Vaikunta Ekaadasi in 2012

(Image courtesy: www.bhagavad-gita.us)
Dear Members:


The most glorious and important of all Ekaadaasis - the Vaikunta Ekaadasi falls on December 23, 2012 for those living in USA, Canada, and other American continent nations, U.K. and places to the West of Greenwich Meridian, Gulf Countries.

Additionally, Smaartha ekaaasi for those living in India also falls on the same date (i.e. Ekaadasi observance based on smaartha traditions and also some traditions of Vaishnavites should be on December 23, 2012).  Temples like Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthaanam also observe the Vaikunta Ekaadasi on December 23, 2012 itself.


It is to be observed on December 24, 2012 by those living in Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and New Zealand.

Additionally, Vaikunta Ekaadasi of Vaishnava temples is observed on December 24, 2012 (Sorga Vaasal vaibhavam in temples like Srirangam, Parthasaarathy Perumaal temple at Triplicane, etc.are observed on December 24, 2012).


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!).


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

Rahu/ ketu peyarchi (transit) on December 23, 2012

This is about the transit of mean nodes of the Moon (Rahu/ Ketu) on December 23, 2012

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 and thus may give the Rahu-ketu peyarchi on 2nd December 2012, while some modern softwares may say that Rahu-ketu remain in Vrischika-Vrishabha rashi axis throughout 2012 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 December 23, 2012 at 7-55 p.m. IST.

EFFECTS OF THIS TRANSIT FOR NATIVES BORN IN DIFFERENT RASHIS


For those born in Mesha rashi (vedic Moon sign in Aries), 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. Due to auspicious Jupiter transit in the first half of 2013, the negative effects can be somewhat moderated during the initial phase of the transit - but the period between middle of 2013 and middle of 2014 can be particularly sensitive, and you should be most careful in all your activities during this phase of Rahu-ketu transit.

For those born in Rishabha Rashi (Moon sign in Taurus), 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. As Saturn's transit is auspicious for you right now and also transit of Jupiter is auspicious after May 2013, you will have mixed results and the negative effects can be markedly reduced after May 2013.  Be careful in your activities till end of May 2013.

For those born in Mithuna rashi (vedic moon sign in Gemini), 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. Those appearing for competitive examinations, or have critical appraisals coming up must back themselves by taking extra hard efforts, as the transit of other major planets - Jupiter and Saturn are also tough throughout during this transit period.

For those born in Kataka rashi (Vedic Moon sign in Cancer), 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. As Jupiter's transit is auspicious right now these natives can expect reasonably good effects until May 2013, and markedly challenging effects after end of May 2013.

For those born in Simha rashi (vedic Moon sign in Leo), 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 of self, paternal relatives who are elderly, and overseas prospects - while it is also good for spiritual pursuits and visit to Holy Places. Saturn's transit right now is auspicious and the transit of Jupiter after May 2013 will also be auspicious - so you must just be on your guard during the first half of 2013.  If you can pass the period until end of May 2013 without any mishaps, the other auspicious transits will ensure that your prospects can be great between June 2013 and June 2014.

For those born in Kanya rashi (vedic Moon sign in Virgo), Rahu transits the inauspicious 2nd house while ketu transits the inauspicious 8th house from natal Moon sign. Health could be the main victim of such transits. Regularity in dietary and sleep routines, besides regulating the type of food consumed can go a long way in protecting your health. You must follow the rules of the road carefully while driving, and also be ready to take avoidance actions if the fools at the wheel of the other vehicles come your way impelled by fate – because there is accident-proneness due to this transit. Avoid self-medication at all cost as there is high risk of medicinal allergies.  Also if there are eye infections take immediate medical help and avoid procrastinating on that as eye-problems are strongly indicated during this phase. Also watch what you say under all circumstances; there is real risk of spoiling relationships by careless words.  Avoid raising heavy loans for any purpose as far as feasible. This is a sensitive transit for Kanya rashi natives; luckily, the current transit of Jupiter is auspicious for your sign and so the situation will be manageable if you are careful in all activities and avoid unnecessary risks/ impulsive moves in life until end of May 2013. You should be more careful in the period after May 2013 in all matters.

For those born in Tula rashi (vedic Moon sign in Libra), Rahu transits natal Moon sign while ketu transits the 7th house from natal Moon sign; this transit is challenging for Vrischika rashi natives. Sade-sathi's Janma sani influence will wait for you to make mistakes so that Saturn can bring punishing life events, and Rahu transiting the natal Moon sign will impel you to make mistakes due to miscalculations in life/ illusions. You should avoid taking impulsive decisions; domestic peace may be marred by unnecessary arguments/ anxieties. Health of self and elderly relatives may cause concern. Please note that already the transit of Jupiter is tough and Saturn is also in Janma-sani mode now making it a sensitive transit of nodes for this rashi.  Patient approach to all matters, regular prayers, and timely handling of issues without procrastination are the keys to handle this influence successfully. The auspicious transit of Jupiter towards end of May 2013 can bring partial relief to you - but never put your guard down even during that phase.

For those born in Vrischika rashi (vedic Moon sign in Scorpio), 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. Expenditure can mount uncontrollably under the joint influence of Saturn and Rahu on your 12th house. Ketu's transit influence helps in overcoming rival activity and can promote gains by overcoming tough challenges. So, the results are mixed for you. The good transit of Jupiter now until end of May 2013 can be helpful - but you must be very careful regarding all matters between June 2013 and June 2014.

For those born in Dhanus rashi (vedic Moon sign in Sagittarius), 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.  However, the auspicious transit influence of Saturn now, and the auspicious transit influence of Jupiter from end of May 2013 will help in manifesting more of positive results of this transit and the negative results indicated will be contained to a great extent. Be most careful in the first half of the year 2013 and you will do fine.

For those born in Makara rashi (vedic Moon sign in Capricorn), 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 of self and maternal relatives 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.  Since the transit of Jupiter is also somewhat sensitive after May 2013, you must be very careful in all activities in the period between June 2013 and June 2014.

For those born in Kumbha rashi (vedic Moon sign of Aquarius), Rahu transits the auspicious 9th house and Ketu transits the 3rd house from rashi - which is auspicious; So, those born in Kumbha rashi have a good influence based on the transit of nodes this time. You are further supported by good Jupiter transit from end of  May 2013.  You have a good spread of dinner on your tables and unless you spoil it, your party is likely to go great in the near future!  Just be patient during the first half of the year 2013 - wait for the good effects to take form and manifest after May 2013.

For those born in Meena rashi (vedic Moon sign in Pisces), 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, delay in getting funds released for auspicious purposes, etc. As Jupiter’s transit is already sensitive and anxiety-inducing, and Saturn’s transit  is also mediocre , this Rahu-ketu transit is quite tough for Meena rashi natives.

 
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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. To some extent I have touched upon the altered influences caused by transit of other major planets in this write-up, but to get the real impact of Rahu-ketu transit unique to your sign it is always best to consult an astrologer who has consistently caught the pulse of your chart correctly and guided you correctly (a family astrologer – like a family doctor is always best in guiding you as long as you have chosen the right person for that important role!; there are some influences that are unique to individuals which an astrologer who is constantly guiding an individual will be better aware of!)

ONE IMPORTANT GENERAL POSITIVE NOTE:  Since Jupiter in transit from end of May 2013 will aspect Rahu with its 5th house aspect, those rashis for whom Rahu's transit has been indicated as sensitive in the write-up above may find marginal relief from the tough effects due to Jupiter's benevolent Grace.  Jupiter's aspect cannot entirely nullify the negative effects - BUT - its benevolent aspect can ensure that as long as you are dharmic in your approach to matters and take refuge in prayers to protect your interests, such remedies can work well in protecting your prospects.

RAHU/KETU PEYARCHI HOMAM AT OUR PLACE ON December 23, 2012


Those who are under adverse Rahu-ketu peyarchi influences (especially those born under Meena rashi, Mesha rashi, Kanya rashi, and Tula 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 December 23, 2012. Mahaa Ganapathy homam, Chaamundi homam, Durga Sooktha homam, Prathiyangira homam, Vatuka Bhairava homam, Rahu beeja homam, ketu Beeja mantra homam will be done on that day. Recital of Durga Sapta slokhi, Graha dosha nivaarana Durga mantra, Sankashtanaashana Ganesha sthothram, Rahu sthothram, Rahu Kavacham, Ketu sthothram, and Ketu kavacham will also be done as part of the austerities. Those who are interested in participating in these for remedial purposes may click on the Remedial options button below (it has a drop-down menu) this write up to participate in the homam/ recital as sponsors.

Remedial options

Rahu/ ketu transit homams and archana/ recitals $20.00 USD Rahu/ ketu sthothra, and kavacha recitals $5.00 USD

Name, nakshatra, rashi, gothra

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.

Resident Indians who wish to take part as part-sponsors of the homam and recitals may remit Rs.1000 (rupees one thousand only) for homam sponsorship option, and Rs.250 (rupees two hundred and fifty only) for the archana/ sthothram recitals in favour of my bank account.


May Divine Grace bless all our members.



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

Utpanna Ekaadasi 2012

Dear Members:

The auspicious Utpanna Ekaadasi falls on December 9/ December 10,  this year.

The fast schedule for different places on the earth:

1) Sarva Ekaadasi for those residing in USA, Canada, Carribean Isles, and South American Countries, Middle-East countries, European countries, India, East China, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong - December 9, 2012. (fast should be broken on December 10, 2012)

2)Sarva Ekaadashi for those residing in Japan, Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand - December 10, 2012(fast should be broken on December 11, 2012)

This Utpanna Ekaadasi is special because this was the day when Ekaadasi Devi - the Patron Deity of this Fast manifested from the Power of Lord Mahaa Vishnu.

Mura - a demon brought all the planes of existence under his control and forced the demi-gods like Indra away from their positions of authority. The devas approached Lord Mahaadeva for a solution to their predicament. Lord Shiva instructed them to claim protection by surrendering to Lord Maha Vishnu. The demi-gods accordingly approached the Holy Abode of Shriman Naaraayana, praised Him with devotional fervour extolling His virtues, His Divine Might, and His Glories, and requested His help in the matter of vanquishing the demon Mura.

Lord Vishnu instructed them to advance to the abode of the demon, and Himself went along with them. The demi-gods scattered away from the battle-field on meeting with relentless aggression from the demon army. The attacking demons met their nemesis in Shriman Naaraayana - who vanquished hosts and hosts of demons with His Divine Weaponry.

At last, the chief of the demons - Mura himself came to meet our Lord in the battle field. The Divine Weapons caused no harm to Mura due to his previous boons. At last, Lord Vishnu decided to engage the demon in arm-to-arm combat; this combat went on for one thousand celestial years! Lord Vishnu decided to retire from the battle and retired to a deep cave. (He feigned tiredness and fear! Though the Bhavishya Uttara Purana uses words such as "I went there (to a cave) out of fear and also to sleep,"we should take it as our Lord's Play only. Lord Maha Vishnu - the Ultimate Supreme Being need not be "afraid" of a demon, nor can he ever feel "tired". This was a Divine Play to vanquish the demon in a special way, and He must have feigned tiredness and fear....only this can be the right interpretation of this episode).

The demon Mura followed Lord Vishnu, and on seeing Him asleep, the demon decided to finish Him off. However, from the body of Our Lord, a young Divine Maiden manifested, and She fought tirelessly with the demon, and ultimately vanquished him, putting an end to the saga of his unrighteous domination over the Universe.

The Divine Maiden pleaded a boon from Lord Vishnu upon His Waking up (His sleep and Waking up again are all Divine Plays! It should not be taken too literally).

The maiden said, "O Lord, if You are pleased with me and wish to give me a boon, then give me the power to deliver that person who fasts of this day from even from the greatest of sins . I wish that half the pious credit obtained by one who fasts will accrue to one who eats only in the evening (abstaining from grains and beans), and that half of this pious credit will be earned by one who eats only at midday. Also, may one who strictly observes a complete fast on my appearance day, with controlled senses, go to the abode of Lord Vishnu for one billion kalpas after he has enjoyed all kinds of pleasures in this world. This is the boon I desire to attain by Your mercy, my Lord, O Lord Janardana, whether a person observes complete fasting, eats only in the evening, or eats only at midday, please grant him a religious attitude, wealth, and at last liberation."

"'The Supreme Lord said, "O most auspicious lady, what you have requested is granted. All My devotees in this world will surely fast on your day, and thus they will become famous throughout the three worlds and finally come and stay with me in My abode. As you, My transcendental potency, have appeared on the eleventh day of the waning moon, let your name be Ekaadasi. If a person fasts on Ekaadasi, I will burn up all his sins and bestow upon him My transcendental abode."

Ekaadasi fast is thus the greatest of all fasts as it was sanctioned by the Supreme Lord Himself. Fasting on ekaadasi properly helps a person to vanquish all the dangerous enemies who can threaten one's prospects (the greatest enemies are a person's own undesirable vaasanaas, and obsessions which are internalized in the person's psyche. That is the actual mystic import of this legend though it might have occured in reality also in a distant kalpa!), and thus bless the person with material prosperity while alive, and Eternal Salvation after this incarnation on earth.

The day when Lord Vishnu's Yogic power manifested outwardly as Ekaadashi is Utpanna Ekaadashi. By tradition, a child who attains 7th year of age in this life is initiated into Ekaadashi fast gradually beginning from this Utpanna Ekaadashi of that year(the first fast of a tender child should not be too intense; the child should be taught the basics of ekaadashi fast like abstaining from certain foods - grains, beans, and outside food; chanting Divine Names of Lord Vishnu; the child should not be made to endure a full fast - rather, the child should be trained to survive on fruits/ juices, milk, etc., or just made to skip meals once. Then gradually, the child can graduate to a full fast if it agrees well with the child). This is an auspicious day to begin ekaadasi fast as a life-time discipline for anyone who has not fasted before, but wishes to do so in the future. [More guidelines about ekaadasi fast can be checked in previous write-ups in this blog].

The glory of a fast on this Holiest of Days need not be elaborated any further. May our members enjoy Divine Bliss by observing this Holy Ekaadasi fast to the extent of their abilities. My best wishes to the Faithful parents who are about to initiate their young children who have attained the eligible age for beginning Ekaadashi fast on this Holy Day. Believe me - initiating a child into Ekaadasi fast is one of the best gifts you can give to your child :) 

Blessed be.

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