Story of Tulasi , why it is worshipped in home and temples

Tulasi, also known as Vrinda, was a devout and virtuous maiden. She was deeply devoted to Lord Vishnu and spent her life in penance and prayer, seeking his blessings. Her devotion was so intense that it caught the attention of the gods and demons alike.

According to the legend, Tulasi was married to the demon king Jalandhar, who possessed great power and invincibility. Jalandhar's strength was derived from the unwavering chastity and devotion of Tulasi. As long as Tulasi remained pure and devoted to Jalandhar, no one could defeat him.

Jalandhar, emboldened by his invincibility, began to challenge the gods and wreak havoc in the heavens. The gods, unable to defeat Jalandhar, sought the help of Lord Vishnu to restore order. Lord Vishnu devised a plan to weaken Jalandhar's power. Disguising himself as Jalandhar, Vishnu approached Tulasi and managed to deceive her into believing that he was her husband. Tulasi, unaware of the deception, welcomed Vishnu with open arms, thus breaking her vow of chastity.

As a result, Jalandhar lost his divine protection and was defeated by the gods. When Tulasi realized that she had been deceived, she was heartbroken and felt betrayed by Lord Vishnu. In her grief and anger, she cursed Vishnu, condemning him to turn into a black stone (Shaligram) and be separated from his beloved Lakshmi.

Moved by Tulasi's devotion and sorrow, Vishnu revealed his true form and consoled her. He then blessed Tulasi, transforming her into the sacred Tulasi plant. Vishnu declared that Tulasi would be worshipped alongside him and that her leaves would always be an essential part of his offerings.

The story of Tulasi and Vishnu is commemorated in the festival of Tulasi Vivah, which marks the ceremonial marriage of the Tulasi plant (representing goddess Tulasi) with Lord Vishnu, symbolized by a Shaligram stone or Krishna idol. This festival is celebrated with great devotion and joy, signifying the union of the divine and the earthly.

The legend of Tulasi and Vishnu highlights the themes of devotion, sacrifice, and the divine interplay between the gods and their devotees. It underscores the importance of faith and the belief that true devotion can transcend even the greatest of adversities.

Story of Sri Raghavendra Swamy and his wife Saraswathi

Sri Raghavendra Swamy, also known as Guru Raghavendra, was one of the most revered saints and philosophers of the Dvaita Vedanta school of Hinduism. He was born as Venkatanatha in 1595 or 1598 in a village called Bhuvanagiri in Tamil Nadu. He was a brilliant scholar and a devout devotee of Lord Vishnu. He composed many works on Vedanta, logic, grammar, and music. He also performed many miracles and helped countless people with his divine grace and compassion.

He was married to Saraswati, a virtuous and devoted woman who supported him in his spiritual pursuits. They had a son named Lakshminarayanacharya, who later became a great scholar himself. They lived a simple and happy life, despite being extremely poor.

However, destiny had other plans for Venkatanatha. His guru, Sudheendra Tirtha, the head of the Kumbhakonam Matha (a religious institution), chose him as his successor and initiated him into sanyasa (renunciation) in 1624. He was given the name Raghavendra Tirtha and became the peetadhipathi (leader) of the matha.

This was a great honor for Venkatanatha, but a great shock for Saraswati. She could not bear the fact that her husband had renounced the world and left her alone. She decided to end her life by jumping into an old and unused well on the way to the matha. She hoped that by doing so, she would be reunited with her husband in the afterlife.

But fate had something else in store for her. Due to her untimely death, she did not attain moksha (liberation) but got stuck in between heaven and earth as a disembodied spirit. She wandered around aimlessly, longing for her husband's presence and seeking his forgiveness.

Meanwhile, Raghavendra Tirtha continued his spiritual journey and traveled to various places to spread the message of Vedanta and Vishnu bhakti (devotion). He performed many miracles and healed many people with his divine power. He also faced many challenges and oppositions from those who were jealous or hostile to him. He remained calm and composed in all situations and never lost his faith in God.

One day, he arrived at Mantralaya, a village on the banks of the Tungabhadra river in present-day Andhra Pradesh. He decided to stay there for some time and chose a spot under a tamarind tree to meditate. He felt a strong connection with that place and sensed that it was his final destination.

He announced to his disciples that he would enter into jeeva samadhi (a state of living death) there and instructed them to build a brindavana (a tomb-like structure) around him. He also told them that he would continue to bless them and help them even after his departure from this world.

He then entered into deep meditation and prepared himself for his final journey. As he did so, he sensed a familiar presence near him. It was none other than Saraswati, his wife, who had been following him all these years as a spirit.

She approached him with tears in her eyes and said, "O my dear husband, please forgive me for my foolish act. I could not bear your separation and took my own life. But I realized my mistake too late and got trapped in this miserable state. I have been wandering around you ever since, hoping for your mercy and grace. Please release me from this bondage and let me join you in your bliss."

Raghavendra Tirtha opened his eyes and looked at her with love and compassion. He said, "O my dear wife, do not grieve or repent for your past actions. You have done nothing wrong. You have only loved me with all your heart and soul. You have been my faithful companion in this life and you will be my eternal partner in the next. You have already attained moksha by your devotion to me and to Lord Vishnu. You do not need my forgiveness or grace. You only need to realize your true nature as an immortal soul."

He then sprinkled some holy water from his kamandalu (water pot) on her and said, "This is the last wish of Saraswati: to be liberated from this cycle of birth and death by the grace of Raghavendra Tirtha."

As soon as he said these words, Saraswati felt a surge of light and joy within her. She felt all her sorrows and pains vanish in an instant. She felt free from all attachments and desires. She felt one with her husband and with God. She smiled and bowed to him and said, "Thank you, my lord, for your kindness and generosity. Thank you for fulfilling my last wish. Thank you for liberating me from this samsara (worldly existence). I am now ready to go with you to the abode of Lord Vishnu."

She then merged into his form and became one with him. Raghavendra Tirtha also smiled and closed his eyes. He then entered into jeeva samadhi and left his mortal body behind.

His disciples completed the construction of the brindavana and performed the rituals as per his instructions. They also installed a statue of Lord Hanuman, his favorite deity, in front of the brindavana. They then worshipped him as Guru Raghavendra and prayed to him for his blessings and guidance.

The brindavana of Guru Raghavendra at Mantralaya is still a sacred place of pilgrimage for millions of devotees who believe that he is still alive and active in his samadhi. They believe that he listens to their prayers and fulfills their wishes. They also believe that he manifests himself in various forms and performs miracles to help them in their troubles.

The story of Raghavendra Tirtha and Saraswati is a story of love and liberation. It is a story of how a human couple transcended their worldly bonds and attained divine union. It is a story of how a saint relieved his wife from her suffering and granted her moksha. It is a story that inspires us to follow our dreams and passions, to overcome our challenges and difficulties, and to seek our ultimate goal of self-realization.

Story on Siddhidatri - Navaratri special

Navaratri is a festival of nine nights that celebrates the different aspects of the Hindu mother goddess Mahadevi. On each night, a different form of the goddess is worshipped with devotion and reverence. The ninth and final form of Mahadevi is Siddhidatri, the giver of perfection and supernatural powers.

Siddhidatri is derived from two Sanskrit words: siddhi, which means fulfillment or perfection, and datri, which means giver or awarder. Siddhidatri is the goddess who grants all kinds of siddhis or divine abilities to her devotees. She is also the one who bestows the ultimate siddhi of moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Siddhidatri is depicted with four hands holding a chakra (discus), shankh (conch shell), mace, and lotus. She is seated on either a fully bloomed lotus or a lion as her mount. In some pictorial depictions, she is flanked by Gandharvas, Yakshas, Siddhas, Asuras and Devas who are portrayed as paying obeisance to the goddess.

The origin of Siddhidatri can be traced back to the beginning of the universe, when there was nothing but a massive void filled with darkness. From this void emerged a ray of divine light, which was the supreme goddess of power, Adi-Parashakti. She created the trinity of gods: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, and instructed them to perform their respective duties of creation, preservation and destruction.

The trinity of gods meditated on the bank of an ocean for many years to understand their roles and seek the blessings of Adi-Parashakti. The goddess was pleased with their devotion and appeared before them in the form of Siddhidatri. She gave them their consorts: Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati, who were manifestations of her own power. She also bestowed upon them eight siddhis: Anima (the ability to become small), Mahima (the ability to become large), Garima (the ability to become heavy), Laghima (the ability to become light), Prapti (the ability to obtain anything), Prakambya (the ability to fulfill any desire), Ishitva (the ability to control anything) and Vashitva (the ability to subjugate anyone).

One of the most remarkable stories involving Siddhidatri is that of Lord Shiva attaining the form of Ardhanarishwara, which means half-man and half-woman. Lord Shiva was so fascinated by the beauty and grace of Siddhidatri that he wished to have her as his consort. He prayed to her with utmost sincerity and devotion for a long time. Siddhidatri was moved by his love and devotion and agreed to become his wife. She merged with his left half and became one with him. Thus, Lord Shiva became Ardhanarishwara, the symbol of the union of Shiva and Shakti, the masculine and feminine principles of the universe.

Siddhidatri is worshipped on the ninth day of Navaratri by all those who seek perfection in their endeavors and liberation from their bondage. She fulfills all the divine aspirations and grants all kinds of boons to her devotees. She is also revered by not only humans but also by devas or gods, asuras or demons, gandharvas or celestial musicians, yakshas or nature spirits, siddhas or perfected beings, and other creatures. She is the ultimate source of all power and bliss in the universe.

 

Siddhidatri is invoked by chanting her mantra:

ॐ देवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः॥

Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah॥

This means: “Salutations to the goddess Siddhidatri who grants perfection.”

She is also praised by singing her stuti:

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ सिद्धिदात्री रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Siddhidatri Rupena Samsthita।

Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥

This means: “The goddess who is present in all beings as mother Siddhidatri, salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations again and again.”

She is also meditated upon by reciting her dhyana:

वन्दे वाञ्छित मनोरथार्थ चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।

कमलस्थिताम् चतुर्भुजा सिद्धीदात्री यशस्विनीम्॥

स्वर्णवर्णा निर्वाणचक्र स्थिताम् नवम् दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्।

शङ्ख, चक्र, गदा, पद्मधरां सिद्धीदात्री भजेम्॥

Vande Vanchhita Manorathartha Chandrardhakritashekharam।

Kamalasthitam Chaturbhuja Siddhidatri Yashasvinim॥

Swarnavarnna Nirvanachakra Sthitam Navam Durga Trinetram।

Shankha, Chakra, Gada, Padmadharam Siddhidatri Bhajem॥

This means: “I bow to the one who fulfills the desired wishes, who has a crescent moon on her head. She is seated on a lotus and has four arms. She is Siddhidatri, the glorious one. She is the ninth form of Durga, who has three eyes and a golden complexion. She holds a conch, a discus, a mace and a lotus. I worship Siddhidatri.”

By worshipping Siddhidatri with love and devotion, one can attain all kinds of perfection and liberation in life. She is the ultimate goal of all spiritual seekers and the supreme mother of all creation

Story of Mahagauri - Navaratri special

Mahagauri is one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, the supreme mother goddess in Hinduism. She is worshipped on the eighth day of Navaratri, a nine-day festival that celebrates the different aspects of the goddess. Mahagauri means “extremely white” or “extremely radiant”, as she has a fair complexion and a divine glow. She is also known as Shwetambardhara, meaning “wearing white clothes”, as she symbolizes purity and peace. She is the goddess of beauty, women, and divine prosperity, and she has the power to fulfill all the desires of her devotees.

The Origin of Mahagauri

According to Hindu mythology, Mahagauri was originally a dark-skinned form of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. She was called Kali, meaning “the black one”, by Shiva, who teased her for her complexion. Parvati was hurt by this and decided to perform severe penance to Brahma, the creator god, to get a golden complexion. Brahma told her that he could not grant her such a boon, but he asked her to stop her penance and slay the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha, who were terrorizing the gods and humans.

Parvati agreed and went to take a bath in the Ganga river in the Himalayas. As she immersed herself in the holy water, her dark skin washed off from her body and she emerged as a beautiful golden woman, wearing white garments and ornaments. She was then called Mahagauri by Brahma and the other gods, who praised her for her radiance and grace.

She then appeared in front of the gods who were praying to her at the Himalayas for the destruction of Shumbha and Nishumbha. She asked them who they were worshipping, and then she reflected herself as the black Kaushiki Durga, who was the virgin form of Parvati that could kill the demons. She answered her own question and said that they were worshipping her as they were defeated by the demons. She then absorbed Kaushiki back into herself and turned black out of pity for the gods.

She then transformed into Chandi, another fierce form of Durga, and killed many demons with the help of other goddesses like Chamunda, Kali, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. She finally killed Shumbha and Nishumbha in a fierce battle and restored peace and order in the world. She then transformed back into Mahagauri and returned to Shiva, who was pleased with her victory and accepted her as his wife.

The Iconography of Mahagauri

Mahagauri is usually depicted with four hands, holding a trident, a damaru (a small drum), an abhaya mudra (a gesture of fearlessness), and a varada mudra (a gesture of blessing) in her left and right hands respectively. She rides on a white bull, which is also the mount of Shiva. She wears white clothes, jewelry, and a garland of jasmine flowers. She has long black hair that flows down her back. She has a serene expression on her face and a crescent moon on her forehead.

 

The Worship of Mahagauri

Mahagauri is worshipped on the eighth day of Navaratri, which is also called Ashtami or Durga Ashtami. On this day, devotees offer white flowers, milk, rice, sugar, coconut, and sacred scriptures to the goddess. They also recite prayers and mantras to invoke her purity and prosperity. One of the powerful mantras associated with Mahagauri is:

“ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः” (Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah)

This mantra means “Salutations to the goddess Mahagauri”.

Devotees also observe fasts and perform rituals like Kanya Puja (worshipping young girls as manifestations of the goddess) and Sandhi Puja (worshipping the goddess at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami). They believe that by worshipping Mahagauri, they can attain peace, happiness, wealth, health, wisdom, and liberation from all sins and troubles.

Mahagauri is revered as a compassionate and benevolent goddess who protects her devotees from all kinds of dangers and grants them courage, strength, and success. She is also considered as a manifestation of Shakti (the cosmic energy) that pervades everything in the universe. She is also associated with the planet Rahu (the north node of the moon) and the crown chakra (the highest energy center in the body), which give the invoker knowledge, power, and wealth.

Mahagauri is a goddess who inspires us to pursue purity and prosperity in our lives. She is a goddess who reminds us that true beauty lies in the radiance of the soul and not in the color of the skin. She is a goddess who teaches us that by overcoming our challenges and enemies, we can achieve our goals and dreams. She is a goddess who blesses us with her grace and love. She is Mahagauri, the goddess of purity and prosperity

Story of Kalaratri - Navaratri special

Kalaratri is the seventh form of the goddess Durga, who is worshipped on the seventh day of Navaratri, the nine-night festival of the Hindu goddess. Kalaratri means “the dark night” or “the night of death” and she is the most fearsome and powerful aspect of Durga. She is also known as Shubhankari, meaning “the one who does good”, as she bestows auspiciousness and courage to her devotees.

Kalaratri has a dark complexion, three eyes, and four arms. She holds a curved sword and a hooked vajra in her left hands, and shows the gestures of protection and boon-giving in her right hands. She rides on a donkey or a lion or a tiger, and wears a garland of skulls around her neck. She has long, disheveled hair and flames emanate from her nostrils. She is the destroyer of all evil forces, ghosts, demons, and negative energies.

The story of Kalaratri is related to the battle between Durga and the buffalo demon Mahishasura, who had obtained a boon from Brahma that he could not be killed by any man or god. He became arrogant and tyrannical, and started to harass the gods and sages. The gods approached Vishnu for help, who suggested that they should create a female power from their combined energies to defeat Mahishasura.

The gods agreed and concentrated their powers in a beam of light that fell on the Himalayas. From that light emerged Durga, the supreme goddess, who was endowed with the weapons and attributes of all the gods. She was beautiful and radiant, but also fierce and formidable. She mounted on a lion and set out to fight Mahishasura.

Mahishasura sent his army of demons to stop Durga, but she easily defeated them with her weapons and skills. She then faced Mahishasura himself, who changed his form many times to escape death. He became a lion, an elephant, a snake, and finally a buffalo. Durga matched his transformations and attacked him with her sword, spear, discus, trident, and other weapons.

Finally, she pinned him down with her foot and pierced his chest with her trident, killing him instantly. The gods rejoiced at the victory of Durga and praised her as the savior of the universe.

However, the death of Mahishasura was not the end of Durga’s battle. His blood spilled on the ground and from each drop arose another demon, who continued to fight Durga. Durga realized that she had to stop the blood from falling on the earth, otherwise she would have to face an endless army of demons.

She then assumed the form of Kalaratri, the dark night of death. She opened her mouth wide and swallowed all the blood that came out of Mahishasura’s body. She also devoured all the demons that were born from his blood. She became so fierce and terrifying that even the gods were afraid to look at her.

She roared loudly and shook the earth with her power. She created havoc in all directions and destroyed everything in her path. She was unstoppable and invincible.

The gods realized that they had made a mistake by creating such a powerful goddess who could not be controlled by anyone. They feared that she would destroy the whole creation in her fury. They prayed to Shiva, the lord of destruction, to calm her down.

Shiva agreed to help them and approached Kalaratri with love and respect. He praised her for her victory over Mahishasura and asked her to stop her rampage. He reminded her that she was his consort Parvati, who had taken this form to save the world from evil.

He also told her that he was proud of her and loved her more than anything else. He embraced her gently and kissed her forehead. He then asked her to return to her original form of Durga.

Kalaratri was moved by Shiva’s words and actions. She felt his love and compassion in her heart. She realized that she had fulfilled her purpose of killing Mahishasura and his demons. She also remembered that she was Parvati, the wife of Shiva.

She smiled at him and thanked him for his support. She then withdrew her fierce form and became Durga again. She looked at Shiva with affection and devotion. She also blessed the gods and sages who had worshipped her during Navaratri.

She then returned to Mount Kailash with Shiva, where they lived happily ever after.

This is how Kalaratri became one of the nine forms of Durga who are worshipped during Navaratri. She represents the dark side of nature that can be destructive but also beneficial. She teaches us to face our fears and overcome our enemies with courage and confidence.

She also shows us the power of love and devotion that can transform any situation. She is the goddess of auspiciousness and courage, who protects her devotees from all dangers and grants them success and happiness.