Meaning and importance of Gupt Navratri

It is mentioned to worship Lord Durga in gupt navratri. These navratras are not for ordinary people, they are primarily concerned with people related to the field of sadhana and tantras. In these days also, nine forms of goddess are worshipped. Like in navratri 9 forms of goddess Durga are worshipped, similarly in gupt navratri nine forms of goddess are worshipped and the seeker asks for blessings and power by performing the pooja.

Mystery behind Gupt Navratri

Goddess Durga is also called as shakti, so in gupt navratri all the different forms of goddess are worshipped. Performing the shakti puja of goddess, relieves the worshipper from all the problems and gives the blessing of victory. Gupt navratri also comes twice just like normal navratri, first in ashada month and then in magh month.

During these Navaratri, the devotee worships to enhance the power of sadhana and tantras. People who believe in sadhna and tantra performs this pooja. The process of puja in these days is same as the normal navratri. Like in chaitra and shardiya navratri, 9 forms of goddess are worshipped, similarly in this navratri 10 forms of goddess are worshipped.

Why does Gupt Navratri occur ?

It is very difficult to worship the goddess in gupt navratri and the puja of the Goddess is also done secretly, that is why these are called as gupt navratri. Akhand jyot is ignited in this puja. Goddess is worshipped both during day and evening time. The people who perform secret sadhna, worships the 10 forms of goddess during this time. Durga saptashati path is recited for 9 days. On the day of ashtami or navami, the fast is considered complete only after worshipping young girls.

Puja process of Gupt Navratri

In gupt navratri a kalash is put in front of Goddess Aadhya shakti at auspicious time, in which barley is kept for growing. On one side of this a kalash is kept with water in it. A raw coconut is kept over it. After kalash sthapana, a akhand jyot is ignited in front of goddess Bhagwati. After that Ganesha puja is performed. Then the puja of Varun dev and Vishnu dev is performed. After that puja of goddess Shiva, sun, moon and all the nine planets is done. After worshipping all the mentioned gods, goddess Bhagwati is worshipped. In the days navratri, fast is observed and along with this durga saptashati and devi path is also recited.

Gupt Navratri and Tantra sadhna,

Pujan of 10 mahavidyas is given importance in gupt navratri. According to Bhagwat, there are 10 mahavidyas which originates from the aggressive and subtle forms of goddess Mahakali. These mahavidyas of Lord Shiva provides accomplishment. 10 mahavidyas are considered as the 10 forms of goddess Durga. Every mahavidya is capable of solving all the problems of her worshipper, by taking different forms. These 10 mahavidyas are considered useful and important in tantra sadhna.

Devi Kaali– This is considered as one of the mahavidyas. Tantriks worship the devi kaali form in tantra sadhna.

Devi Tara- Worshipping goddess Tara is considered as authoritarian for the tantriks.

Maa Tara is pararupa, maha-sundari and artistic and she writes the laws of liberation for everyone.

Maa Lalita- By worshipping maa Lalita, the worshipper receives salvation. According to the south-west rulers, the Goddess Lalita is given the place of Chandi.

Maa Bhuvneshwari- Maa Bhuvneshwari is considered as the owner of the creation of world. She depicts the extreme power. Her mantras are considered to give special power out of all the deities.

Tripur Bhairavi- Maa Tripur Bhairavi is considered to be full of tapogun and rajogun.

Mata Chinnamastika- Maa Chinnamastika is also called as mata Chintapoorni. She relieves the worshipper of all his problems.

Maa Dhoomavati- By worshipping maa Dhoomavati the person gets desirous results. The structure of maa Dhoomavati is very scary, which she has adopted to destroy the enemies.

Maa Baglamukhi- Maa Baglamukhi is considered as the owner of suppression. By worshipping her all the enemies are destroyed and devotee becomes free from all kinds of obstacles.

Devi Matangi- Devi Matangi is considered as the owner of voice and sound. She has the power of entire universe. She gives the desired results to her devotees.

Mata Kamla- Maa Kamla is considered as the symbol of happiness. She is considered as the Goddess of wealth. Those who want material pleasures should consider worshipping mata Kamla.


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Jyeshtha Adhikmas Purnima Pujan

According to hindu almanac, jyeshtha mas is the third month in the almanac. It has been mentioned, that in this month the person should worship river Ganga and should also bathe in it. The main festivals that come in this month are Ganga Dussehra, jyeshtha shukla ekadashi and nirjala ekadashi. Jyeshtha is the other name of river Ganga. Ganga has been given the highest place in all the rivers on the basis of its properties.

The importance of purnima in this month increases because this jyeshtha is the adhikmas. The person who worships in this month receives happiness, good luck, wealth and children. According to astrology, the person who donates and worship lord Vishnu on the saptami of krishna paksha, in kritika nakshatra, receives special benefits.

Satyanarayan katha and Pujan

On the day of purnima in jyeshtha adhikmas, it is advised to recite lord Satyanarayan katha. In lord Vishnu puja, banana leaves, panchamrit, betel, paan, sesame (til), moli, roli, kumkum and durva are used. In Satyanarayan puja, panchamrit is prepared by using milk, honey, banana, gangajal, tulsi leaves and dry fruits. Along with this a prasad is also prepared by frying wheat flour and then adding sugar in it. It is then offered as prasad.

After the Satyanarayan katha, their pujan is done, after which aarti of goddess Lakshmi, lord Mahadeva and lord Brahma are performed and then charnamrit is offered as prasad to everyone. On the day of Purnima, it is advised to have a bath in holy river, puddle, well or at home, before sunrise and then perform Vishnu puja. In adhikmas food should be offered to a brahmin and some charity or donation should also be done. The person who have a bath on the day of Jyeshtha adhikmas purnima, receives special grace of lord Vishnu.

Importance of Adhikmas Purnima

The person who adheres to the full moon’s fast in Malmas should sleep on the land. They should eat simple and plain food one time in a day. The person who is adhering to the fast should worship lord Vishnu or lord Purushottam with all the rituals and also recite the mantras. They should read Shri Purushottam Mahatmya Katha. They should also recite the texts from Shri Ramayana or Rudrabhishek. Along with this they should also recite Shri Vishnu stotra.

The person should adhere to fast with reverence and devotion on the adhikmas purnima. Puja-path has been give special importance on this day. If the person offers charity in the beginning of malmas, then the person receives special benefits. The person who follows fast and performs puja, reaches directly to the ‘golok’ and gets a place in the feets of lord Krishna.

Fast Udyapan

Bathing, donation and chanting are given utmost importance in this month. After the completion of purnima and fast in this month, the person should offer food to the brahmins and give charity according to their capacity. Apart from this, their is also one more important thing, that the person should recite malmas mahatamay path on a specified time. In this month donating religious and mythological books is also considered beneficial. Donating clothes, food and items made of jaggery and ghee is also considered auspicious. This month is considered very hot, so donating water in this month is considered auspiciou and give good results.

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Importance of Shakti Pooja during Chaitra Navratra

The beginning of Chaitra month’s Pratipada not only means beginning of a new year but also start of Durga Puja. This year 22 March 2023 Chaitra Navratra marks the beginning which is a ‘Vikram Sawant’ and along with it starts Navratra from Pratipada. Chaitra Navratra is a time to celebrate and worship different forms of Devi Durga which is also known as ‘Shakti Puja’. Even Lord Ram performed this Shakti Puja before his battle and also achieved success in the same. This is the significance if the this nine-day ritual.

People who offer prayers and carry out these nine-day rituals with a pure heart, they definitely attain positive results. With the arrival of Chaitra Navratra, new year begins. This period is also taken as a base to do astrological calculations.

Durga Saptashi in Navaratri

During Navaratra, Saptashi which comes under Shakti puja is of great significance. If you read Saptashi at this time, you may receive quick results. Listening to the recitation of Durga Saptashi is quite beneficial; also the devotee carrying our these rituals is advised to maintain righteousness and purity in all aspects.

Chaitra Navratra puja starts with ‘Ghat Sthapana’. On the day of Shukla Paksh’s Pratipada one is supposed get ready after an early bath. After you vow for your fast, you need to prepare an earthen stool kind of thing where barley seeds are sown. The Ghat is also seated in this. Kul Devi’s idol is placed on the Ghat and then prayers are offered. You must make sure that, during the entire pujan, a lamp must be kept enlightened uninterrupted.

A Durga Saptashati devotee must bathe early in the morning, purify his sitting area, make himself seated in a calm and composed position and should start the rituals with utmost dedication. In case, the devotee remains unable to complete the recitation and reading of Saptashi, he may chant certain given mantras which will indicate the completion of all chapters.

Kanya Puja in Navratra

During all these nine days Devi Durga is worshipped in nine various forms. Nine forms of Durga namey; Shailputri, Bhrahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri and Sidhadatri Devi; there are rituals to be performes for all these forms wherein on the eighth day (Ashtami) and ninth day (Navami) especially little girls are offered pujan and food. In this procedure, girls below 9-10 years of age are worshipped, offered bhog and also presented special gifts.

Puja process for Navratri

All these nine days involve recitation of different Mantras and Tantras to impress and glorify Devi Durga. Along with the puja procedure, tantras and mantras are also performed. Without Mantras, any sort of worship is said to be incomplete. According to Vedas, every individual must pray to any of the planets to attain happiness and prosperity in life. These nine days of Devi Durga urges to pacify the planets through various prayers. Recitation of Mantras in these days fulfill your desires. A day before Navratra, Devi Durga’s ‘Kalash’ is established and then puja rituals are initiated.

During these days, to make Devi Durga happy, there are many procedures that need to be carried out and in this puja, the nine forms of Durga are worshipped which require different types of rituals which in turn make you attain powerful blessings of the Goddess.

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Chaitra Purnima and Hanuman Jayanti (South India)2024

The time is seen to be very different and auspicious on the day of chaitra purnima and Hanuman Jayanti. It is celebrated every year with great devotion and faith. This year, it would be celebrated on 06th April, 2023 that is Thursday. On the auspicious occasion of chaitra purnima and hanuman jayanti, there is a legislation of bathing and donating in holy rivers. On the occasion of chaitra purnima and jayanti you must do the path (पाठ) of Ramayana and the religious work like bhajan and kirtan are also done.

Different presumptions about Hanuman Jayanti

In terms of Hanuman jayanti, two topics are very prevalent. The first is that this jayanti is celebrated on the day of Chaitra Shukla purnima. This is in regard to south India. Especially in South India, the festival of Hanuman jayanti is organised on the day of chaitra purnima.

As per the second presumption, this jayanti is celebrated on the day of Kartik krishna chaturthi. In north India, on the day of hanuman jayanti a lot of donations and prayers are done. Therefore, as per both the presumptions hanuman jayanti is celebrated in devotional sense.

Fast method on hanuman Jayanti

In the worshipping of Hanuman ji, you should take great care of celibacy and purity. The people who are fasting should observe the vow of celibacy one night before keeping the fast and should sleep on the ground. Retire from your daily work and get up early in the morning during brahmamuhurta and do the prayer of Rama- sita and Hanuman. You should worship the idol of Hanuman ji. You must offer sindhoor and chola. You must offer the ladoo of jaggery, chana and besan as a prasad.

You should continue to chant the mantra ‘Om Hanumate namah’. On this day you should do the path of Ramayana and Sunderkand and if possible then do the Akhand path of Hanuman chalisa sunderkand. The birthday of Hanuman ji is the ultimate day of virtue for his devotees. On this day, oil and sindur is offered to Hanuman ji. Hanuman ji likes modak a lot, therefore modak should also be offered to them. We will receive the grace of Hanuman ji if we do the path (पाठ)  of Hanuman chalisa, Hanuman Ashtak, Bajrang vadh and Ramayana on Hanuman Jayanti.

The story of Hanuman’s Birth

There is a legend about Hanuman ji’s birth that goddess Anjani and Kesari had no children. Being upset about this they went to Matang Muni. According to the instructions of the muni, did tapasya by drinking only air. Being pleased with their devotion, the lord of air blessed them with a boy. At the same time, dashrath ji of Ayodhya was also performing sacrificial rites along with their wives in order to be blessed by a baby boy.

The fruits that were received during this was divided between the three wives. A bird moved with a part of this fruit to the place where Anjani and Kesari were worshipping. The bird dropped a fraction of this fruit in the hands of Anjani. Anjani became pregnant by eating this fruit and on the day of Chaitra shukla navami tithi, as per the blessings of Vayu dev, Hanuman ji was born.

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Festival of Diwali 2024 । Deepavali Festival 2024 । Deepawali Festival in India

Dhanteras

The festival of Dhanteras will be celebrated on 29 October, 2024. The significant festival of Diwali celebrated by Hindus, begins on the auspicious day of Dhanteras. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm starting from Dhanteras, then narak chaturthi, Deepavali, Govardhan puja and finally ending at bhai dooj. During the evening of Dhantrayodashi or Dhanteras lamps are lit at the main entrance and courtyard of the house. According to mythology, on the day of Dhanteras bhagwan Dhanwantari emerged at the time of samudramanthan, Dhanwantari ji bought Amrit Kalash and Ayurveda along with him. Lord Dhanwanti is considered to be the god of medicines and the physician of gods.

On the day of Dhan trayodashi the houses are white washed and cleaned, rangoli is made, during the evening lamps are lit and we evocate goddess lakshmi. On the day of Dhanteras buying gold and silver jewellery or utensils is considered to be auspicious. According to valediction if you purchase something on this day, then there will be prosperity and happiness in your home throughout. On this day we worship the scriptures of ayurveda.

Narak Chaturdashi

Narak chaturdashi will be celebrated on 31 October 2024. Narak chaturdashi is also called as chhoti Deepavali. By doing Narak chaturdashi puja we can be free from early death and we also worship Yamraj for perfect health. Narak chaturdashi is celebrated one day before Deepawali and we light the lamps after dusk. Narak chaturdashi is also known as ‘Roop chaturdashi.’ On this day we should worship lord Krishna, as by doing this our beauty is realised. On the morning of Narak chaturdashi a mixture of flour, oil and turmeric is prepared. Apply this mixture on your body, dip the leaves of Achyranthes Aspera in water and take bath. On this day special puja is done. After the puja lamps are kept in different places in the house and incense is lit in front of Ganesh and Lakshmi ji. Later in the evening, we will do deepdaan. This Deepdaan is done for lord Yama, Yamraj. If the devotees do puja in a proper way then they will be free from all sins and will experience spiritual peace and will get the blessings of ishtdev.

Diwali

This year the festival of diwali will be celebrated on 01 November with great enthusiasm. The festival of Diwali is celebrated on the Amavasya of Kartik month. This five day festival is celebrated by the people of all sections with great delight and ecstasy. The festival of Diwali starting from Kartik Krishna paksha trayodashi continuing till the dwitiya of Kartik shukla paksha brings in great propensity, growth in business and pleasures. According to mythology, on the Amavasya of Kartik krishna paksha Lakshmi ji appeared during the time of samudra manthan hence on the day of Diwali we have Lakshmi Puja. Along with this we also do Ganesh Puja.

On the day of Diwali new stylus, pens and ledger accounts are worshipped. It is believed that on the day of Diwali Goddess Lakshmi wanders on Earth. Therefore we light lamps to welcome goddess Lakshmi. Lamps are lit in all corners of the house, so that there is darkness nowhere. On this day Deepdaan is of particular importance. This day is also called as ‘Mahanishth kaal’ hence eliminating darkness and advent light which brings in happiness and prosperity. Deepdaan brings growth in your results.

Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja (Annkoot Pujan) will thrive on 2 November, 2024. The festival of Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the day of Kartik Shukla Paksha Pratipada. Govardhan puja is done on the next day of Deepavali. Worshipping Krishna and nature indicates devotion and respect and brings positivity in our life. On this day annkoot is done in temples and during the evening time Govardhan is made with cow dung and then worshipped. On this day we worship the Fire lord (agni devta), god of rain (Indra devta) and River god (Varun devta). On this day we do the puja of cow using flower garland, Incense and sandalwood.

This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and glee in North India, especially in Mathura. In Govardhan Puja we make a Govardhan with cow dung and worship it and Annkoot bhog is offered. In Shrimad Bhagwat it is mentioned at several places, according to which lord Krishna collapsed Indra’s ego on this day and called forth to worship Parvat raj Govardhan ji. That is why even today, Govardhan puja is held at dusk on the second day of Diwali.

Bhai Dooj

The festival of Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on 3 November 2024. The shukla paksha of dwitiya tithi of Kartik month is celebrated as Bhai dooj and Yama dwitiya. The festival of Bhai dooj signifies the deep love and faith of the sister’s towards their brothers. Sister’s apply tilak on the forehead of their brothers and celebrate the festival and pray to god for the long life of their brothers.

According to mythology, this festival is the epitome of the love and faith between Yamuna and his brother Yama which is set in the hearts of people even in the modern times, worshipping which all the sister’s pray for a happy life for their brother and are able to present their affection towards them. This festival is celebrated two days after Deepavali. This day is also known as ‘Yama dwitiya.’ That is why we also worship lord Yama on this occasion. According to one theory whoever worships lord Yama does not have the fear of premature death.

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Diwali Muhurat 2020 । Deepavali Shubh Muhurat । Deepawali Muhurat

Every year the festival of diwali is celebrated in India with a lot of splendor. Annually it is celebrated in the month of kartik during amavasya (no moon night). After a ten day war with Ravana, Ramji comes back safely to Ayodhya then it was the no moon day of kartik month, that day lamps were lit in every house, since then the festival has began to be celebrated as Diwali and with time too many things have been associated with this festival.

This year, this festival will be celebrated on November 14th, 2020.

Diwali Puja Muhurat

In 2020, kartik amavasya will occur on 2 days. First will be on, 14 November, Saturday and will begin at afternoon 14:18. During this time amavasya will comprise of aprahan, evening, pradosh kaal, nishith kaal and maha nishith kaal. That’s why diwali will be celebrated on 14 November 2020. The amavasya time will end at Next morning 10:37 on 15 November 2020, Sunday and after that pratipada time will start and will remain till night. During this time celebrating annakut puja and govardhan puja are considered auspicious.

Lakshmi puja is the highlight of Deepawali. Therefore if you do puja on this auspicious day then it will remain in your vicinity. According to ‘Brahma Puran’ the midnight moon is the best to worship Mahalakshmi. If there is no moon till midnight then we should take Pradosha wyapini tithi. For Lakshmi puja and deep daan pradosh kaal is considered to be auspicious.

in 2020, Diwali will be on 27th October, Pradosh kal, auspicious Lagna and Chaughadia Muhurat have special significance in Diwali. The Diwali is considered auspicious for business man and people involved with dealings.

Pradoshkal

Pradosh kaal will remain from 17:26-20:08 on 14 November 2020, Saturday, in Delhi and neighbouring cities. This time is calleds as pradosh kaal. Pradosh kaal is considered as shubh muhurat for diwali pujan. And in pradosh kaal, stable muhurat is considered as highly auspicious. On this day, from 17:29-19:24 taurus lagna will remain. The muhurat is auspicious when pradosh kaal and sthir lagna occurs together.

Nishith Kaal

According to local time period, in nishith kaal there may be few minutes difference. On 14th November 2020, nishith kaal will remain from 20:08-22:51. In nishith kaal, 20:48-22:30 will be shubh and after that amrit choghadiya will remain 22:30 – 24 12, that’s why this time till will be favourable for laxmi pujan for businessman.

Maha Nishith Kaal

On 14 November 2020, from 22:51-25:33 mahanishith kaal will remain. During this time, choghadiya of rog and kaal will not be favourable. cancer lagna and leo lagna will be auspicious time. Therefore, forgetting the above mentioned choghadiya, if any work is started in pradosh kaal and nishith kaa and gets completed in mahanishith kaal, then it is also considered favourable. In mahanishith kaal, worship time is cancer lagna in variable lagna and after that leo lagna in stable lagna, then they are also considered as highly auspicious. Mahanishith kaal is considered as auspicious due to the presence of cancer lagna and leo lagna in it. According to ancient scriptures, people who want to perform diwali pujan, they can use this time period.

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Dates of Sharad Navratri in 2024 | Sharad Navratri Festival 2024

Sharda Navratri fast holds a place of great importance. It signified the faith and belief of people in the power of goddess. Goddess Durga has been worshipped since ancient times. It is believed that Lord Ram worshipped Goddess Durga to attain victory against Ravana. There have been many mythological stories depicting the glory of the goddess. It is believed that observing Navratri fast for nine days as per the rituals blesses the person with virtue and happiness.

Navratra is a festival of nine days in which 9 manifestations of goddess Durga are worshipped in the given order: Goddess Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmandal, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhatri. Sharadiya Navratri is celebrated in the month of Ashwin and people worship the nine forms of the goddess by observing fasts and performing the rituals during this period. Durga saptashti is recited during the puja ceremony, and lamp is lighted day and night for the entire nine days.

Ghat Establishment

In 2024, Shardiya Navratra will begin on 03 October , Thursday on the Pratipada tithi of Ashwin Shukla Paksha. Durga Puja begins with the ritual of establishing a Kalash.

Ashwin Ghatasthapana on Thursday 03 October  2024
Ghatasthapana Muhurta – 06:21 to 10:12
Duration – 03 Hour 50 Minutes
Ghatasthapana Abhijit Muhurta – 11:44 to 12:30

Ghatasthapana Muhurta is on Pratipada date.
Pratipada date start – 02 October  , 2024 at 24:19
Pratipada date ends – 03 October , 2024 at 26:59

In the morning of the pratipada tithi of Ashwin shukla paksha, the devotee determines to fast followed by building an altar of soil himself or by the priest and planting barley over it. Then the Kalash is established on the raised platform made of mud along with an idol of the goddess placed on it. Durga saptashti is recited after the establishment ritual while performing the puja. During the puja ceremony, lamp should be lighted day and night for the entire nine days. Some people establish the idol of Lord Ram and recite Ramayana during this period.

Dates of Navratra

  • First Navratri – Pratham Tithi, 03 October 2024, the day is Thursday.  Second Navratri – Dwitiya date, 04 October 2024, the day is Friday  
  • Third Navratri – Tritiya date, 05 October 2024, the day is Saturday. 
  • Fourth Navratri – Chaturthi Tithi, 06 October 2024, the day is Sunday 
  • Fifth Navratri – Panchami Tithi, 07October 2024, the day is Monday. 
  • Sixth Navratri – Shashthi Tithi, 08 October 2024, the day is Tuesday. 
  • Seventh Navratri – Saptami date, 09  October 2024, the day is Wednesday.
  • Eighth Navratri – Ashtami date, 10 October 2024, the day is  Thursday. 
  • Ninth Navratri – Navami date, 11 October 2024, the day is Friday  
  • Dussehra – Dashami date, 12 October 2024, the day is Saturday. 
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Ashwin Krishna Paksha Shraddh 2024 – Dates of Shradh in 2024

According to Hinduism Krishna Paksha of Ashwin Month is celebrated in the form of Shraddh. Description of Shraddh Sanskar can be found  in many religious books of Hinduism. Shraddh Paksha is also known as Mahalaya or Sarva Pitru Paksha. Shraddh means to perform ceremonies for the departed souls of dead ancestors so that they can attain peace. It is a ceremony to offer reverence to family, god, ancestors and children. In the year 2024, the Shraddh will begin

Every Shraddh begins from Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha Purnima and remains till Amavasya.  Purnima is the first day on which the Shraddh is performed, and Amavasya is the last one. A person attains death on the basis of hind date and thus, his Shraddh is performed on the same date. People who do not remember the date of death of their ancestors can perform on  Amavasya.

According to the Hinduism, it is believed that the soul of the dead ancestors of a family residing in the Pitra Lok i.e a realm between the heaven and the earth visit earth at the time of Shraddh Paksha or Pitra Paksha. The soul of the ancestors visit their home with a desire of pind-daan or tilanjali and if someone doesn’t perform it, they go back unhappy.

The ceremonies and Tarpan  performed at this time for their peace is known as Shraddh. Thus, it is believed that whatever we donate in the name of our ancestors is  received by them also.

Shraadh dates in 2024 Dates of Sharaddh

Shraadh Date Day
full moon September 17 Tuesday
Pratapada September 18 Wednesday 
second September 19 Thursday 
third September 20 Friday
fourth September 21 Saturday 
Panchami September 22 Sunday
Sashti September 23 Monday
Saptami  September 24 Tuesday
Ashtami September 24 Wednesday
Navmi September 25 Thursday
decimal September 26 Friday
Ekadashi September 27 Saturday
(Magha Shradh) September 28 Sunday
Dwadashi September 29 Monday
Tryodashi  September 30 Tuesday
Chaturdashi October 01 Wednesday
new moon October 02 Thursday

Note:

Significance Of Shraddh

Shraddha ceremonies have a special significance in HIndu religion. It is believed, the ancestors fro Pitral Lok visit the earth during Ashwin Krishna Paksha. The soul of the ancestors visit their home with a desire of pind-daan or tilanjali and  received a portion of their meal offered by their present generation, in the name of Shraddh. Thus, it is also believed that whatever we donate in the name of our ancestors is  received by them also.

Shraddh is performed for the peaceful salvation of ancestors. Once can perform these ceremonies as per his potency for the ultimate salvation and peace of his ancestors.

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Importance of Om – Meaning of Aum

Before discussing the magnificence of Om, we need to understand its meaning. The sound of Om is omnipresent in the whole universe. Om provides strength to all other words. The sound of Om is a combination of three different sounds. The meaning of these sounds has been explained in the Vedas. Om is recited on the basis of this meaning. Om is used for concentration and meditation. The sound of Om is considered to be similar to God. Understanding Om means you have understood God. All of the Vedas talk about the magnificence of Om. its magnificence has been explained in many different opinions.

Om explains the meaning of Lord’s creation, position and destruction. A person can be free from all desires with Om. Almost every Mantra in Vedas begins with Om. In the absence of Om, Mantras and other verses mentioned in Vedas are incomplete. Om defines the meaning of our lives in relations to material and spiritual powers. It also explains mystical sciences.

You can acquire immense knowledge by understanding the meaning of Om. A person can be free from his sins by chanting Om and understanding its meaning. It is also known as Pranav Mantra. As mentioned earlier, is omnipresent. This means, it is present everywhere in the universe. I neither has a beginning nor an end. Saints and sages have accepted this word to be extremely important. They use this in their prayers and devotion. A person reciting Om experiences positive energy around him. Om is a combination of Aa, Oo and Ma. These symbolize Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha.

It is believed that Omkar consists of twelve Kalas. Each notation of this word signifies and important meaning. The first notation is Ghoshini, second is Vidyun, third is Patangi, fourth is Vayuvegani, fifth is Naamdheya, sixth is Endri, seventh is Vaishnavi, eighth is Shankari, ninth is Mahati, tenth is Dhriti, eleventh is Naari and twelfth is Brahmi. A person can absorb Om’s energy by understanding the powers of Aa and Ma. In the initial stages, Om sounds like different notations.

However, the difference between its notations can be understood gradually. In the beginning, it sounds similar to seas, clouds and waterfalls. Gradually, it becomes more prominent and sounds more similar to drums and noise. In the end, it’s as sweet as a flute or Veena.

Om is the solution for all kinds of problems. A person who can concentrate on the sound of Om is able to eliminate all his problems. Om is used in a lot of religious activities. This explains the magnificence of this word. According to ancient scriptures, Om has always been omnipresent. Its sound is believed to be the beginning of this planet. Many different religions have realized the importance of Om. Recitation of Om provides peace to the mind and body.

Different aspects of Om are also analyzed. As mentioned earlier, its notations play an important role in determining its value. Om is a mysterious knowledge. A person who is able to understand this knowledge is also able to understand the ultimate truth.

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Varuthini Ekadashi – Varuthini Ekadashi 2024

In 2024, Varuthini Ekadashi will be observed on 04th May. This fast is observed on the Vaishakh Krishna Paksha. According to a legend mentioned in Padhya Purana, when Yudhishthira asks Lord Krishna about the significance of observing Varuthini Ekadashi, he answered that by observing this fast  the devotee attains a place in dharmraj lok and parlok (heaven). By observing this fast the person gets blessed with  desirable fruits and gets relief from all sins of life.

It is believed, The results of observing Varuthini Ekadashi fast are equivalent to performing a hard penance. The rituals to observe this fast begins from dashmi tithi only. Person should wake up early in the morning and complete his routine work like bathing etc., on the day of fast. Then, the resolution of fast is taken while worshipping Lord Vishnu. After performing the puja, the observer should do jagran and sings devotional songs in the glory of Shri Hari.

Significance of Varuthini Ekadashi

As per the legends, Once, there ruled a king named Mandhata. He was a very famous ruler of his times and was considered to be one of the wisest and kind person on earth. He was married to Yadav Naresh Shah Bindu’s daughter, Bindumati. With her he had three sons Muchkund, Ambrisha and Puru Kutsa and 50 daughters. All of his daughters were married together to Saubhari saint.

One day, while he was meditating, a wild bear make and started chewing his leg. After some time, the bear dragged the king into the woods. Then the king did not break the rule of meditation and starting praying Lord Vishnu instead of getting angry. Lord Vishnu appeared at that place.

Lord killed the bear with his Chakra. King was very upset since, the bear ate his leg. Lord asked his to go to Mathura and worship his Varaha incarnation on Varuthini Ekadashi. Lord told him, that by the result of this fast, he would get back his organ. So, the king observed this fast with full devotion and got back his organ.

By observing this fast, people in grief attain happiness. Doors of heaven are opened for the king. The fruit of this fast is equal to the results of making donation on the day of solar eclipse. Fasting on this day, gives a person happiness on earth and even after death. And, at last the person gets salvation.

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