Happy MahaSivaratri Wishes

Wishing you all a very Happy MahaSivaratri Festival wishes!!

Hara Hara MahaadEva

SambhO Sankara 🙏

Happy Sivaraatri Wishes!!

Happy Maha Sivaratri Wishes to all of you!!

భగవంతుడా 🙏🙏🙏🙏

శివరాత్రి పర్వదినం ,
శివ శివ శివ నామ స్మరణం ,
శివ రామ నామ స్మరణం ,
శివ పార్వతిల కుటుంబం ,
శివ కుటుంబం ,
శివ ఆరాధన తో ,
శివ ఆశిశ్శులు , దయ , కృపా , కరూణా కటాక్షాలు
జన్మకో శివరాత్రికి కాకుండా నిరంతరం ఉండాలి .

అందరికీ మహా శివరాత్రి పండుగ శుభాకాంక్షలు !!!

My Blog 5th Birthday & Happy Tholi Ekadasi Wishes

Dear blog readers ,friends & Family Members ,today my blog Turns "5".I am so happy .Thanks to all those who are following,reading my posts liking it.

Comments & Feedback from you all makes me happy and continues to post as much I can.This blog helping me to share all work in cooking,Arts& Crafts etc .

I wish you all to look forward to share more.

And Also Wishing you all a very Happy Tholi Ekadasi Wishes to one and all.

Happy Vaikunta Ekadashi / Mukkoti Ekadashi

Wishing You All a very Happy Vaikunta Ekadashi Wishes.

Happy Deepavali Wishes .

Divya's Cooking Journey wishes you all a very Happy & Prosperous Deepavali.

Happy Vinayaka Chavithi

Wishing you all a Very Happy Vinayaka Chavithi Festival Wishes.

Happy VaraLakshmi Vratam Wishes

 Second Friday in the SravanaMasam Month is the VaraLakshmi Vratam festival.

Varalakshmi Vratham is an important ritual for married women mainly in Maharashtra and South India. Varalakshmi Vratham falls on August 8, 2014. Devotees of Goddess Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity, observe the vratham. Varalakshmi refers to the goddess granting boons. On this day, worship of goddess Lakshmi is equivalent to worshipping the goddess of Wealth, Earth, Pleasure, Strength, Fame, Learning, Love and Peace –Ashtalaksmi.

Varalakshmi Vratham is based on Hindu mythology which says that the Goddess Parvati asked Shiva about a fast that would be beneficial to women. Shiva explained the importance of the Varalakshmi Vratha and this conversation takes place in the Skanda Purana.

The Varalakshmi Vratam puja is an important ritual performed during the vratam. Women start the auspicious day by taking a bath and wearing new clothes and jwellery. They clean and decorate their homes with rangolis. The women then prepare for the vratha by arranging the sacred pot called kalasha. The pot is filled with water and rice and symbolizes prosperity. Betel and mango leaves are used to cover the pot. A coconut smeared with vermillion and turmeric is placed on the kalasha which is then placed on a plate with rice.

The puja begins with the worship of the deity Ganesha followed by goddess Mahalakshmi. The next part of the puja involves toram worship which is a bunch of nine threads with a knot on each. The thread is tied on one end to the right wrist of the woman performing the ritual while the other is tied to the kalasha. Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamam is chanted during the ritual. The goddess is then offered nine varieties of savories and sweets during the puja. To conclude the vratam they sing hymns praising the goddess and offer sweets to another married woman considering her to be the goddess.

Every Woman would like to celebrate this festival with Love.Some of the married ladies perform the Varalakshmi Vratam today according to their tradition and offers pooja to the Goddess and celebrate with inviting  the family members,relatives,&Friends.

I too like this Festival and it is also a Happy day for me because I am  born on this festival day ,my parents ,family members  relatives showers me on this day with their wishes & blessings.

So friends I wish you all to celebrate a very Happy VaraLakshmi Vratam Wishes & attain the blessings of the Goddess.

Below are some of the Pictures& videos  of this festival from me ,Hope you all may like it .

The below song is a collection from my Mother-in-Law and I tuned in this way.

Happy Maha ShivaRatri Wishes!!

Hindus celebrate for an auspicious festival devoted to Bhagwan Shivaji and is referred as Maha-Shivaratri (Sivaratri). The name MahaShivaratri when translated to english is known as  ’Night of Shiva’. Hindus celebrate and perform most of the religious ceremonies during the nighttime.  MahaShivaratri is a Hinduism festival celebrated yearly  during the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the month of Maagha or Phalguna according to the Hindu calendar.

Bhagwan Shivaji, also referred as Lord Shiva was married to Parvati on the day we now call Shivaratri. This is the night when Shiva is said to have performed the Tandava or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. Lord Shiva’s dance and poses of Tandava have influenced positions in Yoga and the classical Indian dance Bharatanatyam.

Hindus and Shivaji devotees repeat the spiritual and holy chant ’OM NAMAH SHIVAYA’. Sages and religious tradition says those who utters the various Names of Shiva during Maha Shivaratri, with perfect devotion and concentration are freed from their sins and reaches the abode of Lord Shiva and lives stress-free & happy. Many devotees and hindu pilgrims travel to historic and auspicious Shiva temples, which reside mostly in India and south asia.

Maha Shivaratri is not celebrated it's  a time of spiritual healing everywhere. 

May the Choicest Blessings of Lord Shiva shower on us always !!

Wishing you all a very Happy Maha Shiva Ratri!!

Happy Ratha Saptami Wishes!!

Divya's Cooking Journey Wishing You All a Very Happy Ratha Saptami!!

Happy Bhogi,Makara Sankranthi & Kanuma Festival to All!!

Hi Friends,Hope you all had a wonderful darshan and blessings on "Mukkoti Ekadasi "day.Soon after this ,I am very happy to celebrate the Big Festival i.e.Bhogi,Makara Sankranti & Kanuma.

Before celebrating this Festival one month preceeding Dhanurmasam starts and from that day onwards all the household ladies and young girls start decorating the households and entrance of the door with a decorative Muggulu,Rangoli,Kolam in the early hours or at night time also .This is known as "Nelapattatam".

I like to draw free-hand designs than dot muggulu only up to 15 straight dots I can, as it time-taking for me to put ,but I can join the design if any one put dots.I remember the words of my mother she used to say "If some one see's my Muggu ,they will be confused in counting of dots" the reason behind is I used to design any Muggu with free-hand and finally as a touch-up I put some dots!!

Even now also I am very lazy to draw a Muggu with dots ,so I am continuing the free-hand designs for any Festival or Occassion.

This is my Flash-back memories for the Muggu.

So friends coming to the Festival January 13,14,15 dates are for the Festival according to my Place 

/Location calendar.

So Friends Here is about the Festival

                 SANKRANTHI

This festival is celebrated in Andhra for 4 days mainly

1. Bhogi

2. Sankranthi

3. Kanuma

4. Mukkanuma

Sankranti is a National festival in India.

North India: Festival known as Makar Sankranti

Andhra Pradesh:Festival known as Sankranthi

Tamil Nadu:Festival known as Pongal

 Punjab:Festival known as Lohri & Maghi

Sankranthi day marks the arrival in the farmer’s houses of the grains that are the fruit of their labors. Sankranthi is a holy festival for a worldy achievement.  It is also a cherished day of rest in the cool atmosphere.  Some of colourful and joyful events of this festival are keeping Muggulu (Rangoli), Gangiredhulu(sacred bull), Hari dasu coming home with singing..

All the above said events starts even 10 to 15 days before the festival arrives…indicating us that the festival is coming…

MUGGULU :

 Rangoli area in front of the house is neatly cleaned and wetted with cow dung mixed water.  When the land become half dry, women and young ladies start decorating the area with rangoli called as MUGGULU.  It is kept with white colour powder which is taken from stone or with rice flour. 

 Young girls will be very enthusiastic to keep this muggulu..they will practice all large and typical designs to decorate in front of their homes..since every house front decorated with this rangoli..there will a king of race between this muggulu..girls will be energetic and active to keep a larger , typical and also a wonderful rangoli than their neighbours. 

Some even decorate these muggulu with colours and flowers.. as it is the season for marigold flowers..girls will decorate their muggulu with the petals of the marigold flowers.  People also make garland with this marigold  flowers and decorate it to the main door of their houses. 

Gobbemmalu:

 The main attraction of this muggulu in SANKRANTHI time is GOBBEMMALU(cow dung balls).  This Gobbemmalu are cow dung balls which are kept on Muggu(Rangoli), which is designed to invite prosperity and bliss into the house. 

 Gobbemmalu are decorated with pasupu(turmeric powder), Kumkuma (red vermion powder) and with several grain types.  They also decorated with flowers(garlands).

Young girls decorate themselves with ornaments and new dress..preferably (langa voni) half saree(pattu langa) full skirt..they will gather and dance around these gobbemmalu along with singing.  

GANGIREDDU(holy bull):

Gangireddu is a sacred bull, which is decorated with beautiful clothes and ringing bells.  The person who takes round the decorated bull is called Gangireddudasu.  He wears a special dress on this occasion.  The very sight of gangireddudasu fascinates children.  They are the people of a caste who are dedicated to receive charities from other people.

Gangireddudasu makes gangireddu(bull) to dance.  The scene clearly depicts bull’s obedience to his master.  Gangireddudasu sings songs and gangireddu dances according to his master’s song.

HARI DASU: 

‘Haridasulu’ in their colourful attire were a feast for the eyes during Pongal.  This is another tradition, which has almost disappeared from cities and urban areas.  Thankfully, they are still patronized and honoured in the rural areas.  The Haridasulu carry a copper vessel, made in the form of a pumpkin, on their head.  They carry ‘chidathalu’(cymbals) in one hand and a tambura in the other and go from house to house singing,”Harilo Ranga Hari”, and the glory of Lord Mahavishnu. 

Many a traditional folk form add glory to the festive scenario. Haridasulu (Madhwas) are seen singing eulogies of the Almighty and seeking arms from the people in the early hours of the days. Gangireddu Ata, is another festival where trained oxen dance to the tunes of the Nagaswaram played by their master is a great attraction - probably not too many in Auckland. Kommudasarulu & PittalaDora are other folklore that brighten the days with their healthy humour - 

The Haridasulu tie anklets to their feet and apply ‘Namas’(markings with sandalwood paste) on their forehead.  They have to wear only saffron clothes during the auspicious month(Dhanurmasam).  It is believed that the Haridasulu are a replica of sage Narada, a devotee of Mahavishnu, who comes to bless his devotees.  The people wash his feet, pay their obeisance and seek his blessings.  The Haridasulu take rice from the vessel and sprinkle them on devotees to bless them.  It is believed that the Haridasulu should never be turned away without giving any alms.  They accept rice,money, vegetables and other offerings.

Kites:

kites are seen soaring high in the sky on the day of Makara Sankranti. This is symbolic of the existence of mankind, with the kites depicting the human lives and the manza depicting the eternal bond between us and the divine self. People however seem to correlate the soaring kites with their high spirits on the eve of Makara sankranti. Competitions held with kites of all sizes and shapes and the sharp edged manza draw people on the terraces and in open grounds to witness the riot of colours .

1st day BOGHI: 

BOGHI day is the first day of the sankranthi festival.  A ritual observed today is ‘BHOGHI MANTALU’(BON FIRE) when useless household things and old clothes are thrown into a fire made of wood and cow dung cakes.  Youngsters sing and dance around the bonfire.

The significance of the bonfire , in which is burnt the agricultural wastes and firewood is to keep warm during the last lap of winter.  Whole family keep oil to body and take bath.  Then pray GOD by doing puja and all..later guys will be busy in flying kites and girls in dancing round the gobbemmalu. There is a special making even in the food.  Sunnundalu(urad dhal laddu) is the food item taken on bhogi day after praying god. 

  

At the lunch time instead of normal rice PULAGAM / ATHESARA is made.  It is taken with the combination of PACHIPULUSU(raw rasam).

“Bhogi Pandlu” is a special ritual to be performed on the evening of Bhogi day.  On Bhogi, the children are dressed up with new dresses.  They are given Aarti and Bhogi Pandlu(Bhogi Pallu – a special mixture of gooseberries, food material, sugarcane and rice) are showered on the heads of children to protect them from the evil forces. 

Sweets in generous quantities are prepared and distributed. It is a time for families to congregate. Brothers pay special tribute to their married sisters by giving gifts as affirmation of their filial love.

 Landlords give gifts of food, clothes and money to their workforce.

2nd day SANKRANTHI: PEDDA PANDUGA (main festival)

Makara Sankranti , also called "Pedda Panduga" , which literally means "the big festival", when everyone wears new clothes, prays to God, and make offerings of traditional food to ancestors who have died. 

Travel is considered to be inappropriate, as these days are dedicated for re-union of the families. Sankranti in this sense demonstrates their strong cultural values as well as a time for change and transformation. And finally, gurus seek out their devotees to bestow blessings on them.

Mythology and cultural significance

1. According to the Puranas, on this day Suryudu (Sun) visits the house of his son Shani(Saturn), who is the lord of the Makar rashi(Zodiac Capricorn). Though the father and son duo did not get along well, the Surya made it a point to meet his son on this day. He, in fact, comes to his son’s house, for a month. This day thus symbolizes the importance of the special relationship between father and son. 

2. From Makar Sankranti starts the ‘day’ of devatas (Gods), while dakshinayana (southward movement of the sun) is said to be the ‘night’ of devatas, so most of the auspicious things are done during this time. Uttarayana is also called as Devayana, and the dakshinayana' is called Pitrayana.

3. It was on this day when Lord Vishnu ended the ever increasing terror of the Asuras (Demons) by finishing them off and burying their heads under the Mandara Parvata. So this occasion also represents the end of 'negativities' and beginning of an era of righteous living. 

4. Maharaja Bhagiratha, performed great penance to bring Ganga down to the earth for the redemption of 60,000 sons of Maharaj Sagar, who were burnt to ashes at the Kapil Muni Ashram, near the present day Ganga Sagar. It was on this day that Bhagirath finally did tarpan with the Ganges water for his unfortunate ancestors and thereby liberated them from the curse. 

After visiting the Pataala(underworld) for the redemption of the curse of Bhagirath’s ancestors the Ganges finally merged into the sea. A very big Ganga Sagar Mela is organized every year on this day at the confluence of River Ganges and the Bay of Bengal. Thousands of Hindus take a dip in the water and perform tarpan for their ancestors. 

5. Another well-known reference of this day came when the great grand-sire of Mahabharata fame, Bhishma, declared his intent to leave his mortal coil on this day. He had the boon of Ichha-Mrityu(death at his will) from his father, so he kept lying on the bed of arrows till this day and then left his mortal coil on Makar Sankranti day. It is believed that the person, who dies during the period of Uttarayana, becomes free from transmigration(rebirth).  

On this Sankranti day also the Puja and all will be performed and different kind of sweets are made and offered to god as naivedyam.  ARISALU is the traditional sweet item made for this sankranthi festival. 

BOMMALA KOLUVU:  In the evening BOMMALA KOLUVU is arranged.

3rd day KANUMA: 

 Kanuma is the third day of the festival, Sankranti.  According to Hindu mythology, on this day Lord Sri Krishna lifted the Govardhana Hill(Govardhana Giri-Govardhana Giridhari is one of Krishna’s names).

Once Lord Indra, with his headstrong poured a heavy rain on Gokulam(Sri Krishna’s place). 

 People of Gokulam prayed to Krishna to save them from the cyclone.  At that time Sri Krishna was just about 10 years.  But without any fear, the Lord lifted the hill with his small finger.

Thus Indra realized that Sri Krishna is non other than Lord Sri Maha Vishnu and bowed on the Lord’s his feet.  

This day, the cows and buffaloes are worshipped and thanked for ploughing the fields and contributing to the harvest.  A famous saying goes..’no meat should be eaten this day’ it’s a respect we are giving our animal friends!! And people make and eat ‘GARELU’!

4th day and the final day MUKKANUMA      

  

                

Mukkanuma is the final day of Sankranti celebrations.  On this day people arrange huge feasts, invite friends and relatives. In some places, on Mukkanuma bullock cart races,kites Flying  and cock fightings are held. 

GuruPurnima ,Vyasa Purnima 2013 is on July ,21.

Guru Purnima Story

The story of Guru Purnima celebration is related to Ved Vyasa,the author of the mahabharata and Brahma Sutras.He was born on this day to sage Parashara and a fisherman's daughter Satyavati.Hence,this day is also celebrated as Vyasa Purnima.He divided the Veda,namely Rig,Yajur,Sama and Atharva for easy understanding of people.Hence,he is revered as the Guru of all Gurus.All the prayers made to respective Gurus reach Vyasa on this day.The priceless gift of written Bhagavat Geeta is also a gift for the mankind from Veda Vyasa.

To celebrate the birthday of the supreme perceptors of all time,Guru Purnima is celebrated.

Guru Purnima Mantra

Amantra that is specilaly used on this day is:

"Gururbrahmaa Gururvishnuh Gururdevo Maheswaarah |

Guruh-Saakshat Parabrahma Tasmai Shrigurave Namah ||

Meaning:

 The Guruis Brahma,Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva),veneration to the Guru who is parabrahman manifest.

The above written lines, fully describe the significance of a teacher in life of a person. The Purnima of Ashad Shukla Paksha is called Guru Purnima. It is also called Vyas Purnima. Tradition of celebrating this day is carried on since ancient days when students used to have education in Gurukul. This day, Pujan of teachers is performed. There are given special welcoming and respect. 

Person should wake up early in the morning and complete all his routine work like bathing etc. Then he should go to meet his teacher. Guru should be seated on a high pew and given respect. Money, fruits, flowers, clothes etc. should be donated, according to the capability of an individual. Worshipping teacher increases wisdom of an individual. 

India is an ancient and traditional country. Here, Guru is worshipped before God. On Guru Purnima, teacher is given respect and their blessing are taken by offering them Guru Dakshina.

Guru Purnima is also known as Vyas Purnima. On this occasion Vyaso Narayana, the Guru of world is worshiped. Hence, this day of Guru Puja is called Vyas Puja. In order to walk on the path of knowledge and goodness in life, it is must to have a teacher.

Guru Purnima Utsav

On Guru Purnima, birthday of Maharishsi Vyas is celebrated in whole with full excitement. It is considered auspicious to worship Guru and have their blessings on this day. By the blessings of Guru, a person leads his life on a spiritual path.

The relationship between Master and disciple is purely a spiritual connection which is not effected by their ages. This relationship of devotion is based on maturity and manhood. Student should always have a feeling that by the guidance of master, he will have a spiritual growth and teacher should think to do the mental welfare of his disciple. 

Guru Puja is a day of bowing to the spiritual connection between teacher and student. If teacher would not have told about the significance of becoming a human and the made them have the knowledge of soul, then no one would have had the vision of soul.

Guru Purnima Agricultural Importance

On the day of Guru Purnima that is Vyas Purnima, natures air test is taken. It is useful for agricultural  and gardening work during monsoon. Vyas Purnima is considered favorable for air test. This day, prediction is made for the new crops by testing monsoon. And, drought and flood condition for the next 4 months is forecasted. India is country of agriculture. Hence, this day becomes more significant.

Maharishi Vyas Jayanti Mela

Maharishi Vyas composed the great Granth, Mahabharata. Additionally, he wrote 18 Puranas, Srimad Bhagwat, Brahma Sutra, Mimansa etc. He was the son of Rishi Parashar, father of astrology. Srimad Bhagwat Geeta is a part of Mahabharata. On this occasion of Guru Purnima, fair are organised in many parts of the country.

Guru Purnima Importance

Guru is given a higher position then God, because of his qualities and qualification. Guru is called Brahma. Teacher gives a new birth to his students. Guru is true Mahadev because he forgives all flaws done by his disciple.

In India, Guru is given spiritual, religious and political significance. During the times of trouble, teachers have shown a new path to this nation. They do not just a teacher but, they tell a person that how to come out from any kind of problem and danger. 

Guru takes an individual to light from darkness. In simple words, he can be called the mass of knowledge.

Things To Do on Guru Purnima

There are offerings made to the Guru believing that Guru alone can show the path to truth.

• All aspirants awake at Brahmamuhurta (early in the morning) and chant prayers to respect their Guru.
• During the day,the worship of the Guru's Feet should be done.
• Sadhus and Sannyasins should be given food.
• Devout disciples fast and spend the whole day in prayer.
• One should meditate upon their Guru's Form.
• Floral offerings and symbolic gifts are given to honor the cosmic Satguru Ved Vyasa.

Please try to see the following Links to know more information about Ved Vyasa .

This one I got from Eenadu telugu News paper ---Antaryaami.

Tholi Ekadashi 2013 ....Happy Tholi Ekadashi Wishes to all !!

Toli Ekadasi is the name given to the Ekadashi observed during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Ashada or Ashara Masam (June – July) in Andhra Pradesh and by Telugu speaking community around the world.

In 2013, the date of Toli Ekadashi date in Telugu calendar is on July 19  Friday. This Ekadashi is also known as Deva Shayani Ekadasi or Hari Sayani Ekadashi and the Chatur Mas Vrat (four holy months in Hinduism) begins from the day. The night time of Devas begins on this day and it believed that Lord Vishnu goes to sleep from the day.

The fast is dedicated to Srihari Vishnu. The fast is broken on the Dwadashi day by eating fruits.

It is popularly believed that by praying and observing Toli Ekadashi will help in a person from redemption of sins. All the normal fasting rules associated with Ekadashi fasting is observed on Toli Ekadasi day.

The day is of great significance to the farming community as they begin to sow seeds after the first rains on Toli Ekadasi day.

Ekadasi Fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of waning and waxing phase of moon in a traditional Hindu calendar. This is one of the most popular Vrat observed in Hinduism. How to observe Ekadashi was narrated to Arjuna by Lord Krishna and is found in the Bhavisyottara Purana.

When to start Ekadasi Fasting?

Lord Krishna advices Arjuna to begin the Ekadasi fasting in the autumn season with Utpanna or Uttpatti Ekadasi occurring during the waning phase of the moon in November – December.

Ekadashi Vrat Fasting Method

Ekadasi is the name of the Goddess that arose from Lord Vishnu to defeat Demon Mura. Happy with her divine act, Lord Vishnu blessed her that anyone who observes Ekadasi fast will be freed of their sins and will attain Moksha.Some people only take a single meal on the Dasami day, the day before Ekadasi

Things needed for Ekadasi Puja and Prayer

1. A picture or photo or idol of Lord Vishnu
2. Fruits
3. Tulsi leaves (The tulsi leaves should not be picked on the day but on the previous day)
4. Yellow bananas and other normal puja items

Observance

• Wake up early in the morning. Take bath and offer prayers.
• Perform a simple puja to Lord Vishnu at home by lighting a lamp and offering fruits and Tulsi leaves.
• Pray or meditate for few minutes.

If there is a Vishnu temple nearby visit the temple and witness morning pujas and rituals.

Complete fast or Upavas on the day is the main observance.

Ekadasi Fasting

• Fasting is for 24 hours. It is believed that a partial or total abstinence from food on Ekadasi is rewarded with bliss.
• If you have any health problem or are taking medicines, please consult your doctor before deciding on fasting. You can also opt for a partial fast by avoiding food made of rice.
• Do not eat food made from rice on Ekadashi.
• Strictly avoid eating rice and grains, honey, meat and eating on a bell metal plate. Do not apply oil on the day. (What food can be eaten on Ekadasi for those observing partial fast?)
• Those taking partial fast can consume fruits and milk.

Afternoon,Take bath and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu.

Evening Prayers

Take a bath in the evening.

Repeat the morning puja to Vishnu

Visit Vishnu temple and witness the evening puja and rituals.

Prayers for Ekadashi or Click here (Contains prayers,prasadam)

• Vishnu Ashotharam
• Vishnu Sahasranamam
• Simple Chanting of – Om Namo Narayana

Or any prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Sri Krishna

No Sleep of Keeping Vigil at Night

Staunch devotees who observe Vaikunta Ekadasi fasting do not sleep on the day. They spend the whole night at Vishnu temples or by singing prayers or listening stories dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

But those devotees who have health problems sleep at night. Those people who work, take rest at night and avoid keeping vigil at night

Next Day Morning

The fast is broken on the next day (Dwadashi) after taking bath. Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu by lighting a lamp and then you can break the fast.

My past experiences from my childhood regarding this festival was applying mehendi leaves paste on palms of hands and legs previous day.

Having a head bath,Wearing new clothes,praying god,visit to a temple,having Pelala Pindi as Prasadam.

The story in brief was known when I got married and the google search Engine and many other blogs regarding Hinduism and it's festivals helped me to know the importance of festivals etc.So that as a reader ,I am able to post the content what I knew.

So friends,enjoy the Festival day by chanting Mantras .Have a wonderful festival  with all ur Family.

Finally I wish you all my friends with a very Happy Tholi Ekadashi !!

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?qry=180713anta

Happy Sri Rama Navami Wishes!!

Let Us Pray sacred mantras,in the praise of eternal savior:" Om Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram"

Wish You be accompanied with auspiciousness and blessings of Ram Navami.

Happy Ram Navami.

May Lord Ram Bless You on Ram Navami and Always.

Ugadi Wishes 2013 ~ Vijaya Nama Samvatsaram Wishes!!

Divya's Cooking Journey Wishing You all my dear Blog Friends,Readers,Family members & Friends a very Happy Vijaya Nama Samvatsaram .

 Let this Ugadi be a delightful year, filled with delightful things in each of its days!!

Vijaya Nama Samvatsaram /Ugadi 2013

Ugadi is an Indian New Year Festival which is celebrated on the day of Chaitra Masa(March/April) Shukla Paksha Padyami(Thithi) as per the Hindu Lunar Calendar. This festival is mainly celebrated in the southern part of India, Maharastra, Rajasthan, Punjab, Manipur. This year 2013, the festival will be celebrated on April 11, 2013(Thursday). 

Ugadi Festival is the Telugu New Year's Festival. Each Telugu Year has a specific name as per Telugu 60 year calender. Telugu New year Name for the year 2013 is "Vijaya Nama Samvatsara" 

Importance and Significance of Ugadi Festival: 

The name Ugadi derived from "Yuga + Aadi" which means "Beginning of a New Age". According to Hinduism, it is beleved that Lord Brahma(Creator of the World) started his work of creation on Chaitra Suddha Padyami(the day of Ugadi).

According to Sage Valmiki Ramayanam, Lord Sri Rama had killed the demon Ravana on the day previous to Ugadi falling on new moon day(Amavasya) of  Phalguna Masa. To commemorate the victory, the festival is celebrated on the next day indicating the beginning of New Era.

On the Ugadi festival , people wake up before dawn, take holy bath, wear new clothes, decorate in front of their houses with colourful Rangoli, decorate doors and windows with strings of Mango Leaves, preparing unique Ugadi Special dish popularly called as "Ugadi Pachadi".

Significance of Ugadi Pachadi:

The Ugadi Pachadi is a Special mixture of Six tastes i.e., Bitter(Neem), Sweet(Jaggery), Sour(Tamarind), Salty(Salt), Spicy(Green Chilli/Red Chilli Powder) and Tang(raw Mango). It signifies that the life is a combination of different experiences(Sadness, Happiness, Disgust, Fear, Anger and Surprise) which has to be accepted together with equanimity.

After eating the Ugadi pickle it is a custom to read the Panchang of the year and know what is in store for each according to the Rashi.

New clothes are worn on this day and children seek blessing from elders so that their year is good.

Traditions and Customs of Ugadi Festival:

In Andhrapradesh and Karnataka, People listen Panchanga Sravanam, Poetry recitations, honouring and recognition of authors of literary, conducting of cultural programs and Kavi Sammelana and more.

In Maharastra, the festival is celebrated as GUDI PADWA. Gudi means "Dwajam" and Padwa means "the first day of the new year". People of Maharastra erect a bamboo stick topped with upturned silver/copper pot decorated with flowers, coloured silk cloth and coconuts in front of their houses. It is worshipped as Brahma Dwajam/Indra Dwajam indicating invitation to all the deities to the house on this day and also symbolizes welcome the New Year with great Victory and Happiness.

Happy Maha Shivaratri Wishes!!

Happy Maha Shivaratri Wishes to all my dear Family Members ,Friends,and blog readers.
The following Video song is "Shiva Shiva Shankara" from the movie "Damarukam".

Mukkoti Ekadasi ~Vaikunta Ekadasi

Vaikunta Ekadasi, is also a popular as like a Mukkoti Ekadasi has a special significance since ancient period in the Hindu traditions. The Dhanurmaasa Sukla Paksha Ekadasi day is considered the Hindu people as the Vaikunta Ekadasi day. The Ekadasi is the (11th) eleventh day in both the halves of the lunar month - Sukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. Approximately, there will be as many as 24 Ekadasis in a year. The Ekadasi in Mrugasira Sukla Paksh is known as Vaikunta Ekadasi. Vaikunta is the abode of Lord Vishnu.Vaikunta Ekadashi date for the year 2012 is on December 23rd 2012.

On this day, thousands of devotees perform special pooja's in  all the Vishnu Temples through out the world.Vaikunta Ekadasi, is also a popular as like a Mukkoti Ekadasi has a special significance since ancient period in the Hindu traditions. The Dhanurmaasa Sukla Paksha Ekadasi day is considered the Hindu people as the Vaikunta Ekadasi day. The Ekadasi is the (11th) eleventh day in both the halves of the lunar month - Sukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. Approximately, there will be as many as 24 Ekadasis in a year. The Ekadasi in Mrugasira Sukla Paksh is known as Vaikunta Ekadasi. Vaikunta is the abode of Lord Vishnu. On this day, thousands of devotees perform special pooja's in  all the Vishnu Temples through out the world.

During this month, Sun transits through the Dhannus Rasi. Ancient texts recommend that the mornings in this month are ideal for worship of the Lord Vishnu. People fasting during the entire day and offer prayers to the Lord Vishnu. Gifting a copy of Bhagavad Gita to a deserving person on this day is bestowed profuse blessings by   the Lord Krishna.

This auspicious day is more popular as the Guruvayour Ekadasi in Tamil Nadu. Special festival celebrations mark the day at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple of Srirangam. Special celebrations are to be earmarked for 21 days starting ten days prior to Vaikunta Ekadasi and ending (10) ten days after the Ekadasi at the Lord Ranganatha temple at Srisailam. Traditional and spiritual programs will also be held at Tirumala.

Vaikunta (or Vaikuntam as it is spelt in Telugu), is the abode of the Lord Vishnu. The Lord Vishnu sleeps on a three-folded serpent called Audi Sesha Nagu which is of five heads snake. Many Indian Mythological pictures and paintings depict Vaikunta with the picture of the Lord on Sesha Nagu in the Kshira Sagara Madanam (the Ocean of Milk), his consort Lakshmi at his feet and Lord Brahma sitting on a lotus that emerges from the navel of the Lord. One of the main doors i.e., Vaikunta dwara which is normally kept closed throughout the year is thrown open only on the day. Devotees believe that taking the darshan of the Lord on this day would pass through the door of the Lord to reach the Vaikunta.

Meditation to Lord Vishnu:-

Shantakaram Bhujagashayanam Padmanabham Suresham,

Vishwadharam Gagan Sadrisham Meghavarnam Shubhangam|

Lakshmikantam Kamalnayanam Yogibhirdhyana Gamyam,

Vande Vishnum Bhava Bhayaharam Sarvalokaikanatham ||

“I worship that Lord Vishnu who has a peaceful body (postures); who rests on Sheshanaga (the mighty serpent – cobra); who has a lotus in his navel, who is the base of the world, who is like the sky; who has a color like cloud, who is the lord of Lakshmi (wealth); who has eyes like lotus; who is seen by yogis in their meditation; who is the destroyer of fear and who is the only Lord of all the three Lokas (Worlds), I worship such Lord Vishnu.”

Divya's Cooking Journey wishes all my Family members ,Friends,Blog readers with a very Happy Mukkoti Ekadashi  & enjoy the day with Lord Vishnu blessings.

Attla Tadde 2012 ~ Happy Attla Tadde Wishes

Atla Taddi is observed by married and unmarried women in Andhra Pradesh in the month of Ashwin. Atla Taddi 2012 date is November 1. On Atla Thaddi day, prayers are offered to Goddess Gauri (Parvati) for the welfare and long life of husbands by married women. Unmarried women pray for a good life partner. 

Atla Taddi fast is observed on the day from sunrise to sunset. Women and unmarried girls eat food before sunrise on the day. Gauri Puja is performed in the evening.

The fast is broken in the evening by consuming specially prepared dosas with gooseberry chutney and other dishes.A major highlight of the festival is women playing on swings and engaging in other games. Applying Mehndi on hands is compulsory on the day.

During the same period Karva Chouth is observed in North India.

 Atla Thaddi Puja Vidhanam, Atla Thaddi Puja Process, Atla Tadde Nomu Puja Vidhanam, Atla Taddi Udyapana.

Atla Taddi as the name suggests is base on Atlu which means Dosas. Taddi is nothing but the short form of Tadiya or third day. Atla Taddi Nomu is observed in Aswayuja Masam. Atla Taddi is observed on Aswayuja Bahula or Krishna Paksha Tadia, i.e. the third day of the wanning phase of the moon of Ashwayuja Month of the telugu calendar.

• The process to observe the Atla Taddi Nomu:

1. On the day of Atla Taddi one needs to take head bath.
2. Eat the food before sunrise on Tadiya. Fasting has to be observed the whole day without even drinking water.
3. Fasting can be broken only after sunset and darkness sets in. One should wait until Moon is visible, but viewing of Moon is not mandatory.
4. Puja should be performed to Goddess Gauri

• Pooja Vidhanam of Goddess Gauri:

1. Pasupu Ganapathi Puja
2. Shodasopachara Pooja where in Ashtothra satanamavali or Sahasranamam can be recited.
3. Offering should consists of Atlu or Dosas, 10 in number.
4. After the pooja a Vayanam has to be given to a married woman. The Vayanam will consist of 10 Atlu or Dosas and tie a Thoram to the married woman. The Thoram will have 10 knots. 
5. Take blessings from the married woman. The Vayanam has to be given, assuming that the women accepting the Vayanam is none other than Goddess Gauri.

The above process has to be done for 10 years. After completion of ten years Udyapana has to be done.

• Udyapana Process:

1. Ten married woman are to be invited to the house.
2. Each women has to be given Vayanam. Vayanam consists of 10 Atlu or Dosas, Dakshina or money , black beads or Nalla Pusalu, Lakka Jollu or Pasupu and Kum Kum, Tambulam.

After Udyapana there is no need to observe the Nomu.

Divya's Cooking wishing a Very Happy Attla Tadde & Karva Chouth to a Married & Unmarried Ladies.......

Happy Dasara & Vijaya Dashami Wishes

A time for celebration, A time for victory of good over bad,A time when world see the example of power of good.Let us continue the same "true" spirit.

Divya's Cooking Journey Wishing You all a Very Happy,Prosperous & Joyous Dasara.

Happy Rakhi Wishes

Divya's Cooking Journey Wishes a very Happy Rakhi to all dear brothers ,Sweet Sisters....& also to all my friends,blog readers ,Family Members too.