THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NAVARATRI - PART SEVEN

Dusshera, as the name suggests occurs on the “tenth” day following the Navratri. It is a festival to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, and marks the defeat and death of the demon king Ravana in the epic Ramayana. Huge effigies of Ravana are burnt amidst the bangs and booms of firecrackers.

In northern India, especially in Varanasi, Dusshera overlaps with “Ramlila” or “Rama Drama” – traditional plays in which scenes from the epic saga of the mythical Rama-Ravana strife are enacted by professional troupes.

The Dusshera celebration of Mysore in southern India is a veritable extravaganza! Chamundi, a form of Durga, is the family deity of the Maharaja of Mysore. It’s a wonderful scene to watch the grand procession of elephants, horses and courtiers wending a circuitous way to the hilltop temple of Goddess Chamundi!

NAVRATRI CELEBRATIONS IN GUJARAT

Navratri, meaning 'nine nights', is one of the most popular and widely celebrated Hindu festivals in many parts of India. Although this festival is celebrated throughout India, nowhere is it performed with more panache and fervor than in Gujarat.

The dance form known as ras garba (also joined sometimes by dandiya, which uses small wooden sticks), comes from Lord Krishna's worship rather than Goddess worship, from the Gop culture of Saurashtra and Kutch. Stories of relationships between Krishna and the Gopis, and their emotions, also often make their way into the ras garba music.

Every year, Navratri festival brings in innovations in music, choreography, and costumes and has enthralled audience with its beauty and cultural tradition. 

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NAVRATRI - PART SIX

Mata Siddhidatri is the worshipped on the Ninth Day of Navratri. Maa Durga's ninth form is Maa Siddhdaatri. She is a treasure house of Mystic Powers (Yantra Tantra) and Knowledge (Gyaan). According to some sources she drives on Lion. Other sources say, she is seated on lotus.  Siddhidatri Devi is worshipped by all Gods, Rushis, Muniswaras, Siddha yogis, and all common devotees who want to attain the religious asset.

Kanya puja is also practiced on this day in different parts of India like Punjab, Harayana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The ninth day is also known as ‘Mahanavami.’ On the day, Kanya puja is performed to worship nine young girls. These nine girls symbolize one of the nine forms of goddess Durga. The feet of girls are washed to welcome the goddess and show respect to her. The girls are offered a set of new clothes as a gift from the devotees at the end of the puja. 

Navratri Special - Did you know?

Shri Tripura Sundari 

Tripura in the North-East, which is believed to have been named after the Shakti Peetha that is home to Shri Tripura Sundari near Radhakishorepur village which is a short distance from the town of Udaipur (Not to be confused with city with same name in Rajasthan). This is the spot where Mata Sati's right foot is believed to have fallen. Devi is worshipped her as Shri Tripura Sundari and is worshipped here along with her bhairava Tripuresh.

This Peeth is also called 'Karm Peeth'. There is a small idol of Mata Adha. It is said that Tripura Naresh used to take her while going on hunt or on fight. 

Tripura Sundari Temple Story

There is a famous story. In the 16th century, Dhanymanik used to rule over Tripura. Once he saw Goddess Tripureshwari in his dream. She said that her idol is at a mountain of Chinta village, which he has to bring today. King woke up and ordered this solider to bring the idol. 

The idol was brought till sunrise. As ordered by Goddess, temple was constructed and the idol was established in it. With time she was known as Tripur Sundari.

Tripura Sundari Temple Establishment

Legend has it that king Dhanyamanikya who ruled Tripura in the closing years of the 15th century, had a revelation one night in his dream, ordering him to install Goddess Tripurasundari in the temple that stood on a hilltop near the town of Udaipur. 

The temple was already dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the king was confounded initially, unable to decide how a temple dedicated to Vishnu could have an idol of the consort of Shiva.

 However, the oracle repeated the divine injunction to the king once again the following night, thereafter the ruler decided to obey the ethereal command, notwithstanding the fact that Vishnu and Shiva typified two different sects of religious following. 

Thus, the Tripura Sundari temple came into being in around the year 1501, and is now near about  510 years old. 

Source : wikipedia

 May Mother Tripura Sundari bless us all! 

Jai Mata Di!  

Navratri Celebrations in Punjab

Navratri is celebrated in Punjab by fasting for seven days. Some people live on milk for seven days and break their fast on Ashtami (eighth day) or Navmi (ninth day).  On the eighth day or Ashtami, the fast is broken by worshipping young girls who are believed to symbolize the Goddess herself. The young girls are offered puris (sort of deep-fried Indian bread), halwa (a dessert primarily made of flour and sugar), chanas (Bengal gram) and red chunnis (long scarves).

This festival is predominantly linked with harvest. Non-vegetarian food and liquor is avoided completely. People organize ‘jagrans’ to sing devotional songs all night in praise of the Mother Goddess. 

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NAVTRATI - PART FOUR

Maa Kalaratri is the seventh Shakti of Maa Durga. The seventh day of Navratri pooja is dedicated to Durga Kalratri. She is the most violent form of Godess Durga. Durga Kalaratri is the one of the fiercest forms of Maa Durga and her appearance itself evokes fear. This form of Goddess is believed to be the destroyer of all demon entities.

Kalaratri means the One who is “the Death of Kaal”. Here Kaal is dedicated as time & death. Kalaratri is the one who destroys ignorance and removes darkness. This form primarily depicts that life also has dark side – the violent Mother Nature and creates havoc and removes all dirt. She is also known as Shubhankari. In this form, Goddess Kalratri killed Raktabeej who was a demon who could multiply from every drop of his blood which fell on the ground. The Goddess Kaalratri killed him by licking the blood before it could reach the ground and hence conquered him. She endows her devotees with calm and courage.

The complexion of Maa Kalaratri is like dark night with bountiful hair and has four hands. The left two hands holds a cleaver and a torch, and the right two are in the mudras of “giving” and “protecting”. She has necklace is so shining like thunder. She has three eyes which emanate rays like lightning. Flames appear through her nostrils when she inhales or exhales air. Her mount is donkey. Blue,Red, White color should be used to wear on this day.

Navratri Special - Did you know?

In what form do the Japanese worship Maa Laxmi?

Kichijōten who is also known as, Kisshōten, Kudokuten, Laxmi, Mahasri or Sri-Mahadevi is a Japanese female divinity.

 Adapted from the Hindu goddess Laxmi is often shown as a wife or sister of Bishamonten (guardian of the North direction), and is one of the seven Lucky Gods. She is considered to be the goddess of virtue,wealth, happiness, fertility, and beauty.

Japanese belief in Kichijouten was widespread in the Nara period. The painted portrait at Yakushiji (Yakushi-ji  is one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan) were worshiped as a principal image at the kissou keka or New Year's ceremony for welcoming 

good luck and sweeping out bad.

Kichijouten is usually represented as a beautiful Tang-

period court lady, wearing a richly embroidered gown and 

an elaborately jewelled head-dress. She is distinguished from Benzaiten  with whom she is often confused, by the "wish-granting" jewel  held in her left hand, and the lotus in her right. She also makes the gesture (mudra) of charity with her palm open and facing downwards. 

 May Mother Kichijōten bless us all!

 Jai Mata Di!

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NAVRATRI - PART THREE

In the nine-day Navratri Puja, the sixth day is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani. The day is also the last day of Lakshmi Puja during Navaratri. Goddess Katyayani form of Durga appeared as the daughter to Sage Katya of Katya clan and thus she got the name Katyayani.

Goddess Durga is also worshipped as Bhairavi and Maha Kali on this day in different regions of India. In this form of Goddess Katyayani, Durga is both benevolent and malevolent. This is also a daughter form of Durga. She can bless and also destroy. She is depicted as having four arms and rides a lion.

Navratri Celebrations in West Bengal

The East Indian state of West Bengal celebrates Navratri as Durga Puja with much splendor and glitter. A literal visit to the capital city during Durga Puja is `a must watch` in one’s lifetime.

This festival is essentially religious in nature. Celebrated with true devotion, huge idols of the Goddess Durga posed as killing the demon Mahishasura are worshipped everywhere in West Bengal. Huge 'pandals' are set up everywhere and devotees in large numbers visit to worship Goddess Durga. Men, women and children all dressed up in new clothes visit different ‘pandals’ to offer prayers to the Mother Goddess.

The Goddess is seen in her most dynamic form, beautiful and fearsome invoking awe and bhakti in her devotees. On the fifth day or the tenth day of the festivity the beautifully crafted clay idols are immersed in the river.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NAVRATRI- PART TWO

On the fourth day Mata Durga is worshipped as her Maa Kushmanda Swarup. She is depicted as seated on a lion, and possesses eight arms. She resides in solar systems and represents all knowledge. Seven types of weapons are shown in seven hands and prayer beads €in her right hand. She likes the offerings of “Kumhde.” Therefore her name “Kushmanda” has become famous.

She is also known as ‘Krishnamanda’ and is believed to have created the universe, so she is called as Adi Swarup. She is also called ‘Astbhuja’. Worship of Maa Kushmanda brings light into darkness and ignorance, gives true knowledge, and destroys ego, disease, sorrow, depression, ignorance.

“Kumbh Bhand” means to see cosmic vivacity in Pindi shape or knowledge of cosmic intricacies in human race. The abode of Mata Kushmanda is in Bhimaparvat.

Where in Africa do people worship the Mother Goddess and in what forms?

Where in Africa do people worship the Mother Goddess and in what forms?

The Youruba tribe in Africa worships the Mother Goddesses as Yemaya, the Goddess of the ocean and Oshun, the Goddess of rivers. Like Ganga, there is a river named after Oshun in Nigeria on whose banks devotees lovingly offer their worship to her. She is called the sweet mother and is known to unfailingly grant the wishes of her devotees. Oshun's husband is Shango who is represented as a Linga as Shambho or Shiva the lord of Ganga is represented.

May the Sweet Mothers Oshun and Yemaye bless us all. 

Jai Mata Di! 

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NAVRATRI- PART ONE

According to Hindu calendar, Navratri comes 5 times in a year, while two out of those five Navratris are celebrated as festivals, which comes in Ashwin month and Chaitra month. Five Navratris are as follows:

1. Chaitra Navratri : Chaitra Navratri comes in Chaitra month according to Hindu Calendar. This Navratri is also known as Vasanti Navratri because of the season Vasant (spring, in month March-April). This Navratri is celebrated as Navratri Festival. On its 9th day, birthday of Lord Ram is celebrated. This Navratri is also known as Bodhan Navratri, because Goddess is awakened at this time.

2. Ashadi Gupta (Secret) Navratri: Ashadi Navratri is Gupta or Secret Navratri in which saadhak (devotee) perform very special rituals to attain some siddhi. Generally, this Navratri is not for all common people. Ashadi Navratri starts from 1st day of waxing moon of Ashad month and ends on 9th day of waxing moon of Ashad month (June-July month).

3. Shardiya Navratri : Shardiya Navratri is celebrated as annual festival. Shrdiya Navratri comes in Ashwin month, Sharad Ritu. It is also known as Shayan Navratri, because this the time of sleeping of Mother Goddess.

4. Paush Navratri: Paush navratri is also known as Shakambhari Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Shakambhari.

5. Magha Gupta Navratri: Magha Navratri is Gupta Navratri. This Navratri starts from 1st day of waxing moon of Magha month and ends on 9th day of waxing moon of Magha month. Similar to Ahsadi Navratri it is for all. 

Navratri Celebrations in Andhra Pradesh

The nine-day festival of Navratri, or Navarathri, in Hindu religion dedicated to the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga. `Navarathri" is a major Hindu festival, which is celebrated during `Dussehra` or `Navarathri` throughout India, especially in Southern India.

Andhra Pradesh, women arrange 'Bommai Kolu', a special placing of dolls decorated with flowers and ornaments on specially prepared steps. Nine young 'kanyas' are offered new clothes and sweets. The married women share flowers, kumkum and snacks among themselves.

Apart from the traditional Navrathri; Bommai Kolu display, nowadays there is an emphasis on Golu themes with different ideas.

During this festival, a mini-exhibition of toys and dolls are set up in many Hindu homes. The origin of this unique festival is not known clearly but it is said that it existed at least for the past five hundred years i.e. from the days of the Vijayanagar kings of Hampi in Karnataka. The reference of the festival `Navarathri Kolu` is found in the inscriptions of these kings. The Tanjavur Maharaja Sarfoji`s Saraswathi Mahal Library old Marathi record mentions that dolls representing eighteen different castes were supplied at that time. This proves its antiquity. Even the royal families of the Tanjavur and Pudukkottai kingdoms of Tamil Nadu used to celebrate the `Navaratri Kolu` festival in a very grand manner.

Navratri Festival - Did you know? - Part 2

Maa Dhakeshwari Kali

Dhakeshwari Temple

Dhaka has been named after Maa Dhakeshwari Kali. The temple was built in the 12th century by Ballal Sen, a king of the Sena dynasty.

It is widely believed, that the Queen, wife of King Bijoy Sen went to Langolbond to take a bath. While coming back she gave birth to a son who is known as Ballal Sen in the history. Ballal Sen, after ascending to the throne, has built this temple to glorify his birthplace.

In other hearsay describes that Ballal Sen once dreamt of the deity covered under the jungle. Ballal Sen uncovered the deity from there and built a temple which known by named Dhakeswari. 

The temple is considered a Shakti Peetha where the jewel from the crown of the Goddess Sati had fallen. The statue of the Goddess is placed in the main temple towards the east of the  structures devoted to Lord Shiva.
Since the Ramna Kali Mandir was destroyed by the Pakistani Army in 1971, during the Bangladesh Liberation War, the Dhakeshwari Temple is considered the most important Hindu temple in Bangladesh.  Its position as the centre of Hindu culture and worship in Bangladesh was recognised in 1996, when the Dhakeshwari Temple was renamed Dhakeshwari Jatiya Mandir (National Temple). 

At the National Temple, the largest celebration of Durga Puja is held every year, commemorating its role as the hub of socio-cultural as well as religious activity.

May Mother Dhakeshwari bless us all! Jai Mata Di! 

Note - 

The Gupta family holds a 'Bhakti Sandhya' every 15 days, which is open to all devotees free of cost.

It is a religious gathering at Radhe Maa Bhavan, organised to worship Maa Jagdambe. Lord Shiva and other deities are honored with prayers and bhajans. It involves ritual worship (puja), bhajan (singing of devotional hymns), prasad (grace in the form of a gift from Mamtamai Shri Radhe Guru Maa) and langer (communal meal) followed by darshan of Mamtamai Shri Radhe Guru Maa.

All are welcome to attend Next Bhakti Sandhya and to take divine darshan of Mamtamai Shri Radhe Guru Maa, which is on October 20, 2012 from 8pm onwards (IST). For more details call on +91 982 096 9020

Live darshan on www.radhemaa.com (from 10pm onwards (IST))

Log on to www.radhemaa.com for more information.

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Please note

The views expressed in this article and others published in this space are being made public as an act of thanksgiving for the wonderful presence of Mamtamai Shri Radhe Maa’s miraculous grace in the lives of her devotees.             

Shri Radhe Maa has no role as such in writing, editing or publishing these articles. We request readers who have queries, doubts or feedback to address their messages to Sevadar Sanjeev Gupta on sanjeev@globaladvertisers.in  call him on 9820082849. 

Mamtamai Shri Radhe Guru Maa provides healthcare services for Mumbaikars

   

  Joins hand with The Lions Club of Mumbai

Mamtamai Shree Radhe Guru Maa in association with The Lions Club Mumbai has conducted a “Mega  Medical Camp” in Mumbai to provide free treatment and medicines to the local populace. The medical camp is an extension of Mamtamai Shree Radhe Guru Maa’s humanitarian assistance services to help Mumbaikars stay fit and healthy.

Dental, medical, eye and ENT (Ear/Nose/Throat) staff are positioned at the camp to provide treatment and educate people on the prevention from diseases, personal hygiene and sanitation of living areas. Mamtamai Shree Radhe Guru Maa believes that keeping the body in good health is our duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. Therefore, with an objective of “Healthy India”, Mamtamai Shree Radhe Guru Maa along with this initiative prays for the well-being of everyone.

Small clinical areas at Mumbai’s local stations have also been set up for blood tests, dental and eye check up. So far, about 1,000,00 Mumbaikars have been treated which include a large number of men and women.

For the record, Radhe Guru Maa’s darshans are held every alternate Saturday at the Radhe Maa Bhavan in Borivali. This does not include any fee and open to all.
                     Join us to make a difference!

Dear devotees, one of the best ways you can make a difference in the lives of those in need is to support our cause! We will keep you posted on how you can follow Shri Radhe Maa’s initiative of service to the society.

Note - 

The Gupta family holds a 'Bhakti Sandhya' every 15 days, which is open to all devotees free of cost.

It is a religious gathering at Radhe Maa Bhavan, organised to worship Maa Jagdambe. Lord Shiva and other deities are honored with prayers and bhajans. It involves ritual worship (puja), bhajan (singing of devotional hymns), prasad (grace in the form of a gift from Mamtamai Shri Radhe Guru Maa) and langer (communal meal) followed by darshan of Mamtamai Shri Radhe Guru Maa.

All are welcome to attend Next Bhakti Sandhya and to take divine darshan of Mamtamai Shri Radhe Guru Maa, which is on October 20, 2012 from 8pm onwards (IST). For more details call on +91 982 096 9020

Live darshan on www.radhemaa.com (from 10pm onwards (IST))

Log on to www.radhemaa.com for more information.

Follow 'Shri Radhe Guru Maa' on 

     

Please note

The views expressed in this article and others published in this space are being made public as an act of thanksgiving for the wonderful presence of Mamtamai Shri Radhe Maa’s miraculous grace in the lives of her devotees.             

Shri Radhe Maa has no role as such in writing, editing or publishing these articles. We request readers who have queries, doubts or feedback to address their messages to Sevadar Sanjeev Gupta on sanjeev@globaladvertisers.in  call him on 9820082849. 

Navratri Special - Did you know? - Part 1

By what name is Maa Saraswati known and worshiped in Japan?

'Maa Saraswati' is known as 'Benzaiten' and in the form holds a musical instrument known as 'biwa'.

Japanese couples who desire to have a beautiful daughter pray to goddess Saraswati and in ancient times, Japanese generals prayed to Saraswati to be victorious in war. 

Saraswati is also worshipped as the 'goddess of the kitchen'.

In 1934, a Japanese woman had a vision that she was the incarnation of goddess Saraswati and stared writing in Sanskrit, a language she never heard off. May Mother Benzaiten bless us all! Jai Mata Di!

Source: Speech by Hindu Scholar Lokesh Chandra 

Note - 

The Gupta family holds a 'Bhakti Sandhya' every 15 days, which is open to all devotees free of cost.

It is a religious gathering at Radhe Maa Bhavan, organised to worship Maa Jagdambe. Lord Shiva and other deities are honored with prayers and bhajans. It involves ritual worship (puja), bhajan (singing of devotional hymns), prasad (grace in the form of a gift from Mamtamai Shri Radhe Guru Maa) and langer (communal meal) followed by darshan of Mamtamai Shri Radhe Guru Maa.

All are welcome to attend Next Bhakti Sandhya and to take divine darshan of Mamtamai Shri Radhe Guru Maa, which is on October 20, 2012 from 8pm onwards (IST). For more details call on +91 982 096 9020

Live darshan on www.radhemaa.com (from 10pm onwards (IST))

Log on to www.radhemaa.com for more information.

Follow 'Shri Radhe Guru Maa' on 

Please note

The views expressed in this article and others published in this space are being made public as an act of thanksgiving for the wonderful presence of Mamtamai Shri Radhe Maa’s miraculous grace in the lives of her devotees.             

Shri Radhe Maa has no role as such in writing, editing or publishing these articles. We request readers who have queries, doubts or feedback to address their messages to Sevadar Sanjeev Gupta on sanjeev@globaladvertisers.in  call him on 9820082849. 

Shri Radhe Guru Maa motivates devotees for Pashu Seva

The devotee of Mamtamai Shri Radhe Guru initiated unique way of serving God by caring street animals. Shri Radhe Guru Maa says that “God lives inside everyone, therefore we need to respect and care for each other”. She also motivates her devotees for “Pashu Seva” as they are special creature created by the God on this earth.

Following the teachings of Mamtamai Shree Radhe Guru Maa, one of her devotee, Kasturben Chheda has shown distinguished way of serving God by loving stray animals like dog, cat, pigeons and hen. From last 10 years, Kasturben has been taking care of these animals.

Kasturben has designed a special cycle for this generous cause which is popularly known as “Food Van”. Every morning, kasturba goes to different localities of Borivali to feed stray animals who are deprived of food, medicine and certainly our love.

She offers milk, biscuit and a piece of of bread to them. The moment, Kasturben rings the bell of her cycle, these dogs come running to her… cats, pigeons and hen have special bonding with her. With the blessings of Shree Radhe Maa, kasturben, selflessly devoted herself for this noble cause. The activity is financially supported by Mamtamai Shree Radhe Guru Maa.

For the record, Shri Radhe Guru Maa’s darshans are held every alternate Saturday at the Radhe Maa Bhavan in Borivali. This does not include any fee and open to all.

Join us to make a difference!

Note - 

The Gupta family holds a 'Bhakti Sandhya' every 15 days, which is open to all devotees free of cost.

It is a religious gathering at Radhe Maa Bhavan, organised to worship Maa Jagdambe. Lord Shiva and other deities are honored with prayers and bhajans. It involves ritual worship (puja), bhajan (singing of devotional hymns), prasad (grace in the form of a gift from Mamtamai Shri Radhe Guru Maa) and langer (communal meal) followed by darshan of Mamtamai Shri Radhe Guru Maa.

All are welcome to attend Next Bhakti Sandhya and to take divine darshan of Mamtamai Shri Radhe Guru Maa, which is on October 20, 2012 from 8pm onwards (IST). For more details call on +91 982 096 9020

Live darshan on www.radhemaa.com (from 10pm onwards (IST))

Log on to www.radhemaa.com for more information.

Follow 'Shri Radhe Guru Maa' on 

     

Please note

The views expressed in this article and others published in this space are being made public as an act of thanksgiving for the wonderful presence of Mamtamai Shri Radhe Maa’s miraculous grace in the lives of her devotees.             

Shri Radhe Maa has no role as such in writing, editing or publishing these articles. We request readers who have queries, doubts or feedback to address their messages to Sevadar Sanjeev Gupta on sanjeev@globaladvertisers.in  call him on 9820082849.