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Author "the tantric curse"
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Significance and of Dhanteras – Anupama Garg

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Deepawali is a five day festival starting from Dhanteras ,Narak Chaturdashi, Laxmipujan, Padwa and Bhai Dooj. Everyday of the festival has its significance and a mythological story with a deeper meaning. It is notable that celebrations and legends vary in different regions.
Dhanteras is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha,in the month of Karthik according to the Hindu calendar (Vikram Samvat).
Dhanteras is basically the worship of Lord Dhanvantari who is considered as the father of Ayurveda. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the first to impart the wisdom of Ayurveda to human race. He is known to be the Vaidya (physician) of Gods. Sound health is the biggest wealth and Dhanteras is celebrated as Dhanvantari Jayanti seeking the wealth of good health and wellbeing.
Lord Dhanvantari emerged during Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), holding a conch, leeches, healing herbs and a Kalash ( pot) of Amrit (Nectar). Lord Dhanvantari appeared as an epitome of health, young, well-built, strong arms, a broad chest, curly oiled hair and bluish black complexion.
Lord Dhanvantari the celestial physician took birth as a prince of Kashi known as Kashiraja and Devodasa Dhanvantari. Dhanvantari in this human form revealed Ayurveda to the world and systematically divided Ayurveda into eight divisions (astangas), each representing specialities.
The Indian ministry of Ayush announced that Dhanteras will be observed as National Ayurveda Day.
Lord of death Yamaraj is also worshipped to avoid untimely death and an oil deepak is lit outside the main door in the honor of Lord Yamraj. Hence this day is also celebrated as Yama trayodashi.The lighting of diya is a symbolic message to eliminate all the darkness in life.

Anupama Garg (Author:The Tantric Curse) Shishya of Baba Batuknathji

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MONTH OF SHRAVAN

Anupama Garg
(Author:The Tantric Curse)
Shishya of Baba Batuknathji

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Shravan is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar. It is considered the most auspicious month of the Hindu year. The name Shravan is derived from “Shravan Nakshatra.” Nakshatras relate to an arrangement of a group of stars in a particular fashion. According to Vedic astrology, ear/footprints are considered as the symbol of Shravan Nakshatra. The arrangement of stars is visible in the night sky. The three footprints are linked to the story of Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu who is the ruling deity of this Nakshatra.
Shravan translates to ‘hearing’, and therefore this Nakshatra is considered to be of listening (being receptive) and learning. It is also the birth star of Devi Saraswati, and hence is a month to gain knowledge and be a good listener. Listening is an art and a good listener is a good learner. The ancient Indian education system aimed towards the development of the internal and the external aspect of a student. The Brahmachari stage of one’s life was a dedicated to acquiring knowledge and travelling (chari) far and wide to attain it. However the month of Shravan was not conducive to travel due to rains and reptiles. During the month of Shravan students were required to stay in the ashram and engage in the process of ?hravan. It meant students had to learn by listening intently to the teacher or Guru.
Shravan month is in the monsoon season when sunlight is reduced making the digestive function sluggish. The prescribed fasts in this month lead to reduced food intake which boosts the immunity system. Water borne diseases spread rapidly in this month and consuming non-vegetarian food is prohibited to avoid infections. Further this month is also known as month of love and is the breeding period of many animals hence killing and eating is prohibited.
Shravan maas is dedicated to Lord Shiva and all Mondays of Shravan month are celebrated as Shravan Somwar in Lord Shiva’s temples. Devotees keep a fast either on Monday (Somwar vrat) or on Tuesday (Mangal Gauri Vrat) dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
According to the Puranas the month of Shravan is associated with the Samudra Manthan.The devtas and the Asuras participated to churn the ocean to obtain various celestial possessions and Amrit (nectar of immortality). However Halahala, the deadly venom which had the ability to destroy the entire creation also emerged from the ocean bed. To save the universe Lord Shiva drank the poison and held it in his throat which turned his neck blue. As a gesture of gratitude, his devotees offer water from the river Ganga to reduce the effect of Halalahal.
Somvar(Monday) is governed by Som (moon) and symbolises the mind. Moon is adorned by Lord Shiva on his head. Lord Shiva is believed to discipline the mind of spiritual seekers and hence is worshipped on Somvars.
Important Hindu festivals falling in this month are Krishna Janmashtami, Raksha Bandhan, Naag Panchami and Teej.Varalakshmi Vrata and prayer to Goddess Mahalaxmi are offered on the Friday preceding the Shravan Purnima (full moon day).
This month is filled with an energy which, when directed inwards can unleash a process of learning, self transformation, consuming and destroying traits that are detrimental for us.

ADAPTING TO THE COVID TIMES. A talk by Anupama Garg shishya of Baba Batuknathji

Significance of Akshaya Tritya

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The word Akshaya means which “never erodes or diminishes” and Akshaya Tritya is an auspicious festival associated with prosperity, self knowledge and new beginnings. It is also known as ‘Akha Teej’, an annual spring festival of Hindus and is celebrated on the third lunar day of the month of Vaishakh.   On this day the sun and moon are positioned in a way that the light reaching the earth is highest according to the Hindu calender. It is considered a favourable day to begin a new activity. Any material, spiritual or social activity started today is believed to enhance and appreciate.

Significance:

In accordance with the diversity of our country, Akshay Tritiya is celebrated for various reasons mentioned below:

On this day the holy Ganga descended on the Earth.

It marks the birth anniversary of Lord Parashurama, one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu.

It marks the beginning of Treta Yuga after the Satya Yuga.

It is the day when Lord Kuber became the God of wealth by the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. People buy gold or new property on Akshay Tritiya to appease Lord Kuber and seek his blessings for appreciation of wealth.

“Akshaya Patra” was received by the Pandavas while in exile. Akshaya Patra was a food pot, blessed by Lord Krishna for everlasting supply of food.

Many people solemnise marriages on this auspicious day.

Social: It is a day to plant trees, sponsor education, feed the poor or do any work in our capacity which is for the larger good of the society.

Akshaya Tritya is a day to initiate our material, spiritual and social endeavours for prosperity, self knowledge, peace and social responsibility. It is a day to understand the need to balance all aspects and initiate it.

Anupama Garg(www.lifebychoice.net)

Third Eye Meditation with Anupama Garg shishya of Baba Batuknathji

Third eye is positioned between the brows just above the eye level and is associated with intuition and wisdom. In the human body, this energy centre is traditionally associated with the pineal gland. It is associated with the power of thought and imagination. An active third eye refers to a developed ability to intuitively perceive subtle energies giving us an expanded outlook of life. This is also referred to as a sixth sense which means an ability to perceive impressions that lie beyond the recognized five physical senses. Regular practice of this meditation will lead to a greater intuition, a strong sense of identity, the ability to self-reflect and ability to command or master our mind. This meditation has a calming effect,aids in elimination of internal conflicts and enhances clarity in judgment .

Diaphragmatic Breathing with Anupama Garg shishya of Baba Batuknathji

Diaphragmatic breathing is the most natural and efficient way to breathe. Due to tension, poor posture, restrictive clothing and lack of training, however, it is often forgotten. Once this technique again becomes a part of daily life and correct breathing is restored, there will be a great improvement in the state of physical and mental wellbeing.

Autogenic Training for Stress Management with Anupama Garg shishya of Baba Batuknathji.

Autogenic Training with Anupama Garg shisya of Baba Batuknathji. Autogenic Training is a form of self-hypnosis to induce physiological changes within our body to attain a state of relaxation and calm. Autogenic Training allows us to use our mind to regulate our body’s stress levels.It is an effective tool to counter stress and induce specific body changes leading to deep relaxation.

Mindfulness Meditation with Anupama Garg shishya of Baba Batuknathji

Mindfulness meditation is extremely effective for stress relief and relaxation. Any activity that we perform where we stay fully present and rooted ‘in the now’ is mindfulness meditation. When practiced regularly it brings calm and tranquility in our life.

Basant Panchami

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Basant Panchmi marks the beginning of Basant Ritu and falls on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magh. This auspicious day of Basant Panchami is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and is also known as ‘Saraswati Jayanti’. Goddess Saraswati sitting on a lotus, symbolizes Knowledge and wisdom. It is considered auspicious by many to wear yellow on Basant Panchami signifying the onset of verve and positivity in life and nature.The spiritual significance of festival signifies the end of ignorance and beginning of spiritual progress –

Anupama Garg

Author -“The Tantric Curse”

(www.lifebychoice.net)

NAVRATRI

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There are four Navratris which fall each year during climatic transitions. We however, celebrate two- Chaitra Navratri (March/April)and Sharad Navratri(September/October) . The other two being Maghi Navratri (January/February) and Ashadha Navratri (June/July).
Chaitra is the first month of Hindu lunar calendar hence this Navratri is known as Chaitra Navratri.
According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that on the first day of Chaitra Navratri ,Adi Shakti had appeared and on her suggestion Lord Brahma had initiated the creation of the universe. Hence the first day of Chaitra Navratri marks the commencement of the Hindu New Year and astrologically the sun enters the first Rashi on this day to start a new cycle after completing the previous cycle.
Seasonal transitions tend to weaken our immunity system which is also one of the reasons why it is recommended to fast and eat light during Navratri ,

Anupama Garg
Author(The Tantric Curse),
Stress management Consultant
Life by Choice (www.lifebychoice.net)