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Tuesday 26 December 2017

Ghritachi

Ghritachi was an Apsara, a dancer in the court of Indra. She is the spiritual mother of Drona and the sage Shuka. In both cases, she was merely the cause for their birth.

  1. When the sage Bharadwaja saw the semi-nude form of this Apsara, his vital fluid emerged from his body and was stored in a water vessel by him. The son born of that vessel was Drona. 
  2. When the sage Vyasa beheld the beautiful form of this nymph, he was preparing the sacrificial fire. The Apsara transformed herself into a parrot. The vital fluid of the Rishi fell on the Arani sticks and his son Shuka was born from them. 
She was also the mother of the sage Ruru, who was begotten on her by Pramati, the son of sage Chyavana.

Vishwakarma descended from heaven and took birth in a Brahmin family. Simultaneously the celestial dancer, Ghritachi, took birth as the daughter of a gopa (milk producer) family. They got married and gave birth to nine sons:

  1. Malakara, 
  2. Karmakara, 
  3. Sankhakara, 
  4. Kundibaka or Tantubayee, 
  5. Kumbhakara, 
  6. Kangsakara, 
  7. Sutradhara, 
  8. Chitrakara and 
  9. Swarnakara.

Monday 30 October 2017

Totality of Female Energy

Million


Athen


Four Directions

Navratri celebrations in the west

Gujarat
The festival of Navratri is celebrated with great zeal in the western and northern part of India. Gujarat, in particular, is well known for its grand Celebrations and dances during this festive occasion. The most popular and well known among these folk dances are the Rasa and the Garba. The Rasa is said to have its origin in the legends of Lord Krishna. These are enactments of stories in dance form from tales of Krishna. These colourful yet elegant dances are performed as part of the Navratra celebrations. People gather from all over to enjoy and be a part of these festivities. These are also known to be associated with the agricultural rites that are performed. The designs made on the dance floor remind one of the vibrant paintings made on the walls of huts. The Dandiya Rasa performed by men is at par with the Garba of the women folk. The dancers gather around with sticks on their hands all geared up to entertained. The sticks have tiny bells attached at their end that enhances the sound which is created when the sticks are struck.

Rajasthan
Jaipur is the hub of enjoyment and garba is probably one of the most entertaining dance forms performed here. Women dressed in beautiful costumes bearing pots on their heads go from one home to the other and perform the Garba. There is always a leader who begins the song and the others repeat in unison which forms the chorus. The dance is rhythmic and the singing, a reminder of how rich and colourful India really is. Getting all tied up with Navratri celebrations will not come as a surprise, especially if you happen to be in Rajasthan.

Navratri celebrations in the north

Kashmir
In Kashmir, there are many devotees of Sherawali Ma Durga and Lord Shiva. The Kashmiri pundits, especially celebrate navratras with much enthusiasm. Each hindu house-hold performs the pooja at home. The adult members of the household fast and they only consume water followed by fruit in the evening. Also, they grow barley in the earthen pots to attain prosperity. Most of these kashmiri pundits visit the temple of goddess Kheer Bhawani on all nine days; this is one of the important rituals in Kashmir.

Punjab
Punjabi people perform navratri puja in their farming fields for a good cultivation. They devotionally celebrate Navratri. They only drink milk for seven days before breaking the fast on Ashtami or Navami. They worship Durga Ma, Lakshmi and offer prayers at home. Some of them have fruit or a complete meal once a day. Alcohol and meat are strictly avoided during this time.

Navratri celebrations in the south

Navratri celebrations in the southern part of India are celebrated in a manner much different from the rest of India. There’s nothing in common except for the devotion and enthusiasm with which the people in this region celebrate this occasion. Read on till the end to find out all about what makes Navratri special in the South.

Bommai Kolu
During the nine nights of the Navratri festival, women in the south, especially Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh decorate their houses with traditional wooden dolls. These wooden dolls, popularly known asKolu Bommai by locals in this region are a symbol of pride for those who display it for others to see. These handcrafted idols are beautiful and reminds one of how rich India is, in terms of tradition and culture. Mostly, scenes from the village or Gods are depicted through these dolls.

Rangolis
This is yet another traditional art South India is well known for. Patterns are made on the floor and women gather to design these rangolis using various coloured powder and flowers. This is a tradition mostly followed by the women in the house. Rangoli is referred to as Rangavallie in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Sundal
Sundal is what instantly comes to mind when one mentions the Navratri festival in South India. This delicious sweet dish with its mouthwatering taste is an instant hit with the locals. It is also available in different varieties and forms. Lentil and brown sugar are used in the preparation of this special sweet dish. Navratri celebrations in the South are not complete without preparing Sundal in the evening.
Traditional gifts exchanged between family and friends during this festive occasion include coconuts, clothes and sweets.

Celebrations in the east

West Bengal, a state with a vast Bengali and Hindu population is well known for its emphatic Durga Puja celebrations. This is that time of the year when everybody is geared up to show their devotion to Goddess Durga and pray for the fulfillment of their wishes. The streets are crowded with thousands gathered to offer their prayers. Sweet dishes, new clothes and gifts for everyone; these are some common things associated with this important festival in Bengal.

Further East, one can experience the well lit streets, attractive pandals and the traditional ceremonies in Assam. People in this state have a great time every year during the Durga Puja as it is time to go shopping! Shops are stocked with the best clothes one could possibly want. The prices go up but it is surely worth it! Competitions are also held between craftsman to decide who has the best pandal. This may be one of the reasons why year after year vibrant pandals adorn every corner of this beautiful state. Worshippers offer their prayers throughout these four important days.

Other eastern states which are well known for their Durga Puja celebrations include Orissa and Tripura. The celebrations may not be as grand, but it is the devotion of these people that makes this auspicious festival truly special.

Wednesday 1 February 2017

Night

The first night of Navratri is devoted to the worshiping of Goddess Shailputri . She has manifestation of Green Light with her. This light helps to reduce anger in Human beings. This energy manifests in Anahata or Heart charkra. The organs related to this chakra are heart, back, shoulder, arms, hand, Lungs and Chest area. The gland associated with this chakra is Thymus gland. This chakra relates to Love, ability of an individual to give and take unconditionally. It enhances listening capability of individuals. Thus mediating on this chakra help in removing emotional blocs, treating traumas and healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands and system effectively. This is the starting point of their spiritual discipline. 

The second night of navratri is associated with Goddess Bhramcharni , who is the store house of knowledge and wisdom. She has manifestation of Blue Light with her that personifies love and loyalty and empowers actualization of goals. The organs related to this chakra are throat, lung and neck. The gland associated with this chakra is thyroid gland. The upper digestive tract is also associated with this chakra. This energy resides in Visudha or Throat chakra. it blesses the worshiper with awareness about spirit of truth and purpose, ability to communicate about one’s needs and requirements. It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands and system effectively. 

The third night of navratri is associated with Goddess Chandraghanta who is giver of bliss, peace, serenity and growth in activities, purpose of life. She has manifestation of red light with pink hue in her. Residing in Mooladhar or root chakra this energy provides the worshiper with powers of self awareness, stability and security. The organs related to this chakra are Kidney, bladder, pelvis, vertebral column, hips and legs. The gland associated with this chakra is Adrenal gland. The system associated with this chakra is excretory system. It provides strength and courage to native. With this It also help in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands and system effectively. 

The fourth night of navratri is associated with Goddess Kushmanda who is destroyer sorrows of the mind and ego by harmonizing the macro-universe with the inner micro-universe of the individual. She has manifestation of Orange Light with golden hue that personifies creativity and respect for others creative works, destroying false ego in an individual. The organs related to this chakra are uterus, large bowel, lower abdomen, ovaries, testes, sexual organs. Reproductive system is also associated with this chakra. This energy resides in swadhisthan or Sacral chakra. It endows the worshipper with virtue of Self respect. It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands and system effectively. 

The fifth night of navratri is associated with Goddess Skandmata who transform energies provided by other goddesses in form of wealth and strength for native. She has manifestation of indigo light with silver hue . The organs related to this chakra are eyes, lower head, nose and ears. Pitutary Gland is also associated with this chakra. Residing In Agya or Brow chakra this energy provides the worshiper with virtue of self responsibility- responsibility to oneself to follow the soul path and trusting one’s own intuition. It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands and system effectively. 

The Sixth night of navratri is associated with Goddess Kaatyayani who gives boons and fulfills wishes of the native. She has manifestation of Yellow Light with her that personifies self worth, intellect, self confidence and moral principles. The organs related to this chakra are liver, spleen, stomach and l intestine gall bladderand middle back. The gland associated with this chakra is Pancreas. This energy resides in Manipur or Solar plexus chakra. It endows the worshipper with virtue of how one feel about himself and how others perceive him. It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands and system effectively. 

The Seventh night of navratri is associated with Goddess Kaalratri who destroys fear and ignorance of the worshiper and blesses the individual with fortitude and fearlessness. She has manifestation of voilet light with purple-blackish hue. The organs related to this chakra are Top of the head, brain and Nervous System. The gland associated with this chakra is pineal Gland. Residing in Shastrara or Crown chakra this energy provides the worshiper with higher consciousness or spiritual awareness. It helps in spiritual upheaval of individual atma with Parmatma. It also helps in healing of diseases related to concerned organs, glands and system effectively. 

The eighth night of navratri is associated with Goddess Mahagauri who destroys all sins of devotees and worshiper gets purified in all respects. She channels the thought waves of the devotees towards the path of the virtue and destroys Asat. Cumulative energy manifested in whole body and being reflected signifies balance and creativity in highest form. 

The ninth night of navratri is associated with Goddess Siddhidatri who provides the worshiper with all sidhis, beings fulfillment and satisfaction in individual lives. This energy is radiant in form of golden light over crown chakra instilling service to God and libration of soul from the vicious circle of life and death. 

Patterns

Punjab
The people from Punjab perform fasts to show their devout austerity to Goddess Durga- the symbol of Shakti or power. The fast is performed for the first seven days, which breaks on the eighth day of Navratri by organizing a Bhandara or feast for nine young girls known as Kanjak. They are also gifted red Chunris or Dupattas. A Jagrata is another special feature to them, where devotional songs are sung in the honor of Goddess and keep awake the whole night.
Himachal Pradesh
It is actually the most important festival for the Himachal Hindus. The tenth day of the festival is popularly known as Kullu Dussehra in Himachal Pradesh. While Navaratri festivity ends everywhere on the tenth day, it marks the beginning of the festival in this state. People gather together in a pompous mood, marking the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after killing the demon, Ravana. On Dussehra, the deities from temples are taken out to roads in processions.
Gujarat
Gujarat is the centroid of the most vibrant Navratri celebration. A clay pot known as Garbha or womb is the source of life on earth. Women dance around the water-filled Garbha wearing vibrant costumes. This dance is also termed as Garbha that derives its name from the iconic claypot. Dandiya Raas is another contemporary attraction of the festival where people dance in coordination with each other. In Dandiya Raas event, sticks of equal length are used for the dance. Overall, the festive mood in Gujarat is a colourful affair.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra regards Navaratri as a good time to initiate things. Some prefer to buy a car, or even venture into the investing arena. The Maharashtrians find it to be an auspicious time. Married women exchange the gesture of ‘Saumangalyam’ by putting Haldi and Kumkum onto their foreheads. Because of Maharashtra’s proximity to Gujarat, both the states bear resemblance in its festive celebration. Each family in the two states get drenched in the mood of joy and celebration.
West Bengal
In West Bengal, Navaratri has its synonym as Durga Puja. Durga Puja is considered to be the most joyous and important festival for the Bengalis. It is celebrated with a great pomp and lavishness. This is a temporal sight when the festival begins from the sixth day of Navaratri 2016-Shashthi. Maa Durga is welcomed to her maternal home from the heavens. Idols of Goddess Durga along with her children-Kartik, Ganesh, Lakshmi and Saraswati are sculpted in the Durga Puja. The festival becomes worth considering if one talks about Navaratri.
Karnataka
The celebrations in Karnataka dates back to the era of Raja Wodeyar. Although, the purpose of celebration is the same i.e. triumph of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura-the resident of Mysore, the celebration is done according to the traditions of the Vijaynagar empire of 17th century. Processions of elephants are taken to roads. Exhibition of craft artefacts are an important feature of the Carnatic Navaratri.
Kerala
Kerala celebrates the last three days of Navaratri i.e. Ashtami, Navami and Vijaya Dashami. Being the most literate state in the country, this states the reason behind its literacy (piously). Since, Goddess Saraswati is worshiped during the last three days, they firmly believe that Saraswati Mata will grant them the wisdom of learning and knowledge.
They place the books and musical instruments in front of the Goddess on Ashtami. They pray the Goddess for granting them knowledge and education. On Vijaya Dashami, they take the books out for learning.
Tamil Nadu
The Dravidian state devotes the nine days of Navaratri to Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati. Women belonging to the Iyer community invite their married female acquaintances and gift them symbols of marital goodwill- bangles, earrings etc. A special dish ‘Sundal’ is prepared of lentil seeds and pulses for the guests. Some people also creates a special makeshift staircase ‘Golu’ that consists of nine steps symbolizing the nine days of Navaratri. Idols of Gods and Goddesses are placed on the stairs that are handed over from generation to generation.
Andhra Pradesh
Navaratri is celebrated as ‘Bathukamma Panduga’ in Andhra Pradesh. Bathukamma Panduga literally means ‘Come Alive Mother’. The term celebrates universal motherhood. Women prepare ‘Bathukka’ which is a beautiful stack of seasonal flowers which often appear like a pot. They have the ritual to position themselves in the centre and sing songs dedicated to Goddess Shakti. After performing the ritual, they float away the Bathukkas in lake water.
Navaratri is the festival that represents the omnipotent motherhood. It takes the form of Maha Gauri, Goddess Durga or Katyayani Maa. Be it in any form, the festival signifies the triumph of good over evil through the hands of the supreme mother.
The nine days is a period to celebrate purity and goodness. To know more about the spiritual proceedings of Navaratri, click here.
The Goddess is always present within us to enlighten.

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