Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape

Saturday, March 21, 2009

PaapamOchini ekaadasi - March 21/ 22, 2009

Dear members:
The auspicious Paapa mOchini ekaadashi (Chaitra - Krishna ekaadashi) falls on March 22, 2009 for major part of the world except Far Eastern countries, Australia, New zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, and places in the US that follow the Pacific Standard time.
This ekaadashi - as the name implies helps in removing all sins and the sinful vaasanaas (subtle karmic traces that can impel us to behave in the same way again!).
The importnace of this Paapa MOchini ekaadashi was explained to King Yudhistra by Lord Krishna, and this is found in the Bhavishyottara Purana (Lord Krishna actually refers the legend that was originally.conveyed to the King Maandaata by the sage Romasha).
According to this legend, the apsara (apsaras are Divine Damsels) by name Manju Gosha lured a great tapasvi by name Medhaavi (the son of the Great Sage Chyavana) into conjugal life thereby breaking his tapasvic life. After many years of sensual life with him, she wanted to return back to her celestial plane. The sage prevented her from going requesting her to wait at least for one more night, she playfully said just think of the time you have spent with me already. When the sage thought of it he was astonished that he had already spent 57 years 09 months and 3 days with her. He got annoyed that he had been lured into spending such a long period as if in a trance in the company of a seductive demi-goddess, and that he had lost a lot of his yogic power as a result of this life. So, he cursed her to turn into a goblin. When the apsara requested for relief from the curse, the sage suggested observance of Paapa MOchini Ekaadasi.
When the Sage Medhaavi tried to enter into the hermitage of his father Chyavana Maharishi, his father said "Oh Son! By acting unethically due to lust, you have lost your wealth of austeries and penance." When the son requested his father about the remedy for this, Maharishi Chyavana also suggested the Paapa MOchini ekaadashi observance.
Thus by observing this, the apsara Manju KOsha got freed from the curse of becoming a goblin, and sage Medhavi regained his lost yogic merit.
Lomasha Maharishi said to the great king Maandhaata that whosoever observes this will get freed from all sins.
Lord Krishna Himself further adds that the power of this ekaadashi has the potency to remove such sins as sin caused by killing of a pious vedic person, that incurred in voluntary abortion (voluntary abortion due to non-medical reasons is a great sin as per shastras; birth-control is okay - but abortion is not!), sin incurred by pious people when they consume intoxicants, and that incurred by immoral activity with respectable ladies.
If this ekaadasi is performed with Full Faith, it will give the merit that can be obtained by donating one thousand cows!
May our members observe this holy Fast and get freed from all negative karma and the guilt associated with such sins.
Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Vasantha Navarathri - 2009


There are 6 Navarathris in Honour of Divine Mother each year - one for each Rithu, and the Saaradha Navaraathri falling in sharad Rithu (October - November) is the most important as this is the festival recommended for householders. The next in importance among the 6 Navarathris is the one falling in Vasantha Rithu (March - April) called Vasantha Navarathri. This Vasantha Navarathri occupies the pride of place in the schedule of Devi upaasakaas, and rituals done during this period are for awakening Wisdom and Spiritual Perfection. Thus, as the saaradha Navarathri is for the "Bhogis" (householders and family), the Vasantha Navarathri is for Yogis (those aspiring Spiritual perfection), sadhus, and spiritual minded upaasakaas (who may still be in family but live life as an offering to Divine Mother - balancing mundane and spiritual lives harmoniously). It is traditional to venerate Divine Mother in Her Gnaana Shakti Form during this period. We don't keep kolus or socialize much in this celebration (whereas the saaradha navarathri is as much a social occasion as it is spiritual!). The emphasis is more on spiritual sadhanas and meditation during this period.
This vasantha Navarathri marks the beginning of the lunar calendar based New year (followed by those following Telugu/ Kannada traditions in South India), and it is also associated with Shri Raama Navami which falls during this period. So, during this vasantha navarathri you can also organize Sundara Kaandam recitals at your places praying for family welfare.


Vasantha Navaraathri schedule for different places around the world:


Vasantha Navaraathri begins on March 27, 2008 throughout the world except for Far Eastern countries, Hawaii (USA), Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand. Those living in these places should begin Navarathri austerities on March 26, 2008 itself. (The same holds true for Ugaadhi celebrations also!)


Shri Raama Navami is to be celebrated on April 03, 2009 throughout the world.


Dasami is to be celebrated on April 04, 2009 in all countries around the globe.


I request all our members to do simple prayers that are possible for them in Honour of Divine Mother during the Vasantha Navaraathri and receive Her Grace. Those who are initiated may recite Lalitha Sahasranaamam and Soundarya Lahiri on these days to become recipients of Divine Grace. Others may simply recite names like "Om Shree MaatrE namah" (Salutations to Thee who Art the Mother), "Om Durgaayai namah", "Om Sadaakshyai namah" (Salutations to Thee with 1000 Eyes = this is for prosperity), "Om siddhi dhaatryai namah" (Salutations to Thee who gives accomplishment), etc.


Those who have Tulsi plant in house may light a lamp in that sannidhi and offer 12 prostrations praying for peace and prosperity in the family and for the whole world. You may consider getting initiated into mantras like "Brindaavani Dasaakshari" (the beeja mantra for Tulsi worship that is very powerful), "Surabhi mantra" (for GOmaataa), etc. during this auspicious period.
You may also read Divine legends related to Mother Goddess which have been identified as powerful ones for prosperity based on authentic classical sources and based on teachings of Sri Vidhya Upaasaka traditions. Many such legends abound in the classic Devi Bhaagavatam. One such legend can be read by clicking the following link:
http://dakshinastro.blogspot.com/2008/04/divine-legends-that-ensure-peace-and.html
You can also listen to wonderful Devi sthothras that are available for download from various sites in .mp3 format. There are some wonderful Devi sthothrams available in text format in the site http://www.sanskritdocuments.org/. You may visit these sites and use the text of sthothras for recital.


Worship of 9 Forms of Durga Devi on 9 days


There are 9 forms of Durga Devi - "Shaila Putri, Brahmachaarinii, Chandrakantaa, Kooshmaandaa, Skanda Maata, Kaatyaayinii, Kaala Raatrii, Mahaa Gourii, Siddhidaa." You may meditate on each of these names in order from day 1 till day 9 (like on the first day - keep chanting "Om Hreem Shaila Putryai namah" or simply "Hreem Shaila putri namo namah", etc.).
These 9 names by themselves are powerful words with immense Divinity in them. Details about these 9 forms may be available elsewhere in the net; so I am not going too much into details about these. Those who are interested may do a web search on this and get further information, if desired.


Important thing to note when doing navaraathri worship even in simplified forms in Honour of Mother Goddess


Treat all women with dignity and respect during these 9 days (actually women should be treated with respect at all times - but it is more important during these 9 days). Offer auspicious items like sindhoor, kumkum, turmeric paste/ powder/ tubers, small mirrors, bangles, blouse-bits (avoid black colour), small toys for young children, etc. as per your convenience and economic viability. Even unknown women (irrespective of caste, creed, or religion) who visit your houses accidentally during these periods must be treated with respect and courtesy - Mother may visit you in any form!


Special worship at my place during Vasantha Navaraathri


As usual, special worships will be done at my place during Navarathri. I will pray for the welfare of all our members (and in fact for Universal wellbeing and Harmony). But those who wish to sponsor the poojas are welcome to do so.


The sponsoring fee for a single day's pooja (right from morning till night....Ganapathy Homam, Laghu Chandi Homam, Full recital of Devi Mahaatymayam (chandi Path), Lalitha Sahasranaamam, Soundarya Lahiri, Dasa Maha Vidya japams, select verses from Devi Bhaagavatam each day, etc.) is US$60 (US Dollars sixty only). (Resident Indians may remit Rs.2500/- if they wish to sponsor a single day's poojaas/ homams).


I am not restricting the number of sponsors for the daily homams during Navarathri, except on the day of the Mahaa chandi homam, i.e. you can sponsor the homam on any day as you want in the period March 27 to April 03, 2009, and I am not restricting the no. of sponsors for the daily homams/ poojas (last time I had restricted to just one person per day on normal navarathri pooja days). But, I am restricting the number of participants in the Mahaa chandi homam to just 5 - exactly like last time.


The Mahaa chandi homam will be on April 04, 2009 in which only 5 sponsors will be allowed . The sponsorship fee for the same will be US$350 (US Dollars three hundred and fifty only). Resident Indians may remit Rs.15,000 (rupees fifteen thousand only). Those who are interested may get in touch with me through my email-id (dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in) at the earliest to book your participation for the Mahaa chandi homam.


Please confirm your participation before March 20, 2009. After March 20, 2009, I intend to close the sponsorship booking for the navarathri celebrations. Those who wish to take part as sponsors may send the money draft or by paypal after getting confirmation from me regarding your sponsorship previlege. (kindly get my confirmation before sending the money drafts for the Mahaa Chandi homam; if the no. of beneficiaries of the Mahaa chandi homam touches 5, I will not be accepting any more persons as special beneficiaries; this restriction does not apply to those who wish to take part as sponsors of the other day's homams during this Navarathri as there is no limit on the no. of beneficiaries/ sponsors for the other days' homams. But, they should also send their request before March 20, 2009). Of course, I will pray for Universal Welfare and for the welfare of our group members at the end of the prayers.


So, those who are unable to get enlisted as special beneficiaries due to sponsorship slots getting filled up, or who are unable to afford the sponsorship fees need not feel let down. The restriction in number of participants is only for enlistment as special sponsors as per indications I received in a Divine Revelation last year.


Please note that those who sponsor the homams/ poojas need to come in person to get the prasad or holy ash of the homam. In case you are unable to attend the homam on the specified days, the inclusion of your name, birth star, rashi, and gothra details during the homam/ pooja sankalpam is deemed as "in-absentia" participation from your side. The homam prasad/ Holy Ash will not be sent by post due to ritual purity reasons.


Blessed be.


Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Kaaradayaan NOnbu - Shadsheeti punya kaalam on March 14, 2009

Kaamaakshi amman
(image courtesy: www.hindugallery.com)
This is regarding an important austerity - Kaaradayaan nOnbu on March 14, 2009. This is to be observed on March 14, 2009 in all places around the globe except in USA ,Canada, Caribbean Isles, and other places in the American continents (they have to observe this at late night on March 13, 2009).


It is an auspicious day for women to pray for the welfare and longevityof their husbands. It is by the power of this observance that the legendary Saavitri got the spiritual power to win back the life of Satyaavaan - her husband who was cursed with a short life. May our women members observe the austerity as per their familytraditions for the welfare of their husbands.



It is customary for ladies to offer Mangala Gowri pooja and then tie the Holy Pooja thread on self praying for husband's longevity, and for happy marital life. The offering is "kaara adai" (a special flour delicacy made with rice flour, jaggery, and kaaraamani - a red colour dried bean), and fresh butter; women pray saying "I am offering this kaara adai and unmelted butter to Thee; please ensure that my husband never separates from me," and then tie the Holy thread on their selves.



This day happens to be Shadsheethi punya kaalam also (This is to be observed on March 14, 2009 throughout the world) - an auspiciousday when any meritorious deed gets manifold positive effects. This is an auspicious day for beginning new japa recitations, for charitable donations (Even if you are donating to secular charities with a good intent, it is still better to donate on this day to reap manifold karmic benefits; I am writing this because I have seen many people donate a portion of their salaries to charities; if this monthly donation can be done on such auspicious days like this shadsheethi punya kaalam, it will be good for them from a karmic point of view).


May our members become recipients of Divine Grace and Dharma Devataa by observing these auspicious spiritual rituals to the extent possible.


Blessed be.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Holi Festival today, March 10, 2009

Dear Members:

I wish all our blog readers and Paaraayanam group members a Happy Holi.

May our unqualified lust and unnecessary ego burn by Divine Grace and let our lives be colourful and enjoyable in every way.

Monthly Pournami pooja praying for the welfare of our Paaraayanam group members for this month will be conducted tonight.

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI
www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Friday, March 6, 2009

Sarva Amalaki Ekaadasi on March 07, 2009

Dear Members:


The auspicious Aamalaki Ekaadasi falls on March 07, 2009 for all parts of the world except U.S.A. and other countries of the American continent. The fast is to be observed on March 06, 2009 in parts of the U.S. that follow Hawaai time, PST, CST, etc.

Even in the U.S., regions following EST should observe the fast on March 07, 2009.

This fast is known to eradicate all great sins and bestow great destiny, and hence it is also observed as Paapanaasini Ekaadasi. Puranaas speak of how a hunter who observed the performance of this fast and night-long prayers under the Amla tree, by a king and his retinue in the forest was blessed to be born as a king named VasUratha in his next life.

Once that person lost his way in the forest and being exhausted fell asleep under a tree. Tribesmen who were his enemies tried to kill him in that unconscious state; but none of their weapons could harm the sleeping king. Then, a beautiful maiden with Divine Powers manifested from the sleeping king's body and slayed all the tribesmen. On waking up, the King was wondering how this could have happened and who could have saved him thus from his sworn enemies. Then a voice from the sky said 'You ask who helped you. Well, who is that person who alone can help anyone is distress? He is none other than Sri Keshava, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He who saves all who take shelter of Him without any selfish motive.'


Such is the greatness of the Aamalaki Ekaadasi. This was narrated by Sage Vasishta to the Surya vamsa king Maandaatha.

On this day it is customary to worship the avatar Lord Parasuraama and Aamla tree on this day (those who have such trees may perform the worship under the tree; others can just meditate on that tree and Lord Parasuraamaa).


picture of Lord Parasuraama courtesy: www.scienceofhinduisim.blogspot.com
(I am not aware of any copyright restrictions with regard to use of this image, but I guess using this for informative purposes and illustrative puroses must be alright).

Prayers to Lord Parashuraama:

'Oh Lord ParashurAma, Oh son of RenukA, Oh all-pleasing one, Oh liberator of the worlds, kindly come beneath this holy Amalakii tree and accept our humble obeisances.'



Prayer to Aamalakii tree: (Aamalakii tree is Indian Goosberry tree)

'Oh Amalakii, Oh offspring of Lord BrahmA, you can destroy all kinds of sinful reactions. Please accept our respectful obeisances and these bumble gifts. O Amalakii, you are actually the form of Brahman, and you were once worshiped by Lord RAmachandra Himself. Whoever circumambulates you is therefore immediately freed of all his sins.'


May our members observe this fast and become recipients of Divine Grace.


Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI


Pay by Skrill Button 245x75 PNG
Custom Search
Google
 
google.com, pub-7255224263443127, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0
Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape