Significance of Mahashivaratri

Mahashivaratri  is the day dedicated to Lord shiva and also is referred as the great night of Shiva. It falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of Phalguna (February- March). This festival is purely religious in nature and universally observed by all Hindus. On this day devotees sing bhajans in honor of Shiva, recite Sanskrit shlokas (verses) from scriptures, offer prayers in the morning and evening, and some observe fasting throughout the day. People visit nearby temples of Shiva and offer prayers in large crowds. The prayers and worship continue late into the night when the devotees offer coconut, Bilva leaves, fruits, and specially prepared sacred food to Shiva and his divine consort Parvati. Offering Bilva leaves to Shiva on Shivaratri is considered very auspicious by his devotees. One who have Linga at home also undergo prayers and do abishek to Linga with fruits, milk, curd, rose water, and flowers chanting the panchakshara mantra of Lord Shiva with all serenity.

Mahakaleswar Jyotirlin, Madhya Pradesh

There are sevaral legends in Hindu mythology attributed to mahashivarathiri. 

Ocean Churning:

One very popular story traces the origin of this festival to the churning of the Ocean of Milk by devas (gods) and asuras (demons). It is said that when both gods and demons were churning the Ocean of Milk to obtain amrita (water of immortal life), they came across many unusual substances, including the deadly poison Kalakuta. As soon as they touched the poison, it exploded into poisonous fumes that threatened to envelope the entire universe by darkness. When the destruction of the universe seemed inevitable, the gods ran for assistance from Brahma and Vishnu, but neither was able to help. At last they ran to Lord Shiva, who raised his trident and condensed the fumes. 

Lord Shiva swallowing the poison

In order to save the creation, Shiva swallowed the poison without spilling a single drop. The poison left a dark blue mark on Shiva's throat. The gods praised and worshipped Shiva for saving the universe.Every month witnesses a day with Sivarathiri thithi. But Maha Sivaratri happens once a year and is celebrated in reverence to Lord Shiva. Sivarathiri literally means the night of Lord Shiva. This day, is celebrated on the moonless night of the month of Phalguna (Maasi in tamil), which is the fourteenth day in the krishnapaksha or dark half. Owing to a special planetary conjunction, spiritual practices done on this day are considered to be especially auspicious and beneficial. It is believed that in one of the Puranas(legends), Lord Shiva himself tells Parvati Devi that this day is very dear to him, and that those who perform the prescribed austerities on this day will be freed from all sins.

Somathaswamy Jothirlin, Somnath

One of the story behind Sivarathiri from Garuda Purana:

There was once a hunter from Varanasi named Suswara who lived with his wife and child in a small hut. Theirs was a hand-to-mouth existence. Suswara would go to the forest and hunt whatever game came his way, and thus feed his family. One particular day,The day before the new moon, while roaming through forests in search of animals, he saw a deer, but before his arrow flew he noticed the deer's family and their sadness at its impending death. So he let it live. He had still not caught anything when he was overtaken by nightfall.He was a little worried as the forest was infested with dangerous animals. He did not like the idea of spending the night there. Soon it became very dark. Unable to find his way back, Suswara took shelter on a tree to be safe from the wild animals.

Suswara was unable to get even a wink of sleep. He kept vigil throughout the night. To pass away the time he engaged himself in plucking the leaves of the tree and dropping them down onto the ground. The next day he returned home and bought some food for himself and his family. The moment he was about to break his fast a stranger came to him, begging for food. He served the food first to stranger and then had his own.

Unknown to Suswara, there was a Shivalinga at the foot of the tree; and moreover the tree he had taken shelter was Vilva or Bilva tree. By dropping the sacred bilva leaves, Suswara was making a sacred offering to the Shivalinga. That night happened to be Shivaratri. So the hunter had unknowingly kept a night-long vigil and worshipped Shiva.

How to worship Shivarathiri?

As by Shiva Purana, the Maha shivaratri worship or prayer should incorporate six items: 

1. offering bilva leaves to the deity after giving it a ceremonial bath, which represents purification of the soul; 
2. applying vermilion paste on the linga after bathing it, which represents virtue; 
3. offering food, which is conducive to longevity and the gratification of desires; 
4. lighting incense, which yields wealth; 
5. lighting an oil lamp, which signifies the attainment of knowledge; 
6. and offering betel leaves, which marks satisfaction with worldly pleasures. These six items form an indispensable part of the Maha shivaratri worship, be it a simple ceremony at home or grand temple worship.

Also look at:

1. Significance of Bilva leaves and Bilvastakam
2. What to chant on Sivarathiri?

Om Namasivaya ~~~ Om Namasivaya ~~~ Om Namasivaya ~~~ Om Namasivaya ~~~ Om Namasivaya 

Deepavali - The light festival - Reposting

Diwali - Sparkles joy and happiness

Diwali or Deepavali is popularly known to be the festival of lights that is traditionally celebrated all over the world in a grandeur manner by Hindus. It is the day the the entrances to all homes are lit up and decorated with rangoli patterns to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. This day has so many significances inbuilt with different myths to commemorate. It's an occasion for joyous celebration of a family, friends and relatives with exchange of sweets and delicacies among them,offerings to God and engaging in colourful fireworks. Some undergo five day celebration, while some a four day celebration and in southern part they do one day celebration. During these five days, Indian gold market and textile market raise high as people flood to market to purchase expensive textiles and jewellery which is a part of their celebration.

Actually let us look a galnce @

• Why Deepavali is celebrated? - The legends on Diwali
• How it is celebrated? Diwali or deepavali, being the festival of lights is celebrated all over the world as lighting the lamp of knowledge and victory of the good over the evils with different mode of their presentation, prayer and offerings to God. In India, the day starts with ganga snanam ( bathing in holy water), wearing new clothes, doing prayers and delicacy offerings to God and finally the family binds together blasting with crackers. But some parts of India celebrate Diwali in a unique manner as Moni Diwali, Maha Nisa, Danteras.
• Celebrations in India
• Celebrations among various religions
• Traditional functions in Temples
• Sloka to say on Diwali

Dassehra - A round up

From ancient times, the Navaratri festival which culminates in Dassehra, has been associated with a good harvest. On the first day, the day of Ghata Sthapana, a variety of nine grains is sown in mud around the Ghata (mud pot). On the day of Dassehra, these seedlings are cut and offered to the Lord. This practice is followed in other parts of the country as well. Rice plants from the fields are also used to decorate the doorways of homes.

Navratri is the longest festival in our country which is spread over nine(nav in Hindi) nights(ratri). Each part of the country celebrates Dassehra with devotion to the Supreme God or Goddess in paying gratitude andrespect for same or different legends.  Dassehra upholds unique rituals and methods of festivity in accordance with different regions of the country.The common legend is that Since Goddess Devi wageda very tiresome battle with demons like Shumbha ans Nishumba throughout the day, in the evenings, she was entertained with dance and music and worshipped for her valour. 

To my extend, I have tried to bring out the celebrations in major states of India here.

West Bengal

Pandal of Durga Puja in Kolkatta, West Bengal

Nothing can beat the spectacular presentation of Goddess Durga during Navaratri festival here. It is celebrated as Durga Puja. Huge idols of the Goddess Durga posed as killing the demon Mahishasura are worshipped everywhere portraying the legend. Huge 'pandals' are set up where the Devi is depicted as Mahishasura Mardini - the slayer of the demon Mahishasura. Devotees in large numbers visit to worship Goddess Durga. Men and women and children all dressed up in new clothes visit different ‘pandals’ to offer prayers to the Mother Goddess. The ceremonies are conducted amidst grand prayers, overnight pandal hopping and mass feeding. This is one of the biggest and most important festivals for the people of West Bengal. Currently, Durga Puja is famous all over he world.

Uttar Pradesh

Ram lila play in Uttar Pradesh

Dassehra is synonymous with Ram Lila in memory of Lord Rama's victory over the demon Ravana. In public grounds, huge effigies of Ravana and his brothers, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad are erected. These are stuffed with firecrackers. The finale takes place when the person acting as Rama, enters the ground and lets fly a series of arrows at the demons. The triggers off the explosion of the firecrackers, bringing the demons to their due end, singnifying the triumph of food over evil.

Punjab

Here too, the celebrations start on the first day of the festival, with the sowing of cereal grains. Women harvest these on the Dassehra day and offer them to their menfolk, who then present them with gifts. Like in Uttar Pradesh, in Punjab too, people celebrate the festival with shows of RamLila, with the killing of Ravana andhis brothers on the last day.

Andhra Pradesh

Shami Tree

For nine days, the Goddess Durga is worshipped with fervor and devotion. On the tenth day, people take Ganga snanam (oil bath with Ganges river water), wearneew clothes and worship the symbols of their trade. Shami tree referred as Pipal in Hindi, Ashvata in Tamil is given prime importance. Prayers are offered to Shami tree, taken in procession, exchange the Shami leaves with each other and prepare an elaborate feast in the evening.

Tamilnadu

Golu

In this province, this festival is predominant for women. In a tiered display, a variety of dolls and playthings made from clay are displayed and form the focus of attraction in most households. This is referred as Golu. Here too, Goddess Devi is worshipped for nine days, each day different neivediyam(food) is offered to her while the women chant Sri Lalitha Sahasranama and Dassehra being the last day celebrated as Vijaya Dasami and the day before Dasami - the eighth day is celebrated as Saraswathi Puja.

Karnataka

Chaamundeeswari Temple, Chaamundi Hills, Mysore, Karnataka

This is perhaps the most spectacular celebration of the festival in South India. The procession of richly caparisoned elephants holding Goddess Chamundeeswari on top led by the Mysore Maharaja is taken through the city. 

Mahishasura - the demon slayed by Goddess Durga

At the culmination point, the Maharaja worsips the Shami tree and returns to the palace on the horseback, In the evening, the entire palace is lit up. The Dassehra celebrations in Mysore are a huge tourist draw.

What to chant on Shivarathri?

Shivarathri

Sree Bavaya Namaha:

Sree Sarvaya Namaha:

Sree Rudraya Namaha:

Sree Pasupathaye Namaha:

Sree Ukraya Namaha:

Sree Magadevaya Namaha:

Sree Beemaya Namaha:

Sree Eesanaya Namaha:

Chanting these 8 mantra of Lord shiva on shivarathri all day long is  very auspicious and it brings all sorts of prosperty and fortune to life.

Pradosha Mahatmyam

Annamalai, Unnamalai thaayar, Thiruvanammalai

The Prodosha mahatmyam is from Sivapuranam describing the incident of Pradosham beautifully and adds that he who worships Lord Shiva at the time of pradosham wholeheartedly doing abisheka and offers lotus flowers will be blessed with abundant wealth and luck for his entire generation. OM NAMASIVAYA.

Kailasa shaila bhuvane thri jaga janithreem,

Gowreedha nivesye kanakanchitha rathna peete,

Nrutham vidhthu mabhi vanchithi Soolapanau,

Deva Pradosha samaye anubhajanthi sarve.

 

Vagdevi drutha vallaakee sathamukho

venum dhadhan padmaja,

Sthallo nidhra karo ramaa bhagawathi,

geya prayogaanvithaa,

Vishnu saandra mrudanga vaadana patur

devas samanthath sthithaa,

Sevanthe thamara pradosha samaye

devam mrudaaneepathim.

 

Gandarwa Yaksha patha goraga siddha saadhya.

Vidhyadaraamaraapsaraso ganaascha,

Yeanyethi loka nilaya saha bhootha varga,

Prapthe pradosha samaye hara parswa samstha.

 

Atha pradoshe shiva eka eva,

Poojyodhananye hari padmajadhya,

Thasmin mahese vidhinejyamane,

Sarve praseedanthi suradhi natha.

 

Lokanahooya sarvaan vividha damarukair gora samsara magnan,

Dathwaabheetham dayalu pranatha bhava haram kunchitham vaama bhaagam,

Uddruthyedham vimukherayanamithi karadarshayan prathyayartham,

Bibradwanhim sabhaayaam kalaathi natanam ya shivo na sa paayal.

 

Sathyam braveemi, paraloka hitham braveemi,

Saaram braveemi upanishadyadhyam braveemi,

Samsaramuthbanamasar vaapya jantho,

Saroyameeswarapadhamburuhasya seva.

 

Yenarchayanthi gireesam samaye pradoshe,

Ye na architham shivamapi pranamanthichanye,

Ethath kadhaam sruthi putair na pibanthi mooda,

Stheya janma subhavanthi naraa daridra.

 

Ye vai pradosha samaye parameswarasya,

Kurvanthyananya mansangri saroja poojaam,

Nithya pravrudha thara puthra kalathra mithra,

Soubhagya sambadadhikastha ihaiva loke.

Significance of Pradosha

Pradosham falls once in every 15 days and considered most auspicious by Shaivites, almost 2 days before either Amavasya (black moonday) or Pournima (full moon day). 

Pradhosham is observed in reverence to Lord Shiva. Pradhosa time occurs on trayodasi ( thirteenth moon day) between 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm. It occurs on 13th day from full moon day and new moon day. Praying to Lord Shiva during Pradhosha time relieves us from sin and leads us to moksha.

Lord Shiva drinking poison

According to purana while Devas and Asuras(Demons) were churning for amudha from Kseerabti milk ocean employing the serpent Vasuki and the hill Mandhara, initially poison came up. So there was complete pandemonium. Lord Siva then swallowed the poison and came to be called Nilakandan(Blue coloured throat). A stunned Parvathi quickly stopped the poison at the throat. Siva then became drowsy and selected a place called Surutapalli, near Chennai, Tamilnadu where he is seen sleeping on the lap of Parvathi.

  

Pallikondeeswarar at Surutapalli, Chennai

On Dhwadhasi day i.e., twelfth moon day, amurtham came and Devas and Asuras started celebrating their victory without thinking and thanking Lord Shiva who saved them from the ill effect of deadly poison.

 

Next day, i.e. on the thirteenth moon day Narada, passed on the message and down came the Devas, Brahma, Vishnu and the Saptarishis, to have darshan. They were promptly stopped by Nandi who asked them all to come after some time, as Shiva was resting. They realized their mistake of not praying and thanking Lord Shiva and prayed to Lord Shiva seeking his grace. All of them waited. Siva, when he woke up, was filled with extreme happiness and danced between the horns of Holy Bull, Nandhi("Ananda Thandavam"). This day, when the Devas, Brahma, Vishnu, Narada and Saptarishis had Siva darshan was a Krishnapaksha Trayodasi (Stiravaram, Saturday). This is the Mahapradosham day. Pradhosham, generally, is a significant occasion observed with great piety at all Siva temples. 

It is generally believed that performing abhisekam during the Pradhosha time to Lord Shiva or to his incarnation as Lingam with Milk gives long life; Ghee gives Moksha state; Curd bestows us with good children; Honey graces with melodious voice; Rice powder relieves us from debts; Sugar cane juice graces us with good health; Panjamrutham gives wealth; Lemon removes fear of death; Sugar removes enimity; Tender coconut gives enjoyment; Annam gives majestic life; Sandal gives Lakshmi's grace.

During the pradhosham time Somasootra Pradakshinam is the recommended way of circumambulating the God. In many of the temples this is followed always. A point to note here is that the gomukhi is never crossed. gomukhi is the place where the water after anointing (abhiSheka theertham) would be flowing northwards out. By doing this way of Pradakshinam one does not step over this holy water.

 

How to observe Pradosha Pooja?

On the day of Pradosham, fasting to be performed right from the morning and the first food should be the Prasad after the Pooja is over.

Everyday between 5.30 to 6.00 pm in the evening is called Dina Pradosham. Every thirteenth day of a Paksha (15-day cycle, making it two Pakshas every month - Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha) is called Maha Pradosham. The time between 5.30 to 6.30 pm in the evening is called Pradosham (Dina Pradosham). During the Pradosha period, it is significant to worship Lord Shiva, as He performs the Holy Dance in Kailashparvatam., all Devtas assemble there to watch this holy event, offer their Prayers to HIM. Thinking and meditating during Pradosha Kalam is considered most sacred by Hindus and helps derive benefits of having worshipped all Devatas at one go.

Legends about Diwali

Krishna killing Narakasura :- According to Hindu mythology, there was a demon Narakaasura, the evil king of Pragjyotishapura, near present-day Assam. Power attained due to sincere meditation made the demon king arrogant and he became dangerous to his subjects and even to the Devas. He ruled with a reign of terror, abducted 16,000 daughters of the gods, and stole the earrings of Aditi, mother of the Gods. Narkasura was believed to be a demon of filth, covered in dirt. He was giant who was often good but at times, behaved very badly. He used to kidnap beautiful young women and force them to live with him. The Devas asked Lord Krishna for help, and after a mighty battle he killed the demon, freed the girls and recovered the earrings First, Krishna had to fight with a five-headed monster that guarded the demon's home. Krishna granted Narakasur one last request, because of the good deeds he had done. Narkasura hoped that his death might bring joy to others. So, before being killed, he cried, " Let this day be celebrated as a day of feasting in the World!" Krishna granted his request and the women were freed. After his victory Krishna returned very early in the morning and was bathed and massaged with scented oils. Taking an early morning bath with oil is still a Deepavali tradition.For Hindus, this Diwali story is a reminder that good can defeat evil.

Lakshmi Puja :- It is also believed that Goddess Lakshmi manifested herself on the day when the demons and deities were churning the ocean together to find out the 'drink of immortality' - the divine honey. 

Goddess Lakshmi

 Thus Diwali festival is celebrated to commemorate the birth of the Goddess of Wealth and thus doing Lakshmi puja came into existence.

Vamana avathar :- One more interesting Diwali legend is of King Bali. He was a generous ruler but also very ambitious. He performed a Yagna (fire sacrifice). His Yagna was a grand success. So Vishnu came to earth in the form of a dwarf ( incarnated as Vamana) dressed as priest to check King Bali's power.


Vamana avatar and King Bali

When the priest reached King Bali's court, he asked him to ask for anything he wanted. The priest said "You are the ruler of the three worlds: the Earth, the world above the skies and the underworld. Would you give me the space that I could cover with three strides?" King Bali laughed. This request seemed strange to all the courtiers, but king Bali granted it. Surely a dwarf could not cover much ground, thought the King, who agreed to dwarf's request. Once the request was granted to him, the priest, who was none but Visnu in disguise, submerged the entire world (Mrityu-loka) with one step, with the second he submerged heaven (Swarga-loka) and for the third step; there was no respectable place to put his foot down and so he asked the bewildered Bali for some respectable place to this foot so that the boon could be fulfilled. Left with no alternative, the noble but exasperated King Bali offered his head for the purpose. To his surprise, the priest not only lost no time in placing his foot over King Bali's head, but also thrust Bali into the nether worlds (Patala-loka) which as per Hindu cosmogony is hell and lies below the surface of the earth.

Victory of King Rama :- The other legend is the celebration to comemorate the return of King Rama, the ancient idol of the heroic ages, the embodiment of truth, of morality, the ideal son, the ideal husband, and above all, the ideal king to Ayodhya after killing Ravana in Srilanka. Rama, . After ten days of fierce war with Ravana, the victorious Rama, Laxmana and Sita preapared to return to Ayodhya. There was joyous shouts of Victory to Rama, Veer Hanuman ki Jai - Victory to Hanuman. Gods from the Heaven poured flowers and garlands to celebrate and show their pleasure.

Govardhan Puja :- This festival is aso acommemoration of the lifting of Mount Govardhan by Lord Krishna. As per Vishnu-Puran the people of Gokul used to celebrate a festival in honor of Lord Indra and worshiped him after the end of every monsoon season but one particular year the young Krishna stopped them from offering prayers to Lord Indra who in terrific anger sent a deluge to submerge Gokul. People were afraid that the downpour was a result of their neglect of Indra. But Krishna assured them that no harm would befall them. He lifted Mount Govardhan with his little finger and sheltered men and beasts from the rain. This gave him the epithet Govardhandhari. After this, Indra ( Devendra) accepted the supremacy of Krishna.

Krishna lifting Govardhan mountain

Kali killing Demons :- It is a myth that on this day Kali Ma gave darshan along with 64 yoginees (saints) after killing  Shambhu and Nishambhu  - the demons. After slaughtering the demons her krodh or anger was not still extinguished. So she did a very fierceful dance that the earth faced a severe shake. To stop her from dancing, her pathi (husband) Lord shiva, himself laid under her feet. Once her feet fell on Him, she realised her and calmed down. This day also marks this legend.

Kali matha on Lord Shiva

Though the myths are different all end with the moral : "Victory of Good over Evil" .

Diwali in India

Diwali is celebrated as Moni Diwali, Dhanteras, Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja, Govardhan Puja, Maha Nisa in a splendour way.

Moni Diwali

Its a belief in northern India that on the day of Diwali Goddess Lakshmi will stay at their house. So on new moon day of thula month (aippasi month in Tamil that comes in October last- November first week), they keep a deepam or diya(lantern) in prayer room that will be lit for 24 hrs. They collect the smoke due to that diya and use it as kajal for the year long. Such a occassion is considered to be Diwali.

Dhanteras

In Bihar, the celebration of Diwali starts two days before the actual Diwali as dhanteras, celebrated in honor of Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods. He is believed to have emerged with a pot of amrita (Divine Honey) during the samudra manthan. On this festival, new kitchen utensils are bought and kept at the place of worship. The buying of utensils, according to one theory, relates to the myth of Dhanvantari emerging from the ocean with a pot in his hand. People bathe early in the morning and observe a fast, which is broken only after sunset with sweetmeals, puri and other delicacies.

Songs in honor of the deities are sung and aarti is performed. Oil or ghee diyas are also lit. The gods are offered kheel, batashe and khilone and various sweetmeals. After the puja, the diyas are placed in and around the house: on the doorway, near the Tulasi plant, in the backyard, in every room and at the back and front gates. After this, crackers are burst, and people meet friends and neighbors to exchange good wishes and sweets.

In villages of Bihar, people worship Goddess Kali on this day. Eating unripe coconut and taking a beetle is considered auspicious. In chota nagpur, the men circumbulate their village with basket full of paddy and grass.

Maha Nisa

In West Bengal, it is Kali Puja which makes the festival unique. Kali is generally a goddess to be feared rather than venerated. Diwali is celebrated as 'Maha Nisa' with great enthusiasm and it is a time for gaiety and feasting. It is a myth that on this day Kali Ma gave darshan along with 64 yoginees (saints) after killing  Shambhu and Nishambhu  - the demons. The houses are decorated and lit with diyas. Two or even four plantain leaves decorate the entry to the house or property, with a row of diyas at the doorstep. The entire family gathers around for Lakshmi puja in the evening.

In Rajasthan

On Diwali day, house all over Rajasthan glow with twinkle of innumerable diyas, candles and electric lights.  Women of the neighborhood gather and prepare sweets like Mawa Kachori, Til Ke Laddo, Gonth ke Laddu, Piste ke Launj, Moti Pak, Pheeni, Sohan Papdi, Besan Barfi, Jalebi, and Shakarpara. The unique thing about this festival in Rajasthan is that people do prayer and offerings to cat as they believe that cat is a form of Goddess Lakshmi.

In Gujarat

In Gujarat, Diwali is the worship of Lakshmi - the goddess of wealth. It is believed that Lakshmi on this day emerges to bring prosperity to the world. The celebration lasts for five days, which starts with Dhanteras. The fourth day, or the day of Govardhan Puja is Gujrati's New Year's Day. Lakshmi is believed to visit the homes that are well lit. So, families decorate their houses with light, flowers and paper chains. Business comes to a halt on Dhanteras, two days before Diwali, and doesn't resume until Labh Pancham, the fifth day of the new year. For traders and businessmen, this is the time for a vacation.

Diwali - as by various religions

Diwali is a nocturnal celebration embraced by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains across the country.

Diwali by Jains

Jains celebrate Deepavali in the name of Paryusana Parva. The day is the jubilation to commemorate the salvation or Moksha attained by the founder and guru Lord Mahavira also called as Vardhamana at Khattiya-kundapura, near Vaishali. On the religious occasion of Diwali on Oct. 15, 527 BCE, in Pavapuri, Lord Mahavira received his enlightenment to spirituality or obtained Kevala Gyana on Vishakha Shukla 10 at the Jambhraka village on the banks of Rijukula river at the age of 42.

There are regular ceremonies in the temple and discourses of Kalpa Sutra (one of the sacred books) in the Upashraya during this time. On the third day of the Paryusana Parva the Kalpa Sutra receives a very special reverence and may be carried in the procession. On the fifth day, at a special ceremony, the auspicious dreams of Mahavira's mother, queen Trishala, are demonstrated. Listening to the Kalpa Sutra, taking active steps to prevent the animal killing, asking and offering forgiveness to all living beings, visiting the neighborhood temples, etc. are some of the important activities during this time.The final day of Paryusana is the most important of all. On this day those who have observed the fasts are specially honored. This is also the day when Jains ask for forgiveness to the family, friends and foes alike for any acts they might have committed towards them in the previous year. Therefore this annual occasion of the repentance and forgiveness is very important.

Diwali by Sikhs

Sikhs worship Diwali as the religious freedom for Sikhs and this is why Diwali is called the Light Festival. To commemorate the release of their sixth Guru Hargobind Ji from the captivity of Emperor Jahengir, Gwalior, Sikh Diwali is recalled throughout India and in many countries. It is believed that Guru's Mother was full of happiness that her son was released she ordered food and sweets and gave them to everyone. Also in 1577 the foundation stone of The Golden Temple was laid on Diwali. On this day, the worshippers float multi-coloured light candles on the water at the Golden Temple. The gurdwara, hold a grand fireworks display.

Diwali by Budhists

Buddhists especially Newar Buddhists celebrate Diwali in their quiet way. They chant the mantras and remember Emperor Ashoka who converted to Buddhism on this day. Hence the Buddhists also know the festival as Ashok Vijayadashami. Their temples and monasteries are well decorated during this time and the Buddha is worshiped with full honors.

Gokulashtami

Gokulashtami or Krishnajayanti is the day celebrated by Vainavas or Vaishnavas (followers of Lord Vishnu) as the birth day of Sri Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who played the major role in Mahabaratha. This day falls on Rohini nakshatra in Sravan month in ashtami thithi. This year it falls on September 1 while in Northern parts of India some celebrate on September 2.

On this day, puja starts by putting legs ( waves made using rice flour ) from home entrance to puja room and favourite sweets of krishna - Burfi, beeda, His favourite butter, snacks - seedai ( the one which is too hard to crush with teeth) all are homemade and offered a prayer. The snack seedai is made as Kamsha - the rival of Lord Krishna gnashed his teeth when he heard the birth news of Sri Krishna. Also naval pazham or Black plum (Jambolan) is also offered during prayer as Lord krishna offered all wealth to an old lady who was selling black plum offered Sri krishna all her fruits.

It is believed that Sri krishna visits to everyone's house despite of richness when one called him from heart. And on this auspicious day chanting the below slogan relieves everyone from evils, illness, poverty and be blessed with all enlightenment that is necessary for this worldly life. He is the Jagathguru who presented Bagavat Gita to us - the way to lead life, the meaning of life...

Chant this sloka and admit yourself at His paduka to be freed from all miseries and lead a righteous moral life.

vasudevasutham devam

kamsasaanoora marthanam |

devaki paramaanandam

krishnam vande jagathgurum ||

athaseepushpa sangaasam haaranoopura sopitham |

rathna kangana keyooram krishnamvande jagathgurum ||

gudilaalaga samyuktham poornachandra nibaananam |

vilaasa kundalatharam krishnam vande jagathgurum ||

manthara kandha samyuktham saaruhaasam chathurpujam |

parhipignjava soodaangam krishnam vanthe jagathgurum ||

uthpulla padmapathraksham neela jeemuthasannibam |

yaathavaanaam sirorathnam krishnamvanthe jagathgurum ||

rukmani keli samyuktham peethambara sobitham |

avaptha tulsikantham krishnamvande jagathgurum ||

gopiganaam kusathvanthva kunkumaangitha vakshasaam |

sreeniketham maheshvaasam krishnam vande hjagathgurum ||

sree vathsaangam mahorasgam vanamaala viraajitham |

sanga chakram devam krishnam vande jagathgurum ||

krishnaashlagamitham punyam

praatharuththaaya ya padeth |

kodijanmakirutham papam smaranena vinasyathi ||

Sri Krishna in pictures

Here I have tried to picturise the story of Lord Sri krishna in pictures collected from web.

Birth of sri Krishna

It is said that Krishna as soon as being born to Vasudev and devaki in prison spoke out to parents immediately of addressing Who He is and why he was born. He was then taken away from prison by his father to Gokulam in a basket. While he crossed the river aathisesha came behind them for protection from heavy rain.

Krishna with Yasoda

Krishna in his childhood

Krishna declaring the great Mhabaratha war against Gouravas

Sri Krishna the paramathma reciting Bagavath Gita to Arjuna

Gist of Bagavath Gita 

Whatever has happened is for good

whatever is happening is going on well

whatever will happen that will also be good

Why you are repenting for whatever you have lost?

Have you brought anything with you which you have lost?

Have you produced any thing that is destroyed?

Whatever you have gained, you obtained from here

whatever you gave you have given here

Whatever belongs to you today yesterday belonged to some one

it may belong to someone day after “change is the rule of nature”

~Lord krishna~

Thai Poosam

Thai poosam is thanksgiving day to Lord Muruga after he won the war against a demon. Lord Muruga is the Lord of virtue, wealth and youth in Hindu mythology. Apart from the celebrations taking place in India Singapore and Malaysia undergoes a grand celebration of Thai poosam every year. The celebrations include devotees offering paal kavadi(milk), thaneer kavadi(water), spike kavadi, pushpa kavadi(flowers) with sincere prayers to Lord Muruga. The Bathu caves in Malaysia and Srinivasa perumal temple of Singapore involves a grand celebration.

The poojas to Lord Muruga are done in an grandeur way with milk, panchamirtham etc for two days. Chanting Sri subramanya gayathri mantra on this day is very auspicious.

Ramba Thiruthiyay

Ramba Thiruthiyay is a special occassion where on this day doing Gowri pooja brings enormous wealth to home and all the blessings of Goddess Parvathi will be showered on those who pay her due respect by following this pooja.

Significance

This thiruthiyay is equivalent to Akshaya thiruthiyay that comes after Amavasya on the month of Chithirai(April). This is the day on which the apsaras (angel) of Inthraloka named Ramba attained her glory as the most beautiful women of Heaven and gained a lot of wealth as a gift to her pooja(prayers) done to Goddess Parvati.

Sloka to chant on Goddess Gowri

Om Kathyayanaya vithmahe
Kanyakumari theemahi
thanno gowri prachothayathsachidanantha roope thvam, moolaprakruthi roopiniHiranya karpa roobethvam, prasanna bavasundari!

Do lakshmi pooja and Gowri pooja chanting this prayer. Also purchasing a new jewel or gold on this day is very auspicious. And chant this "Swarnambiga panchagam".

Swarnambiga panchagam

Om aarya swarnambiga matha vruthrari mahitha suba
kale vrushti prathanane loka shemam karothu sa
pathara vithaya kanthya maninoopura sichithai:
swarnambika karoth vasman lasyenanantha thuthilan
sthuthiya prammathibi: devi srividhya sarvamangalaangaaraka
shethravaasa swarnamba paathu: nasatha
swarnambiga jagan matha agasyechvara mana: priya
kadakshayathu na:swarvan yoga shema thuranthra
kumbajenaarchitha nithyam manthahaasane maamageswarnambiga thama:
swanthe thraaja paagurudath siva:

Those who chant this Swarnambiga panchagam daily lighting deep daily will have no shortage of wealth in their life.