This is a very special ekadashi in the cold month of Margashira. This
ekadashi si also known as Saphala Ekadashi. On this day we worship Sri Narayana. Practice: Per Conversation between Yudhistira and Sri Krishna.Sri Krishna says On the ekadashi day worship Sri Narayana during the day with upavasa. Amongst the snakes Adhishesha, amongst the birds Garuda, amongst Gods Vishnu and similarly amonsgst all the vrats, Ekadashi vrat is the most prominent (Shreshta). perform Jagarane with HariBhakts. On Dwadashi day Offer Coconut, Pomogranate(dAlimbe), Gooseberry(nallikai ) borekai ( berry fruit ) , raw mango, beetle leaves and beetle nuts. Perform pooja with Lamps(Deepa) and incense(dhoopa). Offer Naivedya to Sri Hari. Offer prasad to the learned people and then break fast. Huggi(moong daal & rice ) Naivedya is considered special during Dhanurmasa. Make sure the quantity of daal is greater than rice while preparing huggi. Story from Padma purana: "Once there was a City called Champaavati, which was ruled by the saintly King Maahishmata. He had four sons, the eldest of whom, Lumpaka, always engaged in all manner of very sinful activities including illicit sexual encounters with the wives of others, gambling, and continual association with known prostitutes. His evil deeds gradually reduced the wealth of his father, King Maahishmata. Lumpaka also became very critical of the numerous devas, the empowered universal attendants of the Lord, as well as toward the brahmins, and every day he would go out of his way to blaspheme the Vaishnavas. At last King Maahishmata, seeing the unrepentant brazen fallen condition of his son, exiled him to the forest. Out of fear of the king, even compassionate relatives didn't come to Lumpaka's defense, so angry was the king toward his son, and so sinful was this Lumpaka. "Bewildered in his exile, the fallen and rejected Lumpaka thought to himself, `My father has sent me away, and even my kinsmen do not raise but a finger in objection. What am I to do now?' He schemed sinfully and thought, `I shall sneak back to the city under cover of darkness and plunder its wealth. During the day I shall stay in the forest, and as night returns, so shall I to the city.' So thinking, the sinful Lumpaka entered the darkness of the forest. He killed many animals by day, and by night he stole all manner of valuable items from the city. The city-dwelling folk apprehended him several times, but out of fear of the king they left him alone. They thought to themselves that it must have been the accumulated sins of Lumpaka's previous births that had forced him to act in such a way that he lost his royal facilities and became to act so sinfully like a common selfish thief. "Though a meat-eater, Lumpaka would also eat fruits every day. He resided under an old banyan tree that unknown to him happened to be very dear to Sri Vaasudeva. In due course of time, while Lumpaka was doing so many sinful and condemnable activities, the Saphalaa Ekadasi arrived. On the eve of the Ekadasi (Dasami) Lumpaka had to pass the entire night without sleep because of severe cold that he felt due to his scanty bedclothes (bedding). The cold not only robbed him of all peace but almost of his very life. By the time the sun rose, near dead, his teeth chattering and near comatose. In fact all that Ekadasi morning, he remained in that stupor and could not awaken out of his near comatose condition. "When midday of the Saphalaa Ekadasi arrived, the sinful Lumpaka finally came to and managed to rise up from his place under that banyan tree. But with every step he took, he stumbled and fell to the ground. Like a lame man, he walked slowly and hesitantly, suffering greatly from hunger and thirst in the midst of the jungle. So weak was Lumpaka that he couldn't even concentrate to nor muster strength to go and kill even a single animal that whole day. Instead, he was reduced to collecting whatever fruits had fallen to the ground of their own accord. By the time he returned to his banyan tree home, the sun had set. "Placing the fruits on the ground next to him (at the base of the sacred banyan tree), phalairEBHihi sripathistushyatAM harihi| I will offer all these fruits to Sri Hari. Lumpaka began to cry out,O Sri Hari, please be merciful to me and accept these fruits as an offering !' Again he was forced to lie awake the whole night without sleep, but in the meantime the all merciful Madhusudana, had become pleased with Lumpaka's humble offering of forest fruits, and He accepted them. Lumpaka had unwittingly observed a full Ekadasi fast,and by the merit he reaped on that day he regained his kingdom with no further obstacles. "As the Sun beautifully rose in the sky on the day following Ekadasi, a handsome horse approached Lumpaka as if seeking him out, and stood next to him. At the same time, a voice suddenly boomed out from the clear blue sky saying, `This horse is for you, Lumpaka! Mount it and ride swiftly out of this forest to greet your family! O son of King Maahishmata, by the mercy of Sri Vaasudeva and the strength of the merit you acquired by observing Saphalaa Ekadasi, your kingdom will be returned to you without any further hindrances. Such is the benefit you have gained by fasting on this most auspicious of days. Go now, to your father and enjoy your rightful place in the dynasty.' "Upon hearing these celestial words resounding from above, Lumpaka mounted the horse and rode back to the city of Champaavati. By the merit he had accrued by fasting on Saphalaa Ekadasi, he had become a handsome prince once more and was able to absorb his mind Sri Hari. In other words, he had become My pure devotee. King Maahishmata gave him the kingdom, and Lumpaka ruled unopposed for many, many years. Whenever the Ekadashi came, he worshiped the Sri Hari with great devotion. And by the mercy of Sri Krishna he obtained a beautiful wife and a fine son. In old age Lumpaka handed his kingdom over to his son � just as his own father, King Maahishmata, had handed it over to him. Lumpaka then went to the forest with his queen to dedicate his concentrated attention to Sri Hari with controlled mind and senses. Purified of all material desires, he left his old material body and returned back to home, attaining a place near the lotus feet of his worshipful Lord, Sri Krishna. Reference: Padma Maha Puran Part-3 UttaraKhanda's 41st Chapter explaining the significance of Saphala Ekadashi.
0 Comments
Time at the macro level, is an unchanging phenomenon. It is has been called as Maha Kala by our scriptures. Yet, this Maha Kala is divided into Samvatsara, Ayana, Ritu, Masa, Paxa and Tithi, Muhurta, Ghatika, Xana, Lava etc. While the Maha Kala is eternal, the Xana, Lava etc which are parts of time are non-eternal. Hence, Time, in Dvaita Siddhanta is considered as nitya –anitya. पुराणाद्याः कालः प्रकृतिरेव च । नित्यानित्यं त्रिधा प्रोक्तम्। - तत्त्वसङ्खानम् Sri Jayateertha, in his gloss on Tattva Sankhyana notes – “Time undergoes change in one part, but as a whole is changeless –एकदेशे उत्पत्तिविनाशौ एकदेशिनस्तदभावः ” Hence, the categorization of the Kala in the Nitya-Anitya category is appropriate. Time, to a spiritual aspirant, is very precious. Nothing in this world exists without time. Our Scriptures say that Desha and Kala are to be referred to do any pious deed. देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम् ॥ गीता 19.२० ॥ The Supreme Brahman, Vishnu is one, yet he assumes several forms to carry about the activity of the world. He is present in the Kala, and all its parts. He is Kalantargata, Kala Niyamaka, Kala Pravartaka and Kala Nivartaka. Though the Supreme Brahman himself created everything, he has fixed certain gradation among various objects in his creation. Similarly there is a gradation in different Kalas. This gradation gives an opportunity to the spiritual aspirant to perform right deeds at right time and get the blessings of the divine. The same deed if performed at an auspicious time would yield higher results than that is performed during inauspicious or not so auspicious times. This is the reason why special significance is given to Tithi, Masa etc in our system. Sri Krishna in Bhagavad Gita, says मासानां मार्गशीर्षोहम् 10.35 I manifest more in Marga Sirsha Masa among the different months in a year. The Sannidhana of the Lord is more in Margasirsha Masa. Hence this Masa is regarded as superior to other Masas. In this pious Marga Sirsha Masa falls the Dhanurmasa; this period is very dear to Lord. Let us in this article briefly know about the Meaning and Significance of Dhanurmasa Dhanurmasa - Its meaning Dhanur Masa is not an independent month like the months of Chaitra etc. The start of the Dhanurmasa is marked by the entry of the Sun in the Dhanur Rasi (Saggitarius) called the Dhanuh Sankramana; hence the name Dhanurmasa for this month. During this month, the sun transits the Dhanur Rasi until it enters the Makara Rashi at the end of this month. Dhanurmasa - its other names Dhanurmasa is also known by the names Chapa Masa, Kodanda Masa, Karmuka Masa etc. Chapa, Kodanda, Karmuka etc., in Sanskrit are synonyms of Dhanus; meaning a bow. Dhanurmasa Period Dhanurmasa starts with Margashirsha shukla ekadasi (the eleventh day in the bright half of the lunar month of Margashira) and extends up to the end of Dakshinayana. More appropriately, the start of the Dhanurmasa is marked by the entry of the Sun in the Dhanur Rasi (Saggitarius); this is called Dhanuh Sankramana.; hence the name Dhanurmasa for this month. During this month, the sun transits the Dhanur Rasi and enters the Makara Rashi at the end of this month. So, the period extending between Dhanus Sankramana and Makara Sankramana is the auspicious Dhanurmasa Period. Our scriptures have set apart this month to be completely focused on devotional activities. Other non-devotional social activities (such as weddings) are prohibited during this month so that attention can be given exclusively to the worship of God without any diversions. According to tradition, the Gods wake up early in the morning during the month of Dhanurmasa. They perform special prayers to Sri Maha Vishnu during the auspicious period of “Brahmi Muhurta,” which is one and half hours before sunrise. During this month, devotees offer prayers to the Lord very early in the morning. The month of Dhanurmasa is considered a very special month for performing Pooja of Vishnu. Importance of Dhanurmasa The importance of this Masa is mentioned in the Dhanurmasa Mahatmya of Pancharatragama, Agneya Purana and also in a work called Smruti Muktavali. In Pancharatragama, the Mahatmya of Dhanurmasa is presented in 4 chapters, as conversation between Hamasa form of Supreme Lord and four-faced Brahma. The dialogue between Hamasa and Brahma is narrated by Sage Suta in response to a query by Shaunaka. In the first chapter, Sage Suta hails the greatness of the Month of Chapa (Dhanus) and gives the fruits one would be blessed with by following the prescribed austerities in this holy month. In the second chapter, the Hamsa – Brahma Samvada is given where Brahma asks Lord Hamsa to tell him the importance and greatness of Dhanurmasa. The greatness of the Dhanurmasa is brought out by the story of the King Satyasandha. In the third chapter, giving alms during this auspicious period is hailed. The devotee is instructed to do pious deeds as per his capacity. Otherwise, he is warned of dire consequences. In the fourth and final chapter, different ways of feeding Brahmins are discussed. Arranging for the meals of a Brahmin who cooks for himself is lauded as the best way. The importance of this is brought out by a small anecdote of the Pandavas. Dhanurmasa – rituals During the entire month of Dhanurmasa, special worship of the Lord should be conducted early in the day during the auspicious “Brahmi Muhurta”. The morning worship should be necessarily completed before sunrise, while the stars are still twinkling. The morning worship is graded into three types depending on the time when it is conducted. The worship which is conducted during Arunodaya time is said to be of highest quality. The worship which is performed when the stars disappear is of medium quality. The worship which is performed after sunrise is of lower quality. The worship conducted during afternoon is said to be fruitless. Dhanurmasa – chantings Chantings addressed to Vishnu such as Vishnu Sahasra Nama are specially recited during this period. Along with Vishnu, the worship of Sri Maha Lakshmi is also performed reciting the Bhadra Lakshmi stotra. श्री-पद्मा-कमला-मुकुन्दमहिषी-लक्ष्मी-त्रिलोकोश्वरी मा-क्षीराब्धिसुतारविन्दजननी, विद्या-सरोजात्मिका । सर्वाभीष्टफलप्रदेति सततं नामानि ये द्वादश प्रातः शुद्धतरा पठन्ति सततं सर्वान् लभन्ते शुभान् ।। Dhanurmasa – offerings Special Mudganna (Moong Dal Rice) is offered to Lord Vishnu after worshipping him early in the morning. The Pancharatra Agama gives three alternatives for preparing the Mudganna as follows If rice and Moong Dal are in 1:1 ratio then the Mudganna is said to be of the highest quality and brings forth highest mertis. If rice and Moong Dal are in 2:1 ratio then the Mudganna is said to be of average quality and brings forth average merits. If rice and Moon Dal are in 4:1 ration then the Mudganna is said to be of poor quality and brings forth poor merits Dhanurmasa - para kruti It is said that Goddess Shashi, the consort of Lord Indra, performed special worship by offering Mudgannaduring this auspicious period and regained the riches. निवेदयित्वा मुद्गान्नं पुरेन्द्राणी सहार्द्रकम् । विष्णवे दुःखिता साध्वी नित्यैश्वर्यमवाप सा ।। Dhanurmasa - phala shruti Worshipping Vishnu on a single day during this auspicious period is equal to worshipping Vishnu with devotion for 1000 years. Every single step taken towards the nearby lake, river etc for morning dip during this month brings forth merit equal to performing an Ashvamedha Yaga. चिन्तामणिसमाह्येषा सर्वमोक्षप्रदायिनी
Mokshada Ekadashi - Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi Mahatmya The Ekadashi occuring in Margashirsha Masa Shukla Paksha is known as Mokshada Ekadashi. There is an interesting story in Bhavishyottara Purana about this Ekadashi. Yudhishtira asks Lord Sri Krishna about the importance of this Ekadashi . While explaining the importance of Ekadashi Vrata, Lord Sri Krishna says - This Ekadashi is popularly known as Mokshada, on which day sins accrued in the past are burnt off. On this day the Damodara form of the Lord is to be worshipped with devotion by offering sacred Tulasi and various flowers. There is a pauranic story about this Ekadashi, listening to which one would beget the merits of performing Vajapeya Yaga. If one's kith and kin happend to fall to the lesser regions due their sins, they would be uplifted due to the mertis accrued by performing this Ekadashi Vrata. There once lived a King named Vaikhanasa in the the City Champaka, which was embellished with several Vaishanavas. Once, the King had a dream in which he saw his father in Naraka, begging to uplift him from the Lower Regions. The king got very disturbed by this dream and approached the learned and said thus - "O Brahmins, I am very much disturbed by a dream which I saw last night in which my father was apethetically asking me for help. Please suggest how can I uplift my father from that apathetic condition". On listening to his words, the Brahmins advised him to approach Parvata Muni. The king approached Sage Parvata accordingly and asked him the reason why his father was sent to the Lowly Region and the means to uplift him for this condition. Sage Parvata, closed his eyes for a sec and replied - "O King, your father commited a sin of dishonouring the Ritu Kala of his wife. For this sin, he is enduring the harships in Naraka. In order to uplift your father, observe the Ekadashi in the bright half of Marghasirsha Masa, which is known by the name "Mokshada". By giving the fruits of this vrata to your father, he can be uplifted from the Naraka." The king accordingly observed the Mokshada Ekadashi with devotion and donated the phala to his father. By this, his father was immediately released from Naraka. The father blessed his son wholeheartedly for this holy act. "My dear son! let there be welfare to you for ever" saying thus he left for his heavenly abode. Thus, one who observes fast on this Ekadashi would get rid of all sins and after death would attain liberation accordingly. This Ekadashi is like Chintamani which is capable of bestowing a place in heavens and eventually liberation in due course of time. Let us all peform this Mokshada Ekadashi according to our eligibility and beget the blessings of Hari, Vayu and Gurugalu. Navabrindavan Sri padmanabha Treethara Aradhana 2013 by Sri satyathma theertharu |
AuthorKrishna Mutt Kondapur Blog is an attempt to update the mutt bandhus with Madhva events ,programs in Hyderabad Archives
March 2016
Categories |