Dhan Teras 2009

15^th October 2009 (13^th Aashwin)

Two days before Diwali, Hindus observe ‘Dhan Teras’ (also known as ‘Dhantrayodashi’), in honour of Dhanavantri, the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu.

The Legend of Samudramanthan

The legend of Samudramanthan is at the heart of these celebrations. Once, Lord Indra ignored Sage Durvasa’s presence. In a fit of temper, he cursed India: “The pride of wealth has entered your head, so let Lakshmi forsake you.” Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, power, bravery, enthusiasm and radiance. So, when she left Indra, his life became miserable. The demons, waiting for such an opportunity invaded heaven, defeated Indra and gods in war. They then occupied heaven. As Indra had lost his kingdom, he hid out of sight of the demons.

A number of years passed. Indra's guru, Brihaspati, then thought of finding a way to rid Indra's of his troubles. He, along with the gods, went to Brahma. Brahma then guided them to Vishnu and put forth the appeal of the gods. Vishnu said:

“Don't fear, I will show you a way out. The sea of milk must be churned. It is a very difficult job. Therefore, gain the friendship of the demons and get their assistance; use Mandara Mountain as a churning rod and Vasuki, the king of the serpents, as a rope.

I will come to your assistance at the proper time. When the sea is churned ambrosia will be produced. The gods must drink it and become immortal. It will then be possible for you to defeat the demons. When the sea is churned, Lakshmi who has disappeared will appear again. Her grace will be bestowed on you.”

The clever Brihaspati managed to strike a friendship with the demons who agreed in the hope of getting ambrosia and wealth. After initial difficulties posed by the sinking of mount Mandara into the milky sea which was set right by Lord Vishnu who took the form of a tortoise and hoisted it on his back, the churning started. First, Kalakuta, a dreadful poison was produced which Lord Shiva drank much to the relief of the Gods and Demons. Due to Vishnu's continued encouragement, gods and demons continued churning the sea. Then a horse by name Uchaishravas, Kalpavriksha having the power to grant what is wished, and Kamdhenu and other celestial articles took shape. When the sea continued to be churned the Apsara damsels were born.

After that a surprising spectacle appeared. In the midst of the waves of the sea of milk, a goddess with heavenly looks came into view. She was standing on a fully blossomed lotus. Wearing a lotus garland in the neck, she was holding a lotus in her hand. Her appearance was most attractive. She, who was radiantly smiling, was Lakshmi herself.

The sages began reciting hymns in praise of her. Gandharvas sang. Apsaras danced. The elephants on either side sprinkled sacred holy Ganga water on the goddess and bathed her. Because the elephants sprinkled holy water on her, she acquired the name of Gajalakshmi. Because she was born in the sea of milk, she was called Samudratanya. The king of the sea appeared in his natural form and comforted Lakshmi as a daughter. He presented her with attractive clothes and jewels. He handed to her a garland of lotus flowers. While everybody was looking in surprise, Lakshmi put the garland around the neck of Vishnu and occupied his chest. When she looked at Indra kindly, he acquired an extraordinary radiance.

The gods and demons continued to churn the ocean for Amrut or nectar, Finally Dhanavantri emerged carrying a jar of the elixir (ambrosia). Both the Asuras and the Devas wanted the ambrosia, but finally Vishnu with a slight of hand managed to give the immortal nectar to the Gods and the Asuras were defeated. Thus the churning of the ocean resulted in the immortality of the Devas and was the reason for Lakshmi's emergence.

Dhanvantri with the Nectar

Another very interesting story about this day regards the sixteen year old son of King Hima. As per his horoscope he was doomed to die by a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage. On that particular fourth day of his marriage his young wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid all the ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband’s boudoir and lighted innumerable lamps all over the place. And she went on telling stories and singing songs. When Yam, the god of Death arrived there in the guise of a Serpent his eyes got blinded by that dazzle of those brilliant lights and he could not enter the Prince’s chamber. So he climbed on top of the heap of the ornaments and coins and sat there whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away.

Thus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of Yamadeepdaan and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in reverential adoration to Yam, the god of Death.

Dhanteras Today

Dhanteras falls on the thirteenth day of the month of Aashwin. ‘Dhan’ means wealth. In the past, cows formed a person's wealth and were offered pujan on this day. Hindu Dharma's scriptures have advocated benefitting from wealth only through the codes of Dharma - by the sweat of one's brow (one’s hard work). According to the Law of Karma, wealth acquired by any other means will create discord in one's life as well as in society. Lakshmi, as the goddess of wealth and in the form of currency are offered pujan (worship).

This day of the Diwali period is of great importance for the rich mercantile community of Western India. Houses and business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colourful with lovely traditional motifs of Rangoli designs to welcome the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights.

As this day is believed to be auspicious, women purchase some gold or silver or at least one or two new utensils. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evenings when tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. Bhajans, or devotional songs, in praise of Goddess Lakshmi are sung and Naivedya of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess. There is a peculiar custom in Maharashtra to lightly pound dry coriander seeds with jaggery and offer as Naivedya.

In villages cattles are adorned and worshipped by farmers as they form the main source of their income. In south cows are offered special veneration as they are supposed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and therefore they are adorned and worshipped on this day.

Kali Chaudash 2009

16^th October 2009 (14^th Aashwin)

Kali Chaudash falls on the second last day of the Hindu calendar. This day is also known as ‘Narak Chaturdashi’ because Lord Krishna had vanquished Narkaasur. Devotees pray and ofter pujan to Hanumanji to remove inauspiciousness and fear of evil spirits and beings.

Origin

The evil king Narkaasur, also known as Bhaumaasur, of Prag-Jyotishpur, confiscated all the beautiful and valuable objects in the world. Rampaging through the 3 'lokas', he also looted the ear-rings of Aditi, mother of the devas.

When the devas prayed for assistance, Shri Krishna and Satyabhama vanquished Narkaasur, releasing the 16,000 women captives. In jubilation, the devas celebrated the occasion by lighting 'divas'. When Narkaasur lay dying, he prayed to Shri Krishna, “Let those who bathe before sunrise on my death anniversary not go to hell.” The Lord granted the boon.

In essence this means that one who has been enlightened within - become 'Brahmarup' - will not fear death. For this we need to eradicate our 51 'bhutas' namely:

Maya's 3 'gunas'; 10 'indriyas'; 10 'pranas'; 4 'antahkarans'; 5 'bhutas'; 5 'vishayas'; 14 'devatas' of the indriyas.