HAPPY MAHA SHIVRATRI

HAPPY SHIVRATRI

SHIVARATRI SYMBOLISES THE NIGHT OF SHIVA

On this day devotees observe the strict fast and keep themselves awake throughout the entire night. They get immersed in Shiva’s prayers for deriving bliss of connectivity with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Lord Shiva has Himself told the other deities that He had manifested in the form of ‘Pillar of Fire’ in the month of Phalguna and during the constellation of Ardra. Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati (Nature – Prakriti) are really difficult to be understood by a normal human being. Both love their creations; it may be normal humans or demons (Lord Shiva’s liking for Demon King Ravana as a renowned Bhakta of Shiva is well known), ghosts, spirits (which Lord Shiva took with him at the time of his marriage with Parvati), amongst all the creations.

He is the most affectionate, simplistic, pleasing in bestowing His graces with slightest of prayers, enigmatic, recluse, forgiving, artistic, greatest preachers, greatest scientist etc. Therefore, we should not only rejoice on their union in marriage but also their imbibe their compassionate NATURE.

THOUGHTS ON LORD SHIVA : ON LORD SHIVA – MAHASHIVRATRI

It is pertinent to mention about the background as to how Shiva and Parvati had their first meeting. Parvati had seen Shiva (In meditative trance) while she was only eight years old. She determined that she will marry him only when she grows up. When she grew up, she told her father (Himavan) that she wanted to marry Shiva. She was also fully determined to make him realize her love for him. Then finding the suitable opportunity, her father made mention about the marriage of his daughter to Shiva.

The Trinity amongst Gods (Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu & Lord Shiva) are responsible variously:-

Lord Bhrama is in charge of creation.
Lord Vishnu is in charge of maintenance and evolution.
Lord Shiva is in charge of destruction (Sanghaarkarta) and subsequently for recreation.
The Trinity of Goddesses and their responsibilities are;-

Goddess Parvati is the Goddess of fertility, love, devotion, and power (Shakti).
Goddess Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Goddess Saraswati is the Goddess of knowledge and learning.
Satyam means essence or truth or reality – whose results could be tested and attested at any time and anyplace with similar results. In other words, these results could be confirmed scientifically.

Shivam means giving. This may be in the form of Gyan (knowledge) or any other agent of change which may help an individual’s growth in various stages of growth from childhood onwards.

Sundaram means that one ensures to receive information required for growth and development and wellness of the child without any expectation. This function is performed by the family and the society at large.

LEGEND ATTACHED TO THIS DAY

At the time of the churning of the sea by the Godheads and the Demons (Rakshas) there surfaced a vessel full of poison amongst other enchanting objects like Kamdhenu (Wish-fulfilling cow, white horse, white elephant, Kalpavriksha (Wish-fulfilling tree), Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth), Dhanvantri (Divine Physician) and finally the vessel of Amrita (nectar). To save the world from the devastating effects of poison, Lord Shiva consumed the pot of poison and kept the same in his throat with his Yogic Powers and that is why He is also called NEELKANTHA or Blue Throated with immense reverence. He did not take the poison which came out of the sea but kept it in his throat. By doing so, LORD SHIVA saved the world from being annihilated due to the poison which came out of the sea.

SHIVA MEANS ‘THAT WHAT IS NOT’OR WHICH IS BEYOND EVERYTHING

It is comparable to the nothingness of vast cosmos/nothingness of space with galaxies, planets, etc. That which is pure, simple, gracious, benevolent and full of beauty. In Vedic scriptures/literature, Shiva also connotes liberation or emancipation. He is the auspicious deity who is creator, reproducer, and destroyer of the forces of negativism and darkness. Shaivism also represents beliefs and practices of Hinduism. Shiva is not affected by three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas). He is called Supreme Lord. He is a great Yogi. One who is beyond any limit of appreciation – nothingness which can absorb anything and everything.

LORD SHIVA IS A GREAT YOGI

Lord Shiva is a great Yogi who gave us Yoga and method of living – living as mystic Yogi but not oblivious of the family bonding. His contribution as a recluse and the householder is the phenomenon and cannot simply be ignored. The complexity of His traits as a deity cannot be comprehended if we do not delve deep into his life. In the earlier years, he used to wander in the Himalayan region and subsequently an ascetic who is always absorbed in Yogic meditation. This was proved right when the barat (marriage party) was received. Strange as it looked: Shiva as a groom, rode a bull, with matted hair, ash smeared all over the body, was a part of koupina or loincloth., a garland of bones and skulls, as usual, a trident in one hand and damru (drum) in the other hand.. There was the beating of drums and the mixed sound of trumpets – a terrific sound indeed. Amongst the baratis Marriage party) were Gods and Demi-Gods Not to speak of this, his marriage barati’s consisted of the ganas, ghosts and other strange and fearful witches, vampires etc. The marriage receiving party

A MYSTIC WHO COULD BE PLEASED EASILY

We always say him in meditative posture – completely immersed in contemplation. He is Yogi with a difference who could be termed as the deity who could be pleased with bel patra and fruits. Simple sincere prayer can earn His bounties – that is why He is called as Bhole Shankar.

LEAVES AND FLOWERS ARE OFFERED TO LORD SHIVE AND GODDESS PARVATI

ULTIMATE WHEN FEROCIOUS

When Shiva is provoked beyond a limit, when He was in trance, as was done by Cupid or Kamadeva, He opened His third eye and reduced him to ashes in a fit of anger.

There are 12 Jyotirlingas (Lingas of Light) which are held sacred by the devotees. They offer prayers at these holy places.

Devout chant Mantra OM NAMON SHIVAYE and also Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra to get special benefits since this day falls in the most appropriate planetary positions in the Northern hemisphere; helps devotee raise his / her spiritual energy vigorously. The prayers are answered if these are done with sincerity. This day is also celebrated because on this night Shiva performed His cosmic dance (Tandava). This dance was enjoyed even by other Godheads.

Lord Shiva’s abode is mount Kailasha. He bearer of sacred river Ganga on his head besides a serpent named Vasuki. His devotee Nandi is the carrier of Lord Shiva. In Shiv Purana, it has been mentioned that Shiva prayers should be done in the following manner to get maximum benefit:-

SHIV LINGA

SHIVA LINGA

Shiva means auspiciousness and lingam means a symbol and when to put together it means: ‘a symbol of the great God of the universe who is all-auspicious’. It also means ‘the One in whom the whole of creation sleeps after dissolution. The worship of Shiva in the form of Longa is most prominent. It represents as a symbol God Himself. Shiva lingam is to be bathed in water, milk, and honey. For purification of these, bel patra should also be added. Vermilion paste represents virtue, after bathing the Shiva Linga with water, honey, curd etc with utmost devotion vermilion paste is applied on it.

Natural fruits like berries are very dear to the Lord, hence these are offered. Fruits are also the sign of fulfillment of our desires and hence should be offered.

Forgetting His grace and bounties offerings when dhoop (incense) is ritualistically burnt give maximum benefits. The lamp is lighted. The lamp symbolizes knowledge and wisdom and keeps away our ignorance. If this is lighted with devotion and offered to the Lord, we can derive maximum benefits. Finally, betel leaves are offered which symbioses the satiation of our worldly desires besides keeping our spiritual onward march intact.

ATTRIBUTES OF LORD SHIVA

It is important to know the attributes of Lord Shiva which are depicted variously as: benevolent, pious with huge reserves of compassion, easy to be pleased, honorable, delightful with brilliance, innocent, easy to be pleased, invincible, having huge prowess, fearful or ferocious when hugely provoked, Wrathful, violent and dangerous, destructive, autistic (Yogi Raj).

SHIVSHAKTI

Shiv-shakti Shiv is called Kala (the eternal time) and Parvati the consort of Shiv is also called Kali meaning ‘Time’ or ‘death’ (two mixed together means the ‘time has come’). Various people worship Shakti or Kali represents the feminine force whereas Shiva is the masculine force along with the power of peace.

LORD SHIVAJI FAMILY

Lord Shiva has two aspects. Firstly as an ascetic (Yogi) shown meditating and also as a householder – having family performing the dual functions wonderfully well. He has a consort named Parvati (the daughter of King Himalaya). The family consisted of the following:-

PARVATI

She is the Consort of Shiva, variously described as, Shakti (Divine Energy), Devi, Divine Mother along with Goddess Tripura Sundari, Durga, Minakshi, Kamakshi etc. She is also identified with Nature, creative energy, Ardhanarishvara (dynamic extension of Shiva without whom Shiva is incomplete.

LORD GANESHA

LORD GANESHA

Ganesha is the deity in a human form but with the head of an elephant which represents the power of the Supreme Being that removes obstacles. .He was created out of the remains of smut from the body of Parvati and further infused life into it. He is worshipped with great devotion, before starting any prayer or starting any business or new job His name is taken. He is said to the remover of Lord of removal of obstacles (vegan Karta), Lord of beginning. No Yagna or any ritual is incomplete without beginning with prayers to Lord Ganesha.

KARTIKEYA

He was assigned with the responsibility of protecting the Gods and Demi-Gods. He is worshiped in South India by various names such as Murugan, Subramanya, Shanmugan and in North India as Skanda and Kartikeya.

ASHOK SUNDARI

While Parvati felt very lonely, she created Ashok Sundari from a tree to remove her monotony and loneliness because Shiva remained in meditation most of the time.

MANASA DEVI

She is considered kind to the devotees who worship her. Due to her bad temper and unhappy disposition, Mansa was rejected by Lord Shiva. She is termed as the goddess of snakes and worshipped in North India. She is also described as the destroyer of poison.

AYYAPPAN

In the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as a woman named Mohini, Lord Shiva was charmed by her beauty and through the union of the two Ayyappan was born. He is specially worshipped in South India.

Then there are other children of Lord Shiva named Andaka and Jalandhar and Mangala.
Names of Lord Shiva. According to Shiva Purana, there are 1008 names of Lord Shiva. Some of these are given below:-

NATARAJA

There is a description in the Puranic period that Lord Shiva is also termed as the Lord of Dance or Eternal Dancer. The two most renowned dances are Tandava (which is the powerful and masculine dance) and is associated with the destruction while Lasya which is very graceful and exhibits delicacy of emotions and is attributed to Parvati and associated with creation. Both destruction and creation are the important factors in the universe and the world at large.

DAKSINNAMURTI

Represents the form of Shiva Murti facing South. This represents aspects as a teacher of yoga, music, and wisdom.

ARDHANARISHVARA

It represents the combination of two; Shiva and Shakti (Parvati) depicting half male (Shiva) and half female (Parvati). It is due to the fact that Lord Shiva was hugely pleased by the austere traits of Parvati and granted her the boon of becoming part of his body.

Tripurantaka. In this Lord Shiva is depicted with four arms having bow and arrow in the at of destroying Demon named Tripura.

AVATARS  OF SHIVA. In the description, in Linga Purana there are 28 forms of Shiva. Hanuman is known as Rudra Avtar (Rudra is a name of Shiva) as eleventh Avatar.

Ashutosh – One who fulfills wills.
Akshayaguna – who is Lord of Earth
Mahadeva – Greatest With limitless attributes.
Anantadrishti – With an unrivaled vision.
Bholenath – One who is benevolent.
Bhooteshwara – one who is Lord of ghosts.
Bhudeva – One God
Devadeva – Lord of the Lords
Gurudeva – Lord of all
Ingaraja – Lord of Lingas
Vishveshwara – One who is the Lord of Universe.

There are 12 Jyotirlingas (Lingas of Light) which are held sacred by the devotee. They offer prayers at these holy places. These are mentioned below:

1.Somnath ( Lord of the Nectar of Knowledge)
2. Nageshwar or Nagnath (Lord of 5 headed snake):
3. Kedarnath ( Lord of Kedar):
4.Vishwanath ( Lord of the Universe), Banaras-UP:
5.Mahakaleswar ( The Lord of Death) Ujjain, MP:
6. Amaleshwar (Lord of Purity) : Lord Shiva the purifier of all sins.
7. Trayambkeshwar ( Lord of Third Eye ), Maharashtra:
8. Ghrishneshwar (Lord of Positive Energy obtained from Churning of divine Knowledge), Maharashtra:
9. Vaidyanathan (Lord of Vaidya/Ayurveda), Maharashtra:
10. Bheemashankar (Mighty & Powerful Lord), Maharashtra:
11. Mallikarjun ( Lord ), Andhra Pradesh:
12. Rameshwaram (Ram worshiping Lord Shiva), Tamil Nadu:

CONCLUSION

I am of the firm conviction that in Shiv Purana, mention has been made about the various aspects, about Karma philosophy, origin of Nature and the creation of the universe, the function of the Trinity, the practical aspect of segregation of professions, the meditation and the benefits derived from this, how best to perform various rituals including Shiva and Linga Sututi, the origin of Lord Shiva, function of Nature (Prakriti), et al.

WAR RESOLVES NO PROBLEM

WAR RESOLVES NO PROBEM

WAR BRINGS IN ITS WAKE UNNATURAL CHANGES

The present revelation of war
Of war between Ukraine & Soviet Federation
Has resulted in deaths and destructions
All around Ukraine territories
Since there is mismatch between the forces of Russia& Ukrainian forces
In war materials/weapons & SAM missiles
Including strength of military boots
An asymmetrical warfare, in fact
And the force levels of Ukraine is domically low
Seemingly indeed, but the spirit of Ukrainians is unparalleled as has been revealed
But it is not the emotions so heightened
Which wins the battles and wars for a country
But ultimately
Who suffers the most, the common countrymen
Who take the hits of extremely large war machinery counts.

A ill-fated populace of Ukraine
Are suffering the pangs of aggression
Thru constant bombing and missile attacks on their homes and hearths
And barrage of salvos from the tanks & armored vehicles
Inflecting deaths and destructions on the inhabitants
Creating short-time and long-time war effects
Proving that war is life threatening in every way
In the form of long-term physical and mental implications.

It goes to showcase undoubtedly
That war is more deadly
Than other problem such as Coronavirus, climate change, inequality
Population explosion, hunger and diseases though deadly
Because all these have some immediate solutions
But falling bombs and barrage of tank fire or gun fire has no instant solution
A salvo of fire once fired cannot be retrieved
It’ll have its lasting impact.

The United Nation Security Council
In their emergency meeting
Delved upon the war on Ukraine
But here too it failed sadly!
It could not perform its role markedly
To prevent conflict which is rages on uncontrollably
Thus killing the hapless citizenries
And give peace a chance to prevail
The resolution was shotdown
By the shell of veto power
Thus UNSC failed in its attempt to prevent war
And give peace a chance to establish as its key role
It calls for reorganization of UNO
So that it fructifies its aim of establishing peace for its members
And protect the small countries
From the power games of some nations.

It should always be kept in mind
War resolves no problem
It multiplies them
In the form
Of frittering the national resource
Woefully, in the form of humans and materials.

It should also be kept in mind
War is created by humans
For enhancing their sphere of influence
A hegemonistic approach – negative one
Hence it could be stopped by humans
Through negotiations
On the basis of give and take.

Can those humans could be termed civilized
When one particular country’s army inflicts collateral damages
Kills unarmed civilians without even a second thought
Thru rockets and drone attacks
As war rages on in whole of Ukraine
With no respite for the common populace?

War may be in any country in the past
Such as Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan or Gaza or in any party of world
It had not resolved any problem in the past
But multiplied them, as time passed on
And it will not solve any problem as has been happening
In the present war between Russia and Ukraine.

A Mother of All Bombs (MOABs) cannot solve a mother’s problem
When her only son dies due to this horrific bomb
It will have multiplier effects
On the populace who fall victims to its impacts
Hence only option for the entire world
Is to stop encouraging violence to solve their persisting problems
But resolution of their problem thru negotiations
On the basis of plausible dialogues and persuasions
Because peace cannot be the garnered through MOABs
But respecting others as the creations of a Single Creator
Can help bring about peace and tranquility in the world at large.

LESSONS FROM RUSSIA AND UKAIRANE WAR

WAR BRINGS DEATHS AND DESTRUCTIONS

• No other country will fight a war for us. We have to fight our own battles. Therefore, we have to be prepared for any eventuality. Some country may be lurking around to invade your country.

• Cyber defence (Cyber warfare) from our adversaries should also form part of our defence.

• In the present war, civilians cannot remain immune. They could also fall victims as has happened in the war between Russia and Ukairane.

• We’ve to be prepared  for psy warfare inleashed by our adversaries too. The general masses should be wary about the propaganda of their adversaries so as to create fear psychosis amongst the populace.

• No country can remain immune from the war in any part of the world since we’re living in global world which has interlinked in everyway.

• Self–sufficiency in defense equipment and weaponry should be maintained on the principle of ‘offence is the best form of defense’.

• Indomitable national spirit in the event of a war is essential but it is also necessary that war materials as deterrence is also a necessity.

• We should always keep in mind, if you want peace, be ready to defend yourself against any eventuality.

• High morale of defence personnel and even civilians should be to the optimum to fight our wars.

• Some modicum of deterrence should always be maintained by the small countries which may discourage the big countries to invade and transgress their security as has happened in case of Ukraine. This apart, care and caution should be exercised that nuclear weapons are not to be used by any country since these should only serve as deterrence and not for use since its use could prove counterproductive for user and for whom it is used along with the countries around its sphere of radiation.

• Use of nuclear weapons should not be used in any event since these weapons are merely for deterrence since their short term and long term illeffects are really unimaginable.

• For  short or long term war duration, casualities on the warring sides are sure to be there, but there is urgent need to have enough preparation for medical emergency for medicare of soldiers and civilians injured during the fighting.

• War resolves no problems but makes them more complex, therefore, the best course should be to sort out the persisting problems sitting across the table.

• The UNO should play their part in defusing tensions between the warring countries.

STRESS AS A CREATIVE FORCE

STRESS AS A CREATIVE FORCE

STRESS PIERCES OUR INNER RESOLVE

Stress is feared more
Since we tend to become afraid
Even when we think about its symptoms
Present In our system
It sends a chill or shiver down our spine
Proving that a thought of stress
Is more harmful to us
Because it’ll create more stressful condition
Sapping our latent energy in the process
Weakening our resolve
Which prevails.

NATURE CAN PROVIDE US SOOTHES TOUCHES

If we want to take advantage of our worries about stress
We’ve to accept it with open arms, nonchallantly
As a acceptable adjustment bodily
To the changed circumstances
From soothing
To something irritating
If we take relaxing tranquilizers
Means we’re going against the body mechanism
Because the body actually is readying
For taking on the challenge head-on
And  we’re suppressing that strong urge
And raising artificial or aberrant barriers
Which will eventually impact our resolve.

STRESS PROVIDES US INCENTIVE TO MAKE USE OF OUR POTENTIAL ENERGY

Crying need is to tolerate the stress
Live with it
By accepting it
As a part & parcel of our existence
Then, we shall come to a stage
Of involuntary relaxation & repose.

INTAKE OF STRESS BUSTERS LIKE TRANQLISERS COULD PROVE COUNTER PRODUCTIVE

When one is at the utmost of stress
It means one is gathering energy
With more and more potential energy
This sort of energy
Has to be utilized creatively
Rather than frittered away
By resorting to stop-gap stress busters
Thus lose everything gained.

ESTABLISHING INNER CALMNESS BRINGS ABOUT PEACE ALL AROUND US

Similar is the case with meditation
When we sit and fix our mind on something
And after avid focus on ‘nothing’
With a deep silence
In this process and in this way
We empty our mind off all the uncalled for thoughts
Gaining peace and harmony
As a reward of our perseverance
Leaving in the midst
Of meditative pursuit
Will produce confusing feeling.

MEDITATIVE STANCE AND STRESS IF LEFT HALFDONE THEN IT WILL PROVE COUNTERPRODUCTIVE FOR US

Hence, we should never forsake stress or meditation halfway
Since by doing so, we would lose creative inclination
Which we would be gaining
By following these principles till their end results.

HAPPY GURU RAVIDAS JI’S JYANTI TODAY

RAVIRAVIDAS JI IN MEDITATIVE TRANCE

HAPPY GURU RAVIDAS JI’S BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY

INFLUENCE OF OUR GURUS AND THINKERS OF REPUTE

There are Gurus, Philosophers and great thinkers who, by their writings and preaching changed the very thinking of the general masses. Their teachings helped in removing the narrow-minded attitude and behaviour patterns. Guru Ravidas Ji’s teachings were all inclusive for all without any discrimination

EARLY LIFE OF GURU RAVIDAS JI OR GURU RAIDAS JI

GURU RAVIDAS JI also known as Guru Raidas was born in a village named Sir Gobardhan (Near Varanasi Uttar Pradesh) to mother Mother Kalsa’n and father Santosh Dass.  He was born in 1450 CE and died in 1520 CE. This place is famously known as Shri Ravidas Janam Asthan (Birth place). His ancestoral profession or occupation was leather work. But from his childhood days, he devoted his life in spiritual pursuits on the sacred banks of Ganga Ji. In other words, he was immensely influenced by the lives of Sufi saints and ascetics who lived the lived in austerity. Be was the proponent of Bhakti Movement which changed the very lives of many a people who were considered as downtrodden.

AS A SPIRITUAL POEM AND RENOWNED CREATIVE POET

Guru Ravidas was hugely influenced by a Brahmin Shri Ramanand (A Bhakti Poet). It is creditable that he is also respectfully termed as the contemporary of Sant Kabir Ji ; a spiritual oriented who changed many a lives during his life time. It is also known that he was hugely influenced by Shri Ramananda, of Ramanandi Sampeadaya traditio, and his followers. This movement too had a lasting impression on the lives of Guuru Ravidas and his followers including the general masses.

GURU JI’S ENLIGHTENED THE MASSES WITH HIS WRITINGS

He had written so many poems which spread awareness and speak of emancipation humankind.

In one of the poems titled ESCAPE, he offers prayers to Lord Rama. He compares Lord Rama as the vast cloud and he as a peacock. Then he says that Lord Rama is the sandalwood full of fragrance whereas he is water which too is useful. The gist of this poem is evidenced that he cannot disssociate himself from Lord Rama in different forms and manifestations. Finally, he considers Lord Rama as the Master whereas he is His servant. Such is the devotion and focus of his Bhakti Marg for not only to enhance his self realization but also seek connectivity with God which he attained. In other words, in order to deliver from the difficult times, he banks on the Bhakti marg,,

ESCAPE

LORD RAMA

How to escape? I recite the name Ram
Lord, if you are sandalwood, I am water
with the fragrance in all parts of my body
Lord, if you are a cloud, I am a peacock
looking for you like a chakora for the moon
Lord, if you are a lamp, I am the wick (Bati)
with the light burning day and night
Lord, if you are a pearl, I am the thread
together like gold and suhaga
Lord, you are the master and I servant
thus is the devotion of Raidas

HE WAS REVERED BY ALL INCLUDING THE MEMBERS OF PRIESTLY CLASS

He was immensely influenced by the prevailing condition at that time, so much so he was spiritually inclined that all, including Brahmins respeccted him hugely.  During that time, he paid visit to places of worship in whole of India. It is to his credit that he left Saguna (With Attribute or Image) and begain his focus on Nirguna (Without Attributes or image) form and formulation of Almighty God.

ENLIGHTENING MESSAAGE OF GURU JI

HIS TEACHINGS IN THE POETIC FORMS INFLUENCED THE GENERRAL MASSES

He is said to have met Guru Nanak Dev Ji (The founder of Sikhism). It is also a fact that 41 Ravidas’s poems find mention in the Adi Granth. These poems are enlightening, rich in spiritual knowledge. His literary poems find mention in many other texts too for their rich spiritual knowhow. Those who follow Sant Ravidas are termed as Ravidasi. In other words, he is as respected while he lived as presently by the general masses due to his spiritual pursuits and literary works

RAY OF HOPE IN THE TEACHINGS OF GURU JI

These literary works include conflict and tyranny, resolution of disputes along with willingness to devote one’s life in different right causes.  He was the proponent of upholding the rights of all without any bias. His literary works tell us about the struggle for upliftment of all sections of society including the marginalised sections of the society. In other words interreligious and inter communal struggle prevalent during that period. It could be said that the writing of Sant Ravidas were immensely influenced by the dynamics of castes and other societical viewpoints prevailing. So much so Guru Ji was spiritually advanced and connected with Almighty God that he could show a stone floating in water or making the Ganges reversing its course. That was the spiritual forward path which he had achieved.

Guru Ravidas stressed upon the philosophy of knowing one’s own self. In Guru Raidas stressed upon NirgunaSaguna orientation. He believed in the Nath Yoga philosophy. It emphasisees about the union of the truths in many forms and merge with One Supreme. He was really imbued with the limitless love of God as envisioned in the Nirguna philosophy. This also form part of his Bhakti Movement.

ENLIGHTENING TEACHINGS OF GURU JI

GURU RAVIDAS JI’S teachings which influenced the general masses are given below:

• Through Guru Ji Bhakti philosophy, he resolved many of the spiritual doubts of the general masses.

• He did not desist from mentioning about his humble origin but he stood for the causes of downtroddens and marginalized people in the society in general.

• He stressed upon knowing the self in order to seek connectivity with God.

• He was the proponent of Nirguna; he subscribed to the idea of nondualism as enunciated by Vedic philosophy.

• He was against the idea of discrimination based on caste, creed or gender.

• He was the one who had attained God’s connectivity by following Bhakti Marg.

• His literary works stressed clear distinction between good and bad.

• He wanted all to eradicate egocentric tendencies from the society.

• Delving inside our own self can provide us self awareness and help vices which are prevalent in the society.

• Through his enlightening poems, he showcased his deep spiritual inclination which inspire us even today.

• If we follow the lives and enlightening teachings of Guru Ji, there would not be any difference on the basis if narrow-minded considerations.

ETERNAL LOVE

ETERNAL LOVE

A love which is all all-inclusive
A love which has the Almighty God’s blessings
A love where we do not demand but would like giving
A love where suspicion has no place while giving
A love where we get extreme joy in sharing and caring
A love which solves more problems than creating
A love which teaches us values of living
A love is based on understanding
A love which flourishes with every passing day & have no chance of diminishing
A love which is most enlightening
A love which is energy giving while sharing
A love which increases by every day passing
A love which kindles feeling of trust among all creatures living
A love where we do not care for caste, creed, colour or race while expressing.

A love which has not got any limitation
A love which has its sweeping but sweet implication
A love where there is not even an iota of hesitation
A love for which any sacrifice could be given without much reservation
A love which does not care for any narrow consideration
A love which does not have a particular day for its commemoration
A love for which all days have the same connotation
A love which helps in natural progression
A love from which we get utmost satisfaction
A love which is full-blown like a beautiful flower on all occasions
A love which is broadest in its application
A love where there is no regression but enough progression
A love which does not have any expectation
A love nobody prefers even losing ourselves for its fruition.
LOVE IS ALL ENCOMPASSING

A love with enriching experience
A love which surpasses all frontiers
A love which is eternal in nature
A love which takes us away from imaginary to a real one
A love whose fragrance spreads all around for others to emulate
A love which becomes an example and a model for change
A love which add to our knowledge about each other
A love which sets its own standards and agenda for others to follow
A love where losing or winning makes no difference
A love rooted in sublime and humane delicate touch
A love which broadens its base without an iota of bias
A love which spreads its heady scent for a wide
A love which is magical in nature
A love which is not theatrical in its character
A love which enlightens us and is not mechanical in nature
A love where we do not care for results
A love where every skepticism melts
A love which gives eternal peace
A love which takes our love to new heights
A love which erases all lingering riders.

LOVE CONNECT WITH SAINT VALENTINE

LOVE AND LIGHT ARE IMPORTANT IN OUR LIVES

A love which gives happiness in taking pain of others
It is similar to the  love of Saint Valentine
A Catholic Bishop of Terni
In Roman Empire
Who attained martyrdom for the sake of LOVE
For solemnizing a marriage secretly
Of condemned soldiers
For whom marriage was a bar
Under the Roman Empire’s law
And marrying those forbidden once to marry
Attracted the Saint’s imprisonment
And ultimately martyrdom
Which very year we commemorate.

While in the condemned cell of a prison
With his miraculous touch, he cured the daughter of the jail warden
Saint Valentine sent out a farewell letter
With words so eternal in nature
“From your Valentine”, These immortal words have become a grand brand
Presently for us all to express to our loved ones
With heart suffusing with delicate love
With a huge sprinkle of pride for such a love
Mixed with a huge smile write large on our faces
Lasting for good in our mind’s eye
And in real life too, we live with complete affirmation
That love binds us and bestows us God’s eternal satisfaction.

LOVE IS ALL ENCOMPASSING

ETERNAL LOVE

LOVE CREATES RAY OF HOPE AND ASPIRATION IN THE MINDS OF THE PERSONS CONCERNED

Truthfully, Love has many forms and manifestations. It multiplies as we divide it. Love, in essence, could be sacred, when we love our Creator. We warmly adore our parents and other relations. Then we love total stranger while we feel ‘empathetic pain’ for their pain and we would like to render helping to alleviate their pain. We express our love for our Gurus in the form of our devotion to them since they help us in our pursuit of seeking God. We care for our pets that also is a form of love

What a warmth in our emotions emanates when one is immersed in love! While showering our love, we involve ourselves totally. A true lover does not care for his/her own comforts and well-being while immersed in this sacred emotion of loving. Love, I feel, is not a business transaction. It is giving and giving with no expectations in return.

While we take love as a God’s gift, love gifts us many things in return which cannot be exchanged for anything in life. This return gift is all encompassing – a saintly feeling for us all. It generates warmth in our heart and a nostalgic feel, a deep longing which we want to exchange with others so that it spreads from one to many.

Then, there is a special type of love – love for the country of our origin. So much so we are swayed by its love that we would like make supreme sacrifice for ensuring safety and security for protecting its integrity. There are umpteenth examples of the personages who immortalized themselves for protecting the independence of the land of his/her birth. That is also a form of love.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated on 14th February every year. There is a very popular account that a Christian saint was imprisoned and prosecuted under the Roman Law for solemnizing the marriage ceremony of soldiers who were not allowed to marry. Saint Valentinus performed the marriage of these soldiers and broke the Roman Law. There is also a legend that while being in the prison; he healed the daughter of the jailer named Asterius.

Legend have it that before he was to be executed he wrote a letter finally signing as: YOUR VALETINE to bid adieu.

May this day usher in indelible love to us all and removes doubts and differences from us all in fact without biases.

LOVE IS ENLIGHTENING

ON BEING POSITIVE

ON BEING POSITIVE

NATURE AT ITS BEST FORM IS REALLY PLEASING AND INCULCATES POSITIVITY

When wind is blowing furiously
Which is taking away everything with its ferocity
Never lose hope
There would be something left to latch on
And save us from the fury of wind
Therefore, positivity matters the most.
When fallen under the spell of fear psychosis
Every future step taken is wrapped in suspicion
With defeatist thoughts overpowering
self-belief originated from inner potential
Inculcating in the process an environ of inner calm
Since with positivity everything is possible.

NATURE INCULCATES POSITIVE FEELING

While dealing with corrupt ones
Where soft emotions has no value
Since everything has asking price
More the vital job, more the price-tag & vice versa
The persons with incorruptible mindset
Don’t stain their moral fiber
With the shady deeds
Since they possess positivity indeed.

When provoked into anger by somebody of your own
Mindfully introspect the likely reason
If you think fault lies on your door-step
Take steps to mend your ways
Before it is too late
Since relationships stand on the solid pillar of trust
Relations totter under the weight of distrust
Therefore positivity matters the most.

When somebody accuses you unjustifiably
Maintain your equanimity
With sincere effort at your command
Since minding anything or everything will not pay any dividend
Forgetting and forgiving is the solution considered as the best
Therefore positivity matters the most.

When somebody resorts to unhealthy criticism
Do not be overly concerned about such a scorn
Will surely discern
You are being unreasonably criticized
No problem then, for God’s sake!
Since positivity matters the most.
When you are feeling dismally down presently
Sure enough, with ‘time’ you’ll feel at the top one day
Trust, belief in self and God will mend matters
Since positivity matters the most.

When engulfed in the black clouds
Hovering on the horizon, so very deep
Self-confidence could steer clear off the black clouds
This self-assurance is got thru practical experiences
Unlearning what is not needed
And imbibing what suits the most
Since positivity matters the most.

When we see somebody in pain
If we feel pain and play our part
To alleviate the pain experienced
It is the exercise of understanding empathetic pain
Since positivity matters the most.

When we’re ignored and left to fend for ourselves
Manifestation of love by our own well wishers
Will steer us clear
From the situation so dire
Since positivity matters the most.

When we see our colleagues in fix
While trying to fix the problem at hand
A slight succour will help
To let the person concerned
Come out of the problem
Since positivity matters the most.

When, of necessity, have a bitter pill
It is hard to ingest
Because of its bitter taste
But its affect would be far reaching
To the ailment in the person concerned
Since positivity matters the most.

NATURE IN ITS PRESTINE FORM IS REALLY APPEALING

WHAT IS OUR POSITIVE TRAIT?

SUN RISE SCENE

In essence, positive attitude is not a commodity kept on the self of a shop. It is the trait which is acquired over a period of time with a lot of honesty of purpose and sincere self-effort to fructify our effort. In acquiring positivity, we’ve to experience ups and downs of lives – sometimes we fail and other times succeed. Ultimately our effort is to be self-aware, imbibe good traits or positive traits while eliminating the unsuitable ones. A person with positive trait sees something good in everything under the sun. If such a person experiences inapt situation, he enjoys facing such a situation and changes his mindset accordingly, along with it, changing the insppropriate situation into positive one. If he is not able to change the negative situation into positive one, he dissocites himself from the prevailing situation and condition.

MULTI COLOURS OF NATURE

POSITIVITY IS A STATE OF MIND

Positivity is a trait which could be imbibed by following a particular way of life. It is a mindset. It is not a product which could be could be purchased from a market place. it is a mannerism which could be have by following a down-to-earth way of living, practical in its orientation, following which could transform our way of thinking and acting.

AMAZING SCENE

Our effort should be to ridding our society from       dishonest or corrupt people after but in the society who are incorruptible mindset.

OUR SOCIETY AND  POSITIVE  ATTITUDE

Importantly, there are occasions when we’re constrained to work in corrupt filled environment. It may be in an organisation or in the society we’re living. Such selfcentred and greedy people are blot on the society in which such a people are living because they’ve pricetag for anything or everything in order to quench their thirst for aggrandizing or satiating their greed. A few months back, I had a bad experience of dealing with such a corrupt official. A job which could have been done thru online after payment of dues, I was moved from pillar to post for getting my things done. For the payment of around Rs. 100/, I had to spend Rs. 500/ on transportation from one office to other. Our effort should be to ridding our society from dishonest or corrupt people after exposing them and bring them to the public glare. while glorifying the honest and sincere people.

We should also highlight the contribution of honest officers who achieve their stature and status due to their sincerity and honesty of purpose. Such people are the examples for others to follow.  I have the pleasure of quoting and bringing to fore a most efficient Senior Officer with his finetuned professional outlook, honest to the core besides being most humble in his attitude.  Such a public figure is Mr. R.K. Yadav, ADO, Fire Station, Hari Nagar, New Delhi.  My warm regards for an honest officer along with his professional staff members deployed to ensure wellness of the society in general in his sphere of activity; fire services.

SCENIC INDEED

IS MEDITATION ENOUGH TO CHANGE OUR MINDSET?

Sometimes a question pops up in our mind; is the meditation or prayer enough for us to put our life in proper perspective and in the process bestowing us positive feel? I think mere meditation or prayer is not enough, we’ve to change our pre-conceived viewpoints of our life. This includes streamline our entire life wherein our emotions, thoughts and actions are significant factors notwithstanding the challenges we would be facing in our life – which I think have to be there always.

APPRECIATION OF BEAUTIES OF NATURE

ATTRACTIVE IN ALL FORMS

There are people who spoil the beauties of nature by throwing litters and wastages along with spewing harmful gases into the environ spoiling the beauties of nature, the consequences of which are there for us to see; more rains and dry spells etc. By doing so, we spoil the balance of nature which changes the climatic echo-system resulting in polluting the water bodies, pollutting the air with poisonuous gases, increase in temperature of oceans with disasterous consequeces for our environment.

When we are positively oriented, we keep our surroundings clean and tidy; do not spoil nature by our own omissions and commissions. If we want to see beauties of nature, we should try to keep it uncontaminated and do not spoil it. We should appreciate beauties of Nature in its different forms and manifestations. A positive oriented person sees positivity in anything and everything while obeying the dictates of Mother Nature.

WONDERFUL SCENE

ADMIRATION FOR A WORK WELL DONE OR APPRECIATION OF  SINCERE  ATTEMPT

We must have observed people who are in the habit of resorting to irrational criricizing without realizing that one day these will boomerang on us ultimately. A person who admires the work of his colleagues or subordinates earns for himself goodwill and respect in the organization. It is not merely the ‘work well done’ which should be appreciated but also sincere attempt which will spur the person concerned to put in more efforts.

WONDERFUL NATURE

MANIFEST LOVE

For inculcation of positively oriented lifestyle, it is must that we follow love as its first and foremost unit of change. We know that all the creations originate from love. It is also a fact that love connects us not merely with humans, but also with other creations and finally with our Creator. Our objective should be to consciously inculcate love in ourselves that is, first to love our own self and then transmit that love to others.

ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND THE BITTER THINGS ARE NOT HARMFUL

We must have worked with different sorts of heads of organization. There are ones who are very soft, there are the ones who are mild in their temperament but there are the ones who are very hard task masters. I have observed that the last ones are hard but very knowable in their profession. They not only criticize the shoddy work done but also tell the subordinates as to how best to enhance their work output methodically and systematically. I have experienced that we get more awareness from criticism than appreciation. Our effort should be to be adaptive to change and try learning from others experiences and not fear transformation in work culture – even when the path is littered with hurdles. We are aware that neem leaves are very bitter in taste, but these are better germ killers from our system. Similar is the case with the saner advice. It may sound very straight-jacketed but it is useful for us if we make that advice applicable in our life.

KINDNESS/COMPASSION

We have not merely show kindness but also practice it in our daily lives so that by doing so we not merely change others life in our proximity but while doing so transform ourselves too. It should not be often-time repeated practice. Further, it should not be with any expectations, a selfless exercise while we are showing any compassion towards others.
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A VOW TO OURSELVES

While following a righteous course, it should not be a one time show, it should be made an oftentimes repeated practice. For this, even if we have a take sincere vow, we should do so. By so doing, we can consolidate the foundation our determined path.

DESTENY & HARD WORK

In order to be practical, it is in the fitness of things to perform our Karma or duty as a Karma Yogi but never get overly attached to the fruits of our Karma. If we remain thinking about the fruits of our action then we get unreasonably attached to the results of our actions thus cannot tocuss our attention. Further, we should not take pride in doer-ship as destiny too comes to play in ultimate results of our action. Therefore, success or failure should not distract us from our Karma Yoga. Remaiing positive in all eventuality is the option.

BEING IN HIGH SPIRIT

We all have potential to act but how enthusiastically we accomplish a task at hand depends on our own inner strength and will to execute such a task. High spirit in all eventualities should, therefore, be our motto.

SINCERITY IN OUR ACTION

It should be kept in mind that a work done with utmost sincerity, disciplined and dedication count a lot in the final analysis. Honesty in the performance of our Karma or duty gives us inner satisfaction.

DETERMINATION OR WILLPOWER WILL DELIVER US FROM ANY PROBLEM

For fructifying any task at hand, the strength of our mind to transact anything play a significant role. For instance, if we fail to get something done in the first attempt, we can try again. Failure should not be an impediment to our effort but should form part of our character.

ADORATION OR HIGH REGARD

When we accord high regard for others, it goes to show that you understand the person concerned thoroughly, and while do so, you showcase the same while alone or in front of others. Appreciation others’ noteworthy or remarkable performance shows that you are critically examining the persons. If there are weaker areas, then, the same could be mentioned in privacy.

EMPATHETIC PAIN

While living in the society, we come across people experiencing pain or pleasure. It is our ability to understand and feel pain while seeing somebody in pain is pain empathy and then alleviate pain in whatever way you in your capability.

NOT TO BE REACTIVE & TO MAINTAIN CALMNESS

NATURE AT ITS BEST

Some provocation notwithstanding, we can maintain level-headedness if we have imbibed the traits of keeping balance in any situation and condition. This calmness serenity also happens while in confusion, anxiety, under the spell of fear-psychosis, homesickness condition, anticipation of something bad etc. That is the positive trait of an individual.

JOY & SOLLOW MAKES NO DIFFERENCE TO A PERSON WHO LIVES WITH POSITIVE MINDSET

In essence, for a person who is positive in his orientation, for such a person joy and pleasure situation are same. He does not get imbalanced in pain nor too much of pleasure. In Bhagwad Gita it has been rightly said that trials and tribulations will always be there in life. We should be happy during these ups and downs – never get devastated while under the spell of downs.

EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE

One thing which sets us apart from self-centered person is that we express due gratitude as and when required. Even we have to thank God for giving us everything which we need. In Bible, it has been clearly mentioned: “Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; make them remember that His name is exalted.”

FORGIVING AND FORGETTING

A person with positive attitude never keep anything negative in mind. If somebody displeases him by the acts of omissions and commission, he forgives and forget the episode there any then and does not live with the unpleasant event.

HAPPY BASANT PANCHAMI (5TH FEB.)

BASANT PANCHAMI ASSOCIATED WITH KNOWLEDGE & WISDOM WITH THE BOUNTIFUL GRACES OF GODDESS MAHA SARASWATI JI

GODDESS SARASWATI BESTOWS HER GRACES IN THE FORM OF KNOWLEDGE, ART, WISDOM, MUSIC WHICH HELP ENLIGHTEN HUMANITY

Festivals obviously is the huge reflection
That a society as a whole is on the move – a dynamic one
And respects its traditional norms.

Some festivals are seasonal in nature
Others are related to beliefs so prevalent
In which one thing common in all of these festivals
is that people play a part in each of these events
Which fill the participants with positive synergy
While they take part with true spirit and enthusiasm.

Basant Panchami has religio-seasonal connotations
After tolerating the chilling cold of winter season
There has begun much awaited dawn of a season
Indeed so very pleasant in every manner of speaking
When Mother Nature too showcases its multi-coloured appearance
Wherein a carpet of yellow mustard plants are one of the best manifestations
People put on their yellow attire, so graceful
And imbue themselves in natural yellow colour, so stunningly elegant.

There is a legend attached to Basant Panchami festival
Lord Brahma, the Lord of Creation
Happened to see earthwards
After witnessing the condition of his creation on the Mother Earth
He felt very sad on seeing
The Mother Earth was bereft of any greenery
Since plant-life with its greenery represents life in all its forms
He scattered some water from His jar,
To the huge surprise of all living beings
Lord Barahma too gifted greenery to the plants in abundance
A scenario so very delightful indeed
Bringing in its wake brightness in natural spectacle
Bringing about verve and vigour in everybody’s life.

Lo and behold, there appeared Goddess Saraswati
The giver of wisdom and learning
Music, art and craft and knowledge
While inculcate love and light all around
Goddess Saraswati spreads positive energy too
So very suffusing with joy full of life
Her advent brings in its wake greenery all around
With affluence so abundant everywhere our eye could survey.

She too is termed as the Goddess of Basant Panchmi!
When yellow flowers sprout in the fields – so enchanting.

Yellow or white flowers are also offered to Goddess Saraswati
Along with chanting of beej mantra
OM EN SARASWATE NAMON
For earning her bountiful graces
Devout also put on yellow or white coloured clothes
Suiting the occasion.

Even our food items exhibit yellowness
With saffron strands giving yellow colour
Emitting sweet fragrance everywhere.

People worship the musical instruments
Art, craft and all the learning mediums
For these are the gifts of Goddess Saraswati
Processions in the honour of the Goddess are also taken
To beseech Her to bestow humans the knowledge and wisdom
Along with power to find the difference between truth and falsehood
Her four hands symbolize ego, intellect, alertness of the mind
Her white dress symbolizes transparency and purity
And she loves truth in all forms
Her postures of sitting too has vast meaning.

Our humble prayers to Thee O Goddess Sarasvati
The embodiment of learning, art and craft, so very enriching
We implore Thee O Goddess to remove illiteracy
And ignorance/darkness from our midst
And bring forth the dawn of enlightenment with love and light
Remove ego as You are the giver of wisdom
And do imbue us all in THY INDELIBLE COLOUR

A YELLOW COLOUR IN THE FIELDS IS A MOST PLEASING SIGHT WHICH MAKES THIS DAY A MOST ENCHANTING ONE

BASANT PANCHAMI (WISH YOU ALL HAPPY AND COLOURFUL BASANT PANCHAMI

GREEN AND COLOURFUL BASANT PANCHAMI

Basant has been taken from Sanskrit word VASANT’ which means Spring season. Basant Panchami (5^th February) is celebrated in the honour of Goddess Saraswati in different parts of India.

GODDESS SARSWATI IS DIVINITY OF KNOWLEDGE

Goddess Saraswati is the divinity of knowledge (music, arts, science etc). We worship the Goddess so that she may bestow us necessary knowledge and remove the ignorance from our midst. On this day, people also initiate the education of their small children in their homes or schools besides it is considered auspicious to start new ventures businesses. Anything and everything initiated on this day with sincere prayers gets fructified as the graces of Goddess Saraswati remains on such a person.

The chanting of Beej Mantra: OM AIGN MAHA SARASWATIYAN NAMAN (ॐ ऐं महासरस्वत्यै नम)  meaning I meditate and bow to thee Maha Saraswati. By chanting this Beej Mantra with utmost sinceriR, we get Her bountiful graces for all including the student community.

YELLOW COLOUR REPRESENTS PLEASANT FEELING

VASANT PANCHAMI

Vasant Panchami is also termed as Saraswati Puja, Shree Panchami and the Basant Festival is celebrated on the 5th day of the traditional Indian Calendar month of Magha in the month of February every year. This festival is celebrated in the states of Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Odisha, West Bengal and Tripura among others.

This festival is seasonal one since it marks the end of Winter and the beginning of pleasant spring season. Literally, Vasant Panchami means the Fifth Day (Panchami) of Spring (Vasant). It is celebrated 40 days before Holi., the festival of colours.

YELLOW FLOWERS OF SUN FLOWER ARE A TREAT TO WATCH

TRADITION OF VASANT PANCHAMI

The festival of Vasant Panchami is a seasonal festival and is celebrated by Hindus. On this day worship of Goddess Saraswati is done. Goddess Sarswati is the Goddess of knowledge, wisdom, art, culture, music etc.
When the Lord Brahma the Mother Earth and with it the humans, he found it very quiet therefore he created Goddess Saraswati by sprinkling some water in the air. Since she came out of the water that is why she is also termed as Water Deity too. Goddess Saraswati, wither enchanting music and sweet music and sweet voice enthralled the world. Her four hands symbolize ego, intellect, alertness and the mind. Also, she is shown to be seated on a lotus or a peacock adorns a white dress.

FLOWERS AND GREENERY AROUND MAKES THE ENVIRONS JOYOUS

FAMOUS LEGEND

We know that Goddess Saraswati bestows us knowledge and wisdom over and above ability and proficiency of excellence in music and art. A popular legend with this festival is that after Kalidasa (in 4th – 5th Century CE) married a beautiful princess, she found him to be unlettered and bereft of any wisdom, therefore, she broke her marriage with him. Thereupon, Kalidasa felt very disappointed and wanted to kill himself by drowning in the water. Goddess Saraswati (known for her wisdom and fair-play), realized about his predicament, came out from the river and advised him to take a both in the waters. After she had taken bath in the water, he had a perceptible change in his outlook, knowledge and wisdom with the bountiful graces of Goddess of Knowledge. This made him excel in creativity of writing poetry. His famous works include Kumārasambhavam, Abhijñānaśākuntalam, Raghuvaṃśa, Meghadūta, Vikramōrvaśīyam etc.

THE VIEW OF FLOWERS MAKES THE SCENE MORE PLEASANT

ASSOCIATED WITH YELLOW COLOUR

It is also a fact that yellow colour is basically associated with Vasant Panchami which represent the mustard plants in the fields which is more evident in the regions of Punjab and Haryana during Vasant season. The people too adorn yellow clothes besides take colourful food to mark the start of Spring Season. The dishes prepared too give yellow tinge especially with Jaggery (Gur) sweetened rice with dry fruit and flavoured with Kashmiri Saffron which makes a huge difference in feel and taste.

KITE FLYING

THE RISING SUN & LESS COLD MAKES THE ENVIRONS MORE PLEASANT

On this festival, the people enjoy kite flying. The sky is littered with kites of different colour and sizes. This is enjoyed by all age-group people.

ASSOCIATED WITH KAMADEVA AND RATI (GOD’S REPS OF LOVE & AFFECTION)

Season-wise, chilling cold season ends and start of more pleasant and enjoyable season starts – Basant Ritu. There is also a tradition that in Basant, there is air of love and affection which is associated with kamadeva and his wife named Rati. When we associate this day with Kamadeva, it means there used to be dance based on love in the royal palaces in which the women folks of the royal leanings and other girls used to dance’ (in their best attires) in the midst of singing suitable for the occasion – basically on love between Krishna and Radha. People put on yellow attire on this occasion in consonance with the flowering of yellow tamarind crops. It seems as though the Mother Nature has spread a yellow coloured cloth with seasonal flowers. There is also fragrance of flowers all around.

Basant Panchami is also called as Shree Panchami and Sufi which is observed in Sufi shrines. This festival is also celebrated in different parts of India though slightly differently. People enjoy kite flying, – Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, etc, Eastern India including Bengal wherein Saraswati idol is immersed in Ganga.

THE YELLOW TINGE IS PLEASANT

In schools and colleges too, in the morning hours, prayers to Goddess Saraswati are conducted in order to get her graces, blessings for enlightenment and removal of agyan (ignorance). Although whole of the day is considered promising yet most auspicious time is from sunrise to the midday (which is also termed as the Purvahna Kala) and it is considered as the propitious time to conduct Saraswati Pujan with great reverence and piety for seeking her graces.

FESTIVAL IS ASSOCIATED WITH DIFFERENT ASPECTS

In some parts of India, farmers conduct earth worship (Boomi Pujan) for more agricultural output from their fields before tilling their fields. People eat sweet rice and put on yellow clothes. The yellow colour is associated with Basant Panchami. Dandya dance is also performed on this day in Gujarat state which is also associated with harvesting, sowing and reaping etc. The tilling implements too are worshipped on this day by the farmers.

EVEN THE PIGEONS ENJOY THE SPRING AND PARTAKE THEIR EATABLE WITH OTHER BIRDS

This day is most significant for the farmers since some of them are agitating. The negotiations with the farmers are going and on and sure enough something good will emerge with the grace of Goddess Saraswati ultimately.

PRAYER TO LORD SHIVA AND LORD VISHNU AND SUN GOD

People in different religions also worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati including Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi and offer flowers including Sun God and other offerings for their wellbeing. Devotees and compassionate people also feed the needy on this occasion.

BASANT PANCHAMI IS CELEBRATED BY ALL

Saint Nizamuddin Aulia was famous for his generosity, compassion and simplicity coupled with humane heart. There used to be Langar at Dargah where food was served to all. When his nephew died, he felt so saddened that he stopped all the activities. Then Amir Khusrau wanted to bring him to his normal state. While seeing the women putting on their yellow attire, with colourful flowers, he also put on yellow clothes and flowers and went in front of the Saint. Upon seeing Khuarau in that dress, the Saint smiled. Hence Basant Panchami too is celebrated in Dargah of Saint Nizamuddin Aulia.

The Sikhs too celebrate Basant Panchami. Basant Raga or Spring Raga (composition) forms one of the well-known Ragas in Sri Granth Sahib Sahib Ji and sung with great reverence. The marriage of Guru Gobind Singh was solemnized on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami.
My sincere prayers to Goddess SARSWATI to grant us all knowledge and also wisdom to use this knowledge meaningfully in day to day lives thereby gain experience. The experience gained helps us to attain wisdom. Having attained wisdom through various experiences gives us insight into how best to come out of difficult situations with ease. Goddess SARASWATI, the deity of knowledge and wisdom paves way for us by making our sincere efforts purposeful.

THERE IS A FEELING OF LOVE & LIGHT AROUND