Indian Festivals & Muhurat

Akshay Tritiya

10 May, 2024

Akshaya Tritiya, which is also known as Akti or Akha Teej, is an important Hindu festival that is celebrated every year in India and Nepal. As per the Hindu calendar, the third day of the waxing phase of the Vaishakha lunar month (April-May) marks the arrival of this auspicious day. The term "Akshaya" means "everlasting" or "imperishable," while "Tritiya" denotes "third." Therefore, this day is deemed highly advantageous for new endeavors, investments, and acquisitions. This write-up will cover all you need to know about Akshaya Tritiya 2024, encompassing its relevance, puja timing, fasting and worship procedures, katha (narrative), and much more.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “अक्षय तृतीया” पर क्लिक करें।

 

Akshaya Tritiya Puja Mahurat , Tith and time 

This year, Akshaya Tritiya falls on May 10, 2024. The puja mahurat for Akshaya Tritiya is considered extremely important as it is believed that any auspicious work initiated during this time will bring prosperity and success. 

 

Importance of Akshaya Tritiya 

1-Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious festival celebrated by Hindus and Jains.

2-On the Hindu calendar, the month of Vaishakha's bright fortnight's third day, which typically occurs in April or May, is when this occasion takes place.

Here are some of the reasons why Akshaya Tritiya is considered important:

• The day holds great significance in terms of initiating fresh undertakings or making investments, as it is regarded as propitious.

• Buying Gold on this day is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

• Spiritual practices done on this day are believed to yield great benefits and help one progress on their spiritual path.

• In certain regions of India, this day indicates the commencement of the harvest period, and farmers pay homage to their tools and livestock.

• For Jains, this day holds significant importance as it is observed as the birthday of Lord Adinatha, who is regarded as the initial Tirthankara in Jainism.

• Donating food or clothing to those in needs is considered a virtuous act that can help increase one's good deeds and improve one's financial status.

• Taking a dip in the Ganges on this day is a promising act that can help purify one's soul and remove any sins.

• Pitra Shradh can also be performed on this day, and offering items such as barley, curd-rice, and milk products to Brahmins is recommended.

• This day is considered an excellent time to perform Shradh and Tarpan in honor of one's ancestors or forefathers, particularly at an early age.

• Parashuraam and Hayagreeva are celebrated on this day, Tretayug begins, and the doors of Shri Badrinath Ji remain open throughout the day.

 Akshaya Tritiya fast and worship method

This occasion is widely believed to be auspicious, and it is said that any good deed undertaken on this day will result in manifold blessings and rewards. One of the ways to seek blessings on Akshaya Tritiya is by observing a fast and performing puja. Here is a guide on the fast and worship method for Akshaya Tritiya.

Fasting on Akshaya Tritiya

Fasting on Akshaya Tritiya is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and success. It is believed that on this day, by observing a fast, one can purify the mind, body, and soul and receive the blessings of the deities. When visiting a temple during Akshaya Tritiya, it is customary to offer Lord Vishnu a bath using water from the Ganges River. Afterward, you should offer a garland of yellow flowers or a single yellow flower to the Holy Basil (Tulsi) plant. This is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. The fast can be observed from sunrise to sunset or for the entire day. Some people observe a waterless fast, while others consume fruits and milk.

Worship method for Akshaya Tritiya

The worship method for Akshaya Tritiya is simple and can be done at home. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1.Clean the puja area and decorate it with flowers, rangoli, and other traditional decorations.

2.Place a picture or idol of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on the puja altar.

3.Light a lamp and incense sticks and offer the deities flowers, fruits, and sweets.

4.Recite the Akshaya Tritiya Vrat Katha, which narrates the day's significance and how Lord Vishnu blessed his devotees with prosperity and good fortune.

5.Offer Akshat (rice grains mixed with turmeric) to the deities and sprinkle it around the puja altar.

6.Chant the Akshaya Tritiya Mantra: "Om Namo Bhagavata Vasudeva" or any other mantra that invokes the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.

7.Conclude the puja by performing the aarti and distributing Prasad to the family members.

8.Donate food, clothes, or money to needy people on this auspicious day.

 

Why is Akshaya Tritiya celebrated?

Akshaya Tritiya holds various significant beliefs and thoughts in Hinduism. Some of these include:

• Celebrating the birth of Lord Vishnu's sixth incarnation, Parashurama, who was born to Maharishi Jamadagni and Mata Renukadevi. This day is dedicated to worshipping Lord Vishnu and Parashurama.

• Acknowledging the day when Mother Ganga descended from heaven to earth. Taking a dip in the sacred Ganges on this day is said to purify and absolve individuals of their sins and transgressions.

• Celebrating the birthday of Mother Annapurna, who is known to bless the taste of food. Feeding the poor is an important ritual on this day to seek blessings and keep one's kitchen filled.

• Observing the day when Maharishi Ved Vyas Ji began writing the Mahabharata, which includes the empowered Shrimad Bhagwat Gita. Reciting the 18th chapter of the Srimad Bhagwat Gita is considered auspicious on this day.

• Commencing new accounts and business ventures after worshipping Lord Ganesha and Mata Lakhmiji, also known as 'HALKHATA' in Bengal.

• Honouring Lord Kuber and Mata Lakshmi, as suggested by Lord Shankarji. Mata Lakshmi is worshipped on this day for wealth and prosperity.

• Remembering when Pandava's son Yudhishthira received the Akshaya Patra, which is always believed to have abundant food? Some people offer Sattu of barley or wheat, cucumber, and soaked gram dal to honor Nara-Narayana, Parashurama, and Hayagreeva Ji.

Akshaya Tritiya Katha

When Yudhishthira asked Sri Krishna about the significance of Akshaya Tritiya, Krishna explained that this day is very auspicious. Any person who performs rituals, takes a bath before noon, and donates to the needy will receive great benefits. It marks the beginning of the golden age. A well-known story related to this day is about a Vaishya named Dharmadas, who believed in honesty and had a large family. After learning about the importance of fasting, he took a bath in the holy Ganges and worshipped the almighty with dedication. He then gave various items like Ladoos, fans, water-filled jugs, barley, wheat, salt, Sattu, curd, rice, jaggery, Gold, and clothes to Brahmins, despite facing challenges in life. Due to his devotion and charity, he became the king of Kushavati at his next birth and remained devoted to religion even after becoming wealthy.

Katha 

Once upon a time, a poor farmer named Vishnu Sharma lived with his family in a small village. He worked hard daily but never seemed to have enough to feed his family. One day, he heard about the significance of Akshaya Tritiya and decided to perform a special puja on this auspicious day.

Rising early, he purified himself with a sacred bath, and then proceeded to the temple to offer his sincere prayers to the deities. With deep devotion, he entreated the blessings of the gods and goddesses, particularly Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.

 

After completing his puja, he returned home and found a small piece of Gold outside his door. He was surprised and wondered how it got there. But he considered it a blessing from the divine and used it to buy seeds for his farm.

To his surprise, the crop yield was much higher than usual that year. He sold the extra produce and earned a good profit. The following year, he invested the profit in his farm, and again, the yield was even higher.

 

Over the years, Vishnu Sharma became a prosperous farmer and a wealthy man. He always remembered the blessings of Akshaya Tritiya and continued to perform the puja every year. He also donated some of his wealth to the poor and needy on this auspicious day.

Thus, the story of Vishnu Sharma teaches us that by performing good deeds and seeking divine blessings on Akshaya Tritiya, one can attain prosperity and success in life.

God Gives Vision

On the day of Akshaya Tritiya, the doors of Shri Badrinarayan are kept open, and devotees witness the feet of 'Shri Vigrah' in Vrindavan's Shri Banke Bihari Ji temple. Usually, the feet of the deity are wrapped in clothes for the rest of the year. Thakurs offer soaked gram dal and sugar candy to Badrinarayan Ji by placing a picture of him on the throne or visiting the temple. It is believed that the personification of Lord Parashurama took place on this day.

 

This festival is known for its charity-oriented significance. The Mahabharata War ended, and the Dwapar Yuga ended on this day. Consuming 'Sattu,' wearing new clothes and jewelry, and donating cows, land, and gold vessels are considered highly virtuous on Akshaya Tritiya. This day marks the end of spring and the beginning of summer, according to the Panchang. It is also known as the Mahaparva of donations, and according to the Puranas, a person who donates on this day attains a place in Vaikuntha Dham.

 

What should we donate on the day of Akshaya Tritiya? 

• Donating Kum Kum can lead to gaining status in life and ensuring the longevity of your husband.

• Donating Betel Leaves can help a person become a ruler of a nation.

• Donating a Bed or Mattress can bring all the happiness one seeks.

• Donating Slippers can prevent a person from going to hell after this lifetime.

• Donating a Coconut can help the last seven generations attain salvation.

• Donating Clothes to poor people can free a person from diseases.

• Offering Water with Betel nut to a Brahmin can bless a person with immense wealth.

• Donating Fruits can help secure a higher position in life.

• Donating Milk, Butter, and Buttermilk can aid in progressing in academics and other studies.

• Donating Grains can keep a person protected from untimely death.

• Performing Tarpanam can help one get rid of poverty.

• Eating Curd Rice can help overcome negativity and achieve goals in life.

• Offering Guru Dakshina can bestow a person with immense knowledge.

 

Why is Gold bought on Akshaya Tritiya?

It is said that buying Gold on this day brings good fortune and blessings from Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

According to Hindu mythology, on Akshaya Tritiya, Lord Vishnu and his wife, Goddess Lakshmi, visit the earth and bless the devotees. It is believed that buying Gold on this day symbolizes inviting the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi into one's life. Purchasing gold on this day is thought to bring good fortune, joy, and financial stability, as it is also considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

Moreover, as per astrology, the position of the sun and the moon on this day is said to be ideal for investing in Gold, which makes it an auspicious day to purchase Gold. Therefore, buying Gold on Akshaya Tritiya has become a popular tradition in India and is considered a good investment for the future.

 

Do’s and Don’ts on Akshay Tritiya

Things to do on Akshay Tritiya:

1. Donate to charity: Akshay Tritiya is considered an auspicious day to do charity. Donate to the poor, the needy, or a charitable organization to earn blessings and good karma.

2. Purchase Gold: It is believed that buying Gold on Akshay Tritiya is highly auspicious and brings prosperity and good luck.

3. Perform Tarpanam: Offer tarpanam to your ancestors and seek their blessings. It is believed that doing so can help you get rid of poverty.

4. Bathe in holy rivers: Take a dip in the holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari to wash away your sins and purify your soul.

5. Observe fast: Fasting on Akshay Tritiya is considered highly auspicious. It is believed that fasting can help you earn blessings and good karma.

Things not to do on Akshay Tritiya

1. Avoid cutting trees or plants: Cutting trees or plants on this day is believed to bring bad luck and negative energy.

2. Avoid indulging in negative thoughts: Akshay Tritiya is considered an auspicious day, and it is believed that negative thoughts can hinder the positive energy that the day brings.

3. Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food: It is believed that consuming non-vegetarian food on this day can bring bad luck and negative energy.

4. Avoid buying leather items: Buying leather items on Akshay Tritiya is considered inauspicious.

5. Avoid arguments or conflicts: It is believed that engaging in arguments or conflicts on Akshay Tritiya can bring bad luck and negative energy. It is better to maintain a peaceful and positive environment.

You may read more about Hindu Vrat dates, Daily Horoscope, Weekly Horoscope, Nakshatra and Astrology Yoga.

Guru Purnima

21 Jul, 2024

In Hindu culture, Guru is considered superior to God as it is the Guru who helps to cross the ocean like the world. By attaining the knowledge of the Guru and following the path shown, one attains salvation. It is believed in the Shastras that if God curses you, then the Guru can save you, but even God himself cannot protect you from the Guru curse. That is why Kabir Ji also says –

Guru Gobind Dono Khade, Kaake Laagu Paya.

Balihari Guru Aapno, Gobind Diyo Batay.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “गुरू पूर्णिमा” पर क्लिक करें।

Every year, the full moon of Ashadh month is observed as Guru Purnima. The Guru is venerated on Guru Purnima. In India, this festival is celebrated with immense respect. In ancient times, when the disciples used to receive free education in the Guru's ashram. On Guru Purnima, they worshiped their Guru with full devotion. On this day, the Guru and the elder in the house, i.e., parents, siblings, etc., are considered gurus, and blessings are taken from them. Gurus are highly respected in our country because it is only a Guru who leads his disciple out of the wrong path and leads it in the right direction. Many such stories related to the mythological period are prevalent, which shows that the Guru has a remarkable contribution in making anyone great. One of the reasons behind celebrating this day is also believed that on this day, the great Guru Maharishi Ved Vyas, who composed the great literature like Brahmasutra, Mahabharata, Srimad Bhagavat, and Eighteen Puranas, was born. On this day, all the disciples take the blessings of their respective gurus. They thank them for what they have given so far.

We at Bajrangi Dhaam will be performing a small Pooja ritual and Guru Purnima celebration for selected followers & the overall prosperity of our large client base on 13th July, 2022 in the morning around 9.00 am. 

What is the Meaning of Guru?

In the Shastras, 'Gu' means darkness Yamul ignorance, and 'Ru' means its Nirodhak, 'Prakash.' A Guru is called a Guru because he removes ignorance from enlightenment; that is, he is the 'Guru' who leads from darkness to light. The similarity between Guru and God has been believed to be of equal stature. The reason behind this reverence is that this relationship is solely for spiritual progress and attainment of God. 

The Beginning of Guru-Shishya Tradition 

According to the Shastras, at first, Sriparmeshwar named Narayan as Vishnu and ordered him to chant the Mahamantra in the form of 'Om.' Later, to free Brahma from ignorance, God revealed with his heart the wisdom of Yogis to Sri Rudra. He then purified Brahma's darkness by giving them the knowledge to chant the 'Om Namah Shivaya' mantra to cleanse Brahma's conscience. Therefore, it is Guruta to take the disciple towards the light instead of darkness.

The Importance of Guru Purnima

On the day of Guru Purnima, many people duly worship their late Guru or Brahmin saints with their Paduka, Diya, flower, Akshat, sandalwood, naivedya, etc. 

One who erases darkness and leads to light is called 'Guru.' Even though parents give birth to a child, the teacher does the work of explaining the meaning of life and the world to him. Guru is called Brahma because just as he creates an organism, in the same way, the Guru makes a disciple. Our soul is eager to confront the truth in the form of God, and this confrontation is not possible without meeting the present physical state of Guru; that is why in every birth, it searches for the Guru.

Maharishi Ved Vyas Ji, who composed eighteen Puranas was born on Ashada Purnima. Such is the belief. Ved Vyas was the son of great sage Parashar. According to Hindu scriptures, Maharishi Vyas was the master of all three periods. Seeing from his divine vision, he knew that people's interest in religion in Kali Yuga would decrease. Due to a lack of interest in religion, a man will not be a believer in God, devoid of duty, and will be of less age. It will not be easy for him to study an extensive and complete Veda. That is why Maharishi Vyas divided the Vedas into four parts so that people with little intellect and little memory power can also benefit by studying Vedas.

Vyas Ji named the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samveda, and Atharva Veda after dividing the Vedas into separate divisions. Due to such division of Vedas, he became famous as Ved Vyas. He gave Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda to his beloved disciples Vaishampayan, Sumantumuni, Pal, and Jamin. Ved Vyas Ji composed the Puranas as the fifth Veda in which the knowledge of Vedas is explained in the form of exciting stories-stories because the experience in Vedas is extraordinarily mysterious and challenging. He gave them the wisdom of Puranas to his disciple Rome Harshan. According to their power of intellect, the disciples of Vyas Ji divided their Vedas into several branches and sub-branches. Maharishi Vyasa also composed the Mahabharata. They are considered our Adi-gurus. This famous festival of Guru Purnima is also celebrated as the birth anniversary of Vyas Ji. Therefore, this festival is also called Vyas Purnima.

What is the Ancient Importance of Guru Purnima?

According to various Hindu mythological Vedas, Guru has also been called Sarvopari from Tridevas because it is believed that Guru only shows the right direction to the person and also guides his disciple. This day has been celebrated since old times. The disciples' immense reverence for their Guru was the real Dakshina for the Guru at that time. There is also a law for Govardhan's circumambulation, which is in Uttar Pradesh. It has also been seen that on this day, people bathe in holy rivers, kunds, and ponds and also give donations.

Guru ki Mahima Hai Agam, Gaakar Tarta Shishya

Guru Kal ka Anumaan Kar, Gadhta Aaj Bhavishya

Lord Shiva is considered to be the Maiden Guru in Vedic Grantha. 

According to the Puranas, Lord Shiva is considered the first Guru. Shani and Parashuram are his two disciples. Shivaji was the first to propagate civilization and religion on earth, so he is called Adidev and Adiguru. Shiva is also called Adinath. Adiguru Shiva gave seven people along with Shani and Parashurama. These were later called the seven hamarshi, and they subsequently spread the knowledge of Shiva all around.

Shishya Worship Guru

On the pious festival of Guru Purnima, the disciples worship and worship their gurus as gifts and give some donation and Dakshina and express their gratitude concerning them. In each age, the authority of the Guru has been pervading everywhere like the particle-like Parambrahma. The world without a guru is just a night of ignorance. 

Method of Guru Purnima Puja

The Shastras describe the method of Guru Puja on Guru Purnima in such a way that after worshiping Lord Vishnu, Shiva, Guru Jupiter, and Maharishi Ved Vyasa in the morning, you must honor your Guru. Make your Guru a garland of flowers and take blessings from him by offering sweets, new clothes, and money.

1. On Guru Purnima, not only the Guru but anyone elder in the family, that is, parents, siblings, etc., should also be considered like Guru.

2. Only by the grace of the teacher does knowledge enters the student. The ignorance and darkness of his heart get removed.

3. Only the blessings of the Guru are beneficial, enlightening, and useful for humanity. All the learning of the world comes from the grace of the Guru.

4. This day is also best for getting the mantra from Guru.

5. On this day, it is essential to serve the Gurus as much as possible.

6. Hence, it is important to celebrate this festival with full devotion

The Myth behind the Celebration of Guru Purnima

The identity of India lies in its spiritual essence. According to the changing times and circumstances, the fantastic art of bringing this spirituality into life is also taught by India's sages. Guru Poornima is the festival of expressing gratitude to such cosmopolitan gurus who, despite suffering themselves, lead the society on the path of progress. Hardly anyone is unaware of the name of Maharishi Veda Vyasa during the Mahabharata period; these are the same Munishrestha who composed the four Vedas, written eighteen Puranas, and created the Srimad Bhagavata. He was considered the first Guru of the Guru-disciple tradition. 

It is known very well that if any person gives any knowledge, makes us learn something; then he is like a guru to us; he is worthy of worship, irrespective of the stature. It is mentioned in the Shastras that once Muniver saw someone from the Bhil caste bending a tree and plucking coconut from it. From that day, Vyas Ji started chasing that person because he was keen to know this learning, but that person used to run away from Ved Vyas Ji due to hesitation and fear. While chasing - Vyas Ji reached the person one day, and the person was not present, but his son was present who listened to Vyas Ji and agreed to give the mantra. The next day Vyas Ji came, and he took that mantra, following all the rules. When the father saw all this, he could not stay away from him. He wanted to know the reason for this from the son. After listening to the son, the father said that son, "I did not want to intentionally give this mantra to Vyas Ji as in my mind that the person from whom the mantra is taken, he becomes like Jiguru and we are poor and belong to small caste. Will Vyas Ji respect us if we are poor?" Then the father said that if the son who gives the mantra is not revered, then that mantra does not come to fruition, so you go and test Vyas Ji whether he will provide you with respect or not. The son reached the next day in the court of Vyas Ji, where he was discussing with his companions. Seeing his Guru coming, Vyas Ji came running and worshiped him and respected him, following all the rules. The person was pleased to see this. All his dilemmas and his father's dilemmas were erased that a person who gives importance to a small caste like a Guru is genuinely revered. And since then, Vyasa Ji started being considered as the foremost Guru in the Guru-Shishya tradition. One day in the year was dedicated to the Brahma Gyan Sadguru, popularly known as Vyas Purnima or Guru Purnima.

Why is Varsha Ritu Best for Guru Purnima?

All seasons in India have their importance. There is a reason behind Guru Purnima being observed, especially during the rainy season. It is because, in these four months, there is neither excess heat nor excess cold. This time is apt and best for studies and teaching. Therefore, the disciples present at Gurucharan opt for this time to attain the power of knowledge, peace, devotion, and yoga. 

Hariyali Teej

07 Aug, 2024

Tritiya, or the third day of Shukla Paksha of Shravan month, is termed Hariyali Teej or Shravani Teej. As per the English calendar, Hariyali Teej is often in July or August. It is primarily a festival of women. The festival is celebrated on Tritiya Tithi or the third day of Shravan Shukla Paksha for good luck and sought-after groom. This festival comes in Sawan when there is the foliage all around. This is the intention why this festival is termed Hariyali Teej. In the month of Sawan, when the whole earth is fresh and green, to relish this beautiful moment of nature, women swing on swings, celebrate the festival with a lot of folklore. On the occurrence of Hariyali Teej, fairs are prearranged in many places across the country, and the ride of Mata Parvati is taken out with a lot of pomp. Hariyali Teej is significant for married women. This festival is celebrated to venerate the reunion of Lord Shiva and Parvati.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “हरियाली तीज” पर क्लिक करें।

In Hinduism, every fast and festival has a mythological implication, and there is an exciting story or tale associated with it. Hariyali Teej is also celebrated to celebrate the reunion of Lord Shiva and Parvati. According to mythology, Goddess Parvati did severe penance to win Lord Shiva as her husband. After this severe penance and 108th birth, Mata Parvati got Lord Shiva as her husband. It is said that Lord Shiva acknowledged Parvati as his wife on the third day of Shukla Paksha of Shravan month. Since then, it is believed that Lord Shiva and Parvati blessed this day to be a day of fortuity for married women. And so, by worshiping Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati on Hariyali Teej and fasting, the married woman remains well-off and brings contentment and affluence to the family.

Religious Significance of Hariyali Teej

According to religious belief, it is said that Lord Shiva and Parvati again came together in Sawan on Hariyali Teej. Its description is also mentioned in Shiv Puran, so on this day, wedded women worship Parvati and Shiva so that their married life remains blissful. The festival of Teej is celebrated with great splendor in North India. Single girls can also fast on this day with a wish to get a worthy groom.

How is Hariyali Teej celebrated?

This fast is considered to be more difficult than Karva Chauth. On this day, women observe a fast for the whole day until the next morning after taking a bath and worship, complete the fast, and gulp anything. Goddess Parvati and Shiva are worshiped on occasion. On this day, makeup goods and sweets are sent from the maternal home of women to their in-laws. After the completion of household chores and bathing in the morning, women keep a Nirjala fast (निर्जला व्रत) by doing sixteen makeups (सोलह शृंगार). After the worship, listen to the story associated with the fast. There is also a custom of wearing green attires, green chunari, green leheriya, green makeup, mehndi, and swinging.

This is how Hariyali Teej is celebrated

Married women are called to their parents' house with the inception of Sawan. A day before Hariyali Teej, Dwitiya is celebrated as Shringar Diwas (day), Sinjara. Daughter-in-law and daughters are fed 9 types of sweets and dishes. On the day of Singhara, teenagers and newly married brides apply mehndi inventively on their hands and feet to celebrate this festival. On the day of Teej, women, dressed in Lehariya saris and ornaments, sing songs with their friends in the evening while swinging near a lake or in a garden. It is believed that it is done to get Lord Shiva as a husband. For this, Parvati took 107 births. Because of her rigorous penance and in her 108th birth, Lord Shiva accepted Goddess Parvati as his wife. With that, this fast started. On this day, the married women who worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with sixteen makeups (सोलह शृंगार) ritual, their relation, and the husband live long.

Significance of 16 makeups ritual  in Teej Puja

Women do teej fasting with the desire to stay contented forever. In this fast, which is done for good fortune, women offer the dishes made of honey to Goddess Parvati. In this, 16 items of makeup are offered to the Goddess. It includes bangles, vermilion, bracelets, henna, sari, chunari, etc. Women observing the fast offer these things to Goddess Parvati and seek blessings of good fortune. Lord Shiva is also worshiped along with Parvati in the worship ritual of Hariyali Teej. Women who fast on this day also do the 16 makeup ritual. Swinging and singing folk songs is ubiquitous on the day of Teej in many places.

Why fast on Hariyali Teej

On this occasion of this festival, the married women who worship Shiva-Parvati after wearing sixteen adornments, their husband lives for a long-time. Also, at the will of Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva blesses any unmarried girl who observes this fast and worships Shiva Parvati, the hitches in her marriage will be removed, and she will get an appropriate groom.  Married women will get good fortune and happiness of married life along with husband long life from this fast.

If a girl cannot get married, she should fast and worship on this day. Apart from this, married women should jointly worship Shiva and Parvati.

Sindhara is given to sisters and daughters-in-law

On the occasion of Hariyali Teej, women apply mehndi on their hands. After this, they fast. During this period, there is a prevalence of Ghevar, Feni, and Sevaiyan. A day before the festivity, sisters and daughters-in-law are given Sindhara. It comprises clothes, good luck items, ghevar, feni, fruits, etc. On Hariyali Teej, Thakurji is also offered Malpuas.

Hariyali Teej tradition

For newlywed girls, the first Sawan after marriage has a different connotation. On the occasion of Hariyali Teej, girls are called to their parents' house from their in-laws' house.

1. Sindhara is celebrated a day before Hariyali Teej. On this day, clothes, jewelry, makeup items, Mehndi, and sweets are sent from the in-laws of the newlywed girl.

2. Applying Mehndi on this day has a special meaning. Women and girls apply it on their hands in various designs. Aalta is also applied on the feet on this day. It is a sign of being married.

3. On Hariyali Teej, married women touch the feet of the mother-in-law and give them sweets. If she is not present, it is given to the sister-in-law (Jethani) or any other elderly lady.

4. On this day, women worship Parvati by wearing makeup and new clothes.

5. On Hariyali Teej, women and girls swing in the field or garden and do a lot of folklore.

Hariyali Teej Puja Mantra

देहि सौभाग्य आरोग्यं देहि मे परमं सुखम्।

पुत्रान देहि सौभाग्यम देहि सर्व।

कामांश्च देहि मे।।

Malpus are also offered

Ghevar, Feni, and Sevaiyan are predominant in the month of Shravan. A day before Teej, sisters and daughters-in-law are given Sindhara. It contains clothes, good luck items, ghevar, feni, fruits, etc. Devotees get astonished to see her in the cassette, especially after offering Sindhara to Radharani in Barsana. On Hariyali Teej, offerings of Malpus are also offered to Thakurji.

Hariyali Teej Vrat Story

Hariyali Teej is celebrated to honor the reunion of Lord Shiva and Parvati. According to mythology, Goddess Parvati did a Spartan penance to get Lord Shiva as her husband. Because of this severe penance, Goddess Parvati got Lord Shiva as her husband. As stated by the legend, Mata Gauri was reborn as Parvati in the Himalayas. Parvati wanted to get Shiva as a groom since childhood. For this, she did severe penance. One day Narad Ji told Himalaya that Lord Vishnu, contented with Parvati's penance, wanted to espouse her. Himalaya was thrilled to hear this. Alternatively, Narad Muni went to Vishnu and said that Himalaya has decided to get his daughter Parvati married to you. Vishnu also agreed to this. Narada then went to Parvati and told her that father Himalaya had fixed her marriage with Vishnu. Hearing this, Parvati was saddened and went to an isolated place with her mates, hiding from her father. After reaching the dense and deserted forest, Parvati once again started penance. He constructed a Shivling out of the sand and begun worshiping while fasting. Lord Shiva was satisfied with this penance and assured to fulfill his wish. In the meantime, Parvati's father Himalaya also reached there. Knowing the truth, he agreed to get Parvati married to Lord Shiva. Shiva tells in this story that later, he got married to Parvati by law. Shiva says, 'O Parvati! Due to the stringent fast that you had taken, we could get married. I give the desired wish to the woman who performs this fast honesty.

Teej's tradition in a different state
Different states in India celebrate this festival in a different style. Here are some of the unique Hariyali Teej celebrations in some parts of India.

There is a Teej ride in Jaipur

This festival is the quintessence of life for the people of Rajasthan. Particularly in the Pink city of Jaipur, its different splendor is observed. The fair held in Jaipur on the occasion of Teej holds a special place in the whole world. On this day, Teej Mata's ride is taken out after the worship. The idol of Parvati, which is called Teej Mata, is taken in the march. Before the festival, the idol is re-painted, and new clothes and adornments are put on; a procession is taken out at the auspicious time. Lakhs of people swarm during this time to have a glimpse of the mother. Elephants and horses enhance the beauty of the procession. This ride is immersed in Tripolia Bazaar, Choti Chaupad, Gangauri Bazaar, and Chaugan after reaching Palika Bagh. Many foreign tourists also accompany the villagers dressed in colorful attires to see the ride. People are dressed in colorful clothes all around; the smell of Ghevar-Fini, the beauty of nature makes this festival unique. Swings on the branches of giant trees in the open are pleasing for women and children. Singing Malhar, swinging with mehndi on the hands, is a unique experience. Ladies, along with friends, swing on while singing folk songs, kajri, etc. The whole atmosphere becomes melodious and lively with songs.

Teej festival in Rajasthan

Teej festival is celebrated in Rajasthan as a seasoned festival. People celebrate this festival by seeing greenery and cloud cover in the month of Sawan or Shravan. Due to the black clouds hovering in the sky, this festival is called Kajali Teej, and because of the greenery, this festival is called Hariyali Teej. On this festival, swings are put up in Rajasthan, and fairs are organized on the river banks. Sowing of Kharif crops also commences around this festival. Farmers yearn for rain on the Teej festival for sowing of moth, millet, pods, etc.

Teej of Vrindavan

The swings of Brij are well-known in Sawan. In Shri Vallabh sampradaya, Thakurji swings on a swing all through the month of Sawan. Carousels are decorated in other temples from Sawan Shukla Tritiya-Hariyali Teej to Rakshabandhan-Purnima. On the night of Shri Banke Bihari Teej in Vrindavan, Ganga-Jamuni of gold and silver is swung in a giant carousel. The bank of Dwarkadhish is well known in Mathura. All the curtains, carousels, clothes of Thakurji are all of the same colors, matching the color of the sky. In the midst of them, the eminence of Kali Ghata (Dark sky) is very high.

Follow these remedial measures on Hariyali Teej

If there is a problem of harmonization between husband and wife, then do this remedy?

Offer yellow apparel to Shiva and red ones to Goddess Parvati.

- Pray for better harmonization.

After this, tie knots in both the clothes and keep them just a stone's throw away.

If husband and wife have to stay away from each other, then what should be done?

Offer flowers, bel leaves, abir-gulal to Lord Shiva.

Offer vermilion to Maa Gauri in a silver pitcher.

- Pray to be unruffled with each other.

Use the offered vermilion regularly.

If the health of either of the spouses is appalling

- Visit the temple of Shiva in the evening

First, offer Panchamrit on Shivling.

Henceforth offer a stream of water.

Pray for the health of the spouse.

If the debt is causing issues

Take a dry piece of catechu.

From this piece, make three straight lines on the ground.

After taking Hanuman Ji's name, erase these three straight lines from the feet.

Do this remedy on three Tuesdays.

- It will surely be profitable.

The tradition of giving up three things on Hariyali Teej

On Hariyali Teej, every woman should take a pledge to abandon the three evils. These three things are-

1. Cheating on Husband

2. Lying and abusing

3. Parninda (abstaining from doing evil to others)

What is right and what is forbidden during Hariyali Teej

What to do?

1) Nirjala fast is kept on Hariyali Teej, i.e., do not drink water during this fast. Though, this does not concern pregnant and sick women.

2) Women observing fast should listen to the fast story of Hariyali Teej. With this, the fast is considered complete.

3) This fast is for the long life and well-being of the husband. On this day, it is considered auspicious to listen to the songs and stories of Teej Mata, i.e., Mata Parvati.

What not to do?

These things should not be done during fasting

1) The use of white and black clothes is forbidden in this fast.

2) It is likewise said that one should not doze off during the fast of Teej.

3) According to Hindu religion, the wife observing this fast should be pure in mind, deed, and words, i.e., do not think bad about anyone, do wrong deeds, and do not use foul language.

These things are considered imperative

Some things are considered significant on Hariyali Teej, such as green bangles and mehndi, which are taken care of by married women as they symbolize the longevity of their husbands and their health and happiness. On this day, women generally use green color. In contrast, on Hariyali Teej, the women's parents send sarees, makeup items, sweets, fruits, etc. It is considered suitable to do so.

Nag Panchami

09 Aug, 2024

The festival of Nag Panchami is celebrated all over India, and it is a famous Hindu festival. Snakes are an essential part of our culture, and on this day, people worship Lord Bholenath. He is also considered an incarnation of Shakti and the Sun. This festival is celebrated on the Panchami Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Shravan month. At the same time, Nag Puja is performed in North India on the fifth day of Shukla Paksha of Sawan month. But in South India, this festival is celebrated on the fifth day of Krishna Paksha. Nag Panchami is considered as one of the important festivals in Hinduism. On this day, snakes are worshipped, and milk is offered to them. Snakes are very dear to Lord Shiva; that is why the festival of Nag Panchami comes in the month of Sawan, on which Bholenath is pleased and showers his blessings if someone does the rituals of Nag Panchami with complete devotion.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “नाग पंचमी” पर क्लिक करें।

As per Hinduism, the snake is considered a deity, and there is a proper vidhi (method) to worship them. Actually, the snake is considered to be the necklace of Lord Shiva Shankar and the bed of Vishnu. Apart from this, snakes are also related to people's lives. There is heavy rain in the month of Sawan. Due to rain, the snakes come out of the ground, and it is believed that people offer milk and worship the snake deities; they do not harm anyone. It is believed that if someone worships the snake god on this day with devotion, then they get blessings, and there is no fear from the snake. Those who have Kaal Sarp Dosh in their horoscope, they get rid of this Dosha by worshiping on this day. This Dosha occurs when all the planets come between Rahu and Ketu. Such a person has to struggle a lot for success and face several issues for achieving something. Apart from this, if there is any difficulty in anyone's life due to Rahu-Ketu, then it is said to worship snakes on the day of Nag Panchami to get a solution to your issues.

1. According to Hindu beliefs, snakes have been worshiped as deities since mythological times. Therefore, worshiping a snake on Nag Panchami is considered auspicious.

2. There are also beliefs that on the day of Nag Panchami, a person who worships snakes does not fear snake bite and can live a good life.

3. It is believed that one gets inexhaustible virtue by offering milk to snakes and worshiping them on this day.

4. This festival also holds particular importance for snake charmers. On this day, people usually provide milk and money for snakes.

5. On this day, there is also a tradition of making a picture of a snake at the house entrance. It is believed that with the grace of snakes, this picture protects the house.

History of Nag Panchami Puja

As per Puranas, there are many beliefs behind celebrating Nag Panchami. It is believed that on the fifth day of Shravan Shukla, all the snake clans went to meet Brahmaji to get rid of the curse. Then Brahmaji liberated the serpents from that curse. After that incident, a tradition of worshiping the snakes started. There is another story; Lord Krishna killed Kaliya Nag on the fifth day of Shukla Paksha of Sawan month. This way, he saved the lives of the people living in Gokul. Since then, the festival of Nag Puja started. There is another belief that during the Samudra Manthan when a rope was not available.  Vasuki Nag was used as a rope. The gods had caught the tail of Vasuki Nag, and the demons caught the mouth of Vasuki Nag. During the Manthan, poison came out. Then Lord Shiva kept that poison in his throat and protected everyone. After that, nectar came out from this, and Gods consumed it. Due to the consumption of nectar, the gods become immortal. Vasuki Nag played a crucial role during the Samudra Manthan, so Nag Panchami is celebrated due to this incident, and after that, there is a ritual to worship all the nags/serpents.

The reason for celebrating Nag Panchami

The festival of Nag Panchami is celebrated to worship Serpents and pray to them to protect the people from every problem. It rains heavily during Sawan. Due to heavy rain, snakes come out from their burrows. So, at that time, people offer milk and worship them. It is believed that serpents have a sharp memory, and they usually remember the faces of people who harm them. When the snakes take revenge for this, they also harm the family members of that particular person. Therefore, women offer prayers and milk to snakes to seek forgiveness and protect them from any harm to their families. There is an old mythological story when Takshak, the king of snakes, killed King Janamejaya's father Parikshit by biting him. To avenge his death, King Janamejaya organized a yagna to destroy the entire snake dynasty. When this Yagna was under the intervention of the Brahmin Astika Rishi, it was Nag Panchami. Since then, this day is celebrated as Nag Panchami. 

Nag Panchami worship and relationship with snake dosha

According to the Hindu beliefs, fasting is also observed on the day of Nag Panchami in Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha. Everything is written in the Garuda Purana. The person who fasts should make snakes from clay or flour and decorate them with different colors. After decorating, people should worship them with flowers, kheer, milk, lamps, etc. After worship, distribute roasted gram and barley as prasad. Astrologers believe that those people who have Kaal Sarp Dosha in their horoscope should worship Nag Devta on this day. Worshiping on this day ends this Dosha in their horoscope.

Nag Panchami – Fasting and worship method (Vidhi)

1. Anantha, Vasuki, Padma, Mahapadma, Takshak, Kulir, Karkotak, and Shankha are the gods of this fast, which are eight snakes. On this day, the Ashtnagas are worshipped.

2. Eat once on the day of Chaturthi and do fasting on Panchami. You should eat in the evening.

3. For worshiping, a snake image or a clay idol is placed on a wooden post.

4. Then offer turmeric, roli (red vermilion), rice, and flowers to the snake deity.

5. After that, sit on a wooden plank and offer a mixture of raw milk, ghee and sugar to the snake deity.

6. After worshiping, the aarti of the snake deity is performed.

7. For convenience, you can give some Dakshina to a snake charmer so that he can give milk to the snake.

8. In the end, the story of Nag Panchami must be heard by the person who has fasted.

Note: According to tradition, in many states, Nag Panchami is also celebrated on the day of Chaitra and Bhadrapada Shukla Panchami. This festival is also celebrated in Krishna-Paksha due to ethos or country discrimination.

Beliefs related to Nag Panchami

1. According to Hindu Puranas, Sage Kashyap, son of Brahma Ji, had four wives. It is believed that the gods were born from his first wife, Garuda from the second wife, and demons from the fourth wife, but his third wife, Kadru, who belonged to the Naga dynasty. It means his third wife gave birth to the serpent.

2. According to the Puranas, two types of snakes have been mentioned - Divya and Baum. The divine serpents are Vasuki and Takshaka etc. Sheshnaag is said to bear the burden of the earth and his gaze is just as a blazing fire. If he becomes angry, he has the power to put the whole world to ash. If he bites someone, then there is no medicine for that. But the number of snakes born on the ground, whose molars are poisoned, and those who bite humans, are eighty in number.

3. Ananta, Vasuki, Takshaka, Karkotaka, Padma, Mahapadam, Shankhapala and Kulik are these eight serpents who are said to be the best among all the serpents. Two of these Nagas are Brahmins, two Kshatriyas, two Vaishyas and two Shudras. Ananta and Kulik are Brahmins; Vasuki and Shankhpala are Kshatriyas; Takshaka and Mahapadam are Vaishyas; And Padam and Karkotaka are said to be Shudras.

4. According to Janamjeya, who was the grandson of Arjuna and the son of Parikshit, he performed a serpent yajna to take revenge on the snakes and to destroy the snake dynasty because his father, King Parikshit, had died due to the bite of a snake named Takshak. In order to protect the serpents, this Yagya was stopped by the sage Jaratkaru's son Aastik Muni. When this Yagna thwarted, it was the fifth day of Shukla Paksha of Shravan month, and Takshak Nag and his remaining descendants were saved from destruction. It is believed that from here, the tradition of celebrating the Nag Panchami festival became prevalent.

The oldest story of Nag Panchami

In ancient times there was a Seth Ji, who had seven sons. All seven were married. The youngest son's wife was intelligent and well-mannered of noble character, but his brother's wife was not. One day when the elder daughter-in-law asked all the daughters-in-law to come along to bring yellow soil for the decoration of their home, they started digging the soil with their scabbard. Then a snake came out from the soil, and the elder daughter-in-law tried to kill  him with a sheath. Seeing this, the younger daughter-in-law stopped him and said- 'Don't kill him? The serpent is innocent. Hearing this, the elder daughter-in-law did not kill him.

After that the snake sat on one side. Then the younger daughter-in-law said to him - 'We will come back soon, don't you go from here. After saying this, she went home with everyone. After reaching home, she was stuck at work there and forgot the promise she had made to the snake. When she remembered that thing the next day, she took everyone along and reached there and seeing the snake sitting at that place. She said - Namaskar, snake brother! The snake said- 'You have said brother, that's why; otherwise, I would have bitten you for telling a lie. She said - Brother, I have made a mistake, I ask for his forgiveness, then the snake said - well, you have become my sister from today, and I have become your brother. Ask whatever you want. She said - Brother, I have no one; it is good to have you as my brother. After a few days, the snake came to her house in the form of a human and said, 'Send my sister.' Everyone said that she did not have any brother, so he said - I am her distant brother . I had gone out in childhood, so she doesn't recognize me. On convincing them, they sent the younger daughter-in-law with him. On the way, he told her that 'he is that snake, so don't be afraid and grab his tail where she faces any kind of difficulty in walking. She did as told and she reached his house. She was astonished to see the wealth and opulence there. One day the snake's mother said to him- 'I am going out for work, you should give cold milk to your brother. She did not notice this and gave him hot milk, in which his face was severely burnt. Seeing this, the snake's mother became furious. But on the explanation of the snake, she calmed down. Then the snake said that his sister should now be sent to her house. Then the snake (brother of Younger sister-in-law) and his father gave him a lot of gold, silver, jewels, clothes, and ornaments, etc., and brought them to her house. Seeing so much wealth, the eldest daughter-in-law said with jealousy that if your Brother is wealthy, you should get more money from him. When the serpent heard these words, he brought all the things of gold and gave them to her sister.

Seeing this, the elder daughter-in-law said- 'The broom to sweep them should also be of gold.' After hearing this, the snake also brought the gold broom for his sister. The snake had given a fabulous necklace of diamonds and gems to the younger daughter-in-law. The queen of that country also listened to the praise of that necklace, and she said to the king that the necklace of Seth's younger daughter-in-law should be brought here. The king ordered his minister to be present soon after taking the necklace from her; the minister went to Seth Ji and said that 'Maharaniji will wear the necklace of your younger daughter-in-law, take it from her and give it to me. Due to fear, Seth Ji asked for a necklace from the younger daughter-in-law and passed it. The younger daughter-in-law felt very bad about this; she remembered her snake brother and on coming prayed - Brother! The queen has snatched the necklace; you should do something. She requested her brother that when the queen wears that necklace around her neck, it becomes a snake, and when she returns it to me, then it becomes of diamonds and gems. The snake did exactly what she said. As soon as the queen put on the necklace, the necklace became a snake. Seeing this, the queen cried and started crying. Seeing this, the king sent the news to Seth Ji to send the younger daughter-in-law immediately. Seth Ji was scared that what would that king do with her daughter-in-law? He himself appeared with the younger daughter-in-law. The king asked the younger daughter-in-law - what magic have you done? I will punish you. The younger daughter-in-law said – Almighty! Forgive my arrogance; when I put up this necklace around my neck, it will be diamond and gems, and when anyone else wears it around her neck, that necklace becomes a snake.

After hearing this, the king gave him the necklace, which was changed into a snake, and said – show it by wearing it now. When the younger daughter-in-law wore it, the snake became a necklace of diamonds and gems. After seeing this, the king was convinced of her words, and he was pleased and gave him many coins as a reward. They both returned home with her necklace and those coins. Seeing her wealth, the elder daughter-in-law, out of jealousy, taught her husband that the younger daughter-in-law had money from somewhere. After hearing this, her husband called his wife and said- Tell me exactly who gives you this money? Then she started remembering her brother. Then at the same time, the snake appeared and said - If anyone doubts my sister's character, then I will eat them. Hearing this, the younger daughter-in-law's husband was scared, and he gave great hospitality to the snake god. From that day, the festival of Nag Panchami is celebrated, and women worship the snake as a brother.

Do not do these works on the day of Nag Panchami.

• Farmers should not work on their fields even by mistake on the day of Nag Panchami. It can cause heavy damage to them and their family.

• The needle thread is not used on the day of Nag Panchami. So avoid using needles and thread on this day.

• On the day of Nag Panchami, the pan should not be kept on the stove. If someone does this, then the snakes get hurt.

• One should not fight with anyone. Do not say any harsh words to family members on this day.

• Iron utensils should not be used on the day of Nag Panchami. On this day, one should neither cook nor eat food in iron utensils.

Raksha Bandhan

19 Aug, 2024

It does not part by breaking; nor does it abandon,

The world refers to this as the bond of Raksha Bandhan.

Rakshabandhan is celebrated every year on Shravan Purnima. This festival is devoted to the promise of love and duty of brother and sister. Every sister waits for Raksha Bandhan to tie Rakhi on her brother's wrist. Indian culture is so vast that every culture is imbibed in it. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Saurashtra to Assam, folks celebrate some or the other festival every day. These festivals are always marked to develop harmony amid the relations.  It is common to have love and quarrel between brother and sister. But on the day of raksha bandhan 2024, Rakhi depicts sister's immense affection towards her brother and brother's duties towards his sister. This love and duty brace the bond of brother and sister throughout life. On this day, the sister puts on tilak on her brother's forehead, ties a shielding thread on his wrist, performs aarti for him, and prays for his long life. Brothers also shower the sister with gifts and promise to be with her to help her in the hard times. History tells when Draupadi was being shunned, then she called Krishna to protect her, so he saved protected her dignity in the crowded assembly. Even though there is a close relationship between Krishna and Draupadi, it is said that Draupadi and Krishna were brother and sister in their previous lives. How could Krishna forget his pledge to her Rakhi? At present, this festival has become the symbol of sister-brother love; it can be said that it is a festival to deepen the sacred relationship of brother and sister. While on the one hand, the sister promises to fulfill her obligations towards the brother and sister; then again, the sister also keeps fast for the brother's long life. The Rakhi that the sister ties on the brother's wrist on a specific muhurat are not only a thread, but the bond of unbroken and pure love of sister-brother and the power and commitment of protection lies in that same thread.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “रक्षा बंधन” पर क्लिक करें।

Rakshabandhan is very popular in India. Rakshabandhan 2024 means an exclusive relationship of protection, in which sisters tie the thread of Rakhi to their brothers, but this thread is also tied with the spirit of friendship also. On Raksha Bandhan, all the sisters go to their brothers' house, and tie Rakhi, and say, "I will protect you, and you protect me." And it is not obligatory that they should be their own brothers. They tie Rakhi to anyone in the relation. On this day, the Yagyopaveet is changed. We have an age-old tradition of tying Rakhi on Rakshabandhan. Every full moon is dedicated to some or the other festival. The most imperative thing is that you celebrate life.

All brothers and sisters should celebrate the festival of Rakshabandhan with lots of joy, taking the responsibility of protecting and loving each other. Today, when the relationship is getting blurred, in such a situation, strong love gives basis to the sacred relationship of brother and sister. raksha bandhan 2024 is a festival symbolizing the passionate bond between brother and sister. Bonded by this affectionate bond of sister, the brother is determined to protect her. The tying of Rakhi is no longer just an activity among brothers and sisters. Now Rakhi is being tied to protect the country, protect the environment, protect religion, protect interests, etc. Rabindranath had raised public awareness on this festival against the disbanding of Bengal and made this festival a symbol of unity and brotherhood. The tradition of tying Rakhi to trees has also started to protect nature.

On the other hand, the Raksha Sutra is also tied to show respect and faith. The importance of Rakshabandhan also increased in today's time because today, owing to erosion of values, sociality is shrinking, and the feeling of love and respect is also decreasing. This festival reinforces the intimate bond over and above develops sociality within us. This festival also increases our awareness of our duties towards family, society, country, and the world.

Mythological and historical significance

The history of Rakshabandhan is in Hindu mythology. The context of this festival is found in the legend of Vamanavatar. The rakshabandhan story goes like this- King Bali tried to control heaven by performing a yajna, then Indra prayed to Lord Vishnu. Vishnu came as a Vamana Brahmin to ask for alms from King Bali. Despite the Guru's refusal, Bali donated three steps of land. Lord Vamana measured the sky, the underworld, and the earth in three steps and sent King Bali to the chasm. Owing to his devotion, he took a promise from Vishnu to be in front of him at all times. Lakshmi Ji was anxious about this. On the advice of Narad, Lakshmi went to Bali and tied the Raksha sutra (thread of protection) and made him her brother. In return, she brought Vishnu with her. It was a Purnima of Shravan. There are many references to the importance of Rakhi in history. Maharani Karnavati of Mewar had sent Rakhi to Mughal King Humayun and wished for protection. Despite being a Muslim, Humayun kept the honor of Rakhi. It is said that Alexander's wife had tied a rakhi to her husband's Hindu enemy Porus and made him her brother, and took a vow not to kill Alexander during the war. He spared Alexander by honoring the promise he made to his sister by wearing a rakhi in his hand during the war.

Rakshabandhan brother and sister love

Anyway, the relationship of brother and sister is special; Raksha Bandhan is an association of protection where brothers and sisters take a pledge to protect each other. On this day, all sisters tie a rakhi to their brothers and promise to protect them at all times, and brothers also promise their sisters that they will stand by their side come what may.  There is a unique tradition in Rajasthan of tying Rakhi, in which sister-in-law ( nanad) ties a particular type of Rakhi to their sister-in-law (Bhabhi); this Rakhi is called Lumbi. In some places, sisters also tie rakhis to their sisters.

Symbol of brother-sister relationship

Rakshabandhan, a festival of brother-sister relationships, is a major festival of the Hindus. It is celebrated to make the bond of brother and sister stronger in many parts of India. Along with this, it is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in Nepal and Pakistan. Apart from Hindus, people of other religions in India also celebrate it with great gusto and passion. It is a festival that shows the unity and forte of family bonds. It is primarily dedicated to the brother-sister relationship. This festival has been celebrated in India for long.

Social Context of Raksha Bandhan

On this day, sisters tie Rakhi on the right hand of their brother and do a tilak on his forehead and pray for his long life. In return, the brother promises to protect them. It is believed that the colorful threads of Rakhi strengthen the bond of love between brother and sister. Rakshabandhan is a festival to strengthen relationships with the bond of intimacy and affection. This is why there is a practice of tying Raksha (or Rakhi) on this occasion not only to sister-brother but also to other relationships. The guru ties the thread to the disciple and the disciple to the guru. In ancient times, when the graduate used to leave the Gurukul after completing his education, he used to tie the Rakshasutra to the Acharya to get his blessings, while the Acharya used to tie Rakshasutra to his student with the wish that the knowledge he has acquired. He should use it appropriately in his life to successfully protect the dignity of the teacher and his knowledge. According to this tradition, even today, before any religious ritual, the priest ties the Raksha sutra to the host. This way, both of them bind promises to protect each other's respect. Rakshabandhan festival has been a symbol of social and family unity. After marriage, the sister moves to a different house. On this pretext, every year, not only her relatives but even distant brothers go to their homes and tie Rakhi and thus keep renewing their relationships. There is a Milan of two families and clans. This festival is also used as a symbol of unity among different sections of society. Thus the link that has been broken can be attached again.

Role of Raksha Bandhan in Freedom Struggle

This festival was also used as a medium of public awareness in the Indian freedom struggle. Famous Indian Noble Laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore believed Raksha Bandhan is not only a day to brace the bond between brother and sister, but we should also reinforce our relationship with our compatriots on this day. He was broken after hearing about the partition of Bengal; the British government had divided this state under its divide and rule policy. This partition was done based on a snowballing conflict between Hindus and Muslims. It was the time when Rabindranath Tagore started the Raksha Bandhan festival to bring Hindus and Muslims closer, and he asked people of both religions to tie this sacred thread to each other and protect them. Relations amongst the people of both religions should be strengthened. In West Bengal, people still tie Rakhi to their friends and neighbors to promote unity and harmony.

Government Arrangement on Raksha Bandhan

Attractive envelopes worth ten rupees are sold on this occasion by the Postal and Telegraph Department of the Government of India. The cost of the envelope is Rs.5 and the postage fee of Rs.5. In this, on the festival of Rakhi, sisters can send three-four Rakhis to their brother for just five rupees. Under this gift given by the postal department to the sisters, a Rakhi envelope weighing 50 grams can be sent for only five rupees, whereas only one Rakhi can be shipped in a regular 20 grams envelope. This facility is only available till Raksha Bandhan. Keeping in mind the rainy season, on the occasion of Rakshabandhan, the postal telegraph department has also been providing waterproof envelopes that do not get damaged by rain since 2007. These envelopes are different from other envelopes. Its shape and design are different, due to which Rakhi is more secure in it. The government also makes provision for free travel for girls and women on this occasion. By which sisters can go to their brothers to tie Rakhi without spending anything. This facility is also available till Raksha Bandhan.

Rakhi and modern technical medium

The technological age and information communication have also had an impact on festivals like Rakhi. Many Indians nowadays live abroad, and their family members (brothers and sisters) are in India or other countries. After the initiation of the Internet, many e-commerce sites have opened which take online orders and deliver Rakhi and all the other related stuff to the given address. This way, brothers and sisters living far, who cannot meet on Rakhi, celebrate this festival by seeing and hearing each other in modern ways.

Rakshabandhan Mantra

In Indian culture, there is a special significance of tying the Raksha thread at the auspicious time, muhurat and perform a specific puja vidhi. There are three threads of protection that are wrapped thrice and tied with this mantra.

येन बद्धो बलि राजा, दानवेन्द्रो महाबलः |

तेन त्वां मनुबध्नामि, रक्षंमाचल माचल ||

While tying the Rakhi, the chant of this mantra is considered auspicious; in this mantra, it is said that, from the protection with which the brave demon king Bali was bound, I warp the same around you, this thread will protect you against all sins and evils.

The traditional method for tying Rakhi

• Initially, on the day of Rakhi, one should take a holy bath and worship the deities. Take the blessings of the gods and goddesses.

• Place the Rakhi, rice, roli, or vermilion in a silver, brass, or copper plate in a small bowl and drench it with water or perfume.

• Keep the Rakhi plate at the place of worship, and to begin with, offer Rakhi to Bal Gopal or your Ishta deity. Get along with the prayers.

• While tying Rakhi, the brother's face should be towards the east. With this, your Rakhi also gets blessed by the gods.

• While tying Rakhi, brothers should keep a handkerchief or any clean cloth on their heads.

• Sisters should first apply vermilion tika on the brother's forehead.

• Apply raw rice (akshat) over the Tika and sprinkle some Akshat on the brother as a blessing.

• To protect the brother from evil, show the aarti from the lamp. Occasionally sisters also apply kajal to their brothers.

• Tie the sacred thread of Rakhi around the right wrist of the brother while reciting the mantra. This gives power to the threads of Rakhi.

• Brothers and sisters should feed sweets to each other.

• If the brother is elder, then sisters should touch the brother's feet. If sisters are elder, then brothers should take blessings by touching their feet.

• Brother should wish the sister a happy life by giving clothes, jewelry or money.

Delicacies prepared on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan

In India, no festivity is completed without the preparation of delicacies. Some special dishes are prepared for every festival. Likewise, on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, things like Ghevar, sugar puffs, salted puffs, etc., are specially prepared. Ghevar is considered the prime desert of the month of Saawan. This is consumed in the entire part of North India during the whole month. Halwa, Puri, and kheer are also some of the prevalent sweets on this festival.

Conclusion

Eventually, it can be said that this festival of Rakhi has special significance for brother and sister. In today's era, this festival has become the distinctiveness of our culture, and we should be proud of it. In consort with celebrating this festival, we should also pledge to live in harmony with each other. One should live in accord with everyone in ups and downs. Today many brothers are incapable of tying Rakhi on their wrists just because their sisters are not allowed to enter this world. It is a shame that in a country where we worship girls is in the scriptures, there are cases of female feticide. This festival also reminds us how much importance sisters hold in our lives. This festival is celebrated by the common folks and is also celebrated by the gods and goddesses to maintain the sacred relationship of brother and sister. Many brothers and sisters cannot meet each other because of professional and personal reasons. Still, on this special occasion, they beyond doubt take out time for each other and celebrate this holy festival. We should celebrate this festival with joy and moral values ​​.

Here is the next five-year planner for Rakshabandhan

These are the dates of Rakshabandhan for the next five years.

• Monday– 19 August 2024
• Saturday– 9 August 2025
• Friday– 28 August 2026 
• Saturday - 5 August 2028

Kajari Teej

22 Aug, 2024

Kajari Teej is as unique as Hariyali Teej for women. It is celebrated on the third day of the Krishna Paksha during the month of Bhadrapad. This festival is observed grandly in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan. Kajari Teej is also known as Kajali Teej. It is a festival of women. On this day, the married women observe fast for their married lives' wellbeing and prosperity. Kajali Teej is known with different names at different places. It is predominantly celebrated in the Hindi speaking places like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar. Among these places, Kajari Teej is known as Buri Teej and Saturi Teej also. Kajali Teej is as vital as HariyaliTeej and HartalikaTeej for women. This fast is observed for happiness and prosperity in the married life. It is believed that if a Jap Kanya or a married woman worships Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with utmost devotion on this day, then they are blessed with the Vardaan of a right life partner and good fortune. It is also believed that Goddess Parvati could be with Lord Shiva only after performing deep and intense meditation on this day. It is believed that on the occasion of Kajali Teej, Gauri is worshipped predominantly. No matter how many hurdles are present in the Kundli of an individual, all of them can be removed by performing a Puja on this day. However, this might be fruitful only if an unmarried perform this Puja all by one's self. People believe that on KajaliTeej, Goddess Parvati got Lord Shiva's presence in her life. She had to undergo challenging meditation for this. On Kajari Teej, married women should worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is said that women who are not married receive a noble life partner's blessings on this day. Neither the husbands nor the married women should commit specific actions to strike good relations with the husband. These are betrayal, wrong behaviour, and saying ill of others behind their back. Husband and wife must not do these actions both. On this day, married and unmarried women observe fasts, which are considered essential for them. They should adorn themselves on this day. The adornment includes henna (mehndi) and bangles. And then, in the evening, they should visit a temple and worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On this day, a wife prays for the long life of her husband. On KajaliTeej, a swing is installed at home, and women enjoy swinging in it. On this day, women sit together all day long with their friends and sing songs. They dance together as well. Married women observe fast for their husbands, and unmarried women follow it to get the right life partners.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “कजरी तीज” पर क्लिक करें।

Importance of KajaliTeej

Married women keep this fast to the long life and prosperity of their husbands. It is considered that on this day, Devi Parvati performed deep meditation to receive Lord Shiva's presence in her life. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati must be worshipped wholeheartedly on this day. By doing this, unmarried receive the Vardaan of suitable bridegrooms, and married women receive the Vardaan of being fortunate forever. Goddess Parvati's worship is considered to be auspicious on this day. All the women who worship Goddess Parvati on Kajari Teej get the blessings of a respectful relationship with their husbands. According to a legend, it is said that after 108 births, Goddess Parvati was successful in marrying Lord Shiva. This day is celebrated with the feeling of selfless love. It was the selfless devotion of Goddess Parvati which made Lord Shiva accepts her as His consort. On Kajari Teej, various cuisines are prepared by mixing the Sattu of barley, wheat, gram peas, and rice with ghee. After the moonrise, meals are consumed to open the fast.

Why is KajaliTeej Celebrated?

The festival of Teej holds a lot of importance for married couples because it is a festival that strengthens the relationship of a husband and his wife. On this day, women open their fast by eating Sattu. Worshipping the Neem tree is another essential part of this festival. People wear colorful clothes on this day and enjoy various delicacies after finishing with the fast. It is believed that Goddess Parvati had received the fruit of having Lord Shiva in her life after performing deep meditation on Kajari Teej. Hence, both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped on this day. If an unmarried woman observes fast on this day, she gets the bridegroom of her own choice.

Why is KajaliTeej known as KajaliTeej?

According to ancient legends, a forest named Kajali existed in India's central part, where a king named Dadurai used to rule. In this kingdom, people used to sing songs based on the name of the kingdom, Kajali. This is the reason that their place got so famous all over India. After some years, King Dadurai died, after which Queen Naagmati became a widow. After the death of the king, Queen Naagmati became a widow. This situation made their subjects very sad and gloomy. Hence, the songs of Kajali are sung for the eternal togetherness of the husband and the wife.

On the other hand, according to a loving myth, Goddess Parvati desired Lord Shiva as her husband. However, Lord Shiva had kept a condition in front of her. According to the condition, Goddess Parvati had to prove her true devotion and love for Lord Shiva. After this, Goddess Parvati performed meditation for 108 long years in the name of Lord Shiva and stood the test of loyalty and love as was asked by Lord Shiva. After this, Lord Shiva accepted Goddess Parvati as His wife on the day of Teej. Due to this reason, this day is also known as KajaliTeej. According to shastras, all the Gods worship Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva on Buri Teej. 

How is KajaliTeej Celebrated?

On the day of KajaliTeej, married women observe fasts for their husbands' long life, and unmarried women keep fasts on this day to be blessed with bridegrooms of their choice. On this day, various cuisines are prepared by mixing the Sattu of barley, wheat, gram peas, and rice with ghee. The fast comes to an end after worshipping the Moon. Apart from this, cows are worshipped on Kajari Teej. Also, swings are installed on this day, and women sit together to sing and dance together. Singing Kajari songs is an inseparable part of this festival. Neem tree is also worshipped. After that, there is a tradition of offering sacrifice to the Moon.

The tradition followed on KajaliTeej.

1. On this day, married women keep fast so that their husbands can be blessed with long life and unmarried girls observe this fast for getting a bridegroom of their choice. 

2. On Kajari Teej, various cuisines are prepared by mixing the Sattu of barley, wheat, gram peas, and rice with ghee. After the moonrise, meals are consumed to open the fast.

3. On this day, cows are worshipped especially. Seven little balls of wheat are made, and ghee, jaggery is applied to them. These are fed to the cows, and then meals are consumed. 

4. Swings are installed on KajaliTeej. They sit together and sing and dance together. 

5. On this day, there is a unique tradition of singing Kajari songs. In UP and Bihar, people play dholak while singing Kajari songs.

Rituals of KajaliTeej

On the occasion of Kajari Teej, there is a rule of worshipping Goddess Nimdi. Before the Pujan, a pond-like structure is made on the wall using mud and cow dung by tying a paal made of ghee and jaggery. And then, a branch of the Neem tree is kept beside it. Raw milk and water are offered in the pond, and a Diya is lit and placed there. Lemon, cucumber, Banana, apple, Sattu, Roli, Mauli, Akshat, etc., are placed on a plate. Apart from this, take some raw milk in a container, and the evening after adorning yourself; worship Goddess Nimdi in the following ways: 

1. At first, sprinkle some water and Roli on Goddess Nimdi and then offer rice. 

2. Apply 13 tikas of henna, Roli, and Kajal with fingers on the wall behind Goddess Nimdi. 

Apply the tika of henna, roli with the ring finger, and Kajal's tika should be applied with the index finger.

3. After offering Mauli to Goddess Nimdi, offer henna, Kajal, and clothes to her. Taking the support of the tikas on the wall, tie a laccha

4. Offer fruits and Dakshina to Goddess Nimdi and tie a laccha by applying Roli's tika on the Puja container.

5. Look at lemon, cucumber, neem branch, nose ring, sari palla, etc., in the light of the Diya kept on the banks of the pond at the place of worship. After this, offer Arghya to the Moon.

Ritual of offering Arghya to the Moon

There is an age-old tradition of offering Arghya to the Moon after worshipping Goddess Nimdi in the evening of the Kajari Teej.

1. Offer drops of water, Roli, Molly, and Akshat to the Moon, and then offer bhog. 

2. Offer Arghya to the water by holding a silver ring and wheat seeds in the hands and then stand at one place and rotate four times. 

Rule of Kajari Teej

1. Generally, this fast is observed without having water. However, pregnant women can have fruits. 

2. If the moonrise cannot be seen, then the fast can be opened by offering arghya while looking at the sky around 11:30 at night. 

3. If the whole fast is not possible after the Udyapan, then fruits can be consumed. 

According to the rules mentioned above, if the fortunate and married woman observes Kajari fast, her family is blessed with prosperity and happiness. Unmarried girls get the blessings of getting bridegrooms of their choice. 

Ancient Myth of Kajari Teej or KajaliTeej

A poor Brahmin used to live in a village. His Brahmin wife also lived with him. Kajari Teej arrived in the month of Bhadrapad at that time. The Brahmin wife observed fast in the name of GoddesTeej. She told her husband that she had observed Kajari Teej fast and needs Sattu, and she asked him to bring Sattu made of gram peas. The Brahmin husband asked his Brahmani wife as to how and from where he will get Sattu. On this, she asked him to arrange for it at any cost, either by theft or loot as she needs it. It was night time. The Brahmin went out of the house to the moneylender's shop. From here, he took chana daal, ghee, sugar and measured it up to one and a quarter kilogram. Then he made Sattu out of these. The moment he was leaving, all the servants woke up by listening to the noise. Everyone started shouting: Thief! Thief! The moneylender came and caught the Brahmin. The Brahmin said he was not a thief and that he was a poor Brahmin. Her wife has kept Teej fast, and that is why; he came to prepare one and a quarter kilogram of Sattu so that he can take it to her. When the moneylender did the Brahmin's checking, he got nothing except Sattu.

On the other hand, moonrise had taken place, and the Brahmin wife was waiting for Sattu. The moneylender said to the Brahmin that from today, he would consider Brahmin's wife as his Dharam sister. He bids a warm farewell to the Brahmin by giving him sattu, jewelry, money, henna, and lacchaa, along with a lot of wealth. Then, everyone worshipped Goddess Kajali. The way the Brahmin was blessed with happiness, similarly, may everyone remain blessed by the grace of Goddess Kajali.

Cow is worshipped

On this day, dishes are cooked by mixing wheat, gram peas, and rice in Sattu. The fast is opened after sunset in the evening. On this day, a cow is worshipped especially. Jaggery and gram peas are out on wheat made chapatis and offered to a cow. And then, fast is opened.

Kajari Teej and SolahSringar

A procession of the idol of Goddess Parvati is taken out on Kajari Teej. Unmarried women perform ghoomar dance as well. On this day, women pray for their husbands' long life and stay awake for the entire night by lightening up an Akhand Diya. On this day, women put henna on their hands and do solahsringar. Swinging is also done on this day.

Women cook delicious dishes on Kajari Teej like Malpua and Ghevar. They sing songs and dance in front of the idol of Goddess Parvati. They enjoy the greenery all around on this day and also sing songs while swinging on the swings.

Where is Kajari Teej Observed in India 

Kajari Teej is celebrated in different parts of India. However, it is observed in different ways in various states of India. It is observed in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, etc. 

1. In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, Kajari songs are sung on boats. 

In Varanasi and Mirzapur, Kajari songs are sung along with the annual songs.

2. This festival is given special significance in Rajasthan. It is specially celebrated in the city of Bundi with great pomp and show. On this day, people ride on horses and camels. Teej's celebration in Bundi is famous worldwide, and people come from faraway  places to witness its grandiloquence.

What should not be done by Women on Kajari Teej

• On this day, married women should not wear white saree and should not stay without jewelry. 

• Do not consume meals and water on Kajari Teej as this fast is Nirjala Fast. One needs to follow it without having water. 

• Focus on keeping the surroundings clean as cleanliness has a lot of importance on Kajari Teej.

• On Kajari Teej, please do not say anything to your husband that might hurt him.

• Do not stay away from your husband on Kajari Teej. 

• Do not say bad words on the occasion of Kajari Teej.

• Do not speak behind anyone's back on Kajari Teej, and do not feel jealous of anyone.

• Do not fight at home on Kajari Teej. Behave nicely with the family members.

• Married women should apply henna on their palms on this day. Henna symbolizes love.

• Do wear bangles on this day. Being without bangles is considered to be inauspicious.

Krishna Janmashtami

26 Aug, 2024

Lord Vishnu got incarnated in Krishna's form in the midnight Rohini Nakshatra on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month to release the Earth from sin. Janmashtami is considered the birthday of Lord Krishna; this festival is celebrated with full faith and devotion worldwide. Sri Krishna has been the epicenter of our faith for ages. He is sometimes the son of Mother Yashoda, and sometimes is the naughty Gopal of Braj. This festival's enthusiasm is seen throughout India's year; its preparations begin grandly even before its arrival. The ambiance everywhere gets involved deeply in the colors of Lord Krishna. Janmashtami is celebrated with complete faith and reverence. Considering the Srimad Bhagavat as proof, the followers of Smaart Sampradaya celebrate Janmashtami on Chandrodaya Vyapani Ashtami, i.e., Rohini Nakshatra, and the Vaishnavites celebrate Janmashtami on the Udayakal Vyapani Ashtami and Udayakal Rohini Nakshatra. Janmashtami has different forms, and this festival is celebrated in different ways. There is a Holi of colors, somewhere there a celebration of flowers and the fragrance of it. And somewhere, Dahi Handi is enthusiastically celebrated, and somewhere, we get to witness the enticing impressions of Lord Krishna's life. Temples are decorated uniquely. Devotees observe fast on this occasion. On this day, temples are decorated with Jhanki, and Lord Krishna is made to swing, and various Krishna Rasleela is organized.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी” पर क्लिक करें।

During Janmashtami's auspicious occasion, devotees from far off places visit Mathura for Darshan of Lord Krishna. Temples are specially decorated. All the temples of Mathura are decorated with colorful lights and flowers. Millions of Krishna devotees reach not only from the country but also from abroad to witness the Sri Krishna birth anniversary organized on Janmashtami in Mathura. By offering turmeric, curd, ghee, oil, rose water, butter, saffron, camphor, etc., to the Lord's Vigrah, people sprinkle it on each other. On this day, temples are decorated with Jhanki, and Lord Krishna is made to swing, and Rasleela is organized. The devotee attains Moksha by observing Janmashtami fast as per all the rules and regulations. This fast is for fulfilling wishes. This holy festival of Sri Krishna's devotion fills everyone with Krishna Bhakti. This Upvas is believed to be essential for the followers of Sanatan Dharma. On this day, fasts are observed, and people listen to the songs of Krishna Bhakti. Jhanki of Sri Krishna-Leela is decorated in the domestic worshipping place and temples. 

Importance of Janmashtami

Sri Krishna Janmashtami has particular importance nationwide. It is one of the pivotal festivals of Hinduism. Lord Sri Krishna is considered to be the eighth Avatar of Hari Vishnu. This festival s followed in various states in various ways. From children to elders, everyone observes fast happily for the whole day to mark the birth of their Aradhya and appreciate the glory of Lord Krishna. All the temples re adorned on this day. On the occasion of Sri Krishna Avatar, Jhanki is decorated. Lord Sri Krishna is adorned, and swings are decorated, and Lord Krishna is made to swing on it. Women and men observe fast at midnight. At midnight, at night, the news of Sri Krishna's birth echoes everywhere through the sound of bells and Shankh. Sri Krishna Aarti takes place, and Prasad is distributed. 

History of Krishna Janmashtami

It is believed that one crucial reason for Sri Krishna's Avatar was to kill Kansa. Kansa had a sister, Devaki. She was very dear to Kansa. When Kansa was returning after getting his sister married, then a sound came from the sky saying, "Oh Kansa, the eighth child who will arrive in the womb of your dear sister, will be the reason for your death." That is why Kansa imprisoned his sister. The moment Devaki would give birth to any child, Kansa would immediately kill that child. When Devaki Ji gave birth to the eighth child, Sri Krishna, all the prison locks were broken by Lord Vishnu's Maya, and Lord Krishna's father Vasudeva left him in the palace of Gokul. A girl was born there. That girl was Yoga Maya incarnate. Vasudeva came back to the prison Vasudeva by bringing that girl. Kansa saw that girl, and with the desire to kill her, he threw her on the floor. The moment she was thrown down, that girl jumped in the air and said, "Kansa, your Kaal has left this place. It will destroy you after some time. I am just a Maya." After some years, this only happened. Lord Sri Krishna came to the same palace and killed Kansa. 

Importance of Peacock Feather on Sri Krishna's Head

A king is responsible for all his subjects. He bears the weight of these responsibilities on his head in the form of a crown. But, Sri Krishna fulfilled all his duties effortlessly, like a game. Just like a mother does not consider it a burden to take care of her children. Similarly, Sri Krishna does not believe his responsibilities as a burden. He carries these responsibilities with various colors very quickly on his head in the form of a peacock crown (which is also very light). Sri Krishna is an attractive and blissful flow in all of us. When there is no restlessness, worry, or desire in mind, only then can we get deep rest, and in deep rest, only Sri Krishna is born. 

How is Janmashtami Celebrated

Janmashtami is celebrated differently in various places. Many places celebrate it as Holi of flowers, and along with it, Holi of colors is also played. Janmashtami is celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm in Mathura, the city of Sri Krishna's birth. Sri Krishna liked butter and milk because he used to have the village's butter, which he used to steal. One day to stop him from stealing Makhan, his mother Yashoda had to tie him to a pillar, and for this reason, Lord Krishna was named Makhan Chor. In Vrindavan, the women started hanging the matki of the stirred butter at a height so that the hand of Krishna could not reach there. Still, in front of the naughty Krishna's understanding, their plan also proved to be futile, to steal Makhan, Shri Krishna made a plan with friends, and together they stole the curd and Makhan from Matki, which hanging at a height. It is from here that the festival of Dahi-Handi began.

The meaning of Sri Krishna's Other Name- "Makhan Chor." 

Sri Krishna is also celebrated in the form of Makhan Chor. Milk is the source of nutrition, and curd is a refined form of milk. When the curd is stirred, butter is made and floats above. This is no just heavy but is light and healthy. When our intellect is awakened, it becomes like butter. Then there is a rise of knowledge in the consciousness. And an individual gets established in his self. Being in the world, he remains unattached; his consciousness is not disappointed by the world's words and behavior. Makhanchori symbolizes the depiction of the glory of Shri Krishna's love. The charm and skill of Sri Krishna are so deep that he steals even the most patient person's consciousness. 

What is the belief behind Dahi-Handi?

The belief behind celebrating Dahi-Handi is that Lord Krishna loved butter. In his child incarnate, he used to steal butter from a neighbor's home. Hence, he began to be known as "Makhan Chor." Lord Krishna used to steal Makkhan from everyone's houses, which caused many troubles to Mother Jashoda. For this, Mother Yashoda advised all the neighbors to tie their dahi-handi at a height. But still, Lord Krishna manages to reach the Handi by forming a human chain with his friends and break the Handi and divide it among themselves. Due to this, the festival of Dahi-Handi is celebrated at many places on Janmashtami. This tradition is marked with a lot of enthusiasm. People hold the Dahi- handi competition in their streets; then people climb up in bulk to break Matki's program. This tradition is mainly witnessed in India in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

The importance of Rohini Nakshatra on Janmashtami

Lord Krishna was born on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada in Rohini Nakshatra. Due to this Tithi falling in Rohini Nakshatra, it is known as Krishna Janmashtami. Now since Lord Krishna was born in Rohini Nakshatra, the positioning of Rohini Nakshatra is given importance in determining Janmashtami. 

Birthday Celebrations happen at 12 on Janmashtami.

As per the Tithi, Lord Krishna was born at midnight on the Ashtami of Krishna paksha of Bhadrapada, so in the houses and temples, at midnight, Lord Krishna's birth anniversary is celebrated. After bathing the idol of Laddu Gopal with milk after birth at night, Sri Krishna is dressed in new and beautiful clothes, and he is adorned. Then, he is placed in the cradle, and then after Puja, he is offered charanamrit, panjiri, fresh fruits, panchmeva, etc., which is distributed as Prasad. 

Janmashtami Festival is Fruitful in Having Children

The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated traditionally. People observe fasts and perform Puja. It is a belief that all desires can be fulfilled by celebrating this festival. People whose moon is weak can be benefitted on this day by doing special Puja. On this day, by performing Sri Krishna Puja, people can be blessed with children, long-life, and happiness-prosperity. 

Every Wish Gets Fulfilled by Swinging on Janmashtami 

There is a belief that keeping fast on this day might help get the fruits of several fasts. In our Shastras, Krishna Janmashtami is said to be the king of fasts, that is, "Vrat Raja." As per religious beliefs, there is the immense importance of making Baal Gopal swing, and people are enthusiastic about making Lord Krishna swing. If a person makes the Lord swing in a cradle, all his/her wishes are fulfilled. 

How to keep the fast of Janmashtami

On Janmashtami's occasion, devotees observe fast for the whole day and seek God's blessings; they perform special Puja. Keeping Janmashatami Upvas has its regulations. People who wish to keep Janmashtami Upavs should consume food only one time before one day of Janmashtami. After bathing in the morning of Janmashtami, the devotees pledge the Sankalp of the fast and open the Upvas, that is, fast after the end of Rohini Nakshatra and Ashtami Tithi on the next day. 

Rules of Janmashtami Puja

There is a rule of worshipping Lord Sri Krishna on Janmashtami. If you are also observing Janmashtami fast, then worship Lord Sri Krishna in this manner. 

• Wear clean clothes after a morning bath
• On Janmashtami, sthapana of Bal Krishna take place (Thakurji or Laddu Gopal). You can perform the sthapana of Krishna Ji in any form as per your wish. 
• Further, in the temple of the house, perform the bathing the idol of Krishna Ji or Thakur Ji with Gangajal first. 
• After this, perform the idol's bathing with panchamrit of milk, curd, ghee, sugar, honey, and saffron. 
• Now, perform the bathing with pure water. It is written in Shastras that bathing with Shankh is excellent. 
• Make him wear new clothes, make him wear yellow colored clothes and adorn him. 
• The swing of Sri Krishna is decorated with flowers. For this, you can decorate with Parijaat and Vaijyanti flowers. After the birth of Krishna, he is made to swing. 
• For the bhog of Sri Krishna Ji, prepare panchamrit and add Tulsi leaves, Mewa, Maakhan, and Mishri. As per your potential, you can make coriander panjiri and offer 56 bhog. 
• Fast should be done with patience and by following rules as far as possible. Unwell people should not keep fast. 
• Lord Krishna's birth celebrations should be observed at midnight. The whole night should be spent by staying awake, and Bhajan-kirtan should be performed. 
• Worship Laddu Gopal at midnight by offering him Bhog and then perform Aarti.
• Consume Anna in the morning the next day. If someone wishes to have meals before then, he/she can do so after celebrating Lord's birth anniversary and having Prasad, etc., at midnight.
• This Krishna Janmashtami fast is meant to destroy all the sins. By following it with all rules and with patience helps in acquiring spiritual happiness in Indralok Parlok.

The Myth behind Janmashtami

Towards the end of Dwaparyuga, King Ugrasen ruled in Mathura. The name of Ugrasen's son was Kansa. Kansa forcefully became the king himself by forcefully dethroning Ugrasen and putting him in prison. Kansa's sister Devaki's marriage got fixed with Vasudev in the Yadav clan. When Kansa was bidding farewell to Devaki with a Rath, then Akashvaani happened, "Oh Kansa! The eight son of Devaki whom you love so much will kill you". By listening to the words of Akashvaani, Kansa got filled with anger and got ready to kill Devaki. He thought- Neither Devaki will be there, nor she will have any son. Vasudeva made Kansa understand that he need not be afraid of Devaki. Devaki's eighth child might be a cause of fear. Hence, I will hand over her eighth child to you. Kansa accepted Kansa's words and put Vasudeva-Devaki in prison. Immediately Narada Ji reached there and said to Kansa how it would be known which would be the eighth womb and how the counting would start, from the first or the last pregnancy. On Narada's advice, Kansa mercilessly killed all the children born from Devaki's womb one by one.

The birth of Sri Krishna happened on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha during the month of Bhadrapada in the Rohini Nakshatra. The moment he was born, the light got spread in prison. In front of Vasudev-Devaki, the four-armed God holding shankha, chakra, Gada, and lotus flower manifested his form and said, now I take the form of a child. You immediately take me to Nanda's in Gokul and hand over the girl who has just been born to him. Vasudeva did the same and handed over that girl to Kansa. When Kansa desired to kill that girl, she got away from his hands and flew in the sky. She took the form of Goddess and said, "What is the use of killing me? Your enemy has reached Gokul". By witnessing this sight, Kansa got shocked and became anxious. Kansa sent many demons to kill Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna killed all of them through his Alokik Maya. On getting old, he killed Kansa and made Ugrasen sit on the throne.

Why Lord Krishna is offered 56 Bhog

There is a custom of offering 56 bhog to Lord Krishna on Janmashtami. Religious belief is that Lord Krishna is happy with fifty-six Bhog, and all the devotees' wishes are fulfilled. Come, let us know the reason behind 56 Bhog- 

When Lord Krishna lived with Nanda Lal and his mother Yashoda in Gokul, his mother used to feed him with her hands eight times a day. Once, the Brajwasi were organizing a big ceremony to worship Indra, the king of heaven. Krishna asked Nanda Baba what the reason behind the ritual is. Then, Nanda Baba said that Devaraj Indra would be pleased by this Puja, and he would send heavy rains. Krishna Ji said that sending showers is Indra's responsibility, so why he needs to be worshipped. If Puja is to be performed, worship Govardhan Mountain as we acquire fruits and vegetables, and animals get their fodder. Then, everyone liked Krishna's advice, and everyone started worshipping Govardhan instead of worshipping Indra. Indra Deva considered this as an insult, and he got angry. Angry Indra sent too heavy rains to Braj, and water could be seen everywhere. The Brajvasi got afraid by witnessing such a scenario, then Krishna said to them, "Let us go under Govardhan's shelter. Only he can protect us from the wrath of Indra." Krishnaji lifted the entire Govardhan mountain with his little finger protected the Braj as a whole. Lord Krishna kept holding Govardhan Mountain for seven days without eating anything. When the rain stopped on the eighth day, and all the Brajwasi came out, and after that, everyone thought that Krishna protected us by holding up the Govardhan Mountain for seven days without eating anything.

Then, mother Yashoda prepared 56 kinds of delicious dishes for Kanhaiya and Brajvasi daily for eight Pahar, including seven days. Chappan Blog comprises the delicacies which are liked by Kanhaiya. Many devotees offer 20 kinds of sweets, 16 types of Namkeen, and 20 types of dry fruits. Commonly, Chappan bhog comprises Makhan mishri, Kheer, Almond milk, Tikki, Cashews, Pista, Rasgulla, Jalebi, Ladoo, Rabri, Mathri, Malpua, Mohanbhog, Chatni, Moon Daal Halwa, Pakora, Khichdi, Brinjal vegetable, Bottle gourd vegetable, Puri, Murabba, Saag, Curd, Rice, cardamom, pulses, Kadhi, Ghevar, the chilla, and papad. Regarding 56 bhog, another belief is that in Go Lok, Lord Sri Krishna sits with Radha Ji on a divine lotus. That lotus has three layers. The first layer has eight, and the second layer has sixteen, the third layer has thirty-two petals. There is one pivotal Sakhi on each petal, and God sits in the middle. This way, there are 56 petals in number. Here, 56 number has this meaning only. Hence, Lord Krishna gets satisfied by 56 Bhog in the company of his sakhis.

Why Janmashtami fast is observed?

Lord Sri Krishna is worshipped by observing fast on Janmashtami. The fast is followed so that while worshiping God, our conscious, body, and thoughts, all three remain pure. When Puja is performed with clear conscious and noble thoughts, then that bestows inner peace to us. The importance of keeping a fast on Janmashtami is not just related to Krishna's birth, and there are four primary reasons. 

1) Ashtami Tithi. Ashtami Tithi is also known as Jaya Tithi, meaning the Tithi of winning the hearts. On this day, worshipping the Lord by observing fast, victory is achieved in all the endeavors. 

2) Shiva is the Lord of Ashtami Tithi, and on this day, Lord Vishnu also took Avatar. This is the worship day of two major Gods. 

3) The body gets purified by being on a non-vegetarian or just fruit diet, not eating food. During fasting, worldly thoughts do not come to the mind, and the conscious remains with God. 

4) Imbibe the knowledge of Lord Sri Krishna in your life. Imbibing knowledge without purifying oneself is not possible. Therefore, on this day, one should renounce food and stay away from feelings like untruth, material pleasures, and violence.

Janmashtami is celebrated in Foreign Countries Too.

Not only in India but also Indians living abroad and people of the Indian community celebrate Janmashtami with full devotion and enthusiasm. In Mathura prison, Sri Krishna was born at midnight in Mata Devaki's womb to destroy his wrathful maternal uncle, Kansa. In this context, this day is considered the day of Lord Krishna's incarnation on the Earth. Various grand events are organized on this day in foreign countries also.

Pomp and show happen in Mathura on Janmashtami.

On the holy ceremony of Sri Krishna Janmashtami, devotees from far- fetched places reach Mathura today to witness the glowing image of Lord Kanha. On the birth anniversary of Sri Krishna, the entire city Mathura of Braj gets engrained in the Krishna consciousness. Hence, on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami, the town of Mathura gets enlightened by the colors of devotion.

The Decoration of Jhanki on Janmashtami

People celebrate the holy festival of Janmashtami with excitement and enthusiasm. Along with the Puja and fast, jhanki are also decorated in homes and temples on this day. The illustrations of these jhanki are from Sri Krishna's childhood pastimes and the entire lifespan. Since God was born in prison, many police lines decorate the beautiful jhanki of God even today. Apart from this, people install beautiful jhanki in their homes. 

Include these items in Janmashtami Puja

1. Tulsi Puja Has Special Importance 

Tulsi Puja has a special significance on the day of Janmashtami. According to Shastras, on this day, in the evening, it is beneficial to lighten up Diya by putting ghee in it along with worshipping Tulsi. If you do not have the Tulsi plant at home, then go to a temple and lighten up a Diya. Never worship the Tulsi of somebody else's house.

2. Inclusion of Betel leaf is Auspicious 

On Janmashtami, in Krishna Puja, betel leaf has special significance. It is believed that including betel leaf in the Puja lets us receive Goddess Laxmi's special blessings. According to astrologers, in Puja, write 'Om Vasudevaya Namah' on one betel leaf and offer it to Sri Krishna. The Puja is fruitful by doing this. 

3. Janmashtami Puja is incomplete without Maakhan

Nanda's lal Gopal is hugely fond of Maakhan. Hence, do remember to include Maakhan in the Puja. In his child form, he used to steal maakhan from Gopis as he was fond of Maakhan. Hence, in the Puja of Nand Lal, do include Maakhan-Mishri in the form of Bhog.

4. Peacock feathers are also necessary

Lord Krishna puts on a peacock feather on his head always. Peacock feather increases the beauty of His head and is a part of his adornment. Hence, do offer peacock feathers to Lord Krishna in Janmashtami Puja. 

5. Special Importance of Parijat flowers in Puja

Lord Shri Hari Vishnu and Mother Lakshmi are incredibly fond of Parijat flowers, and Krishna Ji is Vishnu's incarnation. Hence, Parijat flowers must be included in the Puja on the day of Janmashtami.

6. Worship will be incomplete without Bansuri 

Lord Krishna loves Bansuri. After listening to his flute's tune, the gopis used to get happy and leave all their work and go to Krishna. The photo of Krishan is also incomplete without Bansuri. Offer silver Bansuri to Krishna Ji on Janmashtami. Simultaneously, after the Puja, keep the Bansuri in the purse or place where the money is placed. 

7. Ask for the wow of Protection through Rakhi 

The festival of Rakshabandhan is extraordinary. From the day of Rakshabandhan to the eighth day, Rakhi can be tied. Hence, tie Rakhi to Lord Krishna and his elder brother, Balrama, on the day of Janmashtami. Through this, you will receive Lord Krishna's special blessings.

8. Perform Abhishek in Shankh with Milk 

Perform Abhishek of Lord Sri Krishna's child form by taking milk on Janmashtami. Your wishes will be fulfilled.

9. The idol of the calf removes troubles 

Krishna Ji is adorably known as Gwala. In his childhood, Lord Sri Krishna has done many Leela with cows and calves. Hence, bring small idols of cows and calves on the day of Janamashtami. Through this, economic difficulties and issues related to children are solved.

What should be done and what should not be done on Janmashtami

What should be done on this day?

• It is a belief that before Janmashtami fast, eat simple food the night before and the next day, Brahmacharya should be fully observed.
• On the day of fast, after getting up in the Brahma Muhurta and after bathing, one should meditate on Lord Krishna. 
• After the Lord's meditation, take Sankalp of his fast, and you should start the Puja preparations. 
• On this day, offer the Bhog of Makhan-Mishri, betel leaves, coconut made sweets to Lord Krishna
• This Manta must be recited by taking water, flowers, Gandh, fruits, Kush in the hands: 

Mamkhilpaaprashamanpurvak Swabhisht Siddhaye 

Sri Krishna Janmashtami Vratmaham Karishye.

• Perform the birth of the Lord at midnight. After that, do his Abhishek through Panchamrit. Make him wear new clothes and adorn him 
• Do Lord's Tilak by Chandan and offer Bhog to Him. Tulsi should be added in his Bhog for sure. 
• Krishna should be made to swing by saying Nanda Ke Anand Bhayo Jaya Kahnaiya Laal Ki 
• Perform Lord Krishna's Aarti by Diya made of ghee and incense sticks and sing his Mangal Bhajan for the entire night. 

Do not do like this on Janmashtami.

A person who is to observe fast on Janmashtami should practice good behavior before one day only. Those who do not keep Upvas should avoid garlic, onion, brinjal, meat-alcohol, betel leaves- nuts, and tobacco. The fasting person should start meditating about Lord Krishna and distance oneself from sexual feelings, luxury, etc. Also, one should stay away from consuming Mool and Masur lentils. Do not let negative essence enter. 

Decorate the Puja Place with flowers on Janmashtami 

To decorate the small temple or place of worship present in your house, you can use flowers. Instead of decorating with ordinary marigold flowers, you can use chameli and mogra flowers to decorate your worship place as Lord Krishna loves these flowers a lot. If you wish, you can make a vast garland of these flowers and decorate it on the swing of Baal Gopal. 

Decorate the Puja Place with Colorful Lights on Janmashtami

Apart from flowers, if you wish, you can also give Puja place and the temple an excellent outlook by decorating them with colorful lighting and lights. Red, green, blue, yellow, white, whatever color you like, install that color in the form of wired lightings in your place of worship and temple and wonderfully decorate them. 

Make Rangoli on Janmashtami

If you make Rangoli only on Diwali at home, try making it on Janmashtami this time. Yes, making Rangoli for welcoming someone has been our centuries-old tradition as Indians. Keeping this in mind, this time, if you wish, you can decorate the house and temple by making a rangoli on the main door of your home and in the place of worship on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. 

You can read similar write-up on relevance of astrology in Indian Festivals, Shubh Muhurat, popular Vrat dates for all other major Indian Festivals.

Ganesha Chaturthi

07 Sep, 2024

People perform the Sthaapna of the first revered God, Ganesha Ji, at their homes. On Ganesha Chaturthi, people bring Ganapati Bappa to their houses. Ganesha Ji removes all the obstacles of his devotees. Hence, Ganesha Ji is also known as Vighnaharta. Ganesha Ji's Sthaapna is done at the homes with respect, and then his Visarjan is done with a lot of pomp and show. Lord Ganesha has particular importance in the Sanatan Dharma. Lord Ganesha is also known as Gajanan or Vighnahartabhi. Gajanan is considered to be the provider of Riddhi-Siddhi and happiness-prosperity. As per the shastras, Ganpati Bappa releases his devotees from troubles, suffering, poverty, and diseases. This day is also called Ganeshotsav, which means Utsav of Ganesha Chaturthi. This Utsav after ten days from now, on then Anant fourth day. On the same day, people bid farewell to Ganapati Bappa. On the day of Anant Chaturdashi, devotees perform the Visarjan of Ganesha Ji's idol with pomp and show.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “गणेश चतुर्थी” पर क्लिक करें।

Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated on the Shukla Chaturthi of the Bhadrapada. It is believed that Ganesha Ji was born on Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha Chaturthi during the mid-day, on Monday, Swati Nakshatra and Singh Lagna. Hence, this Chaturthi is primarily is called Ganesha Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi. This festival is famous as Kalank Chaturthi, and as per the lok tradition, this is also known as Danda Chauth.

Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated with great grandeur and faith, especially in Maharashtra, Western India. As Ganesha Ji also has the name Vighnaharta, Hindus believe that Ganesha is worshiped with reverence and rules during these auspicious ten days. Then Lord Ganesha, also known as the leader of Gods, ends all obstacles in your life and showers blessings, prosperity, and happiness upon his devotees. 

The Importance of Ganesha Chaturthi

It is known from Shiva-Parvati's son Ganesha's birth story that Ganesha was born not of birth but the dirt of Parvati's body. Before taking a bath, Mother Parvati went away by making Ganesha Ji sit at the door as her protector, and Shiva Ji was unaware of this thing. He beheaded Ganesha Ji, considering him an opponent in the path of meeting Parvati. When Shiva Ji came to know about the reality, he ordered his people to bring the son's head, situated behind his mother's back. When the people of Shiva got the son of an elephant in this condition, they brought his head only, and Shiv Ji resurrected the child by putting the elephant's head on the child's head. This incident happened on the Chaturthi of the month of Bhadramas. Hence this Tithi is considered to be Ganesha Chaturthi, believing it to be the birth of Ganesha. On this day, Lord Ganesha was born. Ganesha Ji has been considered as the first revered among all the Gods. On this day, bringing Ganapati Bappa to the house removes all his devotees' obstacles and difficulties. Hence, he is also known as Vighnaharta. People bring Ganesha Ji to their homes on Ganesha Chaturthi, and on the eleventh day of Ganesha Chaturthi, his Visarjan is performed with a lot of pomp and show. Ganesha Ji is worshipped before starting any work.

Bappa is the Lord of the Gana. Hence one of his names is Ganapati. Ganesha Chaturthi is called Vinayak Chaturthi. It is also called Danda Chauth in many places. Ganesha Ji is considered to be the provider of knowledge-wisdom, the destroyer of obstacles, and Mangalaka. On the day of Ganesha Chaturthi, the special Puja of Ganesha Ji is done. When Ganesha Chaturthi falls on Tuesday, it is called Angarak Chaturthi. This festival is believed to offer pure and magnanimous outcomes. Hence, this day is very ceremonial. Ganesha Chaturthi, the only festival that binds India's whole in one thread, is a bright symbol of national unity. If we turn to history, we come to know that the Puja of Ganesha Chaturthi has been going on since Chalukya Satavahana and Rashtrukta. A clear description is received from the reign of Chatrapati Shivaji when he started doing Ganesha Vandana Puja to promote national culture and unity. The essence of Ganeshamaya ambiance reaches the maximum limit in ten days and then gets calm only with Ganesha Visarjana. 

The History of Ganesha Mahotsav

No one knows the exact Tithi of the beginning of the Puja of Ganesha Chaturthi festival. Historically, this festival got important during 1630-1680, in Shivaji's era (the founder of the Maratha Empire). At that time, this festival was celebrated as a public ceremony. During the times of Shivaji, this Ganeshotsav started being followed in the form of his Kuladevata regularly. After the end of the Peshawas, this festival used to prevail as a familial celebration; in 1893, the celebration of this festival was again started by Lokmanya Tilak ( Indian Freedom Fighter and social reformer). Ganesha Chaturthi began to be celebrated as an annual festival followed by a Hindus's domestic ceremony with immense preparation. Generally, it began to be observed as a national festival to bring unity among the people and remove the struggle between Brahmins and non-Brahmins. During the British rule, to get themselves free from their cruel behavior, Maharashtra people followed this festival with immense courage and nationalist enthusiasm. Lokmanya Tilak established the ritual of Ganesha Visarjan. 

Gradually people started celebrating this festival in the form of community participation rather than family celebrations. People of the society and community celebrate this festival together as a community festival and collectively perform intellectual speech, poetry, dance, devotional songs, drama, music festivals, folk dances, etc. Before the date arrives, people meet together and decide to control such a massive crowd and celebrate the festival. 

Timeline of Ganeshotsav 

Ganesha Ji's festival begins with the worship of Lord Ganesha by doing the sthaapna of the Ganapati idol on the Chaturthi of Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month. For ten consecutive days, He is kept in the house. On Anant Chaturdashi, people bid farewell to Him. On this day, the Ganesha idol is taken for Visarjan while playing drums and singing and dancing. Ganeshotsav ends with Visarjan.

How is Ganesha Utsav Celebrated

This festival, which goes on for ten days, is a fantastic testimony to the Hindus' devotion. In this, the Sthaapna of Shiva-Parvati-Nandan Sri Ganesha's idol, ranging from the height 3-4 inches to 25 feet, is done at the houses, temples, and Pandals on the Shuddha Chaturthi where the idols are adorned and a Pandit performs "Pranpratishtha" of the Pratima by indulging in Vedic Mantraocchran. For ten days, meaning till Anant-Chaturdashi, Ganesha's Pratima, is worshiped every day with all regulations. On the eleventh day, the Visarjan of this idol is performed in a clean water-body. The water body can be a river or ocean. 

Why is Ganesha Chaturthi Celebrated

Who should be considered worthy of being worshipped when the Gods reached Lord Shiva. Then, Shiva said that the first person who will revolve around the entire Earth would be regarded as worthy of being worshipped on a prior basis. In this way, all the gods departed to revolve around the EarthEarth by sitting in their Vaahan. As the Vaahan of Lord Ganesha is a rat and Ganesha's body is enormous, how he could revolve around the Earth. Then, Lord Ganesha completed three revolutions around his father Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati and stood there with folded hands through his intellect and judiciousness. Then Lord Shiva said, "There isn't anyone greater and intelligent than you in the entire universe." By revolving around the mother and father, you have completed the revolutions of all the lokas. You have received its Punya, which is even greater than circles of the Earth. Hence, A person who will worship you before starting any work will not have to face any difficulties. Since then, Lord Ganesha became respected and worshiped before all the Gods and Goddesses, and then after the worship of Lord Ganesha, all other gods are worshiped. All the devotees celebrating Ganesha Chaturthi perform the Visarjan of the idol of Lord Ganesha, the Sthaapna of which was done on this day on the eleventh day of Anant Chaturdashi, and thus Ganesha Utsava gets concluded.

 

Why is Ganesha Ji known as the God of Knowledge? 

Once, Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati challenged both their sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya, to complete three revolutions of the universe. The one who will complete the challenge first will be complemented with the fruit of knowledge. Kartikeya flew away, taking his Vajra peacock. Ganesha completed three revolutions of his mother-father and explained to them that the entire universe on their feet. Shiva and Parvati got impressed by his answer, and hence, they bestowed the fruit on him. 

Bappa removes all the troubles. 

It is believed that there are special blessings in the houses where Bappa is welcomed and worshipped for ten days, and troubles never arrive in such homes. With the blessings of Ganesha Ji, all the tasks get completed without any obstacle. All the wishes are fulfilled.

Sthaapna of clay idol of Ganesha Ji 

Ganesha Ji's Puja is considered to be the easiest Puja among all the Gods. On Ganesha Chaturthi, the Sthaapana of clay idol of Ganesha Ji is done in every house. It is believed that this body is made of five elements and will get mingled in these five elements only. Based on this belief only, the Visarjan of Ganapati Ji is done on the Anant Chaudsah. 

This Festival Goes on for Ten Days 

Starting from the Chaturthi of Shukla Paksha of Bhadramas, this festival lasts for ten days, till Ananda Chaudas. On Chaturthi, Ganapathi Bappa visits every house, and after ten days, the Visarjan of Bappa is performed, and the idol is immersed. According to their capacity, people bid farewell to Bappa after 2 or 3 days of worship. 

The Vidhi of Ganesha Chaturthi Fast 

1. After the morning bath, bring Ganesha's idol made of gold, copper, and clay. 

2. Take an empty Kalash and fill it with water. Tie its mouth with plain cloth and make Ganesha Ji sit on it. 

3. Offer vermilion and Durva to Ganesha Ji and offer him Bhog made of twenty-one laddoo. Among these, offer five laddoos to Lord Ganesha and distribute the remaining laddoo among the poor or the Brahmins.

4. The Pujan of Ganesha should be done in the evening. After reading the Ganesha Chaturthi Katha, Ganesha Chalisa, and Aarti, offer Arghya to the Moon by keeping your eyes down.

5. On this day, Ganesha Ji is worshipped in the form of Siddhivinayak, and fast is observed.

The Bhog on Ganesha Chaturthi 

After the Sthaapana of Ganesha Ji, he is worshipped with all the rules and regulations daily. Then Bhog is offered to him in the morning and evening. Ganesha Ji loves Modak the most. Hence, he is provided Bhog made of Modak on Ganesha Chaturthi.

Do not witness the Moon on Ganesha Chaturthi Even By Mistake.

Once, while riding on a rat, his Vaahan, he slipped, making the Moon laugh. Ganesha Ji got angry, and in his anger, he gave bane to the Moon, "You will not be able to show your face to anyone, and if someone looks at you, that person will be sinning." After cursing the Moon, Ganesha Ji left from there. The Moon got sad, and he got worried and guilt-ridden, said to himself, "What did I do with the Sarvaguna Sammapan God"? The Gods also got low on the issue of not being able to do look at the Moon. Then, under the supervision of Indra, all the Gods began to worship Gajanan. Being pleased with his worship, Ganesh Ji asked them to put forth their demand. All the Gods said, "Prabhu, it is our request to you; please make the Moon as it was earlier." Ganesha Ji said to the Gods, "I cannot take back my curse, but I can modify it a bit. Anyone who does the Darshan of the Moon on Bhadra, Shukla, Chaturthi deliberately or unknowingly, that person will be cursed, and false accusations will be made on him". If Darshan happens on this day, then to prevent yourself from this sin, read the following manta-  

 ''Singh Prasenamvadhitsingho Jambavta Hatah 

 Sukumarak Maa Rodistava Horsha Syamantak''

The Gods said to the Moon, "You have insulted Ganesha by laughing at him. We, together, have apologized to him for forgiving your sin; pleased by our efforts, Gajanan has greatly reduced the curse by giving the promise of staying invisible only once a year on Bhadra Shukla Chaturthi. You also go to his harbor and acquire his blessings and then provide coolness to the universe".

Perform the Sthaapna of Left Tusked Ganesha Ji 

The direction of Sri Ganesha's tusk has a lot of importance in Sri Ganesha Puja. It is believed that Ganesha with the left trunk should be seated in the house. By doing this, he gets happy immediately while right trunked Ganesha takes time in getting pleased. Therefore, householders should worship Ganesha with the left trunk. 

Some Interesting Facts About Lord Ganesha 

1. Lord Ganesha is considered the First child of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati.

2. Being the leader of Ganas, he is called Ganapati. 

3. In astrology, Lord Ganesha is called the 'God of Ketu.'

4. His name is 'Gajanan' as he has a face like that of an elephant

5. He has a boon that no worship and no work will be completed without worshiping him. That is why he is called 'Adipujya.'

6. The sect that worships only Lord Ganesha in India is called the 'Ganapataya Sampradaya,' mainly found in Maharashtra.

7. Ganesha Ji is a symbol of the long elephant-like trunk of Mahabudditva.

8. Ganesha Ji has been called Pranava (ॐ) in Shivmanas Shastra. The upper part is Ganesha's forehead, the lower part is the abdomen, the Chandrabindu laddu, and the Matra is the trunk.

9. Some religious texts state that Ganesha also had a sister named Ashok Sundari.

10. Ganesha Ji has two wives, named Riddhi and Siddhi.

11. Both Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Parvati are Adi Shakti, i.e., Goddess Durga. Goddess Lakshmi is not worshiped without her son Ganesha because the value of Lakshmi can be understood only by the one who has the wisdom, and Ganesha is the symbol of wisdom.

How can Lord Sri Ganesha be Made Happy? 

As soon as the Ganeshotsav begins, efforts to please Sri Ganesha begin to intensify. Sri Ganesha becomes happy with minimal solutions. Know the simplest ways to please Sri Ganesha

1. On Ganesha Chaturthi, the names of Lord Ganesha should be remembered. The Lord gets happy by performing Puja in a temple with all the rules and regulations. 

2. Offer ghee and jaggery as Bhog to Lord Ganesha on this day. After offering the Bhog of Ghee and jaggery, it should be fed to the cow. Doing so brings financial prosperity.

3. If opposing forces inhabit the house, then the Sthaapana of white-colored Ganapati should be done in the temple of the house on the day of Ganesha Chaturthi. It destroys all kinds of evil forces.

4. On this day, Lord Ganesha should be offered Durva. If possible, an idol of Lord Ganesha should be made from Durva and should be worshipped.

5. One should apply Sindoor Tika to Lord Ganesha for sure. After this, tilak should also be put on one's forehead.

3 Interesting Ancient Myths Related to the Birth of Sri Ganesha 

1. According to Varaha Purana, Lord Shiva created Ganesha with five elements. When Lord Shiva was making Ganesha, he found a unique and lovely form. After this, the news was received by the gods. When the gods came to know about Ganesha's structure and uniqueness, they began to fear that he might become the center of attraction for everyone. Lord Shiva sensed this fear, after which he enlarged his stomach and turned his face to an elephant.

2. At the same time, the story in Shivapurana is different from this. According to this, Mata Parvati had applied turmeric on her body. After this, when she removed the turmeric from her body, she made an effigy from it. She later put his life in the effigy. And, hence, Vinayak was born. After this, Goddess Parvati ordered Ganesha to sit at her door and protect her and not let anyone come in. After some time, Shivaji came home, and he said he has to meet Parvati. Ganesha Ji refused this. Shivaji did not know who he was. The two got into a dispute, and that dispute took the form of war. During this, Shivaji took out his Trishul and beheaded Ganesha. When Parvati came to know, she came out and started crying. She told Shiva that you beheaded my son. Shivaji asked how he could be your son; after this, Parvati told Shiva the whole story. Shivaji, while pacifying Parvati, said, that okay, I am pouring my life in him, but I require the head to do that, and the head is required. He asked Garuda Ji to go in the north direction and bring the head of a child whose mother is lying by keeping her back towards the child. Garuda Ji kept wandering, but he could not find any such mother because every mother sleeps by facing her child. Finally, an elephant was seen. The structure of a mother elephant is such that she cannot sleep facing her baby elephant. Garuda Ji brought the head of that baby elephant. Lord Shiva attached that head to the child's body. He poured life into it. He provided him with a name. In this way, Sri Ganesha got the head of the elephant.  

3. It is described in Sri Ganesha Chalisa that Mata Parvati did hard penance to have a son. Pleased with the penance, Sri Ganesha himself took the form of a Brahmin and gave her the boon that without conceiving, Mother, you will acquire a divine and intelligent son. Having said this, he became pleased and arrived as a child in the cradle. Joy prevailed in all four worlds. Lord Shiva and Parvati arranged a huge celebration. Goddesses, gods, Sur, Gandharvas, and sages from every side started arriving to see. Shani Maharaj also came to visit. Mata Parvati urged him to look at the child walking and bless him. Shani Maharaj was trying to avoid seeing the child because of his vision. Mother Parvati felt terrible. She cried at Shanidev that you did not like this festival, did not like the child's arrival. Shani Dev hesitantly went to see the child, but as soon as a little sight of Saturn fell on the child, the child's head flew into the sky. The atmosphere of the festival was transformed into lamentation. Mother Parvati became worried. There was chaos all around. Soon Garuda Ji was asked to bring the best head from all four directions. Garuda Ji got the elephant's head. Shankar Ji took his life by attaching it to the child's body. This head was attached to the body of the child by Shankar Ji, and he poured life into him. In this way, the head of Ganesha Ji was received by an elephant.

Why is the Visarjan of Ganesha Idol Performed

As per religious texts, when Ved Vyas Ji had narrated the story of Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha for ten days, he closed his eyes. On opening his eyes after ten days, he observed that Lord Ganesha's temperature was very high. At the same time, Ved Vyas Ji made him take a bath in the nearby Kund. Doing this reduced his body temperature, so Ganesha Ji is worshiped for the next ten days after the Sthaapana of Ganpati, and then the Visarjan of the idol of Lord Ganesha is performed. Ganesha Visarjan symbolizes that this body is made of dust and gets mixed with dust in the end.

Therefore, on Chaturdashi, after Ganesha Sthaapana, he is cooled. In the same story, it is also mentioned that to prevent Sri Ganapati Ji's body from becoming warmer, Ved Vyas Ji applied a layered paste of fragrant clay on his body. Ganesha's body got stiff after the paste dried. The dried clay started falling too. Then took him to a cold lake and made him get into the water. Meanwhile, Ved Vyas Ji offered his favorite food to Sri Ganesha for ten days. Since then, symbolically, the Sthaapana and Visarjan of Sri Ganesha idol are done, and it is also customary to offer him a delicious diet for ten days. 

How did a rat become the Vaahan of Ganesha?

His Vaahan is a small mouse as compared to Lord Ganesha's physical structure. Why did Ganesh Ji choose a little creature as his Vaahan? Mooshak also sits on his Dhwaja. Ganesha is the presiding God of wisdom and learning. There is no one more able than him in arguments and debates. His passion is to get to the depth of every single thing or problem, do the research, and conclude. Mooshak is not also far behind in arguments. It cuts and trims every item and is equally active. It gives the message of being alert. Ganesha Ji had considered these qualities only while choosing rat as his Vaahan. Once Lord Ganesha was invited to the ashram of Maharishi Parashar. Crounch stepped into the ashram and destroyed it. Lord Ganesha decided to meet the giant rat and teach him a lesson. He had one of his weapons called 'Pasha,' which looped around Crounch's neck and took him to Ganesha's feet. Concha apologizes and asks Ganesha to accept him as his Vaahan. However, Karuna could not bear the weight of Lord Ganesha, and he requested her to reduce weight and smile. Since then, Mooshak has been the Vaahan of Lord Ganesha. 

These items Must be offered to Ganesha Ji.

Modak: Modak is a special kind of sweet. Ganesha Ji loves it, and if offered Modak, He fulfills the wishes of the devotees. 

Green Durva: Ganesha Ji especially loves green Durva. It is believed that green durva offers freshness and coolness to Him.

Bundi Laddoo: Ganesha Ji also loves Bundi Laddoo. If Bundi Laddoo is offered to Ganapati Ji as Bhog, He blesses His devotees with wealth and prosperity.

Sriphal: Ganesha Ji loves Sriphal among all fruits. Hence, in the Aarti of Gajanan, Sriphal is offered. 

Sindoor: sindoor tilak is applied to him to make Ganesha Ji happy. After applying Sindoor Tilak to Ganapati Ji, we should also apply sindoor tilak to ourselves. 

Red Flowers: Sri Ganesha Ji loves red flowers. Hence, there is a rule of offering red flowers while Ganapati Puja is performed. As per the belief, he gets happy with red flowers without any delay.

Shami Leaves: By offering Shami leaves in Ganesha Puja, there is an increase in wealth and happiness.

Know these Important Rules Before Ganesha Sthaapna

It is said that if the Sthaapana of Ganapati Ji is not done according to rules and regulations, then he does not get seated, nor one acquires his blessings. Know how you can earn Ganapati Bappa's blessings, how you can do his Sthaapana, and what points you must keep in mind: 

1. On Ganesha Chaturthi, one must take a bath, wear clean clothes, and then bring home the Ganesha idol. 

2. Clean the chowki with Gangajal and spread a red or green colored cloth on it.

3.After spreading a cloth, keep Akshat upon it and perform the Sthaapana of Lord Ganesha upon the Akshat.

4. Sprinkle Gangajal over the idol of Lord Ganesha. 

5. Make Lord Ganesha wear the Janeyu and after keeping Akshat on the left side, perform the Sthaapana of the Kalash. Make the symbol of Swastika on the Kalash. 

6. Keep mango leaves on the Kalash, tie a Kalava on a coconut and place it on the Kalash.

7. After the Kalash's Sthaapana and offering Durva to Ganapati Bappa, offer him Bhog consisting of Panchmeva and Modak. 

8. Offer flower-garland, Roli, etc. to Lord Ganesha

8. Now, do Ganapati's Tilak with Roli. After tilak, light up an Akand Diya in front of Ganesha Ji and keep it on the right side.

9. Now, perform Lord Ganesha's Aarti. 

Keep these things in mind During Ganesha Sthaapna. 

1.The Sthaapana of Ganapati Bappa's idol in the east and north direction is considered to be auspicious. It should not be done in the southern and south-west corners by any means. 

2.In the home or office, two idols of Lord Ganesha must not be kept. As per Vastu Shastra, there is a clash between energies, which causes loss of money. 

3.During the Sthaapana of Lord Ganesha, one must keep in mind that the idol's face should not be towards the door. It is said that there are Riddhi, Siddhi, and happiness towards the mouth of Lord Ganesha.

4.The Akand Jyoti should be kept in front of Lord Ganesha till the day of Visarjan 

The Echo of Ganapati Bappa Morya in Maharashtra 

In Maharashtra, special events are held on this day, and the heart gets overwhelmed by seeing the faith in people. On this day, all the devotees carry Ganapati on the foot, chariots, and vehicles, and perform the Visarjan with great pomp and show. They shout slogans, "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Mangal Murti Morya, Parcha Varshi Laukariya." The meaning is that "O Parampita Ganesha Ji! Mangal Karne Wale, come soon next year." This auspicious festival is a time of great happiness for Hindus. During these ten days of Ganesha-puja, worshiping the selected Yanta with Ganesha-Pratima in Ganpati Puja pleases Ganapati Ji and fills your life with joy, prosperity, and good fortune. It is due to the particular importance of these Yantras, which makes the Pujan very auspicious. Just as Diya, incense, flowers, and prasad are necessary for worshiping through rules, in the same way, you get unique benefits by worshiping these Yantras.

Do's and Dont's On Ganesha Chaturthi

What to Do on Ganesha Chaturthi

1.Perform the Sthapana of Ganesha idol made of clay only and, at the same time, perform the Sthaapana of the Kalash too.  

2. Offer Durva to Ganesha Ji after performing his Sthaapana on this day.

3. Lighten up an Akand Diya after performing the Sthaapana of Ganesha Ji, which should keep burning till Ganesha Visarjan.

4.You should worship Lord Ganesh both in the morning and evening after the Sthaapana of Ganesha.

5. On Ganesha Chaturthi, do offer Modak to Lord Ganesha twice a day. 

6. You should only use marigold flowers in the Puja of Ganesha Ji.

7.After the Sthaapana of Ganesha Ji, do keep betel- nut in Ganesha Puja as it is considered extremely important.

8. You should take care of an elephant and feed it grass from Ganesha Chaturthi to Ganesha Visarjan. 

9. Anything you offer as Bhog on Ganesha Chaturthi must be distributed among the poor in the form of Prasad.

What not to do on Ganesha Chaturthi

1. Do not do the Sthaapana of Lord Ganesha in the west and south direction on Ganesha Chaturthi. 

2. You should not use Tulsi in Ganesha Puja.

3. You should not forget to visit Ganesha Ji's back on Ganesha Chaturthi

4. You should also not have Chandra Darshan in the evening time on Ganesha Chaturthi.

5. Abstain from using garlic and onions at home, from Ganesha Chaturthi to Ganesha Visarjan.

6.When you perform Ganesha Sthaapan, you ought to take care that there isn't any fight at home. 

7. Neither you should say ill words to anyone on Ganesha Chaturthi and nor you should speak against anyone behind their back.

8. Avoid committing any mistakes in Puja from Ganesha Chaturthi to Ganesha Visarjan. You need to take special care of this thing. 

9. Do not bully or kill any animal on Ganesha Chaturthi.

10. Do not insult any Brahmin or poor person at all on Ganesha Chaturthi.

If any devotee merely takes the name of Sri Ganesha with devotion, then all his/her wishes come true for sure. Worship Ganesha Ji, following all the regulations, and offer him his likable items. Thus, it helps in acquiring fruits as per the desires. Although Ganesha Ji is considered to be innocent, certain precautions must be followed while worshipping him. Devotees should not do anything which would make Ganpati Bappa angry.

Ganesha Ji Might Get Angry by these things:

Do not do Darshan of Ganesha Ji's back:

As per the Shastras, by doing Sri Ganesha's Darshan, all the tasks get fulfilled. All the parts of the universe are inside him. However, doing the Darshan of Ganesh Ji's back is strictly prohibited. Poverty resides in Ganesha Ji's back. Hence, Darshan of Ganapati Ji's physical back should not be done. If it happens by mistake, an apology should be sought from Ganesha Ji.

Do not Use Tulsi

Tulsi should not be used by mistake as well, in the Puja of Ganesha Ji. It might make Sri Ganesha Ji angry. It is believed that Tulsi Ji wished to marry Sri Ganesha, and when Ganesha Ji denied, she cursed Him with a bane. Along with the Puja of Ganesha Ji, wife Riddhi-Siddhi and son Shubh-Labh should be worshipped. Giving space to rats at the puja place, Ganesha Ji gets pleased by the devotees. 

Perform the Visarjan of the old idol 

If you are doing the Sthaapana of Ganesha idol at home, you must perform the Visarjan of the old Pratima. As per the shastras, three idols of Ganesha should not be kept at home. It is also believed that, during Anant Chaturdashi, the Visarjan of this idol should not be done. The Sthaapana of this idol is done on the fourth day of the month of Bhadrapada.

Importance of Ganesha Visarjan

In Hindu mythology, there is an exciting story behind Lord Ganesha's visarjan. The celebration of Ganesha Chaturthi represents the cycle of human life: birth, life, and death. It is believed that on the last day of Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha returns to Kailash to join his parents. People worship Lord Ganesha and ask for blessings so that they can live obstacles-free life. It is also believed that when Lord Ganesha leaves the house, all the negative energy and problems vanish away.

According to Hindu mythology, if Ganesh Visarjan is also done according to the auspicious time, it will prove beneficial.

What to consume on Fast and what should be avoided?

During Ganeshotsav, some people observe fast for the entire ten days. However, they fail to take care of their health, due to which they face the problems of vomiting, acidity, and indigestion. During the fast, have the juices of sweet lemon or orange and eat papaya. It will enable the body to have the energy for the whole day. Have a heavy fruit diet in the morning between 7-8 and eat light at night. You can have Kuttu Atta or the chappatis/parathas made of Singadha Atta or Rajagir Atta instead of having sabudana khichdi or Atta Halwa. Avoid having fried items during fast. Apart from this, avoid excessive tea and coffee. There might be discomfort in terms of lower sugar levels or low blood pressure during fast. Hence, keep eating at regular intervals. If you have chronic kidney disease, avoid sendha salt as it can be harmful due to potassium. 

You can read similar write-up on relevance of astrology in indian festivals for all other major Indian Festivals. 

Gandhi Jayanti

02 Oct, 2024

Gandhi Ji was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar in Gujarat. The birth of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi is observed across the country with great pomp on October 2. Various functions are organized in schools and offices across the country on the occasion of Bapu's birthday. Bapu's full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Bapu, who got freedom for the country based on the non-violence movement, is still alive in the people's hearts. Gandhiji also went to prison many times for the independence of the country. Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in a place known as Porbandar in Gujarat. He left for London to study law and to become a barrister. Also, Gandhi received a barrister's degree after completing his studies in London. When Gandhi ji returned to India, the country's situation touched him much, and he fought a long war for the country's independence. Due to Gandhi ji's efforts, today, we are living an independent life.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “गांधी जयंती” पर क्लिक करें।

Gandhi Ji's contribution to liberating the country is enormous. Along with remembering him, they also recall his method. Gandhi ji started such a massive movement of the country with non-violence, truth, and peace. Gandhi Ji believed that the British colonial powers were able to dominate India, owing to many differences and lack of unity among the folks. So he started many movements, such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, as he believed that it could help Indians weaken the colonial hold.

Gandhi Ji had started many movements, and all of them were for the country's independence, which was successful. All these moments started in 1919. In 1919, there was a movement against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in which the countrymen gave full support to Mahatma Gandhi. After that, Gandhi ji started the Salt Satyagraha, which proved a great success. Salt Satyagraha was the most successful movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi. This movement is also known as Dandi Yatra. The journey lasted for 26 days, which began on March 12, 1930, and ended on April 6, 1930.

Gandhi ji's movements started with few people. But the moment progressed, more people began to join them. The entire country is following Gandhi Ji and his principles. The Salt March's primary purpose was to stand against the English tax system. Due to this tax system, Indians were facing extreme difficulty in living their life. During this movement, many people got arrested. However, the British could not stop this movement, and the campaign proved a massive success because the Britishers realized that people are standing against them very firmly. 

The British were also forced to think that they found it challenging to face the non-violence movement and they were witnessing that every campaign was a success. The British began to feel that it was easier to confront the violent reaction. It was clearly visible to britishers that they are losing their power. For the first time, the whole country was fighting for independence against the britishers. They all are standing firmly against the britishers. Even women also became a crucial part in the country's freedom movement. Mahatma Gandhi was the man who told the real importance of freedom to the nation. He taught Indians that they can achieve independence even without violence.

Why is Gandhi Jayanti Celebrated in October?

Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on October 2. Gandhi ji was born on October 2. This day is also observed as World Non-Violence Day. He is famous worldwide for his non-violent movement and his principles. This day is celebrated to acknowledge him globally. Gandhi Ji believed that non-violence is a philosophy, a principle, and an experience based on building a better society.

 How is Gandhi Jayanti Celebrated?

On Gandhi Jayanti, people offer homage in front of the Gandhi statue in Rajghat, New Delhi. This day has been declared a national holiday. Prayers are offered at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi by the President and Prime Minister of India. The celebration of Gandhi Jayanti is observed with joy in all schools and offices.

About Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. His full name is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Mohandas was married to Kasturba at the age of 13. Gandhi went to England to study law. After four years, he returned to India after completing his studies and practiced here for a few days but got no success.

Meanwhile, he got an opportunity to travel to South Africa. There he faced racial discrimination. While travelling on a first-class train in South Africa, Mohandas Gandhi was thrown out of the coach by an Englishman with luggage.

In this way, he formed the Indian Congress against inhuman treatment and discrimination against Indians living in South Africa. During the struggle for the rights of Indians in South Africa, Gandhi also began to use the principles of self-purification and Satyagraha, which were part of his broader vision of non-violence. He united Indian workers, mining laborers, and agricultural laborers in South Africa and raised his voice against British rule injustice. After spending twenty-one years in South Africa, Gandhi came back to India in 1915.

Gandhi had played a pivotal role in the Indian freedom struggle. After returning to India, Gandhi led several movements for the independence of the country. He fought for India's liberation from the English state and raised his voice for the rights of Indians. He visited each and every part of the country and spread awareness about patriotism. The whole world remembers him as a priest of non-violence. Even he is also considered as the father of the nation.

People call him father of the nation due to his simple life and high ideals. Due to various movements like civil disobedience, Dandi march, and many more, britishers were forced to leave India and that was the win of Indian moments.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was killed on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse. Godse was a part of the Hindu Mahasabha. He accused Mahatma Gandhi of favoring Pakistan and opposed the principle of non-violence.

5 Interesting Facts Related to Mahatma Gandhi

1. Mahatma Gandhi left for London to study law and to become a barrister. After completing studies in London, he obtained a barrister's degree but was unsuccessful in the first hearing in the Bombay High Court.

2. Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, one of the world's largest mobile companies, wore round glasses to honor Gandhi Ii and due to this he faced so many issues at that time.

3. There are more than 50 roads on Mahatma Gandhi's name, excluding small roads in India. Also, there are about 60 roads abroad in the name of Gandhi Ji.

4. Mahatma Gandhi was selected for the Nobel Prize 5 times, but he did not receive the Nobel Prize even once.

5. Bapu used to walk 18 km daily.

How Gandhiji came to be known as 'Mahatma' and 'Father of the Nation':

On January 12, 1918, Rabindranath Tagore was addressed to Gurudev in a letter written by Gandhi. Tagore addressed Gandhi for the first time in a letter written on April 12, 1919, to the 'Mahatma.' Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose first addressed him as the Father of the nation in his speech broadcast from Radio Singapore on July 6, 1944. It is also said that Netaji had earlier addressed Gandhiji as "father of the nation" on June 4, 1944, in a message broadcasted from Azad Hind Radio Rangoon. On Gandhi's death, Pandit Nehru addressed the Nation on radio and said, "The father of the nation is no more."

Mahatma Gandhi's movements Helped India in Getting Freedom.

The First Satyagraha campaign was against the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act in 1906. In 1920 he became a part of the Indian National Congress Party and, on January 26, 1930, declared India's independence from British rule. After this, in 1917, he introduced many movements such as Champaran Satyagraha, Non-Cooperation Movement. It was because of these movements that India got independence from the British Raj.

Champaran in Bihar was the first Satyagraha under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. In 1917, after reaching Champaran in Bihar, he organized a satyagraha to support farmers who were forced to plant indigo and other crops for business and not food grains.

Along with this moment, he initiated many moments like Non-cooperation movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Swaraj, and Quit-India movement against the British government.

Mahatma Gandhi- The Hero of Peace 

The day of October 2 is a great opportunity for us to remember the teachings, leanings, and sacrifice of the Father of the Nation. The entry of Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi in the Indian political system offers ample reason for making many people happy and attracting thousands of Indians to fight against biritish law system. People love and follow the vision of Gandhi Ji, which later on Called Gandhi Darshan. Along with Indians, many people across the world were attracted to his ideology.

The Celebration at the Schools and Colleges 

Various activities such as drama, sports, and speech are organized in schools, colleges, and other educational institutions on non-violence and Gandhi's efforts in the Indian freedom struggle. Other exciting activities like essay writing competitions, Mahatma Gandhi slogan competitions, Gandhi Jayanti speech competitions, quiz competitions, and painting competitions are always organized for various institutions.

Awards are also rewarded to the best performers for the competitions mentioned above. Besides, schools and colleges are decorated with Gandhiji's photo posters, Mahatma Gandhi slogans, and Gandhi Jayanti images. Apart from this, children dress up like Gandhi Ji and perform some slogans, which help these educational institutes to spread awareness about Mahatma Gandhi among children.

Mahatma Gandhi remains an ideal and inspiring leader for the youth. Like Nelson Mandela, James Lawson praised Gandhi's principle of non-violence for freedom and liberty also followed widely.

Gandhi Ji did a great job in achieving Swaraj. He was the main reason behind the improved economic condition of our nation. He eliminated other social evils like untouchability from our country and tried to make some policy to protect the rights of people. He also supported women's empowerment.

Gandhi Ji has led various movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920), Dandi March (1930), and Quit India Movement (1942). All these movements were highly successful and also supported by the youth.

Role of Mahatma Gandhi in the Indian National Movement for Independence

One of the most significant and most successful movements under the supervision of Gandhi Ji was the Champaran movement. When Mahatma Gandhi returned to India, he saw that farmers of India were facing so many problems in living their life.

Champaran is a small district located in North Bihar where farmers were forced to cultivate indigo on 20% of their total agricultural land. Farmers suffered heavy losses by growing indigo on their fertile lands. It is because after growing indigo, the land becomes barren. He saw this and started Champaran Satyagrah.

Gandhi also started a campaign for poor farmers to increase their wages and was successful in it. There was a 35% increase in wages after the movement. In 2007, the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti was declared the "International Day of Non-Violence" by the United Nations General Assembly. He died on January 30, 1948, due to the attack of Hindu nationalist Nathu Ram Godse.

Conclusion

The purpose of celebrating Gandhi Jayanti is to spread the philosophy, principles, and precious ideology of Mahatma Gandhi to the people and instill a sense of non-violence and trust in people worldwide. In this way, we pay our heartfelt tribute to our great leader every year. We remember Bapu for his great deeds on every Gandhi Jayanti.

You can read the similar write-up on the relevance of astrology in Indian festivals for all other major Indian Festivals.

Goddess Shailputri

03 Oct, 2024

Goddess Shailputri is the first form of the Hindu Goddess Durga and is worshipped on the first day of the Navratri festival. Shailputri is composed of two words, "Shail" meaning mountain and "Putri" meaning daughter. She is also known as Parvati, Hemavati, and Sati.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “देवी शैलपुत्री” पर क्लिक करें।

According to Hindu mythology, Shailputri is the reincarnation of Sati, the daughter of King Daksha, and the wife of Lord Shiva. Sati had self-immolated herself due to the humiliation caused by her father, and in her next birth, she was born as Parvati, who later became Shailputri.

 

Goddess Shailputri is depicted riding a bull, holding a trident and a lotus flower in her two hands. She is also known as the Goddess of the Muladhara Chakra, which represents the root or foundation of human existence. The bull that she rides on represents the power of Dharma or righteousness.

 

Her appearance is majestic, and she is often depicted with a serene face and a calm demeanor. The lotus flower in her hand represents purity and detachment, while the trident represents the three aspects of existence- creation, preservation, and destruction.

 

Devotees worship Goddess Shailputri to seek her blessings for a happy and prosperous life, and to overcome any obstacles that come their way. She is believed to bring stability, balance, and strength to her worshippers.

 

During the Navratri festival, devotees perform various rituals and offer prayers to the Goddess. The festival is celebrated for nine days, and each day is dedicated to a different form of the Goddess Durga. It is a time of great joy, and people celebrate with great enthusiasm and devotion.

 

Looks of Goddess Shailputri

Goddess Shailputri is the first form of Goddess Durga, who is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. She is also known as Parvati or Hemavati. The word "Shail" means mountain and "Putri" means daughter. Therefore, Shailputri is the daughter of the Himalayas.

The looks of Goddess Shailputri are majestic and awe-inspiring. She is depicted as a beautiful woman who has a serene and composed face. She has four arms, and each arm holds a different weapon or object. In her upper right hand, she holds a trishul or a trident, which symbolizes courage and spiritual awakening. In her upper left hand, she holds a lotus flower, which represents purity and enlightenment.

 

In her lower right hand, she holds a small drum or damaru, which symbolizes the rhythmic cycle of life and death. In her lower left hand, she holds a rosary or mala, which represents concentration and meditation. Her hands are adorned with bangles and bracelets, and she wears a red saree, which signifies power and passion.

Goddess Shailputri has a third eye on her forehead, which is a symbol of her divine powers and insight. Her hair is tied in a bun and adorned with flowers, and she wears a crown on her head, which represents her royal status.

 

Overall, the looks of Goddess Shailputri represent strength, beauty, and divinity. She is a powerful goddess who is worshipped by millions of people, and her appearance inspires devotion and reverence in her followers.

 

Astrological benefits of worshipping Maa Shailputri

Worshipping Maa Shailputri, the first form of Goddess Durga, is believed to have many astrological benefits. Here are some of the astrological benefits of worshipping Maa Shailputri:

Reduces Malefic Effects of Planet Moon: According to Vedic astrology, the planet Moon governs the mind, emotions, and well-being. If the planet Moon is weak or afflicted in a person's horoscope, it can lead to mental health issues, emotional instability, and physical illnesses. Worshipping Maa Shailputri is believed to pacify the malefic effects of the planet Moon and bring stability and calmness to the mind.

 

Increases Willpower and Self-confidence: Maa Shailputri is the embodiment of strength and courage. Worshipping her can help the devotees to develop willpower and self-confidence to face any challenges in life. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with low self-esteem or lack of confidence.

Improves Career Prospects: Maa Shailputri is also known as the Goddess of prosperity and wealth. Worshipping her can bring financial stability and success in the career of the devotees. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are struggling with their job or looking for new job opportunities.

 

Enhances Fertility and Childbirth: Maa Shailputri is associated with fertility and motherhood. Worshipping her can help the devotees to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy. It can also ensure safe delivery and healthy growth of the child.

Brings Protection and Ward off Negativity: Maa Shailputri is believed to offer protection from negative energies and evil forces. Worshipping her can help the devotees to overcome any obstacles or dangers in their life.

 

Story of Goddess Shailputri

Shailputri, meaning 'daughter of mountains' in Sanskrit, is a mythological figure who, in her past life, was Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva and daughter of Daksh. When Daksh organized a grand ritual, he invited all the Gods and Goddesses except Lord Shiva. Sati wished to attend the ceremony, but Lord Shiva advised against it, as it would be inappropriate for them to go. Despite this, Sati insisted, and Lord Shiva eventually allowed her to go. However, when Sati arrived, she was met with disrespect and insult towards her husband. This caused her immense pain, and she immolated herself in the fire of the ceremony. Lord Shiva was aggrieved by her death and destroyed the ritual.

In her next life, Sati was reborn as the daughter of King Shail of the Himalayas and named Shailputri. She is also known as Hemvati, as her father was also called Himavat. Her vehicle is a tree, and she is sometimes referred to as Vriksharudha.

 

Mantra for first day of Navratri 

The first day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Shailputri, who represents purity, power, and nature. On this day, people worship the Goddess with great devotion and perform various rituals to seek her blessings.

The following mantra is chanted on the first day of Navratri to invoke the blessings of Goddess Shailputri:

"वन्दे वांछितलाभाय चंद्रार्धकृतशेखराम्। वृषारूढाम् शूलधराम् शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥"

"Vande Vanchhit Laabhaay Chandrardhkrit Shekharaam | Vrisharudham Shooldharam Shailputreem Yashasvineem ||"

Meaning: I worship Goddess Shailputri, the daughter of the mountains, who rides on a bull and holds a trident in her hand. She is adorned with a half-moon on her forehead and fulfills all the desires of her devotees.

Chanting this mantra with devotion and faith can bring peace, prosperity, and success in life. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Shailputri on the first day of Navratri can help remove all the obstacles and bring good fortune in one's life.

 

What should you wear on this first day of Navratri

The first day of Navratri is a significant day as it marks the beginning of the nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. People usually dress up in traditional attire to celebrate this auspicious occasion. Here are some suggestions on what to wear on the first day of Navratri:

Bright and Vibrant Colors: Navratri is all about celebrating joy, happiness, and positivity. So, it's best to wear bright and vibrant colors that reflect the festive mood. Traditional colors like red, yellow, green, and orange are the popular choices for this occasion.

Ethnic Attire: Navratri is a traditional festival, and it's best to dress up in ethnic wear to showcase the cultural heritage. Women can wear lehengas, chaniya cholis, and sarees, while men can wear kurta pyjama or dhoti kurta.

Jewelry and Accessories: Traditional jewelry and accessories can add charm and elegance to the overall look. Women can accessorize with bangles, earrings, necklaces, and maang tikka, while men can wear a turban or a safa.

Comfortable Footwear: Navratri involves a lot of dancing and festivities, so it's crucial to wear comfortable footwear. Women can opt for comfortable flats or traditional mojris, while men can wear sandals or jutti.

Personal Style: While traditional wear is preferred, it's essential to embrace your personal style and comfort level. Wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable, and enjoy the festivities with your loved ones.

 

Goddess Shailputri Aarti

Goddess Shailputri is the first form of Goddess Durga worshipped during Navratri. She is the daughter of the mountains and symbolizes power, purity, and nature. Devotees worship her with great devotion and offer prayers in various forms. One of the most popular forms of worship is the Aarti. The Aarti is a devotional song that is sung to praise and seek blessings from the deity. Here is the Goddess Shailputri Aarti:

"जय शैलपुत्री माता, तुम सबसे अनुपम। ब्रह्मा विष्णु महेश्वरी, तुम सदा सहायम्॥

त्रिदशाधिपति ज्वाला, सब जगत की महान्। आरती उतारते हम, तुम भक्त जनों के लिए सुखदायी॥

जय शैलपुत्री माता, तुम सबका सुखदाता। पापों से रक्षा करो, भक्ति निरंतर भरो॥

दुर्गा देवी जय जय, माता जगदम्बे। तुम हो विश्वास की धारा, तुम हो शक्ति जगदम्बे॥"

"Jay Shailputri Mata, Tum Sabse Anupam, Brahma Vishnu Maheshwari, Tum Sada Sahayam.

Tridashadhipati Jwala, Sab Jagat Ki Mahan, Aarti Utarate Ham, Tum Bhakt Janon Ke Liye Sukhdayi.

Jay Shailputri Mata, Tum Sabka Sukhdata, Papon Se Raksha Karo, Bhakti Nirantar Bharo.

Durga Devi Jay Jay, Mata Jagdamba, Tum Ho Vishwas Ki Dhara, Tum Ho Shakti Jagdamba."

Meaning: Oh Goddess Shailputri, you are unparalleled in every way. You are the supporter of the trinity- Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwari. You are the great fire of the universe, and we offer this Aarti to seek your blessings and happiness for all your devotees.

Oh Goddess Shailputri, you are the giver of joy and prosperity to all your devotees. Please protect us from all the evils and bless us with unwavering devotion towards you.

Oh Goddess Durga, we bow down to you and offer our prayers to you. You are the foundation of faith, and you are the embodiment of strength. Please bless us with your divine grace and protect us from all the difficulties of life.

The Goddess Shailputri Aarti is sung with great devotion and fervor, and it is believed that chanting this Aarti can bring blessings, joy, and prosperity in one's life.

 

Goddess Shailputri's favorite Prasadam

In Hinduism, Prasadam is a holy food item that is offered to the deities during worship and then distributed among the devotees. Each deity is believed to have a specific favorite food item or Prasadam, which is offered to them during the worship. In the case of Goddess Shailputri, her favorite Prasadam is believed to be Sabudana Kheer or Tapioca Pudding.

Sabudana Kheer is a sweet dish made from Tapioca pearls, milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and saffron. It is a popular dessert in India, especially during festivals and fasts. Devotees of Goddess Shailputri prepare this Prasadam on the first day of Navratri to offer to the Goddess and then distribute it among the devotees.

 

It is believed that offering Sabudana Kheer to Goddess Shailputri can bring her blessings and fulfill the wishes of the devotees. The Prasadam is prepared with great devotion and purity, and it is believed that offering it to the Goddess with a pure heart and mind can bring good fortune and prosperity.

In addition to Sabudana Kheer, some devotees also offer fruits, coconut, and flowers to Goddess Shailputri as Prasadam during the Navratri festival. The Prasadam is considered to be a symbol of the devotee's love, devotion, and gratitude towards the deity.

 

Here are the daily horoscopes for the first day of Navratri for all zodiac signs

Aries -The first day of Navratri brings new beginnings and positive energy for you, Aries. It's a great time to set intentions and start working towards your goals. Take some time to meditate and focus on what you want to achieve in the coming days.

 

Taurus - You may feel a bit scattered and indecisive on the first day of Navratri, Taurus. Take some time to prioritize your goals and make a plan for achieving them. Stay grounded and focus on the bigger picture.

 

Gemini - The first day of Navratri brings creativity and inspiration for you, Gemini. Use this energy to explore new ideas and pursue your passions. You may also find yourself drawn to spiritual practices and meditation.

 

Cancer - The first day of Navratri is a time for reflection and introspection for you, Cancer. Take some time to connect with your emotions and focus on your inner world. This is a great time to let go of any negative patterns or habits.

 

Leo - The first day of Navratri brings a burst of energy and enthusiasm for you, Leo. Use this energy to take action towards your goals and pursue your passions. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things.

 

Virgo- You may feel a bit more sensitive than usual on the first day of Navratri, Virgo. Take some time to care for yourself and focus on your well-being. This is also a good time to connect with loved ones and nurture your relationships.

 

Libra- The first day of Navratri brings a boost of confidence and positivity for you, Libra. Use this energy to pursue your goals and take bold action towards your dreams. You may also find yourself drawn to creative pursuits and artistic expression.

 

Scorpio: Use this energy to let go of any negative patterns or beliefs that are holding you back. Focus on your inner strength and resilience.

 

Sagittarius: The first day of Navratri brings a sense of adventure and exploration for you, Sagittarius. Use this energy to explore new ideas and expand your horizons. You may also find yourself drawn to travel or learning new things.

 

Capricorn- The first day of Navratri is a time for reflection and introspection for you, Capricorn. Take some time to connect with your emotions and focus on your inner world. This is a great time to let go of any negative patterns or habits.

 

Aquarius- The first day of Navratri brings a burst of energy and enthusiasm for you, Aquarius. Use this energy to take action towards your goals and pursue your passions. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things.

 

Pisces - You may feel a bit more sensitive than usual on the first day of Navratri, Pisces. Take some time to care for yourself and focus on your well-being. This is also a good time to connect with loved ones and nurture your relationships.

 

Do's and Dont's for the first day of Navratri

here are some Do's and Dont's for the first day of Navratri:

Do's:

Set intentions: The first day of Navratri is a great time to set intentions and goals for the coming days. Take some time to reflect on what you want to achieve and focus your energy on manifesting those desires.

Cleanse your space: It is believed that during Navratri, negative energies are more potent. Cleanse your home and workplace by burning incense, smudging with sage, or using essential oils to purify the air.

Offer prayers: Make an offering to the goddess and seek her blessings for a prosperous and happy life. Light a lamp or a candle and offer flowers, sweets, and fruits to the goddess.

Wear traditional clothes: Dress up in traditional attire, especially in colors such as red, yellow, and orange, which are associated with the Navratri festival.

Fast or eat light: Many people observe a fast during Navratri, and the first day is considered an auspicious day for fasting. If you are not fasting, it is recommended to eat light and avoid non-vegetarian food.

Don'ts:

Avoid negative thoughts and actions: The first day of Navratri is a day of positivity and new beginnings. Avoid engaging in negative thoughts or actions that can harm others or yourself.

Don't indulge in gossip: Navratri is a time for self-reflection and spiritual growth. Avoid indulging in gossip or speaking ill of others.

Avoid alcohol and non-vegetarian food: As mentioned earlier, it is recommended to avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol during Navratri, especially on the first day.

Don't be lazy: Use the energy of the first day of Navratri to take action towards your goals and dreams. Avoid being lazy or procrastinating.

Don't skip your spiritual practices: Whether it's meditation, yoga, or prayer, make sure to keep up with your spiritual practices during Navratri. This will help you stay grounded and focused during the festival.

You can read similar write-up on relevance of astrology in indian festivals, Chaitra Navratri, Popular Vrat dates for all other major Indian Festivals.

Goddess Brahmacharini

04 Oct, 2024

Goddess Bharmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Navratri. This form of Goddess is the unmarried form of Goddess Parvati. Brahmacharini is a Sanskrit word that means having a behavior like Brahma. She is also called Tapashcharini due to her rigorous penance. Worshipping Goddess Brahmacharini will always bring success to the person in everything they do. Goddess Brahmacharini will direct the evil towards the good path. Worshipping Goddess Brahmacharini will also imbibe the qualities of tenacity, renunciation, virtue, restraint, and quietness.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “देवी ब्रह्मचारिणी” पर क्लिक करें।

Goddess Brahmacharini's form

Mata Brahmacharini is adorned in white robes. She holds a chant garland in her right hand and an ewer in her left hand. Her form is very bright and enchanting. She is the also the Goddess of love. By Worshipping this form of Goddess Durga, one can achieve devotion and accomplishment. Her hard penance for a thousand years is the reason for her being called Brahmacharini. During this penance period, she didn't eat for many years and succeeded in pleasing Lord Shiva, and this is how she came to be known as Brahmacharini. When Goddess Brahmacharini is pleased with her devotees, then she blesses them with the qualities of tenacity, renunciation, virtue, restraint, quietness, and patience.

The Value of Worshipping Goddess Brahmacharini

Human life is always affected by pain, misery, disease, and fear. So, to get relief from all suffering, the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. 'Brahma' means penance, and 'Charini' means to behave. In this way, Brahmacharini implies someone who is ascetic. The Goddess's form also corresponds to her name. She adores white robes and holds a chant garland in her right hand and an ewer in her left hand. This form of Goddess Durga gives infinite fruits to her devotees. With her blessings, qualities of tenacity, renunciation, virtue, restraint, quietness, and patience start growing. Goddess Brahmacharini defeated all the monsters and demons and relieved the world from them.

Similarly, she provides her devotees with the fruits that they desire. Worshipping her also increases one's patience, self-confidence, strength, and moral intelligence. Due to the effect of her penance, discrimination, discontent, greed, etc., will be destroyed. Your life will be filled with enthusiasm, patience, and courage. A man becomes a hard worker. For those people whose life is filled with darkness and they have lost patience and courage in difficult times, this second Brahmacharini form of Goddess brings divine and supernatural light. By worshiping Goddess Brahmacharini, one can feel the increase in tenacity, renunciation, disinterest, virtue, patience in their life. His mind won't get distracted from the path of responsibilities even in the worst of times. Goddess removes any filthiness, telepresence, and defects from the lives of her devotees. With the grace of the Goddess, there is always complete attainment and victory.

Goddess Brahmacharini

On the second day of Navratri, Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped. This second form of Goddess Durga gives effective fruits to her devotees and hermits who adore her—worshipping her increases the qualities of tenacity, renunciation, virtue, restraint, quietness, and patience. With the blessings of Goddess Brahmacharini, there is always complete attainment and victory, and many problems and troubles are destroyed.

The form of Goddess Brahmacharini is enlightening in itself. Out of the nine powers of Goddess Durga, Goddess Brahmacharini is the dual power. Brahma means penance, and Chiarini means behavior, so the one conducting tenancy is Goddess Brahmacharini. This Goddess is peacefully immersed in meditation. Due to her harsh austerity, there is such a unique confluence of sharpness and radiance on her face, exposing all three worlds. Goddess Brahmacharini holds an axis garland in her Right hand and an ewer in the other hand. Goddess Brahmacharini is genuinely the form of Lord Brahma which means she is the idol of tenancy. This Goddess has many different names, too, such as Tapaksharini, Aparna, and Uma.

Who is Goddess Brahmacharini

It is written in Shivpuraan and Ramcharitramanas that Goddess Parvati wished Lord Shiva to be her husband. To make that wish come true, she spent several thousand years in penance while only eating fruits. And after this period, Goddess Brahmacharini survived on trees' leaves for the next three thousand years. After all this hard penance, she was able to archive the form of Brahmacharini. On the second day of Navratri, devotees concentrate their minds in the Brahmanacharini's pious feet and place them in the Swadhisthana chakra. By chanting their mantras, they get the blessings of fulfilling their desired wish.

The Story of Goddess Brahmacharini

According to age-old beliefs, Goddess Parvati expressed her wish of marrying Lord Shiva, after which her parents tried to discourage her. Although after this, Goddess Parvati asked for help from God Kaamdev, the God of Sensuality. It is believed that Kaamdev shot an arrow of eroticism on Lord Shiva; thus, his state of meditation was disturbed; because of this, God turned furious with rage and burnt himself. After this, Goddess Parvati started living like Lord Shiva. She went to the mountains, and there she performed austerities for many years. Due to which she became popular as Brahmacharini Devi. Due to this hard penance, Goddess was able to attract the attention of Lord Shiva. After this, Lord Shiva changed his appearance, went before her, and started talking bad about himself, but Goddess couldn't stand anything against Lord Shiva. In the end, Lord Shiva accepted her, and they got married.

Vidhi to worship Goddess Brahmacharini

The vision to worship Goddess Brahmacharini goes on like this. First of all, the Gods and Goddesses and yogis who have been invited to the Kalash by you should be honoured with flowers, Akshat, Sandalwood and should be bathed with milk, curd, sugar, Dhrit and Honey. A portion of whatever offerings are offered to the Goddess should be provided to them as well. After offering prasad, rinse their mouth and gift them betel leaf and betel nuts and then walk clockwise around them. After worshipping God, Kalash worships the nine planets, Dasadikpal, city Good, and village God. After worshipping them worship Goddess Brahmacharini. While honouring Goddess Brahmacharini, the first thing you should do is to pray with a flower in your hand. After this, bathe her in PanchaAmrit and then offer various flowers, Akshat, Kumkum, and vermillion. Goddess likes Red flowers a lot. Worship her with a mix of ghee and camphor. In the end, recite a sorry prayer -

Aahvahan na janami na janami vasrijanam, Pooja chaev Na Janami Shamsab Parmeshvari.

(आवाहनं न जानामि न जानामि वसर्जनं, पूजां चैव न जानामि क्षमस्व परमेश्वरी)

The  Mantra should be recited during the worship of the Goddess. Yes, it is essential to recite a mantra.

Om Devi Brahmacharini Namah.

(- ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिणी नमः॥)

Ya devi sarvabhuteshu maa Brahmacharini Rupen Sanstitha.

(- या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ ब्रह्मचारिणी रूपेण संस्थिता।)

Namastasye Namastasye Namastasye Namo Namah.

(नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।)

Dadhana karpadhyabhyamshamalakamandalu.

(- दधाना करपद्माभ्यामक्षमालाकमण्डलू।)

Devi Prasidatu mayi brahmacharinaynutma.

(देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा॥)

During the recital of mantras, you can also read the source texts of Goddess Brahmacharini, which goes on like this-

Maa Brahmacharini ka strot paath

(मां ब्रह्मचारिणी का स्रोत पाठ))

Tapaksharini tatvamhi tapatrya nivarnim.

(तपश्चारिणी त्वंहि तापत्रय निवारणीम्।)

Brahmarudhara brahmacharini pranmamyehum

(ब्रह्मरूपधरा ब्रह्मचारिणी प्रणमाम्यहम्॥)

Shankarpriya tatvamhi bhukti mukti dayini.

(शंकरप्रिया त्वंहि भुक्ति-मुक्ति दायिनी।)

Shaantida gyanda brahmacharinipranamamyaham

(शान्तिदा ज्ञानदा ब्रह्मचारिणीप्रणमाम्यहम्॥)

"Maa Brahmacharini ka kavach"

(“मां ब्रह्मचारिणी का कवच)

Tripura me hridayam lalatey patu shankarbhamini.

(त्रिपुरा में हृदयं पातु ललाटे पातु शंकरभामिनी।)

Arpan sadapatu netro, ardhari cha kapolo.

(अर्पण सदापातु नेत्रो, अर्धरी च कपोलो॥)

Panchdashi kanthey patumdhyadeshey patumheshbari

(पंचदशी कण्ठे पातुमध्यदेशे पातुमहेश्वरी॥)

Shodshi sadapatu nabho graho cha padyo.

(षोडशी सदापातु नाभो गृहो च पादयो।)

Ang pratyang satat patu brahmacharini.

(अंग प्रत्यंग सतत पातु ब्रह्मचारिणी।)

Meditation Mantra

Vandey Vanchitlabhay chandradrikritshekram.

(वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।)

Japmala kamandalu dhara brahmacharini shubham

(जपमाला कमण्डलु धरा ब्रह्मचारिणी शुभाम्॥)

Gaurvarna svadhishtanisthita dvitiya Durga trinetram.

(गौरवर्णा स्वाधिष्ठानस्थिता द्वितीय दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्।)

Dhaval paridhana brahmaroopa pushpalangkar bhushitaam

(धवल परिधाना ब्रह्मरूपा पुष्पालङ्कार भूषिताम्॥)

Param vandana pallvadharaam kaant kapola peen.

(परम वन्दना पल्लवाधरां कान्त कपोला पीन।)

Pyodharaam kamniya laavnyam smermukhi nimannabhi nitbanim

(पयोधराम् कमनीया लावणयं स्मेरमुखी निम्ननाभि नितम्बनीम्॥)

Rules of Worshipping Goddess Brahmacharini

1. During the worship of Goddess Brahmacharini, wear yellow or white clothes.
2. Offer white things to Goddess like- frozen sugar, sugar anPanchamrit.
3. Meditate the flames of the lamp and half-moon on ' Svadishthan Chakra.'
4. Recite " om em Namah"(ॐ ऐ नमः ) and pay special attention to liquid and fruit diet.

Aarti of Goddess Brahmacharini

Jay Brahmacharini Maata

(जय अंबे ब्रह्माचारिणी माता)

Jay chaturanan priy sukh daata

(जय चतुरानन प्रिय सुख दाता)

Brahma ji ke bhaati ho

(ब्रह्मा जी के मन भाती हो)

Gyan sabhi ko sikhlati ho

(ज्ञान सभी को सिखलाती हो)

Brahma mantra hae jaap tumhara

(ब्रह्मा मंत्र है जाप तुम्हारा)

Jisko jape sakal sansara

(जिसको जपे सकल संसारा)

Jay gayatri ved ki maata

(जय गायत्री वेद की माता)

Jo man nis din tumhe dhyata

(जो मन निस दिन तुम्हें ध्याता)

Kami koi rehne na paaye

(कमी कोई रहने न पाए)

Koi bhi dukh sehne na paaye

(कोई भी दुख सहने न पाए)

Uski virtee rahey thikaney

(उसकी विरति रहे ठिकाने)

Jo teri mahima ko jaaney

(जो तेरी महिमा को जाने)

Rudraksh ki maala le kar

(रुद्राक्ष की माला ले कर)

Japey jo mantra shradha de kar

(जपे जो मंत्र श्रद्धा दे कर)

Aalas chord kre gungana

(आलस छोड़ करे गुणगाना)

Maa tum usko sukh pahuchana

(मां तुम उसको सुख पहुंचाना)

Brahmacharini tero naam

(ब्रह्माचारिणी तेरो नाम)

Purna karo sab mere kaam

(पूर्ण करो सब मेरे काम)

Bhakt tere charno ke poojari

(भक्त तेरे चरणों का पुजारी)

Rakhna laaj meri mehtaari

(रखना लाज मेरी महतारी)

Goddess Brahmacharini likes this food offering

Goddess Brahmacharini loves hibiscus and Lotus flower, so you should offer these flowers on her feet while worshipping her. Because Goddess likes frozen sugar and white sugar, you should offer her frozen sugar and panchamrit. She will be impressed by this offering. Offering these things ensures that you live a long life.

Worshipping her provides you with these fruits.

It is effortless to impress Goddess Brahmacharini. Offer her white sugar and frozen sugar during her worship. During this day's worship process, devotees should concentrate their attention on the Svadishthan Chakra. It removes lethargy, stress, and anxiety. There is an improvement in Happiness, loyalty, self-belief, and energy, and the devotee achieves success.

Svadhishthan Chakra

Goddess Brahmacharini is known as the Goddess of knowledge, penance, and recluse. She is always absorbed in hard penance and tenacy because of which is called Brahmacharini. Worshipping her is very beneficial for students and ascetics. The worship of Maa Brahmacharini is very favorable for those whose svadishthan chakra is weak.

What happens when the Svadishthan Chakra is weak?

1. There is mistrust in the person.
2. There is always a possibility of something terrible happening with these people.
3. These people can be ruthless sometimes.

What to do to strengthen the Svadishthan Chakra?

1. Wear white clothes at night.
2. Sitting on a white seat will be the best.
3. After this, offer white flowers to the Goddess.
4. First of all, remember your teacher(guru).
5. After this, meditate on the Aagya Chakra(आज्ञा चक्र).
6. After meditating, request your teacher (guru)or the Goddess to strengthen your Svadhisthan Chakra.

You can read similar write-up on relevance of astrology in indian festivals, Chaitra Navratri, Popular Vrat dates for all other major Indian Festivals.

Goddess Chandraghanta

05 Oct, 2024

Goddess Chandraghanta is always worshipped on the third day of Navratri. Her name is combining two words- Chandra, meaning the moon, and Ghanta meaning a bell. The Goddess's name has been derived from the half-moon shaped like a bell placed on her forehead. She is also known as the Goddess Chandrakhanda. This third form of Goddess Durga gives strength and bravery to those who worship her and is believed to take all their sorrows away. Even though Goddess Chandrakhanda is the more robust form of Goddess Parvati, it's so believed that she only appears so when furious over an issue. Otherwise, she has a calm nature. The married version of Goddess Parvati is also known as Goddess ChandraGhanta. Worshipping Goddess ChandraGhanta gives feelings of strength, calmness, and valor to the worshippers.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “देवी चंद्रघंटा” पर क्लिक करें।

The representation of Goddess ChandraGhanta

Goddess ChandraGhanta rides a lion, and her body sparkles as bright as gold. She has ten arms where 4 of the left arms carry a trident, bludgeon, sword, and a kamandal while the fifth arm forms a mudra. The other four arms on the right carry a lotus, arrow, bow, and a Jap Mala. This form of Goddess Durga with weapons is generally seen at times of war.

Who is Goddess ChandraGhanta?

Goddess Durga took this form of Goddess ChandraGhanta to defeat the asuras and eliminate their negative effect on the world. Defeating the asuras, Goddess Durga delivered relief to the gods from the asura's constant torture. Goddess ChandraGhanta is also known as the married form of Goddess Parvati. As the Goddess Parvati got married to Lord Shiva, she put the moon on her forehead and was known as the Goddess ChandraGhanta. As she rides the lion, she's believed to have taken the aggressive form for a war. She carries a lotus, weapons, and kamandal in her arms.

Significance of worshipping Goddess ChandraGhanta

People generally get rid of all their fears and notice a hike in the feeling of strength as they worship Mata ChandraGhanta. She has ten arms with multiple weapons that represent the extreme version of Goddess Parvati. As she rides the lion, she's always prepared to enter the battlefield. As per Tantra Sadhna, this form of Goddess ChandraGhanta awakens the Manipur Chakra. Goddess ChandraGhanta is always ready to wipe off the evil ones from the planet. The ones who worship ChandraGhanta Maa can get rid of the flaws of planet Mars in their Kundli. This is why one should always worship Goddess ChandraGhanta on the 3rd day of Navratri. Worshipping the Goddess with proper procedures leads to the destruction of a person's sin. With Goddess ChandraGhanta's blessings, couples lead a happy married life with opulence and prosperity. As couples worship her, they can easily find a solution to multiple issues they face in their married life. Goddess ChandraGhanta is the protector of a family. She is connected to the planet Venus. If you have Venus affecting your kundali in any way, worshipping goddess ChandraGhanta can help.

Significance of the Navratri Day 3

The third Navratra carries tremendous significance with itself. It is believed that the Goddess's deity is worshipped on this auspicious day. It is a fact that the sound from Goddess's bell scares the persecutors, monsters, and demons away. With the Goddess's blessings, worshippers often get to visualize the supernatural goods. According to Hindu Shastras, it's been told that worshipping Goddess ChandraGhanta evokes the power of fearlessness and courage, providing calmness and politeness in the end.

Maa ChandraGhanta Story

1- When Lord Shiva told Goddess Parvati how he doesn't wish to marry anybody, she got upset with it. Lord Shiva was hurt emotionally looking at Goddess Parvati this way. Hence, he went to Lord Himavan's house with the baraat to marry Goddess Parvati. The baraat included multiple types of living species, Lords, Ghosts, and Aghoris. Looking at the baraat at her doorstep, Goddess Parvati's mother fell unconscious with fear. Goddess Parvati then sat down with her family, trying to calm them down. She then visited Lord Shiva in the form of Goddess ChandraGhanta. She tried to convince him politely to enter the house as a groom. Lord Shiva agreed to her and furnished himself with multiple types of jewels.

2- An Asura named Mahishasura attacked the SwargaLoka, defeating Lord Indra to rule the SwargaLoka successfully. After their defeat on the battlefield, the Lords from SwargaLoka went to Tridev for help. They told the Tridev about Mahishasura capturing Lord Indra, Surya, Vayu, along with other ones to rule over SwargaLoka as he's been torturing the other Lords ever since they had to leave the SwargaLoka. Tridev was furious listening to the entire situation, and as they expressed their anger, intense energy was released from their mouths. This energy was then spread into all ten directions. Right then, a Goddess took form in front of everybody. Lord Shiva gave his Trishul to Goddess, and Lord Vishnu gave her the Chakra. As this happened, other Lords also gathered to provide all their weapons to the Goddess. Lord Indra presented his moon and bell to the Goddess. Lord Surya gave her his energy and sword. In the end, she was also given a lion to ride. With all the weapons and power, Goddess ChandraGhanta left to introduce a fight with Mahishasura. As the Goddess's face represented tons of energy, Mahishasura was already scared looking at it. He then ordered his Asuras to attack the Goddess. All the Asuras were there on the battlefield trying to defeat the Goddess Durga. In no time, Goddess Durga won over each one of them. She then killed Mahishasura and freed all the Lords from his capture, returning the SwargaLoka to them.

Goddess ChandraGhanta Puja Procedure

1- One should take a bath before sunrise and put on clean clothes. Then, the stool used to put the statue of the Goddess must be cleaned with holy Ganges water.

2- Next step is to place the statue and Kalash on the cleaned stool. Ingredients needed for the puja to be presented to the Goddess include clothes, a good luck thread, Chandan, sindoor, turmeric, jewelry, roli, billboard, durva, flowers, perfumed agarbatti, Diya, fruits, naivedya, and paan.

3- Then, you need to repeat tha mantra "pindjaprarudha chandkopastra kairyuta" (पिण्डजप्रवरारुढा चण्डकोपास्त्र कैर्युता). “Pindjaprarudha chandkopastra kairyuta” (पिण्डजप्रवरारुढा चण्डकोपास्त्र कैर्युता). Present the flowers to the Goddess while repeating this ChandraGhanta mantra and perform the rituals.

4- Repeat the mantra of Durga Saptashati and listen to her story. Do the aarti for the Goddess with a Diya.

5- Present sweets made from milk to Goddess ChandraGhanta this day with some apples and jaggery.

Offer this to Goddess ChandraGhanta

Every form of Goddess is presented with a different type of offering. It's said that the offering represents your devotion towards the Goddess. Goddess ChandraGhanta should always be represented with sweets made of milk only. After you offer it to the Goddess, eat it yourself and offer it to others as well. It is believed that presenting this offering to the Goddess will be the end to all your sorrows.

Mantra

Om devi chandraghantaya namah

(ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥)

Puja Mantra

Pindaj pravraroodha chandkopastrakaryuta

Prasadam tanute mahaam chandraghanteti vishruta

(पिण्डज प्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता।

प्रसादं तनुते मह्यम् चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता॥)

Stuti Mantra

Ya devi sarvabhooteshu man chadraghanta roopen sansthita

Namastasyay namastasyay namastasyay Namo Namha

(या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ चन्द्रघण्टा रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥)

Meditation Mantra

Vande vanchitalabhaay chandraardhkritshekhraam

(वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।)

Sinharoodha chandraghanta yashaswineem

(सिंहारूढा चन्द्रघण्टा यशस्विनीम्॥)

Manipur sthitam tritiya durga trinetram

(मणिपुर स्थिताम् तृतीय दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्। )

Khang, gada, trishool, chapshar, pan kamandalu mala varabheetkaraam

(खङ्ग, गदा, त्रिशूल, चापशर, पद्म कमण्डलु माला वराभीतकराम्॥)

Pataambar paridhanan mriduhaasya nanalankaar bhooshitam

(पटाम्बर परिधानां मृदुहास्या नानालङ्कार भूषिताम्।)

Manjeer, haar, keyoor, kinkini, ratnakundal manditaam

(मञ्जीर, हार, केयूर, किङ्किणि, रत्नकुण्डल मण्डिताम॥)

Prafull vandanaa bibadhaaraa kaant kapolaam tugam kuchaam

(प्रफुल्ल वन्दना बिबाधारा कान्त कपोलाम् तुगम् कुचाम्।)

Kamneeyan lavanyan ksheenkati nitambneem

((कमनीयां लावण्यां क्षीणकटि नितम्बनीम्॥))

Source  

Aapdudhrinee tvanhi aadya shaktih shubhparaam

(आपदुध्दारिणी त्वंहि आद्या शक्तिः शुभपराम्।)

Animaadi siddhidaatree chandraghante pranmaamyaham

(अणिमादि सिद्धिदात्री चन्द्रघण्टे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥)

Chandramukhi isht datri ishtam mantra svaroopineem

(चन्द्रमुखी इष्ट दात्री इष्टम् मन्त्र स्वरूपिणीम्।)

Dhantatri, aananddaatri chandraghante pranmaamyaham

(धनदात्री, आनन्ददात्री चन्द्रघण्टे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥)

Nanaroopdharinee ichhamayi aishwaryadaayineem

(नानारूपधारिणी इच्छामयी ऐश्वर्यदायिनीम्।)

Sobhagyaarogyadaayini chandraghante pranmamyaham

(सौभाग्यारोग्यदायिनी चन्द्रघण्टे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥)

Maa Chandraghanta Aarti

Jai maa ChandraGhanta sukh dhaam

(जय माँ चन्द्रघंटा सुख धाम।)

Poorna keejo mere kaam

(पूर्ण कीजो मेरे काम॥)

Chandra samaaj tu sheetal daati

(चन्द्र समाज तू शीतल दाती।)

Chandra tej kirnon mein samati

(चन्द्र तेज किरणों में समाती॥)

Krodh ko shant banane wali

(क्रोध को शांत बनाने वाली।)

Meethe bol sikhane wali

(मीठे बोल सिखाने वाली॥)

Man ki maalak man bhaati ho

(मन की मालक मन भाती हो।)

ChandraGhanta tum var daati ho

(चंद्रघंटा तुम वर दाती हो॥)

Sundar bhaav ko laane wali

(सुन्दर भाव को लाने वाली।)

Har sankar mein bachane wali

(हर संकट में बचाने वाली॥)

Hat budhvar ko tujhe dhyay

(हर बुधवार को तुझे ध्याये।)

Shradha sahit to vinay sunay

(श्रद्दा सहित तो विनय सुनाए॥)

Moorti chandra aakar bnaye

(मूर्ति चन्द्र आकार बनाए।)

Sheesh jhuka kahe man ki bata

(शीश झुका कहे मन की बाता॥)

Poorna aas karo jagat data

(पूर्ण आस करो जगत दाता।)

Kanchipur sthan tumhara

(कांचीपुर स्थान तुम्हारा॥)

Karnatika mein maan tumhara

(कर्नाटिका में मान तुम्हारा।)

Naam mera ratu maharani

(नाम तेरा रटू महारानी॥)

Bhakt ki raksha karo bhavani

(भक्त की रक्षा करो भवानी।)

Wear yellow clothes during puja

Goddess ChandraGhanta should always be worshipped wearing yellow clothes. The reason for this stands to be Goddess's love for her ride- the lion, which is yellow.

Do Not Make These Mistakes In Navratri

1. Do not offer tulsi leaves.
2. None of the maa Chandraghanta images should have the lion roaring in it.
3. Do not offer durva to the Goddess.
4. Sow the Jaware, and do not leave the house empty if you have the Akhand Jyoti in the house.
5. Keep a Diya to the left of every picture or sculpture of the Goddess.
6. Keep the sewed Jaware to the right of Goddess's picture or sculpture.
7. Always do the puja sitting on an aasan.
8. The reason should be made of jute or woolen.

Always Keep These Things In Mind When You Keep A Fast During Navratri

1. One should never get their beard, moustache, or hair trimmed if they've kept a fast for all nine days in Navratri. But, for a kid's head to be shaved, Navratri is an auspicious time.
2. Nails shouldn't be trimmed during Navratri.
3. If you're placing a Kalash, Jagaran, or Akhand Jyoti during Navratri, do not leave the house empty.
4. Do not consume onion, garlic, or non-vegetarian food during Navratri.
5. One should not wear black clothes if they've kept a fast for Navratri.
6. One shouldn't be using anything made of leather in Navratri, like leather footwear, bags, or belt.
7. If somebody's keeping a fast for Navratri, he/she should never be cutting a lemon.
8. Grains of salt can't be consumed when somebody has kept a fast for Navratri. He/she should only consume buckwheat flour, Samari rice, water chestnut flour, Sago, rock salt, fruits, potatoes, nuts, and peanuts.
9. According to Vishnu Puran, sleeping in the day, consuming tobacco, and indulging in a physical relationship does not yield all the fast results.

You can read similar write-up on relevance of astrology in indian festivals, Chaitra Navratri, Popular Vrat dates for all other major Indian Festivals.

Goddess Kushmanda

07 Oct, 2024

On the 4th day of Navratri, the Goddess of strength Goddess Durga's fourth form Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped. According to Hindu beliefs, this world was only covered in darkness; then, she created this world with her godly humor. This is the reason that she is also known as the creator of the Universe. She is also known as "Aadiswaroop" or "Aadishakti." There is great importance of Worshipping Goddess Kushmanda on the fourth day of Navratri. According to traditional beliefs, the person who worships Goddess Kushmanda on the fourth day of Navratri with complete devotion receives age, fame, and power as blessings from her. With a light smile on her face, Goddess Kushmanda has eight hands. She is also known as "Asthbhuja." In her seven hands, she holds the ewer, bow, arrow, lotus flower, Kalash, rotating wheel, and a mace, respectively. Goddess was in this form after Goddess Parvati until she gave birth to Lord Kartikeya. In this form, Goddess carries the whole Universe and nourishes it. People who desire to have children should worship this form of the Goddess. Worshiping this Goddess is very beneficial for the worldly people, i.e., those who run a family.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “देवी कुष्मांडा” पर क्लिक करें।

Who is Kushmanda?

"Ku" means "some," "Ushma" means heat, and "Anda" means "The Universe." According to the scriptures, Goddess Kushmanda removed all darkness from the world with her divine smile. With a light smile on her face, Goddess Kushmanda is known as the remover of all sorrow. Her residence is the Sun. It is the sole reason that there is a bright light coming from the back of Goddess Kushmanda. She is the only form of Goddess Durga who has the power to live on the Sun.

The Representation of Goddess Kushmanda

With a light smile on her face, Goddess Kushmanda has eight hands which is why she is also known as "Ashthbhuja." In her seven hands, she holds the ewer, bow, arrow, lotus flower, Kalash, rotating wheel, and a mace, respectively. On the eighth hand is a chanting rosary which determines all the recipes for accomplishing things. The Amrit Kalash in the Goddess's hand blesses the devotees with long life and best of health. Goddess Kushmanda rides on the back of a lion which is a symbol of Dharma.

How did she come to be known as Kushmanda?

Kushmanda means Pumpkin. Goddess Durga came in the avatar of Kushmanda to get the world rid of the demons. According to legendary tales, Goddess Kushmanda created the Universe. It is a belief that if you offer a pumpkin, then she will be impressed by it. Being attached to the Universe and Pumpkin made her known as Kushmanda.

The importance of the fourth day of Navratri

Goddess Kushmanda is the head deity of the fourth day of Navratri. It is a widespread belief that if a devotee worships Goddess with a pure heart and according to all the correct rules, he/she is sure to get to a paramount in their life quickly. It is so believed that worshipping her on this day destroys all types of diseases from the devotee.

Favorite fruit of Goddess.

Offer white pumpkin fruit to Goddess Kushmanda. After this, offer her some yogurt and halwa. The Universe is believed to be like a pumpkin which is empty in the center. Goddess resides in the center of the Universe and protects the whole Universe. If you cannot find a raw pumpkin, you can also offer a ripe pumpkin to her.

All disease and mournings disappear.

Worshipping Goddess Kushmanda removes all the diseases and mournings from the lives of the devotees. With Goddess's blessings, there is prosperity in the devotee's age, fame, power, and health. People who are in the state of illness quite often should worship Goddess Kushmanda with total devotion.

The tale of Goddess Kushmanda

When darkness enveloped all four directions, there was no Universe. That was the time when Goddess Kushmanda, with a slight smile on her face, created the Universe. This form of Goddess is such that it can reside inside a Sun too. This form is as bright as the Sun. After making the Universe, Goddess generated the Tridev ( Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh) and the Tridevis( Kali, Lakshmi, and Saraswati). Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped on the 4th day of Navratri. She is the fourth form of power, which is believed to be as stunning as the Sun. This form of our Goddess is described as something like this. Goddess Kushmanda, with her eight hands, encourages us to a Karmyogi life and earn courage; her sweet smile increases our life force and enables us to walk the most difficult paths with a smile on our face. Goddess Durga's fourth form is known as Goddess Kushmanda. With her slight smile, she generated the Anda, i.e., the Universe, which is why she is known as Kushmanda. When the Universe didn't exist, there was darkness everywhere. Then Goddess created the Universe with her bright smile. Therefore, she is the Aadi Swaroop( archetype) Aadi Shakti. On the eighth hand is a chanting rosary which determines all the recipes for accomplishing things. According to a legend, it is believed that when the Universe didn't exist, she was the one who created the Universe. She is the Aadi Swaroop( archetype) Aadi Shakti. Her home is located in the inner world of the solar system. She is the only one who has the ability and power to reside there. The radiance and effect of her body are as glorious as the Sun. By worshipping Goddess Kushmanda, all the diseases and mournings disappear from the lives of the devotees. With Goddess's blessings, there is prosperity in the devotee's age, fame, power, and health. Goddess feels happy even if she is being offered small things but with complete devotion. The Lion is her vehicle. On the Fourth day of Navratri, only this form of Goddess is worshipped. Worshipping Goddess Kushmanda on this day brings prosperity in the age, fame, power, and health of the devotee.

Pooja Vidhi of Mata Kushmanda

1. Wake up early in the morning on the fourth day of Navratri and wear green clothes after bathing.
2. Use a green seat on this day to worship the Goddess.
3. Light a ghee lamp in front of Goddess Kushmanda's idol or Photograph and apply tilak on her.
4. Offer clothes, saubhagya Sutra, sandalwood, Roli, turmeric, vermilion, durva, bilvapatra, jewelry, floral necklaces, fragrant, incense lamps, nevedh, fruits, betel leaves to Goddess while worshipping her.
5. Now offer her green cardamom, fennel, and Raw Pumpkin fruit.
6. Now chant Om Kushmanda devyey Namah: ( ॐ कुशमांडा देव्यै नमः )108 times.
7. Perform aarti of Goddess Kushmanda and offer food to a brahman or else perform a donation.
8. After this, it is also essential to worship the Tridev and Goddess Lakshmi.
9. If you want, you can read and chant the Siddha Kunjika.
10. After this, also take the prasad yourself.
11. Male is very dear to Goddess Kushmanda, so after worshiping, you can offer prasad to everyone by providing it to the Goddess, and then you can also have it.

The Bhog of Goddess Kushmanda

It is believed that if something is offered to Goddess Kushmanda with total devotion, then she accepts it gladly. But Malpuye is very dear to Goddess Kushmanda.

Kushmanda Mantra

Om devi kusmandaey namah:

(ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः॥)

Prayer Mantra

Surasampoorn kalasham rudhirapalutamev cha.

(सुरासम्पूर्ण कलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च।)

Sadhana hastpadhtabhyam khushmanda shubhdaastu mey.

(दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे॥)

Stuti

Ya devi sarvabhooteshu maa kushmandam rupenu sansthita.

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां कूष्मांडा रूपेण संस्थिता।

Namastasyey namastasyey namastasyey namoh namah:

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।

Kushmanda Meditation Mantra

Vande vanchit kamarth chandraardhkritshekharaam

(वन्दे वाञ्छित कामार्थे चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।)

Sighrooda ashthbhuja kushmanda yashswinim

(सिंहरूढ़ा अष्टभुजा कूष्माण्डा यशस्विनीम्॥)

Bhasvar bhanu nibham anahat stitham chaturth durga trinetram

(भास्वर भानु निभाम् अनाहत स्थिताम् चतुर्थ दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्।)

Kamandalu, chaap, baan, padd, sudhakalash, chakra, gada, japvatidhraam

(कमण्डलु, चाप, बाण, पद्म, सुधाकलश, चक्र, गदा, जपवटीधराम्॥)

Pataambar paridhanam kamniyaam mriduhasya nanalandkar bhushitaam

(पटाम्बर परिधानां कमनीयां मृदुहास्या नानालङ्कार भूषिताम्।)

Manjir, haar, keyur, kidkini, ratankundal, manditaam

(मञ्जीर, हार, केयूर, किङ्किणि, रत्नकुण्डल, मण्डिताम्॥)

Prafful vandanachaaru chibukam kaant kapolaam tugam kuchaam

(प्रफुल्ल वदनांचारू चिबुकां कान्त कपोलाम् तुगम् कुचाम्।)

Komlaandi samermukhi shrikanti nimannabhi nitmbaneem.

(कोमलाङ्गी स्मेरमुखी श्रीकंटि निम्ननाभि नितम्बनीम्॥)

Kushmanda source

Durgatinashini tavhim daridradi vimashinneem

(दुर्गतिनाशिनी त्वंहि दारिद्रादि विनाशिनीम्।)

Jayandna dhanandam kushmandey pranmamyahum

(जयंदा धनदां कूष्माण्डे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥)

Jagnmata jagatkatri jagadaadhar roopneem

(जगन्माता जगतकत्री जगदाधार रूपणीम्।)

Charachareshree kushmandey pranmamyahum

(चराचरेश्वरी कूष्माण्डे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥)

Treylokyasundari tavhim dukha shok nivareeneem

(त्रैलोक्यसुन्दरी त्वंहि दुःख शोक निवारिणीम्।)

Paramanandmayi, kushmandey pranmamyaham.

(परमानन्दमयी, कूष्माण्डे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥)

Aarti of Goddess Kushmanda

Chautha jab navratra ho, kushmanda ko dhyaate

(चौथा जब नवरात्र हो, कूष्मांडा को ध्याते।)

Jisne racha brahmand yeh, pujan hai unka

(जिसने रचा ब्रह्मांड यह, पूजन है उनका)

Aadya shakti kehte jinhe, ashthbhuja hae roop.

(आद्य शक्ति कहते जिन्हें, अष्टभुजी है रूप।)

Is shakti ke tej se kahi chav kahi dhoop

(इस शक्ति के तेज से कहीं छांव कहीं धूप॥)

Kumhadey ki bali karti hae tantrik se svikaar

(कुम्हड़े की बलि करती है तांत्रिक से स्वीकार।)

Pethey se bhi reejhti satvik krein vichaar

(पेठे से भी रीझती सात्विक करें विचार॥)

Krodhit jab ho jaaye yeh ulta krein vyavhaar

(क्रोधित जब हो जाए यह उल्टा करे व्यवहार।)

Usko rakhti door maa, peeda deti apaar

(उसको रखती दूर मां, पीड़ा देती अपार॥)

Surya chandra ki roshni yeh jag me faelaaye

(सूर्य चंद्र की रोशनी यह जग में फैलाए।)

Sharanaagat ki mae aaya tu hi raah dikhaye

(शरणागत की मैं आया तू ही राह दिखाए॥)

Navraatro ki maa kripa krdo maa

(नवरात्रों की मां कृपा कर दो मां)

Navraatro ki maa kripa krdo maa

(नवरात्रों की मां कृपा करदो मां॥)

Jai maa kushmanda maiyaa

(जय मां कूष्मांडा मैया।)

Jai maa kushmanda maiyaa

(जय मां कूष्मांडा मैया॥)

Benefits of Worshipping Goddess Kushmanda

1. Worshipping Goddess Kushmanda keeps all types of diseases away.
2. Worshipping Goddess Kushmanda increases Lifeline fame and power.
3. A little worship of Goddess Kushmanda makes her happy, and the devotees are blessed with a comfortable, contented and life full of prosperity.

Don't do these things while worshipping Goddess Kushmanda, even if you forget.

Do's :

1. Chant the 108 names of Goddess Durga.
2. Light the infinite Monolith lamp at your home.
3. Worship Goddess Durga two times a day, i.e., morning and evening, and before you worship her, meditate remembering Lord Ganesha.
4. Don't eat just after chanting the mantras or after worship.
5. Offer prasad of fruits and pumpkin fruit to 12 years and younger aged girls.

Dont's:

1. During chanting the mantra of Goddess Durga, don't move your body and don't chant the mantra in a sing-song manner.
2. Imbibe purity in your heart and thoughts.
3. During Navratri, respect your mother and other women of her age. Start any work after takeing their blessings.
4. Do not use deceit, fraud, and profanity.
5. Follow the path of Brahmacharya and do not fall in the company of the wrong people.

Chant this mantra to get relieved of all problems

Sharanagat dinaarth paritraan prayane

(शरणागत दीनार्थ परित्राण परायणे)

Sarvsyaatir harey devi narayani namostutey

(सर्वस्यार्ति हरे देवि नारायणी नमोस्तुते)

You can read similar write-up on relevance of astrology in indian festivals, Chaitra Navratri, Popular Vrat dates for all other major Indian Festivals.

Goddess Skandamata

08 Oct, 2024

Goddess Skandmata resides in the hills and blesses living beings around the world with new energy and knowledge. During Navratri, this Goddess is worshipped on the fifth day. It is said so that even a fool can turn into a wise man with Goddess Skandmata's blessings. The fifth face of Goddess Durga is known as Goddess Skandmata. Her name Skandmata is kept after her son- Lord Skand Kumar (Kartikeya). Goddess Skandmata is always seen with her son-Lord Skand Kumar sitting in her lap as a kid. It is believed that a seeker's mind takes rest and completes an entire circle on this fifth day of Navratri. Goddess Skandmata's sculpture is a symbol of love and value, presenting Goddess Durga significantly. Goddess Durga's fifth form got its name from Lord Kartikeya. Since Goddess Durga gave birth to Lord Kartikeya in this form, this form was named after him.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “देवी स्कंदमाता” पर क्लिक करें।

The representation of Goddess Skandamata

Goddess Skandamata takes her form with four arms. The upper right arm holds Lord Skand Kumar, and the lower right arm holds a lotus. Every form of Goddess Durga is highly auspicious and sits on a Lotus. This is why Goddess Skandamata is also known as Goddess VidyaVahini and Goddess Padmasana. Goddess Skandamata also rides the lion. Goddess Skandamata is believed to be the master of the solar system. Devotees gain a supernatural mind when he worships Goddess Skandamata. This supernatural blessing completes a worshipper's austerity. If somebody worships the Goddess with utmost concentration, he will get rid of all his problems and will head towards a path of salvation.

Who is Goddess Skandamata?

Skandamata means the mother of Lord Skanda. Goddess Parvati's elder son's name is Skanda. When Goddess Parvati gave birth to Lord Skanda, she was hence known as Goddess Skandamata. Though, there's also a saying that Adishakti Jagdamba gave birth to a kid with her energy to free the world from Banashur's torture. Sanat Kumar with six heads is known as Skanda. According to ancient beliefs, Goddess Skandamata is the daughter of the Himalayas, which is why she's also known as Parvati. Since she's also the wife of Lord Shiva, she can also be called Goddess Maheshwari. Goddess Skandamata has a fair body and is also known as Goddess Gauri. Being the mother to Lord Skanda, she was known as Skandamata. Lord Skanda, or Lord Kartikeya, was appointed as Lords' commander in a famous battle between Lords and Asuras. That is why Shakti and Kumar always accompany Lord Skanda's name in ancient books. For being the mother to Lord Skanda, Goddess Durga is known and worshiped as Goddess Skandamata. Goddess Skandamata has four arms. Her lower arm on the right carries a lotus, while the upper arm on the left side has a Varmudra. The lower arm on the left also has a lotus in it. Her entire representation is pure, and she rides the lion.

Importance of Goddess Skandamata

Goddess Skandamata rides the lion, which is the symbol of anger, and she has a kid in her lap who's Lord Kartikeya, who represents motherly love. This form of Goddess Durga teaches us that if we decide to walk the path of devotion, we should have immense control over our anger the way that the Goddess controls her lion. On the other hand, a kid in Goddess's lap teaches us that we can always choose the path of devotion even with all the benefits and love from the real world. All you need is the determination to do so. It's also believed that a woman is blessed with a child if she worships Goddess Skandamata. The ability to think better is a blessing from Goddess Skandamata. It's also said that only because of Goddess Skandamata's blessings, Kalidas created the epic Raghuvansham and Meghdoot.

Significance of worshipping Goddess Skandamata

If Goddess Skandamata is worshipped with a determined mind, it's believed that she blesses her worshippers with every happiness in the world. If a couple can not conceive a child or is facing difficulty to do so, worshipping Goddess Skandamata can be beneficial in Navratri. Worshipping Goddess Skandamata generally solves all the child-related problems for a couple. If the planet Jupiter does not have strong or good effects on your Kundali, worshipping Goddess Skandamata can help. Worshipping her can also help people get rid of all the arguments prevailing at home. This happens with auspicious and radiant energy that the Goddess receives as a blessing.

Goddess Skandamata blesses with a child.

People who are facing difficulty in conceiving a child should worship this form of Goddess Durga. This form of Aadishakti is believed to bless people with a child. It is crucial to mention Lord Kartikeya when you're worshipping Goddess Skandamata for a child.

Goddess Skandamata teaches unity.

Goddess Skandamata teaches us how life in itself is a constant fight between the good and evil like the battles between Lords and Asuras, and a person himself is the commander for all such battles. To be able to receive the power to make wise decisions, we should worship Goddess Skandamata. One should have a determined mind for this Puja for the mind, attitude, and mediation to meet at a single place. This combination delivers happiness and peace to a person.

Goddess takes away all the problems.

Worshipping Goddess Skandamata has excellent significance in Shastras. A worshipper can fulfill all his wishes by worshipping Goddess Skandamata. Worshippers receive peace. As she is the most powerful Goddess in the solar system, so her fierce energy is even more vital. Hence, worshipping this Goddess with a determined and pure mind can even give the ability to cross the great ocean to the worshipper.

Skandamata is the Goddess of love.

Kartikeya is believed to be Lords' commander, and Goddess Skandamata has utmost affection towards her son. Whenever the monsters start ruling the Earth, the Goddess rides on the lion and comes to the Earth to save her worshippers. Goddess Skandamata likes to get her name from her son. That is why she is believed to be the Goddess of love and motherhood.

Importance of the following ingredients for worshipping Goddess Skandamata

It is significant to offer a Dhanush Vana in Goddess Skandamata' Puja. She should also be offered a red dupatta, sindoor, nail paint, bindi, henna, red bangles, lipstick, and other stuff that a married woman uses. On the fifth day of Navratri, if a woman offers all the ingredients with red flowers to Goddess Skandamata, they are blessed with a long-married life and children. She has also been worshipped the same way as other forms of Goddess Durga.

Goddess Skandamata Puja Procedure

*Take a fresh bath in the morning and wear washed clothes on the fifth day of Navratri.

*Now, place the picture of Goddess Skandamata in the temple or worshipping place in your home.

*Purify yourself with Gangajal.

*Clean the Goddess's sculpture with water.

*Now, place some coins in the water in a Kalash.

*Read the determination for fast while reciting the mantras.

*Now apply Kumkum and Roli to the Goddess Skandamata.

*Dress the sculpture and feed her the food.

*Always offer banana to the Goddess Skandamata. It is believed that the Goddess Skandamata provides great health if you do so.

*Offer flowers to the Goddess.

*Spray Gangajal in every corner of the house.

*Read the Goddess's story to please her.

*Now worship her with a Diya.

*Distribute the Prashad to all the family members and eat it yourself as well.

Goddess Skandamata Aarti

Jai teri ho Skandamata

Panchava naam tumhara aata

जय तेरी हो स्कंदमाता

पांचवा नाम तुम्हारा आता

 Sab ke man ki janan haari

Jag janni sab ki mehtaari

सब के मन की जानन हारी

जग जननी सब की महतारी

 Teri jyot jalata rahoon mein

Hardum tumhe dhyara rahoon mein

तेरी ज्योत जलाता रहूं मैं

हरदम तुम्हे ध्याता रहूं मैं

 Kayi naamo se tujhe pukara

Mujhe ek hai tera sahaara

कई नामो से तुझे पुकारा

मुझे एक है तेरा सहारा

 Kahin pagadon par hai dera

Kayi shehron mein tera basera

कहीं पहाड़ों पर है डेरा

कई शहरों में तेरा बसेरा

 Har mandir mein tere najare gun gaye

Tere bhagat pyare bhagti

हर मंदिर में तेरे नजारे गुण गाये

तेरे भगत प्यारे भगति

 Apni mujhe dila do shakti

Meri bigdi bana do

अपनी मुझे दिला दो शक्ति

मेरी बिगड़ी बना दो

 Indra aadi devta mil saare

Kare pukar tumhare dware

इन्द्र आदी देवता मिल सारे

करे पुकार तुम्हारे द्वारे

 Dushta datya jab chadh kar aye

Tum hi khanda hath uthaye

दुष्ट दत्य जब चढ़ कर आये

तुम ही खंडा हाथ उठाये

 Dason ko sada bachane aayi

'chaman' ki aas pujane aayi

दासो को सदा बचाने आई

‘चमन’ की आस पुजाने आई

 Jai teri ho Skandamata

जय तेरी हो स्कंदमाता...

Offer Bhog to Goddess Skandamata

Goddess Skandamata likes bananas, and that is why you should offer bananas to her and then give the same to Brahmins (Pandits). Doing this will keep the worshipper in good health. You can also offer kheer and Meva as the bhog to Goddess Skandamata.

Puja Mantra

Om devi Skandamataaya Namaha

ओम देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥

Prayer

Singhasangataa nityam padmaachit kardvayaa

Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashaswini

सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माञ्चित करद्वया।

शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥

Stuti Mantra

Ya devi sarvabhooteshu man chadraghanta roopen sansthita

Namastasyay namastasyay namastasyay Namo Namha

Sarvada paatu ma devi Chanyanyasu hi dikshu vae

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु मां स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

सर्वदा पातु मां देवी चान्यान्यासु हि दिक्षु वै॥

People suffering from Air, Phlegm, or Bile diseases should worship Goddess Skandamata and offer linseed to the Goddess to consume it afterward.

Shlok for Goddess Skandamata

To receive all the blessings from Goddess Skandamata, one should repeat these shlokas on the fifth day of Navratri to please the Goddess.

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu maa Skandamata rupen sansthita

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ स्कंदमाता रूपेण संस्थिता।

Namastasyay namastasyay namastasyay namaho namaha

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।

Arthaha hey maa sarvatra virajmaan aur Skandmata ke roop mein prasiddh ambey, main aapko barambar pranam karta/karti hun. Hey maa, mujhe sab paapon se mukti pradan karein.

अर्थ : हे माँ! सर्वत्र विराजमान और स्कंदमाता के रूप में प्रसिद्ध अम्बे, मैं आपको बारंबार प्रणाम करता / करती हूँ. हे माँ, मुझे सब पापों से मुक्ति प्रदान करें.

Is din sadhak ka man 'vishudh' chakra mein avasthit hota hai. Inke vigreh mein bhagwan skand ji bal roop mein inki god mein bethe hote hain.

इस दिन साधक का मन 'विशुद्ध' चक्र में अवस्थित होता है. इनके विग्रह में भगवान स्कंदजी बालरूप में इनकी गोद में बैठे होते हैं.

Is mantra mein dhyan laga kar krein mata ki araadhana.

इस मंत्र से ध्यान लगाकर करें माता की अराधना..

Vande vanchit kamarthe chandrardhkritshekhraam.

वन्दे वांछित कामार्थे चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।

Singhroodha chatubhurja Skandamata yashaswineem.

सिंहरूढ़ा चतुर्भुजा स्कन्दमाता यशस्वनीम्।।

Dhawalvarna vishudh chakrasthiton pancham durga trinetram.

धवलवर्णा विशुध्द चक्रस्थितों पंचम दुर्गा त्रिनेत्रम्।

Abhay padm yugma karaan dakshin uroo putradharaam bhajem.

अभय पद्म युग्म करां दक्षिण उरू पुत्रधराम् भजेम्॥

Pataambar paridhanan mriduhaasya nanalankaar bhooshitam.

पटाम्बर परिधानां मृदुहास्या नानांलकार भूषिताम्।

Manjeer, haar, keyoor, kinkini ratnakundal dharineem.

मंजीर, हार, केयूर, किंकिणि रत्नकुण्डल धारिणीम्॥

Prafull vandanaa pallavandhra kaant kapola peen payodharaam.

प्रफुल्ल वंदना पल्ल्वांधरा कांत कपोला पीन पयोधराम्।

Kamneeya lavanya charu trivali nitambneem.

 कमनीया लावण्या चारू त्रिवली नितम्बनीम्॥

Maa Skandamata Story

The commander of Lords- Lord Kartikeya's mother is worshipped on the fifth day of Durga Puja. Karthikeya Kumar has been mentioned as Sanat Kumar and Skand Kumar in the ancient texts. Goddess is seen giving all her motherly affection when she takes the form of Goddess Skandamata. This form of Goddess is said to be the purest.

Whenever the evil spreads a lot, Goddess comes to the worshipper's saviour riding the lion to destroy the evil. Goddess Skandamata has four arms with a lotus in two of them and her son in another one, while the fourth one is believed to be blessing everybody.

Goddess Skandamata is the daughter of the Himalayas, and she is also known as Maheshwari and Gauri. She's called Parvati, being the daughter of Lord Himraj, Maheshwari being the wife of Lord Shiva, and Gauri for her fair skin. She has a dear love for her son and hence loves being called by her son's name. Anybody who worships this form of Goddess Durga Goddess treats them like her own son.

Goddess Skandamata has prayed a lot to get Lord Shiva as her husband, and hence one must always worship Lord Shiva when they're worshipping the Goddess, or otherwise, they won't receive Goddess's blessings.

One walks the path of peace when they worship Goddess Skandamata. With her blessings, great scholars and servants take birth. It is believed that Kalidas could create Raghuvansham and Meghdoot creations with Goddess's blessings only.

What can one get by worshipping Skandamata?

• One could quickly get a child with Goddess Skandamata's blessings.
• If there's an issue related to your child, Goddess can help with that too.
• Always offer yellow flowers and other stuff to the Goddess Skandamata.
• If you also wear yellow clothes, then you're sure to get the maximum benefit out of the Puja.
• After this, one can make their wishes, especially the ones related to children.

What if the Vishudh Chakra is weak?

The Vishudh Chakra is right behind the throat.If it's weak, one's voice is comparatively weaker.One might stammer or even go dumb with this problem.This weakness can even lead to problems with the ears, nose, and neck.

You can read similar write-up on relevance of astrology in indian festivals, Chaitra Navratri, Popular Vrat dates for all other major Indian Festivals.

Goddess Katyayani

09 Oct, 2024

Goddess Katyayani is worshipped on the Navratri's sixth day. Goddess Katyayani was born in the house of Sage Katyayan. Therefore, she is known as Katyayani. Goddess assumed this form to kill the demon named Mahishasura. This form of the Goddess is considered very violent; that's why she is also known as the God of war. According to Hindu mythological, worshipping Goddess Katyayani removes defects in marriage, and the God of Jupiter will get pleased and make combinations on an amazing wedding. If she is worshiped with complete devotion, then the married life will be filled with happiness and peace. According to mythological beliefs, worshipping Goddess Katyayani blesses the devotee with ways to generate the Aagya Chakra; also, he will be full of supernatural brightness and effect. Worshipping Goddess Katyayani destroys all diseases, grief, sorrow, and fear.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “देवी कात्यायनी” पर क्लिक करें।

Who is Goddess Katyayani?

It is a widespread belief that the great sage performed many austerities, which impressed The Aadishakti. As a blessing, she took birth as his daughter; that is why she is known as Goddess Katyayani. Goddess Katyayani is believed to be the Goddess आधीशिष्ठत्री of the Brij. According to mythological beliefs, the gopis' worshipped Goddess Katyayani on the banks of river Yamuna to get Lord Shri Krishna as their husband. It is also believed that Goddess Katyayani killed the Tyrannical Demon Mahishasura and freed the three worlds from his terror.

The representation of Goddess Katyayani

The form of Goddess Katyayani is gleaming and gorgeous. She has four arms. The upper hand on the right side of Goddess Katyayani is in the Abhay Mudra or in the gesture of fearlessness, and the lower arm is in the VaraMudra or the motion of generosity. On the left side, the upper hand carries a sword, and the lower hand holds a Lotus flower. Goddess Katyayani rides the back of a lion.

Roots (Origin)

Katyayani is the sixth avatar of Goddess Durga, who is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri. According to ancient legends and Hindu scriptures, she was born as the daughter of Sage Katyayan. Sage Katyayani was born in the Katya Genealogy. This Genealogy originated from The great Sage Vishwamitra. In this way, she was named "Katyayani," which means the daughter of Katyayan. According to other legends, Sage Katyayan was the person who worshipped Goddess Katyayan; that is why the name of "Katyayani acknowledges her."

The importance of the Worship of Goddess Katyayani

According to the scriptures, it is the day to worship the sixth form of Goddess Aadishakti, i.e., Goddess Katyayani. In the central character of Durga Saptshati, where the mention of Mahishasur is found, Goddess Katyayani was the one to kill him. That is why she is also called Mahishasur Mardini by her devotees. Worshipping this Goddess blesses girls with the right life partner and also removes any obstacles from their marriage. In the Bhagwat Puran, all the pleasures of this world become accessible to the devotees of Goddess Katyayani. Goddess is always generous towards her devotees and fulfills all their wishes. The form of Goddess Katyayani is in itself the manifestation of this fact. Sage Katyayan was the greatest devotee of Goddess Aadishakti. Impressed by his austerities, she blessed him with a boon of being born in his family as his daughter. It is believed that Lord Rama and Lord Shri Krishna also worshipped this form of Goddess Katyayani. The Gopis of Brij Mandal also worshipped her with the desire to have Lord Shri Krishna as their husband. Goddess Katyayani told Sage Katyayan that she would be born to him as his daughter, but the root cause behind her revelation is to maintain Dharma in this universe, and to achieve this end of Mahishasura is necessary. The Goddess killed Mahishasura and freed the world from fear.

According to Hindu beliefs

According to Hindu scriptures, it is believed that devotees worship Goddess Katyayani because she is the idol of bravery, knowledge, and power. It is said that the devotees are blessed with inner power after worshipping her. According to the scriptures and Vedas, it is noted that marriageable girls perform a Katyayani fast lasting for a month to receive a good husband. Over one month, Goddess Katyayani is worshiped regularly with flowers, prayers, incense sticks, and sandalwood. According to Hindu beliefs, Goddess Katyayani holds more importance for her female devotees. That is why, in some regions of Tamil Nadu, during the time of Pongal, young girls worship Goddess Katyayani to receive prosperity and a good fate. Worshipping Goddess Katyayani also removes all forms of negativity from the lives of her devotees.

Ya devi Sarvabhuteshu Shakti Roopen Sansthita

Goddess Katyayani is worshipped on Navratri's sixth day. Lion rider Goddess Katyayani killed Mahishasura, which is why worship brings amazing power, and you will receive the power to fight your enemies. Chanting this Mantra of Goddess Jagdamba is always fruitful.

Ya devi Sarvabhuteshu Shakti Roopen Sansthita. Namastasyey Namastasyey Namastasyey namoh namah:

(या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्ति रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:॥)

Meaning: Hey Goddess! Amba, who is omnipresent in the form of power and fame, I bow before you again and again.

Reasons – Goddess is known as Katyayani

The sixth form of Goddess Durga, i.e., Goddess Katyayani, was also worshipped by Lord Rama and Lord Shri Krishna. The Gopis of Brij Mandal also worshipped her with the desire to get Lord Shri Krishna as their husband. The tales of Goddess Katyayani can be found in Devi Bhagwat, Markandaya, and the Skand Puran. It is mentioned in the scriptures that Sage Katyayan was the devotee of Goddess Aadishakti. He did not have any children. He performed austerities for the Goddess and, in return, asked for a daughter as a boon. During this time, the atrocities of Mahishasura were increasing day by day. He chased away the Gods from heaven. The energy was formed by the rage of the Gods, which in the form of a girl child. This energy was born in the home of Sage Katyayan in the form of his daughter. The sage knew that the Goddess was born in his home as his daughter. The sage was the first one to worship the Goddess, and that is why she came to be known as Katyayani.

The Goddess killed Mahishasura.

The original purpose for the appearance of the Goddess was the death of Mahishasura. On the day of Ashwin Shukla Navami, after being worshipped by Sage Katyayan, she appeared to kill Mahishasura. After this, the Goddess engaged in war with Mahishasura on the ninth and tenth days or Navami and Dashami teeth of Navratri. On the day of Dashami, the Goddess ate a beetle leaf filled with honey and killed Mahishasura. After this, she was known as Mahishasura Mardini. Worshipping her makes it possible to quickly achieve all the four goals of human life, namely Artha (wealth), kama (desire), Dharma (righteousness), and moksha (liberation). It is mentioned in the Skand Puran that Goddess Katyayani was born out of the natural rage of God. She was the one who rode on the back of a lion given to her by Goddess Parvati and killed Mahishasura. She represents power. The mentions of Goddess Katyayani can be found in DeviBhagwat Puran and Devi Mahatameya of Markandeya Puran, composed by Sage Markandeya. The mention of Goddess Katyayani can also be found in Buddhist and Jain scriptures and many other Tantrik scriptures and the Kalika Puran( tenth century), especially the Goddess's mention is said that Lord Jagannath and Goddess Katyayani live in Odisha.

The procession of The Goddess on the Sixth day of Navratri

In Puja Pandals, on the sixth day in the evening, a celebratory musical procession carrying The Goddess on a palanquin is carried out. The vine tree with two entangled vines is worshipped and is invited to the worship of the Goddess. On the seventh day of Navratri, early in the morning, this vine is also carried on the palanquin, and then it is worshipped to make the light flow into the eyes of the Goddess. After completing this task in the Puja Pandals, the Goddess's face is uncovered, and the devotees can admire her look and feel blessed.

The procedure of worshipping Goddess Katyayani

• On the 6th day of Navratri, i.e., on Shashthi, wear red or yellow clothes after bathing.
• First of all, place an idol or a picture of Goddess Katyayani.
• Now spray Ganga Jal all over the place and purify it.
• Now, place a lighted lamp in front of The Goddess.
• Now, place a flower in your hand and bow down in front of the Goddess and meditate.
• After this offer, yellow flowers, raw turmeric bales, and honey.
• Worship the Goddess with incense sticks and a lamp.
• After worshipping her, distribute the prasadam to everyone and then consume it yourself as well.

The favorite food and color of Goddess Katyayani

The favorite color of Goddess Katyayani is the color red, and it is believed that she can be pleased with an offering of honey. It is also believed that it is auspicious to offer honey to Goddess Katyayani on the sixth day of Navratri. As a result of heeding to the Gods' prayers, Goddess Katyayani went on a war with Mahishasura. When Goddess Katyayani felt tired during her duel with Mahishasura, she ate a beetle leaf filled with honey which removed all her tiredness, and she was able to kill Mahishasura. To please and worship Goddess Katyayani, one should offer her Beetle leaves filled with honey. The right time to meditate for Goddess Katyayani is the twilight period. It is believed that worshipping the mother with incense, lamps, and guggul removes all obstacles, particulary at this time. The devotee who offers the Goddess five types of sweets and then serves the prasadam to unmarried girls will have the challenges of receiving an income removed by The Goddess herself. The person will be successful in earning money according to his hard work and ability.

What kind of desires does her worship fulfill?

• Worshipping her is considered to be very important to get unmarried girls married earlier.
• She is also worshipped for desired marriage and love marriage.
• Her worship is fruitful for married life.
• Marriage will take place even if the chance of marriage is slight in the person's horoscope.

The Goddess is related to which planet and Gods and Goddesses?

• Being connected to a woman's marriage is the reason she is connected to the planet Jupiter.
• She is also partially related to Venus because of her relationship with the couple's life.
• Venus and Jupiter are both supernatural and Bright planets; that is why The Goddess's radiance is supernatural and complete.
• The Goddess is related to Lord Shri Krishna and her Gopis, and she is the Ashthiatri Devi of the Brijmandal.

How to worship Mother Katyayani for early marriage?

• Wear Yellow clothes during twilight time.
• Lighten up a lamp in front of The Goddess and offer yellow flowers to her.
• After this, offer her three bales of turmeric.
• Chant the mantras of Goddess Katyayani.
• The mantras are as follows-

"Katyayani mahamaye,

Mahayoginaudhishwari

            ("कात्यायनी महामाये , महायोगिन्यधीश्वरी।

             नन्दगोपसुतं देवी, पति मे कुरु ते नमः।।")

Nandgopastum devi, pati se kuru tey namah:

• Keep the bales of Turmeric safe with you.

How will the worship of Goddess Katyayani accelerate?

• Offer honey to Goddess Katyayani.
• It will be best if this honey is offered in a silver vessel.
• This will increase your influence and increase attractiveness.

Benefits from the worship of Goddess Katyayani

Worshipping Goddess Katyayani destroys all the obstacles of the marriage of unmarried girls, and they receive a suitable husband. Also, if the Goddess is worshiped according to the prescribed process, the devotee can win over any obstacle coming in their way of achieving success. Worshipping the sixth form of Goddess Durga, i.e., Goddess Katyayani removes the Rahu born and Kaal Sarp Dosh. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Katyayani removes all mental, skin, bone-related infections and diseases and decreases cancer chances. Offer Goddess Katyayani a gourd. By the way, to impress the Goddess, you can also offer her honey and sweetened beetle leaf. If the planet Jupiter is poorly placed in your horoscope, then your Jupiter can be placed in a better position just by worshipping Goddess Katyayani. Worshipping Goddess Katyayani generates the Aagya Chakra, because of which the seeker himself attains all the siddhis. The worship of the Goddess destroys all sorrow, anger, fear, etc.

The tale of Goddess Katyayani

According to Hindu legendary tales and The Shiva Mahapuran, once there lived a Monster named Mahishasura who had immense mental and physical powers. Mahishasura's objective was to destroy all creators and their creations, including the Earth. That is why Goddess Parvati appeared in another form of Goddess  Durga, i.e., Goddess Katyayani, to protect the Earth with her power and brute strength and to kill Mahishasura. Mahishasura could change his appearance multiple times. Once when he assumed a Buffalo's appearance, Goddess Katyayani rose from the back of her lion and attacked the monster's neck with her trident and killed him. This is why she is known as the warrior Goddess of the Earth and as the savior. According to yet another famous legend, The great Sage Katyayan performed severe penance for Goddess Aadishakti. Pleased by his austerities, the Goddess gave blessed him with a boon that she will be born to him as his daughter. The Goddess was born in the ashram of Sage Katyayan. The Goddess was brought up by Sage Katyayan himself. According to the scriptures, the tyranny of the demon named Mahishasura increased significantly.

At that time, the Goddess was born out of the glory of the Tridevs. The Goddess was born to Sage Katyayan on the day of Chaturdashi of Krishna paksha of the Ashwin mas(month). After this, Sage Katyayan worshipped her for three days. The Goddess killed Mahishasura on the Dashami tithi. After this, Shumbha and Nishumbha also invaded heaven and snatched the throne of Indra, and took the Navagrahas(nine planets) as a hostage. They also completely snatched away the powers of the Gods of fire and air. Both of them insulted the Gods and threw them out of heaven. After this, all the Gods prayed to Goddess Katyayani, after which she killed both Shumbha and Nishumbha, and by doing so, the Gods were liberated from this crisis because the mother had blessed the Gods that she would protect them in times of crisis.

Goddess Katyayani Mantra

Om Devi Katyayani namah:

(ओम देवी कात्यायनी नमः)

Goddess Katyayani meditation mantra

Vandey vanchitam manortharth chandraghritkrit shekharam

(वन्दे वांछित मनोरथार्थ चन्द्रार्घकृत शेखराम्।)

Singhruda chaturbhuja Katyayani yashasvaneem

(सिंहरूढ़ा चतुर्भुजा कात्यायनी यशस्वनीम्॥)

Svarnaaagya chakra sthitam shashtam durga trinetram

(स्वर्णाआज्ञा चक्र स्थितां षष्टम दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्।)

Barabheet karam shagpaddharam Katyayansutam bhajami

(वराभीत करां षगपदधरां कात्यायनसुतां भजामि॥)

Pataambar paridhanam samermukhi nanalankar bhushitam

(पटाम्बर परिधानां स्मेरमुखी नानालंकार भूषिताम्।)

Manjeer, haar, keyur, kimkini, ratnkundala manditam

(मंजीर, हार, केयूर, किंकिणि रत्नकुण्डल मण्डिताम्॥)

Prasannvadna panchvadharam kantkapola tunga kuchaam

(प्रसन्नवदना पञ्वाधरां कांतकपोला तुंग कुचाम्।)

Kamniyam lavnyam trivlivibhushit nimra nabhim.

(कमनीयां लावण्यां त्रिवलीविभूषित निम्न नाभिम॥

Goddess Katyayani psalm lessons

Kanchnabha varabhyam paddadhara mukutojjvalam

(कंचनाभा वराभयं पद्मधरा मुकटोज्जवलां।)

Smerumukhim shivpatni katyaynesute namoastutey

(स्मेरमुखीं शिवपत्नी कात्यायनेसुते नमोअस्तुते॥)

Patambar parridhanam nanalankaar bhushitam

(पटाम्बर परिधानां नानालंकार भूषितां।)

Sighstitham padmahastam katyayansute namoastutey

(सिंहस्थितां पदमहस्तां कात्यायनसुते नमोअस्तुते॥)

Paramanvandmayi devi parbrahma paramaatma

(परमांवदमयी देवि परब्रह्म परमात्मा।)

Paramshakti,parambhakti,katyaynsute,namoastute

(परमशक्ति, परमभक्ति,कात्यायनसुते नमोअस्तुते॥)

Maa Katyayani Ki Aarti (मां कात्यायनी की आरती )

Jai Katyayani Maa, Maiyya Jai Katyayani Maa

(जय कात्यायनि माँ, मैया जय कात्यायनि माँ )

Upma rahit bhavani, du kiski upma

(उपमा रहित भवानी, दूँ किसकी उपमा ॥)

Maiyya jai Katyayani, Girjapati Shiv ka tap, asura rambh kinhiam

(मैया जय कात्यायनि, गिरजापति शिव का तप, असुर रम्भ कीन्हाँ )

Var-fal janam rambh griha, mahishasur linham

(वर-फल जन्म रम्भ गृह, महिषासुर लीन्हाँ ॥)

Maiyya jai Katyayani, kar shashank-shekar tap, Mahishasura bhaari.

(मैया जय कात्यायनि, कर शशांक-शेखर तप, महिषासुर भारी)

Shasan kiyo suran par, ban atyachaari

(शासन कियो सुरन पर, बन अत्याचारी ॥)

Maiyaa jai Katyayani, trinayan brahm shachipati, pahuchey achyut griha.

(मैया जय कात्यायनि, त्रिनयन ब्रह्म शचीपति, पहुँचे, अच्युत गृह).

Mahishasura badh hetu, sur kinhau aagraha

(महिषासुर बध हेतू, सुर कीन्हौं आग्रह ॥)

Maiyya jai Katyayani, sun pukaar devan mukh, tej hua mukhrit.

(मैया जय कात्यायनि, सुन पुकार देवन मुख, तेज हुआ मुखरित)

Janam liyo Katyayani, sur-nar, muni ke hetu

(जन्म लियो कात्यायनि, सुर-नर-मुनि के हित ॥)

Maiyya jai Katyayani, ashwin krishna- chauth par, prakati bhavbhamini.

(मैया जय कात्यायनि, अश्विन कृष्ण-चौथ पर, प्रकटी भवभामिनि)

Poojey rishi Katyayani, naam Katyayani

(पूजे ऋषि कात्यायन, नाम काऽऽत्यायिनि ॥)

Maiyya jai Katyayani, Ashwin shukla-dashi ko, Mahishasu mara

(मैया जय कात्यायनि, अश्विन शुक्ल-दशी को, महिषासुर मारा)

You can read similar write-up on relevance of astrology in indian festivals, Chaitra Navratri, Popular Vrat dates for all other major Indian Festivals.

Goddess Kaalratri

10 Oct, 2024

The seventh power of Goddess Durga is Kaalratri. Goddess is worshipped on the 7th day of Durga Puja. Even though the first look of Goddess Kaalratri can be a little intimidating, she still blesses everybody with good news only. This is why she's also known as "Shubhankari." Worshippers need not be scared of her strong appearance. Goddess Kaalratri is the seventh form of Goddess Durga with a dark appearance and three eyes. Goddess Kaalratri possesses an exceptional electrical garland wrapped around her neck. She has a rod and a fork in her hands, and she rides a donkey. But, she always does good to those who worship her. She's known to destroy evil. Demons, monsters, and ghosts get terrified with a slight reminisce of Goddess Kaalratri. She also fixes planetary positions in one's kundali. Anybody who worships Goddess Kaalratri is never scared of fire, water, people, enemies, or darkness. With Goddess Kaalratri's blessing, a person can put all his fears behind. A person should place the Goddess Kaalratri's strong appearance in mind and worship her with a concentrated heart. He/she should worship her with utter patience following a proper procedure. One should always have pure intentions in their heart when they pray to Goddess Kaalratri. In Shastras, Goddess Durga took this form from her energy to destroy the evil on Earth. It's also believed that a person achieves everything by worshipping Goddess Kaalratri. The ones who practice black magic specifically worship Goddess Kaalratri. Worshipping Goddess Kaalratri takes all the troubles away and also fixes the planetary positions.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “देवी कालरात्रि” पर क्लिक करें।

The appearance of Goddess Kaalratri 

Goddess Kaalratri's appearance can seem scary at first look. But, she offers excellent assistance to her worshippers and destroys all the evil. Goddess Kaalratri wears a garland of gourds. Goddess Kaalratri has three eyes that are completely round in shape, and she has a dark appearance. She always appears in open hair. Her vehicle is a donkey. Her upper right hand is always blessing the worshippers while the lower one is in Abhay Mudra. Goddess's upper hand on the left has an iron fork, while the lower side has a kharag. Worshipping Goddess Durga's seventh form helps to achieve the set targets of that person. 

Origin of Goddess Kaalratri 

As per the tale, monsters named Shumbh-Nishumbh and Raktabeej had been destroying all three worlds. Looking at this, all the lords visited Lord Shiva to seek help for the same. Lord Shiva turned to Goddess Parvati and told her to save her worshippers by destroying these monsters. Agreeing to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati took Goddess Durga's form and killed Shumbh-Nishumbh. But, when she tried to kill Raktabeej, his blood gave birth to another lakhs of him. Seeing this, Goddess Durga focused all her energy on getting into the form of Goddess Kaalratri. Then, as Goddess Kaalratri killed Raktabeej, she took his blood and applied it all over her mouth. Chopping off his head, she finally killed Raktabeej. 

Significance of Worshipping Maa Kaalratri

On the seventh day of Navratri, Mata Kaalratri is worshipped whose appearance is terrifying. She ends evil and gets the best news for those who worship her. One gets rid of all their fears related to ghosts, different species, fire, enemies, water, and darkness. If somebody's Kundli has faults in different planetary positions, they should worship Goddess Kaalratri on the seventh day of Navratri since every planet belongs to Goddess Kaalratri. With Goddess Kaalratri's blessings, all the problems of the worshippers get solved. According to Shastras, worshipping Goddess Kaalratri reverses the effects of the Shani planet. Worshipping her also eliminates the chance of exceptional death. Worshipping Goddess Kaalratri can also relieve people from multiple diseases related to bones or breath. Worshippers do not need to worry about the appearance of Goddess Kaalratri. One also gets rid of his fears, worries, and disappointment if he worships Goddess Kaalratri. 

This is why Goddess Kaalratri is called so: 

The Goddess is worshipped on the 7th day of Navratri. Goddess Kaalratri is Goddess Durga's seventh form. Since Goddess Kaalratri is believed to bring an end to kaal, she's called Kaalratri. This is also true that Goddess Durga had to take Goddess Kaalratri's form to end Raktabeej, Shumbh, and Nishumbh. Worshipping Goddess Kaalratri gives strength to solve any life's problem. Goddess Kaalratri, who ends her enemies fiercely, helps her worshippers win over any situation. 

Goddess Kaalratri Saves Worshippers from Kaal

If somebody worships Goddess Kaalratri on the seventh day of Navratri, she saves him/her from the Kaal, and she grants them a long life. In Shastras, she's also called the Goddess of achievements, and that is why the ones who practice black magic worships Goddess Kaalratri with determination to this day. 

Goddess Kaalratri is the Goddess of Power

Goddess Kaalratri gives happy and robust news to everybody who worships her. Her appearance is terrifying since she's black like darkness, carries a fork in her hand, has open hair. But, this appearance is menacing only to the monsters and evil on the planet. For the one who worships her, this form of Goddess Durga is fruitful and keeps them away from any negative thought or action. Worshipping this appearance of Goddess Kaalratri gets happiness for people and saves them from all the possible pain. Remember, Goddess Kaalratri can help a person reverse his wrong actions. All the negative power on Earth can be eliminated if she will be impressed by her devotees' worship.

Puja Procedure of worshipping Goddess Kaalratri

• Goddess Kaalratri is worshipped in the wee hours or the middle of the night. Take a bath before sunrise to be prepared for the Puja. 

• There's no particular procedure for worshipping Goddess Kaalratri. You can place her picture on a clean stool that day. 

• Then, offer flowers, Kumkum, and red thread to the Goddess. Also, offer a garland of lemons and light a Diya with oil as you start the Puja. 

• Always offer red flowers to the Goddess and offer her jaggery. 

• Either repeat the Mannat for Goddess Kaalratri or recite the tale of Saptashati. 

• Then, listen to the story of Goddess Kaalratri and do the aarti with the Diya. 

• Then, offer prasad to her and ask for forgiveness if you've ever made a mistake intentionally or unintentionally. 

• Distribute the half of jaggery as prasad to the family members and give the other half to a priest. 

• Do not wear black clothes, and do not pray to harm anybody in any way. 

Special Puja In the Night

You can win over your anger by worshipping Goddess Kaalratri. Goddess Kaalratri is also believed to be a form of Goddess Kali. She has taken this form from Goddess Durga. Even though the Puja for Goddess Kaalratri is done like regular days, you can also perform a special Puja at night. 

• If you're troubled by a lot of enemies and competitors and wish to get rid of them, then you can do this, Puja. 

• Firstly, you'll have to wear red or white clothes to worship Goddess Kaalratri and make sure you only perform this Puja at night. 

• Light a Diya in front of Goddess Kaalratri and offer jaggery to her. 

• Then, repeat the Goddess Kalratri mantra 108 times while offering a clove every time you finish the Mantra. 

• The Mantra is: "Om Aim Hin Klin Chamundaya Vichchay" (ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डाय विच्चे)

• Put those 108 cloves in holy fire. 

• Doing this will calm your enemies and competitors, and Goddess Kaalratri will personally take care of all your troubles. 

What Special Prasad to Offer to Goddess Kaalratri? 

Offer jaggery to Goddess Kaalratri and then distribute it as Prasad to all the family members. You all will experience good health for a long time. 

Mantra 

Om Jayanti Mangla Kaali Bhadrakaali Kapalini

(ॐ जयंती मंगला काली भद्रकाली कपालिनी।)

Durga Kshama Shiva Dhaatri Swaaha Swadga Namostu Te

(दुर्गा क्षमा शिवा धात्री स्वाहा स्वधा नमोस्तु ते।।)

Jai Tvam Devi Chamunde Jai Bhootartiharini

(जय त्वं देवि चामुण्डे जय भूतार्तिहारिणि।)

Jai Sarvgate Devi Kaalratri Namostu te

(जय सर्वगते देवि कालरात्रि नमोस्तु ते।।)

Seed Mantra

Om aym heem kleem Chamundaya Vichchay. (Repeat it thrice, seven times, or 11 times.) 

ऊं ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे। 

This Mantra will fulfill your wishes: 

You should remember Goddess Kaalratri with this Mantra on Navratri's Seventh day: 

Ekveni japaakarnapoora nagna kharasthita, lamboshti karnikakarni tailaabhyaktshareerini

(एकवेणी जपाकर्णपूरा नग्ना खरास्थिता, लम्बोष्टी कर्णिकाकर्णी तैलाभ्यक्तशरीरिणी।)

Vaampaadollasallohaltakantakbhooshna, vardhanamoordhadhvaja krishna kaalratrirbhayankari

(वामपादोल्लसल्लोहलताकण्टकभूषणा, वर्धनमूर्धध्वजा कृष्णा कालरात्रिर्भयङ्करी॥)

Goddess Kaalratri's Aarti 

Kaalratri jai jai mahakaali

कालरात्रि जय-जय-महाकाली।

Kaal ke muh se bachane waali

काल के मुह से बचाने वाली॥

Dushta sangharak naam tumhara

दुष्ट संघारक नाम तुम्हारा।

Mahachandi tera avtaar

महाचंडी तेरा अवतार॥

Prithvi aur aakash pe sara

पृथ्वी और आकाश पे सारा।

Mahaakali hai tera pasaara

महाकाली है तेरा पसारा॥

Khang khappar rakhne wali

खडग खप्पर रखने वाली।

Dushton ka lahoo chakhne wali

दुष्टों का लहू चखने वाली॥

Kalkatta sthan tumhara

कलकत्ता स्थान तुम्हारा।

Sab jagah dekhun tera najaara 

सब जगह देखूं तेरा नजारा॥

Sabhi devta sab nar naari

सभी देवता सब नर-नारी।

Gave stuti sabhi tumhari

गावें स्तुति सभी तुम्हारी॥

Raktdanta aur annapoorna

रक्तदंता और अन्नपूर्णा।

Kripa kare toh koi bhi dukh na

कृपा करे तो कोई भी दुःख ना॥

Na koi chinta rahe beemari

ना कोई चिंता रहे बीमारी।

Na koi gam na sankat bhaari

ना कोई गम ना संकट भारी|

Us par kabhi kasht na aavein

उस पर कभी कष्ट ना आवें।

Mahaakali ma jise bachave

महाकाली मां जिसे बचावे॥

Tu bhi bhakt prem se keh

तू भी भक्त प्रेम से कह।

Kaalratri ma teri jai

कालरात्रि मां तेरी जय॥

Repeat these 108 names of Goddess Kaalratri

On the seventh day of winter Navratri, you should repeat these 108 names of Goddess Kaalratri to receive the Goddess's blessings. Repeat these names of the Goddess sitting at a quiet place while being alone. Make sure to light a Ghee Diya in front of Goddess's sculpture. 

Kaali, Kaapalinee, Kaanta, Kaamda, KaamSundari, Kaalratri, Kaalika, KaalBhairavpoojita, Kurukulla, Kaamini, Kamneeyasvabhaveeni, Kuleena, Kulkatree, Kulvartmaprakaashinee, Kastoorirasneela, Kaamya, Kaamsvaroopinee, Kakaarvarnaneelya, Kaamdhenu, Karaalika, Kulkaanta, Karaalasya, Kaamaartaa, Kalaavati, Krishodri, Kaamakhyaa, Komaree, Kulpalinee, Kulja, Kulkanya, Kalhaa, Kulpoojita, Kaameshwari, Kaamkanta, Kubjeshwaragaamini, Kaamdatri, Kaamhartri, Krishna, Kapardini, Kumuda, Krishnadeha, Kalindi, Kulpoojita, Kashyapi, Krishnamaala, Kulishaangi, Kalaa, Krinroopa, Kulgamya, Kamla, Krishnapoojita, Krishangi kannaree, kartri, Kalkanthi, kartiki, kambukanthi, kolini, kumuda, kaamjeevini, kulsatri, kartiki, kritya, kirti, kulpalika, kamdevkalaa, kalpalata, kamangbadhini, kunti, kumudpriya, kadambakusumotsuka, kadambini, kamlini, krishnanandalradayini, kumaripoojanarta, kumarigunshobita, kumariranshrarta, kumarivratdharini, kankali, kamneeya, kaamshastravisharda, kapalkhadvaangdhara, kaalbhairavroopini, kotri, kotrakshi, kashi, kailashvasini, katyayini, karyakari, kavyashaastrapramodini, kamaamarshanroopa, kaampeethnivasini, kakini, krida, kutsita, kalehpriya, kundagolod-bhavaprana, kaushiki, kirtivardhini, kumbhstini, kataksha, kavya, koknadpriya, kantaaravasini, kataksha, kaavya, koknadpriya, kantaravasini, kaanti, kathina, krishnavallabh. 

काली, कापालिनी, कान्ता, कामदा, कामसुंदरी, कालरात्री, कालिका, कालभैरवपूजिता, कुरुकुल्ला, कामिनी, कमनीयस्वभाविनी, कुलीना, कुलकर्त्री, कुलवर्त्मप्रकाशिनी, कस्तूरीरसनीला, काम्या, कामस्वरूपिणी, ककारवर्णनीलया, कामधेनु, करालिका, कुलकान्ता, करालास्या, कामार्त्ता, कलावती, कृशोदरी,कामाख्या, कौमारी, कुलपालिनी, कुलजा, कुलकन्या, कलहा, कुलपूजिता, कामेश्वरी, कामकान्ता, कुब्जेश्वरगामिनी, कामदात्री, कामहर्त्री, कृष्णा, कपर्दिनी, कुमुदा, कृष्णदेहा, कालिन्दी, कुलपूजिता, काश्यपि, कृष्णमाला, कुलिशांगी, कला, क्रींरूपा, कुलगम्या, कमला, कृष्णपूजिता, कृशांगी कन्नरी, कर्त्री, कलकण्ठी, कार्तिकी, काम्बुकण्ठी, कौलिनी, कुमुदा, कामजीविनी, कुलस्त्री, कार्तिकी, कृत्या, कीर्ति, कुलपालिका, कामदेवकला, कल्पलता, कामांगबद्धिनी, कुन्ती, कुमुदप्रिया, कदम्बकुसुमोत्सुका,कादम्बिनी, कमलिनी, कृष्णानंदप्रदायिनी, कुमारिपूजनरता, कुमारीगणशोभिता, कुमारीरंश्चरता, कुमारीव्रतधारिणी, कंकाली, कमनीया, कामशास्त्रविशारदा, कपालखड्वांगधरा, कालभैरवरूपिणि, कोटरी, कोटराक्षी, काशी, कैलाशवासिनी, कात्यायिनी, कार्यकरी, काव्यशास्त्रप्रमोदिनी, कामामर्षणरूपा, कामपीठनिवासिनी, कंकिनी, काकिनी, क्रिडा, कुत्सिता, कलहप्रिया, कुण्डगोलोद्-भवाप्राणा, कौशिकी, कीर्तीवर्धिनी, कुम्भस्तिनी, कटाक्षा, काव्या, कोकनदप्रिया, कान्तारवासिनी, कान्ति, कठिना, कृष्णवल्लभा।

Benefits of Worshipping Goddess Kaalratri

• It's beneficial to worship Goddess Kaalratri to destroy your enemies and competitors. 

• One can also get rid of all his fears and avoid any mishappenings by worshipping Goddess Kaalratri. 

• Worshipping Goddess Kaalratri also saves people from the adverse effects of black magic. 

• In Jyotish, it's also said that worshipping Goddess Kaalratri also controls the Shani planet's negative results. 

• The seventh night of Navratri is also known as the night of achievements. Everybody who wakes up for the Kundalini Jaagran and worships the Goddess on the seventh night gets their Millenium period started. 

• Goddess Kaalratri adores the Hibiscus flowers. Offering 108 red Hibiscus flowers fulfills a person's wish. 

• The ones who fear death or something else should pray in front of Goddess Kaalratri for themselves and their loved ones during the first watch of the morning with Sindoor and clamshells. 

• With this special Puja for Goddess Kaalratri, a person gets rid of all his fears. 

From which chakra Goddess Kaalratri is associated? 

Goddess Kaalratri controls the premium Chakra of a person- the Sahastraar. 

This Chakra helps a person to follow his morals and takes him on the path of the divine. 

It is believed that a person who reaches this Chakra is no less than the god himself. 

In this Chakra, teachers are given great value. 

There's no Mantra for this Chakra.

On the 7th day of Navratri, one should worship his teachers on this Chakra. 

You can read similar write-up on relevance of astrology in indian festivals, Chaitra Navratri, Popular Vrat dates for all other major Indian Festivals.

Goddess Mahagauri

11 Oct, 2024

The Goddess Mahagauri is the eighth form of Goddess Durga. Goddess Mahagauri is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri. Her power is infallible and always fruitful. Her worship washes away all the sins of the devotees and destroys the pre accumulated sins. In the future, Sins and other daily sorrows don't come near to him. He becomes pure and possesses inexhaustible virtues in all respects. On this day, this form of Goddess Durga, i.e., Goddess Mahagauri, is worshipped following the proper procedure. Worshipping Goddess Mahagauri on the day of MahaAshthami brings happiness and peace and good luck to the devotees' lives. All the sorrows of the devotees are taken away, and they become devoid of all sins. On the day of MahaAshthami, after worshipping the Goddess, there is a rule to glorify Kanyas(girls). The favorite flower of Goddess Mahagauri is the Night Jasmine. Offer night jasmine flowers to her while worshipping her. During her worship, perform Aarti of Durga Chalisa and Goddess Durga; after this, produce all your wishes in front of Goddess Mahagauri. She will be happy by your worship and then will fulfill all your desires.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “देवी महागौरी” पर क्लिक करें।

The representation of Goddess Mahagauri

According to Hindu religious beliefs, Mahagauri is also known as Shiva. In one hand of Mahagauri, she holds the symbol of DurgaShakti, i.e., the Trident, and on the other hand, she has the symbol of Lord Shiva, i.e., the pellet drum.  Speaking of the worldly form of mother, Mahagauri is bright, gentle, white, and white-clad and has four hands. They have Trishul in one hand and damru in the other, the third hand in var mudra, and the fourth hand represents a householder woman's power. Goddess Mahagauri loved singing and music. She rides on a white Taurus, i.e., a bull. Her ornaments are also white in color. It is believed that worshipping her removes even the pre- accumulated sins of the worshipper.

The importance of worshipping Goddess Mahagauri

Worshipping Goddess Mahagauri on the eighth day of Navratri washes away all the sins from one's life, because of which the person becomes pure mentally as well as physically. Goddess Mahagauri directs her devotees to the path of righteousness. By worshipping her, all impure and immoral thoughts are also destroyed. Honoring this gentle form of Goddess Durga enhances the purity of the mind. This also increases positive energy. Worshipping Goddess Mahagauri helps in increasing the concentration of your mind. Worshipping her destroys all sorrows. Worshipping Goddess Mahagauri blesses the devotees with all the unworldly Siddhis. By the grace of Goddess  Mahagauri, even the most impossible tasks get accomplished easily. That is why on the day of Ashtami of Navratri, meditation, remembrance, worship is always auspicious for devotees. By worshipping Mother Gauri, a man leads to truth and renounces untruth. With the grace of Mahagauri, all sufferings of his seekers' lives are removed. They will get all the pleasures of their life. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Kali appeared from the forehead of Mother Durga and destroyed the evil demons, Chand and Munda. The devotees keep a fast on this day to receive the blessings of the Goddess. It is believed that the person who performs the Durga Ashtami fast with complete dedication and devotion receives good luck, success, and happiness. On Ashtami, women offer chunari to goddess Mother for their suhag (husband). 'Astra Puja' is also performed on this day in which devotees worship the weapons of Goddess Durga. This day is also known as Veer Ashtami.

Tale for the fast on the day of Navratri Ashtami

To receive Lord Shiva as her husband, the Goddess performed very hard austerities, due to which her body turned all black. Pleased by the austerities of the Goddess, God accepts her, and Lord Shiva washes her body with Ganga water, and then the Goddess becomes as bright as lightning, and since then, she has been named Gauri. In mahagauri form, goddess karunamayi, affectionate, calm, and soft looks. Praying for this form of Goddess, the Gods and Sages say that-

"Sarvamangal manglye shivey sarvartha sadhikey

Sharanye trayambakey gauri narayani namostutey"

“सर्वमंगल मंग्ल्ये, शिवे सर्वार्थ साधिके।

 शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोस्तुते।।”

There is another tale that is popular with relation to Goddess Mahagauri. According to which a lion was hungry, he reached the place where Goddess Uma was performing austerities in search of food. Seeing the Goddess, the lion's hunger increased, but he sat there waiting for the Goddess to rise from her penance. He became frail while waiting. When the Goddess got up after performing her austerities, she felt pity for the lion, and the mother made him her vehicle because, in a way, he too had performed penance. So Goddess Gauri's vehicle is both the bull and the lion.

Worship Goddess Mahagauri in this way

• Worship the Goddess after bathing.
• Place the idol of Goddess Mahagauri in the temple place.
• Bathe the idol of the Goddess with water.
• Do offer coconut to the Goddess.
• Offer flowers and a garland to the Goddess.
• During her worship, do offer her some red-colored flowers.
• Spray Gangajal in every nook and corner of the house to purify them.
• Chant the mantras audibly while reading the pledge for fasting.
• Make the Goddess happy by reciting her tale.
• Do read the Goddess's Aarti.

Aarti of Mahagauri

Jai Mahagauri Jagat ki maya

(जय महागौरी जगत की माया।)

Jaya Uma Bhawani jai mahamaya

(जया उमा भवानी जय महामाया॥)

Haridwar kankhal ke pasa

(हरिद्वार कनखल के पासा।)

Mahagauri teri vaha nivasa

(महागौरी तेरी वहां निवासा॥)

Chandrakali aue mamta ambey

(चंद्रकली ओर ममता अंबे।)

Jai shakti jai jai maa jagdambey

(जय शक्ति जय जय माँ जगंदबे॥)

Bheema devi vimla maata

(भीमा देवी विमला माता।)

Kaushiki devi jag vikhyat

(कौशिकी देवी जग विख्यता॥)

Himachal ke ghar gauri roop tera

(हिमाचल के घर गौरी रूप तेरा।)

Mahakaali durga hae swaroop tera

(महाकाली दुर्गा है स्वरूप तेरा॥)

Sati sat hawan kund mey tha jalaya

(सती सत हवन कुंड में था जलाया।)

Usi dhuye ne roop kaali banaya

(उसी धुएं ने रूप काली बनाया॥)

Bana dharam singh jo savaru mey aaya

(बना धर्म सिंह जो सवारी में आया।)

To shankar ney trishul apna dikhaya

(तो शंकर ने त्रिशूल अपना दिखाया॥)

Tabhi maa ne Mahagauri naam paya

(तभी माँ ने महागौरी नाम पाया।)

Sharan aaneyvaale ka sankat mitaya

(शरण आनेवाले का संकट मिटाया॥)

Shanivaar ko teri pooja jo karta

(शनिवार को तेरी पूजा जो करता।)

Maa bigadta hua kaam uska sudharta

(माँ बिगड़ा हुआ काम उसका सुधरता॥)

Bhakr bolo to soch tum kya kr rhe ho

(भक्त बोलो तो सोच तुम क्या रहे हो।)

Mahagauri maa teri hardam hi jai ho

(महागौरी माँ तेरी हरदम ही जय हो॥)

Mantra

Om devi mahagaurye namah:

(ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः॥)

Prayer Mantra

Shrevte vrishesamarudha shwetaambardhara shuuchi

Mahagauri shubham dadhanamahadev pramodada

(श्वेते वृषेसमारूढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः।

महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेव प्रमोददा॥)

Stuti

Ya devi sarvabhuteshu maa mahagauri roopen sansthita

Namastasyey Namastasyey Namastasyey namoh namah:

(या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ महागौरी रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥)

Mantra for Meditation

Vande vanchit kamarthey chandrardhkritshekhram

(वन्दे वाञ्छित कामार्थे चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।)

Singharudha chaturbhuja Mahagauri yashaswini

(सिंहारूढा चतुर्भुजा महागौरी यशस्विनीम्॥)

Purnandu nibham gauri somchakrasthitam ashtmum Mahagauri trinetram

(पूर्णन्दु निभाम् गौरी सोमचक्रस्थिताम् अष्टमम् महागौरी त्रिनेत्राम्।)

Varaabheetikaram trishul damrudharam Mahagauri bhajem

(वराभीतिकरां त्रिशूल डमरूधरां महागौरी भजेम्॥)

Pataambar paridhanam mriduhasya nanalandkaar bhusitaam

(पटाम्बर परिधानां मृदुहास्या नानालङ्कार भूषिताम्।)

Manjeer, haar, keyur, kindkini, ratnkundal manditaam

(मञ्जीर, हार, केयूर, किङ्किणि, रत्नकुण्डल मण्डिताम्॥)

Prafull vandana pallavadharam kaant kapolam treylokya mohanam

(प्रफुल्ल वन्दना पल्लवाधरां कान्त कपोलाम् त्रैलोक्य मोहनम्।)

Kamniyam lavnyam mrinalam chandan gandhliptam

(कमनीयां लावण्यां मृणालां चन्दन गन्धलिप्ताम्॥)

Origin

Sarvsandkat hantru tavhim Dhan Aishwarya pradyaneem

(सर्वसङ्कट हन्त्री त्वंहि धन ऐश्वर्य प्रदायनीम्।)

Gyanda chaturvedmayi Mahagauri pranamamyyaham

(ज्ञानदा चतुर्वेदमयी महागौरी प्रणमाम्यहम्॥)

Sukh shaantidaatei dhan dhanya pradanyaneem

(सुख शान्तिदात्री धन धान्य प्रदायनीम्।)

Damruvaad priya adha Mahagauri pranamamyaham

(डमरूवाद्य प्रिया अद्या महागौरी प्रणमाम्यहम्॥)

Treylokyamandal tavhim taptrya harineem

(त्रैलोक्यमङ्गल त्वंहि तापत्रय हारिणीम्।)

Vaddam chaetanyamayi Mahagauri pranmamyahum

(वददम् चैतन्यमयी महागौरी प्रणमाम्यहम्॥)

Shield Mantra

Omkaar: paatu shirsho maa, him beejam maa hridyo

(ॐकारः पातु शीर्षो माँ, हीं बीजम् माँ, हृदयो।)

Kalim beejam sadapaatu nabho griho cha padyo

(क्लीं बीजम् सदापातु नभो गृहो च पादयो॥)

Lalaatam karno hum beejam paatu Mahagauri maa netram gharno

(ललाटम् कर्णो हुं बीजम् पातु महागौरी माँ नेत्रम्‌ घ्राणो।)

Kapot chibuko fatt paatu swaha maa sarvavadno

(कपोत चिबुको फट् पातु स्वाहा माँ सर्ववदनो॥)

The importance of Ashthami Kanyapoojan

During the days of Navratri, worshipping nine girls is considered to be the best for Kanyapoojan. However, you can worship one girl every day for the consecutive nine days to achieve the desired results. If it's not possible, still do feed at least two girls. Also, worship a boy along with the girls. The boy is worshipped as Batuk Bhairav and Langoor. Lord Shiva has kept one Bhairav with every form of the Shaktipeeth; that is why it is necessary to worship the Bhairavs with the Goddesses. If during a Shaktipeeth after receiving blessings of the Goddess, if the Bhairav's blessings are not sought, then those blessings are considered to be incomplete. According to religious beliefs, girls need to be worshiped to get the desired results. It means that you should try to worship the girls who lie in the age group of 2-10 years. According to the scriptures, during the days of Navratri, young girls symbolize latent energy and worshipping it activates this energy. The one who worships them attains the blessings of all the Gods and God-like powers of this universe. Before the Kanya pooja, the house should be cleaned up. The girls invited to your home for kanya poojan symbolize the Goddesses; that's why your homes should be cleaned before this poojan. If the home environment is clean before the Kanya poojan, you will only attain the desired results. The Girls are considered to be the symbol of the Goddesses. So, when they should be welcomed at home while shouting slogans in praise of the Goddesses. After this, the feet of the girls should be washed. All the girls should be offered a raised platform to sit on, and then tilak of Roli and Kumkum should be applied on their forehead, and a Mauli should be tied on their hand.

Now perform the Aarti for all the girls and a boy; after this, serve the Goddess's prasadam to the girls. However, the girls should be fed as per their strength. Goddess Bhagwati likes pysum, sweets, fruits, halwa, gram, malpua, so the girls should be offered poodi, gram, and halwa. The girls should be fed with saffron pysum, halwa, and poodi; remembered that the food you make for them shouldn't contain onion or garlic in any form. According to popular belief, if they are fed with Potato or pumpkin stew made without onion and garlic, only the devotee will receive the desired results. After the meal, the girls are given gifts according to their strength. Red dye is applied on the feet of these Little little girls who symbolize the Goddesses. They are then worshiped, after which they are gifted with seasonal fruits, white clothes, toys, other things and coconut, banana or peda, and some Dakshina. After this, seek the blessings of the girls by touching their feet and bid them farewell. It is believed that if all the rules of the Kanya poojan are followed, then the Navratri fast is considered to be complete, and the Goddess gets pleased and fulfills all the wishes of the devotees.

Benefits of Worshipping Goddess Mahagauri

• You can receive a boon of early marriage on the eighth day of Navratri. Also, your married life can be very peaceful.
• It is believed that Goddess Sita worshipped her to receive Lord Ram as her husband.
• Her worship is considered to be the panacea of all marriage-related problems.
• In astrology, she has been related to the planet Venus.
• Goddess Ambe is thrilled if bhajan kirtan is performed at home on Ashtami day because this form of the Goddess likes music and singing a lot.

So, on the eighth day of Navratri, Bhajan kirtan should be performed at home, and also little girls should be collected at home, and then they should be worshipped as the Goddesses.

• Women should worship Goddess Mahagauri with a pure heart and enjoy them; Goddess Mahagauri is very calm and soft in nature, whose face shows compassion, affection, and love.

How to worship Goddess Mahagauri to strengthen Venus

Worship the Goddess while wearing white clothes. Offer white flowers and sweets to the Goddess. Also, offer her perfume.

The first chant the mantra of the Goddess, then chant the root mantra of The Venus "Om shun shukraye Namah:" 

 "ॐ शुं शुक्राय नमः."

Keep the perfume that you had offered to the Goddess and keep using it.

If you have problems in your marriage, then worship The Goddess in this way.

• Install the statue of Goddess Mahagauri by laying a clean yellow cloth on a wooden plank.
• Wear yellow clothes and then purify the temple place with gangajal.
• Lighten cow ghee lamps in front of Goddess Mahagauri and meditate.
• Offer white or yellow flowers to the Goddess with both hands and chant the mantras.
• Offer coconut to Goddess Mahagauri in the form of Prasadam.
• Doing this will get you the desired results, and girls will get a suitable groom.

 If there is no money, worship Mother Gauri

• Offer Goddess Gauri a silver coin in a bowl of milk.
• Then pray to Goddess Mahagauri for the wealth to always stay stabilized.
• Wash and keep the coin with you forever.

You can read similar write-up on relevance of astrology in indian festivals, Chaitra Navratri, Popular Vrat dates for all other major Indian Festivals.

Dussehra

12 Oct, 2024

All the festivals observed in India give the message of victory of good over evil in one form or the other, but, in actuality, the festival that is majorly known for this message is Dussehra. Precisely twenty days before Diwali. According to the Panchag, the Dashami of the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month is celebrated nationwide as Vijayadashami or Dussehra. Dussehra is one of the pivotal festivals of the Hindus. This festival narrates the story of Lord Sri Rama, who defeated arrogant Ravana in Lanka after the nine days war and got Mother Sita released from his clutches. On the same day, Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura. Hence, it is celebrated as Vijayadashami.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “दशहरा” पर क्लिक करें।

Devi Durga is also worshipped. It is said that Lord Sri Rama also worshipped Goddess Durga and asked for strength. In examining Lord Sri Rama, Goddess Durga removed one Lotus flower from the flowers that were kept for the Puja. Sri Rama is known as Rajivanyan, meaning having lotus-like eyes. So, he decided to give away one of his eyes as an offering to the Goddess. The moment he was about to pull out his eye, Goddess Durga was pleased; she came in front of them and blessed him to be victorious. It is believed that after this, on Dashami, Lord Rama killed Ravana. This festival of Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga over Mahishasura is celebrated all over the country as the victory of good over evil and Dharma over Adharma. Different styles of celebrating it have also evolved in other parts of the country. The Dussehra of Kullu is very famous nationwide; Durga Puja is also celebrated on a large scale in many states, including West Bengal, Tripura.

Importance of Vijayadashami/Dussehra

The festival of Vijayadashami / Dussehra is celebrated to mark the victory of good behavior over wrong behavior. Dussehra is observed as a victory celebration, but the beliefs behind the celebrations vary. For example, for farmers, it is the celebration of the arrival of new crops. In ancient times, tools and weapons were worshiped on this day because, in mythological times, people used to consider tools and weapons as victories won in war. Still, the main reason behind all this is the "victory of good over evil." In the present times, it is the symbol of the victory of good over evil. Nowadays, vile can be in any form like anger, lies, hatred, jealousy, sadness, etc. We should celebrate the day of Vijayadashami / Dussehra by destroying the evil inside us so that one day we can rule on all our senses. 

Vijayadashmi: Know What is Written in Ramacharitra Manas

The festival of Vijayadashami celebrated every year should not just be considered a battle of Ram-Ravana. The messages hidden in this festival symbolizing the triumph of good over evil can provide directions to society. MahapanditDashanan himself knew very well that his life was to be saved by Rama. On the other hand, MaryadaPurushottam Ram has also bowed down to the wisdom of Ravana.

While Rama's character is beautifully described in the Ramcharitra Manas, we also see the shadow of pride in Ravana's way of leading his life and wisdom. Ravana was mighty along with being wise, but this pride was crushed by Bali and kept him buried in his Kokh for six months. 

Ravana, who ruled over a small Lanka area, also betrayed his brother Kubera and captured Pushpak Vimana. Due to all these evils, he had to go to Mrityu Lok. We celebrate the festival by burning an ego's effigy every year, but we are not ready to renounce our ego. What kind of Vijayadashami festival is this?

Awakening of the hidden consciousness in us and renouncing issues is the predominant message of the Vijayadashami festival. Today, we are too caught up in the web of problems to offer the right direction to our consciousness and energy. Lord Rama was born only to provide a happy life to the people troubled by Ravana.

We all know that Rama was born in the Kshatriya family. In contrast, Ravana was a Brahmin and was the son of the great Vishwa, the Vedas and Puranas sage. Ravana's grandfather Rishi Pulatsya was also considered as significant as a God. During the Rama-Ravana war, there was sympathy for Ravana somewhere in Rama's heart.

Maryada Purushottam knew that killing a Brahmin is a sinful act. Hence, he made an atonement for killing Brahmins after killing Ravana and prayed that considering his sin was necessary for protecting the ordinary people; God should release him from this sin.

In today's era, it is also worth knowing that Lord Rama himself sent his younger brother Laxman to Ravana to seek knowledge after Ravana's death. Still, Ravana, who was breathing his last breath, did not even look at Laxman. Later, MaryadaPurushottam himself requested to impart knowledge by folding hands at Ravana's feet, and Ravana renounced his ego and imparted his substantial understanding.

Dussehra or Vijayadashami festival is a message to stay away from ten kinds of great sins. This victory festival motivates us to stay away from kaam, anger, greed, Moh, intoxication, matsar, pride, laziness, violence, and theft and stay away from these bad habits. If we burn these ten sins with fire while enthusiastically burning the effigy of Ravana, then our victorious festival can be justified.

Only the cultural programs such as jumping, dancing, singing, fireworks should not be considered symbols of the Vijayadashami festival. The message in the festival's depth should reach the people, and peace and happiness should shower from one house to another. This is the message of this festival. The planets' position has been the dominant reason behind the Dussehra festival's name as Vijaya Dashami.

According to the Shastras, the Muhurt, which occurs at the time of Shukra's rise during the tenth day of Ashwin Shukla Paksha, is called Vijay Muhurt in astrology. If we believe in astrology, then that period of Shukra's elevation is considered to be Sarva Siddhi Dayak. That is why the Dussehra festival is known as Vijay Dashami.

On Dussehra's pure occasion, the tradition of exchanging Son leaf or leaves of Shami tree has been going on for a long time. There is a story hidden behind this tradition. It is believed that when Lord Sri Rama was passing through this tree during the time of Lanka gaman, it was this Shami tree that declared His victory. 

It is said that Arjuna had hidden his bow on this same Shami tree in the fourteenth year of the unknown exile. Even today, at the Dussehra festival, followers of Hindu Dharma request Ravana to impart knowledge by acquiring the leaves of the Shami tree and folding hands at the feet of Ravana.

Whatever may be the reason for celebrating Vijay Dashami, it is sure that this festival seems to destroy pride and provide directions to conduct behavior as per the culture. Adopting good behavior and offering Tilanjali to the evil prevailing in your heart and soul can be called Vijayadashami.

Dussehra Has Huge Importance From Religious Point of View 

It is believed that beginning any auspicious work at this time results in acquiring good results. On the day of Dussehra, weapons are worshiped in the Kshatriya clan with rules and regulations. On this day, Brahmins worship the Devi of knowledge, Goddess Saraswati. On this day, Vaishyas venerate their budget books. Ravana, a symbol of evil, is also burnt in different parts of the country. Lord Rama killed Ravana of Lanka. However, Ravana still exists in society in forms like inflation, corruption, adultery, dishonesty, violence, discrimination, jealousy, environmental pollution, sexual violence, and sexual exploitation. So, on this day, all these evils should also be removed from within the mind. 

Hence, it is known as Vijaya Dashami and Dussehra.

According to the legend, Ravana abducted Mata Sita. When Ravana could abduct the queen Mata Sita, imagine the other women's plight at that time. Lord Rama challenged the unrighteous and unjust Ravana to fight and fought with Ravana for ten days to protect the female fraternity's honor and dignity. On the day of Ashwin Shukla Dashami, Lord Rama killed Ravana with a Divya weapon from mother Durga. The end of Ravana was the end of the ten-headed Ravana. It was celebrated as a celebration of the victory of justice and truth over untruth. Rama was victorious over Ravana. Hence this Tithi was called Vijaya Dashami. With ten heads, Ravana was defeated on this day, so this day is also called Dussehra and Dashara in the common language.

Goddess Durga has made this Tithi as Vijayadashami. 

The middle Charitra of Durga Saptashati tells the story of Goddess Durga and Mahishasura's killing encounter. This demon drove out the gods from heaven also. There was turbulence on the Earth due to his atrocities. The Goddess made the Earth free from the burden of sin by killing Mahishasura on Ashwin Shukla Dashami Tithi. Pleased with the Goddess's victory, the gods worshipped Vijaya Devi, and this Tithi is called Vijaya Dashami.

The victory of truth in the time of Mahabharata 

Before the Mahabharata war, there was another Mahyuddh, which was fought by Arjuna alone. On one side, there was a massive army of Kauravas, and on the other side, Arjuna stood alone. This war is recorded in history with the name of the battle of Virat. In the last days of his unknown condition, Arjuna fought this war for Maharaja Virat, whose kingdom he had spent his exile. This was the victory of the Pandavas' Dharma over the untruth of the Kauravas. Dussehra is also celebrated in the form of Vijayadashami due to the success of the Pandavas. 

Dussehra got its name as Vijaya Dashami because of this Goddess. 

The nine forms of Maa Durga are worshiped during the nine days of Navratri. But the worship of the Goddess is not considered complete without the worship of Yoginis. Therefore, in the Vijaya Nakshatra, the Goddess's Yogini Jaya and Vijaya Ashwin Shukla occur on the Dashami Tithi. These two yoginis are unvanquishable; no one can defeat them, so they are also worshiped as Aparajita Devi. Dussehra is called Vijaya Dashami because of the worship of Vijaya Devi on DashmiTithi. 

Festival is being celebrated since ancient times. 

In ancient times Rajaghana Dussehra used to be celebrated as Vijaya festival. On this day, King prayed to Vijaya Goddess and leave for the Rana Yatra. On the day of Vijayadashami, kings attacked the kings of other countries to extend their rule area.

Importance of the day of Dussehra

It is believed that if you begin a new work on this day, it proves to be beneficial, and it is auspicious to buy vehicles, jewelry, and other items; this increases the house's progress. With this, worship of Lord Shiva offers several benefits manifold, and on this day, the work can be taken forward by praying for victory and success is achieved.

Dussehra Puja Essentials

Dussehra Idol 

Cow Dung, Lime 

Tilak, Mauli, Rice, and Flowers 

Navaratri-grown Barley

Bananas, Radish, Gwarfali, Jaggery 

Kheer, Puri, and your books 

Dussehra Puja Vidhi 

Bath early in the morning, and after that, make a Dussehra idol with wheat or lime. After this, make nine cow dung balls. Now make two bowls from cow dung and keep some coins in one bowl; in the other, keep Roli, rice, fruit, and barley. After this:

Start the Puja with water.

Offer roli, rice, flowers, and barley.

Offer banana, radish, gwarfali, jaggery, and rice to the idol.

After this:

Offer incense and Diya to the idol and offer flowers, barley, roli, and rice to the books too.

After this, remove the coins from the cow dung bowl and keep it in a safe place.

Offer food to Brahmins and poor, offer Dakshina, and after Ravana, Dehan, distribute the Sona leaf and bow down to the elders and the relatives of the house and meet each other. 

Sri Rama Raksha StotraPaath

Suppose you are suffering from any demonic effects. If an unrighteous person is bothering you, then do the path of Sri Rama Raksha Stotra on this day. If there is any fear in your conscious, then perform BanglamukhiAnushthan on the day of Vijayadashami. You will be benefitted. Rama is a Dharmagya. He is Dharamvatsal. Rama is Devakalpa. He lives the Truth of consciousness, speech, and Karma. Rama is Vishnu in might. He is Earth in forgiveness. In truth, he is Sakshat Dharma. Today is his day of worship, and also it is the day of learning from the character of Rama.

Importance of Shastra Puja 

On Vijayadashami, weapons are also worshiped to win over the enemy. Here Shastra is the weapon. Worship your Vedas, Gita, and Ramayana on this day because these are your real weapons that will defeat both your inner enemies and external enemies. Vijayadashami comes immediately after the worship of female power. Its philosophical meaning is that without Naari Puja or the Matra Puja of the Naari, we cannot win over the enemy. Worship Sri Rama on the day of Mahaparava of this Vijayadashami. Get done the Akand Path of Sri Ramacharit Manas. Get done the Akand Kirtan of Sita Rama.

There is also a provision of other pujas on this day, which are mentioned below.

1. When sunset occurs, and some stars start appearing in the sky, this period is called Vijay Muhurta. Performing any puja or work at this time helps in acquiring good results. It is said that Lord Sri Rama started the war to defeat the evil Ravana in this Muhurta only. During this time only, a tree named Shami took the form of a bow called Gandiva of Arjuna. 

2. Dussehra is considered one of the purest days of the year. It is one of the three and a half Muhurats (the most auspicious time of the year - Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, Ashwin Shukla Dashmi, Vaishakh Shukla Tritiya, and Kartik Shukla Pratipada (Aadha Muhurta)). This period is suitable for starting anything. However, some nischchit Muhurta may also be meant for special worship. 

3. Kshatriyas, warriors, and soldiers worship their weapons on this day; This Puja is also known in the form of Ayudh/ Shastra Puja. They, too, do Shami-Pujan on this day. In ancient times, this worship was considered to be the main for the Kshatriyas for the monarchy. In ancient times, for Rajashahi, this Puja was supposed to be pivotal for the Kshatriyas. 

4. Brahmins worship Goddess Saraswati on this day

5. Vaishyas worship their notebook. 

6. The Navaratri Ramleela, which takes place in many places, also ends today. 

7. The victory of Lord Rama is celebrated by burning effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnath.

8. There is a belief that it is considered sacred to chant the aparajita of Mother Bhagwati Jagadamba.

9. In Bengal, the festival of Goddess Durga Puja is celebrated lavishly.

Dussehra is also called Vijayadashami or Ayudhapuja. Dussehra is a very auspicious Tithi. There is SarvakaryaSarvasiddhi Vijaya Muhurt on. That is why there is immense benefit in starting any religious work or new work. At the same time, weapons are also worshipped on Dussehra. Also, many such tasks pave the way for happiness and peace prevailing at home throughout the year, along with massive financial earning. Come, let us know what those works are: 

Worshiping Shami's wood with sweet curd on Dussehra with Aparajita mantras leads to success and progress in the presence of that Siddha Kashth in that pivotal period. The members of the house are blessed with the grace of the gods and goddesses.

You can also make a secret donation after Lanka Dehen on Dussehra. On this day, you can keep a new broom in a temple where no one can see you. This private donation will remove all your money related problems.

You can also make a secret donation after Lanka Dehen on Dussehra. On this day, you can keep a new broom in a temple where no one can see you. This private donation will remove all your money related problems. (This point has been repeated. Please see to this)

It is a belief to worship the Shami tree on Dussehra. On this day, if you worship the Shami tree and burn a Diya of desi ghee beneath it in the evening, then doing this will be auspicious for you. It is believed that this gives success in matters of court and legality. 

On the day of Dussehra, you take a piece of alum and make all the family members touch it. Then take it to the roof of the house and stand on the opposite side of where you wish to throw it. Then throw it while meditating the name of your Ishtadeva. By doing this, the house's negative energy is destroyed, and prosperity arrives; religious beliefs say so. 

After doing Puja on the day of Dussehra, to get success in jobs and business, distribute ten fruits among the poor and chant the Mantra Om VijayaayoNamah. Through this, your wish will get fulfilled. 

According to astrologers, the left-over wood after Ravana Dehen should be brought into the house and kept in a safe place. Through this, negative energy does not enter the house. Also, no performs tantra-mantra at home. On the day of Dussehra, Lord Rama was victorious over Ravana. It is also the end of Navratri, and on this day, the Visarjan of Devi's idol also takes place. On this day, weapons are worshiped, and the victory festival is celebrated. If some special rituals are done on this day, then a lot of wealth can be acquired.

Who should be worshipped on Dussehra, and what will be the benefit?

• On this day, Mahishasurmardini Maa Durga and Lord Rama should be honored.
• Through this, all the obstacles will get destroyed, and victory will be acquired in life.
• Worshipping weapons today will not protect you, and those weapons will not harm you. 
• By worshipping Goddess today, you can start any new work. 
• Dussehra Puja is unique when it comes to keeping the Navagraha in control 

Which Mantra should be chanted for victory?

"SriyamRamam, JayamRamam, DwirjayamRammiryet. 

TrayodashaksharoMantrah, SarvasidhhikarahSthitah. 

Celebrate Dussehra on the culmination of Navaratri 

• First worship the Goddess and then worship Sri Rama
• Chant the mantras of the Goddess and Sri Rama
• If you have kept Kalash, then remove the coconut and consume it as Prasad. 
• Sprinkle water of the Kalash in the entire house so that negativity can get destroyed

You can read similar write-up on relevance of astrology in indian festivals for all other major Indian Festivals.

Durga Visarjan

12 Oct, 2024

The Durga Puja festival ends with the Visarjan of Ma Durga. The Durga Visarjan Muhurat begins in the morning or afternoon when Vijayadashami begins. Therefore, when the Vijayadashami occurs in the morning or afternoon, then the idol of Maa Durga should be immersed. For many years, Visarjan has been done in the morning time. However, the best time for Ma Durga's Visarajan is when the Shravan Nakshatra and Dashami Tithi occur together in the afternoon. Durga Puja is a religious festival in India celebrated grandly by the Hindu religion throughout the world. Durga Puja lasts for nine days, and some people celebrate it for five or seven days. People start worshiping the idol of Goddess Durga Devi on Shashti and end it on Dashami with Ma Durga's Visarjan. Durga Puja is also known as Durga Utsav or Navratri. The festival of Durga Puja is widely celebrated in Assam, Orissa, Bengal, Jharkhand, Manipur, and Tripura, India. Apart from Bengal, Durga Puja is celebrated in the name of Navratri Puja in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Maharashtra, etc. India. Durga Puja or Navratri Puja is celebrated twice a year in the month of Chaitra and Ashwin.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “दुर्गा विसर्जन” पर क्लिक करें।

Durga Puja is an important Hindu festival that has religious, philosophical, cultural, and worldly importance. People start the worship of Ma Durga with Shashti and end it on Dashami. All the temples are decorated during these days, and the whole ambiance gets devotional and pious. Some people worship all the nine forms of Ma Durga with all the arrangements in their homes and observe fast. We worship female power in the form of Durga Puja. In many places, fairs are organized during this festival.

What is the Importance of Durga Visarjan During Navaratri? 

Visarjan has particular importance in our Sanatan tradition. Visarjan means perfection, the perfection of life, spiritual meditation, or Nature. When an entity gains completion, it must be necessarily immersed, or its visarjan has to be done.

In the spiritual arena, Visrajan does not stand for an end but completion. This is the only main reason behind Ma Durga's Visarjan. We make Goddess's statue as soon as the Sharadiya Navratri starts and then decorate it with clothes and ornaments. We worship the same idol for nine days with full devotion, and then one day, we perform its visarjan.

The tradition of Visarjan is followed only in our Sanatan Dharma. This tradition involves a lot of courage. Sanatana Dharma believes that a form is only the beginning, and completion is always formless. Here, the meaning of the formless is not shapeless, but in being an all-encompassing form. The formless means all the forms of the universe belong to one God. 

Being formless does not mean limiting to one form but to represent all forms. When a devotee completes the spiritual meditation, she/he goes beyond any form or rituals. Hence, all the legendary people have said, "Chaap Tilak Sab Cheeni, ToseNainaMilayke."

The nine days of Navratri symbolize the fact that we should not limit ourselves to worshipping one form. Instead, we must complete our spiritual meditation, immerse our deity so that it can attain formlessness. When the devotee attains such a formless state, then he can witness it in the entire universe. You can give any nomenclature to this formlessness; it will not have any impact on its formlessness. At this stage of spirituality, we get reminded of SarvaKhalvidamBrahm; this is the only truth of God.

How did Durga Puja Begin? History of Durga Puja

In the 17th and 18th centuries, zamindars and rich people organized Durga puja on a vast scale, where everyone gathered under one roof to worship Goddess Durga. For example, Achala Puja is very famous in Kolkata, which was started by landlord Laxmikant Majumdar in 1610 from 33 Raja Nabakrishna Road of Chhoti Rajbari, Kolkata's Sobha Bazaar, which got mainly began in 1757. Not only this, the idol of Ma Durga used to be set in the pandals outside Bengal, and She used to be worshipped grandly.

Myths related to Durga Puja

It is believed that Goddess Durga killed the demon named Mahishasura on this day, who became very powerful after getting Vardaan of Lord Brahma. Lord Bramha gave Mahishasura the Vardaan that no god or demon can defeat him. After getting this Vardaan, he started troubling the Gods in heaven and terrorized the people on the Earth too. He made a random attack in heaven and defeated Indra, and began ruling heaven. All the Gods became worried and approached the Trimurti Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh for their help. All the gods fought together to defeat him but in vain. When no solution could be found, the Gods created Goddess Durga for his destruction. She is also known as Shakti and Parvati. Goddess Durga fought with Mahishasura for nine days and killed him on the tenth day. On this occasion, Hindus celebrate the festival of Durga Puja, and the tenth day is known as Vijayadashami.

Durga Puja is the celebration of the will to amass all the power to remove all the evil. People believe that Goddess Durga will bless them and keep them away from all problems and negative energy. Every festival of Hinduism has a social reason behind it. Durga Puja is a festival that plays an essential role in filling our lives with positive energy and happiness.

Ritual of Visarjan

After Kanya Pujan, take a flower and a few rice grains in the palm and take a pledge.

Take the coconut placed in the container as a prasad itself and offer it to the family.

Sprinkle the container's holy water in the entire house, and then the whole family must consume it as a Prasad.

Keep the coins in your bowl; you can keep them in your savings container too.

Distribute betel nut as prasad in the family.

Now, organize Mata ki Chowki at home and keep the Singasan again at its place in the temple.

Women of the household can make use of saris and jewelry etc.

Place the idol of Shri Ganesh at His place in the temple of the house.

Distribute all the fruits and sweets in the family as an offering.

Collect rice on the Chowki and the lid of the container. Offer them to the birds. 

Bow down in front of Ma Durga's idol or photo and seek her blessings. Also, seek the blessings of the container in which you had sown jowar and other Puja essentials. Then, perform the ritual of Visarjan in a river, lake, or sea.

Give away a coconut, Dakshina, and clothes of the Chowki to a Brahmin after Visarjan. 

Keep these points in mind while performing Visarjan

It is considered very auspicious to perform Visarjan in a river or lake. Immerse the mother's statue, container, or Jawar with full faith. All the Puja essentials should also be immersed in the holy waters.

Take care of Ma Durga's idol while taking Her for Visarjan in the same way you had taken care of Her when you brought Her. No harm should be caused to the Divine Ma Durga's idol before Visarjan. Proper Aarti should be performed before Ma Durga's Visarjan.

The divine light of Aarti should be received as the blessings of Ma Durga and as pure Prasad. It is considered auspicious to donate a coconut, Dakshina, and clothes of the Chowki to a Brahmin after Visarjan.

Why do we perform Ma Durga’s Visarjan

It is believed that a daughter is ParayaDhan. She needs to leave her maternal house and head forth to live with her husband in his house, which is her Sasural. Daughters visit their maternal house like guests after marriage. This is an ancient tradition. Even Ma Durga visits her maternal home on this Earth and her children, and after spending a few days, she goes back to Lord Shiva, to her Sasural.

After rains, in September and October, the crop is ready for the harvest. The farmers complete their duties and responsibilities by bringing the produce to their homes and cleaning the factories to store them. At this juncture, the wives of the farmers visit their maternal homes along with their children, spend some happy times, and go back to their Sasural. The women are sent back from the maternal homes with blessings and goodwill. 

Similarly, along with her children, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Karthik, and Ganesha, Mother Durga comes to her home to spend four days on the Earth, and then she goes to her Sasural to Lord Shiva. This moment is celebrated as Visarjan wherein the devotees perform Visarjan of the idol according to tradition. Mother Durga is fully adorned before the Visarjan. Women apply vermilion to each other's Maang and chudas as a sign of prosperity. 

This festival has special importance in Bengal, where it is called SindoorKhela. This vermilion symbolizes the long life of the husbands. This ritual creates an ambiance of joy and happiness, and then after some time, everyone gets emotional during the time of Ma Durga's Visarjan. The Pandal ambiance suddenly changes, and everyone sings the songs of Ma Durga's departure, "Ma CholecheSoshur Bari," meaning Ma Durga is heading towards her Sasural. She will again visit us in the coming year. She is sent to her Sasural through the process of Visarjan.

SindoorKhela

SindoorKhela, during Durga Puja, is a unique ritual that is celebrated in West Bengal. The ritual of SindoorKhela is performed before Durga Visarjan on Vijayadashami. On this occasion, married women apply vermilion to each other and wish each other goodwill. The sindoor festival is also known as sindoorkhela.

Why is the idol of Ma Durga Made with the soil of Sonagachi?

India is a country of festivals. Every province has its festivals. Durga Puja is a festival that fills all the people living in Bengal with energy and enthusiasm.

Durga Puja is an essential festival of the Bengalis. This festival lasts for four days. The preparations begin in advance. During the festival, pandals are installed, and cultural programs are arranged. People buy new clothes. Durga Puja has been significant in Bengal for centuries.

In the eighteenth century, when our country was captured, even then Durga Puja got celebrated in Jabalpur.

From the day of Mahalaya, the mantra of Chandipath is played in every Bengali household. The practice of listening to Chandipath on the radio is still prevalent in Kolkata. The Chandipath is sung by Birendra Krishna Bhadra wherein he narrates the story of Mahishasura Mardini melodically and rhythmically in the form of Sanskrit and Bengal chants. Today he is not alive, but his voice is immortal.

No matter how piously Durga Puja is celebrated, the idol of Ma Durga gets its form only through the soil of Sonagachi. 

Durga Maa gave a Vardan to a devout prostitute that her idol will be made from the smooth clay of the Ganges provided by her hand. She did this to save the woman from social insults. Since then, the tradition of making the statue of Goddess from the soil of Sonagachi got started.

On the day of Mahalaya, eyes are carved on the incompletely made statue of Mother Durga, called Chakshu-dan. On this day, people perform Tarpan offering to their dead relatives, and only then the Devi Paksha begins. Ma Durga leaves her Sasural and husband Shiva's home in Kailash and accompanies Ganesha, Karthikeya, Lakshmi, and Saraswati to her home on Earth for ten days.

People observe the planets and stars' positions to find out how Ma Durga is riding on towards Earth. If She comes riding on an elephant, farming gets blessed along with the humans' lives on Earth, spreading happiness. If She comes sitting on a horse, then there isn't any rain and 

it's all dry.

If She comes on a swing, then it symbolizes diseases spread all around, and if She comes on a boat, it is believed that the rain will be good, the harvest will be good, the arrival of the new year will also be good, there will be happiness around the Earth.

On the sixth day, the idol of Durga is brought to the pandal. Kumartuli of Bengal is famous for making beautiful idols of Durga, where these idols are made from clay. About 95 percent of the idols in Durga Puja in Kolkata come from Kumaratuli.

To make these idols, a frame is first prepared by tying jute on the wooden structure, and then that the idol is prepared by mixing paddy with clay. Then the idol is decorated with jewelry and clothes.

Not only the idol of Durga, but the pandals are also very beautifully made. The Golden Temple of Amritsar in Kolkata is made of bamboo and cloth. The Durga Pandal look as grand as the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The lights of the pandals make the whole city look as bright and beautiful as a bride.

On the evening of Shashthi, the cover is removed from Durga's mouth with the ritual of Bodhon. Then on the morning of Mahashashti, women worship wearing red bordered sarees. The day of Mahashtami has its significance. Sandhipuja occurs on Ashtami.

It has its own auspicious time, and sacrifices are offered at that time. In olden times people used to offer goat sacrifices, but this practice is no more observed. In some places, sacrifices of any fruit or pumpkin, etc., are offered. People lighten up 108 diyas amidst Sandhikshan by observing Nirjala fast. It feels like the entire universe becomes silent for a while. It is believed that during Sandhikshan, the idol of Maa Durga becomes alive. 

Dhunuchi Dance is performed in Bengal. A Dhunchi is a big pot cum Diya made of clay. Coconut peels are burnt in these pots along with the fragrance oriented Dhuno. Then, these pots are held in hands, and dance is performed in front of Ma Durga. People carry 4-5 Dhunuchi together and dance amidst falling fires. 

On the morning of Dashami, the married women come to Pandal to put vermilion on the idol of Ma Durga, and they play with vermilion like Holi. It is called sindoorkhela. The idol of Maa Durga is immersed by reciting chants.

At the time of Visarjan, it seems as if the beloved daughter Ma Durga is heading to Sasural from her maternal home. On the day of Dussehra, the younger ones seek the blessings of the family's elder members by touching the latter's feet. They offer each other sweets. People go to each other's homes to meet and greet each other. And, this is how the festival of Durga Puja gets completed and celebrated.

You can read similar write-up on relevance of astrology in indian festivals for all other major Indian Festivals.

Goddess Siddhidatri

12 Oct, 2024

Goddess Siddhidatri is worshipped on the Navratri's ninth day. As the name suggests, Goddess Siddhidatri provides her devotees with all types of siddhis. The last three days of Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. Goddess Siddhidatri is believed to be a form of Goddess Saraswati. All kinds of siddhis are subject to her. The statue of Goddess Durga, which provides siddhis and Moksh, is known as Siddhidatri. Goddess  Siddhidatri is worshipped on Navratri's ninth day. It is a religious belief that if the Goddess is worshiped with complete devotion, she fulfills all her devotees' wishes. Gods, Yaksha, transgender people, Demons, Sages, and people living in households worship Goddess Siddhidatri. Worshipping her brings fame, power, and money. She blesses her devout devotees with great wisdom and eight forms of siddhis. It is believed that even the Gods achieved siddhis from Goddess Siddhidatri. Goddess Siddhidatri is one of Goddess Saraswati's many forms who wear white clothes and is full of knowledge and hypnotizes her devotees with her melodious tone.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “देवी सिद्धिदात्री” पर क्लिक करें।

On the ninth day, offer seasonal fruits, Halwa, poodi, black gram, and coconut to Goddess Siddhidatri. The devotees who worship Goddess and also fast on the day of Navami receive Dharma, Artha, work, and Moksh in this world. Bhagwati Siddhidatri provides the above complete siddhis to her worshipers. With the worship of this last form of Goddess Durga, the ritual of Navratri comes to an end. According to the Markendeya Purana, Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Attainment, Prakamya, Ishitva, and Vashitva are the eight siddhis Goddess Siddhidatri can impart all these siddhis to devotees and seekers. According to the Devipurana, Lord Shiva attained these siddhis with the blessings of Goddess Siddhidatri and with only her grace that half of the body of Lord Shiva belonged to the Goddess. That is why he became known in the world as 'Ardhanarishwara.'

The representation of Goddess Siddhidatri

In the Puranas, all the Gods and Goddesses achieved the siddhis by the grace of Goddess Siddhidatri. In this form, the Goddess sits on a lotus and holds a conch shell, lotus, the Sudarshan chakra, and a mace in her hands. Siddhidatri is also the form of Goddess Saraswati, and she has also worn white clothes.

Who is Goddess Siddhidatri?

According to legendary beliefs, Lord Shiva was able to achieve the siddhis only because of the grace of Goddess Siddhidatri. It was by the Goddess's grace that half of the body of Lord Shiva belonged to her. That is why he became known in the world as 'Ardhanarishwara.' According to the Markendeya Purana, Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Attainment, Prakamya, Ishitva, and Vashitva are the eight siddhis which the devotees can achieve if they worship her with complete devotion.

Origin of Navam Devi Siddhidatri

To destroy the demons' tyranny on this Earth, to uplift the Human world, and to protect Dharma, Goddess Bhagwati Durga appeared as Goddess Siddhidatri on the ninth day of Navratri. This mother's dissolution is a symbol of completeness and prosperity. She is the one who is going to give the desired results to every devotee by suppressing all kinds of demons. From Pratipada to Navami From Pratipada to Navami, all the proud monsters are killed by Mother Bhavgati Durga. It leads to the attainment of all deities and human beings, and the Goddess gets fame in the world as Siddhidatri. That is, Sakshat Goddess Siddhidatri descends to fulfill the desired wishes of all devotees, including deities. It is the supreme welfare and the giver of salvation. She is known and worshiped as Siddhidatri because of the ultimate goal of human beings to give in to the desire for redemption. If she becomes happy, then she blesses all the devotees with the siddhis.

Goddess Siddhidatri sits on a Lotus

Goddess Siddhidatri sits on a Lotus, and she rides a Lion. Worshipping Siddhidatri helps the devotees get rid of their ambitions, dissatisfaction, laziness, jealousy, vengeance. Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Attainment, Prakamya, Ishitva, and Vashitva are the eight siddhis that can be achieved by the worship of Goddess Siddhidatri. Worshipping this form of the Goddess during Navratri makes it easy for work of all kinds to be accomplished. On the last day, while worshipping Goddess Siddhidatri, the devotees should focus all their attention on the nirvana chakra, which is situated in the middle of our forehead.  By doing so, by the grace of the Goddess, the powers related to this chakra are automatically acquired by the devotee. After the blessings of Goddess Siddhidatri, no work is impossible for the devotee, and he gets happiness and prosperity in every way.

The importance of Goddess Siddhidatri

Worshipping Goddess Siddhidatri is very uplifting in nature. Due to its effect, the devotees are blessed with the things that they desire. The Goddess is a giver of all the siddhis, and she also removes all fear and disease from the devotees' life while providing a way of leading their life more happily. Therefore, the devotees should worship her. She is always worshipped by Gods, Danuj, Manoj, Gandharva, etc., alike. Thus, her worship is essential for achieving peace and prosperity. While telling about the importance of the Goddess, the Gods say that -

Sharnagat ki peeda duur krne vaali devi. Hum par prassann hoao sampurn jagat ki maata pradann hoao. Vishveshwari. Vishv ki Raksha Karo. Devi! Tum hi charchara Devi ki aadhishwari ho. Tum is jagat ka ekmatra aadhar ho, kyoki prithvi ke roop me tumhari hi stithi hai. Tumhara parakram alanghniya hae. Tumhi jal roop mey stith hokar sampurn jagat ko tript krti ho. Tum Anant balsampatra Vaishnavi shakti ho. Is vishv ki karan bhuta para maya tum ho. Devi! Tumne is jagat ko mohit kar rakha hai. Tumhi prasaann honey par is prithvi par moksh ki prapti krati ho. (शरणागत की पीड़ा दूर करने वाली देवि। हम पर प्रसन्न होओ सम्पूर्ण जगत् की माता! प्रसन्न होओ। विश्वेश्वरि। विश्व की रक्षा करो। देवि! तुम्हीं चराचरा जगत् की अधीश्वरी हो। तुम इस जगत् का एकमात्र आधार हो, क्योंकि पृथ्वी के रूप में तुम्हारी ही स्थिति है। तुम्हारा पराक्रम अलंघनीय है। तुम्हीं जल रूप में स्थित होकर सम्पूर्ण जगत् को तृप्त करती हो। तुम अनन्त बलसम्पन्न वैष्णवी शक्ति हो। इस विश्व की कारण भूता परा माया तुम हो। देवि! तुमने इस समस्त जगत् को मोहित कर रखा है। तुम्हीं प्रसन्न होने पर इस पृथ्वी पर मोक्ष की प्राप्ति कराती हो।)

Mother Siddhidatri's relationship with astrology

This is a furious form of the Goddess, in which there is an infinite amount of energy, which is enough to destroy the enemy. This form is also worshipped by the Trimurti, i.e., Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh. This means that if the Goddess becomes happy with her devotee, no enemy would stick around them. Also, they will receive the energy of the Trimurti. Their worship strengthens the sixth and eleventh bhavs of the horoscope of the devotee. But at the same time, the third bhava also has tremendous energy. If the enemy parties are harassing them or a court case, then worshiping the mother in this form gives unique benefits.

The procedure to Worship Goddess Siddhidatri

This ninth vigraha of Goddess Adishakti Durga is known as Siddhidatri and is worshipped and known in this world. It is ruled that the Stuti and worship of Goddess Siddhidatri are performed on the ninth day of Navratri. She is worshiped by both humans and Gods, Demons, and Gandharva, all around the world. Worshipping her opens up paths for achieving the eight siddhis Nava Nidhi. The devotees should worship her with complete devotion and follow all the worship rules for the upliftment of their families. The regulations of the worship will be the same as earlier. In which restraint and celibacy are also important, keeping in view the complete purity.

1. Goddess Siddhidatri is worshipped on the day of Navami. This is the last day of Navratri. On this day, this Goddess is worshipped and is given a farewell.
2. First of all, the devotee should become pure and wear a clean and fresh pair of clothes. After this, they should place the idol of the picture of the Goddess on a pedestal.
3. After this, offer some fruits, flowers, garland, neyvedh, etc. to Goddess and worship her according to the rules. In the end, perform an Aarti of the Goddess.
4. On this day, a significant amount of importance is given to Girl worshipping. Invite young girls to your home and worship them and present them with some gifts.
5. In the end, touch their feet and take their blessings. Also, feed a Brahman and a Cow.
6. Perform these rituals and complete this worship process through which you will be blessed with the results you want. By the grace of the Goddess, devotees all around the world can achieve happiness and peace in their lives.

The favorite Bhog and Color of Goddess Siddhidatri

It is believed that Goddess Siddhidatri likes the colors Red and Yellow. Her favorite bhog are coconut, pysum, Neyvedh, and the Panchamrit.

The Mantra of Goddess Siddhidatri

Ya devi sarvabhuteshu maa Siddhidatri rupen sansthita

(या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां सिद्धिदात्री रूपेण संस्थिता।)

Namastasyey Namastasyey Namastasyey namoh namah:

(नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।)

Meditation of Goddess Siddhidatri

Vande vaanchit manortharth chandraghrita shekharam

Kamalstitham chaturbhujaam Siddhidatri yashasvanim

(वन्दे वांछित मनोरथार्थ चन्द्रार्घकृत शेखराम्।

कमलस्थितां चतुर्भुजा सिद्धीदात्री यशस्वनीम्॥)

Swarnavarna nirvanchakrsthitham navam durga trinetram

Shakh, chakra, gada, padam, dharaam Siddhidatri bhajem

(स्वर्णावर्णा निर्वाणचक्रस्थितां नवम् दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम।

शख, चक्र, गदा, पदम, धरां सिद्धीदात्री भजेम।)

Pataambar, paridhanam, priduhasya nanalankaar bhushitaam

Manjeer, haar, keyur, kinkinee ratankundal manditam

(पटाम्बर, परिधानां मृदुहास्या नानालंकार भूषिताम।

मंजीर, हार, केयूर, किंकिणि रत्नकुण्डल मण्डिताम॥)

Prafull vandana pallvadharam kaant kapola peenpayaodharaam

(प्रफुल्ल वदना पल्लवाधरां कातं कपोला पीनपयोधराम।

कमनीयां लावण्यां श्रीणकटि निम्ननाभि नितम्बनीम॥)

सिद्धिदात्री की स्तोत्र पाठ

Kanchnabha shakchakragdaapdydharaam mukutojvalo

(कंचनाभा शखचक्रगदापद्मधरा मुकुटोज्वलो।)

Smerumukhi shivpatni Siddhidatri namoastutey

(स्मेरमुखी शिवपत्नी सिध्दिदात्री नमोअस्तुते॥)

Pataambar paridhanam nanalankaaram bhushitaam

(पटाम्बर परिधानां नानालंकारं भूषिता।)

Nalistitham nalanakshri Siddhidatri namoastutey

(नलिस्थितां नलनार्क्षी सिद्धीदात्री नमोअस्तुते॥)

Paramaanandmayi devi Parambrahm Parmaatma

(परमानंदमयी देवी परब्रह्म परमात्मा।)

Paramshakti, parambhakti, Siddhidatri Namostutey

(परमशक्ति, परमभक्ति, सिध्दिदात्री नमोअस्तुते॥)

Vishwakarma, vishwabhati, vishwaharti, vishwaprita

(विश्वकर्ती, विश्वभती, विश्वहर्ती, विश्वप्रीता।)

Vishwa varchita vishwateeta Siddhidatri namostutey

(विश्व वार्चिता विश्वातीता सिध्दिदात्री नमोअस्तुते॥)

Bhuktimukhtikarinee bhaktkashtnivaarinee

(भुक्तिमुक्तिकारिणी भक्तकष्टनिवारिणी।)

Bhav sagar taarinee Siddhidatri namostutey

(भव सागर तारिणी सिध्दिदात्री नमोअस्तुते॥)

Dharmarthkaam pradayinee mahamoh vinashini

(धर्मार्थकाम प्रदायिनी महामोह विनाशिनी।)

Mokshdayinee Siddhidatri Siddhidatri namostutey

(मोक्षदायिनी सिद्धीदायिनी सिध्दिदात्री नमोअस्तुते॥)

Goddess Siddhidatri Shield

Onkaarpaatu shirsho maa bijam maa hridyo. Him bijam sadapaatu nabho, griho cha padyo. Lalaat karno shrim beejpaatu klim bijam maa netra ghrino. Kapol chibuko hassoo paatu jagatprasuuteyy maa sarva vadno.

(ओंकारपातु शीर्षो मां ऐं बीजं मां हृदयो। हीं बीजं सदापातु नभो, गुहो च पादयो॥ ललाट कर्णो श्रीं बीजपातु क्लीं बीजं मां नेत्र घ्राणो। कपोल चिबुको हसौ पातु जगत्प्रसूत्यै मां सर्व वदनो॥)

In the end, after worshipping Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma, offer a sacrifice and perform her Aarti and ask for forgiveness from the Goddess in their name. Distribute prasadam that was offered during the havan, and Immerse the remainings of the fire of havan in the holy water. It protects you from ash- disease, anger, and planetary obstacles and keeps you away from fear from the mind.

Maa Siddhidatri Ki Aarti

Jai Siddhidatri maa tu siddhi ki daata

(जय सिद्धिदात्री मां तू सिद्धि की दाता ।)

Tu bhakto ki rakshak tu daaso ki maata

(तू भक्तों की रक्षक तू दासों की माता ।।)

Tera naam lete hi milti hae siddhi

(तेरा नाम लेते ही मिलती है सिद्धि ।)

Tere naam se mun ki hoti hae shudhi

(तेरे नाम से मन की होती है शुद्धि ।।)

Kathin kaam siddh karti ho tum

(कठिन काम सिद्ध करती हो तुम ।)

Jabhi haath sevak key sir dharti ho tu.

(जभी हाथ सेवक के सिर धरती हो तुम ।।)

Teri poona mey to na koi vidhi hae

(तेरी पूजा में तो ना कोई विधि है ।)

Tu jagdamney daati tu sarve siddhi hae

(तू जगदंबे दाती तू सर्व सिद्धि है ।।)

Ravivar ko tera sumiran siddhi hae

(रविवार को तेरा सुमिरन करे जो ।)

Teri murti ko hi mun mey dharey jo

(तेरी मूर्ति को ही मन में धरे जो ।।)

Tu sab kaaj uskey karti hay purey

(तू सब काज उसके करती है पूरे ।)

Kabhi kaam uskey rahey na adhurey

(कभी काम उसके रहे ना अधूरे ।।)

Tumhari daya aur tumhari yeh maya

(तुम्हारी दया और तुम्हारी यह माया ।)

Rakhey jiske sir par maiyya apni chaya

(रखे जिसके सिर पर मैया अपनी छाया ।।)

Sarv siddhi daati veh hay bhagyashaali

(सर्व सिद्धि दाती वह है भाग्यशाली ।)

Jo hay tere dar ka hi ambey savali

(जो है तेरे दर का ही अंबे सवाली ।।)

Himachal hay parvat jaha vaas tera

(हिमाचल है पर्वत जहां वास तेरा ।)

Maha nanda mandir mey hay vaas tera

(महा नंदा मंदिर में है वास तेरा ।।)

Mujhe aasra hay tumhara hi maata

(मुझे आसरा है तुम्हारा ही माता ।)

Bhakti hay sawali tu jiski daata

(भक्ति है सवाली तू जिसकी दाता ।।)

The tale of Goddess Siddhidatri

Many famous tales revolve around the Goddess Siddhidatri, which is about Durga Saptadashi with Goddess Siddhidatri because it is through her that the devotees receive siddhi, intelligence, happiness, and peace, and the mental pains at home go away. The feeling of love grows at home. That means that this Goddess is omnipresent, which has been accepted by the Goddess herself in a story. She says that- Who else is there in this world except me? Look, these are my personalities, so they are entering me. Then all the goddesses like Brahmani etc., were absorbed in the body of Ambika Devi. At that time, only Ambika Devi remained. The Goddess said, "I was here in many forms with my opulence. I wrapped up all those forms. I am now standing alone in the battle. You also settle down. Then there was a fierce battle between the Goddess and Shumbha, which was in all the gods and demons' sight. The sage says: Then, seeing Shumbha, the king of all the monsters, coming towards her, the Goddess pierced his chest with a trident and dropped him on the EarthEarth. When the demon was injured by the edge of her trident, his life was blown away, and he fell, shaking everything, including the land, the seas, islands, and mountains, the whole EarthEarth. Then, when the demon was killed, the entire world became happy and completely healthy, and the sky began to appear clean. After this, the clouds and meteors that were the destruction indicators were all calmed down, and when the demon was killed, the rivers also started flowing correctly.

This is how the Kanya Pooja on the Last day of Navratri is done.

On the ninth day of Navratri to worship Goddess Siddhidatri and to conclude Navratri, an offering navahana prasad and navras containing food and nine types of fruits, etc., should be made. On this day, worship the Goddess from the ninth part of the Durgasaptadashi. On the ninth day, offer seasonal fruits, halwa, poori, black gram, and coconut to Goddess Siddhidatri. During the worship of the Goddess wear clothes that are purple in color. After worshipping The Goddess, young girls and unmarried girls should be fed. Before feeding, you should wash their feet should and seek blessings from them. Give them the prasadam of the Goddess and Dakshina and then bid them farewell by touching their feet. If you can't find a girl, worship a betel nut, or a girl present at your home; you should worship her as the Goddess. The devotees who end the Navratri by performing the Kanya poojan and Navami poojan will receive dharma, artha, work, and moksh in this world. It is said in the DeviBhagwat Puran that worshipping Goddess Siddhidatri helps in obtaining all the siddhis. On this day, Goddess Durga provides the fruits of the worship done with devotion during the nine days of Navratri. This is the reason that on the last day of Navratri, The Gods, Sages, transgender people, Yaksha, Demons, Seekers, and devotees living in households also worship Goddess Siddhidatri. The worship of this Goddess brings fame, strength, and wealth.

Navami Hawan ( Homa)

On the evening of the Mahanavami, there is great importance of the Navami Homa or Navami Hawan. The Navami Hawan is presented after the Navami Poojan. The Navami Homa ritual is popularly known as Chandi Homa. Devotees follow the ritual of Navami Havan and seek blessings of prosperity and good health from Mother Durga. The devotees should make sure that the ritual of Navami Hawan should only be carried out during the afternoon. The devotees need to chant the mantras from the Durgasaptadashi during the Hawan.

What is the process of the Hawan on this day?

• This Hawan is performed on the day of Navami to complete the Navratri.
• On the day of Navami, first, perform the pooja and then the Hawan.
•  Add barley and black sesame seeds to the hawan ingredients.
• Then perform the Kanya Poojan.
• After performing Kanya poojan donate a complete meal.

Which ingredient should be used to get the desired benefits from the Hawan?

•  For economic benefits- havan with makhana and kheer.
• To get rid of debt- havan from rye.
• For progeny problems – Perform havan with butter candy.
• For planet peace - havan with black mole.
• For all welfare – Perform havan with black sesame seeds and barley.

What type of boons can be received by the worship of Goddess Siddhidatri?

• All the Goddesses are contained inside Goddess Siddhidatri.
• If only she is worshipped during the period of Navratri, then it is possible to achieve all the fruits of Navratri.
• Her worship brings immense glory.
• Also, by worshipping her, the devotees can receive all the siddhis.
• By worshipping this form of the Goddess, the devotee can be saved from the planets' adverse effects.

Don't do these things during Navratri

1. You should wear clean clothes. Please don't wear any clothes without washing them.
2. Don't cut your nails from the day of Navratri pratipada till the day of Ekadashi Tithi.
3. It would be best if you didn't get a haircut during the days of Navratri.
4. During this auspicious period of Navratri, one shouldn't get involved in the work of stitching and cutting.
5. During this special period of Navratri, you should not condemn anyone, lie and be sweet-spoken.
6. Try not to sweep the house after sunset for nine days of Navratri, or at least take a vow not to do it in the puja house and kitchen.
7. If it's possible, then don't enter your home wearing while wearing slippers during these nine days. Don't use anything made of leather.
8. Don't consume Alcohol, Meat, Tobacco, and other items during the nine days of Navratri.
9. Don't disrespect any woman during the nine days of Navratri.
10. Do not eat tamasik foods like onion, garlic. Meat is wholly prohibited.
11. If you are lighting the infinite Monolith lamp, then don't leave your house vacant anytime.
12. During Navratri, sleeping is prohibited during the day. This is what is said in the Vishnu Purana.
13. If you are reading mantras, Chalisa, or saptashati, don't get up in the middle. Don't say anything else. This gives the hostile powers the fruit of the text.

You can read similar write-up on relevance of astrology in indian festivals, Chaitra Navratri, Popular Vrat dates for all other major Indian Festivals.

Karwa Chauth

20 Oct, 2024

Karva Chauth is made up of two words, 'Karva' which means earthenware, and 'Chauth' means 4th day of the month. 'Karva' or Mitti ka bartan has been given immense importance on this day. The married women wait for this day all year long. This day celebrates the love, affection, and respect a couple has for each other. Hence, women follow the traditions and rituals of this day with devotion and dedication.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “करवा चौथ” पर क्लिक करें।

Fasting on this Day

This festival is celebrated on the 4th day or 'Chaturthi' of the Krishna Paksha. Women celebrate this day by keeping fasts for their husbands. Indian women celebrate it with a lot of joy. Nowadays, it has become a trend to celebrate it globally. According to the Hindu calendar, this day is celebrated on the 4th day after the 'Poornima' or the day of the full Moon. This is mostly in October or November.

 

Fasting or keeping a 'Vrath' is a ritual followed by all the married ladies. With this, women pray to Lord Ganesha for a healthy and long life of their spouses. Even though it is celebrated mostly by married women, it is said that unmarried women are supposed to keep fast for their future husbands in some parts of India. 

 

Married women keep a fast for the entire day. Karwa Chauth has a stringent rule that no women can eat or drink anything until the Moon appears in the sky. After the moonrise, women can eat and drink after praying to Lord Shiva and his entire family. 

 

Women pour water in the earthenware to the Moon in the form of Arghy. Donating to the needy is also a ritual followed by the Brahmin ladies and other married ladies. This is celebrated mostly by the North Indians. Just four days after Karva Chauth, Ahoi Ashtami is marked for the sons by their mothers. 

Rituals of Karva Chauth

Since this day is a ladies' day, they're all excited about it. Preparations for this day start long before. Some women tend to buy all new things like Sarees and lehengas, makeup, earrings, necklaces, and other different jewellery or Pooja items. And some women bank on their wedding things. Women decorate their hands in different designs of henna, also called 'Mehendi.' 

 

In places like Punjab, women wake up before 4 in the morning and eat and drink because of the fasting that follows the entire day. In Uttar Pradesh, women eat Milk made Ferni on the previous evening as a ritual. 

 

In Punjab, women receive 'Sarghi' from their mother-in-law. 'Sarghi' is a combination of goods like decoratives, sweets, sarees, and other female accessories. It is said that when a lady keeps her first Karva Chauth, a 'Sarghi' is provided to her by her mother in law. Sarghi signifies, the newly wedded has to respect her mother in law’s rituals and traditions and follow it for the rest of her life. 

 

The fast starts with the sunrise. A woman spends her day with either her friends or work as usual. Women also receive gifts from her husbands and parents. 

In the evening, women get dressed up in beautiful attires and sit with other females and enjoy this festival together. They dedicatedly decorate the 'Pooja Thaali' and listen to the Karva Chauth Katha. 

 

In places like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, women decorate their thaalis and sit with other women. In such groups, the eldest women or a priest recites the Karva Chauth Katha while others exchange their Thaalis in a circle. This is done seven times, and everyone sings the Katha. 

 

In the first 6 feris or circles they sing "वीरों कुण्डियॉ करवा, सर्व सुहागन करवा, ए कात्ती नाया तेरी ना, कुम्भ चकरा फेरी ना, आर पेअर पायेन ना, रुठदा मानियेन ना, सुथरा जगायेन ना,वे वीरों कुरिये करवा, वे सर्व सुहागन करवा". While in the 7th one they sing "वीरों कुण्डियॉ करवा, सर्व सुहागन करवा, ए कात्ती नाया तेरी नी, कुम्भ चकरा फेरी भी, आर पेअर पायेन भी, रुठदा मानियेन भी, सुथरा जगायेन भी, वे वीरों कुरिये करवा, वे सर्व सुहागन करवा". 

 

In Rajasthan, a ritual is followed where one woman asks the other "धापी की नहीं धापी," and to this, the woman replies "जल से धपी, सुहाग से ना धपी." 

In other places of Uttar Pradesh, Gaur Mata is worshipped. Women take some soil in their hands, sprinkle some water on it and apply Kumkum on it. It is said that they've created a sculpture of the holy Gaur Mata. While exchanging their thaalis, they sing, "सदा सुहागन करवा लो, पति की प्यारी करवा लो, सात बहनों की बहन करवा लो, व्रत करनी करवा लो,सास की प्यारी करवा लो". After the Pooja, they give the holy offerings like halwa, poori, namkeen etc. to their mother and sister-in-laws. 

 

After this ceremony, women eagerly wait for the moon. When the Moon finally appears, women with their husbands step out of the house or go to the terrace where the Moon is clearly visible. They carry a strainer or a glass full of water to look at the reflection of the Moon. They worship the Moon and pour Argha to seek blessings. And with the same respect and devotion, they look at their husbands and compare them with the Moon they just worshipped. 

With this, they end their fast. Their husbands feed them with water, food, and sweets. Women can finally eat food. 

Modern Day Karva Chauth

Nowadays, in North India, the culture and traditions of this auspicious day have changed. 

Today, this day is considered romantic. This day's significance now denotes the love and affection between the couple. One of the main reasons is Bollywood. Be it Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge or Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. The festival has shown that the couple communicates the love for each other by singing songs and dancing. Nowadays, unmarried women celebrate this day for their fiancés or future husbands as a sign of love. 

The Traditional Folk Tale of Karva Chauth

Once upon a time, there was a princess Veervati. She was the only sister of 7 brothers. She was married, and on her first Karva Chauth, she came back to her home to live with her parents and brothers. Since this day demanded her to fast for the entire day without water, her health deteriorated by the evening. She started feeling sick, and her worried brothers advised her to eat something so as not to fall ill. But she was adamant as she wanted to keep this fast for her husband. So, her brothers made a fake reflection of the Moon on the top of the sacred 'Peepal Tree.' She believed that the Moon's reflection was real and broke her fast as she was very innocent. Next thing she got to know was that her husband passed away. She couldn't take this and started crying uncontrollably. Her sister in law told her that her brothers were anxious about her condition, so that made a fake moon reflection. This broke her heart, and she started screaming in pain. To this, 'Devi Shakti' appeared before her. Devi asked her why she was crying. She told her the entire story. Devi ordered her to keep the fast again for the next day. If she successfully does this, Yamraj will return to her husband. 

 

It is also believed that her brothers set fire behind the mountain and told her that this is Moon's brightness. She was convinced by this, and as a result, she broke her fast. Then when she got to know about her husband's death, she ran towards his place. On her way, she saw Shiva-Parvati and told them her story. They advised her to keep a fast again, and she shall get her husband back. She did that and got her husband back. 

Another story on Karva Chauth

Once upon a time, there was a woman called Karva, who was wholly devoted to her husband. Because of her dedication and devotion, she was granted a spiritual power. One day, her husband was taking a bath in the lake, and a crocodile caught him. Karva used cotton yarn to free her husband from the deadly amphibian. She then asked Yam to throw the crocodile in hell. Yam didn't want to do this to the crocodile, but he had no choice as the woman had spiritual powers, and she could also curse him. She was instead granted a long life for her husband and herself. Since this day, Karva Chauth is celebrated by all the married women for their husbands' healthy and long life. It is their faith that it will protect their husband. 

Karva Chauth Method

Before the Pooja starts, the following constituents should be present- a sculpture of Ganesh Ji, Ambika Gauri Maa, Shri Nandishwar, Maa Parvati, Lord Shiva, and Shri Karthikeya. Things of Pooja like utensils, Diya, Kapoor, kajal, Chandan, fruits, sweets, ghee diya, dhoop etc. need to be there. 

In the evening, women get dressed and go to their friend's or relative's for Poojas and Kathas. Women sit together and listen to Katha. Katha is mostly recited by the elderly or the preist. 

 

Earthenware filled with wheat is kept in the center, which denotes Lord Ganesha, a utensil filled with water; some fruits are kept near Mata Parvati's figurine. Her figurine is also surrounded by Sweets, mathi, fruits, and food grains. 

Some of the things are also preserved for the woman who is narrating the Katha. 

 

Earlier, soil and cow dung was used to prepare Gaur Mata's figurine. But nowadays, Metal or paper figurine is preferred by most women. Before listening to the Katha, women light diyas in their thalis. They wear beautiful attires and mostly cover their heads using their marital dupattas. They worship the God and Goddess and seek their blessings. In some communities, a ritual called ferni is performed to circulate their thaalis seven times within their group. They recite and sing katha together. After this ceremony, they all seek blessings from their elders at home and neighbourhood. 

What is Sarghi?

Sarghi is a special meal given to a woman by her mother in law. It is believed that the woman should devour her Sarghi before the sunrise, i.e., at 4 or 5 in the morning. Sarghi can be given by an older woman of the family in case of the absence of mother in law. Sarghi has different edibles like Cashew, almonds, raisins, fruits, sweets, Sewaiyaan. These things give the energy to spend the entire day without eating or drinking anything. 

What is the Importance of Mehendi?

Mehendi is a sign of good luck. In India, it is believed that the darker your Mehendi gets, the more love you'll receive from your husband and in-laws. It is also said that dark Mehendi signifies the healthy and long life of the husband. During festivals, Mehendi businesses are on the rise. Women approach Mehendi stalls as they are fond of it. During karva Chauth, one will always find a crowd near the Mehendi stalls.

You can read similar write-up on relevance of astrology in indian festivals for all other major Indian Festivals.