Year: 2016

Bhuvaneshwari literally means the Goddess of the Universe as Bhuvan means the Universe and Ishwari means Goddess.

Thus Bhuvaneshwari, the fourth among the ten Dasa Mahavidyas is considered to be the Goddess and the caring eternal mother of the universe. She is an incarnation of the Adi Shakti or the original power or the earliest form of power.  

She is one of the most powerful incarnations of the Goddess and is worshipped throughout the country. Bhuvaneshwari Jayanti is observed on the dwadashi  of the shukla paksha  of the Bhadrapada month according to the traditional Hindu calendar.

As per the Gregorian calendar, it is observed on the waxing phase of the moon in the month of September. In 2019 Bhuvaneshwari Jayanti will be observed on the September 14^th.

 

• Appearance of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari

Goddess Bhuvaneshwari has four hands. She blesses her devotees with love with two of her hands and holds the noose and angusam in the other two hands. According to scriptures she possesses a dark complexion and the entire universe is depicted in her nails. Of extreme radiance, Devi Bhuvaneshwari wears a moon in her crown. She has three eyes to oversee everything and her four hands have Ankush Mudra, Paash Mudra, Varad Mudra and Abhay Mudra.

 

As per the Vedas, Goddess Bhuvaneshwari is known as Aditi. Aditi literally means the indivisible or the infinite mother.

 

According to numerous legends, Goddess Bhuvaneshwari is mostly associated with Lord Shiva and is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, who is the Goddess of Shakti.

 

• Rituals of worshipping Goddess Bhuvaneshwari

The procedure of worshipping Bhuvaneshwari begins with ritual bath in the early morning. Then a guru vandana, guru pujan and a abhishek of Mata Bhuvaneshwari. After the abhishek  pushpa is offered or pushpa arpanam  and then the Mata shringar and Alankaram is done. To the goddess of this universe, devotees should offer sandalwood, flowers, red flowers and rudraksha beads. A red cloth should be spread at the puja room and the Goddess’s picture or idol should be kept on it for worshipping.

 

Devotees should chant from the scriptures of Treyolokya Mangal Kawacham, the Shri Bhuvaneshwari Panjar Strot and the Treyolokya Mangal Kawacham while they are worshipping Bhuvaneshwari Devi. Homas , tarpans and yajnas are also performed  on this day.

 

• Significance of Bhuvaneshwari Jayanti

Since Mata Bhuvaneshwari  is the preserver of the universe , she blesses her devotees with her protection and an absolute freedom from the cycle of birth and death. Worship of Devi Bhuvaneshwari frees us o fall preconceived notions and leads us towards achieving power in terms of achieving Nirvana.

Sankranti happens twelve times in a year and can be termed as a phenomenon of the Sun transiting from one zodiac to the other zodiac sign.

Kanya Sankranti is the auspicious occasion when the sun transits from the Simha Rashi or Leo to the Kanya Rashi. According to the traditional Tamil calendar this occurs in the month of Purattasi. As per the Gregorian calendar this occasion is generally observed in the month of September.

This day is also celebrated in many parts of India, mostly in Bengal as Vishwakarma Puja. Vishwakarma is known as the divine architect who had built Dwarka and Hastinapur where the Pandavas resided. In 2019 the Kanya Sankranti will be celebrated on September 17^th.

The Kanya Sankranti being an auspicious day lot of charity and worship is considered to be good for the devotees. On this day daan or charity, shardh puja or worshipping the ancestors is favored. Devotees also take bath in sacred water as a ritual to cleanse themselves of all sins.

The auspicious occasion of Kanya Sankranti is also the birth anniversary commemoration of Vishwakarma who is considered to be the divine engineer. According to scriptures, it is Lord Vishwakarma who sculpted and built this whole world as per Lord Brahma’s directions. He not only constructed Dwarka or the Maya sabha of the Pandavas  but also numerous weapons for the Gods.

 

Celebration of Kanya sankranti and Vishwakarma Puja in many places

Vishwakarma being an architect is mostly worshipped in engineering colleges, industries, shops etc. Lord Vishwakarma is worshipped by all the technical people such as artisans, factory workers, welders etc. The puja space is cleared out for this day and cleaned before the Vishwakarma idol is brought. On this day in honor of Lord Vishwakarma no work is done across industries and factories. Feasts are organized in almost all the places dealing with machines. Prasad consists of fruits, sweets etc.

 

Rituals of Vishwakarma Puja

• Devotees have an early bath and start preparing for the puja
• Lord Vishwakarma’s picture or idol is decorated and instruments that are used are kept with the idol.
• Machines are decorated and worshipped for better work and safety
• Prasad offered to Lord Vishwakarma is distributed and the day celebrated with a lot of fanfare.

Vishwakarma according to Hindu scriptures is considered to the divine architect or the God of engineering. He is that exemplary divine architect who created amazing and brilliant palaces along with some very interesting weapons and vehicles for the Gods.

He is considered unanimously to be the sole architect of the Trilokas – or the 3 worlds of the Swargya, Martya and Patal; or the heaven, the mortal world and the underworld.

 

When is Viswakarma Puja observed?

Every year on the last day of the month of Bhadra, in Kanya Sankranti, Vishwakarma Puja is celebrated in the engineering colleges, companies, factories and numerous other places dealing with architects, machines and other technical people. This celebration is done in commemoration of the birth anniversary of Vishwakarma.  In the year 2019, the Vishwakarma Puja will be celebrated on September 17^th, Tuesday.

Legend of Vishwakarma

Vishwakarma, the divine architect is said to have been arisen from the samudra mantha. As Gods do not generally have birth or death, it is popularly believed that Lord Vishwakarms’s 5 sons invoked their father; the wizard of divine architecture on this day and thus the day came to be considered to be sacrosanct.

Vishwakarma was such a wizard of architecture that it is widely believed that he built the flying chariots for the Gods. Apart from this Vishwakarma also built Lanka- the capital of Ravana in the treat yuga, the Swarga in the satya yuga, the city of Dwarka where Lord Krishna ruled in the Dwapara age and also the towns of Hastinapur and Indraprastha for the Pandavas. The Mahabharta has called him the most eminent of artists and the executor of thousands of architects.

Apart from all these, Vishwakarma also created all the deadly weapons for the Gods. The sacred weapon of Lord Indra is known as the Vajra.  It is said to have been built by Vishwakarma with the bones of the great sage Dadhichi and each of his weapons possessed great miraculous powers endowed on them by Vishwakarma himself.

It is also believed that Vishwakarma had created this world under the instructions of Lord Brahma.

Thus Vishwakarma day is celebrated as a majorly important day for all the artisans, craftsmen, the engineers and anyone who is involved in engineering and architecture.

 

Vishwakarma Puja Vidhi or procedures

Vishwakarma puja is celebrated with much fanfare in various parts of India, mostly in Karnataka, Orissa, West Bengal etc. on this day generally the industries do not work as all the machineries are all worshipped because they are believed to be machines and tools of Vishwakarma.

• A Vishwakarma idol is brought and decorated well. Various machineries used can be fitted in his hands or should be kept near his feet if small.
• Worshipping of Vishwakarma with the help of a learned priest is to be done
• A lunch is organized where all the members of the organization takes part showing complete equality
• In the evening an Aarti is done and the lamp is shown to all the machines.
• After keeping the idol overnight, immersion must be done the next day.
• However the entire night a lamp, or the Akhand Diya must be lit and someone needs to be present.

Vishwakarma Puja is also considered to be extremely auspicious to start any kind of new ventures. On this day factory owners also engage in lot of charitable work as the day is considered to be extremely auspicious for such activities.

 

Viswakarma puja and Kite Flying

In many states of India, Kite Flying is an integral part of Vishwakarma Puja. This practice is more common in the states of West Bengal and Bihar. Colorful kites dot the sky and it is always an interesting sight to watch. People from all age group participate in this activity with zeal and energy.

Jivitputrika Vrat or Jitiya is an observance which is mostly observed in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttap Pradesh.

It is an extremely important observance which is performed with great austerity by the mothers for their children. The mothers keep a fast without even a drop of water, or Nirjala for the wellbeing of her children.

The Jivitputrika Vrat is celebrated from the saptami to the navami of the Krishna paksha of the month of ashwin according to traditional Hindu calendar. As per the Gregorian calendar this is observed in the month of September. In 2019 this will be observed on the September 22^nd, Sunday.

Legend of the   Jivitputrika Vrat

Once there was a wise and intelligent Gandharva King called Jimutvahana. Jimutvahana however was not satisfied being just a king and wanted to spend his life more meaningfully. Thus he relegated all his kingly responsibilities to his brothers and went to serve his father in the deep jungles. One day while walking around in the forest, Jimutvahana came across an old woman crying bitterly. Jimutvahana asked her the cause for her sorrow. She said that she belonged to a snake family and had  an only son, who was about to be offered to Garuda as a feed due to an oath. Jimutvahana sympathized with her and promised to protect and save him from his danger. Thus Jimutvahana went and lay down on the rock from where Garuda picked him up. However, Garuda gets shocked seeing Jimutvahana and asks what he wants. Jimutvahana describes and tell Garuda the whole story as to why he faked as the snake. Garuda was very pleased hearing this tale and promises never to take any sacrifice from the snakes again. Thus it was purely by virtue of Jimutvahana’s extreme bravery that the Nag Vansh or the snake kingdom was saved.

From this day the auspicious Jivitputrika Vrat is celebrated commemorating the mothers who sacrifice so much for their children. Since then a strong penance is observed by the mothers for the welfare of her children.

Rituals of the Jivitputrika Vrat

This is a difficult vrat as the vrat or the ritual has to be done nirjala that is without a drop of water. The first day of the Jivitputrika Vrat is known as the Nahai-Khai day. On this day women with children only eat after they have taken a bath. Literally Nahai means bath and khai means eating. So the last meal before the fasting is taken on this day. On this day homage is also paid to all the departed mother in laws of the house.

The second day is the Jivitputrika fasting. This day is known as Khur Jitiya. Jitiya is a red and an yellow thread, and is worn by the fasting mothers. The thread is only taken off when the thread becomes absolutely worn off.

The third day is for paaran or the breaking off the fast.

Maharaj Agrasen Jayanti is the birth anniversary celebration of the legendary king Maharaj Agrasen from whom the Agrawal and Agrasen communities took birth.

These are a sect which remains within the mainstream Hindu society. Maharaj Agrasen Jayanti is marked every year on the pratipada of shukla paksha of the month of Ashwin month as per traditional Hindu calendar.

According to the Gregorian calendar, this falls in the month of September October in the waxing phase of moon. In 2019 the Maharaj Agrasen Jayanti will be celebrated on the 29^th day of August.

 

• Life of Maharaj Agrasen

 

Maharaj Agrasen was a legendary and famous king who ruled over  the Republic of Agroha, which had a predominant citizenship of traders and businessmen. Maharaj Agrasen was famous for his principles of nationalism, socialism, equality and non-violence. These were the four principles on which the basis of his good governance was formed. Maharaj Agrasen was a Suryavanshi king, who was a contemporary of Lord Krishna who ruled in the Dwapar Yuga. He was born almost about 5185 years ago to King Vallabh of Pratapnagar.

 

Maharaj Agrasen married princess Madhavi, the daughter of King Nagraj of the Nagvansh dynasty in a swayamvara which was attended by kings of Indra’s stature. The marriage made the families of Suryavansh and Nagvansh merge. They had 18 children.

 

The just king Maharaj Agrasen performed 18 Ashwamedha Yajna. He established 18 Gotras after the names of the Gurus who had performed the 18 Yajnas. The are –  Garg, Goyal, Bansal, Kansal, Singhal, Tingal, Airan,Bindal, Mittal, Airan, Dharan, Nagal, Tayal, Bhandal, Kuchhal and Goyan, which remained half finished.

 

Maharaja Agrasen performed 18 Ashwamedha Yajnas. But during the 18^th yajna, the Ashwamedha horse started showing signs of fatigue and started crying as it knew that at the end of the Yajna, he will be killed.  Maharaj Agrasen took pity on the horse and set it free, thus his Yajna remained unfinished.

 

• Foundation of the Agroha kingdom

 

It is believed that King Agrasena performed austerities and severe penance in the city of Kashi and worshipped Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu pleased by his dedication advised him to worship Ma Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and prosperity. Agrasena started worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and soon enough the Goddess was pleased with his dedication and appeared in front of him. Lakshmi advised him to start business of his own as it would ensure prosperity for his subjects for ages to come.  Thus Agrasena became a businessman, and it is believed that till date the Aggarwal and the Agrahari samaj are prospering because of that boon.

 

Goddess Lakshmi advised Agrasena to found a new kingdom. Agrasena and Madhavi found a good place where tiger cubs were playing and considered it to be Veer Bhumi. Thus the Agroha kingdom was founded. There is a huge temple there now and a temple dedicated to Vaushni Devi and Agrasen there. This place is near Hisar in Haryana.

 

It is said that with Maharaj Agrasen’s business acumen and Goddess Lakshmi’s boon, the Aggarwals and Agrahari in business don’t go wrong.

 

• Celebration of Agrasena Jayanti
  • Devotees belonging to the Aggarwal and the Agrahari society celebrate the Maharaj Agrasen Jayanti with great zeal and fervor.
  • Processions are taken out in different parts of the country.
  • Devotees worship Agrasena and Goddess Lakshmi and seek blessings for well being and prosperity.
  • The day is also considered to be extremely to embark on new ventures.
  • Various cultural programs are also held on this day.
  • The U P Government has declared a holiday on this day.
  • Free medical camp, various social welfare activities are organized such as food distribution, free clothes distribution etc. stamps have been issued in memory of Maharaj Agrasen Jayanti and in memory of his contributions to society.

Navratri is one of the biggest festivals amongst the Hindus. Navratri is literally meant as the nine nights and is the most auspicious and celebrated festival devoted to the Goddess Durga.

Nava in Sanskrit means nine and ratri means nights. Thus it is celebrated through nine consecutive nights and the last day is known as Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra.the nine ratris of Navaratri celebrates the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga in various forms.

There are two Navaratri in a year but the most important one is the Sharadiya Navaratri which begins with the end of Pitri Paksha  at the first day of the bright half of the moon in the month of Ashwin as per the traditional Hindu calendar.

According to the Gregorian calendar, this falls in the month of September October. In 2019, the Sharadiya Navaratri begins from 29th Sept.

Navratri Celebrations

The sharadiya navratri as mentioned is the most prominent Navratri celebrations beginning of Pratipada in the month of Ashwin. The festival is celebrated for nine consecutive nights celebrating the Goddess Amba, the power and shakti of the ultimate Goddess. In various states of India, Navratri is celebrated in different manner but with the same fervor, festivity and devotion.

Navratri in Gujarat is one of the main celebrations. Garba , the traditional and color full dance form is organized for all night long festivities. It is actually a devotional; dance form which traditionally arose from Lord Krishna playing and singing with the gopis using a dandiya or a wooden stick. With the passage of time, this has become a high voltage event with latest dandiya troops and live orchestra etc.

In West Bengal, the last 4 days of the Navratri reach a maddening crescendo with the state celebrating the state festival of Durga Puja. All over the state life size idol of Ma Durga along with her family is seen in the pandals or houses where the pujas are held. Here Ma Durga is seen in a pose of defeating the Mahishasura. The idols are worshipped with fervor and great devotion and the idols are then immersed in river, lake or ponds on the 5^th day. The whole state and all the inhabitants celebrate this grand festival with a lot of fun frolic and devotion.

In Punjab, these nine days are known as Navratras or Naratey; where fasting is emphasized for the first 7 days. On the eighth day, the devotees who are fasting calls worship young girls as Goddess. They are given bangles, red chunni, bindis and other traditional foods to eat.

In the Hindu temples of Goa copper pitchers are kept in which nine varieties of food grain are kept. All the nine hights are spent amidst devotional songs and religious discourses.

In Maharashtra, on the first day of Navratri, the Ghatasthapana is done and celebrated. Ghatasthapana is when an earthen pot kept amidst water surrounded by clay in which the food grains are sown. There are certain occasions where Ma Kali is worshipped on the first and the second  day, on the third fourth  and the fifth days there is Lakshmi Puja, on the sixth seventh eighth and ninth day Ghatastapna along with  Saraswati Puja is done.

In the southern part of India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, people arrange the idols in a step and worship them. This is called Kolu and in the evening women calls each other to their homes to view the Kolus. In the middle of a beautiful Rangoli a Kuthuvilakku lamp is lit and devotional songs are sung and mantras are chanted. Then on the 9^th day Saraswati Mata, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom is invoked. The 10^th and the ultimate day is celebrated as the day when evil was vanquished by the greater God. In the evening of the 10^th day, a doll from the kolu is moved and put to sleep signifying an end to that year’s Navaratri celebrations. The Kolu is then dismantled and packed aside for the next year. The Kulasekarapattinam devi temple, madurai meenakshi temple,  the Chennai kapaleeswarar temple and the Perambur Ellaiamman temple, Srirangam Ranganathan temple etc are decked up gaily as Devi is worshipped with Chandi homa and vedic rituals.

In Karnataka, the ninth day is celebrated with a lot of fanfare and is known as Mysore Dosara. On this day all the regular appliances required to earn a livelihood and the daily use objects are worshipped. All machineries etc are decorated with flowers and sought divine blessings for better luck and prosperity In the coming year.

In Kerala from the eighth day onwards Saraswati, the Goddess of learning and knowledge is worshipped. The Vijaya Dashami day is considered auspicious and on this day the Vidyarambham celebrations are done, that is cmall children are initiated in reading and writing.

In the northern parts of India, Ramlila culminates on the day of Dussehra into the symbolic win of Ram over Ravana and the burning of life size effigies of Ravana.

At home devotees aspiring to observe the Navratri do a ghatsthapana or place a ghat at a good location in the prayer room. A lamp is lit and should continue to be lit for the nine days. Devotees should avoid alchoholic drink, meat, grains, wheat and onion while they are fasting. On the ninth day Kanya Puja takes place where pre-puberty girls are worshipped in the form of Goddess.

 

The nine manifestations of Shakti and Ma Durga

• • SHAILPUTRI – the color of the first day is Red depicting action and vigor. Shailputri is the embodiment of the combined power of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. In this form she is the consort of Lord Shiva and worshipped as such.

 

• • BRAHMCHARINI – the color of the second day is blue, signifying calmness and powerful energy. In this form the Goddess practices severe austerities and is blissful to endow happiness, peace, prosperity and divine grace upon her devotees. She leads the patha to salvation or moksha.

 

• • CHANDRAGHANTA – the color of the day is yellow, representing beauty and grace. She is worshipped for innate tranquility and prosperity in life. She is the epitome of great bravery and fights the demons in the battlefields.

 

• • KUSHMUNDA- the color of the fourth day is green as it is believed that the Goddess created verdant green valleys from the chaotic darkness by her laughter. She is considered to be the creator of the universe.

 

• • SKAND MATA- the color of the day and the Goddess’s aura is grey to signify that a mother Goddess can turn into stormy grey clouds should the need arise. This is the mother of Karthikeya,  chosen by the Gods as their commander in chief to fight the battle against the demons. Here she is accompanied by the infant Skanda.

 

• • KATYAYANI- the color of the day is orange as the Goddess appeared in the world draped in orange kata which is a symbol of extreme courage. The Goddess was born to the great Sage Kata and is an incarnation of Goddess Durga.

 

• • KALRATRI – THE COLOR ON THIS DAY IS WHITE SIGNIFYING PRISTINE and symbolical to show that the Goddess will protect her devotees from all evils. The Goddess Kalratri is dark complexioned and a fearless posture with her hair disheveled. She possesses three eyes that shine bright and emanates fire from her breath. She is the fiercest form of the Goddess Durga.

 

• • MAHA GAURI – the color of the day is pink denoting fresh start and newer hopes. Maha Gauri is serene, intelligent, peaceful and supremely calm. It is believed that when she performed severe austerities in the deep jungles of Himalayas, her color turned black from the beautiful white. However, later Lord Shiva cleansed her again and she regained her pearl whiteness. She is known to be the destroyer of all sins.

 

• • SIDDHIDATRI – the color of this day is sky blue as it reflects the beauty of nature. The goddess here has four arms and is in an enchanting and happy pose. She blesses all the Saints, Yogis, Tantrics, Gods and all devotees as the supreme manifestation of Mother Goddess. The Goddess appears in a blissful state as clear as the blue sky.

 

Navratri Durga Puja Vidhi and Samagris or articles

The puja samagri or articles required for the Navratri puja are as follows –

• Idol  or photo of Goddess Durga of Navdurga’
• A clay pot with soil
• A Red cloth
• Sacred Thread  or Moli
• Five Leaves from Mango tree or Amrapallab
• Akshat or raw colored rice
• Kalash
• Coconut
• Oil Lamp
• Chunri or red dupatta
• Naivedya
• The Durga Saptshati book
• Ganga Jal
• Supari  or Areca nuts
• Paan  or Betel leaves
• Kumkum  or vermilion
• Chowki
• 10 coins

The Navratri puja is best conducted in the early hours of the morning after a ritual cleansing bath by the devotee. Thus sunrise is the most propitious time. The ghatsthapna and the idol should also be placed in a chowki. The coconut and mango leaved on the kalash is kept on the chowki on the first day. Barley seeds are sowed in a pot and regularly watered for the next nine days. Durga Saptshati must be read every day with great devotion. On the ninth day Kanya Puja is performed. Here nine girls in the pre puberty state are decorated and worshipped and gifted things in the form of nine goddesses.

The Pitri Paksha starts from the first day of the Krishna paksha or the dark phase of the moon of the Bhadrapada month and lasts for fifteen days till the new moon of the Bhadrapada month.

It has been generally observed that after this phase is over the Navaratri or the Devi paksha begins. The new moon day of the Bhadrapada month is known to the Hindus world wide as the Mahalaya Amavasya  or the Ashwin Amavasya or the Sarvapitri Darsha Amavasya.

It is that auspicious day amongst the 15 days of Pitri Paksha when we as human beings commemorate our ancestors and thank them for the legacy that they have left behind.

In 2019, the Mahalaya Amavasya or the Sarvapitri Darsha Amavasya will be observed in the month of September on the 28^th, Saturday.

Paying homage to the departed ancestors

To the Hindus worldwide this 15 day period of Pitri Paksha is the best time  and sacred to pay homage to the departed ancestors by offering them food in terms of performing shraddha and tarpan. This is considered to be an ideal time because the sun during this phase in the Kanya rashi and at the moment of entrance , all the souls of the departed ancestors leave the Yamalaya or the house of Yama, king of death and some down to earth to visit their descendants and to take their offerings.

Generally the last rites or shraddha is performed after the death of a person on a stipulated day. However the Mahalaya Amavasya or the Sarvapitri Darsha Amavasya or the Sarva Pitru Amavasya  is so auspicious that it is considered to be the most important day to perform these rites and also to offer tarpan. It is also considered auspicious to donate in charity through a Brahmin.

What is shraddha and how is it performed on the Sarva Pitru Amavasya ?

Shraddha is an important part of Hindu lineage.  It consists of paying homage and oblations to the three preceding generations. This is done by reciting their names as well as their Gotra . The dead are referred to Preta or ghosts. Due homage and oblations by the succeeding generations elevate them to the status of Pitri or forefathers. Due offering of food and water are made to them till these souls are not reborn in their next birth. Thus it is a repayment for all that they have done for the successors.

Lord Yama was the first to die and is considered to be the guide to the dead in Yamalok.

Why is it important to give food to the departed ancestors?

The importance of offering food to the dead souls springs from the Mahabharata.  Karna, the hero of Mahabharata. When Karna reached the Yamalok,all the charity that he had performed in the Martya on his earthly abode returned manifold to him. However, all that he received was in gold and silver as that is what he had always given in charity. Karna had never given anyone any food in charity. Desperate, Karna prayed to Yama to give him 14 days time and send him back to Martya so that he can do dan of food as well.

For a period of 14 days, Karna was sent back to Martya lok where he fed Brahmins and the poor and offered oblation with water, after a period of 14 days, when Karna reached Yamalok once again, he was met with sumptuous and delicious food. These 14 days are what is known as the Pitri Paksha and thus it is mandatory for the well being of our deceased ancestors to be offered food during the Mahalaya and pitri tarpan.

The Mahalaya or the Sarva Pitru Amavasya Shraddha

The Mahalaya is so auspicious that if the date of the deceased is not known, then also shraddha can be performed on this auspicious day, as all negativity is taken away on this day. This is the reason why the Mahalaya Amavasya or the Sarva Pitru Amavasya  is also known as the Sarvapitra Moksha Amavasya.  Also those who passed away on Purnima tithi or during full moon, their shraddha is not done on the Bhadrapada Purnima. But rather that too is performed on the Mahalaya Amavasya Shraddha. Tarpan is done at the end of the shraddha.

In West Bengal, the Mahalaya or the Sarva Pitru Amavasya marks the beginning of Navaratri. It marks the end of the Pitri paksha and the beginning of Matri Paksha or the Devi Paksha. It is believed that Ma Durga came down to Martya lok on this day and marks the countdown for the Durga Puja.

Kali Chaudas or Narak Chaturdashi is the second day of the 5 day long Diwali festival which is observed on the chaturthi of the Krishna paksha of the month of Ashwain, according to traditional Hindu calendar.

As per the Gregorian calendar this festival is observed in the month of October November.  This is the day when Krishna, Satyabhama and Kali are said to have defeated and killed the demon Narakasura.

This festival is also known in the names of Narak Puja or Bhut Chaturdashi It is also known as Chhoti Diwali, as it is observed on a day before Diwali. In 2019, this festival will be observed on the 27^th of October.

 

• Legend of Kali Chaudas or Narak Chaturdashi

Once the demon king of Pragjyotishpur, a state which lay in the south of Nepal, wreaked havoc and snatched away the earring of Aditi, the mother Goddess and also imprisoned 16 thousand divine daughter, that is daughters of the God’ and other sages. He not only imprisoned them, but alos kept them in his harem.

The Narakashur however had a boon and a curse. The Boon was that no man will be able to defeat him and curse that he will die in the hands of a woman. Thus when Satyabhama came to know of this heinous act, she got furious and her blood boiled. Satyabhama sought permission from Lord Krishna to give her the power and the blessings that she may destroy the monstrous Narakasur. Lord Krishna not only empowered Satyabhama, but also became her charioteer in the battlefield. Thus with the blessings of Lord Krishna, Satyabhama beheaded Narakasura on the battlefield and freed the 16 thousand daughter of the gods and also the sages from Narakasur’s prison and harem. He also recovered the earrings of Mother Goddess Aditi that Narakasura had stolen.

To commemorate and celebrate the demolition and destruction of the Narakasur, Lord Krishna took his blood and smeared on his forehead, and returned home along with his wives early in the morning. His wives then put scented oil on his body and washed him with great scrubbing and care to wash away the filth of the battle. From then onwards, there is a custom of having a cleansing bath on the morning of this observance.

It is believed that the mother of Narakasura, Bhoodevi had opined that the death of her monstrous son should not be a day of mourning rather one of celebration. Thus since that day, this day has come to be celebrated with joyousness and gaiety.

It is also a day which is closely associated with ma Kali, the Goddess who destroys all evils, and is one of the Dasa Mahavidyas. Kali Chaudas is the day dedicated to the worship of Ma Kali, who killed the demon called Raktabeej. Devotees on this day prepare poha or semi cooked rice and offer to the goddess on this day. It Is auspicious to apply kajal or kohl on this day as it is believed to ward off evil.

Another auspicious legend associated with this day is the hanuman Jayanti. It is believed that on this day, Hanuman reached Ayodhya with the good news of Lord Rama’s return. Hanuman is worshipped with vermillion, sandalwood, flowers and oil on this day. Coconut, sesame seeds, rice ghee etc are offered as Prasad or offerings to Hanuman.

 

• Placating the Lord of Death

The Lord of Death is also worshipped on the day of Kali Chaudas or Narak Chaturdashi. He is worshipped so that we may get respite from the fear of untimely death. According to a story, long ago a king called Rantideva was about to die, and though he was a just and decent king Yama was taking his soul to Naraka or hell. The king asked of Yama as to why was he dragged to Hell when he had not done any wrong act. Yama told him that once the King had let a Brahmin come back hungry from his door. Hearing this, the King sought and begged for one more year as he wanted to rectify this wrong committed by him. Thus Yama granted Ranti Deva him his life back.

The sages and learned men asked Ranti Deva to keep strict fast on the Chaturdashi of the Kartik Krishna Paksha, feed Brahmins and priests and seek their blessings and admit his mistakes. Thus this is how Ranti Deva got relieved from his sins. Thus this day is observed for not going to the Naraka or Hell after death. The devotee should light a four-mouthed lamp, along with sixteen small lamps and worship God. Kheer, which is a kind of sweet prepared with milk and rice along with flowers, jiggery, abir colors etc should be used to worship the God. Lamps should be placed in different corners of the house.

 

• Roop Chaudas

This day is also known as Roop Chaudas and Lord Krishna is worshipped on this day to get fabulous good looks like him. Long ago there was a man called Yogiraj in Hirnagarbha. He made severe penance to please the Gods; however he got blisters, bug bite, lices in hair from the penance but no blessings from God. Narada advised him then to follow the correct route to penance. Narada advised him to observe fast on the Chaturthi of the Kartik Krishna Paksha. Yogiraj did the same and got his handsome glowing look back and since then this day has also come to be known as Roop Chaudas.

 

• Celebrations of Kali Chaudas or Narak Chaturdashi

The men on this auspicious day wake up early and apply perfumed oil onbody and then have a cleansing bath. Clean clothes are then worn and meals are had together along with family members. In the evening lamps are lit and fire crackers burst.

In Goa paper lanterns made out like the Narakasura and filled with grass and fire crackers are prepared. These are set afire at around 4 am in the morning and then people have bath, do aarti of the Gods, exchange gifts. A very bitter berry called kareet is crushed with foot symbolizing the death of Narakasura, or the evil by the good.

In lot of places in South India Deepavali is celebrated on this day. Lamps are lit and Lakshmi puja is done. People observe the Nombu and do Lakshmi Puja on this day. However, this day signifies a renewal and indicates the importance of starting afresh.

Govatsa Dwadashi is the worship of the divine cow Nandini and her calves. It is basically worshipping the cows and underlining the importance of this useful animal in our society.

It is also known as Nandini Vrat. The Govatsa Dwadashi is observed on the dwadashi of the Krishna Paksha of the month of Ashwin or Kartick according to traditional Hindu calendar.

As per the Gregorian calendar the Govatsa Dwadashi is observed in the month of October November during the waning phase of the moon. In 2019, the Govatsa Dwadashi will be observed on 25th October.

 

Legend behind Govatsa Dwadashi

• It is believed that from the samudra manthan, or the churning of the ocean that was done to find the Amrita or the divine nectar.

 

• In the process, five wish fulfilling cows had emerged. They were known as Kamdhenus.

 

• Among these five wish fulfilling cows there was one cow called Nanda or Nandini.

 

• Till date this Kamdhenu is worshipped for all the fulfillment of one’s wishes.

 

• It is also known that Lord Krishna was extremely attached to cows and used to play with them in his childhood. Thus worshipping the cows also pleases Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva.

 

• There is also a story of a king called Utanpad, who was the one who started the observance of this vrat formally on earth.

 

• They were a childless couple and his wife had observed this Govatsa Dwadashi vrat or ritual and was blessed with a beautiful son.

 

Rituals of the Govatsa Dwadashi

• The devotee observing the vrat needs to have an early cleansing bath. If cows are not found, then clay idols of cows and their calves are decorated beautifully.
• The cow is then adorned with clothes or dupattas and also with garlands and flowers.
• Rituals like Padya, arghya etc are also done.
• Sandalwood, vermillion and turmeric paste is now applied on her.
• The cow is now worshipped with lamp, incense, flowers, water, rice and copper.
• After the cow, the calved too are worshipped.
• The devotee should offer a garland of Tulasi leaves and flowers and offer it to the cows.
• After this the devotee should offer urad dal to the cows.
• Listen to the stories of the Govatsa and fast for the entire day.
• This observance should be done on the pradosh vyapini tithi
• Meal should be taken only once during the day
• In certain regions any cow related products are not consumed on this day , such as cow milk, ghee and curd.
• Again in certain regions, drinking cow milk is mandated on this day. And the fasting person only consumes wheat and milk product.

 

Significance of the Govatsa Dwadashi

Cows are extremely useful animals. They are sattva-predominant and nourish human beings with their milk. The Panchagavya, or the mixture of five elemental substances are important for any kind of religious performances and purification. This contains cow urine. It is also believed that the observance of this vrat or ritual endears the devotees to Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva, and they are blessed with all kinds of worldly pleasures and materials in life.

Atla Tadde is one of the most famous festivals observed by married women in Andhra Pradesh. It is a festival where the married women seek the blessings from the Goddess Gauri for a long, prosperous and happy married life.

It is observed on the tritiya of the shukla paksha of the month of Aswiyuja according to the traditional Tamil calendar.

As per the Gregorian calendar, this is observed on the month of September October during the waxing phase of moon and on the third night after a full moon night.

This is actually the Tamil equivalent of the much celebrated North Indian festival of Karva Chauth. In 2019 the Atla Tadde will be celebrated on the 16^th of October, Wednesday.

 

Legend of Atla Tadde

It is believed that it was Goddess Gauri herself who had suggested that all young unmarried girls practice this ritual to get good husbands. Long ago a princess kept a fast of Atla Tadde to get a good husband. But unfortunately she was unwell and fainted out of thirst and hunger. Concerned, her brothers showed her a mirror with the reflection of a ball of fire which looked like a full moon.

Years later, there was not a single good groom to be found for the lovely princess. the brothers decided to get her married off to an old man. Dejected the princes ran away to the forest and started crying sitting under a banyan tree. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati emerged when they heard her crying. They explained that since she had not completed her Atla Tadde , this was what had befallen. Hearing this, the Princess went back to her palace and followed all the rituals associated with the Atla Tadde. Very soon she got married to an excellent young prince of her own choice.

 

Rituals of Atla Tadde

The following are the rituals observed on the day of the Atla Tadde

• This festival is celebrated by all women, married and unmarried women along with young  girl children
• The women and the young girls awaken in the early morning  before sunrise and rice which have been cooked the night before which is called suddi with curd or perugu  and a gongura chutney
• On the eve of this auspicious day of Atla Tadde they apply Gorintaku or mehendi in their hand.
• The married women wear traditional sarees and jewelries and other don other sihns of marriage
• The unmarried girls and the young girls play on the streets singing traditional Atla Tadde songs.
• Women swing on the uyyala or the make shift swings
• At night, women see the full moon in water bodies like a pond or a lake
• After the sighting of the moon, they worship Goddess Gauri by offering ten dosas to her
• Paltalikelu or a special kind of sweet is made from jaggery, milk and rice flour
• Sambar with eleven kind of vegetables and gonghura pachadi are delicacies prepared on this day
• A thoranam and ten dosas are distributed among other married women as well.
• Toranam for hand is prepared with 5 nots toranam for Undralla tadde and 11 nots toranam for atla tadde
• To worship the Goddess Gauri, a Kalisam is prepared on the rice grains. The other necessary elements of this are – mango leaves, turmeric, coins, flowers and Kumkum.
• Women after worshipping Goddess Gauri break off their fasts by having small atlu or miniature dosas.
• Some also have the tradition of preparing atlu and giving it as prasads after dedicating it to god amongst relatives. The ceremony has 11 ladies who had taken vayanam and if there is your mennatta or the aunt from one’s mother’s side, then the ritual will keep continuing. The devotee will need to give 11 atlu with deepam prepared with ghee and rice flour to all the 11 females. The deepam will be lit in front of the Goddess and this will be done holding the saree pallu of the devotee.
• Read  Gauri ashtotram