Shani Jayanti

Shani Jayanti is celebrated as Lord Shani’s birthday on the Amavaysa day (No moon day) during Vaishaka month. Shanidev is worshipped as one of the Navgrahas - celestial planet bodies. He is the ruler of the planet Saturn, which has heavy influence on people and is often revered for protection against evil and removal of all doshas and ill effects of the planet in the person’s horoscope.

Lord Shani was born as a son of Lord Surya and Devi Sadnya. Together they had three children – Vaivasthava, Lord Yamraj and a daughter Yamuna devi. However the legend says that Devi Sadnya wanted to leave Lord Surya and offer penance as she was unable to bear the harsh glare of his halo anymore. Fearing that this may anger Lord Surya, Devi Sadnya created a being with her own reflection and named her Chaya. She made her promise to not disclose this secret to anyone and continue performing duties to her husband and children as a devoted wife and a mother. Meanwhile Devi Sadnya went to her father Daksha, who grew angry upon learning his daughter’s deed and asked her to return to her husband immediately. However she went to Himalaya for penance. Meanwhile Chaya gave birth to three more children – Manu, Lord Shani and a Putri named Bhadra. Hence Lord Shani is also revered as Chayaputra among other names. It is said that when Lord Shani was in the womb of Chaya, she was offering rigorous penance to Lord Shiva and was so engrossed that she did not care to touch food or bothered to cover herself from the blazing sun. As a result Lord Shani bears a dark complexion and is also an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva himself.

When Lord Shani was growing up, Chaya once asked him to wait for food as it had to be first offered to gods. Furious Shani kicked his mother, upon which Chaya cursed him that he would have a broken leg. Because of this curse he bears a limp leg. This peculiar characteristic also reflects in one of the saying – Shani Kramati Saha - meaning one who moves slowly. The planet Saturn takes 30 years to revolve around the sun. In vedic astrology, the planetary placements are rendered more importance for any success or failure in life. It is often believed that the miseries and suffering in life are caused as a result of Lord Shani’s displeasure towards oneself and the person may be suffering from Saade-Saati, leading to hindrances in growth, peace and happiness. It occurs when Saturn – the ruling planet of Lord Shani, passes over the birth moon, the twelfth house or second house from it. Since Saturn spends about two and a half years in each house the total ill-effected period is about seven and half years. Various pujas and remedies can be offered which can bring respite and relief from the ill-effects. Lord Shani is also believed to bring good luck in a gradual manner with hard work, discipline and perseverance.

Worship to Lord Shani is done with utmost reverence and faith. Fasting on Shani Jayanti assure their devotees protection against evil and removes obstacles from a person’s life. People visit Shanidev temple offering puja, sesame seeds, black clothes and Telabhishek to Lord Shani. They pray for his blessings and removal of all problems from personal and professional life. 

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Narashimha Jayanti

Narashimha Jayanti is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the shukla paksh (dark side) of Vaishaka month. He is the fourth reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, born to free the world from the tyranny of the Asura Hiranyakashipu. Hiranyakashipu was the arch rival of Lord Vishu, as one of his avatars Varaha slained the asura’s younger brother Hiranyaksha. To avenge his brother’s death, Hiranyakashipu offered penance to Lord Brahma for a boon. Pleased Lord Brahma offered his blessings, enquiring what he wished for. Hiranyakashipu smartly replied that he wants to be invincible and asked for a boon whereby – “He can’t be killed by either a man or an animal, he can’t be killed at home or outside, that he can’t be killed on earth or in air, and no weapons – whether arrow or sword can perforate his body”. Once Hiranyakashipu received the boon, he went on a rampage, killing every devotee of Lord Vishnu. He banned his kingdom from worshipping Lord Vishnu. With the boon of invincibility, Hiranyakashipu established his rule in all of heaven and earth and endorsed himself to be the prime god of all.

However his own son Prahlad was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, as he learnt about the Lord’s greatness from Devarishi Narada while he was still in his mother – Queen Kayaadu’s womb. Hiranyakashipu could not bear his own son - Prahlad pray to Lord Vishnu with his innocent devotion. Irate with his own son’s rebel, Hiranyakashipu tried to kill Prahlad many a times. Whether it was by throwing him in the boiling pot of oil or making him sit with his aunt Holika in the pit of fire, each time Prahlad was saved by his unwavering faith in Lord Vishnu. Dreading the ridicule and rebel of his kingdom that may arise out of his son’s mysterious life-saving stories, Hiranyakashipu decided to kill his son himself.

Prahlad was called in the court and asked to finally give up his faith in Lord else he would be executed. Undeterred by the threat, Prahlad defied his father again. Aggravated Hiranyakashipu asked – “Who will come to save you when I kill you? Your God isn’t here”. Prahlad calmly replied that –“God is everywhere”. Hiranyakashipu picked up his Mace (Gada) and raced to the pillar asking Prahlad if his God for in there. Prahlad smiled and replied yes. Hiranyakashipu raised his mace thrashing down the pillar and from within appeared Lord Narashima with a lion head and man-trunk. Stunned Hiranyakashipu tried to fight Lord Narashimha yet could match up against him and started to run. Lord Narashimha caught him just at the edge of the palace’s door, placed him on his lap and dug his sharp claws in Hiranyakashipu’s chest ripping it apart, killing him instantly and saving the world from his oppression.

People pray to Lord Narashimha in the evening (sayankal) on his Jayanti, since that is the time when he appeared out of the pillar to slay the Asura. Observing fast during the day is a normal ritual with people eating only one meal and abstaining from any cereals or grains and followed by the night vigil observed by most people. The fast is broken on the second day after the sunrise next morning. 

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Narad Jayanti

Narad Jayanti is celebrated the day after the full moon day of Shukla Paksha in Vaishaka month – i.e; Buddha Poornima. The day is marked as a birth anniversary of Narad Muni. The name Narada evolves from Sanskrit word ‘Nara’ meaning ‘Man’. A Vedic sage, known for both his wisdom and mischief, he plays a primary role as a communicator between all Gods. He has the ability to transport between different worlds – Swargalok (Heaven), Bhulok (Earth) and Patallok (Underworld).  Dressed in the garb of the saint with a veena in one hand and kirpan in another, he always is seen singing the praises of Lord Vishnu and chanting his name – ‘Narayan, Narayan’. Narada is regarded as a Devarishi amongst gods.

Narada was born as a Gandharva (angelic descendent), however was cursed to take birth as a Kshudra on earth. Hence Narada was born as a son of a maid-servant who worked in an asharam for a sage. But instead of praying to Supreme Lord, Narada was singing glories of Yakshas – the Demigods. However the priests were pleased with his mother’s dedication and service. Once the sages were performing a pooja for Lord Vishnu and they offered some prasadam to Narada. Narada felt blessed in his heart having the prasadam and started regularly listening to the religious discussions and discourses the sages were offering to others in the asharam. Over time he felt closer to Lord Vishnu and seeked more knowledge. Once his mother died, Narada wandered in forests in search of enlightenment.  He sat under a tree and meditated on the ‘Paramatma- avataar’ of the supreme god in his heart, just as he learnt from the sages in the asharam.

He mediated for years when finally he saw a vision with his closed eyes. He saw the Supreme Lord Vishnu, smiling at him who said that although Narad saw him in this avataar now, he would spend his entire life seeking this vision again. And that he will not be able to see him again until his death. However this vision will help him carry through his life firing his latent yearning to be with Lord Vishnu again. Thus began the spiritual journey of Narad Muni. He remained devoted to Lord Vishnu for rest of his life, singing devotional songs, hymns and prayers dedicated to him. Upon Narad’s death, Lord Vishnu bestowed the spiritual avataar to him, which is also recognised as a partial manifestation of god himself.

Narad is as a knowledgeable sage who is well-conversant with all Puranas, Vedas and Upanishads. He is aware with the history of the world across all Kaals (timeline) and has all the knowledge of the entire universe – from beginning to the end. He is also famous for creating some trouble if required, for a positive and greater good of the universe.

This day is also marked as the ‘Patrakardiwas’ which is celebrated in country with many intellectual seminars conducted on this day in Northern India. Narad Jayanti is observed in Lord Vishnu temples where special discourses and puja is offered. Few people undertake fasting and reading religious texts and prayers to Lord Vishnu symbolising their devotion to the supreme lord. 

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

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Ganga Saptami

Ganga, the sacred river that flows through the rough and uneven terrain, is of utmost significance to India, both in physical and spiritual aspects. Ganga is the holiest of all rivers and is fondly referred to as “Mother” nurturing us all.  As per a mythological legend, Ganga Saptami is the day when Goddess Ganga descended on Mother Earth. It is said that once the gushing waters of Ganga River went on rampage, destroying everything in her path with forceful undercurrents of water. Lord Shiva then tied Ganga with his hair, restraining her from causing further damage and saved people from her wayward wrath.

Maharaj Bhagirath however desired to bring Ganga to the mortal world to purge the souls of his ancestors on the day of Ganga-dashara. His ancestors were from Surya dynasty. Once, his ancestor, King Sagara had performed Ashwamedha yagna to rule the heaven. Lord Indra however felt threatened and stole the sacrificial horse. He hid the horse in Sage Kapila’s ashram. King Sagara’s sixty thousand sons set out to find the horse and found it in Sage Kapila’s ashram.  Angry with this, they waged a war against the Sage. In turn, furious Sage Kapila cursed them, burning them to ashes. Maharaj Bhagirath seeked to provide moksha to these cursed souls. To help Maharaj accomplish his mission, Lord Shiva pleased with his tapasya of thousand years, released Ganga from his head. Although while on their way to the kingdom, Ganga’s mighty flow and turbulent waters entered Sage Jahnu’s asharam, destroying it in her way. Furious with anger, Sage Jahnu drank up all the water of Ganga. But upon Bhagirathi’s plea for moksha for his ancestors, Sage Jahnu released Ganga from his right ear.

Ganga Saptami is celebrated as the Ganga Jayanti on the seventh day of shukla paksha of Vaishakha month in hindu calendar, marking the re-birth of Goddess Ganga. She is also known as Jahanvi as she flows from Sage Jahnu’s right ear. It is said that if people bathe in holy water of Ganga for 10 days starting prior to Ganga Saptami, then they will be freed from ten sins for ten subsequent births. Since Goddess Ganga descended on earth due to efforts of King Bhagirath, she also is known as Bhagirathi.

On the day of Ganga Saptami, people offer puja on the ghats and territories around Ganga Water. They bathe in Ganga waters to perform Ganga pujan with dhyana (meditation) and chanting mantras to purify their souls, asking for forgiveness for their sins and moksha for their late ancestors. Offering milk, sweets and fruits for puja and donating money and food to poor and needy is considered auspicious on this day.

As it is said, For Hindus Cleanliness is next to Godliness, so they must not pollute something what is God to them. While offering offer Biodegradable stuff which do not pollute the water. Campaigns of keeping the water clean should be run. People should know the significance of clean river water.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/ganga-saptami

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Parshuram Jayanti

The name, Lord Parshuram, itself instils devotion in the mind of his disciples and fear amongst evil. Lord Parshuram is known as an epitome of valour and unwavered devotion to his parents. He is the sixth reincarnation of Lord Vishnu himself and became popular as an immortal warrior sage during the early dwapar yug. He is a son of Renuka and one of the saptrishi sage Jamadagni and a grandson of Rishi named Rucheeka who was a son of Sage Bhrigu. Hence he is known as a ‘mool-purush’ meaning founder of communities like Brahmin, Chitpavan, Daivadnya, Mohyal, Tyagi and Nambudiri Brahmin. Parshuram belonged to bhargav gotra and is a kul-guru of Bharadwaj gotra.

As per a legend, Sage Rucheeka was traveling through countryside seeking to marry soon. The ruling chandra-vashi King Ghadi entertained Sage when he visited king’s court. He was smitten with the beauty of king’s daughter Satyavati and asked her hand in marriage. Although Satyavati adjusted to the abstemious life she was not able to bear any children. Back home, even her father longed for an heir to the throne. Knowing this, Sage Bhrigu gave two different potions to Satyavati, one for her to bear a child who will go on becoming a great sage and another one for her mother who will have a mighty Kshatriya son. However Satyavati’s mother did not trust her and switched the potion.  In due time when they both became pregnant; Sage saw that Satyavati bore a Kshatriya aura around her. She begged Bhrigu to let her grandson be a Kshatriya instead of her own son, hence her grandson Lord Parshuram, although was born as a sage, was indeed a warrior in character.

According to another legend, a kshatriya king Kartavirya Sahasrarjun once killed Parshuram’s father, Jamadagni and Kaam Dhenu, the cow which was given to him by Lord Shiva. In vengeance, Lord Parshuram vowed to kill all Kshatriyas. It is said that Lord Parshuram rid mother earth of all the Kshatriyas for 21 times. He is feared for wrath upon his adversaries yet is also known for his resolute love and devotion for his parents.

Lord Parshuram’s mother, Renuka was known for her chastity and devotion to her husband Jamadagni. It is said that her faith in herself was such that she would confidently fetch water in unbaked pot of clay. However once while she was at the river, she was attracted for a split second by a group of gandharvas passing by in a chariot and the unbaked pot of clay dissolved in the water. In horror, Renuka did not return home and the sage learnt of the incidence. He ordered his sons to kill her. First four sons denied their father’s command and were turned to stone, but Parshuram axed her mother’s head. Jamadagni was pleased and offered Parshuram two boons, through which he brought back his mother and his brothers, back to life.

Adorned with an axe in one hand and a Vishnu Bow in another, with matte hair and warrior built, attired in sage outfit, Lord Parshuram is worshipped as an Upaasya-devata. He is recognised as one who knows vedas by heart and leads with courage. His birthday falls on 3^rd day of Shukla Paksha of Vaishakh month and the day is known as Parshu Rama Dwadashi. Most people fast on this day to be blessed with a son and become a king upon re-birth. 

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Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti

Little Aarav was astonished to see the long queue right adjacent his house. Knowing that his house was right next to the Hanuman Temple, he had become a regular witness of all devotees that came in daily to offer their prayers. But today the scenario was extremely different. Not only were their chants and Bhajans louder than daily but also the devotees of the temple had multiplied by Hundreds. Looking for answers he climbed up to his grandfather’s lap and asked. The old wrinkled man smiled and narrated him the decade’s long ritual and tradition of Hanuman Jayanti.

This is a well-accepted and known fact that the Hindu religion has an abundance of gods and goddess. Amongst all, Lord Hanuman is one of the very popular divine entities. Every child in a Hindu household has grown up listening about his heroic tales and stories. Be it the story of how he got the whole mountain of Sanjeevani for Lord Laxman or his undying devotion to Lord Rama and his consort Sita.

Lord Hanuman played a pivotal role in Ramayana. He is the son of God of Air (Vayu) and Queen Kesari. He is known to be an incarnation of lord Shiva and is a Vanara (monkey) by nature. Mainly the festival of Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Hanuman, to celebrate his bravery and ardent devotion to his God. The celebrations take place on the 15^th day of the Month of Chaitra (Poornima) according to the Hindu calendar. Even though a large part of the Hindu fraternity follow the earlier date, down in South, i.e. in  Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the event is celebrated in the month of Marghazi according to Hindu calendar due the belief that Lord Hanuman was Amavasya born. Whereas, in Orissa it is celebrated on the first day of the Vaishka month according to the Oriya Calendar.

The Hanuman Jayanti is an extra special day for all the Brahmachari’s owning to the fact that Lord Hanuman is supposed to be a bachelor for eternity according to an oath that he took. Also because his bravery and muscle power has been so popular, he is also a religious idol for all Pehalwans and body builders in the Hindu community.

On the day of Hanuman Jayanti, the celebrations begin at the break of the dawn. After the holy Bath of lord Hanuman, a huge Kirtan session is organized. People from around the world come with numerous offerings. There are plays and parades conducted on his birthday. Everyone is dressed with the orange Tilaka as it was considered to be his body’s ash or a part.

This year around the Hanuman Jayanti is falling on the 4^th of April which is a Satuday.  It’s said that not only the humans but the Vanara Community dance and sing with Joy to show their happiness on the birthday of their lord and leader. It’s an event of junction of two communities tied with the strong thread of love and devotion to Lord Hanuman.

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

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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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