Ganesh Chaturthi Story Vinayaka Chavithi puja vidhanam katha

Ganesh Chaturthi Story Vinayaka Chavithi puja vidhanam/katha

Ganesha Chaturthi Date and timings:
Saturday, 22 August Ganesh Chaturthi 2020
Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat - 11:03 AM to 01:34 PM
Duration - 02 Hours 31 Mins
Ganesha Visarjan on Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Time to avoid Moon sighting - 09:02 AM to 09:23 PM
Duration - 12 Hours 22 Mins
Chaturthi Tithi Begins - 11:02 PM on Aug 21, 2020
Chaturthi Tithi Ends - 07:57 PM on Aug 22, 2020

Ganesha Chaturthi is the Hindu festivalcelebrated in honour of the god Ganesha, The son of Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha has an elephantine countenance with a curved trunk and big ears, and a huge pot-bellied body of a human being.He is the Lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshipped as the god of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth. In fact, Ganesha is one of the five prime Hindu deities(Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Durga being the other four) whose idolatry is glorified as thepanchayatana puja,is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon period). The date usually falls between August and September. The festival lasts for 10 days, ending on Anant Chaturdashi (fourteenth day of the waxing moon period).

Weeks or even months before Ganesha Chaturthi, artistic clay models of Lord Ganesha are made for sale by specially skilled artisans. They are beautifully decorated and depict Lord Ganesha in vivid poses. The size of these statues may vary from 3/4 of an inch to over 70 feet.

Ganesha Chaturthi starts with the installation of these Ganesha statues in colorfully decorated homes and specially erected temporary structures mandapas (pandals) in every locality. The pandals are erected by the people or a specific society or locality or group by collecting monetary contributions. The pandals are decorated specially for the festival, either by using decorative items like flower garlands, lights, etc. or are theme based decorations, which depict religious themes or current events.

Story of loard Ganesha:
Significance of the loard Ganesha Form:
Ganesha's head symbolizes theAtman or the soul, which is the ultimate supreme reality of human existence, and his human body signifies Maya or the earthly existence of human beings. The elephant head denotes wisdom and its trunk represents Om, the sound symbol of cosmic reality. In his upper right hand Ganesha holds a goad, which helps him propel mankind forward on the eternal path and remove obstacles from the way. The noose in Ganesha's left hand is a gentle implement to capture all difficulties.

The broken tusk that Ganesha holds like a pen in his lower right hand is a symbol of sacrifice, which he broke for writing the Mahabharata. The rosary in his other hand suggests that the pursuit of knowledge should be continuous.
The laddoo (sweet) he holds in his trunk indicates that one must discover the sweetness of the Atman. His fan-like ears convey that he is all ears to our petition. The snake that runs round his waist represents energy in all forms. And he is humble enough to ride the lowest of creatures, a mouse.

The story of the birth of this zoomorphic deity, as depicted in the Shiva Purana, goes like this: Once goddess Parvati, while bathing, created a boy out of the dirt of her body and assigned him the task of guarding the entrance to her bathroom. When Shiva, her husband returned, he was surprised to find a stranger denying him access, and struck off the boy's head in rage. Parvati broke down in utter grief and to soothe her, Shiva sent out his squad (gana) to fetch the head of any sleeping being who was facing the north. The company found a sleeping elephant and brought back its severed head, which was then attached to the body of the boy. Shiva restored its life and made him the leader (pati) of his troops. Hence his name 'Ganapati'. Shiva also bestowed a boon that people would worship him and invoke his name before undertaking any venture.

However, there's another less popular story of his origin, found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana: Shiva asked Parvati to observe the punyaka vrata for a year to appease Vishnu in order to have a son. When a son was born to her, all the gods and goddesses assembled to rejoice on its birth. Lord Shani, the son of Surya (Sun-God), was also present but he refused to look at the infant. Perturbed at this behaviour, Parvati asked him the reason, and Shani replied that his looking at baby would harm the newborn. However, on Parvati's insistence when Shani eyed the baby, the child's head was severed instantly. All the gods started to bemoan, whereupon Vishnu hurried to the bank of river Pushpabhadra and brought back the head of a young elephant, and joined it to the baby's body, thus reviving it.

Ganesha, the Destroyer of Pride:
Ganesha is also the destroyer of vanity, selfishness and pride. He is the personification of material universe in all its various magnificent manifestations. "All Hindus worship Ganesha regardless of their sectarian belief," says D N Singh in A Study of Hinduism. "He is both the beginning of the religion and the meeting ground for all Hindus."

108 names of Ganesha:
Akhuratha: One whose chariot is pulled by a mouse
Alampata: One who is forever eternal
Amit: One who is incomparable
Anantachidrupamayam: One who is the personification of the infinite consciousness

Avaneesh: Master of the universe
Avighna: The remover of obstacles
Balaganapati: Beloved child
Bhalchandra: One who is moon crested
Bheema: One who is gigantic
Bhupati: The lord of lords
Bhuvanpati: The lord of the heaven
Buddhinath: The God of wisdom
Buddhipriya: One who bestows of knowledge and intellect
Buddhividhata: The God of knowledge
Chaturbhuj: The four-armed lord
Devadeva: The lord of lords
Devantakanashakarin: Destroyer of evils and demons
Devavrata: One who accepts all penances
Devendrashika: The protector of all gods
Dharmik: One who is righteous and charitable
Dhoomravarna: One whose skin is smoke-hued
Durja: The invincible
Dvaimatura: One who has two mothers
Ekaakshara: One who is of a single syllable
Ekadanta: Single-tusked
Ekadrishta: Single-focused
Eshanputra: The son of Shiva
Gadadhara: One whose weapon is the mace
Gajakarna: One who has elephantine-ears
Gajanana: One who has an elephantine face
Gajananeti: One who has the looks of an elephant
Gajavakra: The trunk of an elephant
Gajavaktra: One who has an elephantine mouth
Ganadhakshya: The lord of lords
Ganadhyakshina: Leader of all celestial bodies
Ganapati: The lord of lords
Gaurisuta: The son of Gauri
Gunina: The lord of virtues
Haridra: One who is golden-hued
Heramba: Mother's beloved son
Kapila: One who is yellowish-brown
Kaveesha: The lord of poets
Kirti: The lord of music
Kripalu: Merciful lord
Krishapingaksha: One who has yellowish-brown eyes
Kshamakaram: The abode of forgiveness
Kshipra: One who is easy to appease
Lambakarna: One who has large ears
Lambodara: One who has a big belly
Mahabala: One who is enormously strong
Mahaganapati: The Supreme Lord
Maheshwaram: Lord of the universe
Mangalamurti: The all auspicious Lord
Manomay: The winner of hearts
Mrityuanjaya: The conqueror of death
Mundakarama: The abode of happiness
Muktidaya: Bestower of eternal bliss
Musikvahana: One who rides a mouse
Nadapratithishta: One who appreciates music
Namasthetu: Destroyer of evils and sins
Nandana: Lord Shiva's son
Nideeshwaram: Bestower of wealth
Omkara: One who has the form of 'Om'
Pitambara: One who has yellowish skin
Pramoda: Lord of all abodes
Prathameshwara: First among all Gods
Purush: The omnipotent personality
Rakta: One who is blood-hued
Rudrapriya: One who is the beloved of Shiva
Sarvadevatman: One who accepts all celestial offerings
Sarvasiddhanta: Bestower of skills and knowledge
Sarvatman: Protector of the universe
Shambhavi: Son of Parvati
Shashivarnam: One who has a moon-like complexion
Shoorpakarna: One who is large-eared
Shuban: The all auspicious Lord
Shubhagunakanan One who is The Master of All Virtues
Shweta: One who is as pure as the white
Siddhidhata: Bestower of accomplishments and successes
Siddhipriya: Giver of wishes and boons
Siddhivinayaka: Bestower of success
Skandapurvaja: Elder of Skanda or Kartikya
Sumukha: One who has an auspicious face
Sureshwaram: The lord of lords
Swaroop: Lover of beauty
Tarun: One who is ageless
Uddanda: The nemesis of evils and vices
Umaputra: The son of Goddess Uma
Vakratunda: One with a curved trunk
Varaganapati: Bestower of boons
Varaprada: One who grants wishes
Varadavinayaka: Bestower of success
Veeraganapati: The vigorous lord
Vidyavaridhi: The God of wisdom
Vighnahara: Remover of obstacles
Vignaharta: Destroyer of all obstacles
Vighnaraja: Lord of all obstacles
Vighnarajendra: Lord of all obstacles
Vighnavinashanaya: Destroyer of all obstacles
Vigneshwara: Lord of all obstacles
Vikat: One who is huge
Vinayaka: The Supreme Lord
Vishwamukha: Master of the universe
Vishwaraja: King of the world
Yagnakaya: One who accepts sacrificial offerings
Yashaskaram: The bestower of fame and fortune
Yashvasin: The beloved and ever popular lord
Yogadhipa: The lord of meditation
How to perform Ganesh puja:

Khairatabad Ganesh:
Khairatabad Ganesh new look for this year is Thrishaktimaya Moksha Ganapathi and the height of god is 59 feet as completing 59 years.The expenditure to complete this idol around 60 lack.And the Laddu weight is 5600kgs made from Tapeshwaram.Ganesha is in the standing position with godess Lakshmi and Saraswathi.To the right of main ganesh idol will be a depiction of Gajendra Moksham dispalys with Elephant and crocodile and left side displays the Bhadrakali in sitting position.Nearly 150 works are working for making of the Ganesha.Mostly artists are from chennai.The idol will be immersed in the hussain sagar lake on sunday,September27th.The governor of Telengana will inaugurate and CM will be attend it.

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Toli Ekadasi (తొలి ఏకాదశి)-Festivals of India

Toli Ekadasi (తొలి ఏకాదశి)is considered as the first festival of Andhra Pradesh(Telugu people).Ekadasi is also known as Deva Sahayani Ekadasi or Hari Sayani Ekadasi and the Chatur Mas Vrat (Four Holy Months in Hinduism) begins from the day.The night time of Devas begins on this day and is believed that Lord Vihnu goes to sleep from the day.

Toli Ekadashi Wednesday, 1 July
Shayani Ekadashi 2020

Ekadashi list :

Ekadashi dates in 2020

January 6, 2020, Monday
Pausha Putrada Ekadashi
Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Pausha, Shukla Ekadashi
Begins – 03:06, Jan 06
Ends – 04:02, Jan 07

January 20, 2020, Monday
Shattila Ekadashi
Magha, Krishna Ekadashi
Begins – 02:51, Jan 20
Ends – 02:05, Jan 21

February 5, 2020, Wednesday
Jaya Ekadashi
Magha, Shukla Ekadashi
Begins – 21:49, Feb 04
Ends – 21:30, Feb 05

February 19, 2020, Wednesday
Vijaya Ekadashi
Phalguna, Krishna Ekadashi
Begins – 14:32, Feb 18
Ends – 15:02, Feb 19

March 6, 2020, Friday
Amalaki Ekadashi
Phalguna, Shukla Ekadashi
Begins – 13:18, Mar 05
Ends – 11:47, Mar 06

March 19, 2020, Thursday
Papmochani Ekadashi
Chaitra, Krishna Ekadashi
Begins – 04:26, Mar 19
Ends – 05:59, Mar 20

March 20, 2020, Friday
Vaishnava Papmochani Ekadashi
Chaitra, Krishna Ekadashi
Begins – 04:26, Mar 19
Ends – 05:59, Mar 20

April 4, 2020, Saturday
Kamada Ekadashi
Chaitra, Shukla Ekadashi
Begins – 00:58, Apr 04
Ends – 22:30, Apr 04

April 18, 2020, Saturday
Varuthini Ekadashi
Vaishakha, Krishna Ekadashi
Begins – 20:03, Apr 17
Ends – 22:17, Apr 18

May 3, 2020, Sunday
Mohini Ekadashi
Vaishakha, Shukla Ekadashi
Begins – 09:09, May 03
Ends – 06:12, May 04

May 4, 2020, Monday
Gauna Mohini Ekadashi
Vaishnava Mohini Ekadashi
Vaishakha, Shukla Ekadashi
Begins – 09:09, May 03
Ends – 06:12, May 04

May 18, 2020, Monday
Apara Ekadashi
Jyeshtha, Krishna Ekadashi
Begins – 12:42, May 17
Ends – 15:08, May 18

June 2, 2020, Tuesday
Nirjala Ekadashi
Jyeshtha, Shukla Ekadashi
Begins – 14:57, Jun 01
Ends – 12:04, Jun 02

June 17, 2020, Wednesday
Yogini Ekadashi
Ashadha, Krishna Ekadashi
Begins – 05:40, Jun 16
Ends – 07:50, Jun 17

July 1, 2020, Wednesday
Devshayani Ekadashi
Ashadha, Shukla Ekadashi
Begins – 19:49, Jun 30
Ends – 17:29, Jul 01

July 16, 2020, Thursday
Kamika Ekadashi
Shravana, Krishna Ekadashi
Begins – 22:19, Jul 15
Ends – 23:44, Jul 16

July 30, 2020, Thursday
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi
Shravana, Shukla Ekadashi
Begins – 01:16, Jul 30
Ends – 23:49, Jul 30

August 15, 2020, Saturday
Aja Ekadashi
Bhadrapada, Krishna Ekadashi
Begins – 14:01, Aug 14
Ends – 14:20, Aug 15

August 29, 2020, Saturday
Parsva Ekadashi
Bhadrapada, Shukla Ekadashi
Begins – 08:38, Aug 28
Ends – 08:17, Aug 29

September 13, 2020, Sunday
Indira Ekadashi
Ashwina, Krishna Ekadashi
Begins – 04:13, Sep 13
Ends – 03:16, Sep 14

September 27, 2020, Sunday
Padmini Ekadashi
Ashwina, Shukla Ekadashi
Begins – 18:59, Sep 26
Ends – 19:46, Sep 27

October 13, 2020, Tuesday
Parama Ekadashi
Kartika, Krishna Ekadashi
Begins – 16:38, Oct 12
Ends – 14:35, Oct 13

October 27, 2020, Tuesday
Papankusha Ekadashi
Ashwina, Shukla Ekadashi
Begins – 09:00, Oct 26
Ends – 10:46, Oct 27

November 11, 2020, Wednesday
Rama Ekadashi
Kartika, Krishna Ekadashi
Begins – 03:22, Nov 11
Ends – 00:40, Nov 12

November 25, 2020, Wednesday
Devutthana Ekadashi
Kartika, Shukla Ekadashi
Begins – 02:42, Nov 25
Ends – 05:10, Nov 26

November 26, 2020, Thursday
Vaishnava Devutthana Ekadashi
Guruvayur Ekadashi
Kartika, Shukla Ekadashi
Begins – 02:42, Nov 25
Ends – 05:10, Nov 26

December 11, 2020, Friday
Utpanna Ekadashi
Margashirsha, Krishna Ekadashi
Begins – 12:51, Dec 10
Ends – 10:04, Dec 11

December 25, 2020, Friday
Mokshada Ekadashi
Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Margashirsha, Shukla Ekadashi
Begins – 23:17, Dec 24
Ends – 01:54, Dec 26

Vaishnava Mokshada Ekadashi:

Tholi Ekadashi is the eleventh day of Shukla Paksham (waxing phase of the moon) of Ashada Masam - the Telugu calendar month called Ashadam. The day is observed with great reverence all over the country by different names: Devashayani Ekadasi, Hari Sayani Ekadasi, Shayana Ekadasi, Maha Ekadashi, Toli Ekadasi and Vishnu Sayani Ekadashi. Lord Vishnu is said to go into Yoganidra (meditation / sleep) after this Ekadahsi, for four months. These four months are night time for all Devathas – Gods. This period of four months is called Chaturmasya and the ardent devotees who observe Chaturmasya vratham are expected to minimize the quantity of sense gratification and spend their time in spiritual lore. Most restrictions in these four months are on intake of food, in Shravana masam (name of month) one should not eat spinach, in Bhadrapada masam one should avoid yogurt, in Ashwija masam it is milk and in Karthika masam it is non-vegetarian and high protein food like pulses.

Toli Ekadasi is regarded as a very sacred day to Farmers.This festivals replicates Eruvaka festival that is celebrated by farmers.Farmers sow seeds after the first rain on the day of Toli Ekadasi.This festival is marked with pooja of all agricultural implements.As this is a sacred festival for farmers,people who want to get into farming are imposed on this day.

The farmers fast on this sacred day to pay their homage and break the fast at the dawn commensing with a pooja and eat fruits after the fast.It is believed that by praying on Toli Ekadasi will help a person from redumption if sins.

Shri Vishnu Sahasra nama stothram calls HIM Ekasmai Namaha meaning salutations to the ONE. So in the very name of Ekadhasi Shri Hari is present and so it is a very auspicious day. Since Shri Hari is the presiding deity for Ekaadashi, it is also called 'Haridina' meaning a day to be dedicated entirely for worshipping Him, meditating upon Him, listening to His glory and studying the scriptures. Sri Purandara Dasaru says vrathagalellavu hardina vrathadahinde. This is a unique concept of the followers of Dvaita philosophy.

Observance of Ekadashi by fasting & meditating on the Divinity with implicit faith, is an excellent reflection of sathva guna. The Lord mentions in the Gita that none born of prakruthi is free from the influence of three gunas, viz, Sathva, Rajas & Thamas. Of the three gunas, sathva is given the highest place because the jeeva in whom sathva guna dominates moves towards the Nivruthi marga i.e., Jnana-Bhakthi-Vairagya-Moksha. To such souls, God reveals Himself. Ekadashi observance cleanses the mind and amp; paves the way for Jnana. It is an established fact that when one does not take food even though there is a desire for it, there will be increase in self-control & it develops a strong will power. One who controls hunger will be away from sin because hunger is the root cause of many a sins. Srimad Acharya says in krishNAmrutha mahArNava that the fire of merit that accrues from observing an Ekadhasi reduces to ashes the sins of hundreds of births.
Ekadasi puranam pooja vidhanam
Lord krishna in bhagavath geetha says Those who do ekadasi fasting are v.dear and near to him, similarly we all know the story of ambarishi , such is the power of ekadasi.so attempted to detail the procedure and rules to fast, Also from ekadasi purana the katha shravanam for each ekadasi for all of you to benefit. Hope you will enjoy and also get the blessing of sri narayana.Even if not fasting just reading corresponding stories of each ekadasi will give salvation .

Just as both white and Black cow give the same quality of milk, the ekaadasis in both the dark and bright fortnight are equal in their potency to confer merit, and to liberate one from the endless cycles of misery.

SIGNIFICANCE OF FASTING:
The moon is not in its full glory during Ekadashi due to its movement. The food that is, therefore, consumed on these days remain undigested. Moon is the solicitation deity for food. Upavasa does not mean mere fasting, it means sAmepya vesa (dwelling in proximity to the Lord) with archana, japa, katha shravana, nirAhara and jAgarna. So, after setting apart sometime to basic necessities the whole day and amp; night is to be spent in thinking about His glories. Even if Shraadha falls on this day, it is to be performed on the Dwadasi day only.

Varaha purana says the pregnant woman, mothers of young children and amp; those who are very weak can partake fruits like dates, banana, grapes, coconut milk, milk, curds.All sins indulged in by the body and mind are wiped out by Upavasa.

Note:

Ekaadasi fast is exempted for those who are ailing, for the aged persons, and for ladies who are pregnant. This is in agreement with accepted dharma shastraic doctrines. Those who cannot observe a full fast may observe it to the extent possible - like fasting by drinking milk, fruit juices, etc. Even those who are exempted the full fast due to physical conditions must avoid onion, garlic, and other spicy foods that are ritually impure on ekaadasi days. Ekaadasi is the king among the Fasts, and one should be regulated in food habits (even if physical condition does not permit total abstinence from food and water). Please remember this important point and observe the fast in the way that is possible for you according to your circumstances.

Ekadhashi is a fasting day to atone for our sins of indulging in undesirable acts through Dashendriyas. It is a Vaishnava Vratha which is greater than all Yaagas & its power to destroy sins is unmatched if we follow the dos and don'ts of it strictly.

Worship, meditate & think about Him.
Keep awake during the night of Ekadhashi.
Make a sankalpa for three day vow.
Break the fast on the Dwadasi day as per rules.
On Ekaadashi, take theertha only once no thulasi to be eaten & have only angaara mark(Black mark) on the forehead.
Tell the greatness of Ekaadashi to others.
Perform Ekaadashi shraadha on Dvadashi day.
If shraadha falls on sadhana dwadaashi day, serve food to the brahmins before Dvadashi passes off.
Even on vridhi, suthaka days, ekadhashi is to be observed.
Even while in their periods, women have to observe Ekadashi.
No food, water or sleep.
No sleep during day time on Dasami, Ekadashi & Dvadashi.
The first part of Dvadashi thithi is called Harivaasara & no food to be taken during that period.
No cooked food to be offered as Naivedya on Ekadashi.
No Ramaa (Lakshmi) naivedhya.

SANKALPA MANTHRAS:
dashamee divase parapte vrathastoham janaardana
thridinam devadevesha nirvigham kuru keshava (Brahmavaivartha puraanam)

Janaardhana! Today being Dasami, I am ready for the three day vow. Oh, Lord! Deva Deva! Keshava! ss that no obstacles come in the way of my vow.
ekaadashyam niraharaha sthithvahani parehyaham
bhookshyaami pundareekaaksha saranam me bhavaachyutha
(Brihannaaradeeya puraanama)

After fasting on Ekadhashi, I will eat on Dwadaashi, Please be my refuge, Oh, Achyutha!
adhyashvasheha niraahaaro bhoothvaaham dwaadashee dine
vidhaasye paaranam dheva preetho bhava ma maanisham (Varaaha puraanam)

I will be on a fast tonight and tomorrow and break the fast on Dwaadashi. Lord! may you be pleased.

ajnaana thimiraandhasya vratenaanena keshava
Praseeda sumukho natha jnaanadristi prado bhava
(Brihannaradeeya puraanam)
Oh Lord! Keshava! I am blinded by the darkness of ignorance. By my undertaking this fast on Ekadashi, may it please you to bless me with the light of knowledge.
ekaadasyupavaasena dwaadashee paaranenacha
yadaarijitham mayaa punyam thena preenathu keshavah
(Brahmavaivartha Puraanam)

May Lord Keshava be pleased with the merit that accrued to me by fasting on Ekaadashi & breaking the fast on Dwaadashi.
na kashi na gaya ganga na rewa cha gowthamI
na chapi kauravam kshathram, thulyambhoopa haredrinaath
(Padma puranam)
That sacred rivers like Ganga, Narmada, Godavari etc & holy places like Kashi, Gaya, Kurushetra etc., cannot equal the merit of Ekaadhashi vratha.

bhagavatharodagodi upavasa jagara ondhina madalilla
ragadhi shukamuni peldha harikaThesuyogavembodhilla

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Vishu The New Year Festival of Kerala

Vishu, the New Year of Malayalees, is observed on the first day of the Malayalam month Medam. The New Year usually falls in the month of April (as per the Roman calendar), and this year it will be observed on Tuesday, 14 April Vishu 2020.

Indian culture, perhaps more than any other, stresses the importance of beginning things properly. The position of the stars and planets is taken into consideration to insure auspicious beginnings, homas are performed and stotrams are chanted to Lord Ganesha in order to remove potential obstacles before the start of any undertaking. Prayers to God are always offered. Even when studying the Upanishads, which declare the only true power to be our own Self, shanti mantras are chanted before beginning each session of study.

Ultimately, all these are ways of humbly admitting our finitude, the limited nature of our efforts, and are a means of supplicating to the Divine for favourable outcome. As Amma says, "Grace alone is the deciding factor." By taking into consideration even subtle nuances beyond our intellectual understanding when we begin a project, we are both showing the sincerity of our effort as well as our faith in the words of the scriptures and the Guru.

In Kerala, the start of the Zodiac New Year when the sun enters into Sidereal Aries, Ashwini nakshatra is celebrated as Vishu. It is said that what one sees when one first opens one's eyes on Vishu morning is an indication of what one can expect in the year to come. Thus on Vishu, effort is made to assure one opens one's eyes before an auspicious image the Vishukkani.

While the festival is called "Vishu" only in Kerala, across India festivals sharing the same spirit such as Ugadhi in Andhra Pradesh and in Karnataka, Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Bihu in Assam and Baisakhi in Punjab are celebrated around the same time of year.

The Malayalam word kani literally means "that which is seen first," so "Vishukkani" means "that which is seen first on Vishu."

Arranged in the family puja room the night before by the mother in the family, the Vishukkani is a panorama of auspicious items, including images of Lord Vishnu, flowers, fruits and vegetables, clothes and gold coins.

Lord Vishnu, the preserver of creation, is the aspect of the Paramatman that is focused upon during Vishu. In jyotish, Indian astrology, Vishnu is seen as the head of Kaala Purusha, the God of Time. As Vishu marks the first day of the Zodiac New Year, it is an appropriate time to offer oblations to Lord Vishnu.

Akshatam, a mixture of rice and turmeric, which is divided into halves of husked and un-husked rice, is placed in a special bowl called an uruli. The uruli traditionally is made of panchaloham, an aggregate of five metals. Panchaloham being symbolic of the universe, which is comprised of the five great elements earth, water, fire, air and space.

A nice, well-starched cloth is then pleated fan-like and inserted into a highly polished brass kindi (a spouted puja vessel used for pouring sacred water). The val-kannadi, a special type of mirror with an extremely long and thin handle, often decorated with gold, is also inserted into the kindi. The kindi is then placed in the uruli on top of the rice.

Two deepams, which are fashioned from the two halves of a split coconut, are also kept in the uruli. The wicks are made from pieces of starched cloth that are folded into bulbs at the base. These bulbs are placed into the coconut oil that fills the deepams, anchoring the wicks in place. The starch helps the rest of the wick to extend straight upwards so that they will properly burn. The lighting of the deepam welcomes God into our lives and is also symbolic of spiritual knowledge the remover of the darkness of ignorance.

Gold both in colour and in coin is central to the Vishukkani. Kanikkonna, a golden-yellow flower associated with Sri Krishna is used liberally throughout the puja room. This flower only blooms when the sun is in its most exalted position astrologically the month surrounding Vishu. In the puja room, the flower verily represents the sun itself, the eyes of Lord Vishnu. Gold coins are symbols of monetary affluence, as well as cultural and spiritual wealth, which the elders of the family must share freely with the younger generation. Vishukkaineettam, the distribution of wealth, is another aspect of the festival. It should be given freely and accepted with reverence. On Vishu, the highly affluent families will not only give money to their children but also their neighbours, perhaps the entire village.

The Vishukkani will also be laden with gold-coloured fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, jackfruit, golden cucumber, etc. The akshatam, as it is full of turmeric, also is gold in colour, as is the shiny brass of the kindi, the panchaloham and the reflection of the mirror.

A spiritual book, such as the Bhagavad-Gita, should be made part of the arrangement. The book is the pramanam the instrument used for attaining the eternal, non-perishable wisdom of the Rishis—as well as a symbol of that knowledge itself.

The grandmother or mother who arranges the Vishukkani will sleep in the puja room after she is finished and then, waking during the auspicious hour of the Brahma muhurata (4:00 to 6:00 a.m.), she will light the oil-lamp wicks and take in the auspicious sight. She will then walk to the rooms where the rest of the family is sleeping and wake them. Covering their eyes, she will then lead them to the puja room, where she will allow them to take in the auspicious sight.

Upon opening one's eyes, one is overwhelmed with the glorious darshan of the Lord. The mirror which is symbolic of Bhagavati (Devi), not only increases the lustre of the Vishukkani via the reflection it offers, but also shows our own face, reminding us that God is not someone sitting in the heavens upon a golden throne, but the pure consciousness that is our true nature. The mirror also points to the importance of making our mind pure enough to render this truth unadulterated.

The Vishukkani is not reserved only for those who come to the puja room, but is taken around for the viewing of the elderly and sick who are perhaps too frail to come to the shrine. It is also brought outside and shown to the family cows. As it is brought to the cowshed, it in fact is on display for the birds, the trees, for all of nature to see.

Vishukkani points to a year of abundance both spiritually and materially. Food, light, money, knowledge all should fill our life. Taking in the Vishukkani we should pray that the vision remains with us throughout the year. It is not enough that the joy we take from viewing the Vishukkani comes only to our eyes. It must reflect in our thoughts and in our actions. The auspicious start of the year which has come to us due to the grace of beginning it with a divine vision is not for us alone. It is up to us to spread this love, happiness and hope to the rest of society.

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