16 September 2009
दिवाली
A family festival, it is celebrated 20 days after Dussehra, on the 13th day of the dark Fortnight of the month of Ashwin (October / November).
Deepawali or Diwali The 14th Day of the dark half of Aashwayuja to the 2nd day of bright half of Kaartik If there is one occasion which is all joy and all jubilation for one and all - the young and the old, men and women for the entire Hindu world, it is Deepaavali - the Festival of Lights. Even the humblest of huts will be lighted by a row of earthern lamps. Crackers resound and light up the earth and the sky. The faces of boys and girls flow with a rare charm in their dazzling hues and colors. Illumination - Deepotsavas - in temples and all sacred places of worship and one the banks of rivers symbolize the scattering of spiritual radiance all round from these holy centres. The radiant sight of everybody adorned with new and bright clothes, especially ladies decorated with the best of ornaments, captures the social mood at its happiest. And all this illumination and fireworks, joy and festivity, is to signify the victory of divine forces over those of wickedness. Narakaasura was a demon king ruling over Praagjyotishapura (the present-day Assam). By virtue of his powers and boons secured from God, he became all-conquering. Power made him swollen-headed and he became a menace to the good and the holy men and even the Gods. The Gods headed by Devendra implored Sri Krishna who was at Dwaaraka (in the present-day Gujarat) to come to their rescue. Sri Krishna responded. He marched from the western end of the country to its eastern end, Praagjyotishapura, destroyed the huge army which opposed him finally beheaded Narakaasura himself. The populace was freed from the oppressive tyranny and all heaved a sigh of relief. The 16,000 women kept in captivity by the demon king were freed. With a view to removing any stigma on them and according social dignity, Sri Krishna gave all of them the status of his wives. After the slaying of Narakaasura Sri Krishna bathed himself smearing his body with oil in the early morning of Chaturdashi. Hence the invigorating vogue of taking an early morning `oil-bath' on that day. Mother Earth, whose son Narakaasura was, requested Sri Krishna that the day be celebrated as one of jubilation. Sri Krishna granted the request and since then the tradition has continued. Mother Earth reconciled herself to the loss of her son and knowing as she did that the Lord had punished her son for the sake of the welfare of the world, she set a glowing example of how one has to brush aside one's personal joys and sorrows in the interest of society. It is this deliverance of the people from the clutches of the asuras that fill the people with joy. Then follows Amaavaasya, the new moon day, auspicious for offering prayers and gratitude to the bygone ancestors of the family and invoking their memories and blessings for treading the path of right conduct. This is also the sacred occasion for the worship of Mahaa Lakshmi, the goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. The business community open their New Year's account with Her worship. This reminds us of the famous saying of the sage Vyaasa, 'dharmaadarthashcha kaamashcha...' - it is through right conduct that wealth and fulfilment of desires also accrue. In northern parts of Bharat, Deepaavali is associated with the return of Sri Rama to Ayodhya after vanquishing Raavana. The people of Ayodhya, overwhelmed with joy, welcomed Rama through jubilation and illumination of the entire capital. Well has it been said that while Sri Rama unified the north and south of our country, Sri Krishna unified the west and the east. Sri Rama and Sri Krishna together therefore symbolize the grand unity of our motherland. The third day, i.e., the first day of Kaartik, is named Balipratipada, after the demon king Bali, the ruler of Paataala (the netherworld), who had extended his kingdom over the earth also. On the day, Sri Vishnnu, taking the form of a dwarfish Brahmin by name Vaamana, approached Bali, for a boon of space equal to his three steps. Bali, known for his charity, gladly granted the boon. Vaamana now grew into a gigantic form; with one step he covered the entire earth, with the second he covered the outer sky, and asked Bali where he should keep his third step. Bali, left with no other choice, showed his own head. Sri Vishnu placed his foot on Bali's head and pushed him down to the netherworld, the rightful territory of Bali's reign. However, Bali prayed to the Lord that he might be permitted to visit the earth once a year. Now it was the turn of Vishnu to grant the boon. And the people too offer their and respect to him on this day. The annual visit of Bali is celebrated in Kerala as Onam. It is the most popular festival for Kerala where every Hindu home receives him with floral decorations and lights and festoons adorn all public places. Onam, however, falls on the 16th day of Aavani (Sowramaana) in september. The pratipada is also the day for Govardhana Pooja and Anna Koota (heap of grains), the former signifying the Govardhana episode in Sri Krishna's life and the latter conveying affluence and prosperity. The fourth and final day is Yama Dwiteeya, also called Bahu beej. It is a most touching moment for the family members when even distant brothers reach their sisters to strengthen that holy tie. The sister applies tilak and waves aarati to her brother, and the brother offers loving presents to the sister. To the Jains, Deepaavali has an added significance to the great event of Mahaaveera attaining the Eternal Bliss of Nirvaana. The passing into Eternity on the same Amaavaasya of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, that leonine sanyasin who was one of the first to light the torch of Hindu Renaissance during the last century, and of Swami Ramatirtha who carried the fragrance of the spiritual message of Hindu Dharma to the western world, have brought the national-cum-spiritual tradition of Deepaavali right up to modern times.
Deepawali or Diwali The 14th Day of the dark half of Aashwayuja to the 2nd day of bright half of Kaartik If there is one occasion which is all joy and all jubilation for one and all - the young and the old, men and women for the entire Hindu world, it is Deepaavali - the Festival of Lights. Even the humblest of huts will be lighted by a row of earthern lamps. Crackers resound and light up the earth and the sky. The faces of boys and girls flow with a rare charm in their dazzling hues and colors. Illumination - Deepotsavas - in temples and all sacred places of worship and one the banks of rivers symbolize the scattering of spiritual radiance all round from these holy centres. The radiant sight of everybody adorned with new and bright clothes, especially ladies decorated with the best of ornaments, captures the social mood at its happiest. And all this illumination and fireworks, joy and festivity, is to signify the victory of divine forces over those of wickedness. Narakaasura was a demon king ruling over Praagjyotishapura (the present-day Assam). By virtue of his powers and boons secured from God, he became all-conquering. Power made him swollen-headed and he became a menace to the good and the holy men and even the Gods. The Gods headed by Devendra implored Sri Krishna who was at Dwaaraka (in the present-day Gujarat) to come to their rescue. Sri Krishna responded. He marched from the western end of the country to its eastern end, Praagjyotishapura, destroyed the huge army which opposed him finally beheaded Narakaasura himself. The populace was freed from the oppressive tyranny and all heaved a sigh of relief. The 16,000 women kept in captivity by the demon king were freed. With a view to removing any stigma on them and according social dignity, Sri Krishna gave all of them the status of his wives. After the slaying of Narakaasura Sri Krishna bathed himself smearing his body with oil in the early morning of Chaturdashi. Hence the invigorating vogue of taking an early morning `oil-bath' on that day. Mother Earth, whose son Narakaasura was, requested Sri Krishna that the day be celebrated as one of jubilation. Sri Krishna granted the request and since then the tradition has continued. Mother Earth reconciled herself to the loss of her son and knowing as she did that the Lord had punished her son for the sake of the welfare of the world, she set a glowing example of how one has to brush aside one's personal joys and sorrows in the interest of society. It is this deliverance of the people from the clutches of the asuras that fill the people with joy. Then follows Amaavaasya, the new moon day, auspicious for offering prayers and gratitude to the bygone ancestors of the family and invoking their memories and blessings for treading the path of right conduct. This is also the sacred occasion for the worship of Mahaa Lakshmi, the goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. The business community open their New Year's account with Her worship. This reminds us of the famous saying of the sage Vyaasa, 'dharmaadarthashcha kaamashcha...' - it is through right conduct that wealth and fulfilment of desires also accrue. In northern parts of Bharat, Deepaavali is associated with the return of Sri Rama to Ayodhya after vanquishing Raavana. The people of Ayodhya, overwhelmed with joy, welcomed Rama through jubilation and illumination of the entire capital. Well has it been said that while Sri Rama unified the north and south of our country, Sri Krishna unified the west and the east. Sri Rama and Sri Krishna together therefore symbolize the grand unity of our motherland. The third day, i.e., the first day of Kaartik, is named Balipratipada, after the demon king Bali, the ruler of Paataala (the netherworld), who had extended his kingdom over the earth also. On the day, Sri Vishnnu, taking the form of a dwarfish Brahmin by name Vaamana, approached Bali, for a boon of space equal to his three steps. Bali, known for his charity, gladly granted the boon. Vaamana now grew into a gigantic form; with one step he covered the entire earth, with the second he covered the outer sky, and asked Bali where he should keep his third step. Bali, left with no other choice, showed his own head. Sri Vishnu placed his foot on Bali's head and pushed him down to the netherworld, the rightful territory of Bali's reign. However, Bali prayed to the Lord that he might be permitted to visit the earth once a year. Now it was the turn of Vishnu to grant the boon. And the people too offer their and respect to him on this day. The annual visit of Bali is celebrated in Kerala as Onam. It is the most popular festival for Kerala where every Hindu home receives him with floral decorations and lights and festoons adorn all public places. Onam, however, falls on the 16th day of Aavani (Sowramaana) in september. The pratipada is also the day for Govardhana Pooja and Anna Koota (heap of grains), the former signifying the Govardhana episode in Sri Krishna's life and the latter conveying affluence and prosperity. The fourth and final day is Yama Dwiteeya, also called Bahu beej. It is a most touching moment for the family members when even distant brothers reach their sisters to strengthen that holy tie. The sister applies tilak and waves aarati to her brother, and the brother offers loving presents to the sister. To the Jains, Deepaavali has an added significance to the great event of Mahaaveera attaining the Eternal Bliss of Nirvaana. The passing into Eternity on the same Amaavaasya of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, that leonine sanyasin who was one of the first to light the torch of Hindu Renaissance during the last century, and of Swami Ramatirtha who carried the fragrance of the spiritual message of Hindu Dharma to the western world, have brought the national-cum-spiritual tradition of Deepaavali right up to modern times.
दशहरा
Dussehra (tenth day) is one of the significant Hindu festivals, celebrated with much joie de vivre in the entire country. The occasion marks the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon king, Ravana, the victory of good over evil. Brilliantly decorated tableaux and processions depicting various facets of Rama's life are taken out. On the tenth day, the Vijayadasmi day, colossal effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkarna and son Meghnath are placed in vast open spaces. Rama, accompanied by his consort Sita and his brother Lakshmana, arrive and shoot arrows of fire at these effigies, which are stuffed with explosive material. The result is a deafening blast, enhanced by the shouts of merriment and triumph from the spectators.
It is significant that the Lord invoked the blessings of the divine mother, Goddess Durga, before actually going out to battle. In burning the effigies the people are asked to burn the evil within them, and thus follow the path of virtue and goodness, bearing in mind the instance of Ravana, who despite all his might and majesty was destroyed for his evil ways. It must be remembered that Ravana was a great scholar and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, but the very powers that were bestowed on him for his steadfast devotion proved to be his undoing, due to his gross misuse of the same.
Goddess Durga
The festival is also celebrated with intense fervour and zest, in West Bengal and Bengalis nationwide, in the form of Durga Puja. The festivities commence on the first night in the month of Ashwin (September-October). The vibrant festivities last for ten days, of which nine nights are spent in worship, 'Navaratri'. The tenth day is devoted to the worship of goddess Durga, who occupies a special position in the Hindu pantheon of gods and goddesses. She is 'Shakti', the cosmic energy which animates all beings. Beautiful idols of the Mother Goddess are worshipped in elaborate pandals for nine days, and on the ninth day, these are carried out in procession for immersion (visarjan) in a river or pond.
According to a Puranic legend attached to this day, the mighty demon Mahisasur, vanquished the gods and their king, Indra, who subsequently fled, leaving behind their kingdoms. They then approached the Holy Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, who decided to destroy the megalomaniac demon, and thus prayed to the divine mother Durga to do the needful. Equipped with lethal weapons, riding a ferocious lion, the Goddess in all her awesome majesty, vanquished the evil one without much ado. This day, thus, also celebrates the magnificence and omnipotence of Goddess Durga.
Ramlila
In Tamil Nadu, the first three days are dedicated to the worship of Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity, the next three days to Saraswati, Goddess of learning and arts and the last three days to Shakti (Durga). In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, families arrange dolls(Bommai Kolu) on artificially constructed steps and prepare an elaborate spread of lamps and flowers. Women traditionally exchange gifts of coconuts, clothes and sweets. Scenes culled from various stories in the epics and puranas are displayed. Traditionally women and children, and now men too visit their friends and acquaintances during these 10 days. They sing songs, tell stories that the dolls might depict and eat a dish made out of chickpeas (choondal). The whole set up is put up on the very first day of Navaratri. After the Saraswati pooja on the ninth day, the whole set up is taken down on Vijayadashmi. Vijayadashami is an auspicious occasion for children to commence their education in classical dance and music, and to pay homage to their teachers.
In Punjab, Navaratri is taken as a period of fasting. In Gujarat, the evenings and nights are occasions for the fascinating Garba dance. The women dance around an earthen lamp while singing devotional songs accompanied by rhythmic clapping of hands.
In northern India, the festival wears the colourful garb of Ramlila wherein various incidents from Rama's life are enacted, as is the destruction of Ravana and Bharat Milap, that is the reunion of Ram and his estranged brother Bharat, on the former's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. In the Kulu valley in Himachal Pradesh, the hill- folk celebrate Dussehra with a grand mass ceremony wherein village deities are taken out in elaborate processions. The Dussehra of Mysore, is also quite famous where caparisoned elephants lead a colourful procession through the gaily dressed streets of the city.
Like other festivals in the country, Dussehra / Durga Puja is an occasion for festivities on a grand scale, which emanate a genuine feeling of bonhomie and warmth.
It is significant that the Lord invoked the blessings of the divine mother, Goddess Durga, before actually going out to battle. In burning the effigies the people are asked to burn the evil within them, and thus follow the path of virtue and goodness, bearing in mind the instance of Ravana, who despite all his might and majesty was destroyed for his evil ways. It must be remembered that Ravana was a great scholar and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, but the very powers that were bestowed on him for his steadfast devotion proved to be his undoing, due to his gross misuse of the same.
Goddess Durga
The festival is also celebrated with intense fervour and zest, in West Bengal and Bengalis nationwide, in the form of Durga Puja. The festivities commence on the first night in the month of Ashwin (September-October). The vibrant festivities last for ten days, of which nine nights are spent in worship, 'Navaratri'. The tenth day is devoted to the worship of goddess Durga, who occupies a special position in the Hindu pantheon of gods and goddesses. She is 'Shakti', the cosmic energy which animates all beings. Beautiful idols of the Mother Goddess are worshipped in elaborate pandals for nine days, and on the ninth day, these are carried out in procession for immersion (visarjan) in a river or pond.
According to a Puranic legend attached to this day, the mighty demon Mahisasur, vanquished the gods and their king, Indra, who subsequently fled, leaving behind their kingdoms. They then approached the Holy Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, who decided to destroy the megalomaniac demon, and thus prayed to the divine mother Durga to do the needful. Equipped with lethal weapons, riding a ferocious lion, the Goddess in all her awesome majesty, vanquished the evil one without much ado. This day, thus, also celebrates the magnificence and omnipotence of Goddess Durga.
Ramlila
In Tamil Nadu, the first three days are dedicated to the worship of Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity, the next three days to Saraswati, Goddess of learning and arts and the last three days to Shakti (Durga). In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, families arrange dolls(Bommai Kolu) on artificially constructed steps and prepare an elaborate spread of lamps and flowers. Women traditionally exchange gifts of coconuts, clothes and sweets. Scenes culled from various stories in the epics and puranas are displayed. Traditionally women and children, and now men too visit their friends and acquaintances during these 10 days. They sing songs, tell stories that the dolls might depict and eat a dish made out of chickpeas (choondal). The whole set up is put up on the very first day of Navaratri. After the Saraswati pooja on the ninth day, the whole set up is taken down on Vijayadashmi. Vijayadashami is an auspicious occasion for children to commence their education in classical dance and music, and to pay homage to their teachers.
In Punjab, Navaratri is taken as a period of fasting. In Gujarat, the evenings and nights are occasions for the fascinating Garba dance. The women dance around an earthen lamp while singing devotional songs accompanied by rhythmic clapping of hands.
In northern India, the festival wears the colourful garb of Ramlila wherein various incidents from Rama's life are enacted, as is the destruction of Ravana and Bharat Milap, that is the reunion of Ram and his estranged brother Bharat, on the former's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. In the Kulu valley in Himachal Pradesh, the hill- folk celebrate Dussehra with a grand mass ceremony wherein village deities are taken out in elaborate processions. The Dussehra of Mysore, is also quite famous where caparisoned elephants lead a colourful procession through the gaily dressed streets of the city.
Like other festivals in the country, Dussehra / Durga Puja is an occasion for festivities on a grand scale, which emanate a genuine feeling of bonhomie and warmth.
नवरात्र -1
This celebration in honor of the goddess, the mother of the world, begins on the first day of Ashvin, and goes on for nine days.
The goddess is the personification of Power, or 'Shakti'.
She is known by many names:
'Kali',
'Laxmi',
'Sarasvati',
'Chandi-ka',
'Durga',
'Bhavani',
'Ambika',
'Ashtabhuja' (eight hands).
Her main task is to punish the wicked. She is engaged in war, and weapons are in her hands (four, eight, eighteen...) She is sitting on a lion. Her weapons are the 'shul' (pike), 'chakra' (wheel), 'parshu' (axe) and 'talvar' (sword).
Kali is known as 'Mahisha-surmardini', the slayer of the demon Mahishasur. The fight against the demon begins on the first day until he is defeated on the ninth day.
Rambh and Karambh
Once upon a time there were two brothers, Rambh and Karambh. They were demons who did a lot of penance. But their intention was evil. So Indra, the king of the gods, stopped their penance. Rambh was standing in the hot sun. Karambh was standing in water. Indra took the form of a crocodile and killed Karambh. Rambh got angry and was about to commit suicide. But �agni dev�, the fire god, appeared to him and offered him a boon. Rambh asked to have a son who should never be defeated by anyone, and who could take any form he wanted. Agni granted the boon and disappeared.
Mahishasur
Rambh married a woman from the Mahish caste (Mahish means buffalo). Their son was named Mahishasur. He had the come to you only by a woman's hand. Here I am. I have come to kill you. If you want to save your life go immediately to hell.The battle started. Mahishasur became a lion, then an el-ephant, a locust and a buffalo. The goddess stood on the buffalo's back, and while Mahishasur was coming out of the buffalo's mouth, the goddess chopped his head with her sword. With the death of Mahishasur all the demons fled to hell.
Shumbha and Nishumbha
According to another story Shumbha and Nishumbha were two demons who had made penance for 10,000 years, and they pleased Brahmadev. Their boon was that they would not die by the hand of men. Of women they were not afraid. Shumbha was king and Nishumbha his prime minister. Chanda and Munda were two generals of the army. One day they came with their army to Shumbha. With them came Dhumralochan of the colour of smoke and soot ('Dhumra' = smoke, 'lochan' = eye), and Raktabij (seed of blood) who was a reincarnation of Mahishasur.
Shumbha and Nishumbha became very strong. They defeated Indra, who with all the other gods escaped from heaven. Bruhaspati, the guru of the gods, suggested that they have recourse to the goddess. All the gods gathered on the Himalayas and began to pray, "O goddess, protect us. Save us from the tyranny of the demons."
The goddess is the personification of Power, or 'Shakti'.
She is known by many names:
'Kali',
'Laxmi',
'Sarasvati',
'Chandi-ka',
'Durga',
'Bhavani',
'Ambika',
'Ashtabhuja' (eight hands).
Her main task is to punish the wicked. She is engaged in war, and weapons are in her hands (four, eight, eighteen...) She is sitting on a lion. Her weapons are the 'shul' (pike), 'chakra' (wheel), 'parshu' (axe) and 'talvar' (sword).
Kali is known as 'Mahisha-surmardini', the slayer of the demon Mahishasur. The fight against the demon begins on the first day until he is defeated on the ninth day.
Rambh and Karambh
Once upon a time there were two brothers, Rambh and Karambh. They were demons who did a lot of penance. But their intention was evil. So Indra, the king of the gods, stopped their penance. Rambh was standing in the hot sun. Karambh was standing in water. Indra took the form of a crocodile and killed Karambh. Rambh got angry and was about to commit suicide. But �agni dev�, the fire god, appeared to him and offered him a boon. Rambh asked to have a son who should never be defeated by anyone, and who could take any form he wanted. Agni granted the boon and disappeared.
Mahishasur
Rambh married a woman from the Mahish caste (Mahish means buffalo). Their son was named Mahishasur. He had the come to you only by a woman's hand. Here I am. I have come to kill you. If you want to save your life go immediately to hell.The battle started. Mahishasur became a lion, then an el-ephant, a locust and a buffalo. The goddess stood on the buffalo's back, and while Mahishasur was coming out of the buffalo's mouth, the goddess chopped his head with her sword. With the death of Mahishasur all the demons fled to hell.
Shumbha and Nishumbha
According to another story Shumbha and Nishumbha were two demons who had made penance for 10,000 years, and they pleased Brahmadev. Their boon was that they would not die by the hand of men. Of women they were not afraid. Shumbha was king and Nishumbha his prime minister. Chanda and Munda were two generals of the army. One day they came with their army to Shumbha. With them came Dhumralochan of the colour of smoke and soot ('Dhumra' = smoke, 'lochan' = eye), and Raktabij (seed of blood) who was a reincarnation of Mahishasur.
Shumbha and Nishumbha became very strong. They defeated Indra, who with all the other gods escaped from heaven. Bruhaspati, the guru of the gods, suggested that they have recourse to the goddess. All the gods gathered on the Himalayas and began to pray, "O goddess, protect us. Save us from the tyranny of the demons."
Navratra -2
Kalika
At that time the goddess had gone to take bath in the Ganges. She heard their prayers. From her body another goddess was created. She was black and horrible to look at. So she was called 'Kalika'. She smiled and promised to destroy Shumbha and Nishumbha. When King Shumbha heard about the new goddess, he sent her the demon Sugreev with the invitation to become the queen of King Shumbha.
She replied, "I shall marry the one who defeats me in battle. Tell the king to come here and fight with me."
Hearing this Shumbha got angry and sent his general Dhumralochan to the goddess. But the goddess only saying "hum" burnt him to death.
Chamunda
Then the army of the demons came to attack the goddess, but they were put to flight by her lion. Then Chanda and Munda came with their. armies.
As they approached, a new goddess was created from the forehead of Kalika. Of a terrible appearance was she, and she wore a tiger's skin. In her hands she held a sword, a noose and a 'khatvang' (weapon of Shiva) ('Khatva' Khat or baj = a bedstead, a part of it, is called Khatvang = like the foot of the bedstead). The newly created goddess caught Chanda and Munda and kept them bound before Kalika. Then by Kalika's command she made their heads fly. Because she killed Chanda and Munda she is known as 'Chamurtda'.
Shumbha sent another hero demon. His name was Raktabij, because Brahmadev had given him the boon, that when wounded, every drop of his blood falling on the ground would become a new demon.When Kalika saw the number of demons multiplying from Raktabij's blood, she ordered Chamunda to spread her mouth (she had a huge jaw) and swallow every drop of the demon's blood. So Chamunda swallowed each and every drop of blood until Raktabij lost all his blood and died.
Final Battle, Kalika Kills Shumbha
Finally Shumbha and Nishumbha in person reached the battle field. With their army they surrounded the goddess from all sides. Kalika began to fight bitting on her lion, and Chamunda was helping her. The demon's army was very large, and the two brothers were experienced warriors. So all the gods sent all the power at their command to help the goddess.
Bramhadev sent his power Branihani by a plane drawn by a swan. Maheshvari, the power of the great god Shankar came sitting on the bull. The virginal power of Kartikaya came sitting on the peacock. The Vaishnavi power came sitting on the eagle. Aindri power came sitting on the elephant Airavat. They all descended on the demons. They soon killed Nishumbha. Shumbha was furious. He said, "Are you so proud of your power? Then why are you taking the help of all these gods and goddesses? If you dare come and fight me single handed."
Kalika said smiling, "No problem. All these deities are my own nature. If you wish they can all get again immersed in me." As she said this all the powers disappeared in her body, and Kalika was there alone. Then Shumbha lifted her up and flew into the sky. The goddess fought in the sky. There was a fierce fight. At the end the goddess whirling Shumbha around hurled him down from the sky. Shumbha was at last dead. All the demons ran away to hell.
The Novena
The festival of the nine nights is in honour of the goddess, the Divine Power. On the first night the 'ghatsthapana' takes place. A vessel of water called 'kalash' is put before the image of the goddess, while Vedic verses are recited. During nine days the image of the goddess and the 'kalash' must not be touched. This must be accompanied by fasting, or with only one meal a day. An oil lamp must be kept burning throughout. This lamp is called 'nandadip'. Every day a garland of fresh flowers is tied before the goddess. Near the water vessel some mud is spread and grains are sown. The grains sprout during the nine days. On Dasara day the bunch of tender plants is put on the clothes.
During these nine days the holy book 'Saptashati' is read. This book contains the exploits of the goddess. Every day special food is prepared for the goddess. Brahmins, married women and young girls are invited for dinner. At night 'arti' is celebrated with great solemnity. In some places it was customary to offer the sacrifice of either a male buffalo, or a goat or a pig. Many people go daily to visit the temple of the goddess, usually situated on the outskirts of the town or village. Some temples of the goddess are situated on high mountains.
In Bengal, this period is celebrated as Durga Puja.
In Gujarat, this is the time for the joyous Garba and Dandia dances and people pour out at night to participate in this community festival. Women and girls in all their fineries dance around the garb a pot, clapping their hands in rhythmic movement. The pot is decorated with flowers, betel leaves, and has its mouth covered with a cocount.
In Tamil Nadu, the first three days of the festival are dedicated to Lakshmi, the next three to Durga and the last three to Sarasvati.
At that time the goddess had gone to take bath in the Ganges. She heard their prayers. From her body another goddess was created. She was black and horrible to look at. So she was called 'Kalika'. She smiled and promised to destroy Shumbha and Nishumbha. When King Shumbha heard about the new goddess, he sent her the demon Sugreev with the invitation to become the queen of King Shumbha.
She replied, "I shall marry the one who defeats me in battle. Tell the king to come here and fight with me."
Hearing this Shumbha got angry and sent his general Dhumralochan to the goddess. But the goddess only saying "hum" burnt him to death.
Chamunda
Then the army of the demons came to attack the goddess, but they were put to flight by her lion. Then Chanda and Munda came with their. armies.
As they approached, a new goddess was created from the forehead of Kalika. Of a terrible appearance was she, and she wore a tiger's skin. In her hands she held a sword, a noose and a 'khatvang' (weapon of Shiva) ('Khatva' Khat or baj = a bedstead, a part of it, is called Khatvang = like the foot of the bedstead). The newly created goddess caught Chanda and Munda and kept them bound before Kalika. Then by Kalika's command she made their heads fly. Because she killed Chanda and Munda she is known as 'Chamurtda'.
Shumbha sent another hero demon. His name was Raktabij, because Brahmadev had given him the boon, that when wounded, every drop of his blood falling on the ground would become a new demon.When Kalika saw the number of demons multiplying from Raktabij's blood, she ordered Chamunda to spread her mouth (she had a huge jaw) and swallow every drop of the demon's blood. So Chamunda swallowed each and every drop of blood until Raktabij lost all his blood and died.
Final Battle, Kalika Kills Shumbha
Finally Shumbha and Nishumbha in person reached the battle field. With their army they surrounded the goddess from all sides. Kalika began to fight bitting on her lion, and Chamunda was helping her. The demon's army was very large, and the two brothers were experienced warriors. So all the gods sent all the power at their command to help the goddess.
Bramhadev sent his power Branihani by a plane drawn by a swan. Maheshvari, the power of the great god Shankar came sitting on the bull. The virginal power of Kartikaya came sitting on the peacock. The Vaishnavi power came sitting on the eagle. Aindri power came sitting on the elephant Airavat. They all descended on the demons. They soon killed Nishumbha. Shumbha was furious. He said, "Are you so proud of your power? Then why are you taking the help of all these gods and goddesses? If you dare come and fight me single handed."
Kalika said smiling, "No problem. All these deities are my own nature. If you wish they can all get again immersed in me." As she said this all the powers disappeared in her body, and Kalika was there alone. Then Shumbha lifted her up and flew into the sky. The goddess fought in the sky. There was a fierce fight. At the end the goddess whirling Shumbha around hurled him down from the sky. Shumbha was at last dead. All the demons ran away to hell.
The Novena
The festival of the nine nights is in honour of the goddess, the Divine Power. On the first night the 'ghatsthapana' takes place. A vessel of water called 'kalash' is put before the image of the goddess, while Vedic verses are recited. During nine days the image of the goddess and the 'kalash' must not be touched. This must be accompanied by fasting, or with only one meal a day. An oil lamp must be kept burning throughout. This lamp is called 'nandadip'. Every day a garland of fresh flowers is tied before the goddess. Near the water vessel some mud is spread and grains are sown. The grains sprout during the nine days. On Dasara day the bunch of tender plants is put on the clothes.
During these nine days the holy book 'Saptashati' is read. This book contains the exploits of the goddess. Every day special food is prepared for the goddess. Brahmins, married women and young girls are invited for dinner. At night 'arti' is celebrated with great solemnity. In some places it was customary to offer the sacrifice of either a male buffalo, or a goat or a pig. Many people go daily to visit the temple of the goddess, usually situated on the outskirts of the town or village. Some temples of the goddess are situated on high mountains.
In Bengal, this period is celebrated as Durga Puja.
In Gujarat, this is the time for the joyous Garba and Dandia dances and people pour out at night to participate in this community festival. Women and girls in all their fineries dance around the garb a pot, clapping their hands in rhythmic movement. The pot is decorated with flowers, betel leaves, and has its mouth covered with a cocount.
In Tamil Nadu, the first three days of the festival are dedicated to Lakshmi, the next three to Durga and the last three to Sarasvati.
20 February 2009
The following 7 tips may help you avoid becoming one of these statistics.
- First and Foremost YOU are a business. Real estate agents work for a broker, but are independent, commissioned sales people. This means that you are a small business and must run your practice as a business. Again, remember you are a small business owner.
- Embrace a Planning Attitude. If you don't have a plan, then you are on some else's plan - usually the successful real estate agent's. During the last 10 years, what I have learned as a performance improvement consultant or coach is that most people place more value in planning a trip to the grocery store or a vacation than planning their lives either professionally or personally.
- Research Your Market Plan. Since you, as the real estate agent, are responsible for your own expenses, do your research specific to your marketing plan within your strategic plan. Time spent in constructing your marketing plan is definitely well spent. NOTE: Remember a business plan usually is data driven, while a strategic plan identifies who does what by when.
- Establish Sales Goals. Using your strategic action plan, establish sales goals. If you are new to this industry, it may take 6 months before the first sale. HINT: Use the W.H.Y. S.M.A.R.T. criteria for goal setting.
- Create a Financial Budget. Budgeting is critical given the up and down of this volatile market place. Your financial budget should plan for your marketing costs, any additional costs such as education and your forecasted income.
- Make Managing Yourself a Priority. Building a business is not easy. You must learn how to manage yourself especially in the area of time management, ongoing real estate business training coaching continuing education units, and personal life balance. Real estate is said to be a 24/7 business much like any small business. However, it is important not to lose sight of your personal life including family, friends, physical health, etc.
- Find a Mentor or a Real Estate Coach. Going it alone is not easy. Take the time to find a mentor who can help you steer through some of the known obstacles and help you during the "peaks and valleys." If you have the resources, you may wish to hire a real estate coach or an executive coach who specializes in small business help and sales.
Being an incredible sales person and entering the real estate market does not guarantee similar sales success. However, these 7 tips may help you avoid many of the pitfalls by not being one of the four real estate agents who quit within one year or one of the nine who give up after 3 years.
20 Small Business Tips, for Success
These are just some general tips to keep in mind as you design/operate your small business:
1. Take the time out to explore and understand whether or not you are compatible with running our own business. Some people are just plain happier and better off financially on the other end of the paycheck.
2.Get your personal fina nces in order. Before you jump into the entrepreneurship world, get your own money matters squared away.
3. Pick your niche. Many small business owners succeed in businesses that are hardly unique or innovative. Take stock of your skills, interests, and employment history to select the business that is best suited for you.
4. Benefit from your business plan. The exercise of creating a business plan is what pays the dividends. Answer the tough questions now before the meter starts running.
5. Do not think you need bankers and investors at the outset of your business. The vast majority of small businesses are bootstrapped.
6. Acquire the proper background. In the early months and years of your business, you will have to acquire many skills. Gain the background you need to oversee all facets of your business well, but determine what tasks you should outsource or hire employees.
7. Remember that nothing happens until a sale is made – How many good products go nowhere because they do not reach the shelves? Sales drive your business. You will need a good marketing plan to sell your product or service.
8. You have to see a customer to know one. N o matter how busy you are, spend at least 25% of your time with customers. You cannot make the proper business decision without understanding their viewpoint.
9. Solve your customers’ problems. The best way to satisfy your customers is not by selling them products but by giving solutions to their problems. There is a big difference.
10.Quality takes minutes to lose but years to regain. Quality is not a destination, it is a never ending journey. After you have strayed from quality’s path, your journey maybe sidetracked forever.
11. Put profitability first, rewards seconds. In small businesses, profitability must come first. Find out how to measure your cash flow and understand key financial ratios.
12. Hire supporters. If you intend to create a growing business, your number one duty is to assemble a great team of employees.
13. Do not do it alone. Find such help from small business peers, a mentor, even trade associations. They can help take some of the trial and error of beginning your business.
14. Vendors are partners too! Treat your vendors like customers and watch your partnership grow.
15. Make use of benefits. Understand how to provide insurance and other benefits for your employees and cut your tax bill at the same time.
16. Ignore regulatory issues at your peril. Federal, state, and local governments require licenses, registrations, and permits. Obey them or face losing your business.
17. Know the tax laws. Invest in understanding tax issues that affect your small business.
18. It’s the people! Whatever happens to a small business happens at the hands of the people who work for it. The evolution of the business is a result of their efforts.
19. Fast, good, cheap. Pick any two. Serious trouble awaits those who attempt to be all three in the market place. Stick with what you do best.
20. Develop a passion for learning. As your business grows, you need to change and grow along with it. One common denominator can be found in all successful business owners and that is a passion for learning.
1. Take the time out to explore and understand whether or not you are compatible with running our own business. Some people are just plain happier and better off financially on the other end of the paycheck.
2.Get your personal fina nces in order. Before you jump into the entrepreneurship world, get your own money matters squared away.
3. Pick your niche. Many small business owners succeed in businesses that are hardly unique or innovative. Take stock of your skills, interests, and employment history to select the business that is best suited for you.
4. Benefit from your business plan. The exercise of creating a business plan is what pays the dividends. Answer the tough questions now before the meter starts running.
5. Do not think you need bankers and investors at the outset of your business. The vast majority of small businesses are bootstrapped.
6. Acquire the proper background. In the early months and years of your business, you will have to acquire many skills. Gain the background you need to oversee all facets of your business well, but determine what tasks you should outsource or hire employees.
7. Remember that nothing happens until a sale is made – How many good products go nowhere because they do not reach the shelves? Sales drive your business. You will need a good marketing plan to sell your product or service.
8. You have to see a customer to know one. N o matter how busy you are, spend at least 25% of your time with customers. You cannot make the proper business decision without understanding their viewpoint.
9. Solve your customers’ problems. The best way to satisfy your customers is not by selling them products but by giving solutions to their problems. There is a big difference.
10.Quality takes minutes to lose but years to regain. Quality is not a destination, it is a never ending journey. After you have strayed from quality’s path, your journey maybe sidetracked forever.
11. Put profitability first, rewards seconds. In small businesses, profitability must come first. Find out how to measure your cash flow and understand key financial ratios.
12. Hire supporters. If you intend to create a growing business, your number one duty is to assemble a great team of employees.
13. Do not do it alone. Find such help from small business peers, a mentor, even trade associations. They can help take some of the trial and error of beginning your business.
14. Vendors are partners too! Treat your vendors like customers and watch your partnership grow.
15. Make use of benefits. Understand how to provide insurance and other benefits for your employees and cut your tax bill at the same time.
16. Ignore regulatory issues at your peril. Federal, state, and local governments require licenses, registrations, and permits. Obey them or face losing your business.
17. Know the tax laws. Invest in understanding tax issues that affect your small business.
18. It’s the people! Whatever happens to a small business happens at the hands of the people who work for it. The evolution of the business is a result of their efforts.
19. Fast, good, cheap. Pick any two. Serious trouble awaits those who attempt to be all three in the market place. Stick with what you do best.
20. Develop a passion for learning. As your business grows, you need to change and grow along with it. One common denominator can be found in all successful business owners and that is a passion for learning.
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