Important days in the month of Aashaada

Gurupurnimaa (गुरुपूर्णिमा / ಗುರುಪೂರ್ಣಿಮಾ)

ಆಶಾಡ-ಪೂರ್ಣಿಮಾ

आशाड-पूर्णिमा

Aashaada-Full moon day

On this day, after bathing and offering abulations (sandhyaavandane), one should go the place of the spiritual teacher and with one-pointed mind offer fruits and coconut. Doing thus, one shall be free from disasters and be happy.

Start of Dakshinaayana (दक्षिणायनस्य प्रारम्भः / ದಕ್ಷಿಣಾಯನ ಪ್ರಾರಂಭ)

Usually the start of Dakshinaayana occurs in the month of Aashaada. At this meeting point of Uttaraayana and Dakshinaayana, one should take holy bath, give alms, and take part in homa.

Significance of Aashaada maasa

Significance of Aashaada maasa

It is said in the shaastraas that we should bathe in the Taapi river in the month of Aashaada. At least one should remember the river Taapi when taking bath. It is said that Taapi being the daughter of Sun-god, is the embodiment of all good qualities. When washing away the sins of people, how can she be affected wrongly ? In the Kruta yuga, she originated in the month of Aashaada, and hence its our duty to remember her in this month.

In the past, when a competition came up between Ganga and Taapi, it was decided that Taapi, with her superior qualities was superior. During that time, when a brahmin wanted to be freed of all his sins and he was going towards the Ganga, but upon hearing the greatness of Taapi, prefered Taapi over Ganga, bathed for 3 days upon which his fallen tendencies and greatest sins were washed away just by taking bath in the Taapi river. From then onwards, all the great sages and brahmins start seeking the help of Taapi, not even considering this. The left Ganga despressed, and grew jealous of Taapi. Seeing the plight of Ganga, Lord Brahma appeared in front of Ganga and enquired the reason for her depression. Ganga said, "O Lord, daughter of SUn-god, Taapi has acquired fame and surpassed all other rivers. The people bathing in her waters are attained great worlds. The people who were bathing in my waters are now seeking Taapi. What happened to your promise of making me as the most revered river ?"

Upon hearing this, Brahma ordered Naarada, "Hey Naarada, destroy the greatness of river Taapi immediately." When Naarada tried to do so, he lost all his knowledge and went back and fell at Brahma's feet. Brahma, realizing Taapi's greatness, asked Naarada to surrender to the same Taapi river. Naarada did the same and was freed from ignorance. Naarada went back to Brahma and asked him to destroy Taapi's greatness himself. Brahma went to Taapi, and started praising her. When Taapi enquired about Brahma;s sudden visit, Brahma instructed her to go back to Heaven and she followed suit.

Then, Ganga was happy. We should remember Taapi who made it to heaven from Earth in this month of Aashaada.

Advice:

ಅಚೋದ್ಯಮಾನಾನಿ ಯಥಾ ಪುಷ್ಪಾಣಿ ಚ ಫಲಾನಿ ಚ|

ಸ್ವಂ ಕಾಲಂ ನಾತಿವರ್ತಂತೇ ತಥಾ ಕರ್ಮ ಪುರಾ ಕೃತಂ ||

अचोद्यमानानि यथा पुष्पाणि च फलानि च ।

स्वं कालं नातिवर्तन्ते तथा कर्म पुरा कृतम् ॥

Flowers and fruits are borne by plants at the right times wihtout anybody overseeing them. Similarly, our prvious deeds fructify and yield fruits when the time is ripe.

Mud bullock's new moon day

Mud bullock's new moon day (मृद्वृषभ अमावास्या / ಮಣ್ಣೆತ್ತಿನ ಅಮವಾಸ್ಯ)

ಜ್ಯೇಷ್ಠ-ಅಮವಾಸ್ಯ

ज्येष्ठ-अमावास्या

Jyestha-New moon day

On this day, two bullocks must be made out of mud, Taurus (वृषभ / ವೃಷಭ) must be invoked in them and worshipped in 16 ways as described in the shaastraas. The shaastraas command us to worship mud idols for five times in a year, and this one among them.

More details can be found at http://sampada.net/blog/brahmana/12/09/2008/11695

Onset of the rainy season

Onset of the rainy season

ಜ್ಯೇಷ್ಠ-ಕೃಷ್ಣ-ಪ್ರತಿಪದ

ज्येष्ठ-कृष्ण पक्ष-प्रतिपद्

Jyestha-Dark fortnight-First day

On this day, the Mrigashira star will appear. Starting from this day, the duties of the rainy season can be commenced. More details along with their scientific signicifance shall be posted later.

Vata Saavitri course of conduct

Vata Saavitri course of conduct (वट सावित्री व्रत / ವಟ ಸಾವಿತ್ರಿ ವ್ರತ)

ಜ್ಯೇಷ್ಠ-ಹುಣ್ಣಿಮೆ

ज्येष्ठ-पूर्णिमा

Jyestha-Full moon day

This course of conduct is said to give well-being, children and marriage. It is said that this course of conduct has to be practised for three days and must be followed at least for one day. More details about this shall be posted later.

Dashaharaa and Bhageerathi Jayanti

Dashaharaa course of conduct (दशहरा व्रत / ದಶಹರಾ ವ್ರತ)

ಜ್ಯೇಷ್ಠ-ಶುಕ್ಲ-ದಶಮಿ-ಹಸ್ತಾ ನಕ್ಷತ್ರ-ವ್ಯತಿಪಾತ ಯೋಗ-ಗಜಕರಣ ಆನಂದಕರಣ

ज्येष्ठ-शुक्ल पक्ष-दशमी-हस्ता नक्षत्र-व्यतिपात योग-गज आनन्द करणौ

Jyestha-Bright Fortnight-Tenth day

On this day, a Tuesday, in Hastaa star being pleased by Bhageeratha's austerity, Ganga descends to the plains from the Himalaayas. Along with vyatipaata yoga (व्यतिपात योग / ವ್ಯತಿಪಾತ ಯೋಗ), gaja&aananda karanas (गज आनन्द करणौ / ಗಜ ಆನಂದ ಕರಣಗಳು), Moon (चन्द्र / ಚಂದ್ರ) in Virgo (कन्याराशि / ಕನ್ಯಾರಾಶಿ) and Sun (रवि / ರವಿ) in Taurus (वृषभ / ವೃಷಭ) constellationस्, the day becomes auspicious. To get rid of ten types of sins, one should take holy bath and worship Ganga.

The three important types among the ten are as follows:

1. Physical (कायिक / ಕಾಯಿಕ) - Sin committed by physical body; includes accepting things from others without giving anything in return, torture, extra-marital affairs etc.

2. Spoken words (वाचिक / ವಾಚಿಕ) - Sin committed by spoken words; includes harsh words, lies, complaining, loose talk etc.

3. Mental (मानसिक / ಮಾನಸಿಕ) - Sin committed by thoughts; thoughts of stealing others' belongings, intending harm to others, getting agitated unecessarily etc

One has to engage in dashahara course of conduct to overcome the above said sins.

Bhaageerathi Janati (भागीरथी जयन्ति / ಭಾಗೀರಥೀ ಜಯಂತಿ)

ಜ್ಯೇಷ್ಠ-ಶುಕ್ಲ-ದಶಮಿ-ಹಸ್ತಾ ನಕ್ಷತ್ರ-ವ್ಯತಿಪಾತ ಯೋಗ-ಗಜಕರಣ ಆನಂದಕರಣ

ज्येष्ठ-शुक्ल पक्ष-दशमी-हस्ता नक्षत्र-व्यतिपात योग-गज आनन्द करणौ

Jyestha-Bright Fortnight-Tenth day

This was the day that Ganga, being pleased by Bhageeratha's austerity descended to the Earth from Heaven. Bhageeratha, striving for the betterment of his ancestors, brought the Ganga to Earth on this very day. On the first day of this fortnight, Ganga flowed as a small stream and grew to a large river by the tenth day. Hence, these days are regarded very highly by us.

Jyestha Maasa

Jyeshta Maasa (ज्येष्ठ मास / ಜ್ಯೇಷ್ಠ ಮಾಸ)

From the very name, one can infer its significance. It is said that distribution of curd rice in this hot summer month is laudable. The significance of this month appears in the story of Bhageeratha. Shiva orders Bhageeratha thus:

"In Jyestha maasa, wake up early in the morning and having finished the daily rites, take a holy bath. Then pray to the Lord with the form of Trivikrama and distribute curd rice and water to brahmins. If you act thus for one month with devotion, thn Shri Hari shall be pleased and river Ganga, capable of washing away all our sins, shall descend to the Earth." Bhageeratha followed the orders, and the rest is history. It is to be noted that this month was instrumental in the descent of river Ganga. This description is available in the 'Bhavishya' puraana (भविष्य पुराण / ಭವಿಷ್ಯ ಪುರಾಣ).

ವಿಷ್ಣುರ್ವೈ ಸರ್ವದೇವಾನಾಂ ಜ್ಯೇಷ್ಠ ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠಃ ಪ್ರಜಾಪತಿಃ |

ತಥಾಯಂ ಸರ್ವಮಾಸಾನಾಂ ಜ್ಯೇಷ್ಠ ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠ ತಮಸ್ಮೃತಃ ||

विष्णुर्वै सर्ववेदानां ज्येष्ठः श्रेष्ठः प्रजापतिः ।

तथायं सर्वआसानां ज्येष्ठः श्रेष्ठः तमस्मृतः ॥

Meaning :- Just like Vishnu is the supreme among all Gods, so is the month of Jyestha among all other months.

Shanaishcara Jayanti

Shanaishcara Jayanti (शनैश्चर जयन्ति / ಶನೈಶ್ಚರ ಜಯಂತಿ)

ವೈಶಾಖ-ಅಮವಾಸ್ಯ-ಕೃತ್ತಿಕಾ ನಕ್ಷತ್ರ-ಅತಿಗಂಡಯೋಗ

वैशाख-अमावास्या-कृत्तिका नक्षत्र-अतिगण्ड योग

Vaishaakha-New moon day

Saturn / Shani being one among the nine planets, hardly needs any introduction. Usually people have felt the grace and disgrace of Shani, who is said to be capable of almost anything. He can induce sins from rich men and destroy them, or impair their health, or even bring about accidental death. Shani is the planet who keeps us thinking about the effects on our life from celestial bodies. He is said to govern the constellations of makara and kumbha. The literal meaning of his name is "slow mover" - शनैः चरति इति शनैश्चर; शनैः means 'slow'. He stays two and half years in one constellation. He is also known to observe the preceding and succeeding constellations from the constellation which he is in. Hence, Shani influences our lives for 7 years. He was born as the son of Sun-god and Chaaya, and as the grandson of Daksha prajaapati. Being a devotee of Narasimha, he has composed hymns in praise of Narasimha. He has promised not to trouble devotees of Narasimha and Anjaneya/Hanumaan. The hymn about Narasimha is as follows:

"The one who takes bath, performs abulations (sandhyavandane), gives alms, visites holy places, engages in satsanga, and remembers you always; I shall not trouble him."

Lord Narasimha has endorsed this. Hence, its our duty to engage in the above said activites without showing lethargy and perform navagraha homa if possible.

Veda Vyaasa Jayanti

Veda Vyaasa Jayanti (वेदव्यास जयन्ति / ವೇದವ್ಯಾಸ ಜಯಂತಿ)

Vyaasa classified the huge body of literature of Vedas into four parts and hence he got the name "Veda Vyaasa" (वेदव्यास / ವೇದವ್ಯಾಸ). Veda Vyaasa, being a great guru in our tradition was a great reservoir of knowledge. He composed the essential message of the vedas in the language of the commoners as Mahabharata (महाभारत / ಮಹಾಭಾರತ), Bhaagavata (भागवत / ಭಾಗವತ) , and other 18 puraanas (पुराण / ಪುರಾಣ) . He taught all this to Sumanta (सुमन्त / ಸುಮಂತ), Jaimini (जैमिनि / ಜೈಮಿನಿ), Vaishampaayana (वैशम्पायण / ವೈಶಂಪಾಯಣ), Shuka (शुक / ಶುಕ) and others who preserved it by teaching others. He was born to Satyavati and Paraashara in an island of the Yamuna river. One has to remember this great guru for the protection of the knowledge learnt.

Kurma Jayanti

Kurma Jayanti (कूर्म जयन्ति / ಕೂರ್ಮ ಜಯಂತಿ)

ಕರ್ಮ ಹರಿಃ ಮಾಂ ನಿರಯಾತ ಅಶೇಷಾತ್

कूर्म हरिः मां निरयात अशेषात्

This also is an incarnation of the lord, where he took the form of a turtle and supported the sinking mandara (मन्दर / ಮಂದರ) mountain which was used as a churning tool. More deeply, he is supporting the entire universe compsoed of living and non-living beings. This is regarded as the second among the dashaavataaras, and the story appears in kurma puraana (कूर्म पुराण / ಕೂರ್ಮ ಪುರಾಣ). It is regarded highly in astrology and in correcting vaastu defects (वास्तु दोश / ವಾಸ್ತು ದೋಶ).

Narasimha Jayanti

Narasimha Jayanti (नृसिम्ह जयन्ति / ನರಸಿಂಹ ಜಯಂತಿ)

ವೈಶಾಖ-ಶುದ್ಧ-ತ್ರಯೋದಶಿ-ಚಿತ್ತಾ ನಕ್ಷತ್ರ-ವಜ, ಸಿದ್ಧಿ ಯೋಗಗಳು-ತೈತಲಿಕರಣ

वैशाख-शुक्ल पक्ष-त्रयोदशी-चेत्ता नक्षत्र-वज,सिद्धि योगौ-तैतलिकरण

Vaishaakha-Bright Fortnight-Thirteenth day

This was the day the lord descended as "Narasimha" (नृसिम्ह / ನರಸಿಂದ).

The lord who descended to slay the wicked demon Hiranyakashipu (हिरण्यकशिपु / ಹಿರಣ್ಯಕಶಪು) always protects good people / saadhus. While remembering the lord who descended in a pillar to slay the demon and bless his devotee Prahlaada, how can Prahlaada be forgotten ? By remembering him, people are freed from all sins, enemies and troubles alike. One of the nine planets, Saturn / Shani himself has praised Narasimha and promised that he won't affect people who remember Narasimha. Thus, by remembering Narasimha, one can be free from the troubles of the world.

Birth of Ganga

Birth of Ganga

ವೈಶಾಖ-ಶುದ್ಧ-ಸಪ್ತಮಿ-ಪುಶ್ಯನಕ್ಷತ್ರ-ಶೂಲಯೋಗ-ಗಜಕರಣ

वैशाख-शुक्ल मास-सप्तमी-पुश्य नक्षत्र-शूलयोग-गजकरण

Vaishaakha-Bright Fortnight-Seventh day

This was the day on which Jahnu drank all the water, (from the Ganga river) which engulfed his homakunda, in a bust of anger, and when Bhageeratha begged pardon, could let the river flow again. Hence, the river Ganga is also known as Jaahnavi (जाह्नवि / ಜಾಹ್ನವಿ), meaning coming from Jahnu.

This being the day the most revered river "Ganga", one should remember Ganga on this day. Having come to this Earth, she is cleansing the people of their sins. While bathing in our homes, she can be invoked just by remembering her at the time of using water. Such water will cleanse our minds of all sins and bad thoughts. She is said to have flowed in the devaloka (देवलोक / ದೇವಲೋಕ) as well, hence getting the name "Dyunadi" (द्युनदी / ದ್ಯುನದಿ). It is said that this river will never dry up. Being the eldest daugther of Himavanta, she came down to the plains through the Herculian effort of Bhageeratha. She is also known by other names as: nandini (नन्दिनी / ನಂದಿನಿ) , nalini (नलिनी / ನಲಿನಿ) , seeta (सीता / ಸೀತಾ), maalati (मालती / ಮಾಲತಿ), malaapaha (मलापहा / ಮಲಾಪಹ) etc.

Parashuraama Jayanti

Parashuraama Jayanti (परशुराम जयन्ति / ಪರಶುರಾಮ ಜಯಂತಿ)

ವೈಶಾಖ-ಶುಕ್ಲ-ತೃತೀಯಾ-ಕೃತ್ತಿಕಾ ನಕ್ಷತ್ರ-ಸೌಭಾಗ್ಯ ಯೋಗ-ತೈತಿಲಕರಣ

वैशाख-शुक्ल पक्ष-तृतीया-कृत्तिका नक्षत्र-सौभाग्य योग-तैतिलकरण

Vaishaakha-Bright fortnight-Third day

The day the lord descended to the Earth by name Parashu - to cleanse the Earth of corrupt Kshatriyas/kings (क्षत्रिय /ಕ್ಷತ್ರಿಯ) who cause trouble to law-abiding citizens; and teach the other remaining Kings about principles and morals. Parashu (परशु / ಪರಶು) is Sanskrit word meaning axe, and for holding that weapon he was named "Parashu-raama". Being born to Jamadagni and Renuka, he circled the Earth 21 times to complete his task of cleansing the Earth of corrupt kings. He should be remembered on this day as "destroyer of wicked people".

ಜಮದಗ್ನಿ ಸಂತೋವೀರ ಕ್ಷತ್ರಿಯಾಂತಕರ ಪ್ರಭೋ |

ಗ್ರಹಣಾರ್ಘ್ಯಂ ಮಯಾ ದತ್ತಂ ಕೃಪಯಾ ಪರಮೇಶ್ವರ ||

जमदग्नि सन्तोवीर क्षत्रियान्तकर प्रभो ।

ग्रहणार्घ्यं मया दत्तं कृपया परमेश्वर ॥

Meaning :- Hey son of Jamadagni, Great Hero / warrior, death for wicked/corrupt kings, please accept my offering of water (अर्घ्य / ಅರ್ಘ್ಯ) and protect me from wicked people. Keep me be away from such wicked people always. Protect me so that I never commit any sins. Thus, everyone shall pray so on this day.

Significance of Akshaya Truteeya

Significance of Akshaya Truteeya (अक्षय तृतीया / ಅಕ್ಷಯ ತೃತಿಯಾ)

ವೈಶಾಖ-ಶುಕ್ಲ-ತೃತಿಯಾ, ಕೃತಿಕಾ ನಕ್ಷತ್ರ, ಸೌಭಾಗ್ಯ ಯೋಗ, ತೈತಿಲಕರಣ

वैशाख-शुक्ल-तृतीया, कृतिका नक्षत्र, सौभाग्य योग, तैतिल करण

Vaishaakha-Bright fortnight-Third day

It is believed that Akshaya truteeya (अक्षय तृतीया / ಅಕ್ಷಯ ತೃತಿಯಾ) was the first day of Kruta yuga (कृत युग / ಕೃತ ಯುಗ). It is said that all deeds done on this day, which comes once in a year, will become undiminished. As a result, one must make every effort to do good deeds. Specially bathing in the Ganga, visiting holy places, and fire sacrifices are performed. One should also donate rice.

ಯಃ ಪಶ್ಯತಿ ತೃತಿಯಾಯಾಂ ಕೃಷ್ಣಂ ಚಂದನ ಭೂಷಿತ |

ವೈಶಾಖಸ್ಯ ನೀತೇ ಪಕ್ಷೇಸಯಾತ್ಯಂಚ್ಯಚ್ಯುತ ಮಂದಿರಂ ||

यः पश्यति तृतीयायां कृष्णं चन्दन भूषितम् ।

वैशाखस्य नीते पक्षेसयात्यञ्च्यच्युत मन्दिरम् ॥

Meaning: One can attain Vaikuntha loka (वैकुण्ठ लोक / ವೈಕುಂಠ ಲೋಕ) by praying to Krishna who 

is completely clad with gandha (गन्ध / ಗಂಧ).

On this day, study, meditative thinking and donations performed will result in undiminished fruits. For this day, Rohini star and Wednesday will provide special austerity. Any activity can be begun on this auspicious day. People may donate earthen pot filled with water. (The reason and significance of this shall be made known later).

Significance of Vaishaakha maasa

Significance of Vaishaakha maasa

Taking bath in the month of Vaishaakha is revered as conveyed by the saying "वैशाख स्नान मात्रेण न पुनः चार्यते भुवि" / "ವೈಶಾಖ ಸ್ನಾನ ಮಾತ್ರೇಣ ನ ಪುನಃ ಚಾರ್ಯತೆ ಭುವಿ", which means that a person taking bath in this month Vaishaakha won't walk on the Earth again. So, the purity one maintains in Vaishaakha is all important.

The following may be gifted to the needy in this month: - specially filled earthen pot, footwear, umbrella, fan to guests, cold water, coconut drink, paanaka, boiled rice. One may get freed from untimely death by gifting bed, bedding, chaape, blanket. One may also gift goood quality cotton cloth. Its all important to have faith, conviction and devotion while doing so. There is a legacy behind these gifts --

In the past, a Brahmin Shankha (शङ्ख / ಶಂಖ) was travelling from one village to another through a forest where he was stopped by a wicked hunter. He took away the belongings of the brahmin, and let him go. As the hunter had taken away even the footwear of the Brahmin, he was struggling to walk in the heat of the sun. On seeing this, the hunter felt pity for the poor Brahmin. The hunter donated his torn slippers to the Brahmin, upon which the Brahmin whole-heartedly blessed the hunter, and explained to him the significance of the month of Vaishaakha. On hearing this, the hunter's mind got transformed and he returned back the Brahmin's belongings that he had snatched.

A lion and an elephant which were quarelling up until then stood silently. Upon seeing them Shankha questioned "You being enemies, what are you doing standing here ? Who are you ?" The animals started speaking about their past. One of them said, "In our previous birth, we were the sons of a Rishi (ऋषि / ಋಷಿ) named Matanga (मतङ्ग / ಮತಂಗ). Our father ordered us to arrange for drinking water and fans for people travelling in the sunny month of Vaishaakha (there is shaakha in the name itself :-) ). But, we being adamant, neglected that duty. Being angered by this, our father cursed us to be born as animals filled with anger and apathy/sloth. So, I, Dantila (दन्तिल / ದಂತಿಲ) became a lion, and Kohala (कोहल / ಕೋಹಲ) became an elephant. After requesting my father in various ways, he suggest the following to us. When a Brahmin named Shankha gives a discourse on the significance of the month of Vaishaakha, listen carefully. Then you will leave the animal bodies and rejoin me. Hence, thanks to you, we are liberated." Saying thus, they departed. This legacy was revealed by Shrutadeva (शृतदेव / ಶೃತದೇವ) to a king named Shrutakeerti (शृतकीर्ति / ಶೃತಕೀರ್ತಿ). This story appears in the Skanda puraana (स्कन्द पुराण / ಸ್ಕಂದ ಪುರಾಣ).

Significance of Hanuma Jayanti

Hanuma Jayanti (हनुम जयन्ति / ಹನುಮ ಜಯಂತಿ)

ಚೈತ್ರ - ಹುಣ್ಣಿಮೆ [ದವನದ ಹುಣ್ಣಿಮೆ] - ಹಸ್ತಾ ನಕ್ಷತ್ರ - ಬ್ಯಾಘ್ಯಾತಯೋಗ - ಭದ್ರ ಕರಣ

चैत्र - पौर्णमि - हस्ता नक्षत्र - ब्याघ्यातयोग - भद्रकरण

Chaitra - Full moon day

9th April 2009, Thursday, (Hasta star, byaghyaatayoga, bhadrakarana) the full moon day of this month of Chaitra, is the birth anniversery of the greatest devotee of Sri Raamachandra, Hanuman. Hanuman  was born at sunrise (6:16AM). This day is very significant. Hanuman's father was a great monkey by name Kesari, and mother Anjana Devi, a sadhvi. She begot Hanuman by obtaining permission from sages, and hence Hanuman also has the name Anjaneya {अञ्जना --> आञ्जनेय}(It is called aadivruddhi (आदिव्रृद्धि) in Sanskrit). Remembering Hanuman will instill great energy into us, and Hanuma jayanti is the day to remember him. We come across his prowess/valour during his life (avataara) in Treta yuga (त्रेता युग) from incidents in the Raamayana. Its important to remind ourselves every now and then about this great devotee of the Lord. Some of the benefits of remembering Hanuman as described in the sastras are as follows:

- For intelligence: Hanuman was known to be a very good linguist. He was known as Navavyaakarana pandita (नवव्याकरण पन्डित/ನವವ್ಯಾಕರಣ ಪಂಡಿತ)(Master of Grammar). He inspires us to speak in a very beautiful and meaningful way.

- For physical strength: He did literally fly over the Indian Ocean to get to Lanka from India. He also brought the Sanjeevini mountain from Himalaya to Lanka. He is said to have tried to swallow the Sun, thinking it to be a fruit. He also inspries us to overcome our laziness.

- For Mental strength: He was famous for brahmacharya. It is said that he wouldn't look at unmarried women in the face.

- and thus for overall success in life, especially in today's age where one is losing courage day by day for innumerable reasons.

ಬುದ್ಧಿರ್ಬಲಂ ಯಶೋ ಧೈರ್ಯಂ ನಿರ್ಭಯತ್ವಂ ಅರೋಗತಾ

ಅಜಾಡ್ಯಂ ವಾಕ್ ಪಟುತ್ವಂ ಚ ಹನುಮತ್ ಸ್ಮರಣಾತ್ ಭವೇತ್.

बुद्धिर्बलं यशो धैर्यं निर्भयत्वम् अरोगता ।

अजाड्यं वाक्पटुत्वं च हनुमत् स्मरणाद् भवेत् ॥

Its advisable for everyone to say this sloka, especially on the occasion of Hanuma Jayanti. Right from kids to elders should think about Hanuman and say this sloka whenever they are going out for work as it will inspire them to do their work to the best of their capacity and also avoid the ill-effects of celestial bodies (the reason for this shall be made known later). Along with this, on Hanuma Jayanti, people should visit nearby temples and offer their prayers.

Significance of Raama Navami

Raama Navami (राम नवमि / ರಾಮ ನವಮಿ)

ಚೈತ್ರ - ಶುಕ್ಲ - ನವಮಿ

चैत्र -शुक्ल - नवमि

Chaitra - Bright fortnight - Ninth day

ರಾಮಾಯ ರಾಮ ಭದ್ರಾಯ ರಾಮ ಚಂದ್ರಾಯ ವೇದಸೆ |

ರಘುನಾಥಾಯ ನಾಥಾಯ ಸೀತಾಯಾಃ ಪತಯೇ ನಮಃ ||

रामाय रामभद्राय रामचन्द्राय वेदसे ।

रघुनाथाय नाथाय सीतायाः पतये नमः ॥

The day that Raama took birth on Earth also happens to be in this month of Chaitra. That day is called Raama navami (राम नवमि / ರಾಮ ನವಮಿ). Raama is said to have been born in the afternoon. Although he was born in the heat of the day he was as pleasant as the moon. Raama navami is celebrated all through the country with great joy and enthusiasm. People who have accepted Raama as their (family) diety light lamps during the first 9 days of this month of Chaitra, and it is refered to as Raama navaraatri (राम नवरात्रि / ರಾಮ ನವರಾತ್ರಿ).

(More information about this also will be made available shortly.)

Significance of Gowri Truteeya

Gowri truteeya (गौरि तृतीया / ಗೌರಿ ತೃತಿಯಾ)

From the 3rd day of bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra to that of Vaishaka, the duration of one full month, Gowri is worshipped. Shiva-Parvati should be worshipped during this period. Especially on Tuesdays during this month this ritual is done in groups.

(More information about this will be made available shorly)

Significance of Yugaadi

Yugaadi

ವಸಂತ ಋತು - ಚೈತ್ರ ಮಾಸ - ಶುಕ್ಲ ಪಕ್ಷ - ಪ್ರತಿಪದ

वसन्तर्तु (वसन्त ऋतु) - चैत्र मास - शुक्ल पक्ष - प्रतिपद्

Vasanta (Spring) - Month of Chaitra - Bright fortnight - First day

Significance of this day:

This yuga (kaliyuga / कलियुग / ಕಲಿಯುಗ) began on Yugaadi (युगादि / ಯುಗಾದಿ). That was the first day of the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra. This day is very significant. This is also the beginning of the new year according to the Indian calender. Just like night is follwed by day, darkness is removed by light. So is the new moon day (अमावस्ये / ಅಮಾವಸ್ಯೆ) followed by the new year. Also on this day people should pray for a prosperous year ahead. A new samvatsara (संवत्सर / ಸಂವತ್ಸರ) begins with this day. With this yugaadi coming in year 2009 A.D. starts the samvatsara named "virodhi" (विरोधि / ವಿರೋಧಿ). Let us discuss a little more about samvatsaras here.

In our tradition, every year i.e., samvatsara, has been given a name. There are 60 samvatsaras in all, coming one after another in a sequence. The previous samvatsara (till 26 March 2009) was named sarvadhaari (सर्वधारि / ಸರ್ವಧಾರಿ). Every samvatsara begins on the first day of the month of Chaitra and goes up till the new moon day (अमावस्य / ಅಮಾವಸ್ಯೆ) of the month of Phalguna (फाल्गुण / ಫಾಲ್ಗುಣ). If a person lives for 60 years, then he would have seen one full cycle of all samvatsaras. In such cases, some people, depending on their tradition celebrate what is known as "Shashtaadbi" (शष्ठाब्दि / ಶಷ್ಠಾಬ್ದಿ). The details pertaining to that shall be presented elsewhere.

Important activities to be performed on Yugaadi:

On the auspicious day of Yugadi, one should wake up early in the morning and obey the elders in seeing ones' face in ghee filled container and then in the mirror (The rationale for this will be put up soon). Then one should take oil bath / head bath along with relatives and friends, and worship gods, wear new clothes, and then listen to results / fruits of the year from learned men. However, others do listen to Panchanga after waking up. Both practices are acceptable. One also has to do the following things:

1. Worship the Panchaanga

2. Seek blessings of elders by serving them

3. All the family members should consume a small quantity of neem and jaggery. Neem, being bitter signifies suffering / pain while jaggery being sweet signifies joy / happiness. Hence, it signifies that we vow to take both pain and happiness, success and failure equally. 

4. One should necessarily take head bath / oil bath. The significance of oil bath is explained in Vashishta smriti as follows:

If a person doesnt take oil bath on the first day of Spring then that person will suffer in life and experience grave hell.

Significance of Chaitra maasa

The Chaitra maasa (चैत्र मास) which came in the Bhavishyottara purANa (भविष्योत्तर पुराण) is described as follows:

ವೈಶಾಖಾತ್ ಕಾರ್ತಿಕಃ ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠಃ ಕಾರ್ತಿಕಾತ್ ಮಾಘ ಎವ ಚ

ಮಾಘಮಾಸಾದ್ ವರಶ್ಚಾಯಂ ಚೈತ್ರಮಾಸೋ ಭವಿಷ್ಯತಿ.

वैशाखात् कार्तिकः श्रेष्ठः कार्तिकात् माघ एव च ।

माघमासाद् वरश्चायं चैत्रमासो भविष्यति ॥

The month of Kaartika (कार्तिक)is more important than Vaishaakha (वैशाख), Maagha (माघ) is more significant than Kaartika, and Chaitra is much more auspicious than Maagha.

All good deeds, alms given to the deserving, yajgna-yaagas (यज्ञ-याग) performed, baths taken in holi places, learning sastras in this month of Chaitra, will pay thousand times more rich dividends. Especially, if all these activites are performed in Ayodhya.

Being the first among the twelve months, this month of Chaitra grants to all living beings whatever pleases them and thus assumes the form of mother. Maryaada purushottama Sri Ramachandra was born in this month and upon his birth, the gods and the people who were satisfied by the avatara praised him with several various hymns along with music-instruments-dance. Praising the significance of the month of Chaitra, people requested Sri Rama to grant special boons to this month. A gracious Sri Rama said thus:

ಸರ್ವೇಷಾಮೇವ ಮಾಸಾನಾಂ ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠಾಶ್ಚಾಯಂ ಭವಿಷ್ಯತಿ

ಅಯೋಧ್ಯಾಯಾಂ ರಾಮತೀರ್ಥ ಸರಯಾಜಲ ಮಧ್ಯಗೇ

ಚೈತ್ರಸ್ನಾನಂ ಪ್ರರುರ್ವಾಣಾ ಸ್ತ್ರೀ ನರಾ ಮೋಕ್ಷಭಾಗಿನಃ

सर्वेषामेव मासानां श्रेष्ठाश्चायं भविष्यति ।

अयोध्यायां रामतीर्थ सरयाजल मध्यगे ।

चैत्रस्नानं प्ररुर्वाणा स्त्री नरा मोक्षभागिनः ॥

Being the embodiment of the mother of all the months, the month of Chaitra shall be most auspicious. Having blessed thus, Sri Rama himself took birth on this Earth in the very same month. For people who take bath in the Sarayu river in Ayodhya shall be saved from all difficulties which they will encounter.

The following deeds shall be done during the month of Chaitra

-arranging drinking water for travellers

-arrangement of shelter to people walking in the sun/heat

-arrangement of food for the hungry and poor

It is said in the sastras that if a person fails to provide water for the needy, such a person will be born as a Jataka bird in future birth and will have to suffer to get water. Wheat, bedding, jaggery, ghee, curd, nellikai, mango are considered very auspicious.

During the month of Chaitra, one should take bath in the Sarayu river and listen / read the Ramayana. A sloka in the sastras says thus:

ಸರ್ವ ತೀರ್ಥೇಷು ಯತ್ ಪುಣ್ಯಂ ಸರ್ವ ದಾನೇಷು ಯತ್ ಫಲಂ |

ರಾಮಾಯಣಸ್ಯ ಪಠಣಾತ್ ತತ್ ಫಲಂ ನವರಾತ್ರಕೇ ||

सर्व तीर्थेषु यद् पुण्यं सर्व दानेषु यद् फालम् ।

रामायणस्य पठनात् तत् फलं नवरात्रके ॥

That result / fruit (punya) which is be obtained by taking bath in all holi places, that (punya) which is obtained by daana of all kinds, can be obtained just by listening to the Ramayana.

The important days of this month are as follows:

1. Yugaadi - 1st day of the bright fortnight

2. Gowri truteeya - 3rd day of the bright fortnight

3. Raamanavami - 9th day of the bright fortnight

4. Ekaadashi - 11th day of either fortnight

Prologue

Prologue – What this is, to whom and what for?

Namaste,

Welcome to this web page and thanks for visiting.

As you all might know, Hinduism or Sanaathana dharma, as the name suggests, is centuries old. The Vedas form the foundation of this dharma / religion. Although Hinduism might have many sub-sects, and the followers of each sub-sect might have their own religious practices, but my feeling is that the central theme is "The Vedas". Hindus, or people having faith in the Vedas will do well to inculcate the teachings of the Vedas in their daily lives. Apart from prescribing ways of worship, they also guide us on ways of conducting our lives in the society. But, this centuries old tradition of knowledge and practice of Vedic doctrines is dwindling by the day. Either due to laziness or ignorance of people, the importance of Vedic principles is diminishing. Although people continue to practice their preaching, either it is not done as it ought to be, or the significance is not properly understood. As years have passed by, the importance given to the Vedas is diminishing and people are developing differences of opinion amongst themselves, and practicing in ways they feel suitable. Complementary to this, today’s lifestyle is slowly taking people’s mind away from celebration of festivals also. Today’s generation who travel to distant cities for studies, job or otherwise stay far away from their elders thus disabling the smooth flow of religion and culture in their lives and the involuntary knowledge transfer which otherwise would have happened. I am also a part of this generation, but I strongly feel that we need to know and practice these doctrines.

Another feature of our generation is that we question everything. We ask questions as to why a particular task needs to be done in the way prescribed. Without understanding it completely, we fail to do the task whole heartedly and with satisfaction. We question anyone who speaks about Hindu religion, tradition and customs, without realizing that this sanaatana dharma cannot be understood in a day. There are lots of issues concerning every aspect of life, which take years together to comprehend. Although we want answers to our questions, we can hardly spend so many years in learning. But, we still want answers – I am writing this blog hoping to answer some of these questions.

But, as said earlier, my knowledge in these aspects is hardly significant. But, being lucky by chance, and as they say, by God’s grace, I got to know Shri. Shreekanthaachaarya Bidarakundi, Sudha Pandit, Dharawad. I told this dharmagnaani about my thought and this blog. The acharya agreed to help me with this, by providing essential information for the blog. I am grateful to him for his help. Thanking him again, I hope that this blog will be useful to readers, and that they become more austere by reading this.

In this blog, the following items shall be covered:

1. Firstly, the festivals according to the Hindu tradition, their celebration and significance. This information shall be provided in the following format:

· Maasa (month), paksha (fortnight), and tithi (day)

· Significance of the particular day and its reference (in puranas or elsewhere)

· Do’s and don’ts of the festivals (along with some baseless blind beliefs and misconceptions that may be in practice today), and

· Significance of various aspects of the celebration

In addition to this, readers are most welcome to suggest any other type of information that can be put here. We shall try to provide as much information as possible.

2. Along with festivities, Vedangas like Jyotishya describe how the day-to-day activities ought to be done or even what time/day is better suited for some special or important activities.

Many people amongst us have misconceptions about Jyotishya. But it is actually a Vedanga, a part of vedas, and we feel that a lot of information provided there is very true and hence that will also be a part of this blog. But, we won’t describe things like raashi phala (one's future based on sunsign) here, but restrict ourselves to description of what activities are shubha and ashubha on particular days.

This information shall be put up in the order of their occurrence, and hence we will be starting with the first day of the new year according to Hindu calendar, that is Yugaadi. According to Hindu calendar, it is Chaitra maasa, shukla paksha (or bright fortnight), and prathama or pratipad (first day). Yugadi falls on 27^th March 2009 according to the Gregorian calendar. We shall try and put up information related to that 2-3 days in advance, and if possible prior to that. Following Yugaadi, material regarding other maasas will be put up subsequently.

Please do visit this page again and again, learn new things and inform others as well. Please feel free to post your comments as well.

From the coming New Year (Yugaadi) onwards, along with the joy it brings, read this material and if you feel it acceptable, follow it, inculcate it and lead a more holistic life.

Request to readers: We request readers to communicate about this blog to relatives and friends, helping us in creating awareness among people.