Vedas describe "Aarti" as a wondrous way to invoke the primordial energy and the supreme Lord. Performed during the Godhuli hours (the time when husky rays of the sun create a golden aura in the sky), or during the evening, when the sun is setting in and moon rising to its glory, Durga Aarti (better known as Sandhya Aarti) is an integral of Durga Puja. It is a beautiful way to honor and commemorate the Devi as she bestows her blessings on the devotees. According to the traditional Bengali custom, Durga Puja is incomplete without this Aarti and the subsequent homa (Sacred Fire ritual). The scene during the Sandhya Aarti is simply splendid and marvelous. Enormous drumbeats produce a unique musical rhythm, which resemble the ancient beat of Mahadeva and his Tandav dance.
These beats create an aura, which fills the heart of every listener with divine passion and lively ardor. Little children and married ladies the can be seen dancing to this beautiful Pagan beats played in honor of the Goddess.
Amidst this hullabaloos and orderly chaos, the priest reads the Sanskrit hymns and shlokas from Devi Mahatmya or Durga Saptashati. These immortal verses invoke the Goddess and her divine spirit as she dawns in this mortal world, re-establishing the victory of Good over Evil. The Aarti is peformed with the fragrant smoke of Holy Fire (Dhuni) and with incense sticks. The priest and the dancing woman, carry the small earthen vessels from where the holy fire is lighted and dance to the tune of drumbeats in front of Devi's idol.
The Aarti goes on for about an hour. Several families and devotees line up in front of the Maa Durga's idol celebrating the spirit of Durga Puja. It is a beautiful Holy way to invoke the Goddess and her blessings.
Durga puja is celebrated in the autumn months of September/October. According to the Hindu solar calendar, it falls on the first nine days of the month of Ashvin. Most of the religions follow either a solar calendar or a lunar calendar. For the Hindus, it is a combination of both. The days are counted on the basis of sun rise and sun set. But timings of all religious functions are based on the lunar month. The lunar month is divided into two halves, the full moon phase and the new moon phase.
Accordingly the religious functions of the Hindu Bengalis are scheduled in sync with the timings of the moon's movement, better known as 'Tithhi'. The schedule of Durga Puja is also framed on the basis of the 'Tithhi'. The Devi Paksha or the fortnight in which the Puja falls sets in with the auspicious of the Mahalaya, which falls on the New moon. Mahalaya heralds the homecoming of the Mother Goddess as the tunes of Agamani fill the air.
The four days of Pujas start from the sixth day of the full moon phase that follows the Mahalaya and ends up with the Dashami or the tenth day. Thus Dashami is four days short of the full moon night, called Kojagori Purnima. For, it is on this pious night the Kojagori Laxmi Puja is performed by most of the Bengali households.
Durga Saptashati - Shakradi Stuti Rishhiruvaacha ..
1. shakraa dayaH suragaNaa nihate.ativiirye tasmindur aatmani suraaribale cha devyaa . taa.n tushhTuvuH praNatinamr ashirodharaa.nsaa vaagbhiH praharsh hapulakod. hgamachaarudehaaH .
2. devyaa yayaa tatamida.n jagadaa tmashaktyaa nishsheshha devagaNashakti samuuhamuu{tyaa}.r . taamambikaama khiladevamah arshhipuujyaa.n bhaktyaa nataaH sma vidadhaatu shubhaani saa naH ..
Kali, all-powerful, absolute and all pervasive, is beyond fear and finite existence and is therefore believed to be able to protect her devotees against fear and grant them limitless harmony and peace. Finally, as total night, devouring all that exists, she is sometimes depicted as standing on Lord Shiva, which, like the necklace of skulls, symbolizes the remains of finite existence. Kali's devotees reportedly pleased her in the past with human sacrifices.Below are few other Hindu Gods and Goddesses:
Highest creator of all that has been created. Variously described as the mother, wife and/or daughter of Vishnu; ma of the gods and all heavenly bodies.
a personification of Parvati in Hindu mythology. An amazingly beautiful woman who lured devils to their deaths. She announced that she would not summit to anyone who had not defeated her in battle and when they approached to fight her she killed their retinue with a supersonic hum, then transformed herself into the fearsome Kali and slew them.
the post-Vedic form of Prajapati; the originator and creator
A twelve-armed warrior goddess, created by Brahma, Vishnu and Siva to slay Mahishasura, the buffalo-demon, who menaced the universe.
Durga One of the forms of the goddess Shakti, She was born fully grown. Durga is famous as the man-armed many-weaponed goddess who slays the buffalo-demon Mahish.
The god of wisdom and prosperity. He is depicted with a chubby human body, four arms and an elephant's head. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati.
God of desire and love. Son of Vishnu and Lakshmi and husband of Rati
He is believed and worshipped as an incarnation of Vishnu by his devotees.
A companion of Vishnu and mother of Kama. She is the goddess of beauty, wealth and enjoyment.
Durga Saptashati - Shakradi Stuti Rishhiruvaacha ..
1. shakraa dayaH suragaNaa nihate.ativiirye tasmindur aatmani suraaribale cha devyaa . taa.n tushhTuvuH praNatinamr ashirodharaa.nsaa vaagbhiH praharsh hapulakod. hgamachaarudehaaH .
2. devyaa yayaa tatamida.n jagadaa tmashaktyaa nishsheshha devagaNashakti samuuhamuu{tyaa}.r . taamambikaama khiladevamah arshhipuujyaa.n bhaktyaa nataaH sma vidadhaatu shubhaani saa naH ..
Kali, all-powerful, absolute and all pervasive, is beyond fear and finite existence and is therefore believed to be able to protect her devotees against fear and grant them limitless harmony and peace. Finally, as total night, devouring all that exists, she is sometimes depicted as standing on Lord Shiva, which, like the necklace of skulls, symbolizes the remains of finite existence.
Kali's devotees reportedly pleased her in the past with human sacrifices.Below are few other Hindu Gods and Goddesses:
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Durga | The Inaccessible |
| Devi | The Diety |
| tribhuvaneshwari | Goddess of The Three Worlds |
| Yashodagarba Sambhoota | Emerging From Yashoda's Womb |
| Narayanavarapriya | Fond of Narayana's Boons |
| Nandagopakulajata | Daughter Of The Nandagopa Race |
| Mangalya | Auspicious |
| Kulavardhini | Developer Of The Race |
| Kamsavidravanakari | Threatened Kamsa |
| Asurakshayamkari | Reducer Of The Number Of Demons |
| Shilathata Vinikshibda | At Birth,Slammed By Kamsa |
| Akashagamini | Flew In The Sky |
| Vasudevabhagini | Sister Of Vasudeva |
| Divamalya Vibhooshita | Adorned With Beautiful Garlands |
| Divyambaradhara | Beautifully Robed |
| Khadgaketaka Dharini | Holder Of Sword And Shield |
| Shiva | Auspicious |
| Papadharini | Bearer Of Others' Sins |
| Varada | Granter Of Boons |
| Krishna | Sister Of Krishna |
| Kumari | Young Girl |
| Brahmacharini | Seeker Of Brahman |
| Balarkasadrushakara | Like The Rising Sun |
| Purnachandra Nibhanana | Beautiful Like The Full Moon |
| Chaturbhuja | Four-Armed |
| Chaturvakttra | Four-Faced |
| Peenashroni Payodhara | Large Bosomed |
| Mayoora Pichhavalaya | Wearer Of Peacock-Feathered Bangles |
| Keyurangadadharini | Bejewelled With Armlets And Bracelets |
| Krishnachhavisama | Like Krishna's Radiance |
| Krishna | Dark-Complexioned |
| Sankarshanasamanana | Equal To Sankarshana |
| Indradhwaja Samabahudharini | With Shoulders Like Indra's Flag |
| Patradharini | Vessel-Holder |
| Pankajadharini | Lotus-Holder |
| Kanttadhara | Holder of Shiva's Neck |
| Pashadharini | Holder Of Rope |
| Dhanurdharini | Holder Of Bow |
| Mahachakradharini | Holder Of Chakra |
| Vividayudhadhara | Bearer Of Various Weapons |
| Kundalapurnakarna Vibhooshita | Wearer Of Earrings Covering The Ears |
| Chandravispardimukha | Beautiful Like The Moon |
| Mukutavirajita | Shining With Crown Adorned |
| Shikhipichhadwaja Virajita | Having Peacock-Feathered Flag |
| Kaumaravratadhara | Observer Of Fasts Like Young Girls Do |
| tridivabhavayirtri | Goddess Of The Three Worlds |
| tridashapujita | The Goddess Of The Celestials |
| trailokyarakshini | Protector Of The Three Worlds |
| Mahishasuranashini | Destroyer Of Mahisha |
| Prasanna | Cheerful |
| Surashreshtta | Supreme Among The Celestials |
| Vijaya | Conqueror |
| Sangramajayaprada | Granter Of Victory In The War |
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Varada | Bestower |
| Vindhyavasini` | Resident Of The Vindhyas |
| Kali | Dark-Complexioned |
| Kali | Goddess Of Death |
| Mahakali | Wife Of Mahakala |
| Seedupriya | Fond Of Drinks |
| Mamsapriya | Fond Of Flesh |
| Pashupriya | Fond Of All Beings |
| Bhootanushruta | Well-Wisher Of Bhootaganas |
| Varada | Bestower |
| Kamacharini | Acting On One's Own Accord |
| Papaharini | Destroyer Of Sins |
| Kirti | Famed |
| Shree | Auspicious |
| Dhruti | Valiant |
| Siddhi | Successful |
| Hri | Holy Chant Of Hymns |
| Vidhya | Wisdom |
| Santati | Granter Of Issues |
| Mati | Wise |
| Sandhya | Twilight |
| Ratri | Night |
| Prabha | Dawn |
| Nitya | Eternal |
| Jyotsana | Radiant Like Flames |
| Kantha | Radiant |
| Khama | Embodiment Of Forgiveness |
| Daya | Compassionate |
| Bandhananashini | Detacher Of Attachments |
| Mohanashini | Destroyer Of Desires |
| Putrapamrityunashini | Sustainer Of Son's Untimely Death |
| Dhanakshayanashini | Controller Of Wealth Decrease |
| Vyadhinashini | Vanquisher Of Ailments |
| Mruthyunashini | Destroyer Of Death |
| Bhayanashini | Remover Of Fear |
| Padmapatrakshi | Eyes Like The Lotus Leaf |
| Durga | Remover Of Distress |
| Sharanya | Granter Of Refuge |
| Bhaktavatsala | Lover Of Devotees |
| Saukhyada | Bestower Of Well-Being |
| Arogyada | Granter Of Good Health |
| Rajyada | Bestower Of Kingdom |
| Ayurda | Granter Of Longevity |
| Vapurda | Granter Of Beautiful Appearance |
| Sutada | Granter Of Issues |
| Pravasarakshika | Protector Of travellers |
| Nagararakshika | Protector Of Land |
| Sangramarakshika | Protector Of Wars |
| Shatrusankata Rakshika | Protector From Distress Caused By Foes |
| Ataviduhkhandhara Rakshika | Protector From Ignorance And Distress |
| Sagaragirirakshika | Protector Of Seas And Hills |
| Sarvakaryasiddhi Pradayika | Granter Of Success In All Attempts |
| Durga | Deity Durga |
| Shiva | Shiva's Half |
| Jaya | Victorious |
1. shakraa dayaH suragaNaa nihate.ativiirye tasmindur aatmani suraaribale cha devyaa . taa.n tushhTuvuH praNatinamr ashirodharaa.nsaa vaagbhiH praharsh hapulakod. hgamachaarudehaaH .
2. devyaa yayaa tatamida.n jagadaa tmashaktyaa nishsheshha devagaNashakti samuuhamuu{tyaa}.r . taamambikaama khiladevamah arshhipuujyaa.n bhaktyaa nataaH sma vidadhaatu shubhaani saa naH ..
Kali, all-powerful, absolute and all pervasive, is beyond fear and finite existence and is therefore believed to be able to protect her devotees against fear and grant them limitless harmony and peace. Finally, as total night, devouring all that exists, she is sometimes depicted as standing on Lord Shiva, which, like the necklace of skulls, symbolizes the remains of finite existence.
Kali's devotees reportedly pleased her in the past with human sacrifices.Below are few other Hindu Gods and Goddesses:
Durga puja is celebrated in the autumn months of September/October. According to the Hindu solar calendar, it falls on the first nine days of the month of Ashvin. Most of the religions follow either a solar calendar or a lunar calendar. For the Hindus, it is a combination of both. The days are counted on the basis of sun rise and sun set. But timings of all religious functions are based on the lunar month. The lunar month is divided into two halves, the full moon phase and the new moon phase.
Accordingly the religious functions of the Hindu Bengalis are scheduled in sync with the timings of the moon's movement, better known as 'Tithhi'. The schedule of Durga Puja is also framed on the basis of the 'Tithhi'. The Devi Paksha or the fortnight in which the Puja falls sets in with the auspicious of the Mahalaya, which falls on the New moon. Mahalaya heralds the homecoming of the Mother Goddess as the tunes of Agamani fill the air.
The four days of Pujas start from the sixth day of the full moon phase that follows the Mahalaya and ends up with the Dashami or the tenth day. Thus Dashami is four days short of the full moon night, called Kojagori Purnima. For, it is on this pious night the Kojagori Laxmi Puja is performed by most of the Bengali households.
1. shakraa dayaH suragaNaa nihate.ativiirye tasmindur aatmani suraaribale cha devyaa . taa.n tushhTuvuH praNatinamr ashirodharaa.nsaa vaagbhiH praharsh hapulakod. hgamachaarudehaaH .
2. devyaa yayaa tatamida.n jagadaa tmashaktyaa nishsheshha devagaNashakti samuuhamuu{tyaa}.r . taamambikaama khiladevamah arshhipuujyaa.n bhaktyaa nataaH sma vidadhaatu shubhaani saa naH ..
Kali, all-powerful, absolute and all pervasive, is beyond fear and finite existence and is therefore believed to be able to protect her devotees against fear and grant them limitless harmony and peace. Finally, as total night, devouring all that exists, she is sometimes depicted as standing on Lord Shiva, which, like the necklace of skulls, symbolizes the remains of finite existence.
Kali's devotees reportedly pleased her in the past with human sacrifices.Below are few other Hindu Gods and Goddesses:
There are innumerable temples throughout India, dedicated to Ma Durga, the true manifestation of the absolute energy that pervades the universe. These temples helps to promote and flourish the richness of the Hindu religion, culture, and philosophy. In addition, the various Durga temples provides an opportunity for the Hindu community to learn and display the many characteristics possessed by Ma Durga through participation in rituals, customs and various other activities, performed in the temples.
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Road No : 55
Jublihills
Hyderabad-500033
Telangana