Deepavali Festival - October 17, 2009

Dear members:

The festival of Deepawali falls on October 17, 2009 this year.

It is a significant festival observed by Hindus (Sanatana dharmis), Jains, Sikhs, and even Buddhists.

For Hindus, this marks the return of Shri Raama to Ayodhya after end of His Exile period of 14 years and returning triumphantly after vanquishing the mighty demon Raavanaa. Also, this festival marks the death of Narakaasura who was vanquished by Lord Krishna with assistance from His Consort Satyabaama - marking the triumph of Right over Evil.

For Jains, this day marks the Mahaa Nirvaana of Shri Mahaaveer.

You may wonder what special signficance it has to Sikhs.... there is a historical association to celebration of Deepawali by Sikhs. Deepawali is associated with triumphant return of the Sixth Sikh Guru Har Gobin Ji, who was imprisoned with 52 other Hindu Kings by emperor Jahangir at Gwalior Fort. Mian Mir and Wazir Khan (The Governor of Lahore) recommended the release of the Guru after a period of 3 years of imprisonment at Gwalior Fort. Prior to his release, during his interview with the Mughal emperor, the respected Guru prevailed upon the emperor for release of the 52 other princes (who were considered to be rebellious by the emperor) on personal surety. After releasing the prisoners, the venerable Guru visited Harmandir Sahib (more famously known as - The Golden Temple) at Amristar where people lined up with lighted divas and candles to welcome the great Guru. So, Diwali is observed as "Bandhi Chorr Diwas" by Sikh tradition (meaning "Festival marking release of those who were imprisoned").

Thus Dipawali is a unique festival in that it has special signifiance to almost all religions that had their genesis in Indian sub-continent.

May the Festival of Lights bring new joys in our lives. May the Divine Light dawn in our lives and guide us "From untruths to Eternal Truth; From ignorance to Wisdom; and from death to Immortality" as stated in the Upanishads!


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

Rama Ekaadasi - The Fast for reunion with relatives and good fortune

Ramaa Ekaadashi in 2009

Ramaa Ekaadashi is to be observed on October 14, 2009 throughout the world, except those regions that observe the US-PST and Hawaii time zone. Persons living in places that fall under PST and Hawaii zone of US should observe the Ramaa Ekaadashi on October 13, 2009 itself.

Glory of Ramaa Ekaadasi

In the Brahma vaivarta Puraanaa, there is an interesting legend that is related by Lord Krishna to King Yudhishtra to explain the glory of Ramaa Ekaadasi.

King Muchukunda - a great friend of Indra (the ruler of the Heavens) had a daughter by name Chandrabhaagaa (named after the Holy River that has the same name). She was given in marriage to Shobhanan - the son of King ChandrasEna.

King Muchukunda and all his subjects were very strict in observance of ekaadasi fast. Even horses, elephants, and other cattle were not fed on the day of ekaadasi fast! Once Shobhanan happened to visit King Muchukunda's palace on the day of the auspicious fast of Ramaa Ekaadasi. His wife cautioned him that as his physical condition was then not in a fit condition to tolerate a severe fast, he must move elsewhere (out of her father's kingdom) immediately as her father's people and the whole kingdom followed the fast rigorously (people who undertake rigorous religious fast on ekaadasi never give food to anyone under any pretext on ekaadasi day; this may seem crude and inhuman to some people now - but such was the adherence to ekaadasi fast in those days! The idea was mainly to avoid tempting those who might be fasting but might lose their resolve if offer of food is extended to them).

But Prince Shobhanan offered to undergo the fast instead of opting to move to some other place. When sun set, all devotees of the kingdom were very happy to invite the long night's vigil with Lord Hari's stories and contemplation - but Prince Shobhanan was miserable as he could not tolerate the rigour of the fast. By next morning, he was found dead. The last rites of the dead prince were conducted duly with all honours; but King Muchukunda stopped his daughter from committing "sati" which was the custom of pious ladies of those times.

The deceased Prince Shobhanan became the ruler of a kingdom in Mandaraachalaa attended by wonderful Divine damsels, and Gandharvaas, due to the merit of the observance of Ramaa Ekaadasi; but, as he had observed the vrat only due to pressure of circumstances and with half-heart, that wonderful kingdom was impermanent (i.e. he will lose Sovereignity of that kingdom once the merit gets exhausted).

One day, a pious Brahmin from the kingdom of Muchukunda chakravarti happened to cross that wonderful kingdom that was being enjoyed by Prince Shobhana, and he recognized his king's son-in-law. Prince Shobhana related the fact about his enjoyment of that wonderful kingdom was not permanent, and that it may vanish any time into thin air once his merit gets exhausted. He also entreated the pious Brahmin to explain this to his wife Chandrabhaagaa.

The pious brahmin returned to his kingdom and related the wonderful matter to Princess Chandrabhaagaa. At first she was bewildered, and wondered if the Brahmin had been dreaming; but, as the Brahmin persisted with his narration, she was convinced about the factual existence of such a kingdom and was overjoyed at the prospect of being able to meet her beloved yet again. She confidently said that by the merit of the ekaadasis that she had been observing from her 8th year of life till date, the kingdom that has come into the possession of her husband could become permanent, and requested the brahmin to take her to that wonderful kingdom. The Brahmin also took her to the Mandaraachala mountain. At the foothills, they met the great sage Vaama DEvaa who chanted vedic mantras and sprinkled water on her - making her body transcendental. Due to the power of the vedic mantras and also due to the merit of her ekaadasi fasts, Chandrabhaaga reached the top of the mountain Mandaraachalaa where her husband was enjoying his kingdom. She transfered the merit that she had accumulated by all her ekaadasi fasts to her husband thus enabling him to enjoy that wonderful kingdom permanently till the next pralayaa.

Lord Krishna concluded this narration saying that by the glory of Ramaa ekaadasi Prince Shobhanan enjoyed a wonderful Divine Kingdom in the mount Mandaraachalaa. The Blessed Lord continues saying "Just as both white and Black cow give the same quality of milk, the ekaadasis in both the dark and bright fortnight are equal in their potency to confer merit, and to liberate one from the endless cycles of transmigration of soul. Anyone who hears this legend about Ramaa ekaadasi will also have freedom from sins and attain the Divine Abode of Lord Vishnu."

The import of the legend of Brahma vaivarta Puraanaa related above is that observing Ramaa Ekaadasi can help one to enjoy good fortune including high status of a permanent nature, happy reunion with relatives, and great glory.

May our members observe this auspicious ekaadasi to the best of their abilities with FULL FAITH (unlike the half-hearted attempt of Prince Shobhanan!), and become worthy recipients of Divine Grace.

Important note: Though the legend says about how the Prince Shobhanan observed the fast in a physically infirm condition and hence met his death, and then ultimately enjoyed a Divine Kingdom, we need not take it that far! As regular readers of this blog might be aware from previous posts, ekaadasi fast is exempted for those who are ailing, for the aged persons, and for ladies who are pregnant. This is in agreement with accepted dharma shastraic doctrines. Those who cannot observe a full fast may observe it to the extent possible - like fasting by drinking milk, fruit juices, etc. Even those who are exempted the full fast due to physical conditions must avoid onion, garlic, and other spicy foods that are ritually impure on ekaadasi days. Ekaadasi is the king among the Fasts, and one should be regulated in food habits (even if physical condition does not permit total abstinence from food and water). Please remember this important point and observe the fast in the way that is possible for you according to your circumstances.

Harihi Om.

Blessed be.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in
www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi