Bhadrapada Masam Festivals

Bhadrapada Masam:-

Bhadrapada Masam has acquired unique significance and prominence in Hindu religion. It is the sixth month in the Hindu Lunar calendar starting from Chaitra Masam. It occurs exactly half way through the Lunar year. This coincides with the rainy season (Varsha Ruthu) that generally occurs during August-September as per English calendar. A lunar month is denoted by the name of the constellation the Moon is on the full Moon day. When the Moon is in the constellation of Poorvabhadra on the full Moon day that month is denoted as Bhadrapada Masam. Bhadrakaram Bhaadrapadam. That means the month Bhadrapada is an auspicious month that is also highly meritorious. Bhadra is a Sanskrit word that also means safety.

According to North indian calenders Bhadrapad month starts from August 21st and ends on September 19th.

Major Festivals in Bhadrapada masam:-

Hartalika teej

Ganesh Chaturthi

Rishi panchami

Radha Ashtami

Parsva Ekadashi

Indira Ekadashi.

As per south indian calenders Bhadrapad month starts from 6th September and ends on 4th October.

Vinayaka Chavithi (or) Ganesh Chaturthi :-

Ganesh Chaturthi is also popularly called as Vinayaka Chavithi or Vinayaka Chaturthi. This festival is celebrated on the birth day of Lord Ganesh, the first son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Ganesh is revered as an avatar of both Shiva and Vishnu. Vinayaka Chavithi is celebrated in the month of September on Shukla Paksha Chaturthi in Bhadrapada masam (as per Hindu calendar).  

The festival is celebrated for 11 days. This festival is celebrated all over India especially in Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra, Banglore in  Karnataka, Chennai in Tamilnadu and Hyderabad and Vizag in Andhra Pradesh. On this day, Lord Shiva has declared that his son Vinayaka as superior to all the Gods. This festival celebrated with full enthusiasm and ardor.

Origin of Ganesh:-

In Shiv purana it is said that Ganesh was the creation of Goddess Parvati, who breathed life into an image made of clay. She placed the image outside the door while she was bathing and ordered him not to allow anyone to enter. Then her husband Lord Shiva arrived and was refused admission by the doorkeeper.  Shiva became furious and severed the head of the idol. Parvathi was very upset over the incident as she considered the idol as her son (manas putra). To make amends Shiva ordered his servant to go and bring the head of the first living being he would meet. The servant saw an elephant, and he at once cut his head and took it to Shiva. Shiva joined the elephant's head to the body of Parvati's son. Thus Ganapathi came in to being. 

Ganapathi's mount is a mouse and he has a snake tied around his belly. His origin has a philosophical aspect to it. The whole cosmos is compared to the belly of God. Shakti Parvati is the primordial energy. The seven worlds above, seven worlds (lokas) below and the seven oceans are inside the cosmic belly of Ganesha, held together by the cosmic energy kundalini symbolized as the huge snake which Ganesha ties around him. The mouse is nothing but our ego. Ganesha, using the mouse as a vehicle, exemplifies the need to control our ego. One who has controlled the ego is believed to have Ganesha consciousness or God-consciousness.

The first person to observe the 'vrat' (vow) of Ganesh Chaturthi was Chandra - the moon. After Ganeshji's fame as leader ('pati') of Shiva's 'ganas', hence Ganapati, he was travelling through the heavens. As he passed Chandra - who prided on his attractive features, he slighted Ganeshji's peculiar form. In return, Ganeshji cursed him, "You shall bear the fruit of your karma. Whenever somebody does your darshan he will be cursed too." Chandra begged for forgiveness. Ganeshji then advised him to observe the Ganesh Chaturthi vrat and was freed from the curse.

By being aware of the detrimental effects of false pride one should cultivate humility. The Skanda Purana mentions this sentiment of the festival. 

The Vayu Puran advocates the observance of this festival by listening to the following relevant episode of Shri Krishna, to be relieved from false accusation: 

When Shri Krishna was falsely accused of pilfering the Syamantak Mani (gem) he observed Ganesh Chaturthi and was freed from the false charge.

This festival also inspires devotees to inculcate two virtues; obeying the commands of God and His choicest devotee, and consolidating faith in them, just as Ganeshji had faith and trust in Parvati regarding circumambulating his parents.

Names of Ganesh:-

Ekadant (one-toothed)-

To scribe the Mahabharat Katha Ganeshji removed one of his tusks to carve a quill from it. He then scribed the epic on palm leaves as the sage Ved Vyas recited it. The scribing took three years!

In south India there is a belief that when ploughing first began on earth, it was Lord Ganeshji who first ploughed using one of his tusks.

In the Uttar Ramayan, Brahmand Puran and Padma Puran there is a reference of a battle between Ganeshji and Parshuram. During the duel, the latter's axe fractured one of Ganeshji's tusks According to the Brahmand Puran, it was his left tusk.

There are other names related to his body and virtues.

    A few commonly known are listed below:

Lambodar - from the long - 'lambo', tummy - 'udar'.

Gajkarna - from the large elephant 'Gaja' ears - 'karna.'

Kapil - from his ruddy complexion.

Vikat - heavy-bodied.

Bhalchandra - having a Chandra (moon) on his forehead - 'bhal.'

Dwaimatur - one who has 'dwi' - two, 'mata' - mother; Parvati - who gave birth to him and Malini - a demoness who nurtured him.

Vakratund - one who breaks the ego of he who behaves anti-socially ('Vakra').

Mudgal - In south India, a special 'Mudgal Puran' extols Ganapati's glory. It cites 32 names, while 'Shardatilak' lists 51 names.

Vigneshwar - One who removes mayic obstacles - 'vignas'

History of Ganesh chaturthi in different states:-

Ganesh Chaturthi is said to have been celebrated since the days of Maratha rulers: Satavahana, Chalukya and Rashtrakuta. Mainly celebrated in the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh with a lot of zeal and splendour, Ganesh Chaturthi is the most popular festival of Maharashtra. Ganesh Chaturthi was started by Chhatrapati Shivaji as a public event to promote traditions and nationalism, this festival was even celebrated by Peshwas to worship Ganapati as their family deity. The festivities remained a family affair until the festival was revitalised by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in the late 19th Century, to take the message of freedom struggle to all Indians. This festival brought in a feeling of

unity and togetherness in Indians that helped in revival of their patriotic spirit. Through the medium of this festival he brought together all the classes of societies against British by getting rid of the caste differences. He stressed on it that Ganesh Chaturthi was a festival for everyone irrespective of the caste or class, and so he organised cultural events like dance dramas, musical nights, and religious gatherings on this festival. That was the time when social and political gatherings weren't allowed by the British. Festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi that continued for ten days gave people of every religion the scope to interact and know each other. It is from that time this festival has been celebrated every year with great fervour all over the country.

Ananta Padmanabha Swamy:-

Ananta Vratam is dedicated to Lord Ananta Padmanabha Swamy.It is observed on the fourteenth day in Shukla Paksha during Bhadrapada month (Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi). Anantha means the infinite and endless.

Lord Vishnu appeared on this day as Padmanabha lying on the couch of Anantha Sesha (the thousand-hooded serpent).It is observed for fulfillment of desires.

Observing this puja makes devotees free from all their sorrows and keeps them in readiness to challenge any attack from their enemies.Throughout India, Anantha Chaturdashi vrata is observed with utmost devotion. In South India, Anantha Vratha is observed in a festive atmosphere. Special sweets and other dishes are prepared on the day and a portion of it is offered to Brahmins. Anantha Vratha is observed for 14 consecutive years for marital bliss and prosperity of the family.

History :-

In some scriptures such as Mahabharata, Anantha Vrata is mentioned as a great observance to get rid of one’s sorrows in the life. Lord Shri Krishna advised Yudhisthira Maharaj to observe Anantha Vrata for 14 years to regain his kingdom and his whole wealth.

Ritual of Anantha Vrata :-

The important ritual during the Vrata is tying of the sacred thread on the hand. First, the performers of the Vrata place the threads along with the Deity of Lord Anantha Padmanabha Swamy to sanctify them. The thread is worshipped by placing kum kum on it. This sacred thread is referred as Anantha Daara. It is made up of 14 strands. Some make it of 14 knots.

Women tie this thread on their left hand and men on their right hand. 

In 2013 this vrat is observed on 18th September.

Parasurama Jayanthi:-

Parasurama Jayanthi is said to be celebrated on the Vaishkha Shudda Tadiya, which is the third day of Shukla Paksha in Vaishakha Masam. He is said to be the 16th incarnation of Lord

Vishnu. It is said that the lord Parasurama originated from the womb of renuka.  Such a great lord jayanthi is been celebrated by the Hindus in a very sacred manner. On this eve it is good to be fasting and on the evening worshipping the lord will protect the devotees from the problems like fear of enemy.

Rishi Panchami:-

It is celebrated on the Panchami (Fifth Day) of Shukala Paksha (Waxing moon period) in the Hindu Month of Bhadrapada. On Rishi Panchami,a ritual bath is taken in holy rivers,ponds or in other water masses.Hands and mouth is washed 108 times. Lord Ganesh, Navagraha( nine planetary Gods), Saptarshis (seven Sages) and Arundathi are worshipped.Women offer

the 'Prasad' to Gods and wash husbands' feet.By taking one more ritual bath in sacred water,devotees feel blessed that their all sins are cleansed away.After a bath in the sacred water, clean your hands 108 times, wash your mouth 108 times and listen to the story of Ganesa, Navagrah, Saptrishi and worship Arundhati.

The women perform the pooja in the month of Shravan and garland the Goddess,made up of Aghoda and Durva leaves.In some places the face of the Goddess is placed on the bunch of Aghada leaves.

Parivartini Ekadashi:-

Parivartini Ekadashi, also known as Parsava Ekadashi, Vamana Ekadashi and Jayanti Ekadashi, is observed during the waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha) in Bhadrapada month. Parivartini Ekadasi is on September 26 in 2012. Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this Ekadashi day. Parshva Parivartini Ekadasi or Vamana Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day during Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapad month. It is believed that the Vamana Avatar took place during this period and therefore, the Ekadasi is also known as Vamana Ekadashi. The importance of Parivartini Ekadasi was narrated to Yudhisthira, by Lord Krishna. Parana means breaking the fast. Ekadashi fasting on both days is suggested for staunch devotees who seek for love and affection of Lord Vishnu. The Hindu devotees also believe that Lord Vishnu had changed his position of sleep on this day from left side to right side. So changing is called as parivarthanam. Ekadasi happens during the Dakshinayana Punyakalam. Parshva Ekadashi is one of the Ekadashi vratas that falls during Chaturmas period.

Parivartini Ekadashi revolves around the legendary King Bali. As the bali chakravarthy is a danava but he devoted lord vishnu more, bali took the heaven from indra. Indra worshiped lord vishnu to returning the heavan from bali chakravarthy. King Bali is doing a yagnam Supreme Lord came in Vamanadev form, the dwarf incarnation, whose eyes are like lotus

petals. Vamanadev asked 3 steps of land, when king bali accepted to give he became large and In the first step, Lord Vamana covered the heaven and in the second step he measured the earth and there was no place to keep the third step. King Bali bowed his head and asked Lord Vamana to place the third step on this head.

Parivartini Ekadashi is observing holy fast. The person observing Ekadashi has to wake up early in the morning and has to perform the necessary routine activities while doing which he should be mentally prepared for Ekadashi. After dasami the day which follows is Ekadashi which is meant for complete fasting. perform Arati however others simply observe fast and chant the lord vishnu stotrams. The day of Parivartini Ekadasi is also traditionally celebrated, by placing Bhagwan in a wooden boat and floating him on water. People observing a fast on Parsava Ekadashi should refrain from eating foods made from rice, grains and beans. It is believed that by doing so he worships Bramha, Vishnu and Shiva.

Surya sashti:-

This auspicious vrat is consecrated to Surya Bhagwan (Sun God). It falls in the sacred month of Kartick. Shukla Paksha (bright half) Bhadrapada month’s sixth day is the defining day for it. Also called “Dala Chhat” preferable in North India (Chhat means sixth day).

In this all the followers gets up early in the morning at 4 am followed by their refinement process. Thereafter start idolizing the Sun God before the same rises. It is mandatory not to take any meal and allowed only after the pooja or after the sunset. Some followers keeps fast for the whole day and open it the next day. Aditya Hrudayam, Gaytree Mantra and other Surya Stotras are being recalled during the reverence time.

Mahalaya Amavasya:-

The Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada Month of telugu calendar are considered as the Pitru Paksha. These are considered sacred days where one can offer the traditional ritual of performing the Shradaa Karma. On these days all hindus offer their homage to the ancestors upto three generations above.

It is believed that after the death, the soul would remain in an intermediate world (loka) known as the Pitru loka. The soul stays in the pitru loka untill the fourth descendant enters the same and once the fourth descendant comes, the first soul would move to the heaven or the swarga loka. So at any given time only three generations of the soul would reside in the pitru loka. This world is governed by Lord Yama. It is believed that the souls of the ancestors would come down and reside with the descendants in their home  during this period and hence one should perform the traditional ritual to satisfy the ancestors.

While the first half of the month is dedicated to the worship of Devathas and Rishi Gana, second half of Bhadrapada Masam is totally dedicated to the worship of Pithru Devathas that is known as Pithru Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha. During this fortnight we pay our obeisance to our forefathers by performing sacred rites. During this month giving Paayasa (Kheer), Jaggery, Anna, Lavana (Salt) as charity is highly meritorious.

Such is the significance of Bhadrapada Masam that it is auspicious for worshiping a blend of Deities, Sages and Pithrus; a unique opportunity to get discharged from Deva, Rishi and Pithru rina.