Thiruvathirai / Arudra Darisanam

                                                     


In Hinduism, it is believed that the Lord Nataraja, the dancing form of Lord Shiva was born on this day and it is considered as very auspicious.

The dance of Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja represents five things– Creation, Protection, Destruction, Release and Embodiment. It represents the continuous cycle of creation and destruction. The cosmic dance takes place in every particle and is the source of all energy.

Arudra signifies the golden red flame and Lord Shiva performs the dance in the form of red flaming light. Most of the temples around the world with Lord Nataraja and Shiva celebrate Arudra Darshan.

The most important Thiruvadharai festival takes place at the Chidambaram Shiva Temple in Tamil Nadu. The cosmic dance of Lord Shiva is enacted on the day. Chidambaram is considered as one of the five places that represent the Pancha Maha Bhootams (Fire, Air, Water, Land and Sky).

Pradosham

Significance of Pradosham:


Lord Shiva performed the sandhyanritya or evening dance, appearing between the horns of his vehicle, the Nandi (bull). On this occasion, it is said that Saraswati played Veena; Indra the flute, Vishnu the mridangam and Brahma kept tala or beat to Lakshmi’s singing –a truly divine ensemble. The time span between 4:30 and 6:00 in the evening of trayodashi both during the waxing and waning phases of the moon when he performed this divine tandava dance came to be sanctified as the PRADOSHAM.
As the name indicates, devotees who worship Lord Shiva during the Pradosham hours, get rid of all their "doshams" committed either knowingly or unknowingly or those committed in their previous birth.
It is also said that during pradosham, ALL the devas are present to witness the incident, and hence devotees thronging to the temple to get a darshan of Lord Shiva also get the blessings of whom we call the mupathimukodi devas.

Vijaya Ekadasi Vratham

Ekadasi Vratham is considered to be one of the greatest Vrathams, and Vijaya Ekadasi Vratham is considered to be the most supreme. Those who observe a fast on this day and pray sincerely will get "Vijaya" or victory in all that they do.Greatness of Ekadasi Vratham:

There is no equivalent mantram than Gayathri, there is no equivalent theertham than Kasi and finally, there is no Vratham greater than this Ekadasi Vratham.

The main aspect of this Ekadasi Vratham is for self control (i.e.) focusing our entire soul towards Sriman Narayanan. And for an every Hindu, this Vratham is one of the best viradham that he/she should follow and this is said to be the best way to pass through the doors of Sri Vaikundam to get the Dharshan of Sri Vishnu.

"Ekam" means one and "Dhasam" means ten. This Ekadasi comes on the 11th day and this day is said to be one of the luckiest and good day to follow.

Since, the 11th day is for the Dharma devathai, it is said that one who follow this Viradham will attain the Moksha and if all the persons follow this Vratham, the entire world will become happy surrounded by good thoughts and actions.

So the best results are obtained when we fast on that day. If you are not able to, then you can pray sincerely to Lord Vishnu.

Pradosham

Significance of Pradosham: Lord Shiva performed the sandhyanritya or evening dance, appearing between the horns of his vehicle, the Nandi (bull). On this occasion, it is said that Saraswati played Veena; Indra the flute, Vishnu the mridangam and Brahma kept tala or beat to Lakshmi’s singing –a truly divine ensemble. The time span between 4:30 and 6:00 in the evening of trayodashi both during the waxing and waning phases of the moon when he performed this divine tandava dance came to be sanctified as the PRADOSHAM.
As the name indicates, devotees who worship Lord Shiva during the Pradosham hours, get rid of all their "doshams" committed either knowingly or unknowingly or those committed in their previous birth.
It is also said that during pradosham, ALL the devas are present to witness the incident, and hence devotees thronging to the temple to get a darshan of Lord Shiva also get the blessings of whom we call the mupathimukodi devas.

Why do we offer a coconut?

In India one of the most common offerings in a temple is a coconut. It is also offered on occasions like weddings, festivals, the use of a new vehicle, bridge, house etc. It is offered in the sacrificial fire whilst performing homa. The coconut is broken and placed before the Lord. It is later distributed as prasaada.

The fibre covering of the dried coconut is removed except for a tuft on the top. The marks on the coconut make it look like the head of a human being. The coconut is broken, symbolising the breaking of the ego. The juice within, representing the inner tendencies (vaasanas) is offered along with the white kernel - the mind, to the Lord.
A mind thus purified by the touch of the Lord is used as prasaada ( a holy gift). In the traditional abhishekha ritual done in all temples and many homes, several materials are poured over the deity like milk, curd, honey, tender coconut water, sandal paste, holy ash etc. Each material has a specific significance of bestowing certain benefits on worshippers. Tender coconut water is used in abhisheka rituals since it is believed to bestow spiritual growth on the seeker.
The coconut also symbolises selfless service. Every part of the tree -the trunk, leaves, fruit, coir etc. Is used in innumerable ways like thatches, mats, tasty dishes, oil, soap etc. It takes in even salty water from the earth and converts it into sweet nutritive water that is especially beneficial to sick people. It is used in the preparation of many ayurvedic medicines and in other alternative medicinal systems.
The marks on the coconut are even thought to represent the three-eyed Lord Shiva and therefore it is considered to be a means to fulfill our desires.

Karadayan Nombu

During Karadayan Nombu women invoke the blessings of Goddess Gowri to obtain an ideal husband during all seven births. He who will understand her when she is happy, sad, worried, afraid.While unmarried girls pray to get a good husband, married women pray for their husband's long life.



Story behind Karadayan Nombu:
The story behind this festival is said to be that of Sati-Savithri.
Savithri was born as the daughter of King Asrapathi. When she was asked who she wished to marry, she pointed to Sathyavan, who lived in the forest. Sage Narada warned her that Satyavan would die within a year of marriage, but still she married him.
During her life in the jungle, Savithri began to pray for her husband's life. Her offerings were durwa grass and peepal leaves.She performed offerings and neivedhyam with wild rice and thuar dal. We in our houses during this Nombu, use the same, what we call as kaara arisi and thuvaram parrupu that is why this festival is known as karadayan nombu.

When the last day of Sathayavan dawned, Lord of death Yama came promptly to take his life away. But since Yama was pleased with her nombu, he wanted to grant her a boon, with the condition that she shouldn't ask for her husband's life. Savithri expressed her desire to be the mother of100 children. Yama realized that in order to grant Savithri's wish he would have spare Sathyavan's life.So he granted her wish to honor her courage and devotion to her husband. So this Karayadan Nombu saved and protected her husband.

Prayers are offered to Goddess Devi in all forms and women think about Savitiri and wear a yellow thread round their necks they chant the following sloka

Sanskrit Sloka:
Throram Krishhnami subhake saharitham Dharami aham bharthu Ayushya Sidhartham supreethabhava sarvadha

Tamil Sloka:
Urukaddha Venneyum oradhayam naan nootren Orukkalum en kanavar ennai vittu pririyadhirukka vendum

Timing:
Nombu has to be finished in the month Maasi and before the beginning of the month of Panguni which happens on the same day March 14th 9:14 a.m. The time for the nombu is specified as 7:30 - 8:30 a.m

Neivedhyam:
Neivedhyam consists of Adai made out of rice and butter, and adai made of rice and jaggery also, along with butter kept seperately.
Vethalai paaku pazham is also offered to the Goddess.

Shashti, Shashti Vratham, Muruga Darisanam

Shashti, this time, falls on the 12th of March 2008. It is a unique day for Lord Karthikeya or Murugan, because the day has both Krithigai Nakshathram and Shashti Thithi.


Observing Shashti Vratham is also said to give childless couple, what they desire.

How to observe Shashti/Shashti Vratham:
Shashti fast begins at sunrise. It is broken the next day morning. Generally for people who cant keep a fast throughout the day eat only one meal that day.

Devotees listen or read stories related to Skanda and Skanda Purana. Visiting Muruga temples is also considered highly auspicious and good. Reading Kandhar Shashti Kavacham on this day is extremely beneficial. The link for the text along with the meaning is mentioned in the following link. Shashti Kavacham

Fasting or Vrathas are not just related to abstaining from food. They are also related to instilling positive thoughts, eliminating anger, lust, greed etc.

Since we are fasting on this day, the rice which we would have otherwise consumed, we can prepare that and do annadhaanam of it to the poor and needy. This will instantly add to our good karma.

Chathurthi Vratham

This Chathurthi Vratham is special for one of the 32 forms of Ganapathi called "Durga Ganapathi". It is a very significant vratham as fasting and praying on this day will provide "Sakala Kashta Nivarthi" or removal of all troubles and suffering.

Hindu Rituals Series - Why do we light a lamp?

In almost every Indian home a lamp is lit daily in the pooja room before the Lord . In some houses it is lit at dawn, in some, twice a day – at dawn and dusk – and in a few it is maintained continuously - Akhanda Deepa. All auspicious functions start with the lighting of the lamp, which is often maintained till the end of the occasion.




Light symbolizes knowledge, and darkness -symbolizes ignorance. The Lord is the "Knowledge Principle" is the source, the enlivener and the illuminator of all knowledge. Hence light is worshiped as the Lord himself.

Knowledge removes ignorance just like light removes darkness. Also knowledge is a lasting inner wealth by which all outer achievement can be accomplished successfully. Hence we light the lamp to bow down to knowledge as the greatest of all forms of wealth.

Why not light a bulb or tube light? That too would remove darkness. But the traditional oil lamp has a further spiritual significance. The oil or ghee in the lamp symbolizes our vaasanas or negative tendencies and the wick, the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the vaasanas get slowly exhausted and the ego too finally perishes. The flame of a lamp always burns upwards. Similarly we should acquire such knowledge as to take us towards higher ideals.
While lighting the lamp we pray:

Deepajyothi parabrahma
Deepa sarva tamopahaha
Deepena saadhyate saram
Sandhyaa deepo namostute

Meaning: I prostrate to the dawn/dusk lamp; whose light is the Knowledge Principle (the Supreme Lord), which removes the darkness of ignorance and by which all can be achieved in life.

Shivarathri

Shivarathri this year falls on the night of 6th of March 2008. But temples in some regions are celebrating it on the 5th of March. Please confirm with your local custom regarding the exact date.

Significance of Shivarathri:

Sri Maha Shivaratri means "The Night of Shiva". The pooja and vratham take place mainly at night. This is a festival observed in honour of Lord Shiva. Shiva was married to Parvati on this day. This is the night when Shiva is said to have performed the Tandava or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction.

People repeat the Panchakshara Mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" as it is said he who utters the Names of Shiva during Shivaratri, with perfect devotion and concentration, is freed from all sins. He reaches the abode of Shiva and lives there happily. He is liberated from the wheel of births and deaths. Many pilgrims flock to the places where there are Shiva temples.

Story behind the greatness of Shivarathri:

One of the many incidents told about the greatness of this day, is as follows. Once a hunter in a jungle after searching throughout the jungle, was quite tired and could not get any animal. In the nightfall a tiger started chasing him. to escape from that he climbed a tree. That was a Bilva tree. The tiger sat under the tree waiting for him to come down. The hunter who sat on a branch of the tree was quite tense and didn't want to sleep. He was plucking the leaves and putting down as he could not be idle. Below the tree there was a Shiva lingam. The whole night went on like this. God was pleased with the Upavasa (hunger) and the Pooja the hunter did even without knowledge. He gave the hunter and the tiger "Moksha".

What to do during Shivarathri:

One should fast the whole night of Shivarathri and break the fast next morning. Lord Shiva's name should be chanted with complete devotion. Shiva temples should be visited for obtaining Lord's blessings. Worshipping Lord Shiva during Shivarathri destroys the sins accumulated over a multitude of previous births and purifies the intellect.

Pradosham, Sravana Vratham

SravaNam or Thiruvonam is the nakshathram associated with Lord Vishnu. Hence, it has highly auspicious overtones . Sravanam is celebrated particularly in Uppiliappan Koil and Thirumalai ( and all other Venkatesa temples .Many Vishnu devotees observe Upavasam and do not consume any food and send a significant portion of the day reflecting on the glories of Lord Vishnu. Sravana Vratham and associated fasting is not as mandatory as the observance of Ekadasi Fasting and Dhvadasi breaking of fast . On SravaNam day , there is a huge assembly of devotees at Uppiliappan Sannidhi and Sravana dheepam is lit and carried around the temple premises .

Significance of Pradosham:
Lord Shiva performed the sandhyanritya or evening dance, appearing between the horns of his vehicle, the Nandi (bull). On this occasion, it is said that Saraswati played Veena; Indra the flute, Vishnu the mridangam and Brahma kept tala or beat to Lakshmi’s singing –a truly divine ensemble. The time span between 4:30 and 6:00 in the evening of trayodashi both during the waxing and waning phases of the moon when he performed this divine tandava dance came to be sanctified as the PRADOSHAM.As the name indicates, devotees who worship Lord Shiva during the Pradosham hours, get rid of all their "doshams" committed either knowingly or unknowingly or those committed in their previous birth.It is also said that during pradosham, ALL the devas are present to witness the incident, and hence devotees thronging to the temple to get a darshan of Lord Shiva also get the blessings of whom we call the mupathimukodi devas.

Ekadasi Vratham

Greatness of Ekadasi Vratham:

There is no equivalent mantram than Gayathri, there is no equivalent theertham than Kasi and finally, there is no Vratham greater than this Ekadasi Vratham.

The main aspect of this Ekadasi Vratham is for self control (i.e.) focusing our entire soul towards Sriman Narayanan. And for an every Hindu, this Vratham is one of the best viradham that he/she should follow and this is said to be the best way to pass through the doors of Sri Vaikundam to get the Dharshan of Sri Vishnu.

"Ekam" means one and "Dhasam" means ten. This Ekadasi comes on the 11th day and this day is said to be one of the luckiest and good day to follow.

Since, the 11th day is for the Dharma devathai, it is said that one who follow this Viradham will attain the Moksha and if all the persons follow this Vratham, the entire world will become happy surrounded by good thoughts and actions.

So the best results are obtained when we fast on that day. If you are not able to, then you can pray sincerely to Lord Vishnu.

Maasi Magam

Significance of Maasi Magam:

Masi Makam or Masi Magam is an important festival in the Tamil speaking world. The festival falls in the Tamil Month of Masi (February – March). Maham or Makam is one among the twenty seven stars in the astrological system. The makam star in the Masi month usually falls on the full moon day and is considered highly auspicious in many temples across South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry (Pondicherry) and Kerala. In 2008, date of Masi Maham is February 21.

One of the important rituals on this day is the taking of idols to the seashore or ponds. Therefore the festival is also referred as holy bath ceremony. Long processions from different temples arrive at the sea shore with the idols of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva. Idols from Shakti temples are also brought to the seashore. Pujas and other rituals are held at the sea shore and thousands of devotees throng the sea shore on this day to offer prayer.

There are numerous myths in vogue related to Masi Makam. Each temple has a myth for celebrating Masi Makam. The most important one is related to Lord Shiva. Legend has it that Lord Shiva appeared as a child before King Vallala of Tiruvannamalai who was an ardent devotee. The king had no child and Lord Shiva promised to perform his last rituals. The king died on a Masi Magam day and it is said that the Lord performed his last rites. Lord Shiva also blessed the king by saying that whoever bathes in the sea during Masi Magam will merge with him and will get ‘mukthi.’ It is believed that every year the Lord visits the sea to perform the last rites of the king.

Once in twelve years the Masi Magam attains even more significance and then Maha Maham is held. Apart from the full moon, during the Maha Maham there is the movement of Jupiter into Leo (singha rasi.) Maha Maham is of great importance at the Adi Kumbeswaran temple in Kumbakonam. There is sacred teerth (tank) called Maha Maham here.

Pournami Vratham

On the 20th of February is Pournami Vratham.
The pournami vrathams during the months of Adi, Karthigai, Vaigasi and Maasi are supposed to be special.

The ideal time to wake up, take bath and offer prayers according to hinduism is during Brahma muhurtham(4:00-6:00 a.m).

Significance of Brahma Muhurtham:A period of the day is called by the ancient Rishis as the “Hour of Brahman” -- Brahma muhurtha. In the early hours of the morning sandhya, the sky emits a pale bluish light or halo in the east. These Bluish rays coming from the east contain subtle awakening magnetism, which affects the brain. These dawn rays of a bluish hue have also got a soothing effect on the body. Also, the morning air is fully charged with Prana or vital energy. This living electricity is what the body cells require for sustaining good health. This Prana is what the Yogi requires for charging his six Yogic centers during the Sandhya Vandana of Gayathri.

The hour of Brahman is specially selected for Gayathri worship since at that hour the air is heavily charged with Prana and also the Sun's awakening rays of an electric blue radiate from the east before the physical Sun emerges form the horizon.

What we should do:Even if we are not able to follow it everyday, due to our lifestyle, atleast during this day on the special months mentioned above, it is recommended that we wake up and finish bathing before 6:00 a.m, to get the full grace of God, with sincere early morning prayer.

Somavaara Pradosham

Significance of Pradosham: Lord Shiva performed the sandhyanritya or evening dance, appearing between the horns of his vehicle, the Nandi (bull). On this occasion, it is said that Saraswati played Veena; Indra the flute, Vishnu the mridangam and Brahma kept tala or beat to Lakshmi’s singing –a truly divine ensemble. The time span between 4:30 and 6:00 in the evening of trayodashi both during the waxing and waning phases of the moon when he performed this divine tandava dance came to be sanctified as the PRADOSHAM.
As the name indicates, devotees who worship Lord Shiva during the Pradosham hours, get rid of all their "doshams" committed either knowingly or unknowingly or those committed in their previous birth.
It is also said that during pradosham, ALL the devas are present to witness the incident, and hence devotees thronging to the temple to get a darshan of Lord Shiva also get the blessings of whom we call the mupathimukodi devas.

Maasi Somavaara Pradosham:
Maasi pradosham (Pradosham during the month of Maasi is considered to be special as the month's name is said to be formed with the combination Ma+Si from U"ma" (Uma referred to as Goddess Parvati) and "Si"van. And Somavaram(Monday) is a special day for Lord Shiva every week.

I have been a witness to the Pradosham celebration at Kapaleeswarar temple right from my childhood. The sights and sounds of the extremely religious event with devotees thronging the temple and with chants of "Shambo Mahadeva" and "Hara Hara Shankara, Shiva Shiva Shankara" sends you to a totally different world.

Please try visiting a Shiva temple during pradosham to get a truly out of the world religious experience.

Madhawa Navami

It is on this day, that the exponent of Dwaita philosophy, Sri Madhwacharya, went to Badarikashrama and disappeared.
The temple town of Udupi bears Madhva’s memory at every step with eight Mathas and innumerable followers, who throng everyday throughout the year.

Madhvacharya was a great religious reformer and an orthodox commentator on the Brahma Sutras and the ten Upanishads. He was born in 1199 A.D. at Velali, a few miles from Udipi in the district of South Kanara in South India. He was a Tulu Brahmin by birth. He was born of Madhya Geha and Vedavati. Vedavati was a virtuous woman. Madhva is regarded as an incarnation of Vayu, the Wind-God.

Madhvacharya is the great exponent of the Dvaita school of philosophy. His Vaishnavism is called Sad-Vaishnavism in order to distinguish it from the Sri-Vaishnavism of Ramanujacharya. According to his philosophy, the Supreme Being is Vishnu or Narayana.

Renunciation, devotion and direct cognition of the Lord through meditation lead to the attainment of salvation. The aspirant should equip himself with the study of the Vedas, control of the senses, dispassion and perfect self-surrender, if he wants to have the vision of the Lord. These are some of the important teachings of Madhvacharya, the renowned exponent of the dualistic school of philosophy.


Religious Event Details- Courtesy: Aruna Venkataraman

Vijaya Ekadasi Vratham

Ekadasi Vratham is considered to be one of the greatest Vrathams, and Vijaya Ekadasi Vratham is considered to be the most supreme. Those who observe a fast on this day and pray sincerely will get "Vijaya" or victory in all that they do.Greatness of Ekadasi Vratham:

There is no equivalent mantram than Gayathri, there is no equivalent theertham than Kasi and finally, there is no Vratham greater than this Ekadasi Vratham.

The main aspect of this Ekadasi Vratham is for self control (i.e.) focusing our entire soul towards Sriman Narayanan. And for an every Hindu, this Vratham is one of the best viradham that he/she should follow and this is said to be the best way to pass through the doors of Sri Vaikundam to get the Dharshan of Sri Vishnu.

"Ekam" means one and "Dhasam" means ten. This Ekadasi comes on the 11th day and this day is said to be one of the luckiest and good day to follow.

Since, the 11th day is for the Dharma devathai, it is said that one who follow this Viradham will attain the Moksha and if all the persons follow this Vratham, the entire world will become happy surrounded by good thoughts and actions.

So the best results are obtained when we fast on that day. If you are not able to, then you can pray sincerely to Lord Vishnu.

Krithigai Vratham & Bheemashtami

Vrathas are called "Upavasas" which literally means "Living near God". The devotee voluntarily imposes on himself food restrictions and emotional restrictions.



Krithigai Vratham:For which God?
Lord Murugan or Subramanya

Significance of Krithigai vratham:
For oneness in the family

Bheemashtami:
The eighth day of the Shukla Paksha of the Magha month is known as Bheemashtami. It was on this day when Bheesma Pitamah passed away.

Ratha Sapthami

I am indeed very happy to start posting on the auspicious Ratha Sapthami Day.

Significance of Ratha Sapthami:

- It is said to be the day when Surya Bhagwan's ratha(his chariot drawn by 7 white horses) changes direction of travel. It is also considered as Surya Bhagawan's birthday.

- Ratha Sapthami is the seventh thithi after the Amavasya (new moon) thithi in the month of the Thai (mid January - mid February).

Scientific/Yogic Reasoning:

- The centerpiece of this worship procedure is the Ratha Sapthami ritual bath. The leaves of the erukku shrub (Calotropis gigantea, remember the "erukka maalai" we adorn Ganesha with on Ganesh Chathurthi? Its the leaf of that plant) shrub form an important part of the Ratha Sapthami ritual bath.

- Sri Agasthiar says that these leaves have an innate spiritual force that's similar to the one derived from the sihka knot and thus they can be used to achieve spiritual effects similar to those gotten from the sikha.

- The Ratha Sapthami worship procedure is designed to imbue us with gnaana (knowledge of the Divine) and launch us towards the Divine. Sri Agasthiar informs us that the practice of wearing one's hair in the sikha(kudumi) form is very conducive to the blossoming of gnaana. When sunlight falls on that head where the hair is tied in the sikha knot, it sets spiritual wheels in motion that start the process of gnaana acquisition

- But this is not practiced in modern times. So sage Agasthiya has mentioned an alternative.

How to worship Surya Bhagawan on Ratha Sapthami:

- On Ratha Sapthami day, wake up before sunrise, place a block of wood in the bathroom and seat yourself facing east.

- Place the following on your head (erukka leaves, some akshadai(turmeric mixed with rice, manjal) and take a head bath

- After the ritual bath, wear dry clothing and perform Soorya Namaskar and recite Sri Agasthiar's Aditya Hrudayam hymn. Link for it is here. http://sanskrit.safire.com/Sanskrit.html#pstotras -> Stotras to the Planets - Navagraha Stotras -> Aditya Hrudayam

In case you are not able to follow all of these, please do the following minimum things:

- Think of Lord Surya and pray to him sincerely on this day. He is the Lord who bestows good health and prosperity, hence pray to him for good health.

- In case you cannot chant Aditya Hrudayam or dont have the time, you can chant "Om Sooryaya namaha" 108 times and offer your prayers.

Introduction to the Daily Hinduism Blog

Hi,
In this fast paced world, we have hardly anytime for our Culture, Religion and Religious practices. We the current younger generation, do not know the signifcance of the different days of our Hindu Calendar and what we are supposed to follow and how. When we were at home, our moms used to take care of everything and all that we needed to do was be present at the time of the aarathi. But now, most of us are away from our parents. We feel that we dont have the time ot do anything and we are slowly letting our rich culture, tradition and festivals fade away. At this rate, we will not be passing on anything to our future generations. That is a really sad situation to be in, as our culture and religion are our only rich identities.

I created this blog, so that we know the significances of almost everyday of the year and what we are supposed to follow as rituals. Most of them are very simple. Please be aware that it is not necessary for us to follow all that is required of us, but I guess we can try our best and do whatever we can to keep the age old religious practices alive and give great benefits to all of us.
Believe me, every hindu ritual has got a scientific reason behind it and it will be really beneficial for us to follow them and gain good health, wealth, prosperity and spiritual elevation.

It is a learning process for me as well, and hence please feel free to add our comments/corrections.

Thanks.