Maha Shivaratri: Celebrating the Night of Shiva

Date of Celebration in 2024: March 8th (Friday)

Why We Celebrate: Maha Shivaratri, also known as the “Great Night of Shiva,” is a major Hindu festival celebrated annually to honor Lord Shiva, one of the supreme deities in Hinduism. It holds several significances:

  • Marriage of Shiva and Parvati: Many believe Maha Shivaratri marks the celestial wedding of Shiva and Parvati, symbolizing the union of the masculine and feminine energies.
  • Overcoming Darkness: The festival signifies the triumph of light over darkness, both literally (occurring on the darkest night of the lunisolar month) and metaphorically, representing the victory of good over evil and ignorance.
  • Seeking Blessings: Devotees observe Maha Shivaratri by offering prayers and seeking blessings for spiritual growth, liberation, and fulfillment.

Top Quotes:

  • “On this auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri, may the blessings of Lord Shiva shower upon you and your loved ones. May you find peace, happiness, and prosperity in life.”
  • “May the observance of Maha Shivaratri ignite the inner light of wisdom within you and guide you on the path of righteousness and self-realization.”
  • “Om Namah Shivaya” (a sacred mantra chanted during Maha Shivaratri, meaning “I bow to the eternal Shiva”)

How to Celebrate:

  • Fasting: Devotees often observe a day-long fast, consuming only water or fruits.
  • Puja (Worship): Devotees offer prayers and perform puja (worship rituals) to Lord Shiva, typically involving offerings of bel leaves, milk, and flowers.
  • Jagran (Staying Awake): Many devotees stay awake throughout the night, chanting mantras, singing hymns, and meditating.
  • Temple Visits: Devotees visit Shiva temples to participate in rituals, seek blessings, and experience the festive atmosphere.

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Dhanteras 2023: Seek Blessings Of Goddess Lakshmi On This Dhanteras     

The 13th lunar day of the Krishna Paksha of the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar is called Dhanteras. In Hindi, “Dhan” means wealth, and “teras” means thirteenth. So, this day is celebrated as the day of wealth, prosperity, and happiness. Also, it marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival that concludes on “Bhai Dooj”.

by Shalini Agrawal

Why We Celebrate Dhanteras?

Mythology relates Dhanteras to the churning of the cosmic ocean (Sagar Manthan) by Gods and Devils. All worldly things were emerging from Sagar Manthan and on this day, Goddess Lakshmi emerged to bless the world with wealth and prosperity. From that day, “Dhanteras” is celebrated to get the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.

Another story relates Dhanteras to the birth of Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurveda and health. Dhanvantari blesses devotees of health and well-being. People also worship Lord Kubera, the treasurer of the gods, on Dhanteras. It is believed that celebrating Dhanteras brings wealth and prosperity.

How To Celebrate Dhanteras?

Dhanteras is celebrated by shopping for gold and silver ornaments and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, and Lord Dhanvantari at their homes and offices. People buy new clothes, vehicles, properties, and other assets on this day and believe that buying goods will please Goddess Lakshmi and bring wealth and prosperity to their lives.

For Lakshmi Puja, people light earthen lamps in their homes, especially on their doors. It is to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi. Also, they offer sweets to the goddess and seek her blessings. Since it is the beginning of Diwali, the festival of light, people light their homes with decorative lights.

Auspicious Time Of Lakshmi Puja On Dhanteras In Read the rest

Send Best Wishes Of Happy Maha Shivratri 2021

Maha Shivratri is celebrated across the globe according to Hindu traditions. Devotees fast observe a day-long fast and perform puja all night during Nishita Kaal to worship Lord Shiva, the god of destruction. Also, they give best wishes of Maha Shivratri through phone calls and social media messages and pictures.

Importance of Maha Shivratri

It is the biggest night of Lord Shiva worshipped as the marriage of Lord Shiva with Devi Parvati. Also, it is the day when the Linga from the deity first appeared. Today is the fourteenth day (Chaturdashi Tithi) of Krishna Paksha of Phalguna month according to Purnimant calendar but it is Magha according to Amavasyant calendar.

Devotees of Lord Shiva go to Shivalayas to offer all the things that Lord Shiva likes. They offer bel patra, dhatoora, bel fruit, and bhang to Mahadev. Also, they bath the deity with fresh water, gangajal, milk, dahi, and desi-ghee. Sandal wood powder is also applied to the deity for sweet fragrance.

Happy Maha Shivratri wishes and quotes

• Maha Shivratri is a day when you awaken your inner consciousness to discover the purpose of your being. Feel the presence of the Supreme Power inside and outside.

• Here’s extending my warm greetings to you on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri.

• Shiv Ji Ka Tyohaar Aaya Hai, Anginat Ullas Laya Hai, Har Manokamna Poori Ho Aapki, Bhole Baba Ka Ashish Chhaaya Hai

• Kabhi Na Ho Dukhon Ka Samna, Pag Pag Bholenath Ka Aashirwad Mile, Maha Shivratri Ki Aapko Dheron Shubh Kamnayein. Hara Hara Mahadev

• On the joyous day of Maha Shivratri, here’s praying that we all stay together and cherish every … Read the rest

Ayodhya Mosque Construction Will Start On January 26

The Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation (IICF) trust will start construction of the Ayodhya mosque at the prescribed five-acre plot on January 26. Also, it has planned a plantation drive and raising of the national flag to mark the beginning of the project.

Reason given for plantation drive

IICF said that it wanted to highlight the cause of climate change with plantation drive and give the message that climate change was the biggest threat to humanity. The upcoming mosque includes a green area that will have plants from all geographic regions and varieties from Amazon rainforest to bushfires in Australia to aware people about the challenge of climate change.

It will be a modern design

The IICF unveiled a futuristic design with beautiful mosque featuring a massive glass dome sitting in a picturesque garden. Also, a hospital building is seen just behind the mosque. But IICF also intends constructing an Indo-Islamic cultural research centre, library, museum, publication house and a community kitchen.

The nine trustees of the foundation recently held a meeting to discuss the design and clearances for foreign contribution from Income Tax Department. They also discussed issues related to the new design and decided to apply to the Ayodhya District Board to allow construction of library and other facilities.

Settlement of Ayodhya dispute

Supreme Court in its November 2020 verdict made it clear that the disputed site at Ayodhya belonged to Lord Ram but it also ordered a suitable place be allotted for construction of a mosque.

Source:- https://bit.ly/3izedC9

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How Do Muslims Observe Fasting In Ramzan?

“Ramzan” or “Ramadan” is taken from an Arabic word “Ramad” that means “scorchedness of the earth due to excessive heat”. And the festival of fasting stands true to its name as it is observed in the hot month of May. Also, it is surprising to see that the period of fasting remains same throughout the world.

Fasting in Ramadan

Muslim fasting is an opportunity to practice abstinence from the appetites that drive their existence. But it is voluntary fasting observed from dawn to dusk in the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar. Dates for the Ramadan fasting are set according to the Hijri calendar and Muslims across the observe fasts on the set dates.

History of Ramadan

The start of Ramazan fasting can be traced back to the Islamic New Year of AD 622. It was the time when Prophet Muhammad migrated from Makkah (Mecca) to Yathrib that is now known as Medina and established the first Muslim community of Ummah with his followers.

The Hijri calendar has 12 months (354 to 355 days) in a year and it moves back 11 days each year as compared to the universal Gregorian calendar based on solar movement. And for this reason, the first day of Ramadan changes according to the Hijri calendar.

Rules for fasting

Observance of fast strictly follows the movement of celestial bodies – sun and moon. Hilal is the new moon in Arabic and it has a specific importance in this holy month. The fasting follows and concludes on the sighting of this new moon. It takes a period of 29 to 30 days in completing its cycle.

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How Was Parshuram Related To Lord Rama And Lord Krishna?

Some people are celebrating Parshuram Jayanti on April 25 but others will celebrate the birth of Lord Parshuram on April 26. Since Lord Parshuram was born on the Shukla Tritiya in Vaishakh month, Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated at Parshuram Jayanti. Also, it is believed that Lord Parshuram took birth in PradoshKaal. His mother was Renuka.

But some people will celebrate the Parshuram Jayanti and Akshaya Tritiya on April 26 due to a difference in Parshuram Jayanti Panchag. People are asked to celebrate birth of Lord Parshuram at their homes due to lockdown.

Worship Lord Parshuram

Start early with taking bath. Clean the temple including the idol of Lord Parshuram or his picture. Offer flowers and water while chanting prayers of the Lord Parshuram. He is believed to be one of the incarnations of Vishnu that are physically present like Hanumanji and Ashwatthama. He is also called the God of Justice.

Relation with Shriram and Shri Krishna

In Tretayug, when Lord Rama broke the “shiv-dhanush”, Parshuram was worshipping on Mahendraparvat. And as soon as he heard the sound of breaking of “shiv-dhanush”, he got angry and went to that place where Shriram broke the bow. But later he bowed down to Shriram.

Shriram gave his Sudarshan Chakra and said asked him to return the chakra in Dwapar Yoga when Lord Vishnu was incarnated as Lord Shri Krishna. Parshuramji kept the Sudharshan Chakra with him until he met Shri Krishna in Dwapar and gave the chakra back to Lord Vishnu.

Source:https://bit.ly/3eP8KVp

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How People Of India Celebrate Baisakhi?

Baisakhi 2020 will be celebrated in the lockdown state but it won’t be different from earlier times. In normal days, people used to celebrate Baisakhi with family members and friends. Today, they will celebrate the festival at home and use latest communication technology to feel togetherness.

Origin of Baisakhi

Taken from the word Baisakh, Baisakhi is the biggest festival in Punjab and Haryana. It marks end of the harvest season. On this day, melas are organized where people sing and dance to the tune of rural songs. Bhangra, the folk dance of Punjab, is quite popular in the Baisakhi dance.

Baisakhi in Kerala

In Kerala, it is called “Vishu”. And the festival starts with decoration of flowers, fruits, cereals and clothes and gold etc. The first thing the people do this day is to see the decoration. It is believed that seeing decoration will bring happiness and prosperity to their homes.

Baisakhi in Uttarakhand

In Uttarakhand, Baisakhi is celebrated as “BikhotiMahotsava”. The day starts with taking a dip in holy rivers. Also, in some parts of the state, there is a tradition to stone the symbols of demons.

Baisakhi in Assam

In Assam, people celebrate Baisakhi as “Bohag Bihu” or “Rangali Bihu”. Also, the Assamese new year starts with Baisakhi. According to traditions, it is the celebration of Vishu Sankranti (Aries Sankranti) in Baisakh month. Locally the “Bohg” festival continues for 7 days.

Baisakhi in Orissa

In Orissa, Baisakhi is known as “Mahavishuva Sankranti”. Also, it is the start of the new calendar in Orissa. The festival is celebrated by depiction of culture and civilization through folk arts.

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Happy Good Friday 2020: What Is Good And Bad About This Day?

Good Friday 2020 falls on April 10 when the entire world is under a lockdown state. But everybody is waiting for this day that has both the good and bad feelings. It is the day when Jesus Christ was crucified and Good Friday is celebrated to commemorate the life of that holy man.

What is bad about Good Friday?

Jesus Christ was crucified and as a result, he left the mortal world for his holy abode in the high skies. But the humanity on the earth lost a great leader that took the responsibility of growth and greatness of human race.

What is good about Good Friday?

Jesus Christ left for his heavenly abode leaving the human race blessed to flourish for generations to come. This day is celebrated as day of Jesus Christ when he left for heaven. People give good wishes to each other and pray for the well-being of humanity in the world.

How is Google Friday celebrated?

The day start with prayers followed by wishing Good Friday to family members, relatives, friends, neighbors and all acquaintances.In the modern day, people sand pictures through WhatsApp messages to their groups and to individual phone numbers. Some creative people even make multimedia messages on the theme of Good Friday to send their best wishes.

Religious and social organizations feed hungry people on this day. Some organizations even host health checkup camps to aware people about their health conditions. It is the day when people establish and strengthen their social contacts.

Source: https://bit.ly/3c1VYk2

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How to Worship Bajrangbali In Lockdown State?

Traditionally the devotees used to go to temples to recite Hanuman Chalisa to worship and please Bajrangbali. But this time, people will have to worship Bajrangbali at home due to coronavirus scare. But the good thing is that you can do Bajrangbalipuja with Vidhi Vidhan at home.

Hanuman Chalisa

The text of Hanuman Chalisa is taken as a blessing by the almighty. It is said that the recitation of Hanuman Chalisa destroys fear. It is recited in temples and other places during Hanuman Jayanti. But people can recite Hanuman Chalisa at home and celebrate Hanuman Jayanti. People are asked to stay indoors due to coronavirus lockdown but they can worship Bajrangbali at their homes.

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

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Ram Navami 2020: Ram Janm Katha And Its Importance

Today the country is celebrating Ram Janmotsav as Ram Navmi. It is an annual festival that falls on the Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar. MaryadaPurushottam Prabhu Shri Ram took birth on this day.

Story of the birth of Lord Shri Ram

It is a very interesting story because it has a mythical event behind the objective of his birth. Lord Rama was born to free the world from the curse of Ravana, the king of Lanka. In Tretayuga, Lord Srihari Vishnu took birth in the incarnation of Lord Rama to kill Ravana.

Maharaja Dasaratha of Ayodhyahad no children. He performed a yajna to get a son. To start the yajna, he released a horse named Shyamakarna with his Chaturangini army. It started in the presence of sages, ascetics, kinds, friends and their guru Vashistha ji.

The yajna started with chanting of mantras and the smell of holy offerings to the yajna spread all over the world. Also, special kheer was made for offering. At the conclusion, Maharaja Dasarathaoffered all his blessings to brahmins. And the kheer was kept as blessings for his queens, who became pregnant after eating the kheer.

On the Navami date of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month, queen Kaushalya gave birth to a son in Punavasu Nakshatra. The infant had a stunning indigo on his face because he was none other than Vishnu. Other queens Kaikey and Sumitra also gave birth to sons. MahrajaDasaratha got four sons with blessings of the yajna.

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