Varuni Drink

During the churning of ocean a divine drink called "Varuni" was also produced. This was  the honey based   drink.   Once Lord Balram when drank it had exhilarating experience and had a moment of bliss . It became the favorite beverage of Lord Balram. Some text even considered as 'medium of transcedent wisdom'. Even today it is offered as prasadam to Lord Balram.

Following are the ingredients while preparing 'Varuni' drink.

1)Milk

2)Yogurt

3)Cream

4)Honey

5)White Sugar

6)Rose water

The Story of Garlic

During the war between demons and gods for the divine nectar, one of the demon manage to steal the pot of nectar(amrit). At this crunch time when gods were on the verge of defeat, Lord Vishnu appeared and killed that demon with his divine weapon "Sudrashan Chakra" which cuts his head . But that demon had drank nector and by the time he was killed the nectar had reached till his throat. As the blood drops from his body fell on his ground , at the same place a strange plant grew up, which was a garlic plant. This plant acquired two strange properties. Due to effect of nectar , garlic has a lot of medicinal value and it is considered as very good from health's point of view. On the other hand , due to demonic influence , it has a very negative effect on our psychological health and thought process. This is the reason the use of garlic is prohibited during pooja ceremony due to its negative effect(Taamsik energy) on contrary to pooja which has positive effect(saatwik energy). Still it is believe that a person who ate garlic/onion in previous 6 months before his death does not get salvation!!

Previous Birth of Ravana

Lord Brahma created 4 sons from the power of his mind. They were called as "Sankadi". Once they decided to met Lord Vishnu at his abode. The abode of Lord Vishnu had 7 gates. The successfully cleared the six gates, but when the came across the last 7th gate, they were stopped by the two gate keepers, Jaya and Vijaya. They did not allowed them to enter the abode of Lord Vishnu. After a long debate the ,four saints, Sankadis were upset and cursed Jaya and Vijaya for their arrogance that the two would be reborn as demon on earth for hundred births. Jaya and Vijaya prayed Lord Vishnu for intervention to have mercy. But it was too late . On seeing Lord Vishnu, the 4 saints agreed to mitigate the curse. So instead of 100 births, they reduced the curse for three births. In the first birth Jaya and Vijaya were born as Hiranyaksha and Hirankshyapa. In the second birth they born as Ravana and Kumbhakarana and in the final birth as Dantavakra and Shishupal. In all the births they were liberated by Lord Vishnu.

Akshay Navami

In the Kaartik month,shukla Paksha and Ashtmi tithi is considere best for charity.Many legends are associated with this day. It is believe that on this day
1) Surya Dev(the Sun God) worshiped goddess Durga to acquire its properties because of which he is lighting the whole world.
2) Bharat met Lord Rama after 14 years.
3) It is considered auspicious to eat food under the Amla tree.this ritual is associated with good health.
4) Satya yug also began on this day.
5) The amla fruit is considered as divine fruit of Lord Vishnu.This is the ripening time of this fruit.
6) Amla tree is manifistation of goddess Lakshmi.

The Legend behind Gop Ashtami

Gop Ashtami is celebrated on Kaartik month, Shukla Astami tithi. This is very important festival dedicated to Lod Krishna. According to legend when Indra, the chief of gods accepted defeat from the hands of lord Krishna, his pride was shattered,he along with his divine cow  'Surbhi' came to Lord Krishna to worship him. He understood the divine powers of Krishna. Even the Nanda, the foster father of Krishna witnessed this miracle. To bless his son , he allowed him to become  the independent cowherd. Previously Lord Krishna only looked after calves. For the first time on this day he came to Vrindavan  with a cow.He also got the title of "Govinda(king of cows)" today.
This day is celebrated in Vrindavan and Mathura with utmost faith.It is believe that in cow all the deties dwell. So cow worship on this day is very auspicious.Cowsheds are decorated and special food is offered to cow.Offerings  in the form of kind or food is to be given to cowherds also which is a custom.