बर्तन

गोरखनाथ के जीवन से सम्बंधित एक रोचक कथा इस प्रकार है- एक राजा की प्रिय रानी का स्वर्गवास हो गया। शोक के मारे राजा का बुरा हाल था। जीने की उसकी इच्छा ही समाप्त हो गई। वह भी रानी की चिता में जलने की तैयारी करने लगा। लोग समझा-बुझाकर थक गए पर वह किसी की बात सुनने को तैयार नहीं था। इतने में वहां गुरु गोरखनाथ आए। आते ही उन्होंने अपनी हांडी नीचे पटक दी और जोर-जोर से रोने लग गए। राजा को बहुत आश्चर्य हुआ। उसने सोचा कि वह तो अपनी रानी के लिए रो रहा है, पर गोरखनाथ जी क्यों रो रहे हैं। उसने गोरखनाथ के पास आकर पूछा, 'महाराज, आप क्यों रो रहे हैं?' गोरखनाथ ने उसी तरह रोते हुए कहा, 'क्या करूं? मेरा सर्वनाश हो गया। मेरी हांडी टूट गई है। मैं इसी में भिक्षा मांगकर खाता था। हांडी रे हांडी।' इस पर राजा ने कहा, 'हांडी टूट गई तो इसमें रोने की क्या बात है? ये तो मिट्टी के बर्तन हैं। साधु होकर आप इसकी इतनी चिंता करते हैं।' गोरखनाथ बोले, 'तुम मुझे समझा रहे हो। मैं तो रोकर काम चला रहा हूं तुम तो मरने के लिए तैयार बैठे हो।' गोरखनाथ की बात का आशय समझकर राजा ने जान देने का विचार त्याग दिया।

द्रोणगिरि देवता

धार्मिक रूप से किसी भी भगवान् को दोष  देना अपराध सामान है। परंतु उत्तराखंड के एक विशेष क्षेत्र के लोग आज भी इस सजा से नहीं डरते। चमोली जिले का द्रोणागिरी गांव हनुमानजी से आज तक नाराज है। उन्हें मलाल है कि लक्ष्मण को बचाने के लिए संजीवनी की तलाश में आए पवन पुत्र जड़ी बूटी के बजाय द्रोणागिरी पर्वत का एक हिस्सा लेकर ही लंका चले गए। ऐसी मान्यता है की द्रोणागिरी इस गाँव के पर्वत देवता है । और जो हिस्सा हनुमान जी उठा कर ले गए थे वो उन पर्वत देवता का दाहिना कंधा था। आज भी पर्वत देवता को कंधे का दर्द महसूस होता है ऐसा लोगों का मानना है।यहाँ के लोग अपने देवता के दर्द निवारण हेतु द्रोणगिरि पर्वत को ही पूजा करते है।और उस पूजा में स्त्रियों का रहना वर्जित है क्योंकि इस क्षेत्र में हनुमान जी भटक गए थे तब एक स्त्री ने ही द्रोणगिरि जाने का मार्ग बताया था।आज भी यहाँ राम लीला का मंचन नहीं होता।  गांव में मान्यता है कि रामलीला के मंचन से कुछ न कुछ अशुभ अवश्य होता है। यह "विश्वास" इस कदर गहरा है कि उन्हें लगता है कि यदि हनुमान का नाम भी लिया तो पर्वत देवता अवश्य दंड देंगे।







Compiled and Edited by Mrs. Rashmi ji

विश्वास

वृन्दावन की एक गोपी हर रोज़ दही बेचने मथुरा जाती थी।  एक दिन व्रज में एक संत आये. फलस्वरूप गोपी भी कथा  सुनने गयी.  संत कथा में कह रहे थे की भगवान नाम की बहुत महिमा है. उन का स्मरण मात्र से ही मनुष्य भवसागर पार कर जाता है. अगले दिन जब गोपी दूध बेचने जा रही थी तो उसे संत की बात याद आ गयी।  उसे हर रोज़ की भाँती यमुना पार करनी थी।  उस ने सोचा की जब भगवान के नाम के स्मरण मात्र से भाव सागर पार हो सकता है तो क्या यह छोटी सी नदी पार नहीं हो सकती।  उस ने सोचा की आज वो नदी प्रभु को स्मरण करते हुए ही पार करेगी इस से उस के नाव के पैसे भी बच जाएंगे।  उस ने भगवान का नाम ले कर नदी पर पाँव रखा।  उसे ऐसा लगा मानो वो धरती पर चल रही हो. इस प्रकार उसने नदी पार कर  ली।  वो इस चमत्कार से बहुत प्रसन्न हुई. अब यह सिलसिला हर रोज़ चलने लगा।  एक दिन संत गोपी के घर पधारे।  गोपी ने संत का धन्यवाद किया और कहा की आप के बताये हुए सुझाव  से मैँ  नदी बिना पैसो के चल कर पार   कर लेती हूँ.  संत को संदेह  हुआ।  उन्होंने कहा की आज में भी तुम्हारे साथ यमुना पार करूंगा। दोनों नदी के  तट  पर गए।  संत ने गोपी से कहा की पहले तुम नदी पार करो और फिर मैं पीछे आऊंगा।  गोपी ने पहले की तरह भगवान को याद किया और नदी पार  कर गयी. संत हैरान रह गया।  संत ने सोचा  की अब मैं भी कोशिश करता हूँ. परन्तु जैसे ही  उस ने नदी में पैर रखा वो पानी में गिर गया।  गोपी ने कहा की आप अब मेरा हाथ पकड़ो हम इकठे नदी पार करेंगे।  संत ने गोपी का हाथ पकड़ा और यमुना में पैर रखा।  अब वो हैरान रह गया की वो नदी पर आसानी से चल पा रहा है. . वो गोपी  के चरणो में गिर पड़ा और बोले की तुमने सही अर्थो में भगवान का आश्रय लिया है।  मैंने नाम की महिमा बतायी तो थी परन्तु आश्रय नहीं  लिया।  गोपी तुम धन्य हो






 Edited and compiled by : Smt Kanchan ji

Akshay Tritya

Akshaya Tritiya is a day of utmost importance in vedic calendar. The word tritiya means third. This day falls on the third day of the bright half of Vaishakh month (April-May),i.e. Vaishakh shukla tritiya. At this moment of time during the year, the sun and moon are very near to their maximum strength. The word, "Akshaya" means one that never diminishes. Hence, starting a new activity or buying valuables on this day is considered to certainly bring luck and success. All the charity and donations done on this day yield the punyas which never exhausts. If this date coincides with Rohini nakshatra then it is considered more auspicious. As per hindu mythology it is believe that on this day the “The satya yuga” began.Akshaya Tritiya is traditionally observed as the birthday of Lord Parusurama who was the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Lord Kubera, considered to be the lord of wealth, is one amongst the eight directional lord. Some classics says that Lord Kubera himself pray to Goddess Lakshmi on this day. According to the Vedas, it was on the day of Akshay Tritiiya that Veda Vyasa along with Lord Ganesha started writing the epic, Mahabharata. Vedas say that knowledge gained or charity done on this day is very fruitful.It was today when Lord Krishna proved his true friendship with Sudaama at Dwarka.As per another legend, Pandavas received the AkshayPaatra from Lord Krishna on this day. In eastern parts of india, on the day of the Akshay Tritiiya, "HalKhata" or ceremony to start the new audit book is performed - with the worship of Lord Ganesha & Godess Lakshmi. In another intresting legend this day is also most auspicious day for the farming community. It is known as "Akha Teej". Early morning, a male member of family goes to field. All the animals and birds encountered on the way to the field indicates omen. Then predictions are made for rains and crops on the basis of omen. For the believers in astrology this day is considered as “unboojha muhurat” which means that no need to check the auspiciousness of the day by performing complex astrological calculations.

Naag Devta

The “Panchmi tithi” of lunar calendar in the month of shravana shukla paksha is celebrated as “Naag-panchmai” in India. On this day people pray to snake god. As per legend the snakes also consumed the “Amrit”, the divine nector and attained immortality. They are the children of Sage Kashyapa and Kadru. The kingdom of snakes is “Paatal Lokam”.According to hindu mythology there are 9 snake which are worshipped. They are as follows
1) Vasuki(The snake who participated in the great churning of ocean)
2) Takshak(The powerful snake who killed King Parikshit)
3) Sesha (On which Lord Vishnu resides in vaikunth)
4) Ananta (the great devotee of Lord Vishnu)
5) Kailya (who was killed by lord Krishna and attain the moksham)
6) Padmanabha (the guardian snake)
7) Kambala (the powerful descend of snake kingdom)
8) Dhartarashtra(the powerful descend of snake kingdom)
9) Shankhapala(the powerful descend of snake kingdom)

The pooja is done to avoid snakes bites and get rid of their curse from previous birth. In a horoscope if there is a presence of Kaal-Sarpa Yoga, then this day is very important for that native because this dosha is caused by the Rahu and Ketu which are considered as head and tail of snake respectively. In certain cases these planets single handedly creates havoc in the horoscope by forming “sarpa dosham”. There are many methods to perform the pooja on this day. People keep fast.on this day. Generally a pot of milk is kept near the ant hill as an offering. On this day digging of ground is strictly prohibited.

Story of Vaastupurush

In the early ages Lord Mahadev (Shiva) was at war with a devil name ‘Andhak’. The war continued for years. After Mahadev (Shiva) killed Andhak, out of the perspiration of Lord Mahadev great spirit originated.The spirit consumed all the blood from the body of Andhak. Still his appetite was not satisfied. He then undertook penance Lord Shankar (Shiva) was satisfied by his deep penance and offered him a boon. This spirit then started eating men and  animals horaciously.All the mankind, demons and the Gods were terrified by this. They went to Lord Bramha. Lord Bramhadev asked them to lay the spirit face down. 81 Gods together laid down the spirit face down and sat upon different parts of the back. When the spirit begged forgiveness from Lord Bramha. Lord Bramha gave him a boon that “After building a house or any other structure, the people who worship you as Vastudevata &  give you your share of food as Balibhoj (Part of the sacrifice ) you give them all the pleasure and prosperity. However, those who start living without your prayers and offerings, you can trouble them. This and many other such myths  can be found in different ‘Puranas’. Probably this stories were included in ‘Puranas’ to make people conscious about the subject which would make them build there house as per Vastushastra.
The myth has hidden meaning and can be interpreted in a scientific way. The demon blocking entire sky and earth symbolises the anarchy present during its formation years when it did not have any shape, size or density. It was a huge mass of rock and dust particles with fire and water vapours. After a long process( resembles here as war between demons and God) , the forces of natur became successful in stabilising the earth. The eart is becoming denser and denser with more and more gravitational force.

Sitting of gods on the body of demon symbolises the stabilisation of earth. Stable and condense earth is best for laying foundation of any building. It is rich in quality of inertia(Tamas Guna). Movement of earth in the form of soil erosion, earthquake etc is Rajsik guna of earth which is never welcome.

The presence of 81 deities representing 9 number in numerology which is ultimate number.

Curse to Agni Dev

From the spiritual union of Lord Shiva and Parvati, a divine energy was produced which was necessary for the birth of their son. Even the gods were eagerly waiting for thier son to be born so that he could kill the demon. Tarkasur. But as the news of the birth of energy reached Tarkasur, he attacked the gods and wanted to destroy the energy to prevent the birth of son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Indra, the chief of gods,sends Agni dev to protect the energy. Agnidev stole that energy without the knowledge of Lord Shiva and Parvati and escaped so that it could be protected from the demons. Agnidev fails to bear the heat produced by the energy and runs towards the forest to save his life. When goddess Parvati came to know about the loss of energy , she became furious with gods as they had intruded in her matters of motherhood and she cursed the deities that their wives will not be able to conceive.She also  cursed Agnidev that he would be shunned by good things and he would become black   due to the impurities when he is offered food and  not only this she further increased the punishment by saying that whoever touches him will be burnt to ashes.Goddess Parvati  was deeply hurt and said that whoever had taken her son away from her will be destroyed.The curse soon started to show its effect.as the trees of forests started to get burnt due to Agni dev. He prayed Lord Shiva for the help. Lord Shiva appeared and said that even after activation of Parvati's curse he would remain pure and who ever gets burnt to ashes by him will also become pure.From that day due to purity of fire he get his new name "Pawak" from Lord Shiva.
  

Lord Shiva as Chandrashekhar

At the time of marriage of Lord Shiva(Mahadev) with goddess Parvati, when mother of Goddess Parvati , Menavati,saw the Lord Shiva as the bridegroom of her daughter she was fainted as it was against her expectations. He was wearing   tiger skin with serpent around his neck and his body was covered with ashes.When Menavati gained consciousness ,she refused to let Parvati marry Shiva. Parvati took Menavati's permission and met Mahadev. She persuaded Mahadev to attain graceful form. Lord Vishnu appeared at this time. He himself promised to be a brother of goddess Parvati and took the responsibility to groom Mahadev. Lord Vishnu used his divine powers to make Lord Shiva to be appear as the most handsome person in entire universe. When the grooming processed completed, Lord Shiva appeared in divine form. Even Lord Vishnu who was amazed to see the divine form of Lord Shiva said  that this form of Lord Shiva will be known as "Chandrashekhar" and it will be the most beautiful form even among all His incarnation.

Shani dev and King Vikramaditya

Once nav greh(the nine planets) reached the court of King Vikramaditya to decide who is more superior among them. King  Vikramditya was famous for his wisdom. He prepared 9 thrones of different material and numbered them. He assigned number 1 to the throne made up of Gold and number 9 to the throne made of iron. Shani(saturn) knew that his throne is of iron so he felt humiliated on assigning low rank. He decided to take revenge from King Vikramaditya. He started controlling his destiny.One day Vikramaditya bought an unusual horse and went for riding and lost the way in the forest.he took shelter in the house of a businessman.he stayed there for many days. One  day  daughter of businessman lost her neckless.The merchant blamed Vikramaditya for stealing. His hands were amputated by the soldiers as punishment.To earn his livelihood he started working with Teli(oil seed crusher) . One day he was singing the song, when the princess of that kingdom heard it and got fascinated.Finally the marriage of Vikramditya and the princess was performed. One night Shani appeared in the dream of Vikramaditya and told him that all his suffering happened due to ill treatment by him. Vikramaditya asked for forgiveness. Shani dev accepted his apology. Next morning, all the limbs of Vikramditya were restored. The dreadful period of Shani called sade saati was over. He decided to  keep fast on Saturday as a mark of honor of  Shani dev.  He returned to his kingdom and live happily thereafter.

Kewat- a friend indeed

During the years of exile when Lord Rama reached at the banks of river Ganga, he needed a boat to cross it. He approached a boatman, Kewat for his services. But Kewat refused.He said, “I have heard that there is magic in the dust of your feet. By the touch of your feet, a stone can change into a woman.( he was referring to the previous incident in which Lord Rama removed the curse of Ahilya by touching his foot to a stone which turned into a woman)”. Kewat laid the condition that first he would wash Rama's feet to remove the dust and only then he would allow him to to sit on the boat. Lord Rama smiled  and allowed Kewat to wash His feet. Kevat by his simple manner, thus achieved what great sages could not achieve. It was kewat’s   devotion which made it possible for him to accomplish a feat that even the gods are envy of.

After washing the Lord’s feet, Kewat ferried them across the river Ganga. As soon as they alighted from the boat, goddess Sita immediately withdrew a ring from her finger and handed it over to Lord Rama, signaling to him to pass it on to the boatman.But Kewat refused to accept it. On asking the reason, kewat replied," Lord, ! how can i accept any money from You because   people of the same profession do not charge each other for their services. A barber never takes payment, when he gives a haircut to another barber. Even a washer-man never charges a fellow washer-man.". Lord Rama was surprised with the response and wanted clarification from Kewat that how could he be of the same profession . Kewat answered "Lord, both of us do the same work. I ferry people from this bank of the Ganges to the other. You ferry people across the ocean of Sansaara (Bhav-sagar), through the journey of life.How can I accept payment from you? Lord! . But please, as I have made you cross this river today, when my time comes, take me across sansaar saagar (the ocean of life). That would be your return to me."The Lord was so overwhelmed at this devotional request from Kewat, that he held out his arms and embraced the boatman and blessed him. Later, the Kewat was liberated from the cycle of birth and death just because of this little service done unto the Supreme Lord! After the completion of his exile when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya, he was crowned as King. But in coronation ceremony his eyes were looking for some special guest. When Sita asked Rama that is he waiting for some one. Lord Rama replied that he is missing Kewat too much today. Even on the day of extreme happiness Lord Rama did not forget the  good deed done by Kewat long time ago.
Jai Shri Ram!

The true devotion

One day Sage Narada visited Lord Vishnu and and said that he wanted to know who was his favorite devotee Actually Narada was staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu and this made Narada boastful and he was expecting praise from Lord Vishnu.. But Narada was shocked when he heard that Lord Vishnu referred a farmer on earth as his favourite devotee. Narada decided to test the devotion of the farmer. He visited farmer's house early morning and noticed that the farmer after feeding cows and short prayer went to field for work. In the evening the farmer returned and again after the short prayer and spending time with family went to sleep. Sage Narada was puzzled that how this farmer could be the devotee of Lord Vishnu who remember HIS name just twice a day.Narada returned to Lord Vishnu about HIS basis of judgement. Lord Vishnu said that before the answer there was one task which Narada had to do. He gave gave a bowl of oil and told him to walk around earth and returned without dropping single drop of oil.Narada followed and went ahead.But while walking he was too engrossed and careful that no drop of oil should be fall on earth. He returned. Now , Lord Vishnu asked Narada how many times did he remember his name while doing task. Narad replied that he was too concentrating on task and it was not possible for him to utter HIS name. Lord Vishnu answered that farmer was also loaded with responsibilities but still he managed to take some time for remembering HIM  . This was clear message to Narada who felt ashamed of himself.Lord Vishnu explained, “Those who remember me while doing their duties are dearer to me than those ignored all responsibilities and chant my name day and night.”

Legend of Amarnath Cave

Once Goddess Parvati urged Lord Shiva to tell the secret of immortality. But he kept postponing the reply. But goddess was adamant to know. Finally , Lord Shiva selected the 'Amarnath cave' where the secret of immortality could not be head by anyone.Reaching cave was not easy. To maintain the secrecy He did not want any one to be part of the conversation , so He decided to leave all His belongings before entering the cave.During his journey , at the first point HE asked Nandi(His vehicle, the bull) to wait for him and he proceeded towards cave. That place is known as 'Pahalgaon' which derive its name from the word 'Bailgaon' which means 'the place where bull dwell'. At the second halt , He removed chandrama(the moon) from His head. This place got its name 'Chandanwari'. At the third halt He left His snakes and the place got its name 'Sheshnaag'. Even today the lake of Sheshnaag is unusual green in colour which is the abode of snakes and at night one could see the reflection of precious gem called 'Naagmani' on the surface of lake. At the next stop , He left his son,Ganesha, so the place got its name 'Mahagunus Parvat'. At the fifth halt,Panchtarni, He left the 'panchtatav' (the 5 elements of creation). Finally, they reached the cave. Lord Shiva started narrating the legend of immortality ,'Amar'Katha' to goddess Parvati. But before the completion of story she felt asleep. Incidently, the two birds were listening the story at that time. as a result they become immortal. Even today the two birds can be spotted around the holy cave. Here Lord Shiva is present in the form of shivling in the form of ice. This shivling form itself during the waxing moon and reduce during the waning moon

The Mystic Sheshnaag Lake  

 The Holy Cave where the secret of immortality was revealed by Lord Shiva

The Shivling at Amarnath Cave

Pride of Kuber

 Lord Shiva once saved the life of Kuber and impresses with his devotion grant him infinite wealth. He got the title of ‘Lord of Wealth’. As the time passed, the feeling of ego started to develop. He made his abode , Alkapuri, one of the best dwelling place in 3 lokas. To show his wealth , once he visited mount Kailash to invite Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati  to visit his abode. Lord judged his ego and instead he sent his son, Lord Ganesha to his house. At Alkapuri, huge preparations were made to impress Lord Ganesha. Uncountable food items were offered to Lord Ganesha. Kuber was sure that this was too much for Lord Ganesha to eat. But something miraculous happened. With every round of offerings, the apetite of Ganesha became more . At one stage every grain of his city was finished to satisfy Lord Ganesha , but still he was too hungry. This was the most embarrassing moment for Kuber. He went to mount Kailash and  begged for forgiveness as all his pride and ego was vanished.Lord Shiva gave him the handful of rice to be offered to Lord Ganesha. Kuber immediately rushed to Alkapuri and offered the same handful of rice. Lord Ganesha accept the divine offering sent by Lord Shiva and instantly his hunger was satisfied.

Nirjala Ekadashi

Every 11^th tithi of the lunar month is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.It comes twice in a month. Of the total 24, the Ekadashi that falls on Jyeshtha month Shukla Paksha is the most important one.Any one who keeps fast on this day will accrue benefit of all other Ekadashi at once. This fats is called ‘ Nirjal Ekadashi Vrat’. ‘Nirjala’ means without water and this fast is observed without water and any type of food. This  is the toughest among all fasts. Once  Sage Vyasa visited Pandavas. Amongst five Pandavas, Bhima, who had a uncontrolled hunger said   all his brothers, wife Draupadi and mother Kunti observed fast on 24 Ekadasis throughout the year and asked him to do the same. But he was unable to perform the ritual because he could not bear the hunger. Sage Vyasa suggested him to observe Nirjala Ekadasi Vrat, which will accrue him the merits of keeping yearlong Ekadasi fasts. Bhima abided by his words and performed Nirjala Ekadasi Vrat.  . This is why the occasion is also known as Pandava Ekadasi or Bhimseni ekadasi.. The duration of this fast is from one sunrise to other. Charity performed on this day has manifold positive effects. Those who have kept this fast of Nirjala ekadashi have sent their 100 gone generations and 100 upcoming generations to Vaikuntha

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Govardhan Parvat and Lord Rama

The Govardhan Parvat(hill) is one of the most sacred manifestation of Lord Krishna worshipped by his followers. This sacred hill has a close linkage with Lord Rama also due to involvement of boon given by him to this hill. It is believe that when Lord Rama ordered to built bridge across ocean to Lanka, Hanuman too went to Himalaya mountain ranges to fetch some rocks necessary for building bridge. Hanuman was flying back to Rama after taking one hill,called Govardhan then he came to know that he was too late as the bridge was already built during that time and no more rocks or mountains were needed. This was very disappointing for the Govardhan Hill as he was too eager to have glimpse and divine touch of holy feet of lord Rama. When Lord Rama came to know about this incident, he blessed Govardhan hill that, in Dwapar Yug, he himself would hold Govardhan in his hand and people will worship him.The blessings given by Lord Rama proved true in Dwapar Yug  when he himself incrnated as Lord Krishna and held Govardhan on his little finger for 7 days and nights.

The Legend of Kumbh Mela

“Kumb mela “ is a holy fair which is one of the greatest festival in the life of a hindu.There is a legend behind the occurance of this fair. As per legend once Gods and demons churned the cosmic ocean for the search of amrit(the divine nectar for immortality). At the end of churning, the pot (kumbh,in hindi) of amrit emerges from the ocean. At that moment the fight broke between Gods and demons for the possession of the pot. The battle for the possession of pot continued for 12 days which are equivalent to 12 human years. During that battle few drops of amrit fell on 4 places- Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. During the war, 3 planets Sun,Moon and Jupiter played significant role in protecting the pot from breaking. To commemorate this holy event Kumbh Mela is celebrated in every twelve years at the four sacred places where the drops from Kumbh were fallen. Since then it is believe that according to particular planetary position of Sun,Jupiter and moon respectively these places acquires special divine powers and bathing in these pilgrimage sites in the sacred river helps to ward off the sins. This fair,kumbh mela occurs four times every twelve years and rotates among four locations: Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. Each twelve-year cycle includes one Maha Kumbh Mela(GreatKumbhMela).
Following are the planetary combinations for each site for Kumbh festial.
1) At Prayag, the Maha Kumbh Mela is held in the month of Magha (January/February in the Gregorian calendar). when Jupiter is in Taurus and both the Sun and Moon are in Capricorn.
2)At Haridwar, the Kumbh Mela is held in the months of Phalgun and Chaitra, when the Sun passes to Aries, the Moon is in Sagittarius and Jupiter is in Aquarius.
3)In Ujjain, it is held in the month of Vaishakha, the Sun and Moon are in Aries and Jupiter is in Leo.
4) At Nasik, the Kumbh Mela takes place in the month of Shravana, when the Sun and Moon are in Cancer and Jupiter is in Scorpio.It takes nearly one year for Jupiter to transit through one zodiac sign.Thus,for each site Kumbh Mela comes in every 12 years.

The Curse of Sita

After the death of King Dashrath, Lord Rama decided to perform the shraadh ceremony because it was necessary to gave solace to the departed soul. Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman went to Gaya(a place in Bihar). On reaching there Lord Rama and Lakshman went in search for material required to perform the ceremony. Sita was waiting at the bank of Phalgu river. After waiting for long time she noticed that the soul of King Dashrath appeared and asked for the pinda(offering given to souls).As the time was running out , Sita herself decided to perform the ceremony with all the possible means. After the ceremony the soul of King Dashrath blessed her and departed. There were 5 witnesses to this ceremony- the Phalgu river,the Akshay vatam(a sacred tree), a cow ,the Brahmin and the fire. Later when the Lord Rama returned, Sita told the whole incident. But Lord Rama didn’t believe. Then Sita asked the 5 witnesses. Among the 5 only Akshay vatam told the truth. This upset Sita and she cursed the other 4. She cursed Phalgu river that it would be dried on the top. She cursed cow that it would no longer be worshipped from the front and only its backside would be considered as auspicious. She cursed fire that whatever came in contact with it would be destroyed. Then she cursed Brahmins that they would never be satisfied. Lastly She blessed Akshay vatam that it would remain evergreen. Even today the Phalgu river looses its water when it enters Gaya, though the water is still present below the river bed

Narad-The Wanderer

It was the duty of Lord Brahma to create the world. In the initial round he created the many creatures with the help of his mental resolution. That is why they were known as “ Manas Putra”. The word manas means “mind”. King Daksha was one amongst them. Lord Brahma ordered Daksha to create universe by the help of copulation. Daksha Prajapati then married Asikti - the daughter of Veerni. Five thousand sons, were born to them, they were known as “Haryashrav”. But Narad played the trick. He brainwashed the minds of all the sons and directed them to follow the path of salvation rather than path of creating universe. As a result they didn’t took participation in increasing the number of population. After that, Daksha married Panchajani from whom were born thousand of son called as “Shabalashrav”. Again Narad played the same trick. All of them went in search of their brothers and followed the path of salvation and never returned back. Narada had changed their mind. They became wanderers. When Daksha Prajapati came to know he became very furious with Narada and cursed him to become an eternal wanderer. He said- "You will never remain at a place for long because you have misguided my sons to became wanderers" . Also from that day it is believe that it is inauspicious to go in search of a lost person by his brothers

Legend behind Dhan Teras

Dhanteras is also known as Yamadeepdaan and lamps are kept burning through the night to pray Lord Yama to keep away death and despair. A very interesting story about this day is associated to the sixteen year old son of King Hima. As per his horoscope he was doomed to die by a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage. On that fateful 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 of her husband's palatial room and lighted infinite numbers of lamps all over the place. After all these, she went on telling stories and singing songs so that her husband is not able to sleep. When Yam, the god of Death arrived there appearing in form of a Serpent his eyes got blinded by the dazzle of those brilliant lights and he could not enter the Prince's chamber. Thus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of "Yamadeepdaan" and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in remembering Yam, the god of Death. Thirteen lamps made of wheat flour and lit with oil are placed outside the house, facing southwards (direction of Lord Yama), in the evening. A lamp is never kept facing southwards except on this day.

Legend 2- Sage Durvasa cursed Lord Indra due to which Godess Laxmi abandon him. The demons, attacked heaven and defeated Lord Indra.Brihaspati, the Deva Guru found a solution. For that the ocean of milk had to be churned to become potent ambrosia, which, if consumed by the gods, would bring immortality. The churning would also bring back Lakshmi. Mandara Mountain was used as a churning rod and Vasuki, the king of the serpents, as a rope & Lord Vishnu, who took the form of a tortoise and lifts the mountain on his back. During the churning the divine goddess raised from the depths of the ocean of milk. She stood on a fully blossomed lotus, wearing a garland of lotus and neck. The sages began reciting hymns in praise of her. Gandharvas sang and Apsaras danced. Even the elephants on either side of her, sprinkled sacred Ganga water on her, bathing her with it, letting her be called Gajalakshmi. As she was born from the ocean of milk, she was referred to as Samudratanya. The king of the ocean appeared in his natural form and welcomed Lakshmi as a daughter The gods and demons continued to churn the ocean for Amrit. Ultimately, Dhanavantri emerged from the ocean of milk, carrying a jar of the amrit. Both the asuras and the devas wanted the ambrosia, but Vishnu was able to give the immortal nectar to the gods, and the asuras were defeated. The churning of the ocean resulted in the immortality of the devas and was the reason for Lakshmi's emergence.

Contributed by
Mr Gaurav Rustagi ji

Curse to Moon

Twenty-seven of Daksha’s daughters were married to the moon-god Chandra. One of these wives was named Rohini and Chandra loved Rohini more than he loved the other wives. The other wives felt neglected and they complained to their father. Daksha repeatedly warned his son-in-law to devote himself equally to all twenty-seven wives. But Chandra was in no mood to listen. Daksha thereupon cursed Chandra that he would gradually fade away. Brahma told him that the only recourse was to pray to Shiva. Chandra went to Prabhasa tirtha and made a lingam on the banks of the river Sarasvati. He prayed to Shiva for six months. At the end of the tapasya Shiva appeared before Chandra and offered to grant him a boon. Lord Shiva said ,  "Daksha’s curse cannot be entirely ignored. During krishnapaksha you will wane. And during shuklapaksha (the bright part of the lunar fortnight) you will wax. That should satisfy everybody. "   Chandra was delighted. The lingam to which Chandra prayed is Somantha, the first of the Jyotirlingas.