PARENTING IN COVID-19 PANDEMIC SITUATION

PARENTING IN COVID-19 PANDEMIC SITUATION

It may seem strange but true that the lockdown situation has created some physiological and psychological problems for our young minds. Perforce they have to stay at home in lockdown for long hours with their parents besides attending online classes. They are cut off from the outside world due to fear of contracting Covid-19 pandemic infection. Absence of formal education which could have resulted in regular studies in classroom environs along with meeting with their classmates on daily basis wherein the teachers play pivotal role. The lockdown have made the students prisoners in their own homes. Although it is a fact that parents are the first teachers or Gurus of their wards but students require to attend formal and informal institutions for a holistic growth and development but due to self-isolation at homes, formal education has received a big jolt.

LOCKDOWN SITUATION & ONLINE CLASSES

Online classes give the students exposure to screen-time mobiles/computers for a longer period of time (From 8 AM to 3 PM) not only impacts their eyesight but also encourage them to view unethical and immoral videos pictures polluting their impressionable minds. Till such time formal teaching in schools or colleges starts, it is imperative that the parents take charge and take care of their progenies and act as both the parents as well as teachers.

In the absence of formal schooling, online classes are being attended by the students. It is a fact that in the absence of formal schooling due to social distancing and isolation as a necessity due to fear of catching infection, the online classes are being pursued. But the basic requirements for these are; net-connectivity, quality mobiles and also somebody net savvy at home to assist the students in uploading the questions/answers of the lessons and tests for the appraisal of the teachers taking online classes. If there is nobody to assist in such a situation, the very purpose of online classes gets defeated.

It is relevant to know about some drawbacks in online classes:-

·        Sometimes the quality of education is compromised due to lack of experience on online classes etc. by the teaching staff.

·        The feedback is limited or the students can hardly get clarifications of their doubts as done in classroom environs.

·         There is prevalence of cheating or copying – lack of discipline in teaching and learning processes.

·        Time management is sometimes compromised.

·        Social isolation results in physical and mental implications.

·        Lack of discipline in some cases creates problems.

·        It has been experienced that when online tests are conducted, if net-connectivity gets disrupted, the purpose of online classes gets defeated. I have observed parents facing difficulties in this respect.

·        Cooperation and fellow-feeling which the students learn in formal education at schools leads to adjustment problems in the children.

·        As the online screening-time is more, continuous exposure impacts the eyesight.

·        The teaching/learning have to be monitored by the parents as the children can be exposed to immoral and unethical videos with breach of Information Technology Rules (Sexual Orientation). This has happened in some cases, The parents should closely guard this aspect.

SOME ADVERSE IMPACTS OF ONLINE CLASSES OBSERVED

The parents should always be partners in online teaching/learning processes otherwise their children will have to face adjustment problems. To quote a few episodes; in one of the cases students of 12-15 age-group uploaded abusive and obscene messages along with offensive videos while online classes were on. This will have a negative implication on the students besides the teaching staff gets demoralised. On 23^rd  August 2020), a seven year old boy slits his four year old cousin’s throat while playing a game outside their house in Bareilly (UP). Besides, there are so many unreported incidents which are impacting the students while living in the lockdown conditions.

For education classes to be effective and purposeful, it is important that the parents should always associate themselves fully while online classes are being conducted lest their wards get astray.

NON-USE OF ABUSIVE LANGUAGE

The other day, I was hugely surprised when I heard the abusive language being used by a five year child while he was interacting his sister aged about seven years. We may ignore it, thinking that such a use of language is merely by small kids who do not even understand the meaning of foul language. But, doubtlessly, if this stance continues then these kids will grow up to be spoiler of relationships. The parents should take extra care and caution that refined language is learned by their wards. For this, they themselves have to use the refined language in front of their children.

 In Bible it has rightly been said: ‘Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.’

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENTS IN LOCKDOWN SITUATION

In the lockdown condition and resultant isolation from the outside world, it is the responsibility of the parents to monitor all the actions of their children so that they may not grow to be the law breakers when they grow up. While in schools, the students learn from their peer group but in their homes while in isolation due to lockdown condition the children may learn social norms besides traditional norms from brothers, sisters and other members of the family. If the parents use abusive language while having heated arguments then their children too will use the same language. My earnest request to the parents is to use refined and polished language at least while their children are around.   

PARENTS SHOULD DISPLAY PATIENCE AND TOLERANCE

It is ironical that, in some cases, I have observed that one-upmanship attitude too is responsible for spoiling the children. If one spouse wants to advice a child in a particular way, the other spouse just intervenes thereby creating a piquant situation. This attitude of ‘I am the boss’ undoes everything which a child has learned. The result is the child loses confidence on his/her parents who remain at logger heads on flimsy grounds. A child brought up in this environs grows to be quarrelsome, non-confident, non-trusting and above all non-cooperative while he/she grows up. For the children to grow to be moral, ethical and brimming with confidence, it is essential that the parents conduct themselves in patience, tolerance and in cooperative spirit while interacting with each other in front of their impressionable children.

FOUNDATION OF CHILDREN’S RIGHT ATTITUDE & BEHAVIOR

PATTERN STARTS AT EARLY CHILDHOOD ITSELF

It is important to note that while the children are observing lockdown norms at homes, it is the prime responsibility of the parents to remember that the base of their children (ethical and moral standpoints) would be made in the early childhood itself. And in the absence of proper formal schooling; this responsibility falls on the parents. They cannot shift their responsibility on others since it is their duty to look after every aspect of their children for ensuring holistic growth. If the parents observe that their child is behaving illogically or irrationally then they should analyse the reason and take corrective steps so that the child refines his/her behavior. The parents should never forget that it is in the early childhood that the foundation of the character is laid – their habits, etiquettes, attitudes. Behaviour patterns, patience, tolerance, perseverance, self-confidence etc. are learnt from the parents only till isolation norms continue. Care ought to be exercised that persuasion in place of persecution should be the norm – beating or abusing will not mend matters. These will rather raise a building with unsteady foundation.

DISCUSSIONS ON PHILOSOPHERS AND THINKERS WITH CHILDREN

It is our duty of parents, grandparents etc to raise their children in a way considered appropriate in lockdown situation. In the present scenario, the parents should make an endeavor to discuss  variety of useful things which are of interest to them such as sharing the lives of national heroes, about the scientists, about philosophers and thinkers who came from humble origin but had a indelible impression on the general masses.

USE OF INNER POTENTIALITIES

The parents should encourage their children to utilize their inner potentialities – instill creative mindset, ask questions about their doubts etc. It is the responsibility of the parents to ease any problem with physical and mental orientation and motivate them to have positive attitude. If need be they can take the help of medical advice if need be. It should be the endeavor of the parents that the time they have with their children is utilized in order to inculcate discipline, feeling of love and affection and also a feeling of cooperation. The children should also be encouraged to follow hobbies like reading, writing, gardening, cooking etc. since time management is a must. It should be kept in mind that time wasted cannot be retrieved therefore every minute should be used for further growth.

FOR MAKING CHILDREN SUBLIME THE PARENTS THEMSELVES HAVE TO BE SHINING EXAMPLES

 The parents should realize that any unethical behaviour pattern will learned will make a permanent residency in the psyche of the children which may be counterproductive when they grow up. Good parents are those who restrain themselves from acting unethically and irrationally in front of their wards because the social norms have to be learned from the family itself by the children while in lockdown situation. Closely observing the children growth and development should be the norm. If any mistake is observed, the child concerned should be advised to follow the right course of action but here too with love because with love we can control even a brute. Love is a great motivator should never be forgotten.

In Guru Granth Sahib it has been said: He alone is a householder, who restrains his passions.  The parents, therefore, should be tolerant and patients while transforming the behavior pattern of their offspring.

THE PARENTS CAN GIVE QUALITY TIME TO THEIR CHILDREN

In the lockdown period, the parents have sufficient time. They can utilize their time and resources so that their children cultivate good attitude, habits, behaviour pattern, etiquette and above all follow social norms. Giving quality time to the children will benefit the children manifold.

TIMELY ACTION BY THE PARENTS ACTS AS A PANACEA

While giving quality time to their children, as and when they find any adverse influence, they should make sincere efforts in refining their behavior without wastage of time on the basis of dictum ‘A stitch in time saves nine. When we plant sapling, it has to be watered regularly and protected then only it can yield sweet fruits. This analogy could also be for our children.

MAINTAINING  DISCIPLINE – FORMATION OF GOOD HABITS AND ATTITUDES

It should never be forgotten by the parents that they are the only ones who can influence their children while they are in lockdown situation – under the care and protection of the parents. They can discipline them according to the requirement but in this endeavor, love and care should be the prime requirement. It should be realized that habits and attitudes ones formed cannot be undone with ease therefore the parents should utilize this lockdown time in this direction.

Conclusively, the parents should keep in mind the following aspects while in Covid-19 situations.

The parents should never ignore the unethical habit, behavior and attitude of their children. It is their obligatory duty to refine their children from childhood. In Bhagwad Gita it has been very effectively stressed: Perform your obligatory duty, because action is indeed better than inaction.

It has been observed that when the latent energies of the children positively then they will utilize the same in following some negative pursuits. This should be done through awards and punishment. In Bible it has been opined : Through praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence foe and the avenger.

The parents should give quality time to their children as they have sufficient time to give to their children in lockdown conditions. The parents not only bestow them the value system but also the traditional mores besides how best to adjust in the environment in which they are living. When the parents show helplessness despite the best efforts then the parents should take help of the specialists.

The parents have to be Karma Yogis themselves then only they can refine the behavior of their wards for attainments of their goals in life. This would be in line with Bhagwad Gitas wisdom: A Karma-yogi performs action by body, mind, intellect, and senses, without attachment or ego.

It has been observed that those children who are obstinate and hard nut to crack, they could be made the real doers if their latent energies are channeled in right spirit by assigning/entrusting them the responsibilities and trusting them. The parents should do everything to assist their children to utilize latent energies. Positive beliefs should be inculcated in the children. For this Bhagwad Gita’s truth prevails: Man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he becomes.

LIEBSTER AWARD

Posted by: Posted by: HARBANS KHAJURIA

IN INNER THOUGHTS (https://emulateme.wordpress.com)

On 28^th AUGUST 2020

Liebster Award Nomination X3

https://emulateme.wordpress.com — 27^th  August 2020

My grateful thanks for nominating me for the Liebster Award by Mr. D. S. ChauhanAugust 27, 2020. Thank you Chauhan Sahib for this coveted award as a recognition for my write-ups. By doing so, you have obviously ignited my inner potentialities for writing more and more because of this recoognition which I consider as a special one. 

A word of thanks to the creator of the Liebster Award which is so inspiring and motivational. It was really a learning experience to have visited https://tkbrownwriter.wordpress.com/ and am thankful to the creators of the blog. 

The Liebster Award has been created as a way for bloggers to recognize relatively new peers who create posts they deem worthy of special notice.This site : https://bloggingfilter.com/liebster-award/ tells us “Liebster” is a German word which means ‘sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome’. To be recognized by my friends and fellow bloggers with such endearing welcomes is a very special honor.

Rules for the Liebster Blogger Award:

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you and give a link to her or her blog. To Tkbrownwriter: https://tkbrownwriter.wordpress.com, Thank You, once again for bestowing this honor upon me!
2. Answer the 11 questions asked of you.
3. Nominate 11 other bloggers.
4. Ask ‘your nominees’ 11 questions.
5. Notify your nominees once you have uploaded your post.

QUESTIONS FOR ME

1.What is your favorite genre to read and why?

I read all sorts of topics. It may be art and craft, science, fictions, stories, poems, spiritualism etc. I am of the opinion, that everything  and every written  material has value of its own therefore should give us knowledge for making our lives sublime.

2.What color best describes you as a person and why?

Light blue color is to my liking since it is also associated with sky, water besides it could merge with any color to outshine still further.

3.If travel into outer space were as simple as traveling around the world, where would you go and why?

If I travel into outer space were made simple and I could travel to different planets then I would like to visit the Moon because Moon represent coolness, simplicity, althought it does not have light of its own yet it emits light at night. It has got its own charm and that is why poets are impressed by its beauty and would like to pen down poems. It also changes its shape as a Natural corollary. 

4.Is the statement, “Black Lives Matter” racist?

I am of the opinion that everything and everybody who is created by our Creator have some purpose. There is nothing in this world and beyond which does not have its utility, therefore, have significance. As far as the statement, “Black Lives Matter”, along with others’ lives black lives too matter. Blacks too are created by our Creator like any others. Although I do not find any raciest overtones in this  statement  yet those who give too much of credence or importance to themselves due to some reason or other repent in the long run since everybody highiest and lowest have to mix in the same dust after their death. (You can go through my write-up ‘Exaggerated sense of importance’ if you want further clarification).

5.Is the statement, “All Lives Matter” racist?

I love statement: “All Lives Matter” since all the creations are from the same SOURCE. Nobody is high and low. All have origin and end – impermanence and it should never be forgotten).

6.Why did you answer questions 4 and 5 as you did?

I answered qauestions No. 4 since I think when God created its creation He created every entity with some special characteristics, therefore, nobody is big and small in His domain.He discriminated none. All colors, every creed, everything is His creation and there is a purpose for every creation. 

 Question No. 5 was answered because it gives credence or significance to every creation without any bias. 

But I appreciate the second question.

7.Whom have you considered your most important role model and why?

You will be surprised but it is a fact. At different times, I meet different people and get influences. To whomsoever I meet, I tend to get something good since I think everybody in this world has been made in His mold therefore special. Therefore, everybody for me is SPECIAL and a ROLE MODEL. 

8.Why do we have parents?

Firstly fot give us birth, then bring us up in congenial atmosphere, give us value system along with teach us the family traditional values and modes of behaviour. They teach us the value of love and affection along with how best to adjust in the socieity while obeying the social norms.

9.What is most important: to have peace of mind or to have a million dollars?

To have peace of mind is better than any other thing in this world since you cannot purchase ‘peace of mind’ with a million dollar.

10.What does writing do for you personally?

It provides me an opportunity to pen down what I experience in my day to day life. It also enables me to express my own opinion on variety of things.

11.Do you engage in the visual arts (i.e., painting, sketching, sculpting)? If so, which?

Sometimes I paint.

MY QUESTIONS

1.  Which is more important health or wealth and why?
2. What is the main cause of which creates differences between husband and wife?
3. What makes you happy?
4. What according to you is the main reason for discord in the society?
5. Two lines to describe the beauties of Nature.
6. Is meaning of spiritualism misunderstood today and why if so?
7. If forgetting and forgiving solution to most of our problems?
8. If all know the impermanence of this life then why there are fights and differences created by humans?
9. Can we stay cool in violent environs and how?
10. Can violence and prosperity go side by side?
11. What is the best parenting?

My Nominees are:

1. PositiveVibes
2. SOUNDeAGLE.
3. Shanyu
4. missdimple.com
5. yolanda
6. loveblossom 
7. Medha Suri
8. The New Renaisance Mindset
9. Dsmyres72
10. Seraja
11. Kaily.

The Liebster Award is a way to be discovered but also to connect and support the blogging community. It is a great idea in promoting your own blog and those of others. Originally it was given out to blogs with less than 2000 readers, but this has slowly lowerd as the reward has gained popular.

MY NOMINATIONS

As my motto in life is to learn from each and everybody with whom I have interaction, either through personal or through appraising of the blog, therefore, everyone of my followers are dear to me. I nominate all those who have time to answer the above questions though I have nominate some of them.

With regards,

HARBANS KHAJURIA

EXAGGERATED SENSE OF SELF-IMPORTANCE

EXAGGERATED SENSE OF SELF-IMPORTANCE

TOO MUCH SELF-IMPORTANCE IS HARMFUL

In essence, we boast of knowing others and their ostensible intentions but woefully we are not aware about our own self. In this, our potentialities and our weaknesses are not known to us. Thus lack of self-realization and persistence of self-doubt at every step influence our thoughts and Karmic deeds too. Not knowing our own self fully inculcates fears in us, the consequences of it all is that we adopt self-defense as our weapon – bringing in its wake duality in our habits, attitude and behavior. Persisting on this course, we adopt self-conceit or exaggerated sense of importance as our trait.  What we call as self-importance, willy-nilly, becomes a part of our character.

The doubt (Bharam) and duality (Doojaa Bhaav) thus created become wall between us and our Mool within. This is the blind well of Spiritual ignorance the Gurbani so much talk about.

SELF-CONCEIT WHILE GIVING SHORT SHRIFT TO OTHERS

While we give too much credence to ourselves without any consideration of others self-interests leads to a feeling of dissatisfaction which leads to break in relations. If we continue riding roughshod over others then one day the situation may turn for the worst leading to violence and consequences of violence are known to everybody. Giving more importance to self over others results in breach of jointmanship spirit.

It has been mentioned very clearly in Bible: For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

SIMILARITY BETWEEN SELF-CONCEIT AND IGNORANCE

Sometimes self-conceit may visit us in ignorance, just unknowingly while we let our mind play with our thoughts. By so doing continuously, it becomes a part of our habit and then slowly our soul gets drenched in it thereby getting submerged and darkened. This happens when we think to understand outside world more than our own inner-self! Non-awareness of our inner-self results in enhancing our ignorance leading to egocentric tendencies. Egocentric tendencies results in more self-conceit and superiority complex.

In Guru Granth Sahib Ji, it has been clearly mentioned: In the darkness of ignorance, we identify with the body-consciousness instead of our Mool (Truth, Jot Saroop, True Nature…). Thus, our identification with the physical body-frame creates non-apprehension of the Reality, which in turn, creates in us the misapprehension (ignorance) that we are the finite beings  as opposed to Joti-Saroop (Our True Nature).

MY OWN TASTE OF SELF-CONCEIT

I got the taste of feeling of superior complex or self-conceit practically a few days back. I happened to go to MTNL office for discontinuation of telephone-net connectivity because it was not giving satisfactory service. Checking the record, a balance of Rs. 50/- was due to be paid to the MTNL department. This amount was to be paid to accounts section but I was told to visit some other place to deposit the balance. While I went to the place, as I was told, that account section too told me to get the payment done in third place!! The first and second account sections, in order to show their importance pushed me from pillar to post for a paltry amount of Rs. 50/-? That is the self-conceit of highest order showcased by the account sections resulting in expenses of about 300/- by way of travel expenditure etc. for a job which could have been done in the first office itself on e-connectivity.

OUR IGNORANCE RESPONSIBLE FOR SELF-CONCEIT

In essence, it could be construed that our ignorance is responsible for self-conceit. This ignorance leads to many things not in consonance to our holistic growth. By showing conceit we are actually earning Karmic debit for ourselves. The exaggerated sense of importance stems from several fears which we are having – if we adopt principle of ease of doing job then we shall be considered as laid-back  or easy-going. Some may fear that by so doing, we may lose our importance and self-esteem. This unfounded fear remain haunting us. 

In Bhagwad Gita it has rightly been stressed that all those who are self-conceited and give more credence to himself/herself do not know the true nature of the creation. Lowering the dignity of others just to pursue one’s  own agenda is steeped in ignorance. And that worker who is always engaged in work against the injunction of the scripture, who is materialistic, obstinate, cheating and expert in insulting others, who is lazy, always morose and procrastinating, is a worker in the mode of ignorance.

 WHY SELF-CONCEIT?

It is really strange why some of us show exaggerated sense of self-importance. There are various reasons for such a behavior. Firstly, they are perpetually fearful that others may not respect them if they are acting gently. Secondly, they themselves are not satisfied at the home front. Thirdly, such people are not fully proficient in their jobs and in order to hide their inefficiencies, they resort to creating fear psychosis in the minds of their subordinates. Self-conceit, in some cases results in non-violence since there is a limit to tolerance which may prove to be counterproductive for such a person. Therefore, we should not create fear in the minds of our subordinates and colleagues since jobs done in an atmosphere of fearfulness cannot bring forth good results ultimately. We should follow the principles of fearlessness advocated by Buddha as an essential pre-requisite for non-violence. Any job transacted in fearless and non-violent environs lead to positive results.

FEAR IS NATURAL

The Civid-19 pandemic has shown that due to the fear of contracting infection we adopt various methods such as keeping distance while outside of homes, putting on face mask, sanitizing our hands regularly, taking balanced diet to enhance our immunity, keeping our social contacts to the barest minimum, taking regular exercises in order to keep ourselves sound in body and mind etc. There is logic in this fear to avoid catching infection. If even then, we are infected, then we should face the fact and take all precautions required such as self-isolation, taking medicines prescribed by the doctor etc. This shows that fear is natural but how to live courageously despite fear haunting us at every step. This comes when we are ready to face the challenges fearlessly.  There are people who are in perpetual fear of death without realization that whoever is born has to die one day. The cause of death may be any but it will come. Then why fear? I think, this fear of death which is natural should spur us to be egoless, detached and make us humble that we have to die one day, everything here is Maya and impermanence then why adopt self-conceit in our life!

In Bhagwad Gita, it has been said: Neither agitated by grief nor hankering after pleasure, they live free from lust and fear and anger. Established in meditation, they are truly wise. Fettered no more by selfish attachments, they are neither elated by good fortune nor depressed by bad.

GANESH CHATURTHI – HEARTIEST FELICITATIONS TO ALL ON THE AUSPICIOUS OCCASION OF BIRTHDAY OF VEGHANA-HARTA ON 22ND AUGUST 2020

LORD GANESHA – VEGAN HARTA

GANESH CHATURTHI – HEARTIEST FELICITATIONS TO ALL ON THE AUSPICIOUS OCCASION OF BIRTHDAY OF VEGHANA-HARTA ON 22^ND AUGUST

LORD GANESHA

We call Ganesha or by any name Ganapati or Vinayaka
Or any of His 108 names like Veganna-Harta
Each has distinct meaning of its own
He is the most powerful deities of all who is hitherto have been known
The one who could be most easily identified
A huge and gigantic (Vikat rupa) one with the elephant head
The Bhupati – the Lords of the deitties
A Bhudhinath – Sufficing with Sagacity
The one who is the Lord of wisdom
And is also a knowledge giver to those who worship Him
And above all Vishwaraja
The Lord of all.
Ganesha is born out of the dirt
Rubbed out of the being of Adi Shakti
The powerful Goddess Parvati
Goes to prove beyond any stretch of the imagination
A most significant lesson for us humans
That we ought not to feel egocentric about our origin
But should introspect that even dirt has the boundless power of its own
With our sincere thoughts and Karmic deeds or actions.
The meaning of Ganesha
Gana means a group
And esha or pati means master
He is thus termed as the lord or a ruler of large numbers
Lambodara – the one with pot stomach
Ekadanta – one who has one tusk
Gajanana – having the face of elephant
He too is called Pilai – the noblest child
He too is called as Gana deviyo – the most revered one
Portrayed in various forms
Dancing, standing action against the demons,
Playfully acting with Shiv ganas’
Lord Ganesha holds an axe or a goad and a noose
Lord Ganesha’s vehicle (vahan) is a Mushak – a mouse
The collected mass of dirt was infused with pranpritishtha – Living energy
By Omnipotent and Omniscient Trinity
And with their blessing transformed Him the Vishwaraja – the Lord of all
The one who is Gunina – the master of all virtues
The most Kirpalu – the most merciful and benevolent (Kirpalu) of all
The one who removes all obstacles (Veganhatra) of His devotees
But the one who creates obstacles (Vegankarta )in the paths of evildoers
Which makes Lord Ganesha the first amongst all the deities.
When a new project or business has to see the light of the day
Venerable one is worshipped firstly
For sure success of that venture
Or when any sacred ritual or prayer or meditation has to start
His name makes a huge difference
In the fructification of our sincere efforts.
Ganesha has two consorts
Named Ridhi and Sidhi
Ridhi is for prosperity that is required
Sidhi is for getting spiritual movement upward
Including increasing positive thoughts into actionable results.
Lord Ganesha is also worshipped
For bestowing protection
And for increasing the power of recreation
Whilst removing obstacles from one’s path
Because of Lord Ganesha
Is considered as the patron
Of sagacity and intellect in abundance
My fond prayers to Thee O Lord Ganesha
Do bestow ease, peace & grace
For all humanity
So that all live in utmost harmony.

With multiple attributes renowned
Which are easily identified
The master of all important traits
With affluence of wisdom and intellect
Wealth of knowledge and learning
Besides sciences and arts and much more
He is the Deity of all sorts of beginnings & more
This beginning could be for starting a business
Or admitting a child in new school
Or initiating any project or mission to be accomplished
Lord Ganesha is the restored son of Parvati and Shiva – Lordess & Lord
Since his head was replaced with elephant head
After it was cut off by Shiva Himself in a fit of anger
Whence Ganesha remained unwavering and stopped entry of Shiva
Into Parvati’s living place.

Ganesh Chaturthi – The Birth Day Of Veghana-Harta (Obstacle-Averter) & Vegana-Karta (Obstacle-Creator For Evil Doers). Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganesh Chauth or Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav would be celebrated with gaiety and enthusiasm on 22^nd August 2020. He is called the God of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. The celebrations start on Ganesh Chaturthi and continue for 10 days – called Anant Chaturdashi and also termed as the Ganesh Visarjana or Ganesha immersion in the water bodies. At the time of immersion of the idol of Lord Ganesha, the devotees, in procession, sing songs praising the Lord Ganesha up to their destination (water bodies near their homes).

On this day, the devotees keep the clay idols in their homes or in public glare in temporary made stages or pandals. Prayers in the form of Vedic hymns are chanted besides the devotees observe the fast and offerings of modak and others sweets along with Prasadam are also distributed amongst the devotees.

He is the God of fresh beginnings and He eliminates our problems or obstacles by His graces. All the business ventures start by invoking His name.  Even Gods and Demi-Gods worship Him and love Him the most. The Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Jammu (J&K)  and Chattisgarh.

The earliest mention of Ganapati or Ganesha or Vinayaka is found in Rigveda. In this sacred scripture, Ganesha is mentioned to be the seer amongst the seers, abounding beyond measure in food, presiding amongst the elders and being the lord of invocation. It has also been mentioned: ‘nothing nearby or afar is performed without thee’. His name also appears in many other scriptures such as Skanda Purana, Narada Purana, Brahma Purana etc.

Pieces of evidence of worship of Ganesha have been found from 5th and 8^thcenturies.  He has been seen with goddess Lakshmi (The Goddess of wealth and wellbeing) and Goddess Saraswati (Goddess of skill and knowledge).  Lord Ganesha consorts are Ridhi and Sidhi – having their own place as wellness of the devotees.

How the Birthday of Lord Ganesha came about?

Legend has it that Lordess Parvati created Ganesha out of sandalwood paste which was applied to Her body before taking bath. She was impressed by her own creation which ignited her curiosity of breathing / infusing life into that creation. Low and behold, the creation of Maa Parvati came to life!

Subsequently, She told him to guard the entrance to the bathroom and ordered him not to allow anybody to enter it while she took bath. All this transpired when Shiva had gone somewhere. When He returned back, Ganesha, standing guard, did not allow Him to enter. On asking who he was. Ganesha replied that he was Ganesha the son of Maa Parvati.

Lord Shiva sent His Ganas to teach the child first lesson in mannerism. As Ganesha was created by Shakti, he was very powerful besides being obedient to the core. Indira and his army of demigods too used their power to overpower Ganesha but in vain.

Now it was the turn of Narda with Saptarishis came for persuading the child for allowing Lord Shiva but it was also a futile exercise. All this infuriated Lord Shiva still further. Out of anger, He severed the head of Ganesha. When Maan Parvati came out after Her bath, she found the severed head from the body of her creation. This scene enraged her immensely. Observing her state, Lord Shiva promised to bring back to life their son. For this purpose, the demigods went in search of the person facing north. They could not find any humans. They could find only bring the elephant’s head which was fixed on the headless body. Ganesha came back to life instantly through the supernatural powers of Lord Shiva.

WHY GANESH CHATURTHI IS CELEBRATED?

Previously, only Hindus used to participate in the festivities but presently there is a community participation in this festival. There is the enactment of concerts; discourses based on intellectual competitions and debates /spirituality related discourses, skits, folk dances,  etc. Dahi Handi competition is another interesting and much awaited by the participants. Here prizes are also given.

People of all castes, religions, and color participate in these festivities and this becomes a fertile ground for national integration and engenders understanding between different communities. All these activities have the two-fold benefit. Firstly, it enhances unity in diversity and secondly, it ensures completive fervor between people.

As Lord Ganesh is the embodiment of good tidings, people start their new businesses on this auspicious day so as to have His blessings for the success.

From the above, it is evident that this auspicious day of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated for ensuring cohesion/unity between all the communities, encourage non-discriminatory ideas/ideals besides getting the opportunity to celebrate the auspicious occasion imbibing spiritual onward march and finally to get Lord Ganesh’s bounties of unlimited intelligence and wisdom.

The prominent temples in India are mentioned below:-

• Shri Siddhi Vinayaka Temple, Mumbai.
• Shrimant Dag

• dusheth Aalwai Ganpati Temple,
• Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, Chittoor.
• Manak Ula Vinayaka Temple, Pondcherry.
• Mathur Mahaganapathi Temple, Kerala.
• Ranthambore Ganesh Temple, Rajasthan.
• Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple, Jaipur.
• Ganesh Tok Temple, Gangtok.
• Ganapatipule Temple, Ratnagiri, Maharashra.
• Karpaga Vinayagar Temple, Tamil Nadu.

As you are the Vegen-harta, the remover of obstacles; my most sincere pray is that He should remove ignorance, destitute, poverty, solve the problems of multitudes and engender wisdom and wellness in all the communities of the world. And also, you are the Vegen-karta, creator of obstacles in the path of evildoer, so I pray that He should inculcate good traits even in evildoers and work for the good of the humankind.  

MAY THE GRACES OF LORD GANESHA REMAIN ON ALL OF US EVER.

SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI : PRAKASH DIVAS ON 19th AUGUST 2020: HAPPY PRAKASH DIVAS TO ALL

SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI : PRAKASH DIVAS ON 19th AUGUST 2020
SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI – The 11TH GURU

Guru Granth Sahib is the most sacred scripture
Construed as the revealed words of Divinity
Spoken factually by the Gurus & other most revered Saints
Known for the wisdom and sagacity of highest order
The holy compact lot is termed as Gurbani
Meaning spoken from the mouth of Gurus & sacred saints
The most revered ones indeed
We’ve firm conviction that these holy words
Are the words of Waheguru Ji (God).
Guru Arjan Dev Ji the Fifth Guru
Made a sincere beginning
To bring together and collected and compiled the scriptures
Which contained Mool Mantar, Japji and Sohila
Composed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji
The First Guru – the most revered one
As a collection of his Holy hymns
The scripture was known
Thence this Holy Book was termed as the Adi Granth
Installed in Harminder Sahib
On 16th October 1604 by Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Subsequently in 1706 the Adi Granth
Became Guru Granth Sahib Ji
The supreme and Eternal Living Guru of Sikhs
Which was declared by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji added 1 Sloka
In Mahala 9 Ang 1429
Enriched by the teachings
Of Indian saints of repute
Such as Ravidas, Ramananda, Bhagat Bhikhan,
Kabir and Namdev
Besides Muslim Sufi saint Sheikh Farid.
Every word and phrase of Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Is based on the society and its wellbeing
Including the Justice of our Waheguru (God)
Which bestows enlightenment to us all
The Holi Granth is revered as Gurbani
The holy words of Gurus
The voice of sanity and wisdom
Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the spiritual authority of Sikhs.
To dispel his doubts of Mughal Emperor Akbar
He undertook a random checking
And found his doubt as false alarm
By the vested interests
He too found the Holy Granth as treasure house of spiritual gyan.
Guru Granth Sahib ji is revered
And termed as the eternal living Guru
The most respected spiritual guide and Guru
Which inspires all the communities of the world
With its sagacity and wisdom
Written in Gurmukhi
Meaning coming from the mouth of the Gurus
The revered ones opined
That through reciting His Naam
Through Shabad Kirtan
Could bestow the human
With bliss – an eternal joy.
Then compositions by the Sikh Gurus
Added scriptural richness to the Tenth Living Eternal Guru.
May the teachings of Tenth Eternal Living Guru Ji
Remain enlightening the humanity as a whole
For eternity with the blessings of our Guru Ji.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY : MY WISH-LIST FOR THIS INDEPENDENCE DAY

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

Our selfless National Heroes got us freedom
After struggle so unmatched
Against the foreign rule
The rulers who ruled
With an iron hand
Handing out punishments
For the reasons so filmiest
They destroyed the traditional industries
To popularize their own brand of products
Even education was devised and made applicable in a manner
Which produced only chair-borne white colored jobs.
Then we remember the grim and sordid massacre of Jallianwala-Bagh
Wherein thousands of people were gunned down without any mercy
Amongst other chilling incidences
With executions on filmiest grounds
And jails to many of the freedom fighters
Even in Cellular jail (Kala Pani) in Andaman and Nicobar
The freedom fighters withstood the severest punishment without much remorse
Finally got freedom from foreign rule so repressive
With a sacred pledge to create the good impression
Amongst diverse groups of people with variety of ideologies
Thereby to live in harmony
On the principles of unity in diversity
And maintain this hard-won sovereignty
By removing the spectre of poverty
Hunger, ill-will, difference based on regionalism
And narrow minded parochialism
Ultimately enjoy the fruits of freedom

Along with the rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

15th AUGUST – INDEPENDENCE DAY (HEARTIEST FELICITATIONS) – MY WISH LIST FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH

It goes without saying that we all wait for The Independence Day with a lot of expectations wherein we renew our resolutions and resolutely follow the chartered path in order to be successful in our endeavors.

We also wait for our PM’s speech delivered from the ramparts of Red Fort which fills us with huge satisfaction that we are marching ahead for holistic growth and development in all fields. It may be industrial development, agricultural development, banking sector, infrastructural development, mining sector, employment generation so as to enhance the per capita income of our people and raise their standard of living. This apart, the position in the diplomatic front too is gauged, if need be, some corrective steps taken to consolidate the bonds of friendship between the nations.

ADVERSE AFFECT ECONOMICALLY DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC

This year, the Covid-19 pandemic has spread its tentacles globally due to which, perforce, lockdowns are being reinforced vigorously. These lockdowns, for keeping check on the virulent infection, have  adversely affected the economic activities globally triggering economic downtrend of worst order (5.2 percent contraction in global GDP in 2020). Indian economy too cannot be left unaffected. India went into lockdown situation from 25^th March 2020 onwards thus restricting the largest workforce to pursue their respective professions (Skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled) and the sectors hit are real estate, hotel industry, infra sector, professional services sector etc. There has been loss in businesses and job losses which has impacted every sector and almost all the individuals. One thing which is encouraging is that there is no scarcity of food items, partly due to efficient management of wheat, rice and other food items of daily consumption.

LOSS OF HUMAN RESOURCE DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC

In India, as on today, confirmed infected  cases stand as more than 2.4 M, recovered 1.7 M and deaths more than 47,033. More deaths has taken place in USA, Brazil, India, Russia, South Africa, etc. Anybody can imagine that human resource loss is really telling and adversely affects the societal fabric. In India, the recovery rate is good and death rate too is also less. This is due to the fact that respective State Governments are scrupulously following the guidelines of lockdown conditions besides observing other norms necessary to avoid to contract infection. Besides, it has been found that those who are affected are getting their medi-care in hospitals or observing home-quarantine seriously. I would like my countrymen to follow necessary precautions handed out by Ministry of Home Affairs.

INITIATIVES FOR REVIVING THE ECONOMY AND TO BE SELF-RELIANT

Good news is that we have started the campaign of being self-reliant on some of the products which we used to import from our neighbor in a big way thus were totally dependent on virtually everything under the sun. These may be household wares, three wheelers, computers, mobiles etc. This huge reliance on a foreign country has resulted in not merely the foreign exchange and also our industrial base is being depleted to much extent. Both the large and small industries have dwindled due to more reliance on foreign source; so much so is our reliance on that foreign country that it had started dumping their sub-standard goods. I  want my country to produce goods for use in the country itself rather than rely on other countries.

POSITIVE SPIRIT CAN ONLY HELP US TIDE OVER THE SITUATION CREATED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Keeping in view the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters for the independence of our country, I pray to Almighty God that India may have inclusive growth and development, despite impediments created by Coronavirus Pandemic and subsequent economic downtrend. My wish-list for this ‘Independence Day’ and the coming ones is a mix of social harmony, current scenario, economic upliftment, incorruptible politics, probity in public discourse, which working within the ambit of our Constitution, maintaining law & order besides facing the realities of our times including the specter of terrorism, extremism, violence etc.

SAFETY FROM FLOOD FURY

Heavy monsoon rains have resulted in deaths and destruction including destruction of standing crops and live stocks in many parts of India. Most of the rivers are flowing above danger mark thus inundating the areas in their vicinity. The states severely affected in the North are Bihar, U.P., Uttaranchal; North-Eastern states,  Maharashtra (Mumbai particularly). In the South, Karnataka and Kerala have been severely affected. Immediate steps should be taken to safeguard the lives and properties everywhere. I want all the states adversely affected by current floods should be protected on war-footings. Although National Disaster Response Force is working round the clock yet more needs to be done for the people who are affected by the flood fury. Till such time we keep our internal situation stabilized and protected from natural calamities , we cannot call ourselves fully free since inclusive progress is not possible without the participation of all citizens.

ABROGATION OF ARTICLE 370 FROM J&K

After the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of state into two UTs, it is in the fitness of things to remove all the restrictions imposed in Kashmir are removed and full net connectivity restored. My wish is that all the regions of the state should have all round development (Srinagar, Jammu and Ladakh) without any bias whatsoever. This is really laudable step since people there would get all the benefits which they were not hitherto getting.

FIVE TRILLION ECONOMY (IN DOLLAR TERMS)

Before the hurdles generated by Covid-19 pandemic, the dream of our Government was to ensure development of all sectors of economies so that we could attain our coveted goal of  5 Trillion economy. I still hope and pray that with the concerted and unstinted efforts of our Government along with the State Governments, we can still attain this goal. To fructify our dream, it may take sometimes more but if 1.35 billions join hands anything could be attained – of course with a lot of impediments created by Covid-19 pandemic.

For this to be a reality, the Government has to take measures that will improves unemployment problem, the current NPA problems of the banks should also be taken care of notwithstanding the global slowdown due to Covid-19 infection and business losses and job losses.

SELF RESPECT AS A REWARD OF GIVING RESPECT TO OTHERS

It is a fact that respect is earned by our day to day behavior and demeanor. We have to earn our respect. It is not given to us on the platter for nothing.  One who knows how to maintain self-esteem knows the need of respecting others on the basis of quid pro quo. It is synonymous with: Charity begins at home. Even a small child will respond with respect if I treat that child well.

I WANT INDIA TO BE SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS

The insensitivity and callousness that some people show towards others should be reoriented/re-visited and we should be compassionate towards others.

CHANGE IN THE MINDSET ON THE BASIS OF CASTE, CREED, AND COLOUR

Previously the varnas or caste system was on the basis of professions which the people followed. Now, everybody is free to profess his/her profession, therefore, there should not be any need to give more credence to narrow thinking based on caste, creed and other considerations. Recent happenings in some parts of India are the blots on the society as a whole wherein the Dalits are beaten up mercilessly either by cow protection vigilantes or cold-shouldered even by the law enforcement agencies when approached by them for action. All members of our society should get due consideration and no bias or discrimination shown on the basis of parochial considerations. New norm should be that all should be respected equally and rights enshrined in the Constitution are protected in letter and spirit.

TRADITIONAL MODES OF BEHAVIOR/VALUES SYSTEMS

It is a sad commentary that we are forgetting the traditional modes of behavior. The values which our forefathers attached to family and our cultural modes of behavior are being forgotten and in its place, narrow regional considerations are being given credence knowing fully well that these are neither beneficial to anybody in the society. I would like my countrymen to imbibe traditional values for which my Bharat is acclaimed since ages with the dictum, respect others if you want to get respect. It is never a one-sided affair.

SWACHCH BHARAT MISSION OR ABHIYAN

Swachch Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister of India Shri Narinder Modi Ji at Rajghat on 2nd October 2014 has paid rich dividends and it has become a campaign to make the length and breadth of India neat and clean. Neat and clean India is healthy India and healthy India is free from diseases. I wish that this mission succeeds by the participation of all. This Swachch Bharat Abhiyan has obviously helped us to keep our houses and surroundings neat and clean to as to avoid infection.

ECONOMICALLY STRONG COUNTRY

It is a considered fact that Indian economy cannot be left unaffected by the global slowdown yet we should make efforts so that we are economically strong and self-reliant despite adverse affects created by Covid-19 pandemic. All the economic parameters should be re-orient so that holistic growth and development takes place so that employment rate enhances and people earn their livelihood and not be reliant on Government doles for their day to day needs.

WATER MANAGEMENT

The recent incessant rains in some parts of India and flooding, we have to see that our sewerage system is well taken care of. It has been seen that when it is rainy season, we face problems of water-logging and flooding. This should be looked into seriously. With the aim of ensuring sustainable development and management of ground water resources of our India the Government has rightly has assigned this job to a Ministry. This will ensure conservation, protection from pollution and distribution. This should be done with utmost sincerity and posthaste lest we feel pinch afterwards. Water wastage loopholes should be plugged.

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Education of the masses is one of the important factors for the overall health of the country. I am sure the New Education Policy will take care and will help produce more skilled manpower rather than while-colored ones. Care ought to be exercised that students are taught the skills along with the general education so that they ‘earn while they learn’. Skilled and semi-skilled training should be imparted according to the capacity and capability of the student. We are rich in Human Resource. We have to exploit this rich resource for our own benefit. This is also important for avoid brain drain which is presently happening. Our IITs and IIMs are churning out technocrats and management professionals of the highest caliber. Their talents should never go waste. Let our Government come forward in absorbing these talents for garnering benefits for our country.

A COUNTRY WHICH RESPECTS THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND GIRL CHILD

It is high time we respect our women folks. The Divine Trinity has his female counterpart; Saraswati (learning) – Lord Barmha, Lakshmi (wealth) – Lord Vishnu and Parvati (power) – Lord Shiva. All the rituals, especially auspicious ones, are incomplete without women being part of it all. Disrespecting women was construed as the disrespecting the God. All the relationships – mother, wife, daughter, sister, etc are essential for us all. In olden times these relations were considered very reverential. Without these, what is the status of the father in relation to mother, wife in relation to husband, daughter in relation to son, sister in relation to brother etc.

A woman was supposed to be the manifestation of Goddess/Shakti and the male was supposed to be incomplete without the female (Shakti) with him. Lord Shiva is incomplete with His Shakti (Maan Parvati) that is why it is called SHIVSHAKTI.

Even in Ramayana times, women used to choose their suitors – Maan Sita chose Lord Rama after he broke the Dhanush of Lord Shiva in a sacred ceremony called sobmbar. Even in Mahabharata Dropati chose Arjuna in a sobmbar.

In other words, those who want to subjugate women and refuse to give their proper place, they are hypocrites. A simple question: CAN THIS PROCREATION and raising of new GENERATION possible without women? Men and women are the equal partners and ought to be taken as such. It is, therefore my fond hope that women are given their right place and it should be our m9ission to protect the ‘girl child’.

CORRUPTION FREE SOCIETY

One of the impediments that are eating into the very vitals of our society is the hydra-headed corruption. We are aware of the scamps and corrupt practices that were used in allotting coal blocks, use of middleman in defence purchases, and currently, even the Judiciary has come under attack with some people tarnishing its image. God forbid, this is the wing of our society which should/is respected the most if it falls prey to corruption then on whom our society will bank on! Wish that our country becomes corruption free one. This is a crying need of the hour as corruption is taking the wheels of progress backward.

IF WE WANT TO PROGRESS, IT IS A MUST THAT WE ARE INTERNALLY STRONG

For this to happen, it is a must that we are economically stable, politically strong, militarily strong, whose opinion is taken with a pinch of salt diplomatically, help the weaker countries with finance and sometimes militarily as done in case of African nations by India many a time.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D). If we want to make our borders encroachment free, it is in the fitness of things to be militarily strong, be self-reliant in production of defence related equipment and keep the armed forces personnel fully trained to defend the borders at all times.

HEALTH CARE OF THE GENERAL MASSES

The Covid-19 pandemic has created a situation wherein everybody has to take care of his/her health related issues. Everybody has to take balanced diet, exercise regularly and become immune to infections. It is a continuing process.

PEOPLE’S REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE

We choose our representatives so that they pass various legislation and do everything for the upliftment of the society as a whole. This Monsoon Session was more productive than earlier ones as more bills having positive ramifications were passed in this session.

HONORING THE NATIONAL HEROES – FROM DEFENCE, DOCTORS,POLICE FORCES ETC.

Previously we had those who defended border and made supreme sacrifices were considered as the National Heroes. Now in that list, we have our Doctor, nurses along with staff assigned to keep the surrounding neat and clean too as National Heroes.

UNQUESTIONABLE INTEGRITY

I would like all people with unquestionable integrity for upholding the unity and solidarity of India. This is the most essential asset for an individual. If it is in suspect then the very existence of ours is in doubt and a life with doubt is fraught with impediments.

RESPECT FOR EACH OTHER’s FAITHS AND BELIEFS

India has diverse cultural modes. Its different religions, castes, creeds, belief systems, languages etc. If we respect each others’ modes of behavior, then there would be cohesion and brotherhood amongst our countrymen. When we are united, then no power can subjugate us. For this to happen in the real sense of terms, it is important that we respect each other rights.

SPIRITUALLY FORWARD NATION

One of my fondest wishes is that India may become progressive but with spiritualistic outlook, where people are awakened morally, culturally, aesthetically, progressive and more compassionate. Also keeping all along in that progress – leaving none while following a life of morality and fair-play.

MISCELLANEOUS EFFORTS IN

• Covid-19 pandemic situation should be an eye-opener for us all. Those who take care of their health are less skeptical to catch infection because of their strong immune system.
• Due to the persistent use of water for drinking, in agriculture, industry etc, the scenario of ground water available would be grim in near future. Maximum attention need to be given to the precious water resources so that this resource is not depleted.

• Small and Medium Scale units should given more priority since in these units more employment could be absorbed. Furthermore it is not capital intensive.
  • Pollution to be tackled on the war footings.
  • Imports / Export Policies oriented for improvement of imports and exports. More exports mean more foreign currency for the country. The more foreign currency could reduce the budget deficit which has become a number one headache for the country.
  • Foreign Exchange Reserve to be replenished.
  • Fiscal Policies revised as per the need of the hour so that the current rate/value of rupee does not fall as is being happened presently.
  • IT Sector to be given the boost. India is potentially a soft power giant. But we have to exploit this resource to the hilt as is being done by other countries. Our IT experts are proving their mettle in other countries. We are thus losing our human resources and also the benefits which our country ought to have garnered.
  • It should never be forgotten that other countries too are improving in the IT sector. It is a must that this Sector should be given more incentive so that it improves further and earns much needed Foreign Exchange for the country.
• Infra development should be made because it is labour intensive.
• More hospitals and dispensaries should be opened for medi-care of the general people.  
  
  The above are some of our wish-list which every right-thinking Indian would like to have for the overall and inclusive  development of the Bharat of our dream where people can follow their faiths and belief, have freedom of expression, follow a profession of their choice with merit as a prime consideration and to top it all with no corruption at all. That is the India of my dream.

HAPPY JANAMASHTHMI

WISHING YOU ALL HAPPY JANAMASHTHMI

When prevalence of evil is at its worst
When irreligious & immoral rule the roost
When there is no respect
For the principles of natural justice
When voices of virtuous souls are gagged with force
When human rights and values are overlooked woefully
When ignorant are rewarded only
When people with sagacity are ignored willfully
When people are disgruntled immeasurably
When people without moral conduct are respected unduly
When egocentric tendencies are pampered fully
When even blood relations are imprisoned by their own offspring unreasonably
When divinity and spirituality lose its sheen
When saintly advices are not paid any heed
When arrogance is allowed to fester
When commoners are put to shame by their masters
And forced to submit to their whims
Thus forced not to pray Omnipotent and Omniscient
When seers’ Yajna are defiled
By throwing rubbish and filth on the fires so sacred
When sages and opposition voices are stifled arrogantly
When even just-born kids are done to death mindlessly
Because of fear of these children
Growing and becoming a cause of their own death
When general masses are uncared
And left at the mercy of evil marauders
Thence our Lord Vishnu descends from His Abode Vaikuntha
And incarnates for destroying the evil from the world at large
In order to deliver the pious and the righteous
Thus He annihilates the evil which has made a residency
As irreligious and unreasonable ones
Thus re-establish the principles,
Of morality and fair-play.
At the stroke of midnight,
At Ashtami Tithi with Rohini Nakshtra that night
Something very mystic happened
There appeared Lord Vishnu dressed in shining attire
And carrying His weapons including Sudharshan Chakra,
In the imprisonment of evil King Kamsa,
On request from mother – Devaki & father – Vasudeva,
He turned Himself as a baby to be hidden from evil Kamsa,
This way, the birth of Krishna took place in Yadu dynasty,
Kamsa knew in his heart of hearts, really
That nobody can undo the purpose of Lord Vishu incarnation
Since the will of God always prevails on all occasions.
Lo and behold, the violent and vigilant guards remained in deep sleep,
Oblivious what transpired in the guarded dungeon just nearby,
Whilst heavy downpour made the Yamuna fully swollen,
Vasudeva put the baby Krishna in a basket on his head,
With Sheshnag providing a shelter from rain,
Yamuna swelled still further on,
Wishing to touch the feet of the Supreme Lord,
Then Krishna offered His Divine Feet for Yamuna’s touch.
After reaching Nandgaon
Vasudeva exchanged the baby Krishna
Brought back Yashoda’s daughter named Yogmaya
He was back to his prison cell without being noticed by anyone.
At Nandagaon, Krishna performed many of His Mystic plays of Leelas – unique ones,
Showed His mystical prowess at Mathura and finally at Dwaraka,
He mesmerized Gopis with His flute play– at the musical best,
Attracting even the cows herds in hoards.
Gayatri Mantra was initiated to the Krishna by Guru Gargamuni,
And Vedic arts and sciences by Guru Sandipanimuni,
At Mathura He killed many demons,
To ward off the demons threats,
Thus stopping threat looming large,
Of many a ferocious demons.
During His childhood days,
And thereafter during his life time,
His role as destroyer of evil is well-known to everybody
Mahabharta epic provides us the testimony. .
He married many queens,
Rukimni being the most beautiful one,
Love of Radha & Krishna is etched in folklores,
Will ever remain in our memories till ages,
As the pious Love of Divines.
Lord Krishna acted as a Charioteer of Arjuna,
The greatest archer (dhanushdhari) of all times,
Was the role of His in the Kurukshtra war!
Where Lord Krishna displayed His stupendous Universal Form,
When Arjuna was in doubt to fight war,
Against kith and kin of his own,
Then the Supreme Lord delivered His famed Bhagavad Gita,
“The Song of God”,
Containing essence of Jnana,
All encompassing knowledge – Gyana.
In the war that ensued,
Evil doers met their doom,
Thus had the results of their wicked karmic deeds,
Proving that bad Karma leads to bad end,
And with them the wickedness that pervaded,
Thus Kamsa met his death at the hands of Lord Krishna,
A victory of good over evil was ensured,
A lasting lesson for us mortals to follow indeed,
May Lord Krishna’s blessings be showered on all of us
By gracing us with wisdom
And spread the message of goodness for us mortals.

KRISHNA JANAMASHTAMI

The birthday of Sri Krishna is celebrated every year. As per the astrological calculations and scriptural details, the date of Krishna’s birth, which is known as Janamashtami is 18 July 3228 BCE. Lord Krishna lived upto 18^th February 3102 BCE. He is the 8^th Avtar of Lord Vishnu. This festival is celebrated on the 8^th day of Krishna Paksha (dark night) between the months of August – September every year.

Krishna belonged to the Yadu dynasty descending from Soma. He was the 8^th son of Princess Devaki and Vasudeva (son of Surasena). Krishna was carried across the River Yamuna by Vasudeva after his birth in the confinement of Kamsa.

Krishna Janmashtami has been variously described as: Krishnashtami, Saatam Aatham, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Shrikrishna Jayanti, Sri Jayanti, Krishna Janma, Gokulashtami, Sri Krishna Jayanti, etc.

Lord Krishna Himself has enunciated in Bhagwad Gita that whenever there is excessive evil/sin in the society; when there is prominence of repressive and regressive forces besides prevalence of irreligious practices, He appears on this planet to eliminate evil thus minimize the scourge of evil from the society besides protecting the pious and righteous people. His form may be different in different ages but He takes birth or incarnates and shows the right course to the people at large with His thoughts and actions.

‘yada yada hi dharmasya
glanir bhavati bharata
abhyutthanam adharmasya
tadatmanam srjamy aham’

Lord Vishnu is the cause of creation and He incarnated as Krishna to eliminate demonic forces prevalent in the society at large. It has rightly been said that God is omnipotent and omniscient besides He possesses innumerable names: Lord-Allaha-Rama-Krishna-Jehova-Budha-Akalpurakh but Truly speaking; He is the ONE. He has personal and impersonal aspects. To exemplify this; a drop of water has the same chemical and physical properties as water from huge reservoir of water. One or Many hardly makes any difference. Our body which we love the most is impermanent. Our soul and the Super Soul are permanent. It does not die with the death of the body. God incarnations and saints’ lives which have been enumerated in different scriptures have made it amply clear about the importance of God Consciousness through their discourses and other mystic actions, remain inspiring us humans. Such is the importance of incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Krishna.

THE BIRTH OF LORD KRISHNA IS LACED IN MYSTICISM

After the marriage ceremonies, while Kamsa was taking his sister Devaki and brother-in-law Vasudeva in the cheriat, he felt very happy. There is a custom of brother accompanying the married sister to her in-laws home. The procession was passing merrily while Kamsa was driving the chariot. The atmosphere was surcharged with joyous/ecstasy.

As ill luck would have it, there was a prophecy from the sky: “Kamsa, you are such a fool! You are driving the chariot of your sister and your brother-in-law, but you do not know that the 8^th child of your sister will kill you.“. Kamsa was dumbfounded and could not control his anger and therefore wanted to kill Devaki (the daughter of Devaka) but Vasudeva intervened and promised that they will give all their newborn children to Kamsa after their births and agreed to stay in his jail cell. They were thus imprisoned under the supervision of guards. Vasudeva also commented that Kamsa being a greatest warrior and should not kill his own sister. He also told Kamsa that we are dying every moment that passes and death is evitable for the one who is born. Thus he pacified Kamsa through his (Vasudeva’s) flattery.

Afterwards, Kamsa imprisoned his own father (Ugrasena) and declared himself as the King besides usurping the power of King Surasena (Vasudeva’s father). He expanded his power to other parts too through his prowess.

Subsequently, first six children of Devaki and Vasudeva were killed by King Kamsa sooner they were born after the news of their birth was conveyed to him. While Kamsa’s relatives and friends tried to dissuade him from doing so but he did not listen to anyone.    Then there was a news of miscarriage of seventh child but actually seventh child was transferred to Rohini as Balarama – just secretly – a Mystical potency of God.

AN ATMOSPHERE OF PEACE ON THE BIRTH OF KRISHNA

When Krishna was born, there was an atmosphere of peace, auspicious stars were visible in the sky besides there were all positive signs. The demigods were very pleased and began to shower flowers. Then Lord Vishnu appeared before Devaki and she felt very elated. Vasudeva was also very happy after seeing the shine on the face of the newborn – such opulence and effulgence. The demigods had already informed them that Supreme Personality of Godhead would be born from the womb of Devaki. He was really convinced that the newborn was the Godhead Himself. Vasudeva  began to offer prayers. He was of the firm belief that now Kamsa will get justice for his sinful acts. He thus prayed and requested Him to save them from the hands of Kamsa. Devaki requested Him to take the form of an ordinary child so that no harm is done to him.

MYSTERIES OF KRISHNA’S JOURNEY FROM MATHURA TO GOKULA

Afterwards, a mystic thing happened, all the prison locks got opened, all the guards slept and there was a heavy rain. On the birth of eighth child, Lord Vishnu ordained that the child be taken to Gokula to Nanda and Yashoda. There upon, Vasudeva took infant Krishna with him, crossed the river Yamuna and reached Gokul. After leaving infant child at Gokula, he brought back Yashoda’s daughter named Yogmaya back to his prison cell. Due to the grace of Lord Vishnu, nothing went amiss. The birth of Krishna, and activities are all transcendental and one who understands it is spiritually rich person. His birth is according to His time and place besides the need of such an eventuality. Even the planetary systems were adjusted auspiciously at the time of Krishna’s birth.

Foster father Nanda Baba and mother Yashoda of Lord Krishna were very happy while they were celebrating the birth of their newborn son with great pump and show. There was an atmosphere of joy everywhere. Yashoda always thought Krishna as her dear son and not anything else – they all enjoyed the childhood pastimes of Krishna thereafter.

The news of the 8^th child was given to Kamsa. While Kansa was about to kill Yogmaya, she vanished from his hands and thundered that his killer was in Gokula and warned about his looming death. Thereupon, Kamsa sent his various ferocious demons to kill Krishna who were all killed by Krishna.

KAMSA’S PERSECUTION RECKLESSNESS STARTS

Kamsa comes to know about the birth of 8^th child and further information that he is taken to Gokula made him furious. He got exasperated and lamented; now the cruel death will not be far away he thought. Yet he wanted to do everything in order to eliminate the child.

IMPORTANCE OF CELEBRATION OF BIRTHDAYS

Significantly, the celebration of birthdays for everybody is a must since it reminds us not only our self-worth but also we realize the purpose of our lives. It also gives us realization how much our friends our relatives and other well-wishers love us.  We reciprocate in the same measure the wishes and wellness showered on this day for us. Therefore, it is not only the birthdays of Messengers of God we should celebrate but also of ourselves, friends and relatives.

NEED OF  INCARNATIONS

The demons kings were very harsh in their behavior towards their subjects. They inflicted all sorts of punishments on them including not allowing them to worship their deities and carrying out various rituals as enshrined in the scriptures. The demon kings wanted that people should obey them, pray them and remain slave to them. All this and more hardships made the world at large troubled spot. This necessitated and impelled deity of earth – Mother Earth (Bhumi) to go to the Lord Brahma in Brahmaloka  with tears in her eyes to reduce the burden of evil doers and the heinous sins being perpetrated by the demons from the earth. Lord Bhrahma, Lord Shiva along with all Demi Gods accompanied Mother Earth for invoking Lord Vishnu to come to their succor. All prevailed upon Lord Vishnu to appear as the son of Vasudeva and all other Demi Gods to appear on the Mother Earth in different forms to assist Lord Vishnu in His new Avtar in one form or the other.  .   

 Kamsa sent Putana who was known for killing small children by her sinful methods, to kill child Krishna. Krishna killed her after suckling her breast.

• King Kamsa sent demon named Trnavarta with mystic powers. He was eliminated by Krishna without much difficulty.
• A demon named Bakasura attacked him and his cowherd friends. Krishna killed him.
• Serpent Aghasura was killed after playful acts of Krishna and his friends with him.
• Dhenukasura attacked Krishna and his gops. He killed the demon.
• Demon Pralambasura sent by King Kamsa was killed by Lord Krishna.
• Demon Kesi in the form of a horse was killed by Krishna.
• While visting Mathura, Lord Krishna killed the wrestler named Canura by hurling him to the ground while wrestling.
• Finally Lord Krishna dragged the demoniac King Kamsa and threw him on the ground, struck im with His fist repeatedly and killed him. That was the end of the evil along with Demon King 

 WHAT THE GENERAL PUBLIC DO ON THIS PIOUS DAY

Devout keep fast on this day and remain awake till midnight at the time when Krishna was believed to have born. The image of Krishna as an infant is kept on the cradle or swing both at homes and temples and everyone wants to have a dharshan makes the swing to move. This is considered an auspicious thing.

Devotees sing songs and make merry besides exchanging gifts and flowers. In temples satsang and puja is also held.

Janamashtmi is celebrated differently In different parts of India. In Maharashtra, Dehihandi is celebrated where buttermilk is kept in a pot and kept at a convenient height. Different parties try to break this earthen pot so as to win this contest. This event is undertaken to remember the event of stealing of buttermilk by Krishna in his childhood from Gopi’s homes. The participants in this event are called Govindas.

In Mathura (the birth place of Krishana), Gokul and Vrindavan the festival is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. People gather in large number and offer their prayers to Him. Even in Dwarka in Gujarat where Krishna established his kingdom, people visit Dwarkadish temple. Bhagavata Purana, the part dealing with the pastimes of Krishna are recited besides offerings of betel, fruits, flowers etc done by the devotees.

Gokulashtami is celebrated with great fervor in South India too. In Tamil Nadu, the people decorate the floor with kolams (decorative pattern drawn with rice batter).

Besides Lord Krishna’s mysticism and Leelas are always enjoyed by the devotees.

• Lord Krishna dance upon the heads of the serpent Kaliya thereafter Kaliya realized his mistake.
• Protected the people from the heavy rains on the village Vrindavan by lifting Govardhan hill on his little finger.
• Rasa Lila (Dance) with gopis at Vrindavana to the tune of the flute.

It is very vividly in Bhaghwad Gita that those who know about the birth, His appearance and all activities of Lord Krishna become eligible to be transferred to spiritual world. JAI SHRI KRISHNA. For this to become reality we have to be Krishna Conscious.

Bhagwad Gita discourse which Lord krishana had with Arjuna in the battlefield of Kurukshetra (A DHANUSHDHARI OF REPUTE) enlightens us with the following besides other things:

• You have the right to work but never to the fruit of the work. You should never engage in action for the sake of reward, nor should you long for inaction.
• Whatever happened, happened for the good, whatever is happening is happening for the good and whatever will happen will happen for the good.
• Change is the law of universe, you can be millionaire in an instant or  a pauper in an instant.
• The soul is eternal.
• You came empty handed and will leave empty handed when you die.
• Lust, anger and greed are the three the gates to self-destructive hell.
• Man is made by his belief, as he believes, so he becomes.
• When meditation is mastered the mind is unwavering like the flame of a lamp in a windless place.
• Doubts are our enemies.
• We are kept from our goal not by obstacles, but by a clear path to  lower goal.
• We are all one since all are God’s creations.
• Let go off attachment – our attachment to the worldly possessions is the cause of miseries.
• Give without expecting anything  in return.
• Man is his own friend or enemy by his karmic deed  or misdeed.
• Steadiness equipped with Yoga one controls the mind.
• A person can attain supreme state of freedom from the karma by self-control, and disregard for the material possessions.
• It is better to do one’s own duty better, even though it may be below our merits which we actually deserve.
• The five factors of our actions are: place of action, the doer, the sense organs, numerous efforts  and the divine law which govern all other factors.

SELF-INTEREST AND TO BE INTERESTING

BEING WITH NATURE Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

SELF-INTEREST AND TO BE INTERESTING

Essentially, when we want our self-interests to be kept in our mind and fulfilled before taking the interests of others to be taken into account. By so doing, we are following an inward looking way of living. There is no disputing the fact that everybody has the right, wherewithal besides freedom to take care of our self-interests but in this case too, our approach should be more flexible rather than inflexible.

While to fulfill our self-interests is good but to give more reliance to ourselves only, sometimes, it may boomerang on us sometimes. I am of the opinion that  we should never be self-serving.

 A thing is more interesting when it meets the following principles parameters:-

SOCIAL ACCEPTABILITY AND ADAPTABILITY

It  should be kept in mind that a thing when accepted by all, without any reservation is interesting as it does not intrude into the privacy of others for instance obeying the social norms, obeying the laws of land including the Laws of Nature is very interesting and should be followed in letter and spirit by all without any reservation. Any transgression may entail social stigma against us and we may also face the law if we transgress any rule governing our social behavior.

WE SHOUL NOT BE BIAS IN ANY WAY

A thing is interesting if it is for everybody with any bias or discrimination on the basis of narrow biases which some of us do have for others. It should always be kept in mind that we all are creator of the same God. Our birth and deaths are the two things which are no in our hands. If somebody thinks that I am superior to other one owing to my birth in a particular family or leaning then, I am totally forgetting the fact that births and deaths are not in our hands. While we were born, we did not bring anything and while we depart we shall not take anything. Whatever we have is given to us here on this beautiful earth due to our God’s graces for which we should be thankful to Him. Then, for God’s sake which particular think you have which others do not have which makes you egocentric. When you will leave this earth you will not be taking even a strand of hair of yours leave aside anything else!! Therefore, in order to make ourselves socially acceptable, we should first of all respect all and earn respect in return. We should not compartmentalize ourselves on the basis of our religion, caste, creed, colour, language, region etc. Keep in mind that these were not in our hands when we were born, then, why we should have bloated sense of superiority complex? To be more interesting, we should obey the new norms of social  behavior and live as the children of God, taking pride in earning more friends than enemies with our bias attitude.

OUR ACTIONS SHOULD BE BEREFT OF SELFISHNESS

When we become more conscious of  our own interests, our own ways of living, our own style of functioning without regard to others sentiments and interest involved, then, sure enough, you will not be able to be of any interest to others since you are not earning their gratitude and respect as a member of a society. We must have seen even the animals help each other when one of them is in dire need. I witnessed a video wherein a monkey was saved by a dog (a sworn enemy of monkey otherwise) but when monkey was in need of assistance for its survival the dog helped it to come out the troubled spot. There are so many cases in the animal world wherein they come to the succor of others when in need then why, we as humans who think themselves to have special power of discrimination provided by God disregard it all and become selfish?  In order to make ourselves more interesting and likeable, it is in the fitness of things to be understanding of others’ needs and aspirations because you will also need somebody’s assistance. Do not forget we require some people to carry our body while we are dead for burial or cremation??

WE ALL HAVE TO PERFORM OUR OWN KARMA

As humans, we have to perform our various Karmic deeds according to our situation and condition, the environments in which we are living besides our place we have earned for ourselves in the society. Our efforts should be to earn Karmic Credit points by being empathetic, compassionate and always spiritually oriented while performing our various tasks in the society. This will also earn for ourselves a good place in the society besides making ourselves interesting. It should be kept in mind that ‘nobody flogs a dead horse’,  if you are not interesting to others, then, why others should be interesting to you??

ON CREATION OF OUR GOOD KARMA

The quality and ethical level of actions of an individual depend on the pattern of his life and his social conduct in society. There are enormous avenues of good conduct. There is no limit to do good karma. Karma is the act, work or deed that affects our future life and also, our life in the next birth. The concept of Karma puts a lot of emphasis, not just on our actions but on our intent as well. Good actions done with good intent help you create Good Karma. Newton had correctly observed that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. What you do today will impact you in some way tomorrow and only those who choose to live wisely, and with this awareness of how nature works will gain in the end. Therefore, we should create good karma. For this to be reality, we should fulfill needs of others of those who need our help, be considerate towards and all. By so doing, we can get peace inward which cannot be bartered for anything tangible.

ON OUR UNDERSTANDING

OUR UNDERSTANDING OF A THING DEPENDS ON OUR DETACHED THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS

ON OUR UNDERSTANDING

Understanding of anything
Or everything
Depends on us individually
And collectively
Wherein our sincerity
Of Inner thoughts
And Karmic deeds thereof
Without attachment to the fruits
Of our action
Thoughts bereft of sincere efforts
Without much attachment
To the fruits of our action
Understanding or otherwise
Depends on our mind and intelligence
Which is individualistic in nature.
Then there are some things
Which are mystic in nature
For these things are wrapped in  mystical thoughts
We base our understanding
On the basis of pure faith and belief – astha
Then in understanding
We delve in empathy
for those who do need our sympathy.
What we conceive with sincerity
Happens
Based purely
On our thoughts and action
Bereft of attachment to the fruits of our action.
We too bstow appreciation
Of others point of view
Without going deeper
Into result of our action we perform.

In Bhagwad  Gita is has been rightly said: Such a man of understanding acts with intelligence perfectly controlled, gives up all sense of proprietorship over his possessions and acts only for the bare necessities of life. Thus working, the person concerned is not affected by unethical reactions. Therefore our understanding is dependent partly on our intelligence and party the sincerity of our karmic deeds.

Understanding the intricacies involved in our lives also involves how we should transact anything and everything without attachment to the fruits of our thoughts and actions not forgetting the sincerity involved in that actions.

It has been observed empirically that the understanding of person differs from person to person. While talking about understanding, the comprehension, the thoughtfulness, the conception etc. differs as every person differs in his/her level of knowledge, know-how and will to gain the same.

It should always be kept in mind that understanding or comprehensive capacity is individualistic in nature and depends on the level of effort an individual puts in to garner knowledge (Gyan). For gaining knowledge and enhancing our understanding, we have to burn mid-night oil. It does not come just by wishful thinking.

Then understanding has other meaning too – these too differ from person to person; depending fundamentally on our application of efforts, concentration and willpower to assimilate and gain power to attain the same.

These are:-Sympathy or empathy. One of the important things in our life is having compassion or understand about others.

Compassion brings about concern for others which is essential in day to day life.Considerate. To be considerate in essence is necessary. Those who are not considerate for others lack civility and consideration for others do not know the exact meaning of existence.

Perceptive power. Those who conceive an idea and perceive succeed. This understanding should not be understood by all.

Appreciation of some aspect. Understanding and appreciation others’ positive pursuits bring about holistic development in an individual.

Acceptance. Acceptance in any field will go a long way in understanding the inner and outer aspects in any field of activity.

Though evolution, with passage of time, has taken place and with it the growth and development in science and technology in varieties of fields yet when life originated and also its beginning is wrapped into mystery and delusion and based on conjectures.

Even the studies in science, philosophy, metaphysics etc. are not able to unravel the truth about its genesis. Everything that is known till now is based on the understanding of human brains and conjectures. The human understanding has made a huge difference in progress of the civilization and culture. We have attained awakening in spiritual plane too. All this is attained due to our sincere effort in unraveling the mysteries of Nature,

There are unresolved questions, the understanding of which is difficult to attain. For instance, the beginning of creation’s existence, its genesis, origin etc. we areee groping in dark about its SOURCE. There is lack of understanding when the life began; is it due to self-origination or there is some power who created this earth, the universe, the nature etc.

This way, there are many things in our lives and beyond which should be understood but we are not knowing but keep on delving so as to reach a happy ending suiting the time and space – till at least TIME helps in solving the mysteries in it all.

As the level of comprehension differs from person to person therefore, the understanding too differs. It differs from person to person.

RAKSHA BANDHAN – RAKHI (A DAY WHEN ORDINARY TWINE CONSOLIDATES RELATION BETWEEN BROTHER AND SISTER EXTRA-ORDINARILY)

A DELICATE TWINE MAKES HUGE DIFFERENCE IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SISTER AND BROTHER

RAKSHA BANDHAN – RAKHI (MAY THE BROTHER & SISTER LOVE GETS SYNERGIZED)

Rich in cultural heritage,
And traditions so enriching
Despite upheavals,
Some known and others buried,
And forgotten,
As time went on,
India with its varied festivals,
Keeps reminding the multitudes,
Of the importance of the festivals,
Based sometime on change in seasons,
Or some sacred religious occasions,
Other times based purely on human emotions,
Whilst there is a need to revive relationships,
So as to render assistance,
To each other when need be,
To make the relationship,
More accommodative and ready to lend a hand always.
The RAKSHA BANDHAN is the festival, so well-known,
Where sister ties the sacred thread around her brother’s wrist,
Rakshn Bandhan is held in the Hindu month of Shravan,
Witnessed by the auspicious full moon from the Heaven,
Profuse with sisterly adoration,
And awe-inspiring sentiment of brotherly affection,
Indeed a close blood relation,
A festival of deep bond of emotion,
Wherein a brother promises fortification,
Of his sister from any danger unforeseen ,
An ultimate ‘bond of protection’
Though unwritten in real sense,
Yet this thread is not an ordinary twine,
But solemn undertaking given.
Rakhi is not mere a knot between blood related brothers and sisters,
It is sacred knot between neighbours,
And other society members,
To keep the fabric of society united,
To ensure communal concord,
History is replete with several examples,
Where Rajputs & Maratha queens sent Rankhis,
To the Mughal kings,
And won their support at the time most critical
There is also a story of Alexander the Great’s spouse,
Sending a Rakhi to King Porus,
Which King Porus accepted with immense respect
And the promise was so fulfilled
By not harming her husband
Such is the sacred Rakhi’s bond.
Such is the power of this ordinary thread,
That it can keep even adversaries united.
O our All powerful Creator,
Thee who can do anything anywhere,
Knot the world community with thy Holy Thread,
So that all live in peace and concord.

RAKSHA BANDHAN (An Ordinary Twine which unites the two souls)

We Indians and globally too, are fortunate to celebrate different festivals, particular to the region,  which are celebrated with religious fervour and devotion. Festivals may be different but there is a commonality of warmth which is exhibited while celebrating these festivals; which is indeed amazing. That is the beauty which binds us together with a common Thread of Love and Care for each other.

MEANING OF RAKSHA BANDHAN

The word Raksha means an act of bestowing protection and bandhan means a relation/connection/tie/bond/association. Taken together it means a relation which ensures or bestows protection as and when there is a need. Raksha Bandhan, in other words, is a bond between brother and sister for provision of protection to the sister whenever contingency arises There is also a sacred pledge that he (brother) will fulfill the promise of protection come what may. In return, the sister prays for the wellbeing and prosperity of her brother.  Due to this, the connection of brother-sister get synergized and there and emotional bond consolidated.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RAKHI PURNIMA

Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival which highlights the importance of brother-sister relationship. Here, brother-sister may be related biologically or may be biologically unrelated.

In some parts of India it is simply called Rakhi festival or Rakhi Purnima (falling on full moon). India being a multi-cultural society, not only Hindus, this festival is celebrated by Sikhs, Jains, etc. The sister ties a (Rakhi thread) sacred thread on the wrist of her brother and the brother in turn gives a solemn pledge or promise to the sister to come to her succor at any unforeseen eventuality or contingency. A promise which is formulized on RAKHI PURNIMA DAY. This festival falls on full moon day (Shravan Poornima) and that is why it is also called as Raksha Poornima. Falling in the month of Shravan, this festival has special significance since it is connected with fasting, on every Monday to earn the graces and blessings of Lord Shiva and on every Tuesday for pleasing Goddess Parvati.

SENSITIVITY IN THE RELATION OF BROTHER & SISTER

The brother-sister relationship is really very sensitive. When brother and sister are biologically connected then they grow up together under the same roof and the parents make them understand the importance of brother-sisterly relationship. As the sister, after she grows up, has to leave the home and hearth of her parents, Rakhi Thread becomes a link between brother and sister to remind each other that there exists somebody to care for him/her. It is, in other words, an emotional bond/link which brings forth the memories of the past days when both brother and sister had lived and brought up together. To say the least, I opine, sisterly love is next the motherly love. A simple woven thread, self made or purchased from market with great reverence cements relationship even further between brother and sister.

Some of the salient features of RAKSHA BANDHAN are given below”-

• Raksha Bandhan signifies the love and affection between brother and sister – an emotional link which solidifies the relationship between the two blood-related or otherwise.

• Brother promises to protect her sister and come to her succor whenever called for besides giving a suitable gift for his sister as a token of love.

• At the time of tying the knot of sacred thread parents, grand-parents and other members of the family ritualistically gather to shower their blessings on brother-sister at a spot where sister ties knot of Rakhi to her brother and pray for their well-being and prosperity. Tying of knot of a Rakhi is done in a ceremony by lighting a earthen wick or a candle in a shallow plate. Sister applies tilak or tikka on the forehead of her brother and then ties Rakhi. The purpose of lighting a wick is for sanctification of RAKSHA BANDHAN in presence of Fire God. Brother gives her gifts and promises to protect her whenever there is a need. Subsequently, the sister prays for the wellbeing and prosperity of her brother. Some sing religious songs in connection with Rakhi festival.

• The sister prays to God for the safety and prosperity of his brother.

• A sacred thread, in the form of Rakhi thread, cements a bond between brother and sister thus establishes goodwill and emotional bond between them two.

• Most importantly, when brother-sister love is affirmed outside the biological relationship then it will enhance inter-faith cohesion and fellow feelings between different castes, religions etc. This practice persisted in the past and is prevalent now as well. Raksha Bandhan evokes feeling of love, respect, and a sense of protection and also engenders a feeling of togetherness between different religions.

• Then there is a practice of sending Rakhi threads made by the school children to the soldiers guarding the borders who could not be with their sisters because of their emergent commitments. These soldiers will naturally feel elated and emotionally suffused by this sacred gesture.

• Self made Rakhi Threads along with the sweets and gifts are sent to the orphanages for tying to the ones who were not so fortunate to have their brother tying this sacred thread. This also brings smile on their faces.

• Brothers and sisters who are geographically separated send their Rakhis by post or any other fast means along with the gifts in the form of gift cheque etc. Now-a-days, due to the progress of communication owing to net, Rakhis could even be e-Rakhied without wastage of time. What a way to exploit the fast communication! This gesture too keeps the bond of brother-sister love ever blossoming.

• The Prohits self-make Rakhis and distribute amongst their disciples who put these on their writs with fervour. This too is considered as a SARED TWINE.

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Earliest examples of a Rakhi Bandhan prayer is found in VISHNU PURAN: a prayer that Yasoda sung while tying a sacred rakhi lucky charm on Krishna’s wrist.
May the lord of all beings protect you,
May the one who creates, preserves and dissolves life protect thee.

Historically legend has it that Rajput queens used to send rakhi threads (a scared thread) to other neighbouring rulers in order to show their linkage or relationship and establish a bond of relationship and spread brotherly feeling amongst the neighbourhood and avoid bloodletting on small pretext or misunderstanding of any nature.

There is a legend, Lord Ganesha had two sons named Shubh and Labh. While Ganesh’s sister came to tie a Rakhi around the wrist of Ganesh, his sons became disappointed. They wanted a sister too. Then Narda Muni came and persuaded Lord Ganesha for the same and thus created a daughter by the name of Santoshi Maa by the divine flame emerging from wives named Ridhi and Sidhi who tied Rakhi on the wrists of her brothers Shubh and Labh. There is also a legend in Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana that after Lord Vishnu won the three worlds from demon king Bali, he requested Lord Vishnu along with Maa Lakshmi to stay in his palace. This was not like by Goddess Lakshmi. She had a plan. She tied a Rakhi around the wrist of King Bali and made him his brother. When asked for a gift she asked for the freedom of Lord VISHNU and freed from the promise to live at his palace. Demon king agreed.

In Manabharta, Lord Krishna considered Draupati as his sister. When there was a cut on his finger while beheading Shushupal, she pierced a piece of her sari and tied it around his injured finger which was bleeding. Krishna took it as a sacred thread (RAKSHNA BANDHAN) and bestowed her protection whenever called for the same.

There is also a legend of Yama (the lord of death) and Yamuna (river). Yama, due to pre-occupation could not visit her for 12 long years. She told Ganga for the same. Gangaji mentioned this to Lord Yama. He visited his sister thereafter. Yama was very happy to see his brother after a long time; prepared tasty food for him. On asking for a gift, she extracted a promise that he should visit her year after year. This too is connected with Rakshna Bandhan.

May true spirit Raksha Bandhan prevails and creates congenial brotherly feelings amongst the humanity in general.