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.

Sri Krishna Jayanthi 2013 ~ Krishna Janmasthtami

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

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

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

History 

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

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

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

Celebrations

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

Popular Places

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

My Sweet memories of this Festival

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

Celebrations are celebrated very well from all three Mediums ( Telugu,Hindi,English )

The song sung and dance teached by Miss Subbaratnam Madam ,I never forget ,I thanks her a lot as even I never forget that Dandiya dance with her composition of song."Hey Nandala Prabhu Nadalala".

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

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

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

Soon I post pictures of the festival celebrations.

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

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

krishNa stuti

kasturi tilakam lalATa phalakE

vakshasthalE koustubham

nAsAgrE nava mouktikam

karatalE vENum karE kankaNam

sarvAngE hari chandanamcha

kalayan kanThEcha muktAvaLim

gOpa stree parivEshTitO vijayatE 

gOpAla chooDAmaNihi ||

karAravindEna padAravindam 

mukhAravindE vinivESayantam

vaTaSya patraSya puTE Sayanam

bAlam mukundam manasA smarAmi ||

krishNa shaTkam :

vasudEva sutam dEvam kamsa chANura mardanam 

dEvaki paramAnandam krishnam vandE jagadgurum||

kuTilAlaka samyuktam purNachandra nibhAnanam 

vilasat kunDala dharam krishNam vandE jagadgurum||

mandAra gandha samyuktam chAru hAsam chaturbhujam

barhi pincha chuDAngam krishNam vandE jagadgurum||

utphulla padma patrAksham neela jeemuta sannibham

yAdavAnAm SirOratnam krishNam vandE jagadgurum||

rukmiNi kELee samyuktam peetAmbara suSObhitam

AvAsta tulasee gandham krishNam vandE jagadgurum ||

gOpikAnAm kucha dwanda kumkumAnkita vaksham

SrinikEtam mahESyAsam krishNam vandE jagadgurum||

SrivatsAnkam mahOraskam vanamAlA virAjitam

Sankha chakra dharam dEvam krishNam vandE jagadgurum ||

KrishNAshTaka midam prAtahkAlE yah paThEt

kOTi janma krutam pApam smaraNEna vinaSyati ||

Krishna Stuti:

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

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

KRISHNA SHATKAM :

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hayagreeva Aaradhana /HayaGreeva Upasmahey!!

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

HAYAGREEVA STOTRA

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

Stotram 

Gyaanaanandamayam devam nirmalasphatikaakritimh

Aadhaaram sarvavidyaanaam hayagriivamupaasmahe 1

Svatassiddham shuddhasphatika manibhuubhritpratibhatam

Sudhaasadhriichiibhirdhutibhiravadaatatribhuvanamh 

Anantaistrayyantairanuvihita heshaahalahalam 

Hataasheshaavadyam hayavadanamiidiimahi mahah 2 

Samaahaarassaamnaam pratipadamrichaam dhaama yajushaam

Layah pratyuuhaanaam laharivitatirvedhajaladheh

Kathaadarpakshubhyatkathakakulakolaahalabhavam

Haratvantardhvaantam hayavadana heshaa halahalah 3

Praachii sandhyaa kaachidantarnishaayaah 

Pragyaadrishterajnjanashriirapuurvaa 

Vaktrii vedaanh bhaatu me vaajivaktraa 

Vaagiishaakhyaa vaasudevasya muurtih 4 

Vishuddha vigyaanaghana svaruupam

Vigyaana vishraanana baddhadiikshamh 

Dayaanidhim dehabhritaam sharanyam 

Devam hayagriivamaham prapadye 5 

Apaurusheyairapi vaakprapajnchaih 

Adyaapi te bhuutimadrishtapaaraamh 

Stuvannaham mugdha iti tvayaiva 

Kaarunyato naatha kataakshaniiyah 6 

Daakshinyaramyaa girishasya muurtih 

Devii sarojaasanadharmapatnii 

Vyaasaadayoapi vyapadeshyavaachah

Sphuranti sarve tava shaktileshaih 7

Mandoabhavishyanniyatam virijncho 

Vaachaam nidhe vajnchita bhaagadheyah

Daityaapaniitaanh dayayaiva bhuuyoapi 

Adhyaapayishyo nigamaanh na cheth tvaamh 8

Vitarkadolaam vyavadhuuya satve

Brihaspatim vartayase yatastvamh

Tenaiva deva tridasheshvaraanaamh 

Asprishta dolaayitamaadhiraajyamh 9

Agnou samiddhaarchishi saptatantoh

Aatasthivaanh mantramayam shariiramh

Akhanda saarairhavishaam pradaanaih

Aapyaayanam vyomasadaam vidhatse 10 

Yanmuulamiidrikh pratibhaati tatvam 

Yaa muulamaamnaaya mahaadrumaanaamh

Tatvena jaananti vishuddha satvaah

Tvaamaksharaamaksharamaatrikaam te 11

Avyaakritaadh vyaakrita vaanasi tvam 

Naamaani ruupaani cha yaani puurvamh 

Shamsanti teshaam charamaam pratishtaam

Vaagiishvara tvaam tvadupagyavaachah 12

Mugdhendu nishyanda vilobhaniiyaam

Muurtim tavaananda sudhaa prasuutimh

Vipashchitashchetasi bhaavayante

Velaamudaaraamiva dugdhasindhoh 13

Manogatam pashyati yah sadaa tvaam

Maniishinaam maanasa raajahamsamh

Svayam purobhaava vivaadabhaajah 

Kimkurvate tasya giro yathaarhamh 14 

Api kshanaardham kalayanti ye tvaam

Aaplaavayantam vishadairmayuukhaih

Vaachaam pravaahairanivaaritaiste