Holika

Holika was the sister of Hiranyakashipu, the king of the demons. His son Prahlad was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. His devotion towards Lord vshnu irritates his father regularly. All his attempt to convince his son failed.Finally he decided to kill him. He ordered his sister, Holika to perform this duty. Holika had a boon that if she wore a piece of special cloth on her head then even a fire could not detroy her. To fulfill her duty she took Prahalad in her lap and wore that special cloth over her head and both sat in the fire. But miracle happened. All of a sudden strong wind started to blew.As a result that protected cloth flew from his head and it fell upon Prahalad’s head. In the absence of that protective cloth she burnt alive and the fire could not able to harm Prahlad .On Holi eve a pyre made of cow dung, representing Holika, is prepared and set fire in special muhurat. This is a legend behind holi. This night is also important for tantric kriyaas.Intrestingly 8 days before holi is considered as “Holashtak” which is considered as malefic period. No auspicious work is done during that period. So, the festival of holi has a lot of meanings