Episode Details

The date of 17 August (Sunday) brings together three important religious occasions – Rohini Vrat, Goga Navami, and Simha Sankranti. These festivals are significant in Jain and Hindu traditions, carrying spiritual, cultural, and astrological meaning. Below is a detailed guide to each of these observances.

Rohini Vrat

Rohini Vrat is an important fast observed primarily by Jain women, especially those from the Shvetambara sect. It is performed on the day when the Rohini Nakshatra is active. The vrat is dedicated to attaining peace, harmony, and spiritual upliftment of the family. According to Jain belief, it is said to reduce the impact of hardships and bring prosperity and good health.

The vrat is also linked to the larger principle of Jainism: self-control and spiritual purification. By observing fasting and prayer, devotees strengthen discipline and reduce negative karmas.

Rituals and Puja Vidhi

* Morning Purification – Women wake up early, take a holy bath, and wear clean clothes.

* Altar Preparation – A sanctified space is created in the house with images or idols of Lord Vasupujya or other Jain Tirthankaras.

* Sankalp (Resolution) – The devotee takes a vow of fasting for the day, praying for the welfare of her family.

* Fasting – Most women observe a full-day fast. Some may consume only boiled water or fruits depending on tradition.

* Prayers and Recitation – Jain scriptures like Kalpasutra or specific vrat katha (story of the fast) are read.

* Evening Rituals – In the evening, women perform aartis and conclude the vrat with prayers.

Do’s and Don’ts (Do’shas)

* Do not consume grains, pulses, or processed food.

* Maintain silence and avoid anger or conflict.

* Spend time in prayers, meditation, and reading Jain scriptures.

Aarti / Bhajans

The aarti is performed with a diya (lamp), incense, and flowers, often accompanied by Jain hymns such as:

* “Om Jai Jai Vardhaman Swami”

* “Arihant Vandana”

Temples to Visit

* Shri Mahavirji Temple (Rajasthan)

* Girnar Jain Temples (Gujarat)

* Shravanabelagola (Karnataka)

Goga Navami

Goga Navami is dedicated to Goga Ji (Gogaji), a folk deity worshipped in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Goga Ji is revered as the protector against snake bites and is popularly called the “Snake God.” He is considered a warrior hero and a deity of rural faith, embodying courage, protection, and devotion.

The festival falls on the Navami tithi of the Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha. Villagers, farmers, and devotees honor Goga Ji through fairs, processions, and temple worship.

Rituals and Puja Vidhi

* Morning Rituals – Devotees wake up early, clean their houses, and decorate the worship area with turmeric and cow dung.

* Idol or Symbolic Representation – Goga Ji is represented with an image, idol, or even a symbolic snake figure.

* Offerings – Churma, jaggery, milk, and flowers are offered to Goga Ji.

* Songs and Folk Rituals – Devotees sing “Goga Chaukiya” songs in his praise.

* Processions and Fairs – In Rajasthan and Punjab, large fairs are organized, and devotees often perform jagrans (night vigils) with bhajans.

Do’s and Don’ts

* Devotees avoid killing or harming snakes during this time.

* A sense of brotherhood and community s