1) Krishna and Radharani
The Holi of Braj is famous all over India for its intimate connection with divine deities and their love plays. It is said that when Krishna was a young boy, he asked the reason for his dark color while Radha was so fair. His mother Yashoda playfully suggested that he should smear color on Radha’s face and change her complexion to any color he wanted. Captivated by the idea, Krishna proceeded to do so and thus introduced the play of colors on Holi.
Explanation
Even today, Holi is one of the most important festivals of Braj, where the men of Nandgaon and women of Barsana play ‘latthmar Holi’ in remembrance of the playful throw of colors by Krishna on ‘Gopis’ and their resistance.
Lesson to Be Learned
Love transcends physical appearances. Through the playful act of smearing colors, Krishna and Radha’s story teaches us to embrace and celebrate each other’s differences with joy and love.
2) Sacrifice of Kamadeva
According to Hindu mythology, the world is looked after by the Trinity of Gods – Lord Brahma, the creator; Lord Vishnu, the nurturer; and Lord Shiva, the destroyer. Goddess Sati, the daughter of Daksha Prajapati, married Lord Shiva against her father’s wishes. Enraged, Daksha did not invite them to a grand yagya. Sati, feeling insulted, immolated herself. Furious, Lord Shiva began severe meditation, neglecting his duties, which led to chaos. Goddess Parvati, Sati’s reincarnation, tried to win Shiva’s heart with the help of Kamadeva, who shot his love-arrow at Shiva. Disturbed, Shiva incinerated Kamadeva with his third eye. Later, realizing his mistake, he granted Kamadeva immortality in invisible form.
Moral of the Story
This incident of burning off kama (desire) is called Kamadahana or Holi. It symbolizes the victory over lust and the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good. Following Kamadahana during Holi, people put powders on themselves and others, remembering this victory over lust.
Lesson to Be Learned
The story highlights the importance of self-control and the triumph over base desires. It teaches us to purify our hearts and celebrate the divine love that transcends material desires.
3) Invincible Dhundhi
During the reign of King Prithu, there was a terrible ogress called Dhundhi, who devoured innocent children. Due to severe penances, she had become almost invincible. However, a curse from Lord Shiva made her vulnerable to the pranks and abuses of young boys. The village boys, intoxicated on bhaang, chased Dhundi out of the village by beating drums, making loud noises, and hurling insults.
Explanation
This is the reason that even today, young boys are allowed to indulge in rowdiness, use rude words, and intoxicate themselves on Holi.
Lesson to Be Learned
The story signifies the victory of good over evil through unity and courage. It also reminds us that sometimes, unconventional methods are necessary to overcome malevolent forces.
4) Bhakt Prahlad & Holika
The demon king Hirnakashyipu, proud of his conquests, enforced a law that everyone must worship him instead of gods. His son, Prahlad, refused and continued to worship Lord Vishnu. Infuriated, Hirnakashyipu tried to kill Prahlad multiple times. He finally sought the help of his sister Holika, who had a boon that fire could not harm her. She entered the fire with Prahlad, but due to a twist in the boon, Holika burned to ashes while Prahlad remained unharmed.
Moral of the Story
Those who love God shall be saved, and those who torture devotees of God shall be reduced to ashes. Holi commemorates the death of the evil Holika and the protection of Prahlad for his unwavering devotion.
Lesson to Be Learned
The story teaches that true devotion and faith in God protect one from all evils. It emphasizes the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs and the eventual triumph of good over evil.
Prayer
O Lord Krishna, the divine player of the flute,
Grant me the humility of the bamboo stick,
That I may bend low in surrender to You.
Grant me the patience to await Your divine touch,
And the strength to perform my duties with devotion and love.
May my life resonate with the sweet melody of Your presence,
And may I serve You with a heart full of love and gratitude.
O Krishna, guide me in the path of humility and devotion,
And bless me with the grace of Your eternal association.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
