Panguni Uttiram on March 29, 2010

(The photo depicting Goddess Meenaakshi's marriage with Lord Shiva in His form as Kalyaana SundarEshwara; see Lord Vishnu gifting His Sister Meenakshi in marriage to Lord Shiva as per traditional shastraic injunctions).

Panguni Uttiram Festival is to be observed on March 29, 2010 all over the world. It is the day of Divine Wedding between Goddess Meenakshi and
Lord Sundareshwara (Lord Shiva in His wedding form). This is also the wedding day of Lord Skanda with Deivanai (the daughter of Celestial King Indra). So, it is auspicious to offer special prayers to Lord shiva or Lord Skanda on this day praying for our welfare. This is an auspicious day for praying for harmony in the family, goodwill and affection between couples, and for marriage of unmarried natives.

For those in to advanced yogic practices, this is good for Kundalini
Jaagran. This is an excellent day for initiation into Bhoota Shuddhi
under expert guidance for removal of karmic blockages.


May we offer our special prayers on this day so that Dharmaic Union as in
the case of Shiva-Paarvati marriage materializes in our lives while at
the same time, the undesirable elements of unqualified lust/ passion,
and Ego (where we start taking credit for the good things that
materialize due to Divine Grace with little effort from our side) are
exorcised from our lives.

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

Kaamadaa ekaadasi on March 26, 2010

Dear Members:

Kaamadaa Ekaadashi falls on March 26, 2010 this year. It is to be observed on the same day throughout the world - except for people living in Hawaii region of United States who should observe it on March 25, 2010 itself. Even those in the United States living in other areas should observe this fast only on March 26, 2010 - just as rest of the world.Kaamada Ekaadashi is the ekaadashi that falls in the bright half of the month Chaitra (immediately after the Vasantha Navarathri). Kaamadaa - as the Sanskrit name implies is the fast that has the potential to grant us all our legitimate desires:)

The glory of this Ekaadashi was explained by Lord Krishna to King Yudhishtra.

Lord Krishna references a legend narrated by Sage Vasishta to King Dileepa (the great-grandfather of Shri Raama!) about the glory of this kaamadaa ekaadashi.

Once in a city-state called Ratnapura ruled by the Gandharva King Pundariika, there lived a court-musician couple - Lalit and Lalitha. They loved each other intimately and always had each other in thoughts.

Once it so happened that when Lalit had court duty his mind was dwelling upon his dear wife and so he made some mistakes in the tune of the melody he was singing with other Gandharvas for the king. A jealous naaga (entity of the snake clan) who was jealous of Lalit brought it to the notice of the king Pundariik who cursed him to become a canibalistic demon as he had been lustfully thinking of a woman instead of concentrating on his duty towards his king.

Due to the effect of the curse, Lalit - the beautiful Gandharva became a dreaded cannibalistic monster. His faithful wife - besotten by grief continued to follow him with a heavy heart wherever he went; poor Lalit had taken after the attitude of a man-eater and was no longer the gentle Gandharva that he once was!

Once during such wanderings Lalita came across a sage called Shringi. She requested the learned sage to suggest a remedy for redeeming her husband from his terrible form. The learned sage suggested that she should observe the Holy Kaamada Ekaadashi and willingly donate that merit to her husband, and by the efficacy of that fast, her husband will recover his Gandharva life. Lalita duly observed this kaamada Ekaadashi and donated it in honour of her husband, which restored his status as a Gandharva; they returned back to their realms in a Divine Chariot that manifested due to this merit.

Such is the glory of the kaamadaa Ekaadashi; it can bless one with realization of all desires, and effect removal of curses and sins that are as severe as having the potential to cause demonaic incarnations for the soul.

May our members observe this holy fast and enjoy realization of all their legitimate desires in life.

Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

email-id: dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

kaaradaiyaan Nonbu on March 14, 2010

Kaamaakshi amman

(image courtesy: www.hindugallery.com)

This is regarding an important austerity - Kaaradayaan nOnbu on March 14, 2010. This is to be observed on March 14, 2010 in all places around the globe except in Far East countries, Australia,New Zealand and Fiji where they have to be observe it on March 15, 2010 - during Brahma Muhurtha.

The best time to observe this nonbu is between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Indian Standard time for those living in India. Please note that as this is to be observed at the junction of sidereal solar months of Aquarius and Pisces, it is to be observed just 2 hours prior to actual entry of Sun into sidereal Pisces i.e. at 10:30 p.m. IST - which is 5:30 hours East time from GMT on March 14, 2010 (you may calculate the respective local time at your place based on this, and calculate the time when this is to be observed at your place).

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, again excepting Far East countries, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji - where this should be observed on March 15, 2010) - an auspicious day 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.

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Paapamochini ekaadasi - March 10/ 11, 2010

Dear members:

The auspicious Paapa mOchini ekaadashi (Chaitra - Krishna ekaadashi) falls on March 11 2010 for major part of the world except U.S.A., Canada, and other countries in North and South America. For those living American continental countries, and Caribbean Isles, this should be observed on March 10, 2010 itself.

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

Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Vasantha Navarathri - March 16 to March 25, 2010

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 16, 2010 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 17, 2010. (The same holds true for Ugaadhi celebrations also!)

Shri Raama Navami is to be celebrated on March 24, 2010 throughout the world except New zealand and Fiji - where it should be observed on March 25, 2010.

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.

Just one person will be the special beneficiary of each day's religious routines. So, the list of beneficiaries will be drawn up on a first-come-first-served basis. I am giving special preference to Paaraayanam group members as per the stated objective of the group - giving special preference to our members when I restrict the no. of beneficiaries for special poojaas. ( The sponsorship for one day's austerities (in the period March 16 to March 24, 2010) - beginning from Ganesha homam early morning, Laghu chandi homam, Chandi path recital, Lalitha Sahasranaamam recital, Soundarya lahiri recital, Dasamahaa vidhya mantra recitals and recital of portions of Devi Bhagavatam - will be US$65 (US Dollars sixty-five only). Resident Indians may remit Rs.3000/- (rupees three thousand only) for the same.

Mahaa Chandi Yagnya is also being planned on Vijaya Dasami day (March 25, 2010). Again the no. of participants in this is restricted to 5 persons. 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.


You may send the money by demand draft drawn in favour of "R DAKSHINA MOORTHI" or by paypal after getting confirmation from me regarding your sponsorship previlege. (kindly get my confirmation before sending the money drafts because if the no. of beneficiaries touches 9, I will not be enrolling anymore persons as beneficiaries for daily navaraathri poojas. Similarly, for the Chandi homam, if the no. of beneficiaries touches 5, I will not be accepting any more persons as special beneficiaries).

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 two years back.

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.

May Divine Mother bless us all.

Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi