ISSUE No. 9
JULY 2007 YUGABDAH 5108
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Samiti Article
3 Kadambini Dharap
Editor
Yoga
5 Shubhangi Kadhe
Cover page design
Stotra Review
7 Alka Taiji Inamdar
(Bharat)
Pride of the state
9
Gulshan Shekhawat
Current Issues
11 Anjali Patel
Dhanashree Paranjape
I want to share
13 Madhulika Singh
Yashaswini Desai
Story
14 Jyothsna Sarvadevabhatla
Ashtabhuja Devi
Stotra
15
Manisha Kand
Please email your suggestions to :
[email protected]
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OUR PRERANA
By ma. Alkataiji Inamdar , India
SEVA HAI YADNYAKUND, SAMIDHA SAM HUM JALE
As decided in kendreeya Karyakarini a trust was founded in Nasik in the name of Rani Laxmibai
in1958. It was registered as a nonprofit organization to undertake the Seva projects. Eventually some
more trusts were also formed. Ma. Taiji was one of the trustees of Rani Laxmibai Bhavan.
'Seva' is one word which cannot be translated in to any other languages. Seva means selfless service
offered to people in need. Spiritual bliss abides with him who offers seva with compassionate heart and
dutiful mind. Man. Taiji was such a person who possesed all these qualities. She was always helpful
and could not bear to see others suffer. She served people in distress.
Sanghkarya was started in Bhavanipeth, which was a backward area in Pune. Ma. Taiji went there with
Ma. Vinayakraoji. She mingled with the women there and recited the stories from Ramayan for them.
She educated them on cleanliness, health and hygiene in very simple words. She took tea offered by
them without any hesitation. She acted like their elder sister (as her name suggested), and gained their
trust to be a member of their family, and shared their joys and sorrow.
On the12th of July 1961. The Panshet dam,which was the source of water supply to Pune city, burst
open. The water unleashed and played havoc. The lower part of Pune was flooded and half the city was
under water. A few people had lost their lives and many people lost all their belongings. Immediately
Taiji organized sevikas (women who volunteered for service) and extended a helping hand to the people in distress. Ma. Taiji personally went to the affected area making her way through knee deep mud
along with sevikas. They counseled the people and brought in courage by admiting that the whole nation was with them. Ma. Taiji co-ordinated the help that poured from the nooks and corner of the country. Sevikas washed the collected clothes, stitched them if necessary, folded them very neatly and then
distributed them to needy people. They even prepared the fresh food and distributed it to affected people. Ma. Taiji was very keen about the feelings of people in distress. She always said that their emotions should not be hurt. She said, “Helping them is our duty. We are not doing any favour. We are the
instruments in the hands of God, it's indeed a blessing that we are chosen to serve the person in need."
In the same year Sangh launched the movement to liberate “Goa” from the clutches of Portuguese. Goa
is a unique place adjacent to Maharashtra. It has a beautiful coastline of abundant coconut trees. It is
full of greenery with cashew nut and mango trees. The famous places of pilgrimage are situated there.
This state is part and parcel of Bharat. Bharat gainded freedom in 1947, but Goa remained under the
rule of Portuguese. All the efforts of negotiations had failed. Only the military action was the option for
which the then primeminister Jawaharlal Neharu was hesitant. Sangh decided to enter Goa from all possible directions and support the agitation of the people of Goa. Ma. Vinayakraoji was given the responsibility to organize the batches of Swayansevaks from Pune region. Number of Swayamsevaks volunteered to participate in the agitation knowing that the Portuguese officers were treating the agitators
very cruelly.
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One day Ma. Vinayakraoji told Taiji that he had decided to lead the next batch, wihch Taiji had already
anticipated. Ma.Vinayakraoji was surprised to hear that Taiji had also decided to offer Sat-yagrah. But
he convinced her that Taiji should remain in Pune and she should keep the morale boosted up in the family members of Satyagrahis. It was also a very important and very essential duty. As an obedient soldier
of the organization, Ma. Taiji accepted the instructions. She did everything to keep up the morale by her
skill of soft conversation. She worked hard for round the clock. She herself prepared rotis along with
sevikas of Pune and gave them to Satyagrahis. She visited the family members of each Satyagrahi, and
encouraged them.
One afternoon Taiji was about to go out when she heard the melodious voice of a lady, who was enquiring for the address of Saraswatibai. Somehow Taiji felt that she was Laxmibai Kelkar. Quickly she hurried towards the staircase and welcomed Laxmibai. It was a very touching moment. The two women met
as if they knew each other from ages. Taiji held Laxmibai’s hands and took her inside respectfully. Laxmibai tried to introduce herself, “I am Laxmibai Kelkar from Vardha. I have a letter for you from
Pa.Pu.Doctorji----.” Taiji replied, “I know. Actually I was also planning to meet you. I know you have
started an organization for women. I am also trying to do something similar. I want to join the organization with all my friends.” Thus both of them talked from heart. There were no conditions or hesitation
from Taiji; she simply joined hands with Van.Mousiji, as a true Karyakarta. Thus Laxmi and Saraswati
came together and Durga (Shakti) was incarnated in the form of an organization 'Rashtra Sevika Samiti'.
Ma.Vinayakaraoji left his practice as a lawyer and indulged in Sanghwork. Taiji’s responsibility in Rashtra Sevika Samiti also increased. But somehow they were balancing all the things very smoothly and efficiently. Sangh and Samiti work was expanding to neighboring districts. Taiji was now Vibhag
Karyavahika. Youth and adult took part in Sangh and Samiti activities with overwhelming enthusiasm.
Bharat gained independence from British rulers on 15th of August 1947. But people were not happy as
the nation was partitioned. Mahatma Gandhi insisted that Government of Bharat should give Rs.55
crores to Pakistan. This was not appreciated by many people. The situation became critical. And on 30th
of Jan. 1948 that hazardous news came like a thunder.
(Cont----)
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Yoga
By Gulshan Shekhawat, CA
YOGA MUDRAS
Yoga gives special importance to mudras as a developed form of asanas. In asanas, senses are primary
and prana is secondary, whereas in mudras, senses are secondary and prana is primary.
The five fingers of our body denote the five elements. The thumb represents fire, the index finger represents air, the middle finger represents space/sky, the ring finger represents earth and the little finger
represents water. Body will be healthy if there is a balance between these five elements.
The effect of mudras is immediate. They can be more beneficial if you set in any meditative posture like
Vajrasana, Padmasana or Sukhasana and do the mudras. While doing any action the finger that is not
being used should be kept straight.
When to do:
Can be practiced at all times while sitting, lying, walking or even talking.
For good results should be practiced for 24 min. continuously (can also be practiced for 4-5 min.)
If mudra cannot be made in both hands, you may do it in one hand only.
Shunya Mudra : In this middle finger represents space/sky. Join this finger to the tip of the thumb and
put slight pressure with the thumb. The remaining fingers should be kept straight.
Benefits:
This mudra cures secretion from the ears, ear pain, deafness or hearing problems.
It cures heart problem, weakness in the bones. Gums become strong.
Also benefits in throat and thyroid problems.
Caution: Do not do this mudra while eating or walking.
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VARUNA MUDRA: A bit like the Gyan Mudra.
Touch the tip of the little finger with the tip of the thumb while the other fingers are kept upright.
Benefits:
Regular practice ensures an optimum level of water in the body and heals all ailments connected with dehydration.
VAYU MUDRA: In this join the index finger to the tip of the thumb and put slight pressure with the
thumb, then it becomes Vayu mudra. The remaining three fingers should be kept straight.
Benefits:
It eliminates all wind related problems like arthritis, joint pain, gout, paralysis, vertigo, sciatica, knee pain and gas formation.
It also benefits in neck and spine pain.
It cures impurities in blood circulation.
PRITHVI MUDRA: Join the tips of the ring finger and thumb and keep the remaining three fingers
straight.
Benefits:
Regular practice cures general weakness of the body, leanness, obesity and other diseases.
It improves digestion, and helps develop a positive attitude.
It cures vitamin deficiencies and makes body fit and active.
PRANA MUDRA: This mudra is formed by joining the tips of the little finger, ring finger and thumb.
The remaining two fingers should be kept straight.
Benefits:
The dormant power of life is awakened, develops health, activity and energy in the body. It
cures eye problems and improves eyesight.
It enhances the immune system of the body, cures vitamin deficiencies, removes weakness
and circulates new energy, thus rejuvenating the body.
Removes the feeling of hunger and thirst during fasting.
For insomnia, it should be done along with Gyan mudra.
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Stotra Review
By Yashaswini Desai,IL
VedasāraśivastavahN
Introduction:
We all listen to prayers, mantras, and many prayers, and many of us don’t understand their meaning.
Studying Sanskrit stotra (hymn of praise) for self development, we truly understand the meaning that
really enlightens every one of us. With 2009-Varsha Pratipada – Yugaadi – we would like to introduce
our “Prerana” readers with new column on Stotra review, starting from Vedasāraśivastavah,. We plan to
divide this stotra in few segments; the next few upcoming issues will have remaining stotra.
PashuunaaM patiM paapanaashaM pareshaM
Supreme Greatest God, Mahādeva is the universal controller and complete guardian, who is the Lord of
every life and destroyer of sin, bad, evils deeds. GOD indicates – Generator (Brahma); Operator
(Vishnu); and Destroyer (Mahesh). Three types of power transformations are required for everyone
everyday.
In the morning when we wake up, He reminds me who I am, what my role is, what and how I am going
to perform my role, duties, etc. Here Lord is transforming memory power (Smruti Daan) to remind
us so we can begin, initiate and start our day. Second whatever we eat and drink, he transforms food,
materialistic power (anna) into “Praana shakti/Chaitnya” and provides energy (Shakti Daan) in our
body. Always energises the personality (mentally, physically and intellectually) irrespective of our
race, religion, status or nationality.
. This Chaitnya shakti provides oxygen (Praana vaayu) and nutritional values to operate our metabolism
in the form of Vishnu. In the evening when we are tired after a long day, we want to forget everything so we can have “peaceful sleep”. Lord Shiva takes our sins, worries and stress so we can have
good night sleep that gives peace (Shanti Daan). In the morning when we wake up, we get reenergized and start fresh day again. In this context Lord Shiva is Pashu Pati, Lord of every living being.
Gajendrasya kR^ittiM vasaanaM vareNyam.h.
One who is wearing the elephant skin – Elephant is a metaphor, figurative (ruupaka) symbol used in the
context that demonstrates great qualities. Elephant is physically strong, smart, intelligent, wise, gracious, kind, and great in giving prosperity. Lord Shiva’s devotee cultivates these types of qualities in
their life. Devotee donates and spends his life in niswaartha karma (selfless service).
Lord Shiva resides inside body of those superior devotees who possess these qualities, wears their skin
because these devotees are dear to his heart. These are Varenyam – Superior (Shresth). One should
become Shiva and then worship Him. (Shivo bhutva shivam bhajet)
JaTaajuuTamadhye sphuradgaaN^gavaariM
"jaTaajuuTamadhye" - Meaning, in the middle of matted hair locks . Lord Shiva’s Super brain is located
in the matted hair locks which contains unlimited, pure and the supreme knowledge (Gyaana). This
true poorna Gyaana will alone help us to understand the true nature and become free of misery and
death. Ganga is the pure current, running water (pravaah) in the form of knowledge originated from Lord
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Shiva’s jata, and continuously streaming as gyaana-pravaah that has “gati-pravaah (flow)”. Lord Shiva’s
gyaani devotees will continuously learn and share the pure knowledge of Vedas, Shastras, Gita, and values
of life. Continuity indicates the maintenance of freshness. True knowledge has to flow endlessly to maintain freshness not to become stagnant.
MahādevamekaM smaraami smaraarim.h...
The Greatest God, Mahādeva is the only one Supreme God who is the complete protector and guard of
entire universe, destroyer of worries, stress, sins, and evils. I praise, I remember the only Mahādeva
(Greatest God), who is the enemy of Smara (Kāmadeva - the God of Love and Passion), who is the
Lord of all living beings (Pashupati), who destroys the sins, who is the Lord beyond everyone.
MaheshaM sureshaM suraaraatinaashaM
The Supreme God (Mahesh), Lord of all Gods (Suresh), who is the Lord of demi-gods, who destroys the
grief of demi-gods.
VibhuM vishvanaathaM vibhuutyaN^gabhuushham.
Who is Omnipresent (present in all places at all times), Lord of Universe (Vishvanaatha), who has different type of ornaments and makeup – Lord Shiva uses holy ash (Vibhuti) of His loving, dedicated
bhakta as prosperity and wealth. He uses their holy ash as daily makeup/body decoration (Angabhushaa) and therefore it is very important and required that Lord Shiva’s bhakta to be a Gyaani,
Karma-yogi with niswartha seva (volunteering with self-less actions), who promotes divine knowledge and inspirations (bhaava).
ViruupaakShamindvarkavahnitrinetraM
Who is shining brilliantly with grand three eyes (Trinetra) – The Sun, The Moon, and the Gyana-agni.
(Pure Knowledge). The Sun and the moon is the controller of energy, temperature and coldness. The
atmospheric environment, cycle of water, energy and crops in the farm are regulated while the
knowledge on what, how, when, where, etc are applicable in the universe. As we all know clear,
pure environment and pollution free natural resources are very important for every life.
SadaanandamiiDe prabhuM pa~nchavaktram
Who is mighty, always bliss full, powerful, master, ruler, provides happiness, pleasure, joy and delight.
Lord Shiva has five faces (Pancha vakrtam) for his loving Devotees.
Order of U-kaara
Meaning in daily life
1st U- Kaaraa
Stands
for
Udyoga
2nd U- Kaaraa
Utsaaha
Effort, encouragement, enthusiasm, cheerfulness, happiness, power, endurance. Lord Shiva’s devotee must perform Udyoga with Utsaaha
3nd U- Kaaraa
Uttejana
4th U- Kaaraa
Upakaara
Excitement, stimulant, stimulation, instigation, provocation. Lord Shiva’s
devotee must perform Udyoga with Utsaaha, with Uttejana
Selfless Service, niswarth seva, help, doing good, favor, assistance, benefit, grant, allowance Lord Shiva’s devote must perform Udyoga with Utsaaha, with Uttejan, with Upakaara
5th U- Kaaraa
Udaarata
a
Work, duty, industry, job, profession, employment. Lord Shiva’s devotee
must perform “Udyoga”
Generosity, liberality, nobleness, mobility
Lord Sadaashiva, Mahādeva protects and guards his loving dedicated devotees (bhaktas) with these five
faces to those Devotees who perform Udyoga with Utsaaha, with Uttejana, with Upakaara, and with
Udaarataa in spreading the true knowledge of Veda and divine thoughts.
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Pride Of the State
By Urmi Kandpal, CA
Uttarakhand (Area 53,485 sq mt)
In those lovely valleys, there is still the romance and poetry of life: Each
tree has its God; each tree has its spirit, British anthropologist and surveyor
Charles A Sherring worte in “western Tibet and British Borderland”.
It is often called “Dev Bhoomi” because of the presence of a multitude of
Hindu pilgrimage spots and for different variety of Herbs and medicines.
Uttarakhand also serves as a haunt for Rishis and Sadhus. It is believed that
Sage Vyasa scripted the Mahabharata here. During the last phase in their
life; Pandavas seems to have build temples and then moved to Badrinath
region. Uttarakhand is mentioned in the Skanda Purana and Mahabharata as Kedarkhand.
The state has two main regions, Garhwal and Kumaon. Their culture might seem different from outside but a
keener observation reveals the innate oneness of the two. Capitol of Uttarakhand is Dehradun and it has 13
districts at present. Here are some facts:
Traditional dances: Cholia, Thadya, Chauphula, Jhora, Chahchari, Chhapeli and Jaagar.
Musical instruments: dhol, damama, hurka, turturi, binaee, bagpipe and flute.
Languages: Kumaoni, Garhwali and Hindi.
Sacred places: Haridwar (Kumbh Mela), Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Jageshwar, Adibadri,
Purnagiri and many more.
Tourist Spots: Nainital, Bhimtal, Mausauri, Dehradun, Almora, Kaushani, Champawat and Uttarkashi.
Festivals: Vasant Panchami, holi, Bhitoli (festival for girls), deshara, Govardhan pooja, diwali, navaratri,
makar sankranti and nandastami.
Art: Aaipah, a kind of rangoli is a technique of floor painting using rice paste on a background of red oxide.
Main crops: wheat, rice, corn, pea, urad dal, black eyed beans masoor, gahat and bhatt.
Main fruits: peach, plum, apple, guava, grapes, lemon, orange, pomegranate, bananna, pear, mango, blueberry (hisalu), kaafal and straberry.
there.
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Man and women usually wear dhoti kurta and lehanga choli, now salwar kurta and sarees. During festival and marriage jewelery is Bichuye(toe ring) paijeb, anokh( kind of anklet) junjhar, payal, lacha, kardhani, bajuband, chuni, kangan,diagule, sahunchi, dastband(bracelet) ring, mangalsutra,galoband, satlagi,
gagarimala, matanmala, coral mala, sitarami, jaumala, rupaiamala, tops, nath, maantika, jhumke, bali and
gosse. A special knid of chunari is “rangawali, which has red dots in yello background.
Uttaranchal, famous for ancient rock art wood carving, temples and fairs is full of architectural and historical landmarks. The state of uttaranchal has Nepal and china(Tibet) as its international neighbor. Indian army has Kumaon and garhwal regiments. Great Indian rivers Gange, Yamuna start from Himalayas and flow through
These are some beautiful picture from Uttaranchal.
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Current Issues
(By Madhulika Singh, CA)
Ganga Bachao, Why Not Kanya Bachao?
( Continued from Jan 2009 issue)
My Personal Experience
Some "educated and well-heeled" women like Software/Hardware Engineers at high-tech firms in the Silicon Valley may not commit FF or FI but their anti-female-offspring attitude served as my wake-up call!
When one of these women, in my company, was asked if she planned to have a second child, she replied,
"Only those who don't have a son the first time, have a second child. I already have a son". How can these
"educated" women not understand the value of a female child? Today, aren't they themselves standing as
females who do anything a son does, and nurture their parents when they are old and infirm? Do they truly
believe that moksha can be attained only by bearing a son? Or only a son should have the right to light the
funeral pyre?
How did we, Hindus, degenerate from women worshipers, Devi worshipers, to this level?
There are movements like Ganga Bachao which bring together Hindu leaders, with differing ideologies.
Why isn't there a movement like Putri or Kanya Bachao, supported by Hindu leaders, to save the "missing
girls" from India?
There have been some preliminary discussions about action items regarding this scourge of our Indian/
Hindu society.The main concern is how to
- convince parents not to abort/kill females
- create a program where unwanted girls can be dropped off
- advertise the program/opportunity so people do avail of it
Good News
There have been many efforts in this direction, e.g., Girl Child Protection Scheme, Cradle Baby Scheme
(or Palna Ghar scheme in many states). Depending on which source you read, you will get conflicting
views as to how successful or unsuccessful they are.
Sadhvi Ritambara provides a home and a new life to abandoned children, unwanted girls & widows in her
Vatsalya Gram in Vrindavan.
Moreover, there are doctors and gynecologists who have been discouraging abortions and encouraging giving up the child in a Palna Ghar. One notable example is Dr. Sharda Jain, a gynecologist in an affluent part
of East Delhi.
"It is now mandatory for all pregnant women in the Salem area to register at the local hospital. Here many
receive their first lessons in gender equity and are counseled not to kill or abandon female children
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"The leaders of Tamil Nadu are holding out a tempting carrot to couples in the state with one or two
daughters and no sons...The money will be paid in installments as the girl goes through school. She will
also get a small gold ring and on her 20th birthday, a lump sum of $650 to serve as her dowry or defray the
expenses of higher education. Four thousand families enrolled in the first year, with 6,000 to 8,000 expected to join annually (as of 1994)" [4]
Chandigarh Union Territory administration is roping in Hindu priests to take the 'Save the Girl-Child campaign' to common citizens. In Punjab, "The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee is planning to set
up cradles to receive unwanted girl-children at gurdwaras, while the state administration has already started
its own cradle baby scheme." [5]
Our Role
Those of us who stand by and watch silently are also contributing to this epidemic. There are things we
can do about this problem. For example, we can contact temples, doctors and gynecologists in the Indian
cities where our families reside or where we visit annually. These contacts can help us to determine how
we can raise awareness about or funds for programs that combat FF and FI. Each of us should also talk to
local NGOs about spreading this message through their local network. Perhaps some NGOs may even be
able to include among their women's programs programs to counsel women about gender equity, prevention of abortion, and support in the delivery and giving-away of female children.
We are very intelligent, resourceful and creative. I am sure if we put our collective heads together we can
come up with very productive ideas and follow through with concrete action plans. Any takers?
Some resources:
1. http://www.indianchild.com/abortion_infanticide_foeticide_india.htm
2. http://www.cbc.ca/news/viewpoint/vp_copeland/20040512.html
3. http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/south/07/07/india.infanticide.pt2/index.html
4. http://www.gendercide.org/case_infanticide.html
5. http://infochangeindia.org/Agenda/Against-exclusion/Hukumnama-against-female-foeticide.html
Quote:
A woman is like a teabag. It's only when she's in hot water that you
realize how strong she is
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I want to share
By Dhanashree Paranjape, CA
I stay in Santa Cruz, CA. It is a small town with few Indian people compared to Bay area in California.
When I was searching day care for my daughter, Samjnaa, I was aware that I will not get one run by an
Indian family. Just like all mothers who have to keep their child in day care, I was worried about how
my daughter will adjust to complete strangers at the young age of one year! I was also worried that if
she spends most of her day in “non-Indian” environment with non-Indian friends and teachers will she
get the Indian “samskar”, when and how will she learn Hindu values and way of life? With a lot of
questions in my mind I enrolled her in a state run day care program.
She is the first and only Asian Indian in her day care. To my relief I found that the teachers are not only
loving, caring but also quite eager to learn about Indian culture. I have to explain them a lot of things
like why Samjnaa wares kumkum, why her ears are pierced at such young age. They admire her Indian
dresses and Indian food that she gets in her lunch box. I started realizing that such conversations about
why we do certain things in a certain way are good opportunities for me to educate them about Hindu
values and Indian culture. Instead of carelessly answering “that’s the way we do it….”, can I actually
tell them the meaning of tilak, saying Namaste and so on? I also realized that it is a big responsibility to
give them correct information and a positive impression about Hindu society, in general. This situation
not only prompted me to think more about our daily rituals, but also to gather more information about
what is the significance of doing things in a particular way. I was not sure about certain things myself.
Whom should I ask if I am not sure why kumkum should be worn on the forehead or why we pierce
ears at very young age?
What really helped me was that around the same time we were having similar discussions in our shakha
about various things we do as Hindus and the meaning/significance behind it. Those discussions answered a lot of questions for me. I of course knew the significance of lighting a lamp or respecting elders and other such things. But having those discussions in shakha gave me confidence to talk, explain
the meaning in nice way to a lay person who knows little about Hinduism. It also gave a meaning to
things that I was following almost blindly everyday. I started appreciating more the collective wisdom
of our great sages, thinkers and philosophers, who put in so much thought behind simple things like
lighting a lamp, saying Om. I became a “proud” Hindu.
Samjnaa’s primary teacher Maria and me have now become good friends. When I go in the late afternoon to pick up Samjnaa we exchange ideas, compare our cultures. I feel more confident talking to her
(or any other person) about Hinduism and Indian culture. She now recognizes that it must be an important festival when Samjnaa goes there wearing special Indian dress with a tilak on her forehead. I try to
explain the significance of the festival to her and if possible take special food for all children there. We
have also planned a small activity of making a string of diwali lamps from paper and decorating it for
the children there.
I am now at ease knowing that her day care teachers respect and appreciate our culture even if it is a lot
different than theirs. If I can “educate” more people about wonderful things in Hinduism and Indian culture, that would be the best thing!!
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Story
By Jyothsna Sarvadevabhatla ,CA
Navaratri/ Durga puja/ Dasara(Dasha-hara in Sanskrit means the "remover of
bad fate") is one of the greatest festivals celebrated in Bharat. During the nine
nights and ten days of the Navaratri festival, nine forms of Shakti are worshipped. The festival of Dasara concludes the Navaratri and commemorates the
triumph of good over evil. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival starts
on Ashvija-Shudh-Padyami and concludes on Asvija-Shudh-Dashami which is
celebrated as Vijaya Dashami.
According to Hindu belief, the festival celebrates and commemorates the victory
of Goddess Chamundeshwari(Durga) slaying the demon Mahishasura. It is believed that the fierce nature of Goddess Chamundeshwari is due to her association with Vedic Rudra or Lord Shiva. The mighty Mahishasura was a demon
with the head of a Mahisha (buffalo) and body of a human. He defeated the
Gods and demons, attacked heaven and enslaved everyone. He proclaimed himself as Indra. The Gods
led by Brahma approached Shiva and Keshava and appraised them of the situation.
Intense anger from Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva took shape of a terrible form which was
Durga -- a Goddess with the brilliance of all Gods. The aura of Durga was as bright as million suns. She
was bestowed by each God with their own characteristics. Shiva gave her the trident, Vishnu the discus,
Varuna the conch, Agni the sphere, Yama the cudgel, Vayu the bow, Surya the arrows, Indra the vajra,
Kubera the mace, Brahma the water pot, Kala the sword, Vishwakarma the axe. Himavan gifted her the
mountain lion as a vehicle.
Mahishasura fell in love for the first instance he saw Goddess Durga and approached to marry her. She
promised to marry him if he defeated her in the battle. A terrible combat ensued for nine days. On each
day of the battle Durga had to take nine different forms to ensure the end of the mighty asura. DurgaShailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda-mata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, MahaGauri, Siddhidatri were the nine different forms that she evolved in to slay the asura. Finally in the terrifying form of Chandika, she pinned Mahishasura down with her foot, pierced his neck with her spear
and cut his head off with her sword.
The days of Durga-Ashtami and Mahar-Navami are celebrated as the final defeat of the Mahishasura and
Vijaya Dasami in honor of the victorious Durga.
The festival of Vijayadasami and the origin of the festival holds a social significance too. Despite the
mighty powers the Gods possessed, triumph over the demon Mahishasura was not ensured till all of
them came together giving birth to energy in a single form. In the same way, though we may excel individually, it is of no significance unless we combine our capabilities for the welfare of society. Also, despite Goddess Durga being extremely powerful, victory did not ensue in a single day or hour. She had to
evolve in nine different forms and methods in tackling the evil. Therefore, we should come together not
merely as a crowd but channelise the process of coming together in order to successfully deal with problems before our society. In conclusion, let us all come together on this festive occassion, not just in a
spirit of festivity but also in a spirit of samajik sanghatan('societal welfare').
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Ashtabhuja Devi Stotra
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Ashtabhuja Stotra Meaning :
Devi ashtubhuja and 8 things which she carries in her 8 arms are visualized as a symbol , so that
we can relate each of them with our life and learn from each thing.
When we see Devi Ashtbhuja carrying these 8 things in her arms it’s for us to realize and take inspiration from all of them.
We bow to her with all due respect and in return ask for – knowledge, glory and strength as she is
the symbol of women with great virtues who protects religion and heritage of our great Motherland.
The Lotus in her hand asks us to be ever blooming and fresh as it is, to give always sweet and joyful fragrance to the society without harming any one, irrespective of surrounding conditions just as
lotus.
GEETA in her hand gives the spirit of knowledge to enlighten the whole world, thus symbolizing
the importance of knowledge in one’s life to remove darkness of ego and ignorance.
TRISHUL and Sword provoke us to fight against all devils and to kill all evils from the world.
The Bhgava dhwaj in her hand resembles the “pride of VICTORY ”of good over bad.
The smarni ? teaches us how we should be consistent and focused to achieve our goals in life.
Ghanta or bell is there to always keep us alert and attentive to deal with any kind of situation with
witty keeping indolence distant.
She teaches us – Not to waste single precious moment in laziness, ignorance and sleep
So keeping all these things in mind we bow in front of her as she is true form of peace, purity and
energy.
So hey Godess Ashtbhuja – grant us all these qualities for the sake of us and the whole world.
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