Sharada Navaratri -2018

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.  So, it is sometimes called "Mahaa Navaraathri."

Navarathri schedule for different parts of the world.

Navaraathri austerities begin from October 10, 2018 for those living in India and countries to the east of the Indian sub-continent (all East and South-east Asian countries, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Philippines, etc.).

Countries to the West of the Indian sub-continent (including countries of West and South-west Asia, Gulf countries, etc.), countries of Europe, Africa, and American continents (both North and South America) must observe this from October 9, 2018 itself.



If you are not doing any special pooja or "9-day scheme of major recitals of works like Devi Mahatmyam/ Devi Bhagavatam/ Sundara Kaandam", then you need not bother about this technical nuance, and just observe the navarathri on the days given as duration of Navarathri for your region.

Durga Pooja should be observed on October 17, 2018 by those living in all countries of the Indian sub-continent and those lie to the East of the Indian sub-continent, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.  It should be observed on October 16, 2018 by those living in Gulf Countries, European countries, Africa, USA, Canada, and other countries of North and South America.



Mahaa Navami (Saraswathy pooja) is to be observed on October 18, 2018 by those living in India and countries to the east of India.  Countries to the West of Indian subcontinent - including Gulf countries must observe this on October 17, 2018 itself.

Vijaya Dasami should be celebrated on October 19, 2018 by those living in India and countries to the east of Indian sub-continent.  Those living in countries to the west of the Indian sub-continent (including those living in Gulf countries) must observe this on October 18, 2018 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 natural calamities in various parts of the world, and also pray for peace throughout the world in these troublesome days where you can never read a newspaper without coming across some inauspicious event/ mishap in one corner or other of the earth.

SPECIAL WORSHIPS AT MY PLACE DURING NAVARATHRI.

As usual special worships will be done in this regard at my residence (Bangalore).

The part-sponsorship of each day's austerities (beginning from early morning till night.....Ganapathy homam, Laghu chandi homam, Full recital of Devi Mahaatmyam, Lalitha Sahasranaamam, Soundarya Lahiri sthothras, Dasa Mahaa Vidhya japams, Select sthothrams on Devi, etc.) is Rs.5000 (rupees five thousand only) for one day's part-sponsorship. Those who wish to be part-sponsors for more than one day's rituals are also welcome to do so.

Mahaa chandi homam is planned on October 19, 2018 on Vijaya Dasami day.

The part-sponsorship for this Mahaa chandi homam on October 18, 2018 is Rs.30000 (rupees thirty thousand only) - all costs inclusive - including cost of gold coin, silver coin, silk saree, rare herbs, and other pooja articles to be offered in the Mahaa Poornaahuti.

If you wish to be part-sponsor of the austerities of the entire period - right from October 10th till the Mahaa Chandi homam on Vijaya Dasami day, the suggested offering is Rs.75000 (Rupees seventy five thousand only).

Those who wish to participate in these austerities may write to me through my email-id: dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in (or dakshinastrologer@rediffmail.com) with the subject line "Part-sponsorship of Navarathri homams."

Members of our group who have already availed such services in the past and know my bank account details through which they made remittances earlier may directly make the remittance in favour of that icici account as earlier, and keep me informed through email.

Even those who are unable to offer sponsorships for these rituals need not feel let down; prayers are offered for Universal Welfare at the end of each day's austerities, in addition to the prayer for specific special sponsors, and the prayer for Universal Welfare covers everyone - including you!

May Divine Mother Bless us all.

Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Paarshva ekaadasi (Parivartini Ekaadasi) - September 20/ September 21, 2018

By Ks.mini - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Dear Members:

Parviartini ekaadashi also called Paarshva ekaadashi  is believed to be the day when Lord Mahaa Vishnu in His Yoga Nidhra changes his position in sleep - from left side to right side.

Just as the Lord shifts in His Yoga Nidra from one side to another, may His Grace allow you to explore all aspects of your life and may His Grace allow you to expect a positive turn of Fate in your lives!

It is traditional to venerate Lord Mahaa Vishnu in His Form of Vaamana on this day.



SCHEDULE OF OBSERVATION OF THIS FAST FOR VARIOUS PLACES ON EARTH

This is to be observed on September 20, 2018 throughout the world EXCEPT Eastern most parts of China, North and South Korea, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Japan.

In these places (mentioned in exception above), Vaishnava Ekaadasi is to be observed on September 21, 2018.  Even in these places, those following Smaartha traditions must observe the ekaadasi fast on September 20, 2018 itself.


This Ekaadasi is considered to be the most Holy of the fasts that come during the Chaaturmaasya period.  Apart from relief from material conditioning of the soul  and giving liberation to the soul, this fast can also give merit equivalent to that obtained by Ashwamedha yagna!  

Ideally, this fast should be observed in a nishkaamya bhaava (without desires and seeking only Divine Grace); HOWEVER, those who have strong karmic afflictions that pain them and wish to have relief from such influences or pains caused by denial of dharmic desires of life may observe it in a sakaama manner too (for realization of their goals).  Such persons who seek the boon of relief from karmic denial/ frustrations to genuine/ dharmic desires must venerate Lord Vaamana and Lord Trivikrama, do special pooja in this regard, and offer a small silver vessel filled with curd to learned pious devotees or temples on this day, and observe this fast.

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

Blessed be.
Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI.

Mahalaya paksha (Pitru Paksha) -2018

Pitr Paksha (Mahaalaya Pakshaa ) is to be observed from September 24 to October 8, this year (2018)  in most parts of the world - including India.  Exceptions:  Those living in eastern parts of China, Korea (both North and South), Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan need to observe the pitru paksha from September 24 to October 9, 2018.  Please note that  September 24th is Pournima thithi and this needs to be observed ONLY IF you have an ancestor who died on Pournami thithi (so Poornima shraardh of Mahalaya Paksha is to be done for that soul on Sep 24th). Others may begin observing the austerities from Sep 25th - which is the Pratipat thithi....

If there is any confusion regarding interpreting this info., please get in touch with reputed vedic pandits in your region.

It is a powerful period for propitiation of manes(ancestors). Pitrus are said to Grace the households of their descendants with Divine Permission from the other Planes of Existence and are waiting to Bless any descendant who is willing to Honour them in whatever little way they can.

Austerities during Pitr Paksha (applicable to those who have lost atleast one parent) include:

1) Not eating non-veg (in case of non-vegetarians).

2) Not eating onion, garlic, outside food, processed foods,drumstick, etc (for pure vegetarians).

3) If possible avoiding shaving for the entire fortnight till Mahalaya Amavasai; obviously it may not be possible for everyone due to current secular life restrictions (like office policy requiring an executive placed in a cutting-edge responsibility to be clean shaved). Even in these cases, shaving should be avoided at least on the thithis of one's ancestors (father/ mother).

4) Performing obsequies (shradh) on the thithi of the ancestor's death to the extent possible or at least offering "anna dhaanam"(offering food) to poor persons/ priests as per one's convenience.(On this day, you should not shave as already stated)

5) Abstaining from carnal intercourse with members of opposite gender during the fortnight as a mark of respect to Pitrs.

6) Doing recitals like Garuda Puraanam (depicting passage of asoul), Nachiketa story from Upanishads (where Yama Gitaa is there -it contains Lord Yamaa's elucidation of the journey of a soul  which was first revealed to the devoted Nachiketaa), Pitru sthothra and Gangaa Avatarana chapter from Shrimad Vaalmiiki Raamaayan. These recitals are stated to grant satisfaction of Pitrs and thereby ensure their blessings upon us. In fact these recitals can be done even by those who have parents alive! (The other rituals like tarpanam should not be observed by those who have parents living). These recitals 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.  If possible, everyone - including those who have parents alive (and hence should not do pitru tarpanam) - should try to do Vaiswadeva homam (the daily homam enjoined on a pious vedic person) and offer sarva Bhoota Bali (the pinda-bali for the satisfaction of all dis-embodied souls that are roaming the Universe without satisfaction and without anyone to satisfy their quests/ hunger/ and pains).

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 28th throughout the world.

The significance of this is that Bharani is the star ruled by Yama - the Lord of Death, and observing austerities in Honour of deceased ancestors on Mahaa Bharani day (the Bharani nakshatra falling during Pitru paksha) can give relief from Naraka experiences to ancestors who might be enduring that karmic difficulty [Relief to ancestor's souls directly manifests as peace and prosperity in family; Universe has been designed in such a way that when you help a karmically suffering soul - especially of an ancestor - you get rewards from the Universe in the process].

2) Madhyaashtami - This is to be observed on 02nd October 2018.  This is an auspicious day to offer Sakrun Mahalaya shraardh (i.e. if shraardh is done only on one day of the pitru paksha in Honour of ancestors instead of austerities on all the days of the fortnight, this is one of the preferred days for the observance).

3) Mahaalaya Amaavasya - This should be observed on October 8, 2018 throughout the world except that it is to be observed on October 9, 2018 by those living in North and South Korea, eastern parts of China, Japan, Australia, New Zeland, and Fiji.

4) Magha shraardha:  Shraardha during pitru paksha (or special prayers in Honour of ancestors) done on Magha nakshatra is auspicious because Magha is the nakshatra ruled by pitrus. This is to be observed on October 6, 2018 in countries of the middle-east, countries of African continent, Indian sub-continent, and all countries to the east of India.  It should be observed on October 5, 2018 itself for those living in Western European countries, USA, Canada, and other countries of the American continents. Please note that this is an optional shraardha - however, it would be doubly auspicious to do something in Honour of pitrs on a day ruled by the constellation that Pitrs rule is it not?

GAJA CHAAYA DAY:  This Gaja Chaaya in an auspicious period for pitru shraardh related austerities and ALSO FOR other general religious observances/ prayaschitta karmaas; Gaja Chaaya happens when

a) Sun transits Hasta nakshatra, and simultaneously Moon is in Makha nakshatra and thrayodashi thithi operates on the same day, or

b) Sun transits Hasta nakshatra and the thithi is Amaavasya.

This year, we have two Gaja Chaaya days - one on October 6, 2018 and another on October 8th (October 9th for those living in Australia, Eastern China, Japan, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand).

So, spiritually inclined readers of this blog - including those who have parents alive - may indulge in some religious/ spiritual austerity per their inclination/ practical feasibility on these days to get enhanced spiritual merit; afterall, the spiritual merit we earn is the real earning for the benefit of our souls and will aid in Self-Actualization.

For those whose ancestors have taken sanyaasa.....

Those who have ancestors who might have taken sanyaasa and then died, Sanyastha Mahaalayam may be done on October 6, 2018 invoking the Grace of such a soul (technically a sanyaasi has cut the karmic bonds and so karmas for a sanyaasi must be done differently and not with the attitude we do the sharaardham of a grihasta ancestor....so, this sanyaastha Mahaalayam must be done like a yati samaaradhana though tarpanam, etc. might be done by the descendant ).  So, those who observe sanyastha mahaalayam may do it like an aaraadhana - remembering the Yati lineage in which the ancestor got sanyaasa, remember other Saints who inspired the ancestor to take sanyaasa, etc. and invoke Blessings of those liberated souls. 

RECITALS AT OUR PLACE IN THIS CONNECTION:  Those who want to offer special recitals for pitru trupti (satisfaction of deceased ancestors) might get in touch with me through my email-id....dakshinastrologer@rediffmail.com (please write "Pitru paksha recital request" in the subject line).

The suggested offerings are as below:

Ganga Avatarana sargas recital (from Raamaayana) - and associated poojas, recital of Pitru sooktham (from Vedas) and Pithru sthothra recital (from Puranas) on one day : US$25 (US Dollars twenty five only).

For the above recitals on all the days of the pitru paksha : US$375 (US Dollars three hundred and seventy five only).

Our regular members who have availed such services from us in the past may directly make the remittance (indicating your name while making the remittance for our reference) and send us the mail with details about the name of the ancestor, your relationship with the deceased ancestor, the gothra/ family name, and thithi of the ancestor so that I can include the same in the sankalpa of the recitals.

Others may get in touch through the email-id indicated with the subject-line "Participation in pitru paksha recitals" - and I will guide you regarding the same.



Some controversial issues regarding the observance of pitru paksha rituals/ shraardham and dharma shastraic clarification for the same

1) There are many persons who feel that Mahaalaya paksha rituals need not be done in honour of step mother (called Sapatnii maataa - by shaastraas); doing it for just one's mother and father is enough. There are some who feel that only the eldest son of the second wife of one's father needs to do the shraardha if the first wife of the father died without issues.

Clarification: Though the eldest son is the first Adhikaari for rituals, when property has been divided among the brothers or when they have started living apart from each other as separate families, shraardha and other pitru rituals need to be done by each brother individually. The same holds true for honoring the Sapatnii maataa (Step mother who has died without issues also). Just think....will that Honourable Mother have taken care of just the eldest son and left the other sons in the lurch if she had been alive and the biological mother had been dead? Please use this logic for your clarity in this regard. Just as the step-mother cannot ignore the other children (nor should she!), the children also should not be partial towards performing rituals in Her Honour for Her Soul - especially if she had died without issues. This applies more sternly in cases where the eldest brother of the family is not alive. Unfortunately many families do this mistake of leaving the poor step-mother (the first wife of one's father who died without issues) after the eldest brother is dead. As long as at least one brother is alive, the sapatnii maataa should be honoured during pitru paksha on the day when you do the shraardha of your father (you can invoke one Brahman priest to represent the step-mother's lineage just as you do for your own mother's lineage). Please note that this guideline does not apply in cases where the other woman has voluntarily left one's father (say divorce), or has been indicted by a dharma parishad for undesirable behaviour and hence denied karma benefits in accordance with dharma shastraic principles after giving ample opportunity to exonerate herself. In cases where the father has done an injustice to another woman (who is no more) and has married one's mother, the son who performs rituals in honour of that wronged woman (father's first wife - who is deemed one's saptnii maataa) redeems himself from that dosha. A righteous son should try to do what he can to set right the wrongs done by his deceased parents - as and when he comes to know of that possibility. Though each person is answerable to his/ her own karma and sins, family doshas do arise out of adharmic activities of one's ancestors and these doshas do affect the family for many generations to come (usually seen as Stree saapa in the horoscope of many members of a family). Such doshas are cleared when that wronged soul is honoured appropriately in consultation with dharma shastraic experts in this regard.

2) Some think that if the annual shraardh is done properly, Mahaalaya paksha (pitru paksha) shraardha/ tarpanam need not be done!

Clarification: If you get double-increment will you say "I already got one; so please ignore me for this increment!" No one does that. Yet, when it comes to accumulating spiritual merit, we often tend to say "I have done that and so I need not do this." This attitude of excusing ourserlves from dharmic duties should be overcome consciously. Rather, we should think that the Mahaalaya paksha is a God -Given opportunity for us to honour our pitrs yet again. In fact, Mahaayalaya Paksha shraardh is mandatory, and there is no way out of it, and the benefits accruing out of Mahaalaya paksha shraardha/ tarpanam are actually more than what can accrue out of annual shraardha. The pitru paksha observance gladens our pitrus and we should not miss it for any reason. If we are unable to offer the shraardha/ tarpan on the thithi of our father, we should at least do it on the other special days like Mahaa Bharani, Madhyaashtami, or Mahaalaya Amaavasya (any one of these days). We should not miss it giving any excuse - because no such excuse exists!

3) There are some who think that if Gaya Shraardha has been done, there is no need for Mahaalaya paksha shraardha/ tarpanam.

Clarification: Gaya Shraardha is definitely a wonderful ritual for satisfaction of pitrs. But, having done that is no excuse for exempting oneself from Mahaalaya paksha tarpanam/ shraardha and annual shraardha. These should be continued as long as one is alive (or at least till one is healthy enough to carry on the rituals). Only those who are bed-ridden are exempt this due to obvious reasons! It is a sin to skip these rituals in mistaken sense of having attained a level where these are not necessary - no human being living an ordinary life is exempt these karmas. Even great rishis who were highly spiritually evolved and avatars like Shri Raama, Shri Krishna, have observed these, and obviously we are not above all of them in our spiritual standing! Only sanyaasins are exempt these because they don't have karmaa adhikaara (ritual right to perform a karma). Everyone else who has karmaadhikaara (due to death of one's parents) should observe this - even if they have done the Gaya Shraardha and Akshaya vata pinda daan.

4) Only those who have lost their parents can do any ritual to satisfy pitru devatas..

Clarification:  Shraardhas in Honour of pitrus and tarpanam in their Honour are the only activities that are restricted by the above taboo.

Activities like offering greens to cows in memory of deceased ancestors of the family, recital of Raamaayana chapter to ensure peace to the soul of deceased ancestors,  performing annadhaanam (donation of food to needy) in honour of deceased ancestors, and recital/ arranging recital of Pitru sthothra are austerities that anyone can do in honour of pitrus. In fact, if one's father or other main kartas are not enthusiastic in performing pitru related rituals and there is consequent pitru saapa indicated in charts, descendants of such families, if they are believers must take measures to please pitrus by their own austerities or by arranging suitable recitals for peace of their ancestors.

5) QUESTION: We have pitru dosha in the family but my parents won't do shrardha or any austerity in this regard.

Solution: You may offer greens/ grass to cows; you may organize recital of Ramayana chapters (especially Ganga Avatarana sarga, Samkshepa Ramayana, etc.); you may recite or organize recital of Yama Gita; you may recite Pitru sthothra, or organize recital of it.

Apart from that, you may do simple things like reciting Raama Naama japam and offering arghyam praying that this should give trupti to ancestral souls.




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May our members observe these dharmic guidelines in connection with Mahaalaya paksha (Pitr paksha) and become recipients of the Grace of pitrus - our Benevolent Ancestors who have the capacity to shield us from the dangers of existence and improve our luck with their Blessings.

Blessed be.
Pandit R DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in
dakshinastrologer@rediffmail.com
www.kasamba.com/psychic/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Muktaabharana Saptami - 16th Sep 2018

Today is auspicious "Muktaabharana saptami" - a good day to offer prayers to one's kula devataa for the well-being of children in the family, and for couples without children to offer special prayers for progenic bliss. This is also a good day for praying for peace and harmony at home after getting blessings from one's mother-in-law (a good day to resolve issues with one's mother-in-law - if minor ego issues have caused a mental gap between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, both sides must willingly forgive and forget the past pain-inducing events and try to patch up on this auspicious day). May our members invoke the Grace of their Kula Devatas for well-being of their families on this auspicious day. Another important positive aspect of this day is that today is Saptami falling on a Sunday known as "Bhaanu Saptami" - an auspicious day to venerate Lord Surya - the Pratyaksha amsa of Paramaatmaa. May Divine Grace pervading this Universe and manifesting Special Powers through some certain channels - like Sun, Theerthaas, temple vigrahas, etc. bless us all.

Blessed be. Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI

Aja Ekaadasi/ Annadaa ekaadasi 2018

Dear Members:

Aja/ Annadaa ekaadasi is a powerful fasting day.

Schedule of observance of the ekaadasi in different parts of the world

Those living in USA, Canada, and other countries of the American continents (North and South America) must observe this on September 5, 2018.

Those living in European countries and observing smaartha traditions must observe this on September 5, 2018.  Those living in these countries and observing Vaishnava traditions must observe this on September 6, 2018.


For those living in other parts of the world - including India and all countries to the east of India must observe this on September 6, 2018.

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 2018

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 of the Chaandramaana month - Sravana is the deciding factor for the celebration, and so, the 8th day after upaakarma would be Gokulashtami by smaartha traditions), while Sri Vaishnavaas (of Shri Raamaanujaachariyar lineage) celebrate it as Sri Jayanthi where the star Rohini is the deciding factor, and they observe it per Solar calendar (where Sun must be in Simha rashi).  The typical consideration is the operation of the deciding factors described above at the time of midnight - though some take the evening time for reckoning. So, there could be some differences in the dates on which Lord Krishna's birthday is celebrated by followers of different sects of Sanaatana Dharma - like Smaartas, Shri Vaishnavas (Pancharaatra and Vaikaanasa aagamic celebrations sometimes differ even among shri vaishnavas).

This year, Gokulashtami is to be observed by those in India (Smaartha traditions) on September 2, 2018.  Those belonging Vaishnava traditions and observing vaikanasa traditions also observe it on September 2, 2018.  Those belonging to Pancharaatra traditions observe this on September 3, 2018.

Lord Krishna's avatar leelas are a live example of a karma yogic path - complete detachment from the results and perfect performance of one's duties as per one's station in life. Remembrance of how He playfully enacted various leelas and in the process decimated demonaic forces in various garbs is sure to inspire us to achieve great things in life. He taught us the efficacy of "effortless perfection". His Bhagavad Geeta is a magnum opus that can be a friend, philosopher, guide, counsellor, all rolled into one - it carries the essence of the whole Upanishadic Wisdom.

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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.

Special homam was done at our residence today (Sep 2, 2018) in this connection praying for Universal Welfare.  May God bless us all.


Sri Krishna Paadaaravindam sadaa smaraamii


Krishnam VandE Jagat Gurum.


Blessed be.


Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.