Category: Holidays Around The World

Ramanuja was one of the most important and influential philosopher and perhaps the most noted amongst the exponents of Sri Vaishnavism tradition and sect amongst Hinduism.

Ramanuja Jayanti celebrates the birth anniversary of this exponentially knowledgeable philosopher. In 2019 Ramanuja’s birthday will be celebrated on the 9th of May as per Gregorian calendar or the dwadashi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Vaishakha. Ramanuja is also known as Ilea Perusal, which means the glowing one.

 

Who is Ramanuja?

Ramanuja , as mentioned earlier is amongst the most noted Hindu theologians, who was born to mother Kantimath and father Kesava Somayaji in a village new Chennai in about 1077 CE. Ramanuja studied in a Advaita Vedanta monastery, where his Guru was Yadava Prakasa. However, they kept disagrreing on the varied interpretation of the Upanishad and on that note they separated. There are lots of contradictory evidences as to what happened at this stage of life. Some says that he was named the head of the Sri Vaishnava sect headed by a then-dead Yamunacharya. Some says he renounced marital life and became a Hindu monk.

However, he began to worship and became the priest of Varadaraja Srirangam temple at Kanchipuram, which was a Vishnu temple. While here, he started propagating the theory that Nirvana or Moksha, which is the ultimate redemption and release from this material familial life is not a physical thing, it is to be achieved by the personal God and what he called saguna Vishnu.

His intellectual and theological works namely Vedartha Samgraha, Shri Bhasya and Bhagavad Gita Bhasya proves his deep intellect and his distinct thought process. He was the one person who propagated that every devotee, if worshipped by their deep devotion can attain moksha and reach the highest rung of devotion by their own means.the three main volumes as mentioned earlier are Vedartha Samgraha  which is a commentary on the Vedas, Sri Bhasya  which is a commentary on the Brahmasutras and the Bhagavad Gita Bhasya; which is, as the name suggests is a discourse on Bhagwad Gita. His total volume of works of 9 books is known as Navarathnas, or the nine gems.

 

What he taught about?

The core of his teaching was all about equality. He preached and spoke about attaining the ultimate spiritual bliss by following and worshipping what you think well. He spoke at length about personal God which he called Saguna Vishnu, or Lord Vishnu by yourself. His philosophy was that of everyman and in all walks of life. his philosophy is referred to as the Vishista Advaita as it combined the  singularity of God with all its other attributes He was an avid lover of mankind and his life as such was devoted to the love of mankind and showing them a path to reach God by not following the typically empirical laid down rules. His philosophy was known as Vishishtadvaita in accordance to the Hindu tradition. He emphasized that no religious script should be read and interpreted in isolation; rather it should always be considered as an integrated corpus. It was these advanced thoughts which had earned him the eulogies as being probably the solo most influential thinker and interpreter of Hinduism. He travelled through entire India in trying to propagate his theories.

 

How is Ramanuja Jayanti celebrated?

Because Ramanuja’s theory probably holds true at this modern age more than ever, his birth anniversary is celebrated with suitable relevance and reverence. From Northern to Southern India, devotees make special arrangements to celebrate this day. Various discourses on Ramanuja’s teachings and life are held on this day. The statues of Shri Ramanuja Acharya or the Utsava Murthy are given a traditional holy bath. Recitals of Upanishads are also considered to be auspicious and are organized in almost all the temples celebrating this occasion. The Ramanujacharya Jayanti is celebrated in the Srirangam Sri Ranganatha Swami Temple every year and also in all other Vaishnava Maths or monasteries.

The rituals that are generally followed are – fasting on the day, worshipping Lord Vishnu, feeding the Brahmans and recitation of the Upanishads.

Goddess Matangi is the ninth of the Dasa Mahavidyas. Matangi Jayanti celebrates the appearance of Devi Matangi on the earth.

She is the provider of all occult powers and one who blesses her devotees with a win over their enemies and makes them excel in all kinds of cultural activities, like dancing, music, poetry and fine arts. Ma Matangi is also known as Ucchishta-Chandalini or Ucchishta-Matangini.

The Matangi Jayanti is observed on the tritiya day of the shukla paksha in the baisakh month as per Hindu traditional calendar and April or May according to the Gregorian calendar. The date for Matangi Jayanti in 2019 is 7^th of May.

 

Legend of Goddess Matangi

Matangi is the ninth of the Dasa Mahavidyas. She is the known to be the Goddess of Voice and Music. She is also known in the name of Tantrik Saraswati who can fulfill every desire of her true devotees and bless them with prosperity and good fortune. In the Dasamahavidya stotram, Matangi has also been referred to as the manifestation, a primal force of Goddess Saraswati. She is also believed to be the feminine form of Lord Shiva, as Shiva is also known as Matanga. Like Shiva, she too wears a white crescent moon on her forehead. It is believed that she blesses those who worship her with bel leaves, and bestows on them powers of attraction.

It is also believed that Ma Matangi is a form of Devi Parvati, who to test the fidelity of her husband, Lord Shiva, had taken the appearance of a beautiful Chandala girl. Lord Shiva failed the test, and Devi Parvati decided to keep this particular avatar of hers and thus came to be known as Ucchishtha  Matangini.

 

Appearance of Ma Matangi

Ma Matangi wears a flaming red colored saree and rides on a lion. She also wears a pair of red shoes and holds red beads in her hand. Matangi in her hand holds the following – bow, shellfish, row, canopy, line, trident, akshamala etc. she is fearless in her demeanor.

 

The Matangi Jayanti rituals

The sadhaks or the devotees follow the Matangi Jayanti with the following rituals –

• Guru Vandana
• Gau puja
• Mata Abhishekam
• Guru Poojan
• pushpa Arpan
• Mata Shringar
• Ganapathy and Navagraha Puja
• Sri Matangi Mool Mantra chanting
• Prasad distribution

Daan or charity carried out on Matangi Jayanti is considered to be extremely auspicious. Bhandara (or public meal) is also pious and yields result.  In many places nine little girls are worshipped in the form of Matangi Mata and offered Prasad and gifts. Jagarans and Kirtans are also carried out in the wake of Matangi Jayanti. In various temples where Matangi Mata is worshipped, devotees pray with all their fervor. She is believed to free her devotees from all fears and grant them all wish fulfillment. It is believed that devotees who pray to her are blessed with all kinds of worldly pleasures.

Parashurama Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Parashurama, the sixth avatar or incarnation of Lord Vishnu to be born.

This immortal warrior was born on the third day or Tritiya of shukla Paksha or the brighter phase of the moon in the month of Vaisakha, according to traditional Hindu calendar, and as per Gregorian calendar he was born in the month of May.

In 2019, Parashurama Jayanti is on 7^th of May, Tuesday. Parashurama was born during the pradosh ka, or evening and thus it is considered to be auspicious to celebrate and worship him at that period. Akshay Tritiya of Akha Teej is the birthday of this great soul.

Lord Vishnu took this 6^th avatar of Parashurama to rid the world of certain sins. He wanted the world to be rid of autocratic, sinful and irreligious monarchs. Surprisingly enough, according to Hindu beliefs, Parashurama still exists amongst us, and thus barring a couple of temples dedicated to Parashurama, there are not many temples having him being worshipped as a deity.

 

Legend behind Parashurama

The sixth incarnation or avatar of Lord Vishnu was born to one of the 7 sages, Jamadagni and his mother was Renuka. He walked on this planet during the Treta and Dwapara periods.  He was a Brahmin, who after rigorous penance received his axe from Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva also taught him the art of Kalaripayattu, which is said to be the source of all martial arts. Lord Shiva is believed to have personally trained Parashurama on the art of warfare for a long time. Vargavastra and Vijaya were the celestial weapons which were gifted to him by Lord Shiva and Lord Indra respectively. It is also believed that he fought back the advancing sea so that the lands of Konkan and Kerala could be saved. He then built a temple and also placed 108 statues of various deities in different places and imparted training on martial arts to protect the holy temples from all kinds of evils.

Parashurama is mostly noted for having got rid of the Kshatriyas. The kshatriyas were the people according to the Vedic caste system on whom the protection of people and kingdoms were given. But over the years, these kshatriyas with absolute power became absolutely corrupted. They started oppressing common people and tormenting them.  They even started killing the Brahmins, who were the guide to religious discourses. Parashurama then was born to demolish the Kshatriyas and to teach them a lesson.

Once he had done away with cleaning the system, he donated all the lands and the wealth to the Kashyapa Clan of Brahmins and the Namboodri Brahmins belonging to Kerala. It is also believed that he installed the blue stone idol in the Kanyakumari temple and also installed the Ayappa idol on the peak of the Sabarimala Hills.

Parashurama’s father Jamadagni was killed by the Kshatriya King Kartavirya Arjuna. Enraged Parashurama killed the Kshatriya clans 21 times and terrorized the Kshatriyas so much that Dasaratha when he arrived literally hid himself. At this turn of event, Kashyap Muni asked Parashurama to leave, so he went and settled down in Mount Mahendra.

It is also believed that Parashurama and Ravana’s son Indrajit are the only human beings who possessed the ultimate celestial weapons called the Brahmanda Astra, the Vaishnava Astra and the Pashupata Astra. Parashurama plays extremely important roles in the both the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. He was the instructor and tutor to luminaries like Bhishma, Drona and Karna during the Mahabharata saga.

Parashurama is also worshipped as the original male ancestor or the Mulapurusha of the Dravida, Niyogi,Bhumihar, Chitpavan, Tyagi and Nambudiri Brahmin communities among many others.

 

Celebrations of the occasion

The birthday of the great Parashurama is celebrated on the 3^rd day of Vaisakha, also known as Akshaya Tritiya. Devotees fast on this day to have sons like Parashurama, as he is the epitome of all goodness. Once when his father Jamadagni, to test Parashurama’s devotion had asked him to kill his mother, he had done so; only to claim her life back as a reward. Thus he is the epitome of an ideal son. According to Varaha Purana, people who fast on this day will be born in a blessed manner in their next birth. Since it is Parashurama’s birthday, it is believed that good deeds performed on this day will yield great results. The day being that of Akshaya Tritiya, it is also considered auspicious for all kinds of new beginnings.

Vallabhacharya Jayanti is an important festival celebrated amongst the Pushti sect of people and the Krishna devotees.

The devotees celebrate Vallabhacharya’s birth anniversary on the 11^th day of the waxing phase of the moon in the month of Chaitra, according to traditional Hindu calendar, and April according to the Gregorian calendar.

He worshipped Lord Krishna in the beautiful form of Shrinath JI and that the great Lord Krishna was seen by Vallabhacharya. The day he was born was also Varuthini Ekadashi.

 

• Who was Vallabhacharya?

 

Vallabhacharya founded the Pushti sect in India and can be considered as one of the leading religious philosophers of India. He followed the basic principle of Adwaita or non –dualism. He was born in the family of Telegu Vaidiki Brahmins, who were known as Vellanadu or Vellanatiya after the famous Vishnu Swami School of Thoughts. According to legends, Lord Krishna himself informed Vallabhacharya’s ancestor Yagnanarayana Bhatta that if they can complete 100 sacrificial fires, or Somayagnas; he will take birth in their family. When his inheritor Lakshmana Bhatta had migrated to Varanasi, they had already completed the 100 sacrificial fires. Vallabhacharya was born in that illustrious family in the year 1479 AD to Lakshmana Bhatta and his wife Illamma.

 

• Early life of Vallabhacharya

 

Upon being born pre maturely by two months, when he was born, Vallabhacharya showed no sign of life and his parents kept him wrapped up in a piece of cloth and left him under a tree, all the while praying to Lord Krishna for a miracle. They had a dream where Krishna told them that the baby was no one else but him. The parents rushed to the spot and found that the baby was alive and kicking and wonder of wonder; there was a protective ring of fire around the child .The mother put her hand inside the fire unscathed. He was christened Vallabha, which in Sanskrit meant ‘the dear one’.

 

Vallabhacharya started learning the Vedas when older, and was called Bala Saraswati by people when he became a little older. He continued amazing people with his deep knowledge and understanding of the Hindu scriptures and other religious discourses. He made 3 pilgrimages around India barefoot, and gave lectures on Bhagvad Gita in 84 places. These 84 places are now called the Chaurasi Baithak and are considered to be pilgrimages by the Pushti sect of people.

 

He had a divine dream and a mantra that he received one night while in Gokul. In the dream Lord Krishna arrived in front of him as Shrinath Ji and disclosed to him the Bramha Sambandha or a mantra of self dedication. In the morning, he initiated Damodardasa to the mantra and thus the first Vaishnava to be initiated into Pushtimarg. Though thousands of people embraced this sect, it is the first 84 who attained immortal glory.

 

Vallabhacharya married Mahalaxmi and had two sons called Gopinath and Vitthalnath.

 

• Bhakti Movement and Vallabhacharya

 

He gave up his physical being to be one with God, as desired by Lord Krishna, at the age of 52.  He attained Samadhi or the last post in the Manikarnika Ghat of Varanasi, erstwhile Kashi. He is also revered as Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya.

 

Vallabhacharya represented the religious reform movements or the Bhakti Movements as they are known in the Middle Ages. He composed numerous religious discourses and has his devotees spread across the Northern and Western parts of India, and temples dedicated to him in various parts.

 

• How is Vallabhacharya Jayanti celebrated?

 

Vallabhacharya Jayanti is celebrated with much fervor and devotion by the followers of the Pushti sect and also by the Vaishnavites. All the temples are beautifully decorated with flowers and after a cleansing bath in the early morning; an Abhishekam of Lord Krishna is done. The Abhishekam is followed by an Arati. Bhajans and chants eulogizing Lord Krishna and Vallabhacharya are carried out throughout the day. Special pujas and yajnas are also held throughout the day. After the puja, Lord Krishna’s idol or photograph is taken around to all the devotees’ house to give them a darshan or view. Lastly a mangal aarti is done and Prasad is distributed amidst all the devotees. This sect and this day has no laid down rules for fasting, rituals or other penance. It is a day which should be felt and celebrated with true love and devotion. His speeches and his views are spread and discussed throughout the day.

Varunthini Ekadashi is an extremely auspicious day for the Hindus. The Varunthini Ekadashi falls on the 11^th day of the month of Chaitra or Vaisakha according to the traditional Hindu calendar or the month of April, according to the Gregorian calendar.

According to the North Indian calendar the ekadashi falls on the Krishna Paksha of the month of Chaitra and Krishna Paksha of Vaisakha according to the South Indian calendar.

It is however admirable, that in both cases the date is the same. This day sees devotees worshipping Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu.

 

• Significance of the Varuthini Ekadashi

 

A reference of this holy day is found in the Bhavishya Purana, where the Lord Krishna, narrates this saga to the eldest of the Pandavas, Yudhisthira. He tells that this day is so powerful that even animals on this day can get themselves the ill luck of karmic cycle of birth and death.  People, who are suffering from fatal ailments, can also cure themselves by following the rituals of this day devoutly.

 

• Legend of Varuthini Ekadashi

 

King Mandata achieved his enlightenment by observing this vow, King Dhundhumara of the Ikshvaku dynasty,  was redeemed from a curse put upon him by Lord Shiva.It is so powerful in nature that is said to transform ill luck to the best of luck, a lame man capable of walking. It is said that any charity done on this day, reaps manifold benefits.

• Celebration of Varuthini Ekadashi

 

There is also a list of things which given for charity will yield good results. This can be found in the Bhavishya Purana. Donation of horses, land, elephants and sesame seeds yield good results in terms of his family and ancestors being benefitted. Kanya Daan is the most auspicious, which means giving away the daughter in marriage on this day is extremely beneficial, however fasting on this day is equivalent to 500 kanya Daans.

• Observance of the Varuthini Ekadashi

 

Like all Ekadashi days, this day too marks a lot of puja for Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu’s 5^th avatar or incarnation, Vamana Deva is worshipped on this day. On the Ekadashi one should abstain from the following – gambling, all kinds of sports, unnecessarily  sleeping during the daytime,  eating betel nuts and its leaf, the brushing  of one’s teeth, spreading  unjustified rumors, finding faults with people, being friendly with the spiritually fallen,  giving way to anger, and lying. Devotees generally fast on this day, however those who partake food once during the course of the day are advised not to partake the following – chickpea, black gram, honey, betel leaves and spinach. It is believed that people who fast on this day gains result similar to that of those who do severe penance for thousands of years.

 

Thus it is extremely important to observe the Varuthini Ekadashi with fervent devotion to be blessed by the great Lord Vishnu, as observance of this day yields Great results.

Chitra Pournami is considered to be one of the most important purnima or full moon in the entire year. It helps the devotees to get rid of all their sins by paying homage and observing all rituals on that day.

A full moon or Purnima, in general is an auspicious occurrence, as human behavior is affected by the full moon. This is the only day of the year when the devotees have to pray to Chitragupta for the reduction of all their sins.

This purnima or full moon happens in the month of Chaitra according to traditional Hindu calendar, which is April according to the Gregorian calendar.

 

• Who is ChitraGupta?

Chitragupta is the assistant or the record keeper for Lord Yama, the God of Death.  He keeps an explicit, minute-by-minute record of every human being on this earth and knows all that transpires in everyone’s life. He maintains a huge record book for the same. He keeps an account so that post death all men can be rewarded or punished based on their activities, good or bad. When a person dies Chitragupta immediately refers to the Yama raj for a decision based upon the credits he had accumulated during his lifetime, or the discredits. Based on that, a person is accorded hell or heaven.

 

The concept of having an omnipresent vigil on all human actions is supposed to be daunting to those about to commit sins. The reason for celebrating Chitragupta’s birthday is also so that everyone is aware and reminded that everyone is under a constant vigil and also that on this particular auspicious day, people should not commit any wrong or misdeeds which would cause them grief later on.

 

• Is there any legend regarding Chitragupta?

There is a beautiful legend regarding Chitragupta and his auspicious birthday. Long back Indra failed to turn up at the proper time for an appointment by the mentor and spiritual Guru of the Gods, Brihaspati.  Brihaspati was deeply disappointed and felt that Indra had failed to show proper respect to him, and as a mark of disapproval he stopped correcting Indra about his mistakes.

 

The number of mistakes committed by Indra started multiplying. He kept making various omissions and the list kept increasing. Finally after much persuasion, Brihaspati relented and came back to mentoring Indra. Brihaspati advised Indra that many of his sins will be purged if he visited couple of holy places. Thus Indra came to the Bhulok, or Earth. He wandered through a forest when he suddenly realized that all his sins were purged and that there was a Linga nearby. Indra was convinced that his sins were purged because of the Linga and immediately requested Viswakarma, the Divine architect to build a glorious shrine for that LInga. He also commissioned a smaller shrine for Iswari, Shiva’s consort to be built nearby. He then wanted to worship the Linga, but there were no flowers.  He started praying to Shiva and to Iswari for their intervention in bringing some flowers. At once the place was filled with beautiful flowers. These miracles happened during the Chitra Pournami day and thus till now people in Madurai believe that Lord Indra comes on this day to pay homage to Iswar and Iswari.

 

• How is Chitragupta worshipped?

Chitragupta is worshipped on this auspicious day of Chitra Pournami by having special puja in the temples. More importantly homage to this divine account keeper can be paid by offering puja in the temple of dedicated to Chitragupta himself. There is only one temple in India which has Chitragupta as the main deity or which is solely dedicated to Chitragupta. This is the Chitragupta Temple in Kanchipuram, situated in Southern part of India. Apart from this special puja can also be offered to Lord Shiva in the temples.

 

• Temples where such puja is organized
  • Airavateshwarar Temple – This is situated in Darasuram and is the only temple where Lord Shiva is known as Airavateshwara as Indra’s white elephant had worshipped Shiva. This temple was built by Rajaraja the 2^nd, a great king of the Chola dynasty.

 

• Chandra Mouliswarar Temple – This temple is situated in Tiruvakkarai. This is a unique temple where Lord Shiva’s deity has 3 faces.  This area used to be ruled by Vakasura, who was a disciple of Shiva, and was finally killed by Lord Varadha Perumal. Thus this is known as Thiruvakkarai also.

 

• Thirukoteeswarar temple – This temple is situated in Thirukodikaval, which is the northern side of the Cauvery River. The main and presiding deity here is Thirukoteeswarar. However in Chitra Pournami grand arrangements are made. Separate places for Yama and Chitragupta are there and, and thus Chitra Pournami is celebrated.

Thrissur Pooram is a temple festival held amidst much pomp and splendor in Kerala. This festival is held on the day when the Pooram star along with the moon rises in the month of Medam, the traditional Malayali month; and according to the Gregorian calendar it will be the month of April when this festival is celebrated.

This festival is celebrated at the Vadakkuannathan Temple situated on the thekkinkadu maidhanam in Thrissur and since this is the largest Pooram, it is known as the Thrissur Pooram. The festivities date back to almost 200 years.

 

• History behind the festivities of Thrissur Pooram

 

This huge magnificent pooram was started by Raja Rama Varma or the Sakthan Thampuran or the Maharaja of Cochin. In 1798, he congregated all the ten temples and organized the now famous Thrissur Pooram. Prior to this the one day pooram festival was held at the Arattupuzha Pooram. All the temples in and around Thrissur were participants of this, then unfortunately because of heavy rain, the temples were unable to reach Arattupuzha on time, and were subsequently denied entry and participation in the Pooram festival. Angered and saddened, these people then went to the Sakthan Thampuran to recount their saga.

 

Giving a lot of thought to the predicament, in 1798, Sakthan Thampuran united 10 temples, situated in and around the Vadakkuannathan Temple in a bid to organize a mass pooram. He made an invitation to all the temples to come with their residing deities to pay homage to Lord Vadakkuannathan.  He divided the temples into two groups – that of, “Paramekkavu side” and “Thiruvambady side”. Other than Paramekkavu Bagavathy; the Paramekkavu side had the following – Pookattikkara-Karamukku Baghavathy, Choorakattukara Baghavathy, Chempukkavu Baghavathy, and Panemukkumpilly Sastha.

 

The Thiruvambady side too apart from having the Thiruvambady Baghavathy had the following – Ayyanthole Baghavathy, Nethilakkavu Baghavathy, Laloor bagavathy, Kanimangalam Sastha.

 

It was decided that the Vadakkuannathan Temple will be at the center of all the Poorams. All the temples will be sending their deities to pay homage to the great Lord Shiva, who was the presiding deity of Vadakkuannathan Temple. It was the Thampuran who had chalked out the Thrissur Pooram in great details.

 

 

• The Flag Hoisting Ceremony

 

The ceremonial flag hoisting marks the beginning of the festivities. This is known as the Kodiyettam.  The flags are also hoisted at the Naduvilal and Naikkanal in Thrissur City.

 

• Magnificent display of Fireworks

 

Sample Vedikettu or the grand display of fireworks happens on the fourth day of the Pooram. The one hour show is organized and presented by the Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu Devawsoms.

 

• Display of grand Caparisons

 

The magnificent and elaborately worked on caparisons are displayed at the Agrasala in the city if Thrissur. Chamayam or the elephant accoutrements, Aalavattom or the peacock feather ornamental fans, Nettipattam or the golden elephant caparison, ornate umbrellas are prepared separately by the Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu Devawsoms. This is known as the “Ana chamaya pradharshanam”.

 

• The Main Pooram

 

The main pooram kick starts at the auspicious early morning time of Kanimangalam sasthavu ezhunnellippu and is followed by the ezhunnellippu and six other temples. One resounding success of this pooram is the Madathil varavu, which is a panchavadhyam melam, which on an average consists of 200 artistes, all playing different musical instruments such as – Thimila, Madhalam, Trumpet, Cymbal and Edakka. Sharp at 2 o clock the Vadakkuannathan Temple initiates their much talked about and famous Ilanjithara melam.  This too consists of musical instruments like the drum, trumpets, pipe and cymbal.

 

The Main Pooram has a fleet of more than 50 elephants, which are decorated with intricate Nettipattam, beautifully crafted kolams, bells and other craft items, which makes the elephants look magnificent. The amazing venchamaram and alavattam increases the magnificence of the elephants. As the Pooram ends, Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi group enters the temple through the western gates. The two groups’ then exchange beautifully crafted and colorfully designed umbrellas called Kudamattom at the top of the elephants. The poorams conclude at the Nilapaduthara of the Vadakkunnathan Temple.

 

The final display of fireworks is a scintillating and beautiful sight. The Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu temples compete with each other to bring to the audience an amazing show of pyrotechnics.  This spectacular fireworks display starts at 4.30 in the morning and is an hour’s show. People from far and wide come to watch this sterling display of fireworks. The fireworks display is on at least 4 times during the Pooram in totality – the first day before the Pooram, the colorful display during the Pooram, the early morning show and finally when the Goddesses bid adieu to each other and bring the curtain down on the Pooram.

 

The last day of the ceremony is known as the Pakal Pooram. The Upacharam Cholli Piriyal or the fare well ceremony is a time for hospitality for Thrissur. Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple and Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple idols are taken back to their respective temples marking an end to the gaiety and festivity. The festival ends with another round of magnificent fireworks display known as the Pakal Vedikkettu.

 

The success of this Pooram is that it is not limited to the participation of Hindus only. Rather it is a colorful festival where people from all religions come forward to participate, thus making it an event of communal harmony.

According to the traditional Hindu beliefs, Lord Vishnu had several incarnations to eradicate Adharma or Sin from the face of this earth and establish the reign of Dharma.

This vrat or vow is celebrated on the shukla paksha of the Bhadra month according to the traditional Hindu calendar and in the month of August September according to the Gregorian calendar. 

According to Hindu legends on this day, the 5 th incarnation of Lord Vishnu appeared on the face of this earth. He was born on the Shravana Nakshatra in this world.

Legend of Vamana

Lord Vamana is the 5^th incarnation or Avatar of Lord Vishnu. The details of this are found elaborately in the Vishnu Purana and Shrimudagvad Purana. The great achievements and the tales of Vamana are extolled in these.

According the legends, once while the battles between the Devas and the Danavas were being fought, the Danavas or the Asuras became fraught with Lord Indra’s attacks and became unconscious. Bali, the King of the Asuras was amongst those who were the worst hit. Shukracharya, then gave Sanjeevani or life saving drug to all the Asuras.

After regaining consciousness, Bali went in an austerity drive and performed severe penances. He became more powerful than the Devas themselves. He got as a boon the trident, chariot and armor for his protection. With these he started reigning supreme on all the earth. He was performing 100 Ashwamedha  yajnas, after the success of which he would have conquered Heaven too.

Lord Indra came to know of Bali’s desire and immediately sought an audience with Lord Vishnu, to tell him about the imminent danger facing all the devas and swargalok or Heaven. Lord Vishnu assured him of his intervention and decided to himself put an end to the tyrannous plans of Bali. As decided he plans to take birth in the womb of Aditi, the wife of Sage Kashyap. Accordingly, Kashyap send his wife to perform the Payo fast so that they are blessed with a son. In due course of time, Lord Vamana takes birth from the womb of Aditi.  On the shukla paksha of the month of Bhadra, the child that is born is named Vamana, and he adopts Bramhacharya. In  his endeavor to destroy the Asuras, Vamana was given deerskin by Sage Agastya,  a Butea rod from Marichi,  clothes ftom the Angiras, Umbrella from the Sun God,  the sacred thread from Sage Bhrigu,  the kamandal from Gurudeva, Aditi gave him  his loin cloth, Goddess Saraswati gave him his Rudraksha and Lord Kuber bestowed on him a begging tray.

Vamana grew up and then went to see the Asura King Bali on the day when his 100^th Ashwamedha Yajna was about to be held.  King Bali pleased at having met a Brahmin on the auspicious day asked what Vamana wanted and promised to fulfill the same. Vamana asked for only 3 paces of land that he could measure by his own feet. Since Bali had already made a promise, he could not deny and allowed him to take the steps to measure out his land.  Vamana then took his first step, which covered the whole world, with his second step Vamana encompassed the Heaven and took two of the places under him. Bali understood, and as there was no more places to take the third step, Bali offered his own head. Vamana then stepped on Bali’s head and subjugated him.

Lord Vishnu was pleased with Bali as he had kept his promise, so as a result asked him to make a wish which he wanted fulfilled. Bali asked of Lord Vishnu to be present in front of him day and night so that he can worship Lord Vishnu to his heart’s content.

The subjugation of Bali by Vamana is the victory of good over evil, of right over wrong, of truth over untruth. Thus the day of Vamana Dwadashi holds special significance to the devotees.

Rituals to be observed on Vamana Dwadashi

Devoted Hindus keep a fast from the 11^th day of Bhadra till the 12^th day of the puja.  On the 12^th day or the dwadashi, devotees wake up, take a holy bath and and worship the image of the Vamana. They stay awake the entire night and recite the Vishnu Sahasranama on this day Brahmin boys are invited and umbrella and other small gift articles are given to him.

There are certain temples dedicated to the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu, as the Vamana Temple in Khajuraho, the small temple in Cherukuru, the Vamana Moorthy temple in Thrikkakkara In Kerala or the Ulagalnatha (Trivikrama,Vamana) Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu observe this day amidst somber prayers and deep dedication.

Yashoda Jayanti is the birthday celebration of Mata Yashoda, the foster mother of Bhagwan Sri Krishna, and the wife of Nanda.

She is known and cited as an example of motherly love till date for the love and affection that she had bestowed on Krishna.

As per the lunar calendar patter that is followed in Gujarat, this is celebrated in the Krishna paksh ashashthi in the month of Magha. According to North Indian Hindi calendars, the date falls in the month of Falguna.

According to the legend retold in Bhagwata Purana, Yashodamata, became the foster mother of Sri Krishna when to save him from Kansa Krishna’s father Vasuki left him at the Nanda household under the parentage of Yashoda and Nanda in Gokul.

The celebration of YashodaJayanti –

The festival is marked with lot of love and devotion and celebrated in all the Krishna temples and also the ISKCON temples all across the world.

In Gujarat the day is marked with lot of celebration and people decorates their homes with flowers and pictures of Yashoda and Sri Krishna. In Gokul, where Sri Krishna spent his childhood, people keep retelling or enacting (in dramas or dance recitals) the beautiful tales of Krishna’s childhood anecdotes with Yashoda.

Kamada Ekadashi is considered to be an extremely auspicious day in the Hindu astrological calendar. It is the first ekadashi after the Hindu New Year and thus assumes epic proportions in terms of importance.

 

• When is Kamada Ekadashi

 

This is a day if observed correctly and diligently, fulfills all ones wishes and desires. Kamada Ekadashi is observed on the 11^th day of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra according to traditional Hindu calendar, which coincides with April- May according to Gregorian calendar.

 

• Legend behind the Kamada Ekadashi

 

The legend of Kamada Ekadashi is described in great detail by Lord Sri Krishna to Yudisthira, the eldest Pandava,in the Varaha Purana. This was first recounted by the Vasistha Muni, or the sage to King Dilipa, the great grandfather of Lord Ramachandra of Ayodhya.

 

Long back a young Gandharva couple, or celestial beings used to reside in the city of Ratanpura, which was a prosperous town with precious metal work of gold and silver decoration. The city was ruled by King Pundarika. Lalit, the Gandharva was a singer in the court, while the beautiful Lalita, was dancer in the king’s court. They were extremely famous as a dancer and a singer. But one day, while Lalit was performing in the court, his attention wavered to the thoughts of his wife who was not present in the court, and he missed certain rhythm and beats, resulting into a flawed performance. There was an angry serpent, who at once brought this to the attention of the king, whose eyes turned crimson in rage as he heard this. He shouted at Lalit and said that he had dared to think of his wife, without thinking of his King while he was performing in front of the sovereign. Enraged as a punishment he cursed the handsome Lalit to become a monstrous cannibal. Immediately Lalit became a sixty four foot tall monster. His arms were 8 foot long, neck looked like a mountain and his mouth resembled huge caves. He was a terrifying sight to all that laid eyes on him.

 

The greatly distressed Lalita now started following her monstrous husband around the jungles, where Lalit took part in all kinds of amoral, beastly and sinful activities.  While she was listlessly following Lalit around the Vindhyachal region, she came across the great sage Shrigi and appealed to him tearfully to suggest her remedy out of this ghastly situation.

 

Sage Shringi told her to follow the vrat of the Kamada Ekadashi which will bring her out of misery. To pay for the sins of her husband, Lalita prayed and kept the vrat or vow for the Kamada Ekadashi with great devotion. She again visited the sage and prayed to the Lord Krishna for his blessings and benevolence and prayed to him that he freed Lalit from the king’s monstrous curse. Krishna granted her wish and at once Lalit in front of her eyes turned into the handsome Gandharva singer that he was. They were then taken to heaven in celestial airplane or flying chariot.

 

• Procedure of Kamada Ekadashi fast

 

After having a cleansing bath in the morning of this Ekadashi, the devotee must keep a fast. A simple meal can be taken of fruits, dried fruits, vegetables, nuts or milk products only once during the day. But one should avoid taking moong dal, wheat or barley. Then Lord Krishna or Vishnu must be worshipped in the nearby temples with flowers, incense etc.

 

• Benefits that Kamada Ekadashi yields

 

Kamada Ekadashi is said to yield wonderful results. It is said to fulfill all desires of the devotees, free the devotees from all types of terrible  curses and is even said to relieve one of sins like that of killing a Brahmin, helps in being virtuous and is believed to bless an aspiring family with a son.