Navaratra

 The Navaratra Vrata or the nine night vows should be observed according to the proper rites and associated ceremonies. The bright fortnight in the months of Chaitra or Ashwin are reserved for those desirous of looking after their own welfare. The observance of fasting, the performance of Homa or Hawan, the recitation of mantras becomes an integral part of worshiping the Devi or Jagaddhatri during these nine days and nights.

 A square-raised altar made according to the prescribed specifications and rules is to be constructed for this ceremony. A yantra specific to this cause and the Devi, is to be made on this altar and Kalsa Sthapan or the consecration of an earthen water jar is to be performed on it according to prescribed rites. The guidance of a learned priest or priests is obviously required so as to ensure that all ceremonies are done according to recommended practices. Articles of worship such as incense, perfumes, artie or the offering of lights and sweet foods are to be offered in the ceremony and all steps relating to the performance of a puja of this nature should be performed. An awning is built over the altar or place of worship and the general area is to be decorated with flowers.

 The Devi is to be worshipped three times per day morning, midday and evening. The chanting of Vedic mantras relevant to this occasion, the playing of music and the singing of appropriate songs are to be performed. Very importantly, the worship of Kumaris is to be performed. Girls between the ages of one and ten who have not yet experienced puberty are to be duly worshipped with sandal paste and other appropriate articles of worship. Gifts of ornaments, clothing, sweet scented perfumes, edibles etc., should be donated to them and they should be adorned with beautiful garlands. All efforts should be made to honour this part of the ceremony based on how best one can afford. Brahmins are to be fed and gifts offered to them accordingly.

 Any man, chaste woman or a chaste widow who performs this Vrata of Navaratra reaps all the benefits associated with it. One who seeks knowledge can achieve it, one who seeks wealth can achieve it and one who seeks power can accomplish that too. Suta Ji said to the huge assembly of Rishis that this forms part of the Samhita that Maharishi Vyasa, son of Satyavati narrated to Emperor Janamejaya.

email: trinihindu@lycos.com

Fasting and Penance

 Yudhishthira questioned Bhishma “common people say that fasting is penance, is that really so or is penance something different?” Bhishma replies: “People do regard fasting which is measured by months, fortnights or days as penance. In the opinion of the wise however, such is not penance. On the other hand fasting is an impediment to the acquisition of knowledge of the soul. Renunciation of actions and humility constitutes the highest penance. He who practices such penance is regarded as one who is always fasting and leading a life of Brahmacharya. Such a Brahmana will become a Muni, a deity, one who is engaged in the pursuit of virtue only, ever sleepless, even if he lives the life of a householder. He becomes a vegetarian and remains pure forever. He partakes of ambrosia and will be an adorer of gods and guests. He will be regarded as one who survives on the sacrificial remnants and is ever devoted to hospitality and is full of faith who worships gods and guests.”
 
 Yudhishthira further questions: “How can one practicing such penance come to be regarded as always fasting or as one who is ever devoted to a vow of Brahmacharya, or as one who is always subsisting on sacrificial remnants or as one always regardful of guests?” To this Bhishma replied, “He that eats once during the day and once during the night at fixed hours, without eating anything during the interval therein is regarded as always fasting. Such a Brahmana by always speaking the truth, by adhering to wisdom and going to his wife only in her season and never at other times becomes a Brahmacharya or celibate. By never eating meat he obviously becomes a vegetarian, by becoming charitable he becomes pure and by abstaining from sleeping during the day, he becomes ever wakeful."

 "Know this Yudhishthira that a man who eats only after his servants and his guests have been fed becomes an eater of ambrosia, always.  That Brahmana who eats only after the gods and guests have been fed, win by virtue of such abstention heaven itself. He is said to subsist only on sacrificial remnants who eats what remains after feeding the gods, the Pitris, servants and guests. Such individuals are bestowed with great felicity in their next life. To their homes come Brahmana Himself, gods and Apsaras. Those who share food with the deities and the Pitris pass their days in constant happiness with their sons and grandsons and having cast of this body attain to a very high end."

email: trinihindu@lycos.com

Happy New Year 2012

 Happy New Year!!!

 Thanks for your support for the past couple of months including your wonderful emails and your best wishes. Too bad I was not able to do a few more articles. Pandit Bhadase will be back as early as next week and he continues from where he left of. Hopefully, I will be allowed to be guest blogger again in the future.

God’s blessings!!

Guest blogger Sunita

Email: sunita2028@yahoo.com