Rahu-Ketu transit homams and recitals went on well by Divine Grace.

Dear Members:

The Rahu-Ketu transit homams went on well by Divine Grace today between 7 a.m. and 11-30 a.m. (IST). Vaancha Kalpa Ganapathy Homam, Durga Ganapathy Homam, Ucchishta Ganapathy homam, Durga Beeja mantra homam, Pratiyangira Homam, Aswaroodaa homam, and Rahu-ketu Beeja mantra homams were conducted as a part of the austerities of the day.

My sincere thanks to the members who took part in the homam and sponsored a part of the expenses by their participation through this blog link.

Let the good effects of the transit be increased manifold times for those of us who are under beneficial transit influences; let the malefic effects of the transit be nullified or at least moderated to our advantage by Divine Grace for those of us who are under malefic transit influence of the nodes.

May Divine Grace Bless us all.

வாழ்க வையகம் வாழ்க வளமுடன்

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in
For astro-queries click on the link:"Ask a query" on the right side of this blog.

Divine Legends that ensure peace and prosperity in the society

We are passing through a sensitive phase of existence where the combined effects of adverse planetary influences and the general degradation of moralities of life are contributing to escalating violence levels in the society, danger of thefts/ robberies, abuse of women, elderly, and even children, and a general intolerance that makes persons who should co-exist peacefully in the society into bitter rivals. There are two Divine Legends in Devi Bhaagavatam, contemplation of which is reputed to provide immunity from famines and other calamities including sectarian violence, epidemics/ endemics, pestilence, general insecurity pervading the society as a whole due to action of bands of thieves/ robbers, etc….. Let me relate these for the benefit of everyone.

Legend of sage Gautama and how Grace of Goddess Gayathri helped him and others

Once upon a time, there was no rain for 12 consecutive years with the result that sighting of even a blade of green grass became a rarity. Sages and Brahmins who were doing tapasya in the forests approached the Great Sage Gautama and requested him to do something about this andhelp the suffering millions. Sage Gautama performed a Divine Homam in Honour of Goddess Gayathri Devi. The Goddess manifested Herself in the Homam Kundam and offered the "Akshaya Paatra" (the Divine Vessel with unending supplies of food, and all materials). Sage Gautama removed the sufferings of people by distributing food, water, and all essential articles with the aid of Atchaya Paatra. This selfless service of Sage Gautama spread over the three worlds and even Lord Indra - the King of the Celestials praised Sage Gautama wholeheartedly in the Divine Assembly. Divine Sage Naarada came to this world and narrated this glory here to the satisfaction to Sage Gautama who was immensely pleased, and expressed his sentiment that all this was possible due to Devi’s Grace. In the meantime, the rain Gods blessed the Earth with bountiful rains and normalcy returned.

There were a group of jealous persons who wished to insult Sage Gautama as they were unable to tolerate his glory. They cunningly offered an old and dying cow for his Gopujaa. The innocent and unsuspecting Sage was about to perform the pooja, when the cow died merely on touch fromthe pooja water (it was that weak and it died of shivering cold just on contact with a sprinkle of water!) The cunning persons hiding nearby accused Sage Gautama with "Go-Hatya" i.e. they accused him of having killed a cow which is considered to be one of the most severe sins! The Great Sage was disillusioned and was wondering what was happening. Then he meditated on Goddess Gayathri who helped him to Divine the sequence of events. Overcome with justifiable anger, the Sage cursed those cunning persons to suffer endless miseries. The anger of theinnocent and noble saint began to torment those cunning persons beyond their limits, and they fell at his feet for forgiveness. The kindhearted sage, gave a remedy saying that they will get relief from their troubles by praying to the Goddess on Chaitra sukla Navami (incidentally this is the navami of the Vasantha Navarathri - the same thithi of birth of Shri Raama!). Those cunning persons remedied their sufferings by praying for many years like that on Chaitra sukhla navami. Goddess Gayathri consoled Sage Gautama saying that he need not feel bad for having cursed those jealous persons nor for their attitude. These are all signs of approaching Kali yuga and vanished.

Contemplating on this legend will give immunity from the evil designs of cunning persons in this kali age and also help in times of financial distress. When there is wide-spread economic depression and general decline in farm produce, chanting of this legend as a collective worship will prove auspicious to the society as a whole.

II: The legend of Shaakambari Devi and how Her Grace removed the Famine in Ayodhya

Once there was a severe famine in the regions surrounding Ayodhyaa. The people could not divine the reason for that. They thought that propitiating Goddess is the best way out of troubles and they approached Sage Durvaasa for guidance.

The great Sage said that "Removal of Famines is possible by worshipping Goddess Paraa Shakti in Her form of Shaakambari. I shall initiate you people into Her mantra."

My note: Shaakambari Devi has 1000 eyes and hence she is also called as "Sadaakshi" - one with Eyes everywhere! Shastras say that when famines torment people and if there is at least one highly righteous person in their midst, the Goddess' eyes water out of compassion and this will induce rains! This is the basis of the belief that if there are punyaatmaas in a place, there will be rains.(end of my note on this).

A small sthothra on Goddess Shaakambari:

"Ashwattha vata nimbhaamra kapitta padarii gathe
Banasaarka kareeraadi ksheera vruksha swaroopinii

dhuktavallii nivaasaarhe dhaneeye dayaanidhe

daakshinya karunaaroope saakambarii namo(a)sthute"

(pronunciation guide: "e" in this sthotra has the sound as in "May", "Day" etc. - the "Ay sound")People surrounding Ayodhya did the worship as per the guidelines of the Great sage Durvaasa.

The Goddess manifested with a Form carrying all sorts of vegetables and grains all over Her Body. By Her Grace, rain cycles were regularized and people were relived from their famine.Meditating on this legend and worshipping Goddess Saakambari will give immunity from famines and will ensure good agricultural produce and prosperity in the nation.
May Goddess bless us and guide us; may Her Grace stand by us and help us to overcome the current depressive economic conditions.

Reciting these legends in community prayers and praying to the Divine Mother for Peace and prosperity will help in maintaining a well-balanced society where there will be peaceful co-existence and prosperity.

(I have given a liberal translation of the original legends; those who wish to study the original legends in their full form should refer Devi Bhaagavatam for the Sanskrit version. I have given this legends in their English rendering so that this could be recited in community prayers where everyone can participate in this with full understanding. There are some mantras where the sound is more important than the content, while there are certain portions of scriptures where the content is more important than the Sanskrit mantraic sounds. This is one such portion where the content of the legend has the remedial potency. That is why I have given the translated version. It is our earnest request that spiritual communities perform this recital in mass prayers on convenient holidays for the welfare of the Universe as a whole).
Blessed be.
Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in
For astro-queries click on the link:"Ask a query" on the right side of this blog.

Significance of Idol worship

Significance of Idol Worship

Many persons of non-Indian origin who are fascinated by the great philosophies found in Upanishads often wonder as to why in that land of such philosophical advancement,Idol worship considered inferior in philosophical maturity in worship exists! In fact even some Indians groomed in modern thought processes scorn such worship. While it is true that abstract meditation on the Formless, Attribute-less Divinity is best, is it possible for everyone? Even some persons with sufficient spiritual maturity and philosophical depth feel attached to Idol forms and sometimes feel guilty about it or suffer a complex about this. Should they feel so? Will idol worship deter you from your final goal of Salvation? Let us get the concepts about Idol worship in perspective in this write-up..

Basic Forms Of Worship
In worshipping Divinity there are three basic forms...1) Nirguna - meditating on the formless, attributeless Absolute Divine 2) Saguna - meditating on a form of Divinity in which certain attributes are credited to that Form; 3) Saguna-Nirguna meditating not on humanly designed forms but invoking forces of nature like Wind, Lightning, power of the swirling waters, resilience of the bending bamboo, heat of the Sun, serenity of the Moon, etc.

Which Form Of Worship Is Best?
The Nirguna form is very good for ascetics, and persons who are sufficiently advanced in their meditative abilities and philosophical evolution in spirituality.

For the vast majority of persons, saguna worship is necessary in the initial stages of spiritual development....This is where idol worship comes! The iconographies are very scientific....the forms correspond to certain subtle, subconscious mental states and truths already embedded deep in our mind! (This is what Psychologists like Carl Jung call "Archetypes"). When we meditate on those icons, our mind connects with those attributes and hence realization of certain spiritual concepts becomes easier. Moreover, in mantrik applications, idols have their own special role to play. Mantriks usually employ both the saguna and saguna-nirguna forms for their purpose.

Idol worship creates a sort of desirable "attachment" to Divinity.....the idol becomes a "communication port" or "focus of spiritual energies" and serves as a link between the boundless, formless, Omnipotent, Omniscent Divine and the spiritual aspirant who is still in the infant stages of spiritual development. Even great Masters like Ramakrishna Parahamsa have been benefitted in their initial stages by idol worship. Saint Raghavendra of Mantralayam who still guides and helps His devotees from His Jeeva Samadhi was performing the pooja for Moola Raama Idol till He entered samaadhi voluntarily though He was a philosopher par excellence. Such saints perform Idol Worship for Universal Welfare. Those idols are almost repositories of spiritual energies which are constantly maintained by regular poojas done by the successors of those saints for posterity.

As everyone cannot identify with the formless Divine with infinite qualities, Divinities have blessed us with "archa" (idol) forms in which the boundless Divine is bound by certain parameters and attributes and as such approachable for the layman.

Moreover, nirguna worship confers ONLY spiritual progress while saguna worship like idol worship promotes both spiritual and material wellbeing and hence their significance for the common man. What is to be remembered is that while worshipping the idols/ natural force forms, the offering is made only symbolically to the forces/ the Idol while our real intent is to achieve communion with the Ultimate Divine. We should never lose sight of That Goal of our Existence though for mundane requirements using procedures related to idol worship are not erroneous in any way.

In the Bhagavat Gita, the Blessed Lord says In whatever form a devotee wishes to worship me and offer his salutations, I accept that myself and bestow the wishes. So, even philosophical devotees need not have a complex as to whether they are falling from their perfect state of realization if they have an attachment to any idol form. A day will come when you will attain the perfection to realize God within yourselves and in every living being or for that matter in every quark and atom, just by following the path of devotion to your personal Deity. It is better to walk with the help of a stick and reach your destination safely rather than stumble and fall along the road due to false pride that may cause you to shun the walking stick. Idol worship is a useful walking stick that helps to balance the inherently imperfect human mind along the path to reach Divinity and Salvation. Once the goal of self-realization is reached and you are above wants, the walking stick (Idol worship) can be discarded conveniently, and others will use it intelligently following your example. In fact many great saints have done it that way and the idols worshipped by them during their spiritual progress are enshrined in many temples across India and are great centres of spiritual power to this day, and help millions in solving their mundane and spiritual dielemmas.

I intend to write a series on the Powers/ benefits associated with worship of various forms/ natural forces/ meditative images in due course.

A Prayer To The Divine For Our Enlightenment

Lead us along Oh Kindly Light Help us to understand that nothing in spirituality is false We are all progressing from the Lesser Truths to the Greater TruthsTill we reach the Higher Truths, please strengthen our Beliefs in the Lesser Truths that are going to lead us to the Higher ones..Help us to maintain our resolve and faith, and not stumble in our faith due to imperfect philosophical dilemmas.
Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in
For astro-queries click on the link:"Ask a query" on the right side of this blog.

Sankata Hara Chaturthi on April 24, 2008

Dear Members:

The Sankata Hara Chaturthi vrattam in Honour of Lord Vinaayaka falls on April 24, 2008 for residents of India and those residing in Eastern longitudes.

For those residing in the US, it falls on April 23, 2008.

Sankata Hara Chathurthi vrattam is very auspicious for removing all obstacles in life and to convert your problems into opportunities.

You may chant Ganesha Sahasranaamam, Sangashta Naashana Ganesha Sthothram (from Naarada Puraana), or recite simple sthothras on Lord Ganesha on this day and invoke His Grace.

It is customary to fast throughout the day and break the fast after sighting the Moon cresecent on this day. Those who can afford time and resources can organize homams or abhishekams in nearby temples or through competent Pandits and get manifold benefits.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in
For astro-queries click on the link:"Ask a query" on the right side of this blog.

Find your guardian angel through astrology

Introduction:

There is a saying in Sanskrit “ Ekam Sat – Vidwaan Bahudaa vadantii” meaning that “Truth is One (God is One) – Learned Ones of Yore have explained it in different forms!” Though it is true that Almighty is One, it is also equally true that meditating or praying to the Formless, Blemishless Paramaatmaa is not within the mental maturity level of most common persons. The concept of a Personal God (Called Ishta Devataa) helps persons to relate better to Divinity. Mantra shastraic works clearly explain that one may meditate or pray to God with different attitudes:
1) The attitude of a servant (where God is assumed to be the master). This attitude is best suited for those with a humble and simple disposition, and who wish to attain salvation by the vehicle of Service. These individuals are humble and believe service to human beings is service to Almighty. They think God is the master of everyone and by serving other humans we are doing God’s work in our capacity as His Servants.
2) The attitude of a friend (assuming God as one’s closest friend/ ally): Shri Arjuna – the mighty Pandava warrior of Mahabhaarataa is a typical example. For him Shri Krishna was more a friend than anything else.
3) The attitude of a son/ daughter (God is the Father/ Mother). Shri Raamakrishna Paramahamsa was a typical example. For the great yogi, Goddess Kaali was his Mother and ultimately Everything.
4) The attitude of a Lover (God is visualized as spouse/ life-partner). Bhakta Meeraa Bhai, Aandaal, etc. were such devotees. There are some staunch vaishnavite saints of Tamil Nadu who – in spite of being Men by birth have assumed the attitude of “Divine Love” with the assumption that “there is no male except God…..all other souls are Feminine!” Works of such savants abound in Bhakti literature of all Indian languages.

A person who meditates on Nirguna Brahmam (Ultimate Divinity without Form/ attributes) does not have any of the above 4 attitudes….Many Great Yogis have followed such Nirguna routes to Divinity.

What is Phalana Devataa?

All these concepts discussed above are alright for selfless persons of bhakti cult or for great yogis….what about mundane individuals who need to seek favours from Divine Forms? Don’t they need a particular Form that best addresses their needs? Here in comes the concept of “Phalana Devataa” (The Divine Form that gives manifest good results to a native). Phalana Devataa is the Form of Divinity that best relates to a human being’s inner psyche and thus gives fast results for mundane activities. We can say that these Phalana Devataas are the guardian angels of a person. Astrology does give valuable clues to find out which of the various Forms of Divine can give best results to a native. Based on these clues if a person does worship to that Deity Form, manifest results can be obtained. This will strengthen the belief system of a person towards occult matters, and when all material desires get fulfilled by the help of that Deity Form, the person may progress to Higher Forms of Meditation and Philosophy which will pave the way for Ultimate Salvation (Mukhti).

CLUES IN THE HOROSCOPE REGARDING THE GUARDIAN ANGEL OR PREFERRED DIVINE FORM

The 5th house in a horoscope is called “Mantra sthaanaa” – the house that gives clues about the mantras that a person can chant to get good results. It is also called “Poorvapunya sthaanaa” – the house that gives clues about the residual Merits of previous lives. The deity signified by the 5th house sign/ 5th house lord might have been already worshipped by this native in previous incarnations, or it might turn out to be the “Kula Devataa” – The Family Deity of the native. The 2nd house denotes speech, singing, etc. In addition, it also signifies “chants”, “mantra recitals”. If 5th house lord is in the 2nd house, the person concerned might benefit by chanting the mantras signified by the 5th lord. If the 5th lord is in the 6th house, or if the 5th and 6th lords are related by conjunction or aspect, the path of Service to Humanity will lead to salvation. If the 5th lord is in the 9th house, or if the 5th and 9th house lords are related by conjunction or aspect, the person will have the good luck to get initiated into Higher Spiritual Traditions by competent Masters of the subject. Such persons often become great Mahaatmaas whom others venerate as Sadguru if other combinations in the horoscope also support such an exalted spiritual status.

Apart from the 5th house of the Rashi chart, the sub-divisional chart Vimsamsa (D20) – which is the 20th harmonic chart of the horoscope is to be studied regarding the analysis of Deities.

Another important factor in finding the guardian angel suitable for a person is the planet in the 12th house from the Kaarakaamsa. Kaarakaamsa is the sign occupied by the Aatmakaaraka in the navamsa chart. (Aatmakaaraka is the planet that has got the highest longitude among all planets in the horoscope, i.e. the planet that has traversed the highest degrees in the sign it occupies; for instance if say Sun is in 29 degrees of Scorpio, and Moon is in 29 deg. 23 minutes of Scorpio, Mars is in 28 degrees of Aries, etc….., we would say Moon is the Aatmakaaraka – as it has more degrees than the other planets. For more clarity, read Jaimini Sutras if you are a serious astrological student wishing to learn this).

DIVINE FORMS SIGNIFIED BY DIFFERENT PLANETS AS SIGNFIICATORS

Now, that we have discussed the basic principles behind identifying the planet that signifies the Guardian Angel of a horoscope, let us see what are the Deities/ Divine Forms signified by different planets that become significators for Guardian Angels:

1) If Sun is the significator planet – Lord Shiva is to be taken as the Guardian Angel to whom all major prayers are to be addressed. (When I say significator, it might be that Sun is the lord of the 5th house, or Sun might be in the 12th house from Aatmakaaraka in the navamsha chart, or it might be the lord of the D20 chart or the 5th lord of the D20 chart….the same logic will apply to all planets below). If Sun being the significator of Deity is associated with Moon (conjunct Moon, or in Moon’s sign), then the Form of Shiva to be worshipped is Lord Chandramouleeshwaraa. If Sun is conjunct Mars, then the forms of Veerabhadra should be worshipped. If Sun is conjunct Jupiter, then Lord Dakshinamoorthi – the Ascetic Teacher Form of Lord Shiva should be worshipped. If Sun is conjunct Mercury, then Lord Shiva as “Meenaakshi Sundareshwaraa” – in His Marriage pose with Goddess Meenaakshi in Madurai should be worshipped. If Sun is conjunct Venus, then Lord Shiva should be meditated in His form where He is embracing His consort Paarvati or in His Ardhanareeshwara form (where half of His body is given to Goddess Shakti). If Sun is conjunct Raahu, then worship of Bhairav forms can be beneficial. If Sun is conjunct Ketu, then worship of Lord Chandikeshwara will be beneficial.
2) If Moon is the significator planet of the Guardian Deity – Goddess Shakti is to be taken as the Guardian Angel. Vaishnavites might take Lord Krishna or Lord Venkataachalapathy (Shri Baalaji of Tirupati) as Guardian Angels generally. Worshipping God in Mother Form will be generally auspicious to these natives. If Moon being the significator is conjunct Sun, then the form of Tripura Bhairavi should be worshipped. If Moon is conjunct Mars, then worship of Devi in Her fierce forms like Durga, Chaamundi, etc. will be beneficial. Propitiating Mangala Chandika will be beneficial for marital life of these natives. If Moon is conjunct Mercury, Goddess Meenaakshi – the Presiding Deity of Madurai is to be worshipped. If Moon is conjunct Jupiter, then worship of Goddess in Her benevolent forms will be beneficial (smiling, Graceful forms of the Deity). If Moon is conjunct Venus, Raaja Raajeshwari Form or Lalitha Parameshwari forms will be beneficial. Praying at temples like Vaishno Devi shrine, Akilaandeshwari temple (In tamil Nadu- near Trichy), etc. will be auspicious. If Moon is conjunct Rahu, worship of Goddess Durga/ Kaali/ Pratiyangiraa will be beneficial. If Moon is conjunct Ketu, worshipping Goddess in the form of Chandi will be beneficial.
3) If Mars is the significator planet of the Guardian Deity – Lord Skanda (Subhramanyaa) will be the Deity. Vaishnavites can worship Lord Narasimhaa. If there is conjunction of Mars with Saturn, worship of Lord Hanumaan might be necessary for better control over one’s temper and for eradicating violent/ undesirable psychological tendencies.
4) If Mercury is the significator planet of the Guardian Deity – Lord Vishnu will be the Guardian Angel. If Mercury is exalted or in own house, Lord Mahaa Vishnu in His Original Vishwaroopa form or in His pose in Milk Ocean sleeping on bed of Aadishesha should be meditated upon. If Mercury is debilitated, then the avatars of Shri Vishnu should be worshipped. If Mercury is debilitated and has influence of Sun, then Lord Raama should be worshipped. If Moon influences debilitated Mercury, Shri Krishna will be the Deity. If Mars influences debilitated Mercury, Lord Narasimha should be propitiated. If Jupiter influences debilitated Mercury, Lord Vaamanaa (Brahmachaari form) should be worshipped. If Venus influences debilitated Mercury, Lord Parasuraama should be worshipped. If Saturn influences debilitated Mercury, Koorma Avataar should be worshipped. If Rahu influences debilitated Mercury, Vaaraaha Avataar should be worshipped. If Ketu influences debilitated Mercury, Matsya Avataar should be worshipped.
5) If Jupiter is the significator planet of the Guardian Deity – then Lord Brahma will be the Deity. Other than Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva in His form of Dakshinamoorthi, Goddess Shakti in Her form of Taaraa, and Lord Vishnu in His form of Vaamanaa or Geeta Upadesha Form of Lord Krishnaa can be worshipped. Generally if Jupiter signifies your Guardian Angel, vedic chants/ Puraanic recitations, respect to religious experts, etc. will come automatically to you, and thus Divine Grace will flow through the channel of Blessings of Preceptors/ saints/ Holy Persons. In fact they are Walking Deities for you! If Jupiter is debilitated in the horoscope or afflicted by malefics like Saturn, Mars, Rahu, or Ketu, you should take extra efforts to serve Godly Persons to wipe out possible effects of “Braahmanaic curse” arising out of advertent or inadvertent insult to Divine Things, Persons, or Places. Visit to Samaadhi Mandirs of Great Saints like Shri Raaghavendra at Mantraalayam, Shri Chandrasekara saraswathi at Kanchi, shri Shridi Sai samaadhi mandir, visiting Darghas of sufi saints, etc. will be beneficial.
6) If Venus is the signfiicator planet of the Guardian Deity – then Goddess Lakshmi will be the Guardian Angel. If Venus – being the significator of Guardian Angel is debilitated, the person can get success in worship of various Yakshinii devataas (This suggestion is applicable to serious students of mantra shastra/ occult. Others kindly avoid these worships unless you have some competent and trustworthy Guru to guide you in Yakshini worship – Yakshiniis are demi-goddesses who may sometimes have a mischievous streak in them and may play pranks that will be beyond normal human levels of tolerance to survive!).
7) If Saturn is the significator planet of the Guardian Deity – the God Shaastaa (Dharma Shaasta – His most popular Form is Sabarimala Aiyappa). Other forms like Aiyyanaar (in Tamil Naadu) are also of Dharma Shaasta only. Worship of Lord Hanumaan, Lord Venkateshwaraa, etc. are also favourable when Saturn is the significator of Guardian Angel. Lord Yamaa – who is also called Dharma Raaja (The King of Righteous Conduct) can also be worshipped (Though He is the God of Death, He is not inauspicious actually. He just does the work of Divine when He takes away lives and He does it dispassionately and without fear or favour! Worshipping Him is not bad and it can actually give a person great courage and strength.)
8) If Rahu is the significator of the Guardian Deity – worship of Mother Goddess in Her form of Kaali or Durga will be best. Other than this, worship of God Shiva in His Linga Form with Serpent coiled around the Linga, worshipping Lord Krishna as Kaalinga nardana Krishna (Lord Krishna in Child Form dancing over the hoods of the snake), worship of Goddess Maanasaa Devi (Snake Deity), etc. will be auspicious. Generally these persons can attain great success in mantraic works if they wish to master such arts.
9) If Ketu is the significator of the Guardian Deity – worship of Goddess Chandi, Lord Chandikeshwara, Lord Chitragupta – the attendant of Lord Yamaa, etc. will be auspicious. Apart from this, doing service to ascetics (sanyaasins) will be beneficial for these natives.


Apart from what I have stated above, there are various guardian angels for different nakshatras. For example, Goddess Kaali is the Guardian angel for those born under Bharani nakshatra, Lord Agni is the Guardian Angel for those born under Krittika star, etc.

Another way to determine guardian angels is through thithi of birth. Those born under Dasami thithi of bright half of Moon will be ruled by Lord Veerabhadra, etc….Those deities can also be worshipped without any further checking of the horoscope. If possible we shall see such indications in subsequent write-ups.

CONCLUSION:

What I have given here is only “indicative” or “suggestive.” If you have already received “Deeksha” from holy persons, they might have relied upon other processes for short-listing the best worship procedures for you. Again, one’s Family Deity (kula Devataa) should be Honoured before one does worship of one’s own Guardian Deity indicated above. On no account should one abandon the worship of Family Deities ( a Deity that has been worshipped continuously in the Family for at least 3 generations becomes the Family Deity of the Family. In most cases, there will be an unbroken line of worshippers of a Deity going back to even 100s of generations! Such Deities as Family Deities over many generations will be powerful, and mostly the Guardian Deity as shown by horoscope will be the same as Family Deity in such cases. These Deity Forms are easily pleased and it is really one’s good luck to be born in such spiritual families). If you are already in a Family of Upaasakaas (Serious Worshippers of a Particular Divine Form), you need not check the astrological indications; you can just follow the path of your ancestors in serious worship. By the Grace of the Family Deity, you will be led to Higher paths – if necessary!
Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant

Chitra Pournami on April 20, 2008

Dear members:

The auspicious Chitra Pournami vrattam falls on April 20, 2008 this year. For those in India who are performing regular Pournami Pooja every month, the monthly Pournami Pooja should be done on April 19, 2008 night while the Chitra Gupta Pooja should be done on April 20, 2008 morning. For those in the US, both fall on the same day, i.e. April 19, 2008. So, they should perform the Chitra Gupta Pooja in the morning of April 19, 2008 and the monthly Pournami pooja on the night of April 19, 2008. Those in the far eastern longitudes (East of India - countries like Australia, New Zealand, etc.) should perform both ChitraGupta Pooja and Chitra Pournami festivals on April 20, 2008.


It is customary to eat curd rice (preferably curd of buffalo!) without salt on that day and to fast without eating anything else. In any case, avoiding salt in food items throughout the day is recommended on that day.

Special worship is done in Honour of Lord ChitraGupta - the Divine Accountant - who keeps an account of our karmas, and appeals for forgiveness for our shortcomings are raised on this day. Those who can afford a visit, should pay a visit to Kanchipuram Chitra Gupta temple -an ancient one which is very ancient and powerful.

Chitra Gupta can be easily pleased by uttering the following names:

"Om Chitraaya namah"
"Om Chitraguptaaya namah"
"Om Karma saakshine namah"
"Om nirdoshaaya namah"
"Om Kaarunya roopine namah"
"Om Dharmaraaja parivaarakaaya namah"

While reciting these names, Chitra Gupta should be meditated upon as a short human form attired in traditional Indian attire with a turban, shining ear rings, and having a bunch of palm leaf scrolls and a pen for writing karmic accounts. His consort if Goddess Karnaambikai.

The day should be spent by giving contributions to charities, doing meritorious deeds as per one's convenience, and spending the day in contemplation and introspection with the firm affirmation to reduce performance of sinful activities in the coming year.

Performance of this Chitra Pournami vrattam is a powerful remedy for afflictions of ketu in the horoscope.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Effects of overhead beams on the residents of a house - an article on vaastu

The influence of overhead beams of a building on the residents of a house

Beams (downward projections of the ceiling) are considered to be oppressive to the person who habitually uses the area directly beneath them. In modern day constructions, the floors and the walls are held mainly by concrete beams and columns. Beams sometimes run the entire lengths of houses. In old houses, we can see wooden beams protruding from the ceiling. It is better not to sleep or sit directly under such beams for long hours as they have harmful effects on persons.

How a beam affects the residents depends on the following three factors:
a) Ceiling height.
b) Type of beam (weight bearing or structural ornamentation)
c) Time spent under the beam.

Ceiling height: If the ceiling of a building is of a good height (above 18 feet), then there will be only negligible negative influence due to a beam. However, in case the house has a low ceiling (less than 9 feet), the influence of the beams will be more perceptibly felt.

Type of beam: The beams will exert more oppressive influence on those sitting under them if they are “weight bearing” i.e. if they are holding the room. If the beam is just an ornamentation or design, the negative influence will not be that much.

Time spent under the beam: If the portion under the beam is used continuously for more than 8 hours then the negative effects may be more perceptibly felt by the person who was under it. However, if the beam is located in a store room or other place where people rarely frequent, the influence will not be so perceptible.

The negative effects manifested by the beams:

The negative influences that manifest by a beam are stress, difference of opinion, chronic head/ shoulder pains without identifiable factors, decreased efficiency at work.

If a beam is over the head in the bedroom it causes headaches; if it is over the stomach portion (of a person who sleeps regularly under the beam everyday), it causes ulcers; if the beam is over the feet, it may cause decreased mobility or joint problems in the leg.

If the beam is between the husband and the wife (husband is one side of the overhead beam and the wife sleeps on the other side; both are not directly under it), it causes differences of opinion leading to their eventual separation!

A beam over the stove causes financial loss, liquidity problems, and loan problems. A beam over the dining table with persons of the family sitting on either side of the beam at the dining table causes family differences. It also affects cash flow in the family.

If there is a beam above the work-station, it causes the employee to suffer mental block, and may lead to repetition of work due to absent-minded errors and affect productivity with passage of time. Personally the employee is likely to suffer a perception of “burn out” and feelings of low self-esteem.

If there is a large exposed beam located at the centre of the house, it suppresses heart energies which might make family members feel “congested” and stifled. They may not be able to realize their full potential in life living in such a house.

Exposed beams in the living room affect the money making potential of the residents.

Generally if the residents are naturally cordial and are persons of high will-power, the malefic effects will not be felt in full, but still there will be an eerie sense of uneasiness in the house. If the residents are naturally prone to emotionality and recklessness, the negative effects will be felt in full.

Remedies for mitigating the effects of a beam:

Now that we have analyzed in depth the negative effects of a beam, what can we do if the beam is structurally a vital one and cannot be removed? Let us see the remedies for that now….

1) False ceilings: Erecting a false ceiling using cloth, thermos material, or decorative canvass, and hiding the main ceiling with its protruding beams is the best remedy for overcoming the effects of a beam on the residents of a house. This will make the ceiling look “flat” and “even” and protect the residents from the malefic effects of the beams.
2) Feng-sui remedy: Hanging two flutes with red-ribbons oriented to 45 degress from the beam on the beam structure will mitigate the problem due to a beam. The diagrammatic representation of how to do it is given below this article.
3) Another important cure for a beam is to hang a red-fringe all along the beam (a decorative red velvette cloth with wavy corners covering the beam structure).

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

TRANSIT OF NODES ON APRIL 30, 2008

Rahu (mean node which is used in vedic astrology as opposed to True node) transits into Makara rashi (vedic Capricorn sign) on April 30 , 2008. As Ketu always moves 180 degrees apart from Rahu in the anticlockwise direction, Ketu enters Kataka rashi (vedic sign of Cancer) on the same day. The nodes are stated to be the constituents of karmic axis of horoscopes and their transit will have a major impact on us – individually based on our horoscopes and collectively as a society.

EFFECTS OF SENSITIVE PLANETARY TRANSITS TILL SEPTEMBER 2008 ON THE SOCIETY AT LARGE

we are entering a sensitive and volatile phase of planetary energies that will extend till September 2008. We have crucial planetary transits of Mars in Cancer from April 28 till June 21, 2008. The transit of nodes also occurs on April 30, 2008 with the result that there will be conjunction of Mars and Ketu in Cancer till June 21, 2008. After June 21, 2008, Mars enters Leo where it is conjunct malefic Saturn (with exact conjunction on 10th of July 2008).

This is a very sensitive period that can cause wide-spread social unrest/ insecurity, sectarian violence, increased intolerance/ caste-based animosity amongst various sections of the society, increase of thefts/ violent robberies, and possibility of disasters - both man-made and natural on a big scale. Let us pray to Divine Mother to spare us from the fury of Fates. Let us all pray for Universal Welfare.

It is better not to take unnecessary risks in any matter during this period (unless you are sure that your individual planetary cycles are strong and too auspicious to be afflicted by this general pattern!). Those looking to implement long-term strategies like opening new businesses, changing jobs, or relocating should wait till this sensitive period is over, because no one can be sure as to how things would have transformed in the next few months.

There may be important policy decisions that might be implemented or sudden political developments that could cause unpredictable swing in market conditions and unforeseen new conditions for others (like admission policies, equal opportunity legislations being enforced on private sector, sudden elections in middle of 2008, demise of some important political functionary, social unrest that might make it unsafe for business persons of a particular community/ language group to start business in another region, etc.). Markets will be highly volatile in the next few months and one should not be carried away by periodic bursts or upswings of the market. Wild speculation driven by greed and “herd mentality” is a sure recipe for disaster during this period. The markets will stabilize this year and begin a solid movement upward, but not before many have paid the price for greed and unqualified optimism. It is up to you to avoid becoming one of those who pay such a price by being careful with your investments.

EFFECT OF TRANSIT OF NODES ON DIFFERENT RASHIS

The transit of nodes is auspicious only to Rishbha and Vrischika rashis (vedic Moon signs of Taurus and Scorpio covering the following nakshatras: Krittika (2, 3, 4), Rohini, Mrigasira (1, 2), Visakha (4), Anuradha, Jyeshta).

Those born in Mesha rashi (vedic Moon sign of Aries), Mithuna (Vedic Moon sign of Gemini), Kataka (vedic Moon sign of Cancer), Tula (vedic Moon sign of Libra), and Dhanus (vedic Moon sign of Sagittarius) are under very tough transit of nodes as both Rahu and Ketu are transiting inauspicious houses for these signs.

For the other rashis not mentioned before, i.e. Meena, Simha, Kanya, and Kumbha, the transit of one node will be auspicious but the other will be inauspicious. So, the results will be medium – the good effect of one node balancing the inauspicious effect of the other node. For example, for Meena rashi, Rahu transiting 11th house from natal Moon is highly auspicious, but Ketu transiting the 5th house from natal Moon will be sensitive and inauspicious. Similarly, for Simha Rashi, Rahu transiting the 6th house from natal Moon will be auspicious; however, Ketu transiting the 12th house from natal Moon will be inauspicious. For kanya rashi (vedic Moon sign of Virgo), the transit of Ketu is auspicious, but transit if Rahu in the 5th house from natal Moon is inauspicious. For Kumbha rashi, the transit of Ketu in the 6th house from natal Moon is auspicious; however, transit of Rahu in the 12th house from natal Moon will be highly inauspicious.

Those born in rashis of Mesha, Mithuna, Kataka, Tula and Dhanus should perform remedies to overcome the tough transit of nodes that have adverse impact on their rashis over the next 18 months. For the others, remedies are optional though it is generally highly auspicious to propitiate Deities on special occasions like planetary transits.


REMEDIAL HOMAMS ON THE OCCASION OF RAHU-KETU TRANSIT ON APRIL 30, 2008

As propitiating Lord Ganesha will cover the bad effects of Ketu and propitiating Goddess Durga will nullify the bad effects of Rahu, we are planning to perform a special homam to Vaancha Kalpa Ganapathy, Goddess Durga Devi (using Pratiyangira and soolini Durga mantras) and also using Rahu/ Ketu beejaakshara mantras on the occasion of Rahu-Ketu transit on April 30, 2008 to offer some protection against these sensitive transits.

Blessed be.
Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI

Mahaa Chandi Homam conducted well on April 13, 2008 for Universal Welfare

A Mahaa Chandi Homam was conducted at our home on April 13, 2008 as a fitting finale at the end of Vasantha Navarathri celebrations when daily homams were performed for Universal Welfare. The homam went on well by Divine Grace.

Blessed be
Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Vaancha Kalpa Ganapathy homam - for fulfillment of desires

Vaancha Kalpa Ganapathy homam is a very powerful homam that enhances our chances of getting our heart-felt desires fulfilled.

The mantra of Shri Vaancha Kalpa Ganapathy is a mixture of a Rig vedic hymn, the usual Mahaa Ganapathy moola mantra, and Beejaaksharaas of Shri Vidya mantra. Thus this is very powerful and combines in itself the obstacle removal calibre of Maha Ganapathy mantra, the wish-bestowing and boundless spiritual power of Shri Vidya mantra, and the power of enchantment of the Rig vedic mantra contained in this. Only those who are initiated into Shri Vidya japam can perform this homam and there are very few authentic experts who can conduct this homam today. It is very auspicious to have the homam conducted on sukla chaturthi days (monthly chaturthi) or on an auspicious Friday. The meditation should be on Lord Ganapathy in His White form or Red form. The effects of the homam will be manifold if it is done in the presence of Swetaarka Ganapathy idol. The homam process is very powerful and the powerful vibes can be felt even during the performance of the homam. It is very usual to witness appearance of various Divine Forms like Lord Krishna, Dancing Ganapathy form, Goddess Durga on Lion, Trident, Elephant form, etc. during this homam. All other Deity forms are considered to be Parivaara devataas or accompanying Devataas of Vaancha Kalpa Ganapathy and hence Divine Forms of various Deities will manifest in this homam though this is done in Honour of Lord Ganapathy. This is the speciality of this homam. . This writer has had some very wonderful experiences like that (see the photograph in which some Divine Forms are visible. This was taken by this writer's brother during the Vaancha Kalpa Ganapathy homam conducted on chaturthi day during vasantha Navaraathri celebrations on April 09, 2008.

Those who are having dosha of Ketu as an obstruction to their goals (like if Ketu is in the 7th and afflicts marital life or if it is in the 4th house and obstructs construction of houses/ education, etc...) and those who are under malefic ketu dasa/ bhuktis can get immensely benefitted by the performance of Vaancha Kalpa Ganapathy homam.

There is also another variation of the Vaancha Kalpa Ganapathy Homam in which, instead of Shri Vidya japam, the Gaayathri japam is used. In either form, this performance is very efficacious in giving results IF DONE WITH GOOD INTENT AND COMPLETE FAITH.

It is best use ghee mixed with red-sandal during the homam (instead of ordinary cow's ghee used in other homams). Other than this mixture, the usual ingredients used for Mahaa Ganapathy homams should be used in this also (the traditional dravyaas like modakam, sesame seeds, banana slices, coconut scrapings, puffed rice, rice flour, jaggery, sugarcane pieces, etc.).

At the end of the performance, it is auspicious to honour a Brahmachari as per one's convenience and resources, considering that person as a representative of Lord Ganapthy Himself.

Blessed be.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI.