Devshayani Ekadashi

Ekadashi Tithi begins at 00:25 on 27th July 2015

Ekadashi Tithi ends at 00:10 on 28th July 2015

Parana time or time to break the fast in from 05:54 to 08:25 on 28th July 2015

Devshayani Ekadashi, also k nown as Deva Sayani Ekadasi, Shayana Ekadashi and Tholi Ekadashi, falls on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha month (June-July), according to Hindu calendar. People worship Lord Vishnu on this day as it is believed on this day Vishnu falls asleep in his cosmic ocean of milk, known as Ksheersagar. Thus this day is also known as Dev Shayani Ekadashi, meaning the eleventh day on which the God sleeps. He sleeps for four months and wakes up on Prabodhini Ekadashi, the eleventh day of bright fortnight in the month of Kartik, (October-November), according to Hindu calendar. These slumber four months are collectively known as Chaturmas.

Legend for Observing the Fast

This story and its significance was told to Yudhisthira by Krishna. Once a good and noble king named Mandhata governed a prosperous kingdom. He was just and people under his kingdom were very happy. The only issue his kingdom faced was lack of rainfall because of which farmers couldn’t grow crops and thus couldn’t earn money. Many humans and animals died due to lack of water. Mandhata went to many sages for a solution but nothing worked for him. Finally he met a wise sage named Angira who told him to observe the fast of Devshayani Ekadashi with complete dedication and pure heart. He followed the advice of the sage and observed the fast along with his family members and courtiers. Soon rainfall arrived at his kingdom and the period of drought ended. The people were happy again and thankful to their king and they lived once again in prosperity.

How to Observe the Fast?

Devotees should be extra cautious and observe penance. They should not indulge in evil activities like jealousy, greed, anger etc. They should also stay at bay from sensual gratification. The time should be used in praying and meditating. It is considered very auspicious to take a dip in holy water as Vishnu himself resides in the water, thus making it purer. Chanting Vishnu’s thousand names also prove very beneficial. One should also listen to his teachings.

One can observe the fast for the complete day without consuming any food item or a single meal without grains or cereals can be consumed throughout the day. People who want to perform rituals for their deceased ancestors can do it in the afternoon. Earlier, horse sacrifices were a common practice for the day but nowadays, fire sacrifice has become a part of the ritual.

Benefits of Observing the Fast

Devshayani Ekadashi opens the gate of peace and prosperity for the devotees. People can get all their wishes fulfilled by observing this fast. It also makes devotees more controlled and stable, both physically and emotionally. If the fasting is done according to the rituals with utmost dedication then one can attain salvation as he would be free from the cycle of life and death and all his evil activities of the past would be forgiven. Most of the people looking for salvation, fast for two consecutive days.

Devotees can gain a charming life and a blissful future be observing this fast.

Pandharpur Yatra

A religious procession of pilgrims takes place at Pandharpur (Solapur district, Maharashtra). The locals worship another form of Vishnu called Vithoba and his images and idols are offered flowers, fruits and incense sticks. People sing hymns dedicated to the deity and spend the entire day in worshipping him.

 

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Som Pradosh Vrat

Pradosh vrat is observed to seek blessing from Lord Shiva and all the pradosh vrats that fall on Mondays are known as Som Pradosh Vrat.

Legend
A widow went home to home in search of alms for herself and her son. She came across another boy, named Dharamgupt whose father had lost a battle and his kingdom was taken over by his enemies. They had thrown out Dharamgupt out of his own kingdom. The lady took Dharamgupt to her own home and treated him like her son. All three of them performed Som Pradosh Vrats every month.

One day Dharamgupt met a beautiful girl and they both fell in love. She asked him to meet her after one day. Dharamgupt did as he was told and went to meet the girl who was sitting with her father. Her father was a king and he told Dharamgupt that he is ready to wed his daughter to him and he will also give him an army so that Dharamgupt could gain his kingdom back.

Dharamgupt was soon married and also won back his kingdom. He took the widow and her son along with him and gave them high position and status in the kingdom. Such were the benefits gained by all the three people by observing the Som Pradosh fasts.

How to Observe the Fast (Pooja Vidhi)
After waking up early and taking bath, people visit Shiva temples to offer their prayers. They read Shiva Purana. They also chant the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya” throughout the day. People can also place idols of Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha, in their homes and offer flowers and incense sticks to them.

Other offerings like ghee, milk, curd, honey, rice powder, sugar cane juice, lime juice, coconut water, cooked rice, sandalwood paste and sugar can result in receiving salvation, long life, children, good health, satisfaction, majestic life removing enmity and debts.

Devotees might observe a full day fast or a partial fast in which they might consume fruits. The fast begins at sunrise and ends in the evening, after one has performed all the rituals. Cooked vegetarian food can be consumed after prayers.

Benefits of Observing the Fast
Devotees who observe Som Pradosh fasts, become positive thinkers and all their wishes gets fulfilled. Unmarried girls keep these fasts in order to gain a loyal and devoted husband like Shiva. Prosperity and wealth can also be achieved by observing these fasts. Married couples should perform the above mentioned rituals to gain happiness and peace in their family life. Moonstone can also be worn to gain freedom from anxious mind, troublesome life and negative thoughts. Negative karma can also be destroyed by praying to Parvati and Nandi.

It is believed that these days are highly governed by Parvati who influences thoughts and emotions of one’s life. Offering prayers to her might also provide emotional stability and strength.

The list of Som Pradosh Vrats and the auspicious time to perform prayers and rituals are-

16th February 2015 (18:07 to 20:42)

02nd March 2015 (18:17 to 20:47)

29th June 2015 (19:18 to 21:21)

13th July 2015 (19:17 to 21:21)

23rd November 2015 (17:20 to 20:05)

These fasts are observed the twilight period and it is believed that Shiva and Parvati are in the most cheerful mood in this period, thus granting all the wishes of their devotees.
 

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Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) 2015

Raksha Bandhan

29^th August 2015 (Saturday)

Muhurat to tie Rakhi on Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan Thread Ceremony Time = 13:50 to 20:58 (7 Hours 8 Mins)

Aparahan Time Raksha Bandhan Muhurat = 13:50 to 16:10 (2 Hours 20 Mins)

Pradosh Time Raksha Bandhan Muhurat = 18:42 to 20:58 (2 Hours 15 Mins)

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in the Hindu month Shravana that falls in the month of (July- August) during a full moon day or Purnima day. Initially, Raksha Bandhan belongs to north and west India but soon People from all over India has started celebrating this heartfelt festival. It is the day that strengthen one of the noblest & loveful bond between the brother and sister. It is the day when sister tie the thread on the wrist of the brother and in return brother vouches to give love, affection and security for the sister. Thus, this day is called Raksha Bandhan as it literally means promise to tie the knot to make the pious relationship secure.

Mythological saga behind Raksha Bandhan related to Yama and Yami

According to the mythological saga, on the full moon day of the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar that falls in the month of July-August.  Yama, the lord of death, got tied a thread from his sister Yami. Yama was overwhelmed by the love of his sister that he declared that whoever got this sacred thread (Rakhi) tied from his sister would become eternal.

From that day onwards sisters tie rakhi to their brothers wish them a long life and brothers give their blessings by promising to take care of the sisters throughout their life.

Mythological saga behind Raksha Bandhan related to Ganesha

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Nag Panchami

Nag Panchami is commemorated on the fifth day of the waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha) Sravana month according to Hindu calendar that falls in the month of (July- August).

In 2015, Nag panchmi will be celebrated on 19th August, Wednesday.

The auspicious time for the prayers on the Nag Panchami will be as follows:

05:56 - 09:10

10:47 - 12:25

15:39- 18:53

Nag Panchami as the name suggests, and it is the festival dedicated to the snakes. The main reason behind the celebrations of Nag Panchmi is that it is observed in the rainy season when the rain water seeps in the snake holes and force snakes to come out of it. In the search of their new place to live, they can cause harm to anyone. To pacify them, people worship them and offer them milk and silver jewelry.

Legend behind the celebration of Nag Panchami

According to Hindu mythological stories, there was Krishna, who saved people of Mathura from the fear of the snake Kaliya.

How did Krishna empower Kaliya?

Once, Krishna was playing with the ball at the bank of Yamuna with his friends. Unfortunately, the ball fell in the river. Krishna took the dip into the river to get the ball where he was attacked by Kaliya. Krishna fought with him and empowered him. Krishna was ready to kill him, but Kaliya pleaded to spare his life. Krishna agreed but asked him to vouch that he would not harm anyone anymore. Nagpanchami is thus the celebration of the Krishna over Kaliya.

Nagpanchami, Shiva & Snake

Shiva is one most short tempered God. He wears snake in the neck in three folds that represent past, present and future. It represents Shiva is Independent of Time and controls time... Read More