Dhoorva Ganapathy vratam on July 31, 2014

Dear Members:

Naaga Chaturthi vratam/ Dhoorva Ganapathy vratam is to be observed on July 31, 2014 this year. Worshipping Lord Ganesha with Dhoorva Grass (Arukampul in Tamil) on this day is said to be very propitious. Those who have naaga/ Sarpa dosha in horoscopes and are experiencing obstacles for child-birth or marriage may benefit by offering a garland of dhoorva-grass to Lord Ganesha idols in temples near your house.  If you have Ganesha idols at home to which regular poojas are done, you may offer the garland to those idols; or you may simply invoke Lord Ganesha in a turmeric paste cone and offer dhoorva grass to secure His Grace.

 Those who cannot afford to perform elaborate homams or poojas  can benefit by simple recital of His Names like "Om Kshipra Prasaadanaaya namah" (for speedy Divine Intervention in crisis), "Om Vakrathundaaya namah"(to remove planetary malefic effects caused due to adverse planetary placement in horoscope), "Om Sumukhaaya namah" (to win goodwill of others), "Om Vigna vinaashinE namah" (for removal of obstacles), etc. Faith is the catalyst that transforms the above mantras into miraculous wish-fulfilling trees. So, recite the above mantras as per you capacity with Faith, Devotion, and Absolute Love for the Divine and file your petitions to Him to satisfy your wishes and legitimate needs. Of course, offering prayers without anticipating any result on a holy day like this is a still better thing for a pure devotee who can take both pain and pleasure as "gifts" from Almighty. Those of us who don't have that exalted mindset may still pray for mundane effects as described above.

May our members perform special prayers on this wonderful day and become recipients of Divine Grace.

Blessed be.

Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI

Aadi Pooram on July 30, 2014

Dear Members:

The auspicious Aadi Pooram festival falls on July 30, 2014 this year. It marks the appearance of the devotee-par-excellence Aandaal on earth (it was on this day when Shri Vishnu chittar - later hailed as Periyaazhwaar - found Aandal as a child when he was plucking flowers for daily pooja). This is celebrated with gaiety in all Vaishnavite temples. This day is also auspicious for propitiation of Mother Goddess in any of Her Forms. It is customary to offer bangles, turmeric pieces, blouse-bits or other auspicious items to ladies visiting temples and invoke the Blessings of Divine Mother (Shaastras say that when women are venerated, She Herself is Honoured).


Special prayers will be done for the welfare of our members tomorrow.

May Divine Grace be with us all.
 

Blessed be.
Pandit R DAKSHINAMOORTHI

Kaamika Ekaadasi - July 22, 2014

Dear Members:

The auspicious Kaamika ekaadasi is to be observed throughout the world on July 22, 2014 this year

Exceptions to the above:
Those living in Hawaai region of USA should observe this on July 21st itself.

Merits of this ekaadasi (from Brahmavaivarta puraanam)....

Observing the kaamikaa ekaadasi gives one the merit that accrues out of bathing in sacred rivers. Offering Tulsi to Lord Mahaavishnu on this day pleases our Lord more than offerings of even the Nine Gemstones of rarest quality! A devotee who does proper worship of Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves on this ekaadashi day reaches Vaikuntam directly after the end of this life. Proper observanace of this ekaadasi will please Yama Dharmaraaj also. It is customary to donate a ghee lamp/ sesame oil lamp to a Krishna temple on this ekaadashi day. Such a devotee will be blessed by all celestials. The merit accruing out of this ekaadashi is equivalent to that accruing out of recital of all Holy Scriptures.

Elsewhere, it has been mentioned by Lord Brahma to Sage Narada that the merit of observing this ekaadasi is equivalent to that obtained by donating a healthy cow along with her calf and one year's feed to a worthy vedic scholar. So, those who have vamsay Kshaya doshas in chart (yogas indicative of end of lineage due to past sins) might benefit by this ekaadasi which gives go-dhaana punya.

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

Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI

www.kasamba.com/psychic/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Rahu/ ketu peyarchi on July 13, 2014

This is about the transit of mean nodes of the Moon (Rahu/ Ketu).  Rahu will transit through Kanya rashi and Ketu will transit through Meena rashi from July 13, 2014 to Jan 30, 2016 taking Lahiri Chitra Paksha Ayanamsa standard for the calculations.

Why different dates are shown for this peyarchi and which is correct?

You might find different dates for transit on the web - some because they follow vaakya panchanga without the relevant correction as recommended by siddhanta works in astrology and thus may give the Rahu-ketu peyarchi on 21^st June 2014.  But, for astrological purposes, it is more correct to consider the mean node for transit calculations - which is what we have done and which is what drig ganitha based almanacs will also suggest. Based on such reckoning, Rahu-ketu peyarchi (transit) is on July 13, 2014 – 6-13 a.m. IST. Due to minor ayanamsa differences, some Drig ganitha panchangs show the Rahu/ ketu peyarchi on evening of July 12, 2014 – but as per my calculations, I am going to do the austerities only on July 13, 2014.

EFFECTS OF THIS TRANSIT FOR NATIVES BORN IN DIFFERENT RASHIS


For those born in Mesha rashi (vedic Moon sign in Aries), Rahu transits the auspicious 6th house from Moon sign giving success over rivals, and success in all activities. However, transit of ketu is not auspicious as it is in the 12th house from natal Moon sign. So, the results will be mediocre - the good and bad results balancing each other out. Due to auspicious transit of Jupiter until July 2015, the negative effects can be somewhat subdued, and there is scope for positive developments with hard efforts.

For those born in Rishabha Rashi (Moon sign in Taurus), Rahu transits the inauspicious 5th house. Women of this sign who are in the family way should undergo regular medical check-ups to rule out complications; relationship with close family members may come under strain. However, the transit of Ketu - in the 11th house from Moon sign can give good gains and career progress. Thus both good and not-so-good results are indicated by this transit. Those appearing for competitive examinations, or have critical appraisals coming up must back themselves by taking extra hard efforts, as the transit of Jupiter is also sensitive until July 2015.

For those born in Mithuna rashi (vedic moon sign in Gemini), Rahu transits the inauspicious 4th house. Health of elderly relatives - especially mother or mother's father/ mother may cause concern. There could also be relocation related anxieties or wearisome journeys due to professional reasons. Ketu's transiting the 10th house indicates possible good luck in some major projects after strenuous efforts. The effects can be said to be mediocre as Rahu and Ketu give different results based on this transit. As Jupiter's transit is auspicious right now these natives can expect reasonably good effects until July 2015.

For those born in Kataka rashi (Vedic Moon sign in Cancer), Rahu transits the auspicious 3rd house from natal Moon which can give good results and long awaited breakthroughs in life. Auspicious events can materialize for those who have been waiting for wedding bells to ring for a long time. Ketu's transit in the 9th house is slightly challenging for health of self, paternal relatives who are elderly, and overseas prospects - while it is also good for spiritual pursuits and visit to Holy Places. So, the effects are mixed for you. You need to be particularly careful in all activities especially until July 2015. The second half of 2015 will be tolerable due to good Jupiter transit at that time.

For those born in Simha rashi (vedic Moon sign in Leo), Rahu transits the inauspicious 2nd house while ketu transits the inauspicious 8th house from natal Moon sign. Health could be the main victim of such transits. Regularity in dietary and sleep routines, besides regulating the type of food consumed can go a long way in protecting your health. You must follow the rules of the road carefully while driving, and also be ready to take avoidance actions if the fools at the wheel of the other vehicles come your way impelled by fate – because there is accident-proneness due to this transit. Avoid self-medication at all cost as there is high risk of medicinal allergies.  Also if there are eye infections take immediate medical help and avoid procrastinating on that as eye-problems are strongly indicated during this phase. Also watch what you say under all circumstances; there is real risk of spoiling relationships by careless words.  Avoid raising heavy loans for any purpose as far as feasible.

For those born in Kanya rashi (vedic Moon sign in Virgo), Rahu transits natal Moon sign while ketu transits the 7th house from natal Moon sign; this transit is challenging for Kanya rashi natives. Rahu transiting the natal Moon sign will impel you to make mistakes due to miscalculations in life/ illusions. You should avoid taking impulsive decisions; domestic peace may be marred by unnecessary arguments/ anxieties due to influence of Ketu on the 7^th house from your rashi. Health of self and elderly relatives may cause concern. The good transit of Jupiter will shield you and reduce the negative effects to some extent until July 2015. As you will be free from sade-sathi influences after 2^nd November 2014, there is potential for positive developments in the period between 2^nd November 2014 and July 2015 for you as long as you take care to avoid faulty moves based on incorrect perceptions.

For those born in Tula rashi (vedic Moon sign in Libra), Rahu transits the 12th house from natal Moon sign while ketu transits the auspicious 6th house from natal Moon sign. Rahu's transit can cause finanace related controversies, unforeseen expenditure, wearisome journeys and heavy workload at work, possible relocation, etc. Expenditure can mount uncontrollably under the joint influence of Saturn and Rahu on your 12th house. Ketu's transit influence helps in overcoming rival activity and can promote gains by overcoming tough challenges. So, the results are mixed for you. The transit of Jupiter is also tough until July 2015 which necessitates extra-ordinary caution in all activities during this period.

For those born in Vrischika rashi (vedic Moon sign in Scorpio), Rahu transits the auspicious 11th house from natal Moon sign indicating removal of obstacles to auspicious events, success, good gains in business, etc. Ketu's transit over the 5th house can cause some anxiety regarding younger family members, trouble from secret rivals, occasional problems of liquidity for businessmen, and possible ill-health for self or other close family members. Thus the results are mixed for you. The good transit of Jupiter till July 2015 will reduce the negative influences and give scope for positive outcomes till July 2015.

For those born in Dhanus rashi (vedic Moon sign in Sagittarius), Rahu transits the 10th house from natal Moon sign, while ketu transits the 4th house from natal Moon sign. You should guard your reputation zealously as there is possible risk of scandals arising out of undesirable association. Health of self and maternal relatives may also be below par. You should be extra-careful in all activities. Students should avoid unnecessary distractions to get good grades. Career luck will be mediocre and success is possible only with hard and conscientious efforts. As the transit of Jupiter is also sensitive until July 2015, you must be very careful in all your activities.

 
For those born in Makara rashi (vedic Moon sign in Capricorn), Rahu transits the auspicious 9th house giving you unexpected positive outcomes, and good luck arising out of punya karma, and Ketu transits the 3rd house from rashi - which is auspicious and can give you improved self-confidence; So, those born in Makara rashi have a good influence based on the transit of nodes this time. You have a good spread of dinner on your tables and unless you spoil it, your party is likely to go great in the near future – especially as the transit of Jupiter is great for your sign until July 2015.

For those born in Kumbha rashi (vedic Moon sign of Aquarius), Rahu transits the inauspicious 8th house and ketu transits the inauspicious 2nd house from rashi. There could be obstacles to goals, strained relationship with relatives, fruitless journeys or travelling to distant lands, anxieties due to relocation, delay in getting funds released for auspicious purposes, etc. As the transit of Jupiter is also tough until July 2015, you need to take measured steps in all that you attempt.

For those born in Meena rashi (vedic Moon sign in Pisces), Rahu transits the 7th house and ketu transits the rashi itself. Transit of both nodes is difficult and much caution is need in all activities. Be diplomatic and guarded in your interactions with members of opposite gender, and be careful while taking new medicines. Health may be below par for elderly natives of this sign - including possibility of allergy to medicines or sudden bouts of illness that are not easy diagnosable. The good transit of Jupiter till July 2015 will reduce the negative impact of this transit, but you need to be extra-careful in the second half of the year 2015 and in the month of January 2016.

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Please note that the above results are general and this influence is just one of the many factors that impinge our life...These will be moderated by the effect of transit influences of other major planets and also the directional influences unique to your charts. To some extent I have touched upon the altered influences caused by transit of other major planets in this write-up, but to get the real impact of Rahu-ketu transit unique to your sign it is always best to consult an astrologer who has consistently caught the pulse of your chart correctly and guided you correctly (a family astrologer – like a family doctor is always best in guiding you as long as you have chosen the right person for that important role!; there are some influences that are unique to individuals which an astrologer who is constantly guiding an individual will be better aware of!)

ONE IMPORTANT GENERAL POSITIVE NOTE:  Since Jupiter in transit will aspect Ketu with its 9^th house aspect till July 2015, those rashis for whom Ketu’s transit has been indicated as sensitive in the write-up may find marginal relief from the tough effects due to Jupiter’s benevolent Grace. Jupiter's aspect cannot entirely nullify the negative effects - BUT - its benevolent aspect can ensure that as long as you are dharmic in your approach to matters and take refuge in prayers to protect your interests, such remedies can work well in protecting your prospects.

RAHU/KETU PEYARCHI HOMAM AT OUR PLACE (currently at Tiruvananmalai) ON JULY 13, 2014

Those who are under adverse Rahu-ketu peyarchi influences (especially those born under Meena rashi, Kumbha rashi, Simha, and Kanya rashis) should perform remedies to overcome the possible malefic influences. Worshipping Goddess Durga on Tuesdays/ Fridays, and Lord Ganesha on Chaturthi days will be good remedies for such natives. Also, if you can manage, you may visit shrines like those at /Shri Kaalahasti, /Tirunaageshwaram, Thirupaamburam, Tiruchengode, etc. for remedial prayers (you can visit any of these). Sethu snaanam (Holy bath at Rameshwaram) will also give relief from trouble caused by nodes.

We are organizing special homams on the occasion of this Rahu-ketu peyarchi on July 13, 2014. Mahaa Ganapathy homam, Chaamundi homam, Durga Sooktha homam, Prathiyangira homam, Vatuka Bhairava homam, Rahu beeja homam, ketu Beeja mantra homam will be done on that day. Recital of Durga Sapta slokhi, Graha dosha nivaarana Durga mantra, Sankashtanaashana Ganesha sthothram, Rahu sthothram, Rahu Kavacham, Ketu sthothram, and Ketu kavacham will also be done as part of the austerities. Those who are interested in participating in these for remedial purposes may write to me at: dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in for modalities of the participation in these.  Please write "Rahu/ketu transit 2014" in the subject line for my easy tagging of such mails.

Note: Those who have already taken part in the Jupiter transit austerities may remit the same part-sponsorship via the same account, and send me your particulars if you are interested in taking part in this too.

Please note that we won’t be sending homam prasadam or holy ash by post due to ritual purity reasons and those who wish to collect the prasadams must come in person to do so; for the others, the sankalpam taken in your name during the homams will be deemed “in-absentia” participation and the karmic effects of this performance will reach you any way.

Best regards,

Blessed be.

Pandit R DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Guru Poornima July 11/ July 12, 2014

Dear All:



Guru Poornima is an auspicious day when we offer our respects to the Guru Paramparaa - the unbroken line of Gurus beginning from Lord Sadashivaa Himself to our individual Gurus. [Vaishnavas might remember the Guru Parampara beginning from Shriman Naarayanan Himself, followed by Devarishi Narada, and down the lineage to their own Gurus].,

It is to be observed on July 12, 2014 in India, Middle-East (Gulf Countries), Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. Those living in U.S., Canada, and other countries of American continent must observe Guru Poornima vrat on July 11th itself. (Pournami pooja - which is to be done at night - the monthly pooja in Honour of Devi, and the Girivalam around Sacred Hills like Tiruvannamalai on Full Moon nights must be done on July 11th evening/ night by those living in India also; but Vyaasa pooja or Guru pooja must be done on July 12th morning by those living in India).

Sanyaasis of aamnaaya mutts offer Vyaasa pooja on this occasion.  Remembering our mentors whoever guided our lives in ever-so-small ways, or did poojas on our behalf for our welfare with gratitude is the recommended activity today.

We are planning to do special austerities in this connection, and will pray for Universal Welfare (I am not accepting part-sponsorships for this as already one my disciples has made a voluntary offering in this connection and has also requested homam performance which will support the performance).

Those who are initiated into Moola mantras of Shri Veda Vyaasa, Gorakhnaath, Sage Agasthya, Shri Medha Dakshinamoorthi, Shri Hayagreeva, Dattatreya, Hanumaan, Skanda, etc. can meditate on those Gurus with those mantra recitals.  Others may simply remember whomever they consider as their Gurus with devotion and gratitude today.

May Guru's Grace show us the light with which we can trace our way forward in our lives.

Sayani ekaadasi - 2014

This is about Sarva Sayana Ekaadasi (also known as Padma Ekaadasi) which is to be observed on  July 8th/ July 9th, 2014. This marks the beginning of Chaaturmaasya vratam (4 months of austerities - when pious people observe restraint in food, and ascetics are supposed to observe special austerities involving "staying in one place").

Schedule of observance of this fast for those living in various parts of the world:

a) Sarva ekaadasi - common to both vaishnava and Shaiva sampradaayas those living in U.S., Canada, and other American countries, Whole of Europe, Africa, and Asian countries to the West of India (like Gulf Countries,  Western parts of Russia) must be observed on July 8, 2014.
b) Smaartha ekaadasi - to be observed by those in Indian subcontinent (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Tibet, and South China regions bordering HImalayas) - July 8, 2014.

c) Vaishnavai ekaadasi for those living in Indian sub-continent - July 9, 2014.

d) Sarva ekaadasi - common to both Vaishnava and Shaiva traditions for those living in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji must be observed on July 9, 2014.

Sarva Sayana Ekaadasi falls on the bright fortnight of the month Aashaada. It is also known as Vishnu sayani ekaadasiIt is believed that after this Ekaadasi, Lord Vishnu goes to sleep along with the demi-gods (Yoga Nidra - not merely the senseless sleep of us mortals; the Lord's sleep is Yoga Nidra - a yogic trance where His Will is still active!) till He wakes up on Prabhodini Ekaadasi after 4 months.


Observance of this ekaadasi should be mainly for getting the Grace of Lord Vishnu. We should not fast on this day with any material gains in mind . Material gains like abundance and happiness of mind will follow automatically; but we are not supposed to make a sankalpa to this effect according to established traditions. We have seen that the other ekaadasis can also be observed with material gains like birth of child, or gain of fame or other material ends as sankalpa - but not this sayana ekaadasi. This ekaadasi automatically removes residual sins committed unknowingly.

To illustrate this effect, there is the legend of a great famine during the rein of the Great Surya Vamsha king Maandaata who was known for his righteousness. There was a minor sin in the kingdom due to transgression of a natural law of dharma which had resulted in famine in the kingdom. On the advice of Sage Aangirasa, the King instructed all his subjects (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyaas, and Sudras - i.e. all castes) to observe this ekaadasi fast on Sayana Ekaadasi for obtaining the Grace of Lord Vishnu. Due to the observance, the kingdom was relieved from the grips of pestilence.


Those who cannot afford to observe a full fast may fast by just avoiding rice and grains, and by consuming uncooked fruits/ vegetables or by drinking fruit juices or milk. But, please observe this important fast in some form and meditate on Lord Hari on this day with the pure intent of becoming recipients of His Grace.


Blessed be.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant

www.kasamba.com/psychic/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in