Akshay Tritya

The third day (Tritya) of the waxing moon (shukl paksh) of the month of Vaisakh is an auspicious day. It is believed that the Satyug and the Treta Yug both began on this day and so it is very auspicious to begin any new ventures and businesses on this day. Any act whether it is a fast, worship, austerities or charity, carried out on this day are believed to be very fruitful.

This day is considered even more auspicious if it falls on a Monday or under the planet Rohini. The Lord Vishnu is invoked on this day by enthroning his image or his picture and by offering of water soaked grams, gram pulse and crystallized sugar and by sprinkling Tulsi water while performing Aarti. Many people also take a dip in the river Ganga on this day. Different kinds of things are given in charity and can be, rice, salt, ghee, sugar, vegetables, tamarind, fruit and clothes.

In Mahabharata, Sri Krishna explains the significance of this day to Yudhistar in the following manner. He describes this day as being most pious and is called `Yugaadi Trity' because Satyug commenced on this day. Laying stress on the importance of the day, Krishna narrated the story of a poor godly Brahmin, who in spite of his poverty and having a big family to support, never shirked his religious duties and good actions. He observed this day with great faith and piety every year and as a reward for his faith became the king of Kushavati in his rebirth.

Back toTop

Bhai Beej

The story of Puran goes like this. When Lord Vishnu was pleased on Bali he asked Bali to take a boon from him. Bali said that he wants Lord Vishnu to be his Dwarpal.  Vishnu agreed for that, but when Lakshmiji came to know about this she became upset. Lakshmiji went to Bali and asked to be her brother. Bali agreed and in return he said to fulfill any demand of Lakshmiji. Lakshmiji asked him to relieve Lord Vishnu from the duty of Dwarpal and thus Vishnu returned back to his abode.

This festival is celebrated in India with great enthusiasm and zeal. Behind this festival there is a story that goes like this. In a remote village a family was living with mother, daughter and son. When daughter grew up she got married and went to a distant place. At that time his brother was a child, but when he grew up he asked to his mother about his sister’s whereabouts. His mother told him the place where she was staying. In next to no time, the brother set out his journey to meet his sister. While going, many hurdles and problems came on the way, but anyhow he reached to her house. Sister welcomed her brother and while returning she accompanied him and saved her brothers from problems and curse of evil spirits. Thus, a custom has been started that sister should go to her brother’s place on the day of Bhabeej and perform the Pooja for his safety.

In India this festival is celebrated with great spiritual feelings. On this very day sisters offer sweets, coconut to her brothers and put Tilak on their foreheads. Thus, Puja is performed and celebration goes on for the whole day.

Back toTop

Chaturmas

Chaturmas begins from Sud Ekadashi of Ashadh and ends on Sud Ekadashi of Kartik. These four months are having their special significance because all important festivals usually fall in these four months. In Chaturmas the Sanyasies move at various places and conduct religious discourses. Shravan falls in this month and in this month people observe fasting and also perform various rituals and Pooja. Gokul Ashtami also falls in Chaturmas which is the appearance day of Lord Krishna on this earth

In these four months the Rain God becomes more gracious and the whole nature smiles in full blossom. Various types of flowers and leaves-clad trees adorn this habitable earth. Crops grow in abundance and delicious fruits pacify the hunger. Rivers, lakes and ponds regain their beauty as rainwater fills them up to the brim. In Chaturmas people worship Lord Ganesha and almost in each house especially in Maharashtra the idols of Lord Ganesha are installed and worshipped with great enthusiasm.

Famous festival of Navratri also falls in Chaturmas when people worship Goddess Amba with great devotion and enthusiasm. Dassera and Durga Pooja festivals are celebrated during Chaturmas. Then, comes the festival of Diwali, in which people pray Goddess Lakshami and decorate their houses with candles and lamps. They meet with each other and greet them with high spirit of spirituality.

Chaturmas begins when the sun moves to southern solstice and this period lasts for four months. Chaturmas ends when the sun moves to northern solstice. This is the time when onset of winter makes the atmosphere more pleasant.

Back toTop

Dhan Teras

Many of India's festival are based on and have significance in agriculture. Cattle are very important part of agriculture. On DhanTeras farmers worship their cattle. The horns of cattle and oxen are coloured red and prashad made from sesame seeds is distributed as sesame symbolises the productivity.

Dhanteras marks the first day of five-days-long Diwali Festival. Dhanteras Festival and falls on the auspicious thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November). In the word Dhanteras, "Dhan" stands for wealth. On Dhanteras Goddess Laxmi is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being. Hence Dhan Teras holds a lot more significance for the business community. On Dhanteras Hindus consider it auspicious to purchase gold or silver articles or at least one or two new utensils. It is believed that new “Dhan” or some form of precious metal is a sign of good luck. "Laxmi-Puja" is performed in the evenings when tiny Diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. "Bhajans"-devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi are also sung.

Back toTop

Dhanumas

This festival is celebrated when the sun enters the Dhanur Rashi (Sagitarius). In this month people offer food to Brahmins and devotees. They pass their maximum time in reading scriptures and by celebrating Van Mahotsav. The Vedic rituals are performed. Idols are decorated and the Mantras of Veda and Upanishads are recited. Moong Halwa and sweets of milk are prepared at the time of sunrise and offer to God as an ambrosia. Rig Veda in east, Atharva Veda in the north, Yajur Veda in the south and Sam Veda in the west are kept for recitations. Ramayan and Mahabharat are kept in the south-east direction, Stotras in the south-west, Dharma Shastra in the north-west and poetic literatures are kept in north-east direction. Magshar month is a Satvik month, hence it is the month of demigods.

At the time of creation Lord Brahma appeared from the navel of Vishnu and started chanting the shlokas of Vedas. Brahma was overwhelmed with ego and forgot the Lord. At the same time two demons appeared from the ears of Vishnu and started fighting with Lord. This fight lasted for long time and finally they were defeated. They asked Vishnu to send them in the divine abode On the day of Dhanurmas Vishnu opened the north door and sent them to Vaikunth.. During Dhanurmas the Lord takes bath from the water collected in nine water pots. Thus this festival is celebrated with great spiritual fervor.

Back toTop

Diwali

This is the day when Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya from 14 years of exile in forest. Residents of Ayodhya decorated their homes and city with lights. They let go of fireworks in pleasure. Since that day we celebrate Diwali in similar fashion. The darkness of moonless night of Diwali symbolises our ignorance and lightening of lamps the knowledge. We should look inwards in our hearts and remove our ignorance. On this day we also worship Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. Traders do symbolic Puja of their account books.

Back toTop

Dashera

When Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman were fulfilling the promise given to His mother Kaikeyi, demon Ravan kidnapped Sita. The battle between the armies of Lord Ram and Ravan ensued. This battle lasted 9 days without any conclusive result. On the tenth day, Lord Ram killed Ravan. This day is celebrated as "Vijya Dasmi" - the victory day. It signifies the victory of good over evil. After losing everything in the game of dice, Pandavs have taken shelter, in disguise in the Kingdom of Virat. Duryodhan was trying his best to unmask the Pandavs. He declared war on kingdom of Virat in the hope that Pandavs will come to assist the king of Virat and in doing so, they would be recognised. Arjun took up the challenge and went to fight. Before going to the battlefield, he retrieved his weapons from a secret hideout and performed the Puja of his weapons. This day also happened to be Dussera. On this day warriors worship their weapons.

This is among the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar and comes as the finale of the nine-day festival, Navaraatri. This festival of victory is preceded by worship of Saraswati (the Goddess of Learning) and of Durgaa (the Goddess of Strength).

Back toTop

Eclipse

Lord Swaminarayan has commanded that on any eclipse his devotees should throw away food containing water. You should also put dabro (a special green stick) in wet food that cannot be thrown away to protect it form evil. One is required not to consume food 9 hours before a lunar eclipse and 12 hours before a solar eclipse begins.

During the eclipse one should listen to Kirtan Bhakti. Before the eclipse you should clean the house, but don’t touch anything during the eclipse. Once the eclipse is over, bath with clothes on and then offer newly prepared food to Ghanshyam Maharaj before eating yourself.

The story of an eclipse is about two demons Rahu & Ketu and Mohini Bhagwan, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. One-day amrut (nectar) was extracted out of the sea. This was a liquid that was very powerful and would keep a drinker forever eternal. Lord Vishnu took the avatar of Mohini Bhagwan (female state) to give the devtas the nectar to make them eternal rather than demons. Demons named Rahu and Ketu realised that Mohini Bhagwan was giving the nectar to devtas only by dodging the demons for obvious reasons. So they planned to join the devtas by changing their forms to look more like devtas in order that Bhagwan cannot recognise them and will give them a sip of nectar. They accomplished this, but not for long because with the help of devtas namely Sun and Moon Mohini Bhagwan soon established what was going on and before the nector could pass down their throat Bhagwan immediately release the Shudarshan–Chakra (a circular blade weapon) to separate their neck from the rest of their bodies. Because they had sipped some nectar their faces was eternal and hence take revenge on the Sun and Moon devtas every now and then to spread their evil by circling the moon and sun causing solar and lunar eclipses. In addition, there is also a say that during the running of a blade through their necks some flash (meat) pieces were thrown to the ground. These flash pieces gave birth to Onion and Garlic plants and hence for this reason Lord Swaminarayan forbids his devotees to eat these two vegetables because they are essentially from a meat source in addition to being tamsic (harmful to mind control) nature

Back toTop

Ekadashi

Fasting is prescribed in Ekadashi. It is observed on the 11th day of the lunar fortnight. If only one Ekadashi is observed with utmost devotion and purity of mind it can give the realization without a shadow of doubt. On the auspicious day of Ekadashi devotees perform incessant Jap and devotional activities. Some people take fruits and milk during fasting and some are not even drink water on the day of Ekadashi. Devotees should not eat rice on this day. The drops of sweat which fell from Brahma’s forehead took the form of demon. Those demon asked Brahma to provide them an abode to live. Brahma said, “you live in the rice particles eaten by men on the day of Ekadashi and then become worms in their stomachs.”  So, rice should not be eaten on the day of Ekadashi. Those who worship Lord Vishnu and his forms, the fasting of Ekadaashi is very important.

Nowadays people of modern world want scientific explanation of this fasting but some religious things are beyond the phenomena of science Fasting helps to control passion. It is also an austerity to do fasting. Fasting eliminates the uric acid which sometimes deposits in the body. The mind can be purified by observing fast of Ekadashi with utmost devotion.

There is a story in Puraan that king Ambreesh was observing fast of Ekadashi and he was performing all rituals strictly. He was saved by the anger of sage Durvasa and finally he got the glimpse of Bhagwan Vishnu.

Back toTop

Ganesh chaturti

The basis of the celebration is found in the Puranas. One day Parvati was taking bath. She wanted someone to watch outside. She got the idea of making an idol out of the dirt that came from her body. She placed the idol outside.

Then her husband Shankar came. The idol dutifully did not allow him to enter. Shankar was furious. In an instant he severed the head of the idol Parvati finished her bath and came out. She explained to her husband the reason for placing the idol before the door. It was an idol of her own making. In fact the idol was her son ("manas putra"), and consequently also Shankar's son. Shankar felt sorry for what he had done. His servant Gan was standing nearby. Shankar ordered him to go and bring the head of the first living being he would meet. The servant saw an elephant, and he at once cut his head and took it to Shankar.

Shankar joined the elephant's head to the body of Parvati's son. "Gaj' means elephant and "anan" means head, so Parvati's son became known as "Gajanan". Shankar made him the deity of his armies and thus his name became Ganesh ("Gan" = army, "Ish" = god).

Back toTop

Ganga Dushera

River Ganga is having a significant place in Indian religion. It comes out from Gangotri and then crossing high hills and mountains it reaches to Haridwar and Rishikesh. It flows in the cities of Uttar Pradesh such as Varanasi and Allahabad and then comes to Bihar. Finally it merges in the ocean. Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswait all three rivers merge at the holy place called Prayag. Such confluence of rivers is known as Sangam. Ganga is most ancient and the largest river. It is called the river of heaven. Ganga that flows in heaven is known as Mandakini Ganga, on earth it is called Bhagirathi Ganga and in Pataal it is known as Bhogwati Ganga. Ganga is so pure that it can even wash away the sins of mankind. Bhagirathi was a descendant of Sagar dynasty. He performed severe austerity to bring Ganga from heaven to earth and he succeeded in doing so. In Haridwar Ganga is worshipped and Aratis are performed each evening. When Ganga descended from the heaven it was having a tremendous force. So Vishnu and Brahma asked Shiva to take the Ganga into his matted locks. He did so and thus it was confined in Lord Shiva’s hair

During Ganga Dassehra Hindus worship this river for ten days as a great Goddess. In all cities and hills, where the water of Ganga flows the people offer their obeisance to this divine river and worship with great spiritual fervor. In Haridwar Aarti is performed at the time of sunset and people chant the Vedic Mantras.

Back toTop

Guru Purnihma

Guru Purnima is traditionally held to be Bhagawan Vyasa's birthday. According to the Indian calendar IT falls on the 15th of the month of Ashada. Bhagawan Vyasa is called Veda Vyasa - or the Compiler of the Vedas. Bhagawan Vyasa saw that, in the coming yugas, men would be of grosser mind and would lack the ability to learn and retain all of the Vedas. So he compiled the Vedas into four parts - the Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva Veda.

Furthermore he wrote the Puranas so that the common people could also benefit from the knowledge of the Vedas - he conveyed the same spiritual principles through the medium of stories and parables. He is also the author of the Brahma Sutras - the quintessence of Vedanta. So it is but fitting that his birthday is celebrated as Guru Purnima.

Today we worship our Guru. It is said one cannot gain full knowledge without the help of good Guru. Upanishad says, "The guru is Brahma, Guru is Vishnu, guru is Shiv. Indeed the guru is another form of God. I bow to you, guru". Without guru, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to reach God. Therefore Sage Tulsidas says in Ramayan, "If ever God and guru are standing together, first bow to guru. Because guru has helped us realise God." To show our appreciation and gratitude, we should worship our guru on this day. By worshipping guru, we are not in any way being dishonest with God. God Himself has sanctioned guru worship on this day. Guru may be equivalent of God, but how do we find the right guru? Lord Swaminarayan has done us a great favour by giving us guru in form of Acharya Maharaj. He installed two Acharyas as gurus of all satsangis.

Back toTop

Hindola

This festival is celebrated in the month of Ashadh and Shravan i.e. July – August. This is the month when clouds play hide-and-seek with sun and rain and the fragrance of flowers wafts in the air to make the climate more pleasant. The temples of India are decorated with leaves and flowers. In these days the spirituality floats in the air. The Chalit Vigrah of Bhagwan moves across the towns and cities. People take the advantage of Lord’s Darshan. Lord is placed in the Hindola and the Hindola sways in the air. The saints of high repute move with the chariot of Lord and recite Vedic hymns and sing devotional songs. The surrounding area is encompassed by the perfume of incense sticks.

This festival was started many moons ago in Vrindavan when Gopis were making swings to rock the Lord in Hindola. This festival is especially celebrated by devotees of Vaishnav Sampradaya. The followers of Swaminarayan sect also celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm and fervor. Once a devotee placed the deity of Lord Swaminarayan in swing and started worshipping him then Lord himself appeared in many forms and gave Darshan to that devotee. Nowadays this festival is celebrated in all temples of Swaminarayan. Devotees make Hindola by the help of vegetables, flowers, fruits etc.

Back toTop

Holi

The word Holi is derived from the demoness, Holika. She was the sister of Hiranyakashyapu, a demon king, who having defeated the Gods proclaimed his own supremacy over the Universe. Enraged by his son, Prahlad's ardent devotion to Vishnu, Hiranyakashyapu decided to punish him. He took the help of his sister, Holika, who was immune to damage from fire. Holika carried Prahlad into the fire but a divine intervention destroyed her and saved Prahlad. Thus Holi is celebrated to mark the burning of the evil Holika. It is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, and is commemorated by burning huge bonfires on the eve of Holi as its symbolic representation

Back toTop

Independance Day

In the year 1947 India got freedom. To refresh the memory of freedom the flag hoisting ceremony and cultural programs are conducted in New Delhi as well as in every state of the nation. Prime Minister speech at the Red Fort in New Delhi is the main attraction of the people. Government and private institutions and organizations observe National holiday. On television various programs related to patriotism are telecasted to entertain the viewers.

Before the 18th century the relation of India with the west had been mainly trade-related. When the forces of East India moved in the country then they created a disorder and spread a wave of slavery in the nation.

In India Independence Day is celebrated with feeling of patriotism and national fervor. In New Delhi great celebration is performed every year. Eminent leaders of the nation, artists of great repute, top luminaries and citizens gather to celebrate the Independence Day. President of India addresses the nation and instill the feeling of patriotism in the citizens. On 15th August the prime minister of India deliver the inspiring speech. National flag is unfurled and people offer their salutations and sing National Anthem. Every year parade is held in the capital. The different regiments of the army, Navy and the Air force perform the march past.  Spectacular displays attract the eyes of the people. In schools and colleges flag of India is unfurled and various cultural programs are arranged to entertain the people. India is a country of various castes, languages and cultures but on this day all stand under the flag of unity.

Back toTop

Jal Yatra

On the auspicious day of Shree Hari Jayanti and Ramnavmi the Abhishek is performed with religious fervor. On this event the devotees and enlightened saints perform Jal Yatra and bring the water of holy river for doing Abhishek of Ghanshyamswamiji. On the day of Sud Navmi of every month the devotees came from various cities and towns to take part in this auspicious event. Incessant Dhoon of Lord’s name is performed and various religious programs are arranged, in which the devotees and Satsangees take very active part. Arrangements are made so that each devotee can perform the Abhishek with milk. After Abhishek all devotees get the Prasadam of Sheero and Sharbat on the auspicious day of every Sud Navmi. The Abhishek of the idol of Ghanshyamji Maharaj is performed with the recitation of Vedic Mantras and hymns. Various sacred offerings are prepared such as fruit juice, milk, curd and petals of fragrant flowers are offered to the Lord.

The special Aarti of Bal Swaroop of Ghanshyamji Mharaj is performed and the Raas, dance, Kirtan, Dhoon are performed which make the ambience very pious and pleasant. Thus, this spiritual event is celebrated in the temples of Swaminarayan in which eminent saints, devotees and Satsangees take the active part.

Back toTop

Janmashtmi

About 5000 years ago King Ugrasen ruled Mathura. He had a son, Kans and a daughter Devki. Kans loved his sister very dearly. On Devki's wedding, Kans acted as a charioteer of bridal carriage. On the way back from the wedding, Kans heard the prophecy from the sky, "O Kans! The eighth child of your sister will bring your death." Kans got scared and foolishly thought of a plan to ward off the death. He prisoned his beloved sister and her husband, and killed every child born to them. All along, Kans forgot one thing; you cannot avoid death.

Everyone has to die one day. And the prophecy cannot be untrue. Nonetheless, Kans killed his seven nephews. The eighth child to born of Devki happened to be God Himself. On His birth, He asked His father Vasudev to take Him to Gokul and bring back the daughter born to Nand and Yashoda. In the morning, when the news of the newly born was given to Kans, he grabbed the daughter and proceeded to kill her. As he was about to kill her, she escaped from his hands and flew skyward.

Departing, she said to Kans, "O fool Kans. Your killer is already born, and beyond your reach." Though, Lord Krishna was born at midnight in prison of Mathura, His birth was announced in Gokul the next morning. He spent eleven years in Gokul - Vrandavan before proceeding to Mathura to kill Kans and turn prophecy into truth. In accordance with the edict of Shikshapatri, satsangis fast today and celebrate His birthday with pomp and festivity.

Read More about Janmashtmi at Wikipedia

DISCLAIMER : SKS Swaminarayan Temple/Yuvak Mandal is not responsible for any external links

Back toTop

Kali chaudus

Kali Chaudas is known as NarkiChaturdashi. Lord Krishna killed demon Narkasur today and liberated 16,100 maidens from his prison. To save their honour, Lord Krishna later married all these maidens and took them to Dwarika. In verse 127 of Shishapatri, Lord Swaminarayan has asked Acharya MaharajShree to perform ritual worship of Hanuman on this day.

To keep this in mind, Hanumanji is worshipped in all our temples on this day. Legend has it that on the eve of the first anniversary of His coronation, Lord Ram was giving appropriate and suitable gifts to all who helped Him in the battle against demon Ravan. Lord Ram gave a very expensive pearl necklace to Hanuman. On receiving the necklace, Hanumanji started breaking open all the pearls. On being asked why, he said he is looking for Lord Ram in each pearl as he did not want anything which is devoid of Lord Ram. Sitaji asked him if his body has Lord Ram in it. Hanuman opened his chest by his hands and showed Lord Ram in his heart.

Lord Ram was very pleased with this devotion and asked hanuman for a boon. Hanuman asked to be always present wherever and whenever the Leelas of Lord Ram are being sung. As people are still singing Lord Ram's Leela till today, Hanuman has become immortal. This day is considered the second birth of Hanuman as a great devotee. Since then Hanumanji is worshipped on the day Kali Chaudas.

Back toTop

Kurma Jayanti

Demigods and demons both were cousins but they were envious of each other and all the time they were thinking to fight with each other to prove themselves more superior.

Once upon a time the demigods started a fight with demons which lasted for many days. Once while fighting with demons when Devas were on the verge of defeat, Bhagwan Vishnu appeared and gave them a suggestion to attain victory. He suggested Devas to challenge the demons and ask them to churn the ocean. Whosoever will win he can get the nectar which will come out from ocean while churning. This nectar will give immortality and the team which wins will get the nectar. Demons agreed with this deal and thus churning of ocean started. First the venom came out from the ocean then many valuable things came out from the ocean. Goddess Lakshami also came out from the ocean. When churning of ocean was about to start, the mountain Mandarachal was used for stirring water and Lord Vishnu himself appeared as a Kurma Avatar to bear the load of that mountain. Finally nectar came out and that has gone in the favor of Devas. Thus, Devas attain immortality. Demons played many foul tricks to get Nectar but their all attempts had gone in vein.

After churning of ocean, all demigods worshipped the Kurma Avatar of Vishnu. They recited the hymns to please the Lord Vishnu. On this auspicious day Kurma Jayanti is celebrated with high spirit of enthusiasm.

Back toTop

Makar Sanskriti

Makar literally means 'Capricorn' and Sankranti is the day when the sun passes from one sign of the zodiac to the next. The Sankranti of any month is considered auspicious as it signifies afresh start. However Makar Sankranti is celebrated in the month of Magha when the sun passes through the winter solstice, from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn. This feast is celebrated on January 14th, and is the only feast of the Indian calendar which is not celebrated on a fixed day of the lunar month. On this day the sun enters the constellation of Makar and begins to move towards the north.

Back toTop

Naag Panchmi

According to the Hindu mythology, the Lord Vishnu is shielded under the hood of a cobra and so the snake has been an object of devotion in India for a long time. Nag Panchami is celebrated in honour of Naga Deva, the snake god and this day is marked by the worship of snakes. The word Naga literally means 'serpent' and the word Panchami means the 'fifth day'.

Nag Panchami, the festival of snakes is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Shriven. It is observed to minimize the danger of snakebites in the monsoon months. Na Panchami itself is celebrated differently in different parts of India and also by the various communities.

In South India, people make images of snakes from cow dung and place them on either side of the entrance to their house as a sign to welcome the snake god, Nag Deva.

Back toTop

NarNarayan Jayanti

This festival is celebrated as on this day Lord Nar and Lord Narayan appeared on this earth. The motive of this incarnation of Nar Narayan was to defeat the demon Kunchi who wanted immortality. Kunchi performed a severe penance to please Lord Brahma. When Lord Brahma appeared in front of this demon he asked the boon of immortality. Brahma asked him to take another boon. The demon then asked to provide him thousand protective shields. Each shield would only be lost if one performed penance for thousand years and then fought with the demon for thousand years. Kunchi then tried to harass demigods. Then Bhagwan Nar Narayan appeared on this earth and saved the demigods. Nar Narayan performed penance and continued to fight with this demon till only one shield left with him. Lord Narnarayan returned to Badrikashram. After many years that demon born as Karna with one shield which he had with him. Then Narayan incarnated as Lord Krishna and Nar incarnated as Arjun. Arjun fought with Karna and defeated him. This festival is also celebrated as an arrival of spring season.

In Swaminarayan Sampradaya this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. A swing is prepared to swing Lord Nar Narayan. Pooja of Nar Narayan is performed with Aarti. Devotional songs are sung in the temple and Prasadam is distributed.

Back toTop

Narsinha Jayanti

Narsinha is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Long ago there lived a demon king whose name was Hiranyakashyap. He had a loving son whose name was Prahlad. When Prahlad became grown up, his father sent him to the Gurukul to learn various arts.

Prahlad was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. So, when the teacher started teaching him the various subjects, Prahlad was not much interested in learning the profane knowledge. Instead of that he preferred to chant the holy name of God. When this news reached to his father, he became extremely furious. First he tried very patiently to convince Prahlad that being a demon he should not worship Vishnu but all his efforts had gone in vein. Then Hirnakashyap asked his ministers to give him a strict lesson.

As time flew the devotion of Prahalad became more intense. Seeing the gravity of the situation Hirnakashyap harassed him a lot and finally decided to remove him from his way. At that very moment Bhagwan Narsinha appeared in front of Hirnyakashyap and vanquished him. He sent him to his own abode. At that time Bhagwan Narsinha was looking very angry but when Prahlad went near the Lord he immediately cooled down. The reins of the kingdom were given to Prahlad and Narsinha Bhagwan gave him boon and blessings.

At that very moment the demigods appeared there and worshipped Lord Narsinha. That day is celebrated as a festival with great religious fervor.

Back toTop

New years - Ankutt

This day marks Lord Ram's coronation after His triumphant return to Ayodhya. We greet each other and wish them a happy and prosperous New Year. Children like receiving monetary gifts today. To show the gratitude towards mountain, which sustains rural agricultural society, Lord Krishna organised special Puja of Govardhan Mountain. The mountain of different varieties of food was offered in worship. The word "AnnKut" literally means the mountain of food. Today, we offer food to God as a thanksgiving service.

Back toTop

Parshuram Jayanti

Parashuram was the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. On the third day of the bright fortnight of Vaishakh month, the appearance day of Bhagwan Parshuram is celebrated. This festival is also called the Akshaya Trutiya.. The fruits of good deeds become permanent on this day.

Bhagwan Parshuram was the son of Rishi Jamdagni and considered as the sixth Avtar of Lord Vishnu. He is considered as the symbol of courage and devotion as well. His mother name was Renuka. His father Jamdagni was the sage of hot temper and the same quality was persisting in Parshuram also.

There is a story in Puran that there was a king whose name was Sahastrarjun. He was a very cruel king and harassed Brahmins many a time. So Bhagwan Parashuram had taken a vow to destroy all Kshatriya as he wanted to save this earth from the cruelty of Kshatriya. A time came when no Kshatrya dared to came on the throne. So, there was no king who could rule the earth. Kashyap Muni called the Kashtriya back and asked them to rule the earth once again.  Kashyap Muni suggested Parshuram to live in secluded place. So Parashuram went to mountain Mahendra.

India is the land of many festivals and almost all festivals are related with a religious story. This is an important festival of Hindu calendar and celebrated with great enthusiasm and pleasure.

Back toTop

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that celebrates the spiritual bonding between brothers and sisters. It is celebrated on the full moon in the month of Shravan (August). The Bhavishya Purana refers to a battle between the Gods and demons where Indra (the king of the Gods) was feeling depressed. At that time Indra’s wife Sachi took a thread, charged it with sacred verses/mantras for protection, and tied it on Indra’s right hand. Through the strength of this thread Indra conquered his enemies. Since then till today this festival is celebrated.

The word ‘Raksha’ means protection, while the word ‘Bandhan’ is a verb that means to tie. Traditionally, during this festival sisters tie a rakhi (a bracelet made of thread) around their brothers' right wrists to celebrate their relationship. As the rakhi is tied, a prayer is offered asking for happiness and prosperity. Brothers take an oath to protect their sisters and sisters pray to God for safety and well being of their brothers.

Read More about Raksha Bandhan at Wikipedia

DISCLAIMER : SKS Swaminarayan Temple/Yuvak Mandal is not responsible for any external links

Back toTop

Ramnavmi

Ramnavmi is celebrated on the 9th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March – April). Ram was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and his glories and might were unlimited. He was the protector of God’s devotees. His father’s name was Dashrath and he had three brothers, namely Bharat, Lakshman and Shatrughan. Ram was very soft spoken and never uttered any harsh word even when someone provoked him. His wife name was Sita who was the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Lord Ram was the prince of Ikshvaku race.

When Dashrath decided to hand over the royal throne to Ram he was not much pleased. As per the wish of Kaikeyee when Dashrath asked him to go to forest for fourteen years he did not lamented for that agony. Even he gave the reins of kingdom in the hands of Bharat and went to the forest with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman. In forest his wife was taken away by mighty king of Lanka, Ravan. Though he alone was able to defeat Ravan but he accepted the services of Shree Hanuman and other powerful monkeys to vanquish Ravan. He defeated Ravan and brought back Sita to Ayodhya.

Back toTop

Republic Day

On 26th January 1950 the constitution of India came into force and India got the prestige of becoming of sovereign state. The people of India who breathed the free air under the shelter of liberty remembered the freedom fighters who sacrificed their today for our tomorrow. They remembered the great national heroes whose spirit of patriotism brought freedom for the people of India who were reeling under the pain of slavery.

In India, Republic Day is celebrated with feeling of patriotism and national fervor. In New Delhi great celebration is performed every year. Eminent leaders of the nation, artists of great repute, top luminaries and citizens gather to celebrate the Republic Day. President of India addresses the nation and instills the feeling of patriotism in the citizens. On 26th January the prime minister of India delivers the inspiring speech. National flag is unfurled and people offer their salutations and sing National Anthem. Every year parade is held in the capital. The different regiments of the army, Navy and the Air force perform the march past.  Spectacular displays attract the eyes of the people. In schools and colleges flag of India is unfurled and various cultural programs are arranged to please the people. A scene of unity can be seen even in diversity at various places.

Back toTop

Rushi Pancham

In scriptures it has been written that women should not touch anyone neither she should perform any religious rituals during the time of menstrual period. If mistakenly she touches others or someone touches her that sin can be erased by doing fasting on Rushi Pancham day. Females should not touch even the utensils of the house.
 
The story behind this festival goes like this. Once there was a lady who was not following the rules of the above-mentioned period. In next birth she became dog and her husband became a bull. Both were suffering the tortures of this birth. Sometimes they were not getting food to eat. Days, months and years rolled on. Once a saint met to the owner of that bull and dog and asked him to do fasting of Rushi Pacham with his wife just to liberate the dog and bull from their painful life.   As per the advice of that saint the man started doing the fasting of Rushi Pancham. After some time he got the blessings and boon of God to make those animals free from their pain. This is the reason that women keep a distance with males during this period and pass their maximum time in singing devotional songs. As time flew the people of modern world do not understand the significance of Rushi Pancham but those who are spiritual definitely understand its importance.

Back toTop

Maha shivratri

Shivaratri is celebrated on the fourteenth night of the dark Phalgun (February or March) every year. On the auspicious day, devotees observe fast and keep vigil all night. The name means “the night of Shiva”. Mahashivaratri marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the 'Tandava'. It is also believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Parvati Ma. On this day devotees observe fast and offer fruits, flowers and bel leaves on Shiva Linga.

Back toTop

Shradh

Shraddh is a religious ritual which falls in the dark fortnight (Krisna Paksha) of Ashvin month. During this period people worship their ancestors and satisfy them so that in heaven their souls rest in peace. It is an important duty of man to satisfy their ancestors by performing Shraddh during this period. In the period of this fortnight special offerings are prepared for those whose dates correspond to that particular day. Mostly Kheer of milk, Puri and other food are offered to those souls. A part of food is offered to cow and crow. Pinda made up of rice with Kush grass is offered. Recitation of Sam Veda is done with utmost devotion.

Shraddh is also known as Pitru-Yajna, in which people worship their ancestral. Shraddh is performed for three generations i.e. for father, grandfather and the great grandfather. If it is performed for all ancestors then seven generations get the benefit of this Shraddh. All souls whether not born or reborn in any form get the benefit of the oblations offered to them.
Son must perform the Shraddh otherwise he will be considered as a person of unthankful behavior. The final day of Shraddh falls on the day of Amavasya. On this day people offer oblations to all ancestors. Hindus perform these rituals with high reverence and religious feelings. It is described in scriptures that on Pitru Paksh the souls descend on earth and accept the food offered by their family members. They also bless them

Back toTop

Sun Eclipse

When the moon passes between earth and sun then solar eclipse takes place. It depends on the position that whether it is obscured totally or partially. It only occurs on the day of new moon. Some mythological stories are related with solar eclipse. In total solar eclipse the sun fully disappears from the sky and darkness prevails for the time being but in partial solar eclipse the sun is slightly darkened by the shadow of eclipse.
During solar eclipse whether it is partial or total the people should not directly look at the sun because during the eclipse the rays of sun are harmful to eyes.

In Hindu mythology there is a story that when nectar was served to God a demon sat among demigods to get the nectar but sun and moon noted his foul trick and reported the matter to Lord Vishnu. Meanwhile that demon drank some nectar and became immortal. From that very day the demon sometimes takes revenge with sun and moon. The head of this demon is known as Rahu and tail is known as Ketu. On the day of solar and lunar eclipse Rahu and Ketu swallow the sun and moon and hence the eclipse takes place.

On the day of solar eclipse people take bath in holy rivers and give grains and food to Brahmins. They recite the sacred Mantras and perform special Pauja to please God.

Back toTop

Swaminarayan Jayanti

Swaminarayan Jayanti is celebrated in all temples of Swaminarayan with great spiritual fervor. He was born as a son of Dharmadev and Bhaktimata at Chappaiya, Uttar Pradesh. The direct disciples of Swaminarayan wrote his Leelas in scriptures such as Satsangi Jeevan and Hari Leelamrut. His Leelas of grown-up age is written in detail by his followers. He traveled widely across the land. In snow-clad mountains of Himaalya and in deep forests he traveled and performed rigorous penance and pleased God. Many a time God himself appeared before him. He and his loyal devotees built many temples and installed his idol. Swaminarayan Bhagwan wrote Shikshapatri and explained vividly how a saint, a brahmchari and householder should follow the Dharm of his Aashram.

Back toTop

Tulsi vivah

India is the land of celebrations. Every festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and pleasure. Tulsi Vivah is one of the main festivals of Hindu calendar. This festival is having a great significance in Vaishnav Sampradaya.

The plant of Tulsi is worshipped by Hindus and it is regarded as incarnation of Mahalaxmi who was born as Vrinda. Tulsi Vivah is widely celebrated in Goa. Various mouth-watering sweets are prepared at home. Tulsi was married to demon king Jalandhar. She prayed to Vishnu that her husband would be protected. As a result of it no God was able to conquer him. However, on the request of demigods, Vishnu took the form of Jalandhar and stayed with Tulsi. When truth emerged after Jalandhar defeat, Vrinda cursed Vishnu and turned him to stone i.e. in the form of Shaligram and she also collapsed. From that place immediately emerged a plant called Tulsi.

This is the reason that we worship Tulsi also along with Vishnu. Tulsi Vivah is celebrated on the next day of Kartik Ekadashi. On this auspicious day marriage of Tulsi and Shaligram is performed with great religious fervor. Prasadam of rice, Moong, Puri, sweet potato Kheer, pumpkin cooked with pieces of sugarcane, tamarind and Amla is offered to Tulsi and thus Tulsi Vivah is performed in the evening time with devotional songs and rituals. 

Back toTop

Vasant Panchmi

Today heralds the start of Vasant (Spring) season. The trees start new growth after the lull of winter. Hibernating animals make their way out of their holes back to the ground. It is one of the important festivals in our Sampraday. On this day in V.S. 1882 Lord Swaminarayan had written Shikshapatri. In all our temples we recite Shikshapatri and offer prayers to it. Today is the day to remind us to observe all orders of Shikshapatri. Lord Swaminarayan has said in verse 207 that persons who do not obey Shikshapatri in full are not His true devotees.

Back toTop

Vinayak choth

This festival is celebrated on the fourth day of the month of Bhadrapad (August – September) as a birthday of Lord Ganesh. Once, Parvati was taking bath, so she created a human figure from a thick oily substance and gave him life. She asked him to guard the door till she bathed. At that very moment Lord Shiva decided to meet Parvati but he was stopped by the boy created by Parvati. Lord Shiva’s anger reached to the flash point and he destroyed him. When Lord Shiva came to know that this was the creation of Patrvati, he placed the head of an elephant on that Parvati’s creation. This elephant-headed God was welcomed and worshipped by all. 

Siddhi Vinayak is a name of Ganesh in which he stands on a demon named Vighnasura. This form of Lord Ganesh is worshipped on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi. The Prasadam of Modak is offered to Lord Ganesh.

In this festival each locality makes a Pandal and performs his own celebration. Priest performs the daily Puja of Lord Ganesha by chating the Vedic Matras. Aarti is performed twice a day. Some people install the deity of Lord Ganesh at their home and perform their separate Pooja. They sing hymns and devotional songs. It is said that Lord Ganesh loves Modak very much. Some people observe fast on these days. Thus, Ganesh Chauth is celebrated in this country with great enthusiasm.

Back toTop

Vishwakarma Jayanti

Vishwakarma is known as the God of Architecture. The festival of Vishwakarma Jayanti is celebrated in his memory as he is a divine architect. This festival usually falls in the month of February. People of industries, artists, weavers and others also celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm and fervor. In all industries and workplaces people observe holiday to celebrate this festival. Pooja is conducted at the workplace and Prasadam is distributed.

Vishwakarma taught the science of craftsmanship and explained various arts to others. This tradition is still going on as the learned persons teach the art and science of certain creations to deserving persons. People on this day clean their tools and also repair their machines. Statue of Lord Vishwakarma is placed in the compound of industries.

Back toTop