Kartik Purnima

The full Moon day in the month of Kartik is known as Kartik Purnima. This day is considered as one of the most auspicious days in India. On this day, people bathe in holy rivers. After taking bath, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. Few people observe Satyanarayana Vrat on this day and perform Satyanarayana Katha. Apart from this, making donation and performing Rudrabhishek is considered auspicious on this day. Any auspicious ceremony performed on this day is considered to be equivalent to 10 Yajnas.

The full moon day of shukla paksha in the month of kartik is known as kartik purnima. This year the kartik poornima will be observed on 25th november 2015. This purnima is also known as tripuri purnima, and is also called as deva-diwali or deva deepavali. Kartik purnima also coincides with the Sikh festival of Guru Nanak Jayanti and is an important religious day for Jains who celebrate it as shantrunjay Teerth Yatra.

This festival is also known as Tripuri Purnima and Dev Diwali (Diwali of the Gods). The name 'Tripuri Purnima' has been derived from Tripurari, which is the name of the foe of Tripurasura. According to Hindu scriptures, Tripurari is the name given to Lord Shiva as he defeated Tripurasura. On this day, Lord Shiva incarnated himself as Tripurakanta and killed Tripurasura. In some legends describing Kartik Purnima, the term 'Tripurari' denotes the 3 sons of Tarakasur.

Kartik purnim ,lord Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi puja is a worship and praise of Mahalakshmi along with vishnu. We show respect towards Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. During the tradition of Kartik Purnima, Laxmi Puja, special offerings are paid to Goddess Lakshmi and lord Vishnu, the Nine Planets to seek blessings and good fortune for all family members. Lakshmi is the goddess of light, beauty, good fortune and wealth. While Laxmi is generally worshiped to achieve success, she does not reside with anyone who is disinclined to work and wish her only as wealth. Once goddess Lakshmi is worshipped along with Vishnu people are blessed to attain immense eternal wealth on this Kartik Purnima night. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for a contented state of being happy and healthy and prosperous.

It is believed that annually on the day of Kartik Purnima, the gods descend on earth and reside in the sacred rivers. Ganges and other sacred rivers have elaborate ceremonies on this day. Devotees who bathe in the sacred rivers on these days can also get rid of their negative poisons and receive the blessings from all the Gods of the India.

Holika Dahan

Holika Dahan also Kamudu pyre is celebrated by burning Holika, the devil. For many traditions in Hinduism, Holi celebrates the death of Holika in order to save Prahlad, and thus Holi gets its name. In olden days, people use to contribute a piece of wood or two for Holika bonfire.

The night before the Holi pyre is burnt in the North India, Nepal and parts of south India have this tradition. The youth playfully steal all sorts of things and put them in the Holika pyre.
It is noted that in some parts of India the day is actually known as Holika. There s also another activities associated with the story of Prahlad. But the burning of Holika is one that we all directly associate with Holi.

Rituals in Holi:

Rituals of the ancient festival of Holi are religiously followed every year with care and enthusiasm.

Preparations

Days before the festival people start gathering wood for the lighting of the bonfire called Holika at the major crossroads of the city. This ensures that at the time of the actual celebration a huge pile of wood is collected.

History of Holika and Prahlad:

According to the Hindu myth, there was a king named Hiranyakashipu, who is like a demons or Asuras had the intense desire to be immortal. Just to fulfil this desire he performed the required penance (Tapas) until he was given a boon by Brahma. Although God’s do not usually grant the boon of immortality, he used his cunningness to get the boon which he thought that will make him immortal. The boon gave the Hiranyakashyapu five special powers that he couldn’t be killed by neither the human beings nor animal, neither indoor nor outdoors, neither at the day nor at the night, neither by any weapons that are launched means by Astra nor by weapons that are hand held means Shastra and neither on the land nor in the water or air. As his wish was granted, Hiranyakashyapu felt that he was invincible, which made him arrogant. He even decreed that he is worshipped as God, if anyone didn’t accept his orders he or she will be punished or can be killed. His own son Prahlad was disagreed with his father and refused to worship his father as god. Prahlad continue believing and worshipping Lord Vishnu.

This thing made Hiranyakashipu angry and he made various attempts to kill Prahlad. During his attempt on his son’s life, he called upon his sister Holika for the help. Holika had the special cloak garment that prevented her from being harm her by fire. He asked him to sit on bonfire with Prahlad by tricking Prahlad to sit on her lap. However, as the fired roared the garment which Holika was wearing flew from her and covered Prahlad. Holika burnt to death and Prahlad came out unharmed.
 Vishnu appeared in form of Narasimha- half human and a half lion, at the dusk when it was neither the day nor the night yet, and took the Hiranyakashyapu at a doorstep which was neither indoor nor outdoor, placed him on his lap which was neither a land, air, or water and then used lion claws to fight Hiranyakashyapu which was neither the Astra nor Shastra. In this way, the boon of five special powers granted to Hiranyakashyapu was not longer usefull and he was killed. Thus, Prahlad and the kingdom of human beings were free from the fear of Hiranyakashyapu.
The good was triumphant over evil.

Eklingji

Eklingji Temple is one of the most famous temples of Rajasthan. It is located in town of Eklingji (Kailashpuri), the place got its popular name from the temple. Eklingji Temple is positioned at a distance of 22 km in the north of Udaipur. Eklingji Temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva of the Hindu religion. Initially, the temple was built in 734 A.D. by Bappa Rawal. Since that time, Eklingji has been the ruling deity of Mewar rulers. In the later years, it was repaired and modified by various Kings, to clean the remnants of obliteration made by the attacks of Mohammedans.

The magnificent architecture of Eklingji Temple is simply remarkable. The double-storied temple looks awesome with its pyramidal style of roof and distinctly carved tower. The outer walls of the temple are stretched with steps that descend touching the serene waters. Inside the complex, the main temple is a huge pillared hall or 'mandap' that is sheltered by hefty pyramidal roof. On entering this hall, you will be welcomed by a silver image of Nandi. In the temple, there are two other images of Nandi carved in black stone and brass respectively. You would find this temple full of mesmerizing fragrance.

The temple boasts of a striking four-faced idol of Eklingji (Lord Shiva) that is made out of black marble. Its height ranges around 50 feet and its four faces depict four forms of Lord Shiva. The east-facing part is recognized as Surya, the west-facing part is Lord Brahma, the north-facing part is Lord Vishnu and the south-facing part is Rudra i.e. Lord Shiva himself. The zenith of the multifaceted idol is known as 'Yantra that stands for the ultimate reality. The Shivlinga (Phallic form of Lord Shiva) garlanded by a silver snake, acquires the major attraction of people.

Being sited in the middle, Shivlinga is encircled by Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikay. Inside the temple complex, you would find statues of Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Yamuna. The main temple also boasts of heavy silver doors, which depicts Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikay guarding their father. To the north of Eklingji temple, there are two tanks namely Karz Kund and Tulsi Kund. Water of these tanks is consumed during the services of the Lord. The festival of Shivratri is observed here with full gusto and fervor. At this time, the image of Lord Shiva is adorned with jewelry.

Enrooted in the religious roots, the town comprises around 108 small and big temples. Near to Eklingji Temple, you can also trace various temples that are dedicated to Ambika Mata, Kalki and Lord Ganesha. One more temple by the name of Nathon Ka Mandir that dates back to 10th century catches the attraction. Lakulish temple is a fine temple that was built in 971. It is the exclusive temple of the Lakulish sect in India. Sas- Bahu temple is another temple that is all raised in marble of the 11th century. The Jain Temple of Adbhudji is made in black marble which dates back to the 15th century.

Amongst other temples of Kailashpuri (better known as Eklingji), temples of Pataleshwar Mahadeo, Arbada Mata, Rathasan Devi and Vindhyavasini Devi are worth mentioning. The wonderful architecture of these temples makes the onlooker to ponder over the artistry of those times.

Ashwa Poojan

According to Hindu traditions, a horse has very important religious significance; they are the symbol of loyalty, self-respect, and power. At the time of wars they not only become warrior’s lone supporters but also sometimes are the only scope and hope for survival. This day acts as a medium to show our gratitude and honor towards the noble breed of horses to which we owe so much. Shastra (arms which were used during war) are also worshipped on this day.

Significance of the Day

Navratri is one of the most auspicious times in the Hindu calendar. The festival of Navratri, lasting for nine days and nights and hence known as Navrarti, is dedicated to the worship in Hindu mythology of the goddess Durga, the consort of Shiva. Ma Durga (Mother) representing Shakti (Power) is depicted in nine popular avtars (forms) on each of the nine different days during the month of Ashwin (September/October).

The ninth day of Navratri is called Ram-Navami, the culminating day of the nine-day festival. Commemorating the bond, the interdependence and the partnership of horse and Rajput for centuries, Ashwa Poojan is really the grand finale to the Navratri festvities, invoking both, the power of Durga and Ashwa.

Significance of Ashwa Poojan

As a part of Living Heritage, the celebration of Ashwa Poojan is testimony to the traditional reverntial acknowledgement of the empathy between a Rajput and his Horse, continued since the ancient time, practiced and followed till this day.

On the ninth day of Navratri, Rajputs everywhere recognize the various aspects on which their dependence and survival necessary lies. It is not surprising that one cannot separate a Rajput from his horse and the reliance and dependence of Rajput on horse can, in no way, be undermined. It is therefore appropriate that one day in the year be especially dedicated in recognition of the usefulness of the horse and its contribution to the survival of the Rajput community.

The horses participating in the poojan belong to an internationally recognized breed known as ‘Marwari’. This name is reflective of their area of origin, which is now a part of the present state of Rajasthan. The salient characteristics of the breed are that they are extremely sure-footed on hard rocky terrain and are at equal ease in the sands of the desert. Besides these versatile features, they are good battle companions, as they possess the extraordinary ability to rejuvenate themselves by overnight rest and a simple sand bath.

City Palace Udaipur

Udaipur City is the one of the architectural marvels of the Rajasthan. City Palace is located peacefully on the banks of the Lake Pichola. This magnificent palace and is the most visited tourist attraction of the Udaipur and often distinguished as the largest palace complex in the Rajasthan.

Initially, Maharana Udai Singh built this superb wonder, but the present form of the palace is the result of subsequent by his successors.   City Palace boasts of the wonderful blend, European and Chinese Architecture. The City Palace has various towers, domes and arches, which add to the flavor of the heritage site. Towering on the bank of Pichola Lake.

City Palace boasts of the wonderful blend of Medieval, European and Chinese Architecture. City Palace is a marvelous assortment of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. Encircled by fortifications, this imposing Palace is wholly built in granite and marble.
City Palace has several gates that are known as "Pols". 'Bara Pol' (Great Gate) is the main gate to the City Palace complex that will take you to the first courtyard. On passing 'Bara Pol', you will come across a triple arched gate, which is known as 'Tripolia'. Between these two gates, you would see eight marble arches or Toranas, where Kings used to weigh themselves with gold and silver. Besides Tripolia, there is an arena where elephant fights were staged. Across 'Tripolia', you would enter the 'Elephant Gate' or the 'Hathi Pol'.

City Palace comprises 11 wonderful palaces, which were built by different rulers still they resemble each other. With the sheer glimpse of unique paintings, antique furniture and exquisite glass mirror & ornamental tiles work of these palaces, you will get amazed. Manak Mahal (Ruby Palace) has figures of crystal and porcelain. However, Bhim Vilas flaunts a fabulous collection of miniature paintings depicting the real life stories of Radha-Krishna.

The 'Krishna Vilas' is known for the noteworthy album of miniature paintings portraying royal processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas. Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) is celebrated for its lavish decor while Sheesh Mahal (Palace of mirrors) is known for its breathtaking mirror work. 'Chini Chitrashala' is renowned for its Chinese and Dutch ornamental tiles. 'Dilkusha Mahal' (Palace of Joy) is known for the murals and wall paintings.

Bada Mahal is the exotic garden palace that stands erect on a 90 feet high natural rock formation. Rang Bhawan is the palace that used to contain royal treasure. There are temples of Lord Krishna, Meera Bai and Shiva, located right to the 'Rang Bhawan'. 'Mor Chowk' has exceptional glass mosaics of peacocks, set in the walls presenting the three seasons of summer, winter and monsoon. 'Laxmi Vilas Chowk' is an art gallery with a distinctive collection of Mewar paintings.

Situated in the premises of City Place complex, Jagdish Temple is the biggest and most beautiful temple of Udaipur. This temple Appeals to the aesthetic sense of the people and we will further discuss it in our other section. You can also trace a Shrine of Dhuni Mata in the complex of City Palace. This part is considered as the oldest part of the Palace where a sage passed his life meditating here.

In 1974, a part of the City Palace and the 'Zenana Mahal' (Ladies Chamber) have been transformed into a museum. The museum is open for public and we have discussed it in our other section about museums. One can locate some striking paintings in the 'Zenana Mahal' which further leads to Lakshmi Chowk. 'Lakshmi Chowk' is a beautiful white pavilion. In City palace, the most captivating sight can be viewed from the towers and terraces of 'Amar Vilas' from where you can get a breathtaking view of Lake Pichola.

'Amar Vilas' is the highest point of this Palace and has wonderful hanging gardens with fountains, towers and terraces. City Palace is structured in a way that it offers a splendid view of the lake from all its Balconies, cupolas and towers. Unlike the craggy exterior, City Palace has amazing interiors with delicate mirror-work, marble work, murals, wall paintings, silver work, inlay work and surplus of colored glass. The exquisite work of City Palace cannot be bounded in words, so one must visit this palace to capture the real picture of it.