WHAT REALLY IS VIJAYADASHMI?

  

  

 

Watching classics on television is a joy that can’t be easy to put into words. That too a movie with the favourite star cast and in the original language is a double treat.

Last week on ETV, Nartanasala a Telugu movie was telecasted. It is a movie with a plot from Virata Parva of the epic MAHABHARATA.

During the AJNATAVASAM, the Pancha Pandavas disguise themselves and stay in the kingdom of Matsya Raja.

At one point in the movie, Brihannala ( Arjuna) and Uttara Kumara converse with one another on the battlefield.

Brihannala opens up that their AJNATAVASAM, ends by tonight and He will get back his original form from tomorrow - the day is - VIJAYADASAMI

Arjuna will be relieved of his curse and get all his powers. The message He leaves there is immense.

The day we can start to get into action to realise our original power and strength.

Start to keep off procrastination.

Get rid of bad habits with great determination by bringing in the required changes in our routines.

Plan to overcome the fear that is causing hindrance to our success.

Vijayadashmi is not just about winning good over evil, but also patience over anger, happiness over sadness, work over laziness, and positive over negative thoughts, etc.

It is a day to bring out our best and win over ourselves to turn stronger, healthier, and happier.

 

ROLE OF ASHGOURD IN AYUDHA POOJA

  

 

Ash gourd/ white pumpkin, lemon, camphor, flowers, and fruits, are all in high demand and the rates are skyrocketing.

Today Ayudha Pooja is being celebrated.

It's again a Thanksgiving festival- to everything that comes with us to make our day perfect and fine.

All the household items-  electrical and electronic appliances, vehicles we use to commute, the books that help us gain knowledge to sustain our lives, musical instruments that entertain us, gadgets that aid in our professional tasks, every object that lives with us in our house and beyond are dusted, cleaned, decorated and offered a ceremonial thanks.

The essence of Ayudha Pooja is simple yet powerful — a day of thanksgiving for the tools and instruments that empower people in their work.

Role of ash gourd in Ayudha Pooja:

Ash gourd is a key part of Ayudha Puja, a Hindu festival where people worship tools used for success and prosperity

 Since the Goddess is an embodiment of Shakti, sacrifice was a part of it. There was a time it used to be the animal sacrifice. But over time, ash gourd replaced the fauna life as a symbolic sacrifice.

 Ash gourd is used as a substitute for animal sacrifice in rituals. Its shape resembles an animal torso, and it's often pierced with sticks to represent legs and a tail. Vermilion is sprinkled on the exposed flesh to mimic blood. 

 After the puja, it's customary to break the ash gourd outside the house. This symbolizes the animal sacrifice offered during new beginnings and is believed to ward off the evil eye.

Ayudha Puja is the day we celebrate to express gratitude to all the instruments that add value to our lives. It takes into consideration small things like knives, scissors, spanners, etc as well as bigger devices such as computers, machinery, books, and vehicles.

Thus Ayudha Pooja is a Hindu festival celebrated with grandeur and is observed as a public holiday in most regions of India. On this day, devotees worship the tools and instruments that help them in life.

 

HOW CERTAIN COLOURS ARE CORRELATED WITH THE FESTIVAL OF NAVRATRI

  

  

Wearing a specific colour during Navratri is considered auspicious, as each day has a distinct link and significant spiritual meaning. The first colour of Navratri is chosen according to the weekday on which the festival starts and the remaining eight days are coloured according to a predetermined cycle.

Each of the nine colours of Navratri symbolizes a distinct quality of the Devi. During Navratri, devotees wear clothing and accessories in nine different colors to represent the nine forms of Goddess Durga, each associated with a specific day:

1. The first day – yellow -happiness and vitality. Yellow symbolizes positivity and brightness and marks happiness by portraying a cheerful festival scenario with the color.

2. on the second day – Green - prosperity and harmony. Green is a color that shows nature, fertility, and prosperity.

3. on the third day- Grey - resilience and strength. Grey is a powerful colour for it symbolizes neutrality and balance.

4.  on the fourth day- orange - zeal and passion. Orange is the hue of the spirit of this festival's energetic and vibrant.

5. The fifth day –white - purity and serenity. White symbolizes peace and purity.

6. on the sixth day- Red - bravery and power. Red is bold and represents love and strength.

7. The seventh day –Blue - wisdom and knowledge. Blue denotes calmness, understanding, and depth.

8. The eighth day –Pink- love and compassion. Pink is a soothing hue that depicts love and warmth.

 9. The ninth day – purple - spirituality, and change.

 The final day requires a strong attire for the last hump. Purple is an incredibly powerful hue for creativity and spirituality, so you're in good hands.

These colours reflect the mood and attributes of the goddess, enhancing the festive spirit and joy of the occasion. Many devotees wear clothing or accessories in these colours to honor the goddess and seek her blessings.

Simply, many elderly Adorned in white attire, perform rigorous fasts, worship, and pujas, seeking the goddess's blessings for family well-being and protection.

 

SELECTED SLOKAS TO CHANT DURING NAVRATRI

  

 

During Navratri, chanting slokas is believed to bring protection, success, spiritual upliftment, and fulfillment of wishes. The slokas invoke Durga's blessings for prosperity, strength, and protection.

 Here are some slokas to recite during Navratri: 

1.     Devi Kavacham: A 47-sloka chant that acts as armour to nullify negative vibes. It mentions different names of the Devi associated with different parts of the body. 

2.     Maa Durga Sarva Badha Mukti Mantra: This mantra is believed to grant wishes for children and relieve barriers. 

3.     Duswapna Niwarana Mantra: Chanting this mantra regularly is believed to provide strength and courage. 

4.     Om Jayanti Mangala Kaali Bhadra Kaali Kapalini Durga Kshama Shivadhatri Swaha Swadha Namostute: This is considered a powerful mantra of Goddess Durga. 

5.     Sarvamangal Maangalye Shive Sarvaartha Saadhiike. Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute: This is a regular mantra for the nine days of Navratri. 

6.     Rogaan Sheshaan Pahansi Tushta, Rushta Tu Kaamaan Saklaan Bhisthan: This is a powerful mantra of Goddess Durga. 

7.     Dehi Saubhagyam Aarogyam De Me Parama Sukham, Roopam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dwisho Jehi: This is a powerful mantra of Goddess Durga. 

 Reciting these slokas during Navratri can have many benefits:

 Chanting slokas can help you connect with a higher power, experience inner peace, and feel a stronger bond with the divine feminine energy. 

Chanting can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve concentration, and cleanse the mind of negative energies. 

Chanting can bring physical benefits. Chanting with pure intentions and faith can help manifest desires and seek blessings. 

Chanting can help improve memory and concentration, and develop cognitive skills. Chanting can help instill values and virtues, and develop a sense of respect for others. Chanting can help develop emotional stability and cope with stress and anxiety. 

 Do chant slokas and be bestowed with the divine blessings of the goddess 

NAVA LAKSHMI WORSHIPPED DURING NAVRATRI

 

 

 

Navratri is a nine-day festival celebrating the feminine power- the Shakthi.

In some parts of India, Maa Durga is worshipped in different forms, whereas others worship Goddess Parvathi and the rest devote nine days to the nine avatars of Goddess Maha Lakshmi. Here are the nine forms of Goddess Lakshmi worshipped during Navratri:

Adi Lakshmi: Lakshmi's original form. Adi-Lakshmi which means protector or source is considered the origin of all existence. Adi lakshmi who is also known as Maha Lakshmi (primeval Lakshmi or great Lakshmi) is the incarnation of Lakshmi the daughter of the Sage Bhrigu. And as adi means “first,” Adi Lakshmi is said to be her primordial form, through which she helps a person attain life's foremost aim — freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth. She is thus known also as Moksha Pradayani, or “one who bestows liberation.”

 Dhana Lakshmi: The giver of wealth, Dhana Lakshmi, also known as Wealth Lakshmi, is a Hindu goddess who represents material wealth, prosperity, and fortune: She is also the aspect of Lakshmi who provides resources to adherents for their sustenance and well-being.  As per Hindu beliefs, worshiping Maa Dhanalakshmi brings financial stability and prosperity in life. Dhanalakshmi stotram is a prayer addressed to worship Maa Dhanalakshmi.

Dhanya Lakshmi: The provider of agricultural bounty. She is known as the Food Goddess and is revered for her assistance to farmers in cultivating abundant crops on their lands. Beloved by farmers, she plays a crucial role in helping them meet their daily needs through her support. She is elegantly depicted standing on a lotus, bestowing blessings in the Abhaya Mudra. Dhanya means “blessed,” and as life would be impossible without food, Dhanya Lakshmi blesses devotees with the great fortune of agricultural wealth. Devotees, in turn, show their gratitude by honoring her before partaking in meals, and by selflessly offering food to others who are in need.

Gaja Lakshmi: The provider of assistance with animal husbandry. Gaja Lakshmi is one of the eight manifestations of Lakshmi, the Hindu deity of wealth, prosperity, and fertility. She is often depicted seated or standing on a lotus base, flanked by two or more elephants who shower her with water.  Gaja Lakshmi is the giver of power of royalty. Gaja Lakshmi is one of the most significant Ashtalakshmi aspects of the Goddess Lakshmi. According to Puranas, Gaja Lakshmi once helped Lord Indra regain his lost wealth from the depths of the ocean.

Santana Lakshmi: The provider of assistance to those who want children. This form of Lakshmi as the name suggests (Santana means offspring), is the Goddess of progeny, the treasure of family life. Worshipping of Santana Lakshmi was bestowed with the wealth of good children possessing good health and a long life. By the grace of Sri Santhana Lakshmi, women give birth to children. "Puthra Santhanam" refers to childbirth and this happens through Sri Santhana Lakshmi. Every mother likes her children and she gives her complete love and it is reflected in each state of the children's growth.

Veera Lakshmi: The provider of courage and valour. Veera Lakshmi, also known as Dhairya Lakshmi, is a form of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi who is a symbol of bravery, strength, and valour. Veera Lakshmi is known for granting the strength and courage to overcome life's difficulties and challenges. She is said to favor those who remain optimistic and determined in all circumstances.  Veera Lakshmi, also known as Dhairya Lakshmi, is a form of Goddess Lakshmi who bestows strength and courage during battles, and for overcoming difficulties in life.

Vidya Lakshmi: The provider of knowledge. Knowledge is a different kind of wealth, and Vidya Lakshmi represents this intellectual prosperity. She is depicted holding scriptures and a gesture of teaching. Statues of Vidya Lakshmi are perfect for students, teachers, and anyone in pursuit of knowledge. She encourages us to value wisdom and learning. Vidya Lakshmi, also known as Wisdom Lakshmi, is the goddess of knowledge and the arts and sciences. She is one of the eight forms of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. 

Vijaya Lakshmi: Also known as Durga. Vijaya Lakshmi or Jaya Lakshmi (Victorious Lakshmi) is also a manifestation similar to Durga. She is the goddess of victory. Victory not only in battles but also in conquering hurdles to achieve success. Vijaya Lakshmi is the form of the goddess Lakshmi who is known to have killed devil forces to prevail in peace, prosperity, and love. She is also known as Goddess Durga. Vijaya Lakshmi, as the name suggests is the goddess to bless with Victory and courage to attain victory in every field of life or any war.

Sowbhagya Lakshmi: Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity.  According to ancient Vedic texts, She is considered the supreme mother goddess who exists everywhere in the world, blesses integrity, ability, goodness, and character, and makes feasible ways to gain better prospects in life.

Maha Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu's consort, visits her devotees and bestows good fortune and her blessings upon them when worshipped during Navratri. To welcome the Goddess, devotees clean their houses, decorate them with finery and lights, and prepare sweet treats and delicacies as offerings.

Do offer your prayers to Maha Lakshmi and seek her blessings.

9 TRADITIONAL GIFTING OPTIONS FOR NAVRATRI

 

 

Navratri and Dussehra

These Hindu festivals Navratri often involve giving gifts, especially to young children. It is a time for the community to come together and celebrate the victory of good over evil.

Navratri should not be limited to 'Puja-Paath' and should also include acts of kindness in the form of donations and charity. During the 9 days of Navratri and after that, people should donate food, clothes, money, or other important stuff to the less fortunate.

The concept of giving gifts during Navratri is a tradition that symbolizes love, warmth, and goodwill. It's a way to strengthen bonds with family and friends and to spread happiness and togetherness. 

1. Auspicious things to buy for Navratri:

these include a bindi, perfume, henna, anklets, waistbands, finger rings, maang tikka, sindoor, kajal, bangles, toe rings, a wedding dress, flowers for the hair, earrings, etc.

2. Goddess Lakshmi Idol: Bringing an idol of Goddess Lakshmi during Navratri is considered a blessing. In South India, dolls and figurines are also given as gifts.

Navratri is a Hindu festival that involves giving gifts, especially to young children. The word "Navratri" means "nine nights" in Sanskrit. During Navratri, people observe fasts and offer special prayers to the "Nine Forms of Maa Durga". 

In India, exchanging gifts during festivals, weddings, and special occasions is common. Popular gifts include sweets, clothing, accessories, religious items, and home decor. 

Gifts that connect with tradition and culture, and that delight the recipient should be the norm in selecting gifts.  During Navratri, people exchange gifts to spread joy and positivity.

Here are some things to consider when giving gifts during Navratri: 

3. Kanya Pujan:

A significant ritual occurs on the eighth or ninth day of Navratri. During this ritual, young girls are invited to homes, worshipped, and given gifts. Some gift ideas for Kanya Pujan include brass diyas, Ganesha idol combos, metal lunch boxes, insulated metal bottles, bamboo hand towels, etc.

4. Sweets:

Sweets are a traditional gift for Navratri because the ingredients used to make them are considered pure and safe to offer to Gods. Dry fruits were also taken into consideration to be given as gifts.

5. Handcrafted diyas:

Diyas are a symbol of removing darkness and negativity. Hand-painted earthen diyas with attractive designs are a great gift for Navratri. 

6. Flowers:

A bouquet of colorful flowers is a thoughtful and affordable gift for Navratri. 

7. Cosmetics:

A set of cosmetics like a comb, lipstick, nail polish, and a little mirror is a kind gesture for the kanjak puja. 

8. Gift hampers:

Gifts for Navratri can include clothes, coconut, and sweets. Married women may also exchange small bags with items like turmeric, beetle leaves, comb, and mirror. These days’ gift hampers are shared so that the recipient can buy anything of their choice in the said amount.

 

9. Toys and games/ stationary:

Toys like teddy bears, dolls, kitchen sets, or doctor's sets can be good options. Games like puzzles, blocks, or Scrabble can also be a good choice, especially for children. Stationery items were also gifted to children to start using on Vijayadashami day

 

Thus, the excitement surrounding Navratri gifts transcends mere possessions, encompassing the spirit of generosity and celebration that defines this vibrant festival. In conclusion, Navratri gift-giving is a wonderful tradition that fosters love, unity, and joy among friends and family members.

9 ENTRANCING CUSTOMS AND RITUALS FOLLOWED DURING NAVRATRI

   

Dussehra or Navratri typically falls in October and begins the preparation for Diwali 20 days later. You can partake in the Dussehra festivities at home by decorating with dolls and vibrant designs, spending time with friends and family, and honoring the religious aspects of the holiday.

The celebration of festivals involves specific ceremonies, use of special crafts such as clay-work/drawing of ritual motifs/ symbols, ceremonial preparation of particular food items. Thus public rituals are an essential part of festivals

In scientific terms, a “tradition” refers to the passing down of customs and beliefs from one generation to the next. A “ritual”, on the other hand, is a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order, and which is often embedded in a larger symbolic system, such as religion or philosophy.

.Rituals and festive events often take place at special times and places and remind a community of aspects of its worldview and history.

 Navratri is a 9-day celebration, here is a list of customs and rituals followed in different parts of India, which are also interestingly nine.

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is celebrated with many customs and rituals, including: 

Burning effigies:

A common ritual is to burn the effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghnath. These effigies are often filled with firecrackers and set on fire in open fields at night. This symbolizes the destruction of evil forces. 

Ramlila:

In North India, a theatrical enactment of Rama's life story is performed during the nine days of Navratri. The enactment culminates with the killing of Ravana on the tenth day. 

Shastra Puja:

It is a sacred ritual where weapons are worshipped to signify the importance of courage and strength in defeating evil. 

Submerging the goddess Durga idol:

In Bengal, the idol of the goddess Durga is submerged in water bodies to bid her farewell. 

Vijayadashami celebrations include processions to a river or ocean front that involve carrying clay statues of Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya, accompanied by music and chants, after which the images are immersed in the water for dissolution and farewell.

 Golu:

In South India, a display of dolls representing Hindu gods is prepared. 

Wearing red and saffron :

People often wear red and saffron clothing to symbolize the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. 

Harvesting crops:

Farmers begin harvesting Kharif crops like rice, cotton, soybean, and maize on Dussehra. 

Touching the feet of elders :

In North Maharashtra, people touch the feet of elderly people and deities of the village temple. 

Exchanging sweets:

Observers visit each other and exchange sweets. 

These Cultural traditions are an important part of our lives, allowing us to connect with our history, values, and beliefs. They provide us with a sense of identity, community, and belonging. Cultural traditions can also be a source of comfort and strength in times of difficulty.

 

VIJAYA DASAMI IS THE PERFECT DAY TO START LEARNING

   

 

 

 Dussehra signifies victory of good over evil and a new beginning. In some cultures, starting a journey during this time can be seen as a promising way to begin a new chapter.

Dashami Tithi is an auspicious Tithi. This day is ideal to release a new book or scripture, hold a swearing-in ceremony for any position, Inauguration of a place, commencement of a new project, starting a new job, or buying a new vehicle or clothes all these activities can be undertaken on this day.

Yes, many people start new lessons on Vijayadasami, also known as Dussehra, because it is considered an auspicious day for new beginnings: 

Learning a new art form:

Some say that Vijayadasami is a great day to learn new art forms, such as music, dance, or instrumentals. 

Initiating children into learning :

In some parts of India, there is an ancient tradition called Vidyarambham that involves initiating children between the ages of 2–5 into learning. This can include academic courses, writing, music, dance, sports, and arts. 

Starting a new venture:

Some people also start new ventures on Vijayadasami. 

Feeling a new sense of focus:

Some people say that they feel a new sense of focus and positivity on Vijayadasami. 

 

This year on Vijaya Dasami day here is a chance for you to start learning a new language Sanskrit.  Here is how:

Namo Namah!

This vijaya daśamī, step into the world of saṃskṛta!

Sanskrit Club, IIT Roorkee is back with Subhashitam Samskritam, a globally acclaimed online saṃskṛta course that aims to help learners like you to learn saṃskṛtam through subhāṣitāni.

A subhāṣitām (literally meaning “well-said”) is a saṃskṛta literary genre of short, memorable verses that are known for their moral and ethical advice, worldly wisdom, and guidance.

The course, in association with SamskritaBharati, was completed by over 5000 learners (first level) from 32 countries during the pandemic and has received special recognition from our Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for promoting and popularizing saṃskṛta bhāṣā among the youth. A book of the same name based on the content covered throughout the course was also published and presented to the Prime Minister this year.

Course Outline: Level 1 of this course covers the basics of spoken saṃskṛta and the subsequent four levels will teach grammar and literature through 108 subhāṣitāni.

Date: Level 1 will commence on or after vijaya daśamī (12 October 2024, Saturday)

Duration:  About 1 hour a day for 15 days

Pre-requisites: None (No prior knowledge of Sanskrit is needed, but basic working knowledge of at least one Indian language will help.)

Note: 

This course is completely free of cost for all.

There is no age bar for learners.

Certificates will be provided based on exams after each level.

Register here: https://forms.gle/itGgrvKqS4pStV8M6

Access to flyer: https://sanskritclub.iitr.ac.in/event/uevent

You can have a look at the testimonial video attached below where learners share their experience from the course. Feel free to bring your friends and family too to register for the course.

For any queries, contact:

sanskritclub@iitr.ac.in

 

 The Vijaya Dashami is considered auspicious to begin your learning. The traditional Vidyarambham ceremony observed mainly in Kerala and Karnataka introduces children formally to learning music, dance, languages, and other folk arts. Vidya means knowledge; arambham means beginning.

Use this day and start learning.

BRIGHTEN UP NAVRATRI WITH RICE LIGHTS

 

Rice lights are the smallest holiday lights available today. Rice light bulbs are tiny, rice-shaped ones often colored and strung together to decorate Christmas trees, wreaths, and other ornaments for various holiday festivities.

Drape it over a mirror, or weave it through a garland to add a warm yellow rice light for home decoration. Use it for various festive decorations such as lights for Christmas decorations, fairy lights for bedrooms, Diwali lights, lights for Diwali decorations, and Diwali lights for home.

Adopting the most advanced technology, the outdoor Rice lights are made with superior double wire, definitely thick wire enough to 100% through rain, wind, snow, and high/low temperatures.

WATERPROOF & DURABLE

SAFE TO TOUCH

EASY TO SHAPE

BATTERY OPERATED / USB POWERED

It depends on the network's length and the number of LED lights connected. A single LED light used in the rice light has a power rating of 0.05W to 0.1 Watts. Generally, these rice lights come in lengths of 50 LEDs or multiple. Therefore, the minimum wattage of this rice string light is of the order 5W and above.

Why don’t you try to decorate your house this Navratri with rice lights?

 

 

(Happy to share with you all that rice lights gifted by blog chatter are being used to light dolls this Navratri)

 

SAVE THIS SPECIAL RECIPE OF SWEET CORN SUNDAL

      

   

 

Corn is rich in fiber and plant compounds that may aid digestive and eye health. Yet, it's high in starch, can spike blood sugar, and may prevent weight loss when consumed in excess. The safety of genetically modified corn may also be a concern. Still, in moderation, corn can be part of a healthy diet.

 Corn is a nutritious food with multiple identities. Botanically, it's a fruit consumed as both a vegetable and a grain.

Corn contains natural carbohydrates which are broken down into simple sugars during digestion. Sugars from food are absorbed into your bloodstream and can raise your blood sugar levels. Every person will have a unique glycemic response to corn. Some people may experience higher blood glucose levels and others may not.

Corn, Zea mays, belongs to the Poaceae family, and while eaten sometimes as a vegetable and sometimes as a grain, it is classified by botanists as a fruit, as are tomatoes, green peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, and other squashes.

Sweet corn is a variety of maize with a high sugar content and it is prepared for consumption as a vegetable.

Corn is a starchy vegetable, like potatoes and peas. That means it has sugar and carbohydrates that can raise your blood sugar levels. It can still be a healthy part of your diet if you don't overdo it. If you have diabetes, you don't necessarily need to avoid corn but watch your portion sizes.

As corn kernels dry the sugar in them converts to starch; harvesting the sweet corn at an early stage in maturation allows higher contents of sugars to remain in the grain making the corn sweet. Sweetness in corn is a naturally occurring recessive gene that humans have been enjoying since the Native Americans.

 Adding 100g of sweetcorn to a meal gives you 2.4g of fibre. Add it to hearty meals containing pulses or wholegrains and you're all set for your daily intake. Sweetcorn is rich in folate as well, also known as vitamin B9. This nutrient is essential for the well-being of our body.

This Navratri for one day, try sweet corn sundal in the nine days of festivity. Get the recipe here:  https://premasculinary.com/2021/10/sweet-corn-sundal-navratri-day-1-naivedayam-no-onion-no-garlic-recipe.html