Talacauvery Tirthodbhava

Tirthodbhava

Cauvery Sankramana is celebrated during mid October (first day of Tula month as per Hindu calendar) at Talacauvery in Kodagu (Coorg) district. The river Cauvery is known to spring at an auspicious moment from the fountain head located in Talacauvery temple which is termed as ‘Talacauvery Tirthodbhava’.

Thousands of devotees arrive in Talacauvery and Bhagamandala to take holy baths in this water.

Thirthodbhava is the phenomenon involving the appearance of holy water that happens at Brahma Kundike (pot) or fountain head of the pond located in Talacauvery. This water is considered holy, collected and preserved by locals while thousands of visitors take holy dip in Cauvery river to get blessed.

Cauvery Sankramana is marked with special pooja at temples and at homes of Kodava people. Cauvery Jatre (fair) entertains visitors with lots of shopping options, food stalls and joy rides.

Nearby Attractions

Abbey Falls (52 kms), Cauvery Nisargadhama (72 km), Dubare (72 kms), Madikeri town (47 kms), Bhagamandala (7 kms) are some of the popular tourist attractions in Kodagu to explore along with Talacauvery.

How To Reach

Talacauvery is 312 kms from Bengaluru and 47 kms from Madikeri town. Kannur is the closest airport (119 kms). Mysuru, Hasana and Mangaluru are the major railway stations to reach Talacauvery (all of them 140-150 kms from Talacauvery). Buses are available to reach Madikeri from all parts of South Karnataka and from Madikeri taxi can be hired to visit Talacauvery, centre of Cauvery Sankramana festival.

International Day for Eradication of Poverty

The world observes October 17 every year as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. With this observance, the UN aims to highlight the plight of the poor and impoverished. The day is a global call to do more in eradicating global poverty and hunger. Here is a look at some of the ongoing initiatives and the progress made.

Origins

The first commemoration of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty can be traced back to 1987 in France. It was started by Father Joseph Wresinski, founder of the International Movement ATD Fourth World. He unveiled a memorial for the victims of extreme poverty and hunger at the Human Rights and Liberties Plaza at Trocadero in Paris. On December 22, 1992 member states of the UNGA committed to unite against chronic poverty and hunger. They passed a resolution marking October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Importance

A research study conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) revealed that over 1.3 billion people live in poverty. They represent nearly a quarter of the world population. Extreme poverty is where people are deprived of basic human necessities like food, safe drinking water, sanitation, and shelter.

Observing this day is the UN’s way of reminding world leaders to renew their commitments towards combating poverty. It is also a call to action for the general public. Every year the UN observes this day with a unique theme. One of the theme says ‘Acting together to achieve social and environmental justice for all’.

Activities

Much of the world remains unaware of the plight of the impoverished. Humanitarian groups and NGOs run social media campaigns to spread awareness. A letter about our collective commitment to eradicate poverty is sent on this day by leading humanitarians to prominent world leaders. Several conferences and debates on this subject are organized. The objective of many of these discussions is to measure progress and assess what more must be done.

Cause Of Many Social Evils

Eradication of global poverty is a pressing issue, now considered on par with climate change. Impoverished communities face hunger and malnourishment. Poorer world regions are also wrought with civil tensions and political instability.

Long-Term Goals

UN Member States adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. One of these is to reduce world poverty from 10.1% in 2015 to 3% in 2030. As a part of the initiatives the UN urges its members to generate employment opportunities and create sustained economic growth.

This needs much international cooperation and coordinated efforts from all nations.

Horanadu Annapoorneshwari

Sri Annapoorneshwari Temple

The Annapoorneshwari Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Annapoorneshwari (Annapoorna), located at Horanadu, India, 100 km from Chikmagaluru in the thick forests and valleys of the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It is situated on the banks of river Bhadra.

Legend

The temple is also known as Adhishakthyathmaka Sri Annapoorneshwari Ammanavara Temple or Sri Kshetra Horanadu Temple. It is believed that the sage Agastya in 8th century established the icon of the goddess here.

As per legend, the god Shiva and his wife Parvati - the presiding goddess of food as Annapoorna, had an argument. Shiva declared everything in the world including food to be maya (illusion). To prove food is not illusion, Parvati disappeared resulting in the nature to become still. Neither climate changed nor plants grew, causing drought in the world. Taking pity on the world, Parvati appeared and distributed food to all.

History

Hereditary priests started in this temple from past 400 years. The same family is serving and preserving the temple since then. They have played an instrumental role in refurbishing the temple as well as in performing the rituals here. The temple premise was small and unknown to many till was repaired and revived. The goddess icon was reestablished in 1973 on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya.

Deity and Rituals

The word Annapoorna is a made of two words Anna meaning rice grains or food and Poorna meaning perfect and complete. Hence, Annapoorna means complete or perfect food. Sri Annapoorneshwari is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva.

Devi Annapoorna is lauded and appraised in several ancient texts like Rudrayamala, Sivarahasya and Annapurna Kavacha, etc.

Goddess Annapoorneshwari can be seen here in a standing pose on a peeta. She is holding Shanku, Chakra, Sri Chakra and Devi Gayatri in her four hands. The idol is covered in gold from head to toe, and it is believed that whosoever visits Devi Anapoorna, will never go without food in their lives.

Akshaya Thadige or Akshya Tritya is the main festival celebrated in this temple. This day is believed to be the birth date of Devi Annapoorna. This day marks as the beginning of Treta Yuga as well as the end of winters and start of summers. The temple also celebrates 5-day long Rathotsava during the month of February, 9-day long Navaratri during September, Deepotsava and Havi (Homa) with great enthusiasm.

Beautiful carvings can be found on the ceilings of the temple. Adi Sesha surrounds the main sanctum or the Garbhagriha of the temple and the Padma Peeta consists of Koorma, Ashtagaja and others.

World Food Day

World Food Day is an international day celebrated every year worldwide on 16 October to commemorate the date of the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in 1945. The day is celebrated widely by many other organizations concerned with hunger and food security, including the World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. WFP received the Nobel Prize in Peace for 2020 for their efforts to combat hunger, contribute to peace in conflict areas, and for playing a leading role in stopping the use of hunger in the form of a weapon for war and conflict

World Food Day (WFD) was established by FAO's Member Countries at the Organization's 20th General Conference in November 1979. The Hungarian Delegation, led by the former Hungarian Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr. Pál Romány, played an active role at the 20th Session of the FAO Conference and suggested the idea of celebrating the WFD worldwide. It has since been observed every year in more than 150 countries, raising awareness of the issues behind poverty and hunger.

Com. of Dwidala Vrata

Dwidala Vrata is part of the Chaturmasya Vrata and is the last phase of the four-month Chaturmas Vrata. Dwidala Vrata begins on the Dwadashi day in Shukla Paksha (12th day during waxing phase of moon) of Ashwayuja month and ends with Kartika Shukla Ekadashi. Dwidala Vrata is also known as Bhahubeeja Vrata.

Dwidala here implies those grams, lentils and seeds that break into two equal parts. Such lentils and grams are avoided during the period. Those lentils that are avoided are black gram, green gram, bengal gram, horse gram, red gram, etc.

Some people also avoid green leaves during the period and those plants that produce vegetables with numerous seeds. Dwidala Vrata is only observed by some Hindu communities.

Sringeri Sharadamba CF

Sringeri Sri Sharada Temple

The Sharadamba Temple at Sringeri (‘Shringa giri’ in Sanskrit) is an 8th-century temple, founded by renowned Indian Advaita Philosopher, Sri Adi Shankaracharya. It housed a sandalwood statue of Shardamba in a standing posture, which was installed by Him until the Vijayanagara rulers and Sri Vidyaranya (12th Jagadguru) installed a seated gold statue of Sri Shardamba in the 14th century.

Legend

Shankara is believed to have envisioned this place as the holiest where a snake hooded as an umbrella to protect a pregnant frog from hot Sun during its labour. To commemorate this incident, a sculpture known as kappe shankara is there on the footsteps to the river Tunga. This was the first place where Shankara is believed to have established one of the four major mutts. As per Hindu legend, the place is associated with sage Rishyasringa, son of Vibhandaka Maharshi. He did severe penance at this place, leading to the name Sringeri. The temple was renovated during the regime of Vijayanagara Empire during the 14-16th centuries and later during 1916.

Significance of the Sringeri Temple

It is believed that Lord Shiva gifted the crystal Chandramouleeshwara Linga to Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The Linga can still be visited and the Chandramouleeshwara Pooja is performed for the Linga every Friday night at 8:30 PM. It is believed that Goddess Sharada is the incarnation of Goddess Saraswati, who came to Earth as Ubhaya Bharathi.

It is a common faith that by worshiping her, one can receive blessings of Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu along with Parvati, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. The ritual of Aksharabhyasa performed here is considered to be sacred and fulfilling. The parents of kids in the age of 2-5 are given a slate and chalk or alternatively, a plate of rice on which they pray to Goddess Saraswati and the Guru to impart good knowledge and education to their children.

Temples in Sringeri

There are over 40 temples in Sringeri. Important ones are the Malahanikareshwara Temple on a small hillock called as Mallappana Betta. This is built on Dravidian style. There is one Bhavani Temple, SthamBha Ganapati. One of the best example of temple architecture can be found in Sri Vidyashankara Temple. Brindavana of past Jagadgurus at the Narasimha Vana are worth visiting. Kalabhairava Temple to the East, Durga Temple in the South, Anjaneya Temple to the West and Kali Temple to the North of Sringeri are also few important temples.

World White Cane Day (Guiding the blind)

World White Cane Day is celebrated every year on October 15. Also known as White Cane Safety Day, the day was first marked in 1964 in United States by President Lyndon B Johnson. In 2011, President Barack Obama named the day as Blind Americans Equality Day. The day is now observed worldwide and recognises the movement of blind people from dependency to active participation in society. It also celebrates the achievement of the blind people.

White Cane and Its Significance

White cane is an important mobility tool and a symbol of independence. Canes have been used by blind people for centuries but white cane was not in use before the 20th century. It was introduced in the US in the 1930s and it helped motorists identify blind people walking on the streets.

The cane has now become a symbol of freedom, independence, and confidence.  It enables a blind person to move freely and helps in accomplishing daily tasks.

How It Works?

Blind people use their hearing and touch sense to understand the environment around them. It helps them in assessing the situation, directions, obstacles, and take decisions quickly without any hesitation. The tool enables the person in doing almost everything in his or her life without much difficulty.

Saraswati Pooja Visarjana

Significance

The fourth and final day of Saraswati Pooja during Navratri is known as Saraswati Visarjana day. Saraswati Visarjana is also known as Saraswati Udvasana. In Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka, Saraswati Pooja starts with Saraswati Avahan on Maha Saptami and ends on Vijayadashami with Saraswati Udasan or Visarjana (the day depends on individual customs at different places).

History

Saraswati is found in almost every major ancient and medieval Indian literature. She has remained significant as a goddess from the Vedic age through modern times of Hindu traditions. In Shanti Parva of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, Saraswati is called the ‘mother of Vedas’, and later as the celestial creative symphony who appeared when Brahma created the universe. In Taittiriya Brahmana, she is called the ‘mother of eloquent speech and melodious music’. Saraswati is the active energy and power of Brahma.

Rituals

At the beginning of Goddess Saraswati pooja, the presiding deity is first invoked in a murti for the purpose of worship. At the end of the pooja, the presiding deity (Saraswati) is requested to depart from the murti. "Visarjana" is a Sanskrit word that refers to this final rite and act of respectfully requesting departure. The murti is viewed as a temporary body and is then returned to Nature by submersion into running water, such as a lake, river or the sea. The act is not necessary for inaugurated (pratishthita) permanent murtis found in Hindu temples.

People in Karnataka, in general, keep noble books at their home in the pooja griha and worship them imagining Goddess is there in books. They worship the books with a little bit turmeric, kunkum and offer flowers to it assuming that they are offering flowers to mother Saraswati.  Only after ‘visarjana’ they take those books back.

Shami Puja

Shami Puja is an important ritual held during Vijaya Dashami and Dussehra day. The rituals and pujas on the day are dedicated to the Shami tree and is of great importance. Ganesha Purana mentions that those worshipping Shami Tree on Dussehra will be free from sins.

Importance of Shami Tree Worshipped on Dussehra

Legend has it that Shami the daughter of learned sage Aurva was married to Mandara, son of Dhaumya. The newly-wedded couple once happened to see sage Bhrushundi who bore a trunk on his forehead as a mark of devotion to Ganesha.

On seeing the sage with a trunk, Shami and Mandara could not control their laughter and they started laughing mockingly. An angry Sage Bhrushundi cursed them to become trees. Upon hearing their children’s misfortune, Sage Dhaumya and Aurva prayed to Ganesh to rescue their Children. Lord Ganesh was not ready to displease his staunch devotee Sage Bhrushundi. So Ganesh gave the boon that Mandara Tree will be used to worship Lord Shiva and the wood of Shami will be used for sacrificial purposes and would be worshipped on Dasara day.

Shami Tree

Shami Tree found in dry and arid regions at low altitudes in India. Its medicinal properties include juice from its leaves is administered to prevent miscarriage and is also used as a beauty enhancer to remove unwanted hair. The bark of Shami Tree is used to treat a range of diseases from asthma, bronchitis, dysentery, leucoderma, leprosyfs, muscle tremors, to piles.

Jambu Savari at Mysuru

Mysuru lives up to its title of the cultural capital of Karnataka with its grand Dasara festival. Mysuru Dasara is the state festival of Karnataka, commonly called ‘Nadahabba’ and attracts numerous tourists from all over the world. The event lasts for 10 days and is celebrated with royal elephant processions, cultural events, fairs and other pompous celebrations.

Jambu Savari

During Jambu Savari or the Elephant Procession, 12 elephants which are specially trained for the occasion, carries the idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari from the Mysore Palace to Bannimantapa. The procession is worth it as it includes other performances like dances, musicals, torchlight parade and foot. Soldiers accompany the procession.

Exhibitions showcases cultural blend of various art forms. Numerous exhibitions are held that include poetry, handlooms, businesses, crafts, food and more. It takes place in the Doddakere Maidana.

Other Attractions

Mysuru Palace Lighting

During Dasara, the Mysuru Palace and other important buildings get renovated and illuminated with thousands of bulbs and it takes 97,000 bulbs to light it up. The palace gets dressed up and laden with lights which is a treat for the visitors.

Other Events

Other than these, there are events like Kite Festival, Poetry Meet, Sand Sculpture shows, various sports events like wrestling also occur during Dasara.

Brindavan Gardens

You can also visit the Brindavan Gardens, which is a mesmerizing terrace garden, has boating, a botanical garden and fountain shows.

Food, Fun and Festivities: Numerous food stalls and festivals are arranged during this event to relish your tastebuds.

World Sight Day

Aim

Sight – for those who have it, don’t understand its value than those who do not have it. There are over a billion people across the world who have a partial or fully visual impairment. To address this concern, the World Health Organisation (WHO) observes World Sight Day every year.

The day aims to promote awareness and bring attention to these causes of eye diseases such as vision impairment or blindness.

The occasion of World Sight Day is observed every year on the second Thursday of October. The first observance of World Sight Day took place in 2000.

Theme

Every year, there is a special theme observed on World Sight Day. One of the official theme for World Sight Day is “Hope in Sight”. Here’s a look the World Sight Day themes in the last few years:

• Vision First
• Eye Care Everywhere
• Make Vision Count
• Stronger Together
• Eye care for all

Significance

The loss of partial vision or full vision is not only a loss of sight, but it has major implications in other aspects of life as well. There are several diseases such as diabetes, trachoma, cataract, etc. which cause vision impairment. Hence, to bring focus to this critical issue, the observance of World Sight Day brings global attention to this very important cause.

Observance

There are several seminars which are hosted by many countries that enlighten people about the causes of these diseases and what can one do to prevent them, or even, contracting them. There are workshops held across the schools and educational institutions that make students aware of issues of vision impairment and other related diseases.

Observing World Sight Day is a timely reminder to all of us as to how grave the loss of sight is. It is sometimes even worse than losing a limb. Hence, one should be very careful with how they take care of their eyesight, and not strain it much.

World Standards Day

Each year on 14 October, the members of the IEC, ISO and ITU celebrate World Standards Day, which is a means of paying tribute to the collaborative efforts of thousands of experts worldwide who develop the voluntary technical agreements that are published as International Standards.

One of the recent World Standards Day is themed “Protecting the planet with standards”.

Negative Impacts

Earth, a finite vessel of life is in the vastness of our solar system. Life on earth depends on energy coming from the sun. However, over the last century human and large-scale industrial activities of our modern civilization have added to earth’s natural greenhouse gases. They negatively impact our climate and with it all forms of life. At the same time rapid population growth and broad urbanization call for the responsible use of limited resources.

The Right Tool

To reduce human impact on our planet, we need the political will, concrete action and the right tools. International standards are one such tool. The international standards prepared by IEC, ISO and ITU take into account tried and true solutions to technical challenges.

They help share expertise and expert know-how broadly within developed and developing countries alike. Standards cover all aspects of energy savings, water and air quality. They lay down standardized protocols and methods of measurement. Their broad use helps reduce the environmental impact of industrial production and processes, facilitates the reuse of limited resources and improves energy efficiency.

Dharmasthala Navaratri Ends

Dharmasthala is a temple town, well known for its Manjunatha Swamy temple. This temple is dedicated to Shiva, the supreme God of dissolution, and is situated in the Dakshina Kannada district. This place of worship is unique, for, this is a Shiva temple, whose prayers and rituals are conducted by the Madhwa Brahmins who are fundamentally the worshippers of Vishnu. At the same time, it is administered and managed by the Jains. Thus, it stands as a shining example of religious harmony.

Dharmasthala is the abode of Dharma and is the essence of humanity and faith. Dharma stands in righteousness and is the reflection of the world’s most divine emotions, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. It is the abode of religion and charity without discrimination.

Significance of the Temple

Here, the temple offers Anna Dhana, the food donation, Abhaya Dhana, helping the poor, Aushada Dhana, medicine donation, and Vidhya Dhana, teaching the needy.

Festivals

The festival of Shivarathri witnesses the car festival, followed by night-long bhajans. Special poojas are performed in the worship of Sri Manjunatha Swamy.

On Ganesha Chaturthi, Ganesha is worshipped and later immersed in the temple tank.

Navarathri witnesses the special pooja performed at the Sri Ammanavaru shrine and followed by nine days of religious activities and festivities that include music, folk dances, Harikathas, and bhajans.

The temple celebrates Deepawali, the festival of lights with the traditional Ranga Pooja and the commencement of the car (chariot) festival. The ceremonial idol of Sri Manjunatha Swamy is taken out in procession.

The annual festival of lights called the Laksha Deepothsava remains a grand celebration and is conducted for five days during the month of Kartika in November-December. Events like Sarva Dharma and Sahitya Sammelanas are conducted.

Pattanajae Jatre is a festivity observed during summer. The temple also celebrates Chaandramana Ugadi, the new year.

International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed on October 13, every year. The day aims to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction. The day celebrates how people and communities around the world are reducing their exposure to disasters and raising awareness about the importance of reining in the risks that they face.

This year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is all about governance. One of the theme is "Disaster risk governance". You can measure good disaster risk governance in lives saved, reduced numbers of disaster-affected people, and reduced economic losses. The recent virus attack and the climate emergency are telling us that we need a clear vision, plans, and competent, empowered institutions acting on scientific evidence for the public good.

History

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction was started in 1989, after a call by the United Nations General Assembly for a day to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction.

In 2015 at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, the international community was reminded that disasters hit hardest at the local level with the potential to cause loss of life and great social and economic upheaval. Sendai had suffered a devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011 in which 20,000 people lost their lives.

We can't forget that sudden disasters displace millions of people every year. Disasters can be due to climate change that paves a negative impact on investment in sustainable development and the desired outcomes.

Disaster Risk Reduction

Every two years, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) works with thinkers, practitioners, experts, and innovators to investigate the state of risk across the globe: highlighting what’s new, spotting emerging trends, revealing disturbing patterns, examining behavior, and presenting progress in reducing risk.

Durgashtami

Ashtami is one of the most auspicious days and many people who cannot fast on all the nine Navaratri days, keep the vrata on Ashtami. As the name suggests, Ashtami is the eighth day of Navaratri.

Durgashtami Significance

Durgashtami is special among all the nine Navaratri days. There are several puja rituals on Ashtami. Nine little girls between five and nine years old are invited and served a special meal with sweets. According to legends, the nine little girls symbolize the avatars of Goddess Durga.

Observance

On Ashtami, many families put up community kitchens to serve the poor and underprivileged in the neighborhood. During Kanya Puja, the girls are seated near an idol or a photo of the goddess, their feet are washed and a red thread is tied on their wrist with best wishes. A red bindi or kumkuma tilaka is put on their forehead. The girls are given decorated plates with food, coin, and small gifts.

Durga Puja is also known as Durgotsava wherein Goddess Durga is welcomed by the devotees and preparations for the 5-day festivity begin much in advance. People immerse themselves in devotion, enjoy the fun, and pandal-hopping remains a highlight besides many traditional rituals and practices strictly followed by Bengalis across the globe.

Mahishasura Samhara

Mahishasura was a buffalo Asura in Hinduism. He is known among Hindus of most sects as a deceitful demon who pursued his evil ways by shape-shifting. Mahishasura was the son of Rambha, and the great-grandson of Brahmarshi Kashyapa. He was ultimately killed by Goddess Durga - after which She gained the epithet Mahishasuramardini ("Slayer of Mahishasura"). The Navaratri ("Nine Nights") festival eulogizes this battle between Mahishasura and Durga, culminating in Vijaya Dasami, a celebration of his ultimate defeat. This story of the "triumph of Good over Evil" carries profound symbolism in Hinduism, particularly Shaktism, and is both narrated as well as reenacted from the Devi Mahatmya at many South- and Southeast Asian Hindu temples. The story is also told in the Sikh text Chandi di Var, also called Var Durga Di, which many in Sikh tradition believe was included in the Dasam Granth by Guru Gobind Singh.

The Legend

Mahishasura is a Sanskrit word composed of Mahisha meaning buffalo and asura meaning demon, thus meaning Buffalo Demon. As an asura, Mahishasura waged war against the Devas, as the Devas and asuras were perpetually in conflict. Mahishasura had gained the boon that no man could kill him. In the battles between the Devas and the demons (asuras), the Devas, led by Indra, were defeated by Mahishasura. Subjected to defeat, the Devas assembled in the mountains where their combined divine energies coalesced into Goddess Durga. The newborn Durga led a battle against Mahishasura, riding a lion, and killed him. Thereafter, she was named Mahishasuramardini, meaning The Killer of Mahishasura.

Artwork depicting the goddess Durga slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura is found all over India, Nepal and southeast Asia. Durga slaying Mahishasura is a prominent theme which was sculpted in various caves and temples across India. Some of the prominent representations are seen at the Mahishasuramardini caves in Mahabalipuram, the Ellora Caves, in the entrance of Rani ki vav, Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu and many more temples across India. The worship of Durga during Durga Pooja in Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha and other eastern states is represented in Pandal which depict Durga killing Mahishasura.

Mahishasura and Mysore

The popular legend is that Maisuru gets its name from Mahishasuramardini, a manifestation of Goddess Durga. The Buffalo demon Mahishasura, states the regional tradition, had terrified the local population. Goddess Durga (Chamundeshwari) killed Mahishasura, an event that is annually celebrated at Navratri and Mysore Dasara.

The temple of the city's guardian deity, Chamundeshwari, has a giant statue of Mahishasura on the hill facing the city. The earliest mention of Mysore traces to 245 B.C., i.e., to the period of Ashoka during which time Mysore was called as Mahisha Mandala.

Saraswati Pooja Avaahana

Saraswati Pooja is considered as one of the most sacred Poojas performed by people mostly in India. This Pooja is widely popular in the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Apart from India, this Pooja is also celebrated in Nepal, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand.

Saraswati Pooja is performed to seek the blessing of Goddess Saraswati, who is considered as the goddess of education, apart from art, culture and music. She is one among the tridevi, which include goddess Lakshmi and goddess Parvati. Goddess Saraswati is one of the famous avatars of goddess Durga and is usually depicted sitting on the Lotus flower with Veena or ridding the Swan.

Saraswati Pooja is also known as Vasant Panchami or Basant Panchami, as it is celebrated on the 5th day of spring in during Navaratri.

The following three days signifies Astami, Navami and Dashami. Dashami is the day of victory, when goddess Durga killed Mahishasura which is celebrated as Vijayadashami or very well known as Dusshera.

Performing Pooja to goddess Saraswati would bring knowledge and talent. This Pooja also wipes away negatively and brings positivity for the entire family.

People who perform this Pooja would understand the clarity of thought and the ability to take risks and overcome them with success which would strengthen and empower an individual's life.

This day is considered very auspicious as children would start their learning process and this day is also marked as the best day to inaugurate educational institutions.

Observation

• Place Ganesh idol near goddess Saraswati along with books and musical instruments.
• Start with Avahana, which is the invocation of goddess Saraswati by chanting Saraswati mantras.
• Offer flowers, cleanse the feet and offer scented water with Abhisekha and offer vastra to goddess Saraswati.
• Now offer naivedya, tamboola and dakshine to goddess Saraswati.
• End with Aarathi and seek pardon from goddess Saraswati for any known or unknown mistakes done during Pooja.

Garuda Panchami

Garuda Panchami, an auspicious day to celebrate “Garuda,” the vehicle or Vahna of Lord Vishnu. Garuda is also known as Periya Tiruvadi, Pakshiraja, Vainateya, Vinatasuta, Vishnuvahana, Nagantaka, Suparna, Garuthmantha, and Kashyapeya. This day is celebrated on the 5th day of the Waxing Moon phase (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Shravan (July–August). In most parts of South India, this day is celebrated as Naga Chaturthi. It is also known as Garuda Panchami, as on this day Lord Garuda is worshiped along with the Naga (Snakes).

The Story and Significance of Garuda Panchami

As per mythology, Sage Kashyapa had two wives named Kadru and Vinita. Kadru gave birth to a thousand snakes, whereas, Vinita gave birth to Garuda alone. Garuda is described as the one with a white face having an eagle’s beak, a strong personality with the golden body, huge-red wings and wears a crown on his head.

Once both Kadru and Vinita, bets on the color of the tail of Uchaishravas, the flying horse with seven heads, obtained during the churning of the ocean. Kadru, the mother of thousand snakes, claimed the color to be black whereas Vinita, the mother of Garuda, claimed the color to be white. The stake of the bet was whoever fails in the bet should serve the other. Kadru cheated on Vinita by asking her sons, the Nagas, to hang on to the tail of Uchaishravas. Thus, the white tale of the horse turned black. Now, Vinita and Garuda were forced to serve Kadru and her sons. They mistreated them. Upon request, later, the Nagas agreed to free Garuda and his mother if he gets Amrit (Ambrosia) for them, which was owned by the King of the Devas “Indra.”

Garuda stole the pot of Amrit (Ambrosia) from Indra and freed himself and his mother from their control. However, their cheating and worst behaviors made Garuda turn vengeful towards snakes. Observing this, Lord Vishnu got impressed with Garuda as he stole Ambrosia from Indra to save his mother and he did not even take a single drop for himself. So, he asked Garuda to ask a boon. Garuda immediately said that he needed a position higher than Vishnu and became his Vahana.

Garuda Panchami is celebrated to show the never-ending bonding between Garuda and his mother, Vinita. This day is observed by mothers and sons to enhance the love and affection between them. Mothers worship the god Garuda for better health and the future of their children.

As per scriptures, the person who is blessed by the kind glances of Garuda is assured of victory. He is mighty and strong. Garuda is very closely associated with Lord Vishnu and worshiped by all the devotees of Lord Vishnu. He can bless the devotees with eight kinds of Siddhis.

Anima: reducing the size of the body

Mahima: increasing the size of the body

Lagima: ability to become very light just like a feather

Garima: ability to grow heavy

Isitvam: to have divine powers

Vasithvam: the power to attract and have control over others

Prapti: ability to secure anything

Prakamya: ability to become invisible

He also possesses the six auspicious qualities of the Lord Vishnu. They are Jnana, Bala, Aishwarya, Shakti, Tejas, and Vatsalya.