Significance Of Aswayuja Masam

                                                Aswayuja Masam

Aswayuja Masam is named after the star Ashwini. If the star during the Purnima of the month is Ashwini it is called as Aswayuja or Ashwayuja Masam. Aswayuja Masam is the seventh month as per the Telugu Calender and this month is glorified as “ESHA” in Vedas.

There are a lot of fetivals in Ashwayuja Masam. The most important being Dassera and Deepavali or Diwali. Aswayuja Masam is more important for the followers of Durga Devi. Ashwayuja Masam is the best to worship the Goddess Durga. In all the Shakti Temples worshipping of Mother Goddess Durga starts from the first day of Aswayuja Masam.

From Ashwayuja sukla Padyami to Ashwayuja Sukla Dasami the nine forms of Durga are worshipped. In Vaishnava temples Goddess Laxmi is worshipped in the famous Ashta Laxmi or eight Laxmi forms.
The Navami Vratam, Jaya Vyapti Vratam, Atla Taddi which is one of the important Vratam are in Aswayuja Masam.

Durga Devi Worshipped in Aaswayuja Maasam :-

Aaswayuja maasam is also pronounced as Aasweeja or Aasweena maasam. Aasaa/Aasee means Sthree (woman); Yuj/Yuja means added to/included. Worshiping the universal divine mother Goddess Shakthi (feminine energy) is exclusively added to the religious calendar of Aaswayuja maasam.

In Hindu philosophy the nature is said to be an embodiment of the universal divine mother. Devi sooktham describes divine mother as queen of the universe. Sri Lakshmi ashtottara sathanaama stothram eulogizes Goddess Lakshmi as Prakruthyai namaha. She is the nature. Universal Divine Mother Goddess with whatever name one may call (Durga; Lakshmi; Saraswathi); she is Maaya (illusion); she is Shakthi (divine energy) and she is Prakruthi (Nature).
Certain positions in the Nature have surfaced a point of level that can never be encroached upon and have to be recognized with due respect without any compromise. One such position is that of a Mother who is given a unique and sacred place that can never be filled by any other element of nature. She is depicted as an epitome of benevolence, love and affection.
The dictum says Maathru Devo Bhava; Mother is God; she is to be adored. We have many examples in Hindu Sanaatana Dharma where, several sages, devotees, great personalities and even the incarnations of Lord Vishnu have eulogized the paramount significance of this dictum which has not changed over ages.

We are kindly providing a list of Naivedhyams for Navaratri (as per the standard procedure):-
1. First day – Shailaputri NavaDurga is worshipped as Shree Kanaka Durga – Chalividi (fried rice), vadapappu (boiled Bengal grams), and payasam (sweet rice) naivedyam.
2. Second day – Brahmacharini NavaDurga is worshipped as Balatripura Sundari Devi – sweet boondi and chickpeas naivedyam.
3. Third day – Chandraghanta NavaDurga is worshipped as Gayatri Devi – Rava (wheat semolina) kesari and pulihora (sour rice/tamarind rice/lemon rice) naivedyam.
4. Fourth day - Kushmanda NavaDurga is worshipped as Annapurna Devi – Pongali (cooked sweet rice-dal) naivedyam.
5. Fifth day – Skanda Mata NavaDurga is worshipped as Lalitha Tripura Sundari Devi – Pulohorai/Pulihora (sour rice/tamarind rice/lemon rice) and Pesara boorelu (recipe of Green grams) naivedyam .
6. Sixth day – Katyayani NavaDurga is worshipped as Saraswati Devi – bellam Atukulu (beaten rice with jaggery), Senaga pappu (Bengal gram), and coconut are offered as naivedyam.
7. Seventh day – Kalaratri Mata is worshipped as Mahalakshmi Devi – Ksheerannam (rice boiled in milk), bellam (jaggery), and sugar are offered as naivedyam.
8. Eighth day – Mahagouri NavaDurga is worshipped as Sri Durga Devi – Garelu (Vedda) and lemon juice are offered.
9. Ninth day – Siddhidhatri NavaDurga is decorated and worshipped as Mahishasura Mardhini Devi – Chakra Pongali (pudding) is offered as naivedyam.
10. Tenth day – Durga Devi is worshipped as Sri Rajarajeshwari Devi – Pulihora and garelu are offered.

Lord Vishnu In Worshipped In Aaswayuja Maasam :-

 Lord Vishnu in the name Sri Padmanaabha is the governing Lord (Maasa Niyaamaka) of Aaswayuja maasam. Padmanaabha means the one who has a Lotus like navel; the one who has Lotus in the navel; the one whose navel in the form of a Lotus has given birth to the creation of the Universe and is its source. We find reference to the word Padmanaabha in sloka # 6; 38 and in the Dhyaana sloka of Sri Vishnu Sahasranaama Stothram (Saantaakaaram Bhujaga Sayanam Padmanaabham). Lord Vishnu resides not only in the lotus called universe (Brahmaanda Kamala) but also in our Hrudaya Kamala, i.e. in our heart of hearts.

Tirumala Bhramostavam In Aaswayuja Maasam :-

As per Hindu lunar calendar three major religious events occurs during Aaswayuja maasam; seventh one among lunar months. They are Tirumala Srivaari Navarathri Brahmotsavam at Tirumala Kshethra; Devi Navarathri festival popularly called Dasara and the month ending with another famous and popular festival among Hindus viz. Naraka Chaturdasi/Deepaavali the festival of lights.
During Aaswayuja maasam when Sun is transiting in Kanya Raasi (Virgo) Lord Venkateswara is worshipped through Brahmotsavam a unique car festival conducted at Tirumala Kshethra for nine days starting from Aaswayuja Sukla Prathama thithi. On parallel days Goddess Shakthi (Durga) is also worshipped across the country. This period of worshiping the Divine Energy is popularly known as Devi Navarathri or SharanNavarathri. We find such nine day (Navarathri) celebrations being held for Lord Sri Rama called Rama Navarathri; for Lord Ganesha called Ganesha Navarathri. Even the Brahmotsavam festival held at Tirumala for Lord Venkateshwara is also a nine day and night celebration.


Vijaya Dasami is also revered as Buddha Jayanthi, the day Lord Vishnu was born as Buddha. Aaswayuja maasam is the sacred month, Saint Sri Madhvacharya, the founder proponent of Dvaita (Tattvavaada) philosophy was born at Paajaka Kshethra near Udupi on the auspicious day of Vijaya Dasami that is celebrated as Madhva Jayanthi. Aaswayuja Bahula Trayodasi is reckoned as Dhanvanthari Jayanthi.
In the concept of Pithru Yagna, first lunar day of Aaswayuja maasam is earmarked for performing sacred rites to Mother’s father (Maatamaha) called Dauhithru Karthruka Maatamaha Sraaddha being performed by daughter’s son to his maternal grandfather. This is possible only when a person doesn't have sons but has daughter. This is an exceptional case where a person (Jeevat Pithru) performs ceremony when his father is alive.
Aaswayuja maasam is favourite month of Goddess Shakthi who is worshiped throughout the month in some form or other. Starting from the very first day the Divine Mother is also worshipped on several other days of the month apart from Devi Navarathri festival; viz. on Vijaya Dasami day as Goddess Aparaajitha; on the full Moon day Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped (Kojagara Vratha); on the day of Bahula Dwaadasi (12th day of the dark fortnight) as Go-Maata (Cow) called Govatsa Dwaadasi; on the day of Bahula Trayodasi, Goddess Ganga is worshiped (Jalapoorna Trayodasi); on the new moon day (Amaavaasya) Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped (Deepaavali) etc. apart from in various other names as per the local/regional customs and traditions.

Certain positions in the Nature have surfaced a point of level that can never be encroached upon and have to be recognized with due respect without any compromise. One such position is that of a Mother who is given a unique and sacred place that can never be filled by any other element of nature. She is depicted as an epitome of benevolence, love and affection.  The dictum says Maathru Devo Bhava; Mother is God; she is to be adored.  We have many examples in Hindu Sanaatana Dharma where, several sages, devotees, great personalities and even the incarnations of Lord Vishnu have eulogized the paramount significance of this dictum which has not changed over ages.
Aaswayuja maasam is also pronounced as Aasweeja or Aasweena maasam. Aasaa/Aasee means Sthree (woman); Yuj/Yuja means added to/included. Worshiping universal divine mother Goddess Shakthi (feminine energy) is exclusively added to the religious calendar of Aaswayuja maasam. In Hindu philosophy the nature is said to be an embodiment of the universal divine mother. Devi sooktham describes divine mother as queen of the universe. Sri Lakshmi ashtottara sathanaama stothram eulogizes Goddess Lakshmi as Prakruthyai namaha. She is the nature. Universal Divine Mother Goddess with whatever name one may call (Durga; Lakshmi; Saraswathi); She is Maaya (illusion); She is Shakthi (divine energy) and She is Prakruthi (Nature). 
It is befitting to call Aaswayuja maasam as the Divine Mother centric month dedicated to adoration of the mother of mothers the universal divine mother.

Sarvamangala Maangalye Sive Sarvaartha saadhike
Saranye Thrayambake Devi Naaraayani Namosthuthe.

Kedara Vrat In Aaswayuja Maasam :-

Kedara Vrat is observed on Bhadrapada Sukla Ashtami.  It is believed that Lord Parvati had obtained the half part of Lord Shiva by performing this Vrat.

The birthdays  of Sri Madhavacharya and Dhanvantri the doctor of Gods is in Ashwayuja Masam.
Pasankusa Ekadashi, Vishoka Dwadasi are also part of Aswayuja Masam. Pasankusa Ekadashi Vrat will help to overcome going to hell as it acts as a Ankush (an instrument used to control) on the Yama Pasham or the death rope. Hence it is known as Pasankusha (Pasa=rope, Ankusha=control) Ekadashi.
The Madana Dwadasi Vrat that is observed on Karthika Sudha Dwadasi, the initiation is done the Ashwayuja Sukla Ekadashi. This Vratam is good for happy married life for women.

Significance Of Jyeshtha Maasam

                                             Jyeshtha Maasam

Jyeshtha maasam is that the sacred month within which Sri Vishnu Paadodbhavi, holy watercourse Ganga (Ganges) had descended on earth because of the vigorous efforts and penance of King Bhagiratha. though hindu calendars indicate Jyeshta sukla Dasami because the day of Gangaavatharana that’s commemorated as Bhaagirathi Jayanthi or Ganga Jayanthi, Dharmasindhu indicates Jyeshta Sukla Dwaadasi because the day of Gangaavatharana.

A self-denial called Dasa Paapa Hara Vratham is ascertained throughout the primary 10 days of Jyeshtha maasam ranging from Sukla Prathama (Paadyami) and ending on Sukla Dasami. Throughout this era divinity Ganga is worshiped by taking tub within the holy watercourse Ganga early within the morning before sunrise. Those living in Kaasi Kshethra is needed to require tub in Ganga watercourse at Dasaaswamedha Ghaat and people are staying aloof from Ganga ought to take tub a minimum of in any near watercourse. If no river is obtainable one ought to take tub by recollecting the holy Ganga. On the tenth day Dasa paapa hara vratham is ascertained by solely worshiping divinity Ganga, giving charity to a minimum of 10 Brahmin couple and fitly honouring them with new garments at the side of Dakshina and feeding them. Charity of Thila (Black benny seeds), Wheat (Yava) and Go-daana are prescribed on these days.
Jyeshta maasam has a lot of significance in Hindu philosophy and is the third month in the hindu lunar calender. Purnima (Full Moon day) during Jyeshta masam is known as Mahaa Jyesti and Manvaadi, during this day moon comes nearer to the constellation of Jyesta star and hence this month is known as Jyeshta. Prime Deity of Jyeshta month is Lord Brahma.
During Jyeshta maasam we have Aaaraadhana festivals of Madhva Saints Sri Vaadeendra Theertharu (Mantralayam), Sri Sreepaada Raayaru (Mulabagalu) and Sri Vijayeendra Theertharu (Kumbhakonam).
 Jyeshta means elderly, most ancient, the oldest, senior most, supreme, eldest of all beings, the first and the foremost, who else, none other than Lord Vishnu. In Sri Vishnu Sahasra Naama Stothram sloka number 8 we find Lord Vishnu being referred to as Jyeshhtah Sreshhtah Prajaapatih. Lord Vishnu is the supreme Brahma who has created Chaturmukha Brahma the creator. That’s why Lord Vishnu is also referred to as Prajaapathih. He is the best (Sreshtah) among the best. Maasa Niyaamaka (governing Lord) of Jyeshta maasam is Lord Vishnu in the form of Trivikrama. It is a very popular name of Lord Vishnu that we come across in Vishnu related prayers and epics. Trivikramah means the one who has conquered the three worlds. In Sri Vaamana avathara, Lord Sri Vishnu in order to suppress the pride of King Bali, assumed the cosmic form Trivikrama roopa and measured the three worlds (entire universe) with his three steps.

In Sri Ganesha worship we find Lord Maha Ganapathi being referred to as Jyeshtaraajam the senior Lord that we come across in the popular Vedic sloka Ganaanaam Twaam Ganapathi Gam Havaamahey… In Sri Sooktham we come across reference to Jyeshta in sloka # 8 Jyeshtaam-alakshmeem, the one who is elder to, born prior to and who is just opposite of Goddess Lakshmi Devi.
Jyeshta maasam is the sacred month in which Sri Vishnu Paadodbhavi, holy river Ganga (Ganges) had descended on earth due to the vigorous efforts and penance of King Bhagiratha. Though religious calendars indicate Jyeshta sukla Dasami as the day of Gangaavatharana that is commemorated as Bhaagirathi Jayanthi or Ganga Jayanthi, Dharmasindhu indicates Jyeshta Sukla Dwaadasi as the day of Gangaavatharana.
An austerity known as Dasa Paapa Hara Vratham is observed during the first ten days of Jyeshta maasam starting from Sukla Prathama (Paadyami) and ending on Sukla Dasami.  During this period Goddess Ganga is worshiped by taking bath in the holy river Ganga early in the morning before sunrise. Those living in Kaasi Kshethra are required to take bath in Ganga River at Dasaaswamedha Ghaat and those who are staying away from Ganga should take bath at least in any nearby river.  If no river is available one should take bath by recollecting the holy Ganga.  On the tenth day Dasa paapa hara vratham is observed by exclusively worshipping Goddess Ganga, giving charity to at least ten Brahmin couple and suitably honouring them with new clothes along with Dakshina and feeding them. Charity of Thila (Black sesame seeds), Wheat (Yava) and Go-daana are also prescribed on this day.
If ten Yogas (strengths) are coinciding on the day of Jyeshta sukla Dasami it is considered as highly meritorious that can absolve one from committing ten ghastly sins. These ten strengths are ...
Jyeshta maasey, sithey pakshey, Dasamyaam, Budha-Hasthayo, Vyatheepaathey, GaraaNandey, Kanyaa-Chandrey, Vrushou-Ravey…
[Coinciding of Jyeshta maasam, sukla paksha (bright fortnight), Dasami thithi (tenth day), Budha Vaasare (Wednesday), Hastha star (constellation), Vyatheepaatha Yoga, Garaji karana, Aananda Yoga, Moon in Kanya (Virgo) raasi, and Sun in Vrushabha (Taurus) raasi].
             
 Nirjala Ekaadasi:-
                                          
Ekaadasi falling in sukla paksha of Jyeshta maasam is known as Nirjala Ekaadasi.  Nirjala means abstaining from taking water.  As per the norms of Ekaadasi, fasting should be observed on every Ekaadasi day without taking even water.  However, if total fasting is observed without taking even water at least on the day of Ekaadasi that occurs during the bright fortnight of Jyeshta maasam, the merits of it are believed to be equivalent to that of observing 24 Ekaadasis that generally occurs during a year. It is said that Sage Sri Vedavyaasa had explained the merits and significance of Nirjala Ekaadasi to Sri Dharma Raaja and Sri Bheemasena as per the directions of Lord Sri Krishna.
Full Moon day (Pournami) during Jyeshta maasam is reckoned as Manvaadi when Manvanthara had begun which is a sacred day for giving charity and for performing Pithru Thila tharpana (Shannavathi).  Charity of black Thil seeds (sesame) is prescribed on this day.  When Jupiter (Bruhaspathi) and Moon are together in Jyeshta constellation and Sun is in Rohini constellation on the day of Jyeshta Pournami it is referred to as Mahaa Jyeshti which is considered as highly meritorious day for performing sacred deeds like Theertha snaana (taking bath in a holy river) and for giving charity.

Jyeshta Pournami:-

Jyeshta Pournami is celebrated as Vata Saavithri Poornima when we observe married women performing special pooja rituals at the base of a Banyan tree (Vata Vruksha) for the good health and longevity of their spouse. There is also a tradition of performing this Vratha on Jyeshta Bahula Amaavaasya day. This vratham is assigned and named after Maha Pathivratha Shiromani, Savithri who fought with Yama Dharmaraja the Lord of death to bring back the life of her deceased husband Satyavanta.  Hence, it is known as Vata Saavithri Vratham. This festival is celebrated across the country by married women and in some parts of the country we observe women resorting to fasting on this day.
At Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple an annual ritual known as Jyeshtaabhishekam is held during Jyeshta maasam for three days starting from Sukla Trayodasi. During this ritual gold plating of the Utsava Vigrahas (procession idols) of Malayappa Swamy (Lord Venkateswara), Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi will removed and all the pooja rituals will be held to the original idols.  Thereafter the idols are covered again with the gold plating.
   
During Jyeshta maasam we have Aaaraadhana festivals of Madhva Saints Sri Vaadeendra Theertharu (Mantralayam), Sri Sreepaada Raayaru (Mulabagalu) and Sri Vijayeendra Theertharu (Kumbhakonam).

The full moon day of the month of Jyeshta is known as JyeshtaPournima. On this particular day, Vatasavitri Vrat is observed by married women with the main objective of prolonging their married life just like how Goddess Savithiri did in her personal life.
The Hindu devotees give much importance to Savithri. Among the popular Goddess, one of the famous chaste women in Bharat is Savithri. She is largely considered as a role model by the women folk. She is also regarded as the perfect symbol of eternal married life.
In this vrat, the important Deities of the Vrat are Savithri along with Brahma is the main Deity. On the other hand, Satyavan, Narad and Yama are considered as the subordinate Deities. The Hindu devotees give much importance to banayan tree on this day because when Lord Yama directly took away the life of Satyavan, his beloved wife debated for nearly three days with Yama on this matter. Finally Yama was appeased with her and successfully brought back Satyavan to normal life. It is to be remembered that the entire discussion between Savithri and Yama took place under a banayan tree.
It is to be largely noted that the banyan tree lives on with time and survives even the direct and indirect dissolution of the Universe. It is to be remembered that a child named Mukunda slept on a banyan leaf during the dissolution of the Universe. Under the everlasting banyan tree in Prayag, Ram, Lakshman and Sita rested. This particular tree is the resting place for Madhav, Narasimha, Mahesh, Vishnu and Brahma.
Ganga Dussehra is celebrated as the avatarana or descent of the Ganges from heaven to earth. The day of the celebration, Ganga Dashahara, the dashami (tenth day) of the waxing moon of the Hindu calendar month Jyestha, brings throngs of bathers to the banks of the river. A soak in the Ganges on this day is said to rid the bather of ten sins (dasha = Sanskrit "ten"; hara = to destroy) or alternatively, ten lifetimes of sins.
Nirjala Ekadashi is celebrated on shukla paksha (waxing moon) ekadashi (11th day) of Jyeshtha. It is the most sacred and auspicious ekadashi among all 24 ekadashis in a year. One can attain the benefits of all 24 ekadashis by fasting on this day.
Vat Purnima is a celebration observed in Maharashtra and Karnataka, India. It is celebrated on the full moon day (the 15th) of the month of Jyeshtha on the Hindu Calendar, which falls in June on the Gregorian Calendar. Women pray for their husbands by tying threads around a banyan tree on this day. It honors Savitri, the legendary wife of Satyavan who escaped death for her husband's life.
Snana Yatra is a bathing festival celebrated on the Purnima (full moon day) of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha. It is an important festival of the Jagannath Cult. The deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, Sudarshan, and Madanmohan are brought out from the Jagannath Temple (Puri) and taken in a procession to the Snana Bedi. They are ceremonially bathed and decorated for a public audience.
Sitalsasthi Carnival is being conducted in this month on the day of Jyeshtha Shuddha Shashthi in Odisha for many centuries.
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