SIGNIFICANCE OF KARTHIKA DEEPA AND VARANASI (KASHI).

[Guest guest]

JAI GURU DATTA

 

 

The following is from Swamiji's speeches 1982 and earlier. (Taken from Old

Bhaktimalas)

 

 

 

Kartika deepa vrata (religious observance) is undertaken during the month of

Kartika (the month that commences immediately after Deepavali). This vrata can

be started either from the first day of Kartika (Kartika suddha padyami) or from

the tula sankramam and continued for a period of one month. This vrata consists

of three basic rituals:

 

1)    Bathing during the very early hours of the day.

2)    Worshipping God.

3)     Lighting a deepam (lamp) during the evening twilight hours.

 

Since worshipping God is a feature that is common to all festivals, bathing in

the early morning and lighting an oil lamp in the evening twilight hours are

considered to be the primary rituals of this vrata (religious observance).This

has been emphasized in our granthas (religious texts) as well as in the Kartika

Purana (the holy text read in the month of Kartika).

 

It is said that during the month of Kartika, Mother Ganges as well as Sri Maha

Vishnu together with all the Devatas reside in every drop of water that exists

on earth. Lakshmi Devi, the Goddess of prosperity, resides in the oil during

this month. Due to these reasons, emphasis has been laid on the rituals of

bathing and lighting of the oil lamp.

 

The city of Kashi (Varanasi) is a highly spiritual and special place. In reality

it is a great fortune to be living at such a place. Even to be able to sleep one

night at Kashi is a great fortune. Just thinking about Kashi itself bestows

great luck. Similarly just by having the darshan of the mahatmas and by serving

them we accumulate great punya. The seva done to great Mahatmas is more powerful

than the meritorious acts done by us. Greater the service, greater is the punya

(merit) accumulated. Those who doubt the sanctity of river Ganga have one reason

to console themselves. The water of Ganga contains so many medicinal and healing

properties that even the impure water that joins it is rendered pure. A bath in

the Ganga should be had with only pure thoughts. If such a feeling has not

sprouted in the heart then it means that impurity still exists in your mind and

thoughts.The water of Ganga is so pure, medicinal and healing that any amount of

impurities

added to it cannot rob it away of its purity. It remains eternally pure and

sacred. It is essential to have the strong belief and the faith that living in

Kashi, having the darshan of Lord Vishweshwara, bathing in the river Ganga,

having the darshan on holy men and Yatis, having the darshan of the Sadguru,

serving the holy saints and Sadguru will definitely grant a lot of punya.

 

 

 

SRI GURU DATTA

 

 

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