Jalaram Bapa Jayanti - Tuesday 8 November 2005

Life Story of Jalaram Bapa

Shree Jalaram Bapa was born in the year 1800 AD in the village Virpur, Gujarat. His mother, Rajbai was very fond of serving sadhus and saints. No sadhu and saint could go from Virpur without receiving the hospitality of Rajbai. Shree Jalaram Bapa's father's name was Pradhan Thakkar, who was engaged in business.

At the tender age of 16, Jalaram married Virbai, daughter of Thakkar Pragji Somajia. Jalaram was however not inclined to live household life and to continue to do business with his father. He is mostly engaged in serving sadhus and saints. He separated himself from his father's business and stayed with his uncle, Valjibhai, who was very fond of Jalaram. It was obvious that Jalaram was inclined to completely withdraw from marital life. Fortunately his wife, Virbaima decided to follow the path of Jalaram. So, when Jalaram decided to go for a pilgrimage for holy places, Virbaima followed him.

At the age of 18, Jalaram Bapa accepted Shree Bhojalram from Fatehpur as guru and was given a "Guru Malaa and Mantra" in the name of Shree Ram. With blessings of his guru, he started "Sadavrat" a feeding centre, a place where all sadhus and saints as well as the needy could have food any time during 24 hours. Nobody returned from that place without having food. All this he did single handed with Virbaima assisting him.

Soon his fame spread as an incarnation of the divine. Whoever come to Virpur, whether Hindu or Muslim was fed by Bapa. Once three Arabs in the service of Thakore of Rajkot demanded an increase in wages by four rupees in a month. Being refused, the Arabs resigned and set out to Junagadh. On their way, they hunted few birds and kept them in their shoulder bag. When they reached Virpur, Bapa asked them to have their meals and then go. When they protested that they were Muslims, Bapa said that in the court of God there was no distinction in caste and creed and they were welcome.

The three Arabs had their meals in the temple but they were embarrassed that they were carrying dead birds in their bag. The Bapa touched the bag and said that the birds were feeling suffocated. The Arabs opened the bag and found that the birds were alive. They flew away to a nearby tree. The Arabs were amazed and understood that they were in the presence of divine person. They fell at his feet and asked whether they would get a job in Junagadh.

Bapa said "What was the need to have a job in Junagadh? The Arabs serve only one master." Just at that time, a camel man sent by Thakore of Rajkot arrived there. He took back the Arabs with him saying that Thakore has sanctioned an increment of seven rupees in their wages.


There are many stories about the greatness of the saint of Virpur. Remembering the stories, we can fill the heart with devotion and gratitude.

In 1934, Jalaram Bapa worked very hard for whose who were struck by the terrible famine. In 1935 Virbama died and in 1937 Jalaram Bapa left his body in his prayers. This is the story of the great saint of Virpur.

Source: website

The Five Days of Diwali - Day 5

The Fifth Day of Diwali - Bhai Beej

The fifth day of Deepavali or Diwali is celebrated as Bhaiya Dooj, popularly know as Bhai Dooj. The name itself denotes the day of the festival i.e it falls on Dooj, the second day after the new moon. This day Yamaraj went to his sister's house who put an auspicious mark on his forehead for his welfare. Thus, on this day sisters perform puja for their brothers safety and well being. Brothers in return give gifts to their sisters as a token of love.

Another version is after killing Narakasur, Lord Krishna, went to his sister Subhadra who welcomed him in the traditional way by showing him a light and putting on his forehead a tilak of her sisterly protection. Another myth behind this begins as when Bhagawaan Mahavir found nirvana, his brother Raja Nandivardhan was distressed because he missed him and was comforted by his sister Sudarshana. Since then, women have been revered during this festival.

The festival of Diwali is not complete without "Bhaiyya-Duj" in the Hindi-speaking belt, "Bhav--Bij" in the Marathi-speaking communities, "Bhai Phota" to the Bengalees and in Nepal by the name of "Bhai-Tika".

Diwali is a personal, people-oriented festival when enmities are forgotten, families and friends meet, enjoy and establish a word of closeness. Reflecting this essence, Bhai dooj has its own importance in continuing to maintain the love between brothers and sisters for it is the day of food-sharing, gift-giving and reaching out to the inner most depths of the hearts.

As a festival of light and beauty it encourages artistic expressions through home-decorations stage-plays, elocution competitions singing and dancing programmes, making gift items and making delectable sweets thereby discovering new talents of younger people. As a result innumerable communities with varying cultures and customs mingle together to make Bhai Dooj celebrations a very happy occasion for all.

Vikram Samvant 2062 Naya Varsh Ki Abhinandan

Diwali is a time to spend with family and friends. It is a joyous occasion, with laughter and merriment, mouth watering foods and homes decorated with rangoli and diyas. However, sometimes, we cannot be with those close to our hearts as they are not with us anymore. They may have become a departed soul, or they may be somewhere else in this world. My heart goes out to all those who are missing their dear one, and are facing this Diwali without them. I pray that this new year is not as difficult as the one gone by and that peace, laughter, health, happiness and prosperity comes back into all our lives.

Dipa-Anjali and Anuraga

~ would like to take this
opportunity to thank
all the readers and contributors
of their websites a ~

Happy, Peaceful, Healthy and Prosperous new year.

A Diwali Sandesh mailing went out last week. If you did not receive it, please click on this link to download it.

The Five Days of Diwali - Day 4

The Fourth Day of Diwali - Padwa & Govardhan Puja

Padwa

The day following the Amavasya is "Kartik Shuddh Padwa" and it is only on this day that the King Bali would come out of Pathal Loka and rule Bhulok as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is also known as "Bali Padyami". This day also marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya and Vikaram-Samvat was started from this Padwa day.

Gudi Padwa is symbolic of love and devotion between the wife and husband. On this day newly-married daughters with their husbands are invited for special meals and given presents. In olden days brothers went to fetch their sisters from their in-laws home for this important day.

Govardhan-Puja

Govardhan-Puja is also performed in the North on this day. Govardhan is a small hillock in Braj, near Mathura and on this day of Diwali people of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar build cowdung, hillocks, decorate them with flowers and then worship them. This festival is in commemoration of the lifting of Mount Govardhan by Krishna. As per Vishnu-Puran the people of Gokul used to celebrate a festival in honor of Lord Indra and worshiped him after the end of every monsoon season but one particular year the young Krishna stopped them from offering prayers to Lord Indra who in terrific anger sent a deluge to submerge Gokul.

People were afraid that the downpour was a result of their neglect of Indra. But Krishna assured them that no harm would befall them. He lifted Mount Govardhan with his little finger and sheltered men and beasts from the rain. This gave him the epithet Govardhandhari. After this, Indra accepted the supremacy of Krishna.

This day is also observed as Annakoot meaning mountain of food. Pious people keep awake the whole night and cook fifty-six or 108 different types of food for the bhog (the offering of food) to Krishna. In temples specially in Mathura and Nathadwara, the deities are given milkbath, dressed in shining attires with ornaments of dazzling diamonds, pearls, rubies and other precious stones. After the prayers and traditional worship innumerable varieties of delicious sweets are ceremoniously raised in the form of a mountain before the deities as "Bhog" and then the devotees approach the Mountain of Food and take Prasad from it.

The Five Days of Diwali - Day 3

The Third Day of Diwali - Laxshmi Puja

The third day of the festival of Diwali is the most important day of Lakshmi-puja and is entirely devoted to the propitiation of Goddess Lakshmi. On this very day sun enters his second course and passes Libra which is represented by the balance or scale. Hence, this design of Libra is believed to have suggested the balancing of account books and their closing. Despite the fact that this day falls on an amavasya day it is regarded as the most auspicious.

The day of Lakshmi-Puja falls on the dark night of Amavasya. The strains of joyous sounds of bells and drums float from the temples as man is invoking Goddess Laxmi in a wondrous holy "pouring-in" of his heart. All of a sudden that impenetrable darkness is pierced by innumerable rays of light for just a moment and the next moment a blaze of light descends down to earth from heaven as golden-footed Deep-Lakshmi alights on earth in all her celestial glory amidst chantings of Vedic hymns.

A sublime light of knowledge dawns upon humanity and this self enlightenment is expressed through the twinkling lamps that illuminate the palaces of the wealthy as well as the lowly abodes of the poor. It is believed that on this day Lakshmi walks through the green fields and loiters through the bye-lanes and showers her blessings on man for plenty and prosperity.

Lakshmi Pooja, or the worship of the goddess of wealth, is the main event on Diwali in North and West India. It is extremely important to keep the house spotlessly clean and pure on Diwali. Goddess Lakshmi likes cleanliness, and she will visit the cleanest house first. This is also the reason why the broom is worshiped on this day with offerings of haldi and kumkum (turmeric and vermilion). Lamps are lit in the evening to welcome the goddess. They are believed to light up Her path.

Lakshmi Puja consists of a combined puja of five deities: Ganesha is worshiped at the beginning of every auspicious act as Vighnaharta; Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped in her three forms - Mahalakshmi (the goddess of wealth and money), Mahasaraswati (the goddess of books and learning), and Mahakali; Kuber (the treasurer of the gods) is also worshiped.

The Five Days of Diwali - Day 2

The Second Day of Diwali - Chhoti Diwali

The day before Diwali is celebrated as Choti Diwali / Narak Chaturdasi or 'small Diwali'. On this day Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur and made the world free from fear. It is Diwali on a smaller scale, with fewer lights lit and fewer crackers burst. The morning after Choti Diwali, the women of the house make beautiful, colored rangoli in the doorway and courtyard. Tiny footprints made out of rice paste are a special feature of the rangolis made for Diwali. In Hindu homes, Choti Diwali celebrations involve a ritual puja to Lakshmi and also to Rama in the evening. Songs in honor of the god are sung and aarti is performed.

On this day, one should massage the body with oil to relieve it of tiredness, bathe and rest so that Diwali can be celebarated with vigour and devotion.

Legends

The story goes that the demon king Narakasur ruler of Pragjyotishpur (a province to the South of Nepal) after defeating Lord Indra had snatched away the magnificent earrings of Aditi, the Mother Goddess (the ruler of Suraloka and a relative of Satyabhama, Lord Krishna's wife) and imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of the gods and saints in his harem.

On coming to know about this, Satyabhama was enraged by Narakasura's malevolence towards women, and she appealed to Krishna to give her the golden chance to destroy Narakasura. The legend also says that Narakasura was given a curse that he would be killed by a woman. Krishna granted Satyabhama a boon to fight with Narakasura. With Krishna as the charioteer, Satyabhama entered the battle field. During the war, Krishna swooned for a while, a preordained divinely act adopted to empower Satyabhama to kill the demon. After Narakasura was beheaded, the imprisoned women were released, and Krishna accepted to marry them.

So on the day previous to Narakachaturdashi, Lord Krishna's divine intervention led to the killing of the demon, Narakasura and liberation of the imprisoned damsels as well as recovery of the precious earrings of Aditi. As a symbol of that victory Lord Krishna smeared his forehead with the demon king's blood. Krishna returned home in the very early morning of the Narakachaturdashi day. The womenfolk massaged scented oil to his body and gave him a good bath to wash away the filth from his body. Since then the custom of taking bath before sunrise on this day has become a traditional practice specially in Maharashtra.

It is interesting to note that Bhudevi, mother of the slain Narakasura, declared that his death should not be a day of mourning but an occasion to celebrate and rejoice. Since then, Deepavali is being celebrated by people every year with joyous celebrations with lot of fun and frolic, and fire works.

In South India that victory of the divine over the mundane is celebrated in a very peculiar way. People wake up before sunrise prepare a paste by mixing Kumkum in oil, symbolizing blood and after breaking a bitter fruit that represents the head of the demon King that was smashed by Krishna, apply that mixture on their foreheads. Then they have an oil bath using sandalwood paste.

In Maharashtra also, traditional early baths with oil and "Uptan" (paste) of gram flour and fragrant powders are a `must'. All through the ritual of baths, deafening sounds of crackers and fireworks are there in order that the children enjoy bathing. Afterward steamed vermicelli with milk and sugar or puffed rice with curd is served.

The Five Days of Diwali - Day 1

Diwali is a festival of joy, splendor, brightness and happiness. It is the festival of lights and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by all Indians all over the world. The uniqueness of this festival is its harmony of five varied philosophies, with each day to a special thought or ideal. People celebrate each of its five days of festivities with true understanding, it will uplift and enrich the lives.

The First Day of Diwali - Dhanteras

The first day of Diwali is called Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhanwantari Triodasi also called Dhan Theras. It is in fact the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksh, the dark forthnight of the month of Kartik. On this day, Lord Dhanwantari came out of the ocean with Ayurvedic for mankind. This day marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations. On this day at sunset, Hindus should bathe and offer a lighted deeya with Prasad (sweets offered at worship time) to Yama Raj, the Lord of Death and pray for protection from untimely death. This offering should be made near a Tulsi tree, the Holy Basil or any other sacred tree that one might have in their yard. Dhanteras falls two days before Diwali. The word "Dhan" means wealth. God Yama is worshiped on this day to provide prosperity and well being. On this day, houses and business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colorful with lovely traditional motifs of Rangoli designs to welcome the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights.

Believing this day to be auspicious women purchase some gold or silver or at least one or two new utensils. New Dhan or some form of precious metal is bought as a sign of good luck. "Laxmi-Puja" is performed in the evenings when tiny Diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. "Bhajans"-devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi are sung.

Legends

According to legend, when the gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrit or nectar, Dhanavantri (the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu) emerged carrying a jar of the elixir.

A very interesting story about this day is of the sixteen year old son of King Hima. As per his horoscope he was doomed to die by a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage. On that particular fourth day of his marriage his young wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid all the ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband's boudoir and lighted innumerable lamps all over the place. And she went on telling stories and singing songs.

When Yam, the god of Death arrived there in the guise of a Serpent his eyes got blinded by that dazzle of those brilliant lights and he could not enter the Prince's chamber. So he climbed on top of the heap of the ornaments and coins and sat there whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away. Thus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of "Yamadeepdaan" and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in reverential adoration to Yam, the god of Death.

Celebrations

"Lakshmi-Puja" is performed in the evenings when tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. "Bhajans"-devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi are sung and "Naivedya" of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess. There is a peculiar custom in Maharashtra to lightly pound dry coriander seeds with jaggery and offer as Naivedya.

In villages cattle are adorned and worshiped by farmers as they form the main source of their income. In south cows are offered special veneration as they are supposed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and therefore they are adorned and worshiped on this day.

The Hindu Calendar - Part IV

The Solar Calender

This begins with Vernal Equinox, on or about March 21. The twelve months, known as the Saur Maas, correspond to the entry of the Sun into the signs of the Zodiac Rashi.

The Twelve Rashi (Zodiac Signs)

1. Maysha (Aries) The Ram
2. Vrushabha (Taurus) The Bull
3. Mithuna (Gemini) The Twins
4. Karka (Cancer) The Crab
5. Simha (Leo) The Lion
6. Kanya (Virgo) The Maiden
7. Tula (Libra) The Scales
8. Vrushchika (Scorpio) The Scorpion
9. Dhanu (Saggitarius) The Bow
10. Makar (Capricon) The Crab
11. Kumbha (Aquarius) The Pot
12. Meena (Pisces) The Fish

The first month of the lunar calender, Chaitra, corresponds to the solar month Maysha. Maysha begins on or close to 12th day of April, and this day is celebrated as the New Year Day known as Vaishakhi or Yugadhi.

Makar Sankranta, which corresponds to the entry of the Sun into Makar Rashi, occurs on January 14 every year.

Source

The Hindu Calendar - Part III

Adhika (Purushottam) Maas

Since the calender is based on the phases of the moon, the twelve as above take 354 days, 8 hours and 34.28 seconds. This creates a difference of 10 days, 21 hours and 35.16 seconds from the actual solar year (365 days, 6 hours, 9.54 seconds)

When the accumulated difference exceeds 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 2.865 seconds, an adjustment id made with a extra month (Adhika Maas), which carries the name of the previous or the next month, depending on the proximity of the month. Normally, seven extra months occur in 19 years.

Shalivahan Shaka

The Shalivahan Shaka is based on the lunar calender and the new year starts with Chaitra Maas (Shukla Paksha). The current year (1914) started on April 2, 1992. This calender is believed to have been initiated by King Shalivahan in the year 78 A.D.

Vikram Samvat

The Vikram Era started with Raja Vikramaditya of Ujjain, following his victory over the Saka in 56 B.C. The new year begins with the first day of Kartik following Deepawali Amaavasya. The current Vikram Samvat is 2048. The Yudhisthir Shaka, which started approximately around 5500 B.C, is not very popular today.

To be continued...

Source

The Hindu Calendar - Part II

The Lunar Calender

Each month consists of 29 to 30 days, and is based on the phases of the moon. Each month is divided into two fortnights (paksha). Shukla Paksha (Sudi) ends with a Poornimaa (full moon), and Krushna Paksha (Vaadi) ends with a Amaavasyaa (New Moon). In some regions, (eg., Uttar Pradesh) the month starts with Krushna Paksha following Poornimaa, but for most regions of Bharat, the month starts with Shukla Paksha following Amaavasya.

The twelve months of the lunar year correspond to the following calender months and make up the six seasons (Rutu) :

1. Chaitra (March-April)
2. Vaishakh (April-May) - Vasanta Rutu (Spring)
3. Jyeshta (May-June)
4. Aashaadh (June-July) - Greeshma (Summer)
5. Sharaavan (July-August)
6. Bhadrapad (August-September) - Varsha (Monsoon)
7. Ashwin (September-October)
8. Kaartik (October-November) - Sharad (Autumn)
9. Margasheersh (November-December)
10. Paush (December-January) - Hemanta (Winter)
11. Maagh (January-February)
12. Phalgun (February-March) - Shishira (Dewey)

To be continued...

Source

The Hindu Calendar - Part I

As the year of Vikram Samvat 2061 ends, beginning a new year of 2062, I thought I would bring to you some information on the Hindu calendar, and time.

The ancient Hindu seers have had a comprehensive study of time. The minute details covered by those fantastic minds in reckoning time is bewildering. The Hindu calender is based on the age of Bramha, the Creator. The life span of Creator Lord Bramha is 100 years. His age now is 51 years. Each day of Lord Bramha is designated by a Kalpa. Each Kalpa comprise of 14 Manus and each Manu consist of 71 Mahayuga. 1000 such Mahayugs completes Lord Bramha's 1 day. At present, we are in the 28th Mahayug.

One Mahayuga comprises of :

1. Krutayug = (432,000 X 4) years
2. Tretayug = (432,000 X 3) years
3. Dwaparyug = (432,000 X 2) years
4. Kaliyug = (432,000 X 1) years

We are passing the Kaliyug today, which started in the year 3102 B.C.

The Yugas are further sub-divided into 60 year cycles. The current cycle began on March 30, 1987 and will end in April 2047. Each year (called the Samvatsar, Shaka or Samvat), normally consists of the 12 months except when there is a Adhik Maas (Additional Month).

The religious ritualistic activities are mainly based on the Lunar Calender. However, some regions of Bharat follow the Solar Calender.

To be continued...

Source

Spiritual Vibrations: My Hanuman Chalisa

My Hanuman Chalisa has been playing on my laptop since the End of April 2005. Continously, except

• when the machine has to be restarted,
• or theres been a powercut (I need to figue out how to launch iTunes automatically, to play the playlist Hanuman Chalisa),
• or minus the weeks I was in England...

So, this morning, I look at my count - and it had reached 21,000 !!!

For those who are interested, one Hanuman Chalisa is 5 minutes and 35 seconds. I have 108 in my playlist. The playlist is set to start again when it finishes no. 108. The playlist is 10 hours long!

Pavansuta Hanumanji ki Jai !!!

Question: Why is there is tortoise in front of Nandi?

I reader emailed me the following question:

We have the cow (Nandini) murti in the temple in front of the Shivaling. Then there is a tortoise in front of the cow. Why is that there?

Well reader, thank you for asking such a question, as it has not only enlightened me, but I am sure other readers of these pages will be delighted to learn about this symbolism too.

Let us first look at the symbolism of Nandi. Nandi is well known as the principal servant and vehicle of Lord Shiva. Nandi represents Bhakti and is always prostrate before the Lord. The tortoise represents vairagya. Just as a tortoise can entirely withdraw its limbs into its body, we should withdraw our senses away from worldly matters and into our souls. Together bhakti and vairagya are the pathway to God.

Nandi symbolizes the Aasan, which means to be firmly seated in ones place and posture. The aasan helps still the body. Nandi gazes up at the murti (face, idol) of Lord Shiva. We need to still our mind.

Once the mind is still, we have to withdraw our senses, which are forever craving for objects of pleasure in the external world and direct them inwards. The process of withdrawing senses from the temporal world is signified by the murti of the tortoise, placed ahead of the murti of Nandi. Just as a tortoise withdraws all its limbs within its shell, we should also withdraw our senses from objects of sensual pleasure.

The turtle could be the great Akupura on whose back rests the entire cosmos. Some believe that this turtle is Kurma, Vishnu's avatar who held aloft mount Mandara, which the Gods used as a churning staff when they churned the cosmic ocean. The turtle is also a symbol of Pratyahara or a yogic practice by which mystics dissociated themselves from all sensory stimulation and regressed into the world within, like the turtles could.

The Day of Karva Chauth...

Though Karva Chauth is a day marked with neither food nor water, this festival is quite popular among the newlyweds.

The Start Of The Day
On this day the women get up before sunrise. They worship Shiv-Parivaar (Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh and Kartikeya) and the moon. The blessings of the Gods are invoked for longevity and prosperity of their husbands and children. Mothers-in-law give their daughters-in-law sumptuous food called 'Sargi' to eat before sunrise, as the fast starts before sunrise and ends only after worshiping the moon at night. It is a tough fast, as the women do not take any food or water.

Dressing Up
In the evening, the women to cherish the joy of adorning bridal finery. Many times, the newly wed wear their wedding dress on this auspicious occasion, usually the ghagra-choli or Banarsi saris, embellished with the old-new shimmer of gold, diamonds and rubies. After dressing up, she receives gifts from the mother-in-law.

Evening Puja
Before evening, the married woman receives the baya or a basket full of goodies from her mother, which is meant for the mother-in-law. The basket contains sweets, mathadi, fruits and a sari. Before the sun sets, most of the women in a locality gather in one house and prepare a corner for the puja. This puja chowk is beautifully decorated and a small platform is prepared against a wall. On this, the image of Gauri Mata or Goddess Parvati is placed.

The Process Of Puja
The women sit around this image with their bayas. Each woman also places a karva or a pitcher full of water and seven pieces of pua in front of her. It is adorned with kharia, aipun and a little roli. A red thread is tied around the karva. At the beginning of the puja, women apply the roli teeka to Goddess Gauri and also to themselves. With the thumb and the third finger of the right hand, water is sprinkled on the image of the goddess. The same procedure is repeated with aipun and roli . Lastly, rice is showered on the image.

Narration of Vrata Katha
An elderly woman of the family narrates the legend of Karva Chauth. Even a widow can narrate this story. The women then pray for the long life and welfare of their husbands. While chanting the prayers, they pass their bayas from one to another. The wait for the moon rise begins after sunset, and as soon as the moon is sighted, prayers are offered to the moon. The fasting women first observe the moon through a sieve and then break their fast. The first sip of water and the first morsel of food is offered by the husband.

Finally, after a what seems like a long day, a sumptuous dinner follows.

Source: www.KarwaChauth.com

Other Karva Chauth Stories

The Story Of Satyavan and Savitri
There is the story of the Satyavan and Savitri. When Lord Yama, came to procure Satyavan's soul, Savitri begged him to grant him life. When he refused, she stopped eating and drinking and Yamraj finally relented. He granted her, her husband's life. To this day, Karva Chauth is celebrated with great faith and belief.

The Legend Of Karva
According to another legend, a woman named Karva was deeply devoted to her husband. One day while bathing, he was caught by a crocodile. Karva came running and bound the crocodile with a cotton yarn. She then went to Yama, the Lord of the death, and requested him to send the offending crocodile to hell. When Yama refused, she threatened to curse him. Afraid of the power of a devoted wife, Yama readily accepted and sent the crocodile to Yamalok or hell, and blessed Karva's husband with long life.

Source: The Legend of Karva Chauth

Karva Chauth and Draupadi

The Legend During Mahabharata
The belief in this fast and its associated rituals goes back to the pre-Mahabharata times. Draupadi, too, is said to have observed this fast.

Once Arjun went to the Nilgiris for penance and the rest of the Pandavas faced many problems in his absence. Draupadi, out of desperation, remembered Lord Krishna and asked for help.

Lord Krishna reminded her that on an earlier occasion, when Goddess Parvati had sought Lord Shivas guidance under similar circumstances, she had been advised to observe the fast of Karva Chauth.

Draupadi followed the instructions and observed the fast with all its rituals. Consequently, the Pandavas were able to overcome their problems. On this day, fasting women listen to Karva Chauth legends with rapt attention.

Source: The Legend of Karva Chauth

The Story Behind Karva Chauth

The Story Of Queen Veeravati
A long long time ago, there lived a beautiful girl by the name of Veeravati. She was the only sister of her seven loving brothers, who was married to a king. On the occasion of the first Karva Chauth after her marriage, she went to her parents' house. After sunrise, she observed a strict fast. However, the queen couldn't stand the rigors of fasting and was desperatly waiting for the moon to rise. The seven brothers who loved her dearly, were very disturbed watching the distress of their sister and decided to end her fast by deceiving her. Then the brothers reflected a mirror through Pipal tree leaves. The sister, taken it as moon rise, broke the fast and took food. However, the moment the queen ate her dinner, she received the news that her husband, the king, was seriously ill.

The queen rushed to her husband's palace and on the way, she met Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati. Parvati informed her that the king had died because the queen had broken her fast by watching a false moon. However, when the queen asked her for forgiveness, the goddess granted her the boon that the king would be revived. But to achieve this, she would have to undertake the Karva Chauth fast under strict rituals, then only her husband would come top life. Thus, by strictly following all the rituals of Karva chauth, queen Veeravati relivened her husband.

Source: The Story Behind Karva Chauth

Karva Chauth - Thursday 20th October 2005

Karva Chauth falls on Thursday 20th October. Those who watch Hindi movies, will have seen this festival being celebrated - think of Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham...

The origin and significance of the fast is to ensure the well-being, prosperity and longevity of the husbands. Which means, that traditionally the fast is observed by married women only. However, traditions are changing, and many unmarried young women observe the fast for their future husbands or beloved, that wherever they may be, may they be happy and healthy.

The festival of Karva Chauth provides an opportunity for all married women to get close to their in-laws. Possessing a tremendous social and cultural significance, this festival is celebrated by keeping a strict fast, applying henna and exchange of gifts.

Celebrated mostly by North Indians, the festival is growing bigger due to its portrayal in the media, and commercial enterprise opportunities too. Along with traditional items such as mehandi, beauty products and fashionable clothes, the demand of special eateries are also gearing up. Nowadays, Karva Chauth is more of a fun festival than a serious and loving fast.

However, I strongly believe that any fast which is observed with shraddha, a pure mind and heart, will not only be beneficial for the person the male partner the fast is being held for, but the female too.

The Different Forms of Durga

As the ten-armed Goddess, Goddess Durga presents a radiantly beautiful form that is bewitching to behold. That special form is somehow simultaneously wrathful and benign and transmits profound spiritual teachings in an exacting manner. The nine-day period from the new moon day to the ninth day of Ashvina is considered the most auspicious time of the Hindu Calendar and is hence the most celebrated time of the year as Durga Puja. The nine different forms of Devi are worshiped over the nine days. These are the most popular forms under which she is worshiped:

Durga Shailputri (Daughter of Mountain)

She is a daughter of Himalaya and first among nine Durgas. In previous birth she was the daughter of Daksha. Her name was Sati - Bhavani. i.e. the wife of Lord Shiva. Once Daksha had organized a big Yagna and did not invite Shiva. But Sati being obstinate, reached there. Thereupon Daksha insulted Shiva. Sati could not tolerate the insult of husband and burnt herself in the fire of Yagna. In other birth she became the daughter of Himalaya in the name of Parvati - Hemvati and got married with Shiva. As per Upnishad she had torn and the egotism of Indra, etc. Devtas. Being ashamed they bowed and prayed that, "In fact, thou are Shakti, we all - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiv are capable by getting Shakti from you."

Brahmacharini
The second Durga Shakti is Brahamcharini. Brahma that is who observes penance(tapa) and good conduct. Here "Brahma" means "Tapa". The idol of this Goddess is very gorgeous. There is rosary in her right hand and Kamandal in left hand. She is full with merriment. One story is famous about her. In previous birth she was Parvati Hemavati the daughter of Himvan. Once when she was busy in games with her friends. Naradaji came to her and predicted seeing her Palm-lines that, "You will get married with a naked-terrible 'Bhole baba' who was with you in the form of Sati, the daughter of Daksh in previous birth. But now you have to perform penance for him." There upon Parvati told her mother Menaka that she would marry none except Shambhu, otherwise she would remain unmarried. Saying this she went to observe penance. That is why her name is famous as tapacharini - Brahmacharini. From that time her name Uma became familiar.

Chandraghanta

The name of third Shakti is Chandraghanta. There is a half-circular moon in her forehead. She is charmful and bright. She is Golden color. She has three eyes and ten hands holding with ten types of swords - etc. weapons and arrows etc. She is seated on Lion and ready for going in war to fight. She is unprecedented image of bravery. The frightful sound of her bell terrifies all the villains, demons and danavas.

Kushmanda

Name of fourth Durga is Kushmanda. The Shakti creates egg, ie. Universe by mere laughing .She resides in solar systems. She shines brightly in all the ten directions like Sun. She has eight hands. Seven types of weapons are shining in her seven hands. Rosary is in her right hand. She seems brilliant riding on Lion. She likes the offerings of "Kumhde." Therefore her name "Kushmanda" has become famous.

Skanda Mata

Fifth name of Durga is "Skanda Mata". The daughter of Himalaya, after observing penance got married with Shiva. She had a son named "Skanda." Skanda is a leader of the army of Gods. Skanda Mata is a deity of fire. Skanda is seated in her lap. She has three eyes and four hands. She is white and seated on a lotus.

Katyayani

Sixth Durga is Katyayani. The son of "Kat" as "Katya". Rishi Katyayan born in this "Katya" lineage. Katyayan had observed penance with a desire to get paramba as his daughter. As a result she took birth as a daughter of Katyayan. Therefore her name is "Katyayani" . She has three eyes and eight hands. These are eight types of weapons missiles in her seven hands. Her vehicle is Lion.

Kalratri

Seventh Durga is Kalratri. She is black like night. Durga hairs are unlocked. She has put on necklaces shining like lightening. She has three eyes which are round like universe. Her eyes are bright. Thousands of flames of fire come out while respiring from nose. She rides on donkey. There is sharp sword in her right hand. Her lower hand is in blessing mood. The burning torch (mashal) is in her left hand and her lower left hand is in fearless style, by which she makes her devotees fearless. Being auspicious she is called "Shubhamkari."

Maha Gauri

The Eighth Durga is "Maha Gauri." She is as white as a conch, moon and Jasmine. She is of eight years old. Her clothes and ornaments are white and clean. She has three eyes. She rides on bull She has four hands. The above left hand is in "Fearless - Mudra" and lower left hand holds "Trishul." The above right hand has tambourine and lower right hand is in blessing style. She is calm and peaceful and exists in peaceful style. It is said that when the body of Gauri became dirty due to dust and earth while observing penance, Shiva makes it clean with the waters of Gangas. Then her body became bright like lightening. There fore, she is known as "Maha Gauri".

Siddhidatri

Ninth Durga us Siddhidatri. There are eight Siddhis , they are- Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Iishitva & Vashitva. Maha Shakti gives all these Siddhies. It is said in "Devipuran" that the Supreme God Shiv got all these Siddhies by worshipping Maha Shakti. With her gratitude the half body of Shiv has became of Goddess and there fore his name "Ardhanarishvar" has became famous. The Goddess drives on Lion. She has four hands and looks pleased. This form of Durga is worshiped by all Gods, Rishis-Munis, Siddhas, Yogis, Sadhakas and devotees for attaining the best religious asset.

Navratri Garba-Raas in Gujarat

Did you know that there were other forms of Gujarati dance apart from the Raas and Garbo? The article below gives a brief description of each.

Gujarat, during the 9th century, was divided into four regions: Saurashtra, Kachchh, Aanara and Laat (south Gujarat). Raas, Garba, Hudo, Tippani are the dance forms of Saurashtra, while Dangi of Dharampur and Holi Nritya from Kawant are attributed to Laat. Garba, Garbi and Bhavai are the dances from Aanarta (north Gujarat), while Siddi Dhamal, Matukadi, Ged-do are original dances of Kachchh. Ideally, two circles formed by men and women move in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions with two sticks called dandiyas held in their hands. The song sung on the occasion is essentially an amorous one. Raas is a very energetic, colourful and playful dance providing opportunity for acting and exchanging messages through eye contact. It is no wonder that many romances bloom during Navaratri and hence the popularity of the dance among the younger generation.

Garba - Mainly performed by females in a circular formation, it is in reverences of goddess Ambaji. The basics of the dance are singing and clapping rhythmically while going round the goddess. Today, many modifications are prevalent to the basic pattern and even men are free to join in.

Garbi - Originally men use to perform this dance. It was on the way back from a battle that the victorious army would start dancing to couplets and amorous songs sung by the Charanswar, or the narrators who used to go to the front to raise the spirit during the battle by singing songs of valour. The dance was characteristic for its forceful movements which would fascinate viewers. Today, however, even females participate in the dance.

Hudo - It is the dance of the Bharwads, the shepherd community. The idea of the dance originated from sheep fights. The movements of two sheep ramming their heads is duplicated in the dance in which the dancers clap hands in a forceful and rhythmic manner.

Tippani - Many dance forms evolved from daily routine, and Tippani is one of them. It is the dance form of the labourers who are breaking stones or levelling the ground to break the monotony of the work. Females perform this dance with sticks in their hands which they strike on the ground to the beats of the drum.

Dangi - A dance form of the tribals from Dang, it is performed by both men and women. Dhol and pawri are the accompanying instruments of the dance which is highlighted by gymnastic skills. The strength and power of the dancers is depicted by the movement and the formation of pyramid spirals.

Dharampur - A dance which derives its name from the area. A tribal dance in which men paint their bodies and dance with weapons. Women join in dressed in colourful outfit.

Holi Nritya - A dance performed during Holi by the tribals of the eastern ghats of Gujarat. The dancers are dressed in peacock feathers on their head and waist and dance through the streets.

Siddi Dhamal - A unique dance style of Kachchh. The dancers dance with two thin sticks exhibiting their art and skill while dancing.

Ged-Do - Dance forms in this style of dance from Kachchh exhibit a complicated footwork by moving in a peculiar style akin to the movement of a horse in the game of chess. The dance also has a peculiar drum beat.

Matukadi - A female dance form from Gujarat, it is a very graceful one in which the dancers dance in a circular form in pairs.

Bhawai - This folk form enjoys the reputation of being the most entertaining style of dance from north Gujarat. It was on the verge of extinction after independence.

This post is especially for the Gujaratis out there!

Navratri - Nine Nights of Fun!

The 9 nights festival of Navratri begins on the first day of Ashwina of the bright fortnight - Tuesday 4th Ocotber 2005.

Seeds are sown, sprouting is watched, the planets are consecrated, and on the 8th and 9th days, Goddess Durga, Vijayashtami and Mahanavami are worshipped.

The Devi Mahatmya and other texts invoking the Goddess who vanquished demons are cited.

The day after Navratri i.e. the 10th day after Ashwina, is Dussera which celebrates the victory of lord Rama over Ravana. Ravana is burnt in effigy, often giant dummies of Ravana stuffed with fireworks are shot with arrows until they blow up before a large, applauding audience.

The Bhagavad Geeta: c16.v21: The Divine And Demoniac Natures

tri-vidham narakasyedam
dvaram nasanam atmanah
kamah krodhas tatha lobhas
tasmad etat trayam tyajet

Synonyms
tri-vidham-three kinds of; narakasya-hellish; idam-this; dvaram-gate; nasanam-destructive; atmanah-of the self; kamah-lust; krodhah-anger; tatha-as well as; lobhah-greed; tasmat-therefore; etat-these; trayam-three; tyajet-must give up.

Translation
There are three gates leading to this hell:

lust, anger and greed.

Every sane man should give these up,

for they lead to the degradation of the soul.

Puport
The beginning of demoniac life is described herein.

One tries to satisfy his lust, and when he cannot, anger and greed arise.

A sane man who does not want to glide down to the species of demoniac life

must try to give up these three enemies

which can kill the self to such an extent

that there will be no possibility of liberation

from this material entanglement.

Dharma Deck: Defense

Defense
One should defeat an angry man with meekness, an evil one with goodness, a miser with genorosity and a liar with truth.
- Mahabharata

Dharma Deck: Humility

Humility

Listen to nature's teachings: be humbler than a blade of grass and more tolerant than a tree. Giving up worldly prestige, offer all respect to others and expect none in return.

- Sri Chaitanya

Dharma Deck: Virtue

Vitrue

Fortitude, forgiveness, self-control, honesty, purity of body and mind, sense-control, study of scriptures, meditation on the Supreme, truthfullness, freedom from anger - this is the tenfold parth of virtue.

- Manusmriti

Dharma Deck: Charity

I have a deck of cards from Mandala. There are 52 in total, and each one has a saying from the vedas, a saint or a swami. I shall try and share them with you here. I hope you have as much enjoyment as I did in reading these!

Charity

The sun evaporates water then returns it to the earch as rain -

similarly a wise person accepts life's gifts, then gives them to others when asked.

- Srimad Bhagavatam

Enlightenment

I came across the following quote, and thought it quite apt - to direct to those individuals, who complain that the Hindu dharma is confusing:

If you feel that you are not enlightened, you can always try to be.

Harish Johari, Rasas Lecture Belgium 1997

Quoted from SanatanSociety.org

So, if you were hungry, would you just sit there and starve? Try and find out about things you are unsure about! Search for the light!

"Mahabharata" Family Tree

A freind recently asked me whether I could pointout how Krsna was related to the Pandavs in the Mahabharat. So, I told him, and then worked on a family tree during that period.

Should you wish to receive a copy of this, please email me. You know what my address is!

Furthermore, if there are any errors, pleas let me know!

Changing Our Destiny - Possible, or Impossible?

Is it possible to change our destiny through prayers and/or puja?

Well, puja certainly changes a person so that you are not as harmed or vulnerable to the vicissitudes of life. If rain itself is inevitable, prayers will not aim to change the weather, but rather, equip you with the umbrella and raincoat that you need to face it.

There is no doubt about the boundless power of God's name. It has the strength to even change the course of one's fate. However, destiny is made by actions themselves. With each and every thought you have and karma you perform you are sowing the seeds of your destiny. The results you reap are what you call your "fate". If good karma and thoughts are your seeds then you will inevitably enjoy a wonderful crop. However, even if your seeds were bad and a situation comes your way, which cannot change, its power to hurt you can be less depending on the actions you choose today. Good thoughts and karma will always protect you both ways, one, by being your shield today and second, by flourishing in the future. And then, even when good things happen and come your way, action is still needed! This is a constant cycle where there will be ups and downs but the strength of a devotee comes from his unwavering faith. No matter how hot it gets outside, a Bhakta constantly enjoys his internal air conditioning. He thinks "I am God’s, God is mine and wants the best for me. Whatever God does, is for my good. This belief will never leave me."

Some of the above is from an original document, which unfortunately, I do not recall where from!

Happy Ganesh Chauth!

Another mailing went out last night! Should you have not received it, please email me! Files may now be downloaded from a section on the right-hand side!

(I need to get some sleep now!)

God Provides Through Destiny!

God Provides - A folktale from Andhra Pradesh

A generous king once ruled in the land of Andhra. Every day two beggars used to come to him for alms and he always gave them food and money.

On receiving the alms one of them, the older one, used to say: "God provides." The other beggar, the younger of the two, would say: "Our king provides."

One day the king gave them more money than usual, whereupon the older man cried out lustily: "God provides." This annoyed the king who thought: "It is I who am feeding him and he keeps saying: 'God provides, God provides'. It is time he learnt who his real benefactor is."

The next day after he had given them alms he asked the beggars to go by a little-used road instead of their usual one. "I have provided for one of you," he said. "God will provide for the other." He made sure that the one who always praised him went first. He had ordered that a purse of gold be kept on the road in the beggar's path so that he would find it.

But as the beggar walked down the road he wondered why the king had sent him that way. "Perhaps he wants me to enjoy the privacy of this road," he thought. "It is indeed a beautiful road and so broad. One can walk with eyes closed." And he closed his eyes. As a result he missed seeing the purse. It was spotted and picked up by the other beggar who was coming behind him.

The next day the king asked the beggars whether they had found anything on the road he had sent them by and he looked meaningfully at the younger man. But the beggar shook his head. "It was a beautiful road," he said. "But I did not find anything on it." "But I did," said the other man. "I found a purse of gold. God provides."

Now the king became even more determined to show the older beggar that he was their true benefactor. So while the beggars were going away he called the younger one back and gave him a pumpkin. The pumpkin had been hollowed out and filled with silver coins. But the beggar did not know that. On the way he sold it to a baniya for a few coins.

The next day the king asked the beggars if anything eventful had happened the previous day, looking meaningfully at the younger beggar. "Nothing," said the beggar. "Except that I earned a few more coins than usual by selling the pumpkin you had so generously given me."

The king tried hard not to show his dismay. "And you?" he said to the other beggar. "Did you too earn more than usual?"

"I certainly did," said the beggar. "As I was passing by a baniya's shop he called me and gave me a pumpkin. When I went home and cut it I found that it was full of silver. As I always say, God provides."

Moral of the story: When God wants to give anything, he gives by one means or other. But when he doesn't, even though you get that anything in your hand but still you will give away like the above beggar. We should remember that the fruit of our karmas whether good or bad we get with astounding precision. But when we repent for bad karmas and do not repeat and pray to God, God listens and provides on any day.

Conversations With Mitr - Part 3

The conversation below follows on from the previous two days posts:

Dipa:
OK Mitr, let me know your thoughts - although they will not be your thoughts, they will be destiny's thoughts, or will they? Hmmm... "Destiny created mind but destiny still wins over the mind. So at the end I don’t know who wins."

What is destiny? Is destiny not what created by God? Destiny is also called "fate" and referred to as "that which is meant to be". Considering all of this, destiny is from God. If Destiny is from God, then surely God has given us the mind too.

What is the mind? The mind is a tool which God has given us, so that we can make decisions and learn from. The mind is not the brain nor any other part of the body. It is a formless continuum that functions to perceive and understand objects. Because the mind is formless, or non-physical, by nature, it is not obstructed by physical objects. Thus, it is impossible for our body to go to the moon without traveling in a spaceship, but our mind can reach the moon in an instant just by thinking about it. Knowing and perceiving objects is the uncommon function of the mind. Although we say, "I know such and such", in reality it is our mind that knows. We know things only by using our mind.

"We think that mind is our friend and we own it and control the destiny with it"
I think that destiny is our friend, destiny owns us, and destiny controls the mind.

"So that is what is the battle between mind and the destiny and I don’t know who wins the battle."
There is no battle between mind and destiny. Destiny will always win, so where can there be a battle?

"Is it I winning the battle or the mind winning the battle whos the projection of destiny or I am just a puppet but I think I am dancing to the tune I like or the tune is impregnated with my liking by the destiny in mind so I like the tune and dance to it to claim that I do it."

You are not winning the battle. You are winning the battle. It depends on how the mind is thinking. You are the puppet with invisible strings. The invisible stings are part of destiny. The puppeter is God himself. The tune is part of destiny. The tune is from God. We are all puppets playing to God's tune. The mind needs to learn. Therefore sometimes the mind will desire something, but it is not destiny. Or sometimes destiny will give you something and the mind does not desire it. The mind needs to learn.

"But then where is my free will and return with the free will."
What is free will? Free will is that to unattach from destiny's path and chance destiny, or the impact of a milestone in destiny. This, can only be acheived through prayer and God's blessings.

Comments now please!

Conversations With Mitr - Part 2

Here, we continue the discussion from yesterday's post.

Mitr:
Destiny created mind and then Destiny still wins over the mind. So its like I don’t know who wins at the end.

Dipa:
Explain this which you wrote further: "Destiny created mind and then Destiny still wins over the mind So its like I don’t know who wins at the end."

Mitr:
"Destiny created mind but destiny still wins over the mind. So at the end I don’t know who wins." Our mind is given to us by Destiny but the destiny still has majority of control.

We think that mind is our friend and we own it and control destiny with it. So is the battle between mind and the destiny and I don’t know who wins the battle!

Is it I winning the battle or the mind winning the battle, who is the projection of destiny or I am just a puppet and I think I am dancing to the tune I like. Or that the tune is impregnated with my liking by the destiny in mind so I like the tune and dance to it to claim that I do it.

But then where is my free will and return with the free will.

Confused? I shall reveal the answer tomorrow. It is long, hence the reason to shorten these posts! However, your thoughts on this are most appreciated!

Conversations With Mitr - Part 1

(The discussion was about horoscopes and Kundali matching)

Mitr:
What are you trying to match? Your desires or your planets or both. Your planets may match but you may reject it because it doesnt suite your mind or vice-versa. Important thing in the life is family once you have the money to sustain the life. Away from family is all the chhakar.

Coincidence decides who you meet in your life...
Your heart decides with whom you want to stay in life...
But its only your destiny who decides who will stay in your life...

Dipa:
Your above quote is so true! But, if there is a good astrological match - I think that the desires will fit in automatically.

What do you think? I guess that when planets do match an the person does reject it, then its a matter of time and destiny. Sometimes things are just not meant to be. (I can't beleive I just said this, in light of yesterday's post! But, I'm not blaming God!)

Tomorrow the conversation leads onto Mind and Destiny! Now this was very interesting indeed!

Please, Don't Blame God

How many of you have said during one time or another that "If its meant not meant to be, it won't be"? or maybe "Whatever happens is for the better" or "Kismet ki baat hai"?

In other words, how many of you are taking the responsibility for your own actions or maybe lack of - and how many are simply blaming God? Or do you use the phrases above as a comforting thought because you know no better?

Are we simply just taking this life for granted, and not doing the things we want to? Our mind is that which is given to us by God in order to make decisions with. The mind is the instrument, the tool, and these decisons will create our karma. If somebody commits suicide, that is not his destiny - or what was meant to be... It is the mind which decided this and he/she has created their karma!

In life we have to try 100% to reach our goals. Lets take the example of a student and an exam. The goal is to pass the exam. But in reality, the student fails the exam. Now, if the student has not studied, then that is their fault, and you cannot blame God. If the person gave 100% dedication to his studies, and then did not pass, then maybe that is kismet - but he/she should still try again! Simply do not give up! We do not know whether it is karma or not.

Yes, I believe that certain events in a person's life - I like to call them milestones - will occur as this is their destiny, having to pay the dues of their karma from their past lives in this present life! But that, we do not know whether those milestones are really a result of the decision-making in this life, or theirkarma. And their decisons in this life may be their karma in their next life.

So, please - don't blame God... God has given us the tool - which is the mind. Look at yourself first, and see what you could do! And even if it was something written in your kismet - then you yourself are to blame for it. Neither should you go and blame another person.

As the saying goes "a bad cook always blames thier utensils" (or something to that effect!) I'll say it once more - Please, don't blame God...

www.Anuraga.com

I mention Anuraga many times. Anuraga means "Divine Love". And that, is which I have. So, I have another website - www.Anuraga.com, in which I shall just just focusing on one individual God or Goddess for a week, or maybe more, and then continue onto our next God or Goddess!

There are so many lovely pictures out there which our eyes are thirsty for, and knowledge to be gained to quench our jignasa!

We eat to maintain our bodies. What do we do to maintain our souls? Seek Dipa-Anjali and Anuraga...

More Online Radio Stations

Here are some more online Radio Station, with a summary. You can also find a list of these on the right hand side, under the heading "Online Radio Stations"

Sanskar Radio

Hindu Community radio station from Leicester, UK.

Broadcasts from 6:00am - 12:00pm

Antarbrahmandiya
All traditional Hindu bhajans - the best & latest !

Broadcasts from Ketchikan, AK, United States.

BBC Asian Network

Either listen to a live show, or a previous show. All previous shows recordings are online, and special shows/interviews stay online for weeks! They have a couple of great Hindu/Gujarati shows. Simply click on "Listen Again", then under the "A-Z OF ALL SHOWS (42)" section for : Devotional Sounds: Hindu, Gujarati Show, and Weekend Gujarati.

Broadcasts from the UK 24 hours a day.

Online Radio Station...

A friend in England passed the following website address to me:
Sanskar Radio.

"Broadcasting to the Hindu Community across the world. Excellent religious and cultural music accompanied by lively speech and audience participation."

It is based in Leicester, UK. At present, it is broadcasting between 6:00 am till 12:00 pm UK time. (The UK is 5 hours ahead in time from the East coast of USA).

I'm listening to it right now in the USA! They've had some Hare Krsna devotees in this morning, and right now, they are playing a story based on the pastimes of Lord Krsna!

Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna Hare Hare

Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare

Go on, log in and listen to it! What do you have to loose?

Its Midnight...

Its midnight, and I'm thankful to the Lord. Thankful that He took the form of Krsna and walked on this earth. I was counting the hours - that "yes", my friends in India are celebrating right now, a few hours later those in England, finally midnight in the East coast of America, which followed into the other timezones in America! Haribol! The Lords anuraga was moving across the world...

How many of you stayed awake until midnight to see the clocks turn, and feel the spiritual vibrations? Janmastami is one of the most auspiscious days in the Hindu calendar. Where were you? Were you focusing on the Lord, or out partying since it was a Friday night? Well, if I was back in England, I would have partied - but with other devotees! Let me ask you this again - do you stay awake to welcome in the New Year? If you do, and you call yourself a Hindu, were you awake to welcome in the Lord?

Nand gher anand bhayo, Jai Kanaiyalal ki ...!
Hathi, ghoda, palkhi, Jai Kanaiyalal ki ...!
Bawa Nand tane darbar, nobat vaage re lo ...!
Hari pragatya taaranhaar, nobat vaage re lo ...!

Recent Janmastami Powerpoint Files

If you are unable to open the Powerpoint .pps email attachments, then let me know via email. Its most likely that you are using an older version of Powerpoint (1997) and my files have been created using the 2003 version.

I've resaved the files, as a compatible version, but you may lose some functionalty (such as the transitions) when viewing the slides. However, what is important is that you see the content!

Thanks to a devotee in England who raised the issue!

Janmastami Special - The Meaning of the HareKrsna Mantra

A mailing went out last night - "Janmastami Special - The Meaning of the HareKrsna Mantra" to all, containing a file with PowerPoint slides explaining the Hare Krsna Maha mantra.

Check your inboxes, check your spam folders, check your trash! If you've not received it, send me an email with the subject "Hare Krsna Maha Mantra" to Dipa.Anjali@Gmail.com

Anyone wishing to receive a copy of the whole Hare Krsna Maha Mantra which plays in the presentation, then please email me with the subject "HKMM Bliss". What you hear in the presentation, is just an extract of the chant. The full mantra is beautiful. It is an MP3 file, unzipped size is 4.75MB, zipped up, it is 4.64MB !!! Please ensure that you have enough space in your mail account!

Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna Hare Hare,

Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare

Those devotees who had sent me email addresses of other individuals to be added to my mailings - that has been done.

Those devotees who had sent me an email requesting a copy of the "Prabhu Ke Darshan" powerpoint prsentation - that has been done too.

Any issues, me know. As they say - Seva Mein Hum Samarpit Hai !

Janmastami Greetings

Yet another mailing from a devotee. You need to sing it in the tune of "Happy Birthday". Very cute indeed! Hope it brings a smile to all your glorious faces!

Happy birthday Kanhaiya
It's been a long long time
Happy birthday dear Krishna
You're looking so divine

Have a wonderful birthday
Hope someone gives a surprise
May you be even more amazed
Than even you have prophesized

Happy birthday dear Govinda
Cheers to a really great guy
Happy birthday our Radha's darling
And here's a chipped rice lullaby

What Krsna Says

How many of us pray to God, asking for something, only to be disullioned and hurt when things don't work out the way we want them to? I was emailed the poem below by one of my readers:

Krsna Neh Kaha -

If I answer your prayer at once, it is because I am testing your faith.

If did not answer your prayer at once, it is because I am testing your patience.

If I did not answer your prayer at all it is because I have a better plan for you.

Remember Krishna's promises are yes and Haribol!

He is God not man, which explains why He can never fail, hold on...

Don't be discouraged, your miracle is knocking at the door of your heart.

A little more faith is what you need to see all your needs met.

The Prayer Answering Krishna is saying He has met all your needs.

And, if your prayers are not answered, it is simply not destined to be!

Krsna ki krupa yah Krsna ki ichcha hai

Radha-rani Aur Kanhaiya-lal

The relationship of Radha and Krishna is the embodiment of love, passion and devotion. Radha's passion for Krishna symbolizes the soul's intense longing and willingness for the ultimate unification with God. Shri Krishna is the soul of Radha and Radha is definitely the soul of Shri Krishna. She is the undivided form of Shri Krishna. She will remain a mystery unless one can know her inexpressible divine elements. She is worshipper as well as his deity to be worshipped. She being a beloved of Shri Krishna is known as "Radhika".

The whole universe material and spiritual is the creation of Shri Radha - Krishna. Shri Radha is the presiding Goddess of Shri Krishna. The Paramatma - supreme Lord - is subservient to her. In her absence Shri Krishna does not exist.

Shri Krishna is not only the ultimate object of all love, but also is the topmost enjoyer of all loving relationships. Therefore, in the dynamic and expanding form of Krishna, He has unlimited desires to enjoy spiritual loving relationships or pastimes, known as leela. To do this, He expands Himself into the dual form of Krishna and Radha, His eternal consort and topmost devotee. In other words, Radha is the feminine aspect of Lord Krishna and is non-different from Krishna, but together (both the masculine and feminine aspects). They fulfill the purpose of engaging in sublime loving pastimes to exhibit supremely transcendental loving exchanges.

Brajbhoomi where Lord Krishna was born comprises the twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan. It is not just a sacred land where Lord Krishna was born and performed His cosmic leela, but a place full of divine reminiscences. It was here that He ultimately found Radha, His inseparable companion. Vrindavan, 15 km from Mathura, was the favorite haunt of the divine couple.

Radha-Krsna

Real love exists between Radha and Krishna.

Real love is transcendental and spiritual.

We have to become attracted to spiritual love

and give up false love and beauty, which are only skin-deep.

There is nothing beautiful underneath the skin.

Real love is Anuraga.

Krishna - A Brief Biography

Lord Krishna was the eighth incarnation of the Supreme Lord, born in Mathura in Uttar Pradesh at midnight on the eighth day of the dark half of the month of Shravana, approximately five thousand years ago.

Lord Krishna was born to Vasudeva and Devaki. A sage had prophesised that their eighth child would kill Devaki's evil cousin Kansa, a demonic King and tyrant, who had forcefully taken the throne of his father, King Ugrasena, and imprisoned him. Fearful of this prophecy, he imprisoned the couple, and killed the first six sons, doubting each one of them. It appeared as if the seventh child was miscarried, but Balarama was miraculously transferred from Devaki's womb to that of Rohini, Vasudeva's youngest wife. Their eighth child then appeared to them in the form of Lord Vishnu and said He would become their son Krishna. The Lord instructed Vasudeva to exchange Him for the girl Yogamaya born to his friend Nanda and his wife Yashoda in Gokula. Vasudeva miraculously escaped from jail and carried out this instruction. Kansa tried to kill Yogamaya, thinking her to be the eighth child, but she escaped and revealed to him her identity as Durga, the personification of material energy.

For eleven years, Nanda and Yashoda were oblivious to Krishna's divine identity, or to the fact that He had been born to Devaki. Krishna was brought up amongst the cowherds, the Gopas and milkmaids, the Gopis in Gokula. Krishna had a very adventurous childhood. When Kansa learned of Krishna and Balarama's escape, he made many attempts to kill Them through a series of demons, but every time the demons were killed by Krishna. He was a mischievous yet loveable boy. He was a maestro with the flute. One of his favourite pastimes was raiding the dairies of the Gopis and mother Yashoda, stealing curds and butter, raiding orchards for fruit, and blaming the other children for his mischief! The most celebrated part of Krishna's life among the cowherds is His amorous pastimes with the Gopis, headed by His beloved Radha.

At the age of eleven, Lord Krishna went to Mathura to fulfil the prophecy and kill his uncle, Kansa, for his wicked crimes, and restored Kansa's father Ugrasena to his rightful throne. He also brought back to life His six brothers from the underworld. Thereafter He moved to Dwarka, killed many demons, married 16,108 Gopis (with Radha being His true consort) and ruled Dwarka.

When Krishna's paternal first cousins, the Pandavas, were about to commence the Mahabharata war on the Kurukshetra battlefield with their first cousins, the Kauravas, Lord Krishna spoke the Bhagavad Gita (song of God) to Arjuna (a Pandava brother) and manifested Himself to him in His universal form, Vishvarupa. Lord Krishna served as Arjuna's charioteer throughout the war, won by the Pandavas.

Sometime after the war had ended, Krishna, as well as His brother Balarama, departed from this world. That day the ocean engulfed Dwarka and the Kali Yuga commenced.

Krsna leaves Mrityulok

Just Imagine - Pradbhu Ke Darshan

Dipa-Anjali ki Janmastami

Have you received Pradbu Ke Darshan? No? Well, a mailing "Janmastami Greetings" went out last night to all, containing a file with PowerPoint slides which have some of the most beautiful pictures of our Kanhaiya-lal, and simply depicting his birth, life and demise from this mrityulok (planet earth).

Just imagine, those pictures being reality, and you being there! How glorious must it feel to have been there! The happiness, the glory, the laughter, the overwhelming magnitude of the Lords presence. Just Imagine!

Check your inboxes, check your spam folders, check your trash! If you've not received it, send me an email with the subject "Prabhu ke Darshan" to Dipa.Anjali@Gmail.com

Krishna's Names

Just as we may have different names according to our various roles—Mommy, Dr. Jones, Sweetheart, Professor, Your Honor—so does God. And since God is unlimited, He has innumerable names.

The names can be generic terms, such as "God" or "the Absolute Truth."
They can be in Sanskrit, such as Govinda, Gopala, or Shyamasundara.
They can be in other languages, such as Yahweh and Allah.

The name Krishna, which means "the all-attractive One," implies that each of us has an eternal relationship with God and we are always drawn either to Him directly or to His energies.

God and His names are identical, so by speaking them we enter His purifying company. Regularly reciting, singing, or chanting His names awakens our innate love for Him and gains us release from bondage to matter.

Krishna is omnipresent. The word has three meanings:

Krishithi-ithi Krishna - The man who ploughs is Krishna. The heart is the symbol of a field. The heart should be cleared of weeds (evil qualities). It should be filled with love. The seeds of the Lord's name should be sown in it. Krishna encourages the devotee to do all this.

Karshathi-ithi Krishna - Because he attracts, he is Krishna. Krishna has the supreme power of attraction. By his words, his sport, his music, and all his actions he attracts all people. This power of attraction is present in everyone. Hence, everyone is potentially Krishna.

Krushyathi-ithi Krishnah - Because he imparts bliss, he is called Krishna. Everyone seeks happiness. The Divine, who is the embodiment of happiness, is in you. God wants you to be happy, but you do not realize it. Try to recognize the source of bliss within you. It is not the true nature of man to be unhappy. When anyone is otherwise, people around him are concerned about him. You should always be happy, because you are the embodiment of the Aathma. Never give way to worry.

As a spark of the Divine, you have to behave like the Divine. Do not give room for grief. What use is there in turning over the beads of the rosary while your mind is thinking of mundane matters? First of all, purify your mind. Dedicate all actions to God. Free yourself from all attachments. Treat all things as gifts from God for which you are the guardian and not the owner.

A Week of Krishna

This Saturday sees the celebration of Janmastami - Lord Krishna's birthday! Our Nandalal's birthday will be celebrated with much pomp, splendor and decoration in millions of Hindu homes and thousands of temples across His universe. So, this week, I shall be focusing on our Kanhaiya, and aspects of Him.

We have all heard of our dear Kanaiyalal, Kanha, Madhusudan Krsna. But, as a Hindu, I ask you - which avtaar was of Lord Vishnu was he? Do you need to think? Well, let me tell you, he was number 8. Krsna is the Supreme Person, the Godhead. Krsna is the speaker of the Bhagavad-Gita ("The Song of God").

Krishna appears under many names, in a multiplicity of stories, among different cultures, and in different traditions. Sometimes these contradict each other, though there is a common core story that is central to most people's knowledge of Krishna.

While in most Dharma traditions and Puranas (accounts), he is one of the major incarnations of Vishnu, in Gaudiya Vaishnavism he is considered to be the only true God, or the source of all incarnations.

Among his important or celebrated aspects are:

Govinda Krishna, the lord of the cow-herders. He is contrasted in this to his brother Balarama representing the cultivators, who is sometimes called Halayudha, the lord of the plough.

Krishna the focus of devotion (the lover, the all-attractive, the flute player). He is frequently shown playing the flute, attracting and bewildering the gopis (the cowgirls) of Vrindavan.

Krishna the child (Bala Krishna). Stories of his upbringing in Gokula and Vrindavan are a staple of children's tales in India, and Hindu's across the world.

The incarnation of the Supreme Being, and the divine Guru, who teaches Arjuna how to take the right action in the Bhagavad Gita.

Purpose behind His Incarnation

"I incarnate whenever Righteousness (Dharma) declines

and evil predominates, to re-establish Righteousness and vanquish evil."
The Lord, Bhagavat Gita (4/78)

Raksha Bandhan Mantra

Today is Raksha Bandhan. It falls on the first full-moon day of Shravan mas. Did you know that in many parts of India, a mantra is recited by the sister when tying the raksha onto her brother? Is this a tradition which we have forgotton whilst living in the western world?

Balbandhu BalRaja,

Rakshe rakse yamraja,

traNaso Ne SAtha DivasNA AshirvAd

In essence, the mantra is blessing the brother, and the sister is saying that she will bless him again after a year. So strong are the blessing of the sister, that they last a year!

There is another mantra, which when translated, means “I am tying a Raksha to you, similar to the one tied to Bali, the powerful king of the demons. Oh Raksha, be firm, do not waver.”

Yena baddho Balee raajaa daanavendro mahaabalah
Tena twaam anubadhnaami rakshe maa chala maa chala

The mantra recalls how the demon king Bali had become powerful with the Rakhi on. The power of the mantra is supposed to protect the wearer from evil influences. This shows how dependent and secure a sister feels when she has a brother. Tying this rakhi or raksha signifies the re-strengthening of the bond between the siblings of opposite sexes. How this simple, annually recurring act of tying the rakhi on one’s wrist can evoke such strong and intense emotions in a person is indeed surprising. It seems almost like an unspoken pledge, exchanged between a brother and a sister cementing their fraternal relationship and reinforcing their protective bond against all ills and odds.

Raksha Bandhan Legends

Legend goes that once Indra, the Pauranic King of the Heavens, while warring with the Daitya-Raaja (demon king) was confronted with reverses. Humbled, he sought the advice of Brihaspati, the Guru. On the auspicious occasion of Shravan Poornima, both Shachee Devi or Indrani, the consort of Indra and Brihaspati, the Guru of the Gods, tied silken amulets popularly known as Raksha on Indra's wrist. Subsequently, Indra vanquished the Daitya-Raaja and reestablished sovereignty over his celestial abode.

It is said that at one time, Alexander's wife approached the mighty Hindu adversary, Pururaja, and sought assurance of her husband's life by tying the Rakhi on Pururaja's hand. The story goes that just as Pururaja raised his hand to deliver a mortal blow to Alexander, he saw the Raksha and refrained from striking.

In yet another poignant instance, a Rajput princess sent a Rakhi to the Mughal Emperor Humayun, enlisting his support against the onslaught of the Gujarat Sultan. Though engaged elsewhere, Humayun hastened to the rescue of his Rakhi sister but to his bitter disappointment found that the kingdom had been seized and the princess had committed "jauhar" to save her honor.

Raksha Bandhan in the Millenium!

Finally, I'd like to share the following picture with you:

Click on the picture to see the full-size.