Diwali 5 Days

These six days of Diwali hold cultural and spiritual significance, reinforcing the values of prosperity, goodness, cleanliness, community, sibling love, and inner beauty.

Dhanteras: On the first day of Diwali, people clean and decorate their homes. It's believed that buying new things, especially gold or silver items, brings good luck. In the evening, oil lamps or diyas are lit to welcome prosperity into the house.

• Significance: Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, emerged from the ocean of milk. People worship her and pray for prosperity.
• Rituals: People clean their homes, buy new items, especially gold or silver, and light oil lamps to invite good fortune.
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Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): This day is all about cleansing and purification. People take oil baths, and a special paste called 'Ubtan' is applied to their bodies. It's believed to ward off evil. Families also make colorful rangoli designs at their doorsteps. This day is also known as Roop Chaturdashi.

• Significance: Naraka Chaturdashi symbolizes the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. It signifies the triumph of good over evil. Also called Roop Chaturdashi and popularly known as 'Choti Diwali.' It's a day to cleanse oneself physically and spiritually, enhancing one's inner and outer beauty.
• Rituals: People take oil baths, apply 'Ubtan' (a special paste) on their bodies, create rangoli designs, and light oil lamps to ward off negativity and cleanse themselves spiritually. People take special baths, apply fragrant oils and ubtan (a paste made from herbs) on their bodies to purify and beautify themselves. It is believed that observing these rituals brings inner radiance.
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Diwali (Main Day): This is the most important day. People get dressed in their finest clothes, exchange gifts, and visit friends and family. In the evening, the entire house is illuminated with oil lamps, candles, and colorful lights. Firecrackers are also burst to celebrate the victory of light over darkness.

• Significance: Diwali is the most important day, signifying the return of Lord Rama after defeating Ravana and the triumph of light over darkness.
• Rituals: Families exchange gifts, wear new clothes, light diyas and candles to illuminate their homes, and burst fireworks to celebrate the victory of good.

Govardhan Puja (Padwa): This day is dedicated to Lord Krishna. People prepare various delicious sweets and offerings to celebrate the bond between the community and the environment. It's a day of gratitude for the harvest and cattle.

• Significance: Govardhan Puja honors Lord Krishna's act of lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers from torrential rains. It underscores the importance of nature and community.
• Rituals: People prepare various sweets and food offerings, create a small hill-like structure from cow dung, and decorate it to remember Lord Krishna's divine deed.
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Bhai Dooj: The final day is all about the bond between siblings. Sisters apply a tilak (vermilion mark) on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their well-being. In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters and promise to protect them.

• Significance: Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond between siblings, emphasizing love and protection. Sisters pray for their brothers' well-being.
• Rituals: Sisters apply a tilak on their brothers' foreheads, perform aarti (ritual prayer), and exchange gifts. Brothers, in return, promise to protect their sisters.

These five days of Diwali are a time for families to come together, celebrate their culture, and strengthen their relationships while spreading happiness and light.

Diwali - The Festival of Light

      

Introduction:

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and among Hindus worldwide. The festival holds a special place in the hearts of millions, as it signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This article explores the history, rituals, and significance of Diwali, shedding light on the rich tapestry of traditions that make this festival so vibrant and cherished.

Historical Origins:

The origins of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, and its significance can be found in various mythological and historical narratives. Here are some key stories associated with Diwali:

Victory of Lord Rama: One of the most well-known legends linked to Diwali is the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, to the kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya welcomed them by lighting lamps, and this tradition symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the dispelling of darkness.

The Tale of Lord Krishna: In some parts of India, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. It is believed that on this day, Lord Krishna defeated Narakasura and rescued the imprisoned women, thereby restoring peace and light to the world.

Goddess Lakshmi's Arrival: Diwali is also associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Lakshmi enters homes that are clean and well-lit, bringing wealth and good fortune.

Rituals and Celebrations:

Diwali is a multi-day festival marked by various rituals and traditions, which may vary from region to region in India. Some common customs and practices include:

Cleaning and Decorating: In the weeks leading up to Diwali, homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with colorful rangoli (decorative patterns made with colored powders), lamps, candles, and flowers.

Lighting of Lamps: The lighting of diyas (oil lamps) and candles is a central ritual of Diwali, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. Homes, temples, and public places are adorned with countless lamps.

Puja (Worship): People offer prayers and perform puja to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, seeking blessings for wealth, prosperity, and wisdom. Temples are beautifully decorated, and special prayers are conducted.

Fireworks and Sweets: Fireworks light up the night sky during Diwali, adding to the festive atmosphere. Families exchange sweets and gifts as a sign of love and togetherness.

New Clothes: It is customary to wear new clothes during Diwali, signifying a fresh start and the shedding of old, negative energies.

Visiting Relatives and Friends: Diwali is a time for family gatherings and visiting friends and relatives to exchange greetings and gifts.

Significance of Diwali:

Diwali holds immense significance on various levels:

Spiritual Significance: Diwali signifies the victory of light (knowledge) over darkness (ignorance) and the triumph of good over evil. It is a time for introspection, self-improvement, and spiritual growth.

Cultural Unity: Diwali transcends religious boundaries and is celebrated by people of various faiths in India and around the world. It serves as a unifying cultural event that fosters harmony and understanding among communities.

Economic Significance: Diwali is also a significant economic event, as it is associated with increased shopping, gift-giving, and business activities, leading to a boost in the economy.

Social Bonding: The festival encourages social bonding and strengthens family ties, as people come together to celebrate and share joy.

Diwali is a festival that radiates light, hope, and positivity. It brings people from diverse backgrounds together to celebrate the victory of good over evil and the triumph of knowledge over ignorance. With its rich history, colorful rituals, and profound significance, Diwali stands as a beacon of unity, spirituality, and joy for millions of people across the globe.

Pushya Nakshatra

Pushya Nakshatra is one of the 27 Nakshatras (lunar constellations) in Hindu astrology. It is also known as "Pushyami" or "Pooyam" in South India. Pushya Nakshatra is associated with the star cluster known as Gamma Cancri (γ Cancri) in Western astronomy, which includes the star Eta Cancri (η Cancri), commonly known as Asellus Australis or Naga in Indian astronomy. 

The importance of Pushya Nakshatra lies in its auspiciousness and its association with various religious and cultural events in Hindu tradition. Here are some of its significances: 

Auspiciousness: Pushya Nakshatra is considered highly auspicious in Vedic astrology. It is believed to bring positive energy, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Activities conducted during this Nakshatra are thought to yield better results. 

Astrological Significance: Pushya Nakshatra is associated with the planet Saturn (Shani) and is considered beneficial for various astrological remedies and rituals to appease Saturn. 

Spiritual Practices: Many devotees choose to initiate important spiritual practices, rituals, or journeys during Pushya Nakshatra, as it is believed to enhance the spiritual benefits and success of these endeavors. 

Fasting and Charity: Observing fasts and engaging in charitable acts during Pushya Nakshatra is believed to bring merit and positive karma. 

Buying Gold: In some regions, buying gold or precious items during Pushya Nakshatra is considered auspicious, as it is believed to bring prosperity and wealth. 

Ravi Pushya Nakshatra specifically refers to an even more auspicious occurrence when Pushya Nakshatra falls on a Sunday (Ravi is the Sanskrit word for the Sun). This alignment is considered highly favorable, and it is believed to enhance the positive effects of Pushya Nakshatra. It is considered an ideal time for starting new ventures, making investments, initiating important life events, and performing religious or spiritual activities. 

People often consult astrologers to determine the dates of Pushya Nakshatra and Ravi Pushya Nakshatra to plan significant events in their lives. It's important to note that beliefs and practices related to Nakshatras can vary among different regions and traditions within Hinduism, and not everyone may follow these customs.

Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is also known as Vyasa Purnima and marks the birthday of sage Ved Vyasa. This full moon day is celebrated by Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist disciples to express gratitude towards their spiritual teachers and everyone else who has acted as a guide and teacher in their life journey. One pays obeisance to the Guru or teacher on this day, thanking for all the knowledge and life-lessons.

Irrespective of their religions, Indian students celebrate this day by thanking their teachers. Students honor their teachers by offering delicacies, garlands, and sweets. Students often organize functions and fanfares in schools to appreciate the hard work done by teachers. This day is taken as an excellent opportunity to express gratitude and consolidate the bond of teacher-student relationships

The festival is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June–July). The word Guru is derived from two words, gu and ru. The Sanskrit word gu means darkness or ignorance, and ru denotes the remover of that darkness. Therefore, a Guru is one who removes the darkness of our ignorance.

Traditionally the festival is celebrated by Buddhists in honor of the Lord Buddha, who gave His first sermon on this day at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India. In the yogic tradition, the day is celebrated as when Shiva became the first Guru, as he began the revelation and transmission of yoga to the Saptarishis. Many Hindus celebrate the day in honor of the great sage Ved Vyasa, who is accepted as one of the greatest Gurus in ancient Hindu traditions and a symbol of the Guru-Shishya tradition. 

Guru Purnima festival is common to all spiritual traditions in Hinduism, where it is an expression of gratitude towards the teacher by his/her disciple or student. Hindu ascetics and wandering sanyasis or monks, observe this day by offering puja to their Guru. This day also marks the beginning of Chaturmas, four months period, during the rainy season, when these ascetics choose seclusion and stay at one chosen place. 

According to the Puranas and in yogic lore, it is said that Guru Purnima was the day that saw Shiva become the Adi Guru or the first Guru. On the full moon day, Shiva sat as a Guru to seven men. Shiva, the Adiyogi, or the first yogi thus became the Adi Guru. Adiyogi expounded the working and secret of life to the seven disciples, who became celebrated as the Saptarishis and took this knowledge across the world. Guru Purnima is held sacred in the yogic tradition because the Adiyogi opened up the knowledge and possibility for a human being to evolve consciously. The seven different aspects of yoga revealed to these seven men became the foundation for the seven primary forms of yoga, something that has still endured until now.

Buddhists observe Vipassana meditation practice on this day under the guidance of their teachers. Rainy season or Varsha also starts with this day. During the rainy season lasting for about three months from July to October, Buddhist monks remain in a single place, generally in their temples. In some monasteries, monks dedicate this time to intensive meditation. 

Guru Purnima or Vyas Purnima was the day when Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa – author of the Mahabharata – was born to sage Parashara and a fisherman's daughter Satyavati.  Vyasa Puja is held at various temples on this day, and floral offerings and gifts are given away in his honor. Disciples also commit themselves on this day, towards following their teacher's guidance and teachings.

 The Auspicious Guru Mantra 

Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu
Gurur Devo Maheshwarah
Guru Saakshaata Parabrahma
Tasmai Shri Guruve Namah

Meaning:

"Guru is the creator, Guru is the protector, and Guru is solely the destroyer of evil. 

Guru is the supreme God, and therefore, I bow upon Him and pay my respects."

Devshayani Ekadashi

What is Devshayani Ekadashi

The eleventh day, in the full moon quarter of Ashadh month, is observed as Devshayani Ekadashi or Maha-Ekadashi. According to Hindu mythology, on this day, Lord Vishnu goes into a deep slumber or deep meditation. He wakes up after four months on Prabodhini Ekadashi day. Devshyani Ekadashi comes close on the heels of Puri's Jagannath RathYatra every year. 

The eleventh day of the bright half of Ashadh is also known as Padma Ekadashi. And It is also the beginning of Chaturmas ("chatur" means four, and "mas" means months).

Chaturmas is a collection of four auspicious months which are full of festivals and celebrations. Since these four months fall in the monsoon season, the atmosphere is dense with moisture, and bacterial activities are high. 

Therefore, it is advisable to follow strict rules of sleeping, eating, fasting and praying at this time. The four months in the Hindu calendar that make Chaturmas are Ashadh, Shravan, Bhadarpada, and Ashwin. 

Significance of Devshayani Ekadashi

1). The Ekadashi puja assumes significance as Chaturmas or a holy period of four months in the Hindu calendar begins from this day. The four months of Chaturmas are Shravan, Bhadrapad, Ashwin, and Kartik and roughly correspond to July, August, September, and October.

2). Chaturmas heralds nearly all the major Hindu festivals like Janmashthami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja, and Diwali.

3). By keeping a vrat or fast on Devshayani Ekadashi, a devotee seeks the blessings of Lord Vishnu for this life and beyond.

4). Those who wish to find salvation (or Moksha) by getting rid of the vicious cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, also pray to Lord Vishnu.

5). By sincerely observing a fast or vrat on this day, a devotee can seek attainment from the guilt of committing sins in this life and previous lives. 

6). Ekadashi is a time to introspect and realize one's human follies and seek divine guidance. Apart from cleansing the body, the vrat or fast also purifying the mind of negative and evil thoughts and emotions.

7). During the period of Chaturmas, one should observe asceticism, self-discipline, and avoid indulging in sensual pleasures. From Ekadashi day, a period of self-cleansing begins for both the mind and the body, which is indeed very beneficial.

Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha or Story

Story 1:

One of the legends associated with Devshayani Ekadashi vrat dates back to Satyuga. There once lived a demon-king named Raja Bali, who was the grandson of Hari Bhakt Prahlad. He ruled the three worlds - the Devaloka, Prithviloka, and Patalaloka. 

After seeing him becoming invincible due to his great deeds, the Devas or Gods became worried. They rushed to Lord Vishnu and appealed to him to stop Bali from growing more powerful as he may usurp their authority. Therefore, to protect the gods or Devas, Lord Vishnu decided to take the Vamana Avatar.

Apart from being a just and able king, Raja Bali was also known for his philanthropic and generous nature and activities. Therefore, Lord Vishnu decided to seek alms from Bali in the disguise of a dwarf Brahmin boy. 

Disguised, Vishnu asked the king to give him three pieces of land that he would cover in just three steps. And Bali instantly agreed. However, Bali was unsuspicious that the boy was none other than Lord Vishnu himself. 

Soon after asking for three pieces of land, Vamana Avatar started to expand so big that his head touched the skies. The dwarf was now a giant. With one step, he covered the earth, and with another step, he covered the rest of the universe. And Bali, who by then had realized that it was Lord Vishnu himself, humbly surrendered. 

But the third step of the promise for the third piece of land remained. Therefore, Bali offered his head and asked Lord Vishnu to step on it, thereby completing his wish. Please with Bali's devotion and humbleness, the Lord took his third step on Bali's head.

However, before sending Bali to Patala Loka, Vishnu, pleased by the king's generosity, asked him to seek a boon. And the king made the most of it by telling Lord Vishnu to accompany him to the Patala Loka. Thus, the Lord decided to go to Patala Loka with Bali to honor his promise.

But the Lord's absence left the Devas or gods, and Mata Lakshmi worried. Hence to bring her husband back from the Patala Loka, the Goddess visited Patala Loka disguised as a poor woman seeking help from Bali. She tied a Rakhi to Bali's wrist and bonded with him like his sister. And eventually, she asked him to free her husband from the Patala Loka. 

Bali, who was known for his generosity, humbly accepted his defeat. Eventually, Lord Vishnu returned to his abode, Vaikuntha.

Story 2:

In the scripture of Bhavishyottara Purana, Lord Krishna narrates the significance of Shayani Ekadashi to Yudhishthira. Once Brahma, the creator-god, conveyed the importance of Ekadashi to his son Narada. 

As per the story, there once lived a great king named Mandata. The pious king's country had faced drought for three years, but the king was unable to find a solution to please the rain gods. Finally, sage Angiras advised the king to observe the vrat or vow of Dev-Shayani Ekadashi. On doing so, by the grace of Lord Vishnu, there was rain in the kingdom. And once again, Mandata was able to restore peace and prosperity to his country.

Preventions and Precautions during Chaturmas

1). Giving up one or more food items for four months.

2). Fast on every Ekadashi day during Chaturmas.

3). Abstinence from specific grains, beans, vegetables like onions/garlic/certain spices for four months.

4). Regular fasts, performing pooja, singing of Lord's glory, and Reciting hymns.

5). Prayers, meditation, introspection, and chanting.

6). Reading/listening to sacred texts and discourses on the life and teaching of the Lord. 

As per Bhavishyottara Purana:

1. Vegetables should not be consumed during Shravan
2. Yogurt should not be consumed during Bhadrapada
3. Milk should not be consumed during Ashvin
4. Pulse-beans should not be consumed during Kartik. 

As per Skanda Purana:

1. Onion, garlic, and other additives should not be consumed during Chaturmas. 
2. Brinjals, water-melon, radish, and sugar-cane should be abstained from consumption.