Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Sri Krishna Jayanthi 2013 ~ Krishna Janmasthtami


The festival of Janmashtami commemorates the birthday of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The festival is also referred to as Gokulashtami, or Govinda in Maharashtra. Lord Krisha is revered for his wisdom about how to live life on Earth.

This festival date in the year 2013 is celebrated on August 28,29 as this Festival runs for two days.

Krishna Janmashtami is the celebration of the birth of Lord Shri Krishna, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have been born about five thousand years ago in Mathura in 'Dwapar Yuga'. Krishna Janmashtami is also known as Ashtami Rohini, Srikrishna Jayanti, Krishnashtami, Saatam Aatham, Gokulashtami and sometimes simply as Janmashtami. It is essentially a Hindu festival. The festival is generally observed on Ashtami tithi, the eighth day of the dark half or Krishna Paksha of the month of Bhadrapada in the Hindu calendar, when the Rohini Nakshatra is ascendant. This is usually in the months of August and September in the Gregorian calendar. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and vigor by Hindus all over India and abroad. People observe fast the whole day, sing hymns and conduct prayers at midnight to rejoice the birth of Lord. Ras lila, dramatic enactments of the life of Krishna, are a special feature that is showcased in every part of the country, as it re-creates the flirtatious aspects of Krishna's youthful days. Another interesting aspect of Krishna Janmashtami is the practice of Dahi-Handi. This game portrays the playful and mischievous side of Krishna, where teams of young men form human pyramids to reach a high-hanging pot of butter and break it. 

History 

According to the Puranas Krishna took birth on the 8th lunar day (Ashtami) of the waning moon of the month of Smvana at midnight, upon the moon's entrance into Rohini asterism. This day is marked as Janmashtami. Krishna is one of the most worshipped Gods in India and belongs to the Hindu Trinity. He is believed to be one of the eight incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The story of birth of Krishna is an intriguing one. The story goes like this: One day Mother Earth was appalled by the number of sins that were being committed on her surface. She went to Brahma that God of the Gods and appealed to him for help. Brahma, after listening to her, appealed to Lord Vishnu who said that He would take birth on earth and His avatar will destroy every kind of sin that was being committed on earth then. 

During that time, Mathura was in miserable state as Kansa, brother of Devki, had put his father, King Ugrasen in prison and declared himself the new king. To put an end to his evil rule, Lord Vishnu decided to take birth in the human form. As such, at the wedding ceremony of Devki and Vasudev, there was a divine prophecy which proclaimed that Vasudeva's eighth son would kill Kansa. To protect himself, Kansa rushed to kill his sister but gave up the idea of killing after being assured by Vasudev that he will hand over all his children to Kansa. Kansa put his brother-in-law and sister in prison. Kansa killed all the six infants as soon as they were born. The seventh child (Balram) was saved due to divine intervention, when he was transferred from Devki's womb to that of Rohini's (other wife of Vasudev). 

As Devki conceived the eighth child, everything around was imbued with benevolence and majestic beauty. Lord Krishna was born in the divine form with lotus like eyes, his palms bearing the signs of a lotus, while his sole has a swastika sign. He was adorned with jewels and was wearing a crown. Just as he was born at midnight, a chain of events astonished Vasudev, when he saw the gates of the cell flow open and all the guards fast asleep. He immediately thought of Nand, his close friend in Gokul and decided to hand over his child to him in order to save him from the clutch of Kansa. Crossing the River Yamuna, Vasudev reached Nand's residence and exchanged his son with Nand's daughter. Upon reaching the prison, the door got locked behind him and he was chained again as if nothing happened in between. The guards also woke up and after hearing the cry of the baby, informed Kansa about the birth of the eighth child. Just as Kansa rushed to kill the baby, it slipped out of his hand and flew towards the sky, proclaiming that the annihilator of Kansa was born and was safe. 

Celebrations

Hindus all over India observe fast on this day and recite the life story and teachings of Sri Krishna noted in the form of 'shlokas' in Bhagwad Gita. Temples of Lord Krishna are decorated most beautifully and children are adorned as Lord Krishna and Radhika, his spiritual beloved. Krishna Leela or the plays depicting scenes from Krishna's life, especially childhood, are performed. At midnight, when Lord Krishna was believed to have taken birth, an 'aarti' is performed and people break their fasts by feasting on sweets and delicious dishes prepared especially for the occasion. In many parts, the idol of baby Krishna is installed in a swing and offered sumptuous food, especially 'Makkhan' (butter) and 'Mishri' (sugar cubes).

Popular Places

Janmashtami is one such festival that is celebrated equally in North and South India. Preparations for the same start weeks in advance. Different parts of the country celebrate the festival differently. In South India, the celebrations are most prevalent in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. In both the places, the idol of Lord Krishna is placed in a decorated mantapa. Bhakshanam (snacks and sweets in Sanskrit), are specially prepared for the festival, and offered to Lord Krishna. Along with it, fruits that are his favorites are also offered. In some parts of Karnataka, chakli, avalakki and bellada panaka are prepared especially for the festival. In North India, celebrations are no less than being called extravagant and splendid. While Gokul and Vridnavan (Lord's birth and growing up place) witness flocks of visitors coming to the place to celebrate the festival at Krishna janamabhoomi, the other parts organize different events and practice different rituals to mark the occasion. In the cities of Mumbai and Pune, dahi-handi is organized wherein a group of men form human pyramid to reach a high-hanging pot of butter and break it. In the city of Dwarka in Gujarat and the eastern states of Orissa and West Bengal, people celebrate it with fasting and doing puja at midnight. Though the rituals practiced vary from one region to the other, the spirit and devotion to the Lord is same everywhere. Thus, it wouldn't be wrong to say that Krishna is the most loved and celebrated God in India.

My Sweet memories of this Festival

My memorable sweet memories of the Sri Krishna Janmasthami festival was performing as "Gopika" (playmate ) to Lord Krishna performed by my Friend Sri Vidya at Vijayawada ,Rajasthani English Medium High School.

Celebrations are celebrated very well from all three Mediums ( Telugu,Hindi,English )
The song sung and dance teached by Miss Subbaratnam Madam ,I never forget ,I thanks her a lot as even I never forget that Dandiya dance with her composition of song."Hey Nandala Prabhu Nadalala".

Hard work done by my mother inspired me today to decorate my two kids on this Janmasthami.She nicely decorated with Gopika dress and lovely mehendi on Hands and feet ,I love the Netted Chunni on the forehead and wearing ornaments on that day .Dandiya sticks are decorated with colorful paper.

Unforgettable Fancy shop even now at Vijayawada big hit Fancy supplies and Items for school children  are Rama Rao Fancy shop and Vijaya Novelties .

As generation changes memories  always remembers and makes life beautiful and brings me Joy!! 

Soon I post pictures of the festival celebrations.

Until that keep enjoying the festival with your little kids decorating as Muddu Krishnudu and pray Lord Krishna.

The following is the Krishna Stuti & Krishna Astakam as well as its meaning.

krishNa stuti

kasturi tilakam lalATa phalakE
vakshasthalE koustubham
nAsAgrE nava mouktikam
karatalE vENum karE kankaNam
sarvAngE hari chandanamcha
kalayan kanThEcha muktAvaLim
gOpa stree parivEshTitO vijayatE 
gOpAla chooDAmaNihi ||

karAravindEna padAravindam 
mukhAravindE vinivESayantam
vaTaSya patraSya puTE Sayanam
bAlam mukundam manasA smarAmi ||



krishNa shaTkam :

vasudEva sutam dEvam kamsa chANura mardanam 
dEvaki paramAnandam krishnam vandE jagadgurum||

kuTilAlaka samyuktam purNachandra nibhAnanam 
vilasat kunDala dharam krishNam vandE jagadgurum||

mandAra gandha samyuktam chAru hAsam chaturbhujam
barhi pincha chuDAngam krishNam vandE jagadgurum||

utphulla padma patrAksham neela jeemuta sannibham
yAdavAnAm SirOratnam krishNam vandE jagadgurum||

rukmiNi kELee samyuktam peetAmbara suSObhitam
AvAsta tulasee gandham krishNam vandE jagadgurum ||

gOpikAnAm kucha dwanda kumkumAnkita vaksham
SrinikEtam mahESyAsam krishNam vandE jagadgurum||

SrivatsAnkam mahOraskam vanamAlA virAjitam
Sankha chakra dharam dEvam krishNam vandE jagadgurum ||

KrishNAshTaka midam prAtahkAlE yah paThEt
kOTi janma krutam pApam smaraNEna vinaSyati ||


Krishna Stuti:

Krishna's forehead is adorned with 'Kasturi tilakam'(mark with musk). His chest is embellished with Koustubha gem. A shining pearl is on the tip of his nose. There is flute in his hands and a bracelet shines on his wrist. His whole body is smeared with pure sandalwood paste. His neck is adorned with a garland of pearls. He is surrounded by beautiful Gopikas. Victory to Sri krishna who is the diadem of Yadu clan.

Divine child Krishna keeps beautifully his lotus-like foot in his lotus-like mouth with his lotus-like hands.He reclines on banyan leaf, floating on ocean. I heartily meditate upon child Mukunda the bestower of salvation.


KRISHNA SHATKAM :

I bow to Krishna the spiritual preacher of the world who is God, born to Vasudeva, who annihilated Kamsa and Chanura and who is the supreme delight for mother Devaki.

He is beautiful like 'Atasi' flower. His anklets are glittering. His armlets and ornaments on shoulders are studded with gems. I bow to Krishna the spiritual preacher of the world.

He is pretty with curly tresses. His face is resplendent like fullmoon. His ear rings are glittering. I bow to Krishna the spiritual preacher of the world.

He shines with Mandara flowers and sandalwood paste. His smile is attractive. He has four arms. His hair-knot is embellished with peacock feathers. I bow to Krishna the spiritual preacher of the world.

His eyes are beautiful like petals of blooming lotus. His complexion resembles bluish cloud. He is jewel of Yadu clan. I bow to Krishna the supreme preacher of the world.

His sports with Rukmini are lovely. His yellow garment is shining. Smell of his Tulasi garland is auspicious. I bow to Krishna the supreme teacher of the world.

His chest is smeared with saffron on Gopikas' breasts.. His chest is abode for Srilakshmi. I bow to Krishna the supreme teacher of the world.

There is 'Srivatsa' mark on his chest. He shines with lotus garland. He is Vishnu who wields conch and discus. I bow to Krishna the supreme teacher of the world.

Whoever recites these eight verses praising Srikrishna, early in the morning will be rid off all sins committed in crores of previous births.a

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Hayagreeva Aaradhana /HayaGreeva Upasmahey!!




Shravana Pournami is known as Rakhi Pournami / Raksha Bandhan ,Goddess Lakshmi is prayed during this month and Lord HayaGreeva is also worshipped on this Shravana Pournami .

HAYAGREEVA STOTRA

Hayagriva haya means horse and greeva means neck. The horse faced form of Vishnu, is the God of Vidya or knowledge and prosperity according to scriptures. One who prays Hayagriva shall be blessed with all knowledge and wisdom. Legend has it that during the creation, the demons Madhu and Kaitabha stole the Vedas from Bhramha and Vishnu took the Hayagriva form to recover the Vedas from the demons. Another legend has it that during the creation, Vishnu compiled the Vedas in the Hayagriva form and that the Hayagriva Avatara precedes the Matsya Avatara wherein he recovered the stolen Vedas from the demons Madhu and Kaitabha.

Stotram 

Gyaanaanandamayam devam nirmalasphatikaakritimh
Aadhaaram sarvavidyaanaam hayagriivamupaasmahe 1

Svatassiddham shuddhasphatika manibhuubhritpratibhatam
Sudhaasadhriichiibhirdhutibhiravadaatatribhuvanamh 
Anantaistrayyantairanuvihita heshaahalahalam 
Hataasheshaavadyam hayavadanamiidiimahi mahah 2 

Samaahaarassaamnaam pratipadamrichaam dhaama yajushaam
Layah pratyuuhaanaam laharivitatirvedhajaladheh
Kathaadarpakshubhyatkathakakulakolaahalabhavam
Haratvantardhvaantam hayavadana heshaa halahalah 3

Praachii sandhyaa kaachidantarnishaayaah 
Pragyaadrishterajnjanashriirapuurvaa 
Vaktrii vedaanh bhaatu me vaajivaktraa 
Vaagiishaakhyaa vaasudevasya muurtih 4 

Vishuddha vigyaanaghana svaruupam
Vigyaana vishraanana baddhadiikshamh 
Dayaanidhim dehabhritaam sharanyam 
Devam hayagriivamaham prapadye 5 

Apaurusheyairapi vaakprapajnchaih 
Adyaapi te bhuutimadrishtapaaraamh 
Stuvannaham mugdha iti tvayaiva 
Kaarunyato naatha kataakshaniiyah 6 

Daakshinyaramyaa girishasya muurtih 
Devii sarojaasanadharmapatnii 
Vyaasaadayoapi vyapadeshyavaachah
Sphuranti sarve tava shaktileshaih 7

Mandoabhavishyanniyatam virijncho 
Vaachaam nidhe vajnchita bhaagadheyah
Daityaapaniitaanh dayayaiva bhuuyoapi 
Adhyaapayishyo nigamaanh na cheth tvaamh 8

Vitarkadolaam vyavadhuuya satve
Brihaspatim vartayase yatastvamh
Tenaiva deva tridasheshvaraanaamh 
Asprishta dolaayitamaadhiraajyamh 9

Agnou samiddhaarchishi saptatantoh
Aatasthivaanh mantramayam shariiramh
Akhanda saarairhavishaam pradaanaih
Aapyaayanam vyomasadaam vidhatse 10 

Yanmuulamiidrikh pratibhaati tatvam 
Yaa muulamaamnaaya mahaadrumaanaamh
Tatvena jaananti vishuddha satvaah
Tvaamaksharaamaksharamaatrikaam te 11

Avyaakritaadh vyaakrita vaanasi tvam 
Naamaani ruupaani cha yaani puurvamh 
Shamsanti teshaam charamaam pratishtaam
Vaagiishvara tvaam tvadupagyavaachah 12

Mugdhendu nishyanda vilobhaniiyaam
Muurtim tavaananda sudhaa prasuutimh
Vipashchitashchetasi bhaavayante
Velaamudaaraamiva dugdhasindhoh 13

Manogatam pashyati yah sadaa tvaam
Maniishinaam maanasa raajahamsamh
Svayam purobhaava vivaadabhaajah 
Kimkurvate tasya giro yathaarhamh 14 

Api kshanaardham kalayanti ye tvaam
Aaplaavayantam vishadairmayuukhaih
Vaachaam pravaahairanivaaritaiste

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Rakhi Pournima /Raksha Bandhan --- Strengthening the Sacred bond of Brother & Sister!!



Raksha Bandhan - Celebrating the sacred bond of brother and sister

Happy Rakhi Pournima /Raksha Bandhan Wishes to all of you lovely brothers and Sisters in the World.May God bless all brothers and sisters in every aspect of Sucess.The  following image was taken by me ,the sacred threads are done by me using a small beads and attaching the "alphabet" bead in the center indicating my brother's names.Done this with full of Love and affection and sharing .I thanks a lot for the Service providers for sharing.

Raksha Bandhan, popularly known as rakhi, is a festival observed to pay homage to the sacred and unconditional bond between brothers and sisters. It's an ancient Vedic festival which is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the month of Shravan (August). Raksha Bandhan 2013 will be celebrated with zest and vigour on August 21. 

On this festival, as a ritual, a sister ties a colourful rakhi, a sacred thread that symbolizes love between siblings, around her brother's wrist. The festival starts by performing traditional aarti and concludes with prayers. Moreover, as a part of tradition, a brother presents his sister varied exciting gifts and vows to guide and protect her throughout the life. Gifts play a prominent role and symbolizes tokens of love and affection. 

The festivity of Raksha Bandhan has religious fervour and can be traced in the Indian mythology and history. Interesting instances pertaining to the celebration of Raksha Bandhan can also be found in ancient manuscripts. The celebration of this festival is all about paying reverence to emotions and the sentiments attached between siblings. 

Raksha Bandhan is a festival of fervour and its festivity can be witnessed in other communities as well besides in Hindu and Sikh communities. Special events with fun-filled activities and bazaars are organised to observe the day. Markets and shops on the occasion are embellished with colourful and captivating designs of rakhis, gifts, sweets to celebrate the occasion. Rush of people to the shops are seen ahead of the celebration trying to find the best gifts and rakhis. 

Raksha Bandhan is the perfect time to show your love and affection towards your siblings and strengthen the bond.

Raksha Bandhan is a festival of fervour and its festivity can be witnessed in other communities as well besides in Hindu and Sikh communities. Special events with fun-filled activities and bazaars are organised to observe the day. Markets and shops on the occasion are embellished with colourful and captivating designs of rakhis, gifts, sweets to celebrate the occasion. Rush of people to the shops are seen ahead of the celebration trying to find the best gifts and rakhis. 

Rakhis are available in captivating design forms that include teddy bear, flowers, dolls and cartoon characters etc .

Online stores also display a striking collection of delightful rakhi gifts at attractive prices for the festival. Most online or virtual stores offer an extensive range of colourful rakhi gifts with the option to send rakhi to India or anywhere around the world ensuring prompt dispatch. 

Another popular way of sending rakhi wishes is by sending and sharing animated and fascinating rakhi e-cards available online. 

However, many think that traditional rakhi gifts are passé and people are opting for new gift ideas to amuse their loved ones. They seek for innovative gift ideas that are thrilling and sure to last lifetime. 

Sending lovely and inspiring rakhi SMS is also a wonderful and popular way to celebrate the occasion and capture the moments. Numerous collection of rakhi SMSes are easily available online that are best to convey love and affection on the special day. 

Banking on the popularity of sending rakhi SMSes, many service providers offer customized, graphic and a variety of rakhi SMS options to their customers to celebrate raksha bandhan. Moreover, the availability of sending a rakhi SMS in the language of one's choice has amplified its popularity. 

Raksha bandhanam is the one that ladies ties around the wrist of their brothers so that they have to live happily. Normally during the sravana month we are having many festivals for ladies especially, sampad gowri vrata to be performed by newly married ladies for first 5 or seven years, sravana sukra vara puja, varalakshmi vratam for their husbands, nagula chaviti for the welfare of children, garuda panchami and raksha bandhanam for the welfare of their brothers, maha sankata hara chaturthi for the welfare of family.

Rakshana bandhanam is to be performed on the evening of Sravana Pournami day (the day on which pournami ghadiyas are during the evening) every year by the ladies seeking welfare of their brotherhood. To tie the thread we have to use only thread soaked in turmeric and not the colour threads as well as the designs as of doing now by present day generations.This is available in vamana purana.

After conquering the entire property from Maha bali, lord vaman stayed along with bali in patala loka to safeguard his properties acquired. Mahalakshmi patiently waiting for mahavishnu to return but he has not done so. She was worried and there is no other way except to approach maha bali to request to spare her husband. So she approached mahabali in patala loka as a normal woman without showing her identity and tied a thread soaked in turmeric by reciting the following sloka:

YENA BADHO BALI RAAJA DANAVENDRO MAHA BALAHATENA !
TWAAMAPI BADHNAAMI RAKSHE MAA CHALA MAA CHALA !!

Maha bali very much pleased and wanted to present the lady then she came into her own existance and asked to mahabali to spare vamanamurthy who is safeguarding his properties. Accordingly mahabali prayed to vamana murthy and requested to accompany with mahalakshmi and presented with many gifts to her.From that day onwards it is become a customary to tie the sacred thread soaked in turmeric into their brothers right hand on sravana pournami day between 04.00 and 07.00pm in sukra budha and chandra hora time duly praying the almighty to safeguard their brothern with good health and progeny. The male counterparts in return has to give some presents to their sisters to please them.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Sravana Masam 2013



Hi Friends,Today is Amavasya,and from Tomorrow onwards,the Sravan Masam begins and very auspicious for the Godess Sri Maha Lakshmi and the Second Friday is considered as the "Varalakshmi Vratam"i.e; on August 16-2013.

So Friends,Happy Sravana Masam Wishes and enjoy with poojas,Naivedyams ,Devotional Slokas and Chants,Songs to the Godess!!

The Significance of Sravana Masam

The month in which full moon day coincides with Sravana star, that month is denoted as Sraavana Masam. Sravana star is considered as Sri Hari (Vishnu) Nakshathra.  While Moon is the star lord, Sri Maha Vishnu is the Star Deity of Sravana nakshathra.  It is said that Lord Brahma had darshan of Sri Maha Vishnu for the first time at the beginning of the creation in Sravana constellation. Sri Maha Vishnu’s Vaamana avathara had taken place in the constellation of Sravana.  It is also believed that Lord Sri Maha Vishnu (Lord Srinivasa) stepped His foot on the Tirumala hills in search of his consort Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi in Sravana constellation. At Tirumala temple, the nine day festival Brahmotsavam concludes every year on the day coinciding with Sravana Star.

Astrologically Sravana star is regarded as an auspicious star which falls in the zodiac sign of Makara Raasi (Capricorn) ruled by Saturn.  It is said that when Sun during his transit in Makara Raasi comes opposite to Sravana star the doors of Vaikuntam (Moksha Dwara) gets opened. When Sun enters into Makara Raasi, Uttarayana begins. Sravana is considered as a star of learning and Sraavana masam is the auspicious month to begin learning.  That is why the sacred ritual Upakarma takes place in the sacred month Sraavana masam that marks the beginning of study of Vedas in olden days. Sravana star forms the basis for performing Upakarma for Rug-Vedis in Sraavana masam. Literally Sravana means to listen. Without good listening one cannot be a good learner. Listening is an art and a good listener is a good decision maker. 

In Vedic terminology Sraavana masam is referred to as Nabho-Masam. Nabho is a Sanskrit word meaning Aakasa (Sky) that refers to the celestial nature of Sraavana masam and the Sravana star.  Sanskrit dictionary also connects the word Nabhasa to Sraavana masam meaning the rainy season and Nabhas means celestial or heavenly.  During Sraavana masam Sun transits into Simha Raasi (Leo sign) that is known as Simha Sankramana. Sraavana masam marks the beginning of Varsha Ruthu when the monsoon will be active. Lord Sri Maha Vishnu in the name of Sridhara is the Presiding Deity (Maasa Niyamaka) governing Sraavana Masam.  We find a reference to the word Sridhara in sloka # 65 of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram.  Sri means Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi and Dhara means bearing. Sridhara means the One who always bears on His chest Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi.  In 24 Kesava Naamaas also we find the word Sridhara as the ninth one.

Fifth in the line of Hindu lunar months, Sraavana masam is a highly auspicious month in Hindu philosophy flooded with festivals and austerities.   Out of the seven week days that we have, four days viz. Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday have acquired lot of significance in Sraavana masam.  Mondays for worshipping Lord Shiva, Tuesdays for Goddess Gouri, Fridays for Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi and Saturdays for Lord Sri Maha Vishnu in the form of Lord Venkateshwara. In Hinduism, we have a tradition of worshiping Snakes (Naagaaraadhana) since time immemorial and Sravana masam is the sacred month that is identified for Snake worship.  Fourth and fifth day of the bright fortnight in Sraavana masam is exclusively earmarked for Snake worship that is known as Naaga Chaturthi and Naga Panchami. The festival of Garuda Panchami that occurs on the fifth day of the bright fortnight in Sravana Masam is dedicated to Lord Garuda. 

Full Moon day in Sraavana masam (Sraavana Pournami) has lot of religious and spiritual significance as that day is celebrated as Upakarma, a Vedic ritual.  Starting from this day in olden days people used to resort to study of Vedas by symbolically changing the Yagnopaveetham. Traditionally Sraavana Pournami is celebrated as Raakhi or Raksha Bandhan that symbolizes the unmatched bondage of love, care and respect between a brother and a sister. Sankasta Chaturthi associated with Lord Vinayaka (Ganesha) occurring during Sraavana masam is considered as highly sacred day to begin the Sankasta Chaturthi vratha.  Observing this Vratha on this day is said to yield merits equivalent to observing the same for the whole year. 

Pouranically, Sraavana Pournami is the day Lord Sri Maha Vishnu incarnated as Hayagreeva (Horse headed) that is commemorated as Sri Hayagreeva Jayanthi. Lord Hayagreeva is the presiding Deity and Supreme God of learning, knowledge, and wisdom. Sraavana masam is the most sacred and celestial month that has given birth to Lord Sri Krishna the Paripoorna Avathara of Lord

SriManNarayana.  Lord Sri Krishna was born on the 8th day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight of Sravana masam that is celebrated across the country as Sri Krishna Janmaashtami. At Tirumala temple a sacred ritual known as Pavithrotsavam will be held for three days during Sraavana masam starting from Sukla Dasami which is more or less a purificatory ceremony. Aaraadhana of great Saint and Madhva philosopher, Guru Saarvabhouma Sri Raghavendra Swamy (Rayaru) of Mantralayam takes place during Sraavana masam. It was on the second day (Vidiya) of dark fortnight in Sravana masam Sri Raghavendra Swamy made Sajeeva Brundavana Pravesa that is commemorated as Sri Rayara Aaraadhana.
       
Checklist of Festivals and Austerities during Sraavana masam

Sukla Paksha

Chaturthi:     Naaga Chaturthi
Panchami:    Naaga Panchami & 
                     Garuda Panchami 
     
Shasti:           Siriyaala Shasti
Ekaadasi:     Puthrada Ekaadasi
Dwaadasi:    Dadhi Vratha
Pournami:    Upakarma, Raakhi, 
                    Hayagreeva Jayanthi

Krishna Paksha:

Vidiya:          Sri Raghavendra Swamy Aaradhana
Chaturthi:     Sankasta Chaturthi 
Ashtami:       Sri Krishna Janmaashtami
Ekaadasi:     Aja Ekaadasi

Vrathas:

Tuesdays: Mangala Gouri Vratha (by newly married women)
Fridays: Sampatt Sukra Vaara Vratha (By all married women) and Sri Vara Maha Lakshmi Vratha on Friday falling before the full moon day.

During Sraavana masam, austerities like Eka Bhuktha (taking one time meals), Naktha Vratha (fasting during day time and taking meals at night) are prescribed. Saaka-daana (Vegetables) is prescribed on Sravana sukla Dwadasi day. Worshipping Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva during Sraavana masam is highly meritorious. By observing the prescribed austerities and worshipping Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi and Goddess Gouri during Sraavana masam one will be bestowed with good health, longevity, and prosperity.

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Happy Friendship Day !!

Happy Friendship Day to all of You from Divya's Cooking Journey.

Making and becoming a good Friend is more valuable .

A Friend in need is a Friend in Deed!!

I love and like my friends in every aspect they treated me.Here goes a small Painted Greeting card for you all my dear Friends!! Enjoy the day and continue the Friendship  as someone you can trust upon.