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History of Raksha Bandhan

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Shikha
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5
Raksha Bandhan, Rakhi Festival SIA Photography Workshops- www.siaphotography.in, My FB Page - www.facebook.com/siaphotogs, Travel Blog - www.siaphotography.in/blog

History and Importance of Raksha Bandhan

rakshabandhan

Raksha Bandhan is one of the famous and popular festivals of India. Raksha Bandhan means bond of protection. It is a celebration of the bond of affection between brothers and sisters. The relationship between siblings denotes invaluable friendship and loving bond and sometimes fights over trivial things. This festival makes this eternal bond more strong and deeper. Sister ties thread to her brother’s wrist and pray for his well-being and happiness while brother gives a gift or shagun and takes a pledge to protect her. It’s an occasion of family bonding and togetherness. This celebration breaks the monotony of daily life and brings the family together to celebrate the festival.

This year on 26th August, Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi will be celebrated all across the Indian subcontinent, Nepal, Mauritius, and Hindu communities all over the world. Sikh and Jain communities also celebrate Raksha Bandhan.

rakshabandhan

The full moon day of Shravan month is one of the auspicious days in a Hindu calendar. fisher communities of Maharashtra, Goa, and Kerela celebrate this day as Narali Poornima or Nariyal Poornima and they pray Sea God Varun to seek protection.  In West Bengal, Jhulan Poornima is marked for worshiping Radha Krishna. In central India, people celebrate Kajari Poornima. Gamha Poornima celebrates in the state of Odisha while Avani Avittam in South India. In Uttarakhand, brahmins observe Yojnopavit or Janeyu change ceremony.

Legends behind Raksha Bandhan

Mentions of Raksha Bandhan dates back to puranic times. Our scriptures have many references for this ritual of tying string for well-being and protection from evil.  Punya Pradayak Parva and Paap Nashak Parv as mentioned in scriptures is another name of this festival, which means a festival that bestows the boon and destroys all sins.

The legend from Bhavishya Puran

During the devasur Sangram (God and demons war), Demon Brutra was on the verge of winning but lost to Indira. Upset by the losing the war, Bruta consulted Asur Guru Shukracharya. Guru Shukracharya told him that Dev Guru Brihaspati advised Indra to tie a consecrated string on Shravan Poornima. Indrani, wife of Indra tied thread energized by the mantra to his wrist. As a result, Indra won the battle. Rakshasutra made him Invincible. This is the impact of the Raksha sutra which not only protects but also gives power, wealth, and happiness.

Great Epic Mahabharata

In Raj-suya Yagya, Lord Krishna’s finger got hurt and started bleeding after slaying evil king Shishupala. Seeing the blood, Draupadi tore a part of her sari and tied it around Krishna’s wrist to stop blood flow. The kind act of Draupadi made Lord Krishna touched and indebted and he pledged to protect her in all circumstances whenever she needs. When Pandav lost her wife Draupadi in the gamble, Duryodhana ordered his brother Dussasana to disrobe her in court. Lord Krishna elongated Draupadi’s sari and thus saved her dignity.

rakshabandhan mahabharata

As mentioned in Mahabharat, Lord Krishna suggested Yudhishthira perform this sacred ritual to protect himself and the army from the ill effects of war. Therefore, on Lord Krishna’s advice, Kunti tied rakhi to her grandson Abhimanyu and Draupadi tied Rakhi to Lord Krishna.

Goddess Lakshmi And Demon King MahaBali

Lord Vishnu left his abode Vaikuntha to guard his ardent devotee Mahabali’s Kingdom. This made Goddess Lakshmi very sad. So, She took refuge in Bali’s palace in disguise as a Brahmin woman. On the day of Shravan Poornima, she tied rakhi to the wrist of Mahabali and revealed the truth and reason for coming to his place. Mahabali was moved to know the greatness of his Lord who himself came to protect him and his kingdom. As a result, He sacrificed everything he had for Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. He requested Lord Vishnu to accompany Goddess Lakshmi in Vaikuntha.

Baleva, the other name of the festival marks the great devoutness of demon king Mahabali for Lord Vishnu. Thus from this day onward, it is customary to invite sisters on Shravan Poornima for thread tying ceremony.

Historical References of Raksha Bandhan

In 326BC wife of Alexander Roxana tied the Rakhi to King Pauras and took a promise from him not to harm his husband. Although King Pauras fought the battle but avoided a direct fight with Alexander so that he can serve his promise.

Rani Karnavati of Chittor sent Rakhi to Mughal Emperor Humayun and asked to protect her kingdom from the invasion of Bahadur Shah. Unfortunately, Humayun came late and She along with other women of the kingdom immolated themselves to save the honor from the hands of invaders.

From the history and origin of this festival, we can conclude that Raksha Bandhan not only holds significance for siblings but it is relevant in modern times as well. Rabindra Nath Tagore organized this festival to strengthen the communal bond between Hindus and Muslims during the colonial period. Therefore, Political parties celebrate this festival every year to promote harmonious relations between different societies.

rakshabandhan

Symbolically, this Hindu festival Raksha Bandhan is a festival of family, society, and harmony. On the core of this festival lies ancient wisdom of inculcating peaceful coexistence and righteous behavior towards each other.

Shri Shiva Panchakshar Stotram

By
Shikha
-
5

Shri Shiva Panchakshar Strotam

lord shiv
Composed by great Saint and poet Adi Shankaracharya, Shiv Panchakshar strotam is a boon for devotees of Shiva. Its recitation is very auspicious during the month of Shravan (Sawan).

Click to know more about Sawan Somvar vrat: Sawan Somvar Vrat

Shri Shiv Panchakshar Strotam

Nagendra-Haaraaya Tri-Lochanaaya
Bhasma-Anga-Raagaaya Maheshvaraaya |
Nityaaya Shuddhaaya Dig-Ambaraaya
Tasmai “Na” Kaaraaya Namah Shivaaya ||1||

नागेन्द्रहाराय त्रिलोचनाय
भस्माङ्गरागाय महेश्वराय ।
नित्याय शुद्धाय दिगम्बराय
तस्मै नकाराय नमः शिवाय

Who has three eyes, whose body is smeared with ashes, who wear clothes of directions means who is ever free, I bow down to ‘Na’ form of Shiv who is pure immortal Lord of Gods.

Mandaakinii-Salila-Chandan-Charchitaaya
Nandi-Eshvar-Pramatha-Naatha-Maheshvaraaya |
Mandaara-Pushpa-Bahu-Pushpa-Su-Puujitaaya
Tasmai “Ma” Kaaraaya Namah Shivaaya ||2||

मन्दाकिनीसलिलचन्दनचर्चिताय
नन्दीश्वरप्रमथनाथमहेश्वराय ।
मन्दारपुष्पबहुपुष्पसुपूजिताय,
तस्मै मकाराय नमः शिवाय।।

Who is worshiped by water from sacred river Ganga and smeared with sandal paste, revered with mandaar and other beautiful flowers. I salute to ‘Ma‘ form of Shiv who is the Lord of Nandi and other creatures.

Shivaaya Gauri-Vadana-Abja-Vrinda- 
Suuryaaya Daksha-dhvara-Naashakaaya |
Shri-Niilakanntthaaya Vrisa-Dhvajaaya
Tasmai “Shi” Kaaraaya Namah Shivaaya ||3||

शिवाय गौरीवदनाब्जबृंदा
सूर्याय दक्षाध्वरनाशकाय ।
श्रीनीलकण्ठाय वृषध्वजाय,
तस्मै शिकाराय नमः शिवाय ।।

 

ardhnarishwar

Who is blissful, and whose divine aura, which is like the sun brightens up beautiful smile of Devi Parvathi. Who destroyed Yagya of Daksha, whose flag has an image of a bull. I salute to’ shi‘ form of blue throat Shiva.

Vashissttha-Kumbhodbhava-Gautama-Aarya-
Muni-Indra-Deva-Aarcita-Shekharaaya |
Chandra-Aarka-Vaishvaanara-Lochanaaya
Tasmai “Va” Kaaraaya Namah Shivaaya ||4||

वशिष्ठकुम्भोद्भवगौतमार्यमूनीन्द्र देवार्चिता शेखराय ।
चन्द्रार्कवैश्वानरलोचनाय,
तस्मै वकाराय नमः शिवाय ।।

Vashistha, Agastya, and Gautham like great sages, and Indra and other devas revered him and worship him. I bow down to the ‘Va’ form of Shiva who has Sun, Moon, and Agni (fire) as his eyes.

Yajnya-Svaruupaaya Jataa-Dharaaya
Pinaaka-Hastaaya Sanaatanaaya |
Divyaaya Devaaya Dig-Ambaraaya
Tasmai “Ya” Kaaraaya Namah Shivaaya ||5||

यज्ञस्वरूपाय जटाधराय
पिनाकहस्ताय सनातनाय ।
दिव्याय देवाय दिगम्बराय
तस्मै यकाराय नमः शिवाय।।

 

 

Who is an embodiment of Yajna( sacrifice), who has matted hair, and carry trident in his hand, I bow down to ‘Ya’ form of divine and eternal Shiva.

Panchaaksaram-Idam Punnyam Yah Patthe-ch-Shiva-Sannidhau|
Shivalokam-vaapnoti Shivena Saha Modate ||6||

पञ्चाक्षरमिदं पुण्यं यः पठेच्छिवसंनिधौ ।
शिवलोकमावाप्नोति शिवेन सह मोदते।।

One who recites these verses in front of Shiva Linga attains Shiv Loka (Adobe of Shiva) and will be blissful forever.

You may also like to read Sri Rudrashtakam

Benefits of Listening Bhajans- Unbelievable facts you want to know

By
Shikha
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18
shri hanuman chalisa
Hanuman India Religious Hindu God Meditation

What exactly Bhajan is? Do you ever wonder where it has been originated? What benefits do we derive from listening to bhajan? Are Bhajans just make us calm and relax or there are other benefits attached too? Come, let’s dig into knowing the benefits of listening to bhajans.

In Sanskrit, Bhaj means attachment, worship homage, etc. Basically singing a lyrical glorification of the deity is Bhajan. For instance, It’s a way of conveying love to the divine. Singing Bhajan and Kirtan in praise of Lord is an age-old and sacred tradition. Essentially, Its simple melodious lyrics and ragas have the same effect as meditation. For the seeker, it treads the path to become one with the divine. It is the best and easy way to reach the divine.

benefits of listening bhajans

Samveda one of the four Vedas is Veda of melodies and chants. Bhajan and Kirtans have their root in Samveda. As a matter of fact, bhajan emerged from Nada Brahma. Fundamentally, Nada is a primitive sound that is full of sacredness and bliss. Therefore, these sounds considered to be elemental in experiencing the ultimate reality of supreme.

unbelievable benefits of listening bhajans

Either Bhajan can be composed in different raga or it may be a simple devotional song without any complexity. Bhajan and Kirtan are more or less similar. The only difference is kirtan is the well-structured performance where the audience also participates with the singer. In the contrary, Lead singer performs Bhajans all alone or in a group where the audience only listens.

Bhajan became popular during the bhakti movement. Meerabai, Tulsidas, Kabeer, Raidas, Naamdev, Eknath, Tukaram, Andal, and Guru Nanak Dev are prominent names of Bhakti Yuga. All the more Chaitanya Mahaprabhu taught his disciples the importance of sankirtan which is a repetition of mantras or hymns.

benefits of listening bhajans

The joy and contentment derived from listening Bhajan are unparalleled. Not only Listening and singing of Bhajan impart serenity and peace of mind but also able to transform our thoughts. Furthermore, the Listening of Bhajan helps to promote immunity and increases the low prana energy level. Its positive vibrations relieve anxiety and act as an antidepressant.

As per much research, it has been found that listening to bhajans and chants, increases the activity in the cells which releases Feel good hormone “Dopamine”. It is also referred by various studies that listening to bhajans activates our brain which makes us more analytical and Attentive, hence most people prefer to listen in the morning.

Apart from these benefits Bhajan also helps in building a positive approach. Fundamentally, bhajans have an ability to increase awareness of our surroundings and helps in building human qualities.

Research Reference – http://www.voiceofresearch.org/doc/sep-2013/sep-2013_7.pdf

Adi Guru Sankaracharya ascribed Bhaj Govindam, a devotional composition in Sanskrit. He too emphasized the benefits of listening bhajans.  He refers in the verses that at the time of death, Money and all worldly knowledge will go in vain, only his name is the savior from this miserable cycle of life and death. Therefore sing the glory of God.

9 Mystical and Devotional Facts about Lord Ganesh

By
Shikha
-
26
ganesh sankat nashan stotram

 

जय श्री गणेशाये नमः

In Hindu religion Lord Ganesh is most beloved and famous God and worshipped before invoking any God or beginning any ceremonial rites be it marriage, entering a new home or starting a new business venture. Lord Ganesh, Son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is the destroyer of selfishness and ego and remover of obstacles. He is easily identified by his elephant head, curved trunk, and potbellied attributes. let’s head to read  9 mystical and devotional facts about our most popular deity Lord Ganesha.

Ganesh means Lord of gana (celestial beings). As per Sri, Sri Gana means groups of atoms and different energies which form this universe. He is a controller of all these groups of atoms and energies so he is known as Ganapati or Ganesh (eesh of ganas). So you don’t need to pray to all celestial beings, Praying Lord Ganesh alone removes all obstacles and pave the way for success.

facts about lord Ganesh
via GIPHY

Lord Ganesh’s one of the significant attributes is his wisdom and intellect. His big elephant head gives us a message of thinking big and to remain focused.

Ganesh’s one of the attributes is his protruding belly. As per scripture, he is known as Lambodara or Mahodara because he carries the entire cosmos of past present and future in his belly. Other symbolism of his potbelly is his generosity. He is very generous in fulfilling the desires of his devotees. Now you know why is a very famous and beloved God.

Lord Ganesh has very big ears and the curved trunk. His trunk represents Om symbol and big ears mean he is very attentive and all ears for our wishes and prayers.

All budding artists and writers, please pay attention to this point. Ekdant is one of the names of Lord Ganesh. Ekdant signifies oneness(ekatm) with the Brahma. Did you wonder where is his other tusk? He used his broken tusk to write great epic Mahabharata dictated by Ved Vyasa. Lord Ganesh is a patron of art and letters. Now you know whom should you pray for your success.

Mystical facts about Lord Ganesh

Every God has its own distinct animal or bird vehicle to drive. Our chubby Ganesh rides on Mouse. His mouse represents ego and desires which should be under control. For controlling ego one must be grounded. Now seeing a rat would instantly give you a message of being grounded and self-contained.

Mystical and devotional facts about Lord Ganesha
via GIPHY

Mostly statues and idols of Lord Ganesh depicts four hands. In his upper right hand, he carries elephant goad (Ankush) and in left upper hand Paash(noose). In some statues, lower hands carry lotus and Pot of grains while others depict Abhay Mudra and rosary. By Ankush, he steers his devotee to be on the righteous path and also using goad where evil ambitions need to be checked. Furthermore, He uses paash to capture all difficulties and adversity of his devotees.

In yogic parlance, Lord Ganesh represents Muladhara Chakra located at the base of the spine where kundalini (Adi Shakti) stays slumber. As a first step, in order to awaken kundalini, you need to stabilize the Muladhara chakra. Or in other words, one must pray son Ganesh to please Adi Shakti Parvathi.

Facts about Lord Ganesha
Muladhara Chakra

Lord Ganesh has two consorts Riddhi (one who grants prosperity) and Siddhi (one who grants intellect). Who bore him two sons known as Subh and laabh. You might have purchased stickers of Subh , Laabh and Riddhi, Siddhi during Diwali festival. Now you know the significance of these stickers and the relation with Lord Ganesh.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this post. I would appreciate your valuable comments and suggestions that would help me to do better. you may also like to read Ganesh Aarti

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