FESTIVALS OF HOLIEST MARGASIRSHA AND WINTER

    FESTIVALS OF HOLIEST MARGASIRSHA AND  WINTER

(Compiled from E-Mails sent to HR Forum During  the Season of Festival of Lights, December 2019)

“Maasaanaam margasheershohm”--Among months I am Margaseersha says Bhagvan in Bhagavad Gita.

Brihatsaama tathaa saamnaam gaayatree chandasaamaham; Maasaanaam maargasheersho’hamritoonaam kusumaakarah.

–Bhagavad Gita 10.35

Meaning: Of the Hymns of Vedas, I am the Brihat Saama (Part of Sama Veda). Of the Poetic Mantras, I am the Gayathri Mantra. Of the 12 Months, I am Margashirsha Masa. Of the seasons, I am the Kusuma (Spring – flowery season).

 In Chapter 10 of Bhagavad Gita, Lord Sri Krishna explains about his various Vibuthis (Manifestations of the Lord) to prince Arjuna. Lord Krishna explains that, of all the 12 months, He is Margashirsha masa (month in which, the star Mrugasira occur on the Full moon day). This Margashirsha Masa (December – January Time in English calendar) is that particular period of the year, when it is neither hot or nor cold and it is the harvest time when the grains from Agriculture fields are collected by farmers to earn their money and make their living. This month is also important for spiritual practices, because this period/month forms the Brahma Muhurtham of Devas. So the Brahma Muhurtham of   devas coincides with Brahma Muhurtham of Humans in this month.  Practices like meditation and penances done during the Brahma Muhurtham, gives favorable and multiplied results. Thus worshipping the God during Brahma Muhurtham would help devotees to concentrate more and helps in getting closer to the Lord.

Everybody gets delighted at the arrival of Holi as the season itself is so gay. Holi is also called the Spring Festival (kusuma ritu)--as it marks the arrival of spring the season of love and joy. The gloom of the winter goes as Holi promises of bright summer days. Nature too, it seems rejoices at the arrival of Holi and wears its best clothes. Fields get filled with crops promising a good harvest to the farmers and flowers bloom coloring the surroundings and filling fragrance in the air.

Springtime, called Vasant Ritu, is considered the King of Seasons for its mild, pleasant weather across much of India. In 2020, Vasant Ritu begins on February 18 and ends on April 19.  

The Hindu months of Chaitra and Baisakh fall during this season. It is also the time for some important Hindu festivals, including Vasant Panchami, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Holi, Rama Navami, Vishu, Bihu, Baisakhi, Puthandu, and Hanuman Jayanti.  The sun crosses the plane of the earth's equator, making night and day of approximately equal length all over the earth a occur  about March 21 (vernal equinox or spring equinox)  and thereafter the days get lengthened till  Autumn  Equinox in September  when sun again passes plane of the earths’ equator making  night and day of approximately equal length.

The Vernal equinox, which marks the beginning of spring in India and the rest of the northern hemisphere, and autumn in the southern hemisphere, occurs at the midpoint of Vasant. In Vedic astrology, the vernal equinox is called Vasant Vishuva or Vasant Sampat.

We have talked a lot about spring season or Vasnta ritu   and therefore we will confine to month of Margashirsha and following winter  months that lead to spring season about which Krishna talks about in Gita.

[Note: One year of human beings is one day Devas. The first six months from Winter Solstice (Uttharayanam) is the day time and the next six months Summer Solstice  (Dhakshinaayanam) is the night time for the Gods. And this Margashirsha (Dhanur Maasam) forms the last hour before sun-rise, so it forms the brahma muhurtham for Gods also].

This Masa is also called as Shoonya Masa, as per Vedic scriptures. Because it is considered as inauspicious to do any good things other than Godly functions. It is also embraces Dhanur masa since during this month the sun transits through Dhanur Rashi (Sagittarius) on December 16, 2019 when Tamil month of Margazhi begins.  Devotees in south India perform Dhanurmasa Vratham and recite Tiruppavai (Goddess Andal or Goda Devi compiled works in praise to Lord Vishnu) in this month which starts on December 16^th while Magasheersha ends on 25^th December 2019. Actual Winter Solstice Day starts on December 22, 2019 that also comes in the month of Margasheersha though Hindus do not recognize it due to their false calendar calculation as to the real Uttarayana Punyakala. But though not religiously observed Sayana Makara Sankranti falls on December 23 in 2019.

Mahabharata war started on December 7, 3102 BC. about 5000 Years ago in Kurukshetra to make it Dharmakshetra (dharmakshetre kurukshetre Samavetaa yuyutsavah). Gita Jayanthi is celebrated on Margashirsha Shukla Mokshada Ekadasi on December 7^th.  On this day, Lord Krishna revealed the philosophical knowledge (Bhagavad Gita) to Arjuna in the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Bhishma fell in the battle on 17^th December defeated by Arjuna and started lying on the bed of arrows also in this auspicious month of Maghaseersha ashtami after 47 days. He was cremated by Pandavas on that day but after immersion of the ashes rose from the dead as Vasu Devata, after 3 days on Bhishma Ekadasi day delivered Vishnu Sahasranama   and completed his mission on Earth after 58 days of his lying on the bed of arrows as stated in Shanti Parva of Mahabharata.

Datta Jayanti is celebrated on the birthday of Guru Dattatreya, the Trimurti Avatar – the united and single incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Dattatreya was born as the son of Atri Maharshi and Anasuya. Datta Jayanti comes on the full moon day in the month of Margasheersh. Anasuya, did severe Tapas to get a son equal in merits as Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati, the goddesses Trinity, became jealous of Anasuya. They deputed their husbands to test her virtuousness. Through her Pativrata Dharma she received them as three babies that merged as a single baby of three heads! He was born during the Pradosha period.

Dattatreya's first avatar is believed to be Sripada Srivallabha in A.P, second avatar is Sri Nrusimha Saraswathi, third is Manikya Prabhu, fourth is Akkalkota Maharaj in Maharastra and fifth is Shirdi Sai Ram.

Dattatreya – a Universal Guru manifested in 'Kaliyuga'. He is an 'Avadhoot', always with compassion for all the beings and the entire creation. He is the Adi guru.

The Cow, near Dattatreya represents the Mother Earth and Dharma. She is the 'Kamadhenu'. The four dogs symbolize the four Vedas. The Sudharshana chakra indicates, HE is the ontroller of time. The conch represents the eternal sound 'AUM. The 52 bead Japa-mala contains all mantras. The Dhamaru contains all sastras. The kamandal provides food & water to the living beings. The Trisul provides Dharma,   Artha  and  Kama to the people.

Vaikuntha Suklapaksha Ekadasi follows Mokshada Suklapaksa Ekadasi after a month and is celebrated in Margazhi the Tamil holy month that also started in Margashirsha considered holiest in Gita by Tamil calculations. Vaikuntha  Ekadasi   is considered highly auspicious and most of the Vishnu Temples in the South  that are heavily crowded with devotees to have the Uttara Dwara / Vaikuntha Dwara darshanam of Lord Vishnu when the North gate (‘The Gates of Heaven’) of the temples is opened on this special day. It is believed that all the gods of all the worlds visit Vaikuntham (the abode of Lord Vishnu) on this day to have his darshan from the Uttara Dwaram. 2019 had no Vaikuntha Ekadsi.  Vaikuntha Shukla Paksha Ekadashi  falls on Monday, January 6, 2020.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi falls during Dhanur solar month in Hindu calendar. Dhanur month or Dhanurmasa is known as Margazhi month in Tamil Calendar. Vaikuntha Ekadashi is Shukla Paksha Ekadashi out of two Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha Ekadashis in a month. Vaikuntha Ekadashi is observed according to Solar Calendar and because of that it might fall either in Margashirsha or in Pausha month in Hindu Lunar calendar. In Gregorian calendar there might be none, one or two Vaikuntha Ekadashis in a year. Margasirsha ends on 25^th December in 2019.  Pushya begins on 26th on which   day   Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated only in the South?   

During this Margazhi, that begins during the second fortnight of holy month of Margaseersha, throughout the month, worships are conducted in Tamil Nadu by both Vaishnavites and Saivites alike.

Most important is the recital of the Thiruppavai, a work by Saint Andal, consisting of 30   poems on Lord Vishnu. This is recited early in the morning in the temples and special poojas are performed. The same way for Lord Shiva, the Thiruvembavai, by Saint Manickavasagar, is recited and poojas performed during the entire month.

In Thailand, the same festival is celebrated as “An annual Festival called  Trivambave – Tribave”  so being pronounced by Thais for Tamil hymns Tiruppavai and Tiruvembavai .

This festival is held for 15 days in Thailand,  between December 16 to January 14,during Indian Marghazhi Month, by Brahmin priests, chanting verses in praise of Hindu gods.   Bangkok could be the only place in the world where Tamil Thiruppavai and Thiruvempavai is recited during the month of Marghazhi by Thai Brahmin Priests apart from Tamils in India.  These Thai Brahmins are descendants of Tamil Brahmins from Rameshwaram, Srivilliputtur and other parts of South India who were brought to this land as early as the 2nd century.

The present Thailand, Cambodia and Burma was once ruled by Khemers till 13th century. Historians believe that the Khemers were either our Pallava Kings or Leaders of local tribes who were made Kings by Pallavas. (There are plenty of proof, by way of archeological findings, legends and stone inscriptions to confirm the theory of Political connections between the Palllava Kingdom of India and the Khemer Kingdom of Thailand.

Khemer Kings, being Hindus, practiced either Vaishnavism or Shaivism. The King who built Angkorwat, Surya varman, was a Vaishnavite and it was built as a Vishnu Temple. The Khemer Kings adopted a concept called “Devaraja Cult” which means that the King is an incarnation of Vishnu or Shiva. They built temples for Vishnu and Shiva and consecrated statues representing themselves as Gods and promoted themselves as the undisputed leaders of their subjects.

The Brahmins came with the Kshathriya Kings to promote Hinduism. The Pallava Kings brought them to act as court advisors to the kingdom as was the practice in Mainland India. The Brahmins were also required to perform a ritual called “Varathyasyoma” to convert a foreigner into a Kshakthriya King whenever a local is made the King.

The Kings sometimes married in the Brahmin families and when a king was childless, they adopted a boy from the Brahmin family. The Brahmins, thus, performed their role of advisor, minister and priest to the Royal family in addition to practicing Hindu rituals and practices.

The Khemer kingdom , after 1300 years of glorious rule by the Hindu kings, fell to the Thais in 1282 when Jayavarman, the last Khemer King, was defeated by the Thai invasion that formed the First Thai Kingdom — Sukhothai. The creation of a Buddhist Thai Kingdom should have ended Hinduism practiced by the Khemers. Surprisingly it did not.

The practice of Devaraja Cult did not die with the Khemers

The Thais, even though Buddhists, continued the Devaraja cult for two reasons. Since they took over a land of Khemers, they did not want to change the practices of the land and be alienated from the locals. Secondly, the Devaraja cult suited their intentions of assuming supremacy as it gave them instant recognition among people. So the Buddhist Thai kings also continued the Devaraja cult and as a consequence extended patronage to the Indian Brahmins and projected themselves as Incarnations of Hindu Gods in addition to practicing Buddhism. That explains why the Royal family in Thailand practices Hindu Rituals and practices even during the present times. 

The Brahmins, in the Buddhist Thailand, thus thrived as priests of the Royal family and performed rituals like Coronation ceremonies, Upanayanams for the Royal family. They also performed Housewarming ceremonies, Ploughing Ceremony, Upanayanams for the common people and continued practicing Hindu rituals and ceremonies. One such Brahmin ceremony of reciting Thiruppavai verses is “Trivambhav- Thrippave” which is continued to be recited even in this 21st century.

Many of you may not have visited a Thai Temple in Bangkok which houses three Hindu deities– Ganesh, Shiva and Vishnu. It is not a temple patronized by the Indians like Dev Mandir and Mariamman Temple in Thailand or Singapore or Malaysia. It is a Thai temple. It is called Devasthan–(Boat Prahm)    and is situated opposite the Dev Mandir, right behind the Giant Swing.

Interestingly, the Giant Swing itself was the venue of a very big Hindu ritual of “Oonjalaattam” for Shiva that was stopped due to the occurrence of accidents. The word Boat Prahm means “Sanctuary of Brahmins”.

This is the place where the Thiruppavai Thiruvempavai festival takes place for 15 days and all the Brahmins in Thailand come and stay in the temple for 15 days.

The Brahmins who came from India married local women and as centuries went by, lost their Indian identity. They speak Thai and appear like an improved version of their frail looking brothers back home. They are clothed in white robes in stark contrast to the Buddhist Monks. They wear the sacred thread too (Poonool).

The ceremony they perform at the Boat Prahm is very similar to the poojas at our Tamil temples with Theeparadhanai (waving of Lamps), blowing of the conch shells (sangu or Sankha) and “neivedyam”(offering food to deities).  At the end of the pooja they recite the Thiruppavai. The Thiruppavai script is written in Grantha with parallel Thai script. As they do not know the meaning of the verses the pronunciation is completely different. As you know, the Thiruppavai ends with the word “embavaai” in each song and only that word could be understood. The rest of the text is recited with total disregard to punctuation marks and sounds different. Words are irrelevant in matters of faith and it is a memorable experience watching these Thai Brahmin Priests reciting the Thiruppavai and Thiruvempavai.

The Kanchi Acharya had spoken in high regard of this practice of reciting Thiruppavai in a Buddhist country like Thailand in Mayavaram’s Dhakshinamurthy Mutt in 1952. He commented then  that ”even though we in Tamil Nadu recite Thiruvembhavai , we do not perform it as a festival but a Buddhist country thousands of miles away does it”. We do celebrate Gita Jayanti Day as a festival. On the request of the Kanchi Acharya, a team of Tamil Scholars, came to Thailand and studied the scripts of Thiruppavai and Thiruvempavai that are being recited in Bangkok temples and have recorded the fact that they are in Grantha.  Kanchi Acharya’s speech is referred in Padma Subramaniyam’s book about the influence of Indian Bharatha N aattiyam in Thai classical dance. It might also surprise you that the Brahmin Priests recite “Thiruvaasagam” during the coronation ceremony of the King. In this context is it interesting to know about the recent crowning ceremony in Thailand:

King Maha Vajiralongkorn sat on a throne on May 6, 2019 under a nine-tiered umbrella as he was presented with the ornaments of his position: a golden plaque with his official title and horoscope, “the ancient and auspicious orders” and the “weapons of sovereignty.” A Great Crown of Victory, weighing 16 pounds and topped with a diamond from India, was placed on his head. 

Many of this crowning ceremony rituals date back at least 300 years to the royal Ayutthaya period. The last coronation took place in 1950. Thailand is a Buddhist kingdom, and the country’s king is considered the guardian of the faith. But many of the coronation ceremonies were presided over by Brahmin priests from the Hindu faith.

“In our tradition, our king is a god from the heaven, so this has a strong influence from Hinduism,” Mr. Thong-thong said--“But you know our country is Buddhist, so for the monarchy, these two things, Hindu and Buddhist, are mixed up together in the ceremonies.”

While Hindu priests   anointed the king, the supreme patriarch of Thailand, the highest national authority of Buddhism, also chanted.   In the   ceremonies that followed, Buddhists monks   lighted candles. Hindu holy men blew conches. Ceremonial offerings   included a three-tiered rice offering, bananas.  Queen Suthida prostrated on the ground in a pink outfit, as the king sat above her and anointed her with holy water.

IF BHISHMA IS A VASU THEN WHO ARE THESE VASUS?

According to some Puranas the Vasus are residing at Swarga Loka with Lord Indra   and they are his subordinates obeying his instructions. The Ashta Vasus are described in the Mahabharata as the sons of Manu or Brahma Prajapati. They are the eight gods who represents the Pancha Bhootas, and are also representing the Sun, the Moon and the Stars. The name Vasu means 'Brilliance' or 'Wealth Givers'. Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita 10-23 Vasoonaam Paavakosmi.  I am Pavaka among eight Vasus! Pavaka is an epithet of Agni.

The Vasus are elemental gods, who are described in some accounts as the attendant deities of Indra and later Vishnu, who is also known as Vasubandhu (relation of Vasus). The Ashta Vasus are described in the Ramayana as the children of Kasyapa and Aditi and in the Mahabharata as the sons of Manu or Brahma Prajapati.

According to the legend, Bhishma was a Vasu who was born upon earth because of a curse. It is said the eight Vasus once stole the divine cow, Kamadhenu (fulfiller of desires) from sage Vashista. With his mystic powers, the sage found out the culprits and cursed them to be born as human beings. Because of his curse, the eight Vasus took birth upon earth as children of Ganga. Seven of them died within a year of their birth, as per the curse of Vashista. The eighth one lived for long and became renowned as Bhishma the Great.

A later section of the Mahabharata gives an alternate version in which each of the Vasus gives a portion of himself to create a ninth being and so all eight are later drowned leaving only this ninth composite as an incarnation of parts of all the Vasus to live out a very long mortal life as Bhishma.

According to the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, the names of the eight Vasus are as follows: 1. Prithvi; 2. Agni; 3. Vayu; 4. Varuna; 5. Aditya; 6. Dyaus;  7. Chandramas and 8. Nakshatraani

According to the Mahabharatha, the names of the eight Vasus are as follows: 1. Dhara; 2. Anala; 3. Anila; 4. Apa; 5. Pratyusha; 6. Prabhasa; 7. Soma; and 8. Dhruva

During Mahabharata times, their names were replaced by Anala, Dhara, Anila, Aha, Pratyusha, Prabhasa, Soma and Dhruva. Although the names are different, in their essential meaning both the lists point to the same divinities. Anala is an epithet of Agni. Dhara is water. Anila is the earth. Aha is Vayu. Pratyusha is Aditya, the Sun. Prabhasa is Dyus, the dawn. Soma is the moon, Chandrama and Nakshatrani is Dhruva, the Pole Star. Symbolically, the eight Vasus represent the elemental forces and processes of Nature and the beings, namely earth, water, fire, air, light, weather, day, dawn, pole star, sun, moon, movement, support, transformation, digestion and so on.

In the Ramayana the Vasu is child of the Soorpanaka and he has a habit of chali throwing that is Vasu. 

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevayaâ is a mantra of Krishna or Vishnu. Dhruva used this as his mantra in his penance. Dhruva was initiated to this mantra by Narada.   This twelve syllable mantra is known as a Mukti (liberation) mantra and a spiritual formula for attaining freedom. This can be chanted like Gayatri Mantra. This is the principal mantra of   "Srimad Bhagavatam". This mantra can also be found in Vishnu Purana. This again has its origin in Vasu as he is the son of Vasudeva. But orthodox Hindus believe here only Vishnu is referred as Vaasu and not Vasu. It stems from Sanskrit वासु vāsu (a name of Vishṇu meaning 'dwelling in all beings').  Usually Vaasudeva is translated as son of Vasudeva and so Vaasudeva refers to Krishna son of Vasudeva.

Vasu is also propitiated in Amavasya Tarpana ritual by the mantra “Vasu Rudra roopena mama pithrun swadha nama tharpayami

”Ramakrishna Math identifies the following Mantra from MNU as Vasu Prarthanaa Mantra directed to Vasu deities:

yadvo devāścakṛma jihvayāṁ guru manaso vā prāyati devaheḍanam |
arāvā yo no abhi ducchunāyate tasmin tadeno vasavo nidhetana svāhā || 

O Gods, O Vasus, that serious god- offending sin which we have committed by our tongues, by our understanding, and by our actions, place that in those who come near and act in an evil way towards us! Hail!

This   mantra is originating from Rigveda, X 37 12. Often devotees forget that the various gods are but aspects or attributes of the one God and try to compare their relative greatness. In this respect the tongue sins against gods. So Vāyu, the moving god (araava= aro vayo), is entreated to take away the sin thus committed. Ducchuna is also mischief making demon.

Brahman is praised as Vasuranvah (vasuranvo vibhooraci) in MNU.  Sayana in his commentary explains this as “bhavaan vasunah sarveshaam dhanaroopasya tattvajnaansya  ranvah and Brahman who is born in various forms (vibhooh). So Vasu stands for knowledge as wealth, simply described as wealth.    

Vasu is also the name of the eighth chakra (group) of Melakarta ragas in Carnatic music. The names of chakras are based on the numbers associated with each name. In this case, there are 8 Vasus and hence the eighth chakra is Vasu.  

Bose or Basu or Boshu is a surname found amongst Bengali Hindus. Boses belong to Kayastha caste in Bengal.  Boses are considered as Kulin Kayasthas of Gautama gotra. Bengal takes pride in this lineage with many illustrious sons of the soil like J.C. Bose, S.C. Bose etc., known for their intelligence and power.  But many believe Basu is Vasu.  Basus (Boses) in Bengal take their surname after the Vasu deities as Vasu stands for wealth. DASHRATH BASU was born 1045 in India. The founder of the Basu Dynasty of   Mahipur is considered to be Dashrath Basu. It is believed that Dashrath Basu was invited to come to the Bengal area, by King Adisur.  It is likely that Dashrath Basu came to Bengal at the behest of the Sen Dynasty. Dashrath Basu and the Brahmins were invited to re-establish Vedic culture in Bengal.  Dasharathi received the surname of 'Basu' for his wealth.      

VASUS OR PART OF PITRU DEVAS ALONG WITH RUDRAS AND ADITYAS

All the manes are believed to live in the Pitruloka after sometime by Hindus after the so called death and completion of Anthyeshti Samskaras by their   progenies.  Then they are reborn as any being or go to lokas like Devaloka, Vaikuntha etc., or even attain salvation joining the source with the Supreme. The Pitruloka is populated by three groups of Pitru-devatas, viz. Vasus,   Rudras and Adityyas.  These Devatas receive our oblations and make it reach to our manes wherever they are and in which form they are.  The Pitruloka is supposed to be on the unseen side of the Moon. This portion gets exposed to the Sun on the new-moon days. It is according to Hindu concept lunch time for the beings populating the Pitruloka. These pitrus since they have left the Earth are solely dependent on only their progeny to feed them. This feeding is done through Tarpanam (water/sesame oblation).  It is believed if Tarpanam is not done our Pitru devas will curse us so that we may not have male descendants to offer Tarpanam to us.

WORSHIP OF THE DEPARTED THROUGH VASU--RUDRA---ADITYAS

Every human being is born with three types of debts to be repaid, namely, the debt to God (that can be repaid by worshipping gods), the debt to sages and saints (that can be repaid by reverence and service to saints, sages and gurus) and the debt to one’s ancestors. The scripture, ‘Yajuraaranyaka’, elaborates on this aspect, giving a list of five forms of worship (yajnaas), called maha yajnaas, to be performed to get relieved of the debts he has to repay, as

“Panchavaa ethe maha yajnaahsatati sataayante….   Santishthante” (2-2-14)

There is a sloka too, which summarizes all the five mahaayajnaas.

“Adhyaapanam Brahma yajnah, Pitru yajnasya tarpanam, Homo Devah, Balirbhoutah, Nruyajnah atithi pujanam.”

According to these dicta, the duties of the householder (grihasta) include the performance of five ‘mahaa yajnaas’ as follows.

a.  Adhyaapanam Brahma yajnah:-

Brahma yajna is the seer worship.  Each day the householder expresses his debt to the ancient sages by studying, repeating and meditating upon at least some portions of the Vedic scriptures and by transmission of the scriptural teaching and cultural heritage

Learning in brahma-charya aasrama and teaching in grihastha aasrama, to maintain the guru-sishya parampara, are a ritual, known as Brahmayajna.

b.  Pitru yajnasya tarpanam: -

The second yajna is the ancestor worship (Pitru Yajna). Offering libations of water (by a ‘tarpanam’) or setting aside of rice balls (pindas) constitute a remembrance of ancestors, during annual shraadhaas to worship the ancestors.

This is to repay the debt to ancestors who have provided us with the materialistic body to carry out the activities of the life, without which no action (karma) could be performed.

 Also, parents, who give birth, take care, give education, provide amenities, help in settling and do many more things, deserve reimbursement by way of gratitude. In Hindu scriptures, it is clearly mentioned that this gratitude is expressed in the form of shraadha Karma and similar rituals.

c. Homa Devah: - (Deva Yajnah)

The third yajna is by offering oblations to devatas like Indra, Agni, Varuna etc. in homa, to express our gratitude to the natural forces and seek their blessings.

It is called Deva yajna (Deity worship). It is the worship of deities, who have provided air, water, food, shelter, clothing etc. required for a living in this world.

d. Balirbhutah: - Bhutayajna (or Vaisvadeva).

The fourth yajna is the worship of living beings by scattering grains, offering foods at the threshold for animals, birds, insects etc.

e. Nruyajnah atithi pujanam: - Respect for other humans in society.

The fifth yajna is nruyajna also called Manushya yajna (Guest worship), by which hospitality to guests, friends or even strangers and beggars is shown.

\If these sacrifices, enjoined by the scripture, are duly performed, the purification of mind is effected and this helps to get true knowledge and attain self-realization.

Thus, performing the ritual of shraadha by a householder (grihastha) becomes a part of Pitru-Yajna, the worship of the ancestral deities, to get relieved of the debt to his ancestors.

Shraadha is performed to worship three generations of Pitrus, namely the father, the grandfather and the great grandfather (or the mother, the grandmother and the great grand-mother). No oblations are offered to other antecedent ancestors, because those souls would have lost touch with the current lineage. (Pitru devataas are supposed to have a different time scale. An eternal soul’s one day is equivalent to our one-year time.) That is why an anniversary (in our terms) is taken as one day for pithru karmas i.e. shraadhaas enabling the soul to have food once a day in its time scale.

The three generations who have departed are believed to be communicated through the Vasu, Rudra and Aditya devataas respectively. So, a departed father (or mother) is worshipped in Vasu rupa (form), departed grand -father (or grand-mother) in Rudra rupa and departed great grand-father (or great grandmother) in Aditya rupa.

The final day of Pitru Paksha (the second half of the month ‘Bhaadrapada’) is the new moon day called ‘Mahaalaya Amaavaasya’. It is the day when oblations are offered to all ancestors and all souls. According to scriptures, there is a conjunction of the sun and the moon on this day and the sun enters the zodiac sign Virgo (Kanya). If the rite of shraaddha is performed on one of the days in the fortnight of pitru paksha, then the subtle bodies of ancestors are considered to remain gratified for years.

At the time of death, even though the soul is separated from the body in this materialistic world, the soul is never dying. The soul experiences the results of the actions it performed along with its materialistic body. It is believed that the performance of shraaddha will give a boost to the souls in the eternal world.

Also, ten Visve devaas, such as Pururava, Ardra, Soma, Pitrupeeta and others, born to Dharma Prajaapati (one of the nine Prajaapatis), are invoked during a shraadha karma. Visvedevaas, who have close contacts with Pitru ganaas, act as protectors of the ceremony (shraaddha samrakshakas).

Thus, a group of Deva ganaas including Lord Brahma and all other gods, and another group of Visvedevaas are worshipped during the shraaddha Kriya and those worshipped are believed to bestow peace, progress, prosperity and progeny to the doer of shraaddha.

Thus ‘shraaddha karma’ is primarily a worship of many gods, quite auspicious, not only to the person performing it, but also to the world at large.

WORLD HOLY FESTIVALS IN IMARGASIRSHA AND MARGAZHI

As Jagannatha Lord the Universe he has not neglected in guiding or prompting all others who worship him in their own way. He also said in Gita the world needs different religions, cults and deities to meet the vastly different needs of individuals.  During Krishna’s life period on Earth there was no concept of Religion but only Varnashrama Dharma.

Christmas is celebrated on December 25 the last Day of Margaseersha. We do not know what made Christians to choose this day as the birth day of Jesus Christ who was actually or much later in April that I have explained  below in detail.

December 25 was used as a celebration of the birthday of the sun god described below in detail. It was observed near the winter solstice. The apostles in the Bible predicted that some Christians would adopt pagan beliefs to enable them to make their religion more palatable to the pagans around them. Therefore, some scholars think the church chose the date of this pagan celebration to interest them in Christianity. I believe it is divine inspiration as it falls in Margaseersha/ Margazhi.   Hanukah is celebrated during this period from December 22 to December 30. Also all African descendant in USA Celebrate Kwanzaa from December 26 to January 1.

In 2019 the Northern Hemisphere's winter solstice – the shortest day of the year – falls on Sunday 22 December. It is the first time in four years that it hasn't fallen on 21 December, the solstice's most common date, although on rare occasion it can also occur on 20 or 23 December instead. The winter solstice marks the date that the Earth is at its maximum tilt from the sun.

 Pagans and the winter solstice

The winter solstice marks the date when the Earth's axis rotates to the point that the North Pole has its maximum tilt from the sun, thus delivering the shortest period of daylight in the year.

It spawned rituals and celebrations from the earliest human times, with some traditions now associated with Christmas beginning as observances of the astronomical phenomenon.

For example, the origins of Christmas trees and wreaths can be found in the 12-day pagan holiday of "Yule", which centered on the solstice. The festival was observed by the early Germanic peoples of Northern Europe, who gathered to celebrate the revival of the sun bringing brighter times ahead. Celtic Druids would mark the winter solstice with the cutting of mistletoe and lighting a "yule log", believed to banish darkness and evil spirits.

It is reasonable to believe Xmas tree also joined the family of wish-fulfilling trees Kalpavriksha in Hinduism. The color green signifies everlasting light and life. Romans decorated their houses with evergreen branches during the New Year, and the fir tree symbolized life during the winter.  Mistletoe is a parasitic plant, meaning it lives on the tree that it is attached to and, without it, the mistletoe would die. The plant has long been a symbol of love, and some believe that the Druids used mistletoe as a cure-all or some stories claim that it could promote fertility.

The trunk of the Banana tree denotes good luck and prosperity and so it is used for decoration during religious festivals or ceremonies in Hindu culture. There is a traditional custom in Hindu religion to decorate the entrance of the marriage hall and the house of the bridegroom and bride with two banana trees. According to the belief, the tree symbolizes that the married life of the couple would be evergreen and the relationship and love between them would be endless. The couple would be showered with all the prosperity of the world and with children.   The evergreen fir tree has traditionally been used to celebrate winter festivals (pagan and Christian) for thousands of years. Pagans used branches of it to decorate their homes during the winter solstice,  as it made them think of the spring to come. The Romans used Fir Trees to decorate their temples at the festival of Saturnalia. Christians use it as a of everlasting life with God.  The Paradise Tree represented the Garden of Eden. In many countries, different trees are used as Christmas trees. In New Zealand a tree called the 'Pohutakawa' that has red flowers is sometimes used and in India, Banana or Mango trees are sometimes decorated.  Natural Fir tree with its triangular form and dazzling light at the top Symbolizes Trinity, Holy Son and Holy Father at the base and Holy Spirit as Universal Consciousness or Light as a single point on the top.

Romans had their own similar observance called Saturnalia (in honor of the god Saturn), which began on 17 December and involved a full week (ending on modern Christmas Day) of partying and subverting ordinary social behavior.

While many of the traditions around the period were absorbed into Christmas following the rise of Christianity, the year's shortest day still holds significance for many.

Thousands of pagans continue to gather every year at Stonehenge, and it is thought that the iconic stones were carefully placed to frame the sunset on the winter solstice. In Ireland, an annual lottery is held to select around 120 people to be present at New-grange, a vast 5,000-year-old burial mound. The lucky few (the event reportedly receives more than 30,000 applicants last year) can witness the winter solstice sunrise floods the vast chamber with light and illuminates the prehistoric art within.

Was Jesus born on December 25? There is no evidence for this date. So then, who decided that Jesus' birth would be celebrated on that date? The early Christian church did not celebrate Jesus' birth. It wasn't until A.D. 440 that the church officially proclaimed December 25 as the birth of Christ. This was not based on any religious evidence but on a pagan feast Saturnalia.  December 25 was used as a celebration of the birthday of the sun god. It was observed near the winter solstice. This is close to Sayana Makara Sankranti on 23 December.

The apostles in the Bible predicted that some Christians would adopt pagan beliefs to enable them to make their religion more palatable to the pagans around them. Therefore, some scholars think the church chose the date of this pagan celebration to interest them in Christianity. The pagans were already used to celebrating on this date.

The Bible itself tells us that December 25 is an unlikely date for His birth. Palestine is very cold in December. It was much too cold to ask everyone to travel to the city of their fathers to register for taxes.   Luke 2:8-12 says shepherds were in the fields. Shepherds can’t be in the fields in the winter time. They are in the fields early in March until early October. This would place Jesus' birth in the spring or early fall.  

Other evidence that December 25 is the wrong date for the birth of Jesus comes from early writings. Irenaeus, born about a century after Jesus, notes that Jesus was born in the 41st year of the reign of Augustus. Since Augustus began his reign in the autumn of 43 B.C., this appears to substantiate the birth of Jesus as the autumn of 2 B.C. Eusebius (A.D. 264-340), the "Father of Church History," ascribes it to the 42nd year of the reign of Augustus and the 28th from the subjection of Egypt on the death of Anthony and Cleopatra. The 42nd year of Augustus ran from the autumn of 2 B.C. to the autumn of 1 B.C. The subjugation of Egypt into the Roman Empire occurred in the autumn of 30 B.C. The 28th year extended from the autumn of 3 B.C. to the autumn of 2 B.C. The only date that would meet both of these constraints would be the autumn of 2 B.C.

John the Baptist also helps us determine that December 25 is not the birth of Jesus. Elizabeth, John's mother, was a cousin of Mary. John began his ministry in the 15th year of Tiberius Caesar. The minimum age for the ministry was 30. As Augustus died on August 19, A.D. 14, that was the accession year for Tiberius. If John was born on April 19-20, 2 B.C., his 30th birthday would have been April 19-20, A.D. 29, or the 15th year of Tiberius. This seems to confirm the 2 B.C. date, and, since John was 5 months older, this also confirms an autumn birth date for Jesus.

Another interesting fact comes from Elizabeth herself. She hid herself for 5 months and then the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary both Elizabeth's condition and that Mary would also bear a son who would be called Jesus. Mary went "with haste" to visit Elizabeth, who was then in the first week of her 6th month, or the 4th week of Dec., 3 B.C. If Jesus was born 280 days later it would place his birth on Sept. 29, 2 B.C. Some scholars interpret the 6 months to be in line with the Hebrew calendar or the August-September time frame. Since Mary's pregnancy commenced a little before the sixth month around July, Jesus would be born somewhere around March-June.  

Birth Day of Jesus is as confusing as that of Hanuman in Hinduism though often Christians laugh at Hinduism discrepancies calling it myth and pagan forgetting their own house needs serious thinking.  His Birthday is celebrated on different days in different parts of India. In most states of India, the festival is observed either in Chaitra (usually on the day of Chaitra Pournimaa) or in Vaishakha, while in a few states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated in Dhanu (called Margazhi in Tamil)--December or April. Ardent devotees in both the religions do not question theses discrepancies. They say does it matter if these divinities were born on the winter, spring summer or the fall?  Does it matter, theologically, when they are born as they are ever present and ever born?  Let us celebrate at our convenience joining the blind and ignorant crowd!

Holiest month of Margaseersha (maasaanam margaseehoham-Gita) starting after Chaturmasa leads you to holy festivals of Winter of the Globe culminating in Holi,  a festival commemorating burning of the evil!


APPENDIX

 Importance of Margazhi Month in Tamil Calendar  

he Tamil Margali Masam, or Margazhi Month, is the month of Bhakti and Music. In 2019, Margazhi month begins on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 and ends on Tuesday, January 14, 2020. The importance of Margali Masam was announced by none other than Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita when says

Maasanam Margasheershoham - among the twelve months, I am Markali. Rendering of Thiruppavai and Thiruvempavai, religious discourses and music festivals are the major highlights during the period.

The month is kept aside for spiritual activities. Auspicious events and marriages are not performed in the month. The reason for avoiding auspicious activities is that the month is the dawn period for Devas and people do not want to engage in any other auspicious activities other than worship of Gods.

Importance of Margazhi Month - Religious Activities in the month

Margali Month is of immense spiritual importance and the greatness of the Margali can be gauged from the fact that Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita says “Among the twelve months, I am Margazhi.”

Thiruppavai of Andal

Chanting of the Tiruppavai of Andal is the most important event of the month. Tiruppavai consists of 30 verses and a verse is chanted on each day of Margali.

Instead of the usual prayer, Tiruppavai is recited as morning prayer during the month of Margazhi at the Tirumala Tirupati Temple.

Margazhi Kolam

Another major highlight of the month is the drawing of kolams (rangoli) daily in front of houses. Many streets are filled with huge kolams of various sizes and shapes. The designs are breathtaking.

Important Festivals of Shiva - Vishnu - Hanuman in the month

The most important festivals in the Margali month are Vaikunta Ekadasi, Hanuman Jayanthi and Arudra Darshan.

The month is also of great significance in the Srirangam Sri Ranganatha Temple. Apart from the Vaikunta Ekadasi, the Srirangam temple during the month witnesses the Pagal pathu and Rapathu – the chanting of Thiruvaimozhi.

Thiruvaimozhi consists of 4000 verses and extols the glory of Lord Narayana. The first 1000 verses of Thiruvaimozhi are rendered during the 10 days prior to Vaikunta Ekadasi and this period is known as ‘Pagal Pathu.’ Beginning from Vaikunta Ekadasi for ten days, the next three thousand verses of Thiruvaimozhi are recited and this period is known as rapathu or Iruppathu.

The month also marks the end of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple pilgrimage.

Margali Masam is also the time of the winter solstice when the days are shorter and the nights are longer.

Margazhi Month is also considered the dawn period of Devas. Uttarayana Punyakalam begins in mid January – the daytime of Devas. One year of ours is a day for the Devas. The night time of Devas begins during Dakshinayana Punyakalam.

Dates of important festivals and auspicious days in the month are:

• Hanuman Jayanti – December 25, 2019
• Vaikunta Ekadasi – January 6, 2020
• Arudra Darshan – January 10, 2020
• Bhogi Pongal – January 14, 2020

Purnima is on January 10, 2020

Amavasya in Margazhi month is on December 26, 2019

Margali Masam Food

Special delicacies are prepared in the month. Some of them are very ancient food.

• Ammini kozhukattai
• Pidi kozhukattai
• Karappam
• Mor kali
• Adai avilyal and jaggery
• Sweet Poli

Margazhi Musical and Dance Festival

The Tamil Margazhi month is famous for numerous Indian traditional classical music concerts and dance programs especially in Chennai. The entire month is kept apart for music and spiritual activities by many people.

Popularly known as Margazhi festival, more than 3,500 concerts take place during the period in Chennai making it one of the biggest music and dance festival in the world.

--HINDU BLOG

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