Chiluka Dwadasi/Ksheerabdi Dwadasi

Karthik Masam is famous for the worship of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.When full moon enters into Krithika the fiery planet, the month is termed as Karthikam. In such an auscpicious month, Chiluka Dwadasi/Ksheerabdi Dwadasi falls on 12th day. This day is also called as Chinuku Dwadasi/Thirthana Dwadasi/Tulasi Dwadasi/Yogeswara Dwadasi/HariBodhini Dwadasi.

Uthana Ekadasi falls a day before Chiluka Dwadasi. Lord Vishnu who was in cosmic sleep from Ashada suddhaa Ekadasi,wakes up on Karthika Ekadasi. Hence it is termed as HariBodhini Ekadasi.Ksheerabdi Dwadasi also signifies the beginning of Ksheera Sagara Mathana (Churning of  theMilk Ocean).

On this day Tulasi & Indian gooseberry (amla) plants are worshipped along with Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi with 360 wicks dipped in cow ghee .

Karthika masam is a glory for lighting the diyas.People who can't perform deeparadhana daily can atleast light the diyas on the days of Suddha dwadasi,chaturdasi and Pournami. It was said in Vishnu Puranam that people who not only lits the diyas but also who flares the diyas, gets the grace of Lord Vishnu. The spiritual message associated with this activity specifies that , human beings should help other people in need.

 

Coming to the Puja on Ksheerabdi dwadasi, Tulasi plant is worshipped considered as the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.. In Hindu Tradition Tulasi plant is considered as auspicious. This Indian basil is worshipped by females of all age groups.There are two types of Tulasi. Black colored leaves are termed as Krishna Tulasi and the Green one is considered as Lakshmi Tulasi. One can find the Tulasi plants grown up in special pots called as Brindavan in almost every Hindu family.

During Chiluka Dwadasi, once should take head bath , clean up the place near the Tulasi Vrindavan. Decorate the pot where Tulsi is grown. Offer water to the sacred plant. Apply kumkum on one of its leaf.Rangoli can be done and Diyas should be lit around the Brindavan. Litting diya on a gooseberry is considered more auspicious. Not being a mandatory, Tulasi can be decorated with a saree, flowers , red bangles and thambulam.

Use cow ghee or Gingelly oil. Never use mustard oil/ground nut oil for litting the Diyas.

Diya Painting 2012

I wish all my felow bloggers and readers a very happy ,safe and prosperous DIWALI. This year too I painted the plain earthern Diyas to be more attractive.

Though Diwali brinhs lots of smiles , joy and happiness in ones family, it is the Diyas which color the festival.The reason for this is that the lighting of a diya is regarded as forcing light upon darkness, whether it be in the form of evil, tyranny or ignorance. 

Most Hindu households often light a diya once every morning and in the evening. It’s not just a customary practice but signifies the submission of one’s soul to the supreme power. 

Oh bored of my Diya speech... let us read few tips while painting Diyas.

• Get few variety od earthern diyas and soak in wtaer for few minutes (say 10)
• Dry them in sun so that they become receptive to paint.
• Choose any acrylic or fabric paints to paint Diyas.
• Try out different combinatons as per the design of diya.
• Dry them for 3-4 hours.Stick tiny mirrors, zari thread, small shells, sequins, beads or glitter on the diyas to pack a decorative punch.