Guru Purnima is an Indian festival dedicated to spiritual and academic teachers. This festival is traditionally celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists, to pay their respects to their teachers and express their gratitude. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Ashadh (June–July) of the Shaka Samvat, which is the Indian national calendar and the Hindu calendar.

Observances

The celebration is marked by ritualistic respect to the guru, Guru Puja. The Guru Principle is said to be a thousand times more active on the day of Gurupurnima than on any other day. The word guru is derived from two words, gu and ru. The Sanskrit root gu means darkness or ignorance, and ru denotes the remover of that darkness. Therefore, a guru is one who removes the darkness of our ignorance. Gurus are believed by many to be the most necessary part of life. On this day, disciples offer puja (worship) or pay respect to their guru (spiritual guide). In addition to having religious importance, this festival has great importance for Indian academics and scholars. Indian academics celebrate this day by thanking their teachers as well as remembering past teachers and scholars.

Traditionally the festival is celebrated by Buddhists in honor of the lord Buddha who gave His first sermon on this day at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India. In the yogic tradition, the day is celebrated as the occasion when Shiva became the first guru, as he began the transmission of yoga to the Saptarishis. Many Hindus celebrate the day in honor of the great sage Vyasa, who is seen as one of the greatest gurus in ancient Hindu traditions and a symbol of the Guru-shishya tradition. Vyasa was not only believed to have been born on this day, but also to have started writing the Brahma Sutras on ashadha sudha padyami, which ends on this day. Their recitations are a dedication to him, and are organised on this day, which is also known as Vyasa Purnima. The festival is common to all spiritual traditions in Hinduism, where it is an expression of gratitude toward the teacher by his/her disciple.[7] Hindu ascetics and wandering monks (sanyasis), observe this day by offering puja to their guru, during the Chaturmas, a four-month period during the rainy season, when they choose seclusion and stay at one chosen place; some also give discourses to the local public.[8] Students of Indian classical music, which also follows the Guru shishya parampara, celebrate this holy festival around the world.

Hindu legend

This was the day, when Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa – author of the Mahabharata – was born to sage Parashara and a fisherman’s daughter Satyavati, thus this day is also celebrated as Vyasa Purnima.Veda Vyasa, did yeoman service to the cause of Vedic studies by gathering all the Vedic hymns extant during his times, dividing them into four parts based on their use in the sacrificial rites, and teaching them to his four chief disciples – Paila, Vaisampayana, Jaimini and Sumantu. It was this dividing and editing that earned him the honorific “Vyasa” (vyas = to edit, to divide). “He divided the Veda into four, namely Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva. The histories and the Puranas are said to be the fifth Veda.”

Yogic lore

In yogic lore, it is said that Guru Purnima was the day that saw the birth of the Adi Guru, or the first Guru. The story goes that over 15,000 years ago, a yogi[9] appeared in the upper regions of the Himalayas. Nobody knew what his origins were. But his presence was extraordinary, and people gathered. However, he exhibited no signs of life, but for the occasional tears of ecstasy that rolled down his face. People began to drift away, but seven men stayed on. When he opened his eyes, they pleaded with him, wanting to experience whatever was happening to him. He dismissed them, but they persevered. Finally, he gave them a simple preparatory step and closed his eyes again. The seven men began to prepare. Days rolled into weeks, weeks into months, months into years, but the yogi’s attention did not fall upon them again.After 84 years of sadhana, on the summer solstice that marks the advent of Dakshinayana, the earth’s southern run, the yogi looked at them again. They had become shining receptacles, wonderfully receptive. He could not ignore them anymore. On the very next full moon day, the yogi turned south and sat as a guru to these seven men. The Adiyogi (the first yogi) thus became the Adi Guru. Adiyogi expounded these mechanics of life for many years. The seven disciples became celebrated as the Saptarishis and took this knowledge across the world.Guru Purnima is held sacred in the yogic tradition because the Adiyogi opened up the possibility for a human being to evolve consciously. The seven different aspects of yoga that were put in these seven individuals became the foundation for the seven basic forms of yoga, something that has still endured.

Observances by Buddhists and Hindus Buddhists observe on this day uposatha i.e. to observe eight precepts. Vipassana meditators practice meditation on this day under the guidance of their teachers. Rainy season i.e. varsha vassa also starts with this day. During the rainy season lasting for three lunar months from July to October. During this time Buddhist monks remain in a single place, generally in their temples. In some monasteries, monks dedicate the Vassa to intensive meditation. During Vassa, many Buddhist lay people reinvigorate their spiritual training and adopt more ascetic practices, such as giving up meat, alcohol, or smoking.

The Hindu spiritual Gurus are revered on this day by a remembering their life and teachings. Vyasa Puja is held at various temples, where floral offerings and symbolic gifts are given away in his honour and that of the cosmic satguru. The festivities are usually followed by feast for the disciples, shishya, where the prasad and charnamrita literally nectar of the feet, the symbolic wash of Guru’s feet, which represents his grace, kripa is distributed. As a day of remembrance towards all gurus, through whom God grants the grace of knowledge (Jnana) to the disciples,[10] special recitations of the Hindu scriptures especially, the Guru Gita, a 216 verse ode to Guru, authored by the sage, Vyasa himself, are held all day; apart from singing of bhajans, hymns and organising of special kirtan session and havan at many places, where devotees from all over gather at the ashrams, matha or place where the seat of Guru, Guru Gaddi exists.This day also sees the ritual of padapuja, the worships of Guru’s sandals, which represent his holy feet and is seen a way of rededicating to all that a Guru stands for. Disciples also recommit themselves on this day, towards following their teacher’s guidance and teachings, for the coming year. A mantra that is particularly used on this day is “Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur Devo Maheshwara, Guru Sakshat Parabrahmah Tasmai Shree Guru Veh Namah”. This day is also seen as an occasion when fellow devotees, Guru Bhai (disciple-brother), express their solidarity to one another in their spiritual journey.

Avery auspicious month according to the ancient scriptures, Shravan Maas falls somewhere during July to August. Shravana Nakshatra is the birthstar of Vishnu and falls on the full moon day during this time. So, this month is called “Shravan Maas.” Each day of this month is a very auspicious time to worship many deities, including Lord Shiva, Gowri, Krishna, and Goddess Lakshmi. Special prayers and rituals are performed in Shiva temples. Mondays (Somavar) of Shravan month are specially observed times to worship the austere Lord Shiva with austerity.

During the entire month of Shravan Maas, visiting the Shiva Temple in the evening and offering flowers and abhishekam gives a long and prosperous life.

The whole Savan month is considered as highly auspicious, since every day of the month Savan holds a special significance. The whole month is blessed with the blessings of Lord Shiva and some other lords such as Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. We observe some really auspicious occasions in the month of Savan such as Raksha Bandhan, Hariyali Teej, and Nag Panchami.

As we are talking about the month of Savan and its main deity Lord Shiva, how can we forget to talk about Savan Somvars. We know that the whole month of Savan is having a special significance for worshiping Lord Shiva. The auspicious results of worshiping Lord Shiva increases upto many times in the holy month of Savan.

Monday or Somvar being the special day of Lord Shiva, the auspiciousness of Somvars in the month of Savan increases upto many folds. Special fast and Pujas are performed by the devotees to please Lord Shiva in the month of Savan.

What Is Sawan Somvar?

Savan Somvars hold a great significance because they are the special days of Lord Shiva in the special holy month. Highly auspicious results can be obtained by worshiping Lord Shiva on Savan Somvars every year.

The starting of fasts of Solah (sixteen) Somvars is also considered as highly auspicious in the month of Savan. Reciting Solah Somvar Vrat Katha is considered highly auspicious for women. Savan Somvar Vrat is mainly categorized into three categories, these are:

Savan Somvar : Fast of monday only in the month of Savan
Solah Somvar : Beginning the fast of Solah (sixteen) Somvars, in the month of Savan
Somya Pradosh : Fast observed till the evening during Pradosham

Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati are the two main deities worshiped during the month of Savan. Devotees offer their favorite offerings to please the deities and to receive their blessings. These offerings include Bel Patra, Datura, rose or marigold flowers and much more. Worship and offer Lord Shiva his favorite offerings to receive his blessings during Sawan in 2016.

Sawan 2016: How To Perform Sawan Somvar Vrat?

Every devotee has to keep certain points in mind while performing the fast for Sawan Somvars. These points will prove to be beneficial in getting the maximum benefit of the Sawan Somvar Vrat.

– Get up early in the morning and perform all the morning rituals like bathing, wearing clean clothes, etc.
– Go to the nearest temple and bathe the Shiva Lingam with water, milk, or the mix of both.
– Clean the Puja Sthana (place to perform Puja) at home, establish the idol or picture of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati.
– Take the Sankalp (pledge) that you will perform all the Somvar Vrat with full faith and devotion.
– Take the name of Lord Shiva and perform meditation
– In the evening, take bath or clean your hands and feet properly for performing Puja once again.
– Clean the Puja Sthan (place for performing Puja) and worship Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati.
– Recite or listen to Somvar Vrat Katha, otherwise the fast is considered as incomplete.
– Recite Aarti with other family members or devotees.
– Distribute Prasad (sacred food) among all the devotees or family members.
– The devotees can now consume the food for fast (Satvik Khana).

Keep all these points in mind and perform Sawan Somvar Vrat for obtaining maximum benefits.

Auspicious Results Of Sawan Somvar Vrat

After discussing that how to perform Sawan Somvar Vrat, we should also not miss out the auspicious results that can be obtained by observing this very auspicious Savan Somvar Vrat every year and during Savan in 2016.

All the difficulties and tensions of life will disappear.
Lord Shiva blesses unmarried girls with desired husband.
Lord Shiva blesses married ladies with long life and well being of husband and sons.
Lord Shiva fulfills all the desires and wishes of his devotees.
Lord Shiva blesses his devotees with wealth and prosperity.

Lord Shiva is so kind toward his devotees that anyone can easily please him by showing love and gratitude, thus he is also known as Bholenath. Let’s now talk about another very important day of Savan that is Sawan Shivaratri

Sawan Shivaratri

Sawan Shivratri is also a major part of the month Savan. Its celebrations are observed by devotees with full faith and devotion, as it falls in the special month of Savan. It is the second most important Shivaratri after Maha Shivratri . It is also believed that if Sawan Shivaratri falls on the day of monday, its significance increases up to many times. Because then, the three auspicious events related to Lord Shiva fall on the same day that are the month Savan, Sawan Somvar and Shivaratri.

Legend Of Savan

Let’s discuss the legend of month Savan, before performing the Sawan Somvar Vrat in 2016.

The legend of Savan is related to Lord Shiva. During the period of Samudra Manthan, lots of things came out which were equally distributed among the gods and demons. Some undesirable items also came out from the Manthan, which were not accepted by any of the god or demon, such as Halahal (poison). This poison or Vish/Halahal could have some really adverse effects on the living beings. The whole world could have finished or adversely affected by Halahal.

For saving the world from these ill effects of Halahal, Lord Shiva consumed the whole Halahal and stored it in his throat. Due to this reason, the color of his neck turned blue and he was attributed with the name Neelkantha. This whole event took place in the month of Savan, which increased the significance of worshiping Lord Shiva in the month of Savan.

Beautiful Month Of Savan

The month of Sawan is considered as the most beautiful month in terms of weather changes. Every year, some really pleasant changes are encountered by nature in itself in the month of Sawan.

The sky fills with clouds, the fields fill with green grass and beautiful flowers. Rainy season starts in the month of Sawan or Shravan and it seems like the whole universe is worshiping Lord Shiva by pouring water on him in the form of rain.

The whole world feels relieved in the month of Sawan with the cool breezes and rains, after the hot season of summers. It seems like all the birds and insects come out to greet Lord Shiva. Water level also increases in the month of Savan. Nature regains its beauty in the month of Savan.

Every year, the pleasant weather and divinity come along in the month of Sawan. We are going to encounter these beautiful changes of nature filled with the blessings of Lord Shiva again during Sawan in 2016.

If you also want to gain auspiciousness, wealth, and prosperity in life, worship Lord Shiva during Sawan in 2016 and observe all the Sawan Somvar Vrats in 2016.

Ratha Jatra, the Festival of Chariots of Lord Jagannatha is celebrated every year at Puri, the temple town in Orissa, on the east coast of India. The presiding deities of the main temple, Sri Mandira, Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, with the celestial wheel Sudarshana are taken out from the temple precincts in an elaborate ritual procession to their respective chariots. The huge, colourfully decorated chariots, are drawn by hundreds and thousands of devotees on the bada danda, the grand avenue to the Gundicha temple, some two miles away to the North. After a stay for seven days, the deities return to their abode in Srimandira.

Ratha Jatra is perhaps the grandest festival on earth. Everything is on a scale befitting the great Lord. Full of spectacle, drama and colour, the festival is a typical Indian fair of huge proportions. It is also the living embodiment of the synthesis of the tribal, the folk, and the autochthonous with the classical, the elaborately formal and the sophisticated elements of the socio-cultural-religious ethos of the Indian civilization.

Sanctity and Significance of Ratha Jatra

The festival is also known as Gundicha Jatra, Ghosa Jatra, Navadina Jatra, Dasavatara Jatra and by a variety of other names. For the devoted and believers, it is considered the most auspicious occasion. Rathe tu vamanam drishtwa punarjanmam na vidyate A glimpse of the Vamana, the dwarf form, an incarnation of Lord Jagannatha, is sure to ensure emancipation, release from the cycle of birth and death.

Jatra is an essential part of the ritual of the Hindu system of worship. Jatra literally means travel or journey. Normally, it is the representative deities of temples more popularly known as Utsava Murti in south and Chalanti Pratima or Bije Pratima in Orissa, partake in these journeys. It is rarely that the presiding deities come out of the sanctum for such ritual journeys. The Jatra for the Ritual Journey take two forms – one involving the short circumbulation around the temple and other involving a longer journey from the temple to some other destination.

The Jatra is considered as an important part of festivities and ceremonies of each temple and is considered as a special and sacred occasion.

Rath Jatra being unique among all Jatras is the grandest festival of the supreme divinity who has manifested himself in the Kali Yuga to emancipate humanity and to relieve them from their sufferings. Lord Jagannatha is identified fully with Vishnu and Krishna. In his original manifestation as Nilamadhaba, he was worshipped in a sacred Nyagrodha Briksha or banyan tree. The branches of the tree had spread for several miles and any one entering this area was instantly emancipated and was relieved of the travails of the birth and re-birth. In fact, the influence of Yama, the God of Death, is supposed to have been curtailed in the sacred city of Puri – Srikshetra on account of the presence of Lord Jagannatha and therefore it is also called the Yamanika Tirtha.

A glimpse of Lord Jagannatha on the chariot is considered to be very auspicious and saints, poets and scriptures have repeatedly glorified the sanctity of this special festival.

The sanctity of the festival is such that even a touch of the chariot or even the ropes with which these are pulled is considered enough to confer the results of several pious deeds or penance for ages. In fact, there is a famous Oriya song which says that on this occasion, the chariot, the wheels, the grand avenue all become one with Lord Jagannatha himself.

Those who are fortunate to see the deities of the Srimandira in the Gundicha Temple, the final destination of the procession of the chariots, derive the benefits of a thousand horse sacrifices, an immensely pious deed. Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja in his famous Vaidehisa Vilasa mentions that the Lord comes out from his sanctum for participating in the Gundicha Jatra, another name of the Festival of Chariots, only for redeeming the fallen, the patita jana who get the opportunity to behold their dearest god at close quarters on this occasion. Similarly, saint poet Salabega waxes eloquent in praise of his dearest dark darling and says that the Lord swaying and moving like a wild elephant arrives at the Grand Avenue and rides his chariot and destroys in a flash all the sins of his devotees, even if these may be grave or unpardonable.

Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is one of the most famous Vaishnavite temples in the world. The presiding deity of Vishnu here is referred to as Venkateswara. There are many legends regarding this temple. Sri Venkatachala Mahatyam is the most accepted legend among these, which provides the history of the temple across the various yugas. This place had also been mentioned in many puranas.

As per Varaha Purana, during Satya Yuga, Vishnu rescued Earth which was taken over by Hiranyaksha to Patala Loka (underworld) in the form of Adi Varaha – a wild boar with tusks. He fought a fierce duel with Hiranyaksa and killed him. He then slashed the water and brought up the Earth on his tusks. Brahma, the Devas and the sages extolled Adi Varaha’s virtues, by chanting the Vedic mantras. They prayed to Him to re-establish the Earth as before. Adi Varaha obliged them, and called upon Brahma to recreate the world. He expressed his desire to reside on the Earth to protect its people. He commanded his vahana, Garuda to fetch Kridachala (an extensive natural hill with lofty peaks, embedded with gold and precious stones, and which resembled Adisesha in shape) from Vaikuntam. Garuda brought Kridachala and deposited it on a sacred spot (to the East of Swami Pushkarini) chosen by Adi Varaha. Brahma and the other holy personages requested the fearsome-looking Adi Varaha to assume a tranquil and composed look, and rest on the hill to protect men and grant boons to people unable to reach God through Dhyana Yoga (meditation) and Karma Yoga (doing one’s own duty). Adi Varaha appeared with four arms and a white face. He was adorned with jewels and accompanied by Bhudevi. He resolved to stay at Venkatadri, under a divya vimana, to grant the prayers of men.

It is believed that the origins of the Tirumala Hills (Seshachalam Hills) lies in a contest between Vayu (the wind god) and Adisesha (the first serpent). During Dvapara Yuga, Adisesha blocked Vayu from entering Vaikuntam as Lord Vishnu was in the company of his consort, Lakshmi. An incensed Vayu challenged Adisesha to a fight to decide the stronger between them, Vayu was tasked with trying to blow off Adisesha from the holy Meru mountain while adisesha was asked to protect the peak with his hood. After a long time, Vayu appeared to yield and Adisesha lifted his hoods assuming that he had won the contest. Vayu then blew away one of the peaks. The peak landed near the Swarnamukhi river and is currently known as Seshachalam hill

A variant to the legend is that the contest created pandemonium on earth and Brahma, Indra and other gods pleaded with Adisesha to relent. When Adisesha obliged, the peak (Ananda hill) and Adisesha were blown off Meru and landed near the banks of river Swarnamukhi. When Adisesha was dejected with his defeat, the Gods converted Adisesha into the seven hills with the hood named as Seshadri hill or Seshachalam hill or Venkatadri hill. Another variant to the story is: Adisesha, fatigued by the contest was instructed by Lord Vishnu to rest on Earth in a place that he chose for his stay in Kali Yuga.

In the Kali Yuga, rishis performing yagna sought the advise of celestial sage Narada on which of the Trimurti should be selected for offering the fruits of the yagna. Narada suggested that the wise sage Bhrugu should be allowed to decide after he met the Trimurtis. The sage who had an extra eye in the sole of his foot visited Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva and went un-noticed in both these locations. He cursed Brahma that no temple sans one will worship Brahma and cursed Shiva that temples on Earth will worship him as Lingam.

When Bhrigu visited Lord Vishnu who was in a private meeting with his consort Goddess Lakshmi and failed to immediately receive and honour the sage, the sage felt humiliated and angry by this act. Sage Bhrigu kicked Lord Vishnu in the chest, to which Vishnu did not react and instead apologized to the Sage by massaging his feet. During this act, he squashed the extra eye that was present in the sole of Bhrugu’s foot. The extra eye is believed to represent the sage’s false egotism. The sage then realised his grave mistake and begged forgiveness from Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu’s chest is significant as the abode of Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess felt highly insulted at the sage’s misdemeanour and Lord Vishnu’s silence at the act and left Lord Vishnu’s heavenly abode (Vaikunta).

Parvati is the daughter of the king of Parvatas, Himavan and the consort of Lord Shiva. She is also called Shakti, the mother of the universe, and variously known as Loka-Mata, Brahma-Vidya, Shivajnana-Pradayini, Shivaduti, Shivaradhya, Shivamurti, and Shivankari. Her popular names include Amba, Ambika, Gauri, Durga, Kali, Rajeshwari, Sati and Tripurasundari.

The Story of Sati as Parvati

Parvati’s tale is told in detail in the Maheshwara Kanda of the Skanda Purana. Sati, the daughter of Daksha Prajapati, the son of Brahma, was wedded to Lord Shiva. Daksha did not like his son-in-law because of his queer form, strange manners, and peculiar habits. Daksha performed a ceremonial sacrifice but did not invite his daughter and son-in-law. Sati felt insulted and went to her father and questioned him only to get an unpleasant reply. Sati got enraged and did not want any more to be called his daughter. She preferred to offer her body to the fire and be reborn as Parvati to marry Shiva. She created fire through her Yoga power and destroyed herself in that yogagni. Lord Shiva sent his messenger Virabhadra to stop the sacrifice and drove away all the Gods who assembled there. The head of Daksha was cut off at the request of Brahma, thrown into the fire, and replaced with that of a goat.

How Shiva Married Parvati

Lord Shiva resorted to the Himalayas for austerities. The destructive demon Tarakasura won a boon from Lord Brahma that he should die only at the hands of the son of Shiva and Parvati. Therefore, the Gods requested Himavan to have Sati as his daughter. Himavan agreed and Sati was born as Parvati. She served Lord Shiva during his penance and worshiped him. Lord Shiva married Parvati.

Ardhanishwara and the Reunion of Shiva & Parvati

The celestial sage Narada proceeded to Kailash in the Himalayas and saw Shiva and Parvati with one body, half male, half female – the Ardhanarishwara. Ardhanarishwara is the androgynous form of God with Shiva (purusha) and Shakti (prakriti) conjoined in one, indicating the complementary nature of the sexes. Narada saw them playing a game of dice. Lord Shiva said he won the game. Parvati said that she was victorious. There was a quarrel. Shiva left Parvati and went to practise austerities. Parvati assumed the form of a huntress and met Shiva. Shiva fell in love with the huntress. He went with her to her father to get his consent for the marriage. Narada informed Lord Shiva that the huntress was none other than Parvati. Narada told Parvati to apologize to her Lord and they were reunited.

How Parvati Became Kamakshi

Parvati came from behind Lord Shiva and closed his eyes. The whole universe missed a heartbeat – lost life and light. In return, Shiva asked Parvati to practise austerities as a corrective measure. She proceeded to Kanchipuram for rigorous penance. Shiva created a flood and the Linga which Parvati was worshiping was about to be washed away. She embraced the Linga and it remained there as Ekambareshwara while Parvati stayed with it as Kamakshi and saved the world.

How Parvati Became Gauri

Parvati had a dark skin. One day, Lord Shiva playfully referred to her dark color and she was hurt by his remark. She went to the Himalayas to perform austerities. She attained a beautiful complexion and came to be known as Gauri, or the fair one. Gauri joined Shiva as Ardhanarishwara by the grace of Brahma.

Snakes are considered holy by Hindus. They are revered through festivals like Nag Panchami and worshipped via the Snake-goddess Manasa. The Sheshnag is basically a 5 headed snake that plays a very important role in Hindu mythology. There are various myths surrounding this snake and here are some of the most important ones.

Mythical Importance Of Sheshnag

This mythical 5 headed-snake stands with its fangs open over the head of Lord Vishnu. The coiled body of the snake forms the throne on which Lord Vishnu is reclining. Thus, this snake is is worshipped by Hindus as it is the seat of Lord Vishnu’s who is one of the Holy Trinity in Hinduism. Krishna, Lord Vishnu’s avatar was born to Devika and Vasudeva on a very stormy night.

When Vasudeva was braving torrential to carry baby Krishna across the river to Gokul (to keep him safe), the Sheshnag rose from the river and shaded the father and child like an umbrella Both the Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) wanted ‘amrit’ (elixir or eternal life), but to get it, they had to whip up the great seas of the world (Samudra manthan). The Sheshnag had then become the rope with which the seas were churned.

The Sheshnag In Karnataka

Due to all these mythical references, Hindus believe that such a snake with 5 heads actually exists and is considered holy by them. A few years back, the picture of a 5 headed snake was released over the Net and that created quite a stir among Hindus. This snake was supposedly seen in a temple called Kukke Subramanya in Karnataka.

So, could the myths about this snake be true?

Although it is a tempting thought to believe, it is a scientific impossible. Here are some of the scientific evidence against the existence of 5 headed snake that Hindus believe in. There has been recorded scientific evidence of snakes having up to 2 or 3 heads.

However, there are no records of snake that has 5 heads. Snakes usually have multiple heads only due to a genetic deformity called polycephaly. Just like some human conjoined twins are rarely born with 2 heads and one body, multiple headed snakes too are born due a similar biological deformity.

Another important point is that the photograph shows the snake with its 5 heads raised, ready to strike. But even if a snake is born with 5 heads, it can never stand up like that because its morphology would not support the weight of 5 heads.

Truth or fiction, we don’t know if a 5 headed snake could exist in reality. But, the place that the Sheshnag has among the Hindu gods is sacred.

Do you think that the Sheshnag actually exists on the Earth?

Nirjala Ekadashi is a Hindu holy day falling on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the waxing fortnight of the Hindu month of Jyestha (May/June). The ekadashi derives its name from the water-less (Nir-jala) fast observed on this day.] It is considered as the most austere and hence, most sacred of ekadashis. If observed religiously, it is said the most rewarding and granting the virtue gained by the observance of all 24 ekadshis in the year.

LEGENDNirjala Ekadashi is also known as Pandava Bhima Ekadashi, or Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi. This name is derived from Bhima, the second and strongest of the five Pandava brothers, heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The Brahma Vaivarta Purana narrates the story behind the Nirjala Ekadashi vrata vow. Bhima, a lover of food, wanted to observe all ekadashi fasts, but could not control his hunger. He approached the sage Vyasa, author of the Mahabharata and grandfather of the Pandavas for a solution. The sage advised him to observe Nirjala Ekadashi, when for one day in the year, he should observe an absolute fast. Bhima attained the virtue of all 24 ekadashis, by observing Nirjala Ekadashi.

PRACTICESWhile on other ekadashis abstinence of food is observed,on Nirjala Ekadashi, an absolute fast is observed, without partaking even water. The water-less fast is considered extremely difficult to follow as the day falls in the hot Indian summer and thus, it is deemed as very pious austerity. The fast is observed 24 hours from sunrise on Nirjala Ekadashi to sunrise the next day. Some observe it from sunrise to sunset. On the day before Nirjala Ekadashi, the devotee performs the evening prayer (Sandhyavandanam) and takes only one meal, without rice – as rice eating is prohibited. The devotee is however permitted to have a single tiny drop of water as part of the Achamana purification ritual. Water more than that equals breaking the vow.

Like other ekadashis, puja is offered to the god Vishnu, for whom ekadashis are sacred, to seek his grace. An image of Vishnu or a Saligrama stone (an iconic fossil stone in the form of Vishnu) is bathed (abhisheka) with Panchamrita, a mixture of five foods: milk, curd, ghee (clarified butter), honey and sugar. It is then washed with water and then dressed in royal finery. A hand-fan is also offered. Flowers, incense, water and arati (lamps) are also offered. Devotees meditate on the image of the god. In the evening, they worship Vishnu with durva grass in their hands. Devotees remain awake the whole night and sing praises of Vishnu or meditate on his image.

Another characteristic of ekadashis is charity to Brahmins (the priest class). Clothes, food grains, umbrellas, hand-fans, pitchers filled with water, gold etc. are prescribed to be donated on Nirjala Ekadashi.

MERITSAccording to the Markandeya Purana and the Vishnu Purana, the day of Ekadashi is itself a form of Vishnu. The vrata observed on this day is said to wash away all sin.[5]One who completes the vrata of Nirjala Ekadashi is mentioned to gain the favour of Vishnu, who grants him happiness, prosperity and forgiveness for sins.[1] The devotee is described to receive the merit gained by the observance of all 24 ekadshis in the year. It is most popular and strictly observed by the Vaishnavas, in particular The observer gains longevity and moksha (salvation).[4] Usually, the messengers of the god of death Yama are described to fetch the person’s soul after death. Yama then judges the person’s deeds and sends him to Svarga (heaven) or Naraka (Hell). However, one who observes the Nirjala Ekadashi rituals is believed to be excused Yama’s judgement and taken by messengers of Vishnu to Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu, after death.

IMPORTANCE OF NIRJALA EKADASHI

• It is equal to going on pilgrimage.
• ? It provides virtue of all 24 Ekadashi.
• ? It washes away all sin.
• ? Grants happiness, prosperity, longevity and moksha (salvation).
• ? This Ekadasi happens before monsoon season and therefore it is also helps in cleansing the body.

HOW TO OBSERVE NIRJALA EKADASHI VRAT

Nirjala means without water. Hence, fast is observed without water and food. It is considered as the most strict and hence, most sacred of all Ekadashis. This fast is extremely difficult to follow as it falls in the hot Indian summer. The 24 hours long fast begins from sunrise on Nirjala Ekadashi to sunrise the next day. People fast and offer puja to Lord Vishnu on this day.

The fast begins with Sandhyavandanam – a prayer. This prayer is performed in the evening before Nirjala Ekadashi, i.e. on 10th lunar day. After prayer devotee takes only one meal, without rice (as rice eating is prohibited). The strict fast continuous throughout Ekadashi. It gets over on next morning. Devotees offer prayer, tulsi, fruits, and sweets to Lord Vishnu and then finish their fast.

RITUALS AND CELEBRATIONS OF NIRJALA EKADASI

• ? Offer Puja to Lord Vishnu and seek his grace.
• ? Bath the idol of Lord Vishnu with Panchamrit.
• ? Wash with clean water and then dressed in new clothes.
• ? Offer flowers, incense, water, lamps and a hand fan.
• ? In evening, worship Vishnu with Durva grass.
• ? Visit nearby Vishnu temple and observe Jagran at night.
• ? Chant bhajans, Vishnu Sahasranama and other slokas dedicated to Lord Vishnu
• ? Donate clothes, food grains, umbrellas, hand-fans, pitchers filled with water, gold etc.

STORY OF NIRJALA EKADASHI VRAT

Bhimsen – the second Pandava brother and big eater wanted to keep Ekadashi Vrat. All his brothers, wife Draupadi and mother Kunti observed Vrat on 24Ekadasis throughout the year and request him to do the same. But he was unable to perform the ritual due to unbearable hunger pangs. Bhima, was upset due to his weak determination. He was also sacred of dishonouring to Lord Vishnu. So, when Maharishi Vyasa visited them Bhima asked him to find a solution. Sage Vyasa advised him to observe single Nirjala Ekadasi fasting. This fast would compensate for not observing all Ekadashi fasting in a year. Bhima performed the fast with an ease but on the morning of very next day he became unconscious. Then he offered Ganga water with Tulsi to end up his day fast. Due to this legend Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi, Bhima Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi.

Normally Lord Shiva is worshipped as Shiva Linga. Shivalingas with five faces are also found in some places. The Names of the five faces are:

Sadyojat, Vamdev, Aghoraa, Tatpurush and Îshana

These four faces of Shiva represent the four directions. The fifth face which points skywards is the universal face symbolic of purity and spiritual progress.

This rare prayer in each stanza addresses each one of these five faces of Shiva, the 4 Vedas and Om.

Comparable to the Vyuhas or emanations of Lord Visnu, is the Pancanana form of Lord Siva. Pancanana or the five-faced one represents the five aspects of Shiva vis-a-vis the created universe. The five faces are respectively Hana, Tatpurusa, Aghora, Vamadeva and Sadyojata. The face Hana turned towards the zenith, represents the highest aspect and is also called Sadasiva. On the physical plane, it represents the power that rules over ether or sky and on the spiritual plane, it is the deity that grants Moksa or liberation. Tatpurusa facing east, stands for the power that rules over air and represents the forces of darkness and obscuration on the spiritual plane. Aghora, facing south and ruling over the element fire, stands for the power that absorbs and renovates the universe. Vamadeva facing north, ruling over the element water, is responsible for preservation. Sadyojata, facing west represents the power that creates.

Iconographically, all the five aspects are shown in different ways.

There are several other aspects in which Lord Siva is depicted or worshipped. These can be broadly divided into the following categories: (1) Saumya or Anugraha Murti; (2) Ugra, Raudra or Samhara Murtis; (3) Nrtta or Tandava Murti;(4) Daksinamurti; (5) Lingodbhavamurti; (6) Bhiksatanamurti; (7) Haryardhamurti; (8) Ardhanarisvaramurti.

Peaceful form of Siva as also the form showing mercy and grace belong to the first group. The forms showing grace or granting boons to Candesa, Nandisvara, Vighnesvara or Ravana belong to this category.

All terrific aspects can be classed under the second group. Kankala Bhairava represents Siva who cut off the fifth head of Brahma for having reviled him and who had to wander as a beggar for twelve years to get rid of that sin. Gajasuravadhamurti represents him as killing the demon Nila (an associate of Andhakasura) who had assumed the form of an elephant. Tripurantaka-murti depicts him as destroying by his arrow, the three cities of iron, silver and gold built on the earth, in air and in heaven by the three sons of Andhakasura who had become almost invincible because of these three impregnable shelters. Sarabhesamurti pictures Siva as a Sarabha (an imaginary animal more ferocious than the lion) destroying the Narasirhha form of Visnu, a story obviously conceived by the Saivites to assert the superiority of their Lord over Visnu! Kalari-murti portrays him as vanquishing Yama, the god of death, who wanted to take away the life of Markandeya, a great devotee of Siva. Kamantakamurti illustrates him as destroying Kama, the god of lust, by the fire emitted through his third eye. Andhakasura-vadha-murti shows him as vanquishing Andhakasura and later on, on supplication, conferring on him the commandership of the Gal)as (dwarf attendants). Andhaka became Bhrngisa.

Lord Siva is a great master of dance. All the 108 modes of dancing known to the treatises on dancing have come from him. It is said that he dances every evening in order to relieve the sufferings of creatures and entertain the gods who gather in Kailasa in full strength. (Hence he is called Sabhapati, the lord of the congregation.)

Only nine modes of dancing are described of which the Nataraja aspect is the most well-known. The Nataraja icon shows him with four hands and two legs, in the posture of dancing. There is the Damaru (drum) in the upper right hand and fire in the left. The lower right hand is in Abhayamudra (pose of protection) and the left is pointing towards the uplifted left foot. The left foot is resting on the demon Apasmarapurusa. The whole image mayor may not be surrounded by a circle of blazing fire.

Siva’s dance indicates a continuous process of creation, preservation and destruction. The Damaru represents the principle of Sabda (sound) and hence Akasa (ether), which proceeds immediately from the Atman and is responsible for further creation or evolution. Fire represents Pralayagni, the fire that destroys the world at the time of dissolution of the world, and hence symbolises the process of destruction. Thus damaru and fire represent the continuous cycle of creation, preservation and destruction. The other two hands indicate that he who takes refuge at the feet of the Lord will have nothing to fear. The Apasmara-purusa (Apasmara=epilepsy) symbolises ignorance which makes us lose our balance and consciousness. He is trampled upon by the Lord for the good of the devotees who take refuge.

The text of the Gupta Lalitambika desribes Goddess Chinnamasta as follows: “She who is the embodiment of virtue, love, humanness, anger, valiancy, terror, odiousness, mysticism, humor and tranquility all put together.” It is quite a neat description of the Goddess. The name by itself connotes ‘one with the severed head’. She is refered as Prasanda Chandika and comes 6th in line of the ten Mahavidyas. There is mention of the Goddess in not only Hindu texts but also Buddhist Tantric scriptures. She is also called Vajreshwari and is likened to the thunderbolt of Lord Indra. Her eyes are expressive and some devotees also call her Indrani. Those who follow her become inspired and courageous.

Significance of Mahavidya Chinnamasta 

She is known to help the activation of the Manipur chakra in the human body. As the chakra gets started a white odorless smoke is emitted. A triangle and a lotus emerge. It also brings forth the images of Rati and Manmata who are just above the white lotus. Manmata has his back on the white lotus and Rati is positioned just above him. The image also depicts Cinnamasta standing on the chest of Manmata. She has a head in her hand. Her neck shows three sprays of blood spouting out (symbolizing the flow of prana through Ida, Pingala and Sushumna Nadis). One spray of blood is towards her friend Dakini and the other is for Varninini. The third one, which is green and yellowish, is gaseous in nature. It assumes an ultra violet shade and comes out of her mouth. This gas is spread all across the universe. It intersperses with all living beings and touches their lives.

The Devi is harsh on her self as she sacrifices her head. As she has immense self-control she is considered a yogi of the finest order. Since she is able to sacrifice her own head it means she is capable of spiritual advancement.

She is called a pure Yogini. This is why she is called by names like Vajra Yogini, supreme Dakini or Para Dakini. Those who wish to get empowered with the occult worship her ardently. Her left foot is positioned in a manner that shows she is ready to move or is always ‘on the go’. In her hand she also carries a knife along with the severed head. A serpent is around her neck and she has three eyes. Despite all her fearsome features she is considered satvik and very feminine. Once she blesses the devotee he is protected for life.

Legends

Since there are not many available texts on her and also by way of reference quite a lot has disappeared in antiquity, nevertheless through art she is well depicted. As one of the forms of Kali many fear her. In Tantric Buddhist texts she is refered as Vajrayoni and the form of Tara. Those who follow the Tibetan tantric system believe that her ability to hold her head in sacrifice shows the highest spiritual authority. Her not being dead, and walking is also amazing as mentioned in the Tibetan Tantra scriptures. This also signifies the enlighment from risen Kundalini, and complete freedom from ego.

We need to get rid of all kinds of false identifications and emotions. We have to go beyond the limitations and break free. She teaches us to remove fear, self pity and also forget the pain of death. Her being naked means she wants us also to be free from being bound by ego and false designations.

As a Mahavidya she wears a garland of skulls and a necklace of bones around her neck. She ties the snake on her neck like a yajnopavita or a sacred thread. It is gruesome to see that she has cut off her head and is carrying it in her hand. While she is standing with the severed head on Rati and Manmata, the backdrop is equally terrifying. There is thunder and lighting all around. She is in a state of amansaka (not dead). She is now free of all human emotions and characteristics. She is still happy and sees it all with her three eyes. The place where the event is happening is a cremation ground. There are jackals that are around but are not interested in the event.

There is another image of the Mahavidya where she is sitting on the chest of Shiva with her severed head. She is also called the red hibiscus and she is like the rising sun. She is usually in red and at times blue. In another image she is riding the lion with her severed head. The rest of the features of the Mahavidya remain the same. In the oldest tradition she stands naked like a Digambari. There is no illusion of the body or attachment towards it. With her in such images there is hardly any reason for her devotees to fear life or death. They are also stripped of illusion. Her acts are heroic in nature. She is in bliss and not in pain.

Maa Chhinamastika as Chintapurni

Another Legend states that, Devi transformed into Chandi to kill the demons. Mata killed the demons and brought victory to the Devas. But, Ajaya and Vijaya who were Mata’s aides were not satisfied as they wanted more blood. Mata cut her forehead and offered them her blood.

Maa Chhinamastika Jayanti: Appearance day of Maa Chhinamastika is known as Chinnamastika jayanti. It is celebrated on Shukla paksha chaturdashi in Vaisakh month. This year it comes on Saturday, 25th May 2013. This day is celebrated with great passion and devotion. Special puja and arrangement are made in Mata’s oldest temple at Jharkhand.

Maa Chinnamasta the “Kundalni Shakti”

Maa Chinnmasta helps in awakening the kundlani shakti, the main spiritual energy in each human body. It is assured that the Kundalni Shakti moves upward very forcefully through sushumna nadi from muladhar chakra to sahastrar chakra in top of the head with such a force that it blows her head out. The blood coming out from the throat applies the upward flowing kundlani breaking all granthis i.e. Brahmgranthi, Vishnugranthi, Rudragranthi which makes a person sad, ignorant and weak. The severed head is
“consciousness”. The three blood streams is the flow of nectar when kunlani unites with Shiva in Sahastrar Chakra, which is yogi called Maithun Kriya. Those who do the chakra dhyan sadhna can understand better.

There are several places in India where it is said that sati’s head fell over there, that is why she is worshipped as Chinnamasta.

1. Chintpurni temple in Himachal Pradesh 2. Temple at Bishnupur, West Bengal 3. Ramnagar near Varanasi 4. The most powerful Chinnamasta temple is in Jharkhand, in Rajrappa where devotees are not allowed after 5.30 pm in the evening because of super natural powers roaming around temple complex after evening. 5. There is also one in Kamakhya temple complex in Assam, where, on each Wednesday, there is a long que for people for worshipping and giving sacrifices of goats.

For getting rid of “RAHU” grah (planet)’s bad effects, the puja of Chinnamasta is must. Some knowledgable pandits also recommend deity puja for KETU shanti.

Navaratri (“nava” + “ratri”) literally means “nine nights.” This ritual is observed twice a year, in spring and in autumn. “Vasanta Navaratri” or Spring Navaratri is nine days of fast and worship that Hindus undertake during spring every year. Swami Sivananda retells the legend behind this 9-day springtime ritual during which the devout Hindu seeks the blessings of the Mother Goddess.

“The Divine Mother or Devi is worshipped during the Vasanta Navaratri.

This occurs during the spring. She is worshipped by Her own command. You will find this in the following episode in the Devi Bhagavata.

The Origin of Vasanta Navaratri

In days long gone by, King Dhruvasindu was killed by a lion when he went out hunting. Preparations were made to crown the prince Sudarsana.

But, King Yudhajit of Ujjain, the father of Queen Lilavati, and King Virasena of Kalinga, the father of Queen Manorama, were each desirous of securing the Kosala throne for their respective grandsons. They fought with each other. King Virasena was killed in the battle. Manorama fled to the forest with Prince Sudarsana and a eunuch. They took refuge in the hermitage of Rishi Bharadwaja.

The victor, King Yudhajit, thereupon crowned his grandson, Satrujit, at Ayodhya, the capital of Kosala. He then went out in search of Manorama and her son. The Rishi said that he would not give up those who had sought protection under him. Yudhajit became furious. He wanted to attack the Rishi. But, his minister told him about the truth of the Rishi’s statement.

Yudhajit returned to his capital

Fortune smiled on Prince Sudarsana. A hermit’s son came one day and called the eunuch by his Sanskrit name Kleeba. The prince caught the first syllable Kli and began to pronounce it as Kleem. This syllable happened to be a powerful, sacred Mantra. It is the Bija Akshara (root syllable) of the Divine Mother.

The Prince obtained peace of mind and the Grace of the Divine Mother by the repeated utterance of this syllable. Devi appeared to him, blessed him and granted him divine weapons and an inexhaustible quiver.

The emissaries of the king of Benares or Varanasi passed through the Ashram of the Rishi and, when they saw the noble prince Sudarsana, they recommended him to Princess Sashikala, the daughter of the king of Benares.

The ceremony at which the princess was to choose her spouse was arranged. Sashikala at once chose Sudarsana. They were duly wedded. King Yudhajit, who had been present at the function, began to fight with the king of Benares. Devi helped Sudarsana and his father-in-law. Yudhajit mocked Her, upon which Devi promptly reduced Yudhajit and his army to ashes.

Thus Sudarsana, with his wife and his father-in-law, praised Devi. She was highly pleased and ordered them to perform Her worship with havan and other means during the Vasanta Navaratri. Then She disappeared.

Prince Sudarsana and Sashikala returned to the Ashram of Rishi Bharadwaja. The great Rishi blessed them and crowned Sudarsana as the king of Kosala. Sudarsana and Sashikala and the king of Benares implicitly carried out the commands of the Divine Mother and performed worship in a splendid manner during the Vasanta Navaratri.

Sudarsana’s descendants, namely, Sri Rama and Lakshmana, also performed worship of Devi during the Vasanta Navaratri and were blessed with Her assistance in the recovery of Sita.

Why Celebrate Vasanta Navaratri?

It is the duty of the devout Hindus to worship the Devi (Mother Goddess) for both material and spiritual welfare during the Vasanta Navaratri and follow the noble example set by Sudarsana and Sri Rama. He cannot achieve anything without the Divine Mother’s blessings. So, sing Her praise and repeat Her Mantra and Name. Meditate on Her form. Pray and obtain Her eternal Grace and blessings. May the Divine Mother bless you with all divine wealth!”

What’s the Significance of Navratri?

During Navaratri, we invoke the energy aspect of God in the form of the universal mother, commonly referred to as “Durga,” which literally means the remover of miseries of life. She is also referred to as “Devi” (goddess) or “Shakti” (energy or power).

It is this energy, which helps God to proceed with the work of creation, preservation and destruction. In other words, you can say that God is motionless, absolutely changeless, and the Divine Mother Durga, does everything. Truly speaking, our worship of Shakti re-confirms the scientific theory that energy is imperishable.

It cannot be created or destroyed. It is always there.

Why Worship the Mother Goddess?

We think this energy is only a form of the Divine Mother, who is the mother of all, and all of us are her children. “Why mother; why not father?”, you may ask. Let me just say that we believe that God’s glory, his cosmic energy, his greatness and supremacy can best be depicted as the motherhood aspect of God. Just as a child finds all these qualities in his or her mother, similarly, all of us look upon God as mother. In fact, Hinduism is the only religion in the world, which gives so much importance to the mother aspect of God because we believe that mother is the creative aspect of the absolute.

Why Twice a Year?

Every year the beginning of summer and the beginning of winter are two very important junctures of climatic change and solar influence These two junctions have been chosen as the sacred opportunities for the worship of the divine power because:

(1) We believe that it is the divine power that provides energy for the earth to move around the sun, causing the changes in the outer nature and that this divine power must be thanked for maintaining the correct balance of the universe.

(2) Due to the changes in the nature, the bodies and minds of people undergo a considerable change, and hence, we worship the divine power to bestow upon all of us enough potent powers to maintain our physical and mental balance.

Why Nine Nights & Days?

Navaratri is divided into sets of three days to adore different aspects of the supreme goddess. On the first three days, the Mother is invoked as powerful force called Durga in order to destroy all our impurities, vices and defects. The next three days, the Mother is adored as a giver of spiritual wealth, Lakshmi, who is considered to have the power of bestowing on her devotees the inexhaustible wealth. The final set of three days is spent in worshipping the mother as the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati. In order have all-round success in life, we need the blessings of all three aspects of the divine mother; hence, the worship for nine nights.

Why Do You Need the Power?

Thus, I suggest you join your parents in worshipping “Ma Durga” during the Navaratri. She will bestow on you wealth, auspiciousness, prosperity, knowledge, and other potent powers to cross every hurdle of life. Remember, everyone in this world worships power, i.e., Durga, because there is no one who does not love and long for power in some form or the other.

Gangaur is a festival celebrated in the Indian state of Rajasthan and some parts of Gujarat, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.

Gangaur is colourful and one of the most important festivals of people of Rajasthan and is observed throughout the state with great fervour and devotion by womenfolk who worship Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva during March–April. It is the celebration of spring, harvest and marital fidelity. Gana is a synonym for Lord Shiva and Gaur which stands for Gauri or Parvati who symbolizes Saubhagya (marital bliss). The unmarried women worship her for being blessed with a good husband, while married women do so for the welfare, health and long life of their husbands and for a happy married life. People from Rajasthan when migrated to Kolkata in West Bengal started celebrating Gangaur. This celebration is now more than 100 years old in Kolkata.

Rites and Rituals

The festival commences on the first day of chaitra, the day following Holi and continues for 16 days. For a newly-wedded girl, it is binding to observe the full course of 18 days of the festival that succeeds her marriage. Even unmarried girls fast for the full period of the 18 days and eat only one meal a day. Festivity consummates on 3rd day of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra Month.Fairs (Gangaur Melas) are held throughout the 18 day period. Numerous folklores are associated with Gangaur which makes this festival deeply ingrained into the hearts of Rajasthan, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, Haryana & Gujarat.

Images and Paintings

Images of Isar and [Parvati |Gauri]are made of clay for the festival. In some Rajput families, permanent wooden images are painted afresh every year by reputed painters called matherans on the eve of festival. A distinct difference between the idols of Teej and Gangaur is that the Idol will have a canopy during the Teej Festival while the Gangaur idol would not have a canopy.

Mehandi

The ladies decorate their hands and feet by drawing designs with Mehndi (myrtle paste). The figures drawn range from the Sun, Moon and the starts to simple flowers or geometrical designs. Ghudlias are earthen pots with numerous holes all around and a lamp lit inside them. On the evening of the 7th day after Holi, unmarried girls go around singing songs of ghudlia carrying the pots with a burning lamp inside, on their heads. On their way, they collect small presents of cash, sweets, jaggery, ghee, oil etc. this continues for 10 days i.e. up to the conclusion of the Gangaur festival when the girls break their pots and throw the debris into the well or a tank and enjoys a feast with the collection made.

Gauri’s Departure

The festival reaches its climax during the last three days. The images of Gauri and Isar are dressed in new garments especially made for the occasion. Unmarried girls and married women decorate the images and make them look like living figures.

At an auspicious hour in the afternoon, a procession is taken out to a garden, bawdi or johad or well with the images of Isar and Gauri, placed on the heads of married women. Songs are sung about the departure of Gauri to her husband’s house. The procession comes back after offering water to the first two days. On the final day, she faces in the same direction as Isar and the procession concludes in the consignment of the all images in the waters of a tank or a well. The women bid farewell to Gauri and turn their eyes and the Gangaur festival comes to an end.

The festival celebrates the union of Shiva and Parvati which gives young girls and boys an occasion to interact with each other. It is an elaborate occasion and there are several rituals associated with it.

These rituals include:

• Collecting ash from Holika Dehan and burying seeds of wheat and barley in it and protecting them by watering till the seeds germinate.
• Songs in praise of Shiv and Parvati are sung by women who also carry pots on their heads.
• Women make clay images of both Shiva and Parvati.
• A procession is taken by young girls and all of them place an earthern pot with holes and lamp inside on their heads. They distribute cash and other gifts on their way.
• The final day of the festival sees images of Gauri being taken out in a procession accompanied by camels, bullock carts, horses and elephants. The procession is symbolic of return of Gauri to her husband’s (Shiv’s) home.
• To mark the end of the procession, the girls break their pots.
• Apart from these rituals, newly married women fast for the whole eighteen days of the festival and even unmarried women fast and eat only one meal a day in the hope to find a good husband. During this festival in Jaipur, a popular sweet dish called ‘Ghewar’ is distributed between families, relatives and friends.

Gudi Padwa, the first Holy festival which marks the beginning of the New Year, new month and new day for the Hindus falls on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. (8th April 2016) It is known as Gudhi Padwa (in Maharashtra), Ugadi (in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh). [In other parts of country it is celebrated during Nau Roz (Kashmir), Baisakhi (Punjab), Cheti Chand (Sindhi), Naba Barsha (Bengal), Goru Bihu (Assam), Puthandu (Tamil Nadu), Vishu (Kerala)] On this very day Lord Brahma created the Universe. Therefore for Hindus, this day carries special importance. The day is celebrated with an auspicious bath, followed by decorating the doorway with a ‘toran’, performing ritualistic worship and hoisting the Gudhi.

Gudhi Padwa is celebrated as Ugadi (or Yugadi) in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The day, begins with ritual showers (oil bath) followed by pooja to god and Panchanga Shravana. Houses are decorated with Mango Leaves and Rangoli and everyone in the family wear new clothes and celebrate the festival by wishing each other New year greetings.

The eating of a specific mixture called Bevu-Bella (Neem and Jaggery) in Kannada, symbolizes the fact that life is a mixture of good and bad, Happiness and Sorrow. Eating Neem and Sweet Jaggery means one need to take both Good and Bad or Happiness and Sorrow should be accepted together and with equanimity through the New Year. The special mixture consists of:

Neem Buds/Flowers for its bitterness, signifying Sadness

Jaggery which is sweet, signifying Happiness

In Karnataka a special dish called Obbattu or Holige (Puran Poli), is prepared on this occasion. It consists of a filling (gram and jaggery/sugar boiled and made in to a paste) stuffed in a flat roti like bread. It is usually eaten hot/cold with ghee or milk topping or coconut milk at some places of Karnataka.

To ensure that the beginning of the New Year begins on an auspicious note, celebrate it according to the Hindu scriptures, on Chaitra Shuddha Pratipada as per the Hindu lunar calendar. This date is glorious in all ways – as per the cycle of Nature and it also has historical and spiritual significance. All this contributes to endowing the one celebrating it, as per the Hindu scriptures, with several benefits. It is the duty of each individual to arrest the loss being caused to society due to blindly emulating Westerners.

‘Gudi Padwa’ is the day on which the universe was created. Since on this day Shri Brahma created the universe and the Satyayug began, it marks the commencement of the New Year.

The Divine consciousness emanating during sunrise, absorbed at that time lasts longer. Thus the Gudi should be worshipped within 5-10 minutes after sunrise !

On Gudi Padwa, the waves consisting of the fire principle (Tej tatva) and the creative Prajapati waves are activated on a large scale. The Divine consciousness emanating during sunrise, absorbed at that time lasts longer. This consciousness is stored in the body cells and is used as required. Hence the Gudi should be worshipped within 5-10 minutes after sunrise.