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.

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 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.