Panguni Utthiram day 2022

(The photo depicting Goddess Meenaakshi's marriage with Lord Shiva in His form as Kalyaana SundarEshwara; see Lord Vishnu gifting His Sister Meenakshi in marriage to Lord Shiva as per traditional shastraic injunctions). Panguni Uttiram Festival is to be observed on March 18, 2022. It is the day of Divine Wedding between Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwara (Lord Shiva in His wedding form). This is also the wedding day of Lord Skanda with Deivanai (the daughter of Celestial King Indra). So, it is auspicious to offer special prayers to Lord shiva or Lord Skanda on this day praying for our welfare. This is an auspicious day for praying for harmony in the family, goodwill and affection between couples, and for marriage of unmarried natives.

Also, this is considered to be the Jayanthi day of Lord Aiyappan (Dharma Shastaa's Kaliyuga avatar).

 For those in to advanced yogic practices, this is good for Kundalini Jaagran. This is an excellent day for initiation into Bhoota Shuddhi under expert guidance for removal of karmic blockages. May we offer our special prayers on this day so that Dharmaic Union as in the case of Shiva-Paarvati marriage materializes in our lives while at the same time, the undesirable elements of unqualified lust/ passion, and Ego (where we start taking credit for the good things that materialize due to Divine Grace with little effort from our side) are exorcised from our lives. 

 Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI

www.kasamba.com/psychic/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Karadaiyaan Nonbu/ Savitri vratam March 14/ March 15, 2022

Kaamaakshi amman

(image courtesy: www.hindugallery.com)

This is regarding an important austerity - Kaaradayaan nOnbu on March 14/ March 15, 2022. This is to be observed between 11:30 p.m. of March 14th and 12:30 a.m. (half an hour past midnight) of March 15th by those living in India. Others living around the world must observe the vratam at the time corresponding to the above given time (i.e. at 11:30 p.m. on March 14, 2022 what would be your local time at your place; observe the vrata at that time). This is because, this is one vrata that is to be observed at the time when Sun is about to leave sidereal Aquarius and enters sidereal Pisces (the vrata should begin at the time when Sun is still in sidereal Aquarius). So, it is to be observed at the same moment throughout the world (so the times will be different based on the local time zone - still it is at the same instant everywhere unlike other festivals that will be celebrated on different times based on local astronomical variables).

It is an auspicious day for women to pray for the welfare and longevity of their husbands. It is by the power of this observance that the legendary Saavitri got the spiritual power to win back the life of Satyaavaan - her husband who was cursed with a short life. May our women members observe the austerity as per their family traditions for the welfare of their husbands.

It is customary for ladies to offer Mangala Gowri pooja and then tie the Holy Pooja thread on self praying for husband's longevity, and for happy marital life. The offering is "kaara adai" (a special flour delicacy made with rice flour, jaggery, and kaaraamani - a red colour dried bean), and fresh butter; women pray saying "I am offering this kaara adai and unmelted butter to Thee; please ensure that my husband never separates from me," and then tie the Holy thread on their selves.

Unmarried women can also observe this vrata praying for the boon of good marital life and speedy settlement of marriage with a good spouse.

Blessed be.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

Amalaki Ekaadasi 2022

Dear Members:

The auspicious Aamalaki Ekaadasi is to be observed on March 13/ March 14, 2022 this year.

SCHEDULE OF THE EKAADASI FAST FOR DIFFERENT PLACES ON EARTH

a) Those living in all countries of North and South America should observe this on March 13, 2022.

b) Those living in rest of the world - including all countries of Europe, Africa, middle-East Asian countries (Gulf countries), India, and all countries to the east of India must observe this on March 14, 2022.

This fast is known to eradicate all great sins and bestow great destiny, and hence it is also observed as Paapanaasini Ekaadasi. Puranaas speak of how a hunter who witnessed the performance of this fast and night-long prayers under the Amla tree (Indian gooseberry tree) by a king and his retinue in the forest, was blessed to be born as a king named VasUratha in his next life. Such is the glory of this vrata - the mere witnessing of which confers great merit!

Once that person (the hunter born as King VasUratha in next birth) lost his way in the forest and being exhausted fell asleep under a tree. Tribesmen who were his enemies tried to kill him in that unconscious state; but none of their weapons could harm the sleeping king. Then, a beautiful maiden with Divine Powers manifested from the sleeping king's body and slayed all the tribesmen. On waking up, the King was wondering how this could have happened and who could have saved him thus from his sworn enemies. Then a voice from the sky said 'You ask who helped you. Well, who is that person who alone can help anyone is distress? He is none other than Sri Keshava, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He who saves all who take shelter of Him without any selfish motive.'

Such is the greatness of the Aamalaki Ekaadasi. This was narrated by Sage Vasishta to the Surya vamsa king Maandaatha.

On this day it is customary to worship the avatar Lord Parasuraama and Aamla tree (those who have such trees may perform the worship under the tree; others can just meditate on that tree and Lord Parasuraamaa).

picture of Lord Parasuraama courtesy: www.scienceofhinduisim.blogspot.com

(I - Pt. Dakshinamoorthi - the writer of this article - am not aware of any copyright restrictions with regard to use of this image, but I guess using this for informative purposes and illustrative purposes must be alright with attribution of the image to the original source from which the image has been taken).

Prayers to Lord Parashuraama:

'Oh Lord ParashurAma, Oh son of RenukA, Oh all-pleasing one, Oh liberator of the worlds, kindly come beneath this holy Amalakii tree and accept our humble obeisances.'

Prayer to Aamalakii tree: (Aamalakii tree is Indian Goosberry tree)

'Oh Amalakii, Oh offspring of Lord BrahmA, you can destroy all kinds of sinful reactions. Please accept our respectful obeisances and these humble gifts. O Amalakii, you are actually the form of Brahman, and you were once worshiped by Lord RAmachandra Himself. Whoever circumambulates you is therefore immediately freed of all his sins.'

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

Best regards,

Blessed be.
Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI.