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CUSTOMS & TRADITIONS OF DEEPAVALI

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Observance of the Deepavali (Diwali) festival varies from region to region. Deepavali also popularly called Diwali is celebrated for three to five days based on regional customs with each day of the festival referred to by unique name. Deepavali generally occurs during October-November every year starting from Aaswayuja Bahula Trayodasi and ending with Kartheeka Sukla Dwiteeya. C elebrations take place in the following order... Jala Poorna Trayodasi - Dhantera Naraka Chaturdasi Deepaavali (Amaavaasya) Bali Paadyami (Prathipada) Yama Dwiteeya (Bhagini Hastha Bhojana or Bhai Dhooj) Some of the customs and traditions followed during the Deepavali festival are… Jala Poorna Trayodasi (Neeru Thumbuva Habba) – Dhantera – Yama Deepa… (First day) First day of the festival called Jala Poorna Trayodasi is celebrated on Aaswayuja Bahula Trayodasi (13th day of the dark fortnight). This day is also known as Dhantheras or Dhana Trayodasi as it is auspicious to buy Gold and Silver on th...

GAU CHINTANA - A Spiritual Guide on GauMaatha

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A Guide on the Sanctity, Festivals, and Mahatmyam of GauMaatha  (Featuring Gau-Savithri Stotram) This document serves as a comprehensive scriptural guide to understanding the cosmic significance, the spiritual depth, and the absolute preeminence of Gau-Maatha in our Sanatana Dharma, anchored in the authentic framework of Hari Sarvottama – Vaayu Jeevottama . 📋 Inside this Guide: Tracing Cosmic Origins: The manifestation of the five foundational Kamadhenus ( Nanda, Subhadra, Surabhi, Sushila, Bahula ) from the churning of the Milk Ocean as recorded in the Bhavishya Purana . The Genesis of the Kapila Cow: The sacred Bheeshma-Yudhishthira Samvaada from the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata, detailing how the revered black/tawny Kapila cow attained its supreme status. The Essence of Gau-Rakshana: Inspiring examples of cow protection from the Sri Venkatachala Mahatmya , showcasing how the Supreme Lord Vishnu willingly bleeds to shield Gau-Mata. Pathways to Liberation: Deep ins...

Bheemanakatte Mahatmya

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  Sri Bhimanakatte Mahatmya During their period of exile, the Pandavas journeyed to the region of Thirthahalli. Bhimasena, observing the needs of the thousands of monks and householders accompanying them, resolved to construct a bridge over the Tunga River. He made a vow: the work would begin that evening and would not stop until the first rooster crowed at dawn. Nearby, at his ashram, the sage Durvasa was drawn to the riverbank during Brahma Muhurta. Noticing that the water flow was less than usual, he used his divine sight to understand the cause—Bhimasena's construction work. Fearing that the completed dam would disrupt the river's flow and harm the dependent ecosystem, Durvasa prayed to Lord Krishna for a solution. Hearing the sage's selfless prayer, Krishna, also known as Hrishikesh, knew he had to intervene. Seeing that Bhimasena's vow could be leveraged, Krishna took the form of a rooster and crowed prematurely. The sound came from a large hill, now known as K...

Celebrating the Divine Mother & Kojagara Vratha

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  The Spiritual Significance of Aaswayuja Maasam:  The autumn breeze brings with it a wave of profound spiritual energy as we enter Aaswayuja Maasam (also pronounced as Aasweeja or Aasweena maasam). In the Vedic calendar, this month holds a sacred distinction: it is the ultimate Divine Mother-centric month, entirely dedicated to adoring the universal feminine energy. If you have ever wondered about the deeper etymology of this month, or why the night of Sharad Poornima holds such immense mystical power, let’s explore the rich traditions, rituals, and cosmic significance of this auspicious time. The Meaning Behind Aaswayuja Maasam The very name of the month reveals its sacred purpose. In Sanskrit, Aasaa or Aise means 'Sthree' (woman or the divine feminine), while Yuj or Yuja means 'added to' or 'included.' Therefore, the worship of the Universal Divine Mother—primordial Goddess Lakshmi Devi, the divine energy of the Supreme Lord Vishnu—is natively woven into ...