Significance & Tradition of Sankranti

 Ariselu, Pongal, Boorelu, flying kites, playing cards and hanging out with family and friends as you watch Bogi mantalu… That’s what many of us look forward to

For the western society in simple terms it resembles the harvest festival like Thanksgiving sans the gift. Many of us have forgotten or not aware of what the significance, true meaning and purpose this festival serves. It’s my effort to unearth the significance of this important festival

Sankranti is termed one of the biggest rural/pro-agro festivals. It’s a three day festival comprising of Bhogi, Makara Sankranti and Kanuma
Astrological Significance:



Makar means Capricorn and Sankranti is transition. There is a sankranti every month when the sun passes from one sign of the zodiac to the next. There are twelve signs of the zodiac, and hence twelve sankranti's as well. Each of these sankranti's has its own relative importance but two of these are more important - the Mesh (Aries) Sankranti and the most important, the Makar (Capricorn) Sankranti. Transition of the Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn, during the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere is known as Makar Sankranti. From this day begins the six-month long Uttarayana(northern migration of sun), considered very auspicious for attaining higher worlds hereafter. It is believed that a person who dies during the Uttarayana has a better chance of reaching heavens than during the winter solstice.
Scientifically, the shortest day of the year is around December 21 & 22 after which the days begin to get longer, hence actual Winter Solstice begins on December 21 or December 22 when the tropical sun enters Makara rashi. Hence actual Uttarayana is December 21. This was the actual date of Makar Sakranti too. But because of the Earth's tilt of 23.45 degrees and sliding of equinoxes, Ayanamsa occurs. This has caused Makara Sankranti to slide further over the ages. A thousand years ago, Makar Sankranti was on December 31 and is now on January 14. Five thousand years later, it shall be by the end of February, while in 9,000 years it shall come in June.
While the traditional Indian Calendar is based on lunar positions, Sankranti is a solar event. So while dates of all Hindu festivals keep changing as per the Gregorian calendar, the date of Makar Sankranti remains constant over a long term, 14 or 15 January. Makar Sankranti is celebrated in the Hindu Calendar month of Magha. There is another significance of this day, after this day the days start becoming longer & warmer, and thus the chill of winter in on decline. 

The Mahabharata Reference:
Bhishma, on this day declared his intent to leave his mortal body. He had the boon of "Ichha-Mrityu" (choose when to die) from his father, so he kept lying on the bed of arrows till this day and then left body on Makar Sankranti day. It is believed that the person, who dies during the period of Uttarayana, becomes free from transmigration. So this day was seen as a sure-shot Good Luck day to start your journey or endeavors to the higher realms beyond.

Cultural Significance:
The purpose of human is beyond just birth, eating, reproduction and death. Human's are the supreme most beings on this plan and for a reason.Humans are unique from others for the very reason that they have elevated intelligence allowing them to purify their souls and proceed towards greater austerity and eventually nirvana(path towards the supreme soul). But with all the routine and materialistic needs, human’s need to break from these and start concentrating on larger purpose of life - attaining spiritual wisdom to understand the meaning/purpose of life and move towards divinity.

The Dhanur-masam month (as per the Indian Lunar calendar / typically mid Dec to mid Jan) is called as Shoonyamasam (null/void/nill month). This month has been named so because this is the duration where humanity doesn’t have the benefit of the guidance from the Sapta-rishis (7 masters who administer the entire creation on God’s behalf and guide all life) as they sit for meditations throughout this month, after handing over the charge of administration to another batch of Rishis. This is the month where the Saptarishis give all their focus and attention to spiritual activities, hence since time immemorial, humans also kept aside all material pursuits and focused on spiritual pursuits throughout this month.These new Rishis bring with them very special energies, new knowledge and also educate humanity on newer ways of living, at a different level. All these factors provide major opportunities for spiritual growth, which when properly utilised can help us make faster progress. 

This was the reason why no auspicious activities like house warming, marriages or business ventures were taken up in this period, thus allowing the individuals to focus on their spiritual growth. Everyone starts to prepare for upcoming events and auspicious time during this month. During this month people are expected to wake up at 3am have a complete head-to-toe bath and dress up traditionally. Women clean up the front-yard with cow-dung water, prepare Rangoli with small cow dung balls(Gobeamma) placed in the rangoli. One is think of divinity and have devotional thoughts while engaging in this activities.

Unique People Visiting homes 
1. Hari-Dasu (Servant of Lord Hari/Vishnu)

Specialty of this season are Hari-dasu. They are considered as representation of Naradha-rishi swaroopam. Uniquely Hari-dasu comes in the early hours of the morning unlike the beggars, nor he begs “Biksham dehi”. He rather sings devotional songs and praising Gods while trying to awakening the spirituality within us by reciting the Hari kertana. This helps us to set the tune for rest of the day remembering God and songs dedicated to almighty. This indirectly supports us being engaged in our spiritual journey for the rest of the year. Hari-dasu carries a rounded pot/bucket (bindhe) on his head where grains are offered there. The rounded pot represents earth where one plants seeds which get multiplied once the crop is harvested. Hari-dasu while accepting symbolizes that Hari-dasu was born to accept alms because he has in past rejected offering the same. Symbolically it means that as long as one donates in this life they will always be in a position to donate rather than seek alms in their next lives. Hence the Telugu saying “Enadoo peti putaadu” translated as “He is one who donated benevolently earlier that he born prosperously”

2.Gangi-re-edhu Varu (People of Holy Vehicle of Shiva Ganga - Ox)

Gangiredhu, the holy OX is another unique way of respecting the animals in this festival. The names means vehicle of Ganges river which also is a vehicle of Parvathi Parameshwarulu. Ox is born out of the holy Cow and thus consider equally holy. The cow is revered for its peaceful and austere nature, while feeding us with its own milk and help us grow. All of the cow’s excreta is either used as fertilizer and pesticide, while the cow was the centre of all farming (it’s the one which helped plough the land, carrying loads, pounding and extracting grains, milled seeds to oil etc. For all this reasons the Ox is equally revered in our agrarian society and brought home while the harvest season is complete. Families give it back old clothes in the house while aarti is offered to it.

3. Sooth sayers and Fortune tellers
Also unique to this time are Budubukala varu (folk fortuneteller/Oracles) and Sodhi chepevaru (folk soothsayer) visit the houses offering advice on future events and how the rest of the year is going to be like.

Unique Practices during the month

1. Rangoli / Muggu (Decorative artwork on the floor at the entrance of the house)

Rangoli is a timeless tradition that is followed all over India. Rangoli is also known as alpana, aripoma, or kolam. Rangoli patterns are usually made using coloured chalk, rice powder, and crushed limestone. A rangoli is always made by hand and all designs are carved out using the fingers. A line is usually drawn using a single finger, like a pencil. In some cases, a pattern may be outlined using dotted movements, which are joined together at the end. Once a pattern is formed, the desired colours are filled in.

Scientific Significance: The powder used in making rangolis attracts many insects and bacteria like ants and keeps them outside instead of entering the house. Additionally the limestone in the powder can kill many of the organisms which consume this. Additionally the turmeric being applied on the lower door frame acts as a disinfectant/anti-bacterial agent and helps keeping potential harmful insects and microorganisms from entering the house

Health Significance: It takes a lot of stamina, flexibility, endurance and concentration to create a design. During the process the women are almost most of the time kneeling down while artistically shuffling the colours and powder to create the pattern. This process is supposed to improve the flexibility, endurance and concentration levels after few weeks of this practice everyday. It also promotes concentration, focus and dedication to the task at hand.

Themes and Learning: The bare minimal rangoli which every girl starts off is a nine box rangoli which signifies the nine planets and with sun placed in the middle signified by bright flower, turmeric and kumkum. This is to showcase the importance of sun and the central life giver of life and dependency of other planets on the Sun. There are lots of themes with certain meanings while creating these designs.

Personality Assessment: The rangoli patterns same as an artwork speaks volumes about the personality of the woman who has created it. A rangoli which uses thin lines (careful not to over use the powder) signifies a person who is modest and realistic and doesn’t overspend. A person who completes her task fast and in a neat fashion has an excellent awareness of significance of time and is dedicated as well skilled in her art. A very well made and intrinsic patter signifies that the person loves decorations and an admirer of beauty. A person who overspends time and redoes is considered either a novice or lacks the patience or concentration levels to achieve the task at hand.

2. Gobbemaa (Cow dung balls) on the Rangoli

This is tradition of remembering Goda Devi / Andal (Only 15year old girl Alvar of the 12 Alvar saints in India) and Shri Krishna’s Gopikas. As per the mythology Gopa Devi refused to marry any earthly man and accepted that Lord Krishna was her husband. She lead a life similar to Gopika of Krishna who accepted him as their saviour and husband and dedicated their lives to him. During this month the Gobbemma balls are made of cow dung are made reflecting the holiness, purity and sacredness of these women and equally them to the holy cow. To these cow dung balls turmeric, kumkum and other seasonal flowers are offered to reflect that these women are recognized as married and whose husbands are with them thus elevating there austerity.

Scientific significance: The cowdung balls after a full day use are not discarded off; instead these are saved and dried to be burnt later. The ashes arising out of this is mixed with herbs like basil or neem to be used for various skin ailments against fungal and bacterial conditions.

3. Bhogi Pallu / Regi Pallu shower (Goosberries)

Another tradition is to show the kids at home with Bhogi pallu (gooseberries) by the community /family/neighbours. The kids receive blessings of health and prosperity during this occasion. Regi pandu(gooseberries) is called arka phalam (Sun’s Fruit), during this occasion we are reminded ourselves of the significance of Sun as a provider or health and life. Thus symbolically we are seeking blessings from the Sun God for the young kid.

4. Bhogi Fire (Bonfire)

The practice of setting up community bonfire in the middle of the street has got a lot of health significance. On one day and one time all of the community sets to set ablaze a fire with old clothes, rugs, furniture and any unusable material in the houses. Thus, with the fire trying to destroy any accumulated bacterial, fungal, microbial infestations carried over from the cold and wet months. Also the warmth of the fire and smoke helps clear the atmosphere of harmful organisms by the heat and fire. This helps the whole community in cleansing their areas of potential sickness borne of viruses and bacteria.

5. Bride Selection/shortlisting during the festival season

During this season the parents of grooms scour for brides for their sons. The festival throws an opportunity for the parents to see, understand, assess and even compare the young women and pick one as per the aspirations. The rangoli personality, the enthusiasm with which they participate in the functions, the way they address there friends, elders and strangers is well observed and projects a decent amount of personality profile for the parents to make choices. These age-old practices of personality profiling based on cultural and tradition is in one way more successful than the present day practices of choosing partners based solely around the education, job and salary earned, while ignoring the personality aspects

6. Village Sports

Though these hold no cultural significance, these events showcase the valor and traditional (brutal) ways of having fun. Bull fighting, bull riding, bull races are common violent sports that dates back to the Indus Valley civilisation. Jallikattu is a form of bull wrestling that is celebrated in the villages of Tamil Nadu on Mattu Pongal (the third day of Pongal). The villages of Palamedu and Alanganallur near Madurai are renowned to host the bloodiest jallikattu.
For people in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Sankranti is incomplete without cockfights and, like in the past, a ban could not prevent them from betting millions of rupees on it this time either.
Leading the violation of the ban were powerful politicians of all hues, who consider cockfights a part of the culture of the coastal Andhra region. The participants included film personalities and businessmen. An estimated Rs5 billion ($340 million) change hands as thousands of people watch & bet during the cockfights.

Sri Rama Navami - What is it to be like Lord Sri Ram

Today is Sri Rama Navami; Sri Rama Navami marks the birthday of Lord Sri Ram in Ayodhya and also Sri Rama's marriage with Sita Devi. This day falls on Chaitra Sukla Navami (the ninth day of the bright half of Chaitra Masam) and the star "Punarvasu" as per traditional Hindu Moon Calender. On this very day 'Sree Sitarama Kalyana Mahotsav' (wedding) is performed in the abode Bhadradri Sri Sitarama Temple, Bhadrachalam, Andhra Pradesh. On Sri Rama Navami, Panakam (Jagery water with Ginger and Cardamon powder), Buttermilk, and Panchaamruthamu (Banana, cow milk, Ghee, Curd, Honey, Tulasi Leaves) are offered as Prasad to Lord Rama. During the evening the Posession of Rama & Sita comes onto the streets in a Palki.
Dedicated tune for the occassion - Pibare Rama Rasam - Pibare Ramarasam by Dr.M.Balamuralikrishna which is one of the most famous renderings of Pibare Ramarasam of composer Sadasiva Brahmendra, sung in Raga Ahir Bhairavi by the Legendary Andhra classical vocalist, Dr.M.Balamuralikrishna.

Lord Sri Rama has become so much identified with all the good and great and virile qualities of heroic manhood. The saying in Telugu goes like "Ramudoo manchi baludoo" meaning comparing onseself to be like Shri Rama who is with good qualities;Where in lay the secret of this unique greatness in Rama's personality? He is called Maryaada-Purushottama Let's Look into these 16 Personality traits of Shri Rama which are ideal to possess by one and all. I am quite sure you would not find the same else where....

Suguna Abhi Ram'udoo - ( Means Good qualities/Characters loved by all in Shri Ram)
1. SuGunaVanth'udoo - Good Characteristics / Good-natured / Very virtuous
2. Veerya(vīrya)Vanth'udoo - Strength, Valerous, Vigour, Energy
3. Dhármagyan'udoo - Righteousness’ or ‘duty’. It is said that the great one who never deviated from the norms set by Dharma. It was his supreme commitment to "Putra-Dharma" (duty of a son) that made Rama smilingly depart to the forest for fourteen years at the bidding of his father. Rajadharma for the sake of people of Kingdom Sri Ram even sent his beloved Sita away to forests. Sri Rama's intense adoration for the motherland has been immortalized by a legendary couplet which is playing on the lips of millions even to this day:
Janani janmabhoomischa swargaadapi garreyasi (the mother and the motherland are to me greater than the heavens themselves).
4. Krutágn'udoo - Gratitude and thankful to everyone.
5. Satyá Vákya Pálák'udoo - One who always speaks the Truth / Habitual speaker of truth
6. Drudávánth'udoo - Strong determination
7. Cháritrá Prásimsak'udoo / Cháritráréna Yukta - One who is hailed for good conduct throughout history.
8. Sarvá Bhoothá Sám'udoo - Egalitarian ( the belief that all/some people ought to be treated equally)
9. Vidhváns'udoo - Scholar
10. Samarth'udoo - Competent, Proficient
11. Priyadharshanám'udoo - Popular and liked by everyone
12. Aáthmagyani - Self Realisation / Enlightened
13. Jithakrodh'udoo - Conqured one's Temper / anger
14. Kaanthivanth'udoo - Radiancy / Luminance
15. Anasuyak'udoo - Void of Jealousy
16. Apradhrushyá Shourya Vant'udoo - Undefeatable Valour / Courage
I hope everyone tries to move towards achieving the traits / personality and align ourselves with Lord Shri Rama's Characterisms.

Holi ...Through the Colours of Intoxication

So this year as always India goes to celebrate one more holi. As always people apply and splutter various colours on almost everyone they know and yes they don't really know. Like in many places people get drunk in Bhang if not other alcholic beverages. Yes people get cleverly masked in unrecognizable formats where one drinks and lashes out in objectionable manner.The tradition of consuming bhang on holi is particularly rampant in North India where holi itself is celebrated with a gusto unseen anywhere else.
Over the centuries and over the decades the festive spirit of holi slowly deteriorated; it has been hugely corrupted and misused by people. I greatly feel this has been due to an excessively bad influence of bolloywood movies of the 1960s and the 1970s. The Bachan era (Don) bought in a lot of celebrity status to this festival and corrupted it with open indulgence in consumption of narcotics, alcohol and objectionable sexual opportunism and exhibitionism.
Bhang is a very intoxicating drink and is the official drink of Holi. Bhang escalates the spirit of holi - and believed to be a festival which does not recognise any restrictions. Typically buds and leaves of Indian Hemp plant called Cannabis Sativa(Charas/Grass/Hashish) are squashed and ground into a green paste. This is then added to milk, ghee (reduced butter), and spices to create a drink. The drink is accompanied with pakoras, barfi, jalebis, lassi, and kulfi all combined to be called as a Holi Lunch. Cultivation of Cannabis is illegal in many parts of the world including India where its abundantly grown, and there is only a mild social stigma attached to it compared to smoking marijuana outright. The psycho-active component of cannabis preparations is delta 9-TetraHydroCannabinol and not DeHydroCrotinin. Delta 9-THC as it is referred to is prepared from the Indian hemp plant cannabis sativa, a hardy, aromatic annual herb. cannabis is probably the most commonly used illicit drug in the world. The cannabis herb contains other psychoactive components too, but Delta 9-THC is most abundant. The most potent forms of cannabis come from the flowering tops of the plants or from the dried, black-brown, resinous exudate from the leaves referred to as hashish or charas. The stem and leaves of the plant when cut, dried and chopped are then smoked in cigarettes commonly called as "Joints" "Grass" or mixed with milk, sweetmeats and cakes to make "Bhang".
As far as health effects go, Cannabis smoke is a potential cause of Cancer because of presence of similar if not more carcinogenic substances as cigarette smoke. It can also lead to bronchitis. Far more significant are the psychological effects of cannabis. Chronic Cannabis use may precipitate Psychosis in vulnerable individuals and long-term cannabis use may exert subtle effects on memory, attention and the integration of complex information leading to insanity.
It is important that our youth are sensitised to the message that be it "Bhang" or "Charas" or "Grass", they all contain Delta 9-THC in different potencies. And as with all poisons, there is no such thing as too little of it. People might ignore it for a day; people might ignore these facts for pleasure; people might overlook these facts for forgetting pain and displeasure; but in all it hits back some time in life.
I also want to remind that in this festive mood, it is easy for everyone to forget that there is something known as the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in India. Few Indians realise how powerful this act is, with potential for abuse. For example, someone arrested under this act is presumed guilty until proven innocent, which is against normal jurisprudence. Bail can be granted only after a court hearing. Given the Indian judicial system, this can take a few months to many years. Its in all good that one stays away and discourage usage of Bhang or Joints or to that extent alcohol to the fullest extent.
But though Bhang is derived from Cannabis, and is listed under Narcotic substance source; Bhang does not come under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Potency scale of products(2% to 20%) from Cannabis Bhang (Hashish). Extracts from unpollinated female parts of the Cannabis are the most potent of all the forms. Bhang should be elevated into this list as the effects irrespective of potency does have an abuse on the human body. And with laws not monitoring this unorganised production might lead to a fatal case due high potency of Charas black resign presence.
Sources - Web and Paper on Potency of Cannibies

The True Spirit of Holi

We in our modern era and our modern cosmopolitan culture are very fast in keeping in pace with the modern culture and the in-things by conveniently ignoring the core spirit of our Indian festivals. Indian festivals have a strong traditional, cultural heritage and are among the most symbolic in expressions and intent. Over the years and decades the core essence is slowly but forgotten. It is for us to rediscover the true symbolism and true meaning in the festival. A closer look and little thought with some bit of media surfing should reveal the significance of Holi in more ways than that meets the eye.
Mythological Significance

1. Prahalad & Hiranyakshyap - Due to profound devotion of his Son Prahalada, Hiranyakshyap who has been graced by Bramha and hated MahaVishnu; orders extermination of Prahalada in fire. Hiranyakshayap's sister Holika is inturn set ablaze as the devotion in Prahalada protects him from being engulfed in Agni(fire) but Holika pays the price of her price in "Holika Dahaa"
2. From the Shri Krishna era; Lord Krishna is shown applying colours to Radha and other Gopikas. It also states that Holi is the celebration of death of Ogress Pootana who tried to killing infant Krishna by feeding poisonous milk.
3. Another legend of Holi which is extremely popular down South is that of Lord Shiva and Kaamadeva. As per the legend Kaamadeva sacrifices himself by getting incinerated by Rudradeva's Agninetram to break Siva's Samadhi to protect the world from Tarakasur who in turn was killed by Karthikeya swamy son of Parvathy & Siva.

Cultural Significance

Holi is typically a two day festival which leads to a New year Ugaadi. It symbolises destruction of old habits and adaption of new cleaner and austere habits as one steps into a new year. It lets us symbolically leave behind the past of bad and unpleasant feelings and fill ourselves with brightness and colours of new coming year. It prepares us to enter the new Year in a cleansed, Pure and a rejuvenated state.

On the Poornima night the night before Holi; all the people of the society gather for Holika Dahan. People put into the fire Flattened Dried Cow dung cakes, alond with old clothes and old thrash. Sajjana Sangatyam - Social Well being is the motive behind this Dahan.The symbolism behind this one is destroying old things at home is of destroying all the bad and evil we have picked up in our daily lives till that date. Symbolically with burning of old useless and unwanted things we are destroying the poor shades of our past life to start new one. While burning the discarded things of all others from the society; signifies destruction of all Social Taboos and Social evil in the society, where the society proclaims destruction of all things which are bad. Having completed this ritual of Holika dahan individuals and society alike have set ablaze all the social perils and evils [Kama (Lust), Krodha (Rage), Lobha (Greed), Moha (Attachment) and Ahankar (ego) ]; In the same way Lord Shiva destroyed Kamaa we should also be aiming to eliminate all the lust and desire from ourself and aid in universal brotherhood and social well-being. This when achieved will lead way to peace and prosperity to the entire world which is much required in today's world. One also takes Oath on Agni that one is willing to forget and forgive all the previous animosity against others and oneself and promise to be a better person.

On the Second day everyone gets together to smear colours on each other. Everyone comes out to meet and greet everyone friends and enemies alike and exchange colours. This signifies that one after being purified in the Holika Dahan by stripping ourself of all the evil and bad one is pure and Divine. And a person by socialising and applying colours exchange all the Goodness and purity of the other. The more a person socialises the more the good characters and good spirits one is able to attract and adopt. Colours act as an exchange of key characteristics of goodness and well being each colour signifying one key characteristic. Adapting colours in equivalent to inviting and exchanging more goodness to self and others. In other sense it reinstates and realigns all the brotherhood and friendship to set sail for new heights. As Agarbathi wards off bad odour without loosing its characteristic odour in the same fashion it is believed one is inviting others goodness by keeping off evil from this day. One should aim to find the colours of Divine or the colours of Param Athma the Supreme Spirit during this stage. Usage of natural colours like Pasupu(Haldi), Kumkum, Bilvaku, Vibhuti (Ashes), Chanda (sandal) have there own key attributes and attractive potency to retain and store human characterstic traits.

These purpose adds a very different dimension to the festival in all. And I really hope the true spirit is identified and lives on to live on.

Biological Significance

This festival occurs at the onset of spring. As Holi comes at a time of the year when people have a tendency to feel sleepy and lazy. This is natural for the body to experiences some tardiness due to the change from the cold to the heat in the atmosphere. This period, during which the weather changes, is prone to cause viral fever and cold. Thus, the playful throwing of the coloured powders has a medicinal significance as the coloured powders are made of Neem, Kumkum, Haldi, Bilva, and other medicinal herbs prescribed by Ayurveda doctors. Biologists believe the liquid dye or Abeer penetrates the body and enters into the pores. It has the effect of strengthening the ions in the body and adds health and beauty to it. It's also thought that deficiency of a particular colour in our body causes ailment, which can be cured only after supplementing the body with that particular colour.

Another scientific reason for celebrating the Holi, pertains to the tradition of Holika Dahan. The mutation period of winter and spring, induces the growth of bacteria in the atmosphere as well as in the body. When Holika is burnt, temperature rises to about 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Following the tradition when people perform Parikrima (going round) around the fire, the heat from the fire kills the bacteria in the body thus, cleansing it.

However, current Holi colors are chemical concoctions that are in fact toxic and are to be avoided at all costs. There is a movement in Indian metros to make Holi safe again.

So wish you all a Safe, and a Sound Holi.

Shivaratri - Importance & Lingashatakam

Shivaratri unlike many other traditional Hindu festivals doesn't reflect celebrations or fun or new clothes or sweets or well-wishes. One hardly see's a one getting up early and bathing to wear new clothes on this day. The festival may be a bit unpopular because of these mentioned aspects. But Shivratri has upteen religious importance and spiritual austerity attached which the larger population are unaware. And for the ignorant they believe its the birthdate of Shiva which is untrue.
Shivratri festival falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight(a night before amavasya) in the month of Phalgun which pleases Lord Shiva the most. This has been declared by Lord Shiva himself, when Parvati asked him as to which ritual performed by his devotees pleases him the most.
It is said that if a devotee performs sincere worship of Lord Shiva on this auspicious day he/she attains moksha breaking the birth-rebirth cycle.
On this day after having the having a dip in a holy river, one proceeds to Shivabhishekam or the Ritual Bath of Shiva Lingam.
Lord Shiva is worshiped in a special form of Lingam called ‘Lingodabhavamurti or Jyotirlingam.’
Lord Shiva the ParamAtma or the supreme soul is considered to have no form, and endless energy. Shiva manifests in form of Lingam; in the form of fire which has neither a beginning nor an end. It must be noted here that ‘linga’ only means ‘sign.’ And it is merely an attempt to capture the formless of the almighty. It's believed that the first appearance of Jyotirlingam (Somnath) signifies the importance of this day.
As per Shiva Purana one have to use six items for the same.

• Bathing of Shivalinga with water, milk and honey and Sandal/ bel leaves added to it, represents purification of the soul.
• The Ashes paste applied on the linga after the ritual bath represents virtue.
• Offering of fruits symbolizes longevity and gratification of desires.
• Burning of incense sticks yields wealth.
• The lighting of the lamp symbolizes attainment of knowledge.
• Offering of betel leaves marks satisfaction with worldly pleasures.

Devotees take up Upvas (fast) & Jagran on this day.
UpVaas - Is formed by culmination of two words. Up means closer and Vaas means adobe of God. It means being closer to the Supreme Spiritual form, in a state where one forgoes all the earthly body needs including thirst and hunger. One should strive to get close to the supreme self by concentrating on achieving this closeness and discovering the divinity in ourselves. One by not having even a drop of water one in denying the body of all its urges and attempts to divert our concentration and meditative state focussed on the Paramatman.
Jagran - Is is the awakening of the soul to the resonate onself to the frequency of the Supreme soul. One's endevour should be to connect to the almighty and fill ourself with divinity on this day and all days to continue.
All-Night Shiva WorshipWorship of Lord Shiva continues all through the night on Shivaratri Festival. Devotees stay awake all night and spend the night in Shiva temples in worship of Lord Shiva. Singing of hymns and verses in praise and devotion of Lord Shiva besides the intense chanting of Om Namah Shivay, the mantra that is said free people from all their sins, continue through the night on Shivaratri.
The Lingashatkam is culmination of Eight Slokas. And it's believed that whoever recites these eight slokas, in praise of the Shivalinga with the presence of Lord Shiva, with outmost sense of devotion attains that Supreme abode of Shiva and enjoys everlasting bliss with Him
Text One
Brahma Muraari Suraarchita Lingam Nirmala Bhashita Shobhita Lingam Janmaja Dukha Vinaashaka LingamTat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
I always bow to that Shiva Linga, which is adored by Brahma, Vishnu and other Gods, which is praised by pure and holy speeches and which destroys the cycle of births and deaths.
Text Two
Devamuni Pravaraarchita Lingamkaamadaham Karunaakara Lingam Raavana darpa Vinaashaka Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
I always bow to that Shiva Linga, which is the destroyer of desires, which the Devatas and the sages worship, which is infinitely compassionate and which destroyed Raavana's pride.
Text Three
Sarva Sugandha Sulepitha Lingam Buddhi Vivardhana Kaarana Lingam
Siddha Suraasura Vanditha Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
I always bow to that Shiva Linga, which is smeared with variety of perfumes and fragrances, which incremental elevates the wisdom and enkindles the light of discrimination, and before which the Siddhas and Suras(demi-Gods) and Asuras(Demons) prostrate.
Text Four
Kanaka Mahaamani Bhushitha Lingam Phanipathi Veshtitha Shobhitha Lingam
Daksha Suyajna Vinaashaka Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
I always bow to that Shiva Linga, the destroyer of Daksha Prajapathi's sacrifice, which is decorated with Gold and precious jewels and which is coiled by a sparkling glow emiting from Serpent Lord, Naga.
Text Five
Kumkuma Chandana Lepitha Lingampankaja Haara Sushobhitha Lingam
Sanchitha Paapa Vinaashaka Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
I always bow to that Shiva Linga, which is smeared with saffron and sandal paste, which is decorated with garland of lotuses and which wipes out all accumulated sins.
Text Six
Devaganaarchitha Sevitha Lingam Bhaavair Bhakti Bhirevacha Lingam

Dinakara koti prabhakara Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
I always bow to that Shiva Linga, which is worshipped by all of Gods with devotion and outmost faith and whose splendor is like that of a million suns.
Text Seven
Ashta Dalopari Veshtitha Lingam Sarva Samudbhava Kaarana Lingam

Ashta Daridra Vinaashaka Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
I always bow to that Shiva Linga, which stands on the eight petalled Lotus and which is the creator of all and destroyer of eight types of misery & poverty.

Text Eight
Suraguru Suravara Pujitha Lingam Suravana Pushpa Sadaarchitha Lingam

Paraatparam Paramatmaka Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
I always bow to that Shiva Linga, which is the Transcendent Being and the Supreme Soul, worshipped by all Suras and their king (Indra), with innumerable flowers from the celestial gardens.
Text Nine

Lingashtakam, Idam Punyam padeth Shiva Sannidhow,

Shivalokam avapnothi shive na sahamodathe.

Any one who chants the holy octet of the Lingam,In the holy presence of Lord Shiva,Would in the end reach the world of Shiva, And keep him company.

I hope people get to believe in the Supreme Soul (Parmatma) and connect self to Supreme Energy and in this process are enlighted.

My Exploits in making my Marriage DVD cover

Yeah marriage's done, and got the DVD of the entire marriage ceremony, courtesy the videographer who happily editted added special video graphic editorial effects and delivered. As for a person who believes in making professional looking DVDs and for a person who prides on his DVD collection, its all but sub-standard not to have a professionally done DVD of the most important event of my life. So the process of Do-it-yourself started for me. "The DVD project" as I liked to call started out with simple search on google for ready DVD cover titles. Then searched for DVD art, DVD covers for wedding ceremony. Hardly found any. Then a few samples and research on how to design my on DVD decided to design everything from scratch.

Started with a sample wedding card, and used Photo Shop 7 for the entire design. I also used NERO Cover design and Ashampoo, soon realised that Photoshop 7 is worth a try given the options and features especially that of layers, rendering and shadows. Apart from background rendering and stuff. Though I wasn't using Photoshop for the first time my earlier usage of PS was for purpose of copy pasting photos to a larger A3 size canvas for purpose of printing and nothing more. So I did go through a few hours of help from online material and tutorials helped me ease some.

Before starting some bit of effort also went into editing, indexing the entire set of Photographs which where in different internal dates. Used PICASSA, MS Office's Picture Editor, MS Paint to edit, crop, improve and recrop the pictures. While I used EXIF Date changer to change the time of imprinted digital camera data on the photographs.
I used Nero Cover Designer, Ashampoo Cover Studio, and photo shop 7 for cover design. While Nero was used for layout actual design was done in PS. Ashampoo was useful in making a quick desgin in a rapid time. But for designing the entire cover it took me 3 weeks in all incorporating various fonts, font sizes, patterns, photographs, messages etc. Its only but getting into a very detail that the professional look would come for the dvd.

Then for compressing the DVD I used DVD2one and DVD shrink. I extensively used Nero Vision for making the slideshow and I believe it was various easy and convenient too though it had a ap of 100 snaps one could add more just by adding 2 or 3 more session sets to include all. For making DVD menus I tried DVD Lab pro, it has great features but when it came to final composition it failed so had to switch back to Nero Vision and found it quiet fast and convinent compared to DVD Lab pro.

I am still to solve the compilation/burning a DVD player compliant DVD. I found Nero burnt DVDs hardly played on most of non-divx enabled DVD-players. Tried Cheetah burner, Roxio but to no use.








Above is the final cover and CD for the marriage DVD, In all more than a month of effort over the evening and night time, lots of trial and error combined with tons of googling for patterns and relevant mp3 songs. Am proud of this cover for the effort and interest I put into. I released over a dozen of the prints which had DVD-Video and DVD-Photo 2-in-1 copies to our relatives and friends during the 2nd week of Novemeber though origianlly I intended to do it in the 1st week of October. I guess the wait made the DVD watching expereince a worth while....

Ugadi Shubhakankshalu

This new year started with a new hope, new desire and lots of new expectations. Woke up early in the morning before Six, had my bath and off to Laxmi Ganapthi temple for Sivaabhishekam. Though I didn't actually take part in person for the same, I atleast got a chance to supply most of the water required for the Abhishekam. The Abhishekam culminated after 2 hrs at around 8.15am. Then to my Nav pradakhsana, blessings from preists - Bhavani Sharma and Simham. Though I loved Pulihora served in this temple, by the time Abhishekam Prasadam was finished, felt bad as I got to have only a few grains and couldn't carry back any home. Then back home played with the kids while waiting for my Ugadi Prasadam - Ugadi Pachadi. Then quick breakfast with Paravanam and dosas.
Towards afternoon was invited to my cousins place for lunch, where the entire family battalion was waiting. Lots of stuff to choose from, to eat, my lunch went on for unusually long time as I hogged for close to 20minutes. Then time to chill out, went shopping to Koti though it was more of ride than anything else.
Then after that straight to Prasad'z IMAX. Waited at the counter at the window deciding what movie to watch and what not to. Finally we decided not to go ahead for any. Then went in brisked the floors, with some chiks and crowd gazing while headed to the new 4dfx theatre in Prasads. The new theatre adds an additional dimension of feel/touch to increase the movie experience. The seats are movable, they shake, tilt they vibrate. You would also have fire lighting all round the theatre, and siphoned air coming and shooting at us from different locations. A small screen, 3-d cartoon movie of not more than 10 min was screened to an excited crowd which went for a ride in those 10 minutes. Though the experience was anything but awesome the price was pretty steep at 100/- its like we paid 10 bucks per minute of viewing.
Then to game zone, quick racing in Ferrari pit, then raced again against each other followed by a few stupid games. We later realised that it started raining outside so headed out into open, for a long ride alongside the Tankbund making a full circle on the rain trenched stretch, squeezing the throttle to the maximum while the engine struggle to rev pass our excitement. Went through the streets scouting for hot masala bajji joints and to book movie tickets for Jalsa, unfortunately couldn't get the tickets for the same. Came back home completely drenched and wetting the carpets at my cousins place. Then sat down to eat cookies, fryums and some similar khara after quick drying up session. Then started the long gyan sessions, talks and chit-chats then slowly as night started taking over more and more people started leaving for the night. Was the last to move out after the hosts locked the door. Bid goodbye and thanking all for the time. Then headed home then again few more cousins have come. Quick chat goodbye, then as I sat down had a few calls. Special calls to start with, was wildly elated on the same, as had been in middle of interesting and long conversation for over 2 hrs. Special calls for quite many reasons, was such a fun to talk and share. Then toward the midnight a spur of midnight sms was rampant with my cousins talking about the day, as I slowly started to retire for the night.
Fabulous day, had lots of fun and excitement. Tension free was the key, thanks to my special Guardian angel with whom my unwinding and guilt-factor within would have just persisted over.

Christmas Spirit

There is nothing much I adore about Christianity as a religion, but am not here to tell what I don't like or why I don't like rather I wanted to share what I like the most about Christmas.

The most I like about Christmas is the spirit of Christmas and the importane with which its celebrated world-over. Its a season of holidays, get-togethers, families and friends, gifting, parties and yes Carols. Christmas Carols, Santa-claus and gifts and childrens happiness on back of all this is unprecedented. The euphoria and the craziness that engulfs the festive season year on year is amazing. The decorations, the sotcking stuffed gifts its all so magic. I loved the spirit of celebrations and getting together. The movies with all the carols, the kids, the Santa claus, the reindeer, wooww I really love watching all those Christmas movies.

My 3 Favourite Carols

1.12 days of Christmas

2.Jingle Bells

3. We wish you Meery Christmas

A few things I find a bit funny in India,

Its a great season if celebrated with proper christmas spirit and kids. Really would love to be part of that spirit for once.

Merry Christmas to you all.

My Christmas Sprit Level: 40%

You definitely have some Christmas spirit, and you enjoy the holidays as much as the average person. You don't go over the top celebrating, and by December 26th, you're ready to pack away your decorations. You have your own special Christmas traditions, and you tend to pick and choose what you like about Christmas. The holidays are important to you, but you don't let them take over your life.

Do You Have the Christmas Spirit?

You Don't Know Much About Christmas

I only got 3/10 correct So you don't know all of the history and trivia of the holidays... As long as you remember to put out some cookies for Santa, you're still ahead of the game. Random Christmas fact: 7% of mall Santas were found to have a criminal background.

How Much Do You Know About Christmas?