मां स्कंदमाता

नवरात्र के पांचवे दिन मां स्कंदमाता की पूजा होती है। मां का सुंदर रूप कुछ इस प्रकार है- देवी स्कंदमाता कमल के पुष्प पर विराजित अभय मुद्रा में होती हैं। मां का रूप बहुत निराला है, उनके रूप में एक अजब प्रकार का तेज होता है। पौराणिक तथ्यों के अनुसार स्कंदमाता ही हिमालय की पुत्री पार्वती हैं, जिन्हें माहेश्वरी और गौरी के नाम से भी जाना जाता है।

मां के इस स्वरूप की पूजा करने से मोक्ष की प्राप्ति होती है। मां भक्त के सारे दोष और पाप दूर कर देती है। माँ अपने भक्तों की समस्त इच्छाओं की पूर्ति करती हैं।

Maa Skandmata is worshipped on fifth day of Navratri.

Maa Skandmata is worshipped on fifth day of Navratri.

भगवान स्कंद ‘कुमार कार्तिकेय’ नाम से भी जाने जाते हैं। ये प्रसिद्ध देवासुर संग्राम में देवताओं के सेनापति बने थे। पुराणों में इन्हें कुमार और शक्ति कहकर इनकी महिमा का वर्णन किया गया है। इन्हीं भगवान स्कंद की माता होने के कारण माँ दुर्गाजी के इस स्वरूप को स्कंदमाता के नाम से जाना जाता है।

स्कंदमाता की चार भुजाएँ हैं। इनके दाहिनी तरफ की नीचे वाली भुजा, जो ऊपर की ओर उठी हुई है, उसमें कमल पुष्प है। बाईं तरफ की ऊपर वाली भुजा में वरमुद्रा में तथा नीचे वाली भुजा जो ऊपर की ओर उठी है उसमें भी कमल पुष्प ली हुई हैं। इनका वर्ण पूर्णतः शुभ्र है। ये कमल के आसन पर विराजमान रहती हैं। इसी कारण इन्हें पद्मासना देवी भी कहा जाता है। सिंह भी इनका वाहन है। नवरात्रि-पूजन के पाँचवें दिन का शास्त्रों में पुष्कल महत्व बताया गया है। इस चक्र में अवस्थित मन वाले साधक की समस्त बाह्य क्रियाओं एवं चित्तवृत्तियों का लोप हो जाता है।

नवदुर्गा के पांचवे स्वरूप स्कंदमाता की अलसी औषधी के रूप में भी पूजा होती है। स्कंद माता को पार्वती एवं उमा के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। स्कंद माता का रूप सौंदर्य अद्वितिय आभा लिए शुभ्र वर्ण का होता है। वात्सल्य की मूर्ति हैं स्कंद माता। मान्यता अनुसार संतान प्राप्ति हेतु मां स्कंदमाता की पूजा की जाती है। अलसी एक औषधि से जिससे वात, पित्त, कफ जैसी मौसमी रोग का इलाज होता है। इस औषधि को नवरात्रि में माता स्कंदमाता को चढ़ाने से मौसमी बीमारियां नहीं होती। साथ ही स्कंदमाता की आराधना के फल स्वरूप मन को शांति मिलती है।

कहते हैं स्कंदमाता सूर्यमंडल की अधिष्ठात्री देवी हैं, इनकी साधना करने से भक्त अलौकिक तेज प्राप्त करता है। इसके साथ ही मां अपने भक्तों के सभी दुखों का निवारण करती है, उनके लिए मोक्ष का द्वार खोलती है।

माँ स्कंदमाता पापियों को भी क्षमा कर देती हैं यदि कोई पापी मां की शरण में पहुंचता है, तथा उसे अपने प्रेम के आंचल से ढ़क लेती है।

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ स्कंदमाता रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।

माँ स्कंदमाता का वाहन सिंह है इसलिये इस मंत्र के उच्चारण सहित माँ की आराधना की जाती है-

सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥

 नवरात्रि के पंचम दिन यदि आप मां स्कंदमाता की पूजा करने जा रहे हैं तो निमंलिखित मंत्र से उनकी साधना करें:

सौम्या सौम्यतराशेष सौम्येभ्यस्त्वति सुन्दरी।

परापराणां परमा त्वमेव परमेश्वरी।।

Maa Skandmata story in English

Lord Kartikeya stories

Navratri legends

Durga Puja or Navratri is an integral part of the Hindu culture in India. Celebrated in between September to November throughout the country, this Puja is considered to be one of the most complex and difficult puja out of all the Hindu ceremonies. It is a nine days long affair in which the Goddess of Power ‘ Maa Durga’ is worshipped in nine different forms namely Shailputri, Brahmcharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri.

It is said that worshipping Goddess Durga with full devotion brings success, luck, health and prosperity to one’s family. There are also several legends and stories associated with this Pooja, which are detailed below.

Kautsa

An interesting story associated with Navratri is that of ‘Kautsa’, the young son of Devdatt. 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.

The significance of Durga puja has also been inscribed in the great Hindu epic ‘Ramayana’. It has been said that the Lord Ram before going on a war with the ten headed demon ‘Ravana’ did “chandi-puja and invoked the blessings of Durga so that he could become invincible. Durga, the Goddess of power, then divulged the secret to Ram how he could kill Ravana. Appropriately, Ram killed Ravana on Vijaya Dashmi, after the Navratri.

Lord Rama
Lord Rama

Goddess Durga is considered to be a united front of all Divine forces against the evil and wickedness existing in the society. It is said that whenever the evil would upsurge on earth, the Gods will unite together to eliminate those forces and establish a kingdom of peace and prosperity. Likewise, when the terror of the buffalo headed ‘Mahishasura’ took a toll on the life of innocent and poor devotees of the Gods, the gods in heaven decided to create an all-powerful being to kill the demon king Mahishasura. As Mahishasura was destined to be killed only a women, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh created a beautiful, magnificent woman with ten hands with their power. All the gods then furnished her with their special weapons. She was then named Durga i.e ‘the invincible’. She fought against Mahishasura for nine days (Navratri) and finally killed him on the occasion of ‘Vijayadashmi’. Durga is worshipped suring the Navratri festival all over the india and its neighbouring countries.

Another story associated with Navratri or Durga puja has been taken from the great epic ‘Mahabharat’. It is said that on the occasion of Vijayadashmi, the Pandavas declared their true identity after spending their last year of exile in disguise. They brought down the weapons from the Shami tree which they had hung over there before entering the palace of King Virat and entering into the phase of disguise. It is said that since then the exchange of Shami leaves on the Vijayadashmi day became symbol of good, will and victory. Vjaya Dashmi marks the culmination of Navratri.

Maa Kushmanda

Maa Kushmanda is the fourth manifestation of Goddess Durga. On the fourth day of Navratri Pooja, worship of Devi is performed giving her whole reverence. She nurtures the entire universe with her divine and gentle smile that revered her with name ‘Kushmanda’.

Describing Maa Kushmanda

She is depicted as seated on a lion, and possesses eight arms. She resides in solar systems and represents all knowledge. Seven types of weapons are shown in seven hands and prayer beads in her right hand. Rosary represents her power to bless her devotees with Ashtasiddhi (8 types of studies or wisdom sources) and Navanidhi (9 types of wealth). She likes the offerings of “Kumhde.” Therefore her name “Kushmanda” has become famous.

Maa Kushmanda

Maa Kushmanda

In this form, Mother Durga creates solar system by liberating her power to Lord Sun.

Meaning of Kushmanda

Kushmanda is ‘ Ku-shm-anda’ mean ‘Ku’ = a little; ‘ushma’ = warmth; ‘anda’ = cosmic egg. Thus she is the mother of the universe. The universe was full of darkness before her light spreads all around like the rays of lighted sun. She has eight hands with weapons, glitters, rosary, blessing hand etc.

In Hindu mythology, it is believed when there was no existence of universe,and when the densest darkness surrounded the whole planets of space, only a little soft smile of Devi Maa illuminated the universe. She is the form of ‘Adi Shakti’. It is advised that one should perform pooja for this almighty only after absolute purification of heart and soul. Impure heart can make this Goddess infuriate. Grace of this Goddess finishes all types of physical and mental disorders and ailments. By spiritually worshipping Goddess, the worshipper can become free from afflictions.

Maa Kushmanda

Maa Kushmanda

Worship of Kushmanda

Her grace endows divine spark to adorers. Worshiping her in simple process, the worshipper can feel the existence of this great almighty. Goddess Kushmanda is true symbolism of divine spark. Worshippers of this Goddess certainly obtain cosmic energy that enhances their positive aura. Positive reflection makes the person glorified in society. With blessings of Devi, devotees can achieve name, fame and other comforts of life.

माँ चंद्रघंटा

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माँ दुर्गा की 9 शक्तियों की तीसरी स्वरूपा भगवती चंद्रघंटा की पूजा नवरात्र के तीसरे दिन की जाती है. माता के माथे पर घंटे आकार का अर्धचन्द्र है, जिस कारण इन्हें चन्द्रघंटा कहा जाता है. इनका रूप परम शांतिदायक और कल्याणकारी है. माता का शरीर स्वर्ण के समान उज्जवल है. इनका वाहन सिंह है और इनके दस हाथ हैं जो की विभिन्न प्रकार के अस्त्र-शस्त्र से सुशोभित रहते हैं. सिंह पर सवार मां चंद्रघंटा का रूप युद्ध के लिए उद्धत दिखता है और उनके घंटे की प्रचंड ध्वनि से असुर और राक्षस भयभीत करते हैं. भगवती चंद्रघंटा की उपासना करने से उपासक आध्यात्मिक और आत्मिक शक्ति प्राप्त करता है और जो श्रद्धालु इस दिन श्रद्धा एवं भक्ति पूर्वक दुर्गा सप्तसती का पाठ करता है, वह संसार में यश, कीर्ति एवं सम्मान को प्राप्त करता है.

Chandraghanta - Navaratri - third form of Durga

Chandraghanta – Navaratri – third form of Durga

माँ का स्वरूप अत्यंत सौम्यता एवं शांति से परिपूर्ण रहता है। इनकी आराधना से वीरता-निर्भयता के साथ ही सौम्यता एवं विनम्रता का विकास होकर मुख, नेत्र तथा संपूर्ण काया में कांति-गुण की वृद्धि होती है। स्वर में दिव्य, अलौकिक माधुर्य का समावेश हो जाता है। माँ चंद्रघंटा के भक्त और उपासक जहाँ भी जाते हैं लोग उन्हें देखकर शांति और सुख का अनुभव करते हैं।

माँ के आराधक के शरीर से दिव्य प्रकाशयुक्त परमाणुओं का अदृश्य विकिरण होता रहता है। यह दिव्य क्रिया साधारण चक्षुओं से दिखाई नहीं देती, किन्तु साधक और उसके संपर्क में आने वाले लोग इस बात का अनुभव भली-भाँति करते रहते हैं।

Chandraghanta

Chandraghanta

Maa Chandraghanta story in english

Maa Shailputri

The first form of mother Durga among the nine is Shailputri. She has a half moon in her forehead; she is mounted on the bullock and holds a lance in her hand.

She is known as Shailputri, because she has incarnated from Himalaya, the Emperor of mountains. Mounting a bullock the mother has a lance in her right hand and the lotus flower in the left. She is the first one among the nine aspects of Durga. In her previous life she took birth from Dakhsha, the Prajapati as his daughter. Then she was known as Sati.

Maa Shailputri
Maa Shailputri

Devi Sati story

Once, her father Dakhsha organized a very big sacrificial ceremony in which he invited all gods to receive their sacrificial share. Lord Shiva was the only exception who was her husband.

When Sati came to know about the festivity arranged by her father, a strong desire arose in her heart to participate in the ceremony. She expressed her desire to Lord Shiva and solicited his permission. Considering all pros and cons Lord Shiva said – ‘Prajapati is displeased with me for the reasons known to him only. He invited in his function all gods and offered their sacrificial share to them. He did not invite me purposely; not even informed me. Under such circumstances it will not be proper for you to go there.’

Sati was not convinced with the piece of advice given by the Lord. The eagerness to see the ceremony and the prospect of seeing the mother and sisters did not subside. The Lord saw that Sati was very keen to go there so he gave her green signal.

A sense of strange joy started waving in her heart. She made necessary preparation and started. But all her enthusiasm subsided like the bubbles the moment she reached there. She found no affection in any eyes except her mother. Only she embraced her. She was greatly pained with the insulting attitude of her own relatives.

The entire atmosphere was surcharged with a sense of disrespect for Lord Shiva. Dakhsha also passed certain humiliating remarks intended for Lord Shiva. She watched all this and lost her balance. A mental storm made her full of remorse and anger. She repented on having overruled objection by her Lord.

She could not bear the insult of her spouse. Instantly she got her body burnt in the yogic fire, as the body was a gift of Dakhsha. The news of her demise reached Lord Shiva and he decided to give a good lesson to Dakhsha. The entire sacrificial canopy along with all paraphernalia was completely destroyed by his lieutenants.

Incarnation of Sati as Parvati

In her next birth she incarnated her as Parvati the daughter of Himalaya and among Navadurgas she has been referred to as Shailputri who was again known as Himavati. According to one of the Upanisadic tales she in her Himavati aspect defeated all prominent gods.

Like her previous birth in this life also Shailputri got married with Lord Shiva. The first and the most prominent among Navdurgas, Shailputri is of immense importance and her glories are endless. On the first day of Navratri, it is she who is worshipped. In this puja of the first day Yogi’s keep their mind concentrated on Muladhara. This is the starting point of their spiritual discipline.

Maa Shailputri is considered as the Goddess of root chakra or Mooladhar chakra. Worshipping her will help in awakening the Moolchakra, thereby helping you to attain spiritual enlightenment. Performing poojas and chanting mantras on the first day of Navratri, keeping mooladhar in mind, will help you to perform the rituals auspiciously.

माँ शैलपुत्री

भगवती माँ दुर्गा अपने पहले स्वरुप में शैलपुत्री के नाम से जानी जाती हैं !

पर्वतराज हिमालय के यहाँ पुत्री के रूप में उत्पन्न होने के कारण इनका शैलपुत्री नाम पड़ा था! वृषभ – स्थिता इन माता जी के दाहिने हाथ में त्रिशूल और बाएं हाथ में कमल पुष्प सुशोभित हैं ! यही नव दुर्गों में प्रथम दुर्गा हैं ! अपने पूर्व जन्म में ये प्रजापति दक्ष की कन्या के रूप में उत्पन्न हुई थी !

Maa Shailputri

तब इनका नाम ‘सती’ था ! इनका विवाह भगवन शंकर जी से हुआ था! एक बार प्रजापति दक्ष ने एक विशाल यज्ञ का आयोजन किया ! इस यज्ञ में उन्होंने सारे देवी देवताओं को अपना -२ यज्ञ भाग प्राप्त करने के लिए आमंत्रित किया ! किन्तु शंकर जी को उन्होंने इस यज्ञ में आमंत्रित नहीं किया ! सती ने जब ये सुना की उनके पिता एक अत्यंत विशाल यज्ञ का अनुष्ठान कर रहे हैं , तब वहां जाने के लिए उनका मन व्याकुल हो उठा ! पानी यह इक्षा उन्होंने शंकर जी को बताई ! सारी बातो पर विचार करने के बाद शंकर जी ने कहा – प्रजापति दक्ष किसी कारण वश हमसे नाराज हैं !

अपने यज्ञ में उन्होंने सारे देवी देवताओं को आमंत्रित किया हैं! उनके यज्ञ भाग भी उन्हें समर्पित किये हैं , किन्तु हमे जान बूझ कर नहीं बुलाया हैं ! कोई सूचना तक नहीं भेजी हैं ! ऐसी स्थिति में तुम्हारा वहां जाना किसी प्रकार भी श्रेयस्कर नहीं होगा ! शंकर जी के इस कथन से भी सती को प्रबोध नहीं हुआ !

Read this story in English

पिता का यज्ञ देखने , वहां जाकर माता और बहनों से मिलने की व्याकुलता किसी प्रकार भी कम न हो सकी ! उनका प्रबल आग्रह देखकर भगवान् शंकर जी ने उन्हें वहां जाने की अनुमति दे दी ! सती ने पिता के घर पहुँच कर देखा की कोई भी उनसे आदर और प्रेम के साथ बातचीत नहीं कर रहा ! केवल उनकी माँ ने स्नेह से उन्हें गले लगाया ! परिजनों के इस व्यवहार से उन्हें बहुत दुःख पंहुचा ! प्रजापति दक्ष ने भगवान् शंकर के प्रति अपमानजनक वचन भी कहे तथा भगवान् शंकर जी के लिए उनके ह्रदय में तिरस्कार का भाव भी भरा था!

यह सब देखकर सती का ह्रदय क्षोभ, ग्लानि और क्रोध से संतप्त हो उठा ! उन्होंने सोचा भगवान् शंकर जी की बात न मान यहाँ आकर उन्होंने बहुत बड़ी गलती की हैं ! वह अपने पति भगवान् शंकर के इस अपमान को सहन न कर सकी ! उन्होंने अपने इस रूप को तत्क्षर वहीँ यागाग्नी में जला कर भस्म कर दिया ! वज्रपात के समान इस दारुण – दुखद घटना को सुनकर भगवान् शंकर ने क्रुद्ध होकर अपने गणों को भेज कर दक्ष के यज्ञ को पूर्णतया विध्वंश करा दिया ! सती ने योगाग्नी द्वारा शरीर को भष्म कर अगले जन्म में शैलराज हिमालय की पुत्री के रूप में जन्म लिया ! इस बार वह ‘शैलपुत्री ‘ नाम से विख्यात हुई !

पार्वती तथा हेमवती भी उन्ही के नाम हैं !  शैलपुत्री  देवी का विवाह भी भगवान् शंकर जी से हुआ ! नव दुर्गाओं में प्रथम शैलपुत्री दुर्गा का महत्व और शक्तियां अनंत हैं ! नवरात्री पूजन में प्रथम दिवस में इन्ही की पूजा और उपासना की जाती हैं !

माता शैलपुत्री को नमन !

Tragic facts about Karna from Mahabharata

Karna was the eldest son of Kunti. He was born with blessings of Lord Surya before Kunti was wedded, so Kunti did not raise him. He, being the eldest and most deserving, had to live his life in obscurity. The only fault was his timing of birth, where he had no control over. Read some of the fate’s cruelty imparted to him.

Parshuram’s curse

Parashurama, an incarnation of Vishnu was the teacher of Karna. He was against Kshatriyas and never wanted to teach them. Karna lied to him in order to learn from him. One afternoon,  Parashurama requested him to bring a pillow to sleep on under a tree shade. Karna instead offered his lap to his guru. While Parashurama was fast asleep a giant bee stung Karna’s thigh, despite of the severe pain Karna didn’t move so as not to disturb his guru’s sleep. As the bee bored deeper the wound began to bleed.  Parashurama was woken by the blood from Karna’s thigh.

Parshurama sleeping in Karna's lap
Parshurama sleeping in Karna’s lap

Then Parashurama deduced at once that Karna is a kshatriya and not a Brahmin because a brahmin  can not endure such pain. So, he cursed him that all his martial skill including use of Brahmastra would desert him when he needed them most.This meant that he would forget all that he had learned from Parashurama during his hours of crisis. He was unaware of his royal lineage pleaded that any student in his place would do the same and he was son of Vasusena,  a mere charioteer and not a kshatriya.

Though Parashurama regretted cursing him in a moment of anger as his curse was irrevocable. He gifted him a celestial weapon Bhargavastra along with his personal bow called Vijaya and blessed him with everlasting glory and immortal fame.

Karna kills a cow accidentally

Departing from Parashuram’s ashram he wandered for some time. On his way he killed a cow that was rushing towards him by shooting an arrow. Incensed by this incident, the brahmin who owned the cow cursed. He said as he had killed a helpless animal, he too would be killed in the same way i.e. when he was most helpless with his concentration being diverted away from his enemy at that crucial moment.

Curse by Bhoomi Devi

Once he was riding his chariot in his kingdom of Anga. He encountered a child who was crying over her pot of spilt ghee. On asking her reason, she stated that she feared her step mother would be angry over her carelessness.  Being generous enough he told her that he would give her new ghee. But the child insisted that she wanted only the ghee which was mixed with the soil and refused to take new ghee. Taking pity on the girl, took the soil mixed with ghee in his fist and squeezed it with all his might to extract the ghee and pour it back into the pot.During this process, Karna heard the agonised voice of a  women. When he opened his fist he realised it was voice of Bhoomidevi, furious Bhoomidevi chastised him for inflicting enormous pain for sake of mere child so, she cursed him that in a very crucial battle of life she would trap his chariot wheel in the same way that he held the fistful of soil.

Thus he was cursed on three separate and independent occasions. Unfortunately, each of these curses became operational at the same crucial moment in the kurukshetra war thus making him weapon less, left without chariot and helpless. These three curses are the main reason of his fall.

Generous Karna

On the eve of Mahabharat battle, Lord Indra disguised as an old Brahamin went to him and asked for his Kavach and Kundal in daan (alms) Indra asked for this gift so as to reduce his strength, as he was  apprehensive that Karna by virtue of his phenomenal skill as a warrior would defeat Arjuna. Karna was being cautioned by by Sun God about such move of Lord Indra. But he was so large hearted that he could not refuse anyone and inspite of knowing that Indra is playing a trick he parted his kawach and kundal, which were part of his body since birth and made him invincible. Indra was pleased with his generosity and granted him a vardan (boon). Karna asked for his weapon shakti which can destroy any enemy Indra granted him that on a condition that he can use it only once.

Karna donating Kavach and Kundal to Indra

When Karna was on his death bed, Lord Indra and Surya had a dispute regarding his generosity. To settle this they disguise as a beggar and asked for alms. He responded that he had nothing left with him for them. The beggar replied that he had some gold on his tooth which would be valuable for them. On realizing this fact, he took a stone and broke his tooth and gave it to beggar, epitomizing the ‘way of life’ he led.

Karna born with Kavach and Kundal
Karna born with Kavach and Kundal

Karna’s promise to Kunti

As the war approached Kunti met his son to reveal his true identity. Kunti asked him to join Pandavas and become king. He stated that he can’t betray his friend Duryodhan. However he promised that he would not attempt to kill any of the Pandavas except Arjuna. He knew very well that Arjun is under the divine aegis of lord Krishna and hence invincible. This way he would be able to pay off Duryodhan’s debt while performing the duties of elder brother. So he told Kunti that she could only keep her 5 sons being him or Arjuna.

Karna in battle field

Bhishma, the commander in chief of Kaurava’s refused his participation in war under his leadership saying that Karna has insulted his guru Parshuram by insulting Draupadi and nobody insulting his guru can fight under my leadership. Bhisma also knew about Karna’s true ancestry and did not want him to fight against his own brothers . Consequently Karna entered the battle field only on 11th day after the fall of Bhisma on 10th day.

Birth of Karna

He was born before his mother Kunti was married to  prince Pandu. Kunti was granted a boon from sage Durvasa who was very pleased with her service and hospitality. The boon was that she can call upon any God to beget a child. Out of curiosity Kunti still being unmarried wanted to test the power of mantra. She invoked the mantra and called Sun God (Surya), bound by the power of mantra Surya appeared and handed her a son, who was radiant and robust as Surya himself. the baby had a Kavach (armour) and kundal (ear ring) attached to his body. Though Kunti didn’t physically give birth to the baby, she was unwilling to face the world as an unwed mother so she placed Karna in a basket and set him float on the holy river Ganga.

Seven unknown facts about Karna

He was founded by charioteer, he and his wife Radha raised him and named him Vasusena. He was also known as Radheya after her foster mother.

Birth of Karna and Kunti letting him go away
Birth of Karna and Kunti letting him go away

Karna as king of Ang Desh

Once Drona held a competition in Hastinapur to find out who is the best warrior among all the princes. Arjuna was the winner At that time Karna came forward and did all that Arjuna could do but he was not accepted as competitor because he was a son of a charioteer. This was a great disrespect which he has suffered in front of the public. Kunti was also sitting in the audience was a mute spectator she did not dare to say that Karna was her son. At this time Duryodhan came forward and made him king of Ang Desh. This made him a friend and follower of Duryodhan for life.

Karna, a loyal friend

On the onset of war of Mahabharat, his mother Kunti met him and revealed his identity and asked him to take the side of Pandavas. He replied that he can’t betray his friend Duryodhana. Krishna also revealed his identity and asked him to join Pandava side. Krishna assured also him that being the eldest Pandava, he will be given the crown of Hastinapur but  he refused this enormous offer for his friend Duryodhana. Though Krishna was sad with his decision but appreciated his loyalty.

Why was Lord Krishna so against Karna in the Mahabharata

Because Karna was with Duryodhana and he was not following the path of Dharma. But at the same time, he could not be faulted as this was his fate.

Did Karna have the knowledge of the Chakravyuh

It is not written that he had the knowledge of Chakravyuh, but being the disciple of Lord Parshurama, he would have known this.

Why does Karna not kill Arjun

He could not, because Krishna was with Arjuna, but Lord Indra has also ensured that Arjuna remained invincible by asking the Kavach and Kundala.

Karna – the unfortunate who deserved

The reason for Karna’s suffering is no longer a myth.

Seven little known facts from the Mahabharata

Pandavas exile – seven little known facts from the Mahabharata

Unknown fact about Draupadi – Why she had five husbands

When incarnation of Lord Vishnu could not defeat his bhakta

Ayudha Puja or Astra Puja

Ayudha puja is celebrated on the tenth day of Navratri. The principal Shakti goddesses worshiped during the Ayudha puja are Saraswati (the Goddess of wisdom, arts and literature), Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) and Parvati (the divine mother). It is also called “Astra Puja”. In simple terms, it means “Worship of Instruments”

Weapons of Maa Durga

Snake: Lord Shiva’s Snake is a symbol of consciousness and energy. It also represents the change from the lowest state of consciousness to its upper state.


Axe: An Axe and Armor has been provided to Maa Durga by Lord Vishwakarma. It is a symbol of fighting with evil and not being scared of any consequences.


Sudarshan Chakra: Lord Krishna’s gifted Sudarshan Chakra to Goddess Durga. It symbolises that the world is controlled by the goddess and the universe revolves around the centre of creation.

Lotus: Lotus is considered the symbol of Lord Brahma which represents knowledge. Half bloomed lotus is a symbol of the rise of spiritual consciousness in the mind of a human being.

Trishul: It is believed that the Trishul has been given by Lord Shiva to Goddess Durga. The three sharp ends of it are a symbol of ‘trigun’ or three properties of every living being on earth. The triguns are Sattva, Raja and Tama

Bow and Arrow: Bow and Arrow have been given by Pawandev and Suryadev which are a symbol of energy. Bow represents potential energy and Arrow represents kinetic energy. It also symbolises that Maa Durga only controls all the sources of energy in the universe.

Sword: Sword has been given by Lord Ganesh. It symbolises knowledge and wisdom. Sword represents the sharpness of wisdom while its shine represents knowledge.

Vajra: Indradev’s gift Vajra is the symbol of soul’s perseverance and strong resolving power. Maa Durga makes her devotees strong with indomitable self-confidence and will power.

Spear: Spear is a symbol of auspiciousness and it has been gifted by Lord Agni. It also represents fiery power. It knows the difference between right and wrong deeds.

Iravan’s story

This is the story of Arjuna’s son Iravan’s self-sacrifice to the goddess Kali to ensure her favour and the victory of the Pandavas in Mahabharata war. This was done on the day of Ayudha Puja. After this sacrifice, Kali had blessed Pandavas for victory in the Kurukshetra war.

Another story related to Arjuna

It is said that on Vijayadashami day Arjuna, third of the five Pandava brothers, retrieved his weapons of war from the hole in the Shami tree where he had hidden it before proceeding on the forced exile. After completing his vanvas (exile period) of 13 years including one year of Agyatavas (living incognito) before embarking on the warpath against the Kauravas he retrieved his weapons. In the Kurukshetra war that ensued, Arjuna was victorious.

पितृ पक्ष का महापर्व

 गणेश महोत्सव के बाद भाद्र पक्ष माह की पूर्णिमा से अपने पितरों की मोक्ष प्राप्ति के लिए अपने पूर्वजों के प्रति श्रद्धा का महापर्व शुरू हो जाता है। इसको महापर्व इसलिए बोला जाता है क्योंकि नौदुर्गा महोत्सव नौ दिन का होता है, दशहरा पर्व दस दिन का होता है, पर यह पितृ पक्ष सोलह दिनों तक चलता है।

पौराणिक मान्यताओं के अनुसार इस अवधि में हमारे पूर्वज मोक्ष प्राप्ति की कामना लिए अपने परिजनों के निकट अनेक रूपों में आते हैं। इस पर्व में अपने पितरों के प्रति श्रद्धा और कृतज्ञता व उनकी आत्मा की शांति देने के लिए श्राद्ध किया जाता है और उनसे जीवन में खुशहाली के लिए आशीर्वाद की कामना की जाती है। ज्योतिषीय गणना के अनुसार जिस तिथि में माता-पिता, दादा-दादी आदि परिजनों का निधन होता है।

इन 16 दिनों में उसी तिथि पर उनका श्राद्ध करना उत्तम रहता है। पौराणिक मान्यताओं के अनुसार उसी तिथि में जब उनके पुत्र या पौत्र द्वारा श्राद्ध किया जाता है तो पितृ लोक में भ्रमण करने से मुक्ति मिलकर पूर्वजों को मोक्ष प्राप्त हो जाता है। हमारे पितरों की आत्मा की शांति के लिए ‘श्रीमद भागवत् गीता’ या ‘भागवत पुराण’ का पाठ अति उत्तम माना जाता है।

पित पृक्ष में पिंड दान अवश्य करना चाहिए ताकि देवों व पितरों का आशीर्वाद मिल सके। अपने पितरों के पसंदीदा भोजन बनाना अच्छा माना जाता है। सामान्यत: पितृ पक्ष में अपने पूर्वजों के लिए कद्दू की सब्जी, दाल-भात, पूरी व खीर बनाना शुभ माना जाता है। पूजा के बाद पूरी व खीर सहित अन्य सब्जियां एक थाली में सजाकर गाय, कुत्ता, कौवा और चींटियों को देना अति आवश्यक माना जाता है। कहा जाता है कि कौवे व अन्य पक्षियों द्वारा भोजन ग्रहण करने पर ही पितरों को सही मायने में भोजन प्राप्त होता है, क्योंकि पक्षियों को पितरों का दूत व विशेष रूप से कौवे को उनका प्रतिनिधि माना जाता है। 

Udupi connection to Mahabharata

There is an interesting story related to Udupi which dates back to Mahabharata. It also explains why people of Udupi are good in catering business. Before Mahabharata war, all states took sides, either of Pandavas or Kauravas. Only one chose to remain neutral – the king of Udupi and Udupi cuisine is quite popular .

Conversation with Lord Krishna

Udupi king said to Krishna, “Everyone is going to fight. Those who fight a battle have to eat. I will be the caterer for the Kurukshetra war.” Krishna said, “Fine. Someone has to cook and serve, so you do it.” The Udupi king was serving food for both sides.

People were amazed how he managed to cook the exact amount of food, because no one knew how many people died on each day. By the time they took accounts, it would have been too late. Definitely, the king did not know how many people died on that day, but every day, he cooked exactly the amount of food that was necessary for the remaining soldiers.

When someone him king how he managed this, he said, “Every day in the night, Krishna likes to eat boiled peanuts. I peel them and keep them in a bowl. He eats just a few peanuts, and after he is done, I count to see how many he has eaten. If he has eaten 10 peanuts, I know tomorrow 10,000 will die, so I cook tomorrow’s food for 10,000 people less. Every day, I count these peanuts and cook accordingly, so it turns out right.” This was the reason Udupi was able to serve the soldiers correctly.

Udupi Krishna Temple story

the town of Udupi was once plagued by a demon named Putana, who would kill and eat the town’s children. In response to the town’s prayers for protection, Lord Krishna appeared and vanquished the demon. Impressed by Krishna’s bravery and compassion, the town’s inhabitants built a temple in his honor.

The temple is known as the Sri Krishna Matha and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for followers of the Dvaita school of Vedanta. The temple is famous for its unique style of worship, which emphasizes simplicity and devotion over ritualistic pomp and grandeur.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Sri Krishna Matha is its daily offerings of food to the deity. The food is prepared in the temple kitchen, or anna-santharpana, which serves free meals to all visitors, regardless of their caste or religion. This practice is known as prasadam, or the act of sharing food that has been blessed by a deity.

The Sri Krishna Matha is also famous for its ashta-mathas, or eight monasteries, which were established by Madhwacharya to promote the study and practice of his teachings. The ashta-mathas are still active today and continue to play an important role in the spiritual life of the town.

Overall, the town of Udupi and the Sri Krishna Matha are an important part of Hindu religious and cultural heritage, and attract thousands of visitors each year who come to pay their respects to Lord Krishna and to experience the unique and authentic atmosphere of this ancient town.