Month: April 2023

Akshaya Tritya-The day of Giving

Ensures1 Comment

Note: This was originally composed and posted on 24th April 2012. Republished for brevity and updated with recent pictures.

Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated on the 3rd day of Hindu Month Vaishaka during the waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha Tritiya of Vaishakha). It has always been considered an auspicious time for new beginnings. 

Gandhalepana of Brundavana in Mantralayam

Ahalyā draupadi sita tārā mandodari tathā
pañcakanyā smarenityaṃ mahapātaka nāśanaṃ

Remembering five maidens -Ahalya, Draupadi, Sita, Tara and Mandodari
Destroys the greatest of sins

Panchakanayas (Source: You can read more about them in Hindi here)

The Legend

Akshaya Tritiya is the day when one of the Panchakanyas, Mandodari, wife of Ravana was created out of Sandal paste from Bhagwan Vishnu’s body. Legend has it that Ravana a staunch devotee of Bhagwan Shiva was enamoured when he saw Maa Parvati and sought her from Shiva. Every compassionate Bhakta Priya Shiva consents to this. The entire universe would be out of balance and in jeopardy when Maa Shakti is Separated for Shuddh Chaitanya Shiva. The Devas approach Bhagwan Vishnu for a solution and he immediately removes Sandal paste from his body and creates an exact look-alike of Maa Parvati. She is then handed over as Maa Parvati to Ravana who marries her subsequently. It is important to know that Mandodari, a Panchakanya was a pious and righteous lady, though married to Ravana. It was despite her repeated advise and pleas that Ravana conducted himself in Adharmic way. Some scriptures also refers to her as Mother of Maa Sita.

This is one of the reasons why Vigrahas of most temples Gandhalepana (Covering or Sandal Paste) on Akshaya Tritiya day.

Day of Giving

Other Significant happenings associated with Akshaya Tritiya

Lord Ganesha and Ved Vyasa strated writing the epic Mahabharata on this day. This day is also celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It was on Akshaya Tritiya that Goddess Annapurna was born and the day when Lord Krishna bestowed wealth and monetary gains on his poor friend Sudama who had come to him seeking help.

Krishna & Sudhama
Pic Courtesy: Amar Chitra Katha

According to the Mahabharata, on this day Lord Krishna presented the ‘akshaya patra’ to Draupadi who accompanied Pandavas while on their exile. He blessed them with this bowl that would continue to produce unlimited amount of food that would never leave them hungry.

On this day, the River Ganges descended from the heaven on earth and also the day when Kubera worshipped Goddess Lakshmi and thus was assigned the job of being the treasurer of Gods.

Our scriptures bring out that Akshaya Tritiya is the day on which Treta Yuga (Lord Rama’s period) is supposed to have started

Sudhama, Vishwamitra and other great souls performed the Lakshmi Vrat on Akshaya Tritiya and never found any lack in their home/ashram

In Jainism, this day is celebrated to commemorate Lord Adinatha, their first God.

Akshaya Tritiya: Akshaya means that which is infinite or inexhaustible. Obtain this by performing vrath not by buying material wealth. Performing Chants and Penances, Charity, Havana and Homa on Akshaya Tritiya brings inexhaustible wealth to the practitioner.

How is it Celebrated

Worship your Ishta Devata deity on this day by anointing the Vigraha with Sandal paste and observe Upavasa (fast). Tulsi water is sprinkled all around as a symbol of Lord Vishnu. Generally offering Akshata (Vermillioned Rice) to Lord Vishnu during Puja is not allowed. But on Akshaya Tritiya this can be offered.

Donate to the poor, distributing rice, salt, ghee, vegetables, fruits and clothes. Akhaya Tritiya daana, with each of them beneficial to the donor – Jaladaan (with Tamboola), Shayana daana (Mattress), Vastradaana (Clothes), Kumkum (Vermilion), Chandan (Sandal), Narikela(Coconut), Curd, Udakumbha (Water Pot), Padaraksha (footwear), Chatra (Umbrella)

In some parts of the country (especially in the East India), Akshaya Tritiya is the day they begin the Ceremonial Ploughing for the next harvest season. They also perform “halkhata”, opening of new Financial Accounts book.

Chanting Kanakadhara Stotram, composition of Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya without fail on Akshaya Tritiya. brings tremendous benefits

Those who perform Charity on Akshaya Tritiya day can rest assured that they will always have in abundance to perform it forever

Akshaya Tritiya is very good day for starting any “meaningful” activity. Indulging in charity ensures we always are in position to do it

Elders says till these branded Jewellers and some banks started crass commercialization, while Akshaya Tritiya was actually all about piety and charity

Wishing everyone infinite happiness on this auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiyya. The day is all about Charity (Daan) and buying Gold 🙂

Link for Kanakadhara Stotram Lyrics. This site has almost all works of Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya

Kanaka Dhara Stotra – Works of Sankaracharya, Advaita Vedanta and Hindu Sacred Scriptures

Kanakadhara Stotram Vocal Rendition : A Lovely rendition from MSS amma

Varuthini Ekadashi: Sacred Shield of Protection and Healing

Ensures1 Comment

शान्ताकारं भुजगशयनं पद्मनाभं सुरेशं
विश्वाधारं गगनसदृशं मेघवर्णं शुभाङ्गम् ।
लक्ष्मीकान्तं कमलनयनं योगिभिर्ध्यानगम्यं
वन्दे विष्णुं भवभयहरं सर्वलोकैकनाथम् ॥

Varuthini Ekadashi falls during Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of Vaisakha month (April-May) according to Amanta calendar or Chaitra month according to Purnimanta calendar. It is very sacred Ekadashi observed by devotees of Bhagawan Vishnu to protect themselves from all kinds of harm, sickness, and misery. Observing this auspicious day brings immense fortune, physical well being, and spiritual upliftment.

Meaning and Significance of Varuthini Ekadashi

Understanding name itself reveals purpose of this divine day. In Sanskrit, Varuthini means protected, armored, or guarded. Therefore, Varuthini Ekadashi translates to 11th day that provides divine shield and protection to devotee.

Life presents many difficulties, physical sufferings, and unexpected hardships. Observing fast on Varuthini Ekadashi acts like strong spiritual armor that shields devotee from evil energies, physical illness, and bad luck. Scriptures state that merit gained from observing this fast equals giving away massive amounts of gold in charity or performing intense penance for thousands of years. It brings good fortune, grants healthy body, and ensures peaceful mind.

Legend associated with Varuthini Ekadashi

Scriptures describe famous story told by Bhagawan Krishna to King Yudhishthira, involving noble King named Mandhata. King Mandhata ruled his kingdom with great justice, wisdom, and righteousness. He was kind ruler and devoted vast amount of time to charity, spiritual activities, and devotion to Bhagawan Vishnu.

One day, while King Mandhata was meditating deeply in dense forest, wild black bear approached him quietly. Bear attacked king and began chewing his foot. Despite intense pain and danger to his life, King Mandhata did not break his meditation or lose his mental composure. He did not pick up weapons to attack bear or call his royal guards for help.

Instead, King Mandhata prayed sincerely to Bhagawan Vishnu in his heart, seeking protection from Lord Hari. Bhagawan Vishnu, who always responds to genuine prayers of devotees, appeared immediately on his mount Garuda. Lord Hari released his divine Sudarshana Chakra, which killed bear and saved king.

However, king foot was severely damaged due to bear attack, leaving him in deep pain and grief. Lord Vishnu smiled gently and instructed King Mandhata to observe Varuthini Ekadashi fast in sacred town of Mathura. Lord explained that his present suffering was result of past karma, and observing Varuthini Ekadashi fast with complete faith would heal his body completely.

King Mandhata travelled to Mathura and strictly observed Varuthini Ekadashi fast following all rituals. By divine grace of Madhusudana (Bhagawan Vishnu), king got cured of his physical injury, regained his handsome appearance, and restored his strength. He ruled his kingdom righteously for many years and eventually attained Vaikuntha.

Rituals to be performed on Varuthini Ekadashi

  • Wake up early in morning during Brahma Muhurta and take ritual bath.
  • Clean puja area and place idol or photo of Bhagawan Vishnu, specifically Madhusudana form.
  • Light ghee lamp, offer fresh yellow flowers, sandalwood paste, and Tulsi leaves to Bhagwan.
  • Chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Hare Krishna Mahamantra, or Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya throughout day.
  • Listen to or read Varuthini Ekadashi Katha with family members.
  • Observe fast during entire day according to individual capability.
    • Strict fast without water (Nirjala) or taking only water is ideal for healthy individuals.
    • Milk, curd, and fruits can be consumed if complete fasting is not possible due to health.
    • Avoid rice, wheat, barley, lentils, pulses, and all food grains strictly.
    • Avoid heavy spices, regular salt (use sendha namak if required), garlic, and onion.
    • Avoid tea, coffee, outside processed food, and alcohol completely.
  • Perform evening Aarti and maintain spiritual thoughts, avoiding anger, backbiting, or harsh words.
  • Break fast on Dwadashi day during Parana time.
    • Fast should be broken next day after sunrise during Dwadashi Tithi.
    • Ensure Parana is done after completion of Hari Vasara period.
    • Offer Naivedya to Bhagwan Vishnu, perform small prayer, and break fast by consuming prasada, water, or fruits before regular food.

PS: Article re-formatted into blocks and Changed the Header Image

A Bit Older and More Fabulous

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As you cross yet another landmark year on the planet, and looking back I can boldy assert to the world that you lived the saying “Be Kind, you will never regret that” Yes! Everything that you have done so far, has been making us parents so proud. I did mention just a couple of days ago, as we celebrated our 32nd Wedding Anniversary as to how you brought us to the threshold of wholesomeness of our blissful journey of togetherness and to make it so fulfilling once your brother came along, the brother who always looked up to you for everything, just like us.

Just as I return from Sabarimala on the Special Day. Arun Bombing this Picture made it even better

I still remember who you always used to tell people to make people laugh but never to laugh at them. What a nice thought! It is always a proud moment when we know we birthed someone who is humane and always find ways to do good to the world, without expecting the world to return any favour. I am not sure you remember what you said after an outing with under privileged children (not exactly these words but the purport is definitely this) – “I realised that the world is infinitely good to me, than I am to the world” What a wonderful thought darling!

Happy Birthday my Darling! I am truly blessed to have such a special princess in my life!

Yet another proudest moment was when you brought Anay into the world. While we have spent all these years watching you grow up and though many kept talking about the feeling any parent would have, We were not quite prepared for that day when you delivered Anay on October 11th, 2022 and for me to carry him on his first day is moment I can never describe in words.

When you consoled me and gave me strength – a few moments before Anay came along

Could not help to recall our momentous day on 3rd April 1993 when Aparna brought you, the gift of our lives. I tell you, the feeling of being a Grand parent is much more overwhelming, for which any human being should be proud of and remain grateful to a Daughter. Oh yes! Grateful to proud father of Anay and your other half and our Pride, Arun too. Just to keep looking at our little one grow up to deliver her little bundle of joy – as I said earlier, I was not prepared for that feeling on top of the world

Not just hair greying, I grew up a lot too
The moment!!!

A strong, lovely, kind woman with independence. I’m so proud to say you’re mine. It would not be an exaggeration to state that you made me realise more about me and the world around me, than anyone else. Do you know how beautiful the world is, with you in our life? If you don’t know, look through my eyes. Thank you for being you.

When people asked me how do you manage to remain cool under any circumstance, even the most adverse one – my reply was and always would be – “you don’t have what I have” – That is You! You were are. Not sure who said this, but in your case it is very true, “As you’ve grown, you have taught me so many things in life. Over the years you’ve taught me to have endless patience, unlimited affection, and eternal love” For those who keep telling the pangs of raising a teenage daughter (or even a son), I am yet to figure out what was so difficult. Aparna would totally agree that, it was never once a challenge – Just in case it happened without all of us not knowing – thank God, WE CROSSED THAT IN STYLE.

Dedicating this song which just is what my heart is singing today. Meri duniya tu hi re! Just as you cross yet another year of brining happiness, joy and calm to everyone around you, I only have the best wishes to you.

Happy Birthday Divya! You got a bit older and a lot more fabulous.