Shanivar Vrat: Saturday Fasting Dedicated To Hindu God Shani and Hanuman

In Hinduism, each day of a week is dedicated to a particular god in the Hindu pantheon. Apart from the special Vratas and Upvaas, many Hindus also fast on a particular day in a week. Each day in a week has a specialty and there are numerous folklores associated with the fasting observed on the days of a week.

Shanivar (Saturday)
Saturday is dedicated to alleviating the bad influence of Lord Shani. The Vrat on this day is mainly observed by those people who believe in Hindu astrology. Black is the color of the day and people visit Shani shrine or Navagraha shrines. Food is only consumed once on the day. Talk about Shani or Sani to a Hindu and the first reaction will be fear and then the mentioning of ill effects and troubles. Shani is dreaded by Hindus, especially by those who believe in astrology. Many people observe an Upvaas or fast to avoid the adversities and misfortunes on Shanivar or Saturday. It is believed that those who have the blessing of Lord Hanuman are protected from the wrath of Shani. Therefore many people make it a point to worship Hanuman at home or in temples. Black is the preferred color on Saturday.

Shani, one of the Navagrahas, is worshipped in numerous temples and there are also temples exclusively dedicated to Sani. Devotees who are observing Shanivar Vrat usually visit Shani shrines. Black colored items like sesame til, sesame oil, black clothes, and black gram whole are offered to Shani. It must be noted here that the color of the idol of Shani is always black in color.

Those devotees who fast on Saturday only take a single meal that too in the evening after prayers. Food prepared usually consists of sesame til or black gram or any other black colored food item. Salt is avoided by many on the day.

Shani is represented as a deity carrying bow and arrows and riding a vulture. Some devotees worship a black iron idol of Sani. Some worship the Peepal Tree and tie thread around its bark. Black colored items like sesame oil and black clothes are also donated on the day. Shani is so dreaded that many Hindus avoid journeys on Saturday. There are also numerous tales regarding the evil effects of Shani.

But generally it is believed that Lord Hanuman devotees are unharmed by Sani. Legend has it that Lord Hanuman had rescued Shani from Ravana. This happened during the burning of the Lanka episode in the epic Ramayana. Lord Shani had then promised that he would not trouble Lord Hanuman devotees.

It must be noted here that the deity worshipped on a particular day might vary from region to region and community to community. The result of all upvaas or fast depends on the person. It is good, if all the members in the family can undertake a Vrata together.

Miracles do happen by observing a particular Vrata and the greatest miracle is Brahman realization. All rituals and observances are path towards understanding the Supreme Soul and this will automatically alleviate all sufferings.

Shukravar Vrat or Upvaas: Friday Dedicated to Santhoshi Ma and Shukra or Venus

In Hinduism, each day of a week is dedicated to a particular god in the Hindu pantheon. Apart from the special Vratas and Upvaas, many Hindus also fast on a particular day in a week. Each day in a week has a specialty and there are numerous folklores associated with the fasting observed on the days of a week.

Shukravar (Friday)
Friday is dedicated to Mother Goddess – Mahalakshmi, Santhosi Ma, Annapuraneshwari and Durga. Sweets are distributed on the day. Those devotees observing the Vrat make it a point to eat at night. In Hindu religion, each day of a week is dedicated to a particular God or Goddesses. Friday or Shukrawar is dedicated to Shakti – the Mother Goddess in Hinduism – and Shukra or Venus. One of the most important Vrat or Upvaas (fast) on the day is dedicated to Santhoshi Matha (an incarnation of Shakti). The fasting is also known as ‘Solah Shukravar Vrats because a devotee fasts for 16 consecutive Fridays. White color is given importance on Friday.

Another deity that is propitiated on the day is Shukra, who is known to provide joy and material wealth. The period of Shukra in one’s astrological chart is considered to be most productive and luckily period.

Worship of Shakti – Durga, Kali and other forms – on Friday is considered highly auspicious. Shakti temples in India attract large number of devotees on this day.Devotees wear white colored dress on this day. The fasting on Shukravar begins at sunrise and ends with sunset. The person fasting only partakes in the evening meal. White colored food like kheer or milk is the most preferred.Fast is kept for various reasons which include removal of obstacles, for a child, happy family life etc.

There are numerous stories associated with Shukravar. In almost all the stories, Lord Shukra or Venus is dishonored in the beginning and the devotee later realizes his/her folly through numerous untoward incidents. Then the devotee realizes the mistake and propitiates Shukra and is finally rewarded.

It must be noted here that the deity worshipped on a particular day might vary from region to region and community to community. The result of all upvaas or fast depends on the person. It is good, if all the members in the family can undertake a Vrata together.

Miracles do happen by observing a particular Vrata and the greatest miracle is Brahman realization. All rituals and observances are path towards understanding the Supreme Soul and this will automatically alleviate all sufferings.

Brihaspativar Vrat – Thursday Dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu and Brihaspati

In Hinduism, each day of a week is dedicated to a particular god in the Hindu pantheon. Apart from the special Vratas and Upvaas, many Hindus also fast on a particular day in a week. Each day in a week has a specialty and there are numerous folklores associated with the fasting observed on the days of a week.

Brihaspativar (Thursday)
Thursday is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his incarnations. Pujas are conducted using milk, ghee etc. Food is only eaten once and that too containing milk products. People read Srimad Bhagavad Purana on the day.

In Hinduism, each day in a week is dedicated to a particular god in the Hindu pantheon. Thursday, which is Brihaspatiwar or Vrihaspativar, is dedicated to Vishnu and Brihaspati, the Guru of Devas. Thurdsay is also popularly known as Gurubar or Guruvar. Yellow is the color of the day. A fast is observed on the day and food is consumed only once. In some areas, people make it a point to visit Hanuman Temple on Thursdays. There are numerous stories associated with the reason for observing Upvaas, or fast, on Brihaspativar. Many of the stories are part of local folklore and stories vary from region to region.

Almost all stories suggest that those who perform pujas and Vrats on Thursdays will be blessed with wealth and happy life. In some stories, Lord Vishnu appears in the guise of a Sadhu to test the devotees on Thursdays. In other stories, it is Brihaspati. First the person in the story denies alms and is lethargic but later realizes his/her mistake and observes Thursday Vrat and pleases the Gods.

Those devotees fasting on the day wears yellow colored dress and offers yellow colored fruits and flowers to Vishnu and Brihaspati. Food is only consumed once and includes Chana Dal (Bengal Gram) and ghee. Basically, yellow colored food is eaten on the day.

In some regions, banana or plantain is worshipped and watered.

It must be noted here that the deity worshipped on a particular day might vary from region to region and community to community. The result of all upvaas or fast depends on the person. It is good, if all the members in the family can undertake a Vrata together.

Miracles do happen by observing a particular Vrata and the greatest miracle is Brahman realization. All rituals and observances are path towards understanding the Supreme Soul and this will automatically alleviate all sufferings.

Budhvar Vrat: Hindu fasting dedicated to Krishna and Mercury

In Hinduism, each day of a week is dedicated to a particular god in the Hindu pantheon. Apart from the special Vratas and Upvaas, many Hindus also fast on a particular day in a week. Each day in a week has a specialty and there are numerous folklores associated with the fasting observed on the days of a week.

Budhvar (Wednesday)
Wednesday is dedicated to planet Mercury and Lord Vithal, an incarnation of Krishna. Green color leaves, especially Tulsi leaves, are used in Pujas. The day is highly auspicious for starting new ventures and it is believed that those who observe the Vrat are bound to get blessed with fortunes. People also give alms on the day. Budhvar, Wednesday, is dedicated to Lord Krishna and the planet Budh or Mercury. The day is also associated with Lord Vithal, an incarnation of Krishna. In some regions, Lord Vishnu is worshiped. Keeping a fast (Upvaas) on Budhvar is believed to help in leading a peaceful family life.

Those devotees who undertake a fast on the day only take a single meal in the afternoon. The fasting is observed mainly by husband and wife together. Green color is considered highly auspicious on the day. In Astrology, mercury is considered to be compassionate and generous. Mercury is usually depicted riding a lion.

In some regions, people start new ventures on Wednesday as Mercury or Budh is considered to help new business ventures. Educational activities begin on Wednesday in some places.

 It must be noted here that the deity worshipped on a particular day might vary from region to region and community to community. The result of all upvaas or fast depends on the person. It is good, if all the members in the family can undertake a Vrata together.

Miracles do happen by observing a particular Vrata and the greatest miracle is Brahman realization. All rituals and observances are path towards understanding the Supreme Soul and this will automatically alleviate all sufferings.

Mangalvar Vrat: Tuesday Dedicated to Hindu God Lord Hanuman

In Hinduism, each day of a week is dedicated to a particular god in the Hindu pantheon. Apart from the special Vratas and Upvaas, many Hindus also fast on a particular day in a week. Each day in a week has a specialty and there are numerous folklores associated with the fasting observed on the days of a week

Mangalvar (Tuesday)
Tuesday is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Durga, Goddess Kali and Lord Hanuman. Most devotees visit Devi and Hanuman shrines. Those people who fast avoid taking food containing salt at night

In Hinduism, each day in a week is dedicated to a particular deity in the Hindu pantheon. Tuesday or Mangalvar is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Upvaas (fasting) on the day is dedicated to Hanuman and Mangal or Mars.  Mangalwar, Tuesday, takes its name from the god Mangal or mars who rules the day and is considered to be a trouble maker, and the fast is to ward off the harmful effects. Red is the preferred color on the day.

It must be noted here that the Hanuman might not be worshipped on Tuesday in all regions. Some communities might be worshipping some other deity. For example, in South India the day is dedicated to Skanda or Muruga or Kartikeya (Kartik). But generally Tu esday is dedicated to Hanuman.

 Mangalvar Vrat is observed by those couples who wish to have a son. Other benefits include happiness in the family. People who believe in astrology observe fast to alleviate the harmful effects associated with the planet mangal or mars.

Those who undertake the fast on Tuesdays only take a single meal. It is a whole day fast. The single meal on the day usually any food made of wheat and jaggery. Most people observe the fast for 21 Tuesdays without a break.

People wear red colored clothes on the day and offer red flowers to Lord Hanuman.

It is believed that Lord Hanuman will help his devotees in overcoming difficulties in life especially those that arises from the activities of Mangal graha

.

It must be noted here that the deity worshipped on a particular day might vary from region to region and community to community. The result of all upvaas or fast depends on the person. It is good, if all the members in the family can undertake a Vrata together.

Miracles do happen by observing a particular Vrata and the greatest miracle is Brahman realization. All rituals and observances are path towards understanding the Supreme Soul and this will automatically alleviate all sufferings.

Ravivar Vrat: Sunday Fasting Dedicated to Hindu God Surya

In Hinduism, each day of a week is dedicated to a particular god in the Hindu pantheon. Apart from the special Vratas and Upvaas, many Hindus also fast on a particular day in a week. Each day in a week has a specialty and there are numerous folklores associated with the fasting observed on the days of a week.

Ravivar(Sunday).

Ravivar, or Sunday, is dedicated to Lord Surya or Suryanarayana. Upvaas or fasting on the day is dedicated to the Sun God. Red is the color of the day.Those people who undertake fast on the day only eat food once that too before sunset. Salt, oil and fried food items are avoided.

Red color flowers are offered while praying. Red color sandalwood paste is applied as tilak on forehead. Extra care is given on cleanliness of the body and surrounding.

It is believed that Ravivar Vrat will help in fulfilling desires. People with skin diseases observe the Vrat to get relief. Many devotees also give alms on the day.

It must be noted here that the deity worshipped on a particular day might vary from region to region and community to community. The result of all upvaas or fast depends on the person. It is good, if all the members in the family can undertake a Vrata together.

Miracles do happen by observing a particular Vrata and the greatest miracle is Brahman realization. All rituals and observances are path towards understanding the Supreme Soul and this will automatically alleviate all sufferings.

Rig Veda

The Rig Veda is the oldest Vedas or Hindu texts. The Vedas are considered the earliest literary record of Indo-Aryan civilization and the most sacred books of India. They are the original scriptures of Hindu teachings and contain spiritual knowledge concerning all aspects of our life. The term "Veda” means wisdom, knowledge or vision, and it manifests the language of the gods in human speech. Rig Veda is mainly dedicated to Agni, the god of fire and the holy priest. Its hymns and citations to the divinities have originated from the Rishis. Rig-Veda is a collection of 1028 hymns. Each poem is dedicated to god like Indra, Agni, Varuna and sometimes several gods.

The Rig Veda is a group of poems that were believed to be sung and recited for hundreds of years before being written in Sanskrit around 1000 BC. It is one of the most sacred texts of Hinduism. Through Rig Veda one learns the story of Prajapati who is termed as the first god who created the world. The name 'Prajapati' means “Lord of Creatures”. Prajapati sacrificed himself on the persistence of the younger gods Indra, Agni and Varuna, and the whole universe was created out of his body. The Rig Veda says that each part of Prajapati’s body gave rise to a different group of people. This gave birth to the logic by which Indians thought of themselves as belonging to one of the four main castes or groups. This idea of caste seems to be an Aryan idea

The Hindus strongly believe that the Rig Veda is not an ordinary human text and that it existed for all eternity before man, at the beginning of each cosmic cycle with fascinating facts getting revealed by miraculous circumstances. It is said that some people receive this revelation in the form of "visions", and are called Rishis. Samhita or summary of the Rig-Veda gives the names of some of these Rishis such as Vishwamitra, Uddalaka, Gritsamada, Atri, Vasishta, Bhrigu. Though these characters are legendary, traditions hold the Rishis as demigods living out of time and space. Establishing the age of these hymns is a very difficult task. Experts have successfully concluded that these hymns would have been scripted at the beginning of the second millennium B.C. by comparing the archaic Sanskrit texts with other Indo-European languages. However, it is also believed that some stanzas may have been composed as early as the first millennium BC. The fact that the canon was already closed at the time of emergence of Buddhism (sixth century BC) proves that the final compilation should have been done around the year 1000. 

Many of the mantras mentioned in the Rig Veda are hymns to the gods, praising them for their help in battles and asking for benefits such as wealth, good health, long life, protection and victory in battle (and life). Besides hymns of praise, the mantras contain blessings and curses as well. Originally, the mantras were meant to be chanted as part of religious rites as this was considered an easy form of communicating with the gods.

Daily Panchang & Muhurtha Thursday 7^th  June 2012

Based on British Standard Time (London)

 Sunrise: 04:46:48 Sunset: 21:12:26 Moonrise: 23:34:59
Nandana (1934) Vikrami(North): 2069, Vishvaavasu Vikram(Gujarat): 2068
Ayana:Uttarayana  Ritu:Grishma Vedic Ritu:Grishma
Vaikaasi Jyeshtha Krishna Paksha
T: Chaturthi 24:54:59+ N: U.shada 22:11:24
Y: Brahma 21:58:07 K: Bava 13:51:36 K: Balava 24:54:59+
Sun : Vrishabha  Moon : Makara at 05:09:01
RK: 15:02:49-17:06:01 YM: 04:46:48-06:50:00
GK: 08:53:12-10:56:25 AJ: 12:35:37-13:23:37
DM: 10:15:21-11:21:03 DM: 16:49:36-17:55:18
V: 07:05:49-08:36:22 V: 26:04:48-27:38:10
AK: 16:09:10-17:39:44
Sun in Rohini till 18:44:33
TY: Siddha
Abhijit Nakshatra Start: 16:28:06 Abhijit Nakshatra End: 23:43:24
AN: Sowmya 16:28:06 AN: Dwanksha 23:43:24 AN: Dhawaja
Agnivasa: in Heaven till 24:54:59+ Agnivasa: in Paatala

Shukra Astha

Abbreviations

T: Tithi N: Nakshatra Y: YogaK: Karana RK: Rahukaal YM: Yamakaal GK: Gulika iAJ: Abhijit Muhurta DM: Durmuhurtham V: Varjyam AK: Amritkalam AN: Anandadi yoga TY: Amritha, Siddha Marana Yoga used in Tamil Panchangam

Agnivasa(location of Fire) :Doing Havan if Fire on earth gives Happiness, in Heaven  could gives loss of life, in Paatala gives loss of wealth

Bad Period -Rahukalam -Yamagandam – Gulikai – Durmuhurtham – Durmuhurtham –Varjyam –

Good Time -Abhijita Muhurta – Amrita Kalam – 

Rest all hours that are not part of Bad Period are Good time.When bad period overlaps into good period, that much time of badperiod should be eliminated from good period.

Role and importance of Vedas in Hinduism

The importance of Vedas for every Hindu is paramount. The origin of Sanatan Dharma and the mainstream Hinduism revolves around the Vedic thought and philosophy.

The Vedas represent the spiritual experiences of the Rishis of yore. The Rishi is only a medium  to transmit to people the intuitional experiences which he received. The truths of the Vedas are revelations. All the other religions of the world claim their authority as being delivered by special messengers of God to certain persons, but the Vedas do not owe their authority to any one. They are themselves the authority as they are eternal, as they are the Knowledge of the Lord.

Lord Brahma, the Creator, imparted the divine knowledge to the Rishis and the Rishis disseminated the knowledge. The Vedic Rishis were great realised persons who had direct intuitive perception of Brahman or the Truth. They were inspired writers. They built a simple, grand and perfect system of religion and philosophy from which the founders and teachers of all other religions have drawn their inspiration.

The Vedas are the oldest books in the library of man. The truths contained in all religions are derived from the Vedas and are ultimately traceable to the Vedas. The Vedas are the fountain-head of religion. The Vedas are the ultimate source to which all religious knowledge can be traced. Religion is of divine origin. It was revealed by God to man in the earliest times. It is embodied in the Vedas.

The Vedas are eternal. They are without beginning and end. An ignorant man, may say how a book can be without beginning or end. By the Vedas, no books are meant. Vedas came out of the breath of the Lord. They are not the composition of any human mind. They were never written, never created. They are eternal and impersonal. The date of the Vedas has never been fixed. It can never be fixed. Vedas are eternal spiritual truths. Vedas are an embodiment of divine knowledge. The books may be destroyed, but the knowledge cannot be destroyed. Knowledge is eternal. In that sense, the Vedas are eternal.

The Vedas compositions possess comprehensive knowledge from every field of life like medicine, surgery, weaponry, fine arts, architecture, astrology and various other topics related to a man’s daily life have been elaborately discussed in Vedas. Traditionally Brahmins engaged in the study of Vedas and were called “Vedagya. The Vedic scholars used their knowledge towards the benefit and welfare of mankind.

The Veda is divided into four great scriptures: the Rig-Veda, the Yajur-Veda, the Sama-Veda and the Atharva-Veda. There is also a supplement each to the four Vedas called the Ayurveda, the Dhanurveda, the Gandharva Veda and the Sthapatya Vedas respectively. Vedas have six sub-parts as shiksha(education), Kalpa (rituals), Vyakarana (grammar), Nirukta ( an expositions of Vedas), Chhanda ( Hymns) and Jyotisha (astrology). Apart from four Vedas there are eighteen  Puranas.

In my future blogs I shall write briefly about each of these Vedas.

Om Tat Sat