God Photos: July 2014

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Importance Of Shayani Ekadashi

The ancient Hindu mythology tells - on this Ekadahi Lord Hari goes to Ksheer Sagar, the Ocean of Milk, rest there for 4 months on Shesha Naga and then returns back to Vaikunth Vas on Shukla Paksha Ekadashi in Kartik Month which is also known as the Prabodhani Ekadashi. The period between Shayani Ekadashi and Prabodhani Ekadashi is considered best for events like marriage etc. and is known as Chaturmas. This Chatur Mas period is a 4 months period of rainy season. Usually the sages and saints worship Lord Vishnu as well as goddess Lakshmi while staying at a single place only during these four months. Story Behind Hari Shayani Ekadasi According to Hindu scriptures, Hari Shayani Ekadashi Vrata is considered very significant. There is also a popular story behind it. Sage Narada once questioned Lord Brahma about the importance of Harishayani Ekadashi. Lord Brahma told him the story, “There was a great king in Satayuga. His kingdom was suffering from drought for past 3 years. Anxiety spread among citizens. Seeing the severity of the problems, he went to consult a Great Sage Angira. Sage Angira said that in Satayuga, even a small sin can also affect a lot. He further indicated that there is some person in his kingdom doing wrong prayers. The sage advised the King that if he would kill that man then his kingdom may get a relief. But the King didn’t agree to that as he did not want to kill an innocent person just because of performing wrong rituals. The King asked the sage another way out. Sage Angira told him that the one and only alternative is that he and his people should fast on Harishayani Ekadashi. Hearing this, the King returned to his Kingdom and followed the sage’s advice. He along with the citizens of his kingdom fasted on this day. Due to this, the kingdom received plenty of rains and people became prosperous and happy.”

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Story Of Pradosha Vrat

According to Hindu Puranas, the gods (Devas) and the demons (Asuras) were stirring the milky ocean to extract amirtam (nectar), with Vasuki (the serpent king) as a rope. As Vasuki underwent severe scratches due to the churning, she emitted a powerful poison which is capable of destroying the world. The helpless celestials pleaded Lord Shiva to save them. In order to save them, Lord Shiva swallowed the poison. Goddess Parvati stopped the poison in Lord’s throat and it is believed that his throat turned to blue. As a result of this, Lord Shiva came to be known as Thiruneelagandan or Neelakandan (the one with Blue Throat). It is said that on the Trayodhasi (thirteenth moon day) day, the gods and demons realized that they had committed a sin of not praying the God and prayed for forgiveness. Lord Shiva Shankar forgave them and danced in between the horns of the Nandhi’s (Celestial Bull) forehead. This time is called Pradhosham. It is believed that if anybody prays Lord Shiva in that time, he fulfills their wishes and gives them mukthi.