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

For more blogs click here

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

For more blogs click here

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/

For more blogs click here

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

For more blogs click here

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

For more blogs click here

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. 

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

For more blogs click here