When is Maha Shivaratri in 2013

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In, 2013 Maha Shivaratri  is on 10th March,2012 day is Sunday. Jai Bhole Nath mere ko darshan do.

Nishita Kaal Puja Time = 24:12+ to 25:01+
Duration = 0 Hours 48 Mins
Next Day Maha Shivaratri Parana Time = After 06:43

दिवाली पूजा विधि

जनसाधारण के लिये विधि विधान द्वारा पूजन pujan करना एक दुष्कर कार्य है। जो व्यक्ति कर्मकांड में निपुण होता है, उस व्यक्ति के द्वारा ही यह कार्य कुशलतापुर्वक सम्पन्न किया जाता है। इस पूजन में अनेक मंत्रो Mantras का प्रयोग किया जाता है जो कि संस्कृत sanskrit में होते हैं। इसलिये मंत्रोउच्चारण में त्रुटि की सम्भावना भी रहती है। जो व्यक्ति कर्म कांड से अनभिग्य हैं, वे भी इसे सही तरह से सम्पन्न कर सकते हैं।

Diwali Pujan Vidhi ओम अपवित्र: पवित्रो वा सर्वावस्थां गतोस्ति वा। य: स्मेरत पुण्डरीकांक्ष स बाह्यभ्यन्तर: शुचि: ॥ चौकी के दायीं ओर घी का दीपक प्रज्जवलित करें। इसके पश्चात दाहिने हाथ में अक्षत और पुष्प लेकर निम्न मंत्रों से स्वस्तिवाचन करें -ओम स्वस्ति न इन्द्रो वृद्धाश्रवा: स्वस्ति न: पूषा विश्ववेदा:। स्वस्ति नस्ताक्ष्र्यो अरिष्टनेमि:स्वस्तिनो बृहस्पतिर्दधातु॥

Diwali दीपावली के दिन शुभ मुहूर्त Muhurta में घर में या दुकान में, पूजा घर के सम्मुख चौकी बिछाकर उस पर लाल वस्तर बिछाकर लछ्मी-गणेश की मुर्ति या चित्र स्थापित करें तथा चित्र को पुष्पमाला पहनाएं। मुर्तिमयी श्रीमहालछ्मीजी के पास ही किसी पवित्र पात्रमें केसरयुक्त चन्दनसे अष्टदल कमल बनाकर उसपर द्रव्य-लछ्मी (रुपयों) को भी स्थापित करके एक साथ ही दोनोंकी पूजा करनी चाहिये। पूजन-सामग्री को यथास्थान रख ले। पूजन के लिये पूर्व east या उतर north की और मुख करके बैठें। इसके पश्चात धूप, अगरबती और ५ दीप (5 deepak) शुध्द घी के और अन्य दीप तिल का तेल /सरसों के तैल (musturd oil) से प्रज्वलित करें। जल से भरा कलश Kalash भी चौकी पर रखें। कलश में मौली बांधकर रोली से स्वास्तिक का चिन्ह अंकित करें। तत्पश्चात श्री गणेश जी को, फिर उसके बाद लछ्मी जी को तिलक करें और पुष्प अर्पित करें। इसके पश्चात हाथ में पुष्प, अक्षत, सुपारी, सिक्का और जल लेकर संकल्प sankalp करें।

दिवाली का इतिहास

दीवाली समारोह के पांच दिन
इस त्योहार के पहले दिन 'धन Trayodashi' या 'धनतेरस' के साथ शुरू होता है. धन्वन्तरि Trayodashi बाद, दीवाली के दूसरे दिन 'Narak चतुर्दशी' कहा जाता है, जो 'छोटी दीवाली' के रूप में लोकप्रिय है. दिवाली, जो भी 'बड़ी दीवाली' कहा जाता है के तीसरे दिन दिवाली के त्योहार के समारोह के मुख्य दिन है. उत्सव के चौथे दिन गोवर्धन पूजा (भगवान गोवर्धन पर्वत की पूजा) के लिए समर्पित है. उत्सव के पांचवें दिन भाई dooj, भाई, बहन के रिश्ते का सम्मान करने के लिए समय है.

धनतेरस इतिहास
दीवाली उत्सव के पहले दिन धनतेरस के द्वारा चिह्नित है. परमेश्वर के चिकित्सक धनतेरस के दिन पर सागर की अमृता की एक पॉट है कि मानव जाति के कल्याण के लिए मतलब था के साथ बाहर आया था, किंवदंतियों के अनुसार देवताओं और राक्षसों, धन्वन्तरि द्वारा सागर के मंथन के दौरान,. इस दिन भी देवी लक्ष्मी जो देवता के छोटे पैरों के निशान चावल आटा और सिंदूर पाउडर के साथ, ड्राइंग द्वारा मनाया जाता है के आगमन का प्रतीक है.

Narak चतुर्दशी इतिहास (छोटी दीवाली)
दीवाली के समारोह के पीछे एक प्रसिद्ध कहानी राक्षस राजा Narakasur, जो Pragjyotishpur के शासक, नेपाल के दक्षिण प्रांत के बारे में है. एक युद्ध के दौरान, वह भगवान इंद्र को हराया और देवी माँ अदिति, जो केवल Suraloka के शासक नहीं था की शानदार झुमके छीन लिया, लेकिन यह भी भगवान कृष्ण की पत्नी के एक रिश्तेदार - सत्यभामा. Narakasur भी उसके अन्त: पुर में देवताओं और संतों की सोलह हजार बेटियों को कैद. दीवाली से एक दिन पहले, भगवान कृष्ण Narakasur मार डाला, जेल में बंद बेटियों जारी और देवी माँ अदिति कीमती झुमके बहाल.

दीवाली और Ayodhyaa श्री राम
प्रभु श्री राम - दीवाली के समारोह के पीछे सबसे प्रसिद्ध कथा अयोध्या नगरी के राजकुमार के बारे में है. पौराणिक कथा के अनुसार, श्रीलंका के राजा, रावण, जंगल, जहां वे राजा Dashratha, भगवान राम के पिता के निर्देशों के अनुसार के रूप में रह रहे थे से भगवान राम की पत्नी (सीता) का अपहरण कर लिया. तब राम लंका पर हमला, रावण को मार डाला और हिरासत से सीता को जारी. वह अपनी पत्नी सीता और छोटे भाई Lakshamana के साथ चौदह साल बाद अयोध्या लौटे.

इसलिए, Ayodhyaa के लोगों को अपने घरों के रूप में Ayodhyaa के रूप में अच्छी तरह से छोटे दीये प्रकाश, क्रम में अपने प्रेमी राजकुमार श्री राम और देवी सीता का स्वागत करते हैं, सजाया. यह की 'कार्तिक Amavasyaa' दिन है जब वे भी श्रीलंका, रावण के राजा पर श्री राम की जीत का जश्न मनाया था. राम अच्छा और सकारात्मक बातों का प्रतीक माना जाता है और रावण बुराइयों का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है. इसलिए, दीवाली उत्सव माना जाता है, जो बुराई पर अच्छाई की जीत स्थापित. दीवाली, लोगों को प्रकाश दीये, जो फिर से सकारात्मक ऊर्जा का एक आइकन अंधेरे को जीत की रात, नकारात्मक ऊर्जा का प्रतीक है.

गोवर्धन पूजा इतिहास
'गोवर्धन' एक छोटे से मथुरा के पास, 'ब्रज' पर स्थित पहाड़ी है. विष्णु Puraan में किंवदंतियों यह है कि गोकुल के लोगों के लिए पूजा करते हैं और बारिश के लिए भगवान इंद्र के लिए प्रार्थना करते थे, क्योंकि वे मानते हैं कि यह वह थे, जो उनके कल्याण के लिए वर्षा के लिए जिम्मेदार था. हालांकि, भगवान कृष्ण ने उन्हें बताया कि यह माउंट (गोवर्धन Paevat) गोवर्धन और नहीं भगवान इंद्र था, जो बारिश के कारण होता है. इसलिए, वे पूर्व और बाद नहीं पूजा करनी चाहिए.

लोग वही किया, जो भगवान इंद्र इतना उग्र है कि गोकुल के लोगों को अपने क्रोध की वजह से भारी वर्षा का सामना करना पड़ा. भगवान कृष्ण आगे आए उनकी सुरक्षा सुनिश्चित करने और पूजा और प्रार्थना की पेशकश करने के लिए गोवर्धन माउंट प्रदर्शन के बाद, वह यह एक छतरी के रूप में उसके दाहिने हाथ की छोटी उंगली पर उठा लिया, इतना, कि हर कोई इसे नीचे शरण ले सकता है. इस घटना के बाद, भगवान कृष्ण भी गिरिधारी या Govardhandhari के रूप में जाना जाता था.

भाई dooj इतिहास
किंवदंतियों के अनुसार, भगवान Yamraj, मृत्यु के देवता, 'शुक्ला पक्ष द्वितीया के दिन पर' कार्तिक 'के हिंदी महीने में उसकी बहन यमुना का दौरा किया. जब Yamraj यमुना घर पर पहुंच गया है, वह उसे अपने आरती प्रदर्शन द्वारा स्वागत किया, उसके माथे पर और उसके गले में एक माला डालने से 'तिलक' लगाने. यमुना भी व्यंजन की किस्मों पकाया जाता है, उसके भाई के लिए कई मिठाई तैयार और उसे करने के लिए उन सभी की पेशकश की.

भगवान Yamraj उन सभी स्वादिष्ट व्यंजन खाया और जब वह समाप्त हो गया था, वह यमुना पर आशीर्वाद की बौछार और उसे एक वरदान दिया कि अगर एक भाई इस दिन पर उसकी बहन का दौरा किया है, वह स्वास्थ्य और धन के साथ ही धन्य किया जाएगा. यही कारण है कि इस दिन Bhayya Duj भी की 'रतालू Dwitiya' नाम से जाना जाता है. इस प्रकार, यह एक परंपरा है कि भाइयों के लिए भाई - dooj के दिन पर उनकी बहनों के घर की यात्रा करने के लिए और उन्हें उपहार प्रदान बन गया है. बहनों को अपने भाइयों के लिए भी विभिन्न व्यंजन बनाने और उन्हें उपहार दे.

सिख समुदाय दीवाली के इतिहास
सिख समुदाय में दिवाली समारोह में विशेष महत्व है के रूप में उनके लिए यह दिन जब अपने छठे गुरु, गुरु हर गोविंद जी ग्वालियर शहर के किले की कैद से वापस आया के रूप में लोकप्रिय है. लोगों को श्री Harmandhir साहिब, जो 'स्वर्ण मंदिर' के नाम से जाना जाता है, के लिए अपने रास्ते के लिए सम्मान और उनके प्रिय गुरु का स्वागत करते हैं में दीपक प्रबुद्ध.

जैन समुदाय दीवाली के इतिहास

जैन समुदाय के लिए दिवाली के त्योहार में विशेष महत्व है. यह दिन है जब प्रसिद्ध जैन नबी Bhagvaan महावीर, जैन धर्म के संस्थापक, 'निर्वाण' प्राप्त है. इसलिए, जैन समुदाय के लोगों को भगवान महावीर की स्मृति में दिवाली के त्योहार को मनाने.

श्रीं महालक्ष्मैय नम:

ऊं श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं कमले कमलालये मह्यं प्रसीद प्रसीद प्रसीद ऊं श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं महालक्ष्मैय नम:

तंत्र-मंत्र-यंत्र

हर समस्या का करे अंत, श्रीकृष्ण के विशेष मंत्र

 बाल-गोपाल श्रीकृष्ण के मंत्र ना सिर्फ आर्थिक समस्या दूर करते हैं बल्कि जीवन की हर परेशानी में कान्हा के चमत्कारी मंत्र सहायक सिद्ध होते हैं। चाहे संतान प्राप्ति हो या घर में होने वाले कलह, लव मैरिज हो या विजय प्राप्ति की अभिलाषा, हर समस्या का अंत करते हैं श्रीकृष्ण के प्रस्तुत मंत्र :


श्रीकृष्‍ण के तुरंत असरकारी धन प्राप्ति मंत्र

श्रीकृष्ण के विभिन्न मंत्रों के जाप से धन-संपदा-सुख-सौभाग्य-सौन्दर्य की प्राप्ति होती है। शुभ प्रभाव बढ़ाने व सुख प्रदान करने में यह मंत्र अत्यंत प्रभावी माने गए हैं। पाठकों की सुविधा के लिए हमने मंत्र से संबंधित जानकारी भी यहां दी है।

विष्णुसहस्रनाम : 1000 नामों की महिमा
विष्णुसहस्रनाम भगवान विष्णु के हजार नामों से युक्त एक प्रमुख स्तोत्र हैं, विष्णु सहस्रनाम हिन्दू धर्म में सबसे पवित्र तथा प्रचलित स्तोत्रों में से एक हैं- पढ़‍िए विष्णुसहस्रनाम स्तोत्रम्‌!


चैत्र नवरात्रि में कैसे करें मंत्र सिद्धि
 चैत्र नवरात्रि की शुरुआत 23 मार्च, शुक्रवार से प्रारंभ हो गई है। सिद्धि प्राप्त करने के लिए सदियों से चैत्र नवरात्रि को ही उत्तम माना गया है। मां की आराधना अब की बार नौ दिन नहीं बल्कि पूरे दस दिन मिलेगी क्योंकि पंचमी तिथि की वृद्धि होने से साधना का एक और दिन का मिलना फायदेमंद रहेगा।


 होली पर करें राशिनुसार मंत्र जाप
होली पर करें राशिनुसार मंत्र जाप


रंगबिरंगी होली के पावन पर्व पर पेश है आपके लिए आपकी राशि के अनुसार खास मंत्र जाप। यह मंत्र आपके जीवन के सारे दुखों को दूर करके सुख-समृद्धि और खुशियों से आपके जीवन में रंग भर देंगे।
आसान अचूक शिव-मंत्र
आसान अचूक शिव-मंत्र


आशुतोष भगवान शिव को प्रसन्न करने के अत्यंत सरल और अचूक मंत्र। इन मंत्रों का प्रतिदिन रुद्राक्ष की माला से जप करना चाहिए। जप पूर्व या उत्तर दिशा की ओर मुख करके करना चाहिए। जप के पूर्व शिवजी को बिल्व पत्र अर्पित करना या उनके ऊपर जलधारा लगाना चाहिए।
सोमवती अमावस्या पर करें मंत्र जप
सोमवती अमावस्या पर करें मंत्र जप


शास्त्रों में वर्णित है कि माघ महीने में नदी, सरोवर के जल में स्नान कर सूर्य को गायत्री मंत्र उच्चारण करते हुए अर्घ्य देना चाहिए। यह क्रिया आपको अमोघ फल प्रदान करेगी। लेकिन जो लोग घर पर स्नान करके अनुष्ठान करना चाहते हैं, उन्हें पानी में थोड़ा-सा गंगाजल मिलाकर तीर्थों का आह्वान करते हुए स्नान करना चाहिए।
मानो या ना मानो नजर लगती है
मानो या ना मानो नजर लगती है


भगवती गायत्री की साधना कर मंत्र को सिद्ध कर लें फिर आप किसी भी बालक की नजर को झाड़ सकते हैं। अवश्य सफलता प्राप्त होगी। यह अचूक प्रयोग है। उपरोक्त मंत्र विश्वास के साथ करें। कार्य अवश्य होगा। मंत्र पढ़ते हुए मोर के पंख से बाल के सिर से पैर तक झाड़ दें। इस क्रिया से बालक की नजर उतर जाएगी और बालक स्वस्थ हो जाएगा।

परम कल्याणकारी महामृत्युंजय जप : संस्कृत पाठ
परम कल्याणकारी महामृत्युंजय जप : संस्कृत पाठ


महामृत्युंजय जप का घोर विपदा की अवस्था में विशेष महत्व है। विशेष रूप से मृत्युतुल्य कष्ट में इसका पारंपरिक अनुष्ठान किया जाता है। बारह ज्योतिर्लिंगों में खास जिनका तिल भर महत्व ज्यादा है ऐसे श्री महाकालेश्वर भगवान का इस मंत्र से अभिषेक-अर्चन आदि किया जाता है। प्रस्तुत है इस परम पवित्र मंत्र का संस्कृत पाठ

भगवान ‍शनि के प्रमुख मंत्र


शनि स्त्रोत, शनि मंत्र, शनि वज्रपिंजर कवच तथा महाकाल शनि मृत्युंजय स्त्रोत का पाठ करने से जिन जातकों को शनि की साढ़ेसाती व ढैया चल रहा है, उन्हें मानसिक शांति, कवच की प्राप्ति तथा सुरक्षा के साथ भाग्य उन्नति का लाभ होता है। सामान्य जातक जिन्हें ढैया अथवा साढ़ेसाती नहीं है, वे शनि कृपा प्राप्ति के लिए अपंग आश्रम में भोजन तथा चिकित्सालय में रुग्णों को ब्रेड व बिस्किट बांट सकते हैं।
पुत्र की प्राप्ति के लिए रखें मंगलवार को व्रत



हर दंपत्ति की कामना होती है कि उनको सुयोग्य संतान हो। लेकिन कुछ ऐसे लोग आज भी इस दुनिया में है जो मात्र पुत्र को ही संतान के रूप में चाहते हैं। ऐसे लोगों के लिए प्रस्तुत है अचूक उपाय। मंगलवार का उपवास रखने से मनचाही संतान की प्राप्ति होती है। मुख्यत: पुत्र की चाह रखने वालों के लिए यह मंगलवार व्रत होता है। मंगलवार व्रत कथा और विधि की संपूर्ण जानकारी पढ़ें।
हनुमान उपासना के उपाय एवं मंत्र


भगवान रामभक्त हनुमान की उपासना से जीवन के सारे कष्ट, संकट मिट जाते है। माना जाता है कि हनुमान एक ऐसे देवता है जो थोड़ी-सी प्रार्थना और पूजा से ही शीघ्र प्रसन्न हो जाते है। मंगलवार और शनिवार का दिन इनके पूजन के लिए सर्वश्रेष्ठ हैं....

Mahakali Mantras for pain relief

Below is the Mahakali Mantra for pain relief according Hindu Mythology. This Mantra is more powerful to get reliefs from pains in the life.

Mantra
Kali kali mahakali nomostute han han daha daha shulam trishulen hum fatt swaha ll

मंत्र
कालि कालि महकालि नमोस्तुते हन हन दह दह शूलं त्रिशुलेन हुं फ़ट् स्वहा ll

महाकाली मंत्र

काली तारा महाविधा षोडशी भुवनेश्वरी ।
भैरवी छिन्नमस्ता च विद्धा घूमावती तथा ।।
बगला सिद्धिविद्धा च मांतगी कमलात्मिका ।
एता दश महाविद्धा: सिद्धिविधा: प्रकीर्तिता: ।।



शवारुढा महाभीमां घोरद्रंष्टां हसन्मुखीम ।
चतुर्भुजां खडगमुण्डवराभय करां शिवाम।।
मुण्डमालाधरां देवीं ललजिह्वां दिगम्बराम।
एवं संचिन्तयेत कालीं श्मशानालयवासिनीम ।।



या देवी सर्वभुतेषु शक्ति रूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्ये नमस्त्स्य नमस्तस्ये नमो नम: ।।

When is Dussehra in 2012

Dussehra in 2012 is on Wednesday, the 24th of October.

Diwali 2012

13 November 2012, Tuesday

माता संतोषी की आरती

जय सन्तोषी माता, मैया जय सन्तोषी माता ।
अपने सेवक जन की सुख सम्पति दाता ।
मैया जय सन्तोषी माता ।



सुन्दर चीर सुनहरी माँ धारण कीन्हो
मैया माँ धारण कींहो
हीरा पन्ना दमके तन शृंगार कीन्हो
मैया जय सन्तोषी माता ।



गेरू लाल छटा छबि बदन कमल सोहे
मैया बदन कमल सोहे
मंद हँसत करुणामयि त्रिभुवन मन मोहे
मैया जय सन्तोषी माता ।



स्वर्ण सिंहासन बैठी चँवर डुले प्यारे
मैया चँवर डुले प्यारे
धूप दीप मधु मेवा, भोज धरे न्यारे
मैया जय सन्तोषी माता ।



गुड़ और चना परम प्रिय ता में संतोष कियो
मैया ता में सन्तोष कियो
संतोषी कहलाई भक्तन विभव दियो
मैया जय सन्तोषी माता ।



शुक्रवार प्रिय मानत आज दिवस सो ही,
मैया आज दिवस सो ही
भक्त मंडली छाई कथा सुनत मो ही
मैया जय सन्तोषी माता ।



मंदिर जग मग ज्योति मंगल ध्वनि छाई
मैया मंगल ध्वनि छाई
बिनय करें हम सेवक चरनन सिर नाई
मैया जय सन्तोषी माता ।



भक्ति भावमय पूजा अंगीकृत कीजै
मैया अंगीकृत कीजै
जो मन बसे हमारे इच्छित फल दीजै
मैया जय सन्तोषी माता ।



दुखी दरिद्री रोगी संकट मुक्त किये
मैया संकट मुक्त किये
बहु धन धान्य भरे घर सुख सौभाग्य दिये
मैया जय सन्तोषी माता ।



ध्यान धरे जो तेरा वाँछित फल पायो
मनवाँछित फल पायो
पूजा कथा श्रवण कर घर आनन्द आयो
मैया जय सन्तोषी माता ।



चरण गहे की लज्जा रखियो जगदम्बे
मैया रखियो जगदम्बे
संकट तू ही निवारे दयामयी अम्बे
मैया जय सन्तोषी माता ।



सन्तोषी माता की आरती जो कोई जन गावे
मैया जो कोई जन गावे
ऋद्धि सिद्धि सुख सम्पति जी भर के पावे
मैया जय सन्तोषी माता ।

Shani Chalisa in Hindi

श्री शनि चालीसा

॥ दोहा ॥

जय गणेश गिरिजा सुवन, मंगल करण कृपाल ।
दीनन के दुःख दूर करि , कीजै नाथ निहाल ॥1॥
जय जय श्री शनिदेव प्रभु , सुनहु विनय महाराज ।
करहु कृपा हे रवि तनय , राखहु जन की लाज ॥2॥

जयति जयति शनिदेव दयाला । करत सदा भक्तन प्रतिपाला ॥
चारि भुजा, तनु श्याम विराजै । माथे रतन मुकुट छवि छाजै ॥

परम विशाल मनोहर भाला । टेढ़ी दृष्टि भृकुटि विकराला ॥
कुण्डल श्रवन चमाचम चमके । हिये माल मुक्तन मणि दमकै ॥

कर में गदा त्रिशूल कुठारा । पल बिच करैं अरिहिं संहारा ॥
पिंगल, कृष्णो, छाया, नन्दन । यम, कोणस्थ, रौद्र, दुःख भंजन ॥

सौरी, मन्द शनी दश नामा । भानु पुत्र पूजहिं सब कामा ॥
जापर प्रभु प्रसन्न हवैं जाहीं । रंकहुं राव करैं क्षण माहीं ॥

पर्वतहू तृण होइ निहारत । तृणहू को पर्वत करि डारत ॥
राज मिलत वन रामहिं दीन्हयो । कैकेइहुँ की मति हरि लीन्हयो ॥

वनहुं में मृग कपट दिखाई । मातु जानकी गई चुराई ॥
लषणहिं शक्ति विकल करिडारा । मचिगा दल में हाहाकारा ॥

रावण की गति-मति बौराई । रामचन्द्र सों बैर बढ़ाई ॥
दियो कीट करि कंचन लंका । बजि बजरंग बीर की डंका ॥

नृप विक्रम पर तुहि पगु धारा । चित्र मयूर निगलि गै हारा ॥
हार नौलखा लाग्यो चोरी । हाथ पैर डरवायो तोरी ॥

भारी दशा निकृष्ट दिखायो । तेलहिं घर कोल्हू चलवायो ॥
विनय राग दीपक महँ कीन्हयों । तब प्रसन्न प्रभु ह्वै सुख दीन्हयों ॥

हरिश्चन्द्र नृप नारि बिकानी । आपहुं भरे डोम घर पानी ॥
तैसे नल पर दशा सिरानी । भूंजी-मीन कूद गई पानी ॥

श्री शंकरहिं गह्यो जब जाई । पारवती को सती कराई ॥
तनिक विकलोकत ही करि रीसा । नभ उड़ि गतो गौरिसुत सीसा ॥

पाण्डव पर भै दशा तुम्हारी । बची द्रोपदी होति उधारी ॥
कौरव के भी गति मति मारयो । युद्ध महाभारत करि डारयो ॥

रवि कहँ मुख महँ धरि तत्काला । लेकर कूदि परयो पाताला ॥
शेष देव-लखि विनती लाई । रवि को मुख ते दियो छुड़ाई ॥

वाहन प्रभु के सात सुजाना । जग दिग्गज गर्दभ मृग स्वाना ॥
जम्बुक सिह आदि नख धारी । सो फल ज्योतिष कहत पुकारी ॥

गज वाहन लक्ष्मी गृह आवैं । हय ते सुख सम्पत्ति उपजावै ॥
गर्दभ हानि करै बहु काजा । सिह सिद्ध्कर राज समाजा ॥

जम्बुक बुद्धि नष्ट कर डारै । मृग दे कष्ट प्राण संहारै ॥
जब आवहिं स्वान सवारी । चोरी आदि होय डर भारी ॥

तैसहि चारि चरण यह नामा । स्वर्ण लौह चाँदी अरु तामा ॥
लौह चरण पर जब प्रभु आवैं । धन जन सम्पत्ति नष्ट करावैं ॥

समता ताम्र रजत शुभकारी । स्वर्ण सर्वसुख मंगल भारी ॥
जो यह शनि चरित्र नित गावै । कबहुं न दशा निकृष्ट सतावै ॥

अद्भुत नाथ दिखावैं लीला । करैं शत्रु के नशि बलि ढीला ॥
जो पण्डित सुयोग्य बुलवाई । विधिवत शनि ग्रह शांति कराई ॥

पीपल जल शनि दिवस चढ़ावत । दीप दान दै बहु सुख पावत ॥
कहत राम सुन्दर प्रभु दासा । शनि सुमिरत सुख होत प्रकाशा ॥

॥ दोहा ॥

पाठ शनिश्चर देव को, की हों 'भक्त' तैयार ।
करत पाठ चालीस दिन, हो भवसागर पार ॥

॥इति श्री शनि चालीसा॥

Astrological Animals five factor in our life

1. Cow: If you feed the cow it will releife you from the family problem.

2. Dog: If you feed the dog, it will help you to defeat your enemies accroding to the hindu astrology.

3. Sparrows:  If you feed the sparrows, it will bring the prosperity into your business according hindu
mythology.

4. Antes: if you feed the sugar then it will be minize and releif from your debts.

5. Fishes: If we feed the fishes, according to indian astrology we can recover the lost thing.

Vasant Panchami

Vasant Panchami comes in the the Spring Festival that is observed in the month of February or March especially in North India.

Throughout the India, this festival is celebrated with the great zeal and zest.
In Bihar, Vasant Panchami is celebrated with full swing in every year.

On this day yellow color is considered lucky as it signifies spirituality and therefore people wear clothes, apply frontal mark, offer flowers to God, and prepare dishes all of yellow color. In various forms and names, Goddess Saraswati is worshipped in West Bengal. On this day many fairs are organized, people fly kites and fields also look mustard yellow after ripening.

Makar Sankranti Festival

Tithi (Date)

Makar Sankranti Festival is not dependent on the position of the moon, but on position of the sun. On the eve of Makar Sankranti, the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn. To compensate for the difference that occurs due to the revolution around the sun, every eighty years the day of Makar Sankranti is postponed by one day.

History

Sankranti is considered a Deity. According to a legend Sankranti killed a demon named Sankarasur.The day followed by Makar sankrant is called Kinkrant or Karidin. On Makar Sankranti, the female deity (devi) slayed the demon Kinkarasur.

Information

Information on Sankranti is available in the Panchang: The Panchang (Hindu Almanac) provides information on the form, age, clothing, direction of movement etc. of Makar Sankranti . This information is appropriate to the changes taking place in Her according to time. He who is touched by Goddess Makar Sankranti  gets destroyed.

To Hindus, the Sun stands for knowledge, spiritual light and wisdom. Makar Sankranti signifies that we should turn away from the darkness of delusion in which we live, and begin to enjoy a new life with bright light within us to shine brighter and brighter. We should gradually begin to grow in purity, wisdom, and knowledge, even as the Sun does from the Day of Makar Sankranti.
The festival of Makar Sankranti is highly regarded by the Hindus from North to down South. The day is known by various names and a variety of traditions are witnessed as one explores the festival in different states.

Maa Vaishno Devi Story

The holy place of Maa Vaishno Devi is known by te name of “Maa Rani Ka Bhavan”. In the end of the long cave is a stone age Pind of Maa Maha Saraswati, Mahalakshami and Maa Maha Durga. Cold water flows in this cave throughout the year. Though there are many popular stories about Maa Vaishno Devi but the 2 main stories are: 

Maa Vaishno Devi Story

1st Story:-
According to Hindu religious beliefs when immorality increased and morality was taking a back seat then the combined power of three forms of Aadishakti: Sat(Maha Saraswati), Rajand Tam(Maha Durga) gave birth to a girl child. This girl took birth in Treta Yuga near the southern sea shore in India as a daughter of priest Ratnakar.

Ratnakar was childless since many year and he named the girl as Trikuta but as she took birth as a small form of lord Vishnu she became famous by the name of Vaishnavi. When the girl was in her ninth year, she came to know that lord Vshnu has taken birth on earth in the form of lord Shri Ram and she started severe meditation to get him as her husband. 

When Shri Ram reached Rameshwar in search of Sita then he saw the girl in meditating position on the sea shore. The girl on seeing him asked him to accept her as his wife. Shri Ram said in this life he has accepted Sita as his wife and has vowed to be loyal to her throghtout his life. 

He further added that he will take birth as Kalki in Kaliyuga and then will accept her as his wife and till then she should stay and meditate on Trikut hill on Himalaya and remove the pains of the devotees and do social welfares. When Shri Ram defeated Ravana then Maa vowed to observe Navratri. Since then onwards Ramayana Paath is done during the nine days of Navratri.

Shri Ram promised her that Trikuta will become famous by the name of Maa Vaishno Devi, will become immortal and will be worshipped all over the world.

Second Story:-
Ancient time Maa got pleased with the devotion of priest Shridhar and saved his honor from getting ruined and gave the world a proof of her presence. Shridhar was childless which pained him very much. Once he called unmarried girls for Navratri worshipping. 

Maa Vaishno Devi also came in guise of a girl and sat in between them. After completion of puja, all the girls went away but Maa stayed there and told Shridhar to invite everyone for meal. Shridhar accepted this and invited all the people from his village and nearby villages as well.

While returning from there he invited Guru Gorakhnath, his disciple Bhairavnath and all other disciples as well. On getting the invitation all the villagers were wondering about the girl who invited large number of people for meal. On getting the invitation all the people gathered at the house of Shridhar. 

Then Maa in guise of a girl came and started serving food to the people from a peculiar type of pot. While serving the food when Maa reached Bhairavnath, he told her that he will not eat Kheer and Puri, instead he will eat meat and drink alcohol. Then Maa told him that this is the house of a Brahman and non-vegetarian foods are not served here but Bhairavnath knowingly remained insistent on his demand.

When Bhairavnath tried to catch hold of the girl, Maa understood that and changed herself in the form of air and flied towards Trikuta hill. Bhairavnath also followed her. It is said that lord Hanuman was also with Maa for her protection. When Hanuman became thirsty then Maa used her arrow to take out a stream of water from the hill. She also washed her hairs in this stream. 

Today this stream of water is called by the name of Vanganga. Taking bath in this holy river removes all the troubles and the problems of the devotees. Maa rested in the cave here for about nine months. Bhairavnath also reached there. Then a sage told Bhairavnath that the girl whom you are following is none other then Maa Jagdamba herself. Do not go after her but Bhairavnath did not took care of this and followed her. 

Then Maa made a way on the other side of the cave and went out of it. In present times this cave is famous by the name of Ardhakumari, Aadikumari and Garbhajoon. There is also a place before Ardhakumari where there is a footstep of Maa from where she looked back to Bhairavnath while running away.

After coming out the cave, the girl changed herself in form of a goddess. Maa then threatened Bhairavnath and told him to go back but he refused. Maa went inside the cave and for her protection Hanuman ji started fighting with Bhairav. When Hanuman ji became tired then Maa took the form of Mahakali and killed Bhairavnath.

Bhairavnath’s slit head fell 8 kms away in Bhairab Ghati of Trikuta hill. Presently that place is known by the name of Bhairavnath Temple. The place where Maa killed Bhairavnath is known by the name of Pavitra Gufa(holy cave) and Bhavan(Palace). 

At this place Maa Kali(right), Maa Saraswati(centre) and Maa Lakshami resides in form of a Pindi. Maa Vaishno Devi is said to be the combined form of these three goddesses. It is said that Bhaironath then realised his fault and from his slit head begged Maa to forgive him. Maa knew that the main motto of Bhairavnath to attack on her was to attain salvation. Maa not only forgave him but also gave him a boon that all the devotees who will visit her holy cave will have to visit his temple thereafter or else the visit will not bring any virtue to the devotee. With this belief the devotees visit Bhairavnath temple after worhsipping Maa Vaishno Devi. 

In the meantime, Maa Vaishno Devi changed herself in the form of three Pindis and became meditative forever. On the other side, Sridhar was sad that Maa came to his house but he did not recognised her. To fulfill the wish of her devotee, Maa came in Sridhar’s dream and told him the way of cave where she resides along with the three Super power Goddesses. Sridhar went out on the shown path and reached the gates of Maa Vaishno Devi. Here he sighted Maa and devoted all his life in her service. After him his predecessors are worshipping Maa even today.

Gayatri Mantra

The Gayatri mantra is considered to be one of the oldest and greatest of Sanskrit mantras. It is believed that by chanting the Gayatri mantra your life will be made full of happiness.



AUM BHOOR BHUWAH SWAHA,
TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM
BHARGO DEVASAYA DHEEMAHI
DHIYO YO NAHA PRACHODAYAT.



Oh God! You are the Giver of Life,
Remover of pain and sorrow,
The Bestower of happiness,
Oh! Creator of the Universe,
May we receive your supreme illumination,
May You guide our minds on the right path.

Bajrang Ban

Nishchai prem pratit te, vinai karen sanman
Tehi ki karja sakal shubh siddh karai Hanuman,

Jai Hanumant sant hitkari
suni lijai Prabhu arja hamari.
Jan ke kaj vilamb na kijai,
atur dauri maha sukh dijai.
Jaise kudi sindhu vahi para,
surasa badan paithi vistara.
Age jai Lankini roka,
marehu lat gai sur loka.
Jai Vibhishan ko sukh dinha
Sita nirakhi param pad linha
Bag ujari sindhu mah bora,
ati atur yam katar tora
Akshai kumar ko mar sanhara,
lum lapet Lanka ko jara.
Lah saman Lanka jar gai
Jai jai dhvani surpur men bhai.
Ab vilamb kehi karan svami,
kripa karahu ur antaryarmi
Jai jai Lakshman pran ke data,
atur hoi dukh karahu nipata.
Jai Girdhar jai jai sukh sagar,
sur samuh samarth bhat nagar.
Om Hanu Hanu Hanu Hanumant hathile,
bairihi maru vajra ki kile.
Gada Vajra lai bairihi maro,
Maharaj Prabhu das ubaro.
Omkar hunkar Mahavira dhavo,
Vajra gada Hanu vilamb na lavo.
Om Hrim Hrim Hrim Hanumant kapisa,
Om hun hun hun ari ur shisha.
Satya hihu Hari shapath pai kai,
Ramdut dharu maru dhai kai.
Jai jai jai Hanumant agadha,
dukh pavat jan kehi apradha.
Puja jap tap nem uchara
nahin janat haun das tumhara.
Ban upvan mag, gin grah mahin,
tumhare bal ham darpat nahin.
Panya paraun kar jori manavaun,
yah avsar ab kehi gohravau.
Uth uth chal tohi Ram dohai,
panya paraun kar jori manai.
Om chan chan chan chan chapal chalanta,
Om Hanu Hanu Hanu Hanu Hanumanta.
Om han han hank det kapi chanchal,
Om san san sahami parane khaldal.
Inhain maru tohi shapath Ram ki
Rakhu Nath maryada nam ki
Janak suta Hari das kahavo,
taki shapath vilamb na lavo.
Jai iai jai dhuni hot akasha
sumirat hot dusah dukh nasha.
Sharan sharan kar jori manavaun
yah avsar kehi gahara baun.
Jai Anjani Kumar balvanta,
Shankar suvan vir Hanumanta.
Badan karal kal kul ghalak
Ram sahai sada prati palak.
Bhut pret pishach nishachar
Agni vaital kal maro mar.
Apne jan ko turat ubaro,
sumirat hoi Anand hamaro.
Yah vajrang ban jehi mare,
tahi kaho phir kaun ubare.
Path kare Bajrang ban ki,
Hanumat raksha karai pran ki.
Yah Bajrang ban jo ja pai,
Tahe te bhut pret sab kanpe.
Dhup dei aru japai hamesha,
Take tan nahin rahai kalesha.

Doha
Prom priti dhari kapi bhajai
sada dharai ur dhyan
Tehi ke karaj sakal shub,
siddh karai Hanuman.

SANKAT MOCHAN - HANUMAN AASHTAK

A PRAYER TO HANUMANJI IN EIGHT VERSES
Baala samai ravi bhaksha liyo, Taba teenahu loka bhayo andhiyaaro
Taahi so traasa bhayo jaga-ko, Yaha sankata kaahu so jaata na taaro
Dewan-aani kari binatee, Taba chaari diyo ravi kashta niwaaro
Ko nahi jaanata hai jaga may, kapi sankat mochan naam tihaaro
Baali ki traasa kapeesa basai giri jaata mahaa prabhu pantha nihaaro
Chownkee maha muni sraapa diyo, taba chaahiyay kowna bichaar bichaaro
Lai dwija roopa liwaaya mahaa, prabhu so tuma daasa kay shoka niwaaro
Ko nahi jaanata hai jaga may kapi sankat mochan naam tihaaro
Angad kay sanga layna gayay, siya khoja kapisha yaha baina uchaaro
Jeewata-na bachihow hum-so, jubina sudhi laayi-ihaa paga dhaaro
Hayri thaki tatta sindhu sabai, taba laayi siyaa sudhi praana ubaaro
Ko nahi jaanata hai jaga may kapi sankat mochan naam tihaaro
Rawana traasa-dayi siya ko, saba raakshashi so kahi shoka nivaaro
Taahi samaya hanumana mahaa prabhu, jaaya mahaaraj nicharamaaro
Chaahita-siya ashoka so-aagi, soo-dai prabhu mudrika soka niwaaro
Ko nahi jaanata hai jaga may kapi sankat mochan naam tihaaro
Baanlagyo ura Laksmana kay, taba praana tajay suta rawana maaro
Lai-graha vaidya sushen sameta, tabahi giri drona su beera ubaaro
Aani sanjeewana haatha dayay, taba lakshkmana kay tuma praana ubaaro
Ko nahi jaanata hai jaga may kapi sankat mochan naam tihaaro
Rawana juddha ajaana kiyo, taba naaga ki phaasa sabai sira daaro
Sri Raghunatha sameta sabai, dala-moha bhayo yaha sankat bhaaro
Aani khagesha tabai hanumana-ju, bandhana kaati sutraasa niwaaro
Ko nahi jaanata hai jaga may kapi sankat mochan naam tihaaro
Bandhu sameta jabai–ahirawana, lay raghunatha pataala sidhaaro
Devihi puji bhali vidhi, so-bali daywu sabai mili mantra vichaaro
Jaayi sahaayi bhayo tabahi, ahi-rawana sainya samet sanghaaro
Ko nahi jaanata hai jaga may kapi sankat mochan naam tihaaro
Kaaja kiyay bara daywana kay, tuma beera mahaa prabhu dekhi bichaaro
Kowna so sankata mora gariba, ko-jo tuuma so nahin jaata hai taaro
Baygi haro hanumana maha prabhu, so-kachu sankat hoya hamaaro
Ko nahi jaanata hai jaga may kapi sankat mochan naam tihaaro
Laal Deha Laalee Lasay, Aru Dhari Laala Langoora
Bajra Deha Daanawa Dalana, Jai Jai Jai kapi Soora
SIIYAA PATI RAMACHANDRA KI JAI
PAWANA SUUTAH HANUMANA KI JAI
UMA PATI MAHADEO KI JAI

Aarti Bajrangbali Ki

Aarti Keejai Hanuman Lalla Ki, Dushtdalan Raghunath Kala Ki
Jake bal se girivar Kanpai, Rogdosh Bhaye nikat na Janke

Anjani putra maha baldahi, Santan ke prabhu sada sahai
De veera Raghunath pathaye, Lanka jari Siya sudhi laye
Lanka so kot samudra si khai. Jat Pavansut var na lai
Lanka jari asur sab mare, Siyaramji ke kaaj sanvare
Lakshman murchit pare dharni pai, Aani Sanjivan pran uvare
Paithi patal tori yamkare, Ahiravan ke bhuja ukhare
Bhahe bhuja sub asurdal mare, Dahine bhuja santjan tare
Sur nar munijan aarti utare, Jai Jai Jai Hanumanji uchare
Kanchan thar kapur lau chhai, Aarti karat Anjani mai
Jo Hanumanji ke aarti gavai, So vaikunt amarpad pavai
Lanka vidhvans kiye Raghrahi, Tulsidas prabhu kirti gahi.

Maha Shivaratri - The Night of Shiva

Sri Maha Shivaratri means "The Night of Shiva". The ceremonies take place chiefly at night. This is a festival observed in honor of Lord Shiva. Shiva was married to Parvati on this day. This is the night when Shiva is said to have performed the Tandava or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction.

People repeat the Panchakshara Mantra as it is said he who utters the Names of Shiva during Shivaratri, with perfect devotion and concentration, is freed from all sins. He reaches the abode of Shiva and lives there happily. He is liberated from the wheel of births and deaths. Many pilgrims flock to the places where there are Shiva temples.

Legends behind Shivaratri

Once Lord Vishnu and Lord Bramha argued over each other’s prowess. However, Lord Shiva challenged both of them. He appeared as a flaming Linga and challenged the duo to measure the gigantic Linga (phallic symbol of Lord Shiva). Lord Bramha, who took the form of a swan, and Lord Vishnu who became a boar and went to Netherland, were both unable to measure the Shivlinga. Then Lord Shiva came out of the Linga and declared himself the most powerful. Maha Shivratri therefore means the grand night of Shiva. The devotees of Shiva fast during this day and pray to the lord throughout the night. This legend goes to prove the supremacy of Mahadev over other Hindu Gods.

King Daksha, opposed Sati's marriage with Shiva. At a yagnya (holy sacrifice) the king ignored Shiva’s presence and thereby insulted the latter publicly. Sati was so angered by this that she jumped into the sacrificial fire and ended her life. Lord Shiva unleashed his fury at the death of his wife by performing the violent dance, Taandav. He wiped out Daksha’s kingdom, undertook rigorous penance and retired to the Himalayas. The Gods, who feared that the severity of Shiva’s penance might bring an end to the world, revived Sati in the new avatar of Parvati. Shiva-Parvati married and this reunion is celebrated on Maha Shivratri. 

Significance of Jyotirlinga: The Puranas vociferously sing the praises of the greatness of the Jyotirlingas. By reciting the name of this, one can eliminate all the sins. The Sadhaka becomes calm, chaste and pure. He becomes illuminated and enlightened with supreme and divine knowledge. The names mentioned for the benefits of all:

SAURASHTRA SOMNATHAM CHA SHRISHAILE MALLIKARJUNAM ||
UJJAINYAM MAHAKALOMKARE MAMMALESHWARAM ||
PARLYAM VAIJNATHAM CHA DAKINYAM BHEEM SHANKARAM ||
SETU BANDHE TU RAMESHAM NAGESHAM DARUKA VANE ||
VARANASYA TU VISHWESHAM TRIBAKAM GAUTAMITATE ||
HIMALAYE TU KEDARAM GHURMESHAM CHA SHIVALAYE ||
AETANI JYOTIRLINGANI SAYAM PRATAHA PATHENNARAHA ||
SAPTA JANMA KRITAM PAPAM SMARANEN VINASHYATI ||

One who recites these 12 names regularly in the morning and evening he washes all the sins committed in the previous 7 births and attains all the powers and Siddhis. 

Cremation ground:
Shiva sitting in the cremation ground signifies that He is the controller of death in the physical world.

Tiger skin:
A tiger skin symbolizes potential energy.

Three eyes:
Lord Shiva, also called Tryambaka Deva, is depicted as having three eyes: the sun is His right eye, the moon the left eye and fire the third eye.

Kundalas (two ear rings):
Two Kundalas, Alakshya and Niranjan in the ears of the Lord symbolize the Shiva and Shakti (male and female) or Ardha-Nariswara principle of creation.

A snake (Vasuki Naga):
The snake is shown curled three times around the neck of the Lord and is looking towards His right side. The three coils of the snake symbolize the past, present and future - time in cycles.

Ganga:
Ganga, symbolically represented on the head of the Lord by a female (Mother Ganga) with a jet of water emanating from her mouth and falling on the ground, signifies that the Lord destroys sin, removes ignorance, and bestows knowledge, purity and peace on the devotees.

Trident (Trisula):
A three-pronged trident shown adjacent to the Lord symbolizes His three fundamental powers (shakti) of will (iccha), action (kriya) and knowledge (jnana).
Damaru (drum): Damaru symbolizes the two utterly dissimilar states of existence, unmanifest and manifest.

The unclad body covered with ashes:
The unclad body of Lord Shiva covered the ashes signify that Shiva is the source of the entire universe which emanates from Him, but He transcends the physical phenomena and is not affected by it.

Half-open eyes:
When the Lord opens His eyes, a new cycle of creation emerges and when He closes them, the universe dissolves for creation of the next cycle. The half-open eyes convey the idea that creation is going through cyclic process, with no beginning no end.

Varda Mudra:
Lord Shiva's right hand is shown in a boon- bestowing and blessing pose, which annihilates evil, grants boons, bestows grace, destroys ignorance, and awakens wisdom in His devotees.

About Karva Chauth Festival

Karwa Chauth is a popular fasting in Hinduism and is mainly observed in North India. It is performed by a married woman for ensuring wedded bliss and wishing long life for their husband and children. The fast starts before sunrise and ends after worshipping the moon. A married woman who observes this vrat is called ‘Saubhagyavati’ (joyous and happy state of wifehood).. Today, the fast is seen as a symbol of love. Karva Chauth is of great importance for married Hindu women but the festival is seen as a big occasion for women undertaking their first Karva Chauth fast after marriage. A newly married woman is given utmost importance by relatives and immediate family members when she observes her first fast for the long life of her husband. She is showered with blessings of blissful married life and loads of Karva Chauth gifts especially by her mother-in-law.

Karwa Chauth is a fast undertaken by married Hindu women who offer prayers seeking the welfare, prosperity, well-being, and longevity of their husbands. It is said to have an extraordinary observance rate among married Hindu women. Following a bath early in the morning, well before dawn, the woman adorns new clothes and partakes of a meal of very select grains and fruit. For the remainder of the day, the woman is bound to abstain from food and even water, though the more strict rules of observance are not always kept. In the text-book version of this fast, various items including a karwa, an earthen pot with a spout, are collected and worship is offered to Siva and Parvati.

Rituals  : It is celebrated on the chaturthi tithi after the full Moon in the month of kartik in the Hindu calendar. According to the religious scriptures like Dharma sindhu, Nirnay sindhu and other shastra that governs rules of when to observe festival says, “Karwa Chauth to be observed at moonrise (chandrodaya vyapini) and poorvaviddha, best if its tritiya viddha. If visible during both days take the first one, if not visible on both days then take the second one”.

Legends of Karwa Chauth :

• Queen Veeravati - Long time ago, there lived a beautiful girl by the name of Veeravati. She was the only sister of her seven loving brothers, who was married to a king. On the occasion of the first Karva Chauth after her marriage, she went to her parents' house. After sunrise, she observed a strict fast. However, the queen couldn't stand the rigors of fasting and was desperately waiting for the moon to rise. The seven brothers, who loved her dearly, were very disturbed watching the distress of their sister and decided to end her fast by deceiving her. Then the brothers reflected a mirror through Pipal tree leaves. The sister, taken it as moonrise, broke the fast and took food. However, the moment the queen ate her dinner, she received the news that her husband, the king, was seriously ill. She did not keep the fast properly. When Veeravati begged forgiveness, Goddess Parvati granted that her husband would revive only when she completes her fast under strict conditions. The queen observed the fast and thus revived the life of her husband
• There is the story of the Satyavan and Savitri. When Lord Yama, came to procure Satyavan's soul, Savitri begged him to grant him life. When he refused, she stopped eating and drinking and Yamraj finally relented. He granted her, her husband's life.
• According to another legend, a woman named Karva was deeply devoted to her husband. One day while bathing, he was caught by a crocodile. Karva came running and bound the crocodile with a cotton yarn. She then went to Yama, the Lord of the death, and requested him to send the offending crocodile to hell. When Yama refused, she threatened to curse him. Afraid of the power of a devoted wife, Yama readily accepted and sent the crocodile to Yamalok or hell, and blessed Karva's husband with long life. To this day, Karva Chauth is celebrated with great faith and belief.
• Mahabarata - The earliest reference of a Karva Chauth can be found in the great epic of Mahabharata. As per Mahabharata, Arjun, a supreme warrior and one of the Pandavas, went to the Nilgiri Hills to offer his prayers and worship the gods. Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas, was accompanying him. On the way, Draupadi was struck with fear believing that she was alone in the forest with no one to protect her. As she treated Lord Krishna as her Brother, she invoked him to appear before her and help her out of this grave situation. Lord Krishna reminded her that on an earlier occasion, when Goddess Parvati had sought Lord Shivas guidance under similar circumstances, she had been advised to observe the fast of Karva Chauth. Draupadi followed the instructions and observed the fast with all its rituals. Consequently, the Pandavas were able to overcome their problems. On this day, fasting women listen to Karva Chauth legends with rapt attention.
   

How to do Karwa Chauth Vrat :

A Day Before: The pooja preparations start a day in advance. There is huge excitement a day before the festival as women make elaborate preparations to dress up elaborately for the occasion. The Married women buy bangles, bindis, apply mehndi (Hena tattos) on their hand and feets

Puja Thali : Nicely decorated karva chauth thali has its own role in your karva chauth puja. it contains items like sacred water, dry fruits like almonds, pista, oil, vermillion, earthen clay pots, and diyas along with variety of sweets in katoris. Th art of creating attractive thalis for puja also contains ritualistic decoration like rangoli and alpana. You can also prepare your puja thali with floral designs using flowers, leaves, color and multicolored pulses.

Simple Way :- The simple way to fast on the day is to wake up early have a bath, offer daily prayers and consume some food before sunrise. In the evening, pray to Goddess Parvati, wait for the moonrise. Have a look at the moon and enjoy a good dinner with husband and family. Remember, all rituals are meant for the satisfaction of the ego, Gods don’t need rituals. Santana Dharma teaches to get over all rituals and understand the Brahman – the Supreme Force present in you and in everything

Traditional Way :- The traditional way contains several steps as follows.

On the day, married women wake up before sunrise and take bath and offer their usual prayers. They then consume food. Foods consumed on the day are those which can help in maintaining the fluid level of the body - milk, fruits, juice, tea or coffee. Freshly prepared breakfast like puri and aloo is also consumed. Non-vegetarian food is avoided on the day. No food is consumed after sunrise.

Women spend the day visiting friends and relatives. Many make use of the day to apply ‘henna’ on their palms and feet. The women dress in beautiful saris and other traditional garments. Working women head to work or take leave on the day.

An important ritual on the day is the ‘baya’ send by the mothers for their daughters. The Baya (gift to the mother-in-law) usually consist of mathris, puas, halwa, clothes and some small amount of cash. This ritual and the items vary from region to region but in most places a ‘baya’ is send by mothers to their daughters.

The most important part of the ritual is the Karva, an earthen pot with an outlet on the side and open from the top with a lid. If Karva is not available anything any utensil resembling Karva is used.

The preparation for the puja starts early evening mostly by 1700 hrs. The room for puja depends on the number of people invited. The puja place is decorated with ‘kharia matti.’ A ‘chowk’ is decorated on the floor and atop it a seep chowk is decorated with ‘aipun.’ The chowk is placed against the wall and on a decorated ‘patta,’ Goddess Parvati is installed. This is the traditional form of decorating the puja room for Karva Chauth.

A simple method is to install the picture or an idol of Goddess Parvati in the usual Puja room or at the designated place.

An hour before moonrise those who have undertaken the vrat or participating in the puja gather in the puja room.

The karva is decorated with kharia, aipun and roli. A red thread is tied around the neck of the karva. The karva is filled with water (a little) and seven broken pieces of pua. The thali consists of puas, puris, dry fruits, water, halwa and cash. The thali is kept over the karva. The items on the thali vary from region to region and also depend on what the person performing puja likes to have on it. Now each woman does the puja. This ritual is known as mansana.

Women dress neatly and colorfully for the puja and apply sindhoor on the maang. The puja is quite simple. First, the person performing the puja applies a roli teeka or sindhur on the idol or forehead of Goddess Parvati. Then she dips the third finger of the right hand in water and sprinkles it with the help of thumb three times on the deity. The same ritual is repeated with aipun and roli. Finally, rice is showered on the deity and a little rice is kept in the hand. All the participating women can do this puja.

One woman narrates the story of Karwa Chauth and others listen with the rice in the hand.

At the end of the story, each woman exchanges her karva with her friend. The woman giving the karva says’ O Suhagan take my karva.’ The one receiving says O Suhagan give your Karva.’ The roles are then reversed.

After this each woman present perform the baya manasana. The woman takes rice in the left hand and adds little water to it. The edge of the ‘pallu’ is taken in the right hand the index finger is dipped in the left hand. Both the hands are taken around the karva and the water is poured on the side of the karva. An elderly woman chants the mantra. The whole ritual is repeated a second time without the mantra.

Then when the moon is sighted, the reflection of the moon is seen in the water in the puja thali or through a sieve. The woman holds a lamp in the left and offers water to the moon – pouring water on the ground seven times and also throwing seven broken pieces of freshly broken puas.

The fast is broken by eating a puja broken into ten pieces and by drinking water in between.

This year (2012) is on 3rd November, 2012 has a great meaning.