VISHU

The first day of Medam (mid-April) is the new year day for Malayalees. People believe that the fortunes for the next year depend on the nature of the objects one sees in the early morning of Vishu. For this purpose, Kani (an omen) with articles like yellow flowers (Kani Konna), yellow coloured cucumber, rice, betel nuts, gold coins etc. is displayed in front of the deity in homes. Devotees also prefer to see Vishu Kani at Temple in the early morning.

 

The Vaishakha is the lunar month starting from new moon of Medam (April-May). Vaisakha Masam is considered as one of the most sacred months among the Hindu Lunar Months. According to Skandha Puraana; Krutha Yuga among the ages; Holy river Ganga (Ganges) water among the Theerthas; Jala Daana (donating water) among charities; and Vaisaakha maasam among the months are said to be the best. It is the sacred month in which three of Lord Vishnu’s incarnations’ viz. Parashuraama (sukla Thrutheeya); Naarasimha (sukla Chaturdasi) and Kuurma (sukla Pournami) avatharas have taken place. Vaisaakha Sukla Trutheeya is celebrated as Akshaya Thrutheeya one of the most auspicious days in Hindu calendar. According to sacred scripts it is said to be the day Tretha Yuga had commenced reckoned as Tretha Yugaadi. According Simhachala Kshethra Mahatmya, Vaisaakha maasam is the sacred month Lord Vishnu manifested in dual form (Varaaha + Naarasimha) at Simhachala Kshethra during Krutha Yuga. The Vaishakha vratham (fast) is auspicious and sacred to Vishnu. The vratham can be followed in the routine of morning ablutions, feeding the poor, keeping fast, taking prasadams from the offerings to the Lord and participating in the divine discourses.

 

Shukla Dwadasi is the name for the 12th Tithi (lunar day). It's the 12th Tithi of Shukla paksha. Its nature is Yasha Prada, which can be interpreted as "fame giver". It's good for following works peaceful or Paushtik works, first feeding, Upanayana, marriage, movable or fixed works.

 

The Vaishakha is the lunar month starting from new moon of Medam (April-May). The third day of this month - Akshaya-thrithiya. It was on this day that Goddess Annapoorna Devi was born. Kubera received his wealth and position as custodian of wealth and property with Goddess Lakshmi on this day, by praying to Lord Shiva at Shivapuram.It is traditionally observed as the birthday of Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of God Vishnu. Balarama Jayanti is celebrated  on this day as the birth anniversary of Lord Balarama who was the elder brother of Lord Krishna. It is observed on Shravan Purnima in many parts of the country and on Akshaya Tritiya day in other regions of India. Lord Balarama is known to be the extension of Lord Krishna and all their deities pray on this day and feel certain amount of positive energy in themselves during the puja.

 

Narasimha Jayanti is another important festival among the Hindus and is celebrated on Vaisakh Chaturdashi (14th day) of the Shukla Paksha. Among the incarnations of Lord Vishnu; Naarasimha avathara has attained a rare significance and unique importance.  All His avatharas are generally in a single form. But Nrusimha avathara is that of a dual form; Nara + Simha.  According to sacred scripts, Naarasimha-avathara occurred in Krutha Yuga during Vaisaakha maasam on the lunar day of sukla Chaturdasi in the constellation of Swathi during Pradosha time. To commemorate incarnation of Lord Naarasimha, special celebrations are held every year on this day called Nrusimha Jayanthi.  Narasimha is the fourth incarnation of it Lord Vishnu where he appeared as a man-lion that is the face was like a lion and the trunk was like a man. He had killed demon Hiranyakashipu on this day. All Lord Vishnu devotees also observe fast on this day. It is known that Narasimha appeared during the sunset on Chaturdashi and that is why the puja is performed during those hours. The purpose of Narasimha Jayanti is to remove Adharm and to follow the path of Dharam. Dharam is to perform correct deeds and not harm anyone. It is believed that Buddha born on this day.

 

This period is devoted to the worship of Goddess Bhagawathi (Lalitha Paramewswary) Bhagawathi Seva and Bhagawathi Puja is performed during the month to invoke the divine Mother’s Blessings to ward off all evils and to bring in peace and prosperity. It is observed in the month of ‘Karkidakam’ of the Malayalam calendar while in the Gregorian calendar it corresponds to the months of July to August. This festival is also popularly known as ‘Karkadaka Masam’. During this time, there is a ritual to read ‘Ramayana’ on all the days of the month in almost all Hindu households. Hindu organizations perform this ritual in almost all temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Ramayana is one of the greatest Hindu epics that hold great religious significance. During the Ramayana Masam, the recitation of Ramayana starts from the first day of the Karkidakam Masam and continues till the last day.

 

This was the day when Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa – author of the Mahabharata – was born to sage Parashara and a fisherman's daughter Satyavati; thus this day is also celebrated as Vyasa Purnima. Veda Vyasa did yeoman service to the cause of Vedic studies by gathering all the Vedic hymns extant during his times, dividing them into four parts based on their use in the rites, characteristics and teaching them to his four chief disciples – Paila, Vaisampayana, Jaimini and Sumantu. It was this dividing and editing that earned him the Honorific "Vyasa" (vyas = to edit, to divide). "He divided the Holy Veda into four, namely Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva. The histories and the Puranas are said to be the fifth Veda."

 

Malayalees all over the world are celebrating the first day of the Malayalam new year, Chingam. The occasion, which falls in the month of August or September, is considered the beginning of the harvest season. Important festivals like Onam, Sri Krishna Jayanti and Ganesh Chaturthi are also celebrated in the month of Chingam, making it one of the most auspicious times of the year.

 

Bhagavata Saptaham is narration and explanation of the contents of Srimad Bhagavatam over a period of seven days with a definite time schedule by a well-learned scholar. It is conducted during the month of August/September every year. The first Saptaham was held for Shri Parikshit Maharaja who was cursed by the Brahmin boy as the Maharaja put a dead snake on the neck of his father, a Muni who was meditating. Then a perfect gentleman, a Rajarshi who was the grandson of the noble Pandavas mistook that the Muni was acting though meditating as he wanted to avoid the King. The boy cursed that let the king by died by the bite of the snake Thakshaka on the seventh day, on hearing the sapa, the King laid on the side of Ganga river and heard the Bhagavatha from Sri Suka Brahmarshi for seven days. The Bhagavath Katha anusmaran is now being followed as Saptaha in memory of the great event. Shrimad Bhagavatham is a great sacred text which has no parallel in world history.

 

Lord Mahavishnu was incarnated as Sreekrishna on the day Ashtami and Rohini conjoined in the month of Chingam (August-September). Ashtami Rohini is the celebration of the birthday of  Lord Krishna. This is the same as Janmashtami in the north India with regional variations. Ashtami Rohini falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September) under the fourth lunar asterism or Rohini Nakshatra, on the 8th quart of the moon Ashtami. Ashtami Rohini, also known as Gokulashtami and Krishna Jayanti or Janmashtami. Time is passed with recreational activities and merriment. It is only after performing the traditional poojas at midnight that the devotees partake things that have already been offered to the Lord. People should keep awake till midnight observing fast. When the moon rises fast can be broken after worshipping God. Rice should not be eaten for the whole day and Bhagavad-Geetha had to be recited day and night. Palpayasam and Neyyappam (cakes of rice paste and jaggery)are important offering to Lord Krishna and considered to be Lord's favorite food.

 

Ganesh Chaturthi, the day marking the birth of the Lord, is celebrated in a grand manner  and it falls in the Hindu lunar month of Bhadra. Lord Ganesh is considered to be the God who has the ability to best of wisdom and wealth upon humans. All the new undertakings, whether at place of work or at home, start by reciting the mantra of Lord Ganesha. He is known as the God of good luck and prosperity. Therefore, before any auspicious occasion, Hindus performs the puja of Lord Ganesha, to achieve success in it. The most popular legend associated with Lord Ganesha can be found in the Shiv Purana. It says that Lord Ganapati was created out of the dough that Goddess Parvati used for her bath. The Goddess wanted a door-keeper, to prevent the coming of any visitors when she took a bath. So, she created a doll from the dough and breathed life into him. The day she did this came to be known as the birthday of Lord Ganesha, which we today celebrate as Ganesh Chaturthi. One day, while Goddess Parvati was taking her bath, Lord Shiva happened to visit her. Ganesha did not know him, so he did not allow the Lord to enter the house. This made Lord Shiva angry and he beheaded Ganesha. Later, when he came to know the truth, he fixed the head of an elephant in place of Ganesha's head. With this, the appearance of Lord Ganesha changed and he came to have the head of an elephant.

 

On the Uthradam day of the month of Chingam (August - September), Uttrada Kazhcha “Kazhchakula Veppu” (bunches of Banana) is performed as offering to the Lord, and on Thiruvonam day devotees attend and pray in large numbers.

 

The tenth and final day of Onam celebrations that culminates the 10 days of Onam Carnival. The day is known as Thiru-Onam (Sacred Onam Day). Myth says that this was the day Mahabali was sent to the netherworld (Pathalam) by Vamana. The day marks the return of Mahabali to his fabled land (Kerala), as per the boon he received from Vamana to meet his peoples and others and bless them. Apart from this myth, this day is considered auspicious being birthdays of several temple deities representing Vishnu, like Vamana of Thrikkakara temple, Sree Padmanabha Swamy of Thiruvananthapuram etc.

 

Literally, Navarathri means 'Nine nights'. This festival is celebrated over nine days in Kanni Masam (September-October) and culmination on Vijayadasami, in which God is worshiped in the form of Mother. This is a period of introspection and purification. Navratri is traditionally an auspicious time for starting new ventures. During this period, Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati are worshiped as three different manifestations of Shakti or Cosmic energy.The last three days of Navratri are most important. The last three days are known as Durga Ashtami, Mahanavami, and Vijaya Dasami.

 

On Ashtami day, there is the ceremony known as 'Puja Veppu'  is performed in the evening in temples and houses. It signifies the beginning of formal education for every child aged 3-5 years. Books  of education are offered to the goddess to be blessed. According to Hindu mythology, Saraswathi is the goddess of learning and this annual offering will invoke blessings for one's progress.

 

Maha Navami is celebrated on the navam (or the ninth) day of the Shukla paksha. According to mythological stories, Devi Durga's battle against Mahishasur, the king of demons lasted for nine days. The ninth day is the final day before the Goddess won over the evil with her power and wisdom. So Maha Navami is also considered the eve of starting anything new on Vijaya Dashami.

 

On Vijayadasami day, the books  are taken back by a ceremony called Poojayeduppu. Vijayadasami day is considered to be most auspicious for new ventures. Vidyarambham is  done either when the child reaches three or five years old. On the tongue of the child the letters "Hari Sri Ganapataye Namah Avignamastu" and all the  alphabets are written with a piece of gold. The child is made to write the same letters from "Hari Sri" onwards with its ring finger on raw rice in a bell metal vessel and the child is made to utter each word when it is written. Either the father of the child or an eminent teacher officiates at this ritual Little children are initiated into the world of letters by elderly persons on this day.

 

Deepavali is linked to the celebration of Lakshmi, who is venerated amongst Hindus as the goddess of wealth and prosperity and is the wife of Lord Vishnu. The 5-day festival of Diwali begins on the day Goddess Lakshmi was born from the churning of cosmic ocean of milk by the Devas (gods) and the Asuras (demons); while the night of Diwali is the day Lakshmi chose Vishnu as her husband and they were married. Along with Lakshmi, devotees make offerings to Ganesha, who symbolizes ethical beginnings and fearless remover of obstacles; Saraswati, who embodies music, literature and learning and Kubera, who symbolizes book-keeping, treasury and wealth management. Other Hindus believe that Diwali is the day Vishnu came back to Lakshmi and their abode in the Vaikuntha; so those who worship Lakshmi receive the benefit of her good mood and therefore are blessed with mental, physical and material well-being during the year ahead.Hindus across the world celebrate Diwali in honor of the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana from exile of 14 years after Rama defeated Ravana. To honor the return of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana from Lanka and to illuminate their path, villagers light Diyas to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. For some, Diwali also celebrates the return of Pandavas after 12 years of Vanvas and one year of "Agyatavas" in Mahabharata.

 

Mandala Pooja begins on the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam. The first step to pilgrimage begins with the 41-day fast of penance, known as Virutham. This Virutham (fasting process) comprises of a strict regimen that includes, physical, mental and spiritual preparation and must be strictly adhered to during this period. The Sabarimala Temple is famous for the 41-day 'Mandala Kaalam' - an auspicious period that begins on the first day of the Malayalam month 'Vrischikam' in mid-November. The Sabarimala temple is not easily accessible and requires a combination of systematic practice and prolonged penance under strict rules.There is a profound meaning in every tradition and practice related to Sabarimala. The pragmatic thoughts are based on the Vedanta philosophical traditions. The system prescribes in details about the rituals and offering to Lord Ayyappa;  the essential items, the precise food articles that are allowed during the journey to Sabarimala. As devotees trek the five tedious, inhospitable mountains to reach Sabarimala, they have to follow certain rituals related to this spiritual journey. 
The route to Sabarimala through steep hills in itself is challenging. The terrain path through the dense forest can only be accomplished by adhering strict commitment with a focus to attain Sannidhanam experience, followed by the darshnam of the deity.The prolonged penance and trekking are the two disciplines that are aimed at giving rejuvenation to one's body and soul. The trekking on tough terrain of the mountains is an essential part of the pilgrimage. It signifies how devotees is suppose to cope with the lack of facilities, and move on to climb the rough mountains in order to attain spiritual strengthening. A true Ayyappa devotee fully understands that he is following a unique system on his way to Sabarimala; even the first timers are also well-versed with natural difficulties that may come their way during this extraordinary pilgrimage.

 

There are 24 Ekadasis in a year and the Vrishchika Ekadasi (Suklapaksha) has got special significance in Guruvayur. Ekadashi that falls in the waxing phase of moon in the Malayalam month Vrishchikam (November – December) is observed as" Guruvayur Ekadasi" in the world famous Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple in Kerala. It is believed that on this day the idol was installed. It is also on this day Lord Krishna preached the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, to Arjuna in the battlefield of Kurukshetra at Mahabharata Yudha (Mahabharata War) as per Malayalam calendar.

 

Once, Lord Vishnu was in Yog Nidra. A demon Murdanav challenged him to a duel. A damsel arose from the Ekadashi (eleven) indriya (organs) of Lord Vishnu. Murdanav got attracted towards damsel, and he asked damsel to marry him. The damsel agreed, but only if he agreed to a duel with her. Blinded by her beauty, demon agreed to a fight with her, and she killed him. Lord Vishnu granted damsel a boon. She wanted to be named Ekadashi and people should observe Ekadashi fast and control their Ekadash indriya on this day. Lord Vishnu blessed her with a boon.

Another legend says that once when Lord Maha Vishnu visited the abode of Yama, he heard heart rending cries of people tortured for their sins. The Lord wanted to save them from more suffering and uttered the word Ekadasi. The very mention of the word removed all their sins. Observance of Ekadasi is believed to have a purifying effect. It is believed that the sins of a life time are washed away if one happens to see the Guruvayur Ekadasi Vilakku (festival of lights). Legend says that on Guruvayur Ekadasi, Lord Indra comes with Kamadhenu and gives all material wealth and offers worship to receive Sri Krishna's blessings.

Ekadasi, the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight, is very auspicious to the Hindus. Of the 24 Ekadasis in a year, the Vrishchika Ekadasi (Sukla paksha) has got special significance in Guruvayur, Kerala. It falls in the Mandala season. The Navami (9th day) and Dasami (10th day) are also very important. It is also called Geetha Dinam and celebrated in the temple.

The first Wednesday of the month of Dhanu (December) is celebrated as Kuchela Dinam.  It was on this day after several years Kuchela the poor Brahmin childhood friend of Lord Krishna Kuchela, visited Bhagawan Sree Krishna the ruler of Dwaraka to ask some financial help to overcome his poverty. He carried with him handful of aval/poha (beaten rice). This beaten rice was of poor quality and it was filled with mud and stones. On reaching, the palace of Krishna at Dwarka, Kuchela was warmly welcomed by Bhagawan Sri Krishna. It is said ‘Athiti Devo Bhava’ (Guest are equal to God) and Lord Krishna treated Kuchela like a God. Kuchela was ashamed to give the ‘aval’ to Krishna as it contained stones and mud and now it was also soaked in his sweat. Bhagawan noticing the small bag in the hand of kuchela soon grabbed it and ate a handful of ‘aval’. Kuchela could not believe his eyes, Krishna, the king, eating his poor quality aval.The poor Brahmin was so overwhelmed by the love shown by Krishna that he forgot to ask for financial help and returned home empty handed. On reaching his village Kuchela could not find his old hut. Instead his hut was replaced by a palace. His wife and children were wearing good clothes and everything that was old and worn out was replaced with new. It didn’t take long for Kuchela to realize that all this was the ‘leela’ of Bhagawan Sri Krishna.  Avil offering to Lord Sree Krishna is considered auspicious on this day.

This divine leela of Bhagawan Sri Krishna is celebrated as the Kuchela Dinam at Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple . To commemorate the offering Kuchela, thousands of devotees will throng the temple and offer avil nivedhyam to Sree Guruvayurappan on this day.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is an important Ekadashi observance that falls on the ‘ekadashi’ (11th day) of the Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of moon) in the month of Dhanu in Malayalam calendar. This date corresponds to the months of December to January. This is observed with all solemnity in the temples of Lord Vishnu. The significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi can be traced back to the Padma Purana. The Purana indicates that Bhagavan Vishnu took the form of ‘Ekadasi’ – female energy – to kill demon Muran. This happened during the month of Margazhi. Impressed by ‘Ekadasi,’ Vishnu told her that whoever worships him on this day will reach ‘Vaikunta’ (heaven). It is widely believed that the gates to the heaven open - the Gate of Vaikuntha - on the Vaikunta Ekadasi day. It is one of the most auspicious days in Vishnu Temples in South India. The ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to the heaven’ is opened on this day. This is the passage encircling the innermost sanctum of the Lord. It was also believed that on this day that during the “Sagara Manthana” (churning of the ocean), ‘Amrit’ (nectar) emerged out of the ocean and was distributed to the Gods. Vaikuntha Ekadashi fasting is an important aspect of those associated with it. People fast the whole day and keep vigil. Special prayers are offered to Vishnu and devotees engage in Japa (chanting of Vishnu's name) and Dhyana (Meditation). On 'Dashami', the previous day of the observance, devotees who take up Vaikuntha Ekadashi fasting are to take only lunch. On Ekadashi, the next day, they have to maintain a complete fast and engage in prayers and meditation of Vishnu and hey are strictly prohibited in taking rice. That night, people keep vigil the whole night and visit the temple of Vishnu, mostly in the wee hours of the morning.

 

This is an annual festival held on 14^th January (Makar Sankranti) in Kerala, India at the shrine of Sabarimala. A celestial star known as Makara Jyothi is seen every year on 14^th January. On this day, every year thousands of pilgrims from all over the country visit Sabarimala. Makaravilakku is a light born that appears during Ponnambalamedu hills situated in Sabarimala. This light is seen thrice during that date. It is seen till the Thiruvaabharanam is placed upon the lord. Makaravilakku and Makara Jyothi are different concepts. Although both are seen on the same date every year, while the latter is a celestial star appearing in the sky and the former is a light appearing in the sky. The light appears thrice on the same day. Makaravilakku is the heart of Sabarimala. It is its most important aspect. Pilgrims from the entire nation come to Sabarimala every year in order to view this strange light. This attraction is enormous. Their belief is that it is a natural light. Although Makara Jyothi is natural and seen in the sky every year, this light has been found to be artificially created to catch everyone’s attention.

 

MAHA SHIVARATRI
Maha Shivratri, the night of the worship of Shiva, falls on the Krishna Chathurdasi day, on the 14th night of the new moon during the dark half in the month of Megha or sometimes in Phalguna also. Shivratri is the night when Lord Shiva have performed the Tandava Nritya . In Kerala the month of Kumbham is noted for the Sivarathri festival it falls on a moonless February night when Hindus offer special prayer to the lord of destruction.The festival is observed for one day and one night only.

NARAYANA  NARAYANA  OM NAMO BHAGAVATHE VASUDEYA  NARAYANA  NARAYANA