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Fables & Folklores is an anthology with multiple authors encompassing five kids’ stories and seven folklores. Divided into two parts, the first part of this book has kids’ stories dealing with greediness, peace, service, & nature. The second part of this book deals with the folklores about Aashaadha Ekadashi, Makar Sankranti, Pada Gaya, Diwali, Holi, Dussehra, & Vat Savitri. Get a copy to relish the short and spellbinding stories. |
Cover Photo by Ravindra Patoju
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I: Greediness
Illustration by Nisha Yadav
It is a pity when our weakness gets the best of us, even when that weakness is ludicrous. It is these same ludicrous weaknesses that help our foes to win against us with ease.
“Greediness” by R. S. Chintalapati tells the story of a greedy king who is after a diamond even after his treasury is whole. It is this weakness that gets him into trouble.
“Greediness” by R. S. Chintalapati tells the story of a greedy king who is after a diamond even after his treasury is whole. It is this weakness that gets him into trouble.
Long time back there lived a King named Hashavardhan. He was so greedy that he taxed his people heavily irrespective of his accumulated wealth and never cared about his people’s sufferings. This wealth didn’t help anyone but earned the King many enemies.
These enemies were jealous of his riches and fought battles against the King but never succeeded. This was because the King had a wise minister who always planned his strategies which ensured his triumph.
So not intending to fail again, the enemies now planned to target the King on his weakness. They offered a lot of wealth to one of the King’s scouts to inform the King that there was a dangerous snake resting in the dark forest with a diamond on its head. They even demanded the scout to mention that this diamond seemed rare.
The scout not only did what was told to him but also added that the King’s enemies were fast hunting the snake to capture this diamond for themselves. The scout even declared that since it was the property of the King, it was his by right.
Promoting the scout as he agreed with him, the King commanded his minister to send soldiers to get him the diamond. Suspicious, the minister advised, “My King, aren’t we prosperous enough? This diamond wouldn’t make much of a difference.”
The King, however, didn’t heed the advice and sent twenty soldiers to fetch him the diamond. Anon, he was informed that not one soldier returned. Furious, the King decided to capture the diamond himself by going against the minister’s advice again.
Though the minister mentioned that it was suspicious that one snake could kill twenty soldiers, the King did not bother. Later when he reached the forest, the king was shot to death in the forest and his kingdom fell.
These enemies were jealous of his riches and fought battles against the King but never succeeded. This was because the King had a wise minister who always planned his strategies which ensured his triumph.
So not intending to fail again, the enemies now planned to target the King on his weakness. They offered a lot of wealth to one of the King’s scouts to inform the King that there was a dangerous snake resting in the dark forest with a diamond on its head. They even demanded the scout to mention that this diamond seemed rare.
The scout not only did what was told to him but also added that the King’s enemies were fast hunting the snake to capture this diamond for themselves. The scout even declared that since it was the property of the King, it was his by right.
Promoting the scout as he agreed with him, the King commanded his minister to send soldiers to get him the diamond. Suspicious, the minister advised, “My King, aren’t we prosperous enough? This diamond wouldn’t make much of a difference.”
The King, however, didn’t heed the advice and sent twenty soldiers to fetch him the diamond. Anon, he was informed that not one soldier returned. Furious, the King decided to capture the diamond himself by going against the minister’s advice again.
Though the minister mentioned that it was suspicious that one snake could kill twenty soldiers, the King did not bother. Later when he reached the forest, the king was shot to death in the forest and his kingdom fell.
II: Nature
Cover Photo by Pankaj Tottada
Were you ever curious about the inception of Nature? Would you like to read one fictional interpretation of it?
“Nature” by R. S. Chintalapati tells the story of Nature from a theological point-of-view with Gods and mortals intertwined in the tale of the magnificent habitat.
“Nature” by R. S. Chintalapati tells the story of Nature from a theological point-of-view with Gods and mortals intertwined in the tale of the magnificent habitat.
Desiring descendants, the almighty Sol approached God to plead for a grandchild. Respecting his noble request, God gifted one of Sol’s daughters a child whom he named Nature. Gifted to Gaia, Nature was not only beautiful but was capable of being home to living creatures.
After a few years in her existence, Nature realised her powers and pleaded God to add meaning to her life by gifting her beings. Heeding her request, God gifted her many creations of whom mortals were given their own form.
Nature cared for all creations equally. She gave them what they desired and sometimes more than what they desired too. In return, most creations were eternally grateful and proclaimed her their mother. A few mortals even started worshipping Nature as soon as they realised her compassion, kindness, and powers.
Over time, most mortals started evolving which in turn made them try their best to extend their mortality while other creations met their natural conclusions. Neither did Nature intervene to stop the mortals nor did she help the other creations from falling prey to time.
Along with the desire to live a long life, most mortals sought comfort during their existence. This built greed within them that never perished no matter how much they have earned. Over time, mortals divided amongst themselves and sought superiority over everyone who was not one of them.
They fought wars and built empires while exploiting resources from Mother Nature. Next to power was the madness for richness. As time passed by, mortals craved for richness so much so that they even scaled their mother’s offerings based on it.
Both these unquenchable desires ensured that mortals continued exploiting Nature over centuries until one day these very mortals realised that if they did not act to save their mother, it would be the end of their existence. This led to the search of other homes rather than understand their failings and change accordingly.
Even today, mortals continue to exploit their own mother who serves them every day due to her unending love while providing them with a home.
After a few years in her existence, Nature realised her powers and pleaded God to add meaning to her life by gifting her beings. Heeding her request, God gifted her many creations of whom mortals were given their own form.
Nature cared for all creations equally. She gave them what they desired and sometimes more than what they desired too. In return, most creations were eternally grateful and proclaimed her their mother. A few mortals even started worshipping Nature as soon as they realised her compassion, kindness, and powers.
Over time, most mortals started evolving which in turn made them try their best to extend their mortality while other creations met their natural conclusions. Neither did Nature intervene to stop the mortals nor did she help the other creations from falling prey to time.
Along with the desire to live a long life, most mortals sought comfort during their existence. This built greed within them that never perished no matter how much they have earned. Over time, mortals divided amongst themselves and sought superiority over everyone who was not one of them.
They fought wars and built empires while exploiting resources from Mother Nature. Next to power was the madness for richness. As time passed by, mortals craved for richness so much so that they even scaled their mother’s offerings based on it.
Both these unquenchable desires ensured that mortals continued exploiting Nature over centuries until one day these very mortals realised that if they did not act to save their mother, it would be the end of their existence. This led to the search of other homes rather than understand their failings and change accordingly.
Even today, mortals continue to exploit their own mother who serves them every day due to her unending love while providing them with a home.
III: Peace
Illustrated by Sravani Dhulipala
Being ambitious is futile if one doesn’t have any contentment for their achievements. To continue to seek everything we wish for leads to a spiral of failure.
“Peace” by R. S. Chintalapati tells the story of two ambitious brothers, but only one of them has contentment. Find out what happens to each of them after their succession.
“Peace” by R. S. Chintalapati tells the story of two ambitious brothers, but only one of them has contentment. Find out what happens to each of them after their succession.
Once upon a time, there was a kingdom named Indivisible. The King of Indivisible ruled for more than thirty years in peace and prosperity and now intended to crown his successors. However, Gods blessed him with twins and he knew that both of them had an equal right to be crowned.
So the King planned to divide his kingdom and give each of his sons a portion based on their characters. The elder one in the King’s opinion was more into war and conquering while the younger one was more about welfare and good quality of life.
So he gave the elder son the northern part of the kingdom which was self-sufficient with food, army and resources. He gave the younger son the southern part of his kingdom which was not as prosperous as the northern part and also lacked rainfall, sanitation and basic needs.
Both the sons accepted what was given to them without any objections. The elder one boosted with resources and the army started waging wars on one neighbouring kingdom after another. He increased the taxes to ensure the army got paid well alongside selling resources to the southern kingdom in return for gold.
The younger one paid a good amount of gold to acquire farm animals and many slaves. He started by helping the farmers and ensured proper sanitation was established one city at a time. With food and health increasing, people became more productive. Alongside this, the younger one refurbished universities to educate as many people as possible.
While his brother waged wars, the younger brother started building an army to defend his boundaries and even conquered a small kingdom that separated his kingdom from the sea. This kingdom earnt him territory and food.
With this achievement, most of the other kings started noticing the younger brother’s growth. They knew having him as a friend would help them and offered him an alliance. Within no time, most of the elder brother’s enemies were now in alliance with the younger brother.
With the alliance, trade began and with that, the southern province started becoming rich. They reach such a point that the people’s tax has become almost null. Soon after that, many monuments, forts, towers, docks and garrisons were built in the southern province.
As he grew, he advised his elder brother to stop his battles and join him to grow together. However, the elder brother declined since he liked to conquer rather than prosper in peace. After many pleas, the younger brother knew he couldn’t make his brother stop. So he declared war against him and defeated him to dethrone him and unite his father’s kingdom again.
Even then the elder brother never understood his mistake or learnt the lesson that war destroys but peace makes one prosper.
So the King planned to divide his kingdom and give each of his sons a portion based on their characters. The elder one in the King’s opinion was more into war and conquering while the younger one was more about welfare and good quality of life.
So he gave the elder son the northern part of the kingdom which was self-sufficient with food, army and resources. He gave the younger son the southern part of his kingdom which was not as prosperous as the northern part and also lacked rainfall, sanitation and basic needs.
Both the sons accepted what was given to them without any objections. The elder one boosted with resources and the army started waging wars on one neighbouring kingdom after another. He increased the taxes to ensure the army got paid well alongside selling resources to the southern kingdom in return for gold.
The younger one paid a good amount of gold to acquire farm animals and many slaves. He started by helping the farmers and ensured proper sanitation was established one city at a time. With food and health increasing, people became more productive. Alongside this, the younger one refurbished universities to educate as many people as possible.
While his brother waged wars, the younger brother started building an army to defend his boundaries and even conquered a small kingdom that separated his kingdom from the sea. This kingdom earnt him territory and food.
With this achievement, most of the other kings started noticing the younger brother’s growth. They knew having him as a friend would help them and offered him an alliance. Within no time, most of the elder brother’s enemies were now in alliance with the younger brother.
With the alliance, trade began and with that, the southern province started becoming rich. They reach such a point that the people’s tax has become almost null. Soon after that, many monuments, forts, towers, docks and garrisons were built in the southern province.
As he grew, he advised his elder brother to stop his battles and join him to grow together. However, the elder brother declined since he liked to conquer rather than prosper in peace. After many pleas, the younger brother knew he couldn’t make his brother stop. So he declared war against him and defeated him to dethrone him and unite his father’s kingdom again.
Even then the elder brother never understood his mistake or learnt the lesson that war destroys but peace makes one prosper.
IV: Service
Illustrated by Nisha Yadav
To never expect an act of kindness repaid is genuinely serving someone. Such actions might not always repay in wealth, but they certainly provide a sense of satisfaction unmatched by any feeling.
“Service” by R. S. Chintalapati tells the story of a commoner saving an injured soldier who later turns to be a king. Find out what happens next.
“Service” by R. S. Chintalapati tells the story of a commoner saving an injured soldier who later turns to be a king. Find out what happens next.
After a long battle, King Krishna Swami realized his forces were losing. Hit with an arrow on his shoulder, King Krishna retreated into the forest located nearby while being followed by his foes.
By sunset, King Krishna lost a lot of blood and fell unconscious near a large lake in the forest. His enemies couldn’t spot him and left declaring themselves victorious.
That night, having no more water in his hut, a commoner reached the lake with his pot. He found a soldier lying unconscious and so picked him up to take him to his hut. Washing his wounds and covering them with some herbs, the commoner wanted to help the soldier reach his kingdom after he became conscious.
However, the next morning, the commoner noticed many enemies all around. It was when he got to know that this was the King he saved. So the commoner did his best to help the King recover and after a couple of days, the foes left permanently failing in their pursuit.
As soon as they left, the recovering King didn’t even thank the commoner but just wore the armour, picked up his sword and left. Though the commoner didn’t expect anything in return, he didn’t believe the King was strong enough to travel.
A few days when the commoner went to fill his pot again, while he was lost in his thoughts, he faced a lion. Observing the gorgeous beast, the commoner concluded that these were his last few moments and started praying to God.
The lion paced towards him and the commoner shut his eyes while continuing to pray. In this meantime, an arrow hit the lion to its death. When the commoner opened his eyes, he could see the King whom he had helped.
Approaching the commoner, the King offered him a home and employment in return for his service. This was only because the commoner has neither boasted about his help nor has he expected anything in exchange for it.
By sunset, King Krishna lost a lot of blood and fell unconscious near a large lake in the forest. His enemies couldn’t spot him and left declaring themselves victorious.
That night, having no more water in his hut, a commoner reached the lake with his pot. He found a soldier lying unconscious and so picked him up to take him to his hut. Washing his wounds and covering them with some herbs, the commoner wanted to help the soldier reach his kingdom after he became conscious.
However, the next morning, the commoner noticed many enemies all around. It was when he got to know that this was the King he saved. So the commoner did his best to help the King recover and after a couple of days, the foes left permanently failing in their pursuit.
As soon as they left, the recovering King didn’t even thank the commoner but just wore the armour, picked up his sword and left. Though the commoner didn’t expect anything in return, he didn’t believe the King was strong enough to travel.
A few days when the commoner went to fill his pot again, while he was lost in his thoughts, he faced a lion. Observing the gorgeous beast, the commoner concluded that these were his last few moments and started praying to God.
The lion paced towards him and the commoner shut his eyes while continuing to pray. In this meantime, an arrow hit the lion to its death. When the commoner opened his eyes, he could see the King whom he had helped.
Approaching the commoner, the King offered him a home and employment in return for his service. This was only because the commoner has neither boasted about his help nor has he expected anything in exchange for it.
V: Unnoticed
Cover Photo by Ravindra Patoju
The thought that the things around us might talk, think and express as we do is undoubtedly a thought many of us have been fascinated by in our day-to-day lives.
“Unnoticed” by R. S. Chintalapati is a narration by a bicycle about its journey from the beginning to the end. It primarily focuses on serving its master to the best of its ability while voicing its only wish.
“Unnoticed” by R. S. Chintalapati is a narration by a bicycle about its journey from the beginning to the end. It primarily focuses on serving its master to the best of its ability while voicing its only wish.
I was manufactured in Mumbai 2008 and my manufacturer made thousands more like me before naming all of us “Street Racer”. I wasn’t a popular model compared to my peers but I had my own merits like not being too heavy and travelling quicker than most others.
After being shipped to Visakhapatnam along with many others, I was decked with covers on my top before being put forth as a spectacle in the showroom. For weeks, I only had admirers. However, since I lacked the strength, many buyers would just walk away deciding I cannot carry their weight.
In time, the sales manager cited to the main dealer that the Street Racer model was not being bought by the public and I’ve lost hope that I will have brothers in the future.
In time, I even lost hope and finalized that I wouldn’t be purchased. I dreaded the thought of being dismantled like many unsuccessful models and being used as spare parts for other upcoming models. However, to my rescue, on 18th May 2009, my master chose me and his father purchased me.
My master looked weak and was as thin as a stick. Though he lacked strength, he claimed to be a Knight, a child’s dream after reading a couple of comic books, I suppose. So I was baptized by him as Knight’s Rider.
When I arrived home, I was offered prayers before being permitted for my master’s first ride. I was glad that my master didn’t weigh much. He was hardly fifty kilograms and that made my job quite easy.
For a while, everything was quite enjoyable. My master stayed close to the beach and the winds were lovely until they started eating my skin. My tires were substandard thanks to my manufacturer and my master even lacked the intellect to select his streets wisely. He would take me over shards accumulated from liquor bottles.
Once every two weeks, my tires needed servicing and patches have become a routine. During the first two years, my master didn’t vacillate on spending money for me, but his parents did eventually calculate the expenses. They asked, “Why did I need so much investment considering I haven’t even served a couple of years?”
I felt terrible for being accused of the way I was. Fortunately, my master’s family shifted home into the interiors of the city. I thought I would be safe becoming free from the beach, but however, my life in this place was even more difficult.
My master started using me so intensely that I almost travelled twelve miles every day for about two years straight. There wasn’t a day, I didn’t wish for a long gap to rest and eventually, the Gods did bless me and my master joined intermediate after finishing his school before he flung me away in an open corner.
This long gap made me lose everything. My tubes got flat, rubber tires had holes while brake covers were worn out due to rainwater and my brake wires congested. My seat now had a big hole and I had crows shit upon me.
I spent two years deprived of attention and almost dead. I understood that I could be of no more use to my master and presumed he would soon sell me for any price he was offered.
My thoughts came true when two children approached my master asking him if I was for sale. Fortunately, my master realized my existence before stating that I was still employed.
The next day with an investment of six hundred rupees, I was given to a local mechanic for servicing but this cheater used the cheapest replacements possible to save as much as he could and I was returned in worse condition than my manufacturer’s intentions.
I had one more plenteous jackpot; my master now weighed seventy kilograms thanks to no physical work for a couple of years. I must admit, Gods protected me for a month and I offered my best to support him, but I couldn’t bear him any longer.
Though we never spoke, I think he heard me this time. Considering his investment worthless, he threw me up back to the corner and two weeks later, I was snatched by two children.
They sold me for four hundred rupees and my new buyer sold me to a metal worker for six hundred rupees. When I was being dismantled, I wished my master had told me once, that I assisted him well. At least I would have felt happy for my existence.
When the last of me remained intact, I said my last words, “I love you, master. I hope to serve you again. Your humble servant. Your Knight Rider.”
After being shipped to Visakhapatnam along with many others, I was decked with covers on my top before being put forth as a spectacle in the showroom. For weeks, I only had admirers. However, since I lacked the strength, many buyers would just walk away deciding I cannot carry their weight.
In time, the sales manager cited to the main dealer that the Street Racer model was not being bought by the public and I’ve lost hope that I will have brothers in the future.
In time, I even lost hope and finalized that I wouldn’t be purchased. I dreaded the thought of being dismantled like many unsuccessful models and being used as spare parts for other upcoming models. However, to my rescue, on 18th May 2009, my master chose me and his father purchased me.
My master looked weak and was as thin as a stick. Though he lacked strength, he claimed to be a Knight, a child’s dream after reading a couple of comic books, I suppose. So I was baptized by him as Knight’s Rider.
When I arrived home, I was offered prayers before being permitted for my master’s first ride. I was glad that my master didn’t weigh much. He was hardly fifty kilograms and that made my job quite easy.
For a while, everything was quite enjoyable. My master stayed close to the beach and the winds were lovely until they started eating my skin. My tires were substandard thanks to my manufacturer and my master even lacked the intellect to select his streets wisely. He would take me over shards accumulated from liquor bottles.
Once every two weeks, my tires needed servicing and patches have become a routine. During the first two years, my master didn’t vacillate on spending money for me, but his parents did eventually calculate the expenses. They asked, “Why did I need so much investment considering I haven’t even served a couple of years?”
I felt terrible for being accused of the way I was. Fortunately, my master’s family shifted home into the interiors of the city. I thought I would be safe becoming free from the beach, but however, my life in this place was even more difficult.
My master started using me so intensely that I almost travelled twelve miles every day for about two years straight. There wasn’t a day, I didn’t wish for a long gap to rest and eventually, the Gods did bless me and my master joined intermediate after finishing his school before he flung me away in an open corner.
This long gap made me lose everything. My tubes got flat, rubber tires had holes while brake covers were worn out due to rainwater and my brake wires congested. My seat now had a big hole and I had crows shit upon me.
I spent two years deprived of attention and almost dead. I understood that I could be of no more use to my master and presumed he would soon sell me for any price he was offered.
My thoughts came true when two children approached my master asking him if I was for sale. Fortunately, my master realized my existence before stating that I was still employed.
The next day with an investment of six hundred rupees, I was given to a local mechanic for servicing but this cheater used the cheapest replacements possible to save as much as he could and I was returned in worse condition than my manufacturer’s intentions.
I had one more plenteous jackpot; my master now weighed seventy kilograms thanks to no physical work for a couple of years. I must admit, Gods protected me for a month and I offered my best to support him, but I couldn’t bear him any longer.
Though we never spoke, I think he heard me this time. Considering his investment worthless, he threw me up back to the corner and two weeks later, I was snatched by two children.
They sold me for four hundred rupees and my new buyer sold me to a metal worker for six hundred rupees. When I was being dismantled, I wished my master had told me once, that I assisted him well. At least I would have felt happy for my existence.
When the last of me remained intact, I said my last words, “I love you, master. I hope to serve you again. Your humble servant. Your Knight Rider.”
I: Aashaadha Ekadashi
Cover Photo by Pankaj Tottada
“Ashadhi Ekadashi” is a festival celebrated on the eleventh lunar day (Ekadashi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Ashadha. Devotees fast during the day and sing the glory of Lord Vishnu during the night.
Read Phani Sarvani’s folklore to know one of the tales that is believed to have led devotees to the practice of fasting on this prominent day.
Read Phani Sarvani’s folklore to know one of the tales that is believed to have led devotees to the practice of fasting on this prominent day.
As per the Hindu calendar, days are counted as Ekam for the first day, Dwitiya for the second day, Tritiya for the third day up to Chaturdashi for the fourteenth day. Then comes either Purnima i.e. the full moon day or Amavasya i.e. the no moon day.
The days from Amavasya to Purnima or no moon day to full moon day are Shukla Paksha and the days from Purnima to Amavasya or full moon day to no moon day are Krishna Paksha. Between these 15 days, Ekadashi is the eleventh day either after Purnima or Amavasya. Like any other calendar, the Hindu calendar also has different names for different months. These months start from Chaitra and end with Phalguna.
Aashaadha is the fourth month in the Hindu calendar and on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of this month i.e. the 11th day from the no moon day to full moon day period, Lord Vishnu goes to sleep on his snake bed formed by Sheshanaga, the King of all Nagas. According to the puranas, Lord Vishnu rests for four months i.e. until the Kartika Shukla Ekadashi and it is said that after these four months, new life starts.
Traditionally, many people don’t perform auspicious rituals during these four months where the Gods are invoked. Rituals like thread ceremony, marriages and housewarming events are skipped but prayers for good health and wellbeing of the society are frequently held. During these four months, while most of India experiences the rainy season, starting from Aashaadha Ekadashi, festivals namely Guru Purnima, Vinayaka Chaviti and Dusserha are celebrated. Goddess Lakshmi and Gauri, Lord Shiva and Ganapati are all worshiped for the prosperity of the society.
On Aashaadha Ekadashi as Lord Vishnu goes into his divine slumber referred to as DeShayani Ekadashi or Toli Ekadashi or Prabhodani Ekadashi, devotees fast during the day and sing the glory of the Lord during the night. One tale about the origin of this fasting practice on this auspicious day is told in the Bhavishyottara Purana by Lord Krishna to Yudhishtira.
The days from Amavasya to Purnima or no moon day to full moon day are Shukla Paksha and the days from Purnima to Amavasya or full moon day to no moon day are Krishna Paksha. Between these 15 days, Ekadashi is the eleventh day either after Purnima or Amavasya. Like any other calendar, the Hindu calendar also has different names for different months. These months start from Chaitra and end with Phalguna.
Aashaadha is the fourth month in the Hindu calendar and on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of this month i.e. the 11th day from the no moon day to full moon day period, Lord Vishnu goes to sleep on his snake bed formed by Sheshanaga, the King of all Nagas. According to the puranas, Lord Vishnu rests for four months i.e. until the Kartika Shukla Ekadashi and it is said that after these four months, new life starts.
Traditionally, many people don’t perform auspicious rituals during these four months where the Gods are invoked. Rituals like thread ceremony, marriages and housewarming events are skipped but prayers for good health and wellbeing of the society are frequently held. During these four months, while most of India experiences the rainy season, starting from Aashaadha Ekadashi, festivals namely Guru Purnima, Vinayaka Chaviti and Dusserha are celebrated. Goddess Lakshmi and Gauri, Lord Shiva and Ganapati are all worshiped for the prosperity of the society.
On Aashaadha Ekadashi as Lord Vishnu goes into his divine slumber referred to as DeShayani Ekadashi or Toli Ekadashi or Prabhodani Ekadashi, devotees fast during the day and sing the glory of the Lord during the night. One tale about the origin of this fasting practice on this auspicious day is told in the Bhavishyottara Purana by Lord Krishna to Yudhishtira.
Once upon a time, it is said that King Mandatta, an Ikshvaku king well known for his benevolence and generosity, was deeply troubled that his people were suffering due to drought. For three years there was no rain and the whole kingdom was suffering from a famine. Hoping to find a solution, King Mandatta went to the ashram of Rishi Angirasa in the forest along with his ministers. Bowing to the Rishi, the pious King told him about the agony his people were suffering.
The Rishi heard the King’s plea and told him that in the Satya Yuga or the age in which they were living, only Brahmins had the right to chant Vedas. At that same time, in King Mandatta’s kingdom, a Shudra was chanting the Vedas and the Rishi said that because of him, the people in the kingdom were suffering.
So the Rishi instructed the King to kill the man who was violating the norm and save his people from further suffering. Thinking about it, King Mandatta confessed that he cannot kill a person who is chanting the Vedas. He pleaded with the Rishi to please suggest another way out. Respecting the request, Rishi Angirasa told him that by fasting on the Ekadashi with full devotion and steadfastness, his people will be relieved of their troubles.
Obeying the sage, King Mandatta and his people fasted on Ekadashi and worshiped Lord Vishnu. Pleased with their devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed their kingdom and in no time there were good rains and the kingdom flourished in prosperity.
Thus concluding the tale, Lord Krishna told Yudhishthira before asking Yudhishthira to do the same to get the grace of Lord Vishnu in their moment of need. Following this, people started the Chaturmas Diksha i.e. fasting and offering prayers for four months on Ekadashi.
In Maharashtra, alongside fasting, many people go to Pandharpur by foot. These people are called Warkari and the procession is called Wari. During this procession, the padukas or the footwear made of wood or silver of the saints from different temples are taken to Pandharpur in palanquins. This practice has been followed since Saint Gyaneshwar’s son took the Paduka or footwear of his father to Pandharpur.
In recent times, these paduka are taken from Alandi where Shri Gyaneshwar Maharaj had been taken to Vaikuntha with his mortal body. Even to this day, the gopuram or the uppermost portion of the temple moves slightly when the palanquin of Dnyaneshwar Maharaj paduka are to be taken to Pandharpur. Unless the gopuram moves slightly, the palanquin will not move. It is said that the movement of the gopuram is the signal for the devotees that Dnyaneshwar Maharaj has arrived and is ready to go for Wari.
The warkaris who go to Pandharpur are fed and given shelter by the villagers or citizens who come across in their route. The warkaris come from different parts of Maharashtra and the whole Pandharpur is awakened by the lakhs of devotees chanting the name of Lord Vitthal.
II: Makar Sankranti
Cover Photo by Ravindra Patoju
Do you know why Sankranti is called Makar Sankranti? Do you want to know why sesame seeds are offered to Sun God during this festival?
“Makar Sankranti” by Phani Sarvani tells one of the fascinating stories of the Sun God and Lord Shani that happened, leading to a festival that’s celebrated as per the Sun’s rotation.
“Makar Sankranti” by Phani Sarvani tells one of the fascinating stories of the Sun God and Lord Shani that happened, leading to a festival that’s celebrated as per the Sun’s rotation.
Makar Sankranti is a festival celebrated as per the Sun’s rotation. It is said that the Sun transits every month into a specific Rashi (Zodiac sign) and this transit is called Sankraman. The transition of the Sun into the Makar Rashi (Capricorn) is called Makar Sankranti. From this day, the sun starts transitioning towards the north-east; that’s why from this day it’s called Uttarayan. It is during this period, the farmers harvest their crops and they enjoy the fruits of their hard work; thereby, making Makar Sankranti, the festival of farmers.
In Skanda Purana, there is a story related to this festival. As per this Purana, Lord Surya married Sandhya, the daughter of Vishwakarma. She was a loyal and loving wife who bore him three children named Vaivasvata Manu, Yama and Yamuna but with a lot of difficulties as she could not bear the heat of the Lord Sun.
Over time, Sandhya was determined to obtain the power to face her lord without any trouble. Sandhya’s urge to strengthen herself made her create a lady from her shadow who resembled her totally and she named her Chaya. Requesting Chaya to take care of her children and husband until she comes back with her new energy, Sandhya goes to her father and tells him her desire. Her father asks her not to pursue it as he feared Lord Surya’s (Sun) wrath and anger. Giving a deaf ear to her father, Sandhya goes to a jungle and takes the form of a mare before starting her penance of Lord Shiva.
Meanwhile, Chaya takes care of Sandhya’s family and not knowing the truth, Lord Surya leads a family life with Chaya. In due course, Chaya bore three children named Savarni Manu, Bhadra and Shani.
When Chaya was pregnant with Shani Dev, she did penance to Lord Shiva to make her child equally powerful to Lord Surya. As a result of her severe penance and Surya’s heat, Shani was born with a dark complexion. Seeing the child being so dark in colour, Lord Surya rejects the child as one of his children and betrays Chaya by throwing them out.
This action infuriated Shani so much that he cursed his father to suffer from leprosy. As cursed, Lord Surya suffered gravely until he was treated by Yama, his elder son. After recovering from his leprosy, Lord Surya burnt Shani’s house which is called Kumbha Rashi into ashes.
The next time when Lord Surya intends to burn down another house of Shani, Yama intervenes and asks his father to calm down and accept Shani as his son. At this time, Shani was in his second house called Makar Rashi. Listening to his son, Lord Surya visited Shani, who, feeling overwhelmed offered his father black sesame seeds and jaggery as they were the food he had at his home.
Pleased, Lord Surya gives a boon to Shani that whosoever offers him sesame seed on this day will be relieved from their forefathers’ debt. That’s why on Makar Sankranti people offer sesame seeds to Lord Surya and even distribute them to their near and dear ones. Following this incident, the relation between the father and the son had become so strong and beautiful that their anger and hate didn’t live much longer.
In Skanda Purana, there is a story related to this festival. As per this Purana, Lord Surya married Sandhya, the daughter of Vishwakarma. She was a loyal and loving wife who bore him three children named Vaivasvata Manu, Yama and Yamuna but with a lot of difficulties as she could not bear the heat of the Lord Sun.
Over time, Sandhya was determined to obtain the power to face her lord without any trouble. Sandhya’s urge to strengthen herself made her create a lady from her shadow who resembled her totally and she named her Chaya. Requesting Chaya to take care of her children and husband until she comes back with her new energy, Sandhya goes to her father and tells him her desire. Her father asks her not to pursue it as he feared Lord Surya’s (Sun) wrath and anger. Giving a deaf ear to her father, Sandhya goes to a jungle and takes the form of a mare before starting her penance of Lord Shiva.
Meanwhile, Chaya takes care of Sandhya’s family and not knowing the truth, Lord Surya leads a family life with Chaya. In due course, Chaya bore three children named Savarni Manu, Bhadra and Shani.
When Chaya was pregnant with Shani Dev, she did penance to Lord Shiva to make her child equally powerful to Lord Surya. As a result of her severe penance and Surya’s heat, Shani was born with a dark complexion. Seeing the child being so dark in colour, Lord Surya rejects the child as one of his children and betrays Chaya by throwing them out.
This action infuriated Shani so much that he cursed his father to suffer from leprosy. As cursed, Lord Surya suffered gravely until he was treated by Yama, his elder son. After recovering from his leprosy, Lord Surya burnt Shani’s house which is called Kumbha Rashi into ashes.
The next time when Lord Surya intends to burn down another house of Shani, Yama intervenes and asks his father to calm down and accept Shani as his son. At this time, Shani was in his second house called Makar Rashi. Listening to his son, Lord Surya visited Shani, who, feeling overwhelmed offered his father black sesame seeds and jaggery as they were the food he had at his home.
Pleased, Lord Surya gives a boon to Shani that whosoever offers him sesame seed on this day will be relieved from their forefathers’ debt. That’s why on Makar Sankranti people offer sesame seeds to Lord Surya and even distribute them to their near and dear ones. Following this incident, the relation between the father and the son had become so strong and beautiful that their anger and hate didn’t live much longer.
III: Pada Gaya
Gods and Goddesses come to rescue their devotees by taking any form needed. In Pithapuram, where the Kukkuteswara temple is located, Lord Shiva took a unique form to protect his devotees.
“Pada Gaya” by Phani Sarvani is folklore telling the story as to why Lord Shiva took the form of a rooster alongside telling the legend behind this form.
“Pada Gaya” by Phani Sarvani is folklore telling the story as to why Lord Shiva took the form of a rooster alongside telling the legend behind this form.
India is a country where every state and place has got its own religious importance. As stated in the Puranas, whenever there is a decline of Dharma, Gods and Goddesses come to the rescue of their devotees and reinstate the balance. In this process, they take any form needed to protect and support the righteous cause.
So in a town called Pithapuram located in the East Godavari district near Samarlakota of Andhra Pradesh, Lord Shiva the third in the Hindu trinity took the unique form of a rooster and is worshipped in the Kukkuteswara temple. This town has an immense spiritual value because, alongside the Kukkuteswara temple, the town has the temple of Puruhutika Devi, one of the Maha Shakti Peethas located in the premises of the Shiva temple and another temple is of Sripada Sri Vallabha Dattatreya the first incarnation of Guru Dattatreya.
The legend of the Kukkuteswara temple is referred to in the Skanda Purana and in Srinatha’s Bhimeshwara Purana as follows. Once upon a time, there was a demon named Gayasura who was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu the second in the Hindu Trinity. Due to his devotion, Gayasura could obtain a boon from Lord Vishnu that whoever sees Gayasura should get salvation. Due to this boon, the mortality rate on the earth came down so much so that Lord Yama and Indra got worried about the life cycles of humans.
Lord Indra along with Lord Shiva and the other Gods approached Lord Vishnu to seek help in stopping this demon from destroying humankind. Lord Vishnu heard their plea and assured them to help. So along with Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, he went to Gayasura and asked him for a pious wish. Being a devotee, Gayasura offered his help and was informed that the Hindu Trinity intended to perform a yajna or an offering that should not be stamped by any animal or human and since finding such a place on earth is impossible, they approached him. Delighted, Gayasura offered his body to do the yajna and the Hindu Trinity accepted it with the condition that he should not move and warned him that if he moved, he could be killed.
After Gayasura agreed, the yajna that was supposed to be for seven days started on his body. He extended his body by lying down on the earth with his head placed in Bihar, his naval placed in Odisha and his foot placed in Andhra Pradesh. He started counting the days by the crowing of the rooster. For six days, the yajna continued uninterrupted but since he was supposed to be disturbed, Lord Shiva took the form of a rooster and crowed before dawn to make him fail the condition.
Presuming it was morning already, Gayasura moved thereby disturbing the yajna and the Brahmins who were performing the yajna started abusing him. Everyone at the yajna abused him and this made Gayasura realise that if he was unable to bear the pain of failing a yajna, how could he bear the sins of the humans?
So he realized his mistake and asked the Hindu Trinity to have mercy on him. Pleased, Lord Vishnu gave him a boon that Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva will be remembered along with his name. So the place where his head was placed is called Siro Gaya in Bihar and the place where his navel was is called Nabhi Gaya in Odisha and the place where his foot was placed is called Pada Gaya in Pithapuram. Ever since, it is said that whoever does the last rights for the dead in these places shall present the deceased with salvation.
The temple in Pithapuram is a beautiful place with lush green fields, coconut trees and a Pushkarini or pond formed by the foot of Demigod Bhima when he tumbled over a stone and his foot got stuck in the mud. It is a place worth visiting for its scenic beauty.
So in a town called Pithapuram located in the East Godavari district near Samarlakota of Andhra Pradesh, Lord Shiva the third in the Hindu trinity took the unique form of a rooster and is worshipped in the Kukkuteswara temple. This town has an immense spiritual value because, alongside the Kukkuteswara temple, the town has the temple of Puruhutika Devi, one of the Maha Shakti Peethas located in the premises of the Shiva temple and another temple is of Sripada Sri Vallabha Dattatreya the first incarnation of Guru Dattatreya.
The legend of the Kukkuteswara temple is referred to in the Skanda Purana and in Srinatha’s Bhimeshwara Purana as follows. Once upon a time, there was a demon named Gayasura who was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu the second in the Hindu Trinity. Due to his devotion, Gayasura could obtain a boon from Lord Vishnu that whoever sees Gayasura should get salvation. Due to this boon, the mortality rate on the earth came down so much so that Lord Yama and Indra got worried about the life cycles of humans.
Lord Indra along with Lord Shiva and the other Gods approached Lord Vishnu to seek help in stopping this demon from destroying humankind. Lord Vishnu heard their plea and assured them to help. So along with Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, he went to Gayasura and asked him for a pious wish. Being a devotee, Gayasura offered his help and was informed that the Hindu Trinity intended to perform a yajna or an offering that should not be stamped by any animal or human and since finding such a place on earth is impossible, they approached him. Delighted, Gayasura offered his body to do the yajna and the Hindu Trinity accepted it with the condition that he should not move and warned him that if he moved, he could be killed.
After Gayasura agreed, the yajna that was supposed to be for seven days started on his body. He extended his body by lying down on the earth with his head placed in Bihar, his naval placed in Odisha and his foot placed in Andhra Pradesh. He started counting the days by the crowing of the rooster. For six days, the yajna continued uninterrupted but since he was supposed to be disturbed, Lord Shiva took the form of a rooster and crowed before dawn to make him fail the condition.
Presuming it was morning already, Gayasura moved thereby disturbing the yajna and the Brahmins who were performing the yajna started abusing him. Everyone at the yajna abused him and this made Gayasura realise that if he was unable to bear the pain of failing a yajna, how could he bear the sins of the humans?
So he realized his mistake and asked the Hindu Trinity to have mercy on him. Pleased, Lord Vishnu gave him a boon that Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva will be remembered along with his name. So the place where his head was placed is called Siro Gaya in Bihar and the place where his navel was is called Nabhi Gaya in Odisha and the place where his foot was placed is called Pada Gaya in Pithapuram. Ever since, it is said that whoever does the last rights for the dead in these places shall present the deceased with salvation.
The temple in Pithapuram is a beautiful place with lush green fields, coconut trees and a Pushkarini or pond formed by the foot of Demigod Bhima when he tumbled over a stone and his foot got stuck in the mud. It is a place worth visiting for its scenic beauty.
IV: Sumati’s Wish
Do you know why everyone lights a Diya on Diwali? Do you want to know how a poverty-stricken family gained wealth by just lighting a Diya?
“Sumati’s Wish” by Phani Sarvani tells the story of a poor brahmin family welcoming prosperity in their lives by embracing the Goddess of wealth.
“Sumati’s Wish” by Phani Sarvani tells the story of a poor brahmin family welcoming prosperity in their lives by embracing the Goddess of wealth.
Diwali is a festival in India which is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It has many stories associated with it and I would like to share a folk story which is popular in the southern part of India.
So, once upon a time, there lived a Brahmin family in a kingdom. The king of that kingdom was righteous and polite. He always wanted his people in the kingdom to be happy and prosperous. In this Brahmin family, the head of the family was blind and was named Satyakama and his wife’s name was Sumati.
So, once upon a time, there lived a Brahmin family in a kingdom. The king of that kingdom was righteous and polite. He always wanted his people in the kingdom to be happy and prosperous. In this Brahmin family, the head of the family was blind and was named Satyakama and his wife’s name was Sumati.
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They were very poor and struggled for basic needs. Since Sumati was devoted to Goddess Laxmi, she prayed to remove poverty from her family. Seeing her sincerity and righteousness, Goddess Lakshmi visited in her dream and told her that she should put oil lamps all over the house on the new moon day of Ashwin. The king had a habit of disguising himself and travelling in the streets at night to know his people’s opinions. That night he came across the hut where Satyakama lived and saw the hut in total darkness. He inquired about the family and decided to help the poor family with money. However, Sumati rejected the money saying they wouldn’t take charity. Seeing her modesty and individuality, the king was impressed. He revealed his identity before asking her to wish for whatever she wants. Hearing his kind words, Sumati requested that on the upcoming new moon day of Ashwin, no one in the kingdom including the King’s palace shouldn’t lit a lamp in the evening. It should only be her who should lit an oil lamp in her hut. |
Cover Photo by Ravindra Patoju
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Hearing her unusual request, the King was moved and ordered his citizens as Sumati asked. So on a marked day, no one in the kingdom lighted their lamps except for Sumati. That night when Goddess Lakshmi came down observing the one small light in the pitch dark country.
Meanwhile, Sumati requested her husband to stand outside the hut and welcome anyone who would like to visit them. As Sumati waited, one lady asked Satyakama if she could enter their home. As he gladly accepted, she walked in to be welcomed by Sumati.
Applying turmeric to the lady, Sumati requested her to never leave their house. Pleased by her humble request, Goddess Lakshmi assured her to stay at her place and because of this their poverty was gone and they gradually gained wealth. From that day onwards everyone in the kingdom lit oil lamps in their houses to welcome Goddess Laxmi, and ward off Jeshta Devi who is the Goddess of poverty.
Diwali is the festival of lights and prayers are offered to ward off the darkness in the minds of the people and show them the path of knowledge represented by light.
Happy Diwali!
Meanwhile, Sumati requested her husband to stand outside the hut and welcome anyone who would like to visit them. As Sumati waited, one lady asked Satyakama if she could enter their home. As he gladly accepted, she walked in to be welcomed by Sumati.
Applying turmeric to the lady, Sumati requested her to never leave their house. Pleased by her humble request, Goddess Lakshmi assured her to stay at her place and because of this their poverty was gone and they gradually gained wealth. From that day onwards everyone in the kingdom lit oil lamps in their houses to welcome Goddess Laxmi, and ward off Jeshta Devi who is the Goddess of poverty.
Diwali is the festival of lights and prayers are offered to ward off the darkness in the minds of the people and show them the path of knowledge represented by light.
Happy Diwali!
V: The Festival of Colours
Holi referred to as the “Festival of Colours” or the “Festival of Love” is celebrated with the arrival of spring and is one of the ancient Hindu festivals with a lot of tales related to it stemming from various regions in India.
“The Festival of Colours” by Pooja Jonnalagadda narrates a few of these tales about the festival from different parts of India.
“The Festival of Colours” by Pooja Jonnalagadda narrates a few of these tales about the festival from different parts of India.
Holi is referred to as the “Festival of Colours” or the “Festival of Love”. It is celebrated with the arrival of spring and is one of the ancient Hindu festivals with a lot of tales related to it stemming from various regions in India where it is celebrated.
One of the tales is that Holi is celebrated until Rang Panchami in commemoration of the divine and eternal love Radha had for Krishna. In his youth, it is believed that Krishna despaired whether the fair toned Radha would like his dark skin colour. Krishna’s mother got tired of his desperation and summoned Radha to colour Krishna’s face with any number of colours wanted. Ever since, this playful act of Radha colouring Krishna’s face is commemorated as Holi and this is one of the reasons why it is referred to as the “Festival of Love”.
Another tale from the Bhagavata Purana is about an Asura King or demon king named Hiranyakashipu who earned a boon which gave him five special powers. They were that he could be killed neither by a human nor an animal, neither indoor nor outdoor, neither by Astra i.e. a projectile weapon nor shastra i.e. handheld weapon, neither on land nor water or air, and neither in the morning nor at night. From then on, Hiranyakashipu grew more arrogant and considered himself as God and demanded everyone to worship him.
Hiranyakashipu’s son Prahlada on the other hand not only disobeyed his father’s command but also remained devoted to Lord Vishnu whom Hiranyakashipu loathed. The unwavering devotion Prahlada had for Lord Vishnu infuriated Hiranyakashipu so much that he subjected his own son to cruel punishments but none of those punishments affected Prahlada as Lord Vishnu kept protecting the child. So at last, Holika, Hiranyakashipu’s sister tricked Prahlada to sit on fire along with her while she wore a cloak to protect herself from the flames. As the fire roared, Lord Vishnu summoned a gush of wind that made the cloak fly away to Prahlada as Holika burnt to her death. Later on, Lord Vishnu appeared as Lord Narasimha, an avatar where he is a part lion and part man to kill Hiranyakashipu. Resting on a doorstep and placing him in his lap, Lord Narasimha ripped open Hiranyakashipu’s stomach using his lion claws killing the evil king. The death of Holika is celebrated as Holi and by doing the Holika puja, it is believed that all sorts of fears can be eliminated.
In a few other traditions, Holi is linked to Lord Shiva. In this tale, Goddess Parvati wants to bring Shiva back into the world while he continues to meditate forever. She hopes to marry him and so she seeks help from Kamadeva - the God of Love, on Vasant Panchami. Though Kamadeva was initially hesitant to help, Goddess Parvati insists and Kamadeva shoots an arrow of love onto Shiva. Disturbed, Shiva is angered and when he gets to know that it was Kamadeva who shot the arrow, he opens his third eye and turns Kamadeva into ashes. This action upsets both Goddess Parvati and Kamadeva’s wife Rati Devi. In the hope to earn her husband back again, Rati Devi prays to Lord Shiva for forty days and pleads him to forgive her husband out of empathy. Realising Kamadeva wasn’t at fault, Shiva restores him in spirit and the 40th day after Vasant Panchami is celebrated as Holi.
Irrespective of the tales, this festival brings positivity to everyone’s lives and it is a day worth rejoicing. It is often celebrated with the utmost excitement and joy by all, from the young to the old. Playing with water guns filled with colours or throwing water-filled balloons, this celebration opens up the streets for people to play the instruments, alongside singing and dancing. It is even noted through several paintings from the Mughal era of India that in some areas near Kanpur, Holi lasts for seven days culminating in a grand fair called ‘Holimela’ which is held on the last day.
One of the tales is that Holi is celebrated until Rang Panchami in commemoration of the divine and eternal love Radha had for Krishna. In his youth, it is believed that Krishna despaired whether the fair toned Radha would like his dark skin colour. Krishna’s mother got tired of his desperation and summoned Radha to colour Krishna’s face with any number of colours wanted. Ever since, this playful act of Radha colouring Krishna’s face is commemorated as Holi and this is one of the reasons why it is referred to as the “Festival of Love”.
Another tale from the Bhagavata Purana is about an Asura King or demon king named Hiranyakashipu who earned a boon which gave him five special powers. They were that he could be killed neither by a human nor an animal, neither indoor nor outdoor, neither by Astra i.e. a projectile weapon nor shastra i.e. handheld weapon, neither on land nor water or air, and neither in the morning nor at night. From then on, Hiranyakashipu grew more arrogant and considered himself as God and demanded everyone to worship him.
Hiranyakashipu’s son Prahlada on the other hand not only disobeyed his father’s command but also remained devoted to Lord Vishnu whom Hiranyakashipu loathed. The unwavering devotion Prahlada had for Lord Vishnu infuriated Hiranyakashipu so much that he subjected his own son to cruel punishments but none of those punishments affected Prahlada as Lord Vishnu kept protecting the child. So at last, Holika, Hiranyakashipu’s sister tricked Prahlada to sit on fire along with her while she wore a cloak to protect herself from the flames. As the fire roared, Lord Vishnu summoned a gush of wind that made the cloak fly away to Prahlada as Holika burnt to her death. Later on, Lord Vishnu appeared as Lord Narasimha, an avatar where he is a part lion and part man to kill Hiranyakashipu. Resting on a doorstep and placing him in his lap, Lord Narasimha ripped open Hiranyakashipu’s stomach using his lion claws killing the evil king. The death of Holika is celebrated as Holi and by doing the Holika puja, it is believed that all sorts of fears can be eliminated.
In a few other traditions, Holi is linked to Lord Shiva. In this tale, Goddess Parvati wants to bring Shiva back into the world while he continues to meditate forever. She hopes to marry him and so she seeks help from Kamadeva - the God of Love, on Vasant Panchami. Though Kamadeva was initially hesitant to help, Goddess Parvati insists and Kamadeva shoots an arrow of love onto Shiva. Disturbed, Shiva is angered and when he gets to know that it was Kamadeva who shot the arrow, he opens his third eye and turns Kamadeva into ashes. This action upsets both Goddess Parvati and Kamadeva’s wife Rati Devi. In the hope to earn her husband back again, Rati Devi prays to Lord Shiva for forty days and pleads him to forgive her husband out of empathy. Realising Kamadeva wasn’t at fault, Shiva restores him in spirit and the 40th day after Vasant Panchami is celebrated as Holi.
Irrespective of the tales, this festival brings positivity to everyone’s lives and it is a day worth rejoicing. It is often celebrated with the utmost excitement and joy by all, from the young to the old. Playing with water guns filled with colours or throwing water-filled balloons, this celebration opens up the streets for people to play the instruments, alongside singing and dancing. It is even noted through several paintings from the Mughal era of India that in some areas near Kanpur, Holi lasts for seven days culminating in a grand fair called ‘Holimela’ which is held on the last day.
VI: The Legend of Bhramarmabika Devi
Universe has both good and evil, and when evil gets out of control, Gods & Goddesses save the universe by destroying it. As we are celebrating the holiness of Maa Durga, “The Legend of Bhramarambika Devi” by V. K. Telkepalli tells the story of how Bhramarambika Devi saved us by destroying evil.
INTRODUCTION
Vijayadashami or Dussehra is a festival where we celebrate the destruction of evil. It is a festival which teaches us to be just and follow the path of Dharma. It is the festival where we offer prayers to Maa Durga and worship her nine different forms.
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Though the concept of worshipping these nine forms has been mentioned in many Puranas, in summary, it is offering prayers to one great eternal energy that is driving the whole universe. Now, there is no uniform sequence in which these forms are worshipped across India. Some follow the sequence of Annapurna, Lakshmi Devi, Gayatri, Lalita Tripura Sundari, Saraswathi, Durga, Mahishasura Mardini, and Rajarajeswari. Amongst these forms, it is Mata Rajarajeshwari who is believed to be the supreme energy who created everything. On the other hand, there are a few who believe in the seven or eight manifestations of the Goddess. The seven manifestations referred as “Sapta Matrika” are Brahmi, Maheswari, Kumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Mahendri and Chamunda while the eight manifestations “Ashta Matrika” are Ugrachanda, Prachanda, Chandogra, Chandanayaka, Chanda, Chandaathi, Chamunda and Chandrika. Except for these, those who worship Goddess Durga offer prayers to her nine forms namely Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandha Matha, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Maha Gouri and Siddhi Mata. This custom is followed in Srisailam a town in Andhra Pradesh where the Goddess Durga resides as Bhramarambika Devi alongside Mallikarjuna Swami. |
Cover Photo by Nikhileshwari Penugonda
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THE LEGEND OF SRISAILAM
It is believed that there lived a demon once with the name Arunasura. He was awarded a boon by Lord Brahma the Creator in the Hindu Trinity, for his fervid devotion and worship. The boon was that he can neither be killed by a two-legged or a four-legged living being nor be killed by any kind of weapon.
As soon as he was gifted with this boon, he started causing vexation to all the devas and saints. Being petrified with his terror the devas pleaded Lord Shiva who is the Destroyer in the Hindu Trinity to help them.
However, Lord Shiva hesitated because Arunasura was one of his great devotees. Helpless, all the devas then turned towards Goddess Parvathi to seek help.
She took the form of bhramara, a Sanskrit word for bee and entered Arunasura’s ear. She created humming sounds which eventually led to the death of the demon and then stayed in Srisailam as Bhramarambika.
Visit Srisailam Bhramaramba Devi Temple for more information.
As soon as he was gifted with this boon, he started causing vexation to all the devas and saints. Being petrified with his terror the devas pleaded Lord Shiva who is the Destroyer in the Hindu Trinity to help them.
However, Lord Shiva hesitated because Arunasura was one of his great devotees. Helpless, all the devas then turned towards Goddess Parvathi to seek help.
She took the form of bhramara, a Sanskrit word for bee and entered Arunasura’s ear. She created humming sounds which eventually led to the death of the demon and then stayed in Srisailam as Bhramarambika.
Visit Srisailam Bhramaramba Devi Temple for more information.
VII: Vat Savitri
Cover Photo by Pankaj Tottada
Out of the many vrata performed throughout the year in the Hindu culture, one vrat that women do for the well-being of their husbands is the Vat Savitri. Get to know the story behind this vrat from the epic Mahabharat through Phani Sarvani’s folklore titled after the same name.
For health, wealth, peace, and prosperity of their family, like many other cultures, women of the Hindu culture perform puja alongside fasting also referred to as vrat. Out of the many vrats performed throughout the year, one vrat that women do for the well-being of their husbands in Maharashtra and some parts of northern India is the Vat Savitri.
Held on the full moon day of the third month in the Hindu calendar called Jyeshta, on Vat Savitri, women fast, tie threads to a banyan tree and worship Lord Shiva asking the almighty to give their husbands a long life. Though it has been celebrated for centuries now, the inception of this vrat is believed to be from a story in the monumental epic Mahabharata.
Once upon a time, there lived a king called Asvapati along with his wife Malavi. Blessed with no children, the couple prayed to Lord Savitr or the Sun God to bless them with a son but the Sun God blessed the couple with a beautiful and intelligent daughter instead. Accepting the gift wholeheartedly, the couple named the daughter Savitri in honor of the Sun God himself.
When Savitri grew old enough, the couple decided to get her married but they gave her the privilege to choose her husband. So to choose a right husband, Savitri set out for a pilgrimage. Meanwhile, there was, amongst the Salwas, a virtuous Kshatriya king known by the name of Dyumatsena. Though he was wise, due to ill fate, King Dyumatsena became blind and it so happened that an old enemy dwelling in the vicinity, took advantage of the king’s mishap and deprived him of his kingdom.
Due to this, King Dyumatsena accompanied by his wife bearing a child on her breast, went into the woods. His son, Satyavan who was born in the capital and was destined to be the successor now grew up in a hermitage.
When Savitri arrives at the hermitage in the forest as a part of her pilgrimage, she sees Satyavan and his parents. She likes the young, energetic and valorous prince and intends for him to be her prospective husband. So, returning to her kingdom, Savitri informs her parents about her decision. Consenting to her request, King Asvapati invites many well-wishers and family members alongside the God-sage Narada muni to the marriage.
At the marriage, Sage Narada has a troubling foresight about Prince Satyavan’s future and he tells about it to King Asvapati. The God-sage says that though Prince Satyavan is a perfect match to Princess Savitri, he will not live more than a year. Not wanting his daughter to suffer, King Asvapati asks her not to marry Satyavan but Princess Savitri insists and marries him.
After marriage, the princess even goes to the forest along with her husband and stays with her in-laws in full austerity. Three days before her husband is destined to die, Savitri starts fasting and performing puja near a banyan tree with her husband beside her. She asks him to tie threads to the banyan tree in-order to keep him with her even when the Lord of Death himself arrives.
On the destined day, Lord Yama arrives to take the soul of Prince Satyavan as he lays weak in his wife’s lap and is confronted by Savitri. Hearing her plea, the Lord of Death only mentions that what was meant to happen cannot be altered and saying so, he takes Satyavan’s life as the young prince falls on the ground. However, through her puja and devotion, Savitri acquires the power of following Lord Yama as he takes away her husband’s soul.
Seeing her following him, Lord Yama questions her as to why is she following him and Savitri tells him that she isn’t leaving without her husband’s life. Though impressed with her devotion and sincerity towards her husband, Lord Yama tells her that Satyavan’s soul cannot be given. Instead, he promises to give her three boons.
As her first boon, Savitri asks Lord Yama to give her father-in-law both his sight and his kingdom. As her second wish, she asks Lord Yama to give her father one-hundred sons and as her third wish, she asks Lord Yama that she be given one-hundred sons with Satyavan.
Realising the true intentions behind the wishes, Lord Yama respectfully grants Savitri all her boons thereby giving Satyavan his life too. Not knowing what has happened, Satyavan gets up as if he just woke up from asleep. Later, Savitri narrates what happened to him and her in-laws. Meanwhile, the loyal minister of King Dyumatsena arrives to inform his king that the usurper has died and the kingdom was once more his to rule.
Like Savitri, women from various parts in India offer prayers to a Banyan tree and fast on the 13th, 14th and 15th days in the Jyeshta month. They offer five types of fruits to the Sun God and greet each other saying ‘Janm Savitri ho’ meaning be born a Savitri.
Held on the full moon day of the third month in the Hindu calendar called Jyeshta, on Vat Savitri, women fast, tie threads to a banyan tree and worship Lord Shiva asking the almighty to give their husbands a long life. Though it has been celebrated for centuries now, the inception of this vrat is believed to be from a story in the monumental epic Mahabharata.
Once upon a time, there lived a king called Asvapati along with his wife Malavi. Blessed with no children, the couple prayed to Lord Savitr or the Sun God to bless them with a son but the Sun God blessed the couple with a beautiful and intelligent daughter instead. Accepting the gift wholeheartedly, the couple named the daughter Savitri in honor of the Sun God himself.
When Savitri grew old enough, the couple decided to get her married but they gave her the privilege to choose her husband. So to choose a right husband, Savitri set out for a pilgrimage. Meanwhile, there was, amongst the Salwas, a virtuous Kshatriya king known by the name of Dyumatsena. Though he was wise, due to ill fate, King Dyumatsena became blind and it so happened that an old enemy dwelling in the vicinity, took advantage of the king’s mishap and deprived him of his kingdom.
Due to this, King Dyumatsena accompanied by his wife bearing a child on her breast, went into the woods. His son, Satyavan who was born in the capital and was destined to be the successor now grew up in a hermitage.
When Savitri arrives at the hermitage in the forest as a part of her pilgrimage, she sees Satyavan and his parents. She likes the young, energetic and valorous prince and intends for him to be her prospective husband. So, returning to her kingdom, Savitri informs her parents about her decision. Consenting to her request, King Asvapati invites many well-wishers and family members alongside the God-sage Narada muni to the marriage.
At the marriage, Sage Narada has a troubling foresight about Prince Satyavan’s future and he tells about it to King Asvapati. The God-sage says that though Prince Satyavan is a perfect match to Princess Savitri, he will not live more than a year. Not wanting his daughter to suffer, King Asvapati asks her not to marry Satyavan but Princess Savitri insists and marries him.
After marriage, the princess even goes to the forest along with her husband and stays with her in-laws in full austerity. Three days before her husband is destined to die, Savitri starts fasting and performing puja near a banyan tree with her husband beside her. She asks him to tie threads to the banyan tree in-order to keep him with her even when the Lord of Death himself arrives.
On the destined day, Lord Yama arrives to take the soul of Prince Satyavan as he lays weak in his wife’s lap and is confronted by Savitri. Hearing her plea, the Lord of Death only mentions that what was meant to happen cannot be altered and saying so, he takes Satyavan’s life as the young prince falls on the ground. However, through her puja and devotion, Savitri acquires the power of following Lord Yama as he takes away her husband’s soul.
Seeing her following him, Lord Yama questions her as to why is she following him and Savitri tells him that she isn’t leaving without her husband’s life. Though impressed with her devotion and sincerity towards her husband, Lord Yama tells her that Satyavan’s soul cannot be given. Instead, he promises to give her three boons.
As her first boon, Savitri asks Lord Yama to give her father-in-law both his sight and his kingdom. As her second wish, she asks Lord Yama to give her father one-hundred sons and as her third wish, she asks Lord Yama that she be given one-hundred sons with Satyavan.
Realising the true intentions behind the wishes, Lord Yama respectfully grants Savitri all her boons thereby giving Satyavan his life too. Not knowing what has happened, Satyavan gets up as if he just woke up from asleep. Later, Savitri narrates what happened to him and her in-laws. Meanwhile, the loyal minister of King Dyumatsena arrives to inform his king that the usurper has died and the kingdom was once more his to rule.
Like Savitri, women from various parts in India offer prayers to a Banyan tree and fast on the 13th, 14th and 15th days in the Jyeshta month. They offer five types of fruits to the Sun God and greet each other saying ‘Janm Savitri ho’ meaning be born a Savitri.
