Vaikunta Ekadashi on December 27/ December 28, 2009

Dear Members:

The most glorious and important of all Ekaadaasis - the Vaikunta Ekaadasi falls on December 27, 2009 for those living in USA, Canada, and other American continent nations, U.K. and places to the West of Greenwich Meridian.

It is to be observed on December 28, 2009 by those living in the Gulf Countries, India, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessed be.

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

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Karthikai deepam on December 1/ December 2, 2009

Dear Members:

Tiruvannaamalai Deepam falls on December 1, 2009 (Sarvaalaya deepam - observed in all Shaivite temples is also on the same day; during some years Annamalai deepam is celebrated one day prior to Sarvaalaya deepam; this year both are on the same day), and Pancharaatra Deepam is to be celebrated on December 2, 2009 (by those who follow Pancharaatra aagama principles for festivals).

Lighting deepam praying for wisdom in our life, good fortune and prosperity in the family, and peace of souls is auspicious on this occasion. Lord Muruga (also called Kartikeya, Skanda, etc.) is to be venerated on this day.

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

Blessed be.

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

Vishnupati punyakaalam on November 16, 2009

Dear Members:

The auspicious Vishnupati punyakaalam falls on November 16, 2009 (it is the last of the vishnupati punyakaalams for the year 2009; it is just for information - because, English date reckoning has no relevance for spiritual observances! Please do not give into the hype created by some websites claiming this is the only one punyakaalam of its type and the next one will come only after 60 years....Each punyakaalam is unique and so nothing needs to be considered as too special; God has given as enough punyakaalam days like these every year so that we souls get an opportunity to balance our karmas!)

It is to be observed on the same date throughout the world.

Dharma shaastra says that any meritorious deed done during periods like Vishnupati Punya kaalam will ensure Divine Protection for the next 7 years. Also, the results of the meritorious deeds (punya) get multiplied 1000 times!

The whole day is auspicious***(advanced practitioners of occult, astrology/ mantra shastra, please read notes below for the explanation on this and specific guidance about this) and you may perform special worships or charities at any time from dawn of the date mentioned till the sunrise of the next day. So, even those of you who may have busy schedules should make it a point to some how squeeze time to do special prayers/ meditation on this punya kaalam day and become recipients of Divine Grace.

Reciting sthothras like Shri Vishnu Sahasranaamam, Shrimad Bhaagavatam, Shrimad Raamaayanam, Shrimad Bhagavat Geetha, etc. will be very auspicious on this Vishnupati period. Also, it will be auspicious to offer oblations in Honour of Deities, Sages, and ancestors during this Punya kaalam.

The least you can do is to recite "Raama Raama" whenever you get time throughout the day.

Japa, Tapa, HOma, and Dhaana are the limbs of punya, and by performing any of these on Holy Days like these, we can erase the tough writings of Lord Brahma from our foreheads and have our Destiny rewritten favourably by the Golden nib of the Lord. May our members indulge in charitable/ religious deeds on this Holy Day and become recipients of Divine Grace. Divine Grace is the only Wealth that will never get eroded by "recession" or "macro economic factors." May we earn this Wealth of Divine Grace zealously on Holy Days like these and invest in our own bright future (it is punya that gets translated as good luck - sooner or later!).

On the same day, Amaavasya also falls for all nations except those nations in the Far East, Australia, and New Zealand. As usual, tarpanams to ancestors is auspicious (should be done only by those who have lost their parents; those who have parents living should not do tarpanams to pitrus on Amaavasya), and it becomes more auspicious in that the same day happens to be Vishnupati punya kaalam!

Please note that the Vishnupati Punya kaalam is Nimmitika - and has special reference to your place of current residence; i.e. you should observe the punya kaala rituals, offer charities, at a time when the punya kaala operates in your nation. So, there is no point in gifting to persons who say that they will do it for you on that day by giving advance donations! The moment of a "dhaana" is also significant if you are giving dhaanas (donations) in connection with such punya kaalams; so, if you are offering any charitable donation to anyone out of devotion or for special prayers, please do so on the date mentioned here so that you get the manifold benefits of this Vishnupati punyakaalam influence. The best way to get the benefit of this spiritually significant period is to do simple austerities (maybe as simple as chanting a Divine name for 1 maalaa!) at your place on the date given here.

Please note that even those who do not subscribe to vedic beliefs but have other belief systems in religion can also benefit from the spiritually charged atmosphere of this period by performing intense prayers/ meditations consistent with their belief systems. Spirituality in its Higher Forms is not restricted to any religion!

Blessed be.

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***Notes for advanced aspirants: Actually as per shastras, Vishnupati punya kaalam is for 20 ghatis after the solar ingress; Devala Smriti recommends that for Kali Yuga, the punya kaalam will be for 30 ghatis before and after solar ingress; as the ingress happens at 11-09 a.m. IST this year, due to time-zone differences, those in USA, and other countries will have the punya kaala ingress at night time of the English Date ; so, by the 30 ghati after punya kaala reckoning of Devala smriti, they can also benefit by observing the punya kaala rituals early in the morning of November 16, 2009.
Similarly, for those living in far East nations, the punya kaalam will be in the evening of November 16, 2009; but by Devala Smriti reckoning of 30 ghatis before punyakaalam, they can also observe the punya kaala rituals by November 16, 2009 itself. Those who wish to observe it in the original form of 20 ghatis after solar ingress, may calculate the local time of their place relative to 11-09 a.m. IST [IST is 5:30 hours east zone], and then observe the punya kaalam within the time frame. Please note that this is not like horoscope where the ascendant degree changes relative to place of earth for the same moment; here the event is celestial with no relative reckoning from earth coordinates, and so, the "moment" of the ingress is unchanged, only the time of occurrence changes as per your respective time-zones. Hope this is clear to you. If this is not clear, you may go with the general suggestion given above - of celebrating it on November 16, 2009 without any confusion. This note has been given for the benefit of advanced students of astrology and occult, who might wish to know the exact duration of vishnupati kaalam at their place, and such advanced practitioners should know how to use this information for their benefit....use the 20 ghati time after solar ingress for punyakaala rituals - as per original smritis.
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Om Namah Shivaya

Om NamO Naaraayanaaya

Shri Raam Jaya Raam Jaya Jaya Raam.



Blessed be

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Sani Pradosham on November 14, 2009

Dear Members:

You might remember the earlier posting - 2 weeks back in this blog, about the significance of Sani Pradosham....well, we have yet another Sani Pradosham on November 14, 2009. Those who have missed it might read the significance of Sani Pradosham by following this link: http://dakshinastro.blogspot.com/2009/10/sani-pradosham-on-october-31-2009.html

I will continue this post to clarify certain doubts raised by one of our regular readers (I am publishing this as it might be helpful for others who might have similar doubts)...

1) One member had asked about "Whether Lord Dakshinamoorthi can be propitiated during Pradosham?"...My answer is...Why not! Lord Dakshinamoorthi is the Ascetic Form of Lord Shiva. In fact, it is auspicious to chant Shiva Panchaakshari japam silently in Shri Dakshinamoorthi sannidhi in temples during pradosham. That is the method followed by many ardent devotees; they witness the Pradosha Moorthi pooja and THEN go to Lord Dakshinamoorthi Sannidhi and do the japa silently. But, the ideal worship at this time should be on "SOmaskanda Moorthy Form" of Lord Shiva where Lord Skanda sits in between God and Goddess. Lord Shiva should also be worshipped with Goddess Shakti in His Ardhanaari Form (Half His body occupied by Goddess Shakti) during this time. Worship of Lord Dakshinamoorthi should be done "after" witnessing the Pradosha pooja in the temple, or after completing the Pradosha pooja at home. This said, there is no restriction on worshipping Lord Shiva in any other Form at the same time also!

2) He has asked about worship of Crystal Banalingam and about ideal way to worship Lord Shiva daily....

I don't know if he is correct when he is saying "crystal Banalingam"! If the lingam is made of sphatikam (rock crystal - the glass-like crystal), it is not a Baanalingam! Baanalignam - in its original form should be a white stone got from Narmada river. It is auspicious to have such a Baanalingam in pooja. BUT, you should always worship such a Baanalingam with Salagram together - because absolute Shiva Nirmaalyam as will be obtained from a Baanalingam abhishekam is not suitable for normal humans like us with all our failings. So, it is traditional to worship a Saalagram shila of Lord Vishnu also, and then partake the abhishek materials.

If you are not able to follow this (that of maintaining a Saalagramam), you can meditate on Lord /Chandikeshwara (who is in-charge of /Shiva Nirmaalya), request His Permission mentally to partake the Shiva pooja prasaad and then consume the abhishek contents.

This is the right protocol to be followed for Shiva Pooja.

shiva Pooja should always be preceded by Ganesha pooja and ended with respects to Nadikeshwara if you are using a Lingam or Nataraja Form and are doing regular abhishekam.

If such protocols are not followed, it is best to just meditate on /shiva Panchaakshari mantra, Shri Medha Dakshinamoorthi mantra, and Mrityunjaya mantra mentally in the presence of such Divine Forms (Baanalingam or crystal lingam), and then offer simple naivedya which can be consumed after the pooja (again with prayers to Chandikeshwara).

Of course, the best way of worshipping Lord Shiva is in the form of a Shiva Panchaayatana Pooja - where SOnabhadra stone - the Red Stone from Sone river, Baanalingam (White stone) from Narmada river, Saalagram (from Kandaki river in Nepal), Panchaloha sila (or if you are lucky enough with SwarnarEkha stone - which is very very rare obtained from Swarnamukhi river of Sri Kaalahasti), and Sphatika (From Vallam) are used in the pooja. SOna Bhadra represents Lord Vinaayaka; Baanalinga represents Lord Shiva; Panchaloha sila represents Goddess Shakti; Saalagram represents Lord Vishnu, and Sphatika represents Sun God. There are various recommended ways of arranging these 5 natural Holy Stones as per your Ishta Devata; for instance, those who are exclusively devoted to Lord Shiva have Baanalingam in the centre, Sonabhadra in the Southwest with respective to Baanalingam, Panchaloha sila in the Northwest; Saalagram in the Northeast, and Sphatikam in the Southeast with respect to Baanalingam.

When such a Panchaayatana pooja is done, it is customary to avoid the "aavaahana procedure" - but proceed straight to the ShOdasa Upachaaraas (16 rituals to Honour Deities), and then to archana and other procedures. Aavaahana is avoided because, it is assumed that the Divinities exist always in the Panchaayatana set up.

One who has taken this Panchaayatana pooja should perform this till last breath - or have it done by others with good ritual purity and perfect procedure. The Shiva Panchaayatana pooja set should accompany you if you are going out of station, and you should not partake food without finishing the pooja and having darshana of this Panchaayatana set up. So, I request our readers to think whether they can manage such a thing in their life-styles.

It is better to perform normal poojas or visit temples on special occasions rather than try to do advanced spiritual poojas with Divine articles unless you are sure you have the right guidance and are sure of the procedures and protocols. Also, someone has to carry this tradition forward in the family line in the future; if there is no one who is suitable to carry forward this Panchaayatana pooja after your period, you should make arrangements to pass it off to a genuine saadhaka who will take care of this with devotion. Abandoning the Shiva Panchaayatana set without poojas can be a big karmic debt for you . The nuances of this pooja cannot be discussed here further; you should consult learned Shiva Bhaktas who are already doing Shiva Panchaayatana pooja near your place in this regard.

For advanced aspirants, there are various leniencies granted in the procedural doctrines of the Panchaayatana pooja - but initially, it is best to begin with perfect ritual procedures. It won't take much time - even if done with recital of Rudra japam for the abhishekam, it will take hardly half an hour. But, the regularity required in this procedure may not suit every one. This is a life-long commitment and you are bound by the Sacred Agreement of continuing this till your last breath!

I have given these details for initial guidance so that you may at least know what this is.

The best way to worship Lord shiva for a normal person is this:

1) As soon as you get up chant "Om Arunaachaleshwaraaya namah" thrice (immediately on waking up - even before you get off your bed!)

2) After your bath, meditate on Lord Dakshinamoorthi or any form of Lord Shiva and chant Shiva Panchaakshari mantra or whatever mantra you have been initiated into.

3) Recite normal shiva sthothras - like Lingaashtakam, Bilvaashtakam, Shiva Panchaakshari sthothram, Vaidhyanaathaashtakam, etc.

4) Offer simple Naivedhyas and share it with devoted persons.

5) Throughout the day, chant "Hara Hara Shiva Shiva" whenever time permits. Recital in this form of mantra does not involve any special ritual purity taboos (but you should ideally avoid reciting the Panchaakshari form in ritually suspect places).

6) Recite "Hara Hara MahaadEva" 108 times before going to sleep, and sleep with Shiva thoughts.

This is an ideal procedure that will suit everyone.

PS: You might observe Bhairaagis, siddha-tradition followers, etc. who may not observe some of the taboos I have listed here; like they may worship only a single Linga without accompanying /shakti form or /Saalagraama form; they may do Shiva pooja even without taking bath; they may do the pooja after eating food; they may even eat prohibited foods! But, you must understand that the common man is no match for those advanced practitioners.....A common man worships Lord with at least the unconscious desire for well-being....Those advanced practitioners worship Lord out of intrinsic love; they don't care whether what they do is wrong, and if it is wrong, they are willing to face the consequences! So, what they do is right for them. A person who can take responsibility over own actions unconditionally can do ANYTHING.....there is no taboo for such a person. The normal human being is not of that attitude, and so it is best to follow the accepted traditional protocols/ taboos of worship as they are time-tested and hence guarantee stress-free progress into God-Realization.

A normal person who wishes to do pooja to Deities should have both God-Love and God-Fear...Love God as you would love your Father/ Mother; but have the respectful Fear in that you are dealing with someone who is Infinitely Majestic, and so deserves show of respect and protocol! This ideal mixture of God-Love and God-Fear will help you to follow the right procedures automatically.

Hope this posting helps everyone.

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Rahu/ketu Peyarchi on November 17, 2009

Dear Members:

This is about the transit of mean nodes of the Moon (Rahu/ Ketu) on November 17, 2009 - the day after Vishnupati Punya kaalam. Rahu enters Dhanus rashi and Ketu enters Mithuna rashi on November 17, 2009.

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, while some modern softwares may give date as October 27th or November 2nd or 3rd due to the fact that they are calculating based on True Lunar Nodes. It is to be noted that mean node actually represents Rahu as it is the thing that is always retrograde as per nature of Rahu/ ketu -the Chaaya grahas. The True Node sometimes even goes direct and its progression is not uniform! So, for astrological purposes, it is more correct to consider the mean node for transit calculations - which is what we have done. Based on such reckoning, Rahu-ketu peyarchi (transit) is on November 17, 2009.

EFFECTS OF THIS TRANSIT FOR NATIVES BORN IN DIFFERENT RASHIS

For those born in Mesha rashi (vedic Moon sign of Aries), Rahu transits the auspicious 9th house and Ketu transits the 3rd house from rashi - which is auspicious; So, those born in Mesha rashi have a good influence based on the transit of nodes this time.

For those born in Rishabha rashi (vedic Moon sign in Taurus), 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, etc.

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

For those born in Kataka rashi (Moon sign in Cancer), Rahu transits the auspicious 6th house from Moon sign giving success over rivals, and success in all activities. However, transit of ketu is not auspicious as it is in the 12th house from natal Moon sign. So, the results will be mediocre - the good and bad results balancing each other out.

For those born in Simha rashi (vedic moon sign in Leo), Rahu transits the inauspicious 5th house. Women of this sign who are in the family way should undergo regular medical check-ups to rule out complications; relationship with close family members may come under strain. However, the transit of Ketu - in the 11th house from Moon sign can give good gains and career progress. Thus both good and not-so-good results are indicated by this transit.

For those born in Kanya rashi (Vedic Moon sign in Virgo), Rahu transits the inauspicious 4th house. Health of elderly relatives - especially mother or mother's father/ mother may cause concern. There could also be relocation related anxieties or wearisome journeys due to professional reasons. Ketu's transiting the 10th house indicates possible good luck in some major projects after strenous efforts. The effects can be said to be mediocre as Rahu and Ketu give different results based on this transit.

For those born in Tula rashi (vedic Moon sign in Libra), Rahu transits the auspicious 3rd house from natal Moon which can give good results and long awaited breakthroughs in life. Auspicious events can materialize for those who have been waiting for wedding bells to ring for a long time. Ketu's transit in the 9th house is slightly challenging for health and overseas prospects - while it is also good for spiritual pursuits and visit to Holy Places.

For those born in Vrischika rashi (vedic Moon sign in Scorpio), Rahu transits the inauspicious 2nd house while ketu transits the inauspicious 8th house from natal Moon sign. This is a sensitive transit for Vrischika rashi natives; luckily, Vrischika rashi is naturally immune to adverse impact of nodes and so the situation will be manageable if you are careful in all activities and avoid unnecessary risks/ impulsive moves in life.

For those born in Dhanus rashi (vedic Moon sign in Sagittarius), Rahu transits natal Moon sign while ketu transits the 7th house from natal Moon sign; this transit is challenging for Dhanus rashi natives. You should avoid taking impulsive decisions; domestic peace may be marred by unnecessary arguments/ anxieties. Health of self and elderly relatives may cause concern.

For those born in Makara rashi (vedic Moon sign in Capricorn), Rahu transits the 12th house from natal Moon sign while ketu transits the auspicious 6th house from natal Moon sign. Rahu's transit can cause finanace related controversies, unforeseen expenditure, wearisome journeys and heavy workload at work, possible relocation, etc. Ketu's transit influence helps in overcoming rival activity, and gains by overcoming tough challenges. So, the results are mixed for you.

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

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

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Please note that the above results are general and this influence is just one of the many factors that impinge our life...These will be moderated by the effect of transit influences of other major planets and also the directional influences unique to your charts.

RAHU/KETU PEYARCHI HOMAM AT OUR PLACE ON NOVEMBER 17, 2009

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

We are organizing special homams on the occasion of this Rahu-ketu peyarchi on November 17, 2009 at our residence at Chennai. Mahaa Ganapathy homam, Durga Sooktha homam, Prathiyangira homam, Rahu beeja homam, ketu Beeja mantra homam will be done on that day. Those who are interested in participating in these for remedial purposes may click on the donate button below this write up to participate in the homam as sponsors.

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

May Divine Grace bless all our members.


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

TO SPONSOR THE RAHU-KETU PEYARCHI HOMAMS PLEASE CLICK ON DONATE BUTTON BELOW

Sani peyarchi homam on the occasion of Saturn transit on September 9, 2009

Saturn enters sidereal Virgo (Kanya rashi) on September 9, 2009 and will be in this rashi for the next 2-1/2 years. This transit is auspicious for those born with Moon in the following signs: Cancer (Kataka rashi), Scorpio (Vrischika rashi), Sagittarius (Dhanus rashi), and Aries (Mesha rashi). Those born with Moon in Taurus (Rishabha), Pisces (Meena), and Capricorn (Makara) will enjoy mixed results.

Effects for other Moon signs that come under Chota Dhaiya and Bada Dhaiya influences….

Chota Dhaiya (small panoti)

Moon sign of Gemini - Mithuna:(2.5 years) Saturn assumes the element of Base gold for those with Moon sign in Gemini. The results are possible opposition and obstacles in family, frequent ailments, increase in expenditure, and possibility of unnecessary hassles in all activities. This is technically called “ardhaashtama shani” in vedic astrology.

Moon sign of Aquarius - Kumbha rashi: (2.5 years) Saturn assumes the element of Base Copper for this Moon sign. There will be financial benefit, marriage, and kids, happiness. Auspicious events that have hitherto been delayed will materialize during this 2-1/2 year time window. Actually this is called “ashtama shani influence” which is traditionally feared. But, luckily this time, due to the favourable disposition of the elemental quality of Saturn at the time of transit, there will be some good effects for those born in Moon sign Aquarius (You may even see many websites ascribing inauspicious results to this transit for your Moon sign; don’t be afraid of that. We have strong technical reasons to say that good events can happen to you this time). Nevertheless, those born with Moon in sidereal Aquarius should avoid taking unnecessary risks. As long as these natives play it by the rule book, they will do fine under this Saturn transit influence.


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Bada Dhaiya (Sade sati): This is called "Ezharai naattu sani" in Tamil - the tough 7-1/2 year period of Saturn.

Moon sign of Leo - Simha Rashi 3rd stage of sade sati -- on the feet: Saturn assumes the status of Base silver. The effects will be good luck in business, possibility of job progress, improvement in financial situation or at least identification of new ways to handle financial troubles, acquisition of new assets, auspicious events in the family, and in general the influence will be positive.

Moon sign of Virgo - Kanya Rashi 2nd stage of sade sati -- on the chest: Saturn assumes the element of Base iron. There could be heath troubles – especially blood-related ailments, blood-pressure problems, ill-health to spouse, unforeseen losses, increase in expenditure, unnecessary arguments with close family members, etc. Those with Moon sign of Virgo have a tough transit influence over the next 2-1/2 years.

Moon sign of Libra - Tula Rashi 1st stage of sade sati -- on the head: Saturn assumes the element of Base copper. There will be financial benefit, marriage, possibility of positive developments regarding progenic matters (like conception of child for couples who have been undergoing treatment, or general good luck for children for those who already have children), and general happiness.


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Remedy for shani troubles:

Generally Saturn's transit influences give more malefic results if there is simultaneous operation of Saturn's major or minor periods concurrently with sade-sathi or ardhashtama sani (saturn in 4th from Moon sign) or ashtama sani (Saturn in 8th house from natal Moon). Those born with Moon signs that come under tough transit of Saturn can do the following remedies to reduce the impact of malefic effects:

1) Worship of Lord Hanumaan on Saturdays and Thursdays.

2) Donating old clothes or iron utensils (stainless utensils) to old-age homes/ hospitals. Helping physically challenged persons to the extent possible - it can be as simple as offering seat to a physically struggling person in a crowded bus, helping an accident victim who has been rendered physically immobile temporarily due to serious hurt, giving the right of way to a physically challenged person without making it too obvious (if you do it openly, they may feel hurt; you need to tactfully and gracefully do the good turns in such a way that the person can enjoy the benefit of your activity without feeling "sympathized upon").

3) Lighting til-lamp (lighting lamp with a cloth bundle of sesame seeds dipped in sesame oil) on Saturdays.

4) Reciting Shri Hanumaan Chaalisa 8 times on Saturdays.

5) Reciting Shri Vishnu Sahasranaamam at least once on Saturdays.

6) Climbing the Holy Tirumala Hills at least once a year on foot (instead of taking vehicles up the hills, you can trek your way up reciting His Names). This is a most powerful remedy for neutralizing Saturn's influences on your life. Those who are unable to make the trip to Tirumala due to practical constraints (like being abroad - for example), can just undertake paada yatra to places of spiritual significance near their residence (travelling to Holy places on foot instead of using vehicles), or by doing lot of pradakshina in temples in their viscinity (say 108 circumambulations around the temple on a Saturday evening for example!).

7) Patience and thoroughness in all activities will effectively offset all the malefic influences of Saturn. Saturn does not trouble people who are straight-forward, patient, and systematic.


SANI PEYARCHI HOMAM TO BE CONDUCTED AT OUR RESIDENCE ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2009 - THE DAY OF SATURN TRANSIT

We are happy to announce that special homams will be conducted on this occasion at our residence. We intend to perform Mahaa Ganapathy homam, Maha Mrityunjaya homam (the homam that controls Saturn influences in general), Shri Venkateshwara Moola mantra homam, Shri AnjanEya Moola mantra homam, and Shani Moola mantra homam on this occasion. Those who wish to take part in that homam as beneficiaries may do so by offering US$25 (US Dollars twenty five only) for the same by clicking the paypal link below this article.

If you are able to come in person to attend the homam at our residence at Chennai, it is well and good. But, if you are unable to attend it personally, please note that we won't be sending the homam prasadam or holy ash by post. The inclusion of your name, gothra, and nakshatra is deemed as in-absentia participation in this homam, and the benefits of the performance will definitely reach you. This is for your information.

For sponsoring the Saturn transit homams as a beneficiary, kindly click the button below. You can include up to 5 members of your family as beneficiaries if you are participating as a sponsor of this homam.




You may send those details (names, nakshatra details, gothra detail, etc.) in the sponsorship form itself when you make the donation or by email to:dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

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

Akshaya Trittiyai on April 27, 2009

Akshaya Trithiyai vrattam falls on April 27, 2009 this year for the entire world.

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

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

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

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

We will be performing special poojas for Universal Welfare on this day and all our Paaraayanam group members will be included as special beneficiaries of this on a honorary basis.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Maha Shivaraatri - February 22nd/ 23rd, 2009

(Picture courtesy: www.hinduyuva.org)

Mahaa ShivaRaatri falls on February 22nd/ 23rd, 2009 this year.

It is to be observed in USA, Canada, West Indies, and other countries of the American continents (both South American and North America) on Feb 22nd, 2009. Rest of the world should observe this on Feb 23rd, 2009.

This is a very glorious day for our Lord. This day is believed tobe the day in which the Divine Union of Shakti and Shiva took place. It is said that one who keeps awake on this night and worships the Lord will never find himself/ herself in hell. Lord Shiva is Ashutosh (one who is easily pleased)....offering even plain water with devotion will please Him and the bounties that He will offer back can never be counted.Those who can chant Rudram/ chamakam, Shiva Sahasranaamam, Rudrasooktham, or other shaiva upanishads like Kata Rudra Upanishad,Rudra Hrudayham, Dakshinamoorthi Upanishad, etc. may do so to please the Lord. Even if you are unable to do so, you may simply chant "shiva shiva" throughout the day whenever possible and become recipients of His Grace.

The Merit that will accrue out of a proper Shiva pooja done throughout the day and especially in all prahars of the night can never be described adequately. Puranas describe how even an unlettered and rough hunter got Salvation by unwitting observance of the Holy Shiva Rathri and by offering Bilva patra by accident to a Shiva Linga on that night. Do what simple pooja you can with heart-felt Love - to Him Who drank Poison so that the Universe will be saved from its effects and so that other demigods may consume Nectar.

He is the Medha Dakshinamoorthi who kindles our Intellect as JagatGuru....He is the Mrityunjaya who conqured Death.....He is the Neelakanta - with Poison in His Throat which He willingly consumed to save the Universe.......He is the Vaidyanaatha who can Heal all our ailments.....He is the Three-Eyed One - the third Eye of whom is of Agni tatwa that burns all the sins of his devotees......

If He had gifted a thousand heads with 1000 intelligent brains and 1000 proficient tongues....even then they will not be sufficient to describe even a miniscue portion of His Glory.May His Grace Guide us all and may His Blessings Fill our life.

Sarvam shivaarpanamasthu. Shiva shiva shiva.

Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi.