VIJAYA EKADASHI - 15, February 2015
The eleventh day in the dark half of Maha month is known as Vijaya Ekadashi, and Pradyumna is its initiator (deity) god. On this day the senses and the mind should be associated with the idol and as a mark of religious obedience the (words) sermons of Shriji Maharaj should be strictly followed. Tulsi-leaves should be offered to the idol of Lord Swaminarayan. There is an instruction (in the scriptures) that footwear should be donated to saints, devotees and the needy.
MAHA SHIVRATRI - 17, February 2015
Maha Shivratri falls on the 13th day of the dark half of Maha month and its celebration and observance inspires man to turn his identity into Shiva. Our Hindu mythology describes the incident of the change of heart undergone by a hunter.
A hunter, seeking deers for hunting, permits a female deer to go home to have final meeting with her young ones. Tired and hungry he took shelter on a Bilva tree and just to pass time he picked leaves and one by one threw them down, which incidentally fell on the Shivalingum which was right below there. Throwing the leaves became unconscious worship and created new kind of mentality (tendency) in the hunter. With the coming of the first ray of the sun the female presented herself along with all her companions and relatives. The hunter was stunned to see the sincerity of promise among animals. His heart melted and he folded his hands to offer Namaskara to the four-footed animals. His heart underwent a change due to the entry of Shiva quality in his soul. He gave up the path of violence and accepted the road to the welfare of the souls.One has to become Shiva before worshipping Shiva. In this way Shivaratri is the festival of awakening knowledge and sense of indiscrimination. In Shikshapatri Shriji Maharaj has instructed us to keep fast. Therefore each and every Satsangi should sincerely and firmly do such contemplation that knowledge and power of judgement may arise which can create selfless love in the form of Lord Swaminarayan.
SACREDTHREAD CEREMONY (Upanayan Sanskara) - 28, February 2015
Young Ghanashyam Shri Hari was adored with Upanayan or sacred thread on 10th day of bright half of Falgun month in V.S. 1845. Among the 16 main Sanskaras sacred thread ceremony is considered most important among Brahmins. A Brahmin is called ‘Reborn because thread ceremony gives the batook a new birth. He carries a palash dand (stick of flame tree) and walks (runs) away from home, shaven-headed, barefooted, renouncing relatives and material belongings to pursue the study of scriptures. This act of running away is called ‘batook yatra’ or ‘badavo’.
The Upavita consists of six threads which symbolize Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, Sattva, Rajas, Tamas.
Shree Vasantpanchami-Shree Shikshapatri Jaynti - 1, February 2017
Shree Vasantpanchami-Shree Shikshapatri Jaynti
Shree Hari Jaynti Upvas - 5, February 2017
Shree Hari Jaynti Upvas
Shree Jaya Ekadasi Upvas - 7, February 2017
Shree Jaya Ekadasi Upvas
Mukutostav Punam - 10, February 2017
Mukutostav Punam
Shree Vijya Ekadasi Upvas - 22, February 2017
Shree Vijya Ekadasi Upvas
Shree Mahashivratri Upvas - 24, February 2017
Shree Mahashivratri Upvas