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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Paapa Mochini ekaadasi - March 29/ March 30, 2011

Dear members:


The auspicious Paapa mOchini ekaadashi (Chaitra - Krishna ekaadashi) falls on March 29, 2011 for those living in USA, Canada, all nations of the American continents, Caribbean Isles,Greenland, and nations of Europe. Those living in Gulf countries, India, and other nations of the East should observe this on March 30, 2011.

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

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Vasnantha Navarathri - April 4 to April 13, 2011


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 April 4, 2011 throughout the world except for those living in Hawaaii region of the U.S. Those living in Hawaaii should begin Navarathri austerities on April 3, 2011 itself. (The same holds true for Ugaadhi celebrations also!)


Shri Raama Navami is to be celebrated on April 12, 2011 throughout the world.


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 This legend is particularly beneficial to overcome pestilence and natural calamities. Those of you who happen to recite this legend, please dedicate this for the peace of the souls who perished recently in natural calamities and other disasters.

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 sponsorship for one day's austerities (in the period April 4 to April 12, 2011) - 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$75 (US Dollars seventy-five only). Resident Indians may remit Rs.3375/- (rupees three thousand three hundred and seventy five only) for the same.

Mahaa Chandi Yagnya is also being planned on Vijaya Dasami day (April 13, 2011). The sponsorship fee for the same will be US$375 (US Dollars three hundred and seventy five only). Resident Indians may remit Rs.16,875 (rupees sixteen thousand eight hundred and seventy five only) for the Mahaa chandi homam.

Those who are interested in sponsoring the homam might do so by clicking on the sponsorship link below:






Sponsorship options






After making the remittance via the above link, kindly send an email to dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in giving details of your name, birth star, rashi, and gothra (if gothra is not known indicate preference of either Shiva/ Vishnu gothra) - for inclusion in the prayers.


Of course, I will pray for Universal Welfare, peace of the souls who perished in various disasters (both man-made and natural) in the previous year, and for the welfare of our group members at the end of the prayers. So, those who are unable to afford the sponsorship fees or are otherwise unable to sponsor the homams need not feel let down.

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.
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Friday, March 18, 2011

Panguni Uttiram on March 19, 2011

(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 19, 2011 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.

Holi festival is also to be celebrated on the same day.

On this Holy Pournami day, remember to light a lamp/ candle in memory of those who perished in the recent catastrophe in Japan and some weeks earlier in New Zealand. Also pray for protection from further calamities for all regions around the world.

Blessed be.

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

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Amalaki Ekaadasi 2011

Dear Members:


The auspicious Aamalaki Ekaadasi falls on March 16, 2011 for all parts of the world except U.S.A., Canada, and other countries of the American continent. The fast is to be observed on March 15, 2011 by those living the American continents (both North and South America).


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 witnessed the performance of this fast and night-long prayers under the Amla tree (Indian gooseberry tree) by a king and his retinue in the forest, was blessed to be born as a king named VasUratha in his next life. Such is the glory of this vrata - the mere witnessing of which confers great merit!

Once that person (the hunter born as King VasUratha in next birth) 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 (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 humble 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

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Kaaradaiyaan NOnbu and Shadseeti punya kaalam on March 14/ March 15, 2011

Kaamaakshi amman
(image courtesy: www.hindugallery.com)
This is regarding an important austerity - Kaaradayaan nOnbu on March 14, 2011/March 15, 2011. This is to be observed on the night of March 14, 2011 or early hours of March 15, 2011 (preferably after midnight during the early hours of March 15, 2011) by those living in India.

The best time to observe this nonbu is between 2:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. IST on March 15, 2011 (i.e. after midnight of March 14, 2011) for those 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 4:30 a.m. IST on March 15, 2011 - which is 5:30 hours East time from GMT on March 15, 2011 (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.


Shadsheethi punya kaalam is to be observed on March 14, 2011 by those living in European countries and countries of the American continents. It is to be observed on March 15, 2011 by those living in rest of the world. 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.

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