Mahavir Jayanti

Mahavir Jayanti

Aanchal, a little girl of five, waits anxiously for the Abhisheka of their statue to begin. It was her first time celebrating Mahavir Jyanti outside home. The little girl couldn’t contain her excitement, after all she had helped her mother pick out the perfect statue.

India is unlike any other country. It is whole world with its mixed religious communities and people from different cultures, traditions and tons of festivals. It’s often joked about the fact that in India, every second day is a holiday because of some or the other festival.

Out of the many religions that India houses, Jainism is one of the major one. We all have that one Jain family in our social circles whom we all love; they are the most soft spoken, well-mannered and nice sort of people one can ever come across. Jains are staunchly religious and to them their religion is a serious business. They follow the teachings of Lord Mahavir and devote their whole lives to live up to them.

Mahavir was born with a silver spoon. He was the son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala born in 590 BC (before Christ). Born as a prince, he was the rightful heir of his father’s kingdom. From his childhoods itself, he was different from all the other boys of his age. He always wondered about the purpose of life and about the cycle of birth and death. In his early twenties, he left the comfortable life of his palace in search for the answers to the questions that had troubled him all his life.

After a lot of meditation and penance he received enlightenment. He is considered to be the 24^th and the very last Tirthankara or the enlightened being. After his enlightenment he made it his life’s motto to spread his knowledge to the world. Soon, enough he had a group of devoted followers who were called Jains.

The Jain’s have since then celebrated Mahavir Jayanti to commemorate the birth of their lord and leader Mahavir. This festival is celebrated with great pomp and show; it begins at the break of dawn. All the devotees gather at temples, carrying a statue of their lord, where it’s washed and bathed in the holy water. This part of the ritual is called Abhishekha. It is performed to purify the lord by giving him a through cleansing.

On this day, most of the devotees perform a charitable act or collect donations for a noble cause like upliftment of the poor, feeding the hungry etc. Devotees also meditate and pray to the lord from morning till evening, thanking Mahavir for the sacrifices he made for their community and also for the teachings he imparted.

Being an Indian, we are lucky that we have an opportunity to witness such diverse culture and religious rituals. This year Jain’s celebrate the 2612^thbirthday of Mahavir. Make sure that you are a part of the celebrations because you will for sure come back home with a more peaceful and happier mind.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/mahavir-jayanti

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Bizarre Indian Rituals

Bizarre Indian Rituals

Ray, an American by nationality, has just had the best holiday ever. It was his trip to India where he attended a colleague’s wedding which was a seven day affair. But he was surprised by the quirky rituals that were involved in the wedding. The cultural gap was more of a shock to him. But Ray isn’t the only one who has found the Indian rituals weird. Every culture and country has some strange traditions that they follow; but India absolutely takes the cake when it comes to unique ways and techniques to please god or save themselves from ill omens.

India is a huge landmass with variety of cultures religions and people who firmly believe in their ancestral traditions. We Indians have traditions for each and every occasion - wedding, funeral, birthday etc. This practice of Indian rituals has been going on for centuries. Earlier it was sati, a practice where the wife would die with the burning pyre of the husband.

But even though now that horrendous ritual has been banned from India, still we have many others in different parts of our country. A tradition in Maharashtra and Karnataka believes in tossing a new born from their house roof to the bed kept below. It signifies that the kid will be able to face all the problems of life. Another ritual that is highly common in Himachal Pradesh, the land of Temples that the devotees reach the temples by rolling down the whole road, showing their penance and hoping god would grant their wish. People actually get married to animals - a black dog, frog or even also ant etc, to lift of the curse of manglik. Manglik is a person who’s Saturn and Mars collide in kundali, making it hard to find perfect match.

Other rituals that include animals are more health hazardous. For instance, in Madhya Pradesh people dress up cows who are considered goddess in Hindu mythology and free them while lying on their way so that they can trample on humans. This ritual symbolizes that the devotees are always in the feet of their lord. In Tamil Nadu, a day after Pongal, a Bull Fighting contest is held between a bull and a man. It goes on till either one of the contestants die. It signifies the male power and strength if the man is victorious.

Even our wedding rituals are quirky - be it the tradition of the mother-in-law pulling the nose of her future son-in-law or the ever popular stealing the shoes of the groom, only to give it back in return of money, or the ceremony of finding the ring in water.

India is in every sense the land of brave and the strange. The faith Indians hold for their culture and religion is salute worthy. Maybe that is one of the reasons why it truly is Incredible India!

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/bizarre-indian-rituals

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Why we tie nimbu mirchi on Saturdays?

Why we tie nimbu mirchi on Saturdays?

“You never know what worse luck your bad luck has saved you from”- this famous quote is by Cormac McCarthy. We are all believers in luck. The perception of good luck and bad luck is deeply embedded in our Indian traditions which have given rise to many superstitions. One of them is tying nimbu mirchi on Saturdays. 

It is a common sight in any Indian house that a lemon (nimbu) is tied along with seven (chilli) at the entrance of a door, inside of our cars or at the back of any vehicle. Seven green chillies and a lemon tied on a thread and hung outside the door is believed to ward off the evil eye of Alakshmi who is the evil sister of Goddess Lakshmi. Alakshmi is considered inauspicious and is believed to bring misery and poverty.

There is a story that once both the sisters Lakshmi and Alaskhmi came to a merchant’s house and asked him to describe how beautiful each looked. The merchant very diplomatically handled the situation. He bowed to each of them and replied “Jyeshtha (elder sister) Alakshmi looks beautiful as she is seen going from inside of the house to the outside and Kanishtha (younger sister) Lakshmi also looks beautiful as she is seen entering the house from outside to the inside.” Thus Alakshmi who is believed to bring poverty and misery looks good when she leaves a person’s house and to ward her off, nimbu and mirch are tied outside of the entrance. Lemon or nimbu is supposed to be ‘pitta-shamak’ according to ayurveda, which is supposed to reduce anger, irritation and chilly or mirchi by their hot nature are tamasic /rajasic. So if Alakshmi consumes the essence of the chillies, the lemon is sure to decrease her anger too. Thus she would leave the house.

According to another belief, wherever Lakshmi goes, Alakshmi comes along. Lakshmi likes fruits and sweets as offerings, and so in Lakshmi puja sweets and fruits are offered to the Goddess inviting her to stay in the house. Alakshmi, on the other hand likes sour and spicy food like nimbu and mirchi. So if nimbu and mirchi is hung outside the house, Alakshmi takes the offering and does not come inside the house. Thus to get rid of the evil eye of Alakshmi, nimbu mirchi is tied outside of any entrance.

This nimbu mirchi remedy also known as Nazar Battu. It is changed every Friday night and a new one is tied on every Saturday morning. The old Nazar Battu is thrown away somewhere far from the house or office so that the evil cannot find the location of the house.

These are some of the beliefs or stories related to why we tie nimbu mirchi on Saturdays.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/why-we-tie-nimbu-mirchi-on-saturdays

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Why we worship Hanuman with Betel leaves and Oil?

Why we worship Hanuman with Betel leaves and Oil?

India is a land of stories; haven’t we heard numerous mythological stories since our childhood? Same characters different versions. Gods were the most favourite characters and have been since ages. Various ways to worship the same God in different places are the proof of different stories told in that very state. We have always seen people taking garland of betel leaves and oil for Lord Hanuman. Betel leaves should be made into a garland with a piece of areca nut in each leaf. Have we ever thought why do we do that? Yes! We have and we have different stories for doing so.

A story says that during Ram-Ravana war, Ravana was trying his best to defeat Ram. Hanuman was carrying Ram on his back so Ravana started attacking Hanuman. Hanuman could not be killed but got hurt in the war. Ram made Ravana run out of the battleground, and himself applied oil on the scars of Hanuman to relieve him of pain. This tradition is still followed.

Different story follows for the reason why betel leaves are offered.

After the success in the war against Ravana, Sita Devi spotted hanuman in a betel leaf garden. When Hanuman bowed to her feet seeking her blessings, Sita Devi plucked few betel leaves and showered on Hanuman in order to bless him, so the ritual is still followed. 

Another story depicts that when Sri Hanuman conveyed the message from Sri Rama, Sita Devi garlanded Sri Hanuman with betel leaves as a token of her joy and appreciation, as she could not find any flowers nearby.

So these are the various reasons why Lord Hanuman is worshipped with oil and betel leaves.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/why-we-worship-hanuman-with-betel-leaves-and-oil

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Ramanavami : Celebrating the Birth of Lord Rama

Ramanavami : Celebrating the Birth of Lord Rama

Birthday or the day a person is born is a celebration not just for that person, but also for their near and dear ones. When spoken of in a logical frame of reference, birthday is an inception, a new beginning, a new chapter in the allegory named existence!  And if the birth anniversary is that of the Lord himself, then it is not just special but also sacred, pious and divine for the whole mankind! Ramanavmi is one such celebration. It commemorates the birth of Lord Rama; one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Son of King Dashratha and Kaushalya, consort of Sita, master of Hanuman and the Supreme Being in Hinduism.

Ramanavmi falls on the ninth day of the month of Chaitra in the Hindu calendar. It also marks the last day of the Chaitra Navratri festival and is one of the most revered and venerated festivals according to the Hindu religion. Lord Rama who is worshipped as the ‘Perfect Man’ or ‘Maryada Purshottam’ and who has been glorified as being the Lord of Virtue in Hinduism is believed to have incarnated on Earth to replace Adharma; immorality or the absence of virtues, with Dharma; conformity to religious virtues. His birthday is therefore regarded as a new dawn when the good was engendered and empowered to render the evil powerless. It is the genesis of an era; popularly known as Rama Rajya, that was to witness the triumph of righteousness over impiety.

On the day of Ramanavmi, shrines dedicated to Lord Rama are decorated with flowers and strings of lights and the statue of Rama just apposing with Sita and Lakshman is richly adorned. Devotees of Rama observe a day long fast and sing hymns of their Lord. Worshippers also narrate or listen to Ramayan, the story of Lord Rama on the day of Ramanavmi.

In the Northern parts of India, devotees also take out processions, called Rath Yatras, in honor of Lord Rama. The richly decorated Rath or Chariot with persons enacting as Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman move through the streets, thus recreating the time when Lord Rama had returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. Similarly, in the Southern parts of India, worshippers of the Maryada Purshottam perform Kalyanotsavam, marriage celebration of Rama and Sita that culminates in a procession on the streets.

So let us all come together and celebrate Ramanavmi hoping for the revival of Ramarajya via virtues like righteousness, integrity, sanctity, piety, devotion, purity, luminance and loyalty towards others.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/ramanavami-celebrating-the-birth-of-lord-rama

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Day 9 - Goddess Siddhidatri

Day 9 - Goddess Siddhidatri

Goddess Siddhidatri is the ninth form of NavDurga who is worshipped on the ninth day of Navratri. On this final day of pooja, the goddess is revered with great dedication remembering their prayers for each of the nine days. The ninth form Siddhidatri is the final manifestation of Shakti and is paid homage for gaining all Siddhis. This includes wellbeing, health, protection from evil, courage and wealth. This truly resonates in her name ‘Siddhidatri’ – one who bestows all siddhis.

She looks magnificent sitting on the lotus, radiantly smiling with her bright eyes. She has four arms, each of them holding a piece which signifies the Siddhis. Gada – to protect from all evil and diseases, Chakra – to keep the enemies away, Conch-shell – to bring in the positive waves in life with its sound and Lotus flower- the ultimate symbol of wealth and prosperity.  She wears a red saree which is an ominous colour in Hinduism. She rides on her vehicle Lion. Worshipping her on the final day of Navratri marks successful completion of devotee’s offerings, prayers and penance during the Navratri.

She is said to be bestowed with eight powers of Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakambya, Ishitva and Vashistva.  Anima is to be able to reduce oneself to a singular atom, Mahima is to expand oneself, Garima is becoming one with more weight of glory, Laghima is becoming weightlessness to float on air, Prapti is to be able to access all places, Prakambya is ability to manifest things into reality, Ishitva is to reach higher and Vashistva is ability to defeat and conquer all.  It is said that Siddhidatri devi blessed Lord Shiva with all the Siddhis which were required to run the universe. It is this when the half female form was realised by Lord Shiva as ‘Ardhanareshwar’.

She governs Ketu providing the direction, energy and guidance to the planet and its effects on humans. She is renowned as the supreme goddess of power – ‘Adi-parashakti’.  She is worshipped by Humans, Ghandharva, Asuras, Yakshas, Siddhas and even Gods.

Goddess Siddhidatri is revered for ultimate perfection and harmony in life.  With her blessings one can achieve glory, physical wellbeing, and mental agility to accomplish things and peace and joy to enjoy life. Achieving siddhi enables a man to enjoy glory and recognition for his work. With the grace of Goddess Siddhidatri all the wishes can be fulfilled for a content life. Each of the nine days are important. The final day of Navratri also signifies the end of the Navratri during which the devotees offer their unwavered dedication and reverence seeking blessings for better life and pardon for their sins. On the ninth day the devotees perform Yagna, Maha puja and other celebrations to mark the culmination of their reverence to NavDurga.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/day-9-goddess-siddhidatri

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Day 8 - Goddess Maha Gauri

Day 8 - Goddess Maha Gauri

Each of the nine forms of Maa Durga is manifested during the holy celebrations of Navratri to seek blessings from the ultimate “Adi-shakti” who created this universe and further nurtures and protects it. Maha Gauri is the eight manifestation of Devi Parvati who is worshipped on the eight day of Navratri. She is the protector who brings an end to all the sufferings in human life. She blesses her loyal devotees by fulfilling their desires.

Outwardly she appears divine. Her name Maha Gauri means extremely white which also symbolically means pure. Her complexion is radiant and white shinning brilliantly. Her complexion is compared to white conch shell, moon and white flower of Kunda. She wears a white sari and rides white bull. Hence she is also known as “Shwetambardhara”. She has four arms. On her upper left hand she holds a ‘Dumroo” while the other left arm is held up in blessing. Upper right arm holds a trident spear while the lower right arm is held up gesturing removal of fear.

Devi Parvati observed intense penance to marry Lord Shiva. When Lord Shiva was pleased he awarded her with a boon that he will marry her and she will be his wife soon. Lord Shiva cleansed Devi Parvati in the water of Ganges. This made her skin shine bright white. Thus he named her Maha Gauri.  

She is known to be the purest form among the NavDurga.  Hence performing a pooja for her on the day of Ashtami is considered auspicious. This day is celebrated with fervour and devotion to Maha Gauri avataar of NavDurga. It is said that whoever prays to Maha Gauri with pure heart and good intentions is never returned without their prayers being answered. Ashtami pooja is also seen as a culmination of all the prayers and offerings made the earlier days to different forms of NavDurga and bowing to the ultimate pure form of Devi Parvati to seek what your heart wishes. Bhog of various delicacies is offered to Maa Durga. Kanya Pujan (Worshiping and offering food to nine little girls) is done as a symbol of offering food to Maa Durga’s purest form as kids are considered pure at heart. These nine little girls are considered to be the forms of nine avataars of Maa Durga. Worshiping her on ninth day is rewarding. Many unmarried woman also worship her to get her blessings for finding a good husband and leading a happy, joyous and long married life. Ashtami pooja ritual marks the cleansing of our souls of all the unwanted worries, the darkness as she is also a goddess of kindness and morality. She brings peace and prosperity to the pious souls of devotees. 

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/day-8-goddess-maha-gauri

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Day 7 - Goddess Kaalratri

Day 7 - Goddess Kaalratri

On the seventh day of Navratri, Goddess Kaalratri is revered. As one of the most violent forms of Maa Durga, she is worshipped with great dedication. She is said to be so fierce that her appearance itself instils fright in the mind of evil. Although to her loyal devotees she brings peace and courage. She is the bearer of light for those who seek answers. She is the destroyer of all evils, demons, spirits, ghosts and negative energies.

In Devanagri scripture “Kaal” means time and death, and the word “Ratri” means the night. In true spirit the name “Kaalratri” translates into the destroyer of darkness and evil. This swaroop or avataar of Goddess Durga is the fiercest indicating that life is balanced with both positive and dark side. Kaalratri represents that life has the fierce darkness or violence which creates mayhem as well as does good. She is revered by her devotees with great dedication wearing blue, red or white colours on this day

Her appearance is one that brings fear at first look. Pitch dark complexion, bountiful weathered hair, three eyes, and four hands with one left arm holding a cleaver and another left arm holding torch. The right arms are gesturing Abhaya and Vardana mudras, promising blessings and freedom from fear for her devotees. She adorns a necklace glinting with moon-shine.  She rides a donkey, often seen as donkeys’ corpse. Dressed in tiger skin around her waist she looks ferocious with a garland of severed human heads around her neck and two severed heads as her earrings. She blows hot flames through her nostrils while inhaling and exhaling her breath.

As per a known legend, there was a demon Raktabeej, who was awarded a boon by Lord Brahma that every drop of his blood that fell on earth will produce another clone of his. In effect, this promised him eternal life that no one can kill him. After receiving the boon, he started creating havoc on earth and heaven alike destroying villages and town, killing sages and innocent humans and even torments Gods. Gods went to Devi Parvati in the time of distress. She promised to stop Raktabeej from creating further mayhem. Meanwhile Raktabeej was stoned in his own power, claiming every life on his path. Screaming at top of his lungs that no one can kill him or stop him. Goddess Parvati saw this from the skies and disappeared. However her voice echoed in skies “I will stop you”. Raktabeej saw up but couldn’t see anyone. The voice echoed on and suddenly in his front appeared a form so ferocious all black batter hair, severed skulls in her neck waving cleaver riding a donkey chasing towards him. She was an incarnation of Devi Parvati - Goddess Kaalratri. Raktabeej ran to save himself. After a long battle Goddess Kaalratri decapitated him and drank all his blood to prevent it from dropping on earth, thus killing him.

The appearance of Maa Kaalratri is perilous for the evil-doers but for her followers she provides courage and protection from evil.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/day-7-goddess-kaalratri

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Day 6 - Goddess Katyayani

Day 6 - Goddess Katyayani

Devi Katyayani is the sixth form of Goddess NavDurga and is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri. She is known as a pure Shakti form, a remover of severity and pride. She is a warrior goddess in a fierce form and is also known as “Bhadrakali” and “Chandika”. She has been noted as one of the ancient known forms of energy with mentions in Skanda purana and Patanjali’s Mahabhasya written in 2^nd BCE. She is said to have taken form out of anger of Gods against the Demon Mahisasur.

Her outer appearance is fierce warrior-like with four hands. She bears a long sword on her left arm and lotus in another one. Both right arms are up in benevolent gesture of blessings. She rides a lion which was given to her by Devi Parvati to slay the demon Mahisasur. In Hindu traditions like Yoga or the Tantra, she is recognised as the sixth Ajna Chakra or the 'Third eye chakra', and her blessings are besought by concentrating on this point.

Goddess Katyayani is believed to be born to Sage Katyayan in Durga Avataar hence known as Katyayani Mata. With the growing mayhems caused by Demon Mahisasur, Gods were distressed. Growing powerful and evil day by day he planned to destroy the earth, heaven and rule Gods. Katyayani Mata was manifested by Gods to destroy Mahisasur. Mahisasur was blessed by Lord Shiva for his Tapasya that he cannot be killed by anyone either on heaven or earth, nor when he is a human or animal. When Katyayani Mata was chasing Mahisasur, he was changing into a form of buffalo. Just when his head transformed into animal, Katyayani Mata jumped onto his back and beheaded him with one blow of her sharp sword. In the end the Gods and earth were saved from total annihilation from demons.

In 22^nd chapter of the Bhagvatpuran the legend of Katyayani Mata is recorded, when young single maids or Gopis worshipped her by observing fast on Katyayani Vrat for the entire month of Margashirsha (first month of winters) to have Lord Krishna as their husband. The ritual followed by bathing at Yamuna River and offering prayers to the Goddess including betel nuts, flowers and incense. The ritual is followed till date to get the husband one wants.

Devi Kanyakumari (at the southernmost tip of India) is said to be a re-incarnation of Goddess Katyayani. She is ardently worshipped during Pongal with prayers for good rain, abundance and prosperity throughout the month. She is also a goddess of Penance and Sanyas. It is believed that the planet Brahaspati is governed by her and she is known as a pure primal form of Shakti.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/day-6-goddess-katyayani

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Day 5 - Goddess Skanda Mata

Day 5 - Goddess Skanda Mata

Navratri is a celebration of devotion to “Adi-shakti” Ma Durga. Each of her nine forms are celebrated across these nine days. Goddess Skanda Mata is the fifth manifestation of Devi Parvati. In this form she is recognised as a mother of Lord Skanda (Lord Kartikeya), who is a chosen leader of gods to lead in wars against demons.

Devi’s avatar is seen with the infant form of Lord Skanda in her lap. She has four arms and three eyes and she is riding on a lion. She carries lotus in two of her arms, one arm holding Skanda and the other one holding up in a gesture bestowing blessings on the devotee. She is also seen meditating on the lotus thereby bearing the name “Padmasanadevi”.

According to a legend Tarkasur, a great demon, once did tough penance to please Lord Brahma. Pleased with his great devotion Lord Brahma appeared. Tarkasur asked Lord Brahma to shower his blessings and make him eternal; for which he denied and said, “No one can escape death, as death is already predestined for everyone who takes birth on this earth.” Tarkasur acted clever, he thought Lord Shiva will never get married and thus, asked for death by the son of Lord Shiva. The blessings were granted. Tarkasur started tantalizing the people on the earth. He considered himself as unbeatable. Feared with the actions of Tarkasur all the Devtas went to Lord Shiva and requested him to get married. Lord Shiva agreed and got married to Goddess Parvati. She then gave birth to Lord Kartikeya or Skand Kumar, who demolished Tarkasur. Devi Skand Mata represents mother-son relationship. Her worship automatically includes the worship of Lord Kartikeya (in his child form).

Skanda Mata is a goddess of beauty, purity and grace. Worshippers seek spiritual upliftment and a peaceful journey in another world by invoking Skanda Mata. This journey provides a true meaning to Siddhi and Mokhsa for devotees where they leave their sorrows behind to lead a better life in contentment.

The fifth day of Navratri also marks the “Visudh Chakra” during Durga Puja which means a devotee prays and remembers the Goddess with his or her undiluted devoting thoughts and prayers. This removes impurities, anxieties and other bearings on their mind bringing peace to them. The pooja on Panchmi is also significant to achieve Skanda Mata’s blessings for a peaceful life ahead.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/day-5-goddess-skanda-mata

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Day 4 - Goddess Kushmanda

Day 4 - Goddess Kushmanda

Each of the nine forms of Goddess Durga is worshipped with devotion and love by her disciples during the nine days of Navratri dedicated to each form of the Goddess. Goddess Kushmanda is the fourth avataar of Devi Parvati who is worshipped on the fourth day of the Navratri by offering reverence.  She is a gentle graceful form of dignity and divine energy smiling back at the universe and blessing it, hence the name “Kushmanda”. The name Kushmanda is derived from the words “Ku” meaning “little”, “Ushma” meaning “warm” and “Anda” meaning “egg”, a sign for our rising universe as “one little warm cosmic egg”. It is believed that when there was nothing but darkness all around, she created the entire cosmos by just flashing her gentle smile. Hence she is known as a creator of the universe, an “Adi-shakti”.

Goddess Kushmanda’s appearance is radiant with warm glow of beauty, gentle face, eight arms holding weapons such as sword, bow and arrow, gada, chakra, lotus, Kamandal and other armaments. In one hand she holds a Rosary which signifies (perfection), Nidhi (treasures of fortunes and joy)

and her power to bestow it on her disciples. Devi Parvati started living inside the centre of the sun in the form of Devi Kushmanda to provide power and energy for the entire universe to grow. She furnishes every leaf of every plant, every cell of every living being for the energy to grow and prosper. Her own body glows with the illuminious shine of the sun rays.

Goddess Kushmanda is also known to have a part in the creation of Gods – Brahma, Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Goddess Mahalaxmi, Mahasaraswati and Mahakali. Just from the glance of her left eye a dark lass with pitch black complexion was created who bore ten heads, ten arms, ten feet, thirty eyes, fifty fingers and toes with raging eyes, her body covered in nothing but pitch black long hair and skulls. Her arms bearing various weapons like trident, chakra, gada, bows n arrow, shield, cleaver etc. She was dancing wantonly collecting blood from skulls around her neck and drinking it. Kushmanda named her Mahakali.  Devi Mahalaxmi was created with a glance from her third eye who appeared seated on lotus and smiling. From her right eye, Devi Mahasaraswati was incarnated. All the lords with the female forms – Brahma and Lakshmi, Vishnu and Shakti, Shiva and Saraswati were created when her perspiration fell on the three goddess she created with her glance - Mahalaxmi, Mahasaraswati and Mahakali. Goddess Kushmanda then reabsorbed the three Goddess and bestowed Saraswati to Brahma, Shakti to Shiva, and Lakshmi to Vishnu.

Goddess Kushmanda is a destroyer of all sorrows and diseases. She is also a bringer of prosperity and joy. Devoted disciples are known to be blessed with long life, health and better life.  

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/day-4-goddess-kushmanda

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Day 3 - Goddess Chandraghanta

Day 3 - Goddess Chandraghanta

Nine illustrious days of Navratri celebrations provides for worship and manifestation of each of the nine glorious avataars of Goddess NavDurga. Goddess Chandraghanta is the third form of the divine Goddess. She is worshipped with whole-hearted devotion on the third day of Navratri for eternal strength and everlasting happiness. Her image “Vigrah” is worshipped to gain peace and good fortune in life.

Her appearance is one submerged in divine halo of pure positive energy around her.  Her avataar is more heavenly goddess-like, with ten hands and three eyes, riding on a ferocious tiger. Tiger represents bravery and courage. Five of her hands bear various weapons like Gada, Sword, Bow and Arrow, Trident spear, Axe etc,  one hand holds a lotus, two hands remain in mudras  blessing one and all, one bears the “Kamandal” and one arm holds Rosary. She always looks prepared for a fight against evils like Danavas. Chandraghanta when translated means one with supreme bliss and knowledge.  She is seen as a removal of obstacles and harbinger of good. She also bears moon in a half-bell shape on her forehead.

As per a mythical legend, Devi Parvati was trying to woo Lord Shiva for marriage despite him vowing that he will not marry any woman. However Lord Shiva fell for Devi Parvati and agreed to marry her. When the auspicious day came, all the known kings were invited for marriage. Since Mahadev was leading a Sadhu life, he also invited his followers. This included not only Gods and Sages but also Ghosts, Aghori Sadhus, Goblins, Shivagans at the gate of King Himavans (Brides Father) Palace.  The Kings clan was about to go hysterical. This is when Devi Parvati reached Lord Shiva and transformed herself into a being with 10 hands, three eyes and riding on a tiger – Goddess Chandraghanta. Lord Shiva found this to be the most beautiful and graceful form of Devi Parvati.

Another legend states that Devi Kaushiki – daughter of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati was incarnated Shakti to fight demons – Shumbh and Nishumbh. However Shumbh wanted Kaushiki to marry his brother Nishumbh. Hence he sent another demon Dhumralochan to bring her. Furious with the attack on her daughter Devi Parvati assumed the form of Devi Chandraghanta riding on ferocious tiger and swinging weapons with her 10 arms she defeated the Dhumralochan with his entire army.  During the war the loud ominous and screeching sounds of bells sent the demons to death. Hence this form of Devi NavDurga is also said to be different from earlier forms who can destroy all evil with one glance of her third eye when provoked.

Goddess Chandraghanta is destroyer of evil and foes and brings in better health, peace and prosperity to her devotees. It is said that worshipping her graces the devotee with divine spirituality.  It is also said that if the devotee hears the sound of divine bells in his ears he or she is said to have been blessed by Devi Chandraghanta.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/day-3-goddess-chandraghanta

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Gangaur Festival

Gangaur Festival

When you see India, you see a confluence of rich ancient traditions and colourful festival celebrations spread across length and breadth of this country. One of the most colourful, joyful celebrations from times unknown is “Gangaur Festival”. This festival is part of ancient traditions followed in Indian state of Rajasthan and some parts of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The festival is famous all over the world. A local sweet prepared around this festival called “Ghewar” is also a delight.

Commencing on the first day of Chaitra, following the day of Holi this illustrious festival is celebrated lasting 18 days with great fervour by women particularly in Rajasthan. It is a celebration of utmost and unwavered devotion to Lord Shiva (Gana) and his consort Goddess Parvati (Gauri). Unmarried women seek the blessings of the goddess to get a suitable match whereas the married women worship the god and goddess for marital bliss and happiness. At the end of 18 days the goddess is bid a grand farewell by her beloved worshippers with Lord Shiva to escort her back home.

As a part of celebration women bury the seeds of wheat and barley in the Holi fire ashes which are watered religiously every day till they are germinated. Praises of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are sung, dances are performed to its lyrics with varying of pots of water on the head. A week after Holi, women make clay idols of Lord Shiva and Gauri and decorate it with colourful clothes and ornaments.

On the 7^th day after Holi, Unmarried girls get dressed in new colourful clothes and take out a parade, singing, dancing and carrying decorative earthen lamps on their heads, locally called as “Ghudlia”. They are showered with sweets, jaggery, ghee and even some money by people on their way.

On the last three days, women and girls alike get dressed in the best colourful outfit, offer their prayers to the idols made by them,and singthe local folk songs of Parvati’s departure to her husband’s home. The procession comes back on the first two days.On the last day a procession is carried with images of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the head of a married woman which are taken to a nearby water body. On this final day the Goddess faces the same direction as Lord Shiva. The procession completes with submerging of all the idols in water as a symbol of Goddess Parvati’s return to her home with Lord Shiva.

All in all, the entire festival of Gangaur resonate the rich tradition, belief and rituals of the country and echoes the colourful and musical heritage of Rajasthan. 

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/gangaur-festival

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Day 2 - Goddess Brahmacharini

Day 2 - Goddess Brahmacharini

Goddess Brahmacharini is a gentle, feminine, beautiful and yogic form of Devi Durga, worshipped on the second day of Navratri. She symbolises “Brahma” meaning penance and Tapasya. She is the one who performs Tapa and repentance. Outwardly she appears smiling with halo glowing around her head; her face bears a resemblance to complete internal harmony. She wears a Sadhavi like white sari with bright orange border and wears “Rudraksha” for ornaments. She holds “Kamandal” on her left hand and “Japmala”(a Rosary) in her right hand. She is a Goddess of wisdom and knowledge. It is said that when Shailaputri awoke her love for Lord Shiva she decided to take a self-righteous path of Yog-sadhana and perform extreme Tapasya to delight Lord Shiva.

One of the myths states that in the beginning Lord Brahma while creating the universe created only holy men. However they were unable to re-create further thereby threatening the sustainability of universe thus made. Saddened and troubled by this Brahma along with other Gods went to Ma Bhavani. She inturn created a female form and created a womb inside females so the universe could go on. Hence when the child is born,  he/ she is said to have nine powers of Devi (Daivi Shakti), 16 sanskaars(Garbha-sanskaar) and 42 Guna (virtues) out of which 36 are from mother. Thus we know another avataar of Goddess Parvati as Goddess Brahmacharini – Creator of Brahma.

Goddess Brahmacharini is known to have begun her penance for pleasing Lord Shiva by fasting without any food and water. She only consumed bilva leaves during this fast which lasted a thousand years. She suffered and survived natures wrath like harsh cold winters, scorching sun and poring rains. During this a wild tiger supposedly tried to attack her, but realised her true divinity as Adi-Shakti and resolved to guard her sitting by her side. She continued her chanting of “Om NamahShivay” till Lord Shiva was pleased. At the end of the penance when Goddess Brahmacharini was returning she met a sage who seemed to make fun of Lord Shiva. Goddess raised her hand to curse the sage but realised that the sage was Lord Shiva himself. Realising this Lord Shiva liberated from the sages form and appeared in front of Goddess in his true form. Pleased with her devotion he gave his solemn word to Goddess Brahmacharini that he will marry her.

Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Navratri Puja by the way of offering penance and observing fastwithout any food and water till nine days of Navratri to achieve the divine Shakti of Ma Durga. Disciples chant mantras and stutis (invocation) to Godd­­ess ­­­­Brahmacharini for health, strength and power.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/day-2-goddess-brahmacharini

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Day 1 - Goddess Shailputri

Day 1 - Goddess Shailputri

On the auspicious eve of Holy Navratri we remember and worship Goddess NavDurga – whose name literally means “Nine forms of Maa Durga”. Each of the nine avatars of Goddess Durga bear a different name along with specific dhyana-mantras, used for meditation on each of the days of Navratri.

The first divine form is recognised as Shailputri who is a Shakti-roop. The first of all nine days of Navratri is dedicated to her with prayers and meditation. She is also known as Bhavani, Parvati or Hemvati. She signifies Mother Nature re-incarnate and is a consort of Lord Shiva. Shailputri is seen as a manifestation of planet earth, including water, air, soil, earth’s resources and earth’s atmosphere. To describe her appearance, her divine self adorns a half-moon on her forehead and is holding a Trishool (a Trident spear) in her right hand and lotus in her left hand while riding on a bull- Nandi. Her name “Shailputri” literally translates into “Putri” as in Daughter and “Shaila” as in rock or mountains, hence meaning “Daughter of the mountains”. Her color is cerise. It is believed that the Moon, the provider of all fortunes, is ruled by Goddess Shailputri and any bad effect of the Moon can be overcome by worshipping this form of Adi Shakti. 

As per a myth, in her previous birth, she was born as a daughter to King Daksha who named her Sati. She married Lord Shiva, Once King Daksha organised a Maha-Yagna, but did not invite Lord Shiva due to his gypsy life-style, however Sati reached to attend the Maha-Yagna. Daksha insulted Lord Shiva which infuriated Sati. Sati unable to bear it jumped into the yagna fire and was consumed by it. In her next birth she was born to Parvat Raj Himalaya incarnated as Parvati and amongst all nine goddess she is known as Shailputri .

She is prime of all the goddess and is at the beginning of the energy chakras. She is at the root of all the chakras. Once the root chakra is awakened, the energy flows more positively making her journey ahead. Riding on the bull, she begins her journey beginning her travel from her father to her husband - in her search for or reaching out to Lord Shiva. This is seen as a starting point of her journey for next nine days of Navratra. Hence the very first day of Navratri, the Pandits concentrate on awakening this Muladhara chakra and manifest the supreme being of Shailputri  chanting the holy mantra.

In yogic meditation activation of this Muladhara Chakra is seen as attainment of Siddhi and Anand as a culmination of disciples’ journey to achieve higher spiritual evolution. This is also important to Dhyana-yogis who look to align themselves with Divine Ma Durga initiating the process with meditation of Shakti Mantras on Navratri. Shailputri  is a physical consciousness of Ma Durga and we pray to her to align ourselves to Ma Shakti to attain spiritual well-being and inner strength.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/day-1-goddess-shailputri

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Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa

One of the most auspicious dates in the Hindu calendar, Gudi Padwa is essentially a Maharashtrian festival. It is the New Year Day for the natives of Maharashtra who celebrate Chaitra Shukla Pratipada as Gudi Padwa. The contemporary Hindu calendar is a lunar-solar annual roll with symbolic events marked as per the phase of moon. The word Padwa is derived from Sanskrit word, Padhavo meaning the brightest phase of moon. The Marathas began the tradition of unfurling their flag on the first day of Chaitra Navaratri and since then it has always been referred to as Gudi Padwa.

The Legend of Gudi Padwa

Pratipada is the first day after Amavasya marking the first Tithi of Chaitra. The oldest reference of this day is mentioned in Brahma Purana where Lord Brahma created the Universe and the New Year started. It is one of the three and a half auspicious days. The other two are Akshaya Tritya and Vijaya Dashami.

Another mythological legend connects Gudi Padwa with Ramayana. Lord Rama killed Vali on the first day of Chaitra. The Shalivahana calendar commences with the auspicious event of Gudi Padwa marking the triumph of Gautamiputra Shatakarni. History accounts the defeat of Huns at the hands of Shakas on the very day.

Even in modern history of Maharashtra, Chaitra Navratri regained its importance by virtue of Shivaji Maharaj’s idea of uniting the Deccan into one power. He was the first to place a gudi on top of his forts on Chaitra Padavo. Since then it has been celebrated as Gudi Padwa across Maharashtra to commemorate the efforts of Shivaji and the Marathas. 

Gudi Padwa in other parts of India

Owing to its Hindu origin, Gudi Padwa is celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu and Konkan belts. The Konkani community in Goa, Karnataka and Kerala celebrate this day as Samvatsar Padvo and Yugadi Padvo. It is celebrated as Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh. Even in Kashmir, Gudi Padwa is an auspicious event feted as Navreh. The Sindhi community, one of the oldest communities in Indian sub-continent observe Cheti Chand this day.

How do Maharashtrians celebrate Gudi Padwa?

Like all Hindu festivals, Gudi Padwa too is a symbol of India’s agrarian sector. It marks the beginning of the harvesting season till Pehla Baisakh. At dawn of the day, a beautifully decorated earthen or brass pot is placed in an inverted position over the top end of the stick. The stick is wrapped with coloured clothes and silver threads. The gudi is then displayed from the highest point of the house. Mango leaves, neem leaves, betel, rice grains, tamarinds, jiggery and flower garland also adorn the gudi. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Swastik is drawn on the pot with vermillion paste. It is a mark of Brahma Pataka which means Flag of the Brahmalok. It is also called as Indra Dhwaj. It is believed that Arjuna carried the same flag on his chariot when he fought Mahabharata with Lord Krishna as his charioteer. Even Ramayana highlights the use of Gudi as a symbol of Lord Rama’s army.

In terms of Vaastu Sastra, the Gudi is placed on the right entrance and protects the home from evil eyes.

For Maharashtrians, Gudi Padwa is a state holiday and marks the beginning of the feasting period till Akshaya Tritya.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/gudi-padwa

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