Rakshabandhan: The Festival of Love, Joy, and Togetherness

Two most popular stories of Rakshabandhan: Happy Rakshabandhan

Introduction

Rakshabandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a beloved Indian festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is a day of love, protection, and the exchange of heartfelt vows. In this article, we will explore the two most popular stories associated with Rakshabandhan, stories that exemplify the unbreakable bond between siblings.

1st Story: The Tale of Maharaj Bali

The Devotion of Maharaj Bali

Long ago, there lived a noble king named Maharaj Bali, who was a descendant devotee of Prahlad and an ardent follower of Lord Vishnu. He was known far and wide for his unwavering faith and dedication.

The Worries of the Gods

One day, Maharaj Bali decided to perform 101 Yagyas (sacrificial rituals). This decision created anxiety among the gods and goddesses in the heavens. They feared that if Maharaj Bali continued with these rituals, he might one day take over the throne of heaven.

Lord Vishnu's Solution

In their distress, the demigods sought the refuge of Lord Vishnu. They pleaded with Him to find a solution to this impending crisis. In response, Lord Vishnu devised a plan.

Lord Vamana's Incarnation

Lord Vishnu took on the form of a small Brahmin and entered the palace of Maharaj Bali. He appeared as Vamana Avatar, a beautiful and innocent-looking boy. Seeing this divine presence, Maharaj Bali eagerly offered to grant the boy any wish.

The Humble Request

Surprisingly, Lord Vamana asked for just three steps of land. With the king's consent, Lord Vamana took his first step, covering the earth, and his second step, reaching the heavens. It became evident to Bali that he was dealing with a deity.

King Bali's Devotion

In an act of ultimate devotion, King Bali humbly requested Lord Vamana to place His third step on his head. Lord Vamana complied, sending King Bali to Patal Lok (the netherworld). Even in this new realm, Bali continued his unwavering devotion to the Lord.

The Boon of Devotion

Impressed by Bali's devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared before him and granted him a boon. Bali requested that Lord Vishnu become his gatekeeper, so he could witness the Lord's divine presence always. The Lord, being the Bhaktavatsal (lover of His devotees), agreed.

Mata Lakshmi's Rakhi

In Vaikuntha, Goddess Lakshmi awaited Lord Vishnu's return. But He was now the gatekeeper of Bali Maharaj. In a beautiful turn of events, on the day of Shravan Shukla Purnima, Mata Lakshmi tied a rakhi on Bali Maharaj's wrist, considering him her brother.

A Holy Bond

Bali Maharaj, touched by her gesture, promised to fulfill her wish. Mata Lakshmi, with her brother's permission, took Lord Vishnu back to Vaikuntha. From that day forward, the sacred bond between brothers and sisters has been celebrated with great affection during Rakshabandhan.

2nd Story: The Protection of Draupadi

Shishupala's Arrogance

Our second story takes us to the epic Mahabharata. It revolves around Shishupala, a man whose arrogance has no bounds. His insolence reached a point where Lord Krishna had to intervene.

The Divine Intervention

In a fit of anger, Lord Krishna used his Sudarshan Chakra to end Shishupala's life. However, in the process, Krishna's finger was injured, and blood began to flow.

Draupadi's Act of Love

Draupadi, the virtuous and compassionate queen, immediately tore her new saree and used it as a bandage to stop the bleeding from Krishna's finger. This selfless act deeply moved Lord Krishna.

Krishna's Promise

Touched by Draupadi's love and care, Lord Krishna made a solemn promise to protect her always. This pledge would later prove crucial during the dark days of the Mahabharata.

Protecting Draupadi's Honor

When Duryodhana and Dusshasana attempted to disrobe Draupadi in the court of Hastinapur, Lord Krishna intervened once again. He miraculously extended her saree to an unending length, preserving her dignity.

Conclusion

These two stories, one from mythology and the other from epic history, beautifully depict the enduring bond between brothers and sisters. Rakshabandhan, with its sacred thread, symbolizes this unbreakable connection and the promise of protection and love.

Celebrate Rakshabandhan with joy and reverence, cherishing the cherished bonds that define this wonderful festival.

Unlocking the Legend of Bakhtiyar Khilji: Secrets from the Past Revealed

EXPLORING THE ORIGINS OF NALANDA

Nalanda, a name echoing through the corridors of time, came into being during the 5th century, standing tall as one of the world's oldest bastions of knowledge. The word "Nalanda" itself is a fusion of three Sanskrit words: Na, Alam, and Da, signifying an "unstoppable flow of knowledge." Nalanda was unique in offering free education, and housing precious manuscripts, including the original Upanishads. For over 800 years, it remained a symbol of peace and enlightenment. However, the serenity was disrupted in the 12th century.

THE DARK TIMES: NALANDA'S REPEATED ASSAULTS

Nalanda was subjected to not one, but three ruthless attacks, with the third being the most catastrophic.

HUNA'S ONSLAUGHT(455-467 AD)

The first assault on Nalanda came at the hands of the Hunas, led by Mihirkula, during the reign of Samudragupta. This early attack set a grim precedent for the trials that Nalanda would face.

GAUDAS RAJVANSH'S INVASION(EARLY 7TH CENTURY)

The second attack transpired in the early 7th century, executed by Gaudas Rajvansh of Bengal. It was a grim reminder that Nalanda's legacy made it a target for those who sought to extinguish knowledge.

BAKHTIYAR KHILJI'S BRUTAL ONSLAUGHT(1193 AD)

The third and most devastating blow to Nalanda was orchestrated by the Turkish invader, Bakhtiyar Khilji, in 1193 AD.

UNRAVELING BAKHTIYAR KHILJI'S MOTIVE

The annihilation of Nalanda by Bakhtiyar Khilji conceals a peculiar motive. Legend has it that when Khilji fell gravely ill, conventional medicine failed him. In his hour of desperation, a suggestion surfaced: seek the counsel of Rahul Sri Bhadra, the principal of Nalanda. Initially hesitant, Khilji eventually agreed to meet him. Rahul Sri Bhadra, however, presented a condition – Khilji must refrain from taking any medication and read the Quran daily. What Khilji was unaware of was that the Quran pages held a secret medicinal concoction. As he absorbed the essence of the book, his health steadily improved. This revelation deeply perturbed Khilji, fueling jealousy and insecurity over a non-Muslim possessing superior knowledge. This insecurity ultimately led to the decision to eradicate the fountains of wisdom.

THE CATASTROPHIC DEMISE OF NALANDA

Nalanda's "Dharma Ganj" library was the lifeblood of Rahul Sri Bhadra and countless monks. This library, comprised of three multi-storied buildings - Ratnasagar, Ratnodhadi, and Ratnaranjaka, housed an astonishing collection of 90 lakh books, making it the world's largest library at the time. When Khilji discovered the treasure trove of knowledge, he embarked on a brutal rampage, mercilessly ending the lives of monks and scholars, many of whom met a fiery demise. The library, too, was consigned to flames, a harrowing process lasting three long months, as recounted by Minhaj Siraj in his writings.

THE IRREPARABLE LOSS AND A GLIMMER OF HOPE

Khilji's actions didn't merely obliterate a university; they extinguished an entire tradition. The devastation was so profound that it remains beyond repair to this day. Following the Nalanda tragedy, Khilji went on to decimate two more universities in Bihar - Vikramshila and Odantapuri. While the irreplaceable knowledge that once graced Nalanda's shelves may forever remain lost, the idea of resurrecting Nalanda University was championed by the late APJ Abdul Kalam. In 2010, the Nalanda Act was passed by the parliament, with Amartya Sen leading as the chairman of the governing body of Nalanda. Since 2014, admissions have once again begun at this hallowed institution, a beacon of hope amidst the shadows of its tragic past.

CONCLUSION

The story of Nalanda and Bakhtiyar Khilji is a testament to the enduring power of knowledge and the destructive force of ignorance. Nalanda may have suffered immeasurable loss, but its legacy persists, inspiring generations to come.

FAQS

1. Was Nalanda University ever fully rebuilt after its destruction?
   • Yes, Nalanda University was reestablished in 2014, although it cannot fully recover the wealth of knowledge it once held.
2. What was the significance of Nalanda's library?
   • Nalanda's library, known as "Dharma Ganj," was one of the largest and most prestigious libraries in ancient India, housing invaluable manuscripts.
3. Did Bakhtiyar Khilji's actions have any lasting consequences?
   • Yes, Khilji's destruction of Nalanda and other universities left a lasting void in the history of knowledge in the Indian subcontinent.
4. Who championed the revival of Nalanda University?
   • The late APJ Abdul Kalam played a key role in advocating for the revival of Nalanda University.
5. What is the current status of Nalanda University?
   • Nalanda University has been reestablished and is admitting students once again, offering a glimmer of hope for the future of education and knowledge in the region.

History of Valentine's Day 

Around 270 AD, in Rome. During those days, Rome was ruled by Emperor Claudius II.

In today's world celebrating Valentine's Day on 14 February as a day of Love, Romance, and Flower has a story behind it, which started in this period.

During that time Christianity was introduced to Rome. People started to convert themselves. Though it was still not the dominant religion at that time.

It was said that Emperor Claudius - II carried out various bloody campaigns, which included persecution of Christians too. At that time the Emperor wanted to maintain a strong army since Rome was attacked externally as well as Internally. He wasn't able to find men to join the army. The Emperor thought that due to attachment and responsibility towards their women and wives, they were afraid to join the army. Thus, to solve this problem the Emperor banned all marriages and engagements. Looking forward to these matters St. Valentine started to perform secret Christian marriages. So that they could join the army in relief and during that time helping Christians was pride as well. When this matter was narrated to Emperor Claudius II he jailed St. Valentine. The jailer of St. Valentine was Asterius. He noticed St. Valentine taking and helping people around him and also noticed how knowledgeable he was. He started to bring his blind daughter Julia, in the hope that St. Valentine to heal her. As Julia was a young girl with a sharp mind, St. Valentine started reading her a book about the history of Romans and gods. And thus she began to see the world through his eyes. In legends, they say that eventually, St. Valentine healed Julia's eyesight. Asterius was so happy by this that he surrendered to St. Valentine and took up his faith, Christianity. Soon this news spread and was informed to Emperor Claudius II.

He was so enraged that he immediately ordered St. Valentine to be summoned before him. Emperor Claudius II asked St. Valentine to respect his decision and not allow the soldiers to marry and give up his religion. To both of which St. Valentine politely declined. The Emperor took St. Valentine's words as an insult to his self-esteem and sentenced him to be executed. Just before the execution, St. Valentine wrote his last letter to Julia on 14 February. He handed over the letter to Asterius to give it to his daughter. When she opened the letter, she saw his sign, "From your Valentine."

Speciality of Ranthambore National Park

The state of Rajasthan is as famous for its colorful culture and festivals as its Royal heritage that inscribed the history of Rajasthan. The Rajput kings are not only known for their courage and high esteem but also for their art and culture which shows in the creation of some of the most illustrious and remarkable Forts and Palaces in the Royal era of Rajasthan which still stand proudly.

Hammir Dev Chauhan (1283-1301)-

Hammir Dev Chauhan, also known as Hammiradeva, was the legendary king of the part of Rajasthan and was the last king of the Chauhan dynasty who ruled Ranastambhapura, known as Ranthambore in modern times.

Rana Kumbha (1433-1468)-

Also known as the ‘Hindu Sultan’ and ‘Abhinav Bharta Charya’, Rana Kumbha (or Kumbhakarna) was the most eminent ruler of Mewar. He was the king with great administrative skill, amazing battle prowess, and intellect. He was like the bright sun in the history of Mewar. he also was a great builder and known for renovating 32 Forts around Mewar including the most famous the Kumbhalgarh Fort which is also a world heritage site. He also showed his creative side by writing various literature such as Samgita-raja, Rasika-Priya, Sudaprabandha, and Kamaraja-ratisara.

Maharana Pratap Singh (1540-1597)-

Maharana Pratap Singh was the king of Mewar, the most powerful kingdom in the Rajasthan in that era. He became the legendary King due to his fighting attitude against the mighty Akbar when nearly all of the Rajput Kings and Chiefs accepted the supremacy of Akbar and entered into his vassalage. He famously fought the battle of Haldighati in 1576 but that resulted in his defeat and he had to retreat and had to operate from the hilly area of Mewar. He continued fighting against Akbar and later recaptured many of his lost territories from Akbar. The Maharana died in 1597 due to the injuries he got during a hunting accident. At the site of Maharana’s funeral in Chavand, a Chhatri (monument) was established which is a prime tourist attraction in Chavand.

Maharaja Suraj Mal (1707-1763)-

The Jat king Maharaja Suraj Mal, also known as Sujan Singh, was the powerful ruler of Bharatpur located in present-day Rajasthan. He is famously described as the “Plato of the Jat people” and the “Jat Odysseus” by modern historians and writers due to his extraordinary political acumen, high intellect, and clear vision. After conquering many battles against cumulative armies, he showed his immense power and war strategies. In 1763, he died in the battle with the Nawab Najib ad-Dawlah.

GAIA(Mother Earth)....Greek Goddess

Gaea, known as Earth or Mother Earth. She was an early Earth goddess. She represents the human version of Earth. They say that, she is an ancestral mother and she gave birth to all the elements of the world. Gaia gave birth to URANUS, also known as Ouranos. The TITANS as well as other major figures such as gigantes and CYCLOPES.  

                                                 GAIA

It is said that Gaia was born from Chaos, the great void of emptiness within the universe. In creation myth, Chaos came before anything else. He was made of void, mass, and darkness of confusion. And then Earth in the form of Gaia came into existence. In the shape of the sky god Uranus, and from Gaea also came the mountains, plains, plateaus, rivers, and seas that makeup the Earth that we know today.

                                                URANUS        

As she arose, she overtook Mount Olympus and started overseeing the world. Tartarus was next immortal and known for helping to pave the earth, followed by Eros known as the god of Love. after spending many years as the only creature, she became so lonely that she created Uranus. To make him happy, she gave him control over the sky and heaven. Gaia believed that he would help and protect her. Gaia then created both Pontus to look after the ocean and Ourea to look after the mountains. These two beings were unique in that she created them alone and without the assistance of a male(or) father.

PONTUS

OUREA

The curse of Mysore dynasty

The curse of the Mysore dynasty

About Mysore:

Mysore is a city in India's southwestern Karnataka state. In its center luxurious Mysore Palace, the seat of the former ruling Wadiyar dynasty. The Palace blends Hindu, Islamic, Gothic, and Rajput Styles.

Mysore brings the image of its royal foundation into one's mind.

Mysore was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore until 1950, except in the 18th century when Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan were the defacto rulers for 40 years. Mysore state continued to be ruled by Maharaja H.H Jaya Chamaraj Wadiyar.

The Curse Of Mysore Dynasty that lasted For 400 years:

From 1399 till India gained independence Mysore was ruled by 24 Kings the last king was Jaya Chamaraj Wadiyar. In 1662 Wadiyar's king became the ruler in Mysore, till that time it used to be a part of Vijayanagar. But then Wadiyar overthrew Tirumala from his position of ruling at that moment this unfortunate faith hit the Wadiyar dynasty.

After Wadiyar overtook the position of Tirumala and saw the unfortunate stuff happening to him, his wife Almelamma got upset took all her wealth, and ran off from the Palace. When King Wadiyar got to know about it he sent his soldier back to Almelamma. History says that to save her wealth and self - respect Almelamma even fought with the soldiers. Mysore's ex Queen with her wealth, a kilometer away from Mysore near the Kaveri River upfront ran away from the soldiers when she reached, even the king's soldiers reached. At her last moment, Almelamma said "Go and say to your king that you can squander our life but you cannot kill us. For us more important than life is our self-respect and he wants to win that."  

They say that when she thought of finishing her life at that moment she had cursed the Wadiyar dynasty. Now also in stories they say that standing in Kaveri river she prayed to God Venkateshwara and said " If I have devoted with clear heart, with full allegiance I have fulfilled my duty as wife, and in my whole life I have never done anything wrong then fulfill my three wishes...

1. The city of temples "Tallakakad" should be converted into a dessert.

2.  Malangi village should face the swirls of the Kaveri River.

3. And the last one is that, Mysore king should feel sorry for not having an heir." After this, Almelamma drowned herself in the Kaveri river. 

Abolishing of Slavery Act in India, Act No.V

Act No. V

The Act no. V, 1843 also known as the Indian Slavery Act, was the act passed under the rule of the East India Company. This act made it illegal many transactions related to slavery.

The act states how the sale of any person as a slave was banned, and anyone buying or selling slaves would be booked under the Indian Penal Code(it is the official criminal code of India. The code was drafted on the recommendations of the first law of the commission of India. It came into force in British India during the early British Raj period in 1862.)  with an offense carrying strict punishment. 

 

Some East India Company officials opposed the thoughts of the act, taking into consideration Hindu and Muslim customs and stating the fact that the act would get involved in the traditional social structures. Some politicians believed that religious ceremony was not as important as the belief in Jesus and the study of the Bible had led to successful slavery campaigns in West Indies had been in the same situation and the act was implemented.     

Story of Lord Ganesha.

 

Once upon a time, there lived a Pandit and his wife. He always asked his wife to give him food to eat. Then his wife got troubled and replied," Why, whole day you keep on asking me for food. Why don't you make some rules? Now, go to Ganesha temple and pray for a while." Since then every day he used to go to the temple and while returning he used to say that he saw, he saw.

One day four thieves, after robbery hid in one place and distributed the gold among themselves while the pandit as usual was passing by the route repeating those same words I saw, I saw. Listening to his words the thief got scared and called him to their hidden place and offered him a portion of gold from their robbery. The pandit took the portion of gold and went home. When he reached home he gave that gold to his wife. His wife was very happy and prepared him a very delicious meal. Out of happiness, she threw a lot of sugar candy while the pandit went and sat outside of the home.

As soon as he sat outside, the King's soldier came to him and said," At the king's palace the gold has been theft, Did you see someone getting gold?" Then the pandit says." Yes, I have got the gold and I gave it to my wife." Solider asked Pandit's wife, "Your husband has got you some gold, where did you keep them." Then Pandit's wife said," Ask him only when did he got the gold." Pandit said," I  got the gold when you threw a rain of sugar candy." At that moment, Pandit's wife said to the soldier," Have you ever seen any sugar candy's rain. He is insane, what are you listening to him."  Listening to the quarrel between husband and wife the soldier left.