WHAT IS BEAUTIFUL?

(Beneath beauty lies a sense of connection. Whatever you can connect with, you will find it beautiful.) 

What is beautiful? Something that is attractive, pleasing to look at? Or is there more to it? When it comes to the first impression, no doubt, external appearance can make an immediate mark. If you look at a pretty woman or a handsome man, it is only natural to find them appealing. Regardless of your marital, social or religious status, you cannot artificially deny their external beauty. Pretty pathetic should you do that, if you ask me. That said, if external beauty was all that irresistible why would there be any breakups among the stars, luminaries and the well endowed? Allow me to help you reflect on the notion, definition and concept of beauty. I read a story once. I am quoting it verbatim. As follows:

An elderly woman and her little grandson, whose face was sprinkled with bright freckles, spent the day at the zoo. Many children were waiting in line to get their cheeks painted by a local artist who was decorating them with tiger paws.

"You've got so many freckles, there's no place to paint!" a girl in the line said to the little fella.

Embarrassed, perhaps hurt, the little boy dropped his head.

His grandmother knelt down next to him. "I love your freckles. When I was a little girl I always wanted freckles," she said while tracing her finger across the child's cheek. "Freckles are beautiful."

The boy looked up. "Really?"

"Of course," said the grandmother. "Why, just name me one thing that's prettier than freckles."

The young kid thought for a moment, peered intensely into his grandma's face and whispered: "Wrinkles."

Aww... that's so sweet, right? But will you marry or even look after the grandmother for her wrinkles?Probably not. Will you see the same beauty in her wrinkles as did the little boy? Only if you are that boy.However, it is not about that. Beauty cannot be chained by a string of words or some definition because what is beautiful is never about them, it is about you. It is not absolute, it is relative, relative to your state of mind, to your own perception. Whatever you connect with you will find it beautiful! With whoever you feel secure and complete, you will find that person beautiful. That is why, the wrinkles may truly be the most beautiful thing for the little boy because he shares a bond with his grandmother.

The youthful Mulla Nasrudin was determined to marry a beautiful young girl from a poor family. His father wanted him to marry someone rich. "What's wrong with you?" he said, "the beauty that's blinded you is only skin-deep."

"That's deep enough for me," Mulla replied. "I'm not a cannibal."

I find this joke amusing but it also makes a persuasive point: beauty is what matters to you. It is your own reflection. As you progress in life, intellectually and emotionally, your priorities change. What you find pretty at fifteen, you may not find it half as beautiful when you are thirty. As you understand yourself better, the importance of just external beauty declines in your eyes. It does not mean the visual appeal of something or someone beautiful diminishes in your eyes, it just means you place greater value on other traits. Mostly. In the words of Khalil Gibran: Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror.

Swami Vivekananda, the awesome and brilliant monk, clad in his saffron robe, was taking a stroll in Chicago. The year was 1893. The outfit seemed unusual. A couple, dressed in formals, were ranging the same sidewalk as him and the lady said to her man, "I don't think he's a gentleman."

Her statement reached Swami's ears. He went up to the couple and said, "Excuse me for I overheard your remark. In your country, the tailor makes a man gentleman but in my country, it is the character." I don't know what happened afterwards and it's immaterial in the current context. But was the woman right in her thinking? And was Swami right in his response? Actually, it does not matter. The lady expressed what she felt and she did so not directly to Vivekananda but to her partner. If you retain the right to carry yourself however you like, let others have the freedom to form their opinions. Media, society, advertising, religion, they all bombard you with stereotypes, sometimes subtly and many a time explicitly. The more you let others' opinions matter to you, the more you move away from your internal source of happiness. Besides, albeit on an extraneous note, I am doubtful if Vivekananda's statement holds much truth in the contemporary India where corruption, at all levels and in all sectors, is more an accepted way of life than a grave governance issue. Unfortunately, it almost seems that anyone who gets the opportunity is ready to plunder. Whether that's a businessperson trying to dodge the taxes, or the employee polishing his time sheet, or a government worker who doesn't mind openly asking for his cut or kickbacks. People who are honest, not because of fear and governance but out of morality and choice, are rare gems. There are many workers of honesty but a few volunteers. There may be an emotional denial to my statement but the facts are staring right into the truth — and it is not beautiful to the sane eyes. I enjoyed this little digression, let me get back to the matter at hand:

Why do you want a divorce?" the judge asked the young man.

"Your Honor," he said, "I can't stand her when I'm sober and she can't stand me when I'm drunk."

When someone does not find you beautiful, please know that it is mostly about them. (Hope you don't interpret this as a moral of the joke.) While you may change a little to work a common ground to see what the other person likes, but beyond that, there is not much you can do. If you want to win approvals of others, if that is what moves you, well then, you better dress, behave and be the way they want. If you vainly want to keep the world happy, you have to play a puppet in its inept and clumsy hands. You pay for the dress but the strings come attached at no charge. If for a moment though, you remove external affirmations from the equation, if you eliminate their acceptance from your perception about you, how will you behave, what will you do? In my opinion, that is how you ought to look at yourself. It is infinitely more important to find yourself beautiful when you look in the mirror than for others to find you pretty when they look at your picture. No one is looking at you with naked eyes; who you are and what they see is out of sync. Their sight is filtered by their lenses of beliefs, perceptions and desires. They see what they want to see — this is where beauty loses its independence. Learn not to bother. It's worth it. As long as you are honest with yourself and you are doing your best, you are just fine. A long post, this. Oh! even beauty can be a drag.

If you can complement yourself, you can complete yourself. When you feel complete, when your cup fills up, everything looks beautiful. Beautiful is what you connect with, what matters to you. You are beautiful.

Go on! Tell someone how spectacular they are and how they have made your life beautiful! Once done, repeat it in the mirror. Don't tell me you haven't yet fallen in love with yourself.

Article Courtesy: omswami.com/Raja sekhar

RAKSHA BANDHAN! 'RAKHI' - THE THREAD OF LOVE!

RAKSHA BANDHAN! 'RAKHI' - THE THREAD OF LOVE!

The chaste bond of love between a brother and a sister is one of the deepest and noblest of human emotions. 'Raksha Bandhan' or 'Rakhi' is a special occasion to celebrate this emotional bonding by tying a holy thread around the wrist. This thread, which pulsates with sisterly love and sublime sentiments, is rightly called the ‘Rakhi’. It means 'a bond of protection', and Raksha Bandhan  signifies that the strong must protect the weak from all that’s evil.

The ritual is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan, on which sisters tie the sacred Rakhi string on their brothers' right wrists, and pray for their long life. Rakhis are ideally made of silk with gold and silver threads, beautifully crafted embroidered sequins, and studded with semi precious stones.

The Social Binding

This ritual not only strengthens the bond of love between brothers and sisters, but also transcends the confines of the family. When a Rakhi is tied on the wrists of close friends and neighbors, it underscores the need for a harmonious social life, where every individual co-exist peacefully as brothers and sisters. All members of the community commit to protect each other and the society in such congregational Rakhi Utsavs, popularized by the Nobel laureate Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore. 

The Friendly Knot

It won’t be wrong to say the fashionable friendship band in vogue today is an extension of the Rakhi custom. When a girl feels a friend of the opposite sex has developed a kind of love too strong for her to reciprocate, she sends the guy a Rakhi and turns the relationship into a sisterly one. This is one way of saying, "let’s just be friends", without hurting the other person's soft feelings for her.

The Auspicious Full Moon

In Northern India, Rakhi Purnima is also called Kajri Purnima or Kajri Navami, when wheat or barley is sown, and goddess Bhagwati is worshipped. In Western states, the festival is called Nariyal Purnima or the Coconut Full Moon. In Southern India, Shravan Purnima is an important religious occasion, especially for the Brahmins. Raksha Bandhan is known by various names: Vish Tarak - the destroyer of venom, Punya Pradayak - the bestower of boons, and Pap Nashak - the destroyer of sins.

Rakhi in History

The strong bond represented by Rakhi has resulted in innumerable political ties among kingdoms and princely states. The pages of Indian history testify that the Rajput and Maratha queens have sent Rakhis even to Mughal kings who, despite their differences, have assuaged their Rakhi-sisters by offering help and protection at critical moments and honoured the fraternal bond. Even matrimonial alliances have been established between kingdoms through the exchange of Rakhis. History has it that the great Hindu King Porus refrained from striking Alexander, the Great because the latter’s wife had approached this mighty adversary and tied a Rakhi on his hand, prior to the battle, urging him not to hurt her husband.

Rakhi Myths & Legends

According to one mythological allusion, Rakhi was intended to be the worship of the sea-god Varuna. Hence, offerings of coconut to Varuna, ceremonial bathing and fairs at waterfronts accompany this festival.

There are also myths that describe the ritual as observed by Indrani and Yamuna for their respective brothers Indra and Yama.

Once, Lord Indra stood almost vanquished in a long-drawn battle against the demons. Full of remorse, he sought the advice of Guru Brihaspati, who suggested for his sortie the auspicious day of Shravan Purnima (fullmoon day of the month of Shravan). On that day, Indra's wife and Brihaspati tied a sacred thread on the wrist of Indra, who then attacked the demon with renewed force and routed him.

Thus the Raksha Bhandhan symbolizes all aspects of protection of the good from evil forces. Even in the great epic Mahabharata, we find Krishna advising Yudhishtthir to tie the puissant Rakhi to guard himself against impending evils.

In the ancient Puranik scriptures, it is said that King Bali's stronghold had been the Raakhi. Hence while tying the rakhi this couplet is usually recited:

Yena baddho Balee raajaa daanavendro mahaabalah
tena twaam anubadhnaami rakshe maa chala maa chala

"I am tying a Rakhi on you, like the one on mighty demon king Bali. Be firm, O Rakhi, do not falter."

Why Rakhi?

Rituals like Rakhi, there is no doubt, help ease out various societal strains, induce fellow-feeling, open up channels of expression, give us an opportunity to rework on our role as human beings and, most importantly, bring joy in our mundane lives.

“May all be happy
May all be free from ills
May all behold only the good
May none be in distress.”

This has always been the idea of an ideal Hindu society.

Courtesy: About.com.hinduism/ Rajasekhar Iyer

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

Lets spread the cherish all Over That I LOVE INDIA.

I LOVE INDIA!!! Not only on 15th August and 26th January!!!

But each and every Breath of my Life says I LOVE INDIA!!!

What ever the language I speak, wherever i reside let me rise

my head in pride and declare Mera Bharat Mahaan..............

CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY 15 AUGUST 2013.

For some people this is just an ordinary day but for true Indians like me it is everything. It was August 15, 1947; the nation woke up breathing in the air of freedom to herald a new beginning.  The day when India woke up to freedom back in 1947 was a day of great celebration. A country got rid of her foreign yoke and became a sovereign nation; she celebrated her sovereignty on this day - the triumph of numerous martyred souls. It was a day of fulfillment; it was the day of a new beginning, a birth of a nation. On the stroke of midnight, a country came into life again as the British handed over the governance of India to the Indian leaders. The long and difficult struggle had borne fruit at last, though the happiness was marred by the fact that the country was divided into India and Pakistan and the violent communal riots had left the countries permanently scarred. It is the freedom that gave India a new Identity as a sovereign country after 300 years of colonial rule. Since then it has become a day of special significance – celebrated with the Tricolor, the parades, the patriotic speeches and songs, the remembrance of the soldier who fought for the freedom of our country India.

Today India is celebrating 67 Th Independence Day in the true sense we will have freedom and independence only when we stand for the development of our country with sincere efforts and whole heatedly  Think about the Best for our country still not yet reached. We live in hopes and enthusiasm but nothing is done pragmatically So Friends think about how best we can contribute ourselves to the Nation with out depending on this Government and Politics. I am sure that day you will be called as an identified Indian.”It is very important for youth of India to take an opportunity and become a part for growth of the country.

May the happiness and joy of this freedom, achieved through the

Struggle and sacrifice of thousands, who fought and gave up their lives,

Be with us through out our history and May we forever be indebted

and beholden to those sons of our soil, that made it possible for us to

Live and breathe in a free and independent world.

I wish you a Happy Independence day, Jay Hind, Jay bharat. 
I am proud to be an Indian.

NARAYANANEEYAM

The famous poet and scholar, Meppathur Narayana Bhattathiri, composed the poem known as “Narayananeeyam”, which is a wonderful epic in Sanskrit consisting of one thousand and thirty six verses. The composition of the poem is connected with a miracle.Another miracle recorded in the temple history happened in the 16th century. 

Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri 

Narayana Bhattathiri was born is a family of Namboodiris, who are the Brahmin caste of Kerala. By the age of sixteen he was a great Vedic scholar. However he soon fell into bad company and began to neglect the daily duties enjoined on him by his caste and upbringing. His father-in-law was a very pious and learned astrologer. One morning when he was seated on the veranda scrutinising a yantra in front of him, Bhattathiri who had woken up late came rushing out and in his hurry to reach the yard he jumped over the sacred yantra. The old man rebuked him in strong terms for his negligence in the pursuit of his swadharma and for dissipating this human life which should have been spent in the pursuit of the final goal of liberation. Somehow the effect of this rebuke was electrical. He realised his mistake and promised to mend his ways and begged the old man to accept him as his disciple. 

Bhattathiri became one of his greatest disciples. In his later years the astrologer was stricken with crippling rheumatoid arthritis. Bhattathiri was a very great devotee of Lord Guruvayoorappan by this time and he begged the Lord to allow him to take over the disease of his master. Needless to say the old man improved and Bhattathiri contacted the dread disease. He was totally afflicted and could hardly move. He made his friends take him to Guruvayoor. Every morning he would take his bath and be carried to the temple. Here he sat propped up by the wooden pillar on the eastern side of the southern porch and composed his immortal classic called “The Narayaneeyam” which is a condensed version of the Srimad Bhagavata Purana which describes the glories of all the ten incarnations of Vishnu with special reference to the Krishnavatara.  The hundred-canto poem follows the original closely and describes all the incarnations of Lord Vishnu starting with the “Fish”. Naturally he elaborated at length on the life of Lord Krishna. Every day painfully, he would continue with his self imposed task and at the end of each canto he would beg the Lord to cure him of his dire disease.

 The special thing about “The Narayaneeyam” is that it is addressed directly to the Lord of Guruvayoor. Bhattathiri imagined the child Krishna sitting in front of him listening avidly to the stories of his own incarnations. Hence many of the stories sound as if they are being told to a child. At times the pain would be too intense for him and he would stop in the middle of a story and throw his stylus down and refuse to go any further even though the child was anxious to hear the end of the story. At this time it is said that the child Krishna would come close and stroke his limbs and make him fit to carry on with the tale the next day. 

As the days and months slipped by with Bhattathiri singing the praises of the Lord, he got progressively better. By the time he sang the last canto he was completely cured. Moreover he was blessed with a vision of the Lord standing inside the sanctum and smiling at him. The hundredth canto is a description of this beatific vision. He starts this canto with the words, “In front of me I am seeing…” Bhattathiri lived to the ripe old age of a hundred and six years. He spent most of his life in the temple worshipping the Lord of his heart. The poem is indeed a gem of both devotion and erudition. Even though most of the temple has been re-modelled and the pillars changed into marble, the wooden pillar on which Bhattathiri rested during his arduous labour of love is still retained. 

Mention should also be made here of some of the famous devotees of the Lord of Guruvayoor. The old Namboodiri Brahmin known as Poonthanam was a great devotee and many miracles took place during his lifetime. What he lacked in erudition he made up in devotion and his famous poem called “Jnanapana” is a masterpiece of devotion and wisdom. Vilvamangalam was another great devotee. Krishna is said to have appeared in person and sat before him whenever he did his puja! Another great devotee was Kururamma who was a childless widow. When she grew too old to attend to her own necessities it is said that the boy Krishna came to her in the form of a servant boy and did all her menial work for her! Prince Manavedan who was the Zamorin or ruler of Calicut was also a great devotee. He composed the ten chapters in the life of Krishna known as Krishnattom Kali which is a unique dance form of this temple. At one time these ten episodes in the life of Krishna, starting with his birth and ending with his ascension could only be played in the temple or the royal palace. However now due to its greatness it is now being played in other places also. Manavedan is said to have had the good fortune of embracing Krishna when he actually appeared during one of the scenes. 

COURTESY:GURUVAYUR DEWASOM BOARD.

WHAT IS PRADOSHAM?

DEAR ALL, 

Pradosham literally means the removal of sins. These times are the windows of opportunity to remove karma or karmic energies that limit our potential in this current life. Pradosha, also spelled Pradosh or Pradosham, falls on the 13th lunar day (Trayodashi) during the waxing and waning phase of moon in the Hindu lunar calendar. Occurring between 4.30 pm to 6.00 pm on Trayodashi, the Pradosha time is propitious to pray Lord Shiva and invoke his blessings. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva at Pradosh day will relieve from sins and gives Moksha. Among the poojas performed by the devotees of Lord Shiva, the Pradosha puja is considered to be more auspicious. It is believed that during Pradosha period all the universal beings and Gods come down to earth and attend the worship. The importance of observing Pradosha is described in Pradosha Mahatmyam from Shiva Purana and hence Shiva devotees observe Pradosha Pooja with high sanctity. Pradosha indicates the meeting of the Sun and the Moon in a horizontal line during their movement on their Axis. 

History of Pradosha Vrat or Why Observing Pradosham?

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.

Legend of Narasimha and Pradosham:

One of the greatest incarnations of the universal preserver or maintainer Vishnu, is Lord Narasimha, the Man-Lion Avatar, to save the world from demon Hiranyakashyapu. The Siddhas give a metaphorical explanation for this avatar. Hiranya represents the ego at its peak. When your ego is super inflated, you act rashly and with less prudence. Archetypal Being Vishnu decided to teach a lesson to the human beings on the limits that one shouldn't exceed as far as EGO is concerned. So he is depicted as having torn the demon who was an epitome of EGO, in the form of Narasimha. This event happened during Pradosham time.

How to observe pradosham

Pradosha Vrata is observed on the 13th day of a fortnight and there are two Pradosham in a Hindu month. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped in the evening during twilight on this day. In some regions, the day is dedicated to Nataraja form of Shiva. The fasting on this day is observed for success, peace and fulfillment of desires. It is said that mere darshan of any of the one form of Shiva removes ignorance. 

Pradosham is observed when the Trayodashi Tithi is there during the twilight period. This is important. The importance of Pradosha Vrata and how to observe it is narrated in the Skanda Purana. There are two methods of fasting on the day. Some people observe a 24-hour fast which includes not sleeping during night. Another method is fasting from sunrise till sunset and after Shiva puja in the evening the fast is broken. Pradosham is the twilight period just before sunset and after sunset. Pujas and prayers are performed during this period. Many people during this period spend the time in a Shiva temple or listening to the glory of Shiva.In the evening, an hour before sunset the devotee takes bath and prayers are offered to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi, Ganesha, Kartik and Nandi. After the initial prayers, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Kalasha (sacred pot). The Kalasha filled with water is covered with darbha grass and a lotus is drawn on the pot.

Another form of worship is the puja of Shivling. The shivling is bathed with water and Bilva leaves are offered. Some people use a painting or picture of Shiva for worship. It is said that offering Bilva leaves on Pradosham is highly auspicious.After this people listen to the Pradosha Vrata Katha or story or read chapters from Shiva Purana. Then the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is recited 108 times. 

After this the water used in the puja ceremony is given as ‘Prasad’ along with sacred ash. The ash is applied on the forehead. It is said that just lighting a single lamp during Pradosham period is enough to please Lord Shiva and the act is highly rewarding. Majority of Shiva devotees have a darshan of Shiva during Pradosham in a nearby temple

IMAGE OF VADAKKUNATHAN TEMPLE THRISSUR KERALA

Importance of Pradosham

The Shiva Purana states that one undertakes fasting on Pradhosha will be blessed with wealth, children, happiness and honor. The fasting and worship is specially undertaken by women who long to have children. It is said that those praying to Shiva during the auspicious time of Pradhosha will be freed from sins. 

Offering Bael or Bilva leaves during the period to Lord Shiva is considered auspicious.
There are Shiva devotees that observe fast on both Pradosha days in a month. Some only fast during the waning phase of moon. 

Staunch devotees opt for water only fasting and will only eat the ‘prasad’ offered in the evening. Such devotees only eat cooked from next day morning. 

Another method of fasting is by eating fruits and such devotees eat cooked food on the day after the evening prayers. The strictness of the Pradosha fasting is usually decided by the devotee.

Some devotees do not fast but worship Shiva during the period or visit temples.
Since Monday is dedicated to Shiva, the Pradosha falling on Monday is referred as Soma- Pradosha and is considered highly auspicious. Pradosha falling on Saturday during the waning phase of moon is also auspicious.

During pradosha time anointing (Abhishekam) the shiva deity with the following is considered fruitful.

Milk Gives Long life.

Ghee gives Moksha.

Curd gives good children.

Honey gives melodious voice.

Rice powder gives free from debts.

Sugar cane juice gives good health.

Panjamrutham gives wealth.

Lemon removes fear of death.

Sugar removes enimity.

Tender coconut gives enjoyment.

Cooked rice gives (Annam) gives majestic life.

Sandal gives Lakshmi’s grace.

Vibuthi gives purity.

What is Shani Pradosham and Maha pradosham? 

Mahaa Pradosh Kalam comes yearly during the month of Maagh/Maashi (U’ma’ +’Shi’Va) before Mahaa Shiv Raatri. If the Mahaa Pradosha comes on Saturday, it is called Shani Mahaa Pradosha. Saturday is the day when Lord Shiva swallowed poison and this is called Shani (Sthira in Samskritam) Pradosha. It is categorized into three categories of importance depending upon the month on which Pradosha falls:

1)    Uttama Sthira Pradosha - Maximum power - The Sthira Pradosha that comes during the months of Medam, Yedavam, akh,Karkadikom, Vruschikam, during the Growing Lunar Cycle (Shukla Paksha), i.e from New to Full moon period.

2)    Madhyama Sthira Pradosha - Normal power - The Sthira Pradosha that comes during the months of Medam, Yedavam, akh,Karkadikom, Vruschikam, during Diminishing Lunar Cycle (Krishn Paksha), ie Full to New moon period.

3)    Adhama Sthira Pradosha - Minimum power - All the other Sthira Pradosha. The Pradosh that falls on any Saturday is called MahaA Pradosha (Sthira Pradosh).

IMAGE OF CHOWALOOR SHIVA TEMPLE GURUVAYUR

It is believed that each day of the week has different benefits during Pradosh time:

Sunday (Bhaanu Vaara Pradosha)

Peace to all (Mangalam to all)

Monday (Indu Vaara Pradosha)

Positive (perception) thinking

Tuesday (Bhauma Vaara Pradosha)

No Poverty (Prosperity to all)

Wednesday (Saumya Vaara Pradosha)

Blessings with progeny, Knowledge and education

Thursday (Guru Vaara Pradosha)

Divine blessings through the Pitru's, all dangers will be eliminated

Friday (Bhrgu Vaara Pradosha)

Nullifying (negativeness) opposition

Saturday (Sthira Vaara Pradosha)

Elevation (promotion) getting back the lost wealth.

Shani Pradosham and Soma Pradoshams occurs when one of the 13th moon days occurs on a Saturday or a Monday respectively. The planet Saturn is considered an Agent of Karma who delivers many of life's tougher lessons to help us refine and evolve our souls. Pradosham time are measured by the phases of the Moon.

ETTUMANOOR MAHADEVA TEMPLE KERALA

Significance of Sani Pradosham

According to Hindu mythology, the day Saturday is dedicated to Lord Shani or Shaneeshwara, one of the Navagrahas or nine celestial gods. Lord Shani or Sani has always been related with troubles and ill effects. Moreover, all Hindus believing in astrology dread the effects of Shani over a person’s life. To overcome and avoid the adversities and misfortunes of Lord Shani, people observe fasts on Shanivar or Saturday. And when a Pradosh falls on a Saturday, it is termed as Shani Pradosh. To overcome the bad influence of Shani, devotees observe a vrat on Shani Pradosh and offering prayers to Shiva during the day.

The fast is observed from sunrise to sunset and ends with the evening puja. Since the name Pradosha literally means ‘a period just before sunset and after sunset’, the Pradosha period for prayers is from 1.5 hours before sunset and 1 hour after sunset. While most of the devotees prefer observing a strict fast by refraining from food and drinking only water, some devotees practice a partial fast by consuming fruits and water. Nonetheless, the strictness of the fast totally depends on the devotees. Even after offering the evening prayers, devotees eat only the Prasad and recommence with eating proper food only in the next morning. During the day of the fast, devotees visit Shiva temples and offer pujas and chant mantras.

Shanidev is karmarak.Shani is very powerful as he is son of Surya God and he is very powerful on Saturday evenings. Chaturthi and Tayadashi rahu is very powerful. Shaitarodayashi earlier one used to pray to Lord Shiva by which our earlier karmas in earlier birth gets cleaned up. Mahashivrati coming on Tuesday is very luck and auspicious as on Saturday Triyadashi means Shanipradosh. On this day one must donate Til to Shani God. As Shiv is Shanis favorite god so Mastor oil is poured on Shani Idol to reduce the effect of shanipradosh. Also praying to shani dev all evil things get reduced peace and calmness in formed in us. All bad karmas get removed and peaceful mind and memory is formed. By following all prayers to Shani god on Saturday night he fulfills our desires and wishes. On Sunday Surya God rearranges all the good effects on him.During Shanipradosh Black Til and White Til should be given to Shani God.

My mother's place of birth is Kurkkampara, kunnamkulam, Trichur district, Kerala  Near to my grand mother's house one famous temple is there Named as "Kanneswara Temple" in which pradosha vratham pooja will be done at evening timings. The temple will be fully decorated with lamps and two eyes are not enough to see the beauty of the temple. My Amma says that this Pradosha Vratam is highly lauded by the scriptures and is of very great sanctity and importance to worshippers of Lord Shiva. The mere sight of the Deity in a temple during this period will destroy all sins and bestow bountiful blessings and Grace upon the fortunate beholder. Even a single bilva leaf (leaf taken from the wood-apple tree) offered to the Lord at this unique, auspicious moment equals a hundred Mahapujas. It is usual to have special additional lights in the shrine during the Pradosha. To light even a single wick at this juncture is highly meritorious and productive of untold benefits, spiritual as well as material. Most fortunate and blessed is the person who performs the Pradosha Vrata, for upon him Lord Shiva showers His choicest Grace and blessings in a very short time.

COURTESY:Various sources viz., 
hindu blog, Ramanathan V.Periyagaram 

Kerala Jyothishya ratnam, 

Images from net. 

Especially thanks to my Amma Mrs.Redhi Bhaskaran.

RESPECT OUR INDIAN FLAG

On January 26^th and August 15^th what do we see when we step out? Beautiful tricolor paper flags all around. The whole country is riding on the waves of patriotism. As a part of Independence Day and Republic day celebrations, Indian citizens are using National flags in every corner, every crossroad, every shop, and every vehicle. Some proudly placed/pinned up on the clothes. Some one Set in cars. While some being taken right up to the office desks. The sight of the Tricolor fills pride in every heart.

Then comes August 16^th and January 26^th and now what do we see when we step out? Once again tricolor paper flags all around. But this time the sight fills every heart with remorse. The tricolor is seen in Garbage. Many unceremoniously dump the national flag to the dustbin as a responsible citizen, or in most of the cases it is thrown on the road, in the gutter. In keeping with true spirit of the Indian Culture we do not even hesitate to tear it after all it’s just the tricolor.still its already  February  and I found alot of paper flags on the road side.

The National Flag is a symbol of the Nation's respect and pride. There is a liberal use of the flag on Independence Day and Republic day. There is a new trend of selling flags made up of paper and plastic, which is incorrect. The Indian National flag for the Indians, isn't pride, It’s just worth 5 Rupees and that's all. people enthusiastically buy such flags but the very next day, we find it on the road sides stepping and stamping.  With a sense of national pride, these flags being trampled upon the road, in dustbins and elsewhere.

Since school days I love to attend flag hoisting for Independence Day and Republic day. I have seen students step on national flags that fall in our school ground after occasions such as Republic Day and Independence Day. And at present I am attending flag hoisting in District court and now also I am facing the same situation I have seen many people even the senior most people are just stepping the paper flags fallen on the ground and going without noticing it. Even when we are showing that they are stepping on flag they are smiling and asking it’s just a paper flag why you are worrying that much?  

If we hear some one burnt our national flag in Kashmir or in Pakistan means our blood boils. But we Indians what we are doing? The national flag must never be worn as a garment or attached to any part of your attire. We are using flag tricolor as saree border, using flag in T shirts, cake cuttings, applying tri colours in face, etc., When this is asked that are saying that they are using just imitations and one person also questioned that ashoka chakra is not there so what’s the problem?

The respect and patriotism that the country earns is shown towards that country’s flag. The respective given to the flag of a country is the same as the respect given to the respective country. The flag is more respected and seen as higher than the leaders, government, and forces of that country. This is why at every special event the flag is raised and honored by the leaders, government, armed forces, and the citizens of that country.

At present many schools are not celebrating Independence Day and Republic day because they are treating these days as just national holidays. But parents can do it and show your children by celebrating that this is a national festival of India. As you are celebrating Onam, Vishu, Pongal, Dasara, Deepavali, Christmas, Ramzan etc celebrate these national festivals, by gathering a group of children from your locality. I appeal all Indians that on coming August 15^th refrain from buying a paper or plastic flag instead join your school or society gathering in hoisting the national flag. On August 15^th if the entire nation hoists the flag in this way no tricolor will be disrespected on the following day. 

Indian law says that the flag must at all times be treated with “dignity, loyalty and respect”. The “Flag Code of India – 2002″, which superseded “The Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950″, governs the display and usage of the flag. Official regulation states that the flag must never touch the ground or water, be used as a tablecloth or draped in front of a platform, cover a statue, plaque, cornerstone etc.

The Flag Code of India, 2002 containing the provisions of the Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act, 1971 governing the guidelines for display of the national flag of India clearly mentions that whoever in any public place shows disrespect to or brings into contempt the national flag shall be punished according to the law. Furthermore, the expression ‘‘Indian national flag’’ includes any picture, painting, drawing or photograph or other visible representation of the Indian national flag, or of any part or parts thereof, made of any substance or represented on any substance. After reading the above article still if any one wish to buy tricolor means please follow the below guidelines:-

• When the Flag is in a damaged or soiled condition, it shall be destroyed as a whole in private, preferably by respectful burning or by any other method consistent with the dignity of the Flag. – Flag Code of India 2002, Section II, Point 2.2 (xiii)
• The flag must never touch the ground or water, or be used as a drapery in any form.
• The flag should always be flown between sunrise and sunset, irrespective of the weather conditions.
• One “reads” a flag like the pages of a book, from top to bottom and from left to right.
• Whenever the flag is displayed indoors in halls at public meetings or gatherings of any kind, it should always be on the right (observers’ left), as this is the position of authority.
• The Indian flag cannot be flown at half-mast.
• Whenever the National Flag is displayed, it should occupy the position of honour and should be distinctly placed.
• As per the guidelines of Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2003, the Indian Flag shall be made up of hand-woven wool, cotton or khadi silk buntings. The flag shall not be used as a portion of a costume or uniform of any description.

Remove National flag from top of houses and institutions after 4pm.

The national flag must never touch the ground. If the national flag ever does touch the ground the flag must be picked up immediately and the flag must be washed and dried immediately if it is found to be dirty.

Do not use National flag on vehicles after the day.

Do not use National flag in advertisements.

When the national flag is being raised, everyone must remain standing to show the respect for the flag. Any damages purposely caused to the flag, the throwing of the flag, the flag being stamped by the feet are all unimaginable disgraces to the flag and the country.

If ever the colours of the national flag diminish, or the flag is damaged, or the flag is a state where it cannot be flown, the flag must be properly burned and disposed. It must never be used as an old cloth or thrown in the garbage bin. These actions are direct disrespect to our motherland. Collect spoil flags and respectfully dispose them by burning of or burial. Form a group in order to educate people on this issue and prevent disrespect of flag.

If anybody violates these rules, it is punishable under provisions of law. All these restrictions were imposed to protect the national honor and it is the duty of all citizens to obey them. Please give due respect to our national flag after  using it.

You should show respect for your country's flag because it is your country's highest and most recognizable symbol, and the way you treat it is representative of your attitude towards your country. The Indian national flag embodies the democratic, secular and liberal values enshrined in the Constitution of India and is the symbol of our national pride. It served as a powerful symbol of our struggle for independence and a source of inspiration for the freedom fighters. It symbolizes unity in diversity, Indianness over individuality, and thus calls for a deep sense of respect by each and every Indian citizen. Any disrespect or insult to this symbol of nationalism must be reprimanded.

Freedom means more than doing what pleases you. It aspires to make the right choice! As consumer of products and services we value our possessions but do we treat our national flag with the respect it deserves? We see, we analyze, we buy and we maintain except when we need to respect! Why it was unintentional may be carelessness! But when you have the right intention to carefully dispose the national tricolor why not initiate?

I request to all the people of India, please do not show our patriotism in a single day, and keep it also for the remaining 364 days. Our national flag deserves a much better treatment than this. It needs to be respected all the year round, every day and every moment. If we don’t respect it who will? Please don’t buy tricolor if you cannot handle it.

It’s not enough to be patriotic only when India wins the cricket World Cup or an Anna says I'm anti-government. Patriotism is not a show off using head bands of I love my India, writing on faces "I love My India" or writing on T shirts  "The spirit of Indian team" will not be a Patriotism."I love India" should be implicit in the psyche of every Indian and does need not to be bandied about in the form of a announcement. 

Patriotism is not a ritual to practice on the Independence Day or Republic day or when India wins the cricket match. It is something that inspires us to take the initiative to change the things which we complain everyday and move forward. Patriotism is not just love for one’s country; it is loyalty for and devotion to the principles and values that is linked within the country.Last but not least Don’t depict national flag in dire ways! Love for one's country is symbolized by the respect for the national flag. Respect for National Flag is a symbol for the moral values of the citizens of the country. Respect our roots Identity India. Be Indian. Behave Indian.

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LAST BUT NOT LEAST LET ME ADD AN QUOTE - We are very defensive, and therefore aggressive, when we hold on to a particular belief, a dogma, or when we worship our particular nationality, with the rag that is called the flag.”             J. Krishnamurti.

NOTE: please forward this mail to all of your friends, colleagues and circulate this mail in your office, schools, apartments etc., 

--
Aano bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah.(- RIG VEDA)
"Let noble thoughts come to me from all directions"

REGARDS
Miss.Shaija Vallikatri Bhaskaran

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PYDIMARRI VENKATA SUBBA RAO AUTHOR OF INDIAN NATIONAL PLEDGE

India is my country and all Indians are my brothers and sisters.

I love my country and I am proud of it's rich and varied heritage. 

I shall always strive to be worthy of it.

I shall give respect to my parents, teachers and all elders and treat everyone with courtesy.

To my country and my people, I pledge my devotion.

In their well being and prosperity alone, lies my happiness.

Do you know the author of this  National Pledge?

Unfortunately, a majority of the students who recite this as a ritual every morning and their teachers do not have the answer.

The National Pledge was penned by Pydimarri Venkata Subba Rao, a noted author in Telugu and a bureaucrat, while working as the District Treasury Officer of Visakhapatnam in 1962.Just like the National Anthem and the National Song that’s engraved on our memory, our National Pledge is taken by students in schools across the country, but the writer who penned it is hardly known to people.

The author was a multi-faceted personality and a polyglot having achieved mastery in Sanskrit, Telugu, English and Arabic. He wrote on various subjects, including naturopathy besides authoring many books in Telugu, including a popular novel, 'Kalabhairavudu'.

 

A native of Anneparthi village near Nalgonda district, he presented it to senior Congress leader Tenneti Viswanadam, who forwarded it to the then Education Minister P.V.G. Raju, father of current Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju. Due to the efforts of the then Education Minister, the Pledge was included in school textbooks which was later translated to English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarathi and many other regional languages.

The pledge was first introduced in a school in Visakhapatnam in 1963 and later in many other schools that year. It was recited in Republic Day celebrations in 1965.Subba Rao was said to have been unaware of its status as the National Pledge. He was said to have come to know about it when his granddaughter was reading the pledge from her textbook.

The authors of National Anthem or the National Song are well known in India, but Subba Rao remains largely a little known figure, as his name is not mentioned either in books or in any document. The Human Resources Development Ministry, however, records Subba Rao as the author of the pledge. “Union Ministry of Human Resource Development records, however, show Subba Rao as the author of the Pledge.

Subba Rao was an employee in the State Treasury Department and worked in various capacities in Nizamabad, Khammam, Nellore, Visakhapatnam and Nalgonda and retired in 1971. While he was in Visakhapatnam between 1962-64, India was in war with China during which time Subba Rao wrote a story to inculcate patriotism among people.

Since the introduction of the Pledge in school textbooks in the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh in 1964, it continues to serve the same purpose as our National Anthem and is quite well-known. But its author Pydimarri Venkata Subba Rao, who hails from Nalgonda district, has remained inconspicuous for some reason and has not got the due recognition that he so deserves.

The successive governments in united Andhra Pradesh made no efforts to popularize him, neither did they give him credit for his work by mentioning his name in the textbooks that had the Pledge.

Collected from News Paper.