Shradha or Shraadha can be termed as anything that an individual does with absolute faith and devotion. Shradha is the ritual performed by a Hindu as a tribute or homage to his ancestors or “Pitri” in the colloquial language.

It is a common belief among the Hindus that one’s ancestor act as guardian angel of the family and Shradha is the suspicious ritual for thanksgiving and paying respect to the dead ancestor.

Shradha is usually performed on the death anniversary of a person’s parents. Hence it is performed separately for the mother and father. After this ceremony Sharad Navaratri falls in autumn and both the ancestors from the maternal and paternal side are paid homage in Shradha paksha which falls before this Navaratri.

Shradha or Shraadha is a Sanskrit term and it is an amalgamation of the two words “Sat” and “Adhar”. “Sat” can be translated as truth and “Adhar” is the Sanskrit word for basis, which combined means the act of doing any work with absolute truth and belief.

Shradha is performed during “Pitri Paksha” or “Shradha Paksha” or the fortnight of the ancestors, “Pitri Paksha” or “Shradha Paksha” falls in the autumn season and preceeds “Sharad Navaratri”. An important objective of Shradh is the removal of “Pitri Dosha” or “Pitri Rin” or “Pitri Shraap”. “Pitri” is referred to ancestors and “Dosha”, “Rin” or “Shraap” can loosely be translated as the things we owe, or curse from the “Pitris” or ancestors if Shradha is not performed. Hence, it is believed that performing of Shradha makes our ancestors peaceful and favourable for us in the long run ad helps us get rid of “Pitri Dosh”.

What is Pitri Dosh?

Pitri Dosh is the problem related to an individual’s ancestor. Every person has his lineage of ancestors who have passed before them. It is strongly believed in Hinduism and many other religions, that after a person’s death, they give up their physical body but the soul does not die and it is immortal. The immortality of souls and its re-birth has been emphasized in the following lines in Bhagavad Gita:

“As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the soul, similarly, accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless one…”             (Text 22, Chapter 2)

Likewise, once the soul takes up a new body or a new born baby enters our world, its entire life is judged by “Karma” or the deeds a person performed during his/ her life. A person’s good and bad deeds entirely depend upon his choices. As humans, we have the freedom of choice but the consequences are bestowed upon us depending on our choice.

 A person could do good and be righteous in life which leads them to heaven or they could do some bad deeds and end up in hell. This rigmarole of “karma” continues as long as a person attains enlightenment and is able to attain “Moksha” or the liberation of the soul namely Nirvana.

Our ancestors were once humans like us and they have had difficult and testing times like us. They may be caught up with “karma” and it is believed that the soul may not take rebirth immediately, depending on the individual’s “karma” during his lifetime.

This situation of the ancestor’s soul being in limbo, where it has not gone to heaven or hell and it isn’t born again yet, leads them to depend upon us for peace and liberation. Hence, it is believed our long lost ancestors send subtle signs to us so that we perform the necessary for their liberation and this is known as “Pitri Dosh.

Different types of Shradha

To remedy “pitra dosh” and to appease our ancestors, who have been compared to the Gods in many Hindu scriptures the following types of Shardha have been mentioned in the Matasya Purana, Garuda Purana and Yama Smriti.

1. Parvana Shradha –Parvana Shradha is one of the most commonly practised form of Shradha. The timeline for this Shardha falls between “pitri paksha” and “bhadrapada purnima”, which is the “Mahalaya Paksha”. This Shradha is performed for the peace and calm of our dead ancestors and generally Vishwadeva is installed during this ritual.
2. Vriddhi Shradha –Vriddhi Shradha also known as Nandi Shradha is performed during the birth of a male child in the family. It is also performed during the marriage of the son. This ritual offering prayers to the ancestors is believed to bring about good luck and blessings from one’s ancestors.
3. Kamya Shradha –This form of Shradha is believed to be the most effective in the eradication of “pitri shraap” or the curse of the ancestors. Kamya Shradha is specifically performed during the Rohini Nakshatra and Krittika Nakshatra period. People during Kamya Shradha invite a designated “pujari” or Bhramin or priest and also offer him gifts, clothes and food.
4. Naimittika Shradha –This Shradha commonly known as “Varshika Shradha” or the yearly Shradha, is especially performed for a single individual. Once a member passes away this Shradha is performed in the following years and in the exact date of the “tithi” or death anniversary. Vishwadeva is not installed during this ritual and in the modern world Naimittika Shradha is also referred to as anniversary Shradha.
5. Nitya Shradha –Nitya Shradha as the name implies is the Shradha which is performed daily. Vishwadeva need not be installed during this ritual and it is a simple Shradha in which an individual uses water and chants the word “swaha” three times.
6. Sapindan Shradha –This Shradha is specifically performed by women. When a family member dies, the female members of the family perform this Shradha on the twelfth day of the family member’s death.
7. Goshthi Shradha –During Goshthi Shradha, all the members of the family come together and perform the Shradha ritual to propitiate their ancestors.
8. Shuddhayarth Shradha –This Shradha as the name suggests is related to the purification of an individual. This Shradha is performed during “pitri paksha” and the members of a family undergo this ritual practice for the purification of their mind, body and soul.
9. Karman Shradha –Karmang Shradha or the Shradha related to “karma” is done by the family to get blessings from their ancestors, before they commence any ritual or an important puja or prayer.
10. Tirtha Shradha –“Tirtha” is a word which means, the journey taken by a devout follower or believer to far off holy places or temples, which are deemed to be auspicious and fruitful. Therefore, Tirtha Shradha is performed by an individual to commence this holy journey.
11. Yatrartha Shradha –Yatrartha Shradha translates to the Shradha that is performed for the “Yatra” or journey. During the commencement of an individual’s “Tirtha Yatra”, tey perform this Shradha, to seek blessings and protection from their ancestors during their journey, to reach the destination. Thereby making the “Tirth Yatra” successful.
12. Pushtayarth Shradha –This Sradha is performed by an individual to appease their ancestors and seek help and blessings for the advancement in the different spheres of life.

Solah Shradha

Solah Shradha or the “sixteen Shradhas” is also known as “pitri paksha” or the fortnight of the ancestors. It is a sixteen day lunar period in the Hindu calendar. This period of sixteen days is also known by other names such as, “pitru paksha”, “pitri pokkho”, “kanagat”, “jutiya”, “mahalaya paksha” and “apara paksha”.

Since Shradha is performed during “pitri paksha”, this period of time is considered inauspicious for various works and ceremonies. The Hindus believe in the realm of “pitri loka”, this “loka” or dimension is exclusive of heaven and earth. Hinduism states that three generations of an individual’s ancestors’ soul resides in this realm.

“Pitri loka” is said to be governed by Yama or the God of Death. When an individual passes away Lord Yama is said to take his or her soul to “pitri lok”. When a new soul arrives in “pitri loka”, the corresponding first generation of soul residing here gets released and is united with God. Thereby accommodating only three generations of an individual’s ancestors at any given time. Lord Yama also plays an important role in the performance of Shradh.

The Hindu epics state that Surya or the Sun enters Kanya Rashi or Virgo during the commencement of Solah Shradha. During this transition, it is believed that our ancestors reside in our homes and stay with us for about a month, until the Sun enters the Vrischika Rashi or Scorpio. It is during this full moon that a person performs Shradha.

Shradha in Mahabharata

The importance of Shradha has been highlighted in the battle of Mahabharata. During the battle between the Kauravas and Pandavas, a veteran warrior, Karna from the Kauravas is vanquished. After his death, Karna reaches heaven and is given gold in every item of luxury and strangely he was given gold as food too.

Karna was hungry and this situation perplexed him. So, he went to Lord Indra and asked why he was being given gold instead of real food? Lord Indra proceeded to explain to Karna, that although he was a great philanthropist and had donated lots of gold in his lifetime, he had, however, not offered any food or prayers to his ancestors during Sradha. Hence, he was being repaid with only gold even after his death.

To this Karna replied that he did not perform Shradha because he never knew his parents. To this reply Lord Indra is believed to have given Karna a second chance and sent him to Earth for a period of fifteen days. During these fifteen days Karna was able to perform Shradha and donate food and water as homage to his parents. Today we know this period as “pitri paksha” or Solah Shradha.

Shradha –Why is it Important?

Solah Shradha or Pitri Paksha is considered an important period to propitiate one’s ancestors. This ritual performed by a son is believed to be significant for an ancestor to reach heaven. Garuda Purana states that for a man to attain salvation, it is necessary to have a son. Various Hindu scriptures have stated that the head of the family should make sure that he worships and appeases his ancestors just as he or she worship their Gods and Goddesses.

According to Markandeya Purana if an individual propitiates their ancestors with Shradha, the satisfied ancestors will bestow them with good health, good fortune, happiness and prosperity.

However, if an individual is unable to perform Shradha rites due to unforeseen circumstances, then the ideal remedy is the performance of “Sarvapitri Amavasya”. This ritual is the offering of prayers to one’s ancestors in their death anniversary.

Ritual Performance of Shradha

During Pitri Paksha, on the specific lunar day the Shradha is performed, this is usually when a parent or paternal grandparent dies. The specified lunar day also depends on the type of death of a person and his social status. If it is a one year death anniversary then Shraadha is performed in the Chautha Bharani and Bharani Panchami which is the fourth and fifth lunar day respectively.

If a married woman dies before her husband then the ritual is performed in the Avidhava Navami or the un-widowed ninth, which is the ninth lunar day. The widowed husband has to invite female Brahmins as guests in their wife’s Shradha. For children and ascetics who have renounced the world and its offerings, the twelfth lunar day is allotted.

For people who have martyred or died a violent death, a special lunar day called “Ghata Chaturdashi” or “Ghayala Chaturdashi” is allotted, which falls on the fourteenth day of Pitri Paksha. “Sarva Pitri Amavasya” which translates to the new moon of all ancestors, is the lunar day when one can perform Shradha for all their ancestors irrespective of the day and type of deaths.

“Sarva Pitri Paksha” is an important day during Pitri Paksha as it is the ultimate remedy for anyone who has forgotten to perform Shradha rituals of any kind. The Hindus believe that the Shraddha performed during Sarva Pitri Paksha is as fruitful as performing a Shradha in the holy city of Gaya.

Among the Bengali communitiy, people pray and make offering to their ancestors during Mahalaya. This day also commemorates the traditional belief that Goddess Durga has descended from heaven to earth.

An individual can also perform Shradha for his deceased maternal grandfather and it is assigned on “Matamaha” or “Dauhitra”. “Matamaha” means maternal grandfather and “Dauhitra” means daughter’s son. This day also marks the beginning or the bright fortnight or Ashvin.

Shradha is exclusively performed at noon and it essentially takes place at a river bank or lake side or a person’s residence. Some families also go on “teertha yatra” or a sacred journey to auspicious places such as Varanasi and Gaya, to perform Sradha.

The Holy city of Gaya receives around five lakhs to seventy five lakhs pilgrims in their annual fair during Pitri Paksha. This fair takes place in the River Falgu of Gaya and people offer “Pinda” to their ancestors, here.

Designated person to perform Shradha

Shradha is traditionally performed by the eldest son of the family. However, if the son is unavailable a main relative from the paternal side of the family can perform the ritual. Some communities and castes perform Shradha only for one generation of ancestors. The male member should undergo a sacred thread ceremony before commencing Shradha.

Food offering

During Shradha the food offered to the ancestors are cooked in silver or copper vessels. Then the cooked food offering is placed on banana leaves and/ or cups made out of dried leaves. The food offered to the ancestors is strictly vegetarian and consists of “Kheer”, which is sweet rice and milk cooked together, “lapsi” which is a wheat grain porridge, rice, lentils and pumpkin.

Rites performed in Shradha

Before the male member of the family performs Sradha it is necessary for him to take a sacred bath symbolizing his purification. He has to take off his everyday clothes and wear a “dhoti” and also wear a customary ring of “Darbha Grass”. It is this ring where the ancestors are invoked to reside and this person also wearing the sacred thread, stays bare-chested, as the position of the sacred thread has to be changed several times during the ritual.

There is a ritual of “Pinda Dana”. “Pinda” is a food item made from cooked rice and barley flour balls mixed with ghee and black sesame seeds. “Pinda Dana” therefore means the offering of Pinda to one’s ancestor and during this the individual also releases water from his hands.

After this prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu and Lord Yama. Lord Vishnu is symbolized by “darbha grass” or a gold image or a Shaligram stone.

Now, the final food offering –Especially prepared on the roof –is made. It is a common belief that if a crow comes and eats the food then the ancestors have accepted the offering. In Hinduism, crows are said to be the messenger of the angel of death, Yama. Simultaneously, a cow and a dog are fed and also a Brahmin priest is offered food. After the crow and Brahmin priest are done eating their lunch, the family members can finally eat their lunch and successfully end the auspicious ritual of Shradha.

Diwali commonly referred to as “The Festival of Lights”, denotes the triumph of good over evil and the overcoming of darkness by the light. Diwali also symbolizes the elimination of ignorance by knowledge and wisdom. Commonly known as Deepavali or Divali, this festival is celebrated over a period of five days.

Diwali usually falls in the month of “Kartika” in the Hindu calendar, which is between mid-october and mid-november. Although this festival is associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the giver and bearer of wealth and prosperity, different cultures associate it with Goddess Durga, Kali, Dhanvantari or Sita and Ram, Lord Vishnu, Krishna, Yama, Yami and Vishwakarma.

Diwali can be traced to the Indian sub-continent courtesy of the early Sanskrit texts. This five day festival commences after the twentieth day of Dusshera, thus beginning the five days of celebration, revolving around Diwali.

• Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali. It is a common belief among Hindus that household items bought during this day, bring about prosperity and good luck.
• Narakachaturdashi marks the second day of this festival. It is also known as “Choti Diwali” and this day is also celebrated as proper Diwali among certain communities in Southern India.
• The third day is the grand occasion and is celebrated as proper Diwali and Lakshmi Puja. It is also the bringer of the darkest night of the month.
• Goverdhan Puja falls immediately after Diwali and it symbolizes the sacred relationship between husband and wife.
• “Bhai-dooj” or “Bhai-Tika” marks the end of Diwali and this day is dedicated to celebrating the bond between a sister and her brothers. This day, among certain craftsmen and artisans of the Hindu and Sikh communities is also celebrated as Vishwakarma puja, Vishwakarma being the God of all things mechanical, modern and ancient.

Meaning and Significance of Diwali

Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit words “Dipavali” in which “ Dipa” refers to “Diya” or a lamp, candle or lantern and “avali” means a continuous row, thereby translating together as a row or a series of light.

One of the most significant connotation of Diwali is it being symbolic of knowledge or light illuminating the darkness of the night. Hence, it is celebrated as the occasion where ignorance is over come by the light of knowledge and wisdom. Diwali also marks the end of the lunar month, Ashwin and the beginning of the month of Kartika as per the Hindu calendar.

Nevertheless, Diwali is not just celebrated by the Hindus, but it is also celebrated by the Jains as the day of the final spiritual liberation of Mahavira. The Sikhs celebrate it as “Bandi chhor divas” or the day their revered saint Guru Hargobind was freed by the Mughal emperor from prison. The Bengali community celebrate Diwali as Kali Puja in which they worship the Goddess Kali. Among the Nepalese population of India and Nepal, this festival is referred to as “Tihar” and among the Buddhists it is called “Swanti”.

Diwali – Its various stories of origin

The story of origin of Diwali dates back to the Ramayana. Lord Rama the incarnation of Lord Vishnu was the rightful ruler of Ayodhya, but due to some family politics he was sent for “Vanvaas” alongwith his wife Sita. Vanvaas implied that they were forced to live in the forest as ascetics for a period of fourteen years. Seeing this injustice happen to Rama, his brother Lakshmana insisted that he join his brother and his sister in law for their Vanvaas.

Lord Rama ran into many friends and foes, during this period, the most talked about being Ravana a powerful ruler of Sri Lanka. Ravana fell for Sita and when he knew she was married, blinded by his power, he kidnapped her. Lord Rama was furious and with the help of his brother and ardent devotee Lord Hanumana, along with other allies, defeated and killed Ravana.

After much trials and tribulations he got his wife back and soon his stipulated time period in the forest also ended. Lord Rama being a just and benevolent leader was welcomed to Ayodhya with numerous diyas, as a triumphant return of the rightful King.

It was this night that later came to be celebrated as Diwali, the night where light overcame the dark and the triumph of good over evil. Among the Hindus of South India this day marks the victory of Lord Krishna. Another incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna is said to have defeated and killed the demon Narakasura.

This demon was the king of Pragjyotishepura and had created havoc among his subjects. Being an exceptionally powerful ruler none dared to oppose him, hence Lord Krishna challenged and killed the demon, also rescuing sixteen thousand females kept in captivity by Narakasura.

Diwali, also commonly known as Lakshmi Puja, is associated with the goddess of prosperity and wealth. Goddess Lakshmi was born from “Samudra Manthana”, which was the churning of the ocean by the “Devas” or the Gods and the “Asuras” or the Demons.

The ocean was churned using Mount Mandara as the churning rod and “Nagaraja Vasuki”, or the king of snake was used as the churning rope. A number of divine things were released as a reult of this Manthana and Goddess Lakshmi was also born out of this event. Diwali, therefore, commemorates the day Goddess Lakshmi chose to wed Lord Vishnu.

In the eastern regions of the Indian sub-continent, Hindus celebrate Diwali in reverence to the goddess of “Shakti” or power, Kali Mata. Among certain trade and merchant families of India, Diwali also celebrates goddess Saraswati, or the goddess of knowledge, learning and wisdom. Kubera, or the God in charge of the divine treasury, accounting and capital management, is also worshipped on this day.

Diwali among the Jains

Among the Jain community Diwali is observed as “Mahavira Nirvana Divas”. This day marks the physical death of Mahavira, wherein he attained nirvana. There were eighteen kings who attended the final teachings of Mahavira and the proclaimed that there entire kingdoms be lit with lamps, in memoriam of the spiritual light of Mahavira. This, according to Jainism began their tradition of celebrating the festival of light.

Diwali among the Sikhs

Diwali marks three important landmarks in the Sikh religion. It is the day the city of Amritsar was founded in 1577.

Next in line, is the release of Guru Hargobind imprisoned by a Mughal Emperor. Guru Hargobind was the prisoner in the Gwalior Fort Prison and it was on this day he was freed and he arrived at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Finally, this day marks the martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh in 1738. Bhai Mani Singh staunchly refused to convert to Islam, under the Mughal Empire and also tried to celebrate Diwali for which a fine was levied onto him but he was unable to pay it. Eventually, he was martyred and the Sikh community still revere him on the occasion of Diwali.

The Elaborate Celebration of the Five Day Festival- Diwali

1. Dhanteras – The first day: Dhanteras is a compound word consisting of, “Dhan” meaning wealth and “teras” meaning thirteen. The number thirteen signifies the thirteenth day or the fortnight of Karthik. It also marks the beginning of the five day festival of Diwali.

People clean their homes and surroundings during this day and puts rows of Diyas or earthen lamps to illuminate and brighten the night skies. Theses brightly lit diyas, illuminate the workplaces and homes. People buy household items and utensils specifically on this day, as it is considered auspicious. In the evenings people pray to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Offerings of sweets and flowers are made to the deities during the prayer.

Legend has it that the term “Dhan” also refers to “Dhanvantari”, the Goddess of health and healing, who was born along with Goddess Lakshmi during “Samudra Manthana”, the event of churning of the ocean.

People who practice Ayurveda are seen performing “ Yagya”, or offering prayers to Goddess Dhanvantari during Dhanteras.

• Chhoti Diwali –The second day: “Chhoti” or little Diwali kis also known as “Narakachaturdashi”. “Naraka” translates to hell and “chaturdashi” is the fourteenth. This day is observed as an auspicious occasion to perform various rituals, for the emancipation of the soul from the sufferings of hell. This day in other words is considered sacred for the soul.

In many Hindu communities this day is considered a scared time to light the path of dead ancestors, in their spiritual journey. People perform rituals and offer light, water and prayers to their ancestors, for a brightly lit and peaceful after life.

“Narakachaturdashi” is also the day celebrants purchase a variety of festive foods and sweets. Many households prepare various confectionary items, such as barfis, shreekhand, sandesh and halwa. Shops are decorated and they sell various sweet items such as rasgulla and laddus.

Families also visit their relatives, friends and business associates during this day. Among some of the Hindu communities of Tamil Nadu, Goa and Karnataka, this day is celebrated as Diwali and younger members of the family receive an oil massage from the elders of the family, after which they take a ritual bath before sunrise.

• Diwali –The third day: the darkest fortnight of the festival, Diwali is the third day when the five day long festival reaches its zenith. The entire Indian subcontinent is lit during this occasion and this includes the Hindu, Jain and Sikh Temples.

The elders of the family receive visits from the younger members. There is exchange of gifts and pleasantries. Workers, labourers and employees receive Diwali bonus from their employers.

People clean and decorate their workplace during this day. They also perform puja celebrations during this day in their workplace. Some shops remain closed or close early so that they can enjoy more family time. The major difference between Diwali and many other Hindu festivals is the fact that unlike other auspicious occasions, people do not fast during this day but instead they feast on sweets and delicacies.

The festive spirit is high as the evening approaches. Celebrants, after finishing their preparation take a bath and wear new clothes. Many communities prefer to wear their traditional attire and the children, can be seen especially excited for the festival of light and happiness.

The family members finally gather together for Lakshmi puja. Prayers and offerings are made to Goddess Lakshmi by the family. Other Gods and Goddesses such as Ganesha, Saraswati, Ram, Laxman, Sita and Hanumana are also worshipped and revered during this puja.

The prayer comes to a crescendo with “aarti”. After this the elders of the family give blessings and sweets to the younger ones and now the puja diya or lamp is used to light all the diyas or lamps placed in rows in the house. Once the entire house and the surrounding areas are brightly lit people come out and light fireworks, exchange gifts and pleasantries with their neighbours and relatives. Diwali is the grandest celebration, where everyone celebrates the festival by giving sweets and gifts ti their loved ones.

Among the Bengali Hindu community, this day is celebrated as Kali Puja. Goddess Kali being te symbol of “Shakti” or power, and the reign of the supreme power over evil. The rituals and celebration of Diwali is seemingly alike with Lakshmi Puja and the only difference is that the main focus here is the worship and emphasis on Goddess Kali.

The cleaning and lighting of diyas at home is significant in Diwali, as it is to ensure that Lakshmi enters people’s homes and it is a common belief that Goddess Lakshmi presides in homes that are clean and brightly lit. This cleaning of homes and offices is also symbolic of the monsoons and its process of cleaning and purifying the surrounding areas.

• Govardhan Puja – The fourth day: The day after Diwali is the onset of the bright fortnight, of the lunisolar calendar. This Puja is known by different names among the different communities of India, namely:

Padwa

Annakut

Bali padyami

Kartik shukla pratipada

Bali pratipada

               This day has different reference stories and some of them are as follows:

This day is celebrated among various Hindu communities as the day Lord Vishnu defeated the mighty Bali. Bali was a King who was immensely powerful and could not be defeated by any mortal being. Hence, the Gods had to descend to defeat this powerful King.

Govardhan Puja is also symbolic of the day Lord Shiva and his wife Goddess Parvati, engaged in a game of “dyuta” or dice, in a board of twelve squares and thirty pieces. Lord Shiva eventually lost the game and had to surrender his adornments and attire to Goddess Parvati. This metaphorical tale symbolized the female pro-creative energy.

The twelve squares in the dice board are the number of months and the thirty pieces, indicate the number of days in a month.

This day celebrates the bond between a husband and wife, in some communities the husbands give gifts to the wives. Usually, parents invite their son-in-law or daughter-in-law and enjoy a family meal together.

Among the Hindus in the central region and the North West of India, this day is celebrated as Govardhan Puja, or the day in reverence of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is said to have saved the farming and animal herding communities against great floods and heavy rainfall. Therefore, cow dung miniature mountains are made to honour Lord Krishna during Govardhan Puja .

• “Bhai-Dooj” or “Bhai-Tika –The final day: The final day or the fifth day of Diwali is celebrated as Bhai-Dooj or Bhai-Tika, both terms literally translating to brother’s day. Jjthis day is significant as it is believed that Lord Krishna, returns to his sister, Subhadra, after defeating Narakasura. Subhadra welcomed Krishna with a “tilaka” or “tika” on his forehead, hence the tradition of applying “tika” on the brother’s forehead continued.

It is also referred that on this day “Yama” the God of Death, was welcomed by his sister “Yamuna”, by applying Tilaka on his forehead.

This day distinguishes itself from Rakhi, because, unlike Rakhi, where sisters tie the sacred thread around their brothers’ wrists, in Bhai-dooj, sisters welcome their brothers with Tilaka on their forehead followed by a festive meal like on Rakhi. Usually the brothers, travel to their sister’s residence and celebrate this day.

The female members of the family gather together and offer prayers, asking for the well being of their brothers. After the prayer session, they give their brothers special meals which they have prepared, for this occasion. In return the brothers give gifts and money to their sisters and the day comes to a conclusion.

Diwali , therefore can be termed, not just as a religious function, but it has a definite impact on the socio-economic infrastructure of the country. Various sectors of business, experience better profits during this festival, since people splurge during Diwali as it is considered lucky to invest during Lakshmi Puja.

There is a significant bonding in the social circles as well, regardless of religion, caste or creed as Diwali is the festival of sharing and the spreading of love and festivities.

Dev Shayani Ekadashi can be disambiguated as the eleventh lunar day meaning Ekadashi, of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha), which falls on the Hindu month of “Ashadha”. “Ashadha” falls in the month of June-July and it is because of this that it is also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi or Ashadhi.

Dev Shayani Ekadashi holds special significance to Vaishnavas, followers of Lord Vishnu. This auspicious day is known as Toll Ekadashi in Telegu. Not just by a few but Dev Shayani Ekadashi is known by various other names, some of which are listed below.

1. Shayani Ekadashi meaning sleeping eleventh.
2. Maha Ekadashi translating to the great eleventh.
3. Prathna Ekadashi which is the first eleventh.
4. Padma Ekadashi or Devpodhi Ekadashi interpreting the eleventh lunar day of the bright fortnight.

In other words this auspicious day of Dev Shayani Ekadashi marks the beginning of “Chaturmaas”, here “chatur” means four and “maas” means months. Thus Dev Shayani Ekadsahi is the beginning of the four auspicious monsoon months headlined by a number of festivals and holy occasions. The monsoon season characterised by cool heavy rains and moisture are Asadh, Shravan, Bhadarpada and Ashvin in the Hindu calendar.

Observance of Dev Shayani Ekadashi

Images of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are decorated and worshipped on this day. Devotees fast on this auspicious day and people sing bhajans or songs in praise of the Gods and Goddesses for the entirety of the night. Fasting generally involves giving up a specific food item for every Ekadashi . The fast observed on Shayani Ekadashi usually calls for the giving up of all grains, beans, cereals and certain vegetables like onions and specific spices.

Ekadashi Fasting and Three Days Routine

The fasting for Shayani Ekadashi is followed in the three day routine which is elaborated below.

The devotees refrain from consuming their evening meal or dinner a day prior to the actual fasting day. This is to ensure that there are no residual food particles in our system on the actual day of fasting. On the day of Dev Shayani Ekadashi the fasting is stringent and religiously adhered to. This fasting ends only after the sunrise of the next day, hence completing the three days routine. If however a person is unable to follow the Ekadashi fasting, care should be taken to avoid rice in any food item on the day of Dev Shayani Ekadashi.

Important Places to Visit on Dev Shayani Ekadashi

Dev Shayani Ekadashi is marked by devotees visiting different locations and their landmark temples, listed below are the different locations:

1. Char Dham or all the four revered temples in India which includes temples across all four directions namely :
2. Badrinath in the north
3. Dwarka in the west
4. Jagannath Puri in the east; and
5. Rameshwaram in the south

• Shri Vishnu Mandir
• Shri Ram Mandir
• Shri Krishna Mandir
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Dev Shayani Ekadashi and its relevance in the Puranas

The Puranas ascertain that during Dev Shayani Ekadashi Lord Vishnu takes rest in Ksheer Sagar (ocean). Inferentially, during his presence in Ksheer Sagar, all rivers and water bodies are considered divine and pure. It is also the prime reasons why devotees take holy bath during this period. It is widely accepted that a believer’s sins would be absolved provided he observes severe austerities and penance along with the holy bath in rivers and lakes.

The devotees are also asked to observe asceticism, discipline and refraining from sensual pleasures and intoxication of any kind. Dev Shayani Ekadashi not just demands a purification of our physical body but also makes sure that the believers have a pure and unadulterated sense and being, including our sense of touch, smell, sight, hearing and feeling. Therefore according to the Puranas, this day should be observed as a day of penance. It is also on Dev Shayani Ekadashi, a devotee takes a vow to carry on extra devotional duties and practices, observe penance and to keep ones senses and body pure and clean.

When it comes to eating in the holy four months or “chatturmaas”, the Puranas have advised us to regulate a systematic food habit.

1. The Bhavishyottara Purana states that vegetables should not be consumed during “shravan”.
2. Likewise, one should refrain from eating curd during “bhadarpada”.
3. Milk should not be consumed during “ashvin”; and
4. Pulses are best avoided during “karthik”.

Skanada Purana, advises that an individual with devotional leanings should avoid the consumption of onion, garlic and other non consumables during “chatturmaas”. Furthermore, according to the Puranas food items such as brinjal, watermelon, radish and sugarcane should be avoided. These specific food items are mentioned in the Puranas, as they are believed to constrain a devotee’s elevation on the spiritual journey.

Dev Shayani Ekadashi and the Bhavishyottara Purana

In the Bhavishyottara Purana, the importance of the Dev Shayani Ekadashi is mentioned vividly, accounted by Lord Krishna to Yudhistir. Similarly this story narrated by Lord Krishna is also told by Lord Brahma to his son Narada. The story of the King Mandata was narrated by bothLord Krishna and Brahma, highlighting the importance of Dev Shayani Ekadashi.

The Story of King Mandata

King Mandata was a pious and diligent leader. He was respected and loved by his subjects. However, the King’s happy and prosperous rule was harshly interrupted by severe drought of three years. King Mandata was thoroughly disturbed as the drought brought along calamities and casualties despite all his efforts.

Thus King Mandata in a desperate attempt to please the rain Gods met the renowned sage Angiras. This sage advised King Mandata to observe fast on the day of Dev Shayani Ekadashi along with his subjects. The King and his subjects followed the advice and observed a stringent fast on this day. Thereby, Lord Vishnu was pleased with the people and King Mandata as a result of which there was heavy rain following the Dev Shayani Ekadashi.

This is one of the prime reasons why observing a fast on this day is considered to be auspicious and is believed to bring about prosperity and well being to the devotees.

Pandharpur Ashadi Ekadashi  Waari Yatra

On the eve of Dev Shayani Ekadashi a grand procession of pilgrims known as Pandharpur Ashadi Ekadashi Waari Yatra culminates in Pandharpur, which is in the Solapur District in South Maharashtra, located on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River.

Since this day is considered the most auspicious day for Lord Vitthala followers, the disciples take their holy dip in the Chandrabhaga River and also get a glimpse of Lord Vitthala and Rukmini. Pandharpuri Waari is believed to be the most scared pilgrimage of India in the Ashada month of the Hindu calendar. Thousands of devotees throng from Maharashtra and Karnataka during this journey which aptly translates to “Waari” or the journey, hence, the name, Pandharpur Waari. This tradition dates back to 1685 AD and till today people assemble in Pandharpur and start their journey of twenty one days.

During Dev Shayani Ekadashi the main temple is kept open the whole day, so that all the visitors get “darshan” (view/sight). The journey of both the revered saints, Sant Dhyaneshwar Palki and Sant Tukaram Maharaj from Pune and Alandi respectively are believed to come to a close during this day.

After the devotees congregate and finish their holy dip in the Chandarbhaga River, they proceed to the final leg of their holy walk to Pandhapur. This final occasion is called Pradakshina and it is on this day that the idols of Lord Vitthala and Goddess Rukmini are carried in a “Palkhi” (palanquin) or a decorated chariot.  Thus this procession finally ends after reaching Pandharpur.

Vishnu Ashtotharam or Vishnu Sahashranamam

During Dev Shayani Ekadashi prime importance is given to the purifying of the body ,the mind and the soul. This is believed to be achieved by chanting, Vishnu Ashtotharam or Vishnu Sahashranamam.

Vishnu Ashtotharam or the hundred and eight names of Lord Vishnu along with, Vishnu Sahashranamam or the thousand names of Lord Vishnu should be chanted on this day with full devotion and purity of heart. It is believed, to help an individual fulfill his desires and overcome any obstacles or difficulties in life.

Vishnu Sahashranamam is part of the “Anushasanaparva” of the Indian epic Mahabharata. According to the renowned Indian sage Shri Adi Shankaracharya, Vishnu Sahashranamam is considered an important chant on the quest for one’s spirituality and “moksha” or nirvana.

Along with these two important chants, on the day of Dev Shayani Ekadashi, the devotees can also indulge in the simple chanting of “Om Nama Narayana” or any prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna.

Staunch devotees, not only keep stringent fasting on this day but also abstain from sleeping. Thus, they practise extreme penance during this period. In conclusion, on the day of Dev Shayani Ekadashi, all the disciples make sure that they follow the correct path for a peaceful and a prosperous life and the afterlife.