Karthika Masam!!

Kartika masam is the eighth month in Hindu lunar calendar. On the Purnima day of this month Kartik Nakshtra persists with the moon, hence it is called as Kartik month. Kartika is one of the auspicious month among all the hindu months. People worship God Vishnu, God Shiva and Lord Subramanya during this month.

As per north indian Purnimant calenders, Kartik month in begins on 19th October 2013 and ends on 17th November 2013. Purnimant Calender followed in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar. Karwa Chouth, Ahoi Ashtami, Diwali, Diwali Lakshmi Puja, Tulasi Puja, and Kartik Purnima are the major festivals in this month.

According to Amavasyant calenders, Karthika masam starts on 4th November 2013 and ends on 2nd December, 2013. This calender followed by Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka. Ksheerabdi Dwadasi and Kartik Purnima are the major festivals during the Karthika month.

Devotees perform month long Vratham known as Kartik Vrat. During this Vratham they keep fast and perform special pujas and rituals to the god. Chaturmasya Vratham ends in the kartik month i.e on Kseerabdi dwadasi day. River baths (Kartik Snanam) are also considered auspicious during Kartik masam. Kartik somvar is dedicated to god Shiva and people worship him on the Mondays of this month.

Some other useful information to all from Telugu News Paper!!

Diwali / Deepavali --- The Festival of Lights!!

What is Diwali? 

Diwali, or Deepavali, is one of the biggest Indian festivals and also a major occassion in Nepal. The festival has great religious significance for Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and the Nepalese. In India, Diwali is now considered to be more of a national festival, and is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of faith. It is commonly celebrated by decorating homes with lamps and candles, bursting of firecrackers and sparklers, eating sweets and other mouthwatering dishes, praying to Gods and Goddesses, observing religious rituals, wearing new dresses and sending wishes and gifts to one another. 

When is Diwali? 

Though the number of days of the celebration of the festival differ with different communities, the actual days of observance of Diwali are common and fall on exactly the same set of days across Nepal and India. Going by the Gregorian calendar, Diwali in India is observed generally in the months of October or November. The festival comes exactly twenty days after Dussehra, another sacred Hindu occassion, and is celebrated for five consecutive days at the end of Hindu month of Ashvin.

Dates of Diwali varies in some places.So Click here to celebrate according to your Location!!

What does Diwali mean?

Diya The word "Divali/Diwali" is a variation of the Sanskrit word "Deepavali" which means "a continuous line of lamps" (The word 'Deep' means "light", and 'avali' means "a continuous line"). Thus, Diwali is the time to celebrate with lights.

Hindus and Sikhs alike regard it as a celebration of life and use the occasion to strengthen family and social relationships. One of the most important Hindu festivals, Diwali marks the beginning of a new year in some Hindu calendars. For Hindus, the festival is not only the time to make merry but also the time to worship divine beings considered sacred in Hinduism like Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Mahabali. It is also a significant festival for the Sikh faith. For Jains, it is an occasion to remember Lord Mahavira. In Nepal, Diwali is celebrated by many Buddhists as Tihar or Swanti.

Why is Diwali called the "Festival of Lights"?

Diwali is known as the "Festival of Lights". This is probably because of the manner in which it is observed. The festival is traditionally celebrated with activities like bursting crackers, lighting rows of candles and diyas (earthen lamps) around individual homes, holding dazzling fireworks display and igniting colourful sparklers. 

What happened during Diwali?

Rama, Laxman, Sita and Hanuman Known as the "Festival of Lights," Diwali commemorates the time when the Lord Rama returned to his hometown Ayodhya after defeating the evil demon king of Lanka, Ravana. Lord Rama was the king of Ayodhya who had, by his father's orders, went away from his country to live in the forest for fourteen years. But the people of Ayodhya loved their king very much and waited for years to meet with him again. And so, when news of Lord Rama's return came to them again, the people of Ayodhya, in the honour of their king and to celebrate his victory, burst crackers, lit up their houses with earthen lamps (diyas), and decorated the entire city in the grandest manner. Year after year this homecoming of Lord Rama is commemorated on Diwali with lights, fireworks, bursting of crackers and merriment. The festival gets its name Deepawali, or Diwali, from the rows (avali) of lamps (deepa) that the people of Ayodhya lit to welcome their King. 

Another well known story related to Diwali history is narrated in the other Hindu epic, ‘Mahabharata’.

Mahabharata reveals to us how the five royal brothers, the Pandavas, suffered a defeat in the hands of their brothers, the Kauravas, in a game of dice (gambling). As a rule imposed on them, the Pandavas had to serve a term of 13 years in exile. When the period was over, they returned to their birthplace Hastinapura on ‘Kartik Amavashya’ (the new moon day of the Kartik month). The five Pandava brothers, their mother and their wife Draupadi were honest, kind, gentle and caring in their ways and were loved by all their subjects. To celebrate the joyous occassion of their return to Hastinapura and to welcome back the Pandavas, the common people illuminated their state by lighting bright earthen lamps everywhere. The tradition is believed to have been kept alive through the festival of Diwali, which many believe, is held in remembrance of the Pandava brothers' homecoming. 

It is also believed that on this very Diwali day, the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi rose up from the ocean. The Hindu scriptures tell us that long long ago both Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) were mortal. They had to die sometime or other, like us. But they wanted to live forever. So they churned the ocean to seek Amrita, the nectar of immortality (an event mentioned in the Hindu scriptures as "Samudra-manthan"), during which many divine objects came up. Prime among these was Goddess Lakshmi, the daughter of the king of the milky ocean, who arose on the new moon day (amaavasyaa) of the Kartik month. That very night, Lord Vishnu married her. Brilliant lamps were illuminated and placed in rows to mark this holy occassion. This event is supposed to have given rise to an annual celebration at the same time each year. Even today, Hindus celebrate the birth of the goddess Lakshmi and her marriage to Lord Vishnu on Diwali and seek her blessings for the coming year. 

The origin of Diwali also refers to the stories narrated in the Hindu Puranas, the primary source of Hindu religious texts. According to the Bhagavata Purana (the most sacred Hindu text), it was on a Kartik day that Lord Vishnu, took on the form of a dwarf (Vaman-avtaara) and defeated King Bali. Bali, or rather King Mahabali, was a powerful demon king who ruled the earth. Once Bali got a boon from Lord Brahma that made him unconquerable. Even gods failed to defeat him in battles. Although a wise and good king otherwise, Mahabali was cruel to the Devas (gods). Finding no way to defeat Bali, the Devas went to Lord Vishnu and insisted him to find a way to stop Bali. Lord Vishnu made a plan. He disguised himself as a short Brahmin and approached Bali for some charity. A large-hearted king, Mahabali tried to help the Brahmin. But the whole thing was a trick by Lord Vishnu and ultimately the King had to give up all his kingship and wealth. Diwali celebrates this defeating of Mahabali by Lord Vishnu. 

The Bhagavata Purana also tells us about Narakasura, an evil demon king who somehow got great powers and conquered both the heavens and earth. Narakasura was very cruel and was a terrible ruler. It is believed that Lord Vishnu killed Narakasura on the day before Diwali and rescued many women whom the demon had locked in his palace. The people of heaven and earth were greatly relieved to have got freedom from the hands of the terrible Narakasura. They celebrated the occassion with much grandeur, a tradition that is believed to be alive through the annual observance of Diwali. 

Goddes Kali According to another legend, long ago after the gods lost in a battle with the demons, Goddess Kali took birth from the forehead of Goddess Durga to save heaven and earth from the growing cruelty of the demons. After killing all the devils, Kali lost her control and started killing anyone who came her way which stopped only when Lord Shiva intervened. You all must have seen the well-known picture of Ma Kali, with her tongue hanging out? That actually depicts the moment when she steps on Lord Shiva and stops in horror and repentance. This memorable event has been commemorated ever since by celebrating Kali Puja, which is observed in several parts of India in about the same time as Diwali. 

Historically it is believed that on a Diwali day in 56 BC King Vikramaditya, the legendary Hindu king of India famed for his wisdom, bravery and large-heartedness, was crowned and declared to be a king. This was marked by a grand celebration by the citizens of Vikramaditya's kingdom celebrated the coronation of their king by lighting up small earthen lamps and that custom still prevails. Many people and even some historians say that this event gave rise to the annual observance of Diwali. 

Diwali also marks the sacred occasion when on a new moon day of Kartik (Diwali day) Swami Dayananda Saraswati, one of the greatest reformers of Hinduism attained his nirvana (enlightenment) and became 'Maharshi' Dayananda, meaning the great sage Dayananda. In 1875, Maharshi Dayananda founded the Arya Samaj, "Society of Nobles", a Hindu reform movement to purify Hinduism of the many evils it became associated with at that era. Every Diwali, this great reformer is remembered by Hindus all over India. 

For Jains, Diwali commemorates the enlightenment of Vardhamana Mahavira(the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankaras of the Jains and the founder of modern Jainism) which is said to have occurred on Oct. 15, 527 B.C. This is one more reason to engage in Diwali celebrations for pious Jains and other than the purpose of commemoration, the festival stands for the celebration of the emancipation of human spirit from earthly desires. 

For Sikhs, Diwali holds a special significance for it was on a Diwali day that the third Sikh Guru Amar Das institutionalized the festival of lights as an occasion when all Sikhs would gather to receive the Gurus blessings. It was also on a Diwali day in 1619 that their sixth religious leader, Guru Hargobind Ji, who was held by the Mughal Emperor Jahengir in the Gwalior fort, was freed from imprisonment along with 52 Hindu Kings (political prisoners) whom he had arranged to be released as well. And it was also on the same auspicious occasion of Diwali when the foundation stone of the Golden Temple at Amritsar was laid in 1577.

 Traditions  & Customs of Diwali

Lakshmi Puja

Not only Goddess Kali is showered with prayers and mantras on the day of Diwali, prayers are also offered to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is common believe amongst every Hindu households that those who offer prayers and puja to Goddess Lakshmi will surely be blessed with prosperity and wealth. Thus a puja dedicating to Goddess Lakshmi is performed on the Diwali evening in all households so as to seek her blessings.

Lighting Diyas or Lamps

Another vital tradition that is duly associated with the celebration of this festival is lighting of diyas or oil/ghee lamps. This tradition of lighting up of diyas is followed once the Lakshmi puja is over. People start decorating their houses with lighted lamps and diyas. However there is a symbolic connotation that is duly attached with this particular tradition of lighting of lamps for it symbolises getting rid of darkness from the world.

According to the mythological stories there’s a common believe that people of Ayodhya decorated the whole town with diyas or lamps on the day Lord Rama returned from the fourteen years of exile. Thus in order to welcome him back home, diyas and lights were lightened everywhere and since then this tradition has managed to maintain a strong foothold in the celebration of Diwali. Moreover another prevalent symbolism is attached with the lighting of the diyas for it is a common believe that as Diwali falls on a no-moon night, lamps help Goddess Lakshmi to reach their households. Hence, people leave the diyas to burn all through the night so to direct Goddess Lakshmi towards their doorsteps.

Worshipping Of Cattle

Another prevalent tradition that is observed in some of the villages is the worshipping of cattle by respective farmers. According to this Diwali tradition, farmers generally worship their cattle for they are their primary source of wealth and hence are considered to be equal to God.

Mostly the southern part of India, cows are worshipped on this day for they are regarded as the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.

Diwali Gifts

Exchanging Gifts

Another tradition that is duly associated with the celebration of Diwali is the tradition of exchanging gifts. Thus this particular festival makes shopping as a part and parcel of this auspicious festival. In order to gift ones loved one the best, people indulges in shopping, buying clothes or other accessories so that this particular tradition is just fully observed. Diwali is also considered an auspicious occasion to buy gold.

Rangoli

Conceived from a Sanskrit word, 'rangoli' refers to a decorative design that is prepared with the help of colors. The patterns are typically created with materials like that of colored rice, dry flour, (colored) sand or even flower petals. During Diwali, people clean the houses and decorate the courtyards, walls and entrances with hangings, torans and colourful rangolis, meant for the sacred welcoming of Goddess Lakshmi.

Firecrackers

Diwali celebration is not complete without fireworks and crackers. Bursting of fire crackers are the vital and integral part of this festival of light. However there is a symbolism attached with the bursting of crackers for it is believed that busting of crackers will keep away all evil spirits from home, thus bringing in prosperity and wealth.

Other Traditions

Thus in order to get a proper understanding of the tradition and custom of this festival A pandit is duly consulted who informs the devotees about the timings and rituals that needed to be considered. The general things that are needed for a diwali puja are silver and gold coins, suparis, uncooked Rice, paan leaves, kumkum for applying tilak, mithaai (Indian sweets), camphor, agarbattis (incense sticks), dry fruit (almonds, cashews), flower petals and Lakshmi-Ganesh icon.

The puja ritual is performed in the evening when tiny diyas of clay are lit to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. Bhajans are sung in praise of the goddess and sweets are offered to her. Diwali puja consists of a combined puja of five deities: Ganesha is worshipped at the beginning of every auspicious act as Vighnaharta; Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped in her three forms Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth and money, Mahasaraswati, the goddess of books and learning and Mahakali. People also worship 'Kuber'- the treasurer of the gods. 

Today Diwali is celebrated across the world as the "Festival of Light," where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being .

Divya's Cooking Journey Wishes you all a Very Happy & Safe Diwali !!

Valmiki Jayanthi 2013

The birth anniversary of the great sage Maharishi Valmiki who authored the epic Ramayana is celebrated as Valmiki jayanti. It falls on the full moon day of the Ashwin month according to the Hindu calendar.

In 2013 Valmiki jayanti is on Friday October 18.

Valmiki is also known as Adi Kavi or the first poet because it was he who composed the first verse or Hindu sloka which set the foundation for Sanskrit poetry. The story of Lord Rama written by him is called Valmiki’s Ramayana and is the first epic of Sanskrit literature. Ramayana is also the first kavya.

Saint Valmiki was one of the most popular sage of ancient times. He he is well known for his contributions in ancient literatures. The epic scripture, Ramayana was composed by him. This is the reason that the original Ramayana is popularly known as Valmiki’s Ramayana by people around the world. Ramayana is based on the life story of Lord Rama and related incidents, that depict various duties and responsibilities of a human towards life.

Saint Valmiki is well known as a composer of Ramayana. Sage kashyap had a son named, Varun/Aditya. Once Varun was sitting under a tree in a deep meditation. Soon, an anthill grew around him. After a long penance, a divine light came upon him and said that he was free from all sins, and that he was to be called "Valmiki" from then

Maharshi Valmiki : The legend

Valmiki was born to a Brahmin family and was named Ratnakara. At a very small age he got lost and was brought up by a family of hunters. Later on he became an unnamed robber who used to rob people for a living. One day when he ran into Shri Narada Muni and tried to rob him. But when Narada muni asked whether his family was also a part of his sin and when they refused to be part of it he realised his mistake and begged Narada muni for divine mercy. That is when Narda Muni asked him to chant Lord Rama’a name. He was so immersed in chanting that ant hill or Valmika grew around his body during his poised state of penance. Pleased by his dedication Ratnakara was bestowed with honour of Brahmarshi and he got the name Valmiki.

How Ramayana Was Written

After Narada Muni recited the entire story of Ramayana, immersed in the story Valmiki left to take bath in Ganges. On his sway he came across a stream named tamsa. When he was looking for a suitable place to take bath he saw two happy birds. As he looked one bird was hit by an arrow which was shot by a hunter. The other bird’s agony melted his heart and he spontaneously uttered a curse which came in the form of a sloka and thus he turned into a poet.

The male bird dies that leaves the female bird shattered and upset. Listening to the rhythmic sound of the female bird, Valmiki realized his ability to create rhythmic verses. He started singing the shlok, “ Ma Nishad Pratishtha Twamgam Shashvati Samah | Yatkronchamithunadekam Avadhi Kammohittam ||, which became the base of Ramayana.

This is the first sloka that was created. Then with blessings lord Brahma he wrote the Ramayana in slokas. Another fact is that Valmiki was a contemporary of lord Rama. It was Valmiki who received the banished Sita to his hermitage and he also taught the slokas to Luva and Kusa the sons of lord Rama.

Why Valmiki Jayanti is Celebrated?

Saint Valmiki Jayanti is celebrated with zeal and fervor around the nation every year. Special pilgrimages are organized on this day. Devotees can be seen reciting Ramayan with affection, and respect. Ramayan depicts the feelings of sacrifice, love, success and penance. Valmiki aimed at enlightening the minds of people through his composition.

On this day, the Valmiki temples are decorated beautifully. Devotees visit the temples and take part in religious and spiritual activities. Enthusiastic young people can be seen dancing and yelling in front of the jhanki carried in devotion of Lord Rama.

In order to honour his unparalleled contribution in the form timeless epic Ramayana, Valmiki’s birth anniversary is celebrated as Valmiki jayanti. The day also holds great significance in the north and is called pragat diwas. This day is to remember a great saint who rose above his limitations and through his teachings encouraged people to stand against social injustice and to remember a man who personifies benevolence and penance.

Dasara Navaratri 2013

Happy Devi Navaratri Wishes!!

Hi Friends,tomorrow,October 5th -October 13th  onwards Saran Navaratri starts and every one will be performing pooja to Goddess Durga,Lakshmi ,Saraswati.

Various Alamkaranas ,Avatarams are done at temples and variety of Naivedyams are offered and partaken.During this Navaratri time people belonging to  some regions follow to celebrate Bommala Koluvu (arranging dolls in a theme),Batukamma,hosting Lalitha Sahasranamam and Devi poojas.

Bommala Koluvu.

Here the Link to follow the Dasara Alamkaram  2013  and it may help you also friends!!

Click on the Avataram, we can get the Slokam,Naivedyam etc!!

Bhakthi Samacharam also helps in Knowing more information regarding this festival.

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Ammavari Songs for Navaratri,,Manidweepa Varnana,,Laali Song,Flower Song,Haarathi Song,Saagaraputri Vandanam

Among the popular festivals celebrated in India, Navaratri is among the longest.

Like the other festivals of India, Navaratri is rich in meaning. At one level, Navaratri signifies the progress of a spiritual aspirant. During this spiritual journey, the aspirant has to pass three stages personified by Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Then, he or she enters into the realm of the infinite, wherein one realises one's Self. Navaratri, which literally means 'nine nights,' dedicates three days each to worshipping the Divine in the forms of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. The tenth day, though, is the most important; it is known as Vijayadashami, the 'tenth day of victory.'

The reason behind the worshipping of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati lies rooted in the philosophy that the attributeless absolute can only be known through the world of attributes—the journey is from the known to the unknown. Hence it is said that Shiva, who symbolises pure consciousness, can only be known through Shakti, who represents divine energy. That is why people worship Shakti, also known as Devi, in Her various manifestations.

Inner Meaning of Navaratri Worship

Sri Durga Devi Sri Saraswati Devi Sri Lakshmi Devi

The different stages of spiritual progress are reflected in the sequence of celebrations during Navaratri. During the first three days, Durga is worshipped. She personifies that aspect of shakti which destroys our negative tendencies. The process of trying to control our senses is akin to a war for the mind which resists all attempts at control. So the stories in the Puranas symbolically depict Devi in the form of Durga as waging war and destroying the asuras.

However, getting temporary relief from the clutches of vasanas does not guarantee permanent liberation from them. The seeds of the vasanas will remain within in latent form. Therefore, we should supplant them with positive qualities. The Bhagavad Gita refers to these qualities as daivi-sampat, literally "Divine wealth." Correspondingly, we worship Lakshmi during the next three days. Lakshmi is not just the giver of gross wealth or prosperity; She is the Mother who gives according to the needs of Her children.

Only one endowed with daivi-sampat is fit to receive the knowledge of the Supreme. Accordingly, the last three days of Navaratri are dedicated to worshipping Saraswati, the embodiment of Knowledge. She is depicted as wearing a pure-white sari, which symbolises the illumination of the Supreme Truth.

The tenth day is Vijaya Dashami, or the festival of victory, symbolising the moment when Truth dawns within.

Thus, the significance of each stage of worship has clear parallels in the different stages of sadhana (spiritual practices): first, negative tendencies need to be controlled; second, virtues need to be ingrained; third, after gaining the necessary mental purity, spiritual knowledge needs to be acquired. Only then will the sadhak (spiritual aspirant) attain spiritual illumination. It is significant that Vijaya Dashami is considered auspicious for mantra initiation; advanced spiritual aspirants are also initiated into Sannyasa (vow of renunciation) on this day.

Significance of Navaratri for Householders

However, Navaratri is not only significant for spiritual aspirants; it has a message for those who lead a worldly life as well. They should invoke Durga's help to surmount obstacles, pray to Lakshmi to bestow peace and prosperity, and contemplate upon Saraswati in order to gain knowledge. These three ingredients are just as necessary for a full and complete worldly life. In reality, when we pray like this, we are but invoking the Shakti that is within ourselves.

Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati are not different entities, but different facets of the singular Divinity.

Some of the spiritual practices associated with Navaratri include fruit and milk fasts, japa (mantra chanting), chanting of hymns dedicated to Devi in Her different forms, prayer, meditation and recitation of sacred texts including the Devi Mahatmya, Sri Lalita Sahasranama and the Durga Saptashati.

Ayudha Puja

The ninth day is also the day of the Ayudha Puja. The Ayudha Puja is a worship of whatever implements one may use in one's livelihood. On the preceding evening, it is traditional to place these implements on an altar to the Divine. If one can make a conscious effort to see the divine in the tools and objects one uses each day, it will help one to see one's work as an offering to God. It will also help one to maintain constant remembrance of the divine. (In India it is customary for one to prostrate before the tools one will use before starting one's work each day; this is an expression of gratitude to God for helping one to fulfil one's duties.)

Children traditionally place their study books and writing implements on the altar. On this day, no work or study is done, that one might spend the day in contemplation of the Divine.

Saraswati Puja and Vidyarambham

The tenth day is called Vijaya Dashami. Devotees perform a Saraswati Puja (ceremonial worship) to invoke the blessings of Saraswati. Some devotees also perform pujas dedicated to Durga to mark Her victory over the demon, Mahishasura.

At another level, Navaratri also highlights the principles elucidated by the Ramayana. This is hinted at in the other name by which Vijayadashami is known in India, Dussehra.

Wishing you all a very Happy Saran Navaratri!!

Vinayaka Chavithi 2013

Wishing You all a Very Happy Vinayaka Chavithi Wishes from Divya's Cooking Journey!!

Vinayaka Chavithi falls on the fourth day (Chaturdasi) after the new moon (Shukla paksha) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. This is july/August/September each year. It's commonly celebrated for 9 or 11 days, with the biggest spectacle taking place on the last day called Anant Chaturdashi. Vinayaka Idols are on installed on vinayaka chavithi day, and worshippied for 11 days and immersed in water on Anant Chaturdashi.

In 2013, Vinayaka Chavithi is on Monday, September 9th.But in some parts of USA people are celebrating on September 8th according to their Calendar and place.

Origin

According to the legend, the festival marks the auspicious day of the birth of Lord Ganesha. The story goes as follows- Lord Shiva, the Hindu God of resolution, was away from Kailash due to some work. As Parvati was alone at home, she felt the necessity of some one to guard the door to her house while she took bath. When she did not get any one, she conceived of the idea of creating a son who could guard her. She then created Ganesha out of her sandalwood paste and breathed life into the idol. She then asked him to stand on the gate and do not let any body enter until she came out. Unfortunately, Shiva returned home in the meantime. As, Ganesha did recognize him, he stopped Shiva from entering as per his mother's advice. This badly enraged Lord Shiva, who cut off Ganesha's head by his trident. When Parvati saw beheaded Ganesha, took on the form of the Goddess Kali and threatened to destruct all the three worlds.

The earth, the heaven, the nether world, all was shaken and every body ran to Shiva for solution. In order to appease Lord Parvati and save the world from destruction, Lord Shiva sent out his followers to find a child whose mother is facing another direction in negligence, cut off his head and bring it quickly. The first such child that came in the eyes of the Shiva followers was an elephant, so they brought the head of this elephant and Shiva placed it on the trunk of Parvati's son and gave life into him. Parvati was the overwhelmed with happiness and embraced her son. They named her Ganesha i.e the Lord of all Ganas (followers).

Here is the Gajasuramardana Siva, Slayer of Gajasura

History 

Though the festival is being celebrated since times immemorial, the present kind of celebrations of Ganesha Chaturthi came in fashion in 1893, Lokmanya Tilak, an Indian freedom fighter and social reformer reshaped the annual Ganesh festival from a private family celebration into a community event. The day was conceived to be the National Festival in order to bridge the gap between the Brahmins and the non-Brahmins in the society. Tilak chose this festival for this purpose because Lord Ganesh was considered to be the ' God of Everyman'. It then served as a meeting ground for people of all community and religion on a public platform. Since then the festival has served its cause of existence. Even now people irrespective of caste and community barriers celebrate this festival with great joy.

Lord Ganesh is considered to be the God who has the ability to bestow wisdom and wealth upon humans. All the new undertakings, whether at place of work or at home, start by reciting the mantra of Lord Ganesha. He is known as the God of good luck and prosperity. Therefore, before any auspicious occasion, Hindus performs the puja of Lord Ganesha, to achieve success in it. Ganesh Chaturthi, the day marking the birth of the Lord, is celebrated in a grand manner in Maharashtra as well as other parts of India. It falls in the Hindu lunar month of Bhadra and lasts over a period of ten days. One of the most loving festivals of India, Ganesh Chaturthi has many legends associated with it. Given below are the legends from Shiv and Skanda Purana.

Legend From Shiv Purana

The most popular legend associated with Lord Ganesha can be found in the Shiv Purana. It says that Lord Ganapati was created out of the dough that Goddess Parvati used for her bath. The Goddess wanted a door-keeper, to prevent the coming of any visitors when she took a bath. So, she created a doll from the dough and breathed life into him. The day she did this came to be known as the birthday of Lord Ganesha, which we today celebrate as Ganesh Chaturthi. 

On day, while Goddess Parvati was taking her bath, Lord Shiva happened to visit her. Ganesha did not know him, so he did not allow the Lord to enter the house. This made Lord Shiva angry and he beheaded Ganesha. Later, when he came to know the truth, he fixed the head of an elephant in place of Ganesha's head. With this, the appearance of Lord Ganesha changed and he came to have the head of an elephant.

Legend From Skanda Purana

There is yet another popular legend associated with Ganesh Chaturthi, arising from Skanda Purana. It goes that once Ganesha was invited for a feast in Chandralok. He ate many Ladoos and later, as he got up to walk after the meal, he could not balance himself, because of his huge stomach, and slipped. His stomach burst and all the laddoos came rolling out. Seeing this, the moon could not control himself and began laughing. Ganesha got angry and cursed the moon that it will vanish from the universe.

Because of moon's absence, the whole world began to wane. The gods asked Lord Shiva to get Ganesha to change his mind. The moon also apologized for his misbehavior. Finally, Ganesha modified his curse saying that the moon would be invisible on only one day of a month and would be partially seen on Ganesha Chaturthi. He also added that anyone who watches moon on Ganesha Chaturthi would face a false accusation. This is the reason why, even today, it is considered inauspicious to look at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi.

Ganesh Chaturthi

"Suklambaradharam Visnum Sasivarnam Caturbhujam

Prasanna Vadanam Dhyayet-sarva Vighnopa Santaye"

(The one who wears a) white garment, all pervading (all encompassing), white colored, posessing four arms, pleasant face - (Upon Him) I meditate for the removal of all obstacles.

Agajanana Padmarkam Gajanana Maharnisam

AnekaDantham Bhaktanam Ekadantham Upasmahe

Seated on Lotus, with an elephant face, you have many devotees, O single tusked Lord, I worship thee

Om gananam tva ganapatim havamahe kavim kavinam upamasravastamam

jyestha rajam brahmanam brahmanas pata a nah srnvannutibhi sida sadanam

Through praises we worship You – Lord of the Vedas

Leader of all groups of devas; Visionary of visionaries

One who has great fame through various metaphors

Most exalted of the Knowers of Brahman

One who shines in the heart of devotees, hearing our prayers

Please sit at the altar in our hearts with all protective means.

Ganesha's head symbolizes the Atma or the soul, which is the ultimate supreme reality of human existence, and his human body signifies Maya or the earthly existence of human beings. The elephant head denotes wisdom and its trunk represents Om, the sound symbol of cosmic reality. In his upper right hand Ganesha holds a goad, which helps him propel mankind forward on the eternal path and remove obstacles from the way. The noose in Ganesha's left hand is a gentle implement to capture all difficulties.

The broken tusk that Ganesha holds like a pen in his lower right hand is a symbol of sacrifice, which he broke for writing the Mahabharata. The rosary in his other hand suggests that the pursuit of knowledge should be continuous. The Modakam (sweet) he holds in his trunk indicates that one must discover the sweetness of the Atma. His fan-like ears convey that he is all ears to our petition. The snake that runs round his waist represents energy in all forms. And he is humble enough to ride the lowest of creatures, a mouse.

Palavelli Preperation:

Palavelli is a mesh sort of thing made of sticks:

Get the following fruits and tie them to the palavelli, towards one side:

Raw mango

Coconut flower

Lotus flower

A maize corn

Banana fruit

Guava fruit

Pomegranate
Wood Apple

And many other Fruits and Flowers available are used.

Puja Preparations:

Clean the North-east corner (Isanya corner) of the house (a place where the deity is to be placed), make rangoli with colors or rice flour. Keep a pedestal to place the vinayaka pooja murti. Apply turmeric to this pedestal and place kumkum and rice flour dots on the edges. Make a rangoli of 8-Petal lotus on this pedestal.

The person performing the pooja has to sit facing east. Place a Vinayaka murti on the pedestal. Then make a small mount of wet turmeric Ganesha (usually a small mount) and place a dot of kumkum. Take a plate with some rice and place some betel leaves on the rice (in a circle, the edges of the leaves pointing out). Now place the turmeric Ganesha on this plate.

Arrange the palavelli above the ganesh murti as follows, so that the tied up fruits and flowers stand as umbrella. 

Naivedyams are offered to the god .

It may be any variety of Hot and sweet items .Mainly the Undrallu are offered to the diety and the Mouse.Vadapappu,Panakam,Chalimidi are important  to any festival.

Ganesha Nimajjanam:

Ganesha Navaratri is celebrated from the day of Chaturthi. The last rite is called “Nimmajjanam” (immersion). This ceremony on the very next day after Vinayaka Chaturthi. Other dates that are chosen for Ganapati immersion are 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th and the Ananta Chaurdasi day after Ganesha Chaturthi. Devotees carry their ganesha in a procession, accompanied by music, dance, sweets, and fireworks.

The procession ends on the banks of a river or sea shore, where devotees immerse their clay images of lord Ganesha into water chanting “Sri Ganesham Udvaasayaami… Shobhanaartham punaraagamanaayacha”

Environmental Concerns:

On the final day of the Ganesha festival thousands of plaster icons are immersed into water bodies by devotees. These increase the level of acidity in the water and the content of heavy metals.[8]The day after the immersion, shoals of dead fish can be seen floating on the surface of the water body as a result of this sudden increase.

Several non-governmental and governmental bodies have been addressing this issue. Amongst the solutions proposed by various groups some are as follows:

Return to the traditional use of natural clay icons and immerse the icon in a bucket of water at home

Use of a permanent icon made of stone and brass, used every year and a symbolic immersion only.A

Recycling of plaster icons to repaint them and use them again the following year. Ban on the immersion of plaster icons into lakes, rivers and the sea. Creative use of other biodegradable materials such as paper mache to create Ganesh icons. Encouraging people to immerse the icons in tanks of water rather than in natural water bodies.

To handle religious sentiments sensitively, some temples and spiritual groups have also taken up the cause.

Vinayaka Puja in Telugu

Vinayaka Puja is a festival puja, in which knowledge about flora is passed on from one generation to another in the form of a tradition. God Vinayaka is worshiped by all and more interestingly by the children.

How To perform Vinayaka Puja

Before starting the Vinayaka Pooja take a ritual bath and wear new clothes. Clean the puja mandapam, Place the clay Vinayaka idol and other pooja items there. Place a betel leaf before the god. Make a Turmeric Ganapathi with turmeric and water. Place kumkum on it and decorate it with flowers. Perform Pasupu Ganapathi Puja, then perform Vinayaka Chavithi Pooja, then Chant Vinayaka Astottara Shatanama Stotram and other Ganesha Stotrams, Vinayaka Chavithi  Patri after that hear Vinaya Chavithi Story and finish the pooja with Vinayaka Aarti.

Home Made Ganesha !! Eco -Friendly Ganesha!!

Hi Friends,upcoming Festival is for Lord Ganesha ,Vignaraja Vinayakudu Festival Vinayaka Chavithi.Some are celebrating on Sunday or Monday depends on the area of their calendar.

Mostly in India ,people are celebrating festival on Monday i.e; on 09-Sep-2013.

I am celebrating in Torrance on Sunday i.e; on 08-Sep-2013.

So I made an Eco-Friendly Ganesha for this year Festival.I am posting the pictures ,but not taken in detail.Hope you may understand the model .

You can also click to the Links to know in detail Here and Here.

Model of Ganesha made by me and my boy 6 years Neelesh Chevuri  at Vijayawada in the Year 2012 conducted at M&M Shop ,Eco -Friendly Ganesha with Clay.

Here is the model made by me today it took 10 minutes to make the Model and decorating part depends on our interest.

 The following picture shows the items needed to make.

The below picture is of our Little Ganesha and the Little mouse for this Year Festival.

Ok Friends Hope you might enjoyed my models and If any models made by you means please be free to share your model Ganesha mad eby you or even if you purchased also.I like to see it and happily shared those picture in the blog.Thak You!!

Happy Teacher's Day!!

India has been celebrating Teacher's Day on 5th September, since 1962. The day commemorates the birthday of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakhrishnan, a philosopher and a teacher par excellence, and his contribution towards Indian education system. Dr Radhakhrishnan believed that "teachers should be the best minds in the country". On this day, we gratefully remember the great educationist, apart from honoring all the teachers that have made our life much more knowledgeable and fulfilled, as serving as our beacons of light.

The birthday of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakhrishnan came to be celebrated as Teacher's Day when, one day, some of his students and friends requested him to allow them to celebrate his birthday. In reply, Dr. Radhakrishnan said, "instead of celebrating my birthday separately, it would be my proud privilege if September 5th is observed as Teacher's day". From then onwards, Dr. Radhakrishnan's birthday is observed as Teacher's Day all across India. 

Teachers' Day is very important for all the people in India, as the teachers act as foundation for creating responsible citizens and good human beings. It is impossible to imagine our lives without teachers. They are the cornerstone of our future. We can never thank our teachers enough for their immense contribution in our life. Teacher's Day is celebrated to show our acknowledgement and recognition of the hard work put in by our teachers towards our development. 

Schools all over India celebrate Teacher's Day by allowing the senior students to pose as teachers for a day. It is a fun-filled activity, which is enjoyed by both the acting teachers and their junior students. On this day, students bring gifts for their most admired teachers as well. It is an equally special day for teachers, as they get to know how much they are liked and appreciated by their students. Gifts to teachers include flowers, greeting cards and other items. Some students also write poems and messages for teachers.

Students look forward to Teacher's Day with a lot of anticipation, for the sheer spirit of the occasion. Acting as teachers, they get a fair idea of the responsibility, so efficiently burdened by their teachers. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication to be a good teacher and earn the fondness of the students at the same time. Teachers, on this day, are reminded of their school days and feel nostalgic. All in all, it is celebration mode for everyone!

Teacher's Day in India

Since times immemorial, Indians have respected and idolized their teachers. earlier, we used to call our teachers 'Guru' and now it's the contemporary 'Sir' or 'Madam'. Nevertheless, the role of teachers has remained the same. They were, are and will continue to be our guiding light, creating conditions conducive to our overall development. We will always be thankful to them for their constructive support. It is as an expression of this gratitude only that we celebrate Teacher's Day in India.

Teacher's Day is a tribute to the hard work and devotion of the teachers all year long, to educate a child. In India, teacher's day is celebrated on 5th of September every year. Indian Teacher's Day is dedicated to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was a zealous advocate of education and one of the greatest scholars and teachers of all times, apart from being the first Vice President and the second President of India. As a mark of respect to this phenomenal teacher, his birthday came to be observed as Teacher's Day in the country. 

On Teacher's day, students across India dress up as their teachers and take lectures in classes that are assigned to the teachers they represent. Sometimes, teachers sit in their classes as students, trying to relive the time when they, themselves, were students. Also, functions are organized in schools on the special day, where students present dance performances, dramas, and various other programs to entertain their teachers. This day provides for a healthy interaction between teachers and students as well.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was one of the most distinguished diplomats, scholars and teachers of India, apart from being the first Vice President and the second President of the country. As a tribute to this great teacher, his birthday is observed as Teacher's Day across India. As a matter of fact, when his students and friends asked him for the permission to celebrate his birthday, it was he who asked them to celebrate the day as Teacher's Day, honoring the efforts of teachers across the country. 

Indian Teacher's Day History

India has been celebrating Teacher's Day on 5th September, since 1962. The day commemorates the birthday of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakhrishnan, a philosopher and a teacher par excellence, and his contribution towards Indian education system. Dr Radhakhrishnan believed that "teachers should be the best minds in the country". On this day, we gratefully remember the great educationist, apart from honoring all the teachers that have made our life much more knowledgeable and fulfilled, as serving as our beacons of light

Teacher Student Relationship

The relationship that a teacher and student share is of trust, respect and devotion. Teachers influence their students by shaping their rational and moral virtues and hence, play an important role in molding the society as a whole. The education system of ancient India and Greece shared some common characteristics. In both cultures, teachers and their disciples conglomerated at specific places earmarked for educational purposes. This is where students gained both spiritual and material education from their teachers. All ancient societies functioned according to a set of moral codes and social hierarchy and teachers were at the apex of the social system. During this time, teachers were revered and considered as equivalent to Gods. Students were completely devoted to their teachers and were willing to fulfill all the responsibilities, conferred upon them by their teachers, unflinchingly. One of the quintessential examples of student teacher relationship is that of Chanakya and Chandra-Gupta Maurya. 

With the passage of time however, the ancient tradition of conglomerating at educational places ceased to exist in its original form and was replaced by more modern practices of schools, colleges and universities. However, the respect paid to teachers is still the same. even in this modern era, teachers share a close emotional attachment with their students. The ancient history of education systems is rife with several examples of great student teacher relationships such as Socrates-Plato, Plato-Aristotle etc. 

It is beyond the scope of dubiety that teachers, since ages, have played a major role in the life of an individual and his/her overall upbringing. Teachers are the beacons of light that lead people to success and glory. They are the ones who recognize the talents of their students and encourage them to move further and assist them in reaching the zenith of their potential. Let us dedicate this Teacher's day to all those teachers who, through their talent, patience, wisdom and astute judgment of character, shaped the fates of many individuals who influenced the society as a whole. 

 These great teachers and their students have influenced human philosophies and ideologies since ancient times. Read the kind of relationship these student-teacher duos shared. Certainly, it will be a great experience to learn about those great souls with an insight on how they influenced their students' lives and the whole mankind.

Anne Sullivan-Helen Keller

It was in the year 1887 when Helen Keller met her teacher cum companion Anne Sullivan. What she did not know back then was this meeting with her instructor was just a beginning of a 49 year old companionship. It was Anne Sullivan who taught her how to communicate with the world. She was the first person to teach Helen Keller the

Arjun-Dronacharya

In the epic fable, the Mahabharata, Dronacharya and Arjun shared a special bond as teacher and pupil. Serving as a teacher for the royal princes, Dronacharya found that Arjun was an exceptional student and stood out from the rest of the princes. From the very first test, Dronacharya saw immense determination and focus

Chanakya-Chandragupta

You might have heard about Chandragupta Maurya, the mighty ruler who established the Maurya empire. He was such a great emperor that, every other king under him accepted him to as the almighty king. He is considered as the first genuine emperor, different from all those who believed in conquering land through bloodshed and war and never

Plato-Aristotle

"A friend to all is a friend to none." Those who have heard this quote might have heard about Aristotle too. He was a Greek philosopher and an amazing scholar who had mastered almost all the subjects possible in those days; we are talking about 384-322 BC. When we look at a well-trained person with an inquisitive bent of mind that enables

Socrates-Plato

"Apply yourself both now and in the next life. Without effort, you cannot be prosperous. Though the land be good, you cannot have an abundant crop without cultivation." These golden words come from a person who is still revered for his great philosophies. Yes, Plato had a very practical outlook on life. He believed in human skills but insisted that people must put great effora.