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Indian Astrology Articles
The Importance of Vijayadashami
7th - 8th day of Navratri
These final days belong to Saraswati Maa who is worshipped to acquire the spiritual knowledge. This in turn will free us from all earthly bondage. But on the 8th day of this colourful festival, yagna (holy fire) is performed. Ghee (clarified butter), kheer (rice pudding) and sesame seeds form the holy offering to Goddess Durga Maa.

Lakshmi Pooja
Goddess Lakshmi is the goddess of abundance and the better half of Lord Vishnu. The word 'Lakshmi' is derived from the Sanskrit word Laksya, meaning 'aim' or 'goal', and she is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual. Lakshmi Pooja is celebrated on the full moon night of Kojagari Purnima.

Lord Vishnu declared Indra the king but he was so much engrossed in pleasure that he neglected his royal duties. The earth was left ungoverned and so the goddess dissolved herself in the ocean of milk.

Everything came to a standstill and not a single material had any value. Everything was barren and the cosmos became an isolated place with no laughter and joy.

To bring back peace and prosperity the gods and the demons started churning the ocean of milk. Pleased by their effort the goddess finally emerged as Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Lakshmi is depicted as a beautiful woman of golden complexion, with four hands, sitting or standing on a full-bloomed lotus and holding a lotus bud, which stands for beauty, purity and fertility. Her four hands represent the four ends of human life: dharma or righteousness, kama or desires, artha or wealth, and moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

On the full moon night following Dasshera or Durga Pooja, Hindus worship Lakshmi ceremonially at home, pray for her blessings, and invite neighbors to attend the Pooja. It is believed that on this full moon night the goddess herself visits the homes and bestows the inhabitants with wealth. A special worship is also offered to Lakshmi on the auspicious Diwali night.

Kali Pooja
Kali Pooja is one of the major festivals for people in West Bengal and they celebrate the occasion with much delight and zeal. Just as people in North India light lamps to honour Lakshmi Ma during Lakshmi Pooja, people in West Bengal celebrate Kali Pooja by lighting lamps in honour of Goddess Kali. Houses are decorated and elaborate Rangoli pattern are drawn in front of houses and courtyard. As Goddess Kali is regarded as the Goddess to be feared Bengalis leave no stone unturned in carrying out a special Pooja for her. Through Pooja people seek happiness, prosperity and protection against hardships.

According to legends, Shambhu and Nishambhu, the demon kings grew in force and pose a challenge to Indra, King of Gods, and his Kingdom of Heaven. Gods sought protection from Mahamaya Durga, the Goddess of Shakti or Power. At this stage Goddess Kali was born from Durga's forehead as Kal Bhoi Nashini to save heaven and earth from the growing cruelty of the demons.


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