On Board

It was a cloudy rainy evening, on a weekend, we stepped out for dinner, when we reached the main road, our car came to a halt seeing a red signal, R and N were having a causal talk and I was listening to my favourite number watching sky, suddenly a car just passed by, and my eyes couldn't resist to see the sticker which was sticked on back side of the car. As the trafficator turned green, we started driving, and that car was in front of ours, as I observed the car was going slowly without any hurry and I could see there were 3-4 aged adults in that car. And the car was chauffeured by a young boy in his mid 20's who was happily talking to them. Since the road was not that crowded by traffic, our car just shoots ahead by their car. And I was keen to know who were stationed inside the car upon seeing the sticker behind there rare seat. There were 3 aged people smiling and talking with jubilant smile who were enjoying the ride. Probably that young boy might be their grandson or some relative. I have seen stickers like - "Baby on Board “or " Prince or Princess on board" But this was so different, it was a different sticker - " Adults on board". And till now I have never come across such stickers. And it just hit me that hardest part of growing up is realizing your parents are growing old, which we never wanted to believe, but this is the harsh reality. I was very happy to see, that good people still exist, who are taking care of their old ones so affectionately. Hardly we get to see this type of relation these days. 

In the mid of my thoughts, I got a nudge from R, Mumma get down we reached restaurant. Since it was Guru Purnima, we decided to have a Satvik dinner. This restaurant serves the most delicious Satvik vegetarian food on their menu - say from North Indian to Italian to Chinese, Sizzlers and starters which are cooked in a Satvik way, without using garlic and onion. Entire restaurant gives you a holistic atmosphere, where one can see the verses from Bhagavad Gita on walls beautifully written with amazing paintings. And yes, we being a pure vegetarian, we relish their yummy food. After having a hearty meal, we returned back home. But this thought is not leaving me since a day that, how much time I am able to spend with my parents. Caring for aged old seniors and parents are the significant responsibility that requires love, patience and compassion. How I see at times my mom suddenly tells me to increase the volume of television while watching her favourite TV show, or my dad ask me same things repeatedly, that immediately hits me that yes, it is a natural thing. It is a process which bring us back from where we started. A 3 to 4-year baby repeatedly asking for things which he/she don’t understand, or when a one-year-old baby who just started walking who falls again and again. The same happens with our aged parents. They find difficulty while walking, they need a balance or a supporting hand. It is a privilege to repay their love and sacrifices. Those who walked before us have given so much and made possible the life we all enjoy.

Now adays there are new service providers who are providing human assistance for aged parents of those, whose children’s stay in different cities or staying abroad. They are trained educated caretaker who assist aged people in giving them emotional and moral support. And to help them in assistance, for instances taking them to hospital, temple or spend some happy quality time. The most obvious similarity between old people and babies or kids is that they need the care and intervention of others. Old age has been viewed as a time when older people returned to child-like behaviour. To some scholars, this return was viewed as completing the cycle of life, as older people become to regress to an earlier state of mind and being and they became dependent on others for care, similar to child. Staying in a city where my parents live is a blessing in disguise. We may never be able to thank our parents enough for all they have done. Our indebtedness to our parents is so immense that it is not possible to repay it fully in any lifetime. The least we can do is to treat them with respect, love and gratitude, so that there may not come a time, where they need to choose an old age home or can be handled by any service providers. 

"A parent's love is whole no matter how many times divided”. To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors. Remain patient and give all your respect to our beloved parents and seniors, as they have earned their dignity through their lifetime.....

 

Majha Pandhari

Wishing all a very happy Ashadhi Ekadashi or Devshayani Ekadashi. This day marks a great significance, for a Hindu devotee, especially for every Maharashtrian’s. I despite being a Devi bhakt from my childhood, after my son was born, I found a great connect with the lord Narayan. My mom and I used to narrate lot of childhood stories of Krishna to R. And I started celebrating Krishna Janmashtami after R was born. When R was 4-year-old, he used to recite many verses of Bhagavat Gita so lucidly, especially 7th and 12th chapter, since it was taught in his school. And he remembers a single line of it even to this date. He being a spiritual child from the time he was born, doing pooja’s, chanting. Literally a small pandit of our house. Year passed by and my connection with lord Narayana became more and more strong. And today is the day of the lord going to rest for next 4 months. Hence it is called Devshayani Ekadashi. 

Ashadhi Ekadashi or Devshayani Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day of the Hindu month of Ashadha, so Devshayani Ekadashi is also called as Ashadhi Ekadashi. It signifies a time of deep spiritual connection, and it is one of the most important religious festivals that is celebrated in Maharashtra. This festival is celebrated on a large scale especially in Pandharpur, where a huge number of devotees gather to celebrate the festival. It is a religious procession festival which is held every year during the Ashada Shukla paksha. Generally, Ekadashi is considered to be coming every month of the year, but the eleventh day of Ashadh is said to be auspicious Ekadashi. As per the legends on this day, lord Vishnu enters in to deep rest of concentration or yoga nidra, and he again wake up after 4 months on the day of Prabodhini Ekadashi which falls in the month of Kartik. On this day the devotees keep fast whole day and pray to the lord of universe. In Pandharpur people go walking in huge processions singing chanting hymns carrying palanquins which have the image of great saint Dnyaneshwar and saint Tukaram to pray their tribute to their lord Vitthal. Many musical instruments like dholkis and chiplis are played by the devotees during this holy yatra. 

This day is considered very pious and people join the yatra not only from Maharashtra but also from other cities as well. It is said this procession starts in Allandi and ends on Guru Purnima at Pandharpur. Men are dressed in ethnic wears like white dhoti and kurta and sing devotional songs which is called " Abhang" in Marathi. I remember my mom used to narrate these stories to us in our childhood.  My maternal grandma's uncle was a 'Warkari'. These warkari's are the one who belong to a sampradaya within spiritual tradition of Hinduism, geographically associated with the state of Maharashtra. Warkari’s worship Vitthal. (known as Vithoba). the presiding deity of Pandharpur, regarded as a form of Vishnu. In olden days the famous saints and gurus of the bhakti movement associated with the warkari’s include - Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Chokhamela, Eknath and Tukaram all of whom are accorded the title of Sant. These warkari’s were the historically the followers of Krishna. 

This tradition has been part of Hindu culture in Maharashtra since 13th century CE. The warkari movement includes the worship of Vithoba and a duty-based approach towards life emphasising moral behaviour and strict avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, and adapt the Satvik diet. Owing to these stories of our puranas, this day is celebrated in Maharashtra with lot of grandeur and devotees join from all parts of the country to pay homage to the lord. 

As I write this today, I am still at loss of words for what Vitthal means to me. How he entered my life and directing me towards my path."Majha Pandhari" in Marathi ( My Vitthal) one of my favourite shlok of lord Vishnu - 

" कृष्णाया वासुदेवाय हरये परमात्मने। प्रणतः क्लेशनाशाय गोविंदाया नमो नमः।।

 

An Age Old Practice

One day R my 10-year-old son, asked me a question, mumma why men do 'Ashtanga Pranam' or 'Sashtanga Pranam. And women do 'Dandavat'. And I was very happy to hear this question from him. For his keen observation on such minute things. I myself got the answer when I was in my 5th month of pregnancy with R, was really amazed to hear the reason behind it. I had little knowledge about it. But as kids are keen enthusiastic R need a proper full proof answer.

Hinduism is known as the oldest religion to have introduced and practiced 'Namaskar' (or Pranama) a respectful salutation before deities or the elders. In Indian culture the significance of these forms of pranama lies in demonstrating humility, devotion and respect to the divine or revered personalities. It is essential to recite prayers or mantras while offering salutations, as it enhances the spiritual connection and reinforces one's reverence. Pranama is derived from Sanskrit word 'Pra' as prefix meaning "forward, in front or before", and 'Nama' means "bending or stretching". So, in combined terms, it means 'reverentially bowing' before others, as a gesture of respect. 

Since time known, Hinduism has been practicing the 6 forms of Pranam -

Ashtanga - 8 body parts touching the ground. Knees,belly,chest,hands,elbows,chin,nose and temple.

Sashtanga - 6 body parts touching the ground. Toes,knee,hands,chin,nose and temple.

Panchanga - 5 body parts touching the ground. Knees,chest,chin,temple and forehead.

Dandavat - 2 body parts touching the ground. Knees and forehead.

Namaskar - Revering with folded hands touching the forehead.

Abhinandana - Greeting others with just head bow and folded hands, touching their chest. It is the old Hindu mythological greeting.

With changing times, people have changed their gesture of reverence, where people back in ancient times performed Ashtanga and Sashtanga for their deities, gurus, parents and elderly, now they resort to a comforting Namaskar. 

Also, the most interesting part when R asked me why women are forbidden in doing Ashtanga or Shastanga pranam, nor he has ever seen a woman doing this kind of pranams, and does only Dandvat. I was very delighted for his observation in day-to-day life. As it is mentioned in Upanishads, that women were forbidden from doing Ashtanaga or Sashtanga which required them not to touch the ground in reverence with their chest or womb, because a women's womb and chest were considered very sensitive and slightest muscle pull could disturb their maternity. Gradually, as they approach motherhood, they are exempted from performing Sashtanga too and are allowed to follow Dandavat and Namaskar.

We see that greeting elders and deities is practised in all religions. Especially in Hinduism. Some other communities practise it too. It is said that, when a person bows down and touches the feet of their elders, their ego gets suppressed as this gesture indicates respecting the age, experience, achievements and wisdom of the person whose feet are being touched. As read in Mahabharata, Yudhistra stated that touching the feet of the elders gives strength and feeling of greatness. Even Rishis have observed four beneficial factors of touching the feet, i.e. it gives strength, intellect, knowledge and fame. 

But in present times, it seems each one of us has found an escape in Abhinandana, sometimes not even this. Barely bowing head in acknowledgment has become quite common these days. I feel education begins the moment we see children as innately wise and capable beings. While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about, and its learning, each and every minute. Because wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it. 

I feel the important thing is not to stop questioning, curiosity has its own reason for existing. Because curiosity gives space for your kids mind to explore. It is not what you do for your children, but what you taught them to do for themselves, that will make them a successful human being. With this, I was happy to answer my little boy, and he was convinced with the answer he got from his Mumma.

Being a mother is not about what you gave up to have a child, but what you have gained from having one. For me it is a lifelong learning, I am embracing and in love with it....

 

 

 

Happy Relaxing

Recently I came across a beautiful short video, which just left me with questions in my mind. And later which made me sit back and think about the women in my life. My grandmother, my mom, my female friends, and myself too, or say the entire womanhood. Why is that not easy for women to just sit and relax? Growing up, I never knew a relaxed woman, not even in movies. I have always seen my grandmother in the kitchen doing household chores. And my mom was a working woman for years until my son was born. She is a supernova, always on her toes. Now I am following in the footsteps of my mom. I feel proud of myself for handling multiple tasks. Managing the house, taking care of my 10-year-old son, and following my passion dancing, and writing. But are we relaxed?

For years now I have seen my mom working tirelessly, even now in her late 60s. When she is working there is no room for tiredness or even a frown on her face. I believe aging has a wonderful beauty, and we should accept it gracefully. My mom is the heartbeat of the house, and without her, there is no heartthrob. But does this heartthrob get a relaxed day? Women since ages have been working tirelessly. Usually, women are shown with ten hands multitasking. I feel we should learn now where to stop, sit back and relax. At times women give themselves unconditional permission to relax. Practicing self-love is necessary not only for us but for the people who stay with us too. You don't need to be everything for everyone always. Be there with yourself, by yourself, and for yourself. Take time to do what makes your soul happy.

A mother's hands are always full when crusts need cutting, diapers need changing, crumbs need sweeping and cups need reaching. Errands need running, tears need drying, and hearts need mending. Her hands do it all. But most full of all is her heart. It is hard to love yourself if you never spend time with yourself. How you love yourself, is how you teach others to love you. Like art, women come in different colors, sizes, and forms. And like works of art, every woman is unique, and beautiful and should be appreciated. Love yourself enough to take the actions required for your happiness. Love yourself enough to cut yourself loose from the ties of the drama-filled past and people. Be faithful to that which exists within yourself. Make happiness a priority and be gentle with yourself in the process.

We have seen successful women? Yes. Productive women? Plenty. Afraid and apologetic women? heaps of them. But relaxed women? without apology? I am not sure I have ever met one. We women work so tirelessly at work and home all day, a reminder of self-care and self-love. Take a break, do nothing. Meet family and friends. Dance like no one's watching. There is no right age or time to enjoy simple joys like:- Feeling the rain, watching the sky, enjoying the wind. The best escape to the daily grind is 'Niksen". It is a Dutch lifestyle concept. Niksen means, "doing nothing". It involves indulging in simple activities, strolling in nature, and listening to music. This Dutch art of doing nothing isn't about laziness; it's about being mindful of the present moment and taking time to rest and recharge yourself.  Pamper yourself. Enjoy your leisure time without any guilt. Research has shown that slowing down not only reduces stress and anxiety but also enhances creativity and strengthens the immune system. To incorporate Niksen into your life, take away from devices and find a space where you can sit, think, or meander aimlessly. Embrace everyday moments, whether it's waiting in line or being stuck in traffic. Stop being perfect women all the time. There is a kind of beauty in imperfection too.    

Life isn't meant to be lived perfectly... But to be lived merely and create memories. Prioritizing your deepest creative work as a woman is a radical act of self-love. When you are calm, happy, and composed, your actions can create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, and do more. When you deeply love yourself it gives you courage and strength. Make so many shades of yourself that you can choose yourself every day. If you are tired, learn to rest but not to quit. "Life is tough my darling, but so you are". Fall in love with yourself, Mind-Body-Spirit. So don't forget to celebrate yourself. ''You have enough. You do enough. You are enough". Just Relax. "Happy relaxing".

विजय गीत

सत्य, धर्म, मद और प्यार,

कहे वाल्मीकि, रामायण सार।

रघुवीर रीत सदा चली आए, 

प्राण जाए पर वचन न जाए।

वचन रगुपति के, रचाए रावण संहार,

धर्म विजयी, धुत लंकापति की हार।

धनुष टूटा, ब्रह्मांड रूठा

भरम भाले का, कर झूठा।

जानकीवल्लभ संग सवार

सीता गए अयोध्या पधार।

दशरथ के वचन , वो कैकेई को कर अदा,

निकले वनवास, जानकी संग लक्ष्मण धनुर्धारी

स्वर्णमृग से ठगे, सीताहरण किए दशानन धार।

संजीवनी ले प्राण बचाए

रुद्रमुर्ति हनुमान आए।

प्रभु मुद्रिका, मैया को चढ़ाए

पूछ भभके, फिर लंका जलाए

सीता भंजन में व्याकुल श्रीराम

दरदर समंदर सेतु बना लंका पार !

दसवें दिन रचाए दशानन संहार

सितसहित, सीतापति घर प्रस्थान।

धन्य हुई अयोध्या, मनाए त्योहार

दशहरा दीवाली, बांटे स्नेह उपहार।

श्री रघुवीर भक्त हितकारी

सुनी लीजै प्रभु अरज हमारी,

निशि दिन ध्यान धरै जो कोई,

ता सम बक्त और नहीं होई।

उठ रही दिल मे उमंग "श्री राम जन्मभूमि" आने की, पर मेरे

बस में कुछ भी नहीं, "प्रभु" आप ही व्यवस्था करो "अयोध्या" बुलाने की।।

    श्री राम राम रामेति, रमे रामे मनोरमे । 

   सहस्रनाम तत्तुल्यं, रामनाम वरानने।।

             "जय श्री राम"                ……...….............................................