Why do We Celebrate the Holi Festival?

Why is Holi Celebrated?

Holi festival has a religious story associated with it due to which the festival of colours is celebrated. There was a king named Hiranyakashipu. He had a son named Prahlada as a God Vishnu devotee. In spite of several threats from Hiranyakashipu, Prahalada continued to offer prayers to God Vishnu. This annoyed Hiranyakashipu. He tried several ways to kill his own son, but all the efforts were in vain. Finally, he decided that his son will sit in the lap of his sister Holika and will burn him. Holika had a boon that she could not get burned by fire. Prahalada accepted the orders of his father without any hesitation, as he had a firm belief in God Vishnu. Prahalada survived the fire unharmed and the lady with the boon burnt to death in the fire. This is why we celebrate Holi. Apart from this, another reason for celebrating the Holi festival is that it is also the beginning of the new season. This is the season of spring that starts from the day of Holi. Holi is celebrated to welcome the new season of spring. The craze of the Holi festival is increasing day by day in India. In most regions, it’s being celebrated as one of the biggest festivals in India. Holi is being celebrated in India as in the memory of the year those have passed by and welcoming the coming year.

How Holi Is celebrated?

Holi is being treated as one of the occasions on which people lose themselves free and enjoy the hidden crazy self. Yet another way to celebrate the occasion is to have bhang. People tend to drink bhang and set them loose to the tunes of the Holi celebrations.

Kids enjoy the festival the most as they fill the water balloons and try to aim at each other with those. Elders too enjoy the festival of colours as they too colour each other with Gulal. Sweets play an important part in the festival as ladies engage themselves in preparing Gujia for the family members. The form of sweets change according to the tradition and the beliefs in all the states across the country for example Malpua, Puran Poli, Gujia, and Dahi Badas are the main sweets for the occasion.

In some of the states, this festival is celebrated in a unique manner as they have a tradition of breaking a pot full of buttermilk. There is a huge prize for the one who breaks the pot of buttermilk. A human pyramid is made which decrease as the level of the human pyramid grows.

After an eventful day, people then exchange sweets with friends. This is the time when the festival is celebrated in a more dignified way. This was the traditional way to celebrate the festival, but as technology has taken over the way of celebrating the festival has also changed the young generation of India to celebrate the festival of colours in a different manner. There might be several ways to celebrate the festival but the feeling behind each and every way remains the same as they all want to spread love and welcome the coming year ahead.

When is Holi 2021?

Holi in 2021 will start on Sunday, the 28th of March and will continue for 2 days until Monday, the 29th of March.

The Origins Of The Kumbh Mela Festival

The oldest foundation of the Kumbh Mela is portrayed in the Vedic writings of India as being developed from past days when the demons and the demigods created the nectar of immortality. It is stated that the demons and the demigods gathered on the coast of the milk ocean that is situated in the celestial area of the cosmos. The demons and the demigods came up with a plan to churn the milk ocean in order to create the nectar of immortality. Afterwards, they made an agreement to share the nectar evenly as soon as it was created.

The Mandara Mountain was utilized as the churning rod for churning the milk ocean and the king of serpents, Vasuki became the rope for churning. When the churning commenced, the Mandara Mountain started to submerge deep into the ocean and Vishnu incarnated as a mighty tortoise and sustained the mountain on his So, with the demons at Vasuki's head and demigods at his tail, they churned the milk ocean for one thousand years.
The churning of the milk ocean initially generated a fatal poison that Shiva consumed without being affected. When Shiva drank the poison, some of it fell from his hands and were consumed by snakes, scorpions, and other lethal creatures. After Shiva consumed the poison, several magnificent items were generated. Initially, a Surabhi cow materialized which could produce limitless magnitudes of milk. Afterwards, a white horse called Uccaihsrava was then brought into being, along with a white elephant called Airavata. Then a precious gem is known as the Kaustubha-mani also appeared.
After all these occurrences was the apsaras, stunning dancing girls and a multitude of other amazing things emerging from the milk ocean. Finally, a male being named Dhanvantari came into sight holding the pot of immortal nectar in his hands. Seeing Dhanvantari with the pot of nectar, both the demons and demigods became apprehensive. The demigods were fearful of what would take place if the demons consumed their portion of the nectar of immortality and by force took hold of the pot.
Severe fighting broke out wherever the demigods went with the pot of nectar. In an effort to keep the nectar from the demons, the demigods concealed it in four places on the earth, Prayag (Allahabad), Hardwar, Ujjain, and Nasik. At each of these hiding places, a drop of immortal nectar dripped from the pot onto the earth. These four regions from then are said to have attained magical power.
After some time, the demigod's overt woman, Mohini-murti advanced towards the demons. When the demons set eyes on the delightful splendour of Mohini-murti, they lost all self-control. Seeing her pleasant smile, slender hips and her overall beauty, the demons totally forgot about consuming the nectar of immortality. While the demons were baffled by her magnificence, Mohini-murti snatched the nectar and took it back to the demigods, who drank it right away.
Kumbh Mela received its name from the immortal Pot of Nectar portrayed in olden Vedic scriptures called the Puranas. Kumbha in the Sanskrit language denotes ' pitcher or pot and Mela signifies 'festival'. Therefore Kumbh Mela basically represents the festival of the pot, or in this instance, a festival that commemorates the materialization of the pot of nectar.

What is Dharma (धर्म )?

DHARMA (धर्म): we need to know the truth about Dharma!

In the context of the civilization and culture of the ancient Bharat (India), DHARMA did not have the same meaning in the last thousand years. The concept of religion, as spread by the believers of Christianity and Islam are ingrained in the minds of the people of the Bharat(भारत), enslaving the Bharat physically, mentally and spiritually. This external religious concept refers to a variety of customs, traditions and beliefs in one's attempt to meet God.

The writings of the various religions make clear the name of the religion and what its adherents are called - Christianity is a religion and followers are called Christians, Judaism is a religion - followers are called Jews. Nowhere in our Scriptures - the Veda, the Upanishads, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, there is a reference to the religion of the people in the nation called Bharat (भारत) or what the followers are.

In the scriptures of the Bharat, Dharma (which does not have the same religious connotations) refers to the practice of good deeds or laws - practices established by individuals, families, communities, people in authority to follow for the health of the family, society and the Nation.

These good works or laws were called Dharma- like Pitri dharma (पितृ धर्म), Matri dharma (मातृ धर्म), Raj dharma (राज धर्म), Nari dharma (नारी धर्म) etc. the basic laws or functions of various members of society, society and the nation developed, over the years, by rishis (ऋषि), munis (मुनि), scholars (विद्वान) and other intellectuals (बुद्धिजीवी). This is taught in the ashramas (आश्रम) of teachers(गुरु) such as Vashishtha (वशिष्ठ), Kashyap (कश्यप), Angira (अंगिरा), Kanva (कण्व), Agastya (अगस्त्य), Dronacharya (द्रोणाचार्य) and others. In Manu Smriti the archaeologist Manu mentions keeping the following ten principles: Dhrity (patience), kshma क्षमा (forgiveness), dama (दम) (self-control), Asteya अस्तेय (honest), Sauch शौच (holiness), Indriya Nigraha (इन्द्रिय निग्रह) (sensory control), Dhi धी (reason), Vidya विद्या (information), Satya (सत्य) (to be true), Akrodhah (अक्रोध) (lack of anger) a person makes DHARMA. The principles of DHARMA were incorporated into Veda and other texts and the people of the country followed these practices.

When Dashratha sent Rama to exile for 14 years, he followed Kshatriya dharma (क्षत्रिय धर्म), keeping his promise to his wife. Rama obeyed his father's command and followed Putra dharma (पुत्र धर्म). Sita chose to accompany her husband into exile; followed Nari dharma, to be with her husband in good or bad times. Bhil Eklabya (भील एकलव्य) ​​donated his cut thumb to Dronacharya, followed by Shishya dharma (शिष्य धर्म). Raja Harishchandra handed over his kingdom to Brahmin (ब्राह्मण) who performed Raj dharma (राज धर्म) and when he asked for part of his son Rohitashwa's coffin, he listened to Bhritya dharma (भृत्य धर्म). There are many examples in our writings of people, communities, activists, and people in authority who follow their good works - their dharma.

In which of the following situations or similar situations do we find Dharma as something related to spiritual activity or to God? The Shrimadvagawad Gita is the essence of what Dharma is for an individual, family, community or nation as defined by Bhagawan Krishna. Two Shlokas from Gita were heard by countless millions in Bharata, not only by Gita believers but also by millions of people of other religions when the Mahabharata was broadcast on T.V., almost a few believers did not understand the meaning of these Shlokas. In these two shlokas, Krishna gives a clear definition of DHARMA.

यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भव- ति भारत ।

        अभ्युत्थान- मधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्- ॥४-७॥

परित्राणाय- साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम्- ।

धर्मसंस्था- पनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे ॥४-८॥

yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati bharata

abhutthanam adharmaysa tadatmanam srijamyaham

paritranaya sadhunam are missing duskritam

dharma sansthapanarthaya sambhawami yuge yuge.

Is the word dharma here the same as the English word religion? Did Krishna tell Arjun that Pandava and Kaurawa were at war because all the people who had taken part in the war had forgotten God or were not participating in prayers or activities regarding spiritual "Dharmasya glani" and "abjhuthanamadharmasya" refer to a reduction in the maintenance of good jobs and an increase in activities that were contrary to the accepted principles of dharma - setting the langshagriha on fire to kill the Pandavas, trying to expel Draupadi from the public, refusing to give the Pandavas 5 cities, killing while unarmed in his hands, killing all the Pandavas children while they slept; harassment of Sita's abduction by Ravana - there are countless incidents in previous yugas such as 'dharmasyaglani' and 'abhuthanamadharmasya'.

The above introduction, in a nutshell, gives us an understanding that ‘Dharma’ follows the righteous deeds of man and ‘Adharma’ participates in activities that oppose Dharma.

Dharma, in the later period of our culture and civilization, was called the Vedic Sanatan Dharma as the principles of Dharma were contained in our sacred texts- the Vedas. Sometimes, and, later, our ancestors referred to these good works as Sanatan Dharma because of our belief that our civilization, our culture, our Dharma came into existence indefinitely in a cycle of eternal - eternal.

Therefore, we, the descendants of the people from the time of King Bharat, and before him, according to our gotra, the descendants of wise men such as Bharadwaja, Kashyapa, Bhrigu, Atria, Kanva, Shampayana; we have forgotten about our Dharma whether it is Vedic or Sanatan and we call ourselves 'Hindus' and follow a religion called 'Hinduism'.

Significance of Navaratri

Why we celebrate Navratri?

Navratri is a nine-night devotional service dedicated to the worship of Durga Mata (Nav Ratri literally means 9 nights). Durga Mata, like Sati Mata and Parvati Mata, is a manifestation of the divine, Adi Shakti the wife of God Shiva. Other names for this form of divine energy are Devi and Mata. God is presented in Hinduism as a combination of two aspects: The transcendental aspect is presented as the masculine principle and the dynamic aspect is presented as the feminine principle. The transcendent side of God is static, the dynamic side is mobile and consists of energy. Shakti is the executive force. The force that sets creation in motion. The transcendent is pure consciousness. Durga Mata is considered the "Goddess of war".

Durga Mata has fought an intense battle with the invincible demon Mahishasura for 9 days. On a ninth day, she beheaded the demon, so that peace reigned. Navratri is celebrated twice a year, the first period is in the month of March / April and the second period is in the month of September / October. These dates differ per year because they are determined by the Lunar calendar. During the nine nights of devotional service, the nine manifestations of Durga Mata are honoured. Day 1 On the first day, Durga Mata is worshipped in the form of Shailputri. In the world we find ourselves in, materialism and success are at the centre. This ultimately also leads to fear of failure and frustration. Shailputri therefore also creates a sense of satisfaction. Day 2 The second day is dedicated to Devi Brahmacharini, this destroys the ignorance of the devout and promotes spiritual wisdom. In other words, the inner is stabilized. Day 3 On the third day, Chandraghanta is honoured to come to self-understanding; this is an important part of being able to banish the negative in yourself. Day 4 The fourth day is devoted to Kushmanda; through her blessing, it is possible to grow spiritually. Day 5 The fifth day is dedicated to the worship of Skanda Mata. It destroys pain and suffering in the devout. The suffering is caused by our attachment to the earthiest existence. Day 6 On the sixth day, Devi Katyayani is revered, by receiving her blessing, the domestic happiness will greatly increase and the happiness between the devout and his / her neighbours. Solidarity and generosity are thus strongly developed. Day 7 The seventh day is a day on which Ma Kali is worshipped, She destroys the negative, including demons and the like in the world and in the universe. Day 8 On this eighth day, Devi Maha Gauri is worshipped, she embodies the Vedas and other sacred scriptures. Receiving her blessing makes it possible to apply the essentials of the sacred scriptures in our lives. This allows one to do the right thing. Day 9 Siddhidatri is worshipped on the last day of Navratri; on this day Adi Shakti will bless her devotees with higher wisdom and awareness. In recent days, Adi Shakti has been worshipped in various manifestations. As soon as we enter the higher consciousness, It transcends into its transcendent form, the pure consciousness. So during Navratri people actually worship Adi Shakti, the source of all energy. By worshipping Her, we pray that She would purify our lives and bring us health, joy, peace and well-being. The worship of the Devis during the nine days consists of singing bhajans, songs of praise to the Devis, offering prasad, chanting mantras, meditating and praying for personal wishes. All this is to purify the mind of the devotee and thereby prepare him for spiritual growth.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2021 Haridwar

Haridwar Maha Kumbh Mela 2021

Kumbh Mela is the most sacred gathering of Hindus attracting millions of pilgrims from all over the world. It is believed that just one bath in Ganga during Kumbh Mela can cleanse your soul and make you free from all your sins. Kumbh Mela can be defined as the largest gathering of people for a religious purpose in the world.

The Location of Kumbh Mela varies from time to time. The sacred story behind Kumb Mela says when the gods and demons were fighting in the sky for the possession of amrita, the drops of amrita fell on four places where Kumbh Mela is now held. One of which is Haridwar. The Kumbh Mela and the Ardh Kumbh Mela are held every twelfth and sixth year at the banks of Ganga in Haridwar.
According to the astrologers, the Kumb Mela is held in Haridwar when Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries. It is believed that this planetary position purifies the waters of Ganga at a certain spot known as Har ki Pauri located on the banks of River Ganges in Haridwar where the water becomes nectar during these days.

According to a popular legend: once when the observer / Preserver of the world "the God Vishnu" ordered the divinity and the demons to do the mixing of the sea together so they put a hill in the centre of the sea called "Mandrachal Parvat "and used the 7-mouthed snake as the rope. After the gods and demons did the mixing of the sea in which 14 elements emerged.

White elephant (Airawat) the Tree of life (kalpavraksha) the shell the diamond (khostubh mani) the horse the moon

the bow the first cow Laxmi (goddess of money) the god of the Ayurveda the poison (Halahala) the nectar .. etc.

When the nectar came out everyone wanted to drink it so the battle between them began, the gods and demons fought for 12 days to get it. To solve this problem Vishnu turned into a beautiful woman. When the demons saw her, they immediately fell in love with her because they didn't know she was the God Vishnu. He only made the Gods drink the nectar that the demons and thus the Gods became immortal.

When Vishnu was offering the nectar to the gods some drops of the nectar fell to the ground in 4 different places in India and for this reason the Kumbh Mela is celebrated in 4 places. Haridwar, Prayagraj (Prayag), Nasik, and Ujjain where the nectar droplets fell.

Another legend tells that Gods and demons competed for the most precious gift, the Sacred Urn, Kumbh, which contained Amritha, the nectar of immortality. The God Vishnu turned into a crow and managed to steal the urn and with it he fled, chased by demons. During his escape, he stopped 4 times on earth to rest. Each time a few drops of Nectar came out of the pot, wetting the ground. From these drops, the 4 sacred cities were born. The escape lasted 12 days in all, but since a day of the gods corresponds to a year of men, and so the Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years.

Kumbha Mela dates in 2021 at Haridwar.

Actually, Kumbh Mela starts from the Establishment of Dharma Dhwaja in Akhadas. This year due to Covid 19 Situation Govt. of Uttrakhand decide to make shorten this event. 

First Shahi Snan will start from Mahashivaratri 11th of March 2021. Somvati Amavasya will be also Shahi Snan on 12th April 2021 then Baisakhi 14th April, Ram Navami 21st April, and Chaitra Purnima on 27th April 2021 will be the last Shahi Snan. 

There was covid 19 negative report was mandatory but now anyone come to Kumbhmela without covid 19 negative reports. After 11th March 2021 Shahi Snan it is not mandatory now. 

Tourists from every corner of the world flock to Haridwar during the Kumbh Mela season to watch these Naga Baba meditate and perform other rituals. The identification features of this sect of sadhus include being naked, long knotty hair and a body smeared with ashes.

Even when the mercury dips down to a single digit, they continue to meditate and observe different rituals without being hindered in the least. These Naga Sadhus belong to different 'akharas, meaning camps. A number of akharas participate in the Haridwar Kumbh Mela, each having its own group of Naga Babas.

During the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, the Naga Babas can be seen performing different types of Yogasanas. To watch them busy meditating, travellers need to remain close to the Ganga ghats in Haridwar. You will be surprised to know that these Naga Sadhus can thrive merely on herbs. Interacting with the Naga Babas is seen as a rare opportunity to know things that are so out of the world yet belong to us. These sadhus make a pilgrimage to the Kumbh Mela to perform various types of Yogic asanas, Sashtang Dandthvad being the most prominent one.

You will be deemed fortunate if you catch sight of these Naga Sadhus in some other Yogic postures like hanging from the branch of a tree.

While you visit the Akhada (or camp) of Naga Babas, you will see them indulge in smoking 'chilum', a pot of clay to hold bhang, the narcotic marijuana.

Pilgrims also flock to the Akhadas of Naga Babas in large number. When you plan a tour to the Kumbh Mela, do try to find an opportunity to get to one of the Akhadas and interact with the Naga Babas. But, keep your cameras poised!

List of Akhadas.

There are 14 Akhadas. Shaiva Akhadas:-1 Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhada,2 Shri Pancha Dashnam Aavahan Akhada,3  Taponidhi Shri Panchayati Anand Akhada, 4 Shri Pancha Dashnam Agni Akhada,5 Shri Pancha Dashnam Juna ( Bhairava)6 Shri Panchayati Maha Nirvani, 7 Shri Panchayati Niranjani Akhada.

Bairagi (Vaishnava) Akhadas:-  8 Shri Nirmohi Ani Akhara, 9  Shri Digambar Ani Akhara, 10 Shri Nirvani Ani Akhara.

There are three more Akhadas:- 11 Shri Panchayati Bada Udaseen Akhada, 12  Shri Panchayati Naya Udaseen Akhada, 13 Shri Nirmal Panchayati Akhada. 14th Akhada is Kinnar Akhada what was recently added. 

क्यों मनाते है महाशिवरात्रि ? एवं महाशिवरात्रि कथा

'महाशिवरात्रि' हिन्दुओं का एक महत्वपूर्ण त्यौहार है। इस रात  भगवान शिव सृजन, संरक्षण और विनाश का नृत्य करते हैं।। यह पूरे भारत  ही नहीं अपितु विश्व के कई देशों में मनाया जाता है, भगवान शिव के भक्त इस दिन  'उपवास' करते हैं और रात भर जागरण करते हैं! उस दिन मंदिरों में विशेष पूजा की जाती है। इस वर्ष 2021 महाशिवरात्रि 11 मार्च को मनाई जाएगी।  हरिद्वार में महाकुम्भ का स्नान भी इसी दिन से शुरू होगा। 

'महाशिवरात्रि' के उत्सव के पीछे कुछ कारण हैं। 

कुछ लोग कहते हैं कि महा शिवरात्रि वह दिन है जब भगवान शिव लिंगम के रूप में आए थे (लिंगोदभव”)।  
शिव पुराण में एक पौराणिक कथा के अनुसार, हिंदू भगवानों और भगवान विष्णु की तीन त्रय - आपस में श्रेष्ठता स्थापित करने के लिए लड़ रहे थे। इस युद्ध की तीव्रता से भयभीत, अन्य देवताओं ने भगवान शिव से हस्तक्षेप करने और उन्हें इस झड़प की निरर्थकता का एहसास करने का अनुरोध किया। ब्रह्मा और विष्णु के बीच शिव ने अग्नि के एक विशाल स्तंभ का रूप धारण किया। बाद के देवताओं ने अग्नि स्तंभ का शिखर खोजने का फैसला किया। भगवान ब्रह्मा ने हंस का रूप धारण किया और ऊपर की ओर उड़ गए, जबकि भगवान विष्णु ने वराह (हिंदू देवता विष्णु के अवतार के रूप में वर) का रूप धारण किया और पृथ्वी के अंदर चले गए। जैसा कि प्रकाश असीम है, न तो ब्रह्मा और न ही विष्णु अपनी थकाऊ खोज के बावजूद अंत तक नहीं पहुंच सके। अपनी यात्रा के दौरान, भगवान ब्रह्मा एक केतकी के फूल से धीरे-धीरे नीचे उतरते हुए आए। यह पूछे जाने पर कि वह कहाँ से आई है, फूल ने जवाब दिया कि उसे अग्नि स्तंभ के शीर्ष पर चढ़ाया गया था। भगवान ब्रह्मा ने अपनी खोज को समाप्त करने और फूल को गवाह के रूप में लेने का फैसला किया। इसने शिव को प्रभावित किया, जिन्होंने तब ब्रह्मा को झूठ बोलने के लिए दंडित किया और उन्हें शाप दिया कि कोई भी उनसे कभी प्रार्थना नहीं करेगा। आज तक, केवल एक ही मंदिर है, जो राजस्थान के अजमेर में पुष्कर मंदिर को समर्पित है। जैसा कि केतकी के फूल ने झूठे तरीके से गवाही दी थी, वह भी किसी भी पूजा के लिए प्रसाद के रूप में इस्तेमाल होने पर प्रतिबंध लगा दिया गया था। चूंकि भगवान शिव ने देवताओं को शांत करने में मदद की, इसलिए उनके सम्मान में महा शिवरात्रि मनाई जाती है।
जबकि कुछ लोग कहते हैं, यह वह दिन है जब भगवान शिव ने पूरी रात शिव तांडव (नृत्य) किया था।

दूसरों का मानना है कि इस दिन जब भगवान शिव ने दुनिया के लिए " हलाहल " (विष) पी लिया और "नीलकंठ" बन गए।

कुछ अन्य लोग भी हैं जो मानते हैं कि यही वह दिन है जब भगवान शिव और देवी पार्वती का विवाह हुआ था।
 महाशिवरात्रि प्रमुख हिंदू मंदिरों कोणार्क, खजुराहो, पट्टाडकल, मोढेरा और चिदंबरम में वार्षिक नृत्य समारोहों द्वारा चिह्नित है। नटराज - नृत्यों के सर्वोच्च देवता - भगवान शिव का दूसरा रूप भी है। भगवान के सम्मान के साथ शास्त्रीय नर्तकियों द्वारा भगवान शिव के नृत्य रूपों, तांडव और लस्य को विभिन्न रूपों में किया जाता है।
हम में से कई लोग उपवास, जागरण, अभिषेक, और बहुत कुछ अनुष्ठान करते हैं, लेकिन हम में से अधिकांश प्रथाओं के पीछे के सटीक कारणों से अवगत नहीं हैं।
इस रात ग्रह का उत्तरी गोलार्द्ध इस प्रकार अवस्थित होता है कि मनुष्य के भीतर की ऊर्जा प्राकृतिक रूप से ऊपर की ओर जाने लगती है. यानी प्रकृति स्वयं मनुष्य को उसके आध्यात्मिक शिखर तक जाने में मदद कर रही होती है. धार्मिक रूप से बात करें तो प्रकृति उस रात मनुष्य को परमात्मा से जोड़ती है। 
उपवास: आंतरायिक उपवास आपके पाचन तंत्र को आराम देता है, और यह आपके चयापचय को अधिक कुशलता से कैलोरी के माध्यम से जलाने के लिए सक्रिय कर सकता है। यदि आपका पाचन खराब है, तो यह भोजन को पचाने और वसा को जलाने की आपकी क्षमता को प्रभावित कर सकता है। आंतरायिक उपवास आपके पाचन को विनियमित कर सकते हैं और स्वस्थ आंत्र समारोह को बढ़ावा दे सकते हैं, इस प्रकार आपके चयापचय  में सुधार कर सकते हैं।

जागरण: भक्त पूरी रात जागते हैं, भगवान शिव की पूजा शाम से शुरू होती है और पूरी रात चलती है। रात को 4 पहरों  में बांटा गया है। यह माना जाता है कि जो कोई भी शिव का नाम शिवरात्रि के दौरान शुद्ध भक्ति के साथ उपयोग करता है, वह सभी पापों से मुक्त हो जाता है। वह शिव के निवास स्थान कैलाश में वास करता है और जन्म और मृत्यु के चक्र से मुक्त हो जाता है।

बेल का पत्ता: भोलेनाथ को बेलपत्र बहुत पसंद है, जिसका जिक्र शिव पुराण में भी है. लेकिन इसके अलावा भी कुछ ऐसे पत्ते हैं, जो भोलेनाथ को बेहद प्रिय हैं. भगवान शिव की पूजा करते समय बेलपत्र के अलावा इन पत्तों को भी अवश्य रखना चाहिए। 

अभिषेक: पिंडी (लिंग) पर केवल ठंडा पानी डाला जाता है और बेलपत्र चढ़ाया जाता है। चूंकि शिव विघटन के देवता हैं, पिंडी (लिंग) को दूध, पंचामृत, सिंदूर (कुमकुम), हल्दी पाउडर और अक्षत (अखंडित चावल के दाने) चढ़ाए जाते हैं। 
शांति और संतान प्राप्ति के लिए गौ दूध से अभिषेक करना चाहिए। शक़्कर मिश्रित दूध सेअभिषेक करनेसे  बुद्धि तीव्र होती है । धन की प्राप्ति के लिए गन्ने के रस और स्वास्थ्य प्राप्ति के लिए शहद से शिवलिंग का अभिषेक करना चाहिए। शत्रु शमन के लिए सरसो के तेल से  और मोक्ष प्राप्ति के लिए तीर्थो के जल से अभिषेक करना चाहिए। 
प्रदक्षिणा: शिवलिंग के चारों ओर परिक्रमा बाईं ओर से शुरू होनी चाहिए। 

महाशिवरात्रि की व्रत-कथा

एक बार पार्वती ने भगवान शिवशंकर से पूछा, ‘ऐसा कौन सा श्रेष्ठ तथा सरल व्रत-पूजन है, जिससे मृत्यु लोक के प्राणी आपकी कृपा सहज ही प्राप्त कर लेते हैं?’
उत्तर में शिवजी ने पार्वती को ‘शिवरात्रि’ के व्रत का विधान बताकर यह कथा सुनाई- ‘एक गाँव में एक शिकारी रहता था। पशुओं की हत्या करके वह अपने कुटुम्ब को पालता था। वह एक साहूकार का ऋणी था, लेकिन उसका ऋण समय पर न चुका सका। क्रोधवश साहूकार ने शिकारी को शिवमठ में बंदी बना लिया। संयोग से उस दिन शिवरात्रि थी।
शिकारी ध्यानमग्न होकर शिव संबंधी धार्मिक बातें सुनता रहा। चतुर्दशी को उसने शिवरात्रि की कथा भी सुनी। संध्या होते ही साहूकार ने उसे अपने पास बुलाया और ऋण चुकाने के विषय में बात की। शिकारी अगले दिन सारा ऋण लौटा देने का वचन देकर बंधन से छूट गया।
अपनी दिनचर्या की भाँति वह जंगल में शिकार के लिए निकला, लेकिन दिनभर बंदीगृह में रहने के कारण भूख-प्यास से व्याकुल था। शिकार करने के लिए वह एक तालाब के किनारे बेल वृक्ष पर पड़ाव बनाने लगा। बेल-वृक्ष के नीचे शिवलिंग था जो बिल्वपत्रों से ढँका हुआ था। शिकारी को उसका पता न चला।
पड़ाव बनाते समय उसने जो टहनियाँ तोड़ीं, वे संयोग से शिवलिंग पर गिरीं। इस प्रकार दिनभर भूखे-प्यासे शिकारी का व्रत भी हो गया और शिवलिंग पर बेलपत्र भी चढ़ गए।
एक पहर रात्रि बीत जाने पर एक गर्भिणी मृगी तालाब पर पानी पीने पहुँची। शिकारी ने धनुष पर तीर चढ़ाकर ज्यों ही प्रत्यंचा खींची, मृगी बोली, ‘मैं गर्भिणी हूँ। शीघ्र ही प्रसव करूँगी। तुम एक साथ दो जीवों की हत्या करोगे, जो ठीक नहीं है। मैं अपने बच्चे को जन्म देकर शीघ्र ही तुम्हारे सामने प्रस्तुत हो जाऊँगी, तब तुम मुझे मार लेना।’ शिकारी ने प्रत्यंचा ढीली कर दी और मृगी झाड़ियों में लुप्त हो गई।
कुछ ही देर बाद एक और मृगी उधर से निकली। शिकारी की प्रसन्नता का ठिकाना न रहा। समीप आने पर उसने धनुष पर बाण चढ़ाया। तब उसे देख मृगी ने विनम्रतापूर्वक निवेदन किया, ‘हे पारधी ! मैं थोड़ी देर पहले ही ऋतु से निवृत्त हुई हूँ। कामातुर विरहिणी हूँ। अपने प्रिय की खोज में भटक रही हूँ। मैं अपने पति से मिलकर शीघ्र ही तुम्हारे पास आ जाऊँगी।’ शिकारी ने उसे भी जाने दिया। दो बार शिकार को खोकर उसका माथा ठनका। वह चिंता में पड़ गया। रात्रि का आखिरी पहर बीत रहा था। तभी एक अन्य मृगी अपने बच्चों के साथ उधर से निकली शिकारी के लिए यह स्वर्णिम अवसर था। उसने धनुष पर तीर चढ़ाने में देर न लगाई, वह तीर छोड़ने ही वाला था कि मृगी बोली, ‘हे पारधी! मैं इन बच्चों को पिता के हवाले करके लौट आऊँगी। इस समय मुझे मत मार।’ शिकारी हँसा और बोला, ‘सामने आए शिकार को छोड़ दूँ, मैं ऐसा मूर्ख नहीं। इससे पहले मैं दो बार अपना शिकार खो चुका हूँ। मेरे बच्चे भूख-प्यास से तड़प रहे होंगे।’ उत्तर में मृगी ने फिर कहा, ‘जैसे तुम्हें अपने बच्चों की ममता सता रही है, ठीक वैसे ही मुझे भी, इसलिए सिर्फ बच्चों के नाम पर मैं थोड़ी देर के
लिए जीवनदान माँग रही हूँ। हे पारधी! मेरा विश्वास कर मैं इन्हें इनके पिता के पास छोड़कर तुरंत लौटने की प्रतिज्ञा करती हूँ।’ मृगी का दीन स्वर सुनकर शिकारी को उस पर दया आ गई। उसने उस मृगी को भी जाने दिया। शिकार के अभाव में बेलवृक्ष पर बैठा शिकारी बेलपत्र तोड़-तोड़कर नीचे फेंकता जा रहा था। पौ फटने को हुई तो एक हष्ट-पुष्ट मृग उसी रास्ते पर आया। शिकारी ने सोच लिया कि इसका शिकार वह अवश्व करेगा। शिकारी की तनी प्रत्यंचा देखकर मृग विनीत स्वर में बोला,’ हे पारधी भाई! यदि तुमने मुझसे पूर्व आने वाली तीन मृगियों तथा छोटे-छोटे बच्चों को मार डाला है तो मुझे भी मारने में विलंब न करो, ताकि उनके वियोग में मुझे एक क्षण भी दुःख न सहना पड़े। मैं उन मृगियों का पति हूँ। यदि तुमने उन्हें जीवनदान दिया है तो मुझे भी कुछ क्षण जीवनदान देने की कृपा करो। मैं उनसे मिलकर तुम्हारे सामने उपस्थित हो जाऊँगा।’ मृग की बात सुनते ही शिकारी के सामने पूरी रात का घटना-चक्र घूम गया। उसने सारी कथा मृग को सुना दी। तब मृग ने कहा, ‘मेरी तीनों पत्नियाँ जिस प्रकार प्रतिज्ञाबद्ध होकर गई हैं, मेरी मृत्यु से अपने धर्म का पालन नहीं कर पाएँगी। अतः जैसे तुमने उन्हें विश्वासपात्र मानकर छोड़ा है, वैसे ही मुझे भी जाने दो। मैं उन सबके साथ तुम्हारे सामने शीघ्र ही उपस्थित होता हूँ।’ उपवास, रात्रि जागरण तथा शिवलिंग पर बेलपत्र चढ़ाने से शिकारी का हिंसक हृदय निर्मल हो गया था। उसमें भगवद् शक्ति का वास हो गया था। धनुष तथा बाण उसके हाथ से सहज ही छूट गए। भगवान शिव की अनुकम्पा से उसका हिंसक हृदय कारुणिक भावों से भर गया। वह अपने अतीत के कर्मों को याद करके पश्चाताप की ज्वाला में जलने लगा। थोड़ी ही देर बाद मृग सपरिवार शिकारी के समक्ष उपस्थित हो गया, ताकि वह उनका शिकार कर सके, किंतु जंगली पशुओं की ऐसी सत्यता, सात्विकता एवं सामूहिक प्रेमभावना देखकर शिकारी को बड़ी ग्लानि हुई। उसके नेत्रों से आँसुओं की झड़ी लग गई। उस मृग परिवार को न मारकर शिकारी ने अपने कठोर हृदय को जीव हिंसा से हटा सदा के लिए कोमल एवं दयालु बना लिया। देव लोक से समस्त देव समाज भी इस घटना को देख रहा था। घटना की परिणति होते ही देवी-देवताओं ने पुष्प वर्षा की। तब शिकारी तथा मृग परिवार मोक्ष को प्राप्त हुए।

Maa Dhumavati

Maa Dhumavati is 7th Mahavidya out of ten Mahavidyas. 

Baglamukhi is a part of linguistics, that's why mother Baglamukhi should take permission to meditate and pray that her mother should be done. 

In the absence of knowledge or reading the book from the internet, it has also been seen falling into adversity. Only after doing Baglamukhi Sadhana, you get the ability to do special rituals. So, under special circumstances, the process should be started from the Guru only. Guru knows what is the ability of the disciple. 

Origin of Dhumavati: Devi Bhagavat says that when Sati performed self-immolation at the Yagya of Daksha Prajapati, While getting burnt, Sati came out of her body in the form of smoke and came to be known as Dhumavati. The dhyana mantra of Dhumavati says: 
स्तुति :- विवर्णा चंचला कृष्णा दीर्घा च मलिनाम्बरा, विमुक्त कुंतला रूक्षा विधवा विरलद्विजा, काकध्वजरथारूढा विलम्बित पयोधरा, सूर्पहस्तातिरुक्षाक्षी धृतहस्ता वरान्विता, प्रवृद्वघोणा तु भृशं कुटिला कुटिलेक्षणा, क्षुत्पिपासार्दिता नित्यं भयदा काल्हास्पदा | 

Dhumavati is ugly, unsteady, and angry. She is tall and wears dirty clothes. Her ears are ugly and rough, she has long teeth, and her breasts hang down. She has a long nose. She has the form of a widow. She rides during a chariot decorated with the symbol of the crow. Her eyes are fearsome, and her hands tremble. In one hand she holds a winnowing basket, and with the opposite hand, she makes the gesture of conferring boons. Her nature is rude. She is usually hungry and thirsty and appears unsatisfied. She likes to make strife, and she or he is usually frightful in appearance. 

Dhumavati - The Grandmother Spirit: Dhumavati is that the eldest among the Goddesses, the Grandmother Spirit. She stands behind the other Goddesses as their ancestral guide. As the Grandmother Spirit, she is the great teacher who bestows the ultimate lessons of birth and death. She is that the knowledge that comes through hard experience, during which our immature and youthful desires and fantasies are put to rest. Dhuma means "smoke." Dhumavati is "one who consists of smoke." Her nature isn't illumination but obscuration. However, to obscure one thing is to reveal another. By obscuring or covering all that is known, Dhumavati reveals the depth of the unknown and the unmanifest. Dhumavati obscures what's evident so as to reveal the hidden and therefore the profound. 

Dhumavati is portrayed as a widow. She is that the feminine principle barren of the masculine principle. She is Shakti without Shiva as pure potential energy without any will to motivate it. Thus she contains within herself all potentials and shows the latent energies that dwell within us. To develop these latent energies we must first recognize them. This requires honouring Dhumavati. 

Dhumavati represents the darkness on the face of the deep, the original chaos and obscurity which underlies creation. She is that the darkness of primordial ignorance, Mulavidya, from which this world of illusion has arisen, and which it's seeking to transcend. Dhumavati represents the facility of ignorance or that aspect of the creative force which causes the obscuration of the underlying light of consciousness. While Maya is that the magic or illusion power of the Lord that creates the one reality appears as many, ignorance may be a sort of darkness that forestalls us from seeing the underlying reality.

Dhumavati is that the elder sort of Kali, Kali as an old woman. She represents time or the life-force dissociated from the method of manifestation. She is timeless which never really enters into the process of time. 

Dhumavati holds a bowl of fire in one hand and a winnowing basket in the other. The fire symbolizes inevitable cosmic destruction: all things shall pass on. The winnowing basket, used to separate the grain from the chaff, represents Viveka, mental discrimination between the permanent and the fleeting. Even though her stalled cart represents an external life going nowhere, Dhumavati empowers us inwardly to succeed in for the very best, and there's nothing to prevent us once we are resolved. In the end, she points the thanks to liberation. 

Goddess Dhumavati’s Sadhana is completed to urge obviate extreme poverty. She is also worshipped to make the body free from all sorts of diseases. Dhumavati’s worship is taken into account as ideal for bachelors, widows, Sannyasins, and Tantrics, it's advised that folks who are married shouldn't worship Dhumavati.