Maha Shivaratri, February 20th 2012 : The Greatest Night of Shiva

Lord Shiva can do everything. On Maha Shivatrari, this is your day to ask the Lord of Everything for a boon of assistance to Manifest Your Desires.

Lord Shiva is the representation of primordial energy from which everything was born and to which everything in the universe will disintegrate into. If there is a special time when we can remedy even the bad karmas and gain extraordinary boons for wealth, health and power, it can only be the 'Shivaratri'.

It is a special night when Goddess Parvati performs special poojas for Lord Shiva so as to get benefits for mankind.

Every year during Maha Shivaratri, Lord Shiva incarnates everywhere in the form of the Shiva Lingam, his sacred symbol. Shiva Lingam is symbolic of the creative power of the universe that denotes that God does not have any definite form.

 

Did u know?

1. Both Lakshmi and Vishnu received their boons for Wealth after performing severe, loving penance to Lord Shiva.

2. Astrologically Shiva is the Over Lord, or Controller, of 3 of the most powerful planets in our Solar System - Saturn, Sun and Jupiter. Saturn is the worker who perseveres despite the unpleasantness of life. He gives us life lessons and is the agent of our karmas. The Sun represents the Universal Soul. Jupiter is the teacher of the gods and teaches us the forces of light that are within us. He teaches us to rise above the pettiness and impurities of the Earth plane.

On Jan 14th 2012, Sun Enters Capricorn:

The Sun's vital life energy is most accessible when the Sun enters into Capricorn and once again makes its annual journey northward. January 14th ( Makar Sankranti ) is the most powerful day to gain the Sun’s grace and empower your vows and resolutions.

On this day offer your prayers to the Sun God as a token of gratitude for his life giving light and to start a new beginning.

The Sun makes it possible to start anew, as Sun’s energy brings new life force and consciousness into the world. This new light illuminates our life and gives clarity and a new vision. 

The Sun provides an inner spark and ambition needed to succeed in starting a business, getting a new job or promotion, relocating or renovating your home, starting a new health regimen or even entering into a relationship.

Worshipping Lord Sun during this time will help you successfully start your journey towards prosperity.

Lucky Directions for all the Sun Signs

Aries-

Your lucky direction for love is the east. By heading east, you are most likely to meet someone special. For studies and career growth, the north will bring you luck Aries. The South east will be lucky financially.

Taurus-

You will find the north east to be lucky for you in terms of love, romance and marriage. To enhance your career, the east direction will be lucky. For financial luck, the north west direction will be lucky and will bring you good fortune.

Gemini-

You will find the North West to be extremely lucky and good for your love life. Chances of meeting someone exciting in this direction are high. You will notice a visible growth in your career and see a lot of improve by heading towards the east. Financially, your luck will improve if you take all important decisions facing the north.

Cancer-

Your lucky direction for finding love is the north. Head out for a romantic vacation to some place towards the east. For growth in terms of your career, the west will be lucky. Financial luck will come to you if you make some investments in the north western direction.

Leo-

You will find the north east to be very lucky for you in terms of love and romance. You will finally meet the partner of your dreams if you head in this direction. Leo will find the east to be lucky for career related matters. Financially, the north will bring good luck and prosperity for Leo.

Virgo-

You will find the north to be lucky for your love life. For growth in career and meeting your career ambitions, the south east will be lucky. For financial luck, Virgo must take decisions facing the north or the east.

Libra-

You will find love towards your lucky direction north west. Career wise, you must take all your important decisions facing the east. It will bring you good results. You will gain financially by making investments towards the north.

Scorpio-

You will find love towards the west. To attract luck and boost your career prospects, always take decisions facing the northwest. Financially, the east direction will bring you luck and prosperity.

Sagittarius-

You will find the North West direction to be lucky for love related matters. The south will bring you new opportunities and help you grow professionally. For financial luck, take all important decisions facing the east.

Capricorn-

You will find the north to be lucky for all love related matters. Attract luck in your career by heading to the south direction. You will gain financially, by taking all important decisions facing the south east direction.

Aquarius-

Your lucky direction for love is the north. You are likely to meet someone very charming if you head to the north. Growth and new opportunities are likely to come your way from your lucky direction, east. Financial luck is indicated to come from the North West direction.

Pisces-

You will attract love by heading to the north. Employment opportunities and good news in terms of your career will come to you from the west. Financially, you will gain by taking decisions facing the east Pisces.

Two Important Days of November 2011

November 17th, is the last Vishnupati of 2011.

November 18th is Kala Bhairava Asthami. 

Lord Kaala Bhairava is that manifestation of Lord Siva who oversees the march of time. Kal Bhairava is the God of Time – Kal means ‘time’ and ‘Bhairava’ the manifestation of Shiva.

These days together open up a time for money miracles to occur.

Vishnupati is the name given to the times when the Sun transits into a 'fixed' sign - Aquarius, Taurus, Leo or Scorpio.

Kala Bhairava Asthami is the name given to the 8th Moon Phase after the Full Moon in the Sanskrit month of Mrigashira or November/December.

These 2 Back-to-Back Golden Events usher in a prosperous, transformative and spiritually blissful future. Embrace a healthy relationship with money, wealth, prosperity and abundance.

We understand that many people are facing tough economical times during this transition into the Golden Age. Remember that it is a promising time that leads into a very bright, big picture future.

Transit of Saturn to Libra on 15th November, 2011

The term "Saturn Transit" means that Saturn is moving from one zodiac sign (Rasi) to the next. This happens once in approximately 2.5 years. This time the Transit is special because Saturn enters Libra (Thula) where Saturn is exalted (happy mood). The interesting thing about Saturn is that this planet spends the longest time in each sign which is Saturn transit makes headlines in the world of Astrology. The effect of transit varies from one moon sign to another. This means Sade Sati will leave its influence on Simha(Leo) Rashi and will enter and sar its influence on Vrishchika (Scorpio) Rashi.

What is good news for one person is bad news for someone else.

Saturn is exalted in Libra/ Tula the sign indicating the balance and the judiciary. Jyotish, Jurisprudence and Culture It indicates the courts and the law and Saturn here can be beneficial for lawyers and judges and those involved with court work.

Libra relates to the market-place and can be read as indicating business and corporate houses which can also show that these segments of society involve themselves with the judiciary and the courts to a significant level.

Saturn is dispassionate and will lead to the scales of justice being level during this transit. There will be a growth in honest work and industriousness during this period.

Libra is also a sign for marriage and personal relationships and Saturn being naturally old is exalted in this area, quite pleased to be participating in such a process. Alliances entered into at this time could be advantageous.

Good news for 3 people.

1.Vrishabha Rasi people (but not that good because Transit Jupiter in the 12th).

2.Simha Rasi people (At last! 7.5 years Saturn phase is over - as thanksgiving throw a party for poor people)

3.Dhanus Rasi people (but Jupiter blocks the good effects of Saturn)

The following Rasi people need to work harder and be cautious in every sphere:

1.Kanya Rasi people (last 2.5 years part of 7.5 years Saturn phase).

2.Thula Rasi people (right in the middle of great challenges)

3.Vrischika Rasi people (The beginning of 7.5 years Saturn phase).

4.Meena Rasi people (the challenge packed - Saturn in 8th - Ashtama Sani phase)

Diwali – A Five Day Festival

The best-known of the Hindu festivals, Diwali is celebrated throughout India at the New Moon on the fifteenth day of the auspicious month Kartika (october/november).

Diwali, from the sanskrit: deepãvali meaning "a garland of lamps", is the right description for this remarkable Indian festival of lights.

Significance of Diwali

Diwali symbolizes the triumph of virtue. This festival commemorates Lord Rama's come back to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile along with his wife Sita and brother Laxman after killing the demon, King Ravana.

Deepavali also celebrates the assassination of the demon king Narakasura by Lord Krishna. On the other hand in Jainism, Diwali is a symbol of realization of moksha by Mahavira in 527 BC.

In Sikhism, Diwali commemorates the comeback of Guru Har Gobind Ji to Amritsar after freeing 52 Hindu kings imprisoned in Fort Gwalior by Emperor Jahangir. It is for this reason Sikhs also look up Diwali as Bandi Chhorh Divas, "the day of liberation of detainees".

The worship of Lakshmi and Ganesha is also celebrated throughout the country at this time. It signifies the renewal of life, so it is the done thing to wear new clothes on the day of the festival. It seems to have begun as a harvest festival, yet, as the beginning of the lunar New Year, it also heralds the approach of winter and the start of a new sowing season.

First Day – Dhanteras

The festival begins with Dhanteras, a day set aside to worship the goddess of prosperity, Shri Lakshmi. Lustrous Lakshmi is the consort of Vishnu and her statue is found in every home. Candles and lamps are lit as a greeting to Lakshmi.

On this day, people exchange gifts and purchase new items for the house, as this is considered auspicious, ensuring happiness and prosperity for the whole of the coming year.

Second Day – Kali Chaudas

On the second day Kali, or Shakti, the goddess of power, is worshipped. Kali is power, or strength used for the protection of others, and Maha-Kali (supreme power) is the power of the divine force in the dance of destruction. This day celebrates the destruction of the demon (asura) Raktabija.

Third Day – Diwali

On the third and most important day — the last day of the year in the lunar calendar — lamps are lit, shining brightly in every home. The lamp shining at the dark of the New Moon symbolizes knowledge and encourages reflection upon the purpose of each day in the festival. The goal is to remember this purpose throughout the coming year. Lakshmi Puja (ceremonial worship) is performed on this day, awakening an appreciation of prosperity and a sense of responsibility towards it.

Fourth Day — Vishkarma

The fourth day of Diwali falls on the first day of the lunar New Year and is called Vishkarma Day. Also known as Padwa or VarshaPratipada it marks the coronation of the legendary King Vikramaditya. Families celebrate the new year by dressing in new clothes, wearing jewellery and visiting family members and business colleagues bearing sweets, dried fruits and other gifts. This day is often used by manufacturers to pray for their equipment so that it works well and makes profit during the year ahead.

Fifth Day – Balipratipada

The second day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksh) of Kartika is also called Bhaiya-Duj. In the Vedic era, Lord Yama (Yamaraj, the Lord of Death) visited his sister Yamuna (Yami) who marked the auspicious Tilak (sacred mark) on his forehead. They dined and talked together, enjoying each other's company, exchanging special gifts as a token of their love for each other. Yamaraj declared that anyone who receives the Tilak from his sister on this day is truly blessed. Since that time the custom has been for brothers to visit their sisters to celebrate Bhaiyaduj. The 'Teeka' is applied on the brother's forehead, but it is primarily a day dedicated to sisters.

A Diwali Fact

Diwali also has special significance for the business community as they consider this day to be the perfect time to begin their new financial year. This is the beginning of the Lunar New Year and thought to be the most auspicious time to commence new business ventures, signing business agreements etc.

Navratri 2011 & Astrology

During the Navratra festival Mother, as the Universal Energy is worshipped. Navratra literally means '9 nights'.

These nine days are astrologically very powerful for Spiritual upliftment.

During these days and nights, prayers are offered to 'Mother' who is the Manifestation of the Absolute Energy that pervades the Universe. As 'Durga' sitting on a Lion, she is a Manifestation of 'Shakti' or the Primordial Energy.

The Power to breathe, walk, digest etc, comes from Ma Durga. As Laxmi She is abundance. Not only material, but of Air, Land, Space etc. The fact that you have understood what I have written so far is due to the Grace of Ma Saraswati' She is the 'OM', from where all sound emanates.

'Ma' is the 'Garbha' (Womb) from where the Universe manifests. A fortnight before Durga Puja, offerings (Tarpan) are made to ancestors. This continues till Mahalaya. Before one proceeds on the Spiritual Path, the offerings are probably a form of gratitude to the ancestors as our fathers are responsible for our achieving a human body. The next 'worship' is towards Mother Nature.

On the 1st day of the Puja (mahashasti) one prays to the abode of 'Mother' which is the wood apple tree. On the 2nd day of the puja, navaptrika (nine leaves) are offered. The word 'Garba' stems from 'Garbha' and symbolizes the 'Dance of Creation'

First 3 Nights - Durga

The first 3 days of 'Navratra' are dedicated to 'Ma Kali' to annihilate the enemies within. She destroys all of our impurities, vices, defects and gains us purity and perfection.

Middle 3 Nights - Lakshmi

The next 3 days are dedicated to 'Ma Laxmi'. She destroys the demon of poverty and grant inexhaustible wealth and abundance.

Final 3 Nights - Saraswati

The last 3 days are dedicated to Ma Saraswati. She destroys the demon of ignorance and grants us knowledge and divine wisdom.

On the 10th day a Bonfire is lit to burn the Self arrogating Ego. The 10th night, or Vijaya Dasami (10th Moon) is the consolidation of the energies of fierce fighting and is celebrated with an elaborate Chandi Fire Ritual/Homa that starts in the evening and ends in the morning of the next day. Whether we pray to Ma or not, she thinks of us all the time. She holds us in our arms when dejected, gives us various gifts from time to time, but admonishes us when we cross our line.

Shradh Dates 2011 as per Hindu calendar!

The deceased souls or Pitras are ancestors from our current and previous lifetimes. It is believed that pitras with lord Ganesha’s grace approach the earth once a year to get relief from their sufferings. During these days they feed on the willing offerings made to them by descendants. If offerings are not made willingly they forcefully take good fortune energies from their unwilling or ignorant descendants.


Shradh Dates 2011 as per Hindu calendar followed in India is from September 13 to September 27, 2011. In Hinduism, Shradh is the rituals performed by relatives for the departed souls of dead ancestors, parents and relatives.
Below are the Mahalaya Pitru Paksha and Shradh 2011 dates.
Tarpan and Shradh are performed on all Amavasi or no moon days. But the most important period to perform Shradh is the Pitru Paksha period during the Krishna Paksha fortnight in Ashwin month (September – October).
Pitru Paksha Shraddh Dates in 2011

September 13, 2011 – Mahalya Pitru Paksha begins
September 14, 2011 – Dwitiya Shradh
September 15 – Tritiya Shradh
September 16 – Chaturthi Shradh
September 17 – Panchami Shradh
September 18 – Shasti Shradh
September 19 – Saptami Shradh
September 20, 2011 – Ashtami Shradh
September 21, 2011 – Navami Shradh
September 22, 2011 – Dasami Shradh
September 23, 2011 – Ekadashi Shradh
September 24, 2011 – Dwadashi Shradh
September 25, 2011 – Trayodashi Shradh
September 26, 2011 – Chaturdashi Shradh
September 27, 2011 – Mahalaya Amavasi – Most important day of Shradh.

JYESHTA EKADASI on AugustT 9th

'Ekadasi' is the term for the 11th Moon Phase important to Lord Vishnu.

Jyeshta Ekadasi is the day when the 11th waxing moon coincides on the Jyeshta Nakshatra. Jyeshta is the star ruled by Mercury and Lord Vishnu is the overlord of this planet.

Lord Vishnu, the Sustainer of the Universe, the God of Wealth, suddenly manifested on the lunar day Ekadasi. 

This particular 11th Moon is also called 'Hari Sayana Ekadasi' as after performing several miracles in the universe, Lord Vishnu reclines on the cosmic serpent Adi Sesha, and falls asleep in the cosmic Ocean of Milk. 'Hari' is another name for Vishnu and 'Sayana' means sleep.For Your Peace and Happiness

Observing this particular Ekadasi, brings blessings for peace and happiness.

Chant the mantra for Lord Vishnu  -- Om Namo Narayanaya

Naga Panchami: August 4th

Maximum number of people suffer either from Rahu/ Kethu mahadasa/ antardasa, or kal sarpa yog, Nag Panchmi is the best day to worship Lord Shiva, as a remedy for their troubles, please avail this opportunity which is on 4th august 2011 this year.

Negative influences such as evil eye can be warded off. You can acknowledge the power of the snakes, Rahu and Ketu are the Snake Planets, by joining in performing a simple abishekam to both of these Moon Nodes. It is a great supplement to those who took part in the Naga Dosha or Kala Sarpa Yoga rituals and those in need of a lift out of negativity.

Naga means snake and panchami means 5th day. Naga Panchami is observed across India and Nepal on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Shravan during the monsoon season.

According to one myth, Lord Krishna conquered evil King Naga Kālia and put an end to the evil deeds of an evil snake on Nāga Panchamī.

Nine serpent deities are worshiped on the auspicious Nag Panchami day. Elaborate rituals in the form of 'puja' are held in temples and temporary altars in the honor of snake gods - Ananta, Vasuki, Padmanabha, Sesha, Kambala, Shankhapala, Dhruthrashtra, Takshaka and Kaliya - the nine prominent snake gods. In many parts of Eastern India Nag Panchami is dedicated to the serpent goddess, Manasa.