Category: Holidays Around The World

Shabari Jayanti is celebrated in the memory of Shabari a Kol woman, who came to be known as the epitome of devotions and Bhakti by her abundant love and devotion to Lord Rama.

Shabari Jayanti is celebrated on the second day of the Krishna Paksha of Phalgun or February-March month according to the Hindu calendar.

 

What is the story of Shabari?

Shabari belonged to an uncivilized community called Shabara. She did not understand religion, devotion or God. However during the passage of time she came across Guru Matunga. Her Guru told her that one day God will come for her and bless her; and he also told her that hence the only word that should come out of her mouth is RAMA as it was the name of God.

From that day onwards, the only word that she uttered was Rama. Twelve years passed without any sight of Lord Rama. When she was of eighty years old, Shabari kept thinking that I must not give up my soul cause I am yet to meet my savior, my God.

Then one day, Lord Rama, in a quest to find his wife Sita Mata who was abducted by Ravana, came to her hut.  Seeing Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana, Shabari could not hold back her tears. Hungry, Lord Rama asked for some fruits. Shabari wary of serving bitter or poisonous fruits to Lord Rama, started tasting all the fruits when finally she realized that she had tasted all the fruits. Ashamed she could not bring herself to give them to Lord Rama, but what is God without his disciples? Rama accepted all the fruits and ate them with relish. Overwhelmed, Shabari cried copious tears and said now her life was fulfilled. Lakshmana, seeing this devotion between the devotee and her God prophesied that her name will remain immortal as a true devotee. She breathed her last in front of Rama and her soul went heaven bound and she attained Moksha.

 

How is Shabari Jayanti celebrated?

Several devotional and cultural programs mark the celebrations of the Shabari Jayanti. Special celebrations are held at the Sitaramachandra Swamy temple at Bhadrachalam where a huge number of people, especially tribal people, congregate to mark the occasion. People take out a huge procession, and this procession has been christened as the Sabari Smruthi Yatra. In this procession people carry huge portraits that depict the event of Shabari offering the fruit to Lord Rama. The event marks the significance of complete devotion and subjugation, of both God to His devotes, and of devotees to who they worship. Apart from that, various tribal rites and rituals are performed on this day.

Vijaya Ekadashi is observed during the waning phase of the moon or what is known as the Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalgun according to what is the traditional Hindu calendar, and February-March according to the Gregorian calendar.

In Odisha, this Ekadashi is also known as the Pankoddhar Ekadashi. The mention of this Ekadashi is found in the ancient book of the Skanda Purana  and it is firmly believed that the observance of this Ekadashi removes all obstacles from the path of the devotee and makes him emerge victorious or attain Vijaya.

 

• What is the legend behind Vijaya Ekadashi ?

 

The legend behind the observance of Vijaya Ekadashi goes back to the epical time of Ramayana. According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama, who is considered to be an incarnation of God Vishnu, to keep a promise to his father King Dasaratha, went into an exile of fourteen years willingly renouncing kingdom.

While Lord Rama was serving his Banabasa (forest exile) period of fourteen years along with his wife, the beautiful and glorious Sita Devi (who is considered to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi), and his brother Lakshmana. The demon king Ravana, one day by donning a disguise of a saint, kidnapped Sita Mata from the forest. Jatayu, the great big bird disclosed to Lord Rama, that it was indeed Ravana who had kidnapped Sita Mata.

 

Ravana, was the king of Lanka, which was an island.  Later Lord Rama managed to befriend Sugriva, the king of monkeys and amass and organize a huge army of monkeys or the Banarsena to save Sita Mata from the clutches of Ravana, the king of Lanka who had kept her imprisoned in the Ashokavana. Hanuman, Lord Rama’s devotee went over to Lanka to meet Sita Mata. Then when Lord Rama and his huge army were preparing to cross the ocean, they realized that the ocean was too deep and the expanse too wide for them to cross it and save Lord Rama’s consort Sita Mata.  Lord Rama became worried seeing this vast ocean infested with hungry sharks and other sea creatures.

 

Seeing this plight Lakshmana, then advised his elder brother to seek the advice of the aged and experienced sage Bakad Albhya, who stayed a few islands away.  Thus then Lord Rama and Lakshmana proceeded to the ashrama of the Bakad Albhya Muni to seek the mantra that will help them cross the vast ocean. Then the great sage gave Lord Rama the tips to traverse the ocean with his monkey army to save his wife.

 

• What did the great sage suggest Lord Rama to do?

 

Sage Bakal Abhya, told Lord Rama that he was about to share one of the greatest secrets of success with him, which was the observance of Vijaya Ekadashi. He told Lord Rama that one should keep a pot of made of either gold, copper silver or clay, then fill it with water and place it  upon a mound made with the following seven grains such as – rice, corn, chickpeas, kukani, barley, wheat and dahl or peas. The pot should be decorated with mango leaves or amrapallav. The devotee should have a morning bath and decorate the pot with sandalwood and offer prasadam of pomegranate, coconuts, sweets etc and on top of the pot place a golden idol of Lord Narayana.

Worship the same with lamp, incense, fruits, and flowers and remain awake the whole night. When the next day arrives, at the dawn of Dwadashi, worship the pot again; then go to a water body and pray for victory. Lord Rama observed the rituals as suggested by the Sage Bakal Abhya and was able to cross over the vast sea with his indigenous army of monkey to save his consort Sita Mata from the evil clutches of King Ravana. He demolished the Lankan army and managed to save Sita Mata, and since then this day has been celebrated with utmost zeal and dedication as a day which purges one of all previous sins and observance of this helps one to attain the chosen result for their endeavor and emerge victorious.

Amavasya or the dark moon phase happens once every month. The Amavasya happens when the moon is within a distance of twelve degree of angular distance, between the moon and sun before conjunction.

Etymologically, the term Amavasya takes its roots from the Sanskrit Ama and Vasya. Ama meaning together and Vasya means to cohabit or to dwell. According to the ancient Indian culture and belief, Amavasya is a time of great and auspicious power.

Phalguna Amavasya occurs during the month of Phalguna, according to the traditional Hindu calendar and in March according to the Gregorian calendar in the month of March. Phalguna Amavasya takes on greater significance as it is the last Amavasya according to the traditional Hindu calendar before the New Year sets in.

 

• Significance of Amavasya

 

Amavasya days happen on the fifteenth day of the month and they are the new moon phase or the no moon phase of every month.  Of the lunar calendar, Amavasya is the first day of the first quarter. It marks the end of the dark moon phase or the Krishna Paksha.  Amavasya days are days when people whose day of death have not been able to be ascertained, can perform the last rites or the shraddha ceremony for those people.  Lot of people chooses to do Tarpan, or an offering towards their departed ancestors on this day.  People keep fast on this day, and the Kalasarpa-dosha Pujas are also performed during the Amavasya. The deities presiding on the Amavasyatithis are the Pithri Devathas, who are the ones that bring blessings to the family from ancestors and forefathers. Solar eclipses always happen during the Amavasya days and Amavasya in conjunction with a Surya Grahan then becomes the most propitious time to perform snana, tarpana, shraddha etc.

 

• Significance of Phalguna Amavasya

 

As mentioned earlier that Phalguna Amavasya is the last Amavasya of the year according to the Hindu calendar. Thus performing the shradhha or tarpana becomes important on this day. In case regular shraddha cannot be performed in the Amavasyas, there are some Amavasyas, where it is propitious to send food, water and other things to our departed ancestors in their temporary abode or the Pitru Loka. Phalgun Amavasya is one such day.

 

• Rituals performed on Phalguna Amavasya

 

People take a purifying bath or a holy dip early in the morning, especially in the Ganges to purge themselves. Followed by the holy bath, the shraddha or the tarpana ceremony (ritualistic prayers to seek blessings from the forefathers) is carried out during the eclipse period.

Surya Grahan is what Solar Eclipse is known according to traditional Hindu terminology.

Eclipse means to overshadow, and thus the partial or total coverage of the sun; due to the moon’s obstructive presence between the sun and the moon is called solar eclipse. Surya Grahan can be complete or partial in terms of the Sun or the surya’s visibility.

 

• Scientifically how does the solar eclipse or Surya Grahan happen?

 

Moon, the Earth’s satellite orbits around the earth.  An eclipse occurs when the moon is in line with the earth and the sun. There are at least two solar eclipses or Surya Grahan in a year there are at least two solar eclipses visible, and no, every month the new lunar phase does not lead to an eclipse.

 

Though, scientifically the solar eclipse or the Surya Grahan is a completely natural phenomenon which can be scientifically explained, the rarity of its occurrence has led to numerous myths around it. Traditional Hindu astrology believes Surya Grahan to be a potent and a negative time.

 

• What is the scientific or astronomical study of Surya Grahan or solar eclipse?

 

Though partial eclipse or angshik Surya Grahan lasts only for a limited period of time and does not wield much result, researchers have come up with some interesting data regarding the effects of Surya Grahan. According to scientists, Earth’s wind speed during the eclipse slows down to an extent and also to a small angle the wind’s direction turns counter clockwise. Again, because the sunrays are partially or totally hidden during an eclipse or a Surya Grahan, the earth’s temperature cools down to a certain extent.

 

• Is there any astrological study or the solar eclipse or Surya Grahan’s results?

 

Of course there is a study about the effects of Surya Grahan or solar eclipse according to traditional Hindu astrological studies. The astrological view regarding this phenomenon stems from the mythological root of this occurrence.

 

According to mythology, when the ocean was being churned because of nectar of immortality or Amrita, Lord Vishnu, took the form of a beautiful seductress or Mohini to deviate the demons’ attention from the amrita. But, Rahu, the demon became alert of Lord Vishnu’s ploy and sat amidst Sun and Moon when the Amrita was being distributed amongst the Gods. Upon being alerted by Sun and Moon, Lord Vishnu beheaded him, but he had become immortal by that time by consuming the amrita, so he was cut to two pieces.  Enraged, he threatened and vouched to cast shadow on both the sun and the moon as a mean to take revenge on them.  Thus the Surya Grahan period is considered to be extremely inauspicious as the beneficial effects of the sun wanes away and the harmful effects of Rahu and Ketu comes into play.

• Is there anything to be cautious about the Surya Grahan or Solar Eclipse period?

 

As mythogically suggested, during the period of Surya Grahan the beneficial effects of the Sun gets negated by the harmful effects of the Rahu or Ketu. Thus it is forbidden to initiate any venture on this day. It is also extremely in conducive for any kind of auspicious activity. People are even suggested to stop all kinds of regular normal activities such as eating, bathing; cooking, cleaning etc till the period of Grahan is over.   Purifying bath after the graham is over is beneficial.  It is also believed astrologically that the life giving powers on earth as germination, fertilization or fetal growth too is at its lowest during this dark period of Surya Grahan and thus people are advised to resume their normal life once the Surya Grahan is over. However, if an Amavasya couples with Surya Grahan, then it is considered to be an extremely potent time to offer shraddha or tarpana for departed ancestors.

 

Phulera dooj is a beautiful ceremony mostly celebrated in the northern parts of India on the Dwitiya tithi of Shukla paksha or the bright phase of the moon in the month of Phalgun according to traditional Hindu calendar or February March according to the Gregorian calendar.

Phulera Dooj is a colorful ceremony which falls between Vasant Panchami and Holi. It is observed with great revelry in the temples of Lord Krishna and with exuberance and happiness in the Sri Krishna Temple in Mathura and Sri Radha Vallabh Temple in Vrindavan.

This is a festival which symbolizes that Lord Krishna too is preparing for the impending festival of Holi, which is considered to be associated with colors. Therefore Phulera Dooj in a way heralds the upcoming festival of color – Holi.

Phulera Dooj, arrives from the Hindi word Phool which means flowers.  This is a festival where people play with colorful flowers.  The devotees take part in many beautiful rituals on this day and the temples too are bedecked with flowers. The Krishna idols are beautifully decorated with special clothing and ornate jewelries. Some abir or gulal or holi color is smeared on the face of Sri Krishna.

In the Braj regions, Lord Krishna is clothed in white costumes and a piece of cloth is tied to the deity’s waist containing gulal (special powdered form of color used for festivities). This piece of cloth containing the gulal is removed from his waist only after the festivities of the day are all over.  Bhajans or religious songs singing the praise of the Lord Sri Krishna, and denoting his childhood are sung on this day and various sweet delicacies are offered to the Lord as prasads. At the end of this ceremony, priests sprinkle colors of gulal on the devotees signifying the relationship of love and affection between the Lord and his ardent devotees.

The day of Phulera Dooj is considered to be an extremely auspicious occasion. In fact, it is considered auspicious enough where the time and muhurtas are not calculated to conduct an important ceremony such as marriage. However, there are debates regarding the authenticity of this claim. But some communities do choose to perform marriage rituals on this day.

The best ways to celebrate and observe Phulera Dooj is to simply worship Lord Krishna at home and smear gulal on his face, then offer some simple sweet dishes as prasads.

The festival of Phulera Dooj signifies the love and devotion between the Lord and his devotees and is the harbinger of the festival of color Holi. Thus celebrate the day with happiness, devotion and start any auspicious venture if desirous.

Sankranti happens twelve times in a year and can be best summed up as a phenomenon of the Sun transiting from one zodiac to the other zodiac sign. Meena Sankranti marks the beginning of the last and final month of the Hindu calendar.

 

• Meena Sankranti –

 

Meena Sankranti is considered to be an extremely auspicious festival when the sun transits from Pisces to Aries, signifying new beginnings and happier tidings.  In south India this festival is known as Meena Sankramanam and will be celebrated on the March 15^th of 2019. In states like Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Kerala this is observed at the beginning of the month, however in West Bengal this is observed in the latter part of the month.

 

• Significance of Meena Sankranti –

 

Though all the sankrantis are significant in their own ways, Meena Sankranti has more significance than the rest of the sankrantis because of the sun’s movement from the Pisces to the Aries. This movement signifies newer beginnings.  It is always advised to donate things on sankrantis, but donating things on Meena Sankranti attains special significance because of the auspiciousness of the day. For Meena Sankranti, sixteen Ghatis after the Sankranti moments are over are considered to be extremely auspicious to carry out charity or Dan- Punya.  It is believed that those who donate land on this auspicious occasion are blessed the most. The South Indian people consider the Meena Sankranti as the most favorable time to seek wish fulfillment.

 

• Celebration of Meena Sankranti –

 

To celebrate this auspicious occasion, temples are decorated with flowers and garlands on this day. Colorful lamps or diyas adorn the temples for the devotees to marvel upon. Devotees celebrate this auspicious festival with much devotion and fervor.

Sri Ramakrihna Paramhansa was one of the most seminal figures in the recent religious history of India. He was a sage, a mystic and a god-man. His legacy of religious mysticism and his simplistic dissemination of religious discourse has till now not been obscured by the legends, nor by adulating fantastic story-telling.

His simple yet exemplary life remains a source for inspiration and the core behind the formation of Ramakrishna Mission, founded by his disciple Sri Vivekananda to do well and bring about good. Ramakrishna Jayanti is the celebration of the day when this seer was born on the 18^th of February in the year 1836.

 

• Early life of Ramakrishna Paramhansa

Ramakrishna was born as Gadadhar Chattopadhyay to Khudiram Chattopadhyay and Chandramani Devi in the year 1836, in the humble abode of Kamarpukur in the Hooghly district of West Bengal. His coming into the world was preceded by certain supernatural occurrences as felt by his parents. Giving up formal education when he was around twelve or thirteen, the young Gadadhar got involved with many holy men and he became well versed in the Puranas, or the Ramayana or the Mahabharata.  From an early age he could feel God. The God consciousness or the spiritual intoxication happened to him from a childhood.

 

• Ramakrishna and Dakshineswar

Following suite, Ramakrishna joined his elder brother Ramkumar; as a helping hand of the priest. The temple of Dakshineswar was built by Rani Rashmoni, belonging to the Kaibartya community. Soon after Ramkumar passed away and Sri Ramakrishna took over the responsibilities for the daily puja in Dakshineswar where the reigning deity was Ma Kali, a form of Shakti. While performing his duties here, Ramakrishna became more and more engrossed in the divine and took to looking upon the Goddess Kali as the Universal Mother. Hearing such stories, Ramakrishna Dev’s mother began to get worried and started looking for a suitable match for her son, as she believed that a marriage may make his wandering soul become a little more family oriented. Ramakrishna himself gave direction to where his prospective wife could be found and Saradamani Mukhopadhyay of Jayrambati, then five years old was married to Ramakrishna Dev who was then twenty three at the year 1859.

 

The marriage did little to dissuade him from the path of seeking divinity, and by the time the young bride joined Ramakrishna Dev at Dakshineswar, she herself had become one of his biggest disciples; and he had become too immersed in the quest to seek the Universal Mother for the marriage to be ever consummated. Ramakrishna in fact, worshipped Sarada Devi as the Divine mother during Soroshi Puja and as such used to address her also as the Holy Mother.

 

• Ramakrishna’s Bhakti and religious Gurus

Ramakrishna had integrated various forms of religious philosophy in his own religious God- Consciousness. At a point of time Ramakrishna practiced his sadhana under Tantra, the Vedanta and the vaishnava school of thought. At one point he worshipped Lord Rama, with the affinity of Hanumana, his biggest disciple, then again at a point of time he practiced tantra. He later realized and mentioned too that all these varied roads led to only one goal- that to God- realization in oneself.

 

• Ramakrishna Dev’s Followers

It was the time of upheaval and of Bengal renaissance when Ramakrishna Dev arrived at the religious arena with his extremely simplistic views about religion. Neither did he preach a new religion, nor did he establish any kind of order for his followers. He was a simple man who felt the path to seek the ultimate truth is to attain a deep God- realization within one self. He acknowledged that there are various ways to do it and famously proclaimed – “joto mot, toto poth” meaning “as many faiths, that many paths”. Ramakrishna Dev proclaimed that a variety of religions only looked at the same ultimate and eternal God from a variety of perspectives, and thus they are in no way contradictory, rather they are complimentary to each other.

 

His religious beliefs drew Keshab Chandra Sen, an important leader of the Brahmo Samaj which was a reformatory religious sect. Keshab Chandra Sen, impressed with Ramakrishna Dev’s thought process kept on publishing his teachings in a magazine called Naba Bidhan or loosely translated as  the new dispensation; which actually brought out his views in front of a wider and more learned urban audience. Other prominent people of the Bengali intelligentsia who flocked to Ramakrishna were Trailokyanath Sanyal, Pratap Chandra Majumdar and Shivanath Shastri to name a few. Pratap Chandra Majumdars’s English biography of Ramakrishna drew the German philosopher Max Mueller to his fold. However, the most prominent follower was Vivekananda, born Narendranath Dutta; born of aristocratic parents and a student of Scottish Church College, who despite his initial reservations, went on to become his greatest follower and spoke about the God in self realization or God Realization in one self in various International discourses and founded Ramakrishna Mission, an order which works for the welfare of society and in spreading his vision and mission throughout the world.

 

• His Final Days

Ramakrishna Dev diagnosed with throat cancer in 1885, kept talking incessantly to all his visitors about religion throughout. He asked Vivekananda to keep his followers together and is said to have transferred his self and spiritual powers to Vivekananda. He succumbed to cancer in the early morning of 16^th of August 1886 in what his disciples called the Maha Samadhi. Vivekananda, with his band of followers in a house in Baranagar founded the Ramakrishna Mission which has now gone on from strength to strength.

 

• Ramakrishna Jayanti Celebrations

 

Ramakrishna Dev’s date of birth is celebrated world wide as the Ramakrishna Jayanti, marking the devotees’ devotion and love towards one of the most influential figures in the 19^th century Bengali renaissance period. In all the Ramakrishna Math and Missions this day begins with a Mangalarati followed by Vedic chanting culminating into special puja.  This puja is followed with a nama sankirtan or singing the praise of Sri Ramakrishna Dev. There is Homa conducted in the latter half of the day, followed by pushpanjali, or paying homage to Ramakrishna Dev with flowers.  A dissertation, discourse and discussion on the life and time of Ramakrishna Dev are held.  Prasad is distributed to all the devotees, bhajans sang and a final Deeparadhana is held marking an end to the celebrations. Millions of devotees from all across the world flock to attend these celebrations in various Ramakrishna Math and Missions situated almost all over the world with utmost zeal and devotion.

 

Ramakrishna Dev, in an era which was burning with doubts and traditional beliefs shaken under material worldly pressures; proved beyond doubt that God existed and it is in one self that one has to seek the Omnipotent as he is omnipresent.

Time and tide waits for none, goes the prophetic saying; thus time is of quintessential importance. Time is a phenomenon which is shrouded in mystery and various enigmatic tales surround it.

But if we ask, what is time? Time is probably a concept which guides our movements.  Time moves when there are planetary rotations happening. Kal essentially means Time and Bhairava is another name for the Lord God Shiva; or can be explained as another manifestation of the Lord Shiva.

Kal is believed to have control over the entire Universe and all that happens in it. Naturally, devotees feel the urge to appease Kala, and the observance is known as Kalashtami.

 

Who is Kala Bhairava?

According to the Tamil Siddhas, the entire universe belongs to the Kala Bhairavas.   The Kala Bhairava as his name means is the omnipotent controller of time.  He controls and also develops the concept and manifestation of time for our abode, Earth as well as other planetary aspects. These Tamil Siddhas, as the name again implies were experts in their own domains, and during their time travels, came into contact with the great Kala Bhairava. His demeanor is ferocious, complexion dark and has a huge dog as his pet or vehicle.  It is generally perceived in Hindu mythology that since he is the controller of time, by praying to the Kala Bhairava, one can alter the course of one’s time, or the circumstances one is going through.

 

What is Kalashtami?

Kalashtami is the optimal and most beneficial time to pray to the Kala Bhairava, in order to seek his benevolence. This is observed in the eighth day of the waning (dark) moon cycle or the Krishnapaksha. Although it can be observed every month during this time, the most important Kalashtami falls on the month of Margashirsha, and this day remains the same irrespective of North Indian or South Indian calendar.  It is folk lore and a belief among the devotees that Lord Shiva appeared in the form of the dark and ferocious Bhairava on the same day.

 

When is Kalashtami observed?

Kalashtami is celebrated on the eigth day of Krishnapaksha (dark phase of the moon) in the Indian month of Margashirsha.

 

How to please Kala Bhairava?

Kala Bhairava, can be pleased by chanting his Astangam. It is generally believed that his devotee, praying for his benevolence is freed from all obstacles and sorrows; he is freed from fear, debts, and illness and is granted enlightenment and the path to prosperity.  There are special pujas, havans, rites and rituals held to appease the great God on this day in his temples.

Shattila Ekadashi also known as Tilda Ekadashi, is usually observed during the Krishnapaksh in the month of February, or in the month of Magha, according to the Hindu calendar; which falls in the month of February according to the Julian calendar. The festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

What does the name Shattila mean?

The word Shattila is derived from the two words of Sat and Tila. Tila means sesame seeds and Sat means the number six.  Thus it means the occasion when sesame seeds are donated to the devout, poor and the hungry.

How did Shattila Ekadashi come to be celebrated?

Long long ago, a rich and religious woman used to perform all the rites of a Ekadasi always without fail. She used to give away precious jewelries and rich clothes to all those who came to her, but never gave any food or seeds to the needy. One day the Lord Krishna, on this Shattila Ekadashi day came in a disguise of a poor and needy to her. She as always gave him jewelries and clothes; but he kept asking for food.  The rich lady agreed to give him some food if he mentioned his gothra or caste. Lord Krishna went on asking for food. Angered, the lady placed a roll of clay on his begging bowl. The Lord blessed her and left.  The lady then to her misery found all her food, fruits and every edible turned into clay. Despite having money, she could not get any food. Famished and weak, she started praying to the Lord Krishna for the atonement of her sins. Lord Krishna appeared in her dreams and told her that the biggest danam or giving is the giving away of food or Anna Danam; which she had failed to do for so long. He told her that performing the rituals of the Shattila Ekadashi she would be rid of all her miseries. Thus on the day she gave away alms and Tila s or sesame to the poor. Since then, Shattila Ekadashi has come to be celebrated with Anna Danam in an effort to purge oneself of one’s sins.

How does one use the Tilas or the sesames in sat or six ways?

The main significance of this festival lies in the usage of the sesame seeds in at least six different ways to purge oneself, attain spiritual purification and gain religious brownie points. Let us have a look at the various uses of the sesame on this day –

• Have a bath in water mixed with sesame seeds,
• Make a paste of sesame seeds and rub on the body,
• While performing Havana, offer sesame seeds in the divine fire,
• Use sesame seeds in various recipes,
• Pray for Heaven and peace for your forefathers soul with sesame seeds while offering Anjali during Tarpan,
• Donate Sesame seeds or sesame laddoos to the devout and the poor.

What is the significance of the Shattila Ekadashi?

• Performing Shattila Ekadashi removes all sins and helps one to attain the ultimate or the Moksha
• It helps one to keep a control of their senses
• Performing this ritual helps one to rid oneself of anger, harmful activities, ego etc.
• Offering the tarpana or the oblation to our deceased ancestors with sesame is said to be beneficial
• It helps one attain spiritual enlightenment and helps in the fulfillment of one’s wishes.

The Pradosh Vrat is an extremely auspicious day dedicated to the Lord of all Gods, Lord Shiva. It is also known as Pradosham in the southern part of India. 

This Vrat or the ritual falls on the thirteenth day of every lunar fortnight, ie on the thirteenth day of the rising moon, the shukla paksha trayodashi or the waning moon,; the Krishna paksha trayodashis.

The devotees of Lord Shiva keep fasting on these days from morning till night and offer various pujas during the period of twilight. This Vrat can be observed in each of the months that come under the Hindu calendar system.

 

What does Pradosh mean?

Pradosh or Pradosham in literal terms means the removal of one’s sins.

 

Which is the time of the Pradosh kal?

Pradosh kal is actually the time of twilight.  The time after the sunset and before night sets in is twilight or Pradosh kal. It is generally considered that two hours and twenty four minutes after the sunset is the Pradosh kal, but of course it keeps varying in various regions. It is believed, according to yesteryear lore that the Lord Shiva, or Bholebaba perform dance in his mountain abode of kailasa in a pleasant mood, and just the sighting of  the Lord in a temple or offering a light or diya and burning incense during this Pradosh kal is enough to please the Lord.

 

What is the significance of the Pradosh Vrat?

This fast is believed to lead a man to the path of religious salvation. It is further believed that one who offers this vrat to the Lord gets relieved from the fear of death, poverty and lack of wealth.  It is also firmly believed that a person observing this vrat gets out of the circles of birth required before one can break the shackles of his karma.

 

What are the benefits of the Pradosh Vrat?

Pradosh Vrat observed yields different results as per different days, for example –

• Trayodashi which falls on Monday or Som Pradosha provides good health and the fulfillment of wishes.
• Trayodashi celebrated on Tuesday or Bhaum Pradosha gives health benefits and cures ailments.
• Trayodashi coinciding on Wednesdays fulfils the wishes.
• Guru Pradosha or the trayodashi on Thursday helps in the destruction of one’s foes.
• The Shani Pradosha or the one on Saturday gives benefits for conjugal life and also brings good results for those who are expecting a child.

 

How does one keep Pradosh Vrat?

The devotee, keeping this Vrat fasts from dawn to dusk and has to be vigilant at night after the fast is over. The devotee has to bathe an hour before the sunset and has to offer prayers to the divine family of Shiva, his wife Parvati, sons Kartikeya , Ganesha and his pet Nandi. The sacred Shiva Lingas are bathed with water and Bel leaves are offered as pujas. After the Lord is invoked, one can take a betel leaf, betel nut, coin and flower petals and give anjali (offering to the Supreme Being), that is a form of request to him to accept the prayers being offered. Then the personal prayers are offered verses from Shiva Purana and Pradosha Katha are read out.