NAVA DURGA

NAVA DURGA Nava – means 'new' – denotes 'nine' the number to which sages attach special significance.



Nava-ratri (9 nights),

Nava-patrika (9 leaves / herbs / plants),

Nava-graha (9 planets),

Nava-Durga (9 appellations)
Goddess Durga is worshipped in different forms . She is a form of " Shakti" .The evolution of Shri MahaSaraswati, Shri Mahalaxshmi & Shri Mahakali ( the main 3 forms of Shakti) took place from Shri Brahma , Shri Vishnu & Shri Mahesh respectively.Each of these 3 deities gave rise to 2 more forms.So , in all , these 9 forms together are known as " Navadurga ".


Long back there lived a daemon king named " Mahishasur " ( also called as Daemon with a face of buffalo) who was very strong.He harrassed God Indra , fought with him and captured his throne.He was very proud of his strength.Indra went to the almighty gods - Brahma , Vishnu , & Mahesh , for help.These gods decided to teach a lesson to Mahishasur.They unitedly created a goddess "Shakti" and offered her their weapons to fight Mahishasur, who had become untolerable.Goddess Shakti fought with Mahishasur for full 9 days and ultimately killed him with her spear.Hence Durga is also known as " Mahishasur-Mardini ".The 9 days for which the goddess fought & Killed the evil daemon Mahishasur are celebrated as a major festival called " Navaratra".This festival is celebrated in a big way all over India in the month of " Aashwin" ( as per Hindu Calender)for the first 9 days .During the festival of Navratri, Goddess Durga Devi is worshipped in nine avatars. During these nine holy days, each day one of the forms of goddess Durga Mata is worshipped. On these days, devotees perform Durga pooja .

Names of Navadurga : (9)
1-Shailputri
2-Brahmaputri
3-Chandraghanta
4-Kushmanda
5-Skandamaata
6-Kaatyayani
7-Kaalratri
8-Mahagauri
9-Siddhidatri

1) Durga Shailputri:

Shailputri means the daughter of the mountain, Himalaya. In this form we see the divine Mother holding a trident in her right hand and a lotus on her left. She is seen seated on an ox.

In her previous birth, she was called Sati, Bhavani and was the daughter of King Daksha. After a lot of penance, she married Lord Shiva. But her father King Daksha was not too pleased. He had arranged for a Yagya/Yagna (Ritual done around the sacrificial fire) where he invited everyone except his son-in-law, Lord Shiva. Upset and feeling humiliated, Sati decided to attend the event uninvited. There, her father insulted Lord Shiva and in fury she stood on the sacrificial fire and burnt herself alive.
Lord Shiva enraged, ordered his followers to demolish the Yagya. Sati was reborn as the daughter of the king of the mountains, Himalaya in the name of Parvati - Hemvati and got married with Lord Shiva again. Her this Swaroop is worshipped on the first day of the Navratri celebrations.

2) Brahmacharini: Brahmacharini or Tapasyacharini is Goddess’s second form. The name holds the meaning of true penance and meditation. Her form depicts her holding a rosary beads in her right hand and a Kamandalu, a pot containing holy water in her left. In her previous life, when she was reborn as the daughter of Himalaya, she performed severe penance to have Lord Shiva as her husband. Narad Muni, the divine sage advised her to take up meditation to win Him. Her intense devotion, steadfastness and strict meditation for years under extreme conditions, gave her the name of Brahmacharini.

3) Chandraghanta: Goddess Durga’s third form is known as Chandraghanta or Shakti. Chandra means moon and Ghanta is the bell. This name finds its explanation in the half-circular moon on the temple of the Goddess that resembles a bell. She is three eyed with ten hands. Each hand holds ten different weapons. She is seated on lion and is worshipped on the third day of the Navratri celebration. Her hue is golden and her appearance always spreads a calm and eternal peace all round. She is unprecedented image of bravery. The frightful sound of her bell terrifies all the evil and demon. Worship of this deity helps to eliminate the sorrow, hazards and dangers in ones life.

4) Kushmanda:Kush means happiness and she created the universe with a smile. She is radiant as the Sun and rides a lion. She is Ashtabhuja or eight handed. Her seven hands hold the holy pot, Kamandul, a bow, an arrow, a lotus, a pot containing wine, a disc and a club. The eighth hand holds a string of rosary beads that is believed to provide success and prudence.

5) Skanda Mata: Lord Kartik/Kartikeyan/Karthikeyan is also known as Skanda. As Goddess Durga is his mother, she is referred to as Skanda Mata. She is a deity of fire with four arms. She holds her son Skanda with the top right hand and lotus in her lower hand. The top left hand is positioned in a blessing gesture or Abhaya Mudra. She is fair complexioned, seated on a lotus and so also referred to as Padmasana.

6) Katyayani: Sage Katyaayan was the son of the great sage Kat. He observed rigorous penance and worship of Bhagavati Paramba with a desire to get Paramba as his daughter. His wish was granted. The daughter born was named Katyayani. She has four hands. The top right hand is positioned in a gesture of providing courage while the other hand is positioned in a gesture of rendering a boon. The top left hand holds a sword and the other a lotus. The goddess rides a lion and worshiped on the sixth day of the Durga puja.

7) Kalratri: Ratri means night so her complexion is as dark as the night. She has long, unmated hair with her three eyes that are shiny and bright. She has four arms and is seen mounted on a Shav/Shava or dead body. Her right hand holds a sword, while her lower hand is in a blessing stance. The left hand holds a burning torch and the lower left hand is in fearless position. She is known as Shubhamkari or the auspicious one. Her form encourages her devotees to be fearless.

8 ) Maha Gauri: It is said that when the body of Goddess Gauri got dirty due to dust and earth while she was observing penance to attain Lord Shiva. So he cleansed her with the holy waters of Ganges. Her body transformed into bright and luminous like lightening and so her eighth form is known as “Maha Gauri” .Her clothes and ornaments are also white. Her visage is calm and peaceful and she is three eyed. She rides on a bull. Her four hands denote different meanings, like the left hand is in the fearless gesture and the lower on holds a trident. The above right hand has tambourine and lower right hand is in blessing style.

9) Siddhidatri: The ninth form is Siddhidatri. There are eight Siddhis (Special powers which can only be attained from severe penance and meditation)-Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Iishitva & Vashitva. Maha Shakti gives all these Siddhies. It is mentioned in the Devi Puran” that Lord Shiva got all these Siddhis by worshipping Maha Shakti.

With her gratitude, Lord Shiva’s body also contains the Goddess and so he has the form and name of Ardha Narishvar. Ardha means half. The goddess rides on a lion. The Siddhidatri form is worshipped by all gods, rishis, munis (Saints and Sages), siddhas, yogis, sadhakas (Devotees) for attaining merit and boons of their severe penances.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navadurga

Sri Suktam

SRI SUKTAM


Hiraņya varnám hariņīm suvarna-rajata-srajám
Chandrám hiranmayīm lakshmīm jatavedo ma avaha|(1)
Tám ma ávaha játavedo lakśhmīm anapa gáminīm
Yasyám hiraņyam vindeyam gám aśvam puruśhán aham|| (2)
Aśhwa-pūrvám ratha-madhyám hasti náda prabódhiním
Śhriyam devím upahvaye śhrír ma devír jushatám| (3)
Kám sósmitám hiranya prákárám árdrám jvalantím triptám tarpayantím
Padme sthitám padma-varnám támihópahvaye śhriyam|| (4)
Chandrám prabhásám yaśhasá jvalantím śhriyam lóke deva justám udárám
Tám padminim-ím saranam aham prapadye' alakshmír me naśyatám tvám vrne| (5)
Ǎditya varne tapasó dhijátó vanaspatis tava vrikshó' tha bilvah
Tasya phalani tapsá nudantu mayántaráyás cha báhya alakshmíh|| (6)
Upaitu mám deva-sakah kírtis cha maniná saha
Prádūr bhūtó' smi rashtre' smin kírtim riddhim dadátu me| (7)
Kshut pipásá-amalám jyesthám alakshmím náshayámy aham
Abhūtim asamriddhim cha sarván nirnuda me grihat|| (8)
Gandha dvárám durá dharşhám nitya-pushtám karíshiním
Iśhvarígm sarva bhūtánám tám ihó pahvaye śhriyam| (9)
Manasah kámam ákūtím vácah satyam ashímahi
Paśhūnágm rūpam annasya mayi śríh shrayatám yaśhah|| (10)
Kardamená praja-bhūtá mayi sambhava kardama
Śriyam vásaya me kule mátaram padma-máliním| (11)
Ǎpah srijantu snigdháni chiklíta vasa me grihe
Nicha devím mátaram śhriyam vásaya me kule|| (12)
Ardám pushkariním pushtim pingalám padma máliním
Chandrám hiran-mayím lakshmím játavedó ma ávaha| (13)
Ǎrdhám yah kariním yashtim suvarnám hema-máliním
Sūryám hiran-mayím lakshmím játavedó ma ávaha|| (14)
Tám ma ávaha játevedó lakshmím anapa gáminím yasyám
Hiranyam prabhūtam gávó dásyó aśván vindeyam purushan aham|| (15)
Ǒm mahá-devyai cha vidmahe, vishnu-patnaiya cha dhímahi
Tanno Lakshmíh prachódayát || (16)
Ǒm Shántih, Shántih, Shántih

Purusha Sooktam

PURUSHA SOOKTAM

Sahasra Sheershaa Purushah: Sahasraakshas Sahasrapaath
Sabhoomim Visvatho Vruthvaa Athyathishta Dhasaangulam

1. A thousand heads has the Universal man, Purusha; as also a thousand eyes and a thousand feet He has. He spreads over the earth on all sides and beyond it as far as ten fingers can count. [Infinite numbers, without a beginning or end.]

Purusha Ye've'dhagum Sarvam Yath Bhootham Yascha Bowyam
Uthamru Thathvath Esaanah: Yadhannenaathi Rohathi

2. Purusha, the Man, is all that has been in the past,all that is coming and all that exists now. He is the ruler of immortality, as He comes out beyond everything and grows through food.

Ethaa Vaanasya Mahimaa Athojyaa Yaaguscha Poorushah
Paadhosya Visvaa Bhoothaani Thripaadhasyaa Mruthandhivi

3. What we see here is all the greatness of this Purusha, the Man, and is yet more than this. All creatures of this universe is only a quarter of Him and the other three quarters are what is remaining immortal in Heaven.

Thripdoorthva Udhaith Purushah: Paathos -e'haabhavaath Punah
Thatho Vishvang Vyakraamath Saasanaana Sane Abhi

4. This three fourths of Purusha arise beyond the universe. One fourth of him only arose again and again here on earth. Thence, as He spread in all directions, appeared all those creations that eats food and that which eats not on this earth.

Thasmaadh viraadajaayatha Viraajo Adhipoorushah: |
Sajaatho Athyarikshatha Pascaadhbhoomim -athopuraha

5. From him the brilliant Viraaj was born, from Viraj came the primal Purusha.
When he was born, he spread beyond the earth, on all the sides to create all beings.
[Viraj is the Female principle, which with the primal Purusha produces the concrete universe. In the Atharvaveda She is an independent creative principle identified with Brahma, with speech and with Prajapathi.]

Yath purushena Havishaa Dhevaayakyamath anvatha
Vasanthoasya Aseethaajyam Greeshma Idhmas Saradhdhavihi

6. When the Devas (Celestial Angels) spread on the sacrificial offerings with Purusha as oblation, spring was its ghee [melted butter] summer the fuel, autumn the oblation.

Sapthaasyaasan Pari dhayah: Thrissabtha Samidhah Krithaah
Dhevaayath Yagnyamthan Vaanaah: Abhathnan Purusham Pasum

7. Seven Devas were the sticks that enclose the place of Yajña (Sacrificial Fire rituals), thrice seven [21] philosophical principles were made the fuel sticks; the Devas performed the Yajña and they bound the Purusha as the cow at the Yajña.

Tham Yagnyam Bharhishi Prowkshan Purusham Jaathamagrathah
Thena Devaa Ayajantha Saadhyaa Rushayaschaye

8. As the sacrifice on the Yajña they besprinkled the Purusha, born in the beginning. With him the Devas performed the Yajña along with Saadhyas (other Devas) and the Sages.

Thasmaath Yagnyaath Sarvahuthah: Sambrutham Brushadhaajyam
Pasoogusthaagus Chakre Vaayavyaan Aaranyan graamya -aschaye

9. From that sacrifice completely offered, formed the cream and ghee [melted butter]. He made it the beasts and birds of the air, of the forest and those of the villages.

Thasmaath Yagnyath sarvahuthah: Ruchassaamaani Jaggire
Chandaagumsi Jaggire Thasmaath Yajusthasmaath ajaayatha

10. From that sacrifice completely offered were born the verses (Rg Veda) and
the Saaman Melodies (Saamaveda). The Chhandhas metres were born from it.
From it was born the Sacrificial formula (Yajurveda).

Thasmaadhasvaa Ajayantha Yekecho Bhayaadhathah
Ghavoha Jaggire Thasmaath Thasmaath jaathaa ajaavayah

11. From this [Yajña] the horses were born and those that have one row and
two rows of teeth. Cattle were born from it. From it were born goats and sheep.

Yath Prusham Vyadhadhuhu Kathidhaavya kalpayan
Mukamkimasya Kowbhahoo Kaa Vooroo Paadhaa uchyethe

12. When they created this Universal Purusha, into how many forms did they make him? What was the form of his mouth? What was his two arms? What are his thighs and feet called?

Brhaahmanosya Mukmaaseeth Bhaahoo Raajanyakruthah
Uruthathasya Yadhvaisyah: Pathbyaagum Soodhro Ajaayatha

13. His mouth formed the Brahmin (teacher or Priest), his two arms were made the Rajaanya (Kshathriya or warrior), his two thighs the Vaisyaa (traders or Agriculturist) and from his feet the Soodhra (worker or servant) was born.

Chandramaa Manso Jaathah: Chakchos Sooryo Ajaayatha
Muka -adinthrascha -agnischa Praanaath Vaayurajaayatha

14. His mind (manas) formed the moon, from his eye became the sun, from his mouth came Indra and Agni, from his breath Vaayu (wind) was born.

Naabhyaa Aaseetha -anthariksham Seershnodhyows Samavarthatha
Pathbhyaam Bhoomir Dhisasrothraath - Thathaa Loghagum Akalpayan

15. From his navel arose the open sky, from his head the heaven originated, from his feet the earth was formed, the directions came from his ears. Thus did they create all the worlds.

Vedhaahametham Purusham Mahaantham - Aadhithyavarnam Thamasasthu Paare
Sarvaani Roopaani Vichithya dheerah: Naamaanikruthvaa - Abhivadhan Yathaasthe

16. The Purusha, is the creator of all forms and is given all the names. As we know his great qualities, He is all powerfull, beyond darkness, bright like the Sun performing all actions.

Dhaathaa Purasthaath Yamuthaajahaara - Sakrapravidhvaan Prathisaschathasrah
Thamevam Vidhvaanamrutha Iha Bhavathi - Naanyapanthaa Ayanaayavidhyathe

17. He who understands this Purusha, whom Brahma called Paramathma,
whom Indira saw in all four directions, attains Moksha [liberation] in this birth.

Yaggnena Yaguamayajantha dhevaah: - Thaani Dharmaani Prathamaanyasan
Thehanakam Mahimaanassajanthe - Yathra Poorve Saadhyassanthi Devaah

18. The Devas who worshipped this Purusha, by this Yajña and by all the Dharma,
attained high levels in Svarga. All persons performing this Yajña shall reach similar status.

Narayana Sooktam -- Hymn to Lord Narayana

NARAYANA SOOKTAM

Sahasraa sersham devam viswaasham viswaasambhuvam
Viswam naaraayanam devamaksharam pramam padam

This universe is the eternal being (Narayana), the imperishable, the supreme, the goal, multi-headed and multi-eyed (i.e., omnipresent and omniscient), the resplendent, the source of delight for he whole universe.

Viswataah paramam nityam viswam naaraayanam hariim
Viswaamevedam purushaastadvisvampajeevati

This universe is the supreme being (Purusha) alone; hence it subsists on that, the eternal which transcends it (in every way), the omnipresent absolute which destroys all sins.

Patim viswasyatmeswaram saswatam sivamachyutam
Naaraayanam mahaajneyam viswaatmanam paraayanam

The protector of the universe, the lord of all souls (or lord over self), the perpetual, the auspicious, the indestructible, the goal of all creation, the supreme object worthy of being known, the soul of all beings, the refuge unfailing (is he).

Naaraayanaa paro jyotiratma naaraayanaa paraah
Naaraayanaa param brahmaa tattwam naaraayanaah paraah
Naaraayanaa paro dhyaatah dhyaanam naaraayanah paraah

The lord Narayana is the supreme absolute; Narayana is the supreme reality; Narayana is the supreme light; Narayana is the supreme self; Narayana is the supreme meditator; Narayana is the supreme meditation.

Yachca kinchit jagat sarvam drshyate srooyatepi va
Antar bahisca tatsvaram vyapya naaraayanaah sthitah

Whatever all this universe is, -seen or heard of, -pervading all this from inside and outside alike, stands supreme the eternal divine being (Narayana).

Anantamavyayam kavim samudrentam viswaa sambhuvam
Padma kosaa praateeksam hrdayam capyadho mukham

He is the limitless, imperishable, omniscient, residing in the ocean of he heart, the cause of the happiness of the universe, the supreme end of all striving, (manifesting himself) in the ether of the heart which is comparable to an inverted bud of the lotus flower.

Adho nishtya vitastyante nabhyaamupari tishtati
Jwaalamalaa kulaam bhaati vishwasyayatanam mahat

Below the adams apple, at a distance of a span, and above the navel (i.e., the heart which is the relative seat of the manifestation of pure consciousness in the human being), effulges the great abode of the universe, as if adorned with garlands of flames.

Santaatam silaabhistu lambaatyaa kosaannibham
Tasyante sushiram sookshman tasmin sarvam pratishtam

Surrounded on all sides by nerve-currents (or arteries), suspends the lotus-bud of the heart in an inverted position. It is in a subtle space (a narrow aperture, the sushumna-nadi), and therein is to be found the substratum of all things.

Tasyaa madhye mahaanagnir vishwachir visvato mukha
Sograabhugvibhajan tishthannahaaraa maajaraah kaavih

In that space within the heart resides the great flaming fire, undecaying, all-knowing, with tongues spread out in all directions, with faces turned everywhere, consuming food presented before it, and assimilating it unto itself.

Triyaa goordhwaa masdhassayee rasmayaatasyaa santataa
Santapayati swam deha mapadatalaamaastaagah
Tasyaa madhye vahnisikha aaneeyordhwaa vyaavasthithaa

His rays, spreading all around, side ways as well as above and below, warm up the whole body from head to foot. In the center of that (flame) abides the tongue of fire as the topmost of all subtle things. (note: due to the attachments and entanglements of the jiva in worldly enjoyment and suffering, the consciousness is enshrouded in potential as well as expressed objectivity, and hence it appears like a tiny streak of flame within the dark clouds of ignorance. But when the jiva rises above worldliness the consciousness is realized as he infinite.)

Neelaatoyaada madhyaasthad vidyullekhavaa bhaswaraa
Neevaaraasooka vattanvee peeta bhaswatyanoopama

Brilliant like a streak of lightning set in the midst of the blue rain-bearing clouds, slender like the awn of a paddy grain, yellow (like gold) in colour, in subtlety comparable to the minute atom, (this tongue of fire) grows splendid.

Tasyaa sikhayaa madhye paramaatmaa vyavasthithaah
Saa brahmaa saa sivaah saa hariih sendraah soksharaah paramah swarat

In the middle of that flame, the supreme self dwells. This (self) is Brahma (the creator), Siva (the destroyer), Hari (the protector), Indra (the ruler), the imperishable, the absolute, the autonomous being. Prostrations again and again to the omni-formed being, the truth, the law, the supreme absolute, the Purusha of blue-decked yellow hue, the centralised-force, power, the all-seeing one.

Ritam satyam param brahmaa purusham krishnaa pingalam
Oordhwaaretam viroopaaksham viswaroopaayaa vai namo namah

Prostrations again and again to the omni-formed being, the truth, the law, the supreme absolute, the Purusha of blue-decked yellow hue, the centralised-force, power, the all-seeing one.

Naaraayanayaa vidhmahe Vasudevaayaa dheemahi Tanno vishnuh prachodayaat

We commune ourselves with Narayana, and meditate on vasudeva, may that vishnu direct us (to the great goal).

Vishnornukam veeryaani pravocham yaah paarthivaani raajaamsi yo
Askabhayaaduttaram sadhastham vichaakramanas tredhorugayo vishnuh
Raaratamasi vishnuh syooraasi vishnuh dhruvamsi vaishnavaamasi vishnave tva

Which valor and deed of the all-pervading Vishnu may I glorify? He has enveloped the earth and he heaven even up to the minutest dust of creation. Vishnu supports the abode of gods, preventing it from being shaken from its position. He takes three strides (which may mean the three strides which Vishnu took in his incarnation as Vamana or the three strides which the sun is supposed to take in the sky during the day, or he form Vishnu is supposed to take as Agni, vayu and Surya) as the most gloriously euoligised one. O thou, instrument of yajna, who are the front and rear of vishnu’s form as yajna, thou who art its mouth and its connection. Thou art the firm support. Thou art verily Vishnu. I prostrate myself before thee.

Om shanti shanti shantih

Om. May there be peace, peace, peace

KANDA SHASTI VIRATHAM

Skanda Shasti or Kanda Shasthi Vrata

Kanda Shasthi Vratam is an important observance to LORD KARTHIKEYA. It is observed in the Tamil month of Aippasi ,after Deepavali( October - November) and most devotees fast during the 6-day period.

In addition to the Skanda Sashti, devotees of Lord Subramanya observe weekly and monthly days in His honour. Every Friday, or the Kartigai Nakshatram day every month, or the sixth day of the bright fortnight,-all these are sacred days for His devotees. The sixth day of the month of Tulam (October-November) is the most auspicious of them all. This is the Skanda Sashti day.

There is no common method of Skanda Shasti fasting. Different devotees observe it differently. But there are some basic rules followed by all the devotees.Non-vegetarian food is completely avoided during the period. Those who are observing the fast make it a point to read scriptures related to Lord karthikeyan ( Kanta Shasti Kavasam or Subramaniya Bhujangam,kandaguru kavasam,kanda puranam.)Most devotees also visit Skanda temples during the period.

Sashti: Sashti is the sixth phase of moon. This is an auspicious day for lord Muruga. According to the legend, Lord Muruga slayed the demon Soorapadman on sashti and every sashti is devoted to Lord karthikeya. This vratham is observed by all devotees of Lord karthikeya. This vratham is observed to get progeny

Kanda Shasti fasting, some devotees only take a single meal a day. Some take the meal at noon and others at night. Some devotees take only fruits and juices ,coconut water and lime juice,during the 6-day period.

The Shasti fasting begins with sunrise. The fast is broken on the next day morning after praying to Lord Surya (Sun God).Most people observing the fast make it a point to visit Murugan Temple on this day. It is a complete fast in many places. But this might not be quite possible for many people due to job, health and other reasons. So many people take some sort of vegetarian food on this day – this is usually a single meal in the afternoon or night.
Many people take for a fruit diet on the day. Some avoid solid food.In several Kerala Muruga temples, many devotees eat a single rice meal at noon given from the temple. The cooked rice is consumed without any major side dishes.The method of fasting differs from region to region. But all non-vegetarian food is avoided on the day.
Devotees listen to stories related to Skanda and reading of Skanda Purana. Another activity during the day is the reciting of Kanta Shasti Kavasam.
Fasting is not just abstaining from food but it also an attempt to instill positive thoughts. Many people use fasting as a means to fight against anger, lust, impatience and other negative tendencies. All Vratas associated with Hindu religion is an attempt to realize the Brahman.
Kanda Shasti Vratam is observed once a year in the month of ‘Aippasi’ (October–November) starting from the ‘piratamai’ the 1st phase of the brightening moon.Of all Kanda temples it is the one in Tirunchendur in Tamil Nadu, India that draws the largest number of Kanda devotees. All roads, at the time of the Vratam, seem to lead to Tirunchendur. Beside the temple by the sea there appears to be a sea of heads. The Kantan's Tiruvilaiyaadal (divine sport) Soora Samharam is enacted during the sixth day of the festival. This is a drama to grant a great boon to Curapatman by Kantan. Curapatman is given the honour of becoming Kantan's vehicle mayil vahanam (peacock vehicle) and ceval kodi (the rooster on Kantan’s flag).Skanda shasti means trimph of lord Subhramanya over the evil sura padma.The son of lord Siva killed the demon sura padma with his holy spear(vel) and brought relief and joy to the suffering demi Gods and humanity.Allegorially the vel represents Jana sakti(Power of wisdom) of the lord. Sura padma the demon of ego and ignorance with in us. Lord subhramanya is hence considered to be the personification of wisdom itself. The five days prior to skanda shashti are days of severe austerities for the devotees of Muruga. The day after skanda shshti is celebrated as Deva sena Kalyanam

This is celebrated with great eclat in temples, especially in the six places sacred to Muruga .
(Aaru padai veedu, in Tamil) -

Tiruchendur, http://tiruchendur.org/
Tirupparankunram, http://murugan.org/temples/parankundram.htm
Pazhamudir solai, http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/m003.html
Palani, http://palani.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palani
Swamimalai, http://murugan.org/temples/swamimalai.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swamimalai
and Tiruttani. http://murugan.org/temples/tiruttani.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiruttani
The glory of Lord Muruga from one of the six scriptures in His praise, namely: Tirumurukarruppadai, Kandar Kalivenba, Kandar Anubhuti, Kandar Alankaram, Kanda Sashti Kavacam and Kanda Puranam.

Sattiyila irundha agapayil varum( this proverb is mostly misunderstood like only if something is there in the vessel it would come in the spoon) actually the proverb means if u follow sashti viratham ( it comes twice in a month) one would concieve.sashti viradhamirundhal agapai(uterus) il varum.





http://www.sivanandadlshq.org/religions/skanda.htm

http://www.indiadivine.org/articles/420/1/Kanda-Shasti-Vratam/Page1.html

http://www.sriveeramakaliamman.com/festivals.htm#m

Skanda Sasti Kavacham part 1

skanda sasti kavacham

Kural Venpa
Thuthiporkku val vinai pom,Thunbam pom,Nenjil pathiporkku selvam palithu kadithongumNishtayum kaikoodumNimalar Arul kanthar sashti kavacham thanai
Kaappu
amarar idar theera amaram purinthakumaranadi nenjeh kuri

Kavacham
Sashtiyai nokka saravana bavanaar

sishtarukku uthavum sengkathir velon

paatham irandil panmani sathangai

geetham paada kinkini yaada

maiya nadam seiyum mayil vahananaar (5)vaasavan maruhaa varuha varuha

nesak kuramahal ninaivon varuha

aarumuham padaitha aiyaa varu

haneeridum velavan nitham varuha

sirahiri velavan seekkiram varuha (15)

saravana bavanaar saduthiyil varuha

rahana bavasa ra ra ra ra ra ra

rarihana bavasa ri ri ri ri ri ri ri

vinabava sarahana veeraa namo nama

nibava sarahana nira nira nirena (20)

vasara hanabava varuha varuha

asurar kudi kedutha aiyaa varuha

yennai yaalum ilaiyon kaiyil

pannirendu aayutham paasaan gusamum

parantha vizhihal pannirandu ilanga (25)
virainthu yenaik kaakka velon varuha

aiyum kiliyum adaivudan sauvum

uyyoli sauvum uyiraiyum kiliyum

kiliyum sauvum kilaroli yaiyum

nilai petrenmun nithamum olirum (30
Shanmuhan neeyum thaniyoli yovvum

kundaliyaam siva guhan thinam varuha

aaru muhamum animudi aarum

neeridu netriyum neenda puruvamum

panniru kannum pavalach chevvaayum (35
nanneri netriyil navamanich chuttiyum

eeraaru seviyil ilahu kundalam

umaariru thinpuyathu azhahiya maarbil

palboo shanamum pathakkamum tharith

unanmanipoonda navarathna maalaiyum (40)
Muppuri noolum muthani maarbum

Sepppazhahudaiya thiruvayir unthiyum

thuvanda marungil sudaroli pattum

navarathnam pathitha nartchee raavum

Thiruvadi yathanil silamboli muzhangaseha

gana seha gana seha gana segana

moga moga moga moga moga moga mogana

naha naha naha naha naha naha nahena

digu kuna digu digu digu kuna diguna (50)


ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra

ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri

du du du du du du du du du du du du du du du

dagu dagu digu digu dangu dingugu

vinthu vinthu mayilon vinthu
Munthu munthu muruhavel munthu

yenthanai yaalum yehraha selva

mainthan vehndum varamahizhnth thuthavum

laalaa laalaa laalaa vehsham

umleelaa leelaa leelaa vinothanendru (60)
Unthiru vadiyai uruthi yendrennum

yen thalai vaithun yinaiyadi kaaka

yennuyirk uyiraam iraivan kaaka

panniru vizhiyaal baalanaik kaakaa

diyen vathanam azhahuvel kaaka (65)
Podipunai netriyaip punithavel kaaka

kathirvel irandu kanninaik kaaka

vithisevi irandum velavar kaaka

naasihal irandum nalvel kaaka

pesiya vaaythanai peruvel kaaka (70)
Muppathirupal munaivel kaaka

seppiya naavai sevvel kaaka

kannam irandum kathirvel kaaka

yennilang kazhuthai iniyavel kaaka

maarbai irathna vadivel kaaka (75
Serila mulaimaar thiruvel kaaka

vadivel iruthol valamberak kaaka

pidarihal irandum peruvel kaaka

azhahudan muthuhai arulvel kaaka

pazhu pathinaarum paruvel kaaka (80
Vetrivel vayitrai vilangave kaaka

sitridai azhahura sevvel kaaka

naanaam kayitrai nalvel kaaka

aan penn kurihalai ayilvel kaaka

pittam irandum peruvel kaaka (85)
Vattak kuthathai valvel kaaka

panai thodai irandum paruvel kaaka

kanaikaal muzhanthaal kathirvel kaaka

aiviral adiyinai arulvel kaaka

kaihal irandum karunaivel kaaka (90)
Munkai irandum muranvel kaaka

pinkai irandum pinnaval irukka

naavil sarasvathi natrunai yaaha

naabik kamalam nalvel kakka

muppaal naadiyai munaivel kaaka (95)
Yeppozhuthum yenai yethirvel kaaka

adiyen vasanam asaivula neram

kaduhave vanthu kanahavel kaaka

varum pahal thannil vachravel kaaka

arai irul thannil anaiyavel kaaka (100
Yemathil saamathil yethirvel kaaka

thaamatham neeki chathurvel kaaka

kaaka kaaka kanahavel kaaka

noaka noaka nodiyil noaka

thaakka thaakka thadaiyara thaakka (105)
kollivaayp peihalum kuralaip peihalum

penkalai thodarum bramaraa chatharum

adiyanaik kandaal alari kalangida
Irisi kaatteri ithunba senaiyum

yellilum iruttilum yethirpadum mannarum (115)



Kana pusai kollum kaaliyodu anaivarum

vittaan gaararum migu pala peihalum

thandiyak kaararum sandaalar halum

yen peyar sollavum idi vizhunthodida
aanai adiyinil arum paavaihalum (120)

poonai mayirum pillaihal enpum

nahamum mayirum neenmudi mandaiyum

paavaihal udane pala kalasathudan

manaiyil puthaitha vanjanai thanaiyum

ottiya paavaiyum ottiya serukkum (125)

kaasum panamum kaavudan sorum

othu manjanamum oruvazhi pokum

adiyanaik kandaal alainthu kulainthida

maatran vanjahar vanthu vanangida

kaala thoothaal yenai kandaal kalangida (130
Vaay vittalari mathi kettoda

padiyinil mutta paasak kayitraal

kattudan angam katharida kattu

katti uruttu kaal kai muriya (135
Kattu kattu katharida kattu

muttu muttu muzhihal pithungida

sekku sekku sethil sethilaaha

sokku sokku soorpahai sokku

kuthu kuthu koorvadi velaal (140)

patru patru pahalavan thanaleri

thanaleri thanaleri thanalathuvaaha

viduvidu velai verundathu oda
Puliyum nariyum punnari naayum

yeliyum karadiyum inithodarnthu oda (145)

Thelum paambum seyyaan pooraan

kadivida vishangal kadithuyar angam

yeriya vishangal yelithudan iranga

NithyaSree Mahadevan Skanda Sasti Kavacham part 2

thaakka thaakka thadaiyara thaakka
Paarka paarka paavam podipada

billi soonyam perumpahai ahala

valla bootham valaashtihap peihal

allal paduthum adangaa muniyum

pillaihal thinnum puzhakadai muniyum (110)



kollivaayp peihalum kuralaip peihalum

penkalai thodarum bramaraa chatharum

adiyanaik kandaal alari kalangida
Irisi kaatteri ithunba senaiyum

yellilum iruttilum yethirpadum mannarum (115)



Kana pusai kollum kaaliyodu anaivarum

vittaan gaararum migu pala peihalum

thandiyak kaararum sandaalar halum

yen peyar sollavum idi vizhunthodida
aanai adiyinil arum paavaihalum (120)

poonai mayirum pillaihal enpum

nahamum mayirum neenmudi mandaiyum

paavaihal udane pala kalasathudan

manaiyil puthaitha vanjanai thanaiyum

ottiya paavaiyum ottiya serukkum (125)

kaasum panamum kaavudan sorum

othu manjanamum oruvazhi pokum

adiyanaik kandaal alainthu kulainthida

maatran vanjahar vanthu vanangida

kaala thoothaal yenai kandaal kalangida (130
anji nadungida arandu purandida

Vaay vittalari mathi kettoda

padiyinil mutta paasak kayitraal

kattudan angam katharida kattu

katti uruttu kaal kai muriya (135
Kattu kattu katharida kattu

muttu muttu muzhihal pithungida

sekku sekku sethil sethilaaha

sokku sokku soorpahai sokku

kuthu kuthu koorvadi velaal (140)

patru patru pahalavan thanaleri

thanaleri thanaleri thanalathuvaaha

viduvidu velai verundathu oda.
Puliyum nariyum punnari naayum

yeliyum karadiyum inithodarnthu oda (145)

Thelum paambum seyyaan pooraan

kadivida vishangal kadithuyar angam

yeriya vishangal yelithudan iranga
Polippum sulukkum oruthalai noyum

vaatham sayithiyam valippu pitham (150)

soolai sayam kunmam sokku sirangu

kudaichal silanthi kudalvip purithi

pakka pilavai padarthodai vaazhai

kaduvan paduvan kaithaal silanthi

parkuthu aranai paru arai yaakkum (155)

yellap piniyum yendranaik kandaa

lnillaa thoda nee yenak arulvaay

puliyum nariyum punnari naayum

yeliyum karadiyum inithodarnthu oda
Eerezhula hamum yenak uravaah

aaanum pennum anaivarum yenakka

amannaal arasarum mahizhnthura vaahavum (160
unnai thuthikka un thirunaamam

saravana bavane sailoli bavanee

thirupura bavane thigazholi bavane

paripura bavane pavamozhi bavane

arithiru maruhaa amaraa pathiyai (165)

kaathu thevarkal kadum sirai viduthaay

kanthaa guhane kathir velavane

kaarthihai mainthaa kadambaa kadambanai

idumbanai yendra iniyavel muruhaa
thanihaa salane sangaran puthalvaa (170)

katirkaa mathurai kathirvel muruhaa

pazhani pathivaazh baala kumaara

aaavinan kudivaazh azhahiya vela

senthil maamalai yuryum sengalva raaya

asamaraa purivaazh shanmuha tharase (175)
kaarar kuzhalaal kalaimahal nandraay

yennaa irukka yaan unai paada

yenai thodarnthu irukkum yenthai muruhanai

padinen aadinen paravasa maaha

aadinen naadinen aavinan poothiyey (180
nesamudan yaan netriyil aniya

paasa vinaihal patrathu neengi

unpatham perave unnarulaaha

anbudan rakshi annamum sonnamum

metha methaaha velaayu thanaar (185
sithi petradiyen sirappudan vazhga
vaazhga vaazhga mayilon vaazhga

vaazhga vaazhga vadivel vaazhga

vaazhga vaazhga malai guru vaazhga

vaazhga vaazhga malai kura mahaludan (190)

vaazhga vaazhga vaarana thuvasam

vaazhga vaazhga yen varumaihal neenga
yethanai kuraihal yethanai pizhaihal

yethanai adiyen yethanai seiyinum

petravan neeguru poruppathu unkadan (195)

petraval kuramahal petravalaame

pillai yendranbaay piriya malithu

mainthan yenmeethu unmanam mahizhntharuli

thanjam yendradiyaar thazhaithida arulsey

kanthar sashti kavasam virumbiya (200)
baalan theva raayan paharn thathai

kaalaiyil maalaiyil karuthudan naalum

aasaa rathudan angam thulakki

nesamudan oru ninaivathu vaahi

kanthar sashti kavasam ithanai (205)

sindhai kalangaathu thiyaani pavarhal

orunaal muppathaa ruru kondu

othiyeh jebithu uhanthu neeraniya

ashta thikkullor adangalum vasamaay

thisai mannar yenmar seyalathu (sernthangu) arulvar (210)
maatrala rellaam vanthu vananguvar

navakol mahizhnthu nanmai alithidum

navamatha nenavum nallezhil peruvar

enthanaalum eerettaay vaazhvar

kantharkai velaam kavasa thadiyai (215)
vazhiyaay kaana meiyaay vilangum

vizhiyaal kaana verundidum peigal

pollathavarai podi podi yaakkum

nallor ninaivil nadanam puriyum

sarva sathuru sankaa rathadi (220)
arintha yenathullaam ashta letchmihalil

veera letchmikku virun thunavaaha

soora bathmaavaith thunithagai yathanaal

iruba thezhvarkku uvan thamuthalitha

gurubaran pazhani kundrinil irukkum (225)

chinna kuzhanthai sevadi potri
yenai thadu thaatkola yendrana thullum

meviya vadivurum velava potri

thevargal senaa pathiye potri

kuramahal manamahizh kove potri (230
thiramihu thivya thehaa potri

idumbaa yuthane idumbaa potri

kadambaa potri

kanthaa potri

vetchi punaiyum veleh potri

uyargiri kanaha sabaikor arase (235

mayilnada miduvoy malaradi saranam

saranam saranam saravanabava Om

saranam saranam shanmuhaa saranam

saranam saranam shanmuhaa saranam

NAMES BASED ON BIRTH STARS

Name according to aksara corresponding to nakshatra:
Each naksatra is divided into four equal parts. Each part is assigneda syllable. After determining which nakshatra and which quarter ofthe nakshatra that the child was born in, a name shoul be chosenwhich begins with syllable corresponding to the particular quarter ofthe nakshatra. Any syllable with an "o" sound may substitute an "au"sound. An syllable with an "e" sound may substitute an "ai"sound. "S" may be substituted for "s".
Nakshatra at birth: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters or padas of it:
asvina cu, ce, co, la,
bharani li, lu, le, lo,
krtikka a, i, u, e.
rohini o, ba, bi, bu,
mrga sirsa be, bo, ka, ki,
ardra ku, gha, na, cha,
punarvasu ke, ko, ha, hi,
pusya hu, he, ho, da,
aslesa di, du, de, do,
magha ma, mi, mu, me.
purva phalguni mo, ta, ti, tu.
uttara phalguni te, to, pa, pi.
hasta pu, sa, na, tha,
citra pe, po, ra, ri.
svati ru, re, ro, ta.
visakha ti, tu, te, to.
anuradha na, ni, nu, ne.
jyestha no, ya, yi, yu.
mula ye, yo, bha, bhi.
purvasadha bhu, dha, pha, dha.
uttarasadha bhe, bho, ja, ji.
abhijit ju, je, jo, kha.
sravana khi, khu, khe, kho.
dhanistha ga, gi, gu, ge.
satabhisa go, sa, si, su, sa, si, su.
purva bhadra se, so, se, so, da, di.
uttara bhadrapada du, tha, jha, na (and tra)
revati de, do, ca, ci
According to zodiac sign:
Begining with the letters as follows:
21 March/ 20 April mesa / Aries : a, la
21 April/ 20 May vrsaba / Taurus; u, va, i, e, o
21 May/ 20 June mithuna /Gemini; ka, cha, bha, na
21 June/ 20 July karkara / Cancer; bha, ha
21 July/20 Aug simha / Leo: ta, ?
21 Aug/ 20Sept kanya / Virgo; pa, tha, ya, na
21 Sept/ 20 Oct tula / Libra: ra, tav21 Oct/ 20 Nov vrsicha / Scorpio; na, ya
21 Nov/ 20 Dec dhanus / Sagitarius: bha, bha, pha, dha
21 Dec/ 20 Jan makara /Capricorn; tha, ja
21 Jan/ 20 Feb kumbha /Aquarius: ga, sa
21 Feb/ 20 March mina / Pisces: da, ca na, jha
Name after Month deity
The second mode of naming was based on the deity of the month in which the child was born. According to Gargya, the names of thedeities of months beginning from Margasirsa are Karnna, Ananta,Achyuta, Chakri, Vaikuntha, Janardana, Upendra, Yjnapurusa, Vasudeva,hari, Yogisa, and Pundarikaksa. The child was given a second nameconnected with the deity of the month. The above names are all ofVaisnava sect and they originated much later than the sutra period.
Name after Family deity
The third name was given according to the family deity. A familydeity was a god or goddess worshipped in a family or tribe from everyearly times. The people naming a child after it thought that thechild would enjoy special protection of the deity. The deity may beVedic e.g. Indra, Soma, varuna, Mitra, Prajapati, or Puranic e.g.Krishna, rama, Sankara, Ganesa etc.
While naming the child, the wordDasa or Bhakta (a devotee) was added to the name of the deity.

Popular Name

The last mode of naming was popular.The formation of this name mainlydepended on the culture and education of the family.Forbidden or prohibited namesThe following female names should be avoided.Names after a constellation such as Rohini, Revati etc. should beavoided. Names of trees and plants such as Champa, Tulasi etc., Names of rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati etc. Names formed on thebasis of lowering merit like ChandaliNames of mountains like Vindhyachal, Himalaya,etc.,Names of birdslike Kokila, Hansa etc., Names of snakes such as Sarpini, Nagin, etcNames suggestive of menial servants or other orderlies like Dasi,kinkakari etc., Names that create an awe or fear like Bheema,Bhayankari, Chandika etc.,. The above types of names are prohibitednames for female children.

NAMA KARANA

NAMA KARANA
(Giving a Name to the child)
Nama karana, or name giving, in which the father officially and publically declares the name of the child for all to know and use. The ceremony of naming a child. Nama literally means 'name' and karana means 'to make, to effect'.

The child should be named on the tenth, twelfth, hundred and first day, (101 st), or one full year from his birth.
It may be convenient to also do the Niskramanam ceremony at this time. (If the Niskra)

Then the house is cleaned and purified, and the child and mother ceremonially bathed. Friends and relatives are invited to see the child and participate in the celebration. The puja involves, other than the child and priest, the father, mother, and sometimes the paternal grandmother. First the mother covers the child in a new cloth. She wets the child's head with water, symbolically bathing him, and then gives the child either to the father or the paternal grandmother. Next, the priest invokes the blessings of Agni, the planetary bodies, and other gods.

The mother, holding the child covered in clean cloth, should be situated on the husband's right side.
She should give the child to her husband and pass behind him and come to his left side. She should sit facing east on kusa grass with tips facing northamanam is included then do the Nama Karanam in the home first and then take the child to the temple, alternatively take the child to the temple and do both Niskramanam first then Naama Karanam .That day to the ceremony, the house is given a proper wash and purified with some rites. The child and the mother are given a ceremonial bath. The child, covered with clean cloth, is held by the father during the ceremony. Symbolic offerings are made to various deities and a proper name is chosen as per the prescribed convention. This name is uttered by the parents in the child’s ear three times. The child is blessed by the elders and the brahmins present and they call the child by the new name.The name of a child may be derived from the star constellation of its birth, the deity associated with the Hindu month in which it was born or the family deity. Apart from the tradition, the child’s name may be chosen depending on a popular choice in the household, which is the norm in today’s society.
The Hindu scriptures also prescribe a set of inauspicious names belonging to constellations, tree, plants and rivers, which should be avoided. Some names which may seem to belong to a servant or other similar lower status person and the names that may sound fearful are also not recommended.

The Nakshatra name:

This is given according to the constellation, or Nakshatra, (the stars. see Panchangam) the child is born under. Each constellation has a name, and several letters of the Sanskrit alphabet are also assigned to it. The Nakshatra name could therefore be the name of the constellation itself, or begin with any of the letters assigned to that constellation.
The name of the deity of the month:

Each month of the Hindu calendar is associated with a particular deity, which usually has several names. The child's second name is one of the names of the deity of the month in which it is born.
The name of the family deity: Every Namakarana family has one deity who has been worshipped for generations. The name of this deity is given to protect the child from evil.
The popular name:

This is the name that the child is known by. It depends on the culture and education of the family, and should be auspicious.
The name should be easy to pronounce and sound pleasant;
It should contain a specified number of syllables and vowels;
It should indicate the sex of the child;
It should signify fame, wealth, or power; and
It should be suggestive of the caste of the family. A priest making a child's horoscope during the naming ceremony. Namakarana meanings in the belief that this will frighten away diseases, and evil spirits and influences
Nowadays, this ceremony usually takes place on the twelfth day after birth. It is not a formal ceremony, but more of an opportunity to invite family and friends to celebrate the baby's arrival. There is usually a havan, and then the child's name is announced to the gathering. Usually only a Nakshatra name and a popular name are given.
The priest makes an astrological calculation according to the time and date on which the child is born. On this basis, he prescribes a letter of the alphabet with which the child's Nakshatra name should begin. If the family is agreeable, this name doubles as the popular name as well. Usually, however, the nakshatra name is not used, and the child is given another name by which he is commonly known

This ceremony is performed, normally, on the tenth or twelfth day after birth. If there are inconveniences it is taken to the end of the first year. The appropriate day for this function is the 10th, 12th or 16th day of the childs birth. Failing to perform it on any of these days, an auspicious day, say the Vedas should be chosen for the purpose  after the 16th day of the childs birth.
After preliminaries the parent gives the offering to gods, touches the breath of the child symbolizing the awakening of its consciousness and says in its ear: Your name is.. thrice. The Brahmins and elders are asked to follow, calling the child by that name and blessing it. A personality is sought to be given.

The Namakaranaceremony was performed on the tenth or the twelfth day after the birth of the child with the single exception of the secret name whichwas given, in the opinion of some, on the birth day. But the lateroptions range from the tenth up to the first day of the second year.One authority says, "The naming ceremony should be performed on thetenth, twelfth, hundredth day or at the expiry of the first year."This wide option was due to the convenience of the family and healthof the mother and the child. But the option from the tenth up tothirty second day was due to the different periods of ceremonialimpurities prescribed for different casts. In the opinion of Brihaspati, "The naming ceremonies should be performed on the tenth,twelfth, thirteenth, sixteenth, nineteenth, or thirty-second day after the birth of the child." But according to astrological workseven these dates were to be postponed if there was any naturalabnormality or lack of religious propriety. "If there be a Samkranti(the passage of the sun from one zodiac to another), and eclipse orsraddha, the ceremony cannot be auspicious." There were otherprohibited days also which should be avoided.

http://www.hknet.org.nz/namakarana.html

RAKSHA BANDAN-RAKHI

Rakhi Festival is celebrated both in India and different parts of world with fervour and enthusiasm. The day is celebrated with sister's tying rakhi on their brother's wrist, performing arti and also praying for their long life. In turn, brothers vow to protect their sisters and come for their rescue in times of need.
It is the celebration of brothers and sisters. It is one festival that primarily The sisters tie that thread of love to their brothers amongst chanting of mantras, put roli and rice on his forehead and pray for his well being. She bestows him with gifts and blessings. The brother also wishes her a good life and pledges to take care of her. He gives her a return gift. The gift is the physical acceptance of her love, reminder of their togetherness and a symbol of his pledge. The legends and the reference in history repeated, the significance of the festival is emphasized belongs to the North and Western regions of India but celebrated throughout the country
In Northern India, Rakhi Purnima is also called Kajri Purnima or Kajri Navami, when wheat or barley is sown, and goddess Bhagwati is worshipped. In Western states, the festival is called Nariyal Purnima or the Coconut Full Moon. In Southern India, Shravan Purnima is an important religious occasion, especially for the Brahmins.
Raksha Bandhan is known by various names: Vish Tarak - the destroyer of venom, Punya Pradayak - the bestower of boons, and Pap Nashak - the destroyer of sins

Sravani is an ancient Vedic festival traditionally associated with the Brahmins on which day they change their sacred thread. Both Raksha Bandhan and Sravani are celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Shravan (August).Rakshabandhan or Rakhi which is celebrated on a full moon day in the month of Sravan (August) is a day when brothers and sisters reaffirm their bonds of affection. It is usually a festival of the Hindus though today people from different religions participate as well.Once, Indra was confronted by the demon king - the Daitya-raaja - in a long-drawn battle. At one stage, the Daitya-raaja got better of Indra and drove him into wilderness. Indra, humbled and crest-fallen, sought the advice of Brihaspati, the Guru of Gods. The Guru told him to bide his time, prepare himself and then march against his adversary. He also indicated that the auspicious moment for sallying forth was the Shraavana Poornima. On that day, Shachee Devi, the wife of Indra, and Brihaspati tied Raakhis around Indra's right-wrist. Indra then advanced against the Daitya-raaja, vanquished him and reestablished his sovereignty.
Sisters tie colourful threads or rakhis on their brother's wrists. The brothers in turn promise to protect their sisters and give them gifts. Around mid-August, on Shravan Purnima, Once, Indra was confronted by the demon king - the Daitya-raaja - in a long-drawn battle. At one stage, the Daitya-raaja got better of Indra and drove him into wilderness. Indra, humbled and crest-fallen, sought the advice of Brihaspati, the Guru of Gods. The Guru told him to bide his time, prepare himself and then march against his adversary. He also indicated that the auspicious moment for sallying forth was the Shraavana Poornima. On that day, Shachee Devi, the wife of Indra, and Brihaspati tied Raakhis around Indra's right-wrist. Indra then advanced against the Daitya-raaja, vanquished him and reestablished his sovereignty. Hindus all over celebrate Raksha Bandhan. "Raksha" means protection, "bandhan" means bound or binding. The festival is also known as Balev.Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in different forms in different areas and it is also known by the names like rakhi, rakhri and saluno.

'Raksha (protection) Bandhan' (band) (a festival celebrated in north India) in August) signifies the sanctity of the blood relation between a brother and his sister. In the month of August every year, sisters tie raakhi (band) on the wrists of their brothers in a reaffirmation of this relationship. They wish each other's well-being and the brother vows to go to his sister's aid whenever the need may arise.
As per the traditions, the sister on this day prepares the pooja thali with diya, roli, chawal and rakhis. She worships the deities, ties Rakhi to the brother(s) and wishes for their well-being. The brother in turn acknowledges the love with a promise to be by the sisters' side through thick and thin and gives her a token gift. Raksha Bandhan tightens the bond of love between the sister and brother
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full-moon day in the month of Sravan (July- August). This day symbolises love, affection and a feeling of brotherhood and sisters tie a piece of thread, called rakhi around the wrist of their brothers, praying for their long life and happiness. This tradition of tying a rakhi has been coming down through the ages, since the vedic times.

HISTORY

The festival nurtures a rich heritage of legendary traditions, some rooted back to the ages of the great epics. In the Hindu tradition the Rakshaa has indeed assumed all aspects of protection of the forces of righteousness from the forces of evil.According to the Mahabharata, Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pancha Pandyava (the five brothers belonging to the family of king Pandu), asked Sri Krishna, an incarnation of lord Vishnu, how best he could guard himself against impending evils and catastrophes in the coming year. Krishna advised him to observe the Rakshaa Ceremony. He also narrated an old incident to show how potent the Rakshaa is. It went like this.Once, Indra, the king of heaven was confronted by the demon king - the Daitya-raaja - in a long-drawn battle. At one stage, the Daitya-raaja got better of Indra and drove him into wilderness. Indra, humbled and crest-fallen, sought the advice of Brihaspati, the Guru of Gods. The Guru told him to bide his time, prepare himself and then take on the mighty demon. He also indicated that the auspicious moment for sallying forth was the Shraavana Poornima. On that day, Shachee Devi, the wife of Indra, accompanied by Brihaspati tied Raakhi around Indra's right-wrist. Indra then advanced against the Daitya-raaja, vanquished him and reestablished his sovereignty.This is how Raksha Bandhan came into being in the ages of old Hindu mythology and has transcended into the modern ages acquiring more of new and modified customs with itself. The oldest story may have roots in the days when devas (gods) and asuras (non-gods) were engaged in a fierce struggle to dominate the creation. Indra, the king of devas, was defeated several times. Indrani, his consort, then did penance and prepared a bond of protection which she tied on the wrist of Indra. With the help of its power he defeated the asuras.
Another mythological story tells how Bali, the ruler of the earth, had to give away his whole empire to God Vishnu who appeared to him as a dwarf. Raksha Bandhan is believed to mark that event as well.

In the Hindu tradition the Rakshaa has indeed assumed all aspects of protection of the forces of righteousness from the forces of evil. Once, Yudhishthira asked Sri Krishna how best he could guard himself against impending evils and catastrophes in the coming year. Krishna advised him to observe the Rakshaa Ceremony. He also narrated an old incident to show how potent the Rakshaa is.







http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raksha_Bandhan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakhi

http://hinduism.about.com/library/weekly/aa080800a.htm
RAKSHA-BANDHAN