User:Mysorekaraga

Mysorekaraga

The Indian system of beliefs worships the primeval source of energy Shakti - in the form of the mother Goddess Devi. Variations of this worship are seen throughout the subcontinent. Shakti is an aspect of Devi, and a personification of God as the Divine Mother who represents the active, dynamic principles of feminine power. In Shaktism, Shakti is worshiped as the Supreme Being. Alternatively, in other Hindu traditions, Shakti represents the power of God, called Vishnu or Shiva. For Vaishnavites, Shakti, the female aspect of divinity, and is conceptualized in the Shakta tradition as the driving force without which the male aspect, which represents consciousness or discrimination, is impotent.(Devi is of all forms. She encompasses the whole world. Therefore, I prostrate to Her who is of all forms (Vishwaroopi) and the Ishwari Supreme (Parameswari).

ROYAL MYSORE

History of Mysore:

Mysore is the second biggest city in the State of Karnataka. It lies 130 km's from the State Headquarters, Bangalore. It is the erstwhile capital of the Mysore Maharajas, who ruled Mysore State from this royal city. It is now the headquarters of Mysore District with a population of over seven lakhs. The chief language of the people, as in the State of Karnataka, is Kannada and original Kannada is spoken in this part of the area. It covers an area of more than 40 sq.km. and is administered by the Mysore City Corporation. Situated 763 meters above sea level surrounded by hill ranges from north to south, it is known as the 'Garden City' and the 'City of Palaces'. The famous Chamundi Hill, which is mythologically associated with the name of the city, is to its southeast. Mysore is associated with the Pouranic story that is found in the Devi Bhagavatha. According to this story in the mythological Devi Purana, Mysore was ruled by the demon-king Mahishasura. He was called Mahishasura, because he was a buffalo-headed monster. Hearing to the prayers of Gods and Goddess to save them from the monster, Goddess Parvathi, wife of Lord Siva, took birth as Chamundi or Chamundeswari and killed the monster. Hence, this place came to be known as Mahishuru, the city of demon Mahisha. After killing the demon, the Goddess resided atop the Chamundi Hills where she is worshipped with reverence and devotion even today. However, the original name of the hill is 'MahSri Chamundeswari Temple on the summitabaladri Hills' and it derived the name Chamundi Hills at a later period, after 17th century. The earliest mention of Mysore or Mahishur historically is referred to the time of King Ashoka in 245 B.C. On the conclusion of the third Buddhist convocation, Ashoka is said to have despatched a monk to Mahishamandala for the purpose of spreading Buddhism. However, some historians have viewed that this Mahishamandala does not relate to Mysore or Mahishur. Some edicts of Ashoka have been found in the northern parts of the present Karnataka State. Similar reference is also found in the epic work, Mahabharata. According to this legend, King Yudhishtira is said to have sent an expedition and Sahadeva made an attack on Mahishmati. However, experts are of the opinion that the reference made in this epic, one of the oldest legends of an historical character, is not related to Mysore. Mysore is the cultural capital of karnataka. The palaces which were built for the kings and their families were not only for pleasure but they are glowing with artistic beauty, hence they attract people from all the parts of the world. Some of the Palaces have now become attraction for visitors, some of them are government offices and some are hotels, and university office. Some of them are Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Jayalakshmi Vilasa, Lalitha Mahal etc.,

Chamundi Hill

Chamundi Hill is named after the Goddess of Mysore "Goddess Chamundi". It is believed that through her meditation the Goddess protects the well being of the town below. She is an incarnation of Parvati (consort of Shiva), who killed the demon Mahishasura. Thus bringing peace to the country (Mysore is named after her). One thousand steps or a taxi takes one to the top of the hill. From the top one can get a bird's eye view of the Mysore City below, which looks very enchanting and beautiful. More than halfway up a 5 Mt high granite stone "Nandi" Shiva's holy bull) guards over the city of Mysore. Sri Chamundeswari Temple on the summit is dedicated to the royal Wodeyar family's presiding deity, the "Goddess Chamundi." Standing as the crown jewel of Mysore, Chamundi Hills is the abode of all powerful Goddess, Chamundi or Chamundeswari. A motorable road, besides a flight of 1,000 steps, take the visitors to its top, where stands the beautiful tall Gopuram of the temple, one of the best examples of the Dravidian school of architecture. The hill rises to a height of 3,489 feet. Half-way to it, near the steps and the road, there is a beautiful 16-foot monolith statue of Nandi, carved in granite, black because of regular anointing with oil and other sacred waters. The beautiful carved statue was a gift by the Maharaja, Dodda DevarajaWodeyar,in1659. By the side of the famous Chamundi Temple, there is another temple, the temple of Mahabaleswara. In fact, Mahabaleswara, Ishwara in the form of Linga, is the oldest temple on the hill. The hill was earlier called Mahabaladri, after Mahabaleswara. This temple was a gift by the Vijayanagar King Vishnuvardhana in 1128 A.D. As one approaches the road towards the temple, there is a huge statue of monster Mahishasura. There is a small township on the hill. State Government buses (KSRTC) ply regularly to the temple from Mysore City

HISTORY OF MYSORE KARAGA FEAST & TEMPLE

History Of Mysore Karaga Feast The origin of Mysore Karaga briefs the power of the deity goddess & essential of Karaga festival. It explains, as once upon a time the Mysore City was under serious drought & City was deviously affected from Chicken Pox & cholera virus, due to which many of them lost their life, as the Death rate keeps uprising. The area publics & senior citizens all of them blend together & decide to pray for there treats before supreme the tutelary deity goddess to save them. That set off Karaga pooja in the name of Mysooru Karaga festival. During the summer months, people walk miles carrying pots of water mixed with turmeric which is been under practice as the part of first move Karaga festival and Neem leaves to ward off illnesses like the measles and chicken pox. There many miraculous examples for Sri Renukadevi kindheartedness which is been medicine for the devotees those who visits temple & worships her. Who have made many extensive contributions to this shrine, which is ever memorized by the temple management. The foundation for the Temple was laid by his Excellency Hon Maharaja & Hon Governor of the Mysore State his Excellency Shreeman Shri Jayachamaraja Wodeyar on 29th September 1957 naming Sri Renukadevi Karaga Temple. This temple was constructed at the place and the Sri Renukadevi idol installed and so the deity of this temple is known as Sri Renukadevi Karaga Temple (Mysore Karaga Temple). The Kumbhabhisheka & Inauguration of the main temple took place on the holy day with presence of thousands of devotees. Continuing three days continuous religious agama shasthra procedures by senior priests. From that day the temple is been dedicated to all peoples who comes all away from several part of the State. The Deity heals all the difficulties of the people who beliefs & comes to the Temple participates, dedicates their sole & heart in Pooja Programs in the shrine. We found lots of example that experiences the power & kindness of the deity in this shrine

The Temple Premises has Sri Maariamman Temple, Sri Muneshwaraswamy Temple, Sri PanchamuKi Anyaneyaswamy temple, Sri Ganpathi Temple, Sri Subramanya swamy (Murugan) temple & Sri Navagraha Deities Temple. In general every day Early morning Traditional Poojas like Abhishekam, Alankaram, Archans, offered to Deities. Tuesdays are special; in particular the Fridays will be more special. Devotees throng the temple in summer, the season which relates a lot with this goddess. Amavasye days are considered to be the most auspicious days for worshipping this Goddess.

FESTIVALS & RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

MysoreKaraga

The main festival heal over the Temple is Mysore Karagam. The Karaga Feast surrounds three Karagas which formed & dedicated to Three Shakthi Devis. Sri Chamundeshwari Karaga is been brought from the holy Chamundihilli’s foot & Sri Shakthi & Sri Mariyamman Karaga is brought from the Mariyamman Temple located in the Mysore Palace. First Day of the Feast schedules installation of three Karagas, Initiating several custom Procedures. Early Morning Rudrabhishekam takes place at the Mariyamman temple & Kappu (thread protection against evil power) tied six different places around the area. After the devotees carries the Milk pot in row marching praising Devis Namavali ( Different Name of Devi) towards the temple & the Abhishekam takes place from the Devotees. The Mass crowd of devotees pace towards the temple in long queue to take part in this holy course delighting themselves by completing the abhishekam to devi with their hands.

Caption1
Caption2

Karaga is a holy feast which originated as a custom dedicated to Shakthi devi’s Sri Chamundeshwari & Sri Maariamman, the goddesses of health and rain. She is also the protector from the dreaded small pox and cholera. This ritual is performed in the month of April/May. The Karaga itself is a ritual mud pot on which stands a tall floral adorned that is balanced on the carrier's head (by priest). The pot filled full of water with Lemons, Dade, Turmeric & etc, following several Abhishekas & orthodox procedures. Then the Mud pots are been tied with Neem leafs with definite shape & size. Finally the Karaga is fully adorned with Jasmine flowers. The idol of well decorated Goddess installed & the thick holy turmeric thread is warred with string of flowers, finishing with mounting the small glossy Silver umbrella at the top tip of the Karaga. After the feast these lemons dropped inside the mod pots are distributed to devotees, which are considered as medicine for several diseases. There are lots miraculous instances of these Lemons which has cured various diseases & numerous problems of devotees. That’s what there a huge demand for these Lemons & Yellow threads the goddess cures her devotees of all physical ailments. A charismatic yet considerate form is seen here.The Karaga procession contains attractive several cultural, traditional programs. Dancers perform various acrobatic feats while following the procession accompanied by a number of musical instruments & troops like "Drumset" ,'Bandset', "Gaaruda-gombe", "Keelu-kudhe" "Nadaswaram", "Veerabadra kunitha","kombu","kahale", "Udukkai", "Pambai", etc. On the fourth final day of the feast the devotees carry type of starch made of ragi which is favorite dish of Sri Maariamman & they also offer the special poojas to Karaga devis on the final day of the holy feast. Before at mid afternoon the priests carry karaga in procession sprinkling turmeric water playing each other with devotees. Finally on the next day ( Monday)early morning the karaga will be dissolved in the holy Cavery River.

Caption1
Caption2

The Other Poojas festivals in the Sri Renukadevi Temple are conducted according to the 'Hindhu Agama' system. Onfestivals and other sacred days, special poojas are prescribed for such occasions:-

The “Varjayanthi” (Temple Annual Festival) is celebrated every year. The utsava the procession of the Devis Idol is takes place at night, Mahamangalarathi-108 aarthi Pooja is devoted.
During the month Ashada (Adi) august every Friday different several types of “Chakra pooja” is conducted which is found very rare in our province, especially for Childless couples, Married Peoples (family), students ,Unmarried peoples
During the month of Shravana The “Annadhanam“ takes place.
During Dasara Festival The deity Renukadevi is adorned as nine different phase of her/Shakthi (Navarathri’s nine days-ie, Chamundeshwari, Saraswathi, Lakshmi, Durgadevi, Annapoorneshwari, Rajarajeshwari, Kamakshiamman, Gangadevi, Renukadevi).“Sree Chakra Yanthra Pooja”

DEITIES

Sri Chamundeshwari amman In Hinduism, Chamundeshwari is a form of Devi, the supreme goddess, also identified with Parvati. As a mother goddess, Chamundeshwari is depicted as a warrior woman riding a lion or a tiger with multiple hands carrying weapons and assuming mudras, or symbolic hand gestures. This form of the Goddess is the embodiment of feminine and creative energy (Shakti). the form of Chamundeshwari was created as a warrior goddess to fight the demon Mahishasura. Through intense prayers to Brahma, Mahishasura had the boon that he could not be defeated by any man or god. By virtue of this power, he invaded the gods, who went for help to the supreme trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra), but Mahishashura defeated all of the gods including the trinity themselves. He unleashed a reign of terror on earth, heaven and the nether worlds. Eventually, since only a woman could kill him, the trinity bestowed a dazzling beam of energy upon Uma/Parvati, the wife of Shiva, transforming her into the goddess, Chamundeshwari. Her form was blindingly beautiful, with a face sculpted by Shiva, torso by Indra, breasts by Chandra (the moon), teeth by Brahma, bottom by the Earth, thighs and knees by Varuna (wind), and her three eyes by Agni (fire). Each god also gave her their own most powerful weapons, Rudra's trident, Vishnu's discus, Indra's thunderbolt, etc. Later, the goddess Kali would leap out of her forehead and finally defeat Mahishasura. The word Shakti, meaning strength, reflects the warrior aspect of the goddess, embodying a traditional male role. But she is also strikingly beautiful, and initially Mahishasura tries to marry her. Mahishasura's story is also of interest. His father Rambha, king of the demons, once fell in love with a water buffalo, and Mahishasur was born out of this union. He is therefore able to change between human and buffalo form at will (mahisha means "buffalo"). After conquering the three worlds, he is challenged by Chamundeshwari. After several days of battle during which his army is decimated, he is finally killed on the tenth day of the waxing moon fortnight. Deities or Devas.

History of Godess Sri Renukadevi or Maariamma Godess Sri Renukadevi or Maariamma was the daughter of the king Renuka raja. Renuka raja performed an “yagna” (Ritual performed to maintain peace and good health”). It is being said that impressed with this god blessed him a daughter,who originated from the fire of this “yagna”. Renuka was a bright and active child and had became the most beloved child of her parents. At age of 8 years, of the advise of Agastya Saint who was the guru as well as the adviser of the Renuka Raja advised him to have his daughter Renuka Devi married to Jamdagni. He was son of Ruchik Muni and Satyavath. He had obtained the blessings of the anger gods by performing severe penance. Renukadevi and Jamdagni Muni lived in the “ramshrung” Mountains. Renukadevi co-operated with the jamdagni muni in all his tasks of performing various rituals and Pooja. Gradually she became close and near to Jamdagni. Renuka used to wake up early in the morning to Malapahari (Malaprabha) river to have bath after having bath in the holy river with complete concentration and devotion to fill the pot which she used to prepare out of the sand on the bank of the river and would hold the snake which was around there and turn it into a convolution and place it on head so that it supported to the pot. She bought the pot to Jamdagni for performance of rituals. She gave birth to five sons Vasu , Viswa Vasu, Brihudyanu , Brutwakanwa and Ram bhadra . Ram bhadra was the youngest and most loved son . He gained the mercy of lord shiva and parvathi he was also blessed with “Ambikashtra” from Parvathi and lord Shiva and hence he was called Parushram. He destroyed evil Kshatruiyas who were troubling the innocent saints. As this was the case when Renukadevi went to malaphari river to have bath there she saw “Gandhrva Angels” playing in the river. For a moment she lost her concentration and devotion imagined herself playing in the river with her husband. after sometimes she came to the conscious and cursed herself for her ignorance. She soon had bath and tried to make the pot but couldn’t do so. As she lost both her concentration and devotion she even tried to catch the snake but it disappeared. Dissappointed by this she came to ashram. Seeing renukadevi returning empty handed, Jamdagni got furious and cursed her . He angrily ordered her to get away from his site. After being cursed by the Jamdagni Muni Renuka move towards to east and sat in the forest for meditation. In her dream she met with the saints Eknath and Joginath she prayed them and asked for the way to gain mercy of her husband the first consoled her and asked her to follow what they said for three days. They said her to first have bath in the lake near by , and worship “Shivalinga” which they had given to her. And then go to the city and collect the rice from the houses there. After collecting the rice, they said her to give the half the rice to them and cook the remaining half adding jagriey to eat and consumed the cooked rice with full devotion. They said if she performs this for three days she can go to her husband on the fourth day. And even warned her that she will not be excused fully that she will have to go through the widow life for three minutes after that they said “ You will be eternal and will be blessed with your husband. You will be worshiped by the all the people henceforth by saying this they disappear”.Renuka devi followed these steps and worshiped “Shivlinga” with full devotion and completed three days and fourth day she went to meet her husband. At the fourth Day, when she met the Jamdagni, He ordered their sons—first, second and third—to behead their mother Renuka Devi. But all refused, pleading that there was no precedent. However, their fourth son, Parasurama, agreed to carry out his father’s severe order. At once, Parasurama, the avatar of Maha Vishnu, beheaded his mother with his axe weapon. On beheading his mother, Parasurama turned to his father and said that he had carried out the order. Jamadhakni was pleased and offered to grant his son Parasurama a boon befitting the heavy task assigned to him.On being assured that the boon would surely be granted, Parasurama requested that his mother be back to life. Jamadhakni, though indignant at the outset, was compelled to grant the boon to maintain his word.Jamadhakni said that the water for that day’s puja had not yet been fetched. However, a remnant of the previous day’s puja water kept in a kabandalam (vessel with handle and spout) was found and sprinkled on Renuka Devi’s body, attaching the severed head. On sprinkling water on the head and torso, Renuka Devi came back to life. However Jamadhakni told her that she no longer had any place in the ashram as she was an incarnation of goddess Parvati, henceforth called Maariamma by order of Lord Shiva. Renuka Devi, or rather Maariamma , was starting to leave the ashram when from a distance an army of brigands approached Jamadhakni asking for drinking water. The rishi was now in deep meditation (dhyana) and could not hear the tumult. The warlord of the brigands turned wild and told his followers to cut off the head of the rishi, which they did. Since Jamadhakni died in a sacred place surrounded by ashrams, his body could not be kept for long and, accordingly, a funeral pyre was built and his body was cremated. Renuka Devi, on seeing her husband’s body being burnt, returned and leaped upon the funeral pyre, as a last mark of respect for her rishi husband. Indra from heaven ordered Varuna, the rain god, to drench the fire with sudden heavy rain so that the fire would be extinquished. But in the meantime, Renuka Devi had been severely burned and her dress was also burnt partly.Then, badly burned but still alive, Renuka Devi managed to walk to a nearby village where, on seeing her familiar face, the villagers made her lay on a long plantain leaf coated with castor oil and applied turmeric powder and neem leaves. One woman touched Renuka Devi and, finding her feverish, ordered that she should be given tender coconut water and butter milk. Then Renuka Devi went to the next village inhabited by washer men who, upon seeing Renuka Devi’s burnt sari, offered her a pure white sari and a red sari that is normally worn by Maariamma . On descending from Mount Kailasa, Lord Shiva appeared before Renuka Devi and pronounced her as none other than Uma Devi, Parameswari or Jagadeeswari. Ever since then, Renuka Devi has been called Maariamma n and other names according to local traditions. Because of her association with burning fever, Goddess Maariamma n is respected as omnipotent in every village, guarding people from severe fevers like small pox and chicken pox. Origin:There are various versions on the origin of Mysore Karaga Mariyamma. She basically is a rain godess, mari-rain (Tamil) amma-mother. It has become the Mandatory of rainfall during four days celebrations of Mysore Karaga festival. Another version suggests that she is the mother of Parasurama, Renukadevi who is appeased for rains. Portrayal: She is usually portrayed with a red-hued face, and cures all summer heat-based diseases like pox and rashes. In many rural shrines, she has no form - just a granite stone with a sloop tip, almost like a spear head. She is adorned with garlands made of limes. As is Karaga Devis are been adorned with full of Jasmine flowers in bounded with neem leaf, an enormous beauty of attraction which deserves the power of goddess. Chicken Pox Deity: During the summer months, people walk miles carrying pots of water mixed with turmeric which is been under practice as the part of Karaga festival at the and neem leaves to ward off illnesses like the measles and chicken pox. In this form she is very similar to in characteristics to Shitala Devi in North India another village pox deity. Fertility goddess: People also pray for progeny, a good spouse, et cetera. The most favoured offering is "pongal", a mix of rice and green gram, cooked mostly in the temple complex itself, on firewood Muneshwara:

This Temple is dedicated to the God Muneshwara, who in these parts is regarded as a Family Deity. This particular shrine is located on the North temple and its forecourt plays an important part in village rituals during such festivals. The another idol next to lord is watchman, who is the driver of the horses, symbolises the protection and support of the Lord Muneshwara.

Nava Durga

These are the nine (nava) main forms of the Goddess. She is well known by these forms in the Vedas. Each goddess symbolises a specific source of Energy.

1. Shailputri - She is the daughter of the Himalayas and first among nine Durgas. In previous birth she was the daughter of Daksha. Her name was Sati - Bhavani. I.e. the wife of Shiv. Once Daksha had organized a big Yagna and did not invite Shivaji. But Sati being obstinate, reached there. Thereupon Daksha insulted Shiva. Sati could not tolerate the insult of husband and burnt herself in the fire of Yagns. In other birth she became the daughter of Himalaya in the name of Parvati - Hemvati and got married with Shivaji. As per Upnishad she had torn and the egotism of Indra, etc. Devtas. Being ashamed they bowed and prayed that, "In fact, thou are Shakti, we all - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiv are capable by getting Shakti from you."

2. Brahmacharini - The second Durga Shakti is Brahamcharini. Brahma that is who observes panance and good conduct. Here "Brahma" means "Tapa". The idol of this Goddess is very gorgeous. There is rosary in her right hand and Kamandal in left hand. She is full with merriment. One story is famous about her. In previous birth she was Parvati Hemavati the daughter of Himvan. Once when she was busy in games with her friends. Naradaji came to her and predicted seeing her Palm-lines that, "You will get married with a naked-terrible 'Bhole baba' who was with you in the form of Sati, the daughter of Daksh in previous birth. But now you have to perform penance for him." There upon Parvati her mother Menaka that she would marry none except Shambhu, otherwise she would remain unmarried. Saying this she went to observe penance (tap). That is why her name is famous as tapacharini - Brahmacharini. But as she was engrossed in Tapa her mother told her, " Beti, please do not make penance." From that time her name Uma became familiar.

3. Chandraghanta - The third Shakti is Chandraghanta. There is a half-circular moon in her forehead. She is charmful and bright. She is Golden colour. She has three eyes and ten hands holding with ten types of swords - etc. weapons and arrows etc. missiles. She is seated on Lion and ready for going in war to fight. She is unprecedented image of bravery. The frightful sound of her bell terrifies all the villans, demons and denavas.

4. Kushmanda - The fourth Durga is Kushmanda. The Shakti creates egg. I.e. Universe by mere laughing she resides in solar systems. She shines brightly in all the ten directions as like Sun. She has eight hands. Seven types of weapons are shining in her seven hands. Rosary is in her right hand. She seems brilliant riding on Lion. She likes the offerings of "Kumhde." Therefore her name "Kushmanda" has become famous.

5. Skanda Mata - The Fifth name of Durga is "Skanda Mata". The daughter of Himalaya, after observing penance got married with Shiva. She had a son named "Skanda." Skanda is a leader of the army of Gods. Skanda Mata is a deity of fire. Skanda is seated in her lap. She has three eyes and four hands. She is white and seated on a lotus.

6. Katyayani -The Sixth Durga is Katyayani. The son of "Kat" as "Katya". Rishi Katyayan born in this "Katya" linege. Katyayan had observed penance with a desire to get paramba as his daughter. As a result she took birth as a daughter of Katyayan. Therefore her name is "Katyayani" on the bank of Jamuna for getting Krishna as a husband. It proves that she is prime deity of Vraj mandal. Her appearance is very sublime. She has three eyes and eight hands. These are eight types of weapons missiles in her seven hands. Her vehicle is Lion.

7. Kalratri - The Seventh Durga is Kalratri. She is black like night. H hairs are unlocked. She has put on neckles shining like lightning. She has three eyes which are round like universe. Her eyes are bright. Thousands of flames of fire come out while respiring with nose. She rides on donkey. There is sharp sword in her right hand. Her lower hand is in blessing mood. The burning torch is in her left hand and her lower left hand is in fearless style, by which she makes her devotees fearless. Being auspicious she is called "Shubhamkari."

8. Maha Gauri - The Eighth Durga is "Maha Gauri." She is as white as a conch, moon and Jasmine. She is of eight years old. Her clothes and ornaments are white and clean. She has three eyes. She rides on bull She has four hands. The above left hand is in "Fearless - Mudra" and lower left hand holds "Trishul." The above right hand has tambourine and lower right hand is in blessing style. She is calm and peaceful and exists in peaceful style. It is said that when the body of Gauri became dirty due to dust and earth while observing penance, Shivaji makes it clean with the waters of Gangas. Then her body became bright like lightning. There fore, she is known as "Maha Gauri" in world.

9. Siddhidatri - The Ninth Durga us Siddhidatri. There are eight Siddhis - Viz- Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Iishitva Vashitva. Maha Shakti gives all these Siddhies. It is said in "Devipuran" that the Supreme God Shiv got all these Siddhies by worshipping Maha Shakti. With her gratitude the half body of Shiv has became of Goddess and there fore his name "Ardhanarishvar" has became famous. The Goddess drives on Lion. She has four hands and looks pleased. This form of Durga is worshipped by all Gods, Rishis-Munis, Siddhas, Yogis, Sadhakas and devotees for attaining the best religious asset.