Kartik Purnima (15.11.2024) – Beginning of Shakti Period

Articles by Shishyas –
Ravi Trehan, Kirti Nagar Sthan, New Delhi.

The full moon day or the 15^th lunar day of Shukla Paksha of Kartika month is known as Kartika Purnima. This day is considered very auspicious. In fact, the whole month of ‘Kartika’ is considered sacred among all the twelve months of the year with one festival or the other being performed almost every third day. The last five days are considered more sacred (Panchaka) and ends with Kartika Purnima. This holy day is also celebrated as revered Guru Nanak Devji’s birthday. This year, Kartika Purnima falls on 15th November 2024.

Kartika Purnima has a very special significance for Shiv Bhakts. According to Param Pujya Guruji, Lord Shiva goes into deep meditation on ‘Kartik Purnima’ handing over His powers to Aadi Shakti, Maa Parvati, and emerges from that state on the midnight of Mahashivratri (except that He wakes up on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi for a day and again goes into deeper meditation to come out of it on Mahashivratri). As such, the period between ‘Kartika Purnima’ and Ganesh Chaturthi is called Shakti period when Aadi Shakti, Maa Parvati, in her different manifestations, is supreme and occupies an exalted position.

Under the domain of Maha Shakti period, it is only appropriate for all Shiv Bhakts, in fact all male members of the society, to be respectful and polite to all the Shakties in the form of mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, friends, in fact all female members of the society, and win their love and affection. Men folks should exercise restraint over their anger, harsh and indifferent behaviour towards women. After getting up from their sleep in the morning, they should look at the feet of female members of the family and foster lovable and compassionate feelings towards them.

When Lord Shiva (our Isht) is in Samadhi, it is the cardinal duty of all Shiv Bhakts to follow their Lord, i.e., to meditate (dhyaan yoga), practice maximum possible ‘Japa’ and lead a pious and ‘satoguni life in terms of ahaar (the nature of food that we consume), vyavhaar (conduct), and chintan (thought process). However, during the period from Kartik Purnima to Ganesh Chaturthi, Shiv mantras (e.g., Raksha mantra, Rudra mantra, Mahamrityunjay mantra, etc.) are not recited during Japa; only Shakti mantras and Guru mantras (e.g. Maa Chamunda mantra, Shaanti Mantra, Maha Lakshmi Mantra, Maa Sharda mantra, Maha Gayatri mantra, Aum Namo Shiv Aum, Aum Namo Gurudev etc.) are recited.

Similarly, laung, that is linked with Lord Shiva’s mantra, is discontinued from Kartika Purnima till Mahashivratri. However, elaichi, kali mirch, and jal are continued to be consumed during this period.

Dhanteras (October 29, 2024)

Articles by Shishyas
– Ravi Trehan, Kirti Nagar Sthan, New Delhi

Dhanteras is also known as Dhanatrayodashi. Dhan means wealth and Teras means 13th day. It is celebrated on the 13th lunar day of Krishnapaksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Ashwin (Kartik), one day before Deepavali. This year Dhanteras falls on October 29, 2024. On Dhanteras, Lakshmi – the Goddess of Wealth – is worshipped to provide prosperity and well-being. This day is considered auspicious to buy gold or silver jewellery or new utensils as a mark of respect to Goddess Lakshmi to bring good luck. Traditionally, in the evening, diyas of clay filled with mustard oil are lit at the entrance door of the house to welcome Dhan Lakshmi. As per instructions of Param Pujya Guruji, devotees are advised to observe the following rituals for benefit of financial prosperity and general well-being:

Get silver coin with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha etched on it, sanctified from Gurusthan. Goddess Lakshmi should be in a sitting posture.
After Sun-set on Divali day, five diyas of clay filled with mustard oil are to be lit at the following places – a) water tap, b) Tulsi plant, c) Peepal tree, d) at the crossing (preferably in the island of a round-about crossing to save diya from getting crushed under the running traffic), and e) at the cremation ground.
Later in the evening, on Divali day, sanctified silver coin of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha is to be given bath with panchanamrit (milk, honey, curd, butter, and Ganga jal or jal taken from Gurusthan).
Do japa of the following Lakshmi mantra and thereafter apply tilak at the holy feet of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, while reciting the mantra.“Aum Hring, Kling, Mahalakshmi Namah”
Tilak is to be applied at the holy feet of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for 41 days. Preferably, a particular time should be fixed for forty one days to perform this ritual in a sitting posture. After 41 days, wrap the coin in a red cloth or put it in a red colour pouch and keep it along with your treasure.
Ingredients of Tilak: a) kesar, b) rauli and c) Ganga jal (or jal taken from Gurusthan).

MAY MA LAKSHMI BESTOW UPON YOU GOOD HEALTH, WEALTH, HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY.

GURUDEV – WHAT A WONDERFUL MANAGEMENT TEACHER

Articles by Shishyas –
Ravi Trehan, Kirti Nagar Sthan, New Delhi.

Once while sitting with Him, He said FOCUS YOUR MIND on what you really want to achieve. If you are sitting with me, concentrate on what i am trying to convey. But if you are in my company and your mind is at home or is deliberating on some work problem, then you are neither here nor there. In such a situation, you will neither be able to absorb what I am saying, nor solve any of the problems at home or at your work place. To get the right result, your mind, body and conscience should be in harmony with each other and involved in the mission you are engaged in at that point of time.

Inversely also it is true. If you are at home or at your place of work, but instead of concentrating on the work at hand, your mind is with your Guru or else where, then again you will not be able to do justice to what you are doing. Same thing holds good when you are sitting for path, but your mind is running helter-skelter. You will not be able to achieve your objective. Mind’s inherent nature is to wander. With unrelenting practice, it has be tamed to become stable and tuned to learn the art of concentration. Just as the turbulent waters of different rivers, when they enter into an ocean, though ocean is full from all sides, remains calm and quite (undisturbed), likewise the human mind, which is an ocean of thoughts, has to become stable while receiving agreeable or disagreeable thoughts and situations.

If any effort is made with half-hearted attempt (when the mind, body and conscience are not in harmony with each other), then how can you expect to achieve full results. As such, FOCUS your mind, body and soul on what you are doing at a particular point of time and then there would be no obstacles on your way to achieve the desired aspirations.
What a wonderful Teacher! What a wonderful Guru! My salutations to Him.

निर्वाण दिवस

Articles by Shishyas –
Ravi Trehan, Kirti Nagar Sthan, New Delhi.

सन् 1991 के पूर्व मध्य भाग के समय पूज्य गुरुदेव का स्वास्थ्य कुछ ठीक नहीं था, अतः शिष्य गण प्राय: प्रतिदिन उनसे मिलने जाया करते थे| उस वर्ष गुरु पूर्णिमा 26 जुलाई को थी| पूज्य गुरु जी ने प्रथम और वरिष्ठ गुरु भाई श्री आर.सी. मल्होत्रा जी को बुलाया और गुरु पूर्णिमा का महोत्सव गुड़गाँव में आयोजित करने का आदेश दिया और उनके साथ कुछ अन्य मुख्य शिष्य (जिनका उन्होंने संकेत दिया) मिलकर इस पर्व को मनाएँगे| मेरे मन में प्रतिक्रिया हुई कि यह पर्व तो गुरु और शिष्य के बीच मनाया जाता है तो इस बार तो परम पूज्य गुरु जी गुड़गाँव में होंगे नहीं, फिर हमें वहाँ जाने को क्यों कहा जा रहा है| इस पर पूज्य गुरु जी ने स्पष्ट किया कि हज़ारों लोगों की देखभाल कौन करेगा जो गुड़गाँव स्थान पर कई वर्षों से आ रहे हैं| अब से लोग मुझे तुम्हारे (मल्होत्रा पापा जी और अन्य मुख्य शिष्यों) के ही रूप में देखेंगे|

होने वाली घटनाएँ पहले से ही अपनी छाया (पूर्व संकेत) डाल देती हैं और पूज्य गुरु जी द्वारा कहे गए ऊपरी दूसरे वाक्य की भविष्यवाणी हम सबके दिल और दिमाग को सताती रही| फिर भी गुरुदेव की आज्ञा अनुसार 26 जुलाई को हम शिष्य गुड़गाँव चले गए और विधिपूर्वक उनके निर्देश का पालन करके अगले दिन आकर उनको पूरा विवरण दिया| उनकी शारीरिक स्थिति बिगड़ती जा रही थी और वो रात हमने बड़ी बेसब्री से गुज़ारी| अगले दिन (28 जुलाई) प्रातः उनकी श्वास की गति अस्थिर होने लगी| वहाँ एक डॉक्टर दंपती (जो गुरुदेव जी के ही अनुयायी थे) ने उनको देखा; लेकिन इससे पहले कि कोई उपचार किया जाता, लगभग दोपहर तीन बजे उनके शरीर का हिलना-डुलना बंद हो गया| वो अक्सर लेटे हुए ध्यान मुद्रा में चले जाते थे, उनका श्वास भी रुक जाता था और घंटों उनके शरीर की हलचल बंद हो जाती थी| हमने सोचा कि वे उस अवस्था में चले गए होंगे| हम काफ़ी समय तक इस स्थिति को देखते रहे BUT THE LIGHT HAD GONE | उनका शरीर चेतना शून्य हो गया था| वह दिव्य आत्मा पंच भौतिक शरीर को छोड़ गई थी| शाम तक दूरदर्शन (TV) से यह सूचना प्रसारित हो गई कि गुडगाँव वाले गुरूजी ब्रह्मलीन हो गए हैं| पूरे स्थान में शोक की लहर दौड़ गई और सभी शिष्यों के हृदय इस गहरे सदमे को सहन नहीं कर पा रहे थे| संपूर्ण देश तथा सात समुद्र पार विदेशों से चिंतित एवं संतप्त श्रद्धालुओं के इस दिल दहला देने वाली सूचना की पुष्टि के लिए निरंतर फोन आ रहे थे| अत्यंत निराशा और हतोत्साह कर देने वाली घटना की वजह से शोकग्रस्त अनुयायी विचलित हो रहे थे| मेरी प्रतिक्रिया थी:

वही जगह है, वही मंज़र, वही गुरु का मकाम,
रौनक है, रौशनी भी है, पर आफ़ताब नहीं|

इस जीवन में 16-17 साल का गुरु-शिष्य का घनिष्ठ संबंध गुरु शिक्षा-दीक्षा, जीवन-शैली, साधना, सेवा, भगवत प्राप्ति का सुगम मार्ग, गुरुदेव का कठिन अनुशासन, गुरुपिता का लाड़-प्यार, एक तीव्र चलचित्र की तरह मस्तिष्क से गुज़र गया| बरबस भाव उमड़ पड़ा :

खेल खिला कर चले जाना, है नहीं इश्क का दस्तूर|
किससे पूछेंगे राहे वफ़ा, मंज़िलें जाने के लिए||

अगले दिन (29 जुलाई) अंतिम यात्रा शुरु होने से पहले ही असंख्य श्रद्धालु अपने श्रद्धेय गुरुदेव जिन्हें वो अपना मसीहा मानते थे, उनके अंतिम दर्शनों के लिए लालायित एकत्रित हो गए| कुछ समय पहले ही गुरुदेव ने अपने अंतिम विश्राम का स्थान निश्चित कर रखा था| पहले से ही उन्होंने अपने एक प्रिय शिष्य को जो निर्माण का कार्य देखते थे, आदेश दे रखा था कि वो नीलकंठ धाम पर गुरु-का-चबूतरा का निर्माण कर दे जहाँ श्रद्धालु माथा टेक सकें और गुरु पूजा कर सकें| (नीलकंठ धाम बनने से पहले पूज्य गुरूजी ने इस जगह के बारे में यह शब्द कहे थे कि एक ऐसा स्थान बना जाऊँगा जहाँ एक बार माथा टेकने से लोगों के काम हो जाएँगे|)

जैसे ही फूल मालाओं से सजे पार्थिव शरीर को खुली गाड़ी में रखे जाते देखा तो सभी शिष्य समुदाय, श्रद्धालुगण तथा सेवादार अपने आप को संभाल नहीं पाए और धीरज खोकर रोने लगे| आकाश भी इस शोकाकुल की घड़ी में जार-जार रोने लगा| सारा वातावरण उदासीन था| आसमान में घनघोर बादल छाए हुए थे और पूरी यात्रा में अपने आँसू बरसाते रहे| मानो बाकी सभी लोगों की तरह नीलांबर से इंद्र देवता भी गुरुदेव को अपनी भावभीनी श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित कर रहे थे| अंतत: शाम को लगभग 4:00-4:15 बजे पूज्य गुरुदेव का पार्थिव शरीर निर्धारित स्थान पर रख दिया गया जहाँ उसे अग्नि को समर्पित करना था| बाद में इसी पवित्र स्थान का नाम समाधि स्थल रख दिया गया जिसे आज नीलकंठ धाम के नाम से जाना जाता है| मेरे अंतःकरण से यह शब्द उमड़ पड़े :

जिस्म की मौत कोई मौत नहीं होती है|
जिस्म जल जाने से गुरु तत्व नहीं जल जाता है||

जब आत्मा इस पार्थिव शरीर को छोड़ती है तो सभी पंच महाभूत (Five Elements – पृथ्वी-जल-वायु-तेज-आकाश) अंतत: अपने स्रोत ब्रह्मानंद में विलीन हो जाता है| अपने कर्म अथवा संस्कारों के अनुसार आत्म-तत्व या तो परमात्म-तत्व (मुक्ति-निर्वाण) में विलीन हो जाते हैं या फिर अगले जन्म की प्रतीक्षा करता है| परंतु सद्गुरु तो सर्व शक्तिमान, सर्वज्ञ परमात्मा के दृश्यमान प्रतिनिधि होते हैं और वे अपने निर्धारित उद्देश्य की पूर्ति तथा जो भी उत्तरदायित्व उन्हें मिला होता है उसे पूर्ण करके फिर से अपने परमात्म-तत्व में जा मिलते हैं|

हकीकत में गुरुदेव हमें छोड़कर नहीं गए वे तो सिर्फ़ साकार रूप से निराकार होकर सर्वव्यापक हो गए हैं| वो आज भी हमारे पास है और पहले की तरह हम सब पर निरंतर अनुग्रह कर रहे हैं| कई बार इस बात की प्रत्यक्ष अनुभूति होती है कि वो हमारे आसपास ही हैं और हमें उनकी उपस्थिति का एहसास होता है|

तुम मेरे करीब हो ये महज़ एहसास ही नहीं|
इबादत में तेरा दीदार ही खुद एक सबूत है||

इस हकीकत के कई साक्षी एवं प्रमाण हैं कि बहुत से वरिष्ठ शिष्यों को ध्यान मुद्रा में एवं सुषुप्ति अवस्था में उनके दर्शन होते हैं और उनके साथ वार्तालाप का अवसर प्राप्त होता है| यह क्षमता – i) जिज्ञासु के व्यक्तिगत आध्यात्मिक स्तर पर निर्भर करती है, ii) वह सांसारिक वासनाओं से कितना ऊँचा उठ चुका है और उसका मन कितना साफ़, पवित्र और ग्रहणशील है, और iii) गुरुदेव से संपर्क करने की कितनी तीव्र इच्छा और जिज्ञासा है| उनकी कृपा से मुझे उनके दर्शन करने के, उनसे वार्तालाप करने और निर्देश प्राप्त करने के कई सुअवसर मिले हैं, पूरी जागरूकता के साथ कि अब वह शारीरिक रूप में नहीं हैं| हमारे गुरु भाई श्री आर.सी. मल्होत्रा जी को तो गुरुदेव के निरंतर दर्शन तथा उनसे दिशा निर्देश लेने के शुभ अवसर सतत मिलते रहे हैं| यहाँ पर इन अनुभवों का उल्लेख करने का उद्देश्य केवल इतना ही है कि और श्रद्धालुओं के मन में उत्साह बना रहे और इस सन्मार्ग पर चलने का निरंतर और हार्दिक प्रयास करते रहे| सद्गुरु जी से आशीर्वाद पाकर अपने जीवन को सार्थक, सफल एवं आनंदमय बनाए रखें|

पूज्य गुरु जी का निर्वाण दिवस प्रतिवर्ष गुरु पूर्णिमा के एक दिन बाद समाधि स्थल, नीलकंठ धाम, नजफगढ़ (नई दिल्ली) में बड़े उत्साह, श्रद्धा एवं नम्रता पूर्वक मनाया जाता है| ध्यान पूर्वक महसूस किया जाए तो इस दिन नीलकंठ धाम में एक शक्तिशाली आध्यात्मिक वातावरण व्याप्त होता है और गुरुदेव की उपस्थिति का एहसास होता है|

इस पुण्य अवसर पर देश-विदेश से हजारों श्रद्धालु प्रातःकाल से देर सांयकाल तक परम पूज्य गुरुदेव जी को श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करने एकत्रित होते हैं| समाधि स्थल पर विराजमान वरिष्ठ शिष्य गण उन्हें स्नेह भरे आशीर्वाद प्रदान करते हैं| प्रतिवर्ष निर्वाण दिवस पर 35,000 से 40,000 श्रद्धालुओं की संख्या एकत्रित होती है और यह संख्या प्रतिवर्ष बढ़ती ही जाती है| प्रसाद वितरण की विस्तृत व्यवस्था की जाती है जिसे हर व्यक्ति बड़े आनंद से ग्रहण करता है और प्रेम पूर्वक घर भी ले जाता है|

Nirwan Diwas (July 23, 2024)

Articles by Shishyas –
Ravi Trehan, Kirti Nagar Sthan, New Delhi.

Sometime during the first half of year 1991, Guruji was not keeping too well and shishyas used to visit him almost every day. That year Guru Purnima, fell on 26th of July. Guruji called our seniormost Gurubhai, Shri R.C. Malhotraji and directed him to organize Guru Purnima celebrations at Gurgaon and named some shishyas who would perform the function along with him. My reaction was that it is a parv where shishyas perform puja of their revered Guru and when Guruji is not there, then why are we being directed to Gurgaon! To this Guruji remarked, “then who will take care of the thousands of persons who have been coming to Gurgaon Sthan for so many years? Henceforth, people will see me in your form only (Malhotra Bhapaji and the Shishyas he specified)”.

‘Coming events cast their shadow before’; and the prophetic tone of the second sentence uttered by Guruji. kept haunting our minds. However, as directed, we proceeded to Gurgaon on 26th morning (26.07.1991) and reported to him the next day after performing the duty assigned to us. His physical condition was deteriorating and we passed an anxious night. Next morning (on 28.07.1991), his breathing became irregular. Before any medical aid could be arranged, at about 3.00/3.15 P.M., his body stopped moving. But as he often used to go into ‘dhyaan’ when he would stop breathing and his body would become motionless for hours together, we waited for quite some time. However. he did not move. The light had gone. By the evening, Doordarshan also announced “GURUJI OF GURGAON IS NO MORE”. The atmosphere at the Sthan was gloomy and all the shishyas were overcome with grief. There were incessant calls from all over the country and across seven seas from anxious devotees, desperate to confirm the news. My first reaction was

Wohi jageh hai, wohi manzar, wohi Guru ka makaam;
Raunak hai, roshni bhi hai, par aftaab nahin.

Khel khila kar chale jana, hai nahin ishq ka dastoor;
Kis- se poochhen ge rahe wafa, manzile jana ke liye.

Next day, on 29th of July 1991, before the last journey started for Najafgarh, hundreds of devotees had gathered to have last darshan of their Guru whom they had adored and looked upon as their Messiah. Quite some time back, Pujya Guruji had selected the place at Najafgarh (close to Sai Babaji’s Mandir) which he said would be his resting place. (He had earlier instructed one of his shishyas, looking after the construction work, to construct Guru-Ka-Chabutra at Neelkanth Dham where devotees could pay their obeisance (maatha tekna) and perform Guru Puja). As his material body, bedecked with flowers, was placed in an open vehicle, the shishyas, sewadaars and devotees cried. Even the sky could not control itself; it was overcast with clouds and showered tears throughout the journey. Finally at about 4.00/4.15 P.M. Guruji’s material body was laid to rest at his selected place and consigned to flames. The place was later named as ‘Smadhi Sthal’, Neelkanth Dham. My inner voice said:

Jism ki maut, koi maut nahin hoti hai;
Jism jal jane se Guru-tatva nahin jal jata hai.

When the soul leaves the material body, the composition of five tatvas (earth, water, air, fire and ether) disintegrates and merges into their respective sources in the Brahmand. The ‘atma-tatva’ either becomes one with ‘Param-tatva’ or awaits next birth, depending upon one’s karmas and sanskaars. But the Sadgurus are visible representatives of God Almighty and go back to Him after accomplishing the mission assigned to them.

But in reality, Guruji has not gone; he is just invisible, and has become omni-present. He continues to be as gracious as ever. Time and again, he has made us realize that he is around and we have felt his presence. There are evidences from a few senior shishyas of having Guruji’s darshan in their ‘dhyaan-mudra’ or susupti-awastha and receiving certain instructions. To have His darshan and communicate with him depends upon a) the individual’s spiritual level, b) how much have we risen above the sensuous desires and how clear, pious and receptive our mind is, and c) the degree of burning desire the shishya has for His darshan and communication with him. With His grace, I have had quite a few opportunities to have his darshan and received His instructions with full awareness that he is no longer in a human body. The object of mentioning this here is to encourage others to make a sincere effort in this direction and enjoy that state of bliss.

Pujya Guruji’s ‘Nirwan Diwas’ is celebrated with great reverence every year a day after the Guru Purnima at Smadhi Sthal, ‘Neelkanth Dham’, Najafgarh, New Delhi. A powerful spiritual ambience pervades Neelkanth and Pujya Guruji’s presence can be felt there, if one concentrates.

Shishyas from all over the country and thousands of devotees come from morning till late in the evening to pay their homage to Pujya Guruji at the Smadhi Sthal and receive blessings from senior shishyas. Every year, on Nirwan Diwas, around 35,000 to 40,000 devotees visit Smadhi Sthal – the congregation keeps multipling every successive year. Elaborate arrangements are made for distribution of prasad which everyone happily partakes and carries it home also.

GURU PURNIMA (21st July 2024)

Articles by Shishyas –
Ravi Trehan, Kirti Nagar Sthan, New Delhi.

Gurur Bramha, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur Devo Maheshwara Guru Sakshaat Par Bramha, Tasmaye Shree Guruve namah

Gurutatva is a manifestation of Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh and the ultimate power beyond them. Three prerequisites are basically essential for God realization – a) God realized Sadguru, b) acceptance about the existence of God and c) a burning desire on the part of saadhak to realize God. The Sadguru represents that Trinity and the ultimate power and guides his shishya, step by step, to recognize his atma-tatva and attain God realization. He dispels the darkness of ignorance and shows the path of eternal bliss. He imparts tatva-gyan and conditions his shishya to fearlessly travel from the illusionary material world to the realms of spirituality. He teaches the art of living by renunciating Tamoguna and Rajoguna and adopting Satoguna as a normal way of life. To inculcate the sense of a good karamyogi, he advises to love His creation, the mankind, and render selfless service with devotion and dedication. The Sadguru drives home the fact that the only relationship that is true and eternal is that of God and You and none else. Therefore, perceive His existence and surrender unconditionally, is the gospel of Bhaktiyoga. Howsoever may we attempt, no amount of good words can really describe the stature of the Sadguru. It would, therefore, be wise to follow the following mantra:

Dhyan moolam Guru murti, pooja moolam Guru Padam; Mantra moolam Guru vakyam, Moksha moolam Guru kripa

Guru Purnima is a festival of worshipping the Guru. It is, however, not a worship of any particular person, but that of Par-Brahm who is manifested in the inner-self of the Guru. It is an expression of gratitude to our Pujya Gurudev for the Brahm Gyan that he imparted to us. It is our humble gesture of reverence for his guidance to God realization and relieving us from the cycle of life and death. It is a festival of faith, reverence and surrender. Purnima of Aashaad month (June/July) is considered to be very auspicious and of a very high order as it drives you to the knowledge of God, prompts you to meditate on God and inculcates love for God.

Guru Purnima is also called ‘Vyas Purnima’. The great grand son of Guru Maharishi Vashishthji and son of Maharishi Parasharji, was Maharishi Ved Vyasji. He is regarded to be the Guru of Gurus. He was an ocean of knowledge, great scholar of Bhakti-Yoga and a poet par excellence. He authored four Vedas, Bhahm-sutra and seventeen Puranas. Full moon night in the month of Aashaad (June/July) is called ‘Vyas Purnima’

The festival of Guru Purnima is celebrated at Sector 10-A, Gurgaon and at Smadhi Sthal, Najafgarh, New Delhi, with great devotion and enthusiasm. Shishyas, devotees and public start converging at the above two venues from early morning. Throughout the day, hundreds and thousands of persons offer narial (fresh coconut) wrapped in a yellow colour handkerchief, a garland and a pack of sweets. The narial has the shape of a human head. Offering narial at the Gurusthan symbolically signifies offering one’s head, ie., surrender oneself at the lotus feet of the Guru and the Guru, in turn, provides protection (the surrender, however, has to be genuine and unconditional and thereafter leave yourself at the protection of the Guru). The shishya’s head at the lotus feet of the Guru and drinking his Guru’s charanamrit also indicates the level of the two. The highest level of the shishya is the lowest level of the Guru and it explains the logic of shishya worshipping his Guru as well as it suggests the spiritual journey the shishya has to travel.

The narial, handkerchief and the garland, offered by the devotees are charged with Mahaguru Mantra and returned to them for keeping those at the place of worship in their house, while sweets, mangoes and the prasaad made of sweet yellow coloured rice are distributed to the entire congregation. The devotees are advised to carry the handkerchief along with them whenever they go out for any important work, meeting, court date, interview etc. to obviate obstacle, if any. Young married ladies who aspire to have a child, are advised to swallow laung of the narial along with its water, empty stomach, on a specified day and follow certain instructions on that day. Similarly, patients who suffer from any prolonged ailment are also advised to swallow laung of the narial with its water, empty stomach.

Guru-Bhakti is essential as it puts the shishya on the path of salvation and eventual realization of oneness with God. For a saadhak, the Guru is God Himself. Guru’s grace is enough to enlighten the shishya. He is the visible representative of the Almighty. Far more than worship, garlanding and making offerings, obedience to Guru is greater. One must obey his instructions in everyday life and follow his footsteps to reach the ultimate destination.

Mahashivratri 2024 (Friday, March 8, 2024)

Articles by Shishyas –
Ravi Trehan, Kirti Nagar Sthan, New Delhi.

Mahashivratri, in simple words, is the night of Mahashiv. It is the most important and auspicious festival for ‘shiv bhakts’. It takes place in the month of Maagh/Phagun (February/March) during the dark phase of the moon and is celebrated with utmost reverence and enthusiasm.

According to Pujya Guruji, Lord Shiva goes into deep meditation on ‘Kartik Purnima’ and emerges from that state on the midnight of Mahashivratri (except that He wakes up on Ganesh Chaturthi for a day and again goes into deeper meditation). The period between ‘Kartik Purnima’ and Ganesh Chaturthi is called Shakti period when Shakti is supreme. During the period (Kartik Purnima to Mahashivratri), it is the cardinal duty of all Shiv Bhakts to follow their Lord, i.e., to meditate (dhyaan yoga), practice maximum possible ‘Japa’ and lead a pious and ‘satoguni’ life in terms of ahaar (the nature of food that we consume), vyavhaar (conduct), and chintan (thought process).

Some scriptures describe Lord Shiva as the destroyer, Lord Vishnu as the protector, and Lord Brahma as the creator. Those who have superficial knowledge consider these three manifestations as separate and different from each other and worship them accordingly. But it is not prudent for a devotee to worship his ‘Isht’ as a mere part of the whole or as an incomplete power. At the beginning of creation, the Mahashakti created out of Herself Lord Vishnu and then Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva to perform the functions of protector, creator and destroyer respectively. For procreation and multiplication of this universe, once again, She created, three Mahashaktis – (Ma Lakshmi, Ma Saraswati and Ma Parvati).

All these manifestations emanated from one source and that ultimate power manifested Herself in different forms to perform different functions. In reality, that formless (nirakaar) as well as in form (sagun) Brahm is called Ishwar, Maheshwar or Mahashakti. THAT omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, infinite, absolute truth and the creator, protector, and destroyer is Himself Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. He manifests Himself in these three forms to perform the functions of the Creator, Protector and Destroyer. He is Plural in Singular and Singular in Plural. He has no beginning and no end. He is immanent, primeval, and eternal. It is explained in Puranas that each of the three lives in the others’ heart, they enhance each other and are ultimately the same power. In essence, he who has understood Shiv-Tatva in the right perspective, knows all and nothing more remains for him to understand. For him, that instant of awareness and enlightenment is Mahashivratri.

Sagun or Sakaar Lord Shiva’s dress and appearance have a very special spiritual significance. Each ornament on His body has a deep symbolic meaning. a) His complexion is white (sfotic) and indicates satoguna, simplicity, and transparency b) He wears a crown of thick locks of hair and a small snake acts as a feather in his crown. The holy Ganga flowing out of his ‘jattas’ symbolizes that as long as the snakes of passion, sensuality and worldly desires remain in our mind, we cannot get liberated. Therefore, it is essential to keep the Ganga of devotion (bhakti) and spiritual knowledge flowing at our intellectual level. c) Usually, curved or crooked objects (vakra) are not considered to be auspicious, but the crescent moon (tilak) adorns Lord Shiva’s forehead. It means that what is not acceptable to others, Lord Shiva accepts that as his own because every single molecule in this universe belongs to him. d) People dread snakes, but the same snakes get the honour of decorating His ears as kundal) and in the form of bangles (kangan) on his arms. This really means that listening to spiritual discourses or words of devotion and wisdom or naad (sitting in meditation) can help in controlling the unstable mind and one can exercise restraint on sense objects. This is exactly what Pujya Guruji used to say. “snakes and scorpions (bad persons) will come to me. I cannot turn them away. My object is to make ‘Bhagwan’ out of ‘shaitaan’ and put them on the path of bhakti and sewa. e) Lord Shiva’s body is smeared with ashes from cremation ground which suggests an inclination towards renunciation. This reminds us of the ultimate end of our gross body; we must always remember that death is inevitable. So live this life like a spectator in a detached manner. Ashes on His body also symbolize that time and death are under His control. It is relevant to recall Pujya Guruji’s words here, “I am not bound by time, but time is bound to me.” There are also instances of persons lying on death bed getting an extension of life with Guruji’s grace. f) Mundmaal (garland of human heads) adorning Lord Shiva’s neck signifies that after the gross and the subtle body is destroyed, causal body (kaaran shareer) remains with sanskaars awaiting rebirth. This is also a reminder of death and urges detachment from the material world. g) His apparel of lion skin represents bravery, competence to rule, and the ability to confront any situation. Lion’s skin is also a good ‘aasana’ for meditation. h) Trinetra – being the Lord of the universe, His Trinetra signifies Surya (sun), Chandra (moon) and Agni (fire). They also imply that He is all-knowing; He knows the past, present and future. i) The Trishul signifies that Lord Shiva is the destroyer of three types of pains and agonies – physical, mental, and natural disaster (aadibhautik, adhyatamik and aadidaivik). It also suggests that Lord Shiva is beyond the three states of life – Jaagrit, swapan, and susupti (turiyameva kevalam). j) Neelkanth – After samudra manthan, devtas hesitated to accept the poison, but the deva of devas (Mahadeva) readily drank that poison (vish) and relieved devtas of their dilemma. He neither spat it out nor did gulp it down but held it in his throat. This signifies that one should face favourable and unfavourable situations, grace or disgrace, fame or infamy with equanimity. If you react, you tend to annoy others and if you digest, you suffer the pain yourself. Therefore, face all odds and evens with a composed mind. k) Damru – the sound of damru drives away troubles. It is also a symbol of dualties e.g., day-night, gain-loss, happiness-sorrow, fame-infamy, success-failure, life-death etc. Lord Shiva has full control over these dualties, so his devotees and saadhaks should strive for the same and attain stability of mind. l) Nandi – Riding the Nandi signifies that the Lord is firmly established in dharma and righteousness.

Lord Shiva, the Lord of Nature and Universe, who is beyond the three ‘gunas’, has taken upon Himself the five tatvas described below, which are essential for survival: 1) ‘Bhasm’ (prithvi), 2) Ganga (jal), 3) Teesra Netra (agni), 4) ‘Sarp’ (vayu), and 5) damru (akaash). Decorated in fourteen varieties, Lord Shiva is worshipped and offered salutations in fourteen worlds (Bhuvans).

The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm at Sector 10-A Gurgaon and at Smadhi Sthal, Najafgarh, New Delhi. These two venues are elaborately decorated with flowers and buntings. One can feel the fragrance all around and the environment is charged with devotion and spirituality. Thousands of men, women and children throng the two venues. Shishyas, devotees and public in general, from all over the country and abroad, assemble at these two places, form long queues from morning till late at night to offer their prayers. As per the ritual, they offer flowers, bel, belpatra, akk flowers, dhatura etc. in worship of Lord Shiva.

On the occasion of Mahashivratri, Shishyas and devotees observe fast. Shishyas do not consume even a drop of water since early morning (Brahm mahurat) till past midnight. However, the elderly, those who are ill or ladies who are not in a position to follow such a rigorous discipline, may take fruits or a hot drink, such as lemon tea. Throughout the day Shishyas do Japa of all the mantras bestowed upon them by Pujya Guruji. (Pujya Guruji had advised that intensive Japa – of all the mantras given by him – done throughout the Mahashivratri day has many times more effect than Japa done during normal days.

Little before the midnight ‘Abhishek’ ceremony of Shivlinga is performed in Shiv Mandir at Smadhi Sthal, Neelkanth. After midnight, the fast is broken with Jal (prepared earlier during the day by senior shishyas) which contains kesar, laung, elaichi, kaali mirch, bel, bel-patra, dhatura, akk flowers etc. and all these ingredients are spiritually santified with sacred mantras and it tastes like amrit. This is followed by pieces of fried potatoes with tasteful masala and a cup of lemon tea infused with herbs/spices. At the time of breaking the fast, many persons from the public also join the shishyas and sewadaars at Sector 10-A, Gurgaon and at Neelkanth.

Observing ‘nirjala upvaas’ thoughout the day has scientific and medical validity. It generates tremendous amount of heat in the body which is capable of killing germs and ensures maintenance of good health. Cereals are taken the next day after sunrise.

Rituals are good as they induce you to worship and help in generating satoguna. But in reality, the moment you are able to withdraw yourself from worldly attractions and enter the realm of inner consciousness, that moment is Mahashivratri. The moment you are able to rise above sensuous pleasures and pains and experience inner peace and perceive the light of divine existence, that moment is Mahashivratri. The moment you are able to attain stability of mind and maintain equanimity in a state of duality; the moment you are able to forget your individual entity and HE only remains, that moment is real Mahashivratri.

Mahashivratri Jal is prepared once a year and can be used throughout the year (except the period between Kartik Purnima and Mahashivratri). This charged Jal along with Laung and Elaichis, sanctified with sacred mantras, has unique qualities and is capable of eradicating many ailments and solving many problems. This Jal, Laung and Elachis, distributed during the days following Mahashivratri are to be consumed as per instructions below.

Prakash Diwas 2024 (February 14, 2024)

Articles by Shishyas –
Ravi Trehan, Kirti Nagar Sthan, New Delhi.

front-20x24--2018-gurupuja

Winter had gone by and spring was in its full bloom. Mother Nature had sprinkled hues and colours of different shades everywhere. It looked as if the entire earth was a vast canvass and Nature was depicting colourful pictures, each one more beautiful than the other. At places were seen scenes of snow melting from the mountains, murmuring water-falls from the springs, soft burst-opening of buds in the gardens and blooming flowers swaying to and fro with a sense of pride. A pleasant chill in the air and a peculiar and unnoticeable fragrance wafted by the gentle breeze. In the riot of green and yellow colours, crops swaying and waving in the fields. From far and near, in this enchanting weather, nightingale and cuckoo singing in full throat – coohoo, coohoo; peehoo, peehoo. Branches of trees, swinging and stretching in the gust of wind, rustling of leaves and whispers of nature.

What a romantic weather! It felt as if nature was dancing to cosmic music; as if Lord Shiva was containing the angry Ganga, descending from Heaven in his locks; as if through the melting snow, He ushered the holy Ganga on planet Earth. Branches of trees swaying in the strong winds appeared as if the wild locks of Lord Shiva were waving in the wind. Sometimes, one got the feeling that Lord Shiva, the Creator of this Universe, taking the form of Nataraja, was dancing in ecstasy. In such an environment, eighty six years ago, on the Festival of Basant Panchmi (in January 1938), Param Pujya Guruji, the manifestation of Lord Shiva, blessed us all by taking birth in village Hariana (Distt. Hoshiarpur, Punjab).

Guruji’s ‘Prakash Diwas’ is celebrated on every ‘Basant Panchmi’ at ‘Samadhi Sthal’, Neelkanth Dham, Masoodabad (behind Power House), Najafgarh, New Delhi, with great devotion and enthusiasm. ‘Samadhi Sthal’ is decorated with flowers and their fragrance permeates the air. Hundreds and thousands of devotees assemble at ‘Smadhi Sthal’, form a long and unending queue from morning till late in the evening and, in a very disciplined and patient manner, pay their obeisance to Guruji and receive blessings. The faces of devotees reflect enthusiasm, faith, satisfaction and happiness.

A large number of devotees and ‘sewadaars’ from all over the country come and take their respective responsibilities with devotion and dedication. On the auspicious occasion of Pujaya Guruji’s Prakash Diwas, a special prasaad (sweet rice in yellow colour) is distributed to the devotees. Yellow colour is a symbol of Guru. It also represents renunciation. Everyone seems to be in a festive mood.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2024

Articles by Shishyas – Ravi Trehan

One finds a detailed description of Lord Ganapati’s birth in Shiv Purana as well as in Ganesh Purana. To cut the long story short, once Ma Parvati along with her ‘sakhis’ was to take bath in her bhavan. As no attendant was available, she created a beautiful child out of her pious body’s dirt and declared him as her son. She instructed him to obey her only, stand as a gate-keeper and do not allow anyone to enter the bhavan without her permission and gave him a stick as a weapon for protection. Lord Shiva came in a hurry and was in the process of entering the bhavan when Ganeshji stopped him and said “my mother is taking bath and she has instructed me not to allow anyone to enter the place without her permission. You may please wait till she has finished her bath and has properly clothed herself”. Lord Shiva first took him as one of his ganas, but hearing these words, He got annoyed and remarked, “Do you not know that I am Parvati’s husband and the Lord of this place. How can you stop me from entering into my own place?” Ganeshji very politely answered, “Sir, whoever you are, I can allow you to enter the place only after getting permission from my mother. You may please wait here till she is ready. An altercation ensued between the two and there was a fierce battle. Ganeshji fought single handedly with the entire army of Lord Shiva, that included Brahma and Vishnu. Ganapati made devastating attacks on Lord Shiva’s army and injured many of His ganas, but when Ganapatiji was engaged in the battle with Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva attacked Him with his Trishul and chopped off his head.

When Ma Parvati came to know that her dear son has been beheaded, she was furious, and created thousands of Mahashaktis who unleashed destruction all over the world which terrified Devis and Devatas. To contain Ma Parvati’s anger, on the wise counsel of Naradji, all Devis, Devatas, including Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, went to her and beseeched her to cool down and stop the destruction. Ma Parvati put a condition that her son must be revived and given the position of a leader among all Devis and Devatas. Lord Shiva advised his ganas to go towards north and if they find any mother sitting or lying with her back to her new born child, they should bring the child’s head and fix it on the body of Parvati’s son after giving him bath with holy water. The ganas saw a mother elephant lying in that posture and brought the baby elephants’s head which was fixed on the body of Ma Parvati’s son. Lord Shiva sprinkled holy water on the child chanting some sacred mantras and the child opened his eyes as if he had woken up after a long slumber. Ma Parvati, all Devis and Devatas including Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh heaved a sigh of relief and there were scenes of jubilations. The apsaras started dancing; trees were loaded with fruits and flowers; there was greenery all around and sweet smell permeated the atmosphere.

Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh and all other Devis and Devatas had already witnessed Ganapati’s bravery and valour in the fierce battle with them, so Lord Shiva declared Shri Ganesh the leader of all Devis and Devatas and proclaimed that He should be worshipped before all the other gods in three worlds. Lord Shiva bestowed upon Shri Ganeshji tremendous powers and blessed Him saying, “You are the son of Mahashakti and thus an extremely imposing personality. You are the Lord of wisdom and the destroyer of obstacles and foes of your devotees. As you are born on the fourth day of ascending moon in the month of Bhadrapad, which is auspicious, all the devotees who observe fast on this day, would receive from you the blessings they seek”

In Ganesh Purana, it is recommended to observe twelve fasts on the 4th day of ascending moon (shuklapaksh) every Month and similarly twelve fasts on the 4th day of dark phase (krishnapaksh) of every month because each fast has its own significance. In Shiv Purana as well as in Ganesh Purana, there are instances of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma and all Devis and Devatas worshipping Lord Ganapati. In Ganesh Purana, there is also a mention of Mahashakti Parvati, on the advice of Lord Shiva, going into intense meditation and carrying out rigorous tapasya for twelve years. Pleased with her devotion, Lord Ganesha appeared before her and, as a boon, promised to be born as her son. As per our ancient scriptures as well as the practice followed from time immemorial, worship of five Devas is prescribed – Lord Shiva, Mahashakti Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Surya. They are considered to be of the highest order. All the five have no beginning and no end. They are immanent, primeval and eternal and are manifestations of the same ultimate power.

Lord Ganapati, Ganesha, Ganadhyaksh, Gananayak, all these names have only one meaning and i.e. Leader of the People. He had two wives – Riddhi and Siddhi. He is the master of nine Nidhis and eight Siddhis and is also called Siddhi Vinayak. His vehicle is the mouse, which indicates humility and simplicity. Let us have a look at his body, where each part has a spiritual significance. His large elephant head symbolizes that He is an ocean of knowledge and is the Lord of intelligence. He has big ears because, as a good leader, he has the capacity to listen to everybody patiently. He has a big nose which projects his exalted status, and gives a signal to human race to uphold human dignity, self esteem and decorum. He has a huge belly, which shows that He has a tremendous capacity to digest good or bad things and maintain his cool. It also suggests that He has full control over dualities. He has a snake tied around his waist. Although passion and sensuous desires are tamoguni and poisonous, He has tightened the belt and kept them under his control. Similarly, his devotees should also learn to exercise control over their passions, sensuous desires, and curb tamoguna. Like Lord Shiva, he carries a Trishul signifying that He is the destroyer of three types of pains and agonies, and is therefore regarded to be the Vighna-vinashak.

As per Pujya Guruji’s instructions, being Shiv-bhakts, we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi on the 4th day of dark phase (krishnapaksh) in the month of Maagh (January) with great devotion. The shishyas and the devotees observe nirjala upvaas from early morning (Brahm mahurat) till the rise of moon. Shishyas and devotees assemble at Sector 10-A, Gurgaon where laddoos made of til and gurh are distributed. After sighting the moon, the fast is broken with these laddoos followed by a cup of tea infused with herbs/spices and gurh (instead of sugar). One laddoo is retained to be taken the next morning after sunrise, whereafter cereals can be taken. Medically speaking, nirjala upvaas culminating with til-gurh ladoos and tea prepared with herbs/spices and gurh generates such a degree of heat that it is capable of killing germs and ensures good health.

On such an auspicious occasion, good saadhaks and devotees inwardly recite Ganapati’s mantras and contemplate on Him throughout the day. Japa done on this day has manifold effect than it has on any other normal day. And that is how Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated.

Kartik Purnima (27.11.2023) – Beginning of Shakti Period

Articles by Shishyas –
Ravi Trehan, Kirti Nagar Sthan, New Delhi.

Dhanteras 2023 (10-11-2023)

Articles by Shishyas – Ravi Trehan

Dhanteras is also known as Dhanatrayodashi. Dhan means wealth and Teras means 13th day. It is celebrated on the 13th lunar day of Krishnapaksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Ashwin (Kartik), one day before Deepavali. This year Dhanteras falls on November 10, 2023. On Dhanteras, Lakshmi – the Goddess of Wealth – is worshipped to provide prosperity and well-being. This day is considered auspicious to buy gold or silver jewellery or new utensils as a mark of respect to Goddess Lakshmi to bring good luck. Traditionally, in the evening, diyas of clay filled with mustard oil are lit at the entrance door of the house to welcome Dhan Lakshmi. As per instructions of Param Pujya Guruji, devotees are advised to observe the following rituals for benefit of financial prosperity and general well-being:

Get silver coin with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha etched on it, sanctified from Gurusthan. Goddess Lakshmi should be in a sitting posture.
After Sun-set on Divali day, five diyas of clay filled with mustard oil are to be lit at the following places – a) water tap, b) Tulsi plant, c) Peepal tree, d) at the crossing (preferably in the island of a round-about crossing to save diya from getting crushed under the running traffic), and e) at the cremation ground.
Later in the evening, on Divali day, sanctified silver coin of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha is to be given bath with panchanamrit (milk, honey, curd, butter, and Ganga jal or jal taken from Gurusthan).
Do japa of the following Lakshmi mantra and thereafter apply tilak at the holy feet of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, while reciting the mantra.“Aum Hring, Kling, Mahalakshmi Namah”
Tilak is to be applied at the holy feet of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for 41 days. Preferably, a particular time should be fixed for forty one days to perform this ritual in a sitting posture. After 41 days, wrap the coin in a red cloth or put it in a red colour pouch and keep it along with your treasure.
Ingredients of Tilak: a) kesar, b) rauli and c) Ganga jal (or jal taken from Gurusthan).

MAY MA LAKSHMI BESTOW UPON YOU GOOD HEALTH, WEALTH, HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

1. Since Diwali is falling on Sunday this year, Lakshmi Puja and tilak on the silver coin should be started from Saturday (11.11.2023 to 21.12.2023). When Diwali falls on a Sunday, Lakshmi puja on this day is not considered auspicious, hence it should be started a day earlier.

2. Again on Sundays, diyas are not lighted with mustard oil. These may be lighted with til oil.