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  • Onam: Celebrating the Story of King Mahabali and Lord Vishnu

    The Legend of Onam

    Onam is an annual festival celebrated in the state of Kerala, India. It is a time when people come together to commemorate the legendary King Mahabali and his encounter with Lord Vishnu. This vibrant festival holds great significance for the people of Kerala, as it represents the rich cultural heritage and the spirit of unity.

    The story of Onam revolves around King Mahabali, who was known for his wisdom, generosity, and benevolence. It is said that during his reign, Kerala experienced a golden age of prosperity and happiness. However, his success and popularity started to worry the gods, particularly Lord Vishnu.

    Lord Vishnu decided to test King Mahabali’s devotion and humble him. He took the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, and approached the king for a favor. Vamana asked for a piece of land that he could cover in three steps. Intrigued by the Brahmin’s humble request, King Mahabali granted his wish.

    To everyone’s surprise, Vamana grew into an enormous size and covered the entire Earth with his first step. With his second step, he covered the entire sky and left no space for the king. Realizing that the Brahmin was none other than Lord Vishnu, King Mahabali surrendered himself and offered his head as the third step. Impressed by the king’s selflessness and devotion, Lord Vishnu granted him a boon – to visit his kingdom once every year.

    Celebrations and Traditions

    Onam is primarily known for its grand festivities and vibrant cultural performances. The most iconic tradition during this festival is the creation of ‘pookalam,’ a stunning floral carpet made with various colorful flowers. People create intricate designs on the courtyards of their homes to welcome King Mahabali.

    The festival also includes traditional dance forms like Kathakali and Thiruvathirakali, where performers showcase their skills and entertain the audience. Boat races, known as Vallamkali, are another highlight of Onam, with teams competing in beautifully decorated boats on the backwaters of Kerala.

    Feasting is an integral part of Onam, and families gather to enjoy a lavish meal known as the ‘Onam Sadhya.’ This traditional feast consists of a variety of vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf. It includes delicacies like rice, sambar, avial, olan, and payasam.

    The Essence of Onam

    Onam is not just about the celebrations and traditions; it is a time when people come together to remember and honor the values represented by King Mahabali. The festival symbolizes the victory of goodness, humility, and sacrifice over power and material wealth.

    It is a reminder that true prosperity lies in the happiness and well-being of one’s fellow beings. Onam teaches us the importance of compassion, unity, and living in harmony with nature. It is a celebration that brings people closer and strengthens the bond of love and togetherness.

    The vibrant festival of Onam brings to life a festive spirit that spreads throughout the picturesque state of Kerala. This celebration, known for its happiness, excitement, and unity, transcends boundaries and resonates with people from all walks of life. Onam is a unique amalgamation of mythology and agrarian traditions, rendering it a truly captivating and meaningful occasion.

    King Mahabali

    At the heart of Onam lies the tale of King Mahabali, or Maveli, a just and benevolent ruler who once reigned over Kerala. During his rule, the land flourished with prosperity to such an extent that it attracted the envy of the devas, the Gods of Heaven. Their discontent was further fueled by Mahabali’s demon lineage, as asuras were considered adversaries of the devas. In response to this, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Vamana, a dwarf, and approached King Mahabali.

    Vamana approached the generous king with a modest request for three feet of land. As Mahabali offered his benevolence, Vamana suddenly expanded to immense proportions, encompassing all the worlds in just two strides. Mahabali asked Vamana to place the third step on his head since there was nowhere else to place it.

    Upon Vamana’s third step, the king descended to the depths of Patala. It was here that Lord Vishnu revealed his true form before the humbled king. Touched by Mahabali’s magnanimity, Vamana granted him a blessing. The boon allowed Mahabali to return to his beloved subjects once a year, a momentous occasion celebrated as Onam by the people of Kerala.

    A Bountiful Harvest

    Apart from its mythological roots, Onam is also intrinsically tied to the harvest season. The festival emerges as a reflection of the abundant yields gathered from fields across Kerala. This joyful occasion celebrates the culmination of dedicated work, dedication, and the natural cycle of growth.

    Onam – 10 Days of Celebration

    The fervour of Onam is felt for 10 consecutive days, commencing with the auspicious Atham asterism of the Malayalam month Chingam, which usually falls in August or September according to the local calendar. These 10 days are a time of unity and jubilation, with people from all walks of life coming together to partake in the festivities.

    Onam festival 2023

    Onam is more than just a festival; it’s a reflection of Kerala’s rich cultural tapestry and its deep-rooted connection to its past. By commemorating King Mahabali’s benevolence and the abundant harvest, Onam unites people by a common thread of joy, sharing, and togetherness. Through its mythological significance and agrarian roots, Onam continues to cast its spell on the hearts of Keralites and captivates the imagination of all who partake in its enchanting celebrations.

  • Aghoris: Unlocking the Truth Behind the Myth

    The Mystical World of Aghoris

    The Aghoris are only one of the many ascetic sects found in India. But what makes them famous among the people is their way of life and rituals and rituals that are not expected from ordinary monks . When we think of Aghoris, the mind conjures up images of naked ascetics covered in ashes, meditating in cremation grounds, and consuming human flesh. But is this perception an accurate representation of these mystics? Let’s dive into the truth behind the myth and discover the real essence of Aghoris. Aghoris are neither cruel nor carrion eaters!! Along with the different perspectives and the terrible connections that the outside world knows .This monastic community has always been feared or hated among the people in general.The genesis of India’s Aghori monastic community is believed to be about five millennia old. The Aghora way differs from other ascetic communities in its observances and rituals.

    Contrary to popular belief, Aghoris are not merely eccentric sadhus indulging in bizarre rituals. They are spiritual practitioners who challenge societal norms to attain liberation. Their practices, although unconventional, are rooted in ancient traditions and philosophy.

    The Path to Spiritual Enlightenment

    Aghoris follow the path of Tantra, which focuses on harnessing divine energy through rituals and meditation. By embracing extreme practices, they aim to transcend dualities and achieve a state of pure consciousness.

    One of the fundamental beliefs of Aghoris is that everything in the universe is interconnected. They strive to overcome the illusion of separateness and merge with the divine essence that exists within all living beings. Through their rituals, they seek to confront and conquer their deepest fears and attachments, ultimately transcending the limitations of the ego. The outside world began to know about the miraculous powers of these Vedic mantras from the cruel Sage Sumanta, who had profound knowledge of the Atharvaveda. It is indisputable that ascetics who practice the Atharvaveda are quick-tempered and prone to temptation. Tempted, some Gurus taught their disciples the Moolamantras from the Atharvaveda, and later, Bhairavi Brahmini, the supreme guru from the lineage of Sage Sumanta, the supreme guru whom the Aghoris worship today, acquired these teachings and passed them on to her disciples. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsara learned the Atharva Vedas with its Moolamantras etc. from this nun. Some lamas of central Tibet are examples of how supernatural powers can be attained by memorizing the exercises of the Atharva Veda. The Lamas, who are closely associated with the Aghoris, continue the skills they learned from them to this day.

    Shiva is the only God for Aghoris. To merge in Shiva, to worship Shiva – thereby attaining liberation from speech and realizing the ultimate Self. Like Bhairava, he rests in the cremation. Thoughts about the body do not affect them. They believe that everything outside of them is an illusion. They are able to meditate with concentration in the graveyard where people hesitate to enter.

    Aghoris who master both Kriya Yoga and Hatha Yoga attain realization in the Raja Yoga of Kriya Yoga. The mind power of each Aghori saint is such that it can work beyond human thought. They can know all the changes happening in nature instantly. The Aghoris are immensely adept at evoking spiritual power. The source of Shakti is Consciousness, and once the vibration of Consciousness begins, Shakti has arisen. Kundalini is the cosmic force. It is the cosmic force that the practitioner can experience in his own body. Puranas say that Lord Shiva advised Parvati Devi.

    It goes without saying that the spread of false stories about the Aghori ascetic community today in various media and websites is totally condemnable. Horrifying scenes of human body parts being eaten from burning pyres can be seen on many websites. They are known as Aghoris with long beards, matted hair, covered with ash all over the body, holding a trident in one hand and the head in the other. But know that these are not real Aghoris.

    Recognize that the costumes are tied for stomachaches. True Aghoris wear kaupeenam (sometimes naked), wear rudraksha necklaces around their necks, grow plaited hair, carry bhasmakuri and charti, kamandalam and trident in their hands, walking with firm feet and firm footing. Their eyes are very fierce. Resist that blood-curdling gaze, unattainable to normal human life. Anyone
    Aghoris do not listen or beg.

    Finding Aghoris is not easy. They are likely to be found in Kashi, Uttarkashi, Nine Shakti Peeths and the place where the Kumbh Mela is held. They live in the stormy areas of North India and the Himalayas. They will never be ready to display supernatural achievements in public or give lectures. In the Aghori monastic system there are both monks and nuns. Their practice is to recruit new members as breeding is forbidden to them. Admission to the team is possible only after passing a series of rigorous testing procedures. During the months and years of observation, the groups that are left behind are the groups that dress up and say that we are Aghori too. The truth is that real Aghoris do none of the vile acts that these latter groups do. Aghoris are a community of ascetics who stick to their own rituals and live in harmony with nature and live in peace and tranquility by absorbing the wonders of nature. This ascetic community is supported by Hindu religious organizations in North India.

    The Aghoris are a small sect who live the strict Aghora way. Those who mislead the society are those who join this Sangha and are expelled after failing to attain Aghoradeeksha. These people are evil-doers, evil-doers and temperamental people. True Aghoris and pseudo-Aghoris, left wing and right wing have come to the present situation. The real Aghoris are the right-wing left-wingers. It is said that the Aghorimargam was formed as a result of some sages realizing the impermanence of this world of illusion that nature is the truth. Life is a mixture of joy and sorrow, but sorrow is more common in human life. The Aghori envision a world where all the processes of life from birth to death that are generated in the transient human life are forgotten. Really enjoy the time you are alive, fill your mind with joy and associate nature with it. In a different way we experience the principle put forward by the Aghoris who live in harmony with nature, avoiding thoughts that transcend nature, with the body that nature provides.

    The laws and decrees of nature are all in favor of man. Aghoris are finding their ways to overcome it. Aghora is the name of Lord Shiva’s south facing face. (The other four faces are Ishanam, Tatpurusha, Vamadevam and Sadyojatam). Aghori and Aghora are synonyms of Lord Shiva. Ghoram and Aghora, which embody Shiva Chaitanya, are synonymous with Agni. Know the power of nature and learn to harness that power through mantras. Practicing the principle that Shakti is the cause of creation, Aghoris also learn to control Agni through basic mantra chanting. They can know all the changes happening in nature instantly. The mind power of each Aghorisanyasi is such that it can work beyond human thought. Aghoris are capable of incursions. Aghoris are immensely skilled in awakening spiritual power. Consciousness is the source of power. As the pulse of consciousness begins, so does the dawning of power. Kundalini Yoga is pranasakshatkara. It is said that the practitioner can feel it in his own body. It is said in the Puranas that Lord Shiva advised Parvati Devi.

    In the Aghori monastic tradition there are male monks and female nuns. Men and women have equal status among Aghoris. They also have tantric sexuality. Aghoris strive for this realization only on the full moon day. On that day, it is the social marriage time of tantric sadhana. It is a holy moment when man and woman become one. It can be seen that Shiva and Parvati reached Anandamurcha in this way. The Aghoris testify that in this state their subtle body burns up and in that state the Supreme Spirit manifests itself in the unconscious mind. Energy and body must agree, only then the journey to perfection is complete.

    Intoxicants and meat are permitted in Aghorimargam. But all should be used in limited quantities. They will eat anything they can get their hands on. For them everything is Brahman. There is no hesitation in sharing food with animals including dogs. Bhang is a part of their life. Bhang is an intoxicant made from the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant. Purpose – Bhang is an intoxicating substance that has been an integral part of Hindu culture since 1000 BC. Bhang is produced all the time in Varanasi, famous for Shiva worship. Bhang is the main drink served during celebrations like Holi. It is described in the Atharvaveda as a herb that reduces mental stress. There are those who see it as the special food of Hindu Gods, especially Lord Shiva. Therefore, bhang is used as an aid to meditation. Bhang is the main drink served during celebrations like Holi in North India. Meanwhile, in Varanasi and Uttarkashi, famous for Shiva worship, bhang is produced all the time. Bhang is made by finely grinding cannabis flower buds and leaves and mixing them well with milk, ghee and spices.

    It is said that Aghoris can live for many days if they have the energy of the sun and clean water. Aghoris do not sleep at night. Mantrajapam is performed at this time – those who perform Sandhyavandan and Surya Aradhana correctly, sleep only after morning salutation. The Aghoris along with the Sannyasis who attained Yogasiddhi played an important role in driving out the Chinese during the India-China war 50 years ago. They responded when their bases were attacked. Apart from that, no responsibility has been taken and will not be taken to save India from foreign aggression.

    There were many ancient texts about the Aghoris in India. But none of that is available today. Although some texts by Dinak Ram and Tuk Ram mention the Aghoris, Vamabhaga has only marginal knowledge about the Aghoris. Hiuen Tsang testified to having seen the Aghoris. Marco Polo is also said to have written some theories similar to the Aghorapatha. The death of the Aghoris is also strange. Tapa: These are the ones who can foresee death through energy. At that time he took a disciple along with him and went somewhere in the dense forest and gave the disciple all the siddhis he possessed and killed himself. The disciple has a right to the head of a samadhi aghori who uses it on his own or places it in front of an idol.

    Those who are talking bad about Aghoris are not from abroad. These people are anti-social here. It includes atheists, communists and some Muslims. Such people take Aghoris together to portray Hindus as very clean and ugly. But Aghoris are not Hindus either…