.

On the tenth day, the idols are taken out on a procession to a river or oceanfront and are immersed in the waters for dissolution and farewell with the words that Maa Durga should come again soon to bless them all.

In other places like Gujarat and Rajasthan ‘Ram Leela’ is celebrated on the tenth day. Men and women adorned in traditional attire with bright hues perform energetic Dandiya Raas and graceful Garba dance that forms to vibrant, joyful creative and rhythmic music.

In South India, it is celebrated in individual houses since special steps are built and idols are arranged on them in such a way to depict mythological stories in each step, which is called Golu. Friends and relatives are invited to take part in daily ‘pooja’. Mysore and, Karnataka are traditionally major centres for Dasara celebrations.

Mysore palace is illuminated with thousands of lights, huge ‘golu’ steps are decorated with images of deities. All ten days the palace gates are open to the common man to visit and take part in the royal celebration and pooja.

Ten Inner Enemies

Dasara has a special message and a symbolic meaning as well. At the individual level, it motivates every individual to strive hard to defeat his ten inner enemies namely Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada, Maatsarya, Aalasya, Dirgha sutrataa, Niraasha and Ahamkara by focusing his mind on the Almighty and become victorious. Cleansing one’s inner impurities makes him an appropriate receptacle to receive His blessings and acquire spiritual growth.

Though Vasanta and Sarada Navaratris are more prominent and widely celebrated, Aashadha and Magha ‘Gupta Navaratri’ are celebrated mainly by Shakti Upasakas or divine feminine energy worshippers. These days are important for observing various tantric practices, many intense and severe penances with the desire to acquire more spiritual powers and to attain inner peace. In these two ‘Gupta Navaratris’ Maa Durga is worshipped in all Her nine forms with utmost devotion.

There is an interesting feature about the starting day of these Navaratris. Every year Maa Durga arrives on a specific vahanam to shower Her blessings on Her devotees. If Navaratri begins on a Sunday or a Monday, She comes on an elephant and this indicates more rain and prosperity to the world.

If it commences on a Tuesday, She comes on a horse which indicates natural calamities and war-like situations and unrest among people. If it begins on a Wednesday, Durga Maa arrives on a boat and it is considered to be very auspicious and beneficial to the world.

If it begins on a Thursday or a Friday, She comes on a palanquin which is indicative of epidemic fear.

Each ‘vahana’ carries specific connotations, and reflects rich Hindu tradition and beliefs. It also displays the multi-faceted nature of religious practices and its impact on our daily routine life.

Interesting Practices

A few more interesting practices observed during the festival, Navaratri:

People observe fasting on all nine days. They take only liquids. Some consume only fruits and nuts.
Consumption of sattvic food—garlic, onion, and any other spicy items are avoided.
Usage of rock salt instead of regular salt.
All nine days only sprouted beans, green dal and peas are boiled and consumed.
Tubers and root vegetables are boiled and sprinkled with rock salt.
Sago food items are consumed.
Shakti worship is done.
A lamp is lighted on the first day of Navaratri and kept alight on all nine days. It symbolizes dispelling the darkness of ignorance and acquiring knowledge.
All devotional lyrics eulogizing goddess Devi are chanted. Raja Rajeshwari stotram, Durga Saptashati, Sridevi Mahatmyam, Mahishasura Mardini stotram, Sri Suktam, Sri Lakshmi Sahasranama, Sri Lalita Sahasranama and, Sri Shyamala Dandakam are chanted every day.
In certain areas, all nine forms of Maa Goddess Durga namely Maa Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandra Durga, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayini, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhi Daatri are worshipped.
Commencement of learning or ‘Vidyarambham’ is done on Vijaya Dashami.
The blessings of ‘gurus’ and elders are sought.

Final Word

Thus, we find Navaratri displays a spectrum of activities such as religious practices, good dietary discipline, sacred rituals, brisk and vibrant dance forms, community pooja and individual observance of Golu. The common thread in all these is the destruction of evil and the victory of the feminine power and the re-establishment of ‘sanatana dharma’ on earth in all its glorious form.

Deepavali – The Divine Victory

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Deepavali – The Festival of Lights

Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across India. Among the many legends associated with this festival, the story of Lord Krishna and His consort Satyabhama’s victory over the demon Narakasura stands out. This tale is a testament to the triumph of good over evil and highlights the divine partnership between Lord Krishna and Satyabhama.

Let’s delve into this story in detail, exploring the profound devotion and power that make Deepavali a truly unique and spiritual experience.

Narakasura was a powerful demon who ruled the kingdom of Pragjyotisha. Despite his divine lineage, Narakasura turned to evil ways, causing immense suffering to the people and the gods. He captured 16,000 women and imprisoned them in his palace, stole the earrings of Aditi (the mother of the gods), and usurped some of her territories. His reign of terror knew no bounds, and the heavens trembled at his name.

The gods, unable to bear Narakasura’s atrocities, approached Lord Krishna for help. Krishna, ever the protector of dharma (righteousness), decided to end Narakasura’s tyranny. He was accompanied by His wife Satyabhama, who played a crucial role in the battle. According to a prophecy, Narakasura could only be killed by his mother, and Satyabhama, an incarnation of Bhumi Devi, was destined to fulfil this role.

Lord Krishna and Satyabhama set out for Pragjyotisha on Garuda, Lord Krishna’s celestial mount. As they approached the city, they met with fierce resistance from Narakasura’s army. The battle was intense, with Lord Krishna and Satyabhama displaying unparalleled valour and skill. Lord Krishna used His divine weapons to combat the demon forces, while Satyabhama, with her unwavering courage, fought alongside him.

Satyabhama sahayena Krishnena cha mahatmana,
Nihato Narakah papo lokanam hitakamyaya.

(With the assistance of the great soul Lord Krishna, Satyabhama killed the sinful Narakasura for the welfare of the world.)

This sloka from the scriptures highlights the divine partnership between Lord Krishna and Satyabhama, emphasizing their combined efforts in defeating Narakasura. During the battle, Narakasura hurled a powerful weapon at Lord Krishna, causing him to feign unconsciousness. Thinking that Lord Krishna had fallen, Satyabhama was filled with anger and determination. She took up her bow and shot arrows at Narakasura. Her fierce onslaught overwhelmed the demon, and in a final act of valour, she struck him down, fulfilling the prophecy.

Satyabhama tada devi kruddha samprekshya Keshavam,
Uvacha Narakam daityam yudhyasveti punah punah.

(Then the goddess Satyabhama, seeing Lord Krishna, became enraged and repeatedly challenged the demon Narakasura to fight.)

This sloka captures the moment of Satyabhama’s fierce determination and her pivotal role in the battle.

With Narakasura’s death, the sixteen thousand women he had imprisoned were liberated. Lord Krishna and Satyabhama ensured their safe return and restored their dignity. This act of liberation is a significant aspect of the story, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of ‘sanatana dharma.’

The defeat of Narakasura is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, a day before Deepavali. It marks the victory of light over darkness and the liberation of the oppressed. Homes are illuminated with oil lamps, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance and the ushering in of knowledge and righteousness.

Tamo nashaya dipanam prajvalyante grihantare, Narakasura vadhenaiwa Deepavali prakirtita.

(To dispel darkness, lamps are lit inside homes. With the slaying of Narakasura, Deepavali is celebrated.)

This sloka beautifully encapsulates the essence of Deepavali, highlighting the significance of lighting lamps to dispel darkness and celebrate the victory of good over evil.

The story of Lord Krishna and Satyabhama’s victory over Narakasura is a profound narrative that embodies the essence of Deepavali. It teaches us the values of courage, righteousness, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. As one celebrates Deepavali, lighting lamps and sharing sweets, one is reminded of these timeless lessons and the divine power that guides one towards light and knowledge.

May the divine tales of Lord Krishna and Satyabhama inspire us to lead lives of virtue and devotion, and may the festival of Deepavali bring joy, peace, and prosperity to all!

Glorious forms of Lord Ganesha

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Glory of Lord Ganesha

Ganesha is worshipped across India as the Lord of benignity and auspiciousness. He is also the God of wisdom. Before undertaking any work Hindus offer their obeisance to Lord Ganesha. It is believed that He is instrumental in removing all hurdles, hence he is called ‘Vighneswara’.

He is invoked at the commencement of all pujas and functions. He is also known as ‘Ganapati’ as He was made the chief of the Ganas by Siva and Parvati. Sage Vyasa worshipped Ganesha by reciting His sixteen names before commencing Skandam.

16 Names

They are: ‘Sumukhan, Ekadantan, Kapilan, Gajakarnan, Lambodaran, Vikatan, Vighnarajan, Vinayakan, Dhumaketu, Ganadhyakshan, Phalachandran, Gajanan, Vakratundan, Surpakarnan, Heramban, and Skanda Purvajan.’

Worshipped in Many Forms

Sri Ganesha has shrines even in the remote villages of South India. In most of the images of Ganesha, the trunk is turned towards the left side. According to the South Indian tradition, Ganesha is represented as a celibate but is shown in the company of His consorts in the North.

They are Siddhi, a personification of success and Buddhi, a symbol of wisdom.

He is worshipped in many forms.

The worship of Ganapati has become very popular nowadays. Ganesh puja is performed with great devotion and enthusiasm by Hindus throughout India. ‘Vinayaka Chaturthi’ festival is celebrated with great eclat throughout India in the month of Bhadrapada, usually in September.

The temples as well as the temporary structures dedicated to the deity that come up in all the streets are brilliantly lit, attracting large crowds. The huge processions during the immersion (Nimajjanam) mark a sense of unity among the Hindus.

According to legends, Ganesha Himself wrote the great Epic ‘Maha Bharata’ to the dictation of sage Vyasa.

Glorious forms of Lord Ganesha

The glorious forms of Lord Ganesha are

Bala Ganapati

Seated on a lotus, He has four hands holding a banana, mango, sugar cane and jackfruit, all representing the earth’s abundance.

Taruna Ganapati

The youthful Ganapati is in a sitting posture with eight hands. His bright red colour reflects the blossoming of youth.

Bhakta Ganapati

With four hands He shines like the full moon. Bhakta Ganapati is seen holding a banana, a mango, a coconut and a bowl of sweet payasa pudding.

Vira Ganapati

Red in colour, He is in a standing posture with 16 arms. The commanding warrior is seen with various weapons.

Shakti Ganapati

With four hands, He is in a sitting pose with a consort on His left thigh. Powerful and assuring, He allays fears with this posture.

Dvija Ganapati

Four-headed and four-armed, He is moon-like in appearance. He is adorned with ornaments in his hands.

Siddhi Ganapati

He is a symbol of confidence and accomplishment. His colour is golden yellow and He is seen holding a bouquet, axe, mango and sugarcane.

Uchchishta Ganapati

He is the Lord of offerings. Blue in colour, He has six hands. His consort is seated on his left thigh.

Vighna Ganapati

Having eight hands, brilliant goldcoloured, He is adorned with ornaments.

Kshipra Ganapati

Red-hued, and four-armed, He is a giver of boons.

Heramba Ganapati

Seated on a lion He has five heads with ten hands. His posture is one of offering safety and protection.

Lakshmi Ganapati

With eight hands, He is seen with two consorts. He is the embodiment of wisdom and achievement. His colour is white and He is known to grant boons.

Maha Ganapati

He is red-hued having three eyes. He has His consort seated on His left thigh and the Moon on His head.

Vijaya Ganapati

A bestower of success, He is robust and resourceful. He is red with four hands. He is seen riding a mouse.

Nritya Ganapati

Yellow in colour and joyful in appearance, He is seen in a dancing posture under a kalpavriksha tree.

Urdhva Ganapati

With six hands He is of golden hue. His consort is seated on His left thigh.

Ekakshara Ganapati

Having four hands and three eyes, He is red-complexioned. He is seen in a lotus pose on a Mushika.

Varada Ganapati

Four-armed and three-eyed, He is a boon giver. He is seen with a consort named ‘Pushti Devi.’ He holds a pot filled with jewels in his trunk.

Tryakshara Ganapati

The Lord of three letters, He is of golden hue having four hands. He is the embodiment of the sacred word, AUM.

Kshipra Prasada Ganapati

He has six hands and three eyes. He is red and is seated on a grass throne.

Haridra Ganapati

With four hands, He is of yellow colour assuring and protecting His devotees.

Ekadanta Ganapati:

With a single tusk, His form is marked by a blue colour with four hands.

Srishti Ganapati

Lord of happiness and success, He is of red complexion riding on his friendly mouse.

Uddanda Ganapati

With ten hands His posture is one of assertiveness enforcing dharma. He is red. His consort is seated on the left thigh.

Rinamochana Ganapati

A liberator, He has four hands. He is of crystal colour and dressed in red.

Dvimukha Ganapati

He has two heads and four hands. He is blue and is adorned in a red dress.

Dhundhi Ganapati

Red-coloured, He has four hands. He is the remover of all obstacles.

Trimukha Ganapati

He has three heads and six hands. He is seated on a golden lotus and is of red hue.

Simha Ganapati

Seated on a lion, He has eight hands. He is of white hue and holds another lion in one hand suggesting fearlessness.

Yoga Ganapati

He has four hands, and his legs are strapped symbolising a meditative posture. He is of red hue.

Durga Ganapati

Of golden hue with eight hands, He is adorned with a red dress. He is seen holding a bow and arrow in His hands.

Sankatahara Ganapati

Having four hands, He is seated on a red lotus flower dispelling the sorrow of his devotees. A consort is seated on His left thigh.

21 leaves for Lord Ganesha Pooja

The 21 leaves hold a unique significance and purpose in Ganesha Pooja. By offering these twenty-one leaves to Lord Ganesha, devotees seek His divine blessings for wisdom, success, and the removal of obstacles in their lives. Here we are giving the leaf name along with its medicinal value.

Machi Patram – (Davana): Treats skin diseases.
Bruhati Patram – (Dorali): It relieves joint pains.
Bilva Patram – (Bela): All parts of this tree’s leaves, fruit, stem, and roots are used as medicine to cure various diseases.
Doorvayugmam – (Doorva): Doorva helps to arrest bleeding and anaemia.
Dhattura Patram – (Dhotara): It works as an antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory.
Badari Patram – (Bora): It treats Laryngitis, cough, digestive disorders, wounds, and injuries.
Apamarga Patram – (Aaghada): It treats digestive disorders, poisonous bites, and asthma. Improves digestion and metabolism.
Tulasi Patram – (Tulas): It is one of the best antiviral herbs. It is an antimicrobial and anti-toxic.
Chootha Patram – (Aamba): It treats diabetes, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and skin discolouration. It also acts as a good energizer and stimulant.
Karaveera Patram – (Kanheri): This is a toxic herb and it is used for external applications.
Vishnukranta Patram – (Shankhapushpi): Used to treat brain and nervous system-related disorders.
Daadimee Patram – (Dalimb): It treats dysentery, food poisoning, diarrhea, and acidity-related disorders.
Devadaru Patram – (Devadar): It treats skin diseases, wounds, injuries, headaches, arthritis, mastitis, and stiffness.
Maruvaka Patram – (Murva): It treats skin diseases and stops abnormal menstrual flow.
Sindhuvara Patram – (Nirgundi): It treats Vatarelated problems, is used as anti-poisonous drugs, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and grey hair.
Jaati Patram – (Chameli): It treats skin diseases, wounds, mouth-related problems, indigestion, erectile dysfunction, gingivitis, and eye diseases.
Gandaki Patram – (Kanchanar): Used to treat heart-related diseases, piles, skin diseases, and cervical lymphadenitis.
Shamee Patram – (Shami): It treats mouth ulcers, joint pains, diarrhea, itching skin diseases, scorpion bites, wounds, bleeding disorders, and repeated abortion.
Ashwathha Patram – (Pimpal): It treats joint swelling, pain, pimples, bleeding and wounds. Its bark is used in the preparation of many medicines.
Arjuna Patram – (Arjun): It treats joint pains, heart diseases, wound and septic conditions, fractures, chronic respiratory disorders, and tuberculosis.
Arka / Mandar patram – (Rui): It treats poisonous bites, wounds, injuries, leprosy, tumours, joint pains.

Eco-Friendly Clay Idols

The practice of people making and worshipping Ganesha idols made of PoP, different chemicals and colours causes enormous damage to ecological balance. Especially after the Ganesha idol immersion that normally takes place on the ninth day, the tanks, lakes, rivers and other water bodies are contaminated.

These are nonbiodegradable and, hence, pollute the waters and harm aqua life. This adds to the woes of already depleting water resources. Such environmental pollution is still widespread as the practice of making PoP idols is followed in many places.

However, environmentalists and social awareness groups are making this practice obsolete by making clay idols of Ganesha. Eco-friendly clay idols will not harm the natural surroundings, and the benefits of this practice need to be propagated on a large scale.

Thiruvaadipooram of Sri GodaDevi

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Thiruvaadipooram (Birthday of GodaDevi)

Goda Devi – Incarnation of Bhumi Devi

Goda Devi, hailed as Sri Andal is an incarnation of Bhumi Devi. She was bought up by Perialwar named Vishnuchittar in the temple town of Sri Villiputtur, Tamil Nadu. She is considered one of the 12 Vaishnava Saints known as Alwars who are devoted to Lord Vishnu.

Click here for the Google Maps Location of Sri Villiputtur, Tamil Nadu

Adding auspicious to Aashada month, she came to earth as a cute baby girl lying near the Tulasi plant. Perialwar was extremely happy to get the girl and brought up with care. She was raised like a Gopika of Vrindavan.

Thiruvaadipooram – Auspicious Aadi month Pooram Star

In Tamil, the birthday of Goda Devi is celebrated as “Thiruvaadipooram” means “Auspicious Aadi month Pooram Star”, this little superstar was born to eradicate all our ignorance in our lives.

Thiruvaadipooram is celebrated by walking up early in the morning, cleaning the house, putting nice kolams, decorating that with flowers, and then taking a holy bath.

Clean the puja room and decorate it with flowers. Sri Andal is decorated with a new dress especially green as she is Mother Earth, offering flowers Sandal Paste and Scented water. As Andal has lengthy hair, the hairdressing for Andal is made in a style.

She also carries a parrot in hand, so one can make a parrot out of leaves to decorate her. Then, offer her with bangles and donate to women. Fortunate to get those bangles as they give prosperity, a good family, good progeny, health and blessings.

Andal Thiruppavai & Goda Stuti

“Kalkandu Rice”, sugar candy rice can be prepared to be offered to Goddesses and distributed to devotees. “Andal Thiruppavai”, “Goda Stuti” etc can be recited. Young girls dress up like Andal and perform “Kolaatam” with sticks and dance with garlands in praise of Lord Krishna and Sri Andal. Sri Villiputtur, Sri Rangam and many Vishnu Temples celebrate with pomp and glory.

One Among 12 Alwars

“Thiruppavai” and “Naachiyaar Thirumoli” sung by little Goda Devi were the essence of all the philosophies to attain Lord Krishna. Eleven Alwars were men, but Sri Andal was the only girl Sri Vaishnava Saint who surpassed all of them as her songs reached out even to the common people.

The simple style and positivity of the verses boost our minds with more self-confidence, energy and enthusiasm. That is the reason, “Thirupaavai” is famous and recited by all of them.

It is a known incident, where Goda Devi used to decorate herself as a Gopika and wear the garland that is meant for “Vatapatrasayee Perumaal”. When Vishnuchittar found this, he was very much upset.

But Lord himself told, that he loved the garland that is worn by Sri Goda Devi. She is hailed as “Andal” because she ruled the Lord. She decided not to get married to a human and started observing “Kartyayani Vrata”.

Thiruppavai

“Thiruppavai” has 30 songs that talk about the Vrata, way of living, hails Lord Vishnu and his incarnations, prosperity of the mother earth, how one should always be united and the blessings to be celebrated in groups highlighting the “Bhaagavatha Sangamam” – “Union of Satsang -the wise”.

The second set of Paasurams is “Naachiyaar Thirumoli”, where she talks about the Lord’s beauty, the weapons of the Lord, the Divine Marriage through a dream, Vrindavan’s infant-Little Krishna, the messenger, the Divya Desams etc.

As she is the incarnation of Mother Earth – Bhumi Devi, always wanted the residents of Earth to be happy. She was born to show us how easily one can get the blessings of the Lord. In Varaha Avatara, Bhumi Devi gets a promise from the Lord Varaha that he should always bless the devotees despite their time. Thus, is the affection shown by Bhumi Devi to her children.

Paasuram’s of Andal talks about

The paasuram’s of Andal talks about the Supreme Lord who prevails everywhere. Hence, all are prosperous, and she prays for the well-being of all. The verses say about the good rain which makes the crops grow healthily, ultimately fills the fields with plants where humans are hunger-free, and the animals and birds enjoy nature flooded with food which finally leads to a healthy environment.

The animals serve humanity by giving good milk in terms that give more health. She says, getting up early in the morning is good. Taking a bath early in the morning is good. Doing good things with friends, and teaching friends all good things that each of us knows leads to a healthy society.

She describes the beauty of nature, flowers blooming, flooded rivers, clear waterfalls, honey overflowing, cows milking themselves without a milkman, crops growing tall, churning of buttermilk, and temple bell sound during naivedhyam.

To complete the Vrata, she says, she will dress up nicely, decorated with flowers, adorned with ornaments and will eat jaggery rice filled with ghee flowing from her hand to elbow. She enjoys going with her friends and calves to the forest to graze cows, shares food with her friends, and prays to Lord Krishna to be with her always.

She proudly says that she is the daughter of Vishnuchitta and as per his guidance (as Guru), she overcame this mundane life. Thus, Goda Devi talks only about the positivity that is needed for today’s life to come out of depression.

Final Word

As per Sri Andal’s wishes, let this World be filled with Joy, let this World be filled with prosperity, let this World be filled with Devotion, let this World be filled with Peace and Harmony.

Ganesh Chaturthi / Vinayaka Chaturthi

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Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi

The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi as it is called is celebrated across India with people performing puja in various forms to the idol of the elephant-headed Hindu God. Ganesh puja is the first in the list of festivals celebrated in a year, by all Hindus, as per Hindu Almanac, of course, as per their tradition and culture.

Sri Krishna in Bhagavad Gita told – If one offers to Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, some fruit, or even water, I delightfully partake of that item offered with love by My devotee in pure consciousness. Ganesha is equally revered as a God of simplicity. All you need for the puja is a bowl of water, a few flowers/grass plants, and any fruit/ food (Prasad) that you can offer. Any other puja material like incense, sandalwood paste, turmeric, kum-kum, camphor, and yellowed rice are all optional.

Given here is a simple ritual that you can perform on the special day of Ganesha Chaturthi/Vinayaka Chaturthi. Based on your family traditions and Guru/Acharya’s guidance, you can perform this puja with any variation that you deem necessary or important for the Sampradaya/tradition you belong to.

The puja is generally performed in the morning hours. One must take a bath and wear clean traditional clothes. The house must be sanitized with cow’s urine and fittingly decorated. As far as possible prefer natural decoration with flowers, rangoli, and door hangings made of palm leaves and leaves from a mango tree.

Arrange for all the things that are required before starting the puja so that there will be no interruption until the completion of the puja.

The first thing you need is “Ganesha” to perform a puja. Where do you find a Ganesha? You may have him in any form. A brass idol, a clay doll, a picture from a calendar or a poster, a painting, etc. If you find none of these, there is an easy way to make a representation of him which is an age-old recommendation.

You may choose any organic object like clay or turmeric and make a small mold of it. As mentioned earlier Ganesha is a God of simplicity and there is an old saying that even if you mold cow dung in your hand it becomes Ganesha.

Vinayaka Chaturthi Pooja Procedure

The Procedure starts with

Achamanam (Purification)

Once you have Ganesha ready, meditate upon him. Sprinkle water in your hands to clean it, sprinkle a few drops to cleanse your body, and consume a few drops of it to cleanse your soul. You may recite the following mantra: Om! Achyutaya Namaha, Om! Anantaya Namaha, Om! Govindaaya Namaha.

Aasanam (Offer a seat to the God)

In Sanskrit, you say “Aasanam Samarpayami”. By saying this you can place Ganesha on any pedestal.

Sankalpam (Oath-taking to tune your mind to perform the puja)

You can recite the following mantra:

Sri Bhagawad preetyartham/kainkarya roopam:
Maha Ganapathi pujam karishye.

Avahanam (Invocation)

You can recite any sloka on Ganesha. The most common ones are given below –

Gannaanaam Tvaa Ganna-Patim Havaamahe
Kavim Kavinaam-Upama-Shravastamam |
Jyessttha-Raajam Brahmannaam Brahmannaspata
Aa Nah Shrnnvan-Uutibhih Sida Saadanam || (Rig Veda 2.23.1)

Among the Ganas (Group of Prayers), to You who is Ganapati (Lord of Prayers), we offer our Sacrificial Oblations. You are the Wisdom of the Wise and Uppermost in Glory. You are the foremost King of the Prayers, presiding as the Lord of the Prayers (Brahmanaspati). Please come to us by listening to our invocation and be present in the seat of this sacred sacrificial altar (to charge our prayers with your power and wisdom).

ShuklaAmbara Dharam Vishnum
Shashi Varnam Chatur Bhujam
Prasanna Vadanam Dhyaayet
Sarva Vighnopashaantaye

O! Lord, he whose dress is the wide white sky, who is all-pervading, whose arms are spread to all four sides. One with the blissful face, we meditate on you, nullify all troubles.

Prokshanam (Purification of the Lord)

You can recite the following mantra:

Argyam Samarpayami (offering water to clean the divine hands)
Padayoho, paadyam samarpayami (offering water to clean the divine feet)
Achamaniyam samarpayami (offering water to clean the divine soul)
Snanaanantharam achamaniyam samarpayamai (offering water as a divine shower)

Alankaram (Decoration)

Once Ganesha is bathed as per the previous step now, he is decorated. You can recite the following mantra:

Abaranani – Vastraani samarpayami (Offer wearables/clothes).
Divya parimala Gandham Dhaarayami (Offering sandal paste).
Gandhasyopari haridra kumkumam samarpayami (Offering turmeric and kum-kum).
Pushpamalikan samarpayami (Offering garland).

If you do not have any of the above with every line, you can say “Akshataam samarpayami” to imagine the flowers you offered as all the objects above.

Archanam (Worship)

With the grass, recite 108 names of Ganesha and offer the grass flowers as worship.

At the end, you must say

Nanavidha parimala pathra pushpani samarpayami (Offering all types of flowers and leaves).
Shodasopachara poojaam karishye (Offering 16 types of upacharas).
Dhoopa maghraapayami (Offering incense).
Deepam sandarshayami (showing lamp).
Kadali phala naivedyam samarpayami (Offering banana/fruits).
Thamboolam samarpayami (Offering beetel leaves and areca nuts).
Suwarna pushpam samarpayami (Offering coins as dakshina).
Manthra pushpam samarpayami (offering worship with various Vedic chants).

If you do not have any of the above, you can simply offer turmeric rice every time you mention it and say ‘Akshathaam’ (rice mixed with turmeric powder) samarpayami. Or you can offer a flower saying pushpaani samarpayami.

817px GSB Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samiti Wadala 02 — GSB Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samiti Shree Ram Mandir, Wadala Mumbai

Naivedyam (Offering food as prasad)

Offer any food that you specially made for the occasion. If nothing grand is available, you can offer cooked rice, ghee, dhal and curd. If that is also not available, you can offer a few fruits. Even if that is not available, you can offer a bowl of milk. If nothing is available, you can offer water or at least you can join your hands (Anjali) and imagine you offer all the above and more.

Then Recite – Maha naivedyam samarpayami (offering Maha prasadam)

Why Ganesha Offered Laddu..?

Maha Aarthi (offering divine fire)

You can recite any Mangala sloka on Ganesha and light camphor or any Deepa (light). You need to circle it three times around Ganesha Moorthy to complete the pooja.

You can recite the following Mangala sloka :

Om ekadantaya vidmahe vakratundaya dheemahi Tanno danti prachodayat

O! The Lord with a single tusk, who is omnipresent and the one with a curved trunk, I meditate upon you for great intellect. I bow to you O Lord with a single tusk to illumine my mind with wisdom.

Visarjana (Farewell)

After all the puja is done, then the last and the final stage where the deity is given a farewell ‘Visarjana’. All pujas end with Mangala Aarati. This can be made with water mixed with kum-kum (vermilion) and turmeric. If you do not have it, you can sing some praise of Ganesha.

Hope the divine grace of Ganesha is bestowed upon each one of you who are inclined to celebrate this special day.

The sublime theme in any puja is not how much you offer as prasadam or do decoration, or say Manthras, but how affectionately and wholeheartedly you present them to the Deity.

Explore Arulmigu Manakula Vinagar Temple, Pondicherry

Eruvaka Pournami – Farmers’s Festival

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Eruvaka Pournami – A Festival Celebrated by the Farmers

The festival of ‘Eruvaka Pournami’ is celebrated by the farmers every year on a full moon day in the month of ‘Jyeshta’, in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and other parts of South India, as a mark of the arrival of monsoon.

On this day farmers commence activities related to agriculture. This festival is also being celebrated in the name of ‘Krushi purnima’ in other parts of India.

Since the Vedic period, in India the chief occupation of a majority of people is agriculture. In the ‘Bhruguvalli’ chapter of ‘Taittiriya Upanishad’, there is a mention of four austere practices which are a part of ‘Anna Brahmopasana’ ordained to be performed to acquire ‘Brahma Jnana’.

Anna Brahmopasana

They are,

‘Annam na nindyat tad vratam’ – one should never blame food,
‘Annam na parirakshita tad vratam’ – one should never reject the food,
‘Annam bahu kurveet tad vratam’ – one should produce food grains in large quantities and
‘Na kanchana vasatou pratyaachaksha tad vratam’ – one should never deny food to those who are in need.

Anna Daata

The ‘Kshetrapati Suktam’ is a part of ‘Rigveda’. It constitutes Mandala – 4, Sukta – 57 of Rig-Veda. It is mankind’s first ever literary work specifically in praise of ‘Farmer’, the provider of food, ‘Anna daata’ to the entire world.

Kshetrapati Suktam

Let us explore ‘Kshetrapati Suktam’ to reaffirm the glory of the ‘Farmer’. Jai Kisaan!

O’ Kshetrapathi!, it is through your kind grace that our living on the earth is made happy with all physical comforts and it is because of you, that we are becoming enriched with prosperity.
O’ Kshetrapati!, O’ Farmer!, may your propitious looks, grant us an uncountable number of cattle and horses for our comfortable living.
May the blessings of mother nature be bestowed upon you and may she energise you with her sweet waves (pleasant winds), may you produce harvest as abundantly as milk that flows from the udder of a lactating cow.
O’ Kshetrapati !, may mother nature’s ‘Rita’ (divine law) that controls monsoons, rainfall, heat, humidity and seasons flow into your fields as quickly as pure clarified butter.
O’ Kshetrapati! May you be propitious to us and bestow prosperity on us.
O’ Kshetrapati !, may you be bestowed with divine blessings by Mother Nature offering to your fields, richly nourished, sweet and pure plants, sky, waters and space, so that your fields yield bountiful harvest.
O’ Kshetrapati!, may you be as propitious as honey to us and kindly permit us to be your devoted followers so that we too like you get bestowed with mother nature’s bounty and tread the path of prosperity.

May your sturdy oxen drawing the plough, work enthusiastically in the fields, may you who drive the oxen during ploughing be strong and healthy, may the plough which makes furrows in the fields strong and perfect, may the strap that binds the plough to the tilling implement, hold it tightly and firmly, may the goad in your hand swing with much agility towards oxen for them to work actively, to impart us with prosperity.

O’ Kshetrapati !, may ‘Shuna’, the god of heaven (in Sanskrit Shuna means ploughshare, the cutting metal blade of the plough) and ‘Sira’, an earth goddess ( Sira means – the mark left on the field by the ploughshare), who are the prime deities responsible for the formation of clouds and rainfall get pleased by our prayers.

O’ Kshetrapati !, may Shuna and Sira drive clouds onto your fields and wet the fields with sumptuous rainfall so that you produce a bountiful harvest. May goddess Sita be propitious to us all through you. O! goddess Sita! (also known as ‘Sira’, an earth goddess of Rigveda), we praise you and worship you and seek blessings so that you bestow upon us a sumptuous harvest by enriching our fields with fertility.

O! Kshetrapati !, may Lord Indra the god of lightning, thunder and rain be propitious to you and protect furrows in your fields sown with saplings and may ‘pushan’ who is one among twelve Sun gods (Adhityas, the sons of Aditi and sage Kasyapa), sustain these furrows with saplings to grow healthily. Also, may Mother Earth endowed with brimming milk of fertility, yield us abundant crops year after year. May the ploughshare, the cutting metal blade of the plough that enables you to make furrows on the field bestow abundant wealth to all of us.

May you O’ Kshetrapati !, who till the field to make furrows by driving the oxen drawing the plough bring welfare to us. May ‘Parjanya’, the rain god sumptuously wet our fields with sweet, pure waters and bless us imparting a bountiful harvest. May Shuna and Sira the goddesses of farmers be propitious to us and bestow welfare and prosperity to all of us.

Thus ‘Kshetrapati Suktam’ glorifies the supreme prominence of the Farmer, who is the provider of food to the entire world. The well-being of mankind rests in the hands of farmers. We should be ever grateful to all farmers because of their hard work we are being nourished regularly and we are treading the path of prosperity.

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Significance of Tholi Ekadashi

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Significance of Tholi Ekadashi

Tholi (first) Ekadashi is the most auspicious festival of Hindus, mainly the Vaishnavas. On this day the Vaishnavas observe fasting, praying, and singing bhajans of the Lord Mahavishnu. According to the Hindu calendar of all 24 Ekadashis, this Ekadashi is known as Tholi Ekadashi and is the day when the daytime starts shortening and nighttime starts increasing.

Click here for the List of Ekadashis.

Some Ekadashi days

Tholi Ekadashi
Vaikunta Ekadashi or Mukkoti Ekadashi
Bhima Ekadashi
Bhishma Ekadashi
Parivarthana Ekadashi etc.

Tholi Ekadashi is the beginning of Chaturmasyam

It is observed on Shukla paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Ashada Masam (June – July) as Tholi Ekadashi when Lord Vishnu goes to sleep on this day and wakes up after four months on Prabodhini Ekadashi. The Lord Mahavishnu awakens from His slumber four months later on Prabodhini Ekadashi. Thus Tholi Ekadashi is the beginning of Chaturmasyam.

The Ascetics (sanyasis) start choosing the chaturmasya and stay in one place with their sishyas to avoid the inclement weather caused by rains as the rainy season starts. They take a vow to stay at important religious places like Tirumala, Sri Rangam, and other places even in the North like Badrikashram.

Ishtikapalam

On the day of chaturmasya sankalpa (vow), the Jeeyars are given Temple honors Called ‘Ishtikapalam’ and offering of seshavastrams (Sacred clothes) at Tirumala. Many of the Sri Vaishnavas throng the temple along with Jeeyar Swamis to have darshan of Lord Srinivasa.

Before that, special Homam will be performed in the Jeer Mutt for the sankalpam. This sankalpam or vow is to stay at one place and worship God and give audience (darshan) to the sishyas that come from far and near. The muttadhipathis of other places like Aandavan Swami, Ahobila mutt Jeeyar, and other Srivaishnava Jeeyars also camp here during chaturmasya vratam choosing Tirumala as a sacred place of Lord Vishnu. The TTD offers them honors as per their tradition.

The Jeeyar Swamies of TTD has chaturmasya sankalpam at Tirumala only as they are to be present at all times to do the service to Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala and Sri Govindarajaswami in Tirupati.

Harivasam

Ekadashi is known as ‘Harivasam’. The Day of Sri Hari is observed on every eleventh Tithi in the Hindu calendar of lunar month.

There are two Ekadashi fasting in a month,

one during Shukla paksha (bright half–waxing moon) and
Krishnapaksha Ekadashi (waning moon – dark half).

The Bhavishyothara Purana and Garuda Purana speak a lot about the significance of Ekadashi vrata and how the Lord comes to the rescue of His devotees at the time of difficulties who perform this vrata.

The story of Maandaatta and Rukmangada are famous as they were staunch Bhaktas of Lord Vishnu who observed Ekadashi vrata.

The Benefits of Ekadashi Vrata

It increases your spiritual strength
It increases immunity
All your sins are perished
It detoxicates your body and replenishes it with fresh energy
It takes you near to God.

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

Akshaya Tritiya

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Festivals come and go like a seasonal circle with an in-depth connection to the lives of people and act as a driving force that makes them pursue their lives for prosperity and happiness.

These set of beliefs and traditions enrooted in a deep sea of scientific facts and phenomena observed by some Elite millions of years ago hold their importance in current times also and they cannot be overlooked with the constant churning of universal cycles.

Akshaya Tritiya

is one such festival that appears in our life and fills it with sheer opulence and spiritualism.

“Akshaya” means non-diminishing, non-exhausting, nondecreasing, non-reducing, etc.
“Kshaya” means one that is reducing, diminishing, decreasing, etc.
Akshaya is the opposite of “Kshaya”.
“Trithiya” means the 3rd day.

Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third lunar day (Tithi) of Bright Half (Shukla Paksha) of Vaishakha month – (Vaishakha Shukla Truthiya) (late April – early May), when the sun and the moon are in exalted positions and are simultaneously at the peak of their brightness.

As the Sun and Moon, considered to be the eyes of the Lord, are in exalted positions, the eyes of the Lord are fully open on Akshaya Trithiya day, and hence His kataksha (bestow) falls fully on all of us on that day.

The divine words of Lord Sri Krishna to Yudhishtira narrate the importance of this day: O Yudhishtira, the offerings made and the oblations offered in the sacrificial fire on this day never go in vain. Hence, Sages have imparted the name Akshaya Tritiya to this day. Everything done on this day for the sake of Deities and ancestors is “Akshaya, meaning they are imperishable”.

The moving history of our land tells about the numerous highly felicitous events that took place on Akshayatruthiya. From time immemorial, great minds have been formed, nourished, and touched the heroic deeds.

Posterity informally learned the immortal stories of the religious treasure as they learned their mother tongue at their mother’s knee.

The sweetness and sorrows of Devi Sita and Princess Draupadi,
the heroic fortitude of Sri Rama and Arjuna and
the loving fidelity of Lakshmana and Hanuman,
the legend of the great Lord Sri Krishna himself – the most energetic of beings, whose divinity scintillates through the very human characteristics.
His high purposefulness pervading the whole life of man bolstered the stuff of their philosophy of life.

Akshaya Tritiya – a supremely auspicious day

Akshayatruthiya is worshipped as a supremely auspicious day as this is considered to be the birthday of Lord Parasurama the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the birthday of Lord Balarama, the eighth incarnation (Lord Balarama or Sankharshana) of Lord Vishnu.

It is stated that Lord Vishnu caused the Divine Ganga to flow on the earth on Vaisakha Shukla Truthiya. It naturally follows that bathing in the Ganga and worshipping Lord Vishnu on the day are particularly propitious.

Annapurna Devi – Goddess of Food

It was on this day that Goddess Annapurna Devi, the Goddess of food, was born- She is a special form of Mother Parvati who feeds the hungry. On an Akshayatruthiya day, Lord Shiva disguised himself as a beggar and approached Devi Annapurna for food. She fed Lord Shiva. This act of begging by the Lord is a symbolic act – He begs for all.

As per ancient texts, Lord Ganesha – God of wisdom and remover of obstacles started writing “Mahabharata” as dictated by the great sage Veda Vyasa on Akshayatruthiya. Lord Sri Krishna, the Supreme chose this day to bless His close childhood friend Kuchela (Sudama) who was very poor.

Kuchela’s humble gift and the prosperity that came his way as a reward for the gift of love that he offered from amidst his poverty, stands as a true symbol of Akshayatruthiya– the prosperity that comes to one through sharing and giving.

The Lord through this story reaffirms:

“patrampushpamphalamtoyamyo me bhaktyaprayacchati tadahambhaktyupahritamashnamiprayatatmanah” (9.26)

Whoever offers a leaf, a flower, a fruit or even water with devotion, that I accept, offered as it is with a loving heart and illustrates the true meaning of love and its value.

Divine Bowl – Akshaya Paatra

Another notable and educative illustration of the Lord’s infinite mercy is brought out through the legend of Princess Draupadi (whom the Lord considered as His sister).

The Lord protected her on different Akshaya Tritiya days by providing her with an unlimited supply of sari at the dice game in return for a tiny piece of cloth provided by her for tying up the wound on Him.

Later, when she needed to provide food for Sage Durvasa and his disciples, the Lord took a single grain from her – ‘Akshaya Paatra’ and satisfied the hunger of all the sages – Princess Draupadi was given the divine vessel – Akshaya Paatra on Akshaya Tritiya by Lord Surya.

(there is another version that says Lord Krishna, pleased with Draupadi’s prayers, blessed her with the Akshaya Paatra).

Akshaya Paatra – (bowl – meaning abundant, inexhaustible vessel that supplied unlimited food)

The divine bowl would give food all day till the princess (Draupadi or Panchali) took her food. After she had eaten, the bowl would not provide any food on that day. This very direction is also aimed to show that there should be a calm stoppage to the desires-and the principle that “the devoted needy will be provided for, but not the greedy” is clearly shown.

The Paramatma, through this episode, also demonstrated that “A single grain of rice, if offered to Him with love and humility, becomes the beeja (primordial seed) which feeds and satiates the whole universe.”

Another example of Devotion and the fruit of selfless service is given to us in that classless prayer to Mother Devi by the peerless mystic and Great Master Jagadguru Sri Adi Sankara- the KANAKA DHARA STOTRAM.

Greatness of Akshaya Tritiya

The greatness of Akshayatruthiya, i.e. the third lunar day of the bright fortnight of the month of Vaishakha is described in Holy Scriptures such as the Matsya, Skanda, Bhavishya and Narada Purana, the Mahabharata, etc. The meritorious deeds performed on this day produce the imperishable result and infinite returns – being Akshayatruthiya.

There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the 3 things humans crave most in life – happiness, freedom, and peace of mind – the legends of divine interventions connected with Akshaya Tritiya show these cravings can be attained by giving them to someone else selflessly.

The law of the Universe knows the fastest, shortest, and quickest ways for achieving goals of life. One must start with a prosperity mindset from within, and spread love and harmony wherever one goes.

Do more positive deeds of nobility and charity from your heart. When one does charity with unselfishness and concern for others, he gives away things from his own life, thereby making way for more of the abundance to manifest in one’s own life.

For more information, please visit Wikipedia

Sri Rama Navami Asthanam at Tirumala

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Sri Rama Navami Asthanam

We are all aware that the Tirumala hill shrine is famous for the most beautiful and life-like icon of Lord Venkateswara.

Such is the divine beauty of our Lord, that it so goes in the Venkateswara Sahasra namavali, jagan mOhaka soundarya dharminE namaha|| which means “Salutations to Lord Venkateswara whose beauty is unmatched in the entire universe!”

Sri Rama Navami Asthanam at Tirumala

Along with several other icons of Gods and Goddesses, the Sanctum of Tirumala also houses a beautiful set of Rama parivar. It includes icons of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lakshmana, Anjaneya, Sugriva and Angada. They are excellent specimens of metal art.

Rama is two-armed, the right hand holding a kataka mudra (to hold an arrow) and the left hand poised to hold a bow.

The figurine itself is in a tri-bhang instance or a tri-band pose. Sita is to His right and Lakshmana, who is similar to his brother but a bit smaller in size stands to Rama’s left.

If we observe, it is seen that the crowns of Rama and Lakshmana are not jewelled as usual, it is actually in a Jata (matted hair tied into a top knot). Thus, it depicts Aranya Rama. It is believed that these icons were consecrated in memory of Sri Rama’s visit to the sacred shrine of Tirumala during His search for Goddess Sita.

These deities do not receive any special worship every day but are included in Nityarchana (daily worship).

On the day of Sri Rama Navami

But on the occasion of Lord Rama’s birthday, a two-day festival is conducted. A special court or Asthana is held for Lord Sri Rama on Sri Rama Navami (Chaitra Suddha Navami).

In the morning, deities of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lakshmana and Sri Anjaneya receive a sacred bath in the ‘RanganayakulaMandapam’ on the premises of the temple.

Sri Rama is then taken out in a grand procession astride His favourite devotee Hanuman (SiriyaTiruvadi in Sri Vaishnava terminology). The vahanam is gloriously bedecked with sweet-smelling flowers and Sri Rama is adorned in special jewellery.

After the Utsavam and regular night kainkaryams, Sri Rama and other deities are brought to the BangaruVakili (the golden threshold nearest to the sanctum) and are reverently placed on the SarvaBhoopala Vahanam. The deities are beautifully adorned for the occasion. They are then offered special Naivedyams.

The Vaikhanasa archaka is then blessed with a Parivattam (sacred cloth belonging to the Lord, that is tied around the priest’s head) and satari honours. Balakanda (Sri Rama JananaVritthanta) is recited in Sanskrit. A special Harathi is offered and prasadams are distributed among those present.

Sri Rama Pattabhishekam

The next day, which is Chaitra suddhadasami, Pattabhishekam or a grand crowning ceremony is conducted for Lord Rama.

In a similar manner to the previous day, the deities of Lord Rama and Sita are taken out in a procession instead of Lord Malayappa in the evening. After the procession, the deities are again reverently placed on the SarvaBhoopala Vahanam near the Bangaruvakili.

But for the Pattabhishekam event, the deities of Angada and Sugreeva also joined the ceremony. They are each adorned with a beautiful garland worn by Rama as a token of His blessings to them. The divine court concludes with the recital of “Ayodhya Kanda” in Sanskrit. It is followed by Naivedyam and Harathi.

Inside Tirumala Temple – Rama’s Terrace

In the mandapa in front of Lord Venkateswara’s Sanctum, on both sides of the snapana mandapa, there are two elevated terraces.On the southern terrace, facing the northern direction, the icons of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman, Sugriva and Angada are seen. That is why the place is called Rama’s Terrace (Ramuniarugu).

Thus, ‘Aranya Rama’ has a special place in the divine sanctum of Tirumala.

Data Source: Saptagiri Magazine

Ugadi – Beginning of Season

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Ugadi

The word Yugadi or Ugadi is derived from the Sanskrit words Yuga (age) and Aadi (beginning) and it refers to the commencement of a new age. Ugadi or Samvatsaradi is the New Year’s Day for the people of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra States in our country.

It is celebrated with all festivity in these states on the first day of the Hindu calendar month of Chaitra. Ugadi is the first day of the Telugu New Year.

Ugadi is being heralded on Chaitra Suddha Paadyami or the first day of the bright half of the Telugu month of Chaitra i.e., this year on 18th March 2018 (Sunday). It is the first day of the first month in lunar calendar.

The months derive their names based on the star of the full moon day. For example, the full moon day of this month coincides with ‘Chitta’ star and so the month is called ‘Chaitra’ Masam. It is also the beginning of Vasanta Rutu (season).

ACCORDING TO MYTHOLOGY

There was an interesting story in Hindu Mythology. Sage Narada, once asked Lord Brahma, what is the most difficult thing to conquer in the universe? Lord Brahma replied that it was hunger. Narada did not agree and said that he had never suffered from hunger and said, he conquered it.

To this, Lord Brahma asked Narada to take a new birth to experience the pangs of hunger.

Accordingly, Narada was born again, married and got sixty sons. There was a great famine at the end of Mahakalpa when his wife and all his children died of hunger. He could not put up with hunger and went in search of some food.

He found a mango fruit hanging tantalizingly at the far end of the tree branch. He found himself too weak to climb the tree. So, he piled up the bodies of his wife and sixty sons one over the other in a bid to reach the fruit. Then, Lord Brahma appeared and Narada admitted that hunger was the most difficult thing to conquer.

Narada then prayed to Lord Brahma to give a boon so that people would ever remember his sons. When Lord Brahma started creation again, sixty years were formed into one cycle and they were named after the sons of Narada.

The years were started from Prabhava, Vibhava—up to Akshaya, were the names given to the children of Narada. The sixty years were repeating again and again in a cycle, thus, reminding them to us forever.

The onset of spring also marks the beginning of new life with plants (barren until now) acquiring new life coupled with shoots and leaves. Spring is considered the first season of the year with a new beginning. The vibrancy of life and verdant fields, meadows full of colourful blossoms would signify the growth, prosperity and well-being of the people.

PREPARATIONS FOR UGADI

Preparations for the festival would normally begin a week ahead.
Houses are given a thorough wash and clean.
On Ugadi day, people wake up before the break of dawn and take a head bath.
The oil bath is a must for everybody.
The elderly people take a sacred bath in the nearby holy rivers or the sea.
They decorate the entrances of their houses with fresh mango leaves.

Mango leaves and Coconuts

Mango leaves and coconuts are considered auspicious in the Hindu tradition and they are widely used for Ugadi. The significance of tying mango leaves relates to a legend. It is said that Subrahmanya or Kumara Swamy and Ganesha, sons of Lord Siva and Parvathi were fond of mangoes.

As the legend goes, Subrahmanya exhorted the people to tie green mango leaves to the doorways signifying a good crop and general well-being. It is noteworthy that we use mango leaves and coconuts only on auspicious occasions to propitiate Gods.

People also splash fresh cow dung water on the ground in front of their houses and draw colourful floral designs. This is a common sight in every household. People visit temples and perform the ritualistic worship to Gods invoking their blessings before they start with the new year. They pray for their health, wealth and prosperity.

PRACTICES IN UGADI

The traditional way of celebrating this festival is by beginning the day eating ‘Ugadi Pacchadi’.

Ugadi Pacchadi

Is a combination of six flavours obtained by mixing Jaggery, Tamarind, Neem flowers, Green chillies, Common salt and Raw Mango respectively. It is a symbolic reminder of complex phases of life, one should reasonably expect in the Telugu new year.

Ugadi Pacchadi also reminds the people that they will have not just sweet experiences but also a combination of sour, salty and bitter episodes in their lives.

One is always reminded that no event or occasion is wholly good or bad in his own life. So, this would help a person to learn to put pain and pleasure in proper temporal perspective.

MEDICINAL EFFECT

Besides, the ingredients which are mixed in Ugadi Pacchadi have a medicinal effect on the body.

Tamarind is acidic and is not only an appetizer but also helps in digestion.
Neem is a well-known anti-bacterial agent.
Green chillies help in Digestion and Salt is an electrolyte and Mango helps in the functioning of the liver.
Ayurveda science testifies that these six flavours ironically represent the socio-psychological behavioural aspects of a person.

Food Preparations

In Andhra and Telangana, a special dish called Bobbatlu (Polelu), Pulihora etc; are prepared on this occasion.
In Karnataka, a special dish called Obbattu or Holige is prepared. It consists of the filling of jaggery or sugar boiled and made into a paste stuffed in flat roti-like bread. It is usually eaten hot or cold with ghee or milk.
With the raw mangoes available in abundance only during April and May, people in Andhra make good use of mangoes to prepare pickles which could be stored and used until the next season.

Ugadi thus marks the beginning of the hot season, which coincides with the school and college vacations. The air is filled with joy, enthusiasm and gaiety. Some people participate in social community gatherings and enjoy a tranquil evening with devotional songs and bhajans.