Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Friday, December 23, 2016
Saphala Ekaadasi - December 24/ December 25, 2016
Dear Members:
The auspicious Saphala Ekaadashi falls on December 24/ December 25, 2016.
The observance of this fast for different places on the globe is as follows:
1) for USA, Canada, West Indies, and other countries in American Continent, those living in United Kingdom, and countries in Europe, those living in Gulf countries, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh - December 24, 2016 (sarva Ekaadasi - common to both Smaartha and Vaishnava traditions on December 24, 2016).
2) For those living in South-East Asian countries (Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia) and observing Smaartha traditions the Ekaadasi is to be observed on December 24, 2016; those living in these places and observe Vaishnava traditions must observe the Ekaadasi fast on December 25, 2016.
2) For those living in Japan, Eastern parts of China, Korea, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Japan, the ekaadasi fast is to be observed on December 25, 2016. (both Smaartha and Vaishnav traditions).2) For those living in South-East Asian countries (Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia) and observing Smaartha traditions the Ekaadasi is to be observed on December 24, 2016; those living in these places and observe Vaishnava traditions must observe the Ekaadasi fast on December 25, 2016.
Glory of Saphala Ekaadashi
This is mentioned in Brahmaanda Purana. Fasting on Saphala Ekaadashi will help in cleansing all sins committed earlier, and also helps in attaining fame in this life.
Lumbaka - the son of a king was always questioning the authority of Lord Vishnu, and due to this irreverent attitude, he was exiled from the kingdom. He continued with his irreverential attitude, and added to that began plundering the wealth of poor villagers. He took his abode beneath a banyan tree, started killing animals, and began eating raw meat. (The legend purports to describe that the king's son had fallen into sinful ways that will add severely to karmic account).
Once, he fell ill on a particular day and hence could not partake his usual meals (of raw meat!); he also remained awake all night due to his sickness. As the day was Saphala Ekaadashi fast day, he had unknowingly followed the vrat! The next day he felt better and intuitively realized that this was all due to Grace of Lord Vishnu. He realized his mistake, returned to his father with a repentant attitude, and lived happily thereafter.
Such is the glory of the Saphala Ekaadashi - even a person who unknowingly kept that fast could gain Grace of Shri Vishnu. So, what to speak of the Holy and Pious persons who undertake this fast with full faith and with Divine Contemplation? Is it not obvious that Heavenly glory is open to those who undertake this auspicious Saphala Ekaadashi Fast?
Special austerities recommended in connection with this ekaadasi:
1) Offer Pomegranate, guava, variety of nuts, coconut, betel leaves, areca nuts, mangoes, and aromatic spices (like cloves, cardamom, etc.) in Honour of Lord Aadhi Naaraayana (The Original Viraat Roopa of Shriman Naaraayana - with His Consort Lakshmi on His Breast and mounted on Shri Garuda, and carrying His Divine Conch and Disc with Full Glory) on this day. You can partake these items as prasad on dwaadasi day if you are keeping a full fast; those who are only observing partial fast (just abstaining from whole-grains and beans) may partake these in lieu of regular diet.
2) Light a ghee lamp in Honour of Lord Naraayana and Goddess Lakshmi in your pooja place and recite the Holy Ashtaakshari (Om NamO Naaraayanaaya) as many times as possible. Recital of Naaraayana Sooktham and Purushasooktham can also be done by those who are intiated into these vedic hymns.
A full-night vigil is also recommended. Those who cannot maintain a full-night vigil may at least recite Shriman Naaraayana naama as many times as possible and sleep with Divine Thought.
May our members undertake this fast and feel Blessed by Divine Grace.
Blessed be.
Pandit R DAKSHINAMOORTHI
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in
Monday, December 12, 2016
Tiruvannamalai Deepam today
Dear All:
Tiruvannamalai Deepam is observed today. Am writing this post just before embarking on Girivalam.
On this holy day, I thought of sharing His Holiness of Revered Memory - Shri Shri Chandrasekara Saraswathy swamigal about this Karthikai deepam's significance.....(given below is the translation of Mahaswami's views - courtesy Shri. C.V. Sathya Narayanan)....
QUOTE:
We light up a series of earthen lamps on the day of the star of Kruttika in the month of Kaartigai. At that time we are to sing this sloka as given in the saastraa-s:-
keedaa: patangaa: masagaascha vrukchaa: jale stale ye nivasanti jeevaa: I drushtvaa pradeepam na cha janma baajaa bavanti nityam svabasaa hi vipraa: II
This means, "We pray that, whosoever sees this lamp that we are lighting, they be worms, birds or mosquitoes or trees and such plants; all life forms which live in water or on earth; or may be human beings of whatever caste or creed; seeing this light may have the effect on them that all their sins are washed away and they may transcend the cycle of life and death and reach ever lasting happiness"!
Not only life forms in land and water. By saying 'patangaa:' (birds) and 'masakaa:' (mosquitoes) all flying birds and insects have been included. Though they fly in the air, the mosquitoes lay the eggs in water only. Birds similarly have to come down to a nest to rest and lay eggs. There are fishes which can live only in water while some animals like frogs and crocodiles which are equally adept in land and water. Having identified each such variety, the prayer is for cancellation of all their sins and crossing over the ocean of life.
This Kaartigai Deepam seen by any of these life forms may give them ever lasting merit, it is prayed! The word 'drushtvaa' in the slokam means, 'having been seen'. 'Vruksham' the tree is also mentioned. The tree cannot see. As per science, the plants do have some senses. But, we do not know if they have any capacity to see. They do differentiate between sunlight and shadow and grow towards the sunlight! I feel that the interpretation is that, it does not matter even if they cannot see or do not see this light. The prayer is that, still the effect of cancellation of all sins should be there!
As light does not differentiate between Tom, Dick and Harry; between all castes, creeds and sects; between birds, animals, plants and insects; between mobile (jangama) and static (staavara) life forms; the Love from our hearts should be universally applicable and effective! With such inner intension, the outer earthen lamp should be lighted, with the prayer as quoted above to make the Kaartigai Deepam effective.
In the past during festivals, it was the custom to light up what is known as ‘chokkap paanai’, which was a massive earthen lamp. In Thiruvannamalai, it is a practice even in modern times, on Kartigai evening as the Sun goes down, to light up a huge Deepam in which several Kilo Grams of Ghee is poured in a wide hole in the rock face on top of the hill. The wick is several feet thick. It is a sight to be seen and heard some ten lac people shouting, ‘Arohara’ as the light comes on to be seen miles away.
107. Similarly as the pilgrimage season ends in Sabari Hills in Kerala, the light comes up on ‘Kaanta Malai Hill’ known to Ayyappa devotees as ‘Makara Jyoti’ on Makara Sankranti evening! The idea is to instill universal unconditional Love in the minds of all onlookers!
Normally there are more animals with two and or four legs. The fly, roach and beetle have six, spider has eight and some of the creepers like the centipede have many legs. There are prayers in the Veda-s seeking the welfare of two, four, six, eight and many legged animals and those without legs, such as the snake and the fish!
The fully realized soul does not differentiate between Brahmin and Non-brahmin, says Bhagawat Gita (5.18.). Though we may differ in our occupations and Karma Anushtaana, when it comes to compassion and love, there should not be any differentiation whatsoever! That is how, Rantideva did daanam to a brahmin and finally gave his last bit of water to a sudra. In this Kaartigai Deepam slokam too, all human beings are included as ‘svabasaa hi vipraa:’, meaning ‘the whole range of people from non-brahmin to the brahmin’! Our saastraa-s do not differentiate even between the good and bad, when wishing well. Our saastraa-s go even beyond and conveys its best wishes to all those residents of the Naraka (Hell) too.
Courtesy: C.V.Sathya Narayanan.
==============END QUOTE====================
I could not have added anything to that Mahatma's views and hence am humbly just quoting His Holiness' views here for the benefit of our blog readers.
May many blessings be to everyone.
om Namah shivaya.
Tiruvannamalai Deepam is observed today. Am writing this post just before embarking on Girivalam.
On this holy day, I thought of sharing His Holiness of Revered Memory - Shri Shri Chandrasekara Saraswathy swamigal about this Karthikai deepam's significance.....(given below is the translation of Mahaswami's views - courtesy Shri. C.V. Sathya Narayanan)....
QUOTE:
We light up a series of earthen lamps on the day of the star of Kruttika in the month of Kaartigai. At that time we are to sing this sloka as given in the saastraa-s:-
keedaa: patangaa: masagaascha vrukchaa: jale stale ye nivasanti jeevaa: I drushtvaa pradeepam na cha janma baajaa bavanti nityam svabasaa hi vipraa: II
This means, "We pray that, whosoever sees this lamp that we are lighting, they be worms, birds or mosquitoes or trees and such plants; all life forms which live in water or on earth; or may be human beings of whatever caste or creed; seeing this light may have the effect on them that all their sins are washed away and they may transcend the cycle of life and death and reach ever lasting happiness"!
Not only life forms in land and water. By saying 'patangaa:' (birds) and 'masakaa:' (mosquitoes) all flying birds and insects have been included. Though they fly in the air, the mosquitoes lay the eggs in water only. Birds similarly have to come down to a nest to rest and lay eggs. There are fishes which can live only in water while some animals like frogs and crocodiles which are equally adept in land and water. Having identified each such variety, the prayer is for cancellation of all their sins and crossing over the ocean of life.
This Kaartigai Deepam seen by any of these life forms may give them ever lasting merit, it is prayed! The word 'drushtvaa' in the slokam means, 'having been seen'. 'Vruksham' the tree is also mentioned. The tree cannot see. As per science, the plants do have some senses. But, we do not know if they have any capacity to see. They do differentiate between sunlight and shadow and grow towards the sunlight! I feel that the interpretation is that, it does not matter even if they cannot see or do not see this light. The prayer is that, still the effect of cancellation of all sins should be there!
As light does not differentiate between Tom, Dick and Harry; between all castes, creeds and sects; between birds, animals, plants and insects; between mobile (jangama) and static (staavara) life forms; the Love from our hearts should be universally applicable and effective! With such inner intension, the outer earthen lamp should be lighted, with the prayer as quoted above to make the Kaartigai Deepam effective.
In the past during festivals, it was the custom to light up what is known as ‘chokkap paanai’, which was a massive earthen lamp. In Thiruvannamalai, it is a practice even in modern times, on Kartigai evening as the Sun goes down, to light up a huge Deepam in which several Kilo Grams of Ghee is poured in a wide hole in the rock face on top of the hill. The wick is several feet thick. It is a sight to be seen and heard some ten lac people shouting, ‘Arohara’ as the light comes on to be seen miles away.
107. Similarly as the pilgrimage season ends in Sabari Hills in Kerala, the light comes up on ‘Kaanta Malai Hill’ known to Ayyappa devotees as ‘Makara Jyoti’ on Makara Sankranti evening! The idea is to instill universal unconditional Love in the minds of all onlookers!
Normally there are more animals with two and or four legs. The fly, roach and beetle have six, spider has eight and some of the creepers like the centipede have many legs. There are prayers in the Veda-s seeking the welfare of two, four, six, eight and many legged animals and those without legs, such as the snake and the fish!
The fully realized soul does not differentiate between Brahmin and Non-brahmin, says Bhagawat Gita (5.18.). Though we may differ in our occupations and Karma Anushtaana, when it comes to compassion and love, there should not be any differentiation whatsoever! That is how, Rantideva did daanam to a brahmin and finally gave his last bit of water to a sudra. In this Kaartigai Deepam slokam too, all human beings are included as ‘svabasaa hi vipraa:’, meaning ‘the whole range of people from non-brahmin to the brahmin’! Our saastraa-s do not differentiate even between the good and bad, when wishing well. Our saastraa-s go even beyond and conveys its best wishes to all those residents of the Naraka (Hell) too.
Courtesy: C.V.Sathya Narayanan.
==============END QUOTE====================
I could not have added anything to that Mahatma's views and hence am humbly just quoting His Holiness' views here for the benefit of our blog readers.
May many blessings be to everyone.
om Namah shivaya.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Dattatreya Jayanthi on December 13, 2016
Dear Members:
Dattatreya Jayanthi is observed on 13th December 2016 this year.
Shri Guru DattaatrEya is an incarnation possessing the Divine attributes of the Trimurthis (Brahma, vishnu, and Shiva) with Sage Atri and the sage's Wife Anusuyaa Devi as His parents. He is an Aadi Guru of the avadhoota sampradaaya. He is a Divine Form who can be easily pleased by mere remembrance of Him ("smarana maatra santushtaaya!")
Anusuyaa Devi - the wife of Sage Atri was known for Her Piety and virtues. Sage Naarada was extolling Her virtues to Goddesses Saraswathy, Lakshmi, and Paarvathy. The Goddesses requested the Trimurthies to test her virtues. The trimurthis took the form of mendicants and went as athithis to the hermitage of Sage Atri when He was not there. Sagess Anusuya offered them the traditional respects due to athithis, and requested them to partake meals in the hermitage. The mendicants imposed the condition that they will partake meals only on one condition that Anusuyaa should serve them stark naked!
Anusuyaa Devi was in a moral fix....According to customs of those times in hermitages (even normal households for that matter!), an athithi was never to be turned away without feeding him. But, at the same time, as a pious and modest wife of a sage, she cannot even think of being nude in front of grown up strangers. She meditated on her husband, and sprinkled Holy Water from his kamandal (a sort of water container kept by sages) on the three mendicants. They got transformed into three infants by the power of her pious devotion to her husband. Obviously, there can be no reservation in being nude in front of infants! She fed them in that condition and thus satisfied the conditions of modesty as well as athithi bhojana (feeding guests). When Sage Atri returned to the hermitage, Anusuyaa Devi showed the three Divine Infants and explained the course of events. Sage Atri of course could Divine the events by His clairvoyance powers.
The three Devis visit
ed the hermitage and beseeched the couple to return their husbands in their original Divine Forms. The couple agreed, but requested that they should have a Divine Child with the potency of the three murthis. Thus was born Shri DattatrEyaa - "Datta AatrEyaa - One who was given as Gift to Shri Atri maharishi and His wife."Though Anusuyaa Devi wanted Dattatreya to live the life of a householder, He rejected those pleas and instead chose to live in the ways of a Avadhootaa (a complete renunciate - who transcends all sorts of differences and restrictions, and living in the High State of Spontaneous Living called "SwEchaachaaryaa"; saints who live that do what they feel like doing at that moment naturally...they do not follow any rigid rules or regulations in life - allowing Divinity to guide them each and every moment in the form of random thoughts that arise in their conscious!). Datta Gitaa is a philosophical work of wonderful metaphysical depth and beauty.
Many are the miracles of Shri DattatrEyaa right from His times to the current periods. The most famous devotees of Shri DattarEyaa are Sage Parasuraama (Shri DattatrEyaa helped Sage Parasuraamaa in performing the last rites of his father and ensured that the deceased sages attained PUnya Lokhaas), and Shri Kaartaveeryaarjunaa (The Mighty King with One thousand shoulders! who was an Incarnation of Sudarshana - the Holy Disc of Lord Vishnu). In fact, Shri Kaartaveeryaarjuna was born without limbs as an infant, and it was by the power of tapasya focussed on Shri DattatrEyaa that he got 1000 pairs of hands and a mighty physique. Additionally, Shri Datta blessed him with a treasury that will never become empty, and also a boon that whosoever remembers the King Kaartaveeryaarjunaa will be able to retrieve lost property and realise rightful properties snatched away from them by force. Kaartaveeryaarjuna also had a boon that he can be defeated and killed only by a disciple/ devotee of Shri DattatrEyaa. When King Kaartaveeryaarjuna started behaving in arrogant manner, and had a clash with Jamadagni rishi, he met his end in the hands of Sage Parasuraama - the Incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and a devotee of Shri DatttrEyaa as per the boon. The Most Highly Venerated Shridi Sai Baba is one example of a modern day avadhootaa of the Datta sampradaaya. There are other saints also of that tradition who have a wide following today.
THE DIVINE FORM OF LORD DATTATREYA
Lord Dattatreya is often meditated upon with a Cow (KaamadhEnu) at His back, and 4 dogs at His feet. The Cow - KaamadhEnu represents the truth that whatever legitimate wish you have will be bestowed upon you when you pray to Him. The 4 dogs represent the 4 vedaas. Lord DattatrEyaa - the Trimutrhi swaroopi has the characteristic Divine Weapons of the Trimurthis - in His hands and three heads representing the Trimurthis (also representing Satwaa, Rajas and Tamas gunaas!)
Yet another popular Divine Form that is usually venerated by followers of siddha/ Naath traditions is His Form with the 9 famous Nath saints.
Shri DattatrEya is easily pleased by mere Remembrance of Him. He may manifest in the form of an uninvited guest at noon, a mad beggar, a young child, or even ghostly forms (that is what His Moola mantra says ......." Baala Unmatta Pisaacha vEshaaya!"). Annadhaan (donation of food) to poor and needy is the charity that is closest to His Heart. Many devotees of Lord Datta have had Him visit their houses in the form of unknown guests at Noon. So, if possible, try to donate to charities specializing in feeding the poor on this day. As Dattatreya helped Sage Parasuraama in performance of rituals to ensure salvation of pitrus, He will help us also to get relieved from pitru doshas of all kinds. Also, yati saapaa (curse of saints/ sages/ mendicants) that might have arisen due to insult meted out to renunciates can be remedied by worship of Lord DattatrEyaa. Recital of DattatrEya Vajra Kavacham will help in nullifying even most terrible planetary afflictions. So, if you have people who are sick and whose conditions elude proper management by health professionals may benefit by recital of DattatrEya Vajra Kavacham recital.
SPECIAL AUSTERITIES AT OUR PLACE IN THIS CONNECTION
We are planning to conduct special chants and homams on Datta Jayanthi day this year also. Shri DattatrEya Moola mantra homam, Dattatreya vajra kavacham, sthothras, and Shri Kaartaveeryaarjuna homam will be conducted at my temporary residence at Bangalore on December 13, 2016 (We Honour Kaartaveeryaarjuna also on that day because He is a proof to the fact that Faith on Datta can transform lives even overcoming Fate; the limbless child - who was considered inauspicious by his own parents - became the mighty 1000 armed warrior whose name and mantras have proved auspicious to countless generations - all due to Guru Datta's Grace) .
Worship of Karthaveeryaarjuna is a recommended procedure in mantra shastraic classics for overcoming the activities of rivals, to get back lost positions, to reunite with estranged relatives/ friends, to get Divine Assistance in tracing missing objects/ persons, to counter black-magic done against us by enemies, to get success in all ventures and gain favour of those in authority, and for overcoming tough planetary aspects in general. It can be a highly auspicious worship for business persons who have begun new ventures,those who are tormented by powerful foes, and for politicians aspiring for powerful positions of authority especially.
Those sponsors who are in a position to attend the Japam/ austerities might do so on this date. For the others, please note that the pooja parasadam will not be sent by post due to ritual purity concerns and logistic difficulties. Inclusion of your name, gothra, and star in the sankalpam will be deemed "in-absentia" participation. Those who are interested may avail the pooja service by mailing me at: dakshinastrologer@rediffmail.com
The offering options are as below (to give an idea about the cost of participation in the austerities):
a) Dattatreya and Karthaveerya homam part-sponsorship - Rs.2000 (rupees two thousand only).
b) Dattatreya Moola mantra japam and archana in the evening with chanting of sthothras in His Honour - Rs.350 (rupees three hundred and fifty only)
c) Kaarthveeryaarjuna archana and Japam- Rs.350 (rupees three hundred and fifty only).
d) DattatrEya Vajra Kavacham recital and special pooja in that connection - Rs.500 (rupees five hundred only).
Please note: Part-sponsors of the main homam will be automatically included in Dattatreya Moola mantra japam, Vajra Kavacham and Karthaveerya Arjuna japam recitals. So, those who are availing that sponsorship scheme need not remit additionally for the other japams.
As paypal does not work for me any more, you have make the remittance only directly via my bank account, or send money via money2india site of icici bank. I will share the details of my account when you get in touch with me via email if you are interested in the participation. Regular sponsors - who have made remittance to my bank account for earlier austerities may use the same account for this remittance too; once you make the remittance, please keep me informed via email about the remittance particulars for me to follow up with the bank regarding that.
Apart from prayers for the benefit of the sponsors, prayers will also be raised for Universal Welfare. You may also attend poojas/ homams conducted by other pious persons near your place on this holy day.
Those who are not in a position to attend special on Datta jayanthi may still become recipients of His Grace by just repeating the mantra "Om Jai Guru Dattaa" or "Om Jai Satguru Shri DattatrEyaaya namah" as many times as possible on His Jayanthi day - whenever time permits - even in between your normal activities in life. This is a siddha mantra and needs no initiation; anyone without any distinction of class, creed, religion, and gender can recite this at ANYTIME. He is easily pleased and His worship is without unnecessary frills and procedures such that even a child can perform the pooja (because you may do it in any way you wish to do!)
Try to feed at least one poor person or sponsor annadhaan at any holy place as per your capacity - because Guru Dattatreya might come in any form and accept annadhaan, and performing annadhaan to needy persons is one of the easiest ways to become recipients of His Grace.
May our members become recipients of Lord DattatrEyaa's Grace by observing simple austerities in His Honour on His Jayanthi day as per their convenience and enjoy blissful lives.
Blessed be.
Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Mokshadaa ekaadasi 2016
Dear members:
The auspicious Mokshadaa ekaadashi falls in the bright half of the month Margasira.
On a different note, it was on this day that Bhagavat Gitaa was initiated to Shri Arjuna by Lord Krishna at Kurukshetra. So, this day is also observed as Gitaa Jayanthi. It is auspicious to gift copy of Bhagavat Gitaa to aspirants of vedantaa or do what you can to propogate the Shrimad Bhagavat Gita on this day. Recite at least one chapter, or at least one slokha from Shrimad Bhagavat Gita today understanding its meaning and applicability even in today's life. Those who can, may even perform the Bhagavat Gitaa Homam if it is feasible for them. The merits of this performance cannot be elaborated by normal human beings like me since Bhagavat Gitaa is the Essence of all the Upanishads (Vedanta), initiated to Paarthaa - the Disciple-Supreme by none other than Lord Krishna - Godhead Supreme in the Punya Bhoomi of Kurukshetra where a Dharma Yuddha was scheduled!
May our readers observe this ekaadashi with devotion and be recipients of God's Grace that will liberate them from endless cycles of transmigration of soul.
Blessed be.
Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in
The auspicious Mokshadaa ekaadashi falls in the bright half of the month Margasira.
It is also known as Kaisika ekaadasi .
It is to be observed on December 10, 2016 throughout the world (though some almanacs suggest that those following Smaartha traditions and living in the U.S., Canada, and other countries of American continents should observe it on December 9, 2016 this year, the preferred day for observance is December 10, 2016 which is what I recommend to those who look up to me as their Preceptor for these observances).
Glory of Mokshadaa ekaadashi
Mokshadaa ekaadashi - as the name implies has the potential to give Liberation from cycle of endless births and deaths for our soul. Its main goal is to help us in attaining Ever Lasting Bliss in the Lotus Feet of our Lord.
Lord Vishnu in His form of DAMODARA ( kindly refer shrimad Bhaagavatam to know more about these Divine Forms of Lord Vishnu, and how He manifests in His different Forms; generally you may meditate on Four handed form of Lord Vishnu) should be venerated on this Holy Day. A ghee lamp, incense, and tulsi buds should be offered respectfully along with prayers to Lord DamOdharaa on this most auspicious of days.
Legend of Mokshadaa ekaadashi
There is a legend explained in the Brahma vaivarta Puranaa extolling the glory of Mokshadaa ekaadashi as narrated by Lord Krishna to Yudhishtra. Listening to this legend is said to confer the merit equivalent to that obtained by AswamEdha yagna (Horse Sacrifice!). Lord Krishna further adds that the glory of this ekaadasi can give heavenly bliss to the souls of all deceased relatives of the person who observes this fast religiously.
There was a saintly King of yore by name Vaikhaanasa (it is not clear whether it is the same person who gave genesis to the Hallowed Vaikhaanasa aagama - one of the major aagamaas for Vaishnavites) who ruled over a kingdom called Champakanagaram. His kingdom was glorious in every way blessed as it was with a saintly and able king who treated his subjects as his own children, and also with knowledgeable and pious priestly class who were well learnt in all vedic sacrifices and rituals. One night, the king had a terrible dream in which he saw his father suffering torments in hellish regions. When he enquired about this to the Brahmins of his court, they directed him to Parvata Maharishi - a great tapasvi. When the king approached Parvata Maharishi, after formal exchange of pleasantaries, the king broached the topic of a recent torment that he has experiened. The sage, by His Divine Vision, understood the reason for the king's anxiety and also the cause for the torment of his father's soul in hell - the king's father, in his earlier life, had enjoyed his wife forcibly against her wishes during her monthly periods. That grievous sin against a righteous woman had given him the present hellish sufferings.
The king wanted a remedy to absolve the sins of his father and to get him liberated to Higher Planes. The Sage Parvata recommended performance of this Mokshadaa ekaadasi and to donate the merit acquired by this performance to his father's soul upon which the soul will get liberated from Hell. The king did accordingly along with his wife and all relatives, and by the power of this performance, the king's father was liberated from Hell and was taken by messengers of demi-gods to Celestial Planes.
It is to be observed on December 10, 2016 throughout the world (though some almanacs suggest that those following Smaartha traditions and living in the U.S., Canada, and other countries of American continents should observe it on December 9, 2016 this year, the preferred day for observance is December 10, 2016 which is what I recommend to those who look up to me as their Preceptor for these observances).
Glory of Mokshadaa ekaadashi
Mokshadaa ekaadashi - as the name implies has the potential to give Liberation from cycle of endless births and deaths for our soul. Its main goal is to help us in attaining Ever Lasting Bliss in the Lotus Feet of our Lord.
Lord Vishnu in His form of DAMODARA ( kindly refer shrimad Bhaagavatam to know more about these Divine Forms of Lord Vishnu, and how He manifests in His different Forms; generally you may meditate on Four handed form of Lord Vishnu) should be venerated on this Holy Day. A ghee lamp, incense, and tulsi buds should be offered respectfully along with prayers to Lord DamOdharaa on this most auspicious of days.
Legend of Mokshadaa ekaadashi
There is a legend explained in the Brahma vaivarta Puranaa extolling the glory of Mokshadaa ekaadashi as narrated by Lord Krishna to Yudhishtra. Listening to this legend is said to confer the merit equivalent to that obtained by AswamEdha yagna (Horse Sacrifice!). Lord Krishna further adds that the glory of this ekaadasi can give heavenly bliss to the souls of all deceased relatives of the person who observes this fast religiously.
There was a saintly King of yore by name Vaikhaanasa (it is not clear whether it is the same person who gave genesis to the Hallowed Vaikhaanasa aagama - one of the major aagamaas for Vaishnavites) who ruled over a kingdom called Champakanagaram. His kingdom was glorious in every way blessed as it was with a saintly and able king who treated his subjects as his own children, and also with knowledgeable and pious priestly class who were well learnt in all vedic sacrifices and rituals. One night, the king had a terrible dream in which he saw his father suffering torments in hellish regions. When he enquired about this to the Brahmins of his court, they directed him to Parvata Maharishi - a great tapasvi. When the king approached Parvata Maharishi, after formal exchange of pleasantaries, the king broached the topic of a recent torment that he has experiened. The sage, by His Divine Vision, understood the reason for the king's anxiety and also the cause for the torment of his father's soul in hell - the king's father, in his earlier life, had enjoyed his wife forcibly against her wishes during her monthly periods. That grievous sin against a righteous woman had given him the present hellish sufferings.
The king wanted a remedy to absolve the sins of his father and to get him liberated to Higher Planes. The Sage Parvata recommended performance of this Mokshadaa ekaadasi and to donate the merit acquired by this performance to his father's soul upon which the soul will get liberated from Hell. The king did accordingly along with his wife and all relatives, and by the power of this performance, the king's father was liberated from Hell and was taken by messengers of demi-gods to Celestial Planes.
On a different note, it was on this day that Bhagavat Gitaa was initiated to Shri Arjuna by Lord Krishna at Kurukshetra. So, this day is also observed as Gitaa Jayanthi. It is auspicious to gift copy of Bhagavat Gitaa to aspirants of vedantaa or do what you can to propogate the Shrimad Bhagavat Gita on this day. Recite at least one chapter, or at least one slokha from Shrimad Bhagavat Gita today understanding its meaning and applicability even in today's life. Those who can, may even perform the Bhagavat Gitaa Homam if it is feasible for them. The merits of this performance cannot be elaborated by normal human beings like me since Bhagavat Gitaa is the Essence of all the Upanishads (Vedanta), initiated to Paarthaa - the Disciple-Supreme by none other than Lord Krishna - Godhead Supreme in the Punya Bhoomi of Kurukshetra where a Dharma Yuddha was scheduled!
May our readers observe this ekaadashi with devotion and be recipients of God's Grace that will liberate them from endless cycles of transmigration of soul.
Blessed be.
Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Uthpanna ekaadasi - 2016
Dear Members:
The auspicious Utpanna Ekaadasi falls on November 24/ November 25 2016 this year.
The fast schedule for different places on the earth:
Those living in countries to the East of India (Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zeland, Australia, and Fiji) must observe this on November 25, 2016
This Utpanna Ekaadasi is special because this was the day when Ekaadasi Devi - the Patron Deity of this Fast manifested from the Power of Lord Mahaa Vishnu.
Mura - a demon brought all the planes of existence under his control and forced the demi-gods like Indra away from their positions of authority. The devas approached Lord Mahaadeva for a solution to their predicament. Lord Shiva instructed them to claim protection by surrendering to Lord Maha Vishnu. The demi-gods accordingly approached the Holy Abode of Shriman Naaraayana, praised Him with devotional fervour extolling His virtues, His Divine Might, and His Glories, and requested His help in the matter of vanquishing the demon Mura.
Lord Vishnu instructed them to advance to the abode of the demon, and Himself went along with them. The demi-gods scattered away from the battle-field on meeting with relentless aggression from the demon army. The attacking demons met their nemesis in Shriman Naaraayana - who vanquished hosts and hosts of demons with His Divine Weaponry.
At last, the chief of the demons - Mura himself came to meet our Lord in the battle field. The Divine Weapons caused no harm to Mura due to his previous boons. At last, Lord Vishnu decided to engage the demon in arm-to-arm combat; this combat went on for one thousand celestial years! Lord Vishnu decided to retire from the battle and retired to a deep cave. (He feigned tiredness and fear! Though the Bhavishya Uttara Purana uses words such as "I went there (to a cave) out of fear and also to sleep,"we should take it as our Lord's Play only. Lord Maha Vishnu - the Ultimate Supreme Being need not be "afraid" of a demon, nor can he ever feel "tired". This was a Divine Play to vanquish the demon in a special way, and He must have feigned tiredness and fear....only this can be the right interpretation of this episode).
The demon Mura followed Lord Vishnu, and on seeing Him asleep, the demon decided to finish Him off. However, from the body of Our Lord, a young Divine Maiden manifested, and She fought tirelessly with the demon, and ultimately vanquished him, putting an end to the saga of his unrighteous domination over the Universe.
The Divine Maiden pleaded a boon from Lord Vishnu upon His Waking up (His sleep and Waking up again are all Divine Plays! It should not be taken too literally).
The maiden said, "O Lord, if You are pleased with me and wish to give me a boon, then give me the power to deliver that person who fasts of this day from even from the greatest of sins . I wish that half the pious credit obtained by one who fasts will accrue to one who eats only in the evening (abstaining from grains and beans), and that half of this pious credit will be earned by one who eats only at midday. Also, may one who strictly observes a complete fast on my appearance day, with controlled senses, go to the abode of Lord Vishnu for one billion kalpas after he has enjoyed all kinds of pleasures in this world. This is the boon I desire to attain by Your mercy, my Lord, O Lord Janardana, whether a person observes complete fasting, eats only in the evening, or eats only at midday, please grant him a religious attitude, wealth, and at last liberation."
"'The Supreme Lord said, "O most auspicious lady, what you have requested is granted. All My devotees in this world will surely fast on your day, and thus they will become famous throughout the three worlds and finally come and stay with me in My abode. As you, My transcendental potency, have appeared on the eleventh day of the waning moon, let your name be Ekaadasi. If a person fasts on Ekaadasi, I will burn up all his sins and bestow upon him My transcendental abode."
Ekaadasi fast is thus the greatest of all fasts as it was sanctioned by the Supreme Lord Himself. Fasting on ekaadasi properly helps a person to vanquish all the dangerous enemies who can threaten one's prospects (the greatest enemies are a person's own undesirable vaasanaas, and obsessions which are internalized in the person's psyche. That is the actual mystic import of this legend though it might have occured in reality also in a distant kalpa!), and thus bless the person with material prosperity while alive, and Eternal Salvation after this incarnation on earth.
The day when Lord Vishnu's Yogic power manifested outwardly as Ekaadashi is Utpanna Ekaadashi. By tradition, a child who attains 7th year of age in this life is initiated into Ekaadashi fast gradually beginning from this Utpanna Ekaadashi of that year(the first fast of a tender child should not be too intense; the child should be taught the basics of ekaadashi fast like abstaining from certain foods - grains, beans, and outside food; chanting Divine Names of Lord Vishnu; the child should not be made to endure a full fast - rather, the child should be trained to survive on fruits/ juices, milk, etc., or just made to skip meals once. Then gradually, the child can graduate to a full fast if it agrees well with the child). This is an auspicious day to begin ekaadasi fast as a life-time discipline for anyone who has not fasted before, but wishes to do so in the future. [More guidelines about ekaadasi fast can be checked in previous write-ups in this blog].
The glory of a fast on this Holiest of Days need not be elaborated any further. May our members enjoy Divine Bliss by observing this Holy Ekaadasi fast to the extent of their abilities. My best wishes to the Faithful parents who are about to initiate their young children who have attained the eligible age for beginning Ekaadashi fast on this Holy Day. Believe me - initiating a child into Ekaadasi fast is one of the best gifts you can give to your child :)
Blessed be.
Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in
Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Kaala Bhairava Ashtami
Dear Members:
Kaala Bhairava Ashtami is to be observed tomorrow - Monday - November 21, 2016.
Kaala Bhairava ashtami is observed on the krishna paksha ashtami of Karthika month. This was the day when Kaala Bhairava Manifested from Lord Shiva's Divine Wrath (a Divine Leela where the Trimurthis seemingly argued who is the Greatest - and Lord Brahma who was 5-headed like Lord Shiva during those times made some impertinent remark. Lord Shiva Manifested Bhairava to chastise Lord Brahma - who lost one of his heads and became 4-Headed since then).
The Brahma Hatya sin that Lord Bhairava invoked by this act was removed when Lord Bhairava reached Varanasi after wandering throughout the world, and Lord Kaala Bhairava became the kshetrapaala for that Holy City.
Worshipping Lord Kaala Bhairava and His Consort Kaali on Kaala Bhairava Ashtami day helps in removing unintended Shiva aparaadham, removal of planetary ills that afflict a person due to very strong praarabdha, and for ushering in peace, protection, and prosperity to everyone in the family.
Worships on this day bring peace to deceased ancestors too.
May our members do what austerities they can on this auspicious day and bring positive vibes by Grace of God's Amsa manifest as Bhairava-Kaali duo.
Blessed be.
Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI.
Kaala Bhairava Ashtami is to be observed tomorrow - Monday - November 21, 2016.
Kaala Bhairava ashtami is observed on the krishna paksha ashtami of Karthika month. This was the day when Kaala Bhairava Manifested from Lord Shiva's Divine Wrath (a Divine Leela where the Trimurthis seemingly argued who is the Greatest - and Lord Brahma who was 5-headed like Lord Shiva during those times made some impertinent remark. Lord Shiva Manifested Bhairava to chastise Lord Brahma - who lost one of his heads and became 4-Headed since then).
The Brahma Hatya sin that Lord Bhairava invoked by this act was removed when Lord Bhairava reached Varanasi after wandering throughout the world, and Lord Kaala Bhairava became the kshetrapaala for that Holy City.
Worshipping Lord Kaala Bhairava and His Consort Kaali on Kaala Bhairava Ashtami day helps in removing unintended Shiva aparaadham, removal of planetary ills that afflict a person due to very strong praarabdha, and for ushering in peace, protection, and prosperity to everyone in the family.
Worships on this day bring peace to deceased ancestors too.
May our members do what austerities they can on this auspicious day and bring positive vibes by Grace of God's Amsa manifest as Bhairava-Kaali duo.
Blessed be.
Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI.
Friday, November 11, 2016
Sani Pradosham tomorrow - November 12, 2016
Dear Members:
The highly propitious Sani Pradosham falls on November 12, 2016- tomorrow.
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 perform the powerful Mrityunjaya-Paasupata homam tomorrow in this connection in the morning apart from the Rudra Abhishekam in the evening.
May our members also be blessed with His Grace by observing austerities per their capacity/ convenience tomorrow on Sani Pradosham day.
Best regards,
Blessed be.
Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Utthaana ekaadasi 2016
Dear Members:
Utthaana ekaadashi falls on November 10/ November 11, 2016 this year.
Schedule of observance of this fast for different regions of the world:
a) Those living in USA, Canada, and other countries of the American continents must observe this on November 10, 2016.
b) Those living in India and other countries to the east of India must observe this on November 11, 2016.
c) Those living in middle-east and European, African countries and observing smaartha traditions must observe this on NOvember 10, 2016; people living in these regions and observing vaishnava traditions must observe this on November 11, 2016.
This ekaadashi is also known Devouthaani ekaadashi and Hari PrabhOdhini Ekaadashi (capital "O" indicates that this is to pronounced as long vowel sound as per standard transliteration schemes for sanskrit words).
The Kaartika dwaadashi - the day of ending this HariprabhOdhini fast is also the day when chaturmaasya austerities are to be terminated. It is to be noted that Lord Vishnu - who begins His Yoga Nidra on sayani Ekaadashi gets up on Utthaana Ekaadasi and hence this ekaadasi is very special to all devotees. (This is one of the few mandatory fasts that are to be observed at least minimally by EVERYONE).
The glory of HariprabhOdhini ekaadashi has been explained in detail in Skanda Puraana. To summarise those - "Offering yellow colour flowers to Lord Vishnu is very auspicious on that day. One who fasts the whole day extinguishes the sins accumulated over several past births. One who remains awake the whole night and sings/ listens to the glory of Lord Vishnu will enjoy the merit that can be accumulated by donating valuable things like Horses and elephants and performing an elaborate vedic yagna. One who recites at least a portion of a sacred scripture on this day will gain the merit of GOdhaana (gift of cows to a qualified Brahmin). It is said that all places of pilgrimmage come to reside in the house of a devotee who observes this HariprabhOdhini fast properly.
The ekaadashi fast on Hari PrabhOdhini ekaadasi removes sins even if they are in magnitude as the glorious Meru Mountain; all sins of the devotee who remains awake on the night of Hari PrabhOdhini ekaadasi are burnt just as a cart load of cotton gets reduced to ashes before a mighty fire!"
Please note that ekaadashi fast should be undertaken with permission from one's spiritual preceptor (in case of ladies, husband should be informed of the fast). If you don't have a spiritual preceptor, (in case of ladies - if husband is abroad or away from you, or in case of widows/ unmarried women) - you may stand before the Sun and declare you intent of the fast (assuming Lord Sun as your Guru). Similarly, the fast should be broken in front of the Sun (or after permission of Guru or husband as the case may be).
Tulsi Vivaah is associated with this fast and is celebrated as Brindaavana Dwaadashi; it is to be observed on November 11, 2016 all over the world.
On Tulsi Vivaah day , one can celebrate the elaborate ritual of marriage of a Tulsi plant with a Salagram idol or any image of Lord Vishnu. This grants great merit to the devotee and gives upliftment to the devotee's whole dynasty (i.e. generations before and those to come after him also!).
Decorating Tulsi plant with turmeric paste, sandalwood paste, and sindhoor; lighting a ghee lamp under Tulsi plant; offering obeisance to it; offering water to it; showing lit camphor as Aarti to it, etc are simple means of worship that can be done by those who cannot afford to perform the elaborate Tulsi Vivaah as per established procedures.
A simple prayer to Tulsi
"Om Brindaa Brindaavanii viswapoojitaa viswapaavani
Pushpasaara Nandinii cha Tulasii Krishnajeevanii"
Recite this at least thrice before Tulsi plant and offer your salutations to Tulsi Maa. This can be done everyday also - but at least on Tulsi Vivaah day known as Brindaavana Dwaadashi.
We are planning to perform the Tulsi pooja grandly in our temporary residence at Tiruvannamalai where there are both Tulsi plants and the Dhaatri tree (Amlaki tree signifying Lord Krishna); prayers will be raised for Universal Welfare after that pooja (we intend to do this pooja after our return from Parvathamalai Pradosham worship on November 23, 2015).
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING THIS EKAADASI:
Those who cannot maintain the full fast, may eat just once or twice on this day skipping the mid-day meal or eating only supper at night (i.e. even missing one meal time in honour of this PrabhOdhini fast is considered as fasting though the merits are somewhat less). As this is a mandatory fast, such relaxation has been extended. So, everyone should try to fast on this day - at least by skipping one meal on this day. The meal that is eaten on this day should be free of onions, garlic, non-veg items, chillies, whole grains, etc. You may consume chappatis without much salt, or such simple foods on this day if your physical condition requires you to avoid complete fasts.
Skanda Puraana says that mind should be diverted from money-making ventures and instead focussed on charities on this Holy Day. So, you should donate what little you can to vedic experts (genuine experts whom you know to be following rituals and High Spiritual Precepts diligently, and are of noble disposition) on this day. Those who cannot donate anything due to dire financial circumstances should at least have a kind word to speak to an expert vedic practitioner and offer respects to them to get their blessings. Lord Hari Himself will manifest in those Blessings from qualified experts and remove all your sins (a note to spiritual guides who might be reading this: NEVER BLESS ANYONE WITH MATERIAL BOONS ON THIS DAY; JUST SAY "BHAGAVAAN HARI PREETHI SIDDHIRASTHU" - meaning "Let God Hari be satisfied by this!")
May our members enjoy spiritual bliss and removal from karmic burden due to the proper observance of this fast.
Blessed be.
Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant
c) Those living in middle-east and European, African countries and observing smaartha traditions must observe this on NOvember 10, 2016; people living in these regions and observing vaishnava traditions must observe this on November 11, 2016.
This ekaadashi is also known Devouthaani ekaadashi and Hari PrabhOdhini Ekaadashi (capital "O" indicates that this is to pronounced as long vowel sound as per standard transliteration schemes for sanskrit words).
The Kaartika dwaadashi - the day of ending this HariprabhOdhini fast is also the day when chaturmaasya austerities are to be terminated. It is to be noted that Lord Vishnu - who begins His Yoga Nidra on sayani Ekaadashi gets up on Utthaana Ekaadasi and hence this ekaadasi is very special to all devotees. (This is one of the few mandatory fasts that are to be observed at least minimally by EVERYONE).
The glory of HariprabhOdhini ekaadashi has been explained in detail in Skanda Puraana. To summarise those - "Offering yellow colour flowers to Lord Vishnu is very auspicious on that day. One who fasts the whole day extinguishes the sins accumulated over several past births. One who remains awake the whole night and sings/ listens to the glory of Lord Vishnu will enjoy the merit that can be accumulated by donating valuable things like Horses and elephants and performing an elaborate vedic yagna. One who recites at least a portion of a sacred scripture on this day will gain the merit of GOdhaana (gift of cows to a qualified Brahmin). It is said that all places of pilgrimmage come to reside in the house of a devotee who observes this HariprabhOdhini fast properly.
The ekaadashi fast on Hari PrabhOdhini ekaadasi removes sins even if they are in magnitude as the glorious Meru Mountain; all sins of the devotee who remains awake on the night of Hari PrabhOdhini ekaadasi are burnt just as a cart load of cotton gets reduced to ashes before a mighty fire!"
Please note that ekaadashi fast should be undertaken with permission from one's spiritual preceptor (in case of ladies, husband should be informed of the fast). If you don't have a spiritual preceptor, (in case of ladies - if husband is abroad or away from you, or in case of widows/ unmarried women) - you may stand before the Sun and declare you intent of the fast (assuming Lord Sun as your Guru). Similarly, the fast should be broken in front of the Sun (or after permission of Guru or husband as the case may be).
Tulsi Vivaah is associated with this fast and is celebrated as Brindaavana Dwaadashi; it is to be observed on November 11, 2016 all over the world.
On Tulsi Vivaah day , one can celebrate the elaborate ritual of marriage of a Tulsi plant with a Salagram idol or any image of Lord Vishnu. This grants great merit to the devotee and gives upliftment to the devotee's whole dynasty (i.e. generations before and those to come after him also!).
Decorating Tulsi plant with turmeric paste, sandalwood paste, and sindhoor; lighting a ghee lamp under Tulsi plant; offering obeisance to it; offering water to it; showing lit camphor as Aarti to it, etc are simple means of worship that can be done by those who cannot afford to perform the elaborate Tulsi Vivaah as per established procedures.
A simple prayer to Tulsi
"Om Brindaa Brindaavanii viswapoojitaa viswapaavani
Pushpasaara Nandinii cha Tulasii Krishnajeevanii"
Recite this at least thrice before Tulsi plant and offer your salutations to Tulsi Maa. This can be done everyday also - but at least on Tulsi Vivaah day known as Brindaavana Dwaadashi.
We are planning to perform the Tulsi pooja grandly in our temporary residence at Tiruvannamalai where there are both Tulsi plants and the Dhaatri tree (Amlaki tree signifying Lord Krishna); prayers will be raised for Universal Welfare after that pooja (we intend to do this pooja after our return from Parvathamalai Pradosham worship on November 23, 2015).
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING THIS EKAADASI:
Those who cannot maintain the full fast, may eat just once or twice on this day skipping the mid-day meal or eating only supper at night (i.e. even missing one meal time in honour of this PrabhOdhini fast is considered as fasting though the merits are somewhat less). As this is a mandatory fast, such relaxation has been extended. So, everyone should try to fast on this day - at least by skipping one meal on this day. The meal that is eaten on this day should be free of onions, garlic, non-veg items, chillies, whole grains, etc. You may consume chappatis without much salt, or such simple foods on this day if your physical condition requires you to avoid complete fasts.
Skanda Puraana says that mind should be diverted from money-making ventures and instead focussed on charities on this Holy Day. So, you should donate what little you can to vedic experts (genuine experts whom you know to be following rituals and High Spiritual Precepts diligently, and are of noble disposition) on this day. Those who cannot donate anything due to dire financial circumstances should at least have a kind word to speak to an expert vedic practitioner and offer respects to them to get their blessings. Lord Hari Himself will manifest in those Blessings from qualified experts and remove all your sins (a note to spiritual guides who might be reading this: NEVER BLESS ANYONE WITH MATERIAL BOONS ON THIS DAY; JUST SAY "BHAGAVAAN HARI PREETHI SIDDHIRASTHU" - meaning "Let God Hari be satisfied by this!")
May our members enjoy spiritual bliss and removal from karmic burden due to the proper observance of this fast.
Blessed be.
Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Ramaa ekaadasi - October 25/ October 26, 2016
Dear Members:
The auspicious Ramaa Ekaadasi is to be observed on October 26, 2016 this year throughout the world - except that those living in U.S.A., Canada, and other countries of the American continents who must observe this on October 25, 2016 itself.
Glory of Ramaa Ekaadasi
In the Brahma vaivarta Puraanaa, there is an interesting legend that is related by Lord Krishna to King Yudhishtra to explain the glory of Ramaa Ekaadasi.
King Muchukunda - a great friend of Indra (the ruler of the Heavens) had a daughter by name Chandrabhaagaa (named after the Holy River that has the same name). She was given in marriage to Shobhanan - the son of King ChandrasEna.
King Muchukunda and all his subjects were very strict in observance of ekaadasi fast. Even horses, elephants, and other cattle were not fed on the day of ekaadasi fast! Once Shobhanan happened to visit King Muchukunda's palace on the day of the auspicious fast of Ramaa Ekaadasi. His wife cautioned him that as his physical condition was then not in a fit condition to tolerate a severe fast, he must move elsewhere (out of her father's kingdom) immediately as her father's people and the whole kingdom followed the fast rigorously (people who undertake rigorous religious fast on ekaadasi never give food to anyone under any pretext on ekaadasi day; this may seem crude and inhuman to some people now - but such was the adherence to ekaadasi fast in those days! The idea was mainly to avoid tempting those who might be fasting but might lose their resolve if offer of food is extended to them).
But Prince Shobhanan offered to undergo the fast instead of opting to move to some other place. When sun set, all devotees of the kingdom were very happy to invite the long night's vigil with Lord Hari's stories and contemplation - but Prince Shobhanan was miserable as he could not tolerate the rigour of the fast. By next morning, he was found dead. The last rites of the dead prince were conducted duly with all honours; but King Muchukunda stopped his daughter from committing "sati" which was the custom of pious ladies of those times.
The deceased Prince Shobhanan became the ruler of a kingdom in Mandaraachalaa attended by wonderful Divine damsels, and Gandharvaas, due to the merit of the observance of Ramaa Ekaadasi; but, as he had observed the vrat only due to pressure of circumstances and with half-heart, that wonderful kingdom was impermanent (i.e. he will lose Sovereignity of that kingdom once the merit gets exhausted).
One day, a pious Brahmin from the kingdom of Muchukunda chakravarti happened to cross that wonderful kingdom that was being enjoyed by Prince Shobhana, and he recognized his king's son-in-law. Prince Shobhana related the fact about his enjoyment of that wonderful kingdom was not permanent, and that it may vanish any time into thin air once his merit gets exhausted. He also entreated the pious Brahmin to explain this to his wife Chandrabhaagaa.
The pious brahmin returned to his kingdom and related the wonderful matter to Princess Chandrabhaagaa. At first she was bewildered, and wondered if the Brahmin had been dreaming; but, as the Brahmin persisted with his narration, she was convinced about the factual existence of such a kingdom and was overjoyed at the prospect of being able to meet her beloved yet again. She confidently said that by the merit of the ekaadasis that she had been observing from her 8th year of life till date, the kingdom that has come into the possession of her husband could become permanent, and requested the brahmin to take her to that wonderful kingdom. The Brahmin also took her to the Mandaraachala mountain. At the foothills, they met the great sage Vaama DEvaa who chanted vedic mantras and sprinkled water on her - making her body transcendental. Due to the power of the vedic mantras and also due to the merit of her ekaadasi fasts, Chandrabhaaga reached the top of the mountain Mandaraachalaa where her husband was enjoying his kingdom. She transfered the merit that she had accumulated by all her ekaadasi fasts to her husband thus enabling him to enjoy that wonderful kingdom permanently till the next pralayaa.
Lord Krishna concluded this narration saying that by the glory of Ramaa ekaadasi Prince Shobhanan enjoyed a wonderful Divine Kingdom in the mount Mandaraachalaa. The Blessed Lord continues saying "Just as both white and Black cow give the same quality of milk, the ekaadasis in both the dark and bright fortnight are equal in their potency to confer merit, and to liberate one from the endless cycles of transmigration of soul. Anyone who hears this legend about Ramaa ekaadasi will also have freedom from sins and attain the Divine Abode of Lord Vishnu."
The import of the legend of Brahma vaivarta Puraanaa related above is that observing Ramaa Ekaadasi can help one to enjoy good fortune including high status of a permanent nature, happy reunion with relatives, and great glory.
May our members observe this auspicious ekaadasi to the best of their abilities with FULL FAITH (unlike the half-hearted attempt of Prince Shobhanan!), and become worthy recipients of Divine Grace.
Important note: Though the legend says about how the Prince Shobhanan observed the fast in a physically infirm condition and hence met his death, and then ultimately enjoyed a Divine Kingdom, we need not take it that far! As regular readers of this blog might be aware from previous posts, ekaadasi fast is exempted for those who are ailing, for the aged persons, and for ladies who are pregnant. This is in agreement with accepted dharma shastraic doctrines. Those who cannot observe a full fast may observe it to the extent possible - like fasting by drinking milk, fruit juices, etc. Even those who are exempted the full fast due to physical conditions must avoid onion, garlic, and other spicy foods that are ritually impure on ekaadasi days. Ekaadasi is the king among the Fasts, and one should be regulated in food habits (even if physical condition does not permit total abstinence from food and water). Please remember this important point and observe the fast in the way that is possible for you according to your circumstances.
May our members observe this ekaadasi as far as feasible and get the spiritual/ mundane benefits associated with this fast.
Harihi Om
Om Namah shivaya.
Blessed be
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Sharada Navarathri - 2016
There are 6 Navarathris in Honour of Divine Mother of our Universe - one for each Rithu (season), and this navarathri falling in the sharad rithu is the most important one as it is the one recommended for householders.
Navarathri schedule for different parts of the world.
Navaraathri austerities begin from October 1, 2016 for those living in India and countries to the west of Indian sub-continent (all countries in Middle East, Europe, Africa, and American continents, Bangaladesh and Myanmar). Those living in Malaysia, and countries to the East of Malaysia (including Japan, Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand) must observe this from October 2, 2016.
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING REPETITION OF THITHIS DURING THIS NAVARATHRI
In India, Bangaladesh, and Nepal, the prathama thithi operates on two consecutive days and hence navarathri will extend for 10 days, until October 10, 2016 - which is when Mahaa Navami is to be observed.
In UAE, the Dwithiyai thithi - the second thithi - operates on two consecutive days, and hence navarathri will extend for 10 days, from 1st October to 10th October 2016.
In USA, Canada, etc. Shashti thithi operates on two consecutive days, hence they also have navarathri for 10 days - till October 10, 2016.
For Malaysia, Singapore, and countries to the east of Malaysia, there is no such repetition, and Navarathri is between October 2nd, and October 10, 2016.
Those living in countries where the thithis are repeated must observe the "thithi related poojas" on the first day of operation of the thithi, and observe the second thithi as a simple celebration. For instance, if you are doing a navaaha paaraayanam of Chandi path, you must recite the portions related to the first day of recital on October 1st...on October 2nd, you may simply do normal poojas, OR just repeat the poojas done on October 1st....the 2nd day's portion of recitals will be done on October 3rd.
Similarly, for those living in UAE, the 2nd day's poojas/ recitals should be done on October 2nd....and October 3rd should either be a "simple pooja day", or you must repeat the 2nd day's portion of recitals on October 3rd also.
Those living in USA, Canada, and countries of Europe must repeat the 6th day's poojas...i.e.October 6th is the prime day of the pooja, and October 7th may either be a "simple pooja day", OR the 6th day's portion of recitals must be repeated on October 7th also.
If you are not doing any special pooja or "9-day scheme of major recitals of works like Devi Mahatmyam/ Devi Bhagavatam/ Sundara Kaandam", then you need not bother about this technical nuance, and just observe the navarathri on the days given as duration of Navarathri for your region.
Durga Pooja should be observed on October 9, 2016 throughout the world.
Mahaa Navami (Saraswathy pooja) is to be observed on October 10, 2016 throughout the world.
Vijaya Dasami should be celebrated on October 11, 2016 throughout the world.
Methods of celebrating Navaraathri.
It is traditional to keep "Kolu" - an arrangement of dolls during Navaraathri. This is to signify that Our Divine Mother resides as Inner Soul in all Forms. Some people make the arrangement in such a way that the various steps of the kolu represent the Order of Evolution - like keeping invertebrates and such other forms of lives in the bottom step, keeping dolls representing human life in the middle of the kolu steps, and keeping dolls representing Divine Legends, Dasa Avataars, etc. on the top most step of the kolu arrangement. It is traditional to keep 5 rows (to represent Five Elements of Life), 9 rows (to represent the Nine Forms of Divine Mother), 11 rows (to represent the 11 forms of Lord Rudra), 13 rows (one in Honour of each chapter of Durga Sapta Sati), or 15 Rows (one in Honour of each syllable of Shri Vidhya panchadasaakshari mantra) as per one's convenience; traditionally, people avoid arranging the kolu in 7 rows for sentimental reasons (there is a belief that such an arrangement in 7 rows might affect financial prospects).
I request all our members to perform simple worships as per their convenience during the Navarathri period and become recipients of Divine Grace. This is a period when we Celebrate our Universal Mother - so, that joy should be there in our minds when we observe this austerity (we should not be unnecessarily tensed or make this too complicated with too many taboos! One does not think of protocols when approaching one's mother - but just go with the moment with unbounded joy and affection; such should be our attitude when we worship Our Universal Mother during this period - assuming we are all Her Children and we are invoking Her Presence in our homes - celebrating this with affectionate respect and joy).
Recital of Lalitha Sahasranaamam, Dasa Mahaa vidhya sthothrams, simple Devi sthothrams, Abhiraami Andhaadhi, Lalitha Anubooti, Soundarya Lahiri, Dugra Sthothram, Chandi Path (Durga Saptasathi), etc. can be auspicious during this period.
During this period, we should consider all women as Forms of Divine Mother and treat them with courtesy and respect. One who observes the Navarathri austerities intensely, but insults women knowingly/ unknowingly does not get the benefit of the austerities. Remember this, and treat women (including those in your own family) with affection and respect [Ideally that should be the case always! Because Shastras say that where virtuous women are honoured, Divine Grace visits even in an uninvited manner! This is the reason why women should take special care to safeguard their basic dignity, be affectionate and gentle in dealings with family members, avoid letting corrupting thoughts/ behaviour patterns enter their life styles, etc. in an attempt to maintain their Divine nature that is intrinsic to them; All higher forms of lives spring from the feminine gender of the species, and a virtuous woman is a living Form of the Universal Mother - and can be a source of happiness and Grace to herself and to everyone who is blessed enough to move with her).
Those who have Tulsi plant in their houses, can offer prostrations to that Divine Plant and pray for prosperity and Divine Grace in its vicinity. (All the Holy Rivers are in subtle forms in the roots of the tulsi plant; All Divine Forms are manifest in the middle portion of the Tulsi plant, and All Vedas and Holy Scriptures are manifest in the tips of the Tulsi plant, as said in the Puranas).
Offering Go-Poojaa (prayers to Cow visualized as embodiment of all Divinities) on Fridays and Tuesdays of Navarathri period can give unlimited merit.
It is also auspicious to read a small portion of Divine Legends that depict how the Gracious and Kind Mother Manifested in Angry Forms to annihilate all enemies to peaceful life on Earth every night during this navaraathri period, and invoke such Manifestation of Power in our lives also to annihilate all our enemies (both intrinsic like anger, greed, laziness, and ignorance within us, and our external enemies/ unruly elements who try to disturb peaceful and gentle citizens in the society unnecessarily).
Recital of Chandi Paaraayanam is a powerful remedy not merely for our families but for ensuring peace in the land where we live in. In fact, if austere persons of Faith keep reciting the Chandi Path and Shri Rudram regularly, and if there are many of them in a land, shastras proclaim that the elements of nature's Fury like floods, pestilence, droughts, etc. will never harm that land and prosperity will rein in that land. So, it is partly our duty as Universal Citizens to offer special worship to Divine Mother during this period and pray for relief to all the distressed souls who have been harassed much by natural calamities in various parts of the world, and also pray for peace throughout the world in these troublesome days where you can never read a newspaper without coming across some inauspicious event/ mishap in one corner or other of the earth.
SPECIAL WORSHIPS AT MY PLACE DURING NAVARATHRI.
As usual special worships will be done in this regard at my residence (Bangalore).
The part-sponsorship of each day's austerities (beginning from early morning till night.....Ganapathy homam, Laghu chandi homam, Full recital of Devi Mahaatmyam, Lalitha Sahasranaamam, Soundarya Lahiri sthothras, Dasa Mahaa Vidhya japams, Select verses from Devi Bhagavatam, etc.) is Rs.5000 (rupees five thousand only) for one day's part-sponsorship. Those who wish to be part-sponsors for more than one day's rituals are also welcome to do so.
Mahaa chandi homam is planned on October 11, 2016 on Vijaya Dasami day. The part-sponsorship for this Mahaa chandi homam on October 11, 2016 is Rs.25000 (rupees twenty five thousand) - all costs inclusive - including cost of gold coin, silver coin, silk saree, rare herbs, and other pooja articles to be offered in the Mahaa Poornaahuti.
Those who wish to participate in these austerities may write to me through my email-id: dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in (or dakshinastrologer@rediffmail.com/ dakshinastrologer@gmail.com) with the subject line "Part-sponsorship of Navarathri homams."
Members of our group who have already availed such services in the past and know my bank account details through which they made remittances earlier may directly make the remittance in favour of that icici account as earlier, and keep me informed through email.
Even those who are unable to offer sponsorships for these rituals need not feel let down; prayers are offered for Universal Welfare at the end of each day's austerities, in addition to the prayer for specific special sponsors, and the prayer for Universal Welfare covers everyone - including you!
May Divine Mother Bless us all.
Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Indira Ekadasi - September 26, 2016
Dear Members:
Indira Ekaashi fall on the waning phase of the Moon in the lunar month of Aswin (September-October by modern calendar). Simply put, it is the Ekaadashi that falls during the Mahaalaya paksha.
It falls on September 26, 2016 this year and is to be observed on the same date throughout the world.
IMPORTANCE OF INDIRA EKAADASI.
The importance of Indira Ekaadasi is explained in the Brahma vaivarta Puraana in a discussion between Lord Krishna and king Yudhishtra. Observance of this Ekaadasi will help in removing the sinful effects of actions done by oneself and also relieve deceased ancestors' souls from the remorse caused by their sinful actions when they lived on this earth. According to legends, King IndrasEnaa performed this fast on the advice of Devarishi Narada and saved his father from the remorse caused by his sins during his earthly life.
On the day before the observance of this ekaadasi fast, i.e. on dasami thithi, just one meal is eaten praying for ancestors' souls; on the Ekaadasi day a full fast is to be undertaken, and in the afternoon rituals for the satisfaction of pitrus are to be done; the fast is broken on dwaadasi day. If such an elaborate scheme is not feasible, you may just fast as usual on Ekaadasi day, and pray for peace of your pitrus' souls after the Ekaadasi pooja to Vishnu. What else can you do for you ancestors than undertaking this fast that can relive their souls of the burden/ remorse caused by sinful activities committed knowingly or unknowingly during their tenure on this earth?
Indira Ekaashi fall on the waning phase of the Moon in the lunar month of Aswin (September-October by modern calendar). Simply put, it is the Ekaadashi that falls during the Mahaalaya paksha.
It falls on September 26, 2016 this year and is to be observed on the same date throughout the world.
IMPORTANCE OF INDIRA EKAADASI.
The importance of Indira Ekaadasi is explained in the Brahma vaivarta Puraana in a discussion between Lord Krishna and king Yudhishtra. Observance of this Ekaadasi will help in removing the sinful effects of actions done by oneself and also relieve deceased ancestors' souls from the remorse caused by their sinful actions when they lived on this earth. According to legends, King IndrasEnaa performed this fast on the advice of Devarishi Narada and saved his father from the remorse caused by his sins during his earthly life.
On the day before the observance of this ekaadasi fast, i.e. on dasami thithi, just one meal is eaten praying for ancestors' souls; on the Ekaadasi day a full fast is to be undertaken, and in the afternoon rituals for the satisfaction of pitrus are to be done; the fast is broken on dwaadasi day. If such an elaborate scheme is not feasible, you may just fast as usual on Ekaadasi day, and pray for peace of your pitrus' souls after the Ekaadasi pooja to Vishnu. What else can you do for you ancestors than undertaking this fast that can relive their souls of the burden/ remorse caused by sinful activities committed knowingly or unknowingly during their tenure on this earth?
Please note that this fast is not mandatory for those below 7 years/ above 70 years as is the common rule for Ekaadasi fasts. Similarly those who are sick and ladies who are pregnant are also exempt from this observance. Others should preferably undertake a full fast (abstaining even from water, if possible). Those who can't undertake such rigorous fasts due to practical circumstances should at least avoid all full-grains, onion/ garlic items, eating food outside, etc. and try to subsist on milk and fruits. The bottom line is - observe the fast to the best of your abilities and as best as your circumstances will permit the observance. Remember that this is the best homage you can pay to your deceased ancestors.
May our members observe this wonderful fast and gain liberty from sinful karma not only for themselves but also for their ancestors!
Blessed be.
Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in
www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Vaamana jayanthi and Hayagreeva utapatti ustav 2016
Dear All:
Wishing you all happy ThirvOnam.
May Lord Vaamana who took 3 Giant Steps to cover the whole Universe and placed the 3rd on King Mahabali's head granting him ever-lasting life in the Paataala lokha crush our egos too and make us worthy recipients of Divine Grace.
May the legend of Mahabali who was born in asura line but still ruled as a good king and was dear to his subjects inspire all of us who hold responsible positions of power to be dharmic and infalliable in our dealings with our subordinates so that we will also continue to be loved forever just as King Mahaabali is loved still in Kerala!
Hayagriva utpati day is to be observed tomorrow - Sep 14, 2016 in India and today itself in countries to the West of India. Will offer special prayers in this connection; May the God of Wisdom Light our existence with inspiration and knowledge.
Blessed be.
Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI.
Wishing you all happy ThirvOnam.
May Lord Vaamana who took 3 Giant Steps to cover the whole Universe and placed the 3rd on King Mahabali's head granting him ever-lasting life in the Paataala lokha crush our egos too and make us worthy recipients of Divine Grace.
May the legend of Mahabali who was born in asura line but still ruled as a good king and was dear to his subjects inspire all of us who hold responsible positions of power to be dharmic and infalliable in our dealings with our subordinates so that we will also continue to be loved forever just as King Mahaabali is loved still in Kerala!
Hayagriva utpati day is to be observed tomorrow - Sep 14, 2016 in India and today itself in countries to the West of India. Will offer special prayers in this connection; May the God of Wisdom Light our existence with inspiration and knowledge.
Blessed be.
Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI.
Monday, September 12, 2016
Parivartini ekaadasi/ Paarshva ekaadasi 2016
Dear Members:
Parviartini ekaadashi also called Paarshva ekaadashi is believed to be the day when Lord Mahaa Vishnu in His Yoga Nidhra changes his position in sleep - from left side to right side.
Just as the Lord shifts in His Yoga Nidra from one side to another, may His Grace allow you to explore all aspects of your life and may His Grace allow you to expect a positive turn of Fate in your lives!
It is traditional to venerate Lord Mahaa Vishnu in His Form of Vaamana on this day.
SCHEDULE OF OBSERVATION OF THIS FAST FOR VARIOUS PLACES ON EARTH
1) September 12, 2016 - Smaartha Ekaadasi for those living in India.
2) September 12, 2016 - sarva ekaadasi for those living in U.S., Canada, and other countries of North and South American continents, all countries in Europe and Africa, and for those living in Middle-East countries.
3) September 13, 2016 - Vaishna ekaadasi for those living in India.
4) September 13, 2016 - sarva ekaadasi for all living in countries to the east of India including Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, New zealand, Fiji, and Japan.
May our members observe this fast and become recipients of Universal Grace.
Blessed be.
Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI.astrologer@yahoo.co.in
Parviartini ekaadashi also called Paarshva ekaadashi is believed to be the day when Lord Mahaa Vishnu in His Yoga Nidhra changes his position in sleep - from left side to right side.
Just as the Lord shifts in His Yoga Nidra from one side to another, may His Grace allow you to explore all aspects of your life and may His Grace allow you to expect a positive turn of Fate in your lives!
It is traditional to venerate Lord Mahaa Vishnu in His Form of Vaamana on this day.
SCHEDULE OF OBSERVATION OF THIS FAST FOR VARIOUS PLACES ON EARTH
1) September 12, 2016 - Smaartha Ekaadasi for those living in India.
2) September 12, 2016 - sarva ekaadasi for those living in U.S., Canada, and other countries of North and South American continents, all countries in Europe and Africa, and for those living in Middle-East countries.
3) September 13, 2016 - Vaishna ekaadasi for those living in India.
4) September 13, 2016 - sarva ekaadasi for all living in countries to the east of India including Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, New zealand, Fiji, and Japan.
May our members observe this fast and become recipients of Universal Grace.
Blessed be.
Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI.astrologer@yahoo.co.in
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Pitru Paksha (Mahaalaya Paksha) 2016
Pitr Paksha (Mahaalaya Pakshaa ) is to be observed from September 16 to September 30th this year (2016) throughout the world except those living in Australia, New Zealand, and other Far East countries who must observe this till October 1, 2016.
Please note that for those living in India, September 16th is Pournima thithi and this needs to be observed ONLY IF you have an ancestor who died on Pournami thithi (so Poornima shraardh of Mahalaya Paksha is to be done for that soul on Sep 16th). Others may begin observing the austerities from Sep 17th - which is the Pratipat thithi....
For those living in USA, Canada, and other countries to the West of Atlantic, the Mahalaya paksha austerities must begin from Sep 16th itself (for them, both Poornima and Pratipata shrardh must be observed on Sep 16th).
If there is any confusion regarding interpreting this info., please get in touch with reputed vedic pandits in your region.
It is a powerful period for propitiation of manes(ancestors). Pitrus are said to Grace the households of their descendants with Divine Permission from the other Planes of Existence and are waiting to Bless any descendant who is willing to Honour them in whatever little way they can.
Austerities during Pitr Paksha (applicable to those who have lost atleast one parent) include:
1) Not eating non-veg (in case of non-vegetarians).
2) Not eating onion, garlic, outside food, processed foods,drumstick, etc (for pure vegetarians).
3) If possible avoiding shaving for the entire fortnight till Mahalaya Amavasai; obviously it may not be possible for everyone due to current secular life restrictions (like office policy requiring an executive placed in a cutting-edge responsibility to be clean shaved). Even in these cases, shaving should be avoided at least on the thithis of one's ancestors (father/ mother).
4) Performing obsequies (shradh) on the thithi of the ancestor's death to the extent possible or at least offering "anna dhaanam"(offering food) to poor persons/ priests as per one's convenience.(On this day, you should not shave as already stated)
5) Abstaining from carnal intercourse with members of opposite gender during the fortnight as a mark of respect to Pitrs.
6) Doing recitals like Garuda Puraanam (depicting passage of asoul), Nachiketa story from Upanishads (where Yama Gitaa is there -it contains Lord Yamaa's elucidation of the journey of a soul which was first revealed to the devoted Nachiketaa), Pitru sthothra and Gangaa Avatarana chapter from Shrimad Vaalmiiki Raamaayan. These recitals are stated to grant satisfaction of Pitrs and thereby ensure their blessings upon us. In fact these recitals can be done even by those who have parents alive! (The other rituals like tarpanam should not be observed by those who have parents living). These are auspicious and do not come under the category of shraardha - but at the same time have the potency to give peace and happiness to the souls of ancestors of one's dynasty when they are recited. Those who cannot recite them personally may organize such recitals in honour of their ancestors with the help of vedic/ puranic experts.
Some important days during the pitru paksha
The following are auspicious days to perform shraardha to pitrus - irrespective of the thithi of their demise.
Those who cannot observe the ritual procedures/ restrictions outlined above through the pitru paksha may at least observe the ritual guidelines on these auspicious days in honour of their pitrus.
1) Mahaa Bharani - This falls on September 20, 2016
The significance of this is that Bharani is the star ruled by Yama - the Lord of Death, and observing austerities in Honour of deceased ancestors on Mahaa Bharani day (the Bharani nakshatra falling during Pitru paksha) can give relief from Naraka experiences to ancestors who might be enduring that karmic difficulty [Relief to ancestor's souls directly manifests as peace and prosperity in family; Universe has been designed in such a way that when you help a karmically suffering soul - especially of an ancestor - you get rewards from the Universe in the process].
2) Madhyaashtami - This is to be observed on September 23, 2016
3) Mahaalaya Amaavasya - This should be observed on Sept 30, 2016 throughout the world except that it is to be observed on Oct 1, 2016 by those living in Australia, New Zeland, and Fiji.
Those who have ancestors who might have taken sanyaasa and then died, Sanyastha Mahaalayam may be done on Sep 29, 2016 invoking the Grace of such a soul (technically a sanyaasi has cut the karmic bonds and so karmas for a sanyaasi must be done differently and not with the attitude we do the sharaardham of a grihasta ancestor....so, this sanyaastha Mahaalayam must be done like a yati samaaradhana though tarpanam, etc. might be done by the descendant ). So, those who observe sanyastha mahaalayam may do it like an aaraadhana - remembering the Yati lineage in which the ancestor got sanyaasa, remember other Saints who inspired the ancestor to take sanyaasa, etc. and invoke Blessings of those liberated souls.
Those who want to offer special recitals for pitru trupti (satisfaction of deceased ancestors) might get in touch with me through my email-id....dakshinastrologer@rediffmail.com (please write "Pitru paksha recital request" in the subject line).
The suggested offerings are as below:
Ganga Avatarana sarga recital and Pithru sthothra recital on one day : US$25 (US Dollars twenty five only).
For the above recitals on all the days of the pitru paksha : US$300 (US Dollars three hundred only).
Some controversial issues regarding the observance of pitru paksha rituals/ shraardham and dharma shastraic clarification for the same
1) There are many persons who feel that Mahaalaya paksha rituals need not be done in honour of step mother (called Sapatnii maataa - by shaastraas); doing it for just one's mother and father is enough. There are some who feel that only the eldest son of the second wife of one's father needs to do the shraardha if the first wife of the father died without issues.
Clarification: Though the eldest son is the first Adhikaari for rituals, when property has been divided among the brothers or when they have started living apart from each other as separate families, shraardha and other pitru rituals need to be done by each brother individually. The same holds true for honoring the Sapatnii maataa (Step mother who has died without issues also). Just think....will that Honourable Mother have taken care of just the eldest son and left the other sons in the lurch if she had been alive and the biological mother had been dead? Please use this logic for your clarity in this regard. Just as the step-mother cannot ignore the other children (nor should she!), the children also should not be partial towards performing rituals in Her Honour for Her Soul - especially if she had died without issues. This applies more sternly in cases where the eldest brother of the family is not alive. Unfortunately many families do this mistake of leaving the poor step-mother (the first wife of one's father who died without issues) after the eldest brother is dead. As long as at least one brother is alive, the sapatnii maataa should be honoured during pitru paksha on the day when you do the shraardha of your father (you can invoke one Brahman priest to represent the step-mother's lineage just as you do for your own mother's lineage). Please note that this guideline does not apply in cases where the other woman has voluntarily left one's father (say divorce), or has been indicted by a dharma parishad for undesirable behaviour and hence denied karma benefits in accordance with dharma shastraic principles after giving ample opportunity to exonerate herself. In cases where the father has done an injustice to another woman (who is no more) and has married one's mother, the son who performs rituals in honour of that wronged woman (father's first wife - who is deemed one's saptnii maataa) redeems himself from that dosha. A righteous son should try to do what he can to set right the wrongs done by his deceased parents - as and when he comes to know of that possibility. Though each person is answerable to his/ her own karma and sins, family doshas do arise out of adharmic activities of one's ancestors and these doshas do affect the family for many generations to come (usually seen as Stree saapa in the horoscope of many members of a family). Such doshas are cleared when that wronged soul is honoured appropriately in consultation with dharma shastraic experts in this regard.
2) Some think that if the annual shraardh is done properly, Mahaalaya paksha (pitru paksha) shraardha/ tarpanam need not be done!
Clarification: If you get double-increment will you say "I already got one; so please ignore me for this increment!" No one does that. Yet, when it comes to accumulating spiritual merit, we often tend to say "I have done that and so I need not do this." This attitude of excusing ourserlves from dharmic duties should be overcome consciously. Rather, we should think that the Mahaalaya paksha is a God -Given opportunity for us to honour our pitrs yet again. In fact, Mahaayalaya Paksha shraardh is mandatory, and there is no way out of it, and the benefits accruing out of Mahaalaya paksha shraardha/ tarpanam are actually more than what can accrue out of annual shraardha. The pitru paksha observance gladens our pitrus and we should not miss it for any reason. If we are unable to offer the shraardha/ tarpan on the thithi of our father, we should at least do it on the other special days like Mahaa Bharani, Madhyaashtami, or Mahaalaya Amaavasya (any one of these days). We should not miss it giving any excuse - because no such excuse exists!
3) There are some who think that if Gaya Shraardha has been done, there is no need for Mahaalaya paksha shraardha/ tarpanam.
Clarification: Gaya Shraardha is definitely a wonderful ritual for satisfaction of pitrs. But, having done that is no excuse for exempting oneself from Mahaalaya paksha tarpanam/ shraardha and annual shraardha. These should be continued as long as one is alive (or at least till one is healthy enough to carry on the rituals). Only those who are bed-ridden are exempt this due to obvious reasons! It is a sin to skip these rituals in mistaken sense of having attained a level where these are not necessary - no human being living an ordinary life is exempt these karmas. Even great rishis who were highly spiritually evolved and avatars like Shri Raama, Shri Krishna, have observed these, and obviously we are not above all of them in our spiritual standing! Only sanyaasins are exempt these because they don't have karmaa adhikaara (ritual right to perform a karma). Everyone else who has karmaadhikaara (due to death of one's parents) should observe this - even if they have done the Gaya Shraardha and Akshaya vata pinda daan.
4) Only those who have lost their parents can do any ritual to satisfy pitru devatas..
Clarification: Shraardhas in Honour of pitrus and tarpanam in their Honour are the only activities that are restricted by the above taboo.
Activities like offering greens to cows in memory of deceased ancestors of the family, recital of Raamaayana chapter to ensure peace to the soul of deceased ancestors, performing annadhaanam (donation of food to needy) in honour of deceased ancestors, and recital/ arranging recital of Pitru sthothra are austerities that anyone can do in honour of pitrus. In fact, if one's father or other main kartas are not enthusiastic in performing pitru related rituals and there is consequent pitru saapa indicated in charts, descendants of such families, if they are believers must take measures to please pitrus by their own austerities or by arranging suitable recitals for peace of their ancestors.
5) QUESTION: We have pitru dosha in the family but my parents won't do shrardha or any austerity in this regard.
Solution: You may offer greens/ grass to cows; you may organize recital of Ramayana chapters (especially Ganga Avatarana sarga, Samkshepa Ramayana, etc.); you may recite or organize recital of Yama Gita; you may recite Pitru sthothra, or organize recital of it.
Apart from that, you may do simple things like reciting Raama Naama japam and offering arghyam praying that this should give trupti to ancestral souls.
---------------------------------
May our members observe these dharmic guidelines in connection with Mahaalaya paksha (Pitr paksha) and become recipients of the Grace of pitrus - our Benevolent Ancestors who have the capacity to shield us from the dangers of existence and improve our luck with their Blessings.
Blessed be.
Pandit R DAKSHINAMOORTHI.
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in
dakshinastrologer@rediffmail.com
www.kasamba.com/psychic/pandit-dakshinamoorthi
Please note that for those living in India, September 16th is Pournima thithi and this needs to be observed ONLY IF you have an ancestor who died on Pournami thithi (so Poornima shraardh of Mahalaya Paksha is to be done for that soul on Sep 16th). Others may begin observing the austerities from Sep 17th - which is the Pratipat thithi....
For those living in USA, Canada, and other countries to the West of Atlantic, the Mahalaya paksha austerities must begin from Sep 16th itself (for them, both Poornima and Pratipata shrardh must be observed on Sep 16th).
If there is any confusion regarding interpreting this info., please get in touch with reputed vedic pandits in your region.
It is a powerful period for propitiation of manes(ancestors). Pitrus are said to Grace the households of their descendants with Divine Permission from the other Planes of Existence and are waiting to Bless any descendant who is willing to Honour them in whatever little way they can.
Austerities during Pitr Paksha (applicable to those who have lost atleast one parent) include:
1) Not eating non-veg (in case of non-vegetarians).
2) Not eating onion, garlic, outside food, processed foods,drumstick, etc (for pure vegetarians).
3) If possible avoiding shaving for the entire fortnight till Mahalaya Amavasai; obviously it may not be possible for everyone due to current secular life restrictions (like office policy requiring an executive placed in a cutting-edge responsibility to be clean shaved). Even in these cases, shaving should be avoided at least on the thithis of one's ancestors (father/ mother).
4) Performing obsequies (shradh) on the thithi of the ancestor's death to the extent possible or at least offering "anna dhaanam"(offering food) to poor persons/ priests as per one's convenience.(On this day, you should not shave as already stated)
5) Abstaining from carnal intercourse with members of opposite gender during the fortnight as a mark of respect to Pitrs.
6) Doing recitals like Garuda Puraanam (depicting passage of asoul), Nachiketa story from Upanishads (where Yama Gitaa is there -it contains Lord Yamaa's elucidation of the journey of a soul which was first revealed to the devoted Nachiketaa), Pitru sthothra and Gangaa Avatarana chapter from Shrimad Vaalmiiki Raamaayan. These recitals are stated to grant satisfaction of Pitrs and thereby ensure their blessings upon us. In fact these recitals can be done even by those who have parents alive! (The other rituals like tarpanam should not be observed by those who have parents living). These are auspicious and do not come under the category of shraardha - but at the same time have the potency to give peace and happiness to the souls of ancestors of one's dynasty when they are recited. Those who cannot recite them personally may organize such recitals in honour of their ancestors with the help of vedic/ puranic experts.
Some important days during the pitru paksha
The following are auspicious days to perform shraardha to pitrus - irrespective of the thithi of their demise.
Those who cannot observe the ritual procedures/ restrictions outlined above through the pitru paksha may at least observe the ritual guidelines on these auspicious days in honour of their pitrus.
1) Mahaa Bharani - This falls on September 20, 2016
The significance of this is that Bharani is the star ruled by Yama - the Lord of Death, and observing austerities in Honour of deceased ancestors on Mahaa Bharani day (the Bharani nakshatra falling during Pitru paksha) can give relief from Naraka experiences to ancestors who might be enduring that karmic difficulty [Relief to ancestor's souls directly manifests as peace and prosperity in family; Universe has been designed in such a way that when you help a karmically suffering soul - especially of an ancestor - you get rewards from the Universe in the process].
2) Madhyaashtami - This is to be observed on September 23, 2016
3) Mahaalaya Amaavasya - This should be observed on Sept 30, 2016 throughout the world except that it is to be observed on Oct 1, 2016 by those living in Australia, New Zeland, and Fiji.
Those who have ancestors who might have taken sanyaasa and then died, Sanyastha Mahaalayam may be done on Sep 29, 2016 invoking the Grace of such a soul (technically a sanyaasi has cut the karmic bonds and so karmas for a sanyaasi must be done differently and not with the attitude we do the sharaardham of a grihasta ancestor....so, this sanyaastha Mahaalayam must be done like a yati samaaradhana though tarpanam, etc. might be done by the descendant ). So, those who observe sanyastha mahaalayam may do it like an aaraadhana - remembering the Yati lineage in which the ancestor got sanyaasa, remember other Saints who inspired the ancestor to take sanyaasa, etc. and invoke Blessings of those liberated souls.
Those who want to offer special recitals for pitru trupti (satisfaction of deceased ancestors) might get in touch with me through my email-id....dakshinastrologer@rediffmail.com (please write "Pitru paksha recital request" in the subject line).
The suggested offerings are as below:
Ganga Avatarana sarga recital and Pithru sthothra recital on one day : US$25 (US Dollars twenty five only).
For the above recitals on all the days of the pitru paksha : US$300 (US Dollars three hundred only).
Some controversial issues regarding the observance of pitru paksha rituals/ shraardham and dharma shastraic clarification for the same
1) There are many persons who feel that Mahaalaya paksha rituals need not be done in honour of step mother (called Sapatnii maataa - by shaastraas); doing it for just one's mother and father is enough. There are some who feel that only the eldest son of the second wife of one's father needs to do the shraardha if the first wife of the father died without issues.
Clarification: Though the eldest son is the first Adhikaari for rituals, when property has been divided among the brothers or when they have started living apart from each other as separate families, shraardha and other pitru rituals need to be done by each brother individually. The same holds true for honoring the Sapatnii maataa (Step mother who has died without issues also). Just think....will that Honourable Mother have taken care of just the eldest son and left the other sons in the lurch if she had been alive and the biological mother had been dead? Please use this logic for your clarity in this regard. Just as the step-mother cannot ignore the other children (nor should she!), the children also should not be partial towards performing rituals in Her Honour for Her Soul - especially if she had died without issues. This applies more sternly in cases where the eldest brother of the family is not alive. Unfortunately many families do this mistake of leaving the poor step-mother (the first wife of one's father who died without issues) after the eldest brother is dead. As long as at least one brother is alive, the sapatnii maataa should be honoured during pitru paksha on the day when you do the shraardha of your father (you can invoke one Brahman priest to represent the step-mother's lineage just as you do for your own mother's lineage). Please note that this guideline does not apply in cases where the other woman has voluntarily left one's father (say divorce), or has been indicted by a dharma parishad for undesirable behaviour and hence denied karma benefits in accordance with dharma shastraic principles after giving ample opportunity to exonerate herself. In cases where the father has done an injustice to another woman (who is no more) and has married one's mother, the son who performs rituals in honour of that wronged woman (father's first wife - who is deemed one's saptnii maataa) redeems himself from that dosha. A righteous son should try to do what he can to set right the wrongs done by his deceased parents - as and when he comes to know of that possibility. Though each person is answerable to his/ her own karma and sins, family doshas do arise out of adharmic activities of one's ancestors and these doshas do affect the family for many generations to come (usually seen as Stree saapa in the horoscope of many members of a family). Such doshas are cleared when that wronged soul is honoured appropriately in consultation with dharma shastraic experts in this regard.
2) Some think that if the annual shraardh is done properly, Mahaalaya paksha (pitru paksha) shraardha/ tarpanam need not be done!
Clarification: If you get double-increment will you say "I already got one; so please ignore me for this increment!" No one does that. Yet, when it comes to accumulating spiritual merit, we often tend to say "I have done that and so I need not do this." This attitude of excusing ourserlves from dharmic duties should be overcome consciously. Rather, we should think that the Mahaalaya paksha is a God -Given opportunity for us to honour our pitrs yet again. In fact, Mahaayalaya Paksha shraardh is mandatory, and there is no way out of it, and the benefits accruing out of Mahaalaya paksha shraardha/ tarpanam are actually more than what can accrue out of annual shraardha. The pitru paksha observance gladens our pitrus and we should not miss it for any reason. If we are unable to offer the shraardha/ tarpan on the thithi of our father, we should at least do it on the other special days like Mahaa Bharani, Madhyaashtami, or Mahaalaya Amaavasya (any one of these days). We should not miss it giving any excuse - because no such excuse exists!
3) There are some who think that if Gaya Shraardha has been done, there is no need for Mahaalaya paksha shraardha/ tarpanam.
Clarification: Gaya Shraardha is definitely a wonderful ritual for satisfaction of pitrs. But, having done that is no excuse for exempting oneself from Mahaalaya paksha tarpanam/ shraardha and annual shraardha. These should be continued as long as one is alive (or at least till one is healthy enough to carry on the rituals). Only those who are bed-ridden are exempt this due to obvious reasons! It is a sin to skip these rituals in mistaken sense of having attained a level where these are not necessary - no human being living an ordinary life is exempt these karmas. Even great rishis who were highly spiritually evolved and avatars like Shri Raama, Shri Krishna, have observed these, and obviously we are not above all of them in our spiritual standing! Only sanyaasins are exempt these because they don't have karmaa adhikaara (ritual right to perform a karma). Everyone else who has karmaadhikaara (due to death of one's parents) should observe this - even if they have done the Gaya Shraardha and Akshaya vata pinda daan.
4) Only those who have lost their parents can do any ritual to satisfy pitru devatas..
Clarification: Shraardhas in Honour of pitrus and tarpanam in their Honour are the only activities that are restricted by the above taboo.
Activities like offering greens to cows in memory of deceased ancestors of the family, recital of Raamaayana chapter to ensure peace to the soul of deceased ancestors, performing annadhaanam (donation of food to needy) in honour of deceased ancestors, and recital/ arranging recital of Pitru sthothra are austerities that anyone can do in honour of pitrus. In fact, if one's father or other main kartas are not enthusiastic in performing pitru related rituals and there is consequent pitru saapa indicated in charts, descendants of such families, if they are believers must take measures to please pitrus by their own austerities or by arranging suitable recitals for peace of their ancestors.
5) QUESTION: We have pitru dosha in the family but my parents won't do shrardha or any austerity in this regard.
Solution: You may offer greens/ grass to cows; you may organize recital of Ramayana chapters (especially Ganga Avatarana sarga, Samkshepa Ramayana, etc.); you may recite or organize recital of Yama Gita; you may recite Pitru sthothra, or organize recital of it.
Apart from that, you may do simple things like reciting Raama Naama japam and offering arghyam praying that this should give trupti to ancestral souls.
---------------------------------
May our members observe these dharmic guidelines in connection with Mahaalaya paksha (Pitr paksha) and become recipients of the Grace of pitrus - our Benevolent Ancestors who have the capacity to shield us from the dangers of existence and improve our luck with their Blessings.
Blessed be.
Pandit R DAKSHINAMOORTHI.
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in
dakshinastrologer@rediffmail.com
www.kasamba.com/psychic/pandit-dakshinamoorthi
Monday, September 5, 2016
Grand homam on Ganesha Chaturthi day
Dear All:
We had the good fortune to organize a very grand homam today on the occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi. Did not invite sponsorship from any of our members since I funded it out of my own resources (whenever I fund austerities with my own resources, I pray for everyone so that those who cannot afford to sponsor homams like these in spite of a genuine need for such performances can also benefit out of these.). It was a major austerity performed with recitation of powerful and rare mantras on Lord Vinaayaka - beginning from Brahma Muhurtha (the preliminaries of the homam) and ending at 2 p.m. - at a stretch accompanied by offering of lot of auspicious homam articles and dried coconut offerings (copra). Prayers were raised for Universal Welfare in general, and welfare of Paaraayanam group members in particular.
May Divine Grace be with us all and bless the effort.
Blessed be.
Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI.
We had the good fortune to organize a very grand homam today on the occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi. Did not invite sponsorship from any of our members since I funded it out of my own resources (whenever I fund austerities with my own resources, I pray for everyone so that those who cannot afford to sponsor homams like these in spite of a genuine need for such performances can also benefit out of these.). It was a major austerity performed with recitation of powerful and rare mantras on Lord Vinaayaka - beginning from Brahma Muhurtha (the preliminaries of the homam) and ending at 2 p.m. - at a stretch accompanied by offering of lot of auspicious homam articles and dried coconut offerings (copra). Prayers were raised for Universal Welfare in general, and welfare of Paaraayanam group members in particular.
May Divine Grace be with us all and bless the effort.
Blessed be.
Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI.
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Gokulashtami/ Sri Jayanthi/ Janmashtami 2016
Dear Members:
Sri Krishna Janmaashtami also known as Gokulaashtami is one of the most widely celebrated Avatar days in Sanaatanic vedic traditions. Smaarthas celebrate the Gokulashtami (here Ashtami is the deciding factor for the celebration), while Sri Vaishnavaas celebrate it as Sri Jayanthi where the star Rohini is the deciding factor. The typical consideration is the operation of the deciding factors described above at the time of midnight - though some take the evening time for reckoning. So, there could be some differences in the dates on which Lord Krishna's birthday is celebrated by followers of different sects of Sanaatana Dharma - like Smaartas, Shri Vaishnavas (Pancharaatra and Vaikaanasa aagamic celebrations sometimes differ even among shri vaishnavas).
This year, Gokulashtami is to be observed by those in India (Smaartha traditions) on 24th August 2016.
Those observing Vaishnava traditions (Vaikhanasa) will observe Sri Jayathi on 25th August 2016 (there are some differences here; some Vaishnava temples observe Sri Jayanthi on 24th August 2016 itself).
Those observing Pancharatra traditions will observe Sri Jayanthi on 26th August 2016 in India.
For rest of the world, Gokulashtami and Sri Jayanthi are observed on 25th August 2016.
This year, Gokulashtami is to be observed by those in India (Smaartha traditions) on 24th August 2016.
Those observing Vaishnava traditions (Vaikhanasa) will observe Sri Jayathi on 25th August 2016 (there are some differences here; some Vaishnava temples observe Sri Jayanthi on 24th August 2016 itself).
Those observing Pancharatra traditions will observe Sri Jayanthi on 26th August 2016 in India.
For rest of the world, Gokulashtami and Sri Jayanthi are observed on 25th August 2016.
Lord Krishna's avatar leelas are a live example of a karma yogic path - complete detachment from the results and perfect performance of one's duties as per one's station in life. Remembrance of how He playfully enacted various leelas and in the process decimated demonaic forces in various garbs is sure to inspire us to achieve great things in life. He taught us the efficacy of "effortless perfection". His Bhagavad Geeta is a magnum opus that can be a friend, philosopher, guide, counsellor, all rolled into one - it carries the essence of the whole Upanishadic Wisdom.
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You need not worry if you are currently not in an economically sound position to grant liberally to charities or scholars. Lord Krishna was satisfied beyond words on the soulful offering of just "aval" (flattened puffed rice) from His poor friend KusElaa! What you offer does not matter to Him....it only matters whether you are offering it with Devotion. Recital of kusEla Charitra from Srimad Bhaagavatam is sure to bring prosperity to you.
Our paaraayanam group members may listen to audio recitals on Shri Krishna or Naaraayana from our group - listening to hymns is as efficacious as actual recital of the hymns. Especially, the hymn "Naaraayanam Bhaje....." and "Guruvaayurappan Pancharatnam" are very powerful hymns that can be found in our files section.
Sri Krishna Paadaaravindam sadaa smaraamii
Krishnam VandE Jagat Gurum.
Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.
The following are some of the charities/ meritorious religious deeds that you can do on this day to get His Grace......
- Those who follow religious traditions in the family will perform a sampradaayic pooja to Shri Krishna on the above days as per their traditions.
- Recital of Gopika Geetam, Gopala Hrudayam, portions of Bhagavad Geeta, etc. will be auspicious on this day.
- Those who are initiated into Gopala mantra may recite it number of times today praying for Universal Welfare (for propogation of Dharmic principles and for subjugation of evil forces in various forms).
- Do what you can to promote the welfare of cows in your locality (by contributing what little you can to organizations that are involved in providing shelter to aged cows), as this is sure to bring His Grace to you.
- Offer respects to children - if possible, try to bring happiness to at least one child in a destitute home.
- Try to honour scholars who are involved in propogating the doctrine of Bhagavat Geeta or other vedic principles of living. If possible try to donate copies of the Holy Bhagavad Geeta to some children or aspirants thereby contributing to the spread of the Doctrine.
- Try to contribute at least some amount to vedic scholars who are involved in performing various homams/ yagnas throughout the year for the welfare of the Universe (the donation can be to any scholar who in your opinion is performing such acts in your locality, or to any respectable Pandit anywhere in the world).
- Try to select one slokha from Bhagavad Geeta and let that verse be your guiding principle in all activities throughout the year (This is putting philosophy in action and is sure to win you His Grace).
You need not worry if you are currently not in an economically sound position to grant liberally to charities or scholars. Lord Krishna was satisfied beyond words on the soulful offering of just "aval" (flattened puffed rice) from His poor friend KusElaa! What you offer does not matter to Him....it only matters whether you are offering it with Devotion. Recital of kusEla Charitra from Srimad Bhaagavatam is sure to bring prosperity to you.
Our paaraayanam group members may listen to audio recitals on Shri Krishna or Naaraayana from our group - listening to hymns is as efficacious as actual recital of the hymns. Especially, the hymn "Naaraayanam Bhaje....." and "Guruvaayurappan Pancharatnam" are very powerful hymns that can be found in our files section.
Sri Krishna Paadaaravindam sadaa smaraamii
Krishnam VandE Jagat Gurum.
Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.
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