Namaste Friends and Family,
I want to share with you some delightful images and a video of Shree Maa as She prepares for the Happy Holi Celebration in Yuba City this Saturday, March 23, 4:30 pm.
But first, watch how much fun we are going to have and make an effort to join us either at the temple or online through live-streaming:
Shree Maa once explained to us the story of Holika - read further:
Long, long ago, in a time and place far, far away, there was a legend from the Puranas about Holika, the sister of the demon-king Hiranyakashipu.
In this story, the powerful demon King Hiranyakashipu wanted everyone to worship him as God, but the King was greatly distressed when his small son, Prahlad began to worship Lord Vishnu.
Prahlad was a sincere devotee of Lord Vishnu and his mind was totally united with the Lord as he constantly chanted “Om Namo Narayanaya!”
In an attempt to quiet the boy, the demon King, punished his son in several ways, but to no avail. Prahlad’s devotion could not be deterred!
The King’s sister, Holika, had won a boon that she could not be burnt by fire. Knowing this, the demon King told Holika to take Prahlad into her lap and enter into a blazing fire. Holika did so, but while committing this grievous act, it was she who perished in the flames!
Much to everyone’s amazement, Prahlad was not harmed by the fire. Rather, He was completely protected by Lord Vishnu. So, the Holi festival serves to remind everyone of the protection afforded to those devotees who sincerely love God and live in Dharma. On Holi we enkindle the fire, which portrays the burning of Holika, signifying the destruction of evil, including our own negative tendencies.
In addition to splashing our faces with powder, Shree Maa plans on burning Holika in the fire. "What?, you may be saying. Holika? I thought Holika was just a legend?"
Well, Shree Maa in her Lalita form never stops playing! She made her own Holika out of straw, with a hand-drawn face and even hair! She then decorated Holika with the sari and red shawl. Finally, She blessed Holika. The devotees were very happy. It is this Holika, which represents our ego, that Shree Maa plans to burn in the fire this Saturday evening.
The next day Shree Maa celebrated Holi by smearing colored powder on the faces of her devotees. (Yes, we will do this on Saturday too!)
Check out the picture gallery and scroll down for a short video:
Shree Maa blesses all devotees with a Happy Holi! May all our negativities go into the fire with Holika!
See you Saturday, March 23 at 4:30 pm.
Jai Maa!
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