Shri Krishna Vrundavana, North Carolina

Yesterday, Friday we visited the Shri Krishna Vrundavana temple in North Carolina. It is about 25 minutes from my Daughters home. We were visiting her due to Thanksgiving holidays here in the USA.

The temple is around 150 steps from the Shree Venkateswara temple in Cary, NC. We always visited the Shree Venkateswara temple, and now to walk a few steps and visit our Lord Almighty Krishna, Shree Mukyaprana Devaru and beloved Rayaru is amazing.

His Holiness Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Puthige Mutt, Udupi, has established a chain of Sri  Krishna Vrundavanas in USA with idols of Lord Sri Krishna and Sri Mukhyaprana and the Brindavana of Sri Rayaru. We have actually visited the temples in Canada, New Jersey, Arizona and now North Carolina.

With the permission from the priest, who is from Udupi and knew all the priests from our Maryland temple, I clicked a few pictures to share with you all.

Attached below are some pictures from the temple.

Idols of Lord Sri Krishna and Sri Mukhyaprana and the Brindavana of Sri Raghavendra Swamiji.

Lord KrishnaSri Mukhyaprana Devaru

ShreeRaghavendra Gurugalu

According to the temple website “On Sunday, October 25th  2020, the idols of Lord Sri Krishna and Sri Mukhyaprana and the brundavana of Sri Raghavendra were installed at an auspicious muhurta and  panchamrutha abhisheka and kalashabhisheka were performed by Puthige Swamiji. In his benedictory speech, Puthige Swamiji said there is a link between the number eight and Lord Krishna, the eighth child of Devaki and the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu who incarnated on Ashtami. The number eight is dear to Lord Krishna. So, he was pleased and moved by the devotion shown by the people of Raleigh and chose Raleigh as His eighth branch in the USA.”

Attached is the link for the temple website.

https://skvnc.org/temple/

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Dwadashanama Stotra

This powerful stotra with 12 names Dwadasha Nama of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha helps destroy all sins.  He will come help us at the right time, just like he came for Bhaktha Praladha.

Hope you all can recite during Guru Pushya Yoga tomorrow.

|| ಶ್ರೀ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀನೃಸಿಂಹ ದ್ವಾದಶನಾಮ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರ ||

|| Shree LakshmiNarasimha DwadashaNama Stotra||

ಅಸ್ಯ ಶ್ರೀ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀನೃಸಿಂಹ ದ್ವಾದಶನಾಮ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರ ಮಹಾ ಮಂತ್ರಸ್ಯ

ವೇದವ್ಯಾಸೋ ಭಗವಾನ್ ಋಷಿ ಅನುಷ್ಟಪ್ ಛಂದಃ

ಶ್ರೀ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀನೃಸಿಂಹೋ ದೇವತಾ, ಶ್ರೀ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀನೃಸಿಂಹ ಪ್ರೀತ್ಯರ್ಥೇ ಜಪೇ ವಿನಿಯೋಗಃ ||

asya Shree LakshmiNarasimha DwadashaNama Stotra Maha Mantrasya

Vedavyasao Bhagavan Rushihi Anustupchandah

Shree LakshmiNarasimha devatha Shree LakshmiNarasimha prityarte jape viniyogaha ||

ಸ್ತೋತ್ರ Stotra

ಪ್ರಥಮಂ ತು ಮಹಾಜ್ವಾಲೋ ದ್ವಿತೀಯಂ ತೂ ಉಗ್ರ ಕೇಸರೀ |
ತೃತೀಯಂ ವಜ್ರ ದಂಷ್ಟ್ರಶ್ಚ ಚತುರ್ಥಂ ತು ವಿಶಾರದಃ ||

Prathamam thu Mahaajwalo dweetheeyam thu ugra kesari|
Threetheeyam Vajra damshtro Chathurtho thu Visharadha ||

ಪಂಚಮಂ ನಾರಸಿಂಹಶ್ಚ ಷಷ್ಠಃ ಕಶ್ಯಪಮರ್ದನಃ |
ಸಪ್ತಮೋ ಯಾತು ಹಂತಾ ಚ ಅಷ್ಟಮೋ ದೇವ ವಲ್ಲಭಃ ||

Panchamam Narasimhascha Shashta Kasyapamardhanaha
Sapthamo yathu hantha cha Ashtamo Deva vallabha ||

ನವ  ಪ್ರಹ್ಲಾದ ವರದೋ ದಶಮೋ ಅನಂತ ಹಂತಕಃ |
ಏಕದಶೋ ಮಹಾರುದ್ರಃ ದ್ವಾದಶೋ ದಾರುಣಸ್ತಥಾ ||

Nava Prahaladha Varadho  dashamo Anantha hasthaka |
Ekadaso Maharudraha  Dwadhaso dharunasthadha ||

ದ್ವಾದಶೈತಾನಿ ನಾಮಾನಿ ನೃಸಿಂಹಸ್ಯ ಮಹಾತ್ಮನಃ |
ಮಂತ್ರರಾಜ ಇತಿಜ್ಞಾತಂ ಸರ್ವಪಾಪವಿನಾಶನಮ್ ||

Dwadhashaytani namani Nrusimhasya Mahathmanaha |
Manthraraja ithijnatham Sarvapapavinashanam ||

ಕ್ಷಯಾಪಸ್ಮಾರ ಕುಷ್ಠಾದಿ ತಾಪಜ್ವರ ನಿವಾರಣಮ್ |
ರಾಜದ್ವಾರೇ ಮಹಾಘೋರೇ ಸಂಗ್ರಾಮೇ ಚ ಜಲಾಂತರೇ ||

Kshayapasmara kushtadhi  thapajwara nivaranam |
Rajadhware Mahaghore sangrame cha Jalanthare ||

ಗಿರಿಗಹ್ವಾರ ಆರಣ್ಯೇ ವ್ಯಾಘ್ರಚೋರಾಮಯಾದಿಷು |
ರಣೇ ಚ ಮರಣೇ ಚೈವ ಶಮದಂ ಪರಮಂ ಶುಭಮ್ ||

Girigavhara aaranye Vyagrachoramayadishu |
Rane cha marane chaiva shamadham paramam Shubham ||

ಶತಮಾವರ್ತಯೇದ್ಯಸ್ತು ಮುಚ್ಯತೇ ವ್ಯಾಧಿಬಂಧನಾತ್ |
ಆವರ್ತಯೇತ್ಸ ಸಹಸ್ರಂತು ಲಭತೇ ವಾಂಛಿತಂ ಫಲಮ್ ||

Sathamaavarthayedhyasthu muchyathe Vyadhibhandanath |
Aavarthayestu sahasramthu labhathe Vanchitham phalam ||

|| ಇತಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀನೃಸಿಂಹ ದ್ವಾದಶನಾಮ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣಂ ||

|| Iti Shree Lakshminarasimha Dwadashanama Stotra Sampurnam ||

Pushya Nakshatra and Thursday – November 25th 2021

The above picture is Today’s alankara at Mantralaya November 24th 2021.

The common interpretation of Pushyaarka Yoga is the combination of Pushya Nakshatra and Thursday or Sunday.This common interpretation is when moon entering Pushya nakshatra on Thursday  or Sunday is PushyArka yoga .

November 25th 2021 is Pushya Nakshatra and Thursday. I saw calendars in both India and USA have the Nakshatra. 

Raghavendra Mutta says “On this Holy day one should Recite or Chant Guru Stotra ( Raghavendra Stotra)s, Singing songs will bring happiness and prosperity in your life.”

The significance of this day is also mentioned in Rayara Stotra – 27th Stanza.

Anyone who recites this holy Sri Raghavendra Stotram 108 times with intense devotion, on the occasion of solar/lunar eclipse or the combination of Sunday with the star Pushya, will be relieved of all evil influence, e.g., haunting etc. (27)

You can find more details about this great day below in the link:

• http://www.raghavendramutt.org/stories/significance-pushya-arka-yoga

To find lyrics on Rayaru, please visit this page:

• Sree Raghavendra Swamy

The Raghavendra Stotra to be recited is posted here:

Shri Raghavendra Stotra or Shri Poornabhodha Stotra Lyrics/

When Rayaru gave moksha to Kanaka

Today is Kanaka Dasara Aaradhane.

There are several songs composed by the ankita Kagineleyadi keshava. Some posted in this blog are:

1. Keshava Nama
2. Ishtu Dina Ee Vaikunta
3. Dimbadalliruva Jeeva Song Lyrics

Thought of sharing an interesting article from my Brother’s blog. All credit to B.S. Ramesh.

Well, this incident happened in Hampi or Vijayanagar sometime in the early years of the 16^th Century.

Hampi was one of the greats cities of its time and its fame had spread far and wide. Foreign travelers and historians made a beeline to Hampi and went into raptures describing the beauty of the city.

The glory of Hampi  was not only due to the deeds of the Vijayanagar Emperors but also due to the unmatched growth in art, literature, religion and philosophy.

One of the shining lights of the Vijayanagar period Was Vyasa Raja or Vyasa Theertha. Almost all the foreign travelers such as Nuniz, Domingo Peas and even Razak have spoken glowingly of this seer and his achievements.

Vyasa Raja had gathered a galaxy of shishyas each outdoing the other. Some of the Shiashyas were Vijendra Theertha, Sudhindra Theertha, Vadiraja Theertha, Purandara Dasa, Kanaka Dasa, Vaikunta Dasa and many others.

If Purandara was the master of Carnatic music, Vadiraja Theertha was God personified. Vijendra Theertha was an embodiment of  the 64 arts.

Many of the disciples, including the above mentioned greats met Vyasa Theertha, also called Vyasa Raja or Vyasa Raya at Hampi.

On one particular occasion, Vysaa Raja asked all his disciples to get together. The meeting took place at the Vijayanagar Vishwa Vidyalaya, of which Vyasa Raja was the Chancellor.

Even as the gathering watched, Vyasa Raja called all the three-Vadiraja Theertha, Purandara Dasa, Kanaka Dasa- and discussed some aspects of the shastras and Vedas with them. The gathering was spell bound as they realized that they had in their midst four persons who had seen Sri Hari with their own eyes.  

It was then Vyasa Raja revealed a side he had never before shown anybody. Turning to Vadiraja Theertha, he said you will continue to live for many more years. (Vadiraja Theetha outlived Vyasa Raja and entered Brindavana only in 1600. By the way, Vyasa Raja entered Brindavana in 1539).

He then spoke lovingly to Purandara his favourite disciple. He said, Purandara you shall live longer than me but you have sic more births to go before attaining Moksha.

Vyasa Raja then astonished the gathering by telling Kanaka Dasa that he would meet him in the next birth. Vyasa Raja had given the Ankita Nama Kanaka to Thimappa Nayaka.

This was the first indication that Vyasa Raja gave to his devotees about his coming avatar as Raghavendra Swamy.

Vyasa Raja passed away in 1539 and took rebirth as Raghavendra Swamy in 1571.

By then, Purandara had died (in 1564 in Hampi) and Vadiraja Theertha was staying at Sode near Sirsi.  Kanaka Dasa was wandering around Karnataka and other places singing the glory of Hari. He died in 1609.

Raghavendra Swamy once came to Bellary and stayed at a Hanuman Temple on the banks of the Tungabhadra. Rayarui went to the river and had a bath. He then was about to enter the temple for performing the Moola Rama pooje when he noticed a person belonging to a lower caste standing nearby..

Rayaru looked at the person and spoke as if he had known him all his life.

“What, Kanaka. How are you. What are you doing here”, asked Rayaru.

The person called Kanaka relied. “I am as you see me. We meet again. I do not want to live anymore. I should be allowed to leave.”

Rayaru smiled at the answer and retorted, “If so what will you offer to my lord”.

The person said he would bring something and vanished from the place. He came back and gave a packet to Rayaru. The packet has mustard seeds, he said.

Rayaru did not say anything but handed over the packet to the cook and asked him to use it for the day’s cooking. This astonished everybody present there as it was Chaturmasa (October to January) and mustard seeds were Nishida or banned.

All the while, the person sat outside the temple watching the proceedings. When Rayaru finished the Moola Rama Pooje, he turned towards the person who then burst into a melodious song praising Moola Rama.

The moment the song ended. The person gave up his life and fell down dead. Even as the other devotees stood around the body anxiously, Rayaru did not show any emotion. Instead, he smiled and said,  “You have attained salvation or Moksha. Peace be with you.”

The perplexed devotes did not understand. It was then some persons in the matha where Rayaru was staying confirmed that Rayaru was Vyasa Theertha in his previous birth and he had just met Kanaka Dasa as a low caste person and helped him attain Moksha.

One of the eye witnesses to this entire episode was Krishna Swamy, a businessman.

Vyasa Raja had ruled over the Dharmic kingdom of Vijayanagar. However, Vijayanagar was shattered after the battle of Talikota in 1565. When Raghavendra Swamy visited Hampi, Nava Brindavana and Hospet, the Vijayanagar empire had practically vanished from the scene and all he saw was utter ruin and desolation.

Yet, not for a moment or even a day did Raghavendra Swamy allude to his glories during his past incarnation as Vyasa Raja. The only physical evidence he gave to his disciples was when he sat and meditated in front of the Brindavana of Vyasa Raja in Nava Brindavana.

The devotees could not contain their curiosity and some among them wanted to know why the venerable Vyasa was visible only to their Guru. It was then Raghavendra revealed that he was born as Vyasa Raja in his previous incarnation and he was only speaking to him.

Uthwana Dwadashi/Tulasi Habba – November 15th/16th 2021

ತುಲಸೀ ಹಬ್ಬವಿವಾಹ ಉತ್ವಾನ ದ್ವಾದಶಿ – Uthwana Dwadashi/Tulasi Habba – November 15th Monday in USA and November 16th  Tuesday in India.
Last year’s pictures:

 

Close up of our little Tulasi Plant:

Uthwana Dwadashi – Tulasi Habba or Tulasi Pooje is celebrated a fortnight after Deepavali. It signifies the day Tulasi married Lord Vishnu. On this day, Tulasi katte is decorated like a bride. Amla trees are planted along with the tulsi plant.

Pooje to be done in the evening.

What’s Tulasi?

In most Hindu homes, you find a Tulasi plant growing out of a Tulasi katte . Tulasi is considered to be a holy plant and is worshiped every morning. Tulasi has medicinal value and is often used as a herb in curing the common cold and cough.

So what’s Tulasi Habba?
Tulasi came out of the ocean during Amrita Manthan as a younger sister of Lakshmi. She too was devoted to Lord Vishnu and wanted to marry him. But Lakshmi who was already married to him did not like the idea and cursed her to become a plant. Thus the tulasi plant was born. But the all merciful Lord Vishnu took pity and fulfilling her wish declared that when he will be in the form of a saligrama, found in most temples and madhwa houses, she will remain close to him in the form of a tulasi leaf. Therefore even today a saligrama will have a tulsi leaf along with it. In front of every Hindu home there will be a tulasi katte in which a plant grows round the year.
Although the prayers are offered to Tulasi everyday by watering the plant in the morning and lighting an oil lamp before it in the evening, on Kartik Shukla Dwadashi there will be an annual Tulasi Pooja in the evening when the tulasi katte will be beautifully decorated with clay lamps.

Attached below is a screen shot of the Tulasi Vivaha Slokas and Procedure as printed in the Uttaradi Matta Panchanga. If you click on the image a bigger picture will display which has the words very very clear.

Here is the link for all the Tulasi slokas at this weblog.

1. Slokas

2. Daily Tulasi Pooja Procedure

3. Tulasi Sankeerthaney Lyrics and Audio

4. Devaranama on Tulasi – ಒಲ್ಲನೋ ಹರಿ ಕೊಳ್ಳನೋ

5. Vrundavanadevi Namo Namo Lyrics

6. Tulasi Pooje Songs

Deepavali – November 2nd – 5th 2021

 Deepavali dates – 2021

P.S: Please check dates in your country. The below are dates in USA.

This year Deepavali is celebrated from November 2th – 5th

November 2nd Tuesday– Neeru Thumbuva Habba

November 3rd Wednesday– Naraka Chaturdasi

November 4h Thursday- Lakshmi Pooja

November 5th Friday- Bali Padyami

The word originated from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali” which means “rows of light”. This 5 day long Hindu festival is celebrated throughout the world with great enthusiasm and happiness. Deepavali is the festival signifying the victory of good against evil.

It usually occurs in October/November, and is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals in India and all over the world. Deepavali comes 3 weeks after Dasara.

November 2nd Tuesday – Neeru Thumbuva Habba

The first day of Deepavali celebrations i.e. on Thrayodasi ತ್ರಯೋದಶಿ is called as Neeru Thumbuva Habba ನೀರು ತುಂಬುವ ಹಬ್ಬ in Kannada. This day all the vessels which are used to fill or collect water are cleaned in the evening, decorated with mango leaves, flowers, and rangoli. I remember all the water geysers and boilers were washed, filled with fresh water and rangoli drawn on them this day.

The rangoli prepared is by soaking rice in water for a few hours and grinding the same into a smooth paste. My Mom used to take a piece of cloth, dip it into this rice paste and draw Rangoli every where from the front door to the kitchen. All corners of the house used to have rangoli, which used to be as white as milk. Just amazing.

Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated on the second day of diwali celebrations. People wake up early in the morning apply the kumkum (ladies in the household do the arathi), on their foreheads and then take bath.

We used to all sit on a platform, usually called a Mane which is decorated with Rangoli designs, lamps lit on both sides. Everyone is applied Kumkum on the forehead, given betel leaf, nut, and arathi is done by elderly ladies in the house. They will take the oil cup and dip a flower  in it and apply it on everyones head. And the man are supposed to give money for the ladies doing the Aarathi. Such a nice tradition, isn’t it?

The story goes that Narakasura the daemon ruler of Pragjyotishpur after defeating Lord Indra had snatched away the magnificent earrings of Aditi, the Mother Goddess and imprisoned 16,000 daughters of the gods and saints in his harem. On the day previous to Naraka-chaturdashi, Lord Krishna killed the demon and liberated the imprisoned daughters and also recovered those precious earrings of Aditi. As a symbol of that victory Lord Krishna smeared his forehead with the demon’s blood and returned home in the very early morning of the Naraka-chaturdashi 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.

Another legend is about King Bali. His power and increasing influence posed a threat to the security of all ‘Devatas’ so they prayed Lord Vishnu to help them out. To help Devatas and to curb King Bali’s powers Lord Vishnu went to King Bali in the guise of a short-height ‘Brahmin’, and begged to give him only that much area of land that he could cover with in three steps because King Bali was well known for his philanthropy. King Bali saw just a short-height ‘Brahmin’ asking for a little piece of land so he proudly granted him his wish. That very moment that short-height ‘Brahmin’ disappeared and there was almighty Lord Vishnu in place of him. In his first step Lord Vishnu covered the heaven and in the second step the earth and asked King Bali where to put his third step. Then King Bali offered his head to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu put his third step on his head and pushed him deep into the underground. But at the same time being impressed by his generosity Lord Vishnu gave King Bali the lamp of knowledge and allowed him to return to earth once a year to light millions of lamps.

The third day of Diwali is the most important day during which we perform Lakshmi Pooje; to the Goddess Lakshmi. Lakshmi Pooje falls on the dark night of Amavasya. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening to seek blessings of Goddess of Wealth.

I am sure you all will do the Lakshmi Pooje, and get her blessings. The most important song we sing while performing Lakshmi Pooje is Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma song.

The fourth day of Deepavali is called “Bali Padyami“. Bali would come out of Pathala Loka and rule Bhuloka as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is known as ‘Bali Padyami’.

What is Naraka Chaturdashi?

November 3rd Wednesday – Naraka Chaturdasi

Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated on the second day of Deepavali celebrations. People wake up early in the morning apply the kumkum (ladies in the household do the arathi), on their foreheads and then take bath.

The story goes that Narakasura the daemon ruler of Pragjyotishpur after defeating Lord Indra had snatched away the magnificent earrings of Aditi, the Mother Goddess and imprisoned 16,000 daughters of the gods and saints in his harem. On the day previous to Naraka-chaturdashi, Lord Krishna killed the demon and liberated the imprisoned daughters and also recovered those precious earrings of Aditi. As a symbol of that victory Lord Krishna smeared his forehead with the demon’s blood and returned home in the very early morning of the Naraka-chaturdashi 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.

Another legend is about King Bali. His power and increasing influence posed a threat to the security of all ‘Devatas’ so they prayed Lord Vishnu to help them out. To help Devatas and to curb King Bali’s powers Lord Vishnu went to King Bali in the guise of a short-height ‘Brahmin’, and begged to give him only that much area of land that he could cover with in three steps because King Bali was well known for his philanthropy. King Bali saw just a short-height ‘Brahmin’ asking for a little piece of land so he proudly granted him his wish. That very moment that short-height ‘Brahmin’ disappeared and there was almighty Lord Vishnu in place of him. In his first step Lord Vishnu covered the heaven and in the second step the earth and asked King Bali where to put his third step. Then King Bali offered his head to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu put his third step on his head and pushed him deep into the underground. But at the same time being impressed by his generosity Lord Vishnu gave King Bali the lamp of knowledge and allowed him to return to earth once a year to light millions of lamps.

November 4th Thursday – Lakshmi Pooja

P.S: Past few years pooja pictures attached below….

The third day of Deepavali is the most important day during which we perform Lakshmi Pooje; to the Goddess Lakshmi. Lakshmi Pooje falls on the dark night of Amavasya. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening to seek blessings of Goddess of Wealth.

I am sure you all will do the Lakshmi Pooje, and get her blessings. The most important song we sing while performing Lakshmi Pooje is Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma song.

Some useful links for Lakshmi Pooja:

• Lakshmi Pooja Vidhana
• Lyrics on Goddess Lakshmi

November 5th Friday – Bali Padyami

The fourth day of Deepavali is called “Bali Padyami“. Bali would come out of Pathala Loka  ಪಾತಾಳ ಲೋಕ and rule Bhuloka ಭೂಲೋಕ as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is known as ‘Bali Padyami’.

King Bali of the netherworld, with his mighty power, had become a threat to the gods. To curb his powers, Lord Vishnu in the guise of a Brahmin boy (Vamana), visited him and begged for that much land he could cover with three footsteps.

So, with the first step, Vamana covered the entire heaven and with the second step the earth. When he asked Bali where he could keep his third step, Bali offered his head and put the Lord’s foot on his head. Lord Vishnu banishes Bali into the Pathala (nether land) by his third stride. Later, pleased by his generosity, Lord Vishnu grants him a boon to return to earth once in a year to light millions of lamps to dispel the darkness and ignorance and spread the radiance of love and wisdom.

Links to songs sung while performing Aarathi during Diwali.

Diwali Songs Part 1

Diwali Songs Part2

Dishes to be prepared for Diwali

Rangoli for Diwali

Goddess Lakshmi Songs

Rangoli For Lakshmi Pooja

Chandi Homa at SSVT, Maryland

Having several temples at driving distance is truly amazing. Shree Shiva Vishnu Temple in Maryland is just around 12 miles from our house. We visit the temple on all important occasions. The deities, the vibrations at the temple brings such calmness to our mind when we visit.

Today morning, we visited the temple since they were performing Chandi homa on the occasion of Navarathri. We had given for special pooje, so were extremely blessed to be part of the homa. Especially during the time of poornahuti, the items offered to Goddess Durga was mesmerizing. The priests reciting the vedas takes us to a different world altogether.

And to watch the Abhisheka for Goddess Durga, and later Alankara was stunning.

The temple also had, amazing decorations of dolls and had adorned Goddess with 108 sarees. If you are in and around Maryland, plan a visit to the temple in the next few days.

Temple website : ssvt.org

Some pictures I am sharing.

Dasara Important Dates – 2021

Hope you all are having a wonderful Navarathri Dasara Festival.

According to calendars dates are different in India and USA.

USA Dates below:

October 11th – Saraswathi Avahana

October 12th – Saraswathi Pooja

October 13th – Durgastami

October 14th – Maha Navami – Ayoodha Pooja – Vijaya Dashami

India Dates below:

October 12th – Saraswathi Avahana

October 13th – Saraswathi Pooja and Durgastami

October 14th – Maha Navami – Ayoodha Pooja

October 15th – Vijaya Dashami

Some pictures from my home.

Dasara – Navarathri – October 6/7th – October 14/15th 2021

Dasara is celebrated all over India as a religious as well as a social festival. Nava means nine and rathri means night and so Navarathri means nine nights. Some call it as Navarathri, some as Vijaya Dashami, and some as Dussehra. Doesn’t matter what you call, does it?

This year Dasara is celebrated from October 6th  October 14th 2021 in USA and October 7th October 15th 2021 in India. Please check the dates in the country you are residing.

From day one of the festival, it is customary to keep a Kalasha (ಕಲಶ), this is filled with water(ನೀರು) and 4 betel leaves(ವೀಳೆದೆಲೇ) are arranged as shown below in the pictures.Apply Haldi (ಆರಿಶಿನ) , Kumkum(ಕುಂಕುಮ), and flowers, gejje vastra (ಗೆಜ್ಜೆ ವಸ್ತ್ರ) as shown again. This Kalasha is kept in front of the Pattada Gombe (ಪಟ್ಟದ ಗೊಂಬೆ) which is given during the marriage to the bride. This ಪಟ್ಟದ ಗೊಂಬೆ signifies Lord Srinivasa and Goddess Padmavathi. Again, see pictures below. These ಪಟ್ಟದ ಗೊಂಬೆ are decorated with different jewelery, crown, bangles, dresses every few years.

If you are keeping an elaborate Gombe (Dolls), than the Kalasha and the Pattada Bombe are placed on the top shelf. And all other arrangements follow next.

Even though all the 10 days and nine nights are important, there are a few major days where pooja is done with great devotion and pomp.

Devotional Songs for Dasara:

• Lyrics on Lord Sreenivasa

• Lyrics on Goddess Lakshmi

Dasara Pictures around the world:

• Dasara Pictures

Food Prepared during Dasara

• Authentic Madhwa Dishes

• Sweet Dosa for Saraswati Pooja

Other links posted on the blog:

• Navaratri-Dussera in Brief

• Amazing Rangoli of Shri Madhwacharya

• Dasara Celebration – Iskcon Temple in DC

• Amazing Rangoli for Dasara from Smt. Padmini

• 2009 Dasara Festival at my Sister’s Place

• Rangoli Designs for Dasara

Tower Idlis or Cup Idlis

What’s in the shape you may say? But, honestly the different types of Idlis you prepare taste differently with different sizes and shapes. The same Idli batter when done in normal idli plate versus plate idli the taste is completely different. I can attest to this because we make Plate or Tatte idli for Lord Ganesha festival and it truly tastes divine. And the batter we use is the same.

Today, with the Idli batter we had, my Husband surprised me with these Tower Idli’s. When he brought the small steel coffee glasses from the stack of steel utensils we had, I thought it was for drinking small amounts of coffee rather than using the oversized coffee mugs we use here in the USA.

When I came back to the kitchen after several meetings, I saw Tower Idlis ready to be eaten. He used two different steel tumblers for making the Idlis. If you have small size steel glasses or tumblers try this new type of Idlis.

And having those on plantain leaf was just too delicious. With a dollop of ghee on those piping hot idlis and yummy sambhar what’s to not like these idli’s right?