Pushkar

The famous Pushkar fair this year is scheduled for November 10 - 13, 2008

Pushkar is a vital religious place for Hindus in Rajasthan. This small city is initially famous for Pushkar Fair (the mass trading of camels), the Lord Brahma Temple, a picturesque lake and camel fair. It is situated at just 11 kms from Ajmer in Rajasthan. Pushkar has as many as 400 temples and 52 ghats, which includes the only temple that is dedicated to Lord Brahma in India. Pushkar is a heaven for the religiously inclined.

Pushkar, the holy town in Rajasthan is known for it's sacred lake and the only Brahma Temple in the world. Legend has it that this lake was formed where Lord Brahma - the lord of creation - dropped a lotus on the day of the full moon. Every November, the famous Pushkar Fair is held for 7 days, starts on Noami, finish on Kartik Poornima (Full Moon). The Fair is predominantly a gathering with thousands of camels, cattle and horses for trade, with added attractions of games, races, local folk dances, song and entertainment.

Pushkar is located 13 km from Ajmer, on the edge of a small & beautiful lake.

Photos are courtesy G's memories,

Kartik Purnima

Devotees taking a dip of holy Ganga river in Patna on the occasion of Kartik Purnima. Photos are of Krishna Murari Kishan, patnadaily and Libby A.

GurPurab 13th November 2008

Photos of the Golden Temple at Amritsar on the occasion of Gurpurab on November 13th 2008.
Also shown are devotees in Bhopal in particular 'Punj Pyare' man and women at the front during a Sikh procession. Photos are courtesy India Today .

Dhanteras

Dhanteras festival also known as 'Dhantrayodashi' or 'Dhanvantari Trayodasi' also known as the festival of gold comes just a few days before Diwali (usually two days before Diwali). On this day it is believed that to buy articles of gold and silver brings Goddess Laxmi into your home and brings good luck for the entire year. Some even purchase a new utensil as a sign of good luck . This year Dhanteras is on Sunday 26th October 2008.

This festival received its name from the words 'Dhan' (means wealth ) and 'Teras' that means thirteenth. Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi is on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin (October/November) every year.

This day marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations which end with Bhai Dooj. On this day, the entrance to homes ( some also do this in offices ) are decorated with torans or rangoli to welcome Goddess Laxmi into the home and so invite propsertity throughout the year. As a symbol of the arrival of Goddess Laxmi small red footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder or with rangoli colour at the entrances of the home and the puja mandir. Some also amke these designs all over the house. This is the first day that diyas of clay are lighted with cotton and ghee ( or sarson ka tel), through the night to light the way for Godess Lakshmi to visit our homes and mandirs. This tradition is observe3d throughout Diwali.

This is a very auspicious day to buy gold, silver jewelery, coins, or any other new article, cars homes and oethr assets.

Myth/Legend behind Dhanteras

Legend of King Himavan and Yamaraj ( the God of Death)

The son of King Himavan was doomed to die on the fourth day of his marriage by snakebite. 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 and lighted lots of lamps all over the place and she went on telling stories and singing songs. When Yamaraj, the God of death arrived there in the guise of a serpent, the dazzle of those brilliant lights made his eyes blind and he could not enter the prince's chamber. Since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of "Yamadeepdaan" and people buy some item of jewellery and keep a lamp lit nearby all night.

The legend of Sagar Manthan

The legend of Sagar Manthan or Samudramanthan ( the chruning of the oceans) is also the story of Dhanteras. When the gods (devas) and demons (asuras or rakshasas) churned the ocean for Amrut or nectar, Dhanavantri, the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu emerged carrying a jar of the elixir (Amrit).

The photo of the gold jewelery is courtesy Eunice from one of Eunices trips to Singapore ( at Serangoon Street or Little India) and can be seen at http://travelerfolio.com/little-india-singapore-attraction/

Lakshmi Puja in Kolkata

Lakshmi Puja in Kolkata. After Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja is the most important festival of Bengalis. Lakshmi is the Goddess of light, beauty, good fortune and wealth, she was the daughter of the sage Bhrigu and took refuge in the ocean of milk when the gods were sent into exile. After five days of Mahadashami.

Durga Puja at Jaipur,Chennai and Kolkata

The photo of the idol is at Jaipur, also shown is Durga Puja at SMCA at TNHB hall in Chennai and An Indian Hindu sadhu - worships a young Hindu unmarried girl, a 'Kumari', dressed as the Hindu goddess Durga as she sits in front of an idol of Durga during the 'Mahashtomi' ritual of the Durga Puja festival in Kolkata

Durga Mata Ballygunge

Durga Mata by Ballygunge Cultural Assoc

Mata Durga in Mumbai pandals

Nine Ma Durgas of Navratri

Navratri or Navratra iteslf means nine days. Its the festival of worshipping Goddess Durga Mata in her nine swarups. This year in 2008 Navratri ( the second Navratri of the year) is from 30th September 2008 to 9th October 2008. Each day of Navatri represents one of the following nine swarups of Durga Mata.

Day 1 - Mata Shailputri

"Shail" means mountains and "putri" means daughter. Ma Shailputri means daughter of mountains and this swarup refers to Goddess Parvati who was the Daughter of King Himavan
(the King of the mountains). Ma Shailputri is depicted with two hands, one with a trident and the other with a lotus. She is seated upon a bull. She is believed to be an embodiment of the power of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. In her previous incarnation, Shailputri is believed to be Sati, the daughter of Daksha and the wife of Lord Shiva. Once Daksha had organized a big Yagna and did not invite Shiva. But Sati being obstinate, reached there. Thereupon Daksha insulted Shiva. Sati could not tolerate the insult of husband and burnt herself in the fire of Yagna. In other birth she became the daughter of Himavan, the king of the Himalayas in the name of Parvati - Hemvati and got married with Shiva once again. Mata Shailputri or Ma Parvati can be worshipped at any temple of Shivji where her deity is always present next to her consort God Shiva.
Day 2 - Mata Brahmacharini
She is the one who practices devout austerity. Filled with bliss and happiness, she is the way to emancipation - Moksha.

The second Durga Shakti is Brahamcharini. Brahma that is who observes penance(tapa) and good conduct. She is depicted with prayer beads in her right hand and Kamandal in left hand. Legend states that in a previous birth she was Parvati /Hemavati the daughter of Himvan. Once when she was busy in games with her friends,Naradaji came to see her and on reading her hand/palm-lines Narad Muni stated that, "You will get married with a naked-terrible 'Bhole baba' who was with you in the form of Sati, the daughter of Daksh in previous birth. But now you have to perform penance for him." There upon Parvati told her mother Menaka that she would marry none except Shambhu, otherwise she would remain unmarried. Saying this she went to observe penance. That is why her name is famous as tapacharini - Brahmacharini. From that time her name Uma also became familiar.

‘Brahma’ here refers to the meditative aspect of Brahmacharini and is always depicted as pious women or Sannyasin. She is also worshipped as goddess Tara and is associated with the pious form of Goddess Shakti. She is believed to be that aspect of Mother Goddess, which was present in Sati and Goddess Parvati, when they both did intense austerities to get Lord Shiva as husband. During the penance Mata Parvati did in order to gain Lord Shivji as her consort for thousands of yrs. without eating even leaves she penance so she was called 'Aparna'. Seeing her body her mother uttered U-ma and so she is also called 'Uma'. Her worship increases sacrifice,good deeds & restraint in humans. Rudraksha is her most adorned ornament.

In some regions, Goddess Chamunda swarup of Durga is worshiped on the second day of Navratri. In this form she is believed to have killed the demons Chanda and Munda.

There is a famous Chamunda Mata temple at Jodhpur.

Day 3 - Mata Chandraghanta

Chandraghanta Ma is known and named Chandraghanta or Chandra-Khanda for the semi-circular moon (Chandra) which appears like a bell (Ghanta) on her forehead. Durga is also worshipped as Ashtamukhi and Shorashi in different parts of India on this day. She is depicted as having three eyes and ten hands holding with ten types of swords - etc. weapons and arrows etc. and is seated on a lion (in some photos on a tiger) and shown as ready for going to war. She is the image of bravery. The frightful sound of her bell terrifies all villains and demonic incarnations. She is also the giver of supreme knowledge and bliss and is depicted as having golden skin with the half circular moon on her forehead, glowing. Her ten hands hold .........
She is worshipped in this form in Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) India.Srisailam Devasthanam also is a temple of Ma Chandraghanta.
A very popular legend associated with Ma Chandraghanta is the story of Raja Harischandra her devotee.

Day 4 - Mata Kushmanda

On the fourth day Mata Durga is worshipped as her Ma Kushmanda swarup. She is depicted as seated on a lion, and possesses eight arms. She resides in solar systems and represents all knowledge. Seven types of weapons are shown in seven hands and prayer beads €in her right hand. She likes the offerings of "Kumhde." Therefore her name "Kushmanda" has become famous.

She is also known as 'Krishnamanda' and is believed o have created the universe,so she is called as Adi Swarup. She is also called 'Astbhuja'. Worship of Ma Kushmanda brings light into darkness and ignorance, gives true knowledge,destroys ego, disease, sorrow, depression, ignorance. "Kumbh Bhand" means to see cosmic vivacity in Pindi shape or knowledge of cosmic intricacies in human race. The abode of Mata Kushmanda is in Bhimaparvat.


Day 5 - Mata Skandmata
She is the Goddess of Fire. The fifth swarup of Ma Durga is "Skanda Mata". The daughter of Himalaya, after observing penance got married with Shiva. She had a son named "Skanda." Skanda is a leader of the army of Gods. Skanda Mata is a deity of fire. Skanda is seated in her lap. She has three eyes and four hands. She is white and seated on a lotus.

Some also depict her sitting on a lion with her son Skand ( Lord Kartikeya) in her lap with two hands holding lotuses while the other 2 hands respectively display defending and granting gestures. Its said, by the mercy of Ma Skandmata, even the idiot becomes an ocean of knowledge. The great and legendary Sanskrit Scholar Kalidas created his two masterpieces works viz. "Raghuvansh Maha Kavya" and "Meghdoot" by the grace of Ma Skandmata.However some believe Kalidasa was also inspired and blessed by Ma Kushmanda.
Day 6 - Mata Katyayani

The goddess of Vrindavan, she is depicted as having four arms and three eyes, she is seated on a lion. She is the sixth swarup of Ma Durga and is known as Mata Katyayani. The son of "Kat" was "Katya". Rishi Katyayan was born in this "Katya" lineage. Katyayan had observed penance with a desire to get Ma as his daughter. As a result she took birth as a daughter of Katyayan. Therefore her name is "Katyayani" . She killed the demon Mahishasur.

To get Krishna as a husband gopis worship Ma Katryayani in Vraj. So she is established as the Queen of Vraj.

Day 7 - Mata Kaalratri

The seventh swarup of Ma Durga is Mata Kalratri. She is black like night. Her Hair is always shown as pitch black, long, loose and scattered . She has put on necklaces shining like lightening and human skulls. She has three eyes and is also shown as being seated on a Shava (dead body). 2 of her hands hold a cleaver and a torch, while the remaining 2 are in the mudras of "giving" and "protecting". Her vahana is a faithful donkey. The destroyer of darkness and ignorance, Mata Kaalratri is scourer of darkness; enemy of darkness.Mata Kaalratri's shrine is in Calcutta, India This four-armed swarup of Ma Durga dissipates darkness from amidst her devotees, and bestows freedom from fear and adversity. She is also called "Shubhamkari."When she breathes fire comes out of her nostrils.

Any type of fear goes away by her worship. Shubhankari Mata always give 'Subh' good fruits.

Day 8 - Mata Mahagauri

She is like an eight-year-old girl. She is intelligent and peaceful, possesses three eyes and four arms, and uses the bull as her vehicle.The Eighth swarup of Ma Durga is Ma "Maha Gauri." She is depicted as fair as a conch, moon and jasmine flowers. Her clothes and ornaments are white and clean. She has three eyes. She rides on bull She has four hands. The above left hand is in "Fearless - Mudra" and lower left hand hold a "Trishul." The above right hand has tambourine and lower right hand is in blessing style. She is calm and peaceful. It is said that when the body of Gauri became dirty due to dust and earth while observing penance, Shiva makes it clean with the waters of Gangas. Then her body became bright like lightening. There fore, she is known as "Maha Gauri" .

She is also worshipped as Ma-Ambaji, Ma-Kalika, Ma-Bahucharaji. Ma Mahagauri can be seen in a temple at Kankhal near pilgrim centre Haridwar, India

Day 9 - Mata Siddhidratri

The Ninth Swarup of Ma Durga is Mata Siddhidatri. There are eight Siddhis or accomplishments, they are- Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Iishitva & Vashitva. Maha Shakti gives all these Siddhis. It is said in "Devipuran" that the Supreme God Shiv got all these Siddhies by worshipping Maha Shakti. With her gratitude the half body of Shiv has became of Goddess and there fore his name "Ardhanarishvar" has became famous. This swarup is depicted as seated on a lion and has four hands. She is the giver of all forms of accomplishments[Siddhis].As per the Brahmavaivart Purana there are 18 types of achievements which are Anima, Mahima, Garima, Ladhima, Prapti, Prakaamya, Ishitva,Vashitva, Sarvakaamaal, Saadhita, Sarvagynatva, DurShravana, Parkaayapraveshan, VakaSiddhi, Kalpavrushatva, Shrishti, Samharkaransaamarthya, Amaratva, Sarvanyayakatva, Bhavana and Siddhi. Seated upon a lotus, most commonly, with 4 arms, and is the possessor of different siddhis /accomplishments to grant her devotees. Mata Siddhiratri's famous pilgrim centre, is located in Nanda Parvat in the Himalayas.

Thanks to abhilash,subhamoy das who have explained some aspects so well.

Navratri Garba

Navratri Garba photos some of Karnavati club Ahmedabad, Phalguni Pathak performing at Mumbai Navratri,

Vaishnodevi Yatra or Pilgrimage

Vaishno Devi at the top of Trikuta Parvat is an ancient holy pilgrimage temple. Vaishno Devi is situated 61-km north of Jammu and 14-km from Katra. Its a four-hour (13-km) climb from Katra. The best time to come is March to July, as th rest of the time of the year it can be very cold. The main pilgrimage time is March-April and September-October during the two main Navratra or Navratri's .

This shrine is situated in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. You can get their by air, train,bus
( private as well as public transport) or car.

At Katra
To visit Vaishnodevi a parchi or ticket is required. These can be bought online at http://www.maavaishnodevi.org/status1.asp or the tour operator can arrange these or they can be bought at the parchi or ticket counter at Katra.Once a ticket is purchased the yatra can commence. There are many places of worship or milestones (minor temples) on the way to Vaishno Mata as a devotee climbs Trikuta Parvat. Once you reach the Darshani Darwaza the closest is Banganga.

Darshani Darwaza
The gateway is the Darshani Darwaza which is approx 1 km from the parchi or ticket counter. It is so named because it is the point from where the yatra is really deemed to commence and thus becomes the doorway or Darwaza for Darshan. Pilgrims cover this stretch either on foot, or on auto rickshaws or by the bus service which is operated by the Shrine Board free of charge for the pilgrim.

Also called by some as the Bhumika Temple. Darshani Darwaza, 1-km from Katra, is where as per legend the Goddess Vaishno Mata disappeared. This place is called Darsani Darwaza because the Trikut mountain is visible from here Trikuta Parvat is three high peaks that are the abodes of the Goddess Vaishno Devi.

Banganga

The first pit stop is Banganga. Banganga is located at some distance from Darshani Darwaza. There is the sloping road to follow or stone stairs ( from time to time) which one can climb. some people also travel by ponies, or palkhi's or dandi's ( palanquin carried on the shoulders of men) but personally I think there is no greater pleasure than walking up Trikuta Parvat hrough all the pitstops from Banganga to Adhkwari, using your own two feet. The entire 13 km route is quite wide and tiled. It can be easily traveled on by night and day. The whole path is lit up every night by powerful sodium vapour lamps. The whole route is swept and cleaned from time to time throughout the day. Yatris are requested to keep the path clean. Shelter cum sheds and shelter cum cafeterias are setup throughout the route. Pure vegetarian food is available at these outlets. Price charts are exhibited at all these outlets prominently. Drinking water has been made available all along the route, with water coolers and storage facilities.The Shrine Board has an office at Banganga which remains open round the clock for attending to an resolving the difficulties of the pilgrims. The Police Department has set up a Police Post at Banganga that remains open round the clock. The Yatra Parchi is checked and stamped at the Banganga Check Post. This is done to prevent people who do not possess a Yatra Parchi from proceeding for the Yatra. A pilgrim must cross Banganga Check Post within 6 hrs of obtaining the Yatra Parchi. Banganga is only 1 ½-km from the Yatra Parchi counter. The Banganga Check Post remains open round the clock.

Banganga is the place where an arrow was pierced into the earth/ground and from which sprouted the Ganga or Ganges so that Vaishno Mata and her devotee ( some believ it was Hanuman others name him Veer Langoor) could have a drink of water an quench their thirst.
The legend goes that after the Goddess Vaishno Mata left the Bhumika Temple, she went to the Trikuta Hills passing through here. At this time, Langoor Vir (Veer Langur) felt thirsty. The Goddess shot an arrow into the stone and a holy river was produced, now known as Ban Ganga. It is called Ban Ganga because the Goddess washed her hair at this place. Ban Ganga is about 3-km from Katra.

Present day it is a stream offshoot of the Ganga and there is a spot where there are steps leading down to the stream. Some devotees believe in bathing here others in washing their faces, hands and feet and quenching their thirst before they continue on their journey. Many fill flasks and containers of Ganga Jal and all offer prayers and obeisances at Banganga.

Charan Paduka
Next Is Charan Paduka. 2 ½ -kms from Darshani Darwaza at a height of 3,200 feet above sea level is the place known as Charan Paduka. There is an impression of Mata's feet on a rock at Charan Paduka. A small temple has been constructed over this rock at Charan Paduka. There is a State Government run First Aid Centre here.

The legend states that the Goddess Vaishno Mata stopped for some time while Bhairon was chasing her. Her footprints are supposed to be visible on a stone at this place. Charanpaduka means ” holy footprints.” It is about 1.5-km from Ban Ganga

Ardhkawari

6-kms from Darshani Darwaza at a height of 4200 feet above sea level is the place known as Ardhkawari.The Shrine Board has constructed a large complex at Ardhkawari. Free Dharmshalas, rooms on rent, a post office, a medical dispensary, a chemist shop, a bank, a pony stand and a large number of shops are available at Ardhkawari. The Shrine Board also runs a Bhojanalya at Ardhkawari which is open round the clock every day. Hygienically cooked food at subsidized rates is available for the pilgrims from this Bhojanalya. Blankets are also available free of cost for the pilgrims at Ardhkawari. The shops here also sell puja items and lal chunari's to give to Vaishno Mata> however many devotees prefer to bring their own lal chunari or buy from trusted vendors to ensure that their lal chunari is fresh and new.

Pilgrims first go to the temple at Adhkawari and then enter the narrow cave of 15 ft known as Garbh Joon. At most places the cave is not more than two feet wide. Inspite of this people of all sixes are able to crawl though it. This cave is believed to be symbolic of the womb. The legend states that Garbha Joon where the Goddess hid herself for nine months and showed her self to a saint. The cave is narrow, and you have to almost crawl all the way though it. When Bhairon entered the cave, the Goddess made a new opening with her trident and ran away. Ardh Kuwari is 4.5-km from Charan Paduka

After ArdhKuwari the path gets very steep for 2.5-km. This ascent is called Hathi Matha ascent, because the mountain is shaped like the forehead of an Elephant. It is best to use the footpath rather than the stairs, as the climb will be easier. From here it is another 1,500-ft climb to Sanjhi Chatt, and from there another 4-km to the carve.


Sanji Chhat

9 ½-kms from Darshani Darwaza lies Sanji Chhat at an altitude of 5,870 feet above sea level. It is a delightful little plateau which affords a panoramic view of the Pir Panjal Range and the Chenab river wending its way majestically to Pakistan. At its feet, as it were, lies sprawled the town of Katra, the base camp of the yatra.

Vaishno Mata's Bhawan

12-kms from Darshani Darwaza and 2 ½ -kms from Sanji Chhat lies the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. It is located at an altitude of 5,200 feet above sea level. The climb up the mountain ceases at Sanji Chhat. The track levels out and the pilgrims have to trek over a flat stretch for almost 2-kms before they begin to descend. The descent carries on for almost half a kilometre till one reaches the area of the holy Shrine - the destination of all the pilgrims who throng to Katra in thousands every day.Please note that cameras, handycams, leather goods, mobile phones are strictly not allowed into the Bhawan and have to be left outside. This strictly includes shoes and wallets and hanbags.

The entrance to the shrine is wide and tiled but arrows down further down until the holy Pindi's (the 3 svayambhu stones of Mata MahaSaraswati, Mata MahaLakhsmi and Mata Mahakali or Mahagauri Vaishno Mata) representative of Mata Vaishnodevi.

The Aarti

The two-hour long Aarti or Prayer is performed twice a day, first at sunrise and again at sunset. The holy cave is closed to pilgrims at this time. Only the Pujaris or priests, Sahayaks or the attendants and an officer is permitted in the holy premises.

The priests chants out loud the 108 names of Goddess Durga. Then they perform Atam Puja for their own purification. This is followed by Tilak - urging the gods to grant the priests health, chant of “Pratigya Sankalp” - vow to worship the three deities, bathing of Lord Ganesh, Surya and Chandrama symbols. Then the holy Pindies are bathed with water and the five Amrits: Milk, Curd, Ghee, Honey and Sugar.

"Pashupatinath" is then given a bath with Panchamrit. This is followed by a general cleaning of the area of the sanctum sanctorum. Ganga water is poured over the holy Pindies. The priests chant “Devyapradh Kshamapan Stotram” or the mantras seeking forgiveness for their sins. Meanwhile the preparations for the adorning of the sacred Pindies go on.

Vaishno Devi Darshan

The temple here is located in a cave, At the end of the cave are the three deities, consecrated as “Pindies” (rocks ) of Maha-Lakshmi (middle), Maha -Saraswati ( on the left side), and Maha Kali (on the right side.)This cave is 5,200 feet above sea level. There is a lamp here that is always lit. This is the only temple in India where all three Goddesses are worshipped in the same place. Before entering the cave, pilgrims take bath in the water coming out of the cave.
When I had visited the place as a child devotees would distribute 25 paise coins stating that pilgrims were to push them into the walls of the tunnel/cave before darshan of the shrine or to eave them at Vaishno Mata's feet. I still remember being amazed at the number of 25 paise coins that had been pressed into the walls on both sides as we walked towards the shrine.


On a busy festival you may have to wait several hours up to your knees in cold water. You walk about 100ft in the knee deep water and then up four steps to see the pindies.

The Sri Ram Temple
The Sri Ram Temple is near Vaishno Devi cave. There is a Shiva-linga in a cave 125 steps down from the Ram Temple which has a steady stream of water trickling over it around the year.

Kal Bhairav or Bhairon Temple
This temple is about 2.5-km from Vaishno Devi cave at about 6,700 feet. It is traditional to visit this temple after visiting the Vaishno Devi Temple.

The legend states that Bhairon (Bhairav) was absolved of all sins when Durga killed him.
When Bhairon was killed by the Goddess his head flew to this place. There is a huge stone outside the cave that represents the body of Bhairon. After he was killed, her prayed to the Goddess to forgive him. It is said that the Goddess gave the benediction that the desires of her devotees who visit this place would be fulfilled.

Things to Remember

• Do not discard the yatra parch or ticket after purchase. The tickt is to be used within 6 hours of purchase. Online tickets may be different. Kindly check at the website given above.
  
• Take official receipts for all payments made to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board as well as private vendors.
• Avail of the services of only registered people be it pithu, pony or the dandiwalla and keep his token for the period he is engaged.
• Contact the announcement counters of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board at Katra, Banganga, Adhkawari and Darbar for locating missing persons.
• The first station beyond Darshani Darwaza is Banganga. Ponies and Palkis are available for hire at Banganga on rates fixed by the State Government.
  
• Use only the donation boxes provided at various places by Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board. In case of donations at the donation counters of the Board at Katra (Central Office/ Vishram Ghar), Adhkawari, Sanjichhat and various points at the Bhawan obtain a formal receipt.
• Avoid overstraining on the climb and prefer the track over the stairs and stick to either of the paths.
• Luggage and belongings should not be deposited with unauthorised persons or left unguarded at the bathing ghats.
• Qualified doctors are available at the Primary Health Centre, Katra, Adhkawari and Bhawan - Open round the clock. The Evening Clinic, Katra Bus Stand - Open 2.00 pm to 8.00 pm. Sanji Chhat also has a First Aid Centre. A very large hospital has also constructed for the shrine Board by the Sagar Suri Trust at Sanji Chhat. Two helipads have also been constructed at Sanji Chhat.
• Clothing - Light woollens required at night during the summer months. Heavy woollens required during the remaining part of the year.
• For first timers dont try and walk up and try to return home straight after. Keep a resting period after the darshan before traveling to your home or next destination as your legs will land up hurting like hell after darshan.You may want to keep a suitable painkiller ( as per your doctors advise) handy for post darshan pains.
  

There are a large number of Dharmshalas at Vaishno Devi Ji which provide free accommodation to the pilgrims.Blankets are also available for the pilgrims free of cost. Security has, however, to be deposited for taking the blankets. This security is refunded as soon as the blankets are returned to the blanket store. These blankets are regularly washed in the automatic laundry plant that has been installed by the Shrine Board at Vaishnodevi Ji. The Shrine Board also provides a few rooms on rent to the pilgrims at Vaishnodevi Ji.

A large number of privately run shops serve food and snacks to the pilgrims. In addition, the Shrine Board runs a Bhojanalaya at Vaishno Devi Ji which is open rounded the clock. A medical dispensary, a chemist shop, a post office, a telephone exchange, two banks and a Police station also function at Vaishno Devi Ji. The Shrine is open for Darshan round the clock every day except for two hours in the morning (from 6.00 am to 8.00 am) and for two hours in the evening (from 6.00 am to 8.00 am) when the Aarti is performed. There is also an ISKCON temple at Katra.

All in all its an exhilarating experience and one feels blessed after darshan. An experience I will remember all my life.

How to get to Vaishnodevi

Air:
The nearest airport is in Jammu, which is 48-km from Katra. There is a helicopter service that departs from the airport at Sanjhi Chat in Jammu in the morning.

Rail:
The nearest railway station is in Jammu, which is well connected to all the major cities in India.

Road:
There are regular buses leaving for the 52-km trip from the central bus stand in Jammu to where the road ends at Katra (2 hr). Walking From Katra it is a steep 13-km walk. You can rent a horse or be carried up from Katra. You can go up to the cave and back in the same day. It takes about 4 hours to climb up and 3 hours to come down. Pilgrims must get a Yatra- Slip from the tourist reception center near the bus stand in Katra to get pass to Ban Ganga.

Where to stay

You can stay in Jammu or even better stay at Katra. There are plenty of good hotels in Katra itself ranging from the expensive 5 star such as the Country Inn Suites and the White Orchid to cheapest options such as yatri dharamshalas.

Navratri Garba preparations

Navratri Garba preparations in Mumbai and Ahmedabad

photos Kevin Antao/

Shradhs or Pitru Paksha

A shradh is a Hindu ritual performed by the living for the benefit of the soul (aatma) of relatives who have passed away. It is believed that by performing a shradh one seeks and receives the blessings of our pitr or ancestors and also prays and gives daan (by performing a yagna) for the peace and happiness of the pitr and the souls of those pitr who have taken rebirth on this earth.

Shradhs are performed every year on the shradh day of the dead person which is calculated as per the Hindu calendar or tithi or panchang. It is calculated on the basis of the death day of the deceased and falls within the period of Pitru Paksh which comes every year between Ganapati visarjan time in Mumbai and Navratri during the ashwin month of the Hindu Calender.

Shradh is usually performed for three generations of Pitrs - the father, the grand-father and the great grand-father, or for upto 7 generations of Pitrs or for all Pitrs. A havan or yagna is performed under the guidance of a priest whereby oblations are made/proferred into the fire while praying for the ell being and blessings of our pitr. Brahmins are fed sattvic /vaishno food.Sattvic/Vaishno food is also offered to a cow and a crow and to poor people. At my home the havan is always followed by a meal consisting of Puri's, rasevaley aloo,cholay and sooj ka halwa.

Shradhs are also considered by many to be inauspicious to start new projects or for purchasing new assets re.g. a house or car or new jewelery or make investments or for marriages or new business deals or transactions.

This year Pitru Paksh begins after Poornima on 15th September, 2008 and ends with the last shradh called Mahalaya Shradh or Sarvapitru Shradh on 29th september, 2008. On the last shradh tithi shradh may be done for all pitru.

A separate type of Shradh is also performed soon after the death of a person.

To ensure that the soul does not remain in a subtle body hovering on this earth planet, but will attain a comfortable body for enjoyment on pitr loka, offerings are made to the departed person and the pitrs. During the asauca period daily offerings of sesame and water, and pinda (rice mixed with sesame, ghee and honey) are given to the departed person. On the eleventh day (for a close relative of a brahmana) the house is purified, eleven brahmanas are fed and offerings are made to the deceased. Beginning on that day, for the first year, monthly sraddha ceremonies should be held. As well, in the sixth and twelfth month additional sraddhas should be conducted. Then every year, on the tithi of the decease, annual sraddhas should be conducted.

THE RITUAL OF SHRAADDH
From the Mahabharata, Anusasana Parva,
Section LXXXIV + Sec.XCII

Bhishma said: When my father Santanu of great energy departed from this world, I proceeded to Gangadwara for performing his Shraaddh. My mother, Jahnavi, coming there, rendered great help. Having with a concentrated mind performed all preliminary rites as laid down in the scriptures, I set myself to duly offer the obsequial cake.

Reflecting then, by the light of the scriptures, the conviction soon came upon me that the ordinance does occur in the Vedas that the cake should not be presented into the hand of him whose Shraaddh is performed. The Pitris do not come in their visible forms for taking the cake.

On the other hand, the ordinance provides that it should be presented on the blades of Kusa grass spread on the earth for the purpose. What I did was perfectly consistent with the scriptural ordinance.

In making offerings at Shraaddhs a share is first offered to the deity of fire(Agni). If a portion of the offerings be first made to the deity of fire at a Shraaddh, Rakshasas of regenerate origin cannot then do any injury to such a Shraaddh. Beholding the deity of fire at a Shraaddh Rakshasas fly away from it.

The ritual of Shraaddh is that the cake should first be offered to the deceased father. Next, one should be offered to the grandfather. Next should one be offered to the great-grandfather. Even this is the ordinance in respect of the Shraaddh. Over every cake that is offered, the offerer should with concentrated attention utter the Savitri Mantra. This other Mantra also should be uttered, viz., unto Soma who is fond of the Pitris.

A woman that has become impure in consequence of the advent of her season, or one whose ears have been cut off, should not be allowed to remain where a Shraaddh is being performed. Nor should a woman (for cooking the rice to be offered in the Shraaddh) be brought from a Gotra other than that of the person who is performing the Shraaddh.

While crossing a river, one should offer oblations of water unto one's Pitris, naming them all. One should next offer such oblations of water to one's deceased friends or relatives. From them that cross a river on boats, the Pitris expect oblations of water. Those that know this always offer oblations of water with concentrated attention unto the Pitris. Every fortnight, on the day of the new moon, one should make offerings unto one's deceased ancestors. growth, longevity, energy, and prosperity become all attainable through devotion to the Pitris.

Even this is the high ritual in respect of the Shraaddh. Through Shraaddhs performed on earth the deceased members of ones race become freed from a position of misery. I have thus, O prince of Kuru's race, expounded to thee agreeably with the scriptures, the ordinances in respect of Shraaddhs.

Lalbaugcha Raja 2008

Photos of 2008 Lalbuagcha Raja. AMazing glow on the idol's face. The grey elephants are the decoration for the entrance. Photos are courtesy Paresh.

Ganapati 2008

Some photos.

1.Balgopal Sarvajanik Mandal at Currey Road
2.BEST quarters in Parel
3.Chintamani Chinchpokli Ganeshotsav Mandal
4.Ekta Sarvajanik Mandal’s (Borivili) Ganesh tallest in suburbs
5.Siddhivinayak Ganeshotsav Mandal at Lalbaug