Vishnu will be re-born in after 4,300 centuries

I Am Kalki, a new graphic novel that describes the 10th avatar of Vishnu, predicted to be born in the future to end the Kali Yug, took some detailed research by a team of writers, who scoured old Sanskrit texts like the Puranas and the Kalchakra Tantra, to gleam details like where Kalki would take birth, what he would look like, and the colour of his steed

In a world tainted by greed, corruption and crime, the arrival of the latest comic book, I Am Kalki from Vimanika Comics, a Delhi-based company that creates and produces comics based on mythology, is timely. The 10th and final Maha Avatar or incarnation of Vishnu is prophesised to be born in the future and bring an end to this age of destruction, also known as the Kali Yuga.

The brand, which has also created and produced Dashavatara, traces the birth and journey of the super boy who visits Earth in contemporary times to fight evil. But for Karan Vir Arora, founder and CEO of Vimanika Comics, there's more than a grain of truth to the legend. The research team that studied the legend found, interestingly enough, that the next avatar of Vishnu would take birth in Uttarakhand.

"The book is Vimanika's take on the legend of Kalki. Though we have stayed true to the basic narrative, we have taken big leaps of imagination in terms of art, stylisation and plot," says Arora. The leap of imagination was also accompanied by a leap of faith for many in the research team.

A group of researchers and script writers were hard at work for six months, says Arora. Although several versions exist as to where Kalki will be born, the team discovered that the birthplace could be Sambhal, a village in present-day Mordabad district of Uttarakhand. According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the birthplace is mentioned as Shambhala, a mythical and mystical kingdom located somewhere in the heart of Asia.

According to the Kalachakra Tantra (or time wheel), 'Kalkin' is mentioned as the title of the 25th ruler of the mythical Shambhala. The 'time wheel' prophesises that Kalki will be born in the home of a brahman in Shambhala village. "We followed the version where it is believed that Kalki will be born in Dev Bhoomi (as Uttarakhand is referred to) in a village called Shambala," says Arora.

Kshtish Padhey, one of the researchers in the team, says he and his teammates found specific references from the Mahabharata and the Kalki Purana, a prophetic tome in Sanskrit that describes the birth and life of Kalki, sometime in the 4,320th century. While the look of the character was decided by the art department, Padhey's contribution lay in detailing Kalki's character. For instance, references of Kalki riding a white horse and a description of his facial features gleamed from ancient texts were some of the suggestions Padhey made.

"After identifying basic characters, we adapted them to present time. We also identified segments and milestones that we would like to highlight from Kalki's imaginary life on earth," says Padhey. Clearly, a non believer. Arora points out how the Manga style of art preferred by the art department may have given Kalki a rough, edgier look. "We have tried to keep a cutting edge, sleek and lean look for Kalki. Though the art is a mix of Indian and European styles, our comic book characters are very Manga," he says. I Am Kalki published by Vimanika and priced at Rs 80. Available at all leading bookstores

What's in a name?
The name Kalki has several stories attached to it. While some believe that Kalki comes from the Sanskrit word 'Kalka' which means mud or dirt, others suggest that the 10th avatar of Vishnu signifies someone who will destroy the dirt or darkness from this world. Another etymological derivative of Kalki suggests a white horse, that he is shown riding in the graphic novel.

http://www.mid-day.com/specials/2011/jul/310711-Vishnu-will-be-re-born-in-UP-after-4300-centuries.htm

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Rakhi

Celebrate Rakhi on Tuesday, 13^th August, 2011

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan, the bond of protection), or Rakhi , is a festival primarily observed in North India, which celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. The festival is observed by Hindus and Sikhs.[3][4] The central ceremony involves the tying of a rakhi (sacred thread) by a sister on her brother's wrist. This symbolizes the sister's love and prayers for her brother's well-being, and the brother's lifelong vow to protect her. The festival falls on the full moon day (Shravan Poornima) of the Shravan month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar

Lord Krishna Wallpapers

Extensive collection of Lord Krishna Wallpapers depicting various episodes of Krishna's lifetime. Share there Free Krishna Wallpaper with your friends and devotees of Lord Krishna and wish them a Happy Krishna Janmashtami.

Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami , also known as Krishnashtami, Saatam Aatham, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Srikrishna Jayanti, Sree Jayanthi or sometimes merely as Janmashtami, is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Krishna, an Avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu.

Krishna Janmashtami is observed on the Ashtami tithi, the eighth day of the dark half or Krishna Paksha of the month of Bhadrapada in the Hindu calendar, when the Rohini Nakshatra is ascendant. The festival always falls within mid-August to mid-September in the Gregorian calendar. In 2009, for example, the festival was celebrated on 14 August, while in 2010, the festival will be celebrated on 2 September.

Rasa lila, dramatic enactments of the life of Krishna, are a special feature in regions of Mathura and Vrindavan, and regions following Vaishnavism in Manipur. While the Rasa lila re-creates the flirtatious aspects of Krishna's youthful days, the Dahi Handi celebrate God's playful and mischievous side, where teams of young men form human pyramids to reach a high-hanging pot of butter and break it. This tradition, also known as uriadi, is a major event in Tamil Nadu on Gokulashtami.

Wikipedia.org

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Dussehra

Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu autumn lunar month of Ashvin, or Ashwayuja which falls in September or October of the Western calendar, from the Shukla Paksha Pratipada, or the day after the new moon which falls in Bhadrapada, to the Dashami, or the tenth day of Ashvin. It is the culmination of the 10-day annual Navaratri festival. It is the largest festival in Nepal, and celebrated by Hindu and non-Hindu Nepalis.

In India, the harvest season begins at this time and so the Mother Goddess is invoked to start the new harvest season and reactivate the vigor and fertility of the soil. This is done through religious performances and rituals which are thought to invoke cosmic forces that rejuvenate the soil. In Bangladesh it is a five day long festival and is celebrated in mandaps (congregation).The largest festival is held at Dhakeshwari temple and Ramkrishna missionary in Dhaka. On the day of Dasha-Hara, clay statues of the Goddess Durga are submerged in rivers. The pooja is performed with turmeric and other pooja items, which are added to the river in order to help the water yield better crops. Source: wikipedia

God of justice Golu Devata

history Golu Devata is thought to be as an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav (Shiva), and is worshipped all over the region and regarded as the dispenser of justice by the devotees with extreme faith. Historically, he is considered as the brave son and General of Katyuri king, Jhal Rai and his mother was Kalindra, and his grandfather was Hal Rai and great-grandfather was Hal Rai. Historically the origin of Golu Devata is accepted at Champawat. His mother Kalindra is believed to be the sister of two other local deities Harishchand Devjyun (the divine spirit of Raja Harish of the Chands) and Sem Devjyun and both these deities are regarded as uncles of Lord Golu. Another legend suggests that he was a General in the army of Chand king, Baz Bahadur's (1638–78), and died displaying exemplary valour at war, the temple was erected in his honour, at Chitai, 8 km from Almora city. Another legend says that Golu Devta was killed by the king of Binsar due to some false doubt, and he was beheaded by the king and his boy felled at Gairad at Dana Golu and his head felled at Kaparkhan, near modern day Binsar, a few km from Almora.At Dana Golu, there is the original and most ancient temple of Golu Devta is situated. The most popular story about Gwalla talks of a local king who, while hunting, sent his servants to look for water. The servants disturbed a woman who was praying. The woman, in a fit of anger, taunted the king that he could not separate two fighting bulls and proceeded to do so herself. The king was very impressed by this deed and he married the lady. When this queen got a son, the other queens, who were jealous of her, placed a stone in its place and the child in a cage and put the cage into the river. The child was brought up by a fisherman. When the boy grew up he took a wooden horse to the river and on being questioned by the queens he replied that if women can give birth to stone then wooden horses can drink water. When the king heard about this, he punished the guilty queens and crowned the boy, who went on to be known as Gwalla devata. Golu Devta is seen in form of Lord Shiva, his brother Kalva Devta is in form on Bhairava and Garh Devi is form of Shakti. Golu Devta is also prayed as key deity(Ista/ Kula Devta) in many villages of Chamoli. Normally three days pooja or 9 days pooja is performed to worship Lord Golu Devta also known as Goreel Devta in Chamoli District. Golu Devta is offered Ghee, Milk, Curd, Halwa, Poori, Pakauri and head of Goat sacrificed. Two Male Goat scarifice ( Bali) is performed. Preferred black in colour. One in the temple of Golu devta and the other outside temple in remote location. The sacrificed goat is received as Prasada of pooja. Golu devta is known as God of justice and prayed with great pride and enthusiasm. Golu Devta is offered with White Cloths, white pagari and white shaal. There are many temples of Golu Devata in Kumaun, and the most popular are at Chitai, Champawat, Ghorakhal. It is the popular belief that Golu Devata dispense quick justice to the devotee. Devotees in turn offers bells and Sacrifice the animals after the fulfillment of their wishes. Thousands of bells of every size can be easily seen hanging over the temple premises. Many devotees file a lot of written petitions daily, which are received by the temple.

Golu Devata

Golu Devata or Lord Golu is the legendary mythological and historical God of the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand state of India and is their the much loved deity.

About Golu Devta
Golu Devata is thought to be as an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav (Shiva), and is worshipped all over the region and regarded as the dispenser of justice by the devotees with extreme faith.

Golu Devata mandir at Chitai

Historically, he is considered as the brave son and General of Katyuri king, Jhal Rai and his mother was Kalindra, and his grandfather was Hal Rai and great-grandfather was Hal Rai. Historically the origin of Golu Devata is accepted at Champawat. His mother Kalindra is believed to be the sister of two other local deities Harishchand Devjyun (the divine spirit of Raja Harish of the Chands) and Sem Devjyun and both these deities are regarded as uncles of Lord Golu.

Another legend suggests that he was a General in the army of Chand king, Baz Bahadur's (1638–78), and died displaying exemplary valour at war, the temple was erected in his honour, at Chitai, 8 km from Almora city.

Another legend says that Golu Devta was killed by the king of Binsar due to some false doubt, and he was beheaded by the king and his boy felled at Gairad at Dana Golu and his head felled at Kaparkhan, near modern day Binsar, a few km from Almora.At Dana Golu, there is the original and most ancient temple of Golu Devta is situated.

The most popular story about Gwalla talks of a local king who, while hunting, sent his servants to look for water. The servants disturbed a woman who was praying. The woman, in a fit of anger, taunted the king that he could not separate two fighting bulls and proceeded to do so herself. The king was very impressed by this deed and he married the lady. When this queen got a son, the other queens, who were jealous of her, placed a stone in its place and the child in a cage and put the cage into the river. The child was brought up by a fisherman. When the boy grew up he took a wooden horse to the river and on being questioned by the queens he replied that if women can give birth to stone then wooden horses can drink water. When the king heard about this, he punished the guilty queens and crowned the boy, who went on to be known as Gwalla devata.

Golu Devta is seen in form of Lord Shiva, his brother Kalva Devta is in form on Bhairava and Garh Devi is form of Shakti. Golu Devta is also prayed as key deity(Ista/ Kula Devta) in many villages of Chamoli. Normally three days pooja or 9 days pooja is performed to worship Lord Golu Devta also known as Goreel Devta in Chamoli District. Golu Devta is offered Ghee, Milk, Curd, Halwa, Poori, Pakauri and head of Goat sacrificed. Two Male Goat scarifice ( Bali) is performed. Preferred black in colour. One in the temple of Golu devta and the other outside temple in remote location. The sacrificed goat is received as Prasada of pooja. Golu devta is known as God of justice and prayed with great pride and enthusiasm. Golu Devta is offered with White Cloths, white pagari and white shaal.

There are many temples of Golu Devata in Kumaun, and the most popular are at Chitai, Champawat, Ghorakhal. It is the popular belief that Golu Devata dispense quick justice to the devotee.

Devotees in turn offers bells and Sacrifice the animals after the fulfillment of their wishes. Thousands of bells of every size can be easily seen hanging over the temple premises. Many devotees file a lot of written petitions daily, which are received by the temple.

Wikipedia.org

Chitai Golu Dev Address

Postal address of Shri Chitai Golu Dev:

Shri Golu Dev
Shri Chitai Golu Mandir
Post Office: Chitai
District: Almora
Uttarakhand
Pin Code: 263601
India

If it is possible for you, please have a visit to the temple or try sending the letter by hand of someone who is going to visit the temple. Alternately you can post it.

Mahendra Mahara

Jai Golu Dev

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About Golu Devta

Golu Devta is an ancient folk god of the Kumaon hills, but his devotees are finding intriguing new ways to grab his attention. They like to petition him on sarkari stamp paper. Scores of such petitions are strung up at the Chitai temple, 8 km from Almora and most famous of the Golu shrines dotting these hills. And stand out they do, among the thousands of brass bells and crumpled letters on exercise-book paper offered to this local deity.

Pre-eminently, Golu is the god of justice Supreme court se badhkar.

Story of Golu Devta

Gol-jew or Golu devta is the most admired and worshiped God of Kumaon Hills. His highness adoration is been implored throughout the Kumaon with various names Ratkot-Golu, Goriya, Gwal Devta, Krishn-avtari, Baladhari, Bala-Goriya, Doodadhari, Nirankari, Gollu, Golla, Hariya Gollu, Gol-jew, Chamandhari Gollu, Dwah Gollu, Gorail and Ghughutiya Gollu, etc. He is said to be the incarnation of Bhairav devta alias GAUR BHAIRAV, an embodiment of the Lord Shri Krishna.

His father Haalrai was famous king of Gari Champawat and the only son of brave and generous predecessor raja Zhaalrai, a role model of Chand dynasty. All 7 queens (real sisters) of king Haalrai couldn’t give birth to a single successor of the dynasty, in due course raja Halarai prayed hard to his kul-devta (God of extended family) Kaal-Bhairav, eventually with bliss God Kaal-Bhairav took pity on him and rewarded by granting a amazing wish, a brave successor of chanda dynasty, a new birth of his own embodiment. According to Kaal Bhairav Devta, king’s all 7 queens were not eligible enough to acquire his new birth, so a new marriage must needed to be bond with Devi Kalinga, sister of PANCHNAAM DEVTA. As per the wish raja Haalrai got married with Kalinga and after a while Rani Kalinga was expecting a baby.

Unfortunately 7 queens were extremely jealous of her, and to the end committed a cruel sin, immediately after birth they replaced the newly born baby with a set of stones (sill-lwada), later packed the baby in a box having seven locks and finally threw him out in the Kali River. Few miles away a fisherman (BHANA DHEEWARA) found a heavy stuff trapped in his fishing net, brought it up, and got surprised to see the baby inside. Bhana Dheewara and his wife were barren, they decided to take a good care of the baby, with immense care and love they let grew him up. This embodiment has started showing his magic since his childhood.

Once upon a time, Raja Haalrai while on hunting saw this child riding on a wooden horse near the bank of river Kali. The King could observe the extraordinary divine power on his face…he was keep gazing at him for a while…..and finally asked about what he doing there. The Child replied he is there to let his horse drink water. Surprisingly king asked about, how a wooden horse can drink water. Innocently child replies back, ‘if a queen can give birth to stones then why couldn’t his wooden horse drink water”. The king was astonished with the reply and earnestly enquired about the child. Detectives of the palace identified him, after knowing the story he brought him back to his palace and declared him the prince of Gadi Champawat.

Later he ruled the whole Kingdom and endows his public with a trustful justice irrespective of the various critical issues. His highness Gol-jew is known to be the God of justice. He was a great warrior and his lore of bravery and justice are still sung by the local folk artistes during various fairs, jagars and baisi.

Although every village of Kumaon has a temple of His-highness Golu Jew, though it is believed that the original is said to be the one located at Goluchaur Champawat. Other famous temples are located at Chaura (Someshwar), Ratkote (Manan), Tarikhet, Manila, Gagrigol, Chuthan, Ghorakhal and the most famous one at Chitai (Almora). People after failing to get justice from other sources used to appeals his-highness Golu Devta and offer bells after they get evenhanded. His-highness Golu Devta does justice and punishes the defaulter in several ways known as ‘Chetak’ among folks. The defaulter has to compromise with the victim in a live combined worship called Jagar afterward puja is been done at his-highness Golu Devta’s temple.

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Janmashtami

Janmashtami also known as Gokulashtami marks the celebration of the birth of Lord Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna was born in the 'Rohini' nakshatram (star) to King Vasudeva and Devaki Devi on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Sravana. This festival is also known as Sri Krishna Jayanti and Krishnashtmi. The actual day of celebration can be on two different days as the star 'Rohini' and Ashtami may not be on the same day. These days correspond to the August and September months on the Gregorian calendar.

Sri Krishna is considered as the eighth avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu's, (one of three major Hindu Gods) on earth. He is considered to be the Lord's most glorious incarnations. It is said that his remembrance true heart brings extreme joy and pleasure because Sri Krishna himself was a manifestation of joy at all levels and in all walks of life. No other God in the Hindu pantheon, or for that matter in any other religion, is associated with so many romantic tales and so fully radiating with all the divine attributes as Sri Krishna.

Since Sri Krishna lived in luxury throughout his life, Sri Krishna Jayanti is celebrated with pomp and splendor. Plenty of sweets are made on this day. Among these are laddus (yellu oonde), chakli, cheedai, payasam (kheer), and so on. In addition, plenty of milk products especially butter, which was Sri Krishna's favorite childhood food, is given in offerings. A wide variety of fruits are also offered. The most common sweets made laddus and payasam.

Great indeed are his many Leelas and the way in which he charms one and all. Several sages and seers have paid homage to him. Narada, Sri Kulashekara Azhwar, Andal, Tirumangai Azhawar, Nammazhwar have sung glorious verses in praise of Lord Krishna who embodies Shudda Satvam. The Bhagavad Gita coming from the Lord is the absolute truth which has withstood the test of time and has formed the basis and inspiration for many Acharyas and Azhwars.

The life and message of Sri Krishna is the most stirring saga of one of the greatest saviour and profounder of Dharma. Born in the dungeons of Kansa who was out to kill him at the very moment of his birth, Sri Krishna's life is replete with many such mortal dangers which he successfully triumphs over. He was the unchallenged hero of his times both in terms of his bodily prowess and his intellectual brilliance.

Sri Krishna Jayanti, therefore, signifies not merely the birth of a great and Divine teacher of mankind in some distant past but the lighting of the spark of the Divine Power in every one of us, which spurs us on to play our dynamic part in this world of practical and hard realities with a sense of high spiritual purpose. Krishna represents the total power of attraction (Aakarshna Shakti) like a magnet of infinite rise. Hence Krishna is the source of joy.

The cultural aspects are represented by the traditionally dressed devotees. The raas or dance is also done with devotees taking part with spiritual fervor. Sri Krishna who manifests all levels of joy, is also the source of spiritual joy, which overrides mental or emotional joy, just as emotional joy overrides physical joy. If all the three are integrated and interdependent, then the observance of the festival takes on the full meaning of Sri Krishnaarpanamastu - let everything be offered to Sri Krishna.

Janmashtami 2011 - 22 August.

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About Janmashtami

King Kansa was the most absolute and tyrannical monarch of the period; the bare mention of whose name was sufficient to send fear through the hearts of all good and peace-loving people. His sister's name was Devaki upon whom his brother Kansa showered brotherly love. And that is the reason why, on the day of Devaki's marriage to Vasudev, when the time came for Devaki to travel to her husband's house, that king Kansa wanted to drive the carriage himself as a token of his brotherly love.

The newly married couple were simple and beautiful, yet noble and majestic to look at. They were really very happy. The royal carriage richly decorated with precious gems and ornaments, was being followed by a large retinue of people wearing colourful gala dresses. Everything was pleasant all round.

Suddenly the face of nature changed. The birds stopped singing; the sun was obscured by a cloud; the soft breeze became a howling wind creating dust storms. Ill omens were pointing to imminent danger. An unaccountable fear suddenly gripped the minds of all in the procession. At such a time, an unseen voice, an oracle, was heard from above which said:

"Oh you foolish one, whom are you driving so merrily? Would you not know that the eighth issue of her womb shall be the cause of your death?"

On hearing this, the terrible Kansa sprang up from his seat, drew his sword, and was about to kill his sister on the spot, had not Vasudev intervened. Falling upon his feet, on behalf of his newly married wife, reminding Kansa that not Devaki but her eighth child would be the cause of his death. So he requested Kansa most humbly, to spare her life, she being fully innocent, and promised, since he had fear from her children, that each and everyone of them would be given over to him. Kansa felt the force of the reason and agreed to the proposal of Vasudev.

Besides his newly married bride Devaki, Vasudev had another good wife, named Rohini and with these two loving and dutiful wives he managed to live in peace and comfort.

In the course of time, the first male child was born to Devaki. Vasudev, true to his word, sent the news to King Kansa, who sent his servants to fetch the child whom he instantly killed with his own hands. Six children were thus killed by the cruel king, who foolishly wanted to avert the course of fate.

In the case of the seventh child, somehow or other the womb appeared to be fruitless, although it was really transferred, through divine agency, from Devaki to Rohini, who in due course of time, brought forth a child that, on account of its transference from one womb to another came to be known by the name of Sankarshana.

Now when the time for the birth of her eighth child was approaching, Kansa ordered Vasudeva and Devaki to be cast into his prison, bound with the same chain.

Both the wife and husband did not know what to do. Every minute of their lives they called upon their only hope, their only deliverance, God. The solace of the unhappy, ardent prayers proceeding from the very bottom of their souls, incessantly flowed out of their hearts; and the almighty Lord of the universe, in His own mysterious ways, was infilling their souls with infinite power of endurance which kept the fragile vessels of their delicate frames steady and safe in that gloomy and stormy sea of life.

For us, there is a lesson to be derived from this. We can draw great comfort from the Gita where the Lord tells us: Ch.8,verse 58-"Fixing your mind on Me, you shall by my grace, overcome all obstacles..."

Devaki was about to usher into the world its saviour, and she along with her husband, bewailed her lot and beating her forehead said: "O darling, be not born of me to be smashed to death by the cruel king Kansa". And with this, both Devaki and Vasudeva fell into a swoon. In the gloom of that unconsciousness, suddenly a light flashed, and a beautiful youth of sixteen, holding mace and discus, conch shell and lotus in his four hands, rose above the horizon of their mental firmament, healing all their mental wounds, cheering and exhilarating them with his sweet smile."Father and mother, weep no more. I have come at last to your rescue and to the rescue of all the good people. Open your eyes and see me as your child. Carry me father to the house of your friend Nanda in Gokula. His wife Yashoda has given birth to a daughter just now. Exchange me for that daughter. Bring her back to this prison leaving me on the lap of Yashoda who will be sleeping at the time. Nothing shall bar your path".

With these words, the soul-solacing charming youth vanished.

When Devaki and Vasudeva opened their eyes, they saw the most charming and beautiful baby ever a parent was blessed with. That was at midnight of Ashtami-Rohini day, the divine baby was born in Prison. The earth and the heavens were filled with joy. Flowers blossomed, rains fell from the sky, peacocks danced, the gods rained flowers, and divine music was heard. Devaki and Vasudeva forgot their miserable condition for a while, looking at the smiling baby playing with its tiny limbs. The mother kissed the sweet face and forgot her danger. Then after a while, they realised the real state of affairs and both the husband and wife shuddered. Then the sweet instructions of the fascinating youth in the vision flashed into their minds. Vasudeva clasped the child at once in his bosom to start for Gokula, but found that his legs were in chains. He did not know what to do. In his haste he gave a jerk, and his legs were released! He sprang upon his feet and ran towards the door of his dungeon. The massive iron-barred doors were locked with three fold locks; but the guards were all asleep, and therefore fearlessly he gave a push forward and the gates were unlocked and flew open of their own accord. The crossing over the river Yamuna was just as miraculous. Vasudeva reached Gokula and to his astonishment found the door of Nanda's house open. He exchanged the babies and hurried back to the prison of Kansa. Early in the morning, all the people at Gokula came to know that a beautiful male child, a prince had been born the previous night at midnight to Nanda's wife, and their simple hearts were filled with unbounded joy.

Janmashtami History

Janmashtami is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna, the re-embodiment of Lord Vishnu who gave us the vital message of Bhagwat Gita- the guiding principle for every Hindu. Janmashtmi is celebrated with full energy all over the country. It is celebrated in various parts of India to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. It is observed on the eight day of the Shravan month according to the Hindu calendar. The temples throughout the country witness an extravagant and colorful celebration on this occasion.


Raslila (an act) is performed to recreate incidents from the life of Krishna and to commemorate his love for Radha.

Lord Vishnu is invoked in his human manifestation as Krishna on his birth anniversary in the festival of Janmashtmi. The idol of Krishna is taken for bath in the midnight and is placed in the cradle. Devotional songs and dances mark the celebration of this festive occasion all over the northern India.

Janmashtmi is a very auspicious night for those seeking for God's realization. It is the day when the supreme power appeared on earth. It may seem totally unbelievable that the creator that the creator himself appeared in a province, in a village in India. If you will try to understand all this, your mind will fail. So make one thing very clear that he came on earth because he had great compassion for all souls. He appeared to help the souls. He appeared among us. And what did he do? He did everything to help us.

On this day, in some parts of India, especially Maharashtra, youths celebrate it by breaking the clay pots filled with curd and butter suspended high above the ground. Young men and children form human pyramid to reach the pot and break it. This custom follows from Lord Krishna who use to steal butter from the villagers in this manner along with his friends. The reason for this is that Gokul; the place where Lord Krishna spend his childhood used to generate a lot of milk and people used to sell it in Mathura, thus depriving their children from milk and butter which was very essential for them.

Therefore in order to pay our homage to a such great god, we celebrate his birthday all over the country.

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Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full-moon day in the month of Sravan (July- August).

This day symbolises love, affection and a feeling of brotherhood and sisters tie a piece of thread, called rakhi around the wrist of their brothers, praying for their long life and happiness. This tradition of tying a rakhi has been coming down through the ages, since the vedic times.

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Rakhi 2011 date is: 13th August 2011

In year 2011 rakhi is on 13th August 2011 (Saturday).

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Festivals in Shravan Month

Shravan month is full of festivals and this is the reason why it is called as the holiest month of a year. Here is a list of festivals that fall in this month.

• Naga Panchami
• Shravani Purnima
• Raksha Bandhan
• Vara Lakshmi Vrata
• Rishi Panchami
• Sitala Saptami
• Janmashtami
• Ajaikadasi
• Pithori
• Pola

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Janmashtami Recipes

• Singhare Ki Puri
• Kheer
• Shrikhand
• Gopalkala
• Kalakand
• Murukku
• Peda

Krishna Janmashtami In Vrindavan

Janmashtami is a Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India. Colorful cultural programs all conducted all through the day, while in the midnight, aarti is performed and bhajans praising Lord Krishna are sung. A number of cultural programs are organized all through the day, to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. Small children are dressed in Lord Krishna and his playmate Radha's costumes, during the cultural programs. In addition to this, Raslila (dance drama) is conducted by various communities. The dance drama depicts some of the important phases of Shri Krishna, with special emphasis on the days spent by him in Gokul.

People indulge in making delicious recipes to savor on, after worshipping Lord Krishna. Sweets and desserts are the most preferred dishes, because Lord Krishna was known for his sweet tooth. This is the reason why most of the dishes prepared on Janmashtami are sweet. Moreover, many people observe a fast during the day, as a part of the celebrations. Certain diet is formulated for fasting, which is considered auspicious, when observed on the ceremonious occasion. Also known as Upavasa, fasting originated as a part of the offering that one could give to Lord Krishna, on his birthday - Krishnashtami. In the following lines, check out more information on Janmashtami fast.

Types Of Fast

Nirjal Fast
The ardent followers of Lord Krishna celebrate Janmashtami by observing Nirjal fasts, which literally means starvation. They would not consume even a drop of water, all through the day of Janmashtami. The fast is broken only in the midnight, when aarti is performed and prasad are offered to the deity. It is believed that nirjal fasts would help them get closer to the Almighty.

Phalahar Fast
Phalahar vrat is another type of fast observed on Krishna Janmashtami. This is somewhat lenient than the nirjal fast, because the person can consume milk and fruits during phalahar vrat. However, they refrain from cereals and other kinds of food stuff. The fast is broken in the midnight, after Janmashtami Puja. During both the types of Janmashtami fast, people pass their time by singing bhajans of Lord Krishna and chant mantra.

Food For Janmashtami Fast
Since Lord Krishna is particularly fond of milk, a variety of dishes using milk and its products are made during the fast. Sweets like Peda, Shrikhand, Kalakand, Vella Seedai, Neyyappam are prepared by the devotees, to offer to Lord Krishna. Sweet dishes including desserts (preferably kheer) are made at the time, when people observe fast. However, they would not consume the sweet dishes or any other food unless and until they have been offered to Lord Krishna. They would consume the mouthwatering delicacies only after breaking the fast, during the midnight of ashtami.

Janmashtami In Vrindavan

Janmashtami is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered the savior of humanity. The deity is worshipped for his extraordinary powers and unique charm. Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, took birth in the Dwapar Yug at the captivity of the demon King Kansa. According to the legends, Lord Krishna was born as the son of Devki (Kansa's sister) and Vasudev. Krishna was destined to kill Kansa and other demons and restore peace in the world. Born in Mathura, Krishna was brought up in Gokul, as the son of Nand and Yashoda. The small child was lovable brat, who wandered around with Gopis of the little town of Gokul. He spent his formative years in Vrindavan. Go through the following lines to know more about Janmashtami in Vrindavan.

Krishna Janmashtami In Vrindavan
Vrindavan is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in North India. Located 15 km away from Mathura (the birthplace of Lord Krishna), Vrindavan is at its best on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami. The place is location for as many as 5000 Hindu temples, both ancient and modern. The holy town of Vrindavan is situated along the banks of River Yamuna. It is significance in the history of Janmashtami, because Lord Krishna performed the rasleelas with his beloved Gopis at the place. On the auspicious occasion of Krishna Janmashtami, Vrindavan is filled with devotees who visit the place from the nook and corner of India, to offer prayers to their lovable deity - Lord Krishna.

The sound of bhajans and mantras echoes in vrindavan, on the festive occasion of Janmashtami. There, people start celebrating some seven to ten days prior to the exact date of the festival, because such is the influence of the place. Various plays are staged at different places in the town. Professional artists are called upon to give their best performance on the festive season, so that they are showered the blessings of Lord Krishna. Excerpts from the story of Janmashtami are depicted in the dramas, which are conducted all through the festive season.

Some of the important temples of Vrindavan, which are visited during Janmashtami, include Banke Bihari Temple, Rangnathji Temple, Shri krishna Balram Temple, Radharaman Temple and ISCKON Temple. The timings are fixed for various ceremonies and pujas that are conducted all through the day, in the temples on the occasion of Janmashtami. One of the important rituals of the temples is Abhishek (holy bath) during which darshans are open for the devotees. Most of the devotees who visit the temples to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna would have kept fast for the entire day and would break it only at the midnight, after the special Janmashtami puja.

Janmashtami In Mathura

Janmashtami is celebrated throughout the country with immense zeal and fervor in order to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. The celebration of Janmashtami is at its apex at the birth place of Lord Krishna i.e in Mathura. The city is about 145 kms from the national capital of India, New Delhi. It is said that it was one of the midnights of a Sharvan day, when Lord Krishna was born in the Rohini Nakshatra as the savior of humanity. Historians depict that this incident happened five thousand years back in the prison of the Demon King Kansa in Mathura. However, the holy land of Mathura still commemorates this pious and fortunate incident by grand celebration on this occasion.

The grand celebration at Mathura takes place at the actual birth place of Lord Krishna, which has now been rechristened into a grand temple known as Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir. Inside this temple, the statue of Lord's idol is placed in a room also known as the ‘Garbha Griha’. Here in Mathura, people celebrate all the Janmasthami celebrations at this temple. They religiously decorate the temple and their home in order to welcome their deity.

The celebration goes on for two days, in which they celebrate their first day by keeping day-long fast and celebrations and feast at midnight after the birth time of Bhagwan Krishna. The second day is also the day of celebratiosn and feasting. The entire city of Mathura is immersed in the devotion of Lord Krishna by singing, dancing and chanting in the names of Lord Krishna. It is expected that every year about 8 lakhs devotees turn up in Mathura on this occasion and the number is increasing day by day.

Janmashtami Celebrations

Krishna-Janmotsava (Midnight celebrations)
The midnight celebration is the celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna. It comprises of Pooja and other rituals. During the Pooja, the idol of Lord Krishna is bathed with milk and curd (panchamrit) and then rocked in the cradle. It is said that if you make any holy wish while cradling Lord Krishna with full heart, it is certain to be fulfilled. The entire Mathura city of Mathura gets immersed in the devotion of Krishna and the echoes of Krishna bhajan and bells. Lord is here fed with prasad of ‘Chhapan Bhog’ (Fifty six dishes). Later the devotees break their fast with these ‘bhog’ and panchamrit.

Performance of Rasleelas
The entire city of Mathura is then flooded with performance of the Rasleelas of Krishna by professional and amateur artists. Some of them are so mesmerizing that the devotees get overwhelmed with their devotion for Lord Krishna.

Jhanki (Tableau)
A Jhanki is a series of scenes depicting the various phases of one’s life. In a Krishna Jhanki, the different stages of the life of Lord Krishna are shown all over the Mathura. They include interesting incidents like - Janmlila, Shankarlila, Putanalila and Naglila.

Jhulanotsav
It is only in the Mathura City that during Jhulanotsav, the swings are hanged in courtyard of temples and all the houses to welcome baby Lord Krishna. The swings are decorated with beautiful flowers and bells to give a festive look.

Ghatas
The celebration of Sri Krishna's birth in Mathura is incomplete without Ghatas. It is a month-long exclusive feature, wherein all the temples of Mathura are adorned with the same color as per the selected theme. Even the idol of Lord Krishna is decorated with the same color.

History of Janmashtami

Celebrated on the eighth day of Savana month, Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The festival is celebrated across the length and breadth of India, by people following Hinduism. In fact, it is an important day for Hindus. The celebration goes on for two days. On the first day, the Raslila (dance drama) is performed, which depicts the important phases of Shri Krishna's life. The merrymaking reaches it peak at midnight stroke, when aarti is performed and bhajans are sung to praise the Lord. Small children are dresses as the young Krishna and his playmate Radha. Then there are folklores and stories which are recited on the occasion, they are generally connected to the history of Janmashtami, which can be traced back to the ancient era. Read the following lines to get information on the history of Janmashtami.

The history of Janmashtmi dates back to thousand years. There are also several legends and stories associated with this festival. If you start exploring the origin of the festival, you will end up listening to thousands of folklores related to Krishna and his birth. It is believed that Lord Krishna was the incarnation of Vishnu, one of the three most important Hindu Gods. It is commonly believed that he took birth for killing Kansa, the unreligious demon king of Mathura and other demons, to establish a kingdom of peace, prosperity and religion on earth and to spread the message of brotherhood and humanity.

In his preaching to Arjuna in the Holy Bhagvad Gita he says ‘Whenever the balance of the universe is disturbed by external interference from any of its parts, then I reveal myself as the Power of eternal balancing. For the protection of those who are in harmony, and the rectification of everything disharmonious, I incarnate myself at every juncture of time.’ So, it is assumed that the form of God will return back on earth for the establishment of peace, religion and prosperity in society once again when required. The celebration of Janmashtami is also a way to commemorate his holy deeds on earth for the mankind.

Historians calculate that the birth of Lord Krishna goes back to the Dwapar Yug. It is in the year of Visvavasu around 3227 BC when Lord Krishna was born. He was born on a dark, stormy night on the day eight day of the second fortnight of the month of Shravana which now corresponds to the month of August-September in the Gregorian calendar. Born in the prison of Demon Kansa, from Kansa’s sister Devaki and Vasudeva, Krishna was declared to be the savior of mankind and the end of Kansa even before his birth. Krishna, right from the day of birth exhibited that he was a special child and there was extraordinary powers with him. Throughout his childhood and adolescence in Gokul, he did many things which made people believe that he was a form of God. Since then, the people of Nandgaon celebrated the birth of Krishna as a day of fortune.

Even thousands of years after his heavenly abode, people observe this day as a day of fortune and commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna by fasting and feasting. People believe Krishna to be the ultimate savior of the world. One who unlike other gods, can be regarded, as a lover, friend, divine guru or one’s own child. People mesmerized with Krishna’s persona and deeds can be seen singing and dancing in the name of Krishna to eternity on the day of Janmashtami. It is the deep faith and devotion of people towards him that the festival is still celebrated with a great honor, joy as well as elation as it was celebrated thousands of years back.

Janmashtami

Janmashtami also known as Gokulashtami marks the celebration of the birth of Lord Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna was born in the 'Rohini' nakshatram (star) to King Vasudeva and Devaki Devi on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Sravana. This festival is also known as Sri Krishna Jayanti and Krishnashtmi. The actual day of celebration can be on two different days as the star 'Rohini' and Ashtami may not be on the same day. These days correspond to the August and September months on the Gregorian calendar.

Sri Krishna is considered as the eighth avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu's, (one of three major Hindu Gods) on earth. He is considered to be the Lord's most glorious incarnations. It is said that his remembrance true heart brings extreme joy and pleasure because Sri Krishna himself was a manifestation of joy at all levels and in all walks of life. No other God in the Hindu pantheon, or for that matter in any other religion, is associated with so many romantic tales and so fully radiating with all the divine attributes as Sri Krishna.

Since Sri Krishna lived in luxury throughout his life, Sri Krishna Jayanti is celebrated with pomp and splendor. Plenty of sweets are made on this day. Among these are laddus (yellu oonde), chakli, cheedai, payasam (kheer), and so on. In addition, plenty of milk products especially butter, which was Sri Krishna's favorite childhood food, is given in offerings. A wide variety of fruits are also offered. The most common sweets made laddus and payasam.

Great indeed are his many Leelas and the way in which he charms one and all. Several sages and seers have paid homage to him. Narada, Sri Kulashekara Azhwar, Andal, Tirumangai Azhawar, Nammazhwar have sung glorious verses in praise of Lord Krishna who embodies Shudda Satvam. The Bhagavad Gita coming from the Lord is the absolute truth which has withstood the test of time and has formed the basis and inspiration for many Acharyas and Azhwars.

The life and message of Sri Krishna is the most stirring saga of one of the greatest saviour and profounder of Dharma. Born in the dungeons of Kansa who was out to kill him at the very moment of his birth, Sri Krishna's life is replete with many such mortal dangers which he successfully triumphs over. He was the unchallenged hero of his times both in terms of his bodily prowess and his intellectual brilliance.

Sri Krishna Jayanti, therefore, signifies not merely the birth of a great and Divine teacher of mankind in some distant past but the lighting of the spark of the Divine Power in every one of us, which spurs us on to play our dynamic part in this world of practical and hard realities with a sense of high spiritual purpose. Krishna represents the total power of attraction (Aakarshna Shakti) like a magnet of infinite rise. Hence Krishna is the source of joy.

The cultural aspects are represented by the traditionally dressed devotees. The raas or dance is also done with devotees taking part with spiritual fervor. Sri Krishna who manifests all levels of joy, is also the source of spiritual joy, which overrides mental or emotional joy, just as emotional joy overrides physical joy. If all the three are integrated and interdependent, then the observance of the festival takes on the full meaning of Sri Krishnaarpanamastu - let everything be offered to Sri Krishna.

Janmashtami 2011 - 22 August.

Krishna Bal Leela

Janmashtami

Lord Krishna is one of the most loved and adored Gods of Hindu religion. The foremost reason of the glorification and reverence of Bhagwan Krishna is his Bal Leela. Bal Leela depicts various episodes between the period of his birth till the age of ten. Lord Krishna right from the time of his birth displayed the signs of his divine being.

Killing of Demoness Putana
According to legend, King Kansa wanted to kill Krishna as it was predicted that he would grow up to kill the King. So Demoness Putana went about killing all the male infants in Mathura and other neighboring towns in the move to kill the new born Lord Krishna. She took the form of a beautiful woman and smeared her breast with poison. While roaming from one town to another, she reached Nand baba's house, and saw Bal Krishna lying in the cradle. She then fled with the child and fed Lord Krishna her milk in the vain hope of killing him. Lord Krishna kept smiling and drinking the milk and after a while Putana shrieked with pain. It is said that while sucking the milk, Lord Krishna sucked her life thus killing her.

Overturning the Cart by Lord Krishna
As per a folklore, during one of the birth ceremonies of Lord Krishna, Mata Yashoda kept fast asleep Krishna under a cart full of milk . Lord Krishna started crying for milk after getting up, but Mata Yashoda didn't hear his cries so Lord Krishna kicked the cart with his feet and overturned it. The pots were shattered and milk started flowing into his mouth. When the story of overturned cart was narrated to Mata Yashoda, she could not believe it.

Episode of Displaying the Cosmos to Mother Yashoda
Legend has it that one day Mata Yashoda was cuddling Lord Krishna and playing with him. The child lying on his mother's lap yawned and opened his mouth. Mata Yashoda saw the whole universe in his mouth, the sun, the moon and all the stars, the sky, mountains, rivers, islands, oceans, all the continents, all living as well as non living beings.

Killing of Demon Trinivarta
It is believed that King Kansa sent one of his loyal servant, Demon Trinivarta to kill Lord Krishna. The demon took the form of a whirlwind and carried the child away. As soon as the demon reached the sky, he found it difficult to proceed further on account of the heaviness of the child. Unable to bear his own weight as well as the weight of the child, demon Trinivarta fell on the ground and met his fate. His took his original form after the death and Mata Yashoda was astonished to see her child lying on the dead demon.

Episode with the Fruit Seller
According to another famous folklore, Lord Krishna went to a woman fruit seller and asked her to give him some fruits in exchange for a handful of grains. The woman took the handful of grains from Lord Krishna and put in her basket and left. On reaching home, the woman was astonished to see her basket full of precious stones and gems instead of grains.

Episode of Omnipresent Lord Krishna
Bal Gopal was very mischievous and found great pleasure in playing pranks on gopis. He would steal their milk, butter, break their earthen pots to get butter. One day Lord Krishna, broke all the earthen pots of a gopi in order to get butter. On being caught red handed, the gopi went to mother Yashoda to inform her of her son's mischievous deeds. She was shocked to see the Lord standing next to his mother; Feeling embarrassed she left the place.

There are many more popular Bal Leelas of God like the killing of demons Aghasura, Bakasura, brothers of demoness Putana . Mata Yashoda tying Lord Krishna with a rope but each time the rope would fall short by a few inches is another famous episode of Krishna Bal Leela.

Lord Krishna’s Disappearance

Janmashtami

Lord Krishna, the 10th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, took birth on earth with a purpose. The main objective of taking human form by the divine being was to rid mother Earth from the cruelties and increasing power of the demons.

Life Span of Lord Krishna
It is believed that Bhagwan Krishna lived on Earth with brother Balram for 125 years. The first ten years of his life were spent in the towns of Gokul and Vrindavan, in Northern India. The following years beginning in the 11th year of Lord's life till the age of 28 were spent in Mathura. Sri Krishna later established Dwarka, a city in Gujarat and lived the rest of his life there with his wife Rukmini and sons.

Legends of Lord Krishna's Disappearance
According to researchers, Lord Krishna disappeared on 18th February 3102 BC. The period after his disappearance marks the beginning of Kaliyug. It is said Bhagwan Krishna had predicted that exactly seven days after the disappearance of the Lord, the Golden city of Dwarka in Gujarat will drown in the sea. Indeed Dwarka city is said to have been merged in sea owing to torrential rain. There are quite a few reasons assigned to Lord Krishna's leaving his spirit for the heaven. They are as follows:

About Janmashtami

Krishna represents the supreme personality of Godhead. This fact is stated in the Vedic scriptures and by various authorities. Lord Brahma in Brahma Samhita says, "Krishna is the supreme Godhead. He has an eternal blissful spiritual body. He is the origin of all. He has no other origin and he is the prime cause of all causes".

In one of India's spiritual book it has been stated that " In this material world, which is full of darkness and dangers, combined with birth and death and full of different anxieties, the only way to get out of the great entanglement is to accept loving transcendental devotional service to Lord Krishna. This is accepted by all the classes of philosophers" So in order to pay our respect to this mighty God, the festival of Janmashtmi is celebrated throughout the country.

About The Festival Janmashtami
The festival of Janmashtmi is celebrated eight days after the full moon to celebrate the birthday of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna was born to the proud parents Devaki and Vasudeva. It was none other than Devaki's own brother Kans who imprisoned Lord Krishna's parents at the time of his birth because it was predicted that the eight child of Devaki and Vasudeva would kill Kans. However the night on which Krishna was born, there was severe storm and somehow Vasudeva managed to take Lord Krishna to Gokul, to give him under the care of Yashodha and Nand.

Janmashtami History

Janmashtami is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna, the re-embodiment of Lord Vishnu who gave us the vital message of Bhagwat Gita- the guiding principle for every Hindu. Janmashtmi is celebrated with full energy all over the country. It is celebrated in various parts of India to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. It is observed on the eight day of the Shravan month according to the Hindu calendar. The temples throughout the country witness an extravagant and colorful celebration on this occasion.


Raslila (an act) is performed to recreate incidents from the life of Krishna and to commemorate his love for Radha.

Lord Vishnu is invoked in his human manifestation as Krishna on his birth anniversary in the festival of Janmashtmi. The idol of Krishna is taken for bath in the midnight and is placed in the cradle. Devotional songs and dances mark the celebration of this festive occasion all over the northern India.

Janmashtmi is a very auspicious night for those seeking for God's realization. It is the day when the supreme power appeared on earth. It may seem totally unbelievable that the creator that the creator himself appeared in a province, in a village in India. If you will try to understand all this, your mind will fail. So make one thing very clear that he came on earth because he had great compassion for all souls. He appeared to help the souls. He appeared among us. And what did he do? He did everything to help us.

On this day, in some parts of India, especially Maharashtra, youths celebrate it by breaking the clay pots filled with curd and butter suspended high above the ground. Young men and children form human pyramid to reach the pot and break it. This custom follows from Lord Krishna who use to steal butter from the villagers in this manner along with his friends. The reason for this is that Gokul; the place where Lord Krishna spend his childhood used to generate a lot of milk and people used to sell it in Mathura, thus depriving their children from milk and butter which was very essential for them.

Therefore in order to pay our homage to a such great god, we celebrate his birthday all over the country.

Over half million pilgrims visit Amarnath shrine

Srinagar, Jul 21 (PTI) The number of pilgrims to the 3,880 metre high holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir crossed half a million mark - a record achieved during the first half of the 46-day annual pilgrimage.The footfall at the cave shrine, housing the naturally formed ice-shivlingam, touched the five lakh mark this afternoon, official sources said.The annual pilgrimage commenced on June 29 from the twin tracks of Baltal in Ganderbal and Pahalgam in Anantnag district and scheduled to end on August 13 coinciding with the Hindu festival of 'Raksha Bandhan'.This is for the first time in the history of the yatra that five lakh pilgrims paid their obeisance at the shrine during the first 23 days and the number is expected to surpass the highest figure of 5.33 lakh recorded in 2008.In 2004, the duration of the pilgrimage was increased from 30 days to 45 days and during that year the highest number of 3.82 lakh pilgrims visited the cave shrine.In 2005, 3.88 lakh pilgrims visited the shrine followed by 3.47 lakh pilgrims in 2006 and 2.96 lakh pilgrims in 2007.The year 2009 saw 3.81 lakh pilgrims, while 4.56 lakh pilgrims offered their prayers at the shrine despite unrest in the Valley last year.The yatra was going on smoothly from both the tracks, the official sources said adding that fresh batches of over 8,000 pilgrims left the base camps of Baltal and Nunwan towards the holy cave shrine this morning.Meanwhile, a 65-year-old pilgrim died of cardiac arrest at Sheshnag along the traditional 42-km Pahalgam route, taking the death toll in the ongoing yatra to 81, the sources said.Govind Raja Ram, a resident of Maharashtra, died at Sheshnag last night, they said.

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Bhudda Amarnath yatra to commence from August 1

Jammu, July 20 (PTI) The annual Bhudda Amarnath yatra in Jammu and Kashmir's border district of Poonch will begin from August one."The annual Bhudda Amarnath yatra will start in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir from August one," National Vice Coordinator, Bajrang Dal, Rajesh Panday told reporters here today.The first prayers will be held in the Himalayan shrine of Lord Shiva in Mandi belt of Poonch district on August one, he said, adding that the first batch for the yatra will leave from Bagwati Nagar basecamp in Jammu from August 2.The yatra would be for a period of 10 days and will commence from Jammu, Panday said.Over 2 lakh pilgrims are expected to visit the border shrine, he said.He also appreciated the efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir government for including the shrine in pilgrim tourism and constructing a yatri bhawan in the shrine complex for trouble-free stay of pilgrims.
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The Legends of Rakhi/Raksha Bandhan

Origin
The Shravana or the monsoon month carries all hues and shades of nature and emotions. Religiously speaking Shravan is a pious month and full moon of this all-important month is considered to be a very holy day. It is celebrated in different ways for different reasons almost throughout the country.

For the siblings it is the eternal tie of love, for Brahmins the day to take the pledge of Brahmanik rites and for those who depend sea and monsoon, it is the beginning of the new season.

Indian festivals are based on the weather changes and their significance in the lives of people but they do have a story to support the celebrations. The rich Indian Mythology provides a religious reason to celebrate the day in a specific way. Many epics are related to the day and the origin of Raksha Bandhan. The festival finds a mention in most of the epics and its origin can be traced back to the mythological Pouranik times.

The legend in the Bhavishya Puran
The legend refers to a war between the Gods and the Demons. The demon King Brutra was advancing and the Gods lead by lord Indra, were on verge of defeat. The king of Gods, Indra approached Guru Brihaspati to find a solution to the situation. Brihaspati asked Indra to tie a sacred thread on his wrist, powered by the sacred mantras on the Shravan Purnima. Lord Indra's Queen Sachi also called Indrani, empowered the thread and tied it on to his hand on the decided day. The power of the sacred thread called Raksha helped the Gods to victory.

The tradition of thread tying still continues. It is a gesture of goodwill.

The legend of King Bali and Goddess Laxmi
According to another legend Demon King Bali was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu had taken up the task to guard his kingdom leaving his own abode in Vaikunth. Goddess Laxmi wished to be with her lord back in her abode. She went to Bali disguised as a Brahmin woman to seek refuge till her husband came back.

During the Shravan Purnima celebrations, Laxmiji tied the sacred thread to the King. Upon being asked she revealed who she was and why she was there. The king was touched by her goodwill for his family and her purpose and requested the Lord to accompany her. He sacrificed all he had for the Lord and his devoted wife.

Thus the festival is also called Baleva that is Bali Raja's devotion to the Lord.It is said that since then it has been a tradition to invite sisters in Shravan Purnima for the thread tying ceremony or the Raksha Bandhan

Yama and the Yamuna
It is said that the Raksha Bandhan was a ritual followed by Lord Yama (the Lord of Death) and his sister Yamuna. Yamuna tied rakhi to Yama and bestowed immortality. Yama was so moved by the serenity of the occasion that he declared thar whoever gets a rakhi tied from his sister and promised her protection will become immortal.

In the Epics
Raksha Bandhan finds a mention in Mahabharata when Lord Krishna advised Yudhishthir to perform the ceremony to protect himself and the army from the dangers of the war. It is said that Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas tied rakhi to her grandson Abhimanyu and Draupadi to lord Krishna.

Raksha Bandhan in History

The traditional Hindu festival 'Raksha Bandhan' (knot of protection) was came into origin about 6000 years back when Aryans created first civilization - The Indus Valley Civilization. With many languages and cultures, the traditional method to Rakhi festival celebration differs from place to place across India. Following are some historical evidences of Raksha Bandhan celebration from the Indian history.

Rani Karnawati and Emperor Humayun
The story of Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun is the most significant evidence in the history. During the medieval era, Rajputs were fighting Muslim invasions. Rakhi at that time meant a spiritual binding and protection of sisters was foremost. When Rani Karnawati the widowed queen of the king of Chittor realised that she could in no way defend the invasion of the Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah, she sent a rakhi to Emperor Humayun. The Emperor touched by the gesture started off with his troops without wasting any time.

Alexander The Great and King Puru
The oldest reference to the festival of rakhi goes back to 300 B.C. at the time when Alexander invaded India. It is said that the great conqueror, King Alexander of Macedonia was shaken by the fury of the Indian king Puru in his first attempt. Upset by this, Alexander's wife, who had heard of the Rakhi festival, approached King Puru. King Puru accepted her as his sister and when the opportunity came during the war, he refrained from Alexander.

Lord Krishna and Draupathi
In order to protect the good people, Lord Krishna killed the evil King Shishupal. Krishna was hurt during the war and left with bleeding finger. Seeing this, Draupathi had torn a strip of cloth from her sari and tied around his wrist to stop the bleeding. Lord Krishna, realizing her affections and concern about him, declared himself bounded by her sisterly love. He promised her to repay this debt whenever she need in future. Many years later, when the pandavas lost Draupathi in the game of dice and Kauravas were removing her saari, Krishna helped her divinely elongating the saari so that they could not remove it.

King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi
The demon king Mahabali was a great devotee of lord Vishnu. Because of his immense devotion, Vishnu has taken the task of protecting bali's Kingdom leaving his normal place in Vikundam. Goddess lakshmi - the wife of lord Vishnu - has became sad because of this as she wanted lord Vishnu along with her. So she went to Bali and discussed as a Brahmin woman and taken refuge in his palace. On Shravana purnima, she tied Rakhi on King Bali's wrist. Goddess Lakshmi revealed who she is and why she is there. The king was touched by Her and Lord Vishnu's good will and affection towards him and his family, Bali requested Lord Vishnu to accompany her to vaikuntam. Due to this festival is also called Baleva as Bali Raja's devotion to the Lord vishnu. It is said that since that day it has become a tradition to invite sisters on sravan pournima to tie sacred thread of Rakhi or Raksha bandan.

When is Raksha Bandhan 2011

Rakhi on August 13, 2011, Saturday

Feasted with the love and enamor with care, every soul is ready to celebrate the sacred festival of raksha bandhan on 13th August, 2011. The day which has become the cynosure of brotherhood, is celebrated around the world, with the rays of love and affection blooming in it. Rakhi festival is not only a ceremony of tying rakhi but it has moreover transited into the trust and love which a girl ties on her brother's wrist and hope that this hand will always hold her in every ups and downs of life.

As per the Hindu calendar rakhi festival falls on the shravan purnima(full moon day), which corresponds to the month of July-August as per the English calendar. The day is being celebrated as per the Indian calendar, which changes every year, hence the festival also falls on the different dates of the English calendar. So all brothers be ready to stand on the threshold of festive moments and see your sister beaming with joy when you surprise her with amazing gifts.

In Mumbai, rakhi festival is called narial purnima or coconut full moon and keralean people called the occasion as the avani avittam. Every region has their own names and ways for enjoying the occasion but the real spirit of the day enliven in every part, which swabs the true color in the mirage of the India.

Security increased in Haridwar ahead of Shravan pilgrimage

In view of the recent blasts in Mumbai and heavy inflow of pilgrims during auspicious Shravan month of the Hindu calendar, security in the holy city of Haridwar has been increased.

Thousands of pilgrims from across India have started converging at the banks of River Ganga here for the annual pilgrimage, beginning tomorrow.

The district administration has deployed a large number of police personnel, including some in white clothes, at locations like Chandighat and Premnagar, where heavy rush of kanwarias (pilgrims) are expected, officials said.

On major roads, connecting Haridwar with other major cities, vehicular traffic has either been fully suspended or partially suspended, seeing the rush of bare feet pilgrims.

A senior police official said in the wake of Mumbai blasts, strict security vigilance is being maintained and kanwarias have been barred from bringing articles like tridents and hockey sticks.

Vishu Festival 2011 in Kerala

Vishu 2011 Festival in Kerala

Vishu festival is an important festival celebrated in Kerala, South India. Vishu is the new year festival of Kerala, and is observed on the 1st day of the Malayalam month of Medam (usually April 14th or 15th every year). Malayalis celebrate Vishu as the astronomical or zodiac New Year in Kerala. In 2011, Vishu festival is on 15th April 2011, Friday.

Vishukkani or Vishu Kani

Vishukkani is the most important event in Vishu. Vishu Kani literally means “the first thing to be seen on Vishu day”. Visnukani is a traditional ritual of arranging several auspicious things to be seen on the Vishu day in the early morning. Some of the important things which are arranged include an idol of Lord Krishna, nilavilakku, Kanikonna flowers (Cassia fistula), raw rice, golden cucumber, betel leaves, arecanut, metal mirror, coins, and coconut. The custom is that every member of the family has to wake up at dawn and go the puja room or the place where Vishukkani is arranged and open the eyes and see the Vishu Kani as th first sight for a better year ahead.

Vishu Kaineetam

Vishukaineetam is a ritual of giving money (earlier it was gold and silver coins) by elder members of the family to children, tenants and servants.

Vishu Festival in Kerala Temples

The famous temples in Kerala – Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple, Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Neyyattinkara Sree Krishna Swamy Temple will arrange "Vishukkani Kazhcha" on the early hours of "Vishu" day for devotees. There will be a heavy rush by thousands of devotees to have a Vishukkani Kazhcha of their favourite gods. Though all temples in Kerala celebrate Vishu festival, Vishukkani in temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu are of more importance.

New Year Festivals in other Indian States

Vishu is similar to the New Year festivals of other states in India - Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Bisu in Tulu Nadu region in Karnataka, Naba Barsha in Bengal, Bihu in Assam, Baisakhi in Punjab, and Vishuva Sankranti in Orissa.

Temple treasure set to go beyond Rs 1 lakh crore

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The fate of the vault 'B', which is the only one remaining to be opened in the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple for preparing an inventory, will be decided on Friday. The seven-member committee directed by the Supreme Court to take stock of the treasures and list them would meet on Friday to take a decision. The vault is likely to be opened by the end of next week only.

The contents of 'B' vault that has not been opened for more than a century are believed to outsmart those which had already been revealed. Precious stones and large quantities of antique gold ornaments and gold utensils are supposed to be stashed in this chamber which is closed with strong metal doors.

Sources said when the belongings of 'B' vault are valued, the total asset of the temple may cross the stunning sum of Rs1 lakh crore. This will make Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple the richest temple in the world.

On Monday, the 'F' chamber, which is one of the 'nityadi ara' (opened daily where items for daily use are kept), was opened to list the articles. It was found that the chamber consists of pooja utensils, jewellery of the Lord, several small and big idols, golden umbrellas and other items. The exercise was done in the chamber in the presence of the 'nambi' as only he is supposed to enter and handle the items. Total value of these articles will be around Rs 10 crores.

The inventorying exercise began in the temple vaults on June 27. The small vaults such as 'C', 'D' and 'E' were opened initially. The vault 'A' was opened on Thursday where the treasure trove found have made the temple the richest in the country. The examiners will submit an interim report to the Supreme Court in a day or two.

Lord Vishnu's royal servants guard his riches

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As Sree Padmanbha Swamy temple's glittering gems are valued and tagged, it's not just the diamonds that shine but also the royal family of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore.

It's an ode to the family's unflinching devotion and integrity that not a penny has gone missing from the billions stored in the cellars of the centuries-old shrine administered by the royals.

Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma, current head of the royal family, refuses to comment on the stock-taking exercise till the last paisa is counted. "Till then, only my eyes would speak," he insists.

What makes the family's story vis-a-vis the temple all the more compelling is that the rulers always knew of the riches, yet never touched them. "The riches are mentioned in the book "Pradhanapetta Mathilakom Records" (Important Mathilakom Records) compiled by acclaimed Malayalam poet Ulloor S Parameswara Iyer and published in 1941. They also figure in the "Kottaram" (Palace) manual which runs into 12 volumes," says noted historian M G Sasibhushan. "These records refer to the sacred cellars from which treasure is being dug out."

Observers talk of the symbolic significance of the practice of royal family members dusting sand off their feet when they emerge from the shrine. "It was meant to convey that the family members would not take home or misappropriate even a speck of sand belonging to Padmanabha," they say. In fact, the present head, Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma, religiously follows the rule of paying of Rs 151 and 55 paise to the temple if he fails to make it to the shrine on any day.

Unlike other royals, the Travancore family has stayed away from opulence with descendants more inclined towards art and culture.

"There was also a rule that the affairs of the palace should be run from the proceeds of its spice business and not with money from the state treasury," says Sasibhushan. This is followed even now. The present ruler's nephew Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, next in line to head the family, runs the Aspinwall Company, which to this day supplies pepper to Buckingham Palace and many more European royals," Sasibhushan says.

Though the kingdom of Travancore lapsed in 1949 following the Instrument of Accession with the Union of India, the management of the temple remained with the royal family by virtue of a covenant.

Travancore extended from Kanyakumari (now in Tamil Nadu) in the south to Aluva (Ernakulam district) in the north. Padmanabhapuram (now in TN) was its first capital, but this was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram by Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma, better known as Dharma Raja, so called because he refused to let go of refugees who had fled Malabar following Tipu Sultan's onslaught. He succeeded Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, first ruler of Travancore, and is credited with formation of the state.

The family, which ruled over erstwhile Travancore, has had a long lineage of visionary rulers. In fact, it was a bold move by the first Marthanda Varma in 1750 that inextricably bonded the temple and the palace. The king donated the wealth of the kingdom to the deity Padmanabha (Lord Vishnu) and ruled the state as "Padmanabha Dasa" (servant of
Padmanabha).

Some important names in the family are Swathi Thirunal (1813-1846), legendary Carnatic musician, who promoted English education and the last king Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma (1912-1991), who abolished the death sentence making Travancore the first territory in India to do so. The last king issued the landmark Temple Entry Proclamation in 1936 doing away with the ban on "untouchables" entering temples. C P Ramaswami Iyer, then Diwan influenced the king's decisions.

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Lord's riches worth more than Rs 1 lakh cr

NEW DELHI: The Kerala temple treasure find keeps getting bigger. It has already captured the imagination of the country and has stirred a debate about the value and how it should be deployed.

While a final word is yet to emerge about the exact valuation, reports that have appeared peg it at around Rs 1 lakh crore. The staggering amount can help the cash-strapped Kerala state fund several of its programmes and transform its economy.

The amount that is being bandied around could also meet the cost of rolling out the Food Security Act (around Rs 70,000 crore) and the rural job guarantee scheme spending of Rs 40,000 crore.

If deployed for economic benefits, it could meet the Centre's education budget for two-and-a-half years and is Rs 82,000 crore more than what the government hopes to collect this year. It can help meet the central government interest and debt payment liability for over four months and is equivalent to seven month's defence spending.

Experts say the value of the treasure trove could be more if the antique value is taken into account. An independent evaluation by international experts could push up the valuation significantly while it may fetch a premium from investors if it is auctioned because of the religious sentiments and heritage value.

The value so far is more than the budget of three states — Delhi, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand and at least 50% higher than Posco's proposed investment of $12 billion (Rs 54,000 crore) in India. It equals BP's investment plans of $20 billion (Rs 90,000 crore) in India, including acquisition of a stake in Reliance Industries' oil and gas acreages. The value is equal to nearly one-third the market value of India's top firm, Reliance Industries Ltd, and almost equal to software giant Wipro's market capitalization of Rs 1.04 lakh crore.

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Bad weather suspends Amarnath pilgrimage

The Amarnath pilgrimage was suspended this morning because of bad weather on both routes leading to the cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag District .

Earlier on Thursday, a third batch of 2, 163 devotees left the Jammu base camp for the Amarnath shrine amidst tight security.

The pilgrims included 1340 male, 529 female, 97 children and 197 sadhus. They left in a cavalcade of 55 vehicles.

Adequate security arrangements have been made for pilgrims from Pahelgam and Baltal base camps upto the holy cave.

Administration has made every possible arrangement along the route for the pilgrims.

The helicopter service has also started for the pilgrims from Baltal to Panjtarni and from Pahalgam to Panjtarni.

The one-way heli-fare for Baltal-Panjtarni and Pahalgam-Panjtarni has been fixed at 2425 and 3450 rupees respectively. Children, in the age group of 2-12 years, will be required to pay half of the aforesaid prices.

The Amarnath cave shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main shrine is claimed to be over 5,000-years-old.

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18,000 pilgrims proceed towards Amarnath cave shrine

SRINAGAR: More than 18,000 pilgrims were on Thursday allowed to move towards the Amarnath cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir on the second day of the annual pilgrimage, officials said.

"A total of 15,463 pilgrims were allowed to proceed towards the holy cave from north Kashmir's Baltal base camp this morning," a senior paramilitary officer said.

Around 3,000 pilgrims were allowed to proceed towards the cave shrine from south Kashmir's Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp on Thursday, said a senior police officer from Pahalgam.

Hundreds of buses, taxis and private cars carrying pilgrims from different parts of the country continu to arrive.

In its advisory issued for the pilgrims, the local weather office on Thursday forecast cloudy skies with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers along both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes.

Heavy traffic jams on the Srinagar-Baltal road, especially from Ganderbal town towards the base camp, have affected normal life in many areas.

"It has taken us six hours to negotiate the heavy traffic jam from Baltal to Ganderbal town. It is quite frustrating," said Suhail Ahmad, a local resident.

Locals in Haripora village, which is adjacent to the Manigam transit camp of the yatra, also complained of noise pollution.

"Since yesterday, there has been so much loudspeaker activity for the entire night that one cannot sleep," said Abdul Majid, a resident of the village.

Authorities are battling hard to control the heavy rush of pilgrims.

"The problem is that we are fully geared to receive the pilgrims who have registered for the day but the huge rush of unregistered pilgrims is frustrating our plans," said an official.

The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) which conducts the annual yatra has also issued an advisory to the pilgrims making it clear that unregistered pilgrims would not be allowed to undertake the yatra.

"We have to look after the welfare of the pilgrims. We also have to ensure that the delicate environment along the yatra route and at the base camps is not adversely affected," an SASB official said.

"This is not possible if we allow unforeseen number of pilgrims to undertake the pilgrimage. There has to be discipline and system. This can only be maintained once we know the exact number of yatris we would be handling each day," he added.

Around 25,900 pilgrims, including the unregistered ones, proceeded towards the shrine on Wednesday from both the camps.

The 13,500 feet high Himalayan cave houses a stalagmite which is believed to represent the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

The 14-km long mountain trek from Baltal to the cave shrine passes through glaciers, mountain streams and tricky narrow paths where pilgrims have to move very carefully.

The 42-km long mountain trek from Pahalgam to the cave shrine passes through Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panjtarni where pilgrims make night halts before reaching the cave shrine.

The Pahalgam route is the traditional one. It is considered to be safer than the Baltal route although it takes three days for pilgrims to reach the cave shrine while pilgrims return via the Baltal route the same day.

The pilgrimage will last until Aug 13, when Hindus will celebrate Raksha Bandhan.

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Heavy rain halts Amarnath Yatra

NEW DELHI: The annual Amarnath Yatra was on Friday temporarily suspended from the Baltal route as heavy rain continued to lash parts of north India.

Downpour triggered a flood-like situation in southern Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and caused landslides in Uttarakhand, where hundreds of pilgrims were reportedly stranded at various places. "The Amarnath Yatra from Baltal route has been stopped temporarily due to inclement weather. A decision on allowing the pilgrims to proceed further will be taken only after the track is declared safe," a Yatra committee official said in Srinagar.

Hundreds of pilgrims going to three shrines of Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri in Uttarakhand were stranded due to landslides. At least 10 people have died in rain-related incidents in the state in the last fortnight.

Puish Rautela, executive director of Uttarakhand Disaster Management Mitigation Centre at Dehradun, said highways along the Rishikesh-Gangotri , Dehradun-Yamnotri and the Rishikesh-Badrinath routes suffered damage . The Rajasthan government has taken up rescue operation. At least 2,000 people in several flood-hit villages of Baran and Kishanganj have been moved to safer places. Baran district authorities put the crop loss at Rs 70 crore.

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