Namo Namo Durge Sukh karni
Though Kartik Poornima is not treated as a full-fledged festival, there are enough mythological stories which suggest that this is a very important day in Hindu religion.
Both moon days of the month Kartik, (full moon and no moon) are auspicious. Many will not comprehend Kartik Amavasya, as it is better known as Diwali. Kartik Poornima has even more importance as it is called Dev Diwali ( the diwali of gods). This is the day when gods celebrate the victory of good over evil.
This festival underlines the importance of Lord Shiva. This festival is second only to Mahashivratri. Shiva relieved the earth by killing Tripurasuras.
Tripasura are the three sons of Tarakasura – Vidyunmali, Tarakaksha and Viryavana. Because of a boon from Lord Brahma, they were virtually immortal. They were living comfortably in the city of Tripura. Gods pleaded Shiva to destroy them which Shiva denied. Then they pleaded Vishnu and he found a solution to their problem. Vishnu created a person to propagate an alternate form of religion. This religion was slowly accepted by the three sons of Tarakasura. They stopped following the teachings of Veda and worshipping Shiva. Lord Shiva then destroyed the city of Tripura with Pashupata astra. The chariot was created by Vishwakarma.
For this reason, Lord Shiva is also called Tripurari.
Kartik Poornina is also associated with following important occasions:
1. Birth of Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva.
2. Birth of Matasya (Matsya) avatar, an incarnation of Vishnu.
3. Birth of Vrinda, the personifield form of Tulsi.
The festival is more significant when this is in the Krittika nakshatra. It is then called Maha Kartik. If the nakshatra is Bharani, the results are stated to be special. In Rohini nakshatra, then the fruitful results are even much more.
A ritual bath at a tirtha (a sacred water body like a lake or river) at a pilgrimage centre is prescribed on Kartik Poornima. This holy bath is known as “Kartik snana”. An holy bath at Pushkar or in the Ganges river, especially at Varanasi is deemed as most auspicious. Kartik Poornima is the most popular day for bathing in the Ganges at Varanasi.
This auspicious day is also celebrated in others religions – Sikh (Guru Nanak Jayanti) and Jain (Shri Shantrunjay Teerth Yatra).
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.
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
The serpent poisoned everything in the surrounding of Yamuna River. Vapours and bubbles in the river killed even birds that flew over the region.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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 ।
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 ।
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.
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”.
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 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.
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.
Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab, is the most auspicious festival of Sikh community in India. Nanakpanthi hindus and other followers of Guru Nanak’s philosophy also celebrate this festival. This festival is celebrated on Kartik Poornima, which is a very auspicious day for hindus. In the year 2013, the date is 17 November.
Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the Sikh faith, was born in the month of April,but his birthday is known celebrated on Kartik Poornima known as Guru Nanak Jayanti. He was born in 1469 A.D. at Talevandi some 30 miles from Lahore. His anniversaries of Sikh Guru’s are known as Gurpurabs (festivals) and are celebrated with devotion and dedication.
Guru Nanak – Gurpurab
Stories from his life give details of his divine awareness from a young age. At a very tender age, Nanak is said to have voiced interest in divine subjects. At age seven, he started attending school. Some childhood accounts refer to strange and miraculous events about Nanak, once the sleeping child’s head was shaded from the harsh sunlight, by the stationary shadow of a tree or by a poisonous cobra.
Cobra providing shadow to Nanak
Rai Bular, the local landlord and Nanak’s sister Bibi Nanaki were the first people who recognised spiritual qualities in the boy. They encouraged and supported him to study and travel. It is stated that at around 1499, at the age of 30, he had a vision. After he failed to return from his ablutions, his clothes were found on the bank of a local stream called the Kali Bein.
The people of the town assumed he had drowned in the river; Daulat Khan had the river dragged, but no body was found. Three days after disappearing, Nanak reappeared, staying silent.
The next day, Nanak said that he had been taken to God’s court. There, he was offered a cup filled with amrita (nectar).From this point onwards, Nanak is described in accounts as a Guru. This historical event also marks the birth of Sikhism.
Guru Nanak’s teachings can be found in the Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib, as a vast collection of revelatory verses recorded in Gurmukhi.
Prabhat Pheris are conducted at the festival. Prabhat Pheris are processions held in early morning. These start at the Gurudwaras and proceed around the localities singing religious songs. Before two days of festival, Akhand Path (a forty-eight-hour non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs) is held in the Gurudwaras.
A day prior to the birthday, a procession, referred to as Nagarkirtan, is organised. This procession is led by the Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones). They head the procession carrying the Sikh flag, known as the Nishan Sahib and the Palki (Palanquin) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
On the day of the Gurpurab, the celebrations commence early in the morning at about 4 to 5 am. This time of the day is referred to as Amrit Vela. The day begins with the singing of Asa-di-Var (morning hymns). This is followed by any combination of Katha (discourse of the scriptures) and Kirtan (hymns from the Sikh scriptures), praising the Guru. Following that is the Langar, a special community lunch, which is arranged at the Gurudwaras by volunteers.
Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab is celebrated by the Sikh community all over the world and is one of the most important festivals in the Sikh calendar. The celebrations are especially colourful in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh.
The Ekadashi day is the most purifying of all days and observing fast on this day takes away all the sins. There is an interesting story behind the origin of Ekadashi narrates about the importance of Ekadashi. It is said that eating grains his forbidden on Ekadashi day and observing fast on this day is beneficial to the observer for a number of reasons.
There are 26 Ekadashi days fall in a year plus five days Ramnavmi, Shivratri, Vamana Jayanti, Narsingh Jayanti and Janmashatmi. It is said that observing fast and indulging in religious activities in these days, the person is benefited in number of ways.
There is a story as why grains are not eaten that day because, Paappurusha resides there. Devi Ekadashi is a manifestation of God as she was born of Eleven(ekadash) indriyas of Lord Vishnu and has following boons from lord:
1. That She always be the chosen one and lovable to him.
2. That She be the highest of all the horoscopic dates (Tithi’s); That She be the destroyer of all sins; That She grant the strength to people to live more in their life.
3. That She can grant good health, wealth and any wishes to those who complete a fast and follow the fast of Ekadashi with the three boons.
The Eleventh day of Kartik is the appearance (Utpati) day of Ekadashi.
Once in the age of Satyug, the demon named Mur (son of demon Naadijang) won over the Kingdom of Swarag (Dev Loka) from the devtas. He defeated all devas and ruled over them. Devtas, thus troubled by the demon went to Lord Vishnu and asked him to save them from the clutches of Mur. Lord Vishnu then reached the Mur’s capital, candravati and was attacked by other demons. Lord destroyed them immediately. At last, left alone, Mur started fighting with lord.
Mur used his mystic power to render useless whatever weapons the Supreme Lord Vishnu unleashed. Indeed, to the demon the weapons felt just like flowers striking him. When the Lord could not defeat the demon even with various kinds of weapons, he began fighting with his bare hands, which were as strong as iron-studded clubs. The Lord wrestled with Mura for one thousand celestial years and then, apparently fatigued, left for Badarikashram.
There Lord , the greatest of all yogis, the Lord of the universe, entered a very beautiful cave named Himavati to rest. That cave was ninety-six miles in diameter and had only one entrance. very tired, Lord went there to take rest. and soon fell asleep. The demon followed him into that cave and, seeing him asleep, started thinking within his heart, “Today I will kill this slayer of all demons, Hari.”
Just when Mur demon(danav) was about to strike Lord, from the divine senses of God, appeared a beautiful woman with all sorts of divine artilleries in her hands.
Seeing her, Mur Daanav got entangled to her sensational beauty, lost his own senses and asked her to marry him. The woman said, “Oh no! It is not easy to have me in marriage. I have a condition that whoever wins me in a battle will marry me.” Blinded in the beauty of the woman, another battle started between them. Mur Daanav did not realise that one of the two has to die in order for the other to win. Ultimately, Mur Daanav was killed in the war.
Then the Supreme Lord woke up and saw the dead demo before Him,as well as the maiden bowing down to him with joined palms. His
face expressing His astonishment, the Lord of the universe said,”Who has killed this vicious demon? He easily defeated all the demigods, Gandharvas, and even Indra himself, along with Indra’s companions, the Maruts, and he also defeated the Nagas (snakes), the rulers of the lower planets. He even defeated Me, making Me hide in this cave out of fear. Who is it that has so mercifully protected Me after I ran from the battlefield and went to sleep in this cave?
The maiden said, “It is I who have killed this demon after appearing from You transcendental body. Indeed, O Lord Hari, when he saw You sleeping he wanted to kill You. Understanding the intention of this thorn in the side of the three worlds, I killed the evil rascal and this freed all the demigods from fear. I am Your great maha-sakti, Your internal potency, who strikes fear into the hearts of all Your enemies. I have killed this universally terrifying demon to protect the three worlds. Please tell me why You are surprised to see that this demon has been killed, O Lord.
The Supreme Lord said, “O sinless one, I am very satisfied to see that it is you who have killed this king of the demons. In this way you have made the demigods happy, prosperous, and full of bliss. Because you have given pleasure to all the demigods in the three worlds, I am very pleased with you. Ask any boon you may desire, O auspicious one. I will give it to you without a doubt, though it be very rare among the demigods.”
For the purpose of punishing the evil human beings, Papa Purusha was created. His form was the embodiment of the worst kinds of sin (Papa-purusha). His was a horrible personality embodying all sinful activities and vices was created. He inflicts extreme misery upon sinful persons.
In form of Ekadasi and by the virtue of his boons to her, sinful people find a way of reaching heaven if they followed Ekadasi vrata. Seeing this Papa-Purusha inquired Lord Vishnu that his existence is over as this vrata has the power to deny him. So where does he go. It is through me that you wanted distress given to the living entities who are very sinful. But now, by the influence of Sri Ekadashi, I have become all but destroyed.
Lord Vishnu said – I’ll tell you where you can stay on the lunar day of Ekadasi. On the date of Sri Ekadasi, which is the benefactor of the three planetary systems, you can take shelter of foodstuffs in the form of grains. There is no reason to worry about this any more, because My form as Sri Ekadasi will no longer impede you.’ After giving direction to the Papa-purusha, the Supreme Lord Vishnu disappeared and the Papa-purusha returned to the performance of his own activities. Therefore, those persons who are serious about the ultimate benefit of the soul will never eat grains on Ekadasi. According to the instructions of Lord Vishnu, every kind of sinful activity that can be found in the material world takes its residence in this place of (grains) foodstuff.
Utpana
Mokshada Ekadashi – on this all-auspicious day, Lord Shri Krishna spoke the Srimad Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, at the place now known as Jyotisha tirtha. Anyone who gifts a Bhagavad Gita away to a deserving person on this day is bestowed profuse blessings by the Sri Krishna Bhagawan.
Saphala
Putrada
Sattila
Jaya / Bhaimi
Vijaya
Amalaki
Paapmochani
Kamada
Varutini
Mohini
Apara
Nirjala
Yogini
Sayana / Padma
Kamika
Pavitropana
Aja / Annada
Parvartini / Parsva
Indira
Papankusha
Rama
Haribhodini / Utthana
Adik maas – Padmini
Parama
Bhishma Ekadashi is one of the most auspicious days and it is celebrated to mark the origin of the most powerful and well known Sri Vishnu Sahasranaama Sthothram. On this day Bhishma Pithamaha who was the oldest, wisest, most powerful, and the most righteous person belonging to the Kuru dynasty (approx. over 5000 years ago) narrated the greatness of Lord Krishna through Sri Vishnu Sahsranaama to Yudhishtira who was the oldest brother of Pandavas.
Parshuram, Rama with an axe is believed to be sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He was born to Renuka and Jamadagni, one of a saptrishi. He is believed to be one of the immortals of Hindu mythology. According to a legend, it is believed that he still lives at Mahendragiri mountain peak in Orissa. Here are some interesting stories about Parshuram.
Parashuram received his famous axe named parashu from Shiva after severe penance. He also gained Shiva’s lustre which is equal to crores of astras. With his parashu he first killed Danavas.
Lord Shiva giving axe to Parshuram
Once kshatriya king Kartavirya went to his father’s ashram and stole the holy calf that was gifted to him by Lord Indra. Enraged by this act, Parshuram killed Kartavirya and rescued the calf. To avenge Kartavirya’s death, his son killed Jamdagni (Parshuram’s father). In return Parshuram killed all kshatriya 21 times to restore peace to the earth.
He played an important role in Ramayana, he gave the bow of Shiva to Janaka for Sita’s swayamvar. This is the same bow which Lord Rama has lifted in order to win Sita Swayamvara.
He played important role in Mahabharat by serving as mentor to Bhishma, Drona and Karna. All of these warriors fought from the Kauravas side in this great war.
He killed his mother – His mother Renuka was known for her chastity and devotion for her husband. Her strength of her devotion was so strong that she was able to fetch water in unbaked clay pot. One day she was at the river she saw some gandharva, for a moment she was filled with desire and the unbaked pot dissolved. Her husband Jamadagni came to know every thing with his yogic power he was enraged. He called his son gave him an axe and ask him to kill his mother but one by one they all refuse in return they were turned into stone. But Parshuram was very obedient and he beheaded his mother. He was granted two boon in which he asked for her mother and his brothers back to life.
Fight with Lord Shiva – Once Lord Shiva challenged him for a battle to test his skills in warfare. A fierce battle lasted for 21 days one day he countered and attacked Shiva with his parshu which stuck on his forehead. Lord Shiva was impressed by his amazing skill and embraced him. Thus Shiv is also known as Khanda- Parshu.
Parshuram cursed Karna that he will forget his skills at the time when he needs most. This happened when Parshuram discovered that Karna was a Kshatriya and not a Brahmin.
Once Parshuram was annoyed with Surya (Sun God). He shot several arrows in the sky when he ran out of arrows he send his wife to bring more. Sun God focused his rays on her causing her to collapse. Surya then appeared before Parshuram and gave him slippers and umbrella.
Once he went to mount Kailash to meet Lord Shiva but Ganesha stops him. Parshuram throws his axe on him , Ganesha knew that the axe was given to him by his father so he allowed it to sever his left tusk thus got his name Ekdant. Later he gave him his divine axe and bless him.
Parshuram and Lord Ganesha
Parshuram conducted thousands of Ashwamedha and gave the entire land conquered as an alm to sage Kashyap.
कैलाश पर्वत के ध्यानी की अर्धांगिनी मां सती पार्वती को ही शैलपुत्री, ब्रह्मचारिणी, चंद्रघंटा, कूष्मांडा, स्कंदमाता, कात्यायिनी, कालरात्रि, महागौरी, सिद्धिदात्री आदि नामों से जाना जाता है। इसके अलावा भी मां के अनेक नाम हैं जैसे दुर्गा, जगदम्बा, अम्बे, शेरांवाली आदि, लेकिन सबमें सुंदर नाम तो ‘मां’ ही है।
पुरातन काल में दुर्गम नामक दैत्य हुआ। उसने भगवान ब्रह्मा को प्रसन्न कर सभी वेदों को अपने वश में कर लिया जिससे देवताओं का बल क्षीण हो गया। तब दुर्गम ने देवताओं को हराकर स्वर्ग पर कब्जा कर लिया। तब देवताओं को देवी भगवती का स्मरण हुआ। देवताओं ने शुंभ-निशुंभ, मधु-कैटभ तथा चण्ड-मुण्ड का वध करने वाली शक्ति का आह्वान किया।
प्रत्येक सर्वसाधारण के लिए आराधना योग्य यह श्लोक सरल और स्पष्ट है। माँ जगदम्बे की भक्ति पाने के लिए इसे कंठस्थ कर नवरात्रि में पाँचवें दिन इसका जाप करना चाहिए।
आदि सतयुग के राजा दक्ष की पुत्री पार्वती माता को शक्ति कहा जाता है। पार्वती नाम इसलिए पड़ा की वह पर्वतराज अर्थात् पर्वतों के राजा की पुत्र थी। राजकुमारी थी। लेकिन वह भस्म रमाने वाले योगी शिव के प्रेम में पड़ गई। शिव के कारण ही उनका नाम शक्ति हो गया। पिता की अनिच्छा से उन्होंने हिमालय के इलाके में ही रहने वाले योगी शिव से विवाह कर लिया।
एक यज्ञ में जब दक्ष ने पार्वती (शक्ति) और शिव को न्यौता नहीं दिया, फिर भी पार्वती शिव के मना करने के बावजूद अपने पिता के यज्ञ में पहुंच गई, लेकिन दक्ष ने शिव के विषय में सती के सामने ही अपमानजनक बातें कही। पार्वती को यह सब सहन नहीं हुआ और वहीं यज्ञ कुंड में कूद कर अपने प्राण त्याग दिए।
यह खबर सुनते ही शिव ने अपने सेनापति वीरभद्र को भेजा, जिसने दक्ष का सिर काट दिया। इसके बाद दुखी होकर सती के शरीर को अपने कंधों पर धारण कर शिव क्रोधित हो धरती पर घूमते रहे। इस दौरान जहां-जहां सती के शरीर के अंग या आभूषण गिरे वहां बाद में शक्तिपीठ निर्मित हो गए। जहां पर जो अंग या आभूषण गिरा उस शक्तिपीठ का नाम वह हो गया।
नवरात्र के पांचवे दिन मां स्कंदमाता की पूजा होती 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। प्रत्येक सर्वसाधारण के लिए आराधना योग्य यह श्लोक सरल और स्पष्ट है। 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। 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।
