Sravanamaasam

Shravana Masam:

Shravana Mas is a very special month for newly married woman . This month comes usually in the month of August. Full moon day occurring with the Shravana star is known as Shravana Masam. Every day of this month is very auspicious.

Telugu Shravana Masa Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha

Shravana Masa Telugu calendar 2014 Shukla Paksha (Waxing phase of moon) is from July 25, 2014 to August 10.

Telugu Shravana Masam 2014 Krishna Paksha (Waning phase of moon) is from August 11 to August 25, 2014.

Cultural Beliefs:

Shravan star is believed to be very auspicious star in which Lord Vishnu was born. Also, Lord Brahma had seen Lord Vishnu for the first time on the day of Shravan star. Lord Govinda form also took place in the same time. Lord Govinda stepped in Tirumala hill in search of Goddess Maha Lakshmi on the day of Shravan star.

In olden days Shravan mas is meant to be auspicious month to start learning so upakarma takes place in this month to start studying Vedas,

Shravana Masam is very special for Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Gowri Devi.

Significance:

Ashada masam, known for separating newly married couples where as Shravanam joins them. Festivals' beauty is brought by Shravanam. It is so precious. Shravana means listening and this is an art. A good listener is a good decision maker.

As a wife known for forming a good family, she likes Shravana amongst all. The festival in this month are so popular and precious. Monday is precious in Karthika Masam, Thursday is precious in Margasira Masam, likewise all Mondays,Tuesdays,Fridays,Saturdays are precious in Shravanam.

Festivals of Shravana Masam:

Shravan is the most important month for women. Women who perform vrathams in this month will bestowed with all happiness and  prosperity.

Varalakshmi Vratam:

The first and foremost festival in Shravanam is Garuda Panchami. Lord Garuda, who had worked hard to release his mother from servant work, and so had become the vahanam(vehicle) for Lord Vishnu and a purana is named after him, Garuda Purana.This day(Shravana Sudha Panchami) we should pray Lord Garuda to get (Win) strength ,Courage.

Shravana Sudha Saptami is good for praying  Lord Surya(sun). Shravana Sudha Ekadashi (Putradhi Ekadashi)  is well known for Ekadashi vratam to be booned with children for childless.Donating umbrella is precious.Shravana Sudha dwadashi(Damodara Dwadashi) for praying Lord Sri Hari and to pray Goddess Parvathi and Lord Shiva on Tryodashi and Chaturdashi.

Varalakshmi vratam has to be done on the friday before shravana pournami. This vrat is been preached by Lord Shiva to Parvathi. By doing this vrat all married women believe in their good lives with husband, children and prosperity.

Sravana Masam Festival History:

Sravana Masam which is the fifth month as per the Hindu calender(Hindu calender starts with Ugadi,ie April) is considered one of the most important and auspicious months for the Hindus. This auspicious month is full of festivals and coincides with the months of August / September.

Sraavana Maasam is the most awaited month of the Telugu people who perform various social functions like Marriages, Gruhapravesam or House-warming Ceremony and other such functions in this month only.

As Sravana Nakshatra is believed to be the birth star of Lord Vishnu, this month is considered highly auspicious and Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi who is the wife of Lord Vishnu, is worshiped on the four Fridays of this auspicious month.

Second Friday of the month is the most important as Varalakshmi Vratam is celebrated on this day when Goddess Lakshmi Devi is worshiped in the form of Varalakshmi – the goddess which bestows with all the boons.

In addition to the four Fridays of the month, even the four Tuesdays of Sravana Maasam are quite important for the newly married women of Andhra Pradesh. They perform Sravana Mangala Gowri Nomu / Vratam on Tuesdays and worship Goddess Parvati Devi in the form of Mangala Gowri for the welfare of their family, for a happy married life and for a healthy life of her husband. Hence, this month is highly important for the newly married brides of Andhra Pradesh.

Mondays of Sravana Masam is dedicated to Lord Shiva

Besides these, the full moon day in this auspicious month is very important and is known by the names Sravana Pournami or Janjaala Pournami as on this auspicious day, men who wear the holy thread perform Upakarma and wear a new thread. And in the Northern states of the country, the important festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day which helps in strengthening the bond between the siblings, particularly brothers and sisters.

Janmaastami – the birth day of Lord Krishna – is yet another important festival which is celebrated in the month of Sraavan.

The important festivals that are celebrated in this auspicious month of Sravana are:

Naga Panchami / Garuda Panchami

Varalakshmi Vratam

Rakhi Pournami

Sri Krishna Janmaastami / Gokulaastami / Sri Krishnaastami

About a Legend:

Legend has it that Goddess Parvati has once asked Lord Siva about a vratam, performing which would render the women on the earth blessed with all kinds of wealth. Then did Lord Siva preach of “Vara Laksmi Vratam” to be performed on a Friday that comes just before the full moon day in the month of Sravanam. Illustrating the sanctity of the vratam, Lord Siva narrated the story of Charumati of Maratha desa, which runs like this -

Once upon a time, there lived a gracious and wise Brahmin lady called Charumati in the Maratha Desa, a town that had golden houses and golden walls. Charumathi was a Maha Pativrata, indulged in a whole-hearted worship of her husband and looked after her in laws with utmost respect. Pleased with her good nature, Goddess Lakshmi happens to appear in her dream and advises her to perform the Varalakshmi vratam on Sravana sukla sukravaram preceding the full moon day. Charumathi prostrates in devotion to the Goddess in the dream itself and the next morning illustrates the dream to her husband and in-laws. With their consent, she tells the same to a few more women folk of the town and they together wait the day.

The much-awaited day finally comes and they set stage to worship the Goddess Vara Lakshmi at one corner of the house, which is cleaned up with cow dung. All of them perform the puja to the Kalasam with all devotion and piety, tie the toram to their wrists and offer prasadam to the Goddess. Then does the miracle start as they go about to take the Pradakshinas after the puja. They see themselves bedecked with various ornaments one at a time as – anklets on feet for the first, bracelets for the second and various other ornaments for the final pradakshina. Excited about the blessing of Vara Lakshmi, they once again prostrate to the Goddess and honour the Pundit with due Dakshina and conclude the vratam by taking the prasadam.

As the women folk stepped out of the house do they see their houses decked with all riches and golden chariots awaiting them outside Charumati’s house. Extremely happy about what all had happened, the women thank Charumati for having shared her luck with them. Ever since then is the Vara Lakshmi Vratam performed in every household on this auspicious day.

Legend also say that the vratam was later also preached by sage Suta to Sounaka and other sages. Another legend is that Chitranemi who was one cursed by Parvati for having made a partial judgement in favour of Shiva when asked to play the referee for their game, got relieved from the curse by having watched this vratam performed by some pious women. Such is the sanctity of the Vrata.

Mangala Gowri:

New married women should perform Mangala Gowri vratham for longetivity and welfare of their husband.This vrat is to be performed on all tuesdays of shravanam as parvathi stops Shiva taking poision while churning milky ocean.This vrat to be performed by all married ladies. Gowri named after Goddess Parvathi done Tapas for changing her complextion from black to red (Goura Varnam).So, Shiva preached that praying Lord Gowri on Shravana Tuesdays will give all happiness and prosperity.

Mondays(Lord Shiva) and Saturdays(Family ilavelpu) are precious in shravanam. Pournami in shravanam is also known as Rakhi Pournami or Jandhyala pournami. Rakhi Pournami, the day on which sisters tie a raksha bandhan(rakhi) to their brothers which means brothers have to safeguard their sisters' lives. Jandhyala Pournami, a festival for a married man who has got the upanayanam done and he has to change his jandhyam or Yagnopavetham on this auspicious day and do Gayathri mantra Japam. Hayagriva (Knowledge god) and Santoshi Matha had taken their forms on this auspicious day. Maa Lakshmi had been given control on money and Maa Sarawasthi had been given control on Education (Knowledge) by Hayagriva on this day. Sage Agasthya preached with Lalitha Sahasranamam by Hayagriva on this special day.

Performing Sankata Hara Chathurdhi in this month is equivalent performing it in the whole year every month and even when not done all along the year are being blessed by Lord Ganesha.

Shravana Shukla Ashtami is known as Krishnashtami or Gokulashtami(the birthday of Lord Krishna). We have to pray Lord Govinda and offer him milk, fruits,cheese and butter. Ekadashi followed by fulfills our wishes if performed with Ekadashi Vrat. Butter to be donated which results in precious wishes fulfilled.

Shravana Bahula Amavasya is known as Polala Amavasya and all Farm Animals will be prayed on this day.

Kanwar yatra is famous in north India traveling long distance on bare foot to bring Ganga water by reciting BAM BAM BOLE. It was stated in skanda purana the people who succeeds this yatra will gain virtues of Ashwamedha Yagna when done with Shiva Abhishekam.

Interesting Facts:

Additionally, in this significant month some special fifteen days are really important to worship God for that particular day:

Tithi- God

Padyami – Lord Brahma

Vidiya - Sriyahpati

Tadiya - Goddess Parvati

Chaturthi - Ganesha

Panchami - Shashi

Sashti – Naga Devatalu

Saptami - The Sun

Ashtami - Durga

Navami – Matru Devatalu

Dashami - Dharmaraju

Ekadashi - Rushis

Dwadashi - Srimahavisnuvu

Trayodasi - Anangudu

Chaturdasi - Lord Shiva

Purnima - Ancestors

Shravana Masam Pooja Procedure:

• House should be clean and tidy.
• Observe fasting on Mondays if possible to perform somavara vratham. Unmarried girls who perform somavara vratham will get a good husband.
• Take one day meals. Fasting during day time and eating at night time is prescribed.
• Try to avoid taking non vegetarian food.
• Wear Rudraksha and use rudraksha for japa mala
• Try to chant Shiva chalisa and maha mrutuyumjaya mantra.
• After performing vratha thread has to be soaked in turmeric water and need to tied to the wrist of the hand

Scientific Reasons:

Shravana start falls in the Capricorn which is ruled by Saturn. Shravana Masam is very auspicious for beginning any new ventures as the sun transits in to the Capricorn and comes opposite to Shravana star the doors of vaikuntam will be opened.

Shravana Masam is very special for good deeds.

As per Hindu astrology people born in Shravana masam are honored by the world.

Shravana month comes in Monsoon Season where there is less sunlight thus effects digestive system to function weakly. so people will eat less on the name of fasting.

Water Borne diseases will spread rapidly in this month.Fasting will boost the immunity system to prevent diseases. The inner meaning eat less and live more.

Eating non-veg is strictly prohibited because possibly they may affected from bacteria and virus which will take birth in this season.

According to Ayurveda, mind will more unstable in this season due to vata imbalance in the body hence these festivals came to existence to control mind.

This month is also known as month of love, most of the mammals will breed in this month so hunting and eating mammals is a great sin.  

These weeping sounds which ends with nasal constant(MMMM in BAM BAM BOLE) will bring calmness and control on mind.

Happy Sravanamasam Wishes to all of you readers and enjoy this month with Love & prosperity.

Click here to know more .

My Blog 4th Birthday

Hi All,Today Divya's Cooking Journey blog's Birthday.I am very happy for celebrating with you all by reading all my shared  posts,stories etc.Thank you all for your valuable comments,words to my posts.Hope  it was a great year ,look forward to share more & wish to move my blog forward with many things to be updated always .

VyasaPurnima / Guru Purnima

Full moon day during Ashadha month is known as Guru Purnima day. Traditionally this day is reserved for Guru Puja or Guru Worship. On this day disciples offer Puja or pay respect to their Gurus. Guru refers to spiritual guide who enlighten disciples by his knowledge and teachings. 

Guru Purnima is also known as Vyasa Purnima and this day is commemorated as birth anniversary of Veda Vyasa. Veda Vyasa was the author as well as a character in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Adi Shankara, Sri Ramanuja Acharya and Sri Madhvacharya are some of the noteworthy Gurus in Hinduism. 

Guru Purnima is also celebrated by Buddhists in the honor of Gautama Buddha to commemorate the day when Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India. 

Hindus attach paramount importance to spiritual gurus. Gurus are often equated with God and always regarded as a link between the individual and the Immortal. Just as the moon shines by reflecting the light of the sun, and glorifies it, all disciples can dazzle like the moon by gaining from their Gurus.

What is Guru Purnima?

The full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashad (July-August) is observed as the auspicious day of Guru Purnima, a day sacred to the memory of the great sage Vyasa. All Hindus are indebted to this ancient saint who edited the four Vedas, wrote the 18 Puranas, the Mahabharata and the Srimad Bhagavata. Vyasa even taught Dattatreya, who is regarded as the Guru of Gurus.

Significance of Guru Purnima

On this day, all spiritual aspirants and devotees worship Vyasa in honor of his divine personage and all disciples perform a 'puja' of their respective spiritual preceptor or 'Gurudevs'.

This day is of deep significance to the farmers, for it heralds the setting in of the much-needed rains, as the advent of cool showers usher in fresh life in the fields. It is a good time to begin your spiritual lessons. Traditionally, spiritual seekers commence to intensify their spiritual 'sadhana' from this day.

The period 'Chaturmas' ("four months") begins from this day. In the past, wandering spiritual masters and their disciples used to settle down at a place to study and discourse on the Brahma Sutras composed by Vyasa, and engage themselves in Vedantic discussions.

I wish you all my dear blogger friends,Family members a very Happy Guru Purnima.

Tholi Ekadashi / Devshayani Ekadashi

According to Hindu Calendar, Devshayani Ekadashi  takes place during Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the Hindu month of Ashad. The day of Devshayani Ekadashi is devoted to Lord Vishnu. Devotees observe a Vrat (fast) to please the Lord on the day of Devshayani Ekadashi.

Parana Muhurat is the auspicious time to break the fast of Devshayani Ekadashi. It is believed that one should terminate his/her fast within Dwadashi Tithi (succeeding day).

In 2014,Devshayani Ekadashi is on July 8th ,Tuesday.

Once, there was a king named Mandata. He was very generous toward his subjects and was immensely popular among the common men. Moreover, Mandata was very honest and was engaged in numerous auspicious activities. But, one event changed the fate of his kingdom. The kingdom received no rains for a period of three years and this affected the prosperity of the place, to a large extent. Mandata performed several rites, but could not bring back the prosperity of his kingdom.

Henceforth, he set out on a journey when he met several holy men with whom he discussed his problem. But he could not find any solution from them. Finally, he met Sage Angira and advised by him to follow the Vrat of Ekadashi in the month of Ashad. Mandata followed his advice and observed Ashad Ekadashi Vrat with a devout heart. As a result, his kingdom received heavy rains and the prosperity was regained, after a drought for three years. Since then, the day of Devshayani Ekadashi came into being.

Devshayani Ekadasi is also popular as Deva Sayani Ekadashi, Shayana Ekadashi, Tholi Ekadashi, Pedda Ekadashi, Vishnu Sayan Ekadashi, Harivasara Ekadashi, Maha Ekadashi, Ashada Devasayani Ekadashi and Padma Ekadashi in different regions of India.

How to follow the rituals of Devshayani Ekadashi ?

Following are the rituals that are to be followed on the day of Devshayani Ekadasi .

Prayers and hymns are chanted to pacify the souls of deceased forefathers on Devshayani Ekadashi.

Devotees who observe Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat, abstain from consuming any food item on the day of Ekadashi.

The fast begins from the day of Dashami, while observing the Vrat devotees are not allowed to consume more than a meal.

Rituals are performed in the afternoon for the departed members of the family.

Ashwamedha Yagna (horse sacrifice) ritual is performed on Devshayani Ekadashi.

The fast is finally terminated on the next day during the Parana period.

 The Mythological significance of Devshayani Ekadashi:

 Significance Of Devshayani Ekadashi:

According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Vishnu falls asleep on the day of Devshayani Ekadashi in Ksheera Sagar (ocean of milk). Hence, the day is known as Devshayani Ekadashi (sleeping moment of god on eleventh day).

Vishnu awakens from his sleep after a period of four months, on the day of Prabodhini Ekadashi. His sleeping period is known as Chaturmas (four months). Devshayani Ekadashi marks the commencement of Chaturmas. It is believed that if devotees follow a Vrat on Devshayani Ekadashi, he/she is blessed with a blissful life.

Observe the day of Devshayani Ekadashi and lead a charming life in the near future. All you need to do is to purify your heart, not with water or elixir, but with a devout heart full of dedication toward Lord Vishnu.

PelalaPindi /PopCorn Powder is the recipe/Naivedyam is offered & taken today

Divya's Cooking Journey  wishes you all a blessed Devshayani Ekadashi in 2014!!

Note:

Here you can find the few links about this Festival in Telugu .I like those to share ,Have a Wonderful look friends(Telugu Lovers) to this .

http://mana-samskruthi.blogspot.com/2011/07/blog-post.html

http://durgeswara.blogspot.com/2013/07/blog-post_3803.html

http://eenadu.net/Editorial/Antaryamiinner.aspx?item=070714anta

Uppu Mirapa Kaayalu / Curd Chillies

Hi Friends,This recipe is from my Mother & Mother -In-Law. It's easy and we need to make sure we have a good sun .It's  good  to prepare it during the summer season.

Ingredients:

•  Fresh Green Chillies 1/2 Kg
• Yogurt / Buttermilk  slightly  Sour   1 litre ( neither thin or thick)
• Salt  to taste 
• Plastic Sheet or Cloth to Place the chillies to dry it  under the sun.

Method:

• Wash the green chillies and dry them on a kitchen napkin .
• Slit them vertically keeping the ends intact and also retain the stalks of green chillies.
• Remove the Seeds if they are spicy.
• Add salt to buttermilk and beat nicely,the consistency of buttermilk should neither be very thin nor thick.
• Add the green chillies to the buttermilk mixture.
•  Make sure they are well immersed in the buttermilk.
• Cover it and soak it for 3 days and leave it aside.They will slightly change in color after 3 days.
• After 3 days squeeze them slightly with hands and arrange them in a single layer on a plastic sheet and dry them under sun until evening.Keep the buttermilk don't pour it away.
• In the evening again add them to the left over buttermilk mixture and let it sit in the buttermilk mixture overnight.
• Next day morning squeeze them again and dry them until evening on the plastic sheet ,arrange the chillies neatly in rows space between them .
•  Follow the same process for the chillies until all the buttermilk mixture is finished.It might take few days 5-6 days.
• After the buttermilk mixture is finished you can dry them in sun for another few days until they are completely dried.
• Store them in an air tight container.It stays for more than a year.

Serving Style:

• You can fry it and serve this along with Rice ,Sambhar,Dal.
• Curd chillies can be tempered with cumin , mustard seeds and pinch of turmeric to be served with the meals.
• Fried curd chillies can be added to rice flour upmas & Senagala Mixture / Masala.