RAKSHA BANDHAN

The Bonding between a Brother and a Sister is simply unique and is beyond description in words.  India is probably the only country that celebrates the relationship between Brother and Sister.  This festival is called “Raksha Bandhan”.   Raksha means protection and Bandhan signifies the Verb to tie. Together, Raksha Bandhan means to tie a knot for Protection.  Bandhan also means Bond. The other meaning of the Word Raksha Bandhan is a “Bond to Protect”.  It is celebrated on the Full Moon Day of the Hindu month of Shravan.

 

Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is known by different names in different regions of India.  The Shravan Poornima is also celebrated in different ways by people in different regions of India.  Farmers in most part of North and Central India, celebrate this day as Kaji Poornima.  On this day, they start sowing Wheat and pray to god for good crops.  In some of the Coastal Regions of India, this day is celebrated as Narayali Poornima” by offering prayers to Lord Indra and Lord Varuna.  The Sikhs celebrate the Festival as Rakhardi or Rakhari. But carry the save aura of Brother-Sister love and relationship.  Raksha Bandhan has lot of historical significance and has many reference and incidences in epics like Mahabharat. 

 

Yama and Yamuna:  According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Yama did not visit his sister Yamuna for a long time, who ultimately became very Sad.  On the advice of Ganga, Lord Yama went to meet his Sister Yamuna.  Yamuna was very happy and part of her hospitality tied a Sacred Thread on Yama’s wrist.  It was a Shravan Poornima Day.  Yama was so impressed and delighted and asked Yamuna to ask any Gift from him.  Yamuna expressed her desire to see her brother again and again.  Hearing this, Yama made his sister Yamuna immortal so that he could see her again and again.  From that day it is believed that whoever tied a Rakhi to her Brother would become immortal.

 

Krishna and Draupati: Another legend is related to Mahabharata.  In Mahabharata, when Lord Krishna was hurt during the war with King Shishupala, he was left with a bleeding finger.  At that moment, Draupati had torn a piece of cloth and tied around the Wrist of Lord Krishna to stop the bleeding.  Lord Krishna was touched by her gesture and promised to reply her love and devotion in future, whenever she needs that.  True to his words, Lord Krishna saved and protected Draupati when Dushashan indulged in the immoral and sinful act of pulling the Saree of Draupati.

 

King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi:  As per another account of Bhagavat Purana and Vishnu Purana, when Lord Vishnu won the threw rods from the Demon King Bali, he was requested by the Demon King to stay beside him in the Palace.  The Lord accepted the request and started living with the Demon King.  However, Goddess Lakshmi, wife of Lord Vishnu wanted to return to their native place of Vaikunta.  So, she tied the Rakhi around the wrist of Demon King Bali and made him her brother.  When the Demon King Bali requested Goddess Lakshmi to seek any gift from him, Goddess Lakshmi asked Bali to free her husband from the vow and let him return to Vaikunta.  Bali agreed to the request and Lord Vishnu returned to his place with Goddess Lakshmi.

 

The concept of Raksha Bandhan is mainly that of Protection.  In India, we often find people going to the priest of certain temples and getting a sacred thread tied to their Hands.  We also witness Priest, tying a Sacred Thread to the wrist of the performer of certain rituals before the commencement of such procedures.  Even the Yagnopaveetham (Janeev), a Sacred Thread worn by Brahmins, across their Chest acts as a Raksha, to the person wearing it if he maintains its sanctity.  In Hindu marriages, a Mangal Sutra, a Sacred Thread is tied around the neck of the Bride.  After the Mangal Sutra rituals are over, the Bride and Bride Groom tie a Sacred Thread on the Wrist of each other, called the Kankana Dharanam/Bandhanam.

 

The concept of tying Sacred Thread is common in Hindu Religion and is not limited only to Brothers and Sisters.  It only intensifies the Bond between the two people.  Raksha Bandhan is the only Festival that celebrates the Love, Devotion and Bonding of the Brothers and Sisters.  A girl might adopt any boy as her Brother by tying the Rakhi on the Raksha Bandhan day.

 

The ritual not only strengthens the bond of love but also transcends the boundaries of the Family.  When a Rakhi is tied, it underscores the need for a harmonious social life.  This helps to broaden the boundaries and live like a true “VASUDEVA KUDUMBAKAM”

(The above article was written for publication in Aug. 2019 issue of PRINCE’S VOICE – A Community eMagazine)

 

 

THE STORY BEHIND EKADASI

Many Brahmins follow the ritual of fasting during Ekadasi which falls twice a lunar month.  There is an interesting story behind Ekadasi and one needs know the background of Ekadasi before following it.

 

Once there lived a demon called Nadijangha.  He wanted to conquer the whole universe and dethrone Lord Indra.  He waged a war against them and was swiftly defeated by the Demi-gods.  He had a son by name MURA.  Young Mura consoled his father and said that he will take revenge against the demi-gods and become the king of swargalogha. 

He went to the foot of Kailash and started his Tapasya (penance) which ran into several years.  His body shrank and mud started covering his body.  But he had no sense of anything and was continuing his Tapasya and reached a stage where he was able to control the Air around him.  When the Demi-gods felt a change in the atmosphere, they went and enquired about this change with Lord Shiva.  Lord Shiva explained to them about the Tapasya done by Mura.  On the request of Lord Indra, Lord Shiva appeared before Mura and granted him a Boon.  But on seeing Lord Shiva he was unable to think anything and was only staring at the Lord.  Lord Shiva touched Mura’s body with his Trishul and he got his old body back and also all his memory.  He asked Lord Shiva to grant him a Boon that no one Created by Lord Brahmin shall kill him.  The Boon was granted by Lord Shiva.

On getting the Boon, Mura went back to his home, comforted his father and started the war against the Demi-gods and brought them into his control very quickly.  They all ran away, and he started ruling the Swarghalogha.  The Demi-Gods led by Lord Indra ran to Lord Shiva and requested him to do something and help them regain their positions.  Lord Shiva said that since he gave the Boon, only Lord Narayan can help them.

Lord Indra and others went and prayed to Lord Narayana and pleaded him to help them.  The Lord Narayana accompanied the Demi-Gods and went to confront Mura.  During the battle, the Demi-Gods were unable to sustain the power and might of Lord Mura and they all ran away.  Lord Narayana could have killed Mura instantly, but he wanted to give respect and honour the boon given by Lord Shiva.  So, he played a game and was acting as if he was losing and he too started running away towards Badrinath Mountains and stayed in a cave.

Mura also proceeded him and was looking for Lord Narayana everywhere, in and around Badrinath.  He spent a year looking for the Lord.  Finally, he found the Lord in a small cave, which is located around 1 Km before the Badrinath Bus Terminus, presently.  Lord Narayana was sleeping.  Mura thought that this was a good opportunity to destroy Lord Narayana and become the supreme power of the universe.  When he was about to take his weapon, he witnessed a bright light and from the Lord’s body manifested a young and beautiful Girl. 

 

The Girl (Goddess) fought with Mura.  On seeing her Mura refused to fight her as she was a Girl.  But the beautiful girl said that one who wins over her in a fight shall marry her.  This prompted Mura to fight with her with full force. Within a day, Mura was killed and so were all the men who accompanied him.  The rest of the Demons ran back to Pathala Lokha.

Lord Narayana woke up and saw the Girl with all the Weapons and also a dead Mura at the entrance of the Cave.  He asked the Girl on who killed the demon Mura and she said that it was her who killed the Demon after appearing from the Lord’s body.

Lord Narayana was very pleased and praised the Girl for having brought happiness and joy in all the three worlds by killing Mura and his men and for helping the Demi-Gods.  The Lord offered 3 boons to the Girl.  The Girl asked the following three boons.

1.  One who fasts on this day conquering all their 5 elements and stays awake in the night, singing your glories shall attain Vaikunta Lokha for many kalpas.

2.  One who eats only in the evening (abstaining Grains) on this day shall get half of what one gets as per the first boon.

3.  One who eats only at midday today shall get only half of the pious credit.

She requested the Lord to grant such devotees, Dharma, Wealth and at last Moksha.  The Lord granted her all the 3 boons.  Since she appeared on an Ekadasi day, the Lord named her as Ekadasi and the Lord said that because of her if a person fasts on Ekadasi, the Lord shall burn all the Sins of that person and bestow upon him his abode.  The merit one attains by fasting on Ekadasi is greater than what one gets by going on a pilgrimage or given charity.

The Ekadasi Gufa (Cave) is still there and those who are blessed to visit Badrinath should keep an eye on the last curve (about 1 Km) on the road that leads to Badrinath.

 

(The above article was written for publication in Jan. 2019 issue of PRINCE'S VOICE - my Community eMagazine.)

SIGNIFICANCE/IMPORTANCE OF KARTHIK MAAS

Karthik Maas is one of the most auspicious and holiest months for the Hindus.  It is also called as Damodara Maas and is considered as the best month for observing austerities.  It is widely believed that any religious acts performed during this month is said to provide multi-fold results in the form of Punya which will help in attaining ultimate salvation.  

This month is known to be a period for the welfare of mankind.  As per puranas, there is no sacred month like Karthik, there is no god like Lord Vishnu, there is no scriptures like Vedas and there is no River like Ganga.  This month is very dear for both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. 

Some of the significances attached to this month are as follows

-  Lord Vishnu wakes up on Karthik Suddha Dwadasi day.

-  Lord Shiva killed the mighty and powerful demon Tripurasura during this month.

-  Lord Karthikeya was born during this month on Sashti day.

-  Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi come down to earth below the Amla Tree to bless the Devotees

-  Wedding of Saligrama/Damodara (Lord Vishnu) and Tulsi Devi

Some of the important events/poojas to be performed during this month are as follows

Karthik Deepam

When one hears about Karthik Maas the first thing that comes to mind is Lamp.  Traditionally some houses double the use of Lamps during Karthik Maas.  This is to indicate that you are multiplying the light in your life.  In olden days when electricity was not there in many households, they used to have Lamps for lighting.  The day light goes off early as the day begins to get shorter in Karthik Maas.  This was one reason why people used to light more lamps for their daily activity.  Devotees throng the nearby temples, particularly Shiva temples, either early in the mornings or evenings (twilight time) and light up oil lamps in the temple premises.

Karthik Snan

During this month the Holy River Ganga makes her way into all the rivers and streams before she flows into the Bay of Bengal.  Due to this, it is considered auspicious to have bath in any of the Rivers during this month. 

Karthik Poornima

The full moon day of the month i,e the Kaartika Pournami day is considered as the most auspicious day of the month. On this day Hindus mostly perform Satyanarayana Vratam and Shiva/ Rudraabhishekam. Early in the morning on this day, married women go to the nearby water sources like ponds / tanks / rivers and take a holy dip. As a culmination of Kartika Deepams, they release Deepams into the water bodies.

Rudrabishekam

Devotees visit the nearby Shiva Temples during the entire month or only on Mondays and perform ‘Abhishekam’ to Shiva Lingam i.e pouring either ordinary water or milk or fruit juices on Shiva Lingam.

Karthik Vrata (Somavar – Monday)

Mondays are dear to Lord Shiva. The 4 / 5 Mondays of Karthik Maas are especially important. Devotees observe fasting on the entire day on these Mondays. At sunset they refresh with a shower, light up 'sandhya deepam' i.e evening lamp, worship Lord Shiva and then break their fast in the night by having light / simple food.

Vaikunta Chaturdashi

Vaikuntha Chaturdashi is a sacred day which is observed a day before Kartik Poornima. This day has a special significance as devotees get an opportunity to offer their prayers to both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva together. While Lord Vishnu is worshipped at midnight (nishitha), Lord Shiva is worshipped at dawn (arunodaya). It is a belief that on this day both the deities had paid homage to each other; Lord Vishnu had offered tulsi leaves to Lord Shiva while Lord Shiva had offered Bael(Bilva) leaves to Lord Vishnu.

Tulsi Vivah

Tulsi Vivah is an important ritual performed in Karthik month in traditional Hindu calendar. Karthik month belongs to Lord Damodaran (Lord Vishnu Roopa).  On Dwadashi day it is very auspicious to perform and celebrate the wedding of Tulsi Devi and Karthik Damodaran in the evening. 

Dhatri Havan (Homam) and Vana Bhojanam

It is widely believed that Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi spend time beneath the Amla Tree during Karthik Maas to bless us.  The word Dhatri Vritsha means Amla Tree.  A forest like atmosphere is set in the House (inside or outside) filled with Amla Tree.  In the center a Havan Kund is placed and the Dhatri Havan is performed.  Upon completion of the Havan, the food is served to all in the open place near that tree.  This is called Vana Bhojanam.  Attending the Dhatri Havan and having the Vana Bhojanam is considered very auspicious and people who follow this belief travel any distance to participate in this even every year.

Karthik Purana Parayana

Recitation of Karthik Purana is considered very auspicious during this month.

Anna Dhanam and Vastra Dhanam

Feeding the Poor and distributing clothes to the needy is to be given in largesse during this month.

In Kaliyuga, Kartik month vrata is said to the best means for salvation. In the Puranas, Karthik Maas is said to provide all the four goals of life (purusharthas)- Dharma (righteousness), arth (wealth), kaam (worldly pleasures) and moksha (liberation). It is a period in which people attain the best of health. The religious significance of this month was explained by Narayaana to Brahma who in turn, narrated it to Naarada, who then explained it to King Prithu. It is said that Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva visit earth during this sacred month.

Happy Karthik Maas to one and all.  Make best use of this period.

 

(The above article was written for publication in Nov 2018 issue of PRINCE'S VOICE - my Community eMagazine.)

SIGNIFICANCE OF VIJAYA DASAMI

Vijayadasami or Dushara is the 10th day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin.  At the end of the nine days pooja to Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, the tenth day is called Vijayadasami.  Vijaya means Victory.  Goddess Durga got victory over the demon Mahisha and vanquished him on the 10th day after nine days of fierce intense battle.  It is a celebration of Victory over the evil. 

There are many other significances related to this day.  Some are customary, and some are home-spun.  Here are some of the most popular significances that are accepted and followed by some communities.

Lord Rama defeated Ravana on this day.

It was on this day that Lord Rama killed Ravana.  Dushara is derived from two sanskrit words “Dasha” and “Hara” where Dasha means Ten and Hara means defeat.  In many states, like Maharastra, Ram-Leela is performed during this season and on the Vijayadasami day the act of Lord Rama killing Ravana is enacted in an open ground.  In some places the effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna and his son Meghanadha are burnt, as part of the celebration of victory over the evil.

Goddess Durga Vanquished the demon-Mahisha, Chanda-Munda and Shumbha-Nishumbha. 

Goddess Dura, mounting on a Lion, killed the powerful demon (Asura) , Mahisha on this day.  Hence, she is also called as Mahishasura Mardini.  After fighting with him for 9 days the Goddess attained Vijaya on the Tenth day.  The nine-days preceding this is celebrated as Navaratri where Goddess Durga is worshipped in her various forms.  In many states this victory over evil forms the basis of their celebration. Durga Pandals is very popular in the State of West Bengal.

Completion of Incognito Life by Pandavas

It was on this day that the Pancha Pandavas completed their one year of incognito life.  After 12 years of exile, the Pandavas had to remain disguising themselves for one year.  Before the start of this period, they wrapped all their divine weapons in a cloth and kept it on a high branch of a Shami Tree.  On the Vijayadasami day, they collected all the weapons and used them against the Kauravas in their war.  This is why, on the 9th day of Navaratri, the Ayudha Pooja is performed for all the Weapons.  Many people till follow the tradition of worshipping the Shami Tree on the 9th day as well as the Vijayadasami day.  The word Vijayadasami can be split as “Vijayata” and “Sami”.  This gives the meaning that Victory comes to one who worships the Sami Tree.

Appearance of ‘Vijay Kaal’ Star

Lord Shiva explained to Goddess Parvati on the importance of this day by stating that, A Star by name ‘Vijaya Kaal’ will rise in the sky on this day and it is the most auspicious time to get victory over enemies and to get all wishes fulfilled.  This is the belief in which many new ventures and good things are started on this day by some people.  Since Sage Vedavyas is the foremost Guru, Vyasa Pooja is performed that day to seek his blessings.  Similarly, many children get their first lessons (Aksharabhyasam) on this day by enrolling in the School or even have their first letters taught to them at home after performing the Vyasa Pooja. On the 8th day of Navaratri, Saraswati Pooja is done by placing all the books for Pooja.  These books are taken out on Vijaya Dashami day for learning, symbolizing a new beginning.

The Beginning of the Harvest Season

Vijayadasami marks the beginning of the Harvest Season.  People pray the Mother Earth for a good harvest.  The farmers make various offerings and various religious rituals (based on regional practice and tradition) on this day.  In many households, people have the practice of planting Nava Dhanyam in a pot and water it during Navaratri.  They believe the sprouting of these seeds as a sign of prosperity for the coming year.

Birth of Sri Madhwacharya (Madhwa Jayanthi)

The great Saint Madwacharya, also known by the names Poornaprajna and Anadateertha, is believed to be the 3rd incarnation of Lord Mukhyaprana Vaayu, after Lord Hanuman and Lord Bheemasena.  Sri Madhwacharya was the chief proponent of TATAVAADA, popularly known as Dvaita.  He was born on Vijayadashami Day of 1238 CE at Paajaka Kshetra, a small village near Udupi.  His philosophy is followed by all Madhwas across the world.  Sri Raghavendra Teertharu (Mantralayam) was a Madhwa and followed and spread the Madhwa Philosophy.

The Mahasamadhi of Shirdi Sri Sai Baba also took place on a Vijayadasami Day in 1918.

Irrespective of what significance prompts you to celebrate the Vijayadasami Day, the whole of Navaratri is a wonderful period for socializing for the Ladies, both young and old.  With colorful and traditional outfits, they move around the society visiting all their friends and relatives during this period and it is pleasing to see all of them wearing a big smile filled with joy and happiness.  At last, we have given them something to feel happy about.

 

(The above article was written for publication in Oct 2018 issue of PRINCE'S VOICE - my Community eMagazine.)