Kurma – An Incarnation of Lord Vishnu

Shaanta kaaram Bhujagashyanam Padma Naabham Suresham
Vishwaa dhaaram Gaganasadrasham Meghvararnam Shubhaangam
Lakshmi kantam Kamal nayanam Yogibhirdhayaanagamyam
Vande Vishnum Bhavbhayharam Sarvalokaika naatham

Such is the beauty of great Lord Vishnu. He holds the dharma and universe in his hands; and envisions beyond the time and space; he is filled with goodness; the ultimate saviour, he is master of universe, the entire creation. The mesmerizing roop of Lord Vishnu is simply beyond words.

Lord Vishnu is known to be one of the Trimurtis (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh) of the Hindu religion. He is the preserver of mankind and nature as we know. Also known as Hari or Narayana, the supreme deity is one of the prime forms of the Smarta tradition. Kurma, the second incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was in the form of tortoise belonging from the Satya Yuga.

The legendary tale goes somewhat like this –
Lord Indra, the king of Devas, was offered a garland by Durvasa (a sage) which was a gift to him from Lord Shiva. Lord Indra placed the garland around Airawat; his elephant, which was sooner thrown away by the elephant causing an insult to the Lord Shiva and the sage. Durvasa cursed Indra and the other Lords that they would be deprived of their immortality, divine powers and strength. The power slowly drifted away to King Bali; the king of Demons.

Lord Indra rushed to Lord Vishnu in utter dilemma to seek help. Lord Vishnu guided him to the nectar of immortality that would present itself after churning the Ocean of Milk which was an elaborate process and required Mount Mandara. Vasuki, the king of serpents that embraces Lord Shiva’s neck was used as a rope to churn.

While churning the sea with the huge mountain in order to retrieve the nectar of immortality, Mount Mandara started to sink.. Hence, Lord Vishnu decided to take form of a “Tortoise” and hold the mountain on his back to support it from sinking. Lord Vishnu’s act helped the Devas in retrieving the nectar of immortality and regain their lost powers.

And this is how Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Kurma saved the human race from what he could foresee as a terrible end.

Source:https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/kurma-an-incarnation-of-lord-vishnu/

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The Story behind Shiva Linga

Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadev, is one of the supreme gods in the Trinity of Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh. Unlike other gods, whose temples house their idols for worship, Shiva temple houses his representation – Shiva Linga. The word linga in Sanskrit means the mark, symbol or emblem; hence Shiva Linga literally means the symbol of Shiva.

The appearance of Shiva Linga epitomizes symbols of the transformational energy of yin and yang. At the very top is a cylindrical round structure which is often compared with the erect male reproductive organ, which resides on top of a circular structure at the base which signifies a yoni. These are the symbols of male and female creative energies which together is said to have created the Brahmand – the whole universe. It represents the energy in indivisible space and time, having no beginning and no end, from which everything is said to have been born.

The oldest mention of anything similar to Shiva Linga is found in Arthrvaveda. A hymn in the Veda praises a yupa sthambh – a sacrificial post, which seems to have no beginning or an end – resembling the eternal universe. Once the yagna (sacrifice) was over, its ashes, smoke along with the ox that carried the wood for sacrificial fire flames transformed into the brightness of Shiva’s body riding on the bull. Hence the Yupa sthambh eventually has been replaced by Shiva-Linga.

There is also another story mentioned in Shiva Purana. Once Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu got into an argument over who is superior. Both gods fought in vain trying to prove their supremacy over other. When the intensity of the battle grew, other gods approached Lord Shiva asking him to arbitrate. Lord Shiva assumed the form of a blazing fire pillar which appeared in front of them. He challenged both Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu to find the beginning and an end of the pillar. Arbitrarily both Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu decided to find each end. Hence Lord Brahma went to skies looking for a beginning and Lord Vishnu went to the underworld trying to look for an end but both were disappointed not to find it. Exhausted in his journey, Lord Brahma met Ketaki (a flower) and made her his ally in the false claim that he had indeed found a beginning. When he returned and declared this false claim, the fire pillar split open and Lord Shiva stepped out in his magnificence. Humbled with this vision both Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu accepted Lord Shiva’s supremacy. Angry at Lord Brahma for lying, he cursed him that no one will worship him, hence there are barely any temples dedicated to Lord Brahma. He cursed Ketaki too, rendering her unfit to be used in puja. The eternal fire pillar is symbolised with the conical oval shape of Shiva Linga as a formless universe bearer which radiates with all the celestial energy and provides focus for meditation.

It is believed that Shiva manifested himself in the form of Shiva Linga on the fourteenth day of Krishna paksha (dark side of the moon) in the Phalgun month as per Hindu calendar. This auspicious day is also celebrated as Mahashivratri by Hindus. Devotees offer prayers along with bel-patra and abhishek of milk to Shiva-Linga for happiness and prosperity.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/the-story-behind-shiva-linga

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Nirjala Ekadashi

Nirjala Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day of the Shukla paksha (waxing moon) in the month of Jyestha as per Hindu calendar. Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day of both the waxing and the waning moon, hence there are in all twenty four Ekadashis in the entire year, when people observe fast. However the word ‘Nirjala’ translates to ‘no water’, hence many people fast on this day without having food or water. Observing fast on Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to be equivalent of observing fast on all of twenty four Ekadashis. The fast is observed by staunch followers of Lord Vishnu. It is said to be the toughest fast to undertake as it falls during one of the hottest of summer months.

The day is also known as Bheem Ekadasi – named after one of the pandavas and the second son of Kunti – Bheem, or even Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi. As per Brahma Vaivarta Purana, all pandavas – Yudhistir, Arjun, Nakul, Sahdev, their mother Kunti and their wife Draupadi would fast on all the Ekadashis without fail. Bheem, however being an avid food lover was not able to do so and hence felt guilty. Not wanting to dishonour Lord Vishnu, he approached Maharishi Vyas in nearby asharam, seeking a solution. The sage advised Bheem to observe the fast on Nirjala Ekadashi, where he would need to observe a strict fast without having even water and it would reap the same benefits as he would by observing all the Ekadashis. It is also believed that devotees who observe the fast on Nirjala Ekadashi will be met by Lord Vishnu’s messenger at his abode – Vaikunta after their death instead of Yamraj.

Some people who are not able to fast the entire day have one meal in the evening after offering prayers to Lord Vishnu. However grains and beans are not allowed. This is extremely tough to follow as the Parana (breaking of the fast) is done only upon sunrise the following day.

People visit temples of Lord Vishnu on this day. Few people also offer puja to Lord Vishnu at their homes. On the day of fast, the idol of Lord Vishnu is bathed with panchamruta abhishek. He is bathed again with holy water and dressed in decorated clothes and garlands. Flowers and incense are offered with Aarti. Devotees meditate and pray to Lord Vishnu seeking his grace and blessings. It is considered both pious and auspicious to donate food and other items to the needy on Nirjala Ekadashi. Food grains, umbrella, pitcher filled with water etc are also donated to Brahmins on this day. Sleeping during the day is not allowed and observing night vigil is recommended however not compulsory. Hence on this day, many people are found to be coming together and performing jagratas by singing devotional songs dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The entire day of Nirjala Ekadashi is spent observing rigorous penance by devoting themselves to Lord Vishnu and seeking his blessings for a harmonious and prosperous life.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/nirjala-ekadashi

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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. 

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

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Apara Ekadasi

In Sanskrit, Ekadashi translates to ‘Eleventh day’. Apara Ekadashi marks the eleventh day in the Krishna paksha (dark side of the moon) of the Jyestha month. Fasting on Apara Ekadashi is considered auspicious by Hindus all around the world, as it is believed to help in attaining moksha by washing off all the past sins and misdoings. Observing this fast is also believed to bring fame to the observer. This day is known by many names across India such as Achala Ekadashi, Badhrakali Ekadashi - called in Northern India, Vaishaka Vadi Ekadashi and Jalkrida Ekadashi in Orissa. However the day is recognised as Apara Ekadashi in the state of Madhya Pradesh and is celebrated with much gusto by people observing fast.

There are many legends that tell the story of Apara Ekadashi. Once, during treta yug, there was a king named Bali who had drawn immense victories in battles. Accordingly, he was conferred with the befitting title ‘Chakravarty Samrat’. However inebriated with all this power, he grew more and more arrogant. He attacked Lord Indra, forcing him to run and abandon heaven. Lord Indra approached Lord Vishnu pleading for help. Lord Vishnu then took the avataar of Lord Vamana and went to King Bali in disguise of a short Brahmin and requested for three paces of lands. As against the warning of Sukracharya, his guru, Bali agreed. Lord Vamana then enlarged his feet to gigantic proportions and took heaven and earth in his first step; in his second step, the netherworld was taken. For his third step then, Bali offered his head. Even today, lord Vishnu is recognised and prayed in his avataar of Lord Vamana, who is also known as Lord Trivikrama.

As per another legend, once during their exile years, King Yudhistira was deeply troubled and was pondering over the things they had to face – not only losing their titles and riches in a game, but also facing grave humiliation beyond words. Yudhistira seeked guidance from Lord Krishna who narrated the benefits of observing fast on Apara Ekadashi – that it not only frees you from the consequences of your past misdoings by providing moksha to your soul, but also brings unfathomable fame and riches.

This day is celebrated by Hindus who believe in reincarnation of souls and karma. People observe fast during Apara Ekadashi offering puja and yagna. They also visit temples of Lord Vishnu, praying to him for forgiveness of their misdeeds and seek his blessings for a glorious future. The fasting ritual is strictly observed by avoiding grains and beans on that day and consuming only milk and fruits. People can opt to either consume one meal or choose to have nothing to eat that day, including even water. Parana (breaking of the fast) is done only the next day after sunrise. It is advised that people who are married observe the fast only on Apara Ekadashi; however sanyasis, widows and others who seek moksha should also fast on the following day. According to puranas, observing the fast on Apara Ekadashi bring benefits to people equivalent of performing religious, spiritual or good humane acts including taking ritual baths in sacred river Ganga or Prayag, offering puja for ancestors at Gaya and so on. It is believed to be the most loyal way of revering Lord Vishnu to seek his blessings and love.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/apara-ekadashi

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Mathura– The Birthplace of Lord Krishna

Mathura is one of the seven holiest pilgrim cities for Hindus. Located in the northwestern side of Uttar Pradesh, on the west bank of river Yamuna sharing a border with neighboring cities like Vrindavan, Gokul, Barsana and Govardhan,  Mathura is sacred to the heart of millions of Hindus as it is the birth place of their cherished and beloved god – Lord Krishna. It finds its mention in the old mythical legend of Ramayana in which it states that the Ikshwaku Prince Shatrughana slays the demon Lavanasura to claim Mathura as his kingdom to rule. In those days, the land was known as Madhuvan since it was surrounded by dense woods, later the named changed to Mathura.

The legends of Krishna and Mathura are told even today. Although the most famous one is about Lord Krishna’s birth. At the time, Kansa had overthrown his father as the ruler of Mathura. King Kansa’s sister Devaki married Vasudev; then a prophecy was made by celestial bodies that the evil King Kansa would be killed by Devaki’s son. Knowing this Kansa jailed both Vasudev and Devaki in underground prison. Over time Devaki gave birth to seven children who were all mercilessly killed by Kansa, however the eighth child escaped and came to be known and loved by all as Lord Krishna. When he grew up Lord Krishna came back to Mathura to free the people of Mathura from the evil hands of Kansa by killing him. Today, the Keshav Dev Temple stands tall above the ground marking the holy birth place of Lord Krishna.

Being one of the prime pilgrim places, there are few temples one must visit, one of which is the famous Dwarkadesh Temple. It was built by Seth Gokul Das, a treasurer of Gwalior, in 1814. The temple has narrations of Lord Krishna’s life depicted through their delicate stone carvings. Vishram Ghat is another site which bears epic importance. It is said that Lord Krishna rested here after killing King Kansa. The morning and evening aarti at this ghat is said to render moksha to our souls and our ancestors as well. Small oil lit diyas are set floating on the placid river water while devotees pray, creating a mesmerizing view at night. Other places like Radha Kund, Gita Mandir and Jami Masjid will submerge your mind in devotion to Lord. Mathura Museum is also one of the places to visit for a history enthusiast.

One can experience the devotion and love for Lord Krishna and his affection for Radha and other Gopis in the air that Mathura breathes. The city is covered in a maze of temples, holy sites and ghats. People joyously carry-on the tradition by narrating folklores through their songs and dance about Lord Krishna’s life and his mischiefs as a young child. They are also known as Braj-mandal or Brajwasi.  Witnessing few festival celebrations like Holi and Janamastami in Mathura are once-in-a-lifetime experience. Wandering down the narrow by-lanes of Mathura you cannot help but feel peaceful with the chants of ‘Radhe Radhe’ ringing in your ears. 

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/mathura-the-birthplace-of-lord-krishna

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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. 

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

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Importance of Mohini Ekadashi

Ekadashi as such falls on the 11^th day of both Shukla paksha (bright side) and Krishna Paksha (Dark side) each month and is considered to be spiritually beneficial day by Hindus. Mohini Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day of Shukla Paksha of the auspicious Vaishaka month as per hindu calendar. This day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The name Mohini is derived from a tale where Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Mohini to distract Danavas from Amrit extracted during Sagar Manthan so the Gods could claim it.

The significance of Mohini Ekadashi is recorded first in Suraya Purana. Its importance is narrated to Yudhistira by Lord Krishna himself.  It is believed that Lord Vashista advised Lord Rama to observe fast on this particular day to be free from all sins, to remove obstacles and distress he experienced from the separation from Sita when Ravana abducted her.

According to another legend, there was a wealthy merchant “Dhanapala’ in Bhadravati city who was pious and kind. He worshipped Lord Vishnu. Known for his charity towards poor and needy, he spent a fulfilled life. However his son ‘Dhrstabuddhi’ grew up as a savage, greedy and cruel person and was thrown out of the house. Dhrstabuddhi soon resorted to threatening, robbery and stealing from people to live. He was caught by soldiers of the kingdom and sentenced to exile from the kingdom. Dhrstabuddhi then went off to live in a forest where he relied on killing animals to slake his hunger. He continued through the pain remembering his childhood, his life and ill conducts each day. One day he passed next to the ashram of Sage Kaundinya and was touched by the environment around it. There was a river next to the ashram and Sage was bathing in the river. On his way back, few drops of water fell from Sages body on to Dhrstabuddhi and he broke into tears remembering his sins. He shared his life story with the Sage and pleaded that he seeked forgiveness. The Sage advised him to fast on the day of Mohini Ekadashi for repentance.  As directed Dhrstabuddhi observed fast and prayed to Lord Vishnu. He offered food and help to poor on this day to wash away all his sins.

Fasting on Mohini Ekadashi helps devotees to get moksha from the past sins. Preparations of the fast actually begins a day prior on Dashami where the devotees wake up, bathe with chandan and water and prepare their mind for fast. People observing fast should only have one meal and avoid salt on Dashami. On the day of Mohini Ekadashi, devotees get dressed in clean clothes after bathing, offer puja to Lord Vishnu and Lord Parshuram and meditate their names in their prayers. Few people fast even without drinking water while others do eat fruits and observe Jagraan singing devotional songs. The fast continues till the second half of the next day Dwashmi (twelveth day) after which one can eat a home cooked meal. Fasting on Mohini Ekadashi rid our souls from all the ill effects of our past misdoings, frees us from all worldly distractions and helps bringing peace and happiness to our lives. 

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/importance-of-mohini-ekadashi

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