Random writings from a vedic astrologer

Thai poosam festival on February 7, 2012

2012-02-07T08:40:00.002+05:30

Thai Poosam is a festival dedicated in Honour of Lord Skanda - the Son of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Skanda put an end to the atrocities of the demon Taarakaasura on this day with the Blessings of His Divine Parents - Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti.

Float-festival is observed in Madurai Meenaakshi -SundarEshwarar temple on this day; all major Muruga temples celebrate this festival in a grand manner.

Recital of mantras like Kanda Shashti kavacham, Kandar Anubhooti, Kandar Kali Vennbaa, Tirumurugaarruppadai, etc. will be very auspicious on this day. Even if you do not know any of these (these are all powerful Tamil Hymns and obviously persons who don't have Tamil as Mother Tongue may not be comfortable with these), you can recite "Om Skanda GuravE namah" "Om kumaaraaya namah" "Om DhandapaanayE namah" "Om satrusamhaaraaya namah" "Om shakti hastaaya namah" etc. that are His powerful names.

If you have inimical activity in your life and are feeling anxious and insecure, you may try worshipping Lord Skanda (lord Muruga) today. Even Saatwik persons may pray for overcoming enemies.....afterall, our greatest enemies are within ourselves - Fear, Pride, Arrogance, Lust, Illusion, etc.

Thai poosam is celebrated on February 7, 2012 all over the world except those living in far East countries like Japan, continent of Australia, and Fiji Islands.

May our members utilize these spiritually significant days for Divine Contemplation and become recipients of Divine Grace which is our Real Wealth and which will NEVER suffer recessionary trends!

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Jaya Ekaadasi/ Bheeshma Ekaadasi 2012

2012-02-03T10:08:00.001+05:30

Dear Members:

The ekaadasi that falls in the bright half of the lunar month Maagha is called Jaya ekaadashi.

This auspicious fast falls on February 3, 2012 for those living in U.S., Canada and other nations of the American continents, Europe, Africa, middle-East countries, and India. For those living in countries to the East of India, like Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, etc. the observance should be on February 4, 2012.

Once in the celestial kingdom of Lord Indra, Maalyavaan the son of Lord Indra's Chief Musician - was enarmoured by the beauty of another celestial damsel Pushpavati, and in their infatuation for each other, they could not give their best while performing in His court. Lord Indra divined the reason and cursed both of them to wander as Pisachas for a long time in the Himalayan snows. They lost all their celestial powers and even basic discrimination of sense, touch, smell, and taste that is applicable to beings like us, and wandered without sleep, and food, in those fierce altitudes suffering indescribably from cold and fatigue. As luck would have it, they happened to pass a night in a cave sleeplessly on the Holy day of Jaya Ekaadashi. In their misery, they had ignored consuming even the little fruits/ vegetation available in those snowy heights and had thus inadvertently observed the Jaya Ekaadashi. When dawn broke, they were restored back to the Kingdom of Amaravati (of Lord Indra) who was astonished that they had overcome the effect of his powerful curse so soon! They explained that it was the power of Jaya Ekaadashi which they had observed inadvertently by the Grace of Lord Kesava in His Mercy that has restored them their former glory and celestial status.

Such is the glory of this Jaya Ekaadashi. This Jaya Ekaadashi helps us to overcome all "Paapa vaasanaas " (latent psychological complexes in our sub conscious which have taken root deep inside us due to the karma of evils we have done previously in our lives). These vaasanaas / psychological complexes are responsible for tempting us and leading us to further sins; those who can win over these paapa vaasanaas will be redeemed from the clutch of those complexes. Those complexes are at the root of all our sufferings, anxiety, and restlessness (we see evidence of much anxiety in the society now-a-days mainly because collectively we have more of persons with negative complexes, or paapa vaasanaas in the world today; there is much negative reinforcement - the negative complexes leading us to sin which further creates more "advanced" negative complexes. The Grace of Our Merciful Lord is the ONLY succour for our troubled souls suffering from the effects of kali. If we are free from the influence of our negative complexes (ghostly they are!), we are sure to lead happy and contented lives - no matter what events actually transpire in our mundane lives.

This Jaya Ekaadasi observance is the first step in overcoming those paapa vaasanaas!

Observance of this ekaadashi is believed to give merits equivalent to performance of Agnishtoma yagna, and a bath in all Holy Teerthas! [There are times when prashna charts indicate that performance of Agnishtoma will be good for a person's life; not all can perform AgnishtOma these days; but if such a person observes this Holy Jaya Ekaadashi fast with full faith in Lord Krishna's words as expounded to Yudhishtra where He has declared this merit, they will gain the punya equivalent to performance of AgnishtOmaa! Please remember that it is the mind that is the processor of punya and paapa; Faith creates miracles that are hard to prove! Those who have Faith are Blessed! Those who observe this Ekaadashi, please note....if someone asks you whether you have done AgnishtOmaa, say boldly "YES WE HAVE DONE IT!" You have the Blessed Lord Himself as your guarantor for this!]

This ekaadashi is also known as Bheeshma Ekaadasi in Honour of the Grand Sire of the Kuru Dynasty - Shri Bhiishmaachaarya who shed his mortal coil on Bheeshmaashtami day, and as this ekaadasi falls in the same paksha (fortnight) of His shedding the Mortal Coil by Iccha Mrityu (voluntary shedding of human body with full intent - a rare feat that is possible for Mahaa Yogis), this ekaadasi has been named on Him after the Mahaabharata period. There are some who erraneously think that the Grand Sire actually died on this day - which is wrong. Mahabharata clearly mentions that He voluntary gave up His physical body on Bheeshmaashtami day - i.e. 3 lunar phases earlier!

Another interesting observance in this connection is Varaaha Dwaadasi - observed on the day after this Ekaadasi - the day of appearance of Our Lord in His Form of Wild Boar (Varaaha) to rescue the Earth from the clutches of the demon Hiranyaaksha who had Earth submerged in the Cosmic Ocean. It is for this reason that this ekaadasi is also known as Bhoumi ekaadasi.

So, it will be a good idea to meditate on Lord Varaaha when we fast on this ekaadasi day. Worship of Lord Varaaha gives good luck in land transactions - and also for unmarried persons, it can remove the obstacles to settlement of marriage. Visit to Nithya Kalyaana Perumaal at Tiruvidanthai - near Mahabalipuram on East Coast Road could be a good austerity that can be done either on this Ekaadasi or the next day of Varaaha Dwaadasi, for those who wish to offer special prayers to ensure speedy settlement of marriage with a suitable spouse.

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

Blessed be.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI

www.live-person.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Bheeshmaashtami on January 31, 2012

2012-01-31T08:40:00.005+05:30

Dear Members:

Bheeshmaashtami - in Honour of the Grandsire of the Kuru dynasty falls on January 31, 2012 this year.

Bheeshmaachaarya was known for his steadfastness to dharma, his devotion to his kingdom, and his willing sublimation of his desires to satisfy the wish of his father. He took a vow of Nithya Brahmachaaryathvam (never even considering carnal pleasures of any sort) as that was demanded by the Fisherman-chieftain whose daughter his father desired in marriage. This vow gave him the name "Bheeshma" (Meaning - The terrible; maintaining strict celibacy is really difficult for a person with great valour, strength, and heroic qualities - especially when he is engaged in the activities of a kingdom as a Prince).

This steadfastness earned him the boon of "Iccha Mriyu" (ability to shed life as desired). He waited for long period till Uttaraayana set in and left his mortal coils on the thithi of ashtami after Ratha Saptami. [I have just given a condensed version of the original event; you may read about that in detail in Mahabharatam - of course most of you must be already aware of this legend!].

In fact, the popular Vishnu Sahasranaamam that is a Wish fulfilling Tree for all us in this Kali age first came from his mouth (as he was lying in the bed of arrows in pain!).

(Image courtesy: ISCKON DESIRE TREE - Design by Shri. Umesh Modak)

As he was a strict celibate and without any family tree, and in honour of his great qualities and attachment to dharma, it has been ordained that every eligible male (even those who have parent alive!) are required to offer oblations with water in Honour of that Great Soul - who combined the rare qualities of valour and discipline, obedience and courage, affection and celibacy......rare opposites to be found in the same person.

You can chant the simple mantra: "Om Bheeshmaaya Dharma vrataaya nitya BrahmachaarinE Gangaa Putraaya idam arghyam idam arghaym idam arghyam - Om Bheeshmam tarpayaamii"

(offer it thrice).

Please note that this is one of the mandatory observances for all males subscribing to sanataana dharmaa.

May we all inherit his great qualities and become living examples of virtue and self-control just as he was.

Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Ratha saptami - January 30, 2012

2012-01-30T10:12:00.000+05:30

(Image courtesy: www.harekrsna.de)
Dear Members:

Ratha Saptami - the auspicious day to worship Sun God falls on January 30, 2012, this year. It is to be observed on the same date throughout the world.

This is believed to be the day when Sun God incarnated as son of Sage Kashyapa and his wife Adithi (hence his name Aadityaa!). According to puraanaas, it is believed that is on this day of Ratha Saptami that Lord Surya's chariot turns its actual northward movement towards North-east bringing much auspiciousness to all living beings. The chariot is said to have just one wheel (personification of the Wheel of Time!) drawn by 7 horses (indicating 7 days of the week; 7 rays of the Sun that stand for each colour of the spectrum, etc.). Thus this worship is in essence the worship of the Principle of Time that is controlled with perfection by Paramaatman (signified by Sun).

Worshipping Lord Sun on this day is very auspicious. As you might be aware, worship of Sun blesses one with health ("AarOgyam pra daatu Dinakarah" is the verse related to that). Sun God is a "Namaskaara Priyaha" , so offering Surya namaskaar in His Honour reciting His 12 names will be auspicious today.

The 12 names are "Mitra, Ravi, Soorya, Bhaanu, Kagha, Pooshna, Hiranyagarbha, Mariichi, Aaditya, savitaa, Arka, Bhaaskaraa".

Those who are initiated into Surya Ashtaakshari (8-syllable mantra) can recite that 108 times and offer arghya (oblation with pure water).

A special ritual unique to this day...

It is traditional to take bath with 7 Arka leaves (called Erukku in tamil, JillEdu in Telugu, Ekka in Kannada, and Bowstring hemp in English) on the body. The placement is 1 leaf on the head, two on the shoulders (one on each shoulder), two on the knees, and two on the feet, and then pouring water on oneself. You should keep some akshada (raw rice grains mixed with turmeric) on the leaves while placing them on your body and then take the bath.

The mantra to be recited is this:

"Om Yadyadjanma krutham paapam mayaa saptaasu janmasu

ThanmE RhOgancha SOkancha maakari hantu Saptamii"

YEtatjanmakrutham paapam yathaa janmaantaraarjitam

ManO Vaak kaayajam yaccha gnaathaaghnaathancha yath punah"

Iti saptavidham paapam snaanam ME saptha SapthakE

Saptavyaadhi samaayuktham hara maakari Sapthami"

(This is basically a prayer that declares how sins accrue to us and follow us over births, and request the Saptami thithi Deity (Sun God and the thithi Nithya Devi who is subtly invoked in this mantra) to absolve us of all the sins, and hence the karmic effects of those like diseases and sorrow in life). Those who are unable to follow the transliteration of this mantra may just pray for removal of sins asking for pardon for all sins committed knowingly/ unknowingly, and hence relief from all troubles in life.

At the end of this ritual bath, we should offer "Arghyam" to Sun God and Saptami DEvi with the following mantra:

"Saptha Sapthi vaha preetha Saptha LOkha pradeepana

Sapthamii sahitO Deva gruhaanaarghyam Diwaakara" (offer pure water three times facing the Sun in the morning saying this mantra).

Those who can - might recite mantras like Surya Sahasranaamam, Surya Atharva seersha upanishad, Aaditya Hrudayam, Suryaashtakam, etc. and get additional benefits.

Charities that can be done on this day

1) Donating to hospitals catering to sick patients.

2) Gupta Kooshmanda daanaa is a powerful dhaana that can be done today (gemstones - especially Ruby, gold, and silver are concealed inside a pumpkin and donated to a vedic Brahmin.....You should not reveal what/ how much is concealed inside the pumpkin to them. That is why it is called Gupta Dhaana! It is difficult to get a good Brahmin to accept this dhaanaa because this is a powerful remedy that involves "transfer of karma from the giver to the receiver"; no amount of money in the world will impel a vedic brahmin to accept this! On the other hand, gifting it to a person who is just a brahmin by birth but without vedic knowledge or ritual purity, is useless; so, if you are suffering from great troubles, request an elderly or mature vedantic brahmin to accept the charity to alleviate your pains...they may consent to this out of piety, and then use that amount for charitable purposes like yagnas, temple renovation, feeding poor, etc.). There are other dhaanas like saaligraama dhaana, vastra dhaana (gifting traditional Panchakaccha dhoti), etc. that can be done today which will be easily accepted by any priest. You can offer these at vedic patashalas near your place or to a respected Pandit who is explaining Puranic truths/ spiritual precepts to a lot of people from an altruistic point of view.

Even if you can't offer the special dhaanas as mentioned above, make it a point to donate at least a small amount of money in charity (may be just a dime to a beggar outside a temple; or purchasing a piece of sweet to a poor child in your neighbourhood). No man is so poor that they can't donate anything, and there is always someone poorer than you! Please remember that....it is not how much you donate but with what attitude you donate that is important in absolving you of your karmic liabilities. Once your karma is reduced even by small amounts, you will be amazed at how things begin to take a positive turn in life.

May our members worship Sun God who is the Manifest Form of Absolute Divine and absolve themselves of all sins and the resultant problems in life.

Blessed be

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

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Shat-tila ekaadasi 2012

2012-01-17T20:38:00.002+05:30

Dear Members:

Shat-Tila ekaadashi falls on January 18/ January 19, 2012

Recommended dates for observance of the ekaadashi fast for different regions in the world

1) Those living in U.S., Canada, and other countries in the American continents, that follow Hawwaii time, MST, and Pacific standard time must observe the fast on January 18, 2012.

2) Those living in other parts of the world (including those in the U.S, Canada who are not in the time zones mentioned above) must observe the fast on January 19, 2012.

Shat-Tila literally means "six sesame seeds." The fast is understaken on this day after consuming a glass of water in which six sesame seeds have been soaked. You have to mix six sesame seeds in water and then take a bath with it first. Then drink a glass of water in which 6 sesame seeds have been soaked, offer oblations to pitrus (deceased ancestors/ rishis of the past) with water mixed with sesame, and then fast on this day. Observing this will help you in winning the six major internal enemies for the soul (Raagha, DwEsha, LObham, Moham, Madam, Maacharyam), and thus ensure your spiritual progress.

Observance of this fast will ensure removal of all sins and help to keep your karmic balance sheet healthy, allowing you to progress through spiritual levels with least of obstacles.

May our members observe this holy fast and enjoy Divine Grace. [Please note that those who are forbidden to fast due to medical indications may observe this fast on a token-basis instead of undertaking a full fast; like - you may consume only fruits, or avoid only rice items, etc. But, please try to observe the fast in some form consistent with your physical condition and environmental conveniences as this is one of the more strongly recommended ekaadashi fasts].

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant
www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Makara Sankranthi - January 2012

2012-01-14T09:10:00.000+05:30

Dear Members:

The auspicious Makara Sankranthi (celebrated as Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu) falls on January 15, 2012 this year for those in India and other eastern countries. Those living in U.S. Canada, and other American continent countries, those living in European countries, etc. should observe this on January 14, 2012 itself.

We extend our best wishes to all readers of our blog on this occasion.

This is an auspicious day to propitiate Lord Surya (Sun God) - expressing our thanks for His Benevolence upon us in the previous year. Recital of Aditya Hrudayam, Surya Atharvaseersha upanishad, Suryaashtakam, etc. will help you to gain the Grace of the Supreme Almighty whose Radiance shines through Sun and various other stars in our galaxy(Though there are even brighter stars than Sun - it is the Sun whose rays benefit us on earth; and hence we offer our respects to Sun God). Worshipping Sun can ensure good health - shastras say "Aroghyam pradaatu Dinakarah:" Besides health, recital of Aaditya Hrudayam helps in improving professional prospects and winning over obstacles in life. Anyone who is facing seemingly daunting tasks in life can benefit by reciting Aaditya Hrudayam 9 times at a stretch as an emergency prayer. Similarly those suffering from skin ailments can benefit by reciting Surya Ashtakam (which benefitted Saambha - the Son of Lord Krishna).

Special prayers will be done as usual at our place for Universal Welfare on this occasion.

May our members enjoy good health and dazzling tejas by the Grace of the Sun God.

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Arudra Darsanam - January 8, 2012

2012-01-08T07:06:00.002+05:30

Dear Members:

The auspicious Arudra Darshanam is to be observed on January 8, 2012 this year.

This Arudra Darshanam is the festivity associated with Lord Shiva's Cosmic Dance. The Blissful Lord Shiva - who has neither Birth nor Death - appeared out of His Immense Grace in His Cosmic Dance Form of Nataraja, in response to the intense tapasya of the Holy Saints Vyagrapaadar (the Saint with Tiger claws) and Patanjali (of the Yoga Sutra fame! - the Avatar of Lord Adisesha!) on Arudra nakshatra day of the solar month of Dhanus. It is to commemorate that Holy Event that we observe this Holy day....Worship of Lord Shiva in His Form of Nataraja is auspicious on this day.

This is an occasion that is to be observed with happiness - rather than as an intense vratam. Feast comprising of a special sweet called "Kalli" and a vegetable preparation consisting of 7 different kinds of vegetables (called "Ezhu kari kootu" in tamil) is the speciality of the day - consistent with the commemoration of the Blissful event of Lord Shiva's enthusiastic cosmic dance on this day.

So, instead of restrictive austerities, treat yourselves to a happy feast (of course avoiding ritually impure articles (onion/ garlic) and non-veg - but indulging in any sort of sweet or savourite and vegetable soups/ preparations as per your taste), and remember that Blissful Dancing Shiva.....Our Lord Shiva's Blissful dance reiterates the fact that responsibilities need not always sit as a heavy burden on our shoulders ...if He - who maintains the whole Universe can dance in merriment and ecstatic joy, why can't we take our responsibilities more sportively!

May His Glorious Cosmic Dance lighten our hearts and recharge our batteries. May His Jolly spirit fill our souls now and forever!

Om Namah shivaya.
Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Vaikunta Ekaadasi/ Putradaa Ekaadasi- 4th /5th January 2012

2012-01-04T17:55:00.003+05:30

(Image courtesy: www.bhagavad-gita.us)
Dear Members:

The most glorious and important of all Ekaadaasis - the Vaikunta Ekaadasi falls on January 4, 2012 for those living in USA, Canada, and other American continent nations, U.K. and places to the West of Greenwich Meridian.

It is to be observed on January 5, 2012 by those living in the Gulf Countries, India, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

This is one of the most highly recommended fasts for a devout spiritual aspirant because it has the potential of opening the "Gates of Divine Abode of Lord Vishnu" for you if this is observed correctly. Even those who have medical conditions which prevent them from observing a full fast should abstain from rice-items and sustain themselves with alternative ritually pure foods (avoiding garlic, onions, beverages like coffee, tea, etc.). Those who are desirous of cutting off the endless cycle of births and deaths for the soul must contemplate on upanishads like Gopaala Taapini Upanishad, recite Holy Bhagavat Gita, Bhaagavatam, etc.

In Vaishnava temples "swarga Dwaar" - a sort of archway leading around the Inner Sanctum Sanctorum is erected, and crossing that is symbolic of crossing the threshold of Vaikunta and getting glimpse of our Lord. Spending time in meditation/ japam while waiting in the serpentine ques, and ultimately having the glimpse of Our Lord after crossing the threshold will definitely be gainful for your souls. Please note that you should not get angry with other devotees in the que or pick up fights, you should not "jump" ques trying to overtake the other waiting devotees with your "street smartness, pushing abilities", etc. in the que. Such activities definitely invoke bad karma, and it is not for that, that you go to a temple on a Holy Day (I am commenting on this because such activities are too common in long ques; a person who jumps ques thinking he is outsmarting others is actually fooling himself/ herself, and damning himself/ herself with that karma; on the other hand, those who wait patiently, and do what they can to help other devotees who might be finding it uncomfortable - like ladies with infants, elderly, etc. while standing in ques are invoking good karma and actually helping their own souls to progress. Selfishness and self-comfort should take a back-seat at least during these occasions - and that too for your own good! If you are entitled to temple honours in some way, and hence receive special darshan - that is different; you need not feel guilty about that; probably, you deserve such Honours and maybe, that was Divine Gift to you! But even such people - if you can, it will be real good merit to stand patiently in a que, do japams till your turn at darshan comes, and then have a darshan of the Lord along with the other common devotees because, God Himself may be in disguise among the masses during these occasions. I have felt it many times - and I request my fellow aspirants to feel such miracles of brushing shoulders with Divine in crowded temples for themselves!).

Additionally, fasting on this day is also auspicious for those couples who are aspiring for progenic bliss as this ekaadasi is also hailed as Putradaa ekaadasi. Such couples should recite Baala Kaandam chapters from Shrimad Vaalmiiki Raamaayanam, Naaraayaneeyam, Santaana Gopala mantra, etc. on this day.

Generally, chanting of Raama naama, and recital of Shri Vishnu Sahasranaamam can be done by everyone today for obtaining religious merit, and for perfection/ progress of our Soul.

It is also recommended that you should remain awake at night and spend it in Divine Contemplation, bhajans (Divine Songs), discussing Theological matters, etc. It is traditional to play a dice game called "Paramapadham" on this night. You should not merely play it as a game....in the traditional Indian version of this game (the western version is Snake and Ladders!, and I am not referring to that when I write this article....), you will find "ladders" corresponding to various virtues, and "snakes" corresponding to certain shortcomings of attitude/ character....you can see where each ladder leads you, and where each snake drops you....look at the character/ attitude depicted in the box, see how progress/ downfall happens based on the ladder/ snake you encounter. This is verily a spiritual lesson of how a soul can progress or regress into various states of existence. It is analogous to the journey of your souls through the Cycle of Existence till the soul attains Liberation or Merging with Divine experience. You will also see how difficult it is to progress at the end of the game, and that is how difficult it is for a soul to reach ultimate liberation. If you play it consciously, reading all the attributes described in the chart carefully, this game can be a meditative exercise in itself, and can be a valuable tool for imparting spiritual values for children.

Of course, playing the paramapadam is not mandatory......it just helps you to keep awake and at the same time induce philosophical musings if played properly. Those of you who feel sufficiently spiritually awakened already may just spend the night in quiet Divine Contemplation which is best.

May our members observe this Holy day Fast diligently as per their circumstances and practical limitations to the best of their abilities and win salvation for their souls.

Blessed be.

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

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Set your boundaries for a healthy and wholesome life

2012-01-01T13:11:00.004+05:30

Dear Members:

A strange event on the eve of New year 2012 prompts me to write this.

In the past I have often been perplexed about why mantras do work excellently well for some while the same remedies draw a blank for others.....I nearly stumbled upon the answer yesterday - one hour after midnight when I was speaking with a close friend of mine.....

The friend had gone with some close relatives to a famous and powerful temple on 31st December 2011, and the relatives had taken the pains to do 108 pradakshinas in the temple. This friend also had lit a Moksha deepam in Honour of a friend's grandpa who expired recently. All went fine till they all decided to go for dinner around midnight when this friend had ordered some cocktails and also initiated one of the younger relatives to their first alcoholic drink.....Little did the friend of mine realize that the austerities done earlier in the day had been compromised by this activity.

The friend argues that they did not think much about it - and the austerity and the drink were unrelated as it was not "non-veg!" Well, to put matters in perspective, for people born in families where they consume non-veg food, it is not taboo to consume such foods except on certain occasions/ vrata days - but without exception, consumption of alcoholic beverages is one of the activities that can completely negate the positive effects of certain austerities. Except in certain tantrik rituals that involve use of Pancha Makara, use of alcoholic beverages is tabooed for everyone.

Moreover, the argument of "experience it once and then get over it" does not apply to drugs, alcoholic beverages, or experiencing intimacy with a professional sex worker, or drinking poison/ attempting suicide.........these are best not done at all - rather than "trying to experience so that it does not tempt later," - sometimes there is no second chance once you enter the path! (you may be surprised as to why I group drinking poison with alcohol - but actually poison at least finishes you once and for all and your woes are over; alcohol makes you a living dead - making you vulnerable...only a person like me who has bitten the bullet and escaped by the breadth of the skin in life-threatening situations will know how alertness of a high order is sometimes needed for survival - and alcohol - even in mild doses will blunt those instinctual responses - even in cases when you are not actually drunk). I know of people who began as social drinkers unable to withstand peer pressure and then gradually began liking the drink (because they thought it is best to condition themselves to that habit as anyway they have to give company to others in social occasions), and then reached a stage where they are in state of denial while in reality they have latent "substance dependence" without actually falling into substance abuse disorder category. Any activity that is not entirely desirable from a religious/ ethical/ moral point of view - but which we have done when there is no need to do it - is indicative of dependence of a mild intensity. Like in the New Year Party they need not have consumed alcoholic beverage at all as no one else was pressurizing them to do that.

The friend is on a remedial fast to overcome the dosha of having insulted a Moksha deepam unwittingly (it never occurred to me to warn them against drinking on a day when they have lit moksha deepam in Honour of others - because they initially claimed that they drank only due to spousal pressure abroad and they have not touched alcoholic drinks in the past 5 months' period), and has assured me that they won't consume alcoholic beverages in the future (with the proviso that they will resume consumption if they get married to a spouse who may insist on drinking!!!!!).

I would only request that friend not to marry such a tactless and spineless coward who can't desist from forcing a spouse into a drink just because he/ she thinks that drinking is cool and abstinence from alcohol is not! It is actually a proud thing to attend a party and still abstain from alcohol....of course, don't judge others who indulge in it - but personally don't do anything that you don't want to just because others are doing it or someone else is forcing you to do it! Many great people - including Heads of States who host banquets and official parties - have been non-drinkers, and when you are a non-drinker in a party you remember that you belong to the elite group of the world and you are in grand company!

In spirituality - the first lesson to be learnt is this.....Never ever do anything which is morally questionable under the pressure of others. If you let others to force you into erraneous deeds, you pay for that - not the ones who forced you in to that. If you have done some mistake out of intrinsic curiosity/ impulse, owe up to it - don't rationalize it - because rationalization of misdeeds is the first step towards moral depravity.

Let others pressurize you for noble deeds, not for questionable habits.....if someone argues that drinking mildly is not dangerous, ask them back then why should people who are trying to conceive abstain from alcohol?

Be like the Wolf - that is socially responsible and lives in packs but still maintains strict individuality regarding certain things.

Meditating on the animal Totem of Wolf will help you to be a responsible social person while at the same time drawing boundaries that are healthy for individual ethics/ morality (safeguarding the self from corrupting influences around you). Those who don't know how to set boundaries often end up doing everything that one person asks to do and then deciding not to cooperate at all with others who enter their lives later....this way both lives are messed up...the first one because they adjusted to someone who did not deserve that, and the second one - because they refused to adjust to the legitimate demands of the next one!

Wolf - I Beseech Thee.....Help all those who are in my life to lead responsible social lives without compromising on the ethics of the Self......Set your boundaries and live a healthy and wholesome life! Above all be loyal to yourselves and may the Wolf help you achieve that!

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Hanumath Jayanthi - 2011

2011-12-23T16:15:00.001+05:30

Dear Members:

Hanuman Jayanthi falls on December 24, 2011 per Tamil traditions . There are various versions for this observance - some follow it on Chaitra Pournami (this is followed in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and some parts of North India. In North Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, Hanumat Jayanthi is celebrated on Vaisakh Krishna dasami thithi. According to Tamil traditions, Hanumat Jayanthi is celebrated on the Amavasya thithi of the Tamil Month Maargazhi when Moola constellation rules. (for those of you who are from Siddha lineage of Sage Agasthya - there is another version which is not so popular as the other jayanthis! Agasthya Samhita gives Lord Hanuman's Birth details as Mesha lagna, Krishna chaturdasi thithi, Swaathi nakshatra, in the solar month of Karthigai)

The differences may pertain to different incarnations of Lord Hanumaan in different kalpas (the same Divine Events have occured in different kalpas with slight modifications and that is why you will find slight differences in version of some Divine Legends in various Puranas as they may refer to the events in different kalpas!). So, probably they are all correct in that they refer to His Jayanthi in different kalpas.

Another reason for the difference could be that each "Jayanthi" could refer to some significant "life-changing or rebirth sort of event" in Lord Hanuman's Incarnation.....like the first conception through Lord Vaayu's agency as a Rudraavataraa, His being revived by Divine Boons as a child (after He was struck by Vajraayudha when He tried to gobble the sun! thus it was a sort of second life for Him), His realizing His Divine Powers after Jaambhavaan alerts Him of the powers that He had forgotten due to the curse of rishis, His Incarnating as Panchamukha Hanumaan to tackle the challenges of Demons of the Netherworld, etc.

Generally for a devotee every day is of spiritual significance and so, these "special days" are just convenient Divine Excuses for showering additional devotion and for Divine Celebration with extra fervour! So, maybe, you can follow all those Jayanthis of the most Humble but Mighty Messenger of Lord Raam and celebrate His Incarnation thrice/ Four times a year!

In that spirit, even our brethen from North India, and other southern states may offer special worship to Lord Hanumaan on this day when their brother devotees from Tamil Nadu will be offering their respects and veneration to the Glorious Son of Vaayu.

Recital of Shri Hanumaan Chaalisaa, Sundara Kaandam chapters, AanjanEya sahasranaamam (reputed to be composed by Lord Raama Himself!), etc. are considered to be auspicious on this day.

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

Saphala Ekaadasi - December 20/ 21, 2011

2011-12-20T14:55:00.002+05:30

Dear Members:

The auspicious Saphala Ekaadashi falls on December 20/ December 21, 2011. 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, U.K., Western European nations - December 20, 2011

2) For rest of the world, including India - December 21, 2011.

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 Chest, 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

Dhanur month poojas begin on December 16/December 17, 2011

2011-12-16T10:10:00.002+05:30

Dear Members:

Dhanur month pooja period begins from December 16, 11 for those in the United States, and other countries of American continents. For rest of the world, Dhanur month pooja period begins from December 17, 2011; Dhanur month ends on Jan 14, 2011.

It is auspicious to do early morning poojas daily during this Dhanur month. Especially powerful recitals are those of Tiruppaavai, Thiruvempaavai (Tamil Hymns), Vishnu Sahasranaamam, and Raamaayana/ Mahaabhaaratam. It is also traditional for those belonging to Bhajana sampradaayas to recite Divine Names in a musical tone during this month and walk around residential localities spreading Divine Vibes in the process.

Dhanur month is the dawn period by DEvamaana (1 human year is equivalent to 1 day for celestials; the Uttaraayana period is day for them and the six Dakshinaayana month period is night for them; this Dhanur month is the Brahma Muhurtha for Celestials and hence worships during this period are considered very auspicious).

This Dhanur month pooja beginning period is Shadsheethi punya kaalam - a spiritually potent period when all punya karmas give manifold positive returns. Shadsheethi punya kaalam is to be observed on December 16, 2011 throughout the world.

May our readers enjoy the best spiritual benefits of this auspicious period.

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

A query on "Astrology Vs Karma"?

2011-12-13T08:19:00.005+05:30

Dear Panditji,

Had a question,though might not be directly relevant. A friend of mine asked me this question. Does astrology take an upper hand or Karma as in the case of twins, though their horoscopes are same (differnce of 2 minutes), still one is in US and flourishing and the other person is yet to find a job.

In such situations, he was asking as to what creates such a difference ?

Best Regards,
Sairaman

December 13, 2011 7:21 AM

Pandit R. DAKSHINA MOORTHI said...

Astrology can still give clues even in the case of twin births; though most common persons think the horoscopes are the same, the divisional charts can be different in some cases - there could be sign change in vargas like dasamsa or other minute divisions that could explain the change in circumstances. If the dasamsa chart - the divisional chart that shows career prospects is different, their professional prospects could also differ.

BUT, that said, the basic tendencies could still be identical to a great extent as shown by the basic rashi chart. Just that one of those twins would have manifested those tendencies more overtly while the other one could have not manifested them overtly. Also, as I always say, final outcomes in life do depend to a great extent upon how we react to situations in life. Horoscope shows the situations that might be encountered - and certain milestone points like strong triggers for career/ marriage; while one twin could have taken up those triggers aggressively the other one could have floundered there and missed those triggering points that could have propelled this other stranded twin also to success just as they propelled the other one to flourishing circumstances.

In some cases, the good karma of the family might have been already exhausted and support just one of those twins - and hence the flourishing of one and the floundering of the other.

There is another possibility also here...sometimes twins are people with strongly shared karmas where one's good luck may have to support the other....or Destiny might purposely test the "flourishing" twin to see whether he is able to generously share his good luck/ riches with the suffering twin (as is the duty of a good sibling).

I have seen very good souls suffering at death bed - and you would think that such good persons don't deserve such a suffering; but, the fact is that Universe is not "punishing" that good soul with the bed-ridden situation; RATHER, Universe is trying to give chance for the other family members to earn good karma by serving that flawless soul in that situation. The flawless soul who has been put into this trial of suffering at death-bed will be compensated for that when they reach Heaven:)

Fate is very kind and Destiny is certain.

PS: Astrology and Karma are not very different; Astrology only says things based on projections of karmic possibilities.

So, we can't answer whether astrology has upper hand or Fate has upper hand. Without karma there is no astrology:) Astrology is only a diagnostic tool to read karma and its implications.

A better way you could have asked this is - "whether Fate prevails or Free Will prevails?" I would have given a different answer for that; I will do a write-up on this sometime in the near future:)

December 13, 2011 8:19 AM

Dattatreya Jayanthi on December 9, 2011

2011-12-08T09:40:00.003+05:30

Dear Members:

Dattatreya Jayanthi falls on December 9, 2011 year. (many spiritual groups intend to celebrate this on December 10, 2011; BUT, it is more correct to observe this on December 9, 2011 itself because Pournami and Rohini conjointly begin operating even from the evening of December 9, 2011, and it is more correct to observe Datta Jayanthi on December 9, 2011 since eclipse also falls on December 10, 2011 - if a nakshatra operates on two days, it is better to celebrate the nakshatra on the day when there is no eclipse).

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 visited 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 DattrEya Vajra Kavacham will help in nullifying even most terrible planetary afflictions.

We are planning to conduct special chants on Datta Jayanthi day this year also. Shri DattatrEya Moola mantra Japam, Dattatreya vajra kavacham, sthothras, and Shri Kaartaveeryaarjuna Japam will be conducted at my residence at villivakkam on December 09, 2011 (We Honour Kaartaveeryaarjuna also today 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 Datta's Grace) . Those sponsors who are in a position to attend the Japam 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 clicking on the button below:

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

Karthikai deepam in December 2011

2011-12-08T09:03:00.002+05:30

Dear Members:

Tiruvannamalai Deepam is observed on December 8, 2011 and sarvaalaya Deepam is observed on December 10, 2011.

Those who wish to observe the Deepam on December 10, 2011 due to traditions associated with their family (i.e. instead of Tiruvannamalai Deepam) must light the lamps in the period between 5:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., IST i.e. before the beginning of lunar eclipse on December 10, 2011.

Lighting deepam praying for wisdom in our life, good fortune and prosperity in the family, and peace of souls is auspicious on this occasion - since it marks the day when our Lord appeared as a Huge Pillar of Light of a magnitude that even Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma could not Fathom the extent of His Form completely. To commemorate that "Adi Mudi kaana perunthOtram" - The Form with Unfathomable Beginning and End- every year a grand jyothi is lit atop the Holy Arunaachala Hills.

Lord Muruga (also called Kartikeya, Skanda, etc.) is also to be venerated on this day since this day marks the day when His six Forms were united into a single body and six-heads by the Embrace of Goddess Shakti. This is symbolic of Focussing of our 5 indriyaas and the sixth faculty of Reasoning by God's Grace to make ourselves fit for accomplishment of tasks (just as Lord Muruga's six forms united into Shanmugha Form with which He annihilated demons - the purpose of His Genesis straight from Lord Shiva's Third Eye).

May the Light of Wisdom dawn on all of us by Divine Grace.

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

Mokshadaa ekaadasi (Kaisika Ekaadasi) - December 5/ December 6, 2011

2011-12-04T09:48:00.002+05:30

Dear members:

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 5, 2011 by those living in U.S., Canada, and other countries of the American continents (both North and South).

For all other countries in rest of the world, the ekaadashi should be observed on December 6, 2011.

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!

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
www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Lunar eclipse on December 10, 2011

2011-12-03T15:04:00.003+05:30

There is a total lunar eclipse on December 10, 2011 between 06-15 p.m. and 9-48 p.m. (IST). The eclipse will be visible in the region covering Africa, Europe, The Middle East, Asia, Australia, North America, Greenland, and Indian, Pacific, and Arctic Ocean. The eclipse is visible throughout India.

GENERAL SUGGESTIONS FOR EVERYONE LIVING IN REGIONS OF VISIBILITY OF THE ECLIPSE.

1) Avoid eating solid foods after 2:00 p.m. IST on 10th December 2011.

2) Fast during the duration of the eclipse and recite Divine Sthothras or do japas; the merit accrued by such recitals will be manifold. Spiritual people never let go an eclipse period without major occult performances – because the merits get multiplied many times and so attaining siddhis is easier during the eclipse duration.

3) Do not perform abhisheka or other outer forms of poojas during eclipse; only japas and meditation should be performed during eclipse duration.

4) Any activity that requires intense focus of mind can be performed during eclipse and you will see the good results for yourself.

5) Ideally a bath should be taken both at the beginning of the eclipse and at the end of the eclipse duration. If taking two baths like that is not feasible, at least a purificatory bath should be done at the end of the eclipse.

6) Those who have lost parents should perform the tarpana and other rituals in Honour of ancestors at the beginning of the solar eclipse (it should be done at the end of the lunar eclipse; this is for your information and guidance regarding dharma shastraic rules of tarpans during eclipses).

7) If you happen to be living in the region of visibility of the eclipse, you should put tulsi leaves or dharbha grass in all stored food items like pickles, jams, buttermilk, etc. and take those away after the eclipse.

8) Avoid using bed materials during eclipse – because if you do use pillows, etc. made of cloth, you need to wash them after the eclipse; it may not be feasible. This rule does not apply to woolen materials, and resins.

9) The ideal way to spend the time of eclipse is in recital – especially by the side of Holy Rivers in the region – like Cauvery, Aarni, Bhavani, Vaigai, etc. or by the side of temple tanks. Mantras to control poisons, to control elemental forces and evils, etc. will give immediate results during eclipse duration. So, those living in regions of visibility of the eclipse should capitalize on this period to detox their lives by powerful chants. This is an ideal period for mantra-initialization processes.

10) Pregnant women should avoid walking out if the eclipse is visible in their area - this is as per traditional taboos. Though some say that this is a superstition, I guess it is better to be safe rather than being sorry later:)

11) Those who intend to celebrate Karthigai deepam on this day should complete lighting the lamps and the offerings before 6:10 p.m. (light the lamps and offer naivedya between 5:40 p.m. and 6:10 p.m. IST), and put some dharbha grass on the offerings. Those dharbha grass pieces can be removed at the end of the eclipse and then the naivedya can be consumed.

SPECIAL REMEDIAL PERFORMANCE FOR THOSE NATIVES BORN UNDER THE ABOVE STARS AND LIVING IN AREAS OF VISIBILITY OF THE ECLIPSE

As per dharma shastras, when eclipse falls in the natal star, its trines, or on stars near one’s natal star (the star before or after one’s natal star), eclipse remedies should be performed to counteract the possible negative impact of the eclipse on one’s prospects…. Those born under Krittika, Rohini, Mrigaseersha, Sravana, and Hasta vedic stars and living in regions of visibility of this eclipse should perform Grahana remedies to counteract the possible malefic influence of this eclipse on their charts.

There are specific hymns to be recited invoking the Grace of the Ashtadig baalakaas Indra, Agni, Yama, Nirruti, Varuna, Vaayu, Kubera, Ishaana, and also the Trimurthis – Brahma, Vishu, and Lord Shiva to remove the eclipse impact if one’s natal star belongs to the list of stars afflicted by the eclipse.

Some pandits who are not knowledgeable of the above hymns will alternatively perform a Sarpa sooktha recital or Mahanyaasa Rudra recital. That is also perfectly acceptable and these remedies also work well.

Try to get in touch with knowledgeable pandits in your area if your area of residence falls in the visibility zone of the eclipse. Or, you may contact us for the performance of the eclipse remedy on your behalf; we will do the needful taking the sankalpa in your name and reciting the appropriate hymns for your benefit. You need to give your name, your nakshatra, rashi, and gothra (if known; if the gothra is not known indicate whether you would like to be called as Vishnu gothra or Shiva gothra based on your preference of Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu as Favourite God) for this. You may subscribe to that performance (please note that this is necessary only if the eclipse is visible in your region), by clicking the button below:

Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

A query regarding crow flying over head

2011-11-30T18:31:00.002+05:30

The query: Dear Panditji,

If the Crow is flying over the head then is it showing any dosha / inauspicious?
Is any remedy required?

My response:

If the crow just flew over the head in its course of flying without any intent to strike at your head, it is not a dosha. But, if it made aggressive passes near the head or actually nicked the head with its peaks or beat the head with its beaks/ claws, then parihaaram should be done - as this is considered inauspicious.

Offer a Til lamp (lamp with wick made of sesame seeds and oil of sesame) in Navagraha sannidhi on Saturdays and perform Navagraha archana as remedy if crow made aggressive attempts to beat the head.

Those who are initiated into mantra shastra can just recite Indrakshi sthothra once and smear the forehead with holy ashes instead of the above remedy.

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Utpanna Ekaadasi on November 21, 2011

2011-11-19T09:42:00.003+05:30

Dear Members:

The auspicious Utpanna Ekaadasi falls on November 21, 2011. It is to be observed on the same day throughout the world - except those living in Japan, Fiji islands, Australia, and New Zeland. Those living in these parts should observe Ekaadasi on November 22, 2011.

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

Utthaana Ekaadasi November 2011

2011-11-05T18:14:00.002+05:30

Dear Members:

Utthaana ekaadashi falls on November 6, 2011 this year. It is to be observed on the same date throughout the world - except for those living in the U.S., canada and other countries of the American continents (Those living in American continent should observe this fast on November 5, 2011 itself).

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. It falls on November 7, 2011, and is celebrated as Brindaavana Dwaadashi. One who offers Tulsi garlands to Lord Vishnu on this Holy day gains indescribable merit. Those living in countries in the American continents, and also those living in U.K. and WesternEuropean countries should observe Brindaavana Dwaadasi on November 6, 2011 itself (Please note that both Tulsi Vivaah and Uttaana Ekaadasi austerities should be observed on November 6, 2011 by those living in U.K. France, and other Western European Countries).

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.

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

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Saturn's transit into sidereal Libra on November 15, 2011 (Sani Peyarchi 2011)

2011-11-01T21:45:00.004+05:30

Dear Members:

Saturn transits into sidereal Libra on November 15, 2011 and stays there till November 2, 2014.

By general principles of transit, this is likely to be auspicious for those born with sidereal Moon in Leo (Simha rashi), sidereal Moon in Sagittarius (Dhanus rashi), and sidereal Moon in Taurus (Rishabha rashi).

The transit could be tough for those born under Meena rashi (sidereal Moon in Pisces), Kataka rashi (sidereal Moon in Cancer), Kanya rashi (sidereal Moon in Virgo), Tula Rashi (sidereal Moon in Libra), and Vrischika rashi (sidereal Moon in Scorpio).

For rest of the signs, the transit could be mixed.

However, due to special factors like elemental status that Saturn attains for each Moon sign, and other unique factors like rulership of Saturn over certain houses with respect to Moon sign, the above general transit effects can be modified.

You can read about the influences in detail by following this link:

http://posts.fanbox.com/lwp94

I am planning to perform the austerities on that day out of own resources for Universal Welfare. So, everyone of our readers will be automatically included as beneficiaries in that Universal Prayer. (Due to my mother's health condition where she has undergone a recent cataract surgery, I won't be able to perform a Fire worship at home; I am planning to do only Japas and Sani kavacha recital on that day, and possibly a visit to a kshetra if my intuition impels me to do so).

May Divine Grace bless us all.

Blessed be.
Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI.

Skanda shashti / Soora Samhaaram on October 31, 2011

2011-10-30T19:43:00.002+05:30

(picture above: courtesy - www.palani.org)

Skanda Shashti vrattam - soora samhaaram day is an auspicious day to propitiate Lord Skanda (also known as Subramanya, Murugan, Velavan, etc.). This year it falls on October 31, 2011 for those in India, and countries to the West of India (all European countries, Gulf countries, Africa, and all nations in the American continents). Those living in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, etc. should observe Skanda Shashti vratam on November 1, 2011.

This day marks the annihilation of demonaic forces of Soorapadman by Our Gracious Lord who incarnated from the sparks of the Third Eye of Lord Shiva. Allegorically, the three main demons (Soorapadman and his brothers) signify the three mental devils "Aanavam(pride), evil vibes due to kanmam (negative karma), and Maayai (Illusion/ delusion)". Lord Subramanya denotes Wisdom and Divine Consciousness within each one of us. Thus celebrating this festival is to signify the necessity of overcoming the three main enemies of our Spiritual existence with the power of Wisdom and Divine Grace.

It is traditional for ardent devotees to fast on this day (the more ardent devotees actually fast for six days right from prathama thithi - the day after Deepavali amaavasya and break it only after completing the rituals associated with this day!) and recite various hymns in honour of Lord Skanda, the notable and most powerful among them being:

1) Kanda Shashti kavacham (In tamil composed by Swami BaalaDevaraayar some centuries back) - This is a highly efficacious work that possess immense mantrik power. It can bless you by removing all negativites in life and also grant you all mundane and spiritual bliss. Reciting the Holy Kanda Shashti Kavacham for 36 times keeping Holy Ash in a brass/ copper plate before you is very auspicious. Such an ash has the potency to be a powerful shield against all evils in life. There is no need for seeking costly mantraic remedies/ havans to nullify black-magic if you regularly recite the Kanda shashti Kavacham as a family prayer on Tuesdays and Fridays. The Mighty Spear of Lord Skanda - which has the Potency of Goddess Shakti in Itself will annihilate the envious enemies of such a family automatically.

2) Subramanya Bhujangam (in Honour of Skanda as the Deity ofTiruchendur) - Reciting this gives manifold benefits that are beyond words to explain. Its glory has to be experienced by reciting it! In fact, the recital of this helped Aadi Shankaraacharya (the original composer of this wonderful sthothra) to get rid of aabhichaara-induced ailments that His Holiness was suffering at that time.

There are also other works like Shanmukha kavacham, Vel Maaral (this is a mantrik composition that eugolizes the Shakti weapon that Skanda has in His hands), and Chatrusamhaara Vel patikam (for annihilation of enemies).

Those who can, may fast (full fast, fasting only with water, fasting with liquid diet, or avoiding rice/ heavy carbohydrates, or whatever as per convenience), and chant any of the above hymns if possible.

Another powerful recital is the recital of chapter pertaining to "Kumara Utpatti" from Shrimad Vaalmiiki Raamaayana (it is in Baala kaandam).

Those who are not in a position to recite any of these may simply remember Lord Skanda - the Beautiful and Handsome one, the Epitome of Courage and Piety, by simply calling his name "Om Saravana bhava."

Those who seek progenic bliss may worship Him with the mantra "Om kum kumaaraaya namah"

Those who wish to win cases, remove black-magic, etc. can recite classical works such as "chatru samhaara vEl pathigam", "VEl Maaral", and the verse "Murugan tani vEl muni nam guru enru..." from kandar anubhooti.

Those who wish for Wisdom may worship Him as "Om Skanda Guravenamah" (meditating on the scene where He explains the significance of Om to Lord Shiva Himself! - the unique scene where the Son becomes the Preceptor of the Father!) . This Form of Skanda is celebrated in the tiny hillock where this Event is believed to have occured - Swami Malai - near the Thingalur navagraha kshetra for Moon.

Those who seek to exorcise negativities from their lives might meditate on Lord Skanda with six-faces seated on Peacock bird holding a Flag Staff and Shakti weapon (called "vel" in tamil - thespear-shaped weapon). The mantra is "Om Shanmukhaaya namah." The six faces denote mastery over 5 senses and the faculty of reasoning, and also the six basic chakras that reside within our human body that are the repositories of immense power.

Those who can, might visit Tiruchendur - where the Soora samhaaram Festival is celebrated in all its splendour - as it was the last battlement camp from where Shri Skanda launched His attack on the demonaic forces and ultimately prevailed over them. The highlight of the soorasamhaaram is that Lord Skanda - after defeating Soorapadman, accepted that demon - who tearfully begged pardon to our Lord - as His Permanent vehicle (Peacock), and also as His Flag Insignia (Cock). Thus, the Soorasamhaaram festival enactment clearly shows that our Lord Chastises only to reform, and His Kindness is extendable to all living beings - even those considered to be hopelessly sinful; which better Form than this wonderful Divine Chivalrous Child God can we find to forgive all our shortcomings and to bring Grace in to our lives! Let us meditate on His Divine Adventures, sing His Glory, and rejoice in His victory over the demonaic forces (and thereby invoke the Divinity in us to defeat our own negativities that are worse than any manifest demons!).

May the Divine Power who incarnated as Skanda Bless everyone with His Immense Grace.

Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Ramaa Ekaadasi, October 22/ October 23, 2011

2011-10-21T21:25:00.002+05:30

Dear Members:

The auspicious Ramaa Ekaadasi is to be observed on October 22, 2011 by those living U.S., Canada, and other countries in the American continents (both South and North American continents). It is to be observed on October 23, 2011 in rest of the regions of the world. It is a powerful fast that helps in reunion with separated relatives.

The importance of this ekaadasi can be read by following this link: http://dakshinastro.blogspot.com/2009/10/rama-ekaadasi-fast-for-reunion-with.html

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.

An interesting query on karma phala....

2011-10-09T18:46:00.003+05:30

Dear members:

I received an interesting query regarding karma phala from an astrological/ spiritual aspirant, and I thought the answer to that will be of general interest to everyone; so, I am publishing the query and my response to it in this blog....

(Quote)

JAI SRIRAM

Dear Panditji,

1. What is known as Karma phala (fruits of karma), why it's bad?

Thanks,
Venkatesh

(End Quote)
---------------------------------------------

My response: Karma phala - as the name implies - is the fruit of our karma - the result of our earlier actions.

BUT, I won't agree that it is bad....at least it is not bad always!:)

Rare astrological classics of siddha traditions clearly elucidate the yogas/ doshas that arise out of earlier karmas. Every action that a person does is - in effect- an investment or a liability - depending on whether it is good or bad.

Even normal activities - like treating a spouse affectionately with dignity - give rise to some wonderful yogas. So, in reality - as an astrological researcher - I know for a fact that if karma phala is bad, it usually means we have travelled the wrong route in our actions - and instead of taking the sweeter and easier route of doing good things - that would have been happy for us and for others, we possibly did things that harmed our souls and harmed others - leading to bad karma and the result bad karma phala.

The results of karma - either good or bad - have to be endured or enjoyed as the case may be. Sages - out of their Mercy - have given us remedies to reduce the impact of negative doshas, and have also indicated what good karmas can give rise to what benefits in subsequent incarnations.

So, karma phala is not always bad, and actually doing some really simple things can also give rise to good karma phala....Can't we give water to a thirsty traveller? Can't we take care of our own children well and groom them into responsible citizens who will be the pride of the society they live in? (Shastras say that if you manage this - grooming of children into responsible citizens well - you will enjoy Mahaa yoga in the next birth)....Can't we treat our own spouses with affection and dignity?....

So, in reality - attaining positive karma phala is very much possible and easy - if we lead normal ethical lives - because just in the course of proper discharge of our duties, we can earn so much merit - that can give much positive karma phala.

Karma is neutral and objective; it only gives unto us what we do unto others or the society. Unfortunately, most people who enjoy the fruits of good karma tend to attribute it to "individual skill and efforts", while those who suffer or lose tend to attribute it to "my Fate/ karma." This is the reason why Karma has got much bad press - and the very word "karma" seems to connote something negative or defeatist! In reality it is not so! Karma can be a very very positive one also!

Hope this helps.

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Paasaankusha ekaadasi - October 2011

2011-10-04T16:20:00.002+05:30

Paashaankusha ekaadasi falls on October 7, 2011. It is to be observed on the same date throughout the world - except in places adhering to Hawaii standard time (People living in regions that coming under Hawaii standard time should observe this on October 6, 2011 itself).

Form of Shri Vishnu to be worshipped on this day - Lord Ananta Padmanaabha (see the picture above of Trivandrum Ananta Padmanabha swamy).

Importance of Paashaankusha ekaadasi

Paashaankusha ekaadasi will help in removing all sins just like any other ekaadasi. Apart from that, one who observes Paashaankusha ekaadasi will be able to realize all his/ her heart-felt dreams, and enjoy other benefits like freedom from vices (addictive behaviours of any kind that are detrimental to our well-being - both physical and spiritual), freedom from chronic karmic diseases, and finally moksha (liberation from cycle of births at the end of this incarnation). So, irrespective of what your goal in life is - whether it is dharma (great goals that have tinge of duty-consciousness in them!), artha (money), kaama (mundane desires like progenic bliss, good family life, etc.) or Moksha (Final Liberation from cycle of births), this ekaadasi will aid you in realization of that goal.

Brahma Vaivarta Puraanaic accounts attribute the merits of this Paashaankusa ekaadasi observance as equal to that acquired by performing numerous yagnas! Performing social service of some kind, or helping other souls in distress on this day is believed to help in realization of one's own true spiritual self.

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

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

Indra Ekaadasi - September 23/ 24, 2011

2011-09-21T19:01:00.002+05:30

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.

Indra Ekaadasi schedule for different regions around the globe in 2011

USA/ Canada, Carribean Islands, and other nations of the American continents - September 23, 2011.

Countries of European continent, African continent - September 23, 2011.

For those living in Middle East Asia, Afghanistan, India - smaartha Ekaadasi should be observed on September 23, 2011; Vaishnava Ekaadasi (those subscribing to Vaishnava doctrines) should be observed on September 24, 2011.

For all other countries - September 24, 2011 (both Smaartha and Vaishnava ekaadasi for all countries to the east of India, including Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji Islands).

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 of Ekaadasi vrata day, 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 are also exempt from this observance if their physical condition does not permit a full fast. 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.

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

Sharada Navarathri - 2011

2011-09-14T21:20:00.004+05:30

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 September 28, 2011 for all places in the earth except for those living in U.S.A., Canada, and other countries of the American continents. Those living in U.S.A., Canada, and other countries of the American continents should begin the Navarathri austerities from September 27, 2011 itself.

Durga pooja is to be observed on October 4, 2011 throughout the world except those living in Hawaaii standard time zone who should observe it on October 3, 2011 itself.

Mahaa Navami (Saraswathy Pooja, Ayudha pooja) should be celebrated on October 5, 2011 throughout the world - except in places following Hawaai standard time. Those living in Hawaii standard time zone should observe this on October 4, 2011 itself.

Vijaya Dasami should be observed on October 6, 2011 throughout the world - except in places following Hawaii standard time. Those living in Hawaii standard time zone should observe Vijaya Dasami on October 5, 2011 itself.

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 the floods in Northern parts of our blessed land, 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 performed at my residence in connection with Sharada navaraathri from September 28, 2011 to October 6, 2011. We will be offering poojas and homams for Universal welfare, and those who are interested in sponsoring those are welcome to do so.

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 US$75 (US Dollars seventy five only). Resident Indians might offer Rs.3500/- (rupees three thousand five hundred only for the same). We are not restricting participation in the daily homams/ austerities this year. 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 6, 2011 on Vijaya Dasami day. The part-sponsorship for this Mahaa chandi homam on October 6, 2011 is US$375 (US Dollars three hundred and seventy five only).

You can select your option of special worships from the drop=down menu given below at the end of this write-up.

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

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

About homa kundams

2011-09-13T15:07:00.005+05:30

Dear Members:

One of our members had raised this query to me, and I am publishing the query and my response to that as this could be a guidance for many persons with similar doubts....

Query: Namaste Pandit ji - On this Vinayaka Chathurthi, there was Ganapati modaka homam done in our apts. The priests used a loha kundam (looked like iron made) for the homam and when I asked if it is better to use copper kundam or loha kundam for homam, they mentioned that copper vessels for ghee, etc have to be used and a loha kundam has to be used. They are from one of the Shankara mutts.
Can you please give your take on the homa kundam that has to be used ?

My response:

Homam kundams are preferably of Copper and not loha (Iron). Iron is "varjita" - prohibited in Deva kaaryas and pitru kaaryas.

But, maybe, the homam kundam was not loha - but just copper that has become dark with frequent usage (homam fire is of a very high temperature and can darken the homa kundam; the insides of my homa kundam also look dark - though the kunadam is a pyramid shaped one made of copper.

If they really insisted that loha kundam is the one to be used (as you claim they said so openly), I pity their ignorance and it is a sad state of affairs when people from Sankara mutts themselves are like this after learning vedas from reputed patasalas. People of Sankara mutt (priests of that tradition) are known for their excellent diction in veda mantras, and generally knowledgeable....so, I am not sure why they were confused in this matter. But, in all probability, it was probably YOU who mistook the metal that the homa kundam was made of....it might well have been a copper homa kundam only that was dark due to frequent homam smokes and ghee soot darkening the metal making it appear as Iron.

It is best to use homa kundams made of fresh clay, or bricks, or copper - and definitely Loha - Iron is prohibited in use for most normal homams; it is used only in certain ugra rituals. That is the shastraic position of this.

For some homams on Lord Ganesha, it is permissible to use even the coconut kernels as homa kundam - and kernels do get reduced to ash at the end of the homam. There are certain other natural articles also used as homa kundams in mantraic usages - but those are exceptions. Iron as homa kundam is not permissible for most vedic homams/ saatwik Fire worships.

Pt. R DAKSHINAMOORTHI.
===============================

Random thought about the attitude of some people today

2011-09-08T11:52:00.004+05:30

I usually refrain from writing any non-astrological topics here...but my recent interaction with one young lady (well - not so young! she is reaching her 37th year this month!) made me think how vulnerable and gullible people now-a-days are....

She claimed that one of her close friends is a leading astrologer running his own business and having different branches in different parts of the country. When I tried checking the background of the person, he did not have a history of achievement in the field at all....and that he was just working for another site - which had many branches - the site was run by an entrepreneur who did many things including running a guest house near Tirupati and selling some gemstone rings - so much for the astrological credency! That entrepreneur had "appointed" this man as "chief astrologer" (sic) and that is why the man was visiting various cities/ branches, and he did not have his own business at all. But this lady believed all her "friend" told, and was claiming that he was having own business and established branches in different parts of the country......(it is analogous to a senior associate of an IT company claiming the different branches are his own - just because he "visits" them to mentor others!)

Now, she was comparing this "paid employee" of a site with a leading international astrologer who was associated with many websites and also has his own practice.....and asked whether that International astrologer also could open many branches like that all over the city and in different parts of India and "visit" them just like her friend did, so that he can also "improve" in life! What stupidity! And what crass arrogance to suggest to a well-established reputed person in the field!

I am aware of the concept of "bias"- where we tend to judge our own people much higher than others whom we don't know - but this took the cake! Because, this lady had compared a Vivian Richards with a local Cricket Hero and claims the legend must also be like the local Cricket Hero and be seen in all the gullies/ trenches - without understanding that the legend would have already traversed those trenches and gullies long back, and doing so won't be a measure of his eminence in the field any longer. The legend may still humour young kids around the block with his gesture of playing with them - but he need not do so to improve his standings in the field!

If the woman decides to evaluate her prospective husband like that - based on her flawed baselines, I wonder what choice she is going to be saddled with ...maybe, she will just select some one who is struggling in the U.S. with jobs thinking that he is an NRI (That lady has an obsession with the U.S. just as many of our fellow countrymen are!)....or maybe, she will marry some flashy "paper entrepreneur" running some company that has no real activity - but has only paper pads and files - maintained solely for the purpose of claiming that he is a businessman (she will be easily carried away by the flashy exteriors).....

As a person who has given her a reading once and who sees possible good future for her, I have a very realistic fear that this lady is going to spoil her own future - due to her own "I am always correct and what I see is the truth, and I won't even listen to other versions of truth" attitude.

The interaction with that lady left me wondering - whether modern education and management training are worth anything at all; I have seen innocent village damsels judging people far more accurately - just based on their native intuition. Not that every modern lady is disillusioned or along false scents, but my experience as a counsellor over the years suggests that lot of women (and even men for that matter) lack real-life intelligence though they are tigers in their respective fields (IT, business analysts, Project Engineers of grand projects, CAs, etc.). Where are we losing.....how does this gap between "professional competency" and "real-life survival skills" come? Why is it that a software analyst who can take flies being thrown at her face with equanimity in the office feels she must argue with every mild suggestion that her elderly mother-in-law gives? In fact, we have the other scenario also - because some middle-management or top-management ladies are mothers-in-law themselves, and why is it that such persons who can silently try to "cover up" for the mistakes of team members is not willing to look the other way when the daughter-in-law fumbles and makes some mistakes inadvertently in the family atmosphere? Are we making people more like the blinkered horse - where the intelligence of our people is directed only along certain lines of thought and they are so naive regarding other aspects! If this is the sort of specimens that we will turn out after many years of schooling and after stints in reputed business schools, and even after many years of experience at work, I feel it is better we turn to the periods of Savages - in the forest - where their native instincts proved far more trustworthy and they were more life-ready than our pampered professionals of today.

Due to their attitude, these "successful" people often have a void in their lives - that can never be filled.

It is high time that education serves the purpose of improving upon the "emotional intelligence" of individuals also - because now a days, people don't have the sort of "real life exposure" that our previous generations had. My father - has experienced major deaths in his family - many of them before his 16th year and so was an expert in handling any health crisis/ hospitalization emergencies even as a young man. Some of the elderly gentlemen of his age, I have seen entering employment in early teens and supporting their siblings with that employment....etc. Our younger generation hardly has such "familial exposure", and all our teen years are spent "cramming" concepts so that the coveted posting in an IT company would come; the result being - many young persons of today are "tigers" in front of the screen - but would hop about hopelessly in a real-life emergency.

True there are "adventure clubs", "social responsibility clubs", etc. - again packaged by their employers; but I am afraid those do not serve the real purpose - because many of them just go through the motions without imbibing the essence of such activities. How else will you explain a business analyst earning 1.2 lakhs per month (yes...it is per month - not per annum!) saying "I am suffering a lot due to low salary(sic)".
The person does not realize that there are many families whose yearly income is less than her monthly income! Still the person claims involvement with NGO activities....what NGO activity is that - which is not keeping her in touch with the reality of her fellow-countrymen, which is what makes her feel miserable while in reality she is reasonably successful (I honestly felt that with her attitude, she is being over-paid definitely! I won't be surprised if the company finds it out, and fires her one fine day just as her previous employers did before she got employed here).

Again, those "adventure clubs" don't seem to help these youngsters to imbibe real courage. These folks don't know how to "keep quiet" when a wild animal crosses one's path, or to give way to women/ elderly when negotiating slippery slopes during spiritual treks....basic etiquettes that a forest-dweller knows and follows during course of day-to-day living!

We can't form a society out of the vacum....and it is an unfortunate reality that many of our youngsters do seem to live in cocooned dreams removed far away from realities of life...worse...they have a very poor understanding of those who lead real lives that are worthy of emulation.....and the day they lose their jobs (some of them do - in these recessive economy), they are left blank - because they have no other identity except that of an IT professional or an MNC employee, and some of them even become suicidal without realizing that people endure far far more in this world and they do survive ! Their hobbies, NGO activities, adventure clubs, everything is tied only to one thing - their profession...and when their companies ask them to take a walk - they are forced to walk all alone - because all those clubs belong to the company....!
Trust me I have had to give counselling to prevent such individuals from ending their lives when they lose jobs!

My sincere request to all parents - "Please don't brainwash your children to become just white collar slaves without personality." Encourage your children to develop real-life skills...let them run wildly - to develop stamina, get hurt by falling down - so that they know they can take pain, get bitten by canines - so that they know how to manage an unruly canine on the road in a deserted night while returning from the graveyard shift, fall from rocks - to learn that such falls are not necessarily dangerous, and there is a way to break the fall!, and lead a normal life - so that they develop real toughness and understanding of the world. Don't bring them up as softies who can't take a battering in life.....As the going says "The real winner is not who never gets beaten up - but the person who can take as many beatings with as little damage as possible." Life's challenges are a piece of cake for such real toughies. And we need such toughies to make our world better....the world always became better by the efforts of the tough pioneers who groaned and moaned and pushed relentlessly against the challenges of the world - blazing a trail that others may take on more easily.

My aim is not to downsize the reputation of the software industry or IT enabled services that have blazed a trail of development in our country....the purpose of my write-up is to request those softies to open their eyes to the world around them, and to realize that there is definitely a vast world that exists beyond their glass-paneled offices and "Hi/Bi/Dear" phony familiarity....and understanding that bigger world can help them better to deal with the challenges of their own field also.

A software engineer or business analysis who understands the real world won't pick up fights with a superior just because the superior failed to recommend this person for an on-site assignment (believe me...one young lady literally collared her superior in front of all her associates just because the superior refused to recommend this lady for an onsite opportunity. What takes the piece of cake is her naive belief that the superior wanted her to continue - but there was no vacancy at that time to extend the contract once it expired.....Curiously just after this lady left and got posted elsewhere, the company seemed to have "vacancy"! Still the message did not seep into her consciousness!). There is much more to life than a visit to the U.S. of A., and life has far better colours and lights than the lights of New York on a christmas day.....just look at the clear sky in a dark summer night to see what wonderful sights God has already left for you....just take a casual trek in any of the hills of India to see how much flora and fauna you have missed in your obsession to camp only in "designated corporate camping sites."......just move with the innocent smiling ordinary Indians during travels to understand how much people suffer and still manage to maintain their cheerful attitude....

Parivartini Ekaadasi, Onam, Vamana Jayanthi 2011

2011-09-06T13:48:00.003+05:30

Dear Members:

Parivartani Ekaadasi also known as Parsava Ekaadasi falls on September 7, 2011 for those living in U.S., Canada, and other countries of American continent, Countries in Western part of Europe like U.K., France, etc.

Those living in middle-East countries, India, and other Eastern countries should observe this on September 8, 2011.

Parivartini Ekaadasi is the day when Lord Vishnu in His Yoga Nidra is supposed to turn from His left side to His right side.

It is auspicious to offer special worship to Lord Vaamana - the Brahmachaari Avatar of Lord Vishnu on this day.

Vaamana Jayanthi falls on September 8, 2011. From a remedial point of view, offering special prayers to Lord Vaamana can appease the malefic effects of Jupiter in the horoscope. From a spiritual perspective, meditating on Lord Vaamanaa will open up rare insights into the Nature and Maaya Prabhaava of Lord Vishnu.

King Mahaabali is also remembered on Vaamana Jayanthi, and people of Kerala origin celebrate Thiruvonam on Sravana nakshatra day with great enthusiasm. This year Thiruvonam festival is to be observed on September 9, 2011.

Legend of Vaamana Avatar:

Maha Bali -the grandson of Prahlaada was a mighty asura and he extended his sway over the whole world. The devas approached Lord Vishnu to contain his growing influence. Lord Vishnu decided to help the devas out (in maintaining their sovereignity over the Heavens), but at the same time to grant good spiritual state to Mahaa Bali - a devout and righteous ruler (though he was an asura by clan, Mahaa Bali Chakravarthy was righteous and dhramic like his ancestor Bhakta Prahlaada).

Lord Vishnu was born as a Brahman Brahmachaari and visited the yagna site where Mahaa Bali was performing a grand yagna. As per vedic protocols governing these matters, He was duly honoured. Sukraachaaryaa - the Preceptor of the asuras tried to stop MahaaBali from giving donation to Vaamanaa; but the King was adamant about Honouring the Brahmin priest - whoever He might be and whatever may be the outcome of his charitable deed (even if it meant his destruction as was feared by his guru!). Due to Divine Play of Lord Vishnu Sukrachaarya's attempts to block flow of water from the water container at the time of charity (as per custom, the donor should offer water from the "kamandalam" - the sacrificial pitcher to the hands of the receiver with devotion; Sukrachaaryaa tried to prevent flow of water by taking the form of a wasp/bee and closing the mouth of the pipe through which water should flow out of the pitcher; Lord Vishnu used a twig to pierce the pipe and cleared it - Sukracharya lost one eye in this process...).

When the King offered to give whatever the Brahmachaari desired - Lord Vaamanaa requested just 3 steps. The King who was unaware of who the Brahmachaari was, felt that the young boy did not know what to ask correctly, and prompted Him to ask for something grander. But, the Brahmachaari stood by His request and hence the king granted the request. As soon as the king gave His words, Vaamanaa took the Mighty Trivikrama Form encompassing the Whole Universe. With His first step He covered the whole earth, with His second step He covered the Heavens, and demanded where shall He keep His third step! The pious king respectfully offered his own head as the place to keep His Feet for the third step (this is an act of complete surrender). Lord Vishnu in His Trivikrama Form pushed MahaaBali to the Nether world where he lords over the domain by Lord Vishnu's Grace. As a gesture of appreciation to the adherence of the great king to his words, Lord Vishnu had permitted king Mahaabali to return to his kingdom on earth once a year. And this is what Malayalis celebrate as Thiruvonam - the annual visit of the ruler who once ruled their land righteously and was a living example of steadfastness to dharmic principles even at the cost of his life!

Lessons from this legend.....

1) Actions of Lord - though they may seem to favour some and discriminate against others are always fair. Though Lord Vishnu seems to have taken the side of the devas in this legend and condemned a worthy king to the Nether world, the reality is that devas always live in fear of losing their kingdom whereas King MahaaBali has been granted a Permanent and Safe domain that remains undisputedly under his control. Secondly, the person who is pushed down outwardly by the Lord's Feet on his head is really Blessed for all his karma will get washed away automatically. While we all seek to place our heads on the Lord's Feet, those Blessed Feet sought the head of MahaaBali as a reward for his righteousness. How many good deeds that Blessed King must have done to deserve that!!!!

2) we should never underestimate anyone....the Mighty King thought that 3 steps from an ordinary and short brahman Brahmachaari may be a trifle for him - but those 3 steps cost him his whole kingdom. Luckily for the king, the trick was from the Lord who never really harms anyone's interests and hence the king was given an undisputed domain of the Netherworld. Just imagine what will happen to us if we get deceived by our not-so-chivalrous and cunning rivals in this mundane world. Can we expect such gestures from them? So, Never ...never...underestimate anyone!

3) Always stand by Dharma - No matter what the consequences. King MahaaBali refused to even obey his own Guru (who of course advised only to protect the interests of the king) when it was against dharmic principles; when the Lord placed His third Feet on the head of the king, for mundane people it may seem that the king had lost everything....But, see actually the king had gained EVERYTHING....WHAT IS THERE TO GAIN IN THIS WORLD MORE THAN THE SPIRITUAL TOUCH OF THE BLESSED LORD'S FEET. King Mahaabali was blessed with that only due to his steadfast attachment to dharmic principles and truth (he did not go back on his promise of donating 3 steps to the Lord in His Vaamana Roopaa).

(Please note that I have given a liberal translation and essence of the legend; the lessons that I say that can be gleamed are also my impressions based on that legend. If you meditate on this legend after reading the original versions, you may also get possibly better spiritual insights or even guidance for mundane matters. Those who wish to read about this elaborately may refer Shrimad Bhagavatam and other Puranas).

May our members celebrate/ observe these significant days with spiritual fervour and become recipients of Divine Grace.

Blessed be.

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

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

pitru paksha - 2011 (Mahalaya paksha 2011)

2011-09-05T09:37:00.003+05:30

Pitr Paksha (Mahaalaya Pakshaa ) is about to begin from September 13, 2011 (This holds good throughout the world except for those living in American continent; those living in American continents - all countries in North America and South America, should begin observing pitru paksha from September 12, 2011 itself).

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.

4) Performing obesquities (shradh) on the thithi of the ancestor'sdeath 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 whichwas first revealed to the devoted Nachiketaa), 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 17, 2011. This happens to be Shadsheethi punya kaalam also, and so shraardhs done on this day are very powerful.

2) Madhyaashtami - This is to be observed on September 21, 2011 throughout the world.

3) Mahaalaya Amaavasya - This should be observed on September 27, 2011 by persons throughout the world except those living in U.S.A, Canada, and other countries of the American continents who must observe this on September 26, 2011 itself; Even for those living in U.S, Canada, etc. those who live in regions following EST must observe the Mahaalaya Amaavasya on September 27, 2011.

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.

---------------------------------

I hope these clarifications help our members to get this matter in the right perspective.

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.

Those who want to offer special recitals for pitru trupti (satisfaction of deceased ancestors) might click on the links below for sponsoring such recitals:

Blessed be.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant

Vinayaka chaturthi on August 31, 2011/ September 1, 2011

2011-08-29T16:49:00.004+05:30

Dear Members:

Schedule of Vinayaka chaturthi celebration this year

Vinayaka Chaturthi is to be observed on August 31, 2011 by those living in the U.S., Canada, and other countries of the American continent. It seems there is confusion regarding whether Aug 31st or September 1st, 2011 should be the Vinayaka chavithi day in the U.S....the rule for determining it is as follows:

If Chaturthi prevails on both days, the first day should be observed. Even if chaturthi prevails for the complete duration of madhyahana on the second day, if it prevails on the previous day's madhyahana period even for one ghatika (24 minutes), the previous day should be observed.

Based on the above logic, it is more appropriate to celebrate Vinayaka chaturthi on August 31, 2011 if you are living in U.S.

It is to be observed on September 1, 2011 by those living in other parts of the world, including India.

Though every Chaturthi thithi of every month is auspicious for worship of Lord Ganesha, Vinaayaka Chaturthi that falls in Sravana month sukhla chaturthi is of special significance. Worship of Lord Vinaayaka on this auspicious day will bestow capacity to overcome all obstacles in life, accomplishment of all tasks with perfection, intelligence, and countless benefits from both materialistic and spiritual points of view.

It is customary to offer pooja to a clay image of Lord Vinaayaka (Vinaayaka is the Presiding Deity for Moolaadhaara chakra for which the element is Earth!), and then immerse it in water bodies on subsequent days (avoiding Fridays, Tuesdays for the purpose). But, please avoid keeping "plaster of paris" idols for pooja and doing the ceremony of immersing those environmentally incompatible images in water bodies....It is a great sin to do like that. If you are keeping "plaster of paris" images of Vinaayaka for pooja, just keep it in a safe place in your house and avoid immersing it in the sea or other water bodies. It is my request to all our members.

On a different note, members whose close relatives are in the family way should avoid immersing the clay idols kept in Vinayaka Chaturthi pooja till the child is delivered safely. Once the child is born, the clay idol can be immersed later on an auspicious day. This is consistent with time-hallowed traditions.

Those who know Tamil can recite "Vinaayagar Agaval" "Vinaayakar Kaarya siddhi maalai", "Vinaayakar kavacham(by Kapila Muni)", etc. Recital/ listening to Ganapathy Atharvaseersham is very auspicious. Our Paaraayanam group members can listen to Ganapathy Mangala Maalika sthothram, Vakrathunda sthothram (that has powerful beejas in it), etc. today from our files section.

Those who find it difficult to perform elaborate poojas can please Lord Ganesha by simple recital of His Holy Names like

"Om Kshipra Prasaadanaaya namah" (Salutations to Thee who art pleased easily)

Om Gananaathaaya namah (Salutations to Thee who art the Leader of all Living Beings).

Om Vignavinaasanaaya namah (Salutations to Thee who Removes all obstacles).

etc.

We are planning a Grand Homam on Vinaayaka Chaturthi day this year also. The homams will be done with the Vaancha Kalpa Ganapathy mantra, Durga Ganapathy mantra, Ucchistha Ganapathy mantra, Ganapathy Atharvaseersha mantra, and Panchamukha Ganesha mantra in an elaborate way praying for Universal welfare.

My best wishes to everyone. May Lord Ganesha - the Destroyer of obstacles - Bless us all.

A trivia: This is the first homam that I am about to do with my recently changed secular appearance. May the Gods excuse the fact that I am not in full vedic appearance while doing this.

Blessed be.

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

Aja/ Annadaa ekaadasi on August 24/ August 25, 2011

2011-08-23T17:20:00.003+05:30

Dear Members:

Aja/ Annadaa ekaadasi is a powerful fasting day.

The schedule of observance of this fast for different places in the World is as follows:

1) For those living in places observing PST, MST, and Hawaii standard times of U.S. and other countries of American continents, August 24, 2011.

2) For rest of the world, August 25, 2011.

Glory of this Aja Ekaadasi

The glory of this Aja Ekaadasi has been explained in Brahma- Vaivarta Puraanaa in a discussion between King Yudhishtra and Lord Krishna.

Lord Krishna narrates the legend of King Harischandra, who though a great king of the Surya dynasty, fell from fortune (due to a test of dharma kept by Sage Viswamitra), and lived a miserable existence as a keeper of crematorium - separated from his virtous wife and loving son who even died due to circumstances.

One day King Harischandra came across Sage Gautama and thought "Lord Brahma has created Brahmins just to help others" (i.e. they can suggest powerful remedies to help negotiate vagaries of Fate). He payed his obeisances to the great sage and narrated his tale of woe and requested a remedy to come out of his sorry state of affairs.

Sage Gautama recommended observance of this Aja Ekaadasi Fast which is reputed to absolve one of the karmic effects of sinful activities of the past. King Harischandra duly observed the fast and was reunited with his relatives and also got back his Kingship. After his demise from this Earth, he ascended to Higher Spiritual Regions with all his relatives by the power of this fast.
Lord Krishna says that even those who hear of the glory of this fast or read about this with devotion will get merit equivalent to that obtained by Aswamedha sacrifice!

My notes: This is a shuddha ekaadasi, i.e. it is preferable to fast completely if possible (even avoiding water and fruits/ milk), and keep awake throughout the night. Please note that a full fast is not to be followed by pregnant ladies observing this ritual, or by ailing patients. They should subsist on fruits and milk, and as per shastras they will enjoy the full merit of a full fast due to their special condition.

Observance of this fast rigorously even without other accompanying rituals like Vishu pooja is very powerful. Just chant the name "Om HrishikEshaaya namah" with devotion throughout the day whenever you have time between your regular activities. This has the potential to remove the troubles that we are facing in this existence due to the effect of our past sins, and help us to enjoy peaceful existence.

May our members observe this fast and become freed from the clutches of negative karma, and enjoy peaceful and prosperous lives in a spiritual way.

Blessed be.
Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI

Gokulashtami/ Sree Jayanthi celebrations - 2011

2011-08-19T09:19:00.001+05:30

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). In spite of all these minor differences, it is the spirit of the day and celebration that is of spiritual significance to all bhaktaas.

This year, Gokulaashtami - observed by smaartha traditions is on August 21, 2011.
Sree Jayanthi - as observed by those vaishnavas following Vaikaanasa traditions is on August 22, 2011.
Sree Jayanthi - as observed by those vaishnavas following Paancharaatra traditions is on August 23, 2011.

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.

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.

8 years in austere path culminated today

2011-08-14T19:25:00.003+05:30

Dear Members:

This is to announce that the monthly pournami poojas went on well by Divine Grace. The annual Gayathri homam also was done today in the morning for Universal Welfare.

On a different note, a deeksha that I maintained for 8 years (not cutting hair and maintaining the appearance and lifestyle of a pure ascetic) came to an end today on culmination of a vow that I undertook on upaakarma day of 2003. After the Gayathri homam, I have removed the deeksha (the jataa mudi - top knot of hair, and my beard) and have reverted to normal secular appearance.

8 years seems much when written on paper - but it did run in a jiffy....I had both highs and lows during this period - both personally and spiritually - but by God's Grace remained steadfast in my vow - avoiding all temptations to cut short on that....the vow involved restricting the way I operated - like not striking vengeance even when I was provoked.....not misusing mantras even under the gravest provocation including attacks on my personal integrity.....not eating any food outside which involved starving even on days when I trekked spiritual hills most of the times....not sleeping on beds - even when I was sick......accepting developments in life as they come (including some very embarrassing situations that arose out of certain developments in my life - which I was asked to endure in silence)....etc. These 8 years I felt I was walking with God....through the highs and lows, I could feel a rare peace and some real purpose in my life....I could be a channel of peace for many persons (many felt reassured when I spoke something positive or in a blessing tone to them - as they thought coming from a person with such appearance it must hold more weight).....

Ideally I should have maintained that ascetic appearance throughout life, but in deference to the wishes of some very close relatives, and also due to the fact that certain developments in my personal life might prompt such a change in the near future, I have taken the decision to revert to secular appearance on completion of the vrata deeksha today. It is not fair to look like a siddha unless one can live like one with perfect austerity .....I thank God for having allowed me to lead such a life for at least some years in my life...and I thank the Godly voice that motivated me to take this up....it was to save a dear one from an almost sure danger in the year 2003 and again in early 2011 that I was asked to maintain this vow and was required to not divulge the reason to anyone till the vow ended....that was the toughest part of it - not divulging the real reason to anyone, and so I had to say the partial reason of my attachment to vedic way of life. I still feel somewhat hollow today after changing my appearance - to be honest, and it may take some time for me to feel "normal" again...for me, that siddha appearance and attitude had become the normal one in the past few years and now I may have to change a little!

My spiritual routines - like daily Shiva pooja, meditation routines, ekaadasi vratam, Pournami pooja and other homams will continue as before - but I may look very different from what you all have seen me as! I may look like just another modern day astrologer in the future!

I am sharing this personal info. because some of you might have been prompted to join this group mainly attracted by my ascetic appearance and it is not fair for me to keep this changed appearance from you all. A public figure who is mentoring others has the responsibility to declare changes in his profile to everyone so that they may take informed decision about whether to continue as his mentees or not, and hence this post in this blog.

Om Namah shivaya.

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Varalakshmi vrattam on August 12, 2011

2011-08-12T06:44:00.003+05:30

Varalakshmi Vrattam or "Nonbu" as it is called is a powerful vrattam that can ensure prosperity and overall development in the family. It is observed on August 12, 2011 this year throughout the world.

As the name implies, this Varalakshmi vrattam bestows "boons" to the devotees.Generally this vrattam is taken only if it is celebrated in the family traditionally; but there is no harm in taking this vrattam voluntarily also. The only condition is that once you have taken it as a vrattam with proper "Lakshmi Face" and "Kalash", you have to celebrate it EVERY YEAR without fail. Even when there is a death in the family in that year, you are supposed to take the "amman face" to some family that celebrates it, place it in their pooja with their permission, offer something as "dakshina" for their conducting the function, and then bring the amman face back to your house. Such is the procedure;so think whether this is feasible before taking this vrattam.But even if you don't take it as a vrattam for life, all can chantLakshmi mantras, beeja mantras, Lakshmi Sahasranaamam, Kanakadhaara Sthothram, Sri Stuthi, Sangraha Lakshmi Hrudayam or other slokhas/ mantras on Goddess Mahalakshmi and get Her Grace. Goddess is Waiting to bestow Her Grace on that day; we just need to ask Her.

Ladies who have taken this vrattam vow in earlier years but are in monthly periods on this day and hence cannot offer the Varalakshmi pooja can offer the vrattam prayers on the subsequent Friday i.e. on August 19, 2011.

We intend to perform Beejaani sahitaa Lakshmi Homam on that day along with recital of other powerful mantras on Her. Apart from that, we will also pray for Universal Welfare as is our tradition while conducting homams of this sort.

May Goddess of Fortune smile at us benevolently!

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI

Astrological and Remedial consultant

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Pavitra Ekaadasi on August 9, 2011

2011-08-08T08:31:00.002+05:30

Dear Members:

Pavitra Ekaadasi, or Pavitropana Ekaadasi is also known as "Putradaa Ekaadasi." It is the ekaadasi observed in the waxing phase of vedic month Sravana. It is to be observed on the same day (i.e. on August 9, 2011) all around the globe. As the name of the fast implies, this fast is good for begetting a good son who will be a pride to the whole race. (There is another Putradaa Ekaadasi which falls in Pausha Shukla Ekaadasi which is also good for progenic blessings).

Those who wish to observe this fast as a "Kaamya vratam" (an austerity with the aim of achieving mundane end - that of begetting good progeny) may recite verses from Naaraayaneeyam, Vishnu Sahasranaamam, and Putra Kaameshti yagna chapter of Shrimad Vaalmiiki Raamaayanam on this day.

A full fast is recommended on this day; but those who cannot fast completely should at least refrain from consuming legumes and grains (all varieties of beans, and all grains - wheat, rice, maize, barley, oats, etc.). You can consume fruits and milk. Honey should also be avoided on ekaadasi day.

The glory of this ekaadasi is explained in Bhavishya Puraanaa in the form of a conversation between Yudhishtra Maharaajaa and Lord Krishna. I am giving a gist of that below.....

At the end of the Dwaapara Yuga there was a king named Mahiijita ruling over the kingdom called Mahishmatipuri (It is not clear whether this is the same Mahishmati which was the kingdom of Shri Kaartaveeryaarjuna). Because he had no son after long years of marriage, his kingly pleasures and royal honours seems utter waste to him and he felt very dejected.

One day he told an assembly of his advisers: ‘I have committed no sin in this life, and there is no ill-gotten wealth in my treasury. I have never usurped the offerings to the demigods or brahmanas. When I waged war and conquered kingdoms, I followed the rules and regulations of the military art, and I have protected my subjects as if they were my own children. I punished even my own relatives if they broke the law, and if my enemy was gentle and religious I welcomed him. Oh twice-born souls, although I am a religious and faithful follower of the Vedik standards, still my home is without a son. Kindly tell me the reason for this.’ (My note: See the hints about ethical conduct for a ruler; this is the main purpose of Puraanaas - to hint about ethical conduct in a gentle and interesting manner amidst legends. The puraana clearly implies that if these ethical code is broken, there is justification for being childless or being miserable in other ways in subsequent incarnations. How we wish present day rulers read this and get influenced by these exalted codes of conduct! How much better all our lives will be then - without corruption, without mismanagement, without nepotisim, without undue favouritism, and without harassment from government or political parties to the gentler sections of the society!)

The King's advisers undertook rigorous austerities and travelled to various ashrams of sages for long periods. In the course of time, they came across Lomasha Maharishi - who had longevity extending to long kalpaas . One kalpa is 4, 320, 000,000 years; after each kalpa, one hair in his body will fall down; like that when all his hairs fall down, only then does his longevity expire! Just imagine the stupendous spiritual power that Great Sage must have to enjoy this longevity fully engaging himself in austerities and wishing Universal Welfare. Just thinking about such Maharishis is a merit in itself.

They made entreaties to the Maharishi requesting for remedies for the king's anxiety regarding childlessness. The Maharishi meditated for sometime and discovered the cause of the king's childlessness. In a previous incarnation as a wealthy merchant, once he had come across a beautiful pond in the outskirts of a village. As he was very thirsty, he wanted to quench his thirst. A cow with its calf had also come there to quench its thirst. He had chased the thirsty cows and calf just as they had begun to drink the water, and selfishly quenched his own thirst first. This offence against the cow and her calf has given rise to a malefic karma that is preventing him from getting a child in this birth. Due to the other charitable deeds he did, he has been born as a King; but due to that sin of chasing the cow and calf when they wanted to quench thirst, he has remained childless. (Special note: Beating a cow with a stick, chasing away thirsty cows from water bodies, torturing the animal in other ways, etc. are productive of a sin called "Gohati" - equivalent to the sin accrued by killing of a Cow. Gohatya is considered to be next only to Brahmahati dosha (i.e. killing of a pious religious person). Persons with Gohatya dosha will be cursed with childlessness. This is the karmic theory behind this legend).

The sage went on to say that if the King and all his subjects fast on Shravana Shukla edaadasi and maintain a night vigil as per scriptural guidelines, and if all his subjects gift the merit accrued out the observance to the king, the king's sin will get nullified, and he will be blessed with a child (It must be apparent from this legend how much effort is needed to nullify sins! The combined merit of possibly lakhs of pious and motivated persons is needed to nullify a simple sin that has arisen out of chasing a cow and a calf - that too just because the person himself was thirsty! Just imagine how much more effort it will take to nullify a sin committed wilfully! The best way is not to sin at all - so that life is easier - at least in our future incarnations).

By the observance of this fast, and by receiving the gift of the punya of this fast from his citizens, the king was blessed with a good son who proved to be a worthy heir to him.

Lord Krishna says that whosoever observes this fast will enjoy happiness in both this world and the next (in Heaven). Even hearing about the glory of this ekaadasi is a merit in itself.

Observance of this ekaadasi is reputed to give the effect of having performed an Aswamedha yagna!

May our members undertake this fast religiously and with constant remembrance of Lord Hari, and be blessed with all auspiciousness - both in this incarnation and also after this - by possibly merging with Lord Hari.

Blessed be.

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

Naaga panchami on 4th August 2011

2011-08-03T14:20:00.002+05:30

Dear Members:

Naaga Panchami is observed on 4th August 2011 this year.

It is considered to be an auspicious day to offer respects to snake deities and invoke their Blessings on your clan.

You may consider reciting the following slokha containing the Names of 9 Mahaa Naagas to appease snake deities on this occasion:

"Anantam Vaasukim SEsham Padmanaabham cha kambalam
Shankapaalam Dhritaraashtram Takshakam Kaaliyam tataa
Etaani nava naamaai Naagaanaam cha mahaamanaam
Namasyaam Naagaanaam aayur keertim cha dEhi mE"

(pronunciation guide: capital E as in day; double vowels indicate long sounds).

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Dhoorva Ganapathy vratam/ Naaga chaturthi on August 3, 2011

2011-08-02T16:20:00.001+05:30

Naaga Chaturthi vratam/ Dhoorva Ganapathy vratam is observed on August 3, 2011 this year. Worshipping Lord Ganesha with Dhoorva Grass on this day is said to be very propitious. Those who have naaga/ Sarpa dosha in horoscopes and are experiencing obstacles for child-birth or marriage may benefit by offering a garland of dhoorva-grass to Lord Ganesha idols in temples near your house.

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

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

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINA MOORTHI

Aadi pooram on August 2, 2011

2011-08-01T13:21:00.003+05:30

Dear Members:

The auspicious Aadi Pooram festival falls on August 2, 2011 this year. It marks the appearance of the devotee-par-excellence Aandaal on earth (it was on this day when Shri Vishnu chittar - later hailed as Periyaazhwaar - found Aandal as a child when he was plucking flowers for daily pooja). This is celebrated with gaiety in all Vaishnavite temples. This day is also auspicious for propitiation of Mother Goddess in any of Her Forms. It is customary to offer bangles, turmeric pieces, blouse-bits or other auspicious items to ladies visiting temples and invoke the Blessings of Divine Mother (Shaastras say that when women are venerated, She Herself is Honoured).

As this year Aadi pooram falls on a Tuesday also, Mangala Gowri vratam can also be observed on that day making it twice auspicious.

Ladies desirous of a good spouse in life can recite the following slokha on Mangala Gowri:

"Om MangalE MangalaadhaarE MaangalyE mangalapradE
mangalaartham mangalEshi soumaangalyam cha DEhi ME"

मंगले मंगलाधारे मांगल्ये मंगलाप्रदे
मंगलार्थम मंगलेशी सौमान्गाल्यम च देहि में

Recite this 108 times, and offer a deepam in Honour of Mangala Gowri. You can offer any sweet offering and any savourite made of urud daal in Honour of Goddess Mangala Gowri.

This can be done even by parents of girls on their behalf.

May Goddess in all Her manifold Forms bless us all.

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINA MOORTHI

Adi Amavasya -2011

2011-07-29T07:47:00.006+05:30

Dear Members:

The auspicious Aadi Amaavasya falls on July 30, 2011 this year.

It is a very auspicious day to offer homage to deceased ancestors of the family and invoke their Blessings on our life.

Tarpanam is done by people who have lost their father on Amavasya days, and such tarpanams are even more beneficial on this Adi Amavasya day.

Even those who have parents alive can get pitrs Grace by reciting Ganga Avatarana sargam chapters from Shrimad Ramayana. Those who can do that personally might do it themselves; but if you wish to have assistance in the performance of that recital, you can avail the prayer service by clicking the button below for booking the recital:

May the Grace of Pitrs light up your lives...and may their Blessings permeate your life bringing in hope and peace.

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Kaamika Ekaadasi in July 2011

2011-07-25T16:02:00.002+05:30

Dear Members:

Kaamikaa Ekaadasi is the ekaadasi that falls in the krishna paksha of the lunar month of Sravana (Pournimaant reckoning of lunar months).

This is to observed throughout the world on July 26, 2011 this year except for those living in Australia and New Zealand, Fiji, and Japan. Those living in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji Islands must observe this fast on July 27, 2011.

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

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

Elsewhere, it has been mentioned by Lord Brahma to Sage Narada that the merit of observing this ekaadasi is equivalent to that obtained by donating a healthy cow along with her calf and one year's feed to a worthy vedic scholar.

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

Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Aadi Krithigai festival on July 25, 2011

2011-07-24T15:16:00.002+05:30

Dear Members:

The auspicious Aadi Krittigai festival falls on July 25, 2011 this year. Krittigai star is auspicious for worship of Lord Skanda (also affectionately called Murugan, Kaartikeyan, kumaran, velavan, etc.) - because of the boon given by Mother Goddess to the Six Divine Damsels (the Divine Beings of the vedic constellation Krittika) who nurtured Lord Skanda in His Infant Form till the time came for His Enacting the purpose of His Incarnation - that of annihilating Soorapadman. Krittigai star in the solar month of Cancer (Aadi month) is considered even more auspicious than the Krittigai star day on other months.

This is the festival celebrated in Honour of the Divine Son(Lord Skanda) in the month that is auspicious for worship of the Divine in Her Mother Form - Aadi!

You may worship Lord Skanda by reciting Kanda Shasti kavacham, Thirumurugaarrupadai, Kandar Anobhooti, Skanda Sahasranaamam, Kandar Alankaaram, or whatever Divine Work on Lord Skanda you are familiar with. If nothing of the above list is convenient for you, just remember Him - of unparalleled handsome appearance (any wonder that He is Handsome and captivating? He is afterall the nephew of ManaMohana - Lord Vishnu who can mesmerize everyone with His charms!) and recite any of His names - whatever appeals to you - Murugaa, Skandaa, Kumaraa, VElavaa, Aiyaa, Aandi, Kartikeya, saravanabhava, the list is endless:)

Worship of Divine in the Form of Skanda can bless you with courage, wisdom, wealth, and ultimately salvation. May His Grace help you to remember Him on Aadi Krithigai day that is auspicious for meditating upon Him.

Blessed be.

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

Guru Poornima on July 14/ 15, 2011

2011-07-13T18:14:00.004+05:30

Image courtesy: en.wikipedia.org

Dear Members:

This is about Guru Poornima observance for the year 2011.

1) For those living in USA, Canada, West Indies, and other countries in the American continent (to the West of Atlantic Ocean), Guru Poornima must be observed on July 14, 2011.

2) Guru Poornima is to be observed on July 15, 2011 those living in all other countries to the East of Atlantic ocean (all European countries, African countries, Middle East Asia, India, Myanmar, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, etc.).

Please note those who observe Pournami Pooja/ SatyaNaaraayana vrat on Full Moon nights should observe those austerities on July 14, 2011 only - all over the world (the difference is because for Pournami Pooja, the Pournami thithi should be in operation for an appreciable time in the evening of the day concerned).

This Guru Poornima is an auspicious day to Honour one's Gurus (either Deeksha Gurus or vidhyaa Gurus) or Guru Paramparaa in general. Honouring scholars of religious knowledge to the extent of one's capacity, donating copies of Puraanas to pious persons, donating for the cause of vedic education, honouring pious individuals who are adhering to dharmic way of life (like wearing tuft, reciting holy works regularly, and adhering to restrictions to diet so that their tapasya for the welfare of the Universe is not deficient in any way) etc. are some of the meritorious deeds you can do on that day.

Generally Guru Paramparaa is meditated from Lord Naaraayana Himself, Sage Vyaasa, down to one's respective Gurus. In mantra traditions, the Guru Paramparaa is from Lord Medha Dakshinamoorthi, Lord Hayagreeva, Sage Agasthya, Sage Vyaasa, Aadi Shankara, 18 Mahaa Siddhas, down to one's own Guru lineage.

Vyaasa Pooja is done on this day even by ascetics (in fact for ascertaining the seniority of sanyaasis, the no. if vyaasa Poojas done by the sage is the factor; this does not apply to Aamnaaya Gurus/ Peetaadhipathis who are considered JagatGurus and hence considered senior to others by Accepted Protocols). Students of astrology and other vedic subjects should meditate on Sage Veda Vyaasa who compiled vast compedium of vedic knowledge into various branches for the ease of learning of we-people of the kali yuga. As our memory and intelligence are traditionally considered to be less when compared to those of persons who lived in the earlier yugas, Sage Vyaasa in accordance with Divine Will classified the vedas into 4 so that we can master at least one veda each and the vast compendium of knowledge of oral traditions of the past were codified into Puraanaas for our easy understanding! If you have a copy of any Puraana or Mahabharata with you, kindly recite at least some verses from them on that day in Honour of the Great Maharishi Vyaasa.

Those who cannot do elaborate poojas for Shri Vyaasaa as per tradition can recite this (which is in the Prelude portion to Shri Vishnu Sahasranaamam)...

vyaasam vasishtha naptaaram shakteh pautramakalmasham
paraasharaatmajam vande shukataatam taponidhim

(Meaning: We Salute Shri Vyaasa who is the Great Grandson of Sage Vasishta, the Grandson of Sage Shakti, the Son of Sage Paraasharaa, and the Father of Sage Sukhaa!)

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Sayana Ekaadasi on July 10/ July 11, 2011

2011-07-10T19:44:00.003+05:30

This is about Sarva Sayana Ekaadasi (also known as Padma Ekaadasi) which is to be observed on July 11, 2011 throughout the world except regions in the U.S. and Canada that follow Hawaii time, PST, and MST. Vaishnava ekaadasi for these regions also - except Hawaii is to be observed only July 11, 2011.

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

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

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

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

On a different note, this year the chaturmaasya vrata sankalpam should be made on July 11, 2011 throughout the world- austerities involving next 4 months - which is observed rigorously by ascetics and nominally by householders as ordained in Dharma shastras (it is traditional for householders to abstain from some variety of food during each month of the chaturmaasya period as an austerity; learn the nuances of this from vedic experts in your area).

Blessed be.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Sudarshana Jayanthi on July 9, 2011

2011-07-07T18:50:00.003+05:30

Image courtesy: www.4krsna.wordpress.com

Dear Members:

Sudarshana Jayanthi falls on July 9, 2011 this year.

You may meditate on the hexagonal profile of Shri Sudarshana and recite slokhas like Sudarshanaashtakam (by Swaami Desikan), Sudarshana Sahasranaamam, Sudarshana Kavacham, etc. on that day and become recipients of Lord Sudarshana's Grace who is the manifest power of Lord Naaraayanaa. It is generally believed that it is the yogic power of Lord Yoga Narasimhaa that is the Driving Force behind the great power of Lord Sudarshana - the "jwaalaa" in the Lord Sudarshana's profile is derived from the energy of Lord Jwaala Narasimhar. Lord Sudarshana has been shri Hari's trusted weapon of choice while annihilating demonaic forces during His various incarnations. Prayers to Lord Sudarshana can give protection from malefic planetary influences that may predispose one to dangers, give relief from troubles from elementals/ black-magic influences, and bless the devotee with charming/ handsome appearance, sharp intellect, courage, and success.

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Yogini ekaadasi - June 26/ June 27, 2011

2011-06-26T10:03:00.002+05:30

Dear members:

Yogini Ekaadasi falls on June 27, 2011 this year for those living in regions to the East of Atlantic ocean (This covers Countries in Europe, Africa, Asia - including India, Gulf Countries, etc., and Australian continent).

Those living in the United States, Canada, Caribbean Isles, and other nations of American continents (both North and South America), should observe it on June 26, 2011 itself.

Note: Yogini Ekaadasi is the krishna paksha ekaadashi falling in the lunar month of Aashaada (Pournimaadhi lunar month and not the amaavasyaadhi month pattern) . I am using the term Aashaada krishna ekaadashi based on the Pournimaadhi month reckoning because that is the system that has been used in the Brahma Vaivarta Puraana legend that I am going to give to explain the significance of this ekaadashi.

Significance of the Yogini Ekaadashi

Yogini Ekaadashi has the potential to nullify the effects of sinful karmas of the previous incarnations that might be manifesting as diseases or curses in our present incarnation.

In Brahma Vaivarta Puraana, there is the legend of a yaksha Hemamaali that was narrated by Lord Krishna to the King Yudhishtra to explain the glory of Yogini Ekaadashi. (I am giving a liberal translation of the original legend from the purana just to bring out the significance of the yoginii ekaadashi; those who are interested may refer the original text in Brahma Vaivarta Puraana).

Hemamaali was an attendant of the Yaksha-Raaja Kubera who failed to bring flowers to Shiva Pooja of the king at the right moment and instead was frolicking with his beautiful wife. Due to the curse of the Yaksha King Kuberaa for this sin, Hemamaali took birth as a human being and was afflicted with leprosy and suffered innumerable difficulties. But, he was constantly meditating or chanting Lord Shiva's names and due to that effect, he got memories of his previous birth and the sin he had committed then.

Once, he came across the ashram of Sage Maarkandeya in the course of his wanderings. On seeing the radiant and Meritorious sage, Hemamaali prostrated to him from a distance. The sage enquired kindly about his condition; Hemamaali explained the reason for his disease without hiding anything. Sage Maarkandeya appreciated the frankness of Hemamaali and suggested this wonderful fast. Hemamaali observed this fast with all devotion and got relief from his leprosy and also was reinstated back in to the Yaksha world. He went on to live happily as before with his beautiful wife again!

Apart from the above benefit,strict observance of Yogini Ekaadasi (I think strict observance must mean that the fast should be in the nirjalaa form - without drinking even water) will give merit that is equivalent to that accruing out of feeding eighty-eight thousand pious Brahmins!!!! -( end of the version from Brahma vaivarta puraanaa).

It must be noted that Ekaadashi can be even observed as Kaamya vrattam (fast with the aim of getting some punya or achievement) though it is a mandatory vrattam. So, those who wish to have the punya equivalent of feeding 88,000 brahmins can fast fully in the Nirjalaa form. Those who are observing it only as a pure religious duty in Honour of Our Lord have the option of fasting in a relaxed manner (it is another matter that most devotees observe all ekaadashis in the nirjalaa form). Those opting for the relaxed form of the fast can take milk, and fruits. Avoid grains and beans alone apart from the other prohibited food like onions, garlic, etc.

Observance of the Yogini Ekaadasi(even in its relaxed forms) can be a powerful remedy for overcoming all karmic ailments (if astrologers had suggested that your ailments are karmic in nature and if physicians have been unable to cure your ailments, observance of this ekaadasi fast religiously can help).

As always, please let me reiterate that this fast is not mandatory for those who are ailing and cannot fast due to medical complications, lactating mothers, pregnant women, and those in the ages below 7 or above 70 years.

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.
ASTROLOGICAL AND REMEDIAL CONSULTANT

Nirjala Ekaadasi on June 11/ June 12, 2011

2011-06-11T13:45:00.002+05:30

Dear Members:

This is regarding the Nirjala Ekaadasi on June 11/12, 2011.

Schedule of the ekaadasi fast for different regions in the world:

1) Those living in U.S., Canada, and other countries of American continents should observe this ekaadasi on June 11, 2011.

2) Persons living in all other regions of the world except the American continents should observe this ekaadasi on June 12, 2011.

Significance of the Nirjala Ekaadasi:
Nirjala Ekaadasi is also known as Paandava Nirjalaa Ekaadasi. Sage Vyaasa was extolling the virtues of the Ekaadasi fast and also the sins associated with not keeping the ekaadasi fast. The other Paandava brothers and Draupadi who were observing Ekaadasi vrattam scrupulously were very happy to listen to the exposition on the glories of Ekaadasi; however, the Great Warrior Bheema who was known for his gluttony and who could not fast on Ekaadasis (fasting twice a month was almost unthinkable for him!!!) was worried on hearing the sins associated with not keeping ekaadasi vrattam. So, he requested Sage Vyaasa to tell an alternative instead of fasting on all ekaadasis.

Sage Vyaasa clarified that if the Nirjalaa Ekaadasi fast is observed scrupulously, it will give the result of having observed ekaadasi fast throughout the year, and so Bheema can observe that ekaadasi alone to get the results of all other ekaadasis thus escaping the sins associated with not observing other ekaadasis. This was at least tolerable to Bheemasena (he just needed to fast once a year which was at least okay rather than at least 24 days per year on each ekaadasi the very thought of which was intimidating to him!). Thus, this Nirjala Ekaadasi is also known as "Bheema Ekaadasi" or "Paandava Ekaadasi"

Procedure for observing Nirjalaa Ekaadasi

One should take bath early in the morning and declare that he/ she is undertaking the Ekaadasi fast for escaping all sins - known and unknown and for the Grace of Lord Hari. Meditation should be done upon Lord Naaraayana reclining on His Bed of Seshaa in the midst of the Milk Ocean (Jala Saayi Perumaal). We should also remember Sage Vyaasa's words that observing this single Ekaadasi will give the merits associated with the other ekaadasis of the year also.

Usually ekaadasi fast can be done as per one's wishes and convenience, like - fruit only fast, milk only fast, water-only fast, abstaining from grains but eating other ritual pure items/ vegetables, etc. However, Nirjala ekaadasi - as the name implies - should be a complete fast where the observer of the fast should abstain from even plain water!

Many scrupulous observers of Ekaadasi fast usually keep a complete fast (including abstaining from water) on all ekaadasis. Even those who are not so strict about abstaining from water on normal ekaadasis should abstain from water during the nirjala ekaadasi. Of course, there is exemption applicable for old-aged, the physically infirm, those who are in sick bed, pregnant women, lactating women with very young infants, etc. Others who are physically fit but fail to observe this ekaadasi are missing a very good karmic opportunity because, just observing this one ekaadasi can exempt you from all other ekaadasis (and also gives you the merit that could accrue from observing all other ekaadasis!!!!).

On dwaadasi day (the next day) while breaking the fast, it is auspicious to make some charitable donation to any deserving cause to get the full results of the observance. It is customary to offer umbrellas, sandals, or water pot to pious brahmins on this day. If you are not able to find suitable pious persons who deserve such dhaanaas, you may just contribute what little you can to any charitable cause of your choice or to any temple.

Merits associated with observing nirjala Ekaadasi:

1) The merit accruing out of performing shraadha during solar eclipse.
2) The merit accruing out of observing all other ekaadasis of the year (it does not mean that we should not maintain the other ekaadasi fasts if we observe this; just think....if you observe this in addition to all other ekaadasis, you will be getting twice the benefit is it not? For those who cannot fast on all ekaadasis due to practical considerations, this ekaadasi is a boon; they can observe just this ekaadasi with full devotion and perfection - without water!)

May our members observe this Holy Fast and gain the Grace of Lord Hari.

Hari Om.
Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Astrological and Remedial consultant.

Rahu/ketu peyarchi in 2011

2011-05-31T20:04:00.004+05:30

This is about the transit of mean nodes of the Moon (Rahu/ Ketu) on June 6, 2011.

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

You might find different dates for transit on the web - some because they follow vaakya panchanga without the relevant correction as recommended by siddhanta works in astrology and thus may give the Rahu-ketu peyarchi on 16^th May 2011, while some modern softwares may give date as May 3, 2011 due to the fact that they are calculating based on True Lunar Nodes. It is to be noted that mean node actually represents Rahu as it is the thing that is always retrograde as per nature of Rahu/ ketu -the Chaaya grahas. The True Node sometimes even goes direct and its progression is not uniform! So, for astrological purposes, it is more correct to consider the mean node for transit calculations - which is what we have done. Based on such reckoning, Rahu-ketu peyarchi (transit) is on June 6, 2011 at 4-57 p.m. IST.

EFFECTS OF THIS TRANSIT FOR NATIVES BORN IN DIFFERENT RASHIS

For those born in Mesha rashi (vedic Moon sign in Aries), Rahu transits the inauspicious 8th house and ketu transits the inauspicious 2nd house from rashi. There could be obstacles to goals, strained relationship with relatives, fruitless journeys or travelling to distant lands, anxieties due to relocation, delay in getting funds released for auspicious purposes, etc. As Jupiter’s transit is already sensitive and anxiety-inducing, and Saturn’s transit after November 2011 is also mediocre (with the only saving Grace being that the tough Jupiter controls the tough Saturn until May 2012!), this Rahu-ketu transit is quite tough for Mesha rashi natives.

For those born in Rishabha rashi (vedic Moon sign in Taurus), Rahu transits the 7th house and ketu transits the rashi itself. Transit of both nodes is difficult and much caution is need in all activities. Be diplomatic and guarded in your interactions with members of opposite gender, and be careful while taking new medicines. Health may be below par for elderly natives of this sign - including possibility of allergy to medicines or sudden bouts of illness that are not easy diagnosable.

For those born in Mithuna rashi (Moon sign in Gemini), Rahu transits the auspicious 6th house from Moon sign giving success over rivals, and success in all activities. However, transit of ketu is not auspicious as it is in the 12th house from natal Moon sign. So, the results will be mediocre - the good and bad results balancing each other out. As these natives are supported by good Jupiter transit, they can have average to slightly above average results till May 2012, and somewhat tougher phase after May 2012.

For those born in Kataka rashi (vedic moon sign in Cancer), Rahu transits the inauspicious 5th house. Women of this sign who are in the family way should undergo regular medical check-ups to rule out complications; relationship with close family members may come under strain. However, the transit of Ketu - in the 11th house from Moon sign can give good gains and career progress. Thus both good and not-so-good results are indicated by this transit. Those appearing for competitive examinations, or have critical appraisals coming up must back themselves by taking extra hard efforts, as Jupiter’s transit is tough for this sign till May 2011, and Saturn’s transit also gets tougher after November 2011.

For those born in Simha rashi (Vedic Moon sign in Leo), Rahu transits the inauspicious 4th house. Health of elderly relatives - especially mother or mother's father/ mother may cause concern. There could also be relocation related anxieties or wearisome journeys due to professional reasons. Ketu's transiting the 10th house indicates possible good luck in some major projects after strenous efforts. The effects can be said to be mediocre as Rahu and Ketu give different results based on this transit. As Jupiter’s transit is excellent now, and sade-sathi influences will be over by November 2011, these natives can expect reasonably good effects until May 2012, and slightly downgraded effects after that.

For those born in Kanya rashi (vedic Moon sign in Virgo), Rahu transits the auspicious 3rd house from natal Moon which can give good results and long awaited breakthroughs in life. Auspicious events can materialize for those who have been waiting for wedding bells to ring for a long time. Ketu's transit in the 9th house is slightly challenging for health and overseas prospects - while it is also good for spiritual pursuits and visit to Holy Places. The tough transits of Jupiter and Saturn simultaneously indicate that these natives must guard against themselves (i.e. own decisions or temperamental behavior spoiling things). A spiritual outlook and patient approach will serve them well.

For those born in Tula rashi (vedic Moon sign in Libra), Rahu transits the inauspicious 2nd house while ketu transits the inauspicious 8th house from natal Moon sign. Health could be the main victim of such transits. Regularity in dietary and sleep routines, besides regulating the type of food consumed can go a long way in protecting your health. You must follow the rules of the road carefully while driving, and also be ready to take avoidance actions if the fool at the wheel of the other vehicles come your way impelled by fate – because there is accident-proneness due to this transit. This is a sensitive transit for Tula rashi natives; luckily, the current transit of Jupiter is auspicious for your sign and so the situation will be manageable if you are careful in all activities and avoid unnecessary risks/ impulsive moves in life until May 2012. You should be more careful in the period after May 2012 in all matters.

For those born in Vrischika rashi (vedic Moon sign in Scorpio), Rahu transits natal Moon sign while ketu transits the 7th house from natal Moon sign; this transit is challenging for Vrischika rashi natives. You should avoid taking impulsive decisions; domestic peace may be marred by unnecessary arguments/ anxieties. Health of self and elderly relatives may cause concern. Please note that already the transit of Jupiter is tough and Saturn will also begin its sade-sathi influence from November 2011 making it a sensitive transit of nodes for this rashi which is usually immune to adverse transit of nodes. Patient approach to all matters, regular prayers, and timely handling of issues without procrastination are the keys to handle this influence successfully.

For those born in Dhanus rashi (vedic Moon sign in Sagittarius), Rahu transits the 12th house from natal Moon sign while ketu transits the auspicious 6th house from natal Moon sign. Rahu's transit can cause finanace related controversies, unforeseen expenditure, wearisome journeys and heavy workload at work, possible relocation, etc. Ketu's transit influence helps in overcoming rival activity and can promote gains by overcoming tough challenges. So, the results are mixed for you. The good transit of Jupiter now, and that of Saturn after November 2011 will make the effects of this transit a slightly above average one cumulatively.

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

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

For those born in Meena rashi (vedic Moon sign of Pisces), Rahu transits the auspicious 9th house and Ketu transits the 3rd house from rashi - which is auspicious; So, those born in Meena rashi have a good influence based on the transit of nodes this time. You are further supported by good Jupiter transit till May 2012. Even ashtama sani after November 2011 won’t negate the good effects entirely – because ashtama sani transit can even trigger vipareetha Raaja yoga influences for you. You have a good spread of dinner on your tables and unless you spoil it, your party is likely to go great in the near future!

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

RAHU/KETU PEYARCHI HOMAM AT OUR PLACE ON JUNE 6, 2011

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

We are organizing special homams on the occasion of this Rahu-ketu peyarchi on June 6, 2011 at my newly purchased apartment at Uttukaadu village in Kanchipuram district (called Koti kshetra - where a single performance gives manifold times the results when austerities are performed so much that Lord Brahma descended to Kanchipuram when He had to perform 1 crore havans!). Mahaa Ganapathy homam, Durga Sooktha homam, Prathiyangira homam, Rahu beeja homam, ketu Beeja mantra homam will be done on that day. Those who are interested in participating in these for remedial purposes may click on the donate button below this write up to participate in the homam as sponsors.

Please indicate the name of the person, nakshatra, rashi, and gothra for inclusion in the homa sankalpa. Those who are residing in Kanchipuram, or feel you can attend this homam in person, please give advance intimation regarding your personal participation in the homam so that we can arrange hospitality. Others may take part in this homam on an in-absentia basis. Please note that we will not be sending the homam prasaad, or holy ashes by post to anyone due to ritual purity concerns; inclusion of your name, gothra, nakshatra, and rashi detail will automatically make you recipient of the benefits of this homam. If you are staying out of chennai and wish to sponsor this, please do so only with this attitude in mind.

May Divine Grace bless all our members.

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

A note on plagiarism of my articles! (If you don’t want to read this, you can skip this part it is not related to Rahu-ketu transit as such; But I thought this write-up is the best place to write about that matter – because Rahu-ketu are wonderful impersonators who first began the act of impersonation in august assemblies by stealing the nectar of gods! And there is astrological concordance in putting this portion of the write up that attacks plagiarism in the end of this article on Rahu-ketu transits as a mark of "respect" to those masters of illusion).

I find that unfortunately in this world of open web and internet, astrology / astrological writing is becoming a profession where plagiarism is rampant; some wonderful articles are just copied in parts and edited by cut-paste specialists who masquerade as astrologers or spiritual writers, and so, there is risk of being taken for a ride by such con-artists who have no understanding of the articles that they publish in their name. They build their reputation as “astrological experts” or spiritual experts by copying others’ articles initially – and then claim “I don’t know what I write! I am influenced by my spirit guides who told me to write like this; possibly the other astrologer was also having the same Spirit Guide!” For the record, I believe that I am influenced by none except the Maharishis of yore, the Goddess of Speech, Lord Shiva who Captivated me in an inexplicable manner right from my young age, and Gayathri Devi whose mantra I recite religiously. So, my articles are not influenced by any other “entity”, or “ghost”, or “spirit guide” – and people who claim they are taught by spirit guides can’t excuse themselves on that count – because their Spirit guides also have no right over what I write – because they did not help me write my articles. My Lord Shiva is so versatile that if He had influenced them also, He would have definitely given them the intelligence to put their ideas in different words than mine!

I have had the bitter experience of seeing parts of my own articles which I churn out with much thought being plagiarized (copied and used by others without my permission) with no reference to my name and used as “introductory parts”. For example, you will find that the introductory part of this write-up which I wrote explaining why there are different transits in vogue was first written by me during one of my Rahu-ketu transit articles in previous years; some websites have shamelessly copied that and have added their own interpretations on the transits after that write-up giving the impression that the whole writeup was theirs! They could have at the very least made mention of my name while using parts of write-ups.

I do understand that the concept is general and based on astrological common sense, and anyone with expertise in astrological calculations and understands them can mention that – but then they could have mentioned that in their own words instead of copying my write-up introduction line by line, word by word, and then putting it for display under their site’s name with no reference to me. When some of my clients/ regular readers pointed this out to me, I just said that I will get back to them in my own style by shaming them in front of the world in my blog and leave it at that! (I was already aware of the sites that resorted to this practice because I use copyscape in my blogs and any copy of my articles is detected then and there by me!) –This is what I have done now! I am not mentioning the names explicitly, but those who have copied like that know it themselves and I am sure they will be reading this write-up of mine also ….so, I would wait to see if such people write to me and apologize (if they have done it unintentionally) and then correct themselves by learning to take the permission of the writer before using parts of his/ her write up, and provide back links to the writer’s web pages/ blogs (thereby giving the credit of the write-up to the writer fully). If they had done it intentionally, I have no worries….because karma is a dangerous game and those who try to cheat in that game will get caught in their web themselves and I need not waste time on such people in any way. They are not worth my time and effort to get back at them (by filing complaints to the servers that host them or tackling them by cyber laws)…..so, I would prefer the Universe and the ever-alert Divine Forces to handle this as they deem it fit.

On this note, I wish to add that there are some brilliant writers who have used portions of my write ups in their articles with my explicit permission - some include persons like Shrimati. Jayshree Saranathan who have used certain portions related to Kula Devata/ Ishta Devata from my write up - for noble purposes in their own blogs. I have nothing against such people who have used their brains and have used relevant portions from my write up for good purposes as long as they continue to get my permission and refer to those portions of the write up as "Pandit Dakshinamoorthi's views on that." (or simply: "courtesy Pt. Dakshinamoorthi's write up" - and a link to that write up!)

I am also actually indebted to the spiritual persons who have often circulated my articles on Ekaadashi to their other spiritual-minded friends with the motive of helping them observe such austerities. Such people are actually helping me in my mission of trying to help people observe spiritual practices with this blog as the channel. So, such persons need not feel delicate in any way about what I have written here (sharing a person's write-ups after attributing it to that person is not plagiarism at all!)

Apara Ekaadasi - May 28, 2011

2011-05-27T15:00:00.002+05:30

Apara Ekadasi falls on the 11th thithi of the dark half of the lunar month Jyeshta (Pournimaath calendar - calculated from Prathama thithi after Full Moon day).

The Holy Apara Ekadasi for this year (2011) is to be observed on May 28, 2011 throughout the world, except by those living in Hawaii region of U.S. Those living in Hawaii should observe this on May 27, 2011 itself.

Significance of this Apara Ekaadasi:

This Ekadasi is specifically recommended for those who are suffering from pangs of anxiety arising out of past short-comings in performing one's rightful duties (out of negligence or other pressing practical circumstances). If you have committed some major sins knowingly or unknowingly and are suffering from remorse for those sinful activities, and want to be freed from the psychological pangs now, observance of this Ekadasi will help. This Ekaadasi can free one from sins like Brahmahati (that can cause depressive tendencies and may even lead to more serious psychological disturbances as a consequence of one's sins), Gohatya and other major sins.

Apara Ekaadasi punya is equivalent to all the following meritorious religious activities taken together!....

1) Bathing in the Holy Pushkara thrice a day, everyday throughout the lunar month of Kaarthika;

2) Having Maagha snaana at Holy Prayaag.

3) Performing Seva to Lord Shiva at Vaaranaasi kshetra during shiva Raatri;

4) Gaya shraddam for one's ancestors;

5) Bathing in the Holy Gautami River during Jupiter's transit into Simha rashi;

6) Having Shri Kedaarnaath darshan.

7) Having Badrinaath darshan during the kumba maasa (sun in kumbha raashi)

8) Taking a bath in Kurukshetra during solar eclipse and donating cows, elephants, and gold in charity to worthy Brahmins.

9) Donating a pregnant cow, along with gold and fertile land.

Method of observing Ekaadasi vratham:

Try to limit intake of food slowly starting from the previous day (dasami) itself. Avoid consuming honey, onion, garlic, and such ritually impure items on dasami day (the day before ekaadasi fast) itself and also prepare yourself mentally too by meditating on Lord Hari.

On the day of Ekaadasi fast, you must get up early in the morning, take a bath, and with full intent maintain the fast. Ideally, the fast should be complete - avoiding even drinking water. However, if this is not possible, you may water-down the intensity of the fast like - a fruit-only fast, juice-only fast, milk-only fast, or whatever depending on your health condition. On Ekaadasi day, pulses and grains should be strictly avoided (especially Rice). This Ekaadasi is mandatory for all believers with good health between the ages 7 and 70. (Pregnant women, old aged persons, and ailing persons are exempt these; even women in their monthly periods can fast on ekaadasi and meditate on Lord Hari silently without chanting mantras!)

On the night of Ekaadasi fast, it is recommended to keep a whole night vigil - listening to Lord's wonderful leelaas from various scriptures, or reading Bhagavat Gitaa, or simply chanting Lord's names like Hari, Raam, Krishna, Hare Ramakrishna, etc.

On Dwaadasi - the day after the fast, the fast should be broken within 2 hours 24 mins. after sunrise at your place, at an auspicious time. Those who have maintained a full fast (without even water) can break the fast by just consuming Tulsi teertham (Tulsi-soaked water). Others can break fast by eating fruits.

On Dwaadasi thithi, tamarind and chillies should be avoided while cooking. Lemon can be used instead of Tamarind; pepper can be used instead of chillies to flavour the food-items.

It is good to consume Amla on dwaadasi thithi as this endears one to Lord Krishna.

One who maintains this fast of Apara Ekaadasi will win fame and reknown besides cutting off the roots of all negative karmaas.

May all our members undertake this Holy Fast and relieve themselves of all negative karmaas.

Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Vaikasi Visakham festival on May 17, 2011.

2011-05-17T07:33:00.002+05:30

Dear Members:

The auspicious Vaikaasi Visakham festival is celebrated on May 17, 2011. This is the birthday of Shri Subramanya (also known as Skanda, Kaartikeya, Muruga, etc.). He had His Genesis from the Third Eye of Lord Shivaa (as many of you might be aware, the Third Eye is the symbol of Wisdom and Divine Knowledge/ Powers). Thus Skanda is the perfect Gnaana Moorthi - as He had His Genesis from the flames of the Third Eye of Lord Shiva Himself. He manifested to destroy the evil forces headed by Soorapadman and his brothers who had a boon that he can be destroyed only by a son of Lord Shiva. Worshipping Lord Skanda on this auspicious day will help us to destroy the demons of our mind and personality - like anger, lust, and delusion (In fact mystic experts opine that the demons Soorapadman and his brothers signify Aanavam, Kanmam, and Maayai - and Lord Skanda signifies Absolute Knowledge and Wisdom which can vanquish those evils).

Reciting Skanda Sahasranaamam, Subramanya Bhujangam (By Shri Aadi Shankarar), Kandar Anubhooti (By Shri Arunagirinaathar), Tirumurugaarrupadai (by Nakeerar), Tirupugazh (By Arunagirinaathar), Kanda Shashti kavacham (Shri Baala Devaraayar swaamigal), and such other devotional works on Lord Skandaa today will be auspicious.

Those who can't recite the elaborate scriptures mentioned above may benefit by chanting simple names such as
1) Om Skandaaya namah (to improve physical strength).
2) Om Kumaaraya namah (for progenic happiness)
3) Om Valliimanavaalaaya namah (for success in romantic matters and good luck in marital life)
4) Om DevasEnaapatayE namah (for overcoming the evil designs of enemies).
5) Om SkandaGuravE namah (for getting Divine Guidance).
6) Om Shakti hastaaya namah (for getting Divine Protection).
7) Om Shiva Gnaana Desikaaya namah/ Om Gnaana Panditaaya namah (mastery over esoteric knowledge)

This is an auspicious day to get deeksha into beeja mantras related to Shri Kartikeya from suitable Gurus(there are shadakshari mantra, Panchadasaakshari mantra, etc. on Lord Skandaa that should be chanted after initiation).

Worship of Lord Skandaa can be a good remedy for Sarpa Dosha and Mars dosha in horoscopes, and can bless a person with peace and prosperous life materialistically, and Divine Wisdom - spiritually.

Special poojas are being conducted on this occasion at our residence at chennai for Universal Welfare.

Members of paaraayanam group please note that you will be automatically included as honorary beneficiaries in the poojas done today.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI

Astrological and Remedial consultant

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Mohini Ekaadasi - May 13/ 14, 2011

2011-05-12T13:45:00.000+05:30

Dear Members:

The auspicious Mohini Ekaadasi falls on May 13/ May 14, 2011 this year.

It is to be observed on May 13, 2010 by those living in Countries of the American continents, Europe and middle East Asian countries.

Smaartha Ekaadasi (for those adhering to Shaivite traditions) for those living in India is to be observed on May 13, 2011.

Vaishnava Ekaadasi (For those adhering to Vaishnavite traditions) for those living in India is to be observed on May 14, 2011.

For rest of the world (countries to the East of India like Bangaladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, East China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, etc.), it is to be observed on May 14, 2011.

This is a fast that is believed to give relief from sufferings arising out of our sins of previous births.

May our members observe this fast as per their abilities and become recipients of Divine Grace.

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Akshaya Trittiyai on May 6, 2011

2011-05-05T13:34:00.001+05:30

Akshaya Trithiyai vrattam falls on May 6, 2011 this year for the entire world.

This is an auspicious day when Lord Brahma started Creation in the beginning of the Chatur Yugas. Today is Kruta Yugathi. Lord Parasuraama's Jayanthi is also today only. Venerating Lord Parasuraama who vanquished the rulers who had forgotten the ethical ways of conducting affairs of the state today this year is more apt for those countries going for elections now (especially India!). May His Grace destroy the influence of the vested interests and corrupted-beyond-redemptions politicians of our land, and subtly pave the way for fresh blood with fire of idealism to enter the public sphere. (I know practically the situation does look grim for such hopes - but then, we are asking for a Miracle - and why not? when He is willing to always to listen to us!!!!)

This is a very important day for spiritual aspirants. This is a day when siddhis (yogic powers) seek out sincere aspirants! Arjuna obtained Pasupatha Astra, Lord Shiva got Biksha from Annapoorani to remove his Brahmahathi dosha, and various devotees have also got siddhis on this auspicious day.

Kshaya means destruction; akshaya means - that which does not get destroyed or that which is ever increasing. So, any auspicious activity that we indulge in today will have manifold benefits. Those who are performing mantra japas should capitalize on this wonderful day and energize their mantras. Students can consider joining new courses (including summer courses on music, martial arts, swimming, painting, etc.).

This is a day when any activity can be done without regard to usual taboos of vaara, thithi, or nakshatra dosha. Any act of charity or donation done on this day will give manifold results. So, you may consider donating money to charities of your choice (it can be as little as Rs.1/- to a poor beggar on the street! The amount or to whom you donate is not important....but the attitude with which you offer the donations is most important). Now a days, there is an unnecessary business fad promoted by commercial establishments about "purchasing" gold/ silver/ other valuables (I think Platinum ads are also making headway recently in the tube!). Though it is true that purchasing auspicious articles on that day will prove good, it is definitely not correct to do such purchases with "borrowed" money or on debts, just on the belief that purchasing something on that day is good. You can purchase valuables with your own money if you have saved for them. Borrowing money just for purchasing on that day is definitely not recommended because, your "borrowing" might become akshaya is it not???? (Just my logic!!!!)Of course, if you have been planning to purchase some valuables with your savings for sometime now, you may consider purchasing the items on this day. But, mere purchasing valuables on the Akshaya trithiyai day is not going to magically alter your fortunes. I request our members not to fall into that superstitious trap that has gained currency now-a-days.This day is more about learning, acquiring wisom, performing acts of merit and such other Higher Purposes rather than mere acquisition of valuables. This day is too precious to be spent on standing in long-ques outside jewellery shops! Instead, consider visiting a nearby temple and doing some cleaning work on the premises, volunteering in a hospital, donating blood to a blood-bank, donating old clothes or sweets to Homes for the destitutes/ old persons, or taking blessings from elders in your family or community.

We will be performing special poojas for Universal Welfare on this day at the KOti kshetra - Kanchipuram (the Blessed Land where the performance merits of austerities are multiplied by crore times!) in the Kaamakshi amman temple, and all our Paaraayanam group members will be included as special beneficiaries of this on a honorary basis.

May all our members derive immense spiritual and mundane benefits by this austerity, and above all, become recipients of Divine Grace.

Blessed be.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Jupiter transit - May 8, 2011

2011-05-01T15:27:00.005+05:30

Jupiter's transit into Sidereal Aries in 2011

Jupiter enters Sidereal Aries sign on May 8, 2011. This transit is good for those born under the following Moon signs: Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Pisces. The transit is tough for those with Moon signs in Aries, Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Aquarius.

As usual we will be performing special havans in connection with this Jupiter transit. We intend to perform Medha Dakshinamoorthi homam, Shri Lakshmi Hayagreeva Homam, Sudarshana Homam, Dhanvantarai homam, Brahma Gayathri homam, Sapta Rishi homam, Brihaspati moola mantra & Brihaspati Gayathri homam on May 8, 2011 - the day of the Jupiter transit as per Drig Ganitha calculations.

Those who are interested might participate as sponsors might do so by clicking on the link below:

Please note that those who sponsor the homams/ poojas need to come in person to get the prasad or holy ash of the homam. In case you are unable to attend the homam on the specified day, the inclusion of your name, birth star, rashi, and gothra details during the homam/ pooja sankalpam is deemed as "in=absentia" participation from your side. The homam prasad/ Holy Ash will not be sent by post due to ritual purity reasons.

Read about detailed reading for each Moon sign and specific remedies applicable to each sign for this transit by clicking on this link

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Varuthini Ekaadasi, 2011

2011-04-27T23:20:00.002+05:30

Dear Members:

The auspicious Varuthini Ekaadashi (Chaitra Krishna ekaadashi) falls on April 28, 2011 this year and is to be observed on the same date around world except in New Zealand and Fiji where it is to be observed on April 29, 2011.

Glory of the Varuthini ekaadashi

The glory of the Varuthini Ekaadashi has been explained in the Bhavishya uttara puraaana in the form of a discourse between Yudhishtira Maharaaj and Lord Krishna.

On a specific request from Shri Yudhisthira, Lord Krishna explains that whosoever observes a complete fast on this sacred day has his sins completely removed, obtains happiness, and achieves all good fortune. Fasting on Varuthini Ekaadasi makes even an unfortunate woman fortunate (There are some horoscopic combinations in a female chart - like Visha Kanya yoga, vaidavya yoga, vandhya dosha, etc. that can spoil family happiness and bring much ill luck; Lord Krishna's saying that this fast will make even an unfortunate woman fortunate refers to such horoscopes. So, this ekaadasi fast on Varuthini ekaadashi can be suggested as remedy for such horoscopes). Lord Krishna further says that this ekaadashi has the potential of freeing a soul from the miseries of repeated rebirth.

Various kings like King Maandaatta, Dhundhumaaraa, etc. have been benefitted by this. King Mandaattaa obtained liberation; King Dhundhumaara - who suffered from leprosy as a result of curse from Lord Shiva was freed from it.

Whatever merit one obtains by performing austerities and penances for ten thousand years is achieved by a person who observes this Varuthini ekaadashi properly.

The method of observing this ekaadashi

The following things should be given up on the Dashami thithi (the day before the fast) - eating on bell-metal plates, eating any kind of urad-dhal, eating red-lentils, consuming honey, eating in other's houses, conjugal relationships.

On the day of ekaadashi, one should observe fast (complete fast is recommended), and listen to Shri Hari's stories from the mouth of spiritual persons, or engage oneself in Divine Contemplation quietly. One should avoid speaking ill of others (even sinners should not be spoken about badly on this day), keep oneself ritually clean, and spend the day in Divine Worship and contemplation. [My notes: Those who cannot fast completely should at least avoid eating beans and rice/ whole grains on this day, and should just consume fruit juices/ milk without honey].

On the Dwaadashi thithi, again one should avoid eating in bell-metal plates, eating urud-dhal (black-gram), hard exercises, eating more than once, having oil bath, shaving body, face, or head, and eating in other's home. [Eating in other's home refers to eating outside; home of parents, in-laws, daughter/ son, disciple's house/ Guru's house, close friend who is alike oneself in observance of spiritual duties are not considered other's houses as per shastras; so, one can consume food in these places as long as the food has been prepared as per ritual conditions of purity].

One who remains awake on this ekaadashi night and meditates upon/ worships Lord Janaardhana will nullify all sins of previous birth and will attain Supreme Abode of Lord Vishnu.

Lord Krishna says that listening to/ reading the glory of this Varuthini Ekaadashi with devotion is equivalent to the merit obtained by gifting 1000 cows!

May our members observe this holy fast and become more lucky, and also become blessed enough to attain Ultimate Salvation by the Grace of Shri Hari Vishnu.

Subham Bhavantu!

Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

chitra Pournami on April 17, 2011

2011-04-16T15:19:00.003+05:30

Dear members:

The auspicious Chitra Pournami vrattam falls on April 17, 2011/ April 18, 2011 this year. (Many people and temples observe this on April 18, 2011 since Pournami thithi operates for some time on the morning of April 18, 2011 also; But those who perform regular Sathyanaarayana pooja/ pournami pooja should do those on April 17, 2011 only - because Pournami should be operating at Moon rise time for Pournami vrattam, and the Chitra Pouranami vratam might be done on April 18, 2011 by those in India. Those living in U.S., U.K., and middle east should observe Chitra Pournami vrattam on April 17, 2011 itself).

Austerities in connection with Chitrapournami/ chitragupta pooja:

It is customary to eat curd rice (preferably curd of buffalo!) without salt on that day and to fast without eating anything else. In any case, avoiding salt in food items throughout the day is recommended on that day, if possible.

Special worship is done in Honour of Lord ChitraGupta - the Divine Accountant - who keeps an account of our karmas, and appeals for forgiveness for our shortcomings are raised on this day. Those who can afford a visit, should pay a visit to Kanchipuram Chitra Gupta temple -an ancient one which is very ancient and powerful.

In Madurai Meenakshi amman temple, DevEndr Pooja is done on Chitra Pournami day (it is believed that it is on this day Indra came across a Golden Lotus in a pond with which He worshipped Lord Shiva of the temple; the temple tank of Madurai Meenaakshi amman temple is called Golden Lotus tank still). So, paying a visit to Shri Meenaakshi SundarEshwara temple today is also auspicious and can relieve one of the sins such as insult to Gurus (In fact, Indra did the pooja on Chitra Pournami to propitiate Lord Shiva and get remedied from burden of sins that He committed in the absence of His Guru Brihaspati, who was incognito for some period following an argument with Indra).

Chitra Gupta can be easily pleased by uttering the following names:

"Om Chitraaya namah"
"Om Chitraguptaaya namah"
"Om Karma saakshine namah"
"Om nirdoshaaya namah"
"Om Kaarunya roopine namah"
"Om Dharmaraaja parivaarakaaya namah"

While reciting these names, Chitra Gupta should be meditated upon as a short human form attired in traditional Indian attire with a turban, shining ear rings, and having a bunch of palm leaf scrolls and a pen for writing karmic accounts. His consort is Goddess Karnaambikai.

Mantra for praising and saluting Shri Chitragupta

"Chitragupta namastubhyam lEkaaksharadaayakam

LEkanii katinii hasta chitragupta namOastutE"

The day should be spent by giving contributions to charities, doing meritorious deeds as per one's convenience, and spending the day in contemplation and introspection with the firm affirmation to reduce performance of sinful activities in the coming year.

Performance of this Chitra Pournami vrattam is a powerful remedy for afflictions of ketu in the horoscope. So, those under ketu dasa/ bhukti or those suffering from marital difficulties or delay in progeny caused by affliction of ketu in horoscopes can benefit much by this Chitra Pournami vratta and Chitragupta poojaa.

May our members celebrate this Holy Day and get relief from burden of sins.

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

Contextual Links

Kaamada Ekaadasi, Mesha Sankraanthi on April 14, 2011

2011-04-11T13:32:00.003+05:30

Dear Members:

Kaamadaa Ekaadashi falls on April 14, 2011 this year. It is to be observed on the same day throughout the world.

Kaamada Ekaadashi is the ekaadashi that falls in the bright half of the month Chaitra (immediately after the Vasantha Navarathri). Kaamadaa - as the Sanskrit name implies is the fast that has the potential to grant us all our legitimate desires:)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This year it is significant that this kaamadaa Ekaadasi falls on Mesha Sankranthi day itself; so the benefits of the fast will be manifold; but, consistent with dharma shastraic traditions, those who wish to fast on this day may try fasting by eating just once (instead of a full fast). Since consumption of certain delicacies - like a preparation from the flower of neem tree is mandatory in connection with Vishu celebrations, and also it is not traditional to remain hungry on a solar new year day, those who wish to fast on this day might try the via-media of fasting by skipping meals at night and morning, and consuming the traditional course of meal as per traditions for solar new year in the afternoon alone. Those who are of ascetic tendencies might, however, undertake the full fast; those in family life may fast in the modified form of fast suggested above.

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

Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

email-id: dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Paapa Mochini ekaadasi - March 29/ March 30, 2011

2011-03-29T18:35:00.002+05:30

Dear members:

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

This ekaadashi - as the name implies helps in removing all sins and the sinful vaasanaas (subtle karmic traces that can impel us to behave in the same way again!).

The importnace of this Paapa MOchini ekaadashi was explained to King Yudhistra by Lord Krishna, and this is found in the Bhavishyottara Purana (Lord Krishna actually refers the legend that was originally.conveyed to the King Maandaata by the sage Romasha).

According to this legend, the apsara (apsaras are Divine Damsels) by name Manju Gosha lured a great tapasvi by name Medhaavi (the son of the Great Sage Chyavana) into conjugal life thereby breaking his tapasvic life. After many years of sensual life with him, she wanted to return back to her celestial plane. The sage prevented her from going requesting her to wait at least for one more night, she playfully said just think of the time you have spent with me already. When the sage thought of it he was astonished that he had already spent 57 years 09 months and 3 days with her. He got annoyed that he had been lured into spending such a long period as if in a trance in the company of a seductive demi-goddess, and that he had lost a lot of his yogic power as a result of this life. So, he cursed her to turn into a goblin. When the apsara requested for relief from the curse, the sage suggested observance of Paapa MOchini Ekaadasi.

When the Sage Medhaavi tried to enter into the hermitage of his father Chyavana Maharishi, his father said "Oh Son! By acting unethically due to lust, you have lost your wealth of austeries and penance." When the son requested his father about the remedy for this, Maharishi Chyavana also suggested the Paapa MOchini ekaadashi observance. Thus by observing this, the apsara Manju KOsha got freed from the curse of becoming a goblin, and sage Medhavi regained his lost yogic merit.

Lomasha Maharishi said to the great king Maandhaata that whosoever observes this will get freed from all sins.

Lord Krishna Himself further adds that the power of this ekaadashi has the potency to remove such sins as sin caused by killing of a pious vedic person, that incurred in voluntary abortion (voluntary abortion due to non-medical reasons is a great sin as per shastras; birth-control is okay - but abortion is not!), sin incurred by pious people when they consume intoxicants, and that incurred by immoral activity with respectable ladies.

If this ekaadasi is performed with Full Faith, it will give the merit that can be obtained by donating one thousand cows!

May our members observe this holy Fast and get freed from all negative karma and the guilt associated with such sins.

Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI

Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Vasnantha Navarathri - April 4 to April 13, 2011

2011-03-23T14:01:00.004+05:30

There are 6 Navarathris in Honour of Divine Mother each year - one for each Rithu, and the Saaradha Navaraathri falling in sharad Rithu (October - November) is the most important as this is the festival recommended for householders. The next in importance among the 6 Navarathris is the one falling in Vasantha Rithu (March - April) called Vasantha Navarathri. This Vasantha Navarathri occupies the pride of place in the schedule of Devi upaasakaas, and rituals done during this period are for awakening Wisdom and Spiritual Perfection. Thus, as the saaradha Navarathri is for the "Bhogis" (householders and family), the Vasantha Navarathri is for Yogis (those aspiring Spiritual perfection), sadhus, and spiritual minded upaasakaas (who may still be in family but live life as an offering to Divine Mother - balancing mundane and spiritual lives harmoniously). It is traditional to venerate Divine Mother in Her Gnaana Shakti Form during this period. We don't keep kolus or socialize much in this celebration (whereas the saaradha navarathri is as much a social occasion as it is spiritual!). The emphasis is more on spiritual sadhanas and meditation during this period.

This vasantha Navarathri marks the beginning of the lunar calendar based New year (followed by those following Telugu/ Kannada traditions in South India), and it is also associated with Shri Raama Navami which falls during this period. So, during this vasantha navarathri you can also organize Sundara Kaandam recitals at your places praying for family welfare.

Vasantha Navaraathri schedule for different places around the world:

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

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

I request all our members to do simple prayers that are possible for them in Honour of Divine Mother during the Vasantha Navaraathri and receive Her Grace. Those who are initiated may recite Lalitha Sahasranaamam and Soundarya Lahiri on these days to become recipients of Divine Grace. Others may simply recite names like "Om Shree MaatrE namah" (Salutations to Thee who Art the Mother), "Om Durgaayai namah", "Om Sadaakshyai namah" (Salutations to Thee with 1000 Eyes = this is for prosperity), "Om siddhi dhaatryai namah" (Salutations to Thee who gives accomplishment), etc.

Those who have Tulsi plant in house may light a lamp in that sannidhi and offer 12 prostrations praying for peace and prosperity in the family and for the whole world. You may consider getting initiated into mantras like "Brindaavani Dasaakshari" (the beeja mantra for Tulsi worship that is very powerful), "Surabhi mantra" (for GOmaataa), etc. during this auspicious period.

You may also read Divine legends related to Mother Goddess which have been identified as powerful ones for prosperity based on authentic classical sources and based on teachings of Sri Vidhya Upaasaka traditions. Many such legends abound in the classic Devi Bhaagavatam. One such legend can be read by clicking the following link:
http://dakshinastro.blogspot.com/2008/04/divine-legends-that-ensure-peace-and.html This legend is particularly beneficial to overcome pestilence and natural calamities. Those of you who happen to recite this legend, please dedicate this for the peace of the souls who perished recently in natural calamities and other disasters.

You can also listen to wonderful Devi sthothras that are available for download from various sites in .mp3 format. There are some wonderful Devi sthothrams available in text format in the site http://www.sanskritdocuments.org/. You may visit these sites and use the text of sthothras for recital.

Worship of 9 Forms of Durga Devi on 9 days

There are 9 forms of Durga Devi - "Shaila Putri, Brahmachaarinii, Chandrakantaa, Kooshmaandaa, Skanda Maata, Kaatyaayinii, Kaala Raatrii, Mahaa Gourii, Siddhidaa." You may meditate on each of these names in order from day 1 till day 9 (like on the first day - keep chanting "Om Hreem Shaila Putryai namah" or simply "Hreem Shaila putri namo namah", etc.).
These 9 names by themselves are powerful words with immense Divinity in them. Details about these 9 forms may be available elsewhere in the net; so I am not going too much into details about these. Those who are interested may do a web search on this and get further information, if desired.

Important thing to note when doing navaraathri worship even in simplified forms in Honour of Mother Goddess

Treat all women with dignity and respect during these 9 days (actually women should be treated with respect at all times - but it is more important during these 9 days). Offer auspicious items like sindhoor, kumkum, turmeric paste/ powder/ tubers, small mirrors, bangles, blouse-bits (avoid black colour), small toys for young children, etc. as per your convenience and economic viability. Even unknown women (irrespective of caste, creed, or religion) who visit your houses accidentally during these periods must be treated with respect and courtesy - Mother may visit you in any form!

Special worship at my place during Vasantha Navaraathri

As usual, special worships will be done at my place during Navarathri. I will pray for the welfare of all our members (and in fact for Universal wellbeing and Harmony). But those who wish to sponsor the poojas are welcome to do so.

The sponsorship for one day's austerities (in the period April 4 to April 12, 2011) - beginning from Ganesha homam early morning, Laghu chandi homam, Chandi path recital, Lalitha Sahasranaamam recital, Soundarya lahiri recital, Dasamahaa vidhya mantra recitals and recital of portions of Devi Bhagavatam - will be US$75 (US Dollars seventy-five only). Resident Indians may remit Rs.3375/- (rupees three thousand three hundred and seventy five only) for the same.

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

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

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

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

Please note that those who sponsor the homams/ poojas need to come in person to get the prasad or holy ash of the homam. In case you are unable to attend the homam on the specified days, the inclusion of your name, birth star, rashi, and gothra details during the homam/ pooja sankalpam is deemed as "in=absentia" participation from your side. The homam prasad/ Holy Ash will not be sent by post due to ritual purity reasons.

May Divine Mother bless us all.

Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Panguni Uttiram on March 19, 2011

2011-03-18T18:29:00.002+05:30

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

Panguni Uttiram Festival is to be observed on March 19, 2011 all over the world. It is the day of Divine Wedding between Goddess Meenakshi and
Lord Sundareshwara (Lord Shiva in His wedding form). This is also the wedding day of Lord Skanda with Deivanai (the daughter of Celestial King Indra). So, it is auspicious to offer special prayers to Lord shiva or Lord Skanda on this day praying for our welfare. This is an auspicious day for praying for harmony in the family, goodwill and affection between couples, and for marriage of unmarried natives.

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

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

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

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

Blessed be.

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

Amalaki Ekaadasi 2011

2011-03-15T19:26:00.001+05:30

Dear Members:

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

This fast is known to eradicate all great sins and bestow great destiny, and hence it is also observed as Paapanaasini Ekaadasi. Puranaas speak of how a hunter who witnessed the performance of this fast and night-long prayers under the Amla tree (Indian gooseberry tree) by a king and his retinue in the forest, was blessed to be born as a king named VasUratha in his next life. Such is the glory of this vrata - the mere witnessing of which confers great merit!

Once that person (the hunter born as King VasUratha in next birth) lost his way in the forest and being exhausted fell asleep under a tree. Tribesmen who were his enemies tried to kill him in that unconscious state; but none of their weapons could harm the sleeping king. Then, a beautiful maiden with Divine Powers manifested from the sleeping king's body and slayed all the tribesmen. On waking up, the King was wondering how this could have happened and who could have saved him thus from his sworn enemies. Then a voice from the sky said 'You ask who helped you. Well, who is that person who alone can help anyone is distress? He is none other than Sri Keshava, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He who saves all who take shelter of Him without any selfish motive.'

Such is the greatness of the Aamalaki Ekaadasi. This was narrated by Sage Vasishta to the Surya vamsa king Maandaatha.

On this day it is customary to worship the avatar Lord Parasuraama and Aamla tree (those who have such trees may perform the worship under the tree; others can just meditate on that tree and Lord Parasuraamaa).

picture of Lord Parasuraama courtesy: www.scienceofhinduisim.blogspot.com

(I am not aware of any copyright restrictions with regard to use of this image, but I guess using this for informative purposes and illustrative puroses must be alright).

Prayers to Lord Parashuraama:

'Oh Lord ParashurAma, Oh son of RenukA, Oh all-pleasing one, Oh liberator of the worlds, kindly come beneath this holy Amalakii tree and accept our humble obeisances.'

Prayer to Aamalakii tree: (Aamalakii tree is Indian Goosberry tree)

'Oh Amalakii, Oh offspring of Lord BrahmA, you can destroy all kinds of sinful reactions. Please accept our respectful obeisances and these humble gifts. O Amalakii, you are actually the form of Brahman, and you were once worshiped by Lord RAmachandra Himself. Whoever circumambulates you is therefore immediately freed of all his sins.'

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

Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

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

2011-03-13T20:54:00.002+05:30

Kaamaakshi amman

(image courtesy: www.hindugallery.com)

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

The best time to observe this nonbu is between 2:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. IST on March 15, 2011 (i.e. after midnight of March 14, 2011) for those in India. Please note that as this is to be observed at the junction of sidereal solar months of Aquarius and Pisces, it is to be observed just 2 hours prior to actual entry of Sun into sidereal Pisces i.e. at 4:30 a.m. IST on March 15, 2011 - which is 5:30 hours East time from GMT on March 15, 2011 (you may calculate the respective local time at your place based on this, and calculate the time when this is to be observed at your place).

It is an auspicious day for women to pray for the welfare and longevityof their husbands. It is by the power of this observance that the legendary Saavitri got the spiritual power to win back the life of Satyaavaan - her husband who was cursed with a short life. May our women members observe the austerity as per their familytraditions for the welfare of their husbands.

It is customary for ladies to offer Mangala Gowri pooja and then tie the Holy Pooja thread on self praying for husband's longevity, and for happy marital life. The offering is "kaara adai" (a special flour delicacy made with rice flour, jaggery, and kaaraamani - a red colour dried bean), and fresh butter; women pray saying "I am offering this kaara adai and unmelted butter to Thee; please ensure that my husband never separates from me," and then tie the Holy thread on their selves.

Shadsheethi punya kaalam is to be observed on March 14, 2011 by those living in European countries and countries of the American continents. It is to be observed on March 15, 2011 by those living in rest of the world. This is an auspicious day for beginning new japa recitations, for charitable donations (Even if you are donating to secular charities with a good intent, it is still better to donate on this day to reap manifold karmic benefits; I am writing this because I have seen many people donate a portion of their salaries to charities; if this monthly donation can be done on such auspicious days like this shadsheethi punya kaalam, it will be good for them from a karmic point of view).

May our members become recipients of Divine Grace and Dharma Devataa by observing these auspicious spiritual rituals to the extent possible.

Blessed be.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI.