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.
Gudhipadwa is a Yugadi tithi (A lunar day that marks the beginning of an Era). Since Deity Brahma created the universe on this day, scriptures describe gudhi as the Brahmadhwaj (Flag of Deity Brahma). Prajapati waves are present in maximum proportion on this day, and by ritualistically worshipping a gudhi on this day the worshipper gets maximum benefit of these waves.
Since gudhi is also a symbol of Bhagwan Shriram’s victory, it is also known as Vijayadhwaj (Flag of victory). Therefore, ritualistic worship of gudhi is not only the worship of Brahmatej (Radiance of Brahman), but is also the worship of Kshatratej (Radiance of Kshatriya).
According to the tenet that man should perform spiritual practice and abide by Dharma (Righteousness) as per the times, it is essential for Hindus to worship the Brahman and Kshatra forms of the gudhi.
Besides victory, the gudhi also symbolises joy. Shriram returned to Ayodhya after slaying demon Ravan. This marked the beginning of Ramrajya. Gudhis were erected in Ayodhya then as symbols of joy.
Today, Hindus should interpret the implied meaning as mentioned in the scriptures correctly (of the act of erecting gudhis). Just as Shriram defeated Ravan, Hindus should defeat the corrupt, those against Dharma and the unrighteous. Then and only then, will erecting a gudhi (that symbolises victory) have some meaning. Besides, erecting a gudhi highlights the splendour of Ramrajya. When compared with Ramrajya, the present day secular democratic rule is nothing short of a Ravanrajya (Ravan’s demoniacal kingdom) ! If at all Hindus wish to experience the true joy of erecting a gudhi, then, it is imperative that they establish a Hindu Nation based entirely on Dharma; that alone will impart the spiritual experience of Ramrajya.
Therefore, O Hindus ! On this auspicious day (which is an auspicious day among the three and half muhurts, as per Hindu scriptures), make a resolve to erect the gudhi of victory by defeating the unrighteous and establish a Hindu Nation based on Dharma.
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
‘Gudi Padwa’ is the day on which the universe was created. Since on this day Shri Brahma created the universe and the Satyayug began, it marks the commencement of the New Year.
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.
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.
