Aja Ekadasi - August 18/ August 19, 2025

Dear Members:

Aja/ Annadaa ekaadasi is a powerful fasting day. 

Schedule of the Aja Ekaadash for people living in different parts of the globe

a) Those living in USA, Canada, and other countries of North and South America and observing Smaartha traditions must observe this on August 18, 2025.

b) Those living in the above regions and observing Vaishnava traditions must observe this on August 19, 2025.

Note: Even for those living in USA, Canada, and other countries of North and South America, Gauna Ekaadsasi - the recommended date for fasting even for smaarthas - is August 19, 2025. Ascetics and people observing intense austerities may observe fast on both days, and if that is not possible, they must observe the fast on August 19th.  Householders of smaartha traditions may observe the fast either on August 18th, or August 19th.

c) Those living in other parts of the world - including those living in India - must observe this on August 19, 2025.

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 virtuous 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 obeisance 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 Vishnu 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

Janmashtami 2025

Dear Members:

Gokulashtmi/ Janmashtami is to be observed on August 16, 2025.

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 propagation 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 propagating 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.



Special austerities are done today at our residence praying for Universal Welfare.  May God bless us all.

Sri Krishna Paadaaravindam sadaa smaraamii


Krishnam VandE Jagat Gurum.


Blessed be.


Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Varamahalakshmi vratam - August 8, 2025

Varalakshmi Vrattam or "Nonbu" as it is called is a powerful vrattam that can ensure prosperity and overall development in the family. It is to be observed on August 8, 2025  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 after taking the consent of elders in the family - and under the guidance of suitable upaasakaas or vedic priests near your place. 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 chant Lakshmi 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 and grant us boons on that day; we just need to ask Her!

Commenting on "Lakshmi" - we need not harbour unnecessary aversion to abundance/ riches.  In Vedic traditions money well-earned is deemed a blessing - BECAUSE - for every charitable and noble deed, the power of money can support you.  Money well-earned (by righteous means, by hard-work, and without exploiting anyone) and well-spent (to help suffering people, to support vedic austerities for the welfare of the Universe at large, and for supporting struggling relatives/ friends) can be good karma, and can gradually lead to a stage where you will ripe into spirituality gradually.  Hunger and deprivation can be corruptive for a person (where the lack of the resource may allow others to force you into things that you don't really feel like doing)....So, as long as you don't fall down in greed and unbridled obsession, money - by itself - is not an evil - and in fact, can be a blessing.  When we speak of "Lakshmi Kadaaksham", it means Abundance that is of a type that gives contentment and happiness to the individual, and helps in pursuit of dharmic means with artha.

If the right Artha (resources) is there, it will sustain Dharma (righteousness for both self and others), and help in satisfaction of Kaama (legitimate desires) - and when Dharma, Artha, and Kaama are suitably handled in life - it will allow the psyche to graduate into trying for Moksha - the Ultimate Liberation - the goal of every Soul incarnated on this realm!  This is the varam (boon) that we must request Maa Lakshmi (the Divine Mother - outwardly manifesting as Goddess of Wealth - in fact Lakshmi is just one Manifestation of the Infinite Divine Grace) - a gradual and healthy progression along the Dharma, Artha, Kaama, Moksha paath!

Ladies who have taken this vrattam vow in earlier years but have monthly periods on this day and hence cannot offer the Varalakshmi pooja can offer the vrattam prayers on the subsequent Friday, i.e. August 15, 2025.

We intend to perform Beejaani sahitaa Lakshmi Homam on Vara Mahaalakshmi day along with recital of other powerful vedic and aagamic mantras on Her.   Like that most upaasakaas and temples would be organizing some austerity or other in Honour of Shree.....Try to involve yourself in such auspicious performances to the extent possible - in addition to your poojas at home - and invite Prosperity and Abundance in your lives.


Best regards,

Blessed be.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI

Astrological and Remedial consultant
www.kasamba.com/psychic/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Pavitra Ekaadasi/ PavitrOtpanna ekaadasi/ Shravana Putradaa ekaadasi - August 4/ August 5, 2025

Pavitra Ekaadasi, or Pavitropana Ekaadasi (one of the Putradaa ekaadasis! - fast efficacious for improving progenic prospects) is the ekaadasi observed in the waxing phase of vedic month Sravana. 

Schedule of observance of the fast for people living in different regions of the world

a) Those living in USA, Canada, and other countries of North and South American continents must observe this fast on August 4, 2025

b) Those living in rest of the world - including India - must observe this on August 5, 2025.

GLORY OF THE FAST

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.  Even women having their menses periods may just observe the fast (abstaining from food and/ or water or having a modified fast per their convenience) without doing any external religious rituals. This is per shastraic recommendations in this regard (ekaadasi fast is permitted even during menses - without any external pooja/ chants and to be observed just as abstinence from food/ water per one's regular practice in this regard).

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 many years of marriage, his kingly pleasures and royal honours seemed utter waste to him and he felt very dejected.

(Personal note from Pandit  R DAKSHINAMOORTHI: You may be wondering what is the big deal that a king with all Royal Pleasures was "dejected" due to lack of progeny.....Recently I read about a trend where couples decide to avoid having children as a conscious choice - to enjoy more freedom as they considered children as a responsibility that might hinder their lifestyle choices/ career options; BUT, in shastraic communities, begetting a child is considered the only way in which pitru-runa - indebtedness to ancestors - can be repaid (the logic is that if our ancestors had decided not to have progeny we might not be here; and so it is our duty to carry the family line forward and we will be failing in our duty if we avoid that UNLESS there are medical contraindications that deny such a bliss), and begetting a good child and grooming a child in a dharmic way such that he/ she will be an adherent to dharmic principles is one of the best "services" that any human being can do to the Universe....just bearing a child is not the matter here....bearing the child with the right attitude with express intent that the child will adhere to dharmic values at all costs, and grooming the child in such a way that his/ her behaviour/ actions will benefit the society at large is what makes a person a "real and efficient parent" and shastras are unequivocal in that such children are a blessing to their whole clan....Shastraic people yearn for such children to be born to them and when they are denied progenic bliss it is a great matter of concern for them.....! Just writing this to explain the perspective of why begetting a child seems to be such an issue and a holy fast has been dedicated towards improving such prospects! Till today there are couples who yearn for progenic bliss earnestly and fasts like these can be facilitators to improve progenic luck and rewrite Fate Script in this matter in their favour).

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 codes are 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 many kalpaas .

My note (Pandit Vidhya Bachaspati R DAKSHINA MOORTHI): 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 offense 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 (some scriptures attribute the merit to be equivalent to that obtained by attending a VaajapEya yagna!).

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 DAKSHINA MOORTHI.

Kaamika Ekaadasi - July 20/21, 2025

Dear Members:

The auspicious Kaamika ekaadasi is to be observed on  July 20/ July 21, 2025 this year.

Schedule of the vrata observance for people living in different parts of the globe

a) Those living in USA, Canada, and other countries of North and South American continents must observe this on July 20, 2025.

b) Those living in rest of the world - INCLUDING INDIA - must observe this on July 21, 2025

Note:  Those living in countries of Europe, Africa, and countries of Central Asia (middle-East countries of Persian Gulf region and North Centra Asian countries) and observing Smaartha traditions may OPTIONALLY observe the ekaadasi fast on July 20, 2025 itself.  BUT, even for these persons the RECOMMENDED fasting day is only July 21, 2025.

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 observance of this ekaadasi will please Yama Dharmaraaj also. It is customary to donate a ghee lamp/ sesame oil lamp to a Krishna temple on this ekaadashi day. Such a devotee will be blessed by all celestials. The merit accruing out of this ekaadashi is equivalent to that accruing out of recital of all Holy Scriptures.

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

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

Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI

www.kasamba.com/psychic/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Guru Poornima - 10th July 2025

Dear All:

Guru Poornima is to be observed on July 10, 2025  this year.

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


Sanyaasis of aamnaaya mutts offer Vyaasa pooja on this occasion.  Remembering our mentors whoever guided our lives in ever-so-small ways, or did poojas on our behalf for our welfare with gratitude is the recommended activity today. Small offerings out of gratitude may be offered to family preceptors or people who have offered guidance to you in some way in the previous year if you can afford such offerings.

We are planning to do special austerities in this connection, and will pray for Universal Welfare.

Those who are initiated into Moola mantras of Shri Veda Vyaasa, Gorakhnaath, Sage Agasthya, Shri Medha Dakshinamoorthi, Shri Hayagreeva, Dattatreya, Hanumaan, Skanda, etc. can meditate on those Gurus with those mantra recitals.  Others may simply remember whomever they consider as their Gurus with devotion and gratitude today, or pay visit to them personally to get the blessings - if that is possible.

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

Best regards to everyone,

Blessed be.
Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI.

Sarva Shayani Ekadasi/ Devashayani ekaadasi - July 6, 2025

This is about Sarva Sayana Ekaadasi (also known as Hari Sayani ekaadasi, Aashaadi ekaadasi).


Sarva Sayana Ekaadasi falls on the bright fortnight of the month Aashaada. It is also known as Vishnu sayani ekaadasi. It 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.

It is to be observed on July 6, 2025  by people living throughout the world.

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 reign 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.

Let us hope by the combined punya of all spiritual persons observing this fast, the world will become a better place to live in for all of us.


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


Blessed be.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant

www.kasamba.com/psychic/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

YOGINI EKAADASI - JUNE 21/ JUNE 22, 2025

Dear members:

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.

Yogini Ekaadasi falls on June 21/ June 22, 2025 this year.

Schedule of the fast for people living in different parts of the world

Those living in USA, Canada, and other countries of North and South American continents, and those living in countries of Europe and Africa must observe this on June 21, 2025.

Those living in middle-East Asian countries, India, and other countries of Asia and observing Smaartha traditions can OPTIONALLY observe this fast on June 21, 2025.  BUT, Gauna Ekaadasi (recommended day of fast) for even Smaarthas is on June 22, 2025 for those living in these regions.  Ascetics and those intent on moksha maarga and living in Asian countries (including India) must ideally observe the fast on June 22, 2025 even if they are smaarthaas.  Ascetics and advanced spiritual practitoners living in these regions may observe the fast on both the days - June 21st and June 22nd - if their health condition permits.

Vaishnava ekaadsi for those living in middle-East Asian countries, India, and other countries of Asia is to be observed on June 22, 2025.

Those living in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Japan, North and South Korea, and nations of Oceania region (Pacific Ocean island territories) must observe this on June 22, 2025.

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 - including this writer - observe all ekaadashis in the nirjalaa form as far as feasible). 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).

Elsewhere, it is mentioned that observance of Yogini Ekaadasi will be proper remedy to get freedom from the karma that arises out of cutting an Aswattha tree (Pipal tree). So, if you have had occasion to uproot an aswatta tree due to any reason (like government officials being required to supervise removal of a tree for widening roads) and are worried about the karmic implications of the act done in the course of secular duties/ practical necessities, you may observe this fast as karmic redemption.

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. So, those falling in these categories, please avoid straining your physical body - which is the Temple of God who resides in His amsa as your own soul - unnecessarily.  The real meaning of "Upa Vaasa" is to "live near God" - which is an allegorical way of saying "be in remembrance of God."  So, if your physical situation does not permit you to fast on ekaadasi day, just spend the day in Lord Hari's Remembrance and the Ocean of Mercy will credit you with punya phala due for an upavaasaa.  If mere abstinence from food is meritorious, hibernating animals and poor who go without food due to poverty must get liberation!  Obviously it is not so...the idea of "fasting" is to sacrifice our basic urge towards feeding ourselves in honour of Divine and living in Divine Contemplation (mentally near God/ Divine Concepts) on fasting days....only then, fasts are efficacious; the physical "fasting" has its own benefits of course - but the attitude behind the fast is equally important.  So, even those who are not physically in a position to observe the physical fast may derive benefit out of the vrata day by Divine Contemplation and by living with the right attitude on this day.

May our members benefit by observance of this wonderful vrat and be recipients of Lord Shri Hari's Grace.

Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

ASTROLOGICAL AND REMEDIAL CONSULTANT

www.kasamba.com/psychic/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Nirjala Ekaadasi - June 6/ June 7, 2025.

This post is regarding Nirjala Ekaadasi on June 6/ June 7, 2025

DATES OF OBSERVANCE OF THIS VRATA FOR DIFFERENT PLACES ON EARTH

a) Those living in USA, Canada, and other countries of North and South American continents, those living in countries of Europe and African continents must observe this on June 6, 2025.

b) Those living in Middle-East Asian countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and other countries of the Gulf region, Western parts of Russia, etc.), those living in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Srilanka, and those living in India and following Smaartha traditions must observe this fast on June 6, 2025.

c) Vaishnava Ekaadasi for those living in regions indicated in b) above must observe the fast on June 7, 2025.

d) Those living in rest of the world (all countries to the east of India) must observe the Ekaadasi fast on June 7, 2025.

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.

Blessed be.
Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

https://www.kasamba.com/psychic/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Apara Ekadasi - May 23/ May 24, 2025

The Holy Apara Ekadasi for this year is to be observed on May 23/ May 24, 2025.

Schedule of the Apara Ekaadasi fast for people living in different parts of the gloibe:

a) It is to be observed on May 23, 2025 by those living in all parts of the world including India.

b) Those living in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Japan and other Oceania region countries of the Pacific ocean and observing Vaishna traditions, and ascetics living in these regions must observe the Apara Ekadasi fast on May 24, 2025.

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.kasamba.com/psychic/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Rahu-Ketu peyarchi on May 18, 2025

This is about the transit of mean nodes of the Moon (Rahu/ Ketu). Rahu will transit through Kumbha rashi and Ketu will transit through Simha rashi from May 18, 2025 to December 5, 2026 taking Chitra Paksha Ayanamsa for calculations.

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

You might find different dates for transit on the web - some because they follow vaakya panchanga without the relevant correction as recommended by siddhanta works in astrology and thus may give the Rahu-ketu peyarchi on a different date.  But, for astrological purposes, it is more correct to consider the mean node for transit calculations - which is what we have done and which is what drig ganitha based almanacs will also suggest. Based on such reckoning, Rahu-ketu peyarchi (transit) is on May 18, 2025.

EFFECTS OF THIS TRANSIT FOR NATIVES BORN IN DIFFERENT RASHIS

For those born in Mesha rashi (vedic Moon sign in Aries),  Rahu transits the auspicious 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. If you are a trader in the stock markets, hedge your bets carefully and avoid risking your capital too much in choppy markets.  Sketch your moves, mark clear stop-loss triggers and avoid excess greed in trading activities. Adolescents/ young adults, and those in the 42 to 48 years of age should avoid irresponsible socialization activities that may lead to unnecessary relationship complications. Even if we are good, association with unscrupulous persons may dent our reputation too. Care should be taken in this. This is a good time for getting initiated into taaraka mantras (mantras to help you reach good spiritual planes or even emancipation!). Thus the results are mixed for you. 

REMEDIES SUGGESTED: Donating Dakshinavarti Shankh to a Lakshmi temple, or sponsoring playing of wind/ reed instruments in temples (like Nagaswaram/ Flute performances) can be a good remedy to check the adverse transit of Ketu.

Sponsoring fan/ air-conditioning arrangements in temples/ places of worship or donating palm-leaf fans (hand fans) to devotees in temples will help you to enjoy good financial circulation and avoid liquidity issues.

For those born in Rishabha Rashi (Moon sign in Taurus),   Rahu transits the 10th house from natal Moon sign, while ketu transits the 4th house from natal Moon sign.  Do not be slack in performance of your duties in any way. Even if others seem to be thankless when you do your work properly, just keep going; at the very least, even if you can’t win praise, you can avoid blame when you do your work perfectly. You should guard your reputation zealously as there is possible risk of scandals arising out of undesirable association at work.  Health of self and maternal relatives may also be below par. You should be extra-careful in all activities. Students should avoid unnecessary distractions to get good grades. Career luck will be mediocre and success is possible only with hard and conscientious efforts. If you have not been giving good results and yet your superiors don't pull you up, don't lull yourself into thinking that this can go on for ever...it is possible that silently negative appraisals are being marked and it will be in your best interests to pull your act together so that you don't face adverse down-turn in career situations.

REMEDIES SUGGESTED: Recital of Naaraayani sthuthi – the 11^th chapter of Devi Mahatmyam, or the 12^th chapter from Shrimad Sundara Kaandam of Vaalmiiki Raamayanam version will be helpful to tone down the tough impact of Rahu/ ketu transit for your sign.  Offering silver ornaments or small replicas of Trident or tiny silver utensils or pure silve coins (per your capacity and in tune with the intensity of your issues) to temples or vedic priests can be a good remedy if you encounter tough domestic situations OR legal issues.

For those born in Mithuna rashi (vedic moon sign in Gemini),  Rahu transits the auspicious 9th house giving you unexpected positive outcomes, and good luck arising out of punya karma, and Ketu transits the 3rd house from rashi - which is auspicious and can give you improved self-confidence; adventurous decisions can help you make good gains. So, those born in Mithuna rashi have a good influence based on the transit of nodes this time. You have a good spread of dinner on your tables per the transit of Nodes which balances other inauspicious transits for your Moon sign.

No major remedies needed since the transit influence is basically good for your sign.

For those born in Kataka rashi (Vedic Moon sign in Cancer), 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. Be very careful while driving vehicles, and leave nothing to chance while handling sensitive assignments.  Try to err on the conservative/ cautious side during this period as things are tricky for you. Those trying for foreign settlement/ career may be saddled with issues arising out of unnecessary Red-tape. So, build up your visa/ GC cases carefully with supporting documentation, and avoid unnecessary/ hasty shift in jobs from one employer to another – especially if your current employer is a reputed organization. Trying to shift jobs and your visa sponsor may sometimes backfire. Look for stability rather than big pay packet - especially if your work-permit situation is shaky.  This is not a time to hit out wildly with blind hope that everything will be alright.

REMEDIES: Handle mandatory compliance submissions/ tax-filings carefully.

Avoid taking unnecessary occult risks (like careless stepping over materials that have been discarded after drishti-removal on the road, unnecessary careless/ disrespectful debate on subtle spiritual matters, taking up mantras without proper deeksha, unnecessary experimentation regarding spirit communications,  etc.).

Do not raise major loans without proper calculation of your repayment capabilities.

Recite Durga Sapta Slokhi 7 times and offer 7 prostrations on Tuesday/ Friday evenings praying for Divine Assistance in all your endeavours.  

Pray to Lord Hanumaan before taking out vehicles for daily drive and ensure proper maintenance of your vehicle to stay safe.

Light 9 prayer lamps (sesame oil) in front of Lord Hanuman in temples on Saturdays and offer 5 ghee lamps in Goddess Lakshmi or Goddess Shakti sannidhis on Fridays if you experience any intense difficulty regarding career matters.

 For those born in Simha Rashi (Vedic Moon sign in Leo),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. This is further complicated by tough transit of Jupiter and Saturn for your sign.  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. Overall, it is a tough transit influence you have on your hands.

REMEDIES SUGGESTED:

Be broad-minded in your dealings with close relatives but do not let anyone walk all over you. Maintaining the golden mean and healthy moderation in all matters will help you to stay out of trouble.

Offering prayer lamps in the samadhis of saints and meditating on ascetics of known exalted spiritual stature (like His Holiness Chandrasekara Saraswathy, His Holiness Ugra Narasimha Bharathi, His Holiness Raghavendra Swamy, H.H. Sadasiva Brahmendral, etc.) can help you to be anchored even as life’s challenges threaten to unsettle you. 

Natives of this sign who are troubled by relationship misunderstandings (like spouse misunderstanding self, or self troubled by anxieties regarding stability of relationship) may benefit by worship of Goddess Maatangi or recital of Chapter 36 of Shrimad Sundarakaandam (Vaalmiiki Raamayan version) on Tuesday evenings.

To resolve health issues for self or close family members that are not resolved by conventional treatments, try parikrama seva in the Jeeva Samadhi of saints, OR offer physical seva (like cutting vegetables for the temple kitchen, cleaning temple premises, or whatever volunteering work can be done in a Holy Place), OR donate for annadhaanam at temples or charitable institutions that feed destitute or aged people.

For those born in Kanya rashi (vedic Moon sign in Virgo), Rahu transits the auspicious 6th house from Moon sign giving success over rivals, and success in all activities. Those who try to trap you with their cunning moves may find themselves caught in their own web. Divergent thinking, innovative moves, and creative pursuits will give you success and satisfaction. However, transit of ketu is not auspicious as it is in the 12th house from natal Moon sign. Avoid raising big-ticket loans unless your financial situation is well-hedged.  Those living abroad and working on temporary work-visas may encounter mild complications in renewal of the same.  So, the results will be mediocre - the good and bad results balancing each other out.  In the period between May 2026 and May 2027, transit of Jupiter is positive for you, and there is scope for positive developments with hard efforts and by the punya phala accumulated by charitable and religious activities.

REMEDIES SUGGESTED: Feeding fishes in holy ponds/ flowing rivers with puffed rice, and offering lamps to flowing rivers on auspicious occasions will bring you good luck.

Offering coconuts to temples/ religious persons for performing homams can help reduce unnecessary expenditure and inexplicable worries/ generalized anxiety that you may experience at times.

Offering Chaamara (ritual Fans with silver/ brass handles used during mahaa aaratis) in temples/ jeeva samadhis can help if you are suffering from unnecessary expenses that seem uncontrollable. Alternatively, you may provide for exhaust fans in temple ques or repair chimneys of temple kitchens to get the same result.

For those born in Tula Rashi (Vedic Moon sign in Libra), Rahu transits the inauspicious 5th house from natal Moon sign. 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. Single natives of this sign must avoid impulsive romantic choices.  Investors must be wary of taking wrong speculative decisions that could tilt the tables against them. 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. The positive transit of Jupiter between May 2025 and May 2026 waters down the challenges of Rahu transit to a great extent. Those appearing for competitive examinations, or have critical appraisals coming up must back themselves by taking extra hard efforts. 

REMEDIES SUGGESTED:

Students of this sign can insure against the tricky transit by offering prayers to Goddess Kaali/ Maatangi on Tuesdays/ Navamis or by reciting Hanumaan chaalisa thrice on Tuesdays.

Worship of Goddess Kaali or Durga will help in protecting the well-being of children (and also will be a good safety for pregnant women).

Worship of Lord Adi Varaaha swaamy on Tuesdays can help in removing obstacles pertaining to property transactions.

Offering sandalwood for pooja/ homam in a Perumaal (Shri Vishnu) temple, or volunteering to grind sandalwood paste for poojas/ major homams can help in improving your general good luck.

Visiting samadhi shrines of saints and chanting simple bhajans/ slokhas (or if you are trained in vedic chants – you may recite vedic hymns too) can help to ensure mental peace and spiritual progress.

For those born in Vrischika rashi (vedic Moon sign in Scorpio),  Rahu transits the inauspicious 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.  Be very careful if you are planning on purchase/ disposal of property.  Students of this sign must put in extra effort to do well in their studies.

Ketu transiting the 10th house indicates possible good luck in some major projects after strenuous efforts. Though it is not entirely positive, there is still hope for occasional good outcomes due to Ketu's transit influence.  You should look at the long-term impact of job changes you contemplate now, rather than expect immediate positive results. On the whole, the effects can be said to be tough but not entirely unmanageable as Rahu and Ketu give different results based on this transit.

REMEDIES SUGGESTED: Offering special prayers to Goddess Durga on Ashtami days and Amavasya/ Pournami days, and to Goddess Kaali or Kaala Bhairava on Saturdays will help in reducing the malefic impact of Rahu’s transit.

Worship of Lord Varaaha swamy can help in improving luck pertaining to property dealings.

Worship of Goddess Maatangi on Tuesdays and Fridays will help students and those appearing in competitive exams or have to face interview situations (promotion appraisals/ new job offers, etc.). 

For those born in Dhanus rashi (vedic Moon sign in Sagittarius),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. You can enjoy very good progress if your work is related to communication sector or involves lot of writing/ networking with others. Your luck can be further enhanced (regardless of your line of work) by taking adventurous decisions. On the flip side, nebulous signals that you give may come to haunt you later, and unethical/ immoral communications with others (like irresponsible online flirtations) could cause danger to hard-gained reputations. Generally those in business or roles that require assertiveness and multi-tasking will do better than those who are employed in stable roles with fixed responsibilities that have no room for negotiation.

Ketu's transit in the 9th house is slightly challenging. This can be tough for health of self, paternal relatives who are elderly, and overseas prospects - while it is good for spiritual pursuits and visit to Holy Places.  Natives of this sign who have been doing intense austerities for the past many years may be blessed with Divine Manifestations or Experiences that can be life-transforming. Such experiences are more likely between May 2025 and May 2026 when Jupiter’s transit is auspicious for your rashi.

Overall, the effects are mixed for you from a mundane perspective, BUT very positive from a spiritual angle.

REMEDIES SUGGESTED:  Getting blessings of religious preceptors (Aachaaryas of the mutts to which your family owes allegiance traditionally), or blessings of ascetics could be powerful shield for your prospects.  

Whenever situations permit travel to kshetras (pilgrim spots), and chanting vedic hymns/ puranic slokhas at home, or meditating on Saints or ascetic Divine Forms (Like Medha Dakshinamoorthi, Lord Dattatreya, etc.) can help to augment your general good luck, and also bless you with Divine Experiences.

For those born in Makara rashi (vedic Moon sign in Capricorn), 

Rahu transits the inauspicious 2nd house while ketu transits the inauspicious 8th house from natal Moon sign.  Regularity in dietary and sleep routines, besides regulating the type of food consumed can go a long way in protecting your health. You must follow the rules of the road carefully while driving, and also be ready to take avoidance actions if the fools at the wheel of the other vehicles come your way impelled by fate – because there is accident-proneness due to this transit (especially with Ketu in the 8th house from your natal Moon sign). Avoid self-medication at all cost as there is high risk of medicinal allergies.  Also if there are eye infections take immediate medical help and avoid procrastinating on that as eye-problems are strongly indicated during this phase. Watch what you say under all circumstances; there is real risk of spoiling relationships by careless words.  Avoid raising heavy loans for any purpose as far as feasible. Businessmen of this sign must avoid risky ventures and handle the compliance norms related to their activities with alacrity.  Those in service my be troubled by increase in work-load and unrealistic demands from their superiors; these situations must be handled with diplomacy.  Natives of this sign who are in their middle-ages or ages past this stage must exercise responsibility regarding food intake to avoid unnecessary complications arising out of unbridled eating habits.

Remedies suggested: Offer musk/ civet to Bhairava Sannidhi on Ashtami days.  Worship of Goddess Chamundeshwari/ Chandi/ Durga on New Moon days and Tuesdays will help in keeping you safe in all circumstances.  

Worship of Swarna Aakarshana Bhairava on Pournamis can help in ensuring decent financial luck.

Whenever possible participate in community prayers in Honour of Goddess Chandi or in Honour of Guardian Deities of your town (like in collective Chandi homams in temples, or in local temple festivals in Honour of Mariyamman, Yellamma, Osiya Maa, or such other Guardian Deities).

For those born in Kumbha rashi (vedic Moon sign of Aquarius),  Rahu transits natal Moon sign while ketu transits the 7th house from natal Moon sign. Rahu transiting the natal Moon sign will impel you to make mistakes due to miscalculations in life/ illusions. You should avoid taking impulsive decisions; domestic peace may be marred by unnecessary arguments/ anxieties due to influence of Ketu on the 7th house from your rashi. Health of self and elderly relatives may cause concern. Avoid chasing illusory goals and spoiling your current situation totally. Be patient, and if you wish to advance your prospects, do so with patience and not merely with blind optimism/ rash false-beliefs interned by looking at the lives of others. Be prepared to handle unexpected developments that may threaten to affect the rhythm of your work now and then. Remember that nothing can upset a person who is prepared and always alert to handle the unexpected events of life.

Remedies suggested: Worship of Lord Vatuka Bhairava (Lord Bhairava as a lad) on Tuesdays,Amavasyas, and Ashtami thithis will help reduce impact of Rahu. Cultivating a matured mental detachment and having an ego-less approach to family situations will help to keep domestic disagreements at bay. Performance of Ucchishta Ganapathy homam can help if there are troubles in marital life, or if there are delays/ inexplicable last-minute drop in alliances for single natives of this sign.  If there are legal issues that threaten to upset your well-being, organizing Chandi Path or performance of Durga Sooktha homam can be powerful remedies.

For those born in Meena Rashi (Vedic Moon sign in Pisces) ,

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 finance related controversies, unforeseen expenditure, wearisome journeys and heavy workload at work, possible relocation, etc.  Those living abroad and are waiting for crucial work-permits may encounter  few anxieties on that count. Expenditure can mount uncontrollably. Do not latch on to “get-rich-by-night” sort of schemes and prefer stable/ safe investments instead. Be extra-careful while handling mandatory compliance filings as there is the risk of incurring losses arising out of fines/ penalty impositions from enforcement agencies. Try to cultivate healthy aspirations and thoughts; Rahu in the 12^th house can trigger deep-seated complexes/ negativities of the subconscious mind. So, try to surround yourself with positive influences, good thoughts, and healthy life-style concepts so that negativity of the mind is not triggered by external prompts/ associations. Do not let your fears restrict your range of activities; be intelligent and cautious – but not paranoid since Rahu in the 12^th house can sometimes limit your productivity/ achievements by promoting unnecessary reserved tendencies/ uncalled for avoidance of situations.

Ketu's transit influence helps in overcoming rival activity and can promote gains by overcoming tough challenges. This positive influence of Ketu's auspicious transit influence can be felt markedly in the period between 18^th October 2025 and 5^th December 2025, and again in the period beyond May 2026.

REMEDIES SUGGESTED: Offering civet for use in Bhairava sannidhi or donating horse grams to temples, or offering horse-gram delicacies as naivedya after offering pooja to Goddess Kaali at home can help in reducing unnecessary expenditure pattern and in enhancing your courage/ confidence levels.

If you experience bad dreams or inexplicable anxiety, offering earthenware lamp/ brass lamp to your kula Devata temple can help you to feel more grounded and confident - and help to reduce patterns of unexplained and persistent heavy expenditure pattern in your life.

==================================================================

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 (at Bangalore)

Those who are under adverse Rahu-ketu peyarchi influences ( those born under Makara, Kumbha, Vrishabha, Kataka, Simha, and Vrischika rashis should perform remedies to overcome the possible malefic influences of the transit since very sensitive sectors of their lives are triggered by this transit.

Meena, Kanya, Mesha, and Tula borns may consider the remedies as optional as the transit influences are mixed for them and have transit of at least one of Rahu/ Ketu as highly positive while the other node's transit is negative.  So, you may consider the remedial performances as optional.  No need of any remedy for those born under Meena and Dhanus rashis.

We are organizing special homams on the occasion of this Rahu-ketu peyarchi on May 18, 2025  at our residence at Bangalore.  Mahaa Ganapathy homam, Chaamundi homam, Durga Sooktha homam, Prathiyangira homam, Vatuka Bhairava homam, Rahu beeja homam, ketu Beeja mantra homam will be done on that day. Recital of other sthothrams for preethi of Rahu/ Ketu (in Honour of Adi-Devatas of these Nodes) will also be done as part of the austerities.

The suggested offering for part-sponsorship to take part in that homam performance is Rs.1800(rupees one thousand eight hundred only) or equivalent for inclusion of one person whose rashi is impacted by the transit (This includes those rashis for whom OPTIONAL remedies are indicated). Those who are interested in participating in these for remedial purposes may write to me at: dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in with details of the name of the person for whom the remedial performance is desired, their nakshatra, and gothra. Please write "Rahu/ketu transit 2025" in the subject line for my easy tagging of such mails.  Regular clients/ disciples who have participated in austerities under our guidance in the past may make the remittance in favour of our bank account as usual and keep us informed about the same.

Please note that we won’t be sending homam prasadam or holy ash by post due to ritual purity reasons and we are doing this strictly in an in-absentia mode (i.e. without physical participation of anyone in this austerity). The sankalpam taken in your name during the homams will be deemed “in-absentia” participation and the karmic effects of this performance will reach you any way.

So, take part in these austerities ONLY IF this condition (of in-absentia participation) is acceptable to you.

Best regards,

Blessed be.

Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI