------------------------------------------- Today – October 23, 2014 – is Diwali ------------------------------------------ Lakshmi Puja is an important ritual during Diwali or Deepavali. There were numerous queries on how to do Lakshmi Puja at home? There is no straightforward answer to this question as the ritual varies from region to region. But here is a simple guide to perform Lakshmi Puja during Diwali. In 2014, Diwali Lakshmi Puja is on October 23. First and foremost step is to clean the house. Through the puja we are inviting Goddess Lakshmi to our house and she likes everything to be neat and clean. In some communities, even the broom is worshipped on the Lakshmi Puja day. This symbolically represents the need for cleanliness. Three forms of Shakti – Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswathi and Goddess Durga –Lord Ganesh and Lord Kubera are worshipped on the day. No puja is performed without paying customary tributes to Lord Ganesha. Lord Kubera, represents wealth, and he is the treasurer of Gods. In homes, usually the locker or safe in which gold and cash is kept symbolically represents the seat of Kubera. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Important Items Needed For Lakshmi Puja >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Kalash Mango leaves Idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi Milk, curd, honey, ghee Puffed rice Usual puja Sweets Coriander seeds Cumin seeds And other daily puja items >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Lakshmi Puja Process >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> =>First decide on a place to perform the puja. =>Spread a clean cloth and create a bed of rice. =>A Kalash (pot) is placed on the bed of rice. =>Fill about 75% of the Kalash with water. =>Put a betel nut, flower, a clean coin, and some rice in the Kalash. =>Now arrange mango leaves around the opening of the Kalash. =>Place a Thaali (a small plain plate) on the Kalash. =>On the Thaali, draw a lotus with turmeric powder and place the idol or small photograph of Goddess Lakshmi. =>Place some coins on the Thaali. =>On the right of Kalash, place the idol of Lord Ganesha. =>If you need, you can also place the idols of Saraswathi and your favorite deities. Create a peaceful and calm atmosphere. The best way is to close the eyes and meditate on ‘om.’ =>Take some water and sprinkle on all puja items to purify them. =>Do puja with haldi, kumkum and flowers on the Kalash. Light a lamp. =>Now take some flower and rice in the hands AND close the eyes and meditate on Goddess Lakshmi. You are now invoking Goddess Lakshmi. If you know mantras, recite them. Otherwise just simply meditate on Goddess Lakshmi. Here is a simple Sanskrit mantra dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Namosthesthu Maha Maye, Shree padee, sura poojithe, Shanka, Chakra, Gadha hasthe, Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe =>Now sprinkle the flowers and rice on the idol of Goddess Lakshmi. =>Take out the idol of Goddess Lakshmi and place it on a Thaali. Clean the idol with water, then with milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar. Then clean the idol again with water. =>Place the idol back on the Kalash. =>Now offer garlands made of marigolds or leaves of bel tree, sandalwood paste, kumkum and other daily puja items including lighting incense and agarbhatis. =>Now make offerings of coconut, fruits, sweets, betel nuts and betel leaves. =>Next make offerings of Batasha sweets, puffed rice, coriander and cumin seeds. =>Lastly, perform a silent Arati for Goddess Lakshmi. And meditate on Goddess Lakshmi. =>Take some of the ‘prasad’ (that will stay for long period of time) and place it at the place where ornaments and cash is usually kept. Business people also worship the account books on this day along with Goddess Lakshmi. This is only a guideline. You can show flexibility in the puja process. Some of the items needed might not be readily available. But you can keep the house and surrounding clean. Finally, if you can’t perform the puja, wherever you are simply mediate on Goddess Lakshmi. *********************************************************************************************** ------------------------------------------------------------ Chopda Puja during Diwali – Muhurat Pujan - Shubh Labh ------------------------------------------------------------ Chopda Puja during Diwali is performed mainly in western parts of India. Diwali is the last day of financial year in traditional Hindu business and Chopda Pujan is performed on the day on the new account books. This ritual is also known as Muhurat Puja. Chopda Puja date is October 23, 2014. This puja is basically performed by the Hindu business community in Gujarat, Rajashtan and Maharashtra. All account books are kept for puja on the day and blessing is sought from Goddess Lakshmi and Ganesha. In the new account books, people write Subh Labh and draw the sign of Swastik. In some regions, Chopda Puja is also performed along with Kuber Puja. ********************************************************************************************** -------------------------------- Kubera Puja during Diwali -------------------------------- Kubera Puja is performed during Diwali Lakshmi Puja in some regions by some Hindu communities. Kubera is considered to be the treasurer of Gods. In some Hindu scriptures he is also mentioned as the brother of Goddess Lakshmi. Kubera Puja is thus done for attaining wealth and prosperity. Kubera Puja 2014 date is October 23. Lord Kubera is depicted with a golden mongoose in his hand and it is said that the mongoose spits out gems. Strangely Lord Kubera is depicted as riding on man – symbolically it shows who how wealth corrupts human mind and finally man becomes slave of wealth. Kubera Puja is performed along with Goddess Lakshmi Puja on Diwali day. *********************************************************************************************** ------------------------------------------------------------------ Tihar Festival 2014 dates – Diwali Festival in Nepal in 2014 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Tihar Festival is a five-day festival which coincides with the Diwali and is mainly observed in Nepal. Tihar 2014 is from October 21 to October 25. It is observed from the 12th day of the Krishna Paksha or waning phase of moon in Kartik Mahina (October – November) to the second day of Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Kartik month as per traditional Hindu calendar in Nepal. Tihar Festival is not only dedicated to Hindu Gods but also to animals and plants. Tihar festival on October 21, 2014 – The first day of the Tihar festival is dedicated to crow - messenger of Yama, the god of death in Hindu Religion. This day is known as Kag Parva Tihar festival on October 22, 2014 – The second day of the Tihar festival is dedicated to Dog and is known as Kukur Tihar. Tihar festival on October 23, 2014 – The third day of the festival is the popular Diwali day and on the day cow is worshipped. Special Lakshmi puja is also held on the day. Tihar festival on October 24, 2014 – The fourth day is known as Bahar Puja. Newar community observes the New Year on the day. Govardhan Puja is also observed on the day. Tihar festival on October 25, 2014 – The fifth day of the festival is dedicated to the relationship of brother and sister. This festival is known as Bhai Tika. *********************************************************************************************** --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hanuman and Diwali – Worship and Puja of Lord Hanuman during Deepavali ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Special prayers and pujas dedicated to Lord Hanuman are performed a day before Diwali in North India and Gujarat. In 2014, the date of Hanuman Puja during Diwali is on October 22. This day is popularly known as Narak Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudash and Roop Chaturdashi or Chaudash. In several regions, the day before Diwali is believed to the birthday of Bajrang Bali Hanuman. It must be noted here that in majority of the regions, Hanuman Jayanti is observed on the full moon day in Chaitra month (March – April). Hanuman puja during Diwali is considered highly auspicious by several communities. This puja is also a major event in Gujarat. Hanuman is believed to give strength to fight evil spirits and inauspiciousness on the day. On the day of Diwali also special pujas and prayers dedicated to Lord Hanuman is performed. Sindhur and oil are offered to Hanuman on the day. A major reason for celebrating Diwali is the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile. Lord Ram has himself said that people will always worship Hanuman before him. And the easiest way to reach the feet of Lord Ram is through Bajrang Bali Hanuman. So it is only natural for people to perform Hanuman puja before Diwali. ************************************************************************************************ -------------------- Diwali Trivia -------------------- Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the most widely recognized Hindu festival and in 2014 it will be celebrated globally on October 23. In Tamil Nadu and South India, it will be on October 22. Diwali is a shortened version of the Sanskrit term ‘Deepavali’, which means ‘a row of lamps’. Diwali is known as the ‘Festival of Lights’ - it refers to the rows of earthen lamps celebrants place around their homes. Diwali light symbolizes the victory of knowledge over ignorance, and goodness over evil. It further represents an awareness of God in our lives. The popular legend in Hinduism associated with Diwali marks the day when Lord Rama returned from a forced exile after defeating Ravana, the ultimate force of evil, in His time. In South India, Diwali is also believed to be the day when Lord Krishna annihilated Demon Narakasura and restored Dharma. In addition to Hindus, Sikhs celebrate Diwali in commemoration of the release of the Sixth Guru, Hargobind, from captivity by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir. Jains recognize Diwali as the day Lord Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankaras, attained Nirvana, or liberation, after his death in 527 BCE. Diwali is celebrated over five days throughout India. Abhayang Snan or ritual bathing is performed on the day by many Hindu communities. Bathing by applying special oils. Sweets and dry fruits are given as gifts during the period to strengthen friendship and to alleviate all differences. Each region in India has a special Diwali delicacy which is a must on the day and it is shared with all people. Diwali marks the end of the Hindu calendar year in Gujarat and is celebrated as a day of thanksgiving and the beginning of the New Year by Gujaratis. During Diwali people light small oil lamps, place them around the home, and pray for health, knowledge, and peace. The rows of Diwali lamps symbolize the light within the individual that rids the soul of the darkness of ignorance. Ganesha, the Lord of beginning, Goddess Lakshmi, Hindu Goddess of prosperity and wealth, and Lord Kubera, Hindu God of wealth, is worshipped in homes and also by merchants, shopkeepers, corporates and by all business men. Goddess Kali is worshipped on Diwali in Bengal. Gambling of playing cards on Diwali is encouraged in many regions as method to know the luck in the coming year. Diwali is the release date for big budget movies and some of the most anticipated films in a year are released on Diwali in various languages in India. ************************************************************************************************ -------------------------------------------- Why is a new broom bought during Diwali? -------------------------------------------- During Diwali many Hindu homes in India buy a new broom – a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi. There is a tradition of Goddess Lakshmi visiting homes on Diwali. Goddess Lakshmi is believed to reside only in places which are neat and clean. Therefore people buy a new broom. It is not just homes and surroundings that are to be cleaned but it also an opportunity to clear the mind of all greed, ego and anger. Thus the buying of a broom symbolizes both cleanliness and spiritual rejuvenation after removal of dirt from mind. In many regions, on Diwali day, the broom is worshipped and is decorated with turmeric and vermilion powder. *********************************************************************************************** ------------------------------------- Roop Chaturdashi – Rup Chaudash ------------------------------------- Roop Chaturdashi, also known as Rup Chaudash, is observed a day before Diwali in North India. The day is also observed as Narak Chaurdasi and Kali Chaudash. In 2014, the date of Roop Chaturdashi is October 22. The day is observed differently in different regions. For some communities, it is the day for the traditional oil bath and importance is given to the maintenance of the body and therefore the day is also known as Soundarya Siddhi Divas. Yamraj, the god of death, and Chitragupt is also worshipped on Roop Chaturdashi day. After the sighting the moon on Roop Chaturdashi day, people take bath after applying oil and other traditional health products. Special powder of gram flour (Uptan) and other herbs are applied on the body. Clean dress is worn after the Roop Chaturdashi day bath and special prayers and pujas dedicated to Lord Yama is performed. People pray for the removal of the fear of narak (hell). It is believed that prayers on the day to Yamraj will rescue from perpetual hell. Diyas (Lamps) are lit and placed during the twilight period (Pradosham) on the day in front of the house and on doorways. This is also a sort of prayer to Lord Yama, asking him for forgiveness of sins committed. *********************************************************************************************** ----------------------------------------------------------------- Kali Chaudas 2014 date – Goddess Kali Worship during Diwali ------------------------------------------------------------------ Kali Chaudas as the name indicates is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is observed on the 14th day of Ashwin month mainly in Gujarat. Kali Chaudas 2014 date is October 22. The auspicious day, which falls a day before Diwali, is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Mahakali. In Gujarat, the day is also dedicated to Hanuman worship. Usually, Narak Chaturdashi is observed on Kali Chaudas day. It must be noted that the Amavasi in the month of Ashwin is dedicated to Kali Puja in eastern parts of India - this is on October 23, 2014. Diwali day is dedicated to worship of Kali in Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand and Assam. Tantric practitioners perform special pujas on the day. *********************************************************************************************** ----------------------------------------------------------------- Why do people take oil bath on Diwali and Naraka Chaturdashi? ------------------------------------------------------------------ There is a tradition of taking oil bath during Naraka Chaturdashi and Diwali. This ritual is known as Neer Thumba Habba in Karnataka and Abhyanga Snan in Maharashtra. In other regions too there is a tradition of taking oil bath during Diwali. Symbolically oil bath on Narak Chaturdasi and Deepavali suggest new beginning – removing all the ego, anger, fights, pride and jealousy of the previous year and a fresh new beginning. A physical cleansing of the body and a spiritual cleansing of the mind with new hope. Legend has it that Lord Krishna after witnessing Sathyabhama killing Demon Narakasura took an oil bath to get rid of the blood spattered on his body. Another popular belief is that ritual cleansing of the body is to remove all dirt, evil and inauspicious things before the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi on the next day. The oil bath thus has a symbolic meaning – a new beginning after washing away all dirt. It is said that those who perform the oil bath on Naraka Chaturdashi and Diwali will be blessed with prosperity, progeny and wealth. *********************************************************************************************** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neer Thumba Habba – Cleaning and venerating Water a day before Deepavali in Karnataka ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neer Thumba Habba, or Neer Thumbo Habba, is a unique cleaning ritual performed a day before Deepavali (Diwali) by some communities in Karnataka. ‘Neeru’ means water and the ritual is a sort of physical and spiritual cleaning. The cleaning is to remove all dirt, evil and inauspicious things before the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi on the next day. In 2014, the date of Neer Thumba Habba is on October 21. Neer Thumba Habba is observed on the 13th day during the waning phase of the moon in the month of Ashvija. Toilets, wash areas, bath areas etc are cleaned thoroughly. Water containers, vessels are emptied and cleaned. All buckets and mugs are scrubbed and cleaned. Those still using huge urns decorate them with turmeric and kumkum dots. Rangolis or kolams are drawn before wash areas and before huge vessels. Lines are also drawn on bronze and silver vessels with red paint or red mud and also using paste of gypsum. *********************************************************************************************** --------------------------------- Abhyanga Snan during Diwali --------------------------------- Abhyanga Snan is a full body massage and ritual bathing on the Narak Chaturdasi day during Diwali. In some regions, Abhyang Snan is performed before sunrise. Abhyanga Snan 2014 date is October 22 and October 23. This ritual bath using traditional cleansing and rejuvenating items is more popular in Maharashtra and adjoining regions. On the Abhyanga Snan, people wake up early in the morning and massage their bodies and head with specially prepared oil. Instead of soap, people use an Ayurvedic mixture known as Utane Churna or powder, which is known as herbal soap powder in local markets. The utane powder consists of Kapur kachari (camphor), kachora, Sveta Chandan (sandal wood), Wala, Nagarmotha, flowers and leaves. In some regions people perform Abhyanga Snan on Diwali and also the following two days. ********************************************************************************************** -------------------------------------------------------------- Crushing of Pumpkin or Petha or Safed Bhopla during Diwali --------------------------------------------------------------- A day before Diwali, on Narak Chaturdashi day there is a ritual of crushing white or red pumpkin (known as Petha in Hindi, Safed Bhopla or Bhopada in Marathi). Symbolically crushing of the pumpkin is killing of demon Narakasura, who represents filth. Sri Krishna had got rid of Narakasura. Deepavali in South India celebrates the victory of Sri Krishna over Narakasura. The white pumpkin is crushed before the ritual bath performed on Narak Chaturdashi. *********************************************************************************************** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yamadeep – Story of Yamadeepdan and Lighting of Lamps on First day of Diwali ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yamadeep, also known as Yamdeep or Yamadeepdaan, is the first day of Diwali celebrations in North India and Gujarat. Diyas (lamps) are lit all night and these lamps are dedicated to Yama or Yamraj, the Hindu god of death. Yamadeep 2014 date is October 21. The popular story of Yamdeep is associated with a young girl outwitting Yama to save her husband. Legend has it that a 16-year-old son of King Hima was destined to die on the fourth day of his marriage due to a snake bite. A girl agreed to marry the unlucky prince knowing his ill fate. The young bride was confident of her spirituality and decided to save the prince. On the fourth night, after their marriage, she refused to let him sleep. She collected all her jewellery, ornaments, and also the gold and silver coins in the palace and placed them in a heap at the entrance of door. Then she lit innumerable Diyas (lamps) all over the palace. To keep her husband awake, she narrated tales and sang songs. At the stroke of midnight, Yama, the God of Death, reached the palace in the guise of a snake to kill the prince. But Yamraj’s eyes were blinded by the dazzle of the Diyas. This prevented him from entering the room of the prince When the attempts to enter the room failed, Yama hid near the ornaments and coins, thinking that the prince might come there to look at the valuables. But the clever young bride did not allow the prince to venture out. Instead she said interesting stories and songs. The prince was glued to the stories and did not move from the place. Yama also forgot about his mission listening to the songs and stories. Soon the sun appeared and Yama returned disappointed. This incident is celebrated as Yamdeepdaan. The tradition of burning lamps through the night on the day is dedicated to Yama. In some regions, lamps lit are dedicated to dead ancestors and floated down a river or pond. The day is popularly observed as Dhanteras.
Posted on: Thu, 23 Oct 2014 06:53:01 +0000
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