What is Christmas?

When it comes to discussing the origins of Christmas, many theories have been brought forward claiming one thing or the other about Christmas. The widely-believed theory suggests that Christmas has been with us for over 4,000 years and celebrations similar to that of Christmas took place even before the birth of the Christ child.

Although Christmas is celebrated on December 25 every year, About Christmas it has been said that Jesus was in fact born in the spring. Well, you get it right – there are a lot of contradictory statements associated with the origins of Christmas.
istmas. Christmas is about celebrating the birth of the Lord Jesus while coming together with your friends
But this doesn’t really hamper the meaning of Chrand family and bonding with one another. The religious meaning of Christmas, however, has been declining slowly. These days, it’s more of commercialism associated with the holidays. People flocking at Target and Wal-mart stores with shopping carts full of gifts and ornaments are a common sight. Have we become more inclined to the commercial aspect of the holidays? It is important that the tradition of family bonding associated with the Christmas holidays continues forever and the essence of Christmas stays among us.

JAI MAA VAISHNO

Jai Maa Kali Mantra

JAI MAA VAISHNO: CHHATT FESTIVAL

JAI MAA VAISHNO: CHHATT FESTIVAL: "Chhatt is celebrated in Bihar and Jharkhand and where ever people from those regions have migrated to. THE ..."

CHHATT FESTIVAL

Chhatt is celebrated in Bihar and Jharkhand and where ever people from those regions have migrated to.

THE COLOURFUL FESTIVAL:

There are many festivals that are celebrated by the Hindus of Bihar and Jharkhand. The Hindu festival of Chhatt is unique to that region. Chhatt is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and therefore, is also known as Surya Shashti. Chhatt is celebrated as thanks to the Sun for providing the necessities of life on earth, and also for fulfilling particular wishes.

The word Chhatt denotes the number six and thus the festival begins on the sixth day of the Hindu month of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar, which falls in late October and November.

Beliefs:

It is commonly believed that the wishes of the devotees are always granted. Also, the devotees dread the punishment for any misdeed during Chhatt. Therefore, the city remains safe and experiences peace during this time when even criminals prefer to behave.

The Days Of Festivity:

The festival of Chhatt is marked by celebrations and rituals that last 4 days.

Day 1:

The devotees bathe in the holy river Ganges to wash away their sins. They also clean their homes thoroughly.

Day 2:

The devotees observe a fast for the whole day, which is broken in late evening, after performing the puja (worship ceremony) at home. They offer kheer (rice pudding) and fruit to God and then share it with family and friends.

Day 3:

The day is spent preparing the prasad (offerings) at home. In the evening the devotees go to a riverbank or pond where the prasad is offered to the setting sun. The devotees return home for another colorful celebration. Under a canopy of sugar cane sticks, they place clay elephants containing diyas (earthen lamps), and baskets filled with prasad. Agni(fire god)is worshipped.

Day 4:

On the final day of the festivities the devotees, family and friends go to the riverbank. Prasad is offered to the rising sun. The devotees break their fast and the prasad is shared with all the people around.

The Festivities And The Rituals:

Chhatt is a very joyous and colorful festival. All the people dress up in their best clothes. Devotional folk songs are sung both at home and on the riverbank. Millions of people gather at the banks of river Ganges in Patna (Capital of Bihar) to celebrate Chhatt. The streets are kept spotlessly clean by volunteers, who also decorate all the streets leading to the river.

The prasad includes sweets and fruit kept in small baskets made of bamboo.

The food is strictly vegetarian and it is cooked without salt, onions or garlic. Emphasis on put on maintaining the purity of the food.

Once a family start performing Chhatt Puja, it is continued annually by the following generations. If unable to perform the puja themselves for personal reasons, it is recommended that one should assist some one else who is performing the puja by providing funds or the prasad instead of completely missing the puja.

The Places Of Activity:

The sun temples in Aurangabad and Baragaon near Nalanda, actively celebrate Chhatt. During the festival time it is very crowded. All the devotees go to the banks of the river to offer their prayers to the Sun god.

Over the years people from both Bihar and Jharkhand have moved to other states and even to other countries for education or career. With them they have taken along the festival of Chhatt so it is now celebrated in many other places.

The splendour of Chhatt is some thing to experience and enjoy. There are beautiful folk songs sung for Chhatt. It is a shame that most of them are passed down in families but are not recorded for others to hear and enjoy.

Recently a few well known singers have tried to recreate the folk songs. A few examples can be found in the section 'Chhatt Geet'. Hope you enjoy listening to them and will go out and buy the cd or tape from a reputable dealer.

Dhanteras

About Dhanteras
 Dhanteras falls on the thirteenth day of the month of ashwin. The word "Dhan" means wealth. As such this day of the five-day diwali festival has a great importance for the rich mercantile community of western India. Houses and business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colorful with lovely traditional motifs of rangoli designs to welcome the goddess of wealth and prosperity. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights. On this auspicious day women purchase some gold or silver or at least one or two new utensils. Pooja is performed in the evenings when tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. "Bhajans"-devotional songs- are sung in praise of Goddess Lakshmi.
   <span>D</span>hanteras is also known as Dhantrayodashi, and takes place two days before Diwali, in honour of Dhanavantri, the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu.
   <span>T</span>he legend of Samudramanthan is at the heart of these celebrations. Lord Indra was cursed by sage Durvasa that “The pride of wealth has entered his head and let Lakshmi leave him." On account of Durvasa's curse, Lakshmi left Indra and went away. As Lakshmi is the goddess of power, bravery, enthusiasm and radiance left, Devendra's life became miserable. The demons that were waiting for such an opportunity invaded heaven, defeated Indra. He lost his kingdom and hid out of the sight of the demons.
   <span>A</span> number of years passed. Indra's teacher Brihaspati thought of finding a way out for Indra's troubles. He went with the gods to Brahma, who went to Vishnu, A way was found out of it. The sea of milk was to be churned. It was a very difficult job. Therefore the friendship of the demons and get their assistance was required. Mandara Mountain was a churning rod and Vasuki, the king of the serpents, as a rope.
   <span>W</span>When the sea will be churned ambrosia will be produced. The gods must drink it and become immortal. It will then be possible for gods to defeat the demons. When the sea is churned, Lakshmi who has disappeared will appear again. Her grace will be bestowed.The clever Brihaspati managed to strike a friendship with the demons who agreed in the hope of getting ambrosia and wealth. After initial difficulties posed by the sinking of mount Mandara into the milky sea which was set right by Lord Vishnu who took the form of a tortoise and hoisted it on his back, the churning started.
   <span>F</span>irst, Kalakuta, a dreadful poison was produced which Lord Shiva drank much to the relief of the gods and demons. Due to Vishnu's continued encouragement, gods and demons continued churning the sea. Then a horse by name Uchaishravas, Kalpavriksha had the power to grant what is wished, and Kamdhenu and other celestial articles took shape. When the sea continued to be churned the Apsara were born.
   <span>A</span>fter that in the midst of the waves of the sea of milk, a goddess with heavenly looks came into view. She was standing on a fully blossomed lotus. Wearing a lotus garland in the neck, she was holding a lotus in her hand. She was attractive and was radiantly smiling, she was Lakshmi.
   <span>T</span>he sages began reciting hymns in praise of her. Gandharvas sang. Apsaras danced. The elephants on either side sprinkled sacred holy Ganga water on the goddess and bathed her. Because the elephants sprinkled holy water on her, she acquired the name of Gajalakshmi. Because she was born in the sea of milk, she was called Samudratanya. The king of the sea appeared in his natural form and comforted Lakshmi as a daughter. He presented her with attractive clothes and jewels. He handed to her a garland of lotus flowers. While everybody was looking in surprise, Lakshmi put the garland around the neck of Vishnu. Then she looked at Indra kindly, he acquired an extraordinary radiance.
   <span>T</span>he gods and demons continued to churn the ocean for Amrut or nectar, Finally Dhanavantri emerged carrying a jar of the elixir (ambrosia). Both the asuras and the devas wanted the ambrosia, but finally Vishnu managed to give the immortal nectar to the gods and the asuras where defeated. Thus the churning of the ocean resulted in the immortality of the devas and was the reason for Lakshmi's emergence.
   <span>A</span>nother interesting story about this day is of the sixteen year old son of King Hima. As per his horoscope he was doomed to die by a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage. On that particular fourth day of his marriage his young wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid all the ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband’s boudoir and lighted innumerable lamps all over the place. And she went on telling stories and singing songs. When Yam, the god of death arrived there in the guise of a serpent his eyes got blinded by that dazzle of those brilliant lights and he could not enter the prince’s chamber. So he climbed on top of the heap of the ornaments and coins and sat there whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away.
   <span>T</span>hus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of "YAMADEEPDAAN" and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in reverential adoration to Yam, the god of death.

JAI MAA VAISHNO: Karva Chauth Festival

JAI MAA VAISHNO: Karva Chauth Festival: "About Karva Chauth Festival Karva Chauth is observed by married women (suhagini) for ensuring wedded bliss and wishing long life for t..."

Karva Chauth Festival

About Karva Chauth Festival

   Karva Chauth is observed by married women (suhagini) for ensuring wedded bliss and wishing long life for their husbands and children. A married woman who observes this vrat is called ‘Saubhagyavati’ (joyous and happy state of wifehood).

   On the occasion of this vrat (Fast) a kalash (small container) is filled with either milk or water. In that kalash is placed Pancha Ratna (five pieces of different metals gold, silver, copper, brass and iron). The kalash is then presented to a Brahmin and also exchanged with other married women. While thus presenting the kalash, a wishful prayer is offered to Lord Ganesh: "Let the offerings of this Karva (Karak (gift bring long life to my husband and may my saubhagya be everlasting". And express such desire that ‘May my death precede that of my husband so that I can enter the chitaa (funeral pyre) as a bride (not as a widow).

   This katha (narrative) first took place between Siva and parvati. Siva told Parvati about the significance of Karva Vrat. In Dwapar Yuga, Draupadi asked Lord Krishna about the vrat of Karva Chauth. Thereafter, the very first time this vrat was observed in the town of Shukraprastha by Veeravati, the daughter of Vedsharma and Leelavati. Ever since this vrat has been observed by married women till the present day.

   On the occasion of Karva Chauth which is on the day of Kartik Krishna Chaturthi, fasting (vrat) is observed. In the evening, after taking a bath, under a banyan tree (or in the absence of such tree, draw a picture of such tree) place murtis or pictures of Siva, Parvati, Ganesh and Kartikeya and do puja ceremony (shodashopachar or sixteen step puja ceremony). Then for the offerings of arghya (rice, flower etc.), while waiting for the moon to rise, japa is done with the mantra "Om namah Shivaya". Havan (sacred fire ceremony) is also done. Thereafter, having sited the moon, offer the arghya.

   If the husband is present, then worship him with Panchopchar or gandh, pushpa, dhoop, deep and naivedya (perfume, flower, incence, lamp and food). If the husband is away on travels, then offer a prayer to Almighy to grant long life to your husband. Thereafter bring the vrat to its conclusion.

   Lord Krishna urged Draupadi to observe the vrat of Karva Chauth so that through its influence Arjuna can defeat the Kauravas on the battlefield and acquire back the kingdom.

   Married women who thus offer wishful prayer for saubhagya by observing the Karva Chauth Vrat, acquire saubhagya, progeny and lasting prosperity.

JAI MAA VAISHNO: JAI MAA

JAI MAA VAISHNO: JAI MAA

JAI MAA

JAI MAA VAISHNO: mahalaxmi mantra

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JAI MAA VAISHNO: Gayatri Mantra

JAI MAA VAISHNO: Gayatri Mantra

Gayatri Mantra

Katyayani Mata

The sixth form of Mother Durga is known as ‘Katyayani’, who is worshipped on the six day of Navaratri. The legend behind her name goes thus: Once upon a time, there was a great sage called Kata, who had a son named Katya. Kata was very famous and renowned in the lineage of saints. He underwent long austerities and penance in order to receive the grace of the Mother Goddess. He wished to have a daughter in the form of a goddess. According to his wish and desire the Mother Goddess granted his request. Katyayani was born to Kata as an avatar of Durga.

Katyayani

Sixth Durga is Katyayani. The son of "Kat" as "Katya". Rishi Katyayan born in this "Katya" lineage. Katyayan had observed penance with a desire to get paramba as his daughter. As a result she took birth as a daughter of Katyayan. Therefore her name is "Katyayani" . She has three eyes and eight hands. These are eight types of weapons missiles in her seven hands. Her vehicle is Lion.

Katyayani

The sixth form of Durga refers to the daughter of Katyayan. According to a story, Katyayan was a member of the Katya lineage. He undertook penance so that his daughter would be born divine. His prayers were answered and Durga took the form of his daughter Katyayani. She has eight hands, each one holding a different type of weapon.

Skanda Mata

The fifth aspect of the Mother Durga is known as ‘Skanda Mata’ - the mother of Skanda or Lord Kartikeya, who was chosen by gods as their commander in chief in the war against the demons. She is worshipped on the fifth day of Navaratri. She is accompanied by the Lord Skanda in his infant form. Skanda Mata has four arms and three eyes, holds the infant Skanda in her right upper arm and a lotus in her right hand which is slightly raised upwards. The left arm is in pose to grant boons with grace and in left lower hand which is raised also holds a lotus. She has a bright complexion and often depicted as seated on a lotus.

Kushmanda

Kushmanda is the fourth form of the mother goddess and is worshipped on the fourth day of Navaratri. The meaning of the name ‘Ku-shm-anda’ is as follows: ‘Ku’ = a little; ‘ushma’ = ‘warmth’; ‘anda’ = ‘the cosmic egg’. So she is considered the creator of the universe. The universe was no more than a void full of darkness, until her light spreads in all directions like rays from the sun. Often she is depicted as having eight or ten hands. She holds weapons, glitter, rosary, etc., in her hands, and she rides a lion.

Chandragantha

She is the third form of the goddess and she represents bravery. She is depicted as having three eyes and ten hands, each one bearing a different type of weapon. Her skin is golden colour and the sound of her bell terrifies demons as well as all enemies.

Chandraghanta

The third facet of Goddess Durga is ‘Chandraghanta’, who is worshipped on the third day of Navaratri, for peace, tranquility and prosperity in life. She has a ‘chandra’ or half moon in her forehead in the shape of a ‘ghanta’ or bell. That is why she is called ‘Chandraghanta’. She is charming, has a golden bright complexion and rides a lion. She has ten hands, three eyes and holds weapons in her hands. She is the apostle of bravery and possesses great strength to fight in the battle against demons. 

Brahmacharini

Brahmacharini is the second Goddess of nine Durgas – Navadurga Goddesses. Brahmacharini is one who performs penance. As per the Hindusim, Veda, Tattva and Tapa are three synonyms for the word Brahma. Bramhacharini mata is worshipped on the second day during Durga Puja in Durga Navratri. Brahmacharini Pooja 2010 date is October 9th.
Brahmacharini – Previous incarnation:
In her previous incarnation, Goddess Bramhacharini was the daughter of King Himvanth, the emperor of Mountains. She was influenced by Sage Narada and observed austere penance for several thousands of years without taking any food and water. Dedication and devotion of Brahmacharini attracts Lord Shiva and he makes her his consort.
Brahmacharini Mata – Spiritual Practice:

Brahmachari Mata blesses her devotees with courage, strength, dedication and concentration. She also gives her devotee to face any challenge with courage and self-confidence. Yogis and other Sadhaks keep their mind on Swadhisthana Chakra to maintain their devotion and dedication in a steady phase. Brahmacharini Mata represents the Swadhishtana Chakra in spiritual practice.

Navratri 2010 Dates - Navaratri Calendar – Navratras 2010

The nine-day festival of Navratri, or Navaratri, in Hindu religion dedicated to the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga. Navratri 2010 dates are from October 8 to October 16, 2010. The most important Navratri in a year is the Sharadiya Navratra which begins on the first day of the bright half of Ashvin or Ashwayuja (September-October) as per traditional Hindu calendar.

Apart from the Navratri in September – October, there are three other Navratris in a year. The most important among the three is the Chaitra Navratri or the Navaratri in March-April. This is also known as Vasant Navratri or Ram Navaratri.

The other two Navratris are Magh Navratri (January – February) and Ashad Navratri (June – July). These two Navratris are also known as Gupt Navratri and is mainly observed only in certain regions of North India.

Thus there are four important Navratris in a year in a traditional Hindu lunar calendar.

Navratri in 2010 October dates

Navratri Day 1 – October 8, 2010 – Ghatsthapana

Navratri Day 2 – October 9, 2010 – Chandra Darshan

Navratri Day 3 – October 10, 2010 – Sindoor Tritiya

Navratri Day 4 – October 11, 2010 – Varad Vinayak Chaturthi and Lalit Panchami

Navratri Day 5 – October 12, 2010 – Upang Lalita Vrat

Navratri Day 6 – October 13, 2010 – Saraswati Awahan in some regions

Navratri Day 7 – October 14, 2010 – Saraswathi Puja - Maha Lakshmi Puja

Navratri Day 8 – October 15, 2010 – Saraswathi Puja ends – Mahashtami - Annapoorna Parikrama

Navratri Day 9 – October 16, 2010 – Saraswati Visarjan - Mahanavami

October 17, 2010 - The tenth day is celebrated as Dasara or Vijaya Dashami. Vidyarambham in Kerala.

South India

In South India, Goddess Durga is worshipped during the first three days.

Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped during the next three days

Goddess Saraswathi is worshipped during the last three days.

Navratri Fasting – How to do Navaratri Upvaas?

There are many Hindus who observe Navratri Vrat or fasting during the nine days of Navratras. Most people observe a partial fast during Navaratri and abstain from non-vegetarian food, alcohol etc. The fasting is generally dedicated to Goddess Durga. In South India, especially in Kerala, Navratri Vrat is dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi. Puranas indicated that the importance of Navarathri fast was narrated by Goddess Durga to one of her devotees. In 2010, Navratri begins on October 8 .

There are no strict rules for any fasting in Hindu religion and usually, the devotees decide how they want to do the fasting during the period.

In South India, the nine days of Navratri is divided into three parts – three days each for Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati. In North India, there is no division but is dedicated to Mother Goddess or Shakti.

People take bath in the morning and evening during Navratri period. Some devotees only consume food after bathing. After pujas and meditation, most people only take simple food. Some opt for fruits and milk only. There are devotees who only take a single meal. Any of the bhajans dedicated to Mother Goddess is recited during the period.

Some people only observe fast during three days i.e., first fast during any one of the first three days and second fast during any one of the next three and last on any one of final three days.

People who skip the Navratri fasting just visit temples on all the nine days or just meditate for sometime in the puja room or in some quiet place. Some people read Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Vasishta or any other holy books during the period.

A Kalash which represents Mother Goddess is worshipped in most places. But there are also people who opt to pray to idols or portraits of Mother Goddess in any form.

Himkoti

Himkoti is situated at a distance of 2.75 kms from Adkuwari and 8.75kms from Katra on the new track. Himkoti is one of the most beautiful spots on this track with breathtaking scenic views of the entire valley. Though Hamitic is not associated with any religious or traditional value yet it has a charm of its own. Nature lovers would love to be in this place.

Himkoti offers a perfect place to relax with artificial ponds a garden and meditation centre. The very nature of this spot along with its natural splendour- captivates the pilgrims with an ethereal and mysterious charm. Packed and cooked food including meals, hot and cold beverages is available here. Himkoti is being developed something more than a view point, with an artificial pond, a garden and a meditation centre.



JAI MAA VAISHNO: MAA VAISHNO STORY

JAI MAA VAISHNO: MAA VAISHNO STORY: "Maa Vaishno Devi followed and worshiped Lord Vishnu and considered him as Her ideal. At about 2 kms from Katra, from where we start out Maa..."

MAA VAISHNO STORY

Maa Vaishno Devi followed and worshiped Lord Vishnu and considered him as Her ideal. At about 2 kms from Katra, from where we start out Maa Vaishno Devi Yatra today, is situated an old village, Hansal, also called Hansalli. About 700 years before, there lived a very poor priest named Pandit Shirdhar, who was very heartily devoted to Maa Vaishno Devi. He used to sing his daily prayers and performed Maa Vaishno Devi Puja daily. He also used to worship little girls (called Kanchika Pujan) regularly. And as faith was, he was childless and had no children of his own.

His daily Puja and Prayers for Maa Vaishnodevi went on for many years. At last seeing his firm-faith and the true devotion, Maa Vaishno Devi one day came to Panditji, in the form of a little innocent girl.
Pandit Shridhar had been busy in his daily preparation of Kanya Pujan, where, some little girls were present before him. Maa Vaishno Devi manifested herself in those little-girls. As per the Hindu tradition, while Pandit Shirdhar had been washing the feet of these little girls, his sight fell on Maa Vaishno Devi manifested herself in the form of a little girl. Panditji was astonished to see her celestial beauty in vermilion garbs; she wore on her divine body. He had never seen the little girl before, and she did not even seem to belong to his village. Anyway, he worshipped as usual. When the Puja over, all the girls returned to their homes after getting their offerings from Panditji, except Maa Vaishno Devi who remained seated.
Panditji was very much confused and was about to enquire and ask Maa Vaishno Devi, that Maa Vaishno Devi Herself spoke to him and said " I have an important task for you." Panditji was spell bound and was astonished more and more to listen to such a conversation from that little-girl. Maa Vaishno Devi asked Panditji to invite people from neighboring villages for a collective lunch - called Bhandhara. Panditji was very much confused and before he could say anything or ask Maa Vaishno Devi about her, Maa Vaishno Devi disappeared. [Bhumika Temple - About 2 kilometers from Katra on Panthal Road, is situated Bhumika Temple. This is the place, where Pt. Shirdhar had the sight of Maa Vaishno Devi - The Divine Girl. At this very place Pt. Shridhar arranged the Bhandhara.]
Pandit Shirdhar went on thinking hard - who this little girl was? But was unable to find an answer to it… She might be an "Eternal-Girl", or may be Maa Vaishno Devi Herself and the more he thought the more he got confused, and worried for the "Bhandhara", as it was not possible for him to keep such a huge Bhandhara. He could not think of anything, and in the end, he decided to obey the Divine Girl and went to tell and invite the people in the neighboring villages.
He went on to invite people from one village to another. On his way, he came across a group of saints. He very humbly bowed before them, and with his folded hands, extended an invitation to them also to attend Bhandhara, the next day. Gorakhnath - the leader of the group of saints - told him that he was mistaking in inviting them at home, as even Lord Indra had not been able to satisfy them. Pt. Shridhar got afraid and related them the event and told them of the Divine-Girl. Gorakhnath in his anxiety accepted Panditji's invitation. He also wanted to see, such a girl, who could prepare food for so many peoples and was very curious to find Who this Girl was?
Panditji was fully exhausted when he returned home, and so he went fast asleep immediately on returning home. The next morning, once again, he started worrying about the arrangements for Bhandhara. He just sat in his home, thinking, when people began to gather outside his small hut. Gorakhnath and Bhairavnath, a disciple of Gorakhnath, also arrived along with their disciples.
Panditji was not able to understand what was going on, and to his surprise, all of a sudden Maa Vaishno Devi - The Divine Girl, entered into the little hut. No one could know - which way She had come! How and when did She arrive? Maa Vaishno Devi told Panditji, "Don't worry, and get up! Everything will be arranged very soon. Tell your guests to come in and sit in the hut." Pt. Shirdhar, immediately got up, and came out to the eagerly awaiting crowd. He invited them to come inside the hut and have food. Gorakhanth then asked - How can we sit in your hut? It does not have a sufficient space for all of us. Panditji folded his hands and said. No problem - please come in .....
All people who were invited began to enter one by one in the hut. All of them were astonished to see, that all of them had entered and sat inside the hut and still a small space was left in the corner of the same hut, which was very small !!
Meri Maiya began to serve food from a small vessel in Her little hands. The foods of their respective choice and likings! Everyone was surprised and Maa Vaishno Devi bhakt Pt. Shirdhar was overwhelmed with joy.
Gorakhnath and his senior disciple Bhairavnath were very much amazed and began to consult between themselves - and said She seems to be an Eternal Power. Who She was? and when Maa Vaishno Devi reached Bhairavnath to serve him the foods, he asked, "Shall I get the food of my choice?"
"What do you want?" Maa Vaishno Devi asked him politely. Bhairavnath asked for meat and wine. Maa Vaishno Devi very gently told him that he was sitting in the hut of a pious Vaishnav Brahmin, and that only vegetarian food will be served.
Bhairavnath turned a deaf ears to the words, as he wanted to cross-examine the Girl. Nevertheless, Maa Vaishno Devi knew his evil desires and as soon as, Bhairavnath could rose up with some seditious thinking and tried to catch hold of Maa Vaishno Devi hand, Maa Vaishno Devi disappeared.
Bhairavnath was an expert at the science of meditation and was a tantrik. He closed his eyes for a moment and saw with the help of his yogic-powers (tantrik powers) that Maa Vaishno Devi had proceeded towards the Trikuta Hills, in a subtle form of "Air". Bhairavnath started chasing Meri Maiya. [ Darshni Darwaza - Maa Vaishno Devi proceeded through this way, after disappearing from the Bhandhara. One can get a clear view of the hills, from this place. Hence it is called Darshni Darwaza, i.e., a gate to the hill-site one and a half kilometer from Katra.]
During this chase, Maa Vaishno Devi felt thirsty, and She perched an arrow with Her bow on the land and a stream of water flew out. This place is called Ban Ganga. [ Ban Ganga - Starting form Katra and passing through Darshni Darwaza, Ban Ganga is a streamlet gushing out from the hills over a bridge. The stream is regarded very sacred and many bhakts take a purificatory bath in it before proceeding further. A beautiful idol of the goddess is place in the corridors of Ban Ganga temple.]
Maa Vaishno Devi stopped for some time and looked behind at Bhairavnath who was chasing her. [ Charan Paduka - The place where Maa Vaishno Devi rested have marks of the impressions of Her feet and were printed on a stone as She stopped here. The foot prints are still visible on the stone, preserved here in the temple. Hence, the place is called "Charan Paduka" i.e., the holy foot prints.]
At a considerable distance from Charan paduka, Maa Vaihsno Devi reached a small charming plateau, called Ardhkwari, where a mendicant was practicing his meditations opposite a small tunnel. She gave Her divine sight to the mendicant and told him not to tell any thing about Her visit to any one. Thereafter, Maa Vaishno Devi went into the tunnel and took rest for full long nine months, as if the child in the womb of a mother. Maa Vaishno Devi spent the nine months in complete devotion. Hence, the tunnel was called "Garabh Joon".
Searching for Maa Vaishno Devi, Bhairavnath reached here. He asked the mendicant " Have you seen a girl on this plateau?" The old mendicant replied, " She is the supreme power in the whole world, whom you think to be an ordinary girl and that she is Adikumari", i.e. A virgin since the very beginning of this earth. He told Bhairavnath either to run away or to beg pardon from Her. The moment universe came into existence since then She has maintained virginity better you go back. Bhairavnath again put a deaf ear to the advice and entered into the tunnel. Maa Vaishno Devi was aware of it. Maa Vaishno with Her divine powers made another opening of the cave by strucking a path at the end of the tunnel with the help of Her trident and moved ahead towards the Holy cave at Darbar (Bhavan). [ Garabh Joon - The tunnel is about 15 feet long that starts horizontally and ends vertically. This place is about 5 kms from Charan Paduka.]
On reaching at the Holy cave at Darbar Maa Vaishno Devi with all Her powers looked as MAHA KALI and in the end Maa Vaishno Devi with Her Trishul cut the head of Bhairavnath and threw it with such a force that it went at a distant Mountain. The place at which the head fell is now Bhairav temple. According to the katha the big rock at the entrance of the Holy cave is the remaining body of Bhairavnath.
Bhairavnath then started pleading Maa Vaishno Devi, and begged to Maa Vaishno Devi to forgive him, for his sins. Merciful Maa Vaishno Devi forgave Bhairavnath for all his sins and blessed him and granted him a wish that whenever Her bhakts will come to Bhavan for Her Darshan their yatra will not be completed unless on going back after Her Darshan the bhakts pay homage at Bhairavnath temple.
On the other side, Pt. Shirdhar was very much disappointed with the sudden disappearance of Maa Vaishno Devi. He was very much worried about Maa Vaishno Devi, and went on for fasting for many days, even leaving food and water.
Kind hearted Maa Vaishnodevi, again appeared before him, in his dream one night. In his dream, Maa Vaishno Devi showed him Her shrine - the Holy cave and asked him to follow HER through the route. Panditji followed Maa Vaishno Devi and reached Maa Vaishno Devi Pavitra Gufa. Pt. Shirdhar was very happy when he woke up in the morning. All his distortion was removed.
From that very day, Panditji began to search for the Holy cave of Maa Vaishno Devi, which he had seen in his dream. He was very much disturbed and wanted to find Maa Vaishno Devi Holy cave as soon as possible. He started recounting and following the route as Maa Vaishno Devi has directed him, and once while climbing up the hills, Panditji was able discover the Holy cave, the same which he saw in his dream.
Panditji entered inside the Holy Cave .…. And to his astonishment, he got the Holy sight of the abode of Maa Vaishno Devi to the success of his life. He saw, Maa Vaishno Devi, represented by three goddesses, viz. Maa Maha Laxmi (the goddess of beauty and wealth), Maa Mahakali (the vanquisher of evil (right)), Maa Maha Saraswati (the muse of art and learning (left)). Pandit Shirdhar read hymns and verses in praise of Maa Vaishno Devi, with his hands folded before HER, and offered "Aarti", and bowed and prayed by all means. Maa Vaishno Devi was very much pleased with him. She granted him a boon of four sons, and said that his descendants will continue to worship Her. Since that day, the descendants of Pt. Shirdhar have been worshipping Maa Vaishno Devi, inside the Holy cave (Pavitra Gufa).
Thereafter, Pt. Shirdhar made known to this world of the Holy Cave and existence of Maa Vaishno Devi in the Pavitra Gufa. This is how, we all came to know of our beloved Maa Vaishno Devi ..... and had been blessed by Her all through these years .....