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Line 178: − + − + − + − === Dashera ===+ − * Vijayadashami: Vijayadashami is also popularly known as ‘Dussera’ and is one of the prime Hindu festivals. This day commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, the demon King. Vijayadashami is celebrated on the ‘Dashami’ (10th day) of the ‘Ashwin’ lunar month as per the traditional Hindu calendar. This day also culminates the grand Navratri celebrations in some parts of the country. − * '''The tenth day of Navarathri in Sharad Ritu, Vijaya- Dashami is one among the three most auspicious days in our calendar. It is the most sought-after day for launching ones hopes and ventures. Vijaya-Dashami signifies rescue of Dharma from the creeping shadows of the unjust, instating the virtuous to their rightful position and the victory of good over evil. On this day, the Pandavas ended long years of their humiliating exile and incognito; the friendless brothers found an ally in Virata and celebrated it with the bonding of young Abhimanyu and Uttara. On this day, Sri Rama with his consort was enthroned in Ayodhya on return from years of exile and vanquishing the demon king Ravana. It was on this day the Goddess Durga mata destroyed horde of evil forces, restored light and hope in the hearts of the virtuous. It is a day of victory and rejoices.'''<ref>[https://sreenivasaraos.com/2012/09/20/sharad-ritu-season-of-tender-beauty-grace-and-celebrations-2/ Sharad Ritu] – season of tender beauty, grace and celebrations </ref> − Significance of Sharada rtu for its inclusion in wishes and blessings for long life − '''Our seers visualized a life worth- living as spans of Sharad Ritu; not merely, because it is the most enjoyable season but also because it suggests an interpretation and a sense of balance that life should have. That perhaps was the reason our ancients measured meaningful life spans as representations of Sharad Ritu. A young person on threshold of life greets his beloved at the time of wedding “Oh! The auspicious one, the cause of my life, may we live to see a hundred Sharad seasons (''subhage, tvamjeeva sharadahshhatam'')”.'''+ + − + − '''''Paśyema śaradaḥ śataṁ| jīvema śaradaḥ śataṁ| budhyema śaradaḥ śataṁ| rohema śaradaḥ śataṁ | pūṣema śaradaḥ śataṁ| bhavema śaradaḥ śatam |'' ''bhūsema śaradaḥ śataṁ|''''' '''''bhūyasīḥ śaradaḥ śatam''' '''|''' (AVŚ_19,67.1-8'')+ − + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Sharada Rutucharya (शरद ऋतुचर्या) (view source)
Revision as of 15:55, 17 September 2022
, 15:55, 17 September 2022no edit summary
प्रदोषे कौमुदीभजनं विधत्ते-चन्दनोशीरकर्पूरमुक्तास्रग्वसनोज्ज्वलः||५३|| सौधेषु सौधधवलां चन्दिकां रजनीमुखे| -------------------------------------------|५४| (Asht. Hrud. 3.49-55) <ref name=":2" /></blockquote>Thus one should get deliberately exposed to these healing moonrays on the night of Sharada purnima.
प्रदोषे कौमुदीभजनं विधत्ते-चन्दनोशीरकर्पूरमुक्तास्रग्वसनोज्ज्वलः||५३|| सौधेषु सौधधवलां चन्दिकां रजनीमुखे| -------------------------------------------|५४| (Asht. Hrud. 3.49-55) <ref name=":2" /></blockquote>Thus one should get deliberately exposed to these healing moonrays on the night of Sharada purnima.
The prasadam : Kheer or sweetened milk
'''The Prasadam '''
Rice kheer (a sweet dish made of milk, rice, and sugar/jaggery) is prepared at homes and temples.
Masala milk (sweetened milk mixed with dry nuts) or Rice kheer (a sweet dish made of milk, sugar, &/ rice) is prepared at homes and temples. All the contents of the delicacy are coolants, sweet in [[Rasa (रसः)|rasa]] (taste), unctuous (hydrating and strengthening) in [[Gunas or Qualities : An Ayurvedic perspective (आयुर्वेदे गुणाः)|guna]]. All the contents are known to be Pitta pacifying.<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutra 21-23)</ref> <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutra 50)</ref> Thus the entire preparation acts as a cooling tonic and an ideal pitta pacifier necessary to reduce the naturally aggravated body heat in this season.
Jagaranam - effects- ruksha, vat, pitta
'''Jagaranam'''
On the occasion of Sharda purnima as a part of tradition and celebration, people stay awake late night. The idea routine or [[Dinacharya (दिनचर्या)|Dinacharya]] described in Ayurveda does not allow one to stay awake late night which is called as Jagaranam. In Ayurveda treatises it is clearly mentioned that if jagaranam is done it causes aggravation of Vata and Pitta doshas in body. They specifically increase excessive dryness in the body.<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyayam 7 Sutram 55)</ref> These aggravated doshas can cause multiple ailments, degenerative and inflammatory changes in body. Thus to nullify this effect of vitiated vata and pitta due to jagaranam the sweetned milk preparation is very much beneficial. Thus the prasadam offered on the night of Sharada purnima is a remedy and a healing potion in itself.
=== Vijayadashami / Dashehara / Dussera ===
Vijayadashami is also popularly known as ‘Dussera’ and is one of the prime Hindu festivals celebrated with lot of joy and zeal. This day commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, the demon King. Therefore Vijayadashami is is celebrated as a symbol of victory of good over evil. It is celebrated on the ‘Dashami’ (10th day) of the ‘Ashwin’ lunar month as per the traditional Hindu calendar. This day also culminates the grand Sharada Navratri celebrations in many parts of the country. It is one of the most auspicious days in Hindu calendar.
'''The Vedic aspirations of living a long, rich and purposeful life are expressed as enjoyment of life as in Sharad Ritu.'''
'''The tenth day of Navarathri in Sharad Ritu, Vijaya- Dashami is one among the three most auspicious days in our calendar. It is the most sought-after day for launching ones hopes and ventures. Vijaya-Dashami signifies rescue of Dharma from the creeping shadows of the unjust, instating the virtuous to their rightful position and the victory of good over evil. On this day, the Pandavas ended long years of their humiliating exile and incognito; the friendless brothers found an ally in Virata and celebrated it with the bonding of young Abhimanyu and Uttara. On this day, Sri Rama with his consort was enthroned in Ayodhya on return from years of exile and vanquishing the demon king Ravana. It was on this day the Goddess Durga mata destroyed horde of evil forces, restored light and hope in the hearts of the virtuous. It is a day of victory and rejoices.'''<ref name=":3">[https://sreenivasaraos.com/2012/09/20/sharad-ritu-season-of-tender-beauty-grace-and-celebrations-2/ Sharad Ritu] – season of tender beauty, grace and celebrations </ref>
Traditions
'''May we see a hundred ''Sharad Ritus''. May we live a hundred ''Sharad Ritus''. May we be wakeful in a hundred ''Sharad Ritus''. May we ascend through a hundred ''Sharad Ritus''. May we enjoy prosperous hundred ''Sharad Ritus''. May we adorn a hundred ''Sharad Ritus'' .May we live more than a hundred invincible ''Sharad Ritus.'''''
Exchange of Apta Leaves With Friends and Family
The exchange of Apta Leaves or Green Gold on Dussehra has deep significance. This ritual is about expressing happiness and respect. The day is considered to be extremely auspicious. There are two trees associated with the festival of Dussehra; Shami, and Apta. Both these are medicinal trees used to treat a variety of ailments.
During the nine days of Navratri, nine forms of Goddess are worshipped. The worship of Saraswati on the tenth day of Navratri is a ritual in Maharastra. This day is also considered auspicious to start anything new. The day is also known as “Vijayadashami” or “Dasara” celebrated all over India with great enthusiasm.
=== Shami tree ===
Religious Importance of the Shami Plant
Two trees mentioned in Hindu religious texts aid in reducing the effects of Shani or Saturn. These are Shami and The Peepal tree. Worshipping these two trees is thought to mitigate the effects of Shani. To counteract the negative effects of Shani, one should plant a Shami tree around his home. Apart from that, the flowers and leaves of the '''Shami plant''' can be used to alleviate the negative effects of Shani.
The significance of the '''Shami plant''' is also mentioned in the Ramayana. Before declaring war on Lanka, Lord Rama prayed in the presence of a Shami tree. Similarly, when Arjuna assumed the form of Brihannal during his exile, he hid his divine Gandiva bow on a Shami tree, according to the Mahabharata.
Shami leaves are also used in the worship of Lord Ganpati and Goddess Durga.This tree is especially revered on the tenth day of Dasara, when it is worshipped throughout India. Those hindus who worship this plant, light a lamp under the '''shami plant''' on every Saturday. According to them. Offering a shami leaf to lord Shiva is considered to be very auspicious. After bathing, they offer water to the '''shami plant'''. As part of the tenth day practise of Dasara in the Deccan, the Marathas used to shoot arrows at the tree's leaf and collect the falling leaf in their turbans.According to the Mahabharata, the Pandavas spent their thirteenth year of exile in disguise in the kingdom of Virata.
Before travelling to Virata, they were claimed to have hung their celestial arms in this tree for a year. When they returned after a year, they discovered their arms secure in the branches of the Shami tree. They bowed down to the tree and thanked it for keeping their arms safe while they were taken. The leaves of this plant are also important in the worship lesson. It is said that before leaving home for any good work, one should see this plant first.<ref>Religious Importance of the [https://www.magicbricks.com/blog/shami-plant/129014.html#Religious_Importance_of_the_Shami_Plant Shami Plant]</ref>
Ayurveda acharyas have described the plant shami as Mangalya i.e. auspicious. <ref name=":4">Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Vatadi Varga [https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/e-Nighantu/bhavaprakashanighantu/?mod=read&h=sham Sutra 59-60])</ref><blockquote>शमी ..... शिवा | मङ्गल्या च तथा लक्ष्मीः शमीरः साऽल्पिका स्मृता ||५९||</blockquote>
{| class="wikitable"
|+Medicinal properties of plants
!
!Shami<ref name=":4" />
!Ashmantak<ref>Rajanighantu (Prabhadradi varga [https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/e-Nighantu/rajanighantu/?mod=read&h=ashma Sutra 39-41])</ref>
|-
!Common name
|Banni Mara, Khejri tree
|Mock bodh tree, Mock peepul tree
|-
!Botanical name
|Prosopis cineraria
|Ficus rumphii
|-
!Rasa
|Tikta, Katu, Kashaya
|Madhura, Kashaya
|-
|'''Veerya'''
|Sheeta
|Sheeta
|-
|'''Vipaka'''
|Katu
|NA
|-
|'''Guna'''
|Laghu
|Laghu, Ruksha
|-
|'''Karma'''
|Laxative, Helps cure kapha dominant respiratory disorders, giddiness, skin diseases, piles and worm infestation
|Very helpful in treating excess body heat in the form of Pitta, burning sensation, excess thirst, vomiting, fever, toxic substances and prevents affliction of bhutas or grahas (evil forces).
|}
== Significance of Sharada rtu for its inclusion in wishes and blessings for long life ==
Our seers visualized a life worth- living as spans of Sharad Rtu; not merely, because it is the most enjoyable season but also because it suggests an interpretation and a sense of balance that life should have. That perhaps was the reason our ancients measured meaningful life spans as representations of Sharad Ritu. A young person on threshold of life greets his beloved at the time of wedding “Oh! The auspicious one, the cause of my life, may we live to see a hundred Sharad seasons (''subhage, tvamjeeva sharadahshhatam'')”.<ref name=":3" />
The Vedic aspirations of living a long, rich and purposeful life are expressed as enjoyment of life as in Sharad Ritu.<blockquote>पश्येम शरदः शतम् ।।१।। जीवेम शरदः शतम् ।।२।। बुध्येम शरदः शतम् ।।३।। रोहेम शरदः शतम् ।।४।। पूषेम शरदः शतम् ।।५।। भवेम शरदः शतम् ।।६।। भूयेम शरदः शतम् ।।७।। भूयसीः शरदः शतात् ।।८।। (अथर्ववेद, काण्ड १९, सूक्त ६७ दीर्घायुत्वम् )
''Paśyema śaradaḥ śataṁ| jīvema śaradaḥ śataṁ| budhyema śaradaḥ śataṁ| rohema śaradaḥ śataṁ | pūṣema śaradaḥ śataṁ| bhavema śaradaḥ śatam |'' ''bhūsema śaradaḥ śataṁ|'' ''bhūyasīḥ śaradaḥ śatam | (AVŚ_19,67.1-8'')</blockquote>Meaning: Meaning of these chants: (1) May we look at the hundred ''शरदः'' – ''Sharad'' – autumns, i.e., the light of our eyes remained clear for a hundred years. (2) May we live for a hundred years; (3) May our intellect remained strong for 100 years, we remained knowledgeable; (4) May we continue to grow for 100 years; (5) May for more than a hundred years, keep getting the confirmation, we keep getting nourished ; (6) May we must stay for 100 years (literally the repetition of another mantra) ; (7) May for hundreds of years, we stay holy, free from illicit feelings ; (8) May all these welfare things going forward for more than hundred years .
Why Sharada?
Now coming back to the first curiosity Why ''Sharad Ritu''? Why not other ''Ritus'' are mentioned? Here ''Ayurveda'' plays the role of justifying it. ''Sharad Ritu'' – Autumn is characterized as a very important season in ''Ayurvedic'' science as far as our health is concerned. In this season, after the withdrawal of monsoon or its repatriation, the sky becomes completely clean and the temperature begins to rise again. At this time due to flooded land and intense temperatures the air humidity increases so much that people have to face unmanageable humidity. In India, this situation is known as ‘October Heat’. Autumn comes after the rainy season! The naturally accumulated ''Pitta Dosha'' in the rainy season – the outbreak of defects increases in the autumn! This removes the digestive nature of the ''Pitta Dosha'' in this season, it becomes ingenious! The results are fever, dysentery, vomiting, diarrhea, malaria etc. In Ayurveda, autumn is called ‘mother of diseases’ in all seasons! The person who can survive healthily through this ''Ritu'', crosses the autumn effortlessly is considered as a Healthy person.
Although, ''Chaitra'' Month is the very first month of Hindu Calendar Year, here S''harad'' ''Ritu'' (''Ashwin'' and ''Kartik'') attracts the attention because of its importance in Health of people. This way ''Sharad Ritu'' plays a vital role in one’s life. Therefore ''“Jeevem Sharad: Shatam”'' has been said and ''Sharad Ritu'' has secured its place in the chants. <ref>What is “[https://shatayuayurveda.home.blog/2019/06/15/what-is-jeevet-sharada-shatam-%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A4-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-%E0%A5%A4%E0%A5%A4/ Jeevet Sharada Shatam” (जीवेत शरदः शतम् ।।)] </ref>
'''Yamadanshtra'''
'Yama' is God of death and 'damshtra' means his tooth. It's applied meaning is the period of increased mortality.<ref>Sharangadhar Purva khanda 2/30</ref>
Duration: The duration of last eight days of Kartika month and first eight days of Margashirsha month is termed as yamadamshtra.
Precautions: It is advised to take little food during this period for healthy living otherwise it may be fatal.
Acharya Sharangadhara has described that this is the period when the mortality rate is highest and thus it is of significance if one can stay healthy and alive in this period. Therefore since the ancient times, a person in Bharata was desirous of living 100 sharada and thus prays for the same or blesses someone in the same way.
== References ==
== References ==
[[Category:Ayurveda]]
[[Category:Ayurveda]]