Paashankusha ekaadasi - October 3, 2025

Paashaankusha ekaadasi falls on October 3, 2025.

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

Importance of Paashaankusha ekaadasi

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

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

Maybe, you may clean the street in which you live, and gain merit out of it (you can make sweeping the street as a spiritual activity by inwardly visualizing as if you are clearing your mental impurities also while outwardly you are cleaning the impurities on the street; pray to God that just as you are cleaning the street outside with the broom, the merit acquired by this social service should give you the will power to sweep your subconscious off sinful thoughts/ impure vaasanaas of the mind)....Just one idea of what sort of service you can do on this holy day!

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

PLEASE NOTE that those who have observed intense fast schedule during navarathri MAY OPTIONALLY go easy on this ekaadasi fast - especially those who are slowly easing into normal dietary routines - gradually increasing intake of food from day to day.  Even such people - IF their physical condition permits, can observe this fast too...BUT, if your physical condition after coming out of the intense fast does not permit you to observe this fast rigorously, don't feel guilty about going easy on this one ekaadasi.


Blessed be.
Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI.

Shaarada Navarathri - 2025

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 September 22, 2025 throughout the world.

Durga Pooja should be observed on September 29th  by those living in USA, Canada, and other countries of North and South American continents.  Those living in other parts of the world - including India - must observe Durga pooja on September 30th.

Mahaa Navami (Mahishamardini pooja) is to be observed on October 1, 2025 by those living all around the world except those living in USA, Canada, and other countries of North and South Americal who must observe this on September 30, 2025 itself.

However, Ayudha pooja (Saraswathi pooja per South Indian traditions where books/ learning appliances are placed respectfully in pooja), and Shastra pooja - Honouring weapons/ machinery) is to be observed only on October 1, 2025 hroughout the world (including USA, Canada, etc., where the Maha Navami is to be observed on Sep 30, 2025 itself).

Vijaya Dasami should be celebrated on October 2, 2025 throughout the world.

Methods of celebrating Navaraathri.

It is traditional to keep "Kolu" - an arrangement of dolls during Navaraathri. This is to signify that Our Divine Mother resides as Inner Soul in all Forms. Some people make the arrangement in such a way that the various steps of the kolu represent the Order of Evolution - like keeping invertebrates and such other forms of lives in the bottom step, keeping dolls representing human life in the middle of the kolu steps, and keeping dolls representing Divine Legends, Dasa Avataars, etc. on the top most step of the kolu arrangement. It is traditional to keep 5 rows (to represent Five Elements of Life), 9 rows (to represent the Nine Forms of Divine Mother), 11 rows (to represent the 11 forms of Lord Rudra), 13 rows (one in Honour of each chapter of Durga Sapta Sati), or 15 Rows (one in Honour of each syllable of Shri Vidhya panchadasaakshari mantra) as per one's convenience; traditionally, people avoid arranging the kolu in 7 rows for sentimental reasons (there is a belief that such an arrangement in 7 rows might affect financial prospects).

I request all our members to perform simple worships as per their convenience during the Navarathri period and become recipients of Divine Grace. This is a period when we Celebrate our Universal Mother - so, that joy should be there in our minds when we observe this austerity (we should not be unnecessarily tensed or make this too complicated with too many taboos! One does not think of protocols when approaching one's mother - but just go with the moment with unbounded joy and affection; such should be our attitude when we worship Our Universal Mother during this period - assuming we are all Her Children and we are invoking Her Presence in our homes - celebrating this with affectionate respect and joy).

Recital of Lalitha Sahasranaamam, Dasa Mahaa vidhya sthothrams, simple Devi sthothrams, Abhiraami Andhaadhi, Lalitha Anubooti, Soundarya Lahiri, Dugra Sthothram, Chandi Path (Durga Saptasathi), etc. can be auspicious during this period.

During this period, we should consider all women as Forms of Divine Mother and treat them with courtesy and respect. One who observes the Navarathri austerities intensely, but insults women knowingly/ unknowingly does not get the benefit of the austerities. Remember this, and treat women (including those in your own family) with affection and respect [Ideally that should be the case always! Because Shastras say that where virtuous women are honoured, Divine Grace visits even in an uninvited manner! This is the reason why women should take special care to safeguard their basic dignity, be affectionate and gentle in dealings with family members, avoid letting corrupting thoughts/ behaviour patterns enter their life styles, etc. in an attempt to maintain their Divine nature that is intrinsic to them; All higher forms of lives spring from the feminine gender of the species, and a virtuous woman is a living Form of the Universal Mother - and can be a source of happiness and Grace to herself and to everyone who is blessed enough to move with her).

Those who have Tulsi plant in their houses, can offer prostrations to that Divine Plant and pray for prosperity and Divine Grace in its vicinity. (All the Holy Rivers are in subtle forms in the roots of the tulsi plant; All Divine Forms are manifest in the middle portion of the Tulsi plant, and All Vedas and Holy Scriptures are manifest in the tips of the Tulsi plant, as said in the Puranas).

Offering Go-Poojaa (prayers to Cow visualized as embodiment of all Divinities) on Fridays and Tuesdays of Navarathri period can give unlimited merit.

It is also auspicious to read a small portion of Divine Legends that depict how the Gracious and Kind Mother Manifested in Angry Forms to annihilate all enemies to peaceful life on Earth every night during this navaraathri period, and invoke such Manifestation of Power in our lives also to annihilate all our enemies (both intrinsic like anger, greed, laziness, and ignorance within us, and our external enemies/ unruly elements who try to disturb peaceful and gentle citizens in the society unnecessarily).

Recital of Chandi Paaraayanam is a powerful remedy not merely for our families but for ensuring peace in the land where we live in. In fact, if austere persons of Faith keep reciting the Chandi Path and Shri Rudram regularly, and if there are many of them in a land, shastras proclaim that the elements of nature's Fury like floods, pestilence, droughts, etc. will never harm that land and prosperity will rein in that land. So, it is partly our duty as Universal Citizens to offer special worship to Divine Mother during this period and pray for relief to all the distressed souls who have been harassed much by natural calamities in various parts of the world, and also pray for peace throughout the world in these troublesome days where you can never read a newspaper without coming across some inauspicious event/ mishap in one corner or other of the earth.  

SPECIAL WORSHIPS AT MY PLACE DURING NAVARATHRI.

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

The part-sponsorship of each day's austerities (beginning from early morning till night.....Ganapathy homam, Laghu chandi homam, recital of Devi Mahaatmyam, Lalitha Sahasranaamam, Soundarya Lahiri sthothras, Dasa Mahaa Vidhya japams, Select sthothrams on Devi, etc.) is Rs.6250 (rupees  six thousand two hundred and fifty 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 2, 2025 - Vijaya Dasami day.

The part-sponsorship for this Mahaa chandi homam on October 2, 2025 is Rs.36000 (rupees thirty six 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 September 22nd till October 2, 2025,  the suggested offering is Rs.92250 (Rupees ninety two thousand two hundred and fifty only).

*Please note that we will not be shipping any prasad or pooja article by post to any participant.  Due to current monkey pox and other scares globally, anyone who wishes to be a part-sponsor of these has to avail it in-absentia only; our taking your name in the sankalpam is deemed in-absentia participation, and the karmic effects of the performance will accrue to you by that though you don't actually receive the physical prasadams.**

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 2025"

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

Indira Ekaadasi - Sep 17, 2025

Dear Members:

Indira Ekaadasi is the Ekaadasi that occurs during the Mahalaya paksha / pitru paksha. It is to be observed on September 17, 2025 this year.

Kindly note that for those living in U.S., Canada, and other parts of North and South American continents, the Ekaasdashi Shraardha (shraaddha to be done for ancestors who deceased on Ekaadashi thithi) must be done on September 16, 2025 itself, and the Ekaasdasi fast must be observed on September 17, 2025.

IMPORTANCE OF INDIRA EKAADASI.

The importance of Indira Ekaadasi is explained in the Brahma vaivarta Puraana in a discussion between Lord Krishna and king Yudhishtra. Observance of this Ekaadasi will help in removing the sinful effects of actions done by oneself and also relieve deceased ancestors' souls from the remorse caused by their sinful actions when they lived on this earth. According to legends, King IndrasEnaa performed this fast on the advice of Devarishi Narada and saved his father from the remorse caused by his sins during his earthly life.

On the day before the observance of this ekaadasi fast, i.e. on dasami thithi, just one meal is eaten praying for ancestors' souls; on the Ekaadasi day a full fast is to be undertaken, and in the afternoon rituals for the satisfaction of pitrus are to be done; the fast is broken on dwaadasi day. If such an elaborate scheme is not feasible, you may just fast as usual on Ekaadasi day, and pray for peace of your pitrus' souls after the Ekaadasi pooja to Vishnu. What else can you do for you ancestors than undertaking this fast that can relive their souls of the burden/ remorse caused by sinful activities committed knowingly or unknowingly during their tenure on this earth?

Please note that this fast is not mandatory for those below 7 years/ above 70 years as is the common rule for Ekaadasi fasts. Similarly those who are sick and ladies who are pregnant are also exempt from this observance. Others should preferably undertake a full fast (abstaining even from water, if possible). Those who can't undertake such rigorous fasts due to practical circumstances should at least avoid all full-grains, onion/ garlic items, eating food outside, etc. and try to subsist on milk and fruits. The bottom line is - observe the fast to the best of your abilities and as best as your circumstances will permit the observance.  Remember that this is the best homage you can pay to your deceased ancestors.

May our members observe this wonderful fast and gain liberty from sinful karma not only for themselves but also for their ancestors!

Blessed be.

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

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

Paarshva Ekaadasi/ Parivartini Ekaadashi - Sep 3/ Sep 4, 2025

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.

It is to be observed on September 3, 2025 in India and in countries to the West of India.

Smaartha Ekaadasi for those living in North-eastern states of India, Bangladesh, China, Myanmar, and other countries of South East Asia (Indo-China Region) is to be observed on Sep 3, 2025.

Vaishnava Ekaadasi for those living in North-eastern states of India, Bangladesh, China, Myanmar, and other countries of South East Asia (Indo-China Region) is to be observed on Sep 4, 2025.

It is to be observed on September 4, 2025 by those living North and South Korea, Japan, Phillipines, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.

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. 

Pitru paksha (Mahalaya Paksha) - 2025

Pitr Paksha (Mahaalaya Pakshaa ) is to be observed from September 8 to September 21, 2025 this year in India.  (if any ancestor had died in Pournami thithi, the Pournami shraardha must be done on Sep 7th; for the others, the pitru paksha related austerities/ ritual observances may begin from Sep 8th).

For those living in USA, Canada, and other countries of North and South American continents, Mahalaya Paksha is to be observed between Sep 7th and Sep 20, 2025 (If any ancestor had died on Pournami thithi, the Pournami shraardha must be done on Sep 6th by those living in these places; for the others, the pitru paksha related austerities/ ritual observances may begin from Sep 7, 2025).

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 

 Maha Bharani is to be observed on September 11, 2025 throughout the world except those living in Japan, North and South Korea, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea who should observe it on September 12, 2025.

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

2) Madhyaashtami - This is to be observed on September 14, 2025  throughout the world.

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 apart from the thithi of one's own parents).

3) Mahaalaya Amaavasya - This should be observed on September 21, 2025 throughout the world with the following exception....

Those living in USA, Canada, and other countires of North and South American continents must observe this on September 20, 2025 itself.

Those living in rest of the world - including India - must observe this on September 21, 2025.

This is one of the best days to offer shraardha to all ancestors (even if one has offered shraardha during parents' thithis, it will be auspicious to do at least a simple tarpanam in Honour of all ancestors on this day since Amavasya is the day that is most auspicious for propitiation of pitrus).

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 September 19, 2025 throughout the world


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; after all, 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 normal death or attained exalted Samadhi states (like Jeeva Samadhi per yogic processes), Sanyastha Mahaalayam may be done on September 18, 2025  by those living in major parts of the world except those living in USA, Canada, and other countries of North and South American continents where this must be observed on September 17, 2024.  Austerities may be done 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.

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING SANYASTHA MAHAALAYA/ YATI MAHAALAYA:  On this day, one can invoke the Blessings of ALL sanyaasis/ yatis/ siddhas who have attained Samaadhi - even if one is not directly connected to them, AND, this observance can be done even by those who have parents alive.  Worship of Saints on this day, OR offering respects to living spiritual preceptors who have taken sanyaasa order can bless us with their Guidance and Abundance Grace, and we will be able to benefit by the teachings that those exalted Mahaatmaas have left to posterity with their books, and scriptural expositions.  

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

Ganesha Chaturthi - August 26/ August 27, 2025

Dear All:

The Annual Vinayaka Chaturthi austerity falls on September 6/September 7, 2024.

Schedule of performance of the austerity for different places on earth:

a) Those living in countries of North America, South America, Europe, and Africa  must observe this on August 26, 2025.

b) Those living in other parts of the world - including India must observe this on August 27, 2025.

Lord Vinaayaka is the Remover of Obstacles and Granter of Boons.  It is traditional to perform Siddhi Vinaayaka Pooja on this day in His Honour.

Recital of Ganapathy Atharvaseersham, and other simple slokhas on Lord Ganesha can help us to invoke His Grace and enjoy successful lives.

We will be performing special homams on this occasion in addition to the Siddhi-Vinayaka pooja at our residence on August 27, 2025.

May He with Elephant Hand, Smiling Face, and Benevolent Attitude - the Lord of all Sentient Beings Bless us to enjoy happiness, peace, and prosperity, and remove all obstacles and pains from our lives.

Best regards,

Blessed be.

Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI

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.

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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 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