Monthly Archives: September 2016

The Great Leelas and exploits of Lord Krishna

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Shri Krishna is most famous and probably the most written about among the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. His stories are magical, inspiring and humane. He guided and accounted for Pandava’s victory in Mahabharata war. Here are some interesting and unknown facts about him.

He was born in a prison

Lord was born in Rohini Nakshatra as the eighth son of Devki and Vasudeva.Though Kamsa wanted him dead, on that night the prison doors opened and his father Vasudev took him to safety in Nand Village.

Birth of Lord Krishna

His gurudakshina to Sage Sandipani

Lord Krishna, along with his brother Balarama, went to study under the tutelage of Sage Sandipani, who was known for his knowledge and wisdom. Sage Sandipani’s teachings had a profound impact on Lord Krishna’s life, and he is said to have taught Lord Krishna the art of warfare, diplomacy, and the use of divine weapons. He brought back the son of his guru (teacher), Sandipani, who was dead. Thus he paid his Gurudakshina to Sage Sandipani.

Sage Sanidpani gave education to Lord Krishna and Lord Balrama

Reunion with his six brothers

Many of us do not know that he also brought back the six sons of Devki (seventh and eighth being Balrama and himself) for a brief reunion. Names of these six sons are Smara, Udgitha, Parishvanga, Patanga, Kshudrabhrit and Ghrini.

These six sons were earlier grand sons of Hiranyakashyap and they were living under a curse.

Killing of Kansa

Kansa or Kamsa was Kalanemi in his earlier birth.  Kalanemi was killed by Lord Vishnu.  The six sons of Devki were Kalanemi sons in his previous birth and they were cursed by Hiranykashyap that they would be killed by their father. Hence Kansa, duly kills six sons of Devki in their next birth. The six sons of Kalanemi were known by the names of Hamsa, Suvikrama, Kratha, Damana, Ripurmardana and Krodhahanta.

Krishna killing Kansa

Why did Lord Krishna laugh when Ghatotkacha died?

After Ghatotkacha’s death, Lord Krishna is said to have laughed, which puzzled many of the Pandavas and their allies. However, Lord Krishna’s laughter was not out of callousness or insensitivity towards Ghatotkacha’s death. Instead, he knew that Pandavas victory was assured and Dharma will win. The sacrifice of Bhima’s son will ensure the victory of Pandavas.

Gandhari’s curse

Gandhari’s curse to Lord served two purposes. In his earlier avatar as Lord Rama(incarnation), he killed Bali. He assured Tara (Bali’s widow) that Bali would be able to exact his revenge in his next birth. The hunter Jara was  Bali reborn, and in this life, he ended Shri Krishna’s stay on earth with a simple arrow. Thus Gandhari’ s curse and his assurance has been fulfilled.

Death of Bali

Shri Krishna and his wives

Shri Krishna had a total of 16,108 wives, of which only eight were his princely wives, also known as Ashtabharya. Shri Krishna wife names are as following. Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Nagnajiti, Kalindi, Mitravinda, Bhadra and Lakshmana.

His marriage to Rukmini

Rukmini is also considered to be an avatar of Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune. Shri Krishna married her after she sent him a letter to come and abduct her and save her relatives from a fight. When he was eloping with Rukmini,  Rukmini’s brother Rukmi came and fought, before being defeated by Shri Krishna. His other  16,100 wives were rescued from Narakasura. They had been forcibly kept in his palace and after Krishna had killed Narakasura he rescued these 16,100 women and freed them.

Lord Krishna and Rukmini
Lord Krishna and Rukmini

Tulabharam

Out of his wives, Satyabhama had some ego while Rukmini was fully devoted to Lord Krishna. There is a famous incident of Tulabharam, which has established the simplicity of Rukmini was better than the wealth of Satyabhama.

Tulabharam Shri Krishna
Tulabharam Shri Krishna

He had eighty sons

He had eighty sons from his eight queens (Ashtapatrani’s). From each of his queen, he had ten sons. Pradyumna was the son of Rukmini. Samba was the son from Jambavati, who was cursed by the sages which later became the reason of destruction of Yadu clan. Shri Krishna himself done penance of Lord Shiva to obtain a son like him. Incidentally, Lord also cursed Samba to be affected by leprosy. Courtesy of Sage Narada.

He advised Arjuna to abduct his sister Subhadra

Shri Krishna’s sister Subhadra was born to Vasudev and Rohini. She was born after Vasudeva was freed from the prison. Balrama wanted her to be married to Duryodhana, who was his favourite disciple. But Rohini and other did not want this. To overcome this situation, Shri Krishna advised Arjuna to abduct Subhadra. He also asked Subhadra to hold the rains of the chariot, so it was technically not an abduction. Balrama was pacified later on, and the marriage was performed at Indraprastha.

Subhadra haran

Radha’s existence?

There is no mention of Radha in scriptures. Neither Mahabharata, Nor Shrimad Bhagwat mention this. This fact is too important to missed by greats like Ved Vyasa. Probably, this was included by Jayadev and became famous from there.

His relation to Ekalavya

Ekalavya was actually Krishna’s cousin. He was the son of Devashrava (brother of Vasudeva) who got lost in the forest and was found by a Nishada Hiranyadhanu. Ekalavya died protecting his father during Rukmini Swayamvar. He was killed by Krishna. For his great sacrifice of Gurudakshina Krishna blessed Ekalavya that he would be soon reincarnated and take revenge on Drona. This person was Dhristadyumna (who kiled Drona).

He fought with Arjuna

He is arguably the most difficult character to understand. Once, he even started fighting with Arjuna. Lord Shiva got so perturbed that he descended to stop the fight. He asked what he was doing. Krishna’s simple reply was that Arjuna needed to fight in battle and hence he was testing Arjuna.

Who all heard Bhagvad Gita

The narration of the Bhagvad Gita by Lord was heard firsthand not only by Arjuna but also Hanuman and Sanjaya. Hanuman was perched on top of Arjuna’s chariot throughout the battle of Kurukshetra and Sanjaya was blessed by Ved Vyasa with divine vision in order to narrate the events of the battle to Dhritharashtra.

Killing of Sambarasura by his son Pradyumna

Pradyumna was  the son of Lord, was an incarnation of Kamadeva. Kamadeva was turned to ashes by Lord Shiva in the earlier life. In this life, he was abducted by Sambarasura and drowned in the ocean, but somehow survived and appeared in his kitchen. He was looked after by Mayavati, who was an incarnation of Rati. She told him that how Sambarasura has tried to kill him when he was ten days old, and asked him to kill Sambarasura.

Pradyumna immediately went before Sambara and challenged him to fight. Pradyumna began to address him in very strong language, so that his temper might be agitated and he would be moved to fight. Soon, a fight started and Pradyumna beat and killed Sambarasura.

Read - facts from Mahabharata

His relation to Pandavas

Pandavas were related to Shri Krishna from mother’s side. Their mother, Kunti, was the sister of Vasudev, father of Shri Krishna.

Sudarshan Chakra

Shri Krishna’s favourite weapon was Sudarshan Chakra. Its notable uses were in killing of Shishupala and more importantly, it was used to create the illusion of sunset which led to the killing of Jayadratha.

Killing of Kaalyavan

There was demon named Kaalyavan, who was summoned by Jarasandha to fight Shri Krishna. He realized that beating him would take some time, so he used a boon on Muchkund to neutralize Kaalyavan. Muchkund was sleeping in a cave and he had a boon that the first person he sees after waking up, will be turned to ashes. Lord entered the cave and hid behind a rock while Kaalyavan happened to wake up Muchkund, and soon, was left to ashes.

Krishna and Karna

Lord was the first person who told Karna about the secret of his birth. He was trying to persuade Karna while he was in Hastinapur, desperately trying to avert the war. Karna has politely refused his offer and requested him to not to divulge this secret to Pandavas.

Krishna and Gopis

During Raas Leela, Lord danced with gopikas. While dancing, all gopis thought that the Lord was dancing with them.

Rasleela with Gopis

Durvasa curses Krishna

Durvasa did not spare Lord also from his curse. One day, Durvasa was eating kheer (a sweet dish made of rice and milk) in persence of Lord. Durvasa ordered Lord to apply the left over kheer on his body. He applied it on the full body but did not apply on his feet thinking of the kheer to be consecrated. Durvasa got angry at this and curses Krishna that since you did not obey my orders and did not apply the kheer on your legs,your legs will not remain impenetrable and unbroken. It is the famous story that he left this world because an arrow by a hunter hurt his toe.

Krishna’s Viratroopa

Duryodhana foolishly tried to imprison Lord when he came for negotiations. Shri Krishna shows all the kings his great form (Virat roopa) . Knowing this Dhritrashtra, also pleaded to allow him to see him once in this form which was granted. The poorer souls shut their eyes while the pious ones were benefited.

Questionnaire on Shri Krishna

What happened to Shri Krishna after his death?

How did Shri Krishna appear as laddu Gopal?

Which god was worshiped by Lord Shri Krishna?

What is the actual date of birth of Shri Krishna?

What happened to the Pandava and Shri Krishna after Mahabharata?

What is mentioned about lord shri krishna in avesta
How can we add shri krishna to our lives
Why did shri krishna leave jarasandha 17 times in the war alive
What did shri krishna give to arjuna

Do you know the story of Kautsa? This is related to Vijaya Dashmi

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Kautsa had to provide 14 crore gold coins to his guru.

It is said that after completion of his studies he insisted on his guru Varatantu to accept ‘gurudakshina’. After lots of request his Guru, finally asked for 14 crore gold coins, one crore for each of the 14 sciences he taught Kautsa. Kautsa then went to king Raghuraj, the ancestor of Rama who was known for his generosity but just at that time he had emptied all his coffers on the Brahmins, after performing the Vishvajit sacrifice. So, Raghuraj went to Lord Indra and asked for some gold coins. Indra in return asked Kuber, the god of wealth to make rainfall of gold coins on the “shanu” and “apati” trees round Raghuraja’s city of Ayodhya. In this manner Raghu was able to fulfill his promise to Kautsa. The remaining coins were lavishly dispersed to the people of Ayodhya city. As this event happened on the day of ‘Vijaya Dashmi’, it has become a custom of this day to collect “apati” leaves and exchange it as auspicious gifts.

Navratri legends

कर्ण ने गुप्त रूप से दिया अर्जुन को जीवनदान – When Karna given life to Arjuna

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महाभारत के युद्ध में भीष्म पितामाह ने यह शर्त रखी थी की जब तक वह कौरवों के प्रधान सेनापति है तब तक कर्ण कौरवों के पक्ष से युद्ध में हिस्सा नहीं ले सकतेl भीष्म पितामह की इस शर्त के कारण विवश कर्ण अपने पड़ाव में बैठे युद्ध का समाचार सुनते रहते और छटपटाते रहते थेl

जब अर्जुन के प्रहारों से भीष्म पितामह बाणों के शरशय्या पर पड़ गए तब गुरु द्रोण कौरव सेना के प्रधान सेनापति हुए तथा दुर्योधन के कहने पर गुरु द्रोण ने कर्ण को इस युद्ध में हिस्सा लेने की आज्ञा दे दीl अब कर्ण भी युद्ध में शामिल हो चुके थे और महाभारत का यह युद्ध अपनी चरम सीमा पर थाl

भगवान श्री कृष्ण हर समय यह प्रयास करने की कोशिश करते कि युद्ध में कहीं अर्जुन और कर्ण का एक दूसरे से सामना ना हो जाएl एक बार कुरुक्षेत्र में अर्जुन और कर्ण का एक दूसरे से सामना हो ही गया तथा दोनों एक दूसरे पर तीरों की वर्षा  करने लगेl कर्ण अब अर्जुन पर हावी होने लगे थेl कर्ण  ने अर्जुन पर अनेक तेज बाणों से प्रहार करना शुरू कियाl कर्ण का जब एक भयंकर आघात अर्जुन पर आया तो श्री कृष्ण ने अपना रथ नीचे कर दियाl

Arjuna kills Karna

Arjuna kills Karna

कर्ण का वह बाण अर्जुन के मुकुट के ऊपरी हिस्से को काटता हुआ निकला और आश्चर्य की बात तो यह थी की वह बाण वापस कर्ण के तरकस में आ गया तथा क्रोधित होकर कर्ण से तर्क-वितर्क करने लगाl

कर्ण के द्वारा छोड़ा गया वह बाण क्रोधित अवस्था में कर्ण के तरकस में वापस आया था बोला- कर्ण अबकी बार जब तुम अर्जुन पर निशाना साधो तो ध्यान रहे कि निशाना अचूक होना चाहिए. अगर में लक्ष्य पर लग गया तो हर हाल में अर्जुन मृत्यु  को पा जाएगा तथा उसकी रक्षा किसी भी हालत में नहीं हो सकती. इस बार पूरा प्रयत्न करो तुम्हारी प्रतिज्ञा अवश्य ही पूर्ण होगी.

कर्ण ने जब यह सुना तो उन्हें बड़ा आश्चर्य हुआ तथा उन्होंने उस बाण से उसका परिचय पूछा व बोले मेरा अर्जुन के वध करने का संकल्प लेने के पीछे कई कारण है परन्तु मैं यह जानना चाहता हूँ कि आखिर आप के मन में अर्जुन के वध को लेकर इतनी प्रबल इच्छा क्यों है ?

कर्ण के यह पूछने पर उस बाण में से एक सर्प  प्रकट हुआ, वास्तविकता में उस बाण में एक सर्प का वास थाl  उसने कर्ण को अर्जुन से द्वेष रखने का कारण बताते हुए एक कथा सुनाई l

सर्प बने बाण ने अपना परिचय देते हुए कहा, हे ! वीर मैं कोई साधारण तीर नहीं हूँ, मैं महासर्प अश्वसेन हूँ. अर्जुन से प्रतिशोध  लेने के लिए मेने बहुत लम्बी साधना और प्रतीक्षा कर रखी है इसलिए आज मैं तुम्हारी तरकश में हूँ क्योकि एक तुम ही हो जिसमे अर्जुन से समाना करने का सामर्थ्य है.

अर्जुन ने एक बार खांडव वन में आग लगा दी थी. आग इतनी प्रचण्ड थी कि उस आग ने वन में सब कुछ जलाकर राख कर दिया थाl उस वन में मैं अपने परिवार के साथ रहता था तथा उस प्रचण्ड अग्नि ने मेरे पूरे परिवार को जला दिया व मैं उनकी रक्षा नहीं कर पायाl

इसके प्रतिशोध के लिए मेने बहुत लम्बी प्रतीक्षा की है l तुम सिर्फ ऐसा करो कि मुझे अर्जुन के शरीर तक पहुंचा दो इसके आगे का शेष कार्य मेरा घातक विष कर देगाl

 उस ने सर्प से कहा हे ! मित्र मैं आपकी भावनाओ का सम्मान करता हूँ परन्तु मैं यह युद्ध अन्य साधन के साथ नहीं बल्कि अपने पुरुषार्थ व नैतिकता के रास्ते पर चलकर जितना चाहता हूँ.

मैं दुर्योधन के पक्ष से युद्ध में खड़ा हूँ किन्तु इसका यह अभिप्राय न निकाले कि मैं सदैव अनीति का साथ दूंगा, यदि नीति के रास्ते पर चलते हुए अर्जुन मेरा वध  भी कर दे तो मैं हँसते हँसते मृत्यु को गले लगा लूंगा परन्तु यदि अनीति के राह पर चलते हुए मैं अर्जुन का वध करू तो यह मुझे बिलकुल भी स्वीकार नहीं  हैl

अश्वसेन ने बोला कि हे ! वीर तुम में एक सच्चे योद्धा की विशेषता है अतः मेरी नजर में तुम अभी से विजय हो चुके होl यदि तुम ने अपने जिंदगी में कोई अनीति का कार्य किया भी तो वह तुम्हारी असंगति का कारण थाl यदि आप इस युद्ध में पराजित भी होते हो तो भी आपकी कीर्ति  बनी रहेगी.

    Shri Krishna and Kaliya nag

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    Taming of Kaliya Nag is one of the innumerable exploits of Lord Krishna. Kaliya Nag was a vociferous serpent who has terrorised the people in nearby regions. Interestingly why the Serpent chose his abode at Vrindavan is also good to know.

    Why Kaliya chose Vrindavan

    The proper home of Kaliya was Ramanaka Dwipa, but he had been driven away from there by fear of Garuda, the foe of all serpents. Garuda had been cursed by a yogi dwelling at Vrindavan so that he could not come to Vrindavan without meeting his death. Therefore he chose Vrindavan as his residence, knowing it was the only place where Garuda could not come.

    Shri Krishna and Kaliya

    Shri Krishna and Kaliya

    The serpent poisoned everything in the surrounding of Yamuna River. Vapours and bubbles in the river killed even birds that flew over the region.

    How Shri Krishna tamed Kaliya

    Once Krishna and herdboys were playing ball, and while playing Krishna climbed up the Kadamba tree and hung over the river bank, the ball fell into the river and Krishna jumped after it.  Kaliya rose up with his hundred and ten hoods vomiting poison and wrapped himself around Krishna’s body. Then Krishna started his leela. He became so huge that the serpent had to release him. So Krishna saved himself from every attack, and when he saw the Brij folk were so much afraid he suddenly sprang into serpent’s head and assumed the weight of the whole universe, and danced on the naga’s heads, beating time with his feet.

    Krishna overpowered the powerful serpent and emerged from the river dancing atop the middle head of Kaliya. The dancing left the mark of Krishna’s feet on the head of serpent. Serpent’s wife begged for mercy to Sri Krishna.

    Sri Krishna spared the life of Nag and commanded them to leave Yamuna and to seek refuge in the ocean.

    He was also assured that Garuda would not attack him on seeing the mark’s of Sri Krishna’s feet on his head.

    Lord Yama has good looks

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    Contrary to the images we see, Lord Yama was indeed handsome. There is an interesting story of how he deviated from doing his duties and paid the price.

    How Lord Yama lost his good looks

     

    Festival of Chhath

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    The Chhath festival

    Chhath Puja

    Chhath Puja

    Chhath is a festival of reverence to the solar deity, the only festival in the world where devotees offer salutations to the setting and rising Sun. The word Chhath denotes the number six and thus the name itself serves as a reminder of this auspicious day on the festival calendar.

     The festival of Chhath is widely observed in eastern India. This is a festival where worship of God Sun is performed. It may be noted that Sun’s worship is not done at many places. This festival is one of the most difficult to observe and is done to thank Surya or Sun for sustaining life on earth.

    Chhath in Indian mythology

    There are some incidents where it is believed that Chhath was observed by Lord Rama, Draupadi and Karna.

    In Indian mythology, the worship of Sun god is believed to be beneficial and capable of curing diseases. The process of observing this festival is very rigorous. This festival is spanned across four days. Almost immediately after the merriment of Diwali subsides, the solemnity of Chhath takes over. Women of the household make various preparations puja. While the younger women and children take over the everyday household chores. These women begin with a thorough spring-cleaning of all the things that would be used to prepare the prasad or food offerings to Sun god. Everything, from the kitchen chulha to the ladles, cooking utensils, and frying pan, is purified.

    It is the bounty of the harvest, which is deemed a fit offering to Sun god. Newly pounded rice is soaked and made into a paste. Dry fruits, nuts and slivers of coconut are used as flavoring and the cooked lump is then rolled in the palms and then they are fried.
    Chhath is a festival of prayer and purity observed with somberness and strict discipline, a festival that should not be missed. It is held in high esteem and regard.

    The four days of Chhath are:

    Nahay Khay

    On the day before the actual worship, devotees take a cleansing dip, preferably in the Ganges, and bring back some holy water to prepare the offerings. A fast is observed for the whole day and late in the evening, the devotees, after performing worship at home, break their fast. The offerings – typically a rice porridge, Sohari/puris (deep fried puffs of wheat flour) and bananas – are shared among family and visiting friends and relatives.

    offering to God

    Kharna

    Fast or Upvaas (fasting) begins on the second day and this is referred as Kharna. On Panchami, the day before Chhath, the Vrati observes fast for the whole day, which ends in the evening a little late after sunset. Just after the worship the offerings of Rasiao-kheer (rice delicacy), Sohari/puris (deep-fried puffs of wheat flour) and bananas are offered to deities and then the whole family shares the Prasad.

    Shaam ki Arghya

    Offerings are made to the setting Sun. Chhath is the only festival when the setting sun is worshipped. This signifies Indian culture where Sun is respected despite on decline.

    Paran

    The devotees reach the riverbank again just before the sunrise, and offer prayers to the rising Sun. Once the prayers are done, the devotees break their fast with the Prasad or the offerings. This culminates this festival.

    Worship of morning’s Sun

    The devotee follows very strict rituals during this festival and the whole family supports the observer, also called as Parvaiti or Parvaitin. This festival is  observed most elaborately in Bihar, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and the Terai regions of Nepal in modern times, and is more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence, it is celebrated in all regions and major urban centers in India. The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, Delhi, Mumbai and Mauritius.

    The Legend

    It is believed that Chhath was started by Karna, the son of Surya Putra. Karna, who ruled over the Anga Desh (present day Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharat Age. He was a great warrior and danveer and fought against the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra War.

    The ancient Sanskrit epic Mahabharat has references to Draupadi, worshipping Sun. In the epic, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, rulers of Hastinapur (modern Delhi) had performed the Chhatha-Vrata, seeing the Pandavas in deep trouble and on advice of noble sage Dhaumya. Through her worship of Sun god, Draupadi was not only able to solve her immediate problem but also helped the Pandavas later regain their lost kingdom.

    Banks of Ganga with devotees

    Maa Baglamukhi story

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    Maa Baglamukhi is the creator, controller and destroyer of whole universe. She is Aadi Shakti. She is the energy which is the reason for the existence of this whole universe. Without energy no one can survive. She is the supreme power. She is the eighth mahavidya.

    Story behind Maa Baglamukhi

    Long long ago, a huge storm erupted over the universe. It threatened to destroy whole of the creation. Lord Vishnu called on the supreme power. Goddess Bagalamukhi emerged from the ‘Haridra Sarovara’ in the Saurashtra region (Kathiyawada), and the same time all direction brightened up with unique light of Shree Vidhya. That night was called Veer Ratri and sky was full of stars. That day was Tuesday and Chaturdashi. She had been served by Pannch Makkar’s. She made her home in deep yellow turmeric, from that mid-night and appeased by the prayer of the God, calmed down the storm.

    Story of Demon Madan

    A demon named Madan undertook austerities and won the boon of vak siddhi, according to which anything he said became true. He abused this boon by harassing innocent people. Enraged by his mischief, the gods worshipped Bagalamukhi. She stopped the demon’s rampage by taking hold of his tongue and stilling his speech. Before she could kill him, however, he asked to be worshipped with her, and she relented, That is why he is depicted with Goddess Bagalamukhi.

    Baglamukhi Temple

    The main temple dedicated to Goddess Bagalamukhi is in the Kamakhya Temple Complex in Guwahati, Assam. Dedication to her especially at the times of illness and disease, litigation, accidents, quarrels, enmity and other unforeseen times of trials and turbulences is known to have worked wonders.

    Shakti peeth - Kamakhya
    Shakti peeth – Kamakhya

    Shri Krishna’s masterstrokes (1)

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    Shri Krishna’s exploits and leelas have been written about a lot, but we still find novelty when he is discussed. This incarnation of Lord Vishnu is indeed the most popular one in today’s times. Couple of his exploits are detailed below.

    Narayani Sena and himself

    Before Mahabharat war, Duryodhan reached first in Dwarka to seek Krishna’s help. He came before Arjuna  to seek lord’s help. However, when Duryodhana reached, Krishna was sleeping. So, Duryodhana and Arjuna, both entered Krishna’s room while he was sleeping.  Duryodhan who entered the room,  sat besides the head of Krishna. Arjuna stood next to Krishna’s feet with his hand folded. When he woke up, he saw Arjuna first though he came only after Duryodhana. Shri Krishna set forth a condition that he will not fight the war. Hearing this Duryodhana decided to take the Narayani sena, not knowing that Lord without a weapon was more than a handful for the planet.

    Lord Shri Krishna, Arjuna and Duryodhana before Mahabharata

    Lord Shri Krishna, Arjuna and Duryodhana before Mahabharata

    Jayadrath vadh

    After the death of Abhimanyu, Arjuna was distraught and he vowed that he will kill Jayadratha or submit himself to fire. Jayadratha was the reason of Abhimanyu’s death as he did not allow anyone else to enter the ‘Chakravyuha’. Chakravyuha was a formation devised by Guru Drona. When Kauravas came to know about Arjuna’s intentions, they focussed on the sole objective of protecting Jayadratha from Arjuna. For them, this was the golden chance of winning the war.

    A good part of day was thus spent and Kaurava’s succesfully defended Jayadratha. But Lord Krishna find something on that fateful day. He summoned Sudarshan Chakra. With the help of Chakra he hid the Sun. Seeing this, Kaurava’s started rejoicing and Jayadratha came out.This was as good as a victory of Kauravas in the war. At this moment, Shri Krishna withdrew the Sudarshana chakra, Sun was visible again and on his instruction, Arjuna divided Jayadratha’s body in head and torso.

    Shri Krishna with Sudarshan Chakra in Mahabharata

    Shri Krishna with Sudarshan Chakra in Mahabharata

     

    छठ त्योहार की महिमा Chhatth Puja stories in Hindi

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    छठ त्योहार की महिमा

    भारत की विविध संस्कृति का एक अहम अंग यहाँ के पर्व हैं । भारत में ऐसे कई पर्व हैं, जो बेहद जरुरी माने जाते हैं और इन्हीं पर्वों में से एक है छठ पर्व । छठ को सिर्फ पर्व नहीं, महापर्व कहा जाता है । चार दिनों तक चलने वाले इस पर्व में व्रती को लगभग तीन दिन का व्रत रखना होता है, जिसमें से दो दिन तो निर्जला व्रत रखा जाता है । क्योंकि आज छठ है तो आइए, जानें छठ व्रत की कथा और इस पर्व की महिमा क्या है ?

    छठ पर्व षष्ठी का अपभ्रंश है । कार्तिक मास की अमावस्या को दीवाली और शुक्ल पक्ष की दूज को भैया दूज मनाने के तुरन्त बाद मनाया जाने वाला चार दिवसीय छठ व्रत सबसे कठिन है । कार्तिक मास के शुक्ल पक्ष की महत्वपूर्ण रात्रि छठ की होती है । इसी कारण इस व्रत का नामकरण छठ व्रत हो गया ।

    छठ पर्व वर्ष में दो बार मनाया जाता है । पहली बार चैत्र मास में और दूसरी बार कार्तिक मास में । चैत्र मास के शुक्ल पक्ष की षष्ठी तिथि को मनाए जाने वाले छठ पर्व को चैत्री छठ व कार्तिक मास के शुक्ल पक्ष की षष्ठी तिथि को मनाए जाने वाले पर्व को कार्तिकी छठ कहा जाता है ।

    Chhath Puja video

      छठ व्रत की कथा

    मार्कण्डेय पुराण में इस बात का उल्लेख मिलता है कि सृष्टि की अधिष्ठात्री प्रकृति देवी ने अपने आप को छह भागों में विभाजित किया है और इनके छठे अंश को सर्वश्रेष्ठ मातृ शक्ति के रूप में जाना जाता है, जो ब्रह्मा जी की मानस पुत्री और बच्चों की रक्षा करने वाली देवी है । कार्तिक मास के शुक्ल पक्ष की षष्ठी तिथि को इन्हीं देवी की पूजा की जाती है । शिशु के जन्म के छह दिनों के बाद भी इन्हीं देवी की पूजा करके बच्चे के स्वस्थ, सफल और दीर्घ आयु की प्रार्थना की जाती है, फिर उसकी छटी निकली जाती है । पुराणों में इन्हीं देवी का नाम कात्यायनी मिलता है, जिनकी नवरात्रों की षष्ठी तिथि को पूजा की जाती है ।

    माता सीता ने भी इस का व्रत रखा था । छठ व्रत की परम्परा सदियों से चली आ रही है । यह परम्परा कैसे शुरू हुई ?  इस संदर्भ में एक और कथा का उल्लेख पुराणों में मिलता है । इसके अनुसार . . .

    प्रियव्रत नामक एक राजा की कोई संतान नहीं थी । संतान प्राप्ति के लिए महर्षि कश्यप ने उन्हे पुत्रयेष्टि यज्ञ करने का परामर्श दिया । यज्ञ के फलस्वरूप महारानी ने एक पुत्र को जन्म तो दिया, किन्तु वह शिशु मृत पैदा हुआ  । इस समाचार से पूरे नगर में शोक व्याप्त हो गया । तभी एक आश्चर्यजनक घटना घटी । आकाश से एक ज्योतिर्मय विमान धरती पर उतरा और उसमें बैठी देवी ने कहा – ‘मैं षष्ठी देवी और विश्व के समस्त बालकों की रक्षिका हूँ ।’ इतना कहकर देवी ने शिशु के मृत शरीर का स्पर्श किया, जिससे वह बालक जीवित हो उठा । इसके बाद से ही राजा ने अपने राज्य में यह त्योहार मनाने की घोषणा कर दी ।

    Chhath puja wishes
    Chhath puja wishes

      दूसरी छठ व्रत की कथा

    पौराणिक मान्यता के अनुसार कार्तिक मास के शुक्ल पक्ष की षष्ठी तिथि के सूर्यास्त और सप्तमी के सूर्योदय के मध्य वेदमाता गायत्री का जन्म हुआ था । प्रकृति के षष्ठ अंश से उत्पन्न षष्ठी माता बालकों की रक्षा करने वाले विष्णु भगवान द्वारा रची माया है । बालक के जन्म के छठे दिन छठी मैया की पूजा-अर्चना की जाती है, जिससे बच्चे के ग्रह-गोचर शान्त हो जाएं और जिन्दगी में विशेष कोई कष्ट ना आए । इसलिए इस तिथि को षष्ठी देवी का व्रत होने लगा ।

      तीसरी छठ व्रत की कथा

     एक कथा के अनुसार जब पांडव अपना सारा राजपाट जुए में हार गए, तब द्रौपदी ने यह व्रत किया । इससे उसकी मनोकामनाएं पूरी हुई तथा पांडवों को राजपाट वापिस मिल गया ।

    इसके अलावा इस महापर्व का उल्लेख रामायण काल में भी मिलता । आज यह  पर्व ना सिर्फ बिहार और उत्तर प्रदेश बल्कि सम्पूर्ण भारत में समान हर्षोल्लास के साथ मनाया है।

    Note: This article in Hindi for Chhath Puja is for our readers of freeflow. There are english articles on Chhath also available.

    Festival of Chhath

    An interesting incident happened after Mahabharata

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    The Chariot of Arjuna – Kapi Dhwaja

    Arjuna’s chariot is described as a magnificent and powerful vehicle, specially designed and crafted for him by the god Vishwakarma, who was the divine architect of the universe. The chariot was named “Kapi Dhwaja” which means “having a flag with a monkey emblem”.

    Destruction of the chariot

    After the war, Lord Krishna realises that the mission of this chariot was accomplished, he guides the chariot to a deserted place and asked the warrior Arjuna to get off the chariot. Initially, Arjuna is not keen to leave the chariot because he thought that charioteer should first leave the chariot. Krishna insisted and Arjuna agreed. After Arjuna gets off, he instructs Lord Hanumana, who was present on the flag to leave the chariot. Finally Lord himself alights from the chariot. At this point of time, something happens which takes everyone by surprise. There was a loud noise and the whole chariot was destroyed as if it was struck by lightning.

    Arjuna and Krishna on chariot
    Arjuna and Krishna on chariot

    Arjuna asks and Lord Krishna explains

    Arjuna did not speak for a few moments after this incident. After few moments, Arjuna asks lord Krishna the reason behind the destruction of the chariot and significance of the incident. Now this is very interesting, which gives an insight on Lord’s thinking. He has thought of every thing. In the war of Mahabharat,  Maharathi Sage Dronacharya and Maharathi Karna  used a number of powerful weapons on Arjuna and his chariot. These  were  powerful weapons and there could be no escape from them for Arjuna and his chariot. He further explains that now they are showing their destructive capacity. This was because, Lord himself and Lord Hanumana were protecting the chariot.

    Read – Lord Hanumana was immune to any weapon

    He also explained to  Arjuna that those celestial weapons used by Karna and Dronacharya were given to them by demigods and thus they had had to make the effect that they were used for. Making them null would be the insult of the demigods who bestowed them to Karna and Dronacharya. Hence, to make them make the desired effect it was necessary for them to consume the chariot of Arjuna which is  just now done.

    Lord Krishna presence on Chariot

    The most significant aspect of Arjuna’s chariot was the presence of Lord Krishna as his charioteer. Krishna acted as Arjuna’s advisor and guide during the Kurukshetra war, offering him spiritual teachings and advice on how to overcome his doubts and fears.

    Thus, Lord Krishna once again saved Arjuna from certain death.

    This is another great story of Mahabharata where Lord Krishna saved Arjuna from certain death. Lord Krishna has saved Pandavas at numerous occasions earlier.