STORY ON WHY SHAMMI (BANNI) LEAVES EXCHANGED ON VIJAYA DASHAMI Day 10 of Dasara Festival

This is the story of KAUTSA MUNI.

 

When he was a young boy, KAUTSA MUNI of Paithan was sent to RISHI VARTANTU (Baruach)

for higher education.

KAUTSA being a brilliant student soon learnt all the 14 Vidyas from RISHI VARTANTU and became expert in all the sciences.

On completion of his education, KAUTSA, now a MUNI…..KAUTSA MUNI expressed his desire to give his RISHI VARTANTU, his guru, GURU DAKSHINA.

 

RISHI VARTANTU was having none of it and rejected the offering saying “You learnt all the vidyas with utmost faith, implement them, that itself will be my GURU DAKSHINA

” RISHI VARTANTU knew that KAUTSA MUNI was from an extremely poor background, and hence rejected the Guru Dakshina

 

But, KAUTSA MUNI was adamant on giving Guru Dakshina as he felt that otherwise the knowledge he learnt will not bear any fruit.

 

On seeing his disciple’s insistence, RISHI VARTANTU deliberately asked KAUTSA MUNI to bring 14 CRORES of GOLD COINS (1 CRORE for each of the 14 Vidyas) with the condition that all the coins must be from the SAME PLACE.

 

KAUTSA MUNI was stumped and did not have a clue how to get such a huge number of GOLD COINS that too from a single place.

 

 

 

MEETING KING RAGHU

After meeting many learned persons, he was guided to meet KING RAGHU of Ayodhya (LORD RAMA’s ancestor), who they advised, would get him his desired 14 crore GOLD COINS.

 

 

KING RAGHU was the ancestor of Lord Rama. KING RAGHU was famous for his generosity. (It was because of his generosity and other deeds that Lord Rama’s vamsha is known as RAGHU KUL/ RAGHU VAMSHA)

 

KING RAGHU welcomed KAUTSA MUNI warmly and washed his feet with water filled in CLAY POT.

“ Oh…..its a Clay Pot and not a Gold Pot !” wondered KAUTSA MUNI

 

Seeing this, KAUTSA heart sank and with heavy heart and no hope, hesitantly informs KING RAGHU “Rajan, I had come here to ask you for 14 CRORES of GOLD COINS to pay GURU DAKSHINA to RISHI VARTANTU, but seeing that you don’t even have a GOLD POT to wash a Rishi’s feet, I better move”

KING RAGHU, on advise of his Guru Vashishta had performed VISWAJIT YAGNA and had given away everything he had as DHANA (Offering). Hence, King Raghu’s treasury was completely Bare and Empty.
But, King Raghu didn’t want a Brahmin to leave empty handed. He requested 2 days’ time from KAUTSA to arrange for the GOLD COINS & begged the Muni to stay back.

 

Now in deep dilemma, King Raghu was stuck in deep thought.
He finally decided the only recourse left for him to get that 14 crore Gold Coins in 1 single day is to get it from the King of Wealth, KUBERA.
He decided to attack Kubera and get the required Gold Coins.

 

Accordingly, on advise of KAUTSA MUNI, the King RAGHU decided that the war would be fought on SHUDH NAVAMI of Ashwin Masa (9^th day of Dasara).

 

KUBERA got to know of this plans of Kind Raghu and realizing the strength and bravery of KING RAGHU personally came down to earth, and told KING RAGHU “Rajan , I understand your requirements and the noble cause as to why you are seeking those Gold Coins and hence towards that, I have turned all the leaves of the SHAMMI tree (BANNI tree) on the outskirts of AYADHYA into GOLD COINS. Take as many as you want”.

 

KING RAGHU was thrilled and promptly handed over all the Gold coins to KAUTSA MUNI. 

 

 

KAUTSA MUNI collected the required 14 crore Gold Coins and  offered all the GOLD COINS at the feet of his guru RISHI VARTANTU.

 

RISHI VARTANTU however, found that KAUTSA had bought far more extra GOLD COINS than the 14 CRORE asked for.

He returned all the extra coins to KAUTSA MUNI. 

In turn, KAUTSA MUNI decided not to keep anything for himself and returned all the extra coins to KING RAGHU.

 

KING RAGHU felt it is against Dharma to take back what has been given in Dhana (charity) and hence he kept all the returned Gold Coins below the same SHAMMI TREE on the outskirts of AYODHYA.

 

 

 

The people of AYODHYA after the VIJAYA DASHMI pooja went to this SHAMMI tree, worshipped it and exchanged GOLD COINS amongst themselves.

 

The tradition continues to this day.

People on the VIJAYA DASHAMI day worship the SHAMMI tree and exchange the leaves of the tree symbolizing the exchange of GOLD COINS and express happiness.

 

 AMAZING FACT : 

Shami tree or its leaves are not easily found. A Shami tree about 1000 years old is present in the city of Bhuj, Kutch district of Gujarat. This tree is also mentioned in the 'Kusumlata' chapter of the book 'Brihatsamhita' by the famous Jyotishacharya Varahamihira during the period of the great king Vikramaditya. It is also known as 'Khizde' or Khizda.

Day 10

HIDDEN MEANING :
1. Share what you have.

   Exchange leaves, hearts and be happy.

 

King Raghu had become virtually penniless after VISHWAJIT YAGNA but even then he did not keep anything for himself but kept the GOLD COINS returned by KAUTSA MUNI back below the SHAMMI TREE as he felt it was not rightfully his wealth.

 

2. King Raghu ready to fight Kuber shows that you should be ready to fight for a GOOD CAUSE even against the mighty

3. Lord Kuber turning Shammi Leaves into Gold Coins again for a Good Cause shows that you should be ready to SHARE if the intention is the right one.

 

Regards, 

SRIKANTH MATRUBAI, 

Author - DONT RETIRE RICH

Srikanth Matrubai Author of the Amazon Best Seller DON'T RETIRE RICH Do read the book and give your valuable feedback and request you to post positive comments on the Amazon. https://amzn.to/3cHUM6M/ You can purchase the book on amazon and flipkart Request the readers to join our TELEGRAM channel BHAKTI SAGAR     https://t.me/joinchat/AAAAAFKlm9h_SyEtTyvv1Q/ 

 Please note : All the details are collected from various sources including texts, discourses, internet and stories heard. If there any mistakes/deviations.....please pardon and email us...we will be glad to correct the same.

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DAY 9 OF NAVARATRI DASARA - DEVI CHAMUNDI SIDDHIDATRI

#Navaratri Special

Day 9

 

DEVI : Chamunda / Siddhidatri

 

Devi Chamundi is the ruler of Planet KETU.

Goddess Siddhidatri is the 9th incarnation of Mother Durga, worshipped on the 9th day of Navratri.

Dhatri means “giver” and Siddhi means “meditative ability”. Thus she is the Goddess of accomplishment, who bestows perfection (siddhis) on her devotees

 

Flower:  LOTUS / Champa / Kanakambra

 

Neivedhya:

Sweet Pongal

Any dish with Compulsory use TIL(Sesame Seed)

Also offer HAYAGREEVA (a sweet made of Bengal gram dal) and

OBBATTU (Stuffed Sweet Pancakes)

Some offer Kheer and Panchamrit as sweets and Puri, Chana as dishes.

 

Colour :

PURPLE. The colour PURPLE holds HEALING POWERS and symbolizes BLISSFULNESS.

RAAGA : Vasantha

 

PUJA VIDHI :

 

 

As usual, after Atma Purfication, put tilak on forehead and drink holy water from Palms

Do Sankalpa : Take water in hand and make a wish in front of Goddess

Avahana and Asana : Invite all Gods and offer them Seat

Aachman : Offer camphor mixed water.

Dugdha Snan: Offer cow milk for bathing

Ghrita and Madhusnan: Offer ghee and honey for bathing

Sharkara and Panchamritsnan: Offer sugar and the panchaamrita bathing.

Vastra: Offer sari or cloth to wear.

Chandan: Put Sandalwood tilak on the deity.

Kumkum, Kajal, Druvapatra and Bilwapatra

Do stuti, Mantra pathana, Prathana, Ashtotara

MANTRA :

Om Hreem Shri Ram Navmi Durgaaye Namaha

Om Devi Siddhidatryayi Namah

Siddha Gandharva Yakshdyairasurairamarairapi | Sevyamaanaa Sadabhuyaat Siddhida Siddhidayini ||

 

And also

Chamunda Mantra

 “Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundaye Vichche Namaha”

Meaning : “Om and salutations to She who is radiant with power and wisdom.”

Benefit : Increased strength of the mind & body are the main benefits that can be obtained from this.

 

STUTI :

Ya Devi Sarvabhutesu Siddhidatri Rupena Samsthita!

Namestasyai Namestasyai Namestasyai Namoh Namah I

Shloka:

Om Krishna varnaayai vidhmahe

Soola Hasthaayai Dheemahi

Thanno Chaamundaa Prachodayaath

 After this, worship your Kula Devata, Ista Devata, Village God and do MAHA AARTI of MATA

Dhoop Aarti

and Prasad Distribution. 

According to Markandeya Purana, Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Attainment, Prakamya, Ishita and Vashishta - these are the eight siddhis. This number is stated to be eighteen in the Sri Krishna birth section of the Brahmavaivartpurana.

The 18 siddhis are :
1. Anima 2. Laghima 3. Attainment 4. Prakamya 5. Glory 6. Ishvita, Vashivat 7. Sarvakamavasayita 8. Omniscience 9. Doorsaravana 10. Parakya Praveshan 11. Vakasiddhi 12. Kalpavrikshatva 13. Srishti 14. Sanitarization 15. Immortality 16. Common sense 17. Emotion 18. Siddhi

 

 

BENEFITS OF WORSHIPPING DEVI CHAMUNDI

The colour Purple is most liked by Devi Siddhidatri. Purple is the colour of ROYALS.

Hence worshipping Devi Maa with devotion blesses us with POWER, PROSPERITY,  GLORY AND ABUNDANT WEALTH.

Devi Maa is  creator of all SIDDHIS and blesses her devotees with Ultimate PERFECTION and gives them Spiritual Splendor, Power and  Glory.

It is said, that apart from we ordinary humans, even sages and Deities also worship Devi Siddhidatri to achieve success.

FEAR OF DEATH WILL VANISH WITH THE WORSHIP OF DEVI CHAMUNDI MATA

 

 

NOTE :

On Mahanavami, Devotees who don’t prefer animal sacrifice perform symbolic sacrifice with vegetables or fruits.

Those who couldn’t do SARASWATI POOJA can do on this day.

Do not forget to WORSHIP tools/instruments/things connected with your profession/business.

This day is also famous as AYUDHA POOJA.

Those suffering from Blood disorder and Heart ailments get benefited by worshipping the Devi Maa on this day.

 

 

STORIES AND LEGENDS associated with MAA SIDDHIDATRI / MATA CHAMUNDESHWARI

Lord Shiva worshipped Goddess Siddhidatri to attain all the Siddhis. She made him perfect by giving all what she had and became one with him. Lord Shiva’s half body turned into Goddess Siddhidatri. Since then, he got the name Ardhnarishwara.

Lord Shiva worshipped Goddess Maha Shakti to get all the Siddhis as blessings. With the gratitude of Goddess Siddhidatri, Lord Shiva attains the half body of Goddess Shakti that is why Lord Shiva is also known as “Ardhanarishvara”.

Maa Siddhidatri is believed to have blessed the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahadev with eight of the ultimate divine powers, called Siddhis. She bestowed them with eight of the siddhis namely:

1. Anima: Ability to become as minute as one wishes.
2. Mahima: Opposite of Anihma. One can become as large as one wishes.
3. Laghima: Ability to become almost weightless and travel thousands of miles in a fraction of second.
4. Garima: Opposite to Laghima. Ability to become infinitely heavy.
5. Prapti: Ability to touch the highest things (Moon, Sun & even the stars), to attain desired objects, ability to predict future events, ability to telepathy and thought-reading, etc. Ability to understand the languages of the beasts and birds and understand unknown languages. Ability to cure all diseases.
6. 
   Prakamya: Ability to realize whatever one desires. It is also defined to be the power of entering body of another (Parakaya Pravesh). It is also the power of keeping a youth-like appearance for any length of time.
7. Vastva: The power of taming wild animals and mesmerizing people to control them.
8. Istva: The ability to restore life to the dead.
   

 

 

CHAMUNDI DEVI STORY :
Even as as Chamundi Devi was fighting Mahishasura, he cunningly hid inside a Buffalo. Chamundi searched for him everywhere. Sweat covered her brows. She wiped the sweat with her hand shook it on the ground.

From this sweat drop, a female form took birth and said “I am your younger sister URIMARI. I will spread my tongue all over and drink Rakta Bheej’s blood. You fight and kill him”.
Encouraged by this, intensified her search and stared at the Buffalo. Her burning eyes caused the Buffalo to split into 2 and the demon hiding inside came out. Chamundi seared his head and Urimari drank all the blood. It was the end of the Demon”

Chamundi was thankful to her sister URIMARI and asked her to reside at the foothills of Chamundi Hills where she is called Jwalamukhi amma.

Source : Noorinnooru Vrashagal Hinde Mysore by P.V. Nanjaraj Urs

 

 

 

TEMPLES ASSOCIATED WITH MATA CHAMUNDESHWARI / MAA SIDDHIDATRI :
1. CHAMUNDESHWARI TEMPLE, MYSORE

Extremely well maintained and a Shakti Peeta.

This temple is considered  among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas. It is known as Krouncha Pitham as the region was known in Puranic times as Krouncha Puri. The HAIR of Sati Devi fell here.
There are 1000 steps leading to temple. Vehicles also can go right to the top.

 

2. CHAMUNDA MATA TEMPLE, JODHPUR.

Chamunda mata temple is situated in MeharanGarh fort. Devi Chamunda Mataji is a deity who is popularly worshiped by the Royal Family of Jaipur for centuries and even by the common people of Jodhpur. 

The occasion of Dussehra sees a huge mass of devotees who visits this fort and the temple offering prayers and devotion

 

3. MANIBANDH SHAKTI PEETH TEMPLE, PUSHKAR 

this temple is a hidden treasure in the serene surroundings of pushkar hills...it's a 2km walk from pushkar main bazaar... the legend has it that the various body parts of the mother goddess fell in those places energizing them.this one is 27 th where wrists of the goddess fell, hence the name MANIBANDH.

4. Chamunda Devi Temple, Kangra, HP

A very beautiful Temple which has got a large Kund and is very peaceful. There is a river flowing in front of temple and people take a bath there. The main deity is Goddess Chamunda Devi and the idol is wrapped in red cloth. The location of the temple is believed to be the same spot where Mata Kali killed demons Shumbh and Nishumbh. The surroundings of the temple are considered to be perfect for those who want to meditate and pray. 

 

 MAY MOTHER CHAMUNDI DEVI'S BLESSINGS ALWAYS BE ON YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Regards,

Srikanth Matrubai

Author - DONT RETIRE RICH 

Srikanth Matrubai Author of the Amazon Best Seller DON'T RETIRE RICH 

Do read the book and give your valuable feedback and request you to post positive comments on the Amazon. https://amzn.to/3cHUM6M/ 

Request the readers to join our TELEGRAM channel BHAKTI SAGAR     https://t.me/joinchat/AAAAAFKlm9h_SyEtTyvv1Q/ 

 Please note : All the details are collected from various sources including texts, discourses, internet and stories heard. If there any mistakes/deviations.....please pardon and email us...we will be glad to correct the same.

Some images and text could be sourced. 
We are using purly for informational sharing purposes. 
If the rightful owner has an issue...do let us know...we will DELETE immediately. 

Day 8 of Navratri Dasara - MAHA GOWRI - DURGA MATA

#NAVRATRI Special

Day 8

 

DEVI: MAHA GOWRI / DURGA

Devi Durga Mata is the ruler of Planet RAHU.

THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY IN NAVRATRI.

IN FACT, SOME PEOPLE WORSHIP ONLY ON THE 8TH DAY AS WORSHIPPING DEVI MAHAGOWRI/DURGA ON THE 8TH DAY IS CONSIDERED AS WORSHIPPING DURING ENTIRE NAVRATRI

Calmest amongst all the Durga’s Avtaars, Maa Mahagowri is seen as a 16 year old unmarried form of Goddess Parvati

Mahagauri is also known as Shwetambardhara because she wears white clothes.

 

*Flower*:

MAA Gowri loves JASMINE MOGRA .  You can also offer LOTUS, Basil, Roja

 

*Neivedhya*  

Coconut  Rice

Paayasa (made of Vermicelli)

Varan (an item made of Toor-Dal)

Coconut Barfi

Fruits : Sitaphal (Custard Apple)

NOTE : USE OF COCONUT IS CONSIDERED COMPULSORY ON THE 8TH DAY  BY SOME SCRIPTURES

Can also offer milk, sweets made from Mawa, Halwa, Black Chana to the Mother.

 

Colour : 1^st preference PINK
alternatively PEACOCK GREEN

 

*Rangoli* - PADMA

*Raaga* - Punnagaravali

 

PUJA VIDHI  :

 

Begin the puja by invoking Lord Ganesha and seek his blessings for a hurdle-free Pooja.

Then do Sankalpa (vow), Dhyana (Meditation) and invoke your Kula Devatha and all other gods and goddesses.

Invoke Goddess Maha Gauri and appeal to her to accept your humble prayers.

Initiate the Panchopchara puja by lighting a diya and offering lighted incense sticks and flowers to the Goddess.

Offer some flowers in the feet of Goddess Mahagauri. Following this, offer some jaggery, sweet, and Ganga Jal in her feet.

And then chant the following mantras:

 

 

Mantra :

Maha Gauri Mantra

 

Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah॥

 

Stuti

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Mahagauri Rupena Samsthita।

Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥

OM HREEM SHRI MAHA GAURI DURGAAYE NAMAHA

 

Do KANYA PUJA (See Below for details)

And then Perform Aarti and Pradakshina.

Complete the puja by  distributing Prasada.

 

 

KANYA PUJA :
On Ashtami, people invite nine girls aged two to ten and worship them as the nine forms of Goddess Durga. All nine kanyas are invited into a clean house and are asked to sit in a row, on a pedestal. People wash their feet and apply tilak on their forehead. These girls sit in 1 line and a holy dhaage (thread) is tied on their wrists. Each girl is worshiped with a separate mantra. Halwa, puri and black chana are served to them, with people seeking their blessings and offering them money or presents.

 What is the benefit of Kanya worship of which year

• 2 year old girl  KANYA KUMARI takes away poverty.
• 3 year old girl TRIMUTRI provides money.
• 4 year old girl KALYANI fulfills unfulfilled wishes.
• 5 year old girl ROHINI gets relief from diseases.
• The 6-year-old girl KALIKA provides learning, victory and royal pleasure.
• A 7-year-old girl CHANDIKA  gives happiness.
• The 8-year-old girl SHAMBAVI gives victory in debate with a shambhavi form.
• The 9-year-old girl  DURGA protects her from enemies in the form of Durga.
• The 10-year-old girl SUBHADRA  fulfills all your desires in the form of Subhadra.
• Apart from the nine girls, there should be one boy-- considered as Lord Hanuman.

Gifts to give:

While kumkum, bindi, bangles, red chunri, dupatta, colour pencils, crayons or books are the gifts the girls usually receive. 

 

 

Benefits of the Devi Mahagauri Puja:

Worshipping Devi Maa on the 8th day mitigates the ILL-EFFECTS OF RAHU DOSHA.

Negativity from the mind is cleared.

You will become much more in CONTROL OF YOUR MIND.

The Puja enables in removing all the obstacles in life be it personal or professional.

Helps one gain true knowledge and enlightenment in their life.

Provides spiritual bliss and peace of mind to devotees.

Guides one to a moral way of life, full of Godly devotion.

Brings harmony to family life.

Navaratri worship: the eighth day is a very important day to perform sadhana, for the energy has now lifted to the crown and results are quick.

 

Focus on Her attitude, which is calm and peaceful. Chant Her mantra. Sadhana today has the power to wash away all previous bad karmas. She takes care of the future too, and you will begin to feel fearless.

 

Ask Mother for something today, you will feel taken care of and satisfied. Not sure what to ask for? Ask for Her devotion, She will point you in the direction of Lord ShIva!

 

Jai Maa!

 

 

STORY OF DAY 8 OF NAVRATRI / DASARA…..   MAA MAHA GAURI

Devi Parvati wanted to marry Lord Shiva. To please him, she went to forests and undertook severe penance.
Being deeply immersed in the devotion of the Lord Shiva, she become dark complexioned due to dust, dirt, soil and long periods spent in the sunlight.

Pleased with her austerity, when Lord Shiva poured holy Ganges water on her body, she became fully radiant and white as a Jasmine Flower. Since then, he was named Mahagauri.

(Hence Mata Devi Mahagauri stands for a fresh start in life & a ray of hope)

 

 

ANOTHER STORY :
The demons Shumbha and Nishumbha could only be killed by a female child of Parvati. Hence, as advised by Brahma, Shiva used his magic to turn Parvati's skin black, giving Parvati the epithet "Kali", meaning "black". However, the word "Kali" can also mean "death", so Parvati was teased. Parvati was agitated by this teasing, so she performed severe penance to Brahma so as to get her fair complexion back. She succeeded in her penance and was advised by Brahma to take a bath in the Mansarovar River in Himalaya. As she took a bath, her dark skin separated from her and took the form of a female. She was called Kaushiki, being born from the skin of Parvati. As a result of the separation of her black skin, Parvati got her white fair complexion back, and so she gained the epithet "Mahagauri". 

ANOTHER STORY : 
Goddess Chamunda appeared on this day from the forehead of Mother Durga and slayed Chanda, Munda and Raktha Beeja demons. 

The 64 Yoginis and the Ashta Matrikas (8 forms of Goddess Durga namely  Brahmani, Maheswari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narasinghi, Indrani and Chamunda) are worshipped.

 

ANOTHER STORY (reason behind why KANYA PUJA is done) 

According to scriptures, when the earth was distressed by the demon king Kalasura, it was Goddess Durga who in her incarnation of a young girl defeated the demon. Unable to battle the mighty Kalasura, the Gods in heaven approached Goddess Durga to seek her help. She assumed the form of a young girl or Kumari and stood in front of Kalasura. Blinded by the overwhelming power, Kalasura thought how could a little girl defeat an invincible ruler such as him, He let down his guards, thinking he would take her down without much effort. The little Goddess pulled out her sword and killed him and saved the earth from this despotic demon.

 

 

TEMPLE OF MAA MAHAGAURI :
Shri Sidh Shaktipeedh Mahagauri Mata Mandir in Ludhiana

In Shri Sidh Shaktipeedh Mahagauri Mata Mandir you will get to worship Goddess Mahagauri in “Pindi roop”. It is one of the 52 shakti peeth temple in India. 

Sidh Shaktipeeth Shri Mahagauri Mata Mandir is one of the four sidh saktipeeths on the earth where Mata Mahagauri & Mata Mahakali presents all the time. The four sidh shaktipeeths are: 1. Shri MahaKali Mata Mandir (Kali Peeth) Kolkata, 2. Sidh Shaktipeeth Shri Mahagauri Mata Mandir (Gauri Peeth) Ludhiana, 3. Shri Jawalaji Mata Mandir (Himachal), 4. Shri Kamakhya Devi Mandir (Assam). 

 

 

Durga temple in Varanasi

This 18^th century shrine was built by a Bengali queen. The temple is located on a rectangular tank. 

The locals believe here that the Goddess fiercely protects them from any outside ill wills. The temple is also known as the monkey temple due to a large presence of them.

 Regards, 

Srikanth Matrubai, 

Author - DONT RETIRE RICH 

Srikanth Matrubai Author of the Amazon Best Seller DON'T RETIRE RICH Do read the book and give your valuable feedback and request you to post positive comments on the Amazon. https://amzn.to/3cHUM6M/ You can purchase the book on amazon and flipkart Request the readers to join our TELEGRAM channel BHAKTI SAGAR     https://t.me/joinchat/AAAAAFKlm9h_SyEtTyvv1Q/ 

 Please note : All the details are collected from various sources including texts, discourses, internet and stories heard. If there any mistakes/deviations.....please pardon and email us...we will be glad to correct the same.

Some images and text could be sourced. 
We are using purly for informational sharing purposes. 
If the rightful owner has an issue...do let us know...we will DELETE immediately.