This year Diwali Festival is from Friday, 28th October 2016 to Tuesday, 1 Nov 2016.
DIWALI ( DEEPAWALI ) - THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Diwali is the festival of lights which falls on the Kartik amavasya according to Hindu calendar ( in month of October or November). 'Deepawali' in Hindi means a row of diyas. Almost every house and street is decorated with lamps, and lights on the day of Diwali.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DIWALI CALENDAR 2016
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Diwali is a six day festival in India. But officially it is a five day festival. It starts from Dhan Teras.
Vasubaras --
------------
The celebration of Diwali lasts six days, beginning on the Kartik dwadashi ,12th day of the month of Kartik (as per the North Indian lunar calendar). The day before Diwali, in order to evoke the grace of God, women fast. It is not that God wants you to go hungry or takes pleasure in your suffering - the principle is that you gain only by giving up. That evening, devotees worship Gomata (the cow) and her calf and feed them special food. Women pray for the welfare of the entire family. This holy day is called Vasubaras
Five-Day-Long Festival
----------------------
1. Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali. ( Kartik trayodashi 13th day, krishna paksh )
2. Roop Chaudas, Chhoti Diwali, Narak Chaturdashi ( Kartik Chaturdashi , krishna paksh )
3. Diwali or Lakshmi Pooja ( Kartik Amavasya )
4. Padva ( Prathma , Kartik Pratipada, shukla paksh)
5. Bhai Dhooj / Yam Dwiteeya ( Kartik Dwiteeya, shukla paksh )
1. DHANTERAS
==============
Dhanteras marks the first day of five-days-long Diwali Festival. Dhanteras Festival, also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanwantari Trayodasi, falls on the auspicious thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November). In the word Dhanteras, "Dhan" stands for wealth. On Dhanteras Goddess Laxmi is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being. Hence Dhan Teras holds a lot more significance for the business community.
Dhanteras Legends
==============
(a) King Hima
A very interesting story about Dhanteras Festival says that once the sixteen year old son of King Hima. was doomed to die by a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage as per his horoscope. 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 Yama, 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.
(b) Dhanavantri
-----------------------
According to another popular legend, when the gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrit or nectar, Dhanavantri (the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu) emerged carrying a kalasha (pot) of the Amrit (ambrosia) on the day of Dhanteras.
Due to the fact that Dhanvantari, who revealed the science of Ayurveda to the world, first manifested on this day, all over India, doctors following the Ayurvedic system of medicine organise joyful celebrations during the annual Dhanvantari festival.
Dhanteras Preparations
-----------------------
To mark the auspicious day, houses and business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colorful 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.
Dhanteras Traditions
---------------------
On Dhanteras Hindus consider it auspicious to purchase gold or silver articles or at least one or two new utensils. It is believed that new “Dhan” or some form of precious metal is a sign of good luck. "Laxmi-Pooja" is performed in the evenings when tiny Diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. "Bhajans"-devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi are also sung.
Dhanteras Celebrations
-----------------------
Dhanteras is celebrated with gusto and enthusiasm. "Lakshmi-Pooja" is performed in the evenings when tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. Bhajans ir devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi 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 cattle are adorned and worshiped 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 worshiped on this day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2. CHHOTI DIWALI / NARAK CHAUDAS / NARAK CHATURDASHI
====================================================
The day before Diwali is celebrated as Chhoti Diwali / Narak Chaturdasi or 'small Diwali'. It is Diwali on a smaller scale, with fewer lights lit and fewer crackers burst. The morning after Choti Diwali, the women of the house make beautiful, colored rangoli in the doorway and courtyard. Tiny footprints made out of rice paste are a special feature of the rangolis made for Diwali. In Hindu homes, Chhoti Diwali celebrations involve a ritual puja to Goddess Lakshmi and also to Rama in the evening. Songs in honor of the god are sung and aarti is performed.
Legends behind Chhoti Diwali
========================
(a) Narakasur and Lord Krishna
---------------------------------------------
The story goes that the demon king Narakasur ruler of Pragjyotishpur (a province to the South of Nepal) after defeating Lord Indra had snatched away the magnificent earrings of Aditi, the Mother Goddess (the ruler of Suraloka and a relative of Satyabhama, Lord Krishna's wife) and imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of the gods and saints in his harem.
On coming to know about this, Satyabhama was enraged by Narakasura's malevolence towards women, and she appealed to Krishna to give her the golden chance to destroy Narakasura. The legend also says that Narakasura was given a curse that he would be killed by a woman. Krishna granted Satyabhama a boon to fight with Narakasura. With Krishna as the charioteer, Satyabhama entered the battle field. During the war, Krishna swooned for a while, a preordained divinely act adopted to empower Satyabhama to kill the demon. After Narakasura was beheaded, the imprisoned women were released, and Krishna accepted to marry them.
So on the day previous to Narakachaturdashi, Lord Krishna's divine intervention led to the killing of the demon, Narakasura and liberation of the imprisoned damsels as well as recovery of the precious earrings of Aditi. As a symbol of that victory Lord Krishna smeared his forehead with the demon king's blood. Krishna returned home in the very early morning of the Narakachaturdashi day. The womenfolk massaged scented oil to his body and gave him a good bath to wash away the filth from his body. Since then the custom of taking bath before sunrise on this day has become a traditional practice specially in Maharashtra.
It is interesting to note that Bhudevi, mother of the slain Narakasura, declared that his death should not be a day of mourning but an occasion to celebrate and rejoice. Since then, Deepavali is being celebrated by people every year with joyous celebrations with lot of fun and frolic, and fire works.
* In South India that victory of the divine over the mundane is celebrated in a very peculiar way. People wake up before sunrise prepare a paste by mixing Kumkum in oil, symbolizing blood and after breaking a bitter fruit that represents the head of the demon King that was smashed by Krishna, apply that mixture on their foreheads. Then they have an oil bath using sandalwood paste.
* In Maharashtra also, traditional early baths with oil and "Uptan" (paste) of gram flour and fragrant powders are a `must'. All through the ritual of baths, deafening sounds of crackers and fireworks are there in order that the children enjoy bathing. Afterward steamed vermicelli with milk and sugar or puffed rice with curd is served.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3. DIWALI
==========
The third day of Diwali festival is the most important one for Lakshmi-pooja and is entirely devoted to the propitiation of Goddess Lakshmi. On this very day sun enters his second course and passes Libra which is represented by the balance or scale. Hence, this design of Libra is believed to have suggested the balancing of account books and their closing. Despite the fact that this day falls on an amavasya day it is regarded as the most auspicious.
The day of Lakshmi-Pooja falls on the dark night of Amavasya. The strains of joyous sounds of bells and drums float from the temples as man is invoking Goddess Laxmi in a wondrous holy "pouring-in" of his heart. All of a sudden that impenetrable darkness is pierced by innumerable rays of light for just a moment and the next moment a blaze of light descends down to earth from heaven as golden-footed Deep-Lakshmi alights on earth in all her celestial glory amidst chantings of Vedic hymns.
A sublime light of knowledge dawns upon humanity and this self enlightenment is expressed through the twinkling lamps that illuminate the palaces of thewealthy as well as the lowly abodes of the poor. It is believed that on this day Lakshmi walks through the green fields and loiters through the bye-lanes and showers her blessings on man for plenty and prosperity.
Lakshmi Pooja, or the worship of the goddess of wealth, is the main event on Diwali in North and West India. It is extremely important to keep the house spotlessly clean and pure on Diwali. Goddess Lakshmi likes cleanliness, and she will visit the cleanest house first. This is also the reason why the broom is worshiped on this day with offerings of haldi and kumkum (turmeric and vermilion). Lamps are lit in the evening to welcome the goddess. They are believed to light up Her path.
Lakshmi Pooja consists of a combined puja of five deities:
(1) Ganesha
(2) Mahalakshmi
(3) Mahasaraswati
(4) Mahakali
(5) Kuber
* Ganesha is worshiped at the beginning of every auspicious act as Vighnaharta.
* Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped in her three forms -
* Mahalakshmi (the goddess of wealth and money)
* Mahasaraswati (the goddess of books and learning)
* Mahakali
* Kuber (the treasurer of the gods) is also worshiped.
=======================
दीवाली पूजा विधि :
---------------------------------------------
महानिशीथकाल मुहूर्त:
Afternoon Muhurta (Shubh) = 13:27 - 14:49
Evening Muhurta (Shubh, Amrit, Char) = 17:33 - 22:27
प्रदोष काल विशेष रूप से श्री गणेश, श्री महालक्ष्मी पूजन, कुबेर पूजन, व्यापारिक खातों का पूजन, दीपदान, अपने सेवकों को वस्तुएं दान करने के लिये शुभ रहेगा। प्रदोष काल मंदिर मे दीप दान, रंगोली और पूजा की पूर्ण तयारी कर लेनी चाहिए। इसी समय मे मिठाई वितरण कार्य भी संपन्न कर लेना चाहिए। द्वार प़र स्वस्तिक और शुभ लाभ का सिन्दूर से निर्माण भी इसी समय करना चाहिए।
चौकी पर लक्ष्मी व गणेश की
मूर्तियाँ इस प्रकार रखें कि उनका मुख पूर्व
या पश्चिम में रहें। लक्ष्मी जी,गणेश जी की दाहिनी ओर रहें. पूजनकर्ता
मूर्तियों के सामने की तरफ बैठे. कलश को लक्ष्मीजी के पास चावलों
पर रखें. नारियल को लाल वस्त्र में इस प्रकार
लपेटें कि नारियल का अग्रभाग दिखाई देता रहे व इसे
कलश पर रखें. यह कलश वरुण का प्रतीक है.
लक्ष्मीजी की ओर श्री का चिह्न बनाएँ. गणेशजी की ओर त्रिशूल का चिह्न बनाएँ , चावल का ढेर लगाएँ. सबसे नीचे चावल की नौ ढेरियाँ बनाएँ. छोटी चौकी के सामने तीन थाली व जल भरकर कलश रखें. तीन थालियों में निम्न सामान रखें.
* ग्यारह दीपक(पहली थाली में)
* खील, बताशे, मिठाई, वस्त्र, आभूषण, चन्दन का लेप सिन्दूर कुंकुम, सुपारी, पान (दूसरी थाली में)
* फूल, दुर्वा चावल, लौंग, इलायची, केसर-कपूर, हल्दी चूने का लेप, सुगंधित पदार्थ, धूप, अगरबत्ती,
एक दीपक. (तीसरी थाली में)
इन थालियों के सामने पूजा करने वाला स्वयं बैठे. परिवार के सदस्य आपकी बाईं ओर बैठें. शेष सभी परिवार के सदस्यों के पीछे बैठे.
पूजन-सामग्री:
* कलश में मौली बांधकर
रोली से स्वास्तिक का चिन्ह अंकित करें।
* तत्पश्चात श्री गणेश
जी को, फिर उसके बाद लक्ष्मी जी को तिलक करें और
पुष्प अर्पित करें।
** महालक्ष्मी पूजन विधि **
* तदुपरान्त
हाथ में लाल कमल पुष्प लेकर निम्न मंत्र देवी लक्ष्मी का ध्यान करें।
* यथाशक्ति भेंट, नैवैद्य, मुद्रा, वस्त्र आदि अर्पित करें।
किसी पात्रमें 11, 21 या उससे अधिक दीपों को प्रज्वलित कर महालक्ष्मी जी के समीप रखकर उस दीप-ज्योति का “ओम दीपावल्यै नमः” इस नाम मंत्रसे गन्धादि उपचारोंद्वारा पूजन करें।
* आरती
* गणेश जी, लक्ष्मी जी और भगवान जगदीश्वर जी की आरती करें
* पुष्पान्जलि
उसके बाद पुष्पान्जलि अर्पित करें, क्षमा प्रार्थना करें।
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे,
स्वामी जय जगदीश हरे |
भक्त जनों के संकट,
दास जनों के संकट,
क्षण में दूर करे |
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे ||
जो ध्यावे फल पावे,
दुःख बिनसे मन का,
स्वामी दुःख बिनसे मन का |
सुख सम्पति घर आवे,
सुख सम्पति घर आवे,
कष्ट मिटे तन का |
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे ||
मात पिता तुम मेरे,
शरण गहूं किसकी,
स्वामी शरण गहूं मैं किसकी |
तुम बिन और न दूजा,
तुम बिन और न दूजा,
आस करूं मैं जिसकी |
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे ||
तुम पूरण परमात्मा,
तुम अन्तर्यामी,
स्वामी तुम अन्तर्यामी |
पारब्रह्म परमेश्वर,
पारब्रह्म परमेश्वर,
तुम सब के स्वामी |
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे ||
तुम करुणा के सागर,
तुम पालनकर्ता,
स्वामी तुम पालनकर्ता |
मैं मूरख फलकामी
मैं सेवक तुम स्वामी,
कृपा करो भर्ता |
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे ||
तुम हो एक अगोचर,
सबके प्राणपति,
स्वामी सबके प्राणपति |
किस विधि मिलूं दयामय,
किस विधि मिलूं दयामय,
तुमको मैं कुमति |
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे ||
दीन-बन्धु दुःख-हर्ता,
ठाकुर तुम मेरे,
स्वामी रक्षक तुम मेरे |
अपने हाथ उठाओ,
अपने शरण लगाओ
द्वार पड़ा तेरे |
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे ||
विषय-विकार मिटाओ,
पाप हरो देवा,
स्वमी पाप हरो देवा |
श्रद्धा भक्ति बढ़ाओ,
श्रद्धा भक्ति बढ़ाओ,
सन्तन की सेवा |
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे ||
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Legends Of Diwali
(a) Sri Rama
--------------------
Deepavali falls on a no-moon day - in fact the darkest day of the year. The illuminations and fireworks, joy and festivities, are to signify the victory of divine forces over the powers of darkness. On Deepavali day, triumphant Sri Rama is said to have returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the asura king of Lanka.
(b) Goddess Lakshmi Devi
-----------------------------------
The Puranas say that it was on this day that Goddess Lakshmi, who emerged from the churning of the ocean of milk (Ksheera Sagara), married Lord Vishnu, the repository of all divine qualities.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(4) PADWA & GOVERDHAN POOJA / ANNAKOOT
========================================
Padwa
========
The day following the Amavasya is "Kartik Shuddh Padwa" and it is only on this day that the King Bali would come out of Pathal Loka and rule Bhulok as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is also known as "Bali Padyami". This day also marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya and Vikaram-Samvat was started from this Padwa day. Gudi Padwa is symbolic of love and devotion between the wife and husband. On this day newly-married daughters with their husbands are invited for special meals and given presents. In olden days brothers went to fetch their sisters from their in-laws home for this important day.
Govardhan-Puja
===============
Govardhan-Pooja is also performed in the North on this day. Govardhan is a small hillock in Braj, near Mathura and on this day of Diwali people of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar build cowdung, hillocks, decorate them with flowers and then worship them. This festival is in commemoration of the lifting of Mount Govardhan by Krishna. As per Vishnu-Puran the people of Gokul used to celebrate a festival in honor of Lord Indra and worshiped him after the end of every monsoon season but one particular year the young Krishna stopped them from offering prayers to Lord Indra who in terrific anger sent a deluge to submerge Gokul.
People were afraid that the downpour was a result of their neglect of Indra. But Krishna assured them that no harm would befall them. He lifted Mount Govardhan with his little finger and sheltered men and beasts from the rain. This gave him the epithet Govardhandhari. After this, Indra accepted the supremacy of Krishna.
Annakoot
=========
This day is also observed as Annakoot meaning mountain of food. Pious people keep awake the whole night and cook fifty-six or 108 different types of food for the bhog (the offering of food) to Krishna. In temples specially in Mathura and Nathadwara, the deities are given milkbath, dressed in shining attires with ornaments of dazzling diamonds, pearls, rubies and other precious stones. After the prayers and traditional worship innumerable varieties of delicious sweets are ceremoniously raised in the form of a mountain before the deities as "Bhog" and then the devotees approach the Mountain of Food and take Prasad from it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(5) Bhai Dooj / Bhaiya Dooj / Bhai Dooj / Yam Dwitiya
=========================================
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a five day long celebrations. The fifth or the last day of diwali is Bhaiya Dooj, popularly know as Bhai Dooj. The reason why this festival is known as bhai dooj is that it falls on the second day after the new moon, that is the Dooj day. And it is a day to pray for the long life of the brother, which is referred as “bhayya or bhai”.
** According to religious scriptures, Yamaraj, the God of death, went to visit his sister's house after a long period of separation. His sister, Yami was very happy to see him and welcomed him by putting an auspicious mark on his forehead for his welfare. Yami and Yamraj then shared a meal. He was so pleased with his sister's reception, he proclaimed that every year, on the dooj day, if a sister puts a tilak on her brother's forehead, then no one can harm her brother. Till date, this tradition is followed. Sisters perform puja for their brothers safety and well being. Brothers in return give gifts to their sisters as a token of love.
Legends of Bhaiyya Dooj
====================
(1)Yamuna and Yama
------------------------------
The river Yamuna and Yama, the God of Death, were brother and sister. As they grew up they went their different ways. On this day Yama supposedly visited his sister Yamuna, who in her joy at seeing her brother after such a long interlude set up a feast for him. Pleased, Yama granted her a boon. He declared that every man that receives a tilak or vermilion mark on the forehead from his sister and presents her with lovely gifts on this day would attain higher worlds.
(2) Subhadra and Lord Krishna
------------------------------------------
Another version Lord Krishna, after killing Narakasur, the asura king, went to meet his sister Subhadra. Subhadra welcomed him in the traditional way by showing him a light and putting on his forehead a tilak of her sisterly protection.
(3) Sudarshana and Raja Nandivardhan
-----------------------------------------------------
Some other legend says that Bhagawaan Mahavir found nirvana, his brother Raja Nandivardhan was very sad and missed his brother a lot. Sister Sudarshana then comforted his brother. Since then, women have been revered during this festival.
The festival of Diwali is incomplete without bhai dooj.
It is referred as--
* “Bhaiyya-Dooj” in the Hindi-speaking belt,
* “Bhav--Bij” in the Marathi-speaking communities,
* "Bhai fota" in Bengal and
* "Bhai-Tika" in Nepal.
The essence of the Bhai dooj festival is that it is celebrated to strengthen the love between brothers and sisters. It is a day of food-sharing, gift-giving and reaching out to the inner most depths of the hearts. Brothers and sisters indulge themselves on this day by gifting each other gifts. Varied gifts specially meant for bhai dooj is available in the market.
The message of Deepavali
=========================
The traditional name of India is Bharata and Indians are Bharatias - or 'those who revel in light'. During the night of Deepavali the myriad little clay lamps (diyas) seem to silently send forth message of Deepavali: "Come, let us remove darkness from the face of the earth."
********************************************************************
DIWALI RECIPES
=================
Here is a delectable collection of traditional Diwali Recipes to help you make this Diwali celebrations more zestful!! The collection includes Recipes for Diwali deserts and snacks. Choose and cook your favorite Diwali Recipe with love and delight your dear ones in a very special way!!
(1)
MALPUA
Ingredients :
1 cup sugar
1-1/2 cups wheat flour
4 tbsp yogurt or curd
10-15 whole peppercorns
Milk
Water
Preparation :
Make a batter of all of these dry ingredients and the dahi, using 1/2 milk and 1/2 water till it is thick and of pouring consistency, similar to pancake or dosa batter. And whip till smooth. Add the 10 peppercorns. Keep aside and allow it to rise for about two hours.
Heat oil on a medium flame. Drop large ladlefuls into the oil to form circles of 6-8 inches. Typically the dough will sink and line the bottom of the karhai and rise up in the shape of a disc. Fry till golden. Drain and pat off the oil. Serve with cream or garnished with pista. Serves five.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(2)
GUJIA
Ingredients :
Flour 250 grams
Khoya 500 grams
Raisins a few
Almonds 100 grams (finely chopped)
Cooking oil 3 tablespoon
Water 100 ml
Sugar 250 grams
Preparation :
Mix the oil and flour properly to form a binding consistency of breadcrumbs. Add some water and knead lightly the entire mixture. Make it soft dough and set it aside with a damp cloth covering it. Fry the khoya in cooking oil till it becomes light brown and then mix the sugar in it properly. Add the almonds and raisins, and fry for a few more minutes. Remove from fire and let it cool. Make small thick chapattis out of that kneaded dough. Fill half of the chapatti with the khoya mixture and, rolling it, seal the sides of the chapatti keeping the khoya inside it. Make the sealing look decorated by giving a look of hemming. Deep-fry these gujias until it becomes light golden brown, keeping the flame at low. Take out the gujias on a newspaper and let the oil get soaked. Serve hot or store it in an airtight container for using it on that special day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(3)
TIL- KHOYA LADDU
Ingredients :
2 cups khoya
1&1/2 cups of coarsely powdered roasted sesame seeds (til)
Powdered sugar to taste
Kesar, chopped almonds and pistas for decoration
Preparation :
1. Roast the khoya on low flame till it is very light golden yellow color.
2. Let is cool for few minutes.
3. Then add coarsely powdered roasted sesame seeds and mix it.
4. Add powdered sugar when the above mixture is luke warm.
5. Mix well and shape into small balls. If the mixture is too hot then the sugar will melt so care has to be taken that mixture should not be hot.
6. Arrange in a plate and decorate with kesar, chopped almonds and pistas.
Method for Making Khoya in Microwave:
1. Take three cups of full cream milk powder in microwave oven proof casserole.
2. Add sufficient water to make a thick paste.
3. Add 2 tablespoon of ghee.
4. Cover with plastic cling film and microwave for 3 minutes with in between stirring. (Time depends on power of Microwave oven.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(4)
KARANJI
Ingredients :
For Filling:
1 cup grated Dry Coconut
1 cup Powdered Sugar
1 pinch Nutmeg Powder
1 pinch dry Ginger Powder
4 Elaichi
2 tsp Maida
2 tsp Poppy Seeds
2 tbsp Mixed Dry fruit pieces
For Dough:
1 cup maida
1 tsp Ghee
Salt to taste
Warm milk to prepare dough
Preparation :
1. Roast Dry coconut.
2. Roast maida in ghee.
3. Roast poppy seeds.
4. Mix all the above ingredients & grind them.
For Dough:
Mix all the dough ingredients & prepare dough (a little hard).
For Karanji:
1. Make small oval shaped puris from dough.
2. Fill the prepared stuffing inside.
3. Apply some water or milk so that it will seal properly (don't apply too much of water as it will not seal properly).
4. Deep fry it till it becomes brownish colour.
5. Serve it hot or cold.
6. Karanjis can be stored for weeks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(5)
BESAN KI BARFI
Besan 1 kg
Sugar 1 kg
Water 1/2 liter
Ghee 1 kg
For garnishing: Pistas, Almonds
Preparation :
1. Fry besan in ghee on low flame for about 30 mins till it becomes pink and ghee separates.
2. Mix sugar and water into a syrup.
3. Add this syrup to the besan and mix well.
4. Pour this mixture into a greased tray.
5. When it cools cut into cubes and garnish with pistas and almonds.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(6)
SOHAN PAPDI
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cup Gram Flour
1 1/4 cup Maida
250 gms Ghee
2 1/2 cups Sugar
1 1/2 cup Water
2 tbsp Milk
1/2 tsp Cardamom seeds crushed coarsely
4" squares cut from a thin polythene sheet
Preparation:
1. Sift both flours together.
2. Heat ghee in a heavy saucepan. Add flour mixture and roast on low till light golden. Keep aside to cool a little, stirring occasionally.
3. Prepare syrup simultaneously. Make syrup out of sugar, water and milk. Bring syrup to 2 1/2 thread consistency.
4. Pour at once into the flour mixture. Beat well with a large fork till the mixture forms threadlike flakes.
5. Pour onto a greased surface or thali and roll to 1" thickness lightly. Sprinkle the elaichi and gently press down with palm.
6. Cool, cut into 1" squares, wrap individually into square pieces of thin plastic sheet. Store in an airtight container.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(7)
Wheat Laddu
Ingredients:
1 cup Wheat Flour
1/4 cup Gram Flour
11/2 cup Sugar Powder
1/4 cup Grated Coconut
1/4 cup Dry Fruit almonds, raisins, kaju etc
1 cup Ghee
Preparation:
1. Heat the ghee.
2. Put both the flours in the heated ghee.
3. When nearly roasted put coconut and sliced dry fruit in the mixture.
4. Now put the ground sugar in the mixture and stir thoroughly.
5. Take off from the heat quickly and make laddus. You may also put the mixture in an oil based thali & make small pieces.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ http://festivalsofindia-bb-blog.blogspot.in/2012/11/diwali-lakshmi-puja-2012.html
DIWALI ( DEEPAWALI ) - THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Diwali is the festival of lights which falls on the Kartik amavasya according to Hindu calendar ( in month of October or November). 'Deepawali' in Hindi means a row of diyas. Almost every house and street is decorated with lamps, and lights on the day of Diwali.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DIWALI CALENDAR 2016
Diwali date
|
Gregorian date
|
Day
|
Dhanteras / Yama Deepam
|
28th October 2016
|
Friday
|
Narak Chaudas / Chhoti Diwali / Kali Chaudas
|
29th October 2016
|
Saturday
|
Diwali / Lakshmi Pooja/ Bengal Kali Puja
|
30th October 2016
|
Sunday
|
Padwa / Pratipada/
Govardhan Puja Bali Pratipada Gujarati New Year |
31st October 2016
|
Monday
|
Bhaiyya dooj / Yam Dwiteeya
|
1st November 2016
|
Tuesday
|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Diwali is a six day festival in India. But officially it is a five day festival. It starts from Dhan Teras.
Vasubaras --
------------
The celebration of Diwali lasts six days, beginning on the Kartik dwadashi ,12th day of the month of Kartik (as per the North Indian lunar calendar). The day before Diwali, in order to evoke the grace of God, women fast. It is not that God wants you to go hungry or takes pleasure in your suffering - the principle is that you gain only by giving up. That evening, devotees worship Gomata (the cow) and her calf and feed them special food. Women pray for the welfare of the entire family. This holy day is called Vasubaras
Five-Day-Long Festival
----------------------
1. Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali. ( Kartik trayodashi 13th day, krishna paksh )
2. Roop Chaudas, Chhoti Diwali, Narak Chaturdashi ( Kartik Chaturdashi , krishna paksh )
3. Diwali or Lakshmi Pooja ( Kartik Amavasya )
4. Padva ( Prathma , Kartik Pratipada, shukla paksh)
5. Bhai Dhooj / Yam Dwiteeya ( Kartik Dwiteeya, shukla paksh )
1. DHANTERAS
==============
Dhanteras marks the first day of five-days-long Diwali Festival. Dhanteras Festival, also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanwantari Trayodasi, falls on the auspicious thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November). In the word Dhanteras, "Dhan" stands for wealth. On Dhanteras Goddess Laxmi is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being. Hence Dhan Teras holds a lot more significance for the business community.
Dhanteras Legends
==============
(a) King Hima
A very interesting story about Dhanteras Festival says that once the sixteen year old son of King Hima. was doomed to die by a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage as per his horoscope. 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 Yama, 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.
(b) Dhanavantri
-----------------------
According to another popular legend, when the gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrit or nectar, Dhanavantri (the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu) emerged carrying a kalasha (pot) of the Amrit (ambrosia) on the day of Dhanteras.
Due to the fact that Dhanvantari, who revealed the science of Ayurveda to the world, first manifested on this day, all over India, doctors following the Ayurvedic system of medicine organise joyful celebrations during the annual Dhanvantari festival.
Dhanteras Preparations
-----------------------
To mark the auspicious day, houses and business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colorful 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.
Dhanteras Traditions
---------------------
On Dhanteras Hindus consider it auspicious to purchase gold or silver articles or at least one or two new utensils. It is believed that new “Dhan” or some form of precious metal is a sign of good luck. "Laxmi-Pooja" is performed in the evenings when tiny Diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. "Bhajans"-devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi are also sung.
Dhanteras Celebrations
-----------------------
Dhanteras is celebrated with gusto and enthusiasm. "Lakshmi-Pooja" is performed in the evenings when tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. Bhajans ir devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi 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 cattle are adorned and worshiped 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 worshiped on this day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2. CHHOTI DIWALI / NARAK CHAUDAS / NARAK CHATURDASHI
====================================================
The day before Diwali is celebrated as Chhoti Diwali / Narak Chaturdasi or 'small Diwali'. It is Diwali on a smaller scale, with fewer lights lit and fewer crackers burst. The morning after Choti Diwali, the women of the house make beautiful, colored rangoli in the doorway and courtyard. Tiny footprints made out of rice paste are a special feature of the rangolis made for Diwali. In Hindu homes, Chhoti Diwali celebrations involve a ritual puja to Goddess Lakshmi and also to Rama in the evening. Songs in honor of the god are sung and aarti is performed.
Legends behind Chhoti Diwali
========================
(a) Narakasur and Lord Krishna
---------------------------------------------
The story goes that the demon king Narakasur ruler of Pragjyotishpur (a province to the South of Nepal) after defeating Lord Indra had snatched away the magnificent earrings of Aditi, the Mother Goddess (the ruler of Suraloka and a relative of Satyabhama, Lord Krishna's wife) and imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of the gods and saints in his harem.
On coming to know about this, Satyabhama was enraged by Narakasura's malevolence towards women, and she appealed to Krishna to give her the golden chance to destroy Narakasura. The legend also says that Narakasura was given a curse that he would be killed by a woman. Krishna granted Satyabhama a boon to fight with Narakasura. With Krishna as the charioteer, Satyabhama entered the battle field. During the war, Krishna swooned for a while, a preordained divinely act adopted to empower Satyabhama to kill the demon. After Narakasura was beheaded, the imprisoned women were released, and Krishna accepted to marry them.
So on the day previous to Narakachaturdashi, Lord Krishna's divine intervention led to the killing of the demon, Narakasura and liberation of the imprisoned damsels as well as recovery of the precious earrings of Aditi. As a symbol of that victory Lord Krishna smeared his forehead with the demon king's blood. Krishna returned home in the very early morning of the Narakachaturdashi day. The womenfolk massaged scented oil to his body and gave him a good bath to wash away the filth from his body. Since then the custom of taking bath before sunrise on this day has become a traditional practice specially in Maharashtra.
It is interesting to note that Bhudevi, mother of the slain Narakasura, declared that his death should not be a day of mourning but an occasion to celebrate and rejoice. Since then, Deepavali is being celebrated by people every year with joyous celebrations with lot of fun and frolic, and fire works.
* In South India that victory of the divine over the mundane is celebrated in a very peculiar way. People wake up before sunrise prepare a paste by mixing Kumkum in oil, symbolizing blood and after breaking a bitter fruit that represents the head of the demon King that was smashed by Krishna, apply that mixture on their foreheads. Then they have an oil bath using sandalwood paste.
* In Maharashtra also, traditional early baths with oil and "Uptan" (paste) of gram flour and fragrant powders are a `must'. All through the ritual of baths, deafening sounds of crackers and fireworks are there in order that the children enjoy bathing. Afterward steamed vermicelli with milk and sugar or puffed rice with curd is served.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3. DIWALI
==========
The third day of Diwali festival is the most important one for Lakshmi-pooja and is entirely devoted to the propitiation of Goddess Lakshmi. On this very day sun enters his second course and passes Libra which is represented by the balance or scale. Hence, this design of Libra is believed to have suggested the balancing of account books and their closing. Despite the fact that this day falls on an amavasya day it is regarded as the most auspicious.
The day of Lakshmi-Pooja falls on the dark night of Amavasya. The strains of joyous sounds of bells and drums float from the temples as man is invoking Goddess Laxmi in a wondrous holy "pouring-in" of his heart. All of a sudden that impenetrable darkness is pierced by innumerable rays of light for just a moment and the next moment a blaze of light descends down to earth from heaven as golden-footed Deep-Lakshmi alights on earth in all her celestial glory amidst chantings of Vedic hymns.
A sublime light of knowledge dawns upon humanity and this self enlightenment is expressed through the twinkling lamps that illuminate the palaces of thewealthy as well as the lowly abodes of the poor. It is believed that on this day Lakshmi walks through the green fields and loiters through the bye-lanes and showers her blessings on man for plenty and prosperity.
Lakshmi Pooja, or the worship of the goddess of wealth, is the main event on Diwali in North and West India. It is extremely important to keep the house spotlessly clean and pure on Diwali. Goddess Lakshmi likes cleanliness, and she will visit the cleanest house first. This is also the reason why the broom is worshiped on this day with offerings of haldi and kumkum (turmeric and vermilion). Lamps are lit in the evening to welcome the goddess. They are believed to light up Her path.
Lakshmi Pooja consists of a combined puja of five deities:
(1) Ganesha
(2) Mahalakshmi
(3) Mahasaraswati
(4) Mahakali
(5) Kuber
* Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped in her three forms -
* Mahalakshmi (the goddess of wealth and money)
* Mahasaraswati (the goddess of books and learning)
* Mahakali
* Kuber (the treasurer of the gods) is also worshiped.
=======================
दीवाली पूजा विधि :
दीवाली के दिन की विशेषता
लक्ष्मी जी के पूजन से संबन्धित है। इस
दिन हर घर, परिवार, कार्यालय
में लक्ष्मी जी के पूजन के रुप में उनका स्वागत
किया जाता है। दीवाली के दिन जहां
गृहस्थ और वाणिज्य वर्ग के लोग धन
की देवी लक्ष्मी से समृद्धि और वित्तकोष
की कामना करते हैं, वहीं साधु-संत
और तांत्रिक कुछ विशेष सिद्धियां
अर्जित करने के लिए रात्रिकाल में
अपने तांत्रिक कर्म करते हैं।
मुहूर्त :
(1) प्रदोषकाल -
विशेष रूप से श्री गणेश , श्री महालक्ष्मी पूजन, कुबेर पूजन, बसना अर्थात Accounts Books बही खातो का पूजन, दीपदान, अपने आश्रितों को Sweets, Gifts आदि बांटना तथा धर्मस्थलो पर दानादि करना कल्याणकारी होगा।
(2) निशीथ काल --
निशीथ काल में श्री गणेश पूजन, नवग्रह पूजन, स्तोत्र, काम्य मंत्रों के जपानुष्ठान तथा ब्रह्मणो को यथा शक्ति वस्त्र, फल, अनाज धन आदि का दान करना शुभ होता है।
(3) महानिशीथकाल--
दीपावली पूजन महानिशीथकाल में सर्वश्रेष्ठ माना जाता है। महानिशीथकाल में मुख्यतः, ज्योतिषविद, वेद्पाठी, विद्वान, ब्राह्मण, अघोरी, विधिवत, यंत्र मंत्र तंत्र द्वारा, विभिन्न शक्तियों का पूजन करते हैं एवं उनका आवाहन करते हैं।
*********************************************************
(1) प्रदोषकाल -
विशेष रूप से श्री गणेश , श्री महालक्ष्मी पूजन, कुबेर पूजन, बसना अर्थात Accounts Books बही खातो का पूजन, दीपदान, अपने आश्रितों को Sweets, Gifts आदि बांटना तथा धर्मस्थलो पर दानादि करना कल्याणकारी होगा।
(2) निशीथ काल --
निशीथ काल में श्री गणेश पूजन, नवग्रह पूजन, स्तोत्र, काम्य मंत्रों के जपानुष्ठान तथा ब्रह्मणो को यथा शक्ति वस्त्र, फल, अनाज धन आदि का दान करना शुभ होता है।
(3) महानिशीथकाल--
दीपावली पूजन महानिशीथकाल में सर्वश्रेष्ठ माना जाता है। महानिशीथकाल में मुख्यतः, ज्योतिषविद, वेद्पाठी, विद्वान, ब्राह्मण, अघोरी, विधिवत, यंत्र मंत्र तंत्र द्वारा, विभिन्न शक्तियों का पूजन करते हैं एवं उनका आवाहन करते हैं।
*********************************************************
प्रदोष काल मुहूर्त:
Lakshmi Puja Muhurta = 18:27 to 20:09
Duration = 1 Hour 42 Mins
Pradosh Kaal = 17:33 to 20:09
Vrishabha Kaal = 18:27 to 20:22
Pradosh Kaal = 17:33 to 20:09
Vrishabha Kaal = 18:27 to 20:22
Amavasya Tithi Begins = 20:40 on 29/Oct/2016
Amavasya Tithi Ends = 23:08 on 30/Oct/2016
Amavasya Tithi Ends = 23:08 on 30/Oct/2016
महानिशीथकाल मुहूर्त:
Mahanishita Kaal Muhurat
Lakshmi Puja Muhurta = None
Duration = 0 Hours 0 Mins
Mahanishita Kaal = 23:38 to 24:31+
Simha Kaal = 24:57+ to 27:14+
Mahanishita Kaal = 23:38 to 24:31+
Simha Kaal = 24:57+ to 27:14+
Amavasya Tithi Begins = 20:40 on 29/Oct/2016
Amavasya Tithi Ends = 23:08 on 30/Oct/2016
Amavasya Tithi Ends = 23:08 on 30/Oct/2016
**************************************************
Choghadiya Puja Muhurat
Auspicious Choghadiya Muhurat for Diwali Lakshmi Puja
Morning Muhurta (Char, Labh, Amrit) = 07:58 - 12:05Afternoon Muhurta (Shubh) = 13:27 - 14:49
Evening Muhurta (Shubh, Amrit, Char) = 17:33 - 22:27
**************************************************
प्रदोष काल विशेष रूप से श्री गणेश, श्री महालक्ष्मी पूजन, कुबेर पूजन, व्यापारिक खातों का पूजन, दीपदान, अपने सेवकों को वस्तुएं दान करने के लिये शुभ रहेगा। प्रदोष काल मंदिर मे दीप दान, रंगोली और पूजा की पूर्ण तयारी कर लेनी चाहिए। इसी समय मे मिठाई वितरण कार्य भी संपन्न कर लेना चाहिए। द्वार प़र स्वस्तिक और शुभ लाभ का सिन्दूर से निर्माण भी इसी समय करना चाहिए।
पूजा की सामग्री:
- 1. लक्ष्मी व श्री गणेश की मूर्तियां (बैठी हुई मुद्रा में)
- 2. केशर, रोली, चावल, पान, सुपारी, फल, फूल, दूध, खील, बताशे, सिंदूर, शहद, सिक्के, लौंग.
- 3. सूखे, मेवे, मिठाई, दही, गंगाजल, धूप, अगरबत्ती, 11 दीपक
- 4. रूई तथा कलावा, नारियल और तांबे का कलश चाहिए.
पूजा की तैयारी :
लक्ष्मीजी की ओर श्री का चिह्न बनाएँ. गणेशजी की ओर त्रिशूल का चिह्न बनाएँ , चावल का ढेर लगाएँ. सबसे नीचे चावल की नौ ढेरियाँ बनाएँ. छोटी चौकी के सामने तीन थाली व जल भरकर कलश रखें. तीन थालियों में निम्न सामान रखें.
* ग्यारह दीपक(पहली थाली में)
* खील, बताशे, मिठाई, वस्त्र, आभूषण, चन्दन का लेप सिन्दूर कुंकुम, सुपारी, पान (दूसरी थाली में)
* फूल, दुर्वा चावल, लौंग, इलायची, केसर-कपूर, हल्दी चूने का लेप, सुगंधित पदार्थ, धूप, अगरबत्ती,
एक दीपक. (तीसरी थाली में)
इन थालियों के सामने पूजा करने वाला स्वयं बैठे. परिवार के सदस्य आपकी बाईं ओर बैठें. शेष सभी परिवार के सदस्यों के पीछे बैठे.
पूजन विधि :
* दीपावली के दिन शुभ मुहूर्त में घर में या दुकान में, पूजा घर के सम्मुख चौकी बिछाकर उस पर लाल वस्त्र बिछायें।
* उस पर गणेश जी की मूर्ति या चित्र स्थापित करें तथा चित्र को पुष्पमाला
पहनाएं।
* पास ही किसी पवित्र
पात्रमें केसरयुक्त चन्दनसे अष्टदल कमल बनाकर उसपर द्रव्य-लक्ष्मी (रुपयों) को भी
स्थापित करें।
* गणेशजी के दाहिनी ओर लक्ष्मी जी की मूर्ति की प्रतिष्ठा करें।
* चौकी के दायीं ओर घी
का दीपक प्रज्जवलित करें।
* पूजन-सामग्री को यथास्थान रख ले।
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
पूजन-सामग्री:
- 1.लक्ष्मी
व श्री गणेश की मूर्तियां (बैठी हुई मुद्रा में)
- 2. केशर, रोली, चावल, पान, सुपारी, फल, फूल, दूध, खील, बताशे, सिंदूर, शहद, सिक्के, लौंग.
- 3. सूखे, मेवे, मिठाई, दही, गंगाजल, धूप, अगरबत्ती, 11 दीपक
- 4. रूई
तथा कलावा नारियल और तांबे का कलश चाहिए.
* जल
से भरा कलश भी चौकी पर रखें।
* कलश में मौली बांधकर
रोली से स्वास्तिक का चिन्ह अंकित करें।
* पूजन के लिये पूर्व या उत्तर की ओर मुख करके बैठें।
* इसके पश्चात धूप, अगरबती और 5 दीप शुध्द घी के और
अन्य दीप तिल का तेल /सरसों के तैल से प्रज्वलित करें।
*
{लक्ष्मी पूजा में तिल
का तेल का उपयोग ही श्रेष्ठ होता है | अभाव में सरसों का
इस्तमाल कर सकते है |}
* तत्पश्चात श्री गणेश
जी को, फिर उसके बाद लक्ष्मी जी को तिलक करें और
पुष्प अर्पित करें।
* इसके पश्चात हाथ में
पुष्प, अक्षत, सुपारी, सिक्का
और जल लेकर संकल्प करें।
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
** संकल्प Sankalp
मैं (अपना नाम ), सुपुत्र श्री (पिता का नाम ), जाति(अपनी जाति ),
गोत्र
(अपना गोत्र), पता (अपना पूरा पता)
अपने परिजनों के साथ जीवन को समृद्धि से परिपूर्ण करने
वाली माता महालक्ष्मी जी की कृपा प्राप्त करने के लिये कार्तिक
कृष्ण पक्ष की अमावस्या के दिन महालक्ष्मी पूजन कर रहा हूं। हे
माँ, कृपया मुझे धन, समृद्धि और ऐश्वर्य देने की कृपा करें। मेरे इस पूजन में स्थान
देवता, नगर देवता, इष्ट देवता कुल देवता और गुरु देवता सहायक हों तथा मुझे
सफलता प्रदान करें।
यह
संकल्प पढ़कर हाथ में लिया हुआ
जल, पुष्प और अक्षत आदि
श्री गणेश - लक्ष्मी जी के समीप छोड़ दें।
सबसे
पहले गणेश जी का पूजन कीजिए ।
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
** महालक्ष्मी पूजन विधि **
* तदुपरान्त
हाथ में लाल कमल पुष्प लेकर निम्न मंत्र देवी लक्ष्मी का ध्यान करें।
* आसन
के लिए कमल पुष्प अर्पित करें
* अष्टगंध
से मिश्रित जल से-देवी को स्नान कराएं
* देवी
को पंचामृत घी,
शहद, दुग्ध, शर्करा, दही स्नान कराए
* शुद्धोदक
स्नान कराएं
* देवी
को वस्त्र, आभूषण, गंध, रोली-चंदन, सिंदूर, कुमकुम, पुष्प एवं पुष्पमाला
अर्पित करें
{हल्दी की गांठ या
गुड़ भी अर्पित किया जाता है।}
* देवी
को धूप-दीप दिखाएं
* किसी
कटोरी में पान के पत्ते के ऊपर नैवेद्य प्रसाद रखें तथा उस पर लौंग का जोड़ा अथवा
इलायची रखें
* तदुपरांत
देवी को उक्त समस्त सामग्री अर्पित करें-
* जल
अर्पित करें।
* देवी को ऋतुफल और दक्षिणा अर्पित करें
* आरती, पुष्पाज्जलि और
प्रदक्षिणा करें
* महालक्ष्मी
के समक्ष पूजन कर्म को समर्पित करें और इस निमित्त जल अर्पित करें
* उक्त प्रक्रिया के पश्चात देवी के समक्ष दण्डवत प्रणाम करें तथा अनजाने में हुई त्रुटियों के लिए क्षमा मांगते हुए, देवी से सुख-सम़ृद्धि , आरोग्य तथा वैभव की कामना करें।
* इसके बाद एक एक कर के गणेशजी, माँ सरस्वती जी (Accounts Books/Register/Baheekhaata), माँ काली जी (Ink Pot Poojan ), धनाधीश कुबेर Lord Kuber (Tijori/Galla), तुला मान की पूजा करें।
* यथाशक्ति भेंट, नैवैद्य, मुद्रा, वस्त्र आदि अर्पित करें।
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
दीपमालिका पूजन
किसी पात्रमें 11, 21 या उससे अधिक दीपों को प्रज्वलित कर महालक्ष्मी जी के समीप रखकर उस दीप-ज्योति का “ओम दीपावल्यै नमः” इस नाम मंत्रसे गन्धादि उपचारोंद्वारा पूजन करें।
· *
दीपमालिकाओं का पूजन कर अपने आचार के
अनुसार संतरा, ईख, पानीफल, धानका लावा इत्यादि पदार्थ चढायें।
· *
धान का लावा (खील) गणेश, महा लक्ष्मी जी तथा अन्य सभी देवी देवताओं को भी अर्पित
करें।
·
* अन्त में अन्य सभी दीपकों को प्रज्जवलित कर सम्पूर्ण गृह
अलन्कृत करें।
· * मंदिर, तुलसी
माता, पीपल आदि के पास दीपक अवश्य जलायें।
*दीपावली पूजन के पश्चात गृह में एक चौमुखा दीपक रात भर जलता रहना लक्ष्मी एवं सौभाग्य में वृध्दि का प्रतीक माना जाता है।
*दीपावली पूजन के पश्चात गृह में एक चौमुखा दीपक रात भर जलता रहना लक्ष्मी एवं सौभाग्य में वृध्दि का प्रतीक माना जाता है।
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
* गणेश जी, लक्ष्मी जी और भगवान जगदीश्वर जी की आरती करें
* पुष्पान्जलि
उसके बाद पुष्पान्जलि अर्पित करें, क्षमा प्रार्थना करें।
श्री गणेश जी की आरती
जय गणेश, जय गणेश, जय गणेश देवा .
माता जाकी पार्वती, पिता महादेवा ॥
जय गणेश, जय गणेश, जय गणेश देवा ॥
एक दंत दयावंत, चार भुजाधारी .
माथे पे सिंदूर सोहे, मूसे की सवारी ॥
जय गणेश, जय गणेश, जय गणेश देवा ॥
अंधन को आंख देत, कोढ़िन को काया .
बांझन को पुत्र देत, निर्धन को माया ॥
जय गणेश, जय गणेश, जय गणेश देवा ॥
हार चढ़ै, फूल चढ़ै और चढ़ै मेवा .
लड्डुअन को भोग लगे, संत करे सेवा ॥
जय गणेश, जय गणेश, जय गणेश देवा ॥
दीनन की लाज राखो, शंभु सुतवारी .
कामना को पूर्ण करो, जग बलिहारी ॥
जय गणेश, जय गणेश, जय गणेश देवा ॥
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
श्री लक्ष्मी जी की आरती
ॐ जय
लक्ष्मी माता, मैया जय लक्ष्मी माता
तुम को
निश दिन सेवत, हर विष्णु विधाता....
ॐ जय
लक्ष्मी माता...।।
उमा रमा
ब्रह्माणी, तुम ही जग माता
सूर्य
चंद्रमा ध्यावत, नारद ऋषि गाता
ॐ जय लक्ष्मी
माता...।।
दुर्गा
रूप निरंजनि, सुख सम्पति दाता
जो कोई
तुमको ध्याता, ऋद्धि सिद्धि धन पाता
ॐ जय
लक्ष्मी माता...।।
तुम पाताल
निवासिनी, तुम ही शुभ दाता
कर्म प्रभाव प्रकाशिनी, भव निधि
की त्राता
ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता...।।
जिस घर तुम रहती सब सद्गुण
आता
सब संभव हो जाता, मन नहीं
घबराता
ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता...।।
तुम बिन यज्ञ न होते, वस्त्र न
कोई पाता
खान पान का वैभव, सब तुमसे
आता
ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता...।।
शुभ गुण मंदिर सुंदर, क्षीरोदधि
जाता
रत्न चतुर्दश तुम बिन, कोई नहीं
पाता
ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता...।।
महालक्ष्मीजी की आरती, जो कोई नर गाता
उर आनंद समाता, पाप उतर जाता
ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता...।।
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
भगवान
जगदीश्वर जी की आरती
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे,
स्वामी जय जगदीश हरे |
भक्त जनों के संकट,
दास जनों के संकट,
क्षण में दूर करे |
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे ||
जो ध्यावे फल पावे,
दुःख बिनसे मन का,
स्वामी दुःख बिनसे मन का |
सुख सम्पति घर आवे,
सुख सम्पति घर आवे,
कष्ट मिटे तन का |
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे ||
मात पिता तुम मेरे,
शरण गहूं किसकी,
स्वामी शरण गहूं मैं किसकी |
तुम बिन और न दूजा,
तुम बिन और न दूजा,
आस करूं मैं जिसकी |
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे ||
तुम पूरण परमात्मा,
तुम अन्तर्यामी,
स्वामी तुम अन्तर्यामी |
पारब्रह्म परमेश्वर,
पारब्रह्म परमेश्वर,
तुम सब के स्वामी |
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे ||
तुम करुणा के सागर,
तुम पालनकर्ता,
स्वामी तुम पालनकर्ता |
मैं मूरख फलकामी
मैं सेवक तुम स्वामी,
कृपा करो भर्ता |
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे ||
तुम हो एक अगोचर,
सबके प्राणपति,
स्वामी सबके प्राणपति |
किस विधि मिलूं दयामय,
किस विधि मिलूं दयामय,
तुमको मैं कुमति |
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे ||
दीन-बन्धु दुःख-हर्ता,
ठाकुर तुम मेरे,
स्वामी रक्षक तुम मेरे |
अपने हाथ उठाओ,
अपने शरण लगाओ
द्वार पड़ा तेरे |
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे ||
विषय-विकार मिटाओ,
पाप हरो देवा,
स्वमी पाप हरो देवा |
श्रद्धा भक्ति बढ़ाओ,
श्रद्धा भक्ति बढ़ाओ,
सन्तन की सेवा |
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे ||
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
=======================
Legends Of Diwali
(a) Sri Rama
--------------------
Deepavali falls on a no-moon day - in fact the darkest day of the year. The illuminations and fireworks, joy and festivities, are to signify the victory of divine forces over the powers of darkness. On Deepavali day, triumphant Sri Rama is said to have returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the asura king of Lanka.
(b) Goddess Lakshmi Devi
-----------------------------------
The Puranas say that it was on this day that Goddess Lakshmi, who emerged from the churning of the ocean of milk (Ksheera Sagara), married Lord Vishnu, the repository of all divine qualities.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(4) PADWA & GOVERDHAN POOJA / ANNAKOOT
========================================
Padwa
========
The day following the Amavasya is "Kartik Shuddh Padwa" and it is only on this day that the King Bali would come out of Pathal Loka and rule Bhulok as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is also known as "Bali Padyami". This day also marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya and Vikaram-Samvat was started from this Padwa day. Gudi Padwa is symbolic of love and devotion between the wife and husband. On this day newly-married daughters with their husbands are invited for special meals and given presents. In olden days brothers went to fetch their sisters from their in-laws home for this important day.
Govardhan-Puja
===============
Govardhan-Pooja is also performed in the North on this day. Govardhan is a small hillock in Braj, near Mathura and on this day of Diwali people of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar build cowdung, hillocks, decorate them with flowers and then worship them. This festival is in commemoration of the lifting of Mount Govardhan by Krishna. As per Vishnu-Puran the people of Gokul used to celebrate a festival in honor of Lord Indra and worshiped him after the end of every monsoon season but one particular year the young Krishna stopped them from offering prayers to Lord Indra who in terrific anger sent a deluge to submerge Gokul.
People were afraid that the downpour was a result of their neglect of Indra. But Krishna assured them that no harm would befall them. He lifted Mount Govardhan with his little finger and sheltered men and beasts from the rain. This gave him the epithet Govardhandhari. After this, Indra accepted the supremacy of Krishna.
Annakoot
=========
This day is also observed as Annakoot meaning mountain of food. Pious people keep awake the whole night and cook fifty-six or 108 different types of food for the bhog (the offering of food) to Krishna. In temples specially in Mathura and Nathadwara, the deities are given milkbath, dressed in shining attires with ornaments of dazzling diamonds, pearls, rubies and other precious stones. After the prayers and traditional worship innumerable varieties of delicious sweets are ceremoniously raised in the form of a mountain before the deities as "Bhog" and then the devotees approach the Mountain of Food and take Prasad from it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(5) Bhai Dooj / Bhaiya Dooj / Bhai Dooj / Yam Dwitiya
=========================================
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a five day long celebrations. The fifth or the last day of diwali is Bhaiya Dooj, popularly know as Bhai Dooj. The reason why this festival is known as bhai dooj is that it falls on the second day after the new moon, that is the Dooj day. And it is a day to pray for the long life of the brother, which is referred as “bhayya or bhai”.
** According to religious scriptures, Yamaraj, the God of death, went to visit his sister's house after a long period of separation. His sister, Yami was very happy to see him and welcomed him by putting an auspicious mark on his forehead for his welfare. Yami and Yamraj then shared a meal. He was so pleased with his sister's reception, he proclaimed that every year, on the dooj day, if a sister puts a tilak on her brother's forehead, then no one can harm her brother. Till date, this tradition is followed. Sisters perform puja for their brothers safety and well being. Brothers in return give gifts to their sisters as a token of love.
Legends of Bhaiyya Dooj
====================
(1)Yamuna and Yama
------------------------------
The river Yamuna and Yama, the God of Death, were brother and sister. As they grew up they went their different ways. On this day Yama supposedly visited his sister Yamuna, who in her joy at seeing her brother after such a long interlude set up a feast for him. Pleased, Yama granted her a boon. He declared that every man that receives a tilak or vermilion mark on the forehead from his sister and presents her with lovely gifts on this day would attain higher worlds.
(2) Subhadra and Lord Krishna
------------------------------------------
Another version Lord Krishna, after killing Narakasur, the asura king, went to meet his sister Subhadra. Subhadra welcomed him in the traditional way by showing him a light and putting on his forehead a tilak of her sisterly protection.
(3) Sudarshana and Raja Nandivardhan
-----------------------------------------------------
Some other legend says that Bhagawaan Mahavir found nirvana, his brother Raja Nandivardhan was very sad and missed his brother a lot. Sister Sudarshana then comforted his brother. Since then, women have been revered during this festival.
The festival of Diwali is incomplete without bhai dooj.
It is referred as--
* “Bhaiyya-Dooj” in the Hindi-speaking belt,
* “Bhav--Bij” in the Marathi-speaking communities,
* "Bhai fota" in Bengal and
* "Bhai-Tika" in Nepal.
The essence of the Bhai dooj festival is that it is celebrated to strengthen the love between brothers and sisters. It is a day of food-sharing, gift-giving and reaching out to the inner most depths of the hearts. Brothers and sisters indulge themselves on this day by gifting each other gifts. Varied gifts specially meant for bhai dooj is available in the market.
********************************************************************
The message of Deepavali
=========================
The traditional name of India is Bharata and Indians are Bharatias - or 'those who revel in light'. During the night of Deepavali the myriad little clay lamps (diyas) seem to silently send forth message of Deepavali: "Come, let us remove darkness from the face of the earth."
********************************************************************
DIWALI RECIPES
=================
Here is a delectable collection of traditional Diwali Recipes to help you make this Diwali celebrations more zestful!! The collection includes Recipes for Diwali deserts and snacks. Choose and cook your favorite Diwali Recipe with love and delight your dear ones in a very special way!!
(1)
MALPUA
Ingredients :
1 cup sugar
1-1/2 cups wheat flour
4 tbsp yogurt or curd
10-15 whole peppercorns
Milk
Water
Preparation :
Make a batter of all of these dry ingredients and the dahi, using 1/2 milk and 1/2 water till it is thick and of pouring consistency, similar to pancake or dosa batter. And whip till smooth. Add the 10 peppercorns. Keep aside and allow it to rise for about two hours.
Heat oil on a medium flame. Drop large ladlefuls into the oil to form circles of 6-8 inches. Typically the dough will sink and line the bottom of the karhai and rise up in the shape of a disc. Fry till golden. Drain and pat off the oil. Serve with cream or garnished with pista. Serves five.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(2)
GUJIA
Ingredients :
Flour 250 grams
Khoya 500 grams
Raisins a few
Almonds 100 grams (finely chopped)
Cooking oil 3 tablespoon
Water 100 ml
Sugar 250 grams
Preparation :
Mix the oil and flour properly to form a binding consistency of breadcrumbs. Add some water and knead lightly the entire mixture. Make it soft dough and set it aside with a damp cloth covering it. Fry the khoya in cooking oil till it becomes light brown and then mix the sugar in it properly. Add the almonds and raisins, and fry for a few more minutes. Remove from fire and let it cool. Make small thick chapattis out of that kneaded dough. Fill half of the chapatti with the khoya mixture and, rolling it, seal the sides of the chapatti keeping the khoya inside it. Make the sealing look decorated by giving a look of hemming. Deep-fry these gujias until it becomes light golden brown, keeping the flame at low. Take out the gujias on a newspaper and let the oil get soaked. Serve hot or store it in an airtight container for using it on that special day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(3)
TIL- KHOYA LADDU
Ingredients :
2 cups khoya
1&1/2 cups of coarsely powdered roasted sesame seeds (til)
Powdered sugar to taste
Kesar, chopped almonds and pistas for decoration
Preparation :
1. Roast the khoya on low flame till it is very light golden yellow color.
2. Let is cool for few minutes.
3. Then add coarsely powdered roasted sesame seeds and mix it.
4. Add powdered sugar when the above mixture is luke warm.
5. Mix well and shape into small balls. If the mixture is too hot then the sugar will melt so care has to be taken that mixture should not be hot.
6. Arrange in a plate and decorate with kesar, chopped almonds and pistas.
Method for Making Khoya in Microwave:
1. Take three cups of full cream milk powder in microwave oven proof casserole.
2. Add sufficient water to make a thick paste.
3. Add 2 tablespoon of ghee.
4. Cover with plastic cling film and microwave for 3 minutes with in between stirring. (Time depends on power of Microwave oven.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(4)
KARANJI
Ingredients :
For Filling:
1 cup grated Dry Coconut
1 cup Powdered Sugar
1 pinch Nutmeg Powder
1 pinch dry Ginger Powder
4 Elaichi
2 tsp Maida
2 tsp Poppy Seeds
2 tbsp Mixed Dry fruit pieces
For Dough:
1 cup maida
1 tsp Ghee
Salt to taste
Warm milk to prepare dough
Preparation :
1. Roast Dry coconut.
2. Roast maida in ghee.
3. Roast poppy seeds.
4. Mix all the above ingredients & grind them.
For Dough:
Mix all the dough ingredients & prepare dough (a little hard).
For Karanji:
1. Make small oval shaped puris from dough.
2. Fill the prepared stuffing inside.
3. Apply some water or milk so that it will seal properly (don't apply too much of water as it will not seal properly).
4. Deep fry it till it becomes brownish colour.
5. Serve it hot or cold.
6. Karanjis can be stored for weeks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(5)
BESAN KI BARFI
Besan 1 kg
Sugar 1 kg
Water 1/2 liter
Ghee 1 kg
For garnishing: Pistas, Almonds
Preparation :
1. Fry besan in ghee on low flame for about 30 mins till it becomes pink and ghee separates.
2. Mix sugar and water into a syrup.
3. Add this syrup to the besan and mix well.
4. Pour this mixture into a greased tray.
5. When it cools cut into cubes and garnish with pistas and almonds.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(6)
SOHAN PAPDI
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cup Gram Flour
1 1/4 cup Maida
250 gms Ghee
2 1/2 cups Sugar
1 1/2 cup Water
2 tbsp Milk
1/2 tsp Cardamom seeds crushed coarsely
4" squares cut from a thin polythene sheet
Preparation:
1. Sift both flours together.
2. Heat ghee in a heavy saucepan. Add flour mixture and roast on low till light golden. Keep aside to cool a little, stirring occasionally.
3. Prepare syrup simultaneously. Make syrup out of sugar, water and milk. Bring syrup to 2 1/2 thread consistency.
4. Pour at once into the flour mixture. Beat well with a large fork till the mixture forms threadlike flakes.
5. Pour onto a greased surface or thali and roll to 1" thickness lightly. Sprinkle the elaichi and gently press down with palm.
6. Cool, cut into 1" squares, wrap individually into square pieces of thin plastic sheet. Store in an airtight container.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(7)
Wheat Laddu
Ingredients:
1 cup Wheat Flour
1/4 cup Gram Flour
11/2 cup Sugar Powder
1/4 cup Grated Coconut
1/4 cup Dry Fruit almonds, raisins, kaju etc
1 cup Ghee
Preparation:
1. Heat the ghee.
2. Put both the flours in the heated ghee.
3. When nearly roasted put coconut and sliced dry fruit in the mixture.
4. Now put the ground sugar in the mixture and stir thoroughly.
5. Take off from the heat quickly and make laddus. You may also put the mixture in an oil based thali & make small pieces.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ http://festivalsofindia-bb-blog.blogspot.in/2012/11/diwali-lakshmi-puja-2012.html
HAPPY DIWALI! May you all have a wonderful celebration of Diwali!
ReplyDelete