Mahaalaya paksha (Pitru paksha) in September 2009

Pitr Paksha (Mahaalaya Pakshaa ) is about to begin from September 05, 2009 (This holds good throughout the world except for those living in American continent; those living in American continents - all countries in North America and South America, should begin observing pitru paksha from September 4, 2009 itself). It is a powerful period for propitiation of manes(ancestors). Pitrus are said to Grace the households of their descendants with Divine Permission from the other Planes of Existence and are waiting to Bless any descendant who is willing to Honour them in whatever little way they can.

Austerities during Pitr Paksha (applicable to those who have lost atleast one parent) include:

1) Not eating non-veg (in case of non-vegetarians).

2) Not eating onion, garlic, outside food, processed foods,drumstick, etc (for pure vegetarians).

3) If possible avoiding shaving for the entire fortnight till Mahalaya Amavasai; obviously it may not be possible for everyone due to current secular life restrictions (like office policy requiring an executive placed in a cutting-edge responsibility to be clean shaved). Even in these cases, shaving should be avoided at least on the thithis of one's ancestors.

4) Performing obesquities (shradh) on the thithi of the ancestor'sdeath to the extent possible or at least offering "anna dhaanam"(offering food) to poor persons/ priests as per one's convenience.(On this day, you should not shave as already stated)

5) Abstaining from carnal intercourse with members of opposite gender during the fortnight as a mark of respect to Pitrs.

6) Doing recitals like Garuda Puraanam (depicting passage of asoul), Nachiketa story from Upanishads (where Yama Gitaa is there -it contains Lord Yamaa's elucidation of the journey of a soul whichwas first revealed to the devoted Nachiketaa), and Gangaa Avatarana chapter from Shrimad Vaalmiiki Raamaayan. These recitals are stated to grant satisfaction of Pitrs and thereby ensure their blessings upon us. In fact these recitals can be done even by those who have parents alive! (The other rituals like tarpanam should not be observed by those who have parents living). These are auspicious and do not come under the category of shraardha - but at the same time have the potency to give peace and happiness to the souls of ancestors of one's dynasty when they are recited.

Some important days during the pitru paksha

The following are auspicious days to perform shraardha to pitrus - irrespective of the thithi of their demise. Those who cannot observe the ritual procedures/ restrictions outlined above through the pitru paksha may at least observe the ritual guidelines on these auspicious days in honour of their pitrus.

1) Mahaa Bharani - This falls on September 10, 2009 for those living in USA, Canada, and other countries of the American continents. Persons living in other parts of the world should observe this on September 11, 2009.

2) Madhyaashtami - This falls on September 11, 2009 for those living in USA, Canada, and other countries of the American continents. Persons living in other parts of the world (including India) should observe this on September 12, 2009.

3) Mahaalaya Amaavasya - This should be observed on September 18, 2009 by everyone except those living in Hawaai region of USA. Those in Hawaai should observe this on September 17, 2009 itself.

Some controversial issues regarding the observance of pitru paksha rituals/ shraardham and dharma shastraic clarification for the same

1) There are many persons who feel that Mahaalaya paksha rituals need not be done in honour of step mother (called Sapatnii maataa - by shaastraas); doing it for just one's mother and father is enough. There are some who feel that only the eldest son of the second wife of one's father needs to do the shraardha if the first wife of the father died without issues.

Clarification: Though the eldest son is the first Adhikaari for rituals, when property has been divided among the brothers or when they have started living apart from each other as separate families, shraardha and other pitru rituals need to be done by each brother individually. The same holds true for honoring the Sapatnii maataa (Step mother who has died without issues also). Just think....will that Honourable Mother have taken care of just the eldest son and left the other sons in the lurch if she had been alive and the biological mother had been dead? Please use this logic for your clarity in this regard. Just as the step-mother cannot ignore the other children (nor should she!), the children also should not be partial towards performing rituals in Her Honour for Her Soul - especially if she had died without issues. This applies more sternly in cases where the eldest brother of the family is not alive. Unfortunately many families do this mistake of leaving the poor step-mother (the first wife of one's father who died without issues) after the eldest brother is dead. As long as at least one brother is alive, the sapatnii maataa should be honoured during pitru paksha on the day when you do the shraardha of your father (you can invoke one Brahman priest to represent the step-mother's lineage just as you do for your own mother's lineage). Please note that this guideline does not apply in cases where the other woman has voluntarily left one's father (say divorce), or has been indicted by a dharma parishad for undesirable behaviour and hence denied karma benefits in accordance with dharma shastraic principles after giving ample opportunity to exonerate herself. In cases where the father has done an injustice to another woman (who is no more) and has married one's mother, the son who performs rituals in honour of that wronged woman (father's first wife - who is deemed one's saptnii maataa) redeems himself from that dosha. A righteous son should try to do what he can to set right the wrongs done by his deceased parents - as and when he comes to know of that possibility. Though each person is answerable to his/ her own karma and sins, family doshas do arise out of adharmic activities of one's ancestors and these doshas do affect the family for many generations to come (usually seen as Stree saapa in the horoscope of many members of a family). Such doshas are cleared when that wronged soul is honoured appropriately in consultation with dharma shastraic experts in this regard.

2) Some think that if the annual shraardh is done properly, Mahaalaya paksha (pitru paksha) shraardha/ tarpanam need not be done!

Clarification: If you get double-increment will you say "I already got one; so please ignore me for this increment!" No one does that. Yet, when it comes to accumulating spiritual merit, we often tend to say "I have done that and so I need not do this." This attitude of excusing ourserlves from dharmic duties should be overcome consciously. Rather, we should think that the Mahaalaya paksha is a God -Given opportunity for us to honour our pitrs yet again. In fact, Mahaayalaya Paksha shraardh is mandatory, and there is no way out of it, and the benefits accruing out of Mahaalaya paksha shraardha/ tarpanam are actually more than what can accrue out of annual shraardha. The pitru paksha observance gladens our pitrus and we should not miss it for any reason. If we are unable to offer the shraardha/ tarpan on the thithi of our father, we should at least do it on the other special days like Mahaa Bharani, Madhyaashtami, or Mahaalaya Amaavasya (any one of these days). We should not miss it giving any excuse - because no such excuse exists!

3) There are some who think that if Gaya Shraardha has been done, there is no need for Mahaalaya paksha shraardha/ tarpanam.

Clarification: Gaya Shraardha is definitely a wonderful ritual for satisfaction of pitrs. But, having done that is no excuse for exempting oneself from Mahaalaya paksha tarpanam/ shraardha and annual shraardha. These should be continued as long as one is alive (or at least till one is healthy enough to carry on the rituals). Only those who are bed-ridden are exempt this due to obvious reasons! It is a sin to skip these rituals in mistaken sense of having attained a level where these are not necessary - no human being living an ordinary life is exempt these karmas. Even great rishis who were highly spiritually evolved and avatars like Shri Raama, Shri Krishna, have observed these, and obviously we are not above all of them in our spiritual standing! Only sanyaasins are exempt these because they don't have karmaa adhikaara (ritual right to perform a karma). Everyone else who has karmaadhikaara (due to death of one's parents) should observe this - even if they have done the Gaya Shraardha and Akshaya vata pinda daan.

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I hope these clarifications help our members to get this matter in the right perspective.

May our members observe these dharmic guidelines in connection with Mahaalaya paksha (Pitr paksha) and become recipients of the Grace of pitrus - our Benevolent Ancestors who have the capacity to shield us from the dangers of existence and improve our luck with their Blessings.

Blessed be.

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

Parivartini Ekaadasi, Vaamana Jayanthi, Onam festival in 2009

Dear Members:

Parivartani Ekaadasi also known as Parsava Ekaadasi falls on August 31, 2009 for those living in European countries, Middle-East, African countries, India, and other countries to the east of India (including Australia, Japan, Fiji, New Zealand, Singapore, Mayalaysia, Thailand, etc.).
Those living in American continent should observe the fast on August 30, 2009 itself.

Parivartini Ekaadasi is the day when Lord Vishnu in His Yoga Nidra is supposed to turn from His left side to His right side.

It is auspicious to offer special worship to Lord Vaamana - the Brahmachaari Avatar of Lord Vishnu on this day.

Vaamana Jayanthi falls on September 1, 2009 for those living in the Gulf countries, India, Burma, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, etc. (It is to be observed on August 31, 2009 in the US, Canada, other countries in American continent including West Indies, and United Kingdom). From a remedial point of view, offering special prayers to Lord Vaamana can appease the malefic effects of Jupiter in the horoscope. From a spiritual perspective, meditating on Lord Vaamanaa will open up rare insights into the Nature and Maaya Prabhaava of Lord Vishnu.

King Mahaabali is also remembered on Vaamana Jayanthi, and people of Kerala origin celebrate Thiruvonam on Sravana nakshatra day with great enthusiasm. This year Thiruvonam festival is to be observed on September 1, 2009 by those living in American continent (U.S.A., Canada, Caribbean Isles, Brazil, Caribbean Isles, etc.). Those living in U.K., African countries, Gulf countries, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, etc. should observe Onam festival on September 2, 2009.

Legend of Vaamana Avatar:

Maha Bali -the grandson of Prahlaada was a mighty asura and he extended his sway over the whole world. The devas approached Lord Vishnu to contain his growing influence. Lord Vishnu decided to help the devas out (in maintaining their sovereignity over the Heavens), but at the same time to grant good spiritual state to Mahaa Bali - a devout and righteous ruler (though he was an asura by clan, Mahaa Bali Chakravarthy was righteous and dhramic like his ancestor Bhakta Prahlaada).

Lord Vishnu was born as a Brahman Brahmachaari and visited the yagna site where Mahaa Bali was performing a grand yagna. As per vedic protocols governing these matters, He was duly honoured. Sukraachaaryaa - the Preceptor of the asuras tried to stop MahaaBali from giving donation to Vaamanaa; but the King was adamant about Honouring the Brahmin priest - whoever He might be and whatever may be the outcome of his charitable deed (even if it meant his destruction as was feared by his guru!). Due to Divine Play of Lord Vishnu Sukrachaarya's attempts to block flow of water from the water container at the time of charity (as per custom, the donor should offer water from the "kamandalam" - the sacrificial pitcher to the hands of the receiver with devotion; Sukrachaaryaa tried to prevent flow of water by taking the form of a wasp/bee and closing the mouth of the pipe through which water should flow out of the pitcher; Lord Vishnu used a twig to pierce the pipe and cleared it - Sukracharya lost one eye in this process...).

When the King offered to give whatever the Brahmachaari desired - Lord Vaamanaa requested just 3 steps. The King who was unaware of who the Brahmachaari was, felt that the young boy did not know what to ask correctly, and prompted Him to ask for something grander. But, the Brahmachaari stood by His request and hence the king granted the request. As soon as the king gave His words, Vaamanaa took the Mighty Trivikrama Form encompassing the Whole Universe. With His first step He covered the whole earth, with His second step He covered the Heavens, and demanded where shall He keep His third step! The pious king respectfully offered his own head as the place to keep His Feet for the third step (this is an act of complete surrender). Lord Vishnu in His Trivikrama Form pushed MahaaBali to the Nether world where he lords over the domain by Lord Vishnu's Grace. As a gesture of appreciation to the adherence of the great king to his words, Lord Vishnu had permitted king Mahaabali to return to his kingdom on earth once a year. And this is what Malayalis celebrate as Thiruvonam - the annual visit of the ruler who once ruled their land righteously and was a living example of steadfastness to dharmic principles even at the cost of his life!

Lessons from this legend.....

1) Actions of Lord - though they may seem to favour some and discriminate against others are always fair. Though Lord Vishnu seems to have taken the side of the devas in this legend and condemned a worthy king to the Nether world, the reality is that devas always live in fear of losing their kingdom whereas King MahaaBali has been granted a Permanent and Safe domain that remains undisputedly under his control. Secondly, the person who is pushed down outwardly by the Lord's Feet on his head is really Blessed for all his karma will get washed away automatically. While we all seek to place our heads on the Lord's Feet, those Blessed Feet sought the head of MahaaBali as a reward for his righteousness. How many good deeds that Blessed King must have done to deserve that!!!!

2) we should never underestimate anyone....the Mighty King thought that 3 steps from an ordinary and short brahman Brahmachaari may be a trifle for him - but those 3 steps cost him his whole kingdom. Luckily for the king, the trick was from the Lord who never really harms anyone's interests and hence the king was given an undisputed domain of the Netherworld. Just imagine what will happen to us if we get deceived by our not-so-chivalrous and cunning rivals in this mundane world. Can we expect such gestures from them? So, Never ...never...underestimate anyone!

3) Always stand by Dharma - No matter what the consequences. King MahaaBali refused to even obey his own Guru (who of course advised only to protect the interests of the king) when it was against dharmic principles; when the Lord placed His third Feet on the head of the king, for mundane people it may seem that the king had lost everything....But, see actually the king had gained EVERYTHING....WHAT IS THERE TO GAIN IN THIS WORLD MORE THAN THE SPIRITUAL TOUCH OF THE BLESSED LORD'S FEET. King Mahaabali was blessed with that only due to his steadfast attachment to dharmic principles and truth (he did not go back on his promise of donating 3 steps to the Lord in His Vaamana Roopaa).

(Please note that I have given a liberal translation and essence of the legend; the lessons that I say that can be gleamed are also my impressions based on that legend. If you meditate on this legend after reading the original versions, you may also get possibly better spiritual insights or even guidance for mundane matters. Those who wish to read about this elaborately may refer Shrimad Bhagavatam and other Puranas).

May our members celebrate/ observe these significant days with spiritual fervour and become recipients of Divine Grace.

Blessed be.

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

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Sani peyarchi homam on the occasion of Saturn transit on September 9, 2009

Saturn enters sidereal Virgo (Kanya rashi) on September 9, 2009 and will be in this rashi for the next 2-1/2 years. This transit is auspicious for those born with Moon in the following signs: Cancer (Kataka rashi), Scorpio (Vrischika rashi), Sagittarius (Dhanus rashi), and Aries (Mesha rashi). Those born with Moon in Taurus (Rishabha), Pisces (Meena), and Capricorn (Makara) will enjoy mixed results.

Effects for other Moon signs that come under Chota Dhaiya and Bada Dhaiya influences….

Chota Dhaiya (small panoti)

Moon sign of Gemini - Mithuna:(2.5 years) Saturn assumes the element of Base gold for those with Moon sign in Gemini. The results are possible opposition and obstacles in family, frequent ailments, increase in expenditure, and possibility of unnecessary hassles in all activities. This is technically called “ardhaashtama shani” in vedic astrology.

Moon sign of Aquarius - Kumbha rashi: (2.5 years) Saturn assumes the element of Base Copper for this Moon sign. There will be financial benefit, marriage, and kids, happiness. Auspicious events that have hitherto been delayed will materialize during this 2-1/2 year time window. Actually this is called “ashtama shani influence” which is traditionally feared. But, luckily this time, due to the favourable disposition of the elemental quality of Saturn at the time of transit, there will be some good effects for those born in Moon sign Aquarius (You may even see many websites ascribing inauspicious results to this transit for your Moon sign; don’t be afraid of that. We have strong technical reasons to say that good events can happen to you this time). Nevertheless, those born with Moon in sidereal Aquarius should avoid taking unnecessary risks. As long as these natives play it by the rule book, they will do fine under this Saturn transit influence.


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Bada Dhaiya (Sade sati): This is called "Ezharai naattu sani" in Tamil - the tough 7-1/2 year period of Saturn.

Moon sign of Leo - Simha Rashi 3rd stage of sade sati -- on the feet: Saturn assumes the status of Base silver. The effects will be good luck in business, possibility of job progress, improvement in financial situation or at least identification of new ways to handle financial troubles, acquisition of new assets, auspicious events in the family, and in general the influence will be positive.

Moon sign of Virgo - Kanya Rashi 2nd stage of sade sati -- on the chest: Saturn assumes the element of Base iron. There could be heath troubles – especially blood-related ailments, blood-pressure problems, ill-health to spouse, unforeseen losses, increase in expenditure, unnecessary arguments with close family members, etc. Those with Moon sign of Virgo have a tough transit influence over the next 2-1/2 years.

Moon sign of Libra - Tula Rashi 1st stage of sade sati -- on the head: Saturn assumes the element of Base copper. There will be financial benefit, marriage, possibility of positive developments regarding progenic matters (like conception of child for couples who have been undergoing treatment, or general good luck for children for those who already have children), and general happiness.


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Remedy for shani troubles:

Generally Saturn's transit influences give more malefic results if there is simultaneous operation of Saturn's major or minor periods concurrently with sade-sathi or ardhashtama sani (saturn in 4th from Moon sign) or ashtama sani (Saturn in 8th house from natal Moon). Those born with Moon signs that come under tough transit of Saturn can do the following remedies to reduce the impact of malefic effects:

1) Worship of Lord Hanumaan on Saturdays and Thursdays.

2) Donating old clothes or iron utensils (stainless utensils) to old-age homes/ hospitals. Helping physically challenged persons to the extent possible - it can be as simple as offering seat to a physically struggling person in a crowded bus, helping an accident victim who has been rendered physically immobile temporarily due to serious hurt, giving the right of way to a physically challenged person without making it too obvious (if you do it openly, they may feel hurt; you need to tactfully and gracefully do the good turns in such a way that the person can enjoy the benefit of your activity without feeling "sympathized upon").

3) Lighting til-lamp (lighting lamp with a cloth bundle of sesame seeds dipped in sesame oil) on Saturdays.

4) Reciting Shri Hanumaan Chaalisa 8 times on Saturdays.

5) Reciting Shri Vishnu Sahasranaamam at least once on Saturdays.

6) Climbing the Holy Tirumala Hills at least once a year on foot (instead of taking vehicles up the hills, you can trek your way up reciting His Names). This is a most powerful remedy for neutralizing Saturn's influences on your life. Those who are unable to make the trip to Tirumala due to practical constraints (like being abroad - for example), can just undertake paada yatra to places of spiritual significance near their residence (travelling to Holy places on foot instead of using vehicles), or by doing lot of pradakshina in temples in their viscinity (say 108 circumambulations around the temple on a Saturday evening for example!).

7) Patience and thoroughness in all activities will effectively offset all the malefic influences of Saturn. Saturn does not trouble people who are straight-forward, patient, and systematic.


SANI PEYARCHI HOMAM TO BE CONDUCTED AT OUR RESIDENCE ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2009 - THE DAY OF SATURN TRANSIT

We are happy to announce that special homams will be conducted on this occasion at our residence. We intend to perform Mahaa Ganapathy homam, Maha Mrityunjaya homam (the homam that controls Saturn influences in general), Shri Venkateshwara Moola mantra homam, Shri AnjanEya Moola mantra homam, and Shani Moola mantra homam on this occasion. Those who wish to take part in that homam as beneficiaries may do so by offering US$25 (US Dollars twenty five only) for the same by clicking the paypal link below this article.

If you are able to come in person to attend the homam at our residence at Chennai, it is well and good. But, if you are unable to attend it personally, please note that we won't be sending the homam prasadam or holy ash by post. The inclusion of your name, gothra, and nakshatra is deemed as in-absentia participation in this homam, and the benefits of the performance will definitely reach you. This is for your information.

For sponsoring the Saturn transit homams as a beneficiary, kindly click the button below. You can include up to 5 members of your family as beneficiaries if you are participating as a sponsor of this homam.




You may send those details (names, nakshatra details, gothra detail, etc.) in the sponsorship form itself when you make the donation or by email to:dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

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