Hugo Negron's Blog - Posts Tagged "shishira"
Alakshmi, sister of Lakshmi
Although the Yuletide which starts around December 21 through January 1st (the original 12 days of Christmas!) is seen from a mostly European aspect, the winter solstice (the point at which the sun is farthest south, which falls around 12/21, 12/22, or 12/23 in the northern hemisphere), is celebrated in many cultures and places.
The winter season in the Hindu calendar is known as Shishira, lasting from mid-January to mid-March. During this time (around January 14th) is the Hindu harvest festival of Pongal which celebrates the end of winter solstice. This holiday is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and is observed with prayers and renewing social bonds with both family and friends.
The first and fourth days of Pongal are known as Bhogi. This celebration is represented by removing/discarding old, unwanted materials and celebrating new things. Large bonfires are built to burn the no-longer useful items, and homes are made clean.
Rangolis (colorful patterns made on floors or tabletops), or more specifically, a Kolam, drawn with rice flour, chalks, or powders, are placed on entryways into one's home, to welcome all who visit, but especially for Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, to bring positive energy/good luck to the home.
NOT doing so at this time may instead bring a visit from Lakshmi's sister Alakshmi (also known as Daridra), goddess of misfortune, to say hello, bringing negative energy (daridra), bad luck, jealousy, and other ills to your humble abode. In various descriptions she is said to have red beady eyes, teeth like a bull's, and a gnarled withered face.
The story of Lakshmi and Alakshmi was one of opposites. Lakshmi was a hard worker, diligent in efforts, and kind to all. Alakshmi was lazy, cruel, and shabby, rarely bathing, and giving constant lies and deceptions to those around her. Lord Krishna, a major Hindu god, was so enchanted by Lakshmi they became wedded. Alakshmi had no such luck, so her sister asked Lord Krishna to help her. Krishna found a rishi (a wise man, or yogi) to marry Alakshmi, but alas, she failed to change and he eventually got rid of her.
Still feeling charitable towards her sister, Lakshmi again entreated Krishna to come to her sister's aid. He found a home for the unrepentant Alakshmi underneath a peepal (fig) tree where she would have no need to clean herself or anything, or be bothered by anyone, and be free to do as she liked. Alakshmi begged that they would not leave her alone, with only ghosts and similar ilk left to befriend her, so they promised to visit her every Saturday, which is why many will visit peepal trees on a Saturday, giving prayers and watering the tree, knowing that Lord Krishna and Lakshmi are there.
For those unfortunate to have Alakshmi come into your home, lamp lights and prayers will help to drive her off. If, however, your home is full of fights and arguments, you may find an unfortunate new occupant to your household who will stay...
The winter season in the Hindu calendar is known as Shishira, lasting from mid-January to mid-March. During this time (around January 14th) is the Hindu harvest festival of Pongal which celebrates the end of winter solstice. This holiday is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and is observed with prayers and renewing social bonds with both family and friends.
The first and fourth days of Pongal are known as Bhogi. This celebration is represented by removing/discarding old, unwanted materials and celebrating new things. Large bonfires are built to burn the no-longer useful items, and homes are made clean.
Rangolis (colorful patterns made on floors or tabletops), or more specifically, a Kolam, drawn with rice flour, chalks, or powders, are placed on entryways into one's home, to welcome all who visit, but especially for Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, to bring positive energy/good luck to the home.
NOT doing so at this time may instead bring a visit from Lakshmi's sister Alakshmi (also known as Daridra), goddess of misfortune, to say hello, bringing negative energy (daridra), bad luck, jealousy, and other ills to your humble abode. In various descriptions she is said to have red beady eyes, teeth like a bull's, and a gnarled withered face.
The story of Lakshmi and Alakshmi was one of opposites. Lakshmi was a hard worker, diligent in efforts, and kind to all. Alakshmi was lazy, cruel, and shabby, rarely bathing, and giving constant lies and deceptions to those around her. Lord Krishna, a major Hindu god, was so enchanted by Lakshmi they became wedded. Alakshmi had no such luck, so her sister asked Lord Krishna to help her. Krishna found a rishi (a wise man, or yogi) to marry Alakshmi, but alas, she failed to change and he eventually got rid of her.
Still feeling charitable towards her sister, Lakshmi again entreated Krishna to come to her sister's aid. He found a home for the unrepentant Alakshmi underneath a peepal (fig) tree where she would have no need to clean herself or anything, or be bothered by anyone, and be free to do as she liked. Alakshmi begged that they would not leave her alone, with only ghosts and similar ilk left to befriend her, so they promised to visit her every Saturday, which is why many will visit peepal trees on a Saturday, giving prayers and watering the tree, knowing that Lord Krishna and Lakshmi are there.
For those unfortunate to have Alakshmi come into your home, lamp lights and prayers will help to drive her off. If, however, your home is full of fights and arguments, you may find an unfortunate new occupant to your household who will stay...
