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Showing posts with label Vrat Importance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vrat Importance. Show all posts

Sunday, November 18, 2018

Importance and Significance of Pradhosha Vrata

An auspicious day dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pradosham falls on the 13th day (Trayodashi) of the lunar fortnight (Paksha). Pradosham Vratam occurs during the two different phases of the moon (waxing and waning) as per the traditional Hindu lunar calendar. A Pradosham falling on a Monday is called Soma Pradosh or Chandra Pradosh, on a Tuesday is known as Bhauma Pradosh, and on a Saturday is called Shani Pradosh. Among all the Pradosham vrats, the Soma Pradosh and Shani Pradosh are the most significant one observed by most devotees. The fast is observed from sunrise until sunset and is considered to be highly beneficial. To know more on the meaning and importance of Pradosham Vratam, continue glancing through the lines herein. 

Pradhosha Vrata Significance 

According to the Shiva Puranas, observing a fast on Pradosham Vratam is regarded as highly auspicious and beneficial. One would be blessed with wealth, children, happiness and honor. While the fast is undertaken by all Shiva devotees, but all women who have been longing for a son specially observe this. Also, praying to Lord Shiva during the course of the fast is said to liberate the devotee from all his previous and present sins and evil deeds committed. According to one legend, Lord Shiva is believed to have drunk the Halahala poison during Pradosham. This poison was mixed with the Ocean of Milk (Samudra Manthan). 

Another myth relates the importance of observing this vrat with the divine couple, Lord Shiva and Parvati. On the Trayodashi day during the evening twilight, the couple is said to be in a propitious and favorable mood. Hence, all prayers and grants demanded by a sincere and loyal devotee are easily fulfilled. Additionally, Bael or Bilva leaves are offered to the Lord during this twilight period as it is regarded to be very fortunate. Hence, all stern Shiva devotees observe both the fasts that occur on two Pradosha days in a month. Such devotees consume only water during their fast and break their fast by eating Prasad after the evening prayers only. 

Furthermore, they eat cooked food only from the next morning. Some devotees follow another method for fasting during Pradhosham Vratam. These eat fruits while observing the vrat and resume with eating cooked food on the same day after the evening prayers. Therefore, the strictness followed during the Pradosha fasting totally relies on the devotee. Nonetheless, there are devotees who do not observe a vrat on this day but offer prayers and worship Shiva either at home or in temples.
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Thursday, June 30, 2016

Pradosh Vrat-About Pradosh Vrat-Pradosh Vrat Important-How to Objerved Pradosh Vrat


About Pradosh Vrat

 


Pradosha or Pradosh is an important day dedicated to Lord Shiva or Mahadeva. Pradosha Vrat falls on the 13th day of every lunar fortnight according to the traditional Hindu calendar followed in India. Lord Shiva devotees fast on Pradosham days from sunrise to sunset and break the fasting after the Pradosha pooja held at Lord Siva Temples.

Som Pradosha, Bhauma Pradosh, and Shani Pradosh are the 3 types of Pradoshas. Pradosh which falls on Mondays is called Soma Pradosha, and that on Tuesday is Bhauma Pradosh, and that on Saturday are known as Shani Pradosh. Pradosh Vrat, which is also known as Pradosham in South India, is observed to seek blessings of Lord Shiva.

Pradosh Vrat is observed on both Trayodashi Tithis, i.e. Shukla Paksha Trayodashi and Krishna Paksha Trayodashi, in lunar month.

When Pradosham day falls on Monday it is called Soma Pradosham, on Tuesday it is called Bhauma Pradosham and on Saturday it is called as Shani Pradosham.


Pradosh Vrat Important

 

Pradhosha Vrata, or Pradhosham, is an important fasting day dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pradosha occurs twice in a month – on the 13th day (Trayodashi) – during the waxing moon fortnight and the other during the waning moon fortnight. The puja and worship is done in the evening. The Pradosha period can be loosely indicated as 1.5 hours before sunset and 1 hour after sunset.

The Shiva Purana states that one undertakes fasting on Pradhosha will be blessed with wealth, children, happiness and honor. The fasting and worship is specially undertaken by women who long to have children. It is said that those praying to Shiva during the auspicious time of Pradhosha will be freed from sins.


There are numerous legends associated with the Pradhosha Vratam. It is believed that Lord Shiva drank the Halahala poison that was churned up from the Ocean of Milk (Samudra Manthan) during Pradosham.

Another myth indicates that Lord Shiva and Parvati, the divine couple, are in a propitious mood during the evening twilight on the Trayodashi day and hence are easily pleased and grants whatever that a sincere devotee asks.

Offering Bael or Bilva leaves during the period to Lord Shiva is considered auspicious.

There are Shiva devotees that observe fast on both Pradosha days in a month. Some only fast during the waning phase of moon.

Staunch devotees opt for water only fasting and will only eat the ‘prasad’ offered in the evening. Such devotees only eat cooked from next day morning.

Another method of fasting is by eating fruits and such devotees eat cooked food on the day after the evening prayers. The strictness of the Pradosha fasting is usually decided by the devotee.

Some devotees do not fast but worship Shiva during the period or visit temples.

Since Monday is dedicated to Shiva, the Pradosha falling on Monday is referred as Soma- Pradosha and is considered highly auspicious. Pradosha falling on Saturday during the waning phase of moon is also auspicious.


How to Objerved Pradosh Vrat

 


Pradosha Vrata is observed on the 13th day of a fortnight and there are two Pradosham in a Hindu month. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped in the evening during twilight on this day. In some regions, the day is dedicated to Nataraja form of Shiva. The fasting on this day is observed for success, peace and fulfillment of desires. It is said that mere darshan of any of the one form of Shiva removes ignorance.

Pradosham is observed when the Trayodashi Tithi is there during the twilight period. This is important.
The importance of Pradosha Vrata and how to observe it is narrated in the Skanda Purana.
There are two methods of fasting on the day. Some people observe a 24-hour fast which includes not sleeping during night. Another method is fasting from sunrise till sunset and after Shiva puja in the evening the fast is broken.

Pradosham is the twilight period just before sunset and after sunset. Pujas and prayers are performed during this period. Many people during this period spend the time in a Shiva temple or listening to the glory of Shiva.
In the evening, an hour before sunset the devotee takes bath and prayers are offered to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi, Ganesha, Kartik and Nandi. After the initial prayers, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Kalasha (sacred pot). The Kalasha filled with water is covered with darbha grass and a lotus is drawn on the pot.
Another form of worship is the puja of Shivling. The shivling is bathed with water and Bilva leaves are offered. Some people use a painting or picture of Shiva for worship. It is said that offering Bilva leaves on Pradosham is highly auspicious.
After this people listen to the Pradosha Vrata Katha or story or read chapters from Shiva Purana. Then the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is recited108 times.
After this the water used in the puja ceremony is given as ‘Prasad’ along with sacred ash. The ash is applied on the forehead.
It is said that just lighting a single lamp during Pradosham period is enough to please Lord Shiva and the act is highly rewarding. Majority of Shiva devotees have a darshan of Shiva during Pradosham in a nearby temple.



Related Links

Pradosh Vrat-Pradosh Vrat Date Year 2016, Year 2017-Pradosh Vrat Pooja Time

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Thursday, April 28, 2016

Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat-Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat Date 2016 to 2021-About Vrat-Vrat Katha- Vrat Vidhi(Process)- Vrat Importance-Images

According to the Hindu calendar, each month’s eleventh day is known as Ekadashi.Vrutini Ekadashi is Coming on Gujarati month Vaisakha day of eleven.People observed Vrat and fasts on this Day.Here is Information about  Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat 2016 to 2021.

Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat :3 May 2016 (Tuesday)
Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat : 22 April 2017 (saturday)
Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat : 12 April 2018 (Thursday)
Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat  : 30 April 2019 (Tuesday)
Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat : 18 April 2020 (saturday)
Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat :7 May2021 (Friday)

About Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat

Varuthini Ekadashi takes place on the 11th day during the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Chaitra/Vaisakha in the traditional Hindu calendar. In the North Indian calendars, this Ekadashi is observed during the Krishna Paksha in Adhik Vaisak month while in other regions, it is practiced in the Chaita Krishna Paksha. The followers of Varuthini Ekadashi vrat believe that by observing the Varuthini Ekadashi fast, they can successfully cleanse their sins and seek blessings of happiness, prosperity and wealth. Some even consider that they can attain the ability of performing various types of charities. Know more on the method of observing the Varuthini Ekadashi fast.

Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat Katha


Once King Yudhisthira asked Shree Krishna - “Oh Madhusudan, Please describe to me the Ekadashi of the krishna paksha of the month of Vaisakha (April-May), including its name, specific merits and influence.”
Lord Shree Krishna replied, “Oh King, in this world and the next, the most auspicious and magnanimous Ekadashi is Varuthini Ekadashi, which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Vaisakha.
Whosoever observes a complete fast on this sacred day has his sins completely removed, obtains continuous happiness, and achieves all good fortune.
Fasting on Varuthini Ekadashi makes even an unfortunate woman fortunate. Upon anyone who observes it, this Ekadashi bestows material enjoyment in this life and liberation after the death of this present body. It destroys the sins of all and saves people from the miseries of repeated rebirth.
“By observing this Ekadashi properly, King Mandhata was liberated." Whatever merit one obtains by performing austerities and penances for ten thousand years is achieved by a person who observes Varuthini Ekadashi. " 

The merit one achieves by donating a great amount of gold during a solar eclipse at Kurukshetra is gained by one who observes this one Ekadashi with love and devotion, and certainly attains his goals in this life and the next. In short, this Ekadashi is pure and very enlivening and the destroyer of all sins.
“Better than giving horses in charity is giving elephants, and better than giving elephants is giving land. But better still than giving land is the giving of sesame seeds, and better than that is giving of gold. Still better than giving gold is giving food grains - for all the forefathers, demigods (devtas), and human beings become satisfied by eating grains. Thus there is no better gift of charity than this in the past, present or future.”
“Yet learned scholars have declared that giving away a young maiden in marriage to a worthy person is equal to giving away food grains in charity. Moreover,giving cows in charity is equal to giving food grains. Still better than all these charities is teaching spiritual knowledge to the ignorant. Yet all the merits one can attain by performing all these acts of charity are attained by one who fasts on the Varuthini Ekadashi.”
“One who lives off the wealth of his daughters suffers a hellish condition until the inundation of the entire universe, therefore one should be especially careful not to use the wealth of his daughter. Oh best of kings, any householder who takes his daughter’s wealth out of greed, who tries to sell his daughter, or who takes money from the man to whom he has given his daughter in marriage – such a householder becomes a lowly cat in his next life. Therefore it is said that whoever, as a sacred act of charity, gives away in marriage a maiden i.e. does kanyadaan. That very same merit, however, can be easily achieved by one who fasts on the Varuthini Ekadashi.
“The following things should be given up on the Dashami, (the tenth phase of the Moon), the day before the Ekadashi: (1) eating on bell-metal plates, (2) eating any kind of urid-dahl, (3) eating red-lentils, (4) eating chick-peas, (5) eating kondo (a grain that is primarily eaten by poor people and that resembles poppy seeds or agarpanthas seeds), (6) eating honey, (7) eating in another person’s house/home, (8) eating more than once, (9) eating Channa and (10) participating in sex of any kind.
“On the Ekadashi itself one should give up the following: gambling, sports, sleeping during the daytime, betal nuts and its leaf, brushing one’s teeth, spreading rumours, faultfinding, talking to the spiritually fallen, anger, and lying.
“On the Dwadashi the day after Ekadashi (the twelfth phase of the Moon), one should give up the following: eating on bell-metal plates, eating urad-daal, red-lentils, or honey, lying, strenuous exercise or labor, eating more than once, any sexual activity, shaving the body, face or head, smearing oils on one’s body, and eating in another’s home.”
Lord Sri Krishna continued, “Whoever observes the Varuthini Ekadashi in this way becomes free from all sinful reactions and returns to the eternal, spiritual abode. One who worships Lord Madhusudan (Krishna) on this Ekadashi by staying awake throughout the entire night, also becomes free from all his previous sins and attains to the spiritual abode. Therefore, Oh king, he who is frightened of his accumulated sins and their attendant reactions, and thus of death itself, must observe Varuthini Ekadashi by fasting very strictly.
“Finally, he who hears or reads this glorification of the sacred Varuthini Ekadashi obtains the merit earned by donating one thousand cows in charity, and at last attains heaven."

Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat vidhi (Process)
The following things should be given up on the Dashami, (the tenth phase of the Moon), the day before the Ekadashi

Eating on bell-metal plates
eating any kind of urid-dahl
Eating red-lentils,
eating chick-peas
eating kondo (a grain that is primarily eaten by poor people and that resembles poppy seeds or agarpanthas seeds)
eating honey
Eating in another person’s house/home
Eating more than once
Eating Channa and
participating in sex of any kind.

Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat Importance  
Mentioned in numerous Puranas, Ekadashi is also known as ‘Harivasara’ and ‘Hari din’. The significance of Ekadashi fasting has been listed even in the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana. A bimonthly occasion, Ekadashi is generally observed by the Vaishnavas, though it is open to non-Vaishnava followers as well. All Vishnu devotees observing the Ekadashi fasts strictly refrain from consuming grains, beans, cereals, and certain vegetables and spices. The Ekadashi vrat is observed with regional variations. Preparations for the vrat begin on the Dasami day, that is, a day before Ekadashi. Devotees who intend to observe this vrat wake up early in the morning on Dasami and take a ritual bath. They also perform the other daily routines required to deliver the pujas or prayers. On this day, they take up only a single meal and keep away from salt.

He most preferred food consumed during this vrat includes fresh and dried fruits, milk products, vegetables and nuts. In western parts of India, Sabundana Khichdi, made from sabudana, potatoes and ground nuts, is consumed. However, it does not contain onion and garlic. Furthermore, alcohol, non-vegetarian food and sex are also avoided. Additionally, some Puranas state the abstinence from dal and honey also on Dasami day. The next day is Ekadashi day which is meant for complete fasting. The entire day is spent in worshipping Lord Vishnu through pujas, prayers and mantras. Some devout devotees even keep awake during the night by hearing religious speeches and performing Aartis.

The day after Ekadashi is called Dwadashi day. The routine followed on Dasami day is practiced on this day as well. After taking a bath, prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu and a lamp is lit. The fast is broken with the food prepared eaten on Dasami day. One should avoid overeating. Moreover, the food consumed on Dwadashi should be prepared at home. Medically speaking, fasting on Ekadashi cleanses the body and gives the much required rest to the digestive organs. As for people suffering from various ailments, those on medications, pregnant women and those who have just delivered a baby should avoid fasting. If intending to observe the vrat, such people should consult a doctor prior fasting.
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Monday, February 29, 2016

Shivratri Vrat-Shivratri Vrat Katha(Story)-Shiv Aarti


Shivratri  Vrat

Shivratri is observed as a festival as well as a Vrat(fast).It means the 'night of shiva' and is observed on Shiva Triyodashi of Gujarati month Phalgun ,that is thirteen day of the Gujarati month  phalgun (February -March).The devotees remain awake the whole the whole night either indulging in meditation, jap,kirtan or reading and recitation of Shiva Mahima Strotra and Shiva Tandava Strotra.The 'Lingam' Symbol of Shiva is worshipped with Gangajal,milk,curd,honey and clarified butter.Bel leaves,dhatura,fruit,aak flowers etc.are offered to Lord Shiva.shrines and spend the whole night practicing devotion and piety.The devotees keep strict fast.

Shivratri Vrat Katha(Story)

A very interesting story is told  by the devotees on this occasion to underline the significance of the fast observed on this day.Once , named a hunter Suswar lived near Varanashi.He earned his livelihood by killing and selling birds and beasts.One day he went on a hunting expedition and was late.It was being dark he could not return home.The forest was dense and full of terrible beasts of prey.To protect himself from wild beasts he climbed up a bel tree to spend the night.At night , he suffered pangs of hunger and thirst on the one hand and on the other he was very much worried about his dear wife,children and old mother at home,who had been waiting anxiously for his return.He was feeling anxious and restlessness,he kept on plucking the bel leaves and dropping them down on the ground.Under the tree,there was a Shiva-linga, though performed unwittingly , highly pleased Shiva.Therefore ,the hunter after his death,got a place in the blissful abode of Lord Shiva,and after ages was reborn as a king ,names Chitrabhanu.The King observed Shivaratri and did penance on that day. 

Lord Shiv Aarti 

Om Jai Shiva Omkara,Hara Shiva Omkara.
Brahma Vishnu Sadahiva,Ardhangee Dhara......Om Jai ....
Ekanan Chaturanan Panvhanan Raje,
Hasanan Gurudasan, Vrisha Wahan Saje, Om Jai....
Do Bhuja Chara Chatur Bhuja ,Darshbhujate Sohe.
Teenon Roopa Nilkharataa, Tribhuvana Manamohe , Om Jai.....
Akshaya Malaa ,Vana Malla,Rudra Malaa Dharee,
Chandan Mrigchhala Sohai ,Bhaale shashidharee, Om Jai...
Kar Mein Shreshtra Kamandal Chakra Trishool Dharta,
Jagkranta Jagharta, Jagpalan Karta ,Om Jai...
Brahma Vishnu sadashiva, Jannat Aviveka
Pranavakshra Ke Madhye, Ye Teenon Hee Ekaa, Om Jai....
Trigun Shivji ki  Aarti , jo koi Nar Gaave,
Kahar Shivanand Swami , Man Vanchhit Phal Paave.
Om Jai .....
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Thursday, February 11, 2016

Jaya Ekadashi Vrat-Vrat Story(Katha)- Vrat Method-Vrat Importance-Ingredients-Recipe-Pictures

Jaya Ekadashi Vrat 

According to Hindu calendar Jaya  Ekadashi Vrat falls in ‘Magh’ month on the eleventh day of ‘Shukal Pakash’. The day of Jaya Ekadashi is devoted to Lord Krishna.Many People take Vrats on this Day. While the North Indians observe this ritual as Jaya Ekadashi, in South India, it is observed as Bhisma Ekadashi or Bheesma Ekadashi, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Devotees of Lord Vishnu observe vrat on Jaya Ekadashi as they consider it to be highly beneficial. The fast calls for double worshipping since the Ekadashi is auspicious for Lord Vishnu while the month in which it is observed is Magh, regarded fortunate for Shiva pujas. Continue reading to learn about the story of Jaya Ekadashi and the method for observing the vrat.

 Jaya Ekadasi Vrat Story(Katha)

Ekadashi morning after bathing and wearing clean clothes sit in front of the statue of Lord Vishnu commit to fasting. To this day fast as possible. In fast food, do not eat, it is not possible at a time can make a fruit diet.After this ritual worship of Lord Vishnu (if you are unable to worship with the worship can have a qualified Brahmin.) Lord Vishnu may Panchamrit bath. People who take vows after bathing to their Crnamrit (vow) with all members of your family members to splash and drink Crnamrit. Then God smell, flowers, incense, lamps, etc. worship materials, offer oblationVishnu Shstrnam chant and hear the legend of the fast. Sleep at night to be near the idol of Lord Vishnu and the other day, by the twelfth date Vedpati Brahmins and by donating food to be blessed. The men who vow to methodically night vigil, their sins are destroyed and in the end they get to heaven. Listening to the story of this Ekadashi is the fruit of the sacrifice Ashwamedha.

Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Method

Lord Vishnu is worshipped in Ekadashi fast. But in Jaya Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu is also worshipped with Lord Krishna. Person observing this fast should mentally prepare himself a day before fast. After taking meal in evening on 10th day (one day before Ekadasi) the resolution of fast should be taken in the morning of Ekadashi. Then, Lord Krishna should be worshipped with incense stick, lamp, fruits. Now, Lord Vishnu should be worshipped with Panchamrit.
Fast is observed the whole day and Jagran is performed at night. Reading Vishnu Sahastranaam and doing Jagran for the whole night is considered favorable. If it is not possible to observe the fast at night, in such a case one can have fruits. In the morning of Dvadashi, after bathing, Brahmans are gifted food and alms as per the capacity of an individual. By this, a person gets free from all his sins. 

Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Importance

The Magha Shukla Ekadashi, which is the date of the Ekadashi, his name is Jaya Ekadashi. This Ekadashi and liqueur is said to take away sins. Holy due Upwask destroys all sins. Each year the fasting men and the enjoyment and leads to salvation. The Ekadashi Brhmahtya even get rid of such sins.

Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Ingredients

Mango leaves,Agrabatti, Dhoop,Attar,Kumkum Akashat ,Dahi,Deepak/Lamp,Chandan,Doodh,Ghee,Ganga jal,Haldi/ turmeric powder,Kalash,Dry fruits,Sweets,Seasonal fruits,Lotus flower,Kappor/ camphor,Nariyal/ coconut,Phool mala,Clean red cloth,Clean white cloth,Prasad,Shanak

Jaya Ekadashi Special Recipe-Potato and lotus stem in samo rice stew

Ingredients

Potatoes- 2 large, diced
Lotus stem- 250 grams
Green chilies- 2 nos., finely chopped
Red chili powder- 3 tsp
Salt- To taste
Oil- 5 tbsp
Ghee- 1 tsp
Water- 700 ml
Samo rice(Bhagar) flour- 3 tbsp mixed with sufficient water to make paste.

Method

Clean lotus stem, cut diagonal slices of it, boil it for 4 whistles in a pressure cooker with a little salt and 1 tsp of ghee. keep aside when done.
Heat oil in a cooker, add green chilies and red chili powder and stirring, ensuring it doesn't burn.
Add potatoes and lotus stem, salt and mix well so that the spices coat it. Fry it like this for a couple of minutes.
Add water and let it come to boil. Now put on the lid and let it cook for 2 whistles.
When the pressure is released stir in samo rice flour paste, and boil it for 5-7 minutes till the stew thickens a little.
Serve hot with Samo rice kokis.

Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Pictures



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