Miscellaneous

Hi all,
This might be of interest to all of you living in the Bay Area.There is a baghavatha Sapthaham.Please go to the link below for details.
Regards,
Revathy.

Nama Sankirthanam Yasya Sarva Papa Pranashanam
Pranamo Dhukka Shamana: Tham Namami Harim param.

Dear devotees,

There is a Bhagavatha Sapthaham event to be held in
Bay Area from Oct 28th to Nov 4th at Fremont Hindu
Temple, Fremont, SFO Bay Area.

This series is conducted by
Kumari Poornima, a disciple of Sri Muralidhara
Swamigal. One other disciple Shri. M.K. Ramanujam is
also visiting US currently. There are also other
interesting discourses on Kanchi Maha Periyaval and
Bhagavan Nama Mahima during their visit to Bay Area.

Please attend these programs and spread the word to
your friends and relatives who may be interested.
Please look at the URLs below for more details on the
programs. I have also attached the flyer for the
events.
http://www.godivini ty.org/schedules /ca/bayprograms. php
http://www.godivini ty.org/schedules /ca/Flyer_ for_bayarea_ Satsang.

My dear friends,

We heard about many Kumbhamela's in various pilgirmage centres & take pleasure to share about the origin of Kumbha Mela.

Kumbha Mela derives its name from the immortal “Pot of Nectar” described in ancient Vedic scriptures known as the Puranas.

Kumbha in Sanskrit language means “pot or pitcher’. Mela means “festival”.

Thus Kumbha Mela literally means festival of the pot.

Or in this case a festival celebrating the appearance of the pot of nectar.

The ancient origin of the Kumbha Mela is described in the time-honored Vedic literatures of India as having evolved from the bygone days of the universe when the demigods and the demons conjointly produced the nectar of immortality.

It is said that the demigods and the demons assembled on the shore of the milk ocean that lies in the celestial region of the cosmos.

The demigods and the demons made a plan to churn the milk ocean to produce the nectar of immortality.

They then agreed to share the nectar equally once it was produced.

For the task of churning the milk ocean, the Mandara Mountain was used as the churning rod, and Vasuki, the king of serpents, became the rope for churning.

As the churning began, the Mandara Mountain began to sink deep into the ocean, at which time Vishnu incarnated as a great tortoise and supported the mountain on His back.

With the demigods at Vasuki’s tail and the demons at his head, they churned the milk ocean for one thousand years.

The churning of the milk ocean first produced a deadly poison which Shiva drank without being affected.
As Shiva drank the poison, a few drops fell from his hands and were licked up by scorpions, snakes, and similar other deadly crea­tures.
After Shiva drank the poison, numerous opulent items were produced.
First a surabhi cow appeared, who could yield unlimited quantities of milk.
A white horse named Uccaihsrava was then produced, as well as a white elephant named Airavata.
Then a valuable gem called the Kaustubha-mani appeared.
Next came the apsaras, beautiful dancing girls, and a host of other wonderful things appeared from the milk ocean.

At last a male person named Dhanvantari appeared carrying the pot of immortal nectar in His hands.
Seeing Dhanvantari with the pot of nectar, both the demigods and demons became anxious.
The demigods, being fearful of what would happen if the demons drank their share of the nectar of immortality, forcibly seized the pot.

Wherever the demigods went with the pot of nectar, fierce fighting ensued.
In an endeavor to keep the nectar from falling into the hands of the demons, the demigods hid it in four places on the earth, Prayag (Allahabad), Hardwar, Ujjain, and Nasik.
At each of the hiding places, a drop of immortal nectar spilled from the pot and landed on the earth.
These four places are since believed to have acquired mystical power.
Eventually, the demons overpowered the demigods and took possession of the nectar of immortality.
To rescue the demi­gods from the hands of fate, Vishnu incarnated as a beautiful woman, Mohini-murti, and approached the demons.
When the demons saw the charming beauty of Mohini-murti, they lost all composure. Seeing Her slender hips, raised breasts, and pleasing smile, the demons completely forgot about drinking the nectar of immortality.
While the demons were thus bewildered by Her beauty, Mohini-murti seized the nectar and returned it to the demigods, who drank it immediately.

Our participations in such Kumbha Melas in Life time is a memorable experiance.

Subbu

Could anyone advise what mantras, shlokas are to be recited for Skanda Shasti? If you could also point me to English versions that would be very much appreciated.

Regards.

Hi Parelk,
for Skanda shasti they recite 'KANDA SHASTI KAVACHAM' alongwith other slokams.
Please refer to the slokas section in the Indusladies.

sriniketan

Hello Friends .......


I was looking for some OGATUGALU ( called so in Kannada ) . There is a tradition of telling husbands name through some riddles in karnataka .. It would be gr8 if u can share some of them ..

Thanks .

Hi preeti


Thank u so much for starting a nice thread Are you kannadiga coz

I am kannada speaking. If u could have taken initiative to start

one ogatu it will be nice. Sorry for giving suggestion .

If u want to share pl reply ...




Bye

Dear All,

I am Smrithi Kumar. Can anyone tell me the Rituals to be followed for all the functions after Marriage like thalai diwali, thalai Aadi, thalai Pongal etc.

Regards
Smrithi K

Dear ILites,
I think most of you are aware about this day.
I found the significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi in one of the websites. Pasting the same for you to read.
-Devotee


Vaikunta Ekadasi is an important festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January). Vaikunda Ekadesi festival is of great significance at the Tirupati Balaji Temple, Srirangam Sri Ranganatha Temple and at the Bhadrachalam Temple. In Kerala, it is known as Swarga Vathil Ekadashi.
The significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi can be traced back to the Padma Purana. The Purana indicates that Lord Vishnu took the form of ‘Ekadasi’ – female energy – to kill demon Muran. This happened during the month of Margazhi. Impressed by ‘Ekadasi,’ Lord Vishnu told her that whoever worships him on this day will reach ‘Vaikunta’ (heaven).


Like all Ekadasi days, devotees fast on this day and observe vigil the whole night. Some people indulge in [COLOR=blue! important][COLOR=blue! important]meditation[/color][/color], Japa and singing of Hari Kirtan. Rice is avoided during ekadashi days as it is believed that the demon Mura finds a dwelling in the rice eaten on Ekadasi day.


It is widely believed that the gates to the heaven open - the Gate of Vaikuntha - on the Vaikunta Ekadasi day. It is one of the most auspicious days in Lord Vishnu Temples in South India.


The ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to the heaven’ is opened on this day. This is the passage encircling the innermost sanctum of the Lord. Scores of devotees queue up to pass through the Gate of Vaikunta in the temples.


Vaikunta Ekadasi occurs in December or early January.

Thai Poosam is celebrated widely this day on 23rd january by all
devotees and Kavadi pooja is observed with reverence.The end of
Makara vilakku in sabarimala and the subsequent function for
subramanya is to be noted.
During this day Sashti Kavacham is read.
"Kanda Shasti Kavasam is composed by Devaraya Swamigal. This is a
rare and valuable treasure that helps one to be successful in day-to-
day life.In Kanda Sasti Kavacam the author prays to Lord Muruga to
shower His grace. It is certain that by regular chanting of this
kavacam all the predicaments of life are resolved. People without
children will enjoy .. Prosperity and plenty will abound. Peace will
prevail at home. The devotee who reads it will enjoy every good
fortune under the sun. As a warrior going to battle puts on armour
to protect himself, the Kanda Sasti Kavacam also helps one to be
safe in day-to-day life"

A few words about Sashti
Sashti is the day the Lord Subramanya defeated the demon Soorapadma
and saved the Earth from his evils. When the devas couldn't tolerate
the evil doings of this demon, they approached the younger son of
Lord Shiva and Parvati. The kind Lord went on a war against
Soorapadman. The war was waged for six days, at the end of which the
Lord vanquished the asura. He threw his weapon at him and
Soorapadman was split into two halves. One half became a peacock,
which He took as His vaahana. The other became a cock and was
transformed into his flag.

The devas, who were tormented by Soorapadman, rejoiced - they
praised the Lord and prayed to him for six days. Devotees usually
narrate the kanda sashti kavacham, during this period. Whoever fasts
for these six days of Skanda Sashti and prays to Lord Muruga
steadfastly, it is said that they would get the blessings of Lord
Muruga. Those who are unable to fast for a whole day for a six-day
duration, can eat just one meal during this period.Let we observe
and reap the benefits.

Thai Poosam Kavady in South Africa

Hi

Thai Poosam Kavady has been celebrated in South Africa for ages and the number of devotees participating has increased so much that although it was celebrated here on Wenesday it continued on Sunday especially for the working people. The temple hoists the flag 10 days prior and after a strict fast for 10 days and prayers at the temple, it culminates with devotees carrying the kavadies on the 10th day.
It was noted that an increasing number of youngsters and youth are participating now.

Regards Neesha