Radha - Please come for me!!

 

Oh Radha, divine and bright,

In your grace, I find my light,

You’ve given me a heart so true,

But without you, I’m lost in blue.

In your love, I see the dawn,

Yet here I stand, weary and worn,

A mere mortal, I bear the strain,

Longing for you to ease my pain.

Radha, come and hold my hand,

Guide me through this troubled land,

Your blessings are my only plea,

In your embrace, I long to be.

Oh, Radha, hear my humble call,

Without your love, I fear I’ll fall.

In every tear, your name I sigh,

In every shadow, I call you nigh,

For in this world, I wander lost,

Bearing my heart, I count the cost.

You danced with joy in Vrindavan’s glow,

While I’m trapped in this ebb and flow,

Your laughter echoes in my soul,

But without you, I’m not whole.

Radha, come and hold my hand,

Guide me through this troubled land,

Your blessings are my only plea,

In your embrace, I long to be.

Oh, Radha, hear my humble call,

Without your love, I fear I’ll fall.

Through the nights that stretch so long,

I search for you in every song,

The pain I bear, a heavy chain,

Only your love can break this bane.

Oh, divine one, I seek your grace,

To find my peace, to find my place,

In your presence, I’ll rise anew,

Radha, my heart belongs to you.

Radha, come and hold my hand,

Guide me through this troubled land,

Your blessings are my only plea,

In your embrace, I long to be.

Oh, Radha, hear my humble call,

Without your love, I fear I’ll fall.

So here I stand, with faith so true,

Radha, my soul is calling you,

In your love, I’ll find my way,

Come to me, don’t let me stray.

Oh, Radha, I need you near,

In your light, I’ll have no fear.

Where is God? Why I don't see him? What he does all day?

 Before I start this story, let me tell you my house in DAV(Dayanand Anglo Vedic) public school was Yajur Veda. My thoughts process got influenced by Dayanand's philosophy of reading Upanishad's and not worshipping idols. But, I practice idol worship, because my level is not so high to worship without any idol or image. Though I don't practice with attachment to offering flowers etc on a daily basis. If it's available it's good or else my spiritual thoughts says God can see within me, my faith and devotion.. he would not mind what and how I offer flowers, bhog etc.  

I was not feeling well from a few days because of many external issues. My life is going through a tough phase and gets tougher and tougher with time. So, I decided to start reading Upanishad's as I read from Swami Sivananda's book which also talks about reading Upanishad's. 

I found a pdf of 108 Upanishad's and started reading. The first Upanishad is Isavasyopanishad. In this a short story is explained in many different ways about God and his presence. So, here I depict that story in a gist. 

In ancient times there lived a virtuous Bhramin. One day the king called him and asked 3 questions..

1- Where is God?

2- Why I don't see him?

3- What he does all day?

He gave the Bhramin time to think about it and provide him with an appropriate answer. And it was decided that if the Bhramin is unable to answer his head will be severed. 

The Bhramin was very restless and could not find any answer untill the Day. That day he went to King with depression accompanied by his son. 

The son asks the king of he can reply on behalf of his father. The king grants it. The young boy asks to get milk in a big container.

The milk is brought in front of them. Then the boy asks to churn the butter out of milk. That was done and butter is taken out.

Now, the boy says that answers first two questions. The king was surprised as he didn't answer anything. 

The boy then asks

"Where was the butter? Did you see it without churning? Like butter God is present everywhere and in everything. You have to look within to see and feel him in all the things. "

Now, the king asks what about the 3rd question? 

The boy says for this I have to sit in the throne and you have to stand in my place.  The king agrees to the audacious request by this Bhramin boy.

Once this boy is enthroned the boy says like the change in position, God does everything as per his will and he lifts us and casts down each of us several times in this life. Everything happens as per his will. 

A Prayer of Pain!!

 Dear God above, I come to you,

With a heavy heart and a mind askew.

In this journey where shadows intertwine,

I seek a moment, a sign, a way to align.

Each dawn breaks, a new day unfolds,
Yet in my soul, a longing holds.
The choices you’ve crafted, so hard to embrace,
I struggle to find joy, to find my place.

I question the paths that seem to diverge,
The dreams left unspoken, the hopes that submerge.
With every heartache, with every tear,
I wonder, dear God, if you truly hear.

In silence, I whisper, amidst all my strife,
Why does this struggle define my life?
The weight of discontent, it pulls me down,
In a sea of despair, I sometimes drown.

But in the depths of my restless night,
I yearn for your wisdom, your guiding light.
If there's a purpose in this painful grind,
Show me the lesson, unshackle my mind.

Help me to see through this veil of despair,
To find in my trials a strength that’s rare.
Though frail I may feel, in this battle I stand,
With a heart yearning for a more loving hand.

God, let me trust in the journey ahead,
To find peace in the choices, though heavy the tread.
If life is a canvas, painted with pain,
Let me embrace color, even through rain.

I offer my sorrow, my fear, my plea,
In hopes of discovering a purpose in me.
With every breath, I seek to survive,
Help me to thrive, God, help me to thrive.

Chhath Puja in Bihar!!

 Chhath Puja, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya (the goddess of fertility and abundance), is celebrated with immense fervor and devotion in various parts of India, particularly in Bihar. Among the many places where this festival is celebrated, Munger, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, stands out as a vibrant hub of Chhath festivities. The festival usually falls in October or November and spans four days, during which devotees engage in rigorous rituals, fasting, and communal celebrations.

Historical Significance of Munger

Munger holds a unique place in the cultural tapestry of Bihar. Historically known as a pilgrimage site, it has many temples and sacred locations. The city is home to the revered Brahmapur Ghat on the banks of the Ganges, where a significant number of devotees gather during Chhath. This ghat is believed to be a spiritual place where offerings made to the Sun God are especially auspicious.

Rituals and Practices

Chhath Puja is marked by a series of rituals that are both strenuous and deeply spiritual. The festival spans four days:

Nahay Khay: The first day involves purification rituals where devotees take a holy dip in the Ganges, followed by a sargi meal prepared by the mother or female family members. This meal often includes fruits, nuts, and other vegetarian delicacies.

Kharna: On the second day, devotees fast until sunset. In the evening, they prepare offerings, including kheer (a rice pudding), which is shared among family and friends. After the evening prayers, devotees break their fast.

Sandhya Arghya: The third day is dedicated to offering prayers to the setting sun. Devotees prepare a basket filled with sweets, fruits, and other offerings, which they present to Surya. The ambiance around the ghats in Munger transforms into a sea of lights and colors as devotees gather to perform the rituals.

Usha Arghya: The final day involves offering prayers to the rising sun. Devotees, dressed in traditional attire, gather at the banks of the Ganges before dawn to present their final offerings. This ritual marks the culmination of the puja, and the devotees break their fast after completing the rituals.

Chhath Puja in Munger is not merely a religious observance; it is a community celebration that fosters unity and camaraderie among residents. The festival brings together people from different backgrounds, transcending social and economic barriers. Streets are adorned with decorations, and local markets bustle with activity as people shop for traditional materials and offerings.

The collective enthusiasm is evident in the songs and folk music sung during the celebrations, reflecting the local culture and traditions. Women, in particular, play a prominent role, as they lead the rituals, showcasing their dedication and spirit.

Central to the culinary traditions of Chhath is the thekua, a sweet prepared as an offering to the Sun God. The process of making thekua becomes a familial affair, where multiple generations come together in the kitchen. Ingredients like wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee are mixed and kneaded into a dough, which is then shaped and fried until golden brown.

The aroma of freshly made thekuas wafting through the house signifies the warmth of the festival. Families often prepare large batches, which are not only used in the rituals but also shared among friends and neighbors. This sharing enhances the spirit of community, as it embodies the essence of giving and sharing during this auspicious time.

Bringing Families Together

As Chhath approaches, it becomes customary for friends and family to visit each other’s homes, bringing thekuas and other offerings that they have prepared. This exchange of delicacies symbolizes goodwill and strengthens relationships. Elders often recount stories of their own Chhath experiences, imparting wisdom and traditions to the younger generation.

These visits foster connections, rekindle old friendships, and create lasting memories. The joy of sharing food, laughter, and stories enhances the festive atmosphere and reminds everyone of the importance of family and community bonds during this time.

During our stay in Munger, my father's friend and colleagues visited us and gave us Thekuas. My mom would store them and each of them would taste different. We would cherish this delicacy for about a month after Chhath. 

Embracing Nature and Faith

The rituals of Chhath require participants to pay homage to the natural elements, particularly water and sunlight, as they gather at riverbanks or ghats to perform their prayers. Families come together at these sacred locations, often decorating the area with rows of lights and flowers. The sight of mothers and daughters dressed in traditional attire, performing the rituals, is a beautiful representation of cultural continuity and respect for traditions.

Chilkoor Balaji temple!!

 This is a very unique and special temple as here they do not have any Hundi or donation box nor do they accept any donation from devotees. 

When I came to Hyderabad, my friend told me about it and I went to this temple with my friends for the first time. 

The second time I visited was on Jan 2010 with a special friend and a special wish to make. My wish was not granted 😭. I realised that the God is known as Visa god, so may be I should have wished to get my visa even though there was no as such plan in my mind. 😂 Can't forget that day of my life. It was Ganesha Sankashti and I had kept a fast. I went to this temple did parikrama and utter the Mantra that the priests chant here.

Shree Ram Ram Raameti, Rame Raame Manorame । Sahasra-Nama Tat-Tulyam, Raama-Naama Varanane ॥

Here, I learnt this very powerful mantra. Next time when I visited this temple I don't remember. Last time I went here was in 2018 around month of Nov or Dec. It was for mundan of my son. He had turned 1year old and donation of hair to lord Balaji is practice that symbolises surrendering ones ego to the divine. So, I decided to make his mundan at this temple. 

We went there with my parents. It was their first visit to this temple. However, my father fell sick and had lots of vomiting by the time we reached temple. So, I was with my father and my mom and husband took my son for mundan. I wish he had better health to see this temple from inside. Anyways it's always God whose wish gets fulfilled. We humans can only try our best. 

At this temple they sell a book called VAK. Only the money from sell of book goes to the temple trust. So, we make sure to buy some books from here.  

And the parikrama that you do here is 11 times while making a wish and 108 times after your wish is fulfilled. And as you do parikrama keep chanting the mantra that the priests keep chanting and everyone doing parikrama do so. 

This temple will always have a special place in my heart, even though God didn't fulfill my wish. God knows the best,  it must be good for some reason, even though I don't feel that way. May be not for me but for someone it was good. So, be it. 

Story of Ajamila!!

 This story comes from Bhagavat Purana, this story tells us that just by reciting name of God one can attain Moksha or salvation . 

Ajamila was a Brahmin married man, obedient to his father and wife.  One day he went to forest, where he saw a woman singing and dancing. He fell in infaction with her beauty and wanted to have her. 

She was a prostitute, but Ajamila could not control himself. So, he married this woman and left his wife and family. 

He started getting involved in many bad activities such as robbery, ransom, gambling etc. Through all these activities he was supporting his new family. Out of this prostitute he had ten sons.

He was fond of his last son, whom he named Narayan. When he grew old, he would constantly calling out Narayan, Narayan to his son. His son being young would not listen and keep playing with his friends. 

On his death bed he saw Yama dutas coming to take his soul. He called out to his son Narayan in fear. At this point Vishnu dutas came for his soul. And then they exchanged dialogue with Yama dutas regarding recitation of God's name. 

The Vishnu dutas explained that the Shastras state that the mere utterance or the recitation of the name of Vishnu, even if taken to denote another person, or in a friendly joke, or as an insertion during the recitation of a song, or even as an apparent insult, completely annihilates all the sins of the one who utters it. Ajamila, who witnessed the exchange between the beings, fell into remorse, announcing that he had indeed led a vile life and unworthy of his Brahminhood, and would henceforth lose his sense of self in his service to Vishnu. By this manner, the Brahmana Ajamila, who had neglected his duties and led a sinful life, was able to achieve moksha, and attain Vaikuntha.

She is beautiful!!

 She is beautiful but not like the girls in magazines.

She is beautiful for the way she thinks.

She is beautiful for the sparkle in her eye when she talks about something that she likes.

She is beautiful for her ability to make others smile even when she is sad.

No, she is not beautiful for something that is as temporary as her looks.

She is beautiful to the core of her soul.

Yes, she is beautiful ❤️