Guest guest Posted January 27, 2008 Report Share Posted January 27, 2008 Swasthani: A month-long telling of tales " The Goddess Shree Swasthani is portrayed as a four- armed deity wielding the chakra, trishul, sword and lotus. The Asta Matrika--eight deities of power-- Mahakali, Baishanavi, Brahmi Maheswari, Kaumeshori, Barahi, Indrayani and Chamunda-are arrayed around her. [....] The tales convey the message that even divine beings suffer worldly pains and agonies, and it is Shree Swasthani who rescues the deities when the demons and demi-gods perpetrate atrocities against the gods. In the same fashion, humans too can rely on her divine assistance [....] " By Arun Ranjit Gorkhapatra/The Rising Nepal 1/27/2008 Rich in art, culture and heritage Nepal is a land of diverse culture. Nepal's wonderful cultural heritage is an invaluable resource, one which the Nepalese are striving to preserve. Nepali festivals offer a dramatic glimpse that is rooted in the country's history, mythology and religion, honour and propitiate the multitude of gods, control malicious spirits, or celebrate mythological victories over evil. Shree Swasthani Brata Katha is one of these many festivals. The solemn worshipping of Goddess Shree Swasthani (the Hindu deity known for miraculously granting wishes made in a solemn state by pure souls) in every Hindu household begins on third week of January (Poush Shukla Poornima) according to the Hindu Vedic calendar. This year the month long telling of tales from the Shree Swasthani Brata Katha scripture began on the 22nd of January and is to complete on the 21st of February. The Goddess Shree Swasthani is portrayed as a four- handed deity with charka, trishul, sword and lotus in each hand. The Asta Matrika--eight deities of power-- Mahakali, Baishanavi, Brahmi Maheswari, Kaumeshori, Barahi, Indrayani and Chamunda-are arrayed around her. The Brata Katha doesn't merely relate the omniscient Goddess' miraculous presence at the time of need of her suffering and wretched bhaktas, but also establishes her supremacy over the other deities. The tales convey the message that even divine beings suffer worldly pains and agonies, and it is Shree Swasthani who rescues the deities when the demons and demi-gods perpetrate atrocities against the gods. In the same fashion, humans too can rely on her divine assistance, provided they pray in state of solemnity with purity of their souls. The month-long holy observances take place on the bank of rivers. However, in Kathmandu the festival takes place at Salinadi, a well-known and related river with the Swasthani Brata Katha, situated in Sankhu, the eastern part of Kathmandu. In addition to the outdoor observances, notwithstanding the chilly winter, every member of a family infallibly gathers in a room, clean and sanctified, in either the morning or evening. There the deity is worshipped collectively, amid chanting of holy hymns from the Shree Swasthani Brata Katha scripture, which relates the divine feats of Swasthani Devi. Innumerable episodes--thirty-one chapters--depicting the bhaktas' (devotees') sufferings, and later, their redemption and salvation--are read aloud and solemnly listened to by everyone, with the Guru or an elderly family member chanting the hymns in Sanskrit or from a translated version in vernacular Nepali. The belief is that anyone observing the holy ceremony for a month attains a state of purity by strictly adhering to the rituals prescribed, and he or she will have his/her wishes granted. The first few episodes of the Brata Katha relate Lord Shiva's wife Satidevi's [Parvati, the reincarnation of Sati] sufferings, and her bearing them with great fortitude. Eventually, Shree Swasthani rescues her from her troubles and agonies. Through the power generated by her austerities, Satidevi ultimately wins Lord Shiva who eventually showers her with love and affection and takes her to his abode in Kailash Parbat, where they settle and live together. Though wishes are widely believed to be fulfilled and troubles alleviated, the rituals require strict adherence, which may not always be easy for materialistic and luxury-loving human folks. Before observing the Shree Swasthani Brata Katha, one must purify himself a day in advance by cutting his nails, trimming his hair and taking only one swatik (vegetarian) meal per day. The next day--the beginning day of Shree Swasthani Brata Katha--one who is committed to observe the brata [vow, fast] in utmost austerity as required by rituals, should pledge in his heart that he or she would continue it until the completion of the story. Early morning shower is a must to keep oneself clean, then after refreshing oneself, the pooja (worshipping) of Shree Swasthani begins. In the afternoon, all required holy stuffs for pooja must be ready for the evening chanting of the Brata Katha. The routine shouldn't be broken. It should go on uninterrupted for a complete one month from the date of commencement. Every day after sunset, before supper or even after supper, the Brata Katha episodes must be read aloud amid the gatherings of family members and neighbours, who are expected to listen to them in a state of solemnity. Some people also tell the tales in the morning as well. At the completion of chanting hymns, the phool prasad (blessed flowers and fruits) are to be distributed among all those listening to Brata Katha. Shree Swasthani's blessing is showered not only on those reading aloud the tales but equally on those who listen to them. On the concluding day of Brata Katha, at the end of the month, the final ritual takes place. On that day on a copper plate holy symbol of Om Kar is to be painted and a Shiva Linga of blessed sand is to be erected on it. Later, in state of solemnity, pooja (worshipping) of Shiva Linga takes place; in this way Shree Swasthani Barta Katha comes to end. http://www.gorkhapatra.org.np/content.php?nid=35047 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2008 Report Share Posted January 29, 2008 Namaste, This seems very like Durga ji in the Devi Mahatmaya or the Devi Gita. pr , " msbauju " <msbauju wrote: > > Swasthani: A month-long telling of tales > > " The Goddess Shree Swasthani is portrayed as a four- > armed deity wielding the chakra, trishul, sword and > lotus. The Asta Matrika--eight deities of power-- > Mahakali, Baishanavi, Brahmi Maheswari, Kaumeshori, > Barahi, Indrayani and Chamunda-are arrayed around > her. [....] The tales convey the message that even divine > beings suffer worldly pains and agonies, and it is Shree > Swasthani who rescues the deities when the demons and > demi-gods perpetrate atrocities against the gods. In the > same fashion, humans too can rely on her divine > assistance [....] " > > By Arun Ranjit > Gorkhapatra/The Rising Nepal > 1/27/2008 > > Rich in art, culture and heritage Nepal is a land of > diverse culture. Nepal's wonderful cultural heritage is an > invaluable resource, one which the Nepalese are striving > to preserve. Nepali festivals offer a dramatic glimpse > that is rooted in the country's history, mythology and > religion, honour and propitiate the multitude of gods, > control malicious spirits, or celebrate mythological > victories over evil. > > Shree Swasthani Brata Katha is one of these many > festivals. The solemn worshipping of Goddess Shree > Swasthani (the Hindu deity known for miraculously > granting wishes made in a solemn state by pure souls) in > every Hindu household begins on third week of January > (Poush Shukla Poornima) according to the Hindu Vedic > calendar. This year the month long telling of tales from > the Shree Swasthani Brata Katha scripture began on the > 22nd of January and is to complete on the 21st of > February. > > The Goddess Shree Swasthani is portrayed as a four- > handed deity with charka, trishul, sword and lotus in > each hand. The Asta Matrika--eight deities of power-- > Mahakali, Baishanavi, Brahmi Maheswari, Kaumeshori, > Barahi, Indrayani and Chamunda-are arrayed around > her. > > The Brata Katha doesn't merely relate the omniscient > Goddess' miraculous presence at the time of need of her > suffering and wretched bhaktas, but also establishes her > supremacy over the other deities. > > The tales convey the message that even divine beings > suffer worldly pains and agonies, and it is Shree > Swasthani who rescues the deities when the demons and > demi-gods perpetrate atrocities against the gods. In the > same fashion, humans too can rely on her divine > assistance, provided they pray in state of solemnity with > purity of their souls. > > The month-long holy observances take place on the > bank of rivers. However, in Kathmandu the festival > takes place at Salinadi, a well-known and related river > with the Swasthani Brata Katha, situated in Sankhu, the > eastern part of Kathmandu. > > In addition to the outdoor observances, notwithstanding > the chilly winter, every member of a family infallibly > gathers in a room, clean and sanctified, in either the > morning or evening. There the deity is worshipped > collectively, amid chanting of holy hymns from the > Shree Swasthani Brata Katha scripture, which relates the > divine feats of Swasthani Devi. > > Innumerable episodes--thirty-one chapters--depicting the > bhaktas' (devotees') sufferings, and later, their > redemption and salvation--are read aloud and solemnly > listened to by everyone, with the Guru or an elderly > family member chanting the hymns in Sanskrit or from a > translated version in vernacular Nepali. > > The belief is that anyone observing the holy ceremony > for a month attains a state of purity by strictly adhering > to the rituals prescribed, and he or she will have his/her > wishes granted. > > The first few episodes of the Brata Katha relate Lord > Shiva's wife Satidevi's [Parvati, the reincarnation of > Sati] sufferings, and her bearing them with great > fortitude. Eventually, Shree Swasthani rescues her from > her troubles and agonies. > > Through the power generated by her austerities, Satidevi > ultimately wins Lord Shiva who eventually showers her > with love and affection and takes her to his abode in > Kailash Parbat, where they settle and live together. > > Though wishes are widely believed to be fulfilled and > troubles alleviated, the rituals require strict adherence, > which may not always be easy for materialistic and > luxury-loving human folks. > > Before observing the Shree Swasthani Brata Katha, one > must purify himself a day in advance by cutting his > nails, trimming his hair and taking only one swatik > (vegetarian) meal per day. > > The next day--the beginning day of Shree Swasthani > Brata Katha--one who is committed to observe the brata > [vow, fast] in utmost austerity as required by rituals, > should pledge in his heart that he or she would continue > it until the completion of the story. > > Early morning shower is a must to keep oneself clean, > then after refreshing oneself, the pooja (worshipping) of > Shree Swasthani begins. In the afternoon, all required > holy stuffs for pooja must be ready for the evening > chanting of the Brata Katha. The routine shouldn't be > broken. It should go on uninterrupted for a complete one > month from the date of commencement. > > Every day after sunset, before supper or even after > supper, the Brata Katha episodes must be read aloud > amid the gatherings of family members and neighbours, > who are expected to listen to them in a state of > solemnity. Some people also tell the tales in the morning > as well. > > At the completion of chanting hymns, the phool prasad > (blessed flowers and fruits) are to be distributed among > all those listening to Brata Katha. Shree Swasthani's > blessing is showered not only on those reading aloud the > tales but equally on those who listen to them. > > On the concluding day of Brata Katha, at the end of the > month, the final ritual takes place. On that day on a > copper plate holy symbol of Om Kar is to be painted and > a Shiva Linga of blessed sand is to be erected on it. > Later, in state of solemnity, pooja (worshipping) of > Shiva Linga takes place; in this way Shree Swasthani > Barta Katha comes to end. > > http://www.gorkhapatra.org.np/content.php?nid=35047 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2008 Report Share Posted January 29, 2008 Yes; the interesting connections -- that's what caught my eye. :-) , " prainbow61 " <paulie- rainbow wrote: > > Namaste, > > This seems very like Durga ji in the Devi Mahatmaya or the Devi Gita. > > pr > > , " msbauju " <msbauju@> wrote: > > > > Swasthani: A month-long telling of tales > > > > " The Goddess Shree Swasthani is portrayed as a four- > > armed deity wielding the chakra, trishul, sword and > > lotus. The Asta Matrika--eight deities of power-- > > Mahakali, Baishanavi, Brahmi Maheswari, Kaumeshori, > > Barahi, Indrayani and Chamunda-are arrayed around > > her. [....] The tales convey the message that even divine > > beings suffer worldly pains and agonies, and it is Shree > > Swasthani who rescues the deities when the demons and > > demi-gods perpetrate atrocities against the gods. In the > > same fashion, humans too can rely on her divine > > assistance [....] " > > > > By Arun Ranjit > > Gorkhapatra/The Rising Nepal > > 1/27/2008 > > > > > > > > http://www.gorkhapatra.org.np/content.php?nid=35047 > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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