Panguni Utthiram - March 27, 2013

 
(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 27, 2013 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.


Blessed be.

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

Amalaki Ekadasi - March 22/ March 23, 2013

Dear Members:

The auspicious Aamalaki Ekaadasi is to be observed on March 23, 2013 in all parts of the world except countries in North and South American continents.  Even there, those who are living in regions falling under EST time zone, this should be observed on March 23, 2013.

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 purposes 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

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Kaaradaiyaan Nonbu - March 2013

Kaamaakshi amman

(image courtesy: www.hindugallery.com)

This is regarding an important austerity - Kaaradayaan nOnbu on March 14, 2013 (Thursday). This is to be observed between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. IST on March 14, 2013 by those living in India. Others living around the world must observe the vratam at the time corresponding to the above given time (i.e. at 4:30 p.m. IST what would be your local time at your place; observe the vrata at that time). This is because, this is one vrata that is to be observed at the time when Sun is about to leave sidereal Aquarius and enters sidereal Pisces (the vrata should begin at the time when Sun is still in sidereal Aquarius). So, it is to be observed at the same moment throughout the world (so the times will be different based on the local time zone - still it is at the same instant everywhere unlike other festivals that will be celebrated on different times based on local astronomical variables).

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 family traditions 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.

Unmarried women can also observe this vrata praying for the boon of good marital life and speedy settlement of marriage with a good spouse.

Blessed be.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

http://bit.ly/WaCtqU

Sani Pradosham on March 9, 2013; shivarathri on March 9/ March 10, 2013

Dear Members:

The highly propitious Sani Pradosham falls on March 9, 2013; You may remember the earlier sani pradosham on Feb 23, 2013 this year.

Pradosham - as you might all be aware is an auspicious vrattam for pleasing Lord Shiva. This day is the mark of our Lord's Grace to all living beings; He willingly lapped up the "Alahaala poison" emitted by the Giant Snake Vasuki during the process of churning of Milk Ocean by the Demons and Devas to save everyone from the malefic effects of that highly potent poison. Goddess Parvati, with great presence of mind, applied pressure on His neck, and the poison got stuck up on His Neck - giving His Neck the Blue Hue and thus He is Hailed by the name "Neelakanta." That Blue Neck is the testimony of the fact that the Lord willingly took up the ordeal of tasting Poison so that Nectar could be enjoyed by other Celestials. Lord Shiva swooned (to comply with the laws of nature - though He is above all that!) and rested on the lap of Goddess Parvati. He regained consciousness on the twilight of TrayOdashi thithi and broke into a Divine Cosmic Dance of sheer ecstasy (as the dangerous Haalahaala poison had turned into Amruta due to the touch of Goddess), and this is observed as Pradosha Vrat twice a fortnight.

As the original event happened on a Saturday, Pradosha falling on Saturdays is considered specially auspicious.

Lord Shiva is easily pleased by devotion, and any austerity performed during this day in His Honour is sure to make us dear to Him, and to help us balance our karmic balance-sheets with more positive karmic balance!

There are two ways of observing this Pradosham fast:

1) You can fast from sunrise till sunset. Break the fast after sunset and after completion of PradOsha Pooja to Lord Shiva, Goddess Shakti, Lord Ganesha, Lord Skanda, and importantly - Lord Nandi - the Divine Bull. Those who observe this fast should take a bath about 1-1/2 hours before sunset, and offer shiva pooja from about 1 hour before sunset till sunset, and break the fast at sunset. It is auspicious to have a darshan of Lord Shiva through the Horns of the Divine Bull on Pradosha days. Recite only Shiva mantra in Nandi's ears (many people recite their woes and prayer requests to Nandi; shastras indicate reciting shiva mantra in Nandi's ears is the right practice; you can then pray for other requests standing at a respectable distance from the Nandi and not straight into His ears - that are so Holy and which deserve the respect of being adorned by Shiva mantras and not to be sullied by our mundane requests that are endless and many times - undeserved! I have noted with pain that even some semi-informed astrologers in Television programs are encouraging people to do the wrong thing of voicing requests in the ears of Holy Nandikeshwara during pradosham misguiding the masses into a wrong practice; I hope readers of my blog will not insult the Shiva Bhakta Supreme - Nandikeshwara by disturbing His Ever-Absorved Shiva Conscious with mundane requests. Praying to Lord Shiva and respecting Nandikeshwara as ordained in shastras/ Agamas will AUTOMATICALLY take care of our karmas and then with the use of our own will-power we can handle our issues as true Shiva Bhaktas will! ).

2) The second method is to continue the austerities even after sunset; you may break the fast - but maintain an all-night vigil reciting Shiva mantras till next day's sunrise.

You may adopt any of the above two methods of Pradosha vrat.

Those who cannot fast may simply abstain from ritually impure foods (onions, garlics, meat products, eggs, etc.) and visit Shiva shrines nearby and take part in the Pradosha festivities.

Even if you can't fast completely or abstain from onion/ garlic (please avoid meat products and eggs at all costs if you observe pradosham vrat), or can't skip food, you may at least do simple Shiva meditation as much as feasible on Pradosham periods.

During Pradosha period all the Divine Energies (devas, yakshas, gandharvas, and all the demi-gods apart from Shri Vishnu and Shri Brahma - the other moorthis of the Divine Trinity) assemble in Lord Shiva's presence. So, offering Shiva Pooja on Pradosha day is akin to Honouring all Divine Forces. It is the practical experience of millions of people that pradosha vrat is a vrat par excellence in granting all boons - because Lord Shiva and His Divine Energies are said to be in the most blissful Form during this period.


We intend to visit the Holy Parvata Malai - hailed as Southern Kailaasa and offer special pooja in this connection for the welfare of all in general and some of our Paaraayanam group members who are regular part-sponsors in the fortnightly Pradosham abhishekams every month, in particular.

May our members also be blessed with His Grace by observing this Holiest of Fasts/ Austerities.

Schedule for Mahaa shivaraathri observance:

Those living in Gulf countries, India, and other countries of far east like Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand must observe Shiva Raathri on March 10, 2013.

Those living in U.S.A., Canada, and other countries of the American continents, and those living in U.k. and other Western European countries must observe Shiva Rathri on March 9, 2013 (for them Sani Pradosham and Shiva RAthri observance is on the same day - March 9, 2013).

This is a very glorious day for our Lord. This day is believed to be the day in which the Divine Union of Shakti and Shiva took place. It is said that one who keeps awake on this night and worships the Lord will never find himself/ herself in hell. Lord Shiva is Ashutosh (one who is easily pleased)....offering even plain water with devotion will please Him and the bounties that He will offer back can never be counted.Those who can chant Rudram/ chamakam, Shiva Sahasranaamam, Rudrasooktham, or other shaiva upanishads like Kata Rudra Upanishad,Rudra Hrudayham, Dakshinamoorthi Upanishad, etc. may do so to please the Lord. Even if you are unable to do so, you may simply chant "shiva shiva" throughout the day whenever possible and become recipients of His Grace.

Those who have Sakata yoga or such other destabilizing yogas in their charts may benefit by offering either a Rudrabhisheka or performance of Pasupata homam (Paasupata homam is done using the rarely known Pashupataastra mantra with the help of advanced Shiva upaasakas - normal shastris may not be aware of this rare mantra - only those who have studied Dhanurveda portions as part of their upavedic instructions - especially those of Baudhaayana sutra and Aghoris/ Pashupata sects of Shiva upaasakas are usually adept at this Pasupataastra mantra which is very powerful and helps in reducing the impact of lot of doshas. Rudra Abhishekam can be done by any priest as it is widely known and anyone who has had vedic instructions will be definitely thorough with this performance)

The Merit that will accrue out of a proper Shiva pooja done throughout the day and especially in all prahars of the night can never be described adequately. Puranas describe how even an unlettered and rough hunter got Salvation by unwitting observance of the Holy Shiva Rathri and by offering Bilva patra by accident to a Shiva Linga on that night. Do what simple pooja you can with heart-felt Love - to Him Who drank Poison so that the Universe will be saved from its effects and so that other demigods may consume Nectar.

He is the Medha Dakshinamoorthi who kindles our Intellect as JagatGuru....He is the Mrityunjaya who conqured Death.....He is the Neelakanta - with Poison in His Throat which He willingly consumed to save the Universe.......He is the Vaidyanaatha who can Heal all our ailments.....He is the Three-Eyed One - the third Eye of whom is of Agni tatwa that burns all the sins of his devotees......

If He had gifted a thousand heads with 1000 intelligent brains and 1000 proficient tongues....even then they will not be sufficient to describe even a miniscule portion of His Glory.May His Grace Guide us all and may His Blessings Fill our life.

We will be doing Shiva Rathri related japams, archanas, and abhishekams as usual as we do every year at our residence on March 10, 2013.

I will be offering the prayers for Universal Welfare and will be meeting the expenses in that regard from personal resources, and so I am not calling forth any special sponsorships for this performance.  I will pray for all Paaraayanam group members' welfare and the welfare of those who need special prayers in their critical situations during this.

I request all our members to observe this Holy Shiva Rathri with devotion and as much ritual purity as possible and become recipients of Lord Shiva's Grace.

Sarvam shivaarpanamasthu. Shiva shiva shiva.

Om Namah shivaya.

Om Neelakantaaya sambhavE

Hara Hara Mahaa DEvaa.

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Vijaya Ekaadasi - March 7/ March 8, 2013

The auspicious Vijaya Ekaadashi falls on March 7/ March 8, 2013 this year.

Those living in countries of the American continents (both and North and South), Carribean Isles, U.K., and West European countries must observe this on March 7, 2013.

Those living in middle East countries (Gulf countries), India, and other Eastern countries must observe this on March 8, 2013.

This ekaadashi - as the name implies - gives success in all ventures. Puranas say that Lord Ramachandra observed this ekaadashi on the instructions of the sage Bagadalbhya, and gained the power to cross the ocean with his army of vanaras, and to defeat the mighty demon Raavana.

(My note: It is not as if Lord Vishnu manifest in Raama did not possess the Divine Powers to cross the ocean or to defeat Ravana; it is only that He was acting as a normal human being in that Incarnation and hence avoided manifesting His Divine Maaya and Yogic powers; moreover, He - The Maryaada Purusha - Ideal Being, observed the vrattam just as an example to all of us!)

The skanda purana details the manner in which Shri Ramachandra Murthi observed the Vijaya Ekaadashi fast along with His commanders on the specific instructions of Sage Bakadalbhya.....

A kalasha is to be made ready for worship on the day before the ekaadashi. A pot of clay, copper, silver, or gold is to be filled with water; the opening of the pot covered with mango leaves, and above that, in the concave portion, pomogrenate, barley crop, and coconut are to be placed; the kalash is to be placed on a mound of seven grains and decorated with sandalwood paste and garlands. Above this, a golden image of Lord Narayana is to be placed, and duly worshipped all night (on the night before ekaadashi fast). The next day morning, again special prayers are to be offered; night vigil is to be maintained near the kalash on the ekaadashi night also. At dawn-break on Dwaadashi day, the kalash is to be taken to a sea-shore or river bank, and it is to be donated to a vedic expert.

Now-a-days many of those rituals might be difficult for us to observe in modern life (especially maintaining two continuous nights without sleep, and finding a suitable vedic expert in river bank to donate the kalash with the golden idol!). But, nevertheless, observance of this fast with devotion in a manner that is convenient to us will definitely help us to gain victory life.

Lord Krishna says that observance of this ekaadashi can give merit that is equivalent to merit obtained by performance of Aswamedha sacrifice!

May our members observe this to the best of their abilities and become recipients of Divine Grace.

Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

www.liveperson.com/Pandit-dakshinamoorthi

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