Goddess Lakshmi Sloka - hck.or.ke · gurunanak hopsital team cal camp

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ARTICLES

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DIRECTORATES

ACTIVITES PAGE 5 ONWARDS

Goddess Lakshmi Sloka

"Sarvagyay Sarvavarday Sarvadushtbhaydkree

Sarvadukhaharay Devi Mahalakshmi Namostutay"

Meaning: O Maa Lakshmi, you know everything, you grant favors to all, you are a terror to the evil and your art removes the misery of all. O propitious goddess, I surrender to you.

"Siddhi Buddhipraday Devi Bhuktimuktipradayeenee Mantramurtay Sada Devi Mahalakshmi Namostutay"

Meaning: O divine goddess, you are the provider of success and

intelligence. You are the benefactor of both worldly pleasure and

freedom. The magical sound symbols-the Mantras, verily comprise

their form with your grace. Propitious Mother, I surrender to you

always.

"Aadhantarhitay Devi Aadhshakti Maheshwari

Yogajay Yogasambhutay Mahalakshmi Namostutay"

Meaning: O Ultimate Mother, your art is without beginning and end.

Your art is the primal power. Your art comes out of Yogic practice

and your art is evident through Yoga. Promising Mother, I surrender

to you. "Sthulsukshmay Maharodray Mahashakti Mahodray

Mahapaapharay Devi Mahalakshmi Namostutay"

Meaning: Goddess Lakshmi, your art in gross and subtle, is

the most awful and powerful. Mother, you contain all things

and you remove even the greatest sins. Auspicious Mother, I

surrender to you.

"Padnaasanstithay Devi Parbrahmaswaroopeenee Parmashree Jaganmatra Mahalakshmi Namostutay" Meaning: Maa Lakshmi, you reside in the hearts of devotees and

prove the art of the Supreme Brahman. You are mother of the uni-

verse with your supreme art. O Great Mother, I bow to you.

MESSAGE FROM National General Secretary

Dear Friends Heartiest Diwali Greetings!!! I am pleased to extend my sincere wishes for another edition of Hindu deep. Further on behalf of Hindu Coun-cil of Kenya, I appreciate all member institutions for their continued support.

Hindu Council of Kenya is a non-commercial organiza-tion aimed to serve the Hindu communities living in the Republic of Kenya. Hindu Council is also known as an umbrella body for all Hindu communities and institu-tions in Kenya. Hindu Council is always involved in vari-ous social, eco-nomical, cultural and environmental ac-complishments for their members.

Hindu Council of Kenya is conducting various social and cultural programs to make a great bond-ing in the society; also through our business and environmental initiations we tried society prosperous and green. Our member institutions are always been participative to-wards the need of the time and work hand in hand to make things better in Kenya. We look forward your more and more participation in council activities.

God Bless Kamal Gupta National General Secretary

Hindu Council of Kenya

A NEWS LETTER OF HINDU COUNCIL OF KENYA

OCTOBER 2017 ISSUE


History and Significance

of Diwali, the Festival of

Lights

Deepawali or Diwali is the biggest and the brightest of

all Hindu festivals. It is the festival of lights:

deep means "light" and avali "a row," or "a row of lights."

Diwali is marked by four days of celebration, which

literally illuminates the country with its brilliance and

dazzles all with its joy.

The Diwali festival occurs in late October or early

November. It falls on the 15th day of the Hindu

month, Kartik, so it varies every year.

Each of the four days in the festival of Diwali is sepa-

rated by a different tradition. What remains true and

constant is the celebration of life, its enjoyment, and a

great sense of goodness.

The Origins of Diwali Historically, Diwali can be traced back to ancient In-

dia. It most likely began as an important harvest festi-

val. However, there are various legends pointing to

the origin of Diwali.

Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage

of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, with Lord Vishnu.

Others use it as a celebration of her birthday as Laksh-

mi is said to have been born on the new moon day of

Kartik. In Bengal, the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the dark goddess of strength. Lord Ganesha—the elephant-

headed god, and symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom—is

also worshiped in most Hindu homes on this day. In

Jainism, Deepawali has the added significance as

marking the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining

the eternal bliss of nirvana.

Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama

(along with Ma Sita and Lakshman) from his fourteen

-year-long exile and vanquishing the demon-king

Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their

king, the people of Ayodhya, the capital of Rama, illu-

minated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps)

and burst crackers.

The Four Days of Diwali Each day of Diwali has its own tale, legend, and myth

to tell. The first day of the festival, Naraka Chatur-

dasi, marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by

Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.

Amavasya, the second day of Deepawali, marks the

worship of Lakshmi when she is in her most benevo-

lent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Ama-

vasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his

dwarf incarnation vanquished the tyrant Bali and ban-

ished him to hell. Bali was allowed to return to earth

once a year to light millions of lamps and dispel dark-

ness and ignorance while spreading the radiance of

love and wisdom.

It is on the third day of Deepawali, Kartika Shudda

Padyami, that Bali steps out of hell and rules the

earth according to the boon given by Lord Vishnu.

The fourth day is referred to as Y ama Dvitiya (also

called Bhai Dooj) and on this day sisters invite their

brothers to their homes.

Dhanteras: The Tradition of Gambling Some people refer to Diwali as a five-day festival be-

cause they include the festival of Dhanteras (dhan

meaning "wealth" and teras meaning "13th"). This

celebration of wealth and prosperity occurs two days

before the festival of lights.

The tradition of gambling on Diwali also has a legend

behind it. It is believed that on this day, Goddess

Parvati played dice with her husband Lord Shiva. She

decreed that whosoever gambled on Diwali night

would prosper throughout the ensuing year.

The Significance of Lights and Firecrack-

ers All of the simple rituals of Diwali have a significance

and a story to tell. Homes are illuminated with lights

and firecrackers fill the skies as an expression of re-

spect to the heavens for the attainment of health,

wealth, knowledge, peace, and prosperity.

According to one belief, the sound of firecrackers in-

dicates the joy of the people living on earth, making

the gods aware of their plentiful state. Still another

possible reason has a more scientific basis: the fumes

produced by the firecrackers kill many insects and

mosquitoes, which are plentiful after the rains.

The Spiritual Significance of Diwali

DIWALI


With that, there are a number of customs that revelers

hold dear each year.

Give and Forgive. It is common practice that every-

one forgets and forgives the wrongs done by others

during Diwali. There is an air of freedom, festivity,

and friendliness everywhere.

Rise and Shine. Waking up dur ing the Brahmamu-

hurta (at 4 a.m. or 1 1/2 hours before sunrise) is a

great blessing from the standpoint of health, ethical

discipline, efficiency in work, and spiritual advance-

ment. It is on Deepawali that everyone wakes up early

in the morning. The sages who instituted this custom

must have cherished the hope that their descendants

would realize its benefits and make it a regular habit

in their lives.

Unite and Unify. Diwali is a great unifying force

and it can soften even the hardest of hearts. It is a time

when you will find people mingling about in joy and

embracing one another with love.

Those with keen inner spiritual ears will clearly hear

the voice of the sages, "O Children of God unite, and

love all". The vibrations produced by the greetings of

love, which fill the atmosphere, are powerful. When

the heart has considerably hardened, only a continu-

ous celebration of Deepavali can rekindle the urgent

need of turning away from the ruinous path of hatred.

Prosper and Progress. On this day, Hindu mer-

chants in North India open their new account books

and pray for success and prosperity during the coming

year. Everyone buys new clothes for the family. Em-

ployers, too, purchase new clothes for their employ-

ees.

Homes are cleaned and decorated by day and illumi-

nated by night with earthen oil lamps. The best and

finest illuminations can be seen in Bombay and Am-

ritsar. The famous Golden Temple at Amritsar is lit in

the evening with thousands of lamps placed all over

the steps of the big tank.

This festival instills charity in the hearts of people and

good deeds are performed everywhere.

This includes Govardhan Puja, a celebration by Vaish-

navites on the fourth day of Diwali. On this day, they

feed the poor on a most incredible scale.

Illuminate Your Inner Self. The lights of Diwali

also signify a time of inner illumination. Hindus be-

lieve that the light of lights is the one that steadily

shines in the chamber of the heart. Sitting quietly and

fixing the mind on this supreme light illuminates the

soul. It is an opportunity to cultivate and enjoy eternal

bliss.

From Darkness Unto Light... In each legend, myth, and story of Deepawali lies the

significance of the victory of good over evil. It is with

each Deepawali and the lights that illuminate our

homes and hearts, that this simple truth finds new rea-

son and hope.

From darkness unto light—the light that empowers us

to commit ourselves to good deeds, that which brings

us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate

every corner of India and the scent of incense sticks

hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of firecrack-

ers, joy, togetherness, and hope.

Diwali is celebrated around the globe. Outside of In-

dia, it is more than a Hindu festival, it's a celebration

of South-Asian identities. If you are away from the

sights and sounds of Diwali, light a diya, sit quietly,

shut your eyes, withdraw the senses, concentrate on

this supreme light, and illuminate the soul.

DIWALI


The Spiritual Significance of Di-wali

How to Illuminate Your Inner Self

Deepavali or Diwali means "a row of lights". It falls

on the last two days of the dark half of the Hindu

month of Kartik (October-November).

Mythical Origins of Diwali There are various alleged origins attributed to this fes-

tival. Some hold that they celebrate the marriage of

Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. In Bengal, the festival is

dedicated to the worship of Kali. It also commemo-

rates that blessed day on which the triumphant Lord

Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.

On this day also Sri Krishna killed the demon Narakasura.

In South India, people take an oil bath in the morning and

wear new clothes. They partake of sweetmeats. They light

fireworks, which are regarded as the effigies of Narakasura

who was killed on this day. They greet one another, asking,

"Have you had your Ganges bath?" which actually refers to

the oil bath that morning as it is regarded as purifying as a

bath in the holy Ganga.

Illuminate Your Inner Self The light of lights, the self-luminous inner light of the

Self is ever shining steadily in the chamber of your

heart.

Sit quietly. Close your eyes. Withdraw the senses. Fix

the mind on this supreme light and enjoy the real

Deepavali, by attaining illumination of the soul. He

who Himself sees all but whom no one beholds, who

illumines the intellect, the sun, the moon and the stars

and the whole universe but whom they cannot illu-

mine, He indeed is Brahman, He is the inner Self. Cel-

ebrate the real Deepavali by living in Brahman, and

enjoy the eternal bliss of the soul.

The sun does not shine there, nor do the moon and the

stars, nor do lightnings shine and much less fire. All

the lights of the world cannot be compared even to a

ray of the inner light of the Self. Merge yourself in

this light of lights and enjoy the supreme Deepavali.

Many Deepavali festivals have come and gone. Yet

the hearts of the vast majority are as dark as the night

of the new moon.

The house is lit with lamps, but the heart is full of the

darkness of ignorance.

O man! Wake up from the slumber of ignorance. Real-

ize the constant and eternal light of the Soul, which

neither rises nor sets, through meditation and deep

inquiry.

May you all attain full inner illumination! May the

supreme light of lights enlighten your understanding!

May you all attain the inexhaustible spiritual wealth

of the Self! May you all prosper gloriously on the ma-

terial as well as spiritual planes!

With excerpts from the writings of Swami Sivananda

DIWALI


HCK MANAGING COMMITTEE

HCK MANAGING COMMITTEE

HCK DIRECTORATES ACTIVITIES

HCK DIRECTORATE-VARIOUS

HCK REPRESENTED IN KWFS MEETING HELD ON 14TH SEPTEMBER

HCK REPRESENTED WOMEN S CONSULTATATIVE FO-

RUM DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER.

MEETING

BETWEEN HCK

AND SHARIA

HOUSE OFFIC-

ERS FOR MIN-

ISTER OF

FAITH AT HIN-

HCK MANAGING COMMITTEE 2017-18


DIRECTORATE OF YOUTH Members from the Youth directorate participated in "Annual Interfaith

Youth Forum on Environment & peace" on 29-30 September 17 at Catholic University.

HCK DIRECTORATE-Activities

HCK DIRECTORATE-

HCK TEAM DID REPRESENT VARIOUS MEMBER INSTITUTES

DURING NAVARTRI CELBERATIONS. SOME OF THE HCK

MEMBERS ALSO WON PRIZES


HCK Business and Professionals Directorate :

HAD ORGANIZED TAX AMENSTY INTERACTIVE

TALK SESSION ON 7TH SEPTEMBER AT ARYA

SAMAJ HALL AND OVER 150 PLUS PARTICI-

PANTS ATTENDED THE PROGRAM .

DIALOGUE REFERENCE GROUP OF IRCK MEETS WITH IEBC

COMMISSIONERS AT WINDSOR HOTEL TO DISCUSS PREP-

ARATIONS FOR FRESH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

HCK DIRECTORATE-Activities

HCK DIRECTORATE-

HCK RELIGIOUS AND CULTURE

DIRECTORATE CONDUCTED GARBA

COMPETION AND WAS WELL ATTENDED

OVER BY 1600 GUESTS

DIRECTORATE OF HRE –DURING DIVYA DURSHAN A

TEMPLE VISIT


HCK DIRECTORATE—Activities

HCK DIRECTORATE-

HINDU COUNCIL’S DIRECTORATE OF HEALTH & ENVIRONMEMT TEAM HAD ORGANISED GENERAL MEDUCAL

CHECK UP ON 8TH OCTOBER AT DEEP SEA SLUM . RECENTLY AT DEEP SEA SLUM FIRE HAD DESTROYED MANY

HOUSES AND PEOPLE WERE INURED. THE MEDICAL CAMP HELPED QUITE A NUMBER OF PEOPLE.

DONATIONS WERE ORGANISED

FOR DEEP SEA SLUM VICTIMS AT

HCK HINDU BHAVAN

HONORABLE JAYENDRA

MALDE ALONG WITH

GURUNANAK HOPSITAL TEAM

WHO SPONSORED THE MEDI-

CAL CAMP


HCK DIRECTORATE—Acitivites

HCK DIRECTORATE-

HCK CHAIRMAN Mr NITIN MALDE AND HCK TEAM DURING

THE BIRTH CENTENARY CELEBRTION OF PANDIT DEENDAYAL

UPADHYAY

HCK NATIONAL GENERAL SECRETARY Mr KAMAL GUPTA

MET SRI SRI RAVISHANKARJI.

HCK WAS REPRESENTED BY HCK CHAIRMAN Mr NITIN MALDE

AND NGS Mr KAMAL GUPTA DURING THE PEACE MEETING

HELD AT STATE HOUSE WITH HON MR UHURU KENYATTA

PRESDIENT OF KENYA AND OTHER RELIGIOUS LEADERS.

VICE CHAIRMAN DR. LUMBA GIVING INSPIRATIONAL SPEECH ON

FAMILY VALUES AT SATYA SAI CENTER


HCK DIRECTORATE—WOMENS WING

11 Little Known Stories About Di-wali You Need To Know Before You Light Your First Diya!

As much as you love Diwalii, fact is that a lot of us don't know a terrible lot about the festival apart from the lights, the sweets, the poker parties and the man-datory leaving the door open for Lakshmi Ji. Before I started researching for this story, I didn't know that according to legend, the foundation of the Golden Temple was laid on Diwali. Here's 10 more similar stories which'll sort you out.

1. Jains celebrate Diwali to mark the attain-ment of moksha by Mahavira.

Mahavir or Vardhmana , founder of modern Jainism, attained moksha on Diwali.

2. The foundation stone of the Golden Tem-ple at Amritsar was laid on Diwali

3. Lord Rama, returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana

Diwali also marked the end of Lord Rama’s Vanvas in the jungle, and his victory over evil. It is assumed that people of Ayodhya welcomed the King by light-ing diyas.

4. Lord Krishna had killed Narakasura, a day before Diwali. One day before Diwali, Lord Krishna killed the demon king Narakasura and rescued women from his captiv-ity. Thus, Narak Chaturdasi is celebrated in some parts of the country.

5. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, was incarnated on Diwali. Hindus all over the country worship the god-dess on Diwali.

6. Lord Vishnu, in his fifth incarnation as Vaman – Avtaara, rescued Lakshmi from King Bali

7. Diwali is also considered as the harvest festivals in India

Diwali occurs at the end of harvest season. It marks the last harvest of the year and is of extreme im-portance to the farmers.

8. The enlightenment of Swami Dayananda Saraswati took place on Diwali

9. Diwali, is considered the beginning of a new year for Hindus. 10. Diwali has a historical connect as well. It’s believed that Vikramaditya was crowned as the king on Diwali.

11.

The Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Diwas on the day of Diwali.

Bandi Chhor Diwas celebrates the release of sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind. King Jahangir had impris-oned the guru along with 52 princes at Gwalior Fort


Dear Readers

The Hindu council Management and Trustees would like to wish you all a Happy and safe Diwali.

In this edition we have tried to explain the significance of Diwali celebrations. Most of us do celebrate the fire works and enjoy sweets but some of us don’t know the actual mean-ing of Diwali celebrations.

We do have Hindu Religious Education Directorate and number of books on this subject. Please do visit Hck Library and enhance your knowledge. We also would like to give us suggestions to improve. The slogan for this Diwali should be …..

Burn your idleness and bad times but not fire-crackers at Diwali.

Hindu deep is our news letter where will mentioning the activities of various directorates conducted during the period. We do cover branches of Hindu Council of Kenya as well. Under the able leadership of our Chairman Mr Nitin Malde and General Secretary Mr Kamal Gupta backed by Trustees , Vice Chairmen and Management committee members we wish to communicate that our strength is because of member institutions and their contributions. Happy Diwali and Happy New year.

With Best Regards

Nagaraj Rao

Director and Editor for Hindudeep

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS MAGAZINE PLEASE CONTACT:

Hindu Council of Kenya, Kusi Lane, Off 3rd Parklands Avenue Nairobi

+254 733 809 214 | +254 722 793 920

[email protected] | www.hck.or.ke

FROM THE EDITORS DESK

Goddess Lakshmi Sloka - hck.or.ke · gurunanak hopsital team cal camp

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