HAPPY HANUMAN JAYANTI TO ALL

LORD HANUMANJI, THE SINCEREST BHAKTA OF LORD RAMA

HAPPY LORD HANUMAN JI’S JAYANTI

MENTION OF LORD HANUMANJI IN SCRIPTURES

The Valmiki Ramayana and Ramayana written by Goswami Tulsidas very compressively tell us the details of Ayodhya King Dashratha and all the description till the end. These amongst others are very popular amongst the people.

Hanuman Ramayana. There is the description of Hanumat Ramayana in old Hindu scriptures – Vedas and Sikandpurana etc. This was the description of Ramayana codified by Lord Hanuman Ji. This was codified by Hanumanji with his nails on the rocks. After reading this descriptive Ramayana, Maharishi Valmiki got very disappointed as his own written Ramayana was not as good as he had seen the one written by Hanuman Ji. Lord Hanuman Ji got moved by the concern of Valmiki Ji, therefore, he threw that portion of the rock into the sea so that nobody could read the Ramayana written by Him.

Thereupon, Maharishi Valmiki promised to take birth in next Yuga as Goswami Tulsidas and write comprehensive Ramayana which is read by all of us now.

HAPPY HANUMAN JAYANTI TO ALL

Born to mother named Anjana
As a reward for her worship of Lord Shiva
Due to which Lord Hanumana
Is called as the incarnation of Lord Shiva.
My sincere prayers to Lord Hanumana
And entreat to thee, the most ardent Bhakta of Lord Rama
The savior of all the creations
To rid the humanity off all the predicaments.

Hanuman Jyanti as a most auspicious day
Being the Chitra Purnima tithi
In Shakula Paksha following on Wednesday
He is the symbol of strength and amazing power
He is passionately revered by the devotees
Of Lord Rama particularly
The Maryada Prashotam
While we want the graces of Lord Rama
To whom we worship Lord Hanumana
For the success of our mission
Or any project we undertake.

Hanuman’s prayers at juncture so critical
When there is specter of hate
Raising its ugly head

With Hanuman Chalisa recitation
Or chanting of Mantra
Om Eh Reem Hanumante Shri Ram Doote Namon

We can get His blessings.
To seek and get answers to our problems, so intractable
The sincere worship of Lord Hanumanji could deliver us from sufferings
Thus removing the negative forces overpowering us
And the ones which have bedeviled our lives.

The devotees offer prayers
With flowers like marigold, rose
With parsad as Ladu, halwa and banana
Which are very dear to Lord Hanumana.

LORD HANUMAN JYANTI ON 23^RD APRIL 2024

 MAY THE BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS OF LORD HANUMAN JI REMAIN ON US ALL EVER

Before delving on the significance of this day, I offer my sincerest prayer to the one who could deliver the humanity from pains and adversities caused to the hapless people of Ukraine and also pains and sufferings being experienced at other places; it may be manmade or due to natural upheavals. I sincerely offer my prayers to Lord Hanumanji for delivering the sufferers.

BIRTH OF HANUMAN JI

Lord Hanuman was born to Anjana, the wife of Vanaraja Kesari (the King of Monkeys). It is believed that Anjana was cursed by Muni Vishwamitra for disturbing him. He cursed Anjana that she will give birth to a monkey. Anjana to get rid of the curse worshipped Lord Shiva and urged him to be a part of her son. Thus, it is believed that Lord Hanuman is an incarnation of Lord Shiva.

LORD HANUMAN JI’S JYANTI 23RD  APRIL 2024

Lord Hanuman Ji is the son of mother Anjana (An Apsara who was cursed by Rishi Vivhsvamitra to take birth on earth in Vanara family) and father Kesari the King of Sumeru. The Wind God Vayu had also a role in his birth besides being the Guru of Hanuman Ji. Lord Hanuman Ji is a well-known devotee of Lord Rama who is one of the pivotal characters epic Ramayana. His name has been mentioned in Vedas, Puranas, besides in Jain, Buddhist and Sikh scriptures. He is also known as an incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is not only worshipped in India but also in Nepal, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesia.

 Hanuman Jyanti marks the birth of HANUMAN JI to father King Kesari and mother Anjani with the bounties of Wind King Pawan Dev Ji. The devotees who have strong influenceof Shani Dev Ji should worship Hanuman Ji. In this context, reciting of Hanuman Chalisa eight times is very effective to please Shani Dev Ji (Satron). He is hugely respected for His prowess and the one who bestows his graces on those KARMA YOGI are honest and sincere in their prayers.

Hanuman Jayanti is an important festival of the Hindus. Lord Hanuman is a passionate devotee of Lord Rama Ji. He is widely known for his undaunted loyalty to Lord Rama. Hanuman is the symbol of strength and energy besides known for devotion to Lord Rama. He is said to be able to assume any form at will, brandish the gada (including many other celestial weapons), and even move mountains which he exhibited when needed for bringing a medicinal plant to save the life of Lakshmana the brother of Lord Rama.

WHY THE DEVOTEES WORSHIP LORD HANUMANJI?

The devotees celebrate this day, worship Lord Hanuman Ji and also keep fast on this day and seek his blessings besides offer Ladoos to Him as these are liked by Him. They receive Parsad in the form of sweets, flowers, Tilak etc. The Param Bhakta of Lord Hanuman Ji also recite devotional songs praising Lord Hanuman Ji for his Shakti and Bhakti and also seek his blessings besides sing HANUMAN CHALISA in his praise for receiving his graces.

SINCERE PRAYERS BY THE DEVOTEES

On this auspicious day, devotees of Lord Hanuman pray him and seek his protection and blessings. They flock to temples to worship him and present religious offerings. In return, The devotees receive parsada from the temple priests in the form of sweets, flowers, coconut etc. People also celebrate him on this day by reciting various devotional songs (especially Hanuman Chalisa). The devotees also recite Beej Mantra – OM EH REEM HANUMANTE SRI RAM DOOTE NAMON. In this Hanuman Ji is prayed for being a devout messenger of Lord Rama who is a symbol of strength and energy.

LORD HANUMAN JI’S CONNECTION WITH VAYU DEV JI

It has also been mentioned in Valmiki Ramayana that Hanuman’s father Kesari, the king of Sumeru was the son of Brihaspati. Due to the intense prayers of Anjana and Kesari to Lord Maheshwara, a son was born to them named Hanuman an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Vayu (The deity of Wind). He too had a role in the birth of Hanuman Ji and that is why we term him as the son of Vayu.

MENTION OF LORD HANUMAN JI IN VISHNU PURANA

In Vishnu Purana, there is also a mention of the birth of Hanuman Ji. Narda Muni wanted to marry a beautiful princess for which he wanted to have Lord Vishnu like face. Instead, Lord Vishnu gave him the face of a monkey, thereupon Narda cursed Lord Vishnu that this ape-like face (Vanara) will assist him when he would be in dire need. This was also the reason of Hanuman Ji’s birth because, without his help, the task of defeating Demon King Ravana would have been very difficult.

VARIOUS NAMES OF LORD HANUMAN JI AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE

Lord Hanuman Ji is Rudra Avtara, another name of Lord Shiva. He is also worshipped by various names by His devotees  such as Bala Ji (Child Hanuman),  Anjaneya (Son of Anjana), Mahavira (Full of bravery and courage bestowed upon him by Sun God), Balarka (Sadrushanana like the rising sun), Batnasiddhikara (Giver of Strength), Bajranghbali (With huge strength), Bhakta Vastsaka (Protector of devotees), Bhavishya (One who knows about future happenings), Chiranjevini (Immortal), Chaturbahave (Four armed), Danta (Peaceful), Dheera (Most courageous), Deenabandhave (Defender of the oppressed), Daithyakulantaka (Destroyer of the demons), Kesrisuta (Son of kesri), Hanumanta (One with Puffy cheeks), Intrajit (Remover of the effect of Indrajit’s Brahmastra), Jai Kapeesh (Hailing monkey), Kapishwara (Head of monkey army), Kabalikruta (One who swallowed the Sun).

LORD HANUMANJI IS A BACHELOR WITH YOUTHFUL STRENGTH

(Kumarabrahmacharine (Bachelor with youthful strength)

The chief characteristics of Lord Hanuman ji are: He is bachelor with youthful strength, Panchavaktra (Five faced), Pratapavate (Known for his bravery), Yogini (Yogi par excellence), Rudraveerya (Born of Shiva), amongst so other names for showering of His graces and blessings. He is known for His ritualistic healing power and have the power to remove the evil spirits from the bodies of the devotees and Mehandipur, the Abode of Sri Bala Ji exerts its positive influence on His devotees.

HANUMAN JI BESTOWS HIS GRACES TO HIS DEVOUTS

From the various names that Lord Hanuman Ji is known, it is evident that he helps his devotees to cure their sufferings, comes to their rescue in tiding over their difficult situations, curing them of their ailments caused due to some ill-effects of magical powers, one who bestows us courage as He is known for his courageous acts which He exhibited while Hanuman Ji  was taken to Demon King Ravana’s palace in chains by his son Meghnatha while He was on the mission of locating Sita Maa in the custody of Demon King Ravana. He not only burnt the Golden Lanka of  Ravana but also exhibited very benign demeanour to Ravana’s brother Babishana, a Ram Bhakta himself – PROVING HIS MULTI-FACETED ROLE AMONGST THE DEVTAS.

A DEVOUT BHAKTA OF LORD SRI RAMA

Lord Hanuman Ji is known for his Bhakti and for Lord Rama besides his heroic initiatives and power are well known to us all. He is known for his martial arts – amongst which use of gadha, wrestling, acrobatics and also meditation. He is an epitome of celibacy/chaste and inner control including devotion to his duty. He performed the special role in helping Lord Rama in retrieving Sita Maa after Demon King Ravana abducted her from Panchbati in the disguise of a Sadhu by deception.  Hanumanji was sent to Lanka for getting information on Sita Maa. He surmounted several hurdles while crossing the ocean. When he reached in Lanka, Sita Maa felt very pleased but at the first instance, she was skeptical about him since she thought that he could be one of the deceptive stances of King Ravana. But on showing the golden ring of Lord Rama, she was convinced that he was actually the doot or Messenger sent by Lord Rama for locating her.

LORD HANUMAN JI’S VISIT TO LANKA IN SEARCH OF SRI SITA MAA

Subsequently, Hanuman Ji expressed his desire and asked for permission to allow him to have some fruits from the Vatika (garden) of Ravana as he felt very hungry due to his long and tiring sojourn. She allowed him but with reservation since she did not want that any harm should happen to the Ram’s doot. When allowed to have fruits, Hanuman Ji started not only taking fruits but also uprooting the trees. When the demon guards intervened, he killed them all. This news went to King Ravana, he sent his son Meghnath who with deception brought him in front of Ravana – that was the opportunity Hanuman Ji was waiting for; firstly to convince the king to return Sita Maa to Lord Rama with respect besides asking for his forgiveness for kidnapping her.

This was vehemently opposed by the king Ravana who was filled with the ego of his prowess along with he being one of the fondest Bhaktas (worshippers) of Lord Shiva. He flatly refused to do so. Instead, on the advice of his advisors,  he ordered that the tail of Hanuman Ji be burnt. Having lit the tail, Hanuman Ji showed to the Lankan what he could do. He burnt the entire Lanka by hopping from home to home. All this sent a shock wave to the entire Lankans – an indication of things to come for Ravana for his misdemeanor. During this, Hanuman Ji met Ravan’s brother Vabhishana who was Lord Rama’s Bhakta. During this period, Hanuman Ji liberated Lord Shani Dev Ji, the dispenser of Justice from the confinement of Ravana.

WHY SINDOOR IS IMMERSED IN LORD HANUMAN’S STATUE

We immerse sindoor on the idol of Hanuman Ji which is liked by Hanuman Ji. We also apply some of the sindoor on our forehead from the foot of the idol of Hanuman Ji. There is a legend for this too. While Sita Maa was applying sindoor as a tika on her forehead, Hanuman Ji asked why she was putting vermilion on her forehead. She replied that it was t ensure the long life for her husband – Lord Rama. Hanuman Ji for ensuring the long life of Lord Rama applied sindoor to his entire body and that is why we smear his entire idol with it.

A WELL KNOWN LEGEND ABOUT HANUMAN JI’S TEST FOR HIS LOVE AND DEVOTION

Hanuman Ji was the chief devotee of Lord Rama. This was proved by a legend. While Maa Sita Ji wanted to award Hanuman with gems’ garland, Hanuman simply broke the pieces of garland. Sita Maa felt very surprised and wanted to know about the reason for breaking the garland pieces. In reply to this, Hanuman Ji told that the image of Ram Ji resides in His heart and therefore he needed no gift of any kind. Then, Hanuman tore the part of his chest, and lo and behold, the image of Lord Rama and Maa Siya Ji was there etched. All this proved that in every atom of Hanuman Ji, Lord Rama remained stamped.

SRI HANUMAN CHALISA

In Hanuman Chalisa, Hanuman has been described to be a reservoir of knowledge who ensures for the awakening of general people. He is the messenger of Lord Rama, the son of Anjana and Kesari. He helps in removal of ignorance and helps in enlightenment. He is the worshipper of Lord Ram and Maa Sita. The magnificence of his attire has been mentioned. He was sent was dispatched to Lanka as the messenger to know about the whereabouts of Maa Sita where he killed many demons. Even Vibhishan the brother of Lankesh knew everything about Lord Hanuman Ji. Despite his knowledge, energy (Shakti), empowered by boons by different God-heads in various aspects, his prayer, and love to Lord Rama excelled everything else. Those who pray Him are bestowed with all sorts of bounties and his graces remain with them.  He is the ultimate remover of bad luck from our midst if we sincerely pray Him.

We offer our sincere prayers to Lord Hanuman Ki since he personifies unlimited strength and limitless courage. Those who are bereft of any wisdom should worship him and they will get knowledge, wisdom and get delverance from the difficulties in which they are engulfed.

For, Hanumanji is an ocean of knowledge and wisdom. He adores and worships the Lord Rama thus that is why He is being bestowed all the good traits of goodness. He performed the difficult tasks of Lord Rama and that is why we call Him the most beloved and adorable of Lord Rama and Sita Maa.

He exterminated the most ferocious demons. For all the tasks assigned and fructified, Lord Rama expressed his gratitude for the tasks done for Lord Rama due to which Lord Rama was able to bring back Sita Maa from Lanka after killing evil minded Ravana. All the people sing praises for the laudable noble tasks done along with Sugreeva and his force of monkeys who did everything in order to fructify the task of fighting the battle with Demon King Ravana. Even Ravana’s brother Vibheesan adopted his Mantra in praise of Lord Rama. He gave the ring of Lord Rama to his consort at Ashok Vatika which in fact was a very difficult task.

Those who sincerely worship Him are not affected by any ghost or bad spirit. Such a person is relieved from even the deadily diseases. He also delivers us of all the negative Karmic deeds. Those who worship Hanuman Gosahim Ji’s praises are bestowed the blessings and graces of Lord Rama and Sita Maa. The Sage Tulsi Dass opines that those who sincerely worship Hanuman Ji do get the bountiful graces of both the Lord Rama and Sita Maa.

RELATION BETWEEN LORD Lord Hanuman Ji is the incarnation of SHIVA AND LORD HANUMAN JI

Lord Shiva hence one who worships Lord Hanuman ji gets graces from Lord Shiva and vice versa too.

HANUMANJI – THE SINCEREST SEVAK OF LORD RAM

RELATION OF LORD HANUMAN JI WITH LORD SHANI DEV JI

Lord Hanuman Ji while on the sojourn to Lanka to locate Sita Maa happened to meet Lord Shani Dev Ji (Saturn) (the son of Sun also and Chhaya Putra) in the prison of Demon King Ravana. Lord Hanuman Ji freed Lord Shani Devi Ji therefore there developed friendship between the two. Even Shani Dev Ji cast his spell (sight) on Lord Hanuman Ji which helped Him to speedily burn Golden Lanka of Ravana. If we pray lord hanuman ji, the graces of Lord Shani Devi Ji too remain with us.

MAY LORD HANUMAN JI’S BOUNTIFUL GRACE REMAIN ON THE HUMANITY AS A WHOLE AND DELIVER US ALL FROM ANY UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.

HAPPY RAMNAVAMI TO ALL

HAPPY RAMNAMI TO ALL

LIFE OF LORD RAMA

A reservoir of humility with simplicity in abundance
Tolerance, harmony and elderly reverence
That an offspring should profusely be having
For the parents the most adoring.

Lord Shri Ram, the embodiment of righteousness
With most adorable traits and with immense prowess.

.
Lord Rama left for exile, leaving everything in Ayodhya,
When his father King Dashratha of Ayodhya
Is constrained to act on the promises made in the past
To his wife Kakai – mother of Shri Bharata
And step-mother of Lord Shri Rama
Who had saved Shri Dashratha’s life once
By putting her own life in danger,
Consequently, extracting two promises for fulfilling
At a time and occasion of her own choosing,

Manthra – the courtier of Kakai too showed her true color,
In making Queen Kakai realize the promises,
Crown for her son Shri Bharata
And 14 years in exile for Shri Rama.
Shri Ramji, as expected, accepted exile for fourteen long years.
And that too without slightest demur

 He embraced the life simplest in the forest,
Subsisting on the fruits and herbs that existed there,
Truly speaking, that is the crux of a lesson for today’s younger generation,
Maa Sitaji the consort of Shri Rama
With brother Lakshmana too accompanied Shri Rama.
Who despite his knowledge of Vedas and being the fondest Bhaktas of Lord Shiva
Ruined his name and fame along with the knowledge he had had thus attained
Vijaydashmi should establish a kingdom of love,
Overflowing with peace, full of tolerance, a feeling of goodwill for all,
A kingdom of love for everybody, leaving none
For it is a celebration for destruction of evil
And a win for TRUTH an ultimate ONE.

If and when it is inescapable to go out in emergent contingencies
When we’ve to celebrate Ram Navami after fasts’ observing
Despite ll the adverse situation, so very trying
Yet we’ve to think more about life and living
Rather than getting swayed by the environs so adverse
Defeat the mindset so negative
And create conditions appropriate all around by helping the needy
Thus learning most suitable characteristics from the life of Lord Ram
Who was the embodiment of righteousness & virtuosity – Maryada Purshotam
With most adorable traits with immense prowess, full of idealism.

The Avtara (Incarnate) of Lord Vishnu – the one who stood for Truth
A reservoir of humility with simplicity in abundance
Tolerance, harmony and elderly reverence
That every offspring should possess in profusion
Along with the respect for the elderly and parents
The traits which Lord Rama had in sufficiency
He left for 14 years exile, leaving everything and everybody
Most dear ones too in Ayodhya
When his father King Dashratha of Ayodhya
Was constrained to act on the promises made in the past
To his wife Kakai – mother of Shri Bharata
And step-mother of Lord Shri Rama
Who had saved Shri Dashratha’s life once
By putting her own life in danger
Consequently, extracting two promises for fulfilling
At a time and occasion of her own choosing,
Manthra – the courtier of Kakai too showed her true color,
In making Queen Kakai realize the promises
First promise being crown for her son Shri Bharata
And 14 years in exile for Shri Rama.

Shri Ramji, as expected, accepted exile for fourteen long years
And that too without slightest demur
He embraced the life simplest in the forest
Accompanied with Sitaji – the consort of Lord Shri Rama
With brother Lakshmana too accompanied Shri Rama
Living on the fruits and herbs that existed there in forests.

Truly speaking, the crux of a lesson for today’s younger generation
Is to respect and obey the orders of the parents
Who want our wellness in all situations and conditions.

Lord Rama had the knowledge of Vedas
And being the fondest Bhaktas of Lord Shiva
The knowledge he had had thus attained from his Gurus and parents.

Ram Navami should establish a kingdom of love for all of us in abundance
Overflowing with peace, full of tolerance, a feeling of goodwill for all
A kingdom of love for everyone
Factually leaving none
For it is a celebration for destruction of virus
In the form of Novel Coronavirus
Which could only be done
With self-discipline
By keeping distance
Along with observance of home quarantine.

Then we should be able to defeat the virus from spreading
Pray do not be super-spreader of virus so virulent
But be super-spreader of message as to how to contain the virus
Our true celebration of Ram Ravami

Besides celebrating the same with utmost enthusiasm
We reminisce
The day as a grim reminder for us all
That if we forget being human
We would be suffering the pangs
And pains of our Karmic deeds
As we get the lesson
From the Great Epic Ramayana
How the misdeeds of most powerful demon King Ravana
Although a staunch worshipper of Lord Shiva
Yet, he committed a cardinal sin of abducting Sita Maa
And took her to his kingdom Lanka
Kept her in Ashok Vatika
Lord Rama with his younger brother Lakshmana
Along with Sugriv and Lord Hanumana
With all the monkey warriors
Before crossing the sea, Lord worshiped Lord Shive
For His blessings for winning the battle with Demon King Ravana
As Lord Rama knew the power of King Ravana
Being the Bhakta of Lord Shiva
There was a battle between the two armies
In which demon army were punished by Lord Rama
With death and destruction of the demons
Along with the entire family of King Ravana
Except for righteous brother of Ravana named Bavishana
Who did not want to be an accomplice in the idea
Of abduction of Sita Maa
Being a religious man himself shunned violence
The grim reminder for all of us though
That those who willfully commit misdeeds or Kukarma
Are not spared at all
Now or some other time may be
However powerful they may be
There is eternal lesson for all of us from this epic,
Remove the evil from our midst,
Burn it out, the sooner it is done the better for us,
As we burn the effigies of Ravana along with Kumbkarna and Meghnada.
With the chanting of the name of Lord Rama
We should also burn the existing sinful thoughts
Which bedevil us and spoil the chances of
Adding to our credit of Karmic Credit.

HAPPY RAM NAVAMI TO ALL

RAM NAVAMI is the birthday of Lord RAMA the seventh Avatar (Incarnation) of God Vishnu (The Lord responsible for evolution of the creation). He was born to King Dashath and queen Kaushalya in Ayodhya. On this day, people recite Ram Katha in praise of Lord Rama besides listening the discourrses from Epic Ramayana which is considered sacrosanct for the devotees. The devotees worship Sun God tii for his blessings on this day. The devout usually visit Shri Ram temples and pray there. They also participate in Ram Bhajan congregations.  

 The celebrations at Ayodhya are worth mentioning. The devotees also pray Sita Maa and Lakshman besides Lord Hanuman Ji who stood by Lord Rama through thick and thin. The people also take a dip in Saryu river in Ayodhya (UP).

From the life of Lord, as has been mentioned in Epic Ramayana, from the very childhood, he is the personification of goodness as a child, disciplined and most obedient disciple at the Gurukul where he underwent spiritual orientation as well as training in use of weapons (which he proved during his marriage with Sita Ji, the daughter of King Janaka, king of Videha), he proved his prowess by breaking the Shiva’s melted bow which other kings including Demon King Ravana could not break it.  His exchange of hot-words with Rishi Parushrama (also an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) too are very motivating and worth taking note by us humans.

Here Rishi Parshurama learnt a lesson from this discussion – that we should not be offensive with anybody or everybody without realizing its final implications. Here self-estrait and introspection (Atamchintan) is a must before taking any decision having far reaching implications.

Lord Rama being the elder son of King Dhashratha was to be anointed as the King of Ayodhya but due to the fulfillment of pending two promises of Queen Kakeyi it could not happen. The two promises to be fulfilled by the King were: anointing Bharata the King of Ayodhya and second one was exile to Rama for 14 years to jungles. After coming to know about the promises Lord Rama, as an obedient son agreed to go to the forests for 14 long years without even a single demur. We the youth should learn from this.

LORD RAMA JI, SITA MAA, LAKSHMNA & LORD HANUMAN JI

Lessons

• Lord Rama acted on the percept of his family: Ragukul reet chali aayi paran jaye par bachan na jaye..And also, we should always obey the orders of our elders come what may.

• As destined, Lord Rama, Sita Ji along with brother Lakshmana  went to the jungles for 14 years exile. There they came face to face with various difficulties since during those days the jungles were infested with ferocious demons. They ate fruits and herbs that was available in forests. But one day Shrupnaka, the sister of Demon King Ravana came to the place they were residing. She created an ugly situation due to which in a fit of rage, Lakshmana cut her nose. She reported this matter to his brother Ravana who abducted Sita Ji with deception. Ravana’s brother Bibishana exhorted his brother to not to commit such a sin and return the consort of Lord Rama with respect which the demon king did not agree and as a reprisal expelled him from his kingdom.

Lesson: Result of deception and committing sin sully our character beyond repair.

Thereafter, there Lord Hanuman and Sugriva along with their entire force of monkeys invaded Lanka.  Then Ravana’s brother Bibshana too joined Lord Rama in his fight which he considered as a fight against evil. Lesson: Conniving with the evil is equivalent to committing evil.

Lesson: We should cultivate friendship rather than enemity.

• Subsequently, a furious fight ensued between the two forces wherein King Ravana lost all his forces along with his brother mighty Kumbkarana along with his son Meghnath were lost. Finally King Ravana too lost and met his end.

SUN GOD TOO IS WORSHIPPED

Lesson:

First: Evil may flourish for sometime but finally it will be vanquished one day. Second: Those who do not use their knowledge wisely meet their end thus leaving a scar on their character.

Ravana was a knowledgeable one being one of the greatest Bhakta of Lord Shiv but he did not use his acquired knowledge meaningfully therefore met his disgracefully end.

• After returning to Ayodhya, Lord Rama ruled his kingdom with empathy, evenhandedness and treated all his subjects equally. After listening the whispers going on about his consort Sita, he decided to send her to the forests. She remained at the Asharam of Rishi Valmiki (The original author of Ramyana). She gave birth to two sons named Luv and Kush who were equally brave like Lord Rama.

Lesson:

Lord Rama ruled his kingdom and loved his subjects equally. He without any hesitation sent his own wife (Sita Ji) to the jungles while a whispering was going on in Ayodhya.  

Following are the lessons from the life of Lord Rama:-

AN OBEDIENT SON

He obeyed the order of his father and went to the forests on 14 year exile without any sort of reservation or even demur. Our generation should learn lesson from this.

MODESTY TO THE MAXIMUM

He took half-tasted berries of Vilini – an old lady who was a Ram Bhakta. He relished the berries with love showing his modesty/humility and broad-heartedness.

KEEP CALM DESPITE HARDSHIPS

Despite the fact that Demon King Ravana had abducted his consort, he kept his cool and kept searching his wife. Only once he lost his cool when the Ocean was not listening him to give way, he felt using his weapon to dry the ocean with is arrow. Thereupon, Ocean asked for forgiveness and showed him the proper way. Even he wanted to forgive Ravana if he returned Sita Ji with dignity but he did not do so therefore met his end.

NEVER LOSE HOPE

When his brother Lakshmana lost his consciousness due to the use of mystic weapon by Meghnatha, he sent Lord Hanuman Ji to bring herbal which could restore his consciousness. When Hanuman Ji was a bit late Lord Rama did not lose his composure and hope.

IMPORTANCE OF FRIENDSHIP

Lord Rama developed friendship with Hanuman Ji, King Sugriv and others who, put together made the fight with Demon King Ravana possible and ultimately defeated and killed Ravana who was the personification of evil. 

TREATMENT TO HIS SUBJECTS EQUALLY

When the question of serving justice was concerned, Lord Rama treated all subjects equally. When the question of providing justice in case of Sita Ji came, he sent her to forests. He also fire-tested her chastity because she had stayed in the kingdom of Demon King Ravana.

CONCLUSION

In sum, I pray to Almighty God to bestow peace and prosperity and help stop wars and misunderstanding amongst nations. The good ideals of Lord Rama should inspire globally to spread the message of LOVE amongst humanity.

HAPPY FESTIVAL OF BAISAKHI & HAPPY NEW YEAR

HAPPY BAISAKHI FESTIVAL TO ALL : HAPPY NEW YER

GIDHA & BHANGRA ARE HELD WITH JOY ABANDON

HAPPY BAISAKHI CELEBRATIONS.

While wishing you all Happy New Year
Of Vikrami Samvat Calendar
A lunar calendar based on ancient Hindu tradition of yore,
Falling, surprising on 13th or 14 April on every year!
When new resolutions are made by the general masses.

This year, though, the resolutions
Are of different sorts
These are for sincere prayers to Almighty God
For ending the razing war
Between Russia and Ukraine

And war between Israel  and Hamas
Which is causing deaths & destructions
A prayer for our children and the old ones
Who are falling victim to the bombing and missile attacks
For their good health, peace and prosperity of all.

A festival most dear to us all
A festival which is seasonal in nature
A festival which showcases the hard work of our farmers
A festival on which farmers thanks God for their bountiful crops
A festival which helps the people to congregate at one place called Mela- fair
A festival on which competitions in Bhangra and Gidha are held
A festival which gives platform to the artisans to sell their wares
A festival which is celebrated differently in different regions
A festival of which main reason for celebration remains the same
A festival which is also the beginning of New Year – Vikrami Samvat
A festival on which new resolutions are made for the coming year.

A festival Vasaikhi is celebrated variously in different regions.
Whilst the farmers toil in the fields on months on ends,
Tilling their lands from morning till late in the evening,
Occasionally forgetting even their meals,
Sow seeds and water the crop that grows,
Taking care for the crop in the fields,
Observes its growth with keenness,
So that his crop’s yield may increase,
Like he observes the growth of his dear ones at home.
On this auspicious day the farmers,
Having collected all the harvested crops
I also prayer for the farmers and their love ones
For their good health, wellness
Because if the yields in the fields is good
Then we shall be able to get the required food
At the cheaper rates.

EVEN THE PLANTS EFFUSE JOY IN THEIR FRAGRANCE

The farmers in their normal times,
Join together in singing and merrymaking with full gusto,
Celebrate Baisakha with Bhangra by the males
And Gidha by females at full throttle,
In their colourful mesmeric folk attires,
Distributing sweets and good wishes in delight,
At the holy monuments of ‘pirs’ and ‘fakirs’,
Known for their sacredness across all religions,
Offer prayers for the prosperity all around,
And also for their crop yield to grow, years after years.

MOTHER NATURE IS AT ITS BEST

The Mother Nature too is at its colorful best,
With flowers giving out fragrance all around,
The blanket of greenery spreading far and wide,
Everywhere your eyes could see, all across,
Making the environs invigorating and joyous indeed,
Surprisingly, without even intoxicating agent!

This day too has a history of its own,
Guru Gobind Singh established Khalsa Panth
On this day in 1699,
To bestow security to the hapless,
Along with meeting the needs of the needy,
People too gather in various Gurudwaras,
And offer prayers,
Shri Golden Temple emits its splendour as ever,
Devout take a dip in the holy tank,
And pray for wellbeing of their nears and dears.

WISHING YOU ALL – MAY THIS FESTIVAL BRINGS ABOUT SMILES AND HAPPINESS ON THE FACES OF ALL

JOYOUS ENVIRONS

This year this festival is being celebrated on 13^th April 2024, is held in the form of fair or large congregation but it is fitness of things to remember about this festival and the importance of this day.

It is the start of Baisakh, The New Year which bestows us opportunity of passing new resolution for the year ahead; as is usually done after 1^st of January every year.

LET THIS CELEBRATION BE FOR GOOD HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF ALL CREATIONS

India is a land of festivals. All festivals are in commemoration of certain historical events, change of season, cultural and religious events, traditional based et al. The well-known amongst several ones are Dussehra, Diwali, Eid, Gurpurbh, Lohri, Holi and others having regional leanings. In all these festivals, people of all hues celebrate with gaiety and religious fervour.

Baisakhi is generally celebrated in Northern India on 13th OR 14^th April every year. It is also a starting of New Year of Vikrami Samvat Calendar.

REASONS FOR CELEBRATION OF BAISAKHI

In India, there are fairs and festivals which are celebrated on the occasion of season change and on the occasion of name of some religious festivals or national festivals. Vaisaikhi is celebrated on the Vikrami Samvat; the start of the new year. Factually this is a spring harvest festival.

FORMATION OF KHALSA PANTH BY GURU GOBIND SINGH JI

The Vaisakhi festival too is celebrated in connection with the formation of Khalsa Panth of warriors under the stewardship of Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. This festival has a special significance for Sikhs, marking the birth of Sikh Order (Order of the Pure Ones) after the execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur who refused to convert himself to Islam on the orders of Mughal Emperior Aurangzeb. Alsom Ranjit Singh was also proclaimed as the Maharaja of the Sikh Empire on 12^th April. 1801 which also has its eonnection with Vaisakhi. On this day the Gurdwaras are tastefully decorated and hymens from Sri Granth Sahib are recited with fervor and reverence.

RELIGIOUS PRAYERS OR NAGAR KIRTAN

On this day, Sikh communities Nagar Kirtan in the form of congregations are celebrated.  These are lead by the Five Khalsa termed as Panj Pyaaras. This procession goes from street to street singing prayers from the Sikh Scriptures.

REASONS BEHIND CELEBRATION OF BAISAKHI

• It is celebrated on the occasion of 1^st day of Vaisakh month of Vikrami Calendar (samat).

• BAISAKHI is a seasonal festival and it is especially celebrated in Punjab region and in Jammu province.

• After harvesting the wheat crop the farmers feel joyous and to express their joy they celebrate it by staging Bhangra in different groups, Bhangra competitions are also held and award presented to the one which wins this competition. This is in the form of fairs (melas) wherein people gather in majority and make merry. Different stalls selling wooden crafts and other household earthen wares are sold there at reasonable prices. Then there are the stalls selling the seasonal fruits like water melon, musk melon etc make brisk sales. All age group people including children enjoy Baisakhi fair.

• Vaisakhi also affords an opportunity or an occasion to thank God for bestowing the formers with bountiful crops besides praying for more crops in future too.

• Vaisakhi has special significance for Sikhs since on this day, Khalsa Panth was established by 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh. On this day Sadh Sangat take organise religious congregations and sing prayers and rhymes from Sri Granth Sahib.

• Hindus and Budhists too worship Baisakhi with zeal and jest. Hindus take sacred bath in River Ganges They pray to God for His grace. Even in parts South India this day is celebrated but with different name.

A FOOLISH PERSON…….

A FOOLIST PERSON…………..

A person who believes others easily
Even though a known criminal

A person takes action at wrong time and place
Without care for ultimate result.

A person does not take lessons from the past experiences
With failure steering at every step.

A person who does not adopt maxim ‘think before speak’
With disappointing result as a consequence.

A person who boasts of his success or affluence
With the result such a person loses self esteem with present influence.

A person who blows his own trumpet for attainment of knowledge
Is proved ignorant when put to test when considered necessary.

A person showers abuses at slightest pretext
Loses friends and becomes loner.

A person who does not learn from the past mistakes
Wastes his energy and time with nil ultimate results.

A person who criticizes others at every step
Friends leave him when needed the most.

Thus, a confirmed fool is the one who follows not the principles
For observance of those principles as an article of faith.

HAPPY Eid-ul-Fitr

Happy Eid-ul-fitr

Eid-ul-fitr – after the month long observance of strict fast
Based entirely on article of faith
Which purifies our body, mind and soul with fasting so strict
During the holy month of Ramzan / Ramadhan
While offering prayers without break
To remain close to the most benevolent One; Allah–Hu–Akbar,

It is the anniversary on which Holy Quran
Was revealed by most revered Prophet Mohammed
Chaste in fasting while doing needful duties
For ourselves and for the nears and dears,
Dear to us – leaving none
Or the ones who are forlorn
Due to days so unfortunate
We ought to meet their needs with utmost compassion
Who may have lost hope due to natural calamities
Or due to something befallen unluckily
Thus have lost the continuous flow of income
Needed for body’s sustenance.

We ought to be filled with indomitable belief while performing donation
And our heart feeling pain at others’ pain
Thus bridging the gap that exists
Between people of different hues in the society
Awash with fervor thoroughly
Overflowing with empathy.

Thus generating hope for the hopeless brethren
Which will, in turn, give us inner satiety
Sufficient piety
Of fond trust
That there will dawn as a result
Of being compassion towards our fellow beings.

This is a day which binds all humanity with a holy thread
Of oneness, and brotherhood
Prevailing in all humans.

Fasting is a willful restraint
From intake of food material
Giving a needed break
To our digestive system
Regulating the body metabolism
In sync with our body’s requirements
Which helps us do our body functions
Thus ensuring sound health & wellbeing
And live life in association with Super Being.

Fact remains foodstuff taken
More than our body needs
Results in our digestive system
To function more than its ability
Leading it to go awry
Producing fatty contents in excess
Than our body actually requires
And bereft of any body exercise
We become obese
Leading to laziness
and related illnesses.

EID-UL-FITR (THE FEAST OF FAST BREAKING)

Allah may bestow us wisdom and resilience, in ample measure, for bringing dawn of peace, cooperation, goodwill, compassion and brotherhood amongst all the peoples of world as all the people are from the single SOURCE.

After regular observance of fast with devotion and piety for a period of one month during Ramadhan, devouts celebrate – Eid Day which means a day of joy, a day of spreading love and affection, a day to spread fellow feelings besides a feeling of being pure after the observance of fast for one long month.

As we all are the creations of a single CREATOR, we should cement our love with each other and help each other meet our needs and never have ill-will for our fellow brethren. We should try to eliminate battles which are going on for a long period of time; may it be wars between Russia and Ukaraine or Israel and Hamas.

Let this EID and coming EIDS be the torchbearer of our prosperity with Allah’s Grace. Let’s pray that the fervor and enthusiasm of EID remain etched in our hearts forever and let this festival last for eternity with all its benefits such as feeling of warmth for our fellow beings.

The Muslims observe fasts in the month of Ramadan or Ramzan. It is a sacred month since Holy Quran. was revealed in this month.

The word Ramadan has been driven from the Arabic word ‘ramaida’ meaning intense heat accompanied with dryness of ground. It is called so since it amounts to driving out sins with our good deeds like offering charity and keeping away or desisting from all body enjoyments etc along with intense penance by following the practice of fasting.

The word “fasting” (sawm) literally means ‘to refrain’ – means desisting from not only from food and drinks but also from unethical thoughts and actions which sully our thoughts and actions besides following all the guidance in letter and spirit enunciated in the Holy Quran. In other words, it is not merely restraint from food and drink but also our resolve as to how to control the urge of hunger and thirst besides devote our energies on prayers thus gain spiritually.

On this way, the devout learn the traits of self discipline through self restraints too. The fast is broken at sunset before recitation from Holy Quran and thus being in connectivity with Allaha. The fast is broken with a sip of water and some dates.

Fasting is done as an exercise of keeping oneself away from certain activities which prevent devout from being spiritually aesthetical both physically and emotionally. Thus desisting from taking anything and keep oneself away from worldly pleasures i.e. humdrum of eating drinking or even being away from thinking about anything like lust etc and divert all the energies to prayers – five times.

Having abstinence means devoting much of time, energy and resources on charities besides prayers infuse self discipline and usher in holistic growth and development of an individual.

We all are aware about IFTAR party – a social event where fast is broken. Here meal is shared with friends and others. Free meals are also served for the general public at this get-together.

Fasting or not eating food for a fixed or for a pre-determined period of time for giving our digestive system some break or rest consequently keeping the body free of extra fats and toxins so as to focus on the job at hand without bodily interruptions besides offering prayers to our Lord with ease and peace. This helps us gain our Creator’s bountiful graces.

In other words, fasting is intentional skipping of intake of food material, drinks or sometimes both for a fixed or sometimes for a prolonged period of time. It may be for a complete day (24 hours) from early morning to evening (dawn to dusk) or early morning on a particular day to the morning of next day. Then the fasting could be continuously or intermittent; depending on the body requirement or for the intended purpose of observance of fast as a religious tradition being followed in some religions.

Fasting is both for regulating and energizing the body metabolism by pepping up / streamlining the digestive system so as to keep the body free of the extra fats and toxins besides keeping the body’s carbohydrates (sugar) synchronized with the need of our body. With slower and regulated metabolism, means our body organs can work for a longer period of time thus prolonging our age.

Then fasting too is undertaken as a religious observance.

Ramadan is more than fasting. The entire month is devoted to prayers, internal cleansing, charity etc.

• The devout devote all his/her energies to focus on God.

• No compromise on the practice self restraint – physical or mental.

• Re-evaluate lives in the light of Islamic guidance.

• Forget and forgive those who wronged.

• Purify our lives physically and emotionally besides our thoughts and actions. A devotee thus adopts the qualities of head and heart.

Fasting helps self awareness / self enlightenment.

• Saves a devout from distractions and create the traits associated with sincerity and simplicity.

• Restraint helps us discipline ourselves besides a person turns inward with regular prayers.

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HAPPY NAVRATRI TO ALL

HAPPY NAVRATRI TO ALL

In essence, Navratri is one of the most sacred festivals that the devotees celebrate twice in a year. It is not merely celebrated by observing some particular ritual but we live a spiritually oriented life in all manifestations during these NINE DAYS NAVRATRI. This year it is being celebrated from 9^th April 2024 onwards for nine days. During these days, the devout observe strict fast which purifies us from inner as well as outer selves.

MENTION OF GODDESS DURA IN VEDIC AND PURANIC PERIODS

Mention of Goddess Durga has been found in Vedas and Puranas. Durg was a ferocious demon and Durga, the invincible warrior who killed Durg with her immense prowess. She is the warrior Goddess since she fought evil and forces which spread death and destruction. She works for demolishing demonic forces who want to establish their writ and establish the reign of terror and mayhem amongst the society besides spreading prosperity and goodwill in general masses. She defeats mythical buffalo demon – Meheshasura who had obtained a boon of invincibility from Lord Maheshwara. She is Goddess Parvati, also termed as Durga Saptashati – the consort of Lord Shiva. With her prowess, she proved herself to be unbeatable with limitless mystical powers.

THE PURPOSE OF NINE DAYS NVRATRI FESTIVAL

The purpose is to follow the way of life which puts more emphasis on the subjective experience of sacred dimension. We undertake those karmic deeds during Navratri which transform some of the debit-karmic-deeds to credit-karmic-deeds which helps us in our personal growth and development individually. We also collectively celebrate during these days with religious fervor and enthusiasm. We remain within limits of morally and ethically values. When these values are followed sincerely these could be imbibed as permanent habits to be followed in future too thus Navratri could prove to be a life-changer for the devotees since it carries the blessings of our MOTHER DIVINE, A UNIVERSL MOTHER who showers LOVE on Her offsptrings.

OBSERVANCE OF STRICT FAST

A lighter refreshment consisting of milk made product, fruits, and nuts, keeps tMOTHEhe body light and the digestive system gets improved thus there is a spread of fragrance of Satoguna and alleviation of Tamoguna and Rajoguna traits. The devotees observe strict fasts during the duration of Narratri. All these traits enhance the credibility of an individual devotee who observes the fasts and also offers sincere prayers during these days with utmost devotion. The fasts help us to purify our mind, provides lightness to our body provides us an opportunity to devotees for prayers to Goddess Durga Maa – an embodiment of SHAKTI or reservoir of energy.


FREEDOM FROM CONTAMINATED THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS

Freedom from contaminated thoughts purifies our mind. Thus observance of fast or vrat (also means resolve) continuously for nine days brings about the stability of our mind and helps in enhancement of our concentration. Besides these, we exercise maximum restraints in our thoughts and deeds and behave in a dignified manner by remaining within confines of decency. All these facilitate generation of the feeling of love and affection for others, enhances peace and tranquility, a feeling of compassion for others and above all a Godly feeling.

SIGNIFICANCE OF EACH OF NINE DAYS

First Day.

On the first day, Mata Durga is termed as Shailputri – the daughter of Himalaya and the consort of Lord Shiva. This is the unmarried saroop of Gauri Maa.

Second Day

 Mata Durga on the second day is called as Brahmacharini which represents worship. She is the embodiment of huge reserve of power – Shakti.

Third Day

 On the third day, the Goddess is venerated as Chandraghanta. She is the embodiment of power and beauty..

Fourth Day

On the fourth day, Maan Durga is worshipped in the form of Kushmanda – the creator of the whole universe by the power of her laughter.

Fifth Day

 Here on this day, Skandha – the main warrior of Gods’ army.

Sixth Day

 On the sixth day, Mataji takes the form of Katyayani with three eyes and four hands – all powerful and with immense grace.

Seventh Day

 On this day, Maan Durga takes the form of Kalratri – she is shown as black as dark night with four hands and makes the evil doers fearless.

Eighth Day

 On the eighth day, the Mata Durga takes the form of Maha Gauri – with beauty besides having calmness and exhibits immense wisdom.

Ninth Day

 On a ninth day, Maan Durga is worshipped as Siddidatri – with all the eight siddhis. In this form, she is worshiped by all.

LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE NAVRATRI FESTIVAL

Different festivals provide the devotees different lessons while the underlying message of all these festivals is to enlighten us humans to follow a path which helps us to have connectivity with Higher Self/Higher Intelligence, by following a spiritual oriented path through meditation, contemplation and prayers. The main purpose of celebration and observance of certain modes of behavior in such festivals is to keep ourselves chaste with our mind focused on God. The purpose is to focus on the special prayers and chants is to seek connectivity with God and dispel the thought of anxiety or disillusionment that pervades in our system. As there is purity of thoughts and actions during these festivals, there is every possibility for transformation and help in unfolding of spiritual life naturally.

WE CELEBRATE NAVRATRI IN ORDER TO GET BALANCED MINDSET

The main purpose of celebrating the religious festivals is to seek balance in our life at the altar of God while observing all immutable laws of nature and aspire for transformation and enlightenment – journeying from one festival to another one helps the devotees to learn social etiquettes, social adaptability and finally God’s connectivity.

SPIRIT OF CELEBRATION REMAINS BASICALLY THE SAME FOR ALL

Different states celebrate Navratri differently but the spirit of all the celebrations is similar in nature. For example, famous ‘garva dance’ is organized in the state of Gujarat and devotional songs and dance competitions are organized in West Bengal besides prayers in the specially erected and decorated pandals is a usual phone. People visit the famous temples of Vaishno Devi in Katra (in Jammu province) besides all the temples of Goddess Durga in its different forms/manifestations attract devotees in these nine days.

PURITY IN THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS IS BASIC

The main driving force of the Navratri is to purify our thoughts and deeds thereof. In these nine days devout observe strict fasts; remain chaste and desist from telling lies. Wish that people always behave like this all the days!

FIRST THREE DAYS ARE CELEBRATED FOR DURGA MATA

The first three days are celebrated on the name of Durga Mata – Goddess with immense power. For next three days she is worshipped as spiritual wealth – Mata Lakshmi.

CARE & CAUTION  WHILE CELEBRATING NAVRATRI

• Strict observance of fasts keep our digestive system in order and helps maintain our body healthy.

• Fasts help in purifying our mind because we pray Goddess continuously for nine days/nights. It also enhances our focus on the subject we contemplate for completion.

• Purification of body and mind means spiritually directed conscious mind thus a shift from negativity to positivity.

• Congregations in melas and group processions help the people to people contacts thus animosity, if any, gets obliterated and a feeling of fellow feeling and cooperation sprouts. Contact with each other enhances our outreach in the society.

• Group dances and spiritual song competitions enhance competitive spirits in the youth and also help them direct their latent energies to productive use.

• Devotees, in their zeal to show earnest desire to have total connectivity with Goddess Durgaji, offer singular devotion to Her during these auspicious days, reap the harvest of getting their problems solved and get ETERNAL PEACE in their lives as a reward of this worship.

• Devotees meet the needs of the needy during these NINE DAYS. My pray to all is to see to it that they meet the needs of others on all days and earn the goodwill of DURGA MAA – who herself is the most benevolent.

In essence, we can have the graces of our Divine Mother so that our problems are mitigated. When we observe fast continuously for NINE DAYS, it positively impacts our body, mind and soul and having imbibed positive traits, we can make difference in life in whatever we transact in our life.

Finally, my sincere prayer to DIVINE MOTHER for ensuring peace and prosperity globally.

NAVRATRI; THE PURIFIER OF OUR INNER SELF

HAPPY NAVRATRI TO ALL : MAY THIS NINE DAYS BRINGS ABOUT PEACE & PROSPERITY FOR ALL

NAVRATRI: THE PURIFIER

Legend has it; Goddess, Durga was created to kill the buffalo demon Mahishasura by Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and other Demi Gods IN unison.

Nav means lasting for days nine
Ratri stands for night
Navratri is the festival so very well-known
Wherein the devotees with so much devotion
Worship the Great Deity – the Devi Bhagwati – Mother Divine.

The Navratri is Nine Day’s festivity
Which helps transform the lives of devotees

And help create joyous environs with happiness,
Peace and prosperity in abundance.

Devotees of all hues celebrate Navratri
Which is celebrated twice in a calendar year
First, it is during the months of March – April, as Chaitra Navratri
Thence September – November as the Shradha Navratri
This time from 09th April 2024 onwards for days nine.

I earnestly pray for good tidings for all and sundry
This is the sincerest prayer to Thee
O My Mother Divine!
The most benevolent.

This festival has Durga Maa’s connection in its entirety
The embodiment of power ‘Shakti’
The one who eliminates the demons the hard-hearted ones
Demons who kill the hapless (Sadhus) hermits and commons
Even while performing their sacred Yajunas- rituals
They defile the sacredness of Yajana fires
By throwing besmirching agents into the sacred fires
Like flesh and filth of all kinds.

Goddess Durga in her red attires
Mounted on the lion so ferocious
With all the weapons of destruction
In her possession
Hands out punishment to the devils so wicked and ruthless.

Legends about Navratri abounds
Demon king Maheshasura worshipped Lord Shiva for a long period
By which Lord Shiva granted him the boon
As Lord Shiva has the trait of getting pleased very soon
With the sincerest Bhakti of the Bhakta
With simplest items like vel patra etc.

Shiva hd granted Maheshasura a boon of invincibility
That nobody, not even Gods could defeat him or kill him
Then the demon started killing innocents without fear of death
As he was having a boon of the Lord of all Lords.

This ferocious demon with his brutal prowess
Conquered the Seven World – Lokas
Including the renowned throne of Indra
The king of Heaven (Svarga) & Gods – Devas
Termed as the God of Heavens
Responsible for war, storms and rains.

Then there was discussion between the Trinity
Along with other Gods too in their company
To devise ways to defeat and kill this demon turned killer and usurper.

The Gods together created Maa Shakti with their combined strength
The Benevolent Mother for those who are kind to others
And killer to the brutes with a boundless powers
The Durga, the Warrior Goddess
They contributed differently in bestowing her with traits so rare.

The war between Maheshasur and Mother Divine
Lasted for days Nine
On 9th day She killed Maheshsura, the wicked one.

Navratri symbolizes the victory of good over evil
On day Ninth which is termed as Mahanavami
Nine young girls are worshipped by the devotees
These venerated young girls’ feet are washed with devotion
With fresh water and given clothes and food to eat.

The sacred earthen pot (Kalsh) full of water is established
Covered with mango leaves and a coconut
At the place where we offer our prayers/meditate.

On each of the nine days fasting is observed
Wherein devotees take fruits and milk products
To maintain purity of body and mind
Thus ensure purity of soul – which dies not.

These Nine Days personify the Nine Forms of Durga Goddesses
Navratri too is linked with fertility of land
On these days, the folks observe the fitness of the earth
By testing seed germination in the earthen pots
Devotees observe the fast for nine days with rigidity
Keeping oneself chaste in thought and action
During these days considered most holy
Which keep the mind and body full of purity.

There is another legend attached
King Daksha – the kind of Himalayan Kingdom
Was blessed with a daughter named Uma
A most beautiful one
With all the vital traits of a princess she possessed
She worshiped Lord Shiva most reverently
So that He may accept her in marriage so willingly
Having pleased Lord Shiva
She married Uma
But Alas! against the wishes of King Dhaksha.

One day King Dhaksha held a grant Yajana
With no invitation to Lord Shiva
Daughter Uma wanted to join the Yajana
And all accompanying celebrations
While Lord Shiva had his own reservations
She came to attend the Yajana
Being attended by Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu
The Lords of Creation and Evolution
Besides all the deities were in the list of invitation
King Dhaksha did not like her daughter’s presence
She felt insulted by the treatment
Meted out to her in presence of all deities
In utter anger so severest.

She jumps into Agni Kund (Fire grate) and thus got perished
A plausible reason why we call her Sati too
Lord Mahadeva (As Virbadhara) punished
King Dhaksha for this injustice meted out.

On rebirth as Parvati
Lord Shiva, Lord Shiva, she marries
She comes to her parents’ house to stay for NINE DAYS
That is why we celebrate these Nine Days – Navratri.

Legend also has it that Lord Rama
Worshiped Goddess Durega’s Nine Forms
For Nine Days with deep reverence
On day 10th Lord Rama could kill demon king Ravana
This way, 10th day is celebrated as Vijaydashami, a Victory Day.

First three days are dedicated to Goddess Durga
In the form of child, young girl and mature woman
Representing three forms of womanhood
Symbolizing victory of evil over falsehood
Next three are dedicated to Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity
Her name is Goddess Lakshimi
Last three days are commemorated in the name of Goddess Saraswati
The Goddess of knowledge and wisdom which we acquire thru Bhakti
She is in dress, white snowy
Mounted on a white swan
The Navratri is a sign of purity in all its manifestation
Let these Nine Days be observed with great admiration
For gaining blessings from Goddess Durga.

SUCCESS IS THE RESULT OF OUR SINCERE EFFORTS

SUCCESS, THE RESULT OF OUR SINCERE EFFORT

When we carry out our duties and responsibilities with total focus
For these duties, a total surrender to the cause is a must
To the best of our abilities
Without fear or fright of anything under the sun
Since every path to success is not attained with ease.

The chosen path may be littered with flowers and thorns
A sixth sense of walking thru the tight rope is needed
Besides the use of bit and wisdom may make our task trouble free.

When one trail is out of our reach for the time being
We can bank on the past experiences gained over a period of time
To negotiate the difficult curves.

The upward movement which results as a consequence
Is path breaking to say the least.

An impulse to run away from duties
Will earn us a tag of indecisive person
With no nerve left to fight our way out
Rather than wilt under pressure.

Where failure or success
In both there may be a plan of Supreme Force
Our principle should be whatever happens
Happens for our best interests
And what will happen in coming days or years
Will happen for our good only.

Success lies in embracing change
Suiting time and space in which we’re placed
With positive frame of mindset
Fight where fight is a must
Since challenges bestow us appropriate chances
For our journey head with grace and finesse
Our limit of success is determined
By the resilience we possess
And put to practice
All the faculties we have to attain success.

For success, we’ve to be aware of our limits
And work out a plan of action
In accordance with the circumstances we’re placed
Acquire a balance where needed most
On the way up
We’ve to harmonize our duties and responsibilities
In sync with our aspirations and desires
But not forgetting the spiritual pursuits
While following the journey of our existence
But all these practice has to be accomplished
With courage to fight in abundance.

We should not forget one thing
While traversing our path for our achievement
It should never be considered as external success
Suffusing with self growth; enriching inner self
That is the holistic growth
We should try sincerely to achieve
And that should be our goal of success
With out limitations, nevertheless.

HOLI, THE COLOURFUL FESTIVAL

HOLI THE COLOURFUL FESTIVAL

Holi is a holy festival
Wherein people celebrate this festival
Mixing fun & frolic with colour of their choice
By which they colour each other singing songs and dance
The festival wherein long drawn simmering
Differences are forgotten with fostering
Of everlasting friendship
Simply with a chutki of colour
Such is the significance of this festival.

This Holi should burn out lust, greed and anger

Including immoral & unethical desires
With egocentric tendencies from our mind forever
So as to make our existence colourful and full of care
Thus paving the way for spiritually uplifting

 By burning out everything negative which exists.

Having slight relief from chilling cold
There is a carnival of colours
so very well-liked by one and all
With the young and old alike
Irrespective of age group
Take part with soft-emotions running deep
Not only put colour on each other
But also partake sweets so very specially prepared with mix of love
Enjoy Bhangra dance and Gidha dance to the tune of druming
With Punjabi songs so enchanting
For this festival of colours so very enjoyable in every way
With everybody wishing others  

A VERY HAPPY HOLI to boost good over evil.

Preceding one day, Holi Dahan is conducted
Which portrays burning of evil and all the ills prevalent
Within us with burning of fire of Holi  Dahan
Personifying holy fires burning
The sister of Demon King Harnayakashpa (evil) & saving Prahalada; goodness
Holika represents  the evil soul
Who was burnt alive despite her boon of not being burnt by fire
While Prahalada in her lap remained unscathed
With the blessing of Lord Vishnu, a most compassionate one
Who bestows protective cover on His devotee, infusing common sense in them.

Fact stands out, when body, mind and soul are coloured
In the hue of our eternal Creator
Then a warm emotion love springs-up
With a flood of warmth for each other
Of togetherness in every being participating in the celebrations
Where there is no biases
Based on age, sex, colour, caste or religion or region
Everybody just forgets the narrow-minded based on any distinctions
What remains woefully is the add-on  liking
They’ve for each one of them
Mixed with warmth in sentiments
With variety of colours as the variety of people colored
Whosoever meets us on the street corners
Corners us with colours and colors us
Redd, yellow or blue – the choicest in tint
Charming us to a maximum extent.

O Almighty God of ours
Imbue us all with Thy indelible Colour
For Thy colour touches our heart’s chords
Including every atoms in our body
Made of five elements which die with our body
(Ether, earth, water, air & fire)
On the death of our mortal body
Only Thy colour and our Soul last
Man made colours just fade away and are lost
After a few hours have passed.

A spirit of Spring Festival springs in us all
Dividing joy and hope between us all
Nature too is in its finest attire – so very colourful
When Mother Nature is at its best
With all around greenery prevalent
There is fragrance of blooming flowers
With Full Moon as though it is chipping in, too showcasing its silvery shine.

To enhance the charm of colours
To share the fun and joy of the people around.

Different people celebrate Holi in different style
But the common thread of celebration remains alike
People prepare special sweets to welcome their dear folks
Shopkeepers & women are busiest lots
Bestowing magnetism to their living places.

Bonhomie pervades wheresoever our eyes could survey
Abuzz with activity mixed with the rainbow of colors
Scenes at the marketplaces are indeed mesmeric.

Legend has it that a mighty and conceited
Demon King Hiranyakashyap prided his prowess the most
He wanted his subjects to worship him in place of God above
Virtuous Prahlad, his own son agreed not
Being a staunch devotee of Lord of Preservation – Lord Vishnu
The King wanted his son to be put to sword – very soon
For not obeying his dictates
Different methods were used to kill but in vain.
Hiranyakashyap had a sister named Holika
Blessed with a boon of not being burnt by blazing fire
Both were made to enter a bonfire at full fury
Thinking fire will harm her not due to boon to her
But just opposite ensued
Prahlad came unscathed with grace of Lord Vishnu,
Whilst Holika met her end most tragic.
Legend too has it that Lord Krishna played holi with his beloved Gopies
To shower love and affection with the shower of colours.
Holi celebrated at Vrindavan, Mathura
And Bursana is so matchless even today
Showing the thread of that time remains in fact intact
People light a bonfire on the night before Holi Day
With devout heart brimming with bliss
Celebrate triumph of good over evil
And also remember how devotion to Lord gets rewarded.
People play with variety of colours
Intoxicated with joy of the day
Pour coloured water to each other
Songs, dance, and beats on the drums abound everywhere
People exchange greetings and pray to God for His bounties.
O God, let the humans not shower bullets at each other
pilling blood of the unfortunates in the process
But rather with a blood-red colour of HOLI
Spreading feeling of brotherhood
Which may engender love for each other
Along with amity and well-being, in the humanity as a whole
Our prayers to Thee our Lord – the Esteemed One
Do colour us all in Thy Holy colour
So that peace and harmony spread amongst all.

HAPPY HOLI TO ALL

The festival of colour HOLI finds its mention in Vedas and Puranas (Narad Purana and Bhavishya Purana). There is a practical Archeologists proof through excavation  of  stone related  to 300 BC on which there is an inscription of word ‘Holikotsav’ which means Holi. Even in the ancient paintings, there is a mention of Holi festival – the festival of colour.

GOD MAY BESTOW PEACE & PROSPERIYY TO ALL AND MAKE LIFE COLOURFUL

Holi is a Basanta Utsav or Spring Festival – it is a festival of colour (Rangwali Holi) or celebrated of love, celebrated in India, Nepal and other parts of the world where Indians are settled. It is arrival of pleasant Spring season. On the occasion of this festival people forget their differences and connect with their long forgotten friends and relatives. The first day before Holi is Holika Dahan (Burning of Holika Demon) it is also called Chhoti Hili.

Holi has special significance in Braj i.e. in Mathura and Vrindaban region, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Women-folks playfully hit their men-folks with sticks. This act of theirs is called lath maar the holi (A holi which is played with sticks). Here men are constrained to save themselves from their blows with the help of a shield.  There is an air of festivities around in the entire Braj region during this festival spanning for days together. It is a spectacle in the real sense of the term.

In this context, it is relevant to mention the Bhagwad Gita:

Lord Krishna teaches detachment:  While one gives up all his material desires meant for the satisfaction of the senses, one who lives freeing from desires and gives up his false ego attains the state of peace and calm.

Holi festival signifies the victory of good over evil. It also signifies the end of winter and arrival of pleasant spring. It is a festival when people forget their differences and thus mend their ruptured relationships. On this day, people hug and wish each other well with fond wish:  ‘Happy Holi’ and may the colour of HOLI imbue us in God’s impossible to remove colour so as to spread the feelings of brotherliness and fellow feelings amongst each other without consideration to caste, creed, colour, region etc.

LIFE’S MULTIPLE COLOURS ARE SUSTAINED BY NATURE IN ITS VARIOUS FORMS AND MANIFESTATIONS

In essence, we face multiple problems in our lives while aspiring for material and sensual objects, people become attached to these. Such attachments develop lust and lust generate anger and other baser traits. Anger leads to delusion and delusion leads to mental disorientation. When the mind is bewildered, wisdom is the victim. Loss of wisdom leads to downfall of an individual. In such a scenario, a healthy diversion is a must. Different festivals give us occasion to celebrate with our relatives and friends. We celebrate Holi with our nears and dears. The colourful festival HOLI presents our golden opportunity to share our joys with others. The gifts are exchanged in the form of homemade sweets, such as Gujia etc.

There is a symbolic legend attached to this. There was a demon king named Hiranyakashap. This demon king did hard penance due to which he got a boon that no human could kill him at daytime or at night time. This made him very haughty and egotistical besides excessively arrogant. So much so was he drunk with pride that he passed an order that henceforth nobody would pray God in his kingdom. People should rather pray him in place of God.

He ruled his subjects with the iron hand. Not even the hermits or sadhus were spared. Those who disobeyed his orders were meted out huge punishments or handed out the death penalty. He had a son by the name of Prahlada. He used to worship Lord Vishnu. The demon king felt slighted and very furious when he found that his own son was disobeying his orders hence he gave him an alternative – either he should worship him or face the death penalty after giving various severe punishments which did not deter Prahladha from worshipping Lord Vishnu.

Then Holika the Hiranyakashap’s sister, evil in her intentions offered herself to sit in the bonfire (pyre) with Prahladha; knowing fully well that she would not be harmed because of her special cloak which made her immune to fire. Subsequently, the two entered the roaring fire. Hiranyakashap felt assured that no harm would result to his sister because of protection but his son would meet his end.

After the fire subsided, all felt including Hiranyakashap surprised that Holika got perished in the fire that engulfed her despite her protective cloak but due to the protection and grace of Lord Vishnu, he survived!

Holi was driven from the name Holika. Holika represents/personifies evil and its burning is the end of evil.  Pradhan personifies goodness.

One day before Holi, especially after sunset, the pyre is lit, called as Holika Dahan. The ritual symbolises the victory of good over evil. People gather around the fire, sing and dance at the beats of drums. It may have different names in different part of the country but the spirit of the festival is the same – a colourful one.

Holi Dahan also signifies burning of our excessive desires. It is for bringing about a balance in our desires by putting an end to our greed and base internal yearning (Kaama Dahan) – our conquest over our evil or carnal instincts which have made residency in our mind and rely more on detachment from our action.

Subsequently, in the daytime, people celebrate this as a sign of victory of good over evil by sprinkling either the coloured water or dry colour (gulal) of various colour. A real rainbow of colour! In the evening, people, after proper wash, go to their friends and relatives and partake sweets prepared at their homes.

It has also been seen that on Holi festival, people forget and forgive their old enmity and animosity and establish the new relationship with each other. It has been seen that people from all religions participate in this festival. It looks as though all have been imbued and coloured with happiness and goodwill for each other. If such an idea fructifies then there would not be any ill-will for anybody in the society in general.

 As all communities activity participate in this festival, they cement their relationships, thus enhance their sense of correlation and cooperation for better compatibility.

People forget their inherent differences and go to each others’ homes with colours and sweets thus a spirit of forgetting and forgiving are created.

 One day before actual festival, HOLIKA DAHAN (Burning of symbolic Holika  – the sister of Demon King Haranakyshapa) – which is synonymous with burning of evil from our midst. Therefore, this festival helps us burn the evil prevalent in us and establish the kingdom of goodness in our heart.

LET LOVE PREVAIL AND BURN OUT ILL-WILL FROM OUR MIDST

Finally, my most earnest prayer to our MOST BENEVOLENT GOD is for peace and prosperity for all. Let killing of innocent end and peace and love prevail everywhere. The disturbing and most heart-rending bombing of general masses including small kids and old and informs in Ukraine should end and better sense should prevail. Let us imbue ourselves in red-color of HOLI of LOVE & AFFECTION for each other rather than blood-letting of innocents.

LESSONS FROM HOLI FESTIVAL

As awareness dawns on us the Holi is not only the festival of colours but also removal of all the illness that is prevalent in our body, mind and soul. The following are some of the lessons from HOLY FESTIVAL OF HOLI: VICTORY OF GOOD OVER EVIL.The fire of Holi (Holi Dahan) a night before is considered as the fire which burns out the ills which is there in our midst AHUTI OF OUR BAD KARMA at the pyre of HOLI FIRE.

1. The Holi is a festival to consolidate of our relations by wishing HAPPY HOLI and removal of ill feeling for each other. God grants our good and sound wishes in fact with the spirit of forget and forgive. There is cooperation and wellness when we forgive others.

• All our baser thoughts, like Holika met her end and Prahlada survived, could end and there would be prevalent of goodness and peaceful coexistence if we pray to Almighty God especially on this day.

• On this day, God grants our wishes if we offer our sincerest prayers.

• Lord VISHNU saved Prahlada in the same way we can also be saved from the evil doers with sincere prayers.

• My sincerest and honest prayers to God is for world peace and prosperity.

COLOURFUL HOLI FESTIVAL & HOLI DAHAN (BURN OUT NEGATIVITY FROM WITHIN US)As far as universally accepted or acclaimed truths or actualities are concerned, there is no doubt since these are with crystal clear proof for their being truthful. Meaning there is rigidity in accepting those beliefs to be true as we take them as our own without even a shred of reservation. Let’s forget burning our differences and not kill innocents like what happened in Russia the other day or whatever is happening around the globe by obliterating the demonic feelings for others.

In essence, there are some events and happenings which we accept as true even though there is no proof or evidence of its actual existence or happening. But in actual practice, one thing is sure, we all are what we believe. If we believe we are capable of doing something and put in sincere hard work towards to accomplish or acquire that then all the elements in the universe combine in assisting us