Holī

Holī or Holikā
Holikā
-Arun Kumar Upadhyay, (M) 09437034172
B-9, CB-9, Cantonment Road, Cuttack-753001
arunupadhyay30@yahoo.in www.scribd.com/Arunupadhyay
1.National
1.National festivals-There
festivals are 4 national festivals for uniting the society. For
professions, there were several castes, but people were divided into 4 varṇas as per
their nature and work-चातुव य मया सृ ं गुणकम िवभागशः (गीता ४/१३).
These festivals are national, but have 4 features associated with 4 varṇas –
Brāhmaṇa-Raśā bandhana
Kśatriya-Vijayādaśamī
Vaiśya-Dīpāvalī
Śūdra-Holī or Holikā
2. Rak
Rakśā bandhana-(a) Brā
Brāhmaṇ
hmaṇa- Brāhmaṇa is happy within himself, so he is called
Śarmman which means Charma (skin, cover)-
जहाित यदा कामान् सवान् पाथ मनोगतान्। आ म येवा मने तु ः ि थत तदो यते॥ (गीता २/५५)
= Pārtha ! When one destroys all desires brewing in mind and is satisfied within
himself, he is called sthita-prajña = of steady intellect. Here ‘jahāti’ word has been
used in same sense in Koran in Arabic. Jahāti = kills
यादान द थुरान द श मशातसुखािन च। (अमरकोष, १/४/२५)
= Śarmma is one of words meaning happiness.
त मा अि भारतः शम यं सत् (ऋ वेद, ४/३५/४), सायण भा य-शम= सुख
Therefore, Agni (Agri = leader) is Bhārata (= who does bharaṇa, feeding) under
whose shelter (śarma) we live happily.
स नः शमािण वीतयेऽि य छतु श तमा। (ऋ वेद ३/१३/४) सायण भा य-शमािण शम श दो गृहवाची,
छाया शमित त ामसु पाठात्।
वा वै शम। अि व शमा य ा ािन य छित (ऐतरे य ा ण २/४०, ४१)
= That Agni may give us śarma (cover, shelter) for our peaceful life. Here, śarma
means Vāk (words, knowledge) or Agni under whose shelter we get food etc.
चम वा ऽएतत् कृ ण य (मृग य) त मानुषं शम देव ा। (शतपथ ा ण ३/२/१/८)
= Charma (skin) of black deer is called in human language, devas call it śarma.
वािमभ तदेत य शम पायिममं ुणु (कथास र सागर ७८/४९)
= He is devoted to master, listen to means to give him śarma (happiness).
तत नाम कु व त िपतैव दशमेऽहिन। देवपूव नरा यं िह शमवमा द संयुतम्। शमित ा ण यो ं वमित
सं यम्। गु दासा मकं नाम श तं वै य शू योः। (िव णु पुराण २/१०/८९)
= On completion of 10th day, child is to be named and suffix is added- śarmā for
brāhmaṇa, varmman (varmā) for kṣatriya, gupta for vaiśya and dāsa for śūdra.
(b) Invisible protection- Brāhmaṇa protects the nation by links symbolised thy tying
thread on wrists of all - (a) Link of knowledge from one generation to next. (b)
Knowledge to unify society and country. (c) Knowledge to protect various treads and
their links (d) Link of man with environment = protection from Ādhidaivika dangers.
यथो ा यिप क मािण प रहाय ि जो मः। आ म ाने शमे च यात् वेदा यासे च य वान्॥९२॥
एति ज मसाफ यं ा ण य िवशेषतः। ा यैतत् कृ तकृ यो िह ि जो भवित ना यथा॥९३॥
िपतृ-देव-मनु याणां वेद ुः सनातनम्।
अश यं चा मेयं च वेदशा िमित ि थितः॥९४॥ (मनु मृित, अ याय १२)
= Even by ignoring duties in various texts, brāhmaṇa should strive for control of
senses, knowledge of vedas and of self (ātmā). Only by these, birth as a brāhmaṇa
is fruitful, not otherwise. Veda is the eternal eyes of Pitars, Deva and man, it is stated
to be super-human (apauruṣeya) and beyond deduction (by mīmānsā, nyāya etc.).
(c) Thread of unity-
unity
यदाब न् दा ायणा िहर यं शतानीक य सुमन यमानाः।
त े ब ा यायुषे वचसे बलाय दीघायु वाय शतशारदाय॥१॥
नैनं र ांिस न िपशाचाः सह ते देवानामोजः थमं ेतत्।
यो िबभ दा ायणं िहर यं स जीवेषु कृ णुते दीघमायुः॥२॥
अपां तेजो योितरोजो बलं च वन पतीनामुत वी यािण।
इ इवेि या यिध धारयामो अि मन् तद् द माणो िबभरि र यम्॥३॥
समानां मासामृतुिभ वा वयं स व सर पं पयसा िपप म।
इ ा ी िव े देवा तेऽनुम य ताम णीयमानाः॥४॥ (अथव १/३५)
The first mantra is recited while tying rakṣā (protective) thread on wrists. It has 2
main meanings. For solar system, man is created at distance of about 100 sun-
diameters from sun, where rudra (intense) energy of sun becomes calm (śiva). Sun
as radiator of energy is Vāmadeva (vamana = vomiting). As holder of earth in its
gravitation, it is Dākśāyaṇa. Its hiraṇya (golden energy) is source of varchas (mental
strength), bala (physical strength) and long life for 100 years. Sun is ātmā of world
and man. When Dākśāyaṇa-hiraṇya (symbol of inspiration) is tied to a man desiring
healthy mind for 100 years, he gets varchas, bala and lives up to 100 winters =
years. (1) Rākśasa and piśāchas do not withstand the man who holds the oja (inner
strength) of devas through this Dākśāyaṇa-hiraṇya. (2) By this thread in right hand
we acquire the energy of water, light and plants and have strength like Indra. (3) We
drink the milk of samvatsara (orbit of earth, solar system or 1 year) forms of months
and seasons and receive the strength of Indra in space and agni on earth. (4).
पौरािणक म -येन ब ो बली राजा दानवे ो महाबल्ः। तेन वां ितब ािम र !े मा चल मा चल॥
= I am tying you with same thread of love by which king Bali was tied, that thread
(rakṣā) may not deviate from our protection.
(d) Upā
Upākarma-This has been called Upākarma in Manusmṛti-this starts in śrāvaṇa
month and continues for 5 and half months. Veda is read in bright half followed by
vedānga in dark half. The course is completed in Pauṣa month.
ाव यां ो प ां वा युपाकृ य यथािविध। यु छ दां यधीयीत मासान् िव ोऽधप मान्॥९५॥
पु ये तु छ दसां कु याद् बिह सजनं ि जः। माघशु ल य वा ा े पूवा े थमेऽहिन॥९६॥
यथाशा ं तु कृ वैवमु सग छ दसा बिहः। िवरमेत् पि ण रा तदेवैकमह नशम्॥९७॥
अत ऊ व तु छ दांिस शु लेषु िनयतः पठे त्। वेदा गान् च सवािण कृ ण प ेषु स पठे त॥
् ९८॥
(मनु मृित, अ याय ४)
On day of Upākarma, tarpaṇa for ṛṣis is done and in afternoon, rakṣā made of clean
cotton or silk is tied.
उपाक म दने ो मृषीणा ैव तपणम्। ततोऽपरा समये ’र ापोटिलकां" शुभाम्॥१॥
कारयेद तैः स तैः िस ाथः हेमभूिषताम्। व ै विच ैः कापासैः ोमै वा मलव तैः॥२॥
िविच ं िथतं सू ं थापयेत् भाजनोप र। (भिव यो र पुराण)
(e) Svastika-For worshipping auspicious signs (śakuna, means bird also), floor is
washed with cow-dung and a svastika is made whose mantra is-
वि त न इ ो वृ वा वि त नः पूषा िव वेदाः।
वि त न ता य अ र नेिमः वि त नो बृह पितदधातु॥ (यजु २५/१९)
This indicates 4 points in ecliptic circle- Indra is lord of Jyeṣṭhā, Pūṣā of Revatī,
Govinda (Ariṣṭa = bad, nemi = end or limit) of Śravaṇa and Bṛhaspati (Jupiter) of
Puṣya nakṣatras. Jyeṣṭhā is actually the largest star (Antares)- its shape is like ring
of ears (organ of hearing or śravaṇa) so it is extension of that called vṛddhaśravā.
Revatī is end of circle, so its lord Pūṣā knows the world. Śravaṇa star is in shape of
tri-charaṇa ( 3 feet), so it is called tārkṣya (3 ṛkṣa or stars). When sun reaches this
point, it is at end of south motion causing maximum cold in our north hemisphere-so
it is limit (nemi) of ariṣṭa = bad, cold). Tārkṣya also means Garuḍa which is vehicle
of Govinda who removes all obstacles. Puṣya star does poṣaṇa (naouishment) as
rains starts with entry of sun in this star.
This also indicates completion of 4 aims of life, called puruṣārtha. Dharma is
possible under righteous king like Indra, who is top (vṛddha) in line (śravā) = first
among equals, called Buḍhārājā in Sambalpur (Orssa). Getting (vid = to get) all
(viśva) artha (wealth) is source of nourishment. Our desires (kāma) are fulfilled by
Govinda and mokśa (emancipation) by knowledge given by Bṛhaspati.
(f) Auspicious birds-Śakuna is indicated in Vedas also.
ा सुपणा सयुजा सखाया समानं वृ ं प रष वजाते।
तयोर यः िप पलं वा ि अन योऽिभचाकशीित। (ऋक् १/१६४/२०)
= Two suparṇas (birds) live together on the same tree. One of them eats the pippala
(fruit of tree or of action) and the other just keeps watch without eating. The 2 birds
within human body are Ātmā (detached) and Jīva (engaged in action) called Adam
and Eve in Bible. This is essence of all automatic living systems in which one part
does work and other controls it by correction.
किन द नुषं ुवाण इयित वाचमितरे व नावम्।
सुम गल शकु ने! भवािस मा वा कािचदिभभा िव ा िवदत ॥ (ऋक् २/४२/१)
O Kapinjala Śakuna ! You foretell the events by your sounds and guide life-boat as
vāk (words , knowledge). While lying freely you may not have fear from any hunter.
मा वा येन उद् वधी मा सुपण मा वा िवद दषु मान् वीरो अ ता।
िप यामनु दशं किन दत् सुम गलो भ वाही वदेह॥ (ऋक् २/४२/२)
= No predator bird may attack you while flying. Suparṇa Garuḍa may not kill you, nor
a hunter with arrows. You may move without fear in south direction of Pitars and emit
auspicious sounds for us.
अव द दि णतो गृहाणां सुम गलो भ वादी शकु ते।
मा नः तेन ईशत माघशंसो बृहद् वदेम िवदथे सुवीराः॥ (ऋक् २/४२/३)
= O Śakuna ! You may remain auspicious by your sound from south of our house so
that we are not harmed by any thief, terrorist and remain brave with grand words.
दि िणदिभ गृणि त कारवो वयो वद त ऋतुथा शकु तयः।
उभे वाचो वदित सामगा इव गाय यं च ै ु भं चानु राजित॥(ऋक् २/४३/१)
= O Śakuna ! You may remain auspicious by your sound from south like udgātā
(singer of Sāma veda). Your sound may make surroundings (ṛtu = season) good in
both ways-on earth by Gāyatra-sāma ( 24 letters or zones) and in near space
(antarikṣa) by Traiṣṭubha-sāma (44 letters).
उ ातेव शकु ने साम गायिस पु इव सवनेषु शंसिस।
वृषेव वाजी िशशुमतीरपी या सवतो नः शकु ने भ मा वद िव तो नः शकु ने पु यमा वद॥ (ऋक् २/४३/२)
= O Śakuna ! You sing sāma like an udgātā and enrich our life like Brahmaputra (a
Ṛtvika). You may emit happy sound like a horse child makes while approaching his
mother. You may inspire us for good and happiness (Bhadra, puṇya).
आवदं वं शकु ने भ मा वद तू णीमासीनः सुम त िच कि नः।
यदु पतन् वदिस कक रयथा बृहद् वदेम िवदथे सुवीराः॥ (ऋक् २/४३/३)
O Śakuna ! Speak good words for us, give intellect while sitting. Speak like Karkari
(wood pecker) while flying, so that we remain efficient in life.
3. Vijayā
Vijayā-daṣ
daṣamī
amī – (a) Ten fold Śakti-This is worship of Śakti, which is original source
matter of universe. Original source is one but we view it in 2 ways-conscious element
is Puruṣa (male, father) and material source is Śrī or Śakti (female, mother). Mother
and matter-both words are from Mātṛ = mother. Like all national festivals, it is for all,
but lead role is by Kṣatriyas whose task is to protect society from loss or hurt-
तात् कल ायत इ युद ः श द य अथः भुवनेषु ढः। (रघुवंश, २/५३)
= It is famous in world that Kṣatriya is he who protects (trāyati) from Kṣat (hurt, loss).
Spread of material is in 10 dimensional space-dimensions are measures or state. So
these words have same meaning-
Daśā = state, status or situation.
Diśā = direction. Daśa = ten (10).
These 10 dimensions can be viewed in several ways-
(1) 3 dimensions of space, matter, time-these are inanimate world of physics.
Mechanical world is 5 dimensional in the sense that minimum of 5 basic units of
measurement are needed. In General theory of relativity, matter is not a dimension, it
is viewed as curvature of 4-dimensional space-time-continuum which also gives rise
to gravitation. Other 5 dimensions are different aspects of Chetanā which does chiti
= arrangement, design-(a) puruṣa = pura is structure made compact by gravitation,
Viṣṇu = puruṣa which encloses within it. (b) Ṛṣi (rassi = string in Hindi) is link
between any 2 point or objects. Ṛṣi = 7 as seventh dimension. (c) Nāga (snake, 8) =
curling force, curved boundary. (d) Randhra (hole, deficit, 9) or Nanda (ninth grade in
society, tenth is king)-gradient of matter, energy is cause of new creation. (e)
Uniform original source called Rasa or ānanda.
(2) There are 5 dimensions which are measurable up to infinity – 5 basic units of
measurements. Other 5 are abstract or limited within a boundary.
(3) These are permutations of 3 Guṇas-which may be given symbols- a, b, c. 10
forms are-a, b, c, ab, bc, ca, ba, cb, ac, abc..
(b) Mahā
Mahāvidyā
vidyā-10 dimensions are indicated by 10 mahāvidyā which may be viewed
as 5 opposite pairs. 5 heads of Śiva are 5 stages of creation in space, 5 ways of
action (yajña), or perception by 5 senses. Each has 2 boundaries, making a total of
10 mahāvidyā-
1.Tārā is white, Kālī is black.
2.Tripurā has 2 forms, sundarī (mild) form is Tripurā herself, terrible form is Tripura-
Bhairavī or Bhairavī.
3. Kamalā Dhūmāvatī
(a) Husband is Sadāśiva Viṣṇu. Widow
(b) Steady wealth Flickering, wicked
(c) Young Old
(d) Golden, beautiful. Smoky, matted hair, ugly.
(e) Health, wealth. Disease, famine.
(f) Rohiṇī star (rising) Jyeṣṭhā star (declining)
(g) Gods-Indra, Lakṣmī, Kubera. Asuras-Varuṇa, Alakṣmī, Yama.
4. Bhuvaneśvarī creates Bhuvana (living and non-living beings), Chhinnamastā cuts
them.
5. Mātangī expresses speech from mouth, Bagalāmukhī is Valgā (obstruction,
control) of Mukha (mouth, source).
Dimensions associated with 10 mahāvidyā are-
1.Tārā-Star or point. Direction to a star gives line element, direction of creation.
2. Bhairavī -Terrible face or surface of 2 dimensions.
3. Tripurā -3 dimensional space.
4. Bhuvaneśvarī -Creator of bhuvanas, complementary to Brahmā.
5. Kālī - Stops kāla. Kāla is felt by change. When all change is dissolved, time also
stops.
6. Kamalā is wife of Viṣṇu-6th dimension.
7. Bagalāmukhī-Valgā, Ṛṣi-both are strings; one stops, the other links.
8. Mātangī-It means gaja (elephant). While Vṛtra bounds in a limit, Mātangī is difficult
to restrict (vāraṇa = to stop, elephant).
9. Chhinnamastā-Chhinna i.e. cutting creates randhra (hole).
10. Dhūmāvatī -10th dimension is all pervading and so obscure.
5. Outer and inner worlds-
Corresponding to world structures, forms of 10 mahāvidyā are-
1. Kālī -Parameṣṭhī (galaxy) particles are embedded in Svayambhū floating freely.
2. Tārā -Star (tārā) particles in galaxy (parameṣṭhī).
3. Tripurā (Ṣoḍaśī = of 16 organs)-It is yajña or sustenance of life with suns energy,
creating 16 kalā (Ṣoḍaśī) of puruṣa.
4. Bhuvaneśvarī – Krandasī (galaxy) and rodasī (solar system) trilokīs with sun in
middle.
5. Chhinnamastā -Life energy radiated from sun.
6. Bhairavī -Energy consumed in creation.
7. Dhūmāvatī - Unused energy.
8. Bagalāmukhī - Obstruction by earth.
9. Mātangī -Dark side of earth, opposite to sun.
10. Kamalā - Creation on earth.
Within chakras of human body, the mahāvidyās are-
1. Kālī-This is kuṇḍalinī sleeping in mūlādhāra.
2. Tārā-Second chakra svādhiṣṭhāna is ocean containing moon and stars. That is
zone of Rākinī and center of paśyantī vāk, so it is Tārā. Mantra of Rākinī is ‘ram’ (as
per saundaryalaharī, it is maṇipūra with bīja ‘ram’ ). In word form Rāma is tāraka
mantra (tārā).
3. Tripurā-Sundarī resides in sahasrāra at crown of head. Here, Devī roams like
moon of 16 kalā. This is surrounded by sudhā-sindhu, i.e. ocean of nectar.
4. Bhuvaneśvarī - Seed mantra is ‘Hrīm’ meaning heart. As per Devī-bhāgavata
purāṇa (9/38, summary in Saundarya laharī, 8), it sits on seat of Chintāmaṇi (wish
jewel) under kalpavṛkṣa (wish tree). Both are just below anāhata in heart center.
5. Tripurā-Bhairavī is intense fire. That is awakened stage of kuṇḍalinī in mūlādhāra.
6. Chhinnamastā resides in ājñā chakra behind eyebrow-center. Here, 3 nāḍīs
(channels)-Iḍā, pingalā and suṣumnā-meet. Prāṇa energy of kuṇḍalinī flows through
them.
7. Dhūmāvatī is mūlādhāra region surrounding dhūma (smoke) linga.
8. Bagalāmukhī resides in viśuddhi region in throat. By doing Jālanddhara bandha
(blocking of net of lungs or jāla). Prāṇāyāma (breath control) is done. This does the
function of Bagalāmukhī of controlling breath and speech.
9. Mātangī- Bagalāmukhī is lock at lower end of viśuddhi. Mātangī is at upper end
through which vaikharī (expressed words) comes out. Thus, four forms of vāk
(sound, speech) are-
Vāk Meaning Mahāvidyā Chakra
Parā =Point origin of thought Tripurā bhairavī Mūlādhāra
Paśyantī =visible thought, perceived Tripurā-Sundarī Ājñā
Madhyamā =Formation in words Kamalā Maṇipūra
Vaikharī =Words actually spoken or written Mātangī Viśuddhi
10. Kamalā-This is on kamala (lotus) of navel, i.e. maṇipūra chakra. This arises
upwards from water of svādhiṣṭhāna.
(c) Navarā
Navarātri-The 9th dimension is cause for creation, or transformation of old into
new-
नवो नवो भवित जायमानो ऽ ना के तु पं मामे य म्। (ऋक् १०/८५/१९)
So ‘nava’ means 9 and new both.
Including source or creation, there are 10 stages of creation, called variously as
daśa-hotā, daśāha, daśa-rātri etc-
य ो वै दश होता। (तैि रीय ा ण २/२/१/६)
िवराट् वा एषा समृ ा, यद् दशाहािन। (ता महा ा ण ४/८/६)
िवराट् वै य ः। ...दशा रा वै िवराट् । (शतपथ ा ण १/१/१/२२, २/३/१/१८, ४/४/५/१९)
Virāṭ is a chhanda of 10 akṣara (syllables). Akṣara also means creator form of
Puruṣa-which has 10 modes of action.
अ तो वा एष य य यद् दशममहः। (तैि रीय ा ण २/२/६/१)
अथ यद् दशरा मुपयि त। िव ानेव देवा देवतां यज ते। (शतपथ ा ण १२/१/३/१७ )
ाणा वै दशवीराः। (यजु १९/४८, शतपथ ा ण १२/८/१/२२)
There are a total of 40 navarātras in a year of about 360 days (5 or 6 days are extra).
Thus, the veda of yajña i.e. śukla yajurveda has 40 chapters, there are 40 grahas
(which hold the matter for creation, grahaṇa = holding).
यद् गृ ाित त माद् हः। (शतपथ ा ण १०/१/१/५)
षट् शा चतुरः क पय त छ दांिस च दधत आ ादशम्।
य ं िवमाय कवयो मनीष ऋक् सामा यां रथं व यि त। (ऋक् १०/११४/६)
Thus, 40 days of mourning was observed after Mahābhārata war which is still
followed in Islam- 1 navarātra is symbolically taken as a day. More common is 13
days mourning among Hindus, where 1 revolution of moon in 27.3 days is taken as 1
day. Among these 40, only 4 are main-
(1) At end of southern-most position of sun when north motion (uttrarāyaṇa) starts
(around 22 December)-Daiva navarātra-On start of this day, Bhīṣma had ended his
life after spending 58 days on bed of arrows-8 out of 18 days war remained, then 40
days mourning, 5 days of coronation and 5 days of last teaching.
(2) At end of north end when south motion of sun starts-Pitar navarātra.
(3) Crossing equator in north motion-Vāsantika (spring) Human navarātra
(4) Crossing equator in south motion-Śāradīya (winter)
All these navarātras are observed on 1 to 9 day of bright half of month in which the
sankrānti occurs-Pauṣa, Āṣāḍha, Chaitra and Āśvina. Generally two human
navarātra are observed, but winter season is considered best, because it is centre of
south motion called night of Devas. Calmness or steady state is necessary for
creation, that is called rātri (night).
शरत् काले महापूजा यते या च वा षक । (दुगा स सती १२/१२)
Just before the start of Śāradīya navarātra on Āśvina śukla 1 is mahālayā on Āśvina
amāvāsyā which corresponds to abstract source of world and is day of worshipping
Pitaras. Next 9 days symbolise 9 sargas (stages) of creation. On day 7, moon is in
Mūla nakṣatra which is centre of galaxy and Mahākālī is worshipped. Next stars are
2 parts of Āṣāḍha and Mahā-lakṣmī, Mahā-sarasvatī are worshipped on those days.
Durgā-saptaśatī in 13 chapters is part of Mārkaṇḍeya-purāṇa, which is read for
worship of Durgā. Śrī Rāma himself had worshipped Durgā for victory over Rāvaṇa.
Even in Mahābhārata war, Arjuna had worshipped Durgā as advised by Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
पराजयाय श ूणां दुगा- तो मुदीरय। (महाभारत, भी म पव २३/२)
(d) 2 weaknesses-King
weaknesses Suratha lost his power due to political forces of ministers and
enemies. Samādhi vaiśya lost his wealth due to scheming of his family.
अमा यैबिलिभदु द
ै बल
ु य दुरा मिभः। कोशो बलं चाप तं त ािप वपुरे ततः॥८॥
पु दारै नर त धनलोभादसाधुिभः। िवहीन धनैदारै ः पु ैरादाय मे धनम्॥२२॥ (दुगा स शती, १)
With this problem they went to sage Sumedhā who had also taught Paraśurāma
about Tripurā-rahasya (a big book in 3 parts). He is called Sumedhā-Buddha and 10
mahāvidyās are called prajñā-pāramitā (= limit of perception) in Bauddha texts.
Fighting with internal and external enemies is by unity of society which is indicated
by fact that Durgā appeared from combined energy of Devas and each Deva gave
his weapon to her. Finally, when Śumbha alleged that Durgā was taking help of
many others to fight the war, Durgā told that there is nobody except her and all her
forms merged back into her.
अ येषां चैव देवानां श ादीनां शरीरतः। िनगतं सुमह ज
े त ै यं समग छत॥११॥
अतीव तेजसः कू टं वल तिमव पवतम्। ददृशु ते सुरा त वाला ा दग तरम्॥१२॥
अतुलं त त ेजः सवदेवशरीरजम्। एक थं तदभू ारी ा लोक यं ि वषा॥१३॥ (स शती, अ याय २)
बलावलेपा दु े वं मा दुग गवमाव । अ यासां बलमाि य यु यसे याितमािननी॥३॥ दे ुवाच॥४॥
एकै वाहं जग य ि तीया का ममापरा। प यैता दु म येव िवश यो मि भूतयः॥५॥ (अ याय १०)
4. Dīpāvalī
valī –(a) 2-fold Lakṣ
(a) Worship of 2- Lakṣmī- This is observed on Kārttika amāvāsyā
and was ancient start of financial year. So the merchants worship their cash books
for new year. Like Durgā-pūjā, this too is worship of śakti. Durgā-pūjā was for
protection ad gaining strength from 10 forms of śakti. Dīpāvalī is for using the energy
for production and fruitful enjoyment-indicated by Lakṣmī. Lakṣmī has 2 forms, called
wives of Puruṣa or Viṣṇu-
ी ते ल मी प यौ, अहोरा े पा , न ािण पं अि नौ ा म्।
इ णन् इषाण अमुं म इषाण सवलोकं म इषाण॥ (यजुवद ३१/२२)
Śrī is invisible energy and wealth, Lakṣmī is visible product. Both are results of Yajña
as Viṣṇu. Sun as Viṣṇu changes his direction (pārśva = side) 2 times a year-for 6
months -, it moves northwards and for other half of year it moves south. These are
called divya day-night which are his sides. All stars as sun are his form. Motion of
sun is measured by pair of aśvins-that is junctions between 3 zones (sāma) of solar
system-heat, bright (kratu = production, yajña) and light. 2 circles are used to see
apparent motion of sun-ecliptic (earth orbit) and equator (rotation of earth around its
axis). 2 points of intersection of these circles are aśvins. Energy of sun and its
variations in seasons gives life and all wealth desired (iṣan = icchhan) by us.
(b) Sarasvatī
Sarasvatī-This also counters the myth that knowledge (Sarasvatī) is opposed to
wealth (Lakṣmī). Spread of whole world is Nabhasvān (almost vacant like nabha =
sky) ocean-that is Mahākālī. Each galaxy is largest brick Parameṣṭhī, whose space is
sarasvān ocean, place of Sarasvatī. Physically, number of stars in this is equal to
number of neurons in human brain. Within this ocean of darkness, each sun is a
source of light and its field is called Arṇava ocean. Creation within that is Lakṣmī.
Thus, Sarasvatī gives birth to Lakṣmī. Like suns as point of light is dark ocean, we
light many lamps by putting oil in dīpa (small earth pot for lighting lamp). So, this
festival is called Dīpāvalī-i.e. chain of dīpas. Śrī is our invisible intellect residing in our
brain, which is called śira. By proper use, we create wealth. Proper consumption also
needs good intellect, Lakṣmī can reside only with Sarasvatī and is not opposed to it.
This was explained by Vibhīṣaṇa to Rāvaṇa after he kidnapped Sītā and faced attack
by Rāma-
जहाँ सुमित तहँ स पित नाना। जहाँ कु मित तहँ िवपित िनदाना॥ (रामच रतमानस, सु दरका ड ३९/३)
The same is told in Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa also-
यजाशु कोपं सुख-धम-नाशनं, भज व धम रित-क त-वधनम्।
सीद जीवेम सपु -बा धवाः, दीयतां दाशरथाय मैिथली॥ (वा मी क रामायण, यु का ड ९/२२)
= Leave anger which destroy happiness and dharma and follow dharma which gives
joy and fame. Hand over Sītā to Rāma and let your family remain alive.
Words of knowledge, filtered by pure mind are only means of getting Lakṣmī-
स ु िमव िततउना पुन तो य धीरा मनसा वाचम त।
अ ा सखायः स यािन जानते भ ष
ै ां ल मी निहतािध वािच॥ (ऋ वेद १०/७१/२, ान-सू )
= Food grains (mainly gram) are fried ground-that is saktu. It is eaten after filtered by
a sieve. Similarly, a patient man speaks words after purifying his mind, so that his
associates remain friendly and Lakṣmī comes to him through this knowledge.
(c) Alakṣ
Alakṣmīghna-
ghna-sūkta (Ṛgveda)-
ऋिष-िश रि बठः भार ाजः। िविनयोग-अल मी म्। देवता-२-३ ण पितः, ५-िव ेदव
े ाः। छ द-अनु ु प्।
अरािय काणे िवकटे िग र ग छ सदा वे। िश रि बठ य स विभ तेभी वा चातयामिस॥१॥
च ो इत ामुतः सवा ूणा या षी। अरा यं ण पते ती णशृ गोदृषि िह॥२॥
अदो य ा लवते िस धोः पारे अपू षम्। तदा रभ व दुहणो तेन ग छ पर तरम्॥३॥
य ाचीरजग तोरो म डू रधािणक ः। हता इ य श वः सव बु बुदयाशवः॥४॥
परीमे गामनेषत पयि म षत । देवे व त वः क इमाँ आ दधषित॥५॥
= Alakṣmī is non-giving (arāyi), bad-mouthed (kāṇa also means one eyed), deformed
limbs (vikaṭā), always angry (sadānve), blind to truth. It may go to hills (giri)
otherwise will be destroyed (1). Qualities of alakṣmī destroys man here (this world)
and there (after death) also from the source (Bhrūṇa) itself. Brahmaṇaspati (element
of galaxy, wisdom) with its sharp intellect will remove that miser. (2) That super-
human Dāru (wood, Jagannātha) floats in deep ocean of world. Attain that difficult
wood to cross the ocean. (3) When light comes from east (sun rise, dawn of
knowledge) violent and harsh tendencies as enemies of Indra are destroyed like
droplets in water. (4) Collect Go (cow, creative sources) for all around and place agni
(leader, fire, compact objects) at required places. That provides food to Devas. Then
who can defeat them? (5)
(d) Go-Goloka
Go is the permanent field within which galaxy is created called Virāṭa
(great) child in Brahma-vaivarta-purāṇa, prakṛti khaṇḍa, chapter 3. In Vedas, this has
been called Kūrma, as it does the work-starts creation. It is 10 times bigger than
galaxy-called neutrino corona now. Beyond that is darkness-the region being
measured by śakvarī chhanda (14x4 letters), i.e. 253 times earth size = about 1
million light years. Radiance beyond and within galaxy and bright zone of sun is Go,
earth is Go as it is place of creation. On earth itself, Cow is still the foundation of
human civilization-basis of agriculture and source of most nutritious food. Within
body, organs also are Go which join to produce anything. Thus, Go (cow) is
worshipped for removing poverty and bringing Lakṣmī. Its importance is described in
Mahābhārata and Vedas-
गावो लोका तारयि त र यो गाव ा ं संजयि त लोके ।
य तं जानन् न गवां हा मेित स वै ग ता िनरयं पापचेताः॥
(महाभारत, अनुशासन पव, ७१/५२ नािचके त-यमराज-स वाद)
= Cows save world from decay and produce grains. Knowing this the person who
does not love cows is grave sinner.
When Chyavan was trapped in fishing net, he had considered cow as his proper
price, rather than the whole kingdom-
यवन उवाच-अध रा यं सम ं च मू यं नाहािम पा थव। सदृशं दीयतां मू यमृिषिभः सह िच यताम्॥१३॥
ा णानां गवां चैव कु लमेकं ि धा कृ तम्। एक म ाि त ि त हिवर य ित ित॥
अनघया महाराज ि जा वणषु चो माः। गाव पु ष ा गौमू यं प रक यताम्॥२२॥
(महाभारत, अनुशासन पव, ५१)
Mahābhārata, anuśāsana parva, 83 tells that Indra had lost his kingdom to asuras,
then Brahmā advised him to worship cows after which he got back the power.
माता ाणां दुिहता वसूनां वसा द यानाममृत य नािभः।
नु वोचं िच कतुषे जनाय मा गामनाम दतं विध ॥ (ऋ वेद ८/१०१/१५)
= Go is mother of Rudras (zones of intense and calm heat, created by light rays
=Go), daughter of Vasu (earthly products which feed the cow) and sister of Ādityas
(field of sun filled with radiation = Go) and is navel (centre) of Amṛta (Goloka is
centre of creation in space, cow is centre of food production). No praise can be more
and cows should never be killed.
आ गावो अ म ुत भ म न् सीद तु गो े रणय वमे।
जावतीः पु पा इह युः, इ ाय पूव षसो दुहानाः।।१॥
गावो भगो गाव इ ो मे अ छात्, गावः सोम य थम य भ ः।
इमा या गावः स जनास इ ः, इ छामीद् वृ ा मनसा िच द म्॥२॥
यूयं गावो मेदयथा कॄ शं िचत्, अ ीलं िचत् कृ णुथा सु तीकम्।
भ ं गृहं कृ णुथ भ वाचः, बृह ो वय उ यते सभासु॥३॥
जावतीः वयसं श तीः, शु ा अपः सु पाणे िपब तीः।
मा वः तेन ईशत माऽघशंसः, प र वो हेती य वृ यान्॥४॥ (तैि रीय ा ण २/८/८)
= Cows may come to us and give progress. By living in sheds, they may make our
home pleasant. They may procreate various calves and give milks etc for offering to
Indra. (1) Cows are wealth and maintain us as Indra. They are full of soma and are
real Indra, so we pray their protection from Indra. (2) Cows may fatten our thin
children and make them beautiful. They are good for home, for speech and are
discussed in gathering of learned. (3) Cows with their children feed on good grains
and drink pure water. Bless us so that we may not sin and are able to protect you (4)
(e) Samudra-
Samudra-manthana-Lakṣmī
manthana was one of 14 jewels obtained in samudra-manthana
(= churning of ocean). In space, expanse of vacant space in universe is the first
ocean-called Nabhasvān. Axial rotation of galaxy in that is churning of ocean. This is
within base of Goloka (corona of galaxy) called Kūrma in Vedas. On earth, the
expanse of its crust is also an ocean. Its churning is mining of metals/ores. When
asura king Bali agreed to return supremacy of 3 lokas (Russia = Ṛṣīka, China,
Bhārata), many asuras were dissatisfied that they could have defeated devas in war.
Then Kūrma incarnation of Viṣṇu, explained that unless there is production of wealth,
there is no point in fighting for it. Deva-asuras agreed to cooperate in mining. Asuras
from north Africa under rule of Prahlāda came to assist in mineral area of Bhārata-
that is Chhotanagpur plateau in Jharkhand. Region from Bilaspur in Chattisgarh to
Ghatshila is in shape of Kūrma (tortoise, hard rocks) and a long chain goes to north
called Mandāra hill. Place of Vāsukinātha is at its north end as Vāsuki-nāga was
main organizer of joint mining. Asuras went to mouth of mine or Vāsuki which is
hotter-as they were expert in digging. From west Asia under rule of Asuras, Yavanas
were chased out to Greece by king Sagara whose father Bāhu had been killed in
Yavana-attack in 6777 BC (Megasthenes names Yavana king as Dionysus or father
Baccus). Thus, these ex-asuras still retain the titles which mean names of minerals
in Greek language, e.g.-Munda = murrum (ferric oxide, mura in Sanskrit), Oram =
aurum (gold in Greek), Khalko = Chalco-pyrite (copper ore), Hembram =
hydrargyrum (mercury, its oxide is golden or Hema-varṇa), Toppo = Topaz, Sinku =
stannum (Tin), Kaṇḍulanā = collecting gold particle like collection of grain by ants.
Kaṇḍu = to scratch in sanskrit. Kaṇḍulanā = ant in tribal language, old Greek origin.
So, Herodotus, Megasthenes and other Greek writers have talked about gold digging
ants. Minz = mīna (fish) – washing ore with water. Hansadā = refining ore like Hansa
(swan) separates milk from water. Kerketta = karkaṭa (cancer) is compass, a
geometrical instrument. They located mineral region and marked it on map.
Devas were experts in refining metal in minute traces, so they went to Zambeji river
for gold purification-that has been called Jāmbūnada-svarṇa. Devas went to Mexico
for silver refining. So silver is called mākṣika (fly) for no apparent reason.
यो वै स एषां लोकानां-अ सु िव ानां पराङ् रसोऽ य रत्-स एष कू मः। त य यदधर-कपालं, अयं स
लोकः। तत् िति तिमव भवित। अथ यदु रं , सा ौः। तद् वगृहीता तिमव भवित। एतद् वै पं कृ वा
जापितः जा असृजत। यदसृजत-अकरोत्-तत्। यदकरोत्-त मात् कू मः। क यपो वै कू मः। त मादा ः-
सवाः जाः का य यः-इित। स यः कू मः-असौ स आ द यः। (शतपथ ा ण ७/५/१/१-६)
= He entered the waters of lokas and created by churning it. The lower part is this
loka (earth, galaxy), which is the foundation. Upper (outer) part is dyau (sky) from
which creation is done. By this way Prajāpati did creation. As it did the job, it is
Kūrma (doer, tortoise). Kaśyapa (= seen world, reverse of paśyaka = seer) is Kūrma.
So it is said-all beings are of Kaśyapa. The Kūrma itself is Āditya (from which ādi =
beginning was done).
क भे लोकाः क भे तपः, क भे यृतमािहतम्। क भ वा वेद य िम े समािहतम्॥२९॥
इ े लोकाः इ े तपः, इ े यृतमािहतम्। इ वा वेद य ं क भे सव िति तम्॥३०॥
(अथव संिहता १०/७)
= Skambha (stambha = pillar) is loka (world zone), it is tapa (energy, work) and it
holds the worlds. All this is pervaded by radiation called Indra which exists even in
vacuum, so Indra too is all forms of skambha and foundation of all.
Manda (Mandarāchala) in space is grades of radiation intensity called Indra which
create motion in salila (wavy rare matter) which is cause of creation by Kaśyapa-
न मा म यः क न दातुमहिस िव क मन् भौवन म द आिसथ। उपम यित या सिलल य म ये मृषैष ते
संगरः क यपाय। (शतपथ ा ण १३/७/१/१५)
‘Mandara’ is from verb manda = to remove. Mandara = which churns the water-
म द इ येष यो धातुरपामथ काशकः॥ अपा िवदारणा ैव म दरः स िनग ते॥ (म य पुराण १२१/६१)
(f) Analogy of 14 jewels-
jewels
1. Soma (spread matter of galaxy-Brahmaṇaspati.
2. Śrī = Mahā-lakṣmī. 3. Apsarā = Directions (in Ap = water of galaxy).
4. Turaga (horse)-Ucchaih-śravā (driving energy at high potential).
5. Kaustubha-maṇi-soma (spread matter) in rocks.
6. Pārijāta –soma for medicines (annual plants)
7. Kālakūṭa-Rudra-wind= flow of intense energy from sun up to earth orbit.
8. Dhanvantari-Re-juvenating prāṇa- आपो वै भेषजम्-गोपथ ा ण उ र (१/२५)
9. Vāruṇi-toxicating drink- आपो वै वृ म्-शतपथ ा ण ३/९/४/१४)
10. Amṛta-ṛtasoma. 11. Surabhi-Kāmadhenu-yajña for desired production (Gītā 3/10)
12. Airāvata-steady energy holding life. 13. Chhatra-boundary of creation region.
14. Kuṇḍala-residue of sun energy for life.
14 jewels in Viṣṇu purāṇa are-
7 inanimate-chakra (disc weapon), ratha (vehicle), maṇi (jewels), khaḍga (sword),
ratna (valuables), ketu (flag), nidhi (treasure),
7 Living-bhāryā (wife who bears burden of house), purohita (advisor), senānī
(commander), rathī (driver), kṣattā (guard), aśva (horse), kalabha (cook).
च ं रथो मिणः ख ग च म र प मम्। के तु निध स ैवम ाणाि च ते॥
भा या पुरोिहत ैव सेनानी रथकृ यः। प य ौ कलभ व ै ािणनः स क तताः॥
(िव णु पुराण ४/१२/१-२)
Same list is given in Śatapatha brāhmaṇa (5/3/3)
(g) Gambling-Gambling
Gambling has become a tradition in Dīpāvalī, but it has been prohibited
in Dhama-śāstras like Manu-smṛti and Mahābhārata-
क ते ूतन
े राजे ! ब दोषेण मानद।
देवने बहवो दोषा त मा त् प रवजयेत्॥ (महाभारत, िवराट् पव ६८/३३ )
= (Yudhiṣṭhira living as Kanka to king Virāṭa)-You should not indulge in gambling as
it is full of vices. There are many harms in playing gamble, so it should be left.
ू ं समा वयं चैव राजा रा ाि वारयेत्। राजा तकरणावेतौ ौ दोषौ पृिथवीि ताम्॥२२१॥
त
काशमेत ा कय यद् देवनसमा वयौ। तयो न यं तीघाते नृपितय वा भवेत्॥२२२॥
अ ािणिभयि यते त लोके ूतमु यते। ािणिभः यते य तु स िव ेयः समा वयः॥२२३॥
(मनु मृित, अ याय ९)
= King should expel people indulging in dyūta and samāhvaya-both, as these
destroy the nation. These people are openly looting the country, so king should
always be alert to stop them. Dyūta is done by inanimate dices and samāhvaya is
betting on animals.
अ म
ै ा दी ः कृ िषिमत् कृ ष व िव े रम व ब म यमानः।
त गावः कतव ! त जाया त मे िव च े सिवतायम यः॥ (ऋक् १०/३४/१३)
The whole sūkta (10/34) of Ṛgveda is called Kitava-sūkta which decries bad effects
of akṣa (dice) and gambler (Kitava). This verse= O gambler ! Never not play with
dice. If at all you have to do gambling do it with Savitā (Creator) in farming by which
you will get plenty of returns (lot of grains by small amount of seed). Enjoy that great
return and get cows, wife.
This states that all means of production which are duty of Vaiśyas have uncertain
return, but they have huge return and are only way to enjoy wealth with family.
Society has to indulge in that gambling for well being, not the non-productive one
which destroys the nation. Vaiśyas specialize in production and trade which are
more uncertain and in that sense, they start the gambling in this festival.
(h) Alakṣ
Alakṣmī-Lakṣmī is symbol of wealth and is linked with Indra (head of Devas) and
Kubera (bera =product of Ku= earth, god of wealth). Alakṣmī is lack of wealth linked
with Varuṇa (lord of water, alcohol) and Yama (obstruction, death). On day 13 of
dark half, dirt of house (Nirṛti = without ṛta or wealth) is cleaned and a dīpa is lighted
for Yama. Next day is Yama or Naraka-chaturdaśī. Amāvāsyā on day 15 is proper
Dīpāvalī. Next day is day 1 of bright half called anna-kūṭa (pounding of grains) which
is meant to be worship of Indra symbolised by Govardhana (increase of cows)
worship by Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Day 2 is Yama-dvitīyā on which brother is worshipped by
sister. Yama also means twin of brother-sister called Yama-Yamī. This is transition
from alakṣmī to lakṣmī. Alakṣmī also is prayed in Chaṇḍī-pāṭha-
या ीः वयं सुकृितनां भवने वल मीः पापा मनां कृ तिधयां दयेषु बुि ः।
ा सतां कु लजन भव य ल ा, ता वां नताः म प रपालय देिव िव म्॥ (दुगा स शती ४/५)
= Śrī (Lakṣmī) resides as Alakṣmī in houses of pious, and as cleverness in heart of
sinners. She is śraddhā (faith, devotion) in good men and lajjā (shame) within family-
we worship that Devī for well being of world.
Pious people do not get huge wealth and remain satisfied with that. They are not
driven by greed to gambling etc. They do not show off wealth by unnecessary
expenditure-non-show of wealth is alakṣmī.
5. Holī
Holī-This indicates all the meanings of similar words in English-(a) Holy = pious,
(b) Whole = completion of year, (c) Hollow = Year is vacant of its fire, (d) Hole = gap,
almost similar to hollow. As it is completion of year, it is festival of śūdras who unite
the society. Śūdra is a word of praise, it means āśu-dravati= works quickly or
efficiently. All technicians are śūdras and they are needed by all in society.
Derivations Hulhulī = Holī-This is remembering Śiva on auspicious occasions.
(a) Derivations-
There are 4 stages of world in space-
Maṇḍ
Maṇḍala
ṇḍala (enclosure) Nature God Symbol Chakra in spine Symbol
1.Svāyambhuva Universe, Brahmā A Viśuddhi h
(Self created) group of 1011 galaxies
2. Parameṣṭhī Galaxy =1011 stars Viṣṇu I Anāhata y
(Largest brick, Brahmāṇḍa, 1 egg of Brahma)
3. Saura Solar system Indra (radiation) U Svādhiṣṭhāna v
4. Chāndra Sphere of moon orbit Soma Ṛ Maṇipūra r
5. Bhū Earth Agni Ḷ Mūlādhāra l
Sequence of Svādhiṣṭhāna and Maṇipūra chakras in spinal chord has been reversed
here, but their symbols are antahstha (inner) consonants which are of same class as
vowels indicating stages in space. This is as per saundarya-laharī-9 by
Śankarāchārya-
मह मूलाधारे कमिप मिणपूरे तवहं, ि थतं वािध ाने द म तमाकाशमुप र।
मनोऽिप ूम ये सकलमिप िभ वा कु लपथं, सह ारे प े सह रहिस प या िवहरसे॥ (सौ दय लहरी, ९)
= Root Śakti (Kuṇḍalinī) resides in mūlādhāra as earth element, in maṇipūra as
water (kam), in svādhiṣṭhāna as fire, in anāhata (heart) as air and above that
(viśuddhi) as space. Mana (mind) is behind eyebrow centre. After crossing all the
centres along kulapatha (suṣumnā nerve in spine), it roams with husband Parama-
Śiva in sahasrāra chakra at top of head.
Letter symbols are as per code of Maheśvara, which is foundation of sūtras of
grammar made by Pāṇini. Nandikeśvara-kāśikā explains them as parallel to
sequence of creation-
माहे र-सू -अइउण्। ऋलृक्। ...... हयवरट्। लण्।.....
The last 3 stages of space are jointly felt by man and are called 3 eyes of Śiva-
अि मूधा च ुषी च सूय दशः ो े वाि ववृता वेदाः। (मु डक उपिनषद्, २/१/४)
च ाक वै ानर लोचनाय, त मै वकाराय नमः िशवाय (िशव प ा र तो )
So, we recite on auspicious occasions the symbols of Śiva for last 3 stages-
U + Ṛ + Ḷ = hulahulī (in repeated utterance)
This has become Holi. Since Śiva means auspicious, it has become ‘holy’ in English.
This sound has been used in Vedas as greeting sound for victory-
उ षतां मघवन् वािजना युद वीराणां जयतामेतु घोषः।
पृथग् घोषा उलुलयः एतुम त उदीरताम्। (अथव ३/१९/६)
(b) Revival of Agni-Agni of samvatsara (year) is exhausted at its end, so it is re-
kindled.
अि जागार तमृचः कामय ते, अि जागार तमु सामािन यि त।
अि जागार तमयं सोम आह-तवाहमि म स ये योकाः। (ऋक् ५/४४/१५)
= Agni has awaken-Ṛchās (verse, objects) desire that and Sāma (psalm or song,
field of an object) also follows it. Soma (dispersed matter) prays it to become its
junior ally.
फा गुनी व ीऽआदधीत। एता वा इ न ं यत् फा गु यः।
अ य य ितना यः। (शतपथ ा ण २/१/२/१२)
= In Phālgunī stars (2 parts-pūrva and uttara), agni is set up. These are stars of
Indra. These are synonyms of Indra.
मुखं वा एतत् स व सर पयत् फा गुनी पौणमासी। (शतपथ ा ण ६/२/२/१८)
= Phālgunī paurṇamāsī (full moon of Phālguna) is mouth (start) of samvatsara.
स व सरः-एषोऽि ः। स ऋत ािभः संिहतः। स व सरमेवैतत्-ऋतुिभः-स तनोित, स दधाित। ता वै नाना
समानोदकाः। ऋतवो वाऽअसृ य त। ते सृ ा नानैवासन्। तेऽ ुवन्-न वाऽइ थं स तः श यामः जनियतुम्।
पैः समायामेित। ते एकै कमृतुं पैः समायन्। त मादेकैकि मन्-ऋतौ सवषां ऋतूनां पम्। (शतपथ ा ण
८/७/१/३,४)
= Samvatsara is agni. That is filled with ṛta. Samvatsara is formed by ṛtus (seasons).
Ṛtus are periods of same water/sunlight. They created variety of forms. They told-
single ṛtu cannot create all forms, each ṛtu has specific form. Each ṛtu has some
quality of other ṛtus.
यि मन् काले अि कणाः पा थवपदाथषु िनवस तो भवि त, स कालः वस तः।
यि मन् काले अि ः पदाथान् च डवेगेन गृ ाित, स कालो ी मः।
= The period in which particles of agni reside in earthly bodies, is called Vasanta
(spring). When agni catches bodies with ferocity, that period is Grīṣma (summer).
Phalgu = vacant, samvatsara (year) is vacant of its agni (fire), so it is re-kindled on
Phālguna-pūrṇimā = full moon of the month. When, soul leaves the body, if also
becomes
, so the river near Gaya where śrāddha (last rites) is done is called Falgu. Soul
comes again and again (= punah-punah), so the river is also called Punpun.
Mahāna-ātmā, image of galaxy goes step by step each month to moon’s orbit, for
which monthly śrāddha is done. After reaching outer face of moon, it revolves round
sun each year, for which annual śrāddha is done. Vijñāna-ātmā, or buddhi (intellect)
is part of solar system and it goes to outer boundary of solar system by pressure of
its rays, called Go (tail of cow). The part escaping solar system is called ‘gaya’ and
for that is done at hottest place on Tropic of cancer, which has been named Gaya.
After agni is re-burnt, variety (Chitra) of creation starts, so the first month of year is
called Chitrā, which is name of star associated with moon on full moon day of that
month.
On Holi day, fire cycle is complete, so whole means complete. It is auspicious, which
is indicated by word Holy in English. Holi is vacant of agni, so holiday means day
without work.
(c) Desires-Creation
Desires starts from desire. So, we start the samvatsara (year) which is
production cycle of agriculture etc and is yajña.
काम तद े समवततािध मनसो रे तः थमं यदासीत्।
सतो ब धुमसित िनरिव दन् द ती या कवयो मनीषा॥ (ऋक् १०/१२९/४)
= Kāma (will, desire) appeared first in mana (mind) which created seed for creation.
Thinkers reasoned that abstract source became objects by bondage.
The season gives flowers and fruits using solar energy called madhu (honey, energy
source) of devas-
(यजु ३७/१३-) ाणो वै मधु। (शतपथ ा ण १४/१/३/३०) = Prāṇa is madhu.
(यजु ११/३८-) रसो वै मधु। (शतपथ ा ण ६/४/३/२, ७/५/१/४)= Rasa is madhu.
अपो देवा मधुमतीरगृ भणि यपो देवा रसवतीरगृ ि येवैतदाह। (शतपथ ा ण ५/३/४/३)
= Devas of Ap (spread matter of galaxy) are with madhu, as they regularly receive it
(from sun)
ओषधीनां वाऽएष परमो रसो य मधु। (शतपथ ा ण २/५/४/१८)
= Most useful essence of all Oṣadhi (annual plants, medicine) is madhu.
परमं वा एतद ा ं य मधु। (ता महा ा ण १३/११/१७)
= Ultimate essence of all food is madhu.
सव वाऽइदं मधु य ददं क च। (शतपथ ा ण ३/७/१/११, १४/१/३/१३)
Whatever is (useful) here, it is madhu.
मधु वाता ऋतायते, मधु रि त िस धवः। मा वीनः स वोषधीः॥६॥
मधुन मुतोषसो, मधुमत् पा थवं रजः। मधु ौर तु नः िपता॥७॥
मधुमा ो वन पित- मधुमाँ अ तु सूयः। मा वीगावो भव तु नः॥८॥ (ऋक् १/९०)
= Seasonal winds (वाता ऋता) may bring madhu, rivers may flow with madhu and all
our Oṣadhi be full of madhu. Night (न ) and morning (उषा) may give madhu, earthly
world be full of madhu, similarly sky as father be full of madhu. Trees (perennial) and
is source sun be full of madhu (annual plants called Oṣadhi are more influenced by
moon = Oṣadhīśa), and our cows may give madhu.
मधुमतीरोषधी ाव आपो मधुम ो अ त र म्।
े य पितमधुम ो अ व र य तो अ वेनं चरे म॥ (ऋक् ४/५७/३)
= All be full of madhu - Oṣadhi, dyau (sky), water, antarikṣa (atmosphere, it is in
between), owner of farm be with madhu and we follow the path leading to madhu.
(d) Dola-
Dola-Pūrṇimā
imā-Cycle of samvatsara is created by motion of sun and moon like 2
children floating in ocean of space with radiant boats. Cyclic motion is called Dolana
(oscillation), so this day is also called Dola- Pūrṇimā.
या ते पूषन् नावो अ तः समु े िहर मयीर त र े चरि त।
तािभयािस दू यां सू य य कामेन कृ त व इ छमानः॥ (ऋक् ६/५८/३)
= Pūṣā ! Your boats of hiraṇya (gold, rays) are moving within the ocean (galactic
space). By them, you act as messenger of Sun who does selfless work for fame.
पूवापरं चरतो माययैतै िशशू ड तौ प र य तो अ वरम् (स व सरम्) ।
िव ा य यो भुवनािभच ऋतूर यो िवदध ायते पुनः॥ (ऋक् १०/८५/१८)
= These two children (sun, moon) are playing east to west by their māyā
(appearance) and move in circular path (samvatsara). One (sun) sees whole world,
the other (moon) is born repeatedly in seasons (2 new moons in each).
आकृ णेन रजसा वतमानो िनवेशय मृतं म य च।
िहर ययेन सिवता रथेना देवो याित भुवनािन प यन्। (ऋक् १/३५/२, यजु ३३/४३)
= Rajasa (moving word) exists around Kṛṣṇa (black, attractor) and by it (each galaxy
is formed around a massive central black hole). Savitā (creator, sun) is part of that
eternal (amṛta) body and itself supports the decaying (martya) world (on earth). It
moves by ratha (vehicle, body) of hiraṇya (light, radiation); oversees the whole world.
(e) Viṣ
Viṣuva-
uva-samkrā
samkrānti-In the first month of year, sun crosses equator in its northern
motion (uttarāyaṇa). On that day, day and night are equal, so it is called equi-nox
day = night (nox, न ) is equal. Equator has zero latitude, so it is Viṣuva (zero) line
and its crossing (samkrānti) is zero. Viṣuva has become Bihu in many languages.
(f) Creation-Start
Creation of creation cycle is from desire (kāma) from which varieties were
formed. Madhu is desire as well as means to work. Its form is honey, which gives
energy and sweet surrounding for creative work. Fresh creation cycle starts after
agni of year has reduced to zero. Main work is done by Śūdra which means āśu-
dravati = works fast. Thus, it is called festival of Śūdras. As it creates variety, colours
are thrown on each other which also means unification of whole society for creative
work. Vaiśya does management, kṣatriya protection and brāhmaṇa is source of
knowledge base. This festival combines all for peace and progress. Our main
production is of food, which is in cycle of year.