Vijaya Ekaadasi 2019

The auspicious Vijaya Ekaadashi falls on March 1/ March 2, 2019

Schedule of observance of the fast for different regions of the world:

a) Places in USA, Canada and other countries of North and South American continents - March 1, 2019.

b) Those living in countries of European continent and observing Smaartha traditions must observe the fast on March 1, 2019

c) Those living in countries of European continent and observing Vaishnava traditions must observe this on March 2, 2019.

d) People living in other parts of the world except the above-mentioned places - including those living in India - must observe this fast on March 2, 2019.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A suggested austerity on this day:  Since Lord Ramachandra observed this vratam per Skanda Puranam and gained the means/ strategy to cross the ocean, it would be auspicious to recite Sundara Kaandam or other chapters of Shrimad Ramayana or do a Raama Parivaara homam - if possible on this day if you are surrounded by obstacles and are seeking Divine Intervention to solve your issues that seem insurmountable by human effort.

If by God's Grace your life situation is smooth enough, still recital of Sundara Kaandam or Samkshepa Raamaayanam or Raama Pattabhishekam can help in crossing the Samsaara Saagara (Ocean of mundane existence) and attain Salvation.  Afterall our worldly life here is only in preparation for our Grand Union with the Universal Being, and for that crossing the ocean of Maaya that is keeping us away from our real Inner Potential is to be transcended, and worship of Shri Raama by reciting Raamayana chapters is one of the recommended ways for that process!

At this time when war clouds loom large in the border, Faithfuls may consider praying for peace, annihilation of destructive forces, and for sanity to prevail in the dialogue/ engagement between the two neighbouring countries.....Since military engagements may involve dynamics that may be beyond the comprehension of most common persons, it is best we just pray that dharma must prevail - whatever it takes for that to happen.

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

Blessed be.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Jaya Ekaadasi/ Bheeshma Ekaadasi/ Bhoumi Ekaadasi 2019

Dear Members:
The ekaadasi that falls in the bright half of the lunar month Maagha is called Jaya ekaadashi; it is also called as Bheeshma Ekaadasi.

Schedule of observance of this ekaadasi for people living in different parts of the globe:

a) Those living in countries of North and South American continents must observe this on February 15, 2019 (common to both Vaishnava and Smaartha traditions for persons living in these places).

b) Those living in middle-East countries, Afghanistan, and all countries of the European and African continents and following Smaartha traditions must observe this on February 15, 2019.

c) Vaishnava ekaadasi for people living in countries listed above (b) and following Vaishnava traditions must observe this fast on February 16, 2019.

d) Persons living in rest of the world - including India must observe this on February 16, 2019 (Some Vaakya panchangs recommend Smaartha Jaya ekaadasi to be observed on February 15, 2019; BUT, our considered view is that since ekaadasi begins only after noon time in India, we should observe this fast only on February 16, 2019.).

Glory of this ekaadasi:

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. (Please note that Varaaha Jayanthi - the Genesis of Varaha Form was earlier, but Varaaha Dwaadasi is the day when He rescued Earth).  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.

Varaaha kalpaadi must be observed (by those who wish to offer special worship in Honour of Lord Varaaha swaamy) on February 17, 2019  by those living in India, Middle-east countries, and countries in South-East Asia and Far East.  It must be observed on February 16, 2019 itself  by those living in Europe and American continents.

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

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
www.kasamba.com/psychic/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Bheeshmaashtami 2019

Dear Members:

Bheeshmaashtami - in Honour of the Grandsire of the Kuru dynasty falls on February 12, 2019 for those in U.S. and other nations of the American continent, and for those living in U.K., France, and other nations of European continent. For other parts of the world - including India and all countries to the east of India, the observance is on February 13, 2019.

Note:  Those living in countries of South American continent, and those living in Europe will observe both Ratha Saptami austerity AND Bheeshma Ashtami austerities on the same day - February 12, 2019.  For those living in India, other countries of Asian continent, and those living in Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, etc. Ratha Saptami will be observed on Feb 12th, and Bheeshmaashtami on Feb 13th.

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 of got 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 of him 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!).

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 may recite the following slokha and meditate on Bheeshma - remembering His rare qualities....

Vayyagrapadya gotraya saankruthya pravarayacha
Ganga putraya Bhishmaya aajanma bramhacharine 
Aputraya dadamyetatudakam bhishma Varma ne
Vasunamavataraya shantano ratmajayacha
Arghyam dhadhami bhishmaya aabalya brahmacharine

Then, 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.
Astrological and Remedial consultant

www.kasamba.com/psychic/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Ratha Saptami 2019

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

Ratha Saptami - the auspicious day to worship Sun God falls on February 12, 2019. It is to be observed on same day throughout the world except those living in USA, Canada, and other countries of the North American continent must observe this on February 11, 2019 itself.  Those living in countries like Argentina, Brazil, etc. (South America) will also observe Ratha Saptami on February 12, 2019 only.

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.

Note that even if you are unable to get arka leaves at your place, you can STILL take the holy bath chanting the mantras above praying for good health.

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.kasamba.com/psychic/pandit-dakshinamoorthi