Ashadhi Ekadashi

Ashadhi Ekadashi

Ashadhi Ekadashi falls on eleventh day of the bright lunar fortnight in the month of Ashadh. It is also known as Shayani Ekadashi [The Sleeping Ekadashi] or Prathama Ekadashi [First Ekadashi]. It is believed that on this day Lord Vishnu goes to sleep (Yoga Nidra) in Cosmic Ocean known as Ksheersagar or Aakash Ganga. This is beginning of Chaturmas the holy four month period of rainy season. Some people also describe Chaturmas as inauspicious.

With the Lord Vishnu asleep, the devotees turn to Lord Shiva for protection the reason he is worshipped during the month of Shravan. With Cosmos under care of Lord Shiva Asuras, who are favored by Lord Shiva, rise in the sky taking form of Disease, Disaster & Dark Clouds to attack Sky Gods. Indra and Other Sky Gods like Varuna fight them with their weapons like Vajra & Pasha which makes Asuras release the water to churn out underground wealth of Asuras.

In Maharashtra Ashadhi Ekadashi is celebrated with great pomp. The Palaki or Palanquin of Tukaram Maharaj from Dehu, Palaki of Sant Dnyaneshwar from Alandi and numerous other Palaki’s carrying the silver Padukas of various saints arrives at Lord Vithal Temple in Pandarpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi after a 21-day journey.

Name Vithal is originated from two words “VIT” meaning Brick & “THAL” meaning standing. Vithal thus literally means standing on the brick. He is believed to be manifestation of Lord Krishna and hence is depicted in Dark complexion. Coincidently Krishna is the only avtar of God born during the Chaturmas at the end of Dwapar Yuga. He was also well known for his penchant for breaking rules which probably makes him most suitable God to cope with Kali Yuga, the age of spiritual darkness.

There are many legends associated with Ashadhi Ekadashi. The most popular is that of Pundalik, an ardent devotee who he decided to pay a visit. Unmindful of the divine visitor at his doorstep, Pundalik who was attending to his parents inside threw a brick in his direction for the visitor to stand on. Obediently, Vithal stood outside the door with his arms akimbo waiting for Pundalik to see him.

 Vithal also has another name Pandurang which literally means White God or Lord Shiva. In their writings, Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram address Vithal, who is Krishna to most Maharashtrians, as ‘Vithai’ or Mother Vithal; God is Mother and not Father, for in love and devotion, gender is sublimated. Does it suggest that Vithal is Ardhanarnarishwar a form of Supreme God The Hara or Shiva whose bhakti requires lot of austere….

Celebration of Akshay / Vat Vriksha on Vat Purnima

Vat Purnima is celebrated on full moon day in the month of Jyeshta. Women observe fast and tie threads around a banyan tree and pray for the same husband in every birth.

Mahabharat tells us a story of Savitri who was born to the king of Madra, Ashvapati as a boon from Lord Sun/Savitr. Her father could not find her a suitable groom so he asked her to find husband on her own. Savitri found Satyavan son of king Dyumatsena, who had lost all his wealth, his sight and was living in exile.

Soon after her marriage to Satyavan she heard Devrishi Narada speaking to her father, saying that Satyavan is destined to die exactly after one year of his marriage. She stayed with Satyavan and his parents in the forest. On the day of Satyavan’s predicted death Savitri accompanies him to forest to help him cut the fire woods. After a while Satyavan felt tired and went to sleep in Savitri’s lap under a Banyan tree.

When the time of Death, of Satyavan, came Yamdoot, the messenger of Yama the God of death, came to take soul of Satyavan. But Savitri refused to part with the soul of her husband. Messenger after messenger tried to take Satyavan away, but in vain. Savitri could do this because of her chastity and power of tapa. Finally, Yama himself appeared before Savitri and insisted her to give soul of her husband.

When Yama forcibly took the soul away Savitri followed him. Yama then offered her boon; Savitri asked Yama to restore eyesight of her parents in law and also asked him to restore them as King and Queen of their kingdom. Even after she was this granted boon Savitri kept following Yama. So Yama offered her second boon against which she asked well being of her parents. This boon was also granted but Savitri was relentless and continued to follow Yama. When they approached Yama’s abode Yama offered her a final boon. She asked for a Son and Yama granted it. She then asked Yama how it would be possible to beget a child without husband. Yama was outwitted and had to spare Satyavan’s life.

In the memory of the above event the married woman pray and go around tying seven strings around the banyan tree to secure long life for their husbands and children. They also observe the fast for the full night.

Why is Banyan Tree one of the most venerated trees in India ?

Trees are considered Sacred in Hindu Tradition and almost all the Trees and Plants are associated with some God or Goddess. Tulsi Plant for example is associated with Lord Vishnu. Mango Tree is associated with Kama Deva, Banana and Coconut is associated with Goddess Laxmi, Durva is offered to Lord Ganesha,  Bilva is dear to Lord Shiva who is also known as Vrikshanath or Protector of the Plant Kingdom.

Banyan Tree is associated with Lord Yama the God of death. In olden days Banyan tree was was found on the outskirts of villages or near crematoriums. These trees marked the end of society beyond which the forests existed.  Vat tree was considered as abode of ghosts and at the same time was venerated as Hermit Tree.

The Vat, or Banyan tree is known as tree of immortality as it has the ability to survive and grow for centuries and is called Kalpavriksha, the tree that fulfills wishes and other material gains. It symbolizes Trimurti - Lord Vishnu is believed to be the bark, Lord Brahma the roots, and Lord Shiva the branches. Its aerial roots grow down into the soil forming additional trunks and is therefore called Bahupada, the one with several feet.

The Banyan tree though considered as sacred is never a part of Hindu ceremonies as it is not considered as a householder tree. Just as a Sanyasi or Hermit cannot raise a family banyan tree does not support a household or family. Other trees like Mango, Coconut and Banana are always part of ceremonies as they provide for and are useful for the family and household.

Trees like Coconut, Mango represents material aspect of Mankind and are associated with Goddess Laxmi and Kama Deva who represents fertility. The Banyan tree does not allow even a blade of grass to grow under it. The Banyan tree represents Spiritual side of mankind and is associated with God Shiva as it does allow rebirth and renewal.

Rshi Markandeya once had a vision of the great deluge, dead species floating in the Pralaya and Vishnu as a baby lying on the leaf of the vatavrksha floating in the great flood. The flood representing transitory nature of life.  The baby symbolizing the capacity of the new life to replace the older generation. The banyan leaf representing the symbol of eternity with the lord Shiva himself gracing this cycle of rebirth known as Kaal Chakra.

Story Of Narak Chaturdashi

Hiranyaksha was a very powerful Asura who had terrorized Devas and Manavas. He had pulled the earth from its orbit and had hidden her at the bottom of cosmic ocean known as Akashganga. While Hiranyaksha was dragging Bhoodevi to Ocean a child with qualities of Asura, was born and was known as Bhauma (Son of Bhoodevi).

Vishnu who in form of Varah Avtar rescued Bhoodevi, after killing Hiranyaksha, divined that Bhauma will harm the mankind and wanted to kill the child but Bhoodevi requested Lord Vishnu to spare and grant him great power & long life. She also promised Vishnu that she will take care of his proper upbringing. So Vishnu gave boon to Bhauma of long life and Power of indispensability and Cursed Bhoodevi that only she can become cause of Bhauma’s death.

Bhauma grew up into a very intelligent and pious young man under watchful eyes of Bhoodevi. Bhauma ruled Kingdom of Pragjyotishapura. Another mighty Asura called Banraj or Bana came in contact of Bhauma and both joined hands and decided to pledge a war against Devas.  Soon enough Bhauma was strongly influenced by evil nature of Bana and started torturing, terrorising and harassing his subjects and Devas earning him the name Narak.

Naraka raided the three worlds plundering the wealth. During his war with Indra he took captive 16,108 gram devis and brought them to his kingdom. He even assaulted Goddess Mother Aditi (Mother of Devas & Sister of Bhoodevi) and forcibly took her earrings. He also took Indra’s Umbrella or Parasol.

Indra after this humiliation approached Vishnu’s avtar, on earth, Krishna for help. Krishna decided to take help of his wife Satyabhama, who was a skilled charioteer. Satyabhama in her earlier life was Chandrasena wife of Mahiravan, she was secretly in love with Ram, and had saved Ram’s life. Ram had given her a boon that he will marry her in his next life, where Krishna marries Satyabhama.

A fierce battle ensued between Krishna and Narak. Krishna used all the imaginable weapons but could not defeat Narak. Narak finally threw a lance at Krishna which wounded him. Seeing Krishna wounded Satyabhama flew in rage and threw the same lance at Narak killing him instantly. For Satyabhama was, reincarnation of Bhoodevi, destined to kill Narak.

Krishna killed the cruel General of Naraka called Mura earning him the Title Murari. He also defeated Banasur but on intervention Lord Shiva spared his life.

Krishna then freed 16,108 Gram Devis and in order to restore their dignity married them. This 16108 gram devis protect villages from 16108 misfortunes and diseases. In India you will find every village having a temple dedicated to village goddess on the border of village.

Indra’s Parasol and Goddess Mothers earrings were retrieved and handed over to them. The kingdom of Narak was then brought under his Son Bhagdatta’s rule on request of Satyabhama who once again let her emotions rule over the logic. In Mahabharat war, Bhagdatta, who fought on side of kauravas, was killed by Arjuna after he unleashed deadliest of the missile if not for Lord Krishna this missile would have destroyed the mankind.

What made Narak and Bana to behave the way did? Bana was son of generous Asura king Bali. Both of them thought their respective fathers were treated unfairly by Devas. They considered themselves as victims rather than victimizers.

The Story of Narkasur teaches us to be selective of the company we keep; bad influence can bring about one’s downfall. Symbolically the story signifies that wellbeing of society must prevail over our personal feelings and bonds. One should not behave like Bhoodevi who secured boons for her son but did not prevent him from practicing the evil. 

Is Narakchaturdashi a message for our current political leaders that rather than linage, worthiness should be the criteria to lead a political party and to rule a Country?

Story of Dhantrayodashi

Dhantrayodashi is the thirteenth day of waning moon in month of Aswin and the first day of Deepawali. On this day Dhanwantari, the supreme physician, along with Arogya Lakshmi emerged from Cosmic Ocean during Samudra Manthan carrying with him the spiritual knowledge of Ayurveda. Somehow people have stopped worshipping Dhanwantari and Dhantrayodashi is getting more and more associated with wealth and Lakshmi Pooja.

Lakshmi Symbolises Fortune and Dhanwantari Symbolises Health. Human body is home to Devas and has to remain healthy so that a man can live a productive and vibrant life. In Vedic sense Earth, Water, Air, Space and Fire or Pancha maha bhuta are termed as pure wealth.  

Dhanwantari rose from the ocean in radiant form he had four arms. In one hand, he held the conch shell or Shankh, the auspicious symbol that spreads positive energy and purifies the surrounding air with its sonorous sound. In the second hand, he holds his Divine Weapon the Chakra, signifying that Ayurveda can destroy any evil force that attacks the body and mind. In his third hand is the Jalouka or leech, used in blood letting, one of the principal detoxifying procedures in Ayurveda, while in the fourth hand he holds the pot of elixir , which eliminates all disease and ensure immortality.

On this day 108 Medicinal Herbs like Coriander, Ginger, Turmeric etc. and Plants like Neem are worshipped to seek blessing of nature which is source of health and wealth. As Dhantrayodashi is a festival associated with physician of the Gods, cleanliness and hygiene is given importance.

In Modern times it is also celebrated as day of wealth or Dhan. On this day God of wealth Kuber also known as Dhanpati is worshipped. People have misconception that Laxmi is Goddess of Wealth. Laxmi is Goddess of Fortune and as fortune is associated with wealth people mistake her to be Goddess of wealth.

Lord Yama is also worshipped and this day is celebrated as Yamadeepdan. People believe that praying to lord Yama will prevent premature deaths in their families. And lamps are lit, facing South throughout the night in Lord Yama’s reverence.

At dusk a lamp pointing in north is lit at the doorstep to welcome Lord Dhanwantari for health and happiness in life.

Our collective role in preserving the Medicinal plants and herbs will go a long way in rejuvenating ancient science of Ayurveda. It will also help mankind to reverse the damage they have done to ecology.

Symbolism behind Deepawali

Deepawali

Deepawali the festival of lights is the five day festival which begins two days before Aswin Amavasya and ends two days after. Deepawali can be traced back to ancient India when it was celebrated as post harvest festival.

Many legends are associated with Deepawali and each day has its own myth and tale to tell. Some people believe it is festival to celebrate Lord Vishnu’s marriage to Lakshmi. It marks end of Ram’s and Pandavas exile. Deepawali ends Rule of two Asuras Narak & Bali. The festival also celebrates love of brothers and sisters.

Deepawali is celebrated with great pomp by making Rangoli, lighting fire crackers and illuminating homes with earthen lamps.

Rangoli is a traditional Indian art of decorating the threshold of the house. Rangoli is derived from Sanskrit word “Rang” meaning colour and “Aawali” meaning Row. Rangoli is drawn with rice flour mixed with colours on Threshold of house to welcome Lakshmi. Colours are important as they influence our emotions and consequently our decision making process.

Threshold has importance in symbology as inside the house one feels safe and protected and outside the house one has to struggle and compete. It’s Dharma inside the home and Matsya Nyaya (Might is Right) outside the home.

During Vedic Ages people used Vedic & Occult Symbols, like SriYantra, Shatkon, Panch Lakshmi or Pentagram, Ashtamangala, in Rangoli. If drawn correctly (in dimensions and colours) these ancient symbols have power to harness Cosmic Energy. The Knot of Eternity & Shield Knot (Earth Square) are potently powerful symbols of unity and purity. These are the symbols of Protection which were used in Rangoli.

Sadly Colourful and fashionable floral designs having no Symbolic Meanings adore modern Thresholds today.

In ancient times during Diwali, Kings and selected warriors, used to display their valor and skill by shooting arrows, chanting powerful Mantras, into the sky. The power of mantras used to transform these arrows into sparkling lights, dazzling fireworks and flowers that rained to the delight of cheering spectators (Subjects of the Kingdom) who use to gather in battlefield and streets to watch the spectacle. 

By shooting arrows in the Sky, Kings use to symbolically inform the Sky gods that they were grateful to Gods and Manavas residing on earth are now satisfied with the Harvest and the wealth churned out from Asuras. Arrows shot in the sky were request sent to the Sky Gods to end the War against Asuras, the hoarders of Wealth.

Today people burst the crackers which create Pollution and noise. The festival has become an event to show off the individual wealth rather than sharing the Joy.

A lamp in India has always been used to represent prosperity and long life. Lamps with four wicks are therefore lit during Diwali, to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune. Here it must be noted that the lamps lit must be in odd numbers.

Symbolically the earthen lamp is equated with Human Body. The lit lamp symbolizes spiritual knowledge. The Ghee or oil used as fuel to light the lamp is symbolized as our Vasanas or negative tendencies and the burning wick is equated with Ahankara/Ego. When a person gains spiritual knowledge his Vasanas get slowly exhausted like the ghee in burning lamp & like burning wick, which burns itself out people pray that their Ahankara/Ego is similarly eradicated.

Shubh Deepawali…………

Sharad Poornima

 Sharad Poornima is also known as Kumar Poornima or Kojagiri Poornima. It is the day when Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped.  Kojagiri literally means “Who is Awake” (Kon Jagrat).  Myth goes that Lakshmi Blesses the beings who are awake on Kojagiri Poornima.

The famous Ras Lila of Lord Krishna and Radha also took place on the night of Sharad Poornima.

It is also the day when Moon is celebrated. During this phase Moon is closer to earth and the rays Moon shed have curative properties. This traditional celebration of Moon is known as Kaumudi Celebration. Kaumudi in Sanskrit means Moon Light.

It is said that Supreme Goddess after killing Mahishasura on Dasara could not shed her Anger and Rage so she rested for few days and after cooling herself down took the form of Resplendent Goddess Lakshmi on Kojagiri poornima.

Lakshmi’s Four Hands Symbolise four directions & four ends of Human Life i.e. Dharma, Kama, Artha & Moksha. Her Red sari indicates activity. The Lotus indicates that while enjoying the wealth one should not get obsessed with it (Lotus flower though it grows in water never gets wet from the water it grows). The two Elephants standing beside her indicate Name and Fame implying that people should earn wealth to bring happiness in society.

It also signifies the end of Chaturmas a period during which Lord Vishnu goes to sleep leaving Cosmos in care of Goddesses and his Human Avatars.  Vishnu Sleeps from 11^th day of Shukla Paksha in Ashadh to 11^th Day of Shukla Paksha in Kartik. During his Slumber his Avtar’s on earth Ram, Krishna & Vaman ends up killing Rakshas & Asuras Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Naraka, and Bali.

During Chaturmas Shukra the Guru of Asuras uses his knowledge of Sanjivani vidya to rejuvenate the fertility of Goddess Prithvi. The seeds that are sowed during this period germinate and turn into crops generating food for mankind. This period is also known for its symbolic violence cutting of crops signifying that wealth generation involves violence.

Lakshmi is closely associated with Water which flows continuously. Hence she is known as Chanchala. Sharad Poornima marks the flow of wealth. Farmers who reap crops exchange their wealth with all the echelons of the society viz. Goldsmith, Ironsmith, Cloth Weavers, Potters, Carpenters, Herdsman and so on. This probably gives us a message that our Rishis were excellent Arthashastris or Economists.

Significance of Dusherra explained Mythologically.

Dusherra is celebrated as the last day of Navratri, after Goddess Durga Slain Asura Mahisha symbolically signalling harvesting of crops, turning Green Earth into Red Earth.  It marks the beginning of Rabi Harvest season and Vedic Gods and Goddesses were invoked to rejuvenate the fertility of the soil and fields.

It also marks the beginning of war season as during the ancient times kings used to cross frontiers to conquer new territories in neighbouring states. This practice was known as SIMOLLANGHAN.

The word DASARA or DUSHARA Originated from Sanskrit Word Dasha meaning ten and Hara meaning defeat, referring to Lord Rama’s victory over ten headed Rakshas king Ravan [Dashanan].

Ravana’s Ten Heads symbolized Ten Senses [Five Action & Five Perception] which he could not control; this is in contrast with Dasharatha [Ram’s Father who had controlled his Senses and had power and vigor of 10 Chariot Warriors]

The Ten Senses Ravan could not control were  Kamavasana (Lust), Krodha (Anger), Moha( Attachment), Lobha (Greed), Mada (Overpride), Matsara(Jealousy), Swartha (Selfishness), Anyayaa (Injustice), Amanavta (Cruelty) & Ahankara (Ego). People pray to Goddess Durga to get rid of these qualities from the household.

Dasara is also known as Vijayadashmi meaning victory on Dashmi the tenth Lunar Day.

Dusherra also has significance for Guru and Shishya Tradition:

Kautsa, a disciple of Rishi Vartantu, had to pay 140 million gold coins to his guru as guru dakshina. He did not have the required gold coins hence he went to Generous King Raghu of Ayodhya seeking his help. King Raghu unfortunately had donated all his wealth after performing a Sacrifice. Raghu did not want to disappoint and turn away Kautsa so he approached Indra and asked him to give 140 Million Gold Coins or get ready for the War. Indra in turn requested Kubera to rain the Gold coins on Aapti / Shami trees in and around Ayodhya. Kubera did as told and Kautsa collected 140 million Gold Coins and gave the remaining gold coins to King Raghu who in turn distributed it among his subjects. In remembrance of this incident people still present leaves of Aapti, on Dasara to each other as Gold.

It is also the day when Ravana became the Supreme Guru of Lord Ramchandra. A dying Ravana on the battlefield revealed and shared with Rama his immense knowledge on 10 Subjects : Darshan Shastra & Vedas (Philosophy), Neeti Shastra (Politics), Sankhya Shastra (Numerology), Jyotish Shastra (Astrology),  Vastu Shastra (Architecture), Artha Shastra(Economics), Nritya Shastra (Dance), Ayurveda (Medicine), Sangeet Shastra (Music) & Natya Shastra (Theatre& Fine Arts). This knowledge helped Rama in making him a better ruler in his later life as king of Ayodhya.

Since the creation of the universe the two forces Positive (+) and Negative (-) are working and will keep on working till the end of Universe. The fight of Supremacy between Positive and Negative forces will always go on.  These forces help in maintaining a balance in Cosmos. Boons and Curses translate into Positive and Negative forces and are integral part of Vedic Mythology.

 In cosmic sense Gods and Asuras fight continuously for the wealth. Gods pull the wealth from Asuras and Asuras pull it back from them and then the balance is restored. It’s a fight between beings residing in Sky (Swarga) and sub terrain (Patal).

Despite having all the wealth by their side Sky Gods are always insecure as they cannot create wealth like Asuras.

There is also continuous battle between Manavas on one side and Rakshasas & Daitya’s on other side. This battle is for the control of Prakriti [Nature] and Sanskriti [Culture]. Rakshas followed Matsya Nyaya meaning Might is Right while Manavas follow Dharma or code of conduct laid down by Manu.

Meaning of Dharma is changed on time to time basis and new rules are formulated to suit the convenience of Gods, Manavas & Rakshasas.

Who was Ravan? Ravan is Jaya the celestial doorkeeper of Vishnu along with his twin brother Vijaya. Jaya & Vijaya were cursed by 4 Primal sages, collectively known as Sanat Kumars, to take 4 births to experience the pain of living. In their earlier birth they were Asuras Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashyap. In their next Birth they were Rakshasas Ravana and Kumbhakarna. Vishnu took Avtar’s to slain them and to facilitate their reentry into Vaikuntha.

This justifies the Inhuman behavior of Ravan and Kumbhakarna to call upon the Lord Vishnu to end their life on earth, can be said as reverse bhakti.

Dusherra symbolizes victory of Good over Evil. When powerful people cannot control their Lust, Greed and Desire they change the Code of Dharma to create new rules which Suit their ambitions and end up pondering the Wealth of Prithvi which is meant to be shared among all her subjects. It ends up destroying the Prakriti and Sanskriti. Vijayadashmi teaches us to eliminate our Evil and Negative tendencies to Protect Prakriti and Sanskriti.