Kamada Ekadashi – Kamada Ekadashi Fast 2024

The Ekadashi of Chaitr Masa Shukla Paksha is called the Kamada Ekadashi. In 2024, the fast of Kamada Ekadasi will be observed on 19 April . As the name defines, Kamada Ekadashi fulfills all the wishes of the person observing fast. All sorts of sins are removed on observing this fast. It is said, this Ekadashi give fruits just like fire burns the wood. Similarly, this fast burns all sins of a person. The virtues of this fast helps to conceive child. And, person observing this fast, gets a place in heaven after death..

Rituals For Kamada Ekadashi Puja

Person observing this fast should adopt purity from Chaitra Shukla Paksha Dashmi. The person observing the fast should not eat barley, wheat and moong dal etc. Use of salt is prohibited in this day and the person should sleep on the ground, on Dashmi Tithi. The fasting period of this fast is for 24 hours and rules of this fast are followed from Dashmi itself. For observing this fast, person needs to wake up early in the morning and have bath with pure soil. The observer should perform all the rituals and then recite Satya Narayan Puja.

Historical Significance of Kamada Ekadashi Fast

As per the legends, there was a king named Pundarika, who used to rule a city named Bhognipur. His treasury was full of gold and silver. There, many nymph and Gandharavas used to dwell. Here lived a couple named Lalit and Lalita, who were very rich and they used to love each other a lot. Both used to get anxious on staying apart, even for a little while.

Once king Pundarika with Gandharavas went to a gathering. Here, Lalit Gandharv was also singing with him. His beloved, Lalita wasn’t present. Lalit started remembering her and lost his rhythm. On this, king got angry and cursed him, and he became a demon. By the curse, Lalit Gandharava changed to a ghastly demon. his face became terrifying. He eyes tuned red like sun and moon. His hairs looked like trees on a mountain. His body expanded. Now, he suffered pain and punishment for his mistake.

Lalita got very upset on seeing the condition of her beloved. She started thinking of ways for the freedom of her husband. Once while wandering after her husband, she reached Vindhayachal mountain. She saw an Ashram of Rishi, at that place. Soon she went there and pleaded for help, infront of Rishi.

Looking at her, Rishi asked her name and reason behind her visit. Lalita replied “Hey Rishi! I am a Gandharva girl, Lalita. By husband has changed to a demon by the curse of king Pundarika. I am really upset. Tell me a way for my husband’s salvation.

On this, Rishi asked her to observe the fast on Kamada Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha, Chaitra Masa. This will make her husband free from the curse. So, Lalita happily observed the fast. On Dwadashi (a day after Ekadashi), she gave the fruit of fast to her husband, infront of Brahmans.

She worshipped Lord “O Lord!, give the benefits of this fast, I observed, to my husband. So that, he gets free from the curse.” By the result of fast her husband came to his original form. This way, a person gets rid of all his sins by observing this fast.

Posted in Fast, Festivals | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Worshipping Goddess Mahagauri 2024 : Eighth Day of Navratri

Goddess Mahagauri is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri. In 2024, the eighth day of the Navratri will be celebrated on 16 April. In Mahagauri means one clean and bright ray of lightning that lightens the universe. She has the power to fulfill all the desires. Mahagauri has four arms. Her right arm  is in the pose of allaying fear and right lower hand holds a trident in it. She holds a tambourine in her left upper arm and the lower one is in the form of a blessing

Ya devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Gauri Rupena Sasthita |
Namasteseya Namastaseya Namastaseya Namoh Namah ||

Historical Significance of Worshiping Mahagauri

Mahagauri is the goddess who was worshipped by Shumbh Nishumbh at the bank of river Ganga. Sage Kaushik was born by the traces of goddess Mahagauri to liberate the gods from the wrath of Shumb Nishumb. Goddess Gauri is the wife of Lord Shiva and is also worshipped by the name of Shambhavi.

Asn per the legends, Goddess Mahagauri observed a hard penance as goddess Parvati to get Lord Shiva in the form of her husband. During the course of the penance her body becomes black and dull as her body got covered with soil and turned black in colour. Lord Shiva got pleased with her penance and accepted her as his wife. Then, he cleaned goddess Parvati with Ganga water and saw  her skin shining like gold and thus he named her Mahagauri.

Rituals To Worship Goddess Mahagauri

One should feed unmarried girls on all the days of the Navratra, but Ashtami has its own significance to do so.  On this day the females offer a red coloured stole and perform puja with the same rituals as performed till saptami. Kanya Pujan is performed on Ashtami and Navami days of the Navratra. On the ninth day unmarried girls between the age of 2-10 years are invited to have food. Girls who are older than 10 years of age are not considered for this Pooja. The number of the girls should be 9 in total equivalent to nine forms of the goddess or  there should be at least 2 girls present while performing the Kanya Pujan.

First of all, the feet of the girls are washed with water and are made to sit in a row on a pedestal. Then, Kumkum is applied on the forehead of all the girls  followed by tying kaleva on their hands. Halwa, Puri and black grams are served to them. Once the girls finish eating the prasad the devotee touch their feet to get the blessings. Then give them some kind of dakshina before departing them. Goddess Durga gets pleased when  the devotee performs Kanya Pujan with proper rituals and gives him freedom from all the troubles in his life.

Posted in Fast, Festivals, Hindu Gods, Hindu Rituals | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Worshipping Goddess Kalratri 2024: Seventh Day of Navratri

Goddess Kalratri is worshipped on the seventh day of Durga Puja. In 2024, the seventh day of Navratri will be celebrated on 15, April Goddess Kalratri is known to provide auspicious results always to her devotees, thus known as Shubhankari.

Kalratri appears to be one of the most fiercest form of goddess Durga. The complexion of goddess Kalaratri is like a dark night, she has a bountiful hair and her necklace is shining like thunder. She has three eyes which emanate rays like lightning. Flames appear through her nostrils when she inhales or exhales air. This form of Goddess is believed to be the destroyer of all demons.

Historical Significance of Worshipping Goddess Kalratri

The complexion of Devi Kalratri is as black as a dark night. She has a protruded eyes through which the goddess have a vision of grace on her devotees. Her right upper arm signifies protection and lower arm signifies her giving character. She holds a cleaver and a torch in her left two hands. Her hair always open and waves in the air. Goddess Kalratri is seated on a donkey. This manifestation of the goddess is very auspicious and is also known as Shubhkari.

Rituals to Worship Goddess Kalratri

It is the most important day for Tantriks to perform their rituals. They worship goddess Kalratri after the midnight with tantrik rituals.The seventh night of the Navratri is also known as the Night Of Siddhis. They worship goddess Kalratri after the midnight with tantrik rituals. On this day, the eyes of the goddess are opened and the vilva which is invited on the sixth day of the navratra is included into the puja. Worshipers on this day door open of every siddhi in universe. The devotees collect at the temple and worship her with full dedication and devotion.

The rituals to worship the goddess on the seventh Navratri is similar to that of other nine divine days. The puja on the seventh day is performed like any other day of Navratra in the morning. But, special offerings and rituals are performed to worship the goddess at midnight of the Saptami. Various kinds of tantrik rituals are performed on this day, so alcohol is also offerd to the goddess. This is the night of Siddh Yogis & sadhaks which practice penance on Shashastra Chakra on this day.

According to the rituals mentioned in the scriptures, first of all the Kalasha is worshipped along with all the planets and family members of the goddess. After that one should worship the goddess Kalratri. Lord Shiva and Brahma are also worshipped after worshipping the goddess.

Posted in Fast, Festivals, Hindu Maas, Hindu Rituals, Mantra | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Worshipping Goddess Katyayani 2024- Sixth Day of Navratri

Goddess Katyayani is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri. In 2024, Goddess Navratri will be worshipped on 14 April. On this day special bhandaras are organized by people. Worshipping Goddess Katyayani gives instant results and her devotees get freedom from all the troubles and sufferings in life. She is known to kill the demons and sinners.The goddess is known as Katyayani as she was born to Sage Katyayan and was first worshipped by him only.

Sage Katyayana performed a hard penance of goddess Bhagawati to get goddess Durga born to him in the form of daughter. The Goddess acceded to his request and was born as the daughter of Sage Katyayana. Yogis & Sadhaks practice penance for Agya Chakra on this day. The person worshipping the goddess can feel a strong sense of enlightenment in himself. Her worship done with devotion and faith leads to the attainment of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.

Ya Devi Sarva Bhutesu Maa rupena samsthita I
Namestasyai Namestasyai Namestasyai II

Historical Significance of Goddess Katyayani

According to Hindu mythology, there was a sage named Kat whose son Sage Katyayana performed a hard penance of Maa Bhagvati to get Maa Durga born to him in the form of daughter. The goddess acceded to his request and took birth to him on Dakshin Krishna Chaturdashi. Katyayana worshiped her for three days on Shukla Saptami, Ashtami and Navami. On the tenth day i.e on Vijayadashami she killed Mahishasura and gave freedom to all the gods from his atrocities.

She took birth in Katyayan’s ashram to protect the sages and devas from the demons and devils. The wrath of the demon, Mahishasura was increasing terribly in all the three worlds. In order to kill this demon, the trinity of Gods – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, created the Goddess Durga who was an aggregate of the powers of all the deities.

Rituals to Worship Goddess Katyayani

The devotee should worship the goddess on the sixth day with rituals to please her. The devotees should seek the blessing of the goddess and sit in meditation. Her worship done with devotion and faith leads to the attainment of Dharma, Artha, Karma and Moksha.

The appearance of Goddess Katyayani is as radiant as a gold. She can be seen seated on a Lion. Her arms blesses the devotees. Her one hand is in Abhay Mudra and the second hand is in Varamudra. She holds weapons in one hand and lotus in the other.

Worship the Kalash on the sixth day and all the gods residing inside it followed by worshipping the family of the goddess seated on the both sides of her. Goddess Katyayani is worshipped in the end with flowers and mantras.

Posted in Fast, Festivals, Hindu Gods, Hindu Maas, Hindu Rituals | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Worshipping Goddess Skandmata 2024- Fifth Day of Navratri

Skandmata is the fifth manifestation of goddess Durga. Goddess Skandmata is  worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. In 2024, goddess Skandmata will be worshipped on 13 April, The devotees who worship her with full faith and devotion get immense love and affection from the goddess. Her worshipping is very fruitful and give desired results.

Goddess Skandmata is the deity of the solar system. A supernatural aura in the atmosphere is discharged by the goddess and purifies the soul of those who worship her with full devotion and faith. By worshiping the goddess in the form of Skandamata, the devotee gets all his desires fulfilled and tastes the supreme joy even in this very mortal world. She is also known as Padamasani and Vidyavahini.

Ya devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandmata Rupena Sasthita |
Namasteseya Namastaseya Namastaseya Namoh Namah ||

Historical Significance of Goddess Skandmata

Devi Skandmata is herself the daughter of Himalaya and is also known as Parvati.  She is also known as Maheshwari and Gauri. Being the daughter of the king of mountains, she is also known as Parvati.  She is the wife of Lord Mahadeva and hence is called Maheshwari. She belongs to Gaur Varana and that is why is named as Devi Gauri. The goddess loves her son very much and is pleased to be named after her son’s name

She is the mother of Lod Skand Kumar (Kartikeya) and thus known as Skandmata. The mother of lord Kartikeya is worshipped on the fifth day of the Navratra. Lord Kartikeya is also knows as Skand Kumar or Sant Kumar in various scriptures. The goddess can be seen showering her motherly blessings on her son Skand Kumar. The goddess possesses four arms and is seated on a lotus.

Whenever the oppression by the demons increases, goddess Skandmata rides on a lion and kills them. Devi Skandmata has four arms. She holds lotus in two hands and uses the other hand to support Lord Kartikeya sitting on her lap. Her fourth hand is raised to bless the devotees.

Worshipping Goddess Skandmata

The devotee should perform the puja with rituals as mentioned in ancient scriptures. He should be seated on a sacred seat on a blanket while performing the rituals and start worshipping the goddess as he has done in the first four days of the Navratra followed by chanting the given mantra.

Worship the goddess according to the Panchopkar ritual. Lord Shiva and Brahmaji are also worshipped along with the goddess on this day. Devotees who worship goddess Skandmata with devotion and fervor gets blessings from her and gets all wishes fulfilled. The person gets relief from all kinds of ailments like cough, cold, etc. People who are suffering from serious problems or diseases should offer Alsi to the goddess while worshipping her and eat it himself after the Pooja as a Prasada.

Posted in Fast, Festivals, Hindu Rituals | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Worshipping Goddess Kushmanda 2024 – Fourth Day of Navratri

Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri. In 2024, the fourth Navratri is on 12 April , Goddess Kushmanda is known by this name because she created the whole universe with her little divine smile like a flower which bloomed with a bud.

On this day, the devotees should perform the Pooja of the goddess with pure and calm mind. Kushmand means pumpkin and she liked the sacrifice of pumpkin. This is the other reason that she is known by the name of Kushmanda.

Ya devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Kushmanda Rupen Sansthita

Namastaseya Namastaseya Namastaseya Namoh Namah ||

Historical Significance Of Goddess Kushmanda

Goddess Kushmanda created the whole universe in the shape of an egg called “Anda” with her little divine smile like a flower which bloomed with a bud. The core of Sun is the residence of the goddess. She is the only one who controls the functioning of Suryaloka.

The Kawach Shloka of the goddess Kushmanda reads, “Kutsti Kushma Kushma – Trividhtapyut Sansaar, Sa Ande Maanspeshyamudarrupayana Yasya Sa Kushmanda”. It means that the goddess who is the creator of the universe is Kushmanda.

Goddess Kushmanda is also known as “Ashtabhuja” as she is often depicted as having eight arms. In her seven hands she holds kamandalu, bow, arrow, lotus, a jar of nectar, discus and mace. In her eighth hand she holds a rosary capable of giving eight Siddhis and nine Niddhis. She rides a lion who represents “Dharma”. Ailments and sorrows are eliminated on worshipping her and longevity, name, strength and health are improved.

Worshipping Goddess Kushmanda

The rituals to perform the Pooja of Devi Kushmanda is similar to that of Devi Chandraghanta and Brahmacharini. You start with the worship of Kalasha on this day with all the gods and goddesses and the family members of the goddess invited into it. Then worship goddess Kushmanda by keeping flowers in your hands to offer her and chant,  “ Surasampurnakalasham Rudhiraplutmeva Cha | Dadhana Hastpadhyabhayam Kushmanda Shubhdastu Me ”. Lord Shiva and Brahma are also worshipped after worshipping the goddess. Shri Hari should be worshipped along with the goddess Laxmi.

The devotees who worship the goddess Durga during the nine days of the Navratra also worship her fourth form Devi Kushmanda and establish the Anhat chakra in their mind to get the blessings from her. Kushmanda pooja during Navratri increases one’s health and strength and the person gets freedom from all kinds of fears.

8

Posted in Fast, Festivals, Hindu Gods, Hindu Rituals | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Goddess Chandraghanta 2024 : Third Day of Navratri

The third manifestation of goddess Durga, Devi Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Navratri. In 2024, Goddess Chandragupta will be worshipped on 11th April, She appears like a gold which provide radiance to the environment. The goddess Chandraghanta represents supreme knowledge and bliss with radiant face which appear like an image of solar system. Goddess can be seen posing for the war portraying the image of bravery and strength. A bell shaped mark of moon is present on her forehead because of which she is named Chandraghanta.

The third day of Navratri is considered to be the most important day of nine divine days and nights. Worshipping goddess Chandraghanta on this day eradicate all the problems and troubles of life. The third day of Navratri is has special significance in hindu culture. On this day the devotees who worship the goddess with faith and devotion are able to smell the divine fragrance and many types of divine sounds become audible to him.

She rides a lion and holds weapons like trident, chakra, bow and arrow, paash, sword etc. while having a smile on her face. Seeing her radiance and strength the saints worship her with mantras and vedas. Worshipping the goddess helps the devotees attain desired fruits. .

All the hindrances coming in way of a person are removed by her blessings. Devi Maa is posed in the position ready for the war portraying the image of bravery and strength. Her ride is lion because of which her worshiper becomes valorous and fearless like a lion

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Chandraghanta Rupen Sansthita |
Namastaseya Namastaseya Namastaseya Namo Namah ||

Pindah Pravarudha Chandkopastrakayurta |
Prasand Tnute Mahayam Chandraghanteti Vishruta ||

Rituals to Worship Goddess Chandraghanta

Worshipping goddess Chandraghanta helps attain spirituality and spiritual bliss by worshipping the goddess. The goddess helps her devotees achieve respect, fame and glory.The goddess is pleased with the one who worships the goddess with full devotion and dedication. The goddess is pleased with the one who worships the goddess with full devotion and dedication. It helps him to achieve respect, fame and glory. The energy level is always there in the devotee and the place where the goddess is worshipped becomes holy and pure. Devotees who worshipp the goddess with proper rituals are blessed and get success in all aspects of life by worshipping the goddess.

The ritual to perform the third day puja is similar to that of second day. First of all, worship all the gods, goddesses, planets, lord of the villages in the Kalash. Then, worship the family members of the goddess which are Ganesha, Lakshmi, Vijya, Kartikey, Saraswati, Jaya etc and at last worship Devi Chandraghanta followed by praying Lord Shiva and Brahmaji. Worshipping goddess Chandraghanta on this day eradicate all the problems and troubles of life.

Posted in Fast, Festivals, Hindu Rituals | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Goddess Brahmacharini 2024 : Second Day of Navratri Puja

The second form of Goddess Durga, Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Navratra. In 2024, Brahmacharini will be worshipped on 10 April . The form of Devi Brahmacharini is similar to her name and gives infallible fruits to her devotees. By worshiping her the virtues like penancing, renouncing, dispassion, ethical conduct and restraint in a person is increased and he gets freedom from all the troubles and sufferings in life.

Worshipping Goddess Brahmacharini

Worship the goddess Brahmacharini along with all other gods and goddesses with flowers, rice, sandalwood in the kalash that you have established on the first day of the Navratra. Give her the bath of milk, curd and honey and offer her the Prasada that is being offered to the goddess.After offering the Prasada encompass her with Paan Supari. Brahmacharini is worshipped after the Kalash dev, the lord of the villages, town and planets.

Take one flower in your hands while worshipping the goddess and chant, “Dadhana Kar padmabhyamakshamalakamandalu, Devi Praseedatu Mayi Brahmacharinyanuttama”.

Now give her the bath of Panchamrit and offer flowers, rice and Kumkum to her. Take a garland made of red flower and lotus and put it over the idol of the goddess. Perform the Aarti with Diya filled with ghee along with Paan, Supari and Prasada.

It is believed that goddess Durga reside on earth during nine days of Navratri. Therefore, it is believed to be an auspicious time for penance and austerity. The person who observes the fasts and worship the goddess with full faith and dedication is blessed with peaceful and happy life. The devotees of goddess Brahmacharini gets a happy life and no suffering bothers him.

Significance of Worshipping Goddess Brahmacharini

The appearance of goddess Brahmacharini is quiet and absorbed in meditation. Goddess Brahmacharini is the second power of the nine manifestations of goddess Durga. Brahma means “tapa” or penance and Charini means observer, thus it is name of the one who observes penance. The goddess is quiet and absorbed in meditation. She is a unique blend of radiance and rigorous austerity that can be seen on her face which highlights all the three worlds.

The goddess holds a rosary in her right hand and Kamandalu in her left and personifies love and loyalty. She is the other form of meditation and universe. The other names of the goddess is Tapashcharini, Aparna and Uma. On this day, the worshipper’s mind is established into Swadishthan cycle and receives the blessings from Goddess Brahmacharini.

Posted in Fast, Festivals, Hindu Gods, Hindu Maas, Hindu Rituals | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Worshipping Goddess Shailputri 2024 : First Day of Navratri

Goddess Shailputri is worshipped on the First day of Navratri. In 2024, goddess Shailputri will be worshipped on 09 April .  Navratri begins with the commencement of chaitra Shukla Paksha by establishing a Kalash. A Kalash is considered to be a form of lord Ganesha and thus, all auspicious works begin with its establishment. The place where the Kalash has to be established is purified by with Ganga water and cow dung. The rituals mentioned in the ancient scriptures to establish a kalash should be followed strictly.

Rituals to Worship Goddess Shailputri

Goddess Durga depicts love and compassion. Thus, all the gods, sacred rivers, planets, seas, directions, lord of the villages are called upon and prayed to settle inside the Kalash. Goddess Shailputri, the first manifestation of goddess Durga is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. Kalash is also filled with 7 kinds of soil (Saptmritika), clay, nut and five kinds of coins.

Below this Kalash, 7 kinds of grains and barley seeds are sown, that are harvested on the tenth day. These crops are then offered to all gods and goddess. This ritual is called Jayanti and is performed along with the chant, “Jayanti Mangla Kali Bhadrakali Kapalini, Durga Shama Shiva Dhatri Swaha, Swadha Namostute”. After this ritual the Jayanti is sprinkled over the members of the family to get the blessing of the goddess.

Vande Vanchitlabhaya Chandradhakritshekhram |
Vrisharudh Shooldharan Yashaswineem ||

Significance of Worshipping Shailputri

Goddess Durga’s idol is established at the center of the worship place with Maha Lakshmi, Ganesha and Vijaya’s idol on the right and Kartikeya, Devi Maha Saraswati and Yogini’s idol on the left. Lord Shiva is also worshipped along with all the gods and goddesses. Shailputri is worshipped on the first day with flowers, rice, roli and sandalwood. Everyday in the evening aarti is performed to worship goddess Durga. The worshippers sing “Jag Janni Jai Jai” and “Jai Ambe Gauri”, the devotional songs dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Posted in Fast, Festivals, Hindu Gods, Hindu Rituals | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Chaitra Navratri Dates 2024

In 2024, Chaitra Shukla Paksha Navratri will begin on 09 April  . This day is also marked as the beginning of Nav Samvatsar. Navratri celebrated in the month of Chaitra are  also known as “Varshik Navratri”. As per the scriptures, kumari puja is performed on the eighth (astami) and ninth (navami) day of the navratri. Girls uptil ten years of age are worshipped on this day in the form of nine incarnation of the goddess Durga.

Nine incarnations of Mata are worshipped during Navratri. the names of nine Goddesses are -: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Maha Gauri and Siddhidatri. Devotees worship with full faith fervour on all the nine days of Navratri. Goddess Durga is worshipped on all the nine days of the Navratri and recite Durga Saptshati. This festival is celebrated in devotion of the goddess and her glories as mentioned in ancient scriptures.

The ritual to perform Chaitra Navratri puja begin with ghat establishment. On the day of Shukla Pratipada, the worshipper perform all the daily routine and take resolution for fasting. Seeds of barley and wheat are sown in soil, placed in a vessel made of mud.The idol of the god and goddess is placed over this ghat and worshipped with lamp and durga saptashati path.

Apart from worshipping Goddess Durga, people practising occult activities perform tantra-mantra on the night of navratri. According to the ancient scriptures, each individual should worship at least one planet to attain happiness and prosperity in life. It is said, chanting mantras for grah shanti on this day is considered very auspicious and give desired results.

Siddhi works are performed especially in the festivals celebrated at night. The saints has given more importance to night. Understanding it scientifically; night is peaceful and quite, tantra-mantra and other supernatural things are in strong position. It is easy to concentrate in the night. Chanting Mantra in a peaceful environment yields auspicious results. Many obstacles of nature are removed. This time may be used for gaining mental power and Yogik powers.

Chaitra Navratri Dates

Posted in Fast, Festivals, Hindu Gods, Hindu Maas | Tagged , , | 1 Comment