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Hindu Fasts and Festivals
New book
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
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About the author
Sivananda Saraswati
754 books180 followersSwami Sivananda Saraswati (September 8, 1887—July 14, 1963) was a Hindu spiritual teacher and a well known proponent of Sivananda Yoga and Vedanta. Sivananda was born Kuppuswami in Pattamadai, in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. He studied medicine and served in Malaya as a physician for several years before taking up monasticism. He lived most of the later part of his life near Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh.
He is the founder of The Divine Life Society (1936), Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy (1948) and author of over 200 books on yoga, vedanta and a variety of other subjects. He established Sivananda Ashram, the location of the headquarters of The Divine Life Society (DLS), on the bank of the Ganges at Shivanandanagar, at a distance of 3 kilometres from Rishikesh.
Sivananda Yoga, the yoga form propagated by him, are now spread in many parts of the world through Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres, but these centres are not affiliated with Swami Sivananda's original ashrams which are run by the Divine Life Society.
He is the founder of The Divine Life Society (1936), Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy (1948) and author of over 200 books on yoga, vedanta and a variety of other subjects. He established Sivananda Ashram, the location of the headquarters of The Divine Life Society (DLS), on the bank of the Ganges at Shivanandanagar, at a distance of 3 kilometres from Rishikesh.
Sivananda Yoga, the yoga form propagated by him, are now spread in many parts of the world through Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres, but these centres are not affiliated with Swami Sivananda's original ashrams which are run by the Divine Life Society.
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May 14, 2015
Swami Sivananda’s introduction to Hindu festivals
This is an introductory book on Hindu fasts and festivals by one of the most revered Vedantins, Swami Sivananda. The relevance and the practices of 13 festivals, nine jayanthis (birthdays) and six vows (vrata) are briefly described. Many Hindu practices originate from Puranas, but the story behind the celebration comes mainly from the two epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, and numerous Puranas. This book is introductory in nature but serves the interests of both practicing and non-practicing Hindus. For more in-depth study one need to read the relevant Purana.
The major festivals included in this book are; Diwali (Deepavali), Navaratri (Durga Puja), Holi, and Makara Sankranti. Diwali is a celebration with rows of lights (diya), which occurs on the last two days of dark half of Kartik Purnima (October/November). Narak Chaturdasi is observed on the 14th day and Diwali on the 15th day. The origin of this festival is attributed to the following; the celebration of the marriage of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu; it also commemorates the triumphant return of Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana; and to celebrate the killing of demon king Naraksura by Lord Krishna. In Bengal, it is celebrated by worshipping Goddess Kali (Kali Puja). The fireworks symbolize the killing of Narakasura. The oil bath on the morning of Diwali is regarded as purifying as taking a bath in the holy River Ganga. On the day of Diwali, everyone gets up early, a tradition sages started to instill discipline and spiritual advancement. Vaishnavas celebrate with Govardhan Puja and feed the poor.
This is an introductory book on Hindu fasts and festivals by one of the most revered Vedantins, Swami Sivananda. The relevance and the practices of 13 festivals, nine jayanthis (birthdays) and six vows (vrata) are briefly described. Many Hindu practices originate from Puranas, but the story behind the celebration comes mainly from the two epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, and numerous Puranas. This book is introductory in nature but serves the interests of both practicing and non-practicing Hindus. For more in-depth study one need to read the relevant Purana.
The major festivals included in this book are; Diwali (Deepavali), Navaratri (Durga Puja), Holi, and Makara Sankranti. Diwali is a celebration with rows of lights (diya), which occurs on the last two days of dark half of Kartik Purnima (October/November). Narak Chaturdasi is observed on the 14th day and Diwali on the 15th day. The origin of this festival is attributed to the following; the celebration of the marriage of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu; it also commemorates the triumphant return of Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana; and to celebrate the killing of demon king Naraksura by Lord Krishna. In Bengal, it is celebrated by worshipping Goddess Kali (Kali Puja). The fireworks symbolize the killing of Narakasura. The oil bath on the morning of Diwali is regarded as purifying as taking a bath in the holy River Ganga. On the day of Diwali, everyone gets up early, a tradition sages started to instill discipline and spiritual advancement. Vaishnavas celebrate with Govardhan Puja and feed the poor.
Displaying 1 of 1 review