ॐ गं गणपतये नमः – The great Mantra of Lord Ganesha

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah

OM – The Sound, the Vibration of the Universe, The Primordial Sound
GAM – The Seed Sound, or bija sound of Lord Ganesha
GANAPATAYE – Another name of Lord Ganesh, the one who overcomes of obstacles.
NAMAHA – I offer you my salutations, I bow to you.

Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha (Sanskrit: ॐ गं गणपतये नमः) is a powerful prayer and mantra comprised for Lord Ganesha. This comprised of four parts in praise of the the god, Lord Ganesha. Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha can be translated as “My salutations to Lord Ganesha.” This mantra is from the Ganapati Upanishad, a long Sanskrit writing from the Vedas all about and in adoration of Ganesha.

Ganesh Maha Mantra

Om Gam Ganpataye mantra is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, and it is recited before starting any new venture. Its also known as Ganesh Maha Mantra. We chant it when inner or outer obstacles are holding us back to get to our true self and fully realising our potential.

Lord Ganesha

Lord Ganesha is a symbol of positivity and faith. He reminds us that positive thinking is a mental practice. With time and effort, we can shift our views from pessimism to optimism. He represents the unending potential in whole-hearted belief.

There are eight forms of Lord Ganesha also called Ashtavinayaka.

We are likely to succeed when we have faith in our heart’s desires and in our choices. Lord Ganesha teaches us to believe in ourselves. Each and every person holds the power to bring their aspirations into physical existence and the Lord helps to guide us on our way. 

सिद्धिदात्री माता कथा

मार्कण्डेय पुराण के अनुसार अणिमा, महिमा, गरिमा, लघिमा, प्राप्ति, प्राकाम्य, ईशित्व और वशित्व- ये आठ सिद्धियां होती हैं। ब्रह्मवैवर्तपुराण के श्रीकृष्ण जन्म खंड में यह संख्या अठारह बताई गई है।

इनके नाम इस प्रकार हैं –

1. अणिमा 2. लघिमा 3. प्राप्ति 4. प्राकाम्य 5. महिमा 6. ईशित्व,वाशित्व 7. सर्वकामावसायिता 8. सर्वज्ञत्व 9. दूरश्रवण 10. परकायप्रवेशन 11. वाक्‌सिद्धि 12. कल्पवृक्षत्व 13. सृष्टि 14. संहारकरणसामर्थ्य 15. अमरत्व 16. सर्वन्यायकत्व 17. भावना 18. सिद्धि

मां सिद्धिदात्री भक्तों और साधकों को ये सभी सिद्धियां प्रदान करने में समर्थ हैं। देवीपुराण के अनुसार भगवान शिव ने इनकी कृपा से ही इन सिद्धियों को प्राप्त किया था। इनकी अनुकम्पा से ही भगवान शिव का आधा शरीर देवी का हुआ था। इसी कारण वे लोक में ‘अर्द्धनारीश्वर’ नाम से प्रसिद्ध हुए।

मां सिद्धिदात्री चार भुजाओं वाली हैं। इनका वाहन सिंह है। ये कमल पुष्प पर भी आसीन होती हैं। इनकी दाहिनी तरफ के नीचे वाले हाथ में कमलपुष्प है। प्रत्येक मनुष्य का यह कर्तव्य है कि वह मां सिद्धिदात्री की कृपा प्राप्त करने का निरंतर प्रयत्न करें। उनकी आराधना की ओर अग्रसर हो। इनकी कृपा से अनंत दुख रूप संसार से निर्लिप्त रहकर सारे सुखों का भोग करता हुआ वह मोक्ष को प्राप्त कर सकता है।

नवदुर्गाओं में मां सिद्धिदात्री अंतिम हैं। अन्य आठ दुर्गाओं की पूजा उपासना शास्त्रीय विधि-विधान के अनुसार करते हुए भक्त दुर्गा पूजा के नौवें दिन इनकी उपासना में प्रवत्त होते हैं। इन सिद्धिदात्री मां की उपासना पूर्ण कर लेने के बाद भक्तों और साधकों की लौकिक, पारलौकिक सभी प्रकार की कामनाओं की पूर्ति हो जाती है।

सिद्धिदात्री मां के कृपापात्र भक्त के भीतर कोई ऐसी कामना शेष बचती ही नहीं है, जिसे वह पूर्ण करना चाहे। वह सभी सांसारिक इच्छाओं, आवश्यकताओं और स्पृहाओं से ऊपर उठकर मानसिक रूप से मां भगवती के दिव्य लोकों में विचरण करता हुआ उनके कृपा-रस-पीयूष का निरंतर पान करता हुआ, विषय-भोग-शून्य हो जाता है। मां भगवती का परम सान्निध्य ही उसका सर्वस्व हो जाता है। इस परम पद को पाने के बाद उसे अन्य किसी भी वस्तु की आवश्यकता नहीं रह जाती।

मां के चरणों का यह सान्निध्य प्राप्त करने के लिए हमें निरंतर नियमनिष्ठ रहकर उनकी उपासना करनी चाहिए। मां भगवती का स्मरण, ध्यान, पूजन, हमें इस संसार की असारता का बोध कराते हुए वास्तविक परम शांतिदायक अमृत पद की ओर ले जाने वाला है।

इनकी आराधना से जातक को अणिमा, लधिमा, प्राप्ति, प्राकाम्य, महिमा, ईशित्व, सर्वकामावसायिता, दूर श्रवण, परकामा प्रवेश, वाकसिद्ध, अमरत्व भावना सिद्धि आदि समस्त सिद्धियों नव निधियों की प्राप्ति होती है। आज के युग में इतना कठिन तप तो कोई नहीं कर सकता लेकिन अपनी शक्तिनुसार जप, तप, पूजा-अर्चना कर कुछ तो मां की कृपा का पात्र बनता ही है। प्रत्येक सर्वसाधारण के लिए आराधना योग्य यह श्लोक सरल और स्पष्ट है। मां जगदम्बे की भक्ति पाने के लिए इसे कंठस्थ कर नवरात्रि में नवमी के दिन इसका जाप करना चाहिए।

सिद्धिदात्री माँ की पूजा विधि

  • सबसे पहले मां की तस्वीर या मूर्ति रखें। फिर मां की आरती और हवन करना चाहिए।
  • हवन करते समय व्यक्ति को सभी देवी-देवताओं की पूजा करनी चाहिए। फिर मां का नाम लेना चाहिए।
  • इस दौरान दुर्गा सप्तशती के सभी श्लोक मंत्र पढ़ने चाहिए। इन मंत्रों के साथ ही आहुति दें।
  • मां के बीज मंत्र का 108 बार जाप करें। भगवान शंकर और ब्रह्मा जी की पूजा करें फिर मां की अराधना करें। मां को प्रसाद चढ़ाएं। सभी लोगों को प्रसाद भी बांटें।

सिद्धिदात्री माँ की आरती

जय सिद्धिदात्री मां तू सिद्धि की दाता ।
तू भक्तों की रक्षक तू दासों की माता ।।
तेरा नाम लेते ही मिलती है सिद्धि ।
तेरे नाम से मन की होती है शुद्धि ।।
कठिन काम सिद्ध करती हो तुम ।
जभी हाथ सेवक के सिर धरती हो तुम ।।
तेरी पूजा में तो ना कोई विधि है ।
तू जगदंबे दाती तू सर्व सिद्धि है ।।
रविवार को तेरा सुमिरन करे जो ।
तेरी मूर्ति को ही मन में धरे जो ।।
तू सब काज उसके करती है पूरे ।
कभी काम उसके रहे ना अधूरे ।।
तुम्हारी दया और तुम्हारी यह माया ।
रखे जिसके सिर पर मैया अपनी छाया ।।
सर्व सिद्धि दाती वह है भाग्यशाली ।
जो है तेरे दर का ही अंबे सवाली ।।
हिमाचल है पर्वत जहां वास तेरा ।
महा नंदा मंदिर में है वास तेरा ।।
मुझे आसरा है तुम्हारा ही माता ।
भक्ति है सवाली तू जिसकी दाता ।।

Killing of demons by various forms of Mahagauri

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Origin of Devi Mahagauri

The story of Mahagauri’s incarnation is as following. The mighty demons Shumbha and Nishumbha had a boon that they could only be killed by a virgin, unmarried form of Devi Parvati. Lord Brahma advises Lord Shiva, who teases Parvati repeatedly for her skin colour.

On repeated teasing, Devi Parvati performed strict penance to Brahma so as to get a fair complexion. Lord Brahma explained his inability to grant her a boon and instead requested her to stop her penance and slay the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha.

Killing of Mahishasura

Parvati agreed and went to take a bath in the river Ganges in Himalaya. Parvati entered in the Ganga river and as she took a bath, her dark skin washed off from her person entirely and she came back out as a beautiful white woman, wearing white garments and apparels, so she gained the epithet “Mahagauri”.

She then appeared in front of the gods who were praying to her at the Himalayas for the destruction of Shumbha and Nishumbha, and worriedly asked who was being worshipped by them. She then reflected as the black Kaushiki and answered herself saying that the gods were praying to her, after being defeated by the demons Shumbh and Nishumbh.

Parvati then turned black out of pity for the gods and was called Kalika. She then became Chandi (Chandraghanta) and killed demon Dhumralochan. Chanda and Munda were killed by Goddess Chamunda who appeared out from the third eye of Chandi. Chandi then killed Raktabija and his clones, while Chamunda drank their blood.

The killing of Dhumralochana

Parvati turned into Kaushiki again and killed Shumbh and Nishumbh, after which she transformed back into Mahagauri. Hence Devi Parvati killed Shumbha and Nishumbha, giving her the titles of Mahasaraswati or Ambika in the Shiva purana and the Devi Mahatmya (part of the Markandeya Purana) respectively.

कालरात्रि माता व्रत कथा

Goddess Durga , Shumbha and Nishumbha

Goddess Durga has killed numerous demons including Mahishasura, Shumbha, Nishumbha, Raktabija and others. These all demons were mighty because of boons from Brahma and only supreme deity like Goddess Durga could only kill them.

Boon of Shumbha and Nishmubha

According to Shrimad Devi Bhagwat Puran, Shumbha and Nishumbha were the two Asura (demons) brothers. They obtained a boon from lord Brahma that they will not be killed by any male whether human being or animal / bird etc. but by a woman only. They thought that they will live for ever as they did not know of a lady who was so powerful as to kill them both in a war.

Shumbha and Nishumbha’s atrocities

After securing the boon, these demons started disturbing the prayers of the saints torturing them and asking them to worship the duo rather than any other deity. The Devtas understood that it was beyond their powes to defeat the two brothers. Gods then requested the Goddess to help them.

Emergence of Devi Shakti from Goddess Parvati

Goddess Parvati heard the prayers of the Gods, and she was moved to pity and created another Goddess from her own being who came to be known as “Kaushiki”.

After the creation of the Goddess, Parvati turned black thus giving the name ‘Kalika’ also to the goddess. The Goddess thus born was supremely beautiful and when Chanda and Munda, the disciples of the demon brothers Shumbha and Nishumbha set eyes upon her they at once reported of her beauty to their masters.

Maa Kali
Maa Kali

The proposal of Marriage and defeat of Chanda and Munda

Upon hearing of her beauty, the two brothers sent a marriage proposal to the goddess. The Goddess told them that she has taken a vow to marry the one who can vanquish her in battle and take her forcibly. Thus incited into a battle by the Goddess, Shumbha and Nishumbha first send a large army and their able Generals to beat this beautiful lady, but on being defeated, they sent Chanda and Munda whom also the Goddess defeated assuming the form of Maha Kali and thus the goddess was also named ‘Chamunda’, the one who beheaded the Asuras Chanda And Munda.

Raktabija

As the battle progressed, seven more Goddesses or Shaktis emerged from the bodies of seven Devtas to assist the Goddess in this battle. At that time, the all  demon Raktabija also appeared on the battlefield, who had been granted the strange boon that wherever his blood fell on the ground it would take the form of a ‘Bija’ or seed and from it will sprout another Raktabija.

Killing of Raktabija, Shumbha and Nishmubha

To slay him, Goddess asked Kali to lick the blood of the Raktabija before it fell on the ground. The goddess in the meantime beheaded the demons. All the Shaktis then together killed Nishumbha and his army leaving just Shumbha. When Shumbha realised that he has been outnumbered, he taunted the Goddess that she alone cannot defeat him and needed the help of seven other Goddesses to do so. The Goddess got infuriated and merged all the Shaktis into herself and single handedly killed Shumbha thus freeing the world of evil.

Importance of Pitru Paksha and Amavasya

Pitru or Pitri Paksha is an important event for Hindus. In the Lunar month of Ashwin (Krishna Paksha), Pitru Paksha or Pitri Paksha is observed. This is observed in a fortnight where followers of Hindu religion offer food to their ancestors. This includes several pujas, rituals, and charity activities. It is also believed that paying homage to those who have passed away during Pitru Paksha helps them attain liberation or moksha.

Story of Karna and Pitru Paksha

This is believed that giving food and water to our ancestors helps us in different ways because these reach to the departed soul and they become happy. There is an interesting story related to Karna. When the legendary donor Karna died in the epic Mahabharata war, his soul transcended to heaven, where he was offered gold and jewels as food. However, Karna needed real food to eat and asked Indra, the lord of heaven, the reason for serving gold as food. Indra told Karna that he had donated gold all his life, but had never donated food to his ancestors in Shraddha. Karna said that since he was unaware of his ancestors, he never donated anything in their memory. To make amends, Karna was permitted to return to earth for a 15–day period, so that he could perform Shraddha and donate food and water in their memory. This period is now known as Pitru Paksha.

Mahalaya

Mahalaya is marked on the last day of Pitru Paksha. It is celebrated in the states of Karnataka, Odisha, Tripura, and West Bengal. It is believed in the Hindu Mythology that Goddess Durga was created on this day by Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswar to defeat the demon king Mahishasura. Therefore, devotees mark this day as the arrival of Goddess Durga to Earth from Kailash Parvat with her divine powers. On the day of Mahalaya, the sculptors only make Goddess Durga’s eyes and fill colours in them. They also perform a special puja before this.

Story of Mahishasura

Story of Mahishasura

Hindus believe that the demon king Mahishasura was blessed with a boon that no god or human could kill him. After he received the blessing, Mahishasura attacked the Devtas, and after losing the war to him, they had to leave the Devlok. All the Devtas, along with Lord Vishnu, worshipped Adi Shakti to save them from the wrath of Mahishasura. It is believed at this time, a divine light came out of the bodies of all the Devtas and took the shape of Goddess Durga.

The war between Maa Durga and Mahishasura lasted for nine days, and then she killed him on the 10th day. Maa Durga is considered the goddess of power, and Durga Puja is celebrated all over the country with much pomp and fervour. Devotees pray to the goddess during these ten days as it is believed she comes to Earth to bless her people.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya

Mahalaya also marks the last day of Pitru Paksh and is also known as Sarva Pitra Amavasya. Many people remember their ancestors on this day and offer Tarpan or Shraddha to make their souls happy. It is said that on Mahalaya Amavasya morning, first ancestors are given farewell and then in the evening Maa Durga comes to earth and stays here to bless people.

Ganga Dusshera

The river Ganges was in heavens and it came to earth because of penance of Bhagirath. This is the reason, Ganga is also called as Bhagirathi. Ganga Dusshera celebrates this event of Maa Ganga coming to Earth from Heavens.

Ganga Dussehra takes place on Dashami (10th day) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu calendar month Jyeshtha. The festival celebration lasts ten days, including the nine days preceding this holy day.

Ganga Dusshera is celebrated on the banks of this river, where devotees worship and offer aarti to Goddess Ganga. Haridwar, Varanasi, Garhmukteshwar, Rishikesh, Prayagraj, and Patna are the main locations of the celebrations of this festival.

Goddess Ganga

Popular as the mother of Bhishma Pitamah, Ganga is the personification of the river Ganga and is worshiped by Hindus as the goddess of purification and forgiveness. Known by many names, Ganga is often depicted as a beautiful woman, riding a divine creature called Makara. Some of the earliest mentions of Ganga are found in the Rigveda, where she is mentioned as the holiest of the rivers. Her stories mainly appear in the post Vedic texts like Ramayana and Mahabharata.

How Ganga came to earth

King Sagara of the Ikshvaku dynasty performed a Ashwamedha yajna to prove his supremacy. Lord Indra became fearful over the results of the yajna, so he decided to steal the horse. He left the horse at the ashram of Sage Kapila, who was in deep meditation. King Sagar’s 60,000 sons (born of Queen Sumati), and his son Asamanja (born of Queen Keshini) were then sent to find the horse. When the 60,000 sons found the horse at Kapiladeva’s ashram, they thought he (Kapila) had stolen it. When they prepared to attack the meditating rishi (sage), Kapila opened his eyes. Because the sons of King Sagara had disrespected such a great personality, consequently, fire emanated from their own bodies, and they were immediately burned to ashes.

One of the grandchildren of King Sagar, hearing about the plight of his father and uncles, came in search of Kapila Muni and asked him for a solution to the problem, and was advised that the waters of the river Ganga would miraculously bring back the dead princes to life.

His descendant Bhagiratha, continued his efforts to bring the Ganga to the earth from the heavens to purify the ashes of his ancestors and bring them back to life

On knowing that his ancestors will reach swarga only if the pure waters of Ganga flow through their ashes, from his mother, Bhagiratha immediately left to Himalayas to do tapas for Lord Brahma.

After 1000 years of penance, Brahma appeared before him and blessed him with children and Ganga. However, Brahma suggested that none except Shiva can take the force when Ganga falls onto earth, and if not with that force earth will be washed away.

Bhagiratha began worshiping Shiva. A whole year passed. Pleased with Bhagiratha’s devotion Shiva took the force of Ganga and controlled her in his matted hair. For Bhagiratha it was another difficulty He again prayed to Lord Shiva to release Ganga down to earth. Ganga followed Bhagiratha shyly and slowly, like his daughter (Bhaagirathi

Ganga as Bhagirathi

Note:

· Bhagiratha brought Ganga to earth. That’s why she is also known as Bhagirathi.

· Bhagiratha ruled Ayodhya, long before the birth of Rama, the hero of the Ramayana.

· In pictures, we see Ganga’s face in Shiva’s hair. This is connected to the story you’ve just read.

· Ganga flowed out of Sage Jahnu’s ear. Therefore, she is also known as Jaahnavi.

Story of Monday and Pradosh Katha

According to Hindu mythology each day of the week represents a planet and are named after it.

mondaymoon/ som somvarwhite
tuesdayMars / mangalmangalwarred
wednesdayMercury / budhbudhwargreen
thursdayjupiter/ brihaspatibrihaspatiwaryellow
fridayVenus / shukrashukrawarwhite
saturdaySaturn / shanishaniwarblack
sundaySun / raviraviwarred
DayPlanet
MondayMoon/ Som
TuesdayMars/ Mangal
WednesdayMercury/ Budh
ThursdayJupiter/ Brihaspati
FridayVenus/ Shukra
SaturdaySaturn/ Shani
SundaySun/ Ravi

Days and planets associated with them

Each day is dedicated to a God. It is believed that offering prayer to a particular deity on their special day will please them and get their blessings in abundance. Here follows the story of Monday.
Monday is considered auspicious day for the worship of Lord Shiva. It is believed that if one observes upwas / fast  on monday all his desires will be blessed wisdom.

Types of Monday Fast

Simple every monday fast / Somvar vrat

Monday fast begins at sunrise and ends at sunset. Food is taken only after evening. Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva is done.

Pradosh Vrata

Pradosh Vrat is observed on 13th day of each lunar fortnight. This Vrata can be performed on all days of a week. Evening period is called as Pradosh kala. It is believed that during this time, Lord Shiva dances on Kailash, so observing this vrata on Monday has special value. When Pradosh occurs on Monday it is known as Som Pradosh. It is done to get desired results and for acquiring positivity.

16 Somvar Vrat

This Vrata is performed for 16 mondays and it is believed to give all kind of happiness to the person doing it. There are many interesting stories associated with the Somvar vrat . The stories vary from region to region and community to community.

16 somvar vrat is usually observed by unmarried girls to have husband like lord Shiva. It is believed that Goddess Parvati has observed this vrat to have Shiva as her husband. 

Once Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were in the city of Amravati. On the way they decided to take rest in a temple. In the temple they started playing a game of dice. Goddess Parvati asked the priest to predict who will win the game. Priest was a devotee of Lord Shiva, so he took his name. But, Goddess Parvati won the game. Parvati was annoyed with the priest impertinence, and cursed him to be a leper. 

For many years he lived a cursed existence. One day he was advised to observe 16 somvar vrat. Priest did the same and at the end of 16 somvar he restored to good health.

Story of a rich merchant and his son


There was a rich merchant despite of immense wealth and prosperity he was not happy because he had no son. Every monday he observes fast for a son. Every monday he visited temple and worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with full faith. Goddess Parvati was pleased with his devotion. She requested Lord Shiva to fulfill his desire. Lord Shiva blessed him with a son but his son will live for 12 years only. Merchant heard their conservation. 

As time passed merchant was blessed with a beautiful son. Everybody was very happy but merchant was sad because he knew that his soon his son will die. Still he observed his monday fast with great zest. 

At an age of 11 his son looked very smart and mature. Merchant called his brother-in law and asked him to take his son to Kashi for best spiritual knowledge. He also asked him to arrange devotional gathering at every hallt on the way and also distribute alms among the beggars. 

One day they halt at a capital of king. The king’s daughter marriage was to take place that day. Bridegroom’s father was very disturbed because the groom was blind of one eye. His father didn’t want to disclose this fact so he was looking for a beautiful boy to replace him.  For this he was ready to give enough wealth. 

Merchant son agrees for this and he got married to the king’s daughter. At the time of depart he picked his bride’s scarf and wrote about himself, that he was a son of a rich merchant and he was on his way to Kashi for his spiritual studies and her real groom was blind of one eye. When bride saw the message she refused to accompany her one eyed groom. 

When merchant son reached kashi and devoted himself fully to spiritual studies. Every monday his uncle arranged for devotional gathering and distributes alms among poor for his wellbeing. 

On the last day of his 12th year  he felt pain in chest and dies. Even when his uncle realised that his nephew has dies he kept silent to the brahmans so that they could have their food. When his routine was over he started crying many people gathered there. Fortunately Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were crossing the by that house they saw everything. Parvati was very sad so she requested Shiva to gave him life back. Lord Shiva sprinkled water on the dead boy and he regained his consciousness.

After completing his spiritual education they started their journey backward. On their way back they arranged arranged gathering and also offered donations to poors. When they reached the city where he was married the king recognised him and took him to his palace with full honour and arranged a happy departure of his daughter. 

When merchant son reached his city along his wife. His father could not believe his eyes. He was very happy to see his son back with his eyes.

Pradosh Vrata katha in Hindi

एक समय की बात है, किसी नगर में एक साहूकार रहता था. उसके घर में धन की कोई कमी नहीं थी, लेकिन उसकी कोई संतान नहीं था, इस कारण वह बहुत दुखी रहता था. पुत्र पाने के लिए वह प्रत्येक सोमवार व्रत रखता था और पूरी श्रद्धा के साथ शिव मंदिर जाकर भगवान शिव और पार्वती जी की पूजा करता था. उसकी भक्ति देखकर एक दिन मां पार्वती प्रसन्न हो गईं और भगवान शिव से उस साहूकार की मनोकामना पूरी करने का आग्रह किया. पार्वती जी की इच्छा सुनकर भगवान शिव ने कहा कि ‘हे पार्वती, इस संसार में हर प्राणी को उसके कर्मों का फल मिलता है और जिसके भाग्य में जो हो उसे भोगना ही पड़ता है’ लेकिन पार्वती जी ने साहूकार की भक्ति का मान रखने के लिए उसकी मनोकामना पूर्ण करने की इच्छा जताई.

माता पार्वती के आग्रह पर शिवजी ने साहूकार को पुत्र-प्राप्ति का वरदान तो दिया, लेकिन साथ ही यह भी कहा कि उसके बालक की आयु केवल बारह वर्ष होगी. माता पार्वती और भगवान शिव की बातचीत को साहूकार सुन रहा था. उसे ना तो इस बात की खुशी थी और ना ही दुख. वह पहले की भांति शिवजी की पूजा करता रहा. कुछ समय के बाद साहूकार के घर एक पुत्र का जन्म होता है, जब वह बालक ग्यारह वर्ष का हुआ तो उसे पढ़ने के लिए काशी भेज दिया गया. साहूकार ने पुत्र के मामा को बुलाकर उसे बहुत सारा धन दिया और कहा कि तुम इस बालक को काशी विद्या प्राप्ति के लिए ले जाओ और मार्ग में यज्ञ कराना. जहां भी यज्ञ कराओ वहां ब्राह्मणों को भोजन कराते और दक्षिणा देते हुए जाना. दोनों मामा-भांजे इसी तरह यज्ञ कराते और ब्राह्मणों को दान-दक्षिणा देते काशी की ओर चल पड़े. रात में एक नगर पड़ा जहां नगर के राजा की कन्या का विवाह था. जिस राजकुमार से उसका विवाह होने वाला था वह एक आंख से काना था.

राजकुमार के पिता ने अपने पुत्र के काना होने की बात को छुपाने के लिए एक चाल सोची. साहूकार के पुत्र को देखकर उसके मन में एक विचार आया. उसने सोचा क्यों न इस लड़के को दूल्हा बनाकर राजकुमारी से विवाह करा दूं. विवाह के बाद इसको धन देकर विदा कर दूंगा और राजकुमारी को अपने नगर ले जाऊंगा. लड़के को दूल्हे के वस्त्र पहनाकर राजकुमारी से विवाह कर दिया गया. लेकिन साहूकार का पुत्र ईमानदार था. उसे यह बात न्यायसंगत नहीं लगी. उसने अवसर पाकर राजकुमारी की चुन्नी के पल्ले पर लिखा कि ‘तुम्हारा विवाह तो मेरे साथ हुआ है लेकिन जिस राजकुमार के संग तुम्हें भेजा जाएगा वह एक आंख से काना है. मैं तो काशी पढ़ने जा रहा हूं.

जब चुन्नी पर लिखी बातें राजकुमारी ने पढ़ी तो उसने अपने माता-पिता को यह बात बताई. राजा ने अपनी पुत्री को विदा नहीं किया, जिससे बारात वापस चली गई. दूसरी ओर साहूकार का लड़का और उसका मामा काशी पहुंचे और वहां जाकर उन्होंने यज्ञ किया. जिस दिन लड़के की आयु 12 साल की हुई उसी दिन यज्ञ रखा गया. लड़के ने अपने मामा से कहा कि मेरी तबीयत कुछ ठीक नहीं है. मामा ने कहा कि तुम अंदर जाकर सो जाओ. शिवजी के वरदानुसार कुछ ही देर में उस बालक के प्राण निकल गए. मृत भांजे को देख उसके मामा ने विलाप शुरू किया. संयोगवश उसी समय शिवजी और माता पार्वती उधर से जा रहे थे. पार्वती ने भगवान से कहा- स्वामी, मुझे इसके रोने के स्वर सहन नहीं हो रहा. आप इस व्यक्ति के कष्ट को अवश्य दूर करें.

जब शिवजी मृत बालक के समीप गए तो वह बोले कि यह उसी साहूकार का पुत्र है, जिसे मैंने 12 वर्ष की आयु का वरदान दिया. अब इसकी आयु पूरी हो चुकी है, लेकिन मातृ भाव से विभोर माता पार्वती ने कहा कि हे महादेव, आप इस बालक को और आयु देने की कृपा करें अन्यथा इसके वियोग में इसके माता-पिता भी तड़प-तड़प कर मर जाएंगे. माता पार्वती के आग्रह पर भगवान शिव ने उस लड़के को जीवित होने का वरदान दिया. शिवजी की कृपा से वह लड़का जीवित हो गया. शिक्षा समाप्त करके लड़का मामा के साथ अपने नगर की ओर चल दिया. दोनों चलते हुए उसी नगर में पहुंचे, जहां उसका विवाह हुआ था. उस नगर में भी उन्होंने यज्ञ का आयोजन किया. उस लड़के के ससुर ने उसे पहचान लिया और महल में ले जाकर उसकी खातिरदारी की और अपनी पुत्री को विदा किया.

Draupadi – A role model

A lot has been said about the character of Devi Draupadi and lot of these suggest that she was lesser than a dignified soul. For those, this must be said that she was one of the panchkanyas and remembering here every morning washes away sins of a person. This should be noted that even Devi Sita does not have this honour of being part of Panchkanya.

Read about Panchkanya

Lets discuss some of the aspects of her life which look controversial.

  • Becoming the wife of five brothers: Here she did not have any control on what was decided for her by others. Kunti said to Pandavas to share her and Yudhishthira justified his mother’s orders. Draupadi had accepted this and carried out her duties diligently. Infact, rtaher than objecting to this arrangement, she has agreed which is praiseworthy. She had five husbands because of a boon from Lord Shiva
  •  Denying Karna a chance to win her in Swayamvara: This is said that Draupadi has made her comment towards Karna that she did not want to be married to him as he is a suta putra. This is indeed a less than expected virtue from the lady, but a swayamvara meant that the bride should choose her groom and she did exactly that. Draupadi Swayamvara events
Draupadi Vastraharan
Draupadi Vastraharan

Draupadi Vastraharan – Perhaps the most shameful and infamous incident where a woman was subjected to humiliation. Here also, Draupadi kept asking to everyone that how Yudhishthira could lose her when he was already a slave. This was a valid question, but everyone in the court was so much blind that nobody cared to answer, including Bhishma, Dhritrashtra, Drona and others.  This was the time when Dharma appeared to have deserted the earth. And then the real culprits, Dushashana, Karna and Duryodhana who have treated and commented on her as a derogatory human being. The question raised here is why she should be blamed when so called greats of Kuru vansh have subjected her with humiliation?

A role model wife who even taught Satyabhama: This is an interesting story where Satyabhama once asked her that how she manages to keep everyone happy. In reply to this, she asked Satyabhama that rather to expect, she should learn to give and then there will be no difficulties. This was indeed a remarkable event where Draupadi taught the Lord Krishna’s better half.

The Story of Akshaypatra : Draupadi had this great bowl of food with help of which, she managed to keep everybody satiated. But this required one condition that she should be last to eat from it and after that the akshaypatra will not provide food. Imagine this, when on one hand this bowl of food kept hunger at bay, it also meant that Draupadi could not eat until everyone have consumed food. Think of this, if someone has to be hungry until everybody have had their food. Not an easy task.

Draupadi serving Food to Durvasa Rishi from Akshaypatra

Why she should not be regarded as a role model?