https://youtu.be/KtgTmTZ6a2E

Questions
1. What is a remedy, if you look at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi?
If you look at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi, you can listen, read or tell someone the story of The Shyamantaka Jewel.

2. Who was wrongfully blamed for stealing the jewel?
Shri Krishna was wrongfully blamed for stealing the jewel.

3. When is Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi began on Thursday, 9th September, 2021 at 6:00 to Friday, 10th September, 2021.

4. What did Jambavant do with the jewel to satisfy the Lord?
He returned the jewel to Shri Krishna.

5. Why is this story read?
This story is read as a remedy for the curse of defamation that is incurred when someone looks at the moon on Ganesh Chathurthi.

6. Where was the jewel left?
It was left in the temple in the city of Dwarika.

7. How did Shri Krishna rectify the problem?
Shri Krishna rectified the problem by telling everyone about the incident with Jambavant and everyone realised that he did not steal the jewel.

Pitri paksh is a 2 week period from the Full Moon day to the New Moon day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapad dedicated to our ancestors. 

‘Pitri’ means ancestor. ‘Paksha’ means fortnight. 

Shrāddh is the name given to the rituals performed during this 15 day period of our ancestors as well as to any rituals concerned with or dedicated to recently deceased family members. 

Shrāddh is said to relieve the souls of our forefathers and help them attain salvation.

In this period we pay homage to our ancestors through the offering of water (Tarpan) and food (Anna daan). 

This should ideally be done on the lunar date on which your ancestor has died. 

How to know the lunar date: 

In every lunar month of the Hindu calendar, there are 14 days in the bright half of the month which leads to Full Moon, 

And 14 days in the dark half of the month which leads to New Moon. 

Pitri Paksha starts on the Full Moon day (Purnima) and runs straight to the New Moon day (Amāvasya) thus having 15 days in total. 

It is also known as Sarvapitra Moksha Amavasya and is the most important day of the Pitri Paksha. 

It is intended for all ancestors, irrespective of the lunar day they died. Those who have forgotten to perform shraddha during previous days can do so on this day. 

For 2021, Pitri Paksh begins on 

Monday 20th September at 7:54 pm

and ends on 

Wednesday 6th October at 7:04 am

Therefore the first morning of offerings will be Tuesday 21st September. 

It is the custom that Shrāddh be performed by the eldest son or male relative of the paternal branch of the family, limited to the preceding three generations. 

* Do not cut nails or hair during the 15 days. Before or after is fine. 

* Keep separate wares for the preparation and keeping of the food to be offered. 

* Perform the Shrāddh ceremony at your home. Not at a temple or beach or river. 

* Perform the Tarpan (water offering) in the morning period, just after sunrise. Do not offer water in the evening or night. 

* On the chosen day for offering cooked vegetarian food, include Kheer or sweet rice porridge as one of the dishes. Place 5 shares of food on soharie or jackfruit (koa / katahar) leaves at the place where Tarpan was offered. Include fruits and sweets. 

* Include cups of water and sweet drinks. 

* Sprinkle black till on all the food items. Place a Tulasi leaf on each share of food and in each cup. 

Offer the food to Lord Krishna and ask Him to distribute the offerings accordingly to your ancestors. 

Guests can then be fed. 

The time at which the food is offered is usually when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, so that the maximum absorption of the moisture, nutrients and energy within the offered food occurs, through the grace of Lord Surya, the Sun God. 

It is believed that if the ancestors are content with the shraddha, they will bestow health, wealth, knowledge, longevity, and ultimately salvation (moksha) upon the performer.

🙏🏽 Om Namo Bhagavate Vāsedevāya 🙏🏽

Om Vakra-Tunda  mahaa-Kaaya 

Suurya-Kotti Samaprabha |

Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva 

Sarva-ksaryeshuù Sarvadaa ||

Meaning:

Salutations to Shri Ganesha, who has a curved trunk, who has a large body and whose splendour is similar to a million suns.

O Deva, please make my undertakings free of obstacles, by extending your blessings to all my work, always.

Om Veena Dharay vipula Managala daana-sheelay, 

Bhakt-aarti naashini viranchi hareesha vanday, 

Keerti praday akhila manoratha day mahaa-rahay, Vidyaa pradaayini Saraswati Naumi nityam....(Three Times)

Meaning:

Mother Saraswati,whose instrument the Veena is ever with you,making the music of the spheres. Who grants good fortune to all,who removes the afflictions of devotees, who is revered by Brahmaa,Vishnu and Shiva,who is the bestower of wisdom and fame and grants all wishes. Who showers respect and knowledge on all,we prostrate before you again and again. Please Mother,keep your protective shield around us throughout the day and night.

Padma naabham suresham

Vish-waa-dhaaram gagana sadrisham

Megha varanam shu-bhaangam

Lakshmi- kaantam kamala nayanam 

yogi bhir dhyaana gamyam

Vande Vishnu bhava bhaya haram

sarva lokai kaanaatham.

I bow to Lord Vishnu, the dispeller of the fear of the world, the one lord of all dominions, the embodiment of peace, who reclines on the throne provided by the king of serpents, whose inner-most thoughts like a lotus in his navel gave rise to all knowledge through the Creator, the one support of all the universe, who encompasses all like the sky, whose hue is like that of rain-heavy clouds, whose form is matchless, who is the Lord of Lakshmi, whose eyes are like lotuses and who is the object of meditation of the Yogis.

1. Goddess Shailputri
Goddess Shailputri is the first manifestation of Goddess Durga. She holds a Trishul in one hand and a lotus in the other and rides a bull called Nandi. Goddess Parvati was born as the daughter of Himalaya and in Sanskrit, Shail means the mountain, thus she is known as Shailputri.

What to offer: Devotees offer pure ghee on the foot of Goddess Shailputri. It is believed that by offering pure ghee the devotees are blessed with a life free of diseases and illness.
2. Goddess Brahmacharini
The second day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini. The goddess walks bare feet with a rudraksh mala in one hand and a sacred Kamandalu in the other. The meditative form of this goddess symbolises Goddess Parvati when she engaged in her deep meditation to please Lord Shiva.
What to offer: Goddess Brahmacharini is offered sugar for the longevity of the family members.
3. Goddess Chandraghanta
The third day of Navratri is of Goddess Chandraghanta. She is a fierce 10-armed goddess with a crescent moon on her forehead, which gives her the name Chandraghanta. She rides on a tiger to destroy all evil and wicked.
What to offer: The ferocious goddess is pleased with Kheer. She is known to drive away all pains.
4. Goddess Kushmanda
Chaturthi or the fourth day of Navratri is of Devi Kushmanda. The name Kushmanda is derived from three words - ‘Ku’ (little), ‘Ushma’ (warmth or energy) and ‘Amnda’ (egg), which means the creator of the universe.
What to offer: Devotees offer Malpua to Maa Kushmanda to improve their intellect and decision-making ability.
5. Goddess Skandmata
Goddess Skandmata who is worshipped on the fifth day is also known as Panchami. Skandmata is a four-armed deity, who carries a lotus in two of her arms with a sacred Kamandalu and a bell in the other two. She also carries a little Kartikay on her lap and because of this Kartikay is also known as Skanda. She is seated on a lotus.
What to offer: Bananas is the favourite fruit of Goddess Skandmata.
6. Goddess Katyayani
The sixth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, who is a form of Shakti. Also known as the warrior goddess, Katyayani is considered as one of the most violent forms of Goddess Parvati. She has four arms and carrying a sword. She is the daughter of Sage Katyayan and rides on a lion.
What to offer: Devotees offer Honey as prasad to Devi Katyayani.
7. Goddess Kaalratri
Saptami or the seventh day of Navratri is of Goddess Kaalratri. As per legends she sacrificed her skin colour and embraced a dark complexion to kill demons. She is a four-armed deity who rides a donkey, carries a sword, a trident, and a noose. She has a third eye on her forehead that is believed to contain the entire universe.
What to offer: Offer Jaggery as prasad to Devi Kaalratri for relief from pains, obstacles and bring happiness.
8. Goddess Mahagauri
Durga Asthami or the eight-day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri. She is a four-armed deity who rides on a bull or a white elephant. She carries a Trishul and a damru in her hands.
What to offer: Goddess Mahagauri is offered coconut by devotees.
9. Goddess Siddhidatri
The ninth or the final day of Navratri is of Goddess Siddhidhatri. She is projected as a four-armed deity sitting on a lotus, holding a mace, discus and a book and lotus in her hands. This form of Goddess Durga signifies perfection.
What to offer: Sesame Seeds are offered to Devi Siddhidatri for safety and security from unnatural events.

Om Shri Brahmacharini Deviyaye Namah 

Om Shri Chandraghanta Deviyaye Namah 

Om Shri  Kushmanda Deviyaye Namah 

Om Shri  Skandmata Deviyaye Namah 

Om Shri Katyayani Deviyaye Namah 

Om Shri  Kaalratri Deviyaye Namah 

Om Shri  Mahagauri Deviyaye Namah 

Om Shri  Siddhidhatri Deviyaye Namah 

Maatree roopena sansthitha

Namastasyai namastasyai

Namastasyai namo namah

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu 

Chhaya roopena sansthitha

Namastasyai namastasyai

Namastasyai namo namah

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu 

Tushtee roopena sansthitha

Namastasyai namastasyai

Namastasyai namo namah

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu 

Kantee roopena sansthitha

Namastasyai namastasyai

Namastasyai namo namah

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu 

Shakti roopena sansthitha

Namastasyai namastasyai

Namastasyai namo namah

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu 

Lakshmi roopena sansthitha

Namastasyai namastasyai

Namastasyai namo namah

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu 

Smriti roopena sansthitha

Namastasyai namastasyai

Namastasyai namo namah

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu 

Shraddha roopena sansthitha

Namastasyai namastasyai

Namastasyai namo namah

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu 

Lajja roopena sansthitha

Namastasyai namastasyai

Namastasyai namo namah

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu 

Dayaa roopena sansthitha

Namastasyai namastasyai

Namastasyai namo namah

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu 

Buddhi roopena sansthitha

Namastasyai namastasyai

Namastasyai namo namah

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu 

Shanti roopena sansthitha

Namastasyai namastasyai

Namastasyai namo namah

Please copy this mantra in your Religious Education books.

Indian mythology is full of tales that inspire awe and wonder. The tale I am about to share is one such story.

Once upon a time, thousands of years ago, there was a tyrant called Mahishasura.

He was part demon and part buffalo.

Mahishasura meditated for thousands of years so he could please Lord Brahma and in return be blessed with immortality and power.

After much penance, his plan worked.

Lord Brahma came to him and said, “I am very pleased with your devotion. Ask me any boon that you desire.”

Without batting an eyelid, the arrogant Mahishasura said, “Lord, I don’t want any man or God to be able to kill me.”

Brahma raised his hand in blessing and said, “Tathastu. So be it, my child.”

A twinkle in Brahma’s eyes gave away the fact that maybe Mahishasura had left a loophole while seeking his blessing. Time would tell.

Armed with this boon, Mahishasura considered himself immortal, as no man or God could lay hands on him. He went berserk. In his rage and pride, he practically destroyed the Earth. The lands were soon covered in his darkness and his massacres were widespread. Not only that, he chased away the Gods out of heaven.

Scared, the Gods went running to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and narrated their misfortune.

They pleaded for protection and said that if something was not done soon, the heavens and the earth and all the beings there, would be destroyed.

The lords Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva were hopping mad. They conferred for a moment. And then they held each other and started to radiate a blinding light. A light never seen before. A light so bright, that even the sun paled in comparison. Seeing this, the other Gods also joined in and the light shone even brighter.

Out of this beautiful light, was born the ten armed Goddess Durga, the embodiment of Adi Shakti.

Being a woman, there was nothing stopping Goddess Durga from killing Mahishasura, as his boon only protected him from men and Gods. Such was the cunning and smartness of Lord Brahma.

One by one the gods approached her and gifted her a dazzling array of weapons.

The mighty Sudarshan chakra was given to her by Lord Vishnu.

Lord Shiva gave her a dangerous Trishul.

She got a Quiver full of arrows from Lord Varuna, the God of the Sea.

Lord Yama, the God of Death, gave her a powerful Sceptre.

Lord Indra, a Thunderbolt, to rattle the earth.

Lord Vishwakarma, the Architect of the Gods, a menacing axe.

Kaal, or Time, gave her a sharp sword.

She got a kamandal, or pitcher, from Lord Brahma.

Agni gifted a flaming dart.

Airavata, Indra’s white elephant, gave Goddess Durga a bell.

Its noise helped her confuse the demons.

The mighty Himalayas gave Goddess Durga a lion to ride upon.

Armed with ten weapons gifted to her by the gods, one for each arm, she looked ready to show Mahishasura who the boss was and went into battle with him.

Durga battled Mahishasura for ten whole days.

On the tenth day, she managed to chop off his head with her sword.

At last, the balance of life was restored. Life came bouncing back on the trees, rivers, skies and the heavens.

To celebrate this victory, we perform Durga Puja every year and remember the great heroics shown by Goddess Durga.

Durga Puja is a ten day carnival in Bengal.

On the last day, Vijay Dashami, we celebrate Goddess Durga’s killing of Mahishasura.

This day is also called Dussehra and we celebrate Lord Rama killing Ravana too. Did you know that before Lord Rama went to Lanka, he prayed to Goddess Durga for her protection and blessings?

There are numerous legends regarding Pitra Paksh.However, one of the lesser known and perhaps most interesting of tales, is taken from the Mahabharat, that tells of the magnanimous 𝘒𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘢. It is believed that the origin of this sacred period began with the charity that Karna performed on earth. 

While on earth, Karna was most charitable and gave many gifts of gold and silver to the less fortunate. These acts of generosity led to him become known as 𝘋a𝘢𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘦𝘳: One who performs the greatest of charities. 

Upon his death, Karna arrived at 𝘚𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘬, the heavenly abode, where he was rewarded for his kindness on earth. However, he was offered no food or water. 

He approached 𝘠𝘢𝘮𝘳𝘢𝘫(most commonly known as the Lord of death, but also of truth and righteousness), and requested a reason for this strange treatment. Yamraj explained that while Karna was on earth he was very charitable but only donated gifts of gold and silver. 

He pointed out to Karna that he(𝘒𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘢) never offered food in the name of his ancestors nor performed any 𝘚𝘩𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘩. Karna sought forgiveness in this matter as he was unaware of the requirement of performing such offerings and the merits involved. 

Yamraj gave Karna permission to return to earth to make amends. He was allowed to return for the next 15 days so that he was able to perform shraddh and make the offering of food and water in the name of his ancestors. Karna then returned to Swargalok, shining in even more resplendant glory. 

This period became known as Pitra Paksh. During this time, Yamraj gave the boon that those who make the offering of 𝘛𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘢𝘯 in the name of their ancestors, that their souls will be appeased and this will prevent them from wandering aimlessly after death. The pious act of feeding those in need would also aid their soul in attaining 𝘮𝘰𝘬𝘴𝘩𝘢: liberation (𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘉𝘩𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘯)

Padma naabham suresham

Vish-waa-dhaaram gagana sadrisham

Megha varanam shu-bhaangam

Lakshmi- kaantam kamala nayanam 

yogi bhir dhyaana gamyam

Vande Vishnu bhava bhaya haram

sarva lokai kaanaatham.

I bow to Lord Vishnu, the dispeller of the fear of the world, the one lord of all dominions, the embodiment of peace, who reclines on the throne provided by the king of serpents, whose inner-most thoughts like a lotus in his navel gave rise to all knowledge through the Creator, the one support of all the universe, who encompasses all like the sky, whose hue is like that of rain-heavy clouds, whose form is matchless, who is the Lord of Lakshmi, whose eyes are like lotuses and who is the object of meditation of the Yogis.

The most important ritual during Kartik Snan is taking a bath in the sacred rivers or water bodies. On this day, devotees wake up at the time of sunrise to take the religious bath. Both men and women perform this sacred bath.

Taking a holy dip in the Ganga River at Prayag and in the ‘Badarikashrama’ in the Himalayas on Kartik Purnima is believed to be means of acquiring salvation. Even if bathing in Ganga is not possible, one must visit any water body nearby.

Some devotees also keep a fast on this day to please Lord Vishnu. The observer of this vrat must also feed a Brahmin.

On the occasion of Kartik Snan, devotees worship Lord Satyanarayan, the Supreme Preserver while some devotees even worship Ganga Mata, the Goddess of the holy rivers.

Observances: Diya and lighting, home decoration, shopping, fireworks, puja (prayers), gifts, feast, and sweets

Date: Thursday, November 4, 2021

Floral decoration along with lamps: Line of lamps 

Divali Nagar celebration in Trinidad and Tobago: 
Diwali sweets and snacks

Indoor Diya decoration on Naraka Chaturdasi night: Diwali lamps

Indoor Diwali decorations in front of an altar: Dance events and fairs

🌹🌿Gananayakaya Ganadaivataya Ganadhyakshaya Dheemahi

Guna Shareeraya Guna Manditaya Guneshanaya Dheemahi

Gunadheethaya Gunadheeshaya Guna Pravishtaya Dheemahi

🌹 🌿 Ekadantaya Vakratundaya Gauri Tanayaya Dheemahi

Gajeshanaya Bhalchandraya Shree Ganeshaya Dheemahi..

🌹 🌿 Ekadantaya Vakratundaya Gowri Thanaya Yadheemahi

Gajeshanaya Bhalchandraya Sri Ganeshaya Dheemahi..

🌹 🌿 Gaanachathuraya Gaanapranaya Gaanantaratmane

Gaanotsukhaya Gaanamattaya Gaannott Sukha Mana Se

Guru Pujitaya Guru Daivataya Guru Kulasthaayine

Guru Vikramaya Guiyya Pravaraya Gurave Guna Gurave

Gurudaitya Kalakchhetre Guru Sarma Sara Radhyaya

Guru Putra Paritraatre Guru Paakhanda Khanda Khaaya..

🌹 🌿 Geetha Saaraya Geetha Thatvaaya Geetha Gothraya Dheemahi

Gooda Gulfaya Gandha Mattaya Gojaya Pradhaya Dheemahi

Gunadheetaya Gunadheeshaya Guna Pravishtaya Dheemahi

🌹 🌿 Ekadanthaya Vakrathundaya Gauri Thanaya Ya Dheemahi

Gajeshanaya Bhalchandraya Shri Ganeshaya Dheemahi..

🌹🌿 Ekadantaya Vakratundaya Gauri Tanaya Yadhee Mahi

Gajeshanaya Bhalchandraya Shree Ganeshaya DheemahiGandharva Rajaya Gandhaya

Gandharva Gana Shravan Pranaime

Gaadhaanuragaya Granthaya

Geetaya Grantatarth Tanmaiye Gurileee..

Gunavathe.. Ganapataye..

🌹 🌿 Grantha Geethaya Grantha Geyaya Granthantarathmane

Geetha Leenay Geethaa Shrayaya

Geethavadya Vadya Padave

🌹 🌿 Dheya Charitaya Gaya Gavaraya Gandharvapri Krupe

Gayakadhina Vighra Haya Gangajala Pranayavate

Gauri Stanamadhaya Gauri Hridaya Nandanaya

Gaurabhanu Sukhaya Gauri Ganeshwaraya..

🌹 🌿 Gauri Pranyaya Gauri Pravanaya Gaurabhavaya Dhimahi

Ohasa Hastraya Gowardanaya Gopa Gopaya Dhimahi

Gunaditaya Gunadhishaya Guna Pravishtaya Dhimahai

🌹 🌿 Ekadantaya Vakratundaya Gauri Thanahaya Yadhi Mahi

Gajeshanaya Bhalchandraya Shree Ganeshaya Dhimahi

🌹 🌿 Ekadantaya Vakratundaya Gauri Thanaya Yadheemahi

Gajeshanaya Bhalchandraya Shree Ganeshaya Dheemahi

The clear blue sky,

The scent of flowers,

The colours of Rangoli,

And the sound of crackers.

The gifts and sweets from dear ones,

And the getting of their love,

The light of the candles below,

And the dazzling fireworks up above.

Lighting lamps at our homes,

Making the less fortunate smile,

Putting on new apparels,

Show our friends some style.

Paying respects to the gods, 

And decorating for them the thali, 

This is what the occasion is all about,

This is the spirit of Deepavali.

Maiya Jai Lakshmi Mata।

Tumako Nishidin Sevat,

Hari Vishnu Vidhata॥

Om Jai Lakshmi Mata॥

Uma Rama Brahmani,

Tum Hi Jag-Mata।

Surya-Chandrama Dhyavat

Naarad Rishi Gata॥

Om Jai Lakshmi Mata॥

Durga Roop Niranjani,

Sukh Sampatti Data।

Jo Koi Tumako Dhyavat,

Riddhi-Siddhi Dhan Pata॥

Om Jai Lakshmi Mata॥

Tum Patal-Nivasini,

Tum Hi Shubhdata।

Karma-Prabhav-Prakashini,

Bhavanidhi Ki Trata॥

Om Jai Lakshmi Mata॥

Jis Ghar Mein Tum Rahti,

Sab Sadgun Aata।

Sab Sambhav Ho Jata,

Man Nahi Ghabrata॥

Om Jai Lakshmi Mata॥

Tum Bin Yagya Na Hote,

Vastra Na Koi Pata।

Khan-Pan Ka Vaibhav,

Sab Tumase Aata॥

Om Jai Lakshmi Mata॥

Shubh-Gun Mandir Sundar,

Kshirodadhi-Jata।

Ratna Chaturdash Tum Bin,

Koi Nahi Pata॥

Om Jai Lakshmi Mata॥

Mahalakshmi Ji Ki Aarti,

Jo Koi Jan Gata।

Ur Anand Samata,

Paap Utar Jata॥

Om Jai Lakshmi Mata॥

Later, Lord Vishnu was born as Lord Krishna and Narakasura’s mother Bhudevi was born as Krishna’s wife Satyabhama. As Satyabhama, Bhudevi had no knowledge of Narakasura being her son. When she was told of his atrocities, she was enraged and asked Krishna to fight the evil King. During the course of the battle, Krishna was slightly wounded by Narakasura. Seeing this, Satyabhama became immensely furious, fought Narakasura with even more determination and finally killed him.

On his deathbed, Narakasura requested a boon from his mother that no one would mourn his death. Instead, they would celebrate it with light and color and thus the festival of Diwali is celebrated in the south of India.

The significance of Kartik Snan is mentioned in several Hindu religious scriptures and Puranas like Padma Purana, Skanda Purana and Naarad Purana to name a few. Lord Krishna himself narrated the glories and rituals of Kartik Snan to His wife, Satyabhama. On this auspicious day, Hindus in large numbers perform the ritualistic bath. The benefits of taking snan in the Kartik month is equivalent to taking 1000 Ganga Snan and over 100 Magha Snan. It is a popular belief that by taking a holy dip in the month of Kartik and by offering donations, one gets freedom from all his/her committed sins.

According to the Hindu legends, on this day, Lord Shiva defeated a demon, Tripurasur and rendered Earth as a safe place. Also as per the Ayurvedic studies, the last 8 days in the month of Kartik and the beginning 8 days of the ‘Margashirsha’ month (the month following Kartik in the Hindu calendar) is referred as ‘Yamdanshtra’, meaning ‘the strength of death’. During this period it is advised to take bath in the ponds or other water bodies, eat light meals and perform religious activities and prayers. Doing this imparts goods health and spiritual grace. Recent studies have also proved the scientific significance of Kartik Snan. Bathing during this time early in the morning generates energy and also frees the body from all forms of ailments.

For Kartik Snaan devotees usually make the journey to many of our beaches throughout Trinidad such as the Manzanilla beach. However, this year as was the case last year,  as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,  we will not be able to do so as we continue to observe the public health regulations. 

Devotees will therefore perform Kartik puja at home or at various temples.

The following are guidelines for our observances at home:

During the pre dawn hours perform bath with a mixture of tulsi soil, til ,ganga jal and normal water reciting.

Om Gange Cha Yamune Chaiva 

Godavari Saraswati  

Narmade Sindhu Kaveri  

Namastubhyam Namo Namah 
 

Offering of Water and Flowers to Tulsi Mata

Performance of Vishnu Puja and Tulsi Puja with special emphasis on leaving a  lit ghee deeya  to Lord Vishnu.

Performance of 🤬,Kirtan and Stotra to Bhagavan Vishnu.

Daan-where possible offering a seedha to a holy brahmin and performance of some charitable act as per one's means.

PUNDIT RISHI MAHARAJ

Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha Pandits Parishad

Arogyam Sukh Sampadam ⠀

Mama Shatru Vinashayea, ⠀

Deep Jyotir Namostute.⠀

⠀

O Lakshmi Maa, you are the source of true happiness, the remover of all forms of illness and the bestower of prosperity. Please help me Maa, help me rid myself of all internal enemies. We bow to this light, which is symbolic of your presence. Lakshmi Maa is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Wealth is a vital ingredient bestowed upon us for the maintenance and progress in our lives. It is much more than just having money. It can mean abundance in knowledge, in skills, talents and so on. ⠀

⠀

The word 'Lakshmi’ implies the complete spiritual well-being of a person. The goddess is often depicted as being seated on a lotus in water. Water by nature flows. Similarly, wealth gets its value if it is serving some purpose and not kept stagnant. The lotus is stable though the water is flowing. This represents stability in dynamism.⠀

Arogyam Sukh Sampadam ⠀

Mama Shatru Vinashayea, ⠀

Deep Jyotir Namostute.⠀
Om Shanti Shanti Hari Om

⠀

O Lakshmi Maa, you are the source of true happiness, the remover of all forms of illness and the bestower of prosperity. Please help me Maa, help me rid myself of all internal enemies. We bow to this light, which is symbolic of your presence. Lakshmi Maa is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.