Mahalaya Shraddh Paksha

The dark fortnight of Aswayuja (September-October) is known as the Mahalaya Paksha or the fortnight specially sacred for offering oblations to the departed ancestors. The last day of this period, the new moon day, is considered as the most important day in the year for performing obsequies and rites.

The renowned hero of the Mahabharata, Karna, when he left the mortal coil, ascended to the higher worlds and the great charity he had done here was returned to him hundredfold. But, it was all gold and silver; there was no food, as he had not done any food-charity! He prayed to the god of death. So, he was sent back to earth for fourteen days, to make up for this deficiency.

For fourteen days, he fed Brahmins and the poor, and offered oblations of water. On his return to the higher regions, he had food in plenty. It is these fourteen days that are commemorated in the Mahalaya Paksha. Due to the grace of the god of death, it has been ordained that offerings made during this period benefit all the departed souls, whether they are connected to you or not.

Charity in the form of food is important during this observance. Life depends upon food. You cannot preach religion to empty stomachs. This human body is the most important vehicle for realising God. How precious must food be which keeps the body fit for Yoga! The gift of food is the greatest gift. Therefore, give food in plenty, not only during the Mahalaya fortnight but all through the year

Rishi Panchami

The fast on the fifth day(Panchmi) of the waxing moon (shukl paksh)of Bhadrapad is undertaken by men and women alike. Its effect is to wash away sins done voluntarily or involuntarily.

The devotee should after a bath in the sacred water, clean his/her hands 108 times, the mouth 108 times and listen to the story of Ganesh, Navagreh, Saptarishi and worship Arundhati. Fruits should be eaten only once in a day.

Rushi Panchami 2010 date is September 12. In fact, Rishi Panchami is not a festival, but a vrata or puja to be performed by women. Rishi Panchami puja is mainly dedicated to Saptarshis or Sapta Rishis – seven sages.

Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami also known as"Gokulashtami", "Ashtami Rohini", "Srikrishna Jayanti", "Sree Jayanthi" or sometimes merely as "Janmashtami",anmashtami is thel celebration of Lord Krishna's birth. Major celebrations of Krishna Janmashtami takes place at midnight as Krishna is said to have made his divine appearance in that hour. Fasting, bhajans, pujas and many other rituals mark Janmashtami celebrations in India.

Krishna Janmashtami is observed on the Ashtami tithi, the eighth day of the dark half or Krishna Paksha of the month of Shraavana in the Hindu calendar, when the Rohini Nakshatra is ascendant.

At midnight, the idol of the infant Krishna is bathed, adorned in new clothes and jewellery, placed in a cradle and worshiped. The fast is completed after Aarti, a special prayer. At day break, ladies draw patterns of little children's footprints outside the house with rice-flour paste, walking towards the house. This symbolizes the entry of the infant Krishna into his foster-home

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi - Birthday of Lord Ganesh is one of the most popular Hindu Festival. It is celebrated on the 4th day (chaturthi) of the bright fortnight month of Bhadrapada (August-September) in Hindu Calendar. The celebration continues till Anantha Chaturdasi which is for 10 full days.This year Ganesh Chaturthi falls on (11-09 -2010) saturday

Ganesha is the foremost god of the Hindu pantheon. This brave guardian of the door to Parvati's bath is beheld today as the most auspicious God of new beginnings. He is worshipped during every festival and before people undertakes a journey or embarks upon a new venture. You will also see him carefully guarding entrances to temples and homes, peeping out of calendars and happily gracing marriages and other such occasions..

Importance of yagnopaveeta

In this way Yagnopaveeta comprises of nine threads. Nine threads represent nine divinities. The first: Omkaara, the second: Agni, The third: naaga, the fourth: Soma (Chandra), the fifth: pitrugalu (forefathers); the sixth: Prajaapati ; the seventh: Vaayu, the eighth: Surya, and the ninth: Vishwedevategalu.

It is said in Saamaveda Chandogya-sootra, that drawing one strand from each Veda, Brahma made a composite string of three strands. Vishnu multiplied it by three with knowledge, action and worship. Chanting the Gaayatri Mantra Shiva tied an eternal knot

Yajur upakarma(24-08-2010)

Rig upakarma-23-08-2010

vedic culture

VEDAS

The word 'Veda' is evolved from the root 'Vid' which means 'to know'. The term 'Veda' means knowledge.

Vedas are also known as 'Shruti' the word 'Shruti'is evolved from the root 'Shru' which means 'to hear'. It is said that the Gods dictated the Vedas and the Sages first 'heard them' and memorised them. It was passed on to successive generations verbally for thousands of years.There are Four Vedas - Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samveda and Atharvaveda. From the endless Vedas, how much ever is required to be learnt by jeevan for its samskara and to intermingle with paramporual, such knowledge is called veda saaka a part of veda.

In Rigveda – 21 saakas

In Yajurveda – 109 saakas

( In sukla yajur – 15 saakas, In krishna yajur – 94 saakas)

In sama veda -1000 saakas

In adharva veda – 50 saakas,thus 1180 saakas are there according to Vishnu Purana.

METHODS OF LEARNING VEDAS:

1. Learning mantras as it is known as Samhitha paatam / vaakya paatam.

2. Learning by splitting each word in the vedic sentences is known as Padha paatam.

3. Learning by combining first word of mantra with the second, second word with third,third word with fourth is known as Karma paatam.Those who mastered Vedas in this manner is called karma viththars.

4. Learning by combination of two words together is known as Jataa paatam.Those who are experienced in this method are called jataa valabhaas.

5. Learning by combination of three words to the front and back is known as Sika paatam.

6. Another different method is Mala paatam.

7. Furthur telling the words to the front and back in several ways is known as Gana paatam.

8. Thando ganam.

9. Ratho ganam.

10. Thvajo ganam.

AAVANI 2010_files