Rimple Sanchla's Blog, page 24

Sixth Avatar of Goddess Durga – GODDESS KATYAYANI

Whenever the oppression of the demons starts dominating the earth, whenever sages, saints, and celestial beings get victimized with the torture of the demons, then there is certainly a divine incarnation of supreme energy for the betterment of the world and suppression of the evil. In the same manner, goddess Bhagwati incarnated as Sri Katyayani for the sake of betterment of the world. She is the one who saved the entire universe from one of the greatest demons, Mahishasura by curbing his ego and destroying him along with his army. This divine form of goddess Durga is well known amongst the devotees in the name of Sri Katyayani. She grants fearlessness to the devotees and also blesses them readily by removing diseases, sorrows, obstacles, and guilt. Just by remembering her one attracts her divine blessings. As per the story found in the Durga Saptashati, for the betterment of devas, goddess manifested as Katyayani for saving them from evil demons. She manifested in the hermitage of sage Katyayana who worshiped the goddess as his daughter and hence she is known as Katyayani. She is the slayer of demons like mahisha and she is the manifestation of divine energies of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara. The first ever mention of her worship is related to sage katyayana who achieved glory and liberation by the worship of goddess Katyayani. She made the sage famous by adopting his name as a blessing for his penance. Since then she was known as “Katyayani”. Her form is divine and she has four arms in which she holds various weapons. She holds a sword, lotus, fearlessness gesture, and blessing gesture. Goddess blesses one with successful life and also enhances his intellect and skills. She grants any desired fruits when asked with sincerity and purity. With her blessings, her devotees gain excellence in the respective fields to which they belong. They achieve greatest heights in their related areas.

Mythological Tale of goddess Sri Katyayani

For the betterment of the devotees, goddess Katyayani who is the form of Adi shakti manifested as the sixth form for removing the fears of the world due to the evil asuras. As per the legend, the first manifestation of this goddess for the welfare of celestial devas took place in the house of sage Katyayana. Sage accepted her as his daughter and worshiped her with devotion and hence she was known as “Kaatyaaayani”. In the ancient times when the world was suffering from the outrage of demon Mahishasura, the fruits of Vedic sacrifice were snatched from the devatas. All the celestial gods started thinking about some solution for ending this menace of demons and some way to establish righteousness. Finally, they decided to gather and invoke the primordial energy because none of the devas were able to win over this demon. This was because Mahishasur had a boon from the gods that he would be killed only by a female (feminine power) and hence male deities were not able to harm him. Because of pride and ego over his powers, the demon started misusing the power and tortured innocent beings. Gods gather and invoked a goddess from their own energies. She was known as Katyayani. With her divine powers, the goddess completed her mission by destroying mahisha demon on the final day of Navaratri. As per another ancient tale, a sage named Katyayana did heavy penance and asked for a great daughter as a boon as a result, goddess Katyayani took incarnation in his house and blessed him for his penance and rescued the world from the fear and darkness of demons.

Fifth Avatar of Goddess Durga – GODDESS SKANDAMATA

For the welfare of the entire world and for the betterment of the devatas, goddess Durga manifested as nine different forms during the nine days of Navaratri. In this sequence, the incarnation of goddess Skanda-maata takes place exactly on the fifth day for blessing the devotees. In the Vedas and Puranas, various deities are not only equated with the parents, but they are also known as “bhakta-vatsala” meaning affectionate towards their devotees. This shows that they act towards the protection and nourishment of this world in the same manner as the parents are protective and affectionate towards their children. They make best efforts to make their children happy and to remove negativities and obstacles from their life. If children suffer from any pain or sickness; there is a tendency to immediately make best efforts to save the child from these problems. Even when the children have differences with them and even when the children are deeply rooted in ego and pride of youth, position, money etc. Even when the children turn away their faces from the parents when they are in need. Despite all these, parents never forget their children and their affection never ceases for their children until their last breath. Similarly, the divine form of the goddess known as Skandamata is always prepared to bless her children and help them during their distress. She tries to dispel the obstacles with her kind blessings. If a devotee is genuinely devoted towards her and surrenders his ego to the goddess, she is capable of immediately showering her divine grace. As per the Chhandogyashruti, the Sanatkumara born out of the goddess is known as “Skanda”. As she is the mother of Sri Skanda, she is known as “Skanda-mata”. She is the mother of Skanda, who is the commander of the army of devas. She holds Skanda (child form) in her lower right arm. She also holds blessing gesture, lotus flower and rides a lion who is the symbol of bravery. Goddess is the giver of all the desired fruits to her children.

Another story of Origin (this is quite different from the first one)

According to Hindu mythology, when all devtas (deities), manushya (mankind) and rishis (sages) were tired by the atrocities of demon Tarkasur, they sought help from Brahma to help end this demon’s tyranny. Brahma, who was earlier pleased by the hard penance of Tarkasur, granted him with the boon of invincibility from all, except Lord Shiva’s son.  Upon being urged by all the devtas, Lord Shiva agreed and got married to Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya and later, their son Skanda (also known as Kartikeya / Murgan / Kumara / Subrahmanya) destroyed the demon. Being the mother of such a valiant son, Goddess Parvati came to be known as Skandamata. This devi became the fifth form of Goddess Durga.

Mythological story of Sri Skandamata

The auspicious form of goddess Skandamata is very divine and effulgent. Her vision and blessings grant wealth, prosperity, and progeny in a miraculous way. In the Durga Saptashati, we find a story regarding the goddess narrated in a very beautiful manner. She is the remover of pain and sorrows from the life of all living beings. She is omnipresent and her worship is capable of granting all the desires and riches. She is the one who is behind the origin of the world and she nourishes this universe with her motherly affection. Even in extremely negative situations and even during the crisis, she never forgets about the welfare of this world. She always removes the fears of the devotees and those on whom the goddess has showered her grace are always respected everywhere, they are blessed with glory and wealth. They never go away from dharma and their spouse and children are always protected and nourished. By receiving her grace, noble men perform righteous and religious actives on a regular basis and finally ascends to the heavens. Hence the goddess is certainly giver of the boons in all the worlds. By merely remembering her, devotees can get rid of any fear or negative emotions. She inspires the devotees with righteous and positive thoughts when remembered with a pure heart. Her worship is capable of saving one from fear and poverty. O, Devi! There is no one like you who is so compassionate and propitious for every living being.

Fourth Avatar of Goddess Durga: GODDESS KUSHMANDA

On this earth, devotees have been regularly blessed by the divine energy since time immemorial. Be it the order of creation, the evolution of living creates, fighting with the evil forces or the establishment of humanity and religion on earth, nothing is possible without the grace of the cosmic goddess. Even though in this materialistic world, we have gone miles away from the core spiritual values and have started forgetting god or divine powers, the cosmic goddess always wishes good for all the beings of the creation. The fourth divine form of goddess Adishakti is famous in this world in the name of “Kooshmaandaa”. She is the creator of this world. Not only this, she is the embodiment of divine light. She not only illuminates the world through her light but also empowers the planets, solar system etc. to sparkle with her cosmic light. She is the ultimate energy who is behind the creation of the world.  It is said that she is the origin of various types of heat, she also holds this universe in her womb. Thus she is also known as “Jagat-Janani” or “Adi-shakti”. She is the ever compassionate towards every being of the world. The manifestation of Sri Kushmanda is believed to be on the fourth day of the Navaratri. She has a divine form which is beyond words, she has eight arms.  For the welfare of the living beings, she holds in her right hands, kamandalu, bow, arrow, and lotus flower. In the left hand she holds, a pot of nectar, rosary, gadaa, and chakra respectively. She is seated on a giant lion and she is emitting brilliant light which illuminated all the directions. The light and aura of all the living and non-living beings are only because to her energy. With the blessings of the mother, devotees can overcome diseases, fear, sorrows, and obstacles. Further, they are always protected by the known and unknown enemies by the goddess.

Another story:

According to Durga Saptshati, Goddess Durga was very pleased with her avatar of Kushmanda. It is believed that the supreme goddess of power or Adi-Parashakti, appeared in the form of Siddhidatri from the left side of Lord Shiva’s body. After taking the form of Siddhidariti, Goddess Parvati started to live inside the core of the sun and, hence, came to be known as Kushmanda Devi. This implies that Kushmanda Devi is the only goddess who resides in the core of the sun, from where she controls the entire solar system.

The name Kushmanda is a compound word that consists of three Sanskrit words ‘ku’ (meaning-little), ‘ushma’(meaning-warmth) and ‘anda’(meaning-egg); which combined together means a little warm cosmic-egg.

Kushmanda Devi is depicted with eight hands. She has kamandal, dhanush, bada and kamal in the right hands whereas, she is holding an amrit-kalash, jap-mala, gada and chakra in her left hands. Her beautiful female form is seen sitting on a lion that denotes dharma and justice.

Mythological tale of Goddess Kushmanda

The fourth form of the goddess is related to the manifestation of the universe, she holds the universe in the divine (cosmic) womb. In the beginning of the universe, there was no existence of life or any major activities. But the divine form of Kushmanda was very effulgent as that of the several Suns. From the divine light of the goddess, the whole of the universe got illuminated as if an egg is formed into the flower. Due to the bright smile of the goddess, the universe was filled with joy and creativity. Thus her name was known as “Kooshmaandaa”. The creator of the worlds, Maa Kushmanda always illuminates the universe with her light. She always witnesses the good and bad karmas done by the beings of various worlds. She then arranges a system for the fruits of one’s deed based on his karmas by her divine powers. Not only this, she also dispels the darkness (ignorance) from the lives of the beings with her divine light (knowledge). She is the knowledge of wisdom. She is not only the mother of the universe, but also the goddess of wisdom, wealth, intellect, light, and strength and is very auspicious and compassionate.

Third Avatar of Goddess Durga – GODDESS CHANDRAGHANTA

From the very ancient times, people in the great land of India have inspired to realize and witness the divine power of supreme god. A rich and refined culture is a witness that there have been many manifestations of the divine on this land in various forms. It is clear that happiness and prosperity of a nation are not possible without the blessings of the divine. Human birth will time and again get deluded in the darkness of ignorance. Crooked, violent, and evil forces will regularly try to pose dangers of humanity and religion. To stop inhuman and incest forces on earth, goddess Durga has incarnated nine times already to save the world from the danger of evil. The third form of the goddess is known as Chandraghanta who is worshiped as the third manifestation of Durga and who is the dispeller of pain and fear. She fulfills the wishes of devotees with her generous blessings. She had incarnated on the third day of Navratri. She is the giver of desires and boons. She controls the transmission of various sound forms across the world. With her worship, the hearing energy is enriched and one can get connected to the celestial sounds. She is the slayer of demons and savior of devas, humans, and many other living creatures. In her bell (gong) she is holding many astonishing sounds and hence known as “Chandra-ghanta” because she holds the moon on her forehead. Goddess Chandraghanta is famous amongst devotee, she has a golden complexion and is very bright. Many groups of asuras get killed with the horrifying sounds of her gong. She has ten arms, of which, she holds (from upper arm) in her right arms, lotus, arrow, bow, rosary, respectively. In the left arms, trishula, sword, gadaa, kamandalu, and gesture of fight. She rides a lion and saves the world from the demonic beings by killing them. This form of goddess Durga is ever ready to save the world from evil forces and enemies.

Another Story:

According to legends, when Sati burned her body in the yagya agni, she took rebirth as Parvati to Parvatraj Himalaya. Parvati married Lord Shiva.  On the day of their marriage, Lord Shiva arrived with all his Aghoris and Ghosts to take Devi Parvati along with him. On seeing this form of Shiva, her parents and all the guests were horrified.

Looking at all this, Parvati transformed herself into Goddess Chandraghanta and approached Lord Shiva. She requested him to reappear in the form of a charming prince. In the mean time, she revived her family from the shock and erased all their unpleasant memories. Since then, Devi Parvati is worshiped in her Chandraghanta avatar as the goddess of peace and forgiveness.

Legend of Goddess Sri Chandraghanta

Goddess Chandraghanta incarnated as the third form of goddess Durga in order to kill the demons. Goddess did justice to devas by destroying the great army of demons in the heavens. As she is a kind goddess for the whole world, she takes care of all devotees and removes their pain. She is the inherent intellect of people which allow them to gain wisdom and understand the scriptures. You are the one and only who saves those drowning in the ocean of samsara. Her face is glowing as a bright moon and she has a smiling expression on her face. But on the contrary, her face became fierce and red in color like the rising moon, her eyebrows frowned when looked at the demon Mahishasura. After seeing such a terrifying face, demons died instantly. None can ever stay in front of such a ferocious energy. O, Devi! Bless us with your affection. Because of your affectionate aspect, the whole world survives, and your terrifying form is the reason of the destruction of many of races/clans. This was evident when the might army of Mahishasura was destroyed in moments due to your fierce aspect. As soon as the goddess took her bow to kill the demons, the whole universe resonated with the might sounds of the bow. At the same time, the great lion of goddess also started roaring loudly. These terrifying sounds weakened the hearts of demons and killed most of them instantly.

9 DAYS OF NAVRATRI

The beginning of spring and of autumn are two very important junctions of climatic and solar influence. During this period Earth is relatively much near to Sun facing its maximum gravitational pull. It is believed that during this phase, the divine energy intervenes with extra power to pass earth this course with much ease and smoothness. As per Hindu mythology, this divine energy is- Goddess Durga. The Navratri in this context is also celebrated as thanksgiving festival to Goddess Durga for saving, protecting and nurturing life on Mother Earth.

During these days people usually avoid taking meat, fish, eggs, alcohol, onions, garlic, grains, lentils, legumes (beans) because special divine energies of empowerment are not able to reach the individual. In addition, these food items act as a barrier in radiating energy in any form. Further, these tend to accumulate and process free-floating negative karmic energies from other living beings and the environment.

The nine rupa’s of Durga -Shailputri, Brahmcharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyaini, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhatri represents different traits of human beings such as Smiriti, Shraddha, Lajja, Hunger, Thirst, Forgiveness, Luster, Beauty, Sight, Truth etc. These also control various systems and organs of human body. So everything related to human mind, psychology and body are controlled and maintained by these nine forms of divine energy. During nine days of Navratri By worshiping a particular form of Durga one is blessed with different physical, mental and psychological strength.

Significance of Nine Days of Navratri

1st Day of Navratri – The first night of Navratri is devoted to the worshiping of Goddess Shailputri. She has the manifestation of Green Light with her. This light helps to reduce anger in Human beings. This energy manifests in Anahata or Heart chakra. The organs related to this chakra are the heart, back, shoulder, arms, hand, Lungs and Chest area. The gland associated with this chakra is Thymus gland. This chakra relates to Love, an ability of an individual to give and take unconditionally. It enhances listening capability of individuals. Thus meditating on this chakra help in removing emotional blocs, treating traumas and healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands, and system efficiency. This is the starting point of their spiritual discipline.

2nd Day of Navratri – The second night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Bhramcharni, who is the storehouse of knowledge and wisdom. She has the manifestation of Blue Light with her that personifies love and loyalty and empowers actualization of goals. The organs related to this chakra are throat, lung, and neck. The gland associated with this chakra is thyroid gland. The upper digestive tract is also associated with this chakra. This energy resides in Visudha or Throat chakra. It blesses the worshipper with awareness about the spirit of truth and purpose, ability to communicate about one’s needs and requirements. It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands, and system effectively.

Visiting Maa Vaishno Devi’s temple on Ashtami during Navratri is considered highly auspicious.

3rd Day of Navratri – The third night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Chandraghanta who is a giver of bliss, peace, serenity, and growth in activities, the purpose of life. She has the manifestation of red light with the pink hue in her. Residing in Mooladhar or root chakra this energy provides the worshiper with powers of self-awareness, stability, and security. The organs related to this chakra are Kidney, bladder, pelvis, vertebral column, hips, and legs. The gland associated with this chakra is an Adrenal gland. The system associated with this chakra is an excretory system. It provides strength and courage to native. With this, It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands, and system effectively.

4th Day of Navratri – The fourth night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Kushmanda who is destroyer sorrows of the mind and ego by harmonizing the macro-universe with the inner micro-universe of the individual. She has the manifestation of Orange Light with a golden hue that personifies creativity and respect for others creative works, destroying false ego in an individual. The organs related to this chakra are the uterus, large bowel, lower abdomen, ovaries, testes, sexual organs. The reproductive system is also associated with this chakra. This energy resides in swadhisthan or Sacral chakra. It endows the worshipper with the virtue of Self-respect. It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands and system effectively

5th Day of Navratri – The fifth night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Skandmata who transform energies provided by other goddesses in form of wealth and strength for native. She has the manifestation of indigo light with the silver hue. The organs related to this chakra are eyes, lower head, nose, and ears. Pituitary Gland is also associated with this chakra. Residing In Agya or Brow chakra this energy provides the worshiper with the virtue of self-responsibility- responsibility to oneself to follow the soul path and trusting one’s own intuition. It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands and system effectively

6th Day of Navratri – The Sixth night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Kaatyayani who gives boons and fulfills wishes of the native. She has the manifestation of Yellow Light with her that personifies self-worth, intellect, self-confidence and moral principles. The organs related to this chakra are liver, spleen, stomach and l intestine gallbladder and middle back. The gland associated with this chakra is Pancreas. This energy resides in Manipur or Solar plexus chakra. It endows the worshipper with the virtue of how one feels about himself and how others perceive him. It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands and system effectively

7th Day of Navratri – The Seventh night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Kaalratri who destroys fear and ignorance of the worshiper and blesses the individual with fortitude and fearlessness. She has the manifestation of violet light with purple-blackish hue. The organs related to this chakra are Top of the head, brain and Nervous System. The gland associated with this chakra is pineal Gland. Residing in Crown chakra this energy provides the worshiper with higher consciousness or spiritual awareness. It helps in the spiritual upheaval of individual Atma with Parmatma. It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands and system effectively

8th Day of Navratri – The eighth night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Mahagauri who destroys all sins of devotees and worshiper gets purified in all respects. She channels the thought waves of the devotees towards the path of the virtue and destroys Asat. Cumulative energy manifested in the whole body and being reflected signifies balance and creativity in the highest form.

9th Day of Navratri –The ninth night of Navratri is associated with Goddess Siddhidatri who provides the worshiper with all sidhis, beings fulfillment and satisfaction in individual lives. This energy is radiant in form of golden light over crown chakra instilling service to God and libration of a soul from the vicious circle of life and death.

Kanya or Kumari Pujan During Navratri’s

During navratris, Kumari or Virgin girl is worshipped for nine consecutive days. A Kumari is a symbol of un-manifested energy and by worshipping her, this energy gets activated as a result of which radiant frequencies in the universe get attracted and worshipers get benefited by it. The Hindu scripture- Rudryamla Tantra, has categorized girl into different age groups for worshiping the goddess. The result of boons begetted differs for each Kumari Pujan.

A one-year-old girl is called “Sandhya”, two years old is called “Saraswati”, three years old is called “Tridhamurthy”, four years old girl is called “Kalika”, five is “Subhga”. At six, she is “Uma” at seven, she is called “Malini” and “Kubja” in her eighth year. She is “Kaalsandharbha” in nine, “Aparajita” in ten and “Rudrani” in eleven years of age. A girl in the twelfth year is “Bharavi” and “Mahalaxmi” in thirteenth. In her fourteen, fifteen and sixteenth year, she is known as “Peethnayika”, “Chetraja” and “Ambika” respectively.

The significance of three claps during Garba or Kanya Pujan:

It is believed that divine energy is awakened by the musical rhythm of three claps through the frequencies of desire, action, and knowledge, representing the Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. It also signifies awakening of fire element

With the first clap, Lord Brahma energy of desire gets awaken. This energy signifies wishes in mind of an individual

With the second clap Lord Vishnu energy related to action get awaken. This energy signifies actions performed by individual for fulfillment of desires.

With the Third clap, Lord Shiva energy related to begetting results get awaken. This energy signifies boons given by God to Individual.

On each day, I shall post one article about each of the 9 manifestations of Goddess Durga.

Durga Pooja – The Source of Invincible Energy

Land of India is not just limited to a great and sacred culture but it is also a holy hand of gods where many incarnations of the divine have manifested. There are many Puranic stories related to these incarnations. The whole universe, including the sun, stars, planets, constellations and five elements is governed mysteriously by the Supreme Being. It is an eternal truth that nothing possible without the supreme energy (Para-Brahma).  Even though many people in today’s technology era are trying to force their views onto others about the non-existence of gods and deities, but the truth is they certainly realize the divine power in a way or other. Hinduism is also known as “Sanatana Dharma” which means eternal religion since time immemorial. There is a lot of knowledge about the whole universe, its origin, and expansion. Our Vedas and Puranas are a witness of the fact that whenever there is a harm to the religion and empowerment of demonic forces like misconduct and crime; god incarnates in various forms to free the world from demonic powers and save the people of truth and devotion. These incarnations re-establishes the dharma.

Similarly, when the entire earth and heavens were the victims of demons like Mahishasura, then all the gods gathered and with the inspiration of God almighty, they projected their energy into a single form and granted it various weapons and superpowers and made it invincible and auspicious. She is known by the name Adi Shakti, Maa Jagadamba, Durga or Amba in the whole world. Mother Durga is not only the protector of this world but also the giver of boons. The divine tales of Shiva and Shakti are narrated in a captivating manner in the Devi Bhagavata, and other Puranas like Surya, Shiva, Srimad-Bhagavatam etc. Without the power of Shakti, not a particle of the universe can move. Even the supreme witness Shiva (devoid of vowel “ee”) is like a corpse without the Shakti. Goddess Shakti incarnated on nine days in different forms like Jayanti, Mangala, Kali, Bhadrakaali, kapalini, Durga, Kshama, Shivaa, Dhaatri, Swaaha, Swadha etc. and slew the great demons like Shumbh-nishubha, Mahishasura, Raktabeeja etc. She helped the pupil of this world by removing their misery and helped in reestablishing the dharma.

Our ancient seers who were the well-wishers for the entire humanity have provided us with the appropriate methods of worshiping the goddess. Sage Medha advised King Suratha to worship and take refuge in goddess Durga who is the giver of prosperity, heavens, and liberation. By following this advice King achieved never-ending kingdom and fame. Since the time when goddess Durga took the form from the energies of various devatas, several people have devoted their lives and got great boons and grace from the goddess. What to talk of humans when even the celestial deities are themselves engaged in the worship of Shakti. Even Lord Rama himself worshiped goddess Durga during the Navratri to get victory over Ravana. In the whole of India, the energy of the goddess is celebrated during Chaitra Shukla pratipada and Ashwina Shukla pratipada every year in a grand manner. These are also known as Vasanta and Shaaradiya Navaratra. Apart from these, there are two other lesser known Navaratris which are celebrated by a fewer number of people. These are four major festivals for goddess Durga. The beginning of Vasanta (spring) season is a celebration for the agriculture-dominated nation like India.  During these days, the crop of wheat is sown and on the other hand, the crops of paddy give hints of harvesting which brings an elated feeling to the farmers and to the whole of the country. On this auspicious occasion, the whole of the country worships goddess Durga with Vedic methods for nine days. This is the reason why it is called as “Navaratri”. As a result of worship of goddess Durga, people get rid of sorrow, obstacles, poverty, and diseases and obtains the desired results as a blessing.

Buddhu sa mann hai – Kapoor & Sons

While the first song I chose in the “Feel the music” section was intense, poetic, romantic and deep, second song is fun, exciting and full of life. It’s also one of my favorite song – Buddhu sa mann hai from the movie Kapoor & Sons.

Dabi dabi si hansi honthon pe phansi hai

Gududi kar rahi hawa

Oo.. halla macha rahi hai pagal si khwaishein

Khushiyon ki mili hai wajah

Kuch hai junoon sa

Kuch pagalpan hai

Sau baatein karta ye buddhu sa mann hai

Buddhu sa mann in this song means Lively, carefree heart… an innocent heart… not the literal meaning of the word buddhu (idiot).

As we grow, we seldom notice the tickles of the wind, feeling the gush of breeze on your face, hands, clothes you wear. The tickling of breeze on your skin, your surroundings. We are not even aware of our internal state at times. The song reminds us of those innocent childlike desires – that is carefree, alive, lost in the beauty yet aware. When you know whats going on within you. As the wind tickles, a hidden smile is trying make its way to the lips that seems to be stuck. Crazy desires are raising their voices as I have discovered the reason for happiness. The feelings are passionate and somewhat maddening. And the lively, carefree, innocent heart speaks out a hundred conversations without thinking. 

Karne de khwaabon ko badmashiyaan

Chalne de nazron ki manmaaniyan

Dhoondhe chalo kuch thikane naye

Hone de pagli pagli si nadaaniyab

Hosh mein rehna hai kyun

Rehne se hoga kya

Behoshiyon mein hai maza

Oo.. bachkaani harkatein jo hoti hain hone de

Khushiyon ki mili hai wajah

Kuch hai junoon sa

Kuch pagalpan hai

Sau baatein karta ye buddhu sa mann hai

Let Dreams be playful at times, Let eyes wander wherever they wish to, carefree. Lets meander about in search of new unfamiliar destinations. Let the crazy naiveties happen. Lets be childlike today. What’s the need to be in consciousness? What’ll happen if You’ll remain in that state? There’s excitement in this intoxication There’s pleasure in letting go of your worries and being relaxed. In this state, one acts like a kid, without worrying about everyday problems. Let the childlike acts happen I’ve discovered the reason for happiness. The feelings are passionate and somewhat maddening. And the lively, carefree, innocent heart speaks out a hundred conversations without thinking. 

Mausam ne bhi ki hai kuch koshishein

Hone lagi dekho ye baarishien

Sar pe chadha hai yeh kaisa asar

Daude raftaar mein dil ki sab dhadkanein

Dhun koi chal rahi hai, kaano mein dheeme se

Roshan hai zyada yeh subah

Halchal jo ho rahi hai seene mein hone de

Khushiyon ki mili hai wajah haan

Kuch hai junoon sa

Kuch pagalpan hai

Sau baatein karta ye buddhu sa mann hai

The season also has made some efforts to let loose, and hence it has started raining. Wondering what has impacted my mind? I am excited and my heart beats rapidly in delight. A soft melody slowly rings in my ears and the morning appears to be brighter than usual. I don’t wish to put an end to the hustle and bustle within my soul. I’ve discovered a reason to be happy now. The feelings are passionate and somewhat maddening. And the lively, carefree, innocent heart speaks out a hundred conversations without thinking. 

If you have seen the movie, you would actually connect to the song with the characters and the story of the movie. A perfectly imperfect family dealing endless number of issues in terms of finance, relationships, career. Each one is upset with other family members in some or the other way, without speaking about it. In middle of all of these, they find a reason to celebrate, let loose, let go and live. Letting go of personal worries for the moment, letting go of fights for the moment, letting go of complaints for the moment and celebrate. There’s another beautiful song from the same movie – Bolna mahi bolna, one day will write on that too

Mumbai rains – the flip side

Mumbai rains have been news of the nation in last 24 hours. I switched on news channel to see the mumbai updates. Switched it off in 2 minutes. I opened my whatsapp and am flooded with more messages on dangers and alerts of mumbai rains than the flood in mumbai itself.  I myself was out whole and had reached home at about 5pm. On my way I would stop by to click some beautiful pics of Mumbai. At some of the places my car tyres are drowned to almost 75%, driving slowly, trying to figure the potholes and its size by the movement of the vehicles ahead of me. Looking around at bikers and seeing them wearing windcheaters and raincoats that are totally of no use. On a bridge, my vision is totally blurred coz of heavy rains. All I could see is whiteness and rainshowers. After 4 hours of drive I reached home. Enjoying the view from my window, allowing rains to pour in my house and playing with raindrops. I was very hungry after a long drive. Maggie came to be a savior. After some time, I saw people are all set to go for 5 days Ganpati Visarjan. I was like wow! That’s what so special about this city of dreams. Mumbaikars have a different spirit altogether. And I saw that everyone is so capable to help themselves as well as others. But the news channels and whatsapp and facebook adds so much of drama around it. Drama not in the sense that people are having troubles. But they are sometimes hyped, they create panic, they spread rumors and so on. This kind of a situation in Mumbai has its own beautiful flip side too if we just don’t look at the struggles that we face for 1 day. I would like to share some of the good things I came across during this crisis.

Alerts and dangers are issued in public interest. Roads are flooded. But visarjan is full on. That’s the spirit of Mumbai. That’s why people say Mumbai never sleeps.

Beauty of rains!

Food Distribution at rustomjee dahisar west to needy person who loss house in yesterday rain

MUMBAI POLICE: They are always there the unsung heroes.

Click to view slideshow.

KEM HOSPITAL

National park highway bridge. Posted by Rajesh jain with message:

Next time you put concrete in River…. remember…

next time you cut trees … remember…

next time you cut mangroves remember….

next time you throw plastic on the road and rivers remember….

This is how nature will give you back all of these things.

Tweet by Anand Mahindra:

Mumbai local train—or Hovercraft?

 

And here in Mumbai,a friend stuck in a car to the airport for 5 hrs told me that slumdwellers came out to serve stranded people tea&biscuits https://t.co/tzhGobH28Q

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) August 30, 2017

Why Mumbai gets flooded even in slightest rains?

Marine Drive after heavy spell of rains.  (Picture courtesy: Shreyansh Sheth)

Click to view slideshow.

 

Another beautiful aspect of these floods:

All over internet relief center details were being circulated. During such crisis, everyone unites and help each other. You see only one religion and one class in these crisis and that’s HUMANITY. Mandir, Masjid, Church, Dargah, people living in slums, people living in small and large apartments, restaurants and hotels, all were just there to help everyone.

And there were rumors too

Paryushan or Das Lakshana Parva

Generally, festivals are celebrations characterized by excitement, enthusiasm, and enjoyment; Jain festivals are characterized by renunciation, austerities, study of the scriptures, and repetition of holy hymns by reciting Sutras and Stavans, meditation, and expressing devotion for the Tirthankars.

Paryushan is the most important festival in Jainism. It is observed during the month of August and/or September. The Shvetambar sect observes it for 8 days while the Digambar sect observes it for 10 days where it is known as Das Lakshana Parva. During these eight or ten days, the entire Jain community becomes engrossed in spiritual and religious activities.

Shvetambaras are also called Deravasi’s i.e. those who go to Derasar. Derasar is a jain temple. So basically Deravasi’s believe in idol worship.

Digambars or sthanakvasi’s do not believe in idol worship. They worship in sthanak or a large prayer hall. It’s an empty prayer hall, without any idol of god. In both the sects, monks are the gurus.

Literally, Paryushan means”coming together from all directions”. This symbolizes growth and transformation.

The word “Paryushan” has several meanings:

Pari + Ushan = all kinds + to burn = to burn (shed) all types of karmas. Our scriptures have prescribed twelve different types of austerities (tap) such as fasting, to reduce our Kashäyas and thereby eliminate our karmas.

Another meaning of “Ushan” is to stay closer. We stay closer to our own soul (remember the qualities of our true soul) by doing Swädhyäy (self-study), meditation, and austerities during Paryushana.

Pari + Upashamanä = Upashamanä means to suppress, mainly our passions (Kashäyas – anger, ego, deceit and greed) from all sources.

The purpose of life according to Jain teachings is to realize oneself, as well as to experience wholeness, peace, compassion, and reverence for all life. Therefore, the real purpose of Paryushan is to purify our soul by observing and correcting one’s faults, asking for forgiveness for the mistakes they have committed, and taking vows to minimize their faults. During Paryushan they should strive to minimize our worldly affairs so that they can concentrate on the qualities of their true self.

Paryushan is a period of repentance and confession for the undesirable acts of the previous year, and to practice austerities that help minimize our passions and vices, which shed accumulated karma. Austerity, the control of one’s desire for material pleasures, is a part of spiritual training. During this period, some people fast for the entire period of eight or ten days, while others fast for shorter periods, although the Jain scriptures recommend a minimum three day fast. However, it is considered obligatory to fast on the last day of Paryushan. Fasting usually involves complete abstinence from food or drink, but during the daytime, drinking of water that has been boiled and cooled in the morning is is permissible. If one cannot fast for the whole day, eating only one meal also counts as limited fasting.

There are regular ceremonies in the temple and meditation halls during this time. During the first three days of Paryushan the Sädhus and Sädhvis deliver sermons related to the five activities that lay people (Shravaks and Shravikas) are required to do during Paryushan.

Five Essential Activities of Paryushan:

Amari Pravartan

Leading a non-violent life, working towards a non-violent world, and supporting animal welfare activities

Sadharmik Vatsalya

Respecting fellow human beings and supporting humanitarian activities

Attham Tapa

Observing fasts for the last three days of Paryushan. Some people fast for all 8 days of Paryushan and it is called Atthai. After 8 days, they celebrate the success of the person doing the Atthai, they call their friends and family to be a part of this celebration.

Chaitya Paripati

Visiting different Jain temples, Jain libraries, Upäshrays, and supporting other charitable and religious organizations

Kshamapana

Repenting our sins, forgiving others and requesting forgiveness from others

In the Shvetambar tradition, the Kalpa Sutra, a Jain scripture that includes a detailed account of the life of Bhagawan Mahavir and other Tirthankars’ is read to the congregation from the fourth through the last day of Paryushan.

On the fifth day the auspicious dreams of Bhagawan Mahavir’s mother Trishala are celebrated at a special ceremony. (Click here to read an article on 14 Auspicious dreams of Trishala mata) The final day of Paryushan, known as Samvatsari, the day of repentance of our past sins and forgiveness to others, is the most important day of Paryushan.

The Digambar tradition calls this festival Das Lakshana Parva and observes it for 10 days. Each day is dedicated to one virtue.

10 virtues are:

1. Kshama – Forgiveness

2. Mardava – Humility

3. Arjava – Straightforwardness

4. Shaucha – Contentment – absence of greed

5. Satya – Truth

6. Samyam – Restraint of all senses

7. Tapa – Austerities

8. Tyag – Charity

9. Akinchan – Non-possessiveness

10. Brahmacharya – Chastity or Celibacy

Some traditions read the Tattvartha Sutra, an ancient Jain scripture that covers the entire Jain philosophy, is read to the congregation. The scripture has 10 chapters and one chapter is read every day.

The last day of Paryushan (Samvatsari) and the first day of the Das Lakshana Parva (Kshama) is the day of forgiveness, and the most important day for all Jains.

This is the day when all Jains repent for their past sins, ask for forgiveness from family, friends, enemies, and especially from those with whom they have struggled, for hurting them in any way either knowingly or unknowingly during the past year. It is essential to their spiritual advancement that they do not harbor ill will or hold grudges beyond a year. Hence, the annual occasion for repentance and forgiveness is the most important day in Jain tradition.

By meditating and purifying during these eight days of Paryushan or ten days of Das Lakshana, they come to realize themselves. They call the Festival of Paryushan, the Festival of the Soul – “when we forgive, we become one with the light of our soul”.

On the last day those who have observed rigorous fasting are honored, especially to encourage others to follow their example.

Listening to the Kalpa Sutra, Tattvartha Sutra, or some other scripture, taking positive steps to ensure the welfare of all living beings, developing the feeling of brotherhood towards fellow human beings and forgiveness for all living beings, doing penance, visiting neighboring temples, libraries, and Upäshrays are all important activities during this time.

After performing Samvatsari Pratikraman (pratikraman means introspection) or Das lakshana celebration, Jains request forgiveness from all living beings in person, via telephone, or via mail. You all must have read or heard this many times – MICHHAMI DUKADDAM (asking for forgiveness).

 

Fourteen Dreams

Mahavira was the last Jainist Tirthankara. People call Lord Mahavira by different names such as Vira or Viraprabhu, Sanmati, Vardhamana, Ativira and Gnatputra. When it comes to the values of Jainism, Lord Mahavira deserves a special mention, as he was the one to establish the ethics that are ruling the whole Jain community today. Mahavira (599-527 BC) was the last Jainist Tirthankara. People call Lord Mahavira by different names such as Vira or Viraprabhu, Sanmati, Vardhamana, Ativira and Gnatputra. When it comes to the values of Jainism, Lord Mahavira deserves a special mention, as he was the one to establish the ethics that are ruling the whole Jain community today.

His teachings and philosophies continue to inspire numerous people even today. He was born in a royal family and denounced his royal family life to attain spiritual knowledge like the Buddha. He was named Vardhamana Mahavira because when he was born his father, king Siddhartha prospered like anything. Vardhamana means increasing and the king credited his growing success and prosperity to the birth of his son.

Lord Mahavira was born roughly around 599 B.C. He was born in the royal family of Kshatriyakund, a part of the republic of Vaishali (present day Bihar). His father was King Siddhartha and his mother was Queen Trishala. It is said that when the queen conceived Lord Mahavira, she had fourteen auspicious dreams that were a premonition of the greatness of the child that was to be born. The prosperity of the King grew day by day. The king attributed his success to his new born child and named him Vardhamana, which means “ever increasing”.

Bhagwan Mahavir’s Birth

It is a well-established convention that the Tirtharnkaras, being supermen, are born only in the noble warrior (Ksatriya) caste. Bhagavan Mahavira was,however, conceived in the womb of a Brahmin lady at midnight on the sixth day of the bright half of Asadha, as a result of his pride for superior caste in one of his previous births. Shakendra Maharaj from his divine drishti saw the underdeveloped body of the Bhagwan in the womb of Devananda a Brahmin. Shakendra maharaj thought that, a Tirthankar was always from a royal family & not from a middle family, so he thought of a plan.

He called Harin Gameyshee Dev & said that the last Tirthankar, yet to be born in the womb of Devananda Queen Trishla Mata of king Siddartha too is pregnant, so he recommanded god Harin gameyahee dev to transplant the foetus from the womb of Devananda to that of womb of Trisala.That night, change of pregnancy took place.

Fourteen Auspicious Dreams of Mother Trishala

Its said that the mothers of would-be Tirtharnkaras witness fourteen auspicious objects in their dreams. Queen Trishala, mother at midnight also saw fourteen beautiful and auspicious dreams after conception while Devananda dreamt the vanishing of dreams. Ever since Trishla Mata’s womb was blessed with the birth of a Tirthankar. The treasury overflowed. There was prosperity every where in the city of Vaishati.

Elephant
Bull
Lion
Goddess Laxmi
Garland of Flowers
Full Moon
Sun
Large Flag
Silver Urn
Lotus-Lake
Milky-Sea
Celestial Air-plane
Heap of Gems
Smokeless Fire

1. Elephant

The first dream Queen Trishala saw was of an elephant. She saw a big, tall, and impetuous elephant. It had two pairs of tusks. The color of the elephant was white and its whiteness was superior to the color of marble. It was an auspicious elephant, and was endowed with all the desirable marks of excellence. This dream indicates that her son will guide the spiritual chariot, and save human beings from misery, greed, and attraction of life.

2. Bull

The second dream Queen Trishala saw was of a bull. The color of the bull was also white, but it was brighter than white lotuses. It glowed with beauty and radiated a light all around. It was noble, grand, and had a majestic hump. It had fine, bright, and soft hair on his body. Its horns were superb and sharply-pointed.

This dream indicates that her son will be a spiritual teacher of great ascetics, kings, and other great personalities.

3. Lion

The third dream Queen Trishala saw was of a magnificent lion. Its claws were beautiful and well-poised. The lion had a large well-rounded head and extremely sharp teeth. Its lips were perfect, its color was red, and its eyes were sharp and glowing. Its tail was impressively long and well-shaped. Queen Trishala saw this lion descending towards her and entering her mouth.

This dream indicates that her son will be as powerful and strong as a lion. He will be fearless, almighty, and capable of ruling over the world.

4. Goddess Laxmi

The fourth dream Queen Trishala saw was of the Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth, prosperity and power. She was seated at the top of mountain Himalaya. Her feet had a sheen of golden turtle. She had a delicate and soft fingers. Her black hair was tiny, soft, and delicate. She wore rows of pearls interlaced with emeralds and a garland of gold. A pair of earring hung over her shoulders with dazzling beauty. She held a pair of bright lotuses.

This dream indicates that her son will attain great wealth, power, prosperity.

5. Garland of Flowers

The fifth dream Queen Trishala saw was of a celestial garland of flowers descending from the sky. It smelled of mixed fragrances of different flowers. The whole universe was filled with fragrance. The flowers were white and woven into the garland. They bloomed during all different seasons. A swarm of bees flocked to it and they made a humming sound around the region.

This dream indicates that the fragrance of her son’s preaching will spread over the entire universe.

6. Full Moon

The sixth dream queen Trishala saw was of a full moon. It presented an auspicious sight. The moon was at its full glory. It awoke the lilies to bloom fully. It was bright like a well polished mirror. The moon radiated whiteness like a swan. It inspired the oceans to surge skyward. The beautiful moon looked like a radiant beauty-mark in the sky.

This dream indicates that her son will have a great physical structure, and be pleasing to all living beings of the universe.

7. Sun

The seventh dream Queen Trishala saw was of a huge disc of sun. The sun was shining, and destroying darkness. It was red like the flame of the forest. Lotuses bloomed at its touch. The sun is the lamp of the sky and the lord of planets. The sun rose and an put to end the evil activities of the creatures who thrive at night.

This dream indicates that the teaching of her son will destroy anger, greed, ego, lust, pride, etc. from the life of the people.

8. Large Flag

The eighth dream Queen Trishala saw was of a very large flag flying on a golden stick. The flag fluttered softly and auspiciously in the gentle breeze. It attracted the eyes of all. Peacock feathers decorated its crown. A radiant white lion was on it.

This dream indicates that her son will be great, noble, and a well respected leader of the family.

9. Silver Urn

The ninth dream Queen Trishala saw was of a silver urn (kalash) full of crystal-clear water. It was a magnificent, beautiful, and bright pot. It shone like gold and was a joy to behold. It was garlanded with strings of lotuses and other flowers. The pot was holy and untouched by anything sinful.

This dream indicates that her son will be perfect in all virtues.

10. Lotus-Lake

The tenth dream Queen Trishala saw was of a lotus lake (padma-sagar). Thousands of lotuses were floating on the lake which opened at the touch of the sun’s rays. The lotuses imparted a sweet fragrance. There were swarms of fish in the lake. Its water glowed like flames of fire. The lily-leaves were floating on the water.

This dream indicates that her son will help to liberate the human beings who are tangled in the cycle of birth, death, and misery.

11. Milky-sea

The eleventh dream Queen Trishala saw was of a milky sea. Its water swelled out in all directions, rising to great heights with turbulent motions. Winds blew and created waves. A great commotion was created in the sea by huge sea animals. Great rivers fell into the sea, producing huge whirlpools.

This dream indicates that her son will navigate through life on an ocean of birth, death, and misery leading to Moksha or liberation.

12. Celestial air-plane

The twelfth dream Queen Trishala saw was of a celestial airplane. The airplane had eight thousands magnificent gold pillars studded with gems. The plane was framed with sheets of gold and garlands of pearls. It was decorated with rows of murals depicting bulls, horses, men, crocodiles, birds, children, deers, elephants, wild animals, and lotus flowers. The plane resounded with celestial music. It was saturated with an intoxicating aroma of incense fumes. It was illuminated with a bright silvery light.

This dream indicates that all Gods and Goddesses in heaven will respect and salute to his spiritual teaching and will obey him.

13. Heap of Gems

The thirteenth dream Queen Trishala saw was of a great heap of gems, as high as Mount Meru. There were gems and precious stones of all types and kinds. These gems were heaped over the earth and they illuminated the entire sky.

This dream indicates that her son will have infinite virtues and wisdom.

14. Smokeless Fire

The fourteenth dream queen Trishala saw was of a smokeless fire. The fire burned with great intensity and emitted a radiant glow. Great quantities of pure ghee and honey were being poured on the fire. It burned with numerous flames. This dream indicates that the wisdom of her son will excel the wisdom of all other great people.

After having such fourteen wonderful dreams, Queen Trishala woke up. Her dreams filled her with wonder. She never had such dreams before. She narrated her dreams to King Siddharth.

The king called the soothsayers for the interpretation of dreams and they unanimously said, “Sir, her Highness will be blessed with a noble son. The dream augur the vast spiritual realm, the child shall command. Her Highness will become the Universal Mother.”

After nine months and fourteen days, Queen Trishala delivered a baby boy. The boy was named Vardhaman meaning ever increasing.