Durga Aarti

Jai ambe gaurii maiyaa, Jai shyaamaa gaurii Nishadina tumako dhyaavata, Hari brahma shivajii

Emerging as a community festival, people offer Arti.

"Glory to you, O divine Mother Gauri, glory to you, O Parvati, who are so rich in maiden grace (virgin beauty), the object of daily meditation by Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva!"

Maanga sinduura viraajata, Tiko mriga madako Ujjvalase dauu nainaa, Chandravana niiko

"O Ambe! On your forehead is a resplendent mark of vermilion along with a mark of musk (signifying good luck). Your twin eyes are bright and your face beautiful as the moon."

Kanaka samaana kalevara, Raktaambara raaje Raktapushpa galamaalaa, Kanthahaara saaje

"Your body with a tinge of gold is splendidly dressed in red attire; on your throat lies a wreath of red blossoms like a beautiful necklace."

Kehari vaahana raajata, Khadaga khappara dhaari Sura nara munijana sevata, Tinake dukha haari

"Your vehicle, the lion, is, O Mother in keeping with your splendid form; you bear a sword and a skull in your hands, and on you attend the gods, men, hermits and your votaries whose grief you drive away."

Kaanana kunadala shobhita, Naasaagre motii Kotika chandra divaakara, Sam raajata jyotii

"You are adorned with rings on your ears and with pearl on the tip of your nose, your radiance looks as splendid as that of myriad of suns and moons."

Shumbha nishumbha bidaare, Mahishaasura ghaatii Dhuumra vilochana nainaa, Nishadina madamaatii

"O slayer of the demon Mahisha, you tore apart the bodies of Shumbha, Nishumbha and Dhuumravilochana. (In the battle waged against them) your eyes reflected a frenzy of fury everyday and night."

Brahmaanii rudraanii, Tuma kamalaa raanii Aagama-nigama bakhaanii, Tuma shiva pataraanii

"You are the beloved consort of Brahma, Rudra and Vishnu. The Vedas and the Shastras describe you as the queen consort of Shiva,"

Chausatha yoginii gaavata, Nritya karata bhairon Baajata taala mridanga, Aura baajata damaruu

"Sixty-four Yoginis chorus your praise and glorify you, while Bhairava (Shiva) dances in tune to the accompaniment of the sound of tambour (mridanga) and drum (damaru)."

Tuma ho jaga kii maataa, Tuma hii ho bhartaa Bhaktana kii dukha hartaa, Sukha sampati kartaa

"You are mother of the universe, its sustainer, reliever of your devotees' affliction and bestower of happiness and prosperity."

Bhujaa chaara ati shobhita, Vara mudraa dhaarii Manavaanchita phala paavata, Sevata nara naarii

"The four arms you have adorned your person, while the hand raised in benediction reveals your benign aspect. Those among men and women who wait on you and worship you have all their cherished wishes ever fulfilled."

Kanchana thaala viraajata, Agaru kapuura baatii Bhaalaketu mein raajata, Kotiratana jyotii

"In a golden platter are beautifully laid aloe and camphor, both of which have lighted (to be waved before you); in he radiance of your forehead is reflected the splendour of a myriad gems."

Durga Aarti

Jai ambe gaurii maiyaa, Jai shyaamaa gaurii Nishadina tumako dhyaavata, Hari brahma shivajii

Emerging as a community festival, people offer Arti.

"Glory to you, O divine Mother Gauri, glory to you, O Parvati, who are so rich in maiden grace (virgin beauty), the object of daily meditation by Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva!"

Maanga sinduura viraajata, Tiko mriga madako Ujjvalase dauu nainaa, Chandravana niiko

"O Ambe! On your forehead is a resplendent mark of vermilion along with a mark of musk (signifying good luck). Your twin eyes are bright and your face beautiful as the moon."

Kanaka samaana kalevara, Raktaambara raaje Raktapushpa galamaalaa, Kanthahaara saaje

"Your body with a tinge of gold is splendidly dressed in red attire; on your throat lies a wreath of red blossoms like a beautiful necklace."

Kehari vaahana raajata, Khadaga khappara dhaari Sura nara munijana sevata, Tinake dukha haari

"Your vehicle, the lion, is, O Mother in keeping with your splendid form; you bear a sword and a skull in your hands, and on you attend the gods, men, hermits and your votaries whose grief you drive away."

Kaanana kunadala shobhita, Naasaagre motii Kotika chandra divaakara, Sam raajata jyotii

"You are adorned with rings on your ears and with pearl on the tip of your nose, your radiance looks as splendid as that of myriad of suns and moons."

Shumbha nishumbha bidaare, Mahishaasura ghaatii Dhuumra vilochana nainaa, Nishadina madamaatii

"O slayer of the demon Mahisha, you tore apart the bodies of Shumbha, Nishumbha and Dhuumravilochana. (In the battle waged against them) your eyes reflected a frenzy of fury everyday and night."

Brahmaanii rudraanii, Tuma kamalaa raanii Aagama-nigama bakhaanii, Tuma shiva pataraanii

"You are the beloved consort of Brahma, Rudra and Vishnu. The Vedas and the Shastras describe you as the queen consort of Shiva,"

Chausatha yoginii gaavata, Nritya karata bhairon Baajata taala mridanga, Aura baajata damaruu

"Sixty-four Yoginis chorus your praise and glorify you, while Bhairava (Shiva) dances in tune to the accompaniment of the sound of tambour (mridanga) and drum (damaru)."

Tuma ho jaga kii maataa, Tuma hii ho bhartaa Bhaktana kii dukha hartaa, Sukha sampati kartaa

"You are mother of the universe, its sustainer, reliever of your devotees' affliction and bestower of happiness and prosperity."

Bhujaa chaara ati shobhita, Vara mudraa dhaarii Manavaanchita phala paavata, Sevata nara naarii

"The four arms you have adorned your person, while the hand raised in benediction reveals your benign aspect. Those among men and women who wait on you and worship you have all their cherished wishes ever fulfilled."

Kanchana thaala viraajata, Agaru kapuura baatii Bhaalaketu mein raajata, Kotiratana jyotii

"In a golden platter are beautifully laid aloe and camphor, both of which have lighted (to be waved before you); in he radiance of your forehead is reflected the splendour of a myriad gems."

Durga Aarti

Jai ambe gaurii maiyaa, Jai shyaamaa gaurii Nishadina tumako dhyaavata, Hari brahma shivajii

Emerging as a community festival, people offer Arti.

"Glory to you, O divine Mother Gauri, glory to you, O Parvati, who are so rich in maiden grace (virgin beauty), the object of daily meditation by Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva!"

Maanga sinduura viraajata, Tiko mriga madako Ujjvalase dauu nainaa, Chandravana niiko

"O Ambe! On your forehead is a resplendent mark of vermilion along with a mark of musk (signifying good luck). Your twin eyes are bright and your face beautiful as the moon."

Kanaka samaana kalevara, Raktaambara raaje Raktapushpa galamaalaa, Kanthahaara saaje

"Your body with a tinge of gold is splendidly dressed in red attire; on your throat lies a wreath of red blossoms like a beautiful necklace."

Kehari vaahana raajata, Khadaga khappara dhaari Sura nara munijana sevata, Tinake dukha haari

"Your vehicle, the lion, is, O Mother in keeping with your splendid form; you bear a sword and a skull in your hands, and on you attend the gods, men, hermits and your votaries whose grief you drive away."

Kaanana kunadala shobhita, Naasaagre motii Kotika chandra divaakara, Sam raajata jyotii

"You are adorned with rings on your ears and with pearl on the tip of your nose, your radiance looks as splendid as that of myriad of suns and moons."

Shumbha nishumbha bidaare, Mahishaasura ghaatii Dhuumra vilochana nainaa, Nishadina madamaatii

"O slayer of the demon Mahisha, you tore apart the bodies of Shumbha, Nishumbha and Dhuumravilochana. (In the battle waged against them) your eyes reflected a frenzy of fury everyday and night."

Brahmaanii rudraanii, Tuma kamalaa raanii Aagama-nigama bakhaanii, Tuma shiva pataraanii

"You are the beloved consort of Brahma, Rudra and Vishnu. The Vedas and the Shastras describe you as the queen consort of Shiva,"

Chausatha yoginii gaavata, Nritya karata bhairon Baajata taala mridanga, Aura baajata damaruu

"Sixty-four Yoginis chorus your praise and glorify you, while Bhairava (Shiva) dances in tune to the accompaniment of the sound of tambour (mridanga) and drum (damaru)."

Tuma ho jaga kii maataa, Tuma hii ho bhartaa Bhaktana kii dukha hartaa, Sukha sampati kartaa

"You are mother of the universe, its sustainer, reliever of your devotees' affliction and bestower of happiness and prosperity."

Bhujaa chaara ati shobhita, Vara mudraa dhaarii Manavaanchita phala paavata, Sevata nara naarii

"The four arms you have adorned your person, while the hand raised in benediction reveals your benign aspect. Those among men and women who wait on you and worship you have all their cherished wishes ever fulfilled."

Kanchana thaala viraajata, Agaru kapuura baatii Bhaalaketu mein raajata, Kotiratana jyotii

"In a golden platter are beautifully laid aloe and camphor, both of which have lighted (to be waved before you); in he radiance of your forehead is reflected the splendour of a myriad gems."

Durga Puja Fast

Devotees of Goddess Durga observe fast on the occasion of nine-day-long Durga Puja celebrations every year with full faith and sincerity. The purpose of observing fast is to propitiate Durga Ma and seek her divine blessings. Having been religiously carried out since ages during the festival of Navratri or Durga Puja, the fast has become an intrinsic part of the festival.

Purpose of Observing Fast
Hindus have high regards for Goddess Durga whom they look upon as Ma or Mother of all. Fast to them is a denial of the physical needs of the body and a means to attain spiritual gains besides blessings of the Mother Goddess. Hindus sincerely believe that fasting helps in establishing a harmonious coordination between body and soul. Besides, fasting is also considered to be good for the body. It helps to keep body healthy by giving digestive organs some rest and cleansing the body of toxic materials.

Durga Puja Fast Rituals
The custom of observing Durga Puja Fast is particularly prevalent in Northern India. In the state of Punjab people observe fast for seven days of the nine-day-long Durga Puja Festival. The fast is broken only on the ashtami or navmi day. Some devotees of Durga Ma consume only milk during the fasting days while some only live on fruits. Some devotees observe ‘Ekana’ which means that they take one complete meal during the day. Non-vegetarian food, intoxicating substances and other forms of entertainment are completely avoided during the fasting days. Men observing fast are not supposed to shave. Some also believe in sleeping on the ground and thereby deny themselves all luxuries and comforts.

Fasting during Durga Puja festival is also quite popular in the state of West Bengal and several other Southern states. At the end of the fasting period devotees feed beggars and worship little girls who spell the Shakti of Mother Goddess.

At several places there is a tradition of sowing barley seeds during the Durga Puja fasting period. In this a small bed of mud is prepared in a little container and barley seeds are sown in it. This is placed in the Puja room and cared for during the fasting period. At the end of the fast the shoots reach a height of 3-5 inches. These are pulled out and given to devotees as form of blessings.

Modern Fasting Trends
It is interesting to note that the present generation has retained the custom of fasting during Durga Puja. Though many observe fast in its true meaning some have molded it suit their taste buds. Rush of people in the stall selling vrat (fast) ki chaat and vrat ki namkeen is a common site especially in metropolitan cities. Restaurants too offer a special menu to those observing Navratri fast. While many look at the changing trends with skepticism others feel that such transformation does not matter a lot as long as people have faith in Durga Ma.

The Essentials of Durga Puja

The decorated puja platform with all the required essentials.

Specific items are needed for each day of Durga Puja. There is a detailed method to worshiping Goddess Durga that are mentioned in the scriptures. Items which are needed for the ritual worship of the goddess should be collected beforehand so that the ritual is performed smoothly. The list of essentials of Durga Puja are:

Items needed for Kalparambho, the ritual performed before the commencement of the puja and Mahasna: 
Food Offerings : Panchashasha (grains of five types - rice, mung or whole green gram, til or sesame, mashkalai or any variety of whole black leguminous seed, job or millet), panchagobbo (five items obtained from the cow - milk, ghee or clarified butter, curd, cow dung and gomutra ), curd, honey, sugar, three big noibiddos , one small noibiddo, three bowls of madhupakka (a mixture of honey, curd, ghee and sugar for oblation), bhoger drobbadi (items for the feast), aaratir drobbadi mahasnan oil, dantokashtho, sugar cane juice, an earthen bowl of atop (a type of rice), til toilo (sesame oil). 

Water Offerings: Ushnodok (lukewarm water), coconut water, sarbooushodhi , mahaoushodhi, water from oceans, rain water, spring water, water containing lotus pollen. 

Puja Items: Sindur (vermillion), panchabarner guri (powders of five different colours - turmeric, rice, kusum flowers or red aabir, rice chaff or coconut fibre burnt for the dark colour, bel patra or powdered wood apple leaves), panchapallab (leaves of five trees - mango, pakur or a species of fig, banyan, betal and Joggodumur or fig), pancha ratna (five types of gems - gold, diamond, sapphire, ruby and pearl), panchakoshay (bark of five trees - jaam, shimul, berela, kool, bokul powdered in equal portions and mixed with water), green coconut with stalk, three aashonanguriuk (finger ring made of kusha). 

Cloth Offerings: Gamcha or a piece of cloth to cover the pot, a dhoti for Vishnu, a sari each for bodhon and Chandi. 

Decorative Items : Ghat or a pot, kundohari , a mirror, four arrows, tekatha or a triangular frame of wood, horitoki flowers (myrobalan), chandmala (garland with circular decorations), aashon (a mattress of jute or hay). 

Other Items : Water camphor and perfumed sandal wood paste. soil - extracted from elephant tusks, from the teeth of the pig, from the horns of the ox, from the bank of rivers Ganga and Saraswati, from both the banks of a river, from a place where four roads intersect, from palaces, from the ant hill, from the mountains, Vishnu toilo. 

Items needed for the Shashthi puja of Goddess Durga: 
Food Offerings: A stem of wood apple with fruits, green coconut with stalk, an earthen bowl full of atop, three bowls of madhupakka, sesame seeds, curd, honey, clarified butter, sugar, three big noibiddos, one small noibiddo, bhoger drobbadi, aaratir drobbadi, grain, fruits, one dozen bananas with a single stem, white mustard seeds. 

Puja Items : A pot, four arrows two ashonanguriuk, panchapallab, pancha ratna, panchashasha, panchagobbo, tekatha, dubba grass, sindur, swastik pituli, conch shell, kajol (corrilium), gorachana, yellow thread, chamor, a fly-whisk made of yak's tail used for fanning, earthen lamps, panch pradip for arati. 

Cloth Offerings: Gamcha to cover the pot, a dhoti for the wood apple tree, a sari for bodhon, one sari for amontron. 

Decorative Items: Myrobalan, flowers, chandmala, adibas oil, turmeric, soil from the bank of river Ganga, perfume, stone, gold, silver, copper, iron, mirror and alta. 

Items Needed For Saptami Puja of Goddess Durga: 
Food Offerings: Sesame seeds, myrobalan, flowers, two earthen bowls full of atop, green coconut with stalk, wood apple leaves, white mustard, madhupakka (40 or 22 bowls), honey, sugar, noibiddos (40 or 22), one main noibiddo, fruits, items for bhog. 

Puja Items: Jute ropes, red thread, alta, four finger rings, four yadnyopaveet, a pot, a mirror, a tekatha, sandalwood, mashkolai, hibiscus flower, small noibiddo, one big earthen lamp, panchapallab, pancha ratna, panchashasha, panchaguri, vermillion, items for arati, items for the yadnya - sand, wood, dry khorke grass, cowdung, kusha grass, ghee, 108 bel leaves and a bowl. 

Cloth Offerings: Clothes for the Pundit, a piece of cloth, gamcha for arati, 40 or 22 finger rings made of kusha, sari for nabapatrika, one sari for the main puja, saris for Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Chandi, dhoti for Kartik, Ganesh, Shiva, Vishnu, clothes for nine planets, clothes for peacock, mouse, lion, demon, buffalo, ox, snake, chandmala, a nosering, iron, conch shell. 

Plants and flowers offerings: Flower garland, belpatra garland, Banana plant, turmeric plant, colacassia plant, wood apple stem, pomegranate stem, a stem of Jayanti plant, arum plant, rice plant, ashoka stem, twigs of white aparajita plant, two banana stems. 

Items needed for Ashtami Puja of Goddess Durga: 
Food Offerings : Fruits, items for bhog, items for arati, 40 or 22 bowls of madhupakka, honey, sugar, curd, ghee, 40 or 22 noibiddos, four small noibiddos. 
Cloth Offerings : One sari for Durga, new clothes for Lakshmi, Saraswati, Chandi, Kartik, Ganesh, Shiva, Vishnu, nine planets, the peacock, mouse, lion, demon, buffalo, ox, snake, Jaya, Bijoya and Ram. 
Puja Items : One dantakashto, 40 or 22 finger rings made of kusha, one nosering, iron, two conch shells, a box of vermillion, flowers, a garland, belpatra garland, one chandmala, one ghoti. 
For Sandhi Puja - Flowers, gold ring, a bronze bowl for madhupakka, a small sari, main noibiddo, one small noibiddo, one plate, one pitcher, iron, one nosering, one pillow, a mat, a chandmala, 108 earthen lamps, items for bhog, and items for the arati . 

Items needed for Nabami and Dashami Pujas: 
Food Offerings : Betel leaves, pan masala, 40 or 22 bowls of madhupakka, honey, sugar, curd, ghee, 40 or 22 noibiddos, four small noibiddos. 

Cloth Offerings : Clothes for Lakshmi, Saraswati, Chandi, Kartik, Ganesh, Shiva, Vishnu, the nine planets, the peacock, mouse, lion, demon, buffalo, ox, snake, Jaya, Bijoya and Ram, one dantakashto , one sari for the main puja. 

Puja Items: Flowers, 40 or 22 finger rings made of kusha, one ghoti , one nosering, iron, two conch shells, a box of vermillion, flower garland, belpatra garland, a chandmala, one plate, items needed for the yadnya (fire sacrifice), bel leaves, gift for the Purohit. 

For the Dashami puja - Perfume, flowers, durba grass, basil leaves, bel leaves, incense sticks, an earthen lamp, noibiddo, curd, murki, sweets and items needed for arati.

Dussehra

'Ravan Dahan' that involves the burning of the effigies of Ravana.

The festival of Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, is one of the fascinating festivals of India and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm. According to the great Hindu scripture, the Ramayana, Lord Rama performed chandi-puja (holy prayer). This was carried out in order to invoke the blessings of Durga Maa for the killing of Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Sri Lanka who had abducted Seeta, wife of Lord Rama.

Durga Maa divulged the secret to Rama on how he could slay the great Ravana. Hence upon vanquishing the demon Ravana, Lord Rama with Sita and younger brother Laxmana, returned victorious to his kingdom of Ayodhya on the day which is called 'Diwali'. Revelers across northern India re-enact the legend at sundown in a performance called the Ramlila, featuring actors dressed as Rama shooting flaming arrows at effigies stuffed with firecrackers.

Dussehra day is considered a most auspicious day. It is a time-honored belief that if any new venture is started on this day, it is bound to be successful. Hence, all the undertakings be it laying-in of foundation of a new building, opening of a new commercial establishment or even initiating a child into the world of learning- are started on this day. Also on this day implements of agriculture, manufacturer's machines, the intellectuals pens, the household articles, the children's school books are placed before the idol of Durga and worshiped.

Navratri

Dandiya, the most awaited traditional dance festival of India.

Navratri, the festival of nights, lasts for 9 days with three days each devoted to worship of Ma Durga, the Goddess of Valor, Ma Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Ma Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge. During the nine days of Navratari, feasting and fasting take precedence over all normal daily activities amongst the Hindus. Evenings give rise to the religious dances in order to worhip Goddess Durga Maa.

1st - 3rd day of Navratri 
On the first day of the Navaratras, a small bed of mud is prepared in the puja room of the house and barley seeds are sown on it. On the tenth day, the shoots are about 3 - 5 inches in length. After the puja, these seedlings are pulled out and given to devotees as a blessing from god. These initial days are dedicated to Durga Maa, the Goddess of power and energy. Her various manifestations, Kumari, Parvati and Kali are all worshipped during these days. They represent the three different classes of womanhood that include the child, the young girl and the mature woman.

4th - 6th day of Navratri 
During these days, Lakshmi Maa, the Goddess of peace and prosperity is worshipped. On the fifth day which is known as Lalita Panchami, it is traditional, to gather and display all literature available in the house, light a lamp or 'diya' to invoke Saraswati Maa, the Goddess of knowledge and art.

7th - 8th day of Navratri 
These final days belong to Saraswati Maa who is worshipped to acquire the spiritual knowledge. This in turn will free us from all earthly bondage. But on the 8th day of this colourful festival, yagna (holy fire) is performed. Ghee (clarified butter), kheer (rice pudding) and sesame seeds form the holy offering to Goddess Durga Maa.

Mahanavami 
The festival of Navratri culminates in Mahanavami. On this day Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped. Their feet are washed as a mark of respect for the Goddess and then they are offered new clothes as gifts by the worshiper. This ritual is performed in most parts of the country.

kinds of Puja

Different kinds of Puja

Ma Sarawati is also worshiped along with goddess Lakshmi and Durga.

Durgapuja, over the years, has outgrown its religious connotations to a large extent as people all over the India celebrate it with a gusto. There are various ways in which Ma Durga is worshiped. The rituals and customs vary due to vast difference in the culture of Indian States. But, all these follow the century old tradition and practice that intermingle with historical ethos.

Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, Durga Puja is a fun occasion. Puja is performed each day and devotees don't remove the flower garland that is put each day on the idol or image of the deity. After nine days all nine are removed together. Young girls who have not attained maturity are invited to eat, play games, dance and sing. An elephant is drawn with rangoli and the girls play guessing games. Then they are fed a meal of their choice.

West Bengal
In West Bengal, Durga Puja is five days of festivity. It hinges around Mahalaya day, a week before the actual celebrations begin. It was on this day that Durga was assigned the task of eliminating evil. So the familiar pose of Durga unleashing her wrath on an out powered assura (demon). Legend goes that Ram wanted to invoke the blessings of Durga before his great war with Ravan. He performed the Durga Puja despite the time of year not being right. That is why the puja is also known as Akal Bodhon, or untimely invocation.

Punjab
People of Punjab strictly observes Navratri. Some Punjabus have only milk for seven days before breaking the fast on ashtami or navami. They worship Durga Ma and do the aarti at home. Some of them have fruit or a complete meal once a day and intoxicating drinks or meat and other form of entertainment is completely avoided. At the end of the fast devotees feed beggars or worship little girls who spell the Shakti of the Mother Goddess.

Gujarat
Navratri is devoted to Amba mataji. In some homes, images of mataji are worshiped in accordance with accepted practice. This is also true of the temples, which usually have a constant stream of visitors from morning to night. The most common form of public celebration is the performance of garba or dandia-ras, Gujarat's popular folk-dance, late throughout the nights of these nine days in public squares, open grounds and streets.

Kerala 
In Kerala, Durga Puja signifies the beginning of formal education for every child aged 3-5 years. While puja goes on in the temple for all ten days, it is only the concluding three days which are really important. Ashtami is the day of Ayudya Puja, when all the tools at home are worshiped. Custom dictates that no tools be used on this day. On navami, day, Goddess Saraswati is honored by worshiping the books and records at home.

Thousands throng the Saraswati temple at Kottayam during this period to take a dip in the mysterious holy pond whose source is yet unknown. Large gatherings are also seen at the famous temples at Thekkegram (Palghat), in which there are no idols -- only huge mirrors. A devotee finds himself bowing before his own reflection which indicates that God is within us.

Kashmir 
Hindus are a minority in Jammu and Kashmir but they celebrate their festivals with pomp and show. These days, festivities are subdued, though. The favorite deities of Kashmir are Lord Shiva and Serawali Ma Durga, the one who rides the tiger. Pundits and Muslims alike vouch that Navratri is important. No big pandals here, each Hindi house-hold does the pooja at home. All the adult members of the household fast on water. In the evenings, fruit may be taken. As elsewhere, Kashmiris grow barley in earthen pots. They believe that if the growth in this pot is good, there is prosperity all year.

The most important ritual for Kashmiri Pandits is to visit the temple of guardian goddess Kheer Bhawani on all nine days. On the last day of Navratri, an aarti is held at the temple after which people break their fast. On Dussehra day, Ravana's effigy is burnt. Devotees also visit the Hari Parbat temple.

Origin of Durga

Origin of Durga - The Mythology

Durga, a beautiful warrior seated upon a tiger.

Devi is the great goddess of the Hindus,the consort of Shiva and she is worshiped in various forms corresponding to her two aspects: benevolence and fierceness. She is Uma, "light"; Gauri, "yellow or brilliant"; Parvati, "the mountaineer"; and Jagatmata, "the-mother-of-the-world" in her milder guise. The terrible emanations are Durga "the inaccessible"; Kali, "the black"; Chandi, "the fierce"; and Bhairavi, "the terrible."

Descent of the Goddess
Durga, a beautiful warrior seated upon a tiger, was the first appearance of the great goddess. The circumstance of her miraculous arrival was the tyranny of the monster-demon Mahishasur, who through terrific austerities had acquired invincible strength. The gods were afraid of this water-buffalo bull because neither Vishnu nor Shiva could prevail against him. It seemed that the joint energy of Shakti was only capable of vanquishing Mahisha, and so it was the eighteen-armed Durga who went out to do battle.

Battlefield 
She went to battle on her ferocious mount lion, armed with the weapons given to her by the other Gods. Durga is one of the angry and aggressive aspects of the goddess Shakti, whose role in Hindu mythology was to fight and conquer demons and also personify the Sakti or female aspect of any male deity. In the battle, she fought and killed the evil Mahishasura and restored heaven to the Gods. Since then the goddess is invoked for protection from the powers of evil. Durga Puja is observed in her honor, to celebrate her victory over evil.

Revered Mother
She has been worshiped from about 400 AD, but probably earlier, to the present. Her literary references are chiefly the Ramayana and Mahabharata, epic and Puranic texts, and she is mentioned by name in Vedic literature. In general, Durga is regarded in northern India as the gentle bride epitomizing family unity while in southern India she is revered more in her warrior aspect.

Mata Temples in India

Mata Temples in India

There are innumerable temples throughout India, dedicated to Ma Durga, the true manifestation of the absolute energy that pervades the universe. These temples helps to promote and flourish the richness of the Hindu religion, culture, and philosophy. In addition, the various Durga temples provides an opportunity for the Hindu community to learn and display the many characteristics possessed by Ma Durga through participation in rituals, customs and various other activities, performed in the temples.

Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati, Assam Mansa Devi Temple, Churu, Rajasthan Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke, Rajasthan. Chamunda Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh  Kalkaji Mandir, Delhi Durgiana Temple, Amritsar, Punjab Amba Mata Temple, Junagadh, Gujarat Chartarpur Temples, Delhi Jwalamukhi Temple, Himachal pradesh  Naina Devi Temple, Nainital, Uttar Pradesh.  Mookambika Devi Temple of Kollur, Karnataka Vidyashankara Temple at Sringere, Karnataka Chamundeswari Temple of Chamundi Hill, Mysore

Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata, West Bengal  Mangalagauri Temple, Gaya, Bihar The Durga Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Devi Kanaka Durga, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh Shree Durga Parameshwari Temple, Kateel, Karnataka.  Bhadra Kali, Nepal Chandi Devi, Haridwar, UP Bhagavathi Temple, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Devi Patan Temple Bhadrakali Temple at Hanamkonda, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh Annapoorneshwari Temple of Horanadu, Karnataka Marikamba Temple of Sirsi, Karnataka Banashankari Temple near Badami, Karnataka

Ram Katha

http://www.vssct.com/ram-katha.php

Shree Kalki Bhagwan 10th incarnation of Vishnu

During the times of Lord Krishna (about 3500 years back) the situation was almost similar as it is today. Duryodhana the Kaurava King who happened to be the real cousin of the Pandava kings was an arrogant ruler. Supported by his blind father Dhritrashtra who was equally arrogant but pleaded ignorance all the time (taking shelter behind the blindness in his eyes... not realizing that he was not only blind physically but was truly a mental cripple)... he decreed that the Pandava kings surrender the kingdom and the throne and leave for the confines of the forests for a period of 14 years.

The Pandava kings were senior (being the children of the elder brother) and routinely should have inherited the rule of the kingdom. King Duryodhana manipulated and banished the Pandava kings into exile for a period of 14 years with the hope that after 14 years it would be a lost case. He was wrong!

After spending 14 years in exile... the Pandava kings returned with the hope of getting the kingdom back. King Duryodhana who was already smitten by the power kings enjoy refused to budge. He asked the Pandava kings again for another exile of 14 years.

Lord Krishna who happened to be a cousin of both the Pandava and the Kaurava Kings knew the game being played by Duryodhana against his cousins. He advised them not to do so.

This was the period when Adharma was at its peak. Lord Krishna advised the Pandava kings to fight against injustice meted out to them. Lord Krishna an avatar of the era... who possessed powers almost equivalent to God Almighty took up the mighty task of dutifully helping the Pandava kings in the fight against injustice.

Dharma had to be upheld under all costs... there was no other solution than a fight to the finish between the Pandava and Kauravas kings. It was this period during which the doctrine of Bhagavad Gita came into existence. Thinking of the unnecessary bloodshed that would be caused and unwitting to fight his cousins, relatives and friends... king Arjuna almost raised his hands up in despair.

Lord Krishna who was a witness to everything gave the doctrine of Bhagavad Gita to king Arjuna. Here it is to be noted that king Arjuna was the only person live on Mother Earth who could have disseminated the complex wisdom of Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna took his time but was Successful as king Arjuna finally agreed to fight his relatives and friends for the cause of humanity and upholding the Dharma.

In the battle of Kurukshetra that followed... it was a fight to the finish and Dharma was finally upheld. It was a complete root for Adharma. Not only the Kaurava Kings lost their lives but the bloodshed in the camp of the Pandavas was almost equal. The doctrine of the Bhagavad Gita is the most important happening that could have ever occurred in the history of mankind.

This doctrine of Bhagavad Gita is as applicable as it was then. Bhagavad Gita contains within it all the ingredients required to learn of the system of God. Everything right from the beginning of the cosmos (with a big-bang) and until the dissolution (Pralaya in Hinduism) is all explained in the Bhagavad Gita. For a human being to reach the portals of heaven nay achieve stage of enlightenment is all but possible once we disseminate the pearls of wisdom contained in the Bhagavad Gita.

Similar is the situation today... Adharma is at its peak... lawlessness has become the order of the day. The bigger the culprit... higher the position in society one maintains. In a country like India you shall find chief ministers occupying the highest seat of the state in spite of having above twenty FIRs lodged against them. FIRs relating to murder, kidnapping and what not!

In the circumstances when the society finds itself totally handicapped and without a solution... at such a time it is only God Almighty who can help humanity come out of the chaos. It is one amongst us who embarks on the mission of cleaning the society of its ills. Such a one... who shall be termed as Bhagwan Kalki... one almost equivalent in power of Lord Krishna shall guide the humanity to its logical end.

Adharma can never win against Dharma. It can never be! So is not the system made by God? In Intermittent phases of life... the humanity faces many ups and downs but in the end everything is set right by one who was known as Lord Krishna then and shall be now known as Bhagwan Kalki now.

How does such enormous power come to be wielded by one single individual... yes! It is possible for God Almighty takes care of all. Kalki who handles everything based on logistics and wisdom is one in whom almost 60% of the society places blind faith. Out of the balance 40% about 30% are strict followers of Bhagwan Kalki. of the balance 10% about 5% are undecided and it is only the balance 5% on account of which the whole humanity suffers.

These sufferings... the prevalence of Adharma is not limited to a society, region, state or a country. It is spread all over Mother Earth. In every corner of the society one shall find lawlessness prevailing all over. It is a time to do or die.

In Jainism this particular period of time has been described as the end of Kali Yuga (termed Chattam Chatta)... the phase when clock rings 5 AM in the morning. There still is time before the sun rises. There is almost one more hour more to go. This is the period of reckoning when it shall be a fight to the finish between Dharma and Adharma.

This is the period when even the common man does not remain an onlooker. He starts wielding power for now he has Bhagwan Kalki to guide him. With Bhagwan Kalki to guide... the masses take the power in their hands. It is justice all around. None can escape the fury of the masses. Every single individual has to face the Dharma had on.

If the karma performed by an individual merits appreciation... such a one is truly appreciated by the society. One who has gained ill gotten wealth and muscle power shall be the one who shall really face the music. There is no escape at all for such people. Every era ends in such a fashion. The society has to come clean of all its ills. It cannot do without.

The masses taking the law into their hands are the order of the day. Only those who have practiced bad karma shall get punished... for one who has merits in his possession... there is nothing to fear! Justice prevails all around... every single cause which resulted in the society going bad is rooted out. This is the period when the real working of a person speaks for itself.

As of date many people ask me what will happen to them during the times of Bhagwan Kalki. Knowing well that they shall all be doomed for the ills being practiced since long, yet out of curiosity they do not hesitate to ask. Inherently they all know that they might suffer for the sins of their past... yet they continue to find solace in the fact that they might escape from the fury of Dharma.

In their books they have a fixed adage that in the system of God chances of records going wrong always exists and they might escape the noose inadvertently. Such a happening shall never be.

The rot in the society which comprises of barely 4 to 6% people... those who are not willing to compromise on anything other than Adharma are the ones who have taken the society to ransom. It is totally against the principles of Dharma and ethics that these individuals do not come to terms with the society.

They have to be punished and it is only one of the statures of Bhagwan Kalki who can set them right. Bhagwan Kalki... the doer of Kali Yuga shall not only wield enormous powers that be but he truly shall be a man of wisdom... the wisdom of Bhagavad Gita always helping him. The doctrine of Bhagavad Gita from Bhagwan Kalki flows as freely as flows the water in the pure Ganges canal.

Nostradamus has rightly predicted the coming of the blue turbaned one... the Messiah of the 21st century. And this blue turbaned one means one from a country which has the makings of a blue turban. The Indian Peninsula surrounded on two sides by oceans forms the shape of a turban surrounded by blue waters. This Bhagwan Kalki has to be from India.

It was a given fact that during the times of Nostradamus, every quatrain of his was indirectly written. He feared the King who had ordered for his capture by all means. To escape the wrath of the King... he wrote quatrains which only people of wisdom could understand and disseminate.

Lord Krishna came from Mathura, a city located in state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Mahavira was also born in Vaishali... a city located in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh. Gautama Buddha belonged to a region which lies in Bihar state of India. Jesus Christ learnt his wisdom from the Nalanda and Taxila universities of India. Even Prophet Mohammed belonged to a region in Persia which was once occupied by the Indian rulers.

All the man gods practically gained their wisdom from India. Bhagwan Kalki also shall be from this country. The patience and persistence practiced by Indians has no parallel in mankind. USA, the superpower number one is hardly 700 years old... comparatively, Lord Krishna came about 3600 years back and King Rama further 1500 years before Lord Krishna.

All the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita which form the core of complete sacred literature existing on Mother Earth were written somewhere around 3000 to 5000 years from now. The Indian sacred literature has no parallel in mankind. If one can understand the wisdom contained in Bhagavad Gita... the complete essence of life nay the complete cosmic theory becomes crystal clear. It is as if one can see the complete cosmic system from the beginning (when the Cosmos started with a big bang) and until the dissolution of cosmos (called Pralaya In Hinduism).

The coming of Bhagwan Kalki is full of promise... the mankind would regain its lost values. Bhagwan Kalki would see to it that the casteism in the society gets totally abolished. In the times of Bhagwan Kalki happenings as in the aftermath of Katrina hurricane would never get repeated. The relief reaching late only because the black community had suffered... such a happening is unbearable and unfathomable! Such happenings in a civilized society like USA which proud it on being superpower number one is really sickening.

Bhagwan Kalki is the need of the hour. The mankind as of today cannot do without the advent of Bhagwan Kalki. The clock has to ring six o'clock in the morning. Nothing in the whole cosmic system can stop the clock from running. Now the time for the crooks... the real crooks of the society is running out. It is only a short while from now that we shall witness the advent of Bhagwan Kalki... that forms part of the Dash avatar (10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu) series of avatars supposed to manifest from the times of King Rama and beyond.

Bhagwan Kalki is a one-man phenomenon... it shall be an even to see Bhagwan Kalki live in working. The six o'clock in the morning shall ring the start of the golden era... a period termed in hinduism as Satyuga. Satyuga is the period in the history of mankind when the materialistic tendencies are in their lowest ebb. Almost hundred per cent satisfaction writ large on the faces of the masses will spell out the truth for itself.

As of today it somehow seems unbelievable that one-man of the stature of Bhagwan Kalki shall be able to turn the tide in the favor of Dharma and humanity. Looks like a very remote possibility! Yet, all shall be possible by the grace of God Almighty.

The events of WTC, the forcible occupation of Iraq by the forces of USA, the terrible tragedy faced by Afghanistan in the hands of USA and its allies is a living testimony to what the future events shall be. As happens in a good box-office hit movie... everything in the end that ends well is okay for the society.

After the advent of Bhagwan Kalki and sooner the world faces the onslaught of Dharma against Adharma... everyone... every single individual on Mother Earth would feel extremely comfortable and happy. It shall not be the outcome of a single day of happening. It has been in the reckoning for centuries.

The changeover from one era to another is never smooth... the transition carries with it the seeds of a revolution which shall tilt the tide in the favor of mankind. Only after Bhagwan Kalki comes into the scene that the mankind witnesses the fear of death almost abolished. None shall fear death in the coming era. It is as if death never existed.

Shri Ramchandra Ji Ki Aarti

Shri Ramchandra Ji Ki Aarti

ShriRamchandra Kripalu Bhaj Man Haran Bhava Bhaya Darunam

Nav-Kanj-Lochan, Kanjmukh, Kar-Kanj, Pad Kanjarunam

Kandarp Agneet Ameet Chabi, Navneel-Neeraj-Sundaram

Pat Peet Maanahu Tadit Ruchi Shuchi Naomi Janak Sutavaram

Bhaj DeenBandhu Dinesh Daanav-Daityavansh Nikandanam

Raghunand AnandKand Koshalchand Dashrath-Nandanam

Sir Mukut Kundal Tilak Charu Udaar Ang Vibhushanam

Ajaanbhuj Shar-Chap-Dhar, Sangram-Jit-Khardooshanam

Iti Vadti Tulsidas Shanker Shesh-Muni-Man-Ranjanam

Mam Hridaya-Kanj Nivas Kuru, Kamadi Khal-Dal Ganjanam

Man Jahi Racheyoo Milihi So Bar Sahaj Sunder Sanvaro

Karuna Nidhaan Sujaan Sil Sanehu Jaanat Raavaro

Ahi Bhanti Gauri Asis Suni Siya Sahit Hiya Harshi Ali

Tulsi Bhavanihi Puji Puni Puni Mudit Man Mandir Chali

Krishna janamshtami

On Date :Sept - 12

Krishna Janmashtami (Lord Krishna birthday) Mathura is a world famous festival in India. Krishna was born in Mathura. So, especially at Mathura -Vrindavan where the lord spent his childhood, birthday (Krishna Janmashtmi) is celebrated with Great Spirit, devotion and pleasure all over India. Celebrations of Krishna birthday (Janmashtami) takes place at midnight as Krishna god is said to have made his divine appearance in that hour. Krishna janmashtmi celebrations are performed at the all temples of Mathura Vrindavan but at Dwarakadhish temple some special events in the form of Jhulanotsava and ghatas…

Lord Krishna Stories

Krishna and Arjun Story

Once Arjun asked to lord Krishna hai, parth (Respectful person) you always appreciate the karn too much for being an enormous donator and the extreme courageous but no body I can see the massive donator like Yudhisther. Shri Krishna thinks for a moment and in subsequently he said- this time you will get your answer tomorrow.

On next day after get in the appearance of Brahmin, Arjuna and Shri Krishna firstly entered in they udhisther darwar (office).Yudhisther expressed the great owner to both of the Brahmans and asked (hai, vipra) Respected persons what can I do for you? Order Me.! Two barmen’s (Arjun and Krishna) ask him for the woods of chandan to cook his food by himself for lunch.

King (Yudhisther) spokes, both of you please take your seats, the woods of chandan are going to arrange soon. And king acquaint with his men’s to arrange the woods of chandan. All the men’s search the markets of the entire conurbation but all the woods are wet because of the last night rain. That’s why the men came back vacant and with the great embarrassment they convey all the information to their king.

Although the time is fleeting, that is also one of the problems for the king owing to which king is in heartrending. Both the barman’s solicit to the king that we will take the food tomorrow there is no problem. Because of the last night rain, all the wood are wet that’s why that may be unavailable. Afterward both the Barman’s moved from there and reached in the karan darwar (office).

Karan salutation both of the Barman's in blasting manner and asked how can I serve you? We are hungry and we cook our food by ourselves using woods of chandan so can you arrange the wood? Karan said- that’s it, you take your seats. Afterward he took his archery and an arrow and throws that arrow into his mahal gate, which is of wood of chandan. The gate is fully shattered.

Then karan asked the Barman’s in what amount you want the wood you can take. Brahman took the wood and after having the food they give their blessing to the karan.

Shree Krshna

Sri Krishna

Though known by many different names in many traditions,But there is only one God. Krishna is the original person. The word Krishna means the person who is attractive to everyone.

Sri krishna appeared over five thousand years ago in Mathura,dist of state UP (India) to Devaki and Vasudeva in the jail of Kansa. Kansa was the king og mathura and mama ofthe loard krishna .The place of His birth is known as Sri Krishna JanmBhumi.

The Supreme Lord descends from time to time in this material world to reestablish the teachings of the Vedas. In His Bhagavad-gita, Sri krishna promises: "Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion--at that time I descend Myself. To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear milleniumm after millenium."

Although eternal the Lord appears in specific circumstances out of mercy for His devotees. In fact, His principal biography, the Srimad Bhagavatam states, "the learned men describe the births and activities of the Unborn and Inactive." Therefore, although He appears within the material dimensions of time and space, He is most definitely not of it.

Historically, Sri krishna appeared on the midnight of the 8th day of the dark half of the month of Sravana. This corresponds to July 19th 3228 BC. He exhibited His pastimes for a little over 125 years and dissappeared on February 18th 3102 BC on the new moon night of Phalguna. (His departure marks the beginning of the current age of corruption known as Kali.)

The great scholar Srila Vishvanatha Chakravarti neatly outlines Sri krishna's activities in this way: the first three years and four months were spent in Gokula, then equal lengths of time in Vmdavana and Nandagram, eighteen years and four months in Mathura, and finally ninety-six years and eight months in Dvaraka totalling 125 years of manifest pastimes. 

LORD GANESHA WALLPAPER

LORD GNESHA WALLPAPER