Red Ajah Autumn Fair: Autumn Myths and Legends

[Panchi]

Autumn has come bringing festivals, rituals and all. It's time to rejoice. Autumn has many myths and legends related to it. Here is the place to discuss them. This topic is being conducted by me and Millon.

 

Navratri and Dussehra-(festival)

 

Discription-

Country of origin- India

Celebrated- Normally in September or October

Celebrated this year- Navratri from 8 October to 16 October and Dussehra on 17 October.

 

Myth-

According to scriptures, there was a buffalo demon king named ‘Mahisharsura' who prayed to Brahma for a long period of time. Brahma was pleased by the tapas (penance) and granted him a boon. The demon king asked for immorality, which Brahma refused, then the demon king asked for death only at the hands of a woman, which Brahma had to accede to. Powered by the boon, the demon king became a menace to mankind in general. His misdeeds made people miserable and they prayed for relief from the chaos unleashed by him. Moved by the prayers of humans, the trinity gods of Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva pooled together their energies to create Durga, also called Kali. Durga mata was the incarnation of the cosmic energy of all the gods and goddesses. She was created for the sole purpose of killing the demon Mahishasura. The three main Hindu goddesses, Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Parvathi also assisted Durga ma. Likewise all the gods gave their main arms to the goddess to equip her to kill the demon. Ma Durga, with a hundred armed hands and a ferocity never seen before landed on earth to kill the demon. The battle between the demon and the goddess went for a long time, and finally Ma Durga slayed the demon and rescued the human race from his evil clutches. Since then, this day is celebrated as Dasara across India.

 

Another famous legend, related to Dussehra is from the great Indian epic, the Ramayana. Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman were living in the forest when Ravana, the demon king of Lanka abducted Sita. Upset over this act, Rama, who is enraged, goes in search of her and declares a battle on the ten-headed Ravana. Before the battle begins, he worships Durga mata, for victory. The goddess agrees to Rama's wish, but she puts before him a clause. She asks to be worshipped by a hundred blue lotuses before the final battle begins. Rama goes in search of blue lotuses but manages to gather only ninety-nine lotuses. When his search for the last and the 100th lotus turns futile, he decides to pluck one of his eyes, as they are compared with blue lotuses. Moved by Rama's devotion, Goddess Durga blesses him for victory in the war.

 

The battle between Rama and Ravana starts on Saptami(Day 7), on a ferocious note and gets fiercer by the day. Rama steals a march over Ravana between Ashtami and Navami(Days 8 and 9). Ravana is cremated on Dashami. Therefore, Dasami is celebrated with more fervor than the remaining days.

[Charis alAslan]

Thanks for that, Pankhuri! I love reading myths from other cultures. I studied Indian history and religion in college as part of my Asian Studies major. I took one course on gods, demons and ancestors. Fascinating.

[Panchi]

Diwali-(festival)

 

Myth-

The history of Diwali is replete with legends and these legends are moored to the stories of Hindu religious scriptures, mostly the Puranas. Though the central theme of all legends point out to the classic truth of the victory of the good over the evils, the mode of their presentation and the characters differ. Diwali, being the festival of lights, lighting the lamp of knowledge within us means to understand and reflect upon the significant purpose of each of the five days of festivities and to bring those thoughts in to the day to day lives.

 

The five day of Diwali

The first day of Diwali is called Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhanwantari Triodasi also called Dhan Theras. The second day of Diwali is called Narak Chaturdasi. It is the fourteenth lunar day (thithi) of the dark forthnight of the month of Kartik and the eve of Diwali. On this day Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur and made the world free from fear. The third day of Diwali is the actual Diwali. This is the day when worship for Mother Lakshmi is performed. On the fourth day of Diwali, Goverdhan Pooja is performed. The fifth day of the diwali is called Bhratri Dooj. It is a day dedicated to sisters.

 

Hindu Mythology

The Story of Rama and Sita: Lord Rama was a great warrior King who was exiled by his father Dashratha, the King of Ayodhya, along with his wife Sita and his younger brother Lakshman, on his wife's insistence. Lord Rama returned to his Kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, in which he put an end to the demon Ravana of Lanka, who was a great Pundit, highly learned but still evil dominated his mind. After this victory of Good over Evil, Rama returned to Ayodhya. In Ayodhya, the people welcomed them by lighting rows of clay lamps. So, it is an occasion in honor of Rama's victory over Ravana; of Truth's victory over Evil.

 

The Story of King Bali and Vamana Avatar(the Dwarf): The other story concerns King Bali, who was a generous ruler. But he was also very ambitious. Some of the Gods pleaded Vishnu to check King Bali's power. Vishnu came to earth in the form of a Vamana(dwarf) dressed as priest. The dwarf approached King Bali and said "You are the ruler of the three worlds: the Earth, the world above the skies and the underworld. Would you give me the space that I could cover with three strides?" King Bali laughed. Surely a dwarf could not cover much ground, thought the King, who agreed to dwarf's request. At this point, the dwarf changed into Vishnu and his three strides covered the Earth, the Skies and the whole Universe! King Bali was send to the underworld. As part of Diwali celebrations, some Hindus remember King Bali.

 

The Defeat of Narkasur by Lord Krishna: Lord Vishnu in his 8th incarnation as Krishna destroyed the demon Narkasura, who was causing great unhappiness amongst the people of the world. Narkasura was believed to be a demon of filth, covered in dirt. He used to kidnap beautiful young women and force them to live with him. Eventually, their cries for rescue were heard by Vishnu, who came in the form of Krishna. First, Krishna had to fight with a five-headed monster who guarded the demon's home. Narkasura hoped that his death might bring joy to others. Krishna granted his request and the women were freed. For Hindus, this story is a reminder that good can still come out of evil.

 

Krishna and The Mountain: In the village of Gokula, many years ago, the people prayed to the God Indra. They believed that Indra sent the rains, which made their crops, grow. But Krishna came along and persuaded the people to worship the mountain Govardhan, because the mountain and the land around it were fertile. This did not please Indra. He sent thunder and torrential rain down on the village. The people cried to Krishna to help. Krishna saved the villagers by lifting the top of the mountain with his finger. The offering of food to God on this day of Diwali is a reminder to Hindus of the importance of food and it is a time for being thankful to God for the bounty of nature.

 

Sikh Festival Diwali

In Sikh perspective, Diwali is celebrated as the return of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji from the captivity of the city, Gwalior. To commemorate his undying love for Sikhism, the towns people lit the way to, Harmandhir Sahib (referred to as the Golden Temple), in his honour.

 

Jain Festival Diwali

Among the Jain festivals, Diwali is one of the most important one. For on this occasion we celebrate the Nirvana of Lord Mahavira who established the dharma as we follow it. Lord Mahavira was born as Vardhamana on Chaitra Shukla 13th in the Nata clan at Khattiya-kundapura, near Vaishali. He obtained Kevala Gyana on Vishakha Shukla 10 at the Jambhraka village on the banks of Rijukula river at the age of 42.

[Torrie]

Wow, Pank! You did your homework! I never knew there were so many legends.

 

Another famous legend, related to Dussehra is from the great Indian epic, the Ramayana. Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman were living in the forest when Ravana, the demon king of Lanka abducted Sita. Upset over this act, Rama, who is enraged, goes in search of her and declares a battle on the ten-headed Ravana. Before the battle begins, he worships Durga mata, for victory. The goddess agrees to Rama's wish, but she puts before him a clause. She asks to be worshipped by a hundred blue lotuses before the final battle begins. Rama goes in search of blue lotuses but manages to gather only ninety-nine lotuses. When his search for the last and the 100th lotus turns futile, he decides to pluck one of his eyes, as they are compared with blue lotuses. Moved by Rama's devotion, Goddess Durga blesses him for victory in the war.

 

I think this is my favorite. It's so romantic.

[Kemian]

This is great, Ive always loved mythology and learning where a lot of practices and festivals and so on come from.

looking forward to any more myths and legends you have to post

[Panchi]

Torrie if you think this little piece romantic then wait before you know whole Ramayana. There are many things there.

 

Kem I have so many that I can't decide which to post.

 

If you had joined before then you could have participated in my class. It was on Mythology but doesn't matter, here are going to be many I think...............

[Millon]

Hello hello hello! Welcome everyone to this year’s Red Ajah Autmn Fair. Thank you Pan for doing this awesome thread and I am very happy and excited to be a part of it.

 

So, we’re talking Halloween Myths and Legends. Halloween is a HUGE event for my family. My first nephew Joshua was born on Halloween. I was ten years old when he was born. The little imp is now 22 and I am not so sure exactly how I feel about that lol. When he was born I kept hearing all this about how he is goin to need to be watched carefully as it’s known that people born on All Hallows Eve have the second site. Second site? You ask. Well, just think of a seer or soothsayer or an even more simple definition, a fortune teller. People with Second Site are supposed to be sensitive to reading what may have been or will be, too, they may be sensitive to spirits.

 

All Hallows Eve is supposed to be considered as originating from the Celts. It was celebrated by the Celts as an end of year Harvest Festival. A lot of the ‘Death’ theme of Halloween comes from the idea that Samhain (sow-in) was ‘the death of the Summer God’ and this resonated through the holiday.

Trick or Treating is said to originate from Celtic tradition as well. Children would go door to door looking for alms of bread, fruit and nuts for the feast of Samhain. Another idea of the origin of Trick or Treating is said to be the celebration of ‘All Souls Day’ where European Catholics would go door to door asking for ‘soul cakes’ or currant buns. In return, they would pray for the souls of the homeowner's relatives. ‘All Souls Day’ was a machination of the Catholic religion to subsume the Celtic tradition to smudge the practice of Pagan religions.

In Mexico, during the fall, countless numbers of Monarch butterflies return to Mexico and the shelter of its oyamel fir trees. The Aztecs believe that the butterflies bear the spirits of their dead ancestors. It is these spirits that the people honor during "Los Dias de los Muertos" (The Days of the Dead).

It is a joyous, happy holiday - a time of remembering past friends and family who have died. It is celebrated, during Halloween, All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, OCT-31 to NOV-2. Altars in the homes are decorated with bread, candy, fruit, and flowers. Candles are lit in memory of their ancestors. The people dress up as ghouls, ghosts, mummies and skeletons. They parade a live person in a coffin through the streets. Vendors toss fruit, flowers and candies into the coffin. Families visit the cemetery carrying tools to spruce up the graves and decorate them. They stay over-night.

[Charis alAslan]

Torrie if you think this little piece romantic then wait before you know whole Ramayana. There are many things there.

 

I read it for my class, but it was so long ago! I still have it. Must crack it open again!

[Panchi]

Torrie if you think this little piece romantic then wait before you know whole Ramayana. There are many things there.

 

I read it for my class, but it was so long ago! I still have it. Must crack it open again!

 

once got a small book of Ramayana outside my school. It was for free so I took it but it was in Sanskrit and I know a bit of Sanskrit but I don't like the language much to read that. There are some movies also. If anyone wants to know.

[Panchi]

Karwachauth-(festival)

 

Myth-

The Story of Queen Veeravati

A long long time ago, there lived a beautiful girl by the name of Veeravati. She was the only sister of her seven loving brothers, who was married to a king. On the occasion of the first Karva Chauth after her marriage, she went to her parents' house. After sunrise, she observed a strict fast. However, the queen couldn't stand the rigors of fasting and was desperately waiting for the moon to rise. The seven brothers who loved her dearly, were very disturbed watching the distress of their sister and decided to end her fast by deceiving her. Then the brothers reflected a mirror through Pipal tree leaves. The sister, taken it as moon rise, broke the fast and took food. However, the moment the queen ate her dinner, she received the news that her husband, the king, was seriously ill.

 

The queen rushed to her husband's palace and on the way, she met Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati. Parvati informed her that the king had died because the queen had broken her fast by watching a false moon. However, when the queen asked her for forgiveness, the goddess granted her the boon that the king would be revived. But to achieve this, she would have to undertake the Karva Chauth fast under strict rituals, then only her husband would come top life. Thus, by strictly following all the rituals of Karva chauth, queen Veeravati relivened her husband.

 

The Legend of Mahabharata

The belief in this fast and its associated rituals goes back to the pre-Mahabharata times. Draupadi, too, is said to have observed this fast. Once Arjun went to the Nilgiris for penance and the rest of the Pandavas faced many problems in his absence. Draupadi, out of desperation, remembered Lord Krishna and asked for help. Lord Krishna reminded her that on an earlier occasion, when Goddess Parvati had sought Lord Shivas guidance under similar circumstances, she had been advised to observe the fast of Karva Chauth. Draupadi followed the instructions and observed the fast with all its rituals. Consequently, the Pandavas were able to overcome their problems. On this day, fasting women listen to Karva Chauth legends with rapt attention.

 

The Story of Satyavan and Savitri

There is the story of the Satyavan and Savitri. When Lord Yama, came to procure Satyavan's soul, Savitri begged him to grant him life. When he refused, she stopped eating and drinking and Yamraj finally relented. He granted her, her husband's life. To this day, Karva Chauth is celebrated with great faith and belief.

 

The Legend of Karva

According to another legend, a woman named Karva was deeply devoted to her husband. One day while bathing, he was caught by a crocodile. Karva came running and bound the crocodile with a cotton yarn. She then went to Yama, the Lord of the death, and requested him to send the offending crocodile to hell. When Yama refused, she threatened to curse him. Afraid of the power of a devoted wife, Yama readily accepted and sent the crocodile to Yamalok or hell, and blessed Karva's husband with long life.

[Senexx]

Indian mythology is interesting but with the multitude of names for the same Gods or beings, it seems quite obstructive. Celtic mythology I have a broad familiarity with and find it quite simple to grasp. Also an Irish background and almost going the Druidry path helped me with all that too.

[Millon]

You're a paddy too then huh? Well ceade mile failte' Senexx! Pleasure to meet you. How goes the career lately? Ive been seein more and more of you on here lately. Hope all is well with you brother.

[Mystica]

wow, you're doing a fantastic job, Pank! Thanks for sharing all that

[Senexx]

I'm only as paddy as my great-great grandfather Millon mate.

[Panchi]

Ahoi Ashtami-(festival)

 

Myth-

The story of Ahoi Ashtami relates to a woman who lived in a village with her seven sons. During the process of renovating and painting her house, she went to the forest to bring soil. This was during the month of Karthik just before the Diwali festival. While digging the soil, the axe accidentally falls and hurts a cub in a nearby den. Subsequently, the cub dies and the woman feels sorry and responsible for what happened to the cub. However, she takes the soil from the forest and returns home.

 

Over the next year, her seven sons die and she feels it is a fallout of what happened with the cub in the forest. Unable to bear her guilt, she confesses her sin to some of her neighbors in the village. The neighbors tell her that by confessing her sin she has almost negated the effect of her sin. As atonement for her sin, they also suggest that she offer prayers to the goddess Ashtami Bhagawati by sketching the face of the cub.

 

So, the woman fasts on the Karthik Krishna Ashtami by praying and observing a fast regularly. She ventually gets back all her seven sons by the power of her prayer and ever since it becomes a ritual to worship the goddess Ahoi Ashtami Bhagawati every year. This story became popular and even today mothers fast and pray to Ahoi Mata for the well-being and bright future of their sons.

[Torrie]

Awesome job, Pank. You have outdone yourself with this fair and I have learned so much from what you have posted! Thank you!