Happy 47th birthday papa. I love you papa...
I dedicate the following video to you, papa. And also the photo at the side.
Press the link to watch video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msV_O65Yt8k
there is no specific theme for this blog, I may post about sport, religion, my university life, my family..vegera vegera...
Friday, November 19, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Dasavatara--Matsya avatar
Lord Vishnu has taken many forms in order to save dharma in this world. The first form Lord Vishnu took was of a fish or matsya during Satya Yug. The videos below explain why he had took the Matsya form. But sorry only one video is in English...
Why is human body not for material enjoyment?
In this world, there are about 84,00,000 forms of lives, BUT only the human body is meant for knowledge-- divine. This opportunity or ability or knowledge is not found in other bodies!! Thus it is clear that human being alone is aspirant for God-Realization.
In Uttara Kanda, the seventh canto of the Ramacaritamanasa, Garuda puts a question to Kakabhusundi :" Which is the best form of life?" Kakabhusundi replied that human life is the best form of life because all other beings whether they are movable or immovable aspire for it.
However, it is important for us to know that the human body are the one who provides us an opportunity to either go to hell or to heaven or to attain salvation.
Human body is like railyway junction from where you can travel to any direction you like. This is importance of human life. But as mentioned earlier, one of the way may lead to hell!
Some may argue that human body is given to us to have material pleasure found on this world, some may think that human is the only form where you can actually attain material pleasure...
But why does we tend to forget:
If earning money is an achievement, serpents have a lot of money because they live at such places where there is money.
If producing two or three children is a achievement sow can give birth to ten or twelve young once at a time.
If leading a luxurious life and enjoying the worldly pleasures is an achievement, there are dong in some cities which get all the luxuries that are not available to most of people. They also travel by car and aeroplanes!
So, it is obvious, in human form our main priority should be attaining knowledge and self-realization, not material pleasure and achievements.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Happy Diwali
Happy Diwali to everyone!!! and also Happy New Year!!
May God bless you with great health and wealth. Most importantly, On this holy day, lets pray to God so that He will wash all our sin away. Finally have a great year!!
Happy Diwali!!
JAI SHRI KRISHNA
JAI MAHA LAXMI
Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja for Diwali
Lakshmi Ganesh Puja is the most significant aspect of Diwali celebrations in India. Hindus observe the elaborate Lakshmi Ganesh Pooja with devotion and sincerity. It is believed that by propitiating Goddess Laxmi on the auspicious Diwali night one is blessed with riches and prosperity.
Significance of Lakshmi Ganesh Puja
On the day of Diwali people celebrate the birth of Goddess Lakshmi or the Goddess of Wealth hence Lakshmi Puja is an integral part of Diwali celebrations. Hindu businessmen regard the day of Diwali as New Year's time. They start new account books on this day and seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi. Astrologically this day is important as on the Diwali day sun enters its 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.
Traditional Lakshmi Ganesh Puja involves a combined worship of five deities. Just as in all other Pujas, Lord Ganesha - the Vighanharta is worshiped in the beginning. Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped in her three forms as Mahalakshmi - the Goddess of Wealth, Mahasaraswati - the Goddess of Learning and Mahakali. There is also a tradition to worship Kuber - the Treasurer of the Gods.
Preparations for Laxmi Ganesh Puja
While preparing for Laxmi Ganesh Pooja utmost stress is laid on the cleanliness. People sincerely believe that Goddess Laxmi visits the cleanest houses first. After ensuring that the house is spotlessly clean, lamps are lit all round to guide the path of the Goddess of Wealth. Colorful Rangolis are also drawn in front of the house to welcome the Goddess. There is also a tradition to worship broom on this day as it helps to clean the house. Puja room of the house is also cleaned properly to make it fit for the Diwali Lakshmi Puja.
Rituals of Lakshmi Ganesh Pooja
Devotees believe that Goddess Lakshmi visit everyone during Diwali and brings peace and prosperity to all. Following this belief an elaborate Lakshmi Ganesh Puja is performed after sunset on Diwali day. Given here are rituals of Lakshmi Ganesh Puja.
When the prior preparation for the Puja are complete all members of the family gather in the worship place to carry out the Puja. Deities of Goddess Lakshmi and Ganesh are placed on a raised platform covered with cloth. Deities are given a ritual bath first with the water, then with panchamitra or rose water, followed by water once more. Diyas are lighted in front of the deities to ward of evil spirits.
The idols are wiped and placed by a kalash filled with rice grains. Fruits, sweets and salty snacks are arranged in a plate which would be used as prasad. Now offering of flowers, abir, sindoor and haldi are made to the Goddess. At this point incense sticks are burnt and lamps filled with ghee are lit.
Devotees also make offerings of fruit, sweets, salty snacks and offer dakshina (token money), which could be given to the poor. Betel leaves and cloves are also offered. Now devotees pray to the Goddess Lakshmi and seek her blessings. Offering of lotus and other flowers is made to the Goddess and arti is sung in her praise. Prasad is distributed amongst all at the end of the Puja.
Significance of Lakshmi Ganesh Puja
On the day of Diwali people celebrate the birth of Goddess Lakshmi or the Goddess of Wealth hence Lakshmi Puja is an integral part of Diwali celebrations. Hindu businessmen regard the day of Diwali as New Year's time. They start new account books on this day and seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi. Astrologically this day is important as on the Diwali day sun enters its 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.
Traditional Lakshmi Ganesh Puja involves a combined worship of five deities. Just as in all other Pujas, Lord Ganesha - the Vighanharta is worshiped in the beginning. Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped in her three forms as Mahalakshmi - the Goddess of Wealth, Mahasaraswati - the Goddess of Learning and Mahakali. There is also a tradition to worship Kuber - the Treasurer of the Gods.
Preparations for Laxmi Ganesh Puja
While preparing for Laxmi Ganesh Pooja utmost stress is laid on the cleanliness. People sincerely believe that Goddess Laxmi visits the cleanest houses first. After ensuring that the house is spotlessly clean, lamps are lit all round to guide the path of the Goddess of Wealth. Colorful Rangolis are also drawn in front of the house to welcome the Goddess. There is also a tradition to worship broom on this day as it helps to clean the house. Puja room of the house is also cleaned properly to make it fit for the Diwali Lakshmi Puja.
Rituals of Lakshmi Ganesh Pooja
Devotees believe that Goddess Lakshmi visit everyone during Diwali and brings peace and prosperity to all. Following this belief an elaborate Lakshmi Ganesh Puja is performed after sunset on Diwali day. Given here are rituals of Lakshmi Ganesh Puja.
When the prior preparation for the Puja are complete all members of the family gather in the worship place to carry out the Puja. Deities of Goddess Lakshmi and Ganesh are placed on a raised platform covered with cloth. Deities are given a ritual bath first with the water, then with panchamitra or rose water, followed by water once more. Diyas are lighted in front of the deities to ward of evil spirits.
The idols are wiped and placed by a kalash filled with rice grains. Fruits, sweets and salty snacks are arranged in a plate which would be used as prasad. Now offering of flowers, abir, sindoor and haldi are made to the Goddess. At this point incense sticks are burnt and lamps filled with ghee are lit.
Devotees also make offerings of fruit, sweets, salty snacks and offer dakshina (token money), which could be given to the poor. Betel leaves and cloves are also offered. Now devotees pray to the Goddess Lakshmi and seek her blessings. Offering of lotus and other flowers is made to the Goddess and arti is sung in her praise. Prasad is distributed amongst all at the end of the Puja.
Process of Diwali Lakshmi Pooja
An extremely auspicious and joyous festival, Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm in India. On this day to seek prosperity, luck and happiness in the coming year, special Diwali Pooja is performed by Hindus . This pooja is essentially the pooja dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi – the Hindu Goddess of Wealth.
Significance of Diwali Pooja
A significant aspect of Diwali celebrations in India is the Lakshmi Pooja or Diwali Pooja. This puja is a must by everyone especially the business community in India. It is the New Year for many business persons. New account books are opened after paying ritual prayers to the Goddess of Wealth. She is asked to bless the household with wealth and bring prosperity in the coming year. In this context, the Diwali Puja is dutifully carried out in Hindu households.
Diwali Pooja Preparations
It is after sunset Deepawali Pooja is performed . The actual time for Puja is calculated by religious scholars and pandits which is declared in newspapers the previous day. It is very necessary that before the puja starts, the house should be completely neat and clean. All clutters in the house should be disposed. Diyas and candles are lit all around and in front of the house to illuminate the path of Lakshmi Ma. It is said that lighting of lamps ward off evil spirits. Many draw colorful Rangolis in the entrance. Small footprints with rice flour and vermilion are also drawn to indicate the long awaited arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. Oil lamps are kept burning throughout the night. This is believed to guide the path of the Laksmi Ma who is said to arrive secretly at night.
Pooja Items Required in Diwali Puja
Traditional Pooja items include idols of Lakshmi – Ganesh, kalash, roli, mouli, coins, rice grains, kumkum for tilak, betel leaves and betel nuts, incense sticks, camphor, flowers, garlands. For offerings and prasad, sweets and fruits are needed.
How is the pooja performed?
There are various steps of performing the traditional Diwali Pooja in India. It is considered auspicious to start every Pooja by taking Shri Ganesha’s name. In the Laksmi puja also, this is followed. The idols are given a ritual bath and seated on a platform. Ritual worship is carried out. Aarti is sung and prasad is distributed amongst all in the following. It is said that it is only after completion of the puja that fire crackers should be burst. Every family performs this Puja so as to please the Gods to shower them with prosperity and wellbeing . This tradition has been followed for millions of years and continues to be followed as religiously as ever!
Other Gods and Goddesses Worshiped During Diwali Pooja
It is to be noted that this Puja is a combined worship of five deities. Lord Ganesha is worshiped first. Ma Lakshmi is worshiped in all her three forms as Mahalakshmi - the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, Mahasaraswati - the Goddess of Learning and Mahakali. Another God that is worshipped on Diwali is Lord Kuber - the Treasurer of Gods.
Gambling after Deepawali Pooja
An important tradition that is followed after the Diwali Puja is gambling. Many people after Deepawali Pooja indulge in gambling. The main reason behind this is that it is believed that Goddess Parvati played dice with her consort Lord Shiva on a Diwali night. She later proclaimed that whosoever will gamble on this day would see a prosperous year ahead. This continues even today. Flush and rummy are various card games played with stakes on Diwali, especially in Northern India.
Significance of Diwali Pooja
A significant aspect of Diwali celebrations in India is the Lakshmi Pooja or Diwali Pooja. This puja is a must by everyone especially the business community in India. It is the New Year for many business persons. New account books are opened after paying ritual prayers to the Goddess of Wealth. She is asked to bless the household with wealth and bring prosperity in the coming year. In this context, the Diwali Puja is dutifully carried out in Hindu households.
Diwali Pooja Preparations
It is after sunset Deepawali Pooja is performed . The actual time for Puja is calculated by religious scholars and pandits which is declared in newspapers the previous day. It is very necessary that before the puja starts, the house should be completely neat and clean. All clutters in the house should be disposed. Diyas and candles are lit all around and in front of the house to illuminate the path of Lakshmi Ma. It is said that lighting of lamps ward off evil spirits. Many draw colorful Rangolis in the entrance. Small footprints with rice flour and vermilion are also drawn to indicate the long awaited arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. Oil lamps are kept burning throughout the night. This is believed to guide the path of the Laksmi Ma who is said to arrive secretly at night.
Pooja Items Required in Diwali Puja
Traditional Pooja items include idols of Lakshmi – Ganesh, kalash, roli, mouli, coins, rice grains, kumkum for tilak, betel leaves and betel nuts, incense sticks, camphor, flowers, garlands. For offerings and prasad, sweets and fruits are needed.
How is the pooja performed?
There are various steps of performing the traditional Diwali Pooja in India. It is considered auspicious to start every Pooja by taking Shri Ganesha’s name. In the Laksmi puja also, this is followed. The idols are given a ritual bath and seated on a platform. Ritual worship is carried out. Aarti is sung and prasad is distributed amongst all in the following. It is said that it is only after completion of the puja that fire crackers should be burst. Every family performs this Puja so as to please the Gods to shower them with prosperity and wellbeing . This tradition has been followed for millions of years and continues to be followed as religiously as ever!
Other Gods and Goddesses Worshiped During Diwali Pooja
It is to be noted that this Puja is a combined worship of five deities. Lord Ganesha is worshiped first. Ma Lakshmi is worshiped in all her three forms as Mahalakshmi - the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, Mahasaraswati - the Goddess of Learning and Mahakali. Another God that is worshipped on Diwali is Lord Kuber - the Treasurer of Gods.
Gambling after Deepawali Pooja
An important tradition that is followed after the Diwali Puja is gambling. Many people after Deepawali Pooja indulge in gambling. The main reason behind this is that it is believed that Goddess Parvati played dice with her consort Lord Shiva on a Diwali night. She later proclaimed that whosoever will gamble on this day would see a prosperous year ahead. This continues even today. Flush and rummy are various card games played with stakes on Diwali, especially in Northern India.
Diwali 5 Day schedule for 2010
Five Days of Diwali
Diwali Festival in India is celebrated for five continuous days. There are specific rituals and joyous customs for each of these five days and people follow them with faith and enthusiasm. Given here is a brief description of all the five days of Diwali.
Day One - Dhanteras / Dhantrayodashi
Dhanteras or Dhantryodashi Festival marks the first day of Diwali. The word 'Dhan' in Dhanteras means wealth hence on this day people worship Goddess Lakshmi - the Goddess of Wealth. Hectic shopping can be seen as there is a custom to buy utensils and ornaments on this day. At some places in India Dhanteras is celebrated as "Yamadandeepan". Here lamps are kept burning throughout the night in worship of Lord Yamaraj, the God of Death.
Day Two - Chhoti Diwali / Narak Chaturdasi
Second day of Diwali Festival is celebrated as small or Chhoti Diwali or Narak Chaturdasi Festival. Hindus believe that it was on this auspicious day that Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur and made the world free from fear. On this day also people light diyas and burst firecrackers but the celebrations are at a much smaller level as people wait for the next or the main day of Diwali.
Day Three - Diwali / Lakshmi Puja
Third day is the most important of all the five days of Diwali Festival. Lakshmi Puja is the significant aspect of this day. People wake up early and clean their houses. Elaborate Rangoli patterns are drawn at the entrance of the house to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Cleaning and decoration of home is considered important as it is believed that Lakshmi Ma visits the cleanest house first. During the day people pay visit to their dear ones to exchange Diwali greetings and traditional Diwali Gifts, mostly sweets and dry fruits. This custom is said to strengthen the bonds of love shared between families and friends.
Later in the evening people wear new clothes and light up earthen lamps and diyas all around their house. Following this all family members of the house gather to perform traditional Lakshmi Ganesh Puja. Through this Puja Hindus seek prosperity and well being in the coming year. Prasad is distributed at the end of the ceremony after which everyone relishes a sumptuous dinner. Firecrackers are burst later and everyone enjoys the sparkles of anars, chakris and phuljharis.
Day Four - Padiwa / Goverdhan Puja / Varshapratipada
Padiwa or Goverdhan Puja marks the fourth day of Diwali Festival. On this day Lord Krishna is said to have lifted the Govardhan Parvat to protect the people of Gokul from the Indra's wrathful deluge. Padwa also marks the crowning of King Vikramaditya and beginning of Vikram Samvat.
Day Five - Bhai Dooj or Bhaiya Dooj
Bhai Dooj celebration marks the fifth and final day of Diwali Festival. On this day brothers and sisters renew the bond of love shared between them. Sisters' apply sacred red tilak on their brother's forehead and pray for their long life. Brothers reciprocate by blessing their sisters and indulging them with Bhai Dooj Gifts of love.
Diwali Festival in India is celebrated for five continuous days. There are specific rituals and joyous customs for each of these five days and people follow them with faith and enthusiasm. Given here is a brief description of all the five days of Diwali.
Day One - Dhanteras / Dhantrayodashi
Dhanteras or Dhantryodashi Festival marks the first day of Diwali. The word 'Dhan' in Dhanteras means wealth hence on this day people worship Goddess Lakshmi - the Goddess of Wealth. Hectic shopping can be seen as there is a custom to buy utensils and ornaments on this day. At some places in India Dhanteras is celebrated as "Yamadandeepan". Here lamps are kept burning throughout the night in worship of Lord Yamaraj, the God of Death.
Day Two - Chhoti Diwali / Narak Chaturdasi
Second day of Diwali Festival is celebrated as small or Chhoti Diwali or Narak Chaturdasi Festival. Hindus believe that it was on this auspicious day that Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur and made the world free from fear. On this day also people light diyas and burst firecrackers but the celebrations are at a much smaller level as people wait for the next or the main day of Diwali.
Day Three - Diwali / Lakshmi Puja
Third day is the most important of all the five days of Diwali Festival. Lakshmi Puja is the significant aspect of this day. People wake up early and clean their houses. Elaborate Rangoli patterns are drawn at the entrance of the house to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Cleaning and decoration of home is considered important as it is believed that Lakshmi Ma visits the cleanest house first. During the day people pay visit to their dear ones to exchange Diwali greetings and traditional Diwali Gifts, mostly sweets and dry fruits. This custom is said to strengthen the bonds of love shared between families and friends.
Later in the evening people wear new clothes and light up earthen lamps and diyas all around their house. Following this all family members of the house gather to perform traditional Lakshmi Ganesh Puja. Through this Puja Hindus seek prosperity and well being in the coming year. Prasad is distributed at the end of the ceremony after which everyone relishes a sumptuous dinner. Firecrackers are burst later and everyone enjoys the sparkles of anars, chakris and phuljharis.
Day Four - Padiwa / Goverdhan Puja / Varshapratipada
Padiwa or Goverdhan Puja marks the fourth day of Diwali Festival. On this day Lord Krishna is said to have lifted the Govardhan Parvat to protect the people of Gokul from the Indra's wrathful deluge. Padwa also marks the crowning of King Vikramaditya and beginning of Vikram Samvat.
Day Five - Bhai Dooj or Bhaiya Dooj
Bhai Dooj celebration marks the fifth and final day of Diwali Festival. On this day brothers and sisters renew the bond of love shared between them. Sisters' apply sacred red tilak on their brother's forehead and pray for their long life. Brothers reciprocate by blessing their sisters and indulging them with Bhai Dooj Gifts of love.
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