चन्द्रमा को श्राप

 राजा दक्ष ने अपनी 27 पुत्रियों का विवाह चंद्रमा से किया  ।  लेकिन चन्द्रमा उन 27 पत्नियो में से केवल रोहिणी नाम की पत्नी को ही अत्यधिक स्नेह करते थे। इस बात से बाकी की 26 पत्नियाँ अपनी उपेक्षा होते देख उन्होंने ने अपनी सारी व्यथा अपने पिता राजा दक्ष को बताई। राजा दक्ष ने पहले तो चन्द्रमा को समझाया पर दक्ष के बार-बार समझाने पर भी चंद्रमा ने अपना व्यवहार नहीं सुधारा तो दक्ष ने चँद्रमा को  क्षयरोग होने का श्राप दे दिया।इस श्राप के कारण चन्द्रमा धीरे धीरे क्षीण होने लगा और मृत्यु  की और अग्रसर होने लगा। पूरे संसार माँ संतुलन बिगड़ने लगा।  । चन्द्रमा ने ब्रह्मा जी से इस श्राप से मुक्ति का उपाय पूछा तब इस श्राप के निवारण के लिए ब्रह्मा जी ने प्रभास क्षेत्र में तपस्या करने को कहा  . चन्द्रमा के पास मृत्यु टालने का अब कोई विकल्प नहीं बचा था।  चन्द्रमा ने महादेव की कठिन उपासना करि।  कालांतर में उनकी तपस्या से प्रसन्न हो कर महादेव ने दर्शन दिए।  चन्द्रमा ने महादेव से दक्ष के श्राप से मुक्ति मांगी  ।  महादेव ने बताय की दक्ष का श्राप पूरी तरह निरस्त नहीं  किया जा सकता परन्तु उसका प्रभाव काम अवश्य किया जा सकता है तब महादेव ने  वर दिया कि चंद्रमा की कला 15 दिन बढेगी और  15 दिन क्षीण हुआ करेगी। उनकी दृढ़ भक्ति को देखकर महादेव साकार स्वरुप  ज्योतिर्लिंग के रूप में प्रभास क्षेत्र में  स्थापित हुए। चंद्रमाँ का एक नाम सोम है अतः सोम से पूजित भगवान् शिव वहां सोमनाथ के नाम से प्रसिद्ध हुए। सोमनाथ ज्योतिर्लिंग ही सर्वप्रथम ज्योतिर्लिंग है। इस प्रकार भगवान् शिव ने चन्द्रमा के श्राप का निवारण किया जिसमे कृष्ण पक्ष में चन्द्रमा का क्षय होता है और अमावस्या के दिन चँद्रमा अपनी कलाओ से विहीन हो जाता है और शुक्ल पक्ष में चँद्रमा की कालाय बढ़ती जाती है और पूर्णिमा के दिन वो अपनी पूरी कलाओ के साथ उदित होता है।

दृढ़ विश्वास

एक समय शिव जी महाराज पार्वती के साथ हरिद्वार में घूम रहे थे । पार्वती जी ने देखा कि सहस्त्रों मनुष्य गंगा में नहा कर ‘हर-हर गंगे’ कहते चले जा रहे हैं परंतु प्राय: सभी दुखी और पाप परायण हैं । तब पार्वती जी ने बड़े आश्चर्य से शिव जी से पूछा कि " हे देव ! गंगा में इतनी बार स्नान करने पर भी इनके पाप और दुखों का नाश क्यों नहीं हुआ ? क्या गंगा में सामर्थ्य नहीं रही ?’  शिवजी ने कहा, ‘‘ प्रिये ! गंगा में तो वही सामर्थ्य है, परंतु इन लोगों ने पापनाशिनी गंगा में स्नान ही नहीं किया है तब इन्हें लाभ कैसे हो ?’’  पार्वती जी ने आश्चर्य से कहा कि - ‘‘ स्नान कैसे नहीं किया ? सभी तो नहा-नहा कर आ रहे हैं ? अभी तक इनके शरीर भी नहीं सूखे हैं ।’’ शिवजी ने कहा, ‘‘ये केवल जल में डुबकी लगाकर आ रहे हैं । तुम्हें कल इसका रहस्य समझाऊंगा । ’’ दूसरे दिन बड़े जोर की बरसात होने लगी । गलियां कीचड़ से भर गईं । एक चौड़े रास्ते में एक गहरा गड्ढा था, चारों ओर लपटीला कीचड़ भर रहा था । शिवजी ने लीला से ही वृद्ध रूप धारण कर लिया और दीन-विवश की तरह गड्ढे में जाकर ऐसे पड़ गए, जैसे कोई मनुष्य चलता-चलता गड्ढे में गिर पड़ा हो और निकलने की चेष्टा करने पर भी न निकल पा रहा हो । पार्वती जी को उन्होंने यह समझाकर गड्ढे के पास बैठा दिया कि -- " देखो, तुम लोगों को सुना-सुनाकर यूं पुकारती रहो कि मेरे वृद्ध पति अकस्मात गड्ढे में गिर पड़े हैं कोई पुण्यात्मा इन्हें निकालकर इनके प्राण बचाए और मुझ असहाय की सहायता करे । शिवजी ने यह और समझा दिया कि जब कोई गड्ढे में से मुझे निकालने को तैयार हो तब इतना और कह देना कि ' भाई ! मेरे पति सर्वथा निष्पाप हैं इन्हें वही छुए जो स्वयं निष्पाप हो यदि आप निष्पाप हैं तो इनके हाथ लगाइए नहीं तो हाथ लगाते ही आप भस्म हो जाएंगे ।’’ पार्वती जी ‘तथास्तु’ कह कर गड्ढे के किनारे बैठ गईं और आने-जाने वालों को सुना-सुनाकर शिवजी की सिखाई हुई बात कहने लगीं । गंगा में नहाकर लोगों के दल के दल आ रहे हैं । सुंदर युवती को यूं बैठी देख कर कइयों के मन में पाप आया, कई लोक लज्जा से डरे तो कइयों को कुछ धर्म का भय हुआ, कई कानून से डरे । कुछ लोगों ने तो पार्वती जी को यह भी सुना दिया कि ' मरने दे बुड्ढे को क्यों उसके लिए रोती है ?' आगे और कुछ दयालु सच्चरित्र पुरुष थे, उन्होंने करुणावश हो युवती के पति को निकालना चाहा परंतु पार्वती के वचन सुनकर वे भी रुक गए । उन्होंने सोचा कि ' हम गंगा में नहाकर आए हैं तो क्या हुआ, पापी तो हैं ही, कहीं होम करते हाथ न जल जाएं । बूढ़े को निकालने जाकर इस स्त्री के कथनानुसार हम स्वयं भस्म न हो जाएं ।' किसी का साहस नहीं हुआ । सैंकड़ों आए, सैंकड़ों ने पूछा और चले गए । संध्या हो चली । शिवजी ने कहा, ‘‘ पार्वती ! देखा, आया कोई सच्चे ह्रदय से गंगा में नहाने वाला है ?’’ थोड़ी देर बाद एक जवान हाथ में लोटा लिए हर-हर गंगे करता हुआ निकला, पार्वती ने उसे भी वही बात कही । युवक का हृदय करूणा से भर आया । उसने शिवजी को निकालने की तैयारी की । पार्वती ने रोक कर कहा कि ‘‘ भाई यदि तुम सर्वथा निष्पाप नहीं होगे तो मेरे पति को छूते ही जल जाओगे ।’’ उसने उसी समय बिना किसी संकोच के दृढ़ निश्चय के साथ पार्वती से कहा कि " माता ! मेरे निष्पाप होने में तुझे संदेह क्यों होता है ? देखती नहीं मैं अभी गंगा नहाकर आया हूं । भला, गंगा में गोता लगाने के बाद भी कभी पाप रहते हैं ? तेरे पति को निकालता हूं । युवक ने लपककर बूढ़े को ऊपर उठा लिया "। शिव-पार्वती ने उसे अधिकारी समझकर अपना असली स्वरूप प्रकट कर उसे दर्शन देकर कृतार्थ किया । शिवजी ने पार्वती से कहा कि ‘‘इतने लोगों में से इस एक ने ही गंगा स्नान किया है ।’’ इसी दृष्टांत के अनुसार जो लोग बिना श्रद्धा और विश्वास के केवल दंभ के लिए गंगा स्नान करते हैं उन्हें वास्तविक फल नहीं मिलता परंतु इसका यह मतलब नहीं कि गंगा स्नान व्यर्थ जाता है । गंगा स्नान का बहुत पुण्य भी है ।

Magic of 108

Zodiac is a path on which the planets travel. Entire path is divided into 27 nakshatras. Each having 4 padas. Our sages multiplied this number of nakshatras (27) by four and fixed the resultant number (108) as the required number of beads in a rosary. In astrology 1 day and 1 night together makes 1 ahoratra. A human being breathes 21600 times in an Ahoratra. Classics advice that a person tells a rosary with 108 beads at least once in a day simultaneously chanting the Lord's name, all the breaths find a purpose. If rosary is told with proper rituals, it yields hundred times more benefits. By proper rituals, it means telling of rosary at least 100 times a day. Thus it equals (108 x 100) to 10800 i.e. equal to half the number of breaths during an Ahoratra which is requirement number for human to devote his breaths in god’s name. Another view is that in Sanskrit, the language of God has 54 letters. Each has masculine and feminine, Shiva and shakti. 54 times 2 is 108.It is believe that the human soul goes through 108 stages on the journey to God. In Ayurveda there are a 108 marmas in the body. They are points that can heal or kill a living being. When we say 108 mantras it acts as a Kavach (protection) to each point. If we add the number we get the total of 9.Nine is sometimes connected to Ketu, the moksa Karaka (significator of liberation), the planet that brings higher awareness, expanded vision and moksha (liberation). In the Durga Saptasati, the goddess Durga has nine forms known as the Navadurga. The number 9 is connected to the goddess Durga.In Hindu jyotish it is godess Durga who guards the prana of the body.

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.
  

Mahadev as Leeladhar

  Himavan, the father of Parvati hosted a grand feast at the time of marriage of his daughter with Lord Shiva(Mahadev). As per ritual only after feeding the bridegroom , the bride could eat. All the guest enjoyed the feast. But Lord Shiva still continued eating his food. Himavan ordered his cooks to arrange more food. But Lord Shiva did not stopped. Now the tension started to develop as the food stock was about to be over which could prove very insulting for Himavan. Nandi sensed the sensitivity of the situation and approached Parvati and informed her about the situation. Parvati came to Mahadev who was in divine look. Parvati looked him for the first time in human form.She herself fed him morsel from her hand. Mahadev ate it. After three morsels Lord Shiva said that he is no more hungry.. Every one was still worried because the whole stock of food was finished. Lord Shiva asked cooks to check their vessels again which were supposed to be empty. The cooks were shocked to see that all the vessels were full with food.Lord Shiva said  he had consumed only the last three morsel given by Paravti . After seeing this divine act of Lord Shiva, she gave him  a name "LeelaDhar" means the master of divine act

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.

Power of Devi Anusuya

Anusuya was the wife of Sage Atri. She was famous in all the three world for his devotion and chastity. Sage Narad visited goddess Saraswati,Lakshmi ji and Parvati ji and praised Anusuya. The three goddess disliked it and decided to test Anusuya. They send their consorts to earth. Lord Brahma,Vishnu and Shiva in the guise of sage visited the hermitage of Anusuya when sage Atri was not present and asked for the alms on a condition that she had to give them alms without wearing clothes. This caused dilemma for Anusuya because if did not give the alms to sages then it would be a sin. She used her divine powers and sprinkled water on the three sages as a purification act and turned them into three infants. Now infants were crying as they were hungry. Anusuya came forward and gave breastfeed to three infants as a mother. On the other hand, Goddess Saraswati,Lakshmi and Parvati were worried about her husbands as they had not return to their abode. The three goddess visited Anusuya and she found the three infants were playing in the lap of mother Anusuya. They asked about their husband to Anusuya. She replied that they  are there in her lap as her children. the three goddess accepted their mistake and asked for forgiveness and to release their consorts. In the mean time Sage Atri returned to hermitage and witnessed the whole episode. Both Atri and Anusuya turned the three infants back to their original form. The three gods woke up  and asked Atri and Anusuya to demand any boon from them. Anusuya demanded that the trinity,Lord Brahma,Vishnu and Shiva , to be born as her son. Later Anusuya gave birth to Lord Dattatrey who was composite incarnation of Lord Brahma,Vishnu and Shiva.

Garuda Ganga

Enroute to Badrinath, there is a place where Garuda,the eagle(the vehicle of Lord Vishnu) prayed for many years to remove his sin. The river passes through this place is called Garuda Ganga. The placed is so sacred that  r the journey of  Badrinath commences only after worshipping of Garuda at this place. In other words its a gateway to Badrinath.Also every  rock  found in this river is considered sacred and used as worship. This is the only river that flows northward direction to merge with sacred river Alaknanda.As per legend once Lord Shiva visited Lord Vishnu. He saw that Garuda had caught his snake,Vasuki, who was wandering. To save his life the snake yelled for the help.Lord Vishnu intervened and commanded Garuda to let the snake go. But the Garuda answered with pride that if he would not allow him to eat the snake then Lord Vishnu would not be able to use him as his vehicle because he would be in the state of hunger. Lord Vishnu understood that Garuda is answering in his pride. He said that he could eat snake as a meal if  he able to bear the weight of his little finger on his back. This was the most easiest task for Garuda. When Lord Vishnu kept his little finger on the back of Garuda, he found it too heavy to move even for an inch.Garuda collapsed due to load. Garuda asked for the forgiveness for his sin. Lord Vishnu asked him to pray at the bank of river to get rid of his sin. So Garuda followed the command of his master. After the completion of prayer Lord Vishnu blessed him that every stone here at the bank of this river is blessed and the river would be known as " Garuda Ganga" .Also the this place would be the starting point of Badrinath region.

Sage Markandey

Sage Mrikandu and his wife were childless. They both prayed Lord Shiva to beget a son. Pleased with their penance , Lord Shiva appeared and blessed them to ask for boon. Sage expressed his desire to have a son. Lord Shiva gave them choice between a son with high intelligence with a short life span or a son of low intelligence with a long life span. The couple chose the first option. The couple blessed with a divine son. They named as Markandey. He possessed unusual intelligence and mastered all the vedas in a very short span. As the time progressed, parents were more worried because the time of death of their son was fast approaching. Finally they told Markandey about the truth that he would going to die at the age of sixteen. Markandey did not get afraid to hear this. Instead he started praying Lord Shiva with great devotion. At the age of sixteen, when the time of death came, Lord Yama came to take his soul to his abode, Yamlok. Markandey embraced the Shivalingam . Yama was in dilemma because he could not take the Shivlinga along with the soul of Markandey.When he tried to drag him forcefully, Lord Shiva appeared and stopped Yama to take his soul. He blessed Markandey to be immortal and also gave him "Mahamrityunjay Mantra" to conquer the untimely death. Since the Lord Shiva got it name "Kaalantak" means 'who kill the death". It is belive that this event happened at Thirukkadaiyur (TamilNadu). It was Sage Markandey who created the holy book named as "Markandey Puraan". From here the "Durga Saptashati" was derived.

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

Boon to Saraswati

It was the most awaited moment for the universe when the marriage between Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati was performed. It was the ritual that after the marriage couple had to perform   ‘Nadi Pooja’ in which pooja of river was to be done.  Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati went to the bank of river Saraswati  As per ritual the couple had to look into the river and the outcome of the marriage could be seen from the image form on the river water. The moment both looked into the river, violent waves started to come to the bank. Mother of Goddess Sati was very worried to see this supernatural phenomenon as it was ill omen as no image could be seen due to turbulent water. Lord Shiva guessed the anxiety of Goddess Sati too. HE put his foot in the river water. The moment the river water touched the foot of Lord Shiva, all the waves disappeared. River Goddess Saraswati   appeared and greeted Lord Shiva. Pleased with the devotion of river Saraswati, Lord Shiva blessed her that one day she would meet river Ganaga and that place would be called as “TeerthRaj”(the king of all Pilgrimage) and bathing at that place would free a persons from sins and it would be the gateway to heaven

Birth of Atharva Veda

The four sages Sanak,Sanandan,Sanatan,Sanat were learned brahmins. They were the sons of Lord Brahma. They were very proud of their father, Brahma because he was the creator of the holy books , Vedas. They were aware of three Vedas,- Rigved,Yajurved, and Samveda and considered that the whole knowledge is complete in three books.On the other hand Sage Atharva approached Lord Shiva to get approval of his knowledge which he gathered from the universe using his divine powers. Lord Shiva, impressed by his creation and blessed Sage Atharva that his book of knowledge would constitute the list of Vedas and will be called as ‘Atharvaveda’. When this news reached the sons of Lord Brahma, they protested as according to them the other three Vedas was a complete set of knowledge and there was no need of fourth Veda. They argued Lord Shiva and challenged his authority to certify fourth veda.  . Finally it was decided that whether to certify fourth Veda or not depends upon the result of debate. Goddess Saraswati was appointed as judge. The four Sages fired too much and too complicated questions to Lord Shiva and there were very confident of their victory as they underestimated Lord Shiva. But Shiva, who is the Lord of all the supreme knowledge, answered each and every question . The Sages accept their defeat gracefully and asked for forgiveness. Since then Artharva Ved was added to the list of Vedas , making the total four.  The Sages went to their brother Prajapati Daksha who was bitter rival of Lord Shiva. On listening about the defeat of his four brothers, he cursed them to be small child. After that the four sages turned into small children. Since the sages were very learned , so they thanked their brother for the curse because after becoming kids their urge for learning more would be greater.

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.

The previous birth of Draupadi

 In her previous birth,Draupadi  was born as the daughter of King Nala and Damayanti. Her name was Nalayani. She was a true devotee of Lord Shiva since childhood. Once Lord Shiva granted a wish. She said that she wanted to marry a man who possessed the desired 14 qualities. Though Lord Shiva asked to change her wish , but she was adamant. Lord Shiva blessed her that in the next birth she would married to 5 men with all the desired 14 qualities. In the next birth she was born from the fire as a daughter of King Drupad. Her father arranged swayamvar for her marriage in which Arjuna won her hand. After the marriage when Arjuna went to home along with his four brothers and Draupadi, they knocked the door and said to the  mother,kunti, that there was a  surprise for her. But mother Kunti without looking at Draupadi, thought that her sons must have brought some eatables from the forest for her, so she asked her sons to divide whatever they got among themselves. Finally, in order to obey mother’s order, all the five Pandavas accepted Draupadi as their wife. It is believe that she was a composite avatar of ‘Shakti’.

Holashtak-Time to be Careful

Eight day prior to the festival Holi are collectively known as "Holashtak". The word 'ashtak' means 'eight'. This period commence from the lunar month of Phalgun and on ashtami tithi and it ends on Phalgun Poornima. This period of eight days is considered as highly inauspicious , specially in north India.No auspicious work is commence during this period.This period is considered is very important for Taantriks as this is the most favourable period for fulfilling their goals through 'Saadhna'.They attain special powers during this time which can be used in a desired way.At the begining of Holashtak,on day 1, the place where Holika dahan has to be performed after 8 days is cleaned with Ganga Jal.Then pyre is created specifically with a wood which are collected from the broken branches of trees.All the 16 sanskaars of hindu are not performed during this period. In case of a death, the last rites are performed only after special prayer to ward off the evil effect of Holashtak.It is believe that on day one of Holashtak, Lord Shiva burned the Kaam dev with HIS fire of anger.

The Kapileshwar temple

This is the only temple in the world where Nandi ji is not present in the sanctum sanctorum. It is located at the bank of river Godavri at Ram kund in Nashik(Maharashtra).My guide told me an intresting legend behind it. Once Lord Shiva punished Brahma for his mistake and cut his 5th head. But at the same time , a sin incurred to Lord Shiva for killing the 5th head of Brahma(Brahm hatya dosh). This perplexed Lord Shiva . He tried every method to get rid of this sin. Despite wandering every place on bhu-lok(the earth), there was no respite. Then nandi ji suggested one escape route. He took Lord Shiva to the bank of Godavri. He guided him to a secret spot. This was the point where the 3 rivers, Godavri,Aruna and Varuna met. Here Lord Shiva took a holy dip. He was librated from the sin after this bath. Since Nandi ji guided him so Lord Shiva treated him as a Guru (not as a follower)at this place. This is the reason that there is no idol of Nandi ji here.

Exactly at this point Lord Shiva took bath at the confluence of Godavri river,Aruna river and Varuna River

At the backdrop, its Kapileshwar temple where Lord Shiva treated Nandiji as his Guru

Descent of Gangaji

In Solar dynasty there was a powerful king whose name was Sagar. He had 2 wives Sumati and Keshini. From Sumati he had 60,000 sons and from Keshini he had a son Asamanjas.Once he had performed Ashwamegha yagya to prove his power. This was a major threat to Indra. He decided to play a trick. He stole the horse of Sagar and tied it in the ashram of sage Kapil who was in meditation at that time. When the sons of Sagar came to knew about the horse they attacked the ashram of sage Kapil. But Sage burnt them into ashes from his divine power. This was a setback for the king Sagar. His grandson Anshuman visited Sage Kapil. The sage returned back the horse and said to Anshuman that for the salvation of the lives of his ancestors it is necessary to bring the Ganga river to the earth from the heaven. Despite all his tapasya Anshuman could not able to please lord. Even his son, king Dilip failed. Now, the son of kind Dilip, Bhagirath was determined to bring Ganga to earth. With his determination Lord Brahma pleased and agreed to send river of devlok, Ganga, to earth. But there was a catch because the flow of Gang was so intense that it was not possible for the earth to bear the pressure of the current of Ganga. Finally Bhagirath requested lord Shiva for the help. He agreed to accept the descending Ganga on his head. Bhagirath led Ganga to the ashram of sage Kapil. On reaching there all the souls of the forefathers of Bhagirath got salvation. From that day the river got it’s name “Bhagirathi”.Ganga ji descend on earth on Jyestha month,Shukla Paksha,dashmi tithi,wednesday,hasta nakshatra,Vyatipaat Yoga,Moon in virgo,sun in taurus. This day is celebrated as Ganga Dusheraa