Hindu Calendar: April 21, 2010 - Budhashtami in April 2010 – Ashtami Vrata dedicated to Budha Graha and Goddess Parvati

Namaste, Hari Om,

Budhashtami in April 21, 2010 – Ashtami Vrata dedicated to Budha Graha and Goddess Parvati

Why Its important: Day dedicated to Maha Parvati Mata. She is the universal mother who offers great protection and guidence for her devotees. She is also the mother of the maha Ganesh Baba and Husband of Lord Shiva. She is the embodiment of a loyal and perfect woman - She is also the Shakti form of Lord Shiva, many of us are familiar with the story of Ganesha Baba, but it was noted that no one in the three worlds could have stood up to Parvati Mata's rage when her son was hurt (Lord Ganesh). Not even Maha Lord Shiva himself could contend with the power of Maha Shakti Maa Parvati Devi. 

What to do on this day: One should fast and offer prayers to Parvati Mata, Om Parvati Mata...Chanting her name and meditating on her will be great.

Also please read the story of how Mata Parvati met Lord Shiva, its very nice and has a great lesson on devotion. Its written in the Maha Shiv Puran very beautifully as well. http://www.srichinmoy.org/resources/library/stories/puranas/parvati_longs_to_marry_shiva

Jai Mata Ki Jai,
-SimpleHinduBhai



Here are some nice words from Hindupad.com
(sources: http://hindupad.com/vratas-pujas/budhashtami-vrata-2010-budha-ashtami-puja/
http://hindupad.com/vratas-pujas/budhashtami-in-april-2010-ashtami-day-dedicated-to-budha-graha-and-goddess-parvati/)

Budhashtami or Budh Astami is a vrata dedicated to Budha graham and Goddess Parvati. Astami that falls on Budhvar or Wednesday is observed as Budhastami vrata. In April 2010, Budhashtami date is April 21st. Budha (Mercury), one of the celestial gods in Hinduism and one of the Navagraha (nine planets in Hindu Astrology), is worshipped during this vratam. It is an auspicious and meritorious ritual especially for those who are suffering from Budha graha dosham as per their birth chart and Horoscope.


Goddess Parvati is also worshipped on Budhastami for wellbeing and prosperity. Marital bliss is the main purpose of worshipping Goddess Parvati on Budhashtami day. Next Budhastami dates are in September 2010.


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Budhashtami Puja, or also spelt as Budh Ashtami is a vrata dedicated to Goddess Parvati, observed on every Ashtami day that falls on Budhvar or Wednesday. In 2010, Budhastami dates are – 21st April, 1st September, and 15th September. Budhashtami may fall either in Shukla Paksha or Krishna Pakshna in a month. Devotees observe fasting on Budhashtami and worship Goddess Parvati for wellbeing and prosperity.


Budhastami vrata is also performed by those who have Budha graham dosham to pacify the effect of Budha grah on their future. In 2010, Sri Krishna Janmashtami falls on (1st September, 2010) Wednesday hence it is very significant and meritorious to perform the Budhashtami vrata on that day.

Budhashtami 2010 dates and time:

Budhashtami in April 2010 – 21st April – Ashtami will overlap on 22nd till morning 8:36

Budhastami in September 2010 – 1st September – Ashtami will overlap on 2nd morning 6:10 am

Budhashtami in September 2010 – 15th September till night 4.48 am
 
 
Jai Parvati Mata Ki Jai!
Uma Pati Maha Dev Ki Jai!

Hindu-Blog: Each Day of a Week Dedicated to a Particular Hindu God

Namaste, Hari Om,

http://www.hindu-blog.com/2008/04/each-day-of-week-dedicated-to.html

In Hinduism some say we have to many Gods, but as posted earlier, this concept is not to be taken at literal value by saying they are all seperate and totally different. As noted in the earlier Lord Vishnu post, different forms appear for various reasons. In the bigger picture, there is only one divine force that does not care about backgrounds or gender or culture etc.. Its that true supreme aspect that holds us all in warm hands. It is only us who forgets the love and only calls the all mighty's name when we are in suffering and sorrow - We should never forget the great name of God, for the rememberance alone can help us walk this difficult path called life.

Check out the link that describes the various days of the week for Hindu Gods - Its very informative and interesting. There are many reasons bheind this, not just a special assignment. As you know, like many religious calendars in the world, Hindu calendars are not normal calendars. They contain special times and descriptions on key events throughout a day that is in paralell with the universe. Things happen all the time due to plaentary pull and energy, thus we have to do certain things at certain times. It may sound complicated but energy emits from the universe, we should always try to go with the flow of the universe and work with the energy..Thus a calendar can help us, and having such a calendar can help us know what to do on a special day to have the greatest effect!

Those who are pulled towards a particular God will enjoy this as they can find peace in bhakti for that particular God on a special day, and as always, keep on checking your Hindu Calendar!

Please enjoy this explanation from Hindu-Blog.com!
Jai Shri Ram,
-SimpelHinduBhai

 http://www.hindu-blog.com/2008/04/each-day-of-week-dedicated-to.html

Hindu-Blog: Ramayan Quiz - Test Your Knowledge of the Ramayana

Namaste, Hari Om,

Check this neat link out, you will be surprised as you will find you know quite allot about the Ramayana :).

http://www.hindu-blog.com/2010/03/ramayan-quiz-quiz-on-hindu-god-ram.html

Jai Shri SitaRam!
SimpleHinduBhai

Hindu American Foundation: Hindus in South Asia and the Diaspora: A Survey of Human Rights – 2009

Hari Om Namaste,

Hindus in South Asia and the Diaspora:
A Survey of Human Rights – 2009

Click here to see the Results: http://www.hafsite.org/sites/default/files/HHR2009.pdf
Note: Please read with an open mind and understanding :) 

This is a great report for all Hindus across the world to take a look at. Some of us never know of the things that take place to against other religions, let alone our own. We are very blessed to have such a nice organization such as HAF to bring this to light. This file also contains data on Hindus across the world and neat statistics.

Many countries look down upon other religions and customs - something that does not really take place in western societies. Many examples appear on the news regarding, our sisters and brothers in the Islamic, Christian and Buddhist faiths (and many more faiths/sects..) as they face harsh governments and social norms that forbid or limit their practice. Even the rights of women and children are not upheld properly in many countries that defy the practice of other faiths. To Simply put, if we are all truly walking towards the divine being in our life, we will always notice how connected everyone is.

Hatred towards any faith is wrong, we should never allow these things to take place, if even our fellow sisters and brothers of another faith is in trouble, that same trouble is our trouble. Even if we can not lend a helping hand or voice due to constraints beyond our control, we can pray for our sisters and brothers and ourselves. After all, Hum Sab Ek Hain.

Hari Om, SitaRam,
-SimpleHinduBhai



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Brief summary of the HAF:

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) is an advocacy group providing a progressive voice for over two million Hindu Americans. The Foundation interacts with and educates leaders in public policy, academia, media, and the public at large about Hinduism and global issues concernings Hindus, such as religious liberty, the portrayal of Hinduism, hate speech, hate crimes, and human rights. By promoting the Hindu and American ideals of understanding, tolerance and pluralism, HAF stands strong against hate, discrimination, defamation and terror.
The Hindu American Foundation is not affiliated with any religious or political organizations or entities. HAF seeks to serve Hindu Americans across all sampradayas (Hindu religious traditions).


http://www.hinduamericanfoundation.org/