There are various ways by which the birth anniversary of Narad Muni is determined. As per the Hindu calendar, this Jayanti falls at very next day of Buddha Purnima. But according to the North Indian Purnimant calendar, Narad Jayanti is observed on Pratipada Tithi during Krishna Paksha of Jyaishta month. On the other hand as per the south Indian calendar, it is celebrated on Pratipada Tithi during Krishna Paksha of Vaishakh month.
History Related to Devrishi Narada Muni
Narad Muni is considered as the first messenger of the universe and because of this fact; this Jayanti is being celebrated as ‘Patrakar Diwas’ also. Narad Muni is said to be the son of the lord Brahma. The prime duty of Narad Muni was to transfer message from one place to another and tell people what is happening at what part of the world. He was given a boon that he can travel in any of the three areas of the world also called as ‘Teen Loks’, Akash or Heaven, Prithvi or Earth and Pataal or Netherworld. Due to this reason, he is considered as the first journalist of the world.
He used to carry a veena, which is a musical instrument and used to spend some of his time in playing that instrument. He was very good at singing and whole universe used to praise him for his play of instrument and also for the voice. Although Narad Muni conveying message were considered trouble making but that was justified with the basic reason that, he used to do so, to create a balance in the universe and also to create peace. In Vedas, some of the songs of Narad Muni have been incorporated and they are sung with great devotion.
Narad Muni was ardent worshipper of the Lord Vishnu and he used to worship him with great reverence and devotion. He used to have one garland of flower around his neck that range till the navel. In his entire conversation he used to chant Narayana word many times. In many places it is written that, Narad Muni used to give suggestions to various people as what to do and what not to do. Also Narad Muni us among the most important and respected Rishi or saint in the Universe. As Narad Muni is related to the communication, various peoples especially those who deal in the communication sector consider him as their lord. In many places that are connected to communication people worship them with great reverence and devotion.
A very famous story regarding Narad Muni is that, he once cursed the Lord Vishnu that he would separate from his wife and he has to help from monkeys to get her back. This story connects us to Ramayana when Lord Vishnu took avatar of King Rama and his Wife Lakshmi was Rama wife Sita. And in order to take Sita back from the Ravana trap, Lord Vishnu has to take the help of monkey army, the army of ‘Shugrib’.
How people celebrate Narad Jayanti
Well, people wake up early in the morning and go to the temple to worship Lord Vishnu and Narad Muni. Chanting of shlokas that are written in the Vedas etc is also done on this day.
In many places where communication is given major preference, special aarti are organized on the name of Narad Muni. Bhajan and Kirtan are also organized in temples and people participate in this type of cultural events in large number. This Jayanti is celebrated all over the nation with great reverence and devotion towards the god.