Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (Gudi Padwa)

Content

Introduction Celebrate New Year on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (Gudi Padwa)

Science in the worship of the Gudi

Method of raising the Gudi

Prayer

Significance of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (Gudi Padwa)

Celebration of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (Gudi Padwa)

Difference between 31st Dec and Chaitra Shukla Pratipada for celebrating New Year

Special Article

Be Bhartiya! Follow Bhartiya culture!!

Introduction

The first Holy festival which marks the beginning of the New Year, new month and new day for the

Hindus falls on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. It is known as Gudhi Padwa (in Maharashtra), Ugadi

(in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh). [In other parts of country it is celebrated during Nau Roz

(Kashmir), Baisakhi (Punjab), Cheti Chand (Sindhi), Naba Barsha (Bengal), Goru Bihu

(Assam), Puthandu (Tamil Nadu), Vishu (Kerala)] On this very day Lord Brahma created the

Universe. Therefore for Hindus, this day carries special importance. The day is celebrated with an

auspicious bath, followed by decorating the doorway with a 'toran', performing ritualistic worship

and hoisting the Gudhi.

Celebrate New Year only on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (Gudi Padwa)!

Presently in Bharat, New Year is being celebrated on 1st January as per the Western calendar.

Celebration on the eve of the Western New Year involves one indulging oneself in various

malpractices like indulging in eve teasing after drinking, etc. So, instead of beginning the New

Year on an auspicious note, it begins unpleasantly. To ensure that the beginning of the New Year

begins on an auspicious note, celebrate it according to the Hindu scriptures, on Chaitra Shuddha

Pratipada as per the Hindu lunar calendar. This date is glorious in all ways - as per the cycle of

Nature and it also has historical and spiritual significance. All this contributes to endowing the one

celebrating it, as per the Hindu scriptures, with several benefits. It is the duty of each individual to

arrest the loss being caused to society due to blindly emulating Westerners.

Science in the worship of the Gudi

The Divine consciousness emanating during

sunrise, absorbed at that time lasts longer. Thus the

Gudi should be worshipped within 5-10 minutes after

sunrise !

On Gudi Padwa, the waves consisting of the fire

principle (Tej tatva) and the creative Prajapati waves

are activated on a large scale. The Divine

consciousness emanating during sunrise, absorbed

at that time lasts longer. This consciousness is

stored in the body cells and is used as required.

Hence the Gudi should be worshipped within 5-10 minutes after sunrise.

 

 

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Method of raising the Gudi

Position of the Gudi: Care should be taken to raise

the Gudi next to the main entrance of the house. The

spot selected should be on the right side of the

entrance(when facing outwards from the entrance of

the home). The right side symbolizes the active state of

the soul.

1. The area selected for raising the Gudi should be cleaned and then a Swastik rangoli should be

drawn on the ground. Turmeric and vermilion (Haldi-kumkum) should be offered at the centre of

the Swastik.

2. While raising the Gudi, the 'Shiva-Shakti' principle in the Universe should be invoked. This

enables all the constituents of the Gudi to accept divine principles.

3. The Gudi symbolizes the ‘Sushumna nadi’ of our body. Hence, the Gudi should be raised at the

entrance. And it should be kept tilted at an angle. - A Scholar (through the medium of Ms. Anjali

Gadgil)

Prayer

'O Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu ! Please enable me to absorb the Principle of Creation and the Fire

Principle present in the atmosphere. Let the Divine consciousness present in these principles be

preserved constantly. Let the energy thus received, be used for my spiritual practice.'

Reason for raising the Gudi during war

The Gudi is a symbol of victory. Amongst the various qualities of God, 'Being Victorious' is one

and it symbolizes that God has achieved victory at the outset and at various levels. To symbolize

this at every level of war, a Gudi is hoisted.

Read complete details about the significance

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Significance of Gudi Padwa

There are several ways of commencing a New Year.

According to the Christian calendar, 1st January marks the

beginning of the year. The financial year begins from 1st April,

the Hindu New Year from the first day (Pratipada) of the

month of Chaitra from the Hindu lunar calendar, the

commercial year from the first day of the Hindu lunar month of

‘Kartik’, the solar (soura) year, the lunar (chandra) year, the

luni-solar year and so on. In all these, the year comprises of

twelve months. Who first proclaimed that a year should consist

of twelve months and how did the world come to accept it ? The foremost exponent of this concept

is undoubtedly the Vedas, the most ancient literary texts. The Vedas say, ‘A year consists of

twelve months’. It is because they say so that the world has accepted it. Out of all these days of

beginning a year the most ideal one is the first day of the month of Chaitra according to the Hindu

lunar calendar. There is no explanation as to why the 1st of January is the beginning of the New

Year. Someone conceived that it should be so and thus it began. Contrary to this, there are

natural, historical and spiritual reasons to mark the commencement of the year on the first day of

the month of Chaitra.

1. Natural: Towards the first day of the month of Chaitra (Padva), the sun assumes a position

above the Vasant intersection (the point of intersection of the equator and the meridians) and the

spring season commences. In Shrimadbhagvadgita (10.35), The Lord says, ‘Among the seasons,

the exhilarating Vasant season (spring) is my manifestation’. In this season, the weather is

pleasant and exhilarating. In the Shishir season (autumn) the trees shed their leaves. Towards

Padva, trees bear new foliage and appear fresh.

2. Historical: Rama slayed Vali on this day. Lord Ramachandra returned to Ayodhya after slaying

the evil demons and Ravan on this very day. The Shakas too defeated the Huns on this day. This

day also commemorates the commencement of the Shalivahan calendar after Shalivahan

vanquished his enemies.

3.Spiritual

3 A. Creation of the universe: Since on this day Lord Brahma created the universe and the

Satyayug began, it marks the commencement of the New Year.

3 B. One among the three and a half auspicious days (‘Muhurts’): Gudhipadva, Akshay trutiya

and Dasra (Vijayadashmi) each make up one, and the first day of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik

comprises half of the total three and a half auspicious days. The special feature of these three and

a half auspicious days is that unlike other days when one has to choose an auspicious moment to

perform a ritual, in contrast, on these auspicious days one does not need to, as every moment of

these days is auspicious. 

3 C. The higher incidence of prajapati sanyukta (conjoint) frequencies on the earth:  The

tantra text Ganeshyamal states that in all 108 frequencies, one each from the four parts (charans)

of the twenty-seven lunar asterisms from the region of lunar asterisms (nakshtralok / karmadevlok)

27×4=108 reach the earth. They disintegrate further into four types of frequencies - yama, surya,

prajapati and sanyukta (conjoint).

On this day, the Tej and Prajapati frequencies are effective in large measures. During sunrise on

this day, the Chaitanya (Divine Consciousness) emitted from these frequencies can be retained for

a longer period. It is accumulated in the cells of the embodied soul and is used by the embodied

soul as and when required. Therefore within 5-10 minutes of sunrise one should perform ritualistic

worship of the Gudi.

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The method of celebrating Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (Gudi Padwa)

1. Ablution with oil (abhyangasnan) - an auspicious bath: On this day one should wake up early in the morning and take an oil bath. With an ordinary bath the raja and ‘tama’ components decrease by 1/1,00,000 % and the sattva component increases by the same amount for a duration of only three hours. However with an oil bath it lasts for four to five hours. An oil bath consists of an oil massage to facilitate the absorption of oil by the skin followed by a warm water bath. Oil should be applied to retain the elasticity of the skin. Warm water is auspicious and pleasing to the body. Bathing after an oil massage retains only that amount of oiliness that the skin and hair

require. Hence an oil massage is necessary before a bath. Application of oil after a bath is inappropriate.

‘One should narrate the description of the time period (‘deshkal’) when taking an oil bath. The

manner of narration of the time period is peculiar among the Indians (Bharatiyas). This

encompasses everything from the birth of Lord Brahma to the duration of His reign, the current

‘manvantar’, the great era (mahayug) in that ‘manvantar’ and the sub-era (‘upayug’) in that

‘mahayug’. This will also give one an idea of the vast amount of time that has elapsed and is yet to

come. Each one thinks he is great. It is only after narrating this vast time frame of the universe that

one realises how small and subtle one is ! This helps in reducing man’s vanity and is thus a great

benefit.’  The scriptures have recommended an ablution with oil on five days of the year that is 1.

The commencement of the New Year (sanvatsar).

A. The first day of the celebrations of the Vasant (spring) season, that is the first day of the dark

fortnight of the month of Phalgun.

B. The three days of ‘Divali’, namely the fourteenth and the new moon day of the dark fortnight of

the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin and the first day of the bright fortnight of the month of ‘Kartik’.

2.  Decorating the doorstep: After a bath one should decorate the lintel of every door with a

bunting of mango leaves and red flowers. Red flowers are used because red colour indicates

auspiciousness.

3. Ritualistic worship (puja): First ritualistic worship of

God as a routine ritual is done. ‘One should perform a

‘mahashanti’ on New Year’s day. The shanti begins with the

worship of Lord Brahma, as He is responsible for creating

the universe on this day. He is offered davna (a kind of

fragrant plant) during the worship. Later a sacrificial fire

(hom) and offering of oblations through the fire (havan) are

performed and offerings to Brahmans are made. Then Lord

Viíhnu who manifests Himself in countless forms is

worshipped. Obeisance is paid to Him chanting

the mantra meaning ‘I bow to Lord Vishnu who manifests in innumerable forms.’ Then

the Brahmans are offered money or presents (dakshina) and if possible historical and mythological

texts (Purans) are presented to them. It is said, that by performing this ‘shanti’ one is cleansed of

all sins, no new sins are generated, the lifespan is increased and one becomes wealthy.’ (1) By

performing a sanvatsar worship, all sins are cleansed, the lifespan is prolonged, a woman’s

married life is prolonged and one acquires serenity. On this day, the Deity of that day of the week

is also worshipped.

 

The following table gives the days of the week and the corresponding presiding Deity of that day.

The table below compares the soothing effect of various substances. This will clarify why when the

weather changes and summer begins ‘davna’ (a fragrant leaf) is offered in ritualistic worship

everyday, in the month of Chaitra. Though both sandalwood and davna have the same ability to

impart a soothing effect, sandalwood can do so only when it is wet unlike ‘davna’ which is effective

throughout the day.

4. Hoisting of the Gudi: The gudi, which is Brahma’s

flag (Brahmadhvaj) is hoisted in every house as a symbolic

representation of Rama’s victory and happiness on returning to

Ayodhya, after slaying Ravan. Since a symbol of victory is always

held high, so is the gudi (flag).

A bright green or yellow cloth adorned with brocade (zari) is tied to

the tip of a long bamboo over which gaòhi (a type of sweet), neem leaves, a twig of mango leaves

and a garland of red flowers is tied. This is then hoisted by placing a silver or copper pot placed in

the inverted position over it. Beautiful designs with special powder of soft, white

stone (rangolis) are drawn on the floor in front of it. Everyone eagerly waits to usher in the New

Year. Then uttering the words, ‘I offer obeisance to the flag of Lord Brahma’ one should

ritualistically worship the gudhi with a resolve. Since Lord Brahma created the universe on this

day, this flag is called ‘the flag of Brahma’ (Brahmadhvaj) in the scriptures. Some also refer to it as

‘the flag of Indra’ (Indradhvaj).

The prajapati frequencies enter the house from the

atmosphere using the gudhi as a medium. (This operates just

like the antenna of a television set). The next day onwards one

should use the pot for drinking water as it is charged with the

prajapati frequencies and imparts the same kind of

impressions to the water in it. Thus one gets the benefit of the

prajapati frequencies throughout the year.

 

 

 

5. Listening to the religious almanac (Panchang shravan):

One should ritualistically worship the astrologer or priest and

‘listen to the benefits in the coming year. The benefits of

listening to the religious almanac are as follows : " By listening

to the discourse on auspicious dates (Tithis) one acquires

money (Lakshmi), by that of the day of the week - longevity; by

that of lunar asterisms - nullification of sins; by that of the

constellation - cure of disease and success in whatever one

plans. Listening to the religious almanac daily endows the merit equivalent to bathing in the holy

Ganga."

 

 

6. An offering (Prasad) of neem: Since neem has the highest

ability to absorb prajapati frequencies, on this day it is

partaken of as an offering (Prasad). One should distribute this

offering prepared by mixing together tender leaves and flowers

of neem, soaked split gram lentil (dal) or soaked gram, honey,

cumin seeds and a little of asafoetida amidst chanting of a

mantra.

The following table gives the ability of certain substances to

absorb frequencies. From that one will become cognisant as to why neem is partaken of on

Gudhipadva day and milk, curd, clarified butter (ghee) and sugar are avoided in the month of

Chaitra.

 

7. Ploughing the soil: On this day one should start ploughing the soil. As a result the soil below is

churned up. The subtle soil particles get charged with the prajapati frequencies and its ability to

germinate seeds increases manifold. Consecrated rice (akshata) should be sprinkled on the

instruments used in farming and on the oxen amidst chanting of the mantra, which generates the

prajapati frequencies. Labourers working in the fields should be gifted with new clothes. The meal

given to the labourers and oxen on that day should comprise of ripe pumpkin, lentil  (mung dal),

rice, puran [gram lentil (dal) cooked till soft and ground to a paste with jaggery], etc.

8. Donation: The needy should be given all kinds of offerings. For example, offering free drinking

water by setting up a stall. This appeases the ancestors.

9. Performing actions which bestow happiness: One should spend this day happily, listening to

auspicious songs, musical instruments and stories of holy men. One should enjoy the night with

one’s wife. Thus the entire year becomes a happy one.

10. Greeting cards: Usually greeting cards are sent to relatives and friends for Diwali or the

Christian New Year. Instead one should send greeting cards on the first day of Chaitra as this is

the real beginning of the year.

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Difference between 31 st Dec and Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (Gudi Padwa) for celebrating New Year

31 st December Chaitra Shukla Pratipada

Day changes at midnight Day changes with sunrise

No change in environment   Positive changes in environment

No Spiritual and Scientific reasons present

Spiritual and Scientific reasons present

Read Also: Welcome the New Year by celebrating Chaitra Shukla Pratipada!

Welcome the New Year by celebrating Samvatsararambh: Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (Gudi Padwa)

Celebrations on the eve of the Western New Year, that is 1st January, is accepted by Hindus as a

day of celebration for them as well. They make big plans for this day, with regards to shopping,

eating at a restaurant, taking a vacation, etc. And mind you this is not only in big cities, it is also

happening in villages, which do not even have the basic amenities of regular electricity and water

supply ! By aping the West you are not only destroying your own tradition but are also impressing

materialistic values upon the future generation. Hindus are completely in the dark about this fact.

This article is therefore meant to highlight these facts. 

‘Conversion’ for a day !

When a person converts to a new religion he begins to follow the customs and celebrates festivals

of that religion. In the same way, in neglecting our own customs if we Hindus start celebrating

Christmas or New Year as per the Christian calendar, then even if it be for a day we too are like

converts to Christianity ! Hindus are completely oblivious to the fact that they will have to face the

demerits of neglecting their own rituals and of being anti-Hindu, for following the materialistic

'Western days of celebration'. Today, to create respect for their religion and Dharma amongst

Hindus, religious education is an absolute necessity.

Hindus endow more importance to 31st December!

Nowadays, from the young to the old, all wish each other a 'Happy New Year' or send greeting

cards, on the night of 31st December; but Chaitra Shukla Pratipada is the New Year as per our

Hindu culture. They consider this as a prestige point. In fact you will find only a handful of Hindus

greeting each other on the occasion of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.

Parents of the materialistic new generation are in hibernation !

As per the Hindu religion every auspicious event begins with ritualistic worship at the auspicious

time (Brahma muhurta), which is on awakening at dawn, after a bath, wearing clean attire and

ornaments. As a result, the sattva component in the atmosphere creates good impressions on the

doer.

On the eve of the Western New Year people drink and make merry, in other words spend the night

enjoying the pleasures of life. Thus automatically impressions of materialism are created on their

subconscious minds. Besides, since at night the atmosphere is tama predominant the tama

component in them grows. People are unaware of this because of the lack of religious education;

the young generation falls prey to this materialism, fun and frolic. Their parents too are completely

oblivious about what is happening to their children.

Destroy the invasion of foreign culture in the form of the demon Ravan

Today the Hindu religion is being attacked on all fronts, influence by Western culture being the

most invasive. It is the duty of each and every Hindu to combat this attack. Just as on the day of

Gudhi Padva Lord Rama killed the demon Ravan and returned to Ayodhya to hoist the flag of

victory, so also Hindus must now combat Ravan who has assumed the form of Western cultural

invasion and raise the Gudhi this year !

Not 1st January, but Samvatsararambh is truly the New Year day !

The cycle of the year that begins with Samvatsararambh is related to the time that the Universe

was first created and therefore the nature is vibrant with life. On the contrary, the year beginning

from the midnight of 31st December is related to the period of destruction. New Year after 31st

December is like the night which falls after a sunset, filled with Tama component. Man benefits by

following the rules of nature and is actually harmed when he goes against it. Hence, it is beneficial

to celebrate the New Year on Samvatsararambh.

A disadvantages of New Year celebrations on 1 st Jan.

Be Bhartiya! Follow Bhartiya culture!!