Rituals in Sanathana Dharma
- Parent Category: Rituals and SAL Energy
- Category: Rituals in Sanathana Dharma
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Kanakadhara Shothram
kanakadhara shothram chanting is believed to shower gold or wealth in one's life. Many times the belief does out to be disappointing because the results come in different degrees to the devotees. Why this sloka chanting does not give equally prosperity to all?.
Wealth is energy and energy cannot be created from nothing, it can only be transformed from another energy form. Sacrifice is a form to transform energy from one form to another. Practically doing sacrifice is known as "Thyaga" and when done technologically it is known as "Yagyna".
To understand this one has to analyze logically the history behind the creation of this sloka by Adi Sankara. When he was young he took alms from different houses for daily meal. To give alms (Dhaana) is considered meritorious because through giving donation (food or money forms of energy), one can transform it into luck-prosperity or SAL Energy.
One day Sankara reached the house of a poor lady for Biksha (Alms). She was very poor and short of clothing and food. She had no food left to give to Sankara but only had one pickled gooseberry in her kitchen. Sankara saw the highest sacrificial act and felt that the highest Dhaana or sacrifice is not in "giving what one has, but in giving whatever one has".
He saw that she has transformed her compassion filled sacrificial act into eight form of SAL Energy or Ashta-Lakshmi's. He sang the Kanakadhara sloka immediately praising the Energy (Lakshmi) and her husband Vishnu (Consciousness). The romantic love between them is the symbolic connection of God Consciousness and functional Energy.
To this Sankara’s song, Goddess Lakshmi poured golden amalaka fruits into the 
poor lady's courtyard. Important point: To not all people who gave alms, Sankara chanted Kanakdhara and rained gold in their house. Only to this lady who did a sacrifice, the luck-energy manifested as wealth.
It is a superstition (violation of natural law) to think that without doing any action, one can generate any Energy (luck, prosperity, wealth etc) in life.
The message for us is that this song when chanted will create that awareness and compassion in us to do sacrificial acts and create luck, prosperity in life.
If one does only chanting, then the small amount of "Time-Energy" and mind focusing energy is transformed to equivalent luck energy.
If one does a lot of charity work, donations to create more awareness in the society, then one transforms more luck energy in life.
We have to understand that not all could be totally selfless like the poor-lady, and so will get only accordingly the merits of our actions.
Sloka line 17 says "Seva Kasya Sakala Artha Sampathaha".
This means only through Seva (Selfless work), we can attain propserity (Sampathaha) to fulfill all (Sakala) artha (desires).
To chant the Kanakadhara sloka click this Angam hare pulaka .
The implied meaning of the sloka.
Anggam Hari, Pulaka Bhooshanam Aashrayantee
Bhringa Angana eva, Mukula aabharanam Tamaalam
Anggee Krita Akhila, Vibhootir apaanga Leela
Maangalya Daa Astu, Mama Mangala Devataayaha
To the Consciousness (Vishnu- Hari) who shelters (Aashrayam) unconditional happiness (Pulakam),
you are the very decorative (Bhooshanam) Goddess Maha-Lakshmi (Mangala Devata or Devata of eight forms of Energy), the dark-core (bringa) soul (mukula) of him.
OH Mother, who move around (Angana) playfully (Leela) and create the whole (Akila) universe with the abundance (vibhutir) of your own Self-body (Angee), Wont you also then grant (Astu) that Prosperity-SAL Energy (Maangalaya) to me too (Mama)?
PDF version -Kanakadhara sthothram.
Kanakadhara Sthothram
AUM Sath Gurubhyo Namaha
AUM Hari Shri Ganapathiye Namaha
AUM Jagat Guru Aadi Sankara Acharya Namaha
AUM Naaraayanaaya Vidmahe, Vaasudevaaya-dhee-mahi
Tanno Vishnu Prachodayaath
Aum Mahaa lakshmi Vidmahe,
Vishnu pathne cha Dheemahi,
Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayaath
Anggam Hari, Pulaka Bhooshanam Aashrayantee
Bhringa Angana eva, Mukula aabharanam Tamaalam
Anggee Krita Akhila, Vibhootir apaanga Leela
Maangalya Daa Astu, Mama Mangala Devataayaha 1
Mugdhaa Muhur Vida-dhatee, Vadane Muraare
Prema Trapaa, Prani hitaani Gata gataani
Maalaa Drishor Madhu-kareeva, Mahot-pale Yaa
Saa Me Shriyam, Dishatu Saagara Sambhav aayaaha 2
Aameelita Aksham, Adhigamya Mudaa Mukundam
Aananda Kandam, Animesham Ananga Tantram
Aakekara Sthita Kanee, nika Pakshma Netram
Bhootyai Bhaven Mama, Bhujanga Shaya Anga-naayaha 3
Baahu Antare, Madhu Jitah Shrita Kaustubhe Yaa
Haara-valeeva, Hari-neela-mayee Vibhaati
Kaama Prada, Bhagavato Api Kataaksha Maalaa
Kalyaanam Aavahatu Me, Kamala aalayaayaha 4
Kaala ambu daali, Lalitor asi Kaitabhaarer
Dhaara-dhare Sphurati Yaa, tadith Angan aiva
Maatuh Samasta Jagataam, Mahaneeya Moortir
Bhadraani Me Dishatu, Bhaargava Nandanaayaha 5
Praaptam Padam Prathama ta, Kalu Yat Prabhaavaan
Maangalya Bhaaji Madhu Maathini, Manmathena
Mayyaa Pate Tath-iha, Mantharam eekshan aardham
Mand aalasam Cha, Makaraalaya Kanyakaayaha 6
Vishva Amare Indra Pada, Vibhrama Daana Daksham
Aananda Hetu(r) Adhikam, Mura Vidvisho Api
Eeshan Nisheedatu Mayi, Kshanam eekshan aardham
Indee-varo dara, Sahodaram Indiraayaha 7
Ishtaa Vishishta Mata Yo Api, Yayaa Dayaa aardra
Drishtyaa Trivish-tapa, Padam Sulabham Labhante
Drishti Praharshta Kamalo dara, Deepti Rishtaam
Pushtim Krisheeshta Mama, Pushkara Vishtaraayaha 8
Dadyaad Daya Anupavano, Dravina Ambu Dhaaraam
Asmin Akin chana , Vihanga Shishau Vishanne
Dushkarma garmam Apaneeya, Chiraaya Dooram
Naaraayana Pranayinee, Nayana Ambu Vaaha 9
Geer Devata iti, Garuda Dhvaja Sundaree iti
Shaakambharee iti, Shashi Shekhara Vallabhe iti
Srishti Sthiti Pralaya Kelishu, Samsthi-taayai
Tasmai Namas Tri Bhuvanai, Eka guros Tarunyai 10
Shrutyai Namo Astu, Shuba Karma Phala Prasootyai
Ratyai Namo Astu, Ramaneeya Guna Arnavaayai
Shaktyai Namo Astu, Shata Patra Niketanaayai
Pushtyai Namo Astu, Purushotama Vallabhaayai 11
Namo Astu, Naaleeka Nibha aana-naayai
Namo Astu, Dugdho dadhi Janma Bhoomyai
Namo Astu, Soma Amrita Sodaraayai
Namo Astu, Naaraayana Vallabhaayai 12
Namo Astu, hemaam buja peeti kaayai
Namo Astu, bhoo mandala naayi-kaayai
Namo Astu, devaadi dayaa paraayai
Namo Astu, shaarang aayudha vallabha yai 13
Namo Astu, devyai bhrigu nandana yai
Namo Astu, visnour asthi shithi-taayai
Namo Astu, laksmyai kamala alayaayai
Namo Astu, daamodara vallabha yai 14
Namo Astu, kaantyai kamalekshana yai
Namo Astu, bhootyai bhuvana prasoot yai
Namo Astu, devadi bhirar-chita yai
Namo Astu, nanda atmaja vallabha yai 15
Sampat Karaani Sakala, indriya Nandanaani
Saamraajya Daana, Vibhavaani Saroru(h) aakssi
Tvad Vandanaani Duritaa, Harano udya-taani
Maam Eva Maatar, Anisham Kalayantu Maanye 16
Yat Kataaksha, Sam-upaasanaa Vidhi
Sevakasya Sakala, Artha Sampadaha
Samtanoti Vachana, Anga Maanasai(h)
Tvaam Muraari, Hridaye ishvareem Bhaje 17
Sarasija Nilaye, Saroja Haste
Dhavalata ma Amshuka, gandha Maalya Shobhe
Bhagavati Hari , Vallabhe Manognye
Tri Bhuvana Bhooti Kari, Praseeda Mahyam 18
Digh-hastibhi Kanaka, Kumbha Mukha Ava srishta
Svara Vaahinee, Vimala Chaaru Jala Pluta Angeem
Praatar Namaami, Jagataam Jananeem Ashesha
Loka Aadhi-naatha, Grahineem Amrita abdhi Putreem 19
Kamale, Kamala aaksha Vallabhe Tvam
Karuna Poora, Tarang-gitair Apaangai
Avalokaya Maam, Akin chanaanaam
Prathamam Paatram, Akrtrimam Dayaayaaha 20
Stuvanti Ye Stutibhi(r), Amoobhi(r)-Anvaham
Trayeemayeem, Tri Bhuvana Maataram Ramaam
Guna Adhikaa, Guruthara Bhaagya Bhaagino
Bhavanti Te Bhuvi, Budha Bhaavitaa Shayaaha 21
Suvarna dhaara sthothram
Shankara acharya nirmitam
Trisandhyam yah pateth
nityam Cha kubera sam-bhaveth
http://greenmesg.org/mantras_slokas/devi_lakshmi-kanakadhara_stotram.php
PDF version -Kanakadhara sthothram.
http://www.epurohith.com/viewtopics.php?page=5&cat_id=22
http://sanskritdocuments.org/doc_devii/kanaka-tr.pdf
Above pictures are taken from the below link
Other Sources
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Sathya Narayana Pooja and Katha
Very good explanation of the ritual.
Symbolism of the Story: There are five aspects in this picture. These connect to the five desires of man to achieve in life.
One aspires physical pleasures (represented by the king on the left corner). Little finger
Next is the emotional children aspiring couple (lower left). Ring finger
Intelligence aspiring Narada (upper right). Middle finger
Awareness aspiring Rishi (lower right). Index finger
Consciousness is Vishnu in the center. Thumb finger.
Aspiration seeked in prayers:
Usually in all prayers these four are soughted
Vidyarthi labhadhe vidhyam,
Danarthi labhathe danam,
Puthrarthi labhathe puthran,
Moksharthi labhathe gatheem.
One who pursues education will get knowledge,
One who wants to earn money will get money,
One who wishes for a son , will get a son,
And one who wants salvation will get salvation.
How to get one of the four is the theme of Sathyanarayana pooja (worship).
Through the Pooja the awareness of merits that help in fulfilling desires is highlighted. unfortunately everyone thinks just by doing the ritual of Sakthya narayana Pooja one gets the merit. The Pooja and the paat (Stroies) increases the awareness that every human should perform is highlighted as symbolically. Click to read about Pancha Yagnya.
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Quantum Deepavali
Introduction
Namaste and Happy Deepavali to all of you. When I was young I was amazed at the different colors lights of Deepavali fireworks; and I was full of questions regarding this festival. Like, why should Deepavali be celebrated only on the new moon night of the rainy Karthika month and not in the cool spring? Like, how can this cosmic Mahalakshmi Sakthi be squished inside a copper vessel to be worshipped? Like, why waste ghee for lighting Deepavali lamps, instead of pouring that ghee into my rice and dal lunch? And why the torture of fasting and mind cleansing rituals on such a festive day?
The adults in my family felt my irritating questions like hot, spicy, chili peppers poured over their delicious Deepavali sweets. I am a parent now, and my son challenges my brain by demanding that all rituals be scientifically proven.
So I revealed to him a dark secret. Sunlight travels in empty space and goes unnoticed because there is nothing for the light to hit and get reflected on for us to see it. But light becomes ‘light’ from the moment it touches the air molecules in the sky, making it appear blue. Then it lights up all the objects on earth giving them colors. Similarly any Energy if goes un noticed is of no use to anybody and the Energy goes in its own way. However with full Awareness, the Energy can be completely be absorbed and be used to fullfill any desires.
An even more interesting secret is that the force of attraction and repulsion between positively and negatively charged particles in all the atoms of our body is only the light-force particle photons dancing between them. Isn’t it amazing to know that it is the dance of light particles that causes movements in our body organs? This is why in the tradition of Bharat, we are all called Atma-Jyoti-Sakthi. From the eyes of quantum physics, I look on all of you as flickering Deepavali lights.
The modern scientists stumbled upon the Energy secret that Rishis discovered thousands of years ago. All forms of Energy exist as wave and as solid-particle, which when observed, can crystalize into reality of life. Not an observing human's eye, but even an instrument detector can observe a photon or electron and crystalize it as a particle. It is like freezing the liquid wave into solid ice. All the subtlest energy waves and particles are understood using huge technological equipment, like this Hadron Collider in Switzerland. Based on these experiments scientists develop the technology userf-freidnly for the common man.
Similarly Rishis of ancient Bharat also built huge Cosmic Energy harnessing centers called Temples through Tantric technology - involving Yantra and Mantra. Mantra is chanted for guiding the mind to transcend into full awareness state to observe the cosmic wave form of Energy and crystalize it for fullfilling the desires in human life. All this Energy capturing was done in the presence of light by using a geometrical devise called Yantra that is made of copper as seen in the picture. This energy was then available for everyone to absorb it. However, the energy is continuously re-generated everyday through chanting and puja.
The Rishis simplified Tantric technology for lay people through festivals like Deepavali to harness this cosmic energy for prosperity in our lives. The copper Yantra in the Temple became the copper Kalasha kept on the geometrical yantra like rangoli drawn with white rice, yellow turmeric, red kumkum and green mango leaf powder. For the common man, fasting from food and negative thoughts were encouraged to transcend to a state of Self-awareness and selflessness in order to efficiently capture the Lakshmi Energy.
The great Adi Sankaracharya, who chanted Kanakadhara on Lakshmi on a Deepavali day, once selectively captured the Cosmic Light Energy for increasing Knowledge, by observing it in a spot where he found a Shivalinga with a golden line. For us, this science of Energy is explained as Goddesses Devi walking behind Sankaracharya and then becoming a statue when he turned back to observe her.
These gifted children of Fairfield are going to now reveal that the highest message of Deepavali is to cleanse our mind from Ego and tap the Cosmic Energy and to constructively use it for a happy life.
Please do not take this Deepavali festival or this skit, lightly
Now, enjoy...
Shristi: (Performing Pooja) Om Maha Lakshmiyai Aavaahayami.., Sthapayami, Poojayami…Om Maha Lakshmiyai Namaha
Drishika: Shristi, are you not attending the special quantum physics class by the renounced physicist?
Shristi: Happy Deepavali, Drishika. I am doing the Lakshmi invocation pooja.
Drishika: Come on, Shristi, you are not living in the prehistoric ages! Why do you waste time in these superstitions?
Shristi: For that matter, if we live our life without understanding the very purpose of it, it becomes an illusory, superstitious life.
Drishika: What justification do you have for invoking Lakshmi in a small pot of water with coconut on it?
Shristi: I have a surprise for you. I have invited the scientist here to see the Lakshmi pooja before class. I think she is here now.
Scientist: Happy Deepavali to both of you.
Shristi: Happy Deepavali, Mr. Scientist.
Scientist: I was listening to your conversation, Drishika. I understand the significance of your Vedic rituals because I see a connection to all branches of Science, especially quantum physics.
Drishika: After listening to your lecture on quantum physics and light, all these rituals, including Deepavali celebrations, seem meaningless to me.
Scientist: I hope you remember that all the atoms in your body and in the universe are all held together by electromagnetic force carriers like photons, the fundamental unit of light.
Drishika: Yes I remember that Light can behave both as a particle to absorb energy and also like a wave.
Scientist: Exactly. When the Energy field is observed it crystalizes like a particle. This is known through the famous double slit experiment in physics.
Drishika: Does this mean that when we intentionally invoke Lakshmi as Light on Deepavali, we can experience that as wellbeing in our life?
Scientist: You are right. To help you understand better, you should know about an incident in the life of the great Adi Shankaracharya.
Shristi: On a Deepavali day, Adi Shankaracharya was returning from the Chamundi temple in Mysore to the Kudajathri Mountain in Karnataka. There he meditated in the Chitramoola cave. Goddess Devi appeared in front of him in the form of Divine Light.
Adi Shankaracharya: O Mother Divine! Accompanied by you, Shiva becomes capable of creating the universe. Without you, he is not capable of even moving himself. Therefore, all Gods worship you. Such being your supremacy, how one can I salute you, or sing in praise of you? Unless I have meritorious deeds of past births.
Shivah shakthya yukto yadi bhavati shaktah prabhavitum
Na chedevam devo na khalu kusalah spanditumapi;
Atas tvam aradhyam Hari-Hara-Virinchadibhir api
Pranantum stotum vaa katham akrta-punyah prabhavati
Devi: Shankara, what do you want from me?
Adi Shankaracharya: Devi, you are Lakshmi, and also Saraswathi and Devi Parvathi. Please come as Saraswathi to kerala as requested by the King Cheraman Perumal who always thinks about the welfare of his people.
Devi: I will, but on one condition. You walk in the front and I will follow you, but you should never look back to check on me.
Adi Shankaracharya: Devi, I will start this divine journey right away.
Namasthe Jagadatri Sadbrahma Rupe,
Namasthe Haropendra Datryadivandye
Namastheprasanneshtadhanaikadakshe
Namasthe Mahalakshmi Kolapuresi
(Adi Shankara could hear the sound of the anklets bells of Devi as she walked behind him. She playfully stopped the sound when they reached Kollur).
Adi Shankaracharya: This is the Kollur’s Marana Katte, the place where Devi killed the demon Mookasura. Her trident is still there, unrusted by wind and rains. Why did she stop following me? Let me see if she is still there.
Devi: Shankara, you turned around to check on me! Now I will not follow you anymore. I will stay here at this spot.
Adi Shankaracharya: Please forgive me Devi. I know because of the Shiva linga with the golden line, you prefer to be here.
Devi: I would present myself at Chottanikkara temple early in the mornings only as Saraswathi and rest of time as lakshmi and Durga. When the temple doors are opened here, I will be present here as Saraswathi.
(Devi walks to a new place)
Adi Shankaracharya: We will worship you in all three forms as Devi Saraswathi in the morning, as Devi Lakshmi at noon and Devi Durga in the evening. However, you will remove ignorance, when anyone writes alphabets rice mixed with turmeric in front of you.
Lakshmi: I will bless everyone who worships in the form of light.
Adi Shankaracharya: Fireworks generate three forms of energy, like the three aspects of devi, saraswathi as sound, Lakshmi as light and Durga as heat.
Scientist: Light is a perceptible form of God because we cannot see that very same light, which we use to see everything else. We do not see light directly, we see its reflection when it interacts with materials.
Adi Shankaracharya: In the same way, we cannot see God, because it is God’s Energy we use to see and perform all actions.
Drishika: So that is why we use Kalasha to invoke Lakshmi's Energy.
Shristi: Yes, with the electromagnetic form of light waves, Lakshmi Aavahan on Deepavali evening is done in a Kalasha. A kalasha is a small copper pot filled with water and herbs along with a coconut on top of it.
Scientist: However, it is the Power of intention or sankalpa, which is the potential energy that changes the kinetics of life.
Drishika: Wait a minute….this is too much boring science on a nice Deepavali day.
Shristi: But if you want the blessings of Lakshmi, like Adi Shankaracharya, you should invoke Saraswathi, or knowledge, to understand why you are doing these rituals.
Scientist:Like the light spectrum of colors we should love all the people with their different wavelengths of maturity.
Drishika: People are of all different maturity levels, based on the amount of Energy they possess and also how they use it for the level of thinking and doing actions.
Adi Shankaracharya: Antakarana Suddhi or being Selfless can happen only when everyone cleanses their minds from jealousy, pride and meanness. Then anger, hatred, greed and lust go away naturally.
Shristi: So, before keeping the Khalasa, cleaning the house and lighting many lamps is a symbol of removing our inner darkness. Then life will be celebrated everyday as deepavali.
Lakshmi: I bless you all. Mangalam to all of you, especially the Fairfield people.
Participants:
Lakshmi- Arushi Gupta
Drishika- Drishika Thimmaiah
Shristi- Shristi Sharma
Scientist - Paloma Braun
Devi- Vaishnavi MohanRaj
Adi Shankaracharya- Pranav Chhaliyil
Source:
Extra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWTo2Gk5iU0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHVC6F8SOFc
http://education.jlab.org/pol/electromagnetic-force.html
http://www.cosmic-mindreach.com/Quantum_Atoms.html
And once an electron receives enough energy to eject it beyond the reach of light in a single space frame it
becomes a free electron. It moves independently of the proton through space, from space frame to space
frame, since light can only travel so far in a primary interval of time. But the electron is still linked up with a
proton partner via each timeless quantum frame where they share the same photonic energy. This linking up
must span space frames and in doing so there is an electromagnetic field of force introduced. It is this spanning
of space frames that gives rise to classical electromagnetic field phenomena.
Within each space frame there is only the activity of light energy moving through space, just as in a movie
where each frame is projected by light as a still frame and the physical action is a series of quantum jumps in
position between frames. So the speed of light has a universal relationship to the space frame of each
individual atom, making it universally constant with respect to all bodies everywhere, irrespective of their
relative velocity with respect to one another. Normally, relative motions are slight, so no noticeable
discrepancies occur in the space-time projection of the movie.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/are-virtual-particles-rea/
In a hydrogen atom an electron and a proton are bound together by photons (the quanta of the electromagnetic field). Every photon will spend some time as a virtual electron plus its antiparticle, the virtual positron, since this is allowed by quantum mechanics as described above. The hydrogen atom has two energy levels that coincidentally seem to have the same energy. But when the atom is in one of those levels it interacts differently with the virtual electron and positron than when it is in the other, so their energies are shifted a tiny bit because of those interactions. That shift was measured by Willis Lamb and the Lamb shift was born, for which a Nobel Prize was eventually awarded.
http://www.fnal.gov/pub/today/archive/archive_2013/today13-02-01_NutshellReadmore.html
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MAAHAALAYA PAKSHAM
We all have studied in history that from ancient stone age period man has respected death and dead people.They are his ancistors.Many civilizations have followed the cult of worshipping souls.Egyptians have reached a very different trend in this ,that they started mummifying the dead bodies.
In all relegions,this cult is insisted.But today one can see in Hinduism ,this cult isrespected and considered to be very very important.Vedhas say that every man must offer rituals to the souls who lived with him,especially grand children to thier dead grand parents.
Every Hindu is expected to do the rituals to make the souls to attain peace.It is in belief that the souls of deadones resides in a world called ''pithur lokam''.Every newmoon day is meant for them .They are expected to come to earth for the rituals.
Every Thithe--- means the phase of the moon.All our life actions falls on these phases.The thethe on which a person died has to be recorded,and on all that thethe every month we need to offer the poojas.If we cant then 3 newmoon days are allorted for that.
AADI newmoon day[June -July]
Puratasi months [most important one [sepember -oct]\
Thai month[January-Feb]
If we cant give the rituals on all these 3 days ,Puratasi month ritual alone is enough,but it is a must.
From the fullmoon day which is arriving this month,starts the Maahaalaya paksham till next newmoon day.These days are meant for the rituals .Every day the husband needs to offer sesame seeds with tulsi water thinking of all souls ,to SreeKrishna's feet.
Offerings to poor people,Bhramins and orphans are also insisted.
Onions,garlic and drumstick are not to be taken in diet .
Plantin's unripe fruit,snakeguard are the vegetables meant for pitrus.
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Navarathri
Here is the Uni5 Navarathri Book for chantings
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ 2012 Talk on Navarathri
We are so busy living a life doing things to make ourselves our mind happy. The mind however is in a restless state and so does not really appreciate our success in life more than a few moments. Mind constantly is anxious of the future or brooding or ruminating over the past events that occurred in life. It is never at the present moment enjoying the state of Awareness, the source of happiness and "Bliss". without Awareness.
Our state of identity of Awareness. Awareness is our existence. Not knowing Awareness is not knowing ourselves. It is a pity to live life to know all sciences and not knowing about own own Self. Vedic tradition gives the route map to know about our own Self. Through festivals we are given time to be aware of our own Self.
Navarathri or Nine nights in a year we spend time tracing our roots of origin, the Self. Observing the festival by understanding the purpose boost our inner evolution. We will discuss here the symbolism of the festival and how it connects to our inner evolution. We all have the doubts about where do we start and how to start this inner evolution. Deep inside some where we all have this inner quest, unfortunately it is clouded when we identify ourselves with our common problems in life. We live and die without catering to the desire of inner quest. Seldom do we understand that we are born to continue our inner quest. But we become so caught up in dealing only with the life problems and forget to accomplish our life purpose.
Navarathri is a great festival giving us the opportunity to dedicate just nine nights in a year to do small steps in our inner quest. There is no special efforts to be taken except just be aware of the importance of the festival and self reflecting that in our activities till the next years Navarathri and so we gradually progress every year.
Celebrating Navarathri and doing the rituals make only a Infinitesimally smaller progress in our inner journey. We try our best to help you here to understand the the true meaning in celebrating Navarathri by doing the rituals. Observing the festival rituals lights up the steps that we should undertake in knowing our Self.
It is very important to understand the few terms to deeply understand about Navarathri. If we understand the core theme about the nature of the mind, the role of intellect and about Awareness, we can appreciate the deep symbolic significance of celebrating Navarathri.
The symbolic behind all rituals in Vedic festivals are always external and internal, which means that it helps both the external and our internal lives. All actions that we do externally should be reflected internally bringing harmony and integrity of our Self. We will discuss each and every ritual and then in a different colored font will explain the internal referencing meaning. This is the core of doing the ritual.
Cleansing:
The festival begins with ritualistic procedure of cleansing all the materials that one uses in life (at home and at work). The house is cleaned by discarding all unused broken items, and usable material are re-shelved or reorganized. Usually the house is also repainted just before the festival. The unused things or broken ones are usually burned in fire. The house and at work gets a fresh look and a start.
The external cleansing is a symbolic of internal cleansing that we should do before commencing the Journey of Inner Quest. There are several junk and broken thoughts and unusable useless thoughts that we carry in our mind. Those should be discarded or burned in the fire of knowledge. This means we have to understand that it is of no use. That deep understanding is fire that helps us to give away that habit. There are useable thoughts that we need for our daily interactions in life and that has to be re-organized and prioritized. Our whole frame work and attitude should be given new colors. This gives a freshness and joy to the mind.
First three nights (1st , second & third nights).
Even to accomplish a simple cleansing process we need to overcome first laziness (Thamas) in us. Otherwise we procrastinate. We should first develop the habit of avoiding procrastination of things that will bring good to us. All of us have that inner energy to overthrow this nature. Being Aware of that inner energy is the basis of worshipping that in the form of Goddess Durga or Parvathi on the first three nights. The laziness or the inertia is a demonic force which means attachment to the physical body. We have to harness "Energy" to fight this laziness which is depicted as "Durga" or "Parvathi" fighting against the demon. In Ashtanga Yogathese are the first two steps of Yama and Niyama and Asana. This represent at the body level.
Second three nights ( fourth, fifth & Sixth nights)
Once the physical laziness is overcome we have to accomplish inner beauty. We have to fight emotional demons like anger. This is depicted as Lakshmi fighting the demons. Only by creating Awareness of these negative emotions they can be removed. the powerful weapons to achieve these are through Pranayama and Pratyahara (inward withdrawal of senses).
Last three nights ( seventh, eighth & ninth). Then we have to overcome other mental blocks which can be removed by clear understanding or Knowledge. This is represented by Saraswathi. In Yoga this is the Dharana and Dyana. This is the intellect aspect.
Tenth Night : The day of Victory: This represents the awareness state, the Samadhi state. All the three forms of energy has to be there to accomplish tasks in life. Then life is victorious. At the minor levels we might see materialistic accomplishment. Bu the major accomplishment is the spiritual accomplishment of bringing inner evolution.
Devi Bhagavatham: This gives details of the different demons that the three Devi's fight and so it is important to read the story of the fight during Navarathri nights. The Durga sapthasloki, the seven stanza gives the essence of the whole Devi Bhaghavatham. We will see the details of this in the Devi Bhaghavatham page.
Navarathri also brings awareness about classical the arts and literature. Because they also helps in transcendence the very objective of Navarathri. In different parts of India Navarathri is celebrated slightly different. The golu done in South Indian represents the creation theory.
Golu or Bommai Kolu
Golu is the display of various dolls and figurines in odd (usually 7, 9, or 11) numbered tiers ("padis").Also Kolu, or Bommai Kolu. Everyone are invited to see this exhibit and are offered prasad (the sacred offering) along with kukkum ("Tilak".) and some gifts to girls and married women.
In the evenings, the oil Lamp ("kuthuvilakku" ) is lit in the middle of a decorated "kolam" (Rangoli), traditional the srichakra (Yantra) before the Golu and devotional hymns and shlokas are chanted. After performing the puja, the food items that have been prepared, are offered to the Goddesses.
The oil lamp represents the inner light that we have to be aware of and the Yantra with the triangles represents the male (Consciousness) and female (matter) involved in the manifestation of all forms in this universe.
Golu is adorned with dolls - predominantly with that of the Gods and Goddesses depicting the creation of this Universe.
Nine steps representing the Navagrahas or the nine modes of expression of the universe is done. It is the pure Consciousness, the One, that manifest as this universe. Hence in the first step , the pure Consciousness is symbolically represented as Kalasa is kept. A kalasa is done by placing a coconut on a round vessel. The Kalasa is symbolic of a human who has the faculty to realize the Pure Consciousness. The three eyes of the coconut is the symbolism of the two physical eyes of man and the third of inner vision. The vessel represents the human body and the water in it represents the vital fluid of the body. The thread worn around the body represents the clothes over the body. The kalasa is placed on a red cloth to symbolize para-sakthi, the manifesting aspect of the Brahman.
In the next step, the Trimurthy Gods and Goddesses are kept to represent the manifestation of Energy in the form creation, maintenance, and dissolution.
In the third step, objects representing the Pancha bhootas are kept.
In the fourth to seventh steps, dolls representing other worldly objects are kept. It is very interesting that several caricature dolls even politician dolls, movie stars, sportsmen, are also kept indicating everyone are the manifestation of the Pure Consciousness.
In the eighth step, it is a traditional practice to have wooden dolls of a man and women. This is to represent the spirit (Man) and matter (female). The doll that is used are wooden (Mara-pacchi), which has two meanings, one is the literal meaning wood and the other is hereditary. Usually, the man and lady dolls are passed on to generation after generation representing the ancestors. The mother in law gives the dolls to the daughter in law after marriage to symbolize the passing of the tradition and family values.
Children perform doll-marriage to the Man and the lady. In this fun event children are imparted the cultural knowledge and importance of marriage. They are shown the importance of family and society through this dolls. Usually the dolls-wedding is done on the first day of Navarathri representing family life as the means to Spiritual life.
In the ninth step, Lord Ganesha is kept. He represent the high "Energy" state (Mooladhaara) of all beings that potentially transcends to the Consciousness state. This is why he is first worshipped in all rituals.
Click here more about Navarathri festival.
Golu or Bommai Kolu
Navarathri starts after the new moon day in September October months. That New moon day is good for doing "Ancestral" worship). The same day the Golu (kolu) steps are arranged with wooden planks or packing boxes. Make Nine steps.
The next day Ganesha is worshipped with the Awareness that the whole festival is helps to raise the Awareness. Then the dolls are arranged in a specific way to begin the festival.
Children take an active participation in Golu because that gives them the opportunity to display their creative talents. They make miniature parks, zoos, houses, cities , name any forms in Golu. Every evening children and adult sings traditional Vedic songs, chant mantras. It is a period of fun along with sweets and nine different types of legumes are sprouted and or cooked are offered to everyone as prasad. Health awareness is also imparted in Navarathri. In summary Navarathri is a Universal learning and display of Science and Arts along with Spirituality.
On the 9th day (Saraswati Puja), special pujas are offered to Goddess Saraswathi - the creative aspect of the mind. Books and musical instruments are placed in the puja and worshipped as a source of knowledge. Also all tools used in one's professional life are placed in the pooja - as part of "Ayudha Pooja". Even vehicles are washed and decorated, and puja performed for them. The understanding behind this is that it is that "One" Consciousness that has manifested as the plethora of forms in this Universe.
In the Vedic tradition every object is worshipped (Acknowledged) as the manifestation of pure Consciousness. This is why all objects of action (Aayudha) is worshipped in Navarathri. No object is spared in this ritual. All objects are adorned with Tilak as a mark of Awareness of the pure Consciousness.
The 10th day, "Vijayadasami" - is the most auspicious day of all. It was the day on which evil was finally destroyed by good. As we have discussed earlier , Good and evil are the expression of Awareness verses Ego. It is the triumph of Awareness over Ego. It marks a new and prosperous beginning. Hence new ventures started on this day are believed to flourish and bring prosperity. Kids often start tutoring on this day to have a head start in their education. It is not uncommon to initiate new business ventures , fresh tasks etc. The logic is simple that the Awareness is sharpened through these festivals.
In the evening of "Vijayadasami", all the dolls from the "Golu" are put to sleep and the Kalasam is moved a bit towards North to mark the end of that year's Navaratri Golu.
Why are the dolls put to sleep?
In Vedic tradition, Golu represents the creation of this universe, created by Lord Brahma. He sleeps in his end of the day which cause the dissolution of the Universe. His timing is different than the human years and are of high mathematical figures (click here to know about Brahma's years in creation cycle). To symbolically express this dissolution the Golu dolls are put to sleep.
Why Kalasha moved to North?. We have discussed earlier that North is direction of none or "Brahman" or pure Consciousness. It is neutral.
East - Awareness -gods
West- Mind- Guru
South- Ego-body-Ancestors
North - Intellect-Brahman
One transcends to the Awareness state and finally to the pure Consciousness state.
Prayers are offered to thank God for the successful completion of that year's Golu and with a hope of a successful one the next year! Then the Golu is dismantled and packed up for the next year.
Golu or Bommai Kolu
Navarathri starts after the new moon day in September October months. That New moon day is good for doing "Ancestral" worship). The same day the Golu (kolu) steps are arranged with wooden planks or packing boxes. Make Nine steps.
The next day Ganesha is worshipped with the Awareness that the whole festival is helps to raise the Awareness. Then the dolls are arranged in a specific way to begin the festival.
Children take an active participation in Golu because that gives them the opportunity to display their creative talents. They make miniature parks, zoos, houses, cities , name any forms in Golu. Every evening children and adult sings traditional Vedic songs, chant mantras. It is a period of fun along with sweets and nine different types of legumes are sprouted and or cooked are offered to everyone as prasad. Health awareness is also imparted in Navarathri. In summary Navarathri is a Universal learning and display of Science and Arts along with Spirituality.
On the 9th day (Saraswati Puja), special pujas are offered to Goddess Saraswathi - the creative aspect of the mind. Books and musical instruments are placed in the puja and worshipped as a source of knowledge. Also all tools used in one's professional life are placed in the pooja - as part of "Ayudha Pooja". Even vehicles are washed and decorated, and puja performed for them. The understanding behind this is that it is that "One" Consciousness that has manifested as the plethora of forms in this Universe.
In the Vedic tradition every object is worshipped (Acknowledged) as the manifestation of pure Consciousness. This is why all objects of action (Aayudha) is worshipped in Navarathri. No object is spared in this ritual. All objects are adorned with Tilak as a mark of Awareness of the pure Consciousness.
The 10th day, "Vijayadasami" - is the most auspicious day of all. It was the day on which evil was finally destroyed by good. As we have discussed earlier , Good and evil are the expression of Awareness verses Ego. It is the triumph of Awareness over Ego. It marks a new and prosperous beginning. Hence new ventures started on this day are believed to flourish and bring prosperity. Kids often start tutoring on this day to have a head start in their education. It is not uncommon to initiate new business ventures , fresh tasks etc. The logic is simple that the Awareness is sharpened through these festivals.
In the evening of "Vijayadasami", all the dolls from the "Golu" are put to sleep and the Kalasam is moved a bit towards North to mark the end of that year's Navaratri Golu.
Why are the dolls put to sleep?
In Vedic tradition, Golu represents the creation of this universe, created by Lord Brahma. He sleeps in his end of the day which cause the dissolution of the Universe. His timing is different than the human years and are of high mathematical figures (click here to know about Brahma's years in creation cycle). To symbolically express this dissolution the Golu dolls are put to sleep.
Why Kalasha moved to North?. We have discussed earlier that North is direction of none or "Brahman" or pure Consciousness. It is neutral.
East - Awareness -gods
West- Mind- Guru
South- Ego-body-Ancestors
North - Intellect-Brahman
One transcends to the Awareness state and finally to the pure Consciousness state.
Prayers are offered to thank God for the successful completion of that year's Golu and with a hope of a successful one the next year! Then the Golu is dismantled and packed up for the next year.
Excellent Devi Mahatmayam in malayalam
http://shaktisadhana.50megs.com/Newhomepage/sadhana/PDFfiles/Navarathridiscourse.pdf
Subcategories
Festivals in Sanathana Dharma
