Farming is the traditional livelihood in India and the people farm using traditional methods. However, modern machinery, such as tractors, is beginning to make its impact in farming.
A typical day on a farm
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Milking is a daily duty
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Way of life
Proud to be an Indian
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Flag of India
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| Who is the co-founder of Sun Microsystems? |
| Vinod Khosla |
| Who is the creator of Pentium chip (needs no introduction as 90% of the today’s computers run on it)? |
| Vinod Dahm |
| Who is the third richest man on the world? |
| According to the latest report on Fortune Magazine, it is AZIM PREMJI, who is the CEO of Wipro Industries. The Sultan of Brunei is at 6th position now. |
| Who is the founder and creator of Hotmail (Hotmail is world’s No.1 web based email program)? |
| Sabeer Bhatia |
| Who is the president of AT & T-Bell Labs (AT & T-Bell Labs is the creator of program languages such as C, C++, Unix to name a few)? |
| Arun Netravalli |
| Who is the new MTD (Microsoft Testing Director) of Windows 2000, responsible to iron out all initial problems? |
| Sanjay Tejwrika |
| Who are the Chief Executives of CitiBank, Mckensey & Stanchart? |
| Victor Menezes, Rajat Gupta, and Rana Talwar. |
| We Indians are the wealthiest among all ethnic groups in America, even faring better than the whites and the natives. There are 3.22 millions of Indians in USA (1.5% of population). YET, |
| 38% of doctors in USA are Indians. 12% scientists in USA are Indians. 36% of NASA scientists are Indians. 34% of Microsoft employees are Indians. 28% of IBM employees are Indians. 17% of INTEL scientists are Indians. 13% of XEROX employees are Indians. |
| You may know some of the following facts. These facts were recently published in a German magazine, which deals with WORLD HISTORY FACTS ABOUT INDIA. |
| 01. India never invaded any country in her last 1000 years of history. 02. India invented the Number system. Aryabhatta invented ‘zero.’ 03. The world’s first University was established in Takshila in 700BC. More than 10,500 students from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects. The University of Nalanda built in the 4th century BC was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of education. 04. According to the Forbes magazine, Sanskrit is the most suitable language for computer software. 05. Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to humans. 06. Although western media portray modern images of India as poverty striken and underdeveloped through political corruption, India was once the richest empire on earth. 07. The art of navigation was born in the river Sindh 5000 years ago. The very word “Navigation” is derived from the Sanskrit word NAVGATIH. 08. The value of pi was first calculated by Budhayana, and he explained the concept of what is now known as the Pythagorean Theorem. British scholars have last year (1999) officially published that Budhayan’s works dates to the 6th Century, which is long before the European mathematicians. 09. Algebra, trigonometry and calculus came from India. Quadratic equations were by Sridharacharya in the 11th Century; the largest numbers the Greeks and the Romans used were 106 whereas Indians used numbers as big as 1053. 10. According to the Gemmological Institute of America, up until 1896, India was the only source of diamonds to the world. 11. USA based IEEE has proved what has been a century-old suspicion amongst academics that the pioneer of wireless communication was Professor Jagdeesh Bose and not Marconi. 12. The earliest reservoir and dam for irrigation was built in Saurashtra. 13. Chess was invented in India. 14. Sushruta is the father of surgery. 2600 years ago he and health scientists of his time conducted surgeries like cesareans, cataract, fractures and urinary stones. Usage of anaesthesia was well known in ancient India. 15. When many cultures in the world were only nomadic forest dwellers over 5000 years ago, Indians established Harappan culture in Sindhu Valley (Indus Valley Civilisation). 16. The place value system, the decimal system was developed in India in 100 BC. |
“We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made.”
Albert Einstein
“India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend and the great grand mother of tradition.”
Mark Twain
“If there is one place on the face of earth where all dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India.”
French scholar Romain Rolland
“India conquered and dominated China culturally for 20 centuries without ever having to send a single soldier across her border.”
Hu Shih (Former Chinese ambassador to USA)
if we don’t see even a glimpse of that great India in the India that we see today, it clearly means that we are not working up to our potential; and that if we do, we could once again be an ever shining and inspiring country setting a bright path for rest of the world to follow. I hope you enjoyed it and work towards the welfare of INDIA.
Shrimad Bhagwat Katha
Shrimad Bhagvat Katha
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The Shrimad Bhagwat is one of the most sacred books of the Hindus.
It gives a tremendous insight, a profound vision, and an entirely new perspective to the person who hears the narrative. On hearing, a person is never the same. There is a complete metamorphosis, a complete transformation, literally a new birth. Atman (soul) by it’s own nature is sovereign – it cannot by nature be bound – whatever bondages felt are sheer illusions of the mind. Shrimad Bhagwat provides that light which enables Jeeva (human being) to experience the wonderful freedom of liberation. One feels, “Yes, I am free!” Shrimad Bhagwat expresses this philosophy through the narration of the life stories of 24 incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Amongst these, the tenth volume of the Shrimad Bhagwat narrates in infinite detail, the story of Lord Krishna. Since all 24 incarnations are of Lord Vishnu, it is a vitally important scripture for the Vaishnavites.
Written by Sage Ved Vyasa the Bhagwat leaves no topic untouched – social, political, and economic systems – all these have been covered and commented upon by him. Not just issues relating to self-liberation but even our day-to-day problems have been effectively resolved in Shrimad Bhagwat. Hence it can be emphatically stated that Shrimad Bhagwat is an exposition, which explains human life very clearly, it is a direction leading to the ultimate liberation of the soul. It is therefore an important guide for the conduct of human beings in all their affairs.
Ordinarily, reading and listening to Shrimad Bhagwat is a week long Anushthan (a religious commitment), but even an entire lifetime may not be enough to understand it in depth and explain it to others. It is such a wonderful, sublime scripture but King Parikshit had only seven days to live and it is said that by listening to such a seven-day narration of Bhagwat Katha King Parikshit attained liberation! Not by death but by emancipation from ignorance and fear. Thus Shrimad Bhagwat liberates us from fear, problems, and ignorance. In essence, this is the crux of Shrimad Bhagwat. Content wise, it comprises three main dialogues or principal conversations – one that of Shukadevji and King Parikshit, second between Sutji and Shaunak and other Rishis at Naimisharanya and the third between Vidurji and Maitreya on the banks of the river Ganga. These three principal conversations convey the voluminous Bhagwat beginning and ending with the dialogue between Sutji and Shaunak and other Rishis.
This four quatrain (8 verses) of Bhagwat was voiced by Shri Narayan Bhagwan and heard by Brahmaji as narrated in the second volume. Brahmaji then narrated the same four verses (shlokas) to Narada who in turn conveyed to Sage Ved Vyasa but told him that this was only formularized, now expand it’s (Vyasa) purview. The seat from where such knowledge is expounded and explained in detail is called ‘Vyas Peetham’. For this very reason we call the narrator of Shrimad Bhagwat ‘Vyas’. It is more a qualitative noun than a personal noun. Thus Vyasa elaborated the four shlokas (verses) in 9000 verses spread over 335 chapters and 12 volumes. Then Bhagwan Ved Vyasa taught it to Shukhdeva, who then narrated it to King Parikshit. Sutjii in Namisharanya to Shaunaka and other Rishis conveys the same conversation. All the different periods of these separate conversations are mentioned in Shrimad Bhagwat.
The narration of Shrimad Bhagwat Katha is arranged for many reasons; raising funds to help medical institutions or provide medical relief to people affected by natural calamities, to fund and raise school/colleges and help rural development. But it is mainly arranged for the upliftment and welfare of the people and society, who, by listening to the katha would understand God and learn the way to reach him, helping inducing spiritual growth within themselves and most importantly becoming righteous and virtuous human beings. In the olden days it was primarily arranged when there was a death in the family. Amidst the encircling gloom of sadness and acute depression, the katha narration created a major transformation, bringing to a grief ridden family solace, comfort, equanimity and a philosophic vision. The Bhagwat Katha drew them out of their sorrow and removed them from their mourning. Therefore the Bhagwat Katha is described as “Shoka Moha Bhayapaha”, that which destroys attachment and consequently removes sorrow and fear. By listening to ‘Shrimad Bhagwat Katha’, devotion (Bhakti) pervades our heart and minds. This devotion destroys attachment, sorrow and fear from our minds. What is this devotion or ‘Bhakti’? It is nothing but love!
Love is a sublime experience. It moves and spreads in all directions and becomes universal. When love becomes unending, human beings attain sainthood. The body becomes a temple – and the heart a priest! Slowly, but surely Shrimad Bhagwat enables one to reach that stage. When universal love and devotion is attained, the sorrow, attachments and fear vanish. Sorrow or mourning is connected with the past; attachment is connected with the present and fear with the future. These are the three factors that disturb everyone. Mourning the past, attachment for the present, and fear or worry for the future. And who does not long for peace? Whether a person is a theist or an atheist, everyone longs for peace. Everyone wants joy. When these three dominant influences vanish, one becomes quiet and lucid.
It is not that Bhagwat Katha liberates the departed soul alone. It even frees surviving members from sorrow, attachment and fear. Thus liberation is in a wider concept. It is not as if one is liberated only after one dies. It can be experienced even during a person’s lifetime, now and here also. That is the teaching of Shrimad Bhagwat Katha.
Gujarati Newspapers Online
Gujarati Newspapers
Her are some of the popular gujarati news websites that provides latest news in guajrati.
Gujarat Samachar
www.gujaratsamachar.com
Free online news in Gujarati
www.indiapress.org/index.php/Gujarati/400×60
Gujarati Newspaper from Ahmedabad
www.sambhaav.com
Divya Bhaskar Gujarati News Paper Ahmedabad
www.divyabhaskar.co.in
SANDESH has the highest readership in Gujarat. This on-line Gujarati language newspaper has something of interest for every body in addition to providing news.
www.sandesh.com
Read on-line daily news in Gujarati focussed on Gujarat. There is audio feature also. Review of past news addtions is provided.
www.akilaindia.com/
Bombay Samachar
www.bombaysamachar.com/new/
This is a Gujarati newspaper where you can also listern to sloks from Bhagvad Gita.
www.gujarati-online.com/sub.html
This provides news about Kutch in Gujarat in English language. Has coverage of a variety of lifestyle topics.
www.panjokutch.com/
This is on-line newspaper providing news about Gujarat on some specific topics of current events.
www.gujaratindia.com/
An English language on-line information site if you want to know about Kutch in Gujarat.
www.kutchinfo.com/
Nobat Online – Gujarati Evening Daily
www.nobat.com/
Dainik Bhaskar
www.bhaskar.com/defaults/aboutus.php
JaihindDaily.com – a News Portal for Gujarati
www.jaihinddaily.com
Gujarati News
www.gujaratinews.com
Sumra Rajputs
Maher Surnames
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Vansh : Chandravanshi
Kuldevi : Shri Sikoter Maa, Chamunda Maa, Balvi Maai, Khandhal Maa
Father : Shankar Bapa
Mother : Anjani
Guru : Gorakhnaath, Vachradada, Patha Pir
Brahmin: Joshi
Barot : Brahbhat
Gotra : Aashtang
The Odedras within the Mer community were originally known as Sumra Rajputs.
Approximately 10 miles south-east of Porbandar is the village of Odedar. This is the village the Odedras are named after. Originally, they were known as Soomra Rajputs.
Sumra Rajputs are found as far North as Chambal (Madhya Pradesh) to the Peninsula of Saurashtra. It is stated that when the Sumra Rajput Mers initially came into the present day India, they separated into two, one heading towards Saurashtra and the other to Madhya Pradesh.
The Sumras of the desert are one of the subdivisions of the Parmar Rajputs. Together with the Umras (another division of the Parmars) the area of Alor is still known as Umra-Sumra.
The history of this district is similar to that of other districts of the lower Sindh region. Most of the Thar Desert was occupied by Parmar Rajputs named Sodha. The land East from Chachro to Gadra was owned by the Rathores. Sumras controlled the portion of land West of Chachro
Col. James Todd is correct in saying that the Sumras are Rajputs and not of Arab descent at all. The reason for this is that the majority of the Sumras were converted to Islam and to be treated more highly claimed that they were Arab Muslims. The Odedras are descendants of Sumras who did not convert to Islam and came to Kathiyawar.
The Sumras Dynasty flourished in Sindh during Mohammed Bin-Qaseem’s invasion of India. He reported them as a powerful clan ruling lower Sindh. It is generally accepted that after the defeat of the Sumras at the hand of the Mohammedan invaders they migrated to Gujarat by foot and boat. The Sumras settled originally in the village of Odedar, hence the name Odedra.
Article supplied by Kishan V Sisodia; edited by Ravi Odedra
Sati Shree Lirbai Mataji
Sati Shree Lirbai Maa
The story of Sati Shree Lirbai Maa has been passed on from generation to generation for over two hundred years.
The story begins with Jeevan Modhwadia. He was from the Gaam. Jeevan was well-known in Modhwada, however, people knew him for all the wrong reasons. People used to try and avoid him, and try not to catch his eye; if they did they used to shake with fear.
He was near the holy place of Parab; where he stole two bulls from the Patel. He then walked with the bulls, to Parab. Now, even though Jeevan was how he was- notorious, he always, without fail prayed to God in the evening. The Patel happened to go the holy place of Parab and he asked Sant Devidas if he had seen his bulls. Jeevan overheard the Patel saying this and became extremely agitated. Whilst doing his mara, Jeevan prayed to God saying that he had never forgotten to remember the Divine Lord at any day. The Patel asked Sant Devidas again if he had seen his bulls. Sant Devidas replied saying that no-one goes to Parabh if they have been stealing- and if they do by chance-they will never do it again. The Patel asked Sant Devidas if he could go and have a look to see if his bulls were anywhere to be seen. Overhearing this, Jeevan Modhwadia started to worry, knowing that he was going to be caught any second now. The Patel had white bulls, and as Jeevan turned to look at them, they changed to a black colour! The bulls had suddenly changed colour just like Jeevan’s heart was about to…
The Patel approached Jeevan, where he was doing his prayers and noticed that the bulls Jeevan had, were similar to his. He went to Sant Devidas and told the Sant that the bulls looked alike to his, but they were a different colour. The Patel later left and Jeevan started to cry. He couldn’t believe it! He approached Sant Devidas, as he has just finished his prayers and held his feet. In this space of time, Jeevan Modhwadia realised that Bhakti was the path that he wanted to take.
From that day on, Jeevan Modhwadia was known as Jeevan Bhagat. He stayed at the holy place of Parab for twelve years. He did a lot of ‘seva’ and Bhakti.
Then one day, Sant Devidas sat Jeevan Bhagat down and told him that he felt it was time for Jeevan Bhagat to go. He felt that Jeevan Bhagat had a calling to go. Jeevan Bhagat bowed to Sant Devidas and started to walk. He stopped at the Gaam of Vekadi. There, an Ahir family had a function. Jeevan stayed all night and sang Bhajans and Kirtans. The next morning, the Ahir’s daughter, Sonal, decided that she wanted to go with Jeevan Bhagat to Modhwada to do Bhakti. Son Bai’s parents weren’t sure. They didn’t want their daughter to go with an older man, by herself because people would talk. It wasn’t reputable for a girl to go with a single man by herself. Son Bai didn’t say anything and she went to the nearby well to fill some water. She came back and her fingers had divas on them, her tongue was all the way around her neck and the water carrier (Bedu) was three to four inches above her head. This was a parcho and Son Bai’s parents realised that she wasn’t an ordinary woman-but a Maha Sati.
They let her go and Jeevan Bhagat and Son Bai walked and walked until they got to Modhwada. As Jeevan Bhagat had come back to Modhwada after so many years, not many people recognised him. People started to talk. They gossiped saying that they couldn’t understand why Son Bai’s parents had let her go with a man by herself. They tried to look at Son Bai and their eyes started to hurt. There was some much glow and radiance on Son Bai’s face that they just couldn’t even glance at her. People realised that this woman wasn’t an ordinary woman. They also found that the man was Jeevan Bhagat, and everyone was surprised at how much he changed.
In Modhwada Padaar, near the ‘Bava Vaav’ they found a little hut and that is where both of them lived. As people recognised Son Bai’s ‘Shakti Roop’, they often came to their hut where they sang Bhajan and Kirtans and had Prasad.
Regularly, there came a seven year old girl. She used to go to the hut, to get water. There, she used to stay on and sing Bhajans, sweep the floor and help Son Bai and Jeevan Bhagat. She was the daughter of Lakhi and Luno Modhwadia- her name was Liri. Lir Bai enjoyed going to Jeevan Bhagat’s hut where she sang Bhajans until late in the night. Both Son Bai and Jeevan Bhagat were fond of her, and she was like a daughter to both of them. They were fond of her because she was interested in God at such a young age.
A few years later, when Lir Bai Maa grew older, Jetha Bhai Keshwala, from the nearby village of Keshav came and asked Luno Bhagat, if he wanted to give her daughter to their family. Luno Bhagat pondered and decided to ask only two people- Jeevan Bhagat and Son Bai. The next day, Luno Bhagat went and asked them. Son Bai replied saying that all girls should eventually get married, and it was now her time. They told Luno Bhagat that they should take Ramapir’s name and start preparing.
A year later, Lir Bai Maa got married to Vajshi Jetha Keshwala, from Keshav. As Lir Bai passed Son Bai’s hut, she bowed to her Guru’s and put her head on Son Bai’s lap and started crying. Son Bai reminded Lir Bai of her duties, now that she was a wife. She reminded her that she should always keep her parents respect and reputation in mind.
Being quite young and newly married, Vajshi Keshwala had a bad temper and got irritated regularly. He would often go out socialising, come home late and argue with Lir Bai Maa for no reason. Remembering what Son Bai had told her, Lir Bai put up with it as much as she could however, one day, she couldn’t bare it anymore. Getting her belongings, Lir Bai Maa went back to Modhwada, where she stayed at her parent’s house. Frequently visiting her Guru’s, she would sit there for hours singing Bhajan and Kirtans. Two months passed, and Lir Bai Maa still hadn’t come back. Vajshi Keshwala’s friends started to mock him saying that he couldn’t stand up to Jeevan Bhagat or Luno Bhagat. They told him that it was Son Bai and Jeevan Bhagat’s fault that Lir Bai had left. They told him that he should go immediately to Modhwada and confront everyone.
Angrily, Vajshi Keshwala got on his horse and rode up to Modhwada; he found out that Lir Bai Maa was at Jeevan Bhagat’s Hut and that made him angrier. Vajshi Keshwala listened in to the conversation that Son Bai and Lir Bai were having. Son Bai Maa told Liri Maa that a husband is like God and that she should go and return to Keshav as soon as possible. She explains to Lir Bai Maa that she shouldn’t be staying at her parent’s house when she is married.
Vajshi overheard and realised that they weren’t trying to destroy their marriage, but to make it better. He walked in and started crying. Bowing down to Jeevan Bhagat and Son Bai, he apologises and asks for forgiveness. Accepting his apology, Jeevan Bhagat tells Lir Bai and Vajshi Keshwala to go back to Keshav and do a Barporo Paath (Ramapir’s Paath) at Bij (2nd day of the month). Returning to Keshav, he was now known as Vajshi Bhagat.
Now that Vajshi Bhagat had changed, he didn’t like eating meat or going out with his friends. Whenever anyone did anything wrong, he used to confront them and show them that Bhakti was the right way. Slowly, his friends stopped being his friends. Some decided to stay with Vajshi Bhagat and become Bhagats others carried on as they were. When Bij came, there was a Barporo Paath at Vajshi Bhagat’s house. Many people from Modhwada, Keshav and other villages nearby came to enjoy the Bhajans, which lasted for a few days…
Lir Bai Maa went on to have two boys, Punjo and Patho and a daughter called Puti. As a family, they would often sit and sing Bhajans, whenever people came to their house; they would make prasadi and made sure that everyone ate before they left.
On Maha Bij, Vikram Savant 1854, Jeevan Bhagat and Son Bai took their Samadhi in the Gaam of Modhwada. Invitations were sent out to Virpur, Satadhar and Parab. Lir Bai Maa and Vajshi Bhagat found it hard as did many of the people in Modhwada.
One day, Jeevan Bhagat became ill. Even though the people from Keshav advised him to take some medicine, Vajshi Bhagat disagreed. He felt that his time had come for him to take Samadhi. Liri Maa did not agree with this. She explained to Vajshi Bhagat that it was not right for him to go before her, as she is the wife, she should take Samadhi her first. Lir Bai Maa tells Bhagat that many women have died for their husbands and for Vajshi Bhagat to go first-it wouldn’t be right. The only way forward was for someone to give their life to him.
Sati Shree Lirbai Maa’s Mandir in village of Sisli
Contemplating this, the next morning, Puti Bai got some Tulsi leaves; water and incense gave it to Vajshi Bhagat and told him that she would give her life to him. She explained that Punjo and Patho were sons and that they would carry on the family name. Sati Puti Bai was ten years old when she gave her life to her dad. Her mandir and Samadhi is in Keshav. She is known as ‘Puti Sati Aai’.
Punjo and Patho got married to two sisters from the Gaam of Tukda. Now that their sons were grown-up and married, Lir Bai and Vajshi Bhagat gave all the responsibilities to them.
Wanting to take her Samadhi at Modhwada near her Guru’s, Lir Bai went and asked Vangha Patel if that was possible. Knowing that Lir Bai was a Devi, he carefully explained to Lir Bai, that he or the rest of the people in Modhwada couldn’t bear to see their daughter being buried in her home Gaam.
Without uttering a word, Lir Bai Maa returned to Keshav, where she felt that she wanted to leave Keshav and go to the village of Kandora. The people of Keshav were upset and they kept questioning the reason why Lir Bai Maa wanted to leave. Sati explained that she felt like Kandora was calling her and that it was in her destiny to go. Settling in Kandora, Liri Maa held a Barporo Paath, where Nathoo Bhagat from Kotri came; Natha Bhagat from Ratadi, Rajshi Bhagat from Nagka and Rudi Aai from Modhwada. Every Bij, Lir Bai Maa and Vajshi Bhagat held a Barporo Paath. They would sing Bhajans have prasadi.
The time came when Lir Bai Maa wanted to take her Samadhi. Her time had come and she knew that she had to go. Calling Natha Bhagat, Nathoo Bhagat, Rajshi Bhagat and Rudi Aai, as well as many others, Lir Bai Maa held her last Barporo Paath. Sati Shree Lir Bai Maa took her Samadhi on Maha Bij, Vikram Savant 1832.
Vajshi Bhagat took his Samadhi a year later.
There are many mandirs of Lir Bai Maa, which are in Modhwada, Keshav, Kotdi, Rana Kandorana, Sisli and Kinderkheda- to name a few. Not only was Lir Bai Maa a Maherani, but she was a Maha Sati that uplifted the Maher name and made the Maher Naat proud.
Written by Nisha Bhima Karavadra, Peterborough (UK)
Choghadia
Choghadia is used to check the most auspicious time of the day.The Choghadia is a table which is based on the relative position of the heavenly bodies (the planets and the moon) over 24 hours of the day. It is used to check the time (day or night) which is auspicious and therefore best for performing puja, starting a journey, engagements and during special festivals etc.
Typically a Priest would provide similar information. Here’s translated Choghadia into English. Lhabh, Shubh and Amritare auspecious. Kal, Udveg and Rog are inauspicious.
| Day Time | |||||||
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Sun |
Mon |
Tue |
Wed |
Thur |
Fri |
Sat |
Time |
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Udveg Chal Lhabh Amrit Kal Shubh Rog Udveg |
Amrit Kal Shubh Rog Udveg Chal Lhabh Amrit |
Rog Udveg Chal Lhabh Amrit Kal Shubh Rog |
Lhabh Amrit Kal Shubh Rog Udveg Chal Lhabh |
Shubh Rog Udveg Chal Lhabh Amrit Kal Shubh |
Chal Lhabh Amrit Kal Shubh Rog Udveg Chal |
Kal Shubh Rog Udveg Chal Lhabh Amrit Kal |
06:00 – 07:30 07:30 – 09:00 09:00 – 10:30 10:30 – 12:00 12:00 – 13:30 13:30 – 15:00 15:00 – 16:30 16:30 – 18:00 |
| Night Time | |||||||
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Shubh Amrit Chal Rog Kal Lhabh Udveg Shubh |
Chal Rog Kal Lhabh Udveg Sh Amrit Chal |
Kal Lhabh Udveg Shubh Amrit Chal Rog Kal |
Udveg Shubh Amrit Chal Rog Kal Lhabh Udveg |
Amrit Chal Rog Kal Lhabh Udveg Shubh Amrit |
Rog Kal Lhabh Udveg Shubh Amrit Chal Rog |
Lhabh Udveg Shubh Amrit Chal Rog Kal Lhabh |
18:00 – 19:30 19:30 – 21:00 21:00 – 22:30 22:30 – 24:00 24:00 – 01:30 01:30 – 03:00 03:00 – 04:30 04:30 – 06:00 |
Shravan Mas
The month of Shravan is the fifth month of the Hindu calender beginning from Chaitra, and is the most auspicious month of the Chaturmas. On Purnima or fullmoon day, or during the course of the month the star ‘Shravan’ rules the sky, hence the month is called Shravan. This month is spread out with innumerably religious festivals and ceremonies and almost all the days of this month are auspicious.
Shravan is considered the holiest month of the year. Each monday of this month, known as Shravana Somvar, is a special day in Shiva temples where the dharanatra hangs over the linga or the idol to bathe it with holy water, day and night. Devotees pile the linga high with Bel leaves and flowers and fast till sunset. The nandadeep (24 hour lamp) burns steadily in the temples.
Lord Shiva and Shravan Mas
The legend says that when the churning of oceans – Samudra Manthan – took place in the month of Shravan, fourteen different types of rubies came out. Thirteen of these were distributed amongst the demons, except Halahal (poison). Lord Shiva drank the Halahal and stored it in his throat. Hence the name Neelkantha (meaning blue throat) is attributed to Shiva.
To reduce the strong effect of poison, Lord Shiva wore the crescent moon on his head. All the Gods, thereafter started offering the Ganges water to Lord Shiva to make lessen the effect of poison.
Since, this happened in the month of Shravana, since then the Shiva devotees offer the Ganges water in this month.
It is considered highly auspicious to wear a rudraksha in Shravan month. As, Mondays or Somvars of Shravan month are specially observed with austerity. All Mondays are devoted to the worship of Shiva as this day is sacred to Lord Shiva. No other Mondays of other months are so greatly honoured.
The belief is that in Shravan month, offering milk to Lord Shiva earns a lot of Punya.
Things to do during Shravan month
• Wear Rudraksh, and also use a Rudraksh mala for Japa.
• Offer Lord Shiva Bhibhuti and place some on your forehead.
• Make offerings of Bel leaves, Panchamrut (milk, yoghurt, clarified butter, honey and jaggery) on Shiva Ling.
• Recite Shiv Chalisa and Aarti
• Chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra.
• Fasting on Mondays. Girls who fast on all Mondays of Shravan get a good husband.
Significance of Shravan Weekdays
Each day in the month of Shravan has a special significance and has its own ritual.
Monday: is the day of Lord Shiva worship.
Tuesday: Gauri is worshipped in every home, by women for the good health of their family.
Wednesday: are dedicated to Vithala, a form of Vishnu or Krishna.
Thursday: are also days for worshipping Buddh and Guru.
Friday: every home worships Lakshmi and Tulsi.
Saturday: are for Saturn (Shani). It is also known as Shravan Saturdays, with the object of object of obtaining wealth. These days are known as Sampat Sanivara (wealth Saturdays).
Sundays: are meant worshipping the Sun god. Sun worship was general in the Vedic period and even now it is so. Especially in Shravan, every Sunday the Sun is worshipped without fail.
Festivals in Shravan Month
During this month people practice many rules and regulations while praying and also fast. Shravan has a special importance as it ushers in a host of auspicious days and festivals like:
Naga-Panchami
Kalkyavatara
Putradaikadashi
Hindola or Swinging
Narali Purnima
Shravani Purnima
Pavitraropana
Raksha Bandhan
Vara Lakshmi Vrata
Rishi Panchami
Govatsa and Bahula
Sitala Saptami
Janmashtami
Ajaikadasi
Pithori
Pola
Janmashtami
Janmashtami – birth day of Lord Krishna
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Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great devotion in the August/September months, on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksh or the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon, in the whole of north India. Temples and homes are beautifully decorated and lit. An attractive feature of the celebrations are cribs & other decorations depicting stories of Lord Krishna’s childhood. There are five main “jhankis” of Janmashtami which depict the entire sequence of events from Lord Krishna’s birth to his being discovered in Gokul.
The “jhankis” include the birth of Krishna in jail, Vasudev carrying Krishna to safety across the river Yamuna amidst thunder and lightning, Vasudev’s return to the jail, Kansa killing Yashoda’s daughter and finally the little Krishna in the cradle in Gokul. “Jhankis” are created out of dolls dressed up as kids, men and women with lehangas, chunnis, dhotis & kurtas. Raslila of every type are also performed – Janmlila, Shankarlila, Putnalila and Naglila. In the evening bhajans are sung which end at midnight, the auspicious moment when Lord Krishna was born. Thereafter arti is done, prasad distributed and flowers showered on the idol.
Celebrations at Braj Bhoomi
Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, where his parents lived in captivity of the evil Kansa and he as a young boy came and vanquished his maternal uncle Kansa to ascend the throne and free his parents, celebrates Janmashtami with great enthusiasm. The main celebrations are performed at the Dwarkadhish temple, Mathura in the form of Jhulanotsava and the Ghatas during the entire month of Shravan. The ghatas are a unique feature of the month long celebrations. During the ghatas of a particular colour the whole temple is covered with decoration in the same colour. Even the Lord dresses up in the same colour. The twin cities of Mathura-Vrindavan takes on a festive look and spirit of devotion runs high among the people. It was on the banks of the Yamuna river where Lord Krishna played during his childhood and indulged in pranks and tricks with his friends and the gopies. There are about 400 temples dedicated to Lord Krishna in this sacred city and the major festivities are held at the Banke Bihari, Rangaji, Shri Krishna Balram temple and Gopinath temple. The Raslila of Braj is thematically the basis of many performing arts.
Lord Krishna was born in the DuaparYug which came just before the Kal Yug and Janamasthami, his birthday falls on the Ashtami Paksh or the 8th day of the new moon fortnight in the month of Bhadra some time in July or August. The Jhankis ( tableaux) depicting many significant scenes from Lord Krishna’s life are the intrinsic part of Janmasthami. Devotees also make beautiful Jhulans (Cradles) for the baby Krishna. In some parts of India, young men break the Matkas (Earthen Pots) filled with butter and curds. The most important tableux is that of baby Krishna. A idol of baby Krishna is placed on a cradle, which is rocked to recreate scenes from Krishna’s infancy. The devotees believe that anyone who makes a wish and while rocking the cradle in which the Lord is, his or her wish will be granted on this day. Other popular Jhankis are Kaaliya Mardan(vanquishing the black snake Kali Nag), Kansha vadha ( Killing Kansha) and lifting the Govardhan Parbhat.
In Brindavan, every year the Raasleelas or the folk theatre acting out Krishnas Lifes stories begin much before the Janmasthami day. These Raasleelas are staged by professional drama troupes or even young children. These dramas characterised by colourful costumes and equally colourful backgrounds. Raasleelas are usually accompanied by musicians and are very popular among the people. The language spoken by the actors and the actresses is the Brajbhasha but sometimes Hindi is also used.
Rituals
The ceremony of worship is a very simple affair. The priests chant holy mantras and bathe the idol with Gangajal (water from the holy Ganges river), milk, ghee (clarified butter), oil, and honey pouring all these from a conch shell. Only after the ceremony is over, the devotees break their daylong fast . In Janmashtami, the devotees keep awake and sing bhajans till midnight, the moment when Krishna was born. People fast all day and eat only after the midnight birth ceremony. Often the image of the baby Krishna is placed on a swing and bathed with charanamrit (holy water). Midnight prayers are performed. The sound of hymns and religious songs extol the greatness of Krishna.
This festival occurs on the eight day (Astami) of a lunar fortnight hence the name (Krishna+astami). Krishnastami which comes sometime in August is celebrated over two days. The first day is Krishnastami or Gokulastami. The second day is called Kalastami or more popularly Janmastami.
At midnight between the first and second days the ‘birth of Lord Krishna is replicated with pomp and ceremony. Delicacies are prepared from milk and curds that Krishna loved. The more popular ceremony of Dahi-handi (breaking a pot full of milk and its derivatives} takes place on the second day. This ceremony is so popular that Krishnastami has come to be synonymous with the ceremony of Dahi-handi.
Lord Krishna
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The Ceremony of Dahi-Handi
During this ceremony a large earthenware pot is filled with milk, curds, butter, honey fruits etc. and is suspended from a height between 20 to 40 feet. Sporting young men and boys come forward to claim this prize. To do so they construct a human pyramid by standing over each other’s shoulders till the pyramid is tall enough to enable the topmost person to reach the pot and claim the contents after breaking it. Normally, currency notes are tied to the rope by which the pot is suspended. This prize money is distributed among those who participate in the pyramid building.
In his childhood, Lord Krishna along with his mates used to raid the houses of his neighbours in search of milk and butter. It is a common practice in India to tie up food articles in a pot suspended from the beams of the roof so as to prevent domestic animals like cats and dogs from despoiling them. We are told that every day after the men and womenfolk left for their farms, the naughty and adventurous Krishna along with a band of his mates would build a human pyramid and plunder the caskets of milk and butter much to the chagrin of the owners.
Krishna Lila The story of Lord Krishna reflects life in a pastoral society. Cattle are the principal means of subsistence. The activity of people revolves around tending cows, milking them, making curds, butter etc. Krishna himself has names displaying a pastoral charecter. Govinda and Gopala as he is also known, mean cowherd. In Sanskrit ‘go’ means cow.
Krishna is always shown with his flute (Bansuri). He is considered to be the Hindu God of Music and is the patron god of Indian musicians of the traditional schools (Gharanas), irrespective of their religion.
In brief the life story of Krishna according to mythology is as follows:
Kansa, the king of Mathura was a very cruel tyrant. His tyranny spared no one, even the sages had to bear the brunt of this. Finally the gods c
ould tolerate no more of it and in a dream Kansa was told that his evil reign would be brought to an end by his sister Devaki’s son who would kill him. The cowardly tyrant immediately threw his sister Devaki and her husband Vasudev in prison so that he could kill all the sons born to Devaki.
The Cruelty of Kansa
In captivity Devaki bore six sons, each of whom were promply killed by Kansa. The seventh time, the gods again thought it necessary to intervene. On the night of the birth of their seventh child, the prison guards fell into a deep slumber and the doors were unlocked. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Vasudev slipped out of the prison and whisked away the God-child to the safety of a neighbouring kingdom which was ruled by king Nanda. King Nanda’s domain lay across the Yamuna river. We are told that at that time the Yamuna was in spate, but when the waters touched the feet of the God-Child Sri-Krishna, the waters parted making a channel for Vasudev to pass.
Lord Krishna at Gokul
The generous king Nanda gave away his new born daughter to Vasudev knowing fully well what fate awaited her at Kansa’s hands. Next morning Kansa completed his gruesome job complacent of the fact that his would-be avenger was still living. At Gokul, under king Nanda’s protection, Krishna got the loving affection of Nanda’s Queen Yashoda whom Krishna looked upon as a mother. Days passed in fun and frolic, while the child-Krishna grew up. But one day rumours reached Kansa that Devaki’s son had somehow escaped his cluthes and was living in Gokul.
The Demoness Putana
To kill Krishna, he engaged a demoness named Putana. After specially treating the demoness Putana so that her nipples were poisoned he disguised her as a nymph and sent her to Gokul to try to breast-feed Krishna and kill him. But God that he was, the child Krishna saw through the game and in a miracle, we are told, the demoness fainted, the moment Krishna’s lips touched her breast. Kansa’s plot to eliminate Krishna was foiled. But as a result of sucking the poisoned milk Krishna’s originally fair skin turned dark. The story of Srikrishna’s life neatly explains away the reason for his dark complexion. But it is quite possible that Krishna was of non-Aryan origin. The word Krishna itself means dark
Kalia Mardan and the Lifting of Mt. Govardhan
Krishna continued to grow at Gokul. He acquired notoriety as a pilferer of milk and butter, but had endeared himself to the people of Gokul by his playfulness.
Among other things, he is said to have done at Gokul, he lifted Mount Govardhan to save the people of Gokul from a storm. He also tamed Kalia, a giant snake that lived in the Yamuna river and terrorised the people of Gokul. While still in his teens, Krishna came to Mathura where King Kansa had organised a wrestling tournament. Krishna participated in it and after defeating all the contestants, he challenged Kansa to a wrestling bout. The evil Kansa’s time was up: Krishna defeated him and killed him. The people of Mathura were relieved.
Another major event in Krishna’s later life was that he functioned as an adviser to the Pandavas and during the Mahabharata war between the Pandavas and Kauravas he was Arjuna’s (one of the five Pandava brothers) charioteer. The original recitation of the Bhagvad Geeta (Song of the Blessed Lord) is accredited to him. This document contains profound ideas on many issues touching on the temporal and non-temporal aspects of life.
Sharad Purnima
Krishna dancing with gopis
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JAlso known as ‘Kojaagari Punam,’ the festival is celebrated on Aso sud 15 – Purnima. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth moves around in the night sky, asking `Ko jaagarti’ searching for people below who are awake. In Sanskrit, `Ko jaagarti’ means, ‘ Who is awake?’ And to those who are awake she gifts wealth.
Origin
1. The Sanatkumar Samhita cites the story of ‘Kojaagari Punam.’ In the Samhita Vaalkhil rishi narrates that in ancient times, a poor Brahmin named Valit lived in Magadhdesh – Bengal. While he was a learned and virtuous man, his wife revelled in quarelling, behaving totally opposite to his wishes. Once on his father’s `Shraddh’ – day of paying homage to the deceased- she flung the ‘pind’ – ball of wheatflour – in a sewage pit, rather than the sacred Ganga, as custom required. This infuriated Valit. Therefore he renounced home to search for wealth. In the forests, he met ‘Naagkanyas’ – girls of Kaliya Naag’s ancestry. These Naagkanyas had performed the ‘Kojaagari Vrat’ – staying awake on Aso sud Punam. They then sat gambling with Valit. The night happened to be Aso sud Punam. Valit lost everything. At that moment, Lord Vishnu and consort Lakshmi, happened to pass by. Since Valit had incidentally observed the ‘Kojaagari vrat’, Lakshmi graced him handsomeness similar to that of ‘Kamdeva’ – the deity of love. Now attracted to him, the Naagkanyas married Valit and gifted him their riches. He then returned home with the riches, whence his wife received him warmly. After this episode, the Samhita declared that those who remain awake on this Punam will be graced with wealth.
2. On this night, Lord Krishna invited his faithful devotees, the Gopis of Vrundavan, to play the Maha Raas (traditional folk-dance) with him. They had earned his grace by overlooking society’s disdain on them (`loklaaj’), to offer him unalloyed devotion.
When they left their homes in Vraj and arrived in Vrundavan, Shri Krishna welcomed them. Yet to further test their love for him, he averred: ‘Women of character such as you, should not leave home to meet another man in the middle of the night!’
These words seared the Gopis’ hearts. In extreme grief, they uttered:
‘Our feet will not budge the slightest from your lotus-feet. So how can we return to Vraj?’
Pleased with such immutable love for him, Shri Krishna initiated the Maha Raas, by assuming as many forms as there were Gopis. At this point, they beamed with pride that, ‘Nobody’s devotion can excel ours, by which the Lord favored us.’ Instead of accepting the Maha Raas as the Lord’s grace, ego marred their devotion. Therefore he instantly vanished from the Raas mandal!
Now filled with remorse, the Gopis repented. Recalling Shri Krishna’s divine episodes – ‘lila’, they lamented their pangs of separation, and sang kirtans known as ‘viraha geet’:
‘Jayati te-dhikam janmanaa vrajaha ….. (Shrimad Bhagvat 10/31/1)
Describing the ‘lila’ in the Bhagvat (10/30/25), Shukdevji narrates to king Parikshit:
‘O Parikshit! Of all nights, that night of Sharad Punam became the most resplendent. With the Gopis, Shri Krishna roamed the banks of the Yamuna, as if imprisoning everyone in his lila!’
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Lord Krishna
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3. Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami, the choicest devotee of Bhagwan Swaminarayan was born on Sharad Punam, Samvat 1841. He granted ‘wealth’ by blessing spiritually ‘awake’ devotees with God-realization.
Sentiments
The spiritual import of ‘Jaagrati’ (awake) is to remain vigilant. In Vachanamrut Gadhada III-9, Bhagwan Swaminarayan elaborates on this vigilance. He says that the vigilance in one’s heart is the gateway to the Lord’s divine abode. Devotees should not let mundane desires, of wealth, lust and so forth, enter their hearts. When faced with obstacles such as: success and failure, happiness and misery, honor and insult, the devotees should remain unflinching in their devotion to God. In this manner, they should remain vigilant at the gateway to God, not letting any mundane objects through.
Therefore, every moment in our lives requires vigilance and this in itself becomes a subtle form of ‘tapas’ – austerity. Those who performed severe austerities without vigilance, succumbed to Maya. Vishwamitra performed austerities for 60,000 years, but lost ‘Jaagruti’ – vigilance – in Menka’s company. Similarly, lack of vigilance toppled Saubhari rishi, Ekalshrungi, Parashar and others.
Symbolic Import
Just as the night sky of Sharad Punam is clear and suffused with lunar resplendence, the aspirant should similarly endeavor to purify his ‘antahkaran.’
For this he has to eradicate body-consciousness and mundane desires and imbibe Brahma-consciousness, in order to incessantly experience Parabrahma. (Gita 18/54, Shikshapatri 116). For this the aspirant needs to seek the Gunatit Sadhu, who is the gateway to moksha (the Lord), as proclaimed in the Bhagvat (3/29/20):
Prasangamajaram paashamaatmanaha kavayo viduhu,
Sa eva sadhushu kruto mokshadwaaram apaavrutam.
i.e. the sages decree that if a jiva who is deeply attached to his body and bodily relatives, similarly attaches himself to the Gunatit Sadhu, the doors of moksha will be opened for him.
Ritual
‘Dudha-Pauva’ – parched rice soaked in milk – is offered to God. This prasad is then availed by devotees. The health attribute of this prasad is similar to that of Dashera’s; it corrects any disturbance in ‘pitta’.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha celebrates the festival with great fervor in all mandirs at night. Devotees sing Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swamikirtans and extol the glory of Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami.Five artis are performed during the assembly. Pramukh Swami Maharaj usually celebrates Sharad Punam in the Gondal mandir – built on the sacred site of Gunatitanand Swami’s cremation.
It was Yogiji Maharaj who introduced this festival in Gondal along with the ritual of 5 artis. Usually one arti is performed at the time of birth – the Janma mahotsav arti – as for Shriji Maharaj on Chaitra sud 9 and for Shri Krishna on Janmashtami. When asked about the reason for the 4 artis preceding the birth arti, Yogiji Maharaj gleefully replied, ‘These 4 artis are in joyful preparation for Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami’s birth celebration!’ Such was the glory he attributed to Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s choicest devotee.