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Monday 28 March 2016

Gudipadwa Muhurat Marathi Vikram Samvat 2073 Begins

Marathi Vikram Samvat 2073 Begins
Prathama Tithi Begins at 16:54:54 on April 7, 2016
Prathama Tithi Ends at 13:07:01 on April 8, 2016
Gudi Padwa is the Marathi festival, which is celebrated because Hindu New Year (known as “Samvatsara” in Sanskrit) begins from this day. As per the Panchang, Nav Samvatsar begins from the Pratipada of Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of Chaitra month.
Gudipadwa Muhurat
1. The Samvatsara begins on the day when Pratipada (first day of a fortnight; also known as “Padva”) is prevailing during the sunrise.
2. If Pratipada is prevailing on the sunrises of 2 days, the first day is considered for the celebration.
3. If Pratipada is not prevailing during the sunrise of any day, Nav Varsh will be celebrated on the day when Pratipada is beginning and ending.
In case of Adhik Maas (extra month added after every 32 months, 16 days, and 8 Ghatis), below given rules will be followed:
If it is Chaitra Adhik Maas (the extra month), Nav Samvatsara will begin from its Pratipada only. It is because Adhik Maas is the part of its original month only. Hence, along with the original Chaitra month, Adhika Chaitra is also considered the part of the New Year.
When To Perform Gudi Padwa Rituals
Below given things can only be performed during the original Chaitra month:
• Nav Varsh Phal Shravan (listening to the New Year’s horoscope)
• Taila Abhyang (oil bath)
• Nimba Patra Prashan (eating Neem leaves)
• Dhwajaropan (flag hoisting)
• Navratrarambh (beginning of Chaitra Navratri)
• Ghatsthapana (establishing Kalash/holy stoup for Navratri Puja)
But, Nava Varsha Naamgrahan (naming ceremony of the New Year) during Sankalp must be done in Adhik Chaitra Shukla Pratipada only. The name of this Samvatsara is Saumya 2073. It is also the Shri Shalivahan Shak 1938 and the name of this Samvat is Durmukhi.
King of Nav Samvatsara (Varshesh)
Lord (astrological planet) of the first day of the New Year is considered as the Lord of the year. In 2016, the Hindu Nav Varsh day is Friday. Hence, lord of the Hindu New Year 2016 is venus.
Guddi Padwa Mantras
These Mantras can be chanted as per the relevance of your worship procedures. Some people keep fast on the day. Mantras for them as well are given below:
Morning Vrat Sankalp:
ॐ विष्णुः विष्णुः विष्णुः, अद्य ब्रह्मणो वयसः परार्धे श्रीश्वेतवाराहकल्पे जम्बूद्वीपे भारतवर्षे अमुकनामसंवत्सरे चैत्रशुक्ल प्रतिपदि अमुकवासरे अमुकगोत्रः अमुकनामाऽहं प्रारभमाणस्य नववर्षस्यास्य प्रथमदिवसे विश्वसृजः श्रीब्रह्मणः प्रसादाय व्रतं करिष्ये।
Shodashopachar Puja Sankalp:
ॐ विष्णुः विष्णुः विष्णुः, अद्य ब्रह्मणो वयसः परार्धे श्रीश्वेतवाराहकल्पे जम्बूद्वीपे भारतवर्षे अमुकनामसंवत्सरे चैत्रशुक्ल प्रतिपदि अमुकवासरे अमुकगोत्रः अमुकनामाऽहं प्रारभमाणस्य नववर्षस्यास्य प्रथमदिवसे विश्वसृजो भगवतः श्रीब्रह्मणः षोडशोपचारैः पूजनं करिष्ये।
After Puja, the fasting person must chant this Mantra:
ॐ चतुर्भिर्वदनैः वेदान् चतुरो भावयन् शुभान्। 
ब्रह्मा मे जगतां स्रष्टा हृदये शाश्वतं वसेत्।।
About Gudhi Padwa
Gudipadva has several names as per the different regions in India.
1. Samvatsar Padvo is celebrated among Konkanis of Goa and Kerala. 
2. Rest of the Konkani diaspora in Karnataka know it as Yugadi.
3. People from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana celebrate Ugadi.
4. Kashmiris celebrate it as Navreh.
5. Sajibu Nongma Pānba or Meetei Cheiraoba is celebrated in Manipur.
6. Chaitra Navratri begins from this day for North Indians.
On this day, Marathis hoist the Gudi. That is why this festival is known as Gudi Padava. Gudi is made on a bamboo stick by placing an inverted Kalash of silver, copper, or bronze over it and adorning the bamboo with a beautiful cloth (usually, it is of saffron color and made of silk with brocaded borders). The Gudi is then adorned with Gaathi (sugar crystals garland), Neem leaves, a mango twig, and red-flower garland.
The Gudi is hoisted at a higher place like terrace in home so that it is quite visible to everyone. Many people also stick it on their windows or the right side of their doors.
Significance Of The Gudi
People hoisted Gudi in history when their King Shalivahana defeated Sakas and came back to Paithan, as it is considered as the symbol of victory.
2. Some people also hoist Gudi to commemorate the victories of Chhatrapati Shivaji.As it is believed by some that Lord Brahma created the universe on this day, Gudi is also believed to be the Brahma Dhwaj (Lord Brahma’s flag). Some people also consider it as Indra Dhwaj (flag of Lord Indra). Hence, for some, it is also the beginning of the spring season.Some people also hoist Gudi as the symbol of the Lord Rama’s return to the Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.Usually, it is believed that hoisting Gudi brings prosperity in life. Gudi is also known as Dharma Dhwaj to many and its each part has a meaning. The inverted pot is considered as the head and stick is considered to be spine (as bamboo has the vertebrae, just like human spine).For farmers, Gudhipadva is celebrated as the end of Rabi crop season and the beginning of the new harvest season. They plough their fields on this day to ensure a good harvest throughout the year.Gudipadava is one of the most auspicious Sadhe Teen Muhurats (3 and a half most auspicious days) of Hindus. These Sade Teen Muhurats are Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (Gudi Padawa), Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya (Akshay Tritya), Ashwin Shukla Dashami (Dussehra), and half Muhurat is considered on Kartik Shukla Pratipada (Diwali). Being quite auspicious, many people start new ventures and investments on this day.
Chaitra Navratri 2015 - 2016 Dates(Hindu New Year)
How to Perform or Observe Navratri Vrat and Puja Vidhi?
Nine Goddesses of Navratri
Significance of Navratri
Navratri Puja Vidhi Hindi Method with Ghatasthapana?
The Nav Samvat begins on April 8-2016
Gudhipadwa Celebrations & Significance Of The Gudi

Story of Navratri and Durga Puja

Gudhipadwa Celebrations & Significance Of The Gudi

Gudhipadwa Celebrations
1. In the morning, after doing the daily routine works like cleaning, bathing, etc., Gudi is hoisted.
- People clean their houses; and in villages, houses are plastered with fresh cow-dung.
- It is mentioned in the Shastras that Taila Abhyang must be done during the Arunodaya Kaal on this day.
- Gudi must be worshiped just after the sunrise. It must not be delayed.
2. Beautiful Rangoli designs are also made with bright colors and houses are decorated with fresh flowers.
3. People dress up in new, beautiful clothes. Usually, Marathi women adorn themselves in Kastha or Nauvari (9-yard Saree tucked at the back) and men wear Kurta Pajama along with a turban, which is mostly saffron or red.
4. Families gather and greet the New Year to everyone.
5. New Year’s horoscope must also be heard on this day.
6. Traditionally, the celebration begins after having the sweetened Neem leaves as Prasad. Usually, a paste is made with Neem leaves, jaggery, tamarind, etc. It is believed that this paste purifies the blood and increases immunity. Taste of this paste signifies the course of life as sweet, sour, and bitter.
7. Delicacies are cooked like Shrikhand, Puran Poli, Kheer (sweet porridge kind of dessert usually made with sweet potato, coconut milk, jaggery, rice flour, etc. by Marathis), and Sanna.
8. Later in the evening, Lezim is performed by the people.
How To Raise Gudi
1. The area must be cleaned properly where the Gudi will be placed.
2. A Swastika should be made on the ground below the Gudi.
3. A Swastika should be made on the ground below the Gudi.
About Gudhi Padwa
Gudipadva has several names as per the different regions in India.
1. Samvatsar Padvo is celebrated among Konkanis of Goa and Kerala. 
2. Rest of the Konkani diaspora in Karnataka know it as Yugadi.
3. People from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana celebrate Ugadi.
Ugadi Celebration
4. Kashmiris celebrate it as Navreh.
5. Sajibu Nongma Pānba or Meetei Cheiraoba is celebrated in Manipur.
6. Chaitra Navratri begins from this day for North Indians.
On this day, Marathis hoist the Gudi. That is why this festival is known as Gudi Padava. Gudi is made on a bamboo stick by placing an inverted Kalash of silver, copper, or bronze over it and adorning the bamboo with a beautiful cloth (usually, it is of saffron color and made of silk with brocaded borders). The Gudi is then adorned with Gaathi (sugar crystals garland), Neem leaves, a mango twig, and red-flower garland.
The Gudi is hoisted at a higher place like terrace in home so that it is quite visible to everyone. Many people also stick it on their windows or the right side of their doors.
Significance Of The Gudi
Many beliefs are associated with Gudhi Padva. Some of them are mentioned below:
1. People hoisted Gudi in history when their King Shalivahana defeated Sakas and came back to Paithan, as it is considered as the symbol of victory.
2. Some people also hoist Gudi to commemorate the victories of Chhatrapati Shivaji.
3. As it is believed by some that Lord Brahma created the universe on this day, Gudi is also believed to be the Brahma Dhwaj (Lord Brahma’s flag). Some people also consider it as Indra Dhwaj (flag of Lord Indra). Hence, for some, it is also the beginning of the spring season.
4. Some people also hoist Gudi as the symbol of the Lord Rama’s return to the Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
5. Usually, it is believed that hoisting Gudi brings prosperity in life.
6. Gudi is also known as Dharma Dhwaj to many and its each part has a meaning. The inverted pot is considered as the head and stick is considered to be spine (as bamboo has the vertebrae, just like human spine).
7. For farmers, Gudhipadva is celebrated as the end of Rabi crop season and the beginning of the new harvest season. They plough their fields on this day to ensure a good harvest throughout the year.
8. Gudipadava is one of the most auspicious Sadhe Teen Muhurats (3 and a half most auspicious days) of Hindus. These Sade Teen Muhurats are Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (Gudi Padawa), Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya (Akshay Tritya), Ashwin Shukla Dashami (Dussehra), and half Muhurat is considered on Kartik Shukla Pratipada (Diwali). Being quite auspicious, many people start new ventures and investments on this day.
Chaitra Navratri 2015 - 2016 Dates(Hindu New Year)
How to Perform or Observe Navratri Vrat and Puja Vidhi?
Nine Goddesses of Navratri
Significance of Navratri
Navratri Puja Vidhi Hindi Method with Ghatasthapana?
The Nav Samvat begins on April 8-2016
Gudipadwa Muhurat Marathi Vikram Samvat 2073 Begins

Story of Navratri and Durga Puja

The Nav Samvat begins on April 8-2016

The Hindu New Year 2073 or Vikram Nav Varsh Samvant in the traditional lunar Hindu calendars followed in North India – especially in Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkand, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Delhi and Chhattisgarh is celebrated on Chaitra Shukala Pratipada (March – April). In 2016, the Nav Samvat begins on April 8. The New Year is first day after the Amavasi (No moon) in the month of Chaitra. The current year is known as Soumya Samvatsar.
Nav Varsh Samvat 2073 in Gujarati calendar begins on October 31, 2016.
Saka Era 1938 begins on April 8 in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka.
Vikram Era was started in 57 BC by Emperor Vikramaditya as a commemoration of his victory upon the Shaks. This victory took place at Ujjain, one among the four places associated with Kumbh Mela. This Hindu calendar is also known as Vikram Samvant.
According to the traditional Hindu calendar followed inNorth India this is year Vikram Samvat 2073. This calculation of Hindu New Year is based on the Luni-Solar calendar. A month in the calendar is calculated from the day after full moon to full moon (Pratipada tithi after Purnima to Purnima). This is known as Purnimanta system.
The calendars followed mainly in North India are based on the Amanta and Purnimanta system. Amanta calendar is calculated from New moon to New moon. Purnimanta is calculated from Full moon to Full moon. Amanta is used in some places for calculating festivals and other auspicious days.
The Amanta Lunar calendar starts with Chaitra month. Amanta is used fix all the major Hindu festivals in North India. Even those communities that prefer the Purnimata calendar use Amanta calendar for fixing festivals.
It must be noted here that Gujarat follows a different calendar system and there the New Year falls on the day after Diwali – the calendar is popularly known as Vikram Samvat – the current year in Gujarati calendar is Vikram Samvat 2073 (It will change only on October 31, 2016).
Similarly, the official Government of India calendar, the Saka Calendar, has its New Year in Chaitra month but it falls on March 21st or March 22nd.
#MaaDurga#Shailputri#Brahmacharini#Chandraghanta#Kushmanda#Skanda Mata#Katyayani#Kalratri#Maha-Gauri#Siddhidatri#Jagdamba#Chaitra-Navratri#Ramnavmi#Dussehera#Vijayadashami
Chaitra Navratri 2015 - 2016 Dates(Hindu New Year)
How to Perform or Observe Navratri Vrat and Puja Vidhi?
Nine Goddesses of Navratri
Significance of Navratri
Navratri Puja Vidhi Hindi Method with Ghatasthapana?
Gudhipadwa Celebrations & Significance Of The Gudi
Gudipadwa Muhurat Marathi Vikram Samvat 2073 Begins
Story of Navratri and Durga Puja

Navratri Puja Vidhi Hindi Method with Ghatasthapana?

Navratri Puja Vidhi Simple Nine Day Puja – How to do Navratri Puja in North India Hindi Method with Ghatasthapana?
Navratri Puja Vidhi in North India include Ghatasthapana, Kumari Puja etc. Here is a simple method to do Navratri and Durga Puja in North India the Hindu Method. Things needed for Navratri Puja are:

  • Clay vessel – open mouth to sow barely
  • Kalash Pot
  • Clean and good soil for sowing barely
  • Barely seeds
  • Water
  • Sacred thread (mauli)
  • Scent
  • Supari (betel nut)
  • Coins
  • Mango Leaves
  • Raw Rice
  • Coconut
  • Two Red cloth
  • 2 Flower garlands or flowers
  • Chawki (raised wooden platform)
  • Picture of Painting of Goddess Durga
  • Dhoop
  • Lamp
  • Ghee
  • Cotton wick
  • Fruits
  • Sweets
  • Puja Thali
  • Chunari or cloth for Mother Goddess
First is Ghatasthapana

Preparing Barely Pot
Take the open mouth clay pot and fill soil up to half of the pot. Then put the barely seeds. Put soil on top of the barely seeds. Again put barely seeds but do not put on center of the pot. Again put soil. The barely pot is now ready
Preparing Kalash Pot
Tie sacred thread on the Kalash Pot.
Fill the kalash pot with water upto the neck
Put a supari or betel nut in kalash
Put some scent in kalash
Put some coins in kalash
Put 5 mango leaves with tail pointing upwards in the kalash
Put raw rice in kalash
Wrap the coconut with a red cloth and place it on top of kalash.
Place the kalash on the center of the barley pot.  (You can place the barely pot and kalash pot separately also.)
Puja Thali
Prepare the puja tali by placing garland, lamp, dhoop stick, fruit, sweet and scent.
First prayer to Kalash and Barely Pot
Invocation of Goddess Durga – Asking Goddess Durga to reside in the kalash for nine days. Invite her – Usual words in your local language
Panchopachar Puja
Light the lamp and circle it around the kalash.
Light dhoop stick and circle it around kalash.
Place a flower garland on the kalash.
Offer fruit and sweet to the kalash
Offer scent to deity by sprinkling it on the kalash.
Preparing the Platform
Put a red cloth on a raised platform or stool.
Put the cloth (Chunari) on the Goddess Durga Painting and place it on the raised platform.
Offer prayers to Goddess Durga. Ask her to stay in the place of nine days.
Circle lamp around the painting of Goddess durga.
Next circle dhoop.
Next put garland on Goddess Durga painting or photo.
Next offer scent
Next offer sweet and fruit to durga
Place the kalash and barely pot near Goddess Durga. Offer Prayers
Sprinkle water on the barely pot daily for nine days.
Puja should be performed on all nine days. (Panchopachar Puja).
You can sit and pray in front of the kalash and painting of Goddess Durga for nine days.
You can read stories of Goddess Durga and also listen to prayers during morning and evening.
Fresh sweet and fruits should be offered on all nine days
Finishing Navratri Puja

On the tenth day morning you can distribute the barely shoots – the grown barley.
The coconut can be used to make sweet on the tenth day.
The water should be offered to a plant.
The rice used can be donated or used to make sweet.
#MaaDurga#Shailputri#Brahmacharini#Chandraghanta#Kushmanda#SkandaMata#Katyayani#Kalratri#Maha-Gauri#Siddhidatri#Jagdamba#Chaitra-Navratri#Ramnavmi#Dussehera#Vijayadashami

Significance of Navratri

Significance of Navratri
Symbolizing victory of positivity over negativity, Navratri literally means 'nine nights' in Sanskrit; Nav - Nine and Ratri - nights. During these nine nights and ten days, the three forms of the goddess -Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi - are invoked.
Navratri symbolically represents the victory of good over evil – Goddess Durga slaying Demon Mahishasura and Lord Rama killing Ravana. This same struggle is constantly taking place in human hearts and the nine-day Navratri Vrat gradually prepares a devotee to merge with the Brahman. Like Mahishasura, the human mind armed with ego, anger, greed, lust and envy negate the supreme force. The nine-day Navratri vrat slowly annihilates the Mahishasura in us and help us to realize us that we are part of Brahman – the supreme spirit present in all animate and inanimate.
The physical fight between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura has its ups and downs. Goddess Durga fought Mahishasura and his army for nine days and nine nights. Similarly, in the fight against evil tendencies like ego, anger, lust and other animal instincts make us weak and a person too faces and downs. The destructive aspect of Mother Goddess symbolically represents the fierce commitment to win over the evil tendencies.
When a person gradually gains victory over evil tendencies, there is a void or emptiness. If left empty, the new found victory over evil tendencies will be lost soon. Therefore, this void should be filled with spiritual wealth. For this a devotee approaches Goddess Lakshmi, who provides all kinds of wealth. Goddess Lakshmi should not be merely understood as goddess of wealth or gold or money. She represents ‘Sri, Tejas, Aishwarya’ – prosperity, peace, purity and serenity.In life, all these three qualities co-exist and we have to skillfully get past them. These nine days are a reminder of this. It is the awakening of the Divinity – that quality of the Mother Divine which does not negate anything, yet nurtures the good qualities. Supporting the positivity in us and skillfully removing the negative can be learnt by invoking and awakening the Divine in us. This is what is done in the Chandi Homa.
This all-inclusive power supports us and brings out the divine quality in us. This can happen only when we are doing our sadhana. These nine days are a reminder to be a good sadhak (seeker) and of course, none of this can even stir without the grace of the Master and we are very fortunate to have his grace in abundance.
But still the true knowledge is elusive - an individual has not attained true knowledge. This is because many feel Goddess Durga and Goddess Lakshmi is outside and not within. Goddess Durga and Goddess Lakshmi remain supernatural forces. This is ignorance. The supreme wisdom is still lacking. Goddess Saraswathi is worshipped to gain this supreme wisdom.
Finally, on the tenth day the supreme wisdom dawns in a devotee. He/She realizes that Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswathi are nothing but the supreme power manifested in different ways. Then the person moves a step ahead, and realizes the ultimate truth that he/she is nothing but Brahman and that life is a continuity.

Story of Navratri and Durga Puja

Story of Navratri and Durga Puja in Hindu Religion – Durga slaying Mahishasura
The story associated with Navratri and Durga Puja is found in the Markandeya Purana. The chapters 81 to 93 in the Markandeya Purana talks about the slaying of demon Mahishasura or Mahisha by Durga and it is referred as Devimahatmya and is recited during the Navaratri and Durga Puja. It symbolized the victory of good over evil. In 2016, Navratri begins on October 1 and ends on October 11.
Devi-Mahatyma extols the greatness of Durga in 700 hymns grouped into 537 sections and therefore it is also known as Durga Sapta Sati. It details the exploits of the goddess in her three major forms: Kali, Lakshmi and Saraswati, representing the three fold energy: strength, wealth and wisdom. The most famous episode is Durga killing Mahishasura.
History & Origin Of Navratri
In different parts of India, different legends describe the history of Navratri: North India
Mahishasura Defeats Gods
Mahishasura defeated the gods and the demons. He attacked the heaven and captured it and made ‘devas’ his slaves. He proclaimed that he is now Indra – the lord of the gods. The gods led by Brahma approached Vishnu and Shiva and appraised them of the situation.
Birth of Goddess Durga
The actions of Mahishasura caused intense anger in the Trimurtis. The anger emerging out of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva combined to the take the shape of a terrible form and this was Durga.
It is said that the flames of fire that gushed out of the eyes of the Trimurtis – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva – formed a mountain, brilliant like a million suns. Out of this mountain, Durga took shape as the goddess more powerful than all the gods.
‘samasta devanam tejo rasi samudbhavam’ Durga is the brilliance of all the gods.

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When the goddess was seen by Mahishasura, he fell in love with her and sought to marry her. The goddess promised to marry him, if he defeated her in the battle. A terrible combat ensued and continued for nine days. Finally, Durga assumed the terrifying form of Chandika and pinned Mahishasura down with her foot and pierced his neck with her spear and she cut his head off with her sword.
The legend about the killing of Mahisha is found in many Puranas and therefore there are slight variations in the story. The story is also found in Vamana Purana, Varaha Purana, Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana, Devi Bhagavatam and Kalika Purana.
Eastern Belief
As per the legend prevalent in East India, Daksha, the king of the Himalayas, had a beautiful and virtuous daughter called Uma. She wished to marry Lord Shiva, since her childhood. In order to win over the Lord, she worshipped him and managed to please him as well. When Shiva finally came to marry her, the tiger-skin clad groom displeased Daksha and he broke off all the relationships with his daughter and son-in-law. One fine day, Daksha organized a yagna, but did not invite Lord Shiva for the same. 
Uma got so angry at her father's rude behavior, towards her husband, that she decided to end her life by jumping into the agnikund of the yagna, where she was united with eternity (since then, she came to be known as Sati). However, she took re-birth and again won Shiva as her groom and peace was restored. It is believed that since then, Uma comes every year with Ganesh, Kartik, Saraswati and Laxmi and two of her best friends or 'sakhis', called Jaya and Bijaya, to visit her parent's home during Navratri. 
Another Legend - Ram and Ravana
Yet another legend of Navratri relates to the Hindu epic Ramayana. It goes that Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga in nine aspects, for nine days, in order to gather the strength and power to kill Ravana. He wanted to release Sita from the clutches of powerful demon king Ravana, who had abducted her. Those nine nights became to be known as Navratri and the tenth day, on which Lord Rama killed Ravana, came to be called Vijayadashmi or Dusshera, signifying Rama's (good) triumph over Ravana (evil).
#Maa-Durga#Shailputri#Brahmacharini#Chandraghanta#Kushmanda#Skanda Mata#Katyayani#Kalratri#Maha-Gauri#Siddhidatri#Jagdamba#Chaitra-Navratri#Ramnavmi#Dussehera#Vijayadashami
Chaitra Navratri 2015 - 2016 Dates(Hindu New Year)

Nine Goddesses of Navratri

Nine Goddesses of Navratri – The Nine Goddess worshipped during Navaratri

Nine Goddesses of Navratri are collectively known as Navadurga and are mentioned in the Devi Mahatmya and Durga Saptashati. The Nine Goddesses worshipped on each of the nine days of Navaratri are incarnations of Goddess Shakti. The nine goddess worshipped are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kala Ratri (Kaalratri), Maha Gowri and Siddhidayini.
Maa Shailaputri – Goddess Worshipped on the first day of Navratri
‘Shail’ means mountains and ‘Putri’ means daughter. She is also known as Parvati or Hemavati
Shailaputri is believed to be the rebirth of Sati, the daughter of Daksha and the wife of Lord Shiva. In her second birth she is Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya and later she became the consort of Shiva. This is one of the very first forms of Shakti and is closely associated with Lord Shiva.
Maa Brahmacharini – Goddess Worshipped on the second day of Navratri
Here Brahma means ‘one who constantly meditates on the Supreme Being’. Brahmacharini is highly pious and is a peaceful form or is in meditation. She is also known as Tapashcharini, Aparna and Uma.
This form of Durga is related to the severe penance undertaken by Sati and Parvati in their respective births to attain Lord Shiva as husband. Some of the most important Vratas observed in different parts of India by women is based on the strict austerities followed by Brahmacharini.
Maa Chandraghanta – Goddess Worshipped on the third day of Navratri
Her name Chandraghanta comes from the crescent moon worn by her on the head.

This is a terrible aspect of Goddess Shakti and is roaring in anger. This form of Durga is completely different from earlier forms and shows when provoked she can be the terrible or malevolent.
Maa Kushmanda – Goddess Worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri
The name Kushmanda consists of three words. ‘Ku’ means ‘a little’, ‘Usma’ means ‘energy’ and ‘Anda’ means ‘the cosmic egg or universe.’ She is also known as Ashtabhuja.
Goddess Shakti is very happy in this incarnation and it is believed that the eternal darkness ended when she smiled. And this led to the beginning of creation.
Maa Skanda Mata – Goddess Worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri
Skanda is one of the names of Subrahmanya or Lord Muruga or Kartik – the General of the Army of the Devas and the most handsome God. Skanda Mata is the mother of Kartik. She is also known as Padmasana.
This the motherly form of Durga and she is benevolent.
Maa Katyayani – Goddess Worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri
She is called Katyayani because she was born as the daughter of Sage Katya of Katya clan.
This is the daughter form of Durga. Here is she a loving daughter. She is epitome of love but won’t hesitate to rise up in anger to defend righteousness and Dharma.
Maa Kalaratri – Goddess Worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri
Kalaratri is the one who destroys ignorance and removes darkness. She is also known as Shubhamkari.
In this form she is believed to have licked the blood of demon Rakta Beeja who had the capacity to bring out thousand demons from a drop of blood spilt from his body.
This is the most violent form of Durga. This form primarily depicts that life also has dark side – the violent Mother Nature and creates havoc and removes all dirt.
Maa Mahagauri – Goddess Worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri
Mahagauri means one clean and bright like a ray of lightning.
This is the form of Mata Parvati when she did penance to get Shiva as her husband. It is believed that due to the intense Tapas performed by her without moving caused soil and dust to collect on her body. Lord Shiva cleaned her with water from Ganga. Purity is depicted in this form of Durga.
Maa Siddhidatri – Goddess Worshipped on the ninth day of Navratri
In this form Mother Goddess provides ‘Siddhi’ or knowledge.
In this form Durga removes ignorance and she provides the knowledge to realize That or Brahman. She is surrounded by Siddhas, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Demons and Gods who are worshipping her. The Siddhi that she provides is the realization that everything is Supreme Being or Brahman.
#MaaDurga#Shailputri#Brahmacharini#Chandraghanta#Kushmanda#Skand-Mata#Katyayani#Kalratri#Maha-Gauri#Siddhidatri#Jagdamba#Chaitra-Navratri#Ramnavmi#Dussehera#Vijayadashami
Chaitra Navratri 2015 - 2016 Dates(Hindu New Year)
How to Perform or Observe Navratri Vrat and Puja Vidhi?
Significance of Navratri
Navratri Puja Vidhi Hindi Method with Ghatasthapana?
The Nav Samvat begins on April 8-2016
Gudhipadwa Celebrations & Significance Of The Gudi
Gudipadwa Muhurat Marathi Vikram Samvat 2073 Begins
Story of Navratri and Durga Puja

Sunday 27 March 2016

पान का बीड़ा खाकर चुनते हैं पार्टनर, मेले में मिलते हैं दिल

पान खिलाकर करते हैं प्रेम का इजहार, लड़कियों को लेकर गायब हो जाते हैं युवा
भगोरिया एक उत्सव है जो होली का ही एक रूप है। यह मध्य प्रदेश के मालवा अंचल (धार, झाबुआ, खरगोन आदि) के आदिवासी इलाकों में बेहद धूमधाम से मनाया जाता है। भगोरिया उत्सव देशभर में प्रसिद्ध है। इसे देखने के लिए बाहर से भारी संख्या में सैलानी यहां आते हैं। इनमें कई विदेशी पर्यटक भी शामिल है। धुलेंडी से पहले के सात दिन भगोरिया हाट बाजार लगते हैं। जहां लोक संस्कृति अपने पूर्ण रूप में उजागर होती है। यही इस उत्सव की खासियत भी है। भगोरिया ऐसा उत्सव है, जिसमें सम्मिलित होने के लिए अंचल का आदिवासी देश के किसी भी कोने में क्यों न हो, अपने गांव लौट आता है।यह भील और भिलाला आदिवासियों की प्रेम और शादी से जुड़ा पारंपरिक मेला है।
भगोरिया हाट-बाजारों में युवक-युवती बेहद सजधज कर अपने भावी जीवनसाथी को ढूँढने आते हैं। इनमें आपसी रजामंदी जाहिर करने का तरीका भी बेहद निराला होता है। सबसे पहले लड़का लड़की को पान खाने के लिए देता है। यदि लड़की पान खा ले तो हाँ समझी जाती है। इसके बाद लड़का लड़की को लेकर भगोरिया हाट से भाग जाता है और दोनों विवाह कर लेते हैं। इसी तरह यदि लड़का लड़की के गाल पर गुलाबी रंग लगा दे और जवाब में लड़की भी लड़के के गाल पर गुलाबी रंग मल दे तो भी रिश्ता तय माना जाता है।
ये होली से एक हफ्ते पहले शुरू होता है। होली से पहले शुरू होकर मेला होली के दिन ही समाप्त हो जाता है। आदिवासी साल भर इस मेले का इंतज़ार करते हैं। इस वर्ष लोक संस्कृति के पर्व भगोरिया की शुरुआत 16 मार्च से हुई । इस दौरान झाबुआ जिले में 36 तो आलीराजपुर जिले में 24 स्थानों पर मेले लगे। जहां आदिवासियों की अल्हड़ता और सांस्कृतिक विरासत की विपुलता का सम्मिलित समारोह नजर आया । ढोल की पुरकशिश गूंज और मांदल की हुलस के साथ थाली की खनक पर लयबद्ध थिरकन करते आदिवासी युवाओं की टोलियां उत्सव के उत्साह का प्रकट करना देखते ही बनता था  ।
इतिहास
भगोरिया पर लिखी कुछ किताबों के अनुसार भगोरिया राजा भोज के समय लगने वाले हाटों को कहा जाता था। इस समय दो भील राजाओं कासूमार औऱ बालून ने अपनी राजधानी भागोर में विशाल मेले औऱ हाट का आयोजन करना शुरू किया। धीरे-धीरे आस-पास के भील राजाओं ने भी इन्हीं का अनुसरण करना शुरू किया जिससे हाट और मेलों को भगोरिया कहना शुरू हुआ। वहीं दूसरी ओर कुछ लोगों का मानना है क्योंकि इन मेलों में युवक-युवतियाँ अपनी मर्जी से भागकर शादी करते हैं इसलिए इसे भगोरिया कहा जाता है।
कैसा होता है भगोरिया मेला...
युवक-युवतियां आते हैं सज-संवरकर
बताया जाता है कि इस त्यौहार के दौरान समुदाय के नौजवान सदस्यों को अपने जीवनसाथी चुनने की पूरी आज़ादी होती है। यह जीवन और प्रेम का उत्सव है जो संगीत, नृत्य और रंगों के साथ मनाया जाता है।इस दौरान मध्यप्रदेश के आदिवासी इलाकों में कई मेले लगते हैं और हज़ारों की संख्या में नौजवान युवक-युवतियां सज-संवरकर इन मेलों में शिरकत करते हैं।





पारंपरिक रंगीन कपड़ों में सजे-धजे नौजवान लोगों को इस तरह से मेले में अपने जीवनसाथी को ढूंढ़ते हुए देखना वाकई में एक रोमांचकारी अहसास है। मेले के दौरान कुछ आदिवासी लोग बांसुरी बजाते हैं और अपने-अपने खेल-तमाशे दिखाते हैं। वहीं पारंपरिक संगीत वाद्ययंत्र मंदल और ढोल की थाप पर नाचते-गाते हैं। भगोरिया के मेले में जब जींस पहने और चश्मे लगाए नौजवान दिखते हैं तो उनमें आधुनिक दुनिया की भी झलक दिखती है।
संस्कृति का उत्साह और उल्लास ग्रामीणों के चेहरे पर साफ नजर आता है । किसी को झूले-चकरी का आनंद आता तो कोई गर्मी से सूखे कंठों को तर करने के लिए आईसक्रीम-बर्फ के गोले, शरबत, पान का लुत्फ उठाता है । 
भगोरिया पर्व को आदिवासी अंचल के बाहर अलग पहचान मिली हुई है। बाहरी लोग इस पर्व को आदिवासियों का वैंलेटाइन वीक मानते हैं। इसकी वजह यह है कि फरवरी माह में आने वाले वेलेंनटाइन सप्ताह की तरह यह भी प्रेम, उमंग और उत्साह का सप्ताह होता है।

Friday 25 March 2016

जनेऊ क्या है,जनेऊ की लंबाई, एवं नियम

जनेऊ क्या है : आपने देखा होगा कि बहुत से लोग बाएं कांधे से दाएं बाजू की ओर एक कच्चा धागा लपेटे रहते हैं। इस धागे को जनेऊ कहते हैं। जनेऊ तीन धागों वाला एक सूत्र होता है। जनेऊ को संस्कृत भाषा में 'यज्ञोपवीत' कहा जाता है। यह सूत से बना पवित्र धागा होता है, जिसे व्यक्ति बाएं कंधे के ऊपर तथा दाईं भुजा के नीचे पहनता है। अर्थात इसे गले में इस तरह डाला जाता है कि वह बाएं कंधे के ऊपर रहे।
तीन सूत्र क्यों : जनेऊ में मुख्‍यरूप से तीन धागे होते हैं। यह तीन सूत्र देवऋण, पितृऋण और ऋषिऋण के प्रतीक होते हैं और यह सत्व, रज और तम का प्रतीक है। यह गायत्री मंत्र के तीन चरणों का प्रतीक है।यह तीन आश्रमों का प्रतीक है। संन्यास आश्रम में यज्ञोपवीत को उतार दिया जाता है।
नौ तार : यज्ञोपवीत के एक-एक तार में तीन-तीन तार होते हैं। इस तरह कुल तारों की संख्‍या नौ होती है। एक मुख, दो नासिका, दो आंख, दो कान, मल और मूत्र के दो द्वारा मिलाकर कुल नौ होते हैं।
पांच गांठ : यज्ञोपवीत में पांच गांठ लगाई जाती है जो ब्रह्म, धर्म, अर्थ, काम और मोक्ष का प्रतीक है। यह पांच यज्ञों, पांच ज्ञानेद्रियों और पंच कर्मों का भी प्रतीक भी है।
प्रत्येक आर्य का कर्तव्य है जनेऊ पहनना और उसके नियमों का पालन करना। प्रत्येक आर्य (हिन्दू) जनेऊ पहन सकता है बशर्ते कि वह उसके नियमों का पालन करे। 
ब्राह्मण ही नहीं समाज का हर वर्ग जनेऊ धारण कर सकता है। जनेऊ धारण करने के बाद ही द्विज बालक को यज्ञ तथा स्वाध्याय करने का अधिकार प्राप्त होता है। द्विज का अर्थ होता है दूसरा जन्म।
लडकियों को भी जनेऊ धारण करने का अधिकार है ।
जनेऊ की लंबाई : यज्ञोपवीत की 96 अंगुल होती है। इसका अभिप्राय यह है कि जनेऊ धारण करने वाले को 64 कलाओं और 32 विद्याओं को सीखने का प्रयास करना चाहिए। चार वेद, चार उपवेद, छह अंग, छह दर्शन, तीन सूत्रग्रंथ, नौ अरण्यक मिलाकर कुल 32 विद्याएं होती है। 64 कलाओं में जैसे- वास्तु निर्माण, व्यंजन कला, चित्रकारी, साहित्य कला, दस्तकारी, भाषा, यंत्र निर्माण, सिलाई, कढ़ाई, बुनाई, दस्तकारी, आभूषण निर्माण, कृषि ज्ञान आदि।
जनेऊ के नियम :
1.यज्ञोपवीत को मल-मूत्र विसर्जन के पूर्व दाहिने कान पर चढ़ा लेना चाहिए और हाथ स्वच्छ करके ही उतारना चाहिए। इसका स्थूल भाव यह है कि यज्ञोपवीत कमर से ऊंचा हो जाए और अपवित्र न हो। अपने व्रतशीलता के संकल्प का ध्यान इसी बहाने बार-बार किया जाए।
2.यज्ञोपवीत का कोई तार टूट जाए या 6 माह से अधिक समय हो जाए, तो बदल देना चाहिए। खंडित यज्ञोपवीत शरीर पर नहीं रखते। धागे कच्चे और गंदे होने लगें, तो पहले ही बदल देना उचित है।
3.जन्म-मरण के सूतक के बाद इसे बदल देने की परम्परा है। महिलाओं को हर मास मासिक धर्म के बाद जनेऊ को बदल देना चाहिए ।
4.यज्ञोपवीत शरीर से बाहर नहीं निकाला जाता। साफ करने के लिए उसे कण्ठ में पहने रहकर ही घुमाकर धो लेते हैं। भूल से उतर जाए, तो प्रायश्चित करें ।
5.मर्यादा बनाये रखने के लिए उसमें चाबी के गुच्छे आदि न बांधें। इसके लिए भिन्न व्यवस्था रखें। 
बालक जब इन नियमों के पालन करने योग्य हो जाएं, तभी उनका यज्ञोपवीत करना चाहिए।
चिकित्सा विज्ञान के अनुसार दाएं कान की नस अंडकोष और गुप्तेन्द्रियों से जुड़ी होती है। मूत्र विसर्जन के समय दाएं कान पर जनेऊ लपेटने से शुक्राणुओं की रक्षा होती है।
* वैज्ञानिकों अनुसार बार-बार बुरे स्वप्न आने की स्थिति में जनेऊ धारण करने से इस समस्या से मुक्ति मिल जाती है।
* कान में जनेऊ लपेटने से मनुष्य में सूर्य नाड़ी का जाग्रण होता है।
* कान पर जनेऊ लपेटने से पेट संबंधी रोग एवं रक्तचाप की समस्या से भी बचाव होता है।
* माना जाता है कि शरीर के पृष्ठभाग में पीठ पर जाने वाली एक प्राकृतिक रेखा है जो विद्युत प्रवाह की तरह काम करती है। यह रेखा दाएं कंधे से लेकर कमर तक स्थित है। जनेऊ धारण करने से विद्युत प्रवाह नियंत्रित रहता है जिससे काम-क्रोध पर नियंत्रण रखने में आसानी होती है।
* जनेऊ से पवित्रता का अहसास होता है। यह मन को बुरे कार्यों से बचाती है। कंधे पर जनेऊ है, इसका मात्र अहसास होने से ही मनुष्य भ्रष्टाचार से दूर रहने लगता है।
 हरे कृष्ण