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, on these 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.
Hoisting of the Gudi: The gudi, [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 meaning, ‘I offer obeisance to the flag of Lord Brahma’ one
should ritualistically worship the gudhi with a resolve.
//Bramha Dwaj Namasteto,
Sarva bhishta phal pradam,
Praptesin vatshare nityam,
Mut Gruhe Mangal kurum//
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).
Shrikant Vinayak Barve
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