Dakshinaayana Punya kaalam - Kataka Soorya Sangramanam

Dear members:

Dakshinaayana Punya kaalam is on July 16, 2008 for all places in the world. Sun enters sidereal Cancer sign (Kataka sangramanam)at 3-23 a.m. GMT (8-53 a.m. Indian Standard time).

This is an auspicious day for performing any meritorious deed as the effects are multiplied manifold times due the auspicious time factor.

Those who are from vedic traditions should offer tarpanam to pitrus (this is applicable to those who have lost their father) on this day. Others can offer respectful offering of water to Rishis, remembering the great service they have rendered to us by leaving behind great works of dharma shaastra for our benefit.

Offer what you can to needy persons or deserving religious scholars or other charitable/ noble causes on this auspicious day.

Period when Sun transits sidereal Cancer is auspicious for propitiating Mother Goddess. Offering special prayers to Mother Goddess (in any of Her Myriad Forms!) on Fridays during Sun's transit in Cancer will be highly auspicious. We can say that the Month of the Universal Mother begins tommorrow!

May Divine Grace pervade our lives now and forever.....

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

sayana Ekaadasi on July 13, 2008

Dear Members:

This is about Sarva Sayana Ekaadasi (also known as Padma Ekaadasi). Sarva Sayana Ekaadasi falls on the bright fortnight of the month Aashaada. It is also known as Vishnu sayani ekaadasiIt 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.

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 rein 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.

It is noteworthy that the world as a whole is under the grip of uncertain economy and many persons around the globe are suffering due to this. Saturn and Mars are conjunct and in square aspect to Taurus - the natural sign of wealth for the zodiac is causing tense situations for many persons and debt crisis is extending its vicious grip on many. If all of us observe this Sayana Ekaadasi with fervour to get Divine Grace, prosperity can ensure for the whole world! Of course, do not pray for removal of debts or prosperity - just do the sankalpam as "For Lord Hari's Grace upon the world"; prosperity will follow (do not make individual sankalpam for any material gains as this is against tradition - pray just for Lord Hari's Grace upon you and also for the whole world).

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.

Days of the sayana ekaadasi fast for different regions of the world:

1) For USA, Canada, Brazil, Cuba, West Indies,(whole American continent), Europe, Africa, Gulf Countries, India (except Eastern states of Bengal, and Northeast) - Both smaarthaas and Vaishna traditions should observe the fast on July 13, 2008.

2) Eastern states of India, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Singapore, Fiji - Smaartha Ekaadasi on July 13, 2008; Vaishnava Ekaadasi is on July 14, 2008.

3) Malayasia, china, Japan, Australia - Both Vaishna and smaartha traditions should observe ekaadasi fast on July 14, 2008.

Blessed be.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant

http://www.dakshinastroquery.blogspot.com

Sudarshana Jayanthi on July 11, 2008

Dear Members:

Sudarshana Jayanthi falls on July 11, 2008 this year.

You may meditate on the hexagonal profile of Shri Sudarshana and recite slokhas like Sudarshanaashtakam (bySwaami Desikan), Sudarshana Sahasranaamam, Sudarshana Kavacham, etc. on that day and become recipients of Lord Sudarshana's Grace who is the manifest power of Lord Naaraayanaa. It is generally believed that it is the yogic power of Lord Yoga Narasimhaa that is the Driving Force behind the great power of Lord Sudarshana - the "jwaalaa" in the Lord Sudarshana's profile is derived from the energy of Lord Jwaala Narasimhar. Lord Sudarshana has been shri Hari's trusted weapon of choice while annihilating demonaic forces during His various incarnations. Prayers to Lord Sudarshana can give protection from malefic planetary influences that may predispose one to dangers, give relief from troubles from elementals/ black-magic influences, and bless the devotee with charming/ handsome appearance, sharp intellect, courage, and success.

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