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Introduction
Disciplines such as religious fasting etc. that entail
merits are generally called Vrat. To accept some rules
of discipline is in itself a Vrat. For any advancement
in life we have to accept some restrictive disciplines.
A river is bound by the banks, tree is bound to earth,
the strings of Sitar (musical instrument) are also bound
and thereby music is produced. The essence of
Himadri-Vrat chapter describes Vrat as a special
undertaking, keeping some goal in mind, and making a
resolution about it. In the spiritual field, to apply
control over the pleasures of our sense organs, a solemn
vow to observe regulatory discipline- that is Vrat.
The one who undertakes to observe Vrat is called
Vratdhaari. He lives within the bounds of his vows, ever
anxious to upkeep noble ideals. By being rock steady in
the observance of Vrat and vows adds power to internal
consciousness and that is why the followers of Vaidic
culture, upon their children attaining understanding
age, make them undergo the Yajnopavit (sacred thread)
ceremony that urges them to a life within restrictive
bounds. Those people whose life is devoid of any goal,
Vrat, noble ideal or duty, are not able to achieve or do
anything of importance.
Vrat is a resolution with a special purpose in mind.
Great power is enfolded within such resolution. Great
accomplishments like the creation of the universe, are
achieved through such powers. The Upanishads describe
this as "Ekoham Bahushyami…" God (Ishwar) bethought
Himself ‘I will manifest and assume diverse names and
forms’. He then underwent austerity. Meaning that
resolution was made to encompass (Aitereya Upanishad).
Ishwar then prepared the five Tanmatras (subtle
elements), and with the aid of resolution activated them
(Aitereya Upanishad ½). In the beginning all this was
Atman (God) – one only. Besides Him there was no other
for company. This Super soul then bethought Himself
‘This is My firm decision to create human beings’ (Aitereya
Upanishad). The Rishis hint at the cryptic message that
the great work like the creation of the universe was
also accomplished only through (the aid of) resolution.
Resolution is a means to awaken our dormant powers. Just
as a person will employ all his powers to (successfully)
attain any difficult objective, in the same way, to
accomplish the objective of his resolution, he gathers
all his powers and uses them. In the manner of the
feebleness of the scattered rays of the sun that have no
effect on paper or cloth but can burn if they are
concentrated (as through a magnifying glass), if a man
gathers his unsteady mind and directs it to
accomplishing a single task, his purpose will become
fruitful. To make a resolution means to concentrate
one’s powers.
In each field of activity in our lives, resoluteness of
purpose is necessary to tread on the path of progress.
Mahatma Gandhi said, "Life without solemness of purpose
is like a house without foundation". The strength of
such solemnness of purpose is what makes this world
endure. Not to have such solemness of purpose means to
live with wavering indecision. Lack of courage to adopt
a resolution is a sign of weakness. Such people are
unable to successfully tackle any job. According to Mr.
James Allan, "As a matter of fact, the greatest weakness
(shortcoming) of man is his lack of resoluteness of
purpose". To remove this weakness, Vrats have been
assigned a pride of place in Hindu religion. Through
practice firm decisions become a matter of routine. The
practical aspect of Vrat is closely linked to regulation
of diet. When the observance of proper dietary
principles becomes a habit, then, no matter what his
field of activity is, such person’s resoluteness of
purpose will always make him a leader. Thus for material
and spiritual developments in life, it is absolutely
necessary to cultivate the habit of Vrat.
Vrat does not mean instant liberation from sins (faults)
but rather a resolution to the effect that from today,
with complete purposefulness, we will try to progress
towards our chosen goal, and will mend any mistakes. We
shall fight the tendencies of laziness and
procrastination that reside in the mind. The meaning of
Vrat is, with firmness of purpose, make a resolution to
progress in the direction of perfection. To err is
human, but to be perfect is possible when we reach the
heights of Sadhanaa (spiritual disciplines). Vrat is
undertaken to reach such a stage.
Vrat is a kind of austerity. ‘Tapo dvandva sahanam’. Tap
(austerity) means, for achieving any auspicious goal, in
our (daily) life, be prepared to face with equanimity
happiness and sorrow. This is the key to success in any
field of activity. Tap (austerity) is the father of
powers and accomplishments. Where there is Tap
(austerity), there are to be found power, liberation,
heaven, happiness, peace, bliss, wealth, knowledge,
fame, and all. Any person who wants to lead a noble life
must adopt Tap (austerity or Vrat) as his companion. All
great people who have achieved success in the world have
Tap (Vrat) hidden in their background. Those who do not
undertake austerities (Tap or Vrat) face failures in
their lives and blame destiny (for their failures).
Despairing, they are not aware that they have dug up the
very foundations of destiny and success.
Merely to observe the regulations regarding fasting is
not a Vrat but proper conduct, love, disciplines,
honesty, good manners, non-stealing, truth, non-killing
(non-violence), unselfishness, etc., and with firmness
of purpose to take a vow to practice these virtues, is
also called a Vrat. The greatest Vrat is with
resoluteness of purpose, to eliminate from our lives
demoniac tendencies and to develop (acquire) godly
qualities (daivy sampat or divine wealth).
Vrat bestows all kinds of advantage at the physical and
spiritual levels. During the observance of vrat, one
either completely abstains from food, or partly abstains
from food and this gives physiological rest to the
digestive apparatus, which in turn awakens and increases
the digestive power, leading to ease (comfort) of
digestion and purification of the mind. The basis of all
these is dependant on healthy digestive apparatus and
purity of mind. The physical body of a person who
regularly observes Vrat remains free of disease. Vrat
helps to prepare the proper mental groundwork for
contemplation and meditation. Persons who over indulge
in food exhibit grosser thoughts and intellect. To
sharpen the intellect, our scriptures prescribe the
sacred precept of Vrat. The thoughts that are produced
on the day of Vrat embed their powerful influence on the
mind. The preceptors of our religion have woven stories
and morals around Vrat that inspire us and help us make
our lives full of strength (full of confidence and
virtues).
The fasting aspect of Vrat makes the mind strong and
increases its firmness and the stories connected with
Vrat, if their purport is understood, can transform the
life of a person. Today, unfortunately, people listen to
the stories for their entertainment values and do not
attempt to understand the significance that lies buried
within the stories and also do not apply their teachings
in their lives.
In the Mahabharata, Santi parva (162-10) the following
is written about Satya:
"That which is immutable, imperishable, eternal,
everlasting,
and is not subject to change, in other words, is ever
the same".
There are two paths laid out in front of our lives.
Prakriti (nature or matter) and Satyanarayana. There is
ignorance on one side and bright sunshine of knowledge
on the other side. There is darkness on one side and a
heap of light shining brightly on the other side. The
Upanishad provides guidance in life: "Asato Ma Sadgamaya,
Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya, Mrityorma Amritam Gamaya".
Satyanarayana Vrat points to the same direction. To
progress on the path of truth is the main purpose of
Satya Narayana Vrat.Come, let us all learn to observe
Vrat in its true spirit (after understanding its true
meaning).
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Resolution
Resolution is fixity of purpose. It is steadiness of
purpose. A man of resolution is determined. He is
courageous. He has steadiness of purpose, especially in
the face of dangers and difficulties. He never looks
back.
One who is firm and resolute attains success in his
tasks. Failure is unknown to him. Optimism, courage,
strength and fortitude are the companions of resolution.
Keep a dauntless spirit. March on, hero! Never despair.
Your efforts will be crowned with success. Every cloud
has a silver lining. All obstacles will be removed in
due course.
A man of resolution has the nerve that never relaxes,
the thought that never wanders, the will that never
wavers. He always attains victory.
Resolution is your sole help at all times. March on
steadily with sure and steady steps. Gird up your loins.
Persevere.
You can conquer the world with this attitude. Nothing
can bar your way if you are determined. Even if the
whole world opposes you, you can march forward with
undaunted steps.
All great men got success through their strong
resolution. Lord Buddha set out with a firm resolve to
attain the Truth- and he succeeded. Milarepa was firm in
his desire to get initiation from his Guru- and he did.
God’s power knows no failure. It will reinforce your
firm resolve if you trust Him. You can succeed in your
schoolwork and in your exams, if you combine a firm
resolution with diligent study.
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Shitala Satam (Saptami)
(Deity presiding over the disease of smallpox. On this
day, food cooked on the previous day (unheated) is eaten
by the Vratdhari)
This vrat is observed in the month of Sravana on the
seventh day of the dark fortnight. On this day
Shitalamata’s puja is performed after taking bath with
cold water. One cold meal is eaten during the day.
It is written in the Skand Purana that donkey is the
vehicle of Shitalamata. Shitalamata holds a broom in her
one hand and a kalash (container with water) in her
other hand. The one who observes the Shitala vrat bathes
in a river or in a lake. There Shitaladevi’s image (murti)
is placed on the banks of river or lake. Shitaladevi is
offered cooked food and ghee. On this day cold food is
eaten; the food that was cooked the previous day (cooked
on chhatthi or sixth day). For the vratdhari (one who
observes this vrat), it is forbidden to eat warmed or
hot food on this day.
Those who can afford it, can make golden image of
Shitaladevi and together with the image of the vehicle
(donkey) place the devi's image on eight petalled lotus
flower. Offer obeisance with joined palms saying ‘My
pranam to Shitaladevi’ and make puja. In some places
people offer raw flour and gor (molasses) as naivedya to
the devi. It is customary to eat only one meal on
Shitala Saptami day.
Katha(from
Bhavishyottar Purana)
In the olden days, Hastinapur was ruled by king
Indralumna. His wife’s name was Pramila who was full of
faith and devotion and was keen on performing religious
ceremonies and rituals. They had a son, Mahadharma by
name and their daughter’s name was Shubhakaari. She was
given in marriage to prince Gunvaan, son of king Sumati
who ruled Kaundinyanagar.
Prince Gunvaan lived up to his name. He was a virtuous
prince. A year after the wedding, Gunvaan went to his
in-laws to fetch his wife. The king (his wife’s father)
asked his son-in-law to stay over because the next day
was the day of Shitala Saptami vrat. The king invited a
Brahmin and his wife for the ceremony of Shitala Saptami
vrat. The king’s daughter Shubhakari mounted a chariot
and with her female friends set out for the puja
ceremony of Shitaladevi. The puja was to take place by
some lake.
Unfortunately, they took a wrong turn and got lost.
Leaving the chariot, they started walking on foot, and
dispersed in different directions. Princess Shubhakari
was overcome by fatigue and sat under a tree. She saw an
elderly woman approaching her and asked her for
directions.
“O girl, follow me and I will lead you to a lake” said
the old woman and took them to a lake. The princess
bathed in the lake and with devotion and faith, placed
the image of Shitaladevi on a makeshift platform of
stone. The old lady was herself Shitaladevi. She was
well pleased. Placing her hand on the head of Princess
Shubhakari she asked her to state her wish.
The princess said: “Mother, I shall surely ask when the
need arises”.
Then the old lady (Shitaladevi) escorted the princess
and her female friends to the lake where they were to
meet the Brahmin and his wife. The Brahmin’s wife was
heard crying aloud. Princess Subhakari went to her and
saw that her husband was lying dead, apparently bitten
by a snake.
Princess Shubhakari again bathed in the lake and
concentrated her mind upon Shitaladevi and stated her
wish: “Mother, please bring back to life this Brahmin”.
Bhagavati Shitaladevi was pleased and restored life to
the Brahmin. Everybody was full of joy. They all
performed Shitaladevi’s puja and returned home.People of
Hastinapur were filled with awe on hearing that the dead
Brahmin was brought back to life. The citizens together
with the parents of the princess made a murti of
Shitaladevi and celebrated this day in the manner of a
festival. After staying for a few more days, Princess
Shubhakari went with Prince Gunvaan to her in-laws.
There also, being impressed by Shitalamata, they
developed faith and devotion. It is said that the
children of those who are Shitala vratdhai (who observe
this vrat) do not suffer from smallpox and that their
wishes get fulfilled.
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Nori-Nem
Nori-Nem vrat (resolution) carries great significance.
This vrat is observed in the month of Sravana on the
ninth day of the bright fortnight. Mostly women observe
this vrat. Women who have become mothers do the ritual
ceremonies as follows:
On this day women get up early in the morning and after
taking morning bath and wearing clean clothes, worship
the image of a mongoose. Usually a Brahmin is asked to
make a murti of a mongoose from the flour of juvar corn
and turmeric (haldi). Place the murti on a baajat
(square stool) for puja. Ingredients for the puja
include mung beans, juvar, baajari and unhusked grains.
These are offered to the mongoose. Thereafter these
ingredients are given over to the Brahmin. Charity is an
important element of this vrat and therefore, according
to means, give to Brahmins and to deserving charities.
The woman observing this vrat usually would include in
her meals mung beans and grams (chana). Roti can be made
from chana flour or Mung beans flour. Unhusked pulses
can also be used for meals.
The story connected with this vrat is set out in brief
as follows:
Katha
There was a poor Brahmin. His wife was full
of faith and devotion displaying lots of spirituality.
She had unswerving faith in the gods and goddesses. She
had become a mother and loved her infant child more than
her own life.
This woman used to observe the vrat of Nori-Nem and in
due course she obtained a great reward for observing
this vrat.
One day her infant child was sleeping in the cot. She
went to the village well to fetch water for her house.
Her husband had gone to the temple. Thus her infant was
left alone in the house. Just then a black snake slowly
descended from the roof of the house and climbed upon
the cot. The infant in the cot was awake with an
innocent smile on the face. How was the infant to know
that death was staring face to face? The snake kept
staring at the infant and then raised its hood in
preparation for striking the infant. Within a fraction
of a second, before the fangs of the snake can deliver
its deadly poison to the infant’s feet, a mongoose
caught hold of the snake and removed it from the cot.
Just then the infant’s mother returned to the house. She
saw the mongoose and the snake and immediately realised
what had happened. Her vrat of Nori-Nem was rewarded.
Devata had come as a mongoose to save the life of her
child.
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