श्रेणी: Devotional

Devotional International

Why Pakistan Charges Rs. 200 From Each Muslim Devotee Of Kartarpur Sahib?

HT News

Gurudwaras are open to all but in Pakistan, Muslims are discouraged from visiting the Gurudwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib. While the government has levied a charge of Rs. 200 for paying obeisance to Bana Nanak, the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) doesn’t allow Muslims to visit the sanctum Sanctorum.

PSGPC on Muslims visiting the gurudwara

According to PSGPS president Satwant Singh, Muslims are kept out of the sanctum Sanctorum for fear of violations of Sikh code of religious conduct that makes it mandatory for visitors to remove socks, wash hands and cover head before entering the gurudwaras.

The president further said that since the staircase leading to the sanctum at first floor is narrow, the PSGPC had to prevent locals from entering the gurudwara to make way for visitors. He said that up to 5000 to 6000 visitors visit the gurudwara daily.

On the Rs. 200 charge levied on Muslims for paying obeisance to Bana Nanak, the president reasoned that had written to the government to waive the charge from Muslim devotees. But he said that Muslims should also follow the Sikh code of religious conduct and avoid activities like taking selfies in the gurudwara.

Guru Nanak had Muslim devotees

Muslims call Guru Nanak Dev ji as Bana Nanak and the come to Kartarpur Sahib to pay their obeisance to Guru Nanak Dev. When Guru Nanak passed away, their devotees decided to cremate the departed soul according to their religions. While Hindus made Samadhi of Guru Nanak, Muslims made mazar of Bana Nanak.

Source: https://bit.ly/2YnBjkQ

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Devotional National

SC Refers Sabarimala Temple All-Women Entry To A Larger Seven-Judge Bench

HT News

Supreme Court decided that the decision to review to end ban on women between 10 and 50 entering Sabarimala Temple in Kerala should be taken-up by a larger seven-judge bench. Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi related the question of women of all ages entering into Sabarimala Temple to issue of Muslim and Parsi women and female genital mutilation in the Dawoodi Bohra community.

What was Sabarimala Temple ban?

The apex court with a majority of 4:1 ended the centuries-old ban on women of mensural age – 10-50 – from entering the famous Ayyappa shrine last year. The SC called the religious practice of prohibiting women from 10-50 years of age as “illegal and unconstitutional”. It upheld the constitutional right of evert individual to practice their faith.

What is present status of Sabarimala Temple ban?

The court didn’t put hold on its earlier order hence there’s no ban on women of all ages entering Sabarimala Temple. The matter is only referred to a larger bench for decision.

What is the status of Sabarimala Temple ban?

Two women tried to enter the temple but were vehemently opposed by the society and political parties. It is what made people request the apex court to reconsider its decision.

Source: https://bit.ly/2qWfIDl

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Devotional International

Trump Would Celebrate Diwali Three Days Ahead In The White House

HT News

US President Donald Trump will celebrate Diwali in White House three days ahead of the festival. He would mark the beginning of Diwali festival in America by lighting a ceremonial “diya” on Thursday. No other details of the celebrations were shared by the White House spokesman.

Who started the tradition of celebrating Diwali in White House?

Barack Obama started the tradition of celebrating Diwali by lighting a ceremonial lamp in the US. It was in 2009 when Obama then the US President first lit a lamp to celebrate Diwali in his office. Trump is the second US president to celebrate the festival of lights in White House.

It is Trump’s third Diwali celebration in White House

Trump celebrated his first Diwali in 2017 in his Oval Office in the presence of a select group of Indian-American community leaders. He hailed the contribution of Indian community in the development of America after lighting the ceremonial lamp.

In 2018, Trump invited then Indian Ambassador to the US, Navtej Singh Sarna for Diwali celebrations. It is third time that Trump will celebrate Diwali by lighting a ceremonial lamp in White House. But it isn’t known whether he would invite members of Indian-American community.

Both in 2017 and 2018, Trump referred to his good friendship with Indian PM Narendra Modi while lighting the ceremonial lamp. It is to be seen how he addresses the Indian community in the US.

Meanwhile, Diwali celebrations in the US have already begun. The Indian-American community has started preparations for celebrating the festival of light.

Source: https://bit.ly/2pIOq2G

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Devotional News & Politics Today's Special

Dhanteras 2019 Is Two-Day Shopping Festival

HT News

This Dhanteras is going to be very special due to lagnadi, chanra, mangal, sadasanchar and ashtlakshmi faldaayi shubhsanyong. Also, it is going to be two-day shopping festival according to leading astrologer SudhanandJha. He further said that this Dhanteras the sun is making the great suryakritaubhyacharisanyog. Worship goddess Lakshmi, Ganesha, Saraswatiand Kuber in sthirlagna to get sukh-samridhi.

Start puja in sthirlagna

Dhanteras would mark the beginning of five-day festival of light. 25th October is to worship father of Ayurveda, Dhanwantari Rishi. According to Varanasi and Mithila panchang, Dhanteraspuja should start on sthirlagna and you can keep worshipping according to your convenience.

Shubh Lagna for Dhanteraspuja

VrishaLagna: 6:50 PM to 8:42 PM

Sinha Lagna: 1:13 AM to 3:29 AM

Tula Lagna: 5:44 AM to 8 AM

VrishchikLagna: 8 AM to 10:15 AM

KumbhLagna: 2:10 PM to 3:40 PM

Pradoshkaleen Puja

It is auspicious to worship goddess Lakshmi, Ganesha etc. in Pradoshkaleentime that is just after sunset. Those who are unaware about their lagnascan start puja past half-an-hour of sunset.

Astrologer Sughanand Jha said that Deepawali and Kali puja is on 27th October. He further said that the auspicious time for Kali puja is 10:30 PM. Pran Pratishta would be on 11:40 PM after which you can start the puja.

Highlights of Dhanteras

• Falling on Chandra, mangal, ashtlakshmi faldaayi subhsanyog

• Shubh Muhuraton 25th October from 4:42 PM to 26th October 2:29 PM

• Full night puja muhuraton Dhanteras and shopping on two-days

• Govardhan puja would be on 28th October

Source: https://bit.ly/2P8BrlD

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Devotional

Make Karwa Chauth 2019 Special For Your Wife

HT News

October 17 will be Karwa Chauth, a religious ceremony special for married Hindu women called “Suhagan”. Every Suhagan keeps fast from sunrise to sunset to pray for well-being and long-life of her husband.

About Karwa Chauth

Every year the fourth-day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik is celebrated as KarwaChath. This day is considered auspicious for fasting for a happy married life. This fast is exclusively for women. On this day, Suhagans wake up early and have breakfast before the sun rises. It is so because they are prohibited from eating or drinking till sunset. The fast is opened only when the moon rises.

How the Karwa Chauth performed?

It starts with listening to a religious story related to Karwa Chauth in the evening before the sunset. Women observing fast can perform the puja in groups or go to a nearby temple, according to their convenience. After the puja is complete, they wait for the moon to rises. Suhagans first see the moon and then their husbands. Finally, the husbands give water to their wives for opening the fast.

Highlights of Karwa Chauth

  • Women spend an entire day without food and water
  • They spend lavishly on makeup and dressing
  • Husbands buy expensive gifts for their wives
  • People exchange quotes and messages for Karwa Chauth on social media
  • Women can fast even after engagement

The modern lifestyle also has a say in Karwa Chauth. Boutiques and hotels offer special discounts and packages for Karwa Chauth. Today it is celebrated as a national festival.

Source: https://bit.ly/2VQnDhe

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Devotional News & Politics

Ravana Effigy Went Into Flames While Setting In Vidhsha, MP

HT News

In a freak incident in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, an effigy of Ravana burnt to ashes after colliding with electricity powerline. The incident happened just a day before Dusshera celebrations.

How Ravana effigy burnt before Dusshera?

It happened in Sironj area of Vidisha district. At the time of incident, the effigy was being installed at a predetermined place. The authorities were trying to setup the Ravana near a bus stand to celebrate Dusshera when the mannikin hit the 132 KV power line passing over it. Soon the Ravana was in flames and came down heavily in the form of ashes. The persons holding the effigy became mute spectators to the flames.

How tall was Ravana effigy?

It was a 33-feet tall Ravana stuffed with firecrackers of different shapes and sizes. As soon as it touched the high-tension electric line, it burst into flames with the firecrackers setting off the effigy. It was a horrific scene as the area was packed with audience gathered to see the effigy being set for Dusshera festival. Also, there were passerby who stopped hearing the sound of firecrackers. But luckily there was no accident at the site. All the persons working on the Ravana effigy and passerby were safe.

Who was responsible for the Ravana burning incident?

Locals blamed the Sironj Municipality and the authorities for the unfortunate incident. According to locals, the responsible persons should have taken precautionary measures to prevent the collision of the effigy with the powerline. It was a clear negligence on the part of the authorized persons.

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Devotional

Tamil Nadu Governor, Chief Minister, Deputy CM And Other Leaders Extend Greetings For Ayudha Pooja And Vijayadasami

HT News

Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit extended his greetings for Ayudha Pooja to countrymen. Also, the Chief Minister K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam extended their greetings for Ayudha Pooja on the eve of the festival of Viajaydasami started on Monday.

What did the governor say in his greetings?

Banwarilal Purohit said that Ayudha Pooja marked the triumph of the good forces over evil. He further elaborated that the concept of Durga as a protector of human race was embodied in Navarathri celebrations. He said that people chant hymns of Durga’s victory over evil forces.

The Raj Bhawan greeting message states that the governor extends his best wishes to the people of Tamil Nadu to promote communal harmony, diversity and creatively offer opportunities for civic pride and improve their standard of living.

What did the CM say in his greetings?

CM K Palaniswamiwith his Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam extended best wishes of Ayudha Pooja and Vijayadasami to the people of Tamil Nadu. They said the ritual is performed to honour the tools people use and pray for their businesses to flourish.Amma MakkalMunnetraKazhagam leader TTV Dhinakaran also joined the leaders in extending his best wishes for the coming festivals.

How is Viajayadasami celebrated in Tamil Nadu?

The festival marks the beginning of good initiatives including education, industrial ventures and projects to hold the social values. The festive mood grips the entire state and brings a new energy to the markets. It is a ritual for political leaders to extend their best wishes.

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Devotional National News & Politics

Durga Ashtami 2019: Why Is It The Most Auspicious Day Of Navratri Festival And How Is It Celebrated?

HT News

Durga Ashtami or Maha Ashtami is the most auspicious of the 10-day Navratri festival starting after Pitru-Paksha.People celebrate this day with much fervor. According to traditions, Goddess Kali appeared on this day and killed the demons.

Story of appearance of Goddess Kali

Maa Durga was fighting the demons when the Goddess Durga appeared from her forehead to punish the demons that were trying to destroy the world order and establish their reign. Those demons were associated with Mahishasur that was killed by Maa Durga. Maa Durga appeared as a little girl riding a lion and she killed the dreaded Mahashasur.

Goddess Kali appeared to kill the remaining demons and free the earth from their demonic powers. Durga Ashtami is celebrated by worshipping all the incarnations of Maa Durga. Goddess Durga’s eight consorts are Brahmani, Maheswari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narasinghi, Indrani and Chamunda.

How Durga Ashtami is celebrated?

People go to temples to offer their prayers to Maa Durga. Prasad of Halwa and Puriis prepared and offered to girls of tender age. Since Maa Durga appeared as a little girl, all girls are considered incarnation of Maa Durga on this day. In modern days, people give gifts to girls. The 10-day Navratri festival concludes with Sandhi Puja in evening. Also, bhandaras are hosted to serve prasad to people visiting temples.

Durga Ashtami on social media

People share images and quotes of Durga Ashtami on social media including WhatsApp. Also, they exchange text messages and multimedia messages with their friends, relatives and loved ones.

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Devotional National News & Politics

Celebrate Durga Puja In Chandrayaan-2 Pandal In Varanasi

HT News

In Varanasi, a Durga Puja pandal is dedicated to ISRO’s Chandrayaan-2 mission. It is a theme that has made this pandal interesting as well as attractive for visitors. While it isn’t new for Durga Puja pandals to get themes but it is for the first time that a pandal is given a science theme.

Highlights of Chandrayaan-2 Durga Puja pandal 

  • Situated 100-feet high above the ground
  • Designed in record time of 2-months
  • Idol of ISRO Chief K Sivan and astronauts along with Goddess Durga

Set on an elevated frame, this pandal will make you feel as if you are walking in the space. It is a real and unique experience and the first time in the country.

Durga Puja pandal themes in Varanasi

Every year, Durga Puja pandals are decorated in different themes. The socio-religious associations that make arrangements for Durga Puja try doing different to make the pandals more attractive. This year, the Durga Puja pandal of Orderly Bazar in Varanasi is themed on the Chandrayaa-2 mission. It is amazing but the association behind the pandal did a massive job. And this theme has caught attention of the media not only in India but across the globe. It is the kind of support ISRO needs for its hard work.

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Devotional National News & Politics

Navratra Kalash Puja Vidhi Mantra For Winter Navratra Beginning Sunday 28th September

HT News

Winter Navratras would begin from 29th September, Sunday. This time the Goddess Durga is coming on elephant and she’s bringing many happy coincidences and it is on one of the coincidences that you need to set kalash at home.

What is kalashI?

According to Devi Bhagwat Purana, kalash is an incarnation of Lord Ganesha because it is the home to holy waters from oceans, rivers and many gods and goddesses. After sitting, the kalash becomes the heavenly abode of Lord Ganesha and clears all the hurdles. People set kalash before Navratra puja to fulfill the religious ceremony without any hindrance.Every day, rituals are started only after worshipping the kalash.

It could be an earthen pot or one made of metal like copper and brass. Fill the kalash with jau, til, saptmritika, sarvoshadhi, lalvastra, paniwala nariyal, deep, roli, Kumkum, sikka, supari, gangajal, aam ka pallav, pan ka patta and shahadand set it at your home.

What is the right time for setting kalash?

Kalash can be set on Sunday after sunrise. Sit the kalash for four hours after sunrise in abhijeetmuhurton mud and sand. You need to take an oath (sankalp) to worship the goddess for the coming nine days. It is necessary to take Sankalp for Navratra puja.

Time to set kalash for different cities

This time Naratra are beginning on kanyalagna that includes five starts – shukra, surya, chandrma, mangal and budh. It is auspicious to set kalash in hast lagna. If you miss this lagna, you can set kalash in dhanulagnain abhijeetmuhurt.

Delhi: 06:17 AM to 07:40 AM and 11:48 AM … Read the rest