Category: Festivals

A festival is an extraordinary event celebrated by a community and centering on some characteristic aspect or aspects of that community and its religion or cultures.

Ganesh Chaturthi / Vinayaka Chaturthi

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.

Ganpati idol in Pune
Ganpati idol in Pune

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.

Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi sketch

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.

Ganesh Chaturthi

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).

Or

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.

hindu god ganesha ganesha idol

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.

ganesh_nimajjanam

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

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’.

instant pot basmati rice featured

Anna Brahmopasana

They are,

  1. ‘Annam na nindyat tad vratam’ – one should never blame food,
  2. ‘Annam na parirakshita tad vratam’ – one should never reject the food,
  3. ‘Annam bahu kurveet tad vratam’ – one should produce food grains in large quantities and
  4. ‘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.

Eruvaka Pournami

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.

1234491 indian farmer wallpaper 1

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

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.

Tholi Ekadashi

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.

chaturmasya sankalpam at Tirumala
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,

  1. one during Shukla paksha (bright half–waxing moon) and
  2. 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

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)

akshaya patra

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

Sri Rama Navami Asthanam at Tirumala

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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 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’ in 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 to 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 join 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.

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

Data Source: Saptagiri Magazine

Ugadi - Beginning of Season

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.

  1. Tamarind is acidic and is not only an appetizer but also helps in digestion.
  2. Neem is a well-known anti-bacterial agent.
  3. Green chillies help in Digestion and Salt is an electrolyte and Mango helps in the functioning of the liver.
  4. 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.

Ugadi Asthanam - Panchanga Sravana

Ugadi Asthanam – Panchanga Sravana

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An offering of the Special Garments

Six sets of New Silk Garments are carried from the Parimalapu Ara by the side of Yoga Narasimha Swami’s shrine. Sri Pedda Jiyyangar the rolls of the Six large and long silk garments keeping in a big silver basket, bearing on head brings to the Srivari Sannidhi.

In this process, the Vedic Scholars chant Vedic Hymns. The musicians play on auspicious musical instruments. Some servants hold the Panchamuka Torches in their hands and show the path. Near the golden Threshold, the Sannidhi Golla (The Royal Cowherd of Lord Srinivasa) stands holding a Torch in his hands.

Once the garments are brought inside Four of them are offered to the Mula Virat or the Main Deity.

Out of the four,

  • one is offered to the Crown,
  • the second one to the Nandaka Sword,
  • the third one as Tomala, and
  • the fourth one is decorated as Uttariya.

After unveiling the curtain, Holy Harati is offered to Sri Venkateswara. All the officers and other devotees who present there receive the Harati, Tirtha, Chandanam, and Satharis. After this process, the rest of the two garments are respectively offered to Sri Malayappa Swami and Vishvaksena.

Then the holy Akshatas are sprinkled on Malayappa Swami and Vishvaksena.

Utsava Murthy
Malayappa Swamy along with His Consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi

Priests Receive Danam from Swami varu

The next event of the ritual Matradanam which consists of some amount of Rice Grains, Dakshina Amount, and Tambulam (Betel Leaves and Nut powder) are offered to the Priests.

The Priests in return bless Lord Srinivasa with the words “Nityaisvaryo Bhava” (Be the Richest forever). Blessing Swamivaru by the priests is an exclusive event that can be seen only in the Daily Koluvu and this Asthanam at Tirumala.

The Chief priest is adorned on the head by the Foot Garment of Lord Srinivasa which is called ‘Parivattam’ and pays respect to Sathari.

Panchanga Sravanam

  • Then the Royal Assembly of Srivaru commences. In the royal assembly, the Royal Astrologer is assigned the duty of Reading the New Lunar Year Panchagam taking it from the holy feet of Lord Sri Venkateswara.
  • First, he begins with reading the Tithi, Vara, Nakshatra, Yoga, and Karana of the Day.
  • Then starts to give the details, the Results and effects of the New Year, Gains and Losses, the Planetary positions and their effects, the growth of crops and animal husbandry, and other calendar-related matters.
  • The Kandaya Phalams and the Respect and Disrespect of all those who are born in the 27 stars are read.
  • The God Srinivasa is humbly requested to be more kind towards all the worlds of devotees making all of them more happy, rich, and comfortable throughout the year.
  • The Siddhanti receives the Sathari respect from the priests. The priests offer the details of the income and expenditure of the year just passed to the Great God Srinivasa.

* Source: Saptagiri Magazine

Ugadi Asthanam in Tirumala

Ugadi Asthanam in Tirumala

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Ugadi Asthanam

Is the first of all kinds of festivals and celebrations offered to Sri Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swami at Tirumala in a full length of a year. This takes place on the first day of the Chaitra masa according to Lunar Calendar.

The Daily ritual of Srivari Koluvu which is performed every day between Tomalaseva and Archana is performed with the special name Srivari Asthanam on the first day of the Lunar Calendar.

Ugadi Decorations
Elegant Decoration in the Tirumala temple on the Occasion of Ugadi.

 

Koluvu or Asthanam is nothing but the Royal Assembly of Sri Venkateswara. Daily Koluvu is performed as a ritual in the presence of a limited gathering of officers and priests.

  • Ugadi Asthanam as the first Annual Event is celebrated in the presence of many officials, Vedic Scholars, Archakas and Devotees.
  • The day on which Srivari Asthanam celebrated is the ‘Padyami’ or ‘Pratipat Thithi’ of the bright fortnight of the Chaitra Month or the First day of every New Lunar Year.
  • Location/ Venue: ‘Tirumahamani Mandapa’ which is also called ‘Ganta Mandapa’ in a place just opposite to Garuda’s Idol.

The following are various features of Swami Vari Asthanam

Pre-ritual activity

  • In the early hours of the Ugadi Day even before dawn, the services of Suprabhata Seva and Tomala Seva are performed to the Main Deity in the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  • After that, the Koluvu of Koluvu Srinivasa Murti is not performed. Instead in a lonely environment, Tirumanjanam or the Abhisheka Snana ceremony is performed to Malayappa Swami, Sri Devi, Bhudevi, and Vishvaksena.
  • While the daily Koluvu is a ritual offered to Sri Koluvu Srinivasa Murti, the Asthanam process is offered to Sri Malayappa Swami. Hence this Snana (sacred bath) ceremony is performed as a pre-ritual activity.

Arrival of Malayappa Swami along with Sridevi and Bhudevi 

Sri Malayappa Swami along with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi is brought to the Tirumahamani Mandapa in the Golden Sarva Bhupala Vahana while the path is lead by Vishvaksena followed by the divine Vedic chants, the auspicious sounds of various pious musical instruments and the chants of the Archakas.

The three idols of the God and two Goddess are properly mounted on their respective royal thrones facing Garuda with rich ornaments beautiful flowery garlands and silk garments.

VISWAK SENA
Chief Commander of Lord – Vishvaksena

On the right side to Sri Malayappa Swami the idol of Sri Vishvaksena is seated on an elevated seat decorated with a guarding crown and a sword as he is the commander-in-chief of Srivaru.

Prasada offerings to the Deities

As the first event of the ritual different Padi prasadams and Anna prasadams are brought to offer to the Main idol or Mula Virat and Malayappa Swami, Sri Devi and Bhudevi.

The humble presence of the Priests, Jiyyangars, Ekangis, Acharya Purushas, Vedic Scholars, The Executive Officer, Peshkars, Paru Pattedars, and other TTD officials elevates the decency of the event.

The White Umbrella and the Chauvries are held by some of the attendants.

The items like

  • Laddus,
  • Vadas,
  • Appams,
  • Dosas,
  • Padi Prasadams,
  • Pulihora,(Variety Rice)
  • Pongali,
  • Chakkera Pongali,
  • Dadhyodanam(curd rice)

and such are brought from the Potu and as per the ritualistic style they are offered to the Gods and Goddesses. The holy Bells are sounded grandly as a mark of offering Prasadams to Lord Srinivasa.

Offering of the Special Garments

Priests Receive Danam from Swamivaru

Panchanga Sravana

The final events

Navanita Harati is offered to Sri Venkateswara. The Cow Butter and Tambulam are received from Swami Varu by the Executive Officer and others. After that, the Mysore Harati, Tallapaka Harati, and Tarigonda Harati are offered to Swamivaru.

Finally, the Prasada is offered to all, and with this, the Swamivari Asthanam comes to an end. It is the belief of all that, this Swami Vari Asthanam is an event through which all the devotees in the entire human world will be graced by Srinivasa Swami to have a bright and promising future.

* Source: Saptagiri Magazine

Ugadi - Telugu New Year

Ugadi – Telugu New Year

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UGADI

‘U’ means Joy, Shiva and Vishnu. ‘Ga’ means movement and acquisition.

Time will move on with the command of Lord Srimannarayana. The Chakra (wheel) in the hands of the Lord is Kalachakram – Time wheel.

The Lord said in Gita “I am solely responsible for Shrusthi, Sthithi, Laya (Creation, Existence and Destruction) of the universe”. Time is formless, omnipresent and most powerful.

Mahavishnu regulates time with all these traits. We divided endless time into different seasons with specified names. Our ancestors have made this arrangement.

Telugu people follow the Lunar calendar and mostly the name of the month is associated with the movement of Moon with a particular star on Full Moon day (Pournami). According to Lunar calendar, the year begins with Vasantha Ruthuvu (season). “Among all seasons or Ruthus, I am Vasantha Ruthuvu’’ said Lord Krishna in Gita.

Ugadi Asthanam – Tirumala

Ugadi starts with Vasantha Ruthuvu (spring season). All trees and plants bloom with flowers and fruits and the onset of Vasantha Ruthuvu is considered the first season of the year with a new beginning. This appears to invite nature for the service of God and humanity.

That’s why, elders call Vasantha Ruthuvu as

  • Kusumakara,
  • Madhumasa and
  • Madhavam.

Most glorious Madhava Ruthuvu is formed as Ugadi and after conducting Ugadi Asthanam in the presence of Lord Venkateswara Swami in Tirumala temple, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, worshipped by millions of people and the name of Ananda Nilayam becomes meaningful.

Ugadi Festival or Ugadi Asthanam - Tirumala Temple
Ugadi Festival or Ugadi Asthanam – Tirumala Temple

Why do we have festivals?

Time being considered divine, every day and every minute is absolutely a happy festival. If this feeling is absent, all the festivals celebrated are fruitless. The people who just enjoy feasting on various sumptuous food items would result in the generation of Rajo and Tamo Gunas and they will never develop Satvika Guna or Cult.

Keeping in mind, our ancestors have framed certain rules and food habits for various festivals, while worshipping a particular God or Gods. All activities we do, with a pious mind, would be the happiest occasion.

Ugadi is not celebrated just like other festivals or rituals and this is not associated with the worship of any specified God. The infinite time is calculated yearly.

On the new year day, the time is worshipped as our favourite deity or as a resemblance to different Gods. Forecasting of coming time of the new year in advance, how to worship deities and get their blessings, and achieving results with certain means of effort are some of the plans and special programmes to be followed on the day of Ugadi.

Ugadi – In the months of Margasira, Vaisakha, Kartika and Aswiyuja

According to our ancient literature, Ugadi was celebrated in the months of Margasira, Vaisakha, Kartika and Aswiyuja. Similarly, there are differences on the beginning of ‘Yuga’ thithi on the basis of Kalpa and Manvantaras. Stars or Nakshatras are treated as Yugadi Nakshatras. Brahma created the Universe in the early morning of Chaitra Suddha Pratipada.

To express our gratitude and in tune with the remembrance of that event, we celebrate Ugadi. Panchanga Sravanam helps to know the auspicious and inauspicious events which may happen in one’s own life in the forthcoming year. This also helps to formulate the path of action to make one’s life happy and blissful with foresight and good behaviour.

Panchanga Sravanam is highly useful for everyone and all people of different countries. This also brings cohesion between the Universe and Earth.

What UGADI means

‘U’ means Joy, Shiva and Vishnu as well. ‘Ga’ means movement and acquisition. Therefore, ‘Uga’ means the bestowing of blessings of God. One can get happiness with all planned righteous activities to be carried out for the forthcoming year.

The word Ugadi starts with the creation of the Universe and it indicates its philosophy and it proves to be an occasion for a happy life.

Ugadi and Yugadi signify TRIVENI SANGAMAM in which Karya (Action), Karana (Cause) and Phala (Result) are involved and they are interdependent and are said to be the main source of development and happiness.

“Mulakando Mukunda”— Worshipping Mukunda is the soul of Ugadi.

Kanuma - A Festival for cattle

Kanuma – A Festival for cattle

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Our beloved Bharatvarsha is a land of ancient Vedic practices and a rich heritage emulated globally. We are in an agrarian country where we revere the fundamental points of agriculture. Our animal stock forms a veritable fulcrum.

In our ‘Sanatana Dharma’, there are many scientifically proven rituals that are dedicated to nurturing our livestock.

Among them, we pay our respects to our cattle throughout the year, especially through forty-three celebratory events like festivals, Bullock Cart Races, and so on.

Kanuma

Kanuma is a truly significant festival dedicated to cattle. It is celebrated in Andhra Pradesh as a part of the Sankranthi festival. Kanuma falls on the third day of this four-day-long festival. It is of special importance to farmers who consider cattle as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity.

In the phase of Uttarayana at a point when the nodal position of the Sun moves from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere, Kanuma is enjoyed socially, religiously, and above all spiritually.

  • As per the Tamil Panchang (Almanac), the month is referred to as Marghazi, and
  • as per the Telugu Tithi, it is the auspicious month of Pushya.

The next day of Sankranti is the day of Kanuma. People must take a head bath on this day to get rid of Kanuma Peeda. Here a proverb is said “Even crows take a dip in the water “.

Kanuma is a festival of animals. Sankranti is the right time for farmers to express their gratitude to their cattle which played an important role in the harvest.

Hence farmers wake up early in the morning and clean their oxen. They paint their horns and decorate them with Marigold flowers. Then they feed them and give harati. ‘Go puja’ is also performed at the temples.

Kanuma Festival

  • Some farmers go to their fields, sacrifice a goat or sheep, and sprinkle the blood in their fields.
  • Some farmers take cooked rice and milk to the cattle shed offer some of it to the cattle and the remaining to their fields and scatter it there.

They believe that this offering keeps the ghosts away from their crops. On this day blessings are taken from the elders. Especially married women bless each other with turmeric paste for Sowbhagyam.

Dedicated to Cows

As per our Scriptures, Our Lord Sri Krishna saved His devotees in Gokulam from the devastation of a deluge. Our Lord picked up the mammoth Govardhan Mountain to protect the land, the human beings, and the livestock. It marks the victory of our Bhaktavatsala (the Protector of the Bhaktas) against Lord Indra.

This festival is dedicated to cows, bulls, and oxen which form the fundamental aspect of the agricultural plethora of our beloved Bharat.

Go Puja

Go Puja

An elaborate and spiritually uplifting Govardhan Puja or Go Puja is organized to worship the most holy Gomata (the Mother of all….the Cow). The rituals are vivid and soul enriching. The cattle are bathed and decorated with paint and ornaments on this day.

They are taken to nearby temples where rituals are performed for worship. The most healthy bulls are adorned with ornaments and are brought in for processions thus displaying a farmer’s grandeur. These processions are illustrated with ‘sannai’ music.

In some places, a typical practice named ‘Jallikattu‘ (it is a sport conducted for cows and bulls) is celebrated as a part of Pongal. Special dishes are a part of this festival. They are ‘ariselu’ made of rice flour and jaggery, ‘pulihora’, ‘laddu’, ‘sweet pongal,’ ‘moongdal payasam’, ‘bobbatlu’ or ‘puran poli’ and cracked wheat ‘halwa’.

jallikattu

Charity forms a pleasant part of the auspicious occasion of the Kanuma festival.

Mukkanuma

The concluding day of a four-day festival is mukkanuma, a joyful day. Cockfights, bullfights ram fights, etc. are organized with joy and pomp.

  • Some betting is done on cattle.
  • Rangoli competitions are conducted for women.
  • Children play with kites.
  • Kite flying also has a symbolic meaning.

It is said that the higher your kite goes, the higher you will rise in the future.