DEVALAYALU

THE WELL REPUTED TELUGU DEVOTIONAL MAGZAINE INAUGURATED BY GADE VENKATAREDDY

The Telugu Devotional monthly magzaine Devlayalu launched by the Endowment minister at his Secretariate chamber. the guests Presented in inauguration function are bodulluri ramarao Ex MLA, OSD Chandhrashkarreddy,Devalayalu Editor Anand and CEO& Chief Reporter RaghuRamireddy. In that occasion The minister Gade 'said' In Presentdays the devotional touch increased in human beings. To fullfill the human beings devotional fellings " The Devalayalu" devotional magziane emerged in to the society.

Ashwini Nakshatra Characteristics

Ashwini or Ashvini (or Ashwathi in Malayalam), is the first Nakshatra of the 27 nakshatras in Hindu astrology. Ruled by Lord Ketu (Kethu), Ashwini Nakshatra Ashwini is governed by the Ashwins, the twin horsemen. Ashwini Kumara, the horse headed celestial physicians, is the deity of this asterism. With the spread from 00 to 13020 min, this star falls in the zodiac sign of Mesha, which is ruled by planet Mars. Ashvini is signified either by the head of a horse, or by honey and the bee hives.

General Characteristics of Ashwini Nakshatra

Here are some of the main characteristics of Ashwini naskshara. Persons born in this Ashwathi Nakshatram are of noble characters. They are aggressive; possess good business skills and leadership qualities. These people are very active, tend to serve others, be truthful, and obtain all comforts. Though there may be a gap in educational life, it could be completed due to their dedication. People of Ashvini Nakshatras are blessed with good family and children.

A person moves quickly and easily if he is born when the moon is in Ashvini. He has an attractive personality, be handsome, bright and intelligent. The natives of Ashwini are highly energetic and their greatest strength lies in the speed with which they get the things done. Other important qualities for those born in this star are meticulous, prosperous, obedient, and philosophical.

Hindu Festivals Calendar April 2010

Here is the Hindu Festivals calendar for the month of April 2010. The calendar includes major festival dates and auspicious days in April. Some of the major festivals which falls in the month of April 2010 . The detailed calendar is given below.

13th April 2010- Baisakhi - Punjabi New Year Festival

14th April 2010-Amavasya – (Chaitra Amavasi or Adhik Vaishakh Amavasya),Chithirai Vishu or Puthandu (Tamil New Year)
Mesha Sankranti 2010 -Maha Vishuba Sankranti – Mahavishuva Samkranti, Goru Bihu
15th April 2010-ishu 2010 Kerala zodiac New Year or Malayalam astronomical New Year,
Bengali New Year – Naba Barsha or Poila Baisakh 2010,
Rongali Bihu or Bohag Bihu 2010 – Assam New Year.
16th April 2010-Gosain Bihu 2010 (Third day of Assamese New Year celebrations),
Chithirai Brahmotsavam Festival at Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
20th April 2010-Shasti Vratham
21st April 2010-Budhashtami
24th April 2010-Kamala Ekadashi or Padmini Ekadasi 2010,
Thrissur Pooram 2010 – Trichur Pooram
25th April 2010-Ekadashi ,Koodalmanikyam Temple or Kudal Manikkam Temple Festival
26th April 2010-Pradosha Pooja – Soma Pradosh or Chandra Pradosha Puja
28th April 2010-Adhik Vaishaka Purnima,Swathithirunal Jayanti

Sampath Narasimha

When Sri Madhvacharya visited Badarinath, he was presented eight saligrama shilas known as 'Vyasa mushti', by Sri Vedavyasa devaru. Six of these saligramas are presently being worshipped in this maTha.

Along with the Vyasamushtis, Sri Vedavyasa devaru also gave Madhva a Narasimha saligrama, which is said to be very powerful. Madhvacharya placed this Narasimha saligrama in a box (sampuTa), along with 22 Lakshmi Narayana shilas and 5 Vyasamushti shilas. (only one Vyasamushti shila is worshipped outside the box)

Although the Narasimha saligrama is worshipped daily, it is always kept inside the box, except for bathing. Only the maThAdhipati of this maTha can open this box and touch the saligrama inside. Nobody else is allowed to see this Deity. If the peeThAdhipati of the maTha becomes sick, then on those days only the pooja rights of this saligrama goes to the swamiji of Sri Pejavara maTha in Udupi.

The first maThAdhipati Sri Vishnu teertha is said to be still residing in the forests in Kumara hills nearby where he is performing tapas. He sometimes returns to the maTha to perform puja to the Samputa Narasimha. Many devotees have heard the sound of bells inside the garbha-griha late at night when the temple is locked !

The second maThAdhipati of this maTha was Sri Aniruddha teertha (also a direct disciple of Sri Madhwacharya). During his time, King Ballala Raya of the Hoysala Dynasty stole the box containing the Narasimha saligrama.

Desiring to see the Deity, he hired four blacksmiths to forcibly open the box. Unfortunately, when they tried, they all died on the spot. The king also tried to open the box by having an elephant stand on it - the result was that the elephant also died immediately.

Because of this great offense, King Ballala Raya felt a great burning sensation within his body, and it was only when he returned the Samputa Narasimha to Sri Aniruddha teertha and obtained his blessings that he was relieved from his malady.

It is also believed that Sri Vishnu teertha had in fact carried the Samputa Narasimha saligrama (with the box) along with him to the forests, and sent back the same through the Kumara Dhaara river, upon request by Sri Aniruddha teertha.

Along with the saligamas, there are a number of other Deities, which belonged to previous pontiffs of the maTha, including a Laksmi-Narasimha Deity and Deities of Vittala, Rukmini and Satyabhama.

The present maThAdhipati is Sri Vidyaprasanna teertha swamiji, and he runs an educational institution at a place called biLinele.

Sri Sode MaTha

The 6th maTha among the Udupi aShTa maThas is the Sode maTha. Two great yatis of all times have adorned the peeTha of this maTha. They are Sri Vishnu teertha and Sri Vadiraja teertha.

Sri Vishnu teertha was the first peeThAdhipati of Sode maTha. He was the younger brother of Sri Madhwacharya in poorvAshrama. He is still said to be alive and performing tapasya at the Kumaradri hills near Kukke Subrahmanya. In distant future he is supposed to revive the Tatvavaada philosophy once again, which by then would have become extinct. For this same purpose Sri Madhwacharya is believed to have preserved his sarvamoola granthas on copper plates, and buried them in a place called Kadtila or Setutila. Incidentally, Sri Vishnu teertha is also the founder of Kukke Subrahmanya maTha.

DWARAKA MAHOTSAVALU STARTS NEXT MONTH

Sri Venkateswara Swami Vari Devasthanam is a religious shrine that is located in a small village, by the name Dwaraka Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh. Dwaraka Tirumala falls under the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The village is exceptionally famous for its holy shrine dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. Dwaraka Tirumala is near to Eluru (the head quarters of West Godavari District) that lies at a distance of 40 kms. However, one can easily reach Dwaraka Tirumala by taking tourist buses or by hiring taxis throughout Andhra Pradesh.

This highly revered shrine is regarded as the miniature form of 'Tirupati' or 'Chinna Tirupathi'. Actually, the temple was named after the great saint 'Dwaraka', who took the initiative to place the idol of Lord Venkateshwara. Dwaraka (Saint) did strict penance on 'Valmikam' (ant hill) to bring the self-manifested idol of Lord Venkateswara to this place. In fact, the village derived its name from the same temple. Sri Venkateshwara is regarded as 'Kaliyuga Vaikuntha Vasa', who is the dispeller of all worldly charms and attractions.

Sanctum Sanctorum
The main shrine encompasses the sanctum sanctorum where the self-manifested deity of Lord Venkateshwara is placed. This idol is visible till the bust and the lower part is regarded as to be immersed in the Earth. The sacred feet of the Lord, are known to be worshipped in 'Patala'. The full-scale idol of Lord Venkateshwara stands at the back of the main image. It is believed to have been placed by Srimad Ramanuja, a great social reformer of the 11th century.

The main idol is the smaller one, which is said to be the benefactor of 'Moksha' (salvation). The full-scale idol represents Dharma (Religion), Artha (Meaning) and Kama (Worldly affairs). The 'Tiru kalyanotsavam' is the major festival that is observed in Dwaraka Tirumala Temple. The festival for the self-manifested idol (small idol) is celebrated in the month of "Vaisakha", while for the installed idol is celebrated in the month of "Aswayuja".

In the temple complex, there are many shrines that are dedicated to different forms of the God. Amongst all of them, Sri Swamyvari Temple, Anjaneya Swamyvari, Sri Garuda Swamivari Temples, Deeparadhana Temple and Alwar Temples are truly worth-visiting. Statues of Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya and Sage 'Dwaraka' inspire the awe of the onlooker with their mastery of sculpture.

Legend
Dwaraka Tirumala Temple is supposed to be an ancient shrine that traces its origin in Kruta Yuga. As per the Brahma Purana, Aja Maharaja (Grandfather of Lord Rama) worshipped Lord Venkateshwara intended for his marriage. On his way to the 'Swayamvaram' of Indumati, he crossed the temple of Dwaraka. However, he didn't stop to pay homage to the Lord. Indumati (Grandmother of Lord Rama) garlanded him, yet he had to face a combat with the Kings. He apprehended that the combat was plunged on him, since he overlooked the temple on the way. On realizing, Aja Maharaja pleaded to Lord Venkateshwara to forgive him and the combat was stopped.

Architecture
The temple has been renovated several times. The splendid structures like Vimana, Mantapa, Gopura and Prakara are accredited to be made by Dharma Appa Raoa (1762-1827). Various golden ornaments and silver vahanas were gifted by Rani Chinnamma Rao (1877-1902) of Mylavaram. The structure of the temple is a magnum opus of South Indian architecture.

The main Rajgopuram (spire) comprises five storeys and faces the southern direction. The other three 'gopurams' are embracing the three other sides of the temple. The Vimana is made out in the Nagara style. The old Mukhamantapa is renovated and extended to go well with the contemporary requirements. The entire spacious complex has been tiled with sandstone. A variety of trees adores the site with their soothing appearance.

LEPAKSHI THE FAMOUS ARCHITECTURAL BEAUTY

Lepakshi Temples Andhra Pradesh Lepakshi is actually a small village that is situated in the east of Hindupur, which falls under the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. This settlement is famous for its artistic temples, which date back to the 16th century. A striking specimen of the Vijayanagar style of architecture is the Lepakshi Temple. It has a huge complex where three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Virabhadra are to be found. Lord Virabhadra is the wrathful form of Shiva, the patron deity of the Nayak rulers.

The temple has a central pavilion, embracing all the three shrines. This pavilion is further connected with an intermediary hall and a hall for ritual dance. A large open court that is accessible from the east surrounds the main hall. Lepakshi Temple perhaps houses the largest monolithic structure of Nagalinga in India. Another exquisite statue of Lord Ganesha captures the attention of everyone, especially when people enter the second interior court.

The interiors boast of impressive sculptures in half-relief on the granite pillars. The carvings represent dancers, drummers and divine musicians. Here, you can see Lord Brahma playing drums, celestial nymph Rambha dancing and Lord Shiva engaged in 'Ananda Tandava'. In the intermediary hall, there is a frieze that depicts geese with lotus stalks in their beaks. The flawless carvings adorn the entire temple perpetually, all of them done with the minutest of details.

Most celebrated for its splendid paintings, Lepakshi Temple has a colossal painting of Virabhadra in the central hall. In the 'Hall of Dance', one can trace eight panels, depicting Puranic legends on the ceiling. Most of the paintings and murals have been devastated by the ravages of times. Lepakshi is a notable store of expertise, which is on the brink of extinction. In concise terms, the temple is a work of art that certainly deserves a visit.

During the month of February a 10 day long celebration including the car festival is conducted in the temple. During the festival Lepakshi is packed with pilgrims from all over the country.

ANKALAMMA JATARA AT KANIGIRI

Ankalamma thalli is one of the great and well known Indian grama devatha. She is very powerful mother of Indian people. And also police of the village.She has various names depends upon locality.

Vennapusavaari palli, Earuvari palli's are small villages In Andhra Pradesh. But it's have wide devotional history. Every year these village peoples celebrate ankallamma jatara (thirunala). Its very popular jatara in Andhra Pradesh. More than one lack people attending to this jatara from all over the india. They are celebrating this event for three days. On the first day they are celebrating this event with wareing new clothes, they prepare Prasad near at temple and They share to the friends and relatives.

The second day main festival . so many cultural activities arranging by the surrounding villagers. And also they build more than ten current prabhas ( electric settings). Various small business stalls arranging from local business peoples. They arrange cultural events like kolatam, pata kacheri , dramas, and various type of bajanas.

On the final day the people celebrating deferent events with animals. The most important events on the day edla pandalu, kola pandalu(cock fight).

VARIOUS KINDS OF SRIRAMANAVAMI CELEBRATIONS

Sri Ramnavami is the birthday of SriRam and is Celebrated by Hindus all of the world on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha in Chaitra masam. On the SriRam Navami day cleaning the house, idol or picture of Sri Ram is Put in the puja room.Bananas, Tulsi leaves and usual puja flowers are placed near the Rama. The important puja is performed at noon as it is believed that SriRam was born at noon.

Most of the people break the fast at noon with the Puja prasad. The devotional songs sung include any one SRiRama Bhajan, Ramayana, especially the chapter Sudarkand, is recited on the day.

There are also people who fast the entire day. Some communities also opt for nirjal fast - fasting without water.
In South India, Ramnavami is people do elaborate puja and traditional fan is distributed along with the ‘Prasadam.’ Food and drinks that cool the body are prepared on the day and is consumed after the fast.

The Hindu Indian National Calendar

The Indian National Calendar, often called the “Hindu Calendar,” is based on both lunar and solar years. This calendar was introduced in 1957 in a government push for all of India to use the same calendar, but various traditional calendars are also used. The start of the Indian National Calendar year coincides with March 22, except in a leap year, when it coincides with March 21. The year is counted from the first year of the Saka era, in A.D. 78. The year 2009 translates to Saka era 1930-1931.

Month
Caitra	30^*
Vaisakha	31
Jyaistha	31
Asadha	31
Sravana	31
Bhadra	31
Asvina	30
Kartika	30
Agrahayana	30
Pausa	30
Magha	30
Phalguna	30

* In a leap year Caitra has 31 days.

GURUVAYOOR CELEBRATIONS

The Arattu festival at Guruvayur is the annual Guruvayoor Temple Festival celebrated in the month of Kumbham (February – March). Guruvayur Sri Krishna Swamy Temple, famous as the Dakshina Dwaraka, is one of the most famous Lord Krishna Temples in India, located at Guruvayoor in Thrissur district of Kerala.

Guruvayur Arattu Ulsavam is the 10 days annual festival, and 10th day is celebrated as the Arattu day (Arattu is the ritual bathing of the idol in the temple pond).

The opening of the 10-day festival at Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple festival was inaugurated by this elephant race . This is a unique event. The winning elephant is conferred with the honor of carrying the idol of the deity.

The Tenthday of Guruvayur festival signifies the occasion of restoration of divine conscious. The Guruvayur festival also show cases the cultural heritage of the region as the locals perform the traditional dances and music. The enticing dance dramas based on the myths and legends of Lord Krishnas life are regular proceedings during the festival days.

How to reach Guruvayur

Guruvayur is around 29 km Thrissur, Kerala. Guruvayoor being an important pilgrimage place for Hindus is well connected with other important towns/cities by road/bus transport. NH 17 (National Highway) passes through Kunnamkulam about 8 km away from Guruvayur Temple.

Guruvayur Railway Station is the nearest railhead to reach Guruvayoor. Thrissur Railway Station (29 km) is the next nearest major railway station to reach Guruvayur.

Nedumbassery Airport (Kochi International Airport), about 80 km, is the nearest airport to reach Guruvayur.

PARAMESWAR AS A LORD SHIVA

Lord Siva known as Parmeswara . He is very reputation person In Indian tradition and in Puranas. His body is always covered with ash( basmam) and parameswara devotees wear ash tilak on forehead and hands. There is an interesting story in the Shiva Purana which narrates how Lord Shiva came to be associated with Ash. There once lived a sage whose lineage was traced to the famous Saint Bhregu. This sage performed intense austerities and became very powerful. He used to consume only fruits and later only green leaves and thus got the name – Parnada.

Parnada thought that he had become so pious that instead of blood, sap is oozing through his body. Pride filled his mind and he started shouting in joy that he is the most pious man in the world now.

Parameswara who witnessed this event took the guise of an old man and reached the spot. When the old man asked for the reason for his uncontrollable delight, Parnada said that he has become the most pious man in the world as his blood as become quite similar to the sap of fruits and trees. Then the old man asked what is there to be elated in this. It is just a sap. But when trees and plants are burned they turn into ash. Only ash remains that is surely the higher stage.

To demonstrate it the old man sliced his finger and suddenly ash came out of it. Sage Parnada soon realized that it was Shiva standing before him and prayed to him for forgiveness for his ignorance.

FESTIVALS END OF MARCH MONTH

24th March 2010
    @ Sri Rama Navami 2010
    @ Fifth Snan date for Kumbh Mela 2010
    @ Arattu at Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam
    @ Arattu at Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple, Ernakulam
    @ Pallavur Shiva Temple Arattu Festival
    @ Arattu at Thiruvizha Shiva Temple, Cherthala
    @ Mahishasura Mardhini Damanaropanam
25th March 2010
@ Shalivahana Jayanthi
    @ Dharmaraja Damanapuja
26th March 2010
    @ Ekadashi Vrata
    @ Vishnu Dolotsavam
    @ Maharshi Damanapuja
27th March 2010
@ Vamana Dwadashi
    @ Shani Pradosham (Pradosh)
    @ Shani Trayodashi
28th March 2010
   @ Arattupuzha Pooram at Arattupuzha Temple, Thrissur
    @ Panamkurissi Kavu Pooram
    @ Mahaveera Jayanthi
    @ Lokanarkavu Temple Arattu Festival 2010
29th March 2010
    @ Painkuni Uthram Festival 2010
    @ Sabarimala Temple Arattu Festival 2010
    @ Chitra Poornima
    @ Hanuman Jayanthi in South India
    @ Varkala Janardana Swamy Temple Arattu Festival
30th March 2010
@ Hanuman Jayanti Festival or Hanumath Vijayotsavam
    @ Festival starts at Ambalapuzha Temple
    @ Maha Chaitri or Pathala Vratam
    @ Chitragupta Vratam
    @ Chaitra Purnima Snan – Important bathing dates for Kumbh Mela Festival 2010
31st March 2010
   @ Arattu Festival at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram

DATES OF TELUGU FESTIVALS

telugu festivals, andhra festivals, pandugalu dates,..
Telugu people are very traditional in celebrating Hindu festivals. Various important Hindu festivals or Telugu pandugalu are celebrated in Andhra Pradesh throughout the year. This article consists of a list of Telugu Festivals celebrated in 2010.and upcoming festivals Hanuman Jayanthi, Mahankali Jathara (Banalu Jatara), Varalakshmi Vratham, Sri Krishna Janmashtami (Gokulashtami), Vinayaka Chavithi, Devi Sharan Navaratri, Bathukamma Panduga, Dasara (VIjaya Dashami), Deepavali (Diwali), Kartika Pournami. so on.
March 24, 2010 – Sri Rama Navami
June 7, 2010 – Hanumaan Jayanthi
July 25, 2010 – Mahankali Jatara ( Bonala Jathara or Mahakali panduga) (Lashkar Bonalu)
July 25, 2010 – Guru Pournima (Vyasa Pournima)
August 14, 2010 – Nagula Panchami
August 20, 2010 – Varalakshmi Vratam
September 1, 2010 – Janmaastami (Krishnaastami) (Gokulashtami)
September 11, 2010 – Vinayaka Chavithi
September 26, 2010 – Undralla Thaddhe
October 8, 2010 – Sharan Navaratri Kalasha sthapana (Devi Navarathri 2010 starts)
October 15, 2010 – Bathukamma Panduga
October 16, 2010 – Aayudha Pooja
October 17, 2010 – Dasara (Vijaya Dashami) (Devi Navarathri 2010 ends)
October 25, 2010 – Atla Thaddhe
November 5, 2010 – Deepaavali (Diwali)
November 9, 2010 – Nagula Chavithi
November 21, 2010 – Kartika Pournami
December 17, 2010 – Mukkoti ekadashi

NAVARATHRI CELEBRATIONS

navarthri,chitra masam,sriramanavami, devotional, temple, good, srirama, devalayalu

Chaitra Navratri, also known as Chait Navratri', is the nine-day festival observed in Chaitra masam. Navratri 2010 dates during Chaitra masam from March 16 to March 24. Chaitra Navratri starts on the first day in Chaitra masam and ends on Sri Rama Navami, the ninth day of the month. The first of Chaitra masam is celebrated as Ugadi or Yugadi. This is the Hindu New Year day as per the calendars of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Chaitra Navratri is very popular festive season in North Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand,and south india andhrapradesh etc.

As per the legends mentioned in the Puranas and other Hindu scriptures, Chaitra Navratri is the actual Navratri during which Goddess Durga was worshipped. But during the time of Ramayan war, Lord Sri Ram worshipped Durga at the time of Ashwin month. Since then, Ashwin Navratri has become the main festive season to worship the Goddess.

Chaitra Navratri is also called as Vasant Navratri or Basant Navratri. This festival marks the beginning of Vasant ruthu (spring season). It is also called as Sri Rama Navratra. Sri Ram Navratri ends on Sri Rama Navami festival.

UTSAVAMS - SRI RAMA NAVAMI

Wherever Ramanama Sangeerthanam is heard, there resides Anjaneya. Therefore Sri Ramanavami is celebrated for 9 days with Japam, Homam and Abishekam. During the Ramanavami festival, Laksharchana for Lord Rama is also performed.The highlight of the celebration is Harikatha Upanyasam on all the 9 days of the festival with accent on Ramanama Sangeerthanam.

SRIRAMANAVAMI IN BANGALORE

Special puja: Sri Sai Ramanavami festival, International Shirdi Sai Consciousness Prachar Centre, Shri Shirdi Sai Mandir, 106/1, Thunganagar, Herohalli, Magadi Main Road, Vishwaneedam Post, 5.15 a.m.

Gnana Yagna Pravachana Saptaha: Swami Abhaya Chaitanya, Sri Brahma Chaitanya Maharaja Mandira, 1692, Banashankari I Stage, II Phase, 6.15 p.m.

Bala Kanda: Srinivasthirtacharya, Punyadhama, 1/N Block, Rajajinagar, 7 p.m.

Ramavatara: Basavananda, The Banhalore Divine Life Society, Chikbazaar Road, Tasker Town, 6.30 p.m.

Bhagawata: Bannanje Govindacharya, Ragigudda Sri Prasanna Anajneyaswamy Bhakta Mandali Trust, Jayanagar IX Block, 6.30 p.m.

Ramayana: Sree Ramaseva Mandali, Government Junior College, Fort High School Grounds, 6 p.m.

Bhagawad Gita: Swami Sukhabodhananda, Governor T.N. Chaturvedi releases "Karma Yoga — the Inner Alchemy of Action", Malleswaram playground, 6.30 p.m.

CULTURE

Bhandarakeri Math: Ramanavami celebrations, devotional songs by Megha Jayasimha, 1343, Bhagavatashrama, Girinagar, 5.30 p.m.

Sri Kalyana Venkateshwara Temple: Ramanavami celebrations, vocal recital by Chitraprasanna and party, M.S. Ramaiah Road, Gokula, 6.30 p.m.

Sri Rama Seva Mandali: Inauguration of Sri Ramotsava and Golden Jubilee by Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, Ananthkumar, MP; N.L. Narendra Babu, MLA; G. Srinivas, corporator; Ramamandira playgrounds, Rajajinagar, 6.30 p.m.

Sri Bhakta Anjaneya Swami Devalaya Trust: Pratisthana mahotsava and Kumbhabhisheka, vocal recital by Puttur Narasimha Nayak, Agrahara Dasarahalli, Jaimunirao Circle, 6.30 p.m.

Srirama Seva Samiti: Sri Ramanavami celebrations, vocal recital by R.A. Rama Mani and party, Sri Karanji Anjaneyaswamy Temple, Basavanagudi, 6.30 p.m.

Sri Ramula Sannidhi, Sri Andhra Saraswatha Vignana Sangha: Sri Ramanavami Sangeethotsavam, Dharmaraja Koil Street, 6.30 p.m.

Sri Seshadripuram Ramaseva Samithi: Inauguration of 58th Sri Ramanavami Music Festival, open air auditorium, Seshadripuram College, Seshadripuram, 6 p.m.

Sri Vani Education Centre: Sri Ramanavami celebrations, vocal recital by Mysore M. Nagaraj, 4B Cross, 3rd Stage, Basaveshwaranagar, 6.30 p.m.

Sri Rama Seva Mandali: Sri Ramanavami celebrations, flute recital by A.S. Aridhar, India Heritage Academy, 20th Main, 6th Block, Koramangala Layout, 6.30 p.m.

GENERAL

Ken School of Art: Exhibition in memory of founder-teacher R.M. Hadapad, inauguration by Su. Krishna Setty, artist and art critic, Chitra Art Gallery, Kannada Bhavan, 10 a.m.

Suchitra Film Society, Max Mueller Bhavan: Festival of R.W. Fassbinder's films, screening of "The Merchant of Four Seasons", B.V. Karanth Road, 6.45 p.m.

BSNL Employees' Union: Open session of Second Circle Conference, M. Sadananda Auditorium, CTO Compound, Raj Bhavan Road, 4 p.m.

Karnataka State Primary School Teachers' Association: Inauguration of State-level teachers' sammelan by Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, Palace Grounds, 11 a.m.

SRIRAMA NAMA MANTRAM

Sree Raama Raama Raamethi
Rame Raame Manorame |
Sahasra Naama Thatthulyam
Raama Naama Varaanane ||
Aapadaamapa Harthaaram
Daatharam Sarva Sampadaam
Lokaabhiraamam Sree Raamam
Bhuyo Bhuyo Namaamyaham ||

SRIRAMANAVAMI MAHOTSAVAM

On Chaitra Sukla Navami (the ninth day of the bright half of Chaitra) 'Sree Ramanavami' is celebrated. Sree Rama was born on this day and years later on the same day Rama married Sita. 'Sree Sitarama Kalyana Mahotsav' (wedding) is performed in the abode Sitarama Temple, Bhadrachalam, Khammam District, Andhra Pradesh with great tradition and Bhakti.

"Wherever four Hindus live, Rama and Sita will be there" so said Swami Vivekananda, one of the foremost harbingers of modern national renaissance of Bharat. The reverse also is equally true - wherever Rama and Sita live, the people there will remain and live as Hindus.

Every hill and rivulet of Bharat bears the imprint of the holy feet of Rama and Sita. Sri Rama reigns supreme to this day in the hearts of our people, cutting across all barriers of province, language, caste or sect. Even the tribes living in isolated valleys and jungles have names like Mitti-Ram and Patthar-Ram. In some other tribes, every name carries the proud suffix of Ram, such as Lutthu Ram, Jagadev Ram, etc. In many northern parts of Bharat mutual greetings take the form of Jay Ramjee Ki.

Sri Rama has become so much identified with all the good and great and virile qualities of heroic manhood that expressions such as 'Us me Ram nahi hai' (there is no Rama in him) - meaning that a person has lost all manliness and worth - have become common usage. And when a Hindu quits the world stage, he is bid God-speed in his onward journey with Ramanama satya hai or Raghupati Raghava raja Ram, patita paavana Sita Ram. In fact, the latter couplet has become the nation's bhajan par excellence.

Sri Rama's story, Ramayana, has been sung and resung in all the languages and dialects of Bharat. The tradition of writing epics centering round the saga of Rama's achievements started by Valmiki in Sanskrit and was continued by Tulsidas in Hindi, by Kamban in Tamil, by Ramanujan in Malayalam, by Krittivasa in Bengali and Madhav Kambali in Assamia and in fact, in almost every Bharatiya language. The tradition is being continued up to the present day. The Ramayana Darshanam of K.V. Puttappa, the national literary award of Bharat by the Jnana Peeth. The enchanting Geet Ramayana composed in Marathi by G.D. Madgulkar and set to tune by Sudhir Phadke is now thrilling the hearts of millions in Maharashtra.

The various tribal groups too have sung the story of Ramayana in their dialects. Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Janaki mirror the ideals for millions of tribal boys and girls. The Khamati tribe in Arunachal Pradesh, which is Buddhist, depicts Ramayana as the story narrated by Buddha to his first disciple, Ananda, and carries the universal message of Buddha. How deeply significant that every group and sect even in distant and far-flung parts of Bharatavarsha should have found a radiant reflection of its own ideals in the form of Sri Rama!

The comparison of Sri Rama's fortitude to Himalayas and the grace and grandeur of his personality to the ocean - 'Samudra iva gaambheerye, dhairye cha Himavaan iva' - portrays how inseparably his personality has been blended into the entire national entity of Bharat.

HOLI THE COLOR FUL FESTIVAL IN INDIA

The ‘Holi’ festival is a very fun-filled and popular occasion in the northern part of India. It is an occasion when people smear each other with bright colored powders, which are known as Gulal, and colored water. This festival is celebrated around early March each year. It can be said that ‘Holi’ festival is called a bright festival as a wide range of bright colors is used during it. The people believe that the bright colors represent energy, life, and joy.

There are many legends given as the reason for celebrating ‘Holi’. There is one popular legend that is reputed to bring about the birth of ‘Holi’. It seems that long ago there was an evil king named King Hiranyakasipu. His son, prince Prahlad however was very holy and often prayed to God and this infuriated his father. One day, the wicked king ordered his sister, the demon Holika, to kill his son. The demon Holika, who was immune to fire, captured prince Prahlad and entered a fire furnace. She had done this to kill the prince, however it was her who was burnt to ashes. Prince Prahlad was safe and was not burnt at all. The legend goes that before the demon aunt died, she begged for prince Prahlad’s forgiveness and the prince forgave her and announced that her name would be remembered once a year. Thus the festival ‘Holi’ was created. There is also another story behind the festival of ‘Holi’ and it is based on the everlasting love between Krishna and Radha. It seemed that in the Hindu mythology Lord Krishna was known to court Radha and the light-hearted mischievous courtship of his was linked to Holi. Thus Holi is known to be the celebration of love between the two of them.

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