~ Hindu Festivals ~

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Karwa Chauth Puja

Karwa Chauth is celebrated with great enthusiasm by Hindus in India. Typically, a festival of north and north western India, Karwa Chauth falls on nine days prior to Diwali, to be precise, on Kartik ki Chauth. Married women observe fast all through the day after eating the traditional meal 'sargi' early in the morning, before sunrise. The morning is spent by activities such as applying henna in hands and dressing up for the festival. In the evening, a group of brightly dressed married women gathers in a house or the nearby temple to conduct Karwa Chauth puja. At that time, they chant mantras, read Karwa Chauth katha (story) and sing songs that have been specifically composed for the festival. In the article, you will know all about Karva Chauth pooja.

Karva Chauth Pooja
During Karva Chauth pooja, the married women sit in a circle. At the center of, they place the two-inch tall idol of Goddess Gauri made by using fresh cow dung. A karva (holy pitcher) is placed beside the idol, on a raised platform. Then, the women apply tilak on the idol of Gauri Ma to seek her blessings and pray for a long, blissful and prospered married life. Thereafter, an elderly woman of the group narrates the Karva Chauth katha (story), a legend associated with the celebration of the festival. After the story is over, other women rotate a puja thali occasionally, reciting the Karwa Chauth song. After the pooja is over, women return to their respective homes.

The married woman would wait for the moon to rise in the evening. They would go to the place, with their individual puja thalis, where moon is clearly visible. Once the moon rises, they would see the moon through the sieve, offer prasad (dry fruits such as almonds and cashew nuts) or snacks such as mathi to the moon, and then see their husband through the same sieve. Thereafter, they would break their fast by drinking the water that they have kept in their thali.

Pooja Items & Pooja Thali
The items that are required for Karwa Chauth puja include idol of Goddess Gauri, Karwa (pitcher) filled with water, a diya (earthen lamp), flowers a handful of fruits and food grains. A part of fruits and food grains are offered to the deity, while the other half is served to the story teller. The puja thali (made of brass or stainless steel) would consist of incense sticks, kumkum (vermilion), chawal (rice), lota (a container filled with water) and an earthen lamp. The individual pooja thalis of the married woman is arranged in a special way, when it is the time to break the fast. During moonrise, women hold their puja thali, containing a lota (filled with water), an earthen lamp, a beautifully decorated sieve (chalni), dhoop, camphor, vermilion, rice, sandalwood powder and a fancy tissue veil to cover the thali.

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History of Karwa Chauth

The festival of Karwa Chauth is celebrated by married woman in many parts of India, to commemorate their marital relationship. Fast is observed by the married women, to seek blessings of the Almighty and pray for the wellbeing, prosperity and longevity of their husband. The celebration of Karwa Chauth starts from the pre-dawn time, when the married woman would take bath, worship the Almighty and have sargi (food prepared especially for the festival) in pre-dawn. Thereafter, they would observe a stringent fast for the wellness of their husband. All through the day, they would not consume a drop of water, unless the fast is broken in the evening.

While fast plays a prominent part of Karva Chauth, songs, narration of katha and puja are equally important. The narration of katha (story related to Karva Chauth) takes place during the puja, while women sing songs in the praise of the festival. It is a well known fact that the festivities of Karwa Chauth revolve around one and only cause - the wellness of husband, the significant half of a married woman. However, it is interesting to know that apart from it, there exists another thought, which finds a prominent place in the history of Karva Chauth. If you want to get some interesting information on the history and origin of Karwa Chauth, then go through the following lines.

History & Origin Of Karva Chauth
Karva Chauth originated as a festival of social importance. Mythical tales were later on added to the festival. Celebrated by the Hindus in north and north-western India, the idea behind Karwa Chauth sounds very noble. Originally, a custom started, according to which, when a girl is married, she befriend another woman in her in-law's residence. The woman would be regarded as her friend or sister for her life. This relationship was fondly called god-friends or god-sisters. The friendship between the two women was sanctified through a small Hindu ceremony, at the time of marriage of the girl. Once the bride and the woman in her in-law's home were declared god-friends or god-sisters, they would have to maintain the relationship for the rest of their life.

It was said that the woman would support her god-friend/sister all through the complexities of the latter's life, even if the matter is related to the husband or in-laws. The two women would confidently approach one another to solve the problems of their lives. Karva Chauth was started to commemorate the relationship of the god-friends/sisters, which later on came to be known as a ceremony wherein married woman observe fast for the wellbeing of their husband. Today, although the motive behind the celebration of the festival is predominantly related to the wellness of the husband, people still observe the occasion to honor the relationship of the god-friends/sisters.

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First Karwa Chauth

In India, the institution of marriage is held in high regard. It is considered to be a bond of seven lives. It is believed that there is nothing more pious and stronger than the relationship of husband and wife on this earth. Married Women are said to be luck and the fortune of their husband and it is believed that if they pray from true heart for the long life and success of their husband, their prayers are never unheard from God. The legendary story of a devoted wife (pativrata nari), Karwa and her efforts to save her husbands life is the foundation stone of this festival.

Karwa Chauth is regarded as the biggest occasion for the entire married woman fraternity who believe in Hindu customs. It is said that the successful completion of their fast ensures the well being of her husband. The first Karwa chauth is indeed very special in a woman’s life as it brings a new base of care and love in her married relationship. Also, a newly married woman is given the utmost importance on her first fast for the long life of her husband. She is showered with lots of blessings for a successful married life by all the elderly of the family.

First Karva Chauth Celebrations

First Sargi
Sargi is the pre-dawn Karva Chauth meal prepared by the mother-in-law for her daughter-in-law if she is observing her first Karwa chauth fast. Several scrumptious and sumptuous dishes are prepared even before the dawn. It is a token of best wishes and blessings from one’s mother-in-law for a blissful and successful married life. The newly wed bride is also gifted with traditional bridal jewelry and expensive gift items.

First Baya
Baya is also a kind of gift given to the new bride on the occasion of Karva Chauth by the mother-in-law. It comprises of eatables like salted mathris, dry-fruits and some gifts which are generally related to the marital use. On the first Baya, the mothers of newly wed daughters also present gifts to all the members in her daughter’s new family. Some utensils are also gifted to the newly wed in the baya which she later distributes amongst women who join her in the first Karva Chauth Puja as a token of auspiciousness.

Elaborate Puja Preparations
The Pooja rituals on the first Karwa chauth are also very much the same as the rest of the Karwa celebrations. However, all the rituals are done with immense gaiety and grandeur for the first time. All the married women from the family as well locality are invite to join in the first Karwa chauth Puja of a newly wed where there are rituals of Henna applications, Karwa Vrata Katha (legend of Karwa chauth) and the distribution of utensils from the baya.

Gifts from Husband
Though it is no religious ceremony but the when the wife observes a whole day fast without food and water for her better half, her husband also overloads her with variety of gifts and accolades. The gift on the first Karwa chauth by one’s husband is generally grand and thus becomes a keepsake for lifetime. This occasion also develops a special kind of bond between the newly wed cuple.

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Karwa Chauth Fast

In India, the fast of Karwa Chauth is observed as a very pious festival. It is said that it empowers a married women to even challenge the decision of the almighty. As it is kept in order to bring fortune as well as well being along with long life for one’s husband, almost every women in the country observes this fast. Though there may be regional variations in the name and rituals, the festival is celebrated with immense zeal and gusto throughout the country. The festival is celebrated just nine days before Diwali i.e. on the fourth day of the Kartik month by the Hindu calendar (fourth day of the waning moon or the dark fortnight). The festival is celebrated under the name of Karwa Chauth and the rituals given below are observed in states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, U.P., and Gujarat.

Karwa Chauth Vrat Vidhi

The Rituals
The day of Karwa Chauth begins very early morning when the women of the family have a sargi i.e. the pre-dawn meal. The sargi consists of several scrumptious dishes. Once the married woman has eaten her share of sargi, her phase of fast begins. Now on wards she is not supposed to eat or even drink water for the entire day. The entire day is celebrated like a festive occasion with community gathering, songs, henna rituals and other such things.

The Puja
The preparation for the Pooja begins days before the actual celebrations. All kinds of shopping for clothes and pooja material are brought much before Pooja. On the day of Puja, the married women arrange all the items like the shringar or the traditional adornments and the other pooja items like the karwa, matthi, heena etc. The pooja begins early morning when the Sargi is prepared and consumed before prior to the dawn. The festivities then proceed with other activities like decorating hand and feet with heena, decorating the pooja thali and meeting friends and relatives.

At the afternoon, when the mprning rituals are done and preparation for the festivities at the evening is complete, all the women of a community gather at a common place like temple or a garden or someones' place who has arranged the pooja. If there is someone’s first Karwa Chauth in the locality, all the celebrations take place at her place. All the woman are dresses in the auspicious colors of red, pink, maroon, and adorn themselves with all other symbols of a married women like, nose pin, tika, bindi, chonp, bangles, earrings etc. In the gathering, an elderly lady or a lady belonging to the priest community narrates the legend of Karwa Chouth.

All the woman of the community reach to the pooja spot with a special mud pot, that is considered a symbol of lord Ganesha, a metal urn filled with water, flowers, idols of Ambika Gaur Mata, Goddess Parwati and some fruits, mathi and food grains. At some places in the rural India, people make the idol of Gaur Mata using earth and cowdung instead of the idol of Goddess Parwati. Infront of this idol, the women who have observed fast light an earthen lamp in their thalis and listen to the Karwa story. Sindoor, incense sticks and rice are also placed along with it. Once the pooja is completed, a part of all this is offered to the deities and the narrator of the vrat katha (story).

At the dusk, all the women return to their home from the Pooja venue and wait for the moon to rise. They simultaneously also arrange the Pooja Thali with a sieve and water pot. Once the moon rises, the women see its reflection in a thali full of water, or through a dupatta or a sieve. It is said that a women should never see the moon directly on the day when she has observed the Karva chauth fast. She then offers water to the moon and seek its blessings. She now wishes for the safety, prosperity and long life of their husbands. At some places, this is how the festival ends but in some places it is a ritual to observe the fast till a woman sees her husband’s face. Though this culture has been popularized by the Bollywood tales, it has now become a ritual at the festival. This marks the end of the day long fast and the woman can now eat the special food prepared for her.

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Karwa Chauth Date

Karwa Chauth is celebrated with great enthusiasm by married women in north and northwestern India. It is a Hindu festival, which is celebrated about nine days prior to Diwali - the festival of lights. As per the Hindu calendar, Karva Chauth falls on the fourth day of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Kartik, around October-November. On the day, married women dressed in bright red or maroon colored traditional dress (saree, salwar-kameez or lehenga), observe a stringent fast, worship Goddess Gauri and pray for a long life for their husband. The shops are filled with the fresh stocks of attire and accessories for women. Married women eagerly shop for colorful bangles and other accessories, traditional attire.

The air is filled with festivity, on the wonderful occasion of Karva Chauth. The celebrations of the festival begin early in the morning, before sunrise, when married women wake up and take bath. Thereafter, they pray to the Almighty and eat 'sargi', the traditional meal containing fruits and food grains that is offered by their mother-in-law. After consuming the meal, the married women would observe a stringent fast for the rest of the day. To pass the time during the daytime, they would indulge in their daily chores, play games, apply mehndi (henna) in their hands, chat with other women and do interesting activities.

In the evening, a gathering of married women assembles at one's home or the nearby temple to conduct Karwa Chauth puja. They sit in a circle, with a thali containing kumkum (vermilion), chandan (sandalwood powder), chawal (rice), a lota filled with water (preferably Gangajal) and diya (earthen lamp). At the center of the circle of women, a two-inch tall idol or the picture of Goddess Gauri is placed, with the Karva (pitcher) positioned nearby it. An elderly woman in the group narrates the Karwa Chauth katha (story), which is listened by others very carefully. Once the story is over, the women would pass on the puja thali, by singing Karwa Chauth song.

Once the puja is over, the women would return to their home and wait for the moon to rise, so that they could catch its glimpse and break their fast. To serve the purpose, they would go to a place from where the moon is clearly visible, preferably the terrace of their home. Once the moon rises, they would worship the moon, see it through a sieve and catch a glimpse of their husband through the same sieve. Thereafter, the Karwa Chauth fast is broken by drinking water. This is followed by a lavish dinner. Year by year, married Hindu women in the north and north western parts of India celebrate Karwa Chauth with pomp and gaiety. In 2012, it will be celebrated on 2nd November.

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Karwa Chauth Celebrations

Karwa Chauth is a wonderful occasion for the married women in India to pray for the longevity and prosperity of their husband. It is a ceremonious occasion wherein married women clad themselves in attractive attire and accessories. Beautiful designs of henna, both simple and intricate, are applied onto their palm. They conduct a puja, which is accompanied by singing of Karwa Chauth songs. The celebrations of the festival begin early in the morning and continue until the moon rises in the evening. All through the day, women observe fast, which is a significant part of the celebrations of the festival. Karwa Chauth is a day dedicated to the special bond of marriage and celebrated with gusto. Read on to know all about the celebrations of Karva Chauth.

Karva Chauth Festival Celebrations
Women in the north and north-western parts of India usually celebrate Karwa Chauth, because the festival is little known in the southern parts of the country. The married women, who celebrate the festival, wake up early in the morning, well before the dawn. After taking bath, they clad themselves in new clothes and have a meal, which is known as 'sargi'. As a part of the traditions of Karwa Chauth, 'sargi' is presented to the married woman by her mother-in-law. However, the woman, who observes fast, can also prepare the meal on her own. The meal consists of selected grains and fruits.

After having the sargi, the women observe a fast and do not consume even a drop of water for the entire day. In fact, it is believed that when a woman is bound to abstain from food and water, she actually adds more years to the life of her husband. Therefore, the married women observe a stringent fast on Karva Chauth, to ensure that their husband lives for long. Even if they observe fast, they would not restrict themselves from doing their daily chores. Woman used to take off for the day. However, today, they would also make it to the office and work, besides the fact that they starve for the whole day. Karwa Chauth puja is usually conducted somewhere between 4 pm or 5 pm.

The married woman calls upon other women in her locality to her place, to take part in Karwa Chauth pooja. Goddess Gauri is worshipped at the puja. A two-inch tall idol of Gauri Mata is made by using cow dung and a picture of the idol of Parvati is kept aside, in the puja. A song of Karwa Chauth is sung when women perform aarti. By the time the pooja is over, it would be the dusk. Women, along with their children, eagerly wait for the moon to rise. Once the moon rises, the women would see its reflection in a thali of water. They drink water to break the fast. The celebrations of Karva Chauth are culminated by feasting.

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Maha Shivaratri Celebrations

Mahashivaratri is celebrated with gusto by the Hindus all over India. It is an important day for the followers of Lord Shiva, as it honors their favorite deity. The celebrations are marked by fasting and the observance of a number of rituals. The festival is significant in many aspects. For instance, it bears mythological importance, because Lord Shiva is considered one of the deities of Hindu Trinity, the other two being Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. On Maha Shivaratri, the devotees of Lord Shiva observe a stringent fast, which is broken only during the next morning, after prasad is offered to the deity.

Maha Shivratri Festival Celebrations

In the Morning
The devotees of Lord Shiva wake up early in the morning to take a ceremonious bath, after which, they would wear new clothes, smear bhasm (holy ashes) on their forehead and head towards the nearest Lord Shiva temple to take part in the celebrations. On the other hand, if they are at home, they would conduct a puja in the morning, by offering Bilwa leaves, flowers and garlands to the deity and thereafter, observe a fast for the entire day. A certain diet is formulated especially for the day, which consists of fruits and beverages (including tea, milk and coffee) as the food for the day.

Celebrations At Temple
Lord Shiva temples are decorated beautifully with festoons, on the wonderful occasion of Mahashivaratri. Apart from the usual pujas of the temple, special pujas are conducted to make the day different from the ordinary. On the festival, as many as six types of Abhisheks can be witnessed, each using milk, ghee, sugar, honey, water and sandalwood paste. The priest would chant mantras and conduct the pooja, while the devotees would queue up to have a glimpse of the rituals performed at the altar and offer prayers to the deity. The devotees would often offer incense sticks, dhoop, Bilwa leaves and garlands to the temple, which are offered to the Shiva Linga.

Celebrations In the Night
The merrymaking reaches its peak in the night of Mahashivratri, when devotees of Lord Shiva would sing songs, bhajans, chant mantras and offer prayers to the Almighty. The devotees would continue to observe their fast. In fact, they would remain at the temple premises all through the night, to take part in the keertans or jaagrans that are arranged by the temple authorities, for the festival. The devotees are served tea occasionally, to keep them awake during the night. Either the devotees themselves would sing the bhajans or professional singers are called upon on the festival, to serve the purpose. The celebrations of Maha Shivaratri would culminate only in the dawn of the next day, when the devotees would break their fast by eating the prasad that was offered to the deity in the previous night.

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Maha Shivaratri Legends

There are various legends related to the auspicious festival of Maha Shivratri. These legends are similar in one sense, as they all throw light on the greatness of Lord Shiva and his supremacy over all other Hindu Gods and Goddesses. They also explain the importance of fasting on Shivratri and chanting the name of Lord Shiva, while staying awake all night. The reasons behind worship may be many, but the motive is one, to make Lord Shiva happy. The day is considered to be extremely auspicious by the devotees of Lord Shiva and they celebrate it as Maha Shivratri - the grand night of Shiva.

Legends & Stories Of Maha Shivratri

Marriage of Shiva and Shakti
One of the most popular legends of Maha Shivratri is related to the marriage of Shiva and Shakti. The day Lord Shiva got married to Parvati is celebrated as Shivratri - the Night of Lord Shiva. It tells us how Lord Shiva got married a second time to Shakti, his divine consort. There is another version of the legend, according to which Goddess Parvati performed tapas and prayers on the auspicious moonless night of Shivratri, for the well being of her husband. Believing in this legend, married women began the custom of praying for the well being of their husbands and sons on Maha Shivratri, while, unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, who is considered to be the ideal partner.

Samudra Manthan
There is another very popular Shivratri legend from Puranas, which explains why people stay awake all night on Shivratri and why Lord Shiva is also known as Neelakantha. According to the story, when the battle between devas and asuras took place, a pot of poison came out of the ocean and on the request of gods, Lord Shiva drank the poison. The poison was so potent that it changed the color of His neck to blue. For this reason, Lord Shiva is also called Neelkanth, where ‘Neela’ means blue and ‘Kantha’ means neck or throat. As part of the therapy, Lord Shiva was advised to awake during the night. Thus, to keep Shiva awake, the gods performed various dances and played music. Pleased with their devotion, He blessed them all, the next morning. Therefore, Shivratri is the celebration of this event in which Lord Shiva saved the world.

Legend of Shiva Linga
The legend of Shiva Linga is also deeply related to Maha Shivratri. According to the story, Brahma and Vishnu searched hard to discover the Aadi (beginning) and the Antha (end) of Lord Shiva. It has been believed that on the 14th day in the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna, Shiva first manifested himself in the form of a Linga. Since then, the day is considered to be extremely auspicious and is celebrated as Maha Shivratri - the grand night of Shiva. To celebrate this occasion, devotees of Lord Shiva keeps fast during the day and worship the Lord throughout the night. It is said that worshipping Lord Shiva on Shivratri bestows one with happiness and prosperity.

Legend of Ganga
The legend of Ganga is another popular legend which is related to Shivratri. Ganga's descent from the heavens to the earth has been narrated in the Hindu mythological epic of Ramayana. This legend explains the popular custom of giving bath to Shiv Linga on Shivratri festival. According to this legend, Lord Shiva held out his thick matted hair to catch the river ganga, as she descended from heaven. The meandering through Shiva’s lock softened Ganga’s journey to the earth and the holy waters washed away the ashes of Bhagirath’s ancestors. The Ganga, thus, became an attribute of Shiva and therefore Shiva is also known as Gangadhara. Believing in this legend, Shiva is given a bath with gangajal and devotees take a dip in the holy water of river Ganga, on Shivratri.

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Mahashivaratri Significance

Mahashivaratri is one of the important Hindu festivals celebrated with religious fervor across the length and breadth of India. Followers of Lord Shiva consider the festival very special, as it is the time to show their love and devotion to their favorite deity. It is significant in every devotee's life, as it also tests ones ability to abstain from food (because fast is observed on the day) and remain vigil in the night without sleeping (because one has to remain awake all through the night, on Mahashivratri). In addition to this, Maha Shivaratri bears significance in Hindu mythology.

Significance Of Maha Shivratri

Importance In Hinduism
According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva declared that the rituals performed by his devotees on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalgun please him the most. Therefore, year by year, the day is observed as Mahashivratri, wherein devotees observe fast, sing songs and bhajans and offer prayers to the Almighty to seek his blessings. Pujas conducted in Lord Shiva temples during the day have significance too. This is because the rituals are conducted strictly in accordance with the method that is prescribed in Shiva Purana, a Hindu epic. According to the Purana, poojas are conducted once in every three hours, on Maha Shivaratri.

Importance In Human Lives
It is believed that the devotion of Lord Shiva on Mahashivaratri would freed the devotee from the past sins. Moreover, the devotee would reach the adobe of Lord Shiva and live there happily, because he/she is liberated from the cycle of birth and death, once he/she attains moksha or salvation. Therefore, all the devotees of Lord Shiva would flock the temples to offer their prayers. To serve the purpose, jujube fruits, stalks of Bilwa leaves, flowers and garlands are offered to the Shiva Linga by the devotees. If the devotee celebrates the festival at home, he/she would perform the Mahashivratri Puja by taking a holy bath (in warm water) early in the morning, wearing new clothes and then smearing bhasm (holy ash) on their forehead.

Importance For Women
Maha Shivaratri is especially important for women. Ladies, both married and unmarried, would perform Shiva Puja and observe fast with great devotion and sincerity. This is predominantly done to appease Lord Shiva along with his consort Goddess Parvati, who is often called Ma Gauri. It is believed that Ma Gauri bestows marital bliss on unmarried women and blesses the married women with healthy and blissful married life. Since Lord Shiva is regarded as the ideal husband by the Hindu women, the unmarried women would not miss to observe the stringent fast on Shivaratri.

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Shiva Chalisa

Mahashivaratri is a special day for the devotees of Lord Shiva. On the festival, people would observe a fast for the entire day and sing bhajans and songs in the praise of the deity. Lord Shiva temples are flocked by devotees, as special puja is conducted all through the day. Different types of Abhishek are performed, with the use of honey, ghee, milk, rose water, sandalwood paste and yogurt. During the time, many devotees would sing the traditional, Shiva Chalisa - a prayer for Lord Shiva. The lyrics of the chalisa have been written many years ago, with the aim to invoke the Lord and ask for his help in removing the hardships of his devotees. In the following lines, we have given the lyrics of Shiva Chalisa.

Lord Shiv Chalisa

Jai Ganesh Girija Suvan
Mangal Mul Sujan
Kahat Ayodhya Das Tum Dev Abhaya Varadan

Jai Girija Pati Dinadayala
Sada Karat Santan Pratipala
Bhala Chandrama Sohat Nike Kanan Kundal Nagaphani Ke

Anga Gaur Shira Ganga Bahaye
Mundamala Tan Chhara Lagaye
Vastra Khala Baghambar Sohain Chhavi Ko Dekha Naga Muni Mohain

Maina Matu Ki Havai Dulari
Vama Anga Sohat Chhavi Nyari
Kara Trishul Sohat Chhavi Bhari Karat Sada Shatrun Chhayakari

Nandi Ganesh Sohain Tahan Kaise
Sagar Madhya Kamal Hain Jaise
Kartik Shyam Aur Ganara-U Ya Chhavi Ko Kahi Jata Na Ka-U

Devan Jabahi Jaya Pukara
Tabahi Dukha Prabhu Apa Nivara
Kiya Upadrav Tarak Bhari Devan Sab Mili Tumahi Juhari

Turata Shadanana Apa Pathayau
Lava-Ni-Mesh Mahan Mari Girayau
Apa Jalandhara Asura Sanhara Suyash Tumhara Vidit Sansara

Danin Mahan Tum Sama Kou Nahin
Sevak Astuti Karat Sadahin
Veda Nam Mahima Tab Ga-I Akatha Anandi Bhed Nahin Pa-I

Pragate Udadhi Mantan Men Jvala
Jarat Sura-Sur Bhaye Vihala
Kinha Daya Tahan Kari Sara-I Nilakantha Tab Nam Kaha-I

Pujan Ramchandra Jab Kinha
Jiti Ke Lanka Vibhishan Dinhi
Sahas Kamal Men Ho Rahe Dhari Kinha Pariksha Tabahin Purari

Ek Kamal Prabhu Rakheu Joi
Kushal-Nain Pujan Chaha Soi
Kathin Bhakti Dekhi Prabhu Shankar Bhaye Prasanna Diye-Ichchhit Var

Jai Jai Jai Anant Avinashi
Karat Kripa Sabake Ghat Vasi
Dushta Sakal Nit Mohin Satavai
Bhramat Rahe Mohin Chain Na Avai

Trahi-Trahi Main Nath Pukaro
Yahi Avasar Mohi Ana Ubaro
Lai Trishul Shatrun Ko Maro
Sankat Se Mohin Ana Ubaro

Mata Pita Bhrata Sab Hoi
Sankat Men Puchhat Nahin Koi
Svami Ek Hai Asha Tumhari
Ava Harahu Aba Sankat Bhari

Dhan Nirdhan Ko Deta Sadahin
Jo Koi Janche So Phal Pahin
Astuti Kehi Vidhi Karai Tumhari
Kshamahu Nath Aba Chuka Hamari

Shankar Ho Sankat Ke Nishan
Vighna Vinashan Mangal Karan
Yogi Yati Muni Dhyan Lagavan
Sharad Narad Shisha Navavain

Namo Namo Jai Namah Shivaya
Sura Brahmadik Par Na Paya
Jo Yah Patha Karai Man Lai
Tapar Hota Hai Shambhu Saha-I

Riniyan Jo Koi Ho Adhikari
Patha Karai So Pavan Hari
Putra-hin Ichchha Kar Koi
Nischaya Shiva Prasad Tehin Hoi

Pandit Trayodashi Ko Lavai
Dhyan-Purvak Homa Karavai
Trayodashi Vrat Kare Hamesha
Tan Nahin Take Rahe Kalesha

Dhupa Dipa Naivedya Charhavai
Anta Vasa Shivapur Men Pavai
Kahai Ayodhya Asha Tumhari
Jani Sakal Dukha Harahu Hamari

Nitya Nema kari Pratahi
Patha karau Chalis
Tum Meri Man Kamana
Purna Karahu Jagadish

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Maha Shivaratri Rituals

Mahashivaratri celebrations in India are marked with immense devotion, colorful rituals and religious fervor. The Hindus across the length and breadth of the country celebrate the festival with gusto. Fasting and night vigil are the highlights of Maha Shivaratri. The devotees would observe a stringent fast and sing bhajans all through the night, during the festival. Special pujas are performed in Lord Shiva temples. Right from the dawn of the day through the night, the devotees observe a number of rituals on Mahashivratri. Go through the following lines to know all about the traditions of Maha Shivaratri.

Maha Shivratri Customs & Traditions

Holy Bath
On Mahashivratri, the devotees wake up early in the morning and take a ceremonious bath, by using black sesame seeds. It is believed that bathing purifies one's body. Thereafter, they would offer prayers to Sun God, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, as a part of the purification rituals that is observed on all the important Hindu festivals. After wearing new washed clothes, the devotees would head towards the nearest Lord Shiva temple to worship the deity. During the festival, the temples with Lord Shiva as the deity are flocked by devotees. Special pujas are conducted on the day.

Rituals At Shiva Temples
Lord Shiva temples are thronged by devotees on the glorious occasion of Mahashivaratri, because it is the day to honor the deity. The traditional Shiva Linga pooja is performed, while the devotees seek blessings from the God. Holy water (Gangajal) is poured over the Shiva Linga, as a part of the ritual. According to the rituals prescribed in the Shiva Purana (mythology), Shiva Linga is given a ceremonious bath with milk, yogurt, honey, sandalwood paste and rose water, every three hours on Mahashivaratri. Therefore, the priest in the temple would perform the ritual without fail. While performing the Abhishek, bells are rung and the devotees would chant the names of Lord Shiva.

After the ritual of Abhishek is over, kumkum (vermilion) is applied on the Shiva Linga, to mark the culmination of the previous ritual and pave the way for the next. Traditionally, the leaves of Bilwa (Aegle marmelos) are used for the performance of Shiva pooja. Therefore, a stalk of three Bilwa leaves is placed on the top of the Shiva Linga. Jujube fruit is offered to the deity. Flowers and garlands can also be offered to the Linga. Many devotees offer incense sticks and fruits to the deity. Special pujas are performed in the temples, where bhajans of Maha Shivaratri are sung.

Merrymaking is at its peak at the night of Maha Shivaratri. Devotees awake all through the night of the festival. They spend the whole night in Shiva temples, in the worship of the God. Singing of hymns, bhajans and verses in the praise of Lord Shiva is one of the traditions of Mahashivaratri, besides the chanting of 'Om Namah Shivaya'. Special food is prepared by using fruits, root vegetables and coconuts. The devotees, who have observed the Mahashivratri vrat, would break the fast early in the next morning by eating the prasad that was offered to Lord Shiva, in the previous night.

[MysteRy]

Maha Shivaratri Pooja

Maha Shivaratri is a ceremonious occasion celebrated with religious fervor by Hindus all over India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the festival involves fasting and rigorous vigil in the night. Devotees of the deity get up early in the morning, take a holy bath and then indulge themselves in the merrymaking, which is all about worshipping Lord Shiva with immense devotion. People enjoy singing bhajans and songs all through the night, when they are awake to commemorate the festival. Special puja is conducted in Lord Shiva temples, as a part of the traditions. Go through the article to know all about Mahashivratri puja vidhi.

Maha Shivratri Pooja

Pooja At Home
After waking up early in the morning on Mahashivaratri, the devotees of Lord Shiva would take a ceremonious bath, using warm water and seeds of black sesame. It is a popular belief that by bathing in warm water, with few seeds of black sesame, the body is purified. After wearing new clothes, the devotees would smear bhasma (holy ash) on their forehead. One may worship Lord Shiva at home by offering Bilwa leaves to the deity and by chanting mantra - 'Om Namah Shivaya'. Apart from Bilwa leaves, flowers and garlands can also be offered to the deity.

Pooja In Temples
Special pujas are performed at Lord Shiva temples on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. In many temples the pooja is conducted strictly according to the method prescribed in Shiva Purana, according to which, Shiva Linga should be given ceremonious bath and puja should conducted every three hours on Mahashivratri. Abhisheks are done using milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, sandalwood paste and rose water. Each item is poured over the Shiva Linga, to symbolize different meanings. Milk stands for piousness, while yogurt symbolizes prosperity. Abhishek is done with honey to acquire a sweet speech, while ghee is used to represent victory. It is said that sugar symbolizes happiness and water is the symbol of purity.

After the Abhisheks are performed, the Shiva Linga is adorned with a stalk of three Bilwa leaves, to mark the culmination of the previous ritual. Thereafter, kumkum (vermilion) is applied on the Shiva Linga. Apart from Bilwa leaves, one can see devotees offering beetle leaves to the deity. Jujube fruit is a favorite of the deity, and hence, it is also offered by the devotees. In the mean time, the devotees indulge in immense chanting of 'Om Namah Shivaya'. Sounds of bells add to the festive mood in the temples. The air is filled with the aroma of incense sticks and dhoop.

Pooja Items
The main items needed for Shiva Puja on Mahashivratri include vermilion, haldi (turmeric powder), Aguru (holy perfume), Vibhuti/Bhasm (sacred ash made using dried cow dung), Rudraaksha Mala (prayer beads made of the dark berries of Elaeocarpus ganitrus, to chant Om Namah Shivaya), Akshata (uncooked rice) and a stalk of Bilwa (Bael) leaves. Incense sticks, fresh flowers and camphor are other requisites for the pooja. Earthen lamp and lota (container filled with holy water) is also required for the puja.

[MysteRy]

Maha Mrityunjay Mantra

One of the ancient Sanskrit mantras, Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is a verse of Yajurveda. It is the great death-conquering mantra, which is popularly referred to as Tryambakam Mantra, as it is identified with the three-eyed Hindu deity - Lord Shiva. The Mantra has many names and forms. It is sometimes called the Rudra Mantra, with reference to the furious face of Lord Shiva. On the other hand, when it is called the Tryambakam Mantra, then it is referred to the alluding three eyes of Lord Shiva. When it comes to life, it is Mrityunjaya Mantra is called the Mrita-Sanjivini Mantra.

Mrityunjaya Mantra holds the highest place among the Sanskrit mantras used for meditation. The recital of Mrityunjaya Mantra is beneficial for the body and soul in many ways. According to Yajurveda, if the mantra is chanted with immense concentration and devotion, then it purifies the karmas of the soul. Mental, emotional and physical health can be improvised by the regular chanting of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. In the following lines, we have provided the Mrityunjaya Mantra.

Mrityunjaya Mantra

Om Tryambakam Yajamahe
Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan
Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat

English Translation

"OM. We worship and adore you, O three-eyed one, O Shiva. You are sweet gladness, the fragrance of life, who nourishes us, restores our health, and causes us to thrive. As, in due time, the stem of the cucumber weakens, and the gourd is freed from the vine, so free us from attachment and death, and do not withhold immortality." - by Arthur Berriedale Keith

Word By Word Translation

Tri-ambaka-m - The three-eyed-one
Yaja-mahe - We praise
Sugandhi-m - The fragrant
Pusti-vardhana-m - The prosperity-increaser
Urvaruka-m - Disease, attachment, obstacles in life, and resulting depression”
iva “-like
Bandhanat - From attachment Stem (of the gourd);
but more generally, unhealthy attachment
Mrtyor - From death
Mukshiya - May you liberate
Ma - Not
Amritat - Realization of immortality

[MysteRy]

Maha Shivaratri Fast

Maha Shivaratri is the wonderful opportunity for the followers of Lord Shiva, to praise the God and seek his blessings. In fact, for the devotees of Lord Shiva, nothing is more important that fasting on Mahashivaratri, when it comes to showing their honor and love to the deity. On the festival, people observe a stringent fast, when they would not consume anything other than the diet formulated especially for the occasion. It is said that if a devotee observes fast on Mahashivratri, with sincerity, pure devotion and love, he/she would be blessed with the divine grace of Lord Shiva.

Maha Shivratri Vrat

Significance
Hindu mythology suggests that the observance of vrat on Mahashivratri helps one to attain control over the two great forces that afflict man - rajas guna (the quality of passionate activity) and tamas guna (the quality of ignorance). When the devotee observes a fast with discipline and spends the entire day at the feet of Lord Shiva, his/her mind is controlled. Moreover, evils like lust, anger and greed are subdued, thereby acquiring control over rajas guna. When he/she wakes vigil throughout the night of Maha Shivaratri, he/she develops the ability to conquer the evils of tamas guna too. Therefore, Mahashivratri vrat is significant.

Fasting Rules
Traditionally, people who observe fast on Mahashivaratri would take bath early in the morning, with warm water and black sesame seeds. However, nowadays, people prefer to take a hot water shower, in the morning. By bathing, it is believed that the bodily impurities are washed away. After wearing new laundered clothes, the devotees would visit the nearest Lord Shiva temple to worship the deity. The ritual of bathing Shiva Linga with milk and honey takes place in temples of the diety, on the festival. While in the temple, the devotees would sing devotional songs and bhajans, to invoke Lord Shiva. All through the day and night during the festival, they would indulge in chanting of three words 'Om Namah Shivaya'.

Food For Mahashivratri Vrat
A diet is followed by the devotees of Lord Shiva, on Maha Shivaratri. On the day, they would abstain from food made with rice, pulses or wheat. However, the devotees may eat fruits and drink tea, milk or coffee during the fast, if they have not observed nirahar vrat (fast without the consumption of any form of foodstuff). In the evening, after performing puja, they would break the fast by eating rotis made of singhare ka atta (kuttu ka atta) and sabut dana kheer (dessert made of sago). Sendha namak (rock salt) is used to cook food for the fast. To offer the deity, people would prepare dishes such as potato pumpkin pancakes, lauki ka halwa (sweet dish made of bottle guard), thandai etc.

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Maha Shivaratri Date

Mahashivaratri is one of the important Hindu festivals, celebrated with pomp and gaiety. It is celebrated on 13th or the 14th night of the new moon during Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Phalgun, which corresponds to February-March in Gregorian calendar. The festival is celebrated on moonless night. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Mahashivratri honors the goodness and power of the Almighty. Since Lord Shiva is one among the Hindu Trinity (the other two being Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu), he is worshipped by almost everyone, who has faith in Hinduism (Vaishnavas being the exception). Lord Shiva is known for his short-temper, which is often brought down by the pacifying effect of his significant half - Goddess Parvati.

On the glorious occasion of Mahashivratri, the temples worshipping Lord Shiva is flocked by the devotees of the deity. All through the day, they would indulge in the worshipping of the lord, by conducting special pujas in temples or their home and chant the divine mantra of 'Om Namah Shivaya'. Many devotees would observe a stringent fast for the entire day, when they would not consume anything other than the specific diet formulated for the day. Mostly, the diet for the fast consists of fruits and beverages including tea, coffee and milk. Non-vegetarian food is strictly not included in the diet. People abstain from any foodstuff made of common salt. In fact, sendha namak (rock salt) is used to make recipes for the day.

Pujas are conducted in Lord Shiva temples to commemorate the festival. According to the Shiva Purana, special pujas should be conducted every three hours, through the day of Mahashivratri. A significant part of the pujas is Abhisheks, wherein milk, yogurt, water, ghee, sugar and honey are poured over Shiva Linga. Celebrations of Maha Shivaratri mainly take place during the night, when the devotees would sing bhajans and chant mantras of the name of the Almighty. The devotees would be awake for the entire night of Mahashivratri, to show their devotion to the deity. Year by year, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with gusto and great fanfare in India.

Maha Shivaratri Date 2012 - 20 February.