Dattatreya Jayanthi on December 20/ December 21, 2010

Dear Members:

Dattatreya Jayanthi falls on December 21, 2010, this year. (Those who are residing in U.S., Canada and other countries of the American continents should observe Datta Jayanthi on December 20, 2010 itself; persons residing in rest of the world should observe it on December 21, 2010).

Shri Guru DattaatrEya is an incarnation possessing the Divine attributes of the Trimurthis (Brahma, vishnu, and Shiva) with Sage Atri and the sage's Wife Anusuyaa Devi as His parents. He is an Aadi Guru of the avadhoota sampradaaya. He is a Divine Form who can be easily pleased by mere remembrance of Him ("smarana maatra santushtaaya!")

Anusuyaa Devi - the wife of Sage Atri was known for Her Piety and virtues. Sage Naarada was extolling Her virtues to Goddesses Saraswathy, Lakshmi, and Paarvathy. The Goddesses requested the Trimurthies to test her virtues. The trimurthis took the form of mendicants and went as athithis to the hermitage of Sage Atri when He was not there. Sagess Anusuya offered them the traditional respects due to athithis, and requested them to partake meals in the hermitage. The mendicants imposed the condition that they will partake meals only on one condition that Anusuyaa should serve them stark naked!

Anusuyaa Devi was in a moral fix....According to customs of those times in hermitages (even normal households for that matter!), an athithi was never to be turned away without feeding him. But, at the same time, as a pious and modest wife of a sage, she cannot even think of being nude in front of grown up strangers. She meditated on her husband, and sprinkled Holy Water from his kamandal (a sort of water container kept by sages) on the three mendicants. They got transformed into three infants by the power of her pious devotion to her husband. Obviously, there can be no reservation in being nude in front of infants! She fed them in that condition and thus satisfied the conditions of modesty as well as athithi bhojana (feeding guests). When Sage Atri returned to the hermitage, Anusuyaa Devi showed the three Divine Infants and explained the course of events. Sage Atri of course could Divine the events by His clairvoyance powers.

The three Devis visited the hermitage and beseeched the couple to return their husbands in their original Divine Forms. The couple agreed, but requested that they should have a Divine Child with the potency of the three murthis. Thus was born Shri DattatrEyaa - "Datta AatrEyaa - One who was given as Gift to Shri Atri maharishi and His wife."

Though Anusuyaa Devi wanted Dattatreya to live the life of a householder, He rejected those pleas and instead chose to live in the ways of a Avadhootaa (a complete renunciate - who transcends all sorts of differences and restrictions, and living in the High State of Spontaneous Living called "SwEchaachaaryaa"; saints who live that do what they feel like doing at that moment naturally...they do not follow any rigid rules or regulations in life - allowing Divinity to guide them each and every moment in the form of random thoughts that arise in their conscious!). Datta Gitaa is a philosophical work of wonderful metaphysical depth and beauty.

Many are the miracles of Shri DattatrEyaa right from His times to the current periods. The most famous devotees of Shri DattarEyaa are Sage Parasuraama (Shri DattatrEyaa helped Sage Parasuraamaa in performing the last rites of his father and ensured that the deceased sages attained PUnya Lokhaas), and Shri Kaartaveeryaarjunaa (The Mighty King with One thousand shoulders! who was an Incarnation of Sudarshana - the Holy Disc of Lord Vishnu). In fact, Shri Kaartaveeryaarjuna was born without limbs as an infant, and it was by the power of tapasya focussed on Shri DattatrEyaa that he got 1000 pairs of hands and a mighty physique. Additionally, Shri Datta blessed him with a treasury that will never become empty, and also a boon that whosoever remembers the King Kaartaveeryaarjunaa will be able to retrieve lost property and realise rightful properties snatched away from them by force. Kaartaveeryaarjuna also had a boon that he can be defeated and killed only by a disciple/ devotee of Shri DattatrEyaa. When King Kaartaveeryaarjuna started behaving in arrogant manner, and had a clash with Jamadagni rishi, he met his end in the hands of Sage Parasuraama - the Incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and a devotee of Shri DatttrEyaa as per the boon. The Most Highly Venerated Shridi Sai Baba is one example of a modern day avadhootaa of the Datta sampradaaya. There are other saints also of that tradition who have a wide following today.

THE DIVINE FORM OF LORD DATTATREYA

Lord Dattatreya is often meditated upon with a Cow (KaamadhEnu) at His back, and 4 dogs at His feet. The Cow - KaamadhEnu represents the truth that whatever legitimate wish you have will be bestowed upon you when you pray to Him. The 4 dogs represent the 4 vedaas. Lord DattatrEyaa - the Trimutrhi swaroopi has the characteristic Divine Weapons of the Trimurthis - in His hands and three heads representing the Trimurthis (also representing Satwaa, Rajas and Tamas gunaas!)

Yet another popular Divine Form that is usually venerated by followers of siddha/ Naath traditions is His Form with the 9 famous Nath saints.

Shri DattatrEya is easily pleased by mere Remembrance of Him. He may manifest in the form of an uninvited guest at noon, a mad beggar, a young child, or even ghostly forms (that is what His Moola mantra says ......." Baala Unmatta Pisaacha vEshaaya!"). Annadhaan (donation of food) to poor and needy is the charity that is closest to His Heart. Many devotees of Lord Datta have had Him visit their houses in the form of unknown guests at Noon. So, if possible, try to donate to charities specializing in feeding the poor on this day. As Dattatreya helped Sage Parasuraama in performance of rituals to ensure salvation of pitrus, He will help us also to get relieved from pitru doshas of all kinds. Also, yati saapaa (curse of saints/ sages/ mendicants) that might have arisen due to insult meted out to renunciates can be remedied by worship of Lord DattatrEyaa. Recital of DattrEya Vajra Kavacham will help in nullifying even most terrible planetary afflictions.

We are planning to conduct special poojas and homams on Datta Jayanthi day this year also. Shri DattatrEya Moola mantra homams, and Shri Kaartaveeryaarjuna homam will be conducted at my residence at villivakkam on December 21, 2010. Those sponsors who are in a position to attend the homam personally might do so on this date. For the others, please note that the homam prasadam or other pooja parasadam will not be sent by post due to ritual purity concerns and logistic difficulties. Inclusion of your name, gothra, and star in the sankalpam will be deemed "in-absentia" participation. Those who are interested may avail the pooja/ homam services by selecting the option of pooja from the drop-down menu below:

Pooja category

Datta homam sankalpam $20.00 Dattatreya vajra kavacham(for health and general protection) $7.00 Dattatreya japa sankalpam $7.00

Name, nakshatra, gothra

Apart from prayers for the benefit of the sponsors, prayers will also be raised for Universal Welfare. You may also attend poojas/ homams conducted by other pious persons near your place on this holy day.

Those who are not in a position to attend homams/ poojas on Datta jayanthi may still become recipients of His Grace by just repeating the mantra "Om Jai Guru Dattaa" or "Om Jai Satguru Shri DattatrEyaaya namah" as many times as possible on His Jayanthi day - whenever time permits - even in between your normal activities in life. This is a siddha mantra and needs no initiation; anyone without any distinction of class, creed, religion, and gender can recite this at ANYTIME. He is easily pleased and His worship is without unnecessary frills and procedures such that even a child can perform the pooja (because you may do it in any way you wish to do!)

Try to feed at least one poor person or sponsor annadhaan at any holy place as per your capacity - because Guru Dattatreya might come in any form and accept annadhaan, and performing annadhaan to needy persons is one of the easiest ways to become recipients of His Grace.

May our members become recipients of Lord DattatrEyaa's Grace by observing simple austerities in His Honour on His Jayanthi day as per their convenience and enjoy blissful lives.

Blessed be.

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

Vara Mahalakshmi Vratam on August 20, 2010

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 20, 2010 this year 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. 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 chantLakshmi 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 on that day; we just need to ask Her.

Ladies who have taken this vrattam vow in earlier years but are in monthly periods on this day and hence cannot offer the Varalakshmi pooja can offer the vrattam prayers on the subsequent Friday i.e. on August 27, 2010.

We intend to perform Beejaani sahitaa Lakshmi Homam on that day along with recital of other powerful mantras on Her. Apart from that, we will also pray for Universal Welfare as is our tradition while conducting homams of this sort.

May Goddess of Fortune smile at all of benevolently!

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI

Astrological and Remedial consultant

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Vishnupati Punyakaalam on August 17, 2010

Dear Members:



The auspicious Vishnupati Punya kaalam falls on August 17, 2010(this is one of the 4 vishnupati punya kaalams that fall in a year) for persons living in all parts of the world except American continents. Those living in U.S., Canada, Caribbean Isles, and other nations of American continents should observe the punya kaalam austerities on August 16, 2010 itself.



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 and you may perform special worships or charities at any time from dawn of the date mentioned (16th August 2010 or 17th August 2010, depending on your geographical location) 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!).



Om Namah Shivaya

Om NamO Naaraayanaaya

Shri Raam Jaya Raam Jaya Jaya Raam.



Blessed be

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Kaamika ekaadasi on August 6, 2010

Dear Members:

Kaamikaa Ekaadasi is the ekaadasi that falls in the krishna paksha of the lunar month of Sravana (Pournimaant reckoning of lunar months).


This is to observed throughout the world on August 6, 2010 (except for those living in Hawaii region of U.S. where it is to be observed on August 5, 2010).

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 observanace 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.

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

Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHIAstrological and Remedial consultantdakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

shadsheeti punya kaalam on June 15, 2010

Shadsheeti punya kaalam is a very auspicious period for initiation into new occult routines, for performing charities, and for all meritorious activities (The full day - from Brahma Muhurtha of 15th June 2010 till sunrise on 16th June 2010 is considered to be auspicious- you need not check muhurtha guidelines if you are planning to do special poojas, charities, tarpans, or other meritorious activities tommorrow; please note that this does not apply to other mundane elections like annaprashana, marriage, etc. for these mundane activities , you need to check the muhurtha guidelines as per astrology - the exemption is only for spiritual activities).

Donating to charitable causes (like donating to poojas, homams, vedic experts who are conducting regular worships based on dharma shastraic guidelines, donating to temples, donations to orphanages/ charitable institutions/ choultries, etc.) during this period will be highly auspicious. Annadhaanam (donation of food to pious persons or needy poor), and Vastra dhaanam (donation of clothes to needy poor or to vedic experts)are especially recommended during this period. (i.e. for those who can afford them!).

Shastraas say that any meritorious deed done during this period will get multiplied 86,000 times! So, this is an ideal day for chanting mantras to acquire siddhi over them and for performing remedial poojas/ prayers. May our members make the best use of this Holy Day to improve their karmic balance sheets!

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Shani Jayanthi on June 12, 2010

Dear Members:

Shani Jayanthi - the Day of Appearance of Saturn - is to be observed on June 12, 2010.

Saturn - though the most feared planet - is actually a neutral and objective force - the karmic force that rewards or punishes based on a person's merit.

You can use Shani Jayanthi day for introspection in to your life - and correct the areas where you are possibly going wrong; Saturn becomes benefic the moment you realize your mistakes and make the affirmation to correct such mistakes.

It is auspicious to recite Shani sthothras, visit Navagraha temples nearby, donate old clothes to poor/needy people, donate to old-age homes that run on charitable donations, donate funds to members of working force, etc. tomorrow.

Do not give in to hyped up rituals - no amount of rituals will make you completely clear off saturn influence:) BUT, doing what good you can - including offering prayers at temples or sponsoring rituals in this connection, fasting on the day - by taking just one meal, or donating what you can to more needy people - will definitely alter the balance sheet of merit vs. sin in your life. Actually this should be an everyday process - but at least we should use such days of special significance like Shani jayanthi to improve our karmic balance sheet.

May our members observe this day with piety and Faith, and reduce karmic sufferings on their lives.

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Vaikaasi Visakham festival on May 27, 2010

Dear Members:


The auspicious Vaikaasi Visakham festival is celebrated on May 27, 2010. This is the birthday of Shri Subramanya (also known as Skanda, Kaartikeya, Muruga, etc.). He had His Genesis from the Third Eye of Lord Shivaa (as many of you might be aware, the Third Eye is the symbol of Wisdom and Divine Knowledge/ Powers). Thus Skanda is the perfect Gnaana Moorthi - as He had His Genesis from the flames of the Third Eye of Lord Shiva Himself. He manifested to destroy the evil forces headed by Soorapadman and his brothers who had a boon that he can be destroyed only by a son of Lord Shiva. Worshipping Lord Skanda on this auspicious day will help us to destroy the demons of our mind and personality - like anger, lust, and delusion (In fact mystic experts opine that the demons Soorapadman and his brothers signify Aanavam, Kanmam, and Maayai - and Lord Skanda signifies Absolute Knowledge and Wisdom which can vanquish those evils).


Reciting Skanda Sahasranaamam, Subramanya Bhujangam (By Shri Aadi Shankarar), Kandar Anubhooti (By Shri Arunagirinaathar), Tirumurugaarrupadai (by Nakeerar), Tirupugazh (By Arunagirinaathar), Kanda Shashti kavacham (Shri Baala Devaraayar swaamigal), and such other devotional works on Lord Skandaa today will be auspicious.


Those who can't recite the elaborate scriptures mentioned above may benefit by chanting simple names such as
1) Om Skandaaya namah (to improve physical strength).
2) Om Kumaaraya namah (for progenic happiness)
3) Om Valliimanavaalaaya namah (for success in romantic matters and good luck in marital life)
4) Om DevasEnaapatayE namah (for overcoming the evil designs of enemies).
5) Om SkandaGuravE namah (for getting Divine Guidance).
6) Om Shakti hastaaya namah (for getting Divine Protection).
7) Om Shiva Gnaana Desikaaya namah/ Om Gnaana Panditaaya namah (mastery over esoteric knowledge)


This is an auspicious day to get deeksha into beeja mantras related to Shri Kartikeya from suitable Gurus(there are shadakshari mantra, Panchadasaakshari mantra, etc. on Lord Skandaa that should be chanted after initiation).


Worship of Lord Skandaa can be a good remedy for Sarpa Dosha and Mars dosha in horoscopes, and can bless a person with peace and prosperous life materialistically, and Divine Wisdom - spiritually.


Special poojas are being conducted on this occasion at our residence at chennai for Universal Welfare.


Members of paaraayanam group please note that you will be automatically included as honorary beneficiaries in the poojas done today.


Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI

Astrological and Remedial consultant

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Vishnupati punyakaalam on May 14/ May 15, 2010

Dear Members:

The auspicious Vishnupati Punya kaalam falls on May 14, 2010 for those living in USA, Canada, and other countries of American continents, United Kingdom, and European nations that fall in timezones less than +2 hours East from GMT.

It is to be observed by those in Gulf countries, India, Myanmar, China, Russia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Fiji, Australia, New zealand, and Japan on May 15, 2010.

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 and you may perform special worships or charities at any time from dawn of the date mentioned (14th May or 15th May, 2009 depending on your geographical location) 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!).



Om Namah Shivaya

Om NamO Naaraayanaaya

Shri Raam Jaya Raam Jaya Jaya Raam.



Blessed be

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI

Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Vasanta Panchami on January 20, 2010

Dear Members:

The auspicious Vasant Panchami festival falls on January 20, 2010 this year (it is to be observed on the same date throughout the globe except by those living in New Zealand; they have to observe this on January 21, 2010).

This is considered to be the birthday of Goddess Saraswathy - the Goddess of Learning. So, special poojas are offered in Honour of Goddess Saraswathy on this day, and this is one of the most auspicious dates to begin new courses of study, for initiation into musical arts, and for launching new books/ literary works.

Recital of Saraswathy Sahasranaamam, Saraswathi kavacham, etc. are auspicious on this day. Those who cannot recite these can merely chant "Om Aim saraswathyai sarva shaastra swaroopinyai namO namah" as many times as possible.

It is traditional to offer yellow coloured food items (like laddus or rice flavoured with saffron to make it yellow or lemon rice) to the Goddess on this day.

Those who are appearing for exams also traditionally keep the pens or other writing materials they are likely to use for those exams in pooja today to invoke the Grace of the Goddess of Learning.

It is a sad commentary of our times that all inventions that have been made to make our lives easier have actually been abused by humans to an extent that the whole environmental balance is threatened - misuse of internet facilities by teens that spoils their mindset, indiscriminate use of plastics that is suffocating the flora and fauna of nature (almost all nature-trekking spots bear the brunt of indiscriminate plastic litters - spoiling the beauty of the places and worse - threatening the very ecological balance of those virgin bounties of nature). Such abuse is basically due to ignorance and lack of appreciation of the extent of damage we are all using. In fact, any person who selfishly abuses nature does so out of ignorance - without realizing that by abusing nature we are abusing our own future and are threatening the healthy existence of our future generations.

The willingness to endure minor inconveniences for the sake of a better living condition for everyone can come only through Intrinsic Intelligence and unsullied Wisdom. Real wise people will ensure that their own lives will be comfortable without imposing severe costs on others!

May the Goddess of Learning kindle our intellect and may the Light of Wisdom dispel the dark forces of ignorance all round the world and pave the way for a better life for everyone.

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.