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.......

Tholi Ekadasi -2012

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 2012, the date of Toli Ekadashi date in Telugu calendar is on June 30. 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.

Sayana Ekadasi, Dev Sayani Vrat Story:

Deva Sayana Eakadasi is reffered as - Padma Ekadasi, Vishnu Sayana Ekadasi, Sesha Sayana Ekadasi, Tholi Ekadasi (Andhra Pradesh), Harivaasara Ekadasi, Vishnu Sayana Ekadasi and Ashadi Ekadasi (Maharashtra).

Significance of Deva Sayana Ekadasi Vrat or Ashadi Ekadasi Vrat:

The importance of  Deva Sayani Ekadasi was mentioned in Bhavishyottara Puran.

Yudhistir, Oldest among Pandava Brothers asked about the significance of observing a fast on Shayana Ekadasi. Lord Krishna explained the glory of Sayana Ekadasi Vrat which was told earlier by Lord Brahma to His Son - Sage Narada.

Story related to Deva Sayana Ekadasi:

The great emperor Mandhata of Surya Clan was famous for being Honest and Truthful. Unfortunately, there occured a severe famine in His Kingdom. Many people and animals died due to pangs of hunger. There was shortage of food-grains in the Kingdom. Seeing the sufferings of His Subjects, King Mandhata observed  vratams, performed homams and Pujas to get rid of famine; but all his efforts were in vain.

Sage Angirasa suggested Mandata to observe Ekadasi fasting on Ashada Shukla Ekadasi, which is popular as Deva Sayana Ekadasi. As told by the Sage, King Mandhata observed Deva Sayani Ekadasi Fasting, worshipped Sree Maha Vishnu with utmost devotion and faith.  As a result of Sayana Ekadasi Vrat,  Mandhata's Kingdom flourished well. There was no further trace of famine in His Kingdom.

It is on this day, Lord Vishnu goes to sleep called as Yoganidra (Though Vishnu goes to sleep, His will is ever active). Since Shree Maha Vishnu rests on a Seven Hooded Cobra called Adi Sesha. So, this Ekasadasi is also referred as Sesha-Sayana-Ekadasi. 

A unique feature of this Ekadasi is to not make any sankalpam unlike other Ekadasi's where devotees make sankalpam for material gains like wealth, health, progeny etc.

This Ekadasi is for getting Lord Vishnu's grace only without  sankalpams or wish-list in mind. By doing so, one will get rid of sins committed unknowingly. 

Special Rituals & Poojas:

• The most auspicious Chaturmasya or Chaturmasa Vratam begin from Deva Sayana Ekadasi Day.
 •Ashadi Ekadasi marks as a closing ceremony day of Pandharpur Yatra in Maharashtra.

The Following is the Vishnu Mantra which can be read .

Vishnu Mantra:

Suklam baradharam vishnum sasi varnam chathurbhujam prasanna vadanamdhyayeth sarva vighnopa shanthaye

Shaantaakaaram bhujagashayanam padmanaabham suresham
 Vishwaadhaaram gaganasadrasham meghavarnam shubhaangam.
 Lakshmikaantam kamalanayanam yogibhirdhyaanagamyam
 vande vishnum bhavabhayaharam sarvalokaikanaatham.

Aushadam chintayed vishnum ~ bhojanam cha janardhanam;
 shayane padmanabham cha ~ vivahe cha prajapatim;
 yuddhe chakradharam devam ~ pravase cha trivikramam;
 narayanam thanu tyage ~ sridharam priya sangame;
 dusswapne smara govindam ~ sankate madhusudhanam;
 kaanane naarasimham cha ~ pavake jalasayinam;
 jalamadhye varaham cha ~ parvathe raghunandanam;
 gamane vamanam chaiva ~ sarva kaleshu madhavam !
 Sodasaitaani naamani ~ prathuruddhaya yah patthet;
 sarva paapa vinirmukto ~ vishnu loke maheeyate !

.........You may like the Holy Chants On Lord Vishnu ...........

Divya's Cooking Journey Wishes You all with a Very Happy Tholi Ekadasi and attain the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Note:

• Check out the Pelala Pindi as a festival recipe.

Ugadi 2012~ Nandana Nama Samvatsara Ugadi 2012

Ugadi is the New Year (Lunar New year) for Telugu and Kannada Speaking People and it ushers in the Spring season.In 2012 ,the date of Ugadi is March 23.Nandana Nama Samvatsara begins on March 23,2012.Ugadi (Yuga & Adi) means beginning of  an astronomical cycle.It is also the first day of Chaitra,the first month of the traditional Hindu Calendar followed in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.Ugadi is also known as Chandramana Ugadi or Chandramana Varsha Thodaku or  Vatsara Arambha.

For the telugu and Kannada Speaking people ,Ugadi day begins with an extensive oil bath.Rangolis or Kolams are drawn infront of homes and doors and windows are decorated with a 'Thorana' -Mango leaves strung together.Then it is time for the preparation of the famous "Ugadi Pachadi" in Andhra Pradesh.In Karnataka,it is the "Bevu Bella".

A major event on the day is "Panchanga Sravanam"- predictions for the year.It is organized at temples and by cultural and social organizations.

Ugadi festival Food

"Ugadi pachchadi" is one such dish that has become synonymous with Ugadi. It is made of new jaggery, raw mango pieces and neem flowers and new tanarind which truly reflect life - a combination of sweet, sour and bitter tastes!

Symbolic eating of "Pachhadi"The Kannada, Telugu and the Konkani diaspora in Karnataka and Kerala,people celebrate the festival with great fanfare; gatherings of the extended family and a sumptuous feast are 'de rigueur'. The day, however, begins with ritual showers (oil bath) followed by prayers, and then the eating of a specific mixture of six tastes (షడ్రుచులు), called Ugadi Pachhadi (ఉగాది పచ్చడి) in Telugu and Bevu-Bella( ಬೇವು-ಬೆಲ್ಲ) in Kannada, symbolizes the fact that life is a mixture of different experiences (sadness, happiness, anger, fear, disgust, surprise) , which should be accepted together and with equanimity.

The special mixture consists of:

Neem Buds/Flowers for bitterness

Raw Mango for tang

Tamarind Juice for sourness

Green Chilli/Pepper for heat

Jaggery for sweetness

Pinch of Salt for saltiness

You can also check out the details of Ugadi with more elaboration Here and Here