Year: 2016

Ekadashi means the 11^th day of every lunar fortnight. Ekadashis are considered to be extremely auspicious for the Hindus.

Amongst the 24 ekadashis in a year, Certain Ekadashis are considered more auspicious and powerful than the others. The Guruvayur Ekadashi is considered to be of great significance in the in Guruvayur, Kerala.

The Guruvayur Ekadashi is the Vrischika ekadashi observed in the shukla paksha falling on the Mandala season. This is known as Mokshada Ekadashi or Probodhini Ekadashi in other parts of the country.

This is observed in the famous temple of Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayupooram in Kerala, which is the abode of the great Guruvayurappan. In 2019, the Guruvayur Ekadashi will be observed on the 8^th of December, Sunday.

 

Legend of Guruvayur Ekadashi

The Guruvayur idol found in the temple is unique in nature as it is carved out of the Paathalanjana rocks, which in themselves are considered to be auspicious. It is believed that this same idol was at a point of time worshipped by Lord Vishnu in his abode Vaikuntha. From Vishnu, this went on to Brahma, Kasyapa , Suthapas, Vasudeva and to Sri Krishna. Then at the time of Krishna leaving the earth and ascending to Vaikuntha, his disciple Uddhava was saddened. Krishna gave him this idol and told him, that he along with Brahaspati or the Guru of the Devas, should find a sacred spot to establish this extremely holy idol.

A huge deluge had by this time almost demolished Dwarka, and the Kali Kal was setting in. guru somehow saved the idol and along with his most devoted disciple Vayu, started out in the world to look for a suitable place. They met Parasurama in Kerala, who himself was worried about the Kali Kal and people in Kerala suffering from several ailments. He was happy to see them as he remembered that earlier Narada had advised him to establish an idol of Krishna and worship it to bring relief to the people of Kerala. Thus, he took Guru and Vayu to a beautiful spot with a serene lotus pond, which was graced at times by Shiva and Parvati.

Shiva welcomed them and said this should be where they establish the idol as it was the same spot where he himself had imparted the Rudrageetham to the Prechethas. Thus the idol was installed there. Lord Shiva and Parvati moved to the other side of the beautiful lake, in Mammiyur. Shiva blessed thm and said hence forth the place will be known as Guruvayur anmd that devotees will be blessed if they worship in Mammiyur and here.

In another legend, when Vishnu visited Yamalaya, he heard the cries of the inhabitants who had sinned and were thus in Yamalaya. He uttered the word Ekadashi, and such powerful word it was, that it immediately took away their pains and absolved them of all their sins. The observance of Ekadashi is said to have a purifying effect and absolves people of their past sins. It is also believed that a lifetime of sin is absolved of the devotees who watch the Ekadasi Vilakku or the ekadasi lights of Guruvayur. According to legends, Indra on this day comes with his Kamdhenu and gives away all material boons as blessings to his devotees.

 

Rituals of the Guruvayur Ekadashi

On ekadashi day, devotees observe a fast. Ekadashi was the glorious form who had emanated from the sleeping Lord Vishnu to fight the demonic Mura. Lord Vishnu had thus blessed her saying those who fasted on Ekadashi will be absolved of all their sins. Some people take a single meal on the day before, which is Dashami. After the puja, fasting on ekadashi starts and is broken only on Dwadashi or the next day. Partial fasting can also be observed and the food which can be have is milk products, fresh or dry fruits, nuts and vegetables. On dwadasi day it is customary to offer Dwadasi Panam in Koothambalam for the family’s welfare.

 

Appearance of Lord Guruvayurappan

The idol is in the traditional form of Lord Vishnu. It has four hands carrying sankha or the conch shell, Gadha or the club, chakra or the wheel and padma or the lotus. His lower right hand holding the conch represents creative tendencies. His upper right hand holding the Sudarshan chakra symbolizes the cohesive tendencies, the control of all six seasons and the weapon to demolish the evil. The upper left hand holding the lotus signifies a tendency for dispersion and liberation. The lotus is the symbol of purity. The lower left hand holds the Gadha or the club or mace, the representative of primeval knowledge. It is called the Koumodoki.

 

Celebration of Guruvayur Jayanti

The Guruvayur temple is considered to be the Vaikuntha in bhulok or earth. Thus the celebration of the Guruvayur Ekadashi is phenomenal in this temple. Lamps or vailakku are a part of this ekadashi celebration. The temple remains open throughout the dashami and ekadashi of the shukla paksha, only closing at 9 on the Dwadashi day. Lord Guruvayurappan has the largest fleet of elephants and on this auspicious day there is an elephant parade. Also the memorial for Gajarajan Kesavan is decorated. Gajarajan Kesavan was the most famous elephant and had died on the ekadashi day. Thus his statue is garlanded on this day.

Mokshada Ekadashi is an auspicious day for the Hindus which is observed on the ekadashi  of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha or Agrahayana, which coincides with the month of November December according to the Gregorian calendar.

This ekadashi is celebrated on the same day as Gita Jayanti. The importance and auspiciousness of this Ekadashi was narrated to Yudhistira by Sri Krishna and a mention of it is found in the Brahmanda Purana.

Hindus particularly the Vaishnava sects follow a strict fasting on this day, in the honor of Lord Krishna or Vishnu. In 2019, the Mokshada Ekadashi will be observed on the December 8^th, Sunday.

 

Legend of Mokshada Ekadashi

The legend of Mokshada Ekadashi is told to the Pandava Kind Yudhisthira by Lord Krishna. Long ago there was a king called Vaikhanasa , who was the ruler of Champaknagar. He was a benevolent ruler and treated his Vaishnavite subjects with extreme compassion. One night, the King dreamt that his father was in hell and was being tortured by the Lord of Death, Yama. Anguished, the King approached Parvata Muni to enlighten him as to why his father could be tortured. The sage sat in meditation and saw that the King had committed the crime of quarreling with his wife and then forcibly having intercourse with her while she was menstruating. The sage suggested that as a mean of rectification, the King should observe the Mokshada Ekadashi. Thus on Mokshada Ekadashi, the King along with his whole family of wife, children and relatives observed the Mokshada Ekadashi. The King’s efforts paid off and his father was relieved from the tortuous hell and taken to Heaven. Thus Mokshada Ekadashi is a vrat which elevates someone the status of salvation or helps to get one.

 

Rituals of Mokshada Ekadashi

Devotees should take a ritual bath and observe fats on this auspicious day. Those who cannot observe the fast completely, should have vegetarian food, like fruits, milk, vegetables and nuts. Rice, garlic, beans, pulses and onions are strictly prohibited on this day. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu and Krishna on this day to gain blessings from them and also salvation post death. Temples make special doors to enter on this day for devotees to pass through, signifying the door to Lord Vishnu’s abode.

Mokshada Ekadashi is said to destroy sin, grants heaven and is said to grant the passage to Vaikuntha to the devotees.

The Bhagavad Gita is considered to be the most sacred and important Hindu scripture. The Bhagavad Gita is of immense importance as a philosophical, political, psychological and spiritual discourse in Hindu religion.

It is believed that the Bhagavad Gita was revealed to Arjuna by Bhagwan Sri Krishna, when Arjuna was suffering from depression and wanted to give up the war.

The entire conversation and the rendering were related by Sanjaya, who was blessed to relay everything to the blind King Dhritarashtra. Thus Gita Jayanti marks the anniversary of the day when the Bhagavad Gita was recited by Lord Krishna in the Kurukshetra.

It falls on the shukla paksha ekadashi in the month of Margashirsha as per the traditional Hindu calendar. According to the Gregorian calendar Gita Jayanti is observed in the month of November December during the waxing phase of the moon.

 

• Legend behind Gita Jayanti

As mentioned earlier, the great discourse of the Bhagwad Gita took place inKurukshetra, just before the great battle between the Pandavas and the Kshatriyas was about to start. It was the situation where war was inevitable, after numerous efforts at reconciliation from the end of the Pandavas and all the other well wishers had failed. War had meant choosing sides. Thus just before the Great War was about to begin, Arjuna asked Lord Krishna, who was driving his chariot to take the chariot through the center of the battlefield. Lord Krishna had volunteered out of love for his closest friend and compassion too for Arjuna  to drive his chariot. While driving by, Arjun saw Bheesma at the Kaurava side. Bheesma was their grandfather who had raised the fatherless Pandavas with extreme affection since childhood. Then Arjun saw Dronacharya, who was their tutor and mentor in the subject of warfare.  It was under his tutelage that Arjun had become one of the greatect archers. Arjun began to feel weak seeing all these loved and respected ones in the opponent team with whom not only he would have had to fight, but may be would have to kill too.  He confessed to Krishna about his change of heart about the urge to give up this warfare. Lord Krishna then told Arjuna certain things. The things or the enlightenment that he provided is what is called the BHagwad Gita. Perhaps one of the most pertinent enlightenment that he said was –

Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana,
Ma Karmaphalaheturbhurma Te Sangostvakarmani,

Which means –

You can only have the right to work, but never to its fruits. Don’t let the fruit of action be your motive, and attachment be to inaction. Thus, it was Lord Krishna who expounded the concept of karma and dharma and the innate truth of life.

 

• Celebration of Gita Jayanti

 

• Gita Jayanti is celebrated all over the world by the devotees of Lord Krishna, as they consider Bhagwad Gita as their divine mother, as it teaches us to re-establish our relationship with the God- Almighty, who is considered to be our Divine Father. Devootees generally keep a fast on this day as it happens to be ekadashi too. All the 700 verses of the Gita is chanted throughout the day. Various discourses on the philosophy and spirituality of the Gita is held on this day and  bhajans and pujas are held too to commemorate this auspicious occasion. Temples specially dedicated to Lord Krishna and Vishnu hold special pujas on this day.
• In Kurukshetra, where the Gita came into being, special pujas are held and eminent academicians speak on various aspect of the Gita on this day. Devotees from all over the world come to have a dip in the sacred ponds of Sannihit Sarovar and Brahm Sarovar in Kurukshetra. A fair lasting for a week is also organized. This fair is known as the Gita Jayanti Samaroh.
• All over the world in the temples of Iskcon, Gita Jayanti is celebrated by mass recital of the Bhagwad Gita.
• In countries such as Malaysia and Singapore too, Gita Jayanti is celebrated with devotion.
• Bhagwad Gita is not only a scripture, but an essential guideline of life, of communication of doing business. Thus it is of extreme importance and relevance till today as it throws light on various issues and teaches humanity to approach their issues differently.

Champa Shashthi is a prominent ritual observed particularly in Maharshtra. It is celebrated on the shashthi of shukla paksha in the Margasheersh month as per traditional Hindu calendar.

As per the Gregorian calendar, it is celebrated in the month of November December. If this auspicious day further combines with Shatabhisha Nakshatra and Vaidhriti Yoga and falls either on a Sunday or a Tuesday, then it is considered to be supremely auspicious.

In 2019, the Champa Shashthi will be observed on the 2^th of December.

 

Legend of Champa Shashthi

Long ago there were 2 demons called Mani and Malla. They had gained supreme power by rigid penance. With this supreme power they were terrorizing other kings, sages, persecuted the sages and threatened to overturn King Indra. They had gathered huge number of other demons and were aspiring to establish a Devil’s Kingdom in the three lokas. Manichurna Mountain, which was the abode of saints was taken over by the demons. Religion was thus about to be completely destroyed and all the sages and men of religion overpowered. All the Gods and sages went to Vishnu to seek a solution, but Lord Vishnu knew that only Lord Shiva could do it. So he took the holy men and the Gods to Lord Shiva in the Kailasa Mountain.

Lord Shiva upon hearing the tale, from his own hair created female demon called Ghritakumari and said that she will be of invaluable help. Shankar then himself took the form of Bhairav, who is the formidable and Parvati became Shakti or Mhalsa, a combination of Mohini and Parvati. Ganpati led the army in this battle. The moon became a white horse on which Shiva rode, he held in his hand the Damaru or the drum which is shaped like an hour glass; and  the Kahnra which is a two edged sword.

On the day of Pratipada, Mani came to battle with an army of demons. The battle went on and on for 6 long days, finally Mani fell unconscious. He prayed to Lord Shiva to save him and asked for his forgiveness.  Shiva forgave him and asked him to pray for a boon. Mani wished that he could be always near Shiva and then died. The Gods sought a peaceful understanding with the brother  of Mani called Malla. But he too fought a long battle and finally was vanquished. Malla too asked Shiva for moksha or liberation, which Shiva granted him. But after his death the five sons of Malla called Devgandharva, Kumbh, Suchil, Mahabahu and Lohargala came to battle. They too were defeated. The day the battle ended is known as the Champa Shashthi.

 

Celebration of Champa Shashthi

It is believed that after the prolonged battle Lord Shiva decided to stay on in the place in the form of Swayambhu.  In Pembar a jatra or a cultural program is held in memory of this great fight,,which continues up to the new moon day. The temple of Khandoba at Jejuri in Pune is dedicated to the memory of this battle. Khandoba is the family deity of numerous families in Maharashtra and is said to had two wives- Mhalsa and Banai. Devotees who serve Khandoba are known as “Vaghya”. These devotees always carry a leather bag, which is tied to their waist. In this bag they keep bhandar or halad which is turmeric. This is given out as the angara or the holy ash of Khandoba. Because of his wife Mhalsa, Khandoba is also known as Mhalsakant. Other names are Malhari Martand, Khanderaya or Martanda Bhairava.

Dwadashi s are the 12^th day of every lunar month, be that bright or shukla paksha or dark or Krishna paksha of every month according to traditional Hindu astrological calendar.

Dawadashi s of all the month are said to be important for the worshipping of the  sacred Tulasi tree.

Sri Ramalakshmana Dwadashi is an extremely auspicious vrat or observance which is celebrated on the dwadashi day. The Ramalakshmana Dwadashi falls on the month of Jyestha, on the Dwadashi of Shukla paksha, the day after the very effective Nirjala Ekadashi; according to traditional Hindu calendar.

According to Gregorian calendar, this vrat is observed in the month of June, on the waxing phase or the bright phase of the moon. In 2019, the Ramalakshmana Dwadashi is going to be observed on the 14^th of June, Friday.

 

Legend of Ramalakshmana Dwadashi

It is believed that in the times of Treta yuga, the ruler of Ayodhya, King Dasaratha observed the Ramalakshmana Dwadashi to pray for a son. King Dasaratha’s prayers were answered as Lord Rama was born to him in the next year on the auspicious day of the Chaitra Masa Navami, which according to Gregorian calendar falls in the month of April or May.

On this day, some devotees keep a stringent fast to pray for a son and to attain moksha or salvation. Sri Rama puja is carried out on this day with Shodasopachara. Devotees visit the nearby Vishnu temples to take part in the puja proceedings.

Ramalakshmana Dwadashi is also observed as Champaka Dwadashi in some parts of the country, as Odisha. It is an important festival, which is celebrated in the Jagannath Temple of Puri. It is an auspicious day and an important festival for the Utkala Brahmins and is celebrated as such with special puja and bhogs dedicated to Lord Jagannath.

“Kall pereh punya letna, uper gemsi ghass!”

 This is a ‘doha’ (lyric) from Kabir, which essentially brings out the absolute simplest truth of life, that is- tomorrow you will be lying under feet, grass will grow on top.

This essentially symbolizes that life is very temporal; one may not be there tomorrow. Kabir Jayanti is a celebration of the birth anniversary of the poet, philosopher and thinker Kabir.

He was one of the greatest spiritual, mystical and religious poets that India has ever produced. He was born in the year 1440 and passed away in the year 1518, but still remembered and revered by thousands.

He was born on the purnima or full moon in the Jyestha month according to traditional Hindu calendar and according to Gregorian calendar, in the month of May June. In 2019, Kabir Jayanti will be celebrated on the 17^th of June, Monday. This will be approximately the 639^th Birth Anniversary of kabir, who was known as the Sab Sanatan sartaj.

Who was Kabir?

There has been no trace found of Kabirdas’s biological parents. Some say he was born to a Hindu mother, but there is no proof of that. He was found in a place called Lehartara, which is a small town in Varanasi, by the Ganges; by a Muslim couple called Neeru and his wife Neema, who were by profession weavers. The couple took the deserted baby home and named him Kabir, which means The Great One. As he grew up, his life changed course as he met the Hindu mystic Guru Ramananda, who coined the name Kabir Das. It is absolutely difficult to categorize and specify him as Brahmin, Muslim or Vaishnavite as he himself said that he was the son of Allah as well as of Ram. He was the only person, who truly transcended all the religions and preached only humanity. Being a weaver, he wove not only clothes but beautiful mystical and lyrical poetry which has remained timeless and classics. He was the pioneer who influenced the Bhakti Movement and preached praying to the Nirguna Bhagawan.

What is Kabir Panth?

The spiritual path propounded by Kabir is known as Kabir Panth. It is a religious community which is mostly found in the north and central India. They only follow the path of debotion or Bhakti movement.

Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, collected Kabir’s work and compiled them all in the Sikh Holy scripture called Guru Granth sahib.

Kabir’s poetry

Kabir’s mystical two-liners are the most famous and is till date quoted and loved as Kabir Ka Dohe.  These Dohe are rhythmic, and teaches precious philosophies of life. Through an absolute style they depicted the deepest truths of life. His poetic works include Bijak, Sakhi Granth, Kabir Granthawali and Anurag Sagar. Despite being illiterate Kabir wrote in Hindi mixed with Brajbuli, Awadhi and Bhojpuri. He was many a times challenged by numerous people, but Kabir always remained calm, and the detractors used to come back to him as his disciples later on.

Legends of Kabir Das

Kabir breathed his last in a place called Maghar, which is close to Gorakhpur in 1518. The Hindus and Muslims both wanted to have the rights to carry out his last rites. It was a miracle when Kabir sat up and asked them to lift his body. When his followers lifted his body they saw a whole lot of beautiful flowers. The muslims took the flowers to Maghar and the Hindus took the flowers to Varanasi. The Hindus built a Samadhi Mandir of Sant Kabir and the Muslims built a Sant Kabir’s Mazaar, which are side by side, of each other, and where on the Kabir Jayanti, people of all religions come and pay homage.

Kabir Jayanti Celebration

Kabir is till now deeply revered because of his humanitarian philosophies, and thus his birthday celebrations are held in various parts of the country.  At Varanasi, the celebrations are held at Kabirchaura Mutt.  Various satsangs or other events are organized where the life lessons taught by Kabir are discussed at great details. Various cultural events are organized where dohas and others poems by Kabir are recited and discourses held on the philosophy of Kabir.

Philosophy of Kabir

Kabir was the first Indian poet who amalgamated both the Hindu and Muslim elements in his philosophy and preached also as such with the help of his dohas and poetic works. He firmly believed that everyone is connected to the Jivatma and the Paramatma, and Nirvana or attaining moksha was the amalgamation of these two. His poetry in simple lucid language only spoke about humanity and showed a clear leaning towards the Bhakti and the Sufi ideas.

Ekadashis are the eleventh day of the shukla paksha or the bright phase of the moon or Krishna Paksha or the dark phase of the moon, occurring in every month according to the Hindu astrological calendar.

Amongst these Ekadashis, the most potent is Nirjala Ekadashi which is observed in the month of Ashad during shukla paksha.

Yogini Ekadashi, which is also not as Ashadhi Ekadashi, as it falls in the month of Ashad ; is not as potent as Nirjala Ekadashi in terms of fasting rules, but equally important.

 

• Time frame of Yogini Ekadashi

 

Yogini Ekadashi falls during the 11^th dsay of the waning phase of the moon in the month of Ashada according to traditional Hindu calendar. As per the Gregorian calendar, this occurs during the month of June or July. The importance of this Ekadashi was explained in great detail to Yudhisthira by Sri Krishna. This Ekadashi helps one in redeeming their sins and also getting rid of all ailments. In 2016 the Yogini Ekadashi or Hari Vasara falls on the 30^th of June, Thursday.

 

• Importance of Yogini Ekadashi

 

The importance of Yogini Ekadashi and its significance was recounted to Yudhisthira, the eldest Pandava was Lord Sri Krishna. It is one of the most significant ekadashis to be observed in all the three lokas.  As per Hindu traditional beliefs, Yogini Ekadashi is the most important and significant of all the Ekadashis in terms of getting rid of all ailments and leading a healthy and prosperous life. Observance of this vrat or ritual is said to lead a devotee to the path of attaining moksha or salvation.  Observance of the Yogini Ekadashi is said to be equivalent to the feeding of 88 thousand of Brahminsand is considered to be an extremely auspicious and a pious day.

 

• Legend of the Yogini Ekadashi

 

Lord Sri Krishna recounted the legend of Yogini Ekadashi. Long ago, the King of Alakapuri, and the royal treasurer Kuber was an ardent Shiva devotee.  He had a personal gardener called Hema Mali to provide him with the choicest of flowers. Hema mali would get these beautiful flowers from the Manas Sarovar lakes for Kuber, with which he would do the Shiva Puja.

 

Hema Mali had an angelically beautiful wife called Swarupavatii, who had large, enchanting and beautiful eyes.

 

One day after plucking the flowers, Hema Mali went to his wife Swarupavatii, instead of taking the flowers to Kuber. Kuber had already started his puja when he realized that an important item of the Upachara, or ingredients was missing. Kuber sent a Yaksha messenger to find out what was keeping Hema Mali. The Yaksha messenger returned with the news that Hema Mali was busy in spending time with his wife in various activities and had thus omitted his responsibilities.  When Hema Mali approached his master in trepidation, the extremely angry Kuber punished him. His punishment was that he will be afflicted with the terrible white leprosy, will be separated from his beloved wife and also will be banished from the heaven.

 

With this curse, Hema Mali fell from grace from the Alakapuri and found himself in a deep dark forest with no food and no amenities.  He continued to weather this through all the seasons, but because he was a Lord Shiva devotee himself, he never forgot about his past life and pined to be reunited with his wife.

 

One day after wandering through various places, he came across the great Rishi Markendeya upon the mountain ranges of the Himalayas. Mankendeya seeing the agony of the poor leper enquired after his past sins, which had reduced him to the state of a leper. Hema Mali recounted his shameful deed and also pleaded to the great sage to suggest him a way out of this inauspicious and cruel curse that had sent him away and made him fall from grace. Markendeya, taking pity on him then replied that he indeed will tell him a way out of this terrible curse.  He told Hema Mali to keep a fast on the eleventh day of the month of Ashada to free himself of the terrible affliction of leprosy. Hema Mali wept at his feet for giving him a new lease of life and kept the fast. By diligently observing the fast, Hema Mali became the handsome Yaksha once again and was reunited with his wife in Alakapuri.

 

• Rituals of the Yogini Ekadashi Vrat

 

The rituals of Yogini Ekadashi vrat are not extremely complicated. The devotee should keep a fast from the night of the Dashami till the morning of the Dwadashi, which is the next day. The devotee should awake early and have a ritual cleansing bath with a paste of til, which is sesame or neem, following which a peepal tree should be worshipped.  A puja in the evening should be done with incense, flowers and lamp. An entire night of Jagaran or staying awake is mandatory for this Ekadashi. Vishnu Sahasrastotram and other mantras should be chanted.  Charity towards the needy or the Brahmins is prescribed.

 

• Benefits of Yogini Ekadashi

 

• This vrat is one of the best means of praying to Lord Vishnu for the removal of all ailments and health hazards.

 

• Observance of this vrat frees a person from all kinds of sins and past misdeeds.

 

• This ritual arouses a spiritual consciousness in the devotee.

 

• Observance of the Yogini Ekadashi increases the devotees’ devotion for Lord Vishnu.

 

• Observance of this vrat or ritual leads to fulfillment of all wishes and paves the way for attaining moksha or salvation.

 

• Observance of this Vrat is equivalent to feeding of 88 thousand of Brahmins.

Jamat Ul-Vida literally means a Friday of Fare well.  This occurs in the month of the Ramzan.  It is an extremely special day and a holy one which occurs every year before the Ramzan month comes to an end. 

According to the Islamic tradition and history, it is the last Friday or Jumma bar before the holy month of Ramzan comes to an end, and for a devout Muslim it is an extremely auspicious day.

The word Jamat Ul-Vida etymolologically comes from the words Jumma meaning gathering and wida, which means farewell. Thus it signifies the last Friday where people gather to bid the holy month of Ramzan a farewell and also seek blessing for a peaceful life and year ahead.

History of Jamat Ul-Vida

According to Islamic history, Prophet Muhammad had said that Friday is the most blessed day amongst the whole week and thus anyone who spends the Friday engaged in worshipping Allah is protected throughout the entire week. Muslims believe that an angel enters the mosque and listens to the Friday Namaaz by the Imam. Thus it is mandatory to attend the early morning namaaz of Friday and also those who attend this religiously are forgiven off all their sins by Allah.

In 2013, the Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad conducted the largest congregation. The Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen organises the Quran Day meeting in the Mecca Masjid on this auspicious day.

How is the Jamat Ul-Vida celebrated?

On this holy day the Muslims all gather and congregate. They do not congregate for their usual mid-day prayer on this day. They all recite the Quran, which is their holy book throughout the day. This congregation is attended by all Muslim men, for Muslim women it is not mandatory. An evidence of this congregation is found in the verse 9 of chapter 62.  The Jamat Ul-Vida is considered to be the second holiest day after the Eid-ul-Fitr in the month of Ramzan. It is firmly believed that those who worships Allah on a Friday, which is considered to be the holiest day of the week, receives his protection throughout the whole week. Devotees pray on this auspicious day and ask for Allah’s forgiveness for the sins they have committed.

On this holy day of Jamat Ul-Vida, people visit mosques, in their cleanest and best clothes, wearing a skullcap and pray to the almighty Allah to make the world a peaceful and nice place. They don their best clothes, only after having a cleansing bath in the morning. People on this day also pray for the departed souls for their peace in the afterlife. After they offer Namaaz on this holy day, people are said to realize their own selves better and it is also believed that on Jamat Ul-Vida prayers offered to Allah are accepted by him. On this holy day, people engage in a lot of charitable work, in the hope that these will help them in their future, as their good deeds will be rewarded.  It is also a day when all the families get together and cook a hearty meal and eat together.

All around the mosques tents are erected to Accommodate devotees coming from afar to offer their prayers on this special day. Priests encourage the devotees to run their life as per the holy Quran.

Essentially on this day people are first required to forgive those people, who had wronged them, in order for Allah to forgive them for their sins. This auspicious day exhorts people to be good and do well.

Amavas are the no moon days of the month and the darkest days of the month as well. Most devout Hindus observe a fast on this day.

An Amavasya which falls on a Monday is known as the Somvati Amavas and is considered to be extremely auspicious. Since it is a rare occurrence, it is considered to be lucky and is believed to be extremely beneficial in terms of worshipping Lord Shiva on this day.

It is also considered to be beneficial in reducing the malevolent effect of Shani and perform the Pitri Tarpan or an offering made to the departed family members. It also holds immence importance for all married women.

 

Legend of Somavati Amavasya

According to a legend, long ago there lived a money lender who had seven sons and only unmarried daughter. A holy man or a monk visited their house and used to bless the daughter-in –laws, but never the daughter. The daughter and her mother grew worried about this, but their query met with no answer from the monk. Finally they sought advice from a Pandit, who told them that the daughter was pre destined to become a widow. Worried the mother requested the Pandit to give them a solution. The pandit suggested the daughter to travel to Singhal where a washer woman lived. The daughter’s fate can only change if the washer woman agreed to apply vermillion or sindoor on the daughter’s forehead. He also suggested that observing the fast on Somvati Amavasya will alter her fate.

Thus the daughter and her youngest brother started for the island of Singhal. En-route they came across a huge ocean and wondered how to cross it. On the shore of the ocean in a tree lived a vulture family along with their babies.  One day a snake attacked the vulture babies when the other vultures had gone out to get food. The daughter of the money lender immediately jumped up to save the vulture babies and managed to drive away the snake.

The vultures were extremely grateful upon their return and as a mark of their gratitude, offered to guide the daughter to the washer woman’s house. Upon reaching there the daughter started to stay with the washer woman and serving her.

After some time the washer woman was very pleased with the daughter and applied vermillion on her forehead and sent her home. While coming back the girl also watched Somvati Amavasya being performed and she also kept a fast. She came across a peepal tree, worshipped it and revolved around it and then only broke her fast by drinking water.  In this way the bad luck was erased and she became fortunate and lived happily.

 

Rituals to be performed on Somvati Amavas

The following rituals are to be followed on the Somvati Amavasya-

• Lord Shiva is to be worshipped for peace and prosperity
• Lord Shiva is to be worshipped by married women for the benefit of their husbands
• Maintain maun, or silence
• Worship Shani to get rid of the malevolent phase of Shani
• Do a 108 Parikrama of the Peepal tree as Peepal is considered to be the Trinity.
• Take a holy bath
• Perform Pitra Tarpan
• Worship Lord Vishnu
• Donate in charity

Benefits of Somvati Amavas

Observing Somvati Amavas gives multiple benefits to devotees.  It is believed that married women who observe this for the long and healthy life of their husbands are blessed with that. The day is auspicious to perform Pitri Tarpan, as it is believed to provide immense peace to the departed ancestors. Devotees, who suffer from Pitra Dosh, must observe this vrat. Lastly observance of this is said to bring peace and prosperity to all the devotees.

Jagannath Rathyatra is the biggest Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath, which is primarily held at Puri, the temple city of Odisha.

This festival commemorates the annual visit of Lord Jagannath to the Gundicha Temple. Lord Jagannath is believed to be another form of Lord Vishnu and this journey is considered to be the Lord of the Universe’s journey.

Etymologically Jagannath means the Lord of the Universe, Jagat that is the universe and Nath means Lord. The Jagannath Rathyatra is a festival which is more than five thousand years old and where Lord Jagannath is worshipped along with his brother Lord Balbhadra and sister Subhadra.

 

When is Jagannath Rathyatra celebrated?

On the auspicious day of the Dwitiya Tithi of the shukla paksha of the Ashada month according to the traditional Hindu calendar. According to the Gregorian calendar, this falls in the month of June or July, in the waxing phase of the moon. In 2019 the Rathyatra is on July 4^th.

 

Legend behind the Rathyatra

• It is said that Lord Jagannath on the day of the Rathyatra travels to Gundicha Mata temple in honor of Queen Gundicha, the wife of the legendary king Indrayumna, who had built the Puri Jagannath temple.

 

• The Jagannath devotees clean the Gundicha temple a day before the Rathyatra, which is called the Gundicha Marjana.

 

• After resting for a period of 8 days, Lord Jagannath returns to his own abode, which is called the Bahuda Yatra or the return.
• Enroute, Lord Jagannath stops at the Mausi Maa temple dedicated to Goddess Ardhashini, where he partakes an offering of Poda Pitha, which is believed to be his favorite.

 

The Rath Yatra or the Journey of the chariots

Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra make this journey in 3 richly decorated and elevated rath or chariots. The chariots resemble elegant temple structures. This is the only time when non-Hindus, foreigners and those who are barred from entering the temple (for the temple till the present date maintains strict mandates) can catch a glimpse of the three Lords and Goddess. The road through which the chariots move is called Badadanda. The chariot traverses through 2 kms to the Gundicha Temple. The chariots are pulled by millions of devotees who congregate on these days to Puri to be a part of this auspicious occasion. It is believed that a chance to pull the chariot of Lord Jagannath brings immense blessings from the Lord. The three presiding deities of the temple Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra along with the divine wheel, the Sudarshan Chakra board these chariots.

 

The Chariots and the traditions

The three chariots are constructed every year anew. These are built from specific trees like phassi, dhausa, etc.  The carpenters start building them from the day of the Akshaya Tritiya. This day is also known as the Chandan Yatra, which marks the beginning of the harvesting season. The Chandan  Yatra lasts for 3 weeks and culminates in the Snana Yatra, where the deities of Jahgannath, Balarama or Balabhadra and Subhadra are brought out and placed in jeweled thrones.  From this day the deities are said to be in a convalescing mode and are not visible to devotees. Three special Patta Chaitras, or traditional paintings of Odisha are hung as curtains keeping the deities away from the devotees’ view.

The wood for the chariots are brought from the states of Dasapalla and an expert team of carpenters work on them following centuries of set themes and patterns. The logs once selected are set afloat in the river Mahanadi and then collected near Puri and brought to be worked upon. These chariots combined with stripes of red cloth along with black, yellow and blue colors are kept in front of the main gate of the temple, known as the Sinhadwara or the Lion’s Gate.

 

Lord Jagannath’s Rath

Lord Jagannath’s chariot is called the Nandighosa. It is also known as Garudadhwaja or Kapiladhwaja. Nandighosa is forty-five feet high and forty-five feet square. It has 16 wheels in the diameter of 7 foot each. It is covered with red and yellow clothes, as Lord Jagannath is believed to be the one and same as Lord Krishna, who is called PItambara, and loves the color yellow. The Lord in this chariot is accompanied by Madanmohan. The chariot has 4 horses which are white in color and a sarathi or a charioteer called Daruka.

 

Lord Balabhadra’s Rath

Lord Balabhadra’s chariot is called Taladhwaja or Langaladhwaja. It is called Taladhwaja, as it has Palm tree as its flag. The height of this chariot is forty four feet. This chariot is covered with red and blue colored clothes and has 14 wheels with a 7 foot diameter. Lord Balabhadra is accompanied by Ramakrishna. Lord Balabhadra’s chariot is pulled by 4 horses which are datk in color and his charioteer is called Matali.

 

Goddess Subhadra’s Rath

The rath or chariot of Goddess Subhadra is called Darpadalana, Devadalana or Padmadhwaja. The name Darpadalana, literally means one who tramples pride. This chariot is forty three feet in height and has 12 wheels with a 7 foot diameter in each. It is covered with red and black cloth as black is the color of shakri. Subhadra’s chariot is pulled by 4 red colored horses and her charioteer is called Arjuna. Devi subhadra is accompanied by Sudarshana.

All the chariots have 9 parsva devata each painted in their sides.

 

Significance of the Jagannath Rathyatra

• The Ratha Yatra is supremely important as it is believed that Lord Jagannath, who is a form of Krishna and Vishnu, came on the earth to release humanity from the bondages of their sufferings.
• His original manifestation was of Nilamadhaba and he was in that avatar worshipped as a Nyagrodha Briksha or banyan tree.
• It is believed that anyone who came in its vicinity got emancipated from the cycle of birth and re-birth.
• It is believed that the effect of the Lord of Death, Yama’s effect is also lessened in the city of Puri and thus it is called Srikshetra.
• The Katha Upanishad has drawn the comparison of the human body as the chariot and the Sarathi or the charioteer as God. It is a symbolical journey where God drives the human beings towards material existence.
• The wheels are symbols of velour.  The horses symbolize tolerance, charity, pity and self-discipline; and the reins of the horses are forgiveness.
• According to Skanda Purana, those who get to see the deities in the Gundicha Temple earn the blessings and benefits of the sacrifice of a thousand horses.
• A glimpse of Lord Jagannath in his dark colors is said to be extremely auspicious.
• The magnitude of the festival is such that devotees who get to pull the chords of the chariot are said to be conferred with penance of ages, blessings and numerous other pious deeds.

 

Rath Yatras at other places

The Rath Yatra festival has gained worldwide popularity since 1968 through the Hare Krsihna movement of the ISKCON. The Rath Yatra festival happens with lot of devotion and colorful fanfare in cities like London, Budapest, Melbourne, New York, Toronto, Singapore, amongst many other places.  Closer home, apart from Puri various other places in India also have Rath Yatra festival with lot of devotion.