Ganesha Chaturthi 2023

Dear All:

The Annual Vinayaka Chaturthi austerity falls on September 18/ September 19, 2023 this year.

Schedule of performance of the austerity for different places on earth:

a) Those living in countries of North America, South America, Europe, and Africa  must observe this on September 18, 2023.

b ) Those living in Middle-East Asian countries must observe this on September 18, 2023.

c) Those living in Pakistan, India, and other countries to the east of India must observe this on September 19, 2023. 

IMPORTANT** *  Due to differences between Vaakya siddanta and Drik Ganitha calculations, some people including those follow the sampradaya of reputed mutts in India observe this on September 18th itself even in India.  BUT, per correct drik ganitha calculations it is observed that Chaturthi thithi is prevalent more during the mid-day of September 19, 2023, and per dharma shastra nirnaya rules for Siddhi Vinaayaka Pooja, the more appropriate time for doing the Siddhi Vinayaka pooja will be between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on September 19, 2023.  Those who wish to do the pooja on Sep 18, 2023 itself per traditions of their respective mutts also should ideally do the pooja between 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sep 18, 2023, BECAUSE, Chaturthi thithi actually begins late on Sep 18, 2023; So, if someone begins the pooja/ Vinayaka Sthapana on Sep 18, 2023 before 12 Noon, it won't be in line with the correct protocol in this regard.  Ideally, everyone living in India should observe the siddhi Vinayaka pooja on Sep 19, 2023 which is more auspicious.

Lord Vinaayaka is the Remover of Obstacles and Granter of Boons.  It is traditional to perform Siddhi Vinaayaka Pooja on this day in His Honour.

Recital of Ganapathy Atharvaseersham, and other simple slokhas on Lord Ganesha can help us to invoke His Grace and enjoy successful lives.

We will be performing special homams on this occasion in addition to the Siddhi-Vinayaka pooja at our residence.

May He with Elephant Hand, Smiling Face, and Benevolent Attitude - the Lord of all Sentient Beings Bless us to enjoy happiness, peace, and prosperity, and remove all obstacles and pains from our lives.

Best regards,

Blessed be.

Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI

AJA EKAADASI 2023

Dear Members:

Aja/ Annadaa ekaadasi is a powerful fasting day.  It is to be observed on September 10, 2023 throughout the world.

Glory of this Aja Ekaadasi

The glory of this Aja Ekaadasi has been explained in Brahma- Vaivarta Puraanaa in a discussion between King Yudhishtra and Lord Krishna.

Lord Krishna narrates the legend of King Harischandra, who though a great king of the Surya dynasty, fell from fortune (due to a test of dharma kept by Sage Viswamitra), and lived a miserable existence as a keeper of crematorium - separated from his virtuous wife and loving son who even died due to circumstances.

One day King Harischandra came across Sage Gautama and thought "Lord Brahma has created Brahmins just to help others" (i.e. they can suggest powerful remedies to help negotiate vagaries of Fate). He payed his obeisance to the great sage and narrated his tale of woe and requested a remedy to come out of his sorry state of affairs.

Sage Gautama recommended observance of this Aja Ekaadasi Fast which is reputed to absolve one of the karmic effects of sinful activities of the past. King Harischandra duly observed the fast and was reunited with his relatives and also got back his Kingship. After his demise from this Earth, he ascended to Higher Spiritual Regions with all his relatives by the power of this fast.

Lord Krishna says that even those who hear of the glory of this fast or read about this with devotion will get merit equivalent to that obtained by Aswamedha sacrifice!

My notes: This is a shuddha ekaadasi, i.e. it is preferable to fast completely if possible (even avoiding water and fruits/ milk), and keep awake throughout the night. Please note that a full fast is not to be followed by pregnant ladies observing this ritual, or by ailing patients. They should subsist on fruits and milk, and as per shastras they will enjoy the full merit of a full fast due to their special condition.

Observance of this fast rigorously even without other accompanying rituals like Vishnu pooja is very powerful. Just chant the name "Om HrishikEshaaya namah" with devotion throughout the day whenever you have time between your regular activities. This has the potential to remove the troubles that we are facing in this existence due to the effect of our past sins, and help us to enjoy peaceful existence.

May our members observe this fast and become freed from the clutches of negative karma, and enjoy peaceful and prosperous lives in a spiritual way.

Blessed be.
Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI

Gokulashtami/ Krishna Jayanthi 2023

Dear Members:

Gokulashtami is observed on September 6/ September 7, 2023.

Those living in USA, Canada, and other countries of  North and South American continents must observe this on September 6, 2023 (both Gokulashtami of Smaarthas and Sri Jayanthi of Vaishnavas).

Those living in rest of the world (including India) must observe Gokulashtami (Smaartha traditions)/ Vaikhaanasa Sri Jayanthi (Vaishnavas of the Vaikhaanasa Aagamic traditions) must observe this on September 6, 2023.

Those living in countries other than those in North and South American continents and observing Paancharaatra traditions (including Vaishnavas living in India and observing Paancharaatra traditions) must observe this on September 7, 2023.

Lord Krishna's avatar leelas are a live example of a karma yogic path - complete detachment from the results and perfect performance of one's duties as per one's station in life. Remembrance of how He playfully enacted various leelas and in the process decimated demonaic forces in various garbs is sure to inspire us to achieve great things in life. He taught us the efficacy of "effortless perfection". His Bhagavad Geeta is a magnum opus that can be a friend, philosopher, guide, counsellor, all rolled into one - it carries the essence of the whole Upanishadic Wisdom.

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The following are some of the charities/ meritorious religious deeds that you can do on this day to get His Grace......

• Those who follow religious traditions in the family will perform a sampradaayic pooja to Shri Krishna on the above days as per their traditions.



• Recital of Gopika Geetam, Gopala Hrudayam, portions of Bhagavad Geeta, etc. will be auspicious on this day.



• Those who are initiated into Gopala mantra may recite it number of times today praying for Universal Welfare (for propagation of Dharmic principles and for subjugation of evil forces in various forms).



• Do what you can to promote the welfare of cows in your locality (by contributing what little you can to organizations that are involved in providing shelter to aged cows), as this is sure to bring His Grace to you.



• Offer respects to children - if possible, try to bring happiness to at least one child in a destitute home.



• Try to honour scholars who are involved in propagating the doctrine of Bhagavat Geeta or other vedic principles of living. If possible try to donate copies of the Holy Bhagavad Geeta to some children or aspirants thereby contributing to the spread of the Doctrine.



• Try to contribute at least some amount to vedic scholars who are involved in performing various homams/ yagnas throughout the year for the welfare of the Universe (the donation can be to any scholar who in your opinion is performing such acts in your locality, or to any respectable Pandit anywhere in the world).



• Try to select one slokha from Bhagavad Geeta and let that verse be your guiding principle in all activities throughout the year (This is putting philosophy in action and is sure to win you His Grace).

You need not worry if you are currently not in an economically sound position to grant liberally to charities or scholars. Lord Krishna was satisfied beyond words on the soulful offering of just "aval" (flattened puffed rice) from His poor friend KusElaa! What you offer does not matter to Him....it only matters whether you are offering it with Devotion. Recital of kusEla Charitra from Srimad Bhaagavatam is sure to bring prosperity to you.



Special austerities are done today at our residence praying for Universal Welfare.  May God bless us all.

Sri Krishna Paadaaravindam sadaa smaraamii


Krishnam VandE Jagat Gurum.


Blessed be.


Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.