#*starts blasting bhajans*

[snekdood]

yeah, sure. its christmas day.

but you know what it also is?

SHIVA MONDAYYYYYYYYYYY

[pujashoppe]

Importance, Significance, And Rituals Of Devutthana Ekadashi

Devutthana Ekadashi, also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi, is one of the most important Ekadashi in Hindu culture. Indulge in puja shopping online for this pious occasion. 

One significant Ekadashi vrat performed by Hindus is Prabodhini Ekadashi, also known as Kartiki Ekadashi. This day, also known as Dev Uthani Ekadashi, falls on the auspicious Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon) Ekadashi tithi in the traditional Hindu month of Kartik. It occurs between October and November. Devotees keep fast on this day and offer their prayers to Lord Vishnu with premium puja samagri. 

Dates and Times for Devutthana Ekadashi in 2022

Devutthana Ekadashi: November 4, 2022, on Friday

Parana Time: From 06:47 to 09:01 on November 5, 2022

End of Parana Day Dwadashi: 05:06 pm

Start of Ekadashi Tithi: November 3, 2022, 7:30 p.m.

End of Ekadashi Tithi: November 4, 2022, at 06:08.

Prabodhani Ekadashi's significance

Lord Brahma initially told Narada the story of Prabodhini Ekadashi. The explanation for this story in the Skanda Purana is clear. Lord Brahma initially told Narada the story of Prabodhini Ekadashi. The Skanda Purana provides a thorough explanation of this narrative.

However, this Ekadashi is particularly important to Hindus because it heralds the start of auspicious celebrations like weddings, Grah Pravesh, and other events. Additionally, it is believed that by doing Vishnu Puja on Prabodhini Ekadashi, worshippers can achieve salvation, or "moksha," and enter "Vaikunth," immediately after death.

Observances on Prabodhini Ekadashi:

On Prabodhini Ekadashi, worshippers bathe in revered rivers or bodies of water.

The devotees who observe this vrat rise before dawn. After taking a bath, they go without food or water for the entire day.

The vrat observer visits the temples of Lord Vishnu in the evening and takes part in the puja ceremonies performed there.

A drawing of Lord Vishnu is painted on the site of worship on the day of Dev Utthana Ekadashi. They opt for puja samagri online shopping to purchase all essential puja items from online puja stores. 

Fruits and vegetables are used to honour Lord Vishnu. Additionally, devotees design images of God on a Pounder (Okhli) and fill them with seasonal fruit, sugarcane, jujube, sweets, and water chestnut (Singhara). 

Then, devotees pray to their lord with puja items online to awaken from his nap and bestow blessings on everyone while singing bhakti songs or bhajans.

Then, while chanting "Utho Deva, Batho Deva, Aanguria Chatkao Deva, Nayi Soot, Nayi Kapas, Deva Uthaye Kartik Masa," devotees blast the Shankha.

It also signals the start of the sugarcane harvest. The farmer conducts a puja in the field, cuts sugarcane ceremonially, distributes five canes to a Brahmin (priest), a blacksmith, a carpenter, a washer-man, and a water carrier, and keeps five canes for himself. 

To awaken Lord Vishnu, you can also chant the Devutthana Ekadashi Mantra.

“Uttishtha Govinda Tyaaj Nidran Jagatpataye.

 Utthite Cheshtate Sarvamuttishtottishtha Madhav.

 Shardani Cha Pushpani Grihan Mum Keshav.”

The Swaminarayan sect regards Prabodhini Ekadashi as a significant Ekadashi. The day honours Swaminarayan's master Ramanand Swami's Diksha or religious initiation. The day also honoured Swaminarayan's transfer of power from Ramanand Swami on November 16, 1801. As a result, Swaminarayan devotees conduct a waterless fast and present the gods with fresh vegetables.

Conclusion

Additionally, get all the necessary premium puja kits, spiritual frame, and puja thali items from PujaShoppe so that you may celebrate all the holy festivals religiously.

[dis-connect2connect-blog]

Dahiwadi – A way of life Its 5 am (early morning for most of us) and the alarm bell rings ….. Dare I press the snooze button and am sure to miss on what fun lies ahead of us Hastily we all get up  and after packing our backsacks and our meager daily essentials , we head off to exciting extended weekend After managing to hop on our old time friends to tag along  , we, a group of ten ( 6 adults , “Abhijeet , Pratima , Trupti , Vikrant, Hubby and Self “  and 4 notorious pranksters “ Om, Shaurya , Vrushank and my little Munchkin , Vivs”  squeezed into the car to start the 300km drive from  Mumbai to Dahiwadi via Satara  On the way , , we started munching right on the word Go  Healthy breakfast of Home made  finger licking Idlis , Yummy Aloo Sandwiches and methi Theplas .. Not to mention the sinful Chips and farsan .  Took a halt at the famous Food Court to do our morning ablutions . It was drizzling and the weather was pleasing enough  to keep our mood upbeat . As we reached Satara during our lunch time , we had a sumptuous meal of Jwari Bhakri , Gavran Chicken , Mutton ( A total feast for Non Veggies ) and Akkhi Masoor Dal and the staple Bharlela Vanga ( Treat for  Veggies as well )  Then before moving ahead to Sajjangad , we ladies headed to a small clothing outlet which was bang opposite our Manas Restaurant . The window shopping looked good and we actually managed to get some nice day to day outfits. Looking at our happy faces , our respective spouses wondered whther it was d meal or the shopping that’s adding the glow … Well we ladies know it better …. Right !!! Within half an hour we reached Sajjangad ,, Literally means the Fort of Good people … we were kind of misfits … on this soil … Lol .. This is a popular scenic spot located about 20 kilometers from Satara city. You will find here a series of waterfalls, one of which is 500 meters in height. Most tourists come here during the rainy season when the waterfalls become thunderous.. Sajjangad in the district of Satara not only occupies a place of historical importance but tops the list when it comes to the devotees of Samarth Ramdas Swami, one of the most prominent spiritual mentors in this part of India. It was here that he stayed for a long time as also breathed his last. We walked up the 100 steps with heavy breaths … ( Cons of the mundane urban life ) but enjoyed the climb since it was coupled with Poses and selfies . On our downhill march , we also noticed the beautiful rain bow since it was drizzling in the sunshine . We all were happy as kids to spot this magical moment since its difficult to spot such sights sitting in the closed city office walls  Further, we decided to  move to Chowpatty … Well halt … The name is not a misnomer .. Its just  like our very own Chowpatty with food stalls minus the beach ( J ). We  with mutual consensus decided to give a miss to the Kaas Plateau is about 22 kilometers from Satara city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it comes alive with a wide variety of flowers - more than 850 different species - during the months of August and September. Since we were in June and visiting a plateau without flowers would not have been a great sight . ( We shall visit again only for Kaas Pathar in Sept …. Keeping Our fingers crossed )After gorging on the junk food like Pav bhaji ,  Bhel Puri ,Ice cream and giving out burps of happiness, we laid our hands on the famous Mango barfi,  Kandhi Pedhe , Jambul and Ground nuts . Tired as we jumped into the car to head to Dahi -wadi , to our friend’s maternal abode . Pratima’s Parents and her younger sister , Chakuli and friend Sneha were eagerly awaiting  to greet us all with open arms After a quick dinner ( since our tummies were already full ..) we snuggled in the bedsheets to peaceful sleep . Next day after a good night sleep , we all headed to Shikhar Shingnapur . The Shambhu mahadev mandir in shingnapurits an old temple devoted to lord shiva. when I heard about shikhar shingnapur for first time then i thought its related with another famous temple of maharashtra that is shani shingnapur, which is devoted to lord Shani  dev since this temple is located at top (shikhar) of shingnapur hills, thats why it must be called shikhar shingnapur. two more shiva temples which should be visited by lord shiva devotees and are very near to this temple are amruteshwar temple and guptlinga temple (about 3 km away). the temple is connected with great king shiva ji maharaj family. shiva ji maharaj used to visit this temple often. There are many shivlingas (around 8) in the temple. thats why this temple is also known as dakshin kailash. Also in the inner sanctum, we saw two shivling. in this temple and 5 nandi . During mahashivratri festival many devotees visit this temple. And  as per legend, lord shiva and parvati ma got married here. After a delicious homemade meal served at Khanaval ( interesting news being this place holds the wedding ground of our very Own Abhi and Pratima )   we ventured to Guptlinga mahadev temple – this secluded shiva temple is situated about 3 km from shikhar shingnapur shiva temple.  both these temples are connected with chhatrapati shivaji maharaj family. another important shiva temple situated nearby is amruteshwar temple. maha dwar of shree shetra guptlinga mahadev mandir. like shikhar shignapur, this temple is also connected with great king Shivani maharaja family. Udayanraje Bhosale is the 13th descendant of the Maratha king chhatrapati Shivani maharaja. view from the main gate of the temple premises. at the entrance few ladies were selling pooja material. we were greeted by few monkeys at this point you have to climb down around 100-200 steps to reach the mahadev temple. there are few shiva and parvati ma statues placed on the way.. guptlinga mahadev temple. it’s a small temple known for its gupt shivling.. Inside the sanctum can see one marble tile is removed in this above photo. the tile is removed to feel the gupt shivling which is placed right below this shivling. that’s why it is called as guptlinga mahadev temple. There is water below this shivling. you have to put your stretched arm totally inside this cavity made by displacing the tile. at a distance of 2 to 2.5 feet, the shivling is felt in inverted shape. it is said that only fortunate people can touch it. i saw few people were scared to put their hands inside the cavity. so take the mahadev name and try your luck. After  this was the highlight of the trip , wherein we all moved to fields … Shetat…. Alongwith Bhau ( Pratima’s father ).. Well in the locals , Our parents are not termed as Baba, Daddy , Pappa , But by the name which the entire houselhold calls them as .. hence our favourite Bhau  took us to the trip down the memory lane … We all had the famous bullock cart ride . A bullock cart or ox cart is a two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicle pulled by oxen (draught cattle). It is a means of transportation used since ancient times in many parts of the world. They are still used today where modern vehicles are too expensive or the infrastructure does not favor them. Used especially for carrying goods, the bullock cart is pulled by one or several oxen (bullocks). The cart (also known as a jinker) is attached to a bullock team by a special chain attached to yokes, but a rope may also be used for one or two animals. The driver and any other passengers sit on the front of the cart, while load is placed in the back. Traditionally the cargo was usually agrarian goods and lumber.The kids had a blast on this humpty dumpty ride while the adults were somehow holding their spines upright . . Then we plucked brinjals , Ground nuts , Drumsticks , Methi, , Bottle Gourd ,and managed to get enough for a three days The wind was blasting and the atmosphere was pleasant but a bit dry .The sugarcane fields were sashaying as per the wind directions  and the atmosphere was magical . With a heavy heart we bid adieu to the fields , On the way sighted the national bird taking his ritual walk . Walking August , this pristine beauty  with all the colours embedded into one, was like a lottery . We cherished every moment of this serene walk .After this we visited the famous Gondavale which is a samadhi place of Shri Brahma Chaitanya Gondavalekar Maharaj. Gondavale is a very famous pilgrimage place. It gets crowd on every pournima and at the time of Shri Raamnavmi, Gurupournima, Gokulashtami, Daasnavmi.. Gondavalekar Maharaj was devotee of the god Rama. He spent a lifetime teaching the importance of peace. He showed path of devotion of god Rama to thousands of devotees. He taught a Mantara to people “Shri Ram Jay Ram Jay Jay Ram Samadhi Mandir : is the place where Shree Maharaj rests after he discarded the human body. The day begins early at the mandir at 3 am. It is best to attend the Kakad aarti which starts at 4.45 am which is followed by phugadi, bhajan etc. The Samadhi is a simple stone structure atop which are the paduka. On the level above that is the Gopal Krishna idol. It represents that this location was a cowshed. Shree Maharaj loved cows and he had wished that he be put to rest among the cow After an eventful day we headed back to “ Pratima “The bungalow Name of Pratima’s Maternal abode completely satiated . We had great dinner served by Pratima’s Aai . Then despite a tiring  entire day schedule we ladies had the energy to spare to our small talks on Life and life beyond work . The topic was so interesting that we actually took it till 3.30 early morning .. Managed to wake up by 9 am so as to  march back to Mumbai . We left from Dahi wadi at 11am  bidding farewell to a great hospitality . Thanks a lot Pratima for giving us an opportunity to meet your real self . This trip re-inforced  the very  basis of our existence . It’s the local which is still genuine . Dahiwadi Rocks !!!!

[optimisticprincepainter]

Nuakhai, the agriculture festival of Western Odisha, was celebrated in London with much fervour.  The festival was celebrated on 30th September at the South Ruislip Community Center in North London, which was organised by Nuakhai Juhar Parivar UK.Nearly 200 people, originally from Western Odisha districts, residing all over the United Kingdom, wearing beautiful Sambalpuri attires, attended the event.The event began with Samlei Puja and prayers were offered to Maa Samlei for everyone’s wellbeing. It was followed by a sumptuous lunch provided by Potli, the famous Indian restaurant in London owned by Uttam Tripathy from Sambalpur, offering a spread of mouth-watering Odia delicacies that also included “Ambila”,– a popular dish from Western Odisha, painstakingly prepared by Odia ladies themselves.After the lunch, the programme started with Samlei bhajan and as per our Nuakhai custom, all the elderly people were honoured and presented with mementoes.The star attractions at this year’s celebrations was the famous Rangabati dance, performed by a group of ladies, led by Reena Meher, who had earlier performed at the Nehru Center in London last month. There were fantastic performances by children and resident Odias of UK. Little children were seen dressed up in colourful costumes as part of the fancy dress competition. Few senior members of the group also performed a funny meme dance that stole the show.The cultural event was followed by snacks and a DJ night was also arranged, which made the audience dance on the tunes of popular Bollywood and Sambalpuri numbers. It was a full blast that continued till 9 PM and dinner was also served before the audience left the venue.A substantial amount of money was also collected for charity through raffle which will be used for a good cause in Odisha. Buoyed by the success and huge response, the group has vowed to make this into a bigger event next year.The guests for the event were veteran Doctor Dr. Madhu Kundu and Sri Soumendra Mohapatra, Secretary at the Indian High Commission.The Odisha Sun Times Bureau : 2nd.  Oct,18

WESTERN ODISHA’s NUAKHAI FESTIVAL CELEBRATED IN LONDON WITH MUCH FERVOUR : Nuakhai, the agriculture festival of Western Odisha, was celebrated in London with much fervour.  The festival was celebrated on 30th September at the South Ruislip Community Center in North London, which was organised by Nuakhai Juhar Parivar UK.Nearly 200 people, originally from Western Odisha districts, residing all over the United Kingdom, wearing beautiful Sambalpuri attires, attended the event.The event began with Samlei Puja and prayers were offered to Maa Samlei for everyone’s wellbeing.

[anushkauniverse-blog]

The White Tantra and other shenanigans in Rome

 I'm still trying to sort my thoughts so bear with me. This weekend was the first one I spent without my son! And I have to admit it was a bigger deal for me than for him. He went away to see the grandparents with his dad and had a blast. I went to Rome to meet a friend and go to the white tantra with her. We stayed at the Villa Matissa in Trastevere and it was a perfect choice. The hotel/guesthouse has a bit of a family vibe to it and in contrast to some of the Romans you meet (particularly in restaurants etc.) was very nice and made sure he could accommodate our needs, spoke good English and just generally made you feel at home. The best thing about the place is their backyard that features a big garden including a fountain with fish and even a vegetable garden, right in the middle of the city. What a luxury! We got to enjoy breakfast outside in the sun and have a view of the most beautiful flowers in spring time. But back at to the event we came for: the white tantra has nothing to do with what a lot of people associate with tantra, meaning it's not sexual at all. It's basically a full day meditation workshop during which you are supposed to clear out all the subconscious garbage you have collected. The way this is done is through different kriyas that you do while sitting right across from your partner and sometimes together with your partner. Yogi Bhajan started this type of workshop and it is held every few weeks at a different location across the globe. Since he passed away a few years ago, they show his instructions via a video and have one of his students as the facilitator. It is held in English but there are local translations so it was also an opportunity to hear some Italian, what a beautiful language! And the people were great too- there were quite a few yogi smokers and everyone was having espresso during the breaks 😅👳🏼‍♀️ No, seriously they were friendly even though many of them did not speak English whatsoever. Very different from some of the rude service you encounter when roaming Rome as a tourist. We started by singing guru ram das with live guitar support- a nice way to ease into this event. Now as for the kriyas, I believe the way it works is that they pick different ones for every event and we were lucky this time. There was only one kriya that lasted 62 minutes and that was the last one, a yoga nidra- inspired type of chanting while lying down. The biggest challenge was to find the space to lie down because the room was so packed... Let me start in the morning- we had to be there at 7 am for registration and of course, the Italians only started showing up later - we didn't start as 8 as planned either but I guess Italian yogis are just Italians, too. We started with ang sang wahe guru, first 31 minutes silently listening to the mantra and then after a break, the same mantra again but including the chanting and a different mudra. I felt the power of the mantra and realized that it really helps and the time passed so much more quickly as we were chanting. It did get very loud in the room when everyone was chanting loudly but there was also a great energy to be felt. The third kriya featured a mudra that was kind of challenging to me- focusing on the tip of your nose and then holding your pointer fingers right at the point where your eyes only focus on them, I felt like I was going to be cross eyed or glancing over and got a bit of a headache during those 31 minutes. So I was relieved when we broke for lunch 🍴. Lunch was interesting and probably a little unusual for the hotel kitchen. It was mainly raw but also cooked vegetables, some rice, some soup and some bread as well as lots of fruits. But it wouldn't be Italy if there wasn't some pizza 🍕 to be found as well. I enjoyed that! The baked apple without any sauce or dressing was also a different kind of culinary experience... After lunch everyone felt a bit sluggish and I was afraid of a very challenging kriya to keep us awake and sure enough they had something interesting in store for us: a partner kriya where we interlocked our arms and that way supported each other. We were chanting har, har gobinde, har, har mukande and it was very intense but also fun as we had to keep the eyes open and many of us kept laughing because we kept messing up on the lyrics. After some minutes everyone heard a lady scream and cry very, very loudly and she was close to me so I couldn't help but observe the facilitators huddle up to discuss but I guess they decided to let her cry it out. Seems like there were some powerful things happening to her... it scared me a bit but overall the experience and especially this kriya was very soothing and positive for me. I felt truly supported and could send my friend some good vibes. I would even say I recognized myself in her or rather could see some of her views and experiences much more clearly. The second last kriya was also great, because we got to sit back to back with our partners, something we should do more often, resting your spine against the other person's spine really helps in supporting each other, especially after 7 hours of sitting on the floor in easy pose (something even the most ambitious yogis find difficult)... we chanted the same mantra and after 31 minutes you kind of got the hang of it. While my expectation had been to get more physically challenging kriyas, these were mentally challenging and 31 minutes can seem extremely long while you are in it but looking back, it was a pleasant experience and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to try something different and work on clearing some of the clutter that we accumulate through every day life. I feel much clearer and think that I am more firm on some of the choices I have made for my life. I realized for instance that traveling is still a lot of fun and I enjoy exploring other places but I am also super excited to be heading home and seeing and hugging my little man and his dad, even if they might be asleep once I get there.