Konark Sun Temple

Konark Sun Temple also Konarak is a 13th-century Sun Temple (also known as the Black Pagoda), at Konark in Odisha, India. It is believed that the temple was built by king Narasimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga Dynasty around AD 1250. The temple is in the shape of a gigantic chariot with elaborately carved stone wheels, pillars and walls. A major part of the structure is now in ruins. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also featured on NDTV's list of Seven Wonders of India and Times of India's list of Seven Wonders of India.

The name Konark derives from the combination of the Sanskrit words, Kona (corner) and Arka (sun), in reference to the temple which was dedicated to the Sun god Surya.

The monument was also called the Black Pagoda by European sailors. In contrast, the Jagannath Temple in Puri was called the White Pagoda. Both temples served as important landmarks for the sailors

The temple was originally built at the mouth of the river Chandrabhaga, but the waterline has receded since then. The temple has been built in the form of a giant ornamented chariot of the Sun god, Surya. It has twelve pairs of elaborately carved stone wheels which are 3 meters wide and is pulled by a set of seven horses (4 on the right and 3 on the left). The temple follows the traditional style of Kalinga architecture. It is carefully oriented towards the east so that the first rays of sunrise strikes the principal entrance. The temple is built from Khondalite rocks.

The original temple had a main sanctum sanctorum (vimana), which was supposedly 229 feet (70 m) tall. Due to the weight of the super structure (70m tall) and weak soil of the area the main vimana fell in 1837. The audience hall (Jagamohana), which is about 128 feet (30 m) tall, still stands and is the principal structure in the surviving ruins. Among the structures, which have survived to the current day, are the dance hall (Nata mandira) and dining hall (Bhoga mandapa).

The Konark temple is also known for its erotic sculptures of maithunas.

Two smaller ruined temples have been discovered nearby. One of them is called the Mayadevi Temple and is located southwest from the entrance of the main temple. It is presumed to have been dedicated to Mayadevi, one of the Sun god's wives. It has been dated to the late 11th century, earlier than the main temple. The other one belongs to some unknown Vaishnava deity. Sculptures of Balarama, Varaha and Trivikrama have been found at the site, indicating it to be a Vaishnavite temple. Both temples have their primary idols missing.

A collection of fallen sculptures can be viewed at the Konark Archaeological Museum which is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Ancient Texts

According to Bhavishya Purana and Samba Purana, there may have been a sun temple in the region earlier than current one, dating to the 9th century or earlier. The books mention three sun temples at Mundira (possibly Konark), Kalapriya (Mathura), and Multan.

According to the scriptures, Samba, the son of Krishna, was cursed with leprosy. He was advised by the sage, Kataka, to worship the sun god to cure his aliment. Samba underwent penance for 12 years in Mitravana near the shores of Chandrabhaga. Both the original Konark temple and the Multan temple have been attributed to Samba.

The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (1st Century CE) mentions a port called Kainapara, which has been identified as current day Konark.

Sun Dial and Time

The wheels of the temple are sundials which can be used to calculate time accurately to a minute including day and night. 

Second Temple

According to the Madala Panji, there was another temple in the region. It was built by one Pundara Kesari. He may have been Puranjaya, the 7th century ruler, of the Somavasmi Dynasty.

Narasimhadeva I

The current temple is attributed to Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. His reign spanned from 1238 to 1264 CE. The temple may have been a monument to his victory against Tughral Tughan Khan.

Dharmapada's Tale

According to local folklore, Narasimhadeva I had hired a chief architect called Bisu Maharana to build the temple. After a period of twelve years, a workforce of twelve thousand almost finished the construction. But, they failed to mount the crown stone. The impatient king ordered the temple to be finished in three days or the artisans be put to death. At the time, Bisu Maharana's twelve year old son, Dharmapada arrived at the site. Bisu Maharana had never seen his son, as he had left his village when his wife was still pregnant. Dharmapada successfully proposed a solution to mount the crown stone. But, the artisans were still apprehensive that the king will be displeased to learn that a boy succeeded where his best artisans failed. Dharmapada climbed onto the temple and leapt into the water to save his father and his co-workers.

Collapse

A lithography plate from James Fergusson's 'Ancient Architecture in Hindoostan' (1847). It depicts part of the main tower still standing.

There have been several proposed theories for the collapse of the main sanctum. The date of the collapse is also not certain.

The Kenduli copper plates of Narasimha IV (Saka 1305 or 1384 CE) states the temple to be in a perfect state.

In the 16th century Ain-i-Akbari, Abul Fazl also mentions Konark being in a proper state. The account also mentions the cost of construction being 12 years of revenue.

The cause of collapse is also placed on Kalapahad who invaded Odisha in 1568.

In 1627, the then Raja of Khurda had removed the sun idol from Konark and moved it to the Jagannath temple in Puri.

James Fergusson (1808–1886) had the opinion that marshy foundation had caused the collapse. But, the structure has shown no sign of sinking into its foundation. Fergusson, who visited the temple in 1837, recorded a corner of the main sanctum still standing. It also fell down in 1848 due to a strong gale.

According to Percy Brown (1872–1955), the temple was not properly completed and so it collapsed. This contradicts earlier recorded accounts of the temple being in a proper state.

In 1929, an analysis of a moss covered rock estimated the date of abandonment at around 1573.

Other proposed causes include lighting and earthquake.

Aruna Stambha

In the last quarter of the 18th century, when worship had ceased in the temple, the Aruna stambha (Aruna pillar) was removed from the entrance of Konark temple and placed at the Singha-dwara (Lion's Gate) of the Jagannath temple in Puri by a Maratha Brahmachari called Goswain (or Goswami). The pillar is made of monolithic chlorite and is 33 feet 8 inches (10.26 m) tall . It is dedicated to Aruna, the charioteer of the Sun god.

Preservation Efforts

An inscription from 1903 about the filling of the temple with sand.

In 1803, requests were made for conservations by the East India Marine Board, but only removal of stones from the site was prohibited by the Governor General. As a result, a part of the main tower, which was still standing, collapsed in 1848.

The then Raja of Khurda removed some stones and sculptures to use in a temple he was building in Puri. A few gateways and some sculptures were destroyed in the process. In 1838, after the depredation of the Raja of Khurda, Asiatic Society of Bengal requested conservation, but the requests were denied and only preventative of human-caused damages were guaranteed. The Raja was forbidden to remove any more stones.

In 1859, Asiatic Society of Bengal proposed moving an architrave depicting the navagraha to the Indian Museum in Calcutta. The first attempt in 1867 was abandoned as the funds ran out.

In 1894, thirteen sculptures were moved to the Indian Museum.

In 1903 when a major excavation was attempted nearby, the then Lieutenant governor of Bengal, J. A. Baurdilon, ordered the temple to be sealed and filled with sand to prevent the collapse of the Jagamohana.

In 1906, casuarina and punnang trees were planted facing the sea to buffer the site against sand-laden winds.

In 1909, the Mayadevi temple was discovered while removing sand and debris.

The temple was granted World Heritage Site status by the UNESCO in 1984.

What happened after Krishna's death?

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Subject of curiosity

It remains a subject of curiosity and wonder as to what happened after Lord Krishna left his earthly abode. What happened to the Pandavas and what's the story actually?

Mausala Parva

In the 16th book of Mahabharata text, we get to know the story. This parva has 9 chapters. Let's resort to this Parva and find out what actually happened. There are lots of guesses and legends regarding the sequence of events but we will try to stick to the authenticity of this Parva only.

The backdrop of the story

After around 35 years of the completion of Mahabharata war, the empire is peaceful and prosperous. However, the youth of Yadavas have become frivolous and hedonistic. It's believed that Krishna's son Samba dresses up as a woman and his friends meet Rishi Vishwamitra, Durvasa, Vashista, Narada and other rishis, who were visiting Dwaraka for an audience with Krishna.

What would be the gender of the baby

In his brashness and total immodest behavior towards the revered saints, the young man playfully pretending to be a woman claims he is pregnant, and asks the rishis to predict the gender of the baby.

Cursed by the Rishi

One among them notices the prank and becomes angry, and in a fit of rage curses Samba will give birth to an iron bolt that will destroy his entire race. The news reaches King Ugrasena. It was suggested that the bolt should be powdered and cast away into the Prabhas sea. It was also ordered that no intoxicating spirits shall be produced or distributed in the Yadavas kingdom.

The curse shows its effect

The ensuing effect of the curse brings many omens. The Sudarshana Chakra disappears along with the Panchajanya, Krishna's chariot and the plough weapon of Balarama. Sinful acts multiply too. Krishna advises that they should go on pilgrimage to the sacred waters of the Prabhas sea. However, on their return, the revel in merry making, dance and drink lots of alcohol.

They fight among themselves

It is believed that Satyaki, inebriated with wine, goes over to Kritavarma, criticizes him for scheming with Ashwatthama and killing the remaining Pandavas army while they were sleeping. An argument occurs and they start fighting and killing each other.

All die except

In the meaningless war, everyone inebriated with alcohol, kills the other. Finally, Vabhru, Daruka and Krishna. Balarama survive.

Krishna also dies

Then, Balarama and Vabhru also die. Krishna asks Daruka to go to Pandavas, tell what had happened and ask Arjuna to come with help. Krishna also dies, and there's a separate story as to how he dies.

Vasudeva dies then

During his meditation, Vasudeva also dies. In the meanwhile, Arjuna arrives with help, for the Yadavas old men, women and children who are the only survivors. It's believed that there were 16,000 wives of Krishna, and along with the old men and children, all of them set off for Indraprastha.

Dwarka sinks in the sea

As they are leaving, waters rise and the city of Dwaraka sinks into the sea. Meanwhile, the entourage on its way to Indraprastha is attacked by Mlechhas and robbers.

The mighty warrior is defeated

You would not believe but the mighty hero of Mahabharata war Arjuna tries to defend but fails. His weapons fail him. Arjuna is full of doubts and is depressed.

He meets Sage Vyasa

He immediately meets Sage Vyasa. He explains that the task of Pandavas' birth is fulfilled and they should leave this world now.

Arjuna meets Yudhishthra

Arjuna immediately goes and meets his elder brother and tells him what conspired. The Pandavas decide to leave their earthly abode forthwith as they could not live in this world without Krishna.

Mudras: The Healing Power in your Hands

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Simple hand movements to overcome any ailments!

Wikipedia defines Mudra as a spiritual gesture and an energetic seal of authenticity employed in the iconography and spiritual practice of Indian religions and traditions of Dharma and Taoism. If you are wondering how a simple hand gesture can hold such powerful powers, get ready for a surprise. Read on to know about the science behind hand mudras…

It is all about the 5 elements

The Universe is composed of five elements, earth, air, water, fire, and ether. Similarly our body is also a union of five elements which is represented by our five fingers. Imbalance of these elements disrupts the immunity system and causes disease. Hand mudras regulate these five elements in our body. Deficiencies in any of these elements can be made up by connecting one part of the body with another in a particular manner through Mudras.

How do Mudras work?

When a finger representing an element is brought into contact with the thumb, that element is brought into balance. Therefore the disease caused by the imbalance is cured. Mudras start electromagnetic currents within the body which balance various constituting elements and restore health. The joining of fingers creates an effect on the human body.

Which finger represents which element?

The fingers representing five elements are: The Thumb for Fire; Rhe Index (Jupiter finger) for Air; The Middle (Saturn finger) for Ether or Space; The Ring (Sun finger) for Earth; The smallest (Mercury finger) for Water.

The various types of mudras

There are hundreds of mudras, some for health, some for wellbeing, some for creating certain other kinds of processes. For different aspects of life there are different mudras. Take a look at some of the most popular and effective mudras…

Gyan Mudra

Gyan Mudra is by far the most common mudra used by practicing yogis and depicted by wise sages and avatars in a meditative state. In the case of this particular mudra, the index finger is approximated gently to the tip of the thumb. Apply enough pressure to feel the energy flow between the fingers. Advantages of Gyan Mudra includes - attainment intelligence and wisdom, purification of mind, eradication of mental illness, creation of joy, help with addictive habits.

Shoonya Mudra

Keep your middle fingers at the root of your thumbs and press it with thumb. Then keep both your hands on folded knees so that the palms face upwards. Put a little pressure on your palm and rest of the hand would be relaxed. Practice it for 20-30 minutes every day. This hastamudra is helpful for health problems like deafness, vomiting, vertigo and thyroid problems.

Apaan Mudra

This important mudra is formed by joining together the tips of thumb, middle & ring fingers and applying the tip of index finger to the base of the Thumb. One of the most important benefits of the Apaan Mudra is its ability to purify the body. It also helps the body get rid of unwanted toxins and is also helpful in dealing with constipation, flatulence and absence of sweat. It is also said to be useful during childbirth.

Prana Mudra

Bend ring finger and little finger and touch the tip of thumb with their tips keeping the remaining two fingers stretched. As it is the mudra of life, it improves the quality of life by increasing strength. It removes free radicals from blood and is beneficial for removing eye and nerves related problems. It energises the body and balances vitamins in the body.

Vayu Mudra

Keep the index finger on the base of the thumb and press with thumb keeping the other three fingers straight. It prevents all the diseases that occur due to the imbalance of the air. This mudra is also helpful for stress, anxiety, irritability,lack of concentration, nervousness, indecisiveness, impatience, restlessness, Sleeplessness etc.

Prithvi Mudra

When the tips of the ring finger and the thumb are joined and rests of the fingers are kept straight, Prithvi Mudra is formed. It increases the Prithvi element in the body. At the same time it decreases the Agni element within our body. It can also be called Agni-shaamak Mudra. This mudra makes you feel physically and psychologically stronger. Use it when you need inner stability and self assurance.

Varun Mudra

Popularly known as Varun mudra, this mudra increases the jal (water) element within the body. This mudra is formed by joining together the tips of the thumb and the little finger. It is useful in disorders such as anemiaanemia (low hemoglobin) and skin diseases. It also improves the deteriorated quality of the blood due to shortage of water.

Surya Mudra

This mudra is formed by first placing the tip of the ring finger on the base of the thumb and then bringing gentle pressure of the thumb upon this finger. This amounts to suppression of element earth (residing in the ring finger) by element fire (residing in the thumb). This mudra helps reduce cholesterol and assists in weight loss and maintaining a healthy balanced weight. It helps reduce anxiety, and improves indigestion problems.

Ling Mudra

Interlock the fingers of both hands together. Keeping the left thumb up (encircled by right thumb and index finger) i.e. left thumb should be vertically straight and right thumb around it. This mudra helps strengthen the lungs and can assist in the relief of phlegm. As a result of the intense heat produced by this mudra it can help break fever and colds and has also been known to assist with bronchial infections.

Chin Mudra

This Gesture has a grounding effect on the mind. You would have probably seen yogis holding their thumb and pointer finger together and extending their remaining 3 fingers out. This is Chin Mudra. This Mudra is a remedy for improving mental tension and promoting memory and concentration. It can help with insomnia, depression and high blood pressure. It is the symbol of unity and peace.

Adi Mudra

To do this mudra, all you have to do is curl your hand into a fist. Remember to wrap your Adi mudra fingers around your thumb. Place your hands with the palms facing downwards on your legs while in padmasana. This mudra is believed to increase the flow of oxygen to the lungs, calm the nervous system, increase vitality and helps the organs function optimally.

Brahma Mudra

This mudra is known as the gesture of all pervading consciousness. To do this mudra, curl the fingers of both your hands around your thumbs, so that it forms a fist. Now press the knuckles of both the hands together. While pressing gently place your hands in the centre of your abdomen just above your pubic bone. This mudra helps to increase the amount of oxygen taken in by the lungs.

Chinmaya Mudra

Join the tips of the index fingers and thumbs as in chin mudra and then curl the other three fingers into the palms. The four folded fingers represent the finite aspects of the world around us. The closed fist shows that the phenomenal world seems to be severely limited, blind and unconscious.

How to perform hand mudras

Mudras in general are actions of hands and fingers that can be performed at any time in any way, like sitting, standing, walking or travelling. So there's no need to devote a special time to perform a mudra, but the maximum benefit is by doing it in sitting posture, especially in sukhasana, vajrasana, or padmasana.

Timing and duration for mudras

In the initial phase mudras should be performed for at least 10 minutes and then can be extended to 30 minutes to 1 hour. In each yoga mudra take at least twelve breaths and closely observe the flow of prana. Feel where the breath is flowing and gently energizing and mind.

Panchmukha Hanumana

The origin of Sri Panchamukhi Hanuman can be traced to a story in Ramayana. During the war between Lord Rama and Ravana. Ravana took help of Mahiravana who is the king of patala. Lord Hanuman in order to protect Lord Ram and Lakshman formed a fortress with his tail. Mahiravana took the form of Vibeeshana and took Lord Ram and Lakshman to patala loka. Hanuman entered patala loka in search of Rama and Lakshmana, He found out that to kill Mahiravana he had to extinguish five lamps (life of Mahiravana is in 3 places, lamps are one of them) burning in five different directions at the same time, so he has taken the Panchamukha form with Hanuman, Hayagriva, Narasimha, Garuda and Varaha faces and extinguished the lamps and killed Mahiravana.

Hanuman is a great yogi (mystic) having transcended the five senses (Pancha Indriyas). In Kamba Ramayanam (in Tamil), the significance of number five is beautifully narrated as follows: The son of one of the five elements (son of wind - Pavana Thanaya) crossed one of the five elements (water – the ocean), through one of the five elements (sky), met daughter of one of the five elements (daughter of earth - Sita Devi) burnt down Lanka by one of the five elements (fire). Sundara Kandam, which highlights the heroic exploits of Lord Hanuman at Lanka is the fifth canto in the Ramayana. Therefore, it is considered auspicious to go around His idol 5 times, 14 times, 23 times, 32 times or with such numbers the digits of which add to five. The pancha mukha hanuman is rare idol of Hanuman. 

Shiva

Shiva (or Siva) is one of the most important gods in the Hindu pantheon and, along with Brahma and Vishnu, is considered a member of the holy trinity (trimurti) of Hinduism. A complex character, he may represent goodness, benevolence and serve as the Protector but he also has a darker side as the leader of evil spirits, ghosts and vampires and as the master of thieves, villains and beggars. He is also associated with Time, and particularly as the destroyer of all things. Nevertheless, Shiva is also associated with creation. In Hinduism, the universe is thought to regenerate in cycles (every 2,160,000,000 years). Shiva destroys the universe at the end of each cycle which then allows for a new Creation. Shiva is also the great ascetic, abstaining from all forms of indulgence and pleasure, concentrating rather on meditation as a means to find perfect happiness. He is the most important Hindu god for the Shaivism sect, the patron of Yogis and Brahmins, and also the protector of the Vedas, the sacred texts. 

There is no clue about the origin and birth of the Lord Shiva but it is considered according to the Hindu mythology that, once Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu were arguing that which one of them as well as in the universe is more powerful. In order to searching for the most powerful power they had started going in the opposite directions. There was an immense blistering pillar appeared in front of them, they decided to search for the root and end branch of that pillar. Its been long but they never found the root as well as the end branch of that pillar. After being unsuccessful they had returned back and seen that there is a God Shiva rising out from the pillar’s opening. They found the supreme power and believed that the extreme power exists except both of us who can rule and destroy the universe.

Shiva, Parvati & Ganesha

Shiva’s wife was Parvati, often incarnated as Kali and Durga. She was in fact a reincarnation of Sati (or Dakshayani), the daughter of the god Daksha. Daksha did not approve of Sati’s marriage to Shiva and even went further and held a special sacrificial ceremony to all the gods except Shiva. Outraged at this slight, Sati threw herself on the sacrificial fire. Shiva reacted to this tragedy by creating two demons (Virabhadra and Rudrakali) from his hair who wreaked havoc on the ceremony and beheaded Daksha. The other gods appealed to Shiva to end the violence and, complying, he brought Daksha back to life but with the head of a ram (or goat). Sati was eventually reincarnated as Parvati in her next life and she re-married Shiva.

With Parvati, Shiva had a son, the god Ganesha. The boy was in fact created out of earth and clay to keep her company and protect her while Shiva went on his meditative wanderings. However, Shiva returned one day and, finding the boy guarding the room where Parvati was bathing, he enquired who he was. Not believing the boy was his son, and thinking him an impudent beggar, Shiva called up the bhutaganas demons who fought the boy and eventually managed to distract him with the appearance of the beautiful Maya and, whilst he admired the beauty, they lopped off his head. At the commotion, Parvati rushed from her bath and screamed that her son had been killed. Realising his error, Shiva then sent for a new head with which to make the boy whole again but the nearest at hand was of an elephant. And so Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, was born. Other sons of Shiva are Skanda or Karttikeya, the god of war and Kuvera, the god of treasures.

Ganga (the goddess who personified the river Ganges) was given to Shiva by Vishnu who could not take any more of the constant quarrels between his then three wives of Lakshmi (goddess of good fortune), Saraswati (goddess of wisdom) and Ganga. To cushion Ganga’s fall to the earth, and prevent such a great river destroying civilisation, Shiva caught her in his hair topknot; once again, illustrating his quality of self-sacrifice. 

Shiva’s Great Deeds

As with any major god, Shiva was involved in many adventurous episodes which illustrate his virtuous character and offer instruction on how to live correctly. For example, self-sacrifice is emphasised when Vasuki, the king of Serpents, threatened to vomit snake venom across the seas. Shiva, assuming the form of a giant tortoise or turtle, collected the venom in his palm and drank it. The poison burned his throat and left a permanent blue scar, hence one of his many titles became Nilakantha or Blue Throat. 

Another celebrated episode describes how Shiva became associated with the bull Nandi. One day, Surabhi, who was the original mother of all the world’s cows, began to give birth to an untold number of perfectly white cows. The milk from all these cows flooded the home of Shiva, somewhere in the Himalaya. Angry at this disturbance to his meditation, the god struck the cows with fire from his third eye. In consequence, patches of the cows’ hides were turned brown. Still angry, the other gods sought to calm Shiva down by offering him a magnificent bull - Nandi, the son of Surabhi and Kasyapa - which Shiva accepted and rode. Nandi also became the protector of all animals. 

Shiva is closely associated with the Linga (or Lingham) - a phallus or symbol of fertility or divine energy found in temples to the god. Following the death of Sarti, and before her reincarnation, Shiva was in mourning and went to the Daru forest to live with rishis or sages. However, the wives of the rishis soon began to take an interest in Shiva. In jealousy, the rishis first sent a large antelope and then a gigantic tiger against the god but Shiva swiftly dealt with them and wore the tiger skin thereafter. The sages then cursed Shiva’s manhood which, in consequence, fell off. When the phallus struck the ground, earthquakes began and the ricsis became afraid and asked for forgiveness. This was given but Shiva told them to forever after worship the phallus as the symbolic Linga.

Navaratri

Navaratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Durga. The word Navaratri means 'nine nights' in Sanskrit, nava meaning nine and ratri meaning nights. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped. The tenth day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or "Dussehra" (also spelled Dasara). Navaratri is an important major festival and is celebrated all over India.

Navratri follows the lunar calendar and is celebrated in March/April as Vasanta Navratri and in September/October as Sharad Navratri.

The beginning of spring and the beginning of autumn are considered to be important junctions of climatic and solar influences. These two periods are taken as sacred opportunities for the worship of the Divine Mother Durga.

Navaratri represents a celebration of the Goddess Amba, (the Power).

Navaratri or Navadurga Parva happens to be the most auspicious and unique period of devotional sadhanas and worship of Shakti (the sublime, ultimate, absolute creative energy) of the Divine conceptualized as the Mother Goddess-Durga, whose worship dates back to prehistoric times before the dawn of the Vedic age.

A whole chapter in the tenth mandal of the Rigveda addresses the devotional sadhanas of Shakti. The "Devi Sukta" and "Isha Sukta" of the Rigveda and "Ratri Sukta" of the Samveda similarly sing paeans of praise of sadhanas of Shakti. In fact, before the beginning of the legendary war between the Pandavas and Kauravas in the Mahabharata – a foundational Sanskrit epic in the Hindu tradition – Lord Krishna worshipped Durga, the Goddess of Shakti, for the victory of the Pandvas.

Lord Brahma is cited in the Markandey Purana as mentioning to Rishi Markandey that the first incarnation of Shakti was as Shailputri. Further incarnations of the Divine Mother are: Brahmcharñi, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri in that order. These nine manifestations of Shakti, are worshipped as "Nava-Durga". The fifth chapter of the Rudra Sanhita of Shiva Purana also vividly describes the various Divine Emanations of Durga.

Since the Vedic Age of the Rishies, the devotional practices recommended during Navaratri are primarily those of Gayatri Anushthana.

In the Vedic Age of the Indian Culture, the religious philosophy and devotional practices were focused towards true knowledge and ultimate realization of the supreme power of Gayatri (Bram Shakti). The Vedas were the basis of all streams of spirituality and science those days. Gayatri has been the source of the divine powers of the gods and non-goddesses in the heavens and their angelic manifestations and incarnations. Gayatri sadhana was also paramount in the higher level spiritual endeavors of the yogis and tapaswis. Gayatri Mantra was the core-focus of daily practice of sandhya-vandan (meditation and devotional worship) for everyone. As guided by the rishis, specific sadhanas and upasanas of the Gayatri Mantra were sincerely practiced during the festival period of Navaratri by every aspirant of spiritual enlightenment.

The Navratri commences on the first day (pratipada) of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Ashwin. The festival is celebrated for nine nights once every year during the beginning of October, although as the dates of the festival are determined according to the lunar calendar, the festival may be held for a day more or a day less.

Ghatasthapana Muhurta

Navratri Day 1 Pratipada : Ghatasthapana Shailputri Pujan Navratri color of the day is Grey

Navratri Day 2 Dwitiya : Chandra Darshan Brahmacharini Pujan Navratri color of the day is Orange

Navratri Day 3 Tritiya : Sindoor Tritiya Chandraghanta Pujan Navratri color of the day is White

Navratri Day 4 Chaturthi : Kushmanda Pujan Varad Vinayaka Chauth Navratri color of the day is Red

Navratri Day 5 Panchami : Upang Lalita Vrat Skandamata Pujan Navratri color of the day is Royal Blue

Navratri Day 6 Shashthi : Saraswati Awahan Katyayani Pujan Navratri color of the day is Yellow

Navratri Day 7 Saptami : Saraswati Puja Kalaratri Pujan Navratri color of the day is Green

Navratri Day 8 Ashtami : Durga Ashtami Mahagauri Pujan Sandhi Puja, Maha Ashtami Navratri color of the day is Peacock Green

Navratri Day 9 Navami : Ayudha Puja Durga Visarjan, Maha Navami Navratri color of the day is Purple

Navaratri is celebrated Four times a year. They are Vasanta Navaratri, Ashadha Navaratri, the Sharad Navaratri, and the Paush/MaghaNavaratri. Of these, the Sharad Navaratri of the month of Puratashi and the Vasanta Navaratri of the Vasanta kala are the most important.Other two are observed only by shaktas only,

Vasanta Navaratri: Vasanta Navaratri, is nine days dedicated to the nine forms of Shakti (Mother Goddess) in the month of Chaitra (March–April) and is observed during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Chaitra. The beginning of this Navaratri also marks the start of the new year as per the Hindu mythological lunar calendar (Vikrami Samvat).

Ashad Navaratri: Gupta Navaratri, also referred as Ashadha or Gayatri or Shakambhari Navaratri, is nine days dedicated to the nine forms of Shakti (Mother Goddess) in the month of Ashadha (June–July). Gupta Navaratri is observed during the Ashadha Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon).this is mostly observed by shaktas only.

Sharad Navaratri: This is the most important of the Navaratris. It is simply called Maha Navaratri (the Great Navaratri) and is celebrated in the 'pratipada' (first day) of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Ashvin. Also known as Sharad Navaratri, as it is celebrated during Sharad (beginning of winter, September–October).

Pausha / Magha Navaratri: Pausha Navaratri, also referred as Shakambari Navaratri, is eight days dedicated to the nine forms of Shakti (Mother Goddess) in the month of (December–January). Paush Navaratri is observed during the Pausha Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon). Shakambhari Purnima is the last day in the 8-day long holiday of Shakambari Navaratri. Most Navaratri begins on Shukla Pratipada except for Shakambari Navaratri, which begins on Ashtami and ends on Purnima in Paush month.

Zang Trai

Zang Trai falls on the 3rd day of the Navreh. On this day all the Kashmiri Pandit Women visit their parental house as a ritual and on their return their parents give them salt and atghat (some money) as a token of prosperity and good omen.

Zang Trai is associated with the first unit of ascent in the Shakti tradition of Kashmir, Known as Vagbhava koot. The nine days of Navaratra are divided in "Three units of deliberation", the First Deliberation is revered as the Vagbhava Koot, the source of Vaakh Parampara (tradition) in Kashmir. The Rishikaas (wives of Sapta Rishis) would hold their own deliberations for their spiritual enlightenment and social awareness. This type of socio-spiritual gathering was convened by the parents of the Rishikas. A wonderful social interaction and respect for daughters is seen in this deliberation.

The Devi Kavacham also establishes that Zang/Jangha in Sanskrit is the abode of Sarva Kaama Pradayini Devi. Here Kaama means the inner recesses of the heart filled with love and dedication. 

Navreh

Kashmiri Pandits celebrate their New Year’s Day on the first day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra (March–April) and call it Navreh - the word navreh, derived from the Sanskrit ‘nava varsha’, literary meaning ‘new year’. The Kashmiri Pandit families that migrated to the plains before 1900 also celebrate Navreh with great pride. On the eve of Navreh, a platter of unhusked rice with a bread, a cup of yogurt, a little salt, a little sugar candy, a few walnuts or almonds, a silver coin, a pen, a mirror, some flowers (rose, marigold, crocus, or jasmine) and the new panchanga or almanac is kept and seen as the first thing on waking up in the morning. This ritual is more or less the same as the Haft Sin of the Iranian and Zoroastrian Nowruz. The Bhringisha Samhita says that the platter should be of bronze (kansyapatraka). The same ritual is observed on Sonth or the Kashmiri spring festival.

The Saptarshi Era of the Kashmiri Hindu calendar is believed to have started on this very day, some 5079 years ago. According to the legend, the celebrated Sapta Rishis assembled on the Sharika Parvata (Hari Parbat), the abode of the goddesss Sharika, at the auspicious moment when the first ray of the sun fell on the Chakreshvara on this day and paid tribute to her. Astrologers made this moment as the basis of their calculations of the nava varsha pratipada, marking the beginning of the Saptarshi Era. Before their exodus Kashmiri Pandits would flock to Hari Parbat in thousands to celebrate Navreh.

Kashmir History

Sage Kashyap made the land of Kashmir habitable. His son Neel became the first ruler of Kashmir. (This must have occured sometime around the time of king Barhi, long before 10,000 BC.) Detail records of his rule are available in Neelmat Purana.

Gonand Dynasty

Gonand-I (king of Kashmir) fought for Jarasandh against Krishna. Krishna killed Jarasandh, and Balaram killed Gonand-I. His son Damodar attacked Krishna, to avenge his father's death. Damodar was killed by Krishna in the battle. Krishna installed Damodar's wife Yashowati on the throne of Kashmir. Queen Yashowati gave birth to Gonand-II a few months after the death of Damodar. 35 Gonand kings ruled Kashmir after Gonand-II.

Pandava Dynasty

23 kings of Pandava dynasty also ruled Kashmir. During the rule of Pandava king Bhimsen, the Kashmir border extended from Kanyakubja (Kanauj) to Gandhar (Afghanistan). A later King Ashoka (not to be confused with Maurya Ashoka) built the city of Srinagari (Srinagar). Jalok the son of king Ashok proved to be a very brave genral and an able administrator. The administrative setup made by him continued for the next 300 years without an able king.

100 AD:

Kashmir came under the rule of Kushan king Kanishka. Kanishka became a Buddhist and under him Buddhism spread to Afghanistan and Turkey.

Early 600s:

After the attack of Huns, Mehrkul became the ruler of Kashmir. He was a very cruel king. But the teachings of Shaiva Pandits made him calmer. Mehrkul became a worshipper of Shiva. A Shiva temple built by him Mehrashwar (Mamleshwar) stands in Pahalgam. Years after his death, Vikramaditya (of Ujjain) sent his minister Pratapaditya to head the state of Kashmir.

Karkota Dynasty ruled Kashmir for 254 years. Durlabhvardhan is a famous king of this dynasty. During Harshavardhan's rule, Kashmir was a tributary state. King Chandradeep of this dynasty defeated the Arabs in 713 AD.

Other notable kings of Kashmir during this period were: Meghawan (fought against animal sacrifice), Lalitaditya (who extended the boundries of Kashmir) and the father-son-grandson trio: Avantivarman, Shankarvarman and Gopalvarman.

950 AD, Queen Didda:

Didda was queen of the Kashmir king Khemgupta. She ruled Kashmir as a queen, guardian and ruler for 54 years (950-1003 AD). She crowned her nephew Sangramraj as the king of Kashmir. Sangramraj defeated Mohd. Gazanavi in 1015AD. Mohd. Gazanavi was defeated again in 1021 AD by joint efforts of Trilochanpal (the last Hindu ruler of Kabul) and Sangramraj.

Kota Rani:

Rinchan a Buddhist fugitive from Tibet was given shelter and a key administrative post by the king Sahadev. After a revolt Sahadev fled to Tibet. Rinchan killed the Army chief Ramchandra, and became the king of Kashmir.

Rinchan converted to Islam and adopted the name Malik Sadruddin. After him his queen Kotarani (daughter of Ramachandra) became the queen of Kashmir. Sahadev's brother Udayandev returned to Kashmir with an army. Kotarani offered to marry him and make him the king of Kashmir. Though Udayandev became the king, Kotarani conducted all the administration. She later defeated the Persian Sardar Tatar when he attacked Kashmir.

In 1343 Shahmir (a Muslim religious preacher) killed this brave queen Kotarani and became the king of Kashmir.

1343 - 1819 AD: The Islamic Tranny

During the rule of Shahmir, Islamic people started pouring into Kashmir. Among him and the later muslim rulers like Sikander, Saifuddin, Fateh Shah, Moosa Raina, Sultan Hassan Khan, Hyder Shah, Iftihar Khan, Azad Khan, Mir Hajjar Khan, Subedar Assad Khan it would be difficult to name the worst. They started the conversion of Hindus to Muslim. Islamic foundation was laid by hundreds of Muslim preachers who were invited from central Asia. Later force was used for conversion. Kashmir had many Hindu temples; which were wonders of architecture. Filled with jealousy and hatred Sikander destroyed about 300 Hindu temples. Sanskrit books and schools were burnt. Hindus were given only 2 options: either accept Islam or die. Villages were converted to Islam, by force. Kashmiri women were sold as slaves in Arabia. Thousands committed sucide. Hundreds of thousands migrated.

1819 - 1947 AD:

Pt. Birbal joined Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Ranjit Singh defeated Ajim Khan, then the ruler of Kashmir. Ranjit singh appointed Gulab singh as the head of Kashmir. Gulab Singh united the state of Kashmir. After him his son Ranbir Singh became the king of Kashmir. He opened many centres for the teaching and study of Sanskrit, built libraries and made efforts for re-establishing the values of Hindu life. The next king Pratap singh was succeded by Maharaja Hari Singh. When India gained freedom, Hari Singh opted to remain independant.

3 Mistakes commited by Kashmiri Pandits:

1. Kashmiri Pandits declined to convert Buddhist Rinchan to Hinduism. Enraged he converted to Islam. And a seed of 500 year tryannical Islamic rule was sown.

2. When Hindus assumed the power in Kashmir, the king Ranbir Singh, asked Kashmiri Pandits to allow those (who were earlier converted to Islam by force) to join Hinduism. Narrow minded, short sighted, and not having learnt anything from the 500 years expirience, Kashmiri Pandits declined to do so.

3. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Reproduced from: 

Converted Kashmir - Memorial of Mistakes 

A Bitter Saga of Religious Conversion 

Author: Narender Sehgal