Laxmi Vishnu: 2013

Monday, December 30, 2013

Mahalakshmi Vrata / About / Procedure / Photo / Audio / Video

An important Vrata dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi is the Mahalakshmi Vratha or Mahalaxmi Puja which begins on the Bhadrapad Shukla Ashtami Tithi (eighth day after new moon in September) and ends on Ashwin Krishna Ashtami Tithi (eighth day after full moon in September). The Mahalaxmi Vrata is observed for sixteen days and is mainly followed in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

The greatness of Mahalakshmi Vrata was explained to Yudhisthira by Lord Krishna. Yudhisthira wanted to know about a Vrata with which he can get back that entire he had lost including property and wealth. The importance of the Vrata is also mentioned in the Bhavishya Purana.

The Lakshmi Vrata in begins with special prayers to Goddess Lakshmi. After taking bath, usual prayers are offered to Lakshmi. Some people make sixteen knots using a string and tie it on the left hand. Sixteen Dhurva grass is dipped in water and is sprinkled on the body.

http://hinduism.about.com/od/festivalsholidays/a/mahalakshmi_vrata.htm
http://www.shravanashukravaram.com/

http://hindupad.com/vratas-pujas/mahalakshmi-vrata-puja-procedure-how-to-do-maha-laxmi-vrata/
http://meerasubbarao.wordpress.com/2008/08/18/shri-vara-mahalakshmi-vrata-august-15th-2008/
http://www.kannadaaudio.com/Songs/Devotional/home/SriVaramahalakshmiVrata.php
http://www.google.com/search?q=Mahalakshmi+Vrata&tbo=p&tbm=vid&source=vgc&aq=f

As per spiritual references, on this day "Lakshmi-panchayatan" enters the Universe. Vishnu, Indra, Kubera, Gajendra and Lakshmi are elements of this "panchayatan" (a group of five). The tasks of these elements are:
• Lakshmi: Divine Energy (Shakti) which provides energy to all the above activities.
• Vishnu: Happiness (happiness and satisfaction)
• Kubera: Wealth (Generosity; one who gives away wealth)
• Indra: Opulence (satisfaction due to wealth)
• Gajendra: Carries the wealth

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Bhairav Gets Liberated from his Sin

Bhairav who was created by lord Shiva from his third eye, had severed one of the five heads of Lord Brahma on the instruction of lord Shiva. Now Brahmaji was left with only four heads.

Carrying the skull of Brahma in his hand, Bhairava started wandering in all the three worlds. To atone his sin of severing the head of lord Brahma, he was begging alms.

Bhairav reached Vishnuloka where he was welcomed warm heartedly by lord Vishnu and Laxmi. Goddess Laxmi dropped the learning (Vidya) named Manorath (by which all the wishes could be fulfilled) in the begging bowl (Skull) of Bhariav. Bhairav became extremely happy by this gift. Lord Shiva had created a oegrass named 'Brahmahatya' and had instructed Bhairav to reach Kashi, before her. According to lord Shiva this way the sin committed by Bhairav could successfully atoned.

After being blessed by goddess Laxmi, Bhairav took the permission of Lord Vishnu and proceeded towards Kashi. After his departure asked Brahmahatya to stop chasing Bhairav. But she refused saying that she was just following the instruction of Lord Shiva.

When Bhairav reached Kashi, Brahmahatya too came near the outskirts of the city, but could not enter it because of Lord Shiva's power instead she entered in to the netherworld (Patal loka). As soon as Bhairav had entered Kashi. The begging-bowl (skull) fell on the ground and thus Bhairav got liberated from his sins. Bhairav was extremely relieved. The place where the skull of Brahma had fallen, later on became as Kapal mochan- the most sacred place of pilgrimage.

Source
Shiva Puran on Bhairav Gets Liberated from his Sin